330 THE ASIAN INVITED TO ORTHODOX lAITH. would liken the writings of the ancients concerning the Logos loa mine of rich metal, where two travellers taking up the oar, find some brighter, and some baser properties in the mass. One of them asserts, that the metal is all silver, andhe gives the most favourable and exalted turn that he can to the coarser phaeno- mena of lead, which discover themselves there. Theother sinks and beclouds the brighter phænomena of silver, till he has con- strued the whole mine into lead. Here it is possible that a less knowing traveller maycome by and happen to make such an ex- periment on the mingled mass as discovers that there is both sil- ver and lead united in the same oar : by this means the different properties appear to belong to the different metal, and the con- tenders are reconciled. Thus. I have gathered what light and assistance I could out of ancient jewish and christian writings, to explain and confirm that doctrine concerning the Logos, or Word, which seems to be revealed and contained in the holy scripture : And I hope I have said nothing inconsistent with the divine grandeur or godhead of of our blessed Saviour, nor with any necessary articles of faith. I am sensible the performance must on many accounts be very defective. But if I have been so happy, as to have given any hints, whereby persons of greater learning, health and sagacity, may be encouraged topursue, to establish, or correct the hypo. thesiswhich. I have proposed, and to introduce clearer ideas into divine things, by a further explication of this great mystery of godliness, I shall havecause to rejoice, and give thanks to God. If I have asserted any peculiar opinions with too positive an air, and used the language of unbecoming assurance in doubt- ful matters, in the course of this dissertation, I here disclaim and retract it. I am but a searcher into the deep things of the gospel, and endeavour, according to my slender measure, to trace out the unsearchable riches and glories of the person of my Re- deemer God and man. Now, upon the best survey I can take, both of the revelation of scripture, and the expressions of an- cient writers. I am inclined to believe, that his human soul was formed, and united to his divine nature before the foundationof the world : And as both parts of the constitution of his person are called the Logos, br Wbrd, so the whole complex person is manifested under the same name. I adore the word dwelling in flesh. 1 trust in him for eternal life, and call him, as Thomas did; John xx. 28. My Lord andmy God. To him be glory for ever and ever. rimers.
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