PREFACE. IT T seems necessary that a volume containing so many Sermons with no apparent unity of aim, by so many authors in both England and America, should be introduced by a few words of explanation. With one or two exceptions, all of the following Sermons have been preached by their writers in the ordinary course of their ministry, most of them in parish churches, and were in no way intended for publication. They have been gathered here and published, not as exhibitions of eloquence, nor as furnishing matter for controversy, but as showing how, in the Anglican and American Episcopal Churches, Christ is being preached to-day to meet the religious needs of to-day. The fact is not disguised, that these Sermons do not represent all the tendencies at work in the Episcopal Church, and yet their positive, constructive, non-controversial character, it is hoped, will raise the subjects treated into that higher atmosphere of thought and life, where strife is not, and where side issues have no place. Each writer has been left to select the sermon which most fairly represents the general character of his preaching, and it need hardly be added that no author is responsible for the views expressed by his fellowcontributors. This volume is sent forth with the sole and earnest desire to bind men into closer union, by showing the influence of Jesus Christ as it is brought to bear by His ministers upon the deep problems of modern life. PREFATORY NOTE. THE from England for his Australian diocese prevented him from being able to forward a contribution, as he originally intended. He is also anxious to place it on record, that but for the cordial co-operation of an American friend, who begs that his name may not transpire, the volume could not have been an accomplished fact. H. D. RAWNSLEY, CROSTHWAITE VICARAGE, KESWICK, CUMBERLAND. |