The Christian mysteries, and other sermons and papers

Front matter

Glass __

Book

Copyrights.

Preface

As is noted in the Contents most of the subjects here presented were prepared for special occasions, and in most instances very favorably received, and in some cases their publication was urged. To show the author's appreciation of such kind expressions is one reason for presenting this material to his friends in its present form. While the subjects are varied, and each one is treated independently, yet a few fundamental truths and principles are given repeated emphasis. The author hopes that he has made clear his belief in the inerrancy of the scriptures as a rule of faith and practice, the simplicity and power of the religion of Jesus Christ, the futility of human effort to devise a plan of salvation apart from Christ, the all-sufficiency of Christ, and the certainty of his return to subdue all things unto Himself. He has further sought to show the practical nature of the Christ life both in its subjective and objective aspects: the need of an intimate personal fellowship with our Beloved, an intense absorbing interest in His work, and courageous contention for the faith once delivered.

If the presentation of his views shall appear to any to be too dogmatic, the author has only to say that he does not understand how one can present convictions otherwise than dogmatically. So long as one is uncertain what he believes, so long as he holds only opinions and speculations, he can do no more than express himself tentatively; but when he has thought his way through to what he believes to be the revealed truth, then he can do no less than state his convictions. Truth is always dogmatic; whether that truth be mathematical, scientific, philosophical or religious. The_only thing the positive man can do is to speak the truth, always striving to do it in love. With these few words of preface these different phases of what the writer believes to be truth are sent out upon their mission, with a prayer for the divine blessing.

THE AUTHOR.

Pastors' Study, Rochester, Mich., 1913.