being equal, he will best succeed in this sacred work who best understands and applies these principles.' Having thus introduced the Author to the English reader, and given him due precedence in the statement of his own reasons for composing the following work, it now becomes the Editor to state the circumstances under which he has undertaken the task of revising it, and what additions and alterations he has presumed to make. Soon after the publication of the original work in America last year, a copy found its way into the hands of his respected Diocesan, by whose kind recommendation and encouragement he was led to peruse, and subsequently to prepare it for the London press. In its original character and shape how valuable soever the greater part of its contents, it could never have made its way among the English clergy. To say nothing of occasional peculiarities in style and phraseology, there was much irrelevant matter, and some few objectionable passages which required emendation or elision. Certain additions also appeared to be necessary in order to render the work more complete. To each of these departments of his labours, the Editor has given as much time and attention as his numerous pastoral engagements would permit. In the use of the pruning-knife he has studied moderation, never altering a single sentence without an apparent necessity; and yet he has not scrupled to lop off occasionally with a more formidable weapon, large portions of wild and overgrown branches, together with a few unsightly excrescences which seemed at once to deform and injure the goodly tree. In attempting to supply a few of the more obvious deficiencies in the original work, the Editor has thrown together some remarks on the delivery of Sermons from the Pulpit-on the synopsis of a discourse-and on other subjects of importance to the novitiate, in the form of Appendices and Notes. The extent of the alterations which he has made, and the measure of success with which he has attempted to improve the work can be determined only by those who have the opportunity to compare the two editions together. Whilst, however, he is convinced that there are other hands by which the Editorial task would have been accomplished in a far superior manner, yet he feels equally assured that the work as it is now presented, cannot fail, with God's blessing, to prove a useful and interesting publication to the younger clergy. Many of the writings to which reference is made in the notes, are familiar, it is probable, to the majority of his readers to all others the Editor would venture to recommend them as fraught with wisdom, and calculated to be highly useful to Christian ministers of every standing and grade. He would particularly refer to Remarks on Clerical Education, by the Rev. H. Raikes, M. A. Chancellor of the Diocese of Chester; The Christian Preacher, by Dr. Williams, containing treatises by Bishop Wilkins, Dr. Watts, Dr. Doddridge, and others; Cecil's Remains; Budd on Infant Baptism, in which many valuable observations will be found; Herbert's Country Parson; Burnet's Pastoral Care; Baxter's Reformed Pastor; and, above all, the comprehensive and valuable work of Mr. Bridges on the Christian Ministry. The most elaborate work on preaching is undoubtedly that of Claude. It is however, far too stiff and formal ever to become popular, or to be studied with an adequate degree of interest. Mr. Simeon has done more perhaps than any one else could have done to make the work read by young divines; but whilst the " Skeletons" to which he has attached his favourite Preceptor, continue to be held in esteem, the Essay itself is too generally neglected, if not despised. It is not the only instance in which the scholar has been seen to excel his master, and the example to surpass the precept. It only now remains that the Editor should, as a Christian minister addressing his younger brethren in the Lord, remind them of the sacredness of this, as well as of every other part of their appropriate study. we If the chief end of man be to glorify God-if, “whether we eat or drink, or whatsoever we do, we should do all to his glory"-how obviously are bound in a matter so nearly allied to his honour as that of promulgating the gospel of his Son, to keep that end intently in view. In all things we should study to approve ourselves unto God-to preach not ourselves, but Jesus Christ; and to strive to gain the approbation of our hearers no further than is consistent with their real and eternal well-being. If popularity be regarded by us as an end to be pursued for its own sake, rather than as a means to promote the honour of Christ in the salvation of men, we betray a spirit inconsistent with that of a true and faithful pastor, and must be classed with those of whom St. Paul speaks when he says, "All seek their own; not the things which are Jesus Christ's." And though we may have our reward in the plaudits of admiring friends, we can never entertain a wellgrounded hope of receiving at last, the approving testimony of Him who shall say to every trustworthy and disinterested herald of salvation, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." |