Miller reflects both on the manner and the message of preaching that ensures utility. In the first place, Miller suggests that the manner is of secondary importance. God has used very different men with very different methods to do tremendous good throughout the history of the church. Nevertheless, the sermon most designed for utility should contain the following ingredients. It must be plain, simple, and colloquial. Preaching is communication. If the audience cannot understand the point, a significant purpose of the sermon is left unmet.

A man sincerely entering into ministry desires to be a blessing to his congregation. He wishes to offer services that will benefit the flock under his charge. If this is not the case, one would wisely suspect the validity of his call. Correspondingly, for those that desire to be useful, there is scarcely anything more deflating than the feeling of uselessness—that one’s labors are not doing any good. That is a conclusion that all preachers should wish to avoid, if possible. Although we are well aware that such utility is ultimately the work of God, we also know that God uses means. Are there things that we can do to ensure, as far as is possible with us, that we may be useful pastors? Samuel Miller thought so. At the graduation services of 1847, Miller offered a few parting counsels to his graduating students “of vital importance to your public character; and your official usefulness.”[1] In this address, Miller spoke of three things that we will briefly consider together.

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