prove acceptable, there can be no need of apology; if not, I cannot flatter myself that any thing which I could urge in its favour, would render it more so: I trust however, that I shall not subject myself to the censure of having injudiciously brought forward that which it would have been more prudent to have suppressed. To the principles which the work professes, little objection can I think be made; for the unconnected manner in which they are offered, I feel more solicitous. I would beg the reader to keep in view, that they were not written with any determinate end, which could admit of arrangement in its parts, but were the impressions suggested by objects as they severally presented themselves; and as such, may not, I think, unaptly be termed a picture of the author's mind in retirement, and divested of the mask, which in an intercourse with the world, even the most

sincere must appear to wear; of his mind, not as disclosing itself to casual observers, the most penetrating of whom must in many instances be deceived, but with its most secret recesses laid open to the view of others, as candidly as to his own; and I cannot but promise myself that to some, to contemplate the private workings and occupations of a soul, when devoted to subjects of this nature, will be no unpleasing employment.

The manuscript which I had in my possession was not a corrected one; it might perhaps have been intended to have thrown these materials into a more regular form; however this might be, I should scarce have felt myself justified, had I even been equal to the attempt, in endeavouring to supply the deficiency: on this account it seemed advisable not even to alter many expressions, which to modern ears might sound uncouth, lest it might prove a deterioration

rather than an improvement; should this objection be made to the language, I think that the period in which it was written (1771) is the best apology that can be offered.

I am aware however, that to speak at large in what refers so much to myself, and to be diffuse in my excuses, would be arrogance rather than modesty; and perhaps almost insulting to the highly respectable Subscribers, who have honoured me with their patronage, and to whom I beg to return my warmest acknowledgments, with too much sincerity to render necessary many studied professions of gratitude.

P. P. N.

Abbot's Bromley,

October, 1817,

INTRODUCTION.

I am of opinion, it concerns myself and mankind in general, to keep our minds in continual exercise upon what is good. If we do not set them upon work, our great Adversary will, and and if our minds do not work for God, they will work for him. Sinful objects are agreeable to sinful minds, but holy thoughts are more conformable to a holy God. Why then should most men spend their time and thoughts, upon those things that may destroy their souls? No, henceforth may I endeavour to employ my thoughts and leisure time, upon something that is good, and have good subjects constantly at hand to think upon. And likewise may I take occasion from objects I meet with, and persons with whom I converse, to make such reflections and notices,

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as may be for my advantage and improvement, spiritual and temporal. I think there is nothing in the world, though never so indifferent and bad, but what men may exercise (if they please,) good thoughts upon; and their neglect in this kind has been the occasion of those vain imaginations, with which their minds have been too often possessed. They have not kept them close to their work, to think upon what is good and proper, therefore have run into extravagances which all should endeavour to avoid.

For want of retiring and committing to paper their thoughts, many persons have lost some profitable meditations of their own, which they could not easily recover again. Let men therefore pen down whatever is remarkable, and may prove serviceable; let them reserve these remarks and notices in store, for proper occasions. This practice will afford them a habit of useful thinking, it will secure the mind from running waste, and by this means, their loose moments will turn to a very proper account.