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mand in any other circumstances , and certainly is not in general likely to be favoured with , when the advanced period of the week obliges him to sit dowu to the comparatively lifeless occupation of writing his sermon . In what I have hitherto said , I have been considering merely trie direct influence of the two practices on the efficacy
of pulpit addresses . Much might be added on their influence on the minister ' s own character , and on his general efficiency among his flock ; but space will not allow me to enlarge on these topics . 1 can only say that it appears to me , that the mere reader of written sermons , as he but little imitates the apostolic style and character , can as little expect to imitate the apostolic influences and suc
cess . In conclusion , I have two remarks to make in order to guard against misconception . In the first place , in speaking of unwritten discourses , I by no means intend to imply unpremeditated discourses . Assuredly , the minister who ascends the pulpit without having maturely meditated on his subject , and arranged the topics of his intended homily , is unmindful of the
dignity of the place , and the responsibility of his office . Neither would I blame the use of even copious notes , if they are found to be an assistance . 1 only ask that the sermon shall neither be read from a book , nor recited from memory , which last seems to be great labour to very little purpose . Secondly , let me not be thought to recommend the entire disuse of written sermons : there
are many excellent ministers who , from diffidence or want of practice , are scarcely able to go through their duties by any other means , but who nevertheless are able and faithful men , whom to remove from their stations , or even to discourage in their work , would be most unjust and mischievous . In this , as in all other things , something must be con > - < x * ded to existing circumstances : but if the arguments which have been advanced in favour of unwritten discourses be
sound , let ministers do their best to attain this higher style of their office , and let congregations lay aside their lukewarm fastidiousness , arid cordially encourage them in the attempt . F 1 LARET .
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Miscellaneous Correspondence . 131
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University of London . To the Editor . Sir , Gateacre , near Liverpool . The Reviewer of the Rev . Mr . Dale ' s Introductory Lecture on Theology observes , that the title of that production , being headed *• University of London , " has " a deceptive tendency . * ' In
confirmation of his opinion on this point , I can say that it has actually deceived . On my arrival lately in Loudon , I was told by an intelligent friend that the Council of the University had lamentably varied from the principles on which that establishment was founded , by authorizing Mr . Dale within the walls of the building to deliver lectures , in which he attacked all sects of Christians who did
not believe in the essential Divinity of Christ . I was greatly asronished and much grieved , on receiving this information , and immediately conceived the idea that such a proceeding would justify a strong remonstrance on the part of those proprietors of the University who disapproved of it . Before taking any steps , however , for this purpose , I thought it
expedient to state the information I had received , and nay consequent intentions , to the warden , Mr . Horner . That gentleman received me with his usual politeness , and , to my great pleasure , agsured me that the Council had nothing to do with Mr . Dale ' s lectures , which constituted no part of the University course , but were strictly and literally the private affair of himself and others of his own
religious persuasion . So far Mr . Horner ' s declaration will , I am persuaded , be perfectly satisfactory to those friends of the London University who are auxious to maintain its fundamental principles . If any one thinks that the Council might . have interfered respecting Mr . Dale ' s title , he will perhaps change his opinion when he reflects that as they are answerable for uothinK
which passes out of the walls of the University , so they have no right to call their prolessors to account for ttieir extra professional proceedings , and that Mr , Dale in his quality of theologian is as independent of their jurisdiction , as the speculators who some time ago sut up tjie London University Magazine , or the Loudon University Oyster Shop . WILLIAM SHEPHERD .
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Feb. 2, 1830, page 131, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2581/page/59/
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