This is the beginning of a short series in which I shall post a portion of the above named book by Jacob Helffenstein. Jacob was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1802 and died in 1884. He was a pastor in the German Reformed Church. You may find the complete book by searching for it on the Internet. My copy was published by the American Tract Society in the latter half of the nineteenth century.
Preface
This little volume is affectionately commended to the serious perusal of every one bound to eternity, and especially of every professor of religion. It addresses them on a subject of infinite moment, involving their highest interest both for this world and the next. The writer would not excite the least unnecessary distrust or pain in a single bosom. He is well aware that there is a weak as well as a strong faith — that there are “babes” as well as “fathers” in Christ. The day of small things is not to be despised — the weak, timid believer is not to be crushed, but cherished and strengthened; yet it is better that the truth be faithfully exhibited , even though it should excite a momentary pang in the fearful, than to suffer multitudes who are trusting to “refuges of lies,” to live and die unwarned. Reader, lay not this work aside until the great subject of which it treats is settled as you will wish it had been when your head is laid on the pillow of death, and the realities of eternity open upon your vision.
Chapter 1
The Nature and Forms of Self-Deception
Self-deception may be distinguished from hypocrisy. Continue reading →
