INTRODUCTION. ASSUMING the following Discourse to have been written by Bishop Butler, and to have been delivered at Stanhope, as the memorandum upon the first page might lead us to conclude, it would not be unnatural to expect something less elaborate, and argumentative, than the Fifteen Sermons, preached before the learned auditory at the Rolls; or than the Six Sermons delivered on important public occasions. As there are no other Discourses, however, by Bishop Butler, of a similar class, with which it can be compared, the fair mode of forming a judgment upon it will be, not to inquire whether it might have been one of the series from which the Fifteen Sermons were selected; but whether, considering the resemblance of the autograph, and the endorsement of Stanhope upon it, there are sufficient marks of internal evidence, in the general style and sentiments, to render it probable that it is a discourse by the same Author, although of a plainer cast, and adapted to a country congregation. The doctrine it inculcates is in strict harmony with a manuscript note of the bishop's, in a Greek Testament in the possession of the Author of the preceding Memoir, upon Titus iii. 5. He there remarks, upon the word Пayeveolas,—“The change and renovation of the soul or affections for the better, spiritually accomplished by Christ in our hearts." This coincidence, upon such a point, may, perhaps, be deemed to possess some weight. |