reason, while creation and providence contain so many inscrutable mysteries? As well might I deny my own existence, and the being of a God, and a thousand other palpable and indubitable facts, as to reject any part of Revelation because I cannot comprehend it. Let us be thankful for reason, and careful to use it aright; but remember that it is the reason of a fallen creature, an enfeebled and depraved reason. Revelation is graciously afforded to us to enlighten and direct it, and should be regarded as superior to it. My reason I would carefully and submissively use in examining its evidences, and ascertaining its meaning; but, sensible of its fallibility and incompetency, I would earnestly solicit the illumination and guidance of the Holy Spirit.*

Upwards of thirty years I have entertained the above views, without seeing sufficient reason to relinquish them; although not always, as may be supposed, with my present distinctness and confidence. Nearly that time also have I been employed in teaching them to others; and

* However antiquated and enthusiastic the following observation by a pious writer may be esteemed by Socinians, I am not ashamed to acknowledge that it exactly expresses my views:-" The Spirit was promised to abide with the Church for ever (John xiv. 16); as for other purposes, so for a 'Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ,' Eph. i. 17; i. e., of internal revelation, opening the eyes of the understanding. Nor will you ever know the truths of Christ, and of the Bible, so as to feel the power, influence, and authority of them upon the heart and conscience, without internal revelation, and unless the Spirit open the eyes and heart."-Bennet.

I have only to regret that it has not been with greater earnestness and diligence. It is highly probable now, that in the belief of them I shall leave the world, having little expectation that anything will be advanced so new and striking, as will weaken convictions and impressions which the last ten years of my life, more especially, have contributed so strongly to confirm. I bless God that they yield me increasing satisfaction and comfort; and it is solely from the fullest conviction of the truth of the views above stated, and the deepest sense of their vast importance, that I have written what I have; and that in the nearest views of an eternal world.

Who can question whether such men as the Reformers, the Puritans, and the Nonconformists -a Whitefield, and a Wesley-were men called by God to the service appointed them, and were eminently fitted and succeeded by him? Is it equally indubitable that a Priestley, a Geddes, and an Evanson, were called, employed, and succeeded by him, and laboured as acceptably as they? When I contemplate such characters as a Leighton, a Howe, a Watts, a Doddridge, a Hervey, and a Fletcher, all of whom were formed under the influence of evangelical views of religion, and who, for ardent devotion, heavenlymindedness, communion with God, lively and active zeal, and glowing benevolence, as well as solidity of judgment, and strength of intellect,

have rarely been exceeded; I ask, what have the annals of Socinianism to compare with these? Can I then change for the better? May it ever be my prayer and my aim to follow closely after such Christian patterns in sterling piety, in personal holiness, and public utility; as I have no higher ambition than to be admitted into such company, and share in their felicity, when called to leave this world; for such are unquestionably with Christ and with his holy angels.

Let all who look for a millennial state of the Church, and hail the approach of so glorious a period, exert themselves to help forward the good cause, by a firm adherence to the truth, a bold profession of it, and a deportment answerable to it. Let no devices of the enemy prevail to subvert your faith, move you from the hope of the Gospel, and thereby destroy your souls. If you do not live to see that happy period, it will be an honour to have contributed in any measure to bring it about; and though you should be removed to the Church above, you will, doubtless, be acquainted with the Church below, hear of its increase, and rejoice in its prosperity and glory. Numbers will be continually coming from earth to the heavenly mansions, from whom we shall receive all necessary intelligence. Angels also, those "ministering spirits," will communicate whatever is interesting, and can add to our felicity. These means of information, respecting

the affairs of the Church on earth, will be open to the saints in heaven, provided they themselves have no personal communication with it. Some believe they also are ministering spirits. Of this, however, we know but little, but must patiently wait until we arrive at those blissful and delectable regions. "It does not yet appear what we shall be;" but we shall find, to our inexpressible joy, that "eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." 1 Cor. ii. 9. In the meantime, may we be stedfast in the truth, and press forward, "rejoicing in hope," till, through grace, we obtain the victory!

Before I conclude, I would earnestly recommend a serious attention to the following passages of the sacred word, both to such as have embraced Socinian opinions, and to such as may be wavering in their minds: "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Cor. ii. 14. "If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise." 1 Cor. iii. 18. "Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein." Luke xviii. 17. "Trust in the Lord

with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Prov. iii. 5, 6. "The meek will he guide in judgment, and the meek will he teach his way. What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.” Ps. xxv. 9, 12, 14. "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemeth good in thy sight." Matt. xi. 25, 26.

June 10, 1811.