ble foes; and as in all former times it still will overcome. Every enlightened friend of Jesus Christ must have been grieved beyond measure, to observe some writers on the subject full of terror and fury calling to the civil magistrate to unsheath his sword and command the infidel to silence or to punishment: and others representing christianity as hanging in awful suspence as to the very continuance of its existence, on the issue of the war in which the nations of Europe were engaged. Of all the dishonorable things which have been spoken against Jesus Christ and his gospel, these are certainly among the first; and merit the unqualified reprobation of every one who has the cause of true religion and the honor of christianity at heart. There is just as much reason to fear that the contentions of the potentates of Europe may pluck the sun from his sphere, and leave the world in darkness, as that they can endanger the removal of the gospel from the earth. "Jehovah hath sworn by himself, the word is gone out of his mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that unto Jesus every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. Surely shall one say, In the Lord have I righteousness and strength:' even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed. In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.” Isaiah xlv. 23, 24, 25.

I conceive, I speak on accurate observation when I say that christianity is in the island of Great Britain. efforts for its propagation have

gaining ground More vigorous not been made for a century past, than during the last seven years; and with the most pleasing prospects of success. One good and very important effect will result from the increase of deism; every zealous christian will seek with greater energy. to promote the cause of Christ; and every faithful minister of the gospel will exert himself to the utmost to banish ignorance and vice from his congregation and neighborhood: and with ardor far greater than he ever employed before, to instruct them in the principles of the doctrine of Christ, and to make them wise unto salvation.

Some may be ready to enquire, why the introduction is confined to the New Testament, and does not likewise embrace the Old. Besides many other reasons which might be assigned, it appears to me that by being kept distinct, the evidence of each will be perceived

with

greater clearness, than if they were blend

ed together in one essay. Both the writer and the reader will find many advantages from this arrangement: and those most of all, who are unbelievers. The question then is, where begin? As in an extensive and variegated scene, there is a certain point, from

should we

B

case.

which the whole may be seen to greatest advantage, so it is in such subjects as that before us. There is a first, which a writer will endeavor to seize, and from thence be led on to a second, and a third, so as to give to the whole the greatest degree both of clearness, interest, and force. It frequently happens that the proper beginning is not with that which is first in point of time in the present instance this is the The person who is little acquainted with, and rejects the scriptures, should begin with the New Testament, as containing the system of christianity in its full perfection. When he has read IT with serious attention, let him then ascend to the writings of the Old Testament, and he will find additional confirmation of the gospel, from the preparations which, he will see, were made for the coming of Jesus Christ: the Old Testament will likewise be more easily and better understood, Whereas if a deist begin with the Old Testament, there are so many things through the whole of the volume, but especially in the Mosaic economy, referring to the christian dispensation, which cannot be understood, and the design of which cannot be known till he has read the New Testament, that he is in danger of growing weary of the pursuit, and giving it up in disgust. In the other way he perceives the reason of every thing as he goes along; and his task is rendered more easy and delightful. It has this

additional recommendation, that it was the method which the apostles pursued.-Should this essay be deemed to answer the purpose for which it is designed, the writer at a future time, should opportunity be given, may attempt a treatise on the Divine Authority of the Old Testament: and he conceives that there is a great variety of important considerations on the subject, to which not only deists but likewise many christians have not paid the attention which they merit.

If it be asked why an essay which was intended for France alone, is printed in the English tongue, my answer is, that the measure was approved and recommended by some gentlemen to whose judgment I pay great deference. They thought it might be useful in this country and it was giving me an opportunity of submitting it more fully to the friends of the gospel, from whose remarks I promised myself much assistance; and hoped that I should thus be enabled to render it more fit to answer the proposed end, and less unworthy of being translated into the French tongue. On a perusal of the Essay, faults and defects are perceived in the printed copy which were not so obvious in the manuscript. Those which the writer had remarked, and such as were observed and communicated to him by others, there would be an opportunity of altering, be

fore it assumed a French dress; and likewise perhaps of leaving out a few things which, though they suited England, might not be needful for France.

The Essay was accordingly published in English; and availing myself of the remarks of friends, as well as correcting the faults I myself observed, I endeavored thus to prepare it for a translation into the French Tongue. That office was undertaken by a protestant gentleman, a member of the legislative body, who executed it with much accuracy, simplicity, and elegance. What ideas he entertained of the fitness of the work, as designed for the use of his countrymen, the following extract from a preface, which he prefixed to his translation, will abundantly declare *. From the French, the

* En nous abstenant de toute reflexion sur ce qui est le fonds de l'ouvrage, nous nous permettrons quelques details sur ce qui en constitue la forme. Sous le modeste titre d' Essai, l'auteur, David Bogue, nous a paru avoir coulé la matière à fond, en la resserrant dans le cadre le plus etroit qu'il soit possible. Il parcourt successivement, et avec beaucoup de methode, toutes les sources d'argumens, en faveur de la religion chretienne. Il presente ce qu'il appèle les évidences de sa thèse, et leurs developemens, avec une netteté une lucidité, une precision, vraiment singulière. Son Essai doit être envisagé comme un extrait de tout ce que les auteurs, qui l'ont precédé, ont ecrit de mieux sur cette matiére; et nous le croyons plus approprié à son objet, et par conséquent plus propre à opèrer des succès, que le grand ouvrage d'Abadie.