the Scriptures; and to facilitate that object, and induce them to do so, I have, at the end of the volume, added what I have there termed Select Readings in the Old Testament and Epistles; and A Classification of Texts in the New Testament, on its most important subjects-the nature of which is fully mentioned in a short introduction to them. These were made by me, several years ago, for my own family's behoof, without any design of publication; but being found useful there, it occurred to me, in the course of preparing these Essays for the press, that their usefulness might be extended by their being added to them.

I hope that these selections, and this classification, will be found accurate, and to answer the purpose intended,-made, as they were by me, on a careful examination of the Scriptures. I am aware, however, that my attempt in them may be deservedly considered presumptuous by gentlemen of another order, whose calling leads them to more extensive information than mine on such subjects; but if they shall be found less complete than they might have been, it is hoped that imperfections will be forgiven, in the recollection of what have been necessarily the general

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objects of my pursuits in life. This much, as a layman, have I considered it proper to say as to them; but I make no apology for having written these ESSAYS, for evidence is the subject of all of them but evidence forms a material part of the science of the lawyer; and the more important and interesting the subject of it, the greater must ever be the anxiety and care with which he will proceed to the examination and discussion of it.

There may be found in these separate Essays, the same view occasionally given, and the same illustration occurring; but that has naturally happened from the close connexion of their subjects, and from the circumstance of their having been composed at distant periods of time.

If this my little volume shall be found to contribute to the strengthening of belief in the truths of religion, and to the increase of genuine piety and virtue; and particularly if it shall assist extensively in enlightening the young on the great subjects of which it treats, it will afford me extreme satisfaction; and I shall never regret that I have employed the facilities acquired by my professional habits, in treating of evidence the most important in existence.

ESSAY I.

EVIDENCES

OF

NATURAL RELIGION.

"This most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets, could only proceed from THE COUNSEL AND DOMINION OF AN INTELLIGENT, POWERFUL BEING. This Being GOVERNS ALL THINGS, not as the soul of the world, but as Lord over all, and is ETERNAL, INFINITE, and ABSOLUTELY PERFECT.'

SIR ISAAC NEWTON'S Principia, ii. 311.

A