inquiries, or to whatever denomination of Christians, or to whatever order of preachers, in point of talents or learning, I find that ministry to be most efficient, and indeed that ministry alone to be efficient, in which the doctrine of the cross of Christ obtains the same prominence with which it was exhibited by the apostles themselves."

"To the Law, and to the Testimony,”—the sacred Scriptures confessedly constitute the best and surest guide, in matters relating to the kingdom of Christ.

To them, therefore, let our appeal be made; by their dictates let us carefully try the genuine character of original preaching.

What was the precise nature and character of the original addresses and powerful announcements of the primitive heralds of salvation? They were, in a word, full of Jesus Christ. The heart of the sacred preacher was full of Christ, and so it was with the invigorating sermon, because, "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh."

We may find it both interesting, and auxiliary to our object, to trace the labours and ener

getic efforts of the primitive preachers of the word.

We find the apostle Paul at the renowned city of Athens;-what was his animating theme there, in the presence of renowned heathens?

We are briefly told, in the page of sacred history: "And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods;"-Why? because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection; having exhibited, with a degree of sacred energy, suited to the exalted nature of his ennobling theme, the infinite efficacy of Jesus' death, and the glorious triumphs of his resurrection.

He

We observe Philip the Evangelist, in a season of bitter persecution, going down to the city of Samaria, to pursue his sacred and benevolent mission there;-How did he proceed? preached Christ to the listening and astonished multitudes. Yes, Christ was his prominent point; and what was the delightful and useful result? "There was great joy in that city." The glad tidings of the gospel entered the heart, producing joy and peace in believing.

In the records of sacred history, we have seen the apostle of the circumcision preaching to Cornelius in Cesarea, and to the interesting company associated with him, to hear attentively of "the wonderful works of God."

Now what course did this inspired preacher pursue in the faithful discharge of his missionary enterprise? Look, then, at his interesting, powerful, and awakening discourse, delivered at the opening of the spiritual kingdom, to the despised Gentiles; and there you may behold a fine and lovely model for the imitation of all subsequent missionaries, yea, of every future preacher of Christ's gospel. O how sweetly does the sermon adverted to savour of that sacred name, dear beyond expression to the whole family, named by the Father, both in heaven and on the earth!

The apostle of the circumcision, then, emphatically preached peace by Jesus Christ, seeing that he is Lord of all. Now what was the memorable and glorious effect which followed the evangelical proclamation? We are informed that "the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard.

the word."

And thus the Spirit of Christ richly glorified and abundantly honoured a risen Saviour's name.

Alas, how miserably defective are those inefficient discourses, whether preached to the obstinate Jew or the debased Gentile, to bond or free, to the renewed believer or the profligate sinner, which have not the Lord Jesus for their distinguishing and prominent theme!

On such impoverished and barrén discourses you may safely write, "Ichabod! the glory is departed."

Scripture delineations of character and facts are significantly correct, whilst they are usually blended with truths the most salutary and important.

Now, in order that we may ascertain the undoubted character and real nature of original preaching, we must by no means overlook those animated descriptions which are given of it by the Holy Spirit himself, in his own sacred word.

How does the inspired apostle describe that useful and interesting character, a minister of the

New Testament? What saith the sacred penman of him? Speaking then of a beloved fellowlabourer, he says, when addressing the members of the church at Colosse, relative to the blessed effects of the gospel: "As. ye also learned of Epaphras, our dear fellow-servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Jesus Christ."

How does the same apostle describe his own. ministrations, and those of his associates, in the good work of the ministry?-Now mark the apostolic motto!" We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord:" i. e. whether we repair to the temple, or enter into the domestic circle, we cease not to teach and to preach Jesus Christ.

We preach him, I say, as having undertaken the great business of redemption, in the arrangements of the covenant of peace, before the world began. We preach him as essentially one with the Father and the Holy Ghost. We preach Christ Jesus the Lord, as going forth in the fulness of time, in the almightiness of his power, to save and to bless countless myriads, who should hereafter believe in his name. We preach