Wise Counsel for Preachers to Follow

The year was 1768. A young preacher by the name of Augustus Toplady, who wrote many of our best hymns, including “Rock of Ages”, spent the afternoon in London with an older, veteran Gospel preacher, whom he greatly admired and from whom he learned much.

      The older preacher was a Mr. Brewer. I know absolutely nothing about him except what he told Toplady that hot July afternoon in London 240 years ago. Toplady thought his words were worth writing down; and I’m glad he did. This is what Mr. Brewer said to the 28 year old preacher, Augustus Toplady, as Toplady later recorded them in his diary…

      “I cannot conclude without reminding you, my young brother of some things that may be of use to you in the course of your ministry:

1.    Preach Christ crucified, and dwell chiefly on the blessing resulting from His righteousness, atonement, and intercession.

2.    Avoid all needless controversies in the pulpit; except it be when your subject necessarily requires it; or when the truths of God are likely to suffer by your silence.

3.    When you ascend the pulpit, leave your learning behind you. Endeavor to preach more to the hearts of your people than to their heads.

4.    Do not affect too much oratory. Seek rather to profit [your hearers] than to be admired [by them].”

      I cannot imagine four more needful admonitions. Every preacher needs to constantly remind himself of these things. I try to give heed to them every time I preach.

Don Fortner

Listen to sermons at FreeGraceRadio.com