Memoirs of the Life and Ministry of the REV. John Summerfield (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1850. Excerpt: ... REMINISCENCES. The Rev. Dr. Bond, in his introduction to "Summerfield's Sermons and Sketches of Sermons," writes, "His discourses did not strike one by the novelty of his opinions, or by the erudition they displayed. There were, it is true, in all his sermons, 'thoughts that breathed and words that burned;' but for the most part, they presented only ' what oft was thought, though ne'er so well expressed.' What, then, was the irresistible charm in his preaching? We honestly confess we cannot say. We have some vague idea of it, but cannot embody it in words. There was, however, one peculiarity which could not fail to strike the hearer: it was what is called, by common consent, simplicity. The truths he dwelt upon he had felt in all their power, and he presented them in the simple, chaste, and forcible language of unsophisticated feeling. The hearer who participated in his religious enjoyments, responded instinctively to the very spirit of the preacher; and one who knew nothing of such experience felt that it was the most important want of his nature, and his whole soul went out in cravings for the possession. It was this simplicity of style which never failed to make its way to the heart, as certainly as pompous diction and parade of language and learning shut up every avenue to the feelings. "But though there was much in the clear perception, and the personal experience of the truths presented, and much too in the simplicity of the style and language in which they were clothed, it must be admitted that there was something in the manner of the preacher which greatly added to the effect of his preaching. But who can describe this manner? It was not the gracefulness of his attitudes Summerfteld. 13 and action, though these were perfect. Every movement, whethe...