This translation of Schleiermacher’s chief dogmatic work was projected some years ago by a group of persons interested in the study of nineteenth-century theology, and anxious that one exceptionally influential source should be made accessible to English readers. Since the war, as everyone knows, the costs of publication have been high. It therefore was resolved in 1924 to send out an appeal for financial aid to Theological Colleges and Seminaries throughout the English-speaking world. To this appeal a response came so prompt and generous that the way for action opened up, and incidentally the urgency of the demand for a translation was made clearer than ever. A special debt of gratitude for timely assistance is due to the Hibbert Trustees and to a number of friends associated with Hartford Seminary, Connecticut.
In the opinion of competent thinkers the Christian Faith of Schleiermacher is, with the exception of Calvin’s Institutes, the most important work covering the whole field of doctrine to which Protestant theology can point. To say this is not necessarily to adopt either his fundamental principles or the detailed conclusions to which these principles have guided him. On all such matters a nearly unbroken controversy has long prevailed. Indeed, at the moment a formidable attack is being delivered upon his main positions by a new and active school of thought in Germany. But, whether for acceptance or rejection, it is necessary for serious students to know what Schleiermacher has to say. Books devoted to the interpretation and criticism of his views have been not merely numerous but of unusually good quality. Surprise may not unnaturally be felt that during the century which has elapsed since the German original was issued, no attempt has been made to render it in English. For this delay, doubtless, good reasons could be assigned. But it was all the more desirable, in view of the growing sense of united purpose among Christian thinkers everywhere, that no more time should be lost before making Schleiermacher’s great treatise available for a wider circle.
The translation has been executed by various hands. Paragraphs 1–31 were translated by the Rev. D. M. Baillie, M.A., of Cupar; 32–61 by the Rev. Professor W. R. Matthews, D.D., of King’s College, London, and Miss Edith Sandbach-Marshall, M.A., B.D.; 62–85 by the Rev. Professor A. B. Macaulay, D.D., of the United Free Church College, Glasgow, and the late Rev. Alexander Grieve, Ph.D., of that city; 86–105 by the Rev. Professor J. Y. Campbell, M.A., of the Divinity School, Yale University; 106–125 by the Rev. R. W. Stewart, B.D., of Cambuslang; and 126–172 by the Rev. Professor H. R. Mackintosh, D.D., of New College, Edinburgh, who also has exercised a general supervision over the work as a whole. Dr. Grieve had promised to act as joint-editor, and the book would have gained much from his scholarly and unselfish care; but his too early death in 1927 broke off the plan. His place was taken by the Rev. J. S. Stewart, B.D., of Aberdeen, who assumed a full share in preparing the MS. for press and has collaborated in reading the whole proof.
The Editors wish to express their cordial thanks to the Publishers for the courteous and unfailing help they have given in the production of the book.