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tended to continue the same style of address, through the remainder of the course. It is not unusual for authors to publish a part of a work which they have in hand, before the whole is completed; and if, in the present instance, an apology were necessary, it might be found in the circumstance, that this volume contains all the leading doctrines of the Catechism. The essential articles of Faith and Repentance are, indeed, not formally discussed; because they occupy a place in the Catechism, more advanced than that at which these lectures terminated. But those important articles have been really and in substance considered, in speaking of effectual calling, justification, adoption, and sanctification; since of these it was not practicable to treat properly, without explaining the nature and use of true repentance and saving faith. The present volume therefore may, in a certain sense, be considered as a whole, although the author should be disappointed in his hopes of publishing a second.

In concluding this preface, the author will use the freedom to say to his youthful reader,—and to every reader who will receive the intimation without offence-that if he desires to derive practical and lasting benefit from these lectures, they should be read and meditated upon singly, with a candid, serious, and special attention to the remarks and appeals, with which the most of them are concluded. To read the volume through rapidly, may possibly gratify curiosity, and furnish scope for criticism. But the great concern of the author is, that his lectures may serve a very different and far better purpose. He would therefore respectfully recommend, that if the whole be read cursorily, each one should be afterwards perused by itself; that is, one only at a sitting-for the purpose of reflecting deliberately on the doctrine explained, and

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especially of making its application close and personal. This personal application is of infinitely more importance than any mere doctrinal knowledge, however accurate. And if the reader will consent to take the course here recommended, and will accompany his other exercises with fervent prayer for the divine blessing, it may be hoped that he will receive a permanent even an eternal benefit. That this result may be realized in numerous instances, is and shall be, the subject of the author's earnest supplications to that throne of heavenly grace, from which all sanctifying and saving influences must proceed.

LECTURES

ON THE

SHORTER CATECHISM.

LECTURE I.

INTRODUCTORY.

FRIENDS AND Brethren,—

It is with peculiar pleasure that I meet you on this occasion. I meet you to enter on a service intended for the benefit of the young-a service which I have always considered as one of the most important, and which I have certainly found one of the most delightful, among all the duties of the ministerial vocation.

The discussions on which we are entering will be freely open to those of every age, who may choose to attend them. But it will be distinctly kept in mind, that they are specially intended for youth, and will be addressed to them alone. It is my earnest wish that the young may consider themselves as the parties to whom I directly speak-speak with a view to explain, defend and inculcate those great doctrines of our holy religion with which they are supposed to have already some acquaintance, and on a practical regard to which the salvation of their souls depends. There is, moreover, a certain method of treatment and style of address, which are proper when subjects are discussed for the special benefit of the young, which would not be equally proper, if those of more advanced age were included with them in the views of the speaker. These lectures are not to be profound and abstruse theological disquisitions. It is, indeed, an important part of

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