PREFACE.

THE original design of this compendious work was, in some

respects, different from the direction which it took during the course of its publication. The author intended, by a series of Essays, each comprised in a single number, to guard the minds of young people especially, against the infidelity and scepticism of modern times, as well as to give a distinct view of the grand peculiarities and excellent tendency of genuine christianity. He purposed, not to be strictly methodical, argumentative, or systematick; but to treat a variety of subjects in a familiar, easy, and engaging manner. The attempt, however, soon convinced him, that he had not the requisite talents for Essays of this description; and that he must leave it to persons of a more versatile and happy genius, to furnish that species of publication, which seems most suited to the present circumstances, and best adapted to the taste of modern readers.

As, however, the Essays first published met with great encouragement, and had considerable circulation, he proceeded on the plan to which he found himself most competent: and, without the least previous design, he at length completed, according to his views, a compendious System of the Christian Religion.

In the present edition, great pains have been bestowed, in correcting the inaccuracies of the style; in rendering perspicuous such passages, as had been left rather obscure from regard to brevity; in giving energy to some arguments which had not been stated in their full force; and in placing several illustrations to

greater advantage. Peculiar care has likewise been taken to render the scriptural references and quotations accurate; and further proof, from the sacred oracles, has frequently been adduced, in support of the conclusions which had been formed: a correct and copious Index, for the conveniency of the reader, has also been annexed.

The work, thus revised, the author commends to the candour of the publick, from which it has already met with a favourable reception: and he earnestly begs the prayers of all pious Christians, for the divine blessing on this attempt; and on all his other feeble endeavours to spread the knowledge of the blessed gospel of God our Saviour, and to excite and direct believers to adorn that holy doctrine by their whole conduct and conversation.

ESSAY I.

On the Divine Inspiration of the Holy Scriptures.

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Ir is manifest to all who seriously reflect on the powers and propensities of human nature, that we are formed capable of religion, and have an inward consciousness that we ought to worship some superior Being, on whom our safety and happiness depend: but at the same time, the state of the world, in all places where the Bible has not been known, unanswerably proves, that we are incapable of discovering for ourselves, a religion which is worthy of God, suited to our wants, and conducive to our true interest. The shortness of life also, and the reasonable persuasion that men in general entertain of a future state, concur to show that our grand concern lies in another world. Yet uncertainty and perplexity, nay, palpable error and absurdity, have ever encumbered men's reasonings and conjectures on these important subjects. Even at Athens, JEHOVAH was "the unknown "God," and all beyond the grave was an unknown world.

1 Acts xvii. 23.

The wisest of the Pagans, therefore, considered a revelation from the Deity as exceedingly desirable in order that bewildered mortals might learn the way, in which they could worship him with acceptance, and be happy; and some of them entertained hopes, that such an inestimable favour would at length be vouchsafed. Indeed confused expectations of this kind have been common in the world; as is manifest from the reception that hath been given to pretended revelations, which otherwise could not have obtained credit and cur

rency.

Various impositions, in this important concern, have been detected by careful investigation and there is but one book in the world, in behalf of which, as a divine revelation, any thing even plausible can be advanced. This has stood the test of ages and undergone the most severe scrutiny; and the more carefully serious enquirers have examined it, the fuller conviction have they obtained of its divine authority. No one now ventures forth as an avowed, sober, and manly adversary, to dispute its claim in the open field of fair argument: yet few in comparison are practically convinced, that it is the unerring word of God; and an increasing number of objectors perplex themselves and others, by discovering supposed inconsistencies and unimportant difficulties; or by setting up their own reasonings and imaginations in opposition to its doctrines, and making that disagreement a ground

of hesitation or rejection. So that scepticism, and a partial, frivolous, disingenuous, carping infidelity have become exceedingly common; the minds of young persons especially are thus poisoned; great pains are taken to disseminate these cavils and objections, (though they have been solidly answered again and again;) and those persons are treated as weak enthusiasts, or irrational bigots, who simply believe the Scriptures as the sure testimony of God.

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It may, therefore, be seasonable to state, with all possible brevity, some of the most conclusive reasons, by which reflecting men have been induced to submit to the authority of the Bible, and to believe that it is a revelation from the God of truth. By the divine Inspiration of the holy Scriptures, I mean, Such an immediate and complete discovery, by the Holy Spirit to the minds of 'the sacred writers, of those things which could not have been otherwise known; and such an ef'fectual superintendency, as to those matters 'which they might be informed of by other means, as entirely preserved them from error, in every 'particular, which could in the least affect any ' of the doctrines or precepts contained in their 'books.' Every proposition, therefore, is to be considered as the sure testimony of God, in that sense according to which it is proposed as truth. Those facts occurred, and those words were spoken, as to the import of them, and the instruc