THE following pages are given to the public, in compliance with the repeated solicitations of several members of the author's charge. They were designed, and prepared, originally and exclusively, for the benefit of those among whom he is immediately called to labour, without the most remote intention of giving them publicity through the medium of the press. If they shall contribute, through the blessing of God, in any measure to check the progress of iniquity, and subserve the cause of righteousness, which are the chief, and only permanent securities that our land shall yield her increase and that glory may dwell in it, he shall consider himself amply compensated, for whatever painful and conflicting feelings have arisen from hesitancy, and diffidence, in venturing beyond the immediate sphere, in which the providence of God demands his assiduity. 3-31-3 |