06 From Reading Sermons to Preaching 1777

6 - FROM READING SERMONS TO PREACHING 1777 THE brethren had continued their meetings in the form adopted at the beginning, Randall taking the lead in reading and other exercises. But one evening as they were closing, one of the attendants called out: "Mr. Randall, I am tired of hearing you read old sermons. If you will not preach to us, do leave that off and read the Bible instead." The expression, "If you will not preach to us," deeply impressed Mr. Randall’s mind, leading him to infer that others also knew of his duty. On reflection Mr. Randall concluded to comply with the request as far as it concerned Bible reading, but not as a step toward preaching. In pursuance of this purpose, at their next meeting he opened his Bible at John 13:1, and read: "Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come," etc. After reading the first verse, instead of going to the next, he paused to give a few words by way of exposition. The text opened to his mind such a rich train of thought that he continued at some length, when he became suddenly conscious that he was doing what he did not intend to do. That is, he found himself expounding the Scriptures or, as some might say, preaching. With this awakening he sat down, covered with confusion. The next day his chagrin was greatly increased by the current report that "Randall preached last night." He resolved not to venture in this direction again, but to return to his former course. Hence, for their next meeting he took a volume of Watts sermons with him. On opening the service he was doubtful which to read, the Bible or a sermon. In his hesitation, he took up first one, then the other. Thus he shifted a few times, but finally settled upon the sermons, one of which he began to read. But we will let him describe results: As I read I began to die-as to springs of life in my soul; and the more I read, the more I felt the life departing. At length I thought, should I venture a line further the Lord would depart and give me up to hardness of heart and blindness of mind. What feelings were mine! I threw down the book and broke in confession. With tears I told the people how the Lord had made it manifest to me, for the last two years, that it was my duty to preach the gospel. I told them that I had been like Jonah, who attempted to flee away from the presence of the Lord. But now I was, by the grace of God, resolved to be obedient, and give myself up to his service as long as I lived The next day Mr. Randall wrote a covenant in which he laid himself and his all upon the altar for service or sacrifice, as it might please God. After this consecration he received a renewal of his commission and a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. His former timidity about preaching now entirely left him. Instead of centering his thoughts upon his own incapacity, he was enabled more fully to realize God’s exhaust-less resources, and to grasp more firmly his promises of support. This experience occurred some time in March, 1777. At their next meeting Mr. Randall took the Bible with all needful confidence and gave his first sermon, choosing for his text Revelation 3:12: "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out." This effort was greatly to the edification of his hearers, and gave high promise as to the future. The stand thus taken by Mr. Randall caused much excitement in the place. A certain class gave bold threats of personal violence if he should persist in his undertaking. Yet he was graciously preserved and went fearlessly on, holding meetings both day and night, preaching on an average four times a week. For several weeks he saw no special results of his efforts except an increasing congregation and the spiritual quickening of his associate workers. What he sought and prayed for was the salvation of sinners, and it is not strange that he was getting somewhat discouraged because he saw no special move on their part. But God was working out his gracious purposes, and would soon give abundant proof that the prayers of his servant were heard and that his labors were not in vain. On a Sabbath in the spring of 1777, Mr. Randall preached from Titus 2:14: " Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity." This greatly moved his audience, especially the unconverted portion of it. As the assembly was passing out at the close, he heard a voice in the street, toward which the people were centering. On pressing through the crowd he found a woman in great distress on account of her sins. As he approached, she exclaimed: "O Mr. Randall, what shall I do? I am a miserable, undone sinner!" In reply Mr. Randall said, " Come into the house and I will tell you." The people speedily reassembled, and he instructed the inquirer as to the proper course for her to pursue. That is, to submit herself wholly to God, and earnestly pray for the forgiveness of her sins. This she did then and there, and her example was followed by others. This event, so extraordinary at the time, produced a powerful effect upon the congregation. Some mourned for their sins, and some praised God for the manifestations of his grace.