Vol. 2

CHAPTER VI. 79The world cannot esteem that which proceeds notfrom it. False wisdom is blind, and is an obstacleto the true. The humble condition of Jesus Christis an occasion of offence and falling to many. Itseems to be unworthy of him, but it was necessary onour account: and he chooses rather to be wanting tohis greatness, than to his love. Men ought to bringalong with them to sermons their ears and their heart,in order to hear the word of God, to receive, to love,and to retain it; but not their eyes, that they maynot be offended atthe external and apparent defectsof the preacher. Let us cautiously avoid the commonerror of affixing the gifts of God to the outwardadvantages of nature or fortune. "This is a delusionof the world, worthy of its infidelity." 4. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is notwithout honour, but in his own country, and amonghis own kin, and in his own house."The fond adherence of a priest or a preacher tohis own kindred and house, renders him very littleserviceable in the exercise of his ministry. If hehave faults, they are known there, and he becomescontemptible ; if he have great talents, they exciteenvy, and he is opposed; if he make himself familiar,he loses respect, and his authority suffers thereby;if he do not, he is counted proud, and avoided. Theproperty of an evangelical minister is to be, as it were,another Melchisedec, without country, without house,without relations, or to be as if he had none." 5. And he could there do no mighty work, savethat he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, andhealed them."Ingratitude, joined with incredulity, ties, as it