of interested unmanly adulation. I have às little reason to fear censure on this account, as I have inclination to offend your Lordship's feelings, or insult your good sense. Truth shrinks not from trial by the public judgment. The honor, reflected upon your public conduct, by taking under your patronage our late distinguished advocate for Christianity, continues undiminished, from the abilities and the learning of his* Successor; who, fully persuaded of the truth and importance of Revelation, has evinced extensive research, unwearied industry and zeal, in defence of its authority, its claims and its doctrines, in his Key to the sacred volume, and in his other theological publications. Possessing, as he does, a mind active and ready for every good work, may he live long, * DR. GRAY, long, faithful to his charge, and happy in the situation, to which he was preferred by your Lordship upon the death of the author of these Sermons! the author-whose only avenue to your patronage was the result of his literary pursuits: for he used to remark, that, at the moment, when presented to this Rectory, he was a stranger, unconnected with and unknown to you; unknown, but by his writings. His writings will be long read with admiration and improvement. I appeal, in support of what I say, to his Evidences of Christianity, his Horæ Paulinæ, and his Natural Theology. I might adduce the clear arrangement, the acute and solid argument, the happy illustration, the impressive and appropriate diction, which mark the Character of those works-but the vigor of Paley's intellect, the extraordinary powers of his mind have no need of any testimony from me, or from any one, displayed as they are in the cause of morality and of religion, both natural and revealed. They speak for themselves. I am, with unfeigned regard, My Lord, Your Lordship's dutiful and most obedient servant, GEORGE STEPHENSON. Bishopwearmouths Feb. 8, 1806. xi On Purity of the Heart and Affections. 1 JOHN iii. 2. 3. Beloved, now are we the Sons |