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by W. W. Melton (Author)
The parable of the Prodigal Son is made the basis of the discussion found in this little book. It is no attempt to spiritualize every word and line of the parable, but because the author seemed to see in it the clear outline of a dozen cardinal principles of Christian theology, it seemed good to him to set them forth in the relation they bear to each other in the parable. Neither is it a series of sermons. While such a series was preached from the pulpit of the Seventh and James Street Baptist Church, there is no attempt here to reproduce them. Neither do we claim to set forth a compendium of theology, for there are some vital matters not hinted at in the little passage; but it is a brief discussion of the fundamentals found in this, the most natural of all stories. And as such doctrines as are found here play such a large part in the average life, and as they sweep the field from the highest note to the lowest dirge, and lead the reader along the trail which many a soul has passed to his ruin, it is the plan to point them out in their relation to the parable, then to enlarge upon them in a way that will meet the danger, or the need of some wanderer along life's path. There is no special merit claimed for the little volume, but it is sent forth with a prayer that it shall bless some life: that a danger signal shall be swung across the path of a reckless or careless one: that a light of hope shall be held high for some honest enquirer feeling his way back to God and peace: that a call shall be sent out that shall pierce the almost impenetrable chasm of despair and find some soul ready to die, and shall plant hope and courage in the heart, and turn his eyes back to a God of compassion and mercy. W.W.M. Waco, Texas.
