"That work of renewal and recovery": A Hackney Phalanx sermon for Septuagesima

From A Course of Sermons, for the Lord's Day throughout the Year, Volume I (1817) by Joseph Holden Pott - associated with the Hackney Phalanx - a sermon for Septuagesima Sunday. Pott powerfully captures the ancient theme of Septuagesimatide as orienting us towards the redemptive events of the Paschal season and the preparatory discipline of Lent, "that work of renewal and recovery by which the first righteous image of integrity may once more be renewed in us". The sermon is a reminder of the deep liturgical spirituality which could be found in the pre-1833 High Church tradition:

Let us look, then, with some sad reflections on the former state of man, which the text [Genesis 1:26 - the reading of Genesis, of course, traditionally commenced at Septuagesima] describes in terms so glowing and significant: but let us look also with good hope and with joyful confidence, to him in whom that image was restored, and concerning whose accomplished dispensations it is said so truly, that more is gained by the work of reconciliation and the grants of grace, than was lost in the first head of mankind.

But whilst we look thus to the promise and completion of the work of restitution in Christ Jesus, let us remember too, how deeply it concerns us not to forego our interest in that saving work. Sad, indeed, will be our remembrance of man's first state, if it be coupled with the bitter sense of a second forfeiture of the privileges and the succours of the Lord.

Let us strive, then, earnestly for the increase of that work of renewal and recovery by which the first righteous image of integrity may once more be renewed in us; and may receive again the blessing of the Lord in every faithful bosom.

Let us regard this restoration, at all times, as the great end of all our hopes, and the object of our best endeavours; that it may one that it may one day be made perfect in those realms of bliss, where alone the spirits of the just shall find their day of trial crowned with recompense, and their happy state confirmed for ever.

(The illustration is from the 11th century Codex Aureus of Echternach, an illuminated Gospel book, showing the parable of the vineyard owners and labourers. The parable is the Gospel reading for Septuagesima, preparing us to "Go ye also into the vineyard": that is, to enter into the discipline of Lent.)

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