Practical Ministry
Now, some may think that what I have said upon
this point is unnecessary, and that we ought not to speak about
such common things as these. Do you suppose that the Christian
pulpit was set up by God that we might always talk to you about
the millennium, or the antediluvians, or the things that are to
happen in Ethiopia or Palestine? I believe
that the Christian ministry has to do with you in your daily
life, and the more the preacher delivers that which is
practically suggestive of profit to our souls, the more closely
does he keep to the Master. I am sure, if my Lord Jesus
Christ were here, he would say somewhat in these words to you,
“Go your way, and eat your bread with a joyous heart, for God
hath accepted you through my blood, but watch, and be ye as men
that look for their Lord. Still keep your lamps trimmed and your
lights burning, and your loins girt about, and be ye steadfast
and watch unto prayer, that should I come in the morning, or at
cock-crowing, I may find you ready for my appearing.”
- Charles Haddon Spurgeon - from sermon "A Merry Christmas"
