INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. I HAVE great pleasure in complying with a request to prefix a few introductory words to this work. I think it scriptural, seasonable, and practical. No part of divine truth can be neglected without spiritual loss, and it is too evident that the deep and mysterious doctrine of Revelation respecting evil spirits and good angels has been far too much disregarded in our age. This has arisen-on the one hand from the wide spread of infidel principles, and on the other from the unscriptural, idolatrous, extravagant attention paid to this subject in the Church of Rome, in which the good angels are worshipped, and the evil spirits brought forward to foster delusions. But we gain no solid victory over Popery, by omitting the truths which have been corrupted and abused. Our duty is rather to take forth the precious from the vile and hold fast the simple and plain truth revealed for us and our children; thus shall we be as God's mouth to his people. Jer. xv. 10. The friend who wrote this work has been careful not to go beyond the divine record, and to rest every thing here stated on her own personal investigation of the words of the Most High. Without having given it that minute and careful consideration that would justify me in universally approving of every sentiment, I have read enough of the work itself, and know enough of the writer, to say with confidence. that the reader will find it an edifying and appropriate work, bringing out plainly and perspicuously the scriptural testimony on the subject on which it treats; and I believe it to be specially suited to meet a want actually existing in the Church of Christ at this time. There is an advantage in some respects in one mind, simply drawing its sentiments and conclusions from the Scriptures only, without the aid of any other mind; and this advantage the Reader will have in this work. It gives not that fulness of truth, which the communion of many minds gives, but we obtain by it more of the simplicity and plainness of the Scripture testimony. |