The Spirit Proper to the Times A Sermon preached in King's Chapel, Boston, Sunday, May 12, 1861

A stirring meditation on the nature of public spirit, this work opens with a call to consider the sacrifices people make for the common good. The author challenges the prevailing narrative that modern society is drifting into selfishness, arguing instead that a deep‑seated civic instinct still drives collective action. By weaving biblical references with contemporary observations, the essay paints a vivid picture of how communities have historically rallied around shared ideals.

In the second part, the discussion turns to the tension between personal ambition and communal duty, questioning whether the pursuit of wealth inevitably erodes generosity. The speaker urges listeners to see public enthusiasm not as fleeting hype but as a moral force rooted in a reverence for order and liberty. Through thoughtful examples and clear reasoning, the piece invites reflection on how each generation can nurture that enduring spirit of sacrifice and solidarity.