The harangues of Napoleon only lasted a few minutes, yet they electrified whole armies. The speech at Bourdeaux did not exceed a quarter of an hour, and yet it resounded throughout the world. Had it been longer, it would have been less effective. In fifteen weeks, with a sermon of seven minutes every Sunday, one might give a complete course of religious instruction, if the sermons were well digested beforehand. [Footnote 17]
[Footnote 17: We have chosen the seven minutes sermon, because experience has taught us that it attracts the greatest numbers.]
If, then, you wish to be successful, in the first place fix the length of your sermon, and never go beyond the time; be inflexible on that score. Should you exceed it, apologize to your audience for so doing, and prove in the pulpit of truth that you can be faithful to your word.
In your course of instruction, do not follow the old method which commences with metaphysical questions and principles; but adhere to the plan which we have indicated: start from the known to the unknown. …
In the first place, disconnect religion from all prejudices and passions, and from every thing uncongenial. Discard all objections and antagonisms. Exhibit it as good and lovely, then true, then divine, then as obligatory, proceeding onward from thence to God's commandments and to the sacraments. If you apprehend that the term "God's commandments" does not sufficiently strike your hearers, you may call them the duties of an upright man.
When about to compose your sermon, study your subject thoroughly, grasp the salient points, and then write. …
But do not stop there; begin afresh. Supposing that you have written four pages, reduce them to two, taking care that all the strong thoughts and sentiments remain. … Use those terms which belong to a single thought, those expressions which imprint themselves—or, as the Scripture says, engrave the truth as with a pen of steel—on the hearts of men, and which scatter it abroad full of life and exultation. Nothing is so profitable as this exercise: it cultivates and supplies the intellect, gives us a deeper insight into Christianity and mankind, and it teaches us how to think, and how to write. …
During the reading of the Gospel, ascend the pulpit and be quite ready. Place your watch by your side and begin thus:—"Last Sunday we said so and so. To-day we continue." … Then enter fully into your subject, enlightening the minds of your hearers or stirring up their hearts as may be suitable, during the discourse. When the allotted time arrives, stop short and conclude.