CONTENTS


LECTURE I.

THE NEED OF UNDERSTANDING THE FALSE RELIGIONS 1

The New "Science of Religion" to be Viewed with Discrimination--The
Study of the Oriental Systems too Long a Monopoly of Anti-Christian
Scholars--The Changed Aspects of the Missionary Work--The
Significant Experience of Ziegenbalz--Fears Entertained in
Reference to this Subject by Timid Believers--The Different View
taken of the Old Heathen Systems of Greece and Rome--The Subject
Considered from the Standpoint of Missionary Candidates--The
Testimony of Intelligent and Experienced Missionaries--Reasons for
Studying Oriental Systems Found in the Increased Intercourse of the
Nations; in the Intellectual Quickening of Oriental Minds by
Education; in the Resistance and even Aggressiveness of Heathen
Systems; in the Diversities of the Buddhist Faith in Different
Lands--False Systems to be Studied with a Candid Spirit--The
Distinction to be Drawn between Religion and Ethics--Reasons why a
Missionary should Pursue these Studies before Arriving on his
Field--Reasons why the Ministry at Home Should Acquaint Themselves
with Heathen Systems--Their Active Alliance with Various Forms of
Western Infidelity--Intellectual Advantages to be Derived from such
Studies--A Broader and Warmer Sympathy with Universal Humanity to
be Gained--A Better Understanding of the Unique Supremacy of the
Gospel as the Only Hope of the World--Pastors at Home are also
Missionaries to the Heathen--They are Sharers in the Conflict