the scripture testimony, that Jesus Christ died for our sins, and rose again for our Justification, are happy in that Truth; without once inquiring into the equity thereof, or ever thinking it necessary so to, do. The reality, of their peace, I will not pretend to deny,, as they believe the Facts, which the gospel relates, and proposes, as the Joy and Peace of Mankind. But yet, the necessity of examining the equity thereof, remains; as is evident, first from the scriptures treating so plentifully of it: To deny the necessity of attending, to which teaching, would be the highest arrogance. Again, though they may hitherto have escaped the temptation within and the argument of such without, who walk enemies to the Cross of Christ; yet it proves not, that they shall always escape: therefore it is necessary, they should, from the faithful apprehension of their union with Christ, be so rooted, and groun ded in Love, that their Joy may abide, and no man take it from them. Again,

it is necessary, that knowing God, they may glorify him as God, who, being infinitely glorious, and exalted, in all the perfections of his Nature, hath in this gracious plan, most wonderfully exhibited that Divine harmony, which to man,, is so rich a proof of his unity.

As to my talking so much of Christ,, his person, and excellencies, my continual endeavour to point him out, as the Way, the Truth, and the Life; I hope, even such who would be thought the guardians of true godliness, will bear with me a little, when I give them my reasons for so doing. First, I am under very great obligations to Him, which coming to light every Day, more and more, constrains me to speak of him, and to esteem. Him very precious. Again, I may be excused a little, because testimonies of this nature, are very rare: whilst Moses, hath them who preach Him, every* sabbath Day, in every synagogue. And whilst most of the publications on Divinity, are now entitled Practical; as

the Daily Advertisements bear witness, (then which, there is nothing according to my Apprehension, more fully proves the decline of real Christianity) I hope so insignificant a person as I, may be indulged with saying somewhat of Jesus Christ. The Phrase Practical, when applied to Divinity, seems to be made use of, in direct opposition to Christ; and that, which immediately treats of him: as though, he was dry Theory, a Fable, or an Idle speculation only. Will it be answered, that the wickedness of the age, is such, as renders it needful to write, and preach, practically as called. Is not this giving up the cause to the enemy, and a tacit acknowledgment, that the Article Christ is insufficient? Yea, that this Article rather tends to corrupt mankind, and promote bad morals; or indeed to say thus: fain would we reform the world, we have used all means to do them good, we have tried Christ, we have preached, and wrote of him, but he would not do: He only made

all things worse, how can he be of God, whose Disciples break the Sabbath Day? &c. we are therefore obliged to lay him aside, and betake ourselves to the Law of Moses, with other good rules, which pious Men have planned; and by insisting upon their living up to those (promising salvation unto such who do; and threatening. all that do not, with Eternal Damnation), we hope to stem the torrent of vice, and turn mankind into the paths of virtue and piety.

Have your inventions answered the End intended; are they more reformed, then they were in the days of the Apostles, who made it their business to preach, a crucified Jesus? where is the Church, or society of Christians now, who attain to this Character,. The multitude of them that believed, were of one heart, and of one soul, neither said any of them, that ought of the things which he possessed, was his own, but they had all things common? Acts iv. 32. This was effected by the simple

testimony of Jesus, his death, and resurrection; the people were then taught, that they were the body of Christ in particular,` and members one of another. Whereas, the more modern doctrines, have taught mankind, to respect each other as Aliens, each esteeming of himself, better then another; imagining he has property, distinct from his brother, yea even in spirituals; he looks on his own things, and not on the things of another. Thus, the modern doctrines, and traditions of men, are calculated to promote self-love, spiritual pride, bigotry, and hatred of each other, instead of love. Therefore is it, that the Morals of Mankind, are as bad, as ever, notwithstanding the necessity, and benefit of holiness, and good works, is daily sounded in their ears. And even amongst the reformed, as they would be thought, is there not envying, strife, contention, backbiting, evilspeaking, whispering, uncharitableness, the putting forth of the finger, revenge, inhumanity, with every