PREFACE
TO THE FIRST EDITION.
The following pages contain the substance of a series of five lectures delivered in Boston, during the last autumn, at the request of several gentlemen. In preparing the work for the press I have enlarged on many subjects, which could be but slightly touched in a brief lecture. It was with much diffidence that I then gave my opinions to the public in that form; but considering the state of theological learning amongst us, and the frequent abuse of the name of Religion, I can no longer withhold my humble mite.
It is the design of this work to recall men from the transient shows of time, to the permanent substance of Religion; from a worship of Creeds and empty Belief, to a worship in the Spirit and in Life. If it satisfy the doubting soul, and help the serious inquirer to true views of God, Man, the Relation between them, and the Duties which come of that relation; if it make Religion appear more congenial and attractive, and a Divine Life more beautiful and sweet than heretofore—my end is answered. I have not sought to pull down, but to build up; to remove the rubbish of human inventions from the fair temple of Divine Truth, that men may enter its shining gates and be blessed now and for ever.
I have found it necessary, though painful, to speak of many popular delusions, and expose their fallacy and dangerous character, but have not, I trust, been blind to “the soul of goodness in things evil,” though I have taken no great pains to speak smooth things, or say Peace, Peace, when there was no peace. The subject of Book IV. might seem to require a greater space than I have allowed it, but a cursory examination of many points there hinted at
