BY CHARLES GRAHAM, Minister of Oaklands Chapel. "In Him was life; and the life was the light of men."-JOHN i. 4. "I am the Light of the world. He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, LONDON: MORGAN & CHASE, 38, LUDGATE HILL. 1866. 100. 8. 165. PREFATORY REMARKS. THIS Volume consists of a series of short chapters on the most important of all themes. When its subject was taken up, it was not expected to reach half its present extent; but it expanded in the treatment. Its aim is edification. The fact of the truths it contains having proved profitable in oral communication, led the author to hope a similar result might possibly be achieved by their publication. This hope is in some measure strengthened by the profit derived by himself in their preparation. That they inadequately set forth the Blessed Redeemer the "light and salvation" of his peoplehe is quite free to admit. But what can adequately exhibit Him? Fully to know Him, we must see Him as He is; and even then our knowledge will be an endless progression. In aiming at edification in these discourses, no one class has been kept exclusively in view. The desire has been to present truth in such a form as might interest all classes, and nearly all ages. It is hoped that young Christians, as well as the more advanced, may derive from them some profit. To this end illustration has been freely employed. The value of some of these illustrations the author has already proved. Some years ago, a lady asked him to speak to her daughter, then about fourteen years of age, and highly intelligent, on the subject of the Trinity. This interesting young person hesitated to believe the doctrine, because she could not understand it. The mother's desire was complied with, and one of the illustrations, then first presenting itself to the author's mind, was employed. It is one of those in the first chapter. Sitting in a cheerful room, the sunbeams and sea air having free ingress, it was asked, "Is not this room full of air?" This was admitted. Again it was asked, "Is it not full of light ?" This too was acknowledged. Then lastly, "Is it not also full of heat?" This was undeniable, as we were enjoying the genial warmth. The application was then made, with some observations on the limited character of our powers, and the importance of subjecting our minds to the authority of God. The illustration seemed to meet the exact difficulty in the mind, and to remove it. That young person finished her education in Germany, and is now a teacher of others: she has never since, I believe, had a temptation on the subject. Sound doctrine, cast into a practical mould, and communicated clearly and forcibly, was perhaps never more needed than in the present day, when so many are forsaking "the old paths," so distinctly marked by the footprints of the flock, and mapped out so clearly by the Good Shepherd. In these pages, it is hoped, sound and edifying doctrine will be found. Would that the author could feel assured the communication were equally forcible and clear! If, however, by their publication, one dark soul is guided to Him who is the light of the world, or the eyes of any of his people clarified to see more of his glory, and walk more in his light, then will they not have been published in vain; something will be accomplished, "whose results shall be eternal." |