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ADVERTISEMENT.

THE following Addresses, designed originally for private use, are now offered to the Public in the humble hope that they may, in some measure, furnish to others what the author himself felt the want of on his entrance into the ministry, namely, a plain manual in visiting the sick, which might set before them, from Scripture, those great truths which a Christian Minister would desire his people, "in the day of adversity," more especially to "consider.'" The plan adopted in these Addresses, is to bring together from Scripture several passages relating to each subject, and subjoin to them a brief comment by way of application, and an appropriate prayer. The subjects thus

treated on, are,

Address 1. Whence and why afflictions are

sent.

2. Uses to be mde of affliction.

3. Importance of making a right use

of affliction.

4. State of man by natural corruption.

Address 5. State of man by actual transgres

sion.

6. Inability of man to deliver and save himself.

7. The remedy and deliverance provided in Christ.

Should this attempt be favourably received, it is proposed to render the series more complete, by Addresses on the same plan, on The Atonement,-Christ our Righteousness,―Justification by Faith,-Sanctification by the Holy Ghost,-Repentance, Faith,- Holiness,Peace and Happiness of true Religion,-Its comforting influence in Sorrow, Suffering, and Death,-Its glorious consequence in Eternal Life, The conduct consistent with the hope of this Glory,-Encouragement to trust in God from his power,-and from his love in Jesus Christ.-Recovery from Sickness.

The object aimed at is not novelty or originality, but to be plain and scriptural; and the blessing of Him, who hath told us that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, is earnestly implored on this humble effort to promote his glory and the salvation of immortal souls.

ADDRESS I.

Whence and why Afflictions are sent.

YOUR sickness and infirmities are doubtless afflictive to you; yet I hope, through the divine blessing, they will be useful to the health and happiness of your soul for it is in mercy, for the good of the soul, that the Lord is pleased to chasten the body. I would therefore desire you, for your patience, comfort, and improvement, to consider from what source and for what purpose this affliction is sent upon you. And, that you may be led to consider this truly, I will read to you some portions of Scripture relating to these points: first, however, imploring the blessing of God's Spirit, that what is

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thus read and heard from his Holy Word, may be rendered effectual to our profit.

Let us pray.-O Almighty and Most Merciful God, who hast caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning, conversion, and comfort, grant that through thy grace we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by the instruction and comfort of thy Holy Word and gracious Spirit, we may embrace and ever hold fast that blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in Jesus Christ, the Saviour of sinners. Amen.

Hear now these portions of Scrip

ture.

Job v. 6.-Affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground.

1 Sam. iii. 18.-It is the Lord; let him do what seemeth him good. Psalm ciii. 8. 6. 19-The Lord is full of compassion and mercy; longsuffering and of great goodness. The Lord executeth righteousness

and judgment, and his kingdom ruleth over all.

Job v. 18.-He maketh sore, and bindeth up; he woundeth, and his hands make whole.

Lam. iii. 33.-Though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion, according to the multitude of his mercies; for he doth not afflict willingly. Psalm cxlv. 9. 17.-The Lord is loving unto every man, and his meris over all; the Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.

cy

1 Cor. xi. 32.-When we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Lam. ii. 39. 42.-Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord; let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens we have transgressed and rebelled.

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