will think none the worse of Christians, if they speak and write about the evils in the church, and by so doing, try to bring about a more evident consistency between the Christian profession and practice. It may be said that in some of the narratives, matters are introduced that do not strictly belong there. That is true; but in all such instances there was a special object in view, and it would make too long a story for the writer to explain, in each instance, what that object was. Having said thus much, he leaves his readers to find whatever fault they please. Should any persons suppose they are represented by any of the characters herein drawn, the author can only say, they know much better than he does, how nearly these characters correspond with their own, and if they find coats that fit them, he would on no account whatever, take the responsibility of saying they must not wear them. Rather will it be his prayer, that in wearing them they may find much comfort; that they may warm them, as well as cover them; and prove useful and wellfitting garments. He does not say that he had any persons in view, but should any think so, he would by no means interfere with their freedom of opinion. No doubt there will be a difference of opinion in reference to the Unique. While some may think it was called for, and came just in the nick of time, others may think it was uncalled for, and had better been burned than published. Probably some cautious, prudent brethren will wisely shrug the shoulders, and still more wisely shake the head, and say, I am rather afraid of its influence; and others, perhaps, will say, I think it will prove useful. At any rate, I am willing it should be read, and then leave it to a higher power to take care of its influence. "Some said, John, print it, others said, not so. Some said, it might do good, others said, no." Many ministers, churches, and private Christians can take useful hints from this book, if they choose; and if they do not choose to do so, the responsibility will lie at their own door. Should any individuals take a hint from it, that should exert a good practical influence upon their lives, the writer will be perfectly satisfied with that, and will cheerfully let them think of him and his book in any manner that will be most comfortable to themselves. People often speak, when discussing the merits of any publication, as if this world were all in all. We should remember that there is another world, of much more importance to us than this. The writer has tried to keep this fact in view. Had he written merely to please, he would have taken a different subject; or, at least, he would have omitted much that this volume contains. Unique Street, Castle Terrace, THE UNIQUE. CHAPTER I. THE MINISTRY OF REV. HEZEKIAH BLUEVILLE. "A man he was to all the country dear." On a mild and balmy day towards the close of the summer of 18—, just as the sun was beginning to peep over the mountains, and scatter by his genial rays the mists that had shrouded the valley of A- two young men with quickened pace were hurrying along the somewhat winding and romantic road of that valley, and rapidly lessening the distance between them and the pleasant village of B——, nothing of which could as yet be discerned, but the spire of its neat and pretty church. Something in their looks, as the bland |