PREFACE. ALTHOUGH the Book is small which is here presented to the Public, yet it is proper that the author should conform to the practice which custom has made a law, and submit to his readers a prefatory remark or two. The following Lectures, the ground work of them at least, were first delivered to the author's congregation, without the least intention however, at the time, to publish. They have since been carefully revised and considerably enlargedis hoped improved. And although the following Discourses were not hastily nor negligently composed, yet not daring to trust his own heart, or rely on his own judgment, the author thought it proper to put his Manuscript into the hand of a candid and intelligent friend for examination, but for whose favourable opinion of the work, it is likely the intention of laying these Lectures before the Public would have been entirely abandoned. As this is his first attempt at doing good in this way, the author cannot but be aware that (small as it is) many faults will be detected in his book. Respecting these, he can only say, they are not the consequence of negligence: the sentiments advanced in the following pages having been maturely considered, and the work having been repeatedly and earnestly presented to God by prayer for his assistance and blessing. The author cannot conclude these remarks without presenting his thanks to those esteemed friends who kindly encourage this publication: entreating them to grant one more favour, viz., to beseech God for his blessing on this humble effort, that it may lessen the quantity of sin, advance the knowledge of Divine truth, and promote the practice of true piety. Thatcham, Dec. 12, 1831. R. WARDLE. |
