were unformed, and on not a few that their judgments were unsettled. They had not embraced error, yet they were not sufficiently grounded in truth. My object, therefore, was not so much to grapple with false doctrine, as to define, illustrate, and enforce sound doctrine. Hence, these sermons will be found to be less controversial and more practical than their title might seem to indicate. In the first instance I did not contemplate publication; indeed my active engagements are such as to make it almost presumptuous in me to attempt it; but so many of my hearers importuned me to publish—at the same time offering to secure the services of a masterly shorthand writer to take down my discourses, —that I did not feel I should be justified in withstanding their wishes. The report furnished to me was very correct, and I have spared no pains, so far as my incessant occupations would allow me, to make it fit for the press; still I am painfully conscious that the work has many imper fections, and that unfriendly criticism may find much in it to expose. But if it should place in the hands of honest inquirers, especially of my own flock, a compendious digest of information and argument on subjects which are almost sure to exercise their minds, and if it should help, through the good hand of God, to guide them into sound and moderate views, alike remote from laxity and bigotry, I shall be pleased and thankful; nor will the critic's lash embitter my pleasure, or abate my thankfulness. From one fault at least I trust these pages are exempt-anything of personal unkindness towards those whose opinions I have felt called upon to blame. Should I, however, have inadvertently transgressed in this respect, I most heartily crave their forgiveness. My heart's desire and prayer to God for them is, that they may be saved.” It only remains for me to add, that, "if the Lord will," I hope to publish the second volume of discourses in the beginning of next year; and that I commend the work to Him, without whose blessing the ablest efforts cannot avail, and with whose blessing even mine shall not be in vain. CONTENTS. JOHN XX. 30, 31.-And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the 10 APOSTOLICAL SUCCESSION AND THE POWERS OF MATT. xxviii. 18, 19, 20.-And Jesus came, and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost teaching them to observe all things what- |