PREACHED IN

THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST. GEORGE'S,

Bloomsbury.

BY THE REVEREND

ROBERT WILLIAM DIBDIN, A.M.

MINISTER OF WEST STREET EPISCOPAL CHAPEL,

ST. GILES.

LONDON:

JAMES NISBET AND CO. BERNERS STREET.

1844.

TO THE HONORABLE AND REVEREND

H. MONTAGU VILLIERS, M.A.

RECTOR OF ST. GEORGE'S, BLOOMSBURY.

MY DEAR FRIEND,

Though dedications are generally meant to confer honour, I feel that I borrow rather than give lustre by putting our names so near together.

My having preached these sermons while I was your curate strengthens me in the hope that there is no great unfitness in my inscribing the present volume to you. The doctrines here set forth are the same as our Heavenly Master is pleased to bless so greatly in your own ministry, and the manner of stating them is such as you have generally approved.

The appearance of this volume is chiefly owing to the strong advice of one whose high character entitles his opinion to respect; and as the two former volumes of my Sermons

are sold, I have less doubt in putting a third before the public.

According to my custom, I have rigidly kept close to the MSS. as they were preached; knowing that those who buy Sermons after hearing them usually object to see them altered. A few verbal errors only have been taken away.

You will, I am sure, join me in praying that the Spirit may bless the reading of these sermons, and so add to the many favours which it is more pleasant to me to remember than it would be to you to speak of.

Believe me,

Yours affectionately,

R. W. DIBDIN.