PREFACE

The following pages are prepared and published by one who expects soon to meet God; by one who wishes to be prepared for that solemn and momentous event, and to do what he can, with God’s blessing, to prepare others. In view of the strict account which all must render to him who “trieth the reins and the heart,” there are two things which the author of this dare not do, and (blessed be the Lord for it!) which he desires not to do; viz., to say “My Lord delayeth his coming,” or that “without holiness” men may see the Lord” [in peace.] Should any take up this book with a spirit of derision, as perhaps many may,-“for there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own heart’s lusts, and saying, where is the promise of his coming?”-they are earnestly entreated to listen to the following admonition from the word of God: “Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong, for I have heard from the Lord God of Hosts, a consumption even determined upon the whole earth.” Isaiah 28:22.LJL iii.1

C. F.
Haverhill, Nov., 1841.