candour, notwithstanding their sentiments on the subject were diametrically opposite to mine.The Rev. Mr. Jerment attended; and a number of ministers of the Methodist connection, whose names I do not know. Mr. Butterworth, M.P. was also pleased to attend; as were Mr. Simpson of Bush Lane, Mr. Birnie of Alpha Road, Mr. Stephen of Great St. Helens, and others whose names I do not know.

And after submitting my views of the subject to these gentlemen, and several others, they were all pleased to express their approbation of publication. If, then, the work be of any use in illustrating and establishing the great doctrine of which it treats, it is to these gentlemen you and I have to render thanks, as instruments in the hand of providence of bringing it into the light, so soon.

Were it not that delicacy forbids, I would more particularly point out the private support and encouragement I received from Mr. Samuel Drew, Dr. Adam Clarke, and James Gilliland Simpson, Esq. But as this cannot be done, I now entreat you to join with me thus publicly in offering the expression of our gratitude to these

worthy friends of truth, who so heartily co-ope rated in the cause.

For your sake, and that of all other plain readers, I have kept the style in some instances verbose and expletive, and even in places some. what tautological. Of all this, I was fully aware at the time of composing; but did not know how any other way I could make a subject so high, level to ordinary capacities, which require line upon line, and precept upon precept, to attract attention, and lead to reflection.

in

And now, Brethren, to you, to those gentlemen already mentioned, to the true church. universal throughout the world, to our Lord and Saviour the great King and Head of the church, and to that God of whom it treats, I commit the work, most earnestly imploring the divine blessing upon you, and upon every reader of this work, and remain, with due affection and regard,

Your Pastor, and their sincere

Aberdeen, May 1815.

humble Servant,

JAMES KIDD.

PREFACE.

I. NO subject upon which the human mind çan turn, is more excellent in its own kind, more exalted and important than the doctrine of the Trinity. In itself it has every thing that can. arrest the attention, awaken the imagination, and attract the judgment and reason. It is profound, mysterious, highly metaphysical, and scientific, and every way momentous and interesting. It has for its object the great First Cause, the Creator of the universe, the moral Governor of heaven and earth, the self-existent and allperfect Jehovah. What human capacity can do justice to a subject, in all its parts so great and transcending?

With respect to the human race, it is the only real foundation of natural and revealed religion; of all truly virtuous doctrine and practice; of all hopes of a future glorious immortality: the foundation of the glorious and interesting plan of redemption; of all the ordinances of the church in every period of the world. A subject every

way so interesting, claims the most profound attention, the most patient investigation, the most unwearied research, the most careful meditation and study. And to contribute assistance to this great pursuit, the following Essay is chiefly intended. The writer trusts he is fully aware of the very deep and serious nature of the subject, and also of the many difficulties attending it, and desires to be humble, and fully sensible of his own defects; and wishes, with becoming diffi dence, only to cast in his mite for the illustra tion of the deepest of all subjects, and for the advancement of the glory of that uncreated Being of whom it treats.

II. The difficulties which the student of the doctrine has to encounter, are both numerous and considerable; yet they ought to be surmounted by every effort possible: and by patience, labour, and time, they may, in a certain degree.

The abstract and metaphysical nature of it renders it hard to those who are not accustomed to the severity of thinking closely. This is what makes it so unpopular, and puts it beyond the reach of the superficial thinker.

The doctrine of the human mind is placed last in the course of academical studies, because it