Sketch of a Model Preacher

Mr.-- was not one of those empty-headed, stereotyped declaimers who speak disparagingly of human learning, or one of those wild misleading enthusiasts, who in the discharge of public ministerial duties depend wholly upon supernatural aid, for in him were happily united —

"That lovely pair so long disjoined,
Knowledge and vital piety."

He was a scholar, and his literary attainments were of a very superior character. He was well acquainted with the Book of Books. Christian Theology was his favourite study, and with respect to it his views were clear and sound. Possessed of a very vigorous mind, capable of continuous efforts—amind greatly improved by extensive reading, and untiring research, he was, as such men generally are, amiable as well as intelligent. He combined in his daily conduct the sauviter in modo fortiter in re, which made his company always acceptable to the wise and the good. He was never harsh and crabbed, like some who call themselves scholars, but have no legitimate right to make such a claim. He hated everything dogmatic, repulsive and forbidding. in his public teachings, the kindly feelings of his heart were especially manifested, and hence his hearers hung upon his lips, whilst they gave utterance to

"The thoughts that breathe in words that burn." with ever increasing profit and delight. Are all such preachers?—Would to God they were. It was then in the pulpit Mr.-- appeared to the greatest advantage. There by him —

"The violated law spoke out its thunders,
And by him, in strains as sweet as angels use,
The gospel whispered peace."

All his discourses were well studied. He never served the sanctuary with unbeaten oil. Every sermon he delivered was full of varied and interesting matter. He was no memoritor preacher. He was often richly argumentative, though sometimes declamatory; hence he suited all kinds of hearers. In his public ministrations there was found, in a word, a portion of meat for every one, and that too in due season. Added to this he was a warm lover of the souls of men, and he yearned over them with an intense desire to be the means of doing them lasting good. Hence he delighted to set before them the love of the Saviour, love exhibited in all its intensity, in his sufferings and death; for,

"Twas love which brought him down from heav'n
To weep, and bleed, and die."

He was able to unfold in the clearest manner God's way of saving sinners. Often did he take his stand by the side of that mountain, on the summit of which was given, amidst rattling thunders, and glaring lightening, that law which was a perfect transcript of Jehovah; and in manner the most startling and impressive did he oft denounce everything that is opposed to the nature and the government of God. He did not, however, linger long amidst the clouds covering the apex of that terrific mountain upon which the inflexible justice of Jehovah was exhibited in its most awfully terrific forms; for mournful weeping Calvary, was his favourite place, and there he tried to conduct his contrite hearers, that they might find a hiding-place from the storm, and taste of that mercy which is followed by joy unspeakable in this world, and ever growing, boundless blessedness in the world to come. His labours in the work of the ministry were not in vain—the pleasure of the Lord prospered in his hands—yea, by his instrumentality the right hand of the Lord was exalted—the right hand of the Lord did valiantly. Wherever he laboured, many were added to the church, a considerable number of whom are now in that glorious world, where

"The storms of wintry time are passed away,
And th' unbounded spring encircles all."

Some are yet pilgrim travellers below, walking in the truth, and are hoping by-and-bye to unite with him who once taught them the way to heaven, in lauding and magnifying the love, blood and power of Him who "loved them so well, as to lay down his life to redeem them from hell."

Christian Cabinet.