_The Truth not to be yielded._--Shortly after James I. came to the throne of England he set up a claim to all the small estates in Cumberland and Westmorland, on the plea that the _Statesmen_ were merely the tenants of the Crown. The Statesmen met, to the number of two thousand, at Ratten Heath, between Kendal and Staveley, where they came to the resolution that "they had won their lands by the sword and were able to hold them by the same." After that meeting no further claim was made to their estates on the part of the Crown. Vers. 6-9. _Recognition of a Special Mission._ +I. By men of reputation who confessed their inability to augment its authority+ (ver. 6). +II. Acknowledging that the commission was distinctly Divine+ (vers. 7, 8). +III. Confirmed by cordially admitting the messenger into the fellowship of highest service+ (ver. 9). Vers. 8, 9. _Divine Blessing the Highest Sanction of Ministerial Authority._--1. It is not the pains of ministers, or any virtue in the Word preached, from whence success flows, but from the effectual working of the Spirit. Paul ascribed the success both of his own and Peter's ministry to this. 2. Whom God doth call to any employment, and chiefly whom He calls to the ministry, He fitteth with gifts and abilities suitable thereto. James, Cephas, and John did not acknowledge Paul to be an apostle called by God, but on perceiving that grace and gifts, ordinary and extraordinary, were bestowed upon him. 3. We ought not to withhold our approbation, especially when it is craved, from that which by evident signs and reasons we perceive to be approved of God, though the giving of our approbation may disoblige those who pretend much friendship towards us.--_Fergusson._ _The Efficacy of the Christian Ministry._ +I. That grace or power to regenerate is not included in the Word preached,+ as virtue to heal in a medicine. To regenerate is the proper work of God. +II. That grace is not inseparably annexed and tied to the Word preached,+ for to some it is the savour of death unto death. +III. The preaching of the Word is an external instrument of faith+ and regeneration, and the proper effect of it is to declare or signify. IV. The apostles at Jerusalem +acknowledged Paul to be an apostle because he had the gifts of an apostle,+ and because his ministry was powerful among the Gentiles. V. As all minsters in their places are pillars, they are hereby admonished +to be constant in the truth against all enemies whatsoever.+ VI. As ministers are pillars, we are taught +to cleave to them and their ministry+ at all times--in life and death.--_Perkins._ _MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.--Verse_ 10. _Christianity and Poverty._