ENOCH: OR, PERSONAL PIETY, IN ITS NATURE AND BLESSEDNESS. BY GEORGE CUBITT. LONDON: PUBLISHED BY JOHN MASON, AND SOLD AT 66, FATERNOSTER-ROW. PREFACE. In making this addition to the two similar works already published, the author wishes to say, that he considers the three as only parts of a series, to which, if life and opportunity should permit, he desires to make further additions, preserving some degree of dependence each on the others. The three now published, although in themselves perfectly distinct and independent, yet are mutually related in the leading subjects to which they refer, and may not unprofitably be read in the order which that relation will point out. Thus, Enoch, though published last, is the second in point of order. The first place evidently belongs to the "Philippian Jailer," in which the important subject of the conversion of the sinner to God is considered. "Enoch" comes next, as showing something of the character and conduct of the truly regenerate. And this may properly be followed by "Obed-Edom," as, wherever there is personal religion in those who are at the head of the family, the family itself will be, by religious worship and discipline, consecrated to God. Several other subjects suggest themselves as naturally following these. There is religious communion, as well as family communion; and piety must be considered in its relations to the former, as well as to the latter. Then again, scriptural examples bring before us youthful piety, and piety in old age;-piety declining through the indulgence of worldly affections, and piety maintained in a prosperous condition in the midst of worldly snares and temptations. The word of God is rich indeed in its lessons of spiritual wisdom. There are no human writings like the Scriptures. They stand alone. And is not this one of the numerous and powerful demonstrations of their divine origin, which they possess ? The best human writings on religious and moral subjects, are those which recognise the supremacy and perfection of Scripture, and whose authors endeavour to expound those principles of godliness which the Scripture so richly contains. As the philosophy of human nature, whether considered individually or socially, becomes better understood, the perfect adaptation of Scripture to man becomes more convincingly apparent. They who have read much, have at length obtained a line for fathoming the deepest productions of man. But the word of God still furnishes a wisdom whose depths are unfathomable. What book, except this, will bear reading so often? And who that reads it aright, however frequently he has read it before, does not find, on his last perusal, something new,-something that gives more of what is more than pleasure? Without positively fixing a title to a series that may never be carried beyond its present articles, the author may yet, perhaps, be allowed to suggest one that would be expressive of his object. Fully to elucidate the lessons of heavenly wisdom which the history and biography of the sacred volume include, would require, not one life-time, but the life-time of many. But par ticular portions may be contributed by an individual. And this is what the author wishes to do in these "Miscellaneous Chapters of Scriptural History and Biography." In writing them, he has been engaged in an employment which he has found to be a delightful one. His only aim has been to fix the attention of his readers on the word of God, and to assist them to read it with greater delight and advantage. He does not profess to be himself a teacher of moral systems; but he wishes to show what he believes to be the |