"Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, "Dicamus bona verba, venit Natalis ad aras."-TIB., Lib. ii. Eleg. ii. LIVERPOOL: F. DUNSFORD, SOUTH CASTLE STREET, LONDON: PARTRIDGE AND OAKEY. 1849. TO THE RIGHT REVEREND THE LORD BISHOP OF CHESTER. MY LORD, It has long been my earnest desire to lay before the public some of my religious sentiments, and God has graciously given me the present opportunity of fulfilling my ardent wishes. I have, accordingly, written the following dialogues, which have for their object the exposition of St. Matthew, xvi., 19, "and I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven." To explain this, in accordance with the request of some Italians, I visited them seven times, and this little work contains the substance of those seven conversations. I have written them in pursuance of my wishes, and in sincere attestation of what I believe and think. The field of labor was propitious to me; and, as the refreshing dew moistens the parched herbage, I saw the grace of God abundantly manifested in softening even these stony hearts. My joy and thankfulness were, indeed, great; but as our best pleasures are much more delightful when shared with another, so I regard it as a sacred duty to make your Lordship-whom I look upon as my Pastor and Spiritual Master-a participator in my heartfelt gratitude to Him who alone giveth the increase. Indeed, I cannot do otherwise than humbly present my little work to your Lordship, and beg you to give it a favourable reception. Should your Lordship be disposed to do so, your patronage would, doubtless, be regarded not only as an authentic confirmation of the truths it contains, but also an encouragement and incentive to those who may read them. I trust your Lordship will look favorably on my offering, in order that I may present my little volume to the public with the sanction of your highlyrespected name. In the hope of an approval so much to be desired, and with profound respectaccompanied by the highest esteem-I have the happiness of subscribing myself, My LORD, Your Lordship's most faithful and devoted servant, N. CORRADO. |