Présentation de l'éditeur
It is scarcely necessary to write a Preface in order to explain the nature of the three Essays which constitute the following pages. They are in themselves so short, that a prefatory outline would nearly equal either of them in extent. I shall therefore merely remark, that the subjects are of sufficient interest to induce the attention of a few leisure moments; the reflections from which may possibly be found not to be altogether unprofitable to the reader. In this happy country, where all are permitted to think for themselves (that is, if they choose), without restriction from religious or sectarian prejudices, and to commit to the press their views on any subject that they may deem interesting to themselves or to others, no apology is necessary from the writer, though but a layman, for venturing on certain topics of inquiry, which to many, will appear altogether the property of the, clergy. Such, however, are not his sentiments. If of any importance, they are equally so to the laity as to the clergy: and if the former would more frequently enter on the consideration of congenial subjects, and in which all are alike concerned, it is probable that much of that theological enmity of ditferent sects of Christians now prevailing through the world, might be softened down and chastened, by dispersing the dogmas with which every sect abounds, and which, (the offspring of theological and ecclesiastical pride, from even the times of the apostles), have been the chief means of separating the Christian community, and splitting it into cliques and parties, unwarranted by Scripture. The laity, unfortunately, at all times, too ignorant, or too idle, to think seriously for themselves, have been satisfied to do that in spiritual, which they would not do in their temporal concerns, viz: to embrace every wild, vague, or enthusiastic notion, that their spiritual directors hav
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