which perhaps ought to be mentioned, that copies of the first edition were put into the hands of several intelligent sceptics in all but a single case the individuals expressed a favourable change in their views, either in relation to the truth and authority of the dispensations proper of Moses and Christ, or of the exclusive adaptedness of the Christian dispensation to meet all the spiritual wants of

men.

In the reviews of the book, the final conclusion derived synthetically, by combining the results produced by an analysis of the different propositions examined, is not noticed so fully as some other features of the work. The book is a series of independent demonstrations, the results of which accumulate to the conclusion, that the Christian religion is necessarily the only religion possible to meet the spiritual wants of mankind.

In arriving at this conclusion, the different parts and processes of revealed religion are examined, and their adaptedness to perform their several functions in elevating, purifying and actuating the human soul to benevolent effort, is determined, and, finally, the practical operation of the system is shown, as a matter of undeniable experience, to produce the complete and necessary result required.

By this method the conclusion is brought out with a degree of accuracy approaching, if it does not reach, mathematical demonstration, that the truths and manifestations of the Christian religion are adapted to carry forward man's moral powers to their ultimate development— that the power applied fills the capacity of the human soul. -As 4 is contained in 12 three times, and as 12 is the only number in which 4 is three times contained: so the capacities and susceptibilities of the human soul being given, and the power and adaptations of revelation being ascertained, the result is obtained (may it not be said with mathematical certainty) that Christianity, as taught by the interpretation and experience of evangelical Christians, is the true religion, and the only religion possible for human nature.

CONTENTS.

CHAP. I.-Man will worship-he will become assimi-

lated to the character of the object that he wor-

ships Character of heathen deities defective and

unholy-From this corrupting worship man has

no power to extricate himself,

CHAP. II.-Concerning the design and necessity of

the bondage in Egypt,

CHAP. III.-Concerning Miracles-particularly the

miracles which accompanied the deliverance of

the Israelites from bondage in Egypt,

CHAP. IV. Concerning what was necessary as the

first step in the process of Revelation,

.

CHAP. V.-Concerning the necessity of affectionate

obedience to God; and the manner of producing

that obedience in the hearts of the Israelites,

CHAP. VI.-Concerning the design and necessity of

the Moral Law,

CHAP. VII.-Concerning the idea of the origin of

holiness, and its transfer to Jehovah as an attri-

bute,

CHAP. VIII.-Concerning the origin of the ideas of

justice and mercy, and their transfer to the char-

acter of Jehovah,

9

25

30

42

45

52

57

67

CHAP. IX.-Concerning the transition from the ma-

terial system, by which religious ideas were con-

veyed through the senses, to the spiritual system,

in which abstract ideas were conveyed by words

and parables,

CHAP. X.-Concerning the medium of conveying to

men perfect Instruction in doctrine and duty,

CHAP. XI.-Concerning some of the peculiar proofs

of the Messiahship of Christ,

CHAP. XII.-Concerning the condition in life which

it was necessary the Messiah should assume, in

order to benefit the human family in the greatest

degree, by his example and instructions,

CHAP. XIII.-Concerning the essential principles

which must, according to the nature of things, lie

at the foundation of the instruction of Christ,

CHAP. XIV.-Concerning faith, as the exercise through

which truth reaches and affects the soul,

103

CHAP. XV.-Concerning the manifestations of God

which would be necessary, under the new and

spiritual dispensation, to produce in the soul of

man affectionate obedience,

CHAP. XVI.-Concerning the influence of faith in

Christ upon the moral disposition and moral

powers of the soul,

CHAP. XVII. Concerning the design and importance

of the means of grace-prayer-praise-preach-

ing,

CHAP. XVIII.-Concerning the agency of God in

carrying on the work of redemption, and the

manner in which that agency is exerted,

CHAP. XIX.-Concerning the practical effects of the

system as exemplified in individual cases,

112

146

167

183

188

PHILOSOPHY

OF

THE PLAN OF SALVATION.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTORY.

MAN WILL WORSHIP-HE WILL BECOME ASSIMILATED TO THE CHARACTER OF THE OBJECT THAT HE WORSHIPS-CHARACTER OF HEATHEN DEITIES DEFECTIVE AND UNHOLY-FROM THIS CORRUPTING WORSHIP MAN HAS NO POWER TO EXTRICATK HIMSELF.

THERE are three facts, each of them fully developed in the experience of the human family, a consideration-of which will prepare the mind for the investigation which follows. When considered in their relation to each other, and in their bearing upon the moral interests of mankind, they will be seen to be of exceeding importance. We will adduce these facts, in connection with the statements and principles upon which they rest, and show how vital are the interests which depend upon them.

B