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THE

Theological and Miscellaneous

WORKS

OF

JOSEPH PRIESTLEY, LL. D. F.R.S. &c.

WITH

NOTES,

BY THE EDITOR.

VOLUME XV.

Containing

DISCOURSES ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS,

Discourses on the Evidence of Revealed Religion,

AND

SINGLE SERMONS

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NOV 18 1910

BE BX ·P93

9815 15 P68

PREFACE

BY THE

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AFTER reprinting the Four Volumes which contained Dr. Priestley's Notes on the Bible, I was not aware of any part of his Theological Works which could more suitably follow them than his Sermons. I have, therefore, been solicitous to bring into this Volume all those which he published in England; designing that the next shall include the Sermons which he published, and those which he left for publication, in America.

They who are at all acquainted with Dr. Priestley's life or need not to be informed that his favourite character was that of a Christian Minister. Here he appears to exemplify that character, not with the assumption of Episcopalian or Presbyterian superiority, but as a diligent and affectionate assistant to his Christian brethren; contributing to build them up in their most holy faith, and to make them thoroughly furnished to every good work. The dates of these Sermons extend through twenty years of the Author's life; the latter part of that period distinguished by the Christian fortitude with which he endured severe trials and injuries, from wicked and unreasonable men, who were too much encouraged by the tardy and uncertain protection which he received from the Government of his country.

The Discourses, collected and published by the Author, in 1787, amidst their various subjects, sufficiently discover a prevalent design, which he expresses (p. 3) to "represent every thing of a speculative nature, as subservient to practice;" while the Sermons preached to the Societies at Leeds and Birmingham furnish a lasting testimony of their Author's

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