BY ASA M'FARLAND, A. M. «Remember the days of old; consider the years of MOSES. Copy-Right entered agreeably to Law. CONCORD: FROM THE PRESS OF GEORGE HOUGH Sold at his Book-Store, in Concord; and at the Book. 1806. S Preface. THE design of the following short Trea tise, was suggested to the Author on reading Dr. Jamieson's excellent Vindication of the doctrine of Scripture, and of the Primitive Faith, concerning the Deity of Christ. It occurred to him, that but few, except scholars and professional men, would become acquainted with that learned work; at the same time, he thought it might be a mean of establishing some in the orthodox faith, when they are informed how the primitive Christians viewed and treated certain sentiments which have been revived in the present.age.. He has availed himself of some of the many quotations which the above mentioned writer has taken from the Fathers, together with the testimony of Du Pin, and other more modern historians. He presumes not to aver, that he has been perfectly accurate as it respects the dates of events which he has brought into view, nor that the style and manner of writing will bear the strictest criticism. In this respect, he pleads the candor and indulgence of those into whose hands this may fall. Thus far he does not hesitate to declare, that he has not intentionally misrepresented any fact, nor given any undue coloring to the opinions of others. As far as he has given his own opinion, or offered reasons to establish a particular system of doctrine, he asks no other indulgence than this, that his opinions and arguments be ex-amined in the light of the Gospel.. Some, who have been accustomed to consider religion as consisting in the exercise of a pretended charity which confounds truth and error, will consider it as very illiberal to advance any decisive opinion respecting Heresy. This will indeed be consistent with their views of the nature of charity; for if the sentiments which men embrace will have but small or no influence in determining their character and moral state, or if it be of no material consequence to men what they be-lieve, there is no such thing as a Heresy which tends to destroy the soul.-Let it be remembered, however, that this conclusion is in opposition to express Scripture declaration. We are assured, that there is Heresy which destroys the soul. Christians are forewarned, to expect Heresies from age to age. They are told how they are, to conduct towards Here-tics. They are to consider those who obstinately adhere to errors which pervert the nature and moral tendency of the Gospel, as having forfeited the character and privileges. of Christians; and to separate from them, and have no Christian fellowship with them.. As it is our duty to judge in ourselves what is right, it cannot be unreasonably bold to offer an opinion respecting Heresy, and to advance reasons for the support of that opinion. Besides, one may safely declare, on proper authority, what was called Heresy in former times, without the imputation of illiberality.. And the primitive Christians not only believ-ed the existence of Heresy, but they felt them-selves authorized to designate the particularsentiments that constitute the Heresy which: the Scriptures condemn. They considered themselves bound to judge and separate Here-tics from their communion. Such, at present, is the state of religious opinions among us, that it has become import-- |