well and minet im si lety, is id is in The Author has mir n vil is kreat prayers, that in natpise God arising from publications of this nature is not likely to be confined to the limits of a particular parish since the addition of any writer to the ranks of those who have enforced from Scripture the same great principles, tends, by increasing the number of unconnected testimonies, to gain to those principles a more general and more cordial attention. In selecting these Discourses for the press, the Author has paid regard to their practical tendency. It was formerly his intention to include several of a more strictly doctrinal character, and to add, on one subject at least, a regular series to those among his parishioners who have stated a request to that effect, he begs to observe, that such a plan must not be considered as entirely relinquished, but perhaps only deferred. The Sermon which may probably be regarded as the least practical is the twentieth. It is inserted by the desire of some individuals who heard it; chiefly, it is presumed, on account of the tribute of respect which it pays to the memory of one of the best and most exemplary ministers of the age, the late Reverend John Venn. To a person who knew him so well and valued him so highly, as did his immediate successor, the argument was irresis'tible. The Author has only to add his fervent prayers, that it may please God to render this volume subservient to the increase of true religion, and to the more extended influence of Christian charity. CLAPHAM, May 16, 1827. |