PREFACE. THE First Volume of "THE LOCAL PREACHERS' OWN BOOK" was written with a design to lead all Preachers of righteousness, and especially the junior ones, to adopt simplicity of style, originality of illustration, and fervency of zeal; and the labour has not been in vain, as that Volume is now passing through its Eighth Edition. Encouraged by this success, a Second Volume is now issued, containing Outlines which it is hoped will be of service to lead to thought and reflection. The Author exhorts all his young friends to avoid the commonplace, formal, tedious mode of sermonizing, and to put life, and energy, and originality into all their addresses. Let it be the firm resolution of every Preacher and Teacher, when they enter a pulpit, a platform, or class-room, never to leave it without making an impression for good. Remember you are not sent merely to occupy so much time with a long, dry discourse, but to attack the citadel of the human heart with red-hot shot, and leave it blazing. B. B. |