d. What constitutes perspicuity of form and structure?
Introduction: Qualifying principles
a) There exists in preachers a legitimate diversity of organizational taste and inclination.
John A. Broadus, On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons, (Birmingham, AL: Solid Ground Christian Books, 2005), p. 15.
b) There exist in preachers varying degrees of God-given organizational ability.
1) Order-independent identity issuing into sequential progression of thought
Robert L. Dabney, Sacred Rhetoric, (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1979), pp.131-133.
2) Unity
John A. Broadus, On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons, (Birmingham, AL: Solid Ground Christian Books, 2005), p. 290.
Robert L. Dabney, Sacred Rhetoric, (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1979), p. 223.
Robert L. Dabney, Sacred Rhetoric, (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1979), pp. 126-127.
John H. Pratt, The Thought of the Evangelical Leaders, ed. John H. Pratt, (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1978), p 120.
William Taylor, The Ministry of the Word, (Grand Rapids: BakerBook House, 1975), pp. 121-123.
3) Proportion/symmetry
4) “Simplicity” – freedom from intricacy and complexity
Robert L. Dabney, Sacred Rhetoric, (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1979), p. 124.
William G. T. Shedd, Homiletics & Pastoral Theology, (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1965), pp. 164-165.
Robert L. Dabney, Sacred Rhetoric, (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1979), pp. 221-223.
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Preaching and Preachers (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1971), pp. 205-214.
5) Completeness
John A. Broadus, On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons, (Birmingham, AL: Solid Ground Christian Books, 2005), p. 265.
e. How should we cultivate perspicuity of form and structure?
1) Maintain the conviction that the edification and salvation of your hearers demands it.
1 Cor. 14:8,9
Acts 14:1,2
2) Continually read the proven guides on this subject.
3) Expose yourself to good models of perspicuity of form and structure.
Andrew A. Bonar, Robert Murray M’Cheyne: Memoir and Remains, (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1966), p. 64.
4) Secure the constructive criticism of competent critics.
a) Wife
b) Fellow elders
c) Children
d) Discerning people in the flock
5) Give yourself to constant labor to improve in this area of your preparation.
William G. T. Shedd, Homiletics & Pastoral Theology, (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1965), p. 50.
William G. Blaikie, For the Work of the Ministry, (Birmingham, AL: Solid Ground Christian Books, 2005), pp. 54-55.