PREFACEЕ. THE Author has given in the Introduction and Table of Contents to this work so full an exposition of the occasion of it, its objects, and his views, that he deems it unnecessary to say much by way of preface. A few brief remarks, however, concerning the supposed advantages of it, may not be unacceptable. He indulges the hope, then, that under a Divine blessing it may assist in removing the difficulties that naturally arise in thinking minds concerning sin and grace, the Divine government and the Divine grace; showing how the operations of God, both in the one and in the other, are compatible; that it may reconcile apparently discordant scriptures, particularly those addressed to the human will and human ability, with those that relate to electing mercy and efficacious grace ;-that it may show the proper ground of the exhortations and expostulations of Scripture; and the consistency of these, as addressed to sinners, with man's moral impotence, and God's sovereign purpose ;-that it may serve to unfetter the preacher in his announcement and enforcement of the gospel proclamation;-that it may prevent the sad abuse of those scriptures which relate to God's moral government of man on the one hand, and those which relate to his dispensation of sovereign grace on the other, by reason of the partial preference that is given by each party to one side of the question;— that it may render the sinner "speechless," when charged with unbelief;-that it may serve to promote union between pious Christians of different persuasions, as well as their satisfaction and comfort in reference to divine truth in general;-and that it may throw some light, at least, on the whole scheme of revelation, as well as on particular subjects; such as the distinction between the gospel dispensation and the new covenant to and with the spiritual Israel in Christ; also on baptism, the ministerial administration of the Word, parental duty, missionary enterprize, &c. ;-to sum up all in a word, that, as its object is to benefit Christians, so it may tend to the glory of God, both in reference to his government and his grace, both in his dealings with the world and with the church. Before the reader enters upon it, will he allow the writer to urge upon his attention two things: first, that he will attend to the advice of Solomon-" Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not to thine own understanding,"-looking to Him by whom "the eyes of the understanding are enlightened," by importunate and persevering prayer; and secondly, that he would give the subject, as a whole, an impartial and patient investigation. In reference to the latter, the writer may be permitted to remind the reader, that not only is it requisite to guard against prejudice, arising from an undue attachment to preconceived hypothesis, but also against that indolent satisfaction. with loose and incoherent ideas in regard to divine truth in which some indulge, under the supposition that investigation is fruitless. To such it may be useful to remark, as Solomon did, that "understanding is a well-spring of life." If it be so to the labourer and artificer, to the manufacturer and tradesman, to the literary and scientific, in worldly matters, it must be much more so to the inquirer after divine and eternal truth. The former "well-spring" will, sooner or later, dry up; the latter is inexhaustible and eternal: that affords only a human and earthly satisfaction; this, a divine and heavenly satisfaction. Should the writer have failed in his object, and be disappointed in the hope he has entertained of reconciling apparent discordances, and removing difficulties, let him not, however, be hastily charged with presumption; he has meant well; and he has been encouraged by the consideration that, although the wisest of men has taught us that "it is the glory of God to conceal a thing," yet, that the same inspired writer has immediately added, "It is for the honour of kings to search out a matter." As far as conducted by the light of revelation, he has made an attempt; and if he has failed, there yet remains to him and his reader the composing reflection, that “it is for the glory of God to conceal" whatever we cannot discover; and that we are further reminded, for our satisfaction, in the Divine Word, that God "holdeth back the face of his throne, and spreadeth his cloud over it ;" and that he is " a God that hideth himself." In the mean time, let both writer and reader rejoice that there is one "greater than Solomon," who will resolve all "our hard questions" in heaven; and in reference to all that is unrevealed, let both join in the devout exclamation of Paul the Apostle"Oh, the depth both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" The Author now commits this attempt to the consideration and candour of the church of God, under the direction, influence, and control of the great Head of that church. |