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!" Loughborough Park, Brixton. DAVID THOMAS. CONTENTS. All the articles in this volume are written by the Editor, with the exception A Ritualistic Church a Foolish Church. (Douglass Allport) The "Letter" and the "Spirit" in the Ministry of Christianity 121 301 The Conclusion of Paul's Voyage from Greece to Syria Paul's Final Visit to Jerusalem Paul's Final Visit to Jerusalem; or, the Apostle as a Prisoner Defending himself before the People Paul's Final Visit to Jerusalem; the Apostle as a Prisoner defending himself before the Sanhedrim.. Acts of the Apostles:-Emendative Renderings. (By Rev. Charles MIS APPLIED TEXTS. I. 2 Cor. xi. 3. (Rev. William Webster, M.A.) 223 |