PREFACE.

It is with unfeigned diffidence that these Discourses are presented to the public eye. Most of them were suggested by special incidents in the course of a ministry, which, though comparatively brief, has been called to notice the departure of many most valued friends. The only carefulness in their composition in the first place, consisted in a simple endeavor to bring the precise point of each discourse distinctly before the mind, leaving all particular expressions to assume the form the moment might suggest. And in revising them for publication, the author has feared to correct them severely in this respect. He feared greatly to change the spontaneous expression of the feeling of the hour, in any endeavors to give greater correctness of style.

It is the author's hope, that the views here presented, may commend themselves to believing minds, as a true though humble exposition of the bright Christian faith. He believes it a duty to connect the most cheering thoughts, with all these various and dreaded experiences of change. He does not think so, through any forgetfulness of the bitterness of the trial often visiting human hearts. His own repeated ex

perience must forever prevent any such forgetfulness. Indeed his feeling is, that precisely because the trial is so deep, it may become a ministry to introduce noblest thoughts, and most living affections. Only a profound experience can move the deepest things in the soul. "Blessed are they that mourn.” And it is a most grateful office to trace some of these bright and beautiful results, as they unfold themselves in any deep experience in life. The Bow is spanning every cloud. Let us always lift our eyes to rejoice in that sign of Promise.

Of course there cannot be any precise connection of thought between discourses prepared at long intervals, and for entirely disconnected occasions. Yet the author has endeavored to arrange them, as far as possible, in a natural order; commencing with "Gethsemane," and closing with the "Peace of God." Doubtless too, repetitions of the same idea may frequently occur, in a series of Sermons, all written with the same general design. thor hopes that each discourse may be

cussion of a distinct and peculiar view.

Still the au

found a dis

If these sim

ple endeavors to unfold truths so precious, may be an instrument to inspire brighter or purer faith, the author's chief design will be fully attained.

PLYMOUTH, MASS., DECEMBER, 1845.