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THE WEAKNESS OF ELOQUENCE

F.W. Boreham was a student of his crafts. As a writer, he read widely and broadly. As a preacher, he had the privilege of sitting under some of the greatest preachers of his day including Charles Spurgeon, D.L. Moody, Archibald G. Brown, Joseph Parker, and F.B. Meyer.  It is clear from his writings that he reflected a lot on his crafts. He tells us that his reading-writing-listening-preaching served one mission: to bring people to the Saviour. He tells readers that one of the most ineffective ways to deliver such a message is to be eloquent. Boreham’s Exhibit A is Abraham Lincoln.

FWB tells us, “The speeches at the dedication of the Battlefield of Gettysburg were delivered by Edward Everett (pictured right) – the most polished orator of his day – and Abraham Lincoln. Everett resumed his seat amidst loud and prolonged applause: when Lincoln became silent, not a hand moved. Yet Everett’s oration is entirely forgotten: Lincoln’s utterance is treasured as one of the choices gems of our English speech” (‘A Tuft of Comet’s Hair‘, “Applause”, 1926 p. 95-96).

Wikipedia tells us that Everett was regarded as America’s finest orator. He served as the Governor of Massachusetts, Ambassador to England, then the U.S. Secretary of State. At Gettysburg he spoke for two hours to an enthralled audience. Abraham Lincoln spoke for just two minutes. As Dr. Boreham points out, despite the immediate adulation, no-one remembered what Everett said – whereas, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address has been immortalised.

FWB cautions us not to be confuse the applause that comes when an audience or congregation appreciates a speaker’s eloquence, with silence that comes after we have spoken with more passion than eloquence. When preachers experience such silence, “Those,” Dr. Boreham says, “are his golden memories” (p. 96). 

Boreham continues, “Herein lies the weakness of what is usually called eloquence. Eloquence is all very well in its way; and every preacher worth his salt will study every day of his life to sharpen the point of his power of appeal. But the most effective appeal is seldom eloquent. A robust, sensible, and healthy-minded girl would fail to be impressed by a proposal that was couched in perfectly-rounded sentences and finely-finished phrases” (p. 96).

 “When, in a burning building, I burst open a door and tell the slumbering inmate that the place is all on fire, I do not balance my sentences or polish my phrases; not does he clap his hands at the cleverness of my speech. But my solicitude and anxiety lend to my tongue an eloquence suited to the hour; and the sleeper shows his appreciation by availing himself of the opportunity of salvation.
The lover, confused by the very strength of his passion, and fearful of losing the heaven of felicity that he so ardently covets, expresses himself in sentences that are hesitating and broken; and it does not occur to the blushing girl to applaud his remarks. But his obvious earnestness touches her heart, and she responds by yielding herself to him for the years to come.” (p. 96)

 While fine oratory eloquence may speak to the mind – it may only speak to the mind. Whereas, speaking with passion about things which have gripped our hearts, have the power to speak into the hearts of those who need the Saviour.

“‘Speak ye unto the heart of Jerusalem,’ said the voice of the Most High to the prophet whom He was sending with a message of salvation and solace. And, when the prophet speaks to the hearts of the people, they may forget to clap their hands, but they will flock to the Saviour like doves to their windows.”

Andrew Corbett
July 20th 2018