Chapter 53: The Preaching of the Word

53-1. The preaching of the Word is an ordinance of God for the salvation of
men. Serious attention should be paid to the manner in which it is done. The
minister should apply himself to it with diligence and prove himself a “worker
who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2
Timothy 2:15).

53-2. The subject of a sermon should be some verse or verses of Scripture,
and its object, to explain, defend and apply some part of the system of divine
truth; or to point out the nature, and state the bounds and obligation, of some
duty. A text should not be merely a motto, but should fairly contain the
doctrine proposed to be handled. It is proper also that large portions of
Scripture be sometimes expounded, and particularly improved, for the
instruction of the people in the meaning and use of the sacred Scriptures.

53-3. Preaching requires much study, meditation, and prayer, and ministers
should prepare their sermons with care, and not indulge themselves in loose,
extemporary harangues, nor serve God with that which costs them naught.
They should, however, keep to the simplicity of the Gospel, and express
themselves in language that can be understood by all. They should also by
their lives adorn the Gospel which they preach, and be examples to believers
in word and deed.

53-4. As a primary design of public ordinances is to unite the people in acts
of common worship of the most high God, ministers should be careful not to
make their sermons so long as to interfere with or exclude the important duties
of prayer and praise, but should preserve a just proportion in the several parts
of public worship.

53-5. By way of application of the sermon the minister may urge his hearers
by commandment or invitation to repent of their sins, to put their trust in the
Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, and to confess him publicly before men.