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. Job]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent supports his exhortation to follow God's teaching and statutes in this sermon by citing Psalms 25:5, "Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day;" Job 34:32, "That which I see not teach thou me;" and Psalms 119:33, "Teach me O Lord the way of thy Statutes, and I shall keep it unto the end."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1751, then delivered it again in 1759 and 1761.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Presbyterians]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
"The Law of God" sets forth the ever-present dangers of pervasive sin in the world, in diverting people from moral law and consequent harmony with the purity of God, and the veneration due him as creator. The sermon draws from Greek vocabulary and Judaic law, and is supported by close reading of relevant Bible passages.

Tennent wrote this sermon in 1742 or 1743, but notations on the manuscript indicate he delivered it on other occasions in 1751, 1755, 1758 and 1761.]]>
One of the earliest sermons we have, dating from 1742-43.  Lacks title page (Latin title from back cover) and possibly another page or pages.   First extant page headed the Law of God.   The Bible text citation usual to guide the discourse is lacking but sermon text makes reference to the Apostle, probably Paul, and to the Greek words hamartia, or Sin (missing the mark) and anomos, without law, or lawless.  

Moral law is the earthly copy of the divine law, and should be the guide for man.  Harmony in man's behavior and in his religious beliefs offer the surest way to happiness.  Sinners lose the chance of happiness both in their tendencies and the bad behaviors that result.  Reviews the types of law governing the Israelites:  moral, ceremonial, and judicial.   

Man as a reasoning creature can make the choice between right and wrong, and every sin tarnishes the purity which the Law of God exemplifies.

Reviews the "causes, consequences, and evil" of sin, set forth in plain terms, mirroring the influence of Frelinghuysen and the Dutch Reformed Church, in which a sermon should "divide the word aright:"  first frightening the congregation before it soothes with the Gospel and then prescribes for self-examination and solutions. 

Sin shows ingratitude and injustice to God, man's creator, to whom he owes everything.   Christ the Redeemer comes to bring "the greatest good from the greatest evil."  There follows a list of duties for mankind:  sorrow for sin, hatred for it, careful avoidance of it and getting rid of sin.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Second Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.)]]> Sermons]]> Tennent, Gilbert, 1703-1764]]> Great Awakening]]> Presbyterians]]> Jews]]> Bible. Romans]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
The title of this sermon, which Tennent delivered in 1743 or 1744, translates to "About being chosen." It is a rumination on God's rejection of the Jewish people as "neither total nor final," and begins with Romans 11:5, "Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace," although Tennent goes on to quote several other Bible passages in his discussion of the subject.]]>
Election is through God's foreknowledge (predestination) and grace, and not by any implicit deserving or work being done by an individual.  
Identifies God as the author, the acts as the choosing of certain fallen men, and discusses the properties of election and the end, or purpose, of it.  Certain ones are chosen, sometimes unlikely to our eyes; others are left to their fate, or sometimes rescued later and selection is entirely by God-- why cannot he do what he wishes with his own creature, as everyone is?   Election means that the person is chosen to glorify God and his Church and to receive an incorruptible inheritance.  How do people know they're the Elect?  By the strength of their Call to the Lord, their hope, which lends them endurance and zeal; additionally, by their kindness, humility of mind, even the hatred engendered against them because they're dedicated to God rather than to the world. We can't see the Book of Life to see if our names are in it, but if we imagine we are chosen, this should energize us and spur us on rather than induce to sloth. Any tribulations we endure will be sanctified and efforts must be introspective and continual, from faith to justification, to vocation, to predestination. Opposes the idea of universal predestination as that induces laziness and lack of the continued effort needed to make our possible election certain.]]> 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]]> Ordination sermons]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent delivered this sermon at the ordination of Mr. John Prudden in Maidenhead, N.J. in 1747. He begins the sermon by citing 1 Timothy 4:16, "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."]]> 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. Psalms]]> Bible. Haggai]]> Bible. Ecclesiastes]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, on the subject of meditation, by citing several Bible verses: Genesis 24:63, Psalms 19:14, Haggai 1:5, Ecclesiastes 7:14, and Psalms 39:3-4. From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1748 or 1749, then delivered it again in 1750 or 1751, 1755, and 1761.]]> 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. James]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, "On governing one's tongue," with reference to
Psalms 39:1, James: 3:8, and James 1:26. From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1748 or 1749, then delivered it again in 1760 and 1764.]]>
Special warnings against irreligious talk, atheism, profanity, and making a joke of Scripture, even tho joking may have been made in momentary temptation to elevate our self esteem over others rather than true blasphemy. Profanity or atheism results from

malice and truly insults God, who minds these utterances more than men would, and would mock us in turn. Decries threats to the peace and social order, brought on by lying, or by insincerity, or the censure and judgement of others, and the desire for revenge

when we are reviled. Shows the fallacies in everyday talk that includes unseemly jest, or boasting, or insistence on our own often unjustified opinion.]]> 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]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, "On the manifold work of God," by referencing Psalms 104:24 and Psalms 136:5. From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1748, then delivered it again in 1750 or 1751.]]> 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]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, on the subject of friendship, by referencing Proverbs 18:24 and Proverbs 27:5-6. From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1748, then delivered it again in 1749 or 1750, and again in 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. Song of Solomon]]> Bible. Colossians]]> Bible. Ephesians]]> Bible. Corinthians, 1st]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
This manuscript contains two sermons by Tennent. The first sermon, "On the dove," begins with reference to Canticles/Song of Solomon 2:14. The second sermon, "On Christ as the head of the church," begins with reference to Colossians 1:18, Ephesians 4:15, and 1 Corinthians 11:3.

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote these sermons in 1748, then delivered them again in 1752, 1754, 1758, and 1761.]]> 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. Matthew]]> Bible. Micah]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, on the subject of justice, with references to Matthew 7:12 and Micah 6:8. From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1748, then delivered it again in 1750, 1752, 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. Luke]]> Bible. Acts]]> Bible. Psalms]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, "On placing one's spirit in God's hands," by citing Luke 23:46, Acts 7:59, and Psalms 31:5. From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1748, then delivered it again in 1757.]]> 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. Peter, 1st]]> Bible. Isaiah]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, "On the passions of Christ," by citing Luke 24:26, 1 Peter 2:21, Isaiah 53:5. ("Passions" in this context refers to suffering.) From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1748, then delivered it again in 1750, 1752, 1758, 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. Romans]]> Bible. Epistle of John, 1st]]> Bible. John]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, "On God's love in the redemption by Christ's death," by citing Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:9, and John 3:16. From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1748 or 1749, then delivered it again in 1758 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. Proverbs]]> Bible. Ephesians]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
In this sermon, which Tennent first delivered in 1743 or 1744 and again in 1747, Tennent discusses the theme of Ephesians 1:11, "In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will," and Proverbs 19:21, "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand."]]>
What are God's decrees but his plans and purposes of predestination?  These plans were devised for all things before the creation of the world and according to God's will and pleasure.  God is perfect and therefore immutable in sovereignty and foreknowledge-- any change of intention or dissatisfaction would mar perfection and make him less than God.  

Decrees are of two kinds: those that affect all of creation and events, and those that affect men and angels.  The sermon presents various objections and Rev. Tennent's answers, such as  the purpose of predestination for the promotion of God's glory tho the exact route to that glory can be variable as man is variable.  God may permit sin, but man is born into it, or can fall into it in various ways.  Contradiction in a fixed purpose yet freedom in the agent?  Our understanding is imperfect and we must admit it.  We see not as God sees.  Man should work for God's glory through how he conducts his 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. Romans]]> Bible. Hebrews]]> Bible. Isaiah]]> Bible. Epistle of John, 1st]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, "On the intercession of Christ," by referencing Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25, Isaiah 53:12, and 1 John 2:1. From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1748, then delivered it again in 1750, 1752, 1756, 1761, and 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. Corinthians, 1st]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent wrote this sermon on the topic of "manna," which, in a Biblical context, refers to food supplied miraculously by God, or spiritual nourishment such as the consecrated bread and wine consumed during the Eucharist. He begins the sermon by citing 1 Corinthians 10:3, "And did all eat the same spiritual meat."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1748, and delivered it again in 1751.]]> 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. Psalms]]> Bible. Corinthians, 1st]]> Bible. Matthew]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, "On the manifold wisdom of God in the business of salvation," by citing Ephesians 3:10, Psalms 85:10, 1 Corinthians 1:24, Matthew 11:19, and 1 Corinthians 2:7. From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1748 or 1749, then delivered it again in 1749 or 1750, 1751, 1752, 1755, 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. Colossians]]> Bible. Deuteronomy]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, on the subject of charity, by citing Colossians 3:12, "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;" and Deuteronomy 15:7-8, "If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1748, then delivered it again in 1759 and 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. Colossians]]> Bible. Malachi]]> Bible. Peter, 1st]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
This manuscript contains two sermons by Tennent. The sermon listed second on the title page comes first in the text.

"On Christ as refiner" begins with reference to Malachi 3:2-3, "But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness."

"On doing all things in the name of Christ" begins with reference to Colossians 3:17, "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." Tennent also cites 1 Peter 4:12-17.

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote these sermons in 1748, then delivered one or both of them again in 1749 or 50, 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. Hebrews]]> Bible. Psalms]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, "On the throne of grace," by citing
Hebrews 4:16, "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." He also cites Psalms 28:2, "Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1748, then delivered it again in 1750, 1755, 1758, and 1761.]]> 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. Epistle of John, 1st]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, "On internal testimony," by citing 1 John 5:10, "He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son." He also cites John 7:17, "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1748 or 1749, then delivered it again in 1750 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]]> Ten commandments]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent wrote this sermon on the third commandment, “Thou shall not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain." From dates noted in this manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1748, then delivered it again in 1751 or 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. Proverbs]]> Bible. Colossians]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
This manuscript contains two sermons, although only one is listed on the title page. The first sermon, on the subject of sleep, or perhaps laziness, begins by citing Proverbs 6:9, "How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?"

The second sermon, "On conversion in heaven," begins by citing Colossians 3:1-4, "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote these sermons in 1749, then delivered one or both of them again in 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. Deuteronomy]]> Bible. Luke]]> Bible. Revelation]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, on the subject of reading scripture, by citing Deuteronomy 17:19, Luke 4:16, and Revelation 1:3. From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1750, then delivered it again in 1752, 1756, 1760, and 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. Thessalonians, 1st]]> Bible. Ecclesiastes]]> Bible. Hebrews]]> Bible. Psalms]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
At the beginning of this sermon, Tennent references the following biblical verses: Ecclesiastes 11:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, Hebrews 9:27, and Psalms 50:3. He follows with a clear description of what is likely to happen at the coming of Christ, to which he gives a flavor of an English courtroom and which he calls "the last Asize." He describes the separation of sheep and goats, and the qualities of the last judgment: conducted in a setting to terrorize the impious; critical, unavoidable, impartial, and final. The reward for those badly treated in this life is in the next life of recompense. Tennent provides evidence for man's innate fear of judgment and his ability to reason combining to create a bad conscience after evil-doing; and the suddenness of the End of Days, which should keep people alert. He ends with an exhortation to young people at the end, with practical steps to take in preparation for the last judgement.

From dates noted on the text, it looks like Tennent wrote the sermon in 1743, and delivered it again in 1745 or 1746, 1748, 1753, 1756, 1758, and 1760.]]>
The presages: heresies flooding the world; false christs who fool people into not taking right precautions.   Only when the Gospel is finally preached to the entire world, will the end come;  the world meanwhile given over to carnality and wrong-doing;  persecutions of believers; wars, plagues, famines, earthquakes; widespread loss of faith.

Jesus Christ appointed the appropriate judge at the last.  He has all of God's attributes and knows all human secrets, and will complete the work of redemption; he himself has been persecuted and crucified.  People of all nations, young and old, good and bad must stand trial, and angels too will be tried.  No one knows the day of judgment, which will come at any time and will be sudden-- keeping the careless uncertain, and people of faith alert and trying to live aright and be prepared, and offering hope to the oppressed.

The Reverend wonders aloud, Where will it take place? Possibly the Valley of Jehoshaphat, but what earthly location could contain it?  How long would it take?  1000 years? or some less definite length of time?  Again linking to the every-day, he imagines the trials set afoot step by step as they would be in a human court of law. There follows destruction of earth and descent of Christ in splendor to deliver the final judgment in the vivid terms of Revelation.  Exhortation, especially to the heedless young:  to practice charity,  sobriety, watchfulness, sincerity, meekness.]]> 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]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, "On the willing people" with reference to Psalms 110:3, "Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1750, then delivered it again in 1755, 1758, and 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. Psalms]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, "On afflictions," with reference to Psalms 119:92, "Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction." From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1750, then delivered it again in 1762.]]> 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]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, on the subject of sympathy with the afflicted, by citing Proverbs 16:19, "Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud." From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1750, then delivered it again in 1752 and 1757.]]> 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. Timothy, 1st]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, "On the dangers of riches," with reference to Proverbs 30:7-9, "Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain." He also references 1 Timothy 6:9, "But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1750, then delivered it again in 1752, 1755, 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. Hosea]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
This manuscript contains two related sermons on the subject of repentance. The first sermon is a rumination on Hosea 14:1-3, "O israel, return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips. Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy." The second sermon is a rumination on the following verse, Hosea 14:4, " I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote these sermons in 1750, then redelivered one or both of them in 1752, 1755, and 1757.]]> 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. Matthew]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
The title page appears to list two sermons, however, this manuscript contains just one sermon by Tennent, which discusses both the sixth and seventh petitions of the Lord's Prayer (also known as the Our Father): "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1750, and delivered it again in 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. Luke]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
The front page of this sermon, which contains the title, is torn and obscures Tennent's wording. From the first lines of Tennent's text, however, it seems the title probably loosely translates to "The heart of a sinner is the palace of the devil." Tennent begins the sermon with reference to Luke 11:21-22.

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1750, then delivered it again in 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. John]]> Bible. Romans]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
"The perseverance of the saints" shares a title with an earlier sermon by Tennent, and may be a newer version of that one. Tennent begins this sermon with reference to John 11:26, John 10:27-28, and Romans 8:33 to the end of the chapter.

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1750, then delivered it again in 1756, 1759, and 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. Corinthians, 2nd]]> Bible. Romans]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, "On giving ouselves to God," with references to 2 Corinthians 8:5, Romans 6:13, and Romans 12:1. From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1750, then delivered it again in 1752, 1755, 1757, 1758, and 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. Ephesians]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
"On Christ as the head" shares a title with an earlier sermon by Tennent, and may simply be a newer version. Tennent begins this sermon with reference to Ephesians 1:22 and 5:23. From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1750, then delivered it again in 1758 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. Revelation]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Revelation 3:20: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."

In this sermon, Tennent enumerates three central points regarding this Bible verse: Christ's patience in standing and knocking; the sinner's first duty, to listen to Christ's word and thereby know human fallibility and receive his mercy; and the sinner's second duty, to open the door to Christ, laying aside ignorance, presumption, and prejudice and taking on acceptance and obedience. In return, the erstwhile sinner is absorbed into the spirit and image of Christ and shares in his love, "the fullness, the freeness, the sweetness." Tennent describes how surprised converts are at these feelings, and how the wrath of God increases if the promises made are rejected: "if you shut him out, you shut the Devil in."

From dates noted in the text, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1743 or 1744, and delivered it again 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]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
This manuscript contains part of a sermon by Tennent on the covenant of grace, and another intact sermon on the necessity of sanctification for salvation.

From dates noted on the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote these sermons in 1748, then delivered one or both of them again in 1750, 1752, 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. Psalms]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, "On the dignity and perfection of God's law," with reference to Psalms 19:7, "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple." From dates noted on the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1751, then delivered it again in 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. Corinthians, 1st]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, on the topic of love, by citing 1 Corinthians 13:2, "And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1751, then delivered it again in 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. Matthew]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent wrote this sermon about Matthew 5:10-12, "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1752, then delivered it again in 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. Psalms]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, "On the blessings of affliction," by citing Psalms 119:67, "Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word." From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1753, then delivered it again in 1756, 1760, 1761, and 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. Acts]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent delivered this farewell sermon in anticipation of travel to Europe in 1753. He begins by citing Acts 20:31-32 (Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders:) "Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified."

Typed transcription of part of the sermon is included in the back of the manuscript.]]>
Sermon 65 contains a draft of 136, some of which was carried word-for-word to 136, and which includes a rephrasing of Reverend Tennent's intent in going overseas. That draft somehow got inserted beneath a cover page for another sermon the Rev. gave on departing New Brunswick, N.J. for Philadelphia.]]> 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. Amos]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, "On the longing for God's house," by citing Amos 4:12, "Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel." From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1755, then delivered it again in 1758 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. Proverbs]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent wrote this sermon, on the subject of security, in 1756. He begins by citing Proverbs 6, 6-11: "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; Consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, Overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, And gathereth her food in the harvest. How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, And thy want as an armed man."]]> 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]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent begins this sermon, "Ministering to the newly created audience," by citing Galatians 4:19-20, "My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1756, then 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. Genesis]]> Bible. Psalms]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
In this sermon, Tennant talks about the six days of creation. In the beginning of the sermon, he cites Genesis 1:1 and Psalms 89:11. Although Tennent mentions aspects of scientific theory, the sermon is Bible-based, geocentric, with the Earth as the center of the universe and man as the being for whom the world was made. The Fall ruined the previous harmony among the animals, plants, and man, and brought about suffering. Tennent exhorts man to live up to the beauty of creation, while at the same time not placing too much value on his Earthly life and gain.

From the dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1744, and delivered it again in 1747, 1751, and 1756.]]>
The "house and frame" are ready for man, who has managed to tarnish the well-arranged design of the world; the serpent has appeared, the animals are no longer tame, and man draws away from God when he should feel the profoundest gratitude to Him.  People strive for worldly, perishable wealth and are slaves of earth, not lords of it.  The day of rest for God should be the same for man, with due attention to the hereafter.]]> 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]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennant wrote this sermon on the subject of affliction; he had written on this subject previously, and this may be a newer version of an older sermon. He begins by citing Psalm 119:71, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes."

From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1755, then delivered it again in 1757 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. Song of Solomon]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent wrote this sermon on Canticles (Song of Solomon) 1:4:
"Draw me, we will run after thee:
The king hath brought me into his chambers:
We will be glad and rejoice in thee,
We will remember thy love more than wine:
The upright love thee."

From dates noted in the manuscript it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1757, then delivered it again in 1761.]]> 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, "On the spouse's search for Christ in Canticles 3," by citing verses 1-5:

By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.
I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.
The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?
It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.
I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.

(Canticles is another name for Song of Solomon.) From dates noted in the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1757, then delivered it again in 1761.]]> 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]]> Presbyterian Church]]>
Tennent wrote this sermon on 2 Peter 1:19, "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn."

From dates noted on the manuscript, it looks like Tennent wrote this sermon in 1757, then delivered it again in 1763.]]> Sermons]]> Manuscripts]]> ]]>