"learning, and a great deal of conceit-his own crude "notions-vanity and impertinence-establish no

com

thing but their own disgrace-P. 7. step forth pub"lic reformers in learning, with no other qualification "but the contempt of it-Morality not within the "new system-P. 8. Hutchinsonian, enthusiastic, "new reformers-dictatorial, abusive, uncharitable "mode of preaching amongst these new reformers, "yoid of meekness and void of fear-P. 14. "fortably self-sufficient-P. 19. scarce attended "with common sense, or intelligible language-P. "20. the foolishness of folly-P. 24. gently, not so "flaming-insolence armed with arrogance-P. 81. "This Hutchinsonian zealot-P. 34. a false accuser "of one of his brethren-P. 35. inserted wickedly"likewise inserted wickedly-P. 36. absolute viola"tion of Christian charity-YOU-YOU-YOU, SIR "that dangerous, that unchristian disposition of "soul-you must be contented to descend, and sink "into the deepest humiliation-pretended zeal❞— So again, P. 38, "so defective in Christianity, as to "want even the prime virtue of it-so defective in "human learning, as this author and his brethren❞— So P. 40. "contemners of sound learning-corrupt"ers of genuine religion-P. 44. boisterous vain "pretenders, &c.-P. 37. You yourself cannot possibly believe what you have asserted." And then there is an application to me of one of the most tremendous curses ever pronounced against the enemies of God and Christ, by which I am shut out from all hope of mercy, and placed in the number of the reprobate and finally impenitent, for ever

and ever-" Be not merciful to them that offend of "malicious wickedness: for the sin of their mouth, "and for the words of their lips, they shall be taken "in their pride: and why? their preaching is of "cursing and lies." The gentleman stopped a verse too soon-"Consume them in thy wrath, consume

them, that they may perish!" And in the last page, that I may not be divided in my death from those to whom Christian friendship has joined me in my life, he has shut us all out together from "the light of "the Lord God and the Lamb," and consigned us over to "the mist of darkness;" thinking it proper (as he says, after a long quotation from the Dunciad) to conclude an address relative to religion, powerfully, in the words of holy Scripture. And very powerful indeed they are" These are spots in 66 your feasts of charity, feeding themselves without "fear: wells are they without water: clouds that are "carried about of winds: trees whose fruit wither"eth raging waves of the sea, foaming out their "own shame: wandering stars, to whom is reserved "the mist of darkness. Here the author, I perceive, being cautious, left out the words "for ever." But his caution comes too late; for, as it stands there, it can mean nothing less than damnation, whether the words "for ever" are added or not. But to go on "When they speak great swelling words "of vanity, they allure those who were.clean escaped "from them who lived in error. And while they

promise them liberty, they themselves are the "servants of corruption." The reader will give me

leave to subjoin his motto-" Above all these things

put on charity, the very bond of perfectness !" These, sir, are "hard speeches" against men, of whom their enemies themselves, being judges, must own, that they are sound in the faith, steady to the church, and regular in their duties. I I say not this to boast; for sinners have nothing to boast of: but I am constrained to say it, in our defence. Personal failings and infirmities we have many; from all which "we hope to be saved, even as others, "through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ." But, upon as impartial a survey as I can take of all that has been said or written against us, (for I pretend not to be without prejudices) I must declare, that "neither against the law, neither against the temple, "neither against Cæsar," is it proved that we have "offended any thing at all." Consider, therefore, sir, in the sober hour of thought and reflection, (for much does it deserve your consideration), consider again what you have said of us; and particularly the application you have made to us of those most awful and tremendous judgements of the Almighty against the impenitent enemies of his Christ. Think where you would be if he should deal with you as you have dealt with us. Consider that the praise

cannot last long. The

or reproach of the world world itself grows old, and nature, sunk in years, gives evident signs of her approaching dissolution. But, however, near the end of the world may be, our end cannot be far off. Then it will be found, (happy for us, if we consider it in time,) that "of

making many books there is no end, and that "much study" of worldly wisdom "is weariness of "the flesh," without profit of the spirit. We shall then perceive, that the Bible only will survive the fire that consumes the world, and be opened in heaven, when the light shall shine through every part of it, displaying Christ, its blessed subject, to the ravished eyes of all those who by night, in this dark world, have sought him in it, under the veil of its sacred and adorable mysteries. Experience will then convince us, that Scripture knowledge only lasts beyond the grave, and opens a passage through the waters of death, into the promised land, conducting us to the gates of the Jerusalem above, where is the throne of eternal judgement. Before that throne, sir, you, and I, and all of us, must shortly stand; and there must the secrets of all our hearts be revealed, and laid open, before heaven and earth assembled. And then will it be known, what were our motives in preaching, and yours in writing. As to all you have said against us, may God forgive you, as I am sure we do, for endeavouring greatly to injure the characters and reputations of men, who know not that ever they have offended you, or any one else! And if, in the foregoing pages, there is any misrepresentation or aggravation, it has slipt me unwittingly, and I am sorry for it.

And now, my younger brethren of the university, you see what there is to be said against us; and your candour will not pass sentence of condemnation, without reading what is said for us. If you find reason to do it then, we submit. The author of the

VOL. IV.

1

pamphlet we have been considering talks of our proselyting and seducing you. We want not to proselyte you to any sect or party; for we never design to constitute a sect or party; but, as members of the church, subjects to the king, and sons of the university, we desire to spend our lives in their service; continuing steadfast and unmoveable, in the stations allotted us. And we hope there is no harm in wishing that you may do the same, living in due subordination and humble obedience to your tutors and governors in this place; for the prosperity of which all must pray, that ever pray for the peace of Jerusalem. They cannot stand separate, and can only fall together. May you so employ the calm days of peace and quietness you enjoy in this happy retirement, that you may be able, when you launch forth into the world, to weather all the storms of infidelity, heresy, schism, and sensuality, those four winds, that strive for the mastery upon that troubled sea! That so, wherever you are sent to preach the Gospel, and wage war with the enemies of man's salvation, your piety may adorn the church, and your learning do honour to the university. If there is any man, into whom we have inculcated principles contrary to these, let him stand forth, and declare it. But if to inculcate these be to seduce you-then we do verily own ourselves to be most exceedingly guilty.