I I2 PRR£Actt. authentic, and the other has quite a different sense ; when he cavils at this term because it is not precisely and expressly written in scripture, andwill express the same truth in no terms at all, nor mention any one argument that is sufficient to prove it, I think that man gives too just a suspicion that he is no great friend to that doctrine ; and if he should tell me I have no reason to deny bis orthodoxy, yet I am sure at best, there is reason enough to doubt-of his prudence. But to pro- ceed to my design : The method which I have chosen is what the learned called ' analytic." Beginning with the first and plainest principleof natu- ral religion, and then, supposing the revelation of scripture, I have attempted to lead my reader onward to the most easy and yet most satisfying evidenceof this glorious mystery of thegospel. Nor did I think it necessary to stand still often to observe and Answer every ob- jection. For these many times break in upon theorder ofa discourse, and divert the mind from the train of argument ; and as Doctor Knight well observes in the preface to his late sermons on this sub. jest. Objecting is endless; the pursuit. of which wearies the mind, draws it too far from the main argument, and is apt to leave it in con- fusion and obscurity. Honest hearts and common understanding, whose concern is greater to discern truth, than to know the multiform windings of error, being once convinced of the goodness of the proofs that infer adoctrine, will be satisfied therewith, though they be not qualified to return an answer to every objector : For they well know that objections must fall, where the proofs of adoctrine are clear and conclusive." I confess my thoughts sometimes ran out too far in a defence of some occasional positions, or incidental truths ; but upon a review I have cut them all off from thebody'of this discourse, leastthe thread of it should be too much interrupted, and have reserved them to bepub- lished in distinct essays or dissertations, if it be found needful. After all our labours and studies, it is the good Spirit ofGod alone, who can lead us into all truth. If he please he can bless this little treatise which is the fruit of retirement, labour andprayer, and make it useful to instruct the ignorant, to settle the wavering, to guard those that are tempted, and to recover those that have goneastray. To this end I entreat my readers, that since it is but a little bbok, they would begin and read it through, that they may see all the parts of it in their proper connexion. Then I presume theywill not take offence at any single sentence, which if separated from the rest of thework, might perhapshave given surprizeor disgust to the weaker christians. I conclude with an ardent address to heaven, that the sacred mysteries of our religion, and particularly this doctrine, which con- tains in it, and carries with it the substance and glory of the gospel, may prevail over all the clouds and powers of error: O may it never more be profaned by angry disputes and fruitless jangliogs l But be humbly received and piously improved, in order to pay all ne- cessary honours and duties to the sacred Three, which is the great design for which this doctrine was revealed : And thereby we shall eflèctually secure and evidence our own interest in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of the Father, and the communion of the holy Spirit. Amen.
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