The Manifesto, Or a Declaration of the Doctrine and Practice of the Church of Christ ... Printed at Pleasant-Hill, Ky., 1818

PREFACE.

Or 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 inquirer 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 labour 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 cerruptions. Unbelief of the Holy Scriptures, or infidelity towards an ordinary 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 languages, 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: 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 truth 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 systematics, but to inform those who seek salvation. If we should ever make a reply of any considerable labour or extent, we shall first look to see something of more weight and reason than those things which have been written heretofore; as the malicious slanders of some, the fabricated aspersions of others, and the disingenuous attacks of B. W. Stone would likely never have been noticed in public, only for his peculiar standing.

By treating a variety of subjects nearly connected, and yet not closely enough to be discussed together, sundry repetitions occur, which have unavoidably swelled the volume to a greater size. But considering that many, not to say most readers, would feel the force of evidence better, by having it laid open freely on one subject at once, than by being referred from one to another, I have used freedom in that respect, the increased size of the book, and censure of speculating critics, notwithstanding. One subjectis generally enough to digest at a time; and a man who buys a book, is no more obliged to read it through and digest it all at once, or on a sudden, than he who kills a beef, is obliged to eat it in a day.

To have found the everlasting Gospel, the perfect work of God, is one thing, and to be perfected in the knowledge and experience of the same is another. Of the first we speak confidently, having no remaining doubt. But as to the second, our proficiency is only according to our time and travel. The everlasting Gospel is only in its increase on the earth, as yet far short of its meridian; and my experience only in minority. If therefore a much clearer elucidation of many subjects in the following work should hereafter appear, it will be no disgrace to the Gospel, in the one faith, one cross, one self-denial, and one Christ. And my junior age and short experience in the Gospel is a sufficient apology for the imperfection which in time may appear in the following work; or rather which appears already; for were the whole work to be reprinted immediately, I can see many places which could be stated in much greater perfection. And it is our privilege to grow in the knowledge of God. Or should any calculation of time which depends on the letter, and not clearly expressed, hereafter be more correctly and satisfactorily opened as the light increases, it will not be inconsistent with our present faith. Had the work been inspected by those who are farthest travelled in the faith, it would no doubt have been much more perfect but they were at too great a distance.

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