| Transcriber's Note: "[sic.]" has been inserted wherever there was anapparent typo or non-standard grammatical construction in the original. |
The perusal of the first numbers of a series of tracts, containing extractsfrom the writings of "early Friends," and published for the avowed purpose oflowering the estimation in which those writings are held by the Society, and evenof proving "that many of them would reflect discredit upon a private library,and ought truly to be accounted dangerous books," has given rise to the presentre-publication. As an humble, but sincere admirer of those principles ofGospel Truth, which the early Friends sought to promulgate, as well by theirwritings as by eminently devoted lives, and a constant and oft proved willingnessto suffer for Christ's sake, I must protest (whether to any purpose or not)against the illiberal, and unjust mode of conduct resorted to by the publishersof the "Extracts," in selecting short and partial sentences, and thus,as I conceive, grossly misrepresenting some of the views of those Worthies longsince removed from the world on which they walked as strangers and as pilgrims,and long since, I doubt not, permitted, through the mercy of their God andSaviour, to enter into that "better country," where they are no more exposed tothe trials of time, no more exposed to the scoffs and persecutions of men, andno more affected by the calumnies of "false Brethren."
Whilst, however, expressing a sincere and affectionate regard for the memoriesof those who have preceded me in religious professions, I would add that Iconsider them worthy to be followed only as they followed Christ, and that if Igo forth by the footsteps of this flock of my Saviour's companions, it is that Imay feed beside that good Shepherd's tents, where, I believe, they found plentifulpasture.
I would most explicitly state, the present publication is no party act, or anact originating in party feeling, for though I must take a heartfelt interest inthe present proceedings in our Society, yet I deeply feel that, even if I see, orthink I see, the Ark of the Covenant of our God unsteadily placed as upon anew cart, there is a danger of putting forth, like Uzza of old, uncalled andunprepared hands for its support.
To the serious attention of all honest hearted enquirers after truth do I commendthis little Pamphlet, believing that the principles set forth in the annexedSermon, are the principles uniformly avowed and supported by the "earlyFriends," and that (however their views and writings may be distorted and belied)the whole Gospel of a crucified a