of the doctrines of the Church which are expressed or indicated in the
Creed, and it will be helpful to many as arranging the passages of
Scripture on which these doctrines rest. Though historical references
could have been easily made, the Editors agree with the author in
thinking that to insert them in the discussion of doctrines would have
probably perplexed the readers for whom the book is designed.

_February_ 1896.


* * * * *




PREFATORY NOTE


The title and purpose of this Handbook limit its subject matter to an
exposition of the doctrines which have place in the summary of belief
termed the Apostles' Creed. It is not meant to cover the whole field of
Christian doctrine.

A history of the Creed has not been attempted. There is much that is
interesting in its origin and growth. It did not come into existence all
at once, but was built up from time to time by the insertion of clauses
formulated by Councils or by leading representatives of the Christian
Church. The space available is not sufficient to include a history.

The Handbook being not controversial but expository, references to the