till May 28, 1643. The dates of each sermon are given on the margin.
The doctrine of this remarkable book is excellent — Prot- estant, evangelical, and spiritual. The learning of the au- thor must also have been not inconsiderable, if we may judge by the number and variety of his quotations. His faults of style and composition are the faults of the day in which he lived, and must therefore be charitably judged. But for laborious investigation of the meaning of every word, for patient discussion of every question bearing on the text, for fulness of matter, for real thoughtfulness, and for continual practical application, there is no work on St. Mark which, in my opinion, bears comparison with Petter's. Like Goliah's sword, " there is none like it."
I now send forth these "Expository Thoughts on St. Mark" with an earnest prayer that it may please God to use the volume for His glory. It has been written under the pressure of many public duties, and amidst many inter- ruptions. ISTo one is more conscious of its defects than myself. But I can honestly say, that my chief desire, if I know any thing of my heart, in this and all my writings, is to lead my readers to Christ and faith in Him, to repent- ance and holiness, to the Bible and to prayer.
If these are the results of this volume in anyone case, the labor I have bestowed upon it will be more than repaid.
Helmingham Rectory, Sept., 1857.