Peace and Communion

It is not with the thought of publishing anything unknown before that this little volume is sent forth, but with the hope of bringing before the Christian reader what was well known in the beginning of Christianity, though now, perhaps, receiving less attention than the truth demands.
It is confessedly a time when every good thing is being diluted or adulterated; nor has the truth of God escaped the corrupting influences, so that many of the Lord's people are sad and drooping instead of giving thanks and rejoicing; and collective ruin and disorder instead of worship, and united testimony to the truth, are to be seen on every hand. It must therefore be important to inquire where the defect lies in those who are truly born of God. We believe much of it arises from a low state of soul, a superficial acquaintance with divine truth, and an erroneous idea that God's word is given only to teach sinners the way of salvation, and that there is little to be known here besides the forgiveness of sins. But as to souls who are better instructed, and where doctrine is guarded, and orthodoxy contended for, the question may be asked, Why is it there is so little liberty, joy, and devotedness? We believe the answer is found in a lack of peace and communion.