Rules for Composing Sermons
1. When we are about composing a Sermon, we aie to consider, let. What subject is be chosen, 2d. In what strain it is to be handled, 3d. The stle of the composition, 4th. What thoughts we are to introduce, 5th. In what order we are to throw them. I shall therefore, give rules for each of these, and then 6th. Add some further rules not comprehended under either of these heads:
2. I shall offer some remarks, First, on jthe choice of subjects. — But before I point out what subjects are to.be preferred, I shall show you what you are to decline,* Among ihese are,
The doctrines of natural religion, such as the Being and Providence of God, — the state of future rewards and punishments, — liberty xpf choice; — the distinction between moral good and evil. — These subjects are less ne- .cessary, because they are generally believed I and have been so fondly and repeatedly insisted upon by those who had but little relish for
edition. — The writings of Leighton being calcolated for christians of the most refined taste, as well as those of the meanest capacity, there can be no doabt of BQCcess in the undertaking.
* Most of these rules refer to the youncf preacher at first aettinff out; though they are all in some dairree applicable to a settled minister. The former &ey teach what he should only, Md tbfl Utter wh lie should ehiy make choice of.
the doctrines of the gospel, that enlarging upon them would bring a man’s reputation into question with many. — Besides, the nicety of the arguments cannot be understood by vulgar auditors, nor is it possible their pious af fections should be much impressed by them; — yet, as they are fundamentals, they ought not to be entirely omitted. Let them, therefore, be touched upon in parts of Sermons, tending to some evangelical purpose. — This, may t done from, ‘* This is life eternal, to know thee, Szc” ‘* He hath abolished death, and brought light and immortality to light, &.C.” Of this method of treating these subjects, the Berry-Street Lectures are excellent examples.
§ 3. 2. The evidences of Christianity. — These are too large to be conveniently brought into a single, or even a double Sermon; besides, it is seldom an acceptable subject to the generality of hearers. — Yet exceptions must be allowed for some places where deism prevails. — Let a settled minister, in two or three elaborate Sermons, we a general view of the arguments; — and refer to plain treatises on the subject. — It is highly proper by catechising to inform the judgments of the rising generation; — ras they are in the greatest danger of being seduced. — When preaching on subjects that admit it, take an opportunity to make a few striking observations in confirmation of Christianity; especially be careful to display its excellency above natural religion; — this will generally be sufficient. For whea
oar people are brought to experience the power of the gospel, they will never forsake it. It is hard for a young preacher to support his reputation by such a topic; and if he has any thing to say that is extraordinary, it will be better to say it from the press than from the pulpit.
’ § 4. 3. The inexplicable mysteries of the gospel; such as the doctrine of the Trinity, the union of the divine and human natures in Christ, the manner of the Spirit’s operation, &rC. for they cannot be made plain. Besides, there is danger of puzzling, or inHaming our hearers; — the wiser part will be offended to to see you so forward and bold; — and the hungry soul will go away from these as from the preceding subjects but little refreshed. — It is feeding the people with roots instead of fruits.
§ 5. 4. The highest points of Calvinism, supposing them to be believed. — Such as the imputation of Adam’s sin, — Reprobation, — Irresistible Grace, and others of the same cast. These doctrines may be abused, and prejudice some against the more necessary doctrines of Calvinism; — as those of the media- .tioD and atonement of Christ; — the aids and influences of the Spirit, &c. — Hints on high doctrines, except on particular occasions, are better, if they are believed, than whole di»* courses upon them.
§ 6. 5. Types. — In these there is so much room for fancy, that it is difficult to speak judiciously upon them; — and more difHcult to please if they be not drawn to excess. — But
for a pastor, especiaHy on a saeramoiit-day, those that are allegorized in scripture may be very profitably enlarged upon, — provided the amtlitude and difference be shown.
4 7. 6. Particular sins and duties. — Atter-BfttLY, indeed, says, that ‘* General discourses are, for the most part, like large prospected where the eye is lost in the wide compass it takes, and sees so many things at once, that it sees nothing clearly.”* To young preaohers, however, they are not advisable. — They are, indeed, much preferable to any of the former, but if frequently enlarged upon, may procure you the character of a legal preacher; — and the same end may as well be* answered another way, as I shall soon shew. Especially avoid preaching against a particular vice, as drunkenness, luxury, covetoosness pride, dc. — Rather recommend the contrary virtues of sobriety, moHilioation, liberality, liamifity; — and 1^ these be nrged chiefly by evangelical motives. — A settled miteister may, however, sometimes insist on such Subjects, and ought to do it :-> — particnlatly to cautiott youth, — and to deter them from keeping ba4 company, — and induce them to observe strictly the Sabbath-day.-^roat care should be taken, however, not to draw such desCrtptions ef ill characters as would give just occasion to suspect that you had particular characters in view. — It may be added, these subjects ofbea lead into a chain of reasoning too dose to lpe
* ^terb, Serm. vol. i. p. 38.
popular ; — 4Uid people generally know right and wrong.
§ 8. 7. A continued series of discourses from the same verse, or even chapter, ought to be avoided by young preachers. — This method tends to weary an auditory. — Few chapters afford proper subjects in every verse. — The peculiar advantages of this method may be better answered by expounding. — The explication and improvement of a variety of subjects connected in some way together, making a course of Sermons more entertaining..
9. This hint is chiefly intended for a set* tied minister; — it will be wisdom in him to make a proper connexion between subjects, — and to have, with due allowance for other occasional discourses, a series which shall con» tain a system of practical divinity.
10. 8. Not subjects of great terror ;^^as very strong representations of the wrath of. God, or of the nature, degree and duration of the torments of hell. — To make these the subject of your Sermons will be likely to bring upon yon the reputation of legalists, and would perhaps rather amaze and confound the hearers for the, present, than make lasting good impressions on their minds. — Warn faithfully, but let it be rather in particular parts of Sermons, than in distinct discourses — Always lake care to avoid representing God as a tyrant. *
^11. Having shewn what subjects you ought generally to decline, I will now point out
what subjects are to be preferred y and most frequently insisted on.* - 12. I. Those which relate immediately to Christ. — The glories of his person, and riches of his grace, Ps. xlv. 2. Cant. v. 16. Isa. ix. 6. — His incarnation, John i. 14. — His understanding, Isa. xlix. 5, 6. John xvii. 2. — His birth, Luke ii. ll.-»-His example. Acts x. 38. 1 Peter ii. 21. — His preaching, John vii. 46. — His ministerial conduct, Heb. iii. 1. — His passion, Lam. i. 13. Isa. liii. 12. — His death, resurrection, and ascension, John xix. 30. Luke xxiv. 41. Acts iii. 15. 19. — His intercession, Heb. vii. 25. Rom. viii. 34. — His relations, offices, and characters; — as Husband, Brother; — Prophet, Priest, King; — Physician, Shepherd, Captain, Strength, Head, Forerunner, Advocate, Friend, Saviour, Judge, &c.
§ 13. II. The constitution of the covenant of grace made with believers in Christ. — Here consider, and state the nature of justification by his righteousness, — the nature of faith, and its place in the gospel scheme, — also the nature, necessity, reasonableness and effects of repentance,- — the freedom of the grace of God, as it is manifested in the covenant. — The excellency of the Gospel, — the superiority of the covenant of grace, <^mpared with former cov-
* L«t the most useful and pertinent subjects be your most frequent choice. Those are the most useful that are the most edifying; and those most pertinent that are fitted to the capacities and necessities of the auditory; to both which you ought te have & special regard. Barecrqft’s Ar9 enocionandif p. 92.
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38 XECtCRBS ON PREACHING.
enants, — how ratified by the blood of Cbriist the Mediator, — the seals of the covenant, — the manner in which it is to be entered into, renewed and reflected upon, dsrc.
§ 14. III. The Spirit and his operations. — Represent our absolute need of him; — describe his work on the sou J in conviction, conversion and consolation; — illustrate the nature of his influences; — in the assistance he afibrds in prayer, — and the witness he bears to his own work on the heart.
§ 15. This is an exceedingly popular subject — and, what is of still higher importance, it is a useful and scriptural one. — When yoa enlarge upon it, however, it will be necessary to add cautions against grieving the Spirit, — and directions for walking in the Spirit, — and being filled with the Spirit.
§ 16. IV. The privileges of the children of God; — the pardon of sin, — the renovation of their nature, — adoption, — perseverance through divine grace, — God/s providential care over them,^^all things working together for their good, — access to God through Christ, — oom- munion with him, — believing views of glory, c. — These subjects will impress the hearts of sinners, (as a lancet concealed in a sponge,) — as well as raise the devout afiections of true christians.
§ l. V. General views of religion. — Mic. vi, 8. Titus ii. 11. Matt. xxii. 37. — Remind hearers of the various branches of duty in a transient manner. — Urge their obligations close lo their coQ8cience8,-«^For peopte generalljF
know what is right, bat need to be persuaded to practise it. — But particular cases of consoience, that cannot be well stated in Sermons, encourage your people to bring to you in private.
§ 18. VI. The love of Christ and a devotional temper. — Here represent his attributes, and the genuine workings of a pious soul towards him. — Urge the keeping up a continual communion with him. — Describe the pleasing intercourse of a devout son! with him in various ordinances. — This will be particularly useful to yourselvjBs and very comfortable to serious christians.
§ 19. VII. Ttie evil of sin, and misery of sinners in consequence of it. Sound the Alarm, but with mingled encouragement. Display the terrors of the law, but seldom let them be the subject of whole Sermons; — and generally lament over sinners, rather than menace and threaten them.
§20. VIII. The temptations and exercises of a pious soul. — These cases oflen occur among the people of God, and courses of Sermons must oflen be interrupted to enlarge upon them. — Show whence discouragements arise; — describe the cause, — and lay down rules for judging of sincere grace, — that christians may be comforted, and hypocrites convicted. — Such Sermons are generally very profita* ble.-!-Fence them with several scripture quotations, that they may not be thought enthusiastic.
§ 21. IX. Death, Judgment, and eternity.
—Funeral Sermons will often demand these. — Nothing tends more to quicken in the duties of life and preparation for death. — Here consider heaven in its various views; — conformity to God; — beholding the glory of Christ; associating with saints and angels; — and the influence these prospects should have upon us. ^22. X. Examples of scripture characters, and pieces of sacred history. — These are very interesting and entertaining subjects, and will often afford you natural occasions of saying useful things in a very, inoffensive way. — Sometimes a virtue is better represented by such an example, than by a topical discourse; — thus, submission to the will of God will be better illustrated by the example of Aaron, Eli, Job, Samuel, &€. than by general observations on the nature, advantages and reasonableness of such a temper.*
* As this part of the sabjeet is of great moment, and the variations between the copies are greater here than, perhaps, ia any other part of the lectures, the whole of that copy which differs most is given in this note; which may serve also as a specimen of the difference which may appear to exist between other copies. Such diversity has probably arisen from the different ways in which the lectures were dictated to successive classes of students, in different periods of time, even supposing the sy2Za&«« to be the same; but which would be still greater on supposition that the author made, as in all probability he would make, successive additions and alterations in the syllabus itself; and all this might produce a great diversity independent of another considerable source, viz. the comparative accuracy or inaccuracy of original wri* ters and subsequent transcribers.