impressed with the fullest and firmest belief, that he possessed perfections and powers, which distinguished him from all mere creatures, and proved him to possess a nature, which is truly divine; there appear the strongest reasons to believe. Accordingly, he received that respect and worship from them, before he left the world, which it would have been impious for any mere creature to admit to be paid to him. He made promises of what he would do for them after his ascension, which, they well knew, it required Almighty power and universal dominion, to enable him to accomplish. Prayer was addressed directly to him, by his disciples, and graciously answered by him. The apostles, whom he commissioned to go and preach the gospel to every creature, ever spoke of him in terms, and attributed a character to him, which they could not otherwise than believe, would lead all, who embraced the doctrines they taught, to view him as an object of supreme love, and of religious worship and adorationas well as to place the fullest and most entire confidence in him. Yea, they considered prayer to Christ calling on the name of the Lord Jesus, as, in those days, a distinguishing mark of a christian.

Now, that Jesus himself should direct and author. ize his apostles to exhibit him under a character, in their preaching and doctrines which he could not but foresee and know, would greatly tend to render him an object of idolatrous respects; were he but a mere creas ture, is itself enough to take away all confidence in his honesty and integrity-especially, as one great object of the coming of the Messiah was foretold to be, to destroy the idols, and to put away idolatrous worship.

THAT the apostles and first preachers of christianity, who appeared most strongly attached to the person and interest of their Lord and Saviour, should leave his character under the stigma of his having died a blas

phemer; while they, themselves, well knew, that he claimed no powers and prerogatives, but such as may belong to a creature; is, of itself, enough to destroy all confi ence in them, either as being inspired, or even honest men.

THESE Considerations are sufficient to show, that, if Christ be not truly a divine person, neither he, nor his apostles can deserve our credit-The evidence that his gospel is from God is taken away-And we are left in the dark, and wholly without a guide, in matters of infinite importance, and which most highly, as well as everlastingly concern us.

THE END.

INDEX.

Page.

CHAPTER I.

Containing observations respecting God's chief
end in the creation of the world.

CHAPTER II.

An inquiry into the original ground of the neces-
sity of an atonement in order to the forgiveness
of sin.

CHAPTER III.

An inquiry into the design and import of the
bloody sacrifices required under the Mosaic
dispensation.

CHAPTER IV.

In which it is inquired whether there be not evi-
dence that Christ died in the Room and STEAD
of the sinner.

CHAPTER V.

Shewing the necessity of Christ's perfect obedience
in order to his making atonement for sin; and,
the influence which his personal righteousness
hath, in procuring pardon for the sinner.

CHAPTER VI.

Shewing the ends which are answered by the suf-
ferings of Christ; and, what is the language
and import of them.

7

13

40

54

66

76

CHAPTER. VII.

In which it is shewn that the anger of God which
appeared, and was expressed, in the sufferings
of Christ; was, really, against sinners.

CHAPTER VIII.

Shewing the consistency of full atonement with

free pardon.

CHAPTER IX.

Shewing in what way it may be accounted for,
that the sufferings of Christ should be exceed-
ingly great.

CHAPTER X.

Shewing in what sense atonement is made for the
sins of the whole world.

APPPENDIX.

Containing a view of consequences, resulting from
a denial of the Divinity of Christ.

99*

115

123

135

157