“Secondly (as we say), as to long preaching. There is still in being an old-fashioned instrument called an hour-glass, which in days of yore, before clocks and watches abounded, used to be the measure of many a good sermon, and I think it a tolerable stint.
I cannot wind up my ends to my own satisfaction in a much shorter time, nor am I pleased with myself if I greatly exceed it. If an angel was to preach for two hours, unless his hearers were angels likewise, I believe the greater part of them would wish he had done.
It is a shame it should be so: but so it is; partly through the weakness and partly through the wickedness of the flesh, we can seldom stretch our attention to spiritual things for two hours together without cracking it, and hurting its spring: and when weariness begins, edification ends.
Perhaps it is better to feed our people like chickens, a little and often, than to cram them like turkeys, till they cannot hold one gobbet more. Besides, over-long sermons break in upon family concerns, and often call off the thoughts from the sermon to the pudding at home, which is in danger of being over-boiled.
They leave likewise but little time for secret or family religion, which are both very good in their place, and are entitled to a share in the Lord’s day. Upon the preacher they must have a bad effect, and tend to wear him down before his time: and I have known some, by over-acting at first, have been constrained to sit still and do little or nothing for months or years afterwards.
I rather recommend to you the advice of your brother Cantab, Hobson the carrier, So to set out that you may hold out to your journey’s end.”
–John Newton, The Works of John Newton, Volume 2 (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1820/1988), 2: 163.
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