Published by BENJAMIN PARSONS, with the approbation, and at the request of BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY CROSBY, NICHOLS, & CO., UNITARIAN ASSOCIATION. 1854. BT шь EDITORIAL NOTE. It would be strange if the lapse of more than forty years should not have brought so much improvement in Biblical criticism, as would show some parts of the exegesis of Dr. Worcester to be defective. He had but lately emerged from the darkness of the old theology, when he published this work. Since that period the labors of the most able and learned scholars and divines of the last half century have shed new and great light on the interpretation of the sacred text; and some few of the author's criticisms might, on a strict revision of the work, be thought to require amendment. It is not, however, now put forth as a work, in every respect perfect. (The author himself was far from claiming infallibility.) But as a work likely ever to be of great aid to the serious inquiring mind on some of the highest themes and most important doctrines of Christian faith. Its great ability, its singularly beautiful and Christ-like spirit, its clear and logical conclusions, will always ensure its permanent worth. And on this account another edition is offered to the public, and an impartial examination of its contents is besought. ADVERTISEMENT. THE Letters contained in the following pages are, generally, those which were formerly published under the title of "Bible News;" and "addressed to a worthy Minister of the gospel." Some things, however, have been omitted to give place to others which have been deemed of more importance. But whether this may be properly called an Improved Edition, the public will determine. Ôn condition that it shall be consistent with the will of God, under the general title now assumed, the public may expect some farther communications. A series of Inquiries have, for a long time, occupied my attention; and some things are nearly ready for the press; which, it is hoped, will give additional light respecting the character of the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit; and also additional evidence that the doctrine of a "Three one God" has no foundation in the Bible; and that it is really reproachful both to the Holy ONE of Israel and to his ONLY SON. It was foreign from the desires of my heart to occasion any schism, tumult, or clamor among professed Christians; and I cannot but deeply lament that any things of such a nature have been the consequence of publishing my sentiments. It is most sincerely hoped, that those who have been offended with me for thinking for myself and publishing the fruits of my inquiries, will yet allow themselves time for cool reflection and patient examination. For it is confidently believed, that the time is not far distant, when the doctrine, that Christ is really God's SON, will not, by Christian Ministers, be classed among “damnable heresies." There are things, respecting which, I must be allowed to express some astonishment, because, when the things are compared together, there seems to be something of the nature of a paradox. So far as I am informed by reports, by private letters and by conversation, the sentiment that Christ is really God's SON, has, above every thing else in my Letters, been made the ground of objection among Trinitarian Ministers. It is on this very ground that they have taken the liberty to represent, that I have degraded the character of Christ, that I am an Arian, a Socinian, and a heretic. In my own defence, and in opposition to their views, I exhibit evidence from Scripture, that believing in Christ, as the Son of God, is stated as a condition of salvation; and that disbelief of this doctrine is what is termed making God a liar. Then, my Trinitarian brethren, turn right about, and consider me as really reprehensible, for so much as intimating that they do not "as fully as" "do," believe that Jesus Christ is the SON of God. |