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BY THE RIGHT REVEREND HANDLEY C.G. MOULE, D.D.
BISHOP MOULE was Principal of Ridley Hall,
Cambridge, from 1881 until he was elected Norrisian Professor of Divinity,
Cambridge University, in 1899. He was consecrated Bishop of Durham in 1901 and
maintained the distinction given this Episcopal See by his predecessors, Bishop
Lightfoot and Bishop Westcott. He wrote many expositions, commentaries, theological
and devotional works and biographies. Among them were “Outlines of Christian
Doctrine,” “Veni Creator,” “Cathedral, University and Other Sermons,” “Ephesian
Studies.” His Biography was written by J.B. Harford and F. C. Macdonald.The Epistle to the Romans is the most constructive
writing of the Apostle Paul. This systematic exposition of the Christian Faith
met the difficulties of Jewish unbelief and pagan scepticism and confirmed the
confidence of Christians in the revelation of eternal facts and principles, based
upon the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The problem, of faith and conduct are
discussed in a truly catholic spirit without the narrowness of sectarianism. Its
comprehensive outlook contemplates the unity of mankind in Christ.
Bishop Moule’s exposition of this encyclical letter
is marked by the rare spiritual insight of cultured evangelicalism. He also shows
how this letter, dictated by St. Paul in the house of the wealthy Gaius of Corinth,
in the spring of 58 A.D., has continued to refresh and replenish the resources of
Christians in every age by giving them access to the fountain of eternal life and
redemption. |