This Volume was printed in the Author's Life-time, and intended as a Third Volume of his Works, or Continuation of the Family Preacher, two Volumes Quarto, published in the Year 1776. About the Time it was finished he was seized with a violent Illness, which put a Stop to his Labours, and confined him two Years and an Half before his Death; which happened February 15, 1788, in the 71st Year of his Age. He lived beloved and refpected, and died regretted by all who had the Happiness to hear his Inftructions, or enjoyed the Pleasure of bis Friendship and Conversation. THESE THINGS WRITE WE UNTO YOU, THAT YOUR JOY MAY, ST T. JOHN, in the beginning of this Epistle, declares, that he, as well as the reft of the Apostles, had infallible demonstration of the truth of what they preached unto the world; that they faw the glory of God manifested in his fon Jefus Chrift; were eyewitneffes of his death and refurrection; that they had received such evidence of proof as fuperfeded all poffibility of doubt; for they not only faw, but handled, ate, drank, and familiarly converfed with him, after he was risen from the dead. His religion, thus founded on the teftimony of all their fenfes, from a generous concern for the fouls of his fellow-creatures, this great mafter in the fcience of falvation, with indefatigable induftry, published to the world, that all men might avail themselves of his knowledge, and be admitted to a participation of the glorious privileges of the Gospel : a participation of wisdom, grace, and immortality; and that with God himfelf, VOL. III. through B |
