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James Webster

James Webster

3 Sermons

James Webster (1734 – 1804) was an English preacher and Anglican priest whose calling from God led him to serve the Church of England, culminating in his role as Archdeacon of Gloucester for three decades. Born in Rampside, near Ulverston, Lancashire, England, to parents whose details are not widely specified—likely a modest family with religious ties—he grew up in a region known for its Puritan leanings. He pursued higher education at Christ’s College, Cambridge, graduating with a B.A. in 1757, and was ordained as a deacon in 1758 and a priest in 1760, reflecting a solid academic and ecclesiastical foundation. Webster’s calling from God unfolded through his early ministry as a curate in Grantham, Lincolnshire, followed by his appointment as incumbent at Much Cowarne, Herefordshire, where he preached sermons rooted in Anglican doctrine, calling parishioners to faith and moral living. In 1774, he was appointed Archdeacon of Gloucester, a senior role he held until his death, overseeing clergy and church affairs across the diocese with a reputation for diligence, though few of his sermons survive in written form. His ministry focused on pastoral oversight rather than the revivalist preaching typical of SermonIndex.net contributors. Married with a grandson who later became Lieutenant Governor of The Gambia and Prince Edward Island, he passed away in 1804 at age 70, likely in Gloucester, leaving a legacy of steady service within the established church.

Sermons
Bio

If Any Man Thirst: Part I

PSA 42:1ISA 55:1MAT 11:28JHN 4:14JHN 5:40JHN 6:35JHN 6:37JHN 7:37REV 22:17

James Webster preaches on the powerful invitation of Jesus Christ to come and drink from Him, emphasizing the solemnity and urgency of the offer made during a feast day. Despite the great readiness of Christ to provide, many refuse to come to Him, rejecting the opportunity for spiritual refreshment. The sermon delves into the duty of believing in Christ, the types of individuals invited to come (thirsty folk), the promise of satisfaction for those who come, and the unfortunate reality that many are unwilling to accept Christ's offer.

If Any Man Thirst: Part Ii

PSA 39:5PSA 110:3MAT 5:6LUK 19:14JHN 4:10JHN 7:37

James Webster preaches about the unwillingness of sinners to come to Christ, highlighting the black picture painted by Scripture of sinners in their natural state, devoid of strength and filled with a rooted hatred and rebellion against Christ. Despite the most advantageous circumstances, sinners remain unwilling to come to Christ, resisting His offers and defending their sin. However, those who thirst for Christ are allowed to come and drink from the fountain of living waters, with God the Father taking all glory for making them willing to come.

If Any Man Thirst: Part Iii

MAT 17:5

The preacher delves into the concept of 'Majestic Glory,' exploring the Greek word 'Megaloprepes' which signifies greatness, magnificence, and splendor, often used to honor political figures. This term is also used in the Septuagint to describe God's magnificent nature, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:26. The sermon emphasizes the divine affirmation of Jesus as the beloved Son of God, highlighting the Father's delight and approval of Him, as witnessed at the Transfiguration. The preacher underscores the importance of being faithful witnesses to the truth of Christ, as demonstrated by the disciples' experience on the holy mountain.