Had it been of a secular nature, it might almost have been described as inhuman, so obviously was it designed to render his hearers afraid to go home in the dark.

But since it was not secular, it took the form of a fine piece of inspiration which, from Mr.Lorimer's point of view at least, could scarcely fail to make the most stubborn heart in his congregation tremble.

He pictured himself delivering his splendid rhetoric with a grand and noble severity as impressive as the words he had to utter, reading appreciation--possibly unwilling appreciation--and dawning uneasiness on the upturned faces of his listeners.
Mr.Lorimer did not love his flock; his religion did not take that form.

And the flock very naturally as a whole had scant affection for Mr.Lorimer.The flock knew, or shrewdly suspected, that his eloquence was mere sound--not always even musical--and as a consequence its power was somewhat thrown away.

His command of words was practically limitless, but words could not carry him to the hearts of his congregation, and he had no other means at his disposal.