transcribed these sermons
from the manuscript copy without the smallest alteration of his
sentiments. I have endeavoured to rectify a few grammatical errors of the
transcribers and the old form of spelling, and altered a few words not now
used in our modern sermons, for words of the same meaning. As I have added
several sermons of this author upon the kingdom of God, which I
transcribed since the proposals of this book were printed, so I could not
insert the sermons upon Acts xxvi. 18; Acts xiv. 11, 12, without almost
doubling the price, which I feared would not be agreeable to some of the
encouragers of this work. I intend to put the other sermons I have
transcribed, or may yet copy, into the hands of some friends to revise
before they be printed; as also Mr. M'Ward's Life of this worthy
gentleman, taken from his own papers....

It is my sincere wish, that all the readers of this book may be builded up
in spiritual wisdom and goodness unto eternal life.

Brousterland, September 12th, 1760

Sermon I.

1 John iii. 23.--"And this is his commandment, That we should
believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one
another."

It is a common doctrine often declared unto you, that the most part of
those who hear the gospel do run, in their pretended course to heaven,
either upon a rock of dashing discouragement, or the sands of sinking
presumption. These are in all men's mouths; and no question they are very
dangerous, so hazardous, as many fools make shipwreck either of the faith,
or a good conscience,--of the faith, by running upon and dashing upon the
rock,--of a good conscience, by sitting down upon the quicksand. But I fear
that which is commonly confessed by all is cordially believed by few, and
so, little regarded in our course and conversation. All Christians pretend
to be making a voyage heaven-ward, and that is only home-ward. Now the
gospel is given us to direct our course, and teach us how to steer between
these two hazards, both safely and surely. This is the shore that shall
guide us, and conduct to our intended haven, that is heaven, if we set our
compass by it, and steer our course accordingly. Yet strange it is to
behold the infinite wanderings and errors of men, on the one hand or the
other:--some presuming upon the news of mercy, and the sound of God's
grace, to walk after the imagination of their own hearts, and to live and
continue in sin, for which Christ died, that he