PREFACE. IF any should remark, what is obviously the cafe, that the fame thoughts recur in different Difcourfes, they are requested to confider, that there are some leading points of religion, which can never be too often inculcated. Such are, the Doctrine of Redemption, the Neceffity of Prayer, and Man's abfolute Dependence on GOD. Should the accurate Reader of Holy Writ observe, that frequently the Texts of Scripture are not quoted exactly as they are found in the Old and New Teftament, he is defired to remember, that in several parts the object is not fo much to cite whole verses, as to apply Scripture language, and interweave it in the general ftyle of the Discourses. If If thofe, whom either profeffional duty, or ferious inclination, has led to be converfant with works on Divinity, should perceive (as they will) that the Discourses are indebted to writings before published, it is acknowledged, without hesitation, that fome thoughts were fuggefted, and others confirmed, by Authors hereafter mentioned; to whom, if dead, obligations are repaid with reverence and gratitude; if living, with refpect and esteem. Thus much having been premised, the Discourses may now be fent into the world. Cenfurable they are doubtlefs for many imperfections; but furely not for their endeavours ftill to preferve and cherish a knowledge of Chriftian doctrines, and an obfervance of Chriftian duties, in this Nation. CONTENT S. DISCOURSE I. The DUTY of MINISTERS to preach the GOSPEL, and its genuine Doctrines 2 COR. iv. 5. We preach not ourselves, but Chrift Jefus the Lord. Page I DISCOURSE II. On receiving the GOSPEL with MEEKNESS and HUMILITY. ST. JAMES. i. 21. Receive with meeknefs the engrafted Word, which is able to fave your fouls. 28. DISCOURSE III. ISAIAH. Ixiii. 9. In all their afflict- ion, he was afflicted; and the An- gel of his Prefence faved them; in bis love and in his pity be redeemed Duty of accepting and obferving the GOSPEL REVELATION, and of paying |