We believe that the word of God is the only, and sufficient, means of bringing exercise and blessing to the souls of men. We realize, also, that the Holy Ghost is sovereign as to when and how the power of God's word lays hold of the conscience:whether through the preacher's earnest appeal, the reading of the word of God, or what brings the truth of the Word to the conscience, or even through the stumbling word of a simple soul.
While this is true, it is evidently the Spirit's mind that Christians should strive to present Christ in such a manner that conviction will be produced. '' They so spake that a great multitude . . . believed" (Acts 14:1). Let us, then, consider a few matters relating to the presentation of the gospel, or of other truths of Scripture.
POWER
Power is seldom coupled with elaborateness, or intricacy. The simplest truth relating to salvation, eternal security, God's love, or His judgment, when keenly realized, will stir the soul to its depths. It is not necessary to have a new theme, or unusual manner of presentation ; if the speaker is sufficiently in God's presence to feel the tremendous issues of eternity, his message will be in fervent language, and the word will be with power.
SIMPLICITY.
Few minds can absorb many thoughts Simplicity, on one presentation; hence multiplicity of references is confusing. It is a mistake to quote every passage of Scripture that comes to the speaker's mind as bearing on the subject in hand:one scripture, plainly applying, forced home upon the conscience, is often enough; and seldom should the rule of complete witness (two or three) be exceeded.
DELIBERATION.
A certain length of time is required Deliberation, for the mind to fully grasp an idea. For this reason a thought should be expressed in several different ways, while not merely repeating..In writing, however, where reflection is invited, one clear statement will suffice.
Abstract truth should have illustrations, to bring it in a vivid and practical way before the mind. Parables and illustrations are windows to let in light on the mental picture. When preaching from Scripture types or parables, however, no further illustrations need be used, because type and antitype are already before the mind, and their comparisons may confuse more than clarify.
EMOTION AND LANGUAGE.
It has been truly said that the hearers will never be moved more deeply than the preacher. It does not follow, however, that they will be moved as much, unless his words sufficiently express what is passing through his own mind. Emotion on the part of the preacher is an evidence of reality, and tears are no shame; but the voice and language expressing the thoughts must be maintained in order to intelligently affect the minds of the listeners. Fruitful emotion is produced, not by the sight of emotion in others, but by the action of truth in the soul. No amount of preaching will bring blessing.
ARROWS.
No amount of preaching will bring blessing unless there is definite aim and purpose to the message. One arrow of truth driven home by the Spirit of God has more power than showers of snowballs. Let every stage of the address have an arrow for the heart of the hearer and speaker. It may be hidden for a while in the quiver, until the favorable moment, but then let it be aimed true, shot strong, and may God speed its errand. A. S. L.