PREFACE.

THE present Volume consists of shorthand reports of several extempore sermons. Some of them, like the Introductory one, stand nearly verbatim as delivered; whilst others have been more or less modified.

In the case of sermons, most of which were preached without notes, whilst several were reported without a view to publication, it is impossible for me to say how much I have occasionally borrowed from other minds; but I can state roughly my obligations to the following works :

To Mr. Froude's 'Plea for Freedom of Thought in the Church of England,' in the FIRST DISCOURSE.

To Mr. Herbert Spencer's Part I of 'First Principles,' in the SECOND DISCOURSE.

To Mr. Matthew Arnold's 'Literature and Dogma,' in the THIRD DISCOURSE.

To Mr. Lecky's 'Rationalism in Europe,' in the FOURTH DISCOURSE.

To Mr. Emanuel Deutsch's 'The Talmud,' in the FIFTH DISCOURSE.

To Dr. Hessey's 'Bampton Lectures on "Sunday," in the TENTH DISCOURSE.

In the Sermons on the Bible,' 'Preaching,' and 'Sacrifice,' I find I am much indebted to Mr. Ward Beecher on 'The Holy Scriptures,' 'Sphere of the Christian Ministry,' and 'Vicarious Sacrifice,' for some lines of thought, and an occasional illustration, marked *.

As unauthorised and incorrect versions of my sermons are reported without my leave, and published against my wishes, I take this opportunity of saying that I cannot be responsible for any statements contained in such reports.

I will only add, that if words that were originally addressed to the comparatively small circle of those whom I know and love should be found helpful to any others, I shall not regret the publication of these THOUGHTS FOR THE TIMES.'

16 WELBECK STREET, 1872.

HUGH REGINALD HAWEIS.