Preface

IT THEN I was in America last year, delivering the Yale Lectures on Preaching, I preached “The Four Men” on Sunday morning, April 1 2th. in the chapel of Yale University. Mr. D. L. Moody, the evangelist, who chanced to be present, insisted on its being printed, and he sent copies, I believe, to all the students of the University. In the same irresistible way, he got me to publish “Temptation” and “Conscience,” which were given as talks to the students in his own institutions at Northfield. As these are circulating in America, I have thought they might be acceptable and useful in this country also. Of the other chapters, those on “Christ and the Wants of Humanity” and “Public Spirit” were delivered in the University Chapel, Glasgow, at the academic service, March I5th. 1891, and March I3th. 1892, respectively.

The way in which this book has come together has precluded any attempt at systematic teaching. My sole endeavour has been to handle a few important themes of faith and conduct in a way that may be found instructive and readable by young men.

GLASGOW,
October $rd, 1892.