694 B 37

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THE CHURCH'S

VOICE OF INSTRUCTION.

TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN OF

F. W. KRUMMACHER, D.D.

PUBLISHED BY R. B. SEELEY AND W. BURNSIDE;

AND SOLD BY L. & G. SEELEY,

FLEET STREET, LONDON.

MDCCC XXXIX.

THE AUTHOR'S PREFACE.

THERE is no superfluity of Biblical Discourses, at least of those in which the great doctrine of Christ being our representative, stands pre-eminent, casting a light upon all others. It was this consideration which overcame the hesitation I felt in publishing the following contemplations. It is with earnest seriousness I send them forth to the world, and I entreat my readers to study them with attention before pronouncing on their merits; and not to cry at random, "Enthusiasm! Hyper-orthodoxy!" believe that I have drawn from the well of Scripture all that I have taught; and out of Scripture, let those who think I have erred correct me, for I am willing to learn.

I

It has been said, "As there is nothing so absurd but what some philosopher has taught; so there is nothing presented to a philosopher's attention which he should refuse to try and examine, ere he takes upon him to reject it. Disgust without reason, is a proof either of a diseased appetite, or of an over-indulged and fantastic imagination."

The same voice from the desert says, "Hyper-critics are always inquiring what truth is, but at the same moment have their hands on the door; for they will not wait to receive an answer to their question." Again, "Our reason resembles the blind Theban soothsayer, to whom his daughter Manto described the flight of birds; and he prophesied according to her description." In another place, "Since great part of Scripture was written under the direction of God by the humble, the low, and the uneducated, putting to shame the talent and ingenuity of profane writers; so it requires men enlightened by the Spirit of God, whose eyes are jealous as those of a friend, to discern the rays of heavenly glory in such a guise!" These remarks are for the consideration of critics: meanwhile I may assure those who are earnestly seeking after salvation, that many branches from the tree of life are interspersed through this book, from which the Author, during his labours, plucked sweet fruits ripened under other suns. Oh! that the same harvest might be reaped by each of his readers! then the only wish with which he sends forth this book would be granted, and to God on high should be ascribed the glory!

F. W. KRUMMACHER,

Pastor in Gemarke.