A coward's castle
A pastor has no right to turn the pulpit into a coward's castle,
And from there attack those in the congregation,
Whom he is afraid to meet face to face privately.
It is cruelly unfair to attack an individual who cannot defend himself—
To hold him up, as if on the horns of the pulpit, before the congregation, (who generally know pretty well who is meant),
And to condemn him without hearing his side, with the pastor being the only judge and jury.
(J. C. Philpot, "Inquiries and Answers")
Things New and Old
Ancient truths revealed in the Scriptures are often forgotten, disbelieved or distorted, and therefore lost in the passage of time. Such ancient truths when rediscovered and relearned are 'new' additions to the treasury of ancient truths.
Christ showed many new things to the disciples, things prophesied by the prophets of old but hijacked and perverted by the elders and their traditions, but which Christ reclaimed and returned to His people.
Many things taught by the Apostles of Christ have been perverted or substituted over the centuries. Such fundamental doctrines like salvation by grace and justification have been hijacked and perverted and repudiated by sincere Christians. These doctrines need to be reclaimed and restored to God's people.
There are things both new and old here. "Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things" 2Ti 2:7.
Christ showed many new things to the disciples, things prophesied by the prophets of old but hijacked and perverted by the elders and their traditions, but which Christ reclaimed and returned to His people.
Many things taught by the Apostles of Christ have been perverted or substituted over the centuries. Such fundamental doctrines like salvation by grace and justification have been hijacked and perverted and repudiated by sincere Christians. These doctrines need to be reclaimed and restored to God's people.
There are things both new and old here. "Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things" 2Ti 2:7.
