PREFACE.

Candid Reader of whatever Nation, Kindred or People..

A BRIEF SKETCH of the various changing scenes of my life, thus far, I here present you;-not with elegance of style,--to "hold fast the form of sound words," has been my only aim. It is, merely, an INTRODUCTION to a more extensive work, that I purpose, by the help of God, shortly to send abroad; and the first effusion of my pen, that I have ever submitted to the press,—and to the public. Anterior to the present period, not so much as a letter, in my own hand, have I proposed for publication: -but, that I withheld my pen so long, I confess, is now, with me a subject of regret. The reasons for my backwardness, that I assign,were 1st. I thought meanly enough of my talents, and wished not to become, thus public-but, from the clearest conviction of duty. 2dly. I was fearful of being too assuming, and of aspiring too much, for vainglory. 3dly. There was no publisher, to advocate the cause of one, not immediately within their pales,-and especially that travelied with the testimony of Jesus:-(unless It were the "Christian Connexion;" and their work, was so circumscribed, that I preferred, rather, setting my letters on foot, in my own hand writing.)

One particular inducement, to having the TREATISE, Completed in this city, was,-To be driven from all other helps, to a firm reliance on Almighty

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power;--and to know the same, eventually, my own. Among my friends, I feared a disposition to confide, too much in their better judgment;rather than which, I chose that my own imperfections, should be manifest abroad;-and to surmount the charge, that I was apprehensive, would be greatly augmented thereby. The work, therefore, is now my own. None other, has had a hand, or voice therein. At least,-- in relation to the main matter, I known it to be the Lord's; but the many,--mean, and law expressions to be traced throughout, are my own invention. Wherefore from the truth,-in any one instance, I am not apprised of having swerved.

At the commencement,-it was intended for no more, than a PAMPHLET of twenty pages; (relating to my voyage, to the Old World, &c.)--but things have had such a termination, that I have been drawn,--or rather driven, quite beside my own designs, even to the lengths you here survey. I ask my friendly Reader, that the peculiar manner, of my being circumstanced, during its completion, may be deemed a sufficient apology for the many errors to be detected therein. The work which is to follow, I desire, may be more fully fraught with Divine Wisdom; and perused with deeper interest, and benefit, by all to whom it is extended. The greatest difficulty with me, here has been, to keep my pen within due bounds;-having such an abundance, that I wished to reveal, and of which, the narrow limits first surveyed for this,-would not admit. I think, the great, and marvellous things, the Lord hath wrought for me, (and which, I have

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world knows not of; nor that the stranger, intermeddleth with. Some thousands, have I seen,— made the sharers of redeeming grace; and many more of every nation, I expect to see added to that number, should I continue here below.-The only earthly treasure, that I regard―is my precious* Bible; which hath been my companion;-and my support, in every part of creation, and that I intend shall be, the man of my counsel, unto the death. I feel at home, thank God, in every place; and never more, than when urging my flight, with the utmost speed, from city to city-whether by land, or by sea. Yet,

“I am not at home, but travelling hence;
To leave the things of time and sense."

When that expected day shall have arrived, of complete conquest of final deliverance, and I shall reach my "long eternal home," may I meet with all, that have ever heard my stammering tongue; and seen the "Vicissitudes Illustrated of my life." is the prayer of

THE PUBLIC'S FRIEND AND SERVANT,

FOR CHRIST JESUS'S SAKE,

Charleston, Nov. 4th. 1832.

NANCY TOWLE.

*That, and sometimes a Bible Dictionary, has been for the most part, my only Library,

COURTEOUS READER:

Having been acquainted with the AUTHORESS, of the following narrative, for several years;—I take the liberty of recommending the same, to my cotemporary fellow mortals,-believing, the perusal may be useful, to the contemplative mind.

"Female preaching," is, by many, through a prejudice, founded in education,-thought to be improper; and hence, condemned, by them.-But, why a female, should not be as accountable, to God, for her talents, and ministration,-as the opposite gender,--I know not.

GOD--has designed the WOMAN, as an "helpmeet,"--according to HIS ORDER. Both in the Old, and New Testaments,--they have been the chosen instruments, of God;--as Miriam, Huldah, and Deborah, the daughters, of Philip,--who prophecied, i. e. preached.--For prophecy, does not always mean, foretelling future events,-but, may relate to public action, by the "HARP," --or by TESTIMONY.

"Phebe," is styled, "a servant of the Church:"and the name of Priscilla, is mentioned, before, that of her husband:--And for my own part, I think it would be well, to give up prejudice;-and be cautious, not to obstruct, the way of those, who follow not our whims;--lest by folly, we grieve those, whom God would not have grieved; and thereby, bring an awful responsibility, upon ourselves.

I feel, to bid NANCY TOWLE, God speed;-and wish her success--in the NAME OF THE LORD. LORENZO DOW.

Baltimore, May 21st. 1832.