cule, against the sacred cause in which confessors and martyrs have nobly dared to die. Nor have there been wanting men of distinguished ability and zeal, to unravel the sophistries, and confute the objections of infidelity. Such writers as Campbell, Beattie, Paley, and Watson, have doubtless contributed, in no small degree, to confirm the minds of many in the belief of Divine revelation. But, while the out-works of our holy religion are so triumphantly defended, great numbers, it is to be feared, overlook its interior excellency! Hence it comes to pass, that while there is a general acquaintance with the leading facts. and moral precepts of the Gospel, its peculiar doctrines are unacknowledged, or, which is worse, branded with opprobrious epithets, and represented as the absurd opinions of some despised party of enthusiasts. The grand topic of the Christian dispensation is, salvation through the blood of Christ. The doctrines, which unfold this all-important subject, are not calculated to feed the pride of man, but to subdue and eradicate it. They point out the insufficiency and danger of every flimsey refuge of self-righteousness, and the necessity of an entire dependence on the grace of God, that no flesh should glory in his presence. Every one, who sincerely loves these doctrines, must earnestly desire to spread them. With this object in view, as the chief motive of his undertaking, the author has been induced to publish the following pages. His aim has not been elegance, but perspicuity of language. The reader of refined taste may discover many defects; but if the subject be felt of great importance, such defects will, he trusts, be covered with the veil of candour, or at least be considered as comparatively of little consequence. If, under the blessing of God, this little work should be the means of bringing one benighted, wandering soul to experience the excellency and value of the knowledge of Christ, or of confirming and consoling any that have already believed through grace, he will deem his feeble endeavours amply rewarded. It is the sincere wish, and ardent prayer of his heart, that every attempt to diffuse the Gospel and its blessings may be crowned with success by the great Head of the Church. CHAP. I. On the Perfections and excellencies of Christ. CHAP. II. Page 1 On the Need of Faith to an Experimental Acquaintance with the preciousness of Christ 19 CHAP. III. On what Accounts Christ is precious to those who believe 35 CHAP. IV. On the particular Seasons in which Christ is found especially precious to Believers CHAP. V. On the use of the Means which endear Christ to Believers CHAP. VI. On the Evidences of the Preciousness of Christ to us CHAP, VII. On the happy State of Believers, to whom 55 78 . 105 133 |