THE Works of ISAAC PENINGTON, from which the present volume is compiled, were written about the middle of the seventeeth century, (having been first published during the reign of Charles II.) They have had several editions in Great-Britain, the last of which, in four volumes octavo, was printed in the year 1784. The Author was an eminent Minister of the Society of Friends, and suffered greatly, through frequent imprisonments, in those days of persecution, for a faithful adherence to the principles he has so ably advocated.

The treatises of which these volumes are composed, were written at different times, and on various occasions. Some of them give a general view of the author's sentiments; some are in reply to the attacks or animadversions of others; many are addressed to the different religious professors of that age; and others to the members of his own religious community. But on whatever occasion written, whether to convince, to persuade, or defend, we find them every where manifesting the same Christian spirit; every where animated by one principle, and tending to one object; the denial of self, of our own will, of our own wisdom in all its specious appearances and subtle devices; and through this, the exaltation of the principle of Truth, [the Seed, the Pearl, the Light, or Grace of God, Christ within,] revealed in the heart of

man, as the alone sufficient Guide and Teacher. Redeemed from the world, through many tribulations, and deeply experienced in the ways of God with man, he was indeed eminently qualified to declare unto others what he had learnt in the school of Christ, what he had' therein 'heard, what he had seen, and handled of the word of life.

Should any Reader be disposed to think that the Author sometimes speaks too highly or too confidently of his own attainments in the Truth, let him reflect, that it is not to any thing of or in himself, as man, but the principle of Truth itself, he refers to, as producing the effects he describes; abundantly acknowledging, with the Apostle, that it was by the Grace of God that he was what he was. But while in that state from which all boasting is necessarily excluded, how powerfully convincing must have been the appeal to others, to come and see, and judge of the principle professed and recommended, by the fruits it produced in the professors. For want of this union, how greatly has the cause of Christianty suffered in every age.

These valuable Works have never been reprinted in this country, though well known, and highly esteemed by many Friends. Being voluminous and expensive, in their present form, it has been thought desirable, that a Selection should be made from them, adapted, from its size and price, for more extensive circulation. With this view, the present compilation was commenced, and has been brought to a close. Though apparently an easy task, some difficulties have occurred in its execution. Between pieces, having in the judg ment of the Compiler, nearly equal claims to selection, he has in some instances found it difficult to decide, and is not unaware, that some with whom the work is familiar, may be disposed to think,

that a different choice would have been preferable. It may also be proper to observe, that a few of the pieces in this Collection are very considerably abridged, particularly towards the close, and others slightly so, of which some intimation is generally given; but that no censure of the parts that are left is hereby intended, or any disposition felt to lessen such portions in the estimation of the Reader. An abridgment in some instances appeared necessary, the better to adapt some of the pieces to a publication of this limitted extent. But should any derive instruction from what is here presented, it is hoped they will, when they have opportunity for it, be induced to take up the original work, where they will find much that has strong claims upon the attention of every thoughtful and enquiring mind. Let all, indeed, be read in the spirit in which it was written, and instruction, it is believed, will be derived from all.

In reference, however, to some of these Writings, embracing deeply spiritual views, and evinc、 ing large experience in the mysteries of godli ness,' the cautionary advice of the Author, (page 263 of this Selection,) seems very applicable :

"He that readeth these things, let him not strive to comprehend them; but be content with what he feeleth thereof suitable to his own present estate; and as the life grows in him, and he in the life, and he comes to meet with the things and exercises spoken of, the words and experiences concerning them will of themselves open to him, and be useful and serviceable to him so far as the Lord pleaseth, he keeping to the leading, savour and principle of life in himself, wherein alone his knowledge, sight, growth, and experiences, are safe."

The Writings of PENINGTON breathe so pure a spirit of Christianity, and manifest an attachment so ardent to the great cause in which all the powers of his mind were engaged, that we think but few will feel any disposition to criticise the language in which his thoughts are clothed. While it is evident that he was too much occupied with his subject to attend to the beauties of composition, his style is that of the age in which he wrote. During the one hundred and fifty years that have since elapsed, the English language has been polished and refined ; but a reference to some of these pieces, we think would be sufficient to shew, that it has not, in the same proportion gained in strength of expression. They were, however, never offered to the public as literary compositions. The object of the Writer was not to amuse, but to instruct; and to instruct in things the most deeply interesting to man, even those which regard his eternal peace.

The Compiler will feel amply rewarded, should his labours have a tendency to make these valuable Writings more generally known, particularly to the Society of which he is a Member.

NEW-BEDFORD, 9 mo. 1, 1818.

Where paragraphs are inserted out of the order in which they originally stood, they are generally inclosed, [in this manner,] between brackets.

All references from this Compiliation, are to the octavo edition of the original work.

A table of Contents is given at the close of the Volume.