CHAP. III. CHAP. V. CHAP. VI. PREFACE. Ar a time when the opinions of men are much divided upon the things which are occurring in the Church of Christ, beyond what we have been used to witness, it may not be lost labour if we endeavour, by God's help, to make some enquiry concerning them: in order that our understandings may be informed, and our faith established, on a subject, which necessarily involves many important consequences, on whichever side of it the truth is found. My first desire, in preparing these pages for the press, is, that I may be preserved from error, lest I prove a blind guide to others; and that the Spirit of the Lord will enable me to write the truth, and nothing but the truth; that in this, and in all things, I may act according to His will, which ere long shall be done on earth as it now is in heaven. Before I enter upon the subject of the following pages, let it be distinctly stated that I consider graces to be more excellent" than gifts, where I speak according to the ordinary use of these terms, for grace is the gift of God. But, when I say this, I would not detract in the very least degree from the value of gifts, remembering that St. Paul, who knew B 66 these things far better than we, instructed Christians to covet earnestly the best gifts, though at the same time he showed unto them a more excellent way. (1 Cor. xii. 31.) It is a subject of just concern to observe the unholy feelings which many professors manifest in discussing these questions. Thus, a difference of opinion begets a bitterness of spirit, which is fearfully manifested in the writings and conversation of some who espouse the one side or the other; as if our tongues were wormwood, and our pens were dipped in gall. A man is made an offender for a word, (Is. xxix. 21.) and, instead of uniting in one holy band against the common enemies of our salvation, the armies of the living God are miserably divided. One division is arrayed against another, and their strength is weakened who profess to come to the help of the Lord against the mighty. How adverse to the mind of Christ! How awfully are the members of his body torn asunder! How gloriously must Satan triumph! How must the Spirit of God be grieved! In all this we are carnal; "for whereas there is among us envying, and strife, and divisions, are we not carnal, and walk as men?" (1 Cor. iii. 3.) Now may my God and Guide preserve me from this and every error; and if, in the judgment which I am led to form on the present question, some should differ from me, let not this possible difference of judgment occasion a difference of feeling; but, "whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing." (Phil. iii. 16.) In conclusion I would observe, |