Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-11-18
BRISTOL'S METHODS
Prospective Pastor If Metropolitan N. E.
Church Discusses His SystemA
Prefers to Rcads His sermons and
ly- Careoe ~ Minister.

Rev. Frank M. B1dstof Of Evanston, ILL.,.
as heretofore stated in The Star. has been
invited by the official bsard Of the Metro
politan M. e. Churchsof this city to become
the successor of Rev. Hugh Johnston. DID,.
when the term Of the latter expires next
March. and DIR. Bristol has accepted. sub
ject to the approval Of the bishops. 1t is
probable that DIR. Johnston Will be ap-
pointed pastor Of the First NJ. e. Church,
Baltimore. vice Rev. T. p. Frost, DID,,
who is. It is said, to take the pastorate
Of a leading M. E. church in a northern
city.
Speaking of the proposed change to a
correspondent Of The Star. DR.. Bristol
said:
II expect to continue preaching In the
church in Evanston until next March, when,
II the bishops concur, I Will go to the
Baltimore conference. Although / am great
ly attached to Evanston, / believe duty
demands that should go where have
been summoned. OF course all that has
been done IL subject to the approval OF
the bishops, and no change can be made
without their sanction. consider 1t an
honor to be called to the Metropolitan
Church. which is probably the most promi-
nent charge"
Method of sermonizing.
Asked as to his methods In preparing
his sermons DR.. Bristol said:
'In the first place. read very extern
sively. I read along all lines. I do not
conf1ne myself to theology. Ny themes
are suggested by my reading, again by a
paramount occurrence of the day. and
again by what I discern to be the topics
uppermost in the minds of the people. Then
I write my sermons out fully. In the ma
jority Of cases l read from my manuscript,
but frequently 1 merely use extensive
notes. l preach both topical and textual
sermons. Once in while In series of
sermons where the subject demands 1t 1
read extensively on all lines. If the SUBJ
ject does not require 1t, it Is simply a mat
ter of composition.
II have no set days or hours in which to
prepare my sermons. have oftent.mes
number Of sermons and texts in my head,
which arc weeks and months in develop
Ing, so, as a rule, when sit down to write,
1 write continuously till fill up my manu-
script. even If it takes all night. 1 greatly
prefer to write my sermons clear through
in this manner in the heat of the inspra-
ton. do not begin Sunday or Monday. 1
usually think of it all week. and sit down
Friday or Saturday and write 1t out.
WINS Too Easy.
"In the beginning Of my ministry spoke
extemporaneously, but discontinued it be-
cause it was too easy for me. 1 spoke very
impetuously. and used too many words to
express a single idea 1 found the cure in
writing and reading. I dislike the men,
oriter method, because 1t seems SO like
defamation that 1 acamot throw myself
into 1t as l would WISH and 1 cannot take
advantage of any thoughts which come on
the wing. Then another advantage of the
written sermon Is the possibility of yeri-
Tying ones statementss If one Is mis-
quoted. he can always fall back on his
manuscript. Again, by writing, one is
much more apt to study the subject and
not depend merely OIL the gift of eab
say sometimes that there are only three
ways Oh preaching~fram memory from
manuscript and from vacuity.
90 not depend on oycIopedias of anec-
ao.es TOT Illustrations. but get them from
my daily associa ton with men, from na-
ture, science history, art and the books
am reading. Occasionally Il speak on topics
OF the day. getting therefrom my title.
But as rule 'seaees scEpturai themes and
though keep en- rapport with all the is
Sues. events and problems Of our day.
MY morning SERMON Is directed especial
~ to the church members. and. aims to give
Is mainly for the iuhconverted and young
people. l frequently deal with such prob
lens of young people as therkfnd of litera-
trre to read, amusements. temperance, and,
IN TACT. all similar subjects of vital i'm
portance TO the rising generation. l also
frequently treat great religio-political
themes in the evening DISCOURSE"
ScOtch-EnSlish Ancestry.
DR.. Bristol was born in Orleans county.
New York, in 1851. Both lines of his an
cestry were Scotch and English In 1870
he entered the Northwestern University, at
Evanstown, ILL.,. with the view 10 prepare
for the ministry. He graduated in 1877
with the degree of bachelor of philosophy.
Since then his alma mater has conferred
upon him the honorary degrees of master of
arts and doctor of divinity. He is trustee
of Northwestern University and of Garrett
Biblical Institute.
Mr.. Bristol early gained high rank ss a
lecturer, writer and publicist. He has
given courses of lectures before Allegheny
College and Boston University. He was a
member of the committee of arrangements
on the parliament of religions. In the rul-
pit he is earnest, logical and eloquent, hav-
ing attained a reputation which places him
in the forefront of noted clergymen His
devoted pastoral labors and winsome per
sonal traits have made him a favorite and
greatly endeared him to his congregations.
He has been three times delegate to the
general conference. at the last two being
the leader of his delegation.