Leeds. THE CONGREGATIONAL LECTURE, TWELFTH SERIES. THE REVEALED DOCTRINE OF REWARDS BY RICHARD WINTER HAMILTON, LL.D. D.D. “Ἐῶ τὰ θεῖα καὶ τα ἡμετερα, καὶ τας καθ' ήμας εκείθεν ἀποκειμένας μαστιγας. ̓Αλλὰ καὶ ἐπὶ τοῦς σοὺς ἐλθὲ λόγους καὶ φόβους, οὐ ποιηταῖς μόνοις, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἀνδράσιν φιλόσοφοις ἀρέσκοντας, καὶ Πυριφλεγέθοντάς σου, καὶ τους Κωκυτούς, καὶ τοὺς Αχέροντας, οἷς ἀδικίαν κολαζουσι, Τάνταλος, Τιτυός, Ιξίων.” Gregory Nazienzen, Orat. iv. Adversus Julianum. "Verbera, carnifices, robur, pix, lamina, tædæ; Atque eadem metuit magis hæc ne in morte gravescant." BT 836 PREFACE. THE Author of the present Volume must have felt it, in most circumstances, a flattering distinction to be appointed Congregational Lecturer. As the selection was as unexpected as unsought, private consideration could be of no account; nor was it for him to complain of unworthiness and incompetency. To be associated with the cause of Theological Science was not quite indifferent to his ambition: to be enrolled with his honored predecessors in these tasks, was, at least, exciting to emulation. "Forsitan et nostrum nomen miscebitur istis." But he confesses that his thesis almost instantly subdued any rising pride. He submitted to it as "the burden of the Lord." In addicting himself to the necessary studies for the prælections required of him, in honest purpose, yet with unsuppressible anxiety,— he invoked alike that strength of conviction, and that seriousness of temper, which befitted a subject so tremendous. It must be remembered that the doctrine of Future Punishment is only a part of his theme. Had this been that which was assigned to him, the reader might |