The hint contained in the last paragraph is invaluable to the man
who proves or expounds doctrine. It sometimes happens that there
is an objection so natural that it seems to grow out of the
reasoning. Perhaps, while the preacher is speaking, it is taking
shape on the minds of the hearers; at least sooner or later it is
certain to recur.

How is it to be dealt with? Let it pass, and the audience carry
away the argument with a cloud of doubt hanging around that goes
far to destroy its force. Or it may be that when he opens the
morning paper it confronts him, set forth in the most convincing
shape, with the advantage of having, at least, twenty-four hours
to rest on the public mind before he can touch it. Therefore, let
no such objection pass, but grapple with it here and now, and
tear it to shreds. Here you are master of the situation, and can
present the objection in a shape most accessible to your own
knife. By anticipating an antagonist you break his sword and
render your own position unassailable.

Before our preacher goes into the pulpit just one word in his
ear--Beware of two very common defects--(I) _Rapidity of speech_
and (2) _Want of proper articulation_. A people who think warmly,
as we Irish do, speak rapidly. Thought is rushed upon thought and
sentence telescoped into sentence. Before sending forth an idea,
take care that its predecessor has got time to settle on the
minds of your hearers. In articulation try to earn the eulogy
passed on Wendell Philips: "He sent each sentence from his lips
as bright and clear cut as a new made sovereign from the mint."