An Appeal to the People in Behalf of Their Rights as Authorized Interpreters of the Bible

The opening of this work warns of a looming crisis in the Christian world, likening it to the upheavals of Luther and Wesley. The author argues that unlike past revolutions, this change will arise quietly from the people themselves, spreading like leaven through everyday thought. He invites listeners to consider a fundamental question that has haunted believers for centuries: what truly secures salvation?

To answer that, the writer examines the fifth‑century Augustine doctrine that attributes all human sin to a fallen nature inherited from Adam. He contends that this theory, imposed by councils and upheld for generations, clashes with ordinary moral intuition and the plain reading of Scripture. By proposing a “natural religion” grounded in common sense, he challenges listeners to rethink traditional creeds and envision a faith aligned with reason.

The book also surveys how this doctrinal conflict appears across clergy, education, the press, and even among young Americans, suggesting the tide may soon turn. Listeners will find a blend of historical analysis and a call for personal discernment, encouraging a fresh look at biblical teachings without the weight of centuries‑old philosophy.