do so, and it will be no satisfaction to us to retain any sum which has not been contributed voluntarily, in the fullest and most perfect sense of the word.

Having thus stated the extraordinary instance of kindness and liberality which has been shewn to the family of my lamented brother, and also explained the origin of some exaggerated statements which have gone abroad, and proposed a plan for remedying the effects of these statements; I proceed to say a few words relative to the Sermons which form this volume. It is scarcely necessary to observe that none of them were ever intended for publication. They are, in fact, in a very defective state. My brother, during much the greater part of his clerical life, was the pastor of a small village, and having a ready command of words and fluency of expression, though he wrote much for the pulpit, he never corrected his sermons, or confined himself to what he had written; adding, omitting, or altering, as his own feelings, or the circumstances of the occasion, seemed to require. The Sermons, as printed, are therefore probably much shorter than they were when preached; particularly in the application, which he frequently made in an animated extemporary address. This apparent deficiency, may perhaps render them better adapted for family instruction, for which purpose they seem peculiarly suited.

The reader must not expect to find in these discourses any display of brilliant talent, or any discussions on

difficult and abstruse questions in theology. They were for the most part, addressed to the simple inhabitants of a country village, who needed instruction in the first principles of religion: and the minister was not unwilling to give them "line upon line, and precept upon "precept," though this might expose his sermons to a charge of sameness, from which the Editor, even when making a selection, may not have succeeded in rescuing them. The subjects on which they treat are infinitely important, and such as require to be brought before all, with frequency and plainness. The preacher seems habitually to have had his own mind impressed with strong views of the depraved and ruined condition of mankind as sinners against God, both by nature and practice; and his anxious wish evidently was, to produce the same impression on the hearts of his hearers.

laboured in these discourses.

This is a point which is much

Man is here exhibited as

' very far gone from original righteousness, and of his own ' nature inclined to evil;' and hence by irresistible argument it is proved that he cannot justify himself before God, but must rest all his hopes of salvation on that mercy which pardons and justifies the sinner through Christ Jesus, whose death and sufferings form the atonement for the sins of a lost world, and whose meritorious obedience to the law for man, hath brought in an "everlasting righteousness," which is "unto all, and upon all them that believe.” But the reader will perceive that these doctrines are not so stated as to afford the least ground for suspecting, that the necessity

of good works, and holy living are removed by the preaching of salvation" by grace through faith." On the contrary, the sanctifying influence of the gospel is exhibited with unceasing care. It is everywhere shewn, that the necessary effect of true religion must be the renewal of the heart to holiness, and the production of the fruits of righteousness in the life and conversation. The faith that does not produce these results, is pronounced to be "dead," and consequently of no value. Doctrines like these, form the basis of that religion which is inculcated and recommended in these sermons, as the source of present happiness, and the preparation for eternal peace. May the blessing of Almighty God follow these discourses of his deceased servant: and while being dead, he thus speaketh, may many so listen as to derive that consolation from the doctrines which he experienced, and whereby he walked through the valley of the shadow of death without fear; "knowing whom he "had believed, and that he was able to keep that which "he had committed to him until that day."

One thing more remains to be adverted to. It was intended to prefix a list of the subscribers to the sermons, and of the voluntary contributors to the family of my late brother: and the publication of the volume has been delayed, while I was performing the laborious task of drawing out, in alphabetical order nearly THREE THOUSAND NAMES. But, on reviewing my work, I found great reason to fear that it was much too incorrect for the

press; nor could the inaccuracies in the orthography of the names and in the places of residence be removed, without much time; and an extensive and troublesome correspondence of course followed, with still further delay in sending out the work. I have, moreover, received from many of the most active collectors of subscriptions, strong and decided protests against the publication of the list, both on account of the heavy labour of composing it (which, inaccurate as it yet is, I have found very wearisome,) and because of the unnecessary deduction it would make from the funds intended for the relief of a bereaved family; and further, because many of the contributors felt the most decided repugnance to their names being publicly announced. Influenced by these reasons, I have deemed it best to relinquish my design of printing the list which I have prepared; and I trust, that none of those who have come forward, in a manner so kind and liberal, to add to the present comforts, and to improve the future prospects of the widow and fatherless children, will attribute my conduct, in this particular, to any want of gratitude for the unexpected obligations under which they have laid me and every branch of our family.

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