The main object which he has in view is, not to convince the Sceptic, or to answer the arguments of persons who avowedly oppose the fundamental doctrines of our Religion; but to point out the scanty and erroneous system of the bulk of those who belong to the class of orthodox Christians, and to contrast their defective scheme with a representation of what the author apprehends to be real Christianity. Often has it filled him with deep concern, to observe in this description of persons, scarcely any distinct knowledge of the real nature and principles of the religion which they profess. The subject is of infinite importance; let it not be driven out of our minds by the bustle or dissipations of life. This present scene, and all its cares and all its gaieties, will soon be rolled away, and "we must stand before the judgment seat of Christ." This awful consideration will prompt the writer to express himself with greater freedom than he should otherwise be disposed to use. This consideration he trusts, also, will justify his frankness, and will secure him a serious and patient perusal. But it would be trespassing on the indulgence of the reader to detain him with introductory remarks. Let it only be farther premised, that if what shall be stated should to any appear needlessly austere and rigid, the writer must lay in his claim not to be condemned, without a fair inquiry whether or not his statements accord with the language of the sacred writings. To that test he refers with confidence; and it must be conceded by those who admit the authority of Scripture (such only he is addressing) that from the decision of the word of God there can be no appeal. CONTENTS. Page INTRODUCTION. v CHAP. I. _Inadequate Conceptions of the Importance of Christianity._ 1 CHAP. II. _Corruption of Human Nature._ 14 CHAP. III. _Chief Defects of the Religious System of the bulk of professed Christians, in what regards our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit--with a Dissertation concerning the use of the Passions in Religion._ 43 CHAP. IV. _On the prevailing inadequate Conceptions concerning the Nature and the Strictness of Practical Christianity._ 100 CHAP. V. _On the Excellence of Christianity in certain important Particulars. Argument which results thence in Proof of its Divine Origin._ 252 CHAP. VI. _Brief Inquiry into the present State of Christianity in this Country, with some of the Causes which have led to its critical Circumstances. Its Importance to us as a political Community, and practical Hints for which the foregoing Considerations give occasion._ 262 CHAP. VII. _Practical Hints to various Descriptions of Persons._ 305 A PRACTICAL VIEW, &c. CHAPTER I.