Preface to the Third and Revised Edition
The ministry contained
in this little book has been wrought on the anvil of deep
and drastic dealings of God with the vessel. It is not only
doctrinal; it is experiential. Only those who really mean
business with God will take the pains demanded
to read it. For such, two words of advice may be helpful.
Firstly, try to remember all through that the spoken form
is retained. The messages were given in conference, and
the reader must try to get into the spirit and mind of
listening, and not only reading. In speaking, the
messenger can see by the faces before him where
repetition or reemphasis or fuller elucidation is called
for. This explains much that would not be the character
of a precisely literary production. It has its
difficulties for readers, but it also has its values.
Then, my advice is that
not too much, indeed not a lot, should be attempted at
once. Almost every page requires thinking about, and
weariness can only overtake if too much is read without
quiet meditation.
Of all the books that
have issued from this ministry, I regard this one as that
which goes most deeply to the roots and foundations of
our life in Christ with God.
May He make the reading of it result in a fuller
understanding of the meaning of Christ.
T. AUSTIN-SPARKS.
LONDON,
July 1964.