Chapter 44—Brevity
Shorter Sermons, More Ministering—Long sermons fail to do
good, for both the speaker and the hearer become weary. Discourses
should be shortened, and the physical and mental powers of the minis-
ter should be preserved for ministering, and a far greater work could
be accomplished.—
The Review and Herald, September 2, 1890
.
Tenfold Greater Results—If our ministers would preach short
discourses, right to the point, and then educate the brethren and sisters
to work, and lay the burden upon them, the ministers themselves would
be saved from exhaustion, the people would gain spiritual strength by
the effort put forth, and the result would be tenfold greater than now is
seen.—
The Signs of the Times, May 17, 1883
.
Sermons Shorter by Half—Ministers give too much time to
preaching, and exhaust their vital forces....It is the many long dis-
courses that weary. One half of the gospel food presented would tell
to much better advantage.—
Evangelism, 658
.
Bodily Organs Overtaxed by Long Speeches—
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There is one matter about which I wish to caution you. In address-
ing a congregation, do not speak for too long a time; for thus you put
a heavy strain on the delicate organs brought into action. I have to
pledge myself not to speak too long; for I know that if I do, stomach
and lungs and kidneys will be overtaxed, and suffering will result.—Lt
75, 1904.
Pleasant Incense to God—Let the power and glow of the truth
find expression in appropriate words. Express the joy and gratitude
that well up from the heart as you see of the travail of your soul in
the conversion of sinners. But in speaking to the people, remember
to stop in season. Do not weary yourself so that you become nervous
and debilitated, for the work you will need to do in addition to the
preaching, requires tact and ability. It will be a potent agency for good,
as pleasant incense rising to God.—SpT Series A, No. 7, Page 12.
A Reserve of Physical and Mental Power—Never use up all
your vitality in a discourse so long and wearisome that you have not
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