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 heartthe moral nature-was the beginning and the end; and that truth, knowledge, and insight were comprehended in its espansion.' “ 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 endeavors to bring the Bible, through the instrumentality of the pulpit, into a more immediate and practical contact with the every-day life of man!” David THOMAS. Loughborough Park, Brixton. CONTENTS. All the articles in the Volume are written by the Editor, with the exception of those which have a signature attached. HOMILIES. a The Box of Spikenard. (By J. H. Smith, M.A.) Fellowship with God ... The First Ecclesiastical Meeting for Business ... The Pentecost the Culminating Period in the System of Redemption The Pentecost the Culminating Period in the System of Redemption The Pentecost the Culminating Period in the System of Redemption The Miracle at the “Beautiful Gate," a Fact, a Text, and an Epoch 249 The Miracle at the “Beautiful Gate," a Fact, a Text, and an Epoch In what does Man's Death as a Sinner Consist ? Spiritual Beauty. (By John Dunlop) ... ... ... ... The Restorative and Conservative Work of Christ... Christian Expediency. (By F. Heppenstall, M.A.) The True Foundation of Character Man, a Stranger on Earth. (By U. R. Thomas) The Value of Religion. (By David Hughes, B.A.) The Wicked Husbandman; or, the efforts of Mercy to Redeem, and the appearance of Justice to Punish ... The Communion of Saints.--No. I. (By F. Heppenstall, M.A.) 212 A Call to the Utmost Expansiveness in Religious Sympathy 255 The Natural illustrative of the Spiritual. (By Wm. A. Blake) 260 The Christian's Great Aim (By John Dunlop) The Codex Sinaiticus of Professor Tischendorf. (By C. W.) 38 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... : Man's Powers the Gifts and Emblems of God The Laurels of a Victorious Life Christian Piety in Relation to the Future The Remarkable in Christ and the Improper in His Hearers A Joyful Syllogism. (By H. T. M.) The Wonderfulness of God's Counsel A Timely Period. (By H. T. M.) The Gospel : Its Preachers, Hearers, and Rejectors God's Voice to Humanity. (By J. O. Griffiths) The Iron Blunt, and the Iron Whetted The Second-hand, and the Primary Knowledge of God ... . |
