This week on Things Unseen, we've been reflecting on the subject of preaching.

And I mentioned that there are fads in preaching, just as there are about almost everything

in church life.

And if you live long enough, you begin to realize that's exactly what they are, fads.

Often, they're the result of cloning, someone does something different.

It looks as though it works, and then others follow.

And there's out is that we lose sight of what is fundamental and ought to be unchangeable

in the way we think about preaching.

Well what should be fundamental?

Well clearly the exposition of the scriptures in the power of the Holy Spirit, and especially

the exposition that leads to the hearers being bowed down before the Lord in faith and

worship and surrender and obedience.

But surely part of what Jonathan Edwards had in mind when he spoke in defense of what

he believed was the true preaching of the gospel during the first great awakening.

It was being criticised because of some of its effects on people.

And here's what Jonathan Edwards wrote.

I don't think ministers are to be blamed for raising the affections of their hearers

too high.

If that which they are affected with be only that which is worthy of affection.

And their affections are not raised beyond a proportion to their importance or worthiness

of affection.

And then he says this, I should think myself in the way of my duty to raise the affections

...