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PREFACE.

IN presenting this volume of Sermons to the Public, the Friends of Mr. KING consider it necessary briefly to observe, that it is composed of Discourses selected out of manuscripts never intended for publication by the lamented Author, who delivered most of them before a Village Congregation, and was suddenly removed from the sphere of his exertions into the presence of that SAVIOUR whose cause he laboured zealously to promote, and whose example he studied perseveringly to imitate. That Mr. KING did "the work of an Evangelist, and made full proof of his ministry," they who were privileged to hear and know him will bear a concurrent testimony: while his Friends indulge a hope that these Discourses, through which, "he, being dead, yet speaketh," will also witness to the zeal and fidelity with which he "testified of the Gospel of the grace of God," although losing necessarily much of that effect which his singularly mild and persuasive and solemn manner was calculated to convey.

The Sermons appear before the Public without

any other than a few verbal corrections. Not only has the sense been invariably maintained, but the greatest care has been taken to preserve the structure of the sentence where it was possible: and hence, if there may appear occasionally some defects in style, or want of connexion, his Friends have the satisfaction of offering Mr. KING's sentiments and language, and not their own.

With these few observations the Friends of Mr. KING present the following Discourses to the notice and consideration of the Christian Public; and earnestly pray that the blessing of GOD may be vouchsafed to those who read, as it was to many who were privileged to hear them: and should this volume fall into the hands of any over whose spiritual interests Mr. KING was commissioned to watch, may they be led, not only to remember him, but to follow his faith, and consider the end of his conversation, "JESUS CHRIST, the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever."

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