I suppose it is needless to inform the public, that the reason of printing these sermons, arifes altogether from the favourable reception which the fermon given as a sample of them in TRISTRAM SHANDY met with from the world. That fermon was printed by itself some years ago, but could find neither purchasers nor readers, so that I apprehended little hazard from a promise I made upon its republication, "That if the fermon was liked, "these should be also at the " world's fervice;" which, to be as good as my word, they here are; and I pray to God, they may do it the service I wish. I have little to say in their behalf, except this, that not one of them was was composed with any thoughts of being printed; they have been haftily written, and carry the marks of it along with them. This may be no recommendation ;-I mean it, however, as fuch: for as the fermons turn chiefly upon philantropy, and those kindred virtues to it, upon which hang all the law and the prophets, I trust they will be no less felt, or worse received, for the evidence they bear of proceeding more from the heart than the head. I have nothing to add, but that the reader, upon old and beaten subjects, muft not look for many new thoughts,一 'tis well if he has new language : in three or four passages, where he has neither the one nor the other, I have quoted the author CONTENTS. SERMON I. Enquiry after Happiness. SERMON II. The House of Feasting and the House of SERMON III. Philantropy recommended. SERMON IV, SERMON V. The Case of Elijah, and the Widow of Zare- SERMON VI. Pharisee and Publican in the Temple. SERMON VII. Vindication of Human Nature. SERMON VIII. Time and Chance. A 4 SERMON Job's Expoftulation with his Wife. |