which must have an interest at all times and in all places. No other apology is needed, for entering into a discussion of them, or for publishing the results of that discussion, in case peculiar circumstances render it desirable. I doubted, at first, whether I should divest the various compositions, included in the present volume, of all their local and temporary costume, and give them the dress of simple and absolute discussion. My deliberations on this subject ended in the conviction, that what is local and temporary will rather serve to give interest to the discussion. In fact, it constitutes so small a part of the whole, that I did not think the remodelling of the pieces in order to leave it out, was either necessary or expedient. Some parachronisms the observing reader may easily detect; e. g. I have in a few instances interwoven with what was originally addressed to Dr. Channing, facts or events which have happened since that period. It is an offence, perhaps, against the rules of strict rhetorical propriety. But it was easier, or at any rate more agreeable to my feelings, to say what I wished to say, in this way, than to load the text with cumbrous notes. The reader need not put it to the account of oversight. Any formal vindication of doing what I have done in this respect, would be a waste of time and words to little or no purpose. The Supplementary Note to Letter I., and all the Postscripts excepting that to Letter III., have been written for the present edition; and are additions to the former publications, which have cost me more labour than the original compositions. Of their value and importance, it belongs to readers to judge. In respect to the several Sermons, and the Letter on Religious Liberty, it is not necessary to say more, in this place, than that the particulars which I wish the reader to know, are elsewhere given, being inserted at the head of each of these compositions. I need not here repeat what is there said. If my testimony and my arguments in regard to the topics discussed, should be of any avail in calling the attention of intelligent Christians and citizens of this Commonwealth, or elsewhere, to the all-important subjects of which they treat, this publication will not be useless. Should they be listened to in this vicinity, or in a still wider extent, and Christians be roused up to a due consideration of the matters in question, or be satisfied with the defence I have made of the sentiments which I have avowed, it will be an ample and the best reward of my humble labours. Theol. Seminary, Andover, M. STUART. CONTENTS. LETTER II. Unity of God, p. 13—20. Meaning of Person, 20—29, Nicene Creed, 29-31. Imperfection of language, 31-34. Council at Constantinople in A. D. 381, 34 seq. Definitions of Person in mo- dern times, 36-40. Nature of divine Unity and objections to it, 40 SUPPLEMENTARY NOTE TO LETTER II. Brief Sketch of opinions respecting the Person of Modern attempts to define Person, 59. Examination of them, 60–71. Christology of recent philosophers in Germany, 71 -74. Sketch of what might be deemed a proper Creed, in relation to the doctrine of the Trinity, 74 seq. LETTER III. Mode of Interpretation, 76-79. Testimony of Scrip- German and English Liberalists, 182-184. Use of German Books Progress of the Liberals in Germany and in this Country, 192—196. Brief Review of Mrs. Dana's Letters in defence of Unitarianism, 196 -207. Mysteries of Arianism, 207-210. Humanitarianism examin- ed, 210 seq. Union of two natures in one person, 211 seq. Oneness Introductory Note, 219. Disc. I. Explanation of the text, Is. 53: 5, 6, p. 219-221. Explanations of the doctrine, 222-231. Proof of the doctrine, 231 seq. Philosophy not a competent judge, 231–233. Sub- stitution no absurdity, and no new thing, 233-236. Justice of God not opposed to it, 237 seq. Improbability of it cannot be shown, 238 scq. Disc. II. Bricf-recapitulation 240-241. Principles of Exege- sis applicable to passages of Scripture, 241 scq. Scripture proof, 242 -245. Objections against Atonement, 245-251. damental, 251 seq. It offers high moral excitement to holiness and III. SERMON ON THE LAMB OF GOD. Introductory Note, 260. Inquiry by whom the text (John 1: 29) was uttered, 261 seq. On what occasion? 262. Meaning of John's decla- ration, 262 seq. Credit due to John, 263. Idea conveyed by the word Lamb, 264 seq. Lamb a propitiatory sacrifice, 266 seq. Lamb of God, 268 seq. Taking away the sins of the world, 269-271. Proper use of these truths by Communicants, 271 scq. IV. CHRISTIANITY A DISTINCT RELIGION. Introductory Note, 276. Application of the text, Matt. 18: 20, to be re- garded as general, 277 seq. What is it to convene in the name of Christ? 278–280. Christianity distinct from other religions, 280 seq. What are its peculiaritics? 284 scq. Believing and trusting |