Life and times of George Whitefield by Robert Philip (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example)
Philip speaks of the publications that encouraged the break, such as Whitefield's public condemnation of lot-casting. But the primary difference is their clash of theology over election and perfectionism.
Philip towards the end of the chapter gives us several lessons from the breach:
- It is a good warning against such breaches between Christians: 'This is, indeed, a humiliating exhibition: but how full of warning it is!';
- It did good in the sense that their ministries spread: 'It was a happy thing for the world and the church that they were not of one opinion: for had they been united in either extreme, truth would have made less progress';
- The Holy Spirit was able to use them both despite their differences because of their common love for the gospel: 'The secret of this success in winning souls was the same in both classes of preachers; their heart, their soul, their all was in their work. Truth had the force of divine truth, the fire of eternal truth, and the glory of saving truth, upon their minds.'
The lessons at the end of the chapter that Philip drew out from this shameful behaviour between two children of God were very helpful. His emphasis on the Holy Spirit in preaching went on for several pages and I'll content myself with quoting a little here: 'It is high time that the church of Christ should consider, not only the duty of depending on the Spirit, but also the import and the importance of the " demonstration of the Spirit," in preaching. That is more—than the demonstration of orthodoxy. It is more than the demonstration of either sound scholarship or hard study. It is even more than the demonstration of mere sincerity and fidelity. Sincerity may be cold, and fidelity harsh. Even zeal may be party rivalship, or personal vanity; whilst it seems holy fire searching only for incense to the glory of God and the Lamb: To preach in demonstration of the Spirit, is even more than bringing out " the mind of the Spirit," faithfully and fully. The real meaning of His oracles may be honestly given, and yet their true spirit neither caught nor conveyed. " What the Spirit saith unto the churches," may be repeated to the churches without evasion or faltering; but it will not be heard as His counsel or consolation, unless it is spoken with something of his own love and solemnity. He is the Spirit of power, and of grace, and of love, as well as the Spirit of truth and wisdom; and therefore He is but half copied in preaching, when only his meaning is given. That meaning lies in His mind, not merely as truth, nor as law, nor as wisdom, but also as sympathy, solicitude, and love for the souls it is addressed unto. The words of the Spirit are spirit and life; and therefore the soul, as well as the substance, of their meaning is essential to faithful preaching. They can hardly be said to be the words of the Holy Ghost, when they are uttered in a spiritless or lifeless mood.'
Great stuff!
Next week's reading
Begin reading Chapter 9 by reading up to the paragraph beginning 'So far the interview was mutually gratifying' (page 236 in the Banner edition).
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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