A play that makes a hit runs for weeks, for months, for years. Audiences come from all parts to hear and see it. They come, too, by night, a most inconvenient time, and not by day. Now, why should it not be the same with a sermon?
Let us suppose that the Rev. Mr. Silvertrumpet, of St. Simon's Within-and-Without, preaches a first-rate sermon. For years past, popular preachers have been regularly advertised in the newspapers, and church-goers have been accustomed to look out for announcements as to where Mr. Silvertrumpet, or any other popular preacher, is to appear and discourse. The actor, on tour, goes round with one play visiting different towns. Why not the preacher with one sermon?
Perhaps the actor has a répertoire acquired in course of time: so might it be with the preacher. That a good sermon, once delivered, should be lost, is as hard on the preacher as that a good play should be performed for one night only, and then, "be heard no more!"
My remedial suggestions are: first, let critic attend "first morning" or "first afternoon" of a new sermon. Let him praise, or condemn it.
Secondly. No critics: but simply an advertisement under a column headed "Churches," announcing that Mr. Silvertrumpet or Mr. Deskthumper, or whoever it may be, with all his titles, Canon, Archdeacon, Bishop, Vicar, &c., &c., set out in full, will preach at such and such a time, at such and such a church. Also, I think the title of the sermon should be given. There is sometimes an attraction in a title. Then, that sermon being a success, let it be thus advertised:—
ST. SIMON'S WITHIN-AND-WITHOUT.—The Rev. Mr. Silvertrumpet's Sermon, entitled Charity; or, How We Live Now, having achieved an Enormous Success, will be repeated Every Sunday at 11.30 (or whatever the hour may be) until further notice.
I maintain that, as there are crowds attracted from all parts during two years to visit a theatre between the hours of seven and eleven nightly, in order to see an amusing or thrilling play, and a popular actor (likewise twice a week for matinées), so, in like manner, there would be crowds to come from all parts to hear a good sermon and see a popular preacher once, or even twice on Sunday.
I remain, Sir, yours,
A. Lambkin.
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Sir,—About sermons I have this to say, or sing,—