INTRODUCTION BY RALPH CONNOR Author of "The Sky Pilot," "The Doctor," THE revelation of the German mind, of the German soul-I had almost said of the German heart, but there is in these Sermons and Lectures no sign of "heart" as we understand the termis such as to fill one with dismay if not despair. These sermons are the utterances of Christian ministers who may fairly be supposed to cherish the most sacred beliefs, the most Christian feelings, the holiest aspirations to be found among their people. These Lectures are the teachings of men distinguished for the clearest reasoning, the finest thinking, the most liberal culture in Germany during the last quarter-century. Remembering this, one asks in amazement too deep for words what is this strange madness which has fallen upon a once wise and kindly and great people. One is conscious of the same mingling of horror and pain as when a friend once trusted, esteemed and loved as a type of generous and noble manhood is suddenly revealed as a pitiable, unbalanced creature, the victim of unclean thoughts and revolting habits. The shock is not |