you, repentance unto life, that you may be holy in this world, and happy
in that which is to come!

My brethren, I trust I can say in truth, and with a sincere conscience,
That I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.[Rom. i. 16.] It is a
knowledge, and I hope an inward experience of this precious gospel, that
bears up my spirits when I am ready to sink as in deep waters, and when I
am almost overwhelmed by the many heavy and daily trials, crosses,
difficulties and disappointments, that I meet with in this, alas! most
uncomfortable situation. An acquaintance with this gospel, an experience
of its truth and power, sweetens every bitter, makes my crosses comforts,
and my losses gains. It is by this knowledge that I am enabled to bear the
cross of Christ, not only with some degree of patience and resignation,
but at some seasons, with consolation and joy; while I at one time reflect
on what our dear Lord and Saviour endured for me, and at another
anticipate the unspeakable honour and pleasure, which, through grace,
I hope ere long to enjoy at his right hand for evermore. And to
endeavour to bring you, my dear friends, to a saving knowledge of what
is contained in this gospel, is not only my duty and inclination as a
minister, but also my earnest desire and pleasure, and that which I
long for more than for any other thing that can be named.[Rom. x. 1.]

I have often explained to you, according to my sentiments, what is
contained in the gospel. But as I fear, and am indeed well aware, that
many of you, after all you have heard, still remain ignorant, I
will now tell you again briefly and plainly, what my views of the
gospel are; that by putting this book into your hands, you may, if you
please, more carefully and attentively examine and search for
yourselves, whether what I lay before you be agreeable to the holy
scriptures, or otherwise; and consequently, whether you ought to
believe, or to reject it.

The gospel, I conceive, in its most extensive sense, comprehends the
whole revealed will of God, recorded in the holy scriptures of the Old
and New Testament [Tim. iii. 16.].

This sacred book, which we call the Bible, describes the original state
of man, as a state of perfect purity and innocence. He was made in the
image of God. He was made upright [Gen. i. 26, 27.; Eccles. vii. 29.].
His understanding, will, his affections and conscience, his
body and soul, were free from defilement, guilt, or guile, and
while he co