*30 ADVERTISEMENT. I have endeavoured throughoutthis wholecomposure to relieve and soften all the harsher, and more obnoxious parts of this doctrineof original sin, and several other articles of our religion dependent upon it ; and this I did attempt here and there by some new sentiments, which I was sensible must run the riskof severe trial, and bear the test of ancient prejudice.. But this freedom of thought seemed to be necessary where former solutions failed, as I said before. I have also ventured to preclude, or to cut off some of the barder and more offensive consequences that havebeen often drawn or forced from these articles. It is evident that these points have been sometimed carried into extremes, and the explicationof them has not always been well limited and guarded. To effect this work and to secure due honour to the moral perfec- tions of God, under all the sinful and wretched scenes of human life, was one great end of my writing: My intentions were perfectly pacific and not contentious, and it is with great reluctance I am drawn into any debate. It was mydesign also to leave thesemysentiments to the world, without any further vindication or defence; and yet 1 would not have it said or thought, that I utterly disregard all opinions and arguments different from myown. I am therefore almost constrained in this second edition to make some remarks upon the only attempt to answer this treatise which I have heard of, and that is the supplement to a book very unjustly called, " The Scripture Doctrine of Original Sin, proposed to Free and Candid Examination. It is acknowledged, that in this supplement the same writer uses more candour and softer language, thanhe has done in the book itself, and deals for the most part in such a style as becomes a christian controversy: Yet I would humbly ask, whether he does not sometimes let a sharper arrow fly off ? But this may be easily imputed toa sudden effort of warmer zeal against the doctrine'whiclihe utterly denies. I would ask also, whether he does not sometimes advance a mere popular objection, and pursue it in such an over- bearing manner, as might intimidate common readers and affright them from thesesacred truths, though they appear plain in several places of scripture, and are supportedby thedaily observations of men, both heathens and chris- tiaras ? I would ask yet again, whether he does not now and then indulge a bold and sublime expression to break out, which might be taken for a flourish of glory rising from a contempt of all that is or can be offered in defence of our doctrines? But the reader need not be afraid of such triumphant lan- guage, for I trust that whosoever will survey this wholedebate without pre- judice, will find that the author frequently triumphs without a victory, and though he hasdemolished many pages of mine in his own esteem, it,is with mere shadowsofargument. It is true indeed, that the bulkof mankindare often carried quite away into flattering errors by positive assertions and strong assurances; they dare not oppose a writer who with a sovereign scorn defies all opposition, and despises every,thing that can be proposed against his darling opinions. Upon this view of things, I have said within myself, " Surely I will begin to learn thismanner of writing too, that 1 may gain snore success for the great truths of the gospel in the minds of men." But, alas, 1 fear I am very much unqualified toaim at this talent: David might better wear Saul's.armour than I could attempt this piece of heroism, or enter into this manner of dispute. or should I be perfectly satisfied with myself, to gain the assent of my readers, without more substantial and convincing. evidence. The world indeed are ready to imagine, that where there is such confidence, and such triumph, there must be abundant proofs to support them ; but they little con- sider how far this sonorous language will serve instead of reason and argue ment, and whatnumerous proselytes have been gained hereby to the several sects, partiesor professionsof human or divine science.
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