themselves in an adequate manner for so difficult and momentous an undertaking. But, in proceeding with my work, I began to flatter myself with the notion, that it may possibly both amuse and instruct every description of readers. The scenery must be allowed sometimes to partake of the air of romance, although strictly conformable to truth and nature: and the way in which the great doctrines and duties as well as evidences of the Christian religion are set forth and explained, being somewhat novel,-at the same time that it is also, I hope, much plainer and less tedious than is too often the case in more regular treatises, many persons may be tempted, upon the recommendation of the Clergy, to peruse the book; and may find, unexpectedly, their fancy pleased, their knowledge increased, and their hearts touched and improved. In fact, the little histories and dialogues herein contained will necessarily embrace all ranks of men, from the highest to the lowest. A populous Parish, like mine, in the neighbourhood of a still more populous town, has a race of inhabitants, fluctuating every day; of almost every possible class; and professing almost every possible sentiment in politics as well as in religion. My constant residence upon the spot, and the daily

habits of my life, have brought, and will still bring me into immediate contact with all; and the whole work, when finished voluntarily, or stopped by the hand of Death, will be the fruit of my whole experience. Upon these grounds, therefore, I may perhaps look forward to more numerous readers, and more extensive utility, than I at first contemplated.

It may be proper to say a word or two upon the style; not to disarm criticism-for the severest criticism will fly harmless over my head, when I am mouldering in the dust; but to inform the readerthat, the matter being the only thing of any essential consequence in such a work as this, the style will be neglected altogether, except so far as relates to perspicuity, which, I hope, will be found throughout. Fine writing is not to be expected at all; and sometimes even the rules of grammar may not be carefully observed. For this work must be written, at all events, in considerable haste, on account of my other numerous employments; and I am morally certain beforehand, that I shall never revise it with any view to the correction or polishing of the style. The first rude sketch will be all that the reader will ever have. However, there is no doubt but that I shall talk as well upon paper, as either I myself, or the

persons conversing with me, do in the real transaction; and every thing beyond this would be an outrage upon nature, and create a reasonable suspicion, that the whole recorded transaction is illusory. Indeed this suspicion will at any rate sometimes arise; because the tone will be now and then above the tone of usual conversation; and because ideas and expressions will be ascribed to particular persons, of which those persons may be thought incapable. In point of fact, I am often in situations in which I am led to preach, rather than to speak; I am compelled, that is, to speak continuously; and then the magnitude of the subject would naturally raise any man's language, under the same circumstances, to a loftier standard. With respect to others, I shall always preserve their ideas, and sometimes their very words, when there is any thing remarkable in them. But I have not hitherto been studious about it; and especially in the conversations related to happen between myself and people of low rank, I have discarded almost all their vulgarisms; and also I have put their ideas into better shape and form than they would have done for themselves. For I did not consider this to be a matter of any essential concern. Their meaning, and not their actual expres

sions, is all that is absolutely necessary to be known. In general, however, I trust, there will be enough of nature remaining to keep up the interest of a real conversation.

One thing more, and I have done. This work being designed, if God spare my life long enough, to embrace every topic of importance to a Parishpriest, whether spiritual or temporal; for the sake of greater conciseness and unity of subject, I have brought together, and shall continue to do so, into a single conversation with a single person, what may have actually occurred in more conversations and with more persons than one. This information will perhaps destroy a part of the interest that might be taken in some particular characters; because it will be always a matter of doubt how much of what is recorded may really belong to them; but the truth, nevertheless, should be told.

And now, reader, farewel! When this comes into thy hands, I shall be beyond thy censures, or thy praise.