The writer of the following pages claims no Supe. riority to others, either in genius or learning; but he claims a right to judge for himself in matters of faith, and the sense of scripture, and presumes to exercise it - calling no man malter. He hath found the original scriptures, compared with the different translations, to be the best expofition. To these he early had recourse, and in this way formed an opinion of the meaning of sundry difficult pasages in the volume of truth. But comparing them afterwards with several expositions, perceived their meaning to have been mistaken, either by those writers, or by himself. As they did not convince him that his constructions were erroneous, he now of fers them to the public---Not as certainly devoid of error... He knows himself to be fallible.. but as the result of some at tention ; and as that which he conceives their most probable meaning. on the prayer of Moses to be blotted out of God's book---the wish of Paul to be accursed from Chrift, and the prevalence of infidelity before the coming of the Son of Man, he published a summary of his views, some years ago. By the advice of several respected literary friends, they are now corrected, enlarged and inserted. On the last of these he wrote a. D. 1785. Subsequent events tend to confirm him in the sentiments then entertained. Expositors generally consid. er the prayer of Moses and the wish of St. Paul to stand rea lated as expressions of the same temper, and argue from the one to the other. The author conceives them perfectly fore eign to each other, and totally mistaken by every expositor he hath consulted ; as alfo several of the other fcriptures on which he hath written. A hint dropped, some years ago, in conversation, by a respected father, * gave an opening to the writer, relative to one of the following subjects, and occasioned his writing, upon it. For the rest, he is conscious of having borrowed from no writer, except a few quotations, which are credited in their places. He doth not flatter himself that his conkructions of scripture will be universally received. Nor hath he a desire to di&tate to others, or a wish that his own views on. ly should see the light. The press is open to those who are otherwise minded. The author will read with pleasure, the different constructions of the candid and ingenuous. But should strictures of another description appear, they will be viewed with indifference, and treated with neglect. * Rev. Dr. Cogswell, of Windham.com imot On 2 Samuel xii. 12. Pace. THE Wisdom of God in the Means used to Propagate The Declensions of Christianity an argument of its truth, 33 LUKE xviii. 8.-When the Son of Man cometh fhall he find Abram's Horror of Great Darkness. CEN. XV. 12.--And when the fun was going down a deep leep fell upon Abram, &c. Divine Impartiality Confidered. Rom. ii. 11.--For there is no respect of persons with God. Moses' Prayer to be Blotted out of God's Book. 85 Exod. xxxii. 31, 32.-And Mofes returned unto the Lord, and said, Oh! this people have sinned, &c. The same Subje&t Continued. 96 St Paul's Wish to be Accursed from Chrift. 108 ROM. ix. 3.-For I could wish that myself were accursed from David's Sin in the Matter of Uriah. 123 2 SAM. xii. 13.---And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord, &c. The General Character of Christians. 140 GAL. V. 24. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its affections, &c. The Aggravated Guilt of him who delivered Christ to JOHN xix, 10, 11.-Then faith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me ? &c. The Trial of Peter's Love to Christ. 168 JOHN xxi. 15, 16, 17.-So when they had dined, Jesus faith to Gifts no Certain Evidence af Grace. i85 LUKE X. 20,--In this rejoice not that the spirits are subject Human Characters Determined only by Divine Decison. 200 I Cor. iv. 3, 4.-But with me it is a very small thing that I thould be judged of you, &c. Characters will be Disclosed and Justice Awarded. 211 1 Cor. iv. 5.-Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring, &c. God Willing that all Men should be saved. 224. Tim. ii. 4.–Who will have all men to be saved.-- Balak's Inquiries relative to the Service of God, and . . . Balaam's Answer briefly considered. ,240 MICAH vi. 6, , 8.-Wherewith shall I come before the Lord and bow myself before the high God ? &c. Confeshng Christ an Indispensible Duty, 256 11 Tim. ii. 12.–If we deny him, he will dény us. The Fear which terminates in the Second Death. 267 Rev. xxi. &.-The fearful--fhall have their part in the lake, The Ends of Family Institution, with Observations on MAL. ii. 15.-And did he not make one? Yet had he the resi- Parental Duties Considered and Urged---from the same The Blessing of God on Filial Piety. 302 JER. XXXV. 19.--Therefore thus faith the Lord-Jonadab, the son of Rechab shall not want a man, &c. The Character and Supports of Widows Indeed. 319 The Good Man Useful in Life and Happy in Death. 336 PSAL. Xxxvii. 37.—Mark the perfect man and behold the up- right; for the end of that man is peace. Departed Şaints Fellow Servants with those on Earth 344 Rev. xxii. 9.-I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren the The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions. 366 Col. ü. 8.-.-Beware lest any man spoil you through Philoso- The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished. 385 Mat. xxiii. 36.---Verily I say unto you, all these things shall |