PREFACE то THE SECOND EDITION. It was not a mistaken opinion, expressed in the preface to the first edition of this book, that there are many to whom this is an interesting subject, and who eagerly read whatever is written on it. Of this, the fact that the first edition was in a very short time exhausted, is the best evidence. I attribute the favour which this volume has received, partly to the intrinsic interest of the subject itself, but chiefly to its being an attempt to exhibit the proper Protestant and scriptural side of the solemn things after death. It must be a matter of surprise to any one who earnestly pursues the history of this subject, to find how generally the prominent Protestant symbols are contradicted, and how almost every thing that has been written on the subject of man's condition after death, is unsymbolic and unprotestant. If the position which our symbols take is not a true one, let the fact at once be acknowledged; if they teach the true and scriptural doctrine on the subject, let it be clearly exhibited for the consolation of the saints. The things of another life are, in their nature, so deeply interesting that all who earnestly look "for that blessed hope" will read, on the subject, what is offered to them, even though it be part popish and part pagan. This want should, by all means, be met by an exhibition of the subject in the light of our own symbols. Since the issue of the first edition, I have carefully re-examined the whole subject, by the aid of a number of works which I have since been fortunate enough to procure. Among these are: "A treatise concerning the State of Departed Souls, before, at, and after, the Resurrection," by Rev. Dr. Thomas Burnet, London, 1730; "Dr. William Sherlock on a Future State," London, 1740; "The World to Come," by Isaac Watts, D. D. General selections, entitled: "The Mourner Comforted," by James Abercrombie, D. D.; "The State of the Departed," by John Henry Hobart, D. D.; "The Happiness of the blessed," by Richard Mart, D.D. Upon a careful study of these and other authors, I have not found reason to change or modify any of the positions of this book; on the contrary, I have been vastly strengthened in them. This Second Edition, therefore, goes forth without any change as to its position and doctrine. It has, however, been enriched at various points, and considerably enlarged by additional arguments, illustrations, and practical reflections, the fruit of continued attention to the subject. May it be found more worthy of the favour it has received. To God, and to all who desire a "better country, that is, an heavenly," this volume is gratefully and prayerfully dedicated. May its deficiencies be forgiven; may its truths be blest: and, may all who shall read these pages become the happy heirs of "an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in Heaven." LANCASTER CITY, September 4, 1850. 1* - It is a Place-not a State. Nature of its materiality. The 28 SECTION I.-The Theory of Progressive Ascensions SECTION II.-Progressive Ascensions in another form SECTION III.-Heaven unseen and unfelt around us 69 |