The Lorenzo Dow McCabe Manuscript Collection

Lorenzo Dow McCabe (1817–1897) was an influential American Methodist theologian, educator, and author. He served as a professor of theology and philosophy at Ohio Wesleyan University for several decades, shaping the theological education of numerous students. McCabe was known for his deep engagement with issues of divine providence, human free will, and the nature of God, contributing significantly to Methodist thought in the 19th century.

Among his notable works are The Foreknowledge of God and Cognate Themes and Divine Nescience of Future Contingencies a Necessity, where he explored the complexities of God's omniscience and human freedom. McCabe’s theological perspectives sparked considerable discussion within Methodist circles, as he challenged prevailing views on divine foreknowledge.

His legacy lies in his commitment to intellectual rigor within Christian theology and his efforts to reconcile faith with philosophical inquiry.

Black and white portrait of Lorenzo Dow McCabe in a suit and bow tie, side profile view.

Works of Lorenzo Dow McCabe

Below is a list of sermons, addresses, and writings by L.D. McCabe, housed at the Gordon C. Olson library. These manuscripts were given to Gordon Olson by one of Dr. McCabe’s granddaughters during a visit to her home. Access to these manuscripts is available by appointment contact@gordoncolson.com.

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Sermons

  • Influence With God (Jer. 15:1 & Ezek. 14:14)

  • Sermon on Prayer (Pray without ceasing)

  • Skepticism (April 1873)

  • Sermon and Remarks on Greatness (1 Cor. 4:7)

  • Sorrow (John 16:33)

  • Supreme Love to Christ (1 Cor. 16:22)

  • The Counsel of God (Ps. 106:13) – 1858

  • Reproof (Prov. 29:1) – February 7, 1854

  • Love One Another (1 Peter 1:22)

  • The Lord Hath Set Apart (Ps. 4:3)

  • Prepare to Meet Thy God (Amos 4:12)

  • Conversion (James 5:17–18)

  • Having The Spirit (Romans 8:9)

  • Sermon on the Lord's Supper – Preached at William St Methodist Episcopal Church, Delaware, Ohio (August 13, 1882)

  • "Yea Doubtless" (Phil. 3:8) – December 7, 1852

  • Sermon on Being a Coworker with God (Luke 14:2–3 & 1 Cor. 3:8)

  • The Cords of Sin (Ps. 5:22)

  • Spare Me That I May Recover (Ps. 39:13) – February 1867

  • Great Cause of Missions – Post-1868

  • Missionary Zeal

Addresses and Speeches

  • Centennial Speech – Presumably of American Methodism (1866, Delaware)

  • Great Eternal Values – Address (January 1864)

  • George Washington Memorial Address (1892)

  • Address for Semi-Centennial of Ohio Wesleyan University (1894, not used)

  • Christianity Indispensable to Perfect Civilization – Ohio University Graduation (July 30, 1843)

Essays and Reviews

  • Review of Porter's Mental Philosophy – The Human Intellect (1868) or Elements of Moral Science (1885)

  • Review of Porter (1886) – Likely The Human Intellect by Noah Porter

  • The Ultimate Ground of Moral Obligation – Ripley Professor of Philosophy, Ohio Wesleyan University (1896)

  • Remarks on Prayer (c. 1869)

  • Necessity of Clearly Defining Regeneration (c. 1873)

  • Necessity of Specific Teaching on Sanctification (March 1873)

Other Notable Works

  • Memoir – Reprinted in Western Christian Advocate (June 23, 1897)

  • Paper on the Death of L.D. McCabe – Merrick E. Ketcham (June 28, 1897)

  • Remarks at Funeral of L.D. McCabe – Arthur Edwards (July 8, 1897)

  • Women's Temperance Crusade – Mrs. H.C. McCabe

  • Relation to Politics – Article from Delaware Signal

  • Notes to Preside Over a Political Meeting – Post-Civil War

  • Diaries (1856–1857)

  • Depravity of Man (4-Part Series, 1837)