AUTHOR'S PREFACE. THERE are times in a man's life when it is not graceful to withstand external pressure, and when one must risk a reputation for being wise, to secure a reputation for being kind. It is therefore, that, at the request of many friends, I consent to the publication of these Lectures and Sermons, as a memorial volume. I have not aimed to alter the form of direct address. I have thought that possibly the perusal of what multitudes have heard, may recall the voice that spokewhen the speaker is far away. Thus not only may the truth remain, but the personal memory linger; not only may the oak be a substantial and helpful thing, but the invisible dryad be remembered too. W. MORLEY PUNSHON. BOSTON, May, 1873. |