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INTRODUCTION.

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A N is effentially a rational Creature; and therefore, as fuch, ought to be determined in the Choice of his Opinion, Religion, &c. &c. or in his Adherence to it, by it's plain and abfolute Conformity to Reason, or at least by the Advantage it appears to have in this Respect over other Notions, Religions, &. contrary to, or differing from it. This Truth is fo univerfally agreed to, that all Denominations and Perfuafions profess to abide by it. Even he who decries the Use of Reason in Matters of Religion does this from the Mifapplication of a very rational Maxim-That Reason is fuperfedable by Authority. For no Man ever believed Abfurdities and Impoffibilities, thinking and knowing them to be fuch. The Bigot and the Infidel inveigh against each other with equal Severities of Reproach; and the Atheist will tell us, that the Man who says in his Heart, there is a God, is the Fool! The Truth is, there is fcarce any religious Tenet, or even anti-religious Theory, how comparatively abfurd foever it may

be, that is abfolutely indefenfible. The weakest Cause has it's fpecious Side, and the strongest may be liable to fome Sort of Exception. If the very Existence of God has been called in Question, it is no Wonder that inferior Points of Religion, and fubordinate Doctrines have furnished Materials for endless Variance and Difpute. Indeed the Principles of Atheism are fo glaringly ridiculous and unfound, when fet in a true Light, and compared with those of the oppofite Hypothefis, that it is scarce to be fuppofed they would gain much Ground in the World even with the Advantage of Education and Prejudice, as well as the Dictates of Interest on their Side. But this is not the Cafe with the feveral Religions and Perfuafions which have all one common Foundation in the Belief of a Deity. In all these, as they are feverally profeffed, and embraced, there is a greater or lefs Proportion of of Truth, and of Error too; for notwithstanding the perfonal Pretenfions of any one Man to Infallibility, or of any Body of Men in their collective Capacity, it is certain there ever have been more or lefs, and ever will be Points of Difference among thofe of the fame Denomination. Nay, no two Men were ever totally and in all Inftances unanimous, and it would be as chimerical to look for an abfolute Samenefs in Men's Sentiments, as it would be to expect it in their Looks, or their Speeches. Truth confequently will never be pre

cisely ascertained in this mortal State, and fpeculative Perfection is as unattainable as practical can be: For no Man ever prefumed to affert that his Principles and Notions whether in Respect of Religion, or any Thing elfe, and his only, were exactly, and abfolutely conformable to Reafon and Truth. A Confideration, which is indeed a ftrong Argument against the Pride of human Reason, but by no Means one against it's Inquifitiveness; for Curiofity is a Duty when Instruction is the Motive to it, and those who have any Opportunities and Abilities ought to employ them in a Matter of such Importance as Religion is allowed to be of, as well for the Sake of themselves, as of the many who naturally build their Faith and their Notions upon the Authority of their Betters in Understanding. Every Inquiry into the Grounds and Reasons of Religion is laudable in itself; and accordingly if in the Prosecution of the present, in which I shall endeavour to make Use of such Arguments as are drawn from the Principles of common Reasoning, and allowed to be of Weight in temporal, and ordinary Questions, I may chance to contribute to the Removal of any Scruples, or the Solution of any Difficulties, by throwing new and additional Light upon Points already handled with great Learning and Judgment by much abler Hands than mine, I shall think the Labour happily bestowed, and entirely unneeding any farther Apology. Although

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