THE MINISTER'S LONG DRAWN OUT WORDS.
UNDER this title the Herald of Gospel Liberty quotes the Western Christian Advocate and makes a few comments that apply not only to ministers, but to all who pray and speak in public. We would that some of our ministers might break themselves of the habit of unduly prolonging their syllables in prayer and preaching. Some of them have fallen into bad ways, "A-n-d, O-o-o-h L-o-r-d, w-e b-e-s-e-e-c-h T-h-e-e," etc. It is unnatural. It tires the worshiper by its strain and monotony. It suggests that the minister is desperately holding onto his word until he can summon some other thoughts. Simple but reverent language, spoken in natural, unaffected, unconventionalized tones will always be the most welcome to a worshiping congregation.—Western Christian Advocate. Brethren of this class ought to have had a chance to take one lesson under the late Sam Jones on that point. He was merciless in scoring those long-drawn-out words in prayer. On one occasion he asked that the same be tried in the business and social spheres of life, and urged that the one trying it should notice carefully to see what effect this manner of speech would have upon the person addressed. He gave an example something like this: "A man wished to make a purchase of a suit of clothes, we will say, and as he entered the clothing house he began: 'O-h M-i-s-t-e-r C-l-o-t-h-i-n-g M-a-n, h-a-v-e y-o-u a-n-y p-a-n-t-a-l-o-o-n-s?'" And Brother Jones thought that would be enough to settle it that the man was beside himself, and yet we talk to the Lord with and for the people in public prayer in a similar fashion. The Advocate is right—let us be natural in our language in addressing the Father, just as simple and as plain as in every-day life. Long-drawn-out words are not needed, nor do they add to the profit of the service. "It may be your burden seems heavy because your crown is in it."