and arguments which I have stated, are founded on the word of truth, and, therefore, utterly incapable of being refuted.

In conclusion, I frankly and fully forgive all who have called my principles in question. Had I not been aware, that their remarks were likely to do some injury to Christ's holy Church, by their influence on those who probably have not thought very deeply on the subject, or who have been so far deceived by names, as to mistake for Christian graces, what the sacred Scriptures teach us to look upon as the offspring of the carnal mind; I certainly should have heard with patience and in silence, all that could have been uttered or insinuated against me. As it is, I have the satisfaction to know and to feel, that I have been prompted by nought of malice or party spirit, but wholly by a regard for the sacred doctrines and institutions of our blessed Lord, in all that I have written on this very important subject.

NOTES.

IN the following Notes, various doctrines are compared with the Divine word, and with each other. This is done, certainly not with the view of provoking controversy, but for the purpose of enabling the members of the Church to understand distinctly, some of the points of faith on which they essentially differ from other religious communities; and be able to give a reason, why they cannot unite, in things spiritual, with any of the various denominations around them. Episcopalians speak, and even pray, against divisions and schisms; and, therefore, they ought to be able to state distinctly, why they continue separate from the Presbyterians, on the one hand; and from the Roman Catholics, on the other. It is quite a mistaken notion, that the sole cause of this is to be found in the mode of Church government. Such is not the case. The separation is maintained on account of doctrinal differences also; and these, too, of so important a character, that no one, who has the least regard for consistency, or any correct notion of the importance of Evangelical truth, can treat them with indifference. It is often thoughtlessly asserted, that in essential doctrines, all are agreed. This is not true;

and such assertion, if not made in utter ignorance of facts, must be adduced with the view of checking inquiry, or of deceiving the unwary. Every doctrine of the Gospel is essential; and, as far as can be gathered from Revelation, the reception of every doctrine of the Gospel is essential to the due preparation for the happiness which Christ has purchased for the world. impossible to embrace two different systems of doctrine at the same time; and, consequently, it must be impious to draw near to God, either with a double mind, or in support of a system, of which the worshipper does not conscientiously approve.

It is

In stating any doctrine or opinion held by those who do not belong to the Protestant Episcopal Church, no comment shall be offered. It is not the object of this treatise to attack the doctrines of any man or any party, but simply to state them; and also to state the reasons which prevent Episcopalians from embracing them. This is necessary, in order that the Episcopalian may be able to vindicate his conduct in keeping aloof from one and all of the religious communities around him. Were a Presbyterian, for example, to ask an Episcopalian, why he did not join the communion of the Kirk of Scotland; the Episcopalian is, in a manner, called on to give a reason. The same would be the case, were a Romanist to ask him, why he had thrown off his allegiance to Rome. Now, although it might be sufficient to reply, in general terms, to the former, that Episcopalians cannot, in a solemn manner, sanction a

creed, whose fundamental articles appear to them to be at variance with the word of God; and, to the latter, that they could never agree to the Romish doctrines established by the decree of the Council of Trent; still it would be proper that every Episcopalian be prepared to state particularly, some of the Presbyterian doctrines, which appear to him to be so at variance with the word of God, as utterly to prevent him from embracing them; and also, some of the articles of the Romish creed, against which the faithful member of the Church Catholic, considers it his duty decidedly to protest.

In the following Notes, therefore, the doctrines of both the Presbyterians and Romanists are stated, in the words of their authorized Formularies; and in the opposite column, some of the Scriptural texts are inserted, which appear so conclusive, as to prevent the Episcopalian from embracing the doctrine under review; or the doctrine of the Church of England is shewn, by being placed in juxta-position to that maintained by the opposite party. The Notes, therefore, contain matters of fact; not subject of controversy.

NOTE A.

Holy Scripture has been so expounded, that one part of it becomes repugnant to the other."