Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

Rhetoric or oratory is studied by many much more than divinity. A
copious flow and elegance of language, words of splendid sound,
imposing epithets, and striking figures and similes are everywhere sought,
in order to form harmonious sentences and finely turned periods;—a
fustian language, misnamed oratory, is thus introduced into the church
of Christ; but when the words of this are analyzed, they are found,
however musically arranged, to be destitute of force; so that a dozen of
such expressions will labour in vain to produce one single impressive
idea that can illuminate the understanding, correct the judgment, or
persuade the conscience either to hate sin or love righteousness. "How
forcible are right words," can never be applied to such sermons; they may
please the giddy and superficial, but they neither edify the saint, nor bring
conviction into the bosom of the sinner. And what redounds to their
reproach and discredit is, they are flowers meanly stolen from the gardens
of others.
Ministers continually harping on, "Ye are dead, ye are dead; there is
little or no Christianity among you," &c., &c., are a contagion in a
church, and spread desolation and death wheresoever they go. It is far
better to say, in such cases, "Ye have lost ground, but ye have not lost all
your ground; ye might have been much farther advanced, but through
mercy ye are still in the way. The Spirit of God is grieved by you, but it
is evident he has not forsaken you. Ye have not walked in the light as ye
should, but your candlestick is not yet removed, and still the light shines.
Ye have not much zeal, but ye have a little. In short, God still strives with
you, still loves you, still waits to be gracious to you; take courage, set out
afresh, come to God through Christ; believe, love, obey, and you will
soon find days more blessed than you have ever yet experienced."
Exhortations and encouragements of this kind are sure to produce the
most blessed effects; and under such the work of God infallibly revives.
Stay in your own lodging as much as possible, that you may have time
for prayer and study.