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 vain glory. 3dly. There was no publisher, to advocate the cause of one, not immediately within their pales,-and especially that travelled 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

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 maller, 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

inore especially to communicate,) He will not suffer, to be buried in the dust. Because of my desire for writing, and delight therein--which I formerly had not, I believe that to be now, more than ever my duty-and having become, familiarized thereto, I hope that in consequence, the fragile thread of my existence may be lengthened out: (so that, it be not said to me, at last, as one suggested, "What have you come, slying into Heaven so soon for,-before you were sent after?")

The work, to which I particularly allude,—and purpose to present hereafter-is that, of my "Journal;"—which I now have by me, in manuscript, at least the amount of four hundred octavo pages. Beside which, I hope to afford the world shortly, some specimens of my public communication, in a separate volume:-although, I would, have it understood, that I have never been habituated, to committing to paper before hand, any thing of that nature. This object, I heartily desire to see accomplished, before my race is run,--especially for the encouragement of my own sex, that may succeed me in the Lord's Vineyard:-and that the pride of all human glory, may be stained, "from sea, even to sea; and from the river, to the ends of the earth.”

A systematical mode of proceedure, in the ministry,--is what I discountenance altogether;and believe that no person, of this enlightened

*The body of Christ, is not one but wany members; and it is their privilege (as in the day of pentecost)-exclusively, to speak as they are moved by the Holy Ghost. For God hath set some in the church, first Ap