TO THE FORMER EDITION OF THE POSTHUMOUS SERMONS.

AS the Sermons contained in this volume, were never before made public, it may be proper to inform the reader that they are the genuine productions of Dr. Gill. The 18th, 19th, and 27th, are taken from the Doctor’s own manuscripts, for copies of which I am indebted to his son. All the rest, (except the 26th, which was a funeral discourse delivered in the year 1765, for my honoured mother) were preached in 1762. They were taken down in short hand, and afterwards transcribed by the same person, and lodged in the hands of one of the Deacons of the church, from whom I received them.

Had the Doctor revised and prepared them for the press, there is no doubt but they would have appeared more accurate and pleasing; but notwithstanding the disadvantages under which they labour, and which are common to posthumous works, I trust that through a divine blessing they will prove useful to the interest of religion.

The character of the deceased preacher is long since established, and needs no further commendation. His warm attachment to the distinguishing doctrines of grace, and the able manner in which he defended them are well known. The delight he took in preaching on those subjects which lead directly to christian experience, many who are now living can testify; and I doubt not recollect with peculiar pleasure, the advantage they received whilst sitting under his ministry. Those important points which were the joy of his heart in life, and the support of his soul in death, are the subject matter of the following discourses. They contain a body of evangelical truth, and are fully fraught with the richest experience.

The reader, I hope, will not seek to be amused. with curious metaphysical speculations; if so, he will be disappointed. If he peruses these discourses with a critic’s eye, I fear he will not profit. But if he reads, "regardless of affected cadence, and the little niceties of professed refinement," with a wish to find food for his soul, I trust he will not read in vain. If I am not mistaken, the plain serious christian, under the influence of the blessed Spirit, will be able from these sermons to pick up some of the finest of the wheat, and will perceive that honey out of the rock is plentifully distributed for the satisfaction of his spiritual appetite.

I have only to express my grateful acknowledgements for the encouragement received from the numerous and respectable subscribers, whose names are annexed, That a divine blessing may attend the publication, is the fervent wish and prayer of the editor.

WILLIAM BUTTON.

Newington Causey
November 10, 1789.