OR, AN ATTEMPT TO SHOW THAT ALL CHRISTIANS DO NOT OBTAIN THE FULL ASSURANCE OF HOPE; SOME WITH AN APPENDIX, CONTAINING REMARKS ON THE NATURE OF SPIRITUAL DARKNESS; DIRECTIONS TO THOSE WHO ARE LABORING UNDER IT. BY REV. WILLIAM BACON. SEVENTH EDITION. AUBURN: WILLIAM J. MOSES. 1856. PREFACE TO THE SEVENTH EDITION. It is now thirty years since this little volume was first published. Former editions of it were recommended by Rev. Doctors Matthew, L. R. Perrine, formerly Professor in the Theological Seminary at Auburn, N. Y.; Henry R. Weed, of Wheeling, Va.; and President Thomas J. Briggs, of Cincinnati, Ohio; and the Author has had the satisfaction of learning from many, that they had been happily relieved from their doubts and distresses, by perusing it. But for reasons, the relation of which would pain the writer more than it would profit his readers, the book has been for several years out of print; and it is now reprinted at the earnest request of many. The errors which are opposed in the first and second chapters may not be as prevalent now as when the book was written; but it is believed that the matter contained in the third and fourth chapters, and the Appendix, is as needful as ever. Again, therefore, the little book is sent forth, with prayer for its usefulness. |