That there might be culled from the Bible a few passages which may seem not to reflect our views is natural, when we consider how it is interspersed with the views and versions of various historical writers in the chronicling of events. But we believe Divine revelations furnish sufficient positive evidence to sustain us; such evidence as the reason of every enlightened and reflecting mind will comprehend and approve. We believe this knowledge should—nay, doubtless, will—have a salutary and beneficial effect upon the minds and hearts of all. We now leave all as a personal matter with you. That you will have a future you cannot doubt. We therefore beseech you to remember "that God will not be mocked" with impunity; neither can he be deceived.
"For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. He that soweth to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the spirit shall of the spirit reap life everlasting."
Hear the Preacher of God (Eccl. xii. 13, 14):
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil."
* * * * *
APPEAL
TO
CHRISTIAN MINISTERS.
It might reasonably be expected that as we have advanced a new hypothesis as to the location of Heaven, and also of Hell, that we should also give our views as to what we deem the correct faith and principles of the true Christian Religion. You will see in our "Preface" that we have not designed to make our book sectarian in behalf of any one of the different Protestant organizations. And, not being a minister of the Gospel, we leave the great and important work of thus directing the mind to those whose rightful mission it is to instruct. True, our views upon this subject are foreshadowed in these pages, but we believe the time has now come when there should be a general review by all leading Divines. That they should take under consideration all new lights afforded by the sciences—especially the science of Astronomy—and bring these to bear with philosophical reason upon Divine Revelations and Bible truths; and thereby comprehend more fully the nature of God, and his requirements of man in order to salvation. We think that by such action on their part, that most, even if not all of the minor sectarian differences of opinion can be removed, and that all can unite as one great Family of the Church of God on Earth; and that mysteries which have hitherto shrouded the minds of the masses—as to the necessary faith and practice in a true religion—may thereby be removed, and all the world of mankind be brought to a saving knowledge of the truth, and "know the Lord, whom to know aright is Eternal Life."
We know that, at first thought, this may seem to be a great undertaking; and, however desirable, some may entertain doubts as to its accomplishment, and therefore hesitate to move in the matter; yet we believe that it can, and, sooner or later, will be accomplished, and that the final results will prove worthy the life efforts of every Christian minister on this Earth.