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J. MILLER M'KIM, No. 31 N. FIFTH STREET,

49.19.15

HARVARD CCLLEGE LIBRARY

MERRIHEW & THOMPSON, Printers,
No. 7 Carter's Alley, Philada.

PREFACE.

HERE is a little book in illustration and defence of a very un. popular doctrine. The author believes it to be as ancient as Christianity, and as true as the New Testament. But it is a doctrine little understood, and almost everywhere spoken against. He therefore entreats his readers to divest themselves as much as possible of prejudice, and patiently examine what he has here written. He does not expect every one to be pleased with what he has presented in this volume, not even those who approve of it as a whole. But he desires friends and opposers to be candid, just and geneerous; to treat the work as they would have one of their own (on any important subject) treated. He wishes no personal strain of panegyric from those who may think well of his Treatise. Let all glory be given to the Supreme Source of wisdom and goodness. On the other hand, he hopes that those who may think ill of it will be manly enough not to condemn it merely on account of its authorship. Let it be approved or condemned solely on its own intrinsic merits or demerits.

It is soberly and frankly addressed to the reason, conscience and higher sentiments of mankind—not to their propensities and lower passions. May it be read and responded to accordingly. The honest inquirer will ask,-Is it in accordance with divine truth and righteousness? Search and see. Perhaps the controversial critic will look for its errors, fallacies, inconsistencies, and assail. able points. If there are any such, let them be detected and exposed. This ought to be done; but let those who undertake it prove themselve workmen that need not be ashamed. Let them be sure that they understand the subject, that they understand precisely what is contended for in this work, and that they are competent to refute its fundamental positions by good and sufficient arguments. It is so plain, discriminating and unequivocal in the style of its statements and reasonings, that serious misapprehension or misrepresentation of its meaning will hardly be excusable.

It does not court controversy, but if subjected to it will be enti tled to fair and honorable treatment.

It is a book for the FUTURE, rather than the PRESENT, and will be better appreciated by the public half a century hence than now. But a better future is even now dawning, and it is needed to help develope the coming age of love and peace. A great transition of the human mind has commenced, and the reign of military and penal violence must ultimately give place to that of forbearance, forgiveness and mercy. Such a work as this will meet a deepTelt want of many minds scattered up and down Christendom. So strongly was the author persuaded of this fact by various indications, that he felt impelled by a sense of duty to prepare this Manual as a supply for that want. Providentially the worthy friend, who assumes the pecuniary responsibility of its publication, generously came forward to facilitate the object, and thus by a concurrence of effort, it has made its appearance. It is now sent forth on its mission of reconciliation. The author feels a comfortable assurance that the blessing of the Most High God will accompany it wherever it goes, that it will diffuse light among many that sit in darkness, and promote in some humble degree that glorious regeneration of the world for which the good men of all ages have constantly prayed and hoped.

Hopedale, Mass., April, 1846.

A. B.

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