4. They lead us to infer that mere speaking talents form but a very small proportion of the qualifications of the "man of God," who is to "preach the word."

5. That hearers should study the Bible very well, before they deem themselves to be competent to decide on the qualifications of their ministers.

6. That the scriptural discharge of ministerial duty involves so many, so varied, so solemn, and so tremendously important duties, that after the most diligent endeavours on our own part, and after the most prayerful co-operation of our beloved people, both they and we have occasion for great searchings of heart; for renewed application to the "fountain opened in the house of David for sin and uncleanness ;" for appropriate regard to our future engagements in the sanctuary of the Lord; and for the scriptural prayer, "God be merciful To us, and bless us; that thy way may be known upon earth; thy saving health among all nations.

ANSWERS TO THE QUESTION

WHAT DOES PREACHING THE GOSPEL INCLUDE?

Affirming (these things-see context) constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. Titus iii. 8.

Bearing witness, and showing unto you, that eternal life which is with the Father, and was manifested unto us. 1 John i. 2.

Bringing good tidings, bringing good tidings of good. Is. lii. 7.

By manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man's conscience, in the sight of God. 2 Cor. iv. 2.

By sound doctrine exhorting and convincing gainsayers. Titus i. 9.

Charging them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the

living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy ; that they do good; that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 1 Tim. vi. 17—19. Charging them that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 2 Tim. ii. 14. Comforting others with the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Cor. i. 4.

Coming not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 1 Cor. ii. 1. Commanding and teaching. 1 Tim. iv. 11. See from

verse 1.

Crying, all flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: the grass withereth and the flower fadeth; because the Spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand for ever. Is. xl. 6—8.

Crying aloud, sparing not, lifting up the voice like a trumpet, and shewing God's people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins. Is. lviii. 1.

(Declaring) not shunning to declare the whole counsel of God. Acts xx. 27.

Determining to know nothing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 1 Cor. ii. 2.

Doing the work of an evangelist, making full proof of thy ministry. 2 Tim. iv. 5.

Exhorting and comforting and charging every one of you, as a father doth his children, that ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. 1 Thess. ii. 11, 12.

Exhorting them all that with purpose of heart they would cleave to the Lord. Acts xi. 23.

Exhorting young men to be sober-minded. Titus ii. 9. Expounding and testifying the kingdom of God. Acts

xxviii. 23.

Giving them much exhortation. Acts xx. 2.
Guiding. Heb. xiii. 7, 17. (See margin.)

Helping them much which have believed through grace.

Acts xviii. 27.

In doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. Titus ii. 7, 8.

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves,

if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. 2 Tim. ii. 25. Labouring in the word and doctrine. 1 Tim. v. 17. Making all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ; to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Eph. iii. 9—11.

Making known the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ 2 Pet. i. 16.

Making manifest the savour of the knowledge of God in every place. 2 Cor. ii. 14.

Opening and alleging that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and thatthis Jesus whom I preach unto you is Christ. Acts xvii. 3.

Opening their eyes, and turning them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sin, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith which is in Christ. Acts xxvi. 18.

Persuading and turning away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands. Acts xix 26. Persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets. Acts xxviii. 23.

Persuading them to continue in the grace of God. Acts xiii. 43.

Praying you, in Christ's stead, Be ye reconciled to God. 2 Cor. v. 20.

Preaching among the gentiles, the unsearchable riches of Christ. Eph. iii. 8.

Preaching Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock and unto the Greeks foolishness: but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 1 Cor. i. 23, 24.

Preaching Jesus, and the resurrection. Acts xvii. 18. Preaching not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 2 Cor. iv. 5. Preaching peace by Jesus Christ. Acts x. 36. Preaching righteousness. Ps. xl. 9.

Preaching that men should repent.

Mark. vi. 12.

Preaching the gospel of peace. Rom. x. 15.

Preaching the kingdom of God. Acts 28-31.

Preaching through this man the forgiveness of sins. Acts xiii. 38.

Preaching through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. Acts vi. 2.

Preaching to every creature which is under heaven. Col. i. 23.

Publishing peace-publishing salvation. Is. lii. 7.
Putting the brethren in remembrance.

4-6.

See Tim. i.

Putting them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no traitors, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. Titus iii. 1, 2.

Reading in the book of the law of God distinctly, and giving the sense, and causing them to understand the reading. Neh. viii. 8.

Reasoning of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come. Acts xxiv. 25.

Reasoning with them out of the scriptures, opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus is Christ. Acts xvii. 3.

Rebuking with all authority. Titus ii. 15.

Reproving and exhorting, with all long-suffering and doctrine. 2 Tim. iv. 2. 2 Tim. ii. 15.

Rightly dividing the word of truth.

Saying, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

Luke x. 9.

Saying unto Zion, Thy God reigneth. Is. lii. 7.

Shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ. Acts

xviii. 28.

Shewing you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesns, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts xx. 35.

Speaking comfortably to Jerusalem, &c. See Isa. xl. 2, &c.

Speaking forth the words of truth and soberness. Acts xxvi. 25.

Speaking in our own tongues, the wonderful works of God. See Acts ii. 7-11.

4.

Speaking, not as pleasing men, but God. 1 Thess. ii.

Speaking the things which become sound doctrine. Titus ii. 1. Read to verse 15.

Speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved. 1 Thess. ii. 16.

Speaking unto you the word of God. Heb. xiii. 7.

Teaching and exhorting servants concerning their relative duties. 1 Tim. vi. 1-3.

25.

Teaching diligently the things of the Lord. Acts xviii.

Teaching every man, in all wisdom that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Col. i. 28.

Teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence. Acts xxviii. 31.

Testifying to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts xx. 21.

Using great plainness (viz. boldness) of speech. 2 Cor. iii. 12.

Uttering words easy to be understood. 1 Cor. xiv. 9. Warning every man. Col. i. 28.

Warring a good warfare. 1 Tim. i. 18.

Warning every one night and day with tears. Acts xx.31. Watching for your souls, as those that must give account. Heb. xiii. 17.

Winning souls. Prov. xi. 30.

Working the work of the Lord. 1 Cor. xvi. 10.

M. VECTIS.

ATTENTION TO THE BIBLE AND ITS REAL
MEANING.

Christ is more indignant at injuries done to his truths than even to his saints; for the truth makes saints, and the husbandman is more careful of his seed corn than of the increase.

TEXTS of scripture brought powerfully to the heart are very desirable and pleasant, if their tendency is to humble us, &c. But if they are understood as intimating our path of duty in particular circumstances, or confirming us in purposes we may have already formed, not otherwise clearly warranted by the general strain of the word, or by the leadings of Providence, they are for the most part ensnaring, and always to be suspected. Nor does their coming into the mind at the time of prayer give them more authority in this re