Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

How careful should the ministers of Christ be that they proclaim
nothing as truth, and accredit nothing as truth, but what comes from their
Master! They should take heed lest, after having preached to others,
themselves should be castaways; lest God should say unto them as he said
of Coniah, "As I live, saith the Lord, though Coniah, the son of
Jehoiakim, were the signet upon my right hand, yet would I pluck thee
hence."
It is worthy of remark, that in all the revivals of religion with which we
are acquainted God appears to have made very little use of human
eloquence, even when possessed by pious men. His own nervous truths,
announced by plain common sense, though in homely phrase, have been
the general means of the conviction and conversion of sinners. Human
eloquence and learning have often been successfully employed in
defending the outworks of Christianity; but simplicity and truth have
preserved the citadel.
We should be cautious how we appeal to heathens, however eminent,
in behalf of morality; because much may be collected from them on the
other side. In like manner we should take heed how we quote the fathers
in proof of the doctrines of the gospel; because he who knows them best,
knows that on many of those subjects they blow hot and cold.
In most Christian churches there appears to be but one office, that of
preacher; and one gift, that by which he professes to preach. The apostles,
prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, are all compounded in the
class "preachers;" and many, to whom God has given nothing but the gift
of exhortation, take texts to explain them; and thus lose their time, and
mar their ministry.
"Not handling the word of God deceitfully."—Not using the doctrines
of the gospel to serve any secular or carnal purpose; not explaining away
their force so as to palliate or excuse sin; not generalizing its precepts so
as to excuse many in particular circumstances from obedience, especially
in that which most crossed their inclinations. There were deceitful