Letter: 11e 31 G v Wigram, Edmondsbury, August 2nd 1839
The sermon emphasizes the importance of private work and the sufficiency of God in all things, warning against the dangers of public testimony without a strong foundation in private work.
John Nelson Darby emphasizes the sufficiency of the Lord in all aspects of life, highlighting the importance of personal ministry and visiting others as a vital part of Christian work. He argues that while public testimony is valuable, the private work of understanding and applying doctrine is essential for true ministry. Darby believes that the Holy Spirit guides individuals in applying truth to their personal needs, and warns against relying solely on public testimony without the foundation of private engagement. He encourages a focus on nurturing love and understanding within the community, as this is crucial for effective ministry.
Text
p31 [To the same.] Dear Wigram, - The Lord is sufficient for all things, and not only so, but, blessed be His faithful name, provides for and orders all things to the glory of Him whose interests are made the same as ours. . . . As to your own work . . . I think the visiting part myself, quite as important, if not the most important part of the work: it is said, "publicly, and from house to house." In these days, when there is a good deal of general testimony, though feeble and mixed perhaps, the latter assumes more than its primary relative importance. The clock, of course, strikes the hours, and avails to the passers by, but the works inside make the good clock, and make the striking and the hands right. I think it should be your substantive work, and take all else as it comes; indeed, I do not believe any can minister well without it. The springs of love, and the use and application of doctrine are fed there, minds are understood, the Spirit is led to apply truth to need spiritually understood and entered into; we are apt to get essays else, theories or thoughts. The Holy Ghost, I believe, teaches people while it teaches truth, and suits the truth to conscience and its known state; and it is good for our own souls besides. I dread much public testimony, and altogether so, if there be not private work.
Grace be with you, and kind love to all.
Ever affectionately yours in the Lord.
Edmondsbury, August 2nd. 1839.
[51011E]
Sermon Outline
- The Sufficiency of God
- The Importance of Private Work
- The Dangers of Public Testimony
- Public testimony can be feeble and mixed
- Private work is necessary to support public testimony
- The Holy Spirit teaches people through private work
Key Quotes
“The Lord is sufficient for all things, and not only so, but, blessed be His faithful name, provides for and orders all things to the glory of Him whose interests are made the same as ours.” — John Nelson Darby
“The works inside make the good clock, and make the striking and the hands right.” — John Nelson Darby
“The Holy Ghost, I believe, teaches people while it teaches truth, and suits the truth to conscience and its known state;” — John Nelson Darby
Application Points
- Prioritize private work and visiting in your ministry, as it is essential for effective ministry and spiritual growth.
- Recognize the dangers of public testimony without a strong foundation in private work.
- Seek to understand and apply doctrine in your life, allowing the Holy Spirit to teach you and guide you.