00p PREFACE

PREFACE
The book we wish for, is not always the book we want; because our minds are not always sufficiently enlightened to know exactly what we want; and sometimes they are under an improper bias, so that we do not wish for what we really want. If we wish for what we really want — it is probable that we shall be satisfied; for it is much easier to satisfy our wants than our wishes. Different people want different books, because some need instruction, some consolation, some reproof, and some impression. No one book, if it is a consecutive treatise upon any one subject, can meet the wants of all, or all the wants of any one. But a book made up of short pieces on many subjects, may contain something that all want, though not all that each one wants. The object of this little book is, to present so many portions of divine truth, that it may contain something that every reader wants; so that each one may say, "It contains, at least something, that I want." But we often want a book to present to another, in which there is something that we think will meet the case, without the title, or the running subject, appearing to be personal. The parties we wish to benefit, may be saints, or sinners; professors, or making no profession. The subject we wish to set before them may refer to their state, or their duty. We may wish to encourage, or correct; to convince, or to comfort; to lead to Christ, or bring back to the profession of Christ. Now we cannot expect to have separate books, on every distinct subject; nor does it appear desirable; for besides the expense incurred, they would not be read. A few books touching on many points — are more likely to be useful.

Here then is our object, and in this book, we hope the reader will find . . .
light for the head,
food for the heart,
and a rule for the feet.

Some things adapted to . . .
convince of sin;
reveal the Savior;
reprove the sinner;
encourage the believer;
reclaim the backslider;
prepare for usefulness on earth, and God’s glorious presence in Heaven. May the Most High God give it his sanction, and commission it to accomplish such desirable results. One thing is certain, if it leads souls to Christ, if it reclaims sinners from the error of their ways, if it deepens the sanctification of the heart, and if it issues in an increase of usefulness, the parties thus benefitted will say, "It was the book that I wanted!" and will be prepared to present it to their friends and relatives saying, "This is the book that you want." But in order that it may prove beneficial, it must be read with prayer — for no book can do us real good — unless its contents are accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit. He must . . .
quicken the soul to feel,
enlighten the mind to perceive,
and open the heart to receive —
or we shall write and read in vain! His gracious teachings and operations are absolutely necessary, to render even the truth itself profitable unto us. "It is the Spirit who quickens." On him therefore our dependance must be placed; his blessed influence we must seek; while we make use of the means which a gracious providence has put into our hands. We must beware, lest we put the means in the place of the Divine agent; and be equally careful lest under the idea of trusting in Divine agency — we slight or neglect to use the means. Let us read the book ourselves, or present it to others, looking up to the Lord for his blessing, and ascribing all the good that is effected by it, to the blessing of our gracious God upon it. Holy Spirit, breathe upon every soul that shall read these pages, and make this little work a real blessing to thousands, and you shall have all the praise.

James Smith, Cheltenham, 1864