Chapter II: Introduction: By Hon. JOHN A. BINGHAM, Member of Congress 7

=PART I.=—_GENERAL PREPARATIONS._

CHAPTER I.

THE WRITTEN AND EXTEMPORE DISCOURSE COMPARED—Illustrative Examples 13

CHAPTER II.

PREREQUISITES—Intellectual Competency; Strength of Body; Command of
Language; Courage; Firmness; Self-reliance 18

CHAPTER III.

BASIS OF SPEECH—Thought and Emotion; Heart Cultivation; Earnestness 27

CHAPTER IV.

ACQUIREMENTS—General Knowledge; of Bible; of Theology; of Men;
Method by which such Knowledge may be obtained 35

CHAPTER V.

CULTIVATION—Imagination; Language; Voice; Gesture; Confidence;
References to Distinguished Orators and Writers. 42

=PART II.=—_A SERMON._

CHAPTER I.

THE FOUNDATION FOR A PREACHER—Subject; Object; Text; Hints to Young
Preachers 69

CHAPTER II.

THE PLAN—Gathering Thought; Arranging; Committing; Practical
Suggestions; Use of Notes 80

CHAPTER III.

PRELIMINARIES FOR PREACHING—Fear; Vigor; Opening Exercises;
Requisites for a Successful Discourse 96

CHAPTER IV.

THE DIVISIONS—Introduction, Difficulties in Opening; Discussion,
Simplicity and Directness; Conclusion 104

CHAPTER V.

AFTER CONSIDERATIONS—Success; Rest; Improvement; Practical
Suggestions 115

=PART III.=—_SECULAR ORATORY._

CHAPTER I.

INSTRUCTIVE ADDRESS—Fields of Oratory; Oral Teaching; Lecturing 123