I came across a jewel of a quote in a biography of Matthew Henry that I was recently reading — Matthew Henry: His Life and Influence by Allan Harman (Christian Focus, 2012). Henry’s dad Philip, also a minister, kept a detailed diary and numerous papers. In them, Philip Henry preserved some words from a Rev. Thomas Porter on preaching, that he sought to emulate.
Let your preaching be plain. Painted glass is most curious; plain glass is most perspicuous. Be a good crucifix to your people. Preach a crucified Saviour in a crucified style. Paul taught so plainly, that the Corinthians thought him a dunce. Let your matter be substantial; wholesome food; God and Christ, and the gospel, faith, repentance, regeneration. Aim purely at god’s glory and the salvation of souls. Study, as if there were no Christ; preach, as if there had been no study. Preach plainly, yet with novelty; preach powerfully, as Micah; — as Paul, in intension of spirit, not extension of voice. To this end get your sermons into your own souls. It is best, from the heart, to the heart. Preach prudentially, — as stewards, to give each their portion….
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Great quote!
How would you describe the meaning of the quote “Study, as if there were no Christ; preach, as if there had been no study.”? I don’t quite understand what is meant here.
Thank you!
Brian,
I take him to mean something like this:
Study with such diligence and effort, as if it really all depended on you (there were no Holy Spirit to bring your message home to your hearers with great effect). Preach with such confidence and dependence on Christ and His work, as if you really had not studied at all (or as if you had no dependence in any of your self-effort and preparation).
That’s how I take it, anyway….