The Evangelistic Sermon
Simple Speech; Clarity of Expression—The Lord wishes you to
learn how to use the gospel net. Many need to learn this art. In order
for you to be successful in your work, the meshes of your net—the
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application of the Scriptures—must be close, and the meaning easily
discerned. Then make the most of drawing in the net. Come right
to the point. Make your illustrations self-evident. However great a
man’s knowledge, it is of no avail unless he is able to communicate
it to others. Let the pathos of your voice, its deep feeling, make its
impression on hearts. Urge your students to surrender themselves to
God....
Make your explanations clear; for I know that there are many who
do not understand many of the things said to them. Let the Holy Spirit
mold and fashion your speech, cleansing it from all dross. Speak as
to little children, remembering that there are many well advanced in
years who are but little children in understanding.
By earnest prayer and diligent effort we are to obtain a fitness for
speaking. This fitness includes uttering every syllable clearly, placing
the force and emphasis where it belongs. Speak slowly. Many speak
rapidly, hurrying one word after another so fast that the effect of what
they say is lost. Into what you say put the spirit and life of Christ.... To
those who hear, the gospel is made the power of God unto salvation.
Present the gospel in its simplicity.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers,
and Students, 253-255
(1913).
Attention to Sermon Preparation—The discourses given upon
present truth are full of important matter, and if these discourses are
carefully considered before being presented to the people, if they are
condensed and do not cover too much ground, if the spirit of the Master
goes with the utterances, no one will be left in darkness, no one will
have cause to complain of being unfed. The preparation, both in
preacher and hearer, has very much to do with the result.
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I will here quote a few words that have come under my notice just
now: “I always know by the length of Cannon’s sermon whether he
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