"Bear ye one another's burdens." A Plain Sermon on the Lancashire Distress

by James Galloway Cowan

"Bear ye one another's burdens." A Plain Sermon on the Lancashire Distress by Cowan is a sermon written by the Rev. James Galloway Cowan in the early 1860s, likely during the Victorian era. This text addresses the socio-economic hardships faced by the working class in Lancashire during a period of severe distress caused by a blockade of American cotton supplies. The sermon emphasizes the Christian imperative of mutual support in times of hardship and appeals to the moral responsibility of those less affected to aid their suffering brethren. In this compelling sermon, Cowan outlines the distinction between burdens that individuals must bear alone—often the result of personal sin and responsibility—and those burdens imposed by external circumstances that require communal support. He highlights the plight of the Lancashire operatives who, through no fault of their own, have been left destitute due to the interruption of their livelihood. Cowan passionately calls for charity, urging his listeners to contribute both materially and spiritually, reinforcing the idea that true Christian love involves helping one another in times of crisis. Through practical suggestions, he encourages proactive involvement in alleviating the suffering of others while appealing to the listeners' conscience and empathy.