General Directions Not Comprehended in the Preceding Lectures
§ 1. Do not preach the same Sermon over too often, either in the same or different places; — it hurts a man’s reputation if the places are contiguous, and it is apt at best to deaden his own spirits ;- — but least of all in the same
place. — A little alteration of -text and preface will not be looked upon as a sufficient excuse.
§ 2. Never borrow the words of others. — Use their works in your compositions for hints and thoughts freely, — but never transcribe, unless it be as a quotation.
§ 3. Do not preach too many Sermons on a text. — This rule is not to be invariably observed, as there are some copious passages that will afford distinct matter for vartous^Sermons, — and may occasionally be made the subject of two, but very seldom more than three discourses. Rather sometimes pursue the same subject from different texts, that you may have more of the explication and application.
§ 4. When settled, have some scheme of subjects connected with each other to be preached over; — especially a course of Sermons on the character and offices of Christ, — the operations and fruits of the Spirit. — on the privileges and duties of christians, d&c. But let these be intermingled with others, — and when any remarkable providences occur, take notice of them in your Sermons.
§ 5. Preach sometimes in little country places, with greaV^r freedom than you can allow yourselves to a larger and more refined assembly..^Go into the pulpit with the heads ofa Sermon only, and talk freely upon them, — and when you return, write the discourse more at large. Thus you will improve many of your compositions, and gradually get above your notes.
§ 6. Let your first Sermons especially be formed into an exact analysis, or regular scheme of method. Commit this to memory, and it will improve your judgment, make your dolivery easier to yourself, and continual attention to your notes less necessary.
§ 7. Write your notes neatly and distinctly. — Rule your paper, with a large margin.-^ Xiet the heads be written apart, and the enlargement divided into various paragraphs, and each distinct sentence properly pointed, - if in long hand. — Let the scriptures be referred to in the margin, which will give an opportunity of recollecting much of the discourse, by a very transient view,- — especially if you write (as- it will be proper to do) not only those you professedly design to quote, but others whose phrases you borrow, or to which you only allude. — Read over your notes attentively once or more, to fix your Sermon in your memory, and to prevent the shame of frequently hesitating.
8. Know when to have done,->and if good and pertinent thoughts arise in your minds, take care not to pursue them too far, so as to draw out your discourse to an immoderate length. — Sometimes young jnen, having said nothing, are full of matter when they ought to close; and with, a view to mend what they have been saying, are apt to be tedious. — Thus it costs them labouk* and study to be less agreeable than they would otherwise he, — Remember, your business on subjects is not to say all Uiat can be said; but what is most just, pro*
per, important and useful — And do not forget that before the organs of speech are strengthened by practice, it is a very dangerous thing to keep them upon the stretch for a long time together; — the last quarter of an hour doe» them more injury than alK
9. Be accurate but candid critics of the Sermons your hear. — Draw up a scheme or perhaps hints of a Sermon on the text on which you have heard a discourse, — and re* member to be just to the beauties as well as de* fects of your brothers. — Always speak with candor on the labours of other ministers, lest your reflections on them be reckoned envy, or ill nature; which will greatly sink your own character f and fest a consciousness of that severity discompose you, as in that case yott must hardly expect more candor than you have shown. — So be persons of uncharitable tern* pers, though of excellent sense, have been wretchedly distressed for want of this precaution.
§ 10. Retire for prayer both before and after Sermon. — This will encourage the mind, and bring it into a good frame, and it is doing honor to the Divine Spirit, which he will probably succeed with blessings on your labours. — Besides it is apropor indication of a serious temper, and a mind more concerned for God’s glory than its own.
^11. Observe what acceptance your hbours meet with amongst your people. — But make your observations with great caution, lest yoa should appear to themlobeiishing for applause, which is a meanness very unworthy a gospel minister and the surest way to lose it. — Be willing to hear of any faults in your compos* ures or delivery; and sometimes when yoa preach before your brethren, desire them to tell you plainly what they discovered amiss. § 12. Sometimes keep a day of solemn devotion to recommend your labours to the divine blessing. — On those days, besides the usual devotion, review the memorandums of the Sermons you have lately preached, and reflect on what you have found of the acceptance and success of them, and let God have the glory. — Humble yourselves before him, that they have been no more regarded or improved. — Review Christ’s promises of assistance to his ministers, — and other promises which may be applied to this purpose, — for the further encouragement of your faith.-^ Plead earnestly with God for a blessing on yourselves, and those committed to your care, — and forget not on these devotional occasions to seek the blessing of God on your brethren and the public, — our plantations abroad, the church of Christ in general, and the protectant interest in the whole world. Consider then what you shall preach from before the next of these days, and draw out’ a more particular list of the subjects; still leaving - room for alterations on unforeseen emergencies.
IS, Maintain a character and conduct in life agreeable to your preaching. — Labour to do good wherever you come. — Avoid every thing that would bring a reproach, or a rfiection on your own character, or on religion. — Remember statues at the top of a house must be larger than life; — i. e. your elevated situation will render your piety diminutive, if not above the common standard. Pray to God for daily wisdom, — and every day in secret prayer have some petitions relative to the last Sermon you preached; — and make it your care for the ensuing week to practise to the utmost what you have said. — This will command the regard of others, as far as it is apparent, and through divine grace ensure the blessing tpf Crod; and make your ministry most comfortable to yourselves.