It would accomplish no important or useful object were the editor to specify the papers he wrote, or to state from what pens he received the others, while several reasons will occur to the thoughtful reader, proving the desirableness of a veil being thrown over names, both of persons and places. The reader may rely on the "RECOLLECTIONS" before him being indisputable and unvarnished facts. And perhaps, it is but the duty of the editor to say that some of them have appeared in two or three of the religious periodicals. That this little volume may be found useful to its readers is the fervent and affectionate prayer of Blackheath Road, Greenwich, Nov. 21, 1836. THE EDITOR. PASTORAL RECOLLECTIONS. THE VILLAGE PRAYER-MEETING. The village throng their sports forsake, COBBIN. A DILIGENT and attentive observer of Divine Providence will frequently derive from passing events very striking illustrations of the sacred volume. He will see its promises fulfilled, and its threatenings executed; he will be encouraged to trust in God, who still hears the prayers of his people, and delivers them from their sorrows; and he will be animated to persevere in his exertions for the spiritual welfare of mankind, from knowing that his labours cannot be in vain in the Lord. B An attention to the duties of the Christian ministry for some years past, has brought before me a series of pleasing and interesting facts, which have encouraged me amidst many trials, and, I trust, have both increased my disposition to watch the hand of Providence, and my zeal for the promotion of that kingdom which is destined to flourish, in defiance of every opposition with which it can meet. The facts to which I have alluded, and the details of which I purpose in this and some future papers to present to my readers, have nothing about them of an extraordinary kind. We are by far too apt to look for marvellous displays of the hand of God in carrying on his work. The mercies we most commonly receive from the Divine Being are the most valuable; and the constant bestowment of these common mercies is a remarkable display of infinite goodness towards us. Were we, however, more observant of the ways of Heaven, we should often perceive facts that we should consider truly striking. If the short narratives I purpose introducing to my readers |