THE VOCATION OF THE PREACHER of the gospel.

1. Every true preacher is sent forth by God.

2. He is put in trust with the Word of God, and is sent to proclaim it to others, as his messenger and ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20); not to teach his own speculations.

3. The purpose of the proclamation is their spiritual welfare - their instruction, edification, salvation. "They watch on behalf of your souls" (Hebrews 13:17). But, too often, The aim of all

Is how to shine: e'en they whose office is
To preach the gospel, let the gospel sleep,
And pass their own inventions off instead.
The sheep, meanwhile, poor witless ones, return
From pasture, fed with wind: and what avails
For their excuse, they do not see their harm?
Christ said not to his first conventicle,
Go forth and preach impostures to the world,'
But gave them truth to build on.

(Dante, 'Par.,' 29.)

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