Much of the content is concerned with Henry's preaching which was the primary focus of his ministry. But we also read about his:
(i) public prayers;
(ii) pastoral visits;
(iii) performance of the Lord's supper;
(iv) performance of Baptism;
(v) performance of Confirmation and church membership;
(vi) performance of church discipline;
(vii) corporate fasts;
(viii) church growth.
So much good advice regarding preaching in this chapter.
Such as this: '"Let your performances," said he, " be plain and scriptural. Choose for your pulpit subjects the plainest and most needful truths; and endeavour to make them plainer. Be serious in the delivery. Affect not fine words, but words which the Holy Ghost teaches; that is, sound speech which cannot be condemned. Enticing words of man's wisdom debase your matter. Gold needs not to be painted. Scripture expressions are what people are used to, and will remember. Consider the lambs of the flock. You must take them along with you. Do not over-drive them, by being over-long, or over-fine."'
Great advice. Plain sermons about great truths should be our goal.
R
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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