running the confequence forward into all futu rity. Infinite power and perfection cannot be one day antiquated; nor ever ceafe to govern all things with excellent wisdom and goodness. The foundation of this is, that which is reason now, bath been fo from eternity, and will be fo for ever.

e

There also are, to my purpose, extremely pertinent and juft obfervations, made by Mr. PRICE, in his review, &c.

"In order to fhew how little a way meré fenfe and imagination can go, and how far we are dependent on our higher reasonable powers for many of our most obvious and fundamental ideas; I would inftance in Solidity, which has generally paffed for an idea we owe to sense; and yet perhaps it would be difficult to prové; that we ever had actual experience of that im penetrability, which we include in the idea, and confider as effential to all bodies. So the vis inertiae is rather a perception of reafon, than an idea conveyed to the mind by fenfe. Experience does not affift in the difcovery, for never did any man yet fee any portion of matter that was void of gravity. The fame obfervation holds good, in the idea of fabstance

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duration

e P. 126. note,

duration-fpace. And it is the understanding, by employing its attention about different things, and obferving what is and what is not true of them, acquires the different ideas of neceffity, infinity, contingency, poffibility and impoffibility. So that the univerfal fource of the idea of power, is, the understanding. i

These extracts enable the mind of the reader to distinguish between the mechanical and moral fyftems: they give very juft and honorable fentiments of the constant impreffions of Deity; and support the doctrine of an univerfal providence. All the while, preserving that freedom of the human spirit which is effential to its virtue, perfection and immortality. They are generally first principles, which neither need nor can admit of illuftration. They ftand opposed to the froth of fatalism; to the abfurdity of doubt, and the ftupidity of Atheifm. The dignity of human nature, rifes in the scale of animated beings, and the infinite importance of rectitude, in the voliti ons of the foul, is manifeft in all the confequences of fuch conformity to the heavenly fyftem. We thus, as it were, do almost

1

step

See his reafoning from p. 27. to 36.

step into the heavenly world of vifion; and make an actual furvey of existence, independent on the frailty of these fenfible, mortal fcenes; and widely explore the regions of pureft light, and of beatific life.

With advantage we may now prosecute the defign of an effay to ascertain the fcripture-doctrine of the real chriftian's future exiftence, during the mediatorial kingdom of Jefus: who must reign till death is put wholly under his feet, or until these mortal scenes of mankind have had their last revolution, and their utmost completion. In which interpretation, neither the fleeping, nor the separate state of the Soul is fuppofed.

The better to fecure a clear idea of the argument, various Lemmata, or previous propofitions are collected, as affording fome capital views of the Gospel-system. Which is the design of the next chapter.

T

HAT we may with greater evidence, form a judgment of the fu ture ftate of a good man's existence, we fhould religiously follow the guidance of revelation: and fee to it, that our interpretations be rational, probable, and confiftent, in all our fyftem of faith and expectation. And if we venerate the gospel, as the truth and grace of God, we shall fo understand it, as may best agree with the perfection of his nature and government. An arrangement of our ideas, under fome branches of its capital doctrines, we shall prefume to call, Lemmata, or previous propofitions.

J

Lemma I. The difpenfation of God's

govern

ment

ment and providence under Jefus Chrift, is represented in the New Testament by the phrase, kingdom of heaven. A term, never once used · in the Old Teftament writings. And is allowed to denote, the most exalted display of truth and life to mankind.

Which propofition, I should be of opinion, is fupported by the following texts. Matth. iii. 2. Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Ch. iv. 17. Jefus began to preach, and to Say, repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at band.

Ch. xi. 11. He that is leaft in the kingdom of heaven, is greater than the baptift.

Ver. 12. From the days of John the Baptift, until now, the kingdom of heaven fuffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

Ch. xiii. 11. It is given to you to know the myfteries of the kingdom of heaven.

Ch. xvi. 18, 19.-I will build my church, and the gates of hell, hades or death, shall not prevail against it. And I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

This gives the vast extent of the kingdom,

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xatique, overcome as a conqueror.

as