Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

Give out the page and measure of the hymn, and the hymn itself,
distinctly and with a full voice. While praying, keep your eyes closed: at
such a time you have nothing to do with outward objects; the most
important matters are at issue between God and you; and he is to be
contemplated with the eye of the mind. If you wish the people to join with
you in this part of the worship, speak so as to be heard, even at the
beginning. Whispering petitions to God may be genteel, for aught I know;
but I am certain it is not to the use of edification. In your prayers avoid
long prefaces and circumlocutions: you find none of these in the Bible.
Some have got a method of complimenting the Most High on the dignity
of his nature, and the glory of his heavens: this you should studiously
avoid. Read your text distinctly, and begin to speak about the middle of
your voice, not only that you may be readily heard, but that you may rise
or fall as occasion may require: Never drop your voice at the end of a
sentence; this is barbarous and intolerable.
Be sure to have the matter of your text well arranged in your own mind
before you come into the pulpit, that you may not be confused while
speaking. But beware of too much dividing and subdividing; by these
means the word of God has been made to speak something, any thing, or
nothing, according to the creed or prejudice of the preacher. In whatever
way you handle your text, take care, when you have exhausted the matter
of it, not to go over it again. Apply every thing of importance as you go
along; and when you have done, learn to make an end. There are some
who sing long hymns, and pray long prayers, merely to fill up the time:
this is a shocking profanation of these sacred ordinances, and has the
most direct tendency to bring them into contempt.
While you are engaged in the pulpit in recommending the salvation of
God, endeavour to feel the truth you preach, and diffuse a divine
animation through every part. As the preacher appears to preach the
people hear and believe. You may set it down as an incontrovertible truth,
that none of your hearers will be more affected with your discourse than
yourself. A dull, dead preacher makes a dull, dead congregation.