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 Last
month we quoted a portion of the last article written for
publication by the pioneer Barton W. Stone. We conclude that
article this month, urging you to read and appreciate the spirit
and wisdom of this advice given to a young would-be-preacher, in
the year 1844.
The
first three articles of advice were: (1) Read carefully the Old
and New Testament, comparing the English with recommended Greek
tests, consulting the Greek Concordance for comparison readings,
and the Lexicons for careful word studies. Re-read, making
notes. Mingle all study with prayer.
(2)
Read church history: Moshiem’s, D ‘Aubigne, Neander, etc.;
taking note of vital information. Pray.
(3)
Now, re-read the Bible, making reference to Commentaries such as
Henry, McKnight, etc., on difficult passages. Remember that
commentators “make the scriptures bend to their peculiar
systems” and “speak the language of Ashdod.” Learn to
think for yourself. Continue in prayer.
(4.)
During your studies, let your seat be always filled in the house
of God every Lord’s day, and other days appointed for divine
worship. Pray and exhort publicly among the brethren. This will
prepare you for future operations. Many fill their heads with
studied divinity, and when they go forth to preach, know not how
to speak, and have to supply the lack by reading a discourse
written, or committed to memory. Remember, my son, reading is
not preaching.
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(5.)
Keep yourself, as much as practicable, from too much company
and irrelevant conversation. These too often intrude upon your
studies and devotions.
(6.)
When you are by your brethren sent forth to preach, confine your
ministration to practical subjects. Young preachers are too fond
of polemic divinity, and abstruse subjects. Vanity is at the
bottom, and will ruin them, if not checked by an humble spirit.
(7.)
Let the glory of God and the salvation of souls be your polar
star; then will your labors be blest in the world; and a crown
of righteousness be given you at the coming of the Lord.
(8)
You are blessed with a wealthy, pious father, who is able and
willing to support you without the aid of the churches. Go then
to the destitute, and build on no man’s foundation, taking
nothing for your services. Many poor preachers have to confine
themselves to the churches, or get no help. You will not be
under this necessity. May the Lord go with you, and be to you a
father and a helper in every time of trouble. Be humble. B. W.
Stone
At
the risk of being boresome, we re-emphasize this century-old
advice to would-be preachers: FIRST: Study God’s word, letting
word-studies be the key to understanding. NEXT: Know the
history of the church, falling away, etc. THEN, use other helps;
and dedicate yourself fully to God’s work.
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