sufficient candor, to read the “Essay on Pure and Undefiled Religion,” they must be convinced, that the love of God and Jesus Christ is the only source of purity of morals, that every species of morality which has not this foundation, is superficial in its nature and uncertain in its operation; while he has also shown, that the heart which is enlightened by the Spirit of God, and purified by the Spirit of Christ, will be the seat of every holy and heavenly temper. The present Editor, who is totally unconnected with the family of the deceased, is far from thinking that Mr. De C.’s works need any recommendation from _him_. They speak for themselves; they need only to be known in order to be admired; for they will always be read with both pleasure and profit, so long as evangelical piety, fervent devotion and genuine godliness, have any charms in the estimation of the servants of Christ. _London_, _May_, 1810. PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. THE following discourses, which were found among the manuscripts of the Author after his decease, will, no doubt, be extremely acceptable to those, who have been accustomed to hear the word of truth from his lips, and who, engaged by his eloquence, and won by his entreaties, have, through the influence of divine grace, which he never failed to inculcate as the source of all holy desires, dedicated themselves to God through Jesus Christ, and become wise unto salvation. As the copies were written delicately fair, and with wonderful accuracy, no pains were requisite to decipher, no labor was wanted to correct them; so that the reader has, in this volume, the genuine works of him, whose name it bears; {ix} and, whatever he may think of the doctrines which it contains, I am much mistaken, if he will not be struck with admiration at the fertility of imagination, the force of argument, and the uncommon elegance of language, which are herein displayed. But, let him take heed, that his attention be not too much engaged by the gay flowers of oratory; let him compare what he here finds written with the scriptures of truth, and let him not be in haste, either to censure or approve, till a competent share of divine knowledge, and a thorough acquaintance with the work itself, enable him to decide, with some appearance of justice, on its merits.