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INTRODUCTION.

In presenting the following pages to the public, were any apology necessary, I would make it in the words of Professor Stuart to Dr. Miller. He says, p. 12, 13. of his Letters, "It is just as much our individual duty now, to bring every principle of the creed of the Protestant churches to the test of the divine word, as it was the duty of the Reformers to bring that of the Catholics to the test of Scripture. This position is absolutely certain; unless we can prove that the formers of the Protestant symbols were inspired. If they were not, they may have erred in some things; and if so, it is important to us, if possible, to know in what they have erred. But how shall we, or how can we know this, unless their creeds are subjected, anew and repeatedly, to the test of the Scriptures, &c.

"So long as we profess to be Protestants, and of course, profess to believe that the Bible is the sufficient and only rule of faith and practice, so long, if we act consistently, we believe in the symbols of faith which we receive, only because we find them supported by the Scriptures. It is not only lawful then to put them to the test; but it is an imperious duty for every man to do it, who is able to do it. There may be a show of modesty and humility in receiving what others have believed, without examination and without scrutiny; but in every case, where there is ability to investigate and bring to the Scripture test, a failure to do it must arise from undue regard to the authority of fallible men, or from mere inaction-from absolute sloth." &c. According to my ability I have endeavored to bring to the Scripture test three very important articles in the Protestant creeds. Other articles, particularly those noticed in Part 1. Section iv. intruded themselves in the course of my researches, and it was deemed proper to give them a due share of attention, being very closely connected with my subject.

may be thought by some, that if the things stated in Part i. Sect. 4. be true, the Second Part is a superfluous discussion; for it follows, of course, that endless punishment cannot be true. This we admit; but the texts where everlasting is applied to punishment, will not be given up by many as teaching endless punishment, until some rational Scriptural interpretation is presented, showing that their former views of them are incorrect.

I here can speak from experience; for I never would have relinquished the doctrine of endless punishment, unless I had come to see how such texts could be fairly explained as not teaching it. I have felt the power of such previous views on my own mind, and make allowance for others in the same condition. On this account, if my explanations of the texts where everlasting is applied to punishment be correct, the Second Part, so far from being superfluous, is highly necessary. Many of my former friends have wondered, how I could embrace my present views with such texts staring me in the face. One object with me, in the Second Part has been, to show, that I did not shut my eyes to these texts, but obtaining very different views of them, embraced my present opinions. Whether my present views be correct, they can now see and judge for themselves. If I have embraced error, they are requested to have the good

ness to correct it.

In the following pages, we have expressed our opinions frankly and sincerely, and appealed to the Scriptures as the test of truth. The author hopes, that the spirit in which his remarks are made can give offence to none. He has studied to avoid all harsh language, convinced that man's wrath can never work the righteousness of God. If he has in any instance turned aside from this path, he shall regret it much more than any of his readers, for his object is to convince, not to irritate. Should it be said, some of the opinions controverted are not held now by our orthodox brethren, nor durst any preacher avow them, without forfeiting his station. We are glad to hear of this, but doubt if it is generally true; and certainly, we have never heard, that any public disavowal of them has been made. If such opinions are not held now, why not publicly denounce them? For it will not be denied, that they have been held by Calvinists in past ages. At any rate, we would say, it has been far from our heart to misrepresent the opinions of our brethren.

Should any one reply to the following pages, the author begs leave to say, that it will be of no consequence to point out defects in his manner of discussing the subject, or, to show that he has misunderstood some texts which have come under his consideration. As to the first, had his time and avocations permitted, he might have rendered the work freer of defects. As to the last, though he has used all means in his power to interpret the Scriptures correctly, yet it would be surprising, if in no instance he had misunderstood the sacred writers: A reply merely bearing on these points, he will pass over in silence. But, he will listen with attention to whatever may be advanced. He will attend to argument and evidence drawn from Scripture, come from what quarter they may, whether stated in a good or bad temper of mind, If convinced he is wrong, he will be silent, but if not, he will claim the privilege of stating his reasons for his dissent. Who

ever undertakes to reply, we beg of them to give us proofs and not mere assertions, for what they may advance, and to pay particular attention also to what we have advanced in Parti. Sect. 4. To point out defects, without fairly meeting the grand points at issue will be considered no answer.

I make no apology for availing myself of quotations from various authors in the course of my remarks, for they are chiefly taken from writers whose religious creeds embraced the opinions controverted. None of them are taken from professed Universalists, for by most people their testimony would be deemed exceptionable, however well supported by evidence. The testimonies quoted in favor of my opinions, are from men competent to judge, and in high repute as critics and commentators among orthodox people. They are quoted, not to give sanction to my views by the weight and number of their names, but on account of the evidence which they produce.

In the present work, the strongest texts in favor of endless punishment are considered, and attention given them in proportion to the degree of stress laid on them in favor of this doctrine. In some instances, we have referred to our former Inquiry into the words Sheol, Hades, Tartarus, and Gehenna, for an illustration, which the reader will please consult. And in all cases, we hope the texts referred to, will be turned to and read, as they confirm or illustrate the sentiments advocated.

The author is deeply sensible, that the sentiments advanced are very unpopular, and will be condemned by many without a hearing. He is sorry for such persons on their own account; for this cannot stop the advance of light and knowledge in the present day, any more than sleeping all day can stop the sun in his course. If what I have advanced be true, it must prevail against all opposition, for great is the truth, and must prevail. sentiments are false, the sooner they are refuted, neglected, and forgotten, the better. If this can be done, it no doubt will be done, and to the doing of it we shall add our hearty amen.

If my

NOTICE TO THE THIRD EDITION.

In this third edition, a third part is added-" On the possessions of devils mentioned in the New Testament." Those who complained of the want of this, in the two former editions, will here find it supplied. This addition has considerably increased the size of the book, being unwilling to abridge the other parts to make room for it. We have seen no reason to change our opinions, or to alter them, and of course they remain in this as in former editions. All the difference is, we have somewhat abridged the introduction, left out a few sentences and words of no importance to the argument, and made a few verbal alterations in the phraseology. But these are of so little importance, that we deem them hardly deserving this brief notice. We hope the work is improved, and is rendered more perfect by the addition made to it. In this addition, the subject is discussed very briefly from what it might have been, for we deemed it most profitable to confine our attention to the argument from Scripture. By this test we wish our sentiments to stand or fall. If they are unscriptural, no person hitherto has attempted to refute them from the Bible. The attempt ought to be made soon, to benefit me, for I shall ere long go the way of all the earth, and be beyond either men's praise or their blame. What thou doest then "do quickly" for "there is no work, nor device, nor wisdom in the grave.”

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