The following letters are addressed (as will be seen) to certain believers with whom the author had been brought into special associations during a long course of ministry, while at L. R. But as these believers are typical of a large class who, dissatisfied with much with which they are connected, long for further instruction concerning God's mind and will as to the church, he cannot but hope that the need of such will be met, to some extent, by these pages.
In writing upon the subjects indicated, it has been the author's anxious desire to avoid a controversial method or manner; for he is assured that nothing more effectually serves the ends of Satan than the subordination of truth to personal disputes. It is true that the character of the witness should be unimpeachable; but after all the most important question is, Whether the thing testified is according to the Scriptures? He therefore ventures to entreat his readers to weigh everything which he has advanced by that infallible standard, and to walk in the light, power, and enjoyment of the truths which may thus be recovered, notwithstanding the contradictions of men. “Buy the truth, and sell it not” (Prov. 23:2323Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. (Proverbs 23:23)). “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them” (John 13:1717If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. (John 13:17)).
May the Lord graciously accept and own this feeble witness to His truth.
Blackheath, 1875.