Evangelistic Sermon
161
involve great changes and present a cross at every step. Give them
time to digest the wonderful truths of the message you bear them.
The preacher should endeavor to carry the understanding and sym-
pathies of the people with them. Do not soar too high, where they
cannot follow, but give the truth point after point, slowly and distinctly,
making a few essential points, then it will be as a nail fastened in a sure
place by the Master of assemblies. If you stop when you should, giving
them no more at once than they can comprehend and profit by, they will
be eager to hear more, and thus the interest will be sustained.—
Letter
39, 1887
.
Reputation of Being an Interesting Speaker—Put into your
work all the enthusiasm that you can. Let your discourses be short.
There are two reasons why you should do this. One is that you may
gain the reputation of being an interesting speaker. Another is that you
[178]
may preserve your health.—
Letter 112, 1902
.
Sermons With Fresh Ideas—Never weary the hearers by long
discourses. This is not wise. For many years I have been laboring on
this point, seeking to have our brethren sermonize less, and devote their
time and strength to making important points of truth plain, for every
point will be assailed by our opponents. Everyone connected with the
work should keep fresh ideas; ... and by tact and foresight bring all
that is possible into your work to interest your hearers.—
Letter 48,
1886
.
Apply Truth to Heart—In every address given, let there be an
application of truth to the heart, that whosoever may hear shall un-
derstand, and that men, women, and youth may become alive unto
God.—
Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 258
(1896).
Easy to Comprehend—Preach the Word so that it will be easy to
comprehend. Bring the people right to Jesus Christ, in whom their
hopes of eternal life are centered.... As you bring to them the Word
of God, presenting it in a simple style, the seed will grow, and after
a time you will have a harvest. The seed sowing is your work; the
propagation of the seed is the Lord’s divine work.—
Letter 34, 1896
.
Practical Godliness in Every Discourse—It is harder to reach
the hearts of men today than it was twenty years ago. The most
convincing arguments may be presented, and yet sinners seem as
far from salvation as ever. Ministers should not preach sermon after