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HE THAT ABIDETH IN ME, AND I IN HIM, THE SAME BRINGETH FORTH MUCH FRUIT: FOR WITHOUT ME YE CAN DO NOTHING.

JOHN XV. 5.

SANCTIFY THEM THROUGH THY TRUTH! THY WORD IS TRUTH.

JOHN xvii. 17.

B

Of the following Sermons the first twenty, with one more which will be found in its place among the Fast Sermons in another volume, were published, by subscription, in the year 1796. The other four did not appear till 1802, when they had been " lately preached at the Lock Chapel," and were "published by particular request."

The "Preface" relates exclusively to the former series, to the first edition alone of which it was prefixed. The Family Prayers mentioned in it will be found in a subsequent volume.-J. S.

PREFACE.

The sacred scriptures speak of "dead works," and of a "dead faith;" of "a form of godliness," and "a form of knowledge:" and, in whatever way these may be combined together, the whole, as well as each of its constituent parts, must be widely different from " living faith," "❝ the power " of godliness," and a "new creation unto good "works." So that there is often more coincidence, in this respect, between men of discordant sentiments upon speculative points, than is generally supposed.

To shew the absolute necessity of evangelical principles in order to holy practice, and their neverfailing efficacy in sanctifying the heart, when cordially received; and to exhibit, according to the best of the author's ability, the nature and effects of genuine Christianity, as distinguished from every species of false religion, without going far out of his way to combat any of them; is the special design of this publication. But he has at the same time endeavoured to explain, establish, and enforce his views of the gospel, in that manner which was deemed most likely to inform the mind and affect the heart of the attentive and teachable reader.

The doctrinal part of the apostolical Epistles is always stamped practically; and the holy tendency of every truth is clearly shewn. On the other hand, the practical exhortations are constantly enforced by evangelical motives and encouragements.

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