Footnote:
1 Corinthians 14:3. Ephesians 4:11-14. 1 Thessalonians 3:10. And yet this most fruitful organ of divine agency (preaching), which our blessed Lord honored as the grand medium of his own teaching (Psalm 40:9, 10. Isaiah 61:1, 2), is now depreciated as the mark of ‘a Church only in a weak and a languishing state, and an instrument, which Scripture – to say the least – has never much recommended.’ (Tracts for the Times, 87, p. 75.) Far more orthodox is the sentiment of one of our venerable reformers. ‘Thus we may learn the necessity of preaching, and what inconvenience follows when it is not used. “Where preaching fails” – saith Solomon – “there people perish.” Therefore let every one keep himself in God's school-house, and learn his lesson diligently. For as the body is nourished with meat; so is the soul with the word of God.’ Bp. Pilkington's Works, p. 112. Parker Society's edition. ‘The meanest village’ – Luther was wont to say – ‘with a Christian pastor and flock, is a palace of ebony.’
1 Corinthians 14:3
3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
Ephesians 4:11-14
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: {in: or, into} {stature: or, age}
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
1 Thessalonians 3:10
10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
Psalm 40:9, 10
9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.
10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
Isaiah 61:1, 2
1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
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