man.

The attacks of scepticism and infidelity, have been principally directed against the Books of Moses, because they lay the foundation of all succeeding dispensations of Divine Providence to The Compiler has, on that account, entered into a particular description, as well as defence, of various parts of the Pentateuch; and it has been his aim to combine as much simplicity and perspicuity with his plan, as the nature of the work would admit.

Some remarkable events in the history of the Judges, which have excited much discussion among the learned, are in an especial manner adverted to; also the prophecies respecting the rise and fall of kingdoms, many of which contain striking illustrations of the history of Regal Governments.

The satisfaction which the Compiler has derived from various publications, enumerated in the subjoined list, has induced him to make extracts from them, as often as they appeared to be adapted to the design of his work, rather than to present similar ideas in a different dress. Every writer of merit, is entitled to the reputation which his own observations and reflections have acquired. With this view the commencement and conclusion of each quotation,

are distinguished by an appropriate letter, agreeably to the scheme, page xx. When a whole chapter is introduced from any author, reference is made to the work from which it is taken, by giving the authority at the end of the chapter.

In giving quotations from the works of justly celebrated authors, the Compiler trusts the correction of grammatical construction, and a few other alterations to render the sense more perspicuous, will not be deemed too great a liberty, especially as this work, from the subscriptions received for the present edition, seems likely to be introduced into many schools.

In the history of the Patriarchs, the most copious extracts are from Hunter's Sacred Biography; a work well deserving the attention of persons, who have leisure to go through seven volumes.

The chronological series, and the characters of the writers of various parts of the Old Testament, are chiefly derived from "Elements of Christian Theology," and from "Gisborne's Familiar Survey." The explications of prophecies are principally from Newton's Dissertations." "I must confess," saith he, "that it was my application to history, that first struck me with the amazing justness of the scriptural

prophecies. I observed the predictions to be all along verified in the course of events; and the more you know of ancient and modern history, the more you will be satisfied of the truth of prophecy. They are only pretenders to learning and knowledge, who are patrons of fidelity."

The author of "the Elements of General Knowledge" observes, that an acquaintance with the affairs of the Jewish history, forms the first link in the chain of ancient records: "Thus we may observe the connexion which subsists between the branches of sacred and profanex history. We place the works of pagan writers in their proper situations, and give them additional value, by making them subservient to the cause of religion, and instrumental in the illustration of revealed truths.

"As the truth of Christianity is founded upon the strongest evidences, it unites, in the closest manner, our public and private, our temporal and eternal happiness; and, therefore, justly forms the most proper ground work of education."

x The appellation of Profane, is chiefly applied to ancient Histories, written principally by Pagans, in order to distinguish them from the sacred writings of the Jews.

We are informed, that at the era of the Protestant Reformation, and for a considerable time afterwards, the subject of religion excited the attention of all ranks of men. The scriptures were read with avidity, and became subjects of general conversation; and, with such writings, all that could read, thought it necessary to be acquainted. Hence there were but few unbelievers. And as the Scriptures become again generally read, it will be next to impossible there should be many. At no time since the Protestant Reformation, has the bible engaged so much attention, as at the present; in which there are instances of persons from seventy to eighty years of age, learning to read, that they may acquire a knowledge of the Scriptures. The internal evidences of their Divine authority are so numerous and striking, that the minds of mankind can scarcely fail to perceive their superiority, and to be impressed with their infinite importance.

The generality of unbelievers will be found to be persons, to whom the subject of religion has, on some account, become unpleasant; they therefore give but little attention to its evidences, and cannot be deemed competent judges, whatever may be their abilities or knowledge in other

respects. Hall, in his Sermon on this subject, says: "Infidelity is the joint offspring of an irreligious temper, and of an unholy speculation, employed, not in examining the evidences of Christianity, but in detecting the vices and imperfections of professing Christians."

Infidelity has passed through various stages, each distinguished by higher gradations of impiety; for when men arrogantly abandon their guide, and wilfully shut their eyes on the light of Heaven, it is wisely ordained that their errors should multiply at every step, until their extravagance confutes itself, and the mischief of their own principles works its own antidote. That such has been the progress of infidelity will be obvious from a slight survey of its history.

The Compiler thinks it necessary to observe, that he disclaims all idea of prophesying upon prophecies; that demonstration which their accomplishment affords, being amply sufficient in every age of the world; and as his work is not designed to discuss the tenets of any religious creeds or sects, he hopes it may prove equally agreeable to every description of persons professing Christianity.

1814.