Beauties of primitive Christianity

Front matter

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'X^Hvw^^^i

I* UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, f

Contents

Page.

Sketches of the Life of the Author, 13

Virtue and virtuous deeds leading to happiness— contrasted with Vice and vicious deeds leading to misery, 18

Chapter 1. — To Jews and Gentiles

The scriptures of the Old Testament, (as well as the New,) are the genuine writings of those whose names they bear, or to whom they are ascribed ; and give a true account of the Mosaic Dispensation, as well as of the Historical Facts^ the Divine Commands, the Moral Precepts, and the Prophecies which they contain, 21

Chapter II. — To Jews and Gentiles

The Predictions delivered by the ancient Prophets, and fulfilled in our Saviour, show that he was the true MESSIAH expected by the Jews, and that he came into the world by Divine appointment, to be the Great Deliverer and Redeemer of mankind, 2(> Chapter III. — To Jews and Gentiles.

The books of the New Testsment were written by those persons to whom they are ascribed, and contain a faithful history of Christ and his religion : And the account there given of both, may be securely relied on as strictly true, 29

Chapter IV. — To Jews and Gentiles

The character of Christ, as represented in the gospel, affords substantial proof that he was a Divine person, 34 Chapter V. — To Jews and Gentiles.

The Miracles performed by Christ, demonstrate him to have possessed Divine power, 37 viii CONTENTS.

Chapter VI. — To Jews and Gentiles, The sublimity of Christ's Doctrine, and the purity of his Moral Precepts, confirm the belief of his Divine Mission, 40

Hymn II. Christian Examples, 45

Chap. VII. General view of the life of Christ, 46

Chap. VIII. The depravity of man by sin ; and

his recovery by the blood an(5 cross of J

Christ, 49 '

Chap. IX. Resurrection of Christ, 51

Hymn III. The Christian Sabbath, or the first day

of the week, 52

Chap. X. '*Godis no respecter of persons." 53

Chap XI. " Pure religion," 54

Chap. Xlf. Hope and Friendship, 56

Chap. XIII. Society, 56

Hymn IV. The Good Shepherd. 58

Hymn V. Preacher's Farewell, 59

Hymn VI. The Weary Soul, 60

Hymn VII. Mourning soul. 61

Hymn VIII. Christ's Invitation to his Friends, 62

Hymn IX. On Baptism, 64

Hymn X. Marriage Hymn, 65

Hymn XI. Christ Baptised in Jordan, 65

Hymn XII. On the Millennium, 66

Chap. XIV. Some of Christ's Commandments,

Words and Sayings, 68

Chap. XV. Scripture Testimonies, 70

Chap. XVI. Isaiah ix. 6. Illustrated by other

passages of the Scriptures, 73

Hymn Xlll. A General Invitation, 83

Chap. XVII. Christianity and the Gospel, 84

Chap. XVIII. General view of the belief and practice of Christ's Friends : Being a summary of the Doctrine and duties of the Christian Religion, 85

.Se< . I. A correct path to be pursued, and a sure guide to be followed, to rightly believe in the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. 85

Sec. II. Beliefconcerning Christ's Commandments,

Words, Sayings, and Examples, 85

"^Ec. III. Pre-eminent Virtues, Principles, Q,uahfi-

cations, Duties and Ordinances, 85

CONTENTS. h

Sec. IV. The Scriptures — ^the pre-eminent writings — Sketches of what they declare, teach, or hold forth, 94

Sec. V. The best method to be pursued, in order

to understand the Scriptures rightly, 97

Sec. VI. The most appropriate descriptive Scriptural names given to the people and church of God, 9B

Sec. VII. The Establishment and Government of God's Christian Church, on the principles of Equality, Justice, and Equity, consistent with the Rights of Man, 101

Chap. XIX. Remarkable Contrasts and Parables —

collected from the Scriptures, 108

Hymn XIV. Morning, Noon, and Evening Devotion, 120

Hymn XV. The existence of God, inferred from a view of the beauty and harmony of creation, 122

Hymn XVJ. The Creation of the W^orld, 128

Hymn XVII. The Creation of Adam and Eve—our First Parents : This once innocent, happy pair, disgraced by sin, and exiU ed from Eden, 123

Hymn XVIII. The Deluge ; or the World distroy-

ed by the Flood, 124

Chap. XX. A public declaration of the Marriage Covenant lawfully solemnized, declared, published, and made known, 1 25

Chap. XXI. The public declaration ofthe Ordination of Apostles, Bishops, Christian Ministers, Teachers, Preachers, kc. 129

Chap. XXII. Duties of Apostles, Bishops, Chris

tian Ministers, &c. 1 3a

Chap. XXIII. Scripture Proofs concerning God's and Christ's calling, appointing, commissioning,ordaining, and sending Apostles, Teachers, Preachers, Ministers, &c. to preach the gospel, &c. 139

Hymn XIX. Christ's Nativity, 142

Chap. XXIV Explanatory and useful Remarks, 143

Hymn XX. Ordination Hymn. Christ's Commission to preach the Gospel. Matt, x, 1^

Hymn XXI. Relative Duties, I

I f

X CONTENTS.

Chap. XXV. The Virtues — Brotherly Love, Truth, Prudence, Temperance, Justice, Fortitude, and Charity explained, 159 Sec. I. Brotherly Love, 159

Sec. IL Truth, 159

Sec. Ill Prudence, 160

Sec. IV. Temperance, 161

Sec. V. Justice, 163

Sec. VI. Fortitude, 164

Sec. VII. Charity, 165

HvMN XXII. A Paraphrase on the First Epistle of Paul, the Apostle, to the Corinthians, Chap. xiii. 167

Chap. XXVI. Moral and Christian Lessons taught, and Examples set mankind, by other animals and the works of Creation, 169

Chap. XXVI I. Slavery and Priestcraft as viewed

by some, 173

Chap. XXVIIL The Creation, 179

Chap. XXIX. Charitable opinions, concerning the four Grand Divisions of Religion ; viz.

Judaism, Chrifitiunity,— Mohamme-

dism, — and Paganism, leo

Chap. XXX. The Philosophical Literary Union Society ; for promoting every Moral and Social Virtue, 183

Chap. XXXI. The parable of the two Potters. The one was wise, and the other foolish, 191 Chap. XXXII. The Parable of the two Kings ;— The one was wise, merciful and just ; and the other was foolish, cruel and unjust, 192 Chap. XXXIII. The Parable of four men and four women, travelling through this world to the world of spirits. Two cities at the end of their journey : One called the city of flappiness ; the other, the city or abode of Misery, 1 95 Chap. XXXIV The Prophecy of the peaceable Kingdom of the Branch out of the root of J esse ; and the restoration of Israel, Isaiah xi. 1—12, 199 HAP. XXXV. The Comprehensive Prayer, 200

CONTENNS. i^i

Chap. XXXVL The Virtuous, 201 Chap. XXXVIL The order of Pubhc Worship, preaching, &c. in populous assemblies, &c. 202 Chap. XXXVIII.

Poetical Selections — Extracted from Sentimental Writings, Sec. I. The Creator's Works attest his greatness, 203 Sec. II. The Universal Prayer, 204 Sec. III. The Messiah, 205 Sec. IV. The Creation required to Praise its Author, 208 Sec. V. A Paraphrase on the latter part of the 6th

chapter of St. Matthew, 210

Sec. VI. Gloom of Autumn, 211

Sec VII. Time, 213

Sec VIII. The Order of Nature, 214

Sec IX. Self-Love, 215

Sec X. Reason's Comparing Balance, 219 Sec XI. Tender Conversation between Adam and

Eve, 223- Sec. XII. Eve's address to Paradise when expelled from it, 225 Sec XIII. Virtue and true Happiness are inseparable, 226 Chap. XXXIX. May, in the style of Rural Poetry, 227 Chap. XL. The Apostle Paul's noble defence, 228 Chap. XLI. Who are blessed, and how to obtain

Eternal Life, 230

Chap. XLII. An Oration on Knowledge, 231

Chap XLIIl. Diligence in Youth, 239

Chap. XLIV. Description of Night, 234

Chap. XLV. The Withered Rose, 235

Chap. XLVI. Virtuous Education, 235 Chap. XLVII. True Philosophy, or the Secret

of being always contented, 236 Chap. XLVill. The Shortness of Man's Life, 237 Chap, XLIX. The Office of Christ, the Restoration of the Jews, and the Blessedness of the Church, 238 Chap. L. The accomplishment of God's Promise to his Church, and Ministers invited to faithfulness, 239 Chap. LI. A Sermon on the manner of praising God. *' Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous ; for praise is comely for the upright," 240 xii CONTENTS.

Chap* LIL A Sermon on the Variety of Opinions about Christ. " When Jesus came into the coasts of Cesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man, am ?

And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist ; some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am ? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him. Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona ; for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven," 25^

Chap. LI II. A Sermon on the Necessity of Universal Obedience. " Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all,"

Chap. LIV. An exhortation to praise God, to seek him, and remember his works. God's providence over Abraham^ over Joseph, over Israel in Egypt, oTer Moses delivering the Israelites, and over his people brought out of Egypt, fed in the wilderness, and planted in Canaan, 294

Chap. LV. The Creator is to be remembered in the days of youth, and m^ist not be deferred. The Preacher's care to edify. The reverential fear of God the chief concern of men, 2^6

Chap. LVL A new heaven and a new earth. The blessedness of Gods people. The judgment of the wicked. A description of the heavenly Jerusalem, 297

Chap. LVII. The river and tree of life. The glorious state of God's servants. The angel will not be worshipped. Worship God. Nothing may be added to or taken from this prophecy, 29S

Benediction, 3C

THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR.

1. Friend Seth Leonard, was born, June 22, A. D. 1789, in the town of Briigewater, county of Plymouth, and State of Massachusetts, in the United States of America. He received the principal part of his education m the State of Vermont. The principal part of his life, thus far, after he had received his education, has been employed in teaching the various branches of literature, and, for many years before, and while writing this book, he was em ployed as a public teacher in the State of New-York.

2. He is one of the seven sons of Dr. Nathan Leon« ard. He has six brothers, and six sisters. His father was also born in Bridgewater, Mass. Anstress Leonard, his mether, the only child of Noah Kent, was born in Rehobotb, Massachusetts. j i .•

3. He was under very serious, powertul, and lasting awakenings, impressions, and convictions, when about fourteen years old. He was converted from nature's darkness to God's marvellous light ; from the power of sin and satan to God ; from nature to grace ; born again, initiated into, and became a member of the kingdom, and family of Christ-God's Church, his soul filled with glory, love, and happiness, to the inexpressible joy of his heart, when about sixteen years of age. He then immediately embraced, and publicly professed the christian religion, and lived in \ae happy enjoyment of this heavenly gift of God to men.

4. He searched the scriptures daily ; and without ceasing, prayed to God to direct him in the duty of baptism, and to direct him in all other moral, religious and social duties and ordinances, which God requires of men. And,, as soon as, after his conversion, he saw his duty clearly, concerning baptism, he was baptized in White River, by Thomas Skeel, a preacher of the gospel, " and he went on his way rejoicing." i . •

5. A brief account of his conversion and call to the ministry. I was, says he, (as he has often declared ia m«ny

14 Sketches of tlu JJfe

populous assemblies, and in private conversation,) awakened, as you shall hear, in the manner following, viz : When I wag about fourteen years old, I went one day into a field of clover to pick and heap some stone that was among the grass. While 1 was busily employed in this work, 1 became as it were almost insensible to what I was doing, hardly knowing where I was ; when, lo 1 instantly there shone around about me a light above the brightness of the sun. It appeared to be in a circular form, at the distance of about ten yards, equally distant from me, which light I could plainly distinguish from the shining of the sun, as it was much brighter. While I was thinking on this strange appearance, hardly knowing whether I was in the body or out, I heard, as it appeared to me, a voice in the air, saying unto me, Go down to the house, and warn thy brothers and sisters to seek salvation. Three of them were older, and the rest younger than myself They were then in the house. 1 left my work, and went immediately to the house, but as I entered the room where they were, ) found them very merry, telling stories, jesting and laughing heartily ; on this account 1 passed through into another room, and sat me down to weep, tears fast trickling down my cheeks, accompanied with deep sighs and bitter lamentations. After this, when alone, I would resolve that I would warn not only my brothers and sisters, but every body I see. to break off their sins by righteousness, and repent of their wickedness, and live holy to God. Though these resolutions were formed perhaps hundreds of times, yet they were not put in execution for two years. In which time 1 lived a sober, melancholy life ; yet 1 attended to my school and other employments, as usual, but did not join in plays, merriments, recreations, or amusements ; but was, as it were, by myself A great portion of my time was spent in deep meditation about God, the works of God, and religion, searching the scripture daily, and trying to understand them rightly. At the time of my first awakening I thought I was the worst of sinners. My sins rose before me like mountains. These convictions continued more or less with me until I found salvation to the inexpressible joy of my soul. But at times these convictions partially wore away ; but at other times would return more powerful than ever. I often prayeci, saying, O I God have mercy on me, and convert my soul — let me have some revelation from heaven, or send some kind angel to convince me of the

Of the Author, 16

realities of religion, yet I believed there was a religion %vhich might be enjoyed by men, though I did not enjoy it. At length one day after a long meditation and earnest prayer, as I walked along, I came to a beautiful grove of butternuts, and the earth spread with a thick carpet of grass ; here I kneeled down, and addressed the throne of grace, saying, Here I am a poor wicked sinner, have mercy on me, I give myself away, it is all I can do.

6. When, lo ! instantly I heard, m it appeared to me, a voice from heaven, saying, Thy sins are forgiven thee. My heart, in a moment, was filled with that happiness which the wit of man cannot describe, nor the tongue of angels express. I arose from my humble position, and all around me appeared glorious — all nature seemed to rejoice, and sing praise to God in the highest strains ; and I shouted aloud for joy, sayina^. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men. My rejoice* ing and praises to Almighty God made the woods re-echo with my loud hallelujahs. My tongue was loosed, and to the first person I saw, I declared how great things the Lord had done for my soul. I then commenced the work to which God had called me ; testifying to all the realities of religion, and exhorting them to turn to God with full purpose of heart, to repent of their past sins, and commit no more, and bring forth fruits meet for repentance.

7. Then, after this, for a long time, the following impressions seemed to be all the time in my mind, sounding in my ears, viz : Go, preach the gospel to the world of mankind. At other times the following words would come to me, Woe is me if I preach not the gospel. These two heavenly injunctions frequently came alternately with great force upon my mind. At length I concluded to comply with what appeared plainly to be my duty. 1 told it to some, and accordingly there was a meeting appointed for me. I attended, and spake to a numerous crowd of people. But it appeared to me that my abilities were so small, my manner and expression so flat and insipid, that it could not be that I was called to preach the gospel. Therefore I refused to attend another meeting in this way for a long time, though often urged to do it. Some years passed away and I attended to my studies ; and at length I grew cold in religion, and I almost neglected to attend to my former de^

16 Sketches of the Life

V'olions : the spirit seemed to have been withdrawn fromf me, and at length I neglected my duty entirely.

8, But oftentimes I would be alarmed at my situation, anti would begin to pray, and then I would have some hope.< and some consolation. Then I would be determined to take up my cross, and do my duty. Thus many years of my life passed along, my time constantly employed in the things of this world. Sometimes serious, and attending meetings, and trying to preach ; and then again neglecting my duty, and becoming indifferent to the matters of religion. Ai length, however, God again blessed and called me to arise and let my light shine, and not suffer the talent he had given me to lie any longer buried in the earth.

9. Sol finally determined to, and earnestly prayed to God I might for ever bid the world adieu, as it respects earthly riches, or sinful pleasures, and w^holly devote my time, my all to the good and final happiness of my fellow mortals, \ and to the honour, praise, and glory of that God, in whom I put my trust, and who, out of his tender mercies, has called me from nature's darkness to his marvellous light.

1. Note BY the FRiENDS.-He is a man of uncommon mild^* ness of temper of a tender heart, not easily provoked to anger, or wrath, but of a forgiving disposition. The needy al* ways find relief in him, if it is in his power to help them. Though he seemed not to repine at the many perplexing scenes, disappointments, troubles and misfortunes he has passed through, yet it is evident that they were the primary causes which for many years prevented him from preaching; yet he still showed the same mildness of temper. His neglect of his duty in preaching, doubtless was the cause of his being left to himself; and then he ran into an indifference in matters of religion. At length he was brought to see himself again : and then he began to reflect on his past life, and wept bitterly. He then said, I must take heed to my ways, lest after I have preached to others, I, myself be a cast away.

2. Being asked, one day, if he could give any directions for the cure of drunkenness, readily replied that he could. He said that the following method, if practiced, would effectually cure any person of this disorder, however bad they may have the disease. He then goes on to give the direction, which is as follows, viz : Those who are in a habit of frequently drinking to excess, and have an uncommon thirst or hankering for it, must leave it off entirely, unless

Of the Mthor. 17

they can govern their appetites to a quantity that will not injure them. This plan will have the desired effect. He then lifted up his hands and said, May peace, love, harmony, and true religion spread universally over the four quarters of the earth ; may the four cardinal virtues. Prudence, Temperance, Justice, and Fortitude, be strictly followed and possessed by all mankind ; may every moral and every social virtue, and every truly religious principle actuate every person within the four cardinal points ; may the four grand divisions of religion become purified, as the gold seven times tried, or refined in the fire, that whatever is wrong or erroneous in them, may be laid aside, and nothing but purity itself remain ; that the happiness of man might abound, and God be glorified.

2*

(jf^BE VIRTUOUS BKAR MUCH GOOD FRUIT.

u u ha

Repentance.

Faith, Belief,

Hope.

Charity, Liberality.

Love.

Humility.

Condescension.

Self denial of all ungodliness,

Selfdenial of all unrighteousness.

Innocence, Harmlessness,

Prayer,

Heavenly mindedness,

Fidelity, Integrity,

Constancy,

True worship.

Pure and undefiled religioD,

Righteousness,

Holiness, Godliness,

Love to God,

Love to friends.

Love to neighbours,

Love to enemies,

Love to all mankind,

Love to Christ,

Christ's Friends,

Friends of God,

Wisdom, Heavenly wisdom.

Contemplation,

Justice,

Benevolence, Generosity,

Correctness, Plaiu-heartedness,

Industry,

Purity,

Diligence,

Goodness,

Sincere conversation,

Instructive conversation,

Truth,

Blessing,

Compassion, Pity,

Tender-heartedness,

Cheerfulness,

Mercy,

Thankfulness,

Pure heart. Piety,

Temperance,

Quietness, Moderation,

Prudence,

Peace,

Reconciliation,

Uniformity, Candour,

Resignation,

Honesty,

Alms,

Meekness,

Forgivenessi

Patience,

Pitifulness,

Mildness,

Praising God,

Good will.

Friendship,

Fasting,

Chastity,

Sobriety,

Doing good,

Perseverance,

Virtue,

Virtuous deeds,

Joy,

Happiness, Eternal rest and glory,

Heaven, Eternal salvation.

Impenitence, Procrastination*

Unbelief, Disbelief, Faithless.

Doubt.

Covetousness, Stinginess.

Hatred.

Pride, Boasting, High-mindedness.

Stubbornness, Self-will.

Self gratification in all ungodliness.

Self gratification in unrighteousness.

Guiltiness, defiled with wickedness.

Blasphemy, Filthy conversation.

Mischievous evil thoughts.

Unfaithfulness, Promise-breaking.

Inconstancy.

Idolatry, Superstition, & Tradition.

Unrighteousness,

Ungodliness, Unholiness.

Hatred to God.

Hatred to friends.

Hatred to neighbours.

Hatred to enemies.

Hatred to all mankind.

Hatred to Christ.

Christ's enemies.

Enemies of God.

Ignorance, wilful ignorance.

Thoughtlessness.

Injustice, Deceit.

Ni^gardness, Ungenerousness*

Lymg, Deception, Gambling*

Slothfulness, Laziness.

Impurity.

Idleness.

Wickedness,

Foolish jesting, trifling conversation.

Idle talking, wicked conversation.

Falsehood, false witness.

Cursing, Swearing.

Unfeeling disposition of heart, Hard-heartedness.

Melancholy.

Unmercifulness.

Unthankfulness,

Impure heart. Impiety.

Intemperance, Excess.

Unquietness, Wrath, Rashness.

Imprudence, Wastefulness,

Quarrel, War.

Stiife, wicked contention.

Backbiting, Slander.

Unreconciledness, Unresignedness.

Oppression.

Haughtiness, high-minded disposi'on.

Revenge.

Impatient, Fretfulness.

Rashness.

Cruelty.

Cursing God, Swearing.

Ill-will, Malice.

Envy,

Gluttony.

Adultery, Fornication,

Drunkenness.

Doing evil.

Despair, Murder.

Vice.

Vicious deeds.

Sorrow, Torment, Wretchedness.

Misery.

Hell, Eternal damnation.

or?

a o g

(jp^BE NOT VICIOUS BEAR NO EVIL FRUIT.

BEAUTZES

PRIMITIVE CHRISTIANITY :

OR, THE

HYMN I.

THE CELESTIAL UNION.

1 ♦ Come citizens and friends so dear Who can assist to sing, draw near : If any will not, lend an ear, Yet we will banish hate and fear And live in heavenly Union.

2. Why should the Turk the Jew contemn, The Jew the Christian reprehend ; And Christians every sect condemn.

But those who think alike with them.

And thus destroy this Union ?

3. Why quarrel thus about a name, Are not saints ev'ry where ihe same.

And all are more or less to blame, — But those are sure deserving fame

Who promote Christian Union ?

4. If God be Father of us all

And plac'd us on this earthly ball, Should not Christians great and small Each one the other brother call, And live in friendly Union ?

$. No parents can delight to see, Their children plung'd in misery ; But rather they should happy be And live in love and harmony, And thus cement this Union.

%0 Beauties of Primitive Christianity^ 4*c.

6. The Christian's path, if we attend, Will guide us safely to the end ; Then every soul let us befriend, And charity to all extend,

And thus complete this Union,

7. Soon may this be the joyful case When hatred, discord, for ever cease. And love and everlasting Peace, Reign unconfin'd in every place. —

The Celestial Union.

Some for this Creed, some for that Creed ! Some for no Creed, some agree !

Yet may mankind all be united, And live in Love, Peace, Purity.

'* For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world ; but that the world through him might be saved.-' The door is, therefore, opened, the way is described, the true light hath appeared, and the true Messiah hath come — through him we " can obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory."

Chapter I. To Jews And Gentiles

The Scriptures of the Old Testament, (a$ well as the JSTete,) are the genuine writings of those whose names they bear, or to whom they are ascribed, and give a true account of the Mosaic Dispensation, as well as of the Historical Facts, the Divine Commands, the Moral Precepts, and the Prophecies which they contain,

1. That part of the Bible, which is called the scriplures of the Old Testament, contains a great variety of very different compositions, some historical, some poetical, some moral and preceptive, some prophetical ; written at different times, and by different persons, and collected into one volume by the care of the Jews.

2. That these books were all written by those who^e names they bear, or to whom they are ascribed, there is not the least reasonable ground to doubt. They have been always considered as the writings of those persons by the whole Jewish nation, (and the Jews were most interested in their authenticity , and most likely to know the truth,) from the earliest times down to the present : and no proof to the contrary has ever yet been produced.

3. That these writings have come down to us in the same state, or with the same sense and meaning, in which they were originally written, as to all essential points, there is every reason to beheve. The original manuscripts were long preserved among the Jews. A copy of the book of the law was preserved in the ark ; it was ordered to be read publickly every seven years, at the feast of the tabernacles, as well as privately, and frequently, in everv Jewish family.

Note. — I cheerfully take this opportunity of gratefully acknowledging-, that, in the course of this work, I have extracted many passages of scripture and put them together so as to harmonize and explain each other. I have also extracted some from eminent, amiable, elegant, worthy, modern writers. I have quoted the scriptures as they are in the present version, and have marked them with appropriate quotations, as may be seen in the course of this work I have not, however, marked the extracts which I have made or taken from other writings : — This was done with a view to distinguish the quotations from the scriptures, from all other writings.

4. There is a copy still extant, of the five books Of Moses, which are called the Pentateuch, taken by the Samaritans, who were bitter enemies to the Jews, and always at a variance with them ; and this copy agrees, in sll material instances, with the Jewish copy.

6. Near three hundred years before Christ, these scrip* tares were translated into Greek, and this version, called the Septuagent, agrees also in all essential articles with the Hebrew original. This being very widely spread over the world, rendered any considerable alteration extremely difficult : And the dispersion of the Jews into all the different regions of the globe, made it next to impossible.

6. The Jews were always remarkable for being most faithful guardians of their sacred books, which they translated repeatedly, and compared most carefully with the originals, and of which they even numbered the words and letters. That they have not corrupted any of their prophetical writing appears from hence ; that we prove Jesus to be the true Messiah from many of those very prophecies which they have themselves preserved. Their invincible fidelity to their sacred books led them to preserve them pure, and not to suffer them to be altered or suppressed under any consideration whatever. And their credit is still further established by this circumstance, that our Saviour, though he brings many heavy charges against the Scribes and Pharisees, yet never uuce accuses them of corrupting or falsifying any one of their sacred writings.

7 It is beyond a doubt certain, that these writings give a true and faithful account of the various mattiers which they contain. Many of the principal facts and circumstances related in them, are mentioned by the most ancient heathen authors. The first origin and creation of the world out of chaos, as described by Moses ; the formation of the sun, the moon, and stars, and afterwards of man himself; the dominion given him over other animals ; the

Note by the friends.— This book was selected, arranged, compiled, and written with great care, much charity, and unwearied pains, by Fbiend Seth Leonard, for the benefit, good, and happiness of mankind,— keeping in view the glory, praise, and true worship of God. And it is hoped that it will be, on strict, impartial, candid, and thorough examination, found to be *' pi'ofitable, for doctrine," "for instruction in righteousness," "that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."— And that Jews and Gentiles " might believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God, the true Messiah," " and that believing ye might have life through his name," and "rejoice with exceeding great joy."

completion of this great work in six days ; the destructioD of the world by the deluge ; the circumstance of the ark and the dove ; the punishment of Sodom by fire ; the ancient rite of circumcision ; many particulars relating to Moses ; the giving of the law, and the Jewish ritual ; the names of David and Solomon, and their leagues with the Tyrians, these things and many others of the same sort, are expressly mentioned, or plainly alluded to, in several Pagan authors of the highest antiquity and the best credit*