FINNEY’S UNPUBLISHED LECTURES ON PASTORAL THEOLOGY

1. Definition – A pastor is a shepherd of God’s flock.
2. Authority for the office, Eph. 4:13.
3. Difference between pastors and evangelists.
 (1) Evangelists bring good news, pioneers in the gospel.
 (2) Evangelists win souls to Christ, and gather a flock.
 (3) Pastors feed, lead, superintend, and watch over it.
4. Of what Pastoral Theology treats.
 (1) Theology treats of God, his attributes and relations.
 (2) Pastoral theology treats of all that concerns the flock.
 (3) It embraces the whole field of pastoral relation and duty.
 (4) By consequence, the reciprocal duties of pastor and flock.
5. How the office and relation is constituted.
 (1) He is chosen and called to the office by the church.
 (2) If he accepts, the office and relation are constituted.
 (3) Also, the reciprocal duties of pastor and flock.
 (4) Installation not essential.
 (5) Expedient to secure fellowship and prevent ignorance and heresy.
6. Essential qualifications for a useful pastor.
 (1) Sound, earnest piety; aggressive; steady; consistent; special anointing for the work; ripe Christian experience; not a novice, for how can such lead the flock?
 (2) Constant growth in grace and in the knowledge of Christ.
 (3) A constant disciple of Christ, and a pupil of the Holy Ghost.
 (4) A special divine call to the work of pastor (1872).
7. What is satisfactory evidence of a divine call to this work?
 (1) All men and women should have and obey a divine call.
 (2) If they do not, they are not servants of God.
 (3) If in this they are not conscientious, they will not amount to much.
 (4) Yearning for the salvation of souls.
 (5) Intense interest in the flock of Christ.
 (6) Not inconsistent with providential circumstances.
 (7) Or with other manifest calls of providence.
 (8) Or with other manifest duties and relations.
 (9) Natural possibility to fulfill its obligations.
 (10) That is, health, physical and mental ability.
 (11) Favoring providential circumstances.
 (12) Natural gifts: Love of study; logical mind; gift of language; aptness to teach; sound education, or the means of obtaining one.
 (13) Weanedness from worldly-mindedness.
 (14) Strong and steady inclination to devote the life to this special work.
 (15) Willingness to endure its trials and privations.
 (16) The spirit and temper of Christ in this respect.
 (17) Readiness to accept all its incidentals.
 (18) Satisfactory inward apprehension of the will of God in regard to the path of duty.
 (19) Trial of gifts that shall prove that God is with you in laboring for souls.
 (20) It is generally agreed, that these are essential to satisfactory evidence of a divine call.
 (21) In the same way, all persons are to have their special call evinced.
 (22) In extending a call, the church certify their belief that the candidate is called of God.
 (23) That having experience of his usefulness, etc.
 (24) A divine call to any course of life, cannot safely be resisted or trifled with.
 (25) This is true in all the callings and relations of life.
 (26) If Christ calls to this work, he will be with and bless.
 (27) Strong worldly inducements often overrule a divine call.
 (28) Unbelief in regard to success often discourages.
 (29) Counter inclinations often prevail.
 (30) Stripes sure to follow, or be given up to the world.
8. Other important qualifications of a good pastor.
 (1) Sound common sense.
 (2) Wisdom.
 (3) Prudence.
 (4) Self-control.
 (5) Moral courage.
 (6) Good manners.
 (7) Well-governed temper.
 (8) Physical comeliness – not deformed bodily.
 (9) Not given to money-making.
 (10) Self-denying.
 (11) Temperate.
 (12) Sympathetic.
 (13) Transparent.
 (14) Approachable.
 (15) Attributes of a leader.
 (16) Good habits in all respects, see future lecture.
 (17) Firmness, but not obstinacy.
 (18) Discretion.
 (19) Not given to strong prejudices.
 (20) Love of peace.
 (21) Naturally kind and genial.
 (22) A reformer.
 (23) Natural affability and frankness that will encourage frankness and transparency in his flock.
 (24) Ability to keep a secret, and faithfulness in this respect.

II. RECIPROCAL RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF PASTOR AND FLOCK.

1. It is their duty to aid him in his work to the extent of their ability – tithes.
2. Of course, he has a right to this aid.
3. They owe him a competent support.
4. This is his right.
5. A competent salary is one which will meet the wants of himself and family.
6. The principle of tithes is the true one.
7. It is the pastor’s duty to give himself wholly to his proper work, and not spend his time and means in idleness or pleasure, (Porter).
8. The flock have a right to expect him to be at his proper work with earnest diligence.
9. It is his duty to be, and keep himself well informed.
10. It is their duty to furnish him with the means.
11. It is his duty to study and give them well-digested instruction.
12. It is their duty to so help him in every way, as to give him time, opportunity, and means.
13. He is bound to be the teacher and leader of the church.
14. They ought to regard and treat him as such.
15. A pastor is not merely one of the flock, but the shepherd.
16. He must exercise such discretion in his appointments for teaching, as will meet his own and their convenience and wants.
17. He has a right to their sympathy and support, if he is persecuted for his faithfulness.
18. It is their duty to encourage faithfulness, and to stand by him, and not fear for the salary and counsel a worldly prudence.
19. It is their duty to treat him with such respect and confidence, as to give him the greatest influence. This for their good.
20. It is his duty to deserve their confidence and respect.
21. They ought to place him above temptation to servility, especially to avoid his mendicancy (living on alms).
22. They are bound to abhor servility in themselves, to secure the world’s support.
23. His salary is his due, and not to be regarded as a gift.
24. To be paid punctually.
25. The last debt to be repudiated, it is his bread.
26. Pastor and flock should understand their rights and duties.
27. As occasions arise, the pastor should wisely instruct them on these points.
28. He should be punctual himself, and train them to punctuality.
29. If they fail to meet their engagements, he should reprove them. Baptist minister at covenant meeting at Syracuse.

III. LEGITIMATE FIELD OF PASTORAL INFLUENCE.

1. His commission is from Christ, an ambassador.
2. If sent of God, he is His representative.
3. To assert His claims and secure universal obedience.
4. His field extends as far as the claims of God.
5. To all moral conduct of the flock.
6. He should teach, advise, reprove, warn, rebuke, persuade, and command, in God’s name on all moral questions.
7. In public, social, private, domestic questions.
8. Should allow no limitation of his legitimate sphere, short of the claims of God.
9. He has the right, for it is his duty to teach, reprove, rebuke, persuade, and interfere, whenever and wherever it is necessary to prevent sin and secure obedience.
10. Also, on all questions public, social, private, domestic, that involve questions of duty to God or man.
11. All questions of public or private weal come within the true intent and meaning of his commission.
12. He is commissioned to all individuals, hence to the whole.
13. He can influence the masses only as he influences the individuals that compose the masses.
14. His aim is to mold private, individual character.
15. And thus secure the highest usefulness and final salvation of everyone.
16. Pastors should never admit that they are out of their appropriate sphere, when urging any claim of God. All are amenable to God.
17. The time, place, manner and circumstances of his teaching and interference should be guided by prayerful and well-considered discretion.
18. He should aim to form and control public opinion on all moral subjects. All Christians should co-operate.
19. To keep out all antichristian opinion and influences.
20. To promote the right kind and extent of education.
21. To secure public libraries of the best books.
22. To discourage the reading of injurious ones.
23. To rightly form the political opinions of all classes.
24. To regulate their pursuits and amusements.
25. To lead the way in all that concerns the well-being of the flock and community.
26. He is the appointed overseer. He has the oversight.
27. This idea will define the limits of his commission.
28. Remarks:
 (1) A pastor must be a laborious man.
 (2) He needs to be more than an ordinary man.
 (3) Also a considerate and cautious man.
 (4) A wise man, apt to forecast results.
 (5) An unselfish man.
 (6) To have a single eye to the good of the flock.
 (7) A patient man, slow to anger.
 (8) A meek man – if resentful, he will lose influence.
 (9) A man of great faith.
 (10) A man of large hope.
 (11) A persevering man.
 (12) Shun donation parties.
 (13) Should not too much fear to be called eccentric.
 (14) Nor to be an imitator, if the model be good.

IV. PASTORAL HABITS OF STUDY.

1. Have regular hours, and let your people know it.
2. Systematically, i.e., topically, settle every question, for example, take up one doctrine and learn all about it:
 (1) Its history.
 (2) Exact statement.
 (3) Proof.
 (4) Consistency with sound philosophy.
 (5) With other doctrines.
 (6) Whether above reason.
 (7) By what method proven.
 (8) When all settled, write and make a record of your conclusions, with your reasons, and all that you may need to refer to. This will save future time – will make you a good theologian, a safe teacher.
3. Test your conclusions by syllogisms, if necessary.
4. Reading is not study.
 (1) Don’t confound reading with study.
 (2) Don’t read to avoid study, i.e., to dispense with it.
5. Cultivate thinking.
 (1) Be original and independent in investigation, and not a mere retailer of other men’s thoughts.
 (2) Don’t lean on commentators. Read, but judge for yourself.
 (3) Think consecutively.
 (4) Logically.
 (5) Profoundly.
 (6) So master your subject, as to feel that you are right and that what you say cannot be gainsaid.
6. Utility – study what belongs to your calling. (George Candee, steam engine; Dr. Nott, stoves.)
7. Study law and government.
 (1) Law and governmental principles important.
 (2) Philosophy in all its departments.
8. Study history, church and secular. Study and not merely read.
9. Bible study – search and deeply ponder and digest the word of God.
10. General reading.
 (1) Impossible to read everything.
 (2) Select more important.
 (3) Read as a help in study – to stimulate thought, to modify and correct thought, to strengthen conclusions.
 (4) Examine the more generally read books, and periodicals.
11. Light reading.
 (1) These books excite the sensibility too much.
 (2) Also render it irresponsive to facts in real life.
 (3) They are to the feelings what powerful stimulants are to the organs of tastes – render reality insipid.
 (4) They are wearing upon the brain and nervous system.
 (5) They are anything but light reading.
 (6) They do not exhaust the logical power, but they do use up brain power rapidly.
 (7) Not wholly to be avoided, but read sparingly.
12. Weariness in study.
 (1) Avoid studying to exhaustion, apoplexy or dyspepsia.
 (2) Make it rather a recreation.
 (3) If growing weary, get into the open air.
13. Suggestions.
 (1) Beware of ill ventilation.
 (2) Or of extreme temperatures.
 (3) Of too dry an atmosphere, catarrh and bronchitis.
 (4) Of a full stomach, stupidity or indigestion.
 (5) Of cold extremities.
 (6) Of excitants of the brain.
 (7) Be steady and punctual in study hours.
 (8) When your hours are over, dismiss them and go out to walk or visit, divert your mind.
 (9) Don’t expect to gain, in the long run, by studying too many hours per day.
 (10) You can study more hours eating lightly.
 (11) Eat scientifically.

V. PASTORAL HABITS OF DEVOTION.

1. Definition – It is the offering of self and all to God.
 (1) This must be the condition of usefulness.
 (2) It must be the habitual attitude of the soul.
2. Hints for devotion.
 (1) Like other habits, devotion should be cultivated and established, rendered second nature.
 (2) I here speak of ordinary occasions, daily; extraordinary are exceptional, of course, seasons of prayer.
 (3) Begin with prayer: Thanksgiving, confession, supplication, praise and adoration – persist until conscious communion is secured.
 (4) Then read the Bible, on your knees.
 (5) If it opens to you, note the teachings, if new.
 (6) Students’ Bible, or a skeleton.
 (7) If it does not open, pray and worship again.
 (8) If still sealed, search, in confession, for the reason.
 (9) If time fails, renew the exercise as soon as possible.
 (10) Remember you have no power if communion is lost.
 (11) This is your argument and strong reason.
 (12) "Go, and make all men disciples, and lo, I am with you."
 (13) Again, "Men do not go to war at their own charges."
 (14) Keep your eye single, and the promise is sure.
 (15) Communion must be maintained at any cost.
 (16) Never rest short of this any day of your life.
 (17) You have no strength, except as you hold on to this.
 (18) Your comfort and usefulness depend on communion.
 (19) No learning, no study avails without this.
 (20) You must maintain a prevailing spirit of prayer.
 (21) To do this, you must spend much time in direct communion with God. This is never lost time.
 (22) You can accomplish available study ten times faster, if you maintain communion.
 (23) But don’t pray too exclusively for yourself, nor principally.
 (24) By turning from self, you will find access.
 (25) Commune with God, about your flock.
 (26) Let consultation with Him about individuals occupy you.
 (27) Beware of selfishness in your approaches to God.
 (28) You will find comfort in preparation as you do not seek it. Lose and you will find.
 (29) Let your request be for wisdom and strength to do your work.
 (30) Your communion will be more unbroken as the habit becomes established – like study.
 (31) Your communion will be deeper as you progress.
3. Conditions of maintaining the spirit of devotion.
 (1) Watchfulness.
 (2) Self-denial.
 (3) Persistence.
 (4) Industry.
 (5) The right use of time.
 (6) Unselfishness.
 (7) Implicit faith.
 (8) Also obedience.
 (9) Control of appetites and passions.
 (10) Often fasting and much detailed confession.
 (11) Confession and restitution to the injured.
 (12) A conscience void of offense.
 (13) Whole hearted and entire consecration.
 (14) Allow no unforgiving spirit.
 (15) No uncharitableness.
 (16) A bridled tongue.
 (17) Avoid evil speaking.
 (18) Also evil suspicions.
 (19) Levity in conversation.
 (20) The spirit of distrust.

VI. PASTORAL HABITS OF BUSINESS.

1. Have no more than is essential to convenience.
2. Be exemplary – in what you have, do it right.
3. Have a garden, and work it yourself, if possible.
4. You will need a barn, a carriage and horse.
5. Keep your garden, barn, horse, carriage, neatly.
6. Don’t trade in horses.
7. Don’t speculate in anything.
8. Make contracts in writing, duplicates.
9. Keep your accounts straight, and in a book.
10. Take receipts in matters of importance.
11. Preserve important letters.
12. Copies of same which you write.
13. Preserve and file receipts and important papers.
14. Don’t let your papers get into confusion.
15. Transact no business loosely with parishioners.
16. Commit all important matters to writing.
17. Don’t let unsettled accounts accumulate.
18. See them adjusted and paid, or note given annually.
19. Do everything so that it will bear scrutiny.
20. Keep out of debt, if possible; live within your income.
21. Be punctual in payment or get extension.
22. Don’t let a debt be overdue, without agreement.
23. Don’t let your gate be off the hinges.
24. Nor your harness tied with strings.
25. Keep all things in order.
26. Be economical, not parsimonious.
27. Avoid the office of an almoner. (Paul.)
28. Be not the bearer of money for others.
29. Be not arbitrator in business matters.
30. Build not, if you can avoid it.
31. Don’t engage in agencies, while a pastor.
32. If not an accountant, beware how you undertake to disburse funds.
33. Undertake no business for yourself or others, that will divert your mind or energies.
34. Also, for which you are not competent.
35. Acquaint yourself with the laws of marriage.
36. Also, with all the laws regulating your relations.
37. Also, the rights, duties, and responsibilities of the church.
38. Guard against the appearance of selfishness.
39. Especially avoid lending on exorbitant interest.
40. Don’t be made a business omnibus if avoidable.
41. Don’t be executors or administrators.
42. Avoid money-making arrangements.
43. Be sure to cultivate a business conscience.
44. Also, to know how to do business, so as to gain respect and confidence.
45. Be thoroughly just and honorable in all business.
46. Keep yourself acquainted with the business principles and practice of the business men of your congregation.
47. So that you can adapt instruction to their wants.
48. In business, as in everything else, be a good example.

VII. PAROCHIAL DUTIES (OF OR PERTAINING TO A PARISH).

1. These pleasant and highly important.
2. Power of the pulpit will depend on these.
3. These will apprise you of their wants.
4. If rightly performed, will secure confidence in your pulpit honesty and give weight to your preaching.
5. Be in serious earnest about their souls in visiting.
6. Avoid all evil speaking in parochial visits.
7. Also, all worldly-mindedness, worldly gossip.
8. All that reveals levity of character.
9. Visit in the P.M., and don’t stay too long.
10. Your motive should be to make their acquaintance.
11. To ascertain their number.
12. Health, circumstances, ages, spiritual state.
13. All about them that you need to know.
14. Make inquiries delicately, and give no offense.
15. Learn their spiritual wants, opinions, etc.
16. Survey your field by visitation often as possible.
17. Be specially attentive to the poor and ignorant.
18. Avoid all appearance of courting the rich.
19. Be attentive and sympathetic to the afflicted.
20. Remember that God is searching them providentially.
21. Be guarded in your treatment of females.
22. Encourage frankness and transparency.
23. Keep confidential conversations inviolate.
24. Keep all parochial conversations to yourself.
25. Use them wisely, in giving instruction.
26. Avoid controversy in parochial labors.
27. Secure respect and confidence in such labors.
28. Secure the confidence of parents.
29. Also, that of the youth and children.
30. So far that your advice will be sought, in all important family matters.
31. So that all will regard you as a friend and wise counselor.
32. Indulge no enmities. Be everybody’s friend in a benevolent and true sense.
33. Converse with each separately, if possible.
34. Make calls upon them separately, and let this be understood. Enquire for the individuals.
35. Don’t interfere with washing and busy days.
36. Also, with business hours or pressing seasons.
37. Be considerate, and not hinder laborers or anyone necessarily employed – cooks, servants, etc.
38. Don’t be a bore, so that they will dread your visits. See that you make them glad to see you.
39. Beware of an intimacy that will create jealousy in a family.
40. Also, out of the family, no favoritism.
41. Never have a quarrel with anyone – sooner suffer wrong.
42. If any persecute you, be especially kind.
43. Avoid all appearance of resentment.
44. Prove your faithfulness, sincerity, honesty, and earnest regard for their souls, in all ways.
45. Search out the walks of the devil amongst them.
46. Also, the leading of the Holy Spirit.
47. Search for impressions made by preaching.
48. Follow up good impressions diligently.
49. Be faithful to backsliders.
50. Also to the self-deceived. Don’t be deceived by them.
51. Break off the dangerous habits of all classes.
52. Be watchful for the beginnings of declension.
53. Warn professors against whatever will grieve the Holy Spirit.
54. Reprove self-indulgent habits.
55. Don’t delay to interfere until too late.
56. Inquire what they read – recommend.
57. Also, whether they neglect their Bible, closet.
58. Or any known duty. (My church in New York.)
59. Inquire into business habits and transactions.
60. Also into companionships.
61. Places of resort.
62. Views and practices regarding the Sabbath.
63. Aim at present results in visiting.
64. Take time, when needed.
65. Pray with them, and get them to pray with you.
66. Labor for their consecration, and stop not short.
67. Insist continually, that nothing short is true religion.
68. Commit them to every duty.
69. See that there is no neglect.
70. Remember, the greatest danger is of neglect.
71. Inquire about the relations and the duties growing out of them.
72. Look after servants and laborers.
73. Get your subjects for preaching in this way.
74. So you will never want a subject, and will never preach at random and in vain.

VIII. PASTORAL MANNERS.

1. Be a true gentleman, an example of true politeness.
2. Good manners are good morals.
3. Benevolence exemplified in all relations.
4. Be tidy indoors.
5. Keep your books clean.
6. Your person, so as to have no offensive odors.
7. Don’t overeat, so as to give off an offensive odor.
8. Keep your hands, face, nails, teeth clean; nose.
9. Indulge in no slovenly ways.
10. Don’t spit about the house.
11. Nor blow your nose with your fingers.
12. Nor carry a filthy handkerchief.
13. Nor enter a house with muddy feet, or feet that smell of the stable.
14. Keep your feet off the furniture.
15. Never lean back in your chair.
16. Never shove your chair on the carpet.
17. Nor on the floor, where there is no carpet.
18. Make no extra labor, from carelessness.
19. Keep your hands out of side pockets.
20. Never wear your hat in the house.
21. Nor enter any house or room without knocking.
22. If you occupy a room, be tidy in all things.
23. Don’t need too much waiting on.
24. Beware of fault finding.
25. Of being unreasonably particular.
26. Be benevolent and considerate always.
27. Be respectful to all servants.
28. Be quietly dignified.
29. Accommodating.
30. Avoid all assumption of superiority.
31. Also, every appearance of want of respect.
32. Especially in your intercourse with the lowly.
33. Also, every appearance of ill-temper.
34. Of every contempt or disregard.
35. Be condescending, not polarizing.
36. Don’t talk too loud.
37. Don’t use learned phrases.
38. Nor Latin, French, or any others liable to be misunderstood.
39. Encourage a home feeling in your presence.
40. Don’t be nervous and tiresome in your conversation.
41. Use pure, but plain and familiar language.
42. Avoid embarrassing topics in company.
43. Show a proper regard for the feelings of all.
44. Don’t say that which will offend good taste.
45. Avoid all bad manners at the table, such as criticizing anything.
46. Or helping yourself or others out of a common dish, with your own knife or fork.
47. Or passing bread with your fingers.
48. Or appropriating the best to yourself.
49. Or using butter, sugar, sweetmeats, cakes, and such like, extravagantly.
50. Avoid all appearance of Epicureanism.
51. Also of gluttony and self-indulgence. (Burchard).
52. Make no one any unnecessary trouble.
53. Be considerate and universally obliging.
54. Don’t shut or open a door with your foot.
55. Don’t spit in company.

IX. VISITING THE SICK.

1. If very ill, go about 10 A.M.
2. Be calm, and speak in a low voice.
3. Sit quietly down and be compassionate.
4. Observe the pulse to see if the mind is agitated.
5. Inquire what treatment they are under.
6. Speak slowly, and don’t fatigue them with many words.
7. Dispense with their talking as far as you can.
8. Ascertain, if you can, the location of disease.
9. Whether they suffer much and what organs.
10. Their state of mind will be modified by the location, intensity, and treatment of the disease.
11. Satisfy yourself of their entire sanity, or the contrary.
12. Beware of being deceived by anodynes, stimulants.
13. Inquire into the Holy Spirit’s showing.
14. Be careful not to oppose His teaching.
15. Remember it is God that is working in and by disease.
16. And His inward working corresponds with providence.
17. Be short.
18. Don’t conceal danger, if it is great.
19. If death is inevitable, carefully reveal it.
20. Aim to secure committal to Christ, and trust in Him.
21. If their strength will admit, search them.
22. Say all in love and compassion, they are sore.
23. If you find them blind and self-righteous, search.
24. Don’t be deceived by their willingness to die.
25. If despairing, ask if their sins are greater than God’s mercy in Christ. Lead to trust.
26. Leave no sin covered or concealed.
27. See that they are at peace with all men.
28. That they freely and fully forgive all men.
29. That they are thoroughly honest with all men.
30. Are willing to confess and make restitution.
31. That they do this if possible at once.
32. If not very sick you can take more time, but the same result should be secured.
33. Leave them under no delusion.
34. See whether they have true peace with God.
35. Don’t encourage false peace. (Sears of New York).
36. If not true peace, search for the reason.
37. If not given up of God, you will find them anxious.
38. If Christians, they may be greatly searched.
39. But you will find the sins they most deplore, their unprofitable lives.
40. Their convictions will show whether they have been truly converted or not.
41. See whether they have ever known Jesus.
42. Consider whether their anxiety is the natural result of their danger, or of conviction of sin.
43. Sometimes it is better to remain with them as long as you can, and speak as they can bear it.
44. See that the room is well ventilated. (Uncle Starr).
45. Also, that the nursing is right, cleanly.
46. Call as often as necessary, follow up impressions.
47. Be sure that all disease is more or less contagious.
48. When you leave, inhale and expel by deep breathings.
49. If need be, change and air your apparel.
50. Disease and treatment will often deceive you and the patient.
51. After recovery, they may remember nothing. (Dodridge and Neil, M.D.).
52. If dying, don’t say too much, let them think. (Comstock).
53. See whether the disease accounts for their state of mind.
54. Consumptives manifest an insane hope of life.
55. Diseases located below the diaphragm are apt to beget despondency.
56. You will encounter despondency owing to the nature of the disease.
57. Also elevation and hope inspired by drugs.
58. You will often meet Satan at the death bed.
59. D. Nelson’s experience. See his "Cause and cure of infidelity."

X. FUNERALS.

1. Often trying occasions.
2. Beware of encouraging the wicked to procrastinate.
3. Make an honest use of the occasion. (Whittlesey).
4. Be kind, but faithful, to surviving friends.
5. Avail yourself of anything peculiar in the case.
6. Visit mourners, and comfort or admonish as necessary.
7. Be sure to remark upon the sickness as well as danger of delay. Such dispensations searching.
8. Also upon difficulty, danger, and uncertainty of a deathbed repentance.
9. Urge the guilt and danger of misimproved afflictions.
10. Secure a belief in a universal providence.
11. If they have much preaching, don’t encourage funeral sermons. Everyone will want it.
12. If they have not much, encourage them, i.e., sermons.
13. Also, in neighborhoods where they don’t attend meetings.
14. Send the word home to skeptics, errorists, and non-attendants at other times.
15. Call often on the bereaved, and secure a sanctified result.
16. Lead mourners to inquire after the lesson.
17. Assure them that God has a lesson for them.
18. Secure their cordial acceptance of His will.
19. Lead them to consider those texts that relate to afflictions.
 (1) Afflictions promised: II Sam. 7:14; Ps. 89:30; 119:75; Prov. 3:12.
 (2) Advice to the afflicted: Deut. 8:5; Job 5:17; 34:31-32; Prov. 3:11; Heb. 12:5-8.
 (3) Complaints under: Job 10:17; Ps. 46:10-12; 88:9; Lam 1:12-14; 3:1-3.
 (4) Disappointments: Job 17:11; 3:26; Isa. 21:4; Jer. 8:15; Amos 8:10; Hag. 1:16.
 (5) Support: II Sam. 22:19; Ps. 129:1-2; 140:12; 145:14.
 (6) Fainting: Job 4:5-6; Prov. 24:10; Job 15:11; II Chron. 28:22.
 (7) Unimproved: II Chron. 28:22; Isa. 9:13-14; Jer. 2:30; Zeph. 3:2.
 (8) Deliverance: Job 36:8-10, 21; II Chron. 33:12-13; Ps. 55:19; 78:34-35; 34:12, 13; 119:67, 71; Isa. 26:8-9; 48: 10; Lam. 3:19-21, 27-29; Hos. 5:15; Heb. 12:11.
20. In afflictions of every kind, be sympathetic and manifest a Christian sympathy.
21. Avail yourself of all providential aids to secure their repentance.
22. Always insist upon a universal providence.
23. Also, that all events have a design.
24. That they are wisely and benevolently ordered.
25. That they are needed as a means of our instruction.

XI. MARRIAGES.

1. Treat them as a divine institution.
2. Sympathize with the occasion.
3. Avoid unbecoming levity.
4. Be short.
5. Watch against saying or doing anything unministerial.
6. It is better not to mingle in their festivities, except on some special occasions.
7. Don’t violate your temperance principles.
8. A few words of warning and advice may be useful.
9. Warn them against ever deceiving each other.
10. Also against reserve and secretiveness.
11. Also against self-will.
12. And hard words.
13. Exhort to forbearance.
14. Not to reply to hasty or harsh words.
15. To be always respectful to each other.
16. To have a sacred regard for each other’s feelings.
17. To treat each other’s opinions with respect.
18. Never dispute, especially before children.
19. Cultivate each other’s affections persistently.
20. Be affectionately demonstrative, at home.
21. Remind them of their new relation to society.
22. Also of their new responsibilities and duties.
23. Exhort them to household religion.
24. Also as the condition of the highest happiness.
25. But don’t spin out, words few and impressively uttered.
26. Soon leave them to their festivities.
27. Don’t fail to comply with the law in making certificates, returns to the clerk, or as the law requires.
28. Warn husbands not to neglect their wives, and turn them over to the gallantry of other men.
29. Also, wives not to flirt with other men.
30. Not to go here and there with them when husband can’t go.
31. Keep some record of the marriages you solemnize.

XII. PRUDENCE.

1. Prudence not moral cowardice.
2. Nor worldly expediency, or policy. Beware of this.
3. Prudence is practical wisdom, sagacity in adapting means to ends and
in foreseeing consequences.
4. It is imprudent to settle when a considerable minority are against it.
5. Also, to remain under such circumstances.
6. Also, to marry an unspiritual wife.
7. Also to marry whilst in debt, especially if wife is poor.
8. Or to run in debt at any time.
9. Or to have no definite agreement about salary.
10. Or to take the temporalities of the church upon your hands.
11. Or to disburse the poor funds of the church.
12. Or to be the secretary of the church.
13. Or the treasurer.
14. Or to be a voluntary party in a case of discipline.
15. Or to be an advocate of either party.
16. Or to moderate a meeting when you are personally interested in the result. Dishonorable.
17. Or to take a partisan attitude in a case when you can conscientiously avoid it. Be candid.
18. If party questions arise, either anticipate them, or reserve your fire for the right time.
19. Don’t practice that which may need reproof.
20. Nor suffer your family to do it. (Dr. Spring).
21. Keep your eyes open to probable results. Prov. 22:3.
22. Keep out of suspicious company, or temptation.
23. Avoid places that may beget suspicion.
24. Don’t encourage worldly professors in getting up fairs, parties and worldly projects.
25. Don’t favor donation parties. Hindrances.
26. Don’t give your example in favor of misspending time or money.
27. Always ask, "What will result if such practices become general? If all should copy?"
28. Never use tobacco or opium, or other narcotics.
29. Nor alcohol as a beverage. Drugs.
30. Never belong to any secret society.
31. Look to all teachers within your parish.
32. Don’t get mixed up with any strife.
33. Watch against neighborhood quarrels, or church or family quarrels.
34. Especially the suspicion that you have contention in your own family.
35. Preserve the position in which you can instruct, reprove, rebuke all parties.
36. Don’t commit yourself, and pretend to instruct, when you are not well informed.
37. Be known as a thorough reformer, so that you can guide and control reforms.
38. Never fear to be faithful. Fear is a snare.
39. Never let anyone think you fear to do your duty to all classes.
40. Don’t try to please everyone, this will shake confidence and bring you into bondage.
41. Aim to please God in all things. This is true prudence.
42. This will in the end secure confidence.
43. Expose and rebuke sin in high and low places.
44. Rebuke popular sins, tricks of trade.
45. Also political fraud and slanders.
46. Insist much on confession to the injured.
47. Also on restitution. Powerful restraints.
48. Also on the punctual payment of debts.
49. This may secure the punctual payment of salary.
50. Insist on the discharge of domestic and social duties.
51. Don’t inculcate extravagant doctrines.
 (1) That the Bible forbids all social distinctions. It recognizes distinction of office, of culture, of "honor to whom honor is due."
 (2) A community of goods.
 (3) That it is wrong to lay up any property.
 (4) Extravagant notions of dress, over or under dressing.
52. Be wise and charitable in treatment of other denominations.
53. Avoid a complaining spirit.
54. Encourage people to do and give, and do not scold them for not doing and giving.
55. Lead, but don’t attempt to drive.
56. Avoid any appearance of self-will.
57. Avoid a controversial spirit, or preaching. Be candid.
58. Also a dictatorial spirit, it provokes resistance.
59. Check if possible all controversy in the bud.
60. Don’t listen to tale-bearers, but rebuke them.
61. Beware of prejudice against any.
62. Discourage news-mongers, busy-bodies.
63. Honor rulers, teach their duty.
64. Hold fast constitutional remedies to bad laws.
65. Avoid all that needs explanation and apology.
66. Beware of the influence of anonymous letters.
67. Also, of all communications when the authors wish their names withheld.

XIII. MARRIAGE OF MINISTERS.

1. Marriage a divine institution.
2. The rule, and celibacy the exception with all.
3. Also, the duty and the privilege of the human race.
4. Ministers are no exception. See objections to minister’s celibacy.
5. They eminently need wives.
6. They need a wife to protect them against temptation.
7. Also, against being a snare to women.
8. To secure them against suspicion and jealousy.
9. They need the sympathy and the prayers of a wife.
10. They need the knowledge of woman which they get by having a wife.
11. Also, the counsel of a wife.
12. Also, the help of a wife, to understand the wants, trials, and infirmities of women, and their sins.
13. Also, to view things through a wife’s eyes, and from a woman’s standpoint.
14. To be an example as a husband.
15. Also, as the head of a family.
16. To give one the experience of a husband.
17. It makes him seem more like one of the people.
18. It allies him more closely to society.
19. Creates a bond of family sympathy between him and other families.
20. It gives him a higher conception of God’s wisdom and care for human happiness.
21. Makes him better acquainted with human nature, human wants, excellencies, defects.
22. A single man is not a whole man.
23. Not generally a happy or a safe man, as pastor.
24. Apt to be selfish, prejudiced against women.
25. Also incompetent as a teacher of women.
26. As the church is composed mostly of females, celibacy, if prolonged, is a serious drawback.
27. Ministers should honor marriage by example.
28. They should, in every way, discourage celibacy.
29. To decline marriage, is to indirectly encourage licentiousness.
30. Also, to wrong woman, dishonor God.
31. Celibacy justifiable only for peculiar reasons.
32. Priestly or ministerial office no justification of celibacy.

XIV. ATTRIBUTES OF A GOOD WIFE. (Especially a minister’s).

1. Devoted piety and sympathy with her husband’s calling.
2. Discretion in the use of her tongue.
3. A sound education, school and domestic.
4. A self-denying and self-sacrificing spirit.
5. An unworldly and unambiguous state of mind.
6. Frugal habits.
7. Faith that can trust for support.
8. Uncomplaining temper.
9. A good housekeeper.
10. Economical, tidy.
11. Interested in the lowly.
12. Patient temper.
13. Affectionate.
14. Confiding disposition.
15. Moral courage.
16. Ability to lead meetings.
17. Also, all benevolent female enterprises.
18. Zeal and efficiency in every good cause.
19. Sound health, sense, and judgment.
20. General cultivation and good manners.
21. A good example and pattern for others.
22. A judicious mother and neighbor.
23. An eminently praying woman.
24. A woman that will deserve and secure public confidence.
25. One to whom the women can and will open their hearts.
26. Not given to gossip.
27. Not the depository of all scandal.
28. Not a news-monger, no talebearer.
29. No busy-body, but a sober-minded keeper at home.
30. Not given to strong drink, tea or coffee.
31. Not given to dress, or ornaments.
32. A good example in these and in all things.
33. Faithful in keeping her husband’s counsel.
34. Also, whatever is committed to her in confidence.
35. Discretion in regard to what should be kept, whether secrecy is enjoined, or not.
36. Not too exacting of her husband. (Mrs. H. Norton).
37. Not ambitious and jealous for his popularity.
38. Not afraid to have him be faithful. (Mrs. Wells).
39. Not given to complaining of poverty or neglect.
40. Not self-seeking, or disposed to court the rich.
41. Given to hospitality.
42. Spiritual and not worldly, in her tastes.
43. Not disposed to conform to the world.
44. Will not practice what her husband should reprove.
45. Punctual habits, so as not to be late at meeting.
46. Careful not to try her husband when he is going to meeting – by not being ready; children or servants not ready; pocket handkerchief not ready; going in wet, without overshoes, or umbrella.
47. A model of modesty, chastity, sobriety – as wife, mother, and in all her relations – a true help-meet.

XV. PAPISTICAL REASONS FOR PRIESTLY CELIBACY.
1. Marriage embarrassing to the spiritual life. Answer:
 (1) It is a help, as it prevents temptation.
 (2) It cultivates many forms of virtue.
 (3) It is in accordance with our nature.
 (4) It is a necessity of the race, and its continuance.
2. Inconsistent with the example of Christ and Paul.
Their example justified by peculiar reasons.
3. Paul wished that all men were unmarried. Answer:
 (1) This, if it proves anything, proves too much.
 (2) The wish was the result of the peculiar circumstances of the church at the time.
4. Paul’s teaching and example imply a disapproval of marriage. Answer:
 (1) Not more so of priests, than of all.
 (2) Paul guarded against this inference by expressly declaring marriage honorable in all, ministers and people.
5. Revelation represents those "who have not defiled themselves with women" as being more highly honored in heaven. Answer:
 (1) Whatever this means, it is not peculiar to ministers.
 (2) The intercourse of the married is not defiling.
 (3) The passage has reference to fornication and adultery.
 (4) Paul considered marriage, with its duties and privileges as not defiling the bed.
 (5) Paul denounced "forbidding to marry."
6. It is better for the spirit to deny and crush the flesh.
 (1) Then our animal nature is a mistake.
 (2) Then we are justified in not propagating the race.
 (3) Restraint within divinely appointed limits, and not the utter denial and annihilation of our constitutional appetites, is our law.
 (4) Enoch walked with God 400 years and begat sons and daughters.
7. A family is a hindrance to a minister in his work. Ans.:
 (1) This is exceptional. The reverse is the rule.
 (2) If this were a necessary result, it should have prohibited the marriage of apostles and ministers.
 (3) Paul asserts that he and Barnabas were at liberty to marry.
 (4) A well-ordered family a constant help to a minister in many ways.
 (5) The help more than counterbalances the hindrance.
8. A single man is less expensive to the church. Answer:
 (1) No minister at all would cost less still, in dollars.
 (2) But to do without a minister would be too expensive.
 (3) Churches can’t afford to be without a whole pastor.
 (4) A pastor’s wife more than pays for her support.
 (5) It is a shame for the church to take this view.
 (6) This is seriously urged by the ritualists of England today.
 (7) Especially as it respects curates and the lower clergy.
 (8) They plead for an expensive clergy for the upper classes.
 (9) And hence, for celibacy of the lower clergy, because they will be less expensive to the people.
 (10) A minister can often keep house as cheaply as he can board – his garden, fruit, washing, and mending.
 (11) Most congregations can pay him easier in the products of their industry.
 (12) It is generally dangerous for a minister to board. It creates jealousy of the family in which he boards.
 (13) Also, the woman where he boards.
 (14) He needs the sacred enclosure and confidence of his own family.

XVI. EVILS OF CLERICAL CELIBACY.

1. It is a war with nature.
2. It is a bad example, and encourages it in laymen.
3. It tends to licentiousness. This is a notorious fact.
4. Celibates cannot rebuke celibacy in laymen.
5. It is unjust to women.
6. Reproaches God, and implies a denial of his wisdom.
7. It is a constant temptation to unchastity.
8. It makes chaste women afraid of them.
9. It makes them a temptation to many women.
10. Makes them the terror of husbands.
11. Creates much jealousy in families.
12. Many do have and will have mistresses notorious (??).
13. Make the clergy generally odious.
14. Also, objects of suspicion.
15. Expose them to endless female intrigues.
16. Makes them selfish and unsocial.
17. Begets a contempt for women.
18. Corrupts society. This is a fact, see Catholic Europe.
19. It embarrasses them in their work in many ways.
20. Renders them incompetent to be a spiritual guide to females.
21. It embarrasses their spiritual development.
22. It is an error of the same class as nunneries and monasteries. It grew out of the idea that sin has its root in matter, and that the body is essentially impure, that its appetites must be annihilated.
23. Trial has demonstrated that the celibacy of the clergy is only evil continually.
24. Never justifiable except for the most cogent reasons.
25. As the reasons can’t be generally made public, it falls under the rule, "do nothing that needs explanation when such explanation is impracticable."

XVII. PREMATURE MARRIAGES. It is premature to marry:

1. Before he really needs a wife – to gratify himself.
2. Before his calling is settled.
3. Till then he cannot tell but God intends that he shall not marry.
4. Also, he does not know what qualifications he needs in a wife.
5. If he pleases himself first in suiting his fancy, he may not be able to fill the place to which he should have been called.
6. If he will first please himself, he may never please God.
7. He has no right to chose a wife until called to take this step.
8. Also, to shut God up to the necessity of calling him to a field suited to his wife.
9. He has no right to dictate his calling by first taking a wife.
10. He should chose a wife adapted to his calling and field, not vice versa.
11. Otherwise, he first ties his own hands, and then applies to God for employment.
12. Until his calling is known, the woman cannot tell whether she can heartily engage in it.
13. Love of her husband cannot make her sympathize with him in whatever he may be called to do.
14. Parties may be and often are deceived in this respect.
15. A missionary needs a missionary wife.
16. A pastor need a woman of peculiar qualifications.
17. So does an evangelist.
18. So do farmers.
19. Also, all classes.
20. Marriage is generally a mere matter of self-pleasing.
21. Premature marriage has often proved the ruin of the place and usefulness of the parties.
22. Union in taste and sympathy essential to happiness and usefulness.
23. If the husband’s calling or field does not suit his wife, she will not help but hinder.
24. Also, if not suited to his constitution.
25. Or, to his education and qualifications.
26. The woman should be equally responsible for a premature marriage, or engagement.
27. Until she knows the calling of one who proposes marriage, how can she conscientiously consent?
28. Premature engagements should be abandoned if found to interfere with a divine call.
29. Cases may arise where duty would call a man to leave a wife who could not go with him.
30. Also, to send home a wife who could not remain in the field with him.
31. Or, who would not.
32. Also, he might be called to preach after marriage and his wife refuse to consent.
33. If the call is clear, he should go without her.
34. This holds true if she refuses to go to the field to which he is called.
35. It should not be assumed that such a call cannot be from God.
36. We must not expect God to be shut up to gratify us when we have chosen and acted without his consent.
37. Premature engagements are a great mistake.
38. The parties often outgrow each other.
39. If the mistake is discovered in time, be frank and let it be mutually abandoned.
40. But a capricious change of feeling not a good reason.
41. Providential developments may call for it.

XVIII. PREPARATION FOR THE PULPIT.

1. The object is to win souls to Christ by instruction.
2. The condition of preparation is a single eye to this end.
3. This should be made a constant subject of prayer.
4. Also of thought and study. Study the wants of the people.
5. Settle it in your mind what your people most need.
6. Also, what class you most need to instruct now.
7. Constantly seek to know the wants of all classes.
8. Visit for this purpose. Mark what is revealed in prayer, conference meetings, and conversation.
9. Also, in every development.
10. Mark the leadings of the Holy Spirit. Pray for divine illumination.
11. Get a suitable text from God by prayer.
12. Pray until some subject opens up by the Spirit. But don’t be mistaken by Satan, nor by anyone.
13. Pray, and think, on you knees.
14. Have a definite aim in regard to impression.
15. Plan your sermon accordingly.
16. Aim at unity.
17. Accustom your people to method, and yourself.
18. Consider and settle the order of your propositions.
19. Aim always at perspicuity. This is indispensable.
20. Consider the capacity of your hearers.
21. Do not assume that they know more than they do.
22. You seldom need to fear that you shall simplify too much.
23. State your propositions most intelligently and briefly.
24. See that they are logically arranged.
25. Also, thoroughly explained and understood.
26. To what class they belong. Intuition first admitted.
27. If they need proof, how to be proved.
28. Don’t fail to prove the very proposition stated.
29. Don’t rest short of rational proof.
30. Don’t attempt to prove what needs no proof.
31. Also, what cannot from its nature be proved.
32. Don’t claim to demonstrate when the nature of the subject precludes demonstration.
33. Consider and state what kind of proof is demanded, if need be, the best in existence.
34. Don’t take stronger ground than you can sustain.
35. On the contrary, don’t be weak and appear dissatisfied with your proof, as if you had not convinced yourself.
36. Don’t say "perhaps" and "probably" and the like, when you have a right to be positive.
37. Don’t be dogmatical and assertive, when you have no right to be.
38. Make a fair and legitimate use of your text.
39. Let all your sermons be heart sermons.
40. Don’t spread your sermons over more ground than you can sufficiently discuss; or continue it.
41. Appeal to experience, consciousness, facts.
42. Illustrate in familiar way, beware of deception.
43. See that your illustrations are in point.
44. Leave no place for the escape of cavilers.
45. Nothing to stumble or embarrass honest enquirers.
46. Make all as plain and conclusive, or forcible, as possible.
47. Make skeleton, whenever a train of thought is sprung.
48. Make skeletons first, even if you write your sermons.
49. Be sure to use intelligible terms in your propositions.
50. State your propositions in the fewest words.
51. Be sure that your propositions are mutually consistent.
52. Also, that they are not ambiguous.
53. That they are not involved and intricate.
54. See that your subject and propositions have a practical bearing.
55. When your propositions are established, what follows?
56. This is the great practical question.
57. Your propositions should furnish the needed conclusion.
58. Use your advantage wisely, kindly, thoroughly.
59. Having obtained assent to the doctrine, insist upon obedience.
60. Don’t insist upon a doubtful inference.
61. Nor fail to perceive and claim what is your due.
62. Beware of appearing rather ingenius than earnest.
63. Be in solemn earnest, and you will appear so.
64. Remember, men are converted through instruction.
65. Then don’t be sparing of thought. (Beman, others).
66. Be so earnest as to interest people to hear you through.
67. If the subject is well chosen and handled, they won’t think the sermon too long.
68. Sermons must be short that are not suited to the present wants of the people who hear.
69. Let all your sermons be occasional. (Prof. Dewey).
70. There are great advantages of orderly propositions, else the people can’t take it home with them. (Margin).

XIX. PULPIT EXERCISES.

1. General remarks.
 (1) Remember, from the moment you enter, all eyes are fixed upon you.
 (2) Be quiet and reverential on entering the pulpit.
2. Invocation.
 (1) Raise your voice until you feel that you fill the house.
 (2) Be short, solemn, earnest.
3. Reading.
 (1) Read slowly, and so loud that you can see that all understand you. Read well, feel it.
 (2) Read the Bible as the Word of God, with correct emphasis. Make an impression.
4. Hymns.
 (1) Name the place with a firm, full voice.
 (2) Look and read to those farthest off.
 (3) Observe whether they hear you. Name the place until they all turn to their books, then read well and slowly, especially if the congregation is large.
 (4) Always read slowly in public worship.
 (5) Make an impression in reading hymns.
5. Prayer.
 (1) Let your heart out. Pray the people not to sleep, but into the Spirit.
 (2) Secure the Spirit of prayer, before you go on.
 (3) Pour your heart out to God.
 (4) Pray so as to carry the people with you.
 (5) If you do so, you will feel their sympathy and help.
 (6) Let the Spirit lead you, as to matter and manner.
 (7) Be filled with the Spirit yourself and you will interest and carry the people with you.
 (8) If you get hold of God in prayer, you will preach and the people hear, in the Spirit.
 (9) Much will depend on this.
 (10) Don’t pray long, unless pressed by the Spirit.
 (11) Pray for what the congregation most needs now.
 (12) Also for all classes: Praying, wrestling ones, church officers, backsliders, the self-deceived, formalists, legalists, worldly-minded professors, converts, inquirers, procrastinationists, pharisees, skeptics, heretics, Sabbath-breakers, profane, covetous, intemperate, thieves, scoffers, careless, prayerless, old, young, tempted, bereaved, afflicted, poor, rich, sick, dying, friendly, outpouring of the Spirit, minister, missionaries, Sabbath Schools, Common Schools – give yourself up to the teaching of the Spirit.
 (13) In so doing, you will often find your prayer answered, and some of these classes touched by the Spirit while you are yet specking.
 (14) Pray for yourself and the people now.
 (15) Of course you cannot name all classes in one prayer.
 (16) Pray intelligently – try to understand what classes attend, and accustom yourself to pray both in secret and in public for all those classes.
 (17) This will help you to consider their wants.
 (18) And to meet their wants in preaching.
 (19) It tends to convict each class of their wants.
 (20) To lead the church to consider the wants of these classes, and to pray and labor for them.
 (21) You will naturally do this, if you are in real prayerful earnestness with your people.
 (22) Do not preach nor exhort, but confess and supplicate.
 (23) Don’t omit thanksgiving, praise, worship.
 (24) Enter into all the devotional exercises with your whole heart, else you will quench the Spirit.
 (25) Also, so effectually as to take the people with you.
 (26) Or so as to secure the felt presence of God in the whole congregation.
 (27) If you fail in this, your preaching will be a failure.
 (28) To secure this, you must come filled with the Spirit.
 (29) Spiritless opening exercises will let down your influence by destroying confidence in you earnestness.
 (30) The people will judge more by the tone of your devotional exercises, than by your preaching.
 (31) They will be more touched with your preaching as they are affected by your praying.
 (32) If the pulse of your spiritual life does not throb strongly in prayer, you need not expect your preaching to take saving effect.
 (33) If you backslide in heart, you can’t conceal it from your praying people. Your words will be light.
 (34) They will be affected by your preaching more or less, as they are more or less by your praying.
 (35) A minister must have and retain the Spirit of prayer.
 (36) If he has not this, he will not have power with God or man.
 (37) If you don’t prevail in prayer before a sermon, you will not have unction in preaching it.
 (38) If not unction in preaching, however learned, no success.
 (39) The want of unction a fatal defect in the ministry.
 (40) Also, the most common of all defects.
 (41) Ministers and churches are too apt to depend on learning.
 (42) Also, more on his learning than on his prayers.
 (43) Also, more on his learning than on their own prayers.
 (44) Thus both minister and people tempt God.
 (45) Don’t think, nor let them think, that they truly depend on God unless you and they are in the spirit of prayer.
 (46) Too much stress can’t be laid on prayer.
 (47) A minister will lose nothing in study by taking time to pray.
 (48) You may refuse to preach without the unction. (Whitefield).
 (49) But you must watch unto prayer.
6. Announcements.
 (1) Before preaching and not after to divert attention.
 (2) Not at close of the service, as the people will not wait to hear.
 (3) Arise and wait until the people are still and listening.
 (4) Read or speak aloud, distinctly, to the most remote.
 (5) Repeat, if they appear not to understand you.
 (6) Beware what kind of notices you give from the pulpit on Sabbath.
 (7) It is often well to give an important notice twice, repeat it distinctly.
 (8) If the people move and some don’t hear, raise your hand and remain silent until they listen, and then speak loud and distinctly.

XX. PREACHING.

["Take many things for granted; assume they believe some things… remind them of what they assume and contrast it… (page 59. The Guilt of Sin.)]