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ADUMBRATION:

BEING

AN ATTEMPT TO GIVE A SKETCH OF SOME

IMPORTANT CHANGE

THAT MUST TAKE PLACE IN THE PROFESSING WORLD

TO RENDER

Missionary Exertion Effective;

WITH AN

Analysis

OF THE PRESENT STATE OF THE CHURCH UNDER

THE GOSPEL,

SHOWING THE FALLACY OF UNDERTAKING THE

CONVERSION OF HEATHENS AND PAGANS,

WHILE HERSELF IS IN SUCH A STATE OF

ANTI-CHRISTIAN DIVISION:

To which will be added some Information which has never yet come
before the Public in an intelligible Shape, and in which every Native
of the Land is equally alike interested, whether it is considered a

FICTION, OR FACT;

More particularly those who believe the Scriptures are a Revelation of
GOD'S WILL TO MAN.

BY E. P. G.

"I also will show my opinion."-ELIHU, JOB, xxxii. 10.

London:

PRINTED BY W. MARCHANT, 1, INGRAM-COURT,
FENCHURCH-STREET.

1824.

From the Library of the late Charles Bradlaugh, M.P.

1891.

BOOL LIBR
30.950 1910
OXFORD

PREFACE.

THE universal parent of nature must be impartial in all the gifts he bestows on his creatures. If he has made a revelation of his will to man, it must be in a way that is clear and plain to the understanding of the simple.

The pride of human learning has endeavoured to make it appear otherwise. Matter supposed incomprehensible to the untutored has been broached,-dwelt on by some and opposed by others, till at length religion for the last century has become a mere competition; each, like rival tradesmen, striving for their own interest and consequence,

In this contest many simple persons are trained to have enmity (under the feigned name of pity) for each other, because they are Catholics, or Protestants, or Calvinists, or Arminians, &c. &c. Terms that many understand not; and of that which hath produced them, and caused them to be used, are as ignorant as of Greek or Hebrew.

How many have been brought to furious contest with each other, wherein no offence has been given on either side prior to their receiving such religious distinetion! Like soldiers in the field of battle led forth to fight for what they know not.-Look at Ireland. Look back to the church in danger, people, in the year 1780. Suppose each individual was asked, "Why" act ye thus?" what answer would be given.

Babylon exists, and the Church is in it. The people are not free,-they cannot act otherwise. But Cyrus's proclamation will soon go forth. "For he

"hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of "iron asunder." Psalm cvii. 16.

The wisdom of the wise is the Babylon, and the council of the prudent the gate. The first will perish, and the last be brought to nought. Nothing is here said against any individual sect. It may, nevertheless, be very offensive to all, and myself execrated. Let them all seek to be what they were intended, "One fold under one shepherd;" then, notwithstanding their present feeling, I shall be recognised as their brother, peradventure a senior one.

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No apology will be made for the language. It is the writer's best, he would do it better if he could. It will be found a simple unadorned tale, suited to simple people which form the great mass; and who, from worldly pursuits, require that which is intelligible without study.

The first step to liberty is knocking off the chains, namely, man's dependence on man, which is shown in this FIRST PART. In that which follows all will have the power of forming an understanding for themselves. It is not to any particular person but to every soul in the nation that professeth a belief in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Avarice or ambition cannot be charged on them that bring it forth. It is an expense for which they can only expect a return in the kingdom of Christ. And will render them at present odious to persons they would wish to please, and profit, with no other hope than that of walking under the smiles of God's reconciled countenance.

E. P. G.

May 1, 1824.

CONTENTS.

THE extent of religious profession co-existent with Idolatry,
the parent of Infidelity-Bigotry often ending in deism-
The bewildering effect of religious differences-The usual
way of being reconciled to them fallacious-Whilst the
prevalent opinion of going to heaven is kept alive, division
will continue, idolatry reign, and infidelity extend-Soli-
auty piety better than social under present circumstances,
because it does not engender prejudices-Evidences of
Idolatry and religious affectation-Romish images compa-
ratively barmless-Dismal effects of religious divisions-
Remedies pointed out from Scripture The origin of sin,
no account of it given by any-Death-bed delusions
commonly practised.

The creation the time when all men were made-The soul
the man, the body the vehicle of action-After the fall,
man left with only animal life.

Anticipated hostility of unchristian prejudices-Intercourse
between the spiritual and the natural world-Instances of
it.

Strange ideas held by a body of worshippers as to the se-
duction of Eve-The author's rejection of a modern Eve's
report of bringing forth a Cain ten years ago—Impurity
of such speculations.

The image of God withdrawn from man, appears to him as
counsellor and as pleader with God.

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