How we cite our quotes: (Letter.Section.Paragraph)
Quote #1
One great benefit of a religious vocation is that it helps you concentrate. It gives you a good basic sense of what is being asked of you and what you might as well ignore. (1.1.16)
It comes with set expectations. People tend to have a notion of what a good preacher should be and what a good preacher should do, and they seem to also have ideas about how he should interact with the community. There's a continuity to the job. It's much the same from week to week.
Quote #2
There is a reality in blessing, which I take baptism to be, primarily. It doesn't enhance sacredness, but acknowledges it, and there is power in that. I have felt it pass through me, so to speak. (1.2.33)
For Ames, baptism is less a transformational ritual than a sign of acknowledgement that the one being baptized is already sacred.
Quote #3
It might have been the only sermon I wouldn't mind answering for in the next world. And I burned it. (1.2.91)
Why is Ames proud of this particular sermon? We're sure he's also been happy with other sermons he has written, but his humility makes him realize that anything he could possible say about God must pale beside the reality of God. So what makes this one sermon special?