Unholiness in the preacher’s life either will stop his mouth from reproving or the people’s ears from receiving. Oh, how harsh a sound does such a cracked bell make in the ears of his auditors!
— William Gurnall (1616 – 1679)
Sermons
A sermon is not made with an eye upon the sermon, but with both eyes upon the people and all the heart upon God.
— John Owen (1616-1683)
Preaching
Preaching should break a hard heart, and heal a broken heart.
— John Newton
A Poor Sermon
It is a poor sermon that gives no offense; that neither makes the hearer displeased with himself nor with the preacher.
— George Whitefield
The Purpose of Preaching
Some are dead; you must rouse them. Some are troubled; you must comfort them. Others are burdened; you must point them to the burden-bearer. Still more are puzzled; you must enlighten them. Still others are careless and indifferent; you must warn and woo them.
— C. H. Spurgeon