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makes longer life desirable, but to finish the field of religious labour, which I had hitherto mostly thought, was not yet done; especially with regard to digesting my Journal and some other writings. Indeed, it has often felt as if I should probably die in debt to the world, if I did not even make some considerable additions upon some subjects that may have been thought a little peculiar to myself, but which, I still believe, are as strictly in the very life and essence of the gospel, as I believe any truth whatever: there is not the least scruple in my mind about them. I trust I as firmly believe in the divinity of Christ, as any man living: but I have no more belief that there are two divinities, than two Gods. It is altogether clear to my mind, that that one divinity actually became the seed of the woman, and bruised the serpent's head, as early as any man ever witnessed redemption from sin; and is one in the head and all the members, he being like us in all things, except sin. My only hope of eternal salvation is on this ground; nor do I believe there has ever been any other possible way of salvation, but that of a real conception and birth of the divinity in man. It is not now a time to enlarge. There are several sketches of this doctrine in my Journal, and several other very unfinished little essays."*

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This doctrine of salvation by Christ in man, is a theme on which Job Scott often dwelt and frequently wrote; and the views and openings presented to his mind, illustrative of it, are probably what he alludes to, as having been thought a little peculiar" to himself. On this subject, as well as some others, there are repetitions of nearly similar views and descriptions. Of this the author appeared sensible, when he said, "As to doctrines, I am not afraid, that treating at different times on nearly the same subject, a little differently illustrated, will do any harm." "Our views of things do not usually open all at once. It is so in the individual; it is so in the world. Things have hitherto been gradually evolving; and it may be consistent with infinite wisdom that such a progression should always continue."

In the arrangement of the articles comprised in this volume, the order of time, where this could be ascertained, has been mostly followed.

His Epistolary Correspondence, commencing with some of his ear

*See Appendix, vol. I.

liest writings, is first introduced, because in divers of his letters, there is a reference to, if not a repetition of, some of the narratives and circumstances mentioned in the preceding Journal. Another reason

for this preference, is contained in the sentiment of H. Tuke, that "among the various means of developing human characters, private letters form an important and interesting part."

The essay on Future Rewards and Punishments, in answer to Relly's Treatise of Union, appears to have been written about the year 1785 or 6. It was laid before the Meeting for Sufferings, and, as appears by a memorandum found in the original manuscript, approved, and liberty given for its publication. We are also informed that it was placed in the hands of one of the author's particular friends for that purpose, but from some peculiar circumstances, was not then published. It may now seem somewhat obsolete; but, on a careful perusal, the concern of the author, his arguments, and illustrations of scripture testimony, may be found interesting to the reader.

The remarks on Liberty and Necessity, were penned in Ireland about three months before his decease.

Most of the essays in this volume, and those in Appendix to vol. I., have been compared with, and corrected, where needful, by the original manuscripts, as left by the author. This may account for some variations from the printed copies of some of the essays.

Byberry, 12th mo. 1830.

JOHN COMLY.

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