We really want practical truth. There is a vast amount of abstract truth in circulation among us, and we prize it. We delight in the unfolding of truth. But we must remember that truth is designed to act on hearts and consciences. We must not cry out, “Legal, legal!” whenever some practical truth falls on our ears, though that truth may come before us clothed in a garb which, at first sight, seems strange. We are called to “suffer the word of exhortation” to listen to wholesome words applied to our hearts, which promote practical godliness and holiness.
C. H. Mackintosh (adapted)