EXTEMPORE SPEAKING AND IMPROVISATION
There is, however, a mirage before us, which looks to the unwary like the goal of their dreams. It is called Extempore Speaking - speaking out of the occasion. It is best rebuked in the words of Snug the Joiner: " You may do it extempore, for it is nothing but roaring."32 It is the root of much woolly and confused speaking, much inconsequent and repetitive discourse, many regrettable and unworthy pronouncements. It is the sign of the decay of many whose eloquence has outmatched their prudence and industry. It is, as a practice, a thing to be avoided sedulously. Any occasion for which the subject is known or can be decided should be treated as a sacred responsibility for diligent and premeditated preparation.

This is not to deny exceptions. There are speakers who can speak extempore, occasionally, often, or nearly always, with a sure touch improving the occasion. But they are not the people who read this book for profit. " Take it as a rule without exception, that to be able to overflow spontaneously, you must be full."33 And we, the people who read and write this chapter, are very far from full.

Nor is it to deny that there may be occasions when we have no choice. Sudden emergencies may occur when we have to deputize for one who is absent, when we are called upon without warning to defend the faith, in debate. Whether we accept these opportunities will depend as much on our assurance as on our " fulness," but if we do decide that we may accept them, then on such occasions we are not guilty of negligence, and we can properly include in the prayers which will always precede our preaching, a plea that we may be given utterance in a faithful endeavour to serve God out of season.

Improvisation is not quite the same, but it still depends oon finding ourselves in a situation we did not expect. Nothing can excuse our having to improvise if we were altogether forewarned. " If we can study and will not . . . we have no right to call in a divine agent to make up the deficits of our idleness or eccentricity."34 It may arise out of a sudden event which can be turned to account-Campaign speakers will be aware of happenings of this kind; a local stir which bears on our message and can with advantage be exploited to enhance it; the unexpected presence of an interested friend with particular leanings. Only experience can guide us. For a long time we will do well to stick to what we had intended, rather than risk its disruption by the intrusion of matter we cannot place. Afterwards we may be more adventurous. " When Paul perceived that the one part were Sadduccees . . ."; 35 " His spirit was moved within him . . ,"36 It can be done : it can be done with great profit. But let us be modest before we decide that we can do it.