01 Truth, fhall ever be able to fully a Reputation, that has long fhin'd, with so much brightnefs, among all Learned and Good Men, both at home and abroad: Infomuch, that when this Illuftrious Prelate was dying, one of the Chief of his Order, defervedly said of him, There goes one of the greatest, and of the best Men that ever England bred. No, we have feen that all their Attempts against him, do but add luftre to his Fame However, it cannot be lefs the Intereft of Religion to promote the Works of fo able a Divine, than it is that of Atheism and Irreligion to oppofe them; and if all good Men would fhew as much Zeal in the defence of them and their great Author, and be as induftrious to recommend both his Writings and Example, as Atheifts and Libertines are to Obftruct the Influences of both, this would still be a nother nother Addition to the Glory of fo great a Name; and the good Effects we might hope for, on the Lives of Men, from fuch Excellent Books, difperfed into many Hands, would be, at once, the belt Atteftation that could be given to the wondrous Benefit and Ufefulnefs of them, and alfo the most effectual Means to stop the Mouths of Gainfayers, by leffening the number of them daily, and bringing them over from Infidelity and Atheism, to the Caufe of God and Religion. AND, I cannot clofe this Preface better, than with earneft Prayers to God, that this, and all the other Works of Bishop Beve ridge may have that Bleffed effect; and that in return to all the Malice of thofe, who feem to Envy us the great Good we may hope for from fuch Pious and and Inftructive Difcourfes, they may, by degrees, inftill even into their Breafts, fome of that Spirit of Piety, diffus'd through every Page; and of Atheists and Libertines, make them fober Men, and Chriftians. ERRATA. Pag. 51. 1. 2. for Pretends, I pretend. Line 9. 1. and read, THE THE advantage of being well ground- ༡ 8 The direction of the Church in this behalf, ΙΟ And that for Children as well as adult Per- |