In 1817 the Scottish mathematician and churchman Thomas Chalmers (1780 1847), who was later invited to write one of the Bridgewater Treatises (also reissued in this series) published this book, based on weekday sermons preached by him in Glasgow. His main aim is to refute the 'infidel' argument that because the earth and humanity are such insignificant parts of the universe, God - if he existed - would not care about them. However, he is also addressing the 'narrow and intolerant professors' who 'take an alarm' at the idea of philosophy rather than incorporating science into their Christian preaching. Chalmers writes from the viewpoint of an admirer of science and modern astronomy. However, he also argues that wonder at the magnificence of creation and even acknowledging it as God's work is not enough, and that a truly moral Christian life is essential for salvation.

The eight Bridgewater Treatises of the 1830s aimed to contribute to an understanding of the world as created by God. This, the first treatise, by the Scottish mathematician and churchman Thomas Chalmers, proposes an 'argument for the character of the Deity, as grounded on the laws and appearances of nature'. It sees harmonies between the intellectual and material worlds as manifesting the hand of God in their creation, anticipating aspects of today's 'intelligent design' theory. Volume I includes chapters comparing virtuous and vicious personalities; the concept of habit; how external nature is adapted to man's moral constitution; and how moral and intellectual aspects of mankind lead to the civil and political well-being of society. Volume II provides specific examples of God's design including happiness and the connection between intellect, emotion and will, concluding that areas left as open questions by science's lack of proof are indications of divine architecture.

Thomas Chalmers exhorts readers to remove the tangles of sin through the expulsive power of a new and greater affection—desiring God.

This three-volume study by the Scottish churchman and social reformer Thomas Chalmers (1780-1847) is a revealing work of Christian morality as applied to urban economic theory. Having moved to Glasgow in 1815, Chalmers was given a free hand in 1819 for an experiment in urban ministry at the new parish of St John's in the poorest district of the city. His reforms improved education and reduced the need for institutional poor relief by dividing the area into manageable 'proportions' that were closely looked after by parish elders and deacons, reviving a traditional community spirit and promoting self-help. Although sometimes severe, Chalmers' system and this influential work reflect Enlightenment optimism regarding human nature, suggesting the need for the Church of Scotland to respond actively to problems of urban industrialisation. Volume 1, published in 1821, outlines his theories of locality and the ways in which the Church could support the community.

This three-volume study by the Scottish churchman and social reformer Thomas Chalmers (1780-1847) is a revealing work of Christian morality as applied to urban economic theory. Having moved to Glasgow in 1815, Chalmers was given a free hand in 1819 for an experiment in urban ministry at the new parish of St John's in the poorest district of the city. His reforms improved education and reduced the need for institutional poor relief by dividing the area into manageable 'proportions' that were closely looked after by parish elders and deacons, reviving a traditional community spirit and promoting self-help. Although sometimes severe, Chalmers' system and this influential work reflect Enlightenment optimism regarding human nature, suggesting the need for the Church of Scotland to respond actively to problems of urban industrialisation. Volume 2, published in 1823, investigates the nature of pauperism in Scotland and England and the ways in which Parliament and the parish can work towards its abolition.

This three-volume study by the Scottish churchman and social reformer Thomas Chalmers (1780-1847) is a revealing work of Christian morality as applied to urban economic theory. Having moved to Glasgow in 1815, Chalmers was given a free hand in 1819 for an experiment in urban ministry at the new parish of St John's in the poorest district of the city. His reforms improved education and reduced the need for institutional poor relief by dividing the area into manageable 'proportions' that were closely looked after by parish elders and deacons, reviving a traditional community spirit and promoting self-help. Volume 3, published in 1826, was written after Chalmers left St John's to become Chair of Moral Philosophy at St Andrew's. It focuses on the relationship between labour, wages and poor relief, discussing how labouring classes should not depend upon welfare and wages to relieve want, but rather practise self-help to reform their condition from below.

Scottish minister and social reformer Thomas Chalmers (1780 1847) is famous as the leader of the group of 470 ministers who left the Church of Scotland in 1843 to found the Free Church of Scotland, and as the author (in 1834) of the first Bridgewater Treatise (also reissued in this collection). Along with his theological interests, Chalmers was deeply concerned with educational reform in schools and universities. In 1827 he published this paper on university endowments, asserting that it was the state's responsibility to support religious and educational institutions, because churches, schools, and universities maintained the nation's Christian principles and character. Chalmers argued that only endowed national establishments were capable of ensuring the religious and moral well-being of the individual. In addition to his appeal for university endowments, he also advocated (unusually for his time) the extension of full civil rights to dissenters and Catholics.

"An outstanding collection of sermons by many of Scotland's leading evangelical preachers and leaders of former times. It will surely be treasured." - Iain H. Murray - "Precious Seed contains sermons by the 'hall of fame' of Scottish preachers on the most glorious themes of the gospel. Here is preaching at its apex - the best preachers presenting their best sermons on the best subjects " - Joel R. Beeke