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2. DO NOT WRITE TOO SOON after getting a new thought or theme for a sermon. Let the thought work; let it steep for a few weeks. There are exceptions to this rule, of course, for there are times when God lays a special theme upon the heart of the preacher for the purpose of immediate proclamation. But these excep tions will take care of themselves; they may not, possibly are not, so frequent as to cause much worry. There are times when it is not always wise to preach the sermon you have prepared for the partic ular day. Oft-times one does not feel in the spirit of that particular theme when Sunday morning or evening arrives. It is just here that we must leave room for, the suggestion of the Holy Spirit. 3. THE PURPOSE OF A SERMON must be clearly recognized. What is the purpose of a sermon? Is it not to convey to your hearers the truth of God as it has presented itself to your mind? Is it not to make them see as you see? believe as you believe? To this end, therefore, your thought must be clearly presented—this to make people see; further, it must be colored by emo tion—this to make people feel and believe. Hence arises the necessity of harmonizing your thought and feeling. But, the purpose a sermon is not merely to get people to See, feel and believe the truth; they must be con strained to act upon it—this means an appeal to the will. It is this factor that gives personality, persuasive and con vincing power to the address. Without it “words will not burn, and thoughts will not breathe.” The citadel of the will must be captured; to accomplish this end heaven and earth must be moved. Not to accomplish it is to lose the very purpose of: a true sermon. 4. SHALL SERMONS BE WRITTEN OUT FULLY and read from the pulpit? There is a very wide difference of opinion on this question. Generally speak-
The sword of the Spirit, which, is the word of God (for defence). “The Word was God.” John 1:1. “Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ .” Romans 13:14. —D. L. M. With One Accord Unanimity in prayer. Acts 1:14, 4:24. Unanimity as to place. Acts 2:1, 46; 5:12. Unanimity in giving heed to the word. Acts 8:6. Unanimity as to peace in the church. Acts 15:25. Unanimity in glorifying God. Romans 15-6. The way of the world -— Unanimity in hatred and enmity against the truth. Joshua 9:2; Acts 7:57; 18:12; 19:29. Unanimity in diplomacy. Acts 12:20. — D. L. M. The .Power of a Surrendered Life Romans 6:13-22. To yield means to place at God’s dis posal. 1. It brings assurance free from doubts. John 7:17; Matthew 6:22. 2. It brings power in prayer. 1 John 3:22. 3. It brings, overflowing joy. John 17:13. 4. It brings a manifestation of Christ Himself. John 14:21. 5. Brings the Holy Spirit. John 14:17. — R. A. T. The Preacher and the Sermon 1. Have a definite AIM IN YOUR SER MON, and judge everything by that dim. Let all the sermon material, every illus tration, every argument be judged by this aim. Recall the aim of the sermon fre quently during the preparation. This will prevent endless waste of good ser mon material and nerve tissue.
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