Page:Tracts for the Times Vol 1.djvu/435

 of his labours, it is to convince him, that the success of his labours belongs to God; that he ought to humble himself, and pray much, and fear lest the fault should be in himself.

Pride and irreligion meet with darkness in the midst of light; raise vain disputes, unprofitable reflections and inquiries; while humility attains to light, in the midst of darkness and difficulties.

Whenever vouchsafes to open the heart, be the understanding and parts never so small, we see the reasonableness and beauty of His Word, we taste the sweetness, and feel the power thereof.

John xii. 16. "These things understood not His disciples at the first; but, when was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things unto Him." We often read Scripture, without comprehending its full meaning; however, let us not be discouraged; the light, in good time, will break out, and disperse the darkness, and we shall see the mysteries of the Gospel. Grant me, O, a persevering love of Thy Word, and so much light, as is necessary for myself, and those that hear me.

John xii. 30. "Jesus said, This voice came not for Me, but for your sakes." The way to profit by reading the sacred Scriptures, is, to apply to ourselves that which is spoken in general to all; this truth, this command, this threat, this promise, this intimation, is to me……

Acts i. 1. "The former treatise have I made of all that Jesus began both to do and teach." This is the whole of a Pastor's life. For a man to preach the Gospel before he has practised it, is to be a very bad imitator of the Prince of Pastors…… More sinners are converted by holy, than by learned men…… Who can say it is not owing to himself, that his flock are ignorant of their duty?……

Col. iv. 4. "That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak." All preachers do not speak as they ought. A man may have the skill to give Christian truths a turn agreeable to the hearers, without affecting their hearts……

2 Tim. iv. 1, 2. &c. "I charge thee, before and the, preach the Word. Be instant in season,