p. 4 | Listening to a Sermon by Wm. Covert

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 26, 1910

Listening to a Sermon

By Wm. Covert

WM. COVERT

ONE of the finest services in the Lord's cause is that of listening well to a sermon. Those who attend a preaching service owe it to themselves, to the congregation, and to the cause of truth, to use the allotted time in earnest listening to the things which may be said. Even if the speaker's thoughts should seem in range below those of greater men, his presence still should prove a source of help for all the fold.

The people who listen to a sermon can help to make that sermon good. Earnest attention with the eye and the assent of the countenance are excellent promptings to a speaker. To feel that what is said is well received is to the speaker's soul like gentle dew upon the thirsty grass. Then, since it costs nothing but pleasant effort to keep the mind alert to the beauty of God's Word while the minister arranges the lesson in order, why not give him the sympathetic attention that will bless both hearer and speaker?

The leading members of a church, if they are kindly disposed and capable, can usually make the minister's labors a real blessing to the whole congregation. This is a matter generally understood by public speakers, and their advice to the congregation relating to questions of seating and order in the house of the Lord should be heeded. Every one may be very sure that the minister will not encourage long-distance audiences, or seating arranged behind him. The audience should sit facing the speaker, and as near to him as the pews will allow. The speaker also should remember that audiences do not like long sermons.

Not all are naturally good listeners; but all can do their best, and seek to improve, remembering that thoughtful attention and earnest, spirited preaching make a good meeting. They belong together, and one can seldom be had without the other; but the minister can not do both parts at the same time. If one permits his mind to wander during a sermon, he loses the hour, and perhaps misses an opportunity to gain something of priceless value.

An open Bible in the hand enables the listener to follow the speaker closely, and to get a better outline of the subject. If this practise is followed, something of lasting value is obtained for the time invested; and if it is adhered to faithfully, it becomes a habit of everlasting benefit to the listener, and a helpful influence to others.

Chicago, Ill.