_To the Editor of "The St-nd-rd."_
SIR,--Allow me to mention, under all reserve, that I _frequently_
preach a sermon of JEREMY TAYLOR'S, or the Judicious HOOKER'S, to
my congregation, with excellent effect, and hitherto without any
discovery on their part of the origin of the discourse. I, of course,
alter the old-fashioned phrases, and bring the sermons up to date,
so to speak. This plan saves the inconvenience of having to _pay_
for sermons, which I could not do in cash in these days of clerical
destitution, only in sermon paper, which I fear would not be accepted.
If I am accused of "cribbing sermons," I deny the charge with
indignation. I don't crib JEREMY, I _adapt_ him. Does every dramatist,
who adapts from the French, acknowledge the fact? Not at all! Neither
does--
Yours unblushingly,