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LECTURES
ON
PREACHING,
AND
THE SEVERAL BRANCHES
OF THE
MIJVISTERIAL OFFICE,
INCLUDING
THE CHARACTERS GF THE MOST CELEBRA- TED MINISTERS AxMONG DISSENTERS AND IN THE ESTABLISHMENT.
BY^EillWP^JIiQpDRIDGE, D.D,
V p >" aANB^VER:
PlrBt*«H*B-«Y'F'LAGG, GOULD, AND NEWMAN, 1833.
ADVERTISEMENT.
The following Lectures on Preaching, and the several branches of Ministerial office, are the substance of those delivered by Dr. Dod' (Iriclge to his theological students; and have been greatly admired for the variety of useful observations and excellent rules which they contain ; and also for the very striking char- acters therein delineated of the most eminent Divines, both in the Establishment and among Dissenters.
It is rather surprising, that these Lectures, so- valuable in themselves, and useful to Min- isters of every denomination, should not, till lately, have been made public ; more especial- ly as the number of manuscript copies in the hands of individuals is very considerable. The difference existing in the different copies, however, may be considered as a principal reason for their not appearing before in print. The generality of persons pof^sessing copies.
IV ADVERTISEMENT.
having only transcribed what to them appear- ed most striking, very few, if any of such co- pies could be considered in themselves com- plete or fit for publication.
The respectable Editors of a complete edi- tion of the Author's works, now publishing, (to whom we are indebted for the first appear- ance of these Lectures,) inform us, " that for the purpose of collation, they procured four copies; one transcribed (bearing date 1739) by a learned pupil of the Author, — another revised and corrected from a copy declared to be the most accurate extant, — a third beauti-' fully and accurately written, and the fourth, a transcript, which differs considerably from each of the others. The Editors are of opin- ion, however, that could they have procured ten times the number of copies, and those of the first character, it would be unsafe to trust any one of them as unquestionable ; for it does not appear that the Author gave the finishing hand to his ovvn copy as fit for the public eye. The reader, therefore, is requested to observe, that what is here printed, professes to be on- ly a pretty full syllabus of what the Author more or less enlarged upon. The Lectures are so printed also, as to convey by means of a dash, some idea of the place and nature of
ADVERTISEMENT. V
the supplementary enlargements which might be made. This dash may serve as a proper pause for the reader's profitable reflection. Since different copies have different signs of method, it is presumed that the plan here adopted is as perspicuous and useful as any.
" We view them as possessing very consid- erable excellence ; an excellence not inferior to any thing the Doctor ever penned, if esti- mated according to their tendency to do real service both to ministers, and, through them, to succeeding generations. Here we have a collection of rules, maxim.s, and cautions rela- tive to preaching and the pastoral care, as ample and well chosen as any that are to be found ; delivered with the greatest perspicui- ty, and minutely detailed according to varied circumstances. In them we discover a great insight into human nature, an uniform regard to religious, moral and civil propriety of con- duct, ardent wishes to benefit m.ankind by promoting vital and practical religion ; with marks of uncommon diligence in the Author himself, which may operate as a powerful stimulus on the reader's mind to imitate so fair an example."
From a report of their general worth many have wished, but in vain, to procure a copy ;
VI ADVERTISEMENT.
to gratify the desire of those who are not in possession of the edition of the Doctor's inva- luable works mentioned above, these Lectures are now printed separately ; and it is hoped they will be found particularly useful to the young student in divinity, and may, perhaps, be perused with some advantage by those who are more advanced in the important work of the ministry.
London, July 24, J804.
LECTURES
PREACHING, AND THE MINISTERIAL OFFICE.
LECTURE 1.
IntToduction — General Remarks and Directions relative to the
Christian Ministry.
<5 1. Gentlemen, you have devoted your- selves to the work of the Ministry, and it is the main thing you have in view, in the course of your present studies ; other things are tak- en in only as subservient to this. — You well know it consists of several branches. The first on which you enter is Preaching, which, though not the only, is one of the most important parts of a minister's duty. — Preaching requires genius, application and the divine blessing. — Of the former, few who are capable of academ- ical studies are entirely destitute. — Nor is any great height of genius necessary. — The latter with a good intention and pious conduct may be expected. — Diligence, therefore, is gener- ally the main thing wanting ; yet this under a wrong conduct may turn to little account. — To prevent which the following advices are designed, recommending the success to the Spirit of God.
O LECTURES ON PREACHING.
§ 2. In these lectures I shall give some general directions as to the method to be used in order to furnish yourselves for, and make you ready in the work, {Led. I.) Consider the character of the best practical writers in our language, (Led. 2 — 4.) Give some advice as to the composition of sermons. [Led. 5 — 10.) Offer some thoughts on the most proper method of delivery, (Led. 11.) Add several miscellaneous remarks which will not properly fall under any ofthese heads, (Lcc^, 12.) Pro-, pose a few directions for prayer, (Lect, 13.) Call your attention to the important duty of public exposition, (Led. 14 — 16.) Then of- fer some directions on catechising, (Led. 17. 18.) On administering the ordinance of bap- tism, (Led. 19.) and the Lords Supper, (Led. 20.) On visiting in general, and the sick in particular, {Led. 21. 22.) I shall then give you some general maxims for con- versation, (Led. 23.) Rules for conduct to- wards particular persons, (Led. 24.) And on behavior to other ministers, with a few miscellaneous concluding remarks, (Led. 25.)
§ 3. I shall begin with some general direc- tions to furnish you for the work of the minis- try, and prepare you for the exercise of its func- tions.
§ 4. 1. See to it that there be a foundation of sincere piety laid in yourselves, or else there is but little prospect of your being use-^ ful or acceptable to others. — Be therefore firmly resolved to devote yourselves to God, and do it solemnly.
LeCt. 1.] - INTilODUCTION. 9
§5. 2, Keep up a strict course of walking with God. Be constam, diligent, and lively in secret prayer. — Maintain an habitual sense of the divine presence. — Be much in the exercise of ejaculatory devotion. — So you will learn to speak out of the fullness of the heart. — Seize every opportunity of increasing in piety.
§ 4. 3. Cultivate a tender love to souls. This will make you eloquent. — Therefore guard against every thing that tends to alien- ate your affections. — By pride cotneth conten- tion ; therefore practise a yielding, submis- sive and obliging temper. An unreasonable stiffness in little matters will do unspeakable mischief. — 1 almost tremble to see it in any designed for the ministry. — I foresee in it the confusion of congregations, and the ruin of your character and usefulness.
§ 7. 4. Cultivate an extensive and candid acquaintance with the world. Things are much as we naakethem. In almost all imagin- able circumstances some things may be found to be despised ; some things to be admired, and delighted in. — Take heed of immuring yourselves too much in your studies. — Think not the time lost which is spent out of them. — Despise not common christians — free con- verse with them may be attended with many good consequences ; more particularly,
<5> 8. (1.) It will increase your stock of knowl- edge. Ac([uaintance with the hearts of men is very desirable — and it will be better learnt by converse, as anatomy is better learnt by dissection than by books alone. — You will 1*
10
LECTURES ON PREACHING.
find many good thoughts started by them — they will be like rough diamonds, which, if well polished, you may with advantage set in your sermons.
§ 9. (2.) It will awaken your own spirits. — '^ As iron sharpeneth iron, so a man sharpen- eth the countenance of his friend." Experi- ence often proves this. — Lord's day evening's conversation is sometimes particularly sweet and re fresh ingj-We shall find that time thus spent will not be lost, but will abundantly re- pay itself
^^ 10. (3.) It will conciliate respect among them. An accessible temper is, in most cases, respected and loved — especially in per- .^ons of high reputation and great employ.
§ II. (4.) It will form you to an experi- mental strain of preaching, which will be very suitable to spiritual persons ; — and will give an air of wisdom natural and unaffected. *' A wise man," says Confucius, " must learn to know the hearts of men ; that taking eve- ry man according to his own inclination, he may not labor in vain when he shall discourse to him of virtue."*
§ 12. (5, ) Form an acquaintance with the best authors, but especially the Scriptures ; they are the grand magazine — Study them continually. — Get an interleaved Greek Testa- ment, if possible Wetstein's. — Read otlier books also with care. — Collect some of the most valuable ; — for instance, Evans's Chris-
^ Confucius' s Morals, p. 129.
LeCt. ].] INTRODUCTION. 11
tian temper, Berry-street Lectures, &c. &c.
§ 13. (6.) Take brief notes of sermons you hear. — Review them in your retirement. Transcribe them, and add memorandums of your own thoughts and reflections upon them as you go along. — Painting and carving are learnt by imitation, and by observing the de- fects as well as the beauties of great masters.
§ 14, (7.) Keep, and endeavour daily to im- prove your common-place book. — Have note books added to it. Write schemes of ser- mons in different degrees of perfection. — Keep a little book for hints on various sub- jects as they come into your mind. Keep an- other book for schemes that are perfect, and here insert scriptures under the proper heads in the order you intend to use them in com- posing.— And when you read a book, con- sider how far it may help you as to scrip- tures, sermons, common-place book, conver- sation, prayer, and the like.
§ 15. (8.) Be daily endeavouring to form a good style and address, which is done by in- sensible degrees. — Never think it too soon, or too late to attain it. — Use yourselves therefore to various kindsof composition ; at first review them with great diligence and exactness, — Submit them to the review of a friend. Look them over afterwards at some distance of time. — Often read aloud, but in as unaffect- ed a manner as possible. " Elegance in a ser- mon," says Boyle, '' is like a golden frame a- bout a looking glass ; it would be foolish to set up the frame alone, or look only upon that
12 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
but yet it may serve to attract the eye, and prove the occasion of discovering some defect which would have been otherwise unobserved." § 16. (9.) Look up daily to God, that he may give you more wisdom, and advance you ill every necessary gift and grace; which he will do, if his glory be simply and sincerely intended in your work, and if you accustom yourselves to rise gradually more and more above the views of interest and human ap- plause. Mankind are taken with little things. — Have a firm })ersuasion in your own minds of the importance of the work, and what de- ])ends on your right management of it. The honour of God, the glory of the gospel, and good of souls are no small trust. ^—Consider yourselves, then, charged with God's business, and you will have reason to believe God will be with you.
LECTURE IL
Of tho Use and Character of Practical Writers.
§ L I SHALL first give you some general advi- ces on the subject now before us.— And first, let some practical writer,be daily read. Practi- cal religion is important to ourselves ; and a practical strain of preaching is important to our people. — We shall thus form ourselves to words aad a proper way of expression.
LeCt. 2.] PRACTICAL WRITERS. 13
§ 2. Read them at once with a view to your improvement as christians, and preachers. — Make observations on their matter and style.
§ 3. Mingle authors of various strains. — Otherwise you will learn a disagreeable imita- tion of one. — Seem not to have any writer in view in the manner of your compositions. — Water running through a bed of steel is apt to take a chalybeate taste and tincture.
§ 4. Make references to remarkable passa- ges, that you may review them a second time. Nor will it be amiss to mark them in the mar- gin, if the book is your own. — Keep a cata- logue of such things as you would read before you preach upon any subject.
§ 5. Having made these general remarks, I proceed to give you the characters of seve- ral practical writers of our own nation, — which may be divided into four classes ; the puritans — the Nonconformists of the last age — those of the present — and authors of the es- tablished church.
§ 6. I recommend to you j^rs^, to form some acquaintance with the puritans, though they are too often despised. — There was good sense and learning in those days, as well as ours. — Our grand mothers had real beauty though the change of fashions has made their dress ridiculous to us. — I shall name but few : —
§ 7. Bolton. — He had been a great and notorious sinner, and was reclaimed by great lerrori. — He is excellent both for convictiou
14 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
and consolation. — His style is rather inclined to bombast, yet there are many expressions truly great and magnificent. — The beauties of imagination are most visible in his four last things. — But his most useful treatises are Directions for comfortable walking with God and for comforting distressed Consciences, — There we see the traces of a soul most inti- mately acquainted with God,
§ 8. Bp. HALL.-The most elegant and polito writer of his age. — He abounds rather too much with antithesis and witty turns. — In some of his writings he seems to have imita- ted Seneca and Austin. — His sermons are much worse for a compliance with the taste of the age in which he lived. — His Contemn plations are incomparably valuable for lan- guage, criticism, and devotion. Next to them his Meditations, his Letters, and Balm of Gil- ead are worthy of attention.*
§ 9. Reynolds — A. most elaborate writer. — He has many surprising similes. — His^style is remarkably laconic. — A world of things are generally touched upon which shew his ex- tensive acquaintance with human nature, as well as great labour. — His works contain a judicious collection of scripture, both in the text and marorin.
*The Rev. Mr. Pratt has just sent out proposals for publishinjr by subscription, the whole Works of Bish- op Hall, in 10 vols. 8vo price to Subscribers 7s. Grf. each vol.
LeCt. 2.] PRACTICAL WRITERS. 15
§ 10. SiBBs. — His language is nervous and decent. — His dedications are very handsome. — His style pathetic and tender, especially so in his Bruised Reed, and Soul's Conflict.
§ 11. Ward. — V/orthy to be read through. — His language is generally proper, elegant, and nervous. — His thoughts are well digest- ed, and happily illustrated. — He has many re- markable veins of wit. — Many of the boKdest- figures of speech are to be found in him be- yond any English writer ; especially Apostro- phes, Prosopop-ieias, Diologisms, Allegories. There is indeed a mixture of fancy in his writings ; but pardonable, considering his youth, and that many of his sermons vrere not prepared by himself, for the press, but copied from his mouth while preaching. — He died be- fore he was twenty-eight years old. — Had he lived, he would probably have been the phcs- nix of British preachers. § 12. Hales of Eaton — generally called the ever memorable — He is remarkably witty ; has many very uncommon thoughts, and vast learning. — There are many curious passages in his works fit for a common-place book ; but little judgment. — He has no good order and connection : — very little of a true unction ap- pears in him ; — tjie mere scholar also is too apparent. He writes like one that knows not much of human life ; with an affectation of driving things to the utmost, which, by over- doing weakens the cause he designs to sup- port.— His Golden Remains, and additional
IG LECTURES ON PREACHING.
Tracts should be read. — None shew the man more than his Christian Omnipotence.*
§ 13. I now call your attention, in the SECOND place, to the Nonconformists of the i-AST age ; that is, those who wrote before 1700.
§ 14. Owen and Goodwin.^ — Both highly evangelical, but both very obscure,- especially the latter. — Owen's style resembles St. Paul's. — There is great zeal and much knowledge of human life discovered in all his works ;- — especially in his book on Apostacy. — Dr. Wright seems to have taken many things from hence in his "Deceitfulness of Sin." — That on the Hebrews is his great work. — The Means of understanding the Mind of God in
* It is remarkable that our author does not. insert among the puritanical practical writers Perkins and Preston^ Burroughs and HUderskam. See a charac- ter of these writers, and some others of this class omitted by Doddridge, in the Christian Preacher, p. 452, &c.
Dr. Thomas JacJcson, our author says, can hardly be called a y^rac^fcrt/ writer, yet was so learned a di- vine, and had so many curious and peculiar senti- ments, that he is not to be omitted in this collection. — His style is remarkably stiff and obscure, — but gen- erally full of meaning. — It is scarce possible to open in any page where we shall not find something sel- dom, if at all, to be met with any where else. — He carried his notions of religion to a very great height, — and shows such an acquaintance with human life as could not be expected from one so contemplative and recluse. — His book on the Authority of the Scrip- ture, on the Attributes of God, — and on the Suffer- ings of Christ, — are especially worth diligent peru- sal ; — a curious reader will find something remarka- ble and worthy of reading in the whol-e.
LeCt. 2.] PRACTICAL WRITERS. 17
the Scriptures, is one of his best. — Those on Communion with God, and on the Person of Christ, most celebrated, — His Exposition of the 130th Psalm is most excellent. — His dis- courses of Indwelling Sin, Spiritual Minded- ness, and Mortification of Sin in Believers, shew great improvement in practical religion. — Goodwin's pieces published in his lifetime are the most valuable. — In them there are ma- ny accurate, and valuable remarks on scrip- ture.— His Child of Light walking in darkness is very useful for afflicted consciences. — Ma- ny uncommon thoughts.
§ 15. Baxter. — He is inaccurate, because he had no regular education, and always wrote in haste, as in the views of eternity; but generally judicious, nervous, spiritual and evangelical ; — though often charged with the contrary. — He discovers a manly eloquence and the most evident proofs of an amazing genius ; — with respect to which he may not improperly be called The English Demosth- enes.— His works are very proper for convic- tion.— See his Saint's Rest, — all his treatises on conversion, especially his Call to the Un- converted, Divine Life, Counsel to young Men. — Few were ever instrumental of awak- ening more souls.
§ 16. Manton — plain, easy and unaffec- ted.— His thoughts are generally well diges- ted, but there is seldom any thing extraordin- ary.— Pie has many judicious remarks on scripture. — His chief work is on the 119th Psalm. — Many of his posthumous sermons are Qf little val^§,
18 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
§ 17. Bates — charming and elegant ; — yet his style not formed. — His sentences are too short ; — his words, however, are very pol- ite ; — admirable similes, — only too many of tliem ; — proper to be quoted by those whose genius does not lead in this way. — Read his Harmony of the Divine Attributes' Spiritual Perfections, and Four Last Things. — He was well acquainted with poetry and the belles let- tres ; — an admirer as well as imitator of Cow- ley.
§ 18. Howe. — He seems to have under- stood the gospel as well as any uninspired wri- ter ;— and to have imbibed as much of its spirit. — The truest sublime is to be found in his wri- tings ;— and some of the strongest pathos ; — yet he is often obscure, and generally harsh. — He has unhappily imitated the worst part of Boyle's style. — He has a vast variety of un- common thoughts ; and, on the whole, is one of the most valuable writers in our language, and I believe, in the worid. — His best pieces are. The Blessedness of the Righteous, En- mity and Reconiliation, Redeemer's Tears, and The Redeemer's Dominion ; with some Funeral Sermons.
§ 19. Flavel. — Not deep, not remarkably judicious, — but plain, popular, tender. — Prop- er to address afflicted cases, and melt the soul into love. His Token for Mourners is in- imitable ; his Fountain of Life very useful ; and most of the subjects proper to be preach- ed over on Sacrament-days. Allusions to
LeCt. 3.] PRACTICAL WRITERS. 19
Pagan stories both in him and Bates, are en- tertaining and useful.
§ 20. 'Charnock. — Celebrated by some as a Polite writer, but chiefly by those who are not true judges of politeness. — He has some fine words, but no cadence ; which is also the fault of Bates. — His divisions are too numer- ous ; his thoughts are often obscure and in disorder ; no clear and distinct ideas in many of the difTerences he makes. Yet he has some very valuable things. — ^On the Attributes, he is deep and sublime. His book on Regenera- tion is much applauded, though much inferior to Baxter, Alleine, and Wright.
§ 21. Taylor (NATnANiEL).--The Dis- senting South. — There is vast wit, and great strength of expression in all he wrote ; yet apt to aggravate matters a little too much. His language is remarkably proper and beau- tiful. His best pieces are his discourses on Faith, Deism, and the Covenant. He wrote but little more than these. All deserve read- inof.
LECTURE HI.
TJie Charactftr of dissentivg Writers of the present Age, or those who have written since 1700.
<5 1. EVANS. — His style is grave, plain, manly, nervous. His heads are always dis- tinct and well arranged. — ^^The scriptures
20
LECTURES ON PREACHING.
he quotes are very properly chosen. His thoughts, especially in the application, are thrown close together. His sermons to young people are scarce, and valuable. His Chris- tian Temper is one of the best practical pieces in our language.
§ 2. Wright. — has great simplicity and awful solemnity. His writings compose the thoughts, and gradually elevate them. — The heads are distinct, — and sentences very com- prehensive.— He discovers a deep sense of God, and a good acquaintance with the world. His words are elegant and well chosen ; — ca- dence however is but little regarded. — He al- ways appears master of himself. — There are often plain intimations of many thoughts be- ing suppressed. — His sentiments are candid and rational. — His book on Regeneration has been remarkably acceptable, — and is one of the most useful pieces published in this age.— His work on the Deceitfulness of Sin is writ- ten with great knowledge of mankind ; — with the ruin of many young people before his eyes, — and it is admirably adapted to prevent it. — His Great Concern is very comprehensive, — and even in that respect much preferable to the Whole Duty of Man. — His subsequent treatises are not equally valuable, nor is the collection of scriptures so judicious as was ex- pected.
§ 3. Watts. — Very different from Wright. His style is harmonious, florid, poetical and pathetic ; — but too diffuse, too many words, — especially in his later works, — and his former
LeCt. 3.] DISSENTING WRITERS. 21
are too much loaded with epithets. — Yet on the whole he is an excellent writer. — All that he has written is well worth reading. — I most admire the first volume of his Sermons, — • Death and Heaven, the Love of God, and Humble Attempt. — Not to mention his incom- parable Lyric Poems, — Psalms and Hymns.
§ 4. Grove. — He resembles Watts, but is not equally poetical, — yet rather more ner- vous.— He has many judicious and new thoughts, — which are disposed in a method quite peculiar, and expressed with force and elegance, — and in his former pieces there is a remarkable sweetness. He discovers great seriousness, — but his great aversion to Cal- vinism, and the ill usage he had met with from bigots, have soured him of late. — The Friendly Monitor, — his book on Secret Pray- er,— and some Funeral Sermons, published in his lifetime, are very valuable. — His book on the Sacrament is exceeding proper for schol- ars, though much exceeded by Henry and Earle, for common use. — Some of his med- itations at the end of his Treatise on Faith are excellent.*
§ 5. Henry. — Very popular ; his style is short and pointed ; — has many antitheses, and -is too often a little fanciful ; — elegant imag- ination ; some peculiarities, — such as making
* The six volumes of his Posthumous Works con- tain a collection of excellent discourses on a variety of the most interesting and useful subjects; which, considered as posthumous, are remarkably finished and correct.
22 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
his heads begin with the same letter, or some- chiming word ; yet this is generally natural. — Great seriousness, sprightly thoughts^ diges- ted in very good order. — His Commentary ex- cellent, though rather too large, and too full of typical and allegorical interpretations ; yet there are some judicious notes both critical and historical. — Many of his notes on the his- torical parts, on the import of some original words, and some of the most entertaining things,^ are taken from Grotius, Patrick,. Poole, Josephus, Calvin, and many oth- ers.— However, the work is despised only by those who do not know it. — His discourses on meekness, the sacrament, and early piety, are all very good. — His style is formed on scrip- ture, to which he has numberless allusions.
§ G. Earle. — Judicious, pathetic, and very laconic. — He has written but little besides hi3 Treatise on the Sacrament, which is excel- lent.— In his other pieces there are several pretty classical quotations in the margin..
§ 7. Bradbury. — His method is by no means accurate. — Many weak arguments, — but little enlivened by sprightly turns of wit, and numberless allusions to scripture. — Christ's joy on finishing his course; and his Sermons on the fifth of November, are his best.
§ 8. BoYSE. — He has been called the dis- senting ScoTT, — but much more polite. — His language is plain, animated, and nervous; — pretty much resembling Evans. His matter is excellentry digested. — He abounds with ideas ; — each sermon appears to be a contrac-
Lect. 3.} INTRODUCTION. 23
tion of some judicious treatise, — and often
is so The two volumes of his sermons,
and his discourses on the Four last Things, are his principal practical works, and deserve attentive repeated reading.
§ 9. Bennett. — Plain, serious and spirit- ual ; — but flat. — Has many good quotations from modern authors. — His Christian Orato- ry is his best and almost only practical piece ; — which had been better, had it been less.
§ 10. Harris. — He was reckoned the great- est master of the English tongue among the Dissenters. — His style plain and easy; his thoughts substantial, — but seldom striking or uncommon. Nothing to blame, nor very much to admire. — See his discourses on the Messiah, and Funeral Sermons.
§ 11. Jennings. — Methodical, plain, and serious, — Some pretty turns of thought. His strain very evangelical — He is, upon the whole, the Flavel of the present age, only much more polite, and free from Flavel's faults. — All he has published should be care- fully read, — especially his Sermons to Young People, and those in the Berry-Street Lect- ures,— which are the glory of the book, and very much to the honour of the author.
§ 12. Grosvenor. — A most popular preach- er while his voice continued good. — In his compositions there is a strange mixture of the familiar and pathetic. — Many strong figures of speech, — especially prosopopoeias and dialog- isms, — beyond any writer of the age. See
particularly his Sermons on the Name and
24
LECTURES ON PREACHING.
Temper of Jesus, — his Mourner, — and liis Essay on Health.
LECTURE IV.
The Character of the Writers of the established Church.
§ 1. TILLOTSON.— There is such aa easiness in his style, and beautiful simplicity of expression, as seems easy to be imitated, yet nothing more difficult. He had some puri- tanical expressions. Sometimes pathetic. — His method admirably clear, — beyond almost any other man. — Many of his sermons contain nothing remarkable ; especially his posthu- mous ones ; — yet there are some of them e- qual to any he published in his lifetime. — His best pieces are at the begining of his first and second volumes folio. His discourse on evil speaking is excellent. — He made great use of Barrow and Wilkins ; with whom compare some of his sermons. There is sometimes great tautology ; — but in controversy no man found such lucky arguments, nor represented the sentiments of his adversaries more fully, art- fully and advantageously for confutation.
§ 2. Barrow. — The most laconic writer a- mong our divines. — He has an amazing num- ber of thoughts, though not always well di- gested or plainly expressed ; he is sometimes excellent in these respects. — He attempted to introduce some new words, but without suc- cess.— Many useful scriptures, and fine quo-
LeCt. 4.] WRITERS OF THE CHURCH. 25
tations from the Classics, and the Fathers, in the margin. Nothing is more elaborate than his discourses ; most of them having been transcribed three times over, and some of them oftener. — Many of Tillotson's finest sermons were a kind of translation from him ; — particularly that on evil speaking. — The first volume of his sermons is the best, but they all deserve reading.
§ 3. WiLKiNS. — His method is very exact, but too scholastic. — His style is almost as ea- sy and pure as Tillotson's. — Many excel- lent thoughts are thrown together in a very in- telligible manner. — His Sermons, Natural Religion, the Beauty of Providence, on Pray- er, and on Preaching, are his only practical works, and well deserve a reading. — Tillot- son's Wisdom of being religious is taken in a great measure from him.
§ 4. Beveridge. — Much like Henry, but not his equal. — He discovers great devotion, — has many high flights, — but is sometimes weak. — His Private Thoughts the most val- uable of his works ; — many of his sermons are very low.
§ 5. Scott. — His style is long and verbose ; — many inelegant words, and some phrases shocking ; — yet, on the whole, he is excel- lent.—His reasoning is strong and conclu- sive, though drawn out to an excessive length. He drives on with great warmth and pathos, — yet almost all appears too much for- ced. His Christian Life is the best of his
works, especially the first part. — The pray- 2
26 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
ers at the end are absolutely the best I ever read. — Many of his sermons are valuable, es- pecially those in the first volume; the sub- jects being good, pretty full, and methodically handled.
^ 6. South. — Smart wit, keen satire, some- times fine language ; — but his arguments are often weak. — All his works have the appear- ance of an ill spirit in controversy. — He has many levities entirely unbecoming the pul- pit ; — and when most practical seems to write with spleen, and to aim very little at useful- ness.— The best sermons are in his first vol- ume ; though even in them, there is too great an affectation of wit ; — and but little appear- ance of being in earnest for God amidst all his zeal against Heretics and Schismatics.
§ 7. NoRRis. — Excessively affected, pert and verbose, yet some good thoughts. His sermons on the Beatitudes are most cele- brated.— He carries matters in general too high. — His discourses on the love of God are in the mystic strain. — His sermon on Relig- ious Discourse deserves to be read. — He is in general too abstruse and metaphysical.
§ 8. Lucas. — His style is very peculiar, sometimes exceeding free, approaching to conversation ; sometimes grand and solemn ; — and generally very expressive. — His meth- od is not clear ; but his thoughts are excel- lent.— Many of them are taken from an atten- tive observation of human life. — He wrote as being entirely devoted to God, and superior to the world. — His most valuable works are
LeCt. 4.] WRITERS OF THE CHURCH. 27
his Practical Christianity, and his Inquiry af- ter Happiness, especially the second volume.
§ 9. Sherlock.. — Strong arguments, and awful representations : exceeding proper for
conviction. — His style is plain and manly
His best works are those on Death and Judg- ment.
§ 10. Spratt. — He is the least considera- ble as a practical writer. — His language is always beautiful, but many of his sentiments
are very weak. The Ciceronian style is
too much laboured. — Tully is translated for many sentences together in some of his Ser- mons, though not mentioned. All his Ser- mons are in one octavo volume, and deserve a reading.
§ 11. Clarke. — He slipped into very high reputation, chiefly by his peculiarities. His style is quite plain and void of pathos. — His thoughts are well ranged, but many of them very obvious and frequently repeated. — Scriptures often well explained, though some- times he takes more pains to collect parallel scriptures than is necessary ; — and with sol- emn parade explains others that have no diffi- culty.— He takes more notice of grace and the atonement than most of his followers and
admirers. Several of his Sermons are on
subjects too near akin. He and Tillotson have made great use of the Fratrcs Poloni^ though they do not make any mention of them.
§ 12. Horneck. — Exceeding pathetic, but not elegant. — He is chiefly fit for devotional ■ subjects ; — but his words are too often great-
28 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
er than his thoughts. — His best pieces are those on Consideration, and The Crucified Jesus. See his pieces also on the Command- ments, on Prayer, Presumptuous Sins, and several Sermons.
§ 13. Hopkins. — His motto, Atd suavilaie nut VI, well answers to his works ; — yet he trusts most to the latter. — He awakens awful- ly ; sometimes there is a little of the bom- bast ; he bends the bow till it breaks ; an er- ror carefully to be guarded against.
§ 14. Boyle. — His style is very rough and obscure. Yet some words are highly illustra- tive by antitheses, he being very careful in the choice of them. He has many lively similes very proper to be quoted, especially in his Seraphic Love, and Theodora and Dydi- nius,— sentences unreasonably long, abounding with parentheses and hard words of his own coining. — He has, in short, many faults in his style, but some inimitable beauties.
§ 15. ScouGAL. — One of the first rank, though he wrote but little. — Every page a- bounds with noble and proper thoughts ;— clothed with a decent eloquence, suited to the subject. He appears to be the best mo- del of all his class. — His Life of God in the Soul of Man, and Sermons, should be often read. His early death, at the age of twen- ty-eight, was an unspeakable loss to the world.
§ 16. Law. — Very recluse. — His produc- tions have a severity seldom to be found in this age. — His language is generally just and beautiful ; very nervous, but sometimes unnat-
LeCt. 4.] WRITKRS OF THE CHURCH. 29
ural. He is ready to affect points of wit, and strokes of satire; — in wliich however he does not equal South. — Many characters are ad- mirably drawn. — In this he comes nearer the
Jesuits than any Engilsh writer. His
Treatise on Christian Perfection is very fa- mous. His Serious Call still better,
§ 17. Fleetwood. — Surnamed Silver- tongued ; — remarkable for easy and proper expressions. — He considers several cases, which, though often occurring in human life, are seldom taken notice of in Sermons. — On this account he may be consulted with advan- tage.— In respect of true politeness he has been equalled by few. — His Sermons on Rel- ative Duties are good ; but his Four Funeral Sermons shew the orator much more.
§ 18. Atterbury. — The glory of our En- glish orators. — In his writings we see lan- guage in its strictest purity and beauty. — There is nothing dark, nothing redundant, nothing deficient, nothing misplaced. — Triv- ial thoughts are avoided, uncommon ones in- troduced and set in a clear, strong light, and in a few words ; — some admirable similes, and more graceful allusions to scriptures than any of this class. On the whole, he is a model for courtly preachers. His Four Volumes should be carefully read. — His two last are the best. — The chief Sermons are Acquaint- ance with God, Religious Retirement, Lady CoTEs's Character, Propagation of the Gos- pel, Sufficiency of Revelation, Terrors of Con- science, Curse on the Jews, and Felix Trem* bling.
30 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
§ 19. Blair. — A man of plain good sense. — A beautiful simplicity and great seriousness run through all his writings. — A desire to spare all unnecessary words is very apparent. — His Commentary on Matt. v. — viii. is the best extant. — He has some excellent and strik- ing similes, which are chiefly taken from the affairs of slaves, planters, or foreign colonies. He lived in Jamaica. — He suggests a multi- tude of excellent things which he does not prosecute at large. — He appears to have been a person of the utmost candour, and has solic- itously avoided all unkind and contemptuous reflections on his brethren. — He guards his hearers against all undue confidence in their immediate relation to, and strict attendance on the established worship, beyond almost any other divine in the Church of England. — He has an excellent way of bringing down criti- cisms to common capacities ; — and has dis- covered a vast knowledge of scripture in the suitable application of them.
<5, 20. Secker — is so remarkable an instance of the laconic style, that the few Sermons he has published deserve an attentive reading; — especially that on the Oxford act, which is the wisest 1 ever read, considered in the view of a Philosophical Essay.
§ 21. A. Bp. Leighton. — One of the most eminently devout and pious writers his age has produced. — His Sermons indeed are not accurately digested, and sometimes contain only hints not fully opened ; — which is the more excusable, as none of them were intend-
LeCt. 4.] WRITERS OF THE CHURCH. 31
ed for the press by the author. — His works ought to be reckoned among the greatest trea- sures of the English tongue. — They continu- ally overflow with love to God, and breathe a heart entirely transformed by the gospel, above the views of every thing but pleasing God. — There is a vast deal of spirit, and charming imagination ; multitudes of the most beautiful figures; and scriptures applied with happiest allusions.-Metaphors, especially those in the text, are sometimes pursued into alle- gory; yet very natural. — Upon the whole, they are such as none but a very ingenious, learned, religious man could write; — and yet, even by such an one, must have been written with great care ; — not the effect of any labori- ous efforts for particular discourses, through a habit of speaking and writing ; but the guard- ed overflowings of a copious fountain. — This attainment, however, must have been the con- sequence of a most resolute application both of the head and heart. — Few uninspired wri- ters have a greater tendency to mend the world. — The disappointment which the learn- ed and polite complained of, when these post- humous works were published, is chiefly to be charged upon their ignorance of the true beau- ties and use of Theological Writings.*
* We are happy to inform the public, that propo- Bals are just issued for a new edition of the Works of this excellent Divine, and v/e learn that the publish- er, Mr. Ogle, of Great Turnstile, Holborn, is in pos- session of some valuable Manuscripts, which togeth- er wit!) his Life from authentic materials, unknown to his former Biographers, will appear in this enlarged
32 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
LECTURE V.
Rules for composing Sermons.
§ 1. When we are about composing a Ser- mon, we are to consider, 1st. Wliat subject is to be chosen, 2d. In what strain it is to be handled, 3d. The sti/le of the composition, 4th. What thoughts we are to introduce, 5th. In what order we are to throw them. I shall therefore, give rules for each of these, and then 6th. Add some further rules not compre- hended under either of these heads :
'^2.. I shall offer some remarks, First, on the choice of subjects. — But before I point out what subjects are to be preferred^ I shall shew you what you are to decline* Among these are,
The doctrines of natural religion, such as the Being and Providence of God, — the state of future rewards and punishments, — liberty of choice; — the distinction between moral good and evil. — These subjects are less ne- cessary, because they are generally believed, and have been so fondly and repeatedly insist- ed upon by those who had but little relish for
edition. — The writings of Leighton being calculated for christians of the nao&t refined taste, as well as those of the meanest capacity, there can be no doubt of success in the undertaking.
* Most of these rules refer to the young preacher at first setting out; though they are all in some de- gree applicable to a settled minister. Tiie former they teach what he should only, and the latter what he should chiefly make choice of.
Lect. 5.] cOxMPOsiNG sermons. 33
the doctrines of the gospel, that enlarging up- on them would bring a man's reputation into question with many. — Besides, the nicety of the arguments cannot be understood by vul- gar auditors, nor is it possible their pious af- fections should be much impressed by them ; — yet, as they are fundamentals, they ought not to be entirely omitted. Let them, there- fore, be touched upon in parts of Sermons, tending to some evangelical purpose. — This may be done from, " This is life eternal, to know thee, &c." " He hath abolished death, and brought light and immortality to light, &/C." Of this method of treating these sub- jects, the Berry-Street Lectures are excellent examples.
^ 3. 2. The evidences of Christianity. — These are too large to be conveniently brought into a single, or even a double Sermon ; be- sides, it is seldom an acceptable subject to the generality of hearers. — Yet exceptions must be allowed for some places where deistn prevails. — Let a settled minister, in two or three elaborate Sermons, give a general view of the arguments; — and refer to plain treatis- es on the subject. — It is highly proper by cat- echising to inform the judgments of the rising generation ; — as they are in the greatest dan- ger of being seduced. — When preaching on subjects that admit it, take an opportunity to make a few striking observations in confirma- tion of Christianity ; especially be careful to display its excellency above natural religion ; — this will generally be sufficient. For when
34 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
our people are brought to experience the pow- er of the gospel, they will never forsake it. It is hard for a young preacher to support his reputation by such a topic ; and if he has any thing to say that is extraordinary, it will be better to say it from the press than from the pulpit.
§ 4. 3. The inexplicable mysteries of the gospel ; such as the doctrine of the Trinity, the union of the divine and human natures in Christ, the manner of the Spirit's operation, &.C. for they cannot be made plain. Besides, there is danger of puzzling, or inflaming our hearers; — the wiser part will be offended to to see you so forward and bold ; — and the hun- gry soul will go away from these as from the preceding subjects but little refreshed. — It is feeding the people with roots instead of fruits.
§ 5. 4. The highest points of Calvinism, supposing them to be believed. — Such as the imputation of Adam's sin, — Reprobation, — Irresistible Grace, and others of the same cast. These doctrines may be abused, and preju- dice some against the more necessary doc- trines of Calvinism ; — as those of the media- tion and atonement of Christ ; — the aids and influences of the Spirit, &,c. — Hints on high doctrines, except on particular occasions, are better, if they are believed, than whole dis- courses upon them.
§ 6. 5. Types. — In these there is so much room for fancy, that it is difficult to speak ju- diciously upon them ; — and more difficult to please if they be not drawn to excess. — But
Lect. 5.] COMPOSING sermons. 35
for a pastor, especially on a sacrament-day, those that are allegorized in scripture may be very profitably enlarged upon, — provided the similitude and ditference be shown.
<^ 7. 6. Particular sins and duties. — Atter- BURY, indeed, says, that " General discourses are, for the most part, like large prospects, where the eye is lost in the wide compass it takes, and sees so many things at once, that it sees nothing clearly."* To young preach- ers, however, they are not advisable. — They are, indeed, much preferable to any of the former, but if frequently enlarged upon, may procure you the character of a legal preach- er ; — and the same end may as well be an- swered another way, as I shall soon shew. Especially avoid preaching against a particu- lar vice, as drunkenness, luxury, covetousness, pride, &lc. — Rather recommend the contrary virtues of sobriety, mortification, liberality, humility ; — and let these be urged chiefly by evangelical motives. — A settled minister may, however, sometimes insist on such subjects, and ought to do it ; — particularly to caution youth, — and to deter them from keeping bad company, — and induce them to observe strict- ly the Sabbath-day. — Great care should be taken, however, not to draw such descriptions of ill characters as would give just occasion to suspect (hat you had particular characters in view. — It may be added, these subjects often lead into a chain of reasoning too close to be
* Atterh. Serm. vol. i. p. 38.
36 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
popular ; — and people generally know right and M'rong.
§ 8. 7. A continued series of discourses from the same verse, or even chapter, ought to be avoided by young preachers. — This me- thod tends to weary an auditory. — Few chap- ters afford proper subjects in every verse. — The peculiar advantages of this method may be better answered by expounding. — The ex- plication and improvement of a variety of sub- jects connected in some way together, making a course of Sermons more entertaining.
§ 9. This hint is chiefly intended for a set- tled minister ; — it will be wisdom in him to make a proper connexion between subjects, — and to have, with due allowance for other oc- casional discourses, a series which shall con- tain a system of practical divinity.
§ 10. 8. Not subjects of great terror ; — as very strong representations of the wrath of God, or of the nature, degree and duration of the torments of hell. — To make these the sub- ject of your Sermons will be likely to bring upon you the reputation of legalists, and would perhaps rather amaze and confound the hear- ers for the present, than make lasting good impressions on their minds. — Warn faithfully, but let it be rather in particular parts of Ser- mons, than in distinct discourses. — Always take care to avoid representing God as a ty- rant.
§ 11. Having shewn what subjects you ought generally to decline, I will now point out
Lect. 5.] COMPOSING sermons. 37
what subjects are to be preferred, and most frequently insisted on.*
§ 12. I. Those which relate immediately to Christ. — The glories of his person, and riches of his grace, Ps. xlv. 2. Cant. v. 10. Isa. ix. 6. — His incarnation, John i. 14. — His under- standing, Isa. xlix. 5, 6. John xvii. 2. — His birth, Luke ii. 11. — His example, Acts x. 38. 1 Peter ii. 21. — His preaching, John vii. 46. — His ministerial conduct, Heb. iii. 1. — His passion, Lam. i. 13. Isa. liii. 12. — His death, resurrection, and ascension, John xix. 30. Luke xxiv. 41. Acts iii. 15. 19. — His inter- cession, Heb. vii. 25. Rom. viii. 34. — His re- lations, offices, and characters ; — as Husband, Brother ; — Prophet, Priest, King ; — Physician, Shepherd, Captain, Strength, Head, Forerun- ner, Advocate, Friend, Saviour, Judge, &-c.
§ 13. II. The constitution of the covenant of grace made with believers in Christ. — Here consider, and state the nature of justification by his righteousness, — the nature of faith, and its place in the gospel scheme, — also the na- ture, necessity, reasonableness and effects of repentance,— the freedom of the grace of God, as it is manifested in the covenant. — The ex- cellency of the Gospel, — the superiority of the covenant of grace, compared with former cov-'
* Lot ifie most useful and pertinent subjects be your most frequent clmice. Those are the most use- ful that are the most edifying ; and those most perti- nent that are fitted to the capacities and necessities of the auditory ; to both which you ought to have a special regard. Barccroft's Jirs cnocionandi, p. 92.
38 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
enants, — how ratified by the blood of Christ the Mediator, — the seals of the covenant, — the manner in which it is to be entered into, re- newed and reflected upon, &;C.
§ 14. III. The Spirit and his operations, — Represent our absolute need of him ; — des- cribe his work on the soul in conviction, con- version and consolation ; — illustrate the nature of his influences ; — in the assistance he afibrds in prayer, — and the witness he bears to his own work on the heart.
§ 15. This is an exceedingly popular sub- ject— and, what is of still higher importance, it is a useful and scriptural one. — When you enlarge upon it, however, it will be necessary to add cautions against grieving the Spirit, — and directions for walking in the Spirit, — and being filled with the Spirit.
§ 16. IV. The privileges of the children of God ; — the pardon of sin, — the renovation of their nature,--adoption, — perseverance through divine grace, — God's providential care over them, — all things working together for their good, — access to God through Christ, — com- munion with him, — believing views of glory, &LC. — These subjects will impress the hearts of sinners, (as a lancet concealed in a sponge,) — as well as raise the devout affections of true christians.
§ 17. V. General views of religion. — Mic. vi. 8. Titus ii. 11. Matt. xxii. 37. — Remind hearers of the various branches of duty in a transient manner. — Urge their obligations close to their consciences. — For people generally
Lect. 5] COMPOSING sermons. 39
know what is right, but need to be persuaded to practise it. — But particular cases of con- science, that cannot be well stated in Sermons, encourage your people to bring to you in pri- vate.
§ 18. VI. The love of Christ and a devo- tional temper. — Here represent his attributes, and the genuine workings of a pious soul to- wards him. — Urge the keeping up a continual communion with him. — Describe the pleasing intercourse of a devout soul with him in va- rious ordinances. — This will be particularly useful to yourselves and very comfortable to serious christians.
§ 19. VII. The evil of sin, and misery of sinners in consequence of it. Sound the alarm, but with mingled encouragement. Dis- play the terrors of the law, but seldom let them be the subject of whole Sermons; — and gen- erally lament over sinners, rather than menace and threaten them.
§20. VIII. The temptations and exercises of a pious soul. — These cases often occur among the people of God, and courses of Sermons must often be interrupted to enlarge upon them. — Show whence discouragements arise; — describe the cause, — and lay down rules for judging of sincere grace, — that christians may be comforted, and hypocrites convicted. — Such Sermons are generally very profita- ble.— Fence them with several scripture quo- tations, that they may not be thought enthusi- astic.
§ 21. IX. Death, Judgment, and eternity.
40 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
— Funeral Sermons will often demand these. — Nothing tends more to quicken in the du^ ties of life and preparation for death. — Here consider heaven in its various views ; — con- formity to God ;— beholding the glory of Christ; associating with saints and angels ; — and the influence these prospects should have upon us. §22. X. Examples of scripture characters, and pieces of sacred history. — These are very interesting and entertaining subjects, and will often afford you natural occasions of saying useful things in a very inoffensive way. — Sometimes a virtue is better represented by such an example, than by a topical discourse ; — thus, submission to the will of God will be better illustrated by the example of Aaron, Eli, Job, Samuel, <S£c. than by general obser- vations on the nature, advantages aud reason- ableness of such a temper.*
* As this part of the subject is of great moment^ and the variations between the copies are greater here than, perhaps, in any other part of the lectures, the whole of that copy which differs most is given in this note ; which may serve also as a specimen of the difference which may appear to exist between other copies. Such diversity has probably arisen from the ditFerent ways in which the lectures were dictated to successive classes of students, in different periods of time, evew supposing the syllabvs to be the same ; but which would be still greater on supposition that the author made, as in all probability he would make, successive additions and alterations in the syllabus itself; and all this might produce a great diversity independent of another considerable source, viz. the comparative accuracy or inaccuracy of original wri- ters and subsequent transcribers.
LeCt. 6.] STRAINS OF PREACHING. 41
LECTURE VI.
On different Strains of Preacliinw.
|i.
I SHALL not here describe all the vari- ous strains of preaching for which different
WHAT SUBJECTS OUGHT TO BE PREFERRED, AND MOST FREQUENTLY INSISTED UPON BY A YOUNG PREACHER.
1. Those that relate more immediately to Christ. The glories of his person; the riches of his grace; his incarnation and birth ; his life, entering into the several particulars of his example; his preaching, considering both the important doctrinos he taught, nnd the excellent manner in wiiich he taught them. The sufferings and death to which he voluntarily submitted, and for what reasons; his resurrection from the dead; his ascension into heaven ; his inter- cession on our behalf, and the high authority which is committed to him. The relations he stands in to his people, as their Prophet, Priest, King, Piiysician, Shepherd, Head, Forerunner, Captain, Advocate, Friend, Saviour, and Judge.
2. The constitution of the covenant of grace as es- tablished with believers in him. The blessings of pardon, grace, and glory, that are offered herein to all humble and believing penitents. The nature of faith ; and its place in the scheme of our salvation. The nature, reasonableness, and necessity of repent- ance, with its genuine fruits. The freedom of God's grace manifested in this covenant ; how ratified by the blood of Christ, the Mediator. The peculiar ex- cellence of tills covenant, shewed by comparing it with former covenants.
3. The influences and operations of God's Holy Spirit, and our need of them ; their use and efficacy in enlightening the mind, convincing the judgment, renewing and sanctifying the soul ; quickening to duty, fortifying against temptation, assisting in pray- er, and comforting true christians, by witnessing to their adoption, &c. The necessity of seeking^ ches*.
42 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
men are remarkable; but only recommend some, which perfectly agree with each other and should be found in every Sermon.
ishing and improving these gracious influences of heaven.; and the great danger of so resisting them, as to grieve the Divine Spirit. These are exceeding popuhir, scriptural, and useful subjects.
4. The privileges of true christians, e. g. pardon of sin, renewing, strengthening and confirming grace; adoption, perseverance, through continued divine in- fluences; God's providential care over them, order- ing all things for their advantage ; giving them ac- cess to his presence, believing views of glory, &c. It will impress the hearts of sinners, if proper ad- dresses to them be intermingled; as the lancet in the sponge. And nothing will more pov^'erfully quick- en to duty, when backed with suitable examinations.
5. General views of religion, such as Mic. iv. S. Tit. ii. 11, &c. Remind men of their various branch- es of their duty in a transient manner; and urge the obligation close home upon their consciences. For men generally know what is right, only they want to be persuaded to practise it; and particular cases of conscience cannot well be stated in a single Sermon^ but may be more fully and advantageously considered in private.
6. The love of God, and a devotional, spiritual, heavenly temper. Here the divine perfections may 1*0 represented, and espicially the relations God stands in to ns, as our Creator, Preserver, Benefac- tor, Father, Friend, Guide, Sovereign, Judge ; from whence the corresponding duties we owe to him will appear necessarily to arise ; such as reverence, es- teem, love, delight, gratitude, hope, and trust, to- gether with an imitation of his moral excellencies, and an universal obedience and submission to his will. Here all the genuine workings of a pious soul towards him may be described ; and the advantages of keeping up a holy communion with him by med- itation and prayer, and other religious exercises, set forth, In like rpannor, such holy and divine prinQir
LeCt. 6.] STRAINS OF PREACHING. 43
§ 2. Let it be observed, that by " strain" I mean the general manner in which the whole
pies, as those of attending to the care of the soul, rathpr than the body; living and walking by faith; minding spiritual things; seeking first the kingdom of heaven; setting our affections on things above; and having our coversation in heaven ; are subjects that would be peculiarly useful to yourselves, and grateful to serious christians.
Lay open the evil of sin, and the misery of sinners in consequence of it. But still mingle encourage- ments with the alarm. Here display the terrors of the Lord ; but let them be seldom the subjects of whole discourses, as above. And general)}' lament rather than menace. The surgeon's soft iiand is to be imitated.
8. The temptations and exercises of the pious soul. These cases often occur in life, and should often be touched upon in the pulpit. Show whence dis- couragements arise in the way of duty ; and by what a variety of means men are enticed or hur- ried into sin. Show the need and use of constant caution and watchfulness. Assist those exercised with trials or temptations, with proper advices ; and lay down rules whereby to judge of sincer- ity, for the comfort of christians, and the detec- tion of hypocrites. But fence them well with scrip- ture quotations, that they may not be thought en- thusiastic.
9. Death, judgment, and eternity. Funeral dis- courses will probably often demand these ; if not^ they should not be neglected. Nothing tends to quicken more to the duties of life, and a preparation for death.
10. The examples of good men, and passages of sacred history. These subjects are very entertain- ing ; and will often give a natural occasion of saying very useful things in an inoffensive manner. Some- times a virtue is better recommended by an exam- ple than a topical discourse ; v. g. Submission to Gods will in the instances of Aaron. Job, or Da^
44 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
discourse is composed. It differs much from style — this regards the structure of sentences in particular, but strain respects the aspect of the entire discourse.
§ 3. 1. Let the strain of your Sermons be argumentative. — Be often proving something, even when it is not the business of the whole discourse to demonstrate one proposition. — As for instance, prove the justness of your expli- cation ; — the truth of subordinate assertions ; — the propriety of the directions you give ; — and the necessity of your cautions. — And never expect that any of those things which you advance will by an intelligent auditory be received merely on your word. — Nevertheless, do not let your arguments be too numerous^,, abstracted, or disposed in too artificial an or- der.— Remember, the explication of your sub- ject must be as argumentative as almost any part of your Sermon.
^ 4. 2. Pathetic. — It is a wild scheme to^ pretend to root out the passions ; — and a fool- ish thing to pretend to lay them asleep. — They are the sails of the soul. — The preacher must endeavour to fill them with a prosperous wind. Have some pathetic strokes even while ex- plaining, as well as in your reflections or im- provement ; — or else your reasoning will not be attended to, nor of course understood ; — and then, however strong in itself, it will prove of no avail, — and an address to the passions
vid ; so Enoch's walking with God ; Abraham's faith ; Moses' self denial ; Joseph's chastity ; and Jianiel's piety.
Lect. 6.] STRAINS OF PREACHING. 45
will appear as irrational as if no such reason- ing had been formed. Therefore make your Sermons addresses to your hearers, rather than general essays or speculative harangues ; — a very necessary way of preaching the gospel. — However, on this head be cautious ; do not attempt to raise the passions of the people to immoderate transports, nor suffer your own to master you ; — lest to those who are not so much affected as yourselves you appear ridic- ulous.— In the greatest emotions " Ride in the whirlwind, and direct the storm." — Re- member that different degrees of fire become different subjects, and different parts of the same subject.
§ 5. 3. Insinuating. — That the passions may be moved by soft touches, and sudden turns, lead them into their own hearts ;— show them the workings of their own minds and passions. — This cannot be effected, however, without deep reflection, and great self-ac- quaintance.— A variety of thoughts, suited to this strain, may be found in different authors, almost on every subject. — This insinuating manner makes little noise, but does great ex- ecution.— This is the strain of our blessed Redeemer ; — and sometimes of St. Paul.
§ 6. 4. Evangelical. — Choose such sub- jects as those mentioned above ; — and, let your subject be whatever it may, always examine what peculiarities of the Gospel may be brought in ; — and what christian experience. — Let it be a maxim with you, never to preach with- out introducing Christ, and the Holy Spirit. —
46 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
Rather digress, as St. Paul does, than omit them.
§ 7. 5. Spiritual and experimental. Con- sider the various cases of souls, in respect to the great concern of religion ; — how convic- tions are introduced; — how they work; — and by what means they may be best preserved, cherished and improved , — and in how many ways there is great danger, either of their gra- dually wearing off and leaving the heart less susceptive of them, or else of their degenerat- ing into superstition or enthusiasm ; — how Satan endeavours to stifle them, — Describe the temptations with which good men are ex- ercised ; — whether arising from the allure- ments of sense, the strength of predominant passions, the flatteries and frowns of the world, the influence of evil examples and bad cus- toms, the terrors of persecution, loose and li- centious principles ; — describe the horrors un- der which they sometimes groan ; — the regret they feel when communion with God is inter- rupted ; — the believer's combat with indwell- ing sin ; — and with doubts relative to his fu- ture state. — Often touch on these things, when they are not the principal subject of your dis- course. For these purposes study the Psalms. —Deal much in the description of christian tempers. — Cultivate it in your own souls. — Represent the christian speaking ; — and speak what you find in your own heart ; — what you have felt in some of your best seasons.
§ 8. 6. Scriptural. — Borrow scripture phra- es, illustrations and proofs. — Deal in frequent
LeCt. 7.] STYE OF SERMONS. 47
allusions to scripture. — Study to open 'the beauty and energy, as well as the chief design, of the particular scripture which you choose as the ground of your discourses. — In your application, especially when you wish to bring home conviction to the hearts of sinners, en- deavour to find one or tvv^o powerful scriptures, and shoot them home ; — no arrow is more likely to pierce the heart. The principles of analogy will often make these addresses very rational ; — and it is doing an honour to the Spirit of God, which if we conscientiously re- gard, he may probably honour us. — Isaiah and Jeremiah, and the other prophets, and St. Paul, will be of vast service for pathos ; — and there is nothing that gives a style a more me- lodious and majestic cadence than scriptures properly interwoven with it.— Throw into these quotations a few explanatory words, with which a con^recration will be deliijhted and edified.
LECTUPtE VII.
On the Stylo of Sermons.
§ 1. Let it be pure. — Avoid obsolete words and those composed of foreign languages, which Barrow and L'Estrance made some unsuccessful efforts to introduce. — Avoid very hard words when easy ones are equally expres- sive of your meaning.
^ 2. Intelligible and clear. — Avoid the in-
48 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
tricacy of which Howe and Boyle are such remarkable instances. —When a sentence grows too long, divide it. — Affect not to confound the distinction between different periods and paragraphs by the perpetual use of connecting particles. — Encumber not your discourse with the particles, '' by how much, by so much, for as much as, furthermore, howbeit, &/C." — Do not deal in parentheses, unless they are very short. — " An affected obscurity of style," says Baxter, " makes a fool admire the preachers learning, but it will make a wise man wonder either at his hypocrisy or folly."
§ 3. Strong and nervous. — Do not weaken it, as Watts sometimes does, by too many epithets ; — nor by synonymous terms, than which nothing deadens a style more.
<^ Calm and composed. — Do not suffer your- selves to be carried away in the passionate parts of your discourse into high swelling words of vanity ; — and never imagine the true sub- lime consists in bombastic expressions.
§ 5. Orthodox. — Avoid offensive phrases ; — and use favorite ones, as far as you can fix a good meaning to them ; — declare a good sense to them, and endeavour to teach others that idea.
§ 6. Grave and solemn. — Avoid ludicrous expressions. — That rule of Luther's, *' Qui pueriliter, populariter, trivialiter, et simplicit- er docet, optimus ad vulgus est Concionator," will not hold good in the present age. — Learn- ing is not now at so low an ebb. Keep up the majesty of the pulpit. — Do not affect those
LeCt. 7.] STYLE OF SERMONS. 49
abbreviations which make a discourse too fa- miliar.— Be particularly careful to preserve reverence when speaking of the Divine Being. Scott often offends heinously in this;— e. g. he speaks of" Hissing the almighty poet off the stage, and damning his works ; — of tantalizing God with the golden fruits of repentance ; — of disappointing his hopes, and of playing the af- tergame of repentance," &c. — such expres- sions cannot be equalled, except by that lus- cious style which some high notioned writers have used or affected, — especially Crisp. , § 7. Generally plain and always unaffected. — The boyish affectation of crowding every thing with ornaments, is despicable : — A dis- course of this kind is like a mean dress be- spangled with jewels." — Take heed of poeti- cal lines; — and if without design you have fallen upon them let them, be altered in the review of your Sermon. — Avoid many points of wit ; — when much of this appears it renders a man suspected whether he is in earnest for God, — There are too many instances of this in Spratt, of whom it might be said, (as well as of his friend Cowley) " He more had pleas'd us, had he pleas'd us less." — These are "spi- ders' webs to catch flies." — " This is like Ne^ ro's lading his gallies from Egypt with sand for the wrestlers, when Rome was starving for want of corn," IBates, p. 772. " Or like of- fering a basket of flowers to a hungry man, Rapin, vol. ii. p. 55.*
* Rapiris expressions arc : " Et c' est ainsi que I'on ffuslre la faim et la soif des fideles, par lea fleuri 3
50 LECTURES ON PREACHINGF^
§ 8. Let not your discourses, however, be too bare, but prudently interspersed with Jig- ures. — When too many, they are like flowery ■weeds growing among corn, — which render the prospect more pleasing to the eye, but hin- der the growth ; — or like painted glass moder- ately used, they exhilarate the mind, and fast- en on the memory. Therefore generally have- some similes and many allusions. If you bor- row them, quote the authors; — or it will be dressing yourselves with fine feathers which, will probably soon be pulled off to your shame : by which you will be exposed to shame, — for there is nothing so quickly discovered as those passages which strike the memory so forcibly. Remember, " Non quaerit aeger medicum elo- quentem sed sanantem,"
§ 9. Let your style be free and ea^i/ to your- selves. Be careful not to labour it too much ;. nor affect to imitate any one. But form your own style and manner gradually, by convers- ing with the best authors. When you have well digested your thoughts, write pretty fast,, and afterwards review and correct ; this will have a peculiar effect, and give a popular grace^ which stiff" labour cannot attain.
<^ 10. Lively. — This rule may take place when there is not much room or need for pa- thos.— Something of the laconic will conduce- much to this. Great verbosity enervates and makes a discourse flat. — Yet by all means a- void an affected smartness; — similar to that which runs through Echard and Collier.
d'line vaine Eloquence, Hont on amuse leur curiosi- te." Reflex. Sur L'Eloquence de la chaire, i 3.
LeCt. 7.] STYLE OF SERMONS. 51
§ 11. Vai'ious. — Your style must vary with the variety of your subjects, and sometimes ac- cording to the different parts of the same sub- ject ; — in some measure too according to your auditory, and the general manner of preaching in the place where you live ; — which you ought to endeavour gradually to improve. — The same style running through all your discourses will insensibly grow disagreeable, be it ever so good ; and that which is richest^ in writing as in food, will nauseate the soonest.
§ 12. Let it be harmonious. — Remember that harmony is a real thing, not only in speak- ing but in writing. — It may seem but a little thing, and it is not indeed the greatest, yet it is worth attending to, and may be attained by proper care. — Without it people will be unea- sy in hearing, w-hen perhaps they know not why. In order to attain it, let the ear be tun- ed by reading aloud, especially such authors as are remarkable for this excellence. Try your own compositions this way, even while composing as well as afterwards. Remember that perspicuity is a great friend to harmony. Avoid open vowels and clashing consonants, too many monosyllables, and too great a clus- ter of short syllables is succession. But take heed not to admit verses in your prose for the sake of being harmonious.*
* On reading over a discourse to ourselves we must observe what words sound harsh, and agree ill to- gether ; for there is music in speaking as well as in singing, whinh a man, thoujrh not otherwise critical in sounds, will soon discover. Burnet's Past. Care, p. 23G. See Mason s Treatise on Prosaic Nun"*ber»,.
52 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
LECTURE VIII.
On the Choice of Thoughtg.
<^ 1. Let them be solid — such as will stand the test of a severe judgment ; — for such they
passim. And as an admirable specimen Smith's Longinus.
Our author has manifested a decided partiality for Archbishop Tillotson as a writer of Sermons, and it is well known that he studied him, especially in his younger years, with great pleasure. It is not there- fore improbable that the defects of this favourite wri- ter, in point of energetic harmony, had an unpleasant influence on some parts of our excellent author's writings ; defects and an influence which have ex- tended themselves even so far as to afl^ect, in some degree, the national taste. It is presumed, therefore, that the following remarks on harmony of style in general, and the character of Tillotson in this respect more particularly, will form a very suitable appen- dix to this Lecture.
ox HARMONV OF STVI.E.
'■' Among the principal defects of our English Ora- tors, their general disregard of harmony has, I think, been the least observed. It would be injustice in- deed to deny that we have some performances of this kind amongst us, tolerably musical ; but it must be acknowledged at the same time, that it is more the effect of accident than design, and rather a proof of the power of our language than of the art of our orators.
Dr. Tillotson, who is frequently mentioned as hav- ing carried this species of eloquence to its highest perfection, seems to have had no sort of notion of rhetorical numbers : and I may venture, Orontes, to add, without hazarding tlie imputation of an atfecte'd singularity, that f think no man had ever less pre- tensions to genuine oratory, than this celebrated ^readier, ir any thing could raise a flame of elo-
LeCt. 8.] THE CHOICE OF THOUGHTS. 53
must expect ; — and unless they will bear this^ however you may adorn them, they will be
quence in the breast of an orator, there is no occa- sion upon which, one should imagine, it would be more likely to break out, than in celebrating depart- ed merit; yet the two Sermons which he preached Upon the death of Mr. Gouge and Dr. JVhiclicote, are as cold and languid performances as were ever, per- haps, produced upon such an animating subject. — One cannot indeed but regret, that he, who abounds with such noble and generous sentiments, should want the art of setting them off with all the advan- tage they deserve ; that the sublime in morals should not be attended with a suitable elevation of language. The truth, however, is, his words are frequently ill chosen, and almost always ill placed : his periods are both tedious and unharmonious ; as his metaphors are generally mean, and often ridiculous. It were easy to produce numberless instances in support of this assertion. Thus in his Sermon preached be- fore Queen Anne, when she was Princess of Den- mark, he talks of stpieezing a parable, thrusting re- ligion by, driving a strict bargain with God, shark- ing shifts, &c. and speaking of the day of judgment, ha describes the world as cracking about our cars. I cannot however but acknowledge, in justice to the oratorical characler of this most valuable prelate, that there is a noble simplicity in some fevv'ofhis Sermon* ; and his excellent discourse on sincerity de- serves to be mentioned with particular applause.
But to shew his deficiency in the article I am con- sidering at present, the following stricture will be sufficient, among many others that might be cited to the same purpose. ' One miorht be apt,' says he, * to think at first view, that this parable was orerdone, and wanted something of a due decorum; it being hardly credible, that a man, after he had been so mer- cifully and generously dealt icithal, as upon his hum- ble request to have so huge a debt so freely forgiven, should, whilst the memory of so much mercy was fresh upon hira, even in the very next moment, hau'
54 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
despised, — like " a fair woman without dis- cretion,"— or, like the colouring of a picture where proportion is not observed.
die his fellow-servant, who had made the same hum- ble request to him which he had done to his Lord, with so much roughness and cruelty, for so incon- siderable a sum.'
This whole period, (not to mention other objections which might justly be raised against it) is unmusical throughout, but the concluding members, which ought to have been particularly flowing, are most misera- bly loose and disjointed. If the delicacy of Tulhfs ear was so exquisitely refined, as not always to be satisfied even when he read Demosthenes.-' how would it have been offended at the harshness and dissonance of so unharmonious a sentence.
Nothing, perhaps, throws our eloquence at a great- er distance from that of the ancients, than this Go- thic arrangement ; as those wonderful effects, which sometimes attend their elocution, were in all proba- bility, chiefly owing to their skill in musical con- cords. It was by the charm of numbers, united with the strength of reason, that Tally confounded the audacious Catiline, and silenced the eloquent Horten- siits. It was this that deprived Curio of all power of recollection, when he rose up to oppose that great master of enchanting rhetoric : it was this, in a word, made even Ccesar himself tremble ; nay, what is yet more extraordinary, made CcBsar aher his determined purpose, and acquit the man he had resolved to con- demn.
You will not suspect that I attribute too much to the power of numerous composition, when you re- collect the instance which Tally produces of its won- derful effect. He informs us, you may remember, in one of his rhetorical treatises, that he was him- self a witness of its influence, as Carbo was once haranguing to the people. When that orator pro- nounced the following sentence, Patris dictum sa- piens, temeritasfilii comprohavit — it was astonishing, says he, to observe the general applause which fol-
LeCt. 8.] THE CHOICE OF THOUGHTS. 55
^ 2. Useful. — Remember it is your great business to edify, not to amuse. — Often ask
lowed that harmonious close. A modern ear, per- haps, would not be much affected upon this occasion; and, indeed, it is more than probable, that we are ignorant of the art of pronouncing that period with its genuine emphasis and cadence. We are certain however, tliat the music of it consisted in the Dicho- ree with which it is terminated : for Cicero himseU assures us, that if the final measure had been chang- ed, and the words placed in a different order, their whole effect would have been absolutely destroyed. This art was first introduced among the Greeks by Thrasymachus, though some of the admirers of Isoc- rates attributed the invention to that orator. It does not appear to have been observed by the Romans till near the times of TuUy, and even then it was by no means universally received. The ancient and less nu- merous manner of composition, had still many admir- ers who were such enthusiasts to antiquity as to a- .<lopt her very defects. A disposition of the same kind may, perhaps, prevent its being received with us ; and while the Archbishop shall maintain his author- ity as an orator, it is not to be expected that any great advancement will be made in this species of eloquence. That strength of understanding likewise, ,and solidity of reason, which is so eminently our na- tional characteristic, may add somewhat to the diffi- culty of reconciling us to a study of this kind ; as at first glance it may seem to lead an orator from his grand and principal aim, and tempt him to make a sacrifice of sense to sound. It must be acknowledged, indeed, that in the times which succeeded the dis- solution of the Roman republic, this art was so per- verted from its true end as to become the single study of their enervated orators. Pliny the younger of- ten complains of this contemptible affectation ; and the polite author of that elegant dialogue which, with very little probability, is attributed either to Tacitus or Quinctilian, assures us it was the ridicu- lous boast of certain orators in the time of the declen-
56 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
yourselves, Will this thought be likely to do good? — If not, lay it aside. — An ingenious -man, by attentive thought, may find out a set of just and rational, yet trifling and useless epeculation. — Butler's Sermons furnish us with some examples of this kind,
§ 3. Proper to the subject. — Never indulge- yourselves in loose digressions ;— but keep up^ a certain and easy connection. — The misery of sinners, — the nature of faith, — ^justification by the righteousness of Christ &c. — are brought in by many on every subject; — avoid this. — Nothing is more disagreeable in preach- ing than " semper eadem."
^ 4. Let them be such a? naturally flow from the subject. — For this purpose dwell much on your subject in previous meditation. — Talk it over; — view it in its various rela-
sion of genuine eloquence, that their harangues were capable of being set to music, and sung upon the stage. But it must be remembered, that the true end of this art lam recommending, is to aid, not t» supersede reason ; that it is so far from being neces- sarily effeminate, that it not only adds grace but strength to the powers of persuasion. For this pur- pose Tul.lif and Qulnctilian, those great masters of numerous eon^position, have laid it down as a fixed and invariable rule, that it must never appear the effect of labour in the orator, that the tuneful flow of his periods must always' seetn the casual re- sult of their disposition ; and that it is the highest offence against the art, to weaken the expression, in order to give a more musical tone to the cadence. In short, that no unmeaning words are to be thrown in merely to fill up the requisite measure, but that they must still rise in sense as they improve in sound.' Melmoth's Fitzosborne's Letters j No. xiv.
Lect. 8.] THE CHOICE of thoughts. 57
tions ; — and in composition keep it still in mind, — This will secure a happy diversity ; — and the same leading thoughts will have distinguish- ing and agreeable peculiarities ; — and the whole subject will appear one.
§ 5. Let some, if possible, in every dis- course be new. — These are generally to be gained by remarks on scripture ; — observing the workings of your own hearts; — and the general manners of men, in their diversified situations. — Reflect in reading what useful and agreeable thoughts the author you peruse has not inserted; — or how what he has said may be improved by any new thoughts which may arise in your own minds. — " Lateritiam inveni, marmoreani reliqui."
§6. Let them he popular ; — tliat is, suited to the people in general ; — and for this pur- pose attend to the reflections made by com- mon people of plain sense on your own dis- courses, or those of your brethren. — Consid- er also the circumstances of your audience in particular ; — and do not forget the cases of individual persons, — for thoughts which suit one you do know, often suit twenty whom you do not know. — When your Sermons are composed, as your first are, for various au- ditories, consider what is common to all.
§ 7. Let them be select. — Do not attempt to exhaust yourselves on every head. — Take the most material things. — Often, in opening your discourse, or a single argument, con- tent yourselves with hinting or passing lightly over what is most common, and expatiate 3*
68 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
more largely on what is peculiarly your own ; — or on some other account particularly use- ful for present consideration.
LECTURE IX.
On the Manner of ranging the Thoughts.
§ 1. Let the heads be distinct, not only in words, but in meaning. — Study to express them clearly, that the distinction may evident- ly appear ; — when it is otherwise, the Sermon cannot be understood, well received, or tolera- bly remembered ; — and the preacher himself, it will be supposed, has not fully understood his subject.
§ 2. Let them not be too numerous. — If they are, it will be difficult to keep them distinct. — It will also load the memory ; — and impov- erish the Sermon, — since, in that case, but very little can be said on every head ; though the beauty, or the finest parts of a Sermon lie chiefly in the enlargement. — Sermons with avast many heads are like the skeleton of a body ; — or like the branches of a tree in winter when neither fruit nor leaves are left.
^ o. Have not too many subdivisions. — They soon confound the most attentive and intelligent hearers, that have not either a vast memory, or a pen. — Have commonly but one series of particulars under one general head mentioned by numbers ; — and let those subor- dinate to them come on as the enlargement ; —
Lect. 9.] RANGING THE THOUGHTS. 59
where it is of great importance to be very exact in ranging them ; — and vvliere, in a well com- posed discourse, one liead will often contain the stamina of a Sermon.
§ 4. Let the heads be expressed in as few words as possible ; — especially have some one leading" word, if you can, which may corur.in the principal sense. — If they must be connect- ed with some longer sentence to make the sense complete, first mention them alone, then in their connection; — or if together, let the common part of the sentence be placed last, rather than first. Be contented to sacrifice something of the cadence and copiousness of your languuge to this greater concern. Oth- er parts of a Sermon may sufficiently shew you do not this from a want of ability to do otherwise.
§ 5. Place them in a natural order, — that they may illustrate and introduce each other, — and that there may be a fair transition. — Avoid inverted climaxes, — c«^ par. let those heads on which you propose to bestow the greatest labour or ornament, or lay the great- est stress, be placed last.
§ 6. Avoid trite divisions — especially of ve- ry common subjects, — as justification, sancti- fication, adoption ; — and the humiliation and exaltation of Christ; — his offices of Prophet, Priest and King ; — proofs from reason and proofs from scripture. — This looks like com- mon place, and may expose you to censure as a plagiary. — Yet I do not say that it must or can always be avoided ; — only be cautious that
CO 1,ECTURES ON PREACHIX'G.
these divisions do not grow too common ; — they give a discourse a very dull air.
§ 7. Have a variety of methods in differ- ent Sermons ; — particularly when the subjects are, as they often must be, nearly the same. — Sometimes, let the text be the guide and ground v^^ork throughout — Sometimes having opened it draw practical remarks from it. — Sometimes, take a topic of diversity, for which the text shall be the motto. — And in your ap- plication, sometimes address your hearers un- der their different characters; — and in this address, bring in your motives and direc- tions.— Sometimes, draw inferences ; or make reflections : — and at other times, let your whole discourse be applicatory ; — persuasive, — or dissuasive, — and have no reflections or applications at all at the close ; — or but a hint of what might have been introduced. § 8. Give the plan twice as briefly as possi- ble, and the review. — This makes Tillot- soN so clear. — A few moments thus employed are well spent. — Let your hearers always percieve where you are ; — and be upon your guard against long digressions.
§ 9. To secure all this, draw a very distinct skeleton. — Or you may draw two, with diff*er- ent degrees of exactness and fullness. — Sub- mit a fair draft to the examination of a friend. — Review it attentively before you begin to compose ; — remember that when this is well done, the Sermon is almost done; and a due care about it may be much better than trans- cribing the whole sermon twice ; — though that also may be done where time will allow.
Lect. 10.] coMPOsiTiox of a sermon. 61
LECTURE X.
Sfore particular Rules on the Composition of a Sermon.
§ 1. Take some previous time for devout meditation on your subject, — especially if it be devotional, as it generally will be. — Preach it over to your own souls. — Observe thoughts arising warm from the heart ; — set them down with peculiar care, — as some of your great- est treasure. — If one view appear more affect- ing than another, make a proper memorandum ofit.
§ 2. Choose to compose when you are in jour best frame, — cat. par. — Therefore take such time, that ifyou should be under any par- ticular indisposition for study, or meet v.ith any interruption in it, you may not be forced upon it, at so unfavourable a season. -But take care you do not too soon conclude yourselves incurably unfit ; — the frame often mends. — Take notice what parts of the day you are most inclined and in the best frame to compose -and secure those hours to yourselves. — Gen- erally early in the morning, — or late in the evening, — are the best time ;-unless you have an extraordinary command of retirement, — But let not the intermj»:'iate hours be lost.
§ 3. Begin the work with a solemn address to God. — This will lay you in the way of his blessing and assistance ; and will naturally have some good influence (o awaken, com'
62 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
pose and encourage your soul ; — it will direct your minds to right ends and views. — which is a matter of vast importance. — Perhaps a form of prayer might not be improper for that purpose ; yet varied with some particular re- gard to your subject.*
* The following form was drawn up for this pur- pose by Dr. Doddridge in his younger years, and prefixed to his book of liints or skeletons of ser- mons:—
•' Blessed God ! It is thou that gavest me a ra- tional soul, and upon thee do I depend entirely for the continuance of those capacities with which thou hast endowed me. I am .not suflicient of myself, so much as to think any thing as I ought, but all my sufficiency is of thee.
" I am now engaging in a work of singular impor- tance, in which I would desire to be sensible of tho need I have of thy gracious assistance. I beg that thou wilt command my attention to the affair before me. May no vain or intruding thoughts break in up- on me to hinder a steady application to my business. Direct my iiiind to proper thoughts ; and to the most agreeable manner of arranging and expressing them. And may my heart be inflamed with pious affections; that divine truths coming warm from my own soul may more easily penetrate into the souls of my hearers : May I remember that I am not to com- pose an harangue to acquire to myself the reputation of an eloquent orator ; but that I am preparing ff>od for precious and immortal souls; and dispensing that sacred gospel which my Redeemer brought from heaven, and sealed with his blood. May I therefore sincerely endeavour to give my discourse the most useful turn, and do thou direct me so to form it, as best to promote the great purpose of christian edification.
'• And grant, O Lord, that I may recieve present refreshment to myself, and future edification from the study of those divine truths I am entering upon ;
LeCt. 10.] COMPOSITION OF A SERMON. 63
<5, 4. When just setting to the worlr, ask your- selves such questions as these, on a view of the scheme you have drawn up.
<§ .5. 1. How shall the Sermon begin? — Let it not be always with mentioning the con- text,— though it may sometimes be allowed, or indeed necessary. — Use a variety of Exordia — Sometimes, by scripture stories, — some- times, by quotations and allusions, — some- times, by similes, — at others, by a weighty, laconic sentence, — and, sometimes, fall di- rectly upon your subject, — especially when it is so copious that you will be in danger of ex- ceeding the time. — Endeavour, in this part of your Sermon, to awaken the attention of your auditory, — and raise their expectations, — but not too high. — Let it be always modest, — with- out any extraordinary flights ;-— and leave no room for suspicion, that it was composed mere- ly to display the orator ; — this will lead your hearers to dispute your sincerity .-Better walk than attempt to fly where your wings will not bear you. — If you have any invocation, let it be after your general division, — peculiarly ap- propriate,— and more frequently expressed as a wish, than as a direct prayer ; — and so con- trived, that it may intimate to the hearers what they ought to be concerned about in attending to the discourse.
and may this be one of the most delightful employ- ments of my life. While I am waterinjr others may I be watered myself also ; and bring forth dai- ly more and more fruit, proportionable to the advan- tages which I enjoy, to the glory of thy great name and tiie improvement of my everlasting felicity, through Jesus Christ. Amen."
64 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
§ 6. 2. Does the text need explication ? — If it does, what explication ? — Do not make dif- ficulties for the sake of removing them ; — nor in a dull manner set yourselves^ as Dr. Clarke often does, to shew the various senses in which any word found in the text is used in scripture; — unless it may, (as it sometimes v.ijl) furnish useful thoughts. — When the difficulty is real, and especially where it is not touched upon by commentators, — state, and remove it, in a few strong words. — Do not introduce the senti- ments of various commentators, — they only confound ; — nor a variety of readings and ver- sions;— nor deviate from our own without real necessity ; and when you do, fix upon the translation you think the best, and drop the rest; — or at least but briefly touch upon them,. — and so as not to appear divided in your own- mind, and at a loss which to choose, lest it should produce some ill effect upon the audi- ence, by leading them to suppose that the scripture is an uncertain thing. When your text expresses some noble important sentiment,, in a very forcible manner, you may make it the subject of the greater part of your dis- course, without increasing any just blame. — Nothing dignifies a Sermon more than this- plan, — nor does a greater honour to scripture. — Search the context for proper thoughts ; — and, if there be any difficulties in the neigh- lK)urhood of it, endeavour to illustrate it by a few expressive and important words ; — which,^ to the more judicious of your hearers, must
LeCt. 10.] COMPOSITION OF A SERMON. 65
appear to be an abstract of a much larger criti- cism in }'our own mind.
§ 7. 3. Wliat passions are to be raised, — • and what figures of speech are to be used ? — Take care of misplaced oratory. — Take care not to mistake exclamation for raising the pas- sions.— Much stronger, and yet softer ma- chines must be used for this purpose. — If God be introduced speaking, it must be in a few awful, and generally, scripture words.
§ 8. 4. What strain of preaching is most suited to the subject in general, and to select parts in particular ? — When these are fixed, endeavour to recollect whb are the greatest masters in these strains, and how they would have expressed' themselves had they been in your place?
§ 9. 5. What regard to Christ and the Holy Spirit may properly be introduced into this discourse ? — Does it naturally lead to them I — If not, how may they least unnaturally be introduced or connected ?— Sometimes for want of this question they have been too much forgotten.
^ 10. 6. What quotations can properly be introduced from scripture ? — Generally, have one or two under each head, which ntay illus^ trate as much as possible its true sense. — In the application, some that are very pathetic should always be introduced. — The pathos of which ought to be illustrated from other writ- ings,— particularly by remarkable thoughts, figures, or laconic sentences, which in your reading you have met with. For this purpose
66 XECTnRES ON PREACHING.
often review your common-place book, — and sometimes note down thoughts you design for this purpose in your book of schemes.
§ 11. 7. What use can be made of my ac- quaintance with the world in this Sermon ?— Have I made any observations on it, — or seen any thing lately that may furnish me with an useful thought 1
§ 12. 8. When shall I address the con- science ? — Remember that the final applica- tion, reflections, or inferences are not the on/y places in which to introduce your addresses to the converted and unconverted,— the ignorant, the careless, the luxurious and profane, — the moralist and the hypocrite, — the wavering and irresolute, — the doubting, tempted, and de- jected in spirit, — the backsliding, — the con- firmed, zealous, and joyful ; nor to the aged and the young, — the prosperous and afi^icted, — the rich and poor ; — the healthy and infirm, — those who have lost friends, ^c. &lc. Rep- resent to yourselves these and various cases, and let each be seasonably noticed.
§ 13. 9. What shall the conclusion be t-^ Do not leave off merely because you have noth- ing more to say ; — be sure to close handsome?- ly. — Frequently close, though not always, with a thought of consolation ; — at other times full of terror ; and often with graceful scrip- ture.— Have some sprightly thoughts, if possi- ble, at the conclusion of each head.
§ 14. Often recollect your character, and station in life. 1 am a man, and not a boy.— • To crowd my discourses witb puerik orna-
LeCt. 10.] COMPOSITION OF A SERMON. 67
ments is like an academic, just from school. — All I write must be judicious, or it will be contemptible. — I am a servant of God, and not of the world, or of men. — I must approve my- self to the Great God ; — in all things I must promote his interest, and write and speak as in his presence ; — and, to feel these sentiments more sensibly, intermingle devout and deeply humble, though silent ejaculations while com- posing.— 1 am a minister of Christ, and not a deist, or heathen philosopher. — I am to preach the gospel, that gospel which Christ brought down from heaven, and died to confirm. — I am, in one sense, a successor of the apostles, — and am engaged in carrying on the scheme in which they and their Lord were engaged. — Am 1 a preacher among plain christians, not scholars, or courtiers? Let my Serm.ons be adapted to their capacities. — Imagine your- selves in the pulpit, and your congregation around you, and sometimes preach over some heads before you write them. — Lastly, I and my hearers are dying creatures. — I am, per- haps, composing my last Sermon, a Sermon which I may not live to deliver. — This method of recollecting yourselves will produce a gen- uine air of seriousness, profitable to yourselves and your hearers.
§ 15. Compose as much of your Sermon as you can at a sitting. — Choose to do this when you are in a good frame. — It will give a grace- ful freedom to your style, — and when you have prepared your materials, it will not be difficult to dispatch your Sermon in five or six hours.
bo LECTURES ON PREACHING.
§ 16. If in the course of your composition you find your thoughts wander and droop, en- deavour to revive them by holy ejaculations. — Beg of God to bring by his Spirit suitable scriptures to your remembrace — -in order to help you to open doctrines clearly, to state" them truly, and to apply them seriou.sly. — He knows what is in n)an, and can lead you to come at what you ought always most to seek, — the hearts of your hearers.
§ 17. Give your Sermons a very attentive and critical review. — Here lop off excrescen- ces,— divide sentences which are too long, — and if you can find time, transcribe the whole again. For this purpose begin soon enough ; — let your general schemes be drawn up a week before hand. — Read and enrich your schemes by additional thoughts and conversa- tion on Monday and Tuesday ; — on Wednes- day and Thursday compose your Sermon ; — and on Saturday review and transcribe it. — Practise this method seven years, and it will become natural and easy.
LECTURE XI.
On the Delivery of Sermons.
§ 1. This is evidently a matter of great im- portance, and almost every body pretends to be a judge of it. — A good delivery is much in a man's favour, and the contrary is much to
LeCt. 11.] DELIVERY OF. SERMONS.
69
his disadvantage. — In some instances hearers judge of a man's character by the manner of his speaking, as much as, or more than they do by his matter.
§ 2. Several things are essential to a good delivery. — Particularly, it must be grave and serious ; — agreeable to the dignity of the char- acter in which you appear. — This is opposed to a careless air in your delivery, — and to ev- ery thing that approaches that ludicrous man- ner which an unhappy few have affected ; — and also to improper actions, such as playing with the cushion, band, gloves, &c.
§ 3. It should be distinct.'^ — Take care of
* Every preacher wishes to be understood as well as heard ; but many are deficient in this respect, for want of a distinct articulation ; which might easily be acquired, if they would attend to a certain rule, without the observation of which no man's delivery can be perfect. It is well known, that a piece of writing maybe understood, if all the vowels are omit- ted ; but if the vowels are set down, and the conso- nants omitted, nothing can be made of it. Make the experiment upon any sentence; for example: Judge not, that ye be not judged. Take out the vowels, and it will stand thns—jdgntthtybntjdgd: this may readily be made out: but take away the consonants, and nothing can possibly be made of it — we o a e e o ue. It is the same in speaking as in writing; the vowels make a noise, and thence they liave their name, but they discriminate nothing. Many speak- ers think they are heard, if they bellow them out: and so they are ; but they are not understood ; be- cause the discrimination of words depends upon a distinct articulation of their consonants : for want of considerin* which, many Speakers spend their breath to little effect.— Do justice to every consonant— the vowels will be sure to speak for themselves. Jo7ies' JLiifQ of Dr. Home, p. 141.
70 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
running your words into one another, — and of sucking in your breatii, — or dropping your voice at the end of a sentence. — Make pauses in proper, and avoid them in improper places. — Let the accent belaid right, — but avoid too much, lest it seem affectation. — Pause at the end of your heads, — repeat them (when repe* tition is thought advisable) with a stronger voice than the rest.
<^ 4. Let it be affectionate. — Feel all yoa say. If a tear will fall, do not restrain it, — but it should never be forced. "Nothing is more indecent than a dead preacher, speaking to dead hearers the living truths of the living God." — Baxter. " A due fervour makes a plain discourse more touching than one more exquisitely composed and coldly delivered, as a blunt iron when red hot will pierce deeper into a piece of wood, than a much sharper one that is cold." — Bates.
§ 5. Composed and sedate. — In the warmest parts do not be transported beyond your voice so as to scream. — Moderate the excess of ac- tion,— such as throwing your arms over the sides of the pulpit, &/C.
<§» 6. Let your delivery be various. — Your delivery must vary according to the different parts of your Sermon, and the different senti- ments expressed. — Explication and application, must be delivered in a very different manner.
<^ 7. Natural and unaffected. — Theatrical airs are by all means to be avoided.* — Do not
* It lias been sometimes remarked, that a good the- atrical eiiuriclaiion is only a just imitation of nature^.
LeCt. Il.J DELIVERY OF SERM^ONS. 71
act all you say, — it is ridiculous. — Be careful not to make pauses that look like self-admira- tion between the several words of the same clause, nor affect to vary your voice too muck
and therefore ought not to be condemned, but imitat- ed. But ihe best imitation of nature, it must be re- membered, is not nature itself. An accurate view of the real difference in question is of considerable im- portance. An actor transports himself into the views,, the feelings, and the circumstances of the person rep- resented ; and this excites a transient pleasurable surprise at the resemblance. The genuine effect in its nature is the same as what is produced by any work of art, as music, painting, designing, and the like, whicli is quite different from a moral effect. A. bad man may be a good actor, for the same reason that he may be a good artist. A bad character may be acted well, for the professed object is to please by the art of imitation. Nay a good imitation of a bad char- acter may please an audience more than a less per- fect imitation of the best character. But a preach- er's professed object is to produce moral a.nd spiritual effects, not such as artful imitation can produce. In; short, the one affects by a persuasion we have that he really w what he appears to he. ; the other by ap- pearing to be what he really is not. The one speaks from the heart, the other from artificial conformity. The latter does not even pretend tliat what he says is tiie dictate of his own heart, nor does he seriously wish for others to think so. Nature si)eaks from con- viction, but an actor assuynes what he may, at heart, even detest. A good theatrical representation of IVhit- field on a stage, would be extremely different from the reality as to moral effect. The representation has pleased many a spectator, but was ever one of them edified? Or had the excellence of tbe imitation in Dr. Squintum the least tendency to benefit 1 hose who would iiave been edified by the original speaker.' Suppose Gnrrirk had taken much labour to represent our Lord delivering his sernmn on the mount — the result is too- obvious to need a single remark.^ — W..
72 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
to express very different ideas of sorrow, in- dignation, fear, &/C. — When the delivery ap- pears too artificial, the auditory is ready to suspect a man's sincerity, and that he is only playing his part. — Speak as a good man, bring- ing out of the full treasure of his heart good things.
§ 8. JFree, that is, above the servile use of notes. — Do not read every word, nor be afraid to change a clause, or to add a sentence which may rise suddenly, and be as useful and fre- quently as graceful as any. — To be able to preach without notes raises a man's character. Accustom yourselves to look about much upon your auditory.
§ 9. I shall finish this lecture, with some advices on the best means of attaining an agreeable delivery.
§ 10. 1. Guard against faults, rather than study beauty. — A delivery that has no consid- erable faults will probably have some beauties.
§ 11. 2. Accustom yourselves to read aloud the same thing again and again ; — perhaps your own Sermons will be preferable to any thing else. — This will fix them fast upon your mem- ory,— and you will acquire by use the proper emphasis, cadence and action.
§ 12. 3. Be sure to be master of your notes, in proportion to the degree in which you in- tend to use them, that you may not be entang- led.— It is a sad reproach to a man when he cannot read his own writing before a congre- gation, yet this I have often seen.
LeCt. 11,] DELIVERY OF SERMOXS. 73
§ 13. 4. Let your mind be as composed as possible. — Endeavour to get above the fear of the people by rational and pious considera- tions.— Remember your own superiority to most of them in point of understanding ; — also the candour of others of good sense, and how little a thing the applause of any is. — Fix your dependence upon God ; — be willing to be dis- posed of by him., in these instances, as he sees fit : — and yet cheerfully hope as you go forth in his work, that he will give you his strength. § 14. 5. Let your minds be animated. — For this purpose reflect seriously upon what you are to deliver. After you have composed your discourse, pray over it in private. — Seek divine assistance. Keep your mind well em- ployed as you go to the house of God. — In the pulpit make a little pause (if there be no sing- ing) between prayer and preaching, both that your hearers may be settled, and your ovVn minds awakened ; — and especially reflect on the beginning of your Sermon.
§ 15. 6. Avoid unnecessary expense of spirits just before you are to preach. — When the spirits are low, the performance cannot be comfortable to ourselves, and is seldom plea- sant to our hearers. — Yet God sometimes hon- ours those Sermons with success from wliich we have had the least expectations. — Do not sit up too late on Saturday night, nor study too intensely on Lord's day morning. — Nor be too long in secret and family prayer, but re- serve your spirits as much as possible,— and
/4 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
endeavour to keep your mind in a. serioifs, calm and tender frame.
§ 16, 7. Encourage the reflections of your friends upon the manner of your delivery. — We hear not our own voices as others do, — nor see that air and manner with which we speak in the light in which they view it. — Our friends, therefore, are the best judges.: — And if they find fault, you are not, while young, to be displeased. — If, however, what is iu itself right, generally, or at least freq.uently displease the auditory, it should be waved. — It is much pleasanter to commend than to^ blame ; if our friends therefore deny them- selves so much as to take this trouble, we ought to be very thankful, — and instead of be- ing angry at their censures, should rather de- sire them to do it frequently. — This is a pre- caution of importance to all beginners, because proper admonitions may prevent ill habits from lieing contracted, which, when once formed, are almost incurable.
LECTURE Xir.
General Directions not comprehended in the preceding Lectures..
§ 1. Do not preach the same Sermon over too often, either in the same or different pla- ces; — it hurts a man's reputation if the places are contiguous, and it is apt at best to deaden his own spirits; — but Ijast of all in the same
LeCt. 12.] GENERAL DIRECTIONS. 75-
place. — A little alteration of text and preface will not be looked upon as a sufficient excuse.
§ 2. Never borrow the words of others. — Use their works in your compositions for hints and thoughts freely, — but never transcribe, unless it be as a quotation.
§ 3. Do not preach too many Sermons on a text. — This rule is not to be invariably observ- ed, as there are some copious passages that will afford distinct matter for various Sermons, — and may occasionally be made the subject of two, but very seldom more than three discourses. Rather sometimes pursue the' same subject from different texts, that you may have more of the explication and applica- tion.
§ 4. When settled, have some scheme of subjects connected with each other to be preached over ;■ — especially a course of Ser- mons on the character and offices of Christ, — the operations and fruits of the Spirit. — on the privileges and duties of christians, &lq,. But let these be intermingled with others, — and when any remarkable providences occur, take notice of them in your Sermons.
§ 5. Preach sometimes in little country places, with greater freedom than you can al- low yourselves to a larger and more refined assembly. — Go into the pulpit with the heads of a Sermon only, and talk freely upon them, — and when you return, write the discourse more at large. Thus you will improve many of your compositions, and gradually get above your notes.
76 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
§ 6. Let your first Sermons especially be formed into an exact analysis, or regular scheme of method. Commit this to memory, and it will improve your judgment, make your de- livery easier to yourself, and continual atten- tion to your notes less necessary.
§ 7. Write your notes neatly and distinctly. — Rule your paper, with a large margin. — Let the heads be written apart, and the en- largement divided into various paragraphs, and each distinct sentence properly pointed, if in long hand. — Let the scriptures be refer- red to in the margin, which willgive an opportu- nity of recollecting much of the discourse, by a very transient view, — especially if you write (as it will be proper to do) not only those you professedly design to quote, but others whose phrases you borrow, or to which you only al- lude.— Read over your notes attentively once or more, to fix your Sermon in your memory, and to prevent the shame of frequently hesi- tating.
§ 8. Know when to have done,-and if good and pertinent thoughts arise in your minds, take care not to pursue them too far, so as to draw out your discourse to an immoderate length. — Sometimes young men, having said nothing, are full of matter when they ought to close ; and with a view to mend what they have been saying, are apt to be tedious. — Thus it costs them labour and study to be less agree- able than they would otherwise be. — Remem- ber, your business on subjects is not to say all that can be said; but what is most just, pro=
Lect. 12.] GENERAL DIRECTION'S. 77
per, important and useful — And do not forget that before the organs of speech are strength- ened by practice, it is a very dangerous thing to keep them upon the stretch for a long time together ; — the last quarter of an hour does them more injury than all.
§ 9. Be accurate but candid critics of the Sermons your hear. — Draw up a scheme or perhaps hints of a Sermon on the text on which you have heard a discourse, — and re- member to be just to the beauties as well as de- fects of your brothers. — Always speak with candor on the labours of other ministers, lest your reflections on them be reckoned envy, or ill nature ; which will greatly sink your own character; and lest a consciousness of that severity discompose you, as in that case you must hardly expect more candor than you have shown. — Some persons of uncharitable tem- pers, though of excellent sense, have been wretchedly distressed for want of this pre- caution.
§ 10. Retire for prayer both before and af- ter Sermon. — This will encourage the mind, and bring it into a good frame, and it is doing honor to the Divine Spirit, which he will pro- bably succeed with blessings on your labours. — Besides it is a propor indication of a serious temper, and a mind more concerned for God's glory than its own.
§ 11. Observe what acceptance your labours meet with amongst your people. — But makp your observations with great caution, lest you should appear to them to be fishing for applause,
78 LECTURES ON PREACHING,
which is a meanness very unworthy a gospel minister and the surest way to lose it. — Be willing to hear of any faults in your compos- ures or delivery ; and sometimes when you preach before your brethren, desire them to tell you plainly what they discovered amiss.
§ 12. Sometimes keep a day of solemn de- votion to recommend your labours to the di- vine blessing. — On those days, besides the usual devotion, review the memorandums of the Sermons you have lately preached, and reflect on what you have found of the accep- tance and success of them, and let God have the glory. — Humble yourselves before him, that they have been no more regarded or im- proved.— Review Christ's promises of assist- ance to his ministers, — and other promises which may be applied to this purpose, — for the further encouragement of your faith. — Plead earnestly with God for a blessing on yourselves, and those committed to your care, — and forget not on these devotional occasions to seek the blessing of God on your brethren and the public, — our plantations abroad, the church of Christ in general, and the protestant interest in the whole world. Consider then what you shall preach from before the next of these days, and draw out a more particular list of the subjects ; still leaving room for al- terations on unforeseen emergencies.
<^ 13. Maintain a character and conduct in I^fe agreeable to your preaching. — Labour to do good wherever you come. — Avoid every thing that would bring a reproach, or a reflec?
LeCt. 13.] DIRECTIONS FOR PRAYER. 79
tion OH your own character, or on religion. — Remember statues at the top of a house must be larger than life ; — i. e. your elevated situa- tion will render your piety diminutive, if not above the common standard. Pray to God for daily wisdom, — and every day in secret prayer have some petitions relative to the last Sermon you preached ; — and make it your care for the ensuing week to practise to the utmost what you have said. — This will command the regard of others, as far as it is apparent, and through divine grace ensure the blessing of God ; and make your ministry most comforta- ble to yourselves.
LECTURE XIII.
Directions for Prayer.
§ 1. Prayer is a matter of great dIfRculty and great importance to our usefulness, — and has a greater influence even on preaching than many are aware. — I shall first suggest some general directions relating to your improve- ment in the gift and grace of prayer.
^ 2. Furnish yourselves wiih a variety of matter proper for prayer ; — for this purpose, converse much with your own hearts, — get well acquainted with the state of your souls, — attend to your spiritual wants and weaknesses, =-- frequently recollect the mercies you receive irora God, and inquire what returns you have
80 LECTURES ON PREACHING,
made. — Study the nature, works, and ways of God ; make yourselves familiarly conversant with his word, — and let what you read there or in other good books, be considered in par^ ticular as affording matter for prayer. — Pray over what you have been reading, and seldom close your Bible, or lay a book of practical di- vinity out of your hands,, without a short col- lect at least formed upon it.
^ 3. Make a serious business of secret and family prayer. — Have your stated times for more private exercises of devotion, and be careful in them. — Do not hurry them over in a few careless words, nor be satisfied unless you have daily some communion with God in them.- — Labour hard to bring your hearts to a serious frame, when approaching to God in them.
§ 4. In all your prayers avoid the extremes of too mean and too pompous a style. A pom- ])Ous style shews a mind too full of self, and too little affected with a sense of divine things.
V/ho would regard a beggar telling a fine
story of his calamities? — But, on the other hand, take heed of too mean and paltry phra- ses, low images, and saucy familiarities with the blessed God. A guard against these should be always maintained ; but especially in public. Let all be grave and simple ; and appear to aim at nothing but pouring out the soul before God in the most genuine lan- guage of a humble and devout temper. A- void splendid borrowed expressions, which arQ
LeCt. 13.] DIRECTIONS FOR PRAYER. 81
sure to be remembered by those who have read them.
§ 5. Guard against sentences excessively long when you pray with others, lest they should not understand you. Better have them too short, though the sound of the period be injured, as this is but a small matter compared with the former.
§ 6. Be generally careful to observe a meth- od in your prayers. — The principal parts of prayer are Invocation with Adoration, — Con- fession,— Petition,— Intercession with Thanks- giving,— which may be connected by proper transitions ; but it is not necessary they should always succeed each other in this order. Thanksgiving may full as well come before confession, and the several parts may some- times be variously intermingled and combined. Thus invocation needs not always be confined to the beginning of prayer ; but may properly be repeated by way of preface to some of the principal petitions, remembering to make men- tion of the most suitable divine attributes; and the like mixture there may be of confession or thanksgiving with petition.
^ 7. Be not too solicitous to introduce nov" elties into your prayers. Desire not to pray as nobody ever prayed before, or will probably ever pray again. — Novelties may sometimes amuse, but in prayer they more frequently dis- gust ; besides, they have the appearance of too much art ; and as new things are general- ly the produce of the imagination, they are not 4*
8*3 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
SO proper for prayer as preaching, and even in that they must moderate.
§ 8. Remember it is the peculiar office of the Spirit of God to help in prayer. Engage in it, therefore, in dependance upon him ; and maintain a continual dependance on the in- tercession and influence of Christ.
§ 9. I shall now give you some directions which relate more immediately to public pray- er. .
§ 10. 1. Begin with a solemn recollection of spirit. Think seriously of the majesty of that Being to whom you are addressing your- selves, and of the importance of the business in which you are engaging. Think how near you and those who join with you, are to the tribunal of God, and lift up your hearts in de- vout ejaculations to him for such degrees of present assistance, as he shall think proper to bestow.
§ 11. 2. Begin rather lower than you intend to proceed, and somewhat slower, — and as you get warm, take heed of being transported into raptures, even though you should be melted into tears. Always keep up a solemnity of spirit and behaviour ; avoid and abhor z. peri' odical tone. — Use but little action, and that chiefly the holding up, and sometimes a little stretching out of the hand. Whether you should keep your eyes shut, is to be referred to your own judgment. — If you can be com- posed it is better to keep them open, but gen- erally fixed ; especially, do not look about up-
LeCt. 13.] DIRECTIONS FOR PRAYER. 83
on the people, nor seem to lake notice who comes in.
§ 12. 3. Remember to introduce the most applicable of the subjects you have lately heard or read, and any peculiar scriptures that have been the subject of your late meditations or discourse. — And for this purpose keep notes of them in your pocket-book, that they may be often reviewed at little intervals. But whatever scheme you may form, do not adhere to it so exactly as to neglect proper thoughts and expressions that rise ; or be very uneasy if you lose sight of it.
§ 13. 4. Make frequent pauses in prayer, that you may think a little before you speak ; and that your hearers may recollect their thoughts, and review yours. Observe this rule, then expletives will be less necessary.
§ 14. 5. Endeavour to have an unity of de- sign running through your scheme of prayer, — and let one petition be connected with an- other by natural, but never laboured transition. — It is better there should be no connexion at all, than any that seems forced and affected.
§ 15. 6, Insist chiefly on those parts of prayer that suit best with your frame and state, — not entirely, however, to the neglect of oth- ers ; — and endeavour to keep up a constant sense of your own concern in what you ask.
§ 16. 7. Forget not the public, — but pray for them with seriousness. — Plead for Heath- ens, Jews, Mahometans, Papists, and persecut- ed Protestants. — Pray for your own country with cordial love and esteem. — Remember
84 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
that praying for the King is part of the con- dition on which our toleration is granted. — Forget not magistrates,— and ministers. — Re- collect of what great importance their charac- ter and conduct is, — and observe scripture ex- pressions that may be properly applied to any , of these uses.
§ 17. 8. Remember the particular cases of your hearers, and the immediate concerns of - the congregation. — Here pray for the aged and the young, and particularly for the child- ren of the flock. — Pray for the heads of fami- lies, and thus remind them of their duty; the conscientious discharge of which is of such vast importance to religion. Pray for uncon- verted sinners, as seeing them upon the brink of hell. — Plead earnestly for them ; this is of- ten the means of awakening them ; and in this respect, while we are yet speaking, God ap- pears to hear. Remember the afflicted and tempted tenderly, and let particular cases have a moderate share in your addresses ; this en- gages the affections of the people greatly, and is often the means of administering support.
§ 18. 9. Let the blessed work of praise have a large share in your prayers. This made up much of the ancient liturgies, and is so suited to the Lord's day, that it is a pity it is not more regarded. — Labour to affect your hearts with a sense of God's mercies to you at all times, and then you will always be in a frame for this.
§ 19. 10. Use many scripture expressions in prayer. They are peculiarly affecting, and
LeCt. 14.] PUBLIC EXPOSITION. 85
very proper ; and the hearers also from the be- ginning of them will know what they are to expect ; and thus one great objection against extempore prayer will be removed.
§ 20. 11. Take care you are not too long in prayer before Sermon. For this purpose it is best to throw what relates to the public into the last prayer, — especially when preaching in or about London ; — twenty minutes is gen- erally enough, — nor is fifteen too little. — Let the last prayer be agreeable to the Sermon ; introduce the principal thoughts and heads, — but do not turn it into a preaching prayer, nor repeat any peculiarly fine passages of the Ser- mon, lest you should seem too fond of them. Rather introduce some additional thoughts, which you had not time to introduce in your Sermon. And if you pray at any time after any of your brethren have been preaching, suit your prayer as much as possible to what you have heard ; — and, on the whole, make it a kind of specimen to the people of the man- ner in which Sermons ought to be prayed over by them.
LECTURE XIV.
On Public Eposition and the Characters of Commentators.
^1. It is proper to make exposition a part of worship on the Lord's day, for the following reasons : —
86
LECTURES ON PREACHING.
It tends to keep a due regard for the scrip- tures by introducing them into worship ; as, when you expound, you may read the whole or part of a chapter, even in congregations that have not been used to it, and where oth- erwise it might not be agreeable.
§ 2. It assists to draw men off from errone- ous human schemes, by leading them to a scriptural religion ; to which nothing is more conducive than explaining the most interest- ing facts of the several books of scripture.
§ 3. It contributes much to lead them into a general acquaintance with the scripture, and a cheerful and attentive study of it.
§ 4. It is calculated to guard an audience from being seduced into erroneous opinions by wrong interpretations of scripture, quoted merely according to the sounds of words.
§ 5. It diversifies public service ; and af- fords opportunities of giving a great many advices, charges, admonitions, &c. without offence ; it being evident to every hearer that the series of scripture we are upon lead us to them ; whereas if we choose such subjects unconnected with others, some may think there has been a personal regard to them.
§ 6. I shall now propose a few general di- rections for the right performance of this part of ministerial duty. But, as a previous and very important direction, I recommend that you make yourselves acquainted with the most considerable commentators, reading them over and making extracts from them ; —and since there is no set of writers in which
Lect. 14.] PUBLIC EXPOSITION. 87
a man is more in danger of being lost, if he does not make a careful choice, I shall here mention some of those which I think the most valuable.
§ 7. Commentators on the Old Testament,
Patrick is the most considerable from Gen^ esis to Solomon's Song ; — he has made use of many former writers, some Jewish and oth- ers Christian.
§ 8. Pyle's Paraphrase upon the Old Tes- tament, in four vols, octavo, is an elegant and judicious contraction of the above, and vastly to be preferred to his Paraphrase on the Epis- tles.
<5» 9. LowTH* has compiled a judicious com- mentary on the Prophets, from Isaiah to Mal- achi ; in which there are some good critical notes, and a fine collection of parallels.
§ 10. AiNswoRTH on the Pentateuch, Psalms and Solomon's Song, is a good book, — full of very valuable Jewish learning, — and his translation is in many places to be prefer- red to our own, — especially on the Psalms.
§ 11. On the whole New Testament, Whit- by is preferable to any other, on account of his learning and judicious notes on those texts which are not concerned in controversy with the Arminians ; — for to them he is evi- dently partial, and sometimes carries matters almost to ridiculous extremes.
* This author is William Lowtk, the father of the lato Bishop of London, who published a Translation of Isaiah, with notes.
88 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
§ 12. Hammond is in great and growing reputation ;* — there are indeed many good criticisms, but many that are much mistaken. — He finds the Gnostics every where, which is his principal fault. — Many of Le Clerc's animadversions upon those places are very good, — and his edition of his book in Latin I think much preferable to the original.
<^ 13. Beza is undoubtedly the best critic on the Greek language of any commentator we have. — There is no translation, that I know of, equal to his ; — and his remarks on Erasmus and the vulgar Latin are wrought up to the utmost degree of exactness. — On the whole, it is an invaluable treasure, and deserves to be read with the utmost attention.
^ 14. Erasmus is not equally accurate with Beza, — but his Latin is fine, and he has written in a pleasant style. — He is in high reputation in the learned world. — There are many good remarks on the vulgar translation,. — some early various readings, — and some pretty large critical dissertations ; — but it is by no means of a piece, and has many marks of haste and inaccuracy.
<§> 15. Castalio is only a version ; it is of- ten very elegant Latin ; in several places full of affectation, and often false. — On the whole, justly exposed by Beza.
§ 16. BuRKiT has but few valuable criti- c-isms ; — but has many schemes of old Ser-
* A late Lecturer in one of our universities used tc remind his pupils, that Hammond was the giant, and JVhitby the dwarf upon his shoulders.
LeCt. 14.] PUBLIC EXPOSITION. 89
mons. — His sentiments vary in different parts of his work, as the authors from whence he took his materials were orthodox or not.
§ 17. Heinsius has some good critical il- lustrations,— but many whimsical remarks and fancied illustrations; — an air of pedantry and self-sufficiency runs through all his writ- ings, which makes them disagreeable.
§ 18. The most cpnsiderable writers upon the harmony of the Evangelists, whose works are not extremely voluminous, are Crauock, whom I shall mention afterwards. — and Le Clerc, whose harmony is valuable on account of the view which heat once gives of what each Evangelist says.
§ 19. WiiisTON and Wells are both much mistaken in ranging many of their facts ; — and, upon the whole, 1 prefer Garthw^vite as the most valuable I have ever seen for stat- ing the order of the story. — This was publish'^ ed by Locke, with his name prefixed.
§20. Dr. Clarke's Paraphraseon the Evan- gelists deserves an attentive reading. — ^He narrates a story in handsome language, and connects the parts well together; — but fails much in emphasis, and seems to mistake the order of the histories.
§ 21. On the Epistles. — Locke, Pearce and Benson make up a complete commentary on the Epistles ; and are indeed all in the number of the most ingenious commentators I have ever read. — They plainly thought very closely, and attended much to connection, which they have often set in a most clear view.
90 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
But they all err in too great a fondness for new interpretations ; — and in supposing the design of the apostles less general than it seems to have been. — It must be allowed that Benson illustrates the spirit of Paul some- times in an admirable manner, even beyond any former writ&r. — See especially his Epis- tle to Philemon.— His vast fondness for
Lord Barrington's* notions has often proved a snare to him, both here and in bis work on the Acta, — which however is a very useful piece.
§ 22. Fell on the Epistles is very short, —but most of his notes are worthy of remark. — The collection of parallel scriptures is ju- dicious, and the translation in some places altered much for the better,
§ 23. Upon the zvhole Scripture the most valuable are — Grotius, — who has done more to illustrate scripture by what is generally called profane learning, than perhaps almost all the other commentators put together. — Nevertheless, he too often gives up prophecies which in their original sense relate to the Messiah. — His notes on some texts are large and learned dissertations, which might have profitably been published by themselves.
§ 24. Brennius. — His notes are exceeding short but very important. And there was reason to say of him, Ubi bene, nemo melius, Sfc.
* See Family Expositor on Acts xxvi. 17. Note
gee also Led. xv. § 12.
Lect. 14] PUBLIC EXPOsiTiOxV. 91
§ 25. Wells's book is more despised than it ought to be. —The character of the author was deservedly low, and his style sometimes is intolerably bad ; — but his method of divis- ion is very clear. — He has plundered a great many excellent writers, — brought together their spoils in a little room, — added here and there some very good notes of his own, — and he has well corrected the common version.
<^ 26. Ce-adock's three voJumes are very valuable^ — though I think, contrary to most others, that the two last on the New Testa- ment are much better than the first on the Old. — His extracts in the margin from Ham- mond, LiGHTFOoT and Grotius, are very ju- dicious : — and I think on the whole I never read any one author that assisted me more in what relates to the New Testament. — His schemes of the Epistles are generally more just than those of the ingenious writers men- tioned above ; because he takes the design of the apostles to be, as it certainly was, more general than they suppose. — The cheapness of the book is to me a great wonder, but to students a great advantage.
<5> 27. Robertson is in rather too pedan- tic a form, — but, upon the whole, the analy- sis is very good, — and perhaps those who have studied their Bibles closest, and know where difficulties of the connection lie, will approve it most ; especially on the Old Tes- tajnent, which far exceeds the New.
Henry is perhaps the only commentator J50 large that deserves to be entirely and atteji-
92 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
lively read through. — The remarkable pas- sages, I think, should be marked. — There is much to be learned in this work in a specula- tive, and still more in a practical way. — The last volume is not on the whole equal to the rest ; though the Exposition on the Romans, begun by Henry and finished by Dr. Evans, is the best I ever saw.
§29. Hall, besides his contemplations, which are excellent, has written notes on se- lect passages of the Old and New Testament, — which are extremely scarce, and so far as I can judge from a little specimen, very valua- ble ; — especially for shewing the spirit and force of many expressions that occur. — I do not, however, apprehend that there is much learned criticism in them.
§ 30. Poole's Synopsis, is very useful, es- pecially on account of the short view it gives of various translations, some of which are ve- ry scarce. — It in part supersedes the neces- sity of having, what yet is desirable, a Poly- glot Bible. — The first volume of his English'. Annotations, which were written by himself after his synopsis, is incomparably good.
§31. Calvin has a multitude of judicious thoughts ; but they are generally intermin- gled with a great many that are little to the purpose.— His worst volume, which is that on Job, is most scarce. — His two best are, I think, that on the Pentateuch, and on the harmony of the Evangelists. — On the former of these Le Clerc is famous, but I have not yet had an opportunity of perusing him.
LeCt. 15.] COMMENTATORS. 93
§ 32. Lee on the New Testament, is a collection of notes chiefly from others, which the author gathered in the course of his read- ing ; — they are not very judiciously chosen, but there are some particulars in them which are to be met with no where else ; — or at least in authors we shall never consult ; — and therefore are worthy the little money they cost.
LECTURE XV.
General Directions on Exposition continued.
§ 1. Make yourselves acquainted with the most considerable authors that illustrate scripture well, though they are not direct com- mentators. Such as,
§ 2. WiTsius, of whom I may justly say, no man is more distinct in his method, elegant in his language, and candid in his sentiments.—' His Mcktemata, and 3Iisc. Sacra and I'JgT/p- 4iaca, are in this view, and indeed in every view, the most valuable works I know ; — es- pecially the first and last .
§ 3. Saurin, in whom there is an amazing mixture of learning and politeness, takes in the most useful hints of criticism in his dis- sertations on the several subjects he treats of — An index is added to this work of the par- ticular passages in authors of rank v/hich he has consulted. — In this, as well as inall the elegance of expression and beauty ef imagine ation v.hich he has found the happy art of ming-
C^ LECTURES ON PUEACHING.
ling with criticisms, he incomparably exceeds most others.
<5 4. Gataker's barbarous Latin renders the reading of him very tedious ; but he was a nice critic, and his notes, which afford the most useful matter for popular exposition, are deservedly in high esteem.
'^ 5. Frankius's Manudiictio deserves to be often read. It contains the best rules for studying the scriptures that I ever remember to have seen ; — it has not however, many il- lustrations of particular places.
<5> 6. Blackwall's Sacred Classics gives many well chosen instances of passages in the classics, which may justify many af those in scripture that have been accounted sole- cism.— They illustrate the beauty and ener- gy of many others, and contain good obser- vations on the divisions of chapters and verses, by which the sense of scripture is often ob- scured.
§ 7. LiGHTFooT has collected a multitude of useful and excellent illustrations of scrip- tures from the Talmud and other Jewish writ- ers.— He has also shewn the force of many others, especially in his harmony. — But he rather illustrates particular texts well, than gives a good account of the series of a dis- course. And he seems to me very often mis- taken in his dates, and in what he says oa the occasion, particularly in many of the Psalms.
§ 8. Calmet has all that is valuable in his Dissertations in his Dictionary. — The former is extravagantly dear, the latter is a pretty
LeCt. 15.] COMMTENTATORS. 95
abstract from the former, and is of a moderate price. — They should be bought by all means.
§9. Mede has agood many original thoughts,. not to be found any where else. — His writ- ings on the Revelations are peculiarly fa- mous,— but his Diatribe will best reward a diligent perusal ; — yet here many mistakes will be found.
'^ 10. Hallet has many uncommon thoughts, but several of them he confesses he owes to Mr. Pierce. His notions and interpreta- tions of scripture, are so exceedingly singular, that it is worth while to read them, though per- haps not one in ten will appear satisfactory. — It is observable, that some of those difficulties which he illustrates well, are those in which many other commentators have failed ; — and his remarks on the defects of our present He- brew coj)y are generally solid.
§ 11. Edwards (Dr. John) does not deserve that contempt as a critic, into which he has in some respects fallen as a polemic writ- ex. — His discourse on the scriptures, in three volumes, and three other distinct volumes of Dissertations and Exercitations are reckoned the best of his works, and deserve to be care- fully read.
§ 12. Lord Barringtox's Essay on the var- iousdispensations of God to mankind has some imix)rtant thoughts, but a great deal of it goes oil a mistake. — His Miscel. Sacra are much more valuable ; — multitudes of texts are illus- trated by them, especially in the first volume, which is incomparably the best. — It is proper
96 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
to read his schemes in all the united evidences he can give it, in order to judge what regard is to be paid to the frequent use which Ben- son makes of it, in his commentary and dis- course on the Acts.
<5, 13. Lardner. The first volume of his Gospel History is one of the most valuable pieces the age has produced ;- — and a multi- tude of places both in the gospels and in the Acts are illustrated by it.
§ 14. It will be worth while to read over most of tliese books, and to note all the most remarkable passages ; to make extracts of tliem in the margin of your Bible, or inter- leaved Testament. — And let it be a rule, when a good note occurs, to set it down immediate-
LECTURE XVI.
Further Advices relating to Exposition.
Nothing will be of more importance to fit you for this work than copying into your interleaved Bible and Testament useful re- marks, interpretations and criticisms that you meet with in the course of your reading, con- versations or own reflections. — Clarke's Bi- ble with notes, and Wetstein's New Testa- ment are preferable to all others for this pur- pose.
<^ 2. Let free family exposition be part of your daily work. In this, labour at practical improvement chiefly, not neglecting, however,
Lect. 16.] EXPOSITION. 97
proper hints of criticism. This will give you an opportunity of saying many suitable things that will come with more power to the mind, than things much more accurate read from Henry and others ; — it will also diversify fam- ily worship agreeably ; — and, ifyou sing, take care to chose something suitable to what you have read.
<§ 3. Have a private meeting once a week for exposition ; — at these meetings, enlarge chiefly on the most devotional parts of scrip- tures, in an experimental way. Indulge your private meditations on these occasions free- ly,— and perhaps very useful hints may arise while you are speaking. — When you have fin- ished an exposition in the family or vestry, if convenient you may, at least sometimes, retire for a few minutes, review your mGinorandums, and add any thing remarkable that has occur- red to your thoughts.
§ 4. When you intend to expound any scrip- ture the next Sabbath, review it the preced- ing Monday morning, and endeavour to keep it often in your mind in the week, and at a proper time peruse it attentively with these views, viz.
<5> 5. 1. To observe the original force of ev- ery word, and to make as perfect a translation as you can, for which the original and versions must be consulted.
§ 6. 2. To observe the particular improve- ment of which it is capable. — And here let your inferences be often drawn from the con- nection of scripture. — This will furnish rich 5
98 LECTURES Oi\ PREACHING.
materials commonly omitted by those who at- tend merely to the luords themselves. — Let these suffice for general directions.
§7.1 shall now give some more particular directions :
1. Select the most useful passages of scrip- ture.— Begin with the epistles, as they will give you an opportunity of saying many evangelical and useful things. — Go over the harmony of the Evangelists and the Acts. — Omit the Rev- elation, except some few chapters and sections — Select passages from the history of the Old Testament ; Mosaic laws and the prophets ; — but take the whole book of Psalms, Job, Prov- erbs and Ecclesiastes.
§ 8. 2. Give a clear view of the connection in a few words, but do not attempt to lead your hearers into all the niceties of it, which very few with the greatest pains will be able clearly to understand, and still fewer to remem- ber.
§ 9. 3. When great difficulties ocur, do not state them too largely, but rather suggest what may furnish judicious hearers with the best answers to them, and often inculcate those J9rm- ciples which will furnish general replies ; as, God's judgments are unsearchable; — some parts and doctrines of scripture are inexplica- ble and mysterious ;-many quotations from the Old Testament are only allusions ; — and that the actions of persons under an immediate di-* vine commission, are not to be estimated by the common rules of human actions, &.c.
§ 10. 4. When the sense of the text is dubi-
Lect. 16.] EXPOSITION. 99
ous, do not distract the people with many in- terpretations, but rather propose one or two of the most probable, waving the rest. <5> 11. 5. Aim in all at practical improvement — Labour to shew the spirit of the writer, and for that purpose keep in your own mind and that of your people, the character of the author and the particular circumstances in which he wrote.
§ 12. 6. When you correct our version, do it modestly ; and never attempt any unneces- sary corrections, nor many various readings, if they do not appear indeed important.
<^ 13. 7. Endeavour to make your exposi- tion pleasant; to do this avoid dry criticism, and mention such circumstances of history as tend to illustrate it. Henry and Hall will furnish you with a rich variety of matter ; and the comparison of other scriptures will suggest much more.
§ 14. 8. Do not read your expositions, but freely talk them over, after having well stu- died them.
§ 15. 9. Conclude them with a prayer, in which the most considerable scriptures and thoughts of your exposition should be introdu- ced in a devotional way.
100 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
LECTURE XVII.
On Catechising.
§ 1. This is a very important branch of a minister's office; and, if properly managed, will be the meansof stocking children's minds with divine knowledge, of teaching them to improve their time, and, by exercising their memories, of considerably strengthening that faculty. — It also conciliates their affections, and cannot fail to increase the esteem of the parents; and it serves to keep our minds im- pressed with a due concern for the rising gen- eration.
§ 2. I shall here offer some hints on the choice of catechisms. In general, I advise, that they be varied according to the age and improvement of the children. The Assem- bly's Catechism is very excellent, but impro- per for very young children. — Dr. Watts is far preferable for the first, and ought to be taught children under six or seven years ofage. — After this is learned through, his second should be committed to memory ; — and then the Assem- bly's first without, then with Mr. SoxMe's Ex- position.— Reconjmend Watts's Preservative against Sin and Folly to be read by them, rather than got by heart ; and some easy fa- miliar book of scripture history, illustrated by cuts, which may be taught children before they are capable of reading; and which after- wards, for the first seven or eight years of their
LeCt. 17.] ON CATECHISING. 101
lives, ought to be made as much as possible their diversion. — To all this should be added a confirming catechism for those who are grown up to sixteen or twenty years of age. — A brief view ought in this catechism to be given of natural and revealed religion, and a foundation insensibly laid for answering objec- tions.— Proofs both of the protestant religion, and the propriety of our dissent, should also be introduced ; but this ought to be managed with great tenderness towards the establish- ment.— The nature of schism should likewise be explained.
§ 3. The iMANNER of managing this work comes next to be considered. It must be va- ried according to the different ages and cir- cumstances of the persons with whom you have to do.
§ 4. For general directions take the follow- ing:— Let most of the children be catechised in private, in the vestry, on some week day.
§ 5. Take a list of their names, and call it over, that you may know who are absent.
§ 6. Have a little class of the oldest of them, to whom you may expound some catechism at large. — Begin with the Assembly's by Mr. Some, then explain Dr. Watts's second cate- chism, which is the most excellent of the sort in our language. Let this class also learn se- lect portions of scripture.
§ 7. In conducting this business observe the following rules :
1. Instruct them in as plain a manner as possible, waving all niceties of thought or ex-
102 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
pression, and studying to make yourselves well understood.
§ 8. 2. To keep up their attention, and try their understandings, ask them some easy ques- tions of your own.
§ 9. 3. Take care to lay the greatest stress ■ upon what is most practical and affecting.
§ 10. 4. When they answer wrong, or ap- pear negligent, do not upbraid or terrify them, but if the failure has been gross, gently re- prove them, at the same time endeavouring to keep up their spirits.
§ 11. 5. If they do well, not only commend- them, but have little rewards for them. Let Watts's second catechism be a reward for learning the first ; and Some's for learning the second. — Besides these, present to them who do extraordinarily well Watts's Hymns for children, Wright on Regeneration, and on the Deceitfulnessof Sin, — Jennings's Ser- mons to young people, — or other proper tracts that you may meet with.
^ 12. 6. Close these exercises with a serious and lively prayer. Go over the instructions you have given them. Here a preaching pray- er may sometimes be very proper. Pray affec- tionately for the children. Take care you are not too long. Be and appear to be very serious, § 13. 7, Contrive to have some grave friend, if possible, with you to see that they behave well ; and, if they trifle, take them home and reprove them, or make them stay longer, and talk with them when the others are gone. — Take care of the seriousness of your deports
Lect. 18.] ON CATECHISING. 103
ment, throughout the whole; — it may impress their minds.
LECTURE XVIII.
Further Directions about Catechising.
^ 1. Let it be a constant rule, when you are settled, to expound the Assembly's Cate- chism one part of the year, before sermon in the afternoon.
§ 2. Select a set of children that will an- swer the questions correctly and audibly. — Promise them that if they constantly attend, and take great care to repeat their catechism well, they shall have a book given them as a reward at the end of every season of cate- chising.
^ 3. Take care to have in readiness some good remarks, that you may have something to say worth hearing. Get an interleaved cat- echism, and when any good thought or ex- pression occurs to your mind in private, make a memorandum of it there.
§ 4. Have something here for the benefit of those who are advanced in years, and make some application to them. — These exercises will instruct the ignorant, and teach parents how to catechise their children. — Never for- get to desire parents to enlarge upon some particular points of importance, when they go home.
^^ 5. Be very careful that you do not con-
104 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
found the children. — Seldom reprove them publicly if they do not answer right, but re- member to talk with them in private. — Let them know it is an honour you have done them, to choose them out of their companions, and exhort them to be careful to preserve it.
§ 6. Engage the assistance of others, — es- pecially the assistance of friends in buying books. There will be some considerable ex- j>ense, as I advise that books be given to all, — the children of the rich as well as the poor, — lest the distinction should appear invidious. § 7. For this purpose endeavour to be ac- quainted with gentlemen who are trustees for the useful charities of giving books; or who themselves contribute towards them. -Get some exhibition from the church stock, or prevail on some of your friends to contribute towards buying books. — Grudge not something hand- some yourselves, if you can afford it, to pro- mote so good a cause ; — it may in many re- spects prove advantageous.
§ 8. Urge parents to assist in carrying on this work. Often mention this in the pulpit as part of tlieir charge. Advise them to make this their business, especially on the Lord's- day evening. — Recommend it also to parents in private, and see that they are furnished with proper books, and when you visit fami- lies where there are children, catechise them before their parents. — This will fill up the time well ; will teach such parents how they are to conduct the exercise, and will engage the affections of both parents and children.
LeCt. 19.] ADMINISTERING BAPTISM. 105
LECTURE XIX.
On administering the Sacrament of Baptism.
§ 1. Do not baptize the children of the openly profane, as it may harden them in their wickedness; — but refuse the children of none who make any thing of a hopeful profession of religion, whether they be church members or not, attend the meeting or go elsewhere. — Never, however, go into the congregations of your brethren to baptize the children of their people, unless which is sometimes the case, they scruple infant baptism themselves.
§ 2. Insist not upon their bringing their children to meeting to be baptized. — If you have a mixture of baptists it may perhaps give offence, and private baptism will give you greater freedom in your address to the par- ents : — and for this reason do not baptize many children together, nor grudge an hour or two to any family on such an occasion.
§ 3. Engage the presence of two or there friends of some reputation in the society when you can ; — both to prevent reflections, if the characters be dubious, and to preserve more solemnity in the administration.
§ 4. Before you baptize the child, visit the parents, if you have any opportunity, and talk seriously to them, that you may, if possible, bring them to a sense of the solemnity of the ordinance, and promote a proper preparation for it.
§ 5. Let the method of administration be 5*
106 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
generally this : — Begin with a short prayer, — then deliver a brief discourse on some text of scripture. — Keep a little catalogue of proper texts for such occasions ; that you may have a proper variety, when you dispense the ordi- nance at different times, before the same per- sons ; such as " I will be a God to thee and thy seed." — " I will make with thee an ever- lasting covenant." — " One generation shall rise and declare his works to another." — " Who am I, and what is my house, &/C." — " Baptize all nations in the name of the Fa- ther, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." — Suffer little children to come, &c." — "The promise is unto you and to your children." — " Baptism is not putting away the filth of the flesh." — Touch gently sometimes at the reason of infant baptism; but generally employ your time in addressing the consciences of the pa- rents, and endeavour to raise such affections as are suitable to the occasion. — Then pray, confessing the original corruption of our na- ture, and the demerit of sin ; — acknowledge also the goodness of God in sparing root and branch, and do it affectionately. Pray also that the parents may be suitably assisted in the dis- charge of their duty ; and let all tend to fix proper impressions on their minds. — Receive the child from the hand of one of the parents, as soon as the prayer is ended, then ask them both. Whether it is their sincere desire to give themselves and their child up to God, and their purpose to educate it in the christian faith and fear of God 1 — And on their intimating their intention, solemnly pronounce the words of
Lect. 19.] ADMINISTERING BAPTISM. 107
baptism, taking care to pour some water on the child, and to pronounce the name of each person of the Sacred Trinity, in a very distinct and audible manner. — Take care also that the name of the child be so mentioned that it may evidently appear the end of the ordinance is not giving a name, but only that you might speak by that name to the child. — Then re- turn the child to the parents, giving them a short charge to "Train it up in the way it should go." Then give them some particular directions and cautions for this purpose. Es- pecially plead 'with those parents who have had a religious education, or for whom God hath done any thing remarkable in his provi- dence.— Remind them of the obligations they are under to pray for the child, and to resign it to the Divine Will, that if it be taken from this life, the transactions of the baptismal day may be recollected as an engagement to chris- tian submission. — Conclude your discourse with an address to the spectators. — If there are any children belonging to the family old enough to be quietly present, desire that they may be, if possible, — and drop a word to them touching the meaning of the service. — Then renew your thanksgiving and prayer ; especial- ly for the family, and the several branches of it, as well as for the families of the friends pre- sent, and the interest of Christ in the rising generation. — Conclude all with a benediction. § 6. In the entertainment which generally follows, " Let your moderation appear to all ;" and endeavour to conduct the conversation so
108
LECTURES ON PREACHING.
that good impressions may be promoted rath- er than, as they too frequently are, weakened and erased. Remember you have many eyes upon you, and much of your reputation will depend on your conduct at such seasons. Al- low yourselves intervals of moderate cheerful- ness, but rather err on the grave extreme ; and always retire as early as you conveniently and decently can.
§ 7. Keep a register of aW the children yon baptize, and the time when you administered the ordinance, which will be the means of pre- serving the state of families in your minds, and will lead you into proper inquiries about the state of the youth of your charge ; — it may also serve to settle some disputes arising with regard to the age of children.
§ 8. Lastly, When you baptize persons of riper years, talk seriously with them, chiefly on the nature of the ordinance ; — and if they insist upon being baptized by immersion, do not absolutely refuse them, but rather intimate your desire that it may be done by another person. — Admit none to this kind of baptism, but those whom you and the church are sat- isfied in admitting to church communion.
LECTURE XX.
On administering the Lord's Supper.
§ 1. Labour to prepare your own hearts for the ordinance with all possible care.' — Begin
Lect. 20.] THE lord's supper, 109
with some suitable reflections for the purpose early in the week. — Pray earnestly for divine assistance, and let the day before be common- ly observed as a day of solemn fasting and prayer.
§ 2. Choose some evangelical, and generally some comfortable subject for sacramental days, and bestow some extraordinary trouble on the sermon, especially the devotional parts of it. — Sometimes, however, a faithful address to those who are under a religious profession to walk worthy of it, is extremely proper.
§ 3. In the interval between the close of the general service and the administration of the ordinance, be very earnest with God for his presence, and labour to come to the table as devout as possible. — Much depends on the temper with which things are begun.
<5» 4. Introduce the administration with some extempore meditations on some select texts of scripture ; — generally such a text as hath some connexion with the subject, or at least the or- dinance.— In these addresses avoid critical niceties by all means, and pursue a strain the most pathetic.
§5. In the prayer before receiving the ele- ments, as well as in all the rest, be moderate- ly short; — dealing much in confession of sin ; — this may generally be connected with your extempore discourse before. — Take due care to introduce a variety of thoughts in prayer and speaking. — In prayer before the cup re- new your covenant engagements. — Drop some pious hints afterwards, before you receive the cup, as well as while you are breaking the
110 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
bread and pouring out the M^ine. — Here it may be proper to take passages of scripture to ex- plain, enforce, &c. — After singing, conclude with thanksgiving, and be particular in pray- ing for the church of Christ in general, and especially that to which you are more imme- diately related.
§ 6. While the elements are being distribut- ed generally continue in silence, in order to give room for the exercise of secret devotion. — Make a pause before receiving the elements, and exhort others to do so. — Address a word now and then chiefly to spectators, remember them also in prayer ; — it is often the means of cherishing good impressions.
§ 7, Look round the church and congre- gation after you have dispatched what is more immediately your concern, and lift up your heart for particular persons as your eye singles them out, and as their concerns may require. — Throughout the whole ordinance cultivate a social temper, and give the soul room to ex- pand and soften itself into the most friendly sentiments, — not only towards those present, but the whole church of Christ. And do not forget those under persecution for religion, the afflicted, the dying, the poor, vacant con- gregations, &c.
§ 8. After the ordinance is over retire, if possible immediately ; recollect as much as you can of your meditations, and sometimes write them down with all the improvements that may be suggested to your minds.
§ 9. Let the whole of your discourse on a
Lect. 21.] VISITING. Ill
sacramental day be particularly spiritual and heavenly, — and as far as the infirmities of nature will allow, let every moment of it be devoted to God with the utmost zeal and care.
§ JO. Lastly, in your retirement, after you have been at the Lord's table, consider what you can do more for God. — Perhaps then you may find some schemes of usefulness dart in- to your mind, as well as things of importance with regard to your own souls, and the con- gregation, that had not before been thought of. — And take great care to act according to the resolutions you have formed, and without the least delay.
LECTURE XXI.
On Visiting in General.
^ 1. Look upon this as a considerable part of your pastoral work. — It obliges your peo- ple, it gives you an opportunity of serving them not only by your private discourse, but, by letting you into their circumstances, you may be the more capable of making a prop- er application to them in public.
§ 2. Endeavour to get proper information as to the state of your congregation and church. — For this purpose, when you come to a place, take a catalogue of the names of the persons that subscribe, — statedly attend, — church members, — and the poor. — Make it a rule to see each of them at their own houses.
112 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
— Let two or three of the most judicious be chosen, with a view of getting information with regard to the characters of the rest. — Entreat them, moreover, to inspect the behaviour of their brethren and friends, — and to inform you of such things as, upon the whole, they think you ought to know. — This, however, will not be necessary, if you have any persons solemn- ly set apart by the congregation for this pur- pose, which to me appears a rational and scriptural thing. — Have proper times of meet- ing with the persons appointed to this work, — talk over church affairs ; — and always con- clude your conference with prayer. — Every Monday before the sacrament will be a very proper time for this business. — Consult with them before you propose any to communion. — Do not despise flying stories ; — either they have a foundation, or they have not, — if they have, they ought to be regarded, — if not, care should be taken to remove the reproach, and fix it on those who raised it, — At the same time, however, do not be too ready to believe them. A general caution may be grounded on a flying story.
§ 3. Make a pastoral visit to each family, — at least once a year. In this visit talk to the master and mistress of the family. Renew a solemn charge to them to take a religious care of their family. Then inquire into the state and character of their children and servants. Set down the names of both, the first pastoral visit you make, and alter the list as occasion may require. If you have an opportunity, talk with the several members of the family. At a
Lect. 21.] VISITING. 113
proper time charge upon them a due regard to their eternal concerns, especially the tender branches of the family. — Proper addresses weekly or monthly to the members of your own family will fit you for the regular discharge of your duty on this head.
§ 4. After you return make some memo- randums how you find things, — keep a cata- logue of cases, disposed under different particulars. This book must be kept secret. Let no one in the world see it. — Make it un- intelligible to every one but yourselves. — Let there be one catalogue of those who appear unconverted, — another of those under serious impressions, — another of those who seem of hopeful disposition, — another of those who are proper to bring into communion, when occa- sion offers ; — and another of those who have generally acted very well, but in some instan- ces need to be admonished and censured. — On your day of fasting and prayer, which may be about once a quarter, look over this book, and see what is necessary to be done for the service of religion among your people.
§ 5. In your occasional visits call frequently upon persons of great importance in your con- gregation,— especially if you live near them ; — but endeavour to proportion your visits not merely to the external circumstances of the family, — but to the opportunities of useful- ness.— Visit frequently those under any ex- traordinary affliction, — and those in whose circumstances there has been lately any pe- culiar change.
114 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
§ ^- ^" ^'^ y^^^ visits take a great deal of notice of children. Give them texts to learn, — and little rewards for learning them. This will often furnish matter for good discourse, and will engage the affections of children, which may be of importance to your future life, and their eternal welfare. — Some chil- dren will listen to a minister, who will not re- gard a parent.
§ 7. In all your visits, remember to behave like a minister, grave and serious; — though sometimes pleasant yet never too much eleva- ted with mirth. — Take heed at entertain- ments, not to be very much charmed with any thing you eat or drink ; — be pleased with all, but do not indulge too nice a palate. — Drop some serious hints, — and take care, if you have a convenient opportunity, to con- clude with prayer.
§ 8. Be very careful that you retire in time, — and do not outstay the spirit of con- versation ; — nor spend so much of your time in visiting as to lead people to suppose, that your time hangs heavy upon your hands. — A loitering, idling, tattling minister is a con- temptible character. — Rather appear properly full of business ; and let it not be mere affec- tation.— Every hour will be well filled up if you attend strictly to the various duties of your office.
§ 9. When several of your congregation meet at a private house, be amongst them if convenient ; — partly with a view to regulate their hours, — and to oblige them with your
Lect. 22.] VISITING the sick. 1 15
company. — You may also have an opportuni- ty of making conversation useful. By all means spend some time in prayer before you separate.
<^ 10. Engage your people sometimes to visit you ; — and always, on these occasions, entertain them with a prudent hospitality, — but never affect grand entertainments. — Set apart one day in the week to attend to those who wish to come to you upon spiritual ac- counts Talk seriously and tenderly to such,
and pray with them at large. — Recommend their peculiar cases to the divine regard in the most affectionate manner ; — this will have a tendency to make you experimental preach- ers.
LECTURE XXII.
On Visiting the Sick.
^ 1. Under this head 1 would first make a few preliminary remarks. — You will remem- ber that this part of a minister's work is very important. With regard to some it is the only kind office you will ever be able to per- form for them. — Perhaps if you neglect it, they may go into the presence of God with a testimony against you. — Sometimes you will have to visit persons, who havebeen entirely re- gardless of religion, — to whom you may prove of singular advantage. — At other times good men, — and they may end life in a manner ipore comfortable, — and more honourable to
116
LECTURES ON PREACHING.
religion, on account of it ; — or if they live, they may make a better improvement of their future moments.— The discourses you have had with them in healih, which were at the time reviving cordials to their drooping spirits, will not be entirely without a relish on their sick- beds ; — but let not this relax your purpose of visiting them ; — at these times, more than when they were healthy, you ought to attend to them ; remembering that when sorrow makes the heart droop, then a good word makes it glad.
§ 2. Remember that visiting the sick is a very difficult part of your work. — It is not suffi- cient merely to put up a hearty prayer to God ; — but we ought to be concerned to make a solemn preparation for the word. — Augus- tine wondered that ministers should take such care to prepare their sermons, and nev- er take care what they should say to sick peo- ple.
§ 3. You should not wait to be sent for ; — but when you hear that any of your congre- gation are ill, take the first opportunity of visiting them ; — for diseases often take a quick turn. — Generally take the beginning of an afternoon for this purpose. — It will be proper to allot a certain portion of the day to this work, if you are in a large congrega- tion. This will be like laying aside a bag for charitable uses. — Keep a catalogue of the sick.
§ 4. Let your visits be frequent, — but not too long ; — and be very solicitous that they may turn to the best account.
LeCt. 22.] VISITING THE SICK. 117
§ 5. Before you go, consider seriously how you ought to behave ; — what is to be said and done ; — and pray that God would go with you. — Remember how very difficult it is to do good. — And be sure to preserve a good conscience on these occasions.
§ 6. More particular directions respecting the manner in which visits to sick people are to be conducted.
§ 7. First, I shall give you some hints re- lating to the precautions to be taken, in or- der to know the case of the sick.
§ 8. For this purpose some use may be made of others. — Consider yourselves and inquire of others their public character, — especially from those who are best acquainted with them, — and above all from religious persons ; — a pious parent, for instance, concerning a child ; a master, concerning a servant, &/C.
§ 9. Be solicitous for proper informa- tion from themselves ; — particularly if you have reason upon the whole to believe their state is bad. — If you have only a general idea that they are wrong, without having any great immoralities to charge upon them, then be so much the more solicitous to gather something from their own mouths, — on which you may ground a plain and awakening ad- dress. Send their relations, if you can con- veniently, out of the room ; — then ask the person seriously, if he hath any thing partic- ular to say to you with regard to the state of his soul. — Inquire what are his hopes, and es- pecially on what foundation they are built. — When you have asked him a few questions
118 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
on these heads leave him room to talk ; — per- haps he may freely and fully tell you his state.
§ 10. If he does not, ask him such ques- tions as these. — Has sin ever been your grief and burden ? — What have you done to get rid of it? — In what view has Christ appear- ed to you ? — What are your thoughts of the covenant of grace ; — Have you kept up secret prayer? — Have you felt the power of scrip- ture upon your heart ? — Have you been concerned to give your thoughts and affec- tions to God as well as your external ac- tions ? — Have you felt a struggle with the temptations of Satan, — and the corruptions of your own heart ? — Have you inquired after the remedies of the particular distempers of your own mind ? — And so far as you have un- derstood them, have you endeavoured to use them ? &c.
§ II, Secondly, I would now offer a few remarks on the advices to be given them, and discourse to be held with them.
^ 12. If their sickness be threatening, some advice as to their tcmpoi-al affairs may be need- ful ; — but your main business relates to their spiritual concerns. — As to temporal affairs, as briefly as possible, to make a disposition of them by will. — Sometimes this is of great im- portance,— at others, however, it is not. If there be any suspicion of ill-gotten wealth or property, urge them to an immediate restitu- tion, as absolutely necessary ; — and should they refuse, warn them of their danger and pray for them ; — but in other respects show them but little attention. — Be very cautious
Lect. 22.] VISITING the sick. 119
that you do not give the smallest intimation that you wish to turn the will into such a channel as may be most for your own interest. — When you know that legacies are design- ed, have as little as possible to do with the will.
§ 13. As to spiritual concerns, your ad- vice must be regulated by the state and char- acter of each individual ; — there is the bad, the dubious, and the comfortable.
§ 14, You will find some whose conduct is had, — and that are really in a state of condem- nation and misery. — Here your duty is plain, though the execution of it will be difficult.
<§» 15. 1. Labour to convince such, that their case is very dangerous. — In doing this, you are to rest your arguments chiefly on scrip- ture, with their own representation of their case. — If you find that there is any one sin prevalent in their character, rest your charge upon that. — If drunkards, liars, &C. bring such texts as prove they will be shut out of heaven. — Represent the aggravation of their sins, particularly the religious advantages they have enjoyed.
<5> 10. 2. Rather lament over, than upbraid Buch persons. — Severity will produce hatred ; — and probably they will not wish to have any thing further to do with you.
§ 17. 3. Be careful you do not drive them into despair, — especially when you see that they begin to be awakened to a sense of their danger. — While they appear unconcerned, urge the most dreadful things, — represent to
120 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
them the wrath of God, as inexpressibly dreadful, — borrow images from present and familiar things, — such as the burning of a fever, — the tossings of a restless night, &.c. — By these, endeavour to impress upon them some idea of the excruciating and everlast- ing pains of hell. — But, as I have said before, do not drive them to despair : but as soon as you conceive they need consolation, exhib- it to them the riches of the mercy of God in Christ. — Repeat the most consolatory pas- sages of scripture that you can recollect, — and let them clearly see that you have point- ed out their danger, only to prevent their ru- in, and lead them to the Saviour.
§ 18. If you conceive that you discern some- thing in them that looks like genuine, evangel- ical repentance, be not too ready to administer consolation, — except as conditional ; — there is a great danger in authoritative absolution. — Tell them plainly that if they do not rest their souls on Christ, there is no room for hope. — Remind them of the treachery of their own hearts, that they may maintain a due jealousy over themselves, and see to their sincerity before it be too late. — Represent to them the peculiar aggravation of their sins, — particularly the misimprovement of a reli- gious education, means of grace, afflictions and temporal enjoyments. After all, perhaps, little will be done the first visit ; — but repeat it, — and particularly as your hearts charge you with past neglect of such unhappy crea- tures.
Lect. 22.] VISITING the sick. 121
§ 19. II. You will be called to visit others, whose characters are dubious.
§ 20. 1. Exhort such to a very diligent scru- tiny into their state. — Point out the impor- tance of their being acquainted with their case, and especially inculcate the doctrine of hu- man depravity and the deceitfulness of the heart.
<§ 21. 2. Advise them to be willing to know the worst. — Tell them they cannot make their case better by shutting their eyes, — but on the contrary, it will be worse if they entertain false hopes ; — and that a strict examination of themselves can do them no harm, nor re- newed acts of repentance be of any injury, even if they are real christians.
§ 22. 3. Assist them in this work by particular representations of the religious dispositions, desires, fears, hopes and pursuits of good men. — Go over again what was said to them, while you were sounding their consciences ; — and in proportion to the dubiousness of their case, urge these things more strongly.
§ 23. 4. Give them your own judgment plainly and seriously. — Remember, when you pray with them, particularly to offer up earn- est petitions to God to lead them into the knowledge of themselves.
§24. III. See what should be done for them of whom you have a good hope.
§ 24. 1, Endeavour not only to support them, but to raise them to a cheerful, anima- ted and thankful frame. — If they are afraid of death, point out to them the great promises of 6
122 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
the gospel. — Endeavour to raise in them ad- miring and adoring thoughts of divine grace. — Nothing can be more reasonable, as well as scriptural, than that a christian should go out of the world cheerful, — rising like a guest, satisfied with his provisions, and thankful to the master of the feast.
§ 26. 2. Exhort them to bear an honoura- ble testimony to religion with their last breath, and to recommend it to all who come to see them, as a thing of the first importance. — Death bed addresses have often been very use- ful.
§ 27. 3. Urge upon them the proper exer- cise of patience and resignation ; and that they carefully avoid peevishness and ill na- ture.
§ 28. I now come to say something about the manner how to pray with the sick.
§ 29. I. Take care that your prayers are not too long. — Never notice public affairs, un- less when praying with dying christians of emi- nent character. — Rather enlarge on the general interest of Christ in the world ; and pray for a universal revival. — Good men have always a zeal for it ; but even on this head be not too lonof.
§ 30. 2. Let your prayers be as serious and spiritual as possible. — Labour to get yourself into a good frame. — Lift up your heart to God for the influences of his Spirit. — His teach- ings will make this work pleasant to yourselves and delightful to real christians who may join with yoii.
Lect. 22.] VISITING the sick. 123
§ 31. 3. When the person seems to be in an unconverted state, represent his case awfully before God, and earnestly beg of him to have mercy on him. — Here you are to endeavour to ** save him with fear, plucking him out of the fire." — Pray that God would give him a little more time, and that he may be reprieved be- fore the sentence of wrath be executed upon him.— This may awaken more than an express exhortation ;-it may also impress others. — A contrary method will tend to harden those of the same character. — Take care how you call them the servants of God ; — our brother or sis- ter is rather more proper on these occasions ; — this, however, may have a bad effect, — and it is what we object to, in the funeral service. § 32. 4. When you pray with a dying chris- tian, be much in expressions of faith, and as- criptions of praise for him. — Acknowledge the favours God has bestowed. — Praise him for re- generating grace, communion in ordinances, sanctifying influencesof his Spirit, promises for divine consolation in death, transporting views of a glorious resurrection ; — and for enabling him to adorn religion in his life, and persevere to the end. This must be so managed as not to appear like flattery. — Praise God for com- forts received in confinement, for the serenity and peace with which he is enabled to look into an eternal world, and for the hope, that though he dies to us, he will live to God.
§ 33. 5. Do not forget, on these occasions, to pray for those of the family who may join with you, — and particularly that they may be
124 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
prepared for the will of God, andjthat the afflic- tion may be sanctified to fit them for sickness and death.
§ 34. Take the following hints by way of appendix.
1. Do not neglect the directions here given because the illness does not seem dangerous. -Such neglect, perhaps, may be attended with fatal consequences. Act always on supposi- tion of the worst, and it may turn to good, ac- count. To habituate yourselves to these rules is of great importance.
§ 35. 2. If the person recovers, still follow him with your serious exhortations. Visit him in his recovery, remind him of former convic- tions and confessions, — urge the vows of God which are upon him. Pray with him, and re- mind him how eternity appeared to him in his affliction, and what thoughts he had of anoth- er world.
^36. 3. If it please God to remove the sick person, be sure to visit the surviving relations — at least two or three times, with a view of leading them to a due improvement of the providence : — thus endeavor to cooperate with divine Providence, and you may perhaps, find divine grace operate with you ; — under such circumstances they will be the more ready to attend to vour advice.
Lect. 23.] visiTiNCr the sick. 125
LECTURE XXIII.
General Maxims for Conversation.
§ 1. Endeavour to know mankind, and pro- perly to distinguish their characters. — Do not suspect all ; do not trust all. — Never put your- selves and your usefulness in the power of any. — Believe not every account of a character that is given, especially if it comes from the lips of an intimate friend, or a real enemy. — Observe every sudden alteration of persons' countenances and behaviour, particularly on extraordinary emergencies.
§ 2. Behave with constant modesty to all.- Never offer your services in any of the duties of your functions upon public occasions. — Nor on the contrary obstinately refuse your servi- ces when they are requested. — Do not appear highly satisfied, nor much displeased with your own performances ; to find fault with them appears like inviting praise, and to discover a good opinion of them will always be construed into pride. Do not therefore even make them the subject of conversation. Boast not of the la- bour you bestowed on your compositions, nor of the ease with which you dispatched them. — Do not repeat the substance of your dis- courses unsolicited. — Upon the whole, neither appear to hunt for reputation ; nor to despise it.
§ 3. Treat every body with condescension and complaisance, but not with the same sort. Remember that the rich tradesman generally
126 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
Stands more upon ceremony than those who are of the highest birth and most refined ed- ucation.— Frankness pleases country people, to whom formal bows are very contemptible. — Never depend upon merit without complai- sance.-As you must at times refuse invitations, study to do it in the most obliging manner. — Be nearly upon a level with your company, and do not attempt to outshine them too far.- Remember to send people away as well pleased with themselves as you can without flattery, which is always to be abhorred. And for this purpose endeavour to think as well of others as you reasonably can ; and be not too sharp- sighted to discover faults, nor too severe in censuring them.
§ 4. Preserve a character of strict fidelity. And for this purpose be exact, but not confi- dent in repeating fiicts. — Take heed not to talk too much. — Promise little, and when you have made promises, be piinclual in perform- ance ; rather do more than you have pro- mised than less, and sooner than later. — Take heed of seeming to be every body's man. — Never show so much complaisance in one company as to be inconsistent with what you show in another.
^ 5. Have no quarrels, if possible, with any; but especially with persons of eminent reputation, — or of no reputation at all. — If yoii have received any injury, forgive it heartily and not merely seem to do it. — If you remem- ber it, let it be only to make you cautious, and do such persons all the kindness you can.-^
Lect. 23.] GENERAL COXVERSATION. 127
This is the best way of taking revenge. — When you have, through negligence of heart done any thing that may justly offend, frankly confess it and ask pardon. — If you have as- serted any thing that you find to be a mistake, confess it, and be thankful for better infor- mation.
§ 6. Affect not to pry into the circumstan- ces of families ; you have business enough of your own, and be not forward to give direc- tions in their worldly affairs ; but if you see they are going to ruin, reprove them seriously at proper season*. Sometimes a plain, seri- ous address may save a family. — Labour on such occasions, to get such a knowledge of their situation as will enable you to give suitable counsel. Be not however too for- ward in giving it. When your people are distressed, do all you can to comfort and as- sist them ; — keep up your acquaintance with substantial persons by whose assistance you may be a help to others.
§ 7. Affect not a priestly authority. — If you fix with a church of a congregational form, give them all the satisfaction you reasonably can. — Wean your people insensibly from an excessive attachment to particular forms ; es- pecially by expositions on detached portions of scripture. — When you speak to the church as such, do it always with a mixture of tender- ness and respect. Remember Christ has given his ministers no power over men's persons, possessions or judgment. — All we have to do is to advise and admonish — Remember what
128 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
a disgrace it is to quarrel with a society under your care, and endeavour to avoid whatever has the least tendency towards it.
§ 8. Live above all appearance of worldly- minded ness ; and not only the appearance but the thing itself. — Be satisfied and thankful for what you have, but do not make a great show of plenty ; especially before those of known generosity, or great covetousnes. -Man- age your expenses with frugality. — Keep an account of what you receive, and what you expend. — Remember that a minister loses much of his respectability and influence when he has the charactar of one who spends too fast, unless it evidently appears that it is ow- ing to nothing but excess of liberality ; and an excess even in that does not, on the whole, raise his character. — Be sure, ;however, to lead the way, as far as you prudently can, in all generous expenses. — All you have is, in one way or another, to be devoted to God : — and to him you are to trust to provide for you and yours. — Do not attempt to screw up your people to a subscription beyond their power ; if they do not give you what is necessary, it is a just cause for removal.
<5 9. Talk not of leaving your people, till you see your way clear; and after all, be very cautious. If you are in a large congregation where you are beloved and useful, and have the conveniences of life in any moderate de- gree, the increase of income, provided it be not absolutely necessary to your support, is a wretched reason for leaving a charge.-Nor is
\
LeCt. 23.] GENERAL CONVERSATION. 129
the pleasantness of situation or a desire to be nearer your relations much to be regarded, if you have your health. — The presence of God and success in your labours are the main things to be attended to.
§ 1 0. When differences arise, do your utmost to compose them. — Plead with each of the parties by themselves, but side not hastily with either. — Avoid arbitration, lest you make your- selves enemies, and rather procure some other person to arbitrate the affair, than expose your- self to censure, and your usefulness to danger. § 11. Be cautious in undertaking any thing, or of resolutely pursuing what you have begun. — Scatter some flying reports of a thing be- fore you do it, that you may see what people think of it. — Stake not your reputation upon any thing you undertake. Use proper instru- ments for things not very agreeable to the church and congregation or neighbourhood, whenever it be necessary such things should be done. Leave room for an honorable re- treat, and appear not to be much impressed with the disappointment.
§ 12. Observe proper times for talking. Reprove very tenderly and respectfully, when you do it personally. Let it always be in secret. Sometimes you may drop a hint, which may give a person room to reprove him- self, in mixed companies; especially if you have reason to believe he is not aware you know his faults. Have proper stories end passages from authors for this purpose. Some- times lend books, and mark the most remark - able passages. 6*
130 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
LECTURE XXIV.
Rules of Conduct towards those to whom some Particular - Care and liegard will be requisite.
§ 1. First, to Deacons, or those who stand iii their place. Their business will be to provide for the Lord's table, for yours, and for the poor's. — Let such persons be chosen to this office, if possible, as you can entire- ly trust, and who are esteemed and beloved in their place. — Leave charitable cares to them, and consult them before you propose any to communion. — For this purpose have a meeting with them at some private house once a month, a little before the preparation day.
§ 2. Secondly, towards other persons of eminence in the congregation, whether on account of age, circumstances, or character, discover a very tender regard. The aged visit and pray with. — Bear to hear their stories of what passed when they were young, — and if there be any remains of wisdom in them, you nijiy profit much by their conversation. — As to persons of wealth, honour, and learning, do not idolize them ; nor give yourselves so much to their company as to neglect others, — yet you will do well to remember, that some pecu- liar honour and attention are justly their due. — Never forget that while the common people are not to be despised, they are not to be too much trusted. — Eight or ten of the most sub- stantial and intelligent persons in a congrega- tion often turn the whole ; endeavour there- fore not only to secure the affection but the
Lect. 24.] RULES OF conduct. 131
reverence of such. This can only be done by a prudent and steady conduct, and by solid and strong sense, both in the pulpit and ia conversation. Beware they do not think you a weak but well-meaning man. As to persons of eminent piety, discover a great regard for them, be their circumstances what they may. — Talk often with them, and pray with them. And those whom God has favoured by peculiar visits of his grace and interpositions of his providence, honour, love, and serve with a peculiar zeal. Who are we that we should slight those whom God honours ?
§ 3. Discover a great concern for the wel- fare of youth. Sometimes preach expressly to them. — Present them useful books. — Often address them in public, when the whole dis- course is not designed for them, — and often do it in private. — When you see them under convictions, labour to the utmost to fix them, and when you are satisfied with their state, bring them early into the church fellowship and the communion. — If any before or after communion get into bad company, warn them seriously, tenderly, and affectionately. Sin- gle out two or three hopeful youths to watch over the rest.
§ 4. Have an especial regard to the afflict- ed. When you receive notes to pray for any, keep them ; and when you return home look them over and make memorandums of their cases ; both to give them a place in your pre- sent devotions, and that you may visit them. Mention their cases, in public prayer, with a
132 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
prudent copiousness ; but much more largely when with them in private. Endeavour to assist afflicted persons in temporals as well as in spirituals.
§ 5. Be moderate in opposing those who have notions of religion different to yourselves. — Bear with their zeal, — be yourselves an ex- ample of candour and meekness. — Seldom run upon their notions in the pulpit directly. — When you do, avoid every thing that looks like spleen against their persons. Do your utmost to gain their affections by serving them to the extent of your power.
§ 6. To those who are disaffected to your person and ministry, be not sharpsighted to see it ; and when it is so plain that it cannot be overlooked, if they are good men, talk over the affair mildly with them ; and endea- vour to effect a reconciliation if possible ; and if that cannot be done, dismiss them with as good a testimonial, as to their character, as their case will bear. — If they are vicious men^ be still, till an opportunity of exposing and overbearing them at once offers.
§ 7. When any flill under censure, inquire diligently into the fact ; and then consider whether they should be admonished, suspend- ed, or excommunicated. Let suspension, how- ever, generally precede excommunication. — Let some person always be sent to hear the excuses of the party accused. — If they cannot clear up their reputation, propose the matter at a church meeting; — If the case be notori- ously bad, pronounce sentence at the table of
LeCt. 25.] MISCELLANEOUS REMARKS. 133
the Lord with great solemnity. — Pray for such persons seriously and affectionately, and make them one pastoral visit afterwards. — If they repent after a proper time of trial, restore them tenderly, but awfully ; and let the confession be public, if the offence has been so. — Have a strict eye upon them afterwards, and admon- ish them frequently if you perceive them wa- vering or going astray.
LECTURE XXV.
On Behaviour to other Ministers, and Miscellaneous Remarka in the Conclusion.
§ I. On this interesting subject I shall of- fer, First, Observations relative to your own brethren.
§ 2. I. Treat them with respect. Think as honourably of them as you can, and speak well of their labours.
§ 3. 2. Avoid every thing that looks like sheep-stealing.
§ 4. 3. Assist them as much as you can in their temporal affairs. — For this purpose keep up a correspondence with people in good cir- cumstances, and those who can inform you of legacies, &c.
§ 5. 4. Employ the most popular of them in your absence, especially those who are dear- est to your people.
§ 6. 5. Encourage meetings of ministers. — Talce heed however they do not grow up into
134 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
authoritative synods — and that they be not burdensome to the places where they are kept. — Let the entertainment be moderate, and days of fasting and prayer for the success of the ministry be kept, wherever they are.
§ 7. 6. Encourage a society for books. — This may be of use to you and your brethren, and lead to frequent and profitable interviews. § 8. 7. Have but a few intimate friends. — If friendship must be broken off, let it be civ- illy ; — do not drop it abruptly, but insensibly. § 9. I shall now give you. Secondly, some observations relative to those of the Establish- ment.
§ 10. 1. Be very prudent in their company ; as in the nature of things you cannot expect them all to be sincere friends to you as dis- senters.
§ 11. 2. Treat them on all occasions with respect. Do not enter into controversies with them, much less rail against the establishment, either then or at any other time.
§ 12. 3. Protest, if it be necessary, that you are conscientious in your dissent ; and appear ready to be informed on any point of the controversy ; but having the chief reasons of nonconformity at hand, do not fail to pro- duce them if you are forced to defend your- selves.
§ 13. 4. Never join with any of them who expose your weak brethren.
§ 14. 5. When you meet with any truly pious, humble and peaceable men in the estab-
LeCt. 25.] MISCELLANEOUS REMARKS. 135
]ishment, honour lliem, — and be on free and friendly terms with them if they wish it.
§ 15. Thirdly, some observations relative to lay preachers.
§ 16. 1. Do not contend with them, nor in- veigh against them. — God has used many of them for excellent purposes, and we must not tie hjm to our rules.
§ 17. 2. If there be any in the congregation over whom the great Head of the Church may place you, avoid intimate friendship with them — but. let them be treated kindly. Do them good and no harm.
<5> 18. 8. Endeavour to out do them in what is good in their own way. Consider what makes them popular — viz. — Preaching Christ — Free grace — Visiting — Religious conversa- tion &.C. — Let all these be your care, for they are all your duty,
§ 19. Mi.scellaneous remarks. In your set- tlement follow and do not force Providence. — Avoid by all means standing candidates with others. — Never go to any place but on a con- siderable majority. — Keep your old friends, and get new ones. — If a few of reputation are un- easy, do not accept a call. — Go to a place at first where you do not intend to spend your lives, if it may be the means of making you easy for a time, and place you in a situation for usefulness and improvement. — Labour to keep your people always in as good a humour as possible. — If any thing grieves or offends them, alter it, if you can with a good con- science.— Remember, when a minister is des-
136 LECTURES ON PREACHING.
pised his usefulness is at an end, and no pul- pit talents can support him without prudence. — In coversation be lively, but alway have some useful hints, to shev/ that you are a chris- tian and a man of sense. — Never be ashamed of religion, nor seem to hear a wicked jest when you cannot reprove it. — Consider your- selves as weak, fallible creatures — Be thankful for instructions — Review former miscarriages for your caution, and earnestly seek wisdom of God to direct all your future steps. — Beware of the reputation of a great politician — Let in- tegrity and uprightness preserve you. — Read over these rules once a year at least, and en- rich them with the best remarks you can.
CONTEiNTS.
LECTURE I.
Page. Introduction — General Remarks and Directions
relative to the Christian Ministry 7
LECTURE IL ,
Of the Use and Character of Practical Writers 12
LECTURE in.
The Character of Dissenting Writers of the pre- sent Age, or tliose who have written since 1700 l(i
LECTURE IV.
The Character of the Writers of the establisiied
Church 24
LECTURE V. Rules for composing Sermons 32
LECTURE VI. On different Strains of Preaching 41
138 CONTENTS.
LECTURE VII.
On the Style of Sermons 47
LECTURE VIII. On the Choice of Thoughts 52
LECTURE IX.
On the Manner of ranging the Thoughts 58
LECTURE X.
More particular Rules on the Composition of a Ser- mon CI
LECTURE XI. On the delivery of Sermons C8
LECTURE XII.
General Directions not comprehended in the pre- ceding Lectures 74
LECTURE XIII.
Directions for Prayer 79
LECTURE XIV.
On Public Exposition and the Characters of Com- mentators 85
LECTURE XV. General Directions on Exposition continued 93
CONTENTS. 139
LECTURE XVI.
Further Advices relating to Exposition 96
LECTURE XVIL On Cateciiising 100
LECTURE XVIIL
Further Directions about Catechising 103
LECTURE XIX.
On administering the Sacrament of Baptism 105
LECTURE XX.
On administering the Lord's Supper 108
LECTURE XXI. On Visiting in General 111
LECTURE XXII. On Visiting the Sick 115
LECTURE XXIII. General Maxims for Conversation 125
LECTURE XXIV.
Rules of Conduct towards those to whom some
particular care and regard will be requisite 130
140 CONTENTS.
LECTURE XXV.
On Behaviour to other Ministers, and Miscella- neous Remarks in the Conclusion 133
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
Afflicted, regard towards Ainsworth's commentary Atterbiiry's sermons Barrington's, Lord, essay Baptism, administration of Baptisms, register of, to be ke Barrow's sermons Bates' sermons
" remarks of Baxter's writings
" remark of Bennet's sermons Benson on the epistles Beveridge's sermons Beza's commentary Blackwall's sacred classics Blair's sermons Bolton's sermons Boyle's sermons Boyse's sermons Brennius' notes on the Bible Bradbury's sermons Burkit's criticisms Calmet's dictionary Calvin's commentary Castalio's commentary Catechising children, remark Charnock's sermons Church, established, writers Clarke's sermons Clarke's, Dr, paraphrase Commentators on the Bible
pt
of
142
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
Common place book Conscience how to be addressed Conversation, general maxims for Cradock's commentarj' Deacons, conduct towards Delivery of sermons Dissenting w^riters since 1700 Earle's sermons Edwards', Dr. John, virritings Erasmus' Commentary Evan's sermons Exposition, public, urged " " hints on
" " advice relating to
Fell on epistles Flavel's sermons &c. Fleetwood's writings Franklin's writings
Garthwaite's commentary
Gataker's writings
Goodwin's sermons
Grosvenor's sermons
Grotius' writings
Grove's sermons
Hales', of Eaton, sermons
Hall's, Bishop, sermons
Hall's commentary
Hallet's writings
Hammond's commentary
Harris' sermons
Heinsius' commentary
Henry's, Matthew, sermons " " commentary
Hopkins' sermons
Horneck's sermons
Hospitality to parishioners .
Howe's sermons
Jackson's, Dr. Thomas, writings
Jenning's sermons
Lardner's Gospel History
Lay preachers, treatment of
Law's sermons
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
143
Le Clerc's commentary
Lee on New Testament
Leighton, Archbishop
Lightfoot's writings
Locke on the epistles
Lord's Supper, administering of
Lowtli's, William, commentary
Lucas' sermons . .
Manton's sermons
Mede's writings
Ministers, behaviour towards
Miscellaneous remarks
Nonconformist writers previous to 1700
Norris' writings ....
Owen's writings
Patrick's commentary .
Pearce on epistles
Piety, necessity of, to a preacher
Pool's synopsis ....
Prayer, secret and family
" public, directions for
" tlie author's before making a Preaching, various strains of
" to be argumentative, pathetic &c. Puritan writers enumerated Pyle's paraphrase Reynolds' sermons Robertson's commentary Saurin's writings Scott's sermons Scougal's writings Scripture, quotations from Seeker's sermons Sermons, rules for composing
" what subjects to be declined
" what to be preferred
" style of ...
" particular rules on making
" exordium of .
" conclusion of
" delivery of . . . Sherlock's sermons
144
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
Sibb's sermons Sick, on visiting the '"■^' precautions in regard to * " ad\^ce to be given to Souls, love to ^oouU^'s sermons Spratt's writings . Style of writing and address
" harmony of Taylor's, Nathaniel, sermons Text, explication of
" referring to Christ Tillotson's writings Thoughts, choice of
" arrangements of Visiting in general Visits, pastoral
" memoranda of, to be kept
" occasional
" to the sick Ward's sermons Watts' sermons Wells' commentary Whiston's commentary . Whitsius' writings Whitby's commentary . Wilkins' writings World, acquaintance with Wright's sermons Writers^ practical use of Youth, regard for their welfare
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