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INTRODUCTION.

THERE is no question of greater importance to every in dividual of mankind than this: What are the distinguishing qualifications of those that are in favor with God, and entitied to his eternal rewards? or, which is the same thing, what is the nature of true religion? and wherein consists that holiness, which is acceptable in the sight of God? But though it is of such importance, and though we have sufficient light in the word of God to direct us in the inquiry, yet there is no question upon which professing Christians are more divided. "Strait" indeed is the gate, and narrow" indeed “is the way, that leads to life, and few there be that find it.”

The consideration of these rings has long engaged my serious attention. Upon this subject my mind has been peculiarly intent ever since I entered on the study of divinity. How far I have succeeded in my inquiries, must be left to n my the judgment of the readers of this Treatise.

Under the present circumstances of religious controversy in this country, it is difficult to judge impartially of the subject of this discourse. It is probable that many readers will be displeased upon finding so much of religious affections condemned; and others, upon finding so much approved. For thus discriminating, I shall, perhaps, be charged with inconsistency, as I have often been since the commencement of our late controversies about religion: Indeed, it was no

easy matter to be a cordial and zealous friend of what was really good; and at the same time perceive, and earnestly oppose what was evil and pernicious. It is truly mysterious, that so much that is wrong should be allowed to remain in the church of God. That much false should mingle itself with true religion, at a time of great revival, is, however, no new thing. This was the case in the reign of Josiah, (Jer. 3: 10, and 4:3;) during the ministry of John the Baptist, (John, 5: 35;) under the preaching of Jesus Christ in the days of the apostles; and at the time of the reformation from popery. It appears to have been in the visible church, in times of great revival, as it is with fruit-trees in the time of spring all appears fair and beautiful, promising abundance of fruit; but much of this appearance is of short continuance, and in general only a small part of the fruit arrives at maturity.

It is by mixing counterfeit with true religion, that the devil has always gained the greatest advantage against the cause of Christ. It is by this means principally that he has prevailed against all general revivals of religion since the founding of the Christian church; By this he injured the cause of Christianity in the apostolic age, and in the period immediately succeeding, much more than by all the persecutions of both Jews and heathens; by this he prevailed against the reformation, begun by Luther, Zuinglius, and others, far more than by all the bloody persecutions of the Church of Rome; by this, about a hundred years ago, he prevailed against NewEngland, quenching the love and marring the joy of her espousals; and I have had sufficient opportunity of perceiving clearly, that by this he has prevailed against the late great revival of religion amongst us, so happy and promising at its commencement. Here he has most evidently gained his main advantage against us, and by this he has foiled us.

During revivals of religion, those persons who are engaged to defend its cause, are, in general, most exposed where they are least apprehensive of danger. While they are wholly intent upon the opposition which presents itself before them, the grand enemy of the church comes behind, and gives them a fatal stab before they perceive it. As he is not op posed by any guard, he strikes at his leisure, and wounds the deeper. At such seasons, the friends of Christ do the work of enemies, the people of God are scattered, and religion degenerates into vain jangling. Professing Christians are di vided into parties, each taking an opposite course, until the right path is nearly forsaken. The confidence of the people of God is shaken, and their minds perplexed with doubts, while heresy, infidelity and atheism spread themselves

abroad.

As it has been, so it probably will be, whenever religion is greatly revived, till we have learned to distinguish between saving experience and affections, and those numerous fair shows, and specious appearances, by which they are counterfeited.

My design in the ensuing Treatise is to contribute my mite, and to use my best endeavors to this end. In a former publication, I attempted to show the distinguishing marks of the work of the Spirit of God, including both his common and his saving influences; but what I have now in view, is to describe the nature of the gracious operations of the Holy Spirit, and to point out the peculiar signs by which they are distinguished from every thing besides, of which the mind of man can possibly be the subject. If I have succeeded in

His "Faithful Narrative of the Surprising Work of God in the Conversion of many Hundred Souls in Northampton, and the Neighboring Towns and Villages of Ne Hampshire, in New-England," a publication frequently referred to in the ensuing w

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