This book was composed in 1834 by J. Thornton. Several individuals have expressed interest in republishing this valuable book including Pastor Jon Harwood, Solid Rock Baptist Church of Calgary, Canada. The reason: a number of precious souls have been saved by reading this book. The Preface to the New Haven Edition says, "The frequent calls for the following work, and the testimony borne to its merits, by many faithful and experienced clergymen, who have made use of it..., have induced the publisher to offer a new edition." Those interested in its republication echo the proclamation and this:"It was the design of the author of this work (J. Thornton), to furnish a plain and concise treatise on one of the most important subjects connected with the doctrines of the gospel: - "to open the nature - to prove the necessity - and to point out the means and evidences of evangelical repentance." "Many (the author admits) have written well on the doctrine of repentance, but the subject is mingled with others, in voluminous works." He felt the necessity, therefore, of preparing a treatise on this all-important topic, in a small compass, and in a plain style - that it might thus obtain a general circulation among all classes of people."Furthermore, souls are being saved by reading this book. What could be more important?