It is lamentable to observe what a spirit of animosity is kindled in the Christian Church, by the revival of a controversy which has, from the most remote ages, been agitated with more or less vehemence, and which is never likely to be decided. This, at least, I may venture to assert, that what cannot be gained by calm and dispassionate argument, it will be in vain to expect from dogmatical assertion and loud anathemas. The disciples of Calvin and Arminius are entreated to recollect, that the maintenance of their positions is not inconsistent with the profes sion and the practice of the Gospel. The brightest ornaments of the Christian reli gion, and the most exemplary patterns of every Christian grace, have ranged on opposite sides. Whatever be the consequences deducible from these doctrines, they are not fraught with half the injury which religion suffers from the intemperate zeal with which the discussion of this and every other question in religion is generally managed. May the rage of controversy subside, and the mild spirit of Christianity triumph, and continue to adorn and beautify the life and conversation of its professors! May the faithful

faithful labourer in the vineyard of his blessed Master, employ his zeal and talents, in clearing it of the weeds of sin, in preparing the soil of the human heart for the reception of the Divine seed, and encouraging the growth of righteousness and true holiness! This employment will yield him the reward of conscious approbation; when heated prejudices, and clamorous conflicts, in the support of a speculative tenet, will disappoint the expectations of the polemic, and end in painful and unprofitable regret.

It has been considered as no small advantage to the cause of the Christian religion, that she has found, among her ablest and most zealous defenders, those who cannot be supposed to have espoused her interest, but from a conviction of her truth. Whenever the deist ventures to impute to the clergyman motives of selfishness, he is confounded and silenced by the names of Newton, Boyle and Locke. The learning, genius, independence, and disinterestedness, of these laymen, have always furnished a decisive answer to the objections of the infidel. May it not be esteemed a considerable advantage to the cause, to include

the

the name of Hale in the list of these illustrious champions? His admirable sagacity, and strict impartiality in the search and discovery of truth, his care and diligence in considering and examining the reason and evidences of religion, all conspire to attach a peculiar importance to his testimony, and enhance its value, to give an additional confirmation of the truth to the believer, and check the rash presumption of the sceptic. Men who might peruse with a prejudiced eye, the writings of those whose profession immediately enjoins them to exert their abilities in the defence of the Gospel, may be prevailed on to pay them a serious attention, merely by the authority of one, whose natural constitution, learned profession, and worldly interest, raised him above suspicion; by the respect which the fame of his solid judgment and discriminating powers must command; and, above all, by the constant strain of piety, virtue, and usefulness, for which his life and literary labors were so eminently distinguished,

The few words which by course of time have become obsolete, or seldom occur, I have explained, for the satisfaction of those who may not understand their meaning,

The

The translations of the Latin expressions which are interspersed in the work, are subjoined also for the same reason.

I hope it will be thought an improvement to remove from the text to the foot of the page, the numerous references of Scripture, which, from their frequent occurrence, interrupt the narration, and give a less pleas ing effect to the eye..

I have adopted the modern orthography, with a view to render the Work more readable and inviting.

The reader may be assured, however, no liberties have been taken with the language of the text. In sitting down to the following volumes, he will have the satisfaction of conversing only with Hale. I envy not the taste of the architect who thinks the venerable simplicity of the Gothic receives any improvement from its transformation into the style of a Grecian edifice.

His Poems conclude the Second Volume. If there be any part of the Works of Hale, the loss of which I should least regret, I confess it is this. If, however, they want the characters which constitute legitimate poetry, let the vein of piety which runs

through

through them, and the dignity of the subject, deprecate the severity of criticism.

May I be permitted to conclude with my fervent prayer, that this feeble attempt to do justice to the memory of Sir MATTHEW HALE, and to serve the cause of piety and virtue, may be attended with the blessing of Heaven, and be a means of promoting amongst men, the imitation of this excellent pattern, and the cultivation of all those graces and good dispositions which rendered him amiable and estimable in the sight of men, and recommended him, we trust, through the merits of Christ, to the favour of God, and a place in the realms of eternal bliss!

Since these volumes were printed, it has afforded me no small gratification to observe that a Prelate1, not less conspicuous for his learning and abilities than his primitive zeal in the diffusion of practical Christianity, has included the 'Contemplations Moral and Divine, of Sir Matthew Hale,' in the short list of Books which he recommends as deserving a place in every Christian's

66

'Dr. Burgess, Bishop of St. David.-See part the third. An Easter Catechism.

"closet,