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in this land, celebrated for liberal principles and feelings, induced me to undertake this translation of Calvin's Commentary on the Romans, written for the purpose of illustrating the second edition of his Institutes, and of opening a door to the most hidden treasures of the only book, in which the Sovereign of the universe, and the Fountain of truth has deigned to converse with sinful dust and ashes.*

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I need make no remark on the subject of translation to such as have tried that kind of literary labour. I have endeavoured to make my translation faithful to the original; and trust this fidelity may form an apology for any deficiency in point of elegance.

I feel a difficulty in addressing my various and numerous friends and subscribers on account of the debt of gratitude I owe, and the length of time which has elapsed since I first commenced this work. Such has been the uncommon assistance I have experienced, that no language can convey my feelings of thankfulness and of cheering consolation thus afforded under some of my heaviest bereavements and trials, in consequence of which I have been so long delayed in completing this publication

The very great encouragement which I experienced from my most affectionate friends in Cumberland, my native county-which is not less distinguished for hospitality, kindness, and independence, than for natural beauties—from my kind and active friends in London, and every part of England, which I have visited, must be always cherished in my remembrance with feelings of pleasure and delight. It is high time

+ "I hold the memory of Calvin in high veneration, and frequently consult his Commentaries," "which abound in solid discussions of theological subjects, and practical improvements; and his interpretations adorn the books even of those who repay the obligation by reproaching their master." Bishop Horsley-Preface to Poole's Synopsis.

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for this part of the island to rest satisfied with nothing short of a parochial system of education, founded on the Scriptures, and improved by regular examinations; and to exert every nerve "in restoring again the discipline of the primitive church, which is much to be wished," as stated in our Commination Service.

The liberal support which I received in various parts of Scotland, and particularly in Edinburgh, . where, for many years, I enjoyed the kindness of some of my best and warmest friends, can never be forgotten, and must always be remembered with a deep sense of gratitude. I trust the time is not distant, when every exertion will be used to put an end to patronage in that kingdom, which was so justly opposed by one of its ablest ministers, the late Rev. Dr. Thompson, whose warm-heartedness and deep interest in my welfare I must ever cherish with feelings of the liveliest affection. Let the whole Scotch nation rise as one man for the attaining of this most important point, and they may rest assured the time is not far distant, when they will gain their desired object. I now turn to Ireland, in whose metropolis I completed my education, and where I spent the first day of last with some of year my warmest, and one of my earliest and much loved friends, Dr. Litton. The Provost, most of the Fellows of Trinity-college, nearly all the clergymen of the church of Ireland, as well as the ministers among the Dissenters, and the various other persons on whom I called, gladdened my heart by the cordiality with which they favoured my undertaking. Shall nothing be done by Britain for the purpose of draining the bogs, improving the roads, making rail-ways, and encouraging the agriculture, the manufactures, the collieries, and the mines of this part of the empire? If we can afford to pay twenty millions to the West Indies, with a view to wipe away the foul stain of slavery, we ought to be prepared to

advance a sum sufficient to give employment to the loyal, kind-hearted, liberal inhabitants of Erin. Is there a candid Englishman who has enjoyed the means of knowing Ireland from the days of Spencer -nay, long before-to the present, that must not be compelled to say, England has acted towards Ireland, on all occasions, as if she were a conquered country? A change of ministry, under any parliament, makes severer only more severe. What a heart-rending anomaly, that the freest nation under the canopy of heaven should have treated one of the richest and nearest parts of its dominions with such unrelenting and unmerited rigour. Has not the Ruler of worlds stripped Spain, and Portugal, and Holland of the greatest part of their colonial possessions on account of the oppression used towards them; and is England justified in expecting that similar punishment will not be awarded to similar conduct?

The period, it is to be hoped, is not far distant when the various prejudices and prepossessions entertained by the different parts of the kingdom against each other will be sunk in mutual love and kindness. A more enlarged and intimate acquaintance with Scripture, and a steady adherence to its precepts, will powerfully assist in hastening this event, by improving in each what is imperfect, supplying what is deficient, correcting what is erroneous, and purifying what is corrupt.

I cannot conclude without heartily wishing my subscribers all happiness; and may they long enjoy here the smiles of the Redeemer of sinners, and be fitted by him for an inheritance among the saints in glory!

London, Jan. 1, 1834.

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