то THE INDEPENDENT CHRISTIAN PASTOR, WHO MAINTAINS THE INTEGRITY OF HIS OFFICE AMID THE ALLUREMENTS OF FRIENDSHIP AND THE THREATENINGS OF ENMITY; PROCLAIMING THE WILL OF GOD IN FEARLESS FAITH AND UNCOMPROMISING PURITY; TRUSTING IN THE POWER OF TRUTH AND THE RECOMPENSE OF VIRTUE ; These "Becords" of Ministerial Vicissitudes, IN THE CELEBRATED PARISH OF BUBBLETON, ARE VERY RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED. .308 . 316 . 321 PRELIMINARY AND CRITICAL. AFTER Some dozen of the ensuing "Records" had circulated through the columns of a periodical, it became evident that they were causing some disturbance in those places to which they had gained access- particularly in the ancient and reputable town of Scandalburgh. The editor began to be plied with letters from various dignitaries of that town, making inquiries concerning the authorship of these objectionable papers, and offering some rather free criticisms upon their merits. Whereupon the author -in considerable alarm-made haste to secure the silence of the periodical editor, and pursued his task under a thick cloud of mystery. Only two of the Scandalburgh letters have fallen into the author's possession, and they are of such an instructive nature that he would fain put them to some good use. After mature deliberation, therefore, and with the approbation of the publisher, he has resolved to incorporate the substance of them into this introductory paper, - asking of their writers the pleasant service of ushering his book before the public, as an offset to the ravages which their strictures have committed upon his peace. The first of these letters purports to come from "PHILEMON PENDERGRASS, ESQ." It opens like a royal missive, with an array of personal titles and dignities, together with a most perplexing confession of diffidence after which - |