The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1874-12-02
Vol. lO.---NO. /. 0.
Preaching-Manner and Matte

We reprint the following from the North.
ern Christian Advocate, and bespeak ior it a
careful perusal by all our young ministers
An Address by Rev. John Hall, d. d.,
Before the Students at Drew Seminary.-Oh,
for ten thousand such addresses and such ad-
dressers. We would that every student of
Drew Seminary might initiate DR.. Hall in
manner and matter, especially in matter and
spirit. We would consent that they should
be mere copyists if they would faithfully and
accurately follow copy. A good copyist of
good copy would be far preferable to many
poor and weak originals. But no young
man, at all competent for the Christian min
IStry, need be mere cOpyist if be will re-
ceive, comprehend and practice the advice
given by DR.. Hall in the address before us.
The leading feature of the address is not an
exaltatlOn Of technical theological education
or OF general education; it is not the prepar-
alton of the schools, but conservation, holi-
ness and purity. This with DR.. Hall is the
great preparation for the gospel ministry.
Of course he does not deprecate learning;
the more the better if sanctifed to Christ's
service. On this point he says: "Gentle-
men, it is of all things important, with all
these advantages, that you be holy and pure
men. Somebody may not like the word holy.
l like it. l don't see why we should not like
it; but if they like another let them take it
-consecrated men, godly men, spiritual
men, Christian men, men filled with the Holy
Ghost and with power. Be such men if you
would have ministry with power"
In regard to manner in the pulpit he says:
" Whether man speaks or memories, or
talks or reads, there are certain things which,
it seems to me, sensible and self-respectful
preacher should never take into the pulpit
And one of these, think, is expressed in
the word smartness,' in dress, in address,
in illustration, in hits or in illusions. On
the whole, man that is to edify the body
of Christ had better avoid ssmartness.' In
dress even, it seems to me, that would be
wise. Many of our Presbyterian preachers
are saved from any trouble in that matter by
the habit of wearing gown, so that no one
can tell how we are dressed. have heard
that man, in speaking of Mr.. Cough, de-
scribed him as being man whose coat-tails
spoke. That is good for Mr.. Cough on the
platform; but even he would tell you that it
is not the thing for ministers. They speak
in other ways. Let us not bring into the
pulpit the smart hints that are so successful
with many lecturer on the lecturing stage.
He may do lawfully what we can only do at
the cost of lowering ourselves anu ca. m.a-
sion. On the same principle all coarseness,
or mere colloquialism or slang, everything,
in fact, that vulgarizes the gospel, the man,
and the pulpit, ought to be religiously and
earnestly kept away. And on the same
principle there is class of petty announce
ments that would not have the minister take
into the pulpit on any account. We had
better charge five dollars for every announc-
ment sent to the pulpit-that would limit the
range. When man is to preach on the
most earnest and important themes, it is
hardly the thing to require of him to an
nounce that there will be 'rectations and
comic songs at such place; or that in some
other place there will be a clam-bake for the
benefit of particular struggling congrega-
tion. Everything of that kind that lets down
the truth and the preacher-who may be a
very feeble man in himself, but who acquires
a certain dignity from the grandeur of the
message he delivers-everything of that kind
ought to be put away, and the truth permit
ted to stand out in its own dignity, grandeur
and impressiveness, unassociated with such
littlenesses as these"
We are glad that DR.. Hall throws the
weight of his opinion against "smartness
in the pulpit.
"What will a man play tricks, will he indulge
silly, fond conceit of his fair form,
And just proportion, fashionable men,
And pretty face in presence of his God!
Therefore avaunt all attitude and stare,
And start theatric practced at the glass
| seek divine simplicity in him
Who handles things divine"
The straining for effect, to startle, to
catch applause, and draw the crowd, are the
curse of many pulpite to-day. Young men
should be warned against it.