tion in some part of the Work. And the author has faithfully declared his highest convictions of truth and right on every point discussed, without mystification of language, compromise, or the fear of man. He has studiously endeavored to make himself understood on all topics, even the most delicate, regardless of fashionable fastidiousness. Some may deem his plainness of speech too great on sexual matters, and his severity against certain alleged errors extreme. But he has no pardons to ask, nor apologies to offer, with reference to these demonstrations. He has written in love of the truth, and without ill will to any human being. He has sought the glory of God in the highest good of all mankind; and, having done his duty, he has no distrust of consequences. Nevertheless, if convinced of error, injustice, wrong, or even impropriety, he holds himself bound to make the best correction in his power. He has done as he would be done unto.
Particular portions of the Work will probably be read with different degrees of interest by different persons. Some will be interested most in its theology, some in its personal righteousness, some in its principles of social order, some in its Constitutions and practical details, some in its educational elucidations, some in its discussion of marriage and divorce, some in its presentations of other social systems, and some in its controversial criticisms. Let each follow his or her own preference. And yet the author hopes that no one who may become deeply interested in what is said on a favorite topic will long neglect to read the book as a whole. To secure for it such a reading, he elaborated it in the Conversational form. This relieves it in part of that formidable solidity which renders many valuable books uninviting and difficult of mental mastication. Though its themes are all of grave importance, and
