C'est vous, Seigneur, qui donnez cette volonté, qui la
conservez pure ; sans vous je ne suis qu'un roseau agité par
le moindre vent ; vous m'avez donné le courage, la droiture,
et tous les bons sentimens que j'ai; vous m'avez formé un
cæur nouveau, qui desire votre justice, et qui est altéré de
votre vérité éternelle.

FENELON.

London:
PUBLISHED BY W. PHILLIPS, GEORGE-YARD,

LOMBARD-STREET.

1823.

13

James Benuett, Printer,

Tewkesbury

ESSAY I.

On Regeneration.

PREFAOE.

IT is with much diffidence I submit this Essay to public view, knowing my great inability to write upon a subject which many already have attained in a much higher degree than is here expressed; and from such gratitude to the Great Giver of all our mercies will arise, not only to their own minds, but also to mine; may they likewise recal the words of Solomon, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser.” (a)

It may be queried, how can one so young point out a way like this, which they that are older only can; for “ days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.” (6)

It may be answered in the words of Elihu, “But there is a spirit in man; and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth him understanding. Great men are

(a) Prov. 9. 9.

(b) Job. 32. 7, 8.