Hints and helps in pastoral theology by William S Plumer (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 15 (The manner of preaching).
Now Plumer speaks on the manner of preaching.
He outlines ten particulars:
(i) we must preach God's word not only soberly, but solemnly;
(ii) the solemnity here commended is not inconsistent with sprightliness and vivacity;
(iii) let every thing said be well enunciated;
(iv) select as far as you can pure English words and idioms for conveying your thoughts to others;
(v) one of the errors producing poor preaching is the impression of some that it is an easy thing to speak well on sacred subjects;
(vi) the Word of God must be preached plainly and simply, not in allusions and doubtful terms, not in innuendos and learned phrases;
(vii) we must preach both didactically and controversially as the occasion demands;
(viii) the truth must be preached boldly;
(ix) the Word of God should be spoken tenderly and affectionately;
(x) boldness and love are essential elements of earnestness.
Today there was good advice about preaching on hell: 'When we speak of the terrors of the Lord, and warn men of the dreadful doom awaiting them, we should do it in such a meek and tender manner as to convince them that we compassionate their miserable condition as they stand exposed to a fierce and fiery condemnation, the more terrible because it is just — wholly just. On this subject there ought to be no difference. Dwight especially warns preachers against an improper way of speaking of the anger of God against sin, and his denunciations against sinners; particularly the final judgment and retribution, and the future sufferings of the impenitent. ''It is no unfrequent thing to hear these subjects discussed in that strong language and that vehement utterance, with which an impassioned speaker labors to express his own indignation, and to rouse that of his audience against atrocious crimes or invading enemies. Vehemence is not the manner of address which is suited to subjects of this nature. The preacher ought to remember that in disclosing the doom of the impenitent, he is, perhaps, pronouncing his own. How few even of the best men are assured of their own safety. Were this objection removed, how unfitted (to say the least) is it to subjects so awful!" If we can speak of the dreadful doom of the wicked in a harsh manner, we ought to be alarmed. We ought to make Christ our pattern.'
Plumer is right. Hell is an alarming subject for both listener and speaker. As such, it should be treated with great care.
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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