, and people who cannot
read, may be able to understand him, so far as the natural mind can
comprehend the things of God. It ought also to be remembered, that there
is, perhaps, not a single congregation in which there are not persons of
the above classes present, and that if they can understand, the
well-educated or literary persons will understand likewise; but the
reverse does not hold good. It ought further to be remembered that the
expounder of the truth of God speaks for God, for eternity, and that it
is not in the least likely that he will benefit the hearers, except he
uses plainness of speech, which nevertheless needs not to be vulgar or
rude. It should also be considered, that if the preacher strive to speak
according to the rules of this world, he may please many, Particularly
those who have a literary taste; but, in the same proportion, he is
less likely to become an instrument in the hands of God for the conversion
of sinners, or for the building up of the saints. For neither eloquence
nor depth of thought make the truly great preacher, but such a life of
prayer and meditation and spirituality, as may render him a vessel meet
for the Master's use, and fit to be employed both in the conversion of
sinners and in the edification of the saints.

About the beginning of April I went to preach at Sidmouth. While I was
staying there, three sisters in the Lord had, in my presence, a
conversation about baptism, one of whom had been baptized after she had
believed. When they had conversed a little on the subject, I was asked to
give my opinion concerning it. My reply was, "I do not think, that I need
to be baptized again." I was then asked by the sister who bad been
baptized, "But have you been baptized?" I answered, "Yes, when I was a
child." She then replied, "Have you ever read the Scriptures, and prayed
with reference to this subject?" I answered, "No." "Then," she said, "I
entreat you, never to speak any more about it till you have done so." It
pleased the Lord to show me the importance of this remark; for whilst at
that very time I was exhorting every one to receive nothing which could
not be proved by the word of God, I had repeatedly spoken against
believers' baptism, without having ever earnestly examined the Scriptures,
or prayed concerning it; and now I determined, if God would help me, to
examine that subject also, and if infant baptism were found to be
scriptural, I would earnestly defend it; and if believ