Repentance, its importance and necessity-Dr. Calamy quoted -What is not repentance-Saying of St. Augustine- What is true repentance—Its proper accompaniments—Our state by nature-Mode of justification-The nature of faith explained-connection between justitication and sanctification— Repentance necessary even for them-Enforced-The strifes and contentions of Christians reproved-Their injurious effects- Union inculcated-Its advantages-Heresies and novelties noticed-Their pernicious consequences-The Church admo- His warrant for trusting in God-Mental familiarity with trials a mean of diminishing our fears of them-Bodily suffering less to be dreaded than it is-The comfort arising from faith-The principle of expediency exposed-The believer's safety amid general calamities demonstrated from Scripture-Opinions of Bishops Lowth and Reynolds on the point-Of Archbishop Usher Objections answered-Further Testimonies from Scrip- ture on same subject. The duty of believers in the event of troubles coming on the world-Importance of assurance of an interest in the Saviour-Scriptural criteria of true religion. The importance of anticipating it-Proofs of its coming-Its nature-The question whether Christ will reign personally on earth touched upon-Bishop Hall's Observations-Bishop Newton's-The means and agency whereby the Millennium shall be realized-Objections answered-The events that will precede and introduce the period-Christians exhorted to rejoice It shall greatly excel the Millennial state-In what its blessed- delights-The effects which such prospects should produce upon . p. 216 Trust in the creature universal-Its sinfulness-Three respects in which we should cease from Man-The vanity of popularity- Bishop Reynolds cited-The universality of divine providence -Dr. Chalmers quoted-The expediency of trusting in the Lord, and not in earthly rulers-The happiness of the believer -The expediency of calling no man master-The eminent im- portance of faith and heavenly-mindedness, especially in the PREFACE. The following pages are presented to the public, in the earnest hope, that being particularly suited to the times, they may be instrumental under the Divine blessing, in creating a circle on the languid sea of religious sentiment, in arousing some, who are careless and at ease, to an increasing liveliness on the most important of all subjects: and in conveying a word of seasonable consolation to others, who mourn in Zion." In the opening Lecture it is attempted to be proved that the times are perilous; in those immediately ensuing, our peculiar duties at such times are pointed out; and in conclusion are shewn the believer's privileges and prospects. The second Lecture has been found far the most difficult. To exhibit an accurate picture of the actual state of affairs at a period so uncommonly mutable and eventful as the present, is a task not less arduous than the delineation of a landscape on a very stormy day. This moment a gleam of sun shine, bursting forth, throws a smile of cheerfulness over the entire face of nature: presently the clouds return, and envelope the scenery in a mantle of gloom. Under these circumstances the author has been no little perplexed in his endeavours to represent matters as they really are,-since the portrait which would be faithful to day, might cease to be so to-morrow; but he has given that view of them which, after much consideration, inquiry, and prayer, has appeared to him the most just. Of its correctness, the candid reader will judge for himself. In the course of the book are introduced such occasional quotations from other writers as appeared suitable, and calculated to render it at once interesting and profitable. The appendix contains further documents from various pens, too extensive to be inserted in the body of the work, but which serve to corroborate or illustrate the writer's statements. They will be found a valuable portion of the volume. In some of his opinions he may very possibly be mistaken. Of course he presumes not to predict but even should the events which he looks for, never be realized, the counsel that he offers will not be without its advantage, if followed; should those events occur, the advice will prove of immeasurable importance. It would be altogether in vain for any writer on divinity to hope to meet the views of all parties in these days; so diversified are the sentiments of |