I would not be wise above what is written, nor would I attempt to force the meaning of the blessed Spirit, or misapply it to answer any purpose; but I must humbly beg to remark, that in reading the circumstance which I have selected for a text, my mind was at first forcibly struck with the account; and looking up for wisdom to preach on it, and having been favored with the gracious presence of my Lord in handling it, I could no longer suppress my own feelings, with the earnest solicitations of many that heard it, who were apparently blessed by this feeble testimony, I present it in the simple form, as in part preached. I have tried to retain the substance, though I am not able to write verbatim, what was delivered: I only aim at setting forth the glory of the dear Saviour, as held forth in this passage, to the Church; that by comparing spiritual truths with spiritual experiences, some of God’s tried people may be built up in their most holy faith, and sweetly led to see that they have not believed in vain. We find in this history, that the Spirit of Prophecy in the Church was increasing in the land; this was doubtless a favourable sign, for _where there is no vision the people perish_; and truly happy is that land which abounds in spiritual ministers, spiritual ordinances, and spiritual people. The increase of Prophets rendered it necessary that they should be convened together, tor the promotion of each other’s knowledge and comfort. We find there was a College of them at Gilgal, over which the prophet Elisha was a President, in the room of his Predecessor Elijah. We would, indeed, humbly hope, this College of Prophets, was a blessing to the Church, and that the Candidates for the Ministry were really moved by the Holy Ghost, to take upon them that sacred office; but, alas! in those days was Gehazi, and others, who, it is to be feared, never were taught either Law or Gospel, experimentally; and may we not adopt the old Church Service, and exclaim, with grief of heart, _As it was in the beginning is now_? But our most blessed Lord will do all his will, perform all his gracious purposes, and as the great Head of the Church, and Saviour of the body, he must bring all his redeemed to the knowledge of himself, and at last home to glory, by all the means his own infinite wisdom has planned, whether they are educated at a Collage, or not. Human learning is a blessing to the Church, when sanctified; but most mere letter-learned men, like Pilate, fix their Hebrew, Greek, and Latin upon the head of Christ, instead of laying it at his feet, as Paul did. Most probably the College of Gilgal was at this time full, so that some of the Sons of the Prophets asked leave to go to Jordan, and reside there—we are informed of the reason of this request, in the first of this chapter. Their piety, humility, and industry are evident. The matter was laid before Elisha and before the Lord, by him; so should God’s dear