Reimagining Reverend Richard Johnson’s First Sermon

In 1788, Reverend Richard Johnson, the first Christian chaplain of Australia, delivered a historic sermon to the settlers of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove. As the colony’s spiritual leader, Johnson’s role was not only to guide the moral and religious lives of the convicts, soldiers, and settlers but also to bring hope and faith to a fledgling community in an unfamiliar and challenging land.

While the original text of his first sermon has been lost to history, I have reimagined what it might have been like, based on Johnson’s evangelical convictions, Cambridge education, and the historical and cultural context of the late 18th century. Influenced by figures such as John Newton and William Wilberforce, Johnson’s language would have been formal yet pastoral, with a focus on scripture, gratitude, and moral exhortation.

The recreated sermon reflects the themes of thanksgiving for God’s providence, repentance, and the establishment of a Christian society in a new and untrodden land. It also draws upon the Book of Common Prayer, which would have been central to Johnson’s ministry, and incorporates the formal and rhetorical style of sermons from the period.

This reimagined sermon is not only a tribute to Reverend Johnson’s faith and resilience but also a reminder of the enduring power of hope and gratitude in the face of adversity.

In 1788, Reverend Richard Johnson brought a message of hope and divine providence to Sydney Cove. This image captures the essence of that moment, with faith, resilience, and the promise of new beginnings amidst the challenges of the First Fleet.

A SERMON

Delivered by the Reverend Richard Johnson

At Sydney Cove, New South Wales

Being the First Christian Service in the Colony

The Third Day of February, 1788

"What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord." Psalm 116:12-13

My Dear Brethren,

It is both our sacred duty and our most singular privilege to commence this day our public worship of Almighty God in this distant land. As we gather here, let us reflect upon the words of the Psalmist: "What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me?" These words, though written in ancient times, do most aptly express our present circumstance. For we, having been preserved through manifold perils of the great deep, and being now safely arrived upon these shores, must consider what we shall render unto the Lord for His manifold mercies.

Let us first observe that we stand here as recipients of Divine Providence, having been conducted through a voyage of eight months' duration, during which time we have witnessed both the terrors and the mercies of Him who ruleth the raging of the sea. Many among our company have been called hence to their eternal reward, yet we who remain have been preserved by that same Providential hand which guideth all things according to the counsel of His will.

I would have you mark, moreover, that our preservation hath not been owing to any merit of our own, but solely to the beneficence of our most gracious God, who, having appointed us to this undertaking, hath seen fit to sustain us therein. Shall we not, therefore, with the Psalmist, enquire what manner of return we might make for such signal mercies?

Brethren, let us consider the past and the present. We have left behind the familiar shores of our native land, and we now stand upon a new and untrodden land, a place hitherto unknown to Christian civilization. Yet, though this land is new to us, it is not new to God. He who formed the heavens and the earth hath fashioned this place also, and His presence is here among us. The Book of Common Prayer doth teach us to offer unto God our most humble and hearty thanks for His goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all men. Let us, therefore, render unto Him the sacrifice of thanksgiving, acknowledging that our preservation hitherto hath proceeded solely from His goodness. As the General Thanksgiving saith: “We bless Thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all, for Thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ.” Brethren, let us not forget that we are called to gratitude not only in word but in deed. The Psalmist saith, “I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.” This is the true thanksgiving: to embrace with thankfulness all those means of grace which God hath provided for us, and to call upon His name in prayer and worship.

Yet, brethren, we must also acknowledge the trials and hardships that lie before us. This land is harsh, and the hearts of men are often harder still. Many among us are weary, burdened by the weight of sin and suffering. But let us not lose heart, for the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Let us take comfort in His promises, for He hath said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” The Exhortation in the Communion service doth remind us that we must examine ourselves, repent of our sins, and amend our lives. Let us, therefore, render unto the Lord our solemn promise of amendment of life. For if we would prosper in this undertaking, we must needs walk in His ways and observe His commandments.

I must particularly address those who, through their own misconduct, have been brought to these shores. Let them not despair, for the mercy of God extendeth even unto them. Rather, let them consider this removal from their native country as an opportunity graciously afforded them by Divine Providence for their reformation. The same God who preserved us in our voyage hither is mighty also to save them from their sins. As the Prayer for All Conditions of Men saith: “That it may please Thee to bring into the way of truth all such as have erred and are deceived.”

Brethren, the work before us is great, and the labourers are few. As the population of this colony grows, so too do the challenges of ministry. Yet we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Consider the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, who came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. Let us, therefore, follow His example, ministering to the needs of the poor, the sick, and the suffering. Let us not withhold the light of the gospel from any man, but proclaim the good news of salvation to all who will hear.

Finally, brethren, let us commit ourselves unto prayer. The Book of Common Prayer doth teach us that we cannot bear the weight of this calling in our own strength, but only by the grace and power of God. Let us pray for His guidance, His protection, and His blessing upon this new settlement. And let us pray that, in all things, His will may be done, and His name glorified.

To conclude, we are at present but a small company, yet I trust that, through God's blessing, we shall in time become a great nation. Let it be our care, therefore, to lay such foundations as shall not disgrace our nation nor our religion. Let us resolve, with God's help, to render unto Him a reasonable, holy, and lively sacrifice of our souls and bodies in this place.

What then shall we render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward us? We shall take the cup of salvation - that is, we shall embrace with thankfulness all those means of grace which He hath provided for us. We shall call upon His name - that is, we shall maintain among us the public worship of God, and shall seek His blessing upon our undertaking.

And now, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.