This translation of Dr. Petavel's work has been made by one who has long enjoyed the friendship of the author and of the Rev. Edward White, and shared their conviction that immortality is not inherent in man, but is a gift of God offered to all in the Gospel. His study of Mr. White's book, Life in Christ, strengthened that conviction in his mind, and confirmed his persuasion that by means of this doctrine only can the whole evangelical system of the New Testament be united in a complete and harmonious synthesis, capable of satisfying the logical and theological requirements of Christian thinkers in the present day. This persuasion gained fresh strength and precision in the perusal of the advance sheets of Dr. Petavel's French work; and, having obtained the author's permission, the translator feels it to be a duty as well as a privilege to introduce the book to English readers. Dr. Petavel has closely followed the controversy which has been kept up with scarcely any intermission, on the Continent as well as in England and America, during the years that have elapsed since the publication of Mr. White's book, the latest English edition of which appeared in 1878 and the French in 1880. In the present volume that controversy will be found brought up to date. The original is in two volumes, the first of which was published in the last days of 1890, and contained Chapters I. to VI. with corresponding Supplements and the prefatory letter of Professor Charles Secrétan; the second, containing Chapters VII. to XII. with the remainder of the Supplements, was issued only last December. In this translation will be found all the twelve chapters, with as much of the supplementary matter as could conveniently be included in a single volume, preference having been given to that which seemed to be of chief importance to the English reader. Bristol, February, 1892. F. A. F. |