Introduction
The celebrated Cotton Mather, so distinguished for his systematic usefulness, was accustomed, almost at every entry in his diary, to insert in connexion with the letters G. D. (good devised), some useful project which he intended forthwith to put in execution. Urder date of April 5, 1712, we find the following : —
“G. D. I have thoughts of publishing a book of Pastoral Desires, expressing the desirable things which a faithful minister will wish to see among his people. There may be many good consequences of such an action.”
At a subsequent time the following was written: —
“G. D. My book of Pastoral Desires is now got through the press; and now, with many and ardent cries to the glorious Lord for his assistance, I will set myself to visit all the families of my numerous flock; and with all possible solemnity dispense the suitable admonitions of piety unto all sorts of persons in them; and then leave the book in each of the families, with my request, that every person therein may peruse it, and partake of his own portion in it.”
This venerable man displayed great practical wisdom, as well as benevolence of heart, in his habit of recording every useful project, and afterward putting it to the test of experiment. A good thought should never be lost. Dr. Franklin acknowledged his great obligations to one of the little essays which this distinguished preacher and pastor prepared for his own people.
The author of the following pastoral addresses has fallen upon a similar method of doing good. It strikes us as peculiarly beautiful and appropriate. An occasional address from a pastor to his own people upon any one of the great topics of practical religion, must have its advantages over any other tract however excellent. It is like a letter from a friend, and is adapted to produce happy and indelible impressions.
When Dr. Payson was dead, and his remains were carried to the church, where he had so frequently and faithfully dispensed the word of life, his weeping people saw a paper lying on his motionless breast, placed there at his own request, with this inscription: “Remember the words which I spake unto you while I was yet with you.” How could any withstand the touching appeal! A short address, rich with truth, and warm with affection, occasionally distributed among a people by their pastor, may be read and remembered by them when his voice is silent, and his form has mouldered back to dust.
The following addresses, as we are informed by
Mr. James, were never intended for publication, but having been found to be useful to his own church, they were, in accordance with repeated requests, given to the public, and have met with an extensive circulation in Great Britain. The topics discussed are practical; their spirit evangelical; the style simple; and manner affectionate. We see not why the pastors of large churches cannot imitate the plan to advantage. “Why should not the press be subsidized, in aid of the pastoral work, as well as the pulpit?
W.A.
New York, Jan. 1841.
CONTENTS.
Introduction ..... $
No. I. — The increased Holiness of the Church - 7
No. II. — Spirituality of Mind - 20
No. III. — Heavenly-Mindedness .... 37
No. IV. — Assurance of Hope - 56 No. V. — Practical Religion must be seen in Everything 74
No. VI. — How to spend a profitable Sabbath - 91
No. VII. — Christian Obligations - - - - 108
No. VIII. — Life of Faith 1.25
No. IX. — Influence of older Christians ... 143
No. X. — The Spirit of Prayer ... 161
No. XI. — Private Prayer - - - - 179
No. XII. — S elf-Examination - 198