I suppose it is needless to inform the public, that the reason of printing these sermons, arises altogether from the favourable reception which the fermon given as a sample of them in 'TriSTRAM SHANDY met with from the world. — That sermon was printed by itself some years ago, but could find neither purchasers nor readers, so that I apprehended little hazard from a promise I made upon its republication, “ That if the sermon was liked, " these should be also at the " world's service;" which, to be as good as my word, they here are; and I pray to God, they may do it the service I wish. I have little to say in their behalf, except this, that not one of them

was

was composed with any thoughts of being printed ;- they have been haftily written, and carry the marks of it along with them.

This may be no recommendation ;-I mean it, however, as such : for as the sermons turn chiefly upon philantropy, and those kindred virtues to it, upon which hang all the law and the prophets, I trust they will be no less felt, or worse received, for the evidence they bear of proceeding more from the heart than the head. I have nothing to add, but that the reader, upon old and beaten subjects, 'must not look for many new thoughts, ’tis well if he has new language : in three or four passages, where he has neither the one nor the

- A 3 other,

other, I have quoted the author
I made free with.- There are
fome other passages, where I fuf-
pect I may have taken the same
liberty ;---but 'tis only suspicion,
for I do not remember it is fo,
otherwise I should have restored
them to their proper owners; so
that I put it in here more as a ge-
neral saving, than from a consci-
ousness of having much to an-
swer for upon that score. In this,
however, and every thing else
which I offer or shall offer to the
world, I rest, with a heart much
at ease, upon the protection of the
humane and candid, from whom
I have received many favours, for
which I beg leave to return them
thanks---thanks.

CONTENTS.

SERMON I.
Enquiry after Happiness.

SERMON II.
The House of Feasting and the House of

Mourning, described.
SERMON III.
Philantropy recommended.
SERMON IV,

Self-knowledge.

SERMON Vi The Case of Elijah, and the Widow of Zarephath, considered. A Charity Sermon.

SERMON VI.
Pharisee and Publican in the Temple

SERMON VII. -
Vindication of Human Nature.
SERMON VIII.
Time and Chance.

A 4 SERMON

.. SERMON IX. The Character of Herod. Preached on In

nocents Day.

SERMON X.
Job's Account of the Shortness and Troubles

:: of Life, considered.
SERMON XI.

Evil-Speaking.

SERMON XII.
Joseph's History considered. Forgiveness of

Injuries.
SERMON XIII.
Duty of setting Bounds to our Desires.

SERMON XIV.
· Self-Examination.
'SERMON XV.
Job's Expoftulation with his Wife.

SERMONS