ADDRESS.

Ar a moment when knowledge of almost every description, in a form at once pleasing and cheap, is made familiar to the understandings of all classes of society, it will not appear to be an improper diversion of such channels of useful intelligence, if they are made instrumental to the propagation of MORAL AND RELIGIOUS TRUTHS. Accordingly, the proprietors of this work are induced to present the public, at reasonable intervals, with a Manual of Religious Edification, more especially adapted for the LORD'S DAY; as containing the sentiments of many of the more eminent Divines of the Church of England in the Discourses delivered from their pulpits.

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For the purposes of domestic instruction in the truths of religion, especially among the YOUTH of both sexes, it is presumed that few substitutes will be found more effectual than that now proposed. Each volume will contain a suitable variety both of subjects and of authors ; while the long-established reputation of those Divines, living and deceased, whose discourses find a place within the pages of this work, cannot fail to insure to the public the dissemination of edifying and ORTHODOX doctrines.

It is very probable that some learned and pious readers might wish for the introduction of a few more authors, and a few other topics; but it must be remembered that the plan of the entire work can scarcely be developed in the first volume. Many important subjects of Doctrine will necessarily find a place in those which follow. The leading events of the LIFE OF CHRIST cannot also fail to have a large share in them. In the mean time, the topics here disclosed may be said to lay a solid foundation for those which are about to be added; and till the whole scope of the work appear in a more intelligible form, the task

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of criticism must be necessarily imperfectly exercised.

At all events, let it be especially impressed upon the minds of Christians, of EVERY persuasion, that at No moment can a work, similar to the present, have stronger claims upon their attention and support, than at this precise period, - when the elements of civil society seem to be agitated in a variety of directions, and when a sound and sober exposition of Scriptural Truths may essentially contribute to the support of the best interests of the COUNTRY.

PREFACE.

THE SUNDAY LIBRARY will, it is presumed, be found to contain a series of Discourses, which may not only be applicable to " all sorts and conditions of men," but which, in the multiplied wants and necessities of such conditions, may also be serviceable to the administering of " patience under suffering," cheerfulness under despondency, and strength and courage of heart under the severest dispensations of Providence. At the same time, in a course of life where events are of an even and prosperous tenour, it is not less confidently hoped that these Discourses may teach the Christian moderation in prosperity, and gratitude to THE GIVER of all good gifts, as a primary and indispensable duty. Above all things, and in every vicissitude of existence, may they impress upon him the conviction, that, as he is a frail and dependent creature, it is not less his duty to