A

SERMON

PREACHED

AT ST. IVE'S,

ON THE 8th OF OCTOBER, 1812,

BEFORE

THE BEDFORD UNION.

BY WILLIAM JAY.

[FROM THE SECOND LONDON EDITION]

FROM SIDNEY'S PRESS,

PRINTED FOR I. COOKE AND CO. NEW-HAVEN.

1814.

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ADVERTISEMENT.

THE Author of the annexed Sermon, is not a Member of the Association before whom it was delivered. But his coalition is prevented by distance only. Were he contiguously situated, he should esteem co-operation his duty and his privilege for nothing can be more consistent with his convictions, than the importance of the object; or more congenial to his feelings, than the liberality of the plan, by which this union is distinguished. Hence, being invited to preach at one of its meetings, he most readily complied.

But he acknowledges he did not consent to publish so willingly, notwithstanding the earnest and unanimous request of his christian friends, and his brethren in the ministry. He was aware of some considerable difference between the claims of a Sermon preached and a Sermon published. In the former, a freedom occasionally bordering on colloquial, may be readily allowed, and even applauded: while the same commendation or even apology will not be conceded in the latter.

It is a very desirable, but not a very easy thing to give the effect of novelty to well-known and familiar truth. Some little sacrifices of refinement, even fastidious criticism would surely tolerate, to excite in the mass of hearers that interest which will secure attention and aid recollection. What by its dullness composes the mind; what by its smoothness slides off from it; what by its subtilty evaporates in the mere act of hearing will do little good. Something must strike and penetrate, and remain: something must be taken away, which the individual will think of when alone, and talk of when in company. The words of the wise, says Solomon, are as goads and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies. Nothing is more to be guarded against than a tame unim