bMS 375

Gannett, Ezra Stiles. Sermons, ca. 1830-1871.

Summary Information:

  • Call Number: bMS 375
  • Title: Gannett, Ezra Stiles. Sermons, ca. 1830-1871.
  • Repository: Andover-Harvard Theological Library, Harvard Divinity School, 45 Francis Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138-1911
  • Quantity: 5 boxes

Administrative Information:

  • Access: There are no restrictions on access to this collection. 

Biographical Information:

Ezra Stiles Gannett (1801-1871) graduated from Harvard College in 1820, and from Harvard Divinity School in 1823. He served as an overseer of the University from 1835 to 1858. Ordained in 1824, Reverend Gannett became an assistant minister at the Federal Street Church (Unitarian) in Boston and became its pastor in 1842, a position he held until his death in 1871. He was one of the founding members of the American Unitarian Association (AUA), and authored its constitution. Gannett served the AUA as its first secretary and as president from 1847 to 1851.

Scope and Content:

The collection is organized into the following series:

Note: See related collection bMS 481

Container List

Series I. Manuscript Sermons, Vol. I: Religious Faith and Life

  • bMS 375/1 (1) Manuscript sermons, volume one: Religious Faith and Life. Contents:
    • Religion a universal rule. The Christian (?) must be consistent.
    • The paramount value of the soul.
    • Conversion - who needs it.
    • Nature of Faith - its value, inefficacy etc.
    • Sources and kings of goodness.
    • Personal Religion.
    • Self-denial and Labour required of the Christian.
    • Possibility of Living without win.
    • Inward Goodness a right state of the soul.
    • Law the Basis of Freedom.
    • Retribution.
    • The Secret Life.
    • The Feeling of unworthiness.
    • The surrender of the self will to the will of God.
    • Walking by Faith.
    • Human Error.
    • Individuality of the Christian Life & Character.
    • Antagonism which Religion is meant to overcome.
    • Untitled installation sermon, for Rev. Jonathan Cole.
    • Repentance.
    • The Progress of Science connects it with religion.
    • A Religious Character: the First Consideration.
    • Religious Education.
    • Serenity the Fount of Obedience & Struggle.
    • Habitual Sense of God.
    • A Right Life - Lofty in its aims, efforts and hopes.
    • Unconscious & Conscious Faith.
    • Science not unfriendly to religion.
    • Our Partial Knowledge.
    • Inadequacy.
    • The Infinite Tendencies of God toward Sinful Man.
    • Practical Religion.
    • A Natural Religious Life.
    • Knowledge of God.
    • Moths.
    • Happiness.
    • Meekness.
    • The Inevitable Right & Best.
    • Filial Prayer.

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Series II. Manuscript Sermons, Vol. II: Christianity, Immortality

  • bMS 375/1 (2) Manuscript sermons, volume two: Christianity, Immortality. Contents:
    • Christ the Image of God.
    • The Founder of Christianity - A Sufferer.
    • The Universe One.
    • Insensibility to Christ - how corrected.
    • My Belief concerning Christ.
    • Intrinsic causes of the Power of the Gospel.
    • Connexion [sic] between Personal Excellence and Knowledge of Jesus Christ.
    • Certainty of the Truths.
    • The Unchangeableness of Christianity.
    • A Progressive Christianity!
    • The Vital Change besought by Christianity.
    • Christianity - a Final Revelation.
    • No Failure of Christianity.
    • The Failure of Christianity.
    • The Great Value of Christianity.
    • Christ - The Inspiration of Life.
    • Elements of Christ's Peace and of the Christian's.
    • Life through Christ.
    • The Authority of the Bible on Book-religion.
    • Faith and Christianity.
    • Want of Reality on our Apprehensiveness of Christ.
    • The Extraordinary in Christ.
    • The Relations of Christianity to the Sinner - Its Primary Relations.
    • The Christ of the Past - of the Present - and of Consciousness.
    • Gentleness an Element in character and in Society Introduced by Christ.
    • The Lord's Supper.
    • The Egotism of Jesus.
    • The Unity & Symmetry (i.e. Completeness) of Christ's Character.
    • Prospects of Heaven.
    • Future condition of the wicked.
    • Recapitulation: Doctrine of Eternal Misery, Universalism or no punishments after death.
    • Preparation for Sudden Death.
    • Spiritual Communications.
    • The Moral Prospects of the Resurrection.

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Series III. Manuscript Sermons, Vol. III: Unitarianism, the Ministry

  • bMS 375/2 (1) Manuscript sermons, volume three: Unitarianism, the Ministry. Contents:
    • Unitarian Christianity favourable to religious zeal.
    • Reasons for preferring Unitarian Christianity.
    • Fast Day.
    • Religious Controversy.
    • Sectarianism.
    • Present State and Prospects of Unitarian Christianity.
    • Principles which constitute the basis of Unitarianism (series of lectures).
    • The Present State of Unitarianism.
    • Explanation of Slow Diffusion of our Views of the Gospel.
    • Charges Brought against the Early Unitarianism of N.E.
    • Certain Objections Examined to Unitarian Christianity.
    • Channing and Unitarianism.
    • Division Among Congregationalists.
    • The Present Results of Recent Religious Controversy.
    • Unitarian Descendants of Puritan Ancestors.
    • Distinctive Qualities of American Unitarianism.
    • Teachings of Anniversary Week.
    • Our Duties at the present time as Liberal Christians.
    • Liberality (Liberal Christians).
    • New York Unitarian Conference.
    • Principles of Ministerial Success (Written for the Senior class of the Theological School 1839?).
    • Method of "Converting Souls" - Read before the Boston Association of Ministers May 13, 1850.
    • Untitled address at 34th Annual Visitation of the Divinity School, Cambridge, July 16, 1850.
    • Address before Ministerial Conference in Arlington St. Church, July 13, 1863.

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Series IV. Manuscript Sermons, Vol. IV: The War

  • bMS 375/2 (2) Manuscript sermons, volume four: The War. Contents:
    • Forefathers' Day and Christmas.
    • Discourse before the Young Men's Total Abstinence Society, Oct. 27, 1850.
    • Untitled.
    • The Idea of Universal & Permanent Peace not Visionary.
    • The Practicality of abolishing War.
    • Presidential Fast - Duties of the Present Hour.
    • Relief in Times of Darkness - On the Sunday after War began.
    • Energy, Calmness, Hope - The Duties of the Time.
    • Thanksgiving - in view of the State of the Country.
    • The Influence of the Times on Personal Character.
    • Divine Providence overruling the War.
    • Fast Day - by the President.
    • A Thanksgiving in 1863.
    • Thanksgiving, 1864.
    • Fast Day, 1865.
    • Easter Sunday 1865 - Death of President Lincoln.
    • Thanksgiving for Peace.
    • Thanksgiving 1865.
    • Thanksgiving 1866.
    • Thanksgiving 1867.
    • National Sins.

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Series V. Manuscript Sermons, Vol. V: Personal

  • bMS 375/3 (1) Manuscript sermons, volume five: Personal. Contents:
    • Untitled "Monthly Lecture" at Church at Federal Street.
    • Personal Love of Jesus Christ.
    • Prayer.
    • Untitled Prayer.
    • Untitled.
    • Means of a general revival of practical religion.
    • First Sunday after Ordination - Relation of pastor and people and duties of each.
    • My relations to my People - Close of 5th year.
    • The Great Topics of Christian Doctrine of Duty.
    • The Beauty of the Creation.
    • Twentieth Anniversary of my Ordination.
    • Twenty-fifth Anniversary of my Ordination.
    • Lyceum Lecture on Conversation.
    • Lessons taught by an experience of Thirty Years.
    • Farewell July 1865.
    • Farewell.
    • The South and the West.
    • Insufficiency of Secular Education.
    • Religious Growth.
    • Untitled.
    • Readiness for the Divine Call.
    • Contained in packed of Vol. V:
    • Vestry Lectures.
    • Young Ladies' Class in Vestry.
    • Vestry Meetings.
    • Bible lessons.
    • Sectarian support of the Truth.
    • Introduction to a series of discourses on Unitarian Belief.
    • Thanksgiving 1870.
    • Patience.
    • Christian Peace.
    • Fast-Day 1870.
    • Consciousness and Communion with God.
    • Epistle to Romans and Justification by Faith.
    • Continual occasion for Thanksgiving.
    • The Two Sons.
    • Man the image of God.
    • Simeon in the temple with the child Jesus.
    • Death.
    • Example a duty and a motive.
    • Users of Freedom.
    • Peace Jubilee.
    • Christian Victory through Life.
    • Disappointments?

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Series VI. Printed Sermons, Vol. I: Unitarian Faith and Life

  • bMS 375/3 (2) Printed sermons, volume one: Unitarian Faith and Life. Contents:
    • 1. "Unitarian Christianity Suited to Make Men Holy". Sermons at the Ordination of Rev. A.B. Muzzey, at Framingham June 10, 1830.
    • 2. "Sufferings & Death of Children Consistent with the Divine Goodness," in Rev. Francis Parkman's "Offering of Sympathy." 1863 (1st edition 1830).
    • 3. "Necessity & Sufficiency of Religion," in the "Liberal Preacher" May 1831; Reprinted in "Monthly Religious Magazine," Nov. 1871.
    • 4. Above, reprinted in "Monthly Religious Magazine," Nov. 1871.
    • 5. "A Sermon on Religion for Children," 1831.
    • 6. "A New Year's Wish for the Children of my Society," 1834.
    • 7. "To the Children of the Federal Street Society," 1835.
    • 8. "The Spring: A Sermon for Children," 1840.
    • 9. "To the Children of the Congregation, 1848.
    • 10. "A Comparison of the Goods & Evils of Revivals," 1831 (American Unitarian Association Tract No.50).
    • 11. "The Claims of Religion on the Female Sex," in the "Liberal Preacher" March 1832.
    • 12. Report of Gannett's speech at A.U.A., in 7th Annual Report, Tract No.61.
    • 13. "An Essay on the Demoniacs of the New Testament" 1832.
    • 14. "Unitarianism Not a Negative System," Sermon at dedication of Independent Congregational Church in Ipswich. A.U.A. Tract No.94.
    • 15. "The Christian Ministry," Sermon at Ordination of Rev. A.P. Peabody, at Portsmouth, N.H. 1833.
    • 16. "Atonement," A.U.A. Tract No. 149, 1839.
    • 17. "Unitarian Christianity, What it Is, & What it Is Not," Sermon at the Installation of Rev. Frank Parkman, Dover, N.H. 1840.
    • 18. "Righteousness the Central Principle of Christianity & The True Basis of the Unitarian Denomination," Sermon delivered at Unitarian Convention, Worcester A.U.A. Tract No.184.
    • 19. "The Value of Natural Religion," The Dudleian Lecture at Harvard College. From the "Christian Examiner" 1843.
    • 20. "Mr. Parker & his Views," from the "Christian Examiner" 1845.
    • 21. "The Faith of the Unitarian Christian Explained, Justified & Distinguished," Sermon at dedication of Unitarian Church in Montreal, Canada. A.U.A. Tract No.220, 1845.
    • 22. "The Essential in Christianity," A.U.A. Tract No. 241, 1847.
    • 23. "Trust in God," in "Sermons on Christian Communion," edited by J.R. Sullivan, 1848.
    • 24. "The Nature & Importance of our Theology," read before the Ministerial Conference, Boston, May 30, 1849; from the "Christian Examiner", 1849.
    • 25. "The Unitarian Belief," from Quarterly Journal of A.U.A., 1856.
    • 26. "What Must I Do to be Saved?" Sermon delivered at Pitts Street Chapel, May 19, 1857.
    • 27. Report of "Lectures on Atonement & Immortality," in the "Traveller" Feb. 1, 1959.
    • 28. "The Soul's Salvation through Faith in Christ," sermon at ordination of Rev. J.C. Kinball, at Beverly, 1859.
    • 29. Report of "Lecture on Channing & Unitarianism," in the "Advertiser," 1861.
    • 30. "The Doctrinal Basis of Christianity to be Preached," Sermon at the ordination of Rev. James DeNormandie, at Portsmouth, N.H., 1862.
    • 31. "Loyalty to Christ," Sermon at installation of Rev. A.P. Putnam, at Brooklyn, N.Y., 1864.
    • 32. "Christ's Gracious Invitation & Promise," Sermon preached at Boston Theatre, in "Christian Register," Jan. 18, 1868.
    • 33. "The Belief of Unitarians," introductory sermon of a course on Unitarian doctrines delivered in Boston, from "Christian Register," Mar. 4, 1871.

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Series VII. Printed Sermons, Vol. II: Unitarian Faith and Life

  • bMS 375/4 (1) Printed sermons, volume two: Unitarian Faith and Life. Contents:
    • 1. Reports of "Lectures on The Scriptures," from "Christian World" and "Sunday Telegraph," with Orthodox comments, 1846-7.
    • 2. Reports of "Fourteen Lectures on Religious Truths," in "Christian Register", with Universalist comments, 1851-2.
    • 3. "Right Hand of Fellowship," given at ordination of Rev. W.H.Furness at Philadelphia, 1825.
    • 4. "Address to the Society," at installation of Rev. W.P. Lunt, at Quincy, 1835.
    • 5. Charge at ordination of Rev. George E. Ellis, Charlestown, 1840.
    • 6. "A Devoted Ministry," sermon at the ordination of Rev. J.I.T. Coolidge over The Purchase Street Congregational Church in Boston, Feb., 1842.
    • 7. Charge at ordination of Rev. Amos Smith, New North Church in Boston, 1842.
    • 8. "The Relation of the Pulpit to Future Ages," sermon preached before the Massachusetts Convention of Congregational Ministers, from the "Christian Examiner," 1848.
    • 9. "Charge at installation of Rev. Rufus Ellis," First Church, Boston, 1853.
    • 10. "Address to the People," at installation of Rev. Charles Lowe, North Church, Salem, 1855.
    • 11. "Address to the People," at installation of Rev. E.E. Hale, South Congregational Church, Boston, 1856.
    • 12. Charge at installation of Rev. G. Reynolds, at Concord, 1858.
    • 13. Address at Semi-Centennial Celebration of the Cambridge Divinity School.

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Series VIII. Printed Sermons, Vol. III: Unitarian Faith and Life

  • bMS 375/4 (2) Printed sermons, volume three: Unitarian Faith and Life. Contents:
    • 1. Address delivered before Boston Sunday School Society on Fiftieth Anniversary of the Sunday School Institution, 1831.
    • 2. "The Temperance Cause," a discourse delivered before the Boston Young Men's Total Abstinence Society, 1846.
    • 3. Report of a "Lecture on American Life," in "Transcript," 1845.
    • 4. Extract from "The Temperance Cause," 1846.
    • 5. "Address of Boston Ministers on Licentiousness," 1848.
    • 6. "The Object, Subjects, & Methods of the Ministry at Large," discourse delivered at Benevolent Fraternity of Churches.
    • 7. Sermon before the Fatherless and Widows' Society, 1849.
    • 8. "Education the Means of Giving Woman her Proper Position in Society," address delivered to graduates & members of the West Newton State Normal Schook, 1850.
    • 9. Report of lecture on New England Ideas & Institutions, delivered at dedication of Cambridge Athenaeum, in "Cambridge Chronicle," 1851.
    • 10. "The Spirit of Reform," a Fast Day sermon, from the "Boston Evening Transcript," April 8, 1852.
    • 11. "Domestic Discipline," a Fast Day sermon, from "Boston Evening Transcript," April 13, 1853.
    • 12. Report of "Lecture on Manners," in the "Traveller," 1854.
    • 13. Report of "Lecture on Individuality," in the "Traveller."
    • 14. "Dissipation," a sermon, 1857.
    • 15. "The Influence of Woman," sermon, 1857.
    • 16. Address to Sunday School Convention at Fitchburg, Oct. 3, 1860.
    • 17. "The Benevolent Fraternity of Churches," discourse delivered in the Arlington Street Church.
    • 18. "The Temperance Cause," an editorial in the "Christian Register," 1864.
    • 19. "Importance of a Just Moral Sentiment in the People of the United States," a Thanksgiving Day discourse, 1850.
    • 20. "The Religion of Politics," the annual election sermon, 1842.
    • 21. "Peace, not War," sermon preached Dec. 14, 1845.
    • 22. "Our Help is in God," sermon preached Feb. 24, 1850, concerning the Fugitive Slave Bill.
    • 23. "Thanksgiving for the Union," a Thanksgiving Day sermon, 1850.
    • 24. "Relation of the North to Slavery," sermon preached June 11, after the rendition of Burns, 1854.
    • 25. "The State of the Country," sermon preached June 8, 1856, after Brooks' assault on Charles Sumner.
    • 26. "A Sober Word for the Hour," Thanksgiving Day sermon, on the eve of war, 1860.
    • 27. "Repentance amidst Deliverance," and "Mobs," two sermons preached July 12 & July 19, 1863, after Gettysburg & the New York riots.
    • 28. "The Arrival of the Britannia," sermon, July 19, 1840.
    • 29. "The Railroad Jubilee," in the "Boston Evening Transcript," Sept. 18, 1851.
    • 30. "The Atlantic Telegraph," discourse, Aug. 8, 1858.
    • 31. "The Prince's Visit," Oct. 21, 1860.
    • 32. "The Bicentenary of the English Non-Conformists," in the "Monthly Religious Magazine," Aug. 31, 1862.
    • 33. "The National Commercial Convention," Feb. 16, 1868.

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Series IX. Printed Sermons, Vol. IV: Unitarian Faith and Life

  • bMS 375/5 (1) Printed sermons, volume four: Unitarian Faith and Life. Contents:
    • 1. Address at funeral of Rev. W.E. Channing, Oct. 7, 1842, and sermon delivered on Sunday after death of Channing, Oct. 9, 1942.
    • 2. "A Good Old Age," a sermon memorial of Hon. John Davis, Jan, 14, 1847.
    • 3. Discourse given at funeral of Rev. W.B.O. Peabody, Springfield, June 1, 1847.
    • 4. "The Good Judge," a sermon memorial of Hon. Artemas Ward, Oct. 17, 1847.
    • 5. "The Faithful Man," a sermon memorial of Thomas Tarbell, May 2, 1852.
    • 6. Extract of sermon after death of Rev. Sylvester Judd, 1853.
    • 7. "The Useful Man," sermon at funeral of Hon. Charles Paine, Northfield, Vt., 1853.
    • 8. Discourse delivered at funeral of Rev. Alexander Young, 1854.
    • 9. Sermon preached on Sunday after death of Rev. George W. Burnap, Baltimore, Sept. 18, 1859.
    • 10. "The Physician," a sermon memorial of Marshall S. Perry, 1859.
    • 11. "Religion Conducive to Prosperity in This Life," sermon memorial of Hon. Nathan Appleton, July 21, 1861.
    • 12. "The Discipline of the Hour," a sermon memorial of Mrs. S.L. Torrey, Nov. 29, 1863.
    • 13. Discourse after death of Hon. Josiah Quincy, 1864.
    • 14. Discourse after death of Rev. Alvin Lamson, Dedham, July 31, 1864.
    • 15. Address at funeral of Rev. Edward B. Hall, Providence, R.I., March 8, 1866.
    • 16. Address to the Commemorative Service held on 25th anniversary of death of William Ellery Channing, Oct. 6, 1867.
    • 17. "Death in its Purpose and Effect," discourse in memory of Robert Waterston, 1869.
    • 18. Discourse in memory of Robert B. Storer, Dec. 25, 1870.
    • 19. "The Christian Scholar," memorial of George Ticknor, in "Old & New," May 1871.

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Series X. Printed Sermons, Vol. V: Unitarian Faith and Life

  • bMS 375/5 (2) Printed sermons, volume five: Unitarian Faith and Life. Contents:
    • 1. "Religious Consolation," volume of selections edited by Gannett, 1845 (1st edition, 1836).
    • 2. "Hymns & Exercises for the Federal Street Sunday School," arranged by Gannett, 1839.
    • 3. Memorial of the Federal Street Meeting House, discourse given on last Sunday of its use for public worship, March 13, 1859.
    • 4. "Positive Faith," discourse given at dedication of Church in Arlington Street, Dec. 11, 1861.
    • 5. Services for Arlington Street Church, 1862.
    • 6-12. Arlington Street Church Confession, Annual Reports, Hymn for Children's Party, etc., 1860-67.
    • 13. Sermon preached on 40th year of his ministry, July 3, 1864.
    • 14. Letters of resignation and parish votes, 1868-69.
    • 16-17. Easter Festival Exercises, 1870-71.
    • EXTRA:
    • 1. Discourses in memory of Robert Waterston, Sept. 5, 1869.

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