TO MY PARISHIONERS. DEAR FRIENDS, THE retentive memory of fome among you will recognise in this volume feveral Sermons which, at the time of their being preached, called forth numerous requests that they might appear in print. Up to this period various engagements have prevented me from complying with that encouraging defire. A reluctant, but necessary abftinence for a feafon from parochial labour, has now enabled me to prepare the prefent volume for the prefs. At the fame time the defire, more than once intimated, of a beloved parent, (with whofe flightest wish both affection and duty bid ready compliance,) has tended par tially to overcome that fear and trembling which I naturally felt at fending forth a felection of practical Sermons, claiming no high pretenfions, but compofed by me with the view of feeding my flock with Scriptural doctrines in plain English phrase. Should its contents be perufed with as much attention as they were heard, I shall feel hopeful that a blessing from the Chief Shepherd and Bishop of Souls will accompany their publication. I beg you to unite with my prayers that this defired refult may enfue. I am, my dear Parishioners, Your Paftor and Friend, T. GOODWIN HATCHARD. February, 1854. CONTENTS. There is no ftraw given unto thy fervants, and they fay to us, Make brick: and, behold, thy |