CHURCHES MAY HINDER THE GOSPEL
In one sense the gospel cannot be hindered. As well speak of hindering the advance of the sun, or of an avalanche. God has promised, "My word shall not return unto Me void," &c., and Christian history is but the fulfilment of this prediction. 2. But whilst this is true it is not less true that the work of sinner's salvation may be impeded. I will not refer to so-called hindrances by the enemies of truth, for these have often been the most effective aids to its advancement; nor to the major hindrances such as Romanism, superstition, hypocrisy, rationalism, &c., for these are so prominent that we cannot overlook them. But I call attention to some serious obstacles which are too much overlooked. I. CHURCHES MAY HINDER THE GOSPEL. 1. By the want of a clear and definite line between the Church and the world. During the first three centuries this was distinct enough, and then the Church prospered. And if this distinction is less manifest to-day it is not...