ANDOVER-HARVARD THEOLOGICAL LIBRARY COPYRIGHT, 1889, BY PRESS OF FLEMING, BREWSTER & ALLEY NEW YORK INTRODUCTORY NOTE. THE object of the Gospels, as stated by the writer of one of them, was to give an account of all that Jesus began both to do and to teach. His doing and His teaching make up that ideal life-the one perfect model of self-sacrifice and holy living, the life which was the light of men. His doing, however, and especially His miracles, were primarily to prove to the people of that age that he was the Christ; while His teaching was for the guidance, to the end of time, of all who desire to have the Light of Life. The need of miracles was past when the influence of Jesus upon humanity could be seen. The effect of Christianity upon the nations under its sway, and upon the character of those who will to do His will, is as marvelous as any events recorded in the Gospels. What needs to be emphasized to-day is what Jesus taught, rather than what he did. The knowledge most essential in the world is not of His doing, except so far as we may follow His example, but of His directions for our doing. To call special attention to the teaching of Jesus, by separating it from the rest of the Gospels, is the object of this selection. His words are spirit, and are life. If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples: and ye sball know the truth, and the trutb sball make you free.-Jobn, viii, 31-33. JOHN VIII. The Promise. 12 I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. 51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my word, he shall never see death. |