MISCELLANEOUS DISCOURSES AND REVIEWS; t BY HEMAN HUMPHREY, D. D. NEW YO AMHERST: J. S AND C. ADAMS. THE NEW YORK 636044 ASTOR. LENOX AND Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1834, by J. S. AND C. ADAMS, in the Clerk's office of the District Court of Massachusetts. PUBLISHERS' NOTICE. IN presenting this volume to the public, we do not feel that any apology is necessary. The reputation of the Author affords ample assurance, that a selection from his 'Miscellaneous Discourses and Reviews' will be well received. The productions of Dr. Humphrey bear the impress of a sound and vigorous mind, acting under the excitement of a love of truth and goodness. His views, although often very original, are never of that startling character which induces an immediate suspicion of their correctness, however much there may be of ingenuity or brilliancy to create admiration. On the contrary, they have the 'image and superscription' of practical wisdom. They come home to 'the business and bosoms' of men, with such a strength of conception, definiteness of purpose, clearness and energy of language; with such an unostentations simplicity, yet with such shrewdness and sagacity of illustration; with such a lofty spirit of enlightened christian benevolence, and such an affectionate earnestness of appeal;—that the Author has long been justly estodined one of the most impressive and useful writers in the clerical profession. He has not, however, confined the labors of his pen to the immediate sphere of his professional duties. He has taken a wide view of men and things. Hence the present 6 volume will be found rich in variety of subject and style. It opens with a very forcible illustration of the importance of 'union,' among those who would elevate the condition and character of our race. Next in the series is an exposition of the best method of 'doing good to the poor.' We hazard little in saying, that this subject is nowhere discussed, within the same compass, in a more complete and satisfactory manner. · Our Pilgrim Fathers' were not forgotten by the Author, at the 200th anniversary of the landing at Plymouth. His Discourse on the 22d Dec. 1820, is a valuble condensation of historical facts, and in a style of fervid eloquence vindicates the claims of the Pilgrims to our gratitude and veneration.—In the Discourse delivered before the American Sunday School Union, it is conclusively shown, that the leading way to bless and save our country,' is to train up our children in the way they should go.—The 'Good Arimathean' is a beautiful delineation of the character of a good man, whose example is worthy of all imitation.—The Author's conceptions of the 'Kingdom of Christ' are elevated and sublime; they are derived from a prayerful study of the words which the Holy Ghost speaketh,' and from a diligent meditation upon the lessons of Providence : and we feel persuaded; that those who love and adore the 'King of kings and Lord of lords,' wül rise from a perusal of the Discourse upon this exalted theme, with more ardent sentiments of love and adoration. The portraiture of the 'Christian Pastor' is ably drawn. The Speaker was uttering the voice of successful experience in the ministry, and his counsels are peculiarly entitled to the consideration of those who are entering upon the sacred office.--In his ‘Inaugural Discourse,' Dr. Humphrey has, with his accustomed. |