A treatise on homiletics: designed to illustrate the true theory and practice of preaching the gospel

Front matter

I

TREATISE 01 HOMILETICS

DESIGNED TO ILLUSTBATE

Preface

The design of this volume is to aid clerical students and junior ministers of the Gospel in preparing for their life-work. It aims to pre¬ sent in a systematic form practical views of the subject of preaching, having due reference to the experiences of the past, the wants of the present, and the hopes of the future.

While the writer has labored primarily to supply a text-book for the use of his own students, he has also sought to provide for the wants of those candidates for the ministry who for any reason pursue homiletical studies apart from the advantages of institutional instruction. He has been prompted to effort in this branch of authorship by many assurances that a work like the present was needed to supply an important desideratum, and by the hope that it may contribute its share to the promotion of the noblest objects for which men are permitted to live.

Evanston, III., March 1, 1864.

Where the development of a systematic doctrine in a course of lec¬ tures is attempted, It Is useful for the lecturer to facilitate the labor to his pupils and himself by exhibiting In a manual or text-book the order of his doctrine and a summary of Its contents.—S Ir William Ham¬ ilton.

In practical art principles are unseen guides, leading us by invisible strings through paths where the end alone Is looked at. It is for science to direct and purge our vision, so that these airy ties, these principles and laws, generalizations and theories, become distinct objects of vision. —W h e w e 11.

They who know how much there is to do with many young men who enter our seats of learning, and how much of necessity the time and attention must be divided among the various subjects of study, will con¬ fess that It is no easy matter to give that prominence to homiletics which their supreme importance demands.—John Angell James.

Chapter 1. The Proper Character Of Homiletics

§ 1. Explanation of Terms .Page 17

§ 2. Homiletics not a Branch or Species of Rhetoric. 20

§ 3. A HIGHER Science to which Rhetoric, Logic, and other Sys¬ tems OF Human Knowledge are tributary. 21

§ 4. Distinction between Originality and Novelty. 22

§ 5. Preaching not a Patriarchal nor a Jewish Institution. 23

§ 6. Preaching a Peculiar Institution of Christianity. 26

Its original and authoritative appointment. 26

Primary ideas of the work of preaching... 28

The peculiar objects and power of preaehing. 30

Prerequisites and material of preaching. 32

§ 7. The Importance of Homiletical Study. 34

Objections answered. 35

§ 8. Order and Relations of Homiletical Study. 39

Chapter II. Sources And Materials Of Homiletical Science

Biblicali

§ 1. The Materials OF Homiletical Science Cumulative. 42

§ 2. Chronological Classification. 43

§ 3. Classification of Biblical Materials. 44

§ 4. The Old Testament Instructs the Preacher chiefly by

Analogous Examples. 44

Example of Solomon. 44

Hebrew terms rendered preach . 46

The teaching office of Jewish priests. 47

The example of the prophets. 51

§5. The New Testament abounds IN Homiletical Materials. 54

§ 6. The Precepts and Instructions of Christ to his Disciples. .. 54

Call of the disciples . 54

Preliminary instruction. 55

Sermon on the mount. 56

Parables. 57

Ministry of the disciples commenced. 57

Contents

Precepts and practice combined.Page 67

The transfiguration. 58

The well-instructed scribe. 59

Chapter III. Sources And Materials Of Homiletical Science Con¬ Tinued

Patristic—Scholastic — Modern.

§ 1. Patristic Literature of Homiletics. 75

Precepts of Chrysostom. 76

Summary of Augustine’s “ Christian Teaching”. 78

§ 2 . Scholastic Literature of Homiletics. 81

§ 3. Modern Literature of Homiletics. 82

Comparative value of the literature of the several periods.... 83

§ 4. Other Sources of Homiletioal Instruction. 85

Published sermons. 85

Ministerial biography. 86

The history of preaching. Its lessons. 88

Chapter IV. The Various Products Op Homiletics

Diff*erent ages have produced different forms of Christian address.

§ 1 . Postils—Historic Sketch. 94

§ 2 . Homilies—Early Origin. 95

English book of homilies. 95

The Queen’s injunction. 95

Continental books of homilies. 9 g

Modern modifications of the homily. 97

§ 3. Platform Addresses. 9 g

A necessity of modern Christian enterprise. . 98

CONTENTS.

Characteristics and elements of success.Page 100'

I 4. Exhoetation. 101

A species of preaching.102

Scriptural idea of exhortation. 103

Apostolic examples. 103

Inferences. 105

The gift of exhortation should be coveted. 105

It should be acquired as initiatory to preaching. 106

Occasions for exhortation. 109

S 6 . The Seemon.110

Belongs to all periods. Its offices. 110

A representative product of homiletics.Ill

Chapter V. Texts Of Scriptuee As The Themes Op Sermons

§ 1. The Peopeiety%of theie Use. 113

Analogy of Jewish custom. 114

Of the Saviour’s example. 115

The practice of the apostles and fathers. 116

Inherent fitness of the custom. 116

§ 2 . The Object of employing Texts.117

To make a suitable recognition of God’s word. 117

To secure a valid basis for the instruction of men. 117

The use of texts tends to variety in preaching. 118

Texts aid the memory and promote the thoughtfulness of

hearers. 118

The abuse of texts. 119

§ 3. Texts should be chosen with caee and solicitude. 120

§ 4. Judicious Habits of selection should be cultivated.120

In aminister’s critical and devotional reading of the Scriptures. 121

By special search.121

By classification.121

Guiding principles. 123

§ 5. Eules foe the choice of Texts. 125

Preach on great subjects. 127

Chapter VI. Agencies Of Pulpit Preparation

§ 1. Geneeal Views of the Subject.128

Mental preparation. 129

Lingual preparation. 129

Successive steps. 129

§ 2. Inteepeetation. 132

Importance of interpretation. Biblical study. 132

Eules of interpretation... 133

Practical advices. 134

CONTEl^TS.

§ 3 . Intention ...... Page 135

The special faculties of knowledge. 13^

Offices of the imagination. 139

Processes of invention. 141

Generalization. 148

Analysis. 149

Hypothesis. 149

Exercise. 151

Practical rules. 152

§4. Disposition. 153

Its nature. 153

Its importance. 155

Its general offices. 156

Chapter VII. Disposition Applied To The Principal Parts Of A

DISCOURSE.

Ancient systems of disposition. 160

Explanation of terms. 160

Comprehensive character of the argument..161

§ 1. The Introduction. 162

Two kinds, formal and informal. Occasions for informal.... 162

Design of an introduction. 164

Different kinds.. 164

Desirable qualities.164

Materials for introduction. 167

Order of preparation. 167

§ 2. The Argument. 169

Confusion of authors in respect to disposition,-division, etc.. 169

Proper relations of the text and the theme or subject...171

Tabular view of the sermon and its parts. 172

Different modes of discussion distinguished. 174

Explanatory discussion. 177

Definition. Narration. Description. Exemplification 178-180

Observational discussion. 181

Propositional discussion. 184

Applicatory discussion. The field of persuasion. 187

Chapter VIII. Homiletical Praxis On The Argument

Nature and importance of Praxis. 195

Generalization. I 97

Division. Tabular view. 198,199

General rules of division. 200

CONTENTS.

§ 1 . Textual Division ..Page 201

Natural order. 202

Analytical. 203

Synthetical. 205

§2. Topical Division..... 206

Present use of the term topical not drawn from the loci com¬ munes of the ancients. 206

Advantages of topical division. 208

Principal modes. 209

By analysis. 210

By relations. 211

By illustration. 211

By exhibition of motives. 212

By proofs. 213

Eolations between division and discussion. 214

The uses of division. 215

Abuses of division. 217

Question of the statement of divisions. 217

Kules. 220

CKAPTER IX.

THE CONCLUSION.

Importance of conclusions. 222

Their proper design. 223

§ 1. The Matter APPBOPRiATE TO Conclusions. 224

Inferences. Eecapitulation. Appeal. Exhortation. 224,225

Ehetorical advices as to excitation. 225

Devotional expressions. 227

A striking passage of Scripture. Prayer. Doxology. 227,228 § 2. Essential Characteristics of Conclusions. 229

Chapter X. Essential Qualities Of The Sermon As A Whole

§ 1. Evangelical Character. 233

As to the truth employed. As to the spirit and manner of its delivery. Historical proof of its importance. 233-238

% 2. Interest.

Necessity of awakening interest in religious themes. 239

Means of so doing. 240

Be deeply interested yourself. 240

Cultivate clearness and vividness of expression.242

Acquire felicity, and practice frequency of illustration. 243

CONTENTS.

To this end study the laws of figurative language-Page 244

Learn the uses of simile and metaphor. 245

Employ illustrations from analogy. 247

Employ appropriate scriptural and historical allusions by

statements of fact and hypothesis. 249

Kules in reference to illustration. 251

§ 3. Instkuction. 253

Its indispensable importance—contemplated in the original

command of the Saviour. 253

In order to it ministers must be constant learners. 253

They must form systematic and comprehensive plans of in¬ struction. 254

§ 4. Efficiency. 255

Preaching contemplates certain great objects. 255

The diffusion of truth and consequent overthrow of error.. 255

The conversion of souls. 255

The practice of righteousness. 256

The establishment and edification of the Church of Christ. 256 No preaching eflicient which does not accomplish one or

more of these objects. 256

Elements of efficiency.'... 258

Earnestness. 258

Christian sympathy. 260

Unction. 262

Chapter XI. The Classification Of Sermons

Advantages of classification. 267

Proper basis of classification. 268

§ 1 . Expository Discourses. 269

§ 2 . Hortatory Discourses. 372

§3. Doctrinal Discourses. 274

§ 4. Practical Discourses.276

§ 5. Miscellaneous or Occasional Discourses. 278

Funerals. 279

Special providences.. 281

Missions and benevolence. 281

Festival occasions. 283

Temperance. 283

Education and Sunday-schools. 284

Eeasons why they should be the special subjects of preaching 286

Two modes: 1. Children’s department in sermons. 286

2. Special sermons to children. 288

Elements of success in preaching to the young. 288, 289

CONTENTS.

Chapter XII. The Style Of Sermons

Style a means, not an end.Page 292

General qualities demanded in a good style. 292

Purity. Precision. Perspicuity. Unity. Strength_ 292, 293

§ 1. Special Qualities required in a good Pulpit Style . 293

Dignified simplicity. 293

Scriptural congruity. 296

Earnest directness.. 299

Energy.300

§ 2. Means of cultivating a good Pulpit Style . 302

Conversation.. 302

A careful study of the elements and lexicography of one’s

native language. 303

Beading and study of the best authors. 304

Writing.305

CHAPTER XIH.

THE DELIVERY OF SERMONS.

§ 1. Possible Modes considered.:.307

Eecitation. Advantages and disadvantages. 307

Beading. Arguments in favor of reading. 310

Objections to reading as a mode of delivery. 311

Extemporaneous delivery. 312

Objections urged against it. 313

Arguments for it. 314

A composite mode of delivery. 314

§ 2 . Historical View of the Practice and Theories of Past

Ages in reference to this Subject. 316

Sermons not read during the apostolic era. 317

Extemporaneous discourse practiced during the early ages of

the Church...*. 318

The custom of reciting sermons introduced in the fourth

century. 320

Becitation retained in the Continental Churches. 322

The custom of reading arose in England about the middle of

the sixteenth century. 324

Beading has since prevailed somewhat extensively in England

and in the United States of America. 325

The verdict of ages in favor of extemporaneous delivery ren¬ dered as perfect as possible by auxiliary writing. 326

CONTENTS.

Chapter XIV. Pulpit Elocution

§ 1. Its lifPOBTANCB AS THE EXECUTIVE Bbanoh OF HoMiLETics. Page 829

Awkwardness. 332

Carelessness. 332

Haughtiness and harshness. 333

Formality. 333

Levity. 333

Monotony and dullness. 334

§ 3. Excellences to be Acquibed . 334

Ease and refinement of manners. Self-possession and seren¬ ity of mind. Gravity. Affectionate anxiety. Earnestness 835

§4. Means of Attaining a good Pulpit Elocution. . 335

Thorough mental cultivation .... 335

Systematic training of the voice and other physical powers.. 335 A proper discipline of the heart as a means of developing the moral power of the preacher. 338

CHAPTER XY.

HABITS OF PREPARATION FOR PREACHING.

Importance of right views of the subject.. 340

§ 1. Pbeliminaby Pbepabation involves :

Moral preparation.. 341

Educational preparation. Embracing ^

Mental discipline. 342

The acquisition of large stores of knowledge. 342

A special development of the powers of expression........ 342

Eule. First, acquire readiness; second, correctness; third,

force. 346

§ 2. Genebal Pbepabation should be Continuous and Habitual. 347 § 3. Special Pbepabation bequibes

The study of subjects for particular occasions. 348

The careful elaboration of a plan of discourse. 349

Detailed composition in writing. 354

Advantages of writing. 355

As a means of self-discipline and of thought. 355

Writing improves the style of a speaker. 356

It enables him to profit by his past labors. 357

It becomes a means of extending his usefulness.358

Wrong habits of writing. 358

CONTENTS.

Rules to aid in forming correct habits... Page 358

Extract from Olin...361

The proper use of plans.... 363

Special preparation for reading and recitation... 364

Chapter XVI. Preaching As A Pastoral Duty

Peculiar position of a young pastor.. 366

Propriety of introductory sermons. 366

The great objects of the true pastor are:

§ 1. The Edification of the Chukch promoted by

Ministrations suited to individuals and classes of believers... 367 The thorough instruction of the Church as an organic body.. 368

Necessity and advantages of pastoral visitation. 368, 369

§ 2 . The Conversion of the Unregenerate, requiring

Faithfulness in declaring the whole counsel of God. 369

Discrimination in applying it to characters. 370

Accompanying labors, conversations, and appeals. 370

Both these objects are to be aimed at in conjunction, and continuously by means of wise plans and persevering zeal. 370

CHAPTER XVH.

PREACHING AS A MISSIONARY DUTY.

Peculiarities of mission-work in foreign and domestic fields. 373

§ 1. Pastors should cultivate the Missionary Spirit, and put FORTH Missionary Efforts as they may have occasion AMONG Soldiers, Seamen, Prisoners, and other Neg¬ lected Classes. 374

They should extend their labors to

Neglected neighborhoods. 375

Haunts of dissipation, streets, and market-places. 375

Camp-meetings, etc. 375

Biblical examples of outdoor preaching... 375

Methodistic examples.... 375

§ 2. Qualifications essential to Success . 376

Chapter XVIII. Proprieties And Vices Op The Pulpit

Necessity to ministers of an acute sense of propriety............. 378

Proprieties relating to individual conduct in the sacred desk 379

Auxiliaiy services of the pulpit... 881

Ministerial courtesy.. 383

§ 2 . Vices of the Pulpit.386

Plagiarism: 1 . Of sermons 5 2 . Of extracts; 3. Of plans;

4 . By imitation. 386-388

CONTENTS.

Indolence of preparation.Page 389

Starring, coarseness, vulgarity, etc. 389, 390

Witticism. Authorities on the subject. 391

The affectation of profundity. 395

Tediousness. 396

Chapter XIX. The Philosophy Op Eloquence Considered In Refer¬ Ence To Preaching

Intrinsic interest of the subject. 397

§ 1. Vakious Definitions of the Term. 397

§ 2. Analysis of the true Idea of Eloquence.400

Eloquence not a unit. It differs in kinds and degrees.401

§ 3. The Term applied by eminencejto the highest Degrees.403

Daniel Webster’s explanation of eloquence.403

§ 4. The Themes and Circumstances of the Preacher favorable

TO the attainment of the highest results of Eloquence. 404

Chapter XX. Conditions And Elements Of Power In The Pulpit

1. Strong conceptions of the magnitude and dignity of the preach¬

er’s work.409

2. A love for his work. 410

3. A manifestation of that love by zeal and faithfulness. 411

4. Preaching must be the great business of life.411

5. The purpose and habit of making everything subservient to

preaching. 412

6. Discretion in the choice and adaptation of subjects.412

7. A higher aim than mere success. 414

8. A holy life and influential example. 414

9. The spirit and practice of deep devotion. 414

10. The blessing and unction of the Holy Ghost. 415

Chapter XXI. Divine Assistance In Preaching

Erroneous views. The true principle. 418

§ 1. The Nature of the Work renders Special Divine Assistance

PROBABLE..

It is God’s work. It is great and difficult. Man’s unaided

ability is inadequate to its right performance.417

§ 2. The Scriptures make it certain that Divine Assistance will

BE given on appropriate CONDITIONS.418

Indirect promises..

CONTENTS.

Direct promises.Page 419

Prayers for aid.421

Ac^owledgements of aid.421

Other proofs that aid was given the apostles.421

§ 3. The Expebienoe op Devout Ministeks in all Ages shows

THAT SmiLAB AlD IS NEEDED, MAT BE EXPECTED, AND SHOULD BE SOUGHT BY ALL WHO HOPE TO PbEAOH THE GoSPEL EFFECT-

rvELT.422

Point of union between natural efforts and supernatural aid.42^

Chapter XXII. Public Prater As A Branch Of Pulpit Service

Eesponsibility of ministers as to the right conduct of the devo¬ tions of the Sanctuary.426

§ 1. Cebtain Faults of Public Pbayeb. 427

As to the use of the voice. 427

As to matter. 428

As to manner and spirit.428

As to language. 429

Too great length. Attitude, gesture, etc.429

§ 2 . Qualities essential to Excellence. 430

As to matter, spirit, and language.430

§ 3. Means of attaining Excellence.431

Study of the nature and elements of prayer.431

Capacity to employ appropriate Scripture language. 431

Deep personal piety cultivated by habitual private devotion. 433 Mechtation and devotional composition.433

Appendix

A.

B.

The Modebn Litebatube of Homiletics .489

Books in Latin.439

Books in English.440

Chronological list of authors on the subject of preaching .... 440

Pulpit helps. 452

Note on published sermons.454

Note on clerical biography.456

Articles in reviews and periodicals.456

Books in French.

German authors.

Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian authors. ^8

CONTENTS.

c.

Summary of the views of leading Divines, Authors, and

Churches on the Mode of Preaching with reference to

Delivery .Page 464

1692. Bishop Burnet. Dr. Watts. Eichard Baxter. 464r-468

1703. John Edwards.468

1731. Sir Eichard Blackmore.468

1756. Dr. Doddridge. 468

1758. John Lawson.468

1766. Archbishop Seeker..469

1772. Thomas Gibbons .. 469

1776. George Campbell.470

Testimonies of the Nineteenth Century. 471

Sidney Smith. Edward Everett. 472, 473

The Church of England.473

Eev. D. Moore. 473

The Independents of England. 476

William Jay. Eobert Vaughn. T. Wallace. 476, 477

English Baptists.478

English Wesleyans. 478

The Free Scotch Church. 479

American Churches. 479

Unitarians. 479

Congregationalists.479

Baptists. 480

Dr. Wayland. 480

Presbyterians, Old School. 485

Eesolutions of the General Assembly, with comments.485

Presbyterians, New School. 488

Dr. Skinner...488

Methodists. 489

Extemporaneous delivery the general practice of powerful preachers. 489

D.

Example of the Classification and Paraphrase of Scripture

UNDER THE VARIOUS HeADS OF PrAYER. 490

Invocation. 490

Adoration. 491

Thanksgiving. 49 I

Confession. 492

Petition and supplication. 493

Self-dedication. 494

Blessing and praise. 494

A TREATISE ON HOMILETICS.