"In all our work we have two great sources of persuasion, according to the example of Paul, namely, "We beseech you by the mercies of God," and again; "Knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men;" the love of God in Christ as a Savior, and the wrath of God in Christ as Judge of quick and dead; a cloud of light and a cloud of darkness, each proceeding from the cross as accepted or rejected. We must do all in tenderness, but all in faithfulness. The whole counsel of God embraces the fearful penalty of unpardoned sin as well as the glorious inheritance of the reconciled in Christ. The faithful preacher of Christ keeps back none of it. While he delights in the loving aspect of his grace, he is not ashamed of the severities of his justice. He does not indeed denounce or judge. It is not for him to command or condemn. His work is always to entreat and persuade; tenderly, lovingly, patiently, in the mind of Christ.
But persuasion has the alarming truths to use as well as the encouraging. That, "God is a consuming fire," out of Christ, is as much an argument of persuasion and tenderness, as that in Christ, "God is Love." We read of "the goodness and severity of God." (Rom. 11:22) We must exhibit both." - Charles McIlvaine
