1.I 21. Questions and Answers

Questions and Answers.

Q. What would you suggest as to the proportion of written and unwritten sermons to be preached through one’s ministry?

ME. BEECHER. No general rule can be given.

About one third written to two thirds unwritten. But be sure that you know how to preach.

Q. What do you think of the benefit of using books of sermon plans?

MR. BEECHER. They will help you when you know how to use them; that is, when you don’t need them. Before that time don’t smother your self with them.

Q. What do you think of the propriety or advisability of what is called sensational preaching?

MR. BEECHER. I am for it, or against it, according to what you mean by it. If it aims at a low, temporary success by mere trickery, I don’t believe in it; but if you mean preaching which produces a sensation, I do. The legitimate use of real truth is all right, no matter how much people get stirred up; the more the better. In this matter you will not err if you are up toparin manliness, neither above it nor below.