In the first sermon, "The Spirit of Jesus and Paul," J.G. Forman discusses the signs and results which display the gospel of Christ's truth and divine origin in the first sermon. He addresses demoniacal possessions and exorcisms by arguing that they are not true to the spirit of Jesus and Paul. He states that only the spirit of Jesus and Paul can truly heal people and cast out evil spirits. He uses the example of how the mentally ill have been treated in the past and how it has improved. He closes by applying this argument to the Mexican War. He argues that the United States went in as exorcists instead of in the spirit of Jesus and Paul.
In the second sermon, "The Liberty of the Pulpit," J.G. Forman discusses the relation of the Christian ministry to its people by addressing the issue of a minister's meddling in politics. He argues that it is the duty of a minister to preach the truth, even if it is in disagreement with the government or nation. For this reason, he believes that the congregation should not be offended when the minister preaches against war and slavery.
The appendix contains a statement about the editor Mr. Gibbs, of J.G. Forman's congregation, who published a piece expressing his abhorrence for political priests. Mr. Gibbs was responding to the first sermon, "The Spirit of Jesus and Paul." He also discusses a confrontation between him and Mr. Gibbs and defends himself against Mr. Gibbs' accusations.
