_ Preaching
"with the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven" is indescribably
searching in its effects. But it is also edifying, strengthening,
comforting to those who are wholly the Lord's. It cuts, but only
to cure. It searches, but only to save. It is constructive, as
well as destructive. It tears down sin and pride and unbelief,
but it builds up faith and righteousness and holiness and all the
graces of a Christian character. It warms the heart with love,
strengthens faith, and confirms the will in all holy purposes.
Every preacher baptised with the Holy Ghost can say with Jesus:
"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 broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the
captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of
vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn."
Seldom is there a congregation in which there are only those who
need to be convicted. There will also be meek and gentle ones to
whom should be brought a message of joy and good tidings; broken-
hearted ones to be bound up; wounded ones to heal; tempted ones to
be delivered; and those whom Satan has bound by some fear or habit
to be set free; and the Holy Spirit who knows all hearts will
inspire the word that shall bless these needy ones.
Pages:
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149