Gibbon's Hand-Written Manuscript

As compared with to-day, it is interesting to note that not only did Gibbon write his millions of words with his own scribbling pen, but also he sent his great book to the press in “my first rough manuscript.” I wonder if any publisher would accept such a manuscript to-day, with its natural erasures and insertions? The secret with Gibbon is that he didn’t attempt to put anything on paper until he had it crystal-clear in his own mind. I am reminded of Stacy Aumonier, a master of the short story, who said, “A short story must be finished before it is begun.

You must think it all out clearly and in detail before you begin to write.” If we do that (say in our sermons), without needing to chew the end of our pen, we may hope to rival Gibbon in our own way. No one should start a sermon till he has his conclusion!