ESSAYS ON THE MOST IMPORTANT SUBJECTS IN RELIGION. The Sixth Edition. To the Law and to the Testimony: if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them. Is. viii. 20. PREFACE. THE original design of this compendious work was, in some respects, different from the direction which it took during the course of its publication. The author intended, by a series of Essays, each comprised in a single number, to guard the minds of young people especially, against the infidelity and scepticism of modern times, as well as to give a distinct view of the grand peculiarities and excellent tendency of genuine christianity. He purposed, not to be strictly methodical, argumentative, or systematick: but to treat a variety of subjects in a familiar, easy, and engaging manner. The attempt, however, soon convinced him, that he had not the requisite talents for Essays of this description; and that he must leave it to persons of a more versatile and happy genius; to furnish that species of publication which seems most suited to the present circumstances, and best adapted to the taste of modern readers. As, however, the Essays first published met with great encouragement, and had considerable circulation, he proceeded on the plan to which he found himself most competent: and, without the least previous design, he at length completed, according to his views, a compendious System of the Christian Religion. In the present edition, great pains have been bestowed, in correcting the inaccuracies of the style; in rendering perspi cuous such passages, as had been left rather obscure from regard to brevity; in giving energy to some arguments which had not been stated in their full force; and in placing several illustrations to greater advantage. Peculiar care has likewise been taken to render the scriptural references and quotations FREFACE. Ti regnu icat vi se angañous vos vas a sime ses fear fm de direto C I 26k During de CONE I IS PANIC. The air mended by a series of Esas sa sangraised in a ge uncer, a guard the minds dvay Role especialy against he indicely and scepticsTOT di men umnes, as vel as a gre a distinct view of the grand ximean excelent endency of genuine christianity. He XED Cony mediocical argumentative, or sys a variety of subjects in a familiar, easy. Ageng mammer. The atempt bowever, soon convinced SHEHe requisite talents for Essays of this de3. It le must leave it to persons of a more versa azz fish that species of publication vit ens most sured to the present circumstances, and beef modern readers. binere be Evans is published met with great en- de esos design, he at length completed, ac- edit. reat pains have been bestowed, in |