THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. THE Editor of the present edition of Dr. Bates' Works, in presenting another edition to the public, after two have already appeared, feels conscious that the public has a right to demand his reasons; nor does he at all hesitate to assign them. A wish to render service to the great cause of christianity, which he persuades himself will in some small degree at least be effected, by giving greater publicity to author of acknowledged merit, whose writings, free from the acrimony of controversy, breathe an amiable conciliatory spirit, and are exclusively of a devotional and practical nature;-the scarcity of the folio edition, in connexion with the increasing demand for the works of our great practical writers;-that no octavo edition, which is a more portable, and perhaps the most eligible form in which a work can appear, has hitherto been published. These were among the reasons that induced him to engage in this undertaking-in addition to which he is not ashamed to avow, how much he feels flattered by the thought of having his own name perpetuated in connexion with that of Dr. Bates. With reference to the execution of the work, he has to observe that considerable care has been taken, and much time employed, in rendering it worthy of public approbation. Many errors of the former edition have been corrected; and yet possibly, this edition, to the critical eye may present others still uncorrected, which it is hoped his candour will dispose him to forgive. Should the Editor obtain the approbation of the admirers of the works of his author;-be the means of increasing among christians in general, that spirit of candour for which Dr. Bates was so happily distinguished, and which he ventures to believe begins to form a pleasing characteristic feature of the present day, of checking in the smallest degree the residue of that narrow, bitter, antichristian temper, that has too long been the bane and disgrace of christianity, of creating a blush on the countenance of any of the remaining and irrecoverable bigots of our time;—and, in the least possible degree of promoting the best of all causes, which must lie nearest the heart of every good man-the cause of our common christianity; he will feel himself abundantly remunerated for the time and labour devoted to the work; and will consider it a peculiarly happy circumstance in his life that he was led into so pleasing and important an engagement. Leeds, May 30, 1815, CONTENTS* VOL. I. I. CONSIDERATIONS OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD, THE IMMORTALITY OF THE SOUL, THE RECOM- I. Proof from the visible frame of the world-the sun- its diurnal motion-its annual course-gradual change the separation of the sea from the land-uneven sur- face of the earth-harmony of the elements-plants and fruits-shapes and instincts of animals, III. The Argument concluded. The structure and sym- metry of the human body-the eye-the hand-erect stature the faculty of speech-expressions of the pas- sions in the countenance-diversity of faces, IV. Confutation of the opinions that the world was pro- duced by chance, or that it was caused by the neces- V. Argument for the existence of God drawn from proofs universal consent of nations. Reply to objections. That most men are practical atheists, VI. Reply to objections continued. That the belief of The Editor takes this opportunity of acknowledging the kindness of the VII. Practical inferences. We ought to adore the Cre- ator-to fear Him-to love Him-to obey Him- VIII. It depends upon divine preservation. Proofs that God will continue it for ever. The spiritual nature of the soul evinced by the operations of the under- IX. The spiritual nature of the soul evinced by the acts X. Proof from the restless desire of the soul after hap- piness from the necessity of a future state of re- wards and punishment-The Wisdom of God requires XI. The Argument continued. The Justice of God re- XII. The Argument concluded. The inadequate operation of human laws requires them. Reply to objections. That future recompences are invisible-That a transi- ent sin is punished with eternal torments, XIII. Practical inferences. This doctrine should regulate our esteem of temporal things and reconcile our affec- tions to our present condition-The value and im- The necessity of religion. Variety of religions in the II. The nature of moral evidence. The internal evi- dence of Christianity. The excellence of its doctrines III. External proofs. Miracles, IV. External proofs continued. The accomplishment of prophecies concerning the Messiah-the destruction of |