THE PASTOR'S GIFT; OR, A Manual of Pastoral Instruction. IN LETTERS, FROM A PASTOR TO HIS FLOCK. BY ALEXANDER GORDON, M.A. LONDON: JOHN SNOW, 35, PATERNOSTER ROW. 1848. IBLI ERRATA. Page 7, six lines from bottom, omit the word and before tends. 17, second line from top, read of his good pleasure. 71, fourth line from top, read sanctuary of the Lord. 104, sixth line from top, for pacific-like read Pacific. PREFACE. THE writer of the following little work, has had in view mainly, in its composition, the spiritual benefit of the flock over which he has been made an overseer. Believing a Christian minister, in duty bound to lay every possible appliance under contribution for the edification of those committed to his care, and regarding the press as one of those instrumentalities, which may be employed with happy effect in connexion with the pulpit-an opinion he has indeed expressed in the body of his work-he had for some time cherished the conception of a small manual of pastoral instruction, as likely to awaken deeper interest among those under his own ministry, than the productions of any other writer, however valuable, and also as a means of preserving for their benefit, in a more permanent form, some fragments of his public teaching. But, as the topics handled in the following pastoral letters are of vast and universal concernment, the author cannot but cherish the hope, that in their publication, he is doing his Master's work; that his little book may be useful to precious souls, where his voice can never be heard, and be instrumental, under God, in advancing the cause of Christ, when he shall have been called to give in his account. May the best wishes of his heart be realized ! The form of Letters has been chosen, as thereby affording a directness of address and familiar mode of instruction, which could not have been so easily adopted in any other style of composition. Besides, such a style, is in harmony with Apostolic precedent, a large proportion of the writings of the New Testament Scriptures, being in the shape of Letters. Now, may God of his infinite mercy, countenance this humble effort to promote the spiritual good of his people. His blessing can make the following pages answer the end contemplated by the writer, whatever defects arising from the imperfection of all human instrumentality may attach to them. May this be abundantly bestowed! Amen. A. G. WALSALL, DEC. 25th, 1847. |