Homilist Nehemiah 8:1-12 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate… We offer three remarks upon this old pulpit. I. IT WAS OCCUPIED BY DULY QUALIFIED MEN. Ezra the priest and scribe, with thirteen other Levites, occupied this pulpit. They were the recognised teachers of Israel. Who is the duly qualified preacher of the truth? The man who is superior to the people in mental capability, spiritual intelligence, and practical godliness, having the power to convey his thoughts acceptably, and with propriety and force. II. THIS OLD PULPIT WAS ATTENDED BY AN EXEMPLARY CONGREGATION. 1. It Was a congregation disposed to hear. 2. It was a congregation competent to understand. 3. It was a congregation deeply interested in the discourse. 4. It was a congregation inspired with religious reverence. III. THIS OLD PULPIT ACCOMPLISHED THE GRAND END OF PREACHING. 1. It imparted spiritual instruction. 2. It made a deep religious impression. 3. It stimulated a practical godliness. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel. |
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