1 matters, he ought not always to be speaking of them in a
148 ON cnniSTLVN doctrine. [book iv.
moment. liut we are treating of the manner of speech of the man who is to be a teacher of the truths wliich deliver ns from eternal misery and bring ns to eternal happiness ; and wherever these truths are spoken of, whether in public or private, whether to one or many, whether to friends or enemies, whether in a continuous discourse or in convei-sation, whether in tracts, or in books, or in letters long or short, they are of great importance. Unless indeed we are prepared to say that, because a cup of cold water is a very trifling and common thing, the saying of our Lord that he who gives a cup of cold water to one of His disciples shall in no wise lose his reward,^ is very trivial and unimportant. Or that when a preacher takes this saying as his text, he should think his subject very unimportant, and therefore speak without either eloquence or power, but in a subdued and humble style. Is it not the case that when we happen to speak on this subject to the people, and the presence of God is with us, so that what we say is not altogether unworthy of the subject, a tongue of fire springs up out of that cold water which inflames even the cold hearts of men with a zeal for doing works of mercy in hope of an eternal reward ?
Chap. xix.— The Christian teaclier must use (liferent styles on (liferent occasions.
38. And yet, while our teacher ought to speak of great
1 matters, he ought not always to be speaking of them in a o . \ majestic tone, but in a subdued tone when he is teaching, temperately when he is giving praise or blame. "S^Hicn, however, something is to be done, and we are speaking to those who ought, but are not willing, to do it, then great matters must be spoken of with power, and in a manner calculated ho sway the mind. And sometimes the same important matter ^is treated in all these ways at different times, quietly when it is being taught, temperately when its importance is being urged, and powerfully when we are forcing a mind that is averse to the truth to turn and embrace it. For is there anything greater than God Himself? Is nothing, then, to be learnt about Him ? Or ought he who is teaching the Trinity in unity to speak of it otherwise than in the method of calm discussion,
• Matt. X. 42.