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W. F. WAKEMAN; AND WM. CURRY, JUN. & CO. DUBLIN;
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SIMPKIN AND MARSHALL; BALDWIN & CRADOCK;

AND HURST, CHANCE, & CO. LONDON.

MDCCCXXIX.

L.

MOY WOM

LENG

NEW YORK

Printed by W. Collins & Co.
Glasgow.

INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.

Of all the works from the pens of those who have the clearest right to be esteemed the wisest and the best among men, and which have been presented in this series of Select Christian Authors,' various as have been their topics, and widely different the cast of thought, and the characteristic talent, of their authors, it is no extravagance to say, that not one of them has failed to furnish evidence, direct or implied, sufficient to put an end to all rational doubt upon one subject; the depraved condition of our common nature, in its moral susceptibilities and faculties. The consciousness which lives, even if it slumbers, in every man's breast, the voice of experience and observation echoed from all times, and from every abode of men upon the earth, and the solemn testimony of God's own inspiration, are sources of proof which can never be stopped up; and which can be eluded only by that disbelief, which has the property of perverting or concealing every degree of moral demonstration: for it is, in fact, the chief exercise of that depravity itself, the very evil to be deplored, the very basis of our criminality