The Minister in the Pulpit
By R.E. Hatreb
There is a serious lack of decorum, discipline, and system in our churches, especially the smaller ones; and it is the duty of the minister to see that these faults are remedied.
The moment one enters the church, all talking should cease. You have come into the audience chamber of God. Quietness and reserve should characterize the worshipers. The minister should never be seen running around the church, but should set an example of proper behavior by remaining seated in a prayerful mood.
The program for the service should be arranged beforehand, and carried out with dignity. Those taking part in the service should be notified in ample time, and take their assigned places, all going into the pulpit in an orderly manner. Never should there be any whispering or exchanging of conversation when once seated. The preliminaries and introduction should be short, giving the sermon the preeminence. This should not occupy over forty minutes. Many a good sermon is spoiled by its length. Learn to be brief. A few words fitly spoken are like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Verbal Pitfalls to Avoid
By Mary A. Steward
1. The use of extravagant adjectives, such as the word "splendid," which is commonly and incorrectly used to describe the attendance at a meeting, the meeting itself, the offering, the location of the tent, the newspaper space, the singing of the choir, the remarks of the speaker, etc., etc. The word "splendid" has its own place in literature, but it should be used with due thought, and never in such instances as those cited.
2. The use of plural verbs and pronouns with "each" and "every," which always require the singular.
3. The word "only" is nearly always misplaced. Of course it should come next to the word or phrase which it limits.
4. Many use the expression "very pleased" instead of "very much pleased."
5. Some writers begin a sentence with a phrase which has no connection with the sentence itself. For instance: "Finding the river too low for navigation, it was thought best to abandon the boat and take a train." By putting the verb "was thought" in the passive, the writer leaves the phrase, "Finding the river too low for navigation," with nothing to depend from. The sentence should read, "Finding the river too low for navigation, we thought best," etc.
6. Another frequent error is the repetition of the word "that," as in the sentence, "It was thought that, in view of the exigencies of the situation, that [omit this "that"] there might be some compromise," etc. This mistake is often overlooked in long sentences, whereas it is quite noticeable in short sentences, such as the one cited.
7. "Between you and I," is a common blunder. "Between you and me" is the correct form.
8. The word "most" is having a big run just now, with no intention of comparison in the minds of those who use it. One critic goes so far as to advise those who write NEVER to use the word "most." Certainly some restraint in its use is strongly to be urged; for like other superlatives, it means nothing when used to excess. It indicates a comparison, and should not be used without its corresponding term.
