precious promises, and his rewards of heavenly bliss. In discussing the attributes and the providence of God, it is not possible to avoid some truths which are subjects of controversy among Christians; and the writer has not sought to disguise his views on these articles by omission or compromise. Delightful as is the work of administering the cordials of grace to God's suffering people, it is to be performed with a discerning hand; and he that "speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort,” must beware how he cries, Peace, peace, when there is no peace. This may account for the frequency with which consolation is here intermingled with warning and rebuke. If the book should find any favour with persons as yet unrenewed in the spirit of their minds, it will not be the less profitable for these occasional attempts to arouse the benumbed conscience. But, after all, this is a book for afflicted believers, and to such it is affectionately dedicated. If it shall soothe the ruffled spirit of the careworn disciple, or assuage the grief of the bereaved, or brighten the chamber of illness, or add a drop of balm to the cup of old age, the writer will be more than repaid for the pains which he has bestowed upon it. That this may be the case, and that the humble effort may be owned of God to the refreshment and support of the afflicted, is the prayer with which it is now surrendered to the public. New-York Nov. 18 1852. I. WHEN, amidst the sorrows of life, we look abroad in quest of consolation, we find none real and permanent till we resort to God himself; and our most complete solace is that which founds itself at once on some divine attribute. Especially is the mercy of God, in its large Old Testament acceptation, a cause of relief and hope in times of distress. Ancient Israel found it so, and hence there is no topic which more frequently awakens the praises of psalmists and prophets. It is fitted, therefore, to lead the way in a volume which seeks to furnish suffering Christians with topics of consolation. When David had found a place for the ark, the august and fearful emblem and centre of their religion, the people accompanied with "shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps." Perhaps we have gone too far in hushing all the more festive outbreaks of popular joy. On this great occasion, the royal poet delivered into the hand of the chief musician the lyric effusion since known as the one hundred and fifth psalm; and |