We're a big fan of the ordination sermon. They provide a uniquely concentrated and intentional statement of the core values and perspectives of the Church in a given time and place. This is even further concentrated in the "charge" at the end, where the most important functions of the Gospel Ministry are laid on the Pastor as primary sacred duties. Both personally and historically interesting reading.

Fascinating ordination sermon for Abiel Holmes [1763-1837], grandfather to Oliver Wendell Holmes. Previous to this position in Massachusetts, he had already pastored in South Carolina and Midway, Georgia. He was married to the daughter of Ezra Stiles. 

Scarce. No copies on the market at the time of cataloguing.

Text: John 7.16. My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.

Dana, James. The Doctrine and Mission of Jesus Christ. A Sermon Preached in Cambridge, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, January 25, 1792, at the Installation of Abiel Holmes to the Pastoral Care of the First Church and Society in Said Town. Boston. Samuel Hall. 1792. 35pp

Good + with half title somewhat handled with stains as shown, reverse signed by James Munro, textually very crisp and clean save some scattered foxing. Small corner loss on title. At some point, part of a larger sammelband with associated flotsam to spine and tenderness.