PREFATORY NOTE TO AMERICAN EDITION. This book is based upon articles by the author which have appeared in the Hibbert Journal and in the Contemporary Review, and incorporates the substance of many of those articles; but they have been revised, in parts re-written, added to, and amended, so as to develop a continuous treatment. They are arranged in four sections or divisions:The first treats of the old problems of science and faith, of belief in the miraculous, and in the efficacy of prayer; and adduces justification for some of those beliefs. The second is mainly concerned with what are commonly considered Ecclesiastical matters-that is to say with Church organisation and with Public Service of all kinds. The third concerns what is called the Future Life, and treats of the Immortality of the Soul. The fourth represents the interaction between Science and Christianity. This part aims at expounding the fundamental Christian doctrines from a modern and scientific point of view, and at showing how ancient modes of expression, and the mediaval language in which are embodied the most vital truths known to mankind, can be interpreted and assimilated by advanced thought. A threat of unauthorised publication of some of the Hibbert articles, as they stand, has been received from America; but if any such publication appears, readers are hereby informed that it will not be the edited and authorised edition, but a mere reprint of unselected and unrevised material. University of Birmingham. May 1908. OLIVER LODGE. ing the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, and so in some slight degree preparing the way for the Coming of the Kingdom of Heaven upon Earth; and yet he may realise that those are his instructions, and that wonders are said to be possible if action be taken in a spirit of faith. Consequently a steward of the mysteries of physical science may, without undue presumption, proceed to utter such thoughts as have been vouchsafed to him on topics which, however treated, are undoubtedly of the highest moment to mankind. LERICI, April 1908. COLLECT FOR THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT (Composed by Bishop Cosinin, 1661) "O LORD JESU CHRIST, who at thy first coming didst send thy messenger to prepare thy way before thee: Grant that the ministers and stewards of thy mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready thy way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at thy second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in thy sight, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen." |