PREFACE.

It is not the object of the present undertaking to discuss the Evidences, either of what is usually termed Natural Religion, or of Christianity.

It has been an oft confirmed observation of the author, that, previous to the consideration. of formal treatises upon the authority and obligations of any particular religion, to most men of vigorous and independent thought, in such days as these especially, there exists a numerous and serious class of hindrances, which it is proper first should be removed, before you can expect them to apply with any degree of vigour to the study of what seems involved in so much, and such repelling confusion.

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While the author of this little work craves permission to assume, in general, those elementary positions, of the existence of a supreme moral Governor, and that this life is a state of probation for another; he neither purposes to discuss the evidences of Christianity, nor to adduce any arguments which are peculiar to that revelation. Though he himself firmly believes it, and while he owns that it is his ulterior object to lead his readers to a similar conviction; yet, it is his present intention to discuss neither its evidences, its doctrines, its sanctions, nor any duties which are peculiar to it.

What he earnestly desires is, rather, to act as pioneer through the various difficulties which obstruct a free approach to that country, which is described, when reached, to be so tranquil and superior.

Feeling deeply for the pain of that state of universal scepticism, under which, in common as he supposes with most students of the present day, at the outset of their philosophical speculations, he himself once most unpleas

ingly laboured; which Bacon* so memorably describes; which Byron sought so unremittingly to inculcate; and which Mr. Stewart + so justly designates as a signal imperfection in the general characteristic of mind in the present day. Desirous, and even confident (to him who will vouchsafe these sheets a calm perusal), by removing some of the chief impediments which once embarrassed and perplexed himself, to clear the way for a more satisfactory and impartial view of the evidences of that religion, which, even the man who doubts it most, generally professes himself willing, if he was able, to believe; the author ventures to lay the following observations before the public.

They will, indeed, interest few, but such as have been in the habit of using their minds closely upon subjects of this kind; and there

Essay on Atheism.

+ Philos. Hum. Mind.-Introduction, Part ii. sec. 1. See also, chap. ii. of part ii. of this treatise, near the beginning.

fore it is not in the hope of an extensive circulation, but of usefulness rather, that they are committed to the press. It is not every man who is called to scrutinize the nature and evidence of things, in the way supposed throughout the following treatise; nor is it every man who is forced by his situation to feel the weight of difficulties and objections, which are here considered and prescribed for. It would indeed be an overwhelming presumption against the truth of any proposed revelation, if it imposed this on us all: the posture of mind, which is the object of this treatise, can only be that of a comparatively small portion of the community; though it is in these enlightened times, assuredly, an increasing one. In one part or other, however, of this not cumbrous treatise, it is hoped a solution is afforded of almost every specious of Religious Doubt, which is either commonly urged, or is peculiar to our times. Though no one chapter in particular may meet the whole exigences of any one case (for the modifications of doubt are so infinitely varied), yet, it

is hoped, that in the course of these explanations, full relief will be found somewhere. At all events, that the united effect of all, will be abundantly satisfactory to the sincere inquirer.

In the main body of the work, it is hoped that a sound and rational account is given of the causes which either indispose for, or hinder the conviction from, an examination of that evidence, which, notwithstanding all its attendant difficulties, has been deemed conclusive by such multitudes of the acutest, the best, and wisest.

In the Appendix, will be found a more particular solution of various objections, which either were not of sufficient importance to interrupt the general argument, or which seemed to require a separate and fuller discussion than would have been there proper.

Lists of Books will be also given there for the further prosecution of the chief points. And an Index will be subjoined, affording the means of ready access to any part required.