第6章

Theshepherd-brother，ontheotherhand，isthuspicturedouttousbyonewhohasseenhim。AtravellerwhohasvisitedtheDelectableMountains，andhasmetandtalkedwiththeshepherds，thusdescribesExperienceinhisexcellentitinerary:’Knowledge，’

hesays，’Ifoundtobethesageofthecompany，spareinbuild，highofforehead，worninage，andhistranquilgaittouchedwithabstractedness。WhileExperiencewasmorefirmlyknitinformandface，withashrewdkindlyeyeandahappyreadinessinhisbearing，andallhishard-earnedwisdomevidentlyonfootwithinhimasacapabilityforworkandforcontrol。’This，then，wasthesecondofthefourshepherds，whofedImmanuel’ssheepontheDelectableMountains。

Buthereagainto-night，andinthecaseofExperience，justaslastSabbathnightandinthecaseofKnowledge，inallthisJohnBunyanspeakstochildren，——onlythechildrenherearethechildrenofthekingdomofheaven。TheveriestchildwhoreadstheDelectableMountainsbeginstosuspectbeforeheisdonethatKnowledgeandExperiencearenotafteralltworealandtrueshepherdsgoingtheirroundswiththeirstavesandtheirwalletsandtheirwheelingdogs。Yes，thoughthelittlefellowcannotputhissuspicionsintoproperwordsforyou，allthesamehehashissuspicionsthatheisbeingdeceivedbyyouandyourSabbathbook；

and，tentoone，fromthatscepticaldayhewillnotreadmuchmoreofJohnBunyantillinafter-lifehetakesupJohnBunyanneverforasingleSabbathagaintolayhimdown。Yes，letthetruthbetoldatonce，Experienceissimplyaminister，andnotarealshepherdatall；aministerofthegospel，apreacher，andapastor；but，then，heisapreacherandapastorofnoordinarykind，butoftheselectestandverybestkind。

1。Now，mybrethren，toplungeatonceoutoftheparableandintotheinterpretation，Iobserve，inthefirstplace，thatpastorswhoareindeedtobepastorsafterGod’sownhearthavealltopassintotheirpastoratethroughtheschoolofexperience。PreachingafterGod’sownheart，andpastoralworkofthesamedivinepattern，cannotbetaughtinanyotherschoolthantheschoolofexperience。Poetsmaybebornandnotmade，butnotpastorsnorpreachers。Nay，donotallourbestpoetsfirstlearnintheirsufferingswhatafterwardstheyteachusintheirsongs？Atanyrate，thatiscertainlythecasewithpreachersandpastors。Asmyownoldministeroncesaidtomeinaconversationonthisverysubject，’EvenGodHimselfcannotinspireanexperience。’No。ForifHecouldHewouldsurelyhavedonesointhecaseofHisownSon，toWhominthegiftoftheHolyGhostHegaveallthatHecouldgiveandallthatHisSoncouldreceive。Butanexperiencecannotintheverynatureofthingsbeeitherbestowedontheonehandorreceivedandappropriatedontheother。Anexperienceintheunalterablenatureofthethingitselfmustbeundergone。TheHolyGhostHimselfafterHehasbeenbestowedandreceivedhastobeexperimentedupon，andtakenintothisandthatneed，trial，cross，andcareoflife。Heisnotsenttospareusourexperiences，buttocarryusthroughthem。Andthusitis(tokeepforamomentinsightofthehighestillustrationwehaveofthislawofexperience)，thusitis，Isay，thattheapostlehasitinhisEpistletotheHebrewsthatthoughChristHimselfwereaSon，yetlearnedHeobediencebythethingsthatHesuffered。AndbeingbyexperiencemadeperfectHethenwentontodosuchandsuchthingsforus。Why，forinstance，foronething，whydoyouthinkwasourLordabletospeakwithsuchextraordinarypoint，impressiveness，andassuranceaboutprayer；abouttheabsolutenecessityandcertaintyofsecret，importunate，perseveringprayerhaving，soonerorlater，inoneshapeorother，andinthebestpossibleshape，itsanswer？WhybutbecauseofHisownexperience？

WhybutbecauseHisowncloset，hilltop，all-night，andup-before-

the-dayprayershadallbeenatlastheardandbetterheardthanHehadbeenabletoask？WecanquitewellreadbetweenthelinesinallourLord’sparablesandinallthepassagesofHissermonsaboutprayer。Theunmistakabletracesofotherwiseuntoldenterprisesandsuccesses，agoniesandvictoriesofprayer，aretobeseenineverysuchsermonofHis。Andso，inlikemanner，inallthatHesaystoHisdisciplesaboutthesweetnessofsubmission，resignation，andself-denial，asalsoaboutthenourishmentforHissoulthatHegotoutofeveryhardactofobedience，——andsoon。ThereisrunningthroughallourLord’sdoctrinalandhomileticalteachingthatnoteofrealityandofcertitudethatcanonlycometoanyteachingoutofthelonganddeepandintenseexperienceoftheteacher。AndastheMasterwas，soareallHisministers。WhenIread，forinstance，whatWilliamLawsaysabouttheheart-searchingandheart-cleansingefficacyofintercessoryprayerinthecaseofhimwhocontinuesallhislifesotopray，andcarriessuchprayerthroughalltheexperiencesandalltherelationshipsoflife，IdonotneedyoutotellmewherethatgreatmanofGodmadethatgreatdiscovery。Iknowthathemadeitinhisowncloset，andonhisownknees，andinhisownevilheart。Andso，also，whenIcomenearerhome。WheneverI

hearasingleunconventional，immediate，penetrating，overawingpetitionorconfessioninaminister’spulpitprayerorinhisfamilyworship，Idonotneedtobetoldoutofwhatprayer-bookhetookthat。Iknowwithouthistellingmethatmyministerhasbeen，allunknowntometillnow，atthatsameschoolofprayertowhichhisMasterwasputinthedaysofHisflesh，andoutofwhichHebroughttheexperiencesthatHeafterwardsputintotheFriendatmidnight，andtheImportunatewidow，asalsointotheEggandthescorpion，theBreadandthestone，theKnockingandtheopening，theSeekingandthefinding。

HischildrenthusmostdeartoHim，TheirheavenlyFathertrains，ThroughallthehardexperienceledOfsorrowsandofpains。

AndifHischildren，thententimesmorethetutorsandgovernorsofHischildren，——thepastorsandthepreachersHepreparesforHispeople。

2。Again，thoughIwillnotputthosetwocollegiateshepherdsagainstoneanother，yet，inordertobringoutthewholetruthonthismatter，IwillrisksofarastosaythatwherewecannothavebothKnowledgeandExperience，byallmeansletushaveExperience。

Yes，IdeclaretoyouthatifIwerechoosingaministerformyself，andcouldnothaveboththebook-knowledgeandtheexperienceoftheChristianlifeinoneandthesameman；andcouldnothavetwoministers，onewithallthetalentsandanotherwithalltheexperiences；Iwouldsaythat，muchasIlikeanableandlearnedsermonfromanableandlearnedman，Iwouldratherhavelesslearningandmoreexperience。And，then，nowonderthatsuchpastorsandpreachersarefew。Forhowcostlymustathoroughlygoodminister’sexperiencebetohim！Whataquantityandwhataqualityofexperienceisneededtotakearaw，light-minded，ignorant，andself-satisfiedyouthandtransformhimintothepastor，thetriedandtrustedfriendofthetempted，thesorrow-

laden，andtheshipwreckedheartsandlivesinhiscongregation！

Whatyearsandyearsoftheselectestexperiencesareneededtoteachtheaveragedivinitystudenttoknowhimself，totrackoutandruntoearthhisownheart，andthustolayopenandreadothermen’sheartstotheirself-deceivedownersinthelightofhisown。

Amatter，moreover，thathegetsnotonewordofhelptowardinallhiscollegecurriculum。DavidwasabletosayinhisoldagethathefedtheflockofGodinIsraelaccordingtotheintegrityofhisheart，andguidedthembytheskilfulnessofhishands。Butwhatyearsandyearsofshortcomingandfailureinprivateandinpubliclifeliebehindthatfineword’integrity’！asalsowhatstumblesandwhatblundersbehindthatotherfineword’skilfulness’！But，then，howalightesttouchofapreacher’sowndear-boughtexperienceskilfullyletfallbrightensupanobscurescripture！

Howitsendsathrillthroughaprayer！Howitwingsanarrowtotheconscience！Howitshedsabroadbalmupontheheart！Letnominister，then，loseheartwhenheissentbacktotheschoolofexperience。Heknowsintheorythattribulationworkethpatience，andpatienceexperience，butitisnottheory，butexperience，thatmakesaministerafterGod’sownheart。IsometimeswishthatI

maylivetoseeachairofExperimentalReligionsetupinallourcolleges。Ifearitisadream，andthatitmusthavebeenpronouncedimpracticablelongagobyourwisestheads。Still，allthesame，thatdoesnotpreventmefromagainandagainindulgingmydream。IindulgemyfonddreamagainasoftenasIlookbackonmyowntremendousmistakesinthemanagementofmyownpersonalandministeriallife，aswellassometimesseesomesignsofthesamemistakesinsomeotherministers。InmydreamfortheChurchofthefutureIseetheprogrammeoflecturesintheExperimentalClassandtheaccompanyingexaminations。Iseetheclasslibrary，andIenvythestudents。Iampresentattheweeklybook-day，andattheperiodicaladdressesdeliveredtotheclassbythosetownandcountryministerswhohavebeenmostskilfulintheirpastorateandmostsuccessfulintheconversionandinthecharacteroftheirpeople。And，unlessIwhollydeceivemyself，Isee，notalltheclass——thatwillneverbetillthemillennium——buthereandtheretwosandthrees，andmorementhanthat，whowillthrowtheirwholeheartsintotheworkofsuchaclasstilltheycomeoutofthehallinexperimentalreligionlikeSirProteusintheplay:

Theiryearsbutyoung，buttheirexperienceold，Theirheadsunmellowed，buttheirjudgmentripe。

Itisquitetrue，that，asmyoldministershrewdlysaidtome，eventheHolyGhostcannotinspireanexperience。No。Butaclassofgenuineexperimentaldivinitywouldsurelyhelptofosteranddevelopanexperience。And，tilltheclassisestablished，anystudentwhohastheheartforitmaylayinthebestoftheclasslibraryforafewshillings。Mr。ThinwilltellyouthatthereisnoliteraturethatissuchadruginthemarketasthebestbooksofExperimentalDivinity。Nowonder，then，thatwemakesuchslowandshortwayintheskilfulness，success，andacceptanceofourpreachingandourpastorate。

3。But，atthesametime，mybrethren，allyourministers’

experienceofpersonalreligionwillbelostuponyouunlessyouareyourselvesattendingthesameschool。Thesalvationofthesoul，youmustunderstand，isnotofferedtoministersonly。

Ministersarenottheonlymenwhoare，tobeginwith，deadintrespassesandsins。TheSonofGoddidnotdieforministersonly。TheHolyGhostisnotofferedtoministersonly。Aclean，humble，holyheartisnottobethepursuitofministersonly。ItisnottoHisministersonlythatourLordsays，TakeupMyyokeandlearnofMe。Thedailycrossisnottheopportunityofministersonly。Itisnottoministersonlythattribulationworkethpatience，andpatienceexperience，andexperiencehope。ItwastoallwhohadobtainedlikepreciousfaithwiththeirministersthatPeterissuedthisexhortationthattheyweretogivealldiligencetoaddtotheirfaithvirtue，andtovirtueknowledge，andtoknowledgetemperance，andtotemperancepatience，——andsoon。Now，mybrethren，unlessallthatisonfootinyourselves，aswellasinyourministers，thentheirprogressinChristianexperiencewillonlyeverynewSabbath-dayseparateyouandyourministersfurtherandfurtherawayfromoneanother。Whenaministerisreallymakingprogresshimselfinthelifeofreligionthatprogressmustcomeout，andoughttocomeout，bothinhispreachingandinhisprayers。And，then，tworesultsofallthatwillimmediatelybegintomanifestthemselvesamonghispeople。Someofhispeoplewillvisibly，andstillmorewillinvisibly，makecorrespondingprogresswiththeirminister；whilesomeothers，alas！willfalloffininterest，inunderstanding，andinsympathytillatlasttheydropofffromhisministryaltogether。ThatisanoldlawintheChurchofGod:’likepeoplelikepriest，’and’likepriestlikepeople。’Andwhiletherearevariousinfluencesatworkretardingandperplexingtheimmediateoperationofthatlaw，atthesametime，hewhohaseyestoseesuchthingsinacongregationandinacommunitywilleasilyseeHosea’sgreatlawofcongregationalselectioninoperationeveryday。Likepeoplegraduallygravitatetolikepreachers。Youwillsee，ifyouhavetheeyes，congregationsgraduallydissolvingandgraduallybeingconsolidatedagainunderthatgreatlaw。Youwillseefriendshipsandfamiliesevenbreakingupandflyingintopieces；and，again，newfamiliesandnewfriendshipsbeingbuiltuponthatverysamelaw。Ifyouweretostudythesessionbooksofourcitycongregationsinthelightofthatlaw，youwouldgetinstruction。Ifyoujuststudiedwholiftedtheirlines，andwhy；

and，again，whatotherpeoplecameandlefttheirlines，andwhy，youwouldgetinstruction。TheshepherdsinIsraeldidnotneedtohuntupandherdtheirflocksliketheshepherdsinScotland。A

shepherdonthemountainsofIsraelhadnothingmoretodothanhimselfpassupintothepasturelandsandthenbegintosingapsalmorofferaprayer，when，inaninstant，hispropersheepwereallroundabouthim。Thesheepknewtheirownshepherd’svoice，andtheyfledfromthevoiceofastranger。Andsoitiswithatruepreacher，——apreacherofexperience，thatis。Hisownpeopleknownovoicelikehisvoice。Hedoesnotneedtobribeandflatterandrunafterhispeople。Hemayhave，heusuallyhas，butfewpeopleaspeoplegoinourday，andthebetterthepreachersometimesthesmallertheflock。ItwassoinourMaster’scase。

Themultitudefollowedaftertheloavesbuttheyfledfromthefeedingdoctrines，tillHefirsttastedthatdejectionandthatsenseofdefeatwhichsomanyofHisbestservantsarefedoninthisworld。Still，asourLorddidnottuneHispulpittothetasteoftheloungersofGalilee，nomorewillaministerworththenamedoanythingelsebutpressdeeperanddeeperintothedepthsoftruthandlife，till，aswasthecasewithhisMaster，hisfollowers，thoughfew，willbeallthemoreworthhaving。TheDelectableMountainsarewideandroomy。Theyrollfarawaybothbeforeandbehind。Immanuel’sLandisalargeplace，andtherearemanyothershepherdsamongthosehillsandvalleysbesidesKnowledgeandExperienceandWatchfulandSincere。Andeachseveralshepherdhas，onthewhole，hisownsheep。Knowledgehashis；Experiencehashis；Watchfulhashis；andSincerehashis；andalltheotherhereunnamedshepherdshavealltheirsalso。For，always，likeshepherdlikesheep。Yes。HoseamusthavebeensomethinginIsraelsomewhatanalogoustoasession-clerkamongourselves。’Likepriestlikepeople’iscertainlyadigestofsomesuchexperience。LetsomeinquisitivebeginnerinHebrewthiswintersearchouttheprophetuponthatmatter，consultingMr。

HutchesonandDr。Pusey，andhewillletmeheartheresult。

4。Now，mybrethren，inclosing，wemustallkeepitclearlybeforeourminds，andthattooeverydaywelive，thatGodordersandoverrulesthiswholeworld，and，indeed，keepsitgoingverymuchjustthatHemaybymeansofitmakeunceasingexperimentuponHispeople。Experiment，youknow，resultsinexperience。Thereisnootherwaybywhichanymancanattaintoareligiousexperiencebutbyundergoingtemptation，trial，tribulation:-experiment。Anditgivesadivinedignitytoallthings，greatandsmall，goodandbad，whenweseethemalltakenupintoGod’shand，inorderthatbymeansofthemHemaymakeforHimselfanexperiencedpeople。

Humanlifeonthisearth，whenviewedunderthisaspect，isonevastworkshop。Andalltheshaftsandwheelsandpulleys；allthecrushinghammers，andallthewhirlingknives；allthefurnacesandsmelting-pots；allthegravingtoolsandsmoothingirons，areallsomanydivinely-designedanddivinely-workedinstrumentsalldirectedinuponthisoneresult，——ourbeingdeeplyexperiencedinthewaysofGodtillweareforeverfashionedintoHisnatureandlikeness。OurfaithintheunseenworldandinourunseenGodandSaviourisatonetimeputtotheexperiment。AtanothertimeitisourlovetoHim；therealityofit，andthestrengthofit。AtanothertimeitisoursubmissionandourresignationtoHiswill。

Atanothertimeitisourhumility，orourmeekness，orourcapacityforself-denial，orourwillandabilitytoforgiveaninjury，orourperseveranceinstillunansweredprayer；andsoontheever-shiftingbutnever-ceasingexperimentgoes。Idobeseechyou，mybrethren，takethattrueviewoflifehomewithyouagainthisnight。Thistrueviewoflife，namely，thatexperienceinthedivinelifecanonlycometoyouthroughyourbeingmuchexperimentedupon。Meetallyourtrialsandtribulationsandtemptations，then，underthisassurance，thatallthingswillworktogetherforgoodtoyoualsoifyouareonlyrightlyexercisedbymeansofthem。Nothingelsebutthisgrowingexperienceandthissettlingassurancewillbeabletosupportyouunderthesuddenillsoflife；butthiswilldoit。This，whenyoubeginbyexperiencetoseethatallthislife，andallthegoodandalltheillofthislife，areallunderthissplendiddivinelaw，——thatyourtribulationsalsoareindeedworkingwithinyouapatience，andyourpatienceanexperience，andyourexperienceahopethatmakethnotashamed。

WATCHFUL

’Sonofman，IhavemadetheeawatchmanuntothehouseofIsrael。’——ThewordoftheLordtoEzekiel。

’Theywatchforyoursouls。’——TheApostletotheHebrews。

TherewerefourshepherdswhohadthecareofImmanuel’ssheepontheDelectableMountains，andtheirnameswereKnowledge，Experience，Watchful，andSincere。Now，inthatverybeautifulepisodeofhisgreatallegory，JohnBunyanisdoinghisveryutmosttoimpressuponallhisministerialreadershowmuchthereisthatgoestothemakingofagoodminister，andhowmucheverygoodministerhastodo。Eachseveralministermustdoallthatinhimlies，fromthedayofhisordinationtothedayofhisdeath，tobealltohispeoplethatthosefourshepherdsweretoImmanuel’ssheep。Heistolabour，inseasonandoutofseason，tobeaministeroftheripestpossibleknowledge，thedeepestandwidestpossibleexperience，themostsleeplesswatchfulness，andthemostabsoluteandscrupuloussincerity。Now，enoughhasperhapsbeensaidalreadyaboutaminister’sknowledgeandhisexperience；

enough，certainly，andmorethanenoughforsomeofustohopehalftocarryout；and，therefore，IshallatoncegoontotakeupWatchful，andtosupply，sofarasIamable，theplainestpossibleinterpretationofthispartofBunyan’sparable。

1。Everytrueminister，then，watches，inthewordsoftheapostle，forthesoulsofhispeople。Anordinaryminister’severydayworkembracesmanydutiesandoffersmanyopportunities，butthroughallhisdutiesandthroughallhisopportunitiesthererunsthishighanddistinctivedutyofwatchingforthesoulsofhispeople。Aministermaybeagreatscholar，hemayhavetakenallsacredlearningforhisprovince，hemaybeaprofoundandascientifictheologian，hemaybeanablechurchleader，hemaybeauniversallyconsultedauthorityonecclesiasticallaw，hemaybeaskilfulandsuccessfuldebaterinchurchcourts，hemayevenbeagreatpulpitorator，holdingthousandsentrancedbyhisimpassionedeloquence；butatruesuccessoroftheprophetsoftheOldTestamentandoftheapostlesoftheNewTestamentheisnot，unlesshewatchesforthesoulsofmen。Alltheseendowments，andalltheseoccupations，rightandnecessaryas，intheirownplaces，theyallare，——greattalents，greatlearning，greatpublicity，greatpopularity，——alltend，unlesstheyaretakengreatcareof，toleadtheirpossessorsawayfromalltimefor，andfromallsympathywith，thewatchfulnessoftheNewTestamentminister。

Watchingoveraflockbringstoyounoneoftheexhilarationofauthorityandinfluence，noneoftheintoxicationofpublicityandapplause。Yourexperiencesarethequiteoppositeofallthesethingswhenyouarewatchingoveryourflock。Yourworkamongyourflockisalldoneindistantandlonelyplaces，onhillsides，amongwoodsandthickets，andincloudyanddarkdays。Youspendyourstrengthamongsickanddyingandwanderingsheep，amongwolvesandweasels，andwhatnot，ofthatverminouskind。Atthesametime，allgoodpastorsarenotsoobscureandforgottenasallthat。

Someexceptionallyableandexceptionallydevotedandself-

forgetfulmenmanagetocombinebothextremesofaminister’sdutiesandopportunitiesinthemselves。OurownSirHenryMoncreiffwasapatternpastor。TherewasnobetterpastorinEdinburghinhisdaythandearSirHenrywas；andyet，atthesametime，everybodyknowswhatanincomparableecclesiasticalcasuistSirHenrywas。Mr。Moody，again，isagreatpreacher，preachingtotensofthousandsofhearersatatime；but，atthesametime，Mr。

Moodyisoneofthemostskilfulandattentivepastorsthatevertookindividualsoulsinhandandkeptthemovermanyyearsinmind。Butthesearecompletelyexceptionalmen，andwhatIwanttosaytocommonplaceandlimitedandeverydaymenlikemyselfisthis，thatwatchingforthesoulsofourpeople，onebyone，dayinanddayout，——that，aboveeverythingelse，that，andnothingelse，——

makesanymanapastoroftheapostolictype。Anablemanmayknowallaboutthehistory，thehabitat，thevariousspecies，thebreeds，thediseases，andthepricesofsheep，andyetbenothingatallofatrueshepherd。Andsomayaminister。

2。Pastoralvisitation，combinedwithpersonaldealing，isbyfarthebestwayofwatchingforsouls。IwellrememberwhenIfirstbeganmyministryinthiscongregation，howmuchIwasimpressedwithwhatoneoftheablestandbestofourthenministerswasreportedtohavetestifiedonhisdeathbed。Callingbacktohisbedsideayoungministerwhohadcometoseehim，thedyingmansaid:’Prepareforthepulpit；aboveeverythingelseyoudo，prepareforthepulpit。Letmeagainrepeatit，shoulditatanytimestandwithyoubetweenvisitingadeath-bedandpreparingforthepulpit，prepareforthepulpit。’Iwasimmenselyimpressedwiththatdyinginjunctionwhenitwasrepeatedtome，butIhavelived，——Idonotsaytoputmypreparationforthepulpit，suchasitis，secondtomymorepastoralworkinmyweek’sthoughts，but——

toputmyvisitingintheveryfrontrankandbesidemypulpit。

’Weneverwereaccustomedtomuchvisiting，’saidmyelderstomeintheirsolicitudefortheiryoungministerwhenhewasfirstleftalonewiththiswholecharge；’onlyappearinyourownpulpittwiceonSabbath:keepasmuchathomeaspossible:wewereneverusedtomuchvisiting，andwedonotlookforit。’Well，thatwasmostkindlyintended；butitwasmuchmorekindthanwise。ForIhavelivedtolearnthatnocongregationwillcontinuetoprosper，or，ifothermoreconsolidatedandlessexactingcongregations，atanyratenotthiscongregation，withoutconstantpastoralattention。

Andremember，Idonotcomplainofthat。Far，farfromthat。ForIamassureasIamofanythingconnectedwithaminister’slife，thataminister’sownsoulwillprosperlargelyinthemeasurethatthesoulsofhispeopleprosperthroughhispastoralwork。Nopreaching，evenifitwereasgoodpreachingastheapostle’sitself，canbelefttomakeupfortheneglectofpastoralvisitationandpersonalintercourse。’Itaughtyoufromhousetohouse，’saysPaulhimself，whenhewasresigningthechargeofthechurchofEphesusintothehandsoftheeldersofEphesus。Whatwouldweministersnotgiveforadescriptivereportofanafternoon’shouse-to-housevisitationbytheApostlePaul！Nowinaworkshop，nowatasickbed，nowwithaGreek，nowwithaJew，and，ineverycase，notdiscussingpoliticsandcursingtheweather，notlivinghisholidaysoveragainandhearingofalltheapproachingmarriages，buttestifyingtoallmeninhisownincomparablywinningandcommandingwayrepentancetowardGodandfaithtowardtheLordJesusChrist。Wecityministerscalloutandcomplainthatwehavenotimetovisitourpeopleintheirownhouses；butthatisallsubterfuge。Ifthewholetruthweretoldaboutthebusiestofus，itisnotsomuchwantoftimeaswantofintention；itiswantofsetandindomitablepurposetodoit；itiswantofmethodandofregularitysuchasallbusinessmenmusthave；anditiswant，aboveall，oflayingouteveryhourofeverydayundertheGreatTaskmaster’seye。Manycountryministersagain，——we，miserablementhatweare，areneverhappyorwellplaced，——complaincontinuallythattheirpeoplearesofew，andsoscattered，andsoignorant，andsouninteresting，andsounresponsive，thatitisnotworththeirtoiltogoupanddowninremoteplacesseekingafterthem。Ittakesawholedayamongbadroadsandwetbogstovisitashepherd’swifeandchildren，andtwoorthreebothiesandpauper’shovelsonthewayhome。’Onthemorrow，’sorunsmanyanentryinThomasBoston’sMemoirs，’I

visitedthesick，andspenttheafternooninvisitingothers，andfoundgrossignoranceprevailing。Nothingbutstupidityprevailed；

tillIsawthatIhadenoughtodoamongmyhandful。IhadanotherdietofcatechisingonWednesdayafternoon，andthediscoveryI

madeoftheignoranceofGodandofthemselvesmademethemoresatisfiedwiththesmallnessofmycharge……TwiceayearI

catechisedtheparish，andonceayearIvisitedtheirfamilies。

Mymethodofvisitationwasthis。Imadeaparticularapplicationofmydoctrineinthepulpittothefamily，exhortedthemalltolayallthesethingstoheart，exhortedthemalsotosecretprayer，supposingtheykeptfamilyworship，urgedtheirrelativedutiesuponthem，’etc。etc。AndthenathisleavingEttrick，hewrites:

’ThusIpartedwithapeoplewhoseheartswereknittomeandminetothem。Thelastthreeorfouryearshadbeenmuchblessed，andhadbeenmadeverycomfortabletome，notinrespectofmyownhandfulonly，butothersofthecountrysidealso。’JonathanEdwardscalledThomasBoston’thattrulygreatdivine。’IamnotsuchajudgeofdivinityasJonathanEdwardswas，butIalwayscallBostontomyselfthattrulygreatpastor。Butmylazyanddeceitfulheartsaystome:NopraisetoBoston，forhelivedanddidhisworkinthequietForestofEttrick。True，sohedid。

Well，then，lookatthepopulousandbusytownofKidderminster。

Andletmekeepcontinuallybeforemyabashedconsciencethathard-

workingcorpseRichardBaxter。Absolutelyonthesamepageonwhichthatdyingmanentersdiseasesandmedicinesenoughtofilladoctor’sdiaryafterawholedayinanincurablehospital，thatnoblesoulgoesontosay:’IpreachedbeforethewarstwiceeachLord’sDay，butafterthewarsbutonce，andonceeveryThursday，besidesoccasionalsermons。EveryThursdayeveningmyneighboursthatweremostdesirous，andhadopportunity，metatmyhouse。TwodayseveryweekmyassistantandImyselftookfourteenfamiliesbetweenusforprivatecatechisingandconference；hegoingthroughtheparish，andthetowncomingtome。IfirstheardthemrecitethewordsoftheCatechism，andthenexaminedthemaboutthesense，andlastlyurgedthem，withallpossibleengagingreasonandvehemency，toanswerableaffectionandpractice。Ifanyofthemwerestalledthroughignoranceorbashfulness，Iforboretopressthem，butmadethemhearers，andturnedallintoinstructionandexhortation。Ispentaboutanhourwithafamily，andadmittednootherstobepresent，lestbashfulnessshouldmakeitburdensome，oranyshouldtalkoftheweaknessofothers。’Andthenhetellshowhispeople’snecessitymadehimpractisephysicamongthem，tillhewouldhavetwentyathisdooratonce。’Allthesemyemploymentswerebutmyrecreations，and，asitwere，theworkofmysparehours。Formywritingsweremychiefestdailylabour。

AndblessedbetheGodofmerciesthatbroughtmefromthegraveandgaveme，afterwarsandsickness，fourteenyears’libertyinsuchsweetemployment！’LetallministerswhowouldsitathomeoverapipeandanewspaperwithaquietconsciencekeepBoston’sMemoirsandBaxter’sReliquiaeatarm’s-length。

3。Ouryoungcommunicants’classes，andstillmore，thoseprivateinterviewsthatprecedeandfinishupouryoungcommunicants’

classes，arebyfarourbestopportunitiesaspastors。IrememberDr。MoodyStuarttellingmelongagothathehadfoundhisyoungcommunicants’classestobethemostfruitfulopportunitiesofallhisministry；as，also，nexttothem，timesofbaptisminfamilies。

AndeveryministerwhotriestobeaministeratallafterDr。

MoodyStuart’spattern，willtellyousomethingofthesamething。

Theygetattheopeninghistoryoftheiryoungpeople’sheartsbeforetheirfirstcommunion。Theymakeshorthandentriesandsecretmemorandaatsuchaseasonlikethis:’A。arebuketome。

HehadforlongbeenastonishedatmethatIdidnotspeaktohimabouthissoul。B。tracedhisconversiontothesingingof’Thesandsoftimearesinking’inthischurchlastsummer。C。wasspokentobyaroom-mate。D。wastobemarried，andshedied。OfE。Ihavegreathope。F。，weresheanywherebutathome，Iwouldhavegreathopesofher，’——andsoon。But，then，whenaministertakesboldnesstoturnoverthepagesofhisyoungcommunicants’

rollforhalfalifetime——ahme，ahme！WhatwasIdoingtoletthatsopromisingcommunicantgosofarastray，andInevertogoafterhim？Andthatother。Andthatother。Andthatother。Tillwecanreadnomore。OGodofmercy，whenThouinquirestafterblood，letmebehiddeninthecleftofthatRocksodeeplycleftforunwatchfulministers！

4。Andthen，asDr。JosephParkersays，whosayseverythingsoplainlyandsopowerfully:’Thereispastoralpreachingaswellaspastoralvisitation。Thereispastoralpreaching；richrevelationofdivinetruth；high，elevatingtreatmentoftheChristianmysteries；andheisthepastortomewhodoesnotcometomyhousetodrinkandsmokeandgossipandshowhislittleness，butwho，outofarichexperience，meetsmewithGod’swordateveryturnofmylife，andspeaksthesomethingtomethatIjustatthatmomentwant。’Letusnothavelesspastoralvisitationinthetimetocome，butletushavemoreandmoreofsuchpastoralpreaching。

5。But，mybrethren，itistimeforyou，asJohnsaidtotheelectladyandherchildren，tolooktoyourselves。Thesalvationofyoursoulisprecious，anditssalvationissuchatask，suchabattle，suchadanger，andsucharisk，thatitwilltakeallthatyourmostwatchfulministercando，andallthatyoucandoyourself，andallthatGodcandoforyou，andyetyoursoulwillscarcelybesavedafterall。Youdonotknowwhatsalvationisnorwhatitcosts。Youwillnotbesavedinyoursleep。YouwillnotwakenupatthelastdayandfindyourselfsavedbythegraceofGodandyounotknowit。Youwillknowittoyourbittercostbeforeyoursoulissavedfromsinanddeath。Youandyourministertoo。AndthereforeitisthatHeWhoistojudgeyoursoulatlastsaystoyou，asmuchasHesaysittoanyofHisministers，Watch！WhatIsayuntooneIsayuntoall，Watch。

Watchandpray，lestyouenterintotemptation。Looktoyourself，then，sinner。InChrist’sname，looktoyourselfandwatchyourself。Youhavenoenemytofearbutyourself。Noonecanhurtahairofyourheadbutyourself。Haveyoufoundthatout？Haveyoufoundyourselfout？Doyoueverlookinthedirectionofyourownheart？Haveyoubeguntowatchwhatgoesoninyourownheart？

Whatisittoyouwhatgoesonintheworldaroundyoucomparedwithwhatgoesonintheworldwithinyou？Look，then，toyourself。Watch，aboveallwatching，yourself。Watchwhatitisthatmovesyoutodothisorthat。Stopsometimesandaskyourselfwhyyoudosuchandsuchathing。Didyoueverhearofsuchathingasamotiveinahumanheart？Anddidyourminister，watchingforyoursoul，evertellyouthatyoursoulwillbelostorsaved，condemnedorjustifiedatthelastdayaccordingtoyourmotives？Youneverknewthat！Youwerenevertoldthatbyyourminister！Miserablepair！WhatdoeshetakeuphisSabbathswith？

AndwhatleadsyoutowasteyourSabbathsandyoursoulonsuchastupidminister？But，shepherdornoshepherd，ministerornominister，looktoyourself。Looktoyourselfwhenyouliedownandwhenyouriseup；whenyougooutandwhenyoucomein；whenyouareinthesocietyofmenandwhenyouarealonewithyourownheart。Looktoyourselfwhenmenpraiseyou，andlooktoyourselfwhenmenblameyou。Looktoyourselfwhenyousitdowntoeatanddrink，andstillmorewhenyousitandspeakaboutyourabsentbrother。Looktoyourselfwhenyoumeetyourenemyoryourrivalinthestreet，whenyoupasshishouse，orhearorreadhisname。

Yes，youmaywellsayso。Atthatrateaman’slifewouldbeallwatching。Soitwould。Andsoitmust。Andmorethanthat，soitiswithsomemennotfarfromyouwhonevertoldyouhowmuchyouhavemadethemwatch。Didyouneverknowallthattillnow？WereyounevertoldthateveryChristianman，Idonotmeaneverycommunicant，buteverytrulyandsincerelyandgenuinelyChristianmanwatcheshimselfinthatway？ForastheoneessentialanddistinguishingmarkofaNewTestamentministerisnotthatheisanableman，orastudiousman，oraneloquentman，butthatheisapastorandwatchesforsouls，soitisthechiefestandthebestmark，andtohimselftheonlysafeandinfalliblemark，thatanymanisasincereandtrueChristianman，thathewatcheshimselfalwaysandinallthingslooksfirstandlasttohimself。

SINCERE

’Inallthingsshowingsincerity。’——PaultoTitus。

CharlesBennetthasadelightfuldrawingofSincereinCharlesKingsley’sbeautifuleditionofThePilgrim’sProgress。Youfeelthatyoucouldlookalldayintothosecleareyes。Youreyeswouldbegintoquailbeforeyouhadlookedlongintothefourthshepherd’sdeepeyes；butthoseeyesofhishavenocausetoquailunderyours。Thismanhasnothingtohidefromyou。Heneverhad。

Helovesyou，andhislovetoyouiswhollywithoutdissimulation。

Heabsolutelyandunreservedlymeansandintendsbyyouandyoursallthathehaseversaidtoyouandyours，andmuchmorethanhehaseverbeenabletosay。Theownerofthosedeepblueeyesisastruetoyouwhenheisamongyourenemiesasheistruetothetruthitselfwhenheisamongyourfriends。Markalsotheunobtrusivestrengthofhismouth，allsuffusedoverasitiswithamostwinningandreassuringsweetness。ThefourthshepherdoftheDelectableMountainsisoneoftheverybestofBennett’sexcellentportraits。ButMr。KerrBain’spen-and-inkportraitofSincereinhisPeopleofthePilgrimageisevenbetterthanBennett’sexcellentdrawing。’SincereissofterinoutlineandfeaturethanWatchful。Hiseyeisfull-openandlucid，withafaceofmingledexpressivenessandstrength——alovable，lowly，pure-

spiritedman——candid，considerate，willing，cheerful——notspeakingmanywords，andneveranybuttruewords。’Happysheepthathavesuchashepherd！Happypeople！ifonlyanypeopleintheChurchofChristcouldhavesuchapastor。

Itissurelytoolate，toolateortooearly，tobegintoputteststoaminister’ssincerityafterhehasbeenlicensedandcalledandisnowstandinginthepresenceofhispresbyteryandsurroundedwithhiscongregation。Itisatremendousenoughquestiontoputtoanymanatanytime:’ArenotzealforthehonourofGod，lovetoJesusChrist，anddesireofsavingsoulsyourgreatmotivesandchiefinducementtoenterintothefunctionoftheholyministry？’

Amanwhodoesnotunderstandwhatitisyouaresayingtohimwilljustmakethesamebowtotheseawfulwordsthathemakestoallyourotherconventionalquestions。Buttheolderhegrowsinhisministry，andthemorehecomestodiscovertheincurableplagueofhisownheart，andwiththatthewholemeaningandfullweightofyouroverwhelmingwords，themorewillheshrinkbackfromhavingsuchquestionsaddressedtohim。FoolswillrushinwhereMosesandIsaiahandJeremiahandPeterandPaulfearedtosettheirfoot。Paulwastobesatisfiedifonlyhewasletdotheworkofaministerallhisdaysandthenwasnotattheendmadeacastaway。

Andyet，writingtothesamechurch，Paulsaysthathissincerityamongthemhadbeensuchthathecouldholduphisministeriallifelikespotlesslinenbetweentheeyeofhisconscienceandthesun。

ButallthatwaswrittenandistobereadandunderstoodasPaul’sidealthathehadhonestlylabouredafter，ratherthanasanactualattainmenthehadarrivedat。GreatasPaul’sattainmentswereinhumility，inpurityofintention，andinsimplicityandsincerityofheart，yetthemindofChristwasnotsogiveneventoHismostgiftedapostle，thathecouldseriouslysaythathehadattainedtosuchutteringenuity，simplicity，disengagementfromhimself，andsurrendertoChrist，astobeabletofacethesunwithaspotlessministry。Allheeversaysathisboldestandbestonthatgreatmatteristobereadinthelightofhisuniversallawofpersonalandapostolicimperfection——NotthatIhaveattained，eitheramalreadyperfect；butIfollowafter。AndblessedbeGodthatthisisallthatHelooksforinanyofHisministers，thattheyfollowalltheirdaysafteramoreandmoregodlysincerity。Itwastheapostle’sloveofabsolutesincerity，——and，especially，itwashisbitterhatredofalltheremainingdregsofinsinceritythathefromtimetotimedetectedinhisownheart，——itwasthisthatgavehimhisgoodconsciencebeforeaGodofpityandcompassion，truthandgrace。Andwithsomethingofthesameloveofperfectsincerity，accompaniedwithsomethingofthesamehatredofinsincerityandofourselvesonaccountofit，we，too，towardthissameGodofpityandcompassion，willholdupaconsciencethatwouldfainbeagoodconscience。Andtillitisagoodconscienceweshallholdupwithitabrokenheart。Andthatgenuineloveofallsincerity，andthatequallygenuinehatredofallremaininginsincerity，willmakeallourministerialwork，asitmadeallPaul’sapostolicwork，notonlyacceptable，butwillalsomakeitsverydefectsanddefeatsbothacceptableandfruitfulintheestimationandresultofGod。ItsohappensthatIamreadingformyownprivatepurposesatthismomentanoldbookof1641，DrexiliusOnaRightIntention，andIcannotdobetteratthispointthansharewithyouthepageIamjustreading。’Nottobetoomuchtroubledordauntedatanycrossevent，’hesays，’isthehappystateofhismindwhohasenteredonanyenterprisewithapureandpiousintention。ThatgreatapostleJamesgainednomorethaneightpersonsinallSpainwhenhewascalledtolaydownhisheadunderHerod’ssword。AndwasnotGodreadytogivethesamerewardtoJamesastothosewhoconvertedkingsandwholekingdoms？

SurelyHewas。ForGoddoesnotgiveHisministersachargeastowhattheyshalleffect，butonlyastowhattheyshallintendtoeffect。Wherefore，whenhisartfailethaservantofGod，whennothinggoesforward，wheneverythingturnethtohisruin，evenwhenhishopeisutterlyvoid，heisscarceonewhittroubled；forthis，saithhetohimself，isnotinmypower，butinGod’spoweralone。IhavedonewhatIcould。Ihavedonewhatwasfitformetodo。FairandfoulisallofGod’sdisposing。’

And，then，thissimplicityandpurityofintentiongivesaministerthatfinecombinationofcandourandconsideratenesswhichwesawtoexisttogethersoharmoniouslyinthecharacterofSincere。

Suchaministerisnottongue-tiedwithsinisterandselfishintentions。HissinceritytowardGodgiveshimamasterfulpositionamonghispeople。Hiswordsofrebukeandwarninggostraighttohispeople’sconsciencesbecausetheycomestraightoutofhisownconscience。Hiswordsaretheirownwitnessthatheisneitherfearinghispeoplenorfawninguponhispeopleinspeakingtothem。And，then，suchcandourpreparesthewayfortheutmostconsideratenesswhenthepropertimecomesforconsiderateness。

Suchaministerispatientwiththestupid，andevenwiththewickedandtheinjurious，becauseinalltheirstupidityandwickednessandinjuriousnesstheyhaveonlyinjuredandimpoverishedthemselves。AndifGodisfullofpatienceandpityfortheignorantandtheevilandtheoutoftheway，thenHissincere-heartedministerisofallmentheverymantocarrythedivinemessageofforgivenessandinstructiontosuchsinners。

Yes，Mr。BainmusthaveseenSincerecloselyandinaclearlightwhenhetookdownthisfinefeatureofhischaracter，thatheisatoncecandidandconsiderate——withawholefaceofmingledexpressivenessandstrength。

Writingaboutsincerityandarightintentioninyoungministers，oldDrexiliussays:’WhenIturntoclergymen，Iwouldhavesighsandgroanstospeakforme。For，alas！Iamafraidthattherebefoundsomewhichcomeintotheministry，notthattheymayobtainaholyofficeinwhichtospendtheirlife，butforworseends。Toentertheministrywithanaughtyintentionistocomestraighttodestruction。Letnoministerthinkatanytimeofabetterliving，butonlyatalltimesofaholierlife。Wherefore，Oministersandspiritualmen，considerandtakeheed。Therecanbenosafeguidetoyourofficebutaright，sincere，pureintention。Whosoevercomethtoitwithanyotherconductorcompanionmusteitherreturntohisformerstateoflife，orhereheshallcertainlyperish……Whatismorecommendableinareligiousmanthantobealwaysinactionandtobeexercisedonewhileinteachingtheignorant，anotherwhileincomfortingsuchasaretroubledinmind，sometimesinmakingsermons，andsometimesinadmonishingthesick？Butwithwhatsecretmalignitydothawrongintentioninsinuateitselfintotheseveryactionsthatarethemostreligious！Forofttimeswedesirenothingelsebuttobedoing。Wedesiretobecomepublic，notthatwemayprofitmany，butbecausewehavenotlearnedhowtobeprivate。Weseekfordiversemployments，notthatwemayavoididleness，butthatwemaycomeintopeople’sknowledge。Wedespiseasmallnumberofhearers，andsuchasarepoor，simple，andrustical，andletflyourendeavoursatmoreeminentchairs，thoughnotinapparentpursuit；allwhichistheplainargumentofacorruptintention。Oyethatwaituponreligion，OministersofGod，thisistosellmosttranscendentwaresataverylowrate——

nay，thisistocastthem，andyourselvestoo，intothefire。’

Therearesomeoutstandingtemptationstoinsincerityinsomeministersthatmustbepointedouthere。(1)Ministerswithawarmrhetoricaltemperamentarebesetcontinuallywiththetemptationtopileupfalsefireonthealtar；todilate，thatis，bothintheirprayersandintheirsermons，uponcertaintopicsinastylethatisfullofinsincerity。Ministerswhohavenorealholdofdivinethingsinthemselveswillyetfilltheirpulpithourwiththemostfloridandaffectingpicturesofsacredandevenofevangelicalthings。ThisiswhatourshrewdandsatiricalpeoplemeanwhentheysayofusthatSo-and-sohasagreatSOUGHofthegospelinhispreaching，buttheSOUGHonly。(2)Anotherkindredtemptationtoeventhebestandtruestofministersistomakepulpitappealsabouttheevilofsinandthenecessityofaholylifethattheythemselvesdonotfeelanddonotattempttoliveupto。Butlerhasaterriblepassageontheheart-hardeningeffectsofmakingpicturesofvirtueandnevertryingtoputthosepicturesintopractice。AndreadersofNewmanwillrememberhispowerfulapplicationofthissametemptationtoliterarymeninhisfinesermononUnrealWords。(3)Anothertemptationistoaffectaninterestinourpeopleandasympathywiththemthatwedonotinrealityfeel。Allhumanlifeisfullofthistemptationtodouble-

dealingandhypocrisy；but，then，itislargepartofaminister’sofficetofeelwithandforhispeople，andtogivethetenderestandthemostsacredexpressiontothatfeeling。And，unlessheisamanofascrupulouslysincere，true，andtenderheart，hisdailydutieswillsoondevelophimintoasolemnhypocrite。Andifhefeelsonlyforhisownpeople，andforthemonlywhentheybecomeandaslongastheyremainhisownpeople，thenhisinsincerityandimpostureisonlythemoreabominableinthesightofGod。(4)

ArchbishopWhately，withthatstrongEnglishcommonsenseandthatcultivatedclear-headednessthatalmostmakehimawriterofgenius，pointsoutaviewofsinceritythatitbehovesministersespeciallytocultivateinthemselves。Hetellsusnotonlytoactalwaysaccordingtoourconvictions，butalsotoseethatourconvictionsaretrueandunbiassedconvictions。Itisaverysuperficialsincerityevenwhenweactuallybelievewhatweprofesstobelieve。Butthatisafardeeperandafarnoblersinceritywhichwatcheswithastrictandseverejealousyovertheformationofourbeliefsandconvictions。Ministersmust，firstforthemselvesandthenfortheirpeople，livefardeeperdownthanothermen。Theymustbeathomeamongtheroots，notofactionsonly，butmuchmoreofconvictions。Wemayacthonestlyenoughoutofourpresentconvictionsandprinciples，while，allthetime，ourconvictionsandourprinciplesarevitiatedatbottombytheselfishgroundtheyultimatelystandin。Letministers，then，tobeginwith，livedeepdownamongtherootsoftheiropinionsandtheirbeliefs。Letthemnotonlyfleefrombeingconsciouslyinsincereandhypocriticalmen；letthemkeeptheireyeliketheeyeofGodcontinuallyonthatdeepgroundofthesoulwheresomanymenunknowntothemselvesdeceivethemselves。And，thusexercised，theyshallbeableoutofadeepandcleanhearttorisefarabovethattrimmingandhedgingandself-seekingandself-

shelteringindisputedandunpopularquestionswhichissuchatemptationtoallmen，andissuchashameandscandalinaminister。

Now，mygoodfriends，wehavekeptallthistimetothefourthshepherdandtohisnoblename，butletuslookinclosingatsomeofhissheep，——thatistosay，atourselves。Forisitnotsaidintheprophet:Yemyflock，theflockofmypasture，aremen，andI

amyourGod，saiththeLordGod。All，therefore，thathasbeensaidaboutthesincerityandinsincerityofministersistobesaidequallyoftheirpeoplealsoinalltheirspecialandpeculiarwalksoflife。Sincerityisasnobleavirtue，andinsincerityisasdetestableavice，inadoctor，oralawyer，oraschoolmaster，oramerchant，——almost，ifnotaltogether，asmuchsoasinaminister。Yourinsincerityandhypocrisyinyourdailyintercoursewithyourfriendsandneighboursisamiserableenoughstateofmind，butattherootofallthatthereliesyourradicalinsinceritytowardGodandyourownsoul。InhisChristianPerfectionWilliamLawintroduceshisreaderstoacharactercalledJulius，whogoesregularlytoprayers，andthereconfesseshimselftobeamiserablesinnerwhohasnohealthinhim；andyetthatsameJuliuscannotbeartobeinformedofanyimperfectionorsuspectedtobewantinginanykindordegreeofvirtue。Now，Lawasks，cantherebeastrongerproofthatJuliusiswantinginthesincerityofhisdevotions？Isitnotasplainasanythingcanbethatthatman’sconfessionsofsinareonlywordsofcourse，acertaincivilityofsacredspeechinwhichhishearthasnotasingleatomofshare？Juliusconfesseshimselftobeingreatweakness，corruption，disorder，andinfirmity，andyetheismortallyangrywithyouifatanytimeyouremotelyandtenderlyhintthathemaybejustashadewronginhisopinions，oronehair’s-breadthoffwhatissquareandcorrectinhisactions。Looktoyourself，Julius，andtoyourinsincereheart。Looktoyourselfatalltimes，butaboveallothertimesatthetimesandintheplacesofyourdevotions。Tentoone，myhearerofto-night，youmayneverhavethoughtofthatbefore。AndwhatwouldyouthinkifyouweretoldthatthisSincereshepherdwasappointedusforthisevening’sdiscourse，andthatyouwereleduptothishouse，justthatyoumighthaveyourattentionturnedtoyourmanymiserableinsinceritiesofallkinds，butespeciallytoyoursoJulius-likedevotions？’AndNathansaiduntoDavid，Thouarttheman。AndDavidsaiduntoNathan，IhavesinnedagainsttheLord。’

What，then，mytrulymiserablefellow-sinnerandfellow-worshipper，whatarewetodo？AmItogiveuppreachingaltogetherbecauseI

amcontinuallycarriedonundertheimpulseofthepulpitfarbeyondbothmyattainmentsandmyintentions？AmItoceasefrompublicprayeraltogetherbecausewhenengagedinitIamcompelledtoutterwordsofcontritionandconfessionandsupplicationthatlittleagreewiththeeverydaytemperandsensibilityofmysoul？

AndamIwhollytoeschewpastoralworkbecausemyheartisnotsoabsolutelycleanandsimpleandsinceretowardallmyownpeopleandtowardotherministers’peopleasitoughttobe？No！Never！

Never！Letmeratherkeepmyheartofsuchearthandslaginthehottestplaceoftemptation，andthen，suchhumiliatingdiscoveriesasaretherecontinuallybeingmadetomeofmyselfwillsurelyatlastemptymeofallself-righteousnessandself-sufficiency，andmakemeattheendofmyministry，ifnottillthen，thepenitentpastorofapenitentpeople。Andwhenthuspenitent，thensurely，alsosomewhatmoresincereinmydesignsandintentions，ifnoteventheninmyattainmentsandperformances。

’OEternalGod，Whohastmadeallthingsforman，andmanforThyglory，sanctifymybodyandmysoul，mythoughtsandmyintentions，mywordsandmyactions，thatwhatsoeverIshallthinkorspeakordomaybebymedesignedtothegloryofThyname。OGod，turnmynecessitiesintovirtue，andtheworksofnatureintotheworksofgrace，bymakingthemorderly，regular，temperate，subordinate，andprofitabletoendsbeyondtheirownproperefficacy。Andletnoprideorself-seeking，nocovetousnessorrevenge，noimpuremixturesorunhandsomepurposes，nolittleendsandlowimaginations，pollutemyspiritorunhallowanyofmywordsoractions。Butletmybodybetheservantofmyspirit，andbothsoulandbodyservantsofmyLord，that，doingallthingsforThygloryhere，ImaybemadeapartakerofThygloryhereafter；

throughJesusChrist，myLord。Amen。’

Footnotes:

{1}DeliveredontheSabbathbeforeCommunion。

{2}DeliveredJune26th，1892，ontheeveofageneralelection。

EndBunyanCharacters(SecondSeries)

byAlexanderWhyteD。D。

LecturesdeliveredinSt。George’sFreeChurchEdinburghIGNORANCE”Iwasalivewithoutthelawonce。”——Paul。”Iwasnowabrisktalkeralsomyselfinthematterofreligion。”——

Bunyan。

Thisisanewkindofpilgrim。Therearenotmanypilgrimslikethisbrightbriskyouth。Afewmoreyounggentlemenlikethis，andthepilgrimagewaywouldpositivelysoonbecomefashionableandpopular，andbethethingtodo。Hadyoumetwiththisyounggentlemaninsociety，hadyounoticedhimbeginningtocomeaboutyourchurch，youwouldhavelostnotimeinfindingoutwhohewas。

Icanwellbelieveit，youwouldhavereplied。Indeed，Ifeltsureofit。Imustaskhimtothehouse。Iwasquitestruckwithhisappearanceandhismanners。Yes；askhimatoncetoyourhouse；

showhimsomepointedattentionsandyouwillneverregretit。Forifhegoestothebarandworksevendecentlyathiscases，hewillbefirstasheriffandthenajudgeinnotime。Ifheshouldtaketopolitics，hewillbeanunder-secretarybeforehisfirstparliamentisout。Andifhetakestothechurch，whichisnotatallunlikely，ourWest-endcongregationswillallbecompetingforhimastheirjuniorcolleague；and，ifheelectseitherofourEstablishedchurchestoexercisehisprofessioninit，hewillhavedinedwithHerMajestywhilehalfofhisclass-fellowsarestillhalf-starvedprobationers。Societyfatherswillpointhimoutwithangertotheirunsuccessfulsons，andsocietymotherswillsmileundertheireyelidsastheyseehimhangingovertheirdaughters。

Well，asthishandsomeandwell-appointedyouthsteppedoutofhisownneatlittlelaneintotheroughroadonwhichourtwopilgrimswerestaggeringupward，hefeltsomewhatashamedtobeseenintheircompany。AndIdonotwonder。Foragreatercontrastyouwouldnothaveseenonanyroadinallthatcountrythatday。Hewasatyourveryfirstsightofhimagentlemanandthesonofagentleman。Alittleover-dressedperhaps；as，also，alittleloftytothetworatherbatteredbutotherwisedecentenoughmenwho，beingsomucholderthanhe，tookthelibertyoffirstaccostinghim。”Brisk”ishisbiographer’sdescriptionofhim。Feather-

headed，flippant，andalmostimpudent，youmighthavebeentemptedtosayofhimhadyoujoinedthelittlepartyatthatmoment。Butthosetwotumbled，broken-winded，and，indeed，broken-heartedoldmenhadbeen，asanoldauthorsays，soemptiedfromvesseltovessel——theyhadhadalifeofsuchsloughsandstiffclimbs——theyhadbeeninhungerandthirst，incoldandnakednesssooften——thatitwasnowonderthattheirdandiacalcompanionwalkedonalittleaheadofthem。’Gentlemen，’hisfineclothesandhiscaneandhisheadintheairallsaidtohistwosomewhatdisreputable-lookingfellow-travellers，——”Gentlemen，youbeutterstrangerstome:I

knowyounot。And，besides，Itakemypleasureinwalkingalone，evenmoreagreatdealthanincompany，unlessIlikeitbetter。”

Butallhissocietymanners，andallhiscostlyandwell-keptclothes，andallhiseasyandself-confidentairsdidnotimposeuponthetwowaryoldpilgrims。Theyhadseentoomuchoftheworld，andhadbeentoolongmixingamongallkindsofpilgrims，youngandold，trueandfalse，tobeeasilyimposedupon。Besides，asonecouldseefromtheirweather-beatenfaces，andtheirthreadbaregarments，theyhadfoundtheupwardwaysodreadfullydifficultthattheybothfeltarealapprehensionastothefutureofthislight-heartedandlight-headedyouth。”Youmayfindsomedifficultyatthegate，”somewhatbluntlybrokeintheoldestofthetwopilgrimsontheiryoungcomrade。”Ishall，nodoubt，doatthegateasothergoodpeopledo，”repliedtheyounggentlemanbriskly。”Butwhathaveyoutoshowatthegatethatmaycausethatthegatebeopenedtoyou？””Why，IknowmyLord’swill，andIhavebeenagoodliverallmydays，andIpayeverymanhisown。

Ipray，moreover，andIfast。Ipaytithes，andgivealms，andhaveleftmycountryforwhitherIamgoing。”Now，beforewegofurther:Doallyouyounggentlemendoasmuchasthat？Haveyoualwaysbeengoodlivers？Haveyoupaideverymanandwomantheirdue？Doyoupraytobecalledprayer？And，ifso，when，andwhere，andwhatfor，andhowlongatatime？Idonotaskifyourprivateprayer-bookislikeBishopAndrewes’Devotions，whichwassoreducedtopulpwithtearsandsweatandtheclenchingofhisagonisinghandsthathisliteraryexecutorswerewithdifficultyabletodecipherit。ClitointheChristianPerfectionwassoexpeditiouswithhisprayersthatheusedtoboastthathecouldbothdressanddohisdevotionsinaquarterofanhour。Whatwasthelongesttimeyouevertooktodressorundressandsayyourprayers？Then，again，thereisanotherAnglicanyounggentlemaninthesameHighChurchbookwhoalwaysfastsonGoodFridayandtheThirtiethofJanuary。Didyoueverdenyyourselfaglassofwineoracigaroranoperaticketforthechurchorthepoor？Couldyouhonestlysaythatyouknowwhattithesare？Andisthereapoormanorwomanorchildinthiswholecitywhowillbyanychanceputyournameintotheirprayersandpraisesatbedtimeto-

night？IamafraidtherearenotmanyyounggentlemeninthishousetonightwhocouldcastastoneatthatbriskladIgnorance，Vain-Hope，doorinthesideofthehill，andall。Hewasnotfarfromthekingdomofheaven；indeed，hegotuptotheverygateofit。Howmanyofyouwillgethalfasfar？

Now(whatthinkyou？)，wasitnotaveryboldthinginJohnBunyan，whoseowndescentwasofsuchalowandinconsiderablegeneration，hisfather’shousebeingofthatrankthatismeanestandmostdespisedofallthefamiliesintheland——wasitnotalmosttooboldinsuchaclowntotakesuchagentleman-scholarasSaulofTarsus，thefutureApostleoftheLord，andputhimintothePilgrim’sProgress，andtheregoontodescribehimasaverybriskladandnicknamehimwiththenicknameofIgnorance？For，inknowledgeofallkindstobecalledknowledge，Gamaliel’sgoldmedallistcouldhaveboughttheunletteredtinkerofElstowinoneendofthemarketandsoldhimintheother。AndnobodyknewthatbetterthanBunyandid。Andyetsuchalionwasheforthetruth，suchadiscipleofLutherwashe，andsuchadefenderandpreacheroftheonedoctrineofastandingorfallingchurch，thathefillspageafterpagewiththecrassignoranceoftheotherwisemostlearnedofalltheNewTestamentmen。BunyandoesnotaccusetherisinghopeofthePhariseesofschoolorofsynagogueignorance。

ThatyoungHebrewRabbikneweveryjotandtittleofthelawofMoses，andalltheaccumulatedtraditionsofthefatherstoboot。

ButBunyanhasPaulhimselfwithhimwhenheaccusesandconvictsSaulofanabsolutelybrutishignoranceofhisownheartandhiddennature。Thatsoverybriskladwasalwaysboastinginhimselfofthedayonwhichhewascircumcised，andoftheoldstockofwhichhehadcome；ofhistribe，ofhiszeal，ofhisblamelessness，andoftheprofithehadmadeofhiseducationalandecclesiasticalopportunities。WhereasBunyanisfaintosayofhimselfinhisGraceAboundingthatheis”notabletoboastofnoblebloodorofahigh-bornstateaccordingtotheflesh。Though，allthingsconsidered，ImagnifytheHeavenlyMajestyforthatbythisdoorHebroughtmeintothisworldtopartakeofthegraceandlifethatisinChristbytheGospel。”

Aswelistentotheconversationthatgoesonbetweenthetwooldpilgrimsandthissmartlyappointedyouth，wefindthemstrivinghard，butwithoutanysignofsuccess，toconvincehimofsomeofthethingsfromwhichhegetshissomewhatseverename。Foronething，theyatlastbluntlytoldhimthatheevidentlydidnotknowtheveryABCabouthimself。Till，whentoohardpressedbythemoreruthlessofthetwooldmen，theexasperatedyouthatlastfranklyburstout:”Iwillneverbelievethatmyheartisthusbad！”ThereisawarmtouchofBunyan’sownexperiencehere，mixedupwithhissodramaticdevelopmentofPaul’smorselsofautobiographythatheletsdropinhisEpistlestothePhilippiansandtotheGalatians。”NowwasIbecomegodly；nowIwasbecomearighthonestman。ThoughasyetIwasnothingbutapoorpaintedhypocrite，yetIwasproudofmygodliness。IreadmyBible，butasforPaul’sEpistles，andsuchlikeScriptures，Icouldnotawaywiththem；being，asyet，butignorantbothofthecorruptionsofmynatureandofthewantandworthofJesusChristtosaveme。

Thenewbirthdidneverentermymind，neitherknewIthedeceitfulnessandtreacheryofmyownwickedheart。Andasforsecretthoughts，Itooknonoticeofthem。”Mybrethren，oldandyoung，whatdoyouthinkofallthat？Whathaveyoutosaytoallthat？Doesallthatnotopenawindowandletafloodofdaylightintoyourownbreast？Iamsureitdoes。Thatisthebestportraitofyouthateverwaspainted。Doyounotseeyourselfthereasinaglass？Anddoyounotturnwithdisgustandloathingfromthestupidandfoolishface？Youcomplainandtellstoriesabouthowimpostorsandcheatsandliarshavecometoyourdoorandhaveimpudentlythrustthemselvesintoyourinnermostrooms；butyourownheart，ifyouonlyknewit，isdeceitfulfarabovethemall。Notthehumanheartasitstandsinconfessions，andincatechisms，andindeepreligiousbooks，butyourownheartthatbeatsoutitsblood-poisonofself-deceit，anddarkness，anddeathdayandnightcontinually。”Myheartisagoodheart，”saidthatpoorill-brought-upboy，whowasalreadydestroyedbyhisfatherandhismotherforlackofself-knowledge。Ientirelygrantyouthatthosetwooldsinnersbythistimeweretakingverypessimisticandverymelancholyviewsofhumannature，and，therefore，ofeveryhumanbeing，youngandold。Theyknewthatnolanguagehadeverbeencoinedinanyscripture，orcreed，orcatechism，orsecretdiaryofthedeepestpenitent，thatevenhalfutteredtheirownevilhearts；andtheyhadlivedlongenoughtoseethatweareallcutoutofoneweb，arealldyedinonevat，andareallcorruptedbeyondallaccusationorconfessioninAdam’scorruption。Buthowwasthatpoor，mishandledladtoknoworbelieveallthat？Hecouldnot。Itwasimpossible。”Yougosofast，gentlemen，thatIcannotkeeppacewithyou。GoyouonbeforeandIwillstayawhilebehind。ThensaidChristiantohiscompanion:”Itpitiesmemuchforthispoorlad，foritwillcertainlygoillwithhimatlast。””Alas！”saidHopeful，”thereareabundanceinourtowninhiscondition:wholefamilies，yea，wholestreets，andthatofpilgrimstoo。”Isyourfamilysuchafamilyasthis？AndareyouyourselfjustsuchapilgrimasIgnorancewas，andareyouhasteningontojustsuchanend？

Andthen，asaconsequence，beingwhollyignorantofhisowncorruptionandcondemnationinthesightofGod，thismiserablemanmustremainignorantandoutsideofallthatGodhasdoneinChristforcorruptandcondemnedmen。”IbelievethatChristdiedforsinnersandthatIshallbejustifiedbeforeGodfromthecursethroughHisgraciousacceptanceofmyobediencetoHislaw。Or，then，totakeitthisway，ChristmakesmydutiesthatarereligiousacceptabletoHisFatherbyvirtueofHismerits，andsoshallIbejustified。”Now，Iverifybelievethatnineoutoftenoftheyoungmenwhoarehereto-nightwouldsubscribethatstatementandneversuspecttherewasanythingwrongwithitorwiththemselves。Andyet，whatdoesChristian，who，inthismatter，isjustJohnBunyan，whoagainisjustthewordofGod——

whatdoestheoldpilgrimsaytothisconfessionofthisyoungpilgrim’sfaith？”Ignoranceisthyname，”hesays，”andasthynameis，soartthou:eventhisthyanswerdemonstratethwhatI

say。Ignorantthouartofwhatjustifyingrighteousnessis，andasignoranthowtosecurethysoulthroughthefaithofitfromtheheavywrathofGod。Yea，thoualsoartignorantofthetrueeffectofsavingfaithinthisrighteousnessofChrist’s，whichistobowandwinoverthehearttoGodinChrist，toloveHisname，Hisword，Hisways，andHispeople。”Paulsumsupallhisownearlylifeinthisoneword，”ignorantofGod’srighteousness。””Goingabout，”hesaysalso，”toestablishourownrighteousness，notsubmittingourselvestobejustifiedbytherighteousnessthatGodhasprovidedwithsuchwisdomandgrace，andatsuchacostinHisSonJesusChrist。”Now，youngmen，Idefyyoutobebetterborn，betterbroughtup，ortohavebetterprospectsthanSaulofTarsushad。Idefyyoutohaveprofitedmorebyallyouropportunitiesandadvantagesthanhehaddone。Idefyyoutobemoreblamelessinyouropeningmanhoodthanhewas。Andyetitallwentlikesmokewhenhegotatruesightofhimself，and，withthat，atruesightofChristandHisjustifyingrighteousness。Readathometo-

night，andreadwhenalone，whatthatgreatmanofGodsaysaboutallthatinhisclassicalepistletothePhilippians，andrefusetosleeptillyouhavemadethesamesubmission。And，to-night，andallyourdays，letSUBMISSION，Paul’ssplendidsubmission，bethesoulandspiritofallyourreligiouslife。SubmissiontobesearchedbyGod’sholylawasbyalightedcandle:submissiontobejustifiedfromallthatthatcandlediscovers:submissiontotakeChristasyourlifeandrighteousness，sanctificationandredemption:andsubmissionofyourmindandyourwillandyourhearttoHimatalltimesandinallthings。Nay，staystill，andsaywhereyousit，Lord，Isubmit。Isubmitonthespottobepardoned。Isubmitnowtobesaved。IsubmitinallthingsfromthisveryhourandhouseofGodnotanylongertobemineown，buttobeThine，OGod，Thine，Thine，forever，inJesusChristThySonandmySaviour！”But，oneday，asIwaspassinginthefield，andthat，too，withsomedashesinmyconscience，fearinglestallwasnotright，suddenlythissentencefelluponmysoul，ThyRighteousnessisinheaven！And，methought，IsawwiththeeyesofmysoulJesusChristatGod’srighthand。There，Isaw，wasmyRighteousness。I

alsosaw，moreover，thatitwasnotmygoodframeofheartthatmademyRighteousnessbetter，normybadframeofheartthatmademyRighteousnessworse:formyRighteousnesswasJesusChristHimself，thesameyesterday，andto-day，andforever。’TwasglorioustometoseeHisexaltation，andtheworthandprevalencyofHisbenefits。AndthatbecauseIcouldnowlookfrommyselftoHimandshouldreckonthatallthosegracesofGodthatwerenowgreeninmewereyetbutlikethosecrack-groatsandfour-pencehalfpenniesthatrichmencarryintheirpurseswhentheirgoldisintheirtrunksathome！Oh，Isawthatdaythatmygoldwasallinmytrunkathome！EveninChrist，myLordandSaviour！Now，Christwasalltome:allmywisdom，allmyrighteousness，allmysanctificationandallmyredemption。””MethinksinthisGodspeaks，Notinkerhathsuchpower。”

LITTLE-FAITH”Othouoflittlefaith。”——OurLord。

Little-Faith，letitneverbeforgotten，was，allthetime，agoodman。Withallhismistakesabouthimself，withhissadmisadventure，withallhislossofbloodandofmoney，andwithhiswholeafter-lifetimeofdolefulandbittercomplaints，——allthetime，Little-Faithwasallthrough，inaway，agoodman。Tokeepusrightonthisall-importantpoint，andtopreventourbeingprematurelyprejudicedagainstthispilgrimbecauseofhissomewhatprejudicialname——becausegiveadogabadname，youknow，andyouhadbetterhanghimoutofhandatonce——because，Isay，ofthispilgrim’ssomewhatsuspiciousname，hisscrupulouslyjust，and，indeed，kindlyaffectedbiographersaysofhim，andsaysitofhimnotoncenortwice，butoverandoverandoveragain，thatthisLittle-Faithwasreallyallthetimeatrulygoodman。And，morethanthat，thisgoodman’sgoodnesswasnotanewthingwithhimitwasnotathingofyesterday。Thismanhad，happilytobeginwith，agoodfatherandagoodmother。AndiftherewasagoodtowninallthosepartsforaboytobebornandbroughtupinitwassurelythetownofSincere。”Trainupachildinthewayheshouldgo，andwhenheisoldhewillnotdepartfromit。”Well，Little-

Faithhadbeensotrainedupbothbyhisfatherandhismotherandhisschoolmasterandhisminister，andhenevercosteitherofthemasoreheartorevenanhour’ssleep。Onewhoknewhimwell，aswell，indeed，asonlyoneyoungmanknowsanother，hasbeenfaintotestify，whensuspicionshavebeencastonthepurityandintegrityofhisyouth，thatnothingwilldescribethispilgrimsowellinthedaysofhisyouthasjustthosebeautifulwordsoutoftheNewTestament——”anexampletoallyoungmeninword，inconversation，incharity，inspirit，infaitheven，andinpurity”——andthat，iftherewasoneyoungmaninallthattownofSincerewhokepthisgarmentsunspotteditwasjustourpilgrimofto-night。Yes，saidonewhohadknownhimallhisdays，ifthechildisthefatheroftheman，thenLittle-Faith，asyousounaccountablytomecallhim，musthavebeenallalongagoodman。

ItwassaidlongagoinVanityFairaboutourpresentPremierthatifhewereaworsemanhewouldbeabetterstatesman。Now，IdonotrepeatthatinthisplacebecauseIagreewithit，butbecauseithelpstoillustrate，assometimesaviolentparadoxwillhelptoillustrate，atruththatdoesnotlieallatonceonthesurface。

ButitisnoparadoxorextravaganceoranythingbutthesimpletruthtosaythatifLittle-Faithhadhadmoreandearlierdiscoveriesmadetohimoftheinnateevilofhisownheart，evenifithadbeenbythatinnateevilburstingoutofhisheartandlayingwastehisgoodlife，hewouldeitherhavebeendrivenoutofhislittlefaithaltogetherordrivenintoafardeeperfaith。HadthecommandmentcometohiminthemanneritcametoPaul；haditcomesoasthatthesinfulnessofhisinwardnaturehadrevived，asPaulsays，underitsentrance；then，eitherhisgreatgoodnessorhislittlefaithmusthavethereandthendied。God’struthandman’sgoodnesscannotdwelltogetherinthesameheart。Eitherthetruthwillkillthegoodness，orthegoodnesswillkillthetruth。

Little-Faith，inshort，wassuchagoodman，andhadalwaysbeensuchagoodman，andhadledsuchaneasylifeinconsequence，thathisfaithhadnotbeenmuchexercised，andthereforehadnotgrown，asitmusthavebeenexercisedandmusthavegrown，hadhenotbeensuchagoodman。Inshort，andtoputitbluntly，hadLittle-Faithbeenaworsesinner，hewouldhavebeenabettersaint。”Ofelixculpa！”exclaimedachurchfather；”Ohappyfault，whichfoundforussinnerssuchaRedeemer。”AnapostrophewhichBishopKenhasputintothesefourboldlines-”WhatAdamdidamiss，Turnedtoourendlessbliss；

Ohappysin，whichtoatone，DrewFilialGodtoleaveHisthrone。”

AndJohnCalvin，thesoberestofmen，supportsAugustine，themostimpulsiveofmen，insayingthesamething。AllthingswhichhappentothesaintsaresooverruledbyGodthatwhattheworldregardsaseviltheissueshowstobegood。ForwhatAugustinesaysistrue，thateventhesinsofsaintsare，throughtheguidingprovidenceofGod，sofarfromdoingharmtothem，that，onthecontrary，theyservetoadvancetheirsalvation。AndRichardHooker，atheologian，ifpossible，stillmorejudiciousthanevenJohnCalvin，saysonthissamesubjectandinsupportofthesamegreatfather，”IamnotafraidtoaffirmitboldlywithSt。

AugustinethatmenpuffedupthroughaproudopinionoftheirownsanctityandholinessreceiveabenefitatthehandsofGod，andareassistedwithHisgrace，whenwithHisgracetheyarenotassisted，butpermitted，andthatgrievously，totransgress。AsktheverysoulofPeter，anditshallundoubtedlymakeyouitselfthisanswer:Myeagerprotestations，madeinthegloryofmyghostlystrength，Iamashamedof；butthosecrystaltears，wherewithmysinandweaknesswerebewailed，haveprocuredmyendlessjoy:mystrengthhathbeenmyruin，andmyfallmystay。”

AndourownSamuelRutherfordisnotlikelytobeleftfarbehindbythebestofthemwhenthegraceofGodistobemagnified。”HadsinneverbeenweshouldhavewantedthemysteriousEmmanuel，theBeloved，theChiefamongtenthousand，Christ，God-man，theSaviourofsinners。For，nosicksinners，nosoul-physicianofsinners；nocaptive，noRedeemer；noslaveofhell，nolovelyransom-payerofheaven。MaryMagdalenewithhersevendevils，Paulwithhishandssmokingwiththebloodofthesaints，andwithhisheartsickwithmaliceandblasphemyagainstChristandHisChurch，andalltherestofthewashenoneswhoserobesaremadefairinthebloodoftheLamb，andallthemultitudethatnomancannumberinthatbestoflands，areallbutbitsoffreegrace。Owhatadepthofunsearchablewisdomtocontrivethatlovelyplotoffreegrace。

Come，allintellectualcapacities，andwarmyourheartsatthisfire。Come，allyecreatedfaculties，andsmellthepreciousointmentofChrist。Ohcome，sitdownunderHisshadowandeattheapplesoflife。Ohthatangelswouldcome，andgenerationsofmen，andwonder，andadmire，andfalldownbeforetheunsearchablewisdomofthisgospel-artoftheunsearchablerichesofChrist！”