No sermon in the English language has been more admired and praised by the best judges than the following. It is marked from the beginning to the close by eloquence of the highest order, consecrated to the illustration of the noblest truths. The production, however, in its own transcendent excellence, may be safely left to speak for itself. There are some peculiar features of it that deserve attention.
There is reason to believe that the earliest form in which the gospel was preached in the primitive age of the church, was by a simple narration of the leading facts in the life of Christ. Perhaps the Apostle’s Creed is best understood as an illustrative specimen of what this kind of preaching must have been. When these facts became perfectly known, it would be more difficult to invest the details of them with interest. Yet surely the life of Christ—as one prolonged miracle in itself,—if effectively stated, is most fitted to impress the mind, and produce the results which attended the earliest announcement of the evangelic message. The merit of the following sermon, and the singular genius of its author, appear in the skill with which he copiously weaves into his appeals the various facts in the History of the Saviour. In no sermon has higher skill to this effect been shewn. Events, with which we are familiar from childhood, acquire a strange and singular freshness under the treatment of our author.
The discourse, moreover, is without formal divisions, though the thoughts are given in distinct and regular succession, as will be seen from the subjoined analysis. It would seem as if the fervency of the preacher were too great to brook delay in order to indicate his method.
*This is the sermon referred to in the opening article of the August issue. It is a long sermon and will appear in sections in two or three issues. Dr. W. H. Goold, the editor of Maclaurin’s works, says: “No sermon in the English language has been more admired and praised by the best judges.” John Maclaurin was born in Glendarnel, Argyllshire, in October, 1693. He was brought up with his uncle, the minister of Kilfinan. His works, as has been indicated, were edited by Dr. W. H. Goold of the Reformed Presbyterian Church and contain his valuable testimony to the reality of the Cambuslang and Kilsyth Revivals in 1742. He was one of a highly intellectual and pious family. After being licensed by the Presbytery of Dumbarton he was settled at Luss, Lochlemondside in 1719. On receiving a call to the North West Parish, Glasgow, in 1723, he accepted the same thus becoming successor to the Rev. John Anderson, whose controversial writings against the Episcopalians gave him an honoured place among writers in defence of Presbyterianism. He died in August, 1754.—Editor.
For a like reason, there is no practical application at the end. If after all that has been told of Christ, hearer or reader is not impressed, what more need be added? The effect of the whole is enhanced by the abruptness of the conclusion. The preacher has risen to a height from which he cannot or will not descend.