Old Wine and New: Occasional Discourses

In Short

Old Wine and New: Occasional Discourses is a nineteen-century collection of sermons delivered across American and European pulpits. Joseph Cross addresses the core tenets of Christian faith, blending doctrinal defense with pastoral encouragement. Through vivid biblical expositions and reflections on contemporary life, the book traces humanity’s spiritual journey from the heavy burdens of legalistic duty to the liberating grace found in Christ. It has endured as an example of classical homiletics, offering timeless reflections on forgiveness, providence, and moral responsibility written in an elevated, ornate literary style.

The Story

The narrative arc of the collection functions as a guided spiritual pilgrimage, beginning with a personal dedication that reflects on human partnership and divine grace. From its opening address, the text establishes its central thesis: humanity suffers under self-imposed burdens, rigid traditions, and empty moralism, but is continually offered rest and spiritual renewal through the living Christ. The discourse moves systematically from the foundational call of the Gospel to the practical realization of Christian virtues in everyday life.

Cross leads the reader through the historical and spiritual transition from the ancient Levitical law—with its burdensome rites and symbolic sacrifices—to the fulfilling reality of the New Covenant. He illustrates this progression by re-examining key biblical moments, contrasting the tragic failures of figures like Eli, whose passive indulgence corrupted his household, with the enduring zeal of the Apostle Paul. Paul’s transformative encounter on the road to Damascus serves as a crucial turning point in the volume's argument, demonstrating how divine grace converts a fierce persecutor into an unyielding messenger of truth.

As the collection advances, the focus shifts to the communal and personal duties of the believer. Cross reflects on the sacred mystery of the Holy Supper, framing it not merely as an abstract symbol, but as an active, ongoing assurance of divine mediation. He urges his audience to express their faith through global mission work, active charity, and genuine fraternal forgiveness, warning sternly against the spiritual decay of unforgiveness and moral complacency, which he likens to the sudden withered fate of the fruitless fig tree.

In its closing movements, the book addresses the reality of human suffering, bereavement, and the inevitability of death. Rather than offering superficial comfort, Cross framing earthly trials as necessary discipline designed to refine character and curb self-will. He counsels patience and Christian contentment, reminding readers that earthly existence is a temporary prelude to an eternal home. The volume concludes on a triumphant note of ultimate coronation, portraying the faithful Christian’s departure from earth not as a tragic end, but as a victorious passage to an imperishable reward.

How It Unfolds

The divine invitation The journey opens with Christ offering rest to those exhausted by empty ritualism and moral anxiety, presenting grace as a gift to be enjoyed rather than a rigid code to be executed.

The failure of passive duty Examining the household of the high-priest Eli, the text warns against soft indulgence and parental neglect, arguing that failing to curb self-will leads directly to moral ruin.

The architecture of faith Drawing a detailed parallel between Giotto’s exquisite Italian bell-tower and the inner life, the discourse asserts that spiritual character requires meticulous design and immortal materials.

The transformation of the persecutor On the road to Damascus, the fierce prosecutor Saul is struck down by divine light, demonstrating how sovereign grace can redirect human passion toward noble, holy ends.

The call to global action Surveying a world bound by error and poverty, the preacher urges believers to translate prayer into active generosity by funding missions and supporting fellow human beings.

The trial of human patience Addressing the burden of grief and physical decay, the final addresses exhort believers to cultivate contentment, view trials as divine refinement, and face death with confident hope.

The People

• Jesus Christ: The central figure of every discourse, portrayed as the divine Teacher, the compassionate friend, and the ultimate sacrifice who replaces old legalistic shadows with enduring spiritual rest.
• The Apostle Paul: The archetype of Christian devotion and endurance; once the fierce persecutor Saul, he becomes the heroic missionary who faces imprisonment and martyrdom with unwavering triumph.
• Eli the High-Priest: A tragic biblical father whose indulgent tenderness and failure to discipline his corrupt sons serve as a stern warning against passive moral negligence.
• The Christian Pilgrim: The representative reader or believer, continually struggling against self-will, grief, and worldly distraction, while striving for spiritual perfection and heavenly rest.

In Its Own Voice

"See how miserably men mistake his gospel, when they regard it merely as a set of doctrines to be believed, of duties to be performed, of ceremonies to be observed, instead of a mercy to be received, a blessing to be enjoyed, a salvation offered for our acceptance."

The author emphasizes that authentic religion consists of a vital, personal relationship rather than dry intellectual assent.

"Every father and mother are responsible for the moral restraint of the children that God has given them, and fearful beyond all estimate must be the consequences of disregarding the duty."

Cross stresses the grave obligation of parental guidance, insisting that true love requires firm discipline.

"Most of our wants are artificial and unreal. We create them, or imagine them, and then complain that they are not supplied."

The text critiques human discontent, urging readers to find peace by recognizing their actual, basic necessities.

What It's Really About

Underneath its traditional pulpit rhetoric, the book wrestles with the problem of human self-will and the desire for spiritual autonomy. It argues that true freedom is not found in unrestricted self-expression, but in the voluntary surrender of the heart to divine authority. Cross addresses the tension between formal outward religious duty and inner spiritual transformation, contending that legalistic rituals are utterly powerless to quiet a troubled conscience. The text also investigates the purpose of human suffering, framing earthly afflictions not as arbitrary punishments, but as a necessary moral discipline meant to refine character, build resilience, and prepare the soul for immortality.

Why Read It Today

Old Wine and New will appeal to readers who appreciate classic nineteenth-century prose, historical theology, and traditional homiletics. Cross writes with a elevated cadence that reflects the grand oratorical tradition of his era, filling his prose with vivid historical imagery, classical references, and earnest conviction. Reading the collection feels like sitting in an elegant, nineteenth-century sanctuary, listening to a preacher who balances uncompromising moral gravity with deep pastoral tenderness.

Modern readers should be prepared for the formal conventions of Victorian religious writing. The prose is densely structured, rich in uncredited biblical allusions, and unabashedly dogmatic. The text reflects the strict moral and parenting attitudes of its period, presenting firm authority and the suppression of self-will as mandatory virtues. Yet, despite its formal tone and period mindset, the book remains surprisingly approachable. Its enduring power lies in its deep empathy for human frailty, its persuasive defense of grace over legalism, and the memorable, poetic precision of its best passages.