MR. SHELDON'S "SERMON-STORIES."
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.")
Sin,—May I thank you for the article in the Spectator of June 3rd on the remarkable success of Charles Sheldon's books both in England and America, which shows not only that there is a large constituency for this class of writing, but also that there is an identity of appreciation on both sides of the Atlantic I think, your explanation of their wonderful circula- tion is probably the correct one, that these books express the thoughts and feelings of vast numbers who have for years past been brooding over the question of the "slums" in our large towns, and I have been filled with a silent longing to bridge the gulf which now separates them from those who are more highly favoured. But perhaps the most striking feature is the fact that these books have been previously read chapter by' chapter to his Sunday evening congregation, taking the place of the ordinary sermon, which the author thihks in many cases has been a failure. It is, in truth, that the novel has come to the help of the pulpit, and may indeed prove t starting point of a new development in the matter of preaching. You speak of it as in some way a return to Apostolic methods, but may it not be more properly described as an actual return to the method of Christ Himself 7 " The common people heard Him gladly." And why 7 After making allowance for every personal charm, for the simplicity and naturalness of His teaching, as well as for His miracles of healing and the feeding of the multitude, may it not be that such stories as the " Prodigal Son " had something to do with attracting the many thousands who followed him for many a weary mile under a burning sun 7 And when we reflect upon the unrivalled charm of Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," which is modelled upon the same plan, does it not seem to show as if truth, cast into the form of parable or story, wins its way more effectually into the mind and heart In any case, the subject is well worth the prominence you have given to it, and may possibly lead to further discussion.—I am, Sir, dtc., Regent Park Avenue, Leeds, June 5th. E. Wnsoff.
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