The second part of this work is a small selection of texts from the Old and New Testaments, brought under different heads, to prove the dispensation of Jesus Christ from Scripture authority, which is beyond all doubt incontrovertible; nothing herein having occurred which had not the evidence of prophetic declaration many centuries previous to the facts coming to pass. If it should prove useful to those who have permitted doubts to have gained an ascendancy in their minds, or a little strength to those who have got somewhat further on their journey, the earnest wish of the writer will be accomplished.

CONTENTS.

PART THE FIRST.

SECTION I..

ON THE EXISTENCE OF GOD, AND ON DIVINE
REVELATION AND GRACE....

p. 1.

THE knowledge of the exterior works of Om-
nipotence insufficient to convey to the mind his
divine nature-can only be done by his own di-
vine influence-this knowledge not only de-
sirable, but consistent with the divine harmony.
The errors that mere human wisdom may lead
into an example. The true Christian's hope is
in regeneration and a new birth. God known
in the silence of all flesh. The purity of the
true Christian's life an evidence of divine grace
and power. The doctrines of the ancient phi-
losophers not to be compared with those of the
Gospel. A conversation between Archbishop
Usher and Selden. Remarks thereon by Duché.
On the theocracy of the Jews, and divine reve-
lation. Hartley's sentiments on Enthusiasm.
Dryden on immediate Revelation. The benefits

of immediate revelation and grace, known in times of adversity-exemplified in the closing periods of Buckingham, Rochester, &c. The acknowledgement of Job a proof of the weakness there is in a blind confidence in ourselves.

SECTION H.

ON REASON.

P. 22.

Human reason, if rightly exerted, a blessing to man. A definition of human reason. Religion a vital principle-not attainable by mere human reason. Aristotle's opinion of the philosophers. The opinion of Lactantius concerning them. The philosophers advocates for virtue and morality, though they themselves indulged in many excesses. The evil treatment of Socrates a proof of the want of real virtue in his disciples. The sentiments of Juvenal, Arnobius, Cicero, and others, respecting the philosophers. Spartan virtue what. The inconsistency of Plato, Socrates, and Cato. Vice countenanced by the philosophers. Their sentiments contrasted with the language of Christianitythe reason of man not infallible. Causes why reason may not have its due influence on the mind-the nerves the medium between soul and

body-any derangement of them renders reason incomplete. The instinct of animals and reason of mån compared and considered. The consideration humbling to man. The fallibility of human reason proved from the excuses made for our various passions. Through human reasoning how easily war is reconciled. The opinion of Erasmus and the Bishop of London on this important subject. Divine truth an emanation from Divinity-human reason incapable of commanding this emanation. Philosophy, logic, &c. incapable of discovering the truth. Perfect humility, and a surrender of our wills to the divine will, the great means of obtaining this knowledge. The imperfect knowledge of the ancients respecting the Divine Being. Cicero. Socrates. Aristotle. The opinion, that Socrates suffered for asserting the unity of the Divine Being, an error. See Xenophon and Plato. His acknowledgement of his belief in idolatry. Discourse on the day of his execution on the immortality of the soul, related by Erasmusat his death assents to the popular idolatry. Seneca's strange opinion concerning the Deity. The reasoning and philosophy of the ancients made little or no change in the lives of mankind -how different the effects of Christianity! How far human reason can go-but to be per

1

fected, it must be divinely illuminated. Finite man incapable of comprehending the ways works of infinity.

and

SECTION III.

ON INFIDELITY AND SCEPTICISM. p. 48.

Progress of infidelity-various classes of sceptics and infidels. Their definitions of Christianity naturally lead to a rejection of the Scriptures-speak with great respect of the moral character of Jesus Christ. The heathens did not question, but corroborated his miracles. The arguments of infidels oftentimes self-evident contradictions. Pride the cause and effect of infidelity. Uniformity not necessary to make up the harmony of nature. The harmony of nature discovered to consist in a most beautiful variety. Perfect uniformity is only discoverable in the truth. The inconsistency of a modern deist, (Rousseau.) His confession of the purity of the Gospel, and of the divinity of Christ. He contradicts the truths he had advanced. Anecdote of Lord Herbert of Cherbury, a celebrated deist. Positive assertion often substituted for truth. The sophistry of deists in general. The means made use of by Hobbes, Boling