01.02. Preface

PREFACE.

WHILE listening to the thrilling utterances, or pausing over the inspiring pages of this celebrated divine, the compiler of this work has often felt that a collection of this kind would be to many an invaluable treasure. His own desire for it has led him to indulge the hope that many of Dr. Chapin’s numerous friends would cordially welcome it, and that it might prove a means, to some extent, of acquainting others with his genius. In connection with his brilliancy of intellect, poetic fancy, and rare eloquence of diction, will be found evidence of a catholic and genial spirit, a large and loving heart, which, after all, is the best title to our admiration, the golden key to our best sympathies and purest emotions, and the surest basis of a noble and enduring fame.

These selections have been taken from Dr. Chapin’s published works, anniversary and other speeches, orations, lectures, and extemporaneous sermons. I would tender acknowledgments to the Rev. Henry Lyon, of New York, for the use he has permitted me to make of the volumes of which he is the publisher, one of which, "Select Sermons," I think the ablest of Dr. Chapin’s works, and perhaps, upon the whole, the noblest contribution to this kind of literature that has been published in America.

I have not, in every instance, selected the most beautiful and brilliant passages; but what I thought would be most likely to interest, please, and profit the reader. Deeply conscious of my liability to err in judgment, I yet hope that in most instances my choice will be approved by those best qualified to render a just verdict. I cannot more appropriately bring this preface to a close than by saying, in the language of our gifted author, " May God pardon the evil which has mingled with my labor, and may he bless my work."

November, 1860.