Quote
"And pulpit, drum ecclesiastic, Was beat with fist instead of a stick."
"[H]e was often interrupted by the deep hum of his audience; and when, after preaching out the hour-glass, which in those days was part of the furniture of the pulpit, he held it up in his hand, the congregation clamorously encouraged him to go on till the sand had run off once more."

A sermon is a religious discourse or oration by a preacher, usually a member of clergy. Sermons address a scriptural, theological, or moral topic, usually expounding on a type of belief, law, or behavior within both past and present contexts. Elements of the sermon often include exposition, exhortation, and practical application. The act of delivering a sermon is called preaching. In secular usage
"And pulpit, drum ecclesiastic, Was beat with fist instead of a stick."
"It is prohibited to preach out of manuscript. Sermons are to be delivered without the help of any writing before the preacher."
"By thy language cabalistic, By thy cymbal, drum, and his stick."
"Take time enough: all other graces Will soon fill up their proper places."
"Style is the gossamer on which the seeds of truth float through the world."
"In general, rely mainly on Scriptural arguments, and prefer those that are plain and unquestionable."