proportion as they are satisfied that they themselves are true believers : nor have they the full assurance of hope, so long as they have any doubt concerning their own salvation.-Assured faith is every man's duty, to whom the gospel is proposed with suitable evidence; and accordingly every one is exhorted thus to believe: Heb. x. 22. But assured hope must be obtained and preserved by holy diligence, and cannot be the proximate duty of the impenitent, or even of the negligent. When the apostle “ stood in doubt" of the Galatians, and told them that he saw cause to do so, was it not their duty to stand in doubt of themselves ? But was it likewise their duty to question the truth of the gospel; or the power and willingness of Christ to save all that come to him?Certainly not.

The author having found much establishment in his own soul, even while passing through sharp conflicts and dark temptations, by attending to these distinctions; and having had the satisfaction of leading a considerable number of discouraged inquirers to establishment, and settled peace in the same way; cannot but earnestly recommend them to the candid attention of those who shall read this publication. He allows that a considerable measure of close thinking is requisite to obtain a clear and distinct view of such subjects: and that they are not much suited to the taste of a dissipated and sua perficial age, in which the church is not a little infected with the disease most epidemical in the world, and also that there are persons who are scarcely capable of such investigations. But for these very reasons it becomes the more incumbent on intelligent and better educated Christians, and especially on the pastors of the flock, to aim at proficiency in these studies. Clear ideas suggest perspicuous language: and the compact style of an argumentative discourse, when dilated in familiar conversation and constant instruction, may be rendered intelligible to plain people ; at least the most useful part will thus make its way into the minds of those who cannot understand the discourse itself. Finally, truth is worth all the labour of digging out of the mine, though it be deep: and they who havé leisure and ability should bestow pains to enrich their brethren as well as themselves; nor can the subject be better closed than with the following important passage : if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thy heart to understanding ; yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her 'as for hid treasures : then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom; out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding." Prov. ii. 1-6.

“ My son,

FINIS

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