the host of american christians who have had the privilege of listening to the prince of modern preachers of the gospel in his own london tabernacle, and the countless thousands who have read his printed sermons, have long desired to see and hear him on this side of the ocean. the state of his health, however, which requires frequent respites from his incessant and exhausting labors, precludes the hope of an american tour, with its inevitable demands upon his already overburdened strength.

all the more on this account they will welcome a new volume from his pen, designed for the benefit of a class found in every christian community, the object of the deepest concern to the church of christ: a volume written by a master in israel who has shown such a profound knowledge both of the human heart with all its needs, and of the wisdom and power of god in the gospel, and who has been to so many[6] souls the blessed means of leading them to christ.

this new volume, like the author's many previous books and tracts, his well-organized colporter society, etc., testifies to his high appreciation of the power of the press, and to his desire thus to win for christ myriads of those whom his voice cannot reach.

to all who are hovering around the "wicket gate," or who even from time to time come within sight of it and wish they were safe within it, this little book is commended, with the hope that even while they are reading they will knock and it shall be opened to them.