The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-09-08
Dr. Smiths Sermon at Union Theological
Seminary

A correspondent of the North Carolina Pfesby'
terrain gives the following synopsis OF this excellent
sermon {:
The opening sermon Of the session was delivered
by Rev. B NJ Smith, D. D., LII d., from Znu
Chron. XXI: 81: And in every work thaI nc
began in the service OF the house OF God, ana III
the law, and 10 the commandments, to seek ~, ~
God he did it with all his heart, and prospered.,
The introduction of the discourse was historical
showing that HezeGiah was one Of the most emil
nent of the Jewish Kings, one of the few excep-
tons to the severe but true criticism OF tne
son Of Sirach: " That they torsork the law OF the
most high God. Though not The equal OF some
of the others as warrior yet considering the cir
onmstanoes by which he was sur, grounded, probably
their superior in pety. la the face OF the degen'
aracy Of the Jewish nation, OF opposition, OF pre-
iudice, of habit Of sinful associations and practices
aud the constant growing depravlty and hardness
Of heart, he aimed to seek bis God. Inc text
gives summary setting forth Of the principles apo
methods OF this good and great work bic not
Only proposed but began in the first year OF MS
reign-the work was not secular but IN God s
service, aud this in the Law and the Command
prejudices to meet. He "began," he does halt
who begins Nth has heart his affections were
engaged-'' he propered," he displayed decision,
energy. perseverance,. After following and ampi'-
tyipg the outline of exposition here gwen, the
speaker took as his proposition from the text -
- The principles and methods of the Serrce Of Goa,
which he discussed under the following heads: lst.
There must be an intelligent perception OF what Is
right TO be done by each. L. What he can 40.
I(2) What duty demands. The service OF dod is
a life acork, is not to be undertaken under mo-
mentary impulse 1t is matter OF Prmctpfe'
not mere expedency. 1t should be based on intel
igent apprehension of right motive-love to Christ
to seek the Lord-to extend the knowledge OF his
truth-to show forth His salvation-to honor Him
There should be right apprehension OF the OBJ
stacles and difficulties. C, f., 2 Cor. vi: $40;
Tim. iii Ia, &c.) 2nd. The whole, matter
thus fairly presented to view, there must be dec,s
ION. A double. minded man. unstable IN all his
| ways, always hesitating and doubling, never &C
complishes any thing. This is true in worldly mat
tiers, much more so in Gods service. The excep
tions occasionally occurring of success due to some
favorsby concurring circumstances, ny the very
surprise excited, prove the rule. (The speaker
here in his own peculiar, caustic manner gave an
excellent hit at the fashionable, nonsensical pratt
ing about genius and success minus hard work ]
3D. Preparation. Its necessity for every WORK
| The apostle Paul in Arabia took Timothy with him
and trained him. &c. f., 2 Tim. ii de re-
fers to this as ground Of his exhortation to teach
Others" Even after Timothy was in the work, nc
was exhorted to give attention to reading. de
was to be workman of such character as not to
be ashamed Paul exhorted to " lay hands ON nc
man suddenly" The man of God must not be 2
novice" The church requires diligent and tut
preparation. This is no time to lessen the demand
The extent, variety and accuracy of knowledge
must be proportionate to the demands OF the time
Now the opposition of Science, not only Physical
but chronological and Mental, are to be encounter.
ed. THE speaker here answered some of the OBJ
jections against thoroughly educated ministry.
4th. How to prepare for this service. a. Take
heed to myself" Sef.culture Of heart; we need
a constant indwelling Of Gods Spirit u By such
study and results as experience has led che Church
to appoint. regular perseveripg course of study
Importance of routine in the formation Of habits
Time spent in preparation is more than saved il
greater SUGGESTIVE carpenter loses no time bJ
sharpening his tools. Reflections: Humility il
the service. Dignity of the calling of the minister
) REGARDS. Warning against failure. Such is ar
outline of most excellent sermon, repete with the
hardest, souudest kind of common sense-and pre-
eminently practical, and plain and equally interest
ing II serves as an excellent introduction to the
session upon which we have just entered. May it
sound advice be closely followed.