ADVERTISEMENT. THE language of all the sermons in this volume will, it is hoped, be found so simple as to justify their title, and fit them, as far as simple diction is a qualification, for those readers among whom it is the author's most cherished wish that they should be found useful. If in a few of the sermons the cast of thought should seem to be too abstract for less educated readers or hearers, it may be borne in mind that village congregations usually contain a diversity of ranks, for each of which meat should be provided in due season. Still the endeavour of the author has been to present thoughts, of whatever character, in language which all can understand, so that if the whole argument of a discourse should have escaped the unlearned hearers, detached lessons of holiness might be learnt by all who were attentive. Should any who read or hear these sermons, find their sense of sin deepened, their love for their Saviour quickened, their desire of holiness and the joys of heaven strengthened, or their hold of this world loosened; should any of the young be induced to endeavour more steadfastly to preserve themselves unspotted by the world, or of the aged be encouraged to regain what they have lost, or to make their preparation for their last great change more carefully and hopefully, the author's desire and prayer will have been answered; and he would humbly and earnestly beg the prayers of any who may have found help, comfort, or warning in his words. Warbleton, Christmas-Eve, 1852. CONTENTS. In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; to go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughti- Even to your old age I am He; and even to hoar hairs And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there He put the man whom He had formed. And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a |