Title Page

Preface

CHAPTER I.

The problem stated, and exemplified by the Armenian atrocities and the massacre of Christian missionaries, by "the Christian persecutions" and the common experience of Christians generally

CHAPTER II.

A reference to Scripture seems only to make the difficulty greater -The advent of Christ seemed to give promise of a new order of things, and the experience of the Pentecostal Church appeared to confirm the hope.

CHAPTER III.

As this discussion assumes the possibility of direct Divine interposition, the infidel objections to miracles are considered and refuted-But why have they ceased? Mr. Balfour's suggestion affords no answer - Mr. Gladstone's argument criticised - The problem exemplified-Doctrinaire and practical infidels contrasted

CHAPTER IV.

The seeming cogency of John Stuart Mill's argument against Christianity shown to depend on the error of Paley's position. Bishop Butler's thesis that miracles were the ground of the faith of the first converts discussed and refuted-The purpose and evidential value of the miracles of Christ- His ultimate appeal was to Scripture, not to miracles- Christianity not a religion-In what sense external evidence can accredit a revelation

CHAPTER V.

In confirmation of the view that it was for the Jew the miracles were given, the Acts of the Apostles gives proof that the miracles ceased when the favoured nation was rejected; and the record of that rejection is shown to be the main purpose of the Book

CHAPTER VI.

Restatement of the difficulty of a silent Heaven - The solution must be found in Scripture, and notably in the Epistles of Paul - But the discussion assumes that these Epistles contain the revelation of Christianity - This thesis discussed - Christianity distinguished from the religion of Christendom

CHAPTER VII.

In continuation of the argument of Chap. VI., Baur's theories are shown to be but the travesty of a lost truth - Having crucified their Messiah, the Jews received a further offer of pardon - Hence the Jewish character of the Pentecostal dispensation - Their rejection of mercy, signalised by the murder of Stephen, led to the revelation of the great truth of Christianity

CHAPTER VIII.

Review of the preceding inquiry, leading up to the position that the characteristic truth of Christianity must be sought for In the Epistles-Before turning to St. Paul's teaching, a further defence of Holy Scripture is offered, against the attacks of rationalists on the one hand and of those who make it subordinate to the Church upon the other.

CHAPTER IX.

A digression to notice the Agnostic's view of Christian doctrine, as stated by the late W. R. Greg; and to explain from the Lord's parable of the Good Samaritan what that doctrine really is

CHAPTER X.

The Apostle Paul's gospel is not to be found in the earlier Scriptures: it was a special revelation to himself-The truth of Reconciliation explained, and shown to be a distinctive "mystery" truth-Eternal salvation is thus brought within reach of all-But why do so few receive the benefit?

CHAPTER XI.

The answer to the question which closes Chap. X.-The Satan myth contrasted with the Satan of Scripture-His temptations are aimed, not against morals, but against faith - He is "the god of this world," and influences and controls, not its vices and crimes, but its religion -Hence the neglect and rejection of Christianity

CHAPTER XII.

In continuation of Chap. X.-The doctrine of Christianity is further unfolded -The present controversy between God and man is shown to be altogether about Christ -The Cross has closed every other question - Grace is supreme and judgment is postponed

CHAPTER XIII.

The silence of God is explained by the great characteristic truth of Christianity - His seeming apathy in presence of the sufferings of His own people is a part of the discipline of the life of faith - Final restatement of the main problem, and a recapitulation of the argument of the book. . .

APPENDIX NOTE