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2Tim. 2.15, 16, 23. Bishop Reynolds guards us against a danger closely allied to this—‘the vain affectation of finding something new and strange in the plainest texts, which shows pride and wantonness much more than solid learning or judgment.’ Sermon on self-denial, Works, p. 810. The Minister’s office in the pulpit—let it be remembered—is that of “an Interpreter,” to expound the mind of God—not to show what the text may be made to speak, but what there is good reason to believe the Holy Ghost intended it to speak. Hence we may give a Scriptural statement, and at the same time, a false exposition of Scripture. This Ministration enervates the most forcible matter by an uncertain dependence upon Divine authority, and builds our faith upon human fancy and imagination. In the gratification of fancy and conceit, the true practical instruction is overlooked: Scripture is treated as if it had no definite meaning: ‘making of any thing’ (as Hooker says, v. c. 59), ‘what it wishes, and in the end bringing all truth to nothing. On the subject of texts, see Claude’s Essay, edited by Mr. Simeon, with many valuable improvements. Whatever may be thought of some of his minuter points of detail, no work will be found more useful in assisting a clear digestion, and a lucid arrangement of our subject matter. Some excellent hints also may be gathered from Lectures on Homiletics and Preaching, by E. Porter, D. D., Theological President of the Seminary at Andover, United States. Compare Bowles, Lib. ii. c. 1, 2.