PREFACE. To account for the peculiar structurė of the following work, it is thought desirable to state, that these pages were intended solely for the numerous friends of Mrs. B., as a memorial of one whom they loved. Those friends, it was presumed, would be gratified by hearing again a voice to which they had listened with pleasure and advantage, but would by no means find similar attractions in the voice of a stranger, detailing events with which they had been previously acquainted. Hence, the materials were not thrown into a biographical form, and it appeared inexpedient for the compiler to present himself to notice, except occasionally for the sake of connecting or explaining the papers which he transcribed. All therefore that he professes is, to give a substantially correct and faithful copy of a selection from papers written without any expectation of the use for which they are thus employed. A chief point aimed at in the selection was, to preserve such remains as appeared most adapted to illustrate the commencement and progress of that divine transformation, by which the writer was prepared for the world of immortality. Such a history of religion in the heart, written from time to time under the impressions of the moment, strongly appeals to the sympathies of genuine Christians; nor is it an unlikely means of producing salutary impressions concerning the reality and nature of personal religion in those who are strangers to its influence. Hence, the following pages have been perused with a high degree of interest, by others besides the personal friends of Mrs. B.; and according to accounts which have been conveyed to her widowed husband, they have been the honoured means of imparting to some "the things which ac company salvation." Enquiries for coFies by unknown persons have been numerous, and many readers of the edition privately circulated, have expressed a wish that the "Memorials" might be submitted to publication. One class of those who have shewn considerable interest in their contents the compiler is particularly desirous of gratifying; and under his recommendation, the present edition is therefore published in a form especially adapted to their use. This class consists of young Persons piously disposed,-who appear to be under the gradual operation of divine influence, and to be advancing, by a progress almost imperceptible to themselves, towards the full enjoyment of spiritual blessings. For the encouragement |