weak things of the world, to confound the things which are mighty.

Perhaps no writings, next to the sacred oracles, have been so universally useful in these latter ages as Bunyan's. Perhaps none are more simple and plain. I do not mean to say comparatively speaking, that the manuscripts here brought forward to public notice, possess an equal degree of inerit, or are the result of as much originality or boldness of imagination. I rather think, with the late Dr. Johnson, that the English language hath never produced an equally high-finished production, in point of allegory with his "Doubting Castle, and Giant Despair." But, while I readily and cheerfully allow all possible superiority, in this walk of literature, to the author of "The Pilgrim's Progress," I venture to think, that in the simple, unadorned path of doctrine, Mr. Tanner treads on equal ground.

:

In relation to the latter motive, for which I have gathered together the fragments of Mr. Tanner's papers, and brought them from their obscurity to public view, I have too much confidence in the generosity of all feeling minds, to fear censure on this account. Nay, I rather anticipate their thanks, and expect that they will meet me more than half-way in their kind reception of them. Surely it is impossible, but that every one who venerates age, and knows how to feel for the desolated winter of it, must wish well to this publication. It will, I am persuaded, strike their minds with full conviction, (I confess it did mine, most powerfully,) that a life of labour, such as Mr. Tanner's was, and that life, protracted to so long a period as eighty-seven years, possesseth no small claim on the benevolence of all, and especially of the religious: and when to this consideration it be added, that since the slender means afforded

him for those long and wearisome serVices, allowed him no possibility of making the least reserve for relations so near and dear to him as his aged Partner and Daughter; surely the very inability seems to have been the result of Infinite Wisdom in the appointment that it might be compensated another way.

And, and if the Reader will indulge me to subjoin the further thought, I would add, that since the wants of those for whom this work is now published, are but little, neither from the very order of nature, can they want that little long; I shall foster the fond hope, that the profits arising from this publication will open a resource fully equal to their utmost wishes. Like the Widow of Zarephath with her child, Mrs. Tanner comes forth with her husband's labours, to gather the few sticks, to furnish the momentary supply, and to eat her morsel and die. If the Lord shall graciously

do by her, in this instance, as his servant the Prophet did by the Widow in Israel, I hope this cruse of oil will not fail, nor the barrel of meal waste, until that she shall no longer need the bread that perisheth; but is taken to the enjoyment of that which endureth to everlasting life.

ROBERT HAWKER.

THE

AUTHOR'S PREFACE

TO HIS

MANUSCRIPTS.

LET it be remembered, after my sinful clay is mouldering in the grave, with its original dust, and my renewed and redeemed soul is in heaven, sounding the high praises of God, my Redeemer, that all my imperfect scribble is but a small part of my daily writings. The most part of it was written in haste, and designed for my own perusal, to remind me of the many trials, and great deliverances, which my Jehovah Jesus hath wrought out for me; therefore, incorrectness of style, &c. may be corrected or borne with.

I leave it, however, on the floor, with all its chaff; and, if any one grain of it