PREFACE. IS little volume is published at the request of THIS many friends; and it is hoped that it will suggest GERM thoughts to young persons, and aid them in the acquirement of a true taste in relation to material and moral beauty and sublimity. I am indebted to many authors, especially to BURKE, ALISON, M'Cosн, and RUSKIN; but have endeavoured to give expression to thoughts which have been floating in my own mind for years, and which have (almost unconsciously) ministered to my pleasure. Trusting that the Great Source of beauty and goodness will bless this contribution to the promotion of human happiness, it is now committed to the public, but particularly to those friends with whom I have been associated during a ministry of more than six-and-twenty years. GEORGE MATHER. 2, WATT PLACE, SOHO HILL, BIRMINGHAM, January, 1872. |