APPEAL FROM THE CHURCH

TO THE

HOPEFUL

BUT

NON-PROFESSING HEARER;

WITH SUITABLE REFLECTIONS FOR

PROFESSING CHRISTIANS.

BY THE

REV. HENRY EDWARDS, PH. D., D.D.

LONDON:

G. AND J. DYER, 24, PATERNOSTER ROW.

PREFACE.

THERE are two great errors and evils which have ever been prominent, in the universal church; namely, first, the free and full admission of men unauthorized by scripture doctrine and rule into the "church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth;" and, secondly, the ecclesiastical or self-exclusion of real Christians from the obligation and privileges of church communion. The injury which the church has thus sustained, and continues to suffer, is incalculable. On both sides has she been debilitated and defaced; equally sensible have been the loss and injury to individuals of both classes. Though some few unwarranted to profess have thus found Christ, or rather been found of him, a far greater number have

been either deceived or hardened by the holy vows they had rashly uttered. On the other hand, many sincere Christians have sickened and pined from the want of that aliment which is alone supplied in the church; their tribute and homage to their Saviour and Sovereign have been thus rendered deplorably deficient; and their isolated efforts for the advancement of religion, from their neutral position, attended with but mean success.

It is impossible to say in what number of instances this state of things has been the result of ignorance or carelessness. It is certain, however, that not only those who are comparatively unacquainted with the nature of their present position and their consequent duty, but that also those who are more enlightened, have need to have the subject of profession plainly, fully, and faithfully pressed home to their consideration. As for those whose ignorance is their sin, that ignorance being entirely wilful and voluntary, we do not expect that they will peruse our pages; but, if so, we would remind them that so far from palliating their unchristian course of conduct by turning a deaf ear to the voice of instruction, they fearfully increase the sin itself, and their own evil estate.

The subject of profession, if viewed as we have done in its several aspects as affecting different classes of character, is one important and useful to all. It sheds light on scripture duty, and on our religious character, by which all may examine and estimate themselves, and in so doing act honestly to truth. Indifference to profession augurs indifference to religion. Though not one of the vitals of Christianity, it is so linked with these that we dare not separate it from their connexion. Though not the "one thing needful," it is a necessary adjunct to that one thing needful; and those who can make light of it evidently betray a sad lack either of scriptural knowledge or of religious principle.

Though specifically addressed to the promising non-professor, it has been our object to comprehend all, as the subject has but rarely been thus considered in its general bearings; and, in so doing, we think we act justly and fairly to all, and also in a way best calculated to influence the character above mentioned, whose strongest and sincerest opposition to his duty arises from causes which are thus shown to be but unreasonable and unworthy scruples. In following up this plan, it