work was lately published in New York, under the patronage of Dr. Romeyn, with a recommendatory preface by Dr. Philip Milledoler. In this country it comes recommended by two of our respected editors, the Rev. Messrs. Waugh and Collison, whose warm encomiums require no addition, except it be that of Mr. Osgood, an American minister now in London, who had a personal acquaintance with the author, and witnessed his benevolent exertions, which he particularly recommends to the imitation of those who visit the sick and the poor among ourselves.' The Evangelical Magazine for September, 1813, says, "The Visits of Mercy are well worthy the perusal of all who are capable of feeling for the natural and moral miseries of their fellow-creatures; of appreciating the value of an active, devoted, and judicious ministry; or of panting after a share of its immortal honours." THE AUTHOR'S PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION OF HIS FIRST JOURNAL. THE author of the following Journal, is now happy to gratify many of his friends, who have long urged the publication of it. To all those who have contributed to the propagation of the Gospel among the poor of this city, it is respectfully inscribed; and particularly to the Rev. JOHN B. ROMEYN, D. D. whose indisposition has prevented him from performing that friendly service, which he promised, of introducing this work to the public. He has ever cherished the author in his ministerial labours, and having sympathized with the afflicted poor, was determined to plead their cause. His benevolent heart will unite with me in gratitude to our inestimable friend, the Rev. PHILIP MILLEDOLER, D. D. for having performed the intended labour of love. To be insensible to the commendations of the good, would be unchristain. The author thanks Dr. Milledoler for his favourable sentiments and personal friendship. His grateful approbation, however, should not meet the public eye, were it not for the hope, that the Doctor's address will prove instrumental in founding a society for the support of the Gospel in the hospital and alms-house, which shall be as lasting as those institutions. The writer may express this hope, without the imputation of selfishness; for, having performed "a tour of duty," he would wish to retire, and give place to some more valiant soldier of the cross. He does not plead, nor desire others to plead, for himself. Every motive of a personal nature, which presents itself to his mind, urges his resignation; and, possibly, it might promote the cause of Christ, to maintain such a rotation in the stated preacher's office, as would give many young ministers the opportunity of becoming familiar with wretchedness and death. "It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.” The writer has, therefore, relinquished all subscriptions in his favour; but will never cease to plead that the Gospel may be preached to the poor within our cities, to the pagans who sit in the darkness of death, to "every crea ture." New York, Sept. 1812. E. S. ELY. THE AUTHOR'S PREFACE TO THE PRESENT EDITION. THE following pages were written in the city of New York, in 1811 and 1813. That portion which composed the First Journal was published in that city, in 1812, as a distinct work; and soon after was reprinted in London, under the title of "VISITS OF MERCY," which was prefixed to it without the knowledge of the author. The motto of the original, “ Bliss is a being of celestial birth, Which lightly o'er primeval Eden trod, A transient visit with the Son of God;" was also exchanged, by the English publisher, for the following: "O might the mantle soon descend, Give humankind a general friend, And make the sons of sorrow glad! While I cordially unite in the aspiration of these lines, and feel grateful for the kind regards expressed by these changes, I must confess that they imply praise, which I do not deserve; and consent to retain the title of "VISITS OF MERCY," for the sake of the advantage which may result from a good name. 66 The substance of my Second Journal was written in 1813, and published in Philadelphia in 1815, as my "Second Journal." This also was reprinted in London in the following year; and soon after a handsome edition of the two volumes appeared in Ireland. Having been credibly informed that not less than four editions of the work, consisting of more than ten thousand copies, have been sold in England and Ireland, I am not without hope that the present impression will be acceptable in my own beloved country. The first effort which the author made, through the press, to procure, if possible, the stated preaching of the Gospel for the poor in New York, was by the publication of his "Sermon for the Rich to Buy," on Revelations xiv. 13. In the pulpit he had previously exerted himself on the subject; when he thought Providence presented a favourable opportunity. It was under these circumstances: a large and respectable assembly was convened in the Presbyterian church in Cedar street; and for an hour sat anxiously expecting the Rev. Dr. J. M. Mason. By some misunderstanding he did not come. A young gentleman, who sat next to me in a pew, said, "It is a shame that there should be five ministers here, and not one of you will preach!" I replied, "If no one else consents, I will;" which was soon published to the audience, who had by this time arisen to depart. My trembling steps scarce supported me to the pulpit; for I had made no previous preparation for the occasion, and I never preached a ser |