a shepherd who came from the hills as
a shepherd armed. It was this same shepherd with this same weapon who,
resisting temptation, went out to the apparently unequal conflict from
which he returned bringing the head of his adversary. This history is
surely written for preachers that, for their own sake, they may be
encouraged to give exercise to their own spiritual genius. Along one
path alone lies, if not greatness, at least usefulness for every truly
called messenger of Christ. It is along the path of faithfulness to
self in the development, the polishing, the use of his own gifts in his
own way.

Only one other word remains to be added:--That, as already hinted, the
pew hails always with respect the man who is brave enough to be
himself. Let no one imagine that he can try to be someone else, or
even that, without trying to be anyone in particular, he can surrender
himself to a conventional ideal of clericalism without discovery and
loss of the esteem and reverence of men and women of sense. The pew is
very quick to see through disguises, be they worn never so skilfully.
No voice rings true in a man's throat excepting his own. The people
are sick of the cleric in the pulpit; they want the _man_. They had
rather hear you when you are planned than any one, or anything, you may
try to be.

Here then is the true originality by which the gospel is made new by
every new preacher of it and by every new telling of its wondrous
story. The old truths may be repeated in almost the same old words,
but here and there will come a new tone, a breath of new influence, a
new personal aura. Oh, for the _individual_ in the pulpit, the
preacher who is not an echo, but comes to relate the evangel as it has
been unfolded to himself! Oh, for the brother who will bring us, not a
sermon only, but _a man_--a man discovered, saved, cleansed, polished
by God; improved into value and profitableness, but still a man! In
these words we express one of the greatest needs of the hour, and
define a quality absolutely essential to the successful and effective
preacher.

CHAPTER V.

Concerning "Understanding."

"And the preacher had understanding," so runs the ancient word, and
"understanding" the preacher must have. This is only another way of
saying that he must know what he is talking about. So much as this, at
least, is essential in every man who comes forth to teach others.

And this proposition has reference to more matt