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PREFACE.

ALTHOUGH this little book was written with a special view to the instruction of the sick, in things which relate to their everlasting peace, and in the nature and necessity of a scriptural preparation for the eventful change that awaits them, yet the author believes it to be seasonable and appropriate "counsel" to all of every condition, whether in sickness or in health.

If, while in the enjoyment of vigour, and strength of body and mind, persons can be induced to make their peace with God, they will have secured for the remainder of their days, and especially for

their last moments, an advantage which cannot now be estimated, and a joy unspeakably precious. But in our instructions we must regard men as they are, and not as they ought to be, and adapt our counsel accordingly; if, therefore, they will defer the momentous work of repentance and reconciliation with God, to the day of sickness, pain, and death, sooner than let them perish without warning and instruction, we must meet them at the bedside with "Christian counsel" and exhortation. It is for this end that this little work has been prepared. Its want has been sensibly felt by those who can not, or will not, be faithful to sick and dying, yet impenitent, friends and relatives.

The design of this little book is ex

pressed by calling it A PRESENT TO A SICK FRIEND. It is believed, that many, who have friends or acquaintances in ill health, would be pleased with the opportunity of presenting them with such "Christian counsel" as will be found in these pages; especially at a time, when it is reasonably to be supposed that their attention is most alive to the subject of which it treats. The brevity of the "counsel" will have considerable influence, in securing for it a perusal by those to whom it may be presented.

The importance and necessity of a small treatise, such as is now presented to the reader, are manifest from the fact, that the sick, generally, do not, and from the circumstances of the case, can not, receive, even from the best qualified and

most faithful clergymen and pious friends, that amount of appropriate and connected counsel, which their case requires. The most favourable moments for receiving instruction with profit, may occur, when those who are capable of imparting it, are not at hand. Many will read with great spiritual advantage, what they would be unwilling to receive from the lips of another. When they can not be prevailed upon to listen to religious conversation, they may not refuse to peruse, at leisure, or have read to them, all that a pious friend could wish to say. Those who nurse, and wait upon the sick, if they are unable to give instruction and advice, may be qualified to read it, with lasting benefit to themselves, as well as to the sick.

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