PREFACE. THE design of the following pages is to unite the internal with the external evidences of Christianity, and present them in a popular form. They are intended for the benefit of those numerous individuals, or rather classes of persons -especially amongst the young-whom it is most essential to imbue, in a day like the present, with such an impression of the truth and obligation of Christianity, as may shield them from the bold, but insidious statements, which go to shake the very foundations of all moral principle in man. The able and elaborate productions on the Evidences, with which our literature abounds, are not always best calculated for the unestablished Christian. The measured language, and speculative tone of discussion, prevalent in such works, are not the most favourable means of producing an effect upon the heart. An uninformed Christian rather requires a statement of the direct moral and spiritual benefits of Christianity, and practical appeals to the conscience and feelings. His professed principles should be taken for granted, and the historical evidences considered only as the introduction to the claims of Christianity upon his obedience, as a moral and responsible creature. The real character of the gospel; its remedy for the wants and misery of man; its revelation of a stupendous scheme of redemption by the Son and Spirit of God, ought not to be concealed in such addresses. It is the author's firm opinion that some injury has been unconsciously done to the cause of Christianity, amongst the class of persons to whom he is referring, by complimenting away the peculiarities of revelation; by debating the evidences as a merely intellectual question; by treating as a slight matter the evil of unbelief; and by keeping out of sight the main blessings of redemption, and the temper of mind in which these should be enquired into and received. The author thinks, that infidelity will never be effectually checked amongst us, and pure Christianity revived, till the infinite importance of practical religion pervades more apparently the whole manner in |