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W.J. Erdman
William Jacob Erdman (February 21, 1834 – January 27, 1923) was an American preacher, Presbyterian minister, and author whose leadership in the premillennialist and holiness movements of the late 19th century bridged evangelical fervor with scholarly exposition. Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to John Erdman and Sarah Wunderly, he grew up in a German Reformed family before moving with his parents to western New York at age 11. Converted at 16 during an 1850 revival meeting in Rochester, New York, he graduated from Hamilton College in 1856 with a B.A., then studied at Union Theological Seminary in New York City (1856–1858), where he was ordained in 1860 by the Presbytery of Buffalo. Marrying Henrietta Rosenbury in 1860, he had six children, including Charles Rosenbury Erdman, a future Princeton theologian. Erdman’s preaching career began at Jefferson Presbyterian Church in Jefferson, New York (1860–1864), followed by pastorates in Jamestown, New York (1864–1870), and Dwight L. Moody’s Chicago Avenue Church in Chicago (1870–1874). Known for his clear, earnest sermons, he became a key figure in the Niagara Bible Conference (1876–1897), advocating premillennialism—the belief in Christ’s imminent return before a literal thousand-year reign. From 1875 to 1880, he served as superintendent of the New York Presbytery’s Home Mission, planting churches across the state, then pastored Second Presbyterian Church in Germantown, Pennsylvania (1880–1890), growing its congregation significantly. After retiring from regular ministry in 1890, he devoted himself to writing and itinerant preaching, speaking at holiness conventions like Keswick until 1900.
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In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the preacher reflects on the endless cycle of vanity and hopelessness that plagues humanity. He observes the oppression and suffering in the world, leading to a deep sense of despair and questioning the value of existence. Erdman highlights the futility of worldly pursuits and the fleeting nature of success, fame, and power, emphasizing the transient nature of human endeavors. The preacher underscores the self-centeredness of each generation and the ultimate insignificance of earthly achievements, pointing to the eternal truth that life without a deeper purpose is like chasing after the wind.
Vanities Social and Political. 4:1-16
But this Seeker after all that is done under the sun, cannot remain in the self-complacent enjoyment to which he resorts. He must, like wind and wave, move and turn in ever restless mood. He turns, he looks, and lo! another vanity! He beholds all the oppressions done under the sun, and declares, for the comfortless oppressed, it were better to be dead; yea, for both living and dead, it were better never to have been at all! Here is another descent into hopelessness; just as at the beginning, in regard to his own experiences and labors, he revolved his thoughts until he made his heart despair, so now he thinks it better never to have been, on seeing the sad experiences of his fellows. And then he beholds vanity after vanity, social and political; how the successful rich man is envied of his neighbor; how the lazy fool derides the rich man's striving after wind; low the lone miser toils in vain, never knowing the good of companionship; and how the wise youth, in place of an old and foolish king, will be the idol of the fickle multitude for a season, only to be neglected and forgot ten in his turn. It is humbling, but very true in every age and all lauds, that each generation is self-centered and cares naught for what was before or what will be after it. Not to be always popular and " daily swallowed by men's eyes," proves life and royalty to be but vapor, and all effort and " bold emprise " a striving after wind. "Die two months ago and not forgotten yet? Then there's hope a great man's memory may outlive his life half a year! "
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William Jacob Erdman (February 21, 1834 – January 27, 1923) was an American preacher, Presbyterian minister, and author whose leadership in the premillennialist and holiness movements of the late 19th century bridged evangelical fervor with scholarly exposition. Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to John Erdman and Sarah Wunderly, he grew up in a German Reformed family before moving with his parents to western New York at age 11. Converted at 16 during an 1850 revival meeting in Rochester, New York, he graduated from Hamilton College in 1856 with a B.A., then studied at Union Theological Seminary in New York City (1856–1858), where he was ordained in 1860 by the Presbytery of Buffalo. Marrying Henrietta Rosenbury in 1860, he had six children, including Charles Rosenbury Erdman, a future Princeton theologian. Erdman’s preaching career began at Jefferson Presbyterian Church in Jefferson, New York (1860–1864), followed by pastorates in Jamestown, New York (1864–1870), and Dwight L. Moody’s Chicago Avenue Church in Chicago (1870–1874). Known for his clear, earnest sermons, he became a key figure in the Niagara Bible Conference (1876–1897), advocating premillennialism—the belief in Christ’s imminent return before a literal thousand-year reign. From 1875 to 1880, he served as superintendent of the New York Presbytery’s Home Mission, planting churches across the state, then pastored Second Presbyterian Church in Germantown, Pennsylvania (1880–1890), growing its congregation significantly. After retiring from regular ministry in 1890, he devoted himself to writing and itinerant preaching, speaking at holiness conventions like Keswick until 1900.