Author's Preface

The object of this book is to present in short compass a comprehensive view of the leading subjects that bear on the work of the Christian Ministry. It has been the aim of the writer of the volume to make it the completest work on homiletical and pastoral theology, and also the most practical. He is very grateful for the favorable reception which it has received in various churches and countries, and is especially pleased to hear of the aid which some foreign missionaries have derived from it, in the training of native preachers. It can never be expected that on such a subject all one's views shall be accepted; the great matter is to bring the various points under the notice of young preachers, so that their own judgment may be exercised upon them, and their course in reference to them intelligently and deliberately settled. The author has not deemed it necessary to remove a few things which have a somewhat local or denominational reference, believing that these will not essentially interfere with the catholic spirit and aim of the book.