TO THE

RIGHT HONOURABLE

THOMAS LORD ERSKINE,

LORD HIGH CHANCELLOR.

MY LORD,

IF flattery be essential to a Dedication, I shall never write one: but in the present instance I have the satisfaction of believing that an attempt at adulation would be as disgusting to your Lordship, as I feel it would be unworthy the dignity of the subject of this volume, and degrading to me as a minister of the sanctuary. It would be easy to tell your Lordship that I admire your talents, and that the world admires them too: this would not be adulation; but it would be a tribute unconnected with the cause of Christianity, and I shall therefore wave it altogether. Permit me, then, to remind your Lordship, that you descend from an ancient and noble House, which piety has dis tinguished as well as rank; and that in various branches of your family, religion has shed a lustre more dazzling and more glorious than the radiance of nobility. Providence has placed your Lordship high in the sphere of society; and it is in your power to do much to serve the cause of revealed truth. With the confidence inspired by your public and admirable defence of Christianity; and with the affection kindled