A Century Sermon, Preached Before the First Church in Windham, December 10, A. D. 1800. In Commemoration of Its Institution, December 10, A. D. 1700. Containing Historical Facts, Relative to Its Settlement and Progress

Waterman, Elijah

Edité par Printed by John Byrne, Windham, CT, 1801

Original publisher's beige paper pamphlet. Formerly bound. 5" x 8." Forty-two pages, complete. One additional page in back with an Appendix that includes a list of Windham Church deacon and some statistics about Windham. Pages are clean and intact overall but have fading to text on a few pages, browning, slight rippling, occasional small marks or stains, and residual pieces from former binding on spine. A Very Good copy. This pamphlet contains the printed text of a "century sermon" that was given on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the First Church in Windham, Massachusetts. The sermon was originally preached before the church's congregation by Elijah Waterman, minister of the First Church in Windham. Waterman briefly talks about the Pilgrims and how the American population has progressed from having to endure the hardships of the wilderness to having relatively comfortable lifestyles. He proceeds to the main subjects of his sermon which are a theological discussion about the definition of the church, who the Rock is, how Christ built His church, and the inevitable fulfillment of God's promise. Waterman says the Rock is God (and Christ) and that God is the foundation of the church. He then discusses the role of Christ as "God-Man-Mediator" who builds all things and is messenger of the Covenant. Waterman says that the object of the Christ as Mediator is to raise man "from a lower to a higher station; to remove him from an earthy and perishing foundation, to the Rock of Ages, which standeth sure." Waterman appears to suggest that had man remained in Eden, he would have lived a life of stagnation unworthy of Heaven. Given man's need for redemption, Waterman says that man from the beginning needed a Mediator, that is, Christ. Waterman also says that living a life of merit is not enough for man to enter Heaven, hence why God's grace and man's Christian faith are the true keys to entering Heaven. He then says, "Christ builds his Church by the holy Ministry." Waterman either paraphrases or quotes a verse that says, "Faith comes by hearing," which ties into how a preacher is needed to teach Christian principles. Waterman appears to say that the role of preacher is found in God and also in man. Waterman also contrasts the hearts and minds of sinners and reformed believers. He says that sinners always prioritize sin and that when the Spirit of God is in their lives, they are troubled because they know that which is divine is contrary to the sin they desire. He says that people who have accepted Christ have healing and peace and treasure the words of God like gold. Waterman continues and says Christ builds his church through prayer, "religious conversation," and Christian instruction of children. He also notes the importance of publicly professing one's faith. He then describes the different Christian concepts and practices such as Sabbath, baptism, and communion. He affirms the ultimate authority of God and then briefly describes evil forces working against God and the church. He finishes the theological part of his sermon with a discussion of God's promise in which God will prevail and forces of evil will not succeed. After this, Waterman gives a history of Windham Church and biographical sketches of its past ministers. He commends minister Samuel Whiting whose career and work took place in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. He also commends other ministers of Windham Church including Thomas Clap, Stephen White, and John Storrs. Waterman offers a few quotes by them and highlights some of their ministerial work. White came to Windham noting how many of its residents were devout Christians but lamented how, over the years, people began to disobey Christian principles and lose their faith. However, Waterman notes the Christian revivals of Windham in the mid-eighteenth century. Waterman also highlights notable donations and calls for unity in the church. N° de réf. du vendeur 027004

Détails bibliographiques

Titre : A Century Sermon, Preached Before the First ...
Éditeur : Printed by John Byrne, Windham, CT
Date d'édition : 1801
Reliure : Soft cover
Etat : Very Good