SOW TO YOURSELVES IN RIGHTEOUSNESS, REAP IN MERCY: BREAK UP YOUR FALLOW GROUND: FOR IT IS TIME TO SEEK THE LORD, TILL HE COME AND RAIN RIGHTEOUSNESS UPON YOU. HOSEA X. 12. PREFACE. DURING the present century, two works of selections from the Sacred Writings have been published, of an analogous character to the present volume, both of which have been for many years out of print. The Compilers of this selection, having had occasion to refer to these laborious and praiseworthy compilations, found them greatly deficient in clearness of arrangement, for the purposes of meditation and constant reference. The idea consequently suggested itself, that if the same description of matter was more carefully selected, and methodically placed before the reader, an acceptable service might be rendered to those, whose happiest moments are spent in reflecting upon the great truths which abound throughout the Inspired Volume. Every part of the Sacred Writings, deserves our deepest attention and research, but all, perhaps, may not be equally adapted to the purposes of meditation and reflection. Those, therefore, who are in the constant habit of consulting the Bible will not object to a selection of some of its most sublime and impressive passages, arranged and classed ready at once to meet the eye; whilst others, who have not accustomed themselves to pause and reflect on the precepts which it contains, may, we trust, from these extracts be stimulated to a greater veneration for, and more profitable acquaintance with, the source from whence they are drawn. If the reader, in perusing this volume, experiences but some portion of the pleasure which the Compilers have done whilst preparing it, their earnest and long-continued labours will be amply repaid. OCTOBER, 1855. |