In a former generation, when elaborate doctrines were deemed more important by Christian clergymen than they are to-day, they were prone to apply every utterance of the Bible to the demonstration of their own particular tenets. For example, one distinguished minister announced his text and introduced his sermon as follows:
"'So, Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem, for he did eat at the King's table, and he was lame on both his feet.'
"My brethren, we are here taught the doctrine of human depravity.--Mephibosheth was lame. Also the doctrine of total depravity--he was lame on both his feet. Also the doctrine of justification--for he dwelt in Jerusalem. Fourth, the doctrine of adoption--'he did eat at the King's table.' Fifth, the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints--for we read that 'he did eat at the King's table continually.'"
