"Published sermons present a special problem," writes John Austin Baker in his introduction to The End of Man. "Sermons no one would think of printing have saved souls; sermons much admired by posterity may have achieved nothing ... What is rare indeed is that the text of a genuine sermon as actually delivered should satisfy the criteria of the literary form as well. To the tiny company of such preachers of genius Austin Farrer belongs."
The sermons collected in this volume demonstrate Farrer's rare abilities as a writer and preacher. Originally delivered to members of the academic community at Keble College, Oxford, they speak intelligently on all phases of Christianity. Some of the fine points of doctrine are discussed, but so are the very practical aspects of everyday life-matters such as relationships with parents, the importance of a disciplined prayer life, the proper use of money, and how to deal with intellectual challenges to the faith.