mind, wholly devoted to the investigation of divine truth, and zealously intent upon propagating correct views of religious subjects; seems never to have reflected, that the most important sentiments lose much of their effect, when conveyed to us through the medium of an ambiguous and verbose style.

At a rather early period of life, soon after his thoughts were first directed to a serious consideration of religious subjects, the Editor was providentially led to a perusal of some of the works of the late PRESIDENT EDWARDS, particularly his Essay on the Human Will, and his Treatise on Religious Affections; and whatever satisfaction he has since experienced, and whatever steadiness he has since manifested, as to religious sentiments, he must attribute, in no small degree, to the blessing of God upon this occurrence.

After a lapse of nearly twenty years, Divine Providence, by an unexpected and painful series of events, baving removed him to a situation in life, quite different from any in which he had hitherto been placed, and perhaps of all others the most unfavourable to the maintenance of serious piety, he was desirous of renewing his acquaintance with a book so eminently calculated to assist in the important duty of self-examination, as that of EDWARDS ON RELIGIOUS AFFECTIONS.. This work, therefore, became the constant companion of his numerous journeys; but while he still ad

mired the book, and he trusts was again benefited by the perusal, he was far less satisfied than he had formerly been, with the style in which it is written. He could not but regret that spiritual instruction so important, should frequently be obscured, and rendered feeble, by a total disregard of the ordinary rules of perspicuity, and by a monstrous profusion of words. He was, therefore, induced, while proceeding through the work, to strike out redundant phrases, and needless repetitions; and to attempt, by verbal alterations, and sometimes, by a change in the arrangement, to exhibit the author's meaning with greater perspicuity and prominency. What he had begun without any view beyond his present amusement, was afterwards proceeded with under a conviction that the Treatise, if abridged with a tolerable degree of care, and somewhat amended in reference to style, might be rendered, to the generality of readers, even more acceptable, and more useful than the original. Under this impression, the work was transcribed and carefully revised. That a better abridgment might not have been made, he is by no means presumptuous enough to imagine. He has, however, bestowed a considerable degree of labour upon the work, and he hopes that what he has done, will not very seriously disappoint any reasonable expectation on the part of the reader.

W. ELLERBY..

THE

ORIGINAL PREFACE

ABRIDGED.

THERE is no question of greater importance to every individual of mankind than this ;---What is the nature of true religion? or wherein consists the distinguishing virtue, or that holiness, which is acceptable in the sight of God? But though it is of such importance, and though we have sufficient light in the word of God to direct us in the inquiry, yet there is no question upon which professing Christians are more divided. "Strait" indeed "is the gate, and narrow" indeed " is the way, that leads to life, and few there be that find it."

The consideration of these things has long engaged my serious attention. Upon this subject my mind has been peculiarly intent ever since I entered on the study of divinity.-How far I have succeeded in my inquiries, must be left to the judgment of the readers of this Treatise.

Under the present circumstances of religious controversy in this country,* it is difficult to judge impartially of the subject of this discourse. It is probable, that many readers will be displeased, upon finding so much of relig

* New England.
A 5

ious affections condemned; and others, upon finding so much approved. For thus discriminating, I shall, perhaps, be charged with inconsistency, as I have often been since the commencement of our late controversies about religion. Indeed, it was no easy matter to be a cordial and zealous friend of what was really good; and at the › same time perceive, and earnestly oppose what was evil and pernicious. It is truly mysterious, that so much that is wrong should be allowed to remain in the church of God. That much false, should mingle itself with true religion, at a time of great revival, is, however, no new thing. This was the case in the reign of Josiah ;† during the ministry of John the Baptist ;‡ under the preaching of Jesus Christ; in the days of the Apostles; and at the time of the Reformation from Popery.-It appears to have been in the visible church, in times of great revival, as it is with fruit trees in the time of spring: all appears fair and beautiful, promising abundance of fruit; but much of this appearance is of short continuance, and in general only a small part of the fruit arrives at maturity.

It is by mixing counterfeit with true religion, that the devil has always gained the greatest advantage against the cause of Christ, and he has generally succeeded most effectually during seasons of particular revival. By this he injured the cause of Christianity in the apostolic age, and in the period immediately succeeding, much more than by all the persecutions of both Jews and Heathens; by this he prevailed against the Reformation, begun by Luther, Zuinglius, and others, far more than by all the bloody persecutions of the Church of Rome; by this, about a hundred years ago, he prevailed against NewEngland, quenching the love and marring the joy of her John, v. 35.

† Jer. iii. 10 & iv. 8.

espousals; and I have had sufficient opportunity of perceiving clearly, that by this he has prevailed against the late great revival of religion amongst us, so happy and promising at its commencement. Here he has most evidently gained his main advantage against us, and by this he has foiled us.

During revivals of religion, those persons who are engaged to defend its cause, are, in general, most exposed where they are least apprehensive of danger. While they are wholly intent upon the opposition which presents itself before them, the grand enemy of the church comes behind, and gives them a fatal stab before they perceive it. As he is not opposed by any guard, he strikes at his leisure, and wounds the deeper.-At such seasons, the friends of Christ do the work of enemies, the people of God are scattered, and religion degenerates into vain jangling. Professing Christians are divided into parties, each taking an opposite course, until the right path is nearly forsaken. The confidence of the people of God is shaken, and their minds perplexed with doubts, while heresy, infidelity and atheism spread themselves abroad.

As it has been, so it probably will be, whenever any particular revival of religion takes place, till we have learned to distinguish between saving experience and affections, and those numerous fair shows, and specious appearances, by which they are counterfeited.

My design in the ensuing Treatise is to contribute my mite, and to use my best endeavours to this end. In a former publication,* I attempted to show the distinguish

*His "Faithful Narrative of the Surprising Work of God in the Conversion of many Hundred Souls in Northampton, and the Neighbouring Towns and Villages of New-Hampshire, in New England," a publication frequently referred to in the ensuing work.