the great truths of the Gospel, he endeavours continually to diversify them in his statements, and to give them an air of novelty in his illustration of them.]
2. He administers to each his proper portion —
[To those whose growth in grace enables them to digest strong meat, he explains the deep mysteries of religion, and the more hidden parts of Christian experience. To those who can only feed on milk, he contents himself with proposing simply the great doctrines of our fall in Adam, and our re- covery by Christ, together with the life of faith on Christ Jesus. He considers the peculiar experiences incident to dif- ferent states, and discriminates between that which is correct, and that which is delusive, in them all. He gives the cup of consolation to the drooping penitent, or doubting believer, but holds forth the waters of jealousy to those who are of suspicious character^ Thus, ncitiier disabled by ignorance nor kept back by sloth, neither bribed by affection nor deterred by fear, he " gives to each his portion of bread in due season."]
Infer —
1. The vast importance of the ministerial office —
[If we had only to provide for the body, it were but a small matter; but the souls of thousands depend on those who minister in holy things. Well may we say, " Who is suHicient for these things'*?" May all who have undertaken the office of the ministry, have grace to qualify themselves for it with un- remitting diligence, and to execute it with undeviating fidelity!]
2. The benefit arising from it to the Church —
[How ill supplied would every member of a family be, if each were left to provide for himself; and how injurious would such a distraction be to their respective callings ! Much more would these inconveniences be felt, if there were no stated ministry. People are sadly ignorant of the Gospel, notwith- standing all their advantages : but, without a stated ministry, they would soon degenerate into very heathens. Let all then be thankful that the Master of the family has appointed stewards to make suitable provision for them. Let them pray that their ministers may be taught of God to teach others'^; and let them improve with diligence the ordinances dispensed among them.]
a Numb. V. 11— 3 L ^ 2 Cor. ii. 16.
<= This, together with that which follows, may be amplified in a way of direct address.