inconsiderate persons may feel offended at the free use I have made of Mr. Fuller's name, because, being now deceased, he cannot answer for himself. Although I have no fear of any objection of this nature from persons who are acquainted with literary affairs, yet, for the sake of the weak, and because of the captious, I offer the following apology :

1. The subsequent Letters are not directed against Mr. Fuller, but against the doctrine now prevailing in the Baptist churches.

2. It is impossible effectually to oppose this doctrine, without reference to some acknowledged writings, in which it is stated and defended; and these acknowledged writings are Mr. Fuller's "Dialogues," &c. It is true, there are some living authors who have asserted the same things; but these writers are inferior to Mr. Fuller in celebrity and polemical talents. To encounter them, therefore, would not be to allow my opponents the full exercise of their strength; neither would it become the great cause of truth to engage the subaltern, while the champion is defying the advocates of particular redemption, and crying out, "Choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me."

3. When an author publishes on controverted subjects, he does so, not only for the generation

living at the time, but for succeeding generations. Though he die as a man, he still lives as an author, and teaches and speaks as long as his writings are read. It is right, therefore, to examine the theories and doctrines of an author, whether he be living or dead. What man of sense would reflect on President Edwards, for publishing his confutation of Dr. Whitby, after the Doctor's death? Or who would charge Mr. Fuller with unfairness, for publishing his "Strictures on Sandemanianism," long after Mr. Robert Sandeman had returned to his original dust?

4. But if, notwithstanding this explanation, any Baptist minister, or any other who understands the controversy, and who has espoused Mr. Fuller's views, feels hurt that Mr. Fuller's name has thus been introduced, let such a one take his pen, and, as he reads, let him erase the name of Mr. Fuller, and substitute his own; and let him know that he is the man against whom I am writing, and not the deceased Mr. Fuller.

If, however, the reader be one of those favoured individuals whom the Father has drawn to Jesus, he hath already been taught so much of the infinite evil of sin, and the vanity of all created things, as to loathe himself and his own righteousness, and to value nothing in compa

rison of truth. And in those happy moments, when he is favoured with a glimpse of the exalted Lamb, whose transcendent glory fills heaven and earth, he looks coolly upon human authority, human wisdom, and human worthiness. Such a one will not be offended when the authority of celebrated names is set at nought, that truth may be maintained; but rather he has learned, in some degree, to cease from man, whose breath is in his nostrils ; for wherein is he to be accounted of?"

The only persons to whom I would offer any thing like the shadow of an apology, for the polemical style of the following Letters, are the afflicted, broken-hearted children of Zion. I know that disputings gall and distress a tender mind. But how can we contend earnestly for the faith, without disputation? Were not our Lord and his apostles often engaged in reasoning with the opponents of truth? I hope, therefore, that the lambs of the flock will not be offended, especially when they reflect that the things contended for in the following pages are of the highest importance-things with which the honour of God, and the glory of a dear Redeemer, are concerned; and which are absolutely necessary to the strengthening of their own weak hands, and the confirming of

their feeble knees. It is now high time for the friends of truth to speak boldly. Error no longer hides its hateful head, but struts abroad before the sun, and scornfully defies the advocates of sovereign grace.

Although I have, in the following Letters, boldly and unequivocally asserted what I believe to be the truth, and although I have endeavoured to expose the deceitfulness of the opposite error, I hope the reader will find nothing inconsistent with the meekness and gentleness of Christ. That I have expressed indignation at iniquity I acknowledge, but I have not yet learned that this is inconsistent with the spirit of the gospel, or contrary to the example of our Lord. Throughout the whole I have studied brevity and perspicuity; and I have not been unmindful of the well-known advice of the poet, which all controversial writers should regard :

"Quidquid præcipies esto brevis, ut citò dicta
Percipiant animi dociles, teneantque fideles."

Into the hands of Him whose servant I profess to be, I confidently commit my work, notwithstanding the sinfulness and imperfection which adhere to it. I shall think myself more

than remunerated for my labour, if he mak it useful to any of his ransomed ones. Bu should it please him that it die as soon as it i born, and remain in silence for ever, I trust shall be content. For I am well persuade that the Lord will defend his own immorta truths in his own way, and in his own time. though error may rejoice in a temporary tri umph, and though truth may be "fallen in th street."

Liverpool, 1831.

WILLIAM RUSHTON, JUN.