ments preserved in reference thereto, became so fertile, and the satisfaction felt, as I proceeded, was so solid,-I was, as it were, constrained to write; and, in spite of every effort to suppress and abridge the subjects, it has swelled to the present, I had almost said unwonted, size. [There are many fragments of the same bread, remaining ungathered.]

The reason why I have since interspersed other matter, is, somewhat to relieve the monotony of the history; and, because it would otherwise, perhaps, have been of so local a nature as to attract very little, if any, distant share of attention. Its importance chiefly consists in shewing what the faithful administration of the pure truths of Almighty God will, if persevered in, in due time infallibly accomplish in the most barbarous places, even by feeble instruments, whether they are ministerially ordained or not,whether in or out of the boasted "succession.".

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Dagon" must eventually fall before the ark.

The most difficult, and by far the most unpleasant part of this work has been, what relates to the opposing "spirit of the times," referred to in chapters 18 and 19, then so powerfully in operation. I can truly say, that scarcely a line of it was written without mental pain. Indeed, for some time, I hesitated as to whether I would publish it at all, but rather (as that

spirit had subsided) let it pass into silent oblivion— calling it "the reproach of Christ," and placing it wholly to His blest account. But I solemnly declare, that, in this case, my disquieted mind could not get that dispensation: I truly lingered herein, till I felt, or feared " His withering frown." The fact is, it was a most deliberate, open, and combined attack, on the gospel privileges specially granted by the grace of Almighty God, to the numerous, long-neglected, but waiting poor of Warminster Common. Be it ever remembered, that nothing less than total annihilation of that religious cause, was long and powerfully aimed at. As such, therefore, it must be publicly reproved. Thanks, never-ceasing, be given to our kind Almighty Friend and Helper, it marvellously stood the shock, and soon became more than conqueror. I can assure my readers, that I have laboured hard to soften every expression relating thereto, so far as is consistent with retaining truth; and some that were recorded, I have wholly suppressed. I sincerely hope, that time, and more matured experience in divine things, will convince the opposing parties, not only of their error, but of the important fact, that the blessed Redeemer can, and will, whenever He pleases, with or without human concurrence, raise up His own peculiar instruments, and honour them too, with great and lasting success; causing the so-called foolish things of this world to confound the wise, (1 Cor. i. 27.); and will,

sooner or later, teach opposers, that "he that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of mine eye.” May the merciful and gracious Lord God, of His infinite goodness, speedily grant in this, and in all similar cases, repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 2 TIM. ii. 25.

As much of the said disagreeable controversy arose (as it was said) from the work being carried-on by an "insignificant, uneducated, and unauthorized preacher :" let it be well understood, that precisely the same objections will apply (if at all) to the numerous herein-recorded cures, performed by that inestimable gift of Almighty God to man, called "Medical Electricity," for there never was the least medical education, authority, or assistance, either sought or afforded, throughout the whole of that highly-important and beneficial undertaking.-"Choosing things that are not, to bring to nought things that are."-1 Cor. i. 28.

Great Shepherd and Bishop of Souls! who didst amidst much opposition from "the kindred spirit of the times" of that day (MARK xi. 27.), so humble Thyself, as greatly to mourn over and gladly to preach Thy own pure gospel to "sheep which had no shepherd," (MATT. ix. 36), and to call the poor, who were not offended thereat, blessed (MATT. xi. 6.)

mercifully be pleased to pour out of Thy Spirit, and still confirm it in their willing, waiting hearts. May they be always the objects of Thy peculiar care and blessing-more especially, we beseech Thee to look graciously on the needy numerous inhabitants of Warminster Common: continue them in Thy love: ever give them pastors after Thy own heart: make them rich in faith, and heirs of Thy everlasting kingdom. Accept, I humbly beseech Thee, this feeble but grateful offering to Thy blessed cause, and make the reader, as well as the writer, wise unto salvation. Amen.

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And, moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. The preacher sought to find out acceptable words; and that which was written was upright, even words of truth."-ECCLES.-xii. 9, 10.

WARMINSTER, Nov. 1850.