"For I Give you Good Doctrine."---Bible.

D. P. PIKE, Editor.

VOL. I.

B. F. CARTER, Agent.

NEWBURYPORT, JAN'Y 15, 1855. NO. 1.

INTRODUCTORY.

Christian Theology will embrace the outlines of the most prominent articles of divine revelation. The most able authors within our reach will be consulted; and liberty will be taken to abridge, re-arrange and intersperse original ideas, as may be deemed advisable. We take it for granted that no piety is perfectly sound unless it is founded upon the internal and spiritual doctrine of the Christian religion; neither can any be essentially wrong which rests upon that doctrine. The sovereign remedy for those evils which would sweep experimental religion into the wild frenzies of fanaticism, or the cold formalities of infidelity, is found in the vital doctrines of Christianity.

Those evils which at present are causing our beloved Zion to languish and suffer, arise from the want of that intelligent, deep toned, experimental piety, which can be found only in an early and intimate acquaintance with the true doctrine of the Bible. It seems necessary that, if we would save our children and the rising generations, their minds should, at an early period, be brought under the power of correct bible sentiment.

The publication of this work has arisen from an expressed desire for a system of doctrine, expressing the generally received sentiments of the Christian Connection. It is, however, to be understood at the onset, that this work will not present the views of the Denomination authoritatively. The sentiments advanced will be such as are embraced by the editor, and what he regards Christian doctrine, as generally taught for the last fifty years, by the ablest preac hers of

the Connection. In this, however, he may err; but his great object will be to adhere closely to the Bible. He desires no person but himself to be responsible for any doctrine that may be advanced. The reader, therefore, is invited to search the scriptures; and if our views harmonize therewith, receive them, if not, reject them.

It is not to be presumed that this little volume will be free from errors or mistakes. Every doctrine presented will be based, not on human speculation, but on the plain and obvious teachings of the Bible. It is not designed to be a work of refined, philological disquisitions. A book of instruction should be written in the current language of men, so that the most natural and obvious meaning must be the real meaning. It will claim no great merit as a literary work; but will aim to present the Truth as it is in Jesus. We hope, therefore, that our imperfect efforts to exhibit the great and glorious truths of the Bible, may assist in directing the humble and sincere inquirer into the way of life. THE PUBLISHERS.

Newburyport, Jan. 15th, 1855.

GOD,

With becoming reverence we would offer thoughts rela tive to that Being whom the sacred writers, without presenting proof or evidence, admit to exist as the great FIRST CAUSE. God may be defined as a Being eternal, independent, self-existent; whose purposes and actions come from himself. This Being is absolute in dominion. In essence, spiritual, pure, simple. In benevolence, infinite, true and holy; the upholder of all things. He is infinitely happy because infinitely good; illimitable in his immensity; inconceivable in his mode of existence; known fully to himself. Who, then, by examination, may expect to find him out to perfectior.? Yet it is the province and the

privilege of human intelligences to receive what light Infinite Wisdom has been pleased to shed upon his own infinity. No man should presume to venture beyond the revealed limits of this knowledge, nor enter the regions of wild speculation. Experimentally all must acknowledge that no man knoweth the Father but the Son, and he to whom the Son shall reveal Him. The existence of this Being, then, the sacred writers take for granted, and present Him as the sole object of adoration. But we call attention to the following question:

IS THERE A GOD?

This question is of vital importance; full of solemn and awful interest. If there is no such being on the throne of the Universe, whose character is distinguished by infinite power and goodness, then man's existence is valueless, and human beings are mere shadows, accidentally here, and soon to vanish into nothing.

The proof of God's existence, independent of the Holy Scriptures, presented philosophically, depends upon the va lidity of the statement that no effect exists without a cause. This is considered as an intuitive truth. There is a reason ing from cause to effect; but the argument is not sufficient to produce conviction on all minds. The metaphysical argument, to be understood, requires acuteness of intellect and close attention, and is therefore to the greater part of men, useless.

A celebrated gentleman, conversing with Dr. Clarke about his discourses concerning the being and attributes of God, pointed to a nettle and said, that weed furnished more satisfactory evidence than all his abstruse reasoning.

Reasoning from effect to cause, presents a remarkable simplicity and force. It is evident to a rational mind that no effect can exist without an adequate cause. It is as evident as that equals added to equals make sums that are equal; or that wholes are greater than parts. This is evident to us, whether we direct our attention within or without us.