Metadata
Title
Gilbert Tennent sermons 136, Farewell Sermon, 1753
Date
1753
Digital Identifier
PHS.TennentSermons136
Description
Gilbert Tennent (1703-1764) was an Irish-American Presbyterian clergyman, and one of the leaders of the Great Awakening.
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.
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.
Subject
Place
Pennsylvania--Philadelphia
Congregation
Second Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, PA
Holding Institution
Presbyterian Historical Society
Extent
46 pages
Format (Digital)
tiff
Rights
http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/
Language
eng
Type
Text
Abstract
"Sermo valedictoria", An important sermon: Rev. Gilbert Tennent's farewell to his congregation as he prepares to take an ocean voyage in late 1753 to "Europe", more precisely Britain, to canvass for funds for the College of New Jersey. This sermon is a demonstration of all his skills as a minister of the Great Awakening, his oratorical powers and means of persuasion. Uses all the techniques of intellect, argument, evidence from the Bible, the example of Paul as he prepared to leave the Ephesians for Jerusalem. Strongly contrasting tones of voice: fiery urgings for repentence on those unwilling or uncommitted, threats of punishments; plays on peoples' fears and his own feelings at not being able to urge sufficiently. Yet reflects practical experience, reasoning, and psychological insight in his understanding of how person err, and how to persuade, and what he recommends about obedience to government, especially in the face of external threat and political uncertainty. Provides comfort and encouragement at the end for those who are struggling and haven't yet been able to strengthen their faith.
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.
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.
Thumbnail
IIIF Manifest
https://www.philageohistory.org/rdic-images/iiif.cfm/PHS.TennentSermons136/manifest
