Feathers for Arrows

Here is no necessity in these times to advocate the MMk’ free use of similitudes in public teaching. Far more sfej&j needful is it to assist our brethren to find a supply of these indispensable aids to understanding. To some it is difficult to create a comparison, although they know how to use it with effect when it is once suggested to them; and the most fertile minds are frequently stimulated to further production by reading the thoughts of others. It is not, therefore, I hope, an impertinence on my part to present to the Christian public abundie of illustrations original and collected. My aim

it been to amuse the reader, but t
FOR Arrows for the servants of Christ
Whenever I have been permitted si
my ministerial duties to enjoy a length
short excursion, I have been in the hi
me a small Note Book, in which I ha
illustrations which have occurred to m
recreations have been all the more pie;
made them subservient to m;
has been useful in my travel
fixed upon paper, ideas are ap
which suggested them. A woi
an incident or train of though
fore, it would be inexcusable
much, not to preserve all that comes

h Feathers

rk. The Note Book
nental purse. If not
ish with the occasion

;mbrance; and therewho needs so
his way.

VI. PREFACE,

From the pencil-marks of the pocket-hook my notes have been enlarged into more permanent manuscript, and have been of great service to me. Out of hundreds of metaphors and anecdotes thus collected, I have used the main body in my constant sermonisings; but as enough remained unused to make me feel competently rich in illustrations, I determined to offer a portion of my hoard to my fellow workers, feeling the less difficulty in so doing because the ingatherings of continual observation more than replace the material expended in this distribution. Moreover, indebted as every preacher must be to the illustrations of others, it is but just, that, if he be able, he should make some return: in that spirit my contribution is hereby offered.

To the nucleus formed by callings from my Note Book, my readings, in an attempt to expound the Psalms,* have enabled me to add many quaint comparisons and ancient stories, which from their very age are probably newer than the latest novelties to modern readers. A few clippings from favourite writers, such as James Hamilton and William Arnot have been thrown in almost of necessity, for one feels a sort of obligation, by the exhibition of golden nuggets, to give note to others of the mines where treasure lies piled up in glittering heaps, To make the gathering still more varied, scraps from newspapers and magazines are interspersed, — fragments preserved in such odd times and circumstances, that out of what basket they first fell 1 cannot say, whether they are new or old I know not; I can only say that they were new to me. The whole collection is now presented to teachers and preachers as a sincere offering of hearty “brother-help.” If there be here a single illustration which shall assist one of my Master’s servants in his efforts to impart truth, I shall be greatly gratified. Desiring to do this and every other word and deed,” in the name of the Lord

•“TheTreasuryoFDavid.” By C.H, Spuhgeon. Vol. i. Psalm I. to XXVI.

Jesus, giving thanks unto Cod and the Father by him,” I prepared these figures and metaphors, that they may serve as feathers for arrows — arrows of gospel truth which I pray may be made sharp in the hearts of the King’s enemies.

According to Disraeli’s canon, “a preface being the entrance to a book, should invite by its beauty,” but he might have equally well remarked that a preface being merely a porch, no one ought to be long detained in it. Believing in this last rule, and begging the reader’s lenient criticism, I invite him to such entertainment as this little volume may afford: being myself,

His willing servant,

Clapham,

February, 1870.

At my request, Messrs. Thomas Nelson fr Sons have undertaken the publication of this work for me in the United States, and I trust that this arrangement will be respected by other Publishers tin re.

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