Plain Sermons
This collection of sermons presents a traditional and conservative view of Christianity, emphasizing the importance of faith, morality, and personal responsibility. The sermons are characterized by their straightforward and uncomplicated language, making them accessible to a wide audience. They cover various topics such as prayer, forgiveness, and the role of women in society.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1877 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Reflective · 185 words
First lines
I saw a man -- and envied him beside -- Because of this world's goods he had great store; But even as I envied him, he died, And left me envious of him no more.
I saw another man -- and envied still -- Because he was content with frugal lot; But as I envied him, the rich man's will Bequeathed him all, and envy I forgot.
Yet still another man I saw, and he I envied for a calm and tranquil mind That nothing fretted in the least degree -- Until, alas! I found that he was blind.
What vanity is envy! for I find I have been rich in dross of thought, and poor In that I was a fool, and lastly blind For never having seen myself before!
What this Textopian page supports
Plain Sermons is listed on Textopian as an essay by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1877 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1877 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Reflective, Moral
- Length: 185 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Plain Sermons by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Plain Sermons?
- How does this essay by James Whitcomb Riley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and rhyming pattern, characteristic of poetry.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep philosophical questions about envy, wealth, contentment, and self-awareness.
- Reflective — The narrative is introspective, focusing on personal reflection and realization.
- Moral — The work conveys a moral lesson about the futility of envy and the importance of self-awareness.
Tags
Sermon · Literary · Poetic · Religious · Spiritual · Moral · Philosophical · Inspirational · Devotional · Christian · Faith · Belief