Preface

The lamented author of these discourses, in the preface to his last volume, writes: “Printing is only preaching in another shape.... After all, the controlling reason for publishing as well as preaching, should be a desire to glorify God in the salvation of men, by communicating, as widely as possible, the truth of the gospel.” These discourses are selected from those preached to his peoyle on Sacramental occasions, and as on such occasions he always presented topics connected with Christ and his atoning work, but little variety of subjects could be introduced.

Although these sermons were never intended or prepared for publication, yet I have not felt at liberty to change a single word, printing them just as they were written, which will account for the abruptness which appears in one or two instances; for example, in the last discourse, where it was found impossible to fill up the gaps in the introduction, and it was therefore omitted entirely.

In most of these instances there are indications of extemporaneous enlargement, which those* accustomed to the unction and tenderness of the author’s instructtions at such seasons, might desire to see filled out; but alas, these overflowings of love for Christ and his people, these unwritten emotions which the presence of the cross and the sacrifice excited, all passed away with him.

May the prayers which accompanied the writing and preaching of these sermons, be now abundantly answered by that Immanuel whom they were intended to glorify. S. D. A.

New-Yorh December 5, 1859.