| IF any inquire why the ensuing work is re-published, I would beg leave
to lay before them the following intelligence.
At an association of the ministers and messengers of the Baptist Churches
in the counties of Northampton, Leicester & etc. held at Nottingham,
in the year 1784, a resolution was formed to establish through the association,
a meeting of prayer for the general revival and spread of religion. This
was to be observed the first Monday evening in every calendar month, by
all the churches. It still continues. In 1786, another Baptist association
commonly called the Midland, held that year at Aulcester, in the county
of Warwick, entered into the same resolution. Many other churches, particularly
in Yorkshire, have adopted, and now follow, the above practice. We have
the pleasure also to find, that several Paedobaptist churches statedly meet
on those evenings for the same purpose.
The re-publication of the following work is with the avowed design of promoting
the above agreement and practice. Those concerned in its first institution,
never intended it should be confined to any peculiar connexion, or particular
denomination. Rather they ardently wished it might become general among
the real friends of truth and holiness. The advocates of error are indefatigable
in their endeavours to overthrow the distinguishing and interesting doctrines
of Christianity; those doctrines which are the grounds of our hope, and
sources of our joy. Surely it becomes the followers of Christ, to use every
effort, in order to strengthen the things, which remain.
By re-publishing the following work, I do not consider myself as becoming
answerable for every sentiment it contains. An author and an editor are
very distinct characters. Should any entertain different views respecting
some of the prophecies in the inspired page, from those that are here advanced,
yet such may, and I hope will, approve of the general design.
In the present imperfect state, we may reasonably expect a diversity of
sentiments upon religious matters. Each ought to think for himself; and
every one has a right, on proper occasions, to show his opinion. Yet all
should remember, that there are but two parties in the world, each engaged
in opposite causes; the cause of God and of Satan; of holiness and sin,
of heaven and hell. The advancement of the one, and the downfall of the
other, must appear exceedingly desirable to every real friend of God and
man. If such in some respects entertain different sentiments, and practice
distinguishing modes of worship, surely they may unite in the above business.
O for thousands upon thousands divided into small bands in their respective
cities, towns, villages, and neighbourhood, all met at the same time, and
in pursuit of one end, offering up their united prayers, like so many ascending
clouds of incense before the Most High! May he shower down blessings on
all the scattered tribes of Zion! Grace, great grace be with all them that
love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity! Amen!
JOHN SUTCLIFF.
Olney, May 4th, 1789. |