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Edward Hitchcock sermon notes, 1841 May

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

Sermon notes by Edward Hitchcock for a sermon delivered at Amherst College in May 1841, in which he uses the story of Jehu and the killing of the sons of Ahab in 2 Kings 10 to frame a discussion of the responsibilities of Christians in relation to those in the Christian community lacking the piety necessary for immortality in heaven. He asks, “Who slew these” members of the community, either principally or as accessories to soul murder, and while noting specific questions for religious ministers and professors, Hitchcock suggests that the entire community consider its faults and responsibilities in this matter. In locating accountability, Hitchcock discredits determinism and upholds free will, and asserts that the remorse and torment, in this life and the afterlife, associated with soul murder are of grave concern. He has listed hymns related to sermon on the final page, and the first page bears the term “copied” across its face.

Edward Hitchcock sermon notes, 1841 May
Edward Hitchcock unnumbered sermon, 1847 May 23

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

A sermon by Edward Hitchcock discussing moral sublimity. Hitchcock claims that Christians are the most morally sublime of all mankind, and discusses several reasons for this in depth. Some of Hitchcock's evidence for Christian moral sublimity is a comparison of the way that men with and without religion face suffering, the way these two groups regard their enemies, and the differing ways they endure death. Hitchcock essentially states that because Christians know their trials must be sent by God for a reason and because they are motivated by their desire to serve God they are the most morally sublime. Philippians 1:21 is quoted. Hitchcock has noted the dates and locations where he delivered this sermon on the first page.

Edward Hitchcock unnumbered sermon, 1847 May 23
Edward Hitchcock unnumbered sermon, 1825 April

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

A sermon by Edward Hitchcock discussing the concept of sinners who have been awakened to their own sinful nature. Hitchcock explains several things the awakened sinner will be fearful of, such as the thought that they may have repented too late. Six of these fears are discussed in depth, and Hitchcock closes with a few questions to his congregation, asking them to reflect upon their own conduct and saying that it is worse to be careless of the state of one's soul than it is to examine it and realize one has been acting wrongly. Acts 24:25 and Acts 2:27 are quoted. Hitchcock has noted the dates and locations where he delivered this sermon on the cover, first page, and seventh page.

Edward Hitchcock unnumbered sermon, 1825 April
Edward Hitchcock unnumbered sermon, 1825 August

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

A sermon by Edward Hitchcock discussing Jesus' words in Matthew 16:24 instructing others to "deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Hitchcock say this is one of the most misunderstood lines of the scriptures and explains in the sermon some of the ways in which this is commonly misunderstood. He then goes on to clarity what denying oneself and taking up the cross actually does mean. He explains that the true meaning of this part of the scriptures is being ready to sacrifice one's life in defense of the gospel, resisting unholy tendencies in one's human nature, holding firm to Christian principles despite the influence of the earthly world, and remaining true to one's religious principles even when surrounded by irreligious friends. Hitchcock ends with a few final remarks on what can be learned from this topic. Hitchcock has noted the dates and locations where he delivered this sermon on the first page.

Edward Hitchcock unnumbered sermon, 1825 August
Edward Hitchcock sermon no. 105, "Morality Not Inconsistent With Entire Depravity," 1822 April

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

Edward Hitchcock's sermon on depravity, based on Psalm 58:1-2. Even a man who the world knows to be "compassionate, tenderhearted, charitable, upright, honorable, generous, honest & strictly conscientious" may be depraved if he neglects to love, obey and worship God, if his motivation is to serve "the creature more than the Creator." Hitchcock noted the dates and places where he had delivered this sermon in 1822.

Edward Hitchcock sermon no. 105, "Morality Not Inconsistent With Entire Depravity," 1822 April
Edward Hitchcock sermons no. 119 & 120, 1824 August

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

Based on Acts 7:51, these two companion sermons by Edward Hitchcock focus on natural man's hostility to religious doctrine and religious practice. He states that "most men are ignorant of the modes in which their enmity to God displays itself" and that "it is one of the grand objects of the faithful preacher to convince men of their deep rooted opposition & enmity to God." In sermon 119, he provides examples of the ways in which even a man who believes himself sincere and honest in his beliefs will oppose "the system of revealed truth our fathers have delivered down to us." Sermon 120 continues his examination of "our opposition to vital godliness" and Hitchcock enumerates ways in which this hostility manifests itself as "our natural opposition to experimental or practical religion." Edward Hitchcock did not provide a title for either of these sermons. Twice within the second sermon, he mentioned that his remarks on "native repugnance" to the doctrines of the Gospel were delivered in the "morning" and "forenoon," suggesting that both sermons were presented on the same day. As was his habit, on the first page of each sermon Hitchcock noted the dates and places where he had delivered these sermons between 1824 and 1831.

Edward Hitchcock sermons no. 119 & 120, 1824 August
Edward Hitchcock sermon no. 256, 1823 July

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

An untitled sermon by Edward Hitchcock discussing how people can prepare themselves to be fit to sit at God's table. Hitchcock lists several ways in which Christians should examine their hearts and actions to determine his preparedness, and what he can do to become prepared. 1 Corinthians 11:28 is quoted. Hitchcock has noted the dates and locations where he delivered this sermon on the first page.

Edward Hitchcock sermon no. 256, 1823 July