THE REV. J. D. PARMETER, B.A. LATE OF CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE. "O Lord, how manifold are thy works, in wisdom hast thou FIRST SERIES. LONDON: J. HATCHARD AND SON, 187, PICCADILLY. 1832. 217. PREFACE. A LONG or elaborate Preface would ill accord with the unpretending character of the present little volume. I should, however, deem it unbecoming in me, to offer even so humble a production to its readers, without submitting to them the causes which induced its publication. It has been matter of regret to many, that whilst the religious press teems with works of a superior order of writing, for the use of families, it has been deficient in the supply of those of a more simple and less elevated character. The want of some publication between the depth of a doctrinal discourse, and the insufficiency of a moral essay, is generally acknowledged and expressed. It has been suggested to me by some friends, upon whose judgment I strictly depend, that the features of the present little work answer to this description. Relying upon their judgment, I venture to publish a first series of "Village Lectures," intending, should they be favourably received, to supply other series upon a similar plan, and in illustration of passages of scriptural interest. These addresses were composed for the purpose of public instruction, and were delivered as Evening Lectures, during the late summer months, in my parish church. It will be seen, that in their construction I have been indebted to many pious and learned commentators. I have endeavoured as much as possible to note by inverted commas, the assistance which I have thus borrowed. If in the change of terms, to which in the simplicity of my plan I have been obliged occasionally to resort, or in any inadvertence I should seem to have laid claim to originality, I beg to state, that such an assumption has been furthest from my wishes; and that upon the adaptation of the comments of others, rather than upon any ingenuity in my own, I ground the usefulness of this small production. It only remains for me to express an earnest hope, that if the wonders of the Creation unfolded in these pages, should happily win and interest the mind, the more solemn truths suggested by its contemplation, may at the same time effectually touch and elevate the heart! J. D. P. Alderford, Norfolk. LECTURES. LECTURE I. IN establishing a course of familiar Lectures, I have several objects in view. My first and most anxious wish, is to impress upon the mind of every Christian, the necessity of understanding, and the importance of reflecting upon, the truths contained in the Holy Bible. To many, the truths of this precious volume are but imperfectly known. Many cannot-and, alas! others will not read them. Some perhaps read the Bible, without clearly understanding it, whilst others peruse its pages without having B |