irst sent forth to preach the gospel were
unlearned men. The great truths of the gospel had been taught, and
many had received them before these (especially St. Paul) had become
believers--that the faith of the first followers of Christ, might
appear, "not to stand in the wisdom of men, but in power of God."

Had the primitive ministry been learned philosophers, or renowned
rhetoricians, suspicions might have arisen that mankind had been
deceived, that they had been bewildered by the subtlety of science, or
charmed by the fascinating power of eloquence, into the belief of a
scheme which they did not understand. This cannot be suspected when
the character of the first Christian ministers is considered, and the
progress which Had been made in propagating the gospel, before any of
the learned were joined as their assistants in the work.

The propriety of the gospel method, may be farther argued from the
nature of the gospel. Wisdom of words is not necessary to communicate
gospel truths, or deep penetration, sufficiently to understand them.
It was a remark of the apostle "that not many wise men after the
flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, were called." The same
observation may yet be made. People of plain common sense more often
receive the gospel, and favor the things of true religion, than those
who affect superior powers, and to understand all mysteries. Those who
are wise in their own imaginations, often reject the counsel of God
against themselves, and put from them offered salvation. The manner in
which the apostles and their fellow laborers preached the gospel, hath
also been objected to as unwise. Their preaching was chiefly a plain
unaffected exhibition of truth, laid before those who heard them, and
left with them. To produce faith in Christ, they declared the time,
place and circumstances of his birth, referring to the prophecies
which foretold them--declared the concurring testimonies of angels and
inspired persons, who gave witness for him--exhibited sketches of his
life--his teaching--his miracles--declared his prediction of his own
death, with the manner, time, and place--also of his resurrection on
the third day, and the fulfillment of those predictions. They referred
to his foretelling Peter's fall and recovery; Judas' treachery and
end, with the events which followed--they referred also to Christ's
teaching and miracles--to those which attended his sufferings and
resurrection--they adduced the eviden