John Angell James

Christian Love, the Influence of Religion Upon Temper John Angell James

A work which the Author published a few years since, on the Duties of Church Members, concludes with the following sentence- "Let us remember that HUMILITY and LOVE are the necessary fruits of our doctrines, the highest beauty of our character, and the guardian angels of our churches." To prove and elucidate this sentiment, and to state at greater length than it was possible for him to do in that treatise, the nature, operations, and importance of Love--he was induced to enter upon a series of sermons on the chapter which is the subject of this volume. These Discourses, although, of course, very practical, were heard with much attention and apparent interest. Before they were finished, many requests were presented for their publication; a promise was given to that effect, and the intention announced to the public. On a further inspection of his notes, the Author saw so little that was either novel, or on any account worthy to meet the public eye, that he had for two years quite abandoned his intention of printing. Circumstances which need not be mentioned, together with frequent inquiries from his friends after the forthcoming treatise, drew his attention again to the subject a few months since, and revived the original purpose of sending from the press the substance of these plain and practical discourses. That intention is now executed; with what results the sovereign grace of Jehovah, to whom it is humbly commended, must determine.