Prefare.

THIS Book is the record of such reflections on the discipline and career of Life, as have been suggested by the facts of History, and the revelations and promises of Christianity: They are here set down, in the order in which they occurred during the process of preparing the volume.

The only apology for their publication which is deemed requisite at this time, may be stated thus: It is desirable to communicate as well as to receive, cheerful and invigorating impressions; and the idea that this book-in spite of its numerous imperfections-may prove, by virtue of the truth it contains, a messenger of good tidings to some weary timesoldier,-a seasonable word of hope and love to some troubled and yielding spirit;—or, perhaps, a timely note of warning to one just resigning himself to the mighty whirlpool of Iniquity: this idea impels me to give up my printed thoughts to the precarious result of public examination.

The writing of these pages has afforded me happiness, because it has given me the company of great truths, and because I seemed to be contemplating those truths in the presence of ardent sympathizers, in the persons of my readers. That some of my opinions

will be controverted, I clearly foresee;-nor do I shrink from such criticism; I only ask that it may be candid and charitable. I have stated profound convictions, which have brightened and enlarged my own apprehension of Life ;-which have cheered and glad dened the path of thousands worthier than myself,and which, I sincerely believe, are destined to pervade and exalt the rational Creation. The leading peculiarity of the book is-like the creed of Wordsworth

an assured belief

That the procession of our fate, howe'er
Sad or disturbed, is ordered by a Being
Of infinite benevolence and power,
Whose Everlasting Purposes embrace

All accidents, converting them to good.

In the hope that this volume may exert some degree of influence in recommending those philosophic views of the genius of Providence, and those salutary anticipations of the destiny of mankind, which all God's revelations inculcate and encourage-I now commit it to the notice of the Public, whose friend and minister I remain, in the fellowship of all affectionate and manly offices.

SEPTEMBER 1, 1851.

E. W. R.