FOR PROFITABLY READING THE SCRIPTURES ;

A Dissertation on Faith and Works,
AN EXPOSITION OF THE COMMANDMENTS AND

LORD'S PRAYER;
A DISCOURSE UPON PRAYER;

AND AN

EXPLANATION OF TERMS USED IN DOCTRINAL WRITINGS

WHICH ARE NOT GENERALLY UNDERSTOOD:

INTENDED TO FACILITATE THE APPROACH TO THE LORD's
TABLE, AND TO IMPRESS UPON THE MIND OF YOUTH THE

IMPORTANCE AND THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS."

Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.”

EPHESIANS, c. 5, v. 10.

LONDON:
JOHN LETTS, JUN. 32, CORNHILL.

1824.

452

Printed by T. White, Johnson's Court, Fleet Street.

PREFACE.

1

1 1

1

Having been requested by a young and piously disposed friend to satisfy some scruples affecting the LORD'S SUPPER, I drew up the short treatise with wbich this book commences; when reflecting that its utility might be encreased by a few remarks upon some other important points, essentially connected with the main subject, I proceeded till the work was augmented to its present size. I then resolved to publish it, from long

and painful observation of the repulsive gloom which is too frequently attached to the (naturally joyful) character of the Christian Religion by superstition, and the appalling familiarity towards the Deity by which it is disgraced through enthusiasm ; whereby the weak and timorous are often deterred from their duty, while the sanguine and presuming are induced to trifle with it: extremes equally destructive.

The doctrine herein contended for is founded, I trust, upon the free spirit of the Holy Scriptures, in strict accordance with the opinions of the most eminent Fathers of the Christian Church, and with those of the majority of the most enlightened commentators upon the sacred texts; and I

PREFACE.

ship this is an humble attempt to promote, that his blessing may attend its effects, sanctify, and further the salvation of both the Reader and

THE AUTHOR.

March 23, 1824.