work, as far as it was in my power; and I am happy to say his faithfulness in quoting them is equal to his good judgment and unparalleled industry in selecting and collecting them. This of course required some time, and is another cause of the delay of this book. Although these Essays may afford but little new information to those who have already examined the subject thoroughly, yet they are considered by competent judges as calculated to remove prejudices, to diffuse the truth as it is in Jesus, and to put away human inventions from God's holy worship. Notwithstanding the variety of excellent and useful treatises already before the public, yet some are too short to meet every objection, and others are too large and expensive for general usefulness. In the present work a proper medium has been aimed at, and the public will be able to judge how far the author has been successful.

To avoid every expression in the least calculated to give offence, has been my desire and care; but, as perfection cannot be expected in this life, I hope the reader will ascribe every failure in this particular to inattention rather than design. The reader, and especially the reviewer, will please to remember that the author is a foreigner, and does not profess to be a master of the English language. A sense of his deficiencies in this respect would certainly have prevented him from thus appearing before the public; but the persuasion of his friends, a conviction of duty "to give a reason " for his conduct, and a desire to be useful to others, have prevailed with him to publish these Essays. Should this humble attempt prove a blessing to the reader, the glory shall be to Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.

Newark, February, 1829.

PREFACE

TO THE SECOND EDITION.

THE rapid sale of the former edition, the encomiums of reviewers, and the frequent calls for the work, have encouraged the author to revise and publish this edition.

Among the many publications on baptism, the author has met with comparatively few of a practical nature. He has, therefore, added the sixth Essay.

The contents of the work are given at full length, to facilitate a reference to the different parts.

That the work may prove an extensive and lasting blessing to every reader, and greatly promote the glory of Jehovah, is the most sincere prayer of

THE AUTHOR.

Newark, N. J., February, 1830.

PREFACE

TO THE PRESENT EDITION.

IN sending forth the fifth edition of these Essays, the author would simply notice:

That, the work having been out of print for several years, and repeated inquiries having been made for it, he consented at last to reprint it.

Having travelled extensively, the author has had many opportunities of hearing objections, both new and old, in justification of their neglect of "Scripture baptism;" these excuses and objections the author has carefully examined and refuted, which has greatly enlarged the work.

He has also added a seventh Essay, containing much information respecting the future prospects of the Jews.

To facilitate a reference to any part of the work, the present edition is furnished with a full contents of the subjects, and an index of quotations from authors, and references to passages of Scripture.

That the Holy Spirit may enable the reader to receive the truth contained in this work with meekness and with love, is the prayer of

New York, March, 1848.

THE AUTHOR.