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Regeneration, Or the Doctrine of the Quickening
AUTHOR: | Oliphant, James H. |
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PREFACE
When we consider the subject matter of the Bible, its Author, and the circumstances connected with its origin, we would reasonably expect it to make a deep and lasting impression on the minds of men. Its history of men and things; its description of mankind, as to his actions, and thoughts; its account of his origin and awful destiny; all these are subjects well calculated to impress the human mind; and it would be strange if it did not have a great effect on mankind wherever introduced. Its advice to every class of mankind, from the king on his throne down to the poorest beggar; its pure and spotless morals; its simple and unpretentious style, all combine to make it the best book.
I would not undervalue this blessed volume, but would recommend it to every class of mankind. When we remember that it was given by our Maker, and that he enjoins us to study his word, and meditate upon it day and night; and that we should pray him to "open our understanding that we might understand the Scriptures," we are reminded that there is a deep current of thought running through its pages, and that we are liable to err in our understanding of it. One says, "The study of the Bible is like the settlement of a continent; a century passes and we are yet on the coast, and have but begun to penetrate the heart of the country." Many centuries pass and still the resources of the country are not developed; and so after many centuries of investigation, we find ourselves compelled to cry out, "Great is the mystery of godliness." We dare not trust to our own understanding even now after all the labor of men to explain this volume.
I have attempted, in this little volume, to inquire into the use that God intended to make of the Bible, whether he uses it as a means through which he gives eternal life, or whether it but describes the Saviour and God's methods in that matter---what relation the Bible sustains to regeneration. The reader will see that I have taken the view that the Bible was never intended by its Author as a means or instrument through which eternal life is given; but while I do not believe the Bible to be a "means or instrument," I desire to love its sacred pages, and to impress the reader with the importance of its study; even unregenerate men may profitably read it. It describes the Saviour as the great source of life. While there is a deep current of spirituality in it that lies beyond the vision of the "natural man," yet its morals are within sight; its flat denials of all Pharisaical religion are such as to "stop the mouths of gainsayers;" its instruction in regard to all the relations of life are such as to bless community. The duties of husband and wife, the heads of that divine institution, the family, are pointed out; as also that of children, magistrates, rich and poor, and of every order and class of mankind. God forbid that I should underestimate his precious word, but it is not my God, nor our Saviour, nor the source whence flows to us that divine principle of life which gives us the new nature in which we love the Lord.
In presenting this little work before the reading public, I realize its weakness, and beg the reader for a charitable reading. I am thankful to the brethren, sisters, and kind friends for their kind patronage of my former works, and hope this may be a blessing to the cause of truth. It was my wish to give quotations from a great variety of authors that support the positions I have taken in this book. I have in my possession statements from Presbyterians, Methodists, and many others who distinguished between regeneration and conversion, and hold that the one was God's immediate act, and the other effected by means of the word, but space forbids their insertion.
Allow me once more, dear brethren, to ask you to be charitable in your reading. Read not to criticize, but to see if these things are so. Read slow and thoughtfully. I am conscious that I am fallible, and this fills me with solemn awe; but with my heart I believe that eternal life comes to us immediately from God through Jesus Christ our Lord. May the blessing of God rest on all, both writer and reader, and lead us to know and do his will.
James H. Oliphant
Buena Vista, Ind., May 23, 1888
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