You have already heard, from the pulpit, the substance of the following Essay; and at your request it is now made public. The subject, it must be admitted, is highly interesting; but, as to the execution of it, you, and my readers in general, must judge. This, however, I may venture to affirm, that experimentally to know the truths it contains, is to be truly wise; and to live under their sacred influence, enjoying the consolations arising from them, is to be substantially happy.
I trust you will ever esteem it your indispensable duty, and inestimable blessing, to hold fast the form of sound words, and to maintain the truth as it is in Jesus. Then, while some professors of evangelical doctrine are verging towards Arminian legality, and others towards Antinomian licentiousness, it will be your happiness to be preserved from those wide and fatal extremes;–so preserved, that while you steadily assert the honours of grace, in the salvation of sinners, you may not neglect the interests of holiness, that while you delight in the gospel, as the word of salvation, and the food of your souls, you may revere the law, as a transcript of your Maker's will, and the rule of your obedience to him.
You will do well to remember, that the true honour and the real excellence of a christian church consist, not in the number or affluence of its members,–not in any thing which may dazzle the eye or command the respect of superficial observers, but in its cordial adherence to the truths of the gospel and the ordinances of Christ, in their primitive purity; in the exercise of mutual, fervent love among its members; and in a holy, heavenly, useful conversation. These constitute the principal glory of a church. In proportion as these abound; the Redeemer is honoured and believers are edified. In proportion as these abate, the glory departs, and the interests of religion decline.
That you may have a growing acquaintance with divine truth in all its branches, and an increasing affection one to another for the truth's sake; that the life, and fervour, and amiable simplicity of primitive Christianity, may be conspicuous in your worship and conduct; that faith may abound in your hearts, and the fruits of righteousness adorn your conversation; is the sincere desire and earnest prayer of
Your affectionate friend, and willing servant, in the gospel of our common Lord, A. BOOTH. July 18, 1770.