Preface

In perusing the contents of this small volume, the reader will note that several different subjects have been treated by the author, and presented in the form of separate readings and sermons.

In fact, the first half of this book has been written and delivered orally to the congregation of our church, before the author conceived the idea of “getting up a book.”

As a pastor, he is obliged to instruct the people in all that which pertains to salvation.

On perceiving, that of all his instructions, the present ones, which were also given in the present order, were more or less suitable, and could be, with less difficulty, compiled into a volume, with something bearing at least the semblance of a system, he decided to publish them in their present appearance.

These instructions were offered to Christians by a Spiritual Adviser.

Therefore, the reader, if one should be found, must not expect to discover a learned thesis on Liturgic Science, or Theology.

The object which moved the author to publish this book is of a two-fold nature: first, he desired that the children of the Church, born in America, should have the opportunity of obtaining a book which they could easily read and understand, and, by God’s grace, thereby grow firmer in the Faith; and, secondly, he desires with all his heart to contribute the little of God’s might within him to further the holy object of Christ’s church, in seeking all those who are walking in the way of error, and likewise, if needs be, present to zealous students of the Christian religion a book, which may be of service to them in disclosing those differences, which exclude Roman Catholics from her fold, on the one hand, and on the other, debar from her wholesome communion the Protestants.