Thomas Guthrie, preacher and philanthropist: a study of his religious thought and homiletical method

Abstract

This work is an investigation of the philanthropy, religious thought and preaching of Thomas Guthrie. It is limited in its scope by the bounds set upon it in the Subject as stated on the Title Page. The purpose of this study is to answer these questions: What was the nature of Guthrie's work in the philanthropic sphere, and in what way may it be said he was a philanthropist? What was Guthrie's religious thought? What kind of a preacher was Guthrie, what were his methods and what place did he fill as a pulpit orator in mid-nineteenth century Scotland? In endeavoring to answer the first question, no effort has been made to analyze in detail all of his activities and contributions in the field of benevolence; rather, our purpose has been to focus upon that which would demonstrate wherein and how Guthrie expressed himself as a philanthropist. As to his religious thought, Guthrie has been allowed to express himself wherever possible and practicable in his own words, and in proportion to what he said or failed to say on any particular subject. Our answer to the third question involves the various phases of his life as a preacher, a study of his pulpit preparations and delivery, and the impact of his ministrations upon his generation.