THE class of persons for whom this Essay is strictly intended is not, of course, theologians, but men and women who, without having received a theological education, yet are or may be interested in the results and processes of Theology. It is not, therefore, an exact or elaborate treatise, but it is designed to serve a special purpose. For the danger of the Church to-day is that Theology may cease to occupy her proper place as the queen of the sciences, and may come to seem a study or pursuit in itself, the affair of mere specialists, without relation to the practical issues of modern life. For then, however much the clergy may insist upon doctrine, the intellectual energetic world will hold aloof from it, and will give it no part in their thoughts and affections, or will regard it as something separable from religion. And the only remedy is to bring home to the world that Theology vitally affects the intellectual and moral problems of life.

Among the articles of the Christian Creed I have chosen the doctrine of the Holy Spirit as

supreme in interest and importance at the present time. For the belief of the Holy Spirit as a Divine Person, living, acting, quickening, elevating, sanctifying, is the key to the solution of many spiritual problems, or at least to the temper in which alone it is possible to think of solving them. And the object of this book is rather to suggest thoughts than to elaborate them, to trace the outlines and not the details of Revelation, not so much to define truth as to ascertain the true way of looking at it. For as the world and all that is in it and human life become wholly changed, when they are regarded no more materially but spiritually, so in the realisation of the Holy Spirit's Presence lies a new hope, a new energy for mankind.

Goethe says wisely that the battle of faith and infidelity is the one momentous issue in human history; all other issues are subordinate to this. But faith in one point of religion facilitates faith in all religion. Truth is a whole, and every part of it is indissolubly linked to other parts. It is possible, then, that a plea for the doctrine of the Holy Spirit may possess some slight value in Christian Apologetics. If it were so in the instance of this book, that would be my deepest joy, my best reward.

The Essay has been written at so many different times and in circumstances of so much difficulty, as when I was far from my books at Simla or elsewhere in India, that I am afraid I may have fallen

into some mistakes which ought to have been, and yet could not easily be, avoided. But I may state

in simple gratitude that a large part of it has been read by my friend Canon G. H. Whitaker, although he is not in any sense responsible for it.

In respect of the passages quoted, whether from ancient or modern literature, I have tried to assume such knowledge as the readers whom I had in view would probably possess. I have generally translated passages of foreign languages, ancient or modern, and have not cited the original, unless it seemed to be specially important.

I ought perhaps to add that in some few cases I have borrowed thoughts and expressions from other writings of my own.

J. E. C. WELLDON.

April 1902.