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A Discontented Optimist: Ten Sermons
Paperback
Religion General Christian LivingGeneral Christianity
ISBN13: 9781025612355
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Published: Feb 14 2026
Pages: 176
Weight: 0.56
Height: 0.38 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English
A Discontented Optimist; Ten Sermons is a compelling collection of spiritual discourses by the renowned preacher Merton Stacher Rice. Through ten distinct sermons, the author explores the intricate balance between a restless desire for spiritual improvement and a steadfast faith in the ultimate goodness of the divine plan. Rice addresses the complexities of the human condition, arguing that a true optimist is not one who ignores the flaws of the world, but one who remains hopeful while actively seeking to better their surroundings.
The work reflects the vibrant rhetorical style of early 20th-century homiletics, blending theological insight with practical moral guidance. Each sermon serves as an invitation to the reader to examine their own life and faith, encouraging a perspective that is both critical of current failings and profoundly encouraged by spiritual possibilities. Topics within the collection touch upon the nature of character, the power of persistent belief, and the role of the individual within the broader community of faith.
Whether read as historical examples of American Protestant thought or as timeless reflections on the Christian journey, these sermons offer a window into a period of significant social and religious transition. Rice's voice remains resonant, providing a thoughtful exploration of how dissatisfaction can be harnessed as a catalyst for growth and lasting hope.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
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