conformable to scripture*, and beneficial to every community.

I confess myself, in this attempt, to be only the pupil of those GREAT MASTERS whose opinions I have copiously cited, that they may be both an ornament and defence to my imperfect manual of CHRISTIAN PHILOSOPHY. Some of the greatest deceased divines of the church of England, next to the scriptures, are my chief authority. Happy am I to sit at the feet of such instructors; men, whose learning and abilities were of the very first magnitude, and whose piety and goodness of heart seem to have vied, for excellence, with their vigorous understandings, and accurate knowledge of scriptural theology. It is honour enough to be merely instrumental in republishing their salutary doctrines, and giving them the inconsiderable sanction of my public, though single vote. If they were now alive, they would be most anxiously diligent, in the present state of Christianity, in exciting the true spirit of vital and experimental religion. Never was there more occasion for their zeal and activity than now; and it appears to me, that their mode of recommending Christianity was a right mode, because, among other reasons, it has the test of experience in its favour.

The fact is incontrovertible, that in their times it was greatly successful. The true spirit of Christianity, during their ministry of the Gospel, mightily grew and prevailed. Infidelity was uncommon and infamous; and the mild, meek, placid temper of the Gospel was deemed, even in the highest ranks of society, not only conducive to happiness, but ornamental. Religious grace was valued above all graceful accomplishments. Men gloried in maintaining, openly and consistently, the Chris

Many who dislike the discipline and communion of our church, firmly adhere to the articles of it. a b

tian character; and the force of truth, not weakened by false politics, made it even a fashion.

I have laboured to revive the principles of those times; not without a hope, that they may have similar success in our day, if duly encouraged by high example. Men. are doubtless, Now as well as ever, susceptible of religious impressions, if properly enforced on EVANGELICAL authority. The times, it is said, are altered; but let it be remembered, that men make the times, and that men are very much modelled by books and all public instruction.

It is certainly unwise, in the present adverse circumstances of Christendom, to neglect or discountenance any mode of effectually disseminating and confirming the Christian faith, more especially any mode which has in past times been found successful, and is authorized by scripture.

For myself, I must beg leave to say, what is indeed sufficiently evident, that I have been in search of truth, not of favour or advantage. I have deemed religion lovely enough to be wedded without a dowry. I have had no sinister view, but have employed my hours of leisure in a way which I thought might be most beneficial to my fellow-creatures and my country. If I am wrong in my doctrine; if my GREAT MASTERS have instructed me erroneously, I am open to conviction, and shall rejoice to be better informed. I will say with the poet, addressing the Father of Lights,

"If I am right, thy GRACE impart,

"Still in the right to stay;

"If I am wrong, O teach my HEART.

"To find that better way."

In the mean time, I make this offering to my fellowmortals, labouring, like myself, in pursuit of happiness, though, many of them, in a different mode; and I dedicate it, with sincere devotion, to TRUTH, PIETY, and peace.

APPENDIX.

No. I.

Cursory Remarks on one or two Objections in Mr. Paine's last Pamphlet, against the authenticity of the Gospel.

It is much against my opinion of propriety to

T

recommend to public notice, the writings of infidels, by animadverting upon them; it is still more so, to quote their cavils, though with an intent to refute them. What is this, indeed, but to contribute to the dissemination of their errors, while it gratifies their vanity? Mr. Gibbon avowed that FAME was his object; and it may be suspected, that the greater part of sceptical or infidel writers, are pleased with those answers and refutations, which, though they are meant to discountenance them, yet do, in fact, contribute, more than any thing else, to their publicity, notoriety, or, as they may conceive, to their GLORY.

But with respect to Mr. Paine, his notoriety is already so great, as scarcely to admit of increase; and there is too much reason to fear, that his infidel writings will attract general notice, at least among the lower classes, without any aid from controversial opposition. I think, therefore, I shall do no harm, if, unfortunately, I should do no good, by making one or two remarks on his recent attack on Christianity.

Mr. Paine is supposed, by his partisans, to have laid the axe to the root of revealed religion. His blows, indeed, are violent; but they miss their aim. His wea

pon is blunted and repelled, by striking against a solid substance. Many such strokes have, at various times, been levelled at Christianity; but the hardy tree, rooted deeply in the hearts of men, and watered by the dews of Heaven, has vegetated with fresh vigour, and, after the operation of lopping, diffused its branches with additional luxuriance.

In Mr. Paine's theological works there is, indeed, little NOVELTY. His objections have been frequently considered, and, for the most part, removed. They, are, however, NEw to the young and the unlearned, who seldom possess time, books, or inclination, sufficient to qualify them as judges of their solidity. Mr. Paine's political opinions contribute much to recommend, among many, his theological; and thus party zeal is unfortunately excited in favour of religious scepticism or actual infidelity. From a variety of causes, peculiar to the present times and circumstances, there is too much reason to apprehend, that Mr. Paine's theological pamphlet is too favourably received; and that it will contribute to diffuse licentiousness, both of principles and practice. It is not from real novelty, or the peculiar ability of the author, but from temporary circumstances, that it will derive its malignant efficacy. I am not presumptuous enough in my own powers, to suppose myself able to counteract it. But I have attempted it throughout this book; not doubting that some of those many learned and ingenious divines, who, by their high situation in the church, enjoy ample leisure, possess extensive libraries, and all other opportunities for information, will step forward to oppose an attack, which tends to undermine the whole fabric of the visible CHURCH, and which, if successful, must render their high offices not only superfluous, but ridiculous; their dignities not only badges of folly, but, which is worse, of knavish hypocrisy.

Mr. Paine is an additional instance to prove that men, deeply immersed in the affairs of the world, and considering its polítics as matters of the first, if not the only importance, usually bring with them dispositions to the study of Christianity, which render them blind to its EVIDENCE and EXCELLENCE. They come with a pride and confidence in their own reason, a state of mind peculiarly offensive to the SOVEREIGN of Heaven, who resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

The kingdom of Christ not being of this world, they view it as aliens, not only with indifference, but disaffection. Indeed, they seldom give themselves the trouble to study, as they ought, the nature of its transcendent polity.

It is an old observation, and confirmed by daily experience, that men are apt to condemn what they do not understand. Mr. Paine, indeed, is not deficient in understanding. He has given indubitable proofs of great sagacity; but his sagacity, applied to religion, is that of the NATURAL man, as the Apostle describes him. There is a SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING; an understanding irradiated by divine grace, necessary to comprehend the things of the Spirit, without which a man is scarcely better qualified to judge of the gospel, as it is GRACE AND TRUTH, than the blind to decide on the beauty of a picture. He may descant on words and syllables. He may view the letter of the scriptures as a critic, a logician, an historian; but there is a veil on his heart, which prevents him from perceiving that witness or testimony of the Spirit, which carries conviction, in defiance of all difficulties and obscurities in the letter. The Gospel is the ministration of Spirit and life, and the POWER OF GOD unto salvation. This POWER OF GOD is not to be limited in its action, to the ability of any man or set of men to suggest or answer objections. to any particular portions of the scripture. It shines