London sermon culture, 1702-1763

• Main Author: Farooq, Jennifer
• Published: University of Reading 2008
• Subjects: 251
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.494824

There has been a revived interest in the early modern sermons. Yet, relatively little work has been done on the early eighteenth century. This thesis contributes to the growing body of literature by focusing on London sermon culture from 1702 to 1763, These discourses faced increasing competition from other publications, so this study illuminates how this established genre adapted to the evolving world of print. This also was a period of religious diversity and, some argue, secularisation, so this analysis also furthers our understanding of the role of religion in society. This thesis traces the evolution of sermon culture from a highly partisan culture in the early eighteenth century to a more 'urbane' one by the mid-eighteenth century, when preachers increasingly contributed to the expanding associational environment of London. This analysis suggests that while the publication of sermons did experience some decline, preachers adapted to the evolving nature of English politics and society.