The Coming Night A Sermon Preached in Cromer Church, on Friday, June 12, 1857, on occasion of the death of Anna Gurney

In this gently spoken 19th‑century sermon, a modest parish priest gathers his congregation to reflect on the recent passing of a beloved local benefactress. He paints the everyday world as daylight—a brief season for fellowship, kindness, and purposeful work—while reminding listeners that night inevitably follows, urging them to seize the present. The reverent speaker intertwines personal recollections of the deceased’s generosity with biblical examples, suggesting that even deep sorrow carries a hidden, divine purpose.

Through a calm, measured rhythm, the homily invites listeners to consider how grief can sharpen faith and inspire a renewed commitment to service. It offers a comforting theological perspective that frames loss not as senseless tragedy but as part of a larger, though mysterious, plan. The sermon’s timeless messages about duty, compassion, and the fleeting nature of life resonate beyond its Victorian setting, providing a thoughtful meditation for anyone navigating personal loss.