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also, for the information as well as the loan of two single Sermons which could not otherwise have been obtained.

The Publishers beg thus openly, both for themselves and on the part of their readers, to express their grateful acknowledgments of the valuable assistance which was thus kindly rendered, and which has thus made the edition in every respect complete.

It will doubtless be observed, that there is not included a work under the specific title of "Seven Sermons on Faith," which was first sent out with that designation by the Countess of Huntingdon, and which has since become a very popular book. This volume was made up of the first and last sermons of the work entitled, "A Lifting up for the Downcast," accompanied with the three smaller pieces on the same subject which follow that work in this edition. It may be presumed, that as in that disjointed state it obtained so much approbation, the whole of the work, and indeed the whole of the author's works, of which it may be regarded as a specimen, will gain a still greater share of esteem.

The "Word to the Aged" was published anonymously, and was also privately printed. Independently of the similarity of style and the circumstance of one or two similes being repeated in this work which the author had employed in his earlier writings, and which would be sufficient proof that it is a genuine production of William Bridge, it may be added, that in one brief biographical account of him, it is assigned to him without any doubt.

A sermon entitled, "Joab's Counsel and King David's Seasonable Hearing of it," was published in 1643, with the name, "W. Bridges, Preacher of the Gospel at Dunstan's in the East," as the author of it. Although the Publishers could not discover that William Bridge was ever connected with that parish, and although the name also was spelt differ

ently, a circumstance not unfrequent in those times, they had nearly concluded that it must be his production, from an allusion in the preface to his controversy with. Dr. Fearne. Further investigation, however. brought to their view twRO other pamphlets by this same W. Bridges, and in one of which entitled, "Division Divided, or Ruin's Forerunner Discovered and Dersphered." he has signed his name at the end of the preface at large. Walter Bridges, thus settling the point as it respected all the three which were then, of course al. passed by.

One pamphlet, however, entitled. The Loval Convert" has the author's name. W. Bridges, without any further addition. The Publishers are themselves inclined to believe that this also is by Walter Bridges, who took the same side with William Bridge in the controversy on the subject of resistance; but as there was no clue to determine the point, they have decided to include it herein. It would seem that Dr. Hammond published a tract, entitled, The Loyal Convert," and which was in favour of the royal crime. ነ . Bridges has in his pamphlet reprinted the whole of Dr. Hammond's, with his own annotations thereupon. The annotations alone, therefore, constitute the writing of W. Bridges.

- The last piece in the series, and which only reached the Publishers when just concluding the last volume, is a posthemous piece. The proface appended thereto sufficiently manifests the doubtful character of its authorship, and William Bridge, therefore, ought not to be held responsible for every sentiment it may contain. It is added as making the whole complete.

The two letters of William Bridge preserved in "Peck's Desiderata Curiosa," are inserted in the memoir.

The Publishers congratulate themselves in being able to supply an undoubtedly correct likeness of their venerable

author. It is engraved fac-simile from the original plate, the painting from which that was taken, being still preserved in the vestry of the Independent chapel at Great Yarmouth.

They cannot close this brief advertisement without expressing the satisfaction they have derived in thus bringing before the church the writings, now first collected, of one of her ablest ministers. It is their earnest desire that the Lord who so largely blessed his labours when living, may renew that blessing still more abundantly upon the valued legacy he hath left behind, and that thereby many may be established in our most holy faith.

18, PATERNOSTER ROW.

Feb. 6. 1815.

SYNOPSIS OF THE WORK.

CONTENTS OF VOL. I.

Memoir of the Author

The Great Gospel Mystery of the Saints' Comfort and Holiness opened
and applied from Christ's Priestly Office.

Satan's Power to Tempt and Christ's Love to and Care of his People
under Temptation.

Grace for Grace, or the Overflowings of Christ's Fulness received by
all Saints.

The Spiritual Life and In-being of Christ in all Believers.

Scripture Light the Most Sure Light.

The Righteous Man's Habitation in the Time of Plague and Pestilence.

CONTENTS OF VOL. II.

A Lifting up for the Downcast.

The Spiritual Actings of Faith through Natural Impossibilities.

The Great Things Faith can do.

The Great Things Faith can suffer.

The Freeness of the Grace and Love of God to Believers discovered.

CONTENTS OF VOL. III.

Christ and the Covenant, the Work and Way of Meditation, God's re-
turn to the Soul or Nation, together with his Preventing Mercy.
Christ in Travail.

Seasonable Truths in Evil Times.

CONTENTS OF VOL. IV.

Seventeen Single Sermons on Various Subjects and Occasions.
Evangelical Repentance.

CONTENTS OF VOL. V.

The Sinfulness of Sin and the Fulness of Christ.

Remains.

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