The value of the soul : in fifteen lectures designed to show the importance of the sinner's conversion to God and the certainty of the Christian's hope

Front matter

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Preface

Turse Lectures are submitted to the public, through the press, with special reference to the eternal salvation of undying souls, and not for the mere purpose of furnishing the reader with a book with which to employ his leisure moments, nor for the pecuniary advantages which may chance to be derived from the sales. Neither has the Author aimed to supply the literati with learned dissertations on common subjects ; but to present plain Bible truths, in such a mannerf, that the humblest reader may learn the way to Heaven, and be confirmed in the sentiments and hope of the Gospel of Christ.

While the Author has pursued a perfectly independent course in his preparation of these Lectures, and has freely expressed the pure sentiments of the Gospel as he views them, he has carefully avoided that spirit of contention which might have been indulged in subjects of a controversial nature as are herein discussed. Thus the anxious parent, or the faithful disciple of our a * PREFACE.

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ie is furnished with the means of strengthening the faith of those who are ready to faint, and to arrest the attention of those “careless ones” whose souls he esteems more valuable than the whole world of wealth, pleasure, honor, &c., by bestowing a copy of the work, in the name of that Savior who has pledged the sanction of His Spirit to accompany the faithful labors of his servants, even to the salvation of souls, and the edification of the Church.

THE AUTHOR.

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INTRODUCTION:

BY REY. THOS. H. SKINNER, D.D.

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Ir is the impression of some intelligent and observant Christians, that the testimony of the pulpit on the subject of endless punishment and man’s exposure to it is feeble now, compared to what it was during the late outpouring of the Holy Spirit ; and yet more different, from our Lord’s mode of preaching in regard to it. If this impression be founded in fact, the ministry is to be blamed in a matter of fundamental moment. Feeble-preaching on future punishment is without much strength in every thing connected with the appropriate end of the sacred office; and is, to the last degree, unfaithful to inspired truth, and the souls of men.

The work before us, on “ The Value of the Soul, and the Christian’s Hope,” is not as “a trumpet that gives an uncertain sound.”’ The reader will find himself dealt with in kindness and love, but at the same time, plainly, faithfully, earnestly; nor can he lay down the book, if he does not offer the strongest resistance to its teaching, without having first sought salva- - tion through Christ. He will not be able to stay himself on doubts respecting either the certainty, or the

Introduction

endless duration, of the punishment of those who die in sin: nor tan he be either ignorant of the way of escape, or negligent of the present, as peradventure the only opportunity in which his escape may be effected.

Mr. Batey’s style is not much embellished; it is simple, energetic, serious; the manner of one profoundly in earnest. I shall be very happy to learn, that his work finds fayor with the reading public.

THOMAS H. SKINNER.

New York, May 4th, 1849.