PREFACE. WHILE the two parts of which this volume consists are quite distinct from each other in their character, they have a very natural and interesting connexion; and neither part would be complete in itself. The Lectures embody the views of Mr. Waller on the important Doctrine of Sanctification, while the Memoir presents its author, in the latter part of his history, as an experimental witness of the truth of that doctrine. It is hoped that both will be found interesting and useful. The Memoir is a faithful record of the religious history and zealous labours of one of God's devoted and useful ministers. The materials are drawn chiefly from his journal and correspondence. To the Editor belonged the task of selecting, arranging and condensing those materials, and presenting them in their present consecutive form, accompanied with such observations as appeared requisite here and there to supply a hiatus in the narrative, and to assist the judgement of the reader. It would have been no difficult task for the Editor to have given this portion of the volume an aspect of more originality by elaborating the materials at his command into a biographical sketch of his departed friend; but this would not have rendered the Memoir so true to nature, nor have accorded so exactly with his views of christian fidelity. In the attempt to delineate character he might, perhaps, have given undue prominence to some features, to the neglect of others; or his imagination might have distorted some parts, and tinged others with too deep a colouring. He has therefore chosen to give the reader a view of the original in preference to an imperfect likeness drawn by his own hand. In the soliloquies of the closet; in the records of the soul's private reflections on its own state and position; in the daily register of those solemn transactions which occur between the christian and his Maker, there are surely to be found the elements of a man's true character; and when these records are conjoined with the public events of his life, we have a clear and faithful mirror which reflects his moral image to our minds. It is thus we contemplate the subject of this Memoir. him as he is, and not as pictured by the hand of his friend. His faults and his excellencies are before us, that we may avoid the one and imitate the other. We see The Lectures which follow the Memoir are on a most interesting and important subject, and one which has engaged the attention, and not unfrequently excited the controversial animus of distinguished men in different periods of the church. The Lectures were originally prepared for the pulpit and were delivered by the excellent author in Sheffield, during the last year of his ministry. They excited considerable interest at the time they were orally delivered; and we are of opinion they will be perused with edification and profit by the candid and pious reader. The Editor deems it right to state that in preparing the Lectures for the press he has exercised but little freedom with the sentiments and interpretations of the worthy author. Though the manuscript was committed to his judgement with implicit confidence, he deemed it desirable that the author should, as constantly as general accuracy allowed, speak his own sentiments and clothe them in his own style. We think that his exposition of the doctrine of sanctification is so sober and scriptural, that the severest critics will find little occasion to demur, while the candour, the christian charity, and holy earnestness which are breathed forth in every page will command the approbation of all. To the humble and sincere christian panting after personal holiness, intensely longing for a complete restoration to the Divine image, the clear exposition of that precious privilege of the christian covenant, and the sound directions afforded for its attainment will prove invaluable. We sincerely commend the volume to the Divine blessing, without which nothing is wise, or strong, or good. Albany Crescent, London, December 1, 1849. |