Sermons on the Lord's prayer

Preface

jNo one reads a Preface : yet not to write one, would seem to argue stolid indifference, or overweening confidence, as to the success of his efforts, neither of which the author feels. He has, besides, a word or two to say for himself, to the reader of this book. If any are so impatient that they cannot stoto talk with him a moment, he cannot help it.

This book may be said to be printed, rather than published • for it is not supposed that it will fall into the hands of many who are not in some way acquainted with the author. It would be idle to weary any one with the reasons which have induced him thus to venture out from his retirement, in the very beginning, as it were, of his ministry. He cannot plead the novel and interesting apology, that he has been " urged/7 or even ''solicited." He has taken the responsibility, and must abide by the consequences.

There are some things in this little volume, of which some who read it, perhaps many, may disapprove. The views here promulgated have not been rashly adopted. With a scanty Library, and few counsellors, the author has studied out for himself many of the results presented in these Discourses. He is satisfied that they are correct, and his prayer is, that if they are not, one effect of their publication may be his own conviction of his error. Criticism is neither deprecated nor defied. The author is too well aware of the many

VI PREFACE.

faults that even a careless eye can discover in these Sermons, not to know that he "who reads to criticise" will find plenty of employment. He does not think such captious fault-finding can ruffle the surface of his equanimity. At the same time, he will be grateful to those who will point out any errors, and thus help him to correct them.

These Sermons were preached in the early part of the summer of this year, andthis will explain some allusions to passing events, which have been left unchanged. The author had intended thoroughly to revise the whole, especially for the purpose of leaving out repetitions of the same thought in different sermons, but his health has not permitted him to accomplish the task. These repetitions are, the author thinks, appropriate to sermons actually preached to a congregation 5 for the business of the minister is to press upon his hearers, Sabbath after Sabbath, the same great truths. As they occur in this book, they may serve to remind the reader that he is to puj himself in the position of a hearer.

If these Discourses shall lead any one to prize more highly the prayer our Lord taught us, the author will feel rewarded for his labor.

Covington, October, 1851.

Contents

SERMON I.

Our Father which art in Heaven, 9

SERMON II.