SERMONS ON GOSPEL THEMES
By
CHARLES G. FINNEY
Author
of "Lectures on Revivals of Religion,"
"Lectures
to Professing Christians," etc.
1876
PREFACE
These sermons were preached by Pres. Finney at Oberlin during
the years 1845-1861, and reported from his lips by myself. In taking these
reports I aimed to give the heads of the sermons and all the important
statements verbatim, to retain always the substance of thought, and especially
to seize upon the illustrations and present their essential points. Taken down
in a species of short-hand, they were subsequently written out, and in every
case read to Pres. Finney in his study for any corrections he might desire, and
for his endorsement. Consequently these reports present truthfully the great
doctrines preached, and in good measure it is believed the method and manner of
his preaching.
Few preachers in any age have surpassed Pres. Finney in clear
and well-defined views of conscience, and of man's moral convictions; few have
been more fully at home in the domain of law and government; few have learned
more of the spiritual life from experience and from observation; not many have
discriminated the true from the false more closely, or have been more skillful
in putting their points clearly and pungently. Hence, these sermons under God
were full of spiritual power. They are given to the public in this form, in the
hope that at least a measure of the same wholesome saving power may never fail
to bless the reader.
HENRY COWLES.