ted, through the mercy of their God and Saviour, to enter
into that "better country," where they are no more exposed to the trials
of time, no more exposed to the scoffs and persecutions of men, and no
more affected by the calumnies of "false Brethren."

Whilst, however, expressing a sincere and affectionate regard for the
memories of those who have preceded me in religious professions, I would
add that I consider them worthy to be followed only as they followed
Christ, and that if I go forth by the footsteps of this flock of my
Saviour's companions, it is that I may feed beside that good Shepherd's
tents, where, I believe, they found plentiful pasture.

I would most explicitly state, the present publication is no party act,
or an act originating in party feeling, for though I must take a
heartfelt interest in the present proceedings in our Society, yet I
deeply feel that, even if I see, or think I see, the Ark of the Covenant
of our God unsteadily placed as upon a new cart, there is a danger of
putting forth, like Uzza of old, uncalled and unprepared hands for its
support.

To the serious attention of all honest hearted enquirers after truth do
I commend this little Pamphlet, believing that the principles set forth
in the annexed Sermon, are the principles uniformly avowed and supported
by the "early Friends," and that (however their views and writings may
be distorted and belied) the whole Gospel of a crucified and risen
Saviour, in all its freeness, and in all its fullness, was what they
sought to publish, and by their lives to adorn.

C. GILPIN.

_Manchester, 4th Month, 1836._

SERMON.

The great and blessed God that made heaven and earth, the seas and the
great fountains of the deep, and rivers of water, the Almighty JEHOVAH,
who is from everlasting to everlasting. He also made man and woman; and
his design was to make them eternally happy and blessed. And therefore
he made man in his own image; "in the image of God created he him, male
and female created he them:" He made them after his own likeness holy,
wise, merciful, just, patient, and humble, endued them with knowledge,
righteousness, and true holiness. But man and woman through their
transgressions lost this image of God, and with it lost their happiness
and true blessedness, that God made them in a capacity to enjoy.

Now in this state of MISERY into which we are fallen, we are come short
of the glory of God; and it is out of this wretched