Lectures on Preaching: Delivered Before the Divinity School of Yale College in January and February, 1877

by Phillips Brooks

Lectures On Delivered Before The Divinity School Of Yale College In January And February, 1877 is a book written by Phillips Brooks, an American Episcopal clergyman and author. The book is a collection of lectures given by Brooks to the Divinity School of Yale College in 1877. The lectures cover a range of topics related to preaching, including the nature and purpose of preaching, the importance of personal conviction and sincerity in preaching, the use of language and rhetoric in preaching, and the role of the preacher in shaping the moral and spiritual character of their congregation. The book is considered a classic work on preaching and has been widely influential in the field of homiletics. It offers valuable insights and practical advice for anyone interested in improving their preaching skills, whether they are a novice or an experienced preacher. Published in 1877, the book is a testament to the enduring relevance of Brooks' ideas and his impact on the field of preaching.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Genres: Christian

292 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Phillips Brooks (December 13, 1835 – January 23, 1893) was an American Episcopal clergyman and author, long the Rector of Boston's Trinity Church and briefly Bishop of Massachusetts, and particularly remembered as lyricist of the Christmas hymn, "O Little Town of Bethlehem".

In the Episcopal liturgical calendar he is remembered on January 23.

Born in Boston, Brooks was descended through his father, William Gray Brooks, from the Rev. John Cotton; through his mother, Mary Ann Phillips, he was a great-grandson of Samuel Phillips, Jr., founder of Phillips Academy (Andover, Massachusetts). Three of Brooks' five brothers – Frederic, Arthur and John Cotton – were eventually ordained in the Episcopal Church.

In 1877 Brooks published a course of lectures upon preaching, which he had delivered at the theological school of Yale University, and which are an expression of his own experience. In 1879 appeared the Bohlen Lectures on The Influence of Jesus. In 1878 he published his first volume of sermons, and from time to time issued other volumes, including Sermons Preached in English Churches (1883) and "The Candle of the Lord" and Other Sermons (1895).

Brooks also introduced Helen Keller to Christianity and to Anne Sullivan.

Reviews

[Jack W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would highly recommend for any preacher. The classically trained Brooks, author of O Little Town of Bethlehem, speaks with the wisdom and power of another age, and with theological insight into the man preaching, the truth proclaimed, and the congregation receiving.

[Tom Greentree · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read. I gleaned a lot from Brooks and will return to him again. Amazing how lectures from 1877 are still relevant for today.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Way better than I thought it would be.

[Dan Jacobsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish I could absorb this book in its entirety. Phillips Brooks is a hero of mine, and his insights on men and preaching are better than anyone else's I've ever come across. If you're into speaking and preaching, the amount of instruction, encouragement, rebuking, and direction found in the pages of his lectures will last a year's worth of contemplation. My two favorite points: Preaching is God's truth through personality... (or, truth plus personality). Sermons aren't art, but communication meant to save souls.

Will be reading this and re-reading this book the rest of my life. I have an old edition to wear in even more!

[M Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

As previously noted, I found much of this book surprisingly fresh. As I read it, particularly the first five chapters, I often found myself thinking, "Yes, his observation is still spot on." It wasn't until chapters 6 and 7 (of 8) that I felt there were more changes in the times over 140 years than Rev. Brooks could have known. Even then, however, there was much to be gained from his insight. The last chapter was weakened by a typical Victorian prolixity of style but, again, this is a fairly minor issue.

I would recommend this book whole-heartedly for any preacher, especially one just starting out.