and art wont to give more than either we desire or deserve; pour down upon us the abundance of thy mercy, forgiving us those things whereof our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask, but through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord."

But why should I multiply evidence to show the fallacy of an objection or insinuation, which can only be made by persons either wilfully ignorant, or blinded by the most inveterate prejudice?

With respect to good works, the Church, though she does not view them as meritorious, yet she considers them as indispensably necessary; because no faith is genuine, but that which produces good works-because, without obedience to the commands of God, there can be no sincere love to him; and because every man will hereafter be rewarded according to his works.

There are many other objections raised against the Episcopal Church, all of which are equally groundless and unreasonable. And I am persuaded its doctrines, discipline and

worship, will all bear the test of the strictest examination. That they will be found conformable to the directions given by our Saviour and his Apostles, and to the practice of the Christian Church, in its earliest and purages.

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In these Eastern States particularly, the Episcopal Church has had to contend with many difficulties, and with much opposition. Her enemies have been numerous and powerful; and it is evident that, in some instances, they have borne a tyrannous hate against her. Even at present, the powers that be, seem not very much disposed to favour our Zion, or to speak comfortably to our Jerusalem: Or if, at times, peaceable things have been spoken, and words made use of which were softer than butter, and smoother than oil; yet, events have proved, that war was in the heart. Still, under these adverse circumstances, the Church has gradually, and sometimes rapidly increased so that, from a very little one, she has become many thousands. The fiery zeal with which it has been assailed, has not consumed this humble bush, because Jehovah is

in the midst of it. Its roots are still moistened with the dews of heaven; and its spreading branches, covered with the leaves of medicinal virtue, invite the disordered nations to come and repose under their healing influence.

These figures will perhaps be thought too bold, or too fanciful: but they are figures used in scripture, to represent the Church of God, and such, we think, truly, is the Episcopal Church.

CHAPTER II.

Concerning the Nature of Conversion, Regeneration, Renovation, and a Change of Heart.

TRUE religion invites inquiry and investigation. The more it is candidly investigated, the more rational, important and desirable it appears.

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It will be admitted on all hands, that the work of divine grace, in the hearts of men, is begun and carried on by the blessed influences of the Holy Spirit, who worketh in them both to will and to do, of his good pleaWhilst the Gospel Church was yet in its infancy, and before Christianity was established in the world, the operations of the Holy Ghost were frequently extraordinary and miraculous. As the necessities of the Church became less urgent, these extraordinary operations were gradually withdrawn, until they finally ceased. The age of miracles is long since past. But the Holy Spirit, in his ordinary influences, is still graciously given, to reprove the world of sin, of right

eousness, and of judgment-to enlighten, renew, and sanctify the souls of believers; and to strengthen, support and comfort them, as their circumstances may require. That the Holy Spirit operates upon all men, with sufficient energy to bring them to repentance and salvation, if they are not wanting in their own endeavours, we must admit, if we believe his calls and admonitions are given in sincerity. But that his gracious influences are, in any instances, irresistible, or that it is necessary they should be so, that they may be savingly effectual, requires proof and evidence which I have never yet met with.

Properly connected with this subject is the inquiry concerning the nature of conversion, regeneration, and renovation; terms which, I apprehend, are often improperly confounded together, and considered as synonymous. Conversion, in the language of scripture, generally means, the turning from erroneous opinions, and wicked practices, to such as are right and good. Thus, our Saviour says to his disciples, "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter