gurprised to find light wh^«e I expected daikneee, and darkness where I expected light. I have also discovered that some of the best commentaries on Scripture are oomparatively little known.
I now send forth this volume with an earnest prayer, that the Holy Ghotst may bless it, and that God may be pleased to use it for His own glory and the benefit of many souls. My chief desire in this, and all my writings^ is to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ and make Him beautiful and glorious in the eyes of men, and to promote the increase of repentancCi faith, and holiness upon earth. If this shall be the result of this volume, the labour that it has cost me will be more than repaid.
I have a strong conviction that we want more reverent, deep-searching study of the Scripture in the present day. Most of Christians see nothing beyond the surface of the Bible when they read it. — We want a more clear knowledge of Christ, as a living Person, a living Priest, a living Physician, a living Friend, a living Advocate at the right hand of God, and a living Saviour soon about to come again. Most of Christians know little of Christianity but its skeleton of doctrines. — I desire never to forget these two things. If I can do anything to make Christ and the Bible more honourable in these latter days, I shall be truly thank- ful and content.
J. C. RYLE. Aitguii, 18d8.