PREFACE.

Most gratifying evidence is continually afforded that this weekly publication of sermons is supplying an important want Without trenching upon the living preachers' function, printed sermons go where the voice cannot, and perform a work which cannot otherwise be accomplished.

There are thousands of neighborhoods without churches, and with but occasional preaching; there is many a village whose church is without a pastor, in which these sermons are read. In many instances, and some of especial interest, the services of the sanctuary have been kept up in the absence of a pastor by the reading of these sermons, and the congregations have grown from Sunday to Sunday.

They are carried by Christian people on travels and voyages, and even in distant lands, on the Sabbath, they perform their benign work, not only refreshing to the wanderer's soul, but bring back to him the endearing associations of home and the home-church. They have also proved a great solace to those who by reason of sickness or infirmity are kept from the House of God.

I am devoutly grateful and thankful for the privilege of preaching the truth as it is in Jesus, to multitudes whom I shall never see in the flesh; and my prayer is, that these sermons may go on their way doing good.

HENRY WARD BEECHER.

March 27, 1871.