FIVE HUNDRED PLANS OF SERMONS. BY THE REV. GEORGE BROOKS, JOHNSTONE EDINBURGH: WILLIAM OLIPHANT AND CO. LONDON: HAMILTON, ADAMS, AND CO. 1 863. 100. S. 7. PREFACE. THE rapid multiplication of books of this description proves that there is a large class of readers who find them useful or convenient. The distinctive peculiarity of that which is here presented, is that it consists merely of Plans of Sermons, without any hints of illustration. I have always believed that whosoever would be an original preacher must read as little, and that whosoever would be a useful preacher must read as much, as he can on the subject on which he intends to preach. Being more ambitious of usefulness than of originality, I have, from the beginning of my ministry, adhered to this method of preparation for the pulpit, first to exhaust my own thoughts on the text, and then to consult all the helps within my reach. If I found (as I have very often found) that what was suggested was better than what was invented, I have not been deterred from appropriating it by the probability that ignorant or ill-natured critics would insinuate that I had not honestly exercised my own thoughts at all. I have acted on the same principle in the preparation of these Plans. Some of them are entirely the product of my own mind; some of them have been transcribed from books; some of them will be recognised by Fathers and Brethren as borrowed from themselves: but by far the greatest proportion has been the result of the double process of thinking and reading as much as I could. The use I wish others to make of my book is the same as I have made of the books of others. I do not wish them to use these Plans as they are. I wish them to use these Plans as suggesting other plans, which, if not better in themselves, are better adapted to their own habits of thought and composition. For the sake of professional readers, I now wish I had preserved a record of all the books I have consulted. I do not know whether I may hope that intelligent Christians, on whom the duty of preaching does not devolve, shall find here a little assistance in their private musings. But to myself the book is interesting as a memorial of many pleasant hours spent in meditation on the Word of God. JOHNSTONE, April 24, 1863. GEORGE BROOKS. PLANS OF SERMONS. (1.) Matt. i. 21. Thou shalt call his name Jesus; for he shall save his people from their sins. CONTRAST BETWEEN JESUS AND OTHER SAVIOURS OR 1. Their salvation was secular; His is spiritual. 4. Theirs was temporary; His everlasting. (2.) Matt. i. 23. They shall call his name Emmanuel; which, being interpreted, is, God with us. EXPLAIN THE Title. I. God in our nature. 2. God on our side. 3. God in our heart. 4. God with us in heaven for ever. (3.) John iv. 29. Come, see a man which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? B |