truth. His sincere wishes are, that, in this object, he may not be found to have failed.

To the patrons of this volume, an apology is due, for the delay of its publication, so much beyond the time originally appointed for its appearance. On this subject, it was the sincere wish of the Editor, not to disappoint the expectation of his subscribers; but, in executing his design, he met with difficulties which he had not antici. pated; and the delay arose, not from negligence on his own part, but, from a variety of circumstances beyond his control, which, to the bulk of his readers, it would be of no consequence to detail.

As some of the subscribers will probably recollect, that, in an early printed prospectus of this work, a list was given of the names of some of the Ministers, from whom materials for this book were expected; it is here deemed proper to state, that, although this list was not given without the consent of the Ministers whose names appeared in the prospectus, as contemplated authors of the work; yet, there are some of these Ministers, from whom the Editor has received no manuscripts. This fact is stated, for the single purpose, of establishing the Editor's claim to exemption from the censure of such of his subscribers as may be disappointed, in consequence of not finding here, the productions of certain authors, which they had reason to expect that this volume would contain.

To his brethren in the Ministry, who have generously aided him in the prosecution of this work, both by furnishing him with materials, and by extending their friendly counsel in the selection, he returns his grateful

acknowledgments; and, while he thus thanks them for past favours, he hopes, at the same time, that he does not apply in vain, when he solicits their earnest prayers, together with those of all God's children, that the Father of all mercies, and the God of all grace, may accompany this publication with his divine blessing, and make it effectual to the salvation of many souls.

SERMON I.

ON THE PERFECTION OF THE DIVINE LAW.

MATTHEW V. 48.

"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect."

IT has been sometimes thought, that the Scriptures contain a system of morals and religion, too perfect for our nature. Thence an argument has been deduced, that they could not have been derived from Heaven; as it is said, that it would be, in a proper sense, unreasonable for us, to be expected and commanded, to do that which is impracticable. Our Lord, in his Sermon on the Mount, certainly lays down a very strict standard of duty to his disciples. And he not unfrequently refers in one way or another to the perfection of God himself, for illustration of the sense in which he would be understood, and to enforce the authority and responsibility under which we lie for its fulfilment.

It is the opinion of Bishop Sherlock, that the words of

the text, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father

which is in Heaven is perfect," are to be limited in their application to the particular virtue which our Lord had just explained and inculcated. "Ye have heard that it "hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour and hate "thine enemy. But I say unto you, love your enemies; "bless them that curse you; do good to them that hate "you; and pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you." And after some further illustration and

motive, he says, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your "Father which is in Heaven is perfect." That is, let your love be comprehensive of all, as that of God is; and let it not be confined to a few only.

It is probable that the text may have been intended to have a particular bearing upon the charity which he had just explained. It is remarkable, however, that Christ, through the whole of this discourse, which will be said to be far above what man ever taught, or would have considered himself safe in teaching, exhibits to us a perfection truly divine. This is seen in the beatitudes first pronounced; in such a practice and profession of the Gospel, as should be a light to the world; in the fulness and completion of the law; in the spirituality and extent of it, against murder, adultery, false witness, and revenge. The same wonderful perfection, which strikes us as soon as uttered by him, but which none else would have ventured to enforce, appears also in the precepts respecting alms, prayer, forgiveness of trespasses, fasting, and in his remarks respecting the treasures of this earth, the perverting influence of these, and of a corrupt nature upon our judgments, set forth by the sound and disordered eye ; in the supreme love of God, in resignation to his will, in trusting to his goodness, and in that cheerful spirit which denies itself to anxious and disqualifying cares about future evils. Lastly, the same perfection also runs through his other directions respecting our judgments upon others and ourselves, prudence in avoiding offences, importunity and filial trust in making known our requests to God, an unyielding purpose to shun the road of death though strowed with pleasures; and to chuse truth and life though it should place us alone, or among a number that should seem as nothing in comparison with a countJess throng; in the knowledge of the tree by its fruits; and finally in the principles upon which men shall sink