_.

CONCLUSION.

We approach, at last, the end of our poor attempt. Its purpose has
been to furnish a reminder of some things that are absolutely essential
to the effective preaching of the Gospel. Let us recall the steps by
which we have come thus far upon our way.

And first, it appeared to us that for true preaching you must have the
true preacher; and the true preacher is he who, designated by Nature
and by Divine calling, endowment and baptism, has come to personal
certainty in respect of the great and vital truths committed to his
keeping. Surrendered to God and his work, he nevertheless realises
that among the trusts of which he holds stewardship is that of his own
individuality to be used for the ends he is sent to consummate. He is
a man of understanding gathered in the study of truth; of men; of the
Church; of his own heart; of many other fields of knowledge. He lives
in constant realisation of the greatness of his calling; the sublimity
of his message and the certainty of victory for Israel's side. His
soul is aflame with the passion of his labour; with devotion to his
Master; with a love for his fellows learned at the foot of the cross.
The supreme fact of his life is the fact of his own spiritual
experience and in holy, happy memories he finds continual evidence of
things Divine, and constant inspiration to prosecute his mission to the
end. He is a man whose heart God has touched for the sake of the
world. He is the chosen, qualified, and sworn ambassador of the King
of Kings. He is the very representative and mouthpiece of God and of
the Church to all with whom opportunity shall give him speech. In all
this he is the successor of the first-called and qualified of the
preaching band, making proof of his succession by faithfulness,
holiness and success. Such is the true preacher, whether separated
altogether to the work of the ministry or working with his hands, as
did the greatest preacher of the Apostolic band, that he may "not be
chargeable to any."

From speaking of the messenger we turned to mention what seem to us to
be the notes essential to a complete rendering of the message confided
to him for transmission. The notes of accusation and of pity, of
idealism and edification and cheer all need to be sounded by the
preacher who would go back, at last, to the Lord who sent him with the
joyful boast that he has "not shunned to declare the whole counsel of
God." Not only this, but we