From the PREFACE.
These lectures formed part of a series on the Pentateuch, delivered in the Second Presbyterian Church, and in Farwell Hall, Chicago. With the exception of the second, and part of the first, they were spoken extempore, and written out from verbatim reports, which were afterward corrected for the press, without, however, any attempt to secure the merits of style which might be reasonably expected of written composition.
But though very little care has been given to the form and style of these lectures, the substance of them is the fruit of repeated study of the Book of Genesis during many years. And inasmuch as the author could not, in the press of other duties, read extensively with a view to the preparation of these particular lectures, but drew largely from materials accumulated before he had the remotest idea of publication, he is unable to acknowledge his obligations to others as frequently as he would have been disposed to do.
The plan of the lectures is the result of an attempt to combine the advantages of the expository and the topical methods, and at the same time to secure the benefits of continuous exposition, without wearying and discouraging those who have not time to dwell on details. And while the main object has been the presentation in outline of the positive spiritual teachings of the book, no opportunity has been intentionally missed of dealing with current objections and difficulties.
Though not aware of the existence of any other book constructed on the same plan, and with the same design, the author would not have ventured on publication, had he not been earnestly urged to do so by very many, whose opinions in regard to the probable usefulness of a work of this kind seemed entitled to the highest respect.
If the present series prove to be of real service to Bible students, the intention is to issue the remaining lectures, on " The Mosaic Era," sometime within the year.
Though fully aware of many imperfections, and prepared to have his errors exposed and corrected, the author hopes that, as he has already had the kind assurance of very many that they had derived much benefit from listening to the spoken words, he may also have the joy of finding that, in the form in which they are now presented, they have, by the blessing of God, proved helpful beyond the reach of the speaker's voice, and contributed in measure to set forth some fractional part of "the unsearchable riches of Christ."
