To the Church of Jesus Christ, who are loved with an everlasting love, chosen in Christ before all worlds—redeemed by the blood of the Lamb—and effectually called out of darkness into marvellous light; led by the providence of God to attend the ministry of so unworthy an instrument as myself, to whom God has made my labors useful, and profitable for reformation, conviction, conversion, building up, and spiritual consolation. Having been much tried and perplexed by men of corrupt minds, who have long endeavoured to prejudice me, with a view to separate us one from the other, but they have hitherto failed—having grace given you to continue with me in my temptations, to abide in the furnace of affliction with me, and to stand in the evil day. The good hand of God, restoring a degree of peace to us, so that we can pass to our Meeting Place of Worship unmolested,—I think it right, and that I am in duty bound (though you have not demanded it) to make a few general remarks upon the subjects which have agitated the public, and not a little distressed your minds.I wish you most decidedly to bear in mind thro’ the whole of this performance, that I write only for your sakes—I write not for the worldling, whose heart is set on the things of time and sense, who, Gallio like, cares for none of these things, except it be to pass an unpleasant sneer at us.—I write not for the proud Pharisee, or the mere Formalist, who have a name to live and are dead—I write not for Hypocrites, whose end will be according to their work, and who are a perpetual plague to the Household of Faith—Wolves in Sheep’s cloathing, who cover the vilest principles and conduct with the garb of apparent holiness!—but I write for those who know the plague of the heart; the vanity of the world; the emptiness of the creature; the danger of a form of godliness without the power; the spirituality of God’s most holy Law; the preciousness of a dear Redeemer; the power of the word; the manifestation of the atonement. These characters so graciously taught, must be under the influence of divine love—the remnant that shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies—neither is a deceitful tongue found in their mouths; but they feed on the bread of eternal life, and can not be satisfied without it. To these Characters I dedicate this book; and not doubting but it will procure me many foes, and stir up that carnal enmity which they are the slaves of, for them I would put up that charitable prayer of our Lord, “Father forgive them;”—and of you I would use the fine language of the blessed Apostle—And now, Brethren, I commend you to God, &c.—Acts xx.