INTRODUCTORY NOTE
In preparing the subject matter for this book, the publishers have had in mind the long-felt need of ministers, writers, editors, and other Bible students for such a collection of valuable quotations.SBBS 3.1
While calling it a Source Book, we are conscious that much of what it contains is not technically source matter. However, the nature of its contents, the care exercised in verification, the full and accurate references given, and the way in which the matter will be used, all seem to justify, at least in a nontechnical sense, the title of the book.SBBS 3.2
The contents of this book may be said to belong in four classes: (1) Matter bearing directly upon the Scriptures as a divine revelation, including their source, authenticity, authority, sufficiency, etc.; (2) Scripture prophecy, the evidences of its fulfilment, including many historical statements showing such fulfilment; (3) Matter bearing on various Christian doctrines, whether true or false, especially such as have been most discussed; and (4) The history of the church and of apostasy, special reference being had to the great papal apostasy and to the final conflict between the forces of truth and the adherents of error.SBBS 3.3
No attempt has been made to construct an argument, or even to indicate the conclusions that the editors might have felt should be reached from the facts given and the opinions expressed by the authorities cited. Each user of the book is thus left free to be his own architect and mechanic, to plan and construct as he sees fit his own building from the materials he may be able to gather from this and other sources.SBBS 3.4
An alphabetical rather than a logical arrangement of the topics was adopted, not only in the interests of freedom of thought and of use, but also as essential to brevity. A strictly logical arrangement for the purpose of proving certain doctrines or of sustaining given views or interpretations, would have made necessary many notes or connecting paragraphs, which would have increased the size of the book, making it less convenient for easy carriage and ready reference.SBBS 3.5
Editorial notes (signed “Eds.”) have been introduced only where they seemed absolutely essential to a better understanding of a subject necessarily very briefly treated. Indeed, the wide scope of the subjects covered, and the demand for a book of convenient size, have made it imperative to conserve space.SBBS 3.6
The alphabetical arrangement of the matter, the numerous cross references, and a reasonably full source index will enable the user to find readily not only the various subjects treated, but also any quotation given.SBBS 3.7
If the desired matter is not found under the letter or article where it is first sought, the cross index at the close of the article may indicate where it can be found. Or in case of failure to locate it in that way, if its source is known, resort may be had to another helpful feature of the book, namely, the list of “Authorities Cited.” This makes it easy not only to find matter from a known source, but to determine with a good degree of accuracy the relative importance of the various extracts, and the standing of the men and works quoted.SBBS 4.1
The page numbers following the names of authors and of works listed under “Authorities Cited,” will be found especially helpful in locating quickly any statement the source of which is remembered, but not the topic under which it might appear.SBBS 4.2
The editors have been compelled by lack of space to discriminate in the choice of matter, selecting quotations, according to their judgment, from the best authorities only, and adhering also to the rule early adopted,-that all excerpts be carefully verified and have definite references. Occasionally a quotation which it has not been possible to verify from its original source, has been included because of the interesting matter it contains. We have no reason, however, to doubt the authenticity of these extracts. All such quotations are marked by a star at the close.SBBS 4.3
That this book is perfect we do not claim, but that it represents an immense amount of painstaking research and careful work will be readily granted by every one who examines it. As an introductory edition we have printed only a limited number of copies, and have kept the type standing with a view to a larger and better edition in the near future, if, as we fondly hope, the constructive criticisms of our friends shall enable us, not only to eliminate errors which may have crept into the first edition, but also to add such valuable matter as for any reason was not before made available.SBBS 4.4
This publication was not undertaken with a view to producing a popular seller that would prove to be a large money earner, but rather to meet a real need of our people; and to the end that this purpose shall be accomplished, we ask the continued co-operation of all who, with us, desire that the very best possible help touching the history, doctrines, and prophecies of the Scriptures shall be speedily given, not only to teachers, ministers, and Bible workers, but also to other Bible students, and to studious Bible-reading and Bible-loving people everywhere. Publishers.SBBS 4.5