"MODERN SERMONS."
[To THE Eamon or TEE " SPECTATOR.") Sra,—Your article on "Modern Sermons" is interesting, but I do not agree that sermons are generally unpopular and con- gregations inattentive. Where they are so, it is the preacher's fault. A man will be listened to if (a) he takes paine in the preparation of his sermon; (b) respects his hearers and does not preach down to them; (c) chooses his language carefully, and uses short sentences, plain Anglo-Saxon words, and as few expletives, i.e., adjectives and adverbs, as possible; (d) avoids fine writing, exaggeration, and sentiment. People recognize shoddy and resent it. In short, if he makes a demand on his congregation he will get a response. That is at all events the experience of one who preaches to a purely rustic: audience and always a written sermon.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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