Essays on religious subjects

Introduction

The writer being convinced that there is much want of correct information, and of right understanding, relative to the subjects treated of in these pages ; believes it right for him to transmit to others, in a concise but comprehensive manner, the result of his investigations and deliberations, with some of the evidence and reasons, which have served to convince his judgment and establish faith on the subjects treated of.

And this he is the more ready to do in view of the fact, that comparatively there are very few who have either the opportunity or the inclination for an extensive and careful examination of these things — the masses but too generally satisfying themselves with a casual reading, or the partial presentation by some one, who is mere presumptive, but perhaps no better informed than themselves, hence the want of information alluded to above.

Many views and sentiments have been transmitted

4 INTRODUCTION.

from parents to children for centuries, which we believe are wholly in error, and not only this traditional prejudice, but nearly all the ministerial bias which has influenced the popular mind for ages must be met and overcome, in order to correct public sentiment.

And the mind of man being naturally disposed to carnal things, and loth to forsake long-established customs, we are prepared to expect but a slow reaction from the errors alluded to, and the cordial adoption of genuine gospel views and practices. But we would that all should remember that we should exercise a godly jealousy over ourselves as did the Psalmist when he inquired and petitioned, "Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults."

Surely bigotry is not a Christian virtue. We ask only an impartial and prayerful examination of the points of doctrine presented, remembering that the right understanding, the thorough believing, and the practical observance oi the precepts and commands of our Lord are inseparably connected with our highest and holiest, our present and eternal interests, and the divinelyappointed means for us to arrive at the enjoyment of true peace in this life, and live and die with a blissful assurance of a glorious immortality.

We are well aware that it can not profit any, either

INTRODUCTION. 5

to add to or subtract from the gospel as taught by our divine Law-Giver, but there is eminent danger lest we, like the Jews formerly, make the commandments of God of none effect by our tradition, or suffer irreparable loss by teaching for doctrine the notions or commandments of men.

The doctrine of the deity of the Lord Jesus, and of the atonement for sin, made by him through the offering of his body a propitiatory sacrifice on Calvary once for all: with those of the resurrection of the dead, and of the general judgment, being cardinal doctrines of our holy religion, and are so fully and frequently enunciated in the Holy Scriptures, we think it passing strange that they are called in question; but 'that this is common. Sure is stranger still.'

We hope to be able to satisfy the humble inquiring mind on all the subjects treated on in this little work, but caviling casuists are rarely convinced.

Index

PAKT I.

Carnal Ordinances, 17

• PAKT II.

Deity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, 75

PART III. FvEsurrection of the Dead, - - - - - -113

Musings of Things which shall be, - - - - 143

Table Of Contents

FAGE

Almighty Power in Jehovah — Proof of, • - - - 83 Ancients and Moderns judged together, - - - 133

Annihilation — Doctrine of, discarded, 73