A Beautiful Address - Brought Back into the Light.
Here is a speech which could truly change the world. First, consider the friendly context. A Baptist scholar is addressing the ‘Friends of Sunday School’ in a Presbyterian Church. We rejoice in their unity. Is there not one true church, despite many designations?
He’s encouraging “lay preaching” but only after he explains that the laity is a product of corrupted Christianity. He then explains the true meaning of preaching - a word that has been misused for billions of times, no doubt.
And he encourages everyone to get crackin’ for the Kingdom. Everyone means every one. Even women and young people can preach or proclaim the good news.
House churchers might notice that the charge against the institutional church of failing to let everyone participate is not entirely justified. Sunday Schools (class meetings, catechesis, etc) have purposely encouraged participation for hundreds of years, just as the author demonstrates.
Scripture reminds us that not all are teachers. And if all elders are to be apt to teach, then there must necessarly be a time for this teaching to occur.
Granted, this issue of participation is a very valid concern. One not entirely resolved. YET.