Present day theology

Preface

THESE lectures took the place of the regular Midweek Service in our church, beginning early in January, 1913. The first lecture was given in the Chapel, but its capacity was taxed, and the remaining lectures were heard by audiences which comfortably filled our church auditorium. Such an attendance, on a week-day evening, is an indication that people are not averse to theological discussion. I am sure that no scientific, literary, or sociological themes which I could have offered, would have drawn half so large an audience.

This ground has been gone over more than once, in this pulpit; two volumes, — "Burning Questions," and "How Much is Left of the Old Doctrines?" — are both made up of Sunday evening lectures on theological questions, and it was therefore somewhat difficult to find fresh material ; but circumstances seemed to warrant a re-statement of the central truths of our religion, and it was gratifying to see that they have not lost their hold on the human heart.

The lectures were, of course, intended for our own congregation, but as many of the other churches were closed, a large number of the members of other congregations were present at most of them. The interest manifested by these has lfd to this publication.

vi PREFACE.

The book is printed and published in Columbus, and I hope that it may be accepted as an offering of the best I have to give, to the people of my own city. It is truth which has been tested, and which has been found good to live by. It is not, however, a local gospel; it will prove just as true at any other latitude and longitude.

When a thing has been said by others better than I can say it, I feel that those to whom I speak are entitled to hear it. It has always been my custom, therefore, to quote freely, giving due credit. In this way I acknowledge my indebtedness to those who have helped me, and sometimes, I hope, do a service to my hearers and my readers, by introducing to them my friends.

W. G.

First Congregational Church, Columbus, O., May 6, 1913.

Forgiveness 175