fathom it ;-nor can we say that we have more to tell of the loving-kindness of the Redeemer, JESUS, IMMANUEL, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS; He is "the same yesterday, and to-day and for ever:" [Hebrews xiii. 8.] And so of THE HOLY GHOST, the Comforter; as GOD, He has all the attributes of Deity, He is unchanged and unchangeable, the Spirit, who, according to the promise of CHRIST JESUS, shall abide with the people of Gon for ever. [John xiv. 16.] In thus sending forth a Second Edition of THE CHRISTIAN'S PRIVILEGE, the Author is thankful for the assurance, which he has, in many instances, received, that it has been his privilege, by the will of God, to recall many Christians to a knowledge of true comfort to a sense of their blessings and privileges in CHRIST JESUS. And that which the LORD has done, we would fain hope He will yet be pleased to do, according to the riches of His mercy and grace. In some measure, he sends this little volume into the world, as an arrow from his quiver, and as far as man is concerned, he draws "his bow at a venture," but it is with him a subject of Prayer, that it may be seen that he has been permitted to draw from that quiver, whose "arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies, (such as unbelief, weakness of faith, despondency and distrust,) and "whereby they shall fall" under the feet of the Christian mourner, as vanquished enemies! [Psalm xl. 5.] He humbly trusts that he shall ONCE MORE be the honoured instrument of speaking "a word in season to him that is weary," or to call to a sense of their high and precious privileges, those who, through distrust, unbelief, or weakness of faith, walk in the valley of sorrows, and refuse to be comforted: in the midst of their trials, sufferings and chastisements, he would that they should now see and gladly acknowledge that this is the true testimony to be borne by all the children of GoD in all His dispensations towards them, "He led them forth BY THE RIGHT WAY, that they might go to a city of habitation:" and lastly, in the words which follow these, the Author can not but join in the devout wish of the Psalmist, "Oh! that men would praise THE LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness." Psalm cvii. 7-9. Woolley, near Wakefield, D. R. INTRODUCTION. It will not be to any advantage to the readers of the following pages, to know under what circumstances they were written; I shall therefore purposely omit any detail respecting them, which might or might not be found interesting to them: let it be sufficient for me to state, that they were drawn up for my own consolation, and with no ulterior design. Nor is there any reason for me to mention, why I have determined upon canvassing for them a share of the public attention; my chief reasons are such as become my Office, viz.: a desire to promote the glory of God; to vindicate His dispensations; to cheer and console His afflicted people. In these attempts, I have had three objects in view, i. e. I insist chiefly on these three points: I. The whole Bible being given to us by God, it is not to be received or read by us partially, or without self-application. II. Want of a lively faith in the promises of God, is a chief obstacle to the enjoyment of our privilege. III. These promises are the exclusive portion, and this faith, the sole privilege of the children of God. First-With what view do we read the histories of kingdoms and individuals? Is it not, that by their example we may profit; or by their experience understand? We take warning from their fall, we receive wisdom and encouragement from their success, knowing that the one is the fruit of rashness, impiety, and imprudence; the other, of godliness, integrity and caution; and surely, with this object it is, that histories are written. Who then shall say that the Scripture history, the history of the Old Testament especially, is superfluous, or negatively at least, by the neglect of it, to be considered so? Who will maintain that the doctrines and precepts of the New, and historical testimonies of the Old Covenant, are not to be received with equal reverence, or read with equal profit and advantage? "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."* Is it not also plainly declared, that the things which happened to the Fathers, "happened unto them for ensamples, and they are written for our admonition? This is indeed the express declaration of St. Peter, when speaking |