THE design of this volume will be distinctly seen by those who are disposed to read the introductory chapter. It is entitled GATHERED FRAGMENTS, not because it consists of extracts, or unfinished pieces, but because there have been brought together in this volume a number of separate and independent narrative sketches. These sketches, as has just been intimated, have no necessary connexion with each other, though each one illustrates some great principle of Christianity, and constitutes a complete narrative by itself.
Three or four of these sketches have been previously published in a less permanent form, among which are, "The M'Ellen Family," "The Baptism," "The Family in Eternity," and "The Meeting of the Travellers." These pieces, however, as they appear in the present volume, have all been revised, enlarged, and altered. The larger part of the volume consists of sketches never before published.
"The M'Ellen Family," "The Meeting of the Travellers," and one or two other narratives in this volume, will probably appear to some readers to wear somewhat of a denominational phase, though we trust they will appear to none to be imbued with a sectarian spirit. The object which the Author has proposed to