Publisher's Synopsis
Like large numbers of orthodox divinity students, the writer left his theological school with some assurance and confidence in the faith delivered to him to preach. This confidence was not lessened, but considerably increased, when he gained a first class certificate in a competitive examination upon the general evidences of Christianity, from the Christian Evidence Society, of England, under the presidency of the Archbishop of Canterbury. If ever man felt invulnerable to the doubts and heresies that "afflict" mankind, none did so more than the writer. With such arms as might be drawn from Butler, Paley, and Godet, he was ready for any attack that might come from such men as David Strauss, Herbert Spencer, or Thomas Cheyne.
As time passed, he found to his dismay that the doubts that were beginning to assail him came not from Germany or Oxford, but from within himself, and as far as he could judge from the very best of himself. To warn his soul that they might be devils in the garments of glory was useless, for his soul, says Mr. Rumball, was being illuminated with a light that only could originate in God. He was doubting because he was beginning to believe.
The results of the study and thought prompted by this course of thought is embodied in this book. The author admits that the criticism it contains may cause pain to many good souls, but, even so, the iconoclastic statements that touch what is sacred to some are devoid of a spirit of deliberate offense.
Mr. Rumball has avoided dispute as much as possible, although his little book admits of many opportunities for contention.
-The Pacific Unitarian, Vol. 17
