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The World Of Fancy, Earl Clement Davis

Sermons, 1902-1904

"The World of Fancy" feels more like a draft of a sermon -- written in haste, but with passion and feeling. The central point is that no matter how difficult things are, God is now today pouring his spirit unto all flesh, and if you cannot see that now, you will not see it in future. The point of suffering is to transform it into wisdom and good deeds. There is no world without pain.

The primary downloadable document contains the original document followed by the transcription. The bottom of each item page also features the primary document as an …

Community Of Purpose, Earl Clement Davis

Sermons, 1902-1904

In this sermon, Earl Davis discusses the pitfalls of creeds, which in his view are more destructive of honesty and integrity than the false ideas about property that undermined the failed communistic society immediately following Christ's life. He believe it is only a shared high purpose that can bind society, not shared beliefs.

The primary downloadable document contains the original document followed by the transcription. The bottom of each item page also features the primary document as an embedded pdf for browsing.

Transcription by Davis Baird. Item description based off writing and context provided by Davis Baird.

Not Alms, But A Friend, Earl Clement Davis

Sermons, 1902-1904

This sermon is about how we can best help those in need. Davis argues that giving ourselves, in friendship and human connection, is more valuable than the (certainly necessary) alms of a stranger. Closes with a discussion of the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus in need of a friend is left without.

The primary downloadable document contains the original document followed by the transcription. The bottom of each item page also features the primary document as an embedded pdf for browsing.

Transcription by Davis Baird. Item description based off writing and context provided by Davis Baird.

From Confusion Unto Death, Earl Clement Davis

Sermons, 1902-1904

Davis argues for the responsibility we have to think for ourselves, and the need to look inward to find God as opposed to an outward institution, the Bible, or another person.

The primary downloadable document contains the original document followed by the transcription. The bottom of each item page also features the primary document as an embedded pdf for browsing.

Transcription by Davis Baird. Item description based off writing and context provided by Davis Baird.

Some Helps By The Way, Earl Clement Davis

Sermons, 1902-1904

This sermon is about the need of spiritual and mental nourishment. Suggestions for this include daily (morning) prayer and/or the contemplation and appreciation of something good, beautiful, or true in the the world around us. He also discusses the face (as well as the body) being the mirror of the soul, and uses portraits of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry VIII to illustrate this. Note that while the usual 'Scripture' and 'Text' headings appear, both are blank.

While this manuscript has no date, the paper used is consistent with other dated sermons from Earl Davis' time as a student at …

Action And Reaction, Earl Clement Davis

Sermons, 1902-1904

In this sermon, Earl Davis argues the importance of service in fulfilling a good life. In order to do this, he says we must first serve oneself and know oneself. Public figures and/or their works refenced are Booker T. Washington, Jacob Riis, Cecilia Beaux, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Charles Dickens.

The primary downloadable document contains the original document followed by the transcription. The bottom of each item page also features the primary document as an embedded pdf for browsing.

Transcription by Davis Baird. Item description based off writing and context provided by Davis Baird.

Authority In Religious Life, Earl Clement Davis

Sermons, 1902-1904

With this sermon, Earl Davis considers the origin of Jesus' authority. He argues that he did not speak from external authority (an oracle, a sacred text), but from internal convictions driven by keen observation and introspection. Davis goes further to point out that if this is the source of Jesus' authority, that we all have access to these same sources. This sermon features a fairly extensive use of Biblical material. Of particular note is the way Davis' Biblical quotations differ slightly from the language of the King James Bible, and, in this instance, differ with each other. Here we have …

Simple Religion, Earl Clement Davis

Sermons, 1902-1904

This sermon is about what it takes to be a truly religious person, and the ways these simple necessities are complicated and obfuscated by both individuals and institutions, especially churches.

While this manuscript has no date, it is clear from the reference in the first paragraph to "the President of the University" that this sermon dates from Earl Davis' time as a student at Harvard Divinity School. In addition, there is the notation "(9) Sermons I" at the top, which suggests this may have been written for a class.

The primary downloadable document, also embedded as a pdf below, contains …