Abstract
Preaching in Belfast, 1747–72 is the seventh volume in the texts and calendars series published by Four Courts in association with the Representative Church Body Library. The focus of this publication is a representative selection of 24 of 61 surviving sermons of Reverend James Saurin, who was vicar of Belfast from June 1747 until his death in August 1772, although, curiously, the family tree on page 16 indicates that he died in 1774. They exist in seven bound volumes in the library of St Anne’s cathedral in Belfast and comprise one of the largest extant collections of 18th-century Irish sermons. This selection of sermons exemplifies a rare insight into the ongoing pulpit ministry of the vicar of Belfast. On several grounds the introductory chapter is all important as it provides the spice and flavour for what might otherwise be regarded as an acquired taste in 18th-century sermons. The informative introduction paints an interesting picture of James Saurin and the context in which he ministered.
James Saurin’s ecclesiastical career was unsurprising given his Huguenot pedigree and adopted Irish Anglican stock. His father, Louis, and uncle, Jacques, were ministers, as was his son, also James, and grandson, James, who were also Anglican ministers. Saurin ministered to an Anglican community of about 70 families or 350 individuals living in what was then a Presbyterian-dominated city of about 8,500 souls living in 2,000 homes. In spite of normative poor relations between Irish Anglicans and Dissenters, Saurin appears to have had fairly good relations with his Presbyterian contemporaries, possibly due to a combination of factors such as his ‘low church’ outlook, Whig political aspect and common appreciation for biblical ministry.
While the helpful and informative introduction places Saurin and his sermons in context, it is the 24 sample sermons which form the bulk of this book. They hold a fascination as a primary snapshot of aspects of ecclesiastical life in Belfast in these years. As to technicalities of production, the sermons were written in full in small booklets, in large handwriting, presumably to assist in reading them in poorly lit pulpits. Spaces allow for later necessary additions as most were preached on a number of occasions and by relatives; for example, Sermon five was preached first on 4 June 1749 and for the 13th time on 17 August 1845!
The format of the sermons is fairly typical of the 18th century: a bible text is introduced, and usually four key points or ‘heads’ are then developed by the preacher, before a concluding ‘application’ and closing prayer. Interestingly, Saurin’s sermons average 3,500 words and, assuming a reading speed of 130 words per minute, would have taken about 25 minutes to deliver.
There are surprisingly few references in the collection to contemporary affairs, thus surely enhancing their longevity, and the most common theme appears to be a general plea for the hearers to maintain the present social order. Sermons 11 and 16 were most often preached, 41 times, over a 68- and 78-year span respectively. Sermon 11 is based upon II Corinthians 5:10 concerning final judgement and sermon 16 is based upon Job 28:28 concerning wisdom that comes from a fear of the Lord. Some of the sermons were written for special occasions; for example sermon one for confirmation, and subsequently used only on such occasions. Similarly with sermons nine and 17 which were exclusively preached at Easter. Arguably, the most distinctive sermon is number 13 which was only delivered once, on 25 April 1749, in response to a general proclamation on 27 March that a general thanksgiving be held on that day to celebrate the Peace of Aix-La-Chapelle which ended the War of the Austrian Succession. Unusually, a Presbyterian sermon in Belfast on that occasion, preached by Rev Gilbert Kennedy, has also survived. A comparison is noteworthy, with the Dissenter version confirming the stereotype, being almost twice as long.
By far the most common trait in these sermons is to perceive James Saurin’s preaching style. He emerges as a diligent minister, adhering closely to his chosen biblical text, and proceeding logically from head to head, always with a devotional and practical objective in view. Often his application is to plead for Christian traits in his hearers that good may overcome evil for the betterment of all in society. This volume provides a clear image of a significant ministry in 18th-century Belfast.