quantity of truth lying loosely and tliinly scattered over the mind.
A few foot-notes explaining difficult passages, have occasionally been added to the exposition. I have thought it good to add these notes for the information of readers, who may feel a wish to know what can be said about the ^'deep things" of Scripture, and may have no commentary of their own. If the reading public should ever demand another edition of the work, the number of these foot-notes will probably be much increased.
I cannot, of course, expect that the opinions ex- pressed in these expositions, whether about doctrine, practice, or prophecy, will be satisfactory and acceptable to every one. I can only say, I have spoken out freely, and kept back nothing that seemed to me true. I have set down nothing but what I conscientiously believe to be the real meaning of the inspired writer, and the mind of the Spirit. I have always held that truth is most likely to be reached, when men on all sides conceal nothing, but tell out all their minds. Right or wrong, I have endeavored to tell out my own mind. It is my firm conviction, that I have said nothing in these ex- positions which is not in perfect harmony with the thirty-nine articles of my own church, and does not
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agree in the main with all the Protestant confessions of faith. The words of an old divine will explain the kind of theology, to which lever desire to conform; — '^I know no true religion but Christianity ; no true Chris- tianity but the doctrine of Christ ; of His divine person, (Col. i. 15.) of His divine office, (1 Tim. ii. 5.) of His divine righteousness, (Jer. xxiii. 6.) and of His divine Spirit, which all that are His receive. (Rom. viii. 9.) I know no true ministers of Christ but such as make it their business, in their calling, to commend Jesus Christ, in His saving fulness of grace and glory, to the faith and love of men. I know no true Christian, but one united to Christ by faith, and abiding in Him by faith and love, to the glorifying of the name of Jesus Christ, in the beauties of gospel holiness. Ministers and Chris- tians of this spirit, have for many years been my brethren and companions, and I hope ever shall be, whithersoever the hand of the Lord may lead me." — TrailVs Preface to Throne of Grace.
I am deeply sensible of the many imperfections and defects of the volume which is now sent forth. No one perhaps will see them more clearly than I do myself. At the same time, I think it only fair to say, that no exposition in this volume has been composed without deliberate reflection, and laborious examination of other