AN EXPOSITION OF THS LORD’s PRAYER. 
tothe Socinian controversialists, he says, 
* and yet to do right to the writers on 
that side, I must own that generally 
hey are a pattern of the fair way of dis- 
puting, and of debating matters of reli- 
gion, without heat, or unseemly refiec- 
tions on their adversaries ; they gene- 
rally argue matters with that temper and 
avity, and with that freedom from pas- 
gion and transport, which becomes a 
‘serious and weighty argument; and for 
the most part cher reason closely and 
clearly ; with extraordinary guard and 
gaution; with great dexterity and de- 
cency ; and yet with smartness and sub- 
nility enough; with a very gentle heat, 
and few hard words; virtues to be pratsed 
where-ever they are found, yea even in 
‘an enemy, and very worthy our imitation.” 
‘Tillotson’s 54 Sermons, p. 521, fol. ed. 
ur second quotation shall be from bi- 
op. Watson. . ‘* Newton and Locke 
were esteemed Socinians; Lardner was 
van avowed one; Clarke and Whiston 
swere declared Arians; Bulland Water- 
Bide ; 
> 
nly 
iad 
land were professed Athanasians; whe 
will take upon him to say, that these 
men were not equal to each other in pro- 
bity and scriptural knowledge? and if 
that be admitted, surely. we-ought to 
learn no other lesson from the diversity 
of their opinions, except that of perfect 
moderation and good-will towards all 
those who happen to differ from our- 
selves.’ Mrs. Marriott, on more than 
one occasion, quotes the authority of 
Locke, and once with the appellation of 
venerable; yet she seems-utterly uncon- 
scious of the wide discrepancy of his re- 
ligious system from her own. : 
In fine, we believe Mrs. Marriott to 
be a very serious christian, and good 
woman; we only wish her a little more 
candour; and, as she professes to think 
on religious subjects, on some topics, a 
little more extent of thought. Those 
parents, who agree with her sentiments, 
will probably think her book .a useful 
present to their children. 
Agr. XII. An Exposition of the Lord’s Prayer; in which are comprebended an Account 
of the Origin of that Prayer; an Explanation of its several Petitions; anda Demonstra- 
_ tion, that according to its natural Interpretation, it contains a complete Summary of Christian 
. Doctrine. “By the Rev. Josern Menvuam, M.A. 8vo. pp. 240. 
Sere wid ast es 7 ' 
_ 'VHIS treatise, on the theological prin- 
“eiples of the author, which appear to be 
“nearly those of the articles of the church 
“of England, is in the main a sensible, 
pious, and well-written performance, 
_ many parts of which may be usefully 
and satisfactorily perused by christians 
of every denomination. Mr.,. Mendham 
thusstates, in‘his preface, the plan and 
objects of his work: 
b . m 
» . *-Expositors of the Lord’s prayer seem, 
_ in general, not to have bestowed suffieicnt 
_ Pains in settling the precise and grammatical 
rage tay its several parts: and the errors, 
* to which such neglect has exposed ‘them, 
have necessarily multiplied in proportion to 
© the-éxtent ‘and particularity of their:com- 
‘ment; so that whatever merit their. pro- 
» ductions might possess, as theological dis- 
_ -quisitions, they have failed in the qualifica-_ 
_ tions which are e jal to an exposition. 
_ No disrespect whatever is intended to these 
_ Writers in the observation: it has, however, 
“frequently and forcibly occurred to the au- 
‘thor, that thev have interpreted the prayer in 
© question, as if it had been originally delivered 
in their own language, and almost in their 
own age. — 
_ -* In stating these’defects, the author has, 
_ in a considerable degree, described the plan of 
his own work, and pointed out his induce- 
oP) 
ment for undertaking it. He has endea- 
voured to bring forward all the informatica 
which can be attained, and whatsoever ma 
be reasonably conjectured, concerning t 
origin and peculiar circumstances of the 
Lord’s prayer; to fix, with all the precision 
which a dilizent reference to critical works of 
the first authority: could furnish, the exact 
meaning of each of its petitions ; at least, te 
pe in possession of the reader the materials 
y which he may judge for himself: and 
then, and not till then, to deduce from each 
part, critically explained, the various impor- 
tant and practical doctrines which this per- 
fect and comprehensive form of prayer con- 
tains. A trial is made at the close, by what 
evidence the’ ancient opinion is supported, 
that the Lord's prayer, comprehends a com- 
plete summaty of the christian doctrine; or, 
in the laconic and forcible language of Ter- 
tullian, is am epitome of the whole- gospel. 
In one word, it.lias been his object, not so 
much to say what might, as what ought to be 
said.” , 
In the remainder of his preface, the 
author judiciously vindicates the exer- 
cise, and asserts the obligation of prayer, 
by arguments more. philosophical and 
satisfactory than those which are fre- 
quently adopted. hy 
With respect to the history of this 
prayer, Mr. Mendham, in common with 
