dering him acquainted with the principles on which its religious inftitutions are established, to guard him betimes from being haftily prejudiced against those inftitutions by mifrepresentations or groundJefs objections. I have endeavoured, on fuitable occafions, to obviate, without entering too deeply into argument, fome of thofe cavils of fcepticism and infidelity which a young perfon may probably hear; and thus to lead him to withhold implicit confidence from others, which he may afterwards have to encounter. Throughout the whole work it has been my predominant defire to direct the acquifition of knowledge to its proper purpofe; the eftablishment and confirmation of Chriftian views, motives, and practice through life. I may truft that the candour of the public, which I have repeatedly experienced enced respecting other works, will be extended to the prefent, perhaps, more humble, yet I would hope, under the bleffing of God, not lefs ufeful attempt. My objects in drawing up this performance would be abundantly anfwered, if it fhould be deemed worthy of being placed as a manual in the hands of the youth of both fexes during their education at home or in public feminaries. I am alfo willing to persuade myself that it may prove a convenient fummary to many persons of all ages, when they happen not to have leifure and opportunity for the perufal of larger works. CONTENT S. CHAP. I. Summary View of the State of Mankind from the Creation of the World to the Calling of Abraham, Page 1 CHAP. II. Summary View of the Origin of the Jewish Race, and of the Hiftory of that People to the Death of Mofes, CHAP. III. 31 Summary View of the Hiftory of the Jews from the Death of Mofes to the present Time, 68 CHAP. IV. On the Books of the Old Teftament, Page 122 |