Billeder på siden
PDF
ePub
[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][graphic][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]

Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1833, by Jonathan Leavitt, in the

Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Southern District of New-York.

WEST & TROW, Printers.

INTRODUCTION.

THERE is something in controversy which is calculated to awaken unhallowed passions, even when the object is professedly most remote from personal interest. Religious controversy is therefore in itself an evil, though it is often necessary. This discussion I hope to conduct with good will to my brethren, all of whom I respect, and some of whom are my personal friends. I consider it lawful to examine with freedom the soundness and even the fairness of their arguments, but not to extend my censure beyond the reasoning. I regard our dependence on divine efficiency as one of the sweetest doctrines of the Bible, and know it to be most deeply felt under the special effusions of the Spirit. Take from me my dependence on God, and I must despair. I consider too the honour of raising to spiritual life a world dead in trespasses and sins, as one of the brightest glories of the Godhead; and I have been grieved at my very heart to see this honour taken away. This has been the severest cut of all. These reasons for entering into this discussion will, I hope,

« ForrigeFortsæt »