THE PREACHER'S TECHNIQUE
"gush" an affront to any decent man's Intelligence, "full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." Some preachers have the fixed idea that the way to reach the human heart is to by-pass the human understanding. It is emphatically mistaken strategy. Das Denken ist auch Gottesdienst; and nothing could be more tedious than the preaching which is all uplift and exhortation with no food to feed the mind. Resolve, then, that your pulpit work shall represent not only your truest fervour but also your best thought. Your congregation deserves it, and will welcome it. But even with the deep and difficult themes that tax the mind—with these, indeed, most of all—the rule applies: Be clear, be direct. Rabbi Duncan was discussing with a friend one day the merits and demerits of a certain essay. "Is it not deep?" his friend inquired admiringly. "No," came the blunt expressive answer, "not deep, but drumlie!"
IV
We proceed now to consider the fundamental question of the choice of texts and subjects. To every preacher this is a matter of constant and absorbing concern. Indeed, at the outset of a man's ministry, the prospect of having to find two fresh themes each week may well daunt the imagination and weigh upon the mind. Let me bring to you at this point a word of reassurance based on personal experience. You will discover with relief and delight, as the weeks and years go on, how punctually and unfailingly the promise is
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