THKOLOGIGilli Section 2/ 7: THE PULPIT CYCLOPEDIA, CHRISTIAN MINISTER'S COMPANION CONTAINING THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY SKELETONS AND SKETCHES OF SERMONS; AND EIGHTY-TWO ESSAYS BIBLICAL LEARNING, THEOLOGICAL STUDIES, AND THE COMPOSITION AND DELIVERY OF SERMONS. BY THE AUTHOR OF SKETCHES AND SKELETONS OF SERMONS," " CHRISTIAN'S DAILY PORTION,' AND " SERMONS FOR FAMILY READING." ^ & ooejc THE LONDON EDITION OF FOUR VOLUMES COMPLETE IN ONE. NEW YORK: D. APPLETON & COMPANY, 200 BROADWAY. PHILADELPHIA : GEORGE S. APPLETON, 148 CHESNUT STREET. M DCCC XLV. INTRODUCTORY NOTIC^X'rw^ ^^ FOR THE AMERICAN EDITION. Among the auspicious " Signs of the Times," the increase of the demand for accurate scriptural knowledge, and the multiplying facilities for extending its hallowed influence, are not the least grateful. One of the circumstances which portends unspeakable public benefit to the churches of Christ is the growing attachment to pulpit eloquence, instead of the drowsy reading which so long has thrust out the legitimate preaching of the gospel. Without controversy, no one defect in the services of the sanctuary, more incongruous and incompatible with all the ostensible purposes of social devotion and ministerial instruction, can be designated, than the modern practice of reading discourses in the " house of prayer." Theological tutors, and writers on sacred literature, who proscribe and endeavor to extirpate that wretched perversion of every principle of natural sensi- bility, common sense, and genius, merit the support and thanks of all those " who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity," and who long for the splendid day, when " all shall know him from the least to the greatest." This view is peculiarly impressed upon us by the fact, that with the exception of Simeon's Horse Homileticse, and his volumes of Skeletons which preceded it — scarcely an attempt, for a century, was made to disseminate those textual expositions generally known as an Analysis or Sketches of Sermons. The few specimens of that class of the seventeenth century are so ramified and minute, that their pro- tracted discussion rendered them almost useless for the brevity of our modern discourses. Exclusive of Hannam's " Pulpit Assistant," which has passed through five editions in Britain, that department of biblical literature remained almost an entire void. Hannam's selected " Outlines or Skeletons of Sermons " are un- exceptionable in their truthful sentiments and pious tendency, but they are both redundant and defective ; and want that terse, vivid, and comprehensive condensa- tion, in which modern Pulpit Orators, especially Bradley, Hall, Jay, and Melville excel. The volume of Hannam, in the last improved edition, combines a rich fund of didactic exposition and instruction ; but owing to its derivation from the protracted discussions of the never-tired and inexhaustible commentators two hundred years ago, their multifarious details are frequently complex and tedious. n INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. More recently, however, a work has appeared, entitled '' Sketches of Sermons ;^' amounting to nearly four hundred, all lately composed and preached, and " furnished by their respective Authors." They are characterized by considerable fervor, are lively in their manner, and replete with evangelical doctrine, and will aid the student accurately to comprehend, and rightly to divide " the word of truth." Neverthe- less, they are generally rather too expanded and prolix to be classified as direct aids for the development and distribution of a discourse, by those whom duty urges, and capacity qualifies, to embody the result of their own experience and observation in unwritten addresses for the benefit of others ; the formation of which is the immediate object of all these aids to pulpit oratory and edification. A volume of 500 pages octavo has lately been issued, with the title of " Theo- loo-ical Sketch-Book, or Skeletons of Sermons ; arranged in systematic order to constitute a complete Body of Divinity." It is the first of a series of three volumes, and is almost entirely a compilation from other works. One-fourth is extracted from the " Sketches of Sermons " just mentioned — two-fifths of the subjects are taken from Simeon's Horae Homileticaj and Skeletons — one-eighth of the volume is quot- ed from Hannam's "Pulpit Assistant" — and another eighth has been culled from the " Preacher." The value of the volume therefore, for the purposes of scriptural exposition and ministerial aid, is precisely identical with that of Hannam's " Pulpit Assistant," and the " Sketches of Sermons," with the additions from Simeon's ana- lytical Works. The Theological Sketch-Book, in truth, is merely a systematic selection chiefly from Simeon's Works, with discussions from Hannam's " Pulpit Assistant," and the " Sketches of Sermons," to render the course of theological textual exposition perfect. The Pulpit Cyclopedia differs from all those works, both in the unity of its de- sign, and in the superior adaptation of the means to the end. The scriptural theory of the contents of this volume may thus lucidly and emphatically be announced : " There are certain doctrines which form the basis of Christianity, and support the temple of truth ; and they should ever be prominent and conspicuous in all dis- courses designed to promote the salvation of immortal souls. Therefore, the fall of man ; the divinity, atonement, and intercession of Christ ; the personality and influences of the Holy Ghost ; justification by faith ; sanctification of heart and life ; and the eternal state of joy or punishment after death, are assumed as established and essential points." There is a charming simplicity, with energy, in the Skeletons and Sketches of the Pulpit Cyclopedia. Moreover, they are concise, although comprehensive and perfect. They are neither defective in the general outline, nor redundant in the explication. The heads are designed as fertile remembrancers only ; and the filling up is transferred to the taste and ingenuity of the Preacher. Much acquaintance with the general character of promiscuous assemblies is developed both in the choice of subjects, and in the manner of expounding and enforcing them ; and for application, force, warmth, and practical improvement, the " Pulpit Cyclopedia and Christian Minister's Companion," as a storehouse of expository materials for the pulpit, is superior to either of the other collections — although the " Sketches of Sermons " embody much of the same fervor, and exemplify some of its choicest attributes. INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. Ill The Pulpit Cyclopedia is most happily calculated to facilitate the aptness to teach which the Apostle Paul requires of all who are " ministers of the New Testa- ment ;" and if the present generation of Theological Students would use their memory and tongue more, and leave their pens on their ink-stands, so far as the preparation of ordinary pulpit discourses is concerned, we should not hear com- plaints of prosy, sermonizing readers, and inattentive and sleepy congregations. But one high recommendation of the Pulpit Cyclopedia consists in the four different Series of Essays which are combined with the hundreds of Skeletons and Sketches. Those disquisitions circumscribe nearly the entire circle of a Preacher's official character, and duties, and obligations, private and public, personal and social. It is true, all those instructions can be found in other volumes ; but an inspec- tion only of the titles of the Essays, and the numerous names of the authors from whose works they are extracted, at once testifies the miscellaneous quality and the value of the admonitions and rules thus brought to remembrance from such various sources ; and enforced by the examples and authority of the greatest mod- ern masters of pulpit oratory and theological erudition. From this portion of the work alone, even if the Analyses of the Texts themselves were not of such intrinsic worth, the Pulpit Cyclopedia contains an attraction of which all the other works are entirely devoid. These Essays are divided into four distinct parts, the first of which is devoted to " Theological Study ;" under which general title are found twenty-five disqui- sitions, all adverting to the intellectual apparatus and qualifications of an erudite and efficient Theologian. The value of the instruction thus accumulated can be easily discerned, when it is stated that among the writers of those articles are found the names of Jesse Appleton of Bowdoin College, John Brown of Hadding- ton, Thomas Chalmers, Adam Clarke, William Bengo Collyer, John Angell James, Andrew Reed, and Francis Wayland ; with others, both American and British, of similar dignity and influence. The second series includes the general theme — the " Composition and Deliv- ery OP Sermons " — which, in its practical bearings upon the general apostolic monition, " Preach the Word !" as illustrated in this volume, is one of the most powerful sections amid the diversified contents of the whole Work. The worth and importance of the lessons inculcated in those pages is obvious, when we remem- ber that the topics comprise not merely the theory of composing Pulpit Discourses, but also the most acceptable methods of enouncing the Truth — including "Public Prayer," Scriptural Exposition, and Choice of Subjects; with the Action and Elo- cution which are adapted to the Pulpit. All of which are taught by Richard Cecil, Philip Doddridge, Robert Hall, and Edward Parsons ; with other theological ora- tors, of almost equal authority, both as tutors and examples. The third class of the Essays comprises a portraiture of the " Essential Char- acteristics OP AN Efficient Ministry." This catalogue includes thirty topics, which are enforced by the learning and experience of Richard Baxter, Joseph Benson, Greville Ewing, Matthew Henry, Heman Humphrey, Ralph Wardlaw, and Daniel Wilson, Bishop of Calcutta. The twenty-ninth article is an elaborate survey of the contrasts between *' English and American Preaching," pecu- TtefiMMh sems«rKsafsifaahni» Aob» wiy ifwrtut iJifc|uirt ^Ss«>> Wife ^ JM^iw^"' fcy nwm Hiiwntiify-~thc saiJ^ citMed '^ Tim JPrnskr m At kifPlil^ DiaMh%e,«ie inrfirpf ^iMf w> w«y Swricut Mid lEafater, mbi> KCwr^Klr I iifufcfi suaeof AevHKt if »r m ifatim of tke Pastowl qf iimMgt, tfce cuMposilmior^nMMS « the an^ wr.qset; tkeir vil kcMfidaHy be mvakeeei; ther viB fed hfriwiieg ngictfel over the dm^hdesawsB Mrf mt^^tmuL of Ae yet; their hnlMBl sees- ;vitt be ie«yi««M)i; vai Ibeir inft fenor will be ictiedfed, by nevinK liB tbk self«dN3hiti^ siirar, accsoriii^ to tke dktaies of Go<^ tnA, ia II iiMJ— I lif with the wonb of i— iwtil aoek» «ed their ova solewi aai Secb Me ihi iliiM riflbr '' Pcinr CxxunaiA,*' ipM tbe mtli^peraol «J ^^ of J tbaee eyedaBy, wbo "preecb the McqiUble jeer of the Lord f Xcw.Tcu. Novcidher 19, 1S4L PREFACE. The Pulpit Cycuopmdia is designed to assist the Christian preacher in his preparation Tor the public exercises of the ministry. It has been judged by some that such works only tend to promote mental indolence and a neglect- ful inattention of their own powers and capacities. But surely there is a legitimate use both of sermons and skeletons of sermons, and it must be obvious that mere copyists, who depend entirely on the strength and tenacity of their memory, and their confidence in the exercise of that faculty, would prefer entire discourses, rather than skeletons, where both labor and tact * vre necessary to use them with advantage. The assistance which skeletons confer, we conceive to be in the presentation of striking and useful topics of discourse, the exhibition of various methods of analysis and illustration, and the suggestion of hints and trains -of thought which may be clothed in the preacher's own phraseology and style. Such we deem the proper use of all works designed to assist in the labors of the pulpit ; and those who have to preach to the same congregation several times a week for successive years, would often derive considerable assistance, if such works did no more than present a rich variety of texts on interesting and edifying subjects. It is also evident that few persons possess all the re- quisites for treating in a lucid and skilful manner the all-important themes of religion. Division and analysis are the forte of some, illustration or amplification that of others. A condensed outline, w^th the leading thoughts of a discourse, may therefore assist both classes more comfortably to prepare for the onerous duties of the pulpit. But to those who have not been educated for the ministry, and who are engaged during the week in secular concerns, this work is more particularly adapted. Surely it is better also for those who are accustomed to read sermons to village congregations, that they should be enabled, by a little premeditation and study, to deliver the truths of the gospel in a free, extem- pore manner. In presenting the Pulpit Cyclopaedia to the Public, the Author has endeavored to furnish a series of original Sketches and Skeletons of Sermons, and Essays from distinguished writers, on the various departments of the work of the Christian Ministry. The Essays from page 395 to 439 have respect chiefly to the essential prerequisites of the Christian ministry, involving the call to the work, personal piety and experience, and the intellectual, moral, and spiritual characteristics necessary to its right execution. The Essays from page 439 to 497 have regard to the art of preaching, including the compo- IV PREFACE. sition and delivery of sermons, choice of text and subjects, the eloquence and action of the pulpit, and public prayer. The Essays from page 498 to 555, are intended to specify those distinct features in the discharge of the ministerial work, essential to its efficiency and success. The Essays from page 555 to 611 relate to revivals of religion, with the onerous duties of the pastoral office. It is presumed, that none can read the essays on the fulfilment of their sacred and solemnly responsible work, selected from forty-four eminent writers, without instruction and profit ; but for the student, the young minister, and those who have to engage in secular employments, and yet usefully proclaim the word of salvation, is this work chiefly intended. To render it easy of reference. Indices to the Authors of the essays, and to the texts of the skeletons and sketches in scriptural order, have been added. In concluding these prefatory remarks the author begs to observe, that his aim has not been to present a novel treatment of subjects, or to star- tle by striking and uncommon modes of expression, but to present a scriptural, plain, and systematic view of the texts and subjects under con- - sideration. ^ London, August, 1844. CONTENTS. ORIGINAL SKETCHES AND SKELETONS OF SERMONS. Page. The Gospel Preacher, 1 Cor. ix. 16 1 Contending for the ancient Faith, Jude 3 2 Pure Religion, James i. 27 4 The Knowledge of God, Rosea vi. 3 5 The World's Ignorance of God, 1 Cor. i. 21 7 A Religious Spirit highly rational, 2 Tim. i. 7 8 The Use and Abuse of Reason in matters of Religion, 1 Cor. .X. 15 10 The Necessity of a divine Revelation, Psalm xliii. 3 11 The Bible a divine Revelation, John xvii. 17 12 No.n 14 The Inspiration of the Scriptures, 2 Tim. iii. 16 15 The Scriptures not cunningly devised Fables, 2 Pet. i. 16 16 The Characteristics of divine Revelation, Jer. xv. 16 18 The Sufficiency of Revelation, Luke xvi. 29 19 The Scriptures the Word of Christ, Col. iii. 16 20 The metaphorical representations of Scripture, Psalm i. 2 22 Practical use of the Scriptures, Psalm cxix. 11 23 The Scriptures the true and legitimate Source of Appeal, Isaiah viii. 20 24 On Reading the Scriptures, Luke x. 26 26 The E.\istence &c., of God, 1 Cor. viii. 6 27 The natural Perfections of God, Deut. iv. 35 28 Holiness of God, Exodus xv. 11 29 Justice of God, Deut. xxxii. 4 31 Truth and Faithfulness of God, Deut. xxxii. 4 32 The Goodness of God, Exodus xxxiii. 19 33 The Goodness of God to his Saints, Psalm xxxi. 19 34 Excellency of God's Loving-kindness, Psalm xxxvi. 7 36 Mercy of God, Psalm Ixii. 12 36 Forbearance and Long-suffering of God, Rom. ii. 4 37 Practical Application of the divine Omnipotence, Gen. xvii. 1 39 The good and compassionate Character of God, Ps. Ixxx vi. 5 40 The Name of God the Christian's Security, Prov. xviii. 10 42 Creation, Gen. i. 1 43 Angels, Psalm Ixviii. 17 .■ 44 The Immortality of the Soul, Gen. ii. 7 45 The Government of God, Daniel iv. 34, 35 47 Divine Providence, Prov. xvi. 33 48 Man, Psalm viii. 4 50 No.II 52 Paradise, Gen. ii. 7-9 53 Paradise lost. Gen. iii. 23, 24 55 Human Depravity, Jer. xvii. 9 56 The Law, Gal. iii. 10 58 Our Loss in Adam, and Gain in Christ, Rom. v. 18.. . . 59 Man's Helplessness and God's Compassion, Ezek. xvi. 5,6 60 The Distinctions in the Godhe:id, Matt, xxviii. 19 62 The Divinity of Christ, Rom. ix. 5 63 No.II 64 Paoe. Christ the Mediator, 1 Tim. ii. 5 66 The predicted Character of Christ, Isaiah Iii. 13, &c 67 The moral Beauty of the Redeemer, Psalm xl v. 2 69 The mighty Saviour, Isaiah Ixiii. 1 70 Ezekiel's Vision of Christ, Ezek. i. 26, &c 72 The benevolent Mission of Christ, John iii. 17 73 The Incarnation of Christ, Micah v. 2 75 Christ's Advent in the Flesh, Gal. iv. 4, 5 76 Manhood of Christ, Matt, xxvii. 19 78 Early Life of Christ, Luke ii. 40 79 Christ's Prophetical Office, John xv. 15 80 The Teaching of Christ, Matt. vii. 29 81 The Miracles of Christ, John v. 36 82 The Priesthood of Christ, Heb. vii. 21 84 The Royal Character of Christ, Jer. xxiii. 5 85 The Love and Sacrifice of Christ, Gal. ii. 20 86 Christ's sacerdotal Prayer for his Disciples, John xvii. 24 88 Barabbas preferred to Christ, John xviii. 40 89 Christ's Address to the daughters of Jerusalem, Luke xxiii. 28 91 The opened Fountain, Zech. xiii. 1 92 Christ's Triumph over the Prince of this World, John xii. 31 94 The Cross and its Attraction, John xii. 32 96 Pilate and Jesus, Matt, xxvii. 24 97 The Crucifixion, Luke x.\iii. 33 99 Christ's precious Blood, 1 Pet. i. 19 100 The Resurrection of Christ, 1 Cor. xv. 4 101 Christ's Ascension, Luke xxiv. 50, 51 103 Intercession o£ Christ, Heb. vii. 25 ^ 104 The Immeasurableness of Christ's Love, Eph. iii. 19...^>~UI6 Christ the only Source of eternal Life, John vi. 68 107 Christ the First ^id the Last, Rev. i. 1 1 109 On the Conversion of Sinners, James v. 19, 20 110 On Winning Souls, Prov. xi. 30 Ill The Mhiistry of Salvation, 1 Cor. x. 33 113 Ministerial Ardor, 2 Cor. v. 13 114 Neutrality impossible. Matt. xii. 30 115 Rejecters and Receivers of Christ contrasted, John i. 11, 12 117 The Gospel Call, Matt. xxii. 14 118 On Consideration, Isaiah i. 3 120 No.II 121 Repentance, Acts iii. 19 122 Justification, Rom. v. 1 .123 Conversion, Acts iii. 19 125 Divine yoiisliip, Rom. viii. 14 127 Holiness, 1 Thess. iv. 7 12S Belief on Ttslimony, John xx. 29 129 A QuPslioii concerning FaiUi, John xvi. 31 131 The Philosophy of Obedience, Deut. xxviii. 1 132 Paradise restored, Ephesians i, 11 134 Virtue of Experience, &c., John ix. 25 135 Church Fellowship, Acts ii. 42 >. 137. 6 CONTENTS. Page. Salvation in Zion, Isaiah xlvi. 13 138 Zion the Perfection of Beauty , Psalm 1.2 139 Devoted Attachment to the Church, Psahn cxxxvii. 5, 6. 141 Christian Sociality, Psalm cxxii. 8 143 Jewish Liberality, Exodus xxxv. 29 144 The Nature, &c., of God's Service, Malachi iii. 14 146 Service for God rewarded, Ezek. xxix. 20 14T Largeness of Heart, 1 Kings iv. 29 148 A Remembrance of former Iniquities, &c.. Psalm Ixxix. 8. 150 God's Blessing Irreversible, Numbers xxiii. 20 151 The Claims of God and Man, Matt. xxii. 21 151 The Lord's Name Pleaded, Psalm cix. 21 152 Paul's Prayer for the Thessalonians, 2 Thess. iii. 5 153 Spiritual Manifestations, John xiv. 22 154 Important Adnioni lions, Hosea xii. 6 1 55 Progressive Glory of the Church, Solomon's Song, vi. 10. 156 Prayer and Deliverance, Psalm Ixxxi. 7 J 57 The Christian's Supreme Desue, 2 Cor. v. 9 158 Depression and Help, Psalm cxvi. 6 159 On an Increase of Faith, Luke xvii. 5 160 The Pious Resolve, Psalm Ixxxvii. 12 161 The Various Kinds of Prayer, Psalm cxvi. 2 161 Encouragem ent to Pray, Jer. xxxiii. 3 162 The Importunate VVidovi-, Luke xviii. 1 164 Mutual Prayer, James v. 10 165 The Fervent Prayer, James v. 16 166 Intercessions, 1 Tim. ii. 1 167 Hinderances to Prayer, 1 Pet. iii. 7 169 Perseverance in Prayer, Koin. xii. 12 170 Social Prayer ; or. Prayer Meetings, Acts xii. 12 171 The Prospect of the Godly, Isaiah xxxiii. 17 ; 172 Jacob s Vow, Gen. xxviii. 20-22 174 The Gospel Vision, Hab. ii. 2 175 The Saints' Ample Provision, Phil. iv. 9 177 God the Shield, &c., of his people, Gen. xv. 1 178 Mutual Sympathy, Gal. vi. 2 1V9 Moderation in Grief, 1 Cor. vii. 30 180 Moderation in Joy, 1 Cor. vii. 30 182 Moderation in Business, 1 Cor. vii. 30 183 Sublunary Character of the World, 1 Cor. vii. 31 185 The Divine Requiremenls, Micah vi. 8 186 Godly Submission, Lev. x. 3 187 Vigilance and Sobriety enforced, 1 Pet. i v. 7 189 Frailty and Sinfulness of man, Isaiah Ixiv. 6 190 Earthly Vanities, Eccles. i. 2 191 A Prayer concerning Death, Psalm xxxix. 4 193 House of Mourning and Feasting contrasted, Ectl. vii. 2. 194 The Decease of the Pious, Psalm cxvi. 15 195 The Faithful Servant's Reward, Matt. xxv. 23 197 Important Interrogations, Job xxxi. 14 199 Future Punishments, Luke xii. 5 2U0 TheUnavaili)ig Lamentalion, Jer. viii. 20 202 The Terror of the Lord, a (Jrcnmd for Minislirial Per- suasion, 2 Cor. V. 11 203 On Caring for Olhers, Gen. iv. 9 204 The Sabbath, Isaiah Iviii. 13, 14 206 Union of Personal and Family Religion, Jo.shua x.\iv. 1.). 207 Prejudice and its Antidote, John i. 46 20S Josiah — A Sermon to the Young, 2 Chron. xxxiv. 3 210 Instant Decision Urged, Joshua .vxiv. 15 211 Evil Company Prohibited, Exodus xxiii. 2 213 Against Profanity, Exodus xx. 7 214 Liberality and Selfishness Contra.^ed, Proverbs xi.24,23. 215 Satisfaction and Advantagesof Godliness, 1 Tim. vi. 16. 217 An Ungodly Spirit Rebuked, Luke ix. 55... 219 On Vain Thoughts, Jeremiah iv. 14 220 Right Employment of the Tongue, Psalm xxxiv. 13 222 Spiritual Apathy Denounced, Amos vi. 1 224 Real Sacrilege, Malachi iii. 8 225 Instability, Gen. xlix. 4 227 Pagk. Superstition, Acts xvii. 22 228 Character and Blessedness of the Godly, Ps. i. 1, 3 230 The Christian's Original State, Ephesians ii. 11, 12 231 The Difficulties of Salvation, 1 Peter iv. 18 232 The Saint's Prosperity the Delight of Jehovah, Psalm xxxv. 27 233 Way and Manner of Access to God, Eph. iii. 12 234 Constant Rejoicing, Phil, i v. 4 235 The Temptation of Peter, Luke xxii. 31, 32 236 No. II 237 Preservation from the Destroyer, Psalm xvii. 4 239 Saints the Temple of God, 2 Cor. vi. 16 240 David's Regrets and Consolations, 2 Sam. xxiii. 5 241 The Law of Liberty, James i. 25 243 The Christian's Regard for an Unseen Saviour, 1 Peter i. 8 244 Earnestness in Religion Indispensable, Matt. xi. 12 245 The Work of Religion perfected by God, Psalm cxxxviii. 8. 247 The Believer's Approach to God, Job .xxiii. 34 248 Christian Unity Urged, Ephesians iv. 3 2.50 Christ's Prayer for the Unity of the Church, John xvii. 21 251 Thankfulness, Col. iii. 15 252 Jehovah's Designs with respect to his People, Isa. xliii. 21. 253 Zion's Future Prosperity, Isaiah Ixii. 1 254 Joy in Soriow, 2 Cor. vi. 10 256 Heaven upon Earth, Deut. xi. 21 257 Presence of God in the Holy Temple, Hab. ii. 20 259 Gracious End of Christ's Mission into our World, Luke xix. 10 ; 260 Christ the Light of the World, John viii. 12 ...^-i 262 Reverence Claimed for Christ, Mark xii. 6 263 God's Call to the Sleeper, Ephesians v. 14 264 On Striving wiih God, Isaiah xlv. 9 266 Refuge of Lies, Isaiah xxviii. 17 267 God's Solicitude for Mankind, Deut. v. 29 268 Pride and Obstinacy of the Sinner, Psalm x. 4 269 God's Gracious Invitation to-Binners, Isaiah i. 18 270 Terms of Discipleship, Malt. xvi. 24 272 Maintenance of the Christian Profession, Heb. x. 25 .... 273 Encouiagement to the Tein()ted, 1 Cor. x. 13..- 275 Believers Strangers and Sojourners, 1 Chron. xxix. 15... 276 Renewal of the inward man, 2 Cor. iv. 16 277 Selfishness, Phil. ii. 21 278 ilvil ofSpiritual Ignorance, Prov. xix. 2. — , 279 Scriptural Instruction of the Young, Deut. vi. 6-9 281 Knowledge, Obedience, and Felicity, John xiii. 17 282 On our own Mind, Job xxxiv. 33 284 The Worship of the Heavenly Host, Neb. ix. 6 285 New Year's Counsels to the Godly, Psalm xxxvii. 1-6.. 287 Christian Establishment, 2 Cor. i. 21 288 The Anointing, 2 Cor. i. 21 289 Being Sealed, 2 Cor. i. 22 290 The Earnest, 2 Cor. i. 22 290 Scriptural A&urancc, 2 Tim. i. ^ " , , , , — ■ ' ^ 291 How to treat Offences, Matt, xviii. 15-18 292 Admonition, 2 Thess. iii. 15 293 The Weak, &c.. Comforted, Matt. xii. 20 293 Christian Hope accounted for, 1 Pet. iii. 15 294 Penitence and Expeclid Mercy, Jonah iii. 9 295 Pardoning mercy celi'brated, Isaiah xii. 1 297 Preaching Christ, Colossians i. 28 298 Help of God (or liis own Cause Pleaded, Psalm Ixxiv. 32. 300 On a Revival of Religion, Psalm Ixxxv. 6 301 Jehovah's Gracious Declaration concerning the Wicked, Ezekiel .xxxiii. 11 303 Adam and Eve, Genesis i. 27 304 Faith and Sacrifice of Abel, Hebrews xi. 4 305 Cain, Genesis iv. I 307 God's Testimony concerning Enoch, Hebrews xi. 5. .. . . 308 CONTENTS, Vll Page. The Pear and Faith of Noah, Hebrews xi. 17 310 Abraham's Believing Pilgrimage, Hebrews xi. 8-10 311 Jacob's Wrestling with the angel. Gen. .xxxii. 24, 25, &c. 312 Pharaoh and Jacob, Genesis xlvii. 8, 9 313 Esau, Hebrews xii. 16, 17 315 The Choice of Moses, Hebrews xi . 24-26 316 The Burning Bush an Emblem of the Church, Exodus iii. 2 318 The Mysterious Pillar, Exodus xiii. 21 319 Manoah and his Wife, Judges xiii. 22, 23 321 Boazand Ruth, Ruth ii. 11, 12 322 Elijah's Sinful Flight, 1 Kings xix. 4 323 Elisha's Enemies and Guard, 2 Kings vi. 15 3-25 David's Distress and Consolation, 1 Samuel x.xx. 6 326 David and his Host in the CaveofAdullam,l Samuel xxii. 2 3^ Mephibosheth, 2 Samuel ix. 3 329 David and his Family, 2 Samuel vi. 20 331 David's Address to Solomon, 1 Chronicles xxviii. 9 332 Jehovah's Dwelling on earth, 1 Kings viii. 27 334 A Recognition of Pious Vows, Psalm Ivi. 12, 13 336 History of Hezekiah. No. 1. 2 Kings Xviii. 6, 7 .337 Ditto. No.II. 2Kingsxx.l-6 338 Ditto. No.m. 2Kingsxx.l-6 340 Ditto. No. TV. 2 Chronicles xxxii. 25. 341 The Chatr and Wheat Contrasted, Jeremiah xxiii. 28. . . 342 Responsibility, Luke xii. 48 343 Obedience to God, Acts v. 29 345 Ezekiel's Vision, Ezekiel xxxvii. 1-10 346 The Saviour's Visit to our World, Luke i. 68, 69 348 An Epitome- of the Gospel, 1 Timothy i. 15 349 Pace. John the Baptist. Sketch I. Matthewxi.il 350 Ditto. Sketch II. Mattlifw xi. 11 352 The Poor, &c., of the Streets and Lanes of the City In- vited, Luke xiv. 21 ,353 Tlie Wedding Garment, Matthew xxii. 11-13 355 The Woman with the Bloody Issue, Mark v. 25, &c 356 Martha's Inordinate Carefulness, Luke x. 40, 41 358 Mary's Happy Choice, Luke x. 42 359 The One Thing Needful, Luke X. 42 360 The Call of Matthew, Matthew ix. 9 361 The Syro-Phenician W^oman, Matthew xv. 21-28 362 Bpthesda, John v. 2 .^ 364 /The Restored Demoniac, Luke viii. 38, 39 366 The Recovered Leper, Matthew viii. 2-4 367 Faith the Antidote to Fear, Mark v. 36 368 The Centurion and his Servant, Matthew viii. 5-10 370 The Prodigal Son. Sketch L Luke xv. 11 371 Ditto. Sketchll. Luke xv. 1] 373 Ditto. SketchIll.Lukexv.il 374 Christ Exalted by the Multitude, Luke xix. 37-40 376 The Ten Virgins. Sketch 1. Matthew xx v. 1 377 Ditto. Sketch II. Matthew xxv. 1 378 The Good Samaritan, Luke x. 36, 37 380 The Pharisee and Publican, Luke xviii. 10-14 381 The Penitent Malefactor, Luke xxiii. 42, 43 383 Satan's Palace, etc. Luke xi. 21,22 385 Vessels of Wrath, Romans ix. 22 386 Vessels of Mercy, Romans ix. 23 388 The Conquering Redeemer, Revelation vi. 2 389 All Things for the Christian's Good,