EDITED BY PETER SIPPEL
SECTION ONE: THE 17TH CENTURY.
All files on this site copyright (c) 2000 by Peter Sippel.
The Work of God in the Inward Parts. Delivered 1693, dealing with the work of God. Especially notable for the prayer that follows. I still need to do more background research on Richard Ashby.
From Death to Sin to the Life in Christ. The only known sermon by the 17th century Robert Barclay, author of the Apology, Anarchy of the Ranters, Universal Love Considered, and other foundational theological works. Unlike most reprints, this one includes the prayer that follows the sermon. I am guessing the occasion grammatical errors and tendencies to trip over words indicate this is probably pretty authentic.
That You May Receive Strength, Power, and Ability. Also delivered 1693, and dealing with the power of God given to his people.
From Darkness to Light. From 1693 (someone was very busy in 1693 copying down Quaker Sermons.) This sermon deals with the aim and purpose of Quaker preaching, namely, to turn people from darkness to light.
Walking in the Way of Holiness - Pressing on to Perfection. Dealing with the assumption that the listeners have already accepted Christ, and believe and understand the doctrines, and the need from there to move onto into the great business of holiness and discipleship.
The Standard of Truth. Crisp would seem to be the preacher with the most sermons recorded (at least sixty.) This is a late one, dealing with the need to have something to measure one's faith against.
The Excellency of Peace With God. Dealing with the urgency of finding peace with God, how it may be attained, and all the wrong courses people take to find it; concluding, of course, with exhortations and invitations to acceptance and repentance.
The True Knowledge of God and True Spiritual Worship. Starting with the premise that one cannot worship God without knowing God, going into how the knowledge of God is obtained and the results from that.
From "A Short Testimony Concerning John Crook, Containing Also a Few Words Spoken by Him, a Little Before His Death," by Theodore Ecclestone. Crook was first convinced by William Dewsbury (below) and was the author of numerous epistles, tracts, and essays. These words were apparently recorded by Ecclestone; whether they represent a single utterance or are several short pieces from various times is unclear. Footnotes are from the printed text of 1791, in the editor's possession.
A True and Faithful Testimony Concerning John Samm, the Servant of the Lord and an Exhortation unto All the Righteous, Especially Those That Were Partakers of John Samm's Ministry. These two pieces appear to be messages given at the funeral of John Samm, who died at Northampton Jail, 16th of 1st month, 1664, the same day and place as Richard Ashby. (Above.) Information on Samm (or "Samms") from Besse indicates he was imprisoned several times, and on at least one occasion was imprisoned with Crook, which no doubt helps account for the passionate tone of these messages.
Except Ye Be Born Again. One of the best known of the first generation sermons, and one of the best expositions of what the phrase means, I think. Particulary recommended for those who do not understand the concept and those who overuse the words without really understanding the depth involved.
An Address To The Ministers at the Yearly Meeting of 1658. Taken from an abridged edition of the Journal (Norman Penny's) for the present, though with the intent of filling this in and making necessary corrections at a later point from an unabridged, two volume Journal. This Yearly Meeting was held at the house of John Crook (above.) Omissions identified by Penney are retained.
Eulogy For Edward Burrough. Edward Burrough began his portion of the Lord's work at the age of 19, and died of disease in prison (as a result of overcrowding, inadequate nutrition and sanitation, etc.) at the age of 29.
The Lord of Glory Hath Raised a People in this Age and Generation. Marshall, according to Sewell, was an energetic and zealous preacher, and one of very few who curiously faced very fines or imprisonments for his work. I find him more appealing than some of his contemporaries, in part because he seems rather less critical of others.
You Shall Have Christ Jesus for Your Lord, King, Counselor, and Instructor. (Also spelled "Parke.") Based on the nativity passage in Luke.
Your Shall Reap Glory, Honour, Immortality, and Eternal Life: a Funeral Sermon for Rebecca Travers An early example of the funeral sermon, an exhortation addressed to the living, of course
See to it How the Work Goes On. This later sermon deals again with the need to go beyond the initial experience of conversion and salvation into ongoing sanctification and living the life of holiness.
We Shall Overcome Through Him That Hath Loved Us. Delivered at Devonshire House, date unknown, transcribed from an obscure 19th century periodical, The United Friend. An exhortation.
"Turn Your Minds Inward this Day" A message of direct invitation to salvation from the Lord.
That Faith Which Worketh by Love, That Giveth Them Victory Over The World. A fairly dense exposition of some of the common themes, such as sanctification and the need to go beyond professing the truth into following it and living in it.
For His Is the Alone Way. An exhortation to those who are blinded to the Truth (whatever they may profess) to those who have already been converted to maintain it.
A Peculiar People and a Chosen Generation Addressed to the people as a remnant, exhorting them to faithfulness and holding for a consistent witness of praise and gratitude.