A DISCOURSE OF THE GROUNDS and REASONS OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION. In two Parts: The first containing fome CONSIDERATIONS To which is prefix'd an Apology for free debate and Who bath alfo made us able Minifters of the New Teftament, Omnia a MOSE ordinata enumerans, oftendere poffem figu- HIERON. Oper. tom. 3. p. 54. c. 6. in ISAIAM. LONDON MDCCXXIV. PREFACE ΤΟ ΤΗΕ READER: CONTAINING, An Apology for Mr. WHIS- T HE title of my book, and the contents, which I fhall place at the end of this preface, will fufficiently explain the subject and method thereof, and make all further : preliminary to thofe ends needlefs. But But it may not be improper to endeavour to prevent a misconstruction and false inference, which the fecond part, which more particularly concerns Mr. WHISTON, may perhaps occafion. It is very poffible, that in oppofing the opinions of that ingenious and learned gentleman, I may be undefignedly inftrumental in raifing up against him the paffions of fome readers; who may think, that the opinions he maintains, are fuch, as should not be allow'd to be advanc'd or defended; and that he ought to fuffer in his perfon or fortune for maintaining them. Wherefore, to clear my own intention, and to prevent, as far as I can, fuch thoughts in my readers minds against my adverfary, I will here offer a few particulars by way of apology for his liberty of writing; which, in my opinion, is not only justifiable in itself, but highly becoming a Man, a Chriftian, and a |