A fourth volume containing one hundred and fifty sermons on several texts of Scripture…

ADVERTISEMENT.

THE Publication of this Fourth Volume, as also the Author's former Works in Folio, is due to the kind Encouragement of many worthy Persons, both Ministers and others, who from a public Spirit, and a true Sense of the real Benefit that may accrue thereby to the Church of God, have readily contributed their Assistance. But that it came out no sooner, it must admit of this favourable Excuse from those that were concerned in the Publication thereof, that notwithstanding the hopeful Encouragement it met withal when first proposed, yet many Persons (that did not decline it) were very backward in sending in their first Payments, by means of which there could not be any Paper procured before this last Summer to begin the Work: which Omission in Subscribers proves very injurious to the speedy finishing any Work of this Nature; and sometimes is the Cause of their being wholly laid aside. There are some also (that's very strange) that were not willing to promote this Work themselves, were not satisfied in that, but did very industriously endeavour to hinder others, by giving out, that what was printed were but Scraps, and not from his own Notes; and that (if published) would tend rather to the Dishonour than Credit of the Author. All which savours so much of Disingenuity, that it needs no more Words to refute it. But let such judg (if they are able) by this and the Doctor's former Works, if any thing has been published under Dr. Manton's Name that has not truly born his Character; and there is so little need of publishing Scraps, that there remains as many single Sermons under his own Hand, as would make as large a Volume as this; besides several whole Chapters, which would make one (if not more) large Folio's, viz. on Psalm 131. Isaiah, chap. 53. Ephesians, chap. 5.