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PREFACE
It was very gracious of the Author to invite me to write the Preface to the present volume for I possess no
special qualification for such service. True I have known the Author for many years and that is probably the reason
for the invitation, for there has been a joyful fellowship from the beginning until now.
The subject-matter of this book is a very necessary exhortation for the present day, namely, service that follows
on identification with the Risen Lord and is stimulated by the `mind that is in Christ Jesus', as the highest example,
and then of those who follow - Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus.
Perfection is progressive, and we are urged to `go on unto' perfection. That suggests a resolute and determined
pilgrimage. Paul said he did not speak as one that had attained, but, forgetting the things that were behind, he
pressed on towards the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. That should be a salutary
warning to us all.
God is our Counsellor and He gives us the best instruction necessary to know His will by `rightly dividing the
Word of Truth' (2 Tim. 2:15). Let no would-be student turn a deaf ear to this gracious instruction and thereby go his
own way and do that which seems right in his own eyes. God has a purpose beyond John 3:16. All Scripture is
surely profitable - thank God for its preservation - yet it is needful to give special attention to the Epistles of the
apostle to the Gentiles, of whom we are.
Bible students should be much indebted to the Author who has gone to such lengths to place so full an
exposition in the hands of present-day seekers after truth and any apparent repetition but emphasizes the
completeness of presentation.
With these thoughts - that the book will be helpful to many who are seeking to follow on to `serve The Lord'
with all humility of mind as did the apostle to the Gentiles - our prayer is that this book will be graciously used to
the exaltation of Him in the hearts of all whom He has redeemed.
W. H.
152, Astwood Road,
Worcester
1950.