after all, not its earliest. In the
enthusiasm which, almost always, attends his launching forth into the
work there is an element of salvation from some of the perils through
which he may lose his strength in years when, perhaps, that enthusiasm
may have passed with the novelty which now gives glamour to his tasks.
Then there is still another class whose consideration we would solicit
for what we may have to say. We refer to those--and they are many--to
whom, as yet, preaching is but an ambition, a dream, a prayer. Some
day they hope to stand before others, as now others stand before them,
to speak forth for Christ's sake the story which has so often warmed
their hearts. It is a glorious ambition; the human breast can contain
no higher. Will such as cherish it join with us in thinking of these
things? In order to arrive at the true answer to the questions
proposed we shall need to look in various directions. As a beginning,
we must, each one of us, go faithfully over his own record, tabulating
results so far as they can be ascertained. We are quite willing to
admit that some of the finest consequences of preaching may not be
known to the preacher, but there is always material for an estimate as
to the measure of success or of failure, which has attended his
efforts. Let us, therefore, go back through the years, back along the
path of bygone Sabbaths. Confession? No! For that we do not ask.
Our discoveries may well rest between ourselves and God.

Let us make comparisons, too, however odious comparisons may be. Other
men are set within our view. There are preachers--thank God!--to whom,
even in these days, success is richly given. It may be one of God's
purposes that they shall be considered as examples proving the high
possibilities of the holy ministry when tuned to its highest notes.
Let us relentlessly bring our work into comparison with theirs. "If
_he_ succeeds, why do not I?" The results of such a measurement may be
disappointing, disquieting, humiliating, but the path to the best has
often a first mile of painful self-discoveries.

Then there were the former days of our own ministries and the ideals
which in those days we cherished and have never forgotten. Let us
bring out present selves alongside of what we were; let us put the work
of to-day alongside of the work of that far-off time; let us compare
the dream with the fulfilment thereof. Have passing years dimmed our
ardour? Have they ch