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 acc cordingly 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 reprisals, for its having fo long in"terrupted the pleasures of the world."

cr

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 purpofe 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.

* ii, Cor. xii. 15.

A 3

THE

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 Difcourses were written, and in the hearing of whom three of them were delivered.

a viz. part 2. 4. 5.

PART I.

DUBLIN:

Printed in the Year MDCCL.

[91]

THE

ANALOGY

OF

Divine Wisdom &c.

T

HIS knowing age, as it is called, has given frequent occafions to every one that has learning, to use it in defence of revealed religion. CHRISTIANITY is to be confidered two ways, as a fyftem of truths convincing the human mind, and a collection of precepts influencing human practice. The former of these must now be fupported by literature and -fkill in reafoning, the latter by upright conduct in the preachers and exemplary life: For miracles are ceased. The children of wifdom have both; and the is justifyed by them. But there are some who being unnatural children, and wanting the latter, find pleasure in endeavouring to deftroy the influence of chriftianity, by a wicked use of the former.

YE are they, who are principally concerned to oppofe them. Because education gives you fkill in the ufe of the weapon, which is to be employed in the combat. The writer of this book

# They who are not converfant in the fciences may do well to pass over the latter part of this ADDRESS.

is