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EDITOR'S PREFACE.

reader is invited to exercise his highest reason, his keenest insight, his unbiased judgment — all his best faculties of mind and heart. Let him consider that the numerous extracts here given, are taken from no less than nine different works written at various times during a period of twenty-seven years (the whole term of the author's supposed "lunacy"); and let him note the marvelous consistency maintained throughout, and the equally marvelous unity (I might say identity) of thought, spirit, philosophy and doctrine.

Let him also compare the teachings of these extracts with those of the most eminent theologians of the last half century, and see if they be not far in advance of most of them, and fully up to the best thought of the best men and deepest thinkers in the most advanced and progressive schools of religious thought of our own day. Where among the most enlightened teachers shall we find a better definition of the true freedom, or a better explanation of its nature and origin, than that given in chapter I.? Where shall we find a nobler vindication of the true function of reason in religion, or a more complete justification of the great Protestant principle involving the right of private judgment, than is contained in chapter III.? When or where has any Christian teacher exhibited a

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