Volume 8

IT is laid upon my heart in this preface to the eighth volume of my sermons, to commune a little with the great host of readers who continually peruse these discourses. Unknown by face to most of you, my soul feels the bonds of brotherhood, and is filled with an earnest yearning for your welfare. Grace and peace be with you all. Amen.

Sick saints, what a delight I feel in ministering to you! Shut out from the sanctuary and the sound of the Word, you find a solace in reading what others have crowded to hear. Accept my tenderest sympathy in your affliction, while I breathe the prayer that He who suffers in you, may abide with you. The Great Captain of the host has called you to glorify Him on your beds, it may be you could never have done this in active service, what a mercy is it that a sick chamber affords you opportunities to honor Him. Your patience, holy resignation and joyous faith, make you invaluable teachers to those believers who visit you, and even your ungodly friends may be greatly blessed by your means.

Little do you dream how well your words are remembered, and how powerful they will be even when you have fallen asleep in Jesus. From the green mound in the cemetery your loving voice shall sound in their ears. Those very persons who now seem so indifferent, may be the first to be converted by your testimony. Speak well of your Lord, you see Him often, let His name be ever in your mouth. He makes your bed, let your bosom be a pillow for Him. Let your chamber be a sanctuary, your bed a pulpit, your living loving experience of divine grace the constant sermon.