Pray that Sermon | AdventAI

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · May 15, 1855

Pray that Sermon.

A young licentiate, after throwing off a highly wrought, and, as he thought, eloquent gospel sermon, in the pulpit and presence of a venerable pastor, solicited of his experienced friend the benefit of his criticism upon the performance. "I have but just one remark to make," was his reply, "and that is to request you to pray that sermon." "What do you mean, sir?" "I mean literally just what I say, pray it, if you can, and you will find the attempt a better criticism than any I can make upon it." The request still puzzled the young man, beyond measure; the idea of praying a sermon was a thing he never heard or conceived of; and the singularity of the request wrought powerfully on his imagination and feelings. He resolved to attempt the task. He laid his manuscript before him, and on his knees before God undertook to make it into a prayer. But it would't pray; the spirit of prayer was not in it, and that, for the very good reason—as he then clearly saw for the first time—that the spirit of prayer and piety did not compose it. For the first time, he saw that his heart was not right with God; and this conviction left him no peace until he had "Christ formed in him the hope of glory." With a renewed heart, he applied himself anew to the work of composing sermons for the pulpit; preached again in the presence of the pious pastor who had given such timely advice, and again solicited the benefits of his critical remarks. "I have no remarks to make," was his complacent reply, "you can pray that sermon."

The singular advice of this shrewd pastor would not be inappropriate to correspondents of a religious newspaper, especially when they write on controversial topics. If they would always pray their articles, from beginning to end, before they forward them, their discussions would doubtless elicit a great deal more truth and a great deal less of ill-feeling. By observing this rule they would give editors also the delightful satisfaction of believing that they are doing more good than harm by the publication of their articles. We suggest this as an important practical hint to our correspondents, hoping that their piety and good sense will not overlook or neglect it.—Watchman of the Valley.