_A._ 1. Such as are most close, convincing, searching. 2. Such as have most of Christ. 3. Such as urge the heinousness of mens living in contempt or ignorance of him. _Q._ 51. But have not some of us been led off from practical preaching, by (what was called) _preaching Christ_? _A._ Indeed we have. The most effectual way of preaching Christ, is to preach him in all his offices, and to declare his _law_, as well as his _gospel_, both to believers and unbelievers. _Q._ 52. Do we now all preach strongly and closely, concerning both _inward_ and _outward_ holiness? _A._ It would be well, if we were more frequently and more largely to insist upon it in all its branches. _Q._ 53. Do we insist enough on practical religion in general? And in particular, on relative duties? Using the means of grace? Private prayer? Self-denial? Fasting? Seriousness? _A._ It seems most of us have been wanting here. Let us take care to supply this defect for the future. _Q._ 54. How shall we be assured that no preacher will ever disappoint a congregation? _A._ Ask every one, 1. Do you see the great sin, and fatal consequences of it? 2. Will you break a limb rather than wilfully break your word herein? 3. If you do, can you blame us, for not employing you any more? _Q._ 55. How shall we guard against formality in public worship? Particularly in singing? _A._ 1. By preaching frequently on that head. 2. By taking care to speak only what we feel. 3. By choosing such hymns as are proper for the congregation; generally hymns of prayer or praise, rather than descriptive of particular states. 4. By not singing too much at once; seldom more than five or six verses: 5. By suiting the tune to the nature of the hymn: 6. By often stopping short and asking the people, “Now! Do you know what you said last? Did you speak no more than you felt? Did you sing it as unto the Lord; with the spirit and with the understanding also?” _Q._ 56. What can be done to make the people sing true? _A._ 1. Learn to sing true yourselves. 2. Recommend the tunes every where. 3. If a preacher cannot sing himself, let him choose two or three persons in every place to pitch the tune for him. _Q._ 57. What is it best to take just after preaching? _A._ Lemonade; candied orange peel, or a little soft, warm ale. But egg and wine is downright poison. _Q._ 58. How shall we try those who think they are moved by the Holy Ghost to preach?