00p PREFACE

PREFACE
To exalt the Lord Jesus,
to comfort his beloved people,
and to benefit our fellow-men —
should be the great object of our lives. For this purpose we were . . .
chosen by the Father,
redeemed by the blood of the Son,
and are sanctified by the Holy Spirit. To accomplish this end . . .
grace is given us,
gifts are conferred upon us,
and life is continued to us.

We only live consistently — as we live for the benefit of others. No Christian should make SELF his end in anything that he does; therefore the Apostle says, "No one should seek his own good, but the good of others."

If we are influenced by the grace of God,
if we study to commend ourselves to God,
if we are ruled by the Word of God —
our principal object will be, to "do good unto all men, especially unto the household of faith."

Upon this, we shall keep the eye steadily fixed,
toward this we shall bend all our energies, and
upon this we shall habitually set our hearts.

If the author knows his own heart, such is the end he has in view in writing for the press; and if any one prayer ascends more naturally and frequently from his heart than another, it is that he may be made useful while he lives, and that his usefulness may be continued when he is removed by death.

Reader, what is the state of your heart?

What are your ruling desires?

What is the foundation of your hope?

How does the Lord Jesus appear to you? Have you seen his glory in the looking-glass of the gospel? Have you committed your soul into his hands, to be saved by his merit and mercy? Is he precious to your soul?

Or, are you treating him with neglect? Are you living Christless in the world?

If so, you are not happy — and you cannot enjoy solid satisfaction. The inward craving of your soul has never been satisfied yet. Nor will anything satisfy it — but receiving Christ and feeding upon him. He is . . .
the food of the soul,
the light of the understanding,
the solace of the conscience,
the joy of the affections,
and the portion of the heart.

Christ alone is not enough to make you holy, happy, and honorable; but all creation without Christ, would not be a sufficient portion.

O seek his face and favor! Seek him without delay! Reader, are you happy in Jesus? Is his love — your Heaven,
his Word — your guide, and
his work — your immovable foundation?

If so, come "magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together." Pray for a blessing upon this little work, and upon the author, who seeks your good.

O Holy Spirit, accompany the reading of this volume by your light, grace, and quickening energy — so that . . .
Jesus may be exalted,
sinners converted, and
your saints made happy!

James Smith, New Park Street Chapel, London