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was by the Reformers from Popery, because we find it in our Bible. This it is that makes us Predeftinarians and Calvinifts: For Calvin nor Augustine, nor any Names whatever, are any thing to us, but as they Speak from the Holy Scriptures. These are Our only Oracles. What we find there, we believe and profefs, tho' incomprehenfible to our weak and fhallow Minds, which are by no means the Measure of Truth. And we think we act a perfectly rational Part, as well as reverent before the HIGH GOD, the Infinite Intelligence, in bowing our Un. derstandings to his Revelations relpecting Truth and Duty, even where we cannot anfwer every Scruple or Objection, for the reconciling feeming Oppofitions.

Let none then entertain the Doctrine of Election with Averfion, Scoff and Ridicule; but with the loweft Reverence and highest Adoration. You will fee with what Reason from the plain and fincere word of God, thro' the following Difcourfes; which are, in our Judgment, as modeft, ftrong and brief an Explanation and Vindication of this important Truth, as the Reader will be like to meet with and well fuited to convince Gainfayers, latisfy the doubting, eltablish the wavering, and ftop the Mouth

:

of

of vain Talkers, in Contradiction to the faithful Word,which we are commanded to bold fast and contend for.

We willingly take this Opportunity to testify our Concurrence with the Author in the Verity and Importance of this Doctrine; and our Satisfaction in his having preach'd and publish'd these Discourses.

And it is our hearty Prayer toGod that the Churches of the Reformation, and our Churches in particular, may be confirm'd and established in this and other Doctrines of Grace, as they have been of old deliver'd to 'em and received by 'em: And that as it is their indifputable Right and Duty in their choice of Pastors, to take heed to the Soundness of their Principles, as well as to their godly Life and edifying Gifts, they may ever do fo inFidelity to God, and Care of their own Souls, and thofe of their Families.

That these Difcourfes may be attended with a Divine Bleffing for thefeEnds, and that our dear Brother may long live a Bleffing to the Flock over which the HOLY

GHOST

was by the Reformers from Popery, because we find it in our Bible. This it is that makes us Predeftinarians and Calvinists: For Calvin nor Augustine, nor any Names whatever, are any thing to us, but as they Speak from the Holy Scriptures. These are our only Oracles. What we find there, we believe and profefs, tho' incomprehenfible to our weak and fhallow Minds, which are by no means the Measure of Truth. And we think we act a perfectly rational Part, as well as reverent before the HIGH GOD, the Infinite Intelligence, in bowing our Un derstandings to his Revelations refpecting Truth and Duty, even where we cannot answer every Scruple or Objection, for the reconciling feeming Oppofitions.

Let none then entertain the Doctrine of Election with Averfion, Scoff and Ridicule but with the loweft Reverence and highest Adoration. You will fee with what Reason from the plain and fincere word of God, thro' the following Difcourfes; which are, in our Judgment, as modeft, ftrong and brief an Explanation and Vindication of this important Truth, as the Reader will be like to meet with and well fuited to convince Gainfayers, latisfy the doubting, eltablish the wavering, and ftop the Mouth

of

of vain Talkers, in Contradiction to the faithful Word,which we are commanded to bold fast and contend for.

We willingly take this Opportunity to testify our Concurrence with the Author in the Verity and Importance of this Doctrine; and our Satisfaction in his having preach'd and publifh'd these Difcourfes.

And it is our hearty Prayer toGod that the Churches of the Reformation, and our Churches in particular, may be confirm'd and established in this and other Doctrines of Grace, as they have been of old deliver'd to 'em and received by 'em: And that as it is their indifputable Right and Duty in their choice of Pastors, to take heed to the Soundness of their Principles, as well as to their godly Life and edifying Gifts, they may ever do fo inFidelity to God, and Care of their own Souls, and those of their Families.

That these Difcourfes may be attended with a Divine Bleffing for theseEnds, and that our dear Brother may long live a Bleffing to the Flock over which the HOLY

GHOST

GHOST has made him an Overseer, to feed them in the Strength of the LORD GOD, and be continued a burning Light before all the Churches; and after a Life of great Services receive the Rewards of the wife and faithful Servant at the Coming of our LORD, are the Prayers of his Brethren and Fellow-Servants with him to these Churches of CHRIST.

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N. B. Among the CORRECTIONS at the end, thefe following should have been mention'd; Page 35. 1. 7. from the bottom, read, The elder fhall ferve the younger. P. 77. L. 14.

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