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unable to do it justice. This objection was overruled by some, to whose judgment I am accustomed to pay deference, and I have ventured, with much trembling, to send them forth into the world in their present form; hoping, with my friends, that they may turn sinners from the power of Satan unto God.

As the work was prepared principally for the use of my own people, they will, I trust, receive it as a testimony of my warm attachment to their best interests, and of my growing desire that they, like the primitive disciples, may continually walk "in the fear of the Lord, and in the comforts of the Holy Ghost." My pastoral labours among them are now suspended, and I cannot publicly inculcate the important truths of which it treats; but it will comfort me in my affliction if this, as my representative, guides, advises, and consoles them in happy and holy walking.

To literary fame I do not aspire; usefulness alone I covet. I am persuaded that wise and good men will discover many imperfections in the work; but if the Lord glorifies himself through this feeble effort, by introducing sinners to his acquaintance, and by leading babes in grace to press after higher attainments in the divine life, and professors of the gospel to walk more consistently with their high and holy calling;—what becomes of my name will be of small importance.

CLIFTON, Octr. 20th, 1826.

J. SHERMAN

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ACQUAINTANCE WITH GOD.

CHAPTER I.

"ACQUAINT now thyself with God, and be at peace, thereby good shall come unto thee," was advice worthy of Eliphaz, and suited to Job, under any circumstances, though it is evident he misunderstood his case. In the previous verses he had accused him of great guilt: "Is not thy wickedness great, and thine iniquities infinite? For thou hast taken a pledge from thy brother for nought, and stripped the naked of their clothing. Therefore snares are round about thee, and sudden fear troubleth thee;" thus supposing the whole of his trials to be the reward of impiety. Now although he was mistaken in Job, the advice is adapted to the

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character he supposed him to be. are a wicked man, whose life, like that of the pagan Romans, has been employed in adding iniquity to iniquity, and thereby treasuring up to yourself wrath against the day of wrath; or if at this moment you should be suffering, in your body and estate, the wages of sin, in pains, and poverty, and privations; be it known unto you, that to you is the word of this salvation sent. It points you to an object infinitely worthy of your highest love, to the only remedy for your fallen condition; and promises you that tranquillity of mind, and satisfying felicity, you have in vain sought in the world. Could we persuade you to make trial of this remedy, as you have done, unsolicited, of the lying vanities which have reduced you to your present lamentable state, you would find that it is a catholicon of inestimable worth, and promises no more than it actually bestows on all who attend to its directions.

The apostle declares of wicked men, that they do not "like to retain God in their knowledge." A few thoughts of him will occasion

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