TO THE MOST REV. J. T. TROY, D.D. R. C. ARCHBISHOP OF DUBLIN, &c. &c. MY LORD, SERMONS, chiefly intended to recommend Christian doctrine and practice in some of their most important points, cannot be inscribed with greater propriety than to your Grace. To you the interests of religion are peculiarly committed, by the exalted station in which you are placed. The precepts which the Gospel inculcates, your character eminently exemplifies. Should I attempt, my Lord, to express the feelings which the experience of your virtues has excited in my mind, I am convinced that, to those who have not enjoyed the same advantage, I might seem to adopt the language of flattery; while such as have formed their judgments according to the same standard, acknowledge that my expressions fall short of the truth: but, as I know that your own merit is that alone of which the mention is disagreeable to you, I shall say nothing more on this subject. Permit me only to observe, that your Grace is one of those consolatory instances, presented in the course of providence, of unassuming wisdom, and of unaffected piety, exalted to the highest sphere of life, and preserving, in pre-eminent station, their genuine simplicity. I regret that the performance, which I have the honour of offering to your Grace, is not more worthy of your acceptance. Such as it is, I flatter myself that you will have the goodness to esteem it, at least as a testimony of veneration and attachment. That the Almighty may long preserve your Grace; that he may bestow on you his most precious blessings, both in your public and private sphere; and that, after a life of exemplary virtue, and distinguished utility, he may admit you to the enjoyment of those glorious rewards, which our Saviour prepares for all his faithful servants, is the fervent prayer of him who has the honour to be, with the highest respect, and the warmest attachment, My Lord, Your Grace's most obedient, And very humble Servant, Dublin, N. Anne Street, June 22d, 1808. BARNABY MURPHY. PREFACE. A number of friends, on whose sincerity experience has taught me to rely, have suggested and encouraged the reprinting of these Sermons. As the reasons which they offer appear sufficient to justify a second impression, I shall briefly repeat them, and indulge a hope they may be satisfactory to the reader. Although the former edition was large, the partiality of my Irish friends prevented the necessity of giving the work that publicity which is usual, and many persons, particularly in England, have lately applied to me for copies. The former edition being in large volumes was beyond the reach of many persons who were anxious for its perusal, and the size of the work rendered it unfit for any place but home. The present edition is offered at a moderate price, and may be carried in the pocket by those who desire the perusal of a Discourse upon the Gospel, or Epistle of the Sabbath. Having added two Sermons which were preached in aid of St. Patrick's Chapel, London, and St. Anthony's, in Liverpool, it may be proper to give some reason for so doing. Deeply interested in the welfare of both these establishments, I am desirous of increasing the numbers of their friends, and the addresses which I have received from their respective congregations encourage my hope, that the readers of the Sermons may continue the zealous supporters of those yet struggling Christian Institutions. Townsend Street, Dublin, Jan. 1, 1816. B. MURPHY. |