Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Genesis]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent wrote this sermon about the covenant God made with Adam, and notes the following Bible verse on page 1: Genesis 2:16-17, "And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."

Tennent presents a very detailed explication of the covenant of works that God made with Adam not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In disobeying, Adam, as the first man, introduced sin and death into the world for himself and for all people thereafter. The Second Adam, Christ, also as one man, brings redemption from sin and death for all believers, and shows the continued willingness of the almighty to once again make a covenant with man, even so much lesser and ungrateful a partner. The power of covenants, according to Tennent, extends down the generations.

From dates noted on the manuscript, it appears Tennent wrote the sermon in 1744, and delivered it again in 1747, 1751, and 1758.

Tennet's sermon "De federe nature (On the nature of the covenant)" follows this one.]]>
Adam was innocent, so far free of the the evils of the mind and the flesh, to us as fallen creatures "the two great fountains of Sin." Explores what kind of life the innocent Adam had, a union of soul (spiritual actions) and body (natural actions) and early on enjoyed eternal life. What kind of death would he eventually have? A three-fold death, of soul, body and life, which could not eradicate Adam as a public man, a symbol of countless others to come.

Rev. Tennent argues that the Covenant of Works was destined for Adam's posterity as well, before the Fall. Once the Fall occurred, the free enjoyment of Eden ended and the punishments for mankind became continual.

Afterwards Rev. Tennent argues that the Covenant of Grace undergirded other covenants at other times: with Noah and the symbol of the rainbow, Abraham and his seed, the Laws handed down from Mount Sinai; with David and his posterity; with the Jews after the Babylonian Captivity; and the stated Covenant of grace with the coming of Christ, the greatest expression of God's stooping to meet man in treaty.

Beginning on p. 16 are objections and Rev. Tennent's responses.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
This manuscript contains two sermons on the subject of love; both are undated, but it is likely that Tennent wrote them between 1743 and 1763. The first sermon begins with reference to Ephesians 5:2, "And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour." The second sermon begins with reference to Ephesians 3:19, "And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God."]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. James]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
In this manuscript, dated around 1742, Tennent discusses his thoughts on James 4:12, "There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?" (The first scanned page is a typed transcript of page 10 of the manuscript.)]]> Manuscripts]]> Sermons]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
This manuscript includes fragments of Tennent's sermons and his copious notes on many Biblical subjects. The manuscript is undated, but it is likely that the various components date from 1743 to 1763.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Genesis]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
This sermon follows "De federe operum (On the covenant of works)" and "De federe nature (On the nature of the covenant)."

Tennent begins this third piece on God's covenant with Adam by referring to Genesis 3:1-7. "Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons."

From dates noted on the manuscript, it appears Tennent wrote this sermon in 1744, and delivered it again in 1747, 1754, and 1758.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Genesis]]> Bible. Luke]]> Bible. Revelation]]> Bible. Isaiah]]>
Tennent wrote this sermon about the ability of man to commune with God's holy spirit. He begins by citing the following Bible verses:

Genesis 6:3, "And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years."

Luke 19:42, "Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes."

Revelation 22:11, "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still."

Isaiah 55:6, "Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near."

From dates noted on this manuscript, it appears Tennent wrote this sermon in 1744, and delivered it again in 1745.]]>
Rev. Tennent breaks his presentation into four topics: 
 1. When the Spirit may be said to strive with us, on our side, in a succinct yet comprehensive statement of a right heart and mind realizing visible prosperity:   
2. investigation of the truth of this proposition, illustrated by negative instances, e.g., Pharaoh's hardening of heart and Saul's paranoia in which both powerful men lost the favor of God;
3. the reasons why the Holy Spirit ceases to reach out to people, and
4. the reasons for coming to this terrible decision.

The flow of the text is broken by long-ago mistakes in the re-insertion and sequencing of loose pages, plus newer or revised pages inserted as well which require careful attention to page-to-page syntax.  ]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Samuel, 2nd]]> Bible. Matthew]]> Bible. Samuel, 1st]]> Bible. John]]> Bible. Hebrews]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
This manuscript contains two sermon topics in three presentations, perhaps presaging papers for a workshop or retreat. Tennent begins by citing 2 Samuel 15:26, "But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him." He goes on to cite further verses from Matthew, Samuel, John, and Hebrews.

The first presentation, addressed to "sirs," is almost a tutorial on how to weaken sin and deprive it of nourishment and its rule over people, with a questionnaire for self-examination and encouragement for those struggling. The second presentation talks of resignation, and is addressed to "dear sirs" with a "profession," possibly an audience of fellow ministers. The third paper, on submissive resignation, explores human psychological reactions as they make afflictions worse, and reminds the congregation to refer all to God and Christ, to help regulate and calm overreactions to troubles at their onset, and to ease the bearing of them over time.

From dates noted on the manuscript, it seems Tennent wrote these pieces in 1744, and returned to them again in 1745, 1746, 1748, 1749, 1756, 1762 and 1763.]]>
The second sermon, De resignatione divine voluntate (On resignation to the Divine Will)  outlines how people arrive at resignation:  first the sense of affliction, then the attempt to pray the affliction away, then realization of the right-ness of the circumstance, and finally consent to the will of the Creator and hope in him.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Presbyterians]]> Great Awakening]]> Bible. Psalms]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
This sermon explores the complicated relationship between man and God, through a meditation on the behavior of David: first under stress and angry, then counseling with his friends and communing with himself, then happy and striving to show publicly his gratitude to God. Tennent ends the sermon in an appeal for funds toward a new church building, as evidence of congregants' gratitude for God's help and mercy.]]>
No title page; title from heading on page 1:  116th Psalm, verses 12-14 in which David gives thanks to God, plans to take the cup of Salvation,  a ceremonial drink to symbolize present thanks and past benefits, and to pay his vows publicly.  

He has recovered from too openly-expressed hopes and the desertion of his friends, experiencing fear and disquiet, and now feels renewed faith, has found calm, and expresses equally candid gratitude which needs public expression both for the honor of God and as example to others.  Illustrates the measures that an individual can take to realize his intemperate behavior, think about it, meditate on recompense and renew promises quickly and visibly, and to be grateful when he's had a chance to review and learn from his behavior.

What are the duties involved?
1. Love for God's mercies; God loves to be petitioned and given praise. 
2. Remembrance of God's past benefits, as this supports our faith.
3. Praise God openly 
4. Obey God's law with sincerity and carefulness, actively and passively; bear afflictions sent to us with patience and calm; donate some of our substance to God, and in this instance, for a house of worship, but to gain salvation and eternal life as well.  ]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Samuel, 2nd]]> Bible. Proverbs]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
In this sermon, Tennent discusses the idea of God as a fortified tower, inspired by these two Bible verses: 2 Samuel 22:51, "He is the tower of salvation for his king: and sheweth mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for evermore;" and Proverbs 18:10, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." He describes the qualities of a fortified tower in human warfare, and extends the image to a spiritual tower with the larger powers of God available through faith in "this tyme of common danger."

From dates noted on the manuscript, it appears Tennent wrote this sermon in 1744 and delivered it again in 1746, 1747, and 1761. The common danger he refers to could include border clashes, skirmishes with Native Americans, and or/tensions between British and French colonists.]]> from warfare and the worldly.  Hermits go to the high mountains to concentrate on God as center of their lives; ordinary folk or tribesmen caught up in danger and conflict seek God as a fortress.  Is God such?  Or not?   This sermon is set in the turbulent world of David against Saul and the Philistines, but we get as well an idea of historical warfare into the 18th century: the construction of towers, thick-walled to fend off battering rams, built on rock to defeat being undermined, built aloft for a good view of surrounding territory and enemy movements, with mention of half-moons and counterscarps. 

But towers can fall short of complete protection:  if the watchmen are asleep, if food supplies and water run out; by treachery; by ruin. 
Faith and hope in an unfailing, loving, protecting God are the strongest defenses against the metaphorical attacks of evil, but our faith must be active, with reliance on God's wisdom.  Instances of God's help follow, with his successes over the machinations of men, having their crimes turn against them, and devising an escape for the afflicted.  Ends with advice to the distressed.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Chronicles, 2nd]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon with the Bible verse 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." He urges his congregation to practice earnest humility and heart-felt prayer, and to strive for serious reformation in the face of troubled times - here identified as warfare with France and the withdrawal of God in dissatisfaction with his followers, who have fallen away from established religion and clear-cut truths into Moravianism and other errors. Tennent reminds the Brethren of their obligations to God and his goodness in the face of man's sinfulness.

From dates noted on the manuscript, it appears Tennent wrote this sermon in 1744, and delivered it again in 1747, 1751, 1755, and 1763.]]>
sets forth the three conditions which show repentance under affliction: humility, prayer, and reform, and the three blessings that God offers in response: a hearing, forgiveness, and deliverance.

Humility requires a candid confession of sin, not dissembling it, lying about it, trying to defend it, blaming it on someone else-- when what is required is to bear chastisement patiently. Prayer is an awareness that God has turned his face away from the sufferer; prayer longs for the face of God once more, and the one petitioning must make his case openly and in detail and in lamentation before God, who knows everything already but must hear it from us so that we understand our wrongs clearly and with faith in God's deliverance. Reformation demands that we abjure sin. We must be sincere in our praying so that God hears us and we are not shut out but are forgiven if we mend our ways, otherwise our prayers will have no merit.

This sermon was given under looming threat. There had been intermittent wars with France over whether the French or the British would rule North America.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Chronicles, 2nd]]> Bible. Exodus]]> Bible. Jeremiah]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this preparatory sermon concerning covenanting with God by citing Exodus 24:8, "And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words." He also references Chronicles and Jeremiah.

From dates noted on the manuscript, it appears that Tennent wrote this speech in 1744, and delivered it again in 1746, 1749, 1750, and 1756.]]>
The Latin word "pango" imagines the covenant permanently recorded; one thinks of it publically displayed: physically carved in stone or forged in bronze. The sermon celebrates the seeking of the compact with God rather than with man.

In remembrance of better days before the captivity, and of the exile and troubles they met while not at home, the ancient Israelites felt the need of setting things right all the more. Rev. Tennent matches the grief and anxieties of the long-ago with his own times and in this lengthy sermon urges the utmost penitence and repledging to peace, to God and to the covenant of grace.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Psalms]]> Bible. Peter, 1st]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon on the heedfulness of morality by citing two Bible verses, 1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you;" and Psalms 37:5 "Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."

From dates noted on the manuscript, it appears Tennent wrote this sermon in 1744, and delivered it again in 1746 or 1747, 1749, 1750, 1756, and 1758.]]>
Evidence of God's oversight for us-- the intricacy and capabilities of our bodies; that we live in Christianity and religious freedom; our parents' care for us; our training and growth in religion; God's decisions about the afflictions and life-spans that we may have; most of all, by the growth of moral law under God with the rewards in adhering to it (which allows us better to bear the afflictions of life), and the punishments for ignoring it or abandoning it. Respect for authority comes down through that vested by God in our rulers and governors and brings peace for society and justice for the wrongdoer.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Proverbs]]> Bible. Ephesians]]> Bible. Hosea]]> Bible. Romans]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
This manuscript contains two sermons. Tennent begins the first sermon, on cognition, by citing Proverbs 22:17, Hosea 4:6, and Proverbs 12:3-9. He begins the second sermon, on temptations by the devil, by citing Ephesians 5:6-15, and later Romans 8:6.

From dates noted on the manuscript, it appears Tennent wrote these sermons in 1744 or 1745, then redelivered one or both in 1747 and 1759.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Song of Solomon]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, which compares the Holy Spirit to wind and the Church to a garden, by citing Canticles (Song of Solomon) 4:16, "Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it appears Tennent wrote this sermon in 1744, and delivered it again in 1746, 1751 and 1760.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Isaiah]]> Bible. Ezekiel]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon about the Sabbath by citing the following Bible verses:

Isaiah 58:13-14, "If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it."

Ezekiel 23:38, "Moreover this they have done unto me: they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my sabbaths."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it appears Tennent wrote this sermon in 1744, and delivered it again in 1745, 1747, 1751, 1755, and 1760.]]>
Includes arguments from the apostles and the church fathers, and, in the 18th century, under threat by sins of commission and omission, how best to spend Sunday and celebrate the Sabbath in Rev. Tennent's own time.

He considers non-religious activities, recreation, even walking for pleasure, sinful, as he does sports, plays (uncertain whether he means games or stage-plays), and "pastimes." Sundays should be spent in religion: in public worship, with zealous prayer and psalm-singing, preceded by preparation of heart and mind through quiet prayer, meditation and reading of the Scriptures. while at home. After the end of public worship should follow more prayer, meditation, and examination of self. Neglect of these behaviors and of family prayer is also sinful. Staying away from church unnecessarily offends the Lord. Staying away to attend to worldly affairs is sinful, as is attending church in body but with mind and heart elsewhere. Allowing family members or others we're responsible for to sin is itself a sin, as it breaks the 4th Commandment and sets a bad example. Performance of religious obligations keeps religion in mind and helps people lead honorable lives in honor of God and Christ.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Luke]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon about immoderate care for worldly things by citing Luke 10:41-42, "And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it appears Tennent wrote this sermon in 1744, and delivered it again in 1753 and 1760.]]>
A short sermon on Luke 10:41-42, and the contrasting behaviors of Martha and Mary. Jesus chides Martha for being too concerned about household matters, and says that Mary, sitting at his feet and and hearing what he has to say, is doing the one thing needful.

The original pages of the manuscript are headed Luke 10:41-42; there is an insert of one folded page written on all four sides, which is almost an outline or set of notes; it is much more hastily written, with partial phrases and one-word prompts, headed [verse] 42 only. The insert does include a brief section of typical objections or counter-arguments that hearers would have raised, with the Reverend's answers.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Luke]]> Bible. Ephesians]]> Bible. Zechariah]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
This manuscript contains three sermons. Tennent begins the first sermon, about drunkenness, by citing Luke 21:3-4. He begins the second sermon, comparing hope to a helmet, by citing Ephesians 6:17. Finally, he begins the third sermon, comparing Christ to a fountain, by citing Zechariah 13:1.

From dates noted on the manuscript, it looks like the first and second sermons were delivered together, in 1744 or 1745, and the third shortly after. One or all were also delivered in 1748, 1749, 1757 and 1760.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Romans]]> Bible. Ephesians]]> Bible. John]]> Bible. Matthew]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, about the impotence of man, by citing Romans 5:6, Ephesians 2:1, John 15:5, and Matthew 7:18.

From dates noted in the manuscript, it appears Tennent wrote this sermon in 1744, then delivered it again in 1746, 1747, 1748, 1751, 1755, and 1760.]]>
Reverend Tennent felt that this topic needed periodic airing given THE TEMPTATIONS he saw around him in a growing colonial city. He preached this sermon seven times during his ministry.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Presbyterians]]> Great Awakening]]> Bible. Matthew]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent wrote this sermon about the Parable of the Net and
the Parable of the Pearl. Preaching the Gospel is likened to fishermen using nets to catch fish, with detailed descriptions of the fishermen's tasks and the destinies of the real and allegorical fish. The Parable of the Pearl compares trade and commerce in the physical world with that in the spiritual world, via the search for the Pearl of Great Price.

Both presentations employ the numbered lists of "particulars" and close arguments favored by Rev. Tennent.]]>
The following parable describes the activities of earthly merchants, maintaining their books and accounts the way that congregants should maintain their souls and spiritual well-being,  being present at sermons in order to recognize the true Christ and avoid charlatans,  in the way that merchants travel here and there to gain trading skills and knowledge of merchandise, blending the earthly and spiritual metaphors into imagining how it would be to have Christ as our agent in far-off Heaven.   ]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Romans]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon about original sin by citing Romans 5:12, "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it appears Tennent wrote this sermon in 1744, and delivered it again in 1746, 1748, 1750, and 1753.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Romans]]> Bible. Psalms]]> Bible. Hebrews]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, on peace with one's neighbor, by citing
Romans 12:18, Psalms 34:14, and Hebrews 12:14.

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1744, then delivered it again in 1747, 1753, and 1756.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Romans]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon on proclaiming Christ by citing Romans 13, which touches on Christians' relationships to government, the obligation to love one's neighbors, and the urgency of walking with God.

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1744 and delivered it again in 1748.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Corinthians, 1st]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sacramental sermon by citing 1 Corinthians 11:26, "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1744, and delivered it again in 1759.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Corinthians, 1st]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon on the holy judges of the world by citing 1 Corinthians 6:2, "Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?"

From dates noted in the manuscript, it appears that Tennent wrote this sermon in 1744, and delivered it again in 1749 and 1759.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Corinthians, 1st]]> Bible. Galatians]]> Bible. Hebrews]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon on the Christian course by citing 1 Corinthians 9:24, Galatians 5:7, and Hebrews 12:12.

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1744, and delivered it again in 1746 and 1750.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Corinthians, 1st]]> Bible. Galatians]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Two of Tennent's sermons are included in this manuscript. The first sermon, dated 1744 or 1745, is about the sacrament, and begins with a reference to 1 Corinthians 11:24, "And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me."

The second sermon, on the beauty of Christ, begins with a reference to Galatians 2:16, "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." This sermon is not dated, but the years 1751 and 1756 are noted on the back of the manuscript.]]>
In the second sermon, the Reverend discusses justification and salvation, illustrating the fate of sinners as if before a court of law. Contrasted against the sinner's uncertainty or want of faith, portrays the free grace and pardon of God, and the elegance of the redeeming and mediating powers of Christ. See also Sermon 38.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Corinthians, 2nd]]> Bible. Isaiah]]> Bible. Hebrews]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, on the timing of salvation, by citing 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 "For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." He also cites Isaiah 55:6, "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near," and Hebrews 3:15, "While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1744, then delivered it again in 1745 or 1746, 1750, 1751, 1761, and 1763.]]>
The apostle Paul felt the nearness of God and that the Second Coming was close at hand. Rev. Tennent and many others during the spiritual revival of the First Great Awakening in the American colonies during the 18th century felt with some urgency that the Second Coming could happen at any time. The occasion in 2 Corinthians was not only "kairos" but "euprosdektos kairos," the most appropriate occasion.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Galatians]]> Bible. Luke]]> Bible. Hebrews]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
The front cover of this manuscript lists three sermons, all on the subject of redemption, but it is not clear if there is more than one sermon present in the pages that survive. The first page is torn, but lists Galatians 3:13 and several other Bible verses. Other verses mentioned in the text include Luke 1:71, Galatians 3:13, and Hebrews 9:14.]]>
Sermon 38 reviews the types of earthly ransom, and, closely-argued, asserts that the son of God achieved eternal ransom or redemption for believers beyond what any earthly ransom could match. The discussion of ransom, of actions that might bring about ransom: free pardon, payment, satisfaction, are also mentioned in Sermon 36, On the Beauty of Christ." Some of the subtopics here,-- the meritorious cause, the instrumental cause, the effective cause-- recall the same breakdown at the end of Sermon 36, as causes of justification.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Ephesians]]> Bible. Revelation]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon on the punishment of sin by citing two Bible verses: Ephesians 2:3, "Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others;" and Revelation 3:18, "Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1744, then delivered it again in 1748 and 1751.]]>
However, if a believer sins, punishments are proportionate to the crime like a father's chastening, meant for benefit and good.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Presbyterians]]> Great Awakening]]> Bible. Genesis]]> Bible. Revelation]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
The title of this sermon translates to "On creation." In it, Reverend Tennet discusses Genesis- who and when and how long creation took; can something be created from nothing? He provides an overview of Aristotle's work in relation to God, then settles into detailed explications and arguments about creation and its purposes.]]>
God was the only entity that could have created the earth (thought to be 5,000 years old), or embellished it with such great variety, great beauty, great accuracy, great power, great order,  great mystery.  The events of the six  days of creation receive analysis, with man, the creature of reason, predominant.  In praxis, applied to daily life,  believers must sing the praises of God for the immensity and complexity of creation.   ]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Ephesians]]> Bible. Hebrews]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
This manuscript contains two sermons. The first sermon begins with reference to Ephesians 4:30, "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." The second sermon begins with reference to Hebrews 12:5, "And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him."

Note: The title of the second sermon is listed differently on the title page than on the cover; it translates roughly to "About Divine Chastisement."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennant wrote these sermons in 1747, then delivered one or both of them again in 1752.]]>
On title page: First title is the same. Second title: On Divine chastisements.

Hurriedly written, with lots of abbreviated words and misspellings. Practical theology. Simpler text and arguments, as tho written more as a set of prompts or reminders of points either planned or having been covered.

Presents the Holy Spirit as aware of insincerity and sins and grieved by them: the ways of making a permanent pledge or sealing, and how sealing is mpeded, and the guarantee of redemption that sealing by the Holy Spirit brings to the repentant and the true believer.

The second sermon is in fact on Divine chastisements, but it does bring in advice on seeking wisdom. Advice is to heed chastisements because they make sin bitter to us and we decide to learn from chastisements, repent, and reform. Requires self-examination of conscience. Why do people scorn chastisement? Failure to examine; barriers to learning: being habituated to sin and enjoying it; worldly pleasures; seeing others flout punishment or flourish despite wrongdoing; personal hardship and suffering of different kinds Gives special attention to Psalm 90:12:. Seeking wisdom.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Ephesians]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent wrote this sermon on a peaceful conscience in 1744, and begins by citing Ephesians 5:15, "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise."

Note: Two more sermons are listed on the front cover, but only one looks to be present. It is possible this manuscript is a fragment.]]>
A short discussion of peace follows (see Sermon 31, On peace with one's neighbors) for an extended presentation, with the Gospel to be preferred to worldly ways of seeking comfort.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Ephesians]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
This manuscript includes two of Tennent's sermons, both of which ruminate on Ephesians 6:14, "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote these sermons in 1744, then delivered one or both again in 1749 and 1759.]]>
The second sermon details and explicates the metaphorical armor needed for going out and meeting the varied challenges of earthly life.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Ephesians]]> Bible. Hebrews]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
This manuscript includes two of Tennent's sermons, both of which, like the two sermons that precede them (De stando and De lumbis veritats circumsinctis), are ruminations on Ephesians 6:14. The first sermon also references Hebrews 10:23, "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised)."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote these sermons in 1744, then delivered one or both again in 1749 and 1759.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Philippians]]> Bible. Corinthians, 2nd]]> Bible. Isaiah]]> Bible. Galatians]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
This manuscript contains two sermons written by Tennent. The first sermon, about the humiliation of Christ, begins by citing the Bible verses Philippians 2:6-8, 2 Corinthians 8:9 and Isaiah 53:2-3. The second sermon, about love, joy and peace, begins by citing Galatians 5:22.

From dates noted in the manuscript, it appears that Tennent wrote these sermons in 1744, then delivered one or both again in 1745 or 1746, 1747, 1753, 1756, 1761, and 1763.]]>
The extremity of that inherited sin made it necessary for Christ the Mediator to suffer the extremity of insult and crucifixion to redeem his people. His incarnation is key: presentation of the particularly demanding, even cruel aspects of being made flesh.

The second sermon assigns our duty to emulate Christ on earth and to share glory with him in the hereafter. Lists the qualities of love [ED: eros versus agape?] and of true and false joy and peace.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Philippians]]> Bible. Hebrews]]> Bible. Mark]]> Bible. Matthew]]> Bible. Corinthians, 1st]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
This manuscript contains two sermons by Tennent. The first sermon, about exaltation, begins by citing Philippians 2:9-11 and Hebrews 2:9. The second sermon, about the resurrection of Christ, begins by citing Mark 16:9, Matthew 28:6, and 1 Corinthians 15.

From dates noted in the manuscript, it appears Tennent wrote these sermons in 1744, then repeated one or both in 1746 or 1747, 1748, 1749, 1755, and 1759.]]>
The second sermon discusses Christ's resurrection from Bible evidence and by the impact it can have on ordinary lives as both a warning to the unconverted and in strengthening faith and hope in believers.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Philippians]]> Bible. John]]> Bible. Peter, 1st]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
This manuscript contains two sermons written by Tennent. The first sermon, on the topic of salvation, begins with reference to Phillippians 2:12,"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." The second sermon, on the topic of saintly perseverance, begins with reference to John 10:27-28, Phillippians 1:6, and 1 Peter 1:5.

From dates noted on the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote these sermons in 1744 and delivered one or both again in 1750.]]>
The second sermon urges the constant work necessary to commit to seeking salvation and gain it. This was a work in progress; ideas, lists, and Bible references continue beyond the closing pages to the back cover.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Colossians]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon by citing Colossians 3:11, "Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all," and Colossians 1:19, "For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell."

From dates noted in the manuscript it appears that Tennent wrote this sermon in 1744, then delivered it again in 1747 and 1749.]]>
explores the concept of fullness or completion in Christ, the many ways he is the all and in all, quoting either in full text or with notes and prompts

drawn from a dense forest of Bible citations from both Testaments. Talks of the saintly people who follow him and the reasons for their strong belief: their need of him and their hope of salvation. Provides an examination or set of questions and answers for people to weigh their lives and beliefs.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Thessalonians, 1st]]> Bible. Peter, 1st]]> Bible. John]]> Bible. Corinthians, 1st]]> Bible. Hebrews]]> Bible. Proverbs]]> Bible. Galatians]]> Bible. Psalms]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
This manuscript contains two sermons by Tennent. He begins the first sermon, on the topic of sanctification, with references to 1 Peter 1:2, John 17:17, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 1 Corinthians 6:11, and Hebrews 12:14. He begins the second sermon, on the topic of peace, with references to Proverbs 3:17, John 16:33, 1 Peter 5:14, Galatians 6:16, John 14:27, and Psalms 16:5.

From dates noted on the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote these sermons in 1744, then delivered one or both again in 1746, 1747, 1748, 1750, 1755, 1757, and 1758.]]>
Rev. Tennent expands the knowledge of consecration from things or individuals set apart from the mass of ordinary people, e.g. temple utensils or boys like Samuel being dedicated to the temple, to the possibility of attaining sanctification by ordinary believers operating in everyday life.

He reviews ways of spotting false impressions of sanctification, what its true nature is, why we need it, and how it comes from God. One way is through peace: signs of false peace and true peace, living peacefully and seeking peace.

Both sermons include at least one question and answer and suggestions for examination of self.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Timothy, 1st]]> Bible. Corinthians, 2nd]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon about the gospel by citing 2 Corinthians 4:4, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." He also cites 1 Timothy 1:11, "According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust."

From dates noted in this manuscript, it appears Tennent wrote this sermon in 1744, then delivered it again in 1758.]]>
The sermon bears preaching dates of 1744 and 1758, which may point to added material. The extant MS seems to be in least two parts, as many pages are of uneven size. Of the two discernable parts or copies (?) which are intermingled, one bears the opening citation from 1 Timothy at the top of right-hand pages like a running title, and those pages are numbered. The other sequence has unnumbered pages and no top-of-page reference.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Presbyterians]]> Great Awakening]]> French and Indian War (United States : 1754-1763)]]> Bible. Proverbs]]> Bible. Psalms]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
The title of this sermon translates to "On the fear of God and reliance." Tennet wrote a later revision (discernible by darker ink) during the French and Indian War, around the time of the siege of Fort William Henry, and references calamity and dangers to the nation.]]>
An added word in the title, difference in the inks, insertions within the text, and additional text at the close take the sermon's topicality into the political atmosphere of British North America in the mid-18th century: the fear of tumult in provincial America, the threats against Protestant settlements in eastern Canada, the dread of Native Americans, the defeat of the British at Fort William Henry, dread of the powerful French as the rival to British rule combine with the First Great Awakening's heightened expectation of the Second Coming of Christ, which could be looked for suddenly and at any time.

Opens with a review God's majesty, power, and man's fear of angering him, paired with His justice, omniscience, and goodness (and the fear of losing this last.)   Discusses the kinds of fear-- that children, or sons, or adults experience,  with regard for the permanence of God's kingdom, and what those fears engender in behavior.  Fear is necessary.  Adults will then live moderate lives, even in permitted pleasures, and avoid bad company.   Fear is often joined with faith, as Noah's was when warned of the flood; with hope, and with joy, which are tempered and thereby appropriate. 

Realization that fear can cause distress, or drive people to criminal acts, engendering dwelling on the problem, not the cause of the problem or the solution, or when fear is hopeless, when it cannot be comforted by trust in and reliance on God and Christ the mediator, the redeemer, to soothe anxieties.  Mentions the "special seasons" where God's grace is nearer.  Lists duties:  Trust foremost, in God; at all times, in times of stress and trial, especially in contemporary times of political uncertainties and threats of warfare. ]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Timothy, 2nd]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon on Christian soldiers by citing 2 Timothy 2:3-4, "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier."

From dates noted on the manuscript, it appears Tennent wrote this sermon in 1744, then delivered it again in 1746 or 1747, and 1750.]]>
Offers a clear presentation of what motivates Reverend Tennent himself to look askance at worldly preoccupations and attractions. In other sermons he identifies himself as a voice crying in the wilderness, a sentinel on a hill giving warning, and here, as an ongoing soldier of Christ, wearing the insignia of Christ and thereby concentrating on the task at hand and committed to the relentless battles against Satan.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Hebrews]]> Bible. Matthew]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, on the subject of "whoredom", by citing Hebrews 13:4, "Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge," and Matthew 5:27-28, "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it appears Tennent wrote this sermon in 1744, and delivered it again in 1748.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. James]]> Bible. Psalms]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon on the topic of bad language by citing Psalm 39:1, "I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me" and James 1:26, " If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1744, and delivered it again in 1748, 1749, and 1759.]]>
Considers the malignity that the tongue so quickly comes out with in human affairs and disputes. Rev. Tennent weighs in especially invoking the name of God, owed all our love and respect as the source of all we have and are, by swearing to a lie in his name, taking His name through thoughtless blasphemy to strengthen an argument in every-day conversation, or in self-aggrandizement, comic sketches, or in making fun of God and the Scriptures.

He then details these damaging behaviors to our neighbors, principally the various forms of lying: lying to conceal the truth, little white lies, slandering the innocent, or those in authority, or of another faith, which leads to lying in court cases or on contracts, which destroy trust and disturb society and the public peace, and against what human speech was designed to do in promoting peace and progress. Boasting is another fault; one's deportment should be modest and reticent to avoid rash speech and preserve the peace.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Peter, 1st]]> Bible. Corinthians, 1st]]> Bible. Timothy, 2nd]]> Bible. Ephesians]]> Bible. John]]> Bible. Galatians]]> Bible. Romans]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
This manuscript contains two sermons by Tennent. The first sermon, on the subject of being called to the ministry, begins with references to 1 Peter 2:9, 1 Corinthians 1:26, 2 Timothy 1:9, and Ephesians 4:1. The second sermon, on the subject of adoption, begins with references to John 1:12, Ephesians 1:5, Galatians 3:26, and Romans 8:15.

From dates noted on the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote these sermons in 1744 or 1745, then delivered one or both again in 1747, 1748, 1750, 1755, 1757, 1759, and 1762.]]>
On the efficacious or effective call from God analyses the ways humans can be called: universal, a reminder of the vast workings of God as we see them in nature; common, as a calling to high office in church or state; or as the presentation of the promises of Christ for man's consideration; or special, efficacious, effectual, a call directly to the Elect, incorporating the motivating power of the Holy Spirit to inspire and build their faith and what they can accomplish through it.

Hearing the word is the instrumental cause, but the acceptance of the word is the efficient cause, through which the Holy Spirit works both to realize one's sinfulness, despair and anxiety, overcomes his stubbornness, and brings him to an acceptance of the worth of redemption and the will to seek it and take it on board.

The second sermon describes forms of earthly adoption, then sets forth how people become adopted by God, first by their realized need of him, then by God's grace, by the operation of the Holy Spirit, by faith, engendering love and obedience. Examination and review.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Peter, 2nd]]> Bible. Jude]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon on the topic of "evil angels" by citing 2 Peter 2:4, "For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;" and Jude 6, "And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1744, then delivered it again in 1747, 1750, and 1756.]]>
Also presents a powerful rebuttal of Satan's power in a splendid list of comparisons: "what tho" Satan has a given power, God has a greater power, as long as congregants earnestly repent in mind and heart, with a repeated warning that as God's justice punished the angels, they should expect worse if through backsliding and apostasy humans, having heard the Gospel, abandon it.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Proverbs]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
This sermon, on the subject of giving one's heart to God, appears to have gone through several edits, and has some pages inserted into the middle of the manuscript. The first page of the insert cites Proverbs 23:26, "My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1744, then delivered it again in 1749 and 1752.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. John]]> Bible. Lamentations]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent wrote this sermon on the Paraclete, which in Christian theology, refers to the Holy Spirit as an advocate, counselor or comforter. Tennent refers to the Bible verses John 16:7, Lamentations 1:16, and John 14:16 in his discussion of this subject.

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1744, then delivered it again in 1746, 1748, 1751, 1757, and 1761.]]>
Cites many instances from Scripture on this power as well as on the absence of comfort for those who live wayward lives-- being too satisfied with the worldly and short-term, and heedless of the greater comfort and more reliable help under trials given by Christ the Mediator.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Genesis]]> Bible. Peter, 1st]]> Bible. Epistle of John, 1st]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
This manuscript contains two sermons by Tennent. The first sermon, on the subject of God's "shield and reward", begins by citing Genesis 15. The second sermon, on the subject of following in Christ's footsteps, begins with references to 1 Peter 2:21 and 1 John 2:6.

From dates noted on the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote these sermons in 1745, then delivered one or both again in 1749, 1752, 1755, and 1758,]]>
The second sermon, De sequendo vestigia Christi (On following Christ's footsteps) is quite brief meant to inspire efforts of believers not for the same perfection and miracle-working of Jesus, but to imitate his patience and self-denial, doing good in everyday life and rejecting the worldly.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Bible. Exodus]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
This manuscript contains two sermons by Tennent. The sermons are closely related; Tennent wrote the first sermon about the preamble to the ten commandments as laid out in Exodus, and the second sermon on the first commandment, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote these sermons in 1745, then delivered one or both again in 1748, 1756, and 1760.]]>
The short sermon on the First Commandment

discusses both the commandment itself, and the traps of atheism, the profane, and idolatry that threaten disobedience to it.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]>