ciples of the doctrine of Christ; its manifest * connection with spiritual Blessings, and the frequency of its mention, could not fail to attract the notice, and to call for the consideration, of all persons, who were anxious to "know the Truth," and "the things which were freely given to them, and to their children for ever." The infant Church rejoiced in its spiritual relation to God; and it was frequently reminded that it was +"baptized into Christ." The theological writers of the first four Centuries were not more distinguished for their learning and piety than for the wisdom with which they explained these subjects. After ages of ignorance and superstition, (during which, however, not a few blessed men "walked in the light of the Lord") the REFORMATION brought them forth again into public view, rescued them from "heretical pravity," restored their native excellence, and assigned to them their proper use. And now, when our hearts are gladdened by a wide-spreading revival of Religion in our own Church, thousands are earnestly seeking information concerning the

* Act. ii. 38. + Rom. vi. 3-11. Gal. iii. 27. Col. ii. 12.

nature and effects of Regeneration and Baptism, and asking, what is Regeneration? And, for what purposes was Baptism instituted by the great head of the Church?

An answer to these enquiries is attempted in this volume. Scripture is followed, (as it ever ought to be,) as closely as possible. The plainest texts-texts which almost speak for themselves, are produced; so that a forced interpretation can scarcely have been given to any. It will be found also, that attention is paid to the counsel of a celebrated writer, who honestly thought for himself, and resolved to be

"Nullius addictus jurare in verba Magistri."- -HOR. However, it would have argued unpardonable presumption on the present occasion, not to have consulted and frequently quoted the great masters of Theological science. Considerable use has also been made of Wall's very valuable work on "Infant Baptism." And I have gladly availed myself of the assistance which the expositions of the leading Nonconformist Divines occasionally afforded me. But it is not, perhaps, saying too

much that this treatise is in some respects new. And it embraces topics which, connectedly, have not been offered to the attention of the public before.

The subjects I have considered are inconceivably important, and require a master's hand. And if I know my own heart at all, I can say, that the wishes of several persons in whom I take a lively interest, the recollection how painfully I once felt the want of some such work as this, and the almost unremitted calls of my conscience to do something of this kind, mainly induced me to set about it, and bring it to a close, when I thought that I might urge in excuse for not taking up my pen, a considerable sphere of Clerical duty, indisposition, the responsibility attached to a publication, and inability.

However, as CHILLINGWORTH says, "It is "TRUTH I plead for, which is so strong an 66 argument for itself, that it needs only light to

"The Religion of Protestants a safe way to Salvation."

Dedication.

"discover it: whereas it concerns Falshood and ، Error to use disguises, and shadorwings, and all "the fetches of Art and Sophistry; and therefore "it stands in need of abler men to give that a "colour at least, which hath no real body to “ subsist by.If my endeavours in this kind may “ contribute any thing to this discovery, and the "making plain of that Truth (which my Charity "persuades me the most part of men disaffect "only, because it has not been well represented "to them,) I have the fruit of my labour, and "my wish, who desire to live to no other end "than to do service to God's Church."