Introductory Notice
Since my first acquaintance with the works of Dr. Owen, I have admired the great talent and ability which have been universally accorded to them, and, (I trust.) have been edified by the marrow of sound doctrine, and the rich delineation of Christian experience by which they are characterized. Of his numerous and valuable writings, the treatises “On the Person,” and “On the Glory of Christ,” stand conspicuous for the importance of their subjects, and the manner in which they are treated. I long felt that the republication of them here, and a more general diffusion of them among American Christians, would greatly subserve the interests of sound and experimental religion. In consequence, I issued some time since proposals for their republication, and with considerable labour I have obtained a respectable number of subscribers. I feel happy in now being able to supply my subscribers with an edition in every respect beautifully and thoroughly executed. 1 doubt not that the remainder of the edition, beyond the supply of subscribers, will meet with a ready demand. There is no religious work which more richly deserves it.
As the Godhead of Christ, and that eternal redemption which he wrought out as Mediator in our nature, lay near my heart, so the greatest anxiety which I felt as a preacher, and do still feel, is that, by the blessing of God, I might have some small share in setting forth the glory of the Lord Jesus in as full an orb of glory as is possible before the eyes of men. Christians in general do not know half as much as they might of the person of him whom their souls profess to love. While the enemies of the true divinity, and mediatorial glory of the Redeemer, employ their intellectual power and skill in perverting Scripture, and assailing the truth, it becomes every Christian to be well-instructed, rooted, and grounded in these fundamental and vital doctrines of his faith. To expand the mind, inflame the hearts, and establish the faith of Christians in relation to the person and work of Christ, I could not conceive any way more effectual than to put in their hands, “Owen ox the Person and Glory op Christ.” It will fill the mouths of God’s people with arguments; and it will furnish the minister of the sanctuary with appropriate materials, when he appears before the public on these interesting topics. These are the considerations which induced me to publish the following work by subscription; “a work,” to express myself in the language of a learned Episcopal divine, “without comparison the best written in the English language on this momentous subject.”
The numerous works of Dr. Owen cover the whole field of Theology. Though all his works are invaluable; yet as some subjects are more important than others, and as no subject is of more vital interest than the Person of Christ, and as this treatise on it is so masterly, and rich, it may be considered as one of the most valuable of the treasures scattered throughout his writings. It is indeed an antepast of heaven. It is related that the treatise on “the Glory of Christ,” was written near the close of his life, and was passing through the press when he lay on his dying bed. Word was brought to him that the last sheet was then finished, when he lifted up his eyes, and said, “lam noto going to behold the Glory of Christ in a manner such as I have never yet seen him” Dr. Owen, great as he was in learning, did not indulge himself in vain speculations, but exerted his power in laying open divine, by divine truth. Hence he is placed in high distinction and elevation by all orthodox ministers, and he is sometimes termed uthe prince of Divines.”
For the loss of my time connected with the labour of procuring subscriptions, and delivering the book, together with the expense of publication, I never expect to be paid in this world. May the blessing of the Son of God, the uncreated angel of the eternal covenant, whom my soul loves, and whose praise I have proclaimed, and desire to proclaim in the great congregation, rest in life and in death upon me, and upon all my subscribers to whom the community is indebted lor the republication of this work. May He, whose person and glory are here exhibited, irradiate the minds, and sanctify the hearts of all those into whose hands this work may fall. May the saving knowledge of Jesus cover the earth as the waters cover the sea.
JOHN HENDRICKS.
Rhinebeck, September, 1839.