ADVERTISEMENT.

IF Paulinus's sentiments, finally embraced by Theron, and exhibited in the following LETTERS AND DIALOGUES, are agreeable to the holy Scriptures, there needs no apology for publishing them, at a time when the contrary errors so much prevail in the British dominions. And it is hoped, candid readers will easily excuse the mentioning by name some authors, in the contrary scheme, as they seem to be esteemed the best on that side of the question. If his sentiments are wrong, let some man of a clear head and friendly heart set him right, from the sacred oracles of truth. And it will be accepted, as well by him, as by the public, with the utmost gratitude. For these are points, in which our dearest, our spiritual and eternal interest is greatly concerned : And it is even of infinite importance, that we know the truth before it is too late.

'Should any thing be urged,' says Mr. Hervey (in the Preface to his THERON AND ASPASIO, 'forcible enough to overthrow my arguments, or

detect a mistake in my sentiments, the world may depend upon seeing a free and undissembled retraction. I shall look upon it as a duty which I owe to my conscience, to my readers, and to my God, publicly to acknowledge the errror.' And indeed, we who claim to be the ministers of Christ, are quite insensible to the honour of God, and to our own eternal interest, as well as to the eternal interest of our fellow-creatures; if we are not conscientiously concerned to advance and maintain the truth, and nothing but the truth. Wherefore, to the above-recited declaration of Mr. Hervey, the Publisher of these LETTERS and DIALOGUES, says, AMEN, with all his heart.

Note. As PAULINUS had some other books in view besides the two chiefly referred to; so THERON has sometimes introduced a text of scripture, an argument, &c. not contained in either of these books, and for which these two authors are not answerable.

T

SKETCH OF THE LIFE

OF THE

REV. JOSEPH BELLAMY, D.D. OF BETHLEM, CONNECTICUT.

(Extracted from MR. BENEDICT's Sermon at his Funeral.)

THE principal design of publishing memoirs of men, eminent in knowledge and piety, is the benefit of survivors, through the influence of example. With this view the following sketch is presented to the reader.

The Rev. Dr. Joseph Bellamy was born at New-Cheshire, in the county of New-Haven, of reputable parents, in the year 1719. His early days were devoted to literature; and at the age of sixteen years, he was graduated at Yale-College, in New-Haven. The course of his academical studies being finished, he retired from the University. And, from his private writings,*

• Among the Doctor's papers, is found a journal, containing an account of his life, religious exercises, &c. which he had kept a number of years, for the assistance of serious reflection in his own breast.

which were begun about this time, it appears that it was not long after his removal from NewHaven, before he became the subject of those serious impressions, which we have abundant reason to believe issued in a saving conversion.

From this period he consecrated his talents and studies to the evangelical ministry. At about the age of eighteen, he passed the usual examination before the Association of New-Haven county, and received their recommendation as a candidate for the gospel ministry. He preached in several congregations with good acceptance and success: But a distinguishing blessing attended his ministry to the people of Bethlem, in the town of Woodbury. A large proportion of this infant society appearing to be awakened to a becoming sense of religion, the congregation, though small, could by no means be reconciled to part with the man, by whose ministry so many of them thought they had been conducted to a saving knowledge of the truth. After much deliberation, prayer and consultation with his fathers in the ministry, he determined to accept their call; and was accordingly ordained to the gospel ministry, and the pastoral office over the church in Bethlem, in the Spring of 1740. In this retirement from the world, he devoted himself, with uncommon ardour, to his