Introduction by The Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Gasmania. I wish "God-speed" to these Readings, because they seem to me admirably adapted to the purpose for which they have been prepared. Simple in style and method, they possess, and sustain throughout, a thoughtfulness which cannot fail to arrest the attention, and excite the interest, of the household circle, or the solitary reader. Day by day, they present the objective and historic facts recorded in the Gospels, in a clear and vivid manner, which is calculated to influence the character, and the conduct of everyday life. "Life," it has been said, "becomes, every day, more and more a Problem, and less and less a Theorem." And to shew how the old imperishable truths can be applied to actual life, rather than to open out new paths of theological speculation, seems the special duty of our time. Science is daily shewing how wants and supply go hand in hand, in the physical world; and one of the highest evidences of the truth of the Christian Revelation is the conscious experience that faith in Christ meets and answers our moral wants and deeper yearnings. Many will welcome this effort to show how faith in God, as He is revealed in Christ, is the only spiritual force which can guide, dignify, and elevate the life of men. may, for all that, lie dormant and inoperative in the mind, exercising little influence upon the personal character, that we are glad to find them presented in fresh and unconventional language, and to recognize any effort made to place them in a new light, and to give them a living force. If these Readings may enable any to attain more real and definite views of Christian Truth, and help them, as followers of Christ and bearers of His Cross, in the details of daily life, they will have gained their object. CHELTENHAM, 1880. C. H. TASMANIA. It is not intended, in these Readings, to give any full exposition, or regular course, of Christian instruction. The Book consists of a selection of Scripture passages, arranged in accordance with the Seasons of the Christian Year; with a few words added to each, to explain and enforce what has been read. They are such as the Master or Mistress of a Family might themselves wish to say, when reading to their household, but might be unable to give expression to at the moment. It is hoped that these Readings, for which help has been sought from various sources, may be found suitable for daily personal use, as well as for the household. They have been made as brief and pointed as possible, that some definite lesson, drawn from Holy Scripture, may be fixed upon the minds of those who read or hear them, and may abide in their thoughts during the day, to guide and cheer them in its work and duties. "The whole trouble of the world," it has been said, "is that we will not let God help us." To shew that there is such divine help, and to lead the hearts of others to know and find it, is the purpose and endeavour of these Readings. God grant that we may continually find a fuller and deeper meaning in His Words of Life and Light, and that they may have an increased power over our hearts and lives. Furze Hill, Brighton, E. W. BODLEY. November, 1880. When the Instructions exceed the usual length, a pause, in most cases, is indicated by a line; so that one part may be omitted, at the option of the Reader, without any abrupt break in the middle of the subject. |