Sermons on various subjects.

Preface

To the First Edition of these Sermons I put no Preface, because I did not think it necessary to make any apology for the publication of them, and had no explanations to offer respecting either the doctrines which they contain, or the manner, in which the doctrines are illustrated and enforced. And I now put a Preface to the Second Edition merely for the purpose of alluding to the treatment which they and their xAathor have received from certain critics, who have deemed it a duty to make them the subject of animadversion.

Far from regarding my Volume as free from faults^ or as secure from all just censure, I was fully prepared for the detection of errors, both in its style and its illustrations, and for a difference of opinion in many Readers with respect vi

PREFACE.

to the views of Christian truth and Christian eoiidiiGt, whichp from sincere conviction, I havefelt myself called upon to maintain* But I was not altogether prepared for the treatment I have experienced from the Millenarian School of Theology. From the Masters and the Disciples of that School indeed, I could not look for much indulgence, and I did not wish for any approbation. I expected of course to come in for my share of those anathemas, which they so liberailly denounce against all who do not worship at their shrine. I expected to encoimter no small portion of that arrogant and conteriptuous spirit, which is so characteristic of their mode of contending against every one who is bold enough to provoke them by opposition, or offend them by imsubmissiveness. I expected to suffer from the ignorance and recklessness and blundering which form such pro* minent featum in most of those productions, wherewith they have laboured to dissipate the darkness that has settled oyer all except the happy inmates of their own half inspired and highly favoured circle. I expected all this, and I have not been disappointed. Still, however, I could not look for any violation of truth and h(>nesty in men who assume the office, though they cannot

PREFACE.

« « VII yet show the credentials of Prophets, and make their vocation to consist in rebuking the moral degeneracy/ as well as denouncing the jreligiopa stupidity, of their country aiid their agei ^ And therefore, I did feel surprised and shocked certain gross riiisrepresentatioris of which they have been guilty, and of wbich^ Tt^ith the view of satisfying ray readers as to the title that the Millenarians have to judge of other men, andv.to be^ come the reprovers of evil deeds, I shall trouble them with the exhibition of two examples.

I have said in Note G. p. 545, The metaphy*. sics df oui^ antagonists are as bad as their theology. But what caii be expected of those who are bold ta: maintain, that wlien Christ prayed in the garden, * if it be possible let this cup pass from me,' he was in his human nature, in his sinful flesh, rebelMng against God ?'■

In referring'to this, the Millenarians represent me as deriding the "metaphysics and theology of those wIk) are bold to maintain, that when Christ prayed in the garden, if it be possible let this cup pass from me, it was the expression of the will of Christ's human nature ; whence" they say, " the onlyinference that can be drawn is, that Pr.ThQmg0n supposes his nature had no will at alU"

X

PREFACE* man r iure was not sinful,"- — " fallen"- — and " all evil, even as this fallen world is all evil."

I have only to add, that to what I have said in my notes on that subject, and on the subjects of the Millennium, of Assurance of Faith, and of Slavery, I firmly adhere, as equally taught by reason and by Scripture ; and that my convictions become the clearer and the stronger, the more I reflect on the merits and bearings of the various questions which they involve, and of the various arguments which may be advanced for their dotermination.

Contents

SERMON I.

REPENTANCE AND FORGIVENESS.

Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. — Acts v. 31 1