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النشر الإلكتروني

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THE VENERATED MEMORY

OF

WILLIAM BRIGHT

D.D.

CANON OF CHRIST CHURCH

AND

REGIUS PROFESSOR OF ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY

IN THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD

IN GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE

OF THE STRENGTH OF HIS TEACHING

AND THE INSPIRATION OF HIS ENCOURAGEMENT

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EDITORS' PREFACE

THE object of the Oxford Library of Practical Theology is to supply some carefully considered teaching on matters of Religion to that large body of devout laymen who desire instruction, but are not attracted by the learned treatises which appeal to the theologian. One of the needs of the time would seem to be, to translate the solid theological learning, of which there is no lack, into the vernacular of everyday practical religion; and while steering a course between what is called plain teaching on the one hand and erudition on the other, to supply some sound and readable instruction to those who require it, on the subjects included under the common title 'The Christian Religion,' that they may be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh them a reason of the hope that is in them, with meekness and fear.

The Editors, while not holding themselves precluded from suggesting criticisms, have regarded their proper task as that of editing, and accordingly they have not interfered with the responsibility of each writer for his treatment of his own subject.

W. C. E. N.

D. S.

PREFACE TO SECOND EDITION

THE alterations in this edition are only in a very few instances more than verbal. The author has thankfully availed himself of the opportunity of adopting one or two suggestions which appeared to him very valuable, but he has not felt himself free to make any considerable alterations. He would, however, be glad to justify himself with regard to certain criticisms which some very kindly reviewers have made on his book, and for this purpose the preface seems to be the most convenient place.

In the first place, he ventures to think that those who have suggested a more controversial treatment of certain parts of the treatise, in the interests of those who cannot accept the Faith of the Church on the subject of the Incarnation, have somewhat overlooked the purpose of the whole library of which this volume forms a part. Its intention, as the writer understands it, is rather to afford instruction in

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