• In terms of choosing the beginning and the end of …show more content…
Dabney claims that we need to define texts clearly and adequately for the terms or ideas that is not clear to our congregations. This definition can also take a form of parable or illustrations. However, he also claims that we do not need to define term or idea that is easy for any people to understand (like father and son’s relationship).
• The argument, syllogism, logic, reason, are based on these sources. Dabney argues that we need to mentally convict ourselves and our congregations. Therefore, we ought to undersatnd the source of argument, which is constructed upon [primary sources]: self-consciousness, intuition, and [secondary sources] deduction, sensation, experience, induction, and testimony. For preachers, the chief of the secondary source is the testimony because the Bible is the divine and inspired testimony of God.
• Christianity is not a blind faith religion, however, it is a supremely reasonable religion. Rationalism makes reason as the source of receiving faith, while intellectual faith makes reason a recipient of revealed light (truth). Two great final principle Dabney gives is this. 1. In every resort to reasoning, recur as closely as possible to the primary sources of conviction, self-consciousness and intuitions. 2. Rely mainly on the testimony of the Word