STREAMS IN THE DESERT; OR, The Book that will do you Good. BY THE REV. JAMES SMITH, AUTHOR OF THE BELIEVERS' DAILY REMEMBRANCER,' ETC., ETC. LONDON AND OTLEY: WILLIAM WALKER AND SONS. 1419. f. 242 PREFACE. THIS book contains a variety It is a collection of pieces written at different times, for different purposes. These are now brought together, in the hope that they will be useful both to saints and sinners. There is much that is of an experimental character, and is therefore calculated to comfort young Christians, and tried believers. Some of the pieces are of a more stirring kind, and it is hoped will stir up some who may be at ease in Zion, or who are wrapping up their talent in a napkin. Afew, are more suitable for unconverted sinners, they point out the way of salvation, and set forth the method of justification by faith in the Lord Jesus, and may be as balm to a wounded conscience. Simplicity is the characteristic of this little volume, and to do good to souls its one grand aim. Some of the pieces have been useful in another form, may they be much more so in this. Such books, appear to the writer, to be especially needful in the present day. And having been so favourably received by the public in his former attempts to spread the truth, he is encouraged to appear among them again. May the Lord graciously condescend to smile upon this feeble effort, and render this book a blessing to many souls. Reader, one word with you before you begin to read this little volume; remember, that God alone can make it useful to you. Everything is He can make just what God makes it to us. this little work a very great blessing to you. Let me intreat you to spend a few minutes in prayer before you begin to read, for except God bless it, you will read it without real benefit. Prayer brings down the blessing. But it must be earnest and energetic, simple and sincere, direct and devout for it is the energetic "prayer of the righteous man that availeth." Should you derive benefit from it, will you recommend it to others, and aid in its circulation. It may do them good too. Let us always bear in mind, that God works by means, and frequently by the most simple means. Let us use the means in faith, expecting a blessing in the use of them, forasmuch as we know that our labour shall not be in vain in the Lord. The good Lord bless both writer and reader making us holy, useful, and happy. Amen. JAMES SMITH. New Park Street, London. |