THE BRITISH PREACHER, UNDER THE SANCTION OF THE MINISTERS WHOSE DISCOURSES APPEAR IN ITS PAGES. VOL. I. LONDON: FREDERICK WESTLEY AND A. H. DAVIS, M DCCC XXXI. PREFACE. THE completion of the First Volume of THE BRITISH PREACHER affords the Publishers an opportunity of tendering their thanks for the patronage with which their attempt has been favoured. Avowing, at the outset, their determination to admit nothing which could give offence to any class of Christians, they have obtained the aid of Ministers of various denominations, whose doctrinal sentiments are in accordance with those of the Reformation. Their object is still the same, to supply for Family, and Private Reading, Discourses which may be useful beyond the bounds of the preacher's own immediate influence. - The Publishers have to acknowledge the kindness and promptitude with which their applications to Ministers have been uniformly met; and they appeal with confidence to the pages of this Volume, as a proof that they have endeavoured to fulfil their engagements. They To the Public they are indebted for the warm and increasing support which this attempt has received; and they pledge themselves to renewed exertions, that they may render the Work the best of its class. flatter themselves that its avowed principles will procure for it the recommendation of Ministers, and that the excellence of its contents will render it more acceptable to the reader, than the sketchy, and often incorrect, Reports which are presented by other publications. CONTENTS. REV. JOSEPH FLETCHER, D. D.-(Admonitions to the Young.) 2 TIM. ii. 22.-Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart...... PAGE EPH. i. 3-5.—Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ : according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love; having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself 32 REV. EDWARD STEANE.-(Spiritual Illumination.) 2 COR. iv. 6.-For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory |