WILLIAMS AND NORGATE, 14, HENRIETTA STREET, COVENT GARDEN, LONDON; PREFACE. THE "Hibbert Lectures" have been instituted for the purpose of providing a series of Lessons on the most important chapters of the History of Religion. It is in this connection that M. Max Müller has treated of the general development of religion in India, that M. Le Page Renouf has spoken of the religious function of Egypt. They form in some sort a Chair of the Comparative History of Religion, but a Chair which is occupied every year by a new Professor, who speaks only of that which he has made the subject of special study. I therefore felt myself deeply honoured when the Trustees of this useful Institution invited me to continue a teaching so worthily begun. I had long desired to see England, and to clasp the hand of my many English friends. I accepted the invitation; and certainly the kind welcome which I met with from a nation which has always inspired me with the greatest esteem and the highest sympathy, has been one of the rewards of my life. The spectacle of a proud and strong people, in the enjoyment of the largest liberty which humanity has hitherto been able to make its own, has filled me with a lively joy, and has confirmed me in the conviction that the future of Europe, despite many a passing storm, belongs to an ideal of light and peace. Our society is sceptical only in appearance: it has its own dogma, and that an excellent one, Liberty, respect for the mind. This dogma will conquer every other; only we must beware of believing that laws and decrees can assist its triumphs. Let Liberty alone: fanatics fear her more than they fear persecution: in her own unaided strength she knows how to overcome her enemies. PARIS, June, 1880. E. R. |