BY THE SAME AUTHOR. A STUDY OF THE SAVIOUR IN THE NEWER LIGHT. Second Edition, Revised Form. Demy 8vo. Cloth, 7s. 6d. "It is the ideal of the Teacher and the outline of his large spiritual doctrine, presented with clearness and fervour, that constitute the strength and charm of the book (on first edition). -Manchester Guardian. "It is a book that is written avowedly in the interests of faith.”Independent. "Merits every attention."-Christian World. "Seems to do a good deal to restore the human interest in Jesus Christ."-London Review. "Eminently readable."-Church Gazette. "We differ from much that he advances for consideration, but we do not hesitate to pay an unqualified tribute to the high and reverent tone and temper of the work."-Literary World. "Its readers will be pleased with its freshness," etc.-Bradford Observer. "An able and high-toned contribution to modern religious thought." -Literary Guide. "We look with confidence for a growing appreciation of sympathy with such a work as this."-Greenock Herald. WILLIAMS & NORGATE: LONDON, EDINBURGH, AND OXFORD. MINISTER FORMERLY OF THE PARISH OF KILMUN, NOW OF THE ** WILLIAMS & NORGATE 14 HENRIETTA STREET, COVENT GARDEN, LONDON Dedicated to MY CONGREGATION AT CRIEFF Without committing any of them to any views here expressed, but gratefully appreciating their eminent openmindedness, and their readiness to recognise honourable intention in those who are eager on behalf of truth. BODLEIAN 30.1.1901 LIBRARY PREFACE. THIS sketch-presentation of the gospel message and of kindred subjects is a second contribution which I respectfully offer to that reconstructive theological study of which many earnest persons find a need in the present day. While seeking to take account of the undeniable discoveries made by modern investigation and reflection, it claims to be in union with the true essence of the traditional doctrine, and is, generally, conservative in attitude. It is thus in agreement with its predecessor, which was first published with the claim of being admissible within the national Church of Scotland, after I had been for nine years a preacher in the service of that Church. An explanation-possibly an apology-is due for the sense in which the word 'Literalism' is used in my pages here. 'Literalism' is approved as indicating, and perhaps most naturally indicates, a particular method of interpreting an author's meaning. Here, however, it is used to indicate a particular presupposition applied to the search for truth itself. More exactly, it is here used to denote a certain thought or belief in relation to the Bible and the traditional creeds, as vehicles of sacred truth. What that thought or belief is, I explain in the first chapter. It is a serious force in human life, and requires a name. If it has yet no name in universal acceptation, that in no way disproves its importance, any more than is the case with certain forces which |