possess but little weight) by the strength of accredited authority. After all, he is deeply conscious, that this most responsible work has suffered-perhaps materially--from the unskilfulness of its treatment. He would desire however to be "accepted of his brethren,"* in a sincere attempt to subserve the grand cause, to which they equally with himself are consecrated--and he would beg to express his earnest desires to be favoured with private communications for the improvement of a second edition (should it ever be called for); for which he subjoins his place of residence at full length. For his work he has no other wish than the Country Parson--'The Lord prosper the intention to myself, and others, who may not despise my poor labours, but add to those points, which I have observed, until the book grows to a complete pastoral.'† purpose For himself-he would listen to the concluding exhortation of an eminent Minister to his Student and Pastor And now, go thy way, O thou son greatly beloved, and work in thy lot lively, and prayerfully and cheerfully to the end of thy days; and wait and look for what the glorious Lord will do for thee at the end of thy days; in those endless joys, wherein thou shalt shine as the brightness of the firmament, and as the stars for ever and ever.† Old Newton, Stowmarket, June 22, 1829. *Esther x. 3. Preface to The Country Parson. Conclusion to Mather's 'Student and Pastor.' ADVERTISEMENT TO THE SECOND EDITION. The Writer, while he would acknowledge the kind reception with which his work has been favoured, cannot but regret that the shortness of the interval has precluded him from the advantage of many of those animadversions, by which it might have been considerably improved. He has, however, endeavoured to send it forth a second time, he trusts, with some symptom of amendment, and (in compliance with the suggestions of some kind and judicious friends), with considerable enlargement in the detail of the pastoral department, as well as with the result of a general system of revision throughout. The Writer is most sensible of the many defects of the work, but under present circumstances he has no other course than once more to commend it to the gracious consideration of the Great Head of the Church, with an earnest desire that he would accept it as an offering for his service, and employ it in however mean a degree for the edification of his church, of that part more especially in whose prosperity the Writer is most deeply interested. Old Newton, Oct. 9, 1829. VI. The qualifications of the Christian Ministry. 35 VII. Preparation for the Christian Ministry, SECT. I. Habits of General Study, II. The withholding of Divine Influence the main cause of the want of Ministerial success, 102 III. The enmity of the natural heart a main cause VII. The influence of spiritual pride, . VIII. Absence or defect of personal religion, . |