Ver. 12-27. The parable of the talents, which we had, Matthew 25:14-30 , is of great cognation to this parable, and the doctrine of it in many things is the very same; but the circumstances of that and this relation are so differing, as I cannot think that both Matthew and Luke relate to the same time. I know nothing that hinders, but that our Saviour might twice repeat a parable which in substance is the same. Not to insist upon the examination of the words used in the Greek, (which is a work fit only for critical writers), for the right understanding of this parable we have three things to do: 1. To inquire what special instruction our Saviour did in this parable intend to those who heard him at that time. 2. Who the persons are, represented in it under the notion of a nobleman and servants; and what the things are, represented under the notion of going into a far country, to receive a kingdom, distributing his goods, &c. 3. What general instructions from it may be collecte...
Our church has a declaration of affirmations and denials on race, nationhood, the local church, etc., that at some point I will likely make public. But for now, I will just say that it is evident our nation has massive problems on most all scales, whether familial, civil, racial, cultural, or ecclesiastical. Local churches that might be intentionally homogeneous or mono-racial in certain contexts to promote the best arrangement to minister to all is permissible and wise. Dabney preferred keeping the blacks in their churches with them (still recognizing a social order and hierarchy) to help minister to them. He said he would support them if they started their own black presbyteries, and would labor hard to help them form their own seminaries, churches, black pastors, and so on, and that these would basically be sister churches. But he did not think that would be wise because of the needs among the blacks to be ministered to and trained up by the white ministers who were...