The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1888-04-19
WRITING A SERMON.
DistiD uished Chicago Clergyman Tells
How He Does 1t.


A Distinguished Chicago Clergyman Tell
How He Does 1t.
You have requested ne 10 tell yo
how ! make my sermons. l hardl
know what to answer, rs, in my judg
ment. nearly all preachers prepar
substantially in the same way. How
do painters mix their co!ors? How d'
brickmakers make their bricks? How
do wall builders build their walls; Of
shipwrights their vessels? In all thes'
cases there are accepted principles OF
which these artisans proceed. and the
same is true of sermon manufacturing
Ii you are anxious to find out Rubens
secret of coloring, or Beecher's art o.
Illuminating an idea. or the charm thai
hangs over the composition of varlou:
men, You will never be gratified; fol
that is something they themselves can
not explain, even if they try. What
the public would really like to know OF
the elaborations of genius can not be
impaired, ard what remains may be
learned in any book on homiletics, with
simply the uninteresting addenda as to
whether certain mOrtals write or dc
not write. or whether they write only
notes, or in full. These details are pit
iably Indifferent. But as you wish
them in my case, who have no secret
of genius to trouble me or others, !
comply with your desire.
Some sermons are born; others, like
Topsy, grow. Just as the poet has all
inspiration and writes. so at times a
thought comes to the preacher. and
easily, almost without effort, it shapes
itself on paper. But other discourses
are painfully elaborated. They have
to be carefully planned. sketched.
revised and re-revised before the desired
result is reached. My custom has been
to read the Bible regularly and studi-
ously, and to note any text that inl-
presses me. appending such ideas as it
may have given rise to; and in some in
stances that is all the preparation given
to the sermon. The text has taken hold
of me, reused my entire spiritual and
mental being, has shaped itself, and
appropriate words generally are found
when the hour comes for delivery.
These, however. are exceptional cases.
Usually the marked passage in the
Bible remains for future Use; but, by
the daily study of the book, subjects
for the pulpit are kept on hand in
abundance. Having text and theme.
then, as a rule, pencil a rough outline,
jotting down ideas and illustrations.
After the plan is drawn up, if there is
need for the consultation of authorities,
perform that part of my task.
As l read what 1 have just put on
paper, am reminded of Il story l heard
of celebrated and successful Indian
captain. He was asked what plan he
adopted when fighting the redskins.
He replied: Il have very excellent
one always. and always mean to follow
it, but the redskins disconcert it. and
have just to let the boys loose on them,
with the advice not to miss when they
fire." So it is with myself. | have an
exalted idea of the way in which a SER
mon should be prepared, and intend
always to do my best in that line; but
circumstances are changing constantly;
time can not always be found for close
study, and ones battle must be decided
OH the inspiration of the moment. My
rule is to move like the old captain, and
if can only succeed in hitting some
oody or something l am happy. even
though critics may be shocked. and the
Did rifle recoil little more violently
than is pleasant.
In conclusion. permit me to add that
for effective pulpit work rested brain
is the best of all immediate prepara-
tions. Hal | to choose between 4 man
uscript with weary head on my shoul-
1ers, and fresh head-not new one,
Of course-and no manuscript, would
select the head. This pre-supposes ed
ucation, experience and the ability to
command ones resources in public.
Given these general qualifications, and
[ contend the speaker will find quiet
md repose an excellent library and
iesk for what is before him. But be-
ginners ought not to presume. Taey
ought to learn from this fact not to
Neglect needful rest for mind and body;
but, at the same time, they must not
forcgo careful discipline of thought,
lue reflection, and conscientious COM
hitting of their ideas to paper.-Or. g.
O. Inrinler IN lYriker