Volume 8: Sermons to the Nation

‘It can be easy to forget that John Owen was not an ivory-tower theologian, but a pastor and a preacher. In addition, he was often deeply involved in the social and political currents and events of his own day. He was truly a mover and shaker in Puritan Britain. It can be hard to transport ourselves to a time when sermons were not simply private productions preached behind closed doors, but significant and appreciated public contributions to social, cultural, and political discourse. This was a time when religion walked openly as a major player on the national stage, and had a big speaking part.

As such, Owen’s sermons are worthy of consideration. This volume contains sixteen of them, with one or two other snippets. Several of them were preached before Parliament, and most of them manifest a genuinely public voice. They are truly ‘occasional’ documents, often prepared and preached for specific situations under pressure of time. They reveal a patriotic Christian fully invested in the kingdom of God and deeply concerned for the good of his own country. Some of Owen’s assumptions and prescriptions will startle many modern readers, but this volume will stimulate and steer those who read carefully, especially those concerned for a Christian contribution to the public square. Even if we do not reach Owen’s conclusions or have the opportunity to offer his proclamations, these productions of his heart and pen will help us navigate the challenges of our own social, cultural, and political landscapes.’

– Jeremy Walker, Pastor, Maidenbower Baptist Church, Crawley, UK.