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I. WHAT IS THE DUTY OF THE FAITHFUL PREACHER? The text answers, "to preach the truth in love." What is truth? The first great truth of religion is the knowledge of God.

II. WHAT CONSTITUTES A FAITHFUL PREACHER? Now some would say, preaching the truth does so. Not exactly, my brethren. For it is possible to be convinced of a thing without being very well pleased with it.

1. In the first place, whosoever will "speak the truth in love," before all things it is necessary that he be himself "of the truth." Your lips to be truthful must be the exponents of an indwelling Divine and deep seated love.

2. Furthermore it is necessary to truthfulness of speech, or faithful preaching, that we preach the truth in love to men's souls.

3. But with all his faithfulness the faithful preacher must take care "what manner of spirit he is of." True, he must "not shun to declare all the counsel of God" — true, he must "nothing extenuate" nor allow the wicked to remain in their sins, and vainly content themselves with a peace which does not belong to them. Still, on the other hand, he "must not set down aught in malice," or preach the truth, however faithfully, with the spirit of bitterness, or sarcasm, or spiritual pride. Especially is it laid upon us, reverend brethren, to "speak the truth in love" to those who dissent from the character or convictions of our church. If we are lovers of the truth, the truth will be spoken by us elsewhere than in the pulpit: the pulpit doubtless offers a prominent opportunity of speaking the truth and enforcing its obligations with all that fervour and faith which belong to a heart that is itself in the fear of God: but true preachers of God will not rest here.

III. WHY PREACHERS SHOULD BE FAITHFUL IN THE WAY I HAVE POINTED OUT.

(W. Fisher, M. A.)

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KJV: But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

WEB: but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ;