Ever since its publication in 1920, the Family Altar has been held in high regard as a devotional classic. It has won a treasured place in the hearts of thousands of children of God, young and old, and requests for its republication have been frequent and insistent. We gladly comply with these requests, knowing that the devotions prepared by the sainted Rev. F.W. Herzberger are the matured fruit of devout meditations on many great texts of Holy Scripture, as well as a ripe product of a faithful servant of God who was willing to learn daily in the school of tribulation. In his work as city missionary, Rev. Herzberger had ample occasion to apply the Word of God in its divinely intended functions of teaching, reproving, correcting, instructing in righteousness, and comforting. 2 Timothy 3:16; Romans 15:4. The author's rich experience and rich Christian life are evident throughout in the meditations.

The author touches on a multitude of subjects which are important and necessary for Christians who wish to grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who are concerned to increase their love for Him who first loved them, and who seek to live to Him who died for them and rose again. The meditations will turn the thoughts of the reader heavenward and help him to walk so as to please God. The author answers many questions which the daily wayfarer to the pearly gates frequently asks himself, the answers to which, however, are not clear to him; also questions which have troubled and harassed his soul. Rev. Herzberger has the happy faculty of expressing himself in a manner which appeals to God's children.

Since its publication in 1920, the Family Altar has gone through five editions and a number of reprintings, the last in 1943. We are confident that this devotional favorite will continue to be in demand in homes where the incense of family worship daily rises to the Throne of Mercy, and where devotions are desired which are grounded on the Word which is able to save men's souls.

The Publisher, 1957