Sermons, principally designed to explain some of the leading doctrines of the Gospel, etc

SERMONS,

PRINCIPALLY DESIGNED

TO EXPLAIN SOME OF THE LEADING DOCTRINES

THE GOSPEL;

AND TO

BUILD UP BELIEVERS "ON THEIR MOST HOLY FAITH.”

BY THE

REV. E. L. CLARK, M. A.

LATE OF TRINITY COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE.

BODL

LONDON:

HAMILTON, ADAMS, & CO. PATERNOSTER ROW.

BRISTOL: I. E. CHILLCOTT, CLARE STREET.

1866.

100. S. 232.

BRISTOL:

I. E. CHILLCOTT, STEAM PRESS, CLARE STREET,

PREFACE.

THE following sermons have been published principally by the kindness of Christian friends, who have generously come forward to aid the Author, in his endeavours for their publication, by their subscriptions; some taking several copies, and others two, and some one copy. That which led to the publication of this volume, was a desire, which had been long impressed upon his mind, to leave some memorial to the Church of God; which, after he was gone, might yet speak of "the loving kindness of the Lord," which he himself had so plentifully experienced; and which he desired others, from his own testimony, might likewise experience more abundantly, and with a stronger faith and love. For, it is "a good thing that the heart be established with grace;" and every means to that end, will, he is sure be welcomed by every child of God. And he hopes that these sermons will, with the Lord's blessing, be conducive to that end, and to Him be all the praise. It will be necessary to notice, that copies of the first sermon, on "the full assurance of hope," were issued before the Author had decided on the

publication of the volume. It was preached in the parish church of St. Mary, Carlisle, at the close of December, 1865; and is accompanied by a short farewell address to the stated congregation, among whom he laboured for about nine months; being appointed by the Bishop of the Diocese, during the illness of the late, and appointment of the present incumbent.

Should the Author be so happy, as to be in anywise instrumental in building up believers in their most holy faith; it will be ample compensation for all his labour and study, and an answer to prayer to God for His blessing.

DURDHAM DOWN,

BRISTOL, September 21, 1866.

CONTENTS.

SERMON I.

THE FULL ASSURANCE OF HOPE; OR, THE KNOWLEDGE

THAT GOD IS OURS.

Heb. vi. 11, 12.

"And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to

the full assurance of hope unto the end. That ye be not slothful,

but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the

promises."

SERMON II.