CHAPTER II

AN APPEAL TO THE CHURCH AND HIS AUDIENCE GENERALLY, TO PARDON AND CORRECT THE ERRORS OF HIS SPEECH

HEAR then, thou master of the sacred vessel, possessor of virgin purity, and thou Church, the cherisher of tender and inexperienced age, guardian of truth and gentleness, through whose perennial fountain the streams of salvation flow! Be ye too my indulgent hearers, who worship God sincerely, and are therefore the objects of His care: attending, not to the language, but the truth of what is said; not to him who speaks, but rather to the pious zeal which hallows his discourse! For how shall language have power to charm, while the real sentiments of the speaker remain unknown? It may be, indeed, that I essay great things; the love of God which animates my soul, a love which overpowers natural reserve, is my plea for the bold attempt. On you, then, I call, who are best instructed in the mysteries of God, to aid me with your counsel, to follow me with your thoughts, and correct whatever shall savour of error in my words, expecting no display of perfect knowledge, but graciously accepting the sincerity of my endeavour. And may the Spirit of the Father and the Son accord His mighty aid, while I utter the words which He shall dictate and suggest to my thoughts. For if any one, whether in the practice of eloquence, or any other art, expects to produce a finished work without the help of God, both the author and his efforts will be found alike imperfect; while he has no cause to fear, no room for discouragement, who has once been blessed with the inspiration of Heaven. And now let me pray your indulgence for the length of this preface, and proceed at once to the main subject of my discourse.