Advertisement. THE HE Sermons contained in this Volume, are published, as a Specimen of the Author's method of preaching. The Reader of discernment cannot but discover in the perusal of them, (what indeed the Preacher is anxious above all things should be thoroughly understood) that while insisting upon the great and leading points of the Gospel; of the Father's love, and the Saviour's redemption, agreeably to their vast importance; the principal aim with him in every discourse hath been, to keep in view, the necessity of the Spirit's work in the heart, as the sole efficient cause, to render the whole effectual. He is free to confess his fears, that even among faithful Preachers of the word who delight to hold forth the love of God the Father in the gift of redemption, and the glories of the Lord Jesus Christ in his mediatorial character; there is not at the same time so much attention shewn, as the infinite importance of the thing itself demands, in inculcating the expediency of the operations of the Holy Ghost. And yet surely a moment's consideration is enough to convince any man, who is himself a living evidence of his power, that too much can never be said concerning his Person and Offices, under whose Almighty Min istry istry, the Church is governed and from whose divine Agency alone, all the eventual success of it in every individual instance must result. And he hopes, that the very interesting nature of the subject will plead his apology when he adds, that according to his conception of things the most excellent discourses in setting forth the mercies of redemption are no better than the display of some sweet and inviting fruit growing on a high wall and out of all reach, unless also they direct to God the Holy Ghost as the medium of attaining. If one humble Soul among the Redeemer's exercised family, should, from the perusal of these Sermons, be led to see in a tried hour, from whose gracious operations alone, relief is to be found; and to seek his aids whose peculiar office it is to take of the things of Jesus and to shew unto his people and more especially if one among the faithful Dispensers of the word of life, should be prompted to speak more frequently of the Spirit's work in the heart as the truest evidence of Salvation; the Author's design in the composition of these Sermons will be abundantly answered, and may GOD have all the praise. Commending both the Writer and his labours to the divine blessing, he hath only to add, that the whole profits of the present impression of 1500 Copies, will be applied by another hand to the Supply of the various wants of the household of faith. PLYMOUTH, CHARLES VICARAGE, CONTENTS. THE SHILOH COME AND THE GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE UNTO HIM PROVED. Genesis, 49th Chap. 10th Verse. The Sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a law-giver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. Page 81. Sermon 5. THE SURE PROGRESS OF GRACE. 92nd Psalm 13th 14th Verses. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall bring forth fruit in old age, they shall be fat and flourishing. Page 115. |