when a criticism
is laid against either Church or preacher, whether there may not be a
grain or two of truth to the bushel of chaff. It would be a misfortune
if in our contempt for this same chaff we should lose the corn hidden
there. Where there is smoke it is well to remember there is always, at
least, a smoulder of fire. Grant that much has been made of little,
which is a weakness of the critic in every time, and that all the
rumour has resulted simply from some lack of definiteness on the part
of a few. Grant, also, that as the criminal is always far more talked
about for his transgression than the honest man for his honesty, so the
man who betrays his doubts in the pulpit is far more discussed than the
ninety-and-nine sure men who go on their unsensational way according to
standards made and received from old time amongst us. Grant all this,
and it will still remain to be said that the preaching of the present
day, in those churches where the right of private judgment on matters
of faith and doctrine is recognised, would, to make the least of it, be
all the better for a more positive tone.

But how has it come to pass that there should have occurred, even in
the small degree in which we admit it, a loss of the sureness which
means so much in the preaching of the word of truth? The question is a
large one, and to answer it fully much more than all the paper
composing this book would be required. It may be that the spirit of
the age is not a spirit favourable to belief. In some periods faith is
glorified; in others, doubt. In these days, it might be thought from
much we hear, a little scepticism is the one sure evidence of
intellectuality; while steadfastness in the creed of one's youth proves
the possession of a dull and narrow mind and the existence of that
hopeless mental condition known as fossilisation. Ours are the days of
science, and science has frightened some people terribly concerning
religion, though it would almost appear that she is now beginning, in
some measure, to repent, and is turning to soothe the timorous souls
whom she formerly terrified. Ours are days of criticism too, and the
criticism has largely been concerned with the very writings wherein are
recorded those words upon which we have relied as containing the way of
life. Some things said to have been discovered have disturbed us a
little, though why they should have done so it is difficult, upon
reflection, to see. We have been