Sermons to the Natural Man
Overview
This volume contains twenty sermons on sin and salvation. Each sermon is preached with a clear view of sin in mind, and outlines the necessity and benefits of redemption in Christ. In these sermons, Shedd outlines the doctrine of the atonement, and argues that only the atonement completely meets and satisfies God’s demands of human beings. Shedd preaches against the pervasive sins of his time and ours—the doctrine of natural virtue, innate goodness, and self-reliance.
Top Highlights
“the total and united testimony of Revelation forbids a religion that is destitute of fear” (Page 310)
“It is only necessary to show that he has enjoyed some degree of moral light, and that he has not lived up to it.” (Page 83)
“The lack of holy love, the lack of holy fear, the lack of filial trust and confidence in God,—the negative absence of these and other qualities in the heart is as truly sin and guilt, as is the positive and open violation of a particular commandment, in the act of theft, or lying, or Sabbath-breaking.” (Page 252)
“While informing His servant, that He is gracious and clement towards a penitent transgressor, He at the same time teaches him that He is under no obligation, or necessity, to shew mercy. Grace is not a debt.” (Page 359)
“For man cannot love, with all his mind and heart and soul and strength, a vast impersonal force working blindly through infinite space and everlasting time.” (Page 108)
- Title: Sermons to the Natural Man
- Author: William G.T. Shedd
- Publisher: Charles Scribner & Co.
- Publication Date: 1871
- Pages: 422
William Shedd (1820–1894) is considered one of the greatest theologians of the American Presbyterian church. He studied at the University of Vermont under James Marsh, where he encountered the writings of Samuel Taylor. Shedd graduated from Andover Theological Seminary in 1843 and, soon after, became a minister for a congregational church in Vermont for two years.
Shedd taught at many universities, including University of Vermont, Auburn Theological Seminary, Andover Theological Seminary, and Union Theological Seminary. While at Union, Shedd defended the Reformed theology of Old School Presbyterian against the increasing influence of modernism and higher criticism.
One of Shedd’s better-known titles is Dogmatic Theology. Other titles include A History of Christian Doctrine and The Doctrine of Endless Punishment, which can be found in the William G. T. Shedd Collection.