There is one consideration which will probably have influence against the admission of the sentiments of these Letters, viz. That the writer is a person obscurely situated, of private education, and unpromising advantages. All this may, in truth, be said. But sometimes God has "chosen" weak and unpromising instruments to carry on his work, "that no flesh should glory in his presence." Besides, if "the Scriptures were inspired to instruct common readers, by using words according to their common acceptation," it is possible that a person, under all my disadvantages, may investigate the truth, by making the Scriptures his only guide. It has been no part of my object to invent a NEW THEORY. My aim has been to investigate, represent, and support, such sentiments as are revealed in the BIBLE, admitting words to be used “according to their common acceptation," comparing Scripture with Scripture. If, on due examination, it shall be found that any sentiment, in these Letters, may be properly ascribed to me as the author, let it be rejected. But you will allow, that sentiments, of which God is the Author, should not be rejected, whoever may be the writer. "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth " This, you will remember, was a question which once arose in the mind of an "Israelite indeed ;" and, perhaps, on the same ground, thousands of others, to their own ruin, rejected the SAVIOR OF THE WORLD. On no better ground, it may be, that thousands will reject the SENTIMENTS contained in these Letters, even if they are sanctioned by the ORACLES OF GOD.

LETTER VIII.

Conclusion.

REV. SIR,

THIS series of Letters has already been extended beyond my original design. It shall now be closed. I am not insensible, that publishing my views exposes me to attacks from every denomination of professing Christians. Yet no man can have less desire to be engaged in public controversy. But being not my own, it would be wrong to suppress what to me appears honorary to Christ, for the sake of private ease, quiet, or popularity.

Freedom has been used in examining your opinions, and the opinions of others; but, at the same time, it has been an object of my care to cultivate, in my heart, feelings of tenderness and respect for my fellow Christians of different opinions. In writing, it has been my aim not to wound your feelings, or the feelings of any other man. While writing this last Letter of the series, my conscience bears me witness, that not one sentence in the whole has been dictated by the feelings of displeasure against any one of my fellow creatures.

These Letters are addressed to you, in hope, that if there must be an opponent, it may be one who is able and willing to investigate; and one who has learned of Him who was meek and lowly in heart. This being your character, should you see cause to answer my Letters, you will look thoroughly and prayerfully into the subject, and not write at random. You will not shelter yourself under the popularity of your own

theory, and on that ground think yourself justified in treating with contempt the views of your friend.You will not sneer at arguments which you cannot refute by fair reasoning; nor substitute sarcastic and censorious declamation, for argument. You will not misrepresent my real views, for the sake of having something before you which you can easily refute. But if you view me in an error, you will pity and pray for me; and, in the spirit of meekness and love, you will endeavor to show me my mistakes and errors. And you will write as one who expects to give account. And if I am in an error, be assured, sir, that it is my cordial desire that you may be enabled to detect it, and to set it before me, and before the world, in a Convincing light.

You will readily perceive, that there may be mistakes in explaining some particular texts, and yet the theory may be correct. In attempting to explain so many texts, it is very possible that there are instances of incorrectness. For one so fallible, it is enough to say, that my labor has been to investigate the real truth, without perverting or misapplying the Scriptures; and that it has been my sincere desire to make the theory square with the Scriptures as a DIVINE STANDARD, and not to make the Scriptures bend to the theory.

Should you think it to be your duty to express your disapprobation of the theory, by way of a REVIEW in some periodical work, you will give an impartial representation of my real sentiments, that those who read the REVIEW may have some opportunity to judge as to the correctness of the opinion you may express. After you shall have written your objections by way of REVIEW, be pleased to turn to John xvii. and

review the prayer of the Son of God; examine the natural import of every sentence distinctly; then ask yourself these questions-Does' not every sentence in this prayer perfectly harmonize with the sentiments against which I have been writing ?-Yea, does not this prayer clearly contain the principal sentiments which the writer of the Letters has aimed to establish-If he had forged a prayer for the Son of God, in support of his own theory, could he have written any thing more to his purpose than that which really proceeded from the lips of Christ ?-Are not, then, my objections to his views as really objections to the scatiments contained in the prayer of the Son of God ?

And may that DIVINE LORD, in whom is our hope, lead us to a more perfect knowledge of himself; and grant, that not only you and I, but all who may read these Letters, may experience the truth of the declaration which he made in his prayer to the Father, "And this is life eternal, to know THEE the ONLY TRUE GOD, and JESUS CHRIST whom thou hast SENT." And while it shall be our lot to differ in sentiment, let us daily unite in the prayer of Christ, that we all may be one, even as He and the FATHER are one. Adieu.

NOAH WORCESTER.

WATSON & BANGS, PRINTERS,

STATE-STREET, BOSTON.