Memoir of Jemima Wilkinson, a preacheress of the eighteenth century; containing an authentic narrative of her life and character, and of the rise, progress and conclusion of her ministry

Preface

In presenting the public with this History, the author begs leave to remark, that no pains or diligence, nor reasonable expense, has been spared in obtaining correct information; and although he had been personally acquainted with Jem «na for many years previous to her death, and knew much of her history, yet he has not here stated any acts or circumstances in relation to her character or conduct, without the authority of persona of respectability for their veracity from whom he re. ceived them, together with a solemn assurance that they had been eye and ear witnesses of all they related concerning her.

And although true it is, that from the great length of time which has elapsed since Jemima commenced her career as a Pieacheress, and from the imperfection of man's memory, some inaccuracies may have intervened as to the order of time in which the events of her life happened, yet as to the existence of those events, and their attendant circumstances, all those who pretend to relate them agrbe.with remarkable precision and exactness.

The history of Jemima Wilkinson thus rests upon the testimony of a variety of witnesses, one of whom was acquainted with her, and knew her well, from her birth to her death ; and the resid e of whom were intimately acquainted with her, were almost constantly with her, and had an opportunity of learning whatever took place in her society, from the commencement to the termination of her ministry. Although lis ere is some diversity of opinion among them as to the real views and character of Jemima, yet they agree precisely in the statement of all the material facts they undertake to relate. The author, therefore, feels warranted in

IV.

offering this to the reader as an authentic History of the life of Jemima Wilkinson. He makes no other pretension. That it is defective in point of style and ar. rangement, he is free to acknowledge. But these are defects which he has neither leisure nor skill to remedy, and for which lie will, therefore, make no apology ; nor is he at all anxious as to the good or ill will of critics: for as he does not expect, so neither will he ask, any exemption from the exercise of what they deem their rights. In conclusion, however, he would remark, that it has not been his intention to give offence to any one, but that he has written this Histon for the amusement of himself, and of those who may cht «e to read it.