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BY

THE LATE REV. WILLIAM HOWELS,

MINISTER OF LONG-ACRE EPISCOPAL CHAPEL :

PRINTED FROM NOTES TAKEN

BY

HENRY HOPLEY WHITE, ESQ.

PUBLISHED BY R. B. SEELEY, AND W. BURNSIDE;

AND SOLD BY L. AND G. SEELEY,

FLEET STREET, LONDON.

MDCCCXXXVI.

L. AND G. SEELEY, WESTON GREEN, THAMES DITTON.

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PREFACE.

THE Sermons contained in this Volume were taken down on various occasions during a period of nearly eleven years, from the 20th of August, 1820, to the 3rd of July, 1831. Some were taken fully, others only in substance, and a few are almost reduced to the character of analysis.

The notes were made exclusively for private use, and consequently, without the most remote view to publication: but as the Sermons embrace many subjects of the deepest interest, as well to the theological student, as to the experienced Christian, and, as it is believed, that they exhibit much of Mr. Howels' peculiarity of style and comprehensive view of scripture truth, the Editor has collected them into this Volume, in the hope they may be acceptable to the

Christian Public, and more especially to Members of Mr. Howels' late Congregation. The Notes will of course appear to those who heard the Sermons, imperfect transcripts of what was then so powerfully presented to them from the lips of that highlyendowed and revered Minister; but so far as given, pains have been taken that the Notes should be accurate. It was the Editor's constant aim to write down Mr. Howels' own expressions; which, indeed, for perspicuity and doctrinal accuracy, could not easily be surpassed. Those eccentricities of language and illustration which occasionally escaped the Preacher, in the warmth and excitement of extempore address, have, in general, been omitted. As those singularities, (perhaps impressive and profitable to some of his hearers) were not essential to the permanent usefulness of the Sermons, but rather calculated to provoke unfavourable remarks from those who were not accustomed to Mr. Howels, it was deemed advisable not to insert them; and the Editor has reason to know that the preacher would not have wished their publication. The Sermons in this Volume, with the exception

of the first five (the dates of which were unfortunately not noted) are arranged chronologically as they were delivered. Should mis-statements of doctrine, or ambiguity of expression be discovered, the Reader is entreated to ascribe them to the inaccuracy of the Note, or the misconception of the writer, rather than to the mistake or incompetency of the eminent Minister, of whose profound and scriptural Discourses this compilation can convey but a very inadequate impression.

London, April, 1836.

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