66 · Secondly: The book has no denominationalism. It has no special reference to our Body' or to our Church.' As denominational strength is not necessarily soul strength, nor denominational religion necessarily the religion of humanity, it is the aim of THE HOMILIST to minister that which universal man requires. It is for man as a citizen of the universe, and not for him as the limb of a sect. 66 Thirdly: The book has no polemical Theology. The Editorholding, as he does, with a tenacious grasp, the cardinal doctrines which constitute what is called the orthodox creed'—has, nevertheless, the deep and ever-deepening conviction, first, that such creed is but a very small portion of the truth that God has revealed or that man requires; and that no theological system can fully represent all the contents and suggestions of the great Book of God; and, secondly, that systematic theology is but means to an end. Spiritual morality is that end. Consequently, to the heart and life every Biblical thought and idea should be directed. Your systems of divinity the Author will not disparage; but his impression is, that they can no more answer the purpose of the Gospel than pneumatics can answer the purpose of the atmosphere. In the case of Christianity, as well as the air, the world can live without its scientific truths; but it must have the free flowings of their vital elements. Coleridge has well said, 'Too soon did the Doctors of the Church forget that the heart-the moral nature was the beginning and the end, and that truth, knowledge, and insight were comprehended in its expansion.' "The Editor would record his grateful acknowledgments to those free spirits of all Churches who have so earnestly rallied round him, to the many who have encouraged him by their letters, and to those especially who have aided him by their valuable contributions. May the last day' prove that the help rendered has been worthily bestowed; and that THE HOMILIST did something towards the spiritual education of humanity, in its endeavours to bring the Bible, through the instrumentality of the pulpit, into a more immediate and practical contact with the every-day life of man." Erewyn Upper Tulse Hill, London. DAVID THOMAS. CONTENTS. All the Articles in this Volume are written by the Editor, with the exception of HOMILIES. The Seed of the Kingdom (H. R. Reynolds, D.D.) The Personality of God and the Mysteriousness of Man (Jabez Cole) Isaiah's Vision (G. Cron) C. Revelations of the Good and Bad in Human Nature CI. The Religious Sentiment in War CII. The Pious Experiences of an Exile CIII. A Testimony and an Exhortation LXVIII. Ibid. (4) The Common in Controversy, Sin, and Theology 342 LXVI. Christ Greater and Older than Abraham . LXVII. The Man Born Blind. Types of Character in Relation to LXVIII. The Man Born Blind. Types of Character in relation to LXIX. Ibid. (3) Those who are bitterly Prejudiced against His THE PREACHER'S GERMS OF THOUGHT. St. Paul's Estimate of Life and Death (F. R. Young) 3. His Relation to the Bereaved 4. His Relation to Christ and Redemption The Hope of Perfection (Walter Lloyd) . 3. The Scientific Test of Prayer Primitive Heroism (F. W. Brown) Ideal Youthhood (T. Baron) The Mission of Christ in Relation to the Moral Law (T. Baron) NOTES ON THE APOSTLES' CREED. CCLIII. The Ultimate Deliverance from Sin BIBLICAL CRITICISM. PAGK Recapitulation of the Five Theoretic Modes of Salvation (W. R. Alger) 137 AUTρOV: A Ransom (J. P. Norris, B.D.). Proper Nanes formed from the Names of Heathen Deities (W. F. The Monkey: Ludicrous Effects of Imitation The Appetite of some Animals: Consumption without Assimilation |