72 TO THE REV. HENRY WARD BEECHER. OU have very kindly permitted me to dedicate this book to you. I do it with hearty pleasure, and with cordial thanks for your courtesy, because it will do me good in several ways. First, it will give me an opportunity to manifest the respect and admiration which I entertain towards one who, in the best way, is doing more than any other American for the elevation of the standard of Christian manhood and womanhood. Second, it will save to me the awkward labour of writing a general preface. One can say to a friend, you know, in a familiar way, what he would hesitate to say directly to the public, of his own performances. Third, it will show the public that you know the author of these letters, and that you have confidence in his good intentions. The Great Master taught you how to teach, and, |