Sermons, 1905-1919
Here is a selection of sermons that Earl Clement Davis delivered at the Unity Church in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. In at least one case ("The Place of the Church in the Life of the Individual and in Society"), the sermon was printed and published, but most of the sermons here were delivered from these manuscripts. The undated sermons are listed first, followed by a reverse chronological order.
-
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. -
![The Rejected Corner Stone [String-Bound Sermons] by Earl Clement Davis](https://commons.clarku.edu/pittsfield_sermons/1021/thumbnail.jpg "The Rejected Corner Stone [String-Bound Sermons] by Earl Clement Davis")
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. -
![The Relation of Religion to Health [String-Bound Sermons] by Earl Clement Davis](https://commons.clarku.edu/pittsfield_sermons/1017/thumbnail.jpg "The Relation of Religion to Health [String-Bound Sermons] by Earl Clement Davis")
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. -
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.
