The Philosophy of Preaching.—

It is objected that when sermons are heard so often, one sermon tends to thrust out another; so that persons lose the benefit of all. Such objections against frequent preaching, if they be not from an enmity against religion, are for want of duly considering the way that sermons usually profit an auditory. The main benefit obtained by preaching, is by impressions made upon the mind, at the time, and not by an effect that arises afterwards by a remembrance of what was delivered. And though an after remembrance of what was heard in a sermon, is often times very profitable, yet, for the most part, that remembrance is from an impression the words made on the heart at the time; and the memory profits, as it renews and increases that impression.

—Edwards.