Homiletics and pastoral theology by William G T Shedd (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Chapter 3 (Fundamental properties of style) by reading up to the paragraph beginning with, '3. The third fundamental property of style is beauty.'
This week we begin Shedd's chapter on the fundamental properties of good discourse. He says that the primary and indispensable characteristics are reducible to three:
(i) plainness;
(ii) force;
(iii) beauty.
Today we learn about the first two, next week's reading will be devoted to the third.
So firstly we are taught that discourse must be plain. Thus, the preacher must:
(i) be determined to be plain;
(ii) make plainness a matter of theory and conscience;
(iii) cultivate common sense;
(iv) acquire a subtlety of mind,
Secondly, Shedd discusses the importance of force in sermons. He suggests that the source of force in discourse is from truth itself, and for the preacher that truth is found in Scripture.
I love being reminded to be plain in my preaching: 'There is no characteristic more important to the preacher than this, and none which ought to be more earnestly coveted by him. Sermons should be plain. The thoughts which the religious teacher presents to the common mind should go straight to the understanding. Every thing that covers up and envelopes the truth should be stripped off from it, so that the bare reality may be seen. There is prodigious power in this plainness of presentation. It is the power of actual contact. A plain writer, or speaker, makes the truth and the mind impinge upon each other. When the style is plain, the mind of the hearer experiences the sensation of being touched ; and this sensation is always impressive, for a man starts when he is touched.'
Plainness is a must if you are to touch your listeners.
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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