this volume; and I have not the vanity to suppose, that I have treated any one of them as well, as some who have gone before me—much less that the intelligent reader will find anything new as he turns over these pages. In penning them I have consulted no human authorities except on the single subject of Revivals. My object has been, to submit simply the results of my own experience and reflections, in a familiar way, to the candid perusal and judgment of those who “ watch for souls,” and whose “hearts' desire and prayer to God is, that they may be saved," If I might venture, without taking too much upon myself, to call this The Young Pastor's Manual, and if it should be found to occupy a place, which needed to be filled by some work of the kind, I shall feel myself richly rewarded for all the time and toil it has cost me.

Amherst Coll. April 16, 1842.

CONTENTS.

LETTER I.

Preaching as a Licentiate..

9

LETTER II.

An Immediate Settlement undesirable—Intervening time

how to be Spent.

15

LETTER III.

Preaching as a Candidate—Take time enough—Preach

your Sentiments fully.

25

LETTER IV.

Settlement-Six Months' Notice—Pecuniary Support-

Vacations.

32

LETTER V.

Reflections after Settlement.

41

LETTER VI.

Sermons on the first Sabbath after Settlement.

47

LETTER VII.

Preaching, the Great Business of the Minister.

54

LETTER VIII.

Preach the Truths of the Bible with all Plainness and

Fidelity.

66

LETTER IX.

Doctrinal Preaching-Controversial-Systematic.

72

LETTER X.

Practical Preaching-Experimental.

82

LETTER XI.

The Two great Objects of Preaching-Conversion of Sin-

ners-Edification of the Church.

91

LETTER XII.

Study of Sermons.

98

LETTER XIII.

Preparation for Writing Sermons—Skeletons.

108

LETTER XIV.

Modes of Preparing Sermons--Advantages of Written

Sermons.

115

LETTER XV.

Different kinds of Sermons-Topical—Textual—Exposi-

tory- Double Sermons-Series of Sermons.

LETTER XVI.

Delivery of Sermons—Tone of Voice-Seriousness-Ear-

nestness—Boldness-Avoid Imitation-Look at the

Audience-Direct Preaching. .

140

LETTER XIX.

Exchanges-With whom to be Made-How Often.

166

LETTER XXVI.

Catechising Children-Sabbath Schools—Bible Classes. .

237

LETTER XXVII.

Watching over the Church.

248

LETTER XXVIII.

Attending Ecclesiastical Bodies—Interest in Schools and

Colleges.

256

LETTER XXIX.

Revivals of Religion—Their Desirableness—How Promot-

ed—Preaching -- Visiting-- Holding Meetings-Four

Days' Meetings—When a Revival has Begun.

263

LETTER XXX.

Revivals Continued—Multiplying Meetings—Who shall do

the Preaching—-Kind of Preaching--Texts and

Subjects.

279

LETTER XXXI.

Revivals Continued-Conversation with the Awakened-

Enquiry Meetings—New Measures-Anxious Seats

-Hasty Admissions into the Church.

304

LETTER XXXII.

Revivals Concluded—Manner of Conducting Them.

319

LETTER XXXIII.

Ministerial Example-Hospitality.

333

LETTER XXXIV.

Deportment--Study-Miscellaneous Reading--Care of

Health.

342