Preface (12 Volumes)
Preface
These Handfuls have been sent out after much prayerful study of the Word in the hope that they might be helpful to some busy workers for the Master who may not have much leisure for study. In these days when there is so much to tempt us away from the simplicity of the Truth it is needful for us to have our own minds and hearts well fortified with the deep and powerful thoughts of God. Other facts and things may interest and amuse, but we must have the "sincere milk of the Word" if we are to grow. Everything that awakens and increases our appreciation of the Word of God is of immense value to our spiritual life, but our love for and delight in the Word will only be in proportion as we go on to experience its mighty power in our lives. We are convinced that the way to stir up and deepen the desires of others after Christ and the Scriptures is to present those God-given truths which meet the needs of an individual soul in all its various states and conditions. No book in all the world comes within a thousand miles of the Bible in this great and glorious mission, "Preach the Word." That there should be a growing demand from an ever-widening circle of interested workers for such plain spiritual teaching is hopeful and gratifying. "Points" and "Outlines" are but for the aid of the memory, and should be reckoned only of secondary importance. In preparing these notes we have earnestly endeavoured to get into the heart-thoughts of the Word, so that weary workers might find food for the strengthening of their tired and hungry hearts.
We count it a great privilege and honour to be in this way a co-worker with any toiler in the Master's vineyard. If we can but help to sharpen another worker's weapons for the fight, or carry a cup of cold water to those who are bearing the burden and heat of the day, we will rejoice, and do rejoice.
JAMES SMITH.
Preface (2) "Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth" (James 3:5).
Little did we think when, with fear and trembling, we launched the first small monthly part, that it would so soon grow into so many volumes. For this special token of the Master's favour we are sincerely thankful. It is an unspeakable delight for us to know that very many weary gleaners have found therein "Handfuls on Purpose." All who choose to glean here, are as much at liberty to take home for their own use what they find as Ruth was, when she gleaned among the sheaves in the fields of Boaz.
We esteem it a great privilege to have the opportunity of ministering in any small degree, to the encouragement and usefulness of the lowliest of Christ's servants, believing that "inasmuch as ye did it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me" (Matthew 25:40). In this volume, which we trust will also be found helpful in "the quiet hour," we have once more humbly attempted to fulfil the Apostle's injunction, "Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things" (Galatians 6:8). What we have prayerfully received, we herewith prayerfully give.
JAMES SMITH.
Preface (3) "Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth" (James 3:5).
Little did we think when, with fear and trembling, we launched the first small monthly part, that it would so soon grow into so many volumes. For this special token of the Master's favour we are sincerely thankful. It is an unspeakable delight for us to know that very many weary gleaners have found therein "Handfuls on Purpose." All who choose to glean here, are as much at liberty to take home for their own use what they find as Ruth was, when she gleaned among the sheaves in the fields of Boaz.
We esteem it a great privilege to have the opportunity of ministering in any small degree, to the encouragement and usefulness of the lowliest of Christ's servants, believing that "inasmuch as ye did it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me" (Matthew 25:40). In this volume, which we trust will also be found helpful in "the quiet hour," we have once more humbly attempted to fulfil the Apostle's injunction, "Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things" (Galatians 6:8). What we have prayerfully received, we herewith prayerfully give.
JAMES SMITH.
Preface (4) "Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth" (James 3:5).
Little did we think when, with fear and trembling, we launched the first small monthly part, that it would so soon grow into so many volumes. For this special token of the Master's favour we are sincerely thankful. It is an unspeakable delight for us to know that very many weary gleaners have found therein "Handfuls on Purpose. " All who choose to glean here, are as much at liberty to take home for their own use what they find as Ruth was, when she gleaned among the sheaves in the fields of Boaz.
We esteem it a great privilege to have the opportunity of ministering in any small degree, to the encouragement and usefulness of the lowliest of Christ's servants, believing that "inasmuch as ye did it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me" (Matthew 25:40). In this volume, which we trust will also be found helpful in "the quiet hour," we have once more humbly attempted to fulfil the Apostle's injunction, "Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things" (Galatians 6:8). What we have prayerfully received, we herewith prayerfully give.
JAMES SMITH
Preface (5)
It is with deep thankfulness to the Giver of every good gift that we send forth this Fifth Series of "Handfuls on Purpose." It is very gratifying to us that the interest taken in them has been steadily growing since the first; and as they have been the means of leading many Christian workers into a closer study of the Word for themselves, we rejoice, as this was one of the chief objects of their publication. We were much cheered lately on receiving a note from a Pastor abroad who has evidently been greatly blessed and helped by them. Some of the Press notices have been a little amusing. In one review of Volume Four, the writer says, "This is another compilation of sermon outlines." In the sense of being gathered out of other books, they are not compiled. As far as the Author knows, only one Outline in these five Volumes has been copied, and the Author's name is given. Not that we would in the least disparage others, but that is outside of our present purpose. Our aim has been to examine those portions of Scripture in the light of the teaching of the whole Bible, and where opportunity offers to emphasise those deeper truths which have been blessed to so many at Keswick and other Conventions. Another reviewer has termed these notes "Skeletons." We almost shudder at the name. Whatever they are, we trust they are not flesh less, bloodless, breathless, lifeless skeletons. They are sent out as "living creatures," on a ministry of love and mercy to needy souls. We fondly hope that they may be what the Editor of Joyful News says they are, "Handfuls of the kind of wheat which makes bread for hungry souls."
JAMES SMITH
Preface (6) This Sixth Volume will, we trust, be found quite as fresh and helpful as any of its companions. As our readers are aware, their aim is more to be spiritual than critical or historical. We can lay no claim to the critical faculty, but such as we have we desire to give. There are abundance of other books, easily accessible, where a careful criticism of the text can be had. What we are concerned about is to encourage the reader to dig deeper down into those rich veins of spiritual thought that abound beneath the surface of this wonderful Book, that stimulate and enrich the inner man. After all that we can say, we feel that we have just slightly scratched the surface of the field. But so rich is the soil here, that even a scratch reveals some sparkling gems beneath. The treasures hid in this field are not meant to be discovered by chance; they yield themselves plentifully to the hand of the diligent seeker. "Seek and ye shall find."
JAMES SMITH
Preface (7)
It is with deep thankfulness to the Giver of every good gift that we send forth this Seventh Series of "Handfuls on Purpose. " It is very gratifying to us that the interest taken in them has been steadily growing since the first; and as they have been the means of leading many Christian workers into a closer study of the Word for themselves, we rejoice, as this was one of the chief objects of their publication.
We hoped at first to publish, perhaps, four volumes of these Outlines Studies, thinking that they might be quite sufficient to cover the whole Bible in the manner in which we had purposed to deal with it. But this is now Volume Seven, and we have only managed to get about half through the Book. Although we have made some gallant attempts to get over the ground more quickly, yet, somehow, the further we go, the attractions to linger becomes growingly powerful.
We should like, if the Lord will, to issue other three volumes, and so complete the blessed task that has been on our heart to do unto His Name. But perhaps this will depend on whether our many friends, who have hitherto received them gladly, will care to continue their favour to such an extent. For the many grateful expressions that reach us of the helpfulness of these books, we seek to praise Him, from whom all blessings flow.
JAMES SMITH.
Preface (8) With the eighth volume I feel constrained to offer my sincerest thanks to all who have so heartily assisted is making these books known to those who have been longing for such help as they afford, and who have been in turn truly thankful to God for them. Testimonies as to their usefulness have been innumerable.
One of the best proofs of their suitability to meet a felt need is the ever increasing demand for them by those who are busy in the thick of the fight. The assurance that many Christian workers have found them strengthening, and refreshing to their own souls, has brought much refreshing to the heart of the author. It was with this object in view that they were first offered for publication. It is but a small and ordinary matter to present thoughts to the mind, but it is, in our way of thinking, a very great matter to be able in any measure to put some freshness and inspiration into a weary, languid heart. The Word of God, as revealed in the "Scriptures of Truth," is the infallible weapon of the Holy Spirit. Our strength and our victory lie in getting into the citadel of God's mind, and in allowing and reckoning on the current of His will flowing through us, and so accomplishing His own merciful and gracious purposes with us. In His will, in His work, and in His way there is no failure and no defeat.
Brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His all-conquering might. Take that sword, the Word of God, which is the only sword the Holy Spirit believes in and uses, "Praying always with all prayer in the Spirit, and supplication for all saints, and for me."
Yours sincerely in His service,
JAMES SMITH
Preface (9)
It is with deep thankfulness to the Giver of every good gift that we send forth this Ninth Series of "Handfuls on Purpose. " It is very gratifying to us that the interest taken in them has been steadily growing from the first; and as they have been the means of leading many Christian workers into a closer study of the Word for themselves, we rejoice, as this was one of the chief objects of their publication. In preparing these "Handfuls" we have sought to get at the heart-thoughts of the Word of God, so that weary workers and busy men might find food for the strengthening of their faith, and assisting in their work for the Master.
Without making any claim of literary or critical value, we have sought to give original matter, very little if any in the whole series having been copied.
We purpose, if the Lord will, adding one more Volume to the Series, and thus in measure encompassing the task on our heart, of going through the entire Book.
We esteem it a great privilege to have the opportunity of ministering in any small degree, to the encouragement and usefulness of the lowliest of Christ's servants, believing that "inasmuch as ye did it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me" (Matthew 25:40). In this volume, which we trust will also be found helpful in "the quiet hour, " we have once more humbly attempted to fulfil the Apostle's injunction, "Let him that is taught in the Word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things" (Galatians 6:6). What we have prayerfully received, we herewith prayerfully give.
JAMES SMITH
Preface (10)
HANDFULS ON PURPOSE, Volume IX, was written before I left Scotland, fifteen years ago. I am thankful that after the lapse of these years I have been permitted to add one more to the number. In my own manner I was hoping to get through the Wonderful Book with this volume; but while I have managed to get to Malachi in the Old Testament Section, I have only got, with 51 Separate Studies, from Corinthians to Titus in the New Testament Series. I felt compelled to halt at the gate of "Hebrews, " partly for lack of space.
It is now about 25 years since these "Handfuls" first appeared, and from the fact that they still have the freshness of youth in their face is ample proof that while men's words and thoughts may in time grow stale and loose their vitality, the living and life-sustaining truth unveiled in God's Word, like the living Christ Himself, is the "same yesterday, today, and for ever. " In these "Expository Outlines" we have diligently and prayerfully sought to honour the Lord, by first receiving, and then endeavouring to make known the discoveries made "in the volume of The Book. " May the blessing of the Lord that maketh rich, attend all who are pleased to make use of these "Notes" for their own spiritual growth in grace, as well as in their more public service for the Master. I am now in my 80th year, and can praise Him that I still know something of the holy heart-burn that comes while "He talks with us by the way, and while He opens to us the Scriptures" (Luke 24:32). I am thankful to the "Giver of All" to know that in His great goodness, through His Holy Spirit, He has been making these "Outline Studies" helpful to many. I wish also to thank the many friends who have been doing good service in making these books known to needy and weary workers, and especially do I offer my sincere thanks to the Publishers, who have been so faithful, so considerate, and generous in their dealings with the Author.
It is a God-honouring work to "minister seed to the sower, and bread for eating, that their giving may yield a plentiful harvest" (2 Corinthians 9:10).
Yours in the Eternal Fellowship.
JAMES SMITH.
Nhill, Victoria,
Australia.
Preface (11) My first introduction to "Handfuls on Purpose" must have been as far back as 1907, and was on this wise: The late Sir Harry Veitch, the eminent Horticulturist, not only carried on his own great business, but was also interested in Christian work. As President of a flourishing Mission Hall in Chelsea, London, he had to give occasional addresses and Bible Readings, and having little time for preparation, and longing for some book assistance, sought the advice of the late Alfred Holness, who at once recommended "Handfuls on Purpose." Purchasing a copy, he found in it just the help he needed, so that he procured all the volumes then and subsequently issued, and took a real delight in recommending and presenting copies to others.
These are days of whirl and rush, leaving little time for original study, hence the value to busy preachers of such Homiletical helps as "Handfuls." Then there are many who lack the creative faculty, and in consequence find it extremely difficult to get new addresses. Such can do wonders with just a bare outline. When the late Pastor Smith began the preparation of "Handfuls" he never imagined that so many volumes would be required to cover the Bible, and that he would not be spared to complete the task. Shortly after the issue of his last volume-Vol. X-he was called to higher service. When the Publishers requested me to prepare these, the concluding volumes, I viewed the task as a great privilege, yet a serious responsibility. Re-studying "Handfuls" in an effort to capture Pastor Smith's spirit and plan, I have prayerfully and carefully prepared these volumes.
Living an exceedingly busy life, the preparation of these books has nevertheless been a task that has brought great blessing to my own soul. Though the preparation of these volumes has been accomplished amidst much other work, the actual studies it contains are the fruit of many years' study, the notes of which I had preserved. That fellow-workers in the Gospel might be helped in their own private studies, and in preparation for Gospel ministry by these volumes is the ardent prayer of the author. What an honour and privilege to be a helper of others! In the New Testament Outlines, the following letters indicate the various renderings: R.V., Revised Version; W., Weymouth; M., Moffatt Version; 20th Cent., Twentieth Century New Testament; J.N.D., J. N. Darby's excellent Version; C. & H., Conybeare & Howson's Version; Way, Way's most valuable translation; R., Rotherham; Y., Young's Literal Translation.
ROBERT LEE.
135 Deansgate, Manchester, 3.
Preface (12) My first introduction to "Handfuls on Purpose" must have been as far back as 1907, and was on this wise: The late Sir Harry Veitch, the eminent Horticulturist, not only carried on his own great business, but was also interested in Christian work. As President of a flourishing Mission Hall in Chelsea, London, he had to give occasional addresses and Bible Readings, and having little time for preparation, and longing for some book assistance, sought the advice of the late Alfred Holness, who at once recommended "Handfuls on Purpose." Purchasing a copy, he found in it just the help he needed, so that he procured all the volumes then and subsequently issued, and took a real delight in recommending and presenting copies to others.
These are days of whirl and rush, leaving little time for original study, hence the value to busy preachers of such Homiletical helps as "Handfuls." Then there are many who lack the creative faculty, and in consequence find it extremely difficult to get new addresses. Such can do wonders with just a bare outline. When the late Pastor Smith began the preparation of "Handfuls" he never imagined that so many volumes would be required to cover the Bible, and that he would not be spared to complete the task. Shortly after the issue of his last volume-Vol. X-he was called to higher service. When the Publishers requested me to prepare these, the concluding volumes, I viewed the task as a great privilege, yet a serious responsibility. Re-studying "Handfuls" in an effort to capture Pastor Smith's spirit and plan, I have prayerfully and carefully prepared these volumes.
Living an exceedingly busy life, the preparation of these books has nevertheless been a task that has brought great blessing to my own soul. Though the preparation of these volumes has been accomplished amidst much other work, the actual studies it contains are the fruit of many years' study, the notes of which I had preserved. That fellow-workers in the Gospel might be helped in their own private studies, and in preparation for Gospel ministry by these volumes is the ardent prayer of the author. What an honour and privilege to be a helper of others! In the New Testament Outlines, the following letters indicate the various renderings: R.V., Revised Version; W., Weymouth; M., Moffatt Version; 20th Cent., Twentieth Century New Testament; J.N.D., J. N. Darby's excellent Version; C. & H., Conybeare & Howson's Version; Way, Way's most valuable translation.
ROBERT LEE.
135 Deansgate, Manchester, 3.