Rev. John Keble, theologian, teacher and poet, priest of the Church of England, preached the Assize Sermon at St. Mary's Church, Oxford, on July 14, 1833.



Keble gave his sermon the title National Apostasy and took as his text 1 Samuel 12:23: As for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way.



Keble called the nation to repentance and to recognition of the Church as the prophetic voice of God and not a mere establishment pillar and human institution.



Keble's sermon is considered the beginning of the Oxford Movement, of which he remained a central figure.





Blest Are The Pure In Heart