PREFACE.

The almost unparalleled sale* and extensive usefulness of the following Standard Work on Practical Piety, has induced the publisher to present to the Christian Community, a second, much enlarged, revised and stereotyped Edition. To the present Edition are prefixed three of the most profound, original, and masterly sermons of the present Age. The first is "The Messiah's Throne;" the second is, "A Plea for a Standing Ministry;" and the third is, "A Vindication of the Spirit of the present Age."

As these are subjects of the utmost importance to mankind, considered as Candidates for Death, Judgement, and Eternity, I have republished them, as calculated under the blessing of God, to pour in a flood of light upon the

* There have frequently been three, four, and five and as high as six and seven copies of this work sold in a family, and upwards of seven hundred in one County in Pennsylvania.

mind, warm the affections of the soul, and thus prepare us to approach a throne of Grace, in order to wrestle with God in supplication and prayer, that he may soon beget to himself universal honour and glory, in accomplishing the great and glorious things set forth in these splendid productions.

In reference to the other matter contained in this volume, (which has been considered by thousands of the most pious and devoted followers of Christ, next in value to their Bible, ever since its first publication in German, about one hundred and fifty years ago,) I remark, that the instructions are so scriptural and practical; the Hymns so inspiring, and the devotional exercises breathe forth such an ardent spirit of humble piety and gratitude, as unequivocally evince that the Authors of them were deeply impressed with a consciousness of God's special and overruling providence, guardian protection and parental benevolence. The glorious perfections of Jehovah are acknowledged with humble reverence; whilst the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, is magnified and praised in strains of liveliest and most heartfelt gratitude.

As secret scrutiny into our own hearts, and private meditations, are the special and only true means (under

the divine blessing) of arriving at a correct knowledge of ourselves, which ever precede greater attainments in the Christian Life; I venture to assert, that no one can make these devotions a part of his daily religious exercises, without feeling his imperfections, and endeavouring to reform the whole of his Life and Conduct.

In addition to what has already been said in commendation of this Work, I would only publish two Resolutions passed by the "Synod of the German Reformed Church of Pennsylvania and adjacent States," as placed in their Minutes of Sept. 1832 and Sept. 1835, which are in substance as follows: "A Prospectus to publish, on subscription, a new Edition of Zollikoffer's Prayer. Book, &c." was laid before Synod, in order to obtain the views of this Rev. Body relative to this Publication; "therefore unanimously resolved, that we cordially recommend this excellent Work to all the members of our congregations, and pledge ourselves to use our best efforts to promote its general circulation." And again, “unanimously resolved, that the members of this Synod use their best efforts to introduce the abovementioned Work into every family, where it is practicable, in aid of the Home Missionary Cause."

And in fine, it is to be devoutly wished,

that books of this character and merit were more generally multiplied, and circulated throughout our highly privileged country, for the advancement of correct morals and pure and undefiled religion. That that God who is the Hearer and the Answerer of Prayer, may accompany this effort to promote his honour and glory in the advancement of the best interests of immortal souls, is the sincere and fervent prayer of your sincere friend and brother,

JOHN S. EBAUGH.

Carlisle, July 1, 1836.

SERMON,

BY JOHN M. MASON, D.D.,

PREACHED BEFORE THE LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY, IN 1802.

MESSIAH'S THRONE.

HEB. I. 8.

But unto the Son, he saith, Thy Throne, O God, is forever and ever.

In the all-important argument which occupies this epistle, Paul assumes, what the believing Hebrews had already professed, that Jesus of Nazareth is the true Messiah. To prepare them for the consequences of their own principle; a principle involving nothing less than the abolition of their law, the subversion of their state, the ruin of their city, the final extinction of their carnal hopes, he leads them to the doctrine of their Redeemer's person in order to explain the nature of his offices, to evince the value of his spiritual salvation, and to show, in both, the accomplishment of their economy which was now ready to vanish away. Under no apprehension of betraying the unwary into idolatrous homage, by giving to the Lord Jesus greater glory than is due unto his name, the apostle sets out with