ADUMBRATION: BEING AN ATTEMPT TO GIVE A SKETCH OF SOME IMPORTANT CHANGE THAT MUST TAKE PLACE IN THE PROFESSING WORLD TO RENDER Missionary Exertion Effective; WITH AN Analysis OF THE PRESENT STATE OF THE CHURCH UNDER THE GOSPEL, SHOWING THE FALLACY OF UNDERTAKING THE CONVERSION OF HEATHENS AND PAGANS, WHILE HERSELF IS IN SUCH A STATE OF ANTI-CHRISTIAN DIVISION: To which will be added some Information which has never yet come FICTION, OR FACT; More particularly those who believe the Scriptures are a Revelation of BY E. P. G. "I also will show my opinion."-ELIHU, JOB, xxxii. 10. London: PRINTED BY W. MARCHANT, 1, INGRAM-COURT, 1824. PREFACE. THE universal parent of nature must be impartial in all the gifts he bestows on his creatures. If he has made a revelation of his will to man, it must be in a way that is clear and plain to the understanding of the simple. The pride of human learning has endeavoured to make it appear otherwise. Matter supposed incomprehensible to the untutored has been broached,-dwelt on by some and opposed by others, till at length religion for the last century has become a mere competition; each, like rival tradesmen, striving for their own interest and consequence, In this contest many simple persons are trained to have enmity (under the feigned name of pity) for each other, because they are Catholics, or Protestants, or Calvinists, or Arminians, &c. &c. Terms that many understand not; and of that which hath produced them, and caused them to be used, are as ignorant as of Greek or Hebrew. How many have been brought to furious contest with each other, wherein no offence has been given on either side prior to their receiving such religious distinetion! Like soldiers in the field of battle led forth to fight for what they know not.-Look at Ireland. Look back to the church in danger, people, in the year 1780. Suppose each individual was asked, "Why" act ye thus?" what answer would be given. Babylon exists, and the Church is in it. The people are not free,-they cannot act otherwise. But Cyrus's proclamation will soon go forth. "For he "hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of "iron asunder." Psalm cvii. 16. The wisdom of the wise is the Babylon, and the council of the prudent the gate. The first will perish, and the last be brought to nought. Nothing is here said against any individual sect. It may, nevertheless, be very offensive to all, and myself execrated. Let them all seek to be what they were intended, "One fold under one shepherd;" then, notwithstanding their present feeling, I shall be recognised as their brother, peradventure a senior one. No apology will be made for the language. It is the writer's best, he would do it better if he could. It will be found a simple unadorned tale, suited to simple people which form the great mass; and who, from worldly pursuits, require that which is intelligible without study. The first step to liberty is knocking off the chains, namely, man's dependence on man, which is shown in this FIRST PART. In that which follows all will have the power of forming an understanding for themselves. It is not to any particular person but to every soul in the nation that professeth a belief in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Avarice or ambition cannot be charged on them that bring it forth. It is an expense for which they can only expect a return in the kingdom of Christ. And will render them at present odious to persons they would wish to please, and profit, with no other hope than that of walking under the smiles of God's reconciled countenance. E. P. G. May 1, 1824. CONTENTS. THE extent of religious profession co-existent with Idolatry, The creation the time when all men were made-The soul Anticipated hostility of unchristian prejudices-Intercourse Strange ideas held by a body of worshippers as to the se- The image of God withdrawn from man, appears to him as |