ace. To attract and hold the people the
preacher must speak!

And let him speak in the voice and manner with which it is most natural
for him to speak to his fellow men. There is as yet no organ sweeter
than the human voice in its own natural tones, none so adapted to reach
the heart. The pity is, that so often, from simple ignorance, this
fine instrument is spoiled. Gladly would we see a course of voice
tuition included as a necessary part of all pulpit training. So would
the spoiling of many a gracious utterance be prevented. It is faulty
methods of speech rather than overwork that are responsible for many a
"clergyman's sore throat." Speaking is as natural an exercise to the
voice of a man as is walking to his feet, or handling to his hands, but
it must be done naturally; and the use of training is found in its
bringing home this lesson. The "pulpit voice" must become a
yesterday's blunder.

To attractiveness in delivery must be added, if people are to be kept
in audience, an attractiveness in treatment; here, again, the method of
success is to let Nature have her way. Let the preacher permit himself
to devote _all_ his gifts to the setting forth of his theme. The great
thing is to get the word right home and to that end all considerations
as to style, language, arrangement, should be subordinate. There be
some highly intellectual persons who affect contempt when a preacher
tells a story. There are very solemn persons who gravely disapprove
when the sermon contains a touch of humour which causes a ripple of
laughter in the holy place. Some people, again, hate an epigram, and
say "the preacher is trying to be smart." It is impossible to please
all the critics. The great business of the preacher is to get his work
done; and if by a story, a touch of humour or of sarcasm, the use of
any gift, he can, keeping within the limits of that good taste which
should guide him at all times, entice men to listen, the critics may be
ignored.

One more paragraph may be added before bringing this chapter to an end.
After all, the great secret of being interesting lies in being
_interested_. The really enthralling preacher is he who is himself
enthralled by his subject and who realises, also, a deep interest in
the people before Him. Should it ever come to pass that the subject
grow stale, worn and hackneyed to the man in the pulpit, it will not be
a hopeful quest to look for much interest in the pew. Again should