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that there is fuch evidence, as the matter, particularly the facts upon which we rely, at this distance of time will admit, and that it is fufficient for the fatisfaction of an impartial inquirer. Why miracles are not now wrought; why we have not evidence from heaven, which would prove irresistible ? are queftions, to which no answer is needful. The true question is, whether the evidence, with which we are furnifhed, is fufficient; and whether, therefore, the rejecting of Chriftianity be not owing to negligence of inquiry, or culpable prejudices against that religion?

But that I may not longer detain the reader, I have only to add, that the following Sermons, preached feveral years ago, and fubmitted to the perufal and observations of some friends, whofe judgment I value,

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and whose affistance I gratefully acknowledge, are now published, with a view of laying before the reader fome strong prefumptions of the truth and divine authority of the Chriftian religion, arifing from the genius of that religion, as contained in the New Teftament, and the characters of our Saviour and his apoftles, as they are to be collected from it. Thefe prefumptive proofs, fo far as I know, have not hitherto been drawn into fo small a compass, and presented in one view which is all the apology I fhall make for publishing this collection of them.

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Mr. Lyttelton's excellent performance upon the converfion of the Apostle Paul may be thought to have rendered the two difcourfes upon the life and character of that apostle quite unneceffary; yet I

have published them with the others, as they bring the evidence into a narrower compafs, and were requifite to compleat the defign. And there is added a Sermon upon God's moral government, as it is a subject, which hath a near connection with Christianity; and as right conceptions in this most important affair, above all things, prepare and difpofe the mind for embracing the Christian faith,

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Which of you convinceth me of fin? and, if I fay the truth, why do you not believe me ?

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HE evidences of the truth of SERM. Christianity may be fummed up under two general heads; namely, the ftrong appearances of truth and divine authority, which are found in that religion itfelf, as taught by Jefus Chrift and his apoftles; and, fecondly, the atteftations given to it by prophefies and miracles, and the aftonishing fuccefs, with which it was propagated in the world, though it had no fupport or encouragement from any of the princes or powers on earth, but found all these set in a strong and obftinate oppofition to it. Many

SERM. Many learned and zealous Chriftians I. have commendably and fuccefsfully laboured to fet the feveral arguments, taken from these topics, in a clear and convincing light, and have given very fubftantial answers to the objections offered against their religion. It hath been fhewed, that the design and laws of that religion are perfectly worthy of God, moft happily adapted to human nature and the great ends of our being; that the profpects, which it fetteth before us, by bringing life and immortality to light, are the nobleft and most engaging; that the terms of our acceptance with God, declared in it, are perfectly worthy of the purity and goodness of the divine nature, and fuited to the prefent imperfect ftate of mankind. And it hath been fhewed, that there is no part of this religion contradictory to the prin ciples of religion, to the law written upon our hearts, or to the confeffed purposes of human life. On the illustration of these things the apologifts for Christianity have very much infifted, and very fitly, as the first thing neceffary; for if that religion fhould be found, upon inquiry, inconfiftent with manifest truth, contradicting the

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