Part II, Chapter XI (*): Further Advice to Preachers

Further Advice to Preachers

THE Exordium should be short. Then, enter into the discourse at once, telling the faithful very plainly what the subject of the sermon is. Do not waste time describing the plan, but get to the point immediately.

If there be present a distinguished personage, such as a Cardinal or a Bishop, let the mark of respect paid him be short and without flattery, as becoming one who preaches Christ Jesus.

In proving some truth, put the strongest proofs at the beginning and at the end; keep the less important ones for the body of the sermon. If you use the device of making God speak directly to the people, do not employ words or terms unworthy or unbecoming. Likewise, this applies to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Saints. In apostrophes to Our Lord, His Blessed Mother or the Saints, speak with the utmost respect.

When hurling maledictions upon sinful practices or describing the horrors of evil or the punishment of sinners, do not forget to inject a note of mercy and forgiveness lest the faithful be discouraged. When preaching about a Saint, make the discourse truthful and simple, showing forth his wonderful virtues, his works and his claims to spiritual greatness.

Let funeral sermons be restrained and pious, not flattering discourses to please the relatives of the dead person. Use these occasions to give particular emphasis to the inevitability of death and the nothingness of earthly things.

Finally, have no other aim in preaching than to enlighten men's minds, touch their hearts and make them better Christians. Remember (*). This chapter has been slightly shortened.

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that, if God demands an account of every idle word that man shall speak, how strictly will He judge those who while preaching made use of the divine word to please their own vanity, tickle the ears of their hearers or as means of parading their own knowledge and erudition. There are many priests in hell because on earth they thus profaned the word of God while preaching.

No matter who offends you or hurts you, say nothing from the pulpit which might cause the faithful to notice that you harbor spite or bitterness. If you have been the victim of calumnies or lies and have suffered them sufficiently long, and fear that your work may be hindered thereby, then it might be well to justify yourself in the pulpit, calmly and modestly. 114-