PREFACE. SINCE every book must ultimately speak for itself, a Preface is seldom of much importance: and the writer of the present Volume strongly feels that he ought to ask for nothing but an attentive perusal throughout, and has therefore but little to urge of an introductory nature. No one will think that what is here said has been lightly considered. The Appendix, indeed, on which the whole must rest, was the foundation of Lectures delivered from time to time in the Parish Church of Brompton, between the years 1849 and 1869, under the conviction that S. Paul's writings must eventually be subject to a different treatment from that which has befallen them during the last three hundred years. That anticipation is now in course of fulfilment. Theologians at home and abroad have been fixing attention, in a b remarkable manner, on the work of the great Apostle and it is a happy circumstance that some among ourselves have devoted time and great learning to this part of Holy Scripture, so as to influence beyond doubt the Revision of the English Bible, which has now begun. P.S.-One friend who has carefully revised the press for this Volume, the Rev. N. Liberty, formerly of King's College, London, has laid the writer under deep obligation, for his extreme accuracy and kindness in going over the Appendix, at an anxious time when, but for his assistance, there must have been much delay. WADINGHAM RECTORY, June 28, 1870. |