Preface

One only of the Sermons in this Volume — the last, entitled “Christian India” — was intended for publication, and was printed during the Author’s lifetime. The first ten were preached on successive Sundays, at the Old Church in Calcutta, in the latter end of 1810, just before his final departure from Bengal. Those which follow have been selected from a parcel of his Manuscript Sermons in the possession of the Author’s friends: these were preached (as appears from their superscriptions) at various periods of his Ministry.

The Editors hope that the writings of one, who so peculiarly devoted himself to the work of God in this country, may be blessed to the diffusion of those principles and the nurture of those affections, by which alone Missionary Labours can be sustained. The love of Christ constraineth us: because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead; and that he died for ally that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again (2 Cor. v. 14, 15). Animated by these principles, Martyn pursued his course. May a double portion of his spirit rest on all who follow him in the same wide field of labour!

The desire to know how such a man preached, is natural and unavoidable. It will be here gratified, so far as respects the style and usual strain of his compositions. His manner in the pulpit was distinguished by a holy solemnity, always suited to the high message which he was delivering, and accon»- panied by an unction which made its way to the hearts of his audience. With this was combined a fidelity, at once forcible by its justice and intrepidity, and penetrating by its affection. There was, in short, a power of holy love and disinterested earnestness in his addresses, which commended itself to every mans cojiscience in the sight of God.

It is hoped that these Sermons will be read with the indulgence usually granted to posthumous works. Though they want the fine polish which they might have received from the Authors chaste and accurate pen, if they had been revised by himself for publication, the Editors are persuaded that they will be read with lively interest; and they send forth this Volume, earnestly praying that the Author, though dead, may yet hereby speak with power to many; and that the great Head of the Church may graciously crown the perusal of these Discourses with His blessing.

lExtraeted from the Preface to the First Edition printed at Calcutta.]