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ADVERTISEMENT

TO THE FIRST EDITION.

THE Title prefixed to these Letters will lead the Reader to expect from them, chiefly, the discussion of one point; but that of a point of great importance in itself, and the main one to which a reply to Mr. Fuller's Work need be directed. The evidence which the Author has produced in support of his own opinion, is drawn from passages of Scripture, which have so frequently occurred to all in the perusal of the New Testament, that it might seem unnecessary to allege them; did it not often happen, that, through the previous state of mind, the most obvious things, in a Writer, escape the Reader, or do not impress him. The view, in which these passages now offer to notice, seems not to have been observed by Mr. Fuller; with whom

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the Author would scarcely have entered the lists, he grows so averse from personal controversy, had it not been that his work appeared to afford a fair opportunity to bring forward the portions of "The Acts of the Apostles," which he has quoted, for the explicit purpose of showing the Practical Efficacy of the Unitarian Doctrine. He submits the whole to the candid attention of Mr. Fuller, and of the Reader; hoping that TRUTH, and TRUTH alone, is the great object pursued by them and himself.

Taunton,

June 4th, 1796.

ADVER

ADVERTISEMENT

TO THE SECOND EDITION.

THREE years have elapsed, since Mr.

Had

Fuller published his animadversions on the "Letters" which I addressed to him. not the whole impression of them been, some time since, disposed of, it is probable that I should have taken no notice of Mr. Fuller's Tract entitled "Socinianism Indefensible;" but have left the argument, stated in the "Letters," to the attention of the Reader and its own force; fully satisfied, that it must carry conviction with it. This, I learn, has been the case, particularly in Wales; where so much of my Piece as reviews the preaching of the Apostles, independently of any strictures on Mr. Fuller, has been translated into Welch, by an active Minister of a large congregation, and to whose church there have been recently

added

The

added forty communicants. A large impression of this Translation was soon sold, and much attention excited by it. This circumstance, and the approbation the "Letters" have met with, have induced me to send them again to the press. earnest desire and encouragement of a worthy Friend have determined me, not only to reprint them, but to insert, in proper places, such further illustrations as, I conceive, confirm the argument, and vindicate it from Mr. Fuller's animadversions; and to annex to the whole a direct, general defence of it.

The review of the Epistles to Timothy and Titus, was suggested, as a proper sequel to that of the preaching of the Apostles, by a very respectable Friend*. While I thank him for the hint, I avail myself of this opportunity to express my great esteem for his character, and my felicity in his friendship and regards.

They who have formed their opinion of the "Letters" only through the medium of

*Rev. John Howel, of Bridgwater.

Mr.

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