Keshub Chunder Sen's English visit;

Front matter

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Wilkes, Sheridan, Fox :

Preface

HPHE object of Baboo Keshub Chunder Sen's mission to England is already well known to many in this country — viz., to help to bring England and India into closer union by promoting a fuller sympathy and a clearer understanding between the two countries, and especially to excite the interest of the English public in the political, social, and religious welfare of the men and women of India. In pursuit of this aim, he sought the co-operation of men of all shades of public opinion in England, and not in vain. Some of the most honoured among our statesmen and philanthropists, and among the leaders of religious conviction in the various Established and Dissenting Churches of Great Britain, came forward to welcome his efforts, in every part of the country which he visited ; while the popular response to his utterances was unmistakably cordial and extensive.

vi PREFACE.

The following pages present a record of the principal occasions on which he met the British public, whether in the pulpit, on the platform, or at less formal social gatherings. As it was inevitable that, in addressing dif ferent audiences, he should often repeat the same in formation in but slightly varied forms, large omissions were necessary in this compilation. Care has been taken to avoid repetition as much as possible, his utterances on each main topic having been inserted in their completest form, and subsequent remarks on the same subject having been seldom retained unless where any additional point of interest came out. The speeches of the gentlemen who received him on different occasions have necessarily been much condensed (except at one or two special meetings), but original remarks concerning the lec turer's country or faith have been retained whenever possible.

The reports have been taken from the most reliable sources, chiefly from the newspapers or magazines issued by the societies or localities concerned. Nearly all the addresses have been carefully revised by Mr. Sen, but among the unavoidable exceptions are his last two sermons in England, and his parting words at South ampton. The reader is therefore requested to bear in mind that those addresses, though evidently rendered

PREFACE. vii

with substantial fidelity, have not received the speaker's corrections.

Several other addresses which should have been in eluded in this collection have been necessarily omitted, because Mr. Sen has not had time or strength to revise them. Among these are several characteristic sermons, which he will probably publish at some future time.

For all unavoidable imperfections in this compilation, the Editor requests the indulgent consideration of the

public.

S. D. C.

LONDON, December, 1870.