Homiletics and pastoral theology by William G T Shedd (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 5 (Special maxims for sermonizing).
Last week Shedd gave us his 'general' maxims for sermonizing. This week he gives us his 'special' maxims.
Firstly Shedd instructs us that before beginning the composition of a sermon, we should bring both the intellect and the heart into a fervent and awakened condition.
Secondly Shedd encourages us to compose continuously: 'When the preacher has made all the preparation, general and particular, of which we have spoken, and his mind and heart are ready to work he should proceed in the composition of a sermon without intermission.'
Thirdly Shedd warns us to avoid prolixity: 'By prolixity is meant a tiresome length which arises from an excessive treatment of a subject,-as excessive explanation, or excessive illustration, or excessive argumentation.'
I don't agree with Shedd's second point about composing continuously. Personally, I work best in short hard bursts of composition.
But I did like the warning against prolixity: 'The orator, of all men, should know when he is through, and should stop when he is through. The preacher should perceive when he has subjected a subject, or a portion of a subject, to a treatment that is is sufficient for the purposes of oratory, and should act accordingly.'
Knowing when to finish is an important skill.
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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