Horatius Bonar, 1808-1889 telling it like it is

[bibleberean]

Horatius Bonar, 1808-1889

There is some danger of falling into a soft and effeminate Christianity, under the plea of a lofty and ethereal (very weak) theology.

Christianity was born for endurance; not an exotic, but a hardy plant, braced by the keen wind; not languid, nor childish, nor cowardly. It walks with strong step and erect frame; it is kindly, but firm; it is gentle, but honest; it is calm, but not facile; obliging, but not imbecile; decided, but not churlish.

It does not fear to speak the stern word of condemnation against error, nor to raise its voice against surrounding evils, under the pretext it is not of this world; it does not shrink from giving honest reproof, lest it come under the charge of displaying an unchristian spirit.It calls sin sin, in whomsoever it is found, and would rather risk the accusation of being actuated by a bad spirit than not discharge an explicit duty. Let us not misjudge strong words used in honest controversy.

Out of the heat a viper may come forth; but we shake it off and feel no harm. The religion of both Old and New Testaments is marked by fervent testimonies against evil. To speak smooth things in such a case may be sentimentalism, but it is not Christianity. It is a betrayal of truth and righteousness. ... I know that charity covers a multitude of sins; but it does not call evil good, because a good man has done it; it does not excuse inconsistencies, because the inconsistent brother has a high name and a fervent spirit; crookedness and worldliness are still crookedness and worldliness, though exhibited in one who seems to have reached no common height of attainment.

 

[Relic]

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Backbone instead of whimpbone!

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[bibleberean]

To employ soft words and honeyed phrases in discussing questions of everlasting importance; to deal with errors that strike at the foundations of all human hope as if they were harmless and venial mistakes; to bless where God disapproves, and to make apologies where He calls us to stand up like men and assert, though it may be the aptest method of securing popular applause in a sophistical age, is cruelty to man and treachery to heaven. Those who on such subjects attach more importance to the rules of courtesy than they do the measure of truth do not defend the citadel but betray it into the hands of its enemies. Love for Christ, and for the souls for whom he died, will be the exact measure of our zeal in exposing the dangers by which mens souls are ensnared.

David Rowley

 

[Lyric's Dad]

Ah, the famous preachers of hellfire from the eighteen hundreds. Scaring people was a great seller in those days.

 

[bibleberean]

Ah, the famous preachers of hellfire from the eighteen hundreds. Scaring people was a great seller in those days.

Not one word of "hell fire" in this entire thread. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

What are you trying to pull? :-?

David Rowley is younger than I am. :

 

[Lyric's Dad]

Ah, the famous preachers of hellfire from the eighteen hundreds. Scaring people was a great seller in those days.

Not one word of "hell fire" in this entire thread. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

What are you trying to pull? :-?

David Rowley is younger than I am. :

LOL!!! Not Rowley. I was referring to the first post.

 

[lovely]

Robert, the words of both of these men are so true. I want to be a true follower of Christ, and reject the sentimental, counterfeit, fake love that isn't love at all...but polite, feel good lies. At times I am such a weak daughter, but I pray for courage. I want to lead my children in the Way...to be a beacon of truth for those in the world who encounter me. I wish I didn't fail Him as often as I do. I am so thankful when He, in His grace, leads me away from the snares of this world. I thank Him for his word. However, I know God, in His providence, will use even these lies of Satan for His own glory. He is our Soverign King, and faithful always and always. The Lord bless you.

Lovely

 

[Relic]

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Thank you Robert, for contributing so much positive and undeniable truth to this forum.

God Bless you!



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