form evidences of integrity and fidelity, they are less apt to injure the interests of truth, than many

other causes of irresolution.

I shall mention the following things, in preaching, as directly contrary to that boldness which it requires,

The first is, great care and anxiety in laboring and dressing off compositions intended for popular use. This too commonly proceeds from a desire to hit the fastidious and wayward taste of those who hear rather as critics and judges of composition, than as lovers of truth. It seldom, however, fails of bringing the preacher under the suspicion of consulting his own reputation, more than the promotion of the gospel, and the benefit of his hearers. Besides, there is generally such a languor, stiffness, and want of energy in such discourses, as to disgust persons of a sound taste; and to render them ineffectual to the principal ends of preaching. At the same time, it is the duty of every preacher to aim at such select and appropriate language, and such a method of discussing his subjects, as to convey his ideas in the clearest manner, and recommend the truths. he delivers, most effectually to the heart. The doctrines of the gospel are so dignified in themselves, and so interesting to mankind, that when delivered with clearness, and a warmth and animation, inspired by the subject, they make a strong

er impression on the susceptible and ingenuous hearer, than any of the embellishments of art, whose effect is always slight and transient; and if the heart be not interested, it is of very little moment to please the ear, and entertain the fancy. To aim only, or principally at this, betrays a want of confidence in the native strength and beauty of the heavenly doctrines, and a deference to the prejudice of the world, that can never be consistent with that respect which is due to the truths of eternal wisdom, or that manly firmness in declaring them, which their high importance and the majesty of their author demand. The scriptures every where present unequalled sublimity of senment and embellishment of figure: so that where ornament is required for illustrating and recommending the truth, there is no source from which it can be so advantageously drawn as from them. But it must come unsought, be used sparingly, and applied with promptness and propriety, or it will fail of its proper end.

Let me mention in the next place, as contrary to the boldness requisite in preaching, the keeping back and concealing such doctrines as are particularly obnoxious to reproach and ridicule, cither through the common depravity of mankind, or the taste of particular times and places. It cannot be dissembled that there has too often been a fashion in divinity, to which preachers have

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conformed, out of complaisance to the prevailing taste of their hearers, rather than to the standard of the scriptures. The doctrines of original or imputed sin, of regeneration, of the operations of the holy spirit, of sanctification, and some others, of equal importance, have too frequently been passed over in silence, as if they were no parts of the christian system. This is, in effect, a mean and treasonable surrender of them to the enemies of the genuine gospel, through the fear of incurring the reproach of fanaticism, puritanism, or something else of as disreputable a name. cannot be persuaded that any man of proper furniture for a critical study of the holy scriptures, which it ought to be supposed every preacher is of an impartial and diligent application to them, can fail of finding in them the aforementioned doctrines; to me, they appear to be written there, with the clearness of a sunbeam: different preachers may vary something in their manner of explaining them; but all who preach the gospel as delivered to us by Christ and his apostles, will substantially agree, both in their true meaning and importance. If, instead of these, the people are off with a flimsy declamation on some barren topic of morality, it is defrauding them of the substantial bread of life, and deluding them with the juiceless husks of heathenism. This is rank cowardice, and admits of no apology.

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Lastly, it is contrary to boldness in preachi so to soften the offensive doctrines of the gospet, and the language of the scriptures, as to break their main strength, and render them less formidable to the feelings and apprehensions of mankind There are some whose consciences will not allow them entirely to suppress any of those doctrines, to which they acknowledged their assent, prev ously to entering on their ministry, who yet state them in such a manner, as to give them quite a different aspect from what they bear in the scriptures: this is to compromise between the truths of God and the prejudices of men; and in a great measure to defeat the ends of the gospel. God has certainly expressed his will in that manner, which he saw best adapted to answer the purposes of a revelation; and he has a right to expect, that they who undertake to explain his word to others, will do it, as near as possible on his own plap. Every preacher of the gospel is bound to speak out plainly, whether in stating doctrines, or denouncing the sanctions of justice; that he may not be found guilty of taking away from the things which are written in the book of God. At the same time it is his duty to endeavor, so far as fidelity to his trust will admit of, to conciliate a favorable hearing to the truths he delivers. Men are to be treated with tenderness and respect, and to be gained over to the side of the gospel and their own

piness, by those methods of persuasion, of tanich the scriptures have abundant examples. They are to be instructed with plainness, to be induced by argument, and admonished with pru

ence and calmness. This they have a right to expect, and benevolence to their souls, as well as respect to the example of Christ and his apostles, till directly lead to it—but no sacrifice of truth is ever to be made.

I think it may be confidently believed, that God will never permit any conscientious minister of the gospel to fall into errors of doctrine, dangerous to salvation. Let him, therefore, labor with all care, to discover the true sense of the scriptures, and then let him boldly declare it, whether men hear or forbear; whether they smile or frown. In the faithful discharge of his trust, let him resolutely meet every inconvenience, to which it may subject him and he shall finally hear from Christ, that rewarding plaudit-Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. But if any one shall be ashamed of Christ and of his words, of him shall the son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father, with the holy angels.

If the gospel, my brethren, be a mystery, which can be effectually explained only by the Holy Spirit; and if the ministry be an external mean, appointed in subserviency to it; then, it is unques

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