THE MANIFESTO, OR A DECLARATION OF THE DOCTRINES AND PRACTICE OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. BY JOHN DUNLAVY. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the ,10 .2 .Ezek והיא כתוכה פנים ואחור וכתוב אליה קינים והגה והי: PLEASANT HILL, Kr. P. BERTRAND, PRINTER. L 1 T PREFACE. OF making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. The writing of so many books on various religious subjects, may appear irksome to some and lead them to conclude that nothing will be gained by reading any more, for matters never come to such a concluding point as to remove uncertainty and promote union and common agreement among professors. And among the various sentiments industriously propagated how shall the inquiren know with whom to cast his lot? But admitting that little is yet effected to the satisfaction of the multitude, this is no reason that men should cease to search after the hid treasure; for every one who believes there is truth, must acknowledge that it is attainable. And what if considerable labor be expended in acquiring it? The first chapter, containing a very concise essay on the Being of God, was not occasioned by the expectation that sentimental atheism is generally or extensively prevalent; although it is known to have its advocates in places, who are not backward in attempting to infuse the poison into others. It was therefore considered not improper to state a few particulars for the relief and strength of honest people, who might be beset with its corruptions. Unbelief of the holy. scriptures, or infidelity towards an orderly revelation and the correctness of the christian faith, is more prevalent; yet neither was the second chapter, which relates to the truth of the scriptures, designed as an attempt to convince mankind by the dint of argument in the letter; but rather, together with the former, as a prelude to the following work, that it may give, at least, an honest exhibition, or rather declaration, of the basis on which the practical work of the gospel, to which it relates, is built; "and in the mean time, that a few useful reflections might be presented to the thinking part of mankind. The following sheets have been written in great plainness and familiarity; as usefulness and information have been more studied than elegance of style or even systematic order. I have made a free use of the original Janguages, particularly the Greek, frequently using an appeal to the learned for the correctness of the amendments of the common reading. Few, if any, amendments are offered to the translation from the Hebrew scriptures, without the support of Hebrew critics in one view or another 1 and I have built no doctrine on a-criticism drawn from the original text, but used it only for elucidation. For it has not been my object to provoke to a contention of letters, but to minister trath to those who desire it. And when we have opened the faith of the gospel; and shown wherein we and others have been in error, it is not done for contention or to provoke others to resist. And should any be inclined to do so; they may consider; that we feel very little inclination to contend with dry syste |