Preaching

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 16, 1906

An Englishman once complained to the minister of his parish that he was preached on the same subjects over and over again. He admitted that the lessons taught were of the most serious and important nature, but he said that there was not enough variety.

“My friend,” said the clergyman, “for what purpose do you imagine the precepts are given you?”

“That we may obey them, I suppose,” said the man.

“You are right,” was the reply; “and have you, then, learned to practise all the duties which I have already put before you?”

The man was obliged to admit that he had not as yet.

“When you have,” said the minister, “I will either put before you some new duties to attend to, or else I will keep silence, for practise is the end of preaching, and when your life entirely conforms to the life of Christ, you will need no more sermons.”—Selected.