Quiet Hints, Chapter 11–"The Value of a Target”

Notes taken from Quiet Hints to Growing Preachers by Charles E. Jefferson, Chapter 11, “The Value of a Target.”

“It is easier to lose one’s way in the ministry than in any other calling.”

“Even men who work prodigiously on their sermons may forget the end for which sermons ought to be prepared.”

“An aimless sermon breaks down the interest of a congregation and sends it home disheartened and confused. Men say to one another, “ I do not know what he was driving at,” — one of the saddest wails which ever escapes the lips of church attendants.”

“Unless a man can make the purpose of his sermon stand out broad as a barn door he ought to go into some work for which the Lord has fitted him.”

“If a minister has nothing definite in his mind he is likely to organize a new society.”

“No question should be oftener on the preacher’s lips than, ’To what purpose is this?’»

“There would probably be fewer skeptics in regard to prayer if ministers had not prayed so abominably.”

“Let no meeting be held, no society organized, no new enterprise launched, no campaign entered upon, no sermon preached, no prayer offered without a sharp and serious pondering of the question, ’For what purpose is this?’

“There will be a new consternation in the ranks of the army of the Prince of Darkness when a larger number of the captains of the Lord’s host come to realize more fully the necessity of keeping one’s eyes on the target.”