xxviii INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. authors-especially from such as may be of suspected orthodoxy-any of those productions, in which their objectionable bias is apparent. The book presents, therefore, great and characteristic variety, in every way, without, it is hoped, an offensive absence of harmony in style and manner, or considerable contrariety of statement. The Editor, in conclusion, will be much misunderstood, if any of the preceding remarks lead the reader to suppose his desire is to see the revival of a system of morals that could be justly condemned as ascetic. Such would assuredly not be his aim, were he gifted with the power of persuasion necessary to secure it. Yet, for the season to which this volume relates, he thinks it not too much to wish, as an ancient writer has well expressed it, that we could live a life of retirement, even in the midst of society-habentes conversationem in urbibus, possideamus mente desertum.' He certainly does not think the Christian world too wise, or too good, to be made yet wiser and better by a revival, to a reasonable extent, of the ancient discipline of abstinence: but let it be undertaken in the temper recommended by another of those estimable though neglected teachers. "Let us," says St. Basil, "by no means receive the days that are approaching with sadness of heart, but with St. Ambrose. INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. xxix cheerfulness as becometh saints.- -Be not sad when thou art cured. It would be very foolish if we should grieve for the abstraction of our customary food, and not rather rejoice for the health of our souls.Rejoice, then, that there is given to thee an efficacious remedy for sin." Feb. 25, 1835. R. C. 4 |