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1 ------------------------------------------ --- -------------------------- FOR THE S ERMON , B I BLE R EAD I NG GOSPEL ADDRESS § Ilom iletica l Helps R V W I L L I A M E V A N S ' — \n\ The Conclusion of a Sermon
T HE Greek orators expressed their con ception of the importance of the Con clusion of an address, or oration, by calling it “ the final struggle which decides the conflict.” It is not too much to say that the last five minutes of the sermon is the most important part of it. It is during this time that the issues involved are decided, if decided at all. Yet how very seldom the conclusion receives the prepar ation and thought it ought to by virtue of its important place. Very often its mat ter and form are left to the inspiration (?) of the moment. How scattering, and wild, and pointless are the “concluding remarks" of the average sermon—what aimless exhortations! This is sad indeed when we remember that we have been speaking for thirty or forty minutes for the very purpose of accomplishing the work of the last five minutes. The Intro duction and the Body, or Argument, of the sermon, with its definition, explanation, p'roof, and argument, have been dealt with for the very purpose of bringing things to an issue in the Conclusion. What a mis take, then, to neglect the thorough prepara tion of this important part of the sermon. W hat form shall th e conclusion tak e? The answer to this question depends alto gether on the manner in which the matter which may properly belong to the conclu sion has been included in the preceding part of the sermon. If the main issue of the conclusion be to leave the listener with
the impression of completeness, then it may be well to gather up the missing threads. This is sometimes done by what is called— Recapitulation. Cicero defines Recapitulation as “recol lection revived, not speech repeated.” By this we are not to understand that to repeat the divisions or leading thoughts of the sermon is a breach of homiletics, but that recapitulation must not consist merely in such repetition. It should take the form, rather, of a grand resumé in which is gath ered up in a few striking, well-chosen, soul-moving sentences, or in a well-chosen and pointed illustration, the grand central idea and purpose of the entire sermon. Poem, or Illustration. Sometimes the conclusion of the sermon takes the form of a poem, or a. verse of some well-known hymn. Or the sermon may be finished by the use of one striking sentence. W hat should he th e length of th e con clusion ? It should not be any longer than the introduction. Five minutes is long enough. Conclude when you are through, however. If you say, “And now, finally,” let it be finally. Do not say, “Now, this last word,” and then still go on. If it is the last word, let it be the last. Indeed, it may not be wise to let it be known that you are bring ing your sermon to a close. Finish before your people think about it. It is better to leave a Congregation longing than loathing.
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