Introduction

The name of John Angell James is extensively and most favorably known to the Christian community, by his successful labors in the ministry of the Gospel, and his various writings of great practical excellence, which have been very widely circulated, and have proved eminently useful. Perhaps there are few living more embalmed in the respect and grateful affection of the various sections of the Christian Church. With his advancing years he is still “bringing forth fruit” by his active labors, and recurring publications from the press peculiarly adapted to do good. His works have been largely spread in Great Britain and America, and a number of them have been translated into several languages. The titles of the prominent ones at once recur to the memory, as “The Christian Father’s Present to his Children” Family Monitor’’ “Christian Chafity’’” The Anxious Enquirer An Earnest Ministry’’ “The Church in Earnest’’” The Widoio Directed to th Widow’s God “Pastoral Addresses’” The Young Man from Home”” The Christian Professor’’ &c. Several of these may be numbered among oui Christian classics in their admirable adaptation to the ends they have in view, rendering their general diffusion desirable, while it would be hardly practicable to supply the place they occupy by any from other sources.

There is in all of the works of Mr. James a transparent clearness of statement and discussion, a flowing ease of style, a felicity of illustration, an earnestness of spirit, and a pungency of appeal, combined with the soundness of evangelical sentiment, imbedded in deep experience and holy practice. These have imparted a charm and influence to them which have made them a blessing amid the Churches. This volume is the last one published by the esteemed author, and comprises the matter of a series of discourses preached by him from his own pulpit. It was issued from the British press in the latter part of the past year. On perusing it I was strongly impressed with its value as beyond any that I could recollect to attract the attention, and elicit the interest of the young men into whose hands it might fall, and prove profitable to them in reference to their best interests for time and eternity. Two of Mr. James’s former publications had particular respect to the young, but he has here struck out a path with a wider range, bringing in the various circumstances and positions of life in connection with the formation of character and guidance through life. While the texture of the whole volume is interwoven with the delineation of true religion as the grand spring and safe-guard of happiness, and holiness, and the salvation of the soul, the great interest of time in preparation for eternity, it is filled with the counsels and lessons of wisdom for the practical conduct of life. The titles of several of the chapters will arrest attention, as “The Character of Josejph’’” The Study of the Booh of “Failing in Business’*” The Young Man Imjpressed with the Imjportance of the Age in which he Lives’’ &c. As a whole it appears to me specially fitted for usefulness as to its object in view, the temporal and spiritual benefit of young men. Exposed as they are to a thousand snares in the morning of life, when the character is to be moulded and formed, how valuable would this volume prove in their hands, as a vade mecum and referred to as a monitor and guide. It has been received

▼i INTRODUCTION.

with much acceptance by the religious public of Great Britain, and is very favorably noticed in the I’eligious periodicals. I rejoice at its republication here, and hope it will meet with ample patronage. It is understood that Mr. James has now in preparation a similar volume addressed to “Young Women.” I trust the success of the volume now published will urge Mr. Randolph to republish the proposed one as soon as it issues from the British press.

THOMAS DE WITT.
Nkw-Yoek May 1, 1852