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The following lectures, prepared amid many cares and duties, have aimedto deal only with practical questions which are demanding attention inour time. They do not claim to constitute a treatise with closeconnections and a logical order. Each presents a distinct topic, or aparticular phase of the present conflict of Christian truth with theerrors of the non-Christian religions. This independent treatment mustconstitute my apology for an occasional repetition of important facts oropinions which have a common bearing on different discussions. No claimis made to scholarship in the Oriental languages. The ability to compareoriginal sources and determine dates and intricate meanings of terms, orsettle points in dispute by a wide research in Sanscrit or Paliliteratures, can only be obtained by those who spend years in studyalong these special lines. But so many specialists have now made knownthe results of their prolonged linguistic studies in the form ofapproved English translations, that, as Professor Max Müller has wellsaid in his introduction to "The Sacred Books of the East," "there isno longer any excuse for ignorance of the rich treasures of OrientalLiterature."
Two considerations lend special importance to the topics here discussed.First, that the false systems in question belong not merely to the past,but to our own time. And second, that the increased intercommunicationof this age brings us into closer contact with them. They are no longerafar off and unheard of, nor are they any longer lying in passiveslumber. Having received quickening influences from our Westerncivilization, and various degrees of sympathy from certain types ofWestern thought, they have become aggressive and are at our doors.
On controverted points I have made frequent quotations, for the reasonthat the testimonies or opinions of writers of acknowledged competencyare best given in their own words.
I have labored under a profound conviction that, whatever may be themerit and success of these modest efforts, the general class of subjectstreated is destined to receive increased attention in the near future;that the Christian Church will not long be content to miscalculate thegreat conquest which she is attempting against the heathen systems ofthe East and their many alliances with the infidelity of the West. And Iam cheered with a belief that, in proportion to the intelligentdiscrimination which shall be exercised in judging of the non-Christianreligions, and the skill which shall be shown in presenting theimmensely superior truths of the Christian faith, will the success ofthe great work of Missions be increased.
It scarcely needs to be said that I have not even attempted to giveanything like a complete view of the various systems of which I havespoken. Only a few salient points have been touched upon, as somepractical end has required. But if the mere outline here given shalllead any to a fuller investigation of the subjects discussed, I shall becontent. I am satisfied that the more thoroughly the Gospel ofRedemption is compared with