“As for sensible men, and especially the sturdy workmen of our great cities, they utterly abhor foppery in a minister . . . It is a pity that we cannot persuade all ministers to be men, for it is hard to see how otherwise they will be truly men of God . . . A …
Don’t Preach Like a Specimen of the Third Sex
“‘Rustic coarseness’ is quite refreshing after one has been wearied with inane primness. Well did Cicero exhort orators to adopt their gestures rather from the camp or the wrestling ring than from the dancers with their effeminate niceties. Manliness must never be sacrificed to elegance” (Charles Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students, p. 299).
The Light Arrows of Ridicule
“And therefore if I may in any measure redress the evil I will cheerfully bear the criticism of my more sombre brethren. I am deeply in earnest, however playful my remarks may seem to be. These follies may be best shot at by the light arrows of ridicule, and therefore I employ them, not being …
And With a Jutted Jaw
“It is not pleasant to watch brethren preaching the gospel of peace in that pugnacious style: yet it is by no means rare to hear of an evangelist preaching a free Christ with a clinched fist. It is amusing to see them putting themselves into an attitude and saying, ‘Come unto me,’ and then, with …
In Other Words, Cool Your Baby Jets
“Violent gesture, even when commended by some, will be sure to strike others from its comic side . . . Therefore, do not carry action too far, and if you feel that you are naturally very energetic in your delivery, repress your energies a little. Wave your hands a little less, smite the Bible somewhat …
So Stand Straight
“We do not go into the pulpit to slouch about, and to look free and easy, but we go there upon very solemns business, and our posture should be such as becomes our mission” (Charles Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students, p. 281).
Out of the Groove
“It would be very easy to prove that revivals of religion have usually been accompanied, if not caused, by a considerable amount of preaching out of doors, or in unusual places” (Charles Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students, p. 236).
Articulate Snoring
“Our preaching must not be articulate snoring. There must be power, life, energy, vigour. We must throw our whole selves into it, and show that the zeal of God’s house has eaten us up” (Charles Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students, p. 226).
Terriers of Orthodoxy
“If we really believe the truth, we shall be decided about it. Certainly we are not to show our decision by that obstinate, furious, wolfish bigotry which cuts off every other body from the chance and hope of salvation and the possibility of being regenerate or even decently honest if they happen to differ from …
How Many Bars?
“To swing to and fro on a five-barred gate is not progress, yet some seem to think so” (Charles Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students, p. 217).