p. 19 | Ministerial Reading Course by J. L. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 1, 1914

Ministerial Reading Course

By J. L. S.

THE General Conference Educational Department begins the Ministerial Reading Course with January, 1914. The first book in the course is entitled "Preparing to Preach," by Dr. David R. Breed. Other helpful books are under consideration. A reading schedule will appear in the Educational Department of this paper each month. Those taking the course will be asked to register their names with the Educational Department of the General Conference, no charges other than the cost of the books being asked.

On completion of a book, the reader will be asked to report to the Educational Department the fact that he has completed the book, and will be encouraged to report his estimate of it, and its practical value in his work. To such as comply with this condition, a small certificate in card form will be granted by the Educational Department of the General Conference. The course is open to ministers, Bible workers, and all having evangelistic work in view.

Seven Reasons for Pursuing the Course

1. To form the habit of systematic reading.

2. To establish the practice of reading daily.

3. To utilize spare moments for the improvement of the mind.

4. To obtain such information as will be helpful in the work of the gospel ministry.

5. To experience the benefit of constantly adding fresh material to the fund of thought.

6. To gain power in inspiring young people to improve their time and talent in a similar way.

7. To deepen the spiritual life and better prepare the ministry to present the truth more effectually to all classes.

Reading Schedule

The Reading Course will begin with the fifteenth of January. The reader will be expected to read about five pages of "Preparing to Preach" each day, covering, during the month of January, the Preface, Introductory, and under Part I the following subdivisions:—

I. The Text: Advantages; Acquisition.

II. The Preacher's Duty by His Text.

III. Textual Analysis.

IV. Planning the Sermon.

V. The Attack Upon the Text.

The reader will find it to his advantage to underscore and make such marginal notes as may seem advisable, reviewing the same from day to day.

"Preparing to Preach"

The first book in the Reading Course, "Preparing to Preach," appeals to all who read it. Concerning the book the author speaks as follows in the Preface:—

"This volume is not intended as a comprehensive treatment of the subject of homiletics, and much is necessarily omitted which should be considered by those who are 'preparing to preach.' I have endeavored, however, to cover the ground which is traversed in the preparation and delivery of the ordinary sermon—the staple of the preacher's pulpit work.

"I have profited by certain criticisms which intelligent Christian laymen sometimes pass upon the methods and manners of certain preachers, and have included some suggestions which are generally omitted from similar publications, such as those which will be found under 'The Attack Upon the Text,' 'Pulpit Manners,' and elsewhere."

Dr. Breed in preparing the book has drawn from many reliable sources. Many helpful and pointed quotations from different authors are made. Reference to other books is given; as, for example, under Introductory, the author says, "Read Behrend's 'Philosophy of Preaching,' I and II; Shedd's 'Homiletic and Pastoral Theology,' chapter 1; Horton's 'Verbum Dei,' lecture 1; Jefferson's 'The Minister as Prophet.'" In a similar way, under the outline of various divisions of the book the reader is referred to different authors, giving chapters dealing with the same subject. In this manner Dr. Breed has provided a considerable range of collateral reading.

How to Become a Member

Any worker desiring to take the Ministerial Reading Course may do so by writing to the Educational Department of the General Conference, Takoma Park, D. C., giving his name and address for registry, and sending $1.65 in payment for the first book.

All the reader is asked for the privilege of the course is to comply with the conditions and pay for the books, which will be furnished at the lowest possible price. The book "Preparing to Preach," has 450 pages, and is bound in a substantial cloth binding. The publishers retail the same at $2, but we are able to furnish it to the readers of the Ministerial Course for $1.65. All orders and drafts should be made payable to the General Conference. J. L. S.