Entered, according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1834, by ISAAC T. HOPPER, in the Clerk's office of the strict Court of the Southern District of New York. ADVERTISEMENT. : IN presenting to the public this volume from the pen of Elias Hicks, it is proper to observe, that it might have been much enlarged by the addition of many other letters; but, we believe, that those contained in the present collection, are sufficient to give a pretty full exposition of the views of the writer on the various subjects of which they treat, and which comprehend the most important doctrines of the Christian religion and though sentiments may, perhaps, be found in it, that may appear new to some, yet, we think, upon an attentive examination, they will be found in accordance with the Scriptures of truth and the doctrines of our most approved and enlightened primitive Friends; and we think, too, that the long life of unsullied integrity and fervent piety of the writer, claims for them a close and impartial examination. Most of these letters were written to his intimate friends, without any expectation, so far as appears, that they would ever be made public; the candid reader will, therefore, readily admit in this fact, a sufficient apology, if the writer has not always been as successful in èlucidating some points, as might have been desired. Another circumstance should be noticed. Most of the letters contained in this volume, were answers to letters received, which not being in our possession, we have not been able to state the questions that elicited his replies; and hence some things in the latter may appear to require explanations which, probably, they would not have been thought to want, had those questions been published at the same time. To this we add, that if the reader should discover some things. which may appear ambiguous, or objectionable, we think he will find the same subjects more fully and satisfactorily explained in other parts of the work. |