TO THE PATRONS OF THE PUBLICATION. IT is with pleasure I now present the first volume of a publication often contemplated, and often solicited by my friends to publish. Ishall not pretend to say any thing respecting the utility or entertainment of the following pages, but only observe, that this selection is made from a work publishing in London, by a society of thirty Ministers of the Gospel, of different denominations; and that the profits arising from the publication of the work, are for the support of poor widows of Gospel Ministers. Ten thousand copies are monthly disposed of through the British empire, and other parts of the world. About 2600 pounds sterling have been distributed. The publication is conducted in a catholic spirit, and calculated to be entertaining and instructive to pious characters of various professions in the Christian church. May the feeble effort of the compiler prove acceptable to his patrons, and the publication serve to enlighten the ignorant, animate the pious, and convince the obstinate that there is a GODMERCIFUL-yet JUST. EDITOR. (RECAP) 5010° .335 59225 The Editor of the American selection knows of no thing more suitable for a dedication to these volumes than a copy from the original, taken from the 1st number printed in the year 1793, with a few alterations. THE DEDICATION. HOU triune Gon! from whofe rich stores of grace THO All good proceeds, I now approach thy throne, To lay myself, and this my weak attempt, Beneath the fmile of PATRONAGE SUPREME. FATHER OMNIPOTENT! thy love doth found And, rack'd with guilty pains, begin to lift THE DEDICATION. Towards thy mercy-feat a tearful eye, To heal! O for the gracious words of pardon! |