SECTION If. 593 learnt at the academy, yet I can by no means think it proper they should be left there and forgotten. 2nd. I come to speak of those particular studies which are preparatory for the public work of the pulpit ; and here when you retire to compose a sermon, let your great end be ever kept in view, i, e. to say something for the honour of God, for the glory of C,arist, for the salvation of the souls of men ; and for this purpose a few rules may perhaps be of some service. One great and general rule is, Ask advice of heaven by prayer about every part of your preparatory studies ; seek the direction and assistance of the Spirit of God, for inclining your thoughts to proper subjects, for guiding you to proper scriptures, and framing your whole sermon both as to the matter and manner, that it may attain the divine and sacred ends proposed. But I insist not largely on this here, because prayers thy aids and counsels from heaven belong to every part of your work, both in the closet, in the pulpit, and in your daily conversation. The parti- cular rules for your preparatory work may he such as these : I. In chusing your texts or themes of discourse, seek such as are most suited to do good to souls, according to`the present wants, dangers, and circumstances of the people ; whether for the instruction of the ignorant ; for the conviction of the stupid and senseless ; for the melting and softening of the obstinate ; for the conversion of the wicked ; for the edification of converts ; for the comfort of the timorous and mournful ; for gentle admo- nition of backsliders, or more severe reproof. Sorne acquaint airee with the general case and character of your hearers is need- ful for this end. II. In handling the text, divide, explain, illustrate, prove, convince, infer, and apply in such a manner, as to do real service to men, and honour to our Lord Jesus Christ. Do not say within yourself, How much or how elegantly I can talk upon such a text, but what can I say most usefully to those who hear me, for the instruction of their minds, for the conviction of their consciences, and for the persuasion of their hearts ? Be not fond of displaying your learned criticisms in clearing up the terms and phrases of a text, where scholars onlycan be edified by them ; nor spend away the precious moments of the congre- gation, in making them hear you explain what is 'clear enough before, and bath no need of explaining; nor in proving that which is so obvious that it wants no proof. This is little better Chart trifling with God and man. Think not, how can I make a sermon soonest and easiest ? but how I can make the most pro- fitable sermon for my hearers : not what fine things I can say, either in a way of criticism or philosophy, or in a way of oratory and harangue, but what powerful words I can speak to impress -the consciences of them that hear with a serious and lasting sense rp2
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