My present communication is the first of a series of Letters or Essays on Preaching;-a subject which, as you have recently been ordained, must naturally occupy much of your attention. The recollection which I have of the want of some assistance of this sort, during the first years of my ministry, is the cause of my offering to you the results, such as they are, of my own study and reflection; and I sincerely hope they may not prove altogether valueless.
It was the often-repeated precept of the late Professor of Divinity, Dr. Lloyd, afterwards Bishop of Oxford, (whose lectures I had the happiness of attending,)— ALWAYS WRITE YOUR OWN SERMONS; for," said he, "a moderate sermon of your own will have twice the effect of a much better one written by