03 - Preface to 3rd Edition

PREFACE
TO THE THIRD EDITION. THE kindness with which this humble tribute to the cause of truth has been received demands a thankful acknowledgment to the great Head of the church, and an expression of gratitude to the Christian community, through whose favor a third edition now appears.

Scarcely twelve months have elapsed since the work was first issued from the press. The first edition was immediately taken up, and a second was so soon called for that there was no opportunity for any alterations or additions, had any been deemed necessary.

Since the publishers have informed me that another edition is now required, I have been led to reconsider the arguments, facts and considerations of the original work. The writer hopes he is by no means insensible to the defects of the volume. The discussion of various topics treated of might be greatly extended, and new topics of grave importance might be noticed; but the introduction of much new matter would not comport with the design of the work, would increase its cost as well as its size, and thereby diminish its [15] usefulness as a popular treatise, intended for general circulation.

After carefully reviewing the whole subject, attentively considering the strictures of reviews, and of "Answers to Jewett," and seriously reflecting upon the numerous kind suggestions of pedo-baptist friends, I do not see that either truth or candor demands any important alterations. The study of the BIBLE more and more strongly convinces me that the reasonings are clearly drawn from the WORD OF GOD, and the conclusions urged are agreeable to the DIVINE WILL.

I have, therefore, made only one or two slight changes in the work, and have added such additional matter, only, as will increase its value, without materially increasing its bulk. With humility and devout gratitude, the author desires once more to commend this effort to HIM in whose hands are the hearts of all his saints.

M. P. J. [16]