The problem solved...

Front matter

B

Shelf.im.

OR,

Preface

The author of the " Problem of Methodism " says in his " Preface:" "The conclusions which we have adopted are the most reasonable and scriptural solution of the difficult problem involved." Of course he means, to his own mind and with the amount of light he has received; for he says, " If we are in error, we are ready to receive new light," and that " we are ready to adopt any theory of the divine life which is more reasonable and scriptural than the one we have adopted." Certainly there is no theory more "reasonable and scriptural" than the most " reasonable and scriptural," and the last statement is a confession of doubt as to the truth of the first.

Whether the light emitted in this effort to solve " the difficult problem involved " will enable him and others to see a " more reasonable and scriptural " theory of the divine life " is yet to be determined. If, however, the writer did not hope to accomplish something in that direction, this contribution to the literature of the Church would not be made. If, in the arguments it contains, the premises are false or the conclusions erroneous, he sincerely hopes that the fact will be clearly demonstrated by some kind and competent lover of the truth, and that no reader will be damaged by this writer's misguided zeal for the glory of God and the good of his Church. For, whatever may be the results, he is certainly conscious of no motive impelling to the publication of this volume, except the hope of contributing to a better understanding of the word of God and the consequent bettering of those who love and study it.

If this attempt to solve the "problem of Methodism" should prove satisfactory to the reader, and be the means of bringing together, into closer fellowship, the seemingly divided membership of our loved Church, and of accelerating the spread of scriptural holiness over these lands, then will have been accomplished the heart's desire and praver of the Authok.

" Sanctin cation, by Rev. P>. Carradine, D.D." 143