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  Behold: A Man

  Earl Clement Davis

  A concise statement on the ongoing vitality of human thinking and seeking, and against the "mindless" recitation of earlier thinking, particularly in religious matters. Davis says to forget miracles and instead look to current human experience and how to best understand it. He concludes that "God is much more the unborn future than he is the sealed past."

  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.

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  Growth and Salvation

  Earl Clement Davis

  Earl Davis approached this topic twice. While it is pretty clear that “Irrepressible Impulse to Growth” is the first attempt (it is short and does not really come to a conclusion), “Growth and Salvation” reads as a full completed sermon.

  Here we provide both versions of the sermon. The primary downloadable document is for the combined text and translation of “Growth and Salvation". This is followed by the separate documents of the aforementioned, and then the corresponding three documents for “The Irrepressible Impulse to Growth.”

  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.

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  Obedience to the Will of God

  Earl Clement Davis

  In this sermon, Davis considers the need for our obedience to God's will. He examines three aspects of Calvinism:
  (1) Sovereignty of God (which Davis suggests is effectively the same as the sovereignty of natural law)
  (2) Man's dependence on God -- again consistent with the idea that natural law covers the whole universe
  (3) the doctrine of man's depravity and that of election by God. Davis calls this "obnoxious and revolting."
  
  Obedience to the will of God includes "obeying the natural and moral laws." But it is more: it is a transcendent identification with God -- of all men with God -- with God's purposes and being. It is a loss of self into God. Davis describes the feeling of this state of identification.

  While this manuscript has no date, there are internal references (included in footnotes of transcription) that strongly suggest this sermon was preached during Earl Davis' time as minister of the Unity Church in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

  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.

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  The Democratization of Industry I

  Earl Clement Davis

  There are two versions of this sermon. An earlier incomplete version, with a slightly different title, “Making Democracy Safe In America: Democratization of Industry,” was one of the sermons in the “1918 Four-brad Bundle.” That sermon was substantially expanded and worked over into “The Democratization of Industry.” Both manuscripts and their transcriptions are provided here, with the latter being the primary document featured.

  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.

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  The Richness of the Religious Life

  Earl Clement Davis

  This sermon discusses three important elements to the religious life: (1) Evidence from nature of a powerful and ill-understood force behind the universe; (2) A realization that man is akin to God--both physically and more importantly mentally/morally; (3) A transcendent experience of being one with God and sharing God's purposes on earth. Davis is clearly motivated by his experiences in nature. He concludes that the religious life is not a sacrifice, but a "full complete, ever broadening life".

  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.

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  Channing, the Apostle of Liberty

  Earl Clement Davis

  A discussion of William Ellory Channing's views about the dignity -- indeed deity -- of man and the importance of liberty in human life. Note that page eight of nine is missing.

  Date refers to Date Given.

  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.

  
  

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  Peace Service Sermon: A Dynamic Peace

  Earl Clement Davis

  Davis' first sermon following the Armistice of 11 November 1918, marking the end of World War I. He believed Woodrow Wilson had significantly changed the war's purpose to be one of democracy against autocracy. Included is a lengthy quote from the H.G, Wells novel Joan and Peter. He ends his sermon with the same words he spoke after the war's initial outbreak, remarking on the exciting work to establish democracy and humanity world-wide.

  Date refers to Date Given.
  
  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.

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  The Great Tradition Becomes the Great Faith

  Earl Clement Davis

  According to a note attached to this sermon, it was given during June, 1918. Earl C. Davis also gave this sermon in Petersham on July 15, 1951.
  
  This sermon is about the need for and search for "values that are good enough or true enough or beautiful enough to command our complete allegiance and fidelity; to give purpose and dignity to our life beyond the mere motions of animal existence." Jesus met this challenge in staying true to his conviction, even unto death; that was his commitment to his disciples in the story of the transfiguration. In current times with threat of authoritarianism we hunger for this kind of truth and integrity. There is also extended discussion of Henry David Thoreau's May 12th, 1857 journal entry.

  Date refers to Date Given.
  
  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.

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  The New Era

  Earl Clement Davis

  This was Davis' first sermon after the outbreak of World War I. He blames the war on international industrial imperialism's century-long development. He states that this horrible consequence was to be expected given the imperialistic tendencies of all the nations involved (including the US), an imperialism driven by commerce and proselytizing so-called Christianity. Yet, Davis sees reason to hope, by working to establish a better world order based on democracy and humanity.

  Date refers to Date Given.
  
  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.

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  Good Will Among Men, Is it a Fact or a Theory? (incomplete)

  Earl Clement Davis

  This is the first of two 1909 sermons (the second being on the 'That Man May Live') David gave about the "real meaning" of Christmas. Davis is concerned that the real meaning of Christ is submerged in a bunch of sentimental pseudo-history, "pure and unadulterated rot." He discusses the Roman god Saturnus and the annual Saturnalia festival and holiday. He discusses Jesus' early life and initially becoming aware of his faith. He also talks about his early disciples. This sermon is incomplete.

  Date refers to Date Given.
  
  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.

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  Robert Louis Stevenson, the Man of an Understanding Heart

  Earl Clement Davis

  A biographical study of Robert Louis Stevenson with a focus on his interest in, and care for, all the humans he interacted with. Special emphasis is placed on his burial on Samoa.

  Date refers to Date Given.
  
  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.

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  That Man May Live

  Earl Clement Davis

  The second of two December 1909 sermons ("Good Will Among Men" is the first) on the "real meaning of Christmas. Davis says to honor Jesus -- to really honor him -- is to recognize that he really believed in creating heaven on earth. We have to do the work now to strive for that ideal and not worship some past hero -- such as Jesus -- and hope that said past hero will save us today. Such focus on the past distracts from the hard work needed today to create the better future for tomorrow.

  Date refers to Date Given.
  
  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.

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  The Place of the Church in the Life of the Individual and in Society

  Earl Clement Davis

  A published pamphlet of one of Earl Davis' sermons. Jesus gathered volunteers who understood and supported the kind of life that Jesus advocated; that is the beginning of the Christian church before institutionalization. Davis discusses the implications for assessing the current value and use of the church. Man is not made for church; church is made for man. The kingdom of God was to be a kingdom on this earth. The church -- then and now -- must serve human personality and reality.

  Date refers to Date Given
  
  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.
  
  Item description based off writing and context provided by Davis Baird.

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  Abraham Lincoln and the Needs of the Time

  Earl Clement Davis

  A discussion of the key human characteristics of Abraham Lincoln that led to his greatness. These include honesty, integrity, and an understanding of humans. He emphasizes the needs for people to inhabit these qualities in order to solve the problems with Democracy today.

  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.

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  Broken Ideals and Discourages Worshippers [String-Bound Collection]

  Earl Clement Davis

  This is one of nine sermons Earl Davis kept together in a string-bound collection. All but one are undated. The dated one comes with an envelope marked April 1, 1906. The other eight sermons were gathered together and hand-written on similar paper. Therefore, it is reasonable to date all of them from 1906, probably Spring 1906.

  This sermon is a sustained attack against idolatry, including that involving Jesus and the Church. Davis sates that the way to truth is by focusing on ideals not idols.

  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.

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  Choosing the Noble Life [String-Bound Sermons]

  Earl Clement Davis

  This is one of nine sermons Earl Davis kept together in a string-bound collection. All but one are undated. However, this one was marked April 1, 1906. The other eight sermons were gathered together and hand-written on similar paper. Therefore, it is reasonable to date all of them from 1906, probably Spring 1906.

  Davis reflects on how one could paint a dark picture of the world and its problems, but that it would be false because of each person's ability to choose the noble life. He states that "we, who can discover the laws of nature, we, who can feel the power and the thrill of fellowship with human beings, and penetrate the inner secrets of humanity, we, who can feel the mystic presence of the unseen, think you we are born to live a life of degrading self-indulgence and ease?"

  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.

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  From Smoke to Pen [String-Bound Sermons]

  Earl Clement Davis

  This is one of nine sermons Earl Davis kept together in a string-bound collection. All but one are undated. The dated one comes with an envelope marked April 1, 1906. The other eight sermons were gathered together and hand-written on similar paper. Therefore, it is reasonable to date all of them from 1906, probably Spring 1906.

  In this sermon, Davis takes the elusiveness in trying to turn smoke (thought) to pen (writing) and uses it as an exercise. He tells his audience to "excuse personal idiosyncrasies as they present themselves, in the name of good fellowship. By the aid of my pen, I try to bring you some of the thoughts which I delight in when the strange hour of the pipe and the fire are upon me". The result is a sermon that starts out almost cosmic in tone. Davis gradually segues into considering and discussing the scientific method as a "clarifying reagent to all the problems which confront us".

  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.

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  Jesus, the Lover of Human Nature [String-Bound Sermons]

  Earl Clement Davis

  This is one of nine sermons Earl Davis kept together in a string-bound collection. All but one are undated. The dated one comes with an envelope marked April 1, 1906. The other eight sermons were gathered together and hand-written on similar paper. Therefore, it is reasonable to date all of them from 1906, probably Spring 1906.
  

  According to the opening, this is the second in a series of sermons on the 'Religion of Jesus and its Relation to the Religious Ideals of Today. The first focused on Jesus' appreciation -- and learning from -- nature. This focuses on Jesus' appreciation -- and learning from (love for) -- human nature.

  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.

  
  

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  Take Time to Live [String-Bound Sermons]

  Earl Clement Davis

  This is one of nine sermons Earl Davis kept together in a string-bound collection. All but one are undated. The dated one comes with an envelope marked April 1, 1906. The other eight sermons were gathered together and hand-written on similar paper. Therefore, it is reasonable to date all of them from 1906, probably Spring 1906.

  In this sermon, Davis rejects fond looks to the past (Thomas Carlyle) and future (Edward Bellamy) and urges us to live in the present. To live best is to emphasize one's unique -- and divine -- personality. He expresses concerns about the homogenizing effects of education, labor, etc, saying "dare to be non-conformist."

  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.

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  Temptation [String-Bound Sermons]

  Earl Clement Davis

  This is one of nine sermons Earl Davis kept together in a string-bound collection. All but one are undated. The dated one comes with an envelope marked April 1, 1906. The other eight sermons were gathered together and hand-written on similar paper. Therefore, it is reasonable to date all of them from 1906, probably Spring 1906.

  This sermon is a discussion of the temptations of Jesus and their meaning for modern life (see Matthew 4:4-9). Jesus met and conquered these temptations because he heard God in him; he was doing God's work with God, perfecting the uncompleted world.

  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.

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  The Finality of Christianity [String-Bound Sermons]

  Earl Clement Davis

  This is one of nine sermons Earl Davis kept together in a string-bound collection. All but one are undated. The dated one comes with an envelope marked April 1, 1906. The other eight sermons were gathered together and hand-written on similar paper. Therefore, it is reasonable to date all of them from 1906, probably Spring 1906.

  Included in the string-bound collection of sermons were two versions of “The Finality of the Christian Religion”. Both are inspired by Professor George Burman Foster’s 1906 book of the same title. What we have called “Version 1” reads more like a book review. Davis fully discredits "supernaturalism" or "authority-religion" and looks for a different approach to the religious value of Jesus in his personality, his will, his faith.
  
  “Version 2” contains Earl Davis’ more considered thinking prompted by the book. He proclaims supernatural approaches dead, but that pure materialism is equally unappealing. It is through human personality, human seeking for ideals, that we find the power of Jesus and religion in modern times. Both versions of this work are available here, with "Version 2" being the primary document.

  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.

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  The Missionary Spirit

  Earl Clement Davis

  On the 100th anniversary of the Haystack Prayer meeting in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Davis sets out to explain the origin of Christianity's missionary efforts. He traces Christianity's intellectual/administrative sources to Jewish tradition, Greek philosophy, and Roman government. The sermon feels unfinished, and there is a note confirming this. However, it is noted as being preached on Oct 14, 1906.

  Date refers to Date Given.
  
  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.

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  The Rejected Corner Stone [String-Bound Sermons]

  Earl Clement Davis

  This is one of nine sermons Earl Davis kept together in a string-bound collection. All but one are undated. The dated one comes with an envelope marked April 1, 1906. The other eight sermons were gathered together and hand-written on similar paper. Therefore, it is reasonable to date all of them from 1906, probably Spring 1906.

  A discussion of the sins of self-indulgence and where they lead -- loneliness. Davis suggests we turn away ourselves and instead focus on others, with an aim to serve. He uses Edgar Allan Poe's "The Pit and the Pendulum" as an analogy for the selfish life's consequences.

  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.

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  The Relation of Religion to Health [String-Bound Sermons]

  Earl Clement Davis

  This is one of nine sermons Earl Davis kept together in a string-bound collection. All but one are undated. The dated one comes with an envelope marked April 1, 1906. The other eight sermons were gathered together and hand-written on similar paper. Therefore, it is reasonable to date all of them from 1906, probably Spring 1906.

  A discussion prompted by the rise of multiple religious-like approaches to physical and mental health, These include Christian Science, Faith cure, and others. Features a lovely metaphor regarding a mule (Calvinism) and a cow (optimistic theism) "joined together dragging behind them the plow which served to dig up many of the choice plants of this fair field of life". William James' Varieties of Religious Experience is also discussed. Davis believes that the main point is to "get out of yourself."

  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.

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  A Plea for the Principle of a Creedless Church (Outline)

  Earl Clement Davis

  Outline notes for an address in connection with Davis’ ordination as minister of the Unity Church, Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

  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.