TO THE SUBSCRIBERS. MY LORDS, LADIES, AND GENTLEMEN, The original object in publishing the following Sermons being already known to you, instead of offering an apology for intruding them upon your attention, the writer feels it his duty to thank you most sincerely for the generous aid which you have kindly tendered to carry them through the press. It is with very great diffidence they are now submitted to your perusal, fearing that they will fall far short of the expectations which you may have been led to form respecting them. The writer can only beg that the deficiencies may be overlooked with an indulgent eye; and should there be found in them anything worthy of approval, may that be regarded in proportion to its worth. Imperfections there are; and such, doubtless, as will not pass current under a critical investigation: but should the Sermons fail to stand the ordeal of the reviewer's criticism, the writer fainly indulges the hope that they will bear the test of the Christian's "Faith, hope, and charity." They assume no high pretensions. The aim has not been a flow of language, or elegance of style, but merely a simple declaration of Gospel truths at their respective stated seasons. Not an attempt to write all that may be written on a text of Scripture, but to offer a few suggestions that may be enlarged upon at the will of the reader. If in the majority of cases a neglected spot on the bookshelf may be their doom; should even one careless soul be awakened, or one disconsolate Christian be cheered and strengthened through their instrumentality, the writer will be amply repaid for the pains he has taken in their composition. The sentiments contained in the Sermon on Capital Punishment may not meet with unqualified approval; but having suffered deep anxiety of mind in consequence of the doubtful nature of the evidences in the case of the condemned prisoner under his spiritual charge, the writer applied himself seriously to the study of the subject, and has arrived at the conscientious conclusion which will be found expressed. To the mental relief of all connected with that prisoner, through the laudable exertions of Charles Bath, Esq., the late Mayor of Swansea, and the Italian Vice-Consul in the port, Her Most Excellent Majesty has graciously granted to him a respite at pleasure, which, in addition to all her good acts, redounds greatly to the honour of our gracious Sovereign. The writer's humble but earnest prayers for a Divine blessing accompany the little volume. He shall not enjoy the happiness of personal fellowship with many of its readers upon earth, but he hopes to meet them all in heaven, where "he that soweth and he that reapeth shall rejoice together." The Sermons for the next volume are in course of preparation, but they shall not be allowed to appear in print except by special request. H.M. GAOL, SWANSEA, November, 1865. CONTENTS. Page 1 8 14 21 THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT. MORNING SERVICE.-Second Lesson: Luke iii. 8 EVENING SERVICE -First Lesson: Gen. xxii. 1 MORNING SERVICE.-Second Lesson: Luke xv. 2 EVENING SERVICE.-First Lesson: Gen. xlii. 36 - |