PREFACE.

THE title-page of the present volume will perhaps set forth the object of the writer, so as to render needless anything more than a few words of explanation. It is a painful consideration, which is forced upon any one who examines his own heart and conduct, or mixes with others, high or low, rich or poor, that the tone of sentiment and feeling, the style of language, principles of action, and habits of life, which are too prevalent with us, are far from what should be found in those who are brought within the Gospel covenant; or, which is the same thing, into the Church of Christ. There is very generally a reference to worldly motives; and in respect of works of piety and charity, of self-denial, making sacrifices for the sake of Christ, and, in one word, bearing the cross after Him, a very inadequate sense of "what manner of persons we ought to

be in all holy conversation and godliness; "" what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to them that believe." We are, for the most part, content with low views, and have need to stir up ourselves and one another to thoughts and deeds more becoming the children of God. Some, again, of the more earnest among us seem to forget, or neglect, the true nature of the Church, as the body of Christ, and shrink from the mention of it; though it be indeed " the fulness of Him which filleth all in all," and "by it he would make known, even unto principalities and powers in heavenly places, the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Hence sometimes arises a confused and not very intelligible mode of speech. Hence, too, the undervaluing of our privileges as members of our own Church, and the adopting of a false position, both in respect of Romanism and Dissent. All this has led the author to employ a little leisure in putting together a few discourses, which are intended to be plain and practical, on the privileges of Christians, their responsibilities and their duties. The sub

ject would perhaps be more worthily handled in a formal treatise on the nature and objects of the Gospel covenant, or the Church of Christ. But something of the loss occasioned by a want of systematic discussion may be compensated by greater ease and freedom of address; especially if any of them should be made useful, with slight alteration, for family reading. Some advantage may be gained likewise, and greater interest excited, by the occasional exposition of large portions of Scripture, accompanied with the word of exhortation; and by the continual application of Gospel principles to the various topics, doctrinal and practical, which present themselves. The division of the year, which the Church has adopted, naturally suggests a corresponding arrangement of subjects to be discussed. Those which are brought forward in the present volume will be found to be much occupied with the setting forth of our privileges. Others, of a sterner character, if the expression may be allowed, should naturally follow, being adapted to the season of penitential discipline, and the remembrance of our Lord's sufferings, preparing the way for the strengthening of faith and hope, by the contemplation of his resurrection, ascension to glory,

and sending of the Holy Ghost; which last would introduce a more regular and detailed exposition of the Christian law of love which went forth from Jerusalem. Nor should the glorious company of the apostles and the holy fellowship of angels and saints, whom our Church commemorates, be forgotten, nor the lessons of faith and holiness omitted which are taught by them. But to reach the "height of this great argument," to cultivate so large and hallowed a field, may require more of time and power, than the present writer can bring to the work. Gladly would he see it in the hands of one of lofty conceptions, and a disciplined mind, and a soul full of love to God and man. Yet the blessing of God can give success to the feeblest endeavour, and the favour of the wise and good afford encouragement, without which it were rash to proceed. It is not well for any, especially the spiritual husbandman, to scatter seed which is not likely to "spring up and bear fruit."

All Saints' Day, 1844.