The Bible Preacher by Dr. Justin Edwards

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Oct 16, 1855

The Bible Preacher.

By Dr. Justin Edwards

"He must declare all the truths which God reveals, in the connections in which he reveals them. And he must declare them with those feelings which these truths, clearly apprehended, cordially embraced, and faithfully obeyed, will inspire. The only reason why preaching of any kind is ever effectual to the salvation of men is, God has appointed it, and attends it with his blessing. And he has appointed not only that men should preach, but has told them what to preach. 'Preach the preaching that I bid thee.' 'Hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.' 'He that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully.' This requires him to preach whatever God reveals, and as he reveals it. A preacher has nothing to do to invent new truths, to preach those which God does not reveal, or those which he does, in any different manner and connection from what he reveals them. To the law and the testimony—if preachers speak not according to these, there is no light in them. The law of the Lord, as he reveals it, is perfect, converting the soul. It needs only to be understood and obeyed to prepare men for heaven. The testimony of the Lord, as he gives it, is sure, making wise the simple. All that a preacher has to do is, in the clearest and kindest manner, to exhibit this; illustrate it to the understanding, and impress it upon the heart. 'Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.' This gospel is the revelation which is made to men in the Bible; all of which is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto every good work. The whole of this revelation, would you be instrumental to the greatest extent in saving souls, you must preach, and nothing more. The Bible must be to you what the pillar of fire and of cloud was to Moses. Where that goes, you must go. If you stop, God moves on without you. You are left behind in a wilderness, without a guide, without a helper. Your safety and your success both depend upon following him. Where he stops, you must stop. If you move, go which way you will, you go without God. Fight as you may, you only beat the air, instead of conquering, you are conquered. Or if you seem to yourselves to gain a temporary triumph, and begin to scowl upon less adventurous spirits, who dare not move without God, it is only a feint of the enemy to draw you into thicker ambush, and sink you into deeper ruin. You may imagine that you have hosts strong and mighty, who can overcome in battle; but like the Egyptians in the sea, the more numerous your hosts and the heavier your artillery, the deeper you sink. In a warfare like this, nothing can be done without God, and he will accompany none but those who follow him."—Dr. Justin Edwards in 1824.