Augustinian sermons

Front matter

AUGUSTINIAN SERMONS

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Foreword

The author’s original intention, as suggested by his Father Provincial, Very Rev. Nicholas J. Vasey, O. S. A., was to prepare sermons for our mission¬ aries. But because of the warm recommendations the sermons received from those who examined them, including the diocesan censor of books, it was finally determined to issue the work for the priesthood in general.

Most of the sermons are long, and it would be almost impossible for any preacher to deliver them as they are written in the space of time ordinarily alloted to the sermon. However, the preacher is enabled to pick out the salient points by means of the synopsis given at the head of each sermon. As it is custom¬ ary to give instructions on the Decalogue at the Masses during a mission, these were written so that they could be delivered in the space of about twenty minutes. They could be used also for short evening sermons, for instance, during Lent, or amplified ac¬ cording to needs of preacher and people.

The author has attempted to put old things in a new way and above all to strengthen his reasoning by the Scriptures and the Fathers. The sermons are filled with quotations from the Holy Scriptures, the Fathers, and other ascetical writers, all bearing upon the different subjects dealt with. And also he has not hesitated to bring in profane authors to elucidate his meaning. The sermons are supported by these weighty authorities and, in fact, are built up on them.

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FOREWORD

Should these sermons meet with the approval of his fellow-priests, the author hopes to bring out other volumes if God will give him the time and talent.

The Author.

Contents

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