'He was so universally acceptable': Samuel Clarke's sermons and 18th century Anglicanism's unity and accord

The reference to Samuel Clarke in the recent post regarding the Anglicanism of George Washington has led me to consider Clarke's place in 18th century Anglicanism. On a previous occasion, when reflecting on Clarke's Advent and Christmas sermons, I noted his sermons were popularly received across the 18th century Church of England. This provides a significant example of the 'unity and accord' of 18th century Anglicanism, identified by William Gibson as defining characteristics.

In his 'Some Account of the Life, Writings, and Character of Dr. Samuel Clarke' - the preface to the 1738 edition of Clarke's sermons - Bishop Benjamin Hoadly indicates something of why the sermons would have such appeal across the Church of England:

His Preaching was what One would naturally expect from a Person of so Critical a Genius, and so sedate a Judgment. The Design and Tendency of it was not to move the Passions: nor had he any Talent this way. He wisely never attempted it, because He was sensible He should not succeed if He did. And if This was a Defect; it was a Defect in his original Frame and Constitution. But then, His Sentiments and Expression were so masterly; His way of explaining the Phraseology of Scripture, by collecting, and comparing together, all the Parallel Places truly relating to any Subject, was so extraordinary and Convincing; that such a Delight of Satisfaction went along with it, as more than made amends for the Want of the Other. And in this Method of Preaching, He was so universally acceptable, that perhaps there was not a Parishioner He had, of any Rank, (whatever might be his way of thinking in our divided World) who was not always pleased at his coming into the Pulpit; or, who was ever weary of his Instructions from thence. 'However We differ in Some matters, We desire to See No other Person in the Pulpit', was, I know, a Saying amongst Them. And it is for their honour, that I mention it.

Here we see 'unity and accord' in microcosm. Hoadly - himself, of course, a very active participant in the ecclesiastical and political debates of the years that were 'the Rage of Party' - acknowledges the divisions of the times: "our divided world". The sentiment expressed by parishioners, quoted by Hoadly, also hints at the divisions of High and Low, Tory and Whig: "However we differ in some matters ...". Despite those differences, parishioners valued Clarke's sermons. In doing so, they were anticipating how his sermons would be received by a broad swathe of opinion in the Church of England of the 'long 18th century'.

We see this in how the High Church Tory Samuel Johnson regarded Clarke. Boswell's The Life of Samuel Johnson notes that the great man recommended the works of Clarke "to every man whose faith is yet unsettled". Likewise, he favourably "mentioned Dr. Clarke" on the matter of predestination. Clarke's sermons appeared on "various notes of [Johnson's] studies". And while obviously critical of Clarke's views on the Trinity, Johnson yet recommended his sermons:

I should recommend Dr. Clarke's sermons, were he orthodox. However, it is very well known where he was not orthodox, which was upon the doctrine of the Trinity ...

Clarke's standing is, of course, all the more remarkable in light of the intense controversy which surrounded his understanding of the Trinity. But, as Johnson's esteem for Clark indicates, it is this very fact which serves to emphasise the character of 'unity and accord' in 18th century Anglicanism. Clarke's intellectual reputation and his sermons survived the controversy provoked by the 1712 publication of The Scripture Doctrine of the Trinity. That the 1738 collection of the sermons was dedicated to Queen Caroline (wife of George II), his patron, illustrates the extent to which Clarke remained a respected clergyman of the Church of England. He died in 1729 as rector of St James', Westminster, and on the very day of his death had been expected to preach before the judiciary at Serjeants' Inn.

There will be more said about Clarke in coming months on Laudable Practice. In the mean time, we reflect on the apparently unlikely combination of Benjamin Hoadly and Samuel Johnson recommending Clarke's sermons, a sign of the 'unity and accord' of the 18th century Church of England.

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After a break for the Summer months, Laudable Practice will return on 24th August. I trust all readers will have a refreshing seasonal break.

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