Imatges de pàgina
PDF
EPUB

THE

PREFACE.

Mr Intention here is not to apologize for publishing the following Pages, (which I think needless) but to bespeak of the Reader, a calm and impartial Perufal of 'em.

When a Man has deliver'd any thing to the Public (after all he can fay for himSelf) be must expect to meet with different Opinions concerning it: And as he ought not to be elated upon the Approbation of the Candid, fo he would not be a little blame-worthy to be dejected at the unkind Reflections of the Cenforious.

Twould be to little Purpofe to urge any thing in Behalf of the following Dif courfes, if they should not be allowed a calm and impartial Perufal: This if they

obtain,

obtain, my pleading nothing for their Publication will not, I hope, render 'em the les useful.

The Caufe I have mention'd, as bindering the Efficacy of the Word Preach'd, are very common, and within the Reach of almost every one's Obfervation. I have open'd them with a juft Freedom and Plainnels; becaufe People are fo backward to apply things as they ought, that unless their Pictures are drawn pretty near to the Life, they will not think themselves concern'd; and indeed hardly if they be.

But if after the Reading of what is deliver'd under each Article in the fore mer Part of that Difcourfe, Perfons would lay their Hands upon their Breasts, and cooly examine, whether they don't find their own Cafe to be touch'd; and then reflect upon the Unreasonableness of continuing therein; (in doing which, thofe Thoughts I have fuggefted upon every Particular in the latter Part of the fame Difcourse, may affift them) If, I fay, they would do thus, they might perhaps be brought to a Sight, and Senle of their own Faults; be prevail'd upon to amend their Behaviour; and become more pro

T

fitable

fitable Hearers of the Word Preach'd for the future.

If what is here offer'd to the World, proves inftrumental in promoting the Good of others, let God have their Praifes, and me have their Prayers, and then my Trouble will me most amply Rewarded.

THE

« AnteriorContinua »