But do not stop there; begin afresh. Supposing that you have written four pages, reduce them to two, taking care that all the strong thoughts and sentiments remain. ... Use those terms which belong to a single thought, those expressions which imprint themselves--or, as the Scripture says, engrave the truth as with a pen of steel--on the hearts of men, and which scatter it abroad full of life and exultation. Nothing is so profitable as this exercise: it cultivates and supplies the intellect, gives us a deeper insight into Christianity and mankind, and it teaches us how to think, and how to write. ... During the reading of the Gospel, ascend the pulpit and be quite ready. Place your watch by your side and begin thus:--"Last Sunday we said so and so. To-day we continue." ... Then enter fully into your subject, enlightening the minds of your hearers or stirring up their hearts as may be suitable, during the discourse. When the allotted time arrives, stop short and conclude. "But do speak more at length ... you are wrong in being so brief ... you only tantalize your audience ... you deprive them of a real pleasure." Expostulations like these will pour in upon you; but don't listen to them: be inflexible, for those who urge them are enemies without knowing it. {194} Be more rigid than ever in observing the rule which you have prescribed for yourself. Then your sermon will be talked of--it will be a phenomenon--every body will come to _see_ a sermon of seven minutes duration. The people will come; the rich will follow. Faith will bring the one, and curiosity will attract the other, and thus the Divine word will have freer course and be glorified. ... If the men do not come, appeal to the women, and ask them to help you. If you want to attract the women, announce that you intend preaching specially for the men. You will find this method infallible; the men will follow. Moreover, go yourself and find them out: visit the workshops, factories, and wharves. Be particularly attentive to those who are shabbily dressed and ill-favored. On taking your departure, tell them with a smile that French politeness--in which you feel quite sure they are not deficient--demands that visits received should be returned: that you will dispense with their coming to you personally, but will expect to see them at the seven minutes sermon. The result will not disappoint you. {195} When you have many male hearers, you should reserve a space for them. The women will complain that thereby they are placed further away; but you must appease them with a compliment. Tell them that you know their charity, and are persuaded that they would not certainly wish to hinder the word of God from being heard by those who need it most.