men of distinguished ability and zeal, to unravel the sophistries, and confute the objections of infidelity. Such writers as Campbell, Beattie, Paley, and Watson, have doubtless contributed, in no small degree, to confirm the minds of many in the belief of divine revelation. But, while the outworks of our holy religion are SO triumphantly defended, great numbers, it is to be feared, overlook its interior excellency! Hence it comes to pass, that while there is a general acquaintance with the leading facts and moral precepts of the gospel, its peculiar doctrines are unacknowledged, or, which is worse, branded with opprobrious epithets, and represented as the absurd opinions of some despised party of enthusiasts. The grand topic of the Christian dispensation is salvation through the

blood of Christ. The doctrines which unfold this all-important subject, are not calculated to feed the pride of man, but to subdue and eradicate it. They point out the insufficiency and danger of every flimsy refuge of self-righteousness, and the necessity of an entire dependence on the grace of God, that no flesh should glory in his presence. Every one who sincerely loves these doctrines, must earnestly desire to spread them. With this object in view, as the chief motive of his undertaking, the author has been induced to publish the following pages. His aim has not been elegance, but perspicuity of language. The reader of refined taste may discover many defects; but if the subject be felt of great importance, such defects will, he trusts, be covered with the veil of candor, or at least

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be considered as comparatively of little consequence. If, under the blessing of God, this little work should be the means of bringing one benighted, wandering soul to experience the excellency and value of the knowledge of Christ, or of confirming and consoling any that have already believed through grace, he will deem his feeble'endeavors amply rewarded. It is the sincere wish, and ardent prayer of his heart, that every attempt to diffuse the gospel and its blessings, may be crowned with success by the great Head of the church.

CHAPTER I.

On the Perfections and Excellencies of Christ.

It is not easy fully to describe the manifold advantages to be derived from the sacred Scriptures. The most important and interesting events in history, the purest and sublimest precepts in morality, and the most just and striking delineations of character, are found in the books of the Old and New Testament. But the chief excellency of the inspired volume, is its bright display of Immanuel. There, his distinguishing titles, his various and important offices, his free, abounding grace, and his glorious, everlasting kingdom, are amply unfolded in the plainest language, and beautifully exhibited under the most expressive imagery. Hence we see the propriety and force of his own address to the Jews: "Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think have

ye

eternal life; and they are they which testify of me. To him give all the prophets witness;" and while they foretold his incarnation, his sufferings, and the glory that should follow, they were wrapt up in devout admiration and praise. The lively interest which they felt in this pleasing theme, prompted them to pursue their inquiries with the warmest zeal, and with unwearied assiduity, 1 Pet. i. 10, 11, " Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you," &c. As soon as the apostles were enlightened to know, and honored with a commission to make known the adorable Saviour and his gospel to all nations, they accounted every thing else comparatively as dross. Their characters were then raised to such a degree of dignity, decision, heroic fortitude, and exemplary holiness, that even their enemies were often put to silence and filled with astonishment. Nor are beings of the highest order in the heavenly world, indifferent to the great mystery of Redemption; for, as Peter says, "Into these things the angels desire to look."