from the works of writers, themselves so much at variance on minor points of Christian doctrine. What is here given, is given, not as the word of God, but as the word of man, and consequently, no more infallible in sentiment than it can be expected to be faultless in phrase. They who read for profit will find profit in reading; others, if they be so inclined, may discover errors and imperfections enough to gratify their taste, though not to compensate them for the loss of time, which had been better spent in seeking better things. The notices respecting Authors are brief; and no more is said of any than seemed necessary to enable the reader to appreciate the quotations. Of the greatest names, it would have been irrelevant to speak, either in praise or disparagement; the object of the Editor not being criticism. It was not deemed ex from the works of any pedient to include extracts living writer; though these pages might have been greatly enriched thereby. The present Volume has been several years in contemplation. It was pro jected in the summer of 1823, when the "Christian Psalmist," to which it was intended as a companion, was undertaken. This date, and the whole contents of the Book, will show that no rivalry of meritorious publications, in some respects similar, which have anticipated it from the press, was intended. SHEFFIELD, May, 1827. J. M. |