Passaic City record., 1896-01-18
RELIGIOUS READING.
THE PHYSIOLOGY OF PREACHING.

THE PHYSIOLOGY OF PREACHING.
Sir Dyce Duckworth. one of London's most
distinguished physicians, delivered an adj
dress on "Clerica Breakdown" some weeks
ago to an association of clergymen, which
excited considerable interest. He is strongly
OF opinion that the clergy break down nova
days in larger numbers than formerly be-
cause they work much harder than they used
to do After pleading for physical test as
condition of entrance to the ministry, he
went on to specify some of the varieties of
breakdowns to which even healthy preachers
are liable. The clerical sore throat received
its due share of attention. Sir Dyce thinks
nothing can be done for that common evil ex-
cept by building up the system generally,
diminishing the amount of speaking, and
exercising care as to the right methods OF
producing the voice. breakdown of the
digestive system is much more easily
handled. Meals should be-must be-reg
ular; and the meal known in England as
tea-dinner or a meat tea should be avoided
like poison. 1t is responsible for a great
Teal of dyspepsia. An unWarrantable de-
gree of abstinence in the feason of Lent and
the practice of receiving the holy communion
lasting, are condemned in no measured
terms. Clergymen and laymen are urged to
take good cup of cocoa or tea before leav-
ing home and to fling to the winds any scru-
pies they may entertain on that point. Sir
Dyce goes right to the root of the matter
whep he declares that prolonged and monot-
onous spells induce low health and con-
sequent mental depression and lack of zest
for the routine of life. A thorough holiday
change of environment and proper dietary
offer far better cure than repeated doses
beef tea and a course of expensive medi-
:ines. Such good and sensible advice from
physician ought to be all the more acceptable
because of its unseltlshness.
Preachers are taught many rules about the
hi nd dali Of hr1t
are taught far too little about the preserva-
ton of health on which the effectiveness of
heir preaching depends. The physiology of
preaching ought to bulk far more largely In
theological training. OF late it has been en-
phasized to some extent, but there is ample
room for further improvement. Dr. Joseph
Parker, the famous pulpit orator Of London,
would make good professor of the physio-
ogy of preaching. He has given special at
tention to the subject, formed definite ideas,
and has had the advantage of testing them in
long and varied experience. His bow abides
in strength because OF the physical vigor he
gathers in the care of his body. Everybody
who has heard him knows the marvellous
compass of his voice and the freedom from
huskiness which characterizes it even at the
end of a long sermon. Clerical sore throat
has no terror for him. He does not know
what it means, and never intends to know
that most undesirable knowledge. His ssecret
He says that if you want to have throat to
work with, you must take sip of iced water
every five minutes before entering the pulpit
That is far better than spraying the throat
with bromine or inhaling pine oil. He be-
lieves in cold water bath before preaching.
For years it has been his habit to go right
out of bath cold as the weather runs to the
platform. Thus fortified, he feels physically
master of any congregation that ever as
sembled. He never speaks in the open air
after preaching. Even should he meet
dear friend on the street he passes him with
a nod. He goes home silently, sponges his
throat and neck with warm water, and eats
sparngly, finding his reward in mended
strength and exhilarated spirits. He is even
able to laugh at the thought of Blue Monday,
that phantom dreaded by the ordinary
preacher.
The physiology of preaching is a neglected
department Of homiletics. Why it should be,
is a riddle we cannot solve. Surely, it is as
much the duty of ministers to prepare the
body for the pulpit as to prepare the mind.
The true preacher breaches with the body as
well as with the mind; and the m 'st spirit
ually-minded preacher is paint ly 'eminded
that he has a tabernacle of f1esl. which will
not allow him to forget its claims. Mere
bodily vigor may profit little in the pulpit,
but the body is the medium through which
the mind must operate, and If the instru-
ment be out of tune, the music must be harsh
and discordant Careful attention to the
physiology of preaching will preserve sweet
ness in the melody of thought and express
sion in the pulpit.