Patmos

Front matter

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Preface

In practical Christianity two main ideas continually reappear^ each represented by a perso?iality. These representative personalities may be characterized^ variously ^ as Redeefner and redeemed^ Giver and recipient^ Master and disciple^ Leader and follower^ Sovereign and subject. The setti?ig forth of Christ and his work in saving and reigning^ and the Christian in his relation to Christy and Christian work in its relation to Christ's work and the great purpose it achieves — this may^ perhaps, without too rash a generalization, be declared to be the ivhole of the New Testament, and the w^hole of didactic Christianity.

It is the purpose of these pages to set these respective personalities, with the ideas they represent, in some of their mutual relations, and to find there a lesson. The writer desires simply to offer his contribution of service in the cause that is dear to many hearts. He hopes to do this by stirring here and there a Christian soul to earnestly strive after higher spiritual attainment and a ?iobler record of usefulness. In this hope he lays his gift on the altar, only wishing it were better and ivorthier.

J. A. S.

Chicago, Jan, i, 1875.