by analysis, satisfactory proof that these words and phrases embody a closely connected discussion of one great subject, that there runs through the Epistle a deep, strong, clear, stream of connected thoughtthat the statements are perspicuous—the illustrations apposite the argument sound-and the motives appropriate and cogent. I am not unaware that, from the fact that the human mind is itself logical, there is a hazard of an analytical expositor creating, instead of discovering, order. But I trust there will not be found much of this kind of paralogism in the following work; for I am sure I have guarded against such a tendency; and I have a deep and solemn conviction that there is no worse or more dangerous way of "adding to the words of this Book," than by first putting into the text, and then bringing out of it, our own preconceived notions, and that he who consciously does so, does it at a tremendous risk. While the leading character of the exposition is intentionally analytical, I have by no means scrupulously avoided either grammatical or historical remark, where it seemed requisite to subserve my main purpose; and I shall be seriously disappointed if those who study the Epistle, that they may become "wise unto salvation," have reason to complain of the work as but little fitted to guide them in the exercises of the inner life, or to minister motives to the duties, and support and consolation amid the trials and sorrows of the outward life. The growing study of the writings of the Apostle Paul, and especially of the Epistle to the Romans, appears to me one of the most promising signs of our times. "His labours," as Archbishop Whately says, "can never be effectually frustrated, except by their being kept out of sight. Whatever brings Paul into notice will ultimately bring him into triumph." I rejoice in the great accession that has, since I first began to study his writings, been made to the means of understanding him, in the elaborate and acute, though doctrinally very unsound, grammatical commentary by Fritzsche, as well as in the safer illustrations of Tholück and Olshausen, Stuart and Hodge, Peile and Alford; and I cannot altogether regret that the suggestion of the able writer just quoted, that there might be more undesirable things than "a plausible attack on Paul's writings," has been realized. Oxford has had the credit, or discredit, of giving origin to a work of this description, distinguished by considerable ability of various kinds, but betraying, on the part of the author, an incapacity of forming a just judgment equally of the apostle and of himself. I have no doubt that important and salutary results will spring out of Professor Jowett's most unseemly attack on Paul, as an apostle, as a thinker, as a writer, and as a man. Paul's enemies "may assail him" (I again avail myself of Dr Whately's words), "but they will not only assail him in vain, but will lead, in the end, to the perfecting of his glory and the extension of his Gospel. They may scourge him uncondemned, like the Roman magistrates at Philippi; they may inflict on him the lashes of calumnious censure, but they cannot silence him; they may thrust him, as it were, into a dungeon, and fetter him with their strained interpretations; but his voice will be raised, even at the midnight of anti-Christian darkness, and will be heard effectually; his prison doors will burst open as with an earthquake, and the fetters will fall from his hands; and even strangers to Gospel truth, will fall down at the feet of him, even Paul, to make that momentous inquiry, What shall I do to be saved?" " The following work is not written in a polemical spirit, nor for sectarian objects. It is quite possible, however, that some portions of it may provoke animadversion, and lead to controversy. At my age, it would be absurd to give a pledge, which could scarcely have been wisely given at any stage of life, of replying to any such animadversions, however deserving in themselves of such notice; but, in all good faith, I promise that I will carefully read and consider any suggestions which may expose the deficiencies and mistakes which, I have no doubt, are to be found in the book-count myself, in no common measure, a debtor to him who enables me to supply the one, and correct the other, and take care that, should these illustrations ever be presented to the world in a re-impression, such favours shall be at once improved and acknowledged. It would be injustice to my own sense of obligation, to conclude this Preface without acknowledging the kind and valuable assistance of my esteemed friend, the Reverend PETER DAVIDSON, in carrying this work through the press. The omission of such a recognition would be the less pardonable, as this is not the first, nor the second time, that he has, in this been " my helper." way, ARTHUR LODGE, JOHN BROWN. CONTENTS. PRELIMINARY REMARKS. Design and Plan of the Work. Divi- PART FIRST. SECTION FIRST-OF THE NECESSITY OF THE DIVINE Method of JUSTIFICATION, FROM THE UNIVERSAL STATE OF SECTION SECOND-OF THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD, OR, THE DIVINE METHOD OF JUSTIFICATION, Chap. iii. 21-xi. 36, 24 2. The Divine Method of Justification is "witnessed by the Law and the Prophets," Chap. iii. 21, 7. In reference to Man, the Character of the Divine Method of Justification is "Gratuitousness," 8. In reference to God, the Character of the Divine 3 |