PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION
The following addresses pre-suppose acquaintance with the things
revealed in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, as distinguished from
the established theology of the day. Without this acquaintance the addresses
will be, in many points, unintelligible. They were delivered to those who have
discarded the travesties and caricatures of Bible truth exhibited in the faiths,
forms, and practices of nearly all sects and denominations of Christendom, and
who have heartily embraced the faith apostolically delivered in the first
century, as summarized in the apostolic phrase: "The things concerning the
Kingdom of God and the Name of Jesus Christ" (Acts 8:12). Consequently, they are
not demonstrative or polemic. They take a certain system of faith for granted,
and seek to apply the principles of that system in a practical personal manner,
in the spirit of the precept which says: "Exhort one another daily" (Heb. 3:13).
They are calculated to build up and strengthen in the profession of the faith,
rather than to convince and lead to the reception of that faith. Still, many
things affirmed will be found proved and illustrated, so that the book will not
be unprofitable reading for those who are not yet prepared to believe that the
doctrines of the orthodox world are opposed to the teachings of the Scriptures.
If such should desire a further opportunity of examining the convictions which
underlie these addresses, they may do so by consulting the various works
published by the Christadelphians, some of which are advertised herewith. For
those who had already come to the conclusion referred to, the book may be of
some service in the weary turmoil of the present evil world. It will help them
to realize their position, and to renew their diligence, and to rouse drooping
hearts in the prospect of the fulfilment of God's great purpose in Christ. The
testimony of many is that this result has already and largely been produced in
past times. The delivery of the addresses has been declared to be productive of
"Seasons of Comfort"; and similar testimony has been borne by hundreds to the
reading of them in The Christadelphian, in which they originally appeared.
There are just fifty-two addresses — one for each Sunday in the year. They
were not delivered consecutively, or in one year, or in any particular order,
nor exactly as they are now published. They are mostly reproductions by the
author from memory, after their extempore delivery. In some cases they are from
notes by shorthand writers, revised by the speaker.
THE AUTHOR.
64, Belgrave Road,
Birmingham, 31st October, 1879.