Introduction by the Author

By the infinite mercy of God I have been permitted to issue my Sermons weekly till they have now passed beyond the royal number of a thousand and five; at this time I am further gratified by a request to wi’ite a word of introduction to the ninth volume of the American Edition; for this additional favor I record my thanks to Almighty God. To me, more than to any other living man, it remains a marvel that my discourses should enjoy so wide and lasting a circulation, and what is far better, so large a measure of the divine blessing. I have kept strictly to the gospel of the Puritans, and have felt no temptation to wander into those new paths which in this country attract so many; it is with hope for our churches that I perceive that the good old ways have still their followers, and that all professors are not bitten by the Athenian madness, which craves evermore for “some new thing.” Young ministers will learn from the present example, that novelty in doctrine ip not needful even for the poor success which lies in popularity; to any other success it is fatal. I have preached what I believed and delighted in, and all my hopes for time and eternity rest in that everlasting covenant of grace which from my youth up has been my theme. I am not ignorant of the novelties of modern thought, nor do I cling to old-fashioned views out of reverence to antiquity; but I believe, and desire to record the belief, that the doctrines of grace are the marrow of the Gospel, and that the further men advance upon the teaching of Jonathan Edwards, Bunyan, Calvin, Augustine and Paul, the further they go astray.

To my American brethren, all hail I The Lord ‘re with you, and give His Word free course among you. Your ever-growing nation is the hope of the world. Untrammelled by a State-church, free from a thousand traditional bondages, you occupy a vantage-ground denied to us; much then is expected of you; and your brethren in England confidently look for great things at your hand. May you be rich in grace at home and abundant in labors abroad. jMay the millions who fly to you from every shore, never lower your moral and spiritual tone, but rather may they be drawn upward by your elevated godliness, and become “holiness unto the Lord.” Across the ocean, my brethren, I salute you, — “The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace I”

I hope the publisher of this volume, my esteemed friend Mr. Sheldon, will allow me to indulge a piece of personal weakness, — as we say in England, to ride a hobby of mine. I have for years taken infinite pains to compose and compile a Commentary upon the Psalms, — it is a huge affair, filling six volumes, of which two are printed, and the third IS nearly complete. We have sold two editions of Vol. L already, and the gentlemen of the press, and ray brethren a the ministry, have awarded me much generous praise, am, however, very greatly disappointed that I cannot get ny favorite work issued by an American house on ac- 50unt of its too great size. I hope that some few who read this will order the English Edition, which is issued cheaply, and may be had of Messrs. Passmore & Alabaster, aij publishers in London. Pardon this digression, dear brethren, and believe me to be.

Yours in Christ Jesus,

C. H. Spubqeow,