The Conclusion.

ON looking over the foregoing pages, it will not be difficult to discover, that many striking arguments which have been already advanced, in support of particular doctrines, are omitted. It has not been intended to say all that has been said by others, nor all that might be said. The mind, sincerely disposed to come to the knowledge of the truth, will rarely, if ever, require the whole body of evidence which might be produced.

The object of all arguments-of all the labors of instruments, should be, to bring mankind to that divine principle, which was promised-"to lead us into all truth." When men are thus brought to an acquaintance with this divine Intelligence, they can adopt the language that was used to the woman of Samaria: "Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world." John 4. 42. Hence, the messengers of the gospel have nothing to claim to themselves, and their only rejoicing is in the prevalence of that power, which will be exalted over all.

I am aware that nothing can be written to meet the views of all. And consequently, objections from some quarter or other, are to be expected, against whatever may appear, on doctrinal subjects. But though I anticipate this result-though in the present state of the world, it it next to an impossibility to be otherwise-yet I have felt, and still feel, an earnest desire, to cut off all occasion of offence. 1

intreat the forbearance of those, who at first view, may not see the propriety of the course I have taken, or the doctrines I have vindicated. All the advantages of that patient and candid examination of the subject, will be their own.

Should any have remarked that I have not made the Trinity nor the Atonement, subjects of distinct articles, and be dissatisfied with the supposed omission, I would observe: That a belief in God, and his divine attributes, is evident throughout the whole work; and did not appear to me to require a particular article; seeing also, that this first principle of religion, is universally believed. The Divinity of Jesus Christ, together with his appearance in the flesh-and the benefits which all men have derived from what he did outwardly, and may derive from what he does inwardly, is fully acknowledged in an article devoted to that purpose: and also in several other articles, which are nominally on other subjects. The Holy Spirit, and its presence and operation in the hearts of men, according to the precious promises of our blessed Lord, are acknowledged in the article on Immediate Revelation, and in divers other parts of the work. I have therefore chosen to follow the example of the Holy Scriptures, or the holy men who were inspired to write them, in leaving the subject on this general ground, rather than to imitate those speculative theologists, who, attempting to explain the Divine Nature and its mode of subsistence, have involved themselves in endless difficulties.

In relation to the Atonement, I have been governed by similar feelings. Having stated our belief, that Jesus Christ, by his coming, and what he did and suffered, HAS placed all men in a capacity to be saved, and that by his Spirit and power in

our hearts, He is offering us complete redemption and salvation-I have considered it improper to pry into the secret counsels of Almighty God-and pretend to tell why, and how He prepared the means of redemption which He did.

These reasons, I hope, will satisfy the candid, inquiring mind, who does not desire to push its inquiries beyond what God is pleased to reveal.

I cheerfully subscribe to the belief, that true piety and acceptance with God, are not confined to any name or profession of religion: and it would be very far from my intention, to wound the feelings of any of those pious christians, who are to be found under different denominations. I wish however, to invite their attention, impartially to the doctrines on which we differ.

We, as intelligent and accountable beings, are placed here in a state of probation, for a few fleeting days. The great object is, to please God, and obtain an inheritance among them that are sanctified. We are therefore bound to examine ourselves and the the principles by which we are governed--for we shall all, & individually, be judged according to our works, and the means of improvement bestowed upon us.

But after all, if the zealous of other denominations, should still believe that they derive comfort and advantage, from the use of certain ceremonies, which we have believed it right to avoid; as these ceremonies are regarded, by those who use them as instrumental means, and not as the only media, through which the various operations of Grace are experienced, it is reasonable to hope they will conclude, that these operations are not less efficacious when carried on by the the immediate power "of an endless life," than any feelings or affections, which can be excited by instrumental means. The apos

tle says, The love of God was shed abroad in their hearts, by the Holy Ghost, which was given them. And if this love is brought into its just pre-eminence in us, it can be no objection that it is by the immediate operation of the Holy Spirit.

There are some practices, however, among the professors of christianity, which we do not consider in the character of ceremonies. Such, for instance, is the practice of War and Slavery. And if those whose education has reconciled them to these things before their judgments were sufficiently matured, to draw correct conclusions, should not find their own minds prepared to abandon them-will they not be so charitable, or rather, so candid, as to agree, that our principle and practice, in relation to these subjects, are not without foundation?

The Society of which I am a member, have strong claims on my solicitude. "When it pleased Almighty God, to open the understandings of our forefathers, & call them to be a separate people," He permitted their faith to be proved by persecution, and by many sore trials. Yet his Arm of power was underneath and round about them: and no weapon formed against them could prosper. To them was fulfilled the promise, that "all things should work together for good," for the very means which were taken to crush them, being over-ruled by Him who has all power, not only contributed to bind this persecuted little band together, furnishing occasions for the exercise of the most tender sympathy and brotherly affection, but even became subservient to the spreading of the gospel. But now, the storm of persecution is over. The profession involves, comparatively, very little sacrifice. But still we have to contend with the same unwearied enemy: and the warning given to Peter, seems to be applicable in

the present day: "Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat." Luke 22. 31. In the time of suffering and distress, there was much to arrest the mind in its pursuit of perishable objects, and drive it to seek for refuge in that strong tower, into which the righteous run and find safety. But in the sunshine of prosperity, when every thing is smiling around us, there is peculiar danger of being lulled into a state of security, and of being separated from that preserving Power, by which alone we can stand against the secret wiles or open assults of the enemy. The relief from persecution and the outward prosperity we now enjoy, are among the favors of our Heavenly Father. If, in the possession of these multiplied blessings, our hearts should become alienated from Him who gave them-if we should "worship and serve the creature more than the Creator," the consequences must be of an awful nature. By the deceitful objects around us, we may be drawn from that state of watchfulness, which our Lord enjoined upon "all," and thus lose that deep and humbling, sense of our dependance upon Him, and that feeling of his love, which constitute the safety and the enjoyment of the true christian. Thus separated from the only source of preservation, we become exposed to dangers on every hand. Let us therefore keep close to first principles, and build on that foundation, on which the prophets, apostles, and our worthy predecessors were established, and against which every storm, through past ages, has beaten in vain. The testimony of the apostle will remain true through all succeeding generations: "God is Light, and in him is no darkness at all." And "if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another,& the blood of Jesus Christ his Son, cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1. 5, 7,

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