INTRODUCTION. XXI

heathenism. We see what method Paul adopted in founding the church in the midst of a refined and corrupt people ; how he answered questions of conscience arising out of the rela- tions of Christians to the heathen around them. The cases may never occur again, but the principles involved in their decision, are of perpetual obligation, and serve as lights to the church in all ages. Principles relating to church discipline, to social relations and intercourse, to public worship, the nature of the church, and of the sacraments, are here unfolded, not in an abstract form, so much as in their application. These epistles, therefore, in reference to all practical measures in the establishment of the church among the heathen, and in its conduct in Christian lands, are among the most important portions of the word of God.