PREFACE TO THE FIRST ENGLISH EDITION. THE 'Tribute to the Memory of the Apostles,'* was first published in the United States, in 1832. It came into my possession in June, 1836, and is now, at the request of several much esteemed friends, submitted to the British public. It was sent to me by a Christian friend who formerly resided in this country: but who emigrated to the United States about fourteen years ago, and is now resident in Philadelphia. He stood connected with the Particular Baptists in that country until about five years ago, when he became convinced of the imperative nature of divine truth, and for conscience sake, felt obliged to withdraw from their communion. At that period, he and seven others commenced a new society. They are now in number more than one hundred, and stand connected with the reformed churches-with the many thousands of disciples who, in that country, have laid aside all human theories as a bond of union.' They are now built together upon the simple testimony of the apostles, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.' They consider that the religion of Jesus was given at once to the world that it is as perfect as the universe which he has created; that it consists simply in believing what is said, obeying what is commanded, and endeavouring to tread in *This, which was one of the original titles, has been discontinued in the present Edition. It appears to have been adopted in reference to another American work, called, A Tribute to the Memory of the Pilgrims,' not known in this country.-ED. the steps of the first churches, ever remembering Him who has said, Then are you my friends when you do whatsoever I have commanded you.'* The object contemplated in re-publishing this essay, is not personal emolument, but simply, that multitudes now professing religion, especially the young, who, there is reason to fear, are still many of them ignorant of the nature of that kingdom, which is not of this world,' may be instructed in the knowledge of that order of worship which the exalted Head of the church has instituted to be observed by all his disciples to the end of time. If this object be in any degree realized, I shall feel amply rewarded. J. W. *See Note 1. p. 89. < INTRODUCTION. BRETHREN, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning: the old commandment is THE WORD which ye have heard from the beginning." The holy union of the redeemed, for which we pray, can be accomplished only by the means divine wisdom has appointed. Our blessed Lord, in his prayer for this important object, has plainly taught us our duty in this respect; Sanctify them through thy truth, thy Word is truth.' By returning to this perfect standard, and by that only, will Zion shine forth in her pristine glory, beautiful as Tirzah' and terrible,' to her enemies, as an army with banners,' Alas! how have the professed disciples of the Son of God been corrupted from the simplicity and purity of their divine Master? How presumptuously has the carnal mind usurped the prerogative of Zion's King, substituting its own corrupt mandates for the perfect laws of heavenly wisdom and love, and polluting those streams which make glad the City of God! Beloved brethren, in this day of profession and zeal, has not our Lord 'somewhat against' us in this matter! Have we not fallen from that strict conformity to the holy pattern, which constitutes Zion the ground and pillar of the truth,' and the approved temple of the living God? Has not conformity to the world, which is passing away, excited the profane conceit that the only wise God has commanded a trifle; and the impious practice of trifling with what he has commanded?' Have we not too much forgotten those recorded fearful tokens of his holy indignation, which teach us that 'TO OBEY is better than sacrifice, and TO HEARKEN, than the fat of rams?' B |