PREFACE.

IN presenting the public with this History, the author begs leave to remark, that no pains or diligence, nor reasonable expense, has been spared in obtaining correct information; and although he had been personally acquainted with Jemima for many years previous to her death, and knew much of her history, yet he has not here stated any facts or circumstances in relation to her character or conduct, without the authority of persons of respectability for their veracity from whom he received them, together with a solemn assurance that they had been eye and ear witnesses of all they related concerning her.

And although true it is, that from the great length of time which has elapsed since Jemima commenced her career as a Preacheress, and from the imperfection of man's memory, some inaccuracies may have intervened as to the order of time in which the events of her life happened, yet as to the existence of those events, and their attendant circumstances, all those who pretend to relate them agree with remarkable precision and exactness.

The history of Jemima Wilkinson thus rests upon the testimony of a variety of witnesses, one of whom was acquainted with her, and knew her well, from her birth to her death; and the residue of whom were intimately acquainted with her, were almost constantly with her, and had an opportunity of learning whatever took place in her society

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from the commencement to the termination of her ministry. Although there is some diversity of opinion among them as to the real views and character of Jemima, yet they agree precisely in the statement of all the material facts they undertake to relate. The author, therefore, feels warranted in offering this to the reader as an authentic History of the life of Jemima Wilkinson. He makes no other pretension. That it is defective in point of style and arrangement, he is free to acknowledge. But these are defects which he has neither leisure nor skill to remedy, and for which he will, therefore, make no apology; nor is he at all anxious as to the good or ill will of critics: for as he does not expect, so neither will he ask, any exemption from the exercise of what they deem their rights.In conclusion, however, he would remark, that it has not been his intention to give offence to any one, but that he has written this History for the amusement of himself, and of those who may choose to read it.

INTRODUCTION.

Ir has been the unfortunate lot of mankind, in all ages and in all countries, to be divided in their views of a future state; and while the existence of a Supreme, creating and governing Spirit has been almost universally acknowledged, the opinions of men concerning the nature and attributes of that Spirit, have been various and contradictory. Since the light of Revelation has been sent to the assistance of the human mind, many, and perhaps some of the greatest, difficulties which inquiry had to encounter, have entrey vanished. The Great Creator of all things has been graciously pleased from time to time to manifest himself unto his fallen creatures, and to furnish them with the means of learning his power, his mercy, his wisdom and his truth; of knowing themselves, their duty to him and to each other;-the nature and extent of the service he requires of them, and the manner in which that service shall be rendered; the rewards which await those who acknowledge and obey, and the punishments which are reserved for those who deny, his authority. But such is the weakness and perversity of the human mind, that with all these advantages, men have never been able to unite together in one common system of faith and practice; and even at the present day, with the wisdom, research and experience of ages before them, they are, perhaps, as much divided on the subject of Religion, as at any former period of the world. Systems almost innumerable still prevail,

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and the votary of each thinks himself peculiarly favored of Heaven, in being led into the only safe and sure road to future happiness.

Among those systems the Christian Religion stands pre-eminent for its purity, its authenticity, and for the beneficial effects (even in this world) which have, in all ages, attended its promulgation, and a belief in its doctrines. Although there may, and probably always will, exist some diversity of sentiment as to the rites and eeremonies, and the temporal government and discipline of the Christian Church, yet in respect to those principles which constitute the foundation of the system itself, there is but little difference. The existence of the Trinity, the fall of man, the atonement by Christ, and the necessity of repentance, faith and obedience, are truths which for ages past have been almost universally acknowledged throughout Christendom, which form the basis of the Christian's hope, and from which he derives those maxims of moral and religious duty, upon the observance of which, and the mercy of God, he relies for future happi

ness.

The division of the Christian community into numerous and various denominations, is a circumstance much used by those who deny the divine origin of Christianity, as an argument against the authenticity of the Scriptures; but a careful investigation of the subject will convince every impartial mind that this argument proves nothing against the Christian religion; though it clearly demonstrates (what is always admitted) the imperfection