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
cœur nouveau, qui desire votre justice, et qui est altéré de
votre vérité éternelle.

James Bennett, Printer,

Tewkesbury.

ESSAY I.

On Regeneration.

PREFACE.

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." (b) 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 (b) Job. 32. 7, 8.

(a) Prov. 9. 9.