enquiry than, whether, as the scriptures assert, God hath, in mercy to man's inconsiderateness and frailty, at sundry times and in divers manners, spoken to the fathers by the prophets,' and, in these latter days, offered life and immortality to the righteous through the ministry of his Son; or, whether, in giving heed to this statement, men have been deluding themselves with an imagination and a fable, while, in reality, the Deity has invariably concealed himself behind the veil of his works, and has left them to collect their knowledge of him and of his ways, from the things which he has made.

If, as the scriptures declare, our Lord Jesus Chirst hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel,' then, glory beams upon the prospect which lies outstretched before us; but if, on the contrary, what they declare upon this subject be but a delusive tale, then, the darkness and uncertainty of antiquity still rests upon us, then, death and the grave do, now, as heretofore, cast their impenetrable shadows over the destinies of man.

I do acknowledge, that, I enter upon the subject, not only with a deep feeling of its great importance, but with considerable anxiety as to what may be the result of our discussion. Not, indeed, with an anxiety arising from any apprehension that there may not be sufficient evidence to establish the divinity of our common faith, but from the fear lest any unskilful handling, on my part, of the materials of proof, may confirm doubts which I had hoped to remove, and cause some mind to

be still more encumbered with the difficulties that had previously beset it; for, unhappily, the plausible arguments and strenuous efforts of the unbeliever, have, in some cases, caused doubts to harrass, and in others, scepticism to shade, the mind of many a professing Christian. Therefore do I approach the subject with the greater seriousness and apprehension.

On the other hand, it is a matter for self-gratu lation to be assured that although it is probable some of those to whom this address is made, may be found amongst the doubting and the sceptical, the far greater part have a well-founded confidence in the charter of our salvation.

I take courage moreover when I reflect, that the feelings and the hopes of the wise and good, whatsoever may be the character or the degree of their faith, must generally be with the Christian advocate. For, is it not consolatory to the virtuous to be assured of the truth of the great subjects which the Christian Revelation embraces? Is it not delightful for them to know that HE in whom they live and move and have their being,' has not left himself without witness amongst men, nor suffered them to wander in the world unaccompanied with Jan especial evidence of his unchanging love? Is sit not delightful and consolatory to know, that, how misrepresented or persecuted soever the friends of truth and virtue may be, in this life, there is a life to come, in which they shall receive their reward? Is it not a source of unspeakable comfort to the mourner, of ease to the distressed, of hope to the despairing, of triumph to the dying, that after the

1. INTRODUCTORY LECTURE.

Importance of the subject. Encouragement which the advocate of christianity derives from the reflection, that the feelings and hopes of the wise and good of all sects and parties are with him-The utter hopelessness of endeavouring to convert the unbeliever, either by the mysterious doctrines of the popular systems, or the fines and imprisonments inflicted upon him by the supporters of these doctrines.-Of natural religion. Knowledge of God and of human duties, derived from nature, confirmed by revelation.-Truth, the rule of action; how defined. The rule may be applied to all subjects.-Examples.Great superiority of revealed religion over that which is derived from the unassisted light of nature. Reasonableness a necessary characteristic of the doctrines of revelation. Of the leading causes of Infidelity.

MY CHRISTIAN FRIENDS,

IN commencing a course of lectures on the evidences of a religion which we have been accustomed to consider divine, and from which we have derived our notions of God and, his providence, our rule of duty, and our prospect of a life beyond the grave, it is impossible not to perceive that we enter upon the discussion of a most important subject. It involves a no less momentous

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pains, and the days, of their transient pilgrimage shall be at an end, there is a rest prepared for them amongst the people of God—a mansion in reserve for them in the house of their Father, eternal in the heavens? Yes, these things are dear to the heart of man-they fall in with his most cherished views and meet his most ardent wishes; and these are the things of which Christianity speaks, and which make the labours of her advocates interesting in the sight of the wise and good.

But while I endeavour to engage the attention of such persons, and, in sentiment, to keep company with the believer, I would fain strengthen the weak, confirm the wavering, recall the lapsed, and bring sinners from under the slavish dominion of vice into the light and liberty of the Saviour's kingdom. Sure I am, that what abuses or corruptions soever may have mingled themselves with the religion of Christ-whatsoever errors in belief or in practice may have been tolerated or defended by persons professing Christianity, it is, when rightly understood, the doctrine according to godliness,' promotive of peace on earth and good will towards men.

I do moreover derive much encouragement from the consideration that the cause which I have undertaken to defend is rational Christianity,that it is a system which addresses itself to the understandings and hearts of men. Did I intend to plead for the many contrarious doctrines which are daily held forth as parts of the Christian system, but which, nevertheless, Christ never preached,I should indeed suspect, that I had engaged in a