Short Sermons on Important Subjects

perstitions of the church of Rome, called loudly on the churchmen to defend their patrimony, and such trivial themes as are mentioned above gave place to declamations on the authority of the church-the merits and intercession of departed saints-the dignity of the blessed Virginthe efficacy of relics-the terrors of purgatory-the efficacy of indulgences.-Dr. E. Porter, Lec. 3.

It was not until the sixteenth century that the preachers resumed their place in the pulpit, and began to recall the attention of the world from the superstitious and dangerous ceremonies and practices of the church, to pure and primitive Christianity. They denounced the Mass, the efficacy of relics, and of the intercession of the Virgin and of departed saints; and proclaimed the pure doctrine of Justification by faith alone This was the character of the preaching at the era of the Reformatio The establishment of the Reformation changed the topics and style of public preaching; the first became controversial, and verged upon the speculative; and the second became didactic and tedious. Such was the preaching of the Master Spirits in the Protestant churches immediately after the Reformation.

The public mind becoming fatigued with dry theological discussions, and having settled down upon the fundamental principles of Christianity, required that these should be adorned and recommended by eloquence, which had become the powerful instrument in forming and directing men's minds. This produced a class of rhetorical Sermons, in which may be placed Bourdalou, Massillon, Bossuet, Saurin, Tillotson, Atterbury, Blair, Davies and others.

Of these various classes of Sermons, the controversial are unacceptable to the present peaceful age: the doctrinal are not sought after by the multitude: the rhetorical are read chiefly for the pleasure they afford as specimens of Sacred Oratory. None of them address themselves to the multitude; and yet the characteristic of the age is, that the multitude demand, and must receive instruction in every department of knowledge. The pulpit is required to furnish a sanctified literature for the masses, which must consist, in part, in short plain Sermons on the uncontroverted doctrines, duties, and morals of religion, written in a pure and agreeable style. Fine specimens of this class of literature have already issued from the press, both in Europe and America. Among those in England, Edmondson's short Sermons on important subjects, had passed through five editions before 1830. The author is a Wesleyan minister in the British Connexion, and his Sermons are published at the Methodist Book Room in London. Their value and popularity may be inferred from their rapid sale, when it is remembered that they come from the same house that publish Wesley's and Watson's Sermon's; and

that they entered into competition with works of a similar character which had already extensively received the public patronage.

The author has considered each topic discussed as admitted by the sound portion of the church, and has therefore avoided controversy, and aimed at illustration and application. The reader will find in this volume, expressed in perspicuous, easy, and often forcible and eloquent language, the opinions of a candid man, a good scholar, and a mature Christian, on nearly every topic that can interest him in theology, morals, and experience.

The introductory passage of the Sermon entitled, The Body and the Eagles, is a specimen of the author's style, and of his manner of presenting his thoughts.

"Sin has a voice which is heard in heaven. It may be committed secretly and silently; but it will be purished openly by loud and terrible judgments. What then shall we say of undisguised and daring sins? Will not these be punished! Can a wicked nation, or a wicked church, escape from the wrath of God? It was predicted of the Messiah, that he should 'proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God.' In the verses preceding our text, he proclaims a day of vengeance; and his disciples inquire, Where Lord?' he replies, 'Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.' This was a Jewish proverb in common use; and was well understood. The disciples knew, when Jesus returned this answer, that the punishment of their church and nation was at hand; for as eagles hover over the carcasses of the dead, so the judgments of God hung over the wicked Jews; and wherever sin is committed, just punishment is inflicted on the sinner. Let us consider the punishment of the Jews; the punishments which have been inflicted on other men in similar cir cumstances; and those which will be inflicted hereafter on all impenitent sinners."

There is scarcely a condition in life that will not find a Sermon in this volume appropriate to it, in which judicious advice is given to guide the conduct in the case. The two Sermons to young men are an invaluable treasure. They are not so much an appeal to them on the subject of religion, as a manual to direct them in the affairs of life. I select two passages as specimens of the matter and manner of the discourses on the various conditions and duties of life. The first is a word to young men on going into business; the second, on their duties to their parents.

"Many young men nave entered on business at the wrong end, and have made a figure in the world without a suficient capital to support it; but their thoughtless extravagance has soon dashed them down to the lowest degradation. They would be gentlemen at first, and, before they knew on what ground they stood, involved themselves in debt, robbed their creditors, disgraced themselves, and, in their folly sunk into poverty and want. That you may avoid these fatal rocks, 'let

your

moderation be known unto all men.' Be attentive to business; keep correct accounts; deal in good articles; aim at a moderate and fair profit; be punctual to all your engagements; be kind to your servants; live rather below your income; and resolve to be fair traders and honest men."

Remember who days may be long Obey them in all They have done may come when

"Have you parents? Let them be dear to you. hath said, Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." things lawful; and if they be poor supply their wants. more for you than you can do for them; and the time you may need the help of your children. Conceal, as much as possible, the faults of your parents; bear with their growing weaknesses and infirmities, and cheer their drooping spirits. He who is unkind to his parents, under any pretence, is unworthy of a place in the church of God."

Occasionally the author touches upon those curious, and somewhat speculative subjects, which strongly excite the imagination and interest the heart. In glancing over the table of contents, the reader will pause at The Ghost of Samuel, and he will turn to the Sermon, where he will find a rational and useful exposition of the story of Saul and the Witch of Endor.

The aged Christian, trembling on the verge of the grave, will often put on spectacles, and read the Sermon entitled, The happy death of believers. And often will it be read at the bedside of the dying Christian who, like Paul, is desirous "to depart and be with Christ."

There are mysterious events in the life of every man who fears God and walks in his ways; and reflection will often suggest that, millions of spiritual creatures walk the earth unseen, both when we sleep and when we wake, and influence our destiny. And in the hours of triumphant joy in the assemblies of the Saints, these beautiful lines of the poet are often brought vividly to mind,—

"Angels now are hovering round us,

Unperceived they mix the throng;
Wondering at the love that crowns us,
Glad to join the holy throng."

In the Sermon entitled, Holy angels serve good men, the reader will find this delightful subject beautifully illustrated.

Although these Sermons are chiefly designed for the people, yet they contain much that will be profitable and instructive to the preacher. The lucid arrangement, and natural distribution of the parts, are worthy of imitation: the perspicuity and brevity of the discussion are to be commended. The apt quotations of Scripture, and the judicious reflections will prove suggestive to the preacher, directing his thoughts to useful and new topics for his own pulpit exercises, and indicating the

proper manner of treating them. While I was reading the work, 1 found great benefit in this respect.

In the Sermon entitled, Christian Ministers declare the counsel of God, the preacher will find clearly and forcibly set forth, both the manner and the spirit in which he should execute his sacred office. The plan and the style may be commended as models. Take the first passage as a specimen.

"Ministerial gifts are various. One minister excels in manly reasoning; and another in fine oratory: one is a son of thunder; and another is a son of consolation. Every man, who is employed in the sacred office, has his own proper gift; and that will always appear, in all his ministrations, whether he be moderately or profoundly learned. But, whatever the special gift of a minister may be, he is bound, by the highest authority, to declare all the counsel of God. If he shun this duty, the design of his ministry will be frustrated, and the people will suffer loss. But what is meant by the counsel of God? And how did the apostle Paul declare that counsel? When we have examined these questions, we shall add a few general observations on the whole."

But the minister sustains the most interesting relations to society: and if any man ought to possess correctness and delicacy in taste and feelings, and ease and agreeableness in conversation and address, surely it is the Shepherd of the people. In this respect many ministers are censurably deficient. Their society is not sought, or if sought, it is not from a consideration of the pleasure and instruction which they impart, but out of respect for their office. Let a minister answer to the following picture of what he ought to be in social life, and at his approach the company will rise up to welcome him.

"When he mixes in society, in the private circles of friendship, he is not out of his work. There he watches for suitable opportunities for conveying instruction to all around. He does not, like a stern inquisitor, or a jesuitical hypocrite, put on gloomy and melancholy airs; for this, in his apprehension, would render no service to the cause of truth. You see him cheerful without frothy levity; and serious without gloom and melancholy. The manner in which he dispenses knowledge on these occasions is not stiff and formal, haughty or overbearing; but easy, affable, and sweetly engaging. While he conducts himself upon this plan he is honoured in all companies as a pleasant companion, a faithful friend, or a venerable father."

I believe this volume will be a fountain of light and peace to thous ands; and may God follow it with his blessing.

J. P. DURBIN.

PHILADELPHIA, Nov., 1845.