b. The strong arguments against detailed written composition
1) It hinders the free flow of mind and tongue.
John A. Broadus, On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons, (Birmingham, AL: Solid Ground Christian Books, 2005), p. 441.
2) It fosters a wrong source of dependence.
3) It encourages a florid rhetoric.
James W. Alexander, Thoughts on Preaching, (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1975), p. 16.[/ref]
4) It makes one vulnerable to overly intricate outlines.
5) It can be deceptive as to real substance.
John A. Broadus, On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons, (Birmingham, AL: Solid Ground Christian Books, 2005), pp. 441-442.
6) It can cause an injudicious use of time.
John A. Broadus, On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons, (Birmingham, AL: Solid Ground Christian Books, 2005) pp. 442-443.
S. T. Sturtevant, The Preacher’s Manual, (London: Thomas Ward and Co., 1838) p. 745.
7) It sets too rigid a framework within which to work with freedom and flexibility.
John A. Broadus, On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons, (Birmingham, AL: Solid Ground Christian Books, 2005), pp. 443-444.
l
3. An attempted compromise or synthesis
a. The truth lies in aspects of both sides of the issue.
b. Specific factors which should regulate your own decision in this matter.
Charles Bridges, The Christian Ministry, (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1976), pp. 295-296.
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Preaching and Preachers, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1972), pp. 215-216.
William G. T. Shedd, Homiletics and Pastoral Theology, (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1965), pp. 211-212.
C. H. Spurgeon, “The Faculty of Impromptu Speech” in Lectures to My Students, Book I, (Pasadena, TX: Pilgrim Publications, 1990) pp. 152-153.
John A. Broadus, On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons, (Birmingham, AL: Solid Ground Christian Books, 2005), p. 465.
William G. Blaike, For the Work of the Ministry, (Birmingham, AL: Solid Ground Christian Books, 2005), p. 148.
Nicholas Murray, Preachers and Preaching, (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1860), pp. 129-130.
Iain H. Murray, Jonathan Edwards A New Biography, (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2003), pp. 188-189.
1) Native gift of expression
2) Cultivated gift of expression
3) Personal practical dangers
4) Specific circumstances of your own ministry
5) The concrete demands on your time.
6) Your age and experience