The stream of custom and our profession bring us to the Preaching of
the Word, and we sit out our hour under the sound; but how few
consider and prize it as the great ordinance of God for the salvation
of souls, the beginner and the sustainer of the Divine life of grace
within us! And certainly, until we have these thoughts of it, and seek
to feel it thus ourselves, although we hear it most frequently, and
let slip no occasion, yea, hear it with attention and some present
delight, yet still we miss the right use of it, and turn it from its
true end, while we take it not as _that ingrafted word which is able
to save our souls_ (James i. 21).
Thus ought they who preach to speak the word; to endeavour their
utmost to accommodate it to this end, that sinners may be converted,
begotten again, and believers nourished and strengthened in their
spiritual life; to regard no lower end, but aim steadily at that mark.
Their hearts and tongues ought to be set on fire with holy zeal for
God and love to souls, kindled by the Holy Ghost, that came down on
the apostles in the shape of fiery tongues.
And those that hear, should remember this as the end of their hearing,
that they may receive spiritual life and strength by the word. For
though it seems a poor despicable business, that a frail sinful man
like yourselves should speak a few words in your hearing, yet, look
upon it as the way wherein God communicates happiness to those who
believe, and works that believing unto happiness, alters the whole
frame of the soul, and makes a new creation, as it begets it again to
the inheritance of glory. Consider it thus, which is its true notion;
and then, what can be so precious?