Page:Tracts for the Times Vol 1.djvu/434

 us both to will and to do what is acceptable to Thee, through our. Amen.

Luke xxiv. 45. "Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures." O, cause me to read, to understand, to love, to practise, and to preach Thy word……

Luke xxii. 32. "When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." grant that we may all of us consider the absurdity of going about to convert others, without being converted ourselves. To understand the Holy Scriptures aright, is to understand them as the Primitive Church did.

1 Sam. iii. 9. "Speak,, for Thy servant heareth." Speak to my heart, that I may obey Thy word. "Teach me to do Thy will, for thou art my ." It belongs to, to give the true understanding of His own word.

Matt. vii. 5. "Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye." That is, purify your own heart from all worldly aims; mortify your own passions, which are the cause of your blindness; study that Word which alone can enlighten you; and lay aside all prejudices which are contrary to piety. A Pastor should never undertake to teach a virtue which he has never practised himself.

Luke v. 5. "We have toiled all the night, and taken nothing." So does every preacher, who does not beg blessing upon his labours. It is impossible for any man to teach well, who does not live well……

John vii. 16. "My doctrine is not Mine, but His that sent Me." To preach our own thoughts, forsaking word, is like an ambassador, who neglects his prince's instructions, and follows his own fancy. With what truth can it be said, that "the sheep hear his voice," when the shepherd speaks of things, or in such a manner, as is above their capacity?…

Should be instructions, not declamations, or displaying curious thoughts, which may amuse, but not edify Christians.

If God suffers even an holy pastor not presently to see the fruits