In the Appendix an Ordination Address is reproduced, which I wrote when I had been only four or five years in the ministry, and which I have been requested to reprint. My friend, the Rev. Dr. Walker, who was present when it was delivered, having published it in _The Family Treasury_, another friend, noticing it there, had it printed as a pamphlet at his own expense and distributed to all the ministers of the Church to which he and I belong. It was a very characteristic act; and I have ventured, as a memorial of it, to dedicate this volume to him. I do so, however, not for this reason only, but also because there has been no one in this generation who has done more than he has done, by the example of his own impressive ministry and by his generous encouragement of younger ministers, to promote the interests of preaching in his native land. My thanks are due to the Rev. Charles Shaw, who on this as on former occasions has kindly assisted me in correcting the press. GLASGOW, _October 1st, 1891_. CONTENTS. LECTURE I. PAGE INTRODUCTORY 1 LECTURE II. THE PREACHER AS A MAN OF GOD 29 LECTURE III. THE PREACHER AS A PATRIOT 59 LECTURE IV. THE PREACHER AS A MAN OF THE WORD 91 LECTURE V. THE PREACHER AS A FALSE PROPHET 125 LECTURE VI. THE PREACHER AS A MAN 149 LECTURE VII. THE PREACHER AS A CHRISTIAN 179 LECTURE VIII. THE PREACHER AS AN APOSTLE 205 LECTURE IX. THE PREACHER AS A THINKER 237 APPENDIX. AN ORDINATION CHARGE 265 LECTURE I. INTRODUCTORY