I

T may be proper previously to acquaint the Reader, that whereas this Book bear

ing a Title fimilar to one of high estimation published on the same subject fome years paft, raises a fufpicion that the matter of it may be borrowed thence; they who will read both, can see little foundation for fuch an opinion. Analogy is copious, and may afford matter for more Books than one.

Inafmuch as the three Parts formerly published are entirely preferved in this Book, the fhort address also prefixt to them shall not be omitted.

The ADDRESS prefixt to the three PARTS formerly published, viz. Parts 2. 4. 5.

Christian Reader,

Tbeing part of the labours of one, whe HE following Difcourfes upon Analogy,

wishes well to Chriflianity, that is, to Mankind, who, be hopes, will all, fome time profess it in purity; be takes this method of laying fome of those important Truths before you, in the belief and practice of which he himself hopes for eternal life, and beartily wishes you the fame reward, by the fame means. Let not the form in which they appear difguft you, upon account of the commonness of it. Had they been intended for this public ufe at first, they should have had another dress: But the materials which have been once thrown into the form of an edifice, cannot eafily be taken down, and be again compiled in

a new difpofition, without much trouble, not perhaps without fome detriment. The thor has only one request to make, that you patiently read; and if the Grace of GoD along with your Studies, and bis labours; intention in the publication is anfwered, as this world; and he hopes to share with you in eternal reward, which is to be enjoyed in anoth

¿

Thus much the Author thought proper write at that time; but having fince adde confiderable number of Analogies, it fee prudent to offer fomething to the reader co cerning the prefent enlarged volume.

Popular fame concerning authors and boo which often anticipates the publication, rai by the art of editors, and the affiduity of the friends, is never raifed in favour of performa ces concerning the purity and fubftance Christianity. But the contrary of this, whi is lamentable, fometimes prevails, and a fort diftafte precedes publication, or very foon fo lows it. And which is ftill more lamentabl they who enjoy the temporal emoluments christianity in great opulence, fometimes co tribute to it: The Author of this boo is very little concerned about the share of di

grace, which may fall upon him in this refpec having always acted, and intending ever to d fo, upon a nobler principle, than that paltry on of popular fame. But he is really concerne for any difgrace that may affect his book. Be caufe being perfwaded of the truth of the fub ject matter himself, he heartily wishes, it may have proper influence upon others.

The

The writer of that excellent book, from which an opinion already prevails, that this is borrowed, (but which can only be the opinion of those who do not read) has told us, that "It is come to be taken for granted by many "perfons, that Christianity is not so much as a fubject of inquiry, but that it is now at length discovered to be fictitious: And accordingly they treat it, as if, in the present « age this was an agreed point, among all people of difcernment; and nothing re"mained, but to fet it up as a principal fubject of mirth and ridicule, as it were, by way of reprifals, for its having fo long in"terrupted the pleasures of the world."

It is with real grief this paffage is borrowed from fo judicious an author, and were his difcernment lefs, it should not be quoted. His ftation intitles him to know mankind, and his probity will not allow us to doubt the truth of what he relates. He has laboured to good purpose to revive a sense of religion, in those who will have patience to examine things fairly, and this book is meant to carry on his excellent defign. If it does in any degree promote that, the author will never repent his pains and expence, who will very gladly spend and be spent for the fake of the truth of Chriftianity, tho the more abundantly he loves it, the less he be lov ed by men.

ว

* ii. Cor. xii, 15.

THE

A 3

THE

ANALOGY

OF

DIVINE WISDOM,

Between the DIFFICULTIES and MYSTERIES of the SCIENCESS

In the Form of an

ADDRESS

Moft humbly offered

To the TEACHERS and STUDENTS In all SEMINARIES of LEARNING,

For one of whom efpecially, the following Dif courses were written, and in the hearing of whom three of them were delivered.

a

a viz. part 2. 4, 5·

PART I.

DUBLIN:

Printed in the Year MDCCL.