praise, than that of a sincere advocate of what is holy, and just, and good. He is, indeed, rejoiced to acknowledge obligation. to some very near and dear friends, for assistances in his Work, of many kinds: but he knows of none, on account of which any apology is due from him to the general reader. In deference to the kind and disinterested counsel of some friends in the University, whose judgment he esteems most highly, he has omitted some passages of considerable length, which were delivered from the pulpit; and thrown others into the form of "notes," which may be either read, or passed over, without much interruption to the general subject. A very few passages have been inserted here, which were omitted in delivery on account of time; but scarcely a word has been added to the manuscript from which the Lectures were preached. Such verbal and other corrections also have been made, as might prevent the charge of wilful carelessness. With these exceptions, the Lectures now presented come forth as they were spoken. The Author only desires to express farther, his grateful sense of that good opinion of his intentions, which procured him his appointment; and of all personal kindness experienced by him during the discharge of his office, CONTENTS. Introductory View of the Condition of a native Christian. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known Prefatory considerations on the fact, that Scripture is committed to us as the guide unto salvation, in con- nection with the state of men's average capacity for re- ceiving its external evidences. Picture from real life hereupon. Necessity of some general conviction, to over-rule the importunities of "inquiry." Illustration of" implicit faith." Argument for it from the need of the case. Objections to it. Vindication of it. Sub- ject of the Lectures proposed. External evidences pre- supposed to be complete. Topic of the Lectures not unsuitable even to the learned. Importance of looking The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ. Modal differences of the Law and the Gospel, but sub- stantial unity. This illustrated-from the essentials of For we walk by faith, not by sight. 1. Necessity of faith, as a primary and distinct prac- tical principle. 2. True estimate of the condition of unbelievers. 3. Right apprehension of the Old, as well as of the New Testament. 4. Consistent under- standing of the present agency of Providence in the events of the world around us. Contrast between spe- For he knew what was in man. Situation of the believer implicitly confiding in Scrip- |