The Pulpit, whether we view it with the eye of the Legislator watching for the welfare of the state; of the Learned, jealous for public science and taste; of the Moral Philosopher, anxious for the virtue of the community; or of the devout Christian, weighing every thing in the balance of eternity;-the Pulpit must, in every light, appear an object of vast importance.-Eclectic Review. The pulpit has spoken all languages, and in all sorts of style. It has partaken of all the customs of the schools, the theatres, and the courts of all the countries where it has been erected. It has been a seat of wisdom, and a sink of nonsense. It has been filled by the best and the worst of men. It has proved in some hands a trumpet of sedition, and in others a source of peace and consolation. But on a fair balance, collected from authentic history, there would be no proportion between the benefits and the mischief which mankind have derived from it; so much do the advantages of it preponderate! In a word, evangelical preaching has been, and yet continues to be, reputed foolishness, but real wisdom, a wisdom and a power by which it pleaseth God to save the souls of men.-R. Robinson. COLLECT FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT. O Lord Jesus Christ, who at thy first coming didst send thy messenger to prepare thy way before thee, grant that the ministers and stewards of thy mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready thy way by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that, at thy second coming to judge the world, we may be found an acceptable people in thy sight, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen. 16 |