Preaching to Sinners [pp. 616-629]

1867.~ PreacAing to Sinner~. 623
the sinner helpless at the foot of the cross, and teach him to
look up.
It would seem to follow from these thoughts that the intention of all preaching to the sinner, looking to his conversion,
should have this as its first aim, to lay this as the foundation
of the saving work in the soul. This does not require a constant iteration of the word "grace," nor a perpetual recurrence
to the statement of dependence thereon. It is not the unvarying teaching of one doctrine, but the drawing the practicaj
lesson from every doctrine. It seeks the resultant of many
forces. Urging the soul by every revealed doctrine, and every
statement concerning its own condition and necessities, this
preaching would so declare the many doctrines of the word, that
the glory of grace may force its way into the sinner's heart.
To what other end were these doctrines revealed to men, than
for the glory of God in their salvation who receive them, and
the condemnation of those who reject? lIow otherwise shall
that glory be promoted, and souls be saved, or left without
excuse, better than by this converging of all teaching upon the
grace which bringeth salvation and applieth it unto men? If
this can be brough~ out and shown plainly to the sinner, will he
not by this be placed the nearer to an acceptance of God's
mercy?
llow this conviction shall be wrought in the handling of
other doctrines may be briefly shown. Among the in any teachings of the gospel there are a certain few which are ever and
necessarily appealed to in this matter of the soul's conversion,
having here a peculiar, though not their entire province.
Foremost among these, and without which the others cannot be
understood, is the doctrine concerning the nature of man's
8infulness and the extent of his guilt. This is to be taught in
all its boldness. The deep depravity of the heart is to be
declared. The stain of the first transgression; the corruption
of nature; the turpitude of conduct; the ingratitude of life; the
open rebellion against God's authority; the flouting of his
grace; the deep damnation of which these are worthy; the
complete impotence of the soul towards good; the utter ruin
which sin has thus brought in and upon the soul; all these are
to be taught to the sinner as the doctrine of the word, and as