fend by external Argument, against gainsayers, what I conceive to be the Truth, as it is in Jesus: but simply to throw such alight upon the matter, that as it is true, it might appear in a measure intelligible also. I was for a long season, after satisfied of the redemption which is in Christ; very uneasy at times, concerning the Equity thereof: Indeed the hints which occasioned those disputings in my Mind, were merely accidental; for having received much consolation in the first persuasion of redemption, the forgiveness of sins, in the Blood of Jesus, I judged myself sufficient, (from the Argument I fancied I was Master of, and that resistless authority, which I dreamt attended my words, when I spake of divine things) for the conviction of the most hardened, and averse to salvation by Jesus; and accordingly, as opportunity offered, failed not to exert myself upon this principle: at length I met with one, who (though his zeal, and self-sufficiency, bare no proportion to

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mine;) was far my superior in understanding: after he had with coolness heard what I had to say, He asked me wherein was the justice, and equity, of one Man's suffering Death, yea even the torments of Hell, for another: so contrary to reason, and also to the testimony of scripture, which often declares, that the Righteous shall not suffer for the Wicked; but that every man's sin should be charged upon own head, &c. I was not prepared for such a question as this; and was therefore involved in a difficulty, which I could not obviate. I appealed to the Sovereignty of God, it was granted that God was Sovereign, and that from his Sovereign pleasure, he created us, redeemed, us &c. having nothing to move him to it, but his own will: yet he wills nothing but what is just, and equitable, because he is just when he judgeth, and justifieth. I would then have urged, that as God is infinitely above us; his thoughts, and ways, above ours; we are not to conceive of him, his Justice and

Equity, according to our low, and scanty notions thereof. It was answered, if I granted that mankind had any true notion of Justice, and Equity, though but in the smallest degree, then what is contrary to this, must be much more so to God, whose Justice and Truth, is infinite, pure, and eternal. I urged other matters, to as little purpose, and though I confidently continued in my former assertion, yet I was forced to abate much of my self-importance, and very often afterwards, was greatly disturbed in my mind, on account of these things. As far as my capacity would admit, I applied myself to reading; and read a great many Books, treating of redemption by Jesus Christ; and found them all run in one Channel, viz. that Man being a debtor, and transgressor, and unable to save himself, Jesus Christ became his surety, under an engagement to pay his Debts, and to bear his punishment: The Equity of which, is generally resolved into the Sovereignty of God, or accoun

ted for, from the willingness of Christ (as an independent Divine Person) to suffer, in the sinner's stead: whilst others satisfy themselves, with the bare positive assertion, that it is equitable, for one person to be surety for another, not only in case of Debt; but even in capital offences.. Those resolutions, I read over, and over,, but rather more perplexed, than satisfied thereby. In vain it was, that the most pious, and orthodox writers, and preachers, explained the matter thus: I was constrained to despise all human authority, in things of this nature; especially where there was not the shadow of Reason, and Equity. I applied myself more carefully, to the reading, and study of the scrip tures; as without notes, or expositions: submitting in spirit, unto Him, who at first. dictated, and hath taken it upon him to make us understand them. And thence it was, I discerned according to that scanty measure I have attained, what, I conceive to be the harmony of divine Truth,

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viz. the Union of Christ and the Church and, how clear the equity of redemption, by the blood of Jesus, appears in this Truth, in the following Treatise I have attempted to shew. And, because I have thereby found a retreat in Jesus, from the face of the Enemy, and all his dangerous insinuations, whereby he would have shaken the foundations, I publish it to others, that if there should be amongst my readers, such who are tried, with trials of like nature, they may possibly have instruction sealed, to their peace, and consolation. It is also probable, that such may read, whom either prejudice, or lack of opportunity, will not permit to hear.-There are generally but few, amongst the great multitude, who inquire into the merits of the cause they engage in: Tradition, received from their Fathers, zeal and affection for their Leaders, spirit them on to persuasion beyond scruple, that they are in the Truth. It is very probable, there are others, who simply crediting