St Martin, Ludgate

The Church of St Martin, Ludgate, in London, is one of the least spoiled of the capital’s Christopher Wren churches, according to John Leonard in London’s Parish Churches. Sure enough, the place was characterised by lots of dark-stained wood, white paint and oiled canvasses around the altar. It is certainly attractive, though of its time.

It was the pulpit which most caught my eye. It has to be large enough for a man to enter with his Bible, but see how dainty the support on which it rests. I suspect my photograph obscures some additional weight-bearing by its adjoining steps, but the point remains: an egg cup design, the single, slender base is there to suggest elegance and grace. The gospel message which from this object is preached (I hope), may not sound smart to many, but God’s grace is always the most vital component of any Christian sermon. By it, a sermon fails or succeeds, while its preacher may be judged pernicious or profitable. Any sermon which focuses upon man’s works rather than God’s gracious intervention, or focuses on unbiblical nonsense like climate change or organ funds, will cause a congregation to totter and fall. The base from which we preachers preach is narrow and particular, for the Bible and the gracious God who is pleased to speak through it, is our only subject. Anything broader is a foundation of sand.

I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name. Psalm 138:2, NKJV