C 8344.600, 10 HARVARD COLLEGE LIBRARY VE RI DS THE GIFT OF HAVERFORD COLLEGE LIBRARY HAVERFORD, PENNSYLVANIA XXVII SERMON DELIVERED IN THE FRIENDS MEETING, BALTIMORE, JUNE 15, 1825, BY GERARD T. HOPKINS, TAKEN IN SHORT HAND BY MARCUS T. C. GOULD, STENOGRAPHER. Baltimore, PRINTED BY BENJAMIN LUNDY-No 52, CAMDEN STREET., ** ***** 1825. The following discourse was taken by me in short hand, and is now presented to the public, without the advice or consent of the author. I have, in several instances, apologised to authors and the public, for similar liberties; but finding this a growing burthen upon my hands, I have determined to supercede the necessity in future, by a fair disclosure of my views upon the subject. I conceive, that all extemporaneous discourses, voluntarily delivered to a listening audience, are intended for the use and benefit of that audience; and if so, the speaker cannot recall or control the language of his lips, after it has faded from the ear, to which it was addressed. It is a part of my profession, to receive from the frail vehicle of sound, the trembling idea as it floats upon the wind; and as the hand of charity, would nurse a perishing stranger, so I cherish and preserve it from the frost of time; and when recovered, I sometimes send it, renovated, to the world. Surely no author can complain, that a fostering hand has clothed, and provided for the tender offspring, which he had left to chance; and others may complain in vain. If then, my deeds are criminal, I once for all, beg pardon; and assure all those concerned, that, in the duties of my art, I shall endeavour to do impartial justice. It is hoped, therefore, that the errors, in my publications of this kind, will be imputed to the unavoidable slips of an extemporaneous tongue, or to the head and fingers of the compiler, who siezes language on the wing. I shall, however, most cheerfully correct any errors which may be suggested, and fairly substa tiated M. T. C. GOULD. E |