The writings of the late William Kelly cover an extensive period. His earliest publications were in the year 1844, when at the age of twenty-three in Guernsey he wrote two or three small tracts on ecclesiastical subjects.
From that date Mr. Kelly labored by word and pen almost without intermission to set forth the doctrines of the Scriptures, as distinguished from the traditions of men with which many had become encrusted since apostolic days. In 1848-1850, he edited The Prospect, a periodical devoted especially to the study of prophecy. In January 1857, he entered upon the editorship of The Bible Treasury, a monthly magazine of papers upon scriptural subjects. This arduous service was maintained without a break for fifty years, until his decease in March 1906. By far the greater part of the contents of this periodical consisted of critical and expository papers prepared by the editor himself. These contributions are of exceptional value on account of the wide scholarship of the author, who, moreover, was well versed in the original tongues of Scripture.
Mr. Kelly was a lucid and impressive speaker as well as a perspicuous and polished writer, and he ministered regularly to audiences in various parts of the country. Many of his lectures and addresses were reported and issued in book or tract form. They obtained a wide circulation in both the Old and New World among the children of God, especially those who love the Scriptures and are eager to learn more of the beauties and wonders of its imperishable truths.
As might be expected in view of the large stream of production extending over so long a period, many of Mr. Kelly's works are now out of print, but a considerable number are still obtainable. Passages have been selected from fifty of his writings, and these extracts, for the convenience of the reader, are collected under a series of subject headings. Each extract is followed by a number, which has reference to the "List of Books and Tracts Quoted," given on pages 206-208. By this means its origin may be traced, and anyone desirous of reading the whole work will be guided to it.
The author's skill as a critic and translator of the Scriptures is well-known in scholarly circles. Many of his expository works are accompanied by a special translation of the portion expounded. Readers of these extracts will therefore be interested in the texts placed at the head of the various sections, which are given in Mr. Kelly's version and are specimens of his style.
Mr. Kelly wrote a few hymns also for use in worship and devotion. Two of these are included in this selection (page 17 and page 162).
In the preparation of these extracts the compiler received great assistance from one who wishes to remain anonymous. Without this extended and efficient aid, the task of selection and arrangement would have proved a very lengthy and laborious one.
W. J. Hocking June 1927