This year we’re reading selections from the discussions and the spiritual insights of the evangelical ministers who regularly met in London as “The Eclectic Society.” I hope you will find the time to read further around the section, so I have found the original volume for you in Google Books/Google Play. You can find the text by clicking this link.
When the ministers gathered on October 19, 1807, the topic for discussion proposed by the Society’s secretary Josiah Pratt was the most effective methods to increase a congregation’s love and knowledge of the Scriptures. The debate that followed reminds the modern gospel minister of the saying, "The more things change, the more they stay the same." All the ministers present agreed that a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures brought stability and spiritual growth, yet the scriptural understanding of congregations in their day was very poor. The first part of the discussion examined why this was and what steps could be taken to remedy the situation.
The reasons as to why such a sad state existed were put down to three causes. The first was the failure of ministers to use the Scriptures in their sermons, the shape of their worship, particularly by non-confessional churches, that avoided quoting from the Scripture at all. The second reason was the lack of time in the typical work week of their members, and if any time were left over it was not dedicated to scriptural study but other literature, entertainments, and magazines. The third was a presumption on God's grace since they had attained salvation what more effort was necessary to hold it? This led to the grieving of the Spirit with the Scriptures read perfunctorily rather than humbly, calling upon the Spirit for illumination in their prayerful preparation.
The steps to remedy this lay entirely with the minister. The minister must demonstrate in their preaching and their way of life high regard for the Scriptures. They must preach expository sermons, best done in a sermon series. They must make regular application in their sermons of the duty, benefit, and how one should study the Scriptures privately during the week. When they make their visitations of households, they should make sure that they bring Bibles as gifts to the family, thus ensuring regular accountability and teaching as to its authority in subsequent visits.
The Rev. Henry Foster then rose to give ten hallmarks that should compel us to study them. Under ten points.
1. We should search them because our Savior commanded the same.
2. They are the light and lamp to us.
3. They testify of Christ – what a blessing this is!
4. They make us wise unto salvation.
5. They contain beautiful things of God in doctrines, providences, and praise.
6. They are the seed of regeneration and food for the soul.
7. We cannot meet the Enemy without the sword of the Spirit, God’s Word.
8. The wisest and best men have left us the example of their practice.
9. They warn us of our dangers, enemies, and sins.
10. They are the rule of our future and final judgment.
