“
PREPARE YE THE WAY OF THE PEOPLE.” — ISAIAH LXII.
10.
Many have heard or read upon this subject,
and do really believe there is something better than they have found, but
are afraid. They are convinced that there is something in it, but they fear
to try to find out what it is. They are earnest Christians too, and would
gladly go on out of the wilderness of doubt and perplexity if they dared
to venture. They see that there is a land of milk and honey offered by the
promises of God, and would press for it, but alas, the spies bring back a
bad report of the land, “Hard to gain,” say they. “Cities
walled up to heaven. Giants in the land, sons of Anak.” “Hard to
keep, even if conquered.” Fear chimes in with this, and so they shrink
back. Or they fear heresy and wildfire. So much has been written about “
perfection” and “ sanctification” in conflict with the Bible
and church standards, and so many have made shipwreck, and run wild, that
the spectres of grim and ghastly errors rise up to affright them from the
very first step. Now a book which should clearly point out what is warranted
by the Bible and the standards, and show it in plain and full contrast with
what is condemned by them, would be hailed by such persons as an angel messenger
from heaven, beckoning them onward and upward to the land of
Beulah.
A few, at least, probably more than any
one knows or thinks, are convinced, and feeling after something they scarce
know what, whatever it is, set before them; but they move fearfully, spectres
affright and hinder, but do not wholly stop them. Or if they urge their way
regardless of these, their struggles are wearisome and vain. Often and often
they put forth the hand to touch the spring of the door, to admit the light,
but alas, the hand finds only the cold dead wall and recoils from it with
a chill, only to be stretched forth again and again, to be withdrawn in
disappointment. With what untold joy, would these struggling, groping ones,
receive and devour a book which should show up to them, the Way, the Truth,
the Life, and point out also the many false ways they must avoid to gain
the true, and walk in it!
Some have already found the way, and are
glad journeyers therein. They are on the sunny side; they have gained the
heights of Beulah, and delight in everything that relates to it. They would
rejoice in anything defining to them distinctly the relations of this blessed
Christian life to further Christian progress, and to all Christian
duty. And moreover, they would
be thankful to God for a Book, which they could safely put into the hands
of others, hopeful of good, fearless of
evil. One they could heartily
commend as unfolding the fullness of the blessings of the Gospel, without
feeling under the necessity of cautioning and warning against false theories,
wrong terms, or evil tendencies.
The Book wanted, therefore, in this department
of sacred literature, is one that will set forth the truth as it is, with
the clear ring of the fearless silver trumpet, in no uncertain
sound.
Whether this shall prove the Book wanted,
God knoweth, time will show, and the reader will judge.