CHEAP SERMONS

Evening Star, Issue 14184, 8 October 1909, Page 7

CHEAP SERMONS

Market prices for sermons never rule 4 very high, but an offer to provide discourses “rich with thought 1 ’ at Is 6d each almost suggests a slump in the market. It is at that rate, however, at ‘which somebody in the Potteries. (England), according to the ‘ Guardian,’ is prepared to provide original matter. The provider insists that auxiliary aid in_ sermon preparation is necessary if parish work is to be done. He has no patience with the ordinary read sermon. What is needed, ho says, is the discourse which “by its beauty serves as the most winsome means of convoying truth.” This, it is explained, differs from “ that ordinary material which is not difficult, to obtain, but which has made sermons a byword for dulnoss.” This, tempting offer proceeds: “ There is no great preacher but has his provider helping him in the quest of that which it is every preacher’s duty to employ—the best lie can acquire. Let me help you. 1 who have held such a position in a large congregation in a busy city know from happy experience just what uplifts and inspires, and the great joy there is in preaching it with the sense of larger usefulness. For me it has packed pews, aisles, and pulpit-steps, and would 'for you. Though now disabled by broken health, I can send you just such material. I will send no dry, prosy stuff, hiding poverty of thought under words—or a generation out ot date—letting attention slip, chilling yon, wasting your hour of opportunity. All shall be rich with thought, in choicest language, crisp, apt, interesting in the best sense, intimate with life in the present moment—material which a ill not moderately satisfy you and your hearers, but will meet your highest wishes—it will preach, and fill your church. If you have texts you have not time to prepare I will make them into twenty-minute sermons of a high order for you* only. Four for six shillings.” There is, apparently, an alternative. If the preacher desires ‘' sermons of exceptional power, the thought original—slowly matured—material such as comps only by flashes of insight,” he can be supplied. “to the delight of the most exacting congregation.” The price is still four for six shillings.