DR. Joseph Parker, of the London Temple, has recently stated his views regarding the possibilities of the twentieth century. In his opinion it will be a century of silent but profound and historic revolutions and developments. Preachers there will be, and possibly great preachers, but, taken broadly, there will be no pulpit in the twentieth century.
Preaching, in Dr. Parker's opinion, is a supreme impertinence as standing between man and man, unless the preacher be divinely inspired and qualified.
Given an inspired message and an inspired messenger, and the pulpit is safe. "Is it possible," he asks, "that England can require all the preaching of thirty thousand able-bodied men every Sunday, and twice every Sunday in the year? Or, if all the preaching is required, is it required in the same place? The Master said, 'Go into all the world.' Do not many of us say, 'Come into our nice little meeting house and take a seat in the front of the gallery?'"
