The Force of Truth: An Authentic Narrative

If a book do not apologize for itself, it is in vain for the author to attempt it by a preface; I shall, therefore, only declare the nature and intent of this publication.

Indeed, it contains little more than the history of my heart, that forge of iniquity; and my conscience, that friendly, but too often neglected monitor. By men in general, this latter is hated, because, as far as informed, it boldly tells the truth: and their grand endeavour seems to be, to lay it asleep, or to render it as insensible as if seared with a hot iron. Through the deceitfulness of the human heart, the allurements of the world, and the artifices of Satan, this, at length, is commonly accomplished; and in the meantime, they deafen themselves to its remonstrances, by living in a continual noise and bustle. The conflict in my soul between these two is here related; and some account given of the artifices which Satan, in confederacy with my heart, made use of to keep my conscience quiet, and silence its remonstrances; and also of the means which the Lord employed to defeat this conspiracy, to give conscience its due ascendency, and to incline my before unwilhng heart to become obedient to its friendly admonitions; with the effect thereof upon my religious views and conduct.

As to the effect of this publication respecting my character and worldly interest, myself, and all that is dear to me, I would leave in his hands, who causeth all to work together for good, to them that love him, whom be hath called according to his purpose. And he hath so evinced his care over me, and goodness to me, in all the concerns of my past life, that it were shameful, if

I did not most willingly cast all my care upon him for the future. But, reader, the effect of it respecting thee, I have much at heart; and have had, and shall, I trust, continue to have it much in my prayers.

If thou art a believing servant of God, I hope thou wilt see cause to bless God in me, and wilt be established and comforted thereby; according to the fervent desire of my soul, for all that love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. If thou art one, whose experience answers in many things to what is related in the former part of this narrative, as face answers to face in the water, may the Lord, the Spirit who convinceth of sin, alarm thy drowsy conscience, and bring thee under a serious concern for thy precious soul, and its eternal interests: may he incline thine heart diligently to use the means here spoken of, as far as conscience evidences it to be thy duty; and may he bless the means for enlightening thy mind with the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus; and guiding thy wandering feet into the ways of peace. This, be assured, is my hearty prayer for thee; and with this prayer I commend this work unto the Lord, that if it be his blessed will, he may employ it as an instrument for advancing his glory, and the salvation of souls.

THOMAS SCOTT.
Weston, Underwood, Feb. 26, 1779.

About ten years have elapsed since the first pubUcation of the ensuing narrative. In that space I have had much opportunity of re-examining the Scriptures, and of making observations, both in the world and in the professing church; as well as of getting a further measure of self-knowledge. But I bless God, that upon a revisal of The Force of Truth, in order to a second edition, I see no cause to retract a single sentence, or to propose any matter differently than before. If any one should bestow the pains to compare this with the former edition, he will indeed find severaX verbal alterations, in which brevity, perspicuity, and precision alone have been consulted: but he will not meet with a single variation, which in any measure changes the meaning of the passage. Had I matey PREFACE.

rially altered my sentiments, I would either have refused to concur in publishing a second edition, or have fairly avowed that alteration: but, on the contrary, I deem it incumbent upon me to declare, that I am more than ever established in the belief of all those doctrines that I before proposed, as the leading truths of Christianity.

THOMAS SCOTT. London, Chapel-street, March 31, 1789.

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