N issuing this volume the Publishers desire to say a few words by way of explanation.

      When they conceived the idea of publishing a series of discourses from the Disciples of Christ, they were at a loss how to discriminate in the selection of persons from whom to solicit contributions. There had come to be such a host of talented men engaged in the great cause to which they dedicate their lives--so many of them eloquent, learned, and powerful--that it was very difficult to decide who would most fitly represent the Ministry of the Church. While they believe they offer to the public contributions from Representative Men in the ministry, they know that there remains ample material for the preparation of other series of sermons, equally representing the talent and learning of the preachers of the Church. And it is, and has been, their intention to follow the present volume, in due course, with a second, and, possibly, a third, until the series shall be so complete as [vii] fairly and fully to represent the Living Pulpit of the Christian Church, and shall embody a mass of sermons wherein all the vital or important points bearing upon the faith, conduct, and salvation of man will be ably and eloquently discussed--furnishing in itself such a library of religious literature as will, next to the Bible, supply the Christian with his best armor for defensive and offensive warfare with Infidelity, as well as with those who do not hold to the faith of the Disciples.

      There is one remarkable fact which the Publishers believe worthy of attention. In this work are sermons from the pens of twenty-eight preachers, scattered here and there over the United States, who wrote without any consultation, and without knowing what subjects would be treated by others, or what others would say; and yet there has been no conflict of opinion--no contradictions or difference of views--showing that the great body of the ministry is a unit on the vital and material questions which distinguish the church organization of the Disciples from that of others.

      The biographical sketches were written by the Editor, though the limited space to which he was necessarily confined, and the meager data with which he was furnished in many instances, gave him but a poor opportunity to do justice to the subjects. The opinions he has expressed [viii] are his estimates of the characters and abilities of the eminent persons to whom they relate; and, while he does not claim infallibility for what he has said, it is believed the sermons themselves will vindicate his high appreciation of their authors. He was fully impressed with the delicacy of his task, but has the satisfaction of knowing that he has discharged his duty in a conscientious and impartial manner.

      The Publishers might further say, that the appearance of a Discourse in this collection, from the pen of the Editor, was mainly due to the fact that they announced him in the Prospectus Book as a contributor, without his knowledge or consent. This, and the urgent solicitation of friends, did not leave him at liberty to decline.

      The Publishers feel a just pride in the elegant style in which they have issued this work. They do not fear a comparison with the best workmanship of the country, and they believe that they have demonstrated that books can be published from the great metropolis of the West in as attractive a style as from the more pretentious cities of the East. [ix]

[TLP vii-ix]