from the truth and left bewildered in the maises of er

ror.

Is this then a time for us to lie upon our oars? To treat these subjects with reserve? Surely not! Bishop Hornby observes with great force of propriety, that The corruptors of christian doctrine have no such reserve.→→ The doctrines of the divinity of the son-the incarnation -the satisfaction of the cross as a sacrifice--the mediatoral intercession-the influences of the spirit-the eternity of future punishment-are topics of popular discussion with those who would deny or pervert these doctrines; and we may judge by their success what our own might be, if we would but meet our antagonists on their own ground. The common people, we find, enter into the force, though they do not perceive the sophistry of their arguments. The same people would much more enter into the internal evidence of the genuine doctrine of the gospel, if holden out to them, not in parts, studiously divested of whatever may seem mysterious,-not with accommodations to the prevailing fashion of opinions, but entire & undisguised.” (See Hornby's Sermons, p. 4.)

Some may consider that the writer has bestowed too much attention upon the effusions of his opponent-that his sophistry is too absurd to require refutation. To such it should be observed, that his performances appear to be a fair specimen of what can be said in favor of his theory-that not only in his method of stating his views but in his mode of defending them, he generally follows some of the great lights that have gone before him--so that, if it is important that universalianism should be met and refuted under any circumstances, it will be difficult to perceive why it is not worthy of attention as supported by him-But, it is in fact not a matter of so much importance whether the arguments of an opponent are weak or strong-logical or illogical, if they do indeed injure community-if they poison the minds of any of its members If this is the case, the writer apprehends, it furnishes a call sufficiently imperious, to meet and expose them. And it becomes us as lovers of our fellow immortals—as watchmen upon the walls of our zion, to fly to the aid of those who are about to be turned out of the way, and if possible wrest them from the vortex of ruinous error.

B

In this humble attempt to defend what he supposes to be the truth as it is in Jesus, the writer has not the vanity to suppose that he is invulnerable to invidious criticism. It will doubtless be found to possess many imperfections, for which, he craves the indulgence of the candid; to whom he gives the most positive assurance that however imperfect or unsuccessful his efforts may be, they have originated from the best intentions.

It will hardly be necessary to say, that no claim is made to entire originality. The writer has read upon the subject very generally on both sides; and where he has found anything which answered his purpose he has taken the liberty to use it: always however, feeling happy in giving the author credit for it.

It was source of some regret to the writer that he was under the necessity, in some measure, of altering his original plan. He commenced with an intention to write popular essays, and to avoid anything critical or laboured. Believing as he still does, that most points of the controversy, if not all of them, might as well be settled in our own vernacular tongue, as in any other-that after all our reference to the original, the same principles remain to be settled-the same laws of interpretation to be established. Though indeed the advantages of enlightened criticisms are entirely in our favor ; yet as the introduction of words and phrases from other languages is calculated to perplex common readers without affording them any instruction; and as it was principally for their advan tage that this controversy was undertaken, it seems rather to be wished that it might have been avoided. But as his antagonist was sure to launch out his Greek upon every emergency, it became necessary for him somewhat to vary his design in order successfully to meet him.

The nos. which were published in the Examiner have undergone some trifling alterations. The typographical er rors are corrected-in some instances the phraseology is altered; some redundencies are expunged, & deficiencies supplied. But great care has been taken not to make any alterations which would effect the editor's replies or in any manner injure the force of his arguments.

But as the reader has been detained too long already in this preface, it will be expedient to bring it to a close. The writer begs the further continuance of his patience,

however, while he adds:-As for those readers (if any such shall think it worth their while to read this work} who have made up their minds to believe and support the opposite system at all hazards, he has not the credulity to believe that it will be possible for him to make any impression upon their minds. They are wiser in their own conceits than seven men that can render a reason-they are beyond the reach of scripture and argument-they have his pity and his prayers, and he must leave them to stand or fall to their own master.

But with the serious enquirer after truth he expects a different reception. To him he hopes for access--and would say come and let us reason together, you will be sure to lose nothing by a careful and candid investigation of this subject. It is a subject upon which very much depends, and which we should use the best means well to understand. I beseech you then to consider carnestly, "what is truth"-" what saith the scriptures"-- what saith the Lord"--and may the Lord give you understanding in all these things. And should this humble performance under the divine blessing, in any degree contribute to your instruction, and your establishment in the true gospel doctrine, and so be the means of promoting your dearest interests, the writer will feel himself amply compensated for all his labour.

Wilkesbarre, Sept. 7, 1827.

UNIVERSAL SALVATION

CONSIDERED, &C.

PART I.

Introductory Address to the Editor of

THE CANDID EXAMINER.

MR. EDITOR: Not long since, the numbers of the Candid Examiner fell into our hands. hands. Meeting with challenges given, and reiterated, to the believers in the doctrine of the final misery of the wicked, to come forward, in your pages, and defend their faith: hoping that many of your readers may be open to conviction on the subject, and that by this means, arguments may be thrown into their way which they otherwise would not meet with, we shall venture to accept the invitation. Not from any high sense of our abilities in disputation, but relying wholly on the goodness of our cause, and believing that truth looses nothing by a candid investigation, we do not decline the hazardous enterprise of entering into the camp of the enemy, planting our engines within their lines, and attempting to demolish their bulwarks.

We propose giving the subject a brief review in the light of the holy scriptures, and if from them, understood as near as can be ascertained, according to the original intention of the sacred writers, your system can be supported, we are open to conviction. Our earnest inquiry is, and has long been, "what is truth?" May we all ❝ know the truth," and may

the truth make us free."

If you do us the honor to insert this in your next, we shall forward a number containing observations on the