PREFACE
This volume is designed for the use of those who have not time
and opportunity to study larger works on theology. In preparing it, my aim has
been to present the system of Christian doctrine with plainness and brevity;
and to demonstrate, at every point, its truth, and its tendency to sanctify the
heart. Men who have inclination and talent for deep research, will prefer more
elaborate discussions; but if the novice in religion shall be assisted in
determining what is truth, and what the proper use to be made of it, the chief
end for which I have written will have been attained.
In delineating divine truth, we may exhibit it in different aspects and
relations. We may view it as coming forth from God, with supreme authority; or
as a system revealed by Jesus Christ, all the parts of which beautifully
harmonize with each other, and cluster around the doctrine of the cross, the
central point of the system; or as entering the human heart by the agency of
the Holy Spirit, and transforming it into the image of God. This last view I
have labored to render prominent in these pages. The moral and religious
principle in man needs a suitable influence for its development and perfection;
and such influence this book finds in the truths here presented. The
adaptedness of a doctrine to produce this effect, it regards as a proof of its
truth and divine origin; and it accordingly deduces the articles of faith, to a
great extent, from the inward exercises of piety. But this is not the only
method relied on for demonstrating their truth. Other sources of religious
knowledge have been examined and especially the Bible in which the truth of God
is directly made known. To this holy book, as the highest standard, the last
appeal is always made; and the harmony of its decisions, with the deductions
from our inward experience, is carefully observed for the confirmation of our
faith. While the system has been viewed as emanating from God, and as
operating on man, attention has not been directed exclusively to its origin, or
its termination. The convergence of all its lines in the glorious centre, the
cross of Christ, has not been overlooked. The reader will, I hope, find proof
in these pages, that the doctrine of the cross is the doctrine according to
godliness.
It has been no part of my design, to lead the humble inquirer into the thorny
region of polemic theology. To avoid everything that has been a subject of
controversy, was impossible; for every part of divine truth has been assailed.
But it has been my plan to pursue our course of investigation, affected as
little as possible by the strife of religious disputants, and to know no
controversy, but with the unbelief of our own hearts. The questions which are
most likely to perplex sincere inquirers have been examined; and, if they have
not been thoroughly elucidated, and fully answered, I hope they have been so
disposed of as to leave the mind at rest, peacefully reposing on truth clearly
revealed, and patiently waiting for the light of eternity to dispel all
remaining darkness.
In religion, men appear naturally fond of the difficult and the obscure;
perhaps, because they there find escape from the disquieting light of clearly
revealed truth. Even the novice, leaving the subjects that are plain, plunges
into deep investigations, and abstruse reasonings, which the skilful theologian
thinks it wiser to avoid. Hence arises a necessity of frequently reminding the
inquirer, that there are subjects which extend far beyond the limits of his
vision; and that, in laboring to explore them further than he is guided by
revelation, he is in danger of mistaking hypothesis, and deductions of
fallacious reasoning for the truth of God. Hypothesis may be lawfully admitted
for the removal of objections, if it be remembered that it is only hypothesis;
and abstruse reasoning must be allowed, when it becomes needful to go into its
labyrinth, for the purpose of extricating those who have lost themselves
therein; but, for direct proof of all the articles of faith, this book relies
on express declarations of God's word, or such deductions as are adapted to
plain and practical minds.
Any one who may desire to see a history of religious opinions, will not find it
in this work. Religion is an affair between every man and his God; and every
man should seek to know the truth for himself, whatever may be the opinions of
others respecting it. It has been my aim to lead the mind of the reader
directly to the sources of religious knowledge, and to incite him to
investigate them for himself, without respect to human authority. He may
learn, from the help which I am proffering him, what my views are, but I will
here give the caution, once for all, not to adopt any opinion which I may
advance, farther than it is well sustained by the word of God. Had I wished
him to fix his faith on human authority, I should have adduced quotations from
writers of celebrity in support of my opinions; but I have chosen not to do so.
It is my desire that the reader should see, in the doctrine here presented, so
far as respects human authority, nothing but the mere opinion of a fallible
worm; but that so far as it is sustained by the word of God, he should receive
it as the truth of God.
This volume contains nothing respecting the externals of religion. The form of
godliness is important as well as its power, and the doctrine respecting it is
a component part of the Christian system; but I have been unable to include it
in the present work.
If this humble attempt to benefit others should be unsuccessful, it has not
been useless to myself. In the near prospect of eternity, I have found it good
to examine again the foundation on which my faith rests. if the perusal of
these pages give as much profit and pleasure to the reader, as the preparing of
them has given to the writer, we may find reason in the future world to rejoice
together, that Christian friends have called for this little service to the
cause of the Redeemer.
[table of contents]