vi PREFACE.

committing to writing the larger portion of
the Story, with the view of its ultimate adapt-
ation to the Press. The little Tale was then
laid aside, and the higher and more important
publications, which afterwards occupied his
time, prevented its resumption, although the
idea was never wholly abandoned by him.

After his death, many friends, who remem-
bered the delight with which the Story had
been listened to, were desirous that it should
be given to the world, and it was placed in
my hands with that intention.

I found it could not be published in its
then state, It was little more than a rough
draft, with marginal notes, and some portions
not written at all.

Notwithstanding this difficulty, we were
anxious for its publication. The Story not
only contains a practical and valuable Moral,

but it is calculated to influence that time of