-Ucuh f^f''4'5^????C^^?J^'^^;: •■on pf'^f'.^^^id R. 1848-1931 1 Preparing to preach ^^'\ Preparing to Preach v 0^ OF m BY * DEC 1 lie DAVID R. BREED, D. D. A 'tiio PROFESSOR OF HOMILKTICS IN WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, PITTSBURGH, PA. e/CAL ID HODDER & STOUGHTON NEW YORK GEORGE H. DORAN COMPANY Copyright, 191 i, GEORGE H. DORAN COMPANY PREFACE This volume is not intended as a comprehensive treat- ment of the subject of homiletics, and much is necessarily omitted which should be considered by those who are "preparing to preach." I have endeavored, however, to cover the ground which is traversed in the preparation and delivery of the ordinary sermon — the staple of the preacher's pulpit work. I have profited by certain criticisms which intelligent Christian laymen sometimes pass upon the methods and manners of certain preachers and have included some sug- gestions which are generally omitted from similar publi- cations, such as those which will be found under "The Attack Upon the Text," "Pulpit Manners," and elsewhere. It is my sincere prayer that the book may be helpful to my brethren in the ministry, especially to those for whose sake it has been more particularly prepared, as indicated in the title. David R. Br^^d. INTRODUCTORY: THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENT INTRODUCTORY: THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENT. The essential element is the prophetic. The nature of phophecy. The true sermon defined. The exact form changes with the age. I. The message. Derived from the Word of God. Spiritual interpretation. Study indispensable. Fidelity the paramount condition. II. The man. Possessed by the message. Dangers of mere professionalism. The true preacher a "Seer." Read Behrend's " Philosophy of Preaching," I and II; Shedd's "Homiletic and Pastoral Theology," Chap. I; Horton's "Verbum Dei," I