A treatise upon theological subjects

Front matter

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Preface

The matter which this book contains, was prepared in the manner, and under the circumstances, which are related in the following account. The writer, in the earlier years of his life, had taken a deep interest in many of the topics here discussed, and made them the subjects of long, frequent, and anxious investigation. This investigation, however, instead of resulting at that time in any conclusions satisfactory to himself, was only the source of increasing perplexity and difficulty, and if it led to any thing like what may be called opinions at all, they were precisely opposite to those which are presented in this work, and as it is believed sustained, with arguments in themselves unanswerable. These remarks are intended to apply particularly to the doctrines of the Foreknowledge of God, and a Superintending Providence, as consistent with human liberty ; and to the state of things in this world, as a state of discipline and preparation for the next ; for as it respects most of the other topics, I can hardly say, I had then any definite notions at all. After remaining a long time however, in a state of painful doubt and suspense, a course of reasoning occurred to me upon these subjects, which seemed like light all at once breaking in upon my mind, it was so satisfactory and cheering in itself; and I believe I felt at those

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times a sensation something akin to what is described as being realised by that philosopher, who exclaimed in rapture, Eureka^ when he had made an important discovery after much painful and protracted labor. This new train of thought was not, however, any thing that was suggested involuntarily to my mind, but the result of close reflection upon the subjects, in pondering upon the arguments in relation to them as suggested by books, conversation, &:/C., and following them out to their necessary conclusions. How it was that the same train of reasoning did not occur to me before, and did occur to me then, I am totally unable to explain, except by referring it to the Deity himself, as affording to my mind a clue to it, in suggestions in some way communicated by himself, while I was in the exercise of my reasoning powers for this purpose. All I know is, the fact of my then having clearer and more satisfactory views upon the subject ; and also that it was not in my power to distinguish these views from the ordinary deductions of my reason.

A part of these articles have already appeared in the Christian Register at different times ; a part were in the form of exercises read before one of the classes at the Theological School in this place ; and a part have been prepared by me at other times, as particular topics of inquiry have occurred to me. Some of these have been suggested by conversations accidental in themselves, some by being made the subjects of exercises in the School here, and some by topics originally occurring to my own mind. Some of them were written with a view only to newspaper publication in the time of them, some merely as class exercises, — and it did not occnr to me until I had accumulated a large number of distinct manuscripts, that it might be expedient to publish them in a volume.

Such is the history of the manner and the circumstances under which the articles in this book were written, and are now presented to the public in this form. As the subjects of them are of the highest importance to mankind, as relating both to their present and future welfare, they deserve in themselves a serious and attentive consideration. If they shall be the means of affording the same degree of satisfaction to other minds that they have to my own, and of removing the doubts and perplexities which have beset these branches of Theology, the object of this work will be answered ; trusting, that when the reason is enlightened, and the path of duty made clear, the practical consequences will follow with as much certainty, as the fruit grows and comes to maturity upon a tree which has been properly reared and cultivated by the hand of man, when aided by the invisible process which is pursued by the Deity himself, to produce this effect. All that is solicited in behalf of this book is a calm and candid perusal, and a serious investigation of the arguments urged in support of the views maintained in it. The whole depends upon a course of reasoning, which, according to my belief, is sound and conclusive.

It has been my object in this work to bring into as small a compass as possible, my views in relation to the several subjects of it, in order that no one should be disinclined to read it, from its voluminous appearance. I have therefore presented in a very condensed form the propositions to be maintained, the reasoning to support.

VI and the illustrations to exemplify them ; making an application of the doctrines to but few of the great variety of cases to which they relate, and not going into particulars, more than was absolutely necessary to make myself intelligible. Any other course would have been inconsistent with the particular design of this volume, and probably in a great measure defeated it. It is intended to be merely a compendium of the subjects discussed, leaving it to myself or others hereafter to follow out the truths established into all the speculative or practical consequences, to which they may lead ; and to make such other illustrations of their application, as shall be considered most suitable to demonstrate and enforce them.

Contents

The Being, Unity, and Attributes of God. ... 1

A future Life discoverable by Reason. — Part I. - - - 14