The defects of preachers reproved in a sermon preached at Northampton, May 19th. 1723

2. The Reading of Sermons is a dull way of Preaching. Sermons when Read are not delivered with Authority and in an affecting way. It is Prophesied of Christ, Mic. 5.4. He shall stand and feed in the Strength of the Lord, in the Majesty of the Name of the Lord his God. When Sermons are delivered without Notes, the looks and gesture of the Minister, is a great means to command Attention & stir up Affection Men are apt to be Drowsy in hearing the Word, and the Liveliness of the Preacher is a means to stir up the Attention of the Hearers, and beget suitable Affection in them. Sermons that are Read are not delivered with Authority, they savour of the Sermons of the Scribes, Mat. 7.29. Experience shows that Sermons Read are not so Profitable as others It may be Argued, that it is harder to remember Rhetorical Sermons, than mere Rational Discourses; but it may be Answered, that it is far more Profitable to Preach in the Demonstration ⟨p. 25⟩of the Spirit, than with the enticing Words of mans wisdom.

2. The Reading of Sermons is a dull way of Preaching. Sermons when Read are not delivered with Authority and in an affecting way. It is Prophesied of Christ, Mic. 5.4. He shall stand and feed in the Strength of the Lord, in the Majesty of the Name of the Lord his God. When Sermons are delivered without Notes, the looks and gesture of the Minister, is a great means to command Attention & stir up Affection Men are apt to be Drowsy in hearing the Word, and the Liveliness of the Preacher is a means to stir up the Attention of the Hearers, and beget suitable Affection in them. Sermons that are Read are not delivered with Authority, they savour of the Sermons of the Scribes, Mat. 7.29. Experience shews that Sermons Read are not so Profitable as others It may be Argued, that it is harder to remember Rhetorical Sermons, than meer Rational Discourses; but it may be Answered, that it is far more Profitable to Preach in the Demonstration ⟨p. 25⟩