DEDICATION.

The following Sermons are respectfully dedicated to the Congregation of Skeirke, as a testimony of the earnest desire for their temporal and eternal welfare which actuates their sincere and grateful friend,

THOMAS STANLEY MONCK.

Cottage, July 30th, 1831.

PREFACE.

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I feel quite conscious that some apology may justly be expected, for the publication of the following Sermons. As they were written in haste, and sent to the press with vision or correction, it may therefore be but too evident, that they contain many unnecessary repetitions, and many inaccuracies in style and language: but I have been overpersuaded to publish them (notwithstanding their numerous defects) by the urgent solicitations of several partial friends. And I was the more easily induced to comply with their wishes, from feeling a strong desire to leave a few Sermons, in a permanent form, with the congregation to whom they were addressed. As it is probable that in the sundry and manifold changes of this world, I may shortly be separated from them.

I do not think it necessary to make any apology for the doctrines set forth in these discourses, being perfectly convinced that they contain the truth as it is in Jesus; drawn from the volume of inspiration, without any willing attempt to alter it in the smallest degree, or to render its meaning more apparently suitable to any preconceived system of opinions.

I have endeavoured to state both the doctrines and the precepts of the everlasting Gospel, in the simplest and plainest manner; being much more anxious to convince the understanding and reach the heart, than to gratify the taste, or please the ear. And I trust the Lord Jesus Christ, who can perfect his strength, in the weakness of the weakest believer, will not allow his own word to return unto him void, but will cause it to accomplish that which He pleases, and to prosper in that whereto He has sent it.

THOMAS STANLEY MONCK, Jun.

SERMON I.

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit."-ROMANS viii. 1.

THESE words declare the happy state, of those who are in Christ Jesus: they are free from condemnation, and free from the dominion of sin; "for they walk not after the flesh but after the spirit." Those, are indeed exalted privileges; worthy of infinite mercy; such as infinite mercy alone, could bestow. And yet how many there are, who can hear about these privileges, without feeling the smallest desire to possess them. How many there are, who would be more rejoiced to hear that their friend, or child, had obtained a large

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