about opinions." They endeavoured to achieve these aims by their large catholicity of spirit in dealing with questions of theology; but the same end may perhaps be also furthered by the humble endeavour to call attention to those vast fields of labour in which all sects and classes of Christians may strenuously and joyfully take a common part. The eighth and ninth Sermons were preached at my own church at the opening of two sessions of Parliament. They may perhaps serve to show that it is possible for a clergyman without offence to deal with questions which may be fairly called political. They were kindly received by many members of Parliament who differ in their political views, and their publication was even requested by some of these, as well as by one whose high rank and office might well entitle him to regard his request almost in the light of a command. The last Sermon was preached in the Abbey in June 1879. This Sermon also touches more or less on political considera tions, and is added to the rest in obedience to a wish which I could not disregard. Perhaps it is superfluous to say even thus much about these few Sermons. Apart from the living voice, and such interest as may have been derived from the places and circumstances in which they were spoken, they can but be regarded as dead leaves. Yet even dead leaves may have their use. "They will reach the hands of the reader chill and discoloured; but when, in the autumn evenings, the leaves fall and lie on the ground, more than one glance may still fall on them, more than one hand still gather them. And even if they were despised of all alike, the wind may sweep them away, and prepare with them a couch for some poor man, on whom Providence looks down with love from the height of heaven." F. W. FARRAR. ST. MARGARET'S RECTORY, WESTMINSTER. |