Acts 19:18-19 And many that believed came, and confessed, and showed their deeds.… Is such a burning suitable for the present day? Yes; but only — I. FOR THE PROPER BOOKS. 1. These are not works of exact science, noble poetry, or human law. 2. They are the pernicious fugitive pieces of a frivolous superficial knowledge, the seductive works of an impure light literature, and the arrogant decrees of an anti-Christian tyranny of the conscience. II. WITH THE PROPER FIRE. 1. This is not the gloomy glow of a narrow puritanism, nor the sullen fire of a condemnatory fanaticism, nor the incendiary torch of a revolution. 2. This is the holy fire of a repentance which thinks especially of its sins and wants; of a love to the Lord, which joyfully sacrifices to Him whatever is most costly; and of a zeal for God's house which desires nothing else than that His Kingdom may come, as in churches, houses and hearts, so also in the state, arts and sciences. (K. Gerok.) Parallel Verses KJV: And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.WEB: Many also of those who had believed came, confessing, and declaring their deeds. |
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