Preface

In my researches after truth some years ago, my faith in the common doctrine of the Trinity was shaken. Deeply impressed with a sense of the importance of obtaining, so far as is revealed, a correct knowledge of "the only true God," and of Jesus Christ whom he hath sent; I have humbly endeavored to "search the scriptures," looking unto Jesus for the guidance of his holy Spirit which he promised his disciples to lead them into all truth. The result of this investigation which has been delightful, though laborious, may be seen in the following pages. My desire, if I am not self-deceived, has been to ascertain by diligently and prayerfully "comparing spiritual things with spiritual," what is revealed for my faith and love. Whether I have been guided by the Spirit of truth, or by my own wisdom which is foolishness, will soon be determined at the bar of God. With that tribunal in view, it is indeed a small thing to be judged of man's judgment.

While I rejoice in all those exertions of christians in the present day to advance the holy kingdom of the Redeemer, which accord with the "wisdom of God;" my mind has been deeply impressed with a sense of the vast importance of the heralds of "the everlasting gospel" possessing a correct knowledge of "the only true God," and of Jesus Christ whom he hath sent. How important that they should declare that gospel to perishing men, "not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth."

I beg leave to remark to the reader, that it is necessary to remember, that however firmly he may believe his present sentiments, no man is infallible. To read any work of this kind, with such a positive assurance of the correctness of our present views, as is consistent only with infallibility, is useless. We may as well cry out heresy, the moment we know an author's sentiments are contrary to our own, as to do so after we have heard his arguments, for such a feeling of mind will resist the most conclusive proofs, and prevent our conviction of the most important errors.

All I ask, is a candid examination of my views and arguments by "the word of the Lord." If they will not bear this test, I desire they may be rejected, as it is the truth of God alone I wish to advocate and publish.

Towards all such as are taught by the Spirit of truth, to believe on the Son of God as the only foundation of their hope, and the object of their confidence, love and worship, I desire to extend the hand of christian fellowship, and to cherish the affection of holy love, although their views, in some important respects, may differ from my own. Far be it, that we should call "that common or unclean which God hath cleansed." Far be it from us to reject those whom the Lord hath received. May that forbearance which the merciful Redeemer exercises towards his disciples, be ever exercised by them towards one another. And let us never refuse to unite with the inspired apostle in pronouncing the divine benediction on "all that in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord both theirs and ours." I desire to love all in whom I can trace the image of my dear Saviour, whatever they may say or think of me.

Let those, however, who refuse to "call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord," solemnly consider what part they can have in the worship of the heavenly hosts who are saying, "Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever."

Let those also who, in that wisdom which is foolishness with God, reject "the atonement" of his beloved Son, seriously consider what part they can have among that blessed assembly who have all "washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."

I rejoice and praise God that he hath mercifully spared my life to bear this testimony to his holy truth; and to his divine blessing I now humbly commend it.