In this little volume the word religion is used in its popular, not its distinctively Biblical sense. In the Scriptures it is but seldom found, and where used it refers, undoubtedly, to outward observances. Paul “profited in the Jews’ religion.” He gave himself up to the carrying out of all its legal enactments. James contrasts with this the “pure religion and undefiled,” which is, not Christianity itself, but the outcome of it. Alas, how many stumble right here—designating a system of philanthropy and correct living as Christianity itself; mistaking the result for the cause from which it springs; denying the truth of God—unwittingly though it may be.
But, as generally used, the word religion covers both the faith and the practice of its devotees—according to Webster, “a system of faith and worship;” and it is in this sense it is used in the present collection of papers.
The first article is introductory to all the others; which throughout are designed to contrast God’s way of salvation with the numberless ways of man’s devising—the end of which will be death, moral and spiritual.
The fact that they were written as separate papers, and are now collected into a volume for the first time, will account for occasional repetitions of thought, and even statement.
If they lead any to value Christ more, and human religiousness less, they will have fulfilled the object for which they are sent forth.
—H. A. I.
CrossReach Publications
