"futation of Calvinifm" was announced. For the compofition of my Difcourfes I had availed myself of a feafon of comparative leisure, which more numerous and preffing parochial engagements have fince prevented from- recurring fo that, had it been my wish, it would hardly have been in my power, to devote due attention to the examination of any fresh publications. The truth however is, that it was not my wish to be indebted to fo recent a production; especially to one, which, from the exalted station and well-known character of the Author, might be expected to be received into general circulation. Although by earlier works, therefore, I have endeavoured to profit, without fcruple or reserve, (of which hope that this general acknowledgment will be deemed fufficient, if at any time I have omitted to specify my obligation,) I determined to deny myself the fatisfaction, for the prefent, of reading the "Refutation," that I might at once avoid both the temptation, and the suspicion, of being indebted to it. Perhaps it may be thought, that I fhould have acted a more prudent part, if I had declined my own attempt, on the appearance of the Bishop of Lincoln's work. Had I been apprised of his Lordship's undertaking at an earlier period, it is most probable that I should never have engaged in mine: or, when I first became acquainted with that undertaking, had not my Discourses been defigned for a specific purpose, and my intention of being a candidate for that particular appointment been declared, the work would then probably have been relinquished. After all, notwithstanding the publication alluded to, if I do not magnify the importance of the Inquiry, in which I have been occupied, I am willing to think that it may not be altogether ufelefs. The course of my fubject has led me to notice fome particulars, which can hardly have entered into a "Refutation of Calvinifm:" and even with respect to those, which are common to both inquiries, the more fuperficial examination of the Predeftinarian system, to which my limits and my abilities have confined me, may (by the bleffing of God) be not unprofitable to those, who have not opportunity for studying his Lordship's more elaborate production. I have only to add, that being defirous of comprising the whole of my observations in the body of the work, instead of throwing any part of them into notes, I found that moft of the following Difcourfes had run to a greater length than was adapted to the pulpit, and therefore shortened them in the delivery. Then faid one unto him, Lord, are there few that be faved? And he faid unto them, Strive to enter in at the ftrait gate: for many, God fo loved the world, that he gave his only- begotten Son, that whofoever believeth in In the last day, that great day of the feast, Je- He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath faid, out of his belly fhall flow rivers of liv- REGENERATION THE SPIRITUAL GRACE OF BAP- TISM. Jefus answered, Verily, verily, I fay unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the SERMON VII. |