Chapter 167 of 325

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See 1Cor. 1.21, 23, 24. Mark 16.15. Rom. 10.14-17. Yet in despite of these plain Scriptural declarations, we are now told—“that the Sacraments—not preaching—are the sources of Divine Grace,” (Advert. Tracts for the Times, Vol. 1.) Again—‘We would not he taught entirely to depreciate preaching as a mode of doing good. It may be necessary in a weak and languishing state: hut it is an instrument, which Scripture, to say the least, has never much recommended!’ Tract 89. Thus openly does proud man in his self-sufficiency contradict the testimony of God! How truly according to the mind of God was the view of Mr. Robinson—justly considering the commission—“Preach the word” as his main work, which the nearest of the rest followed at a long interval. ‘It is well’ (he would say) ‘to visit: it is well to show kindness; to make friendly; to instruct at home; to instruct at their own houses; to educate the children; to clothe the naked. But the pulpit is the seat of usefulness; souls are to be converted and built up there; no exertion must be allowed, which may have the effect of habitually deteriorating this; whatever else is done should be with the design and hope of making this more effective.’ Life, p. 297.

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