"THY way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known." LONDON: PUBLISHED BY JOHN MASON, AT THE WESLEYAN CONFERENCE OFFICE, 14, CITY-ROAD; PREFACE. THE small volume now presented to the public was prepared in the hope that it might serve the cause of Christ, by exhibiting a brief account of the religious state of Spain during that important period of European history which commences towards the close of the last century. If the author could have obtained leisure from the performance of other duties, he might have made a larger collection of subordinate details; but he trusts that all the leading events of the time are stated with sufficient clearness to enable the reader to trace the hand of God in the great' moral revolution which is in progress in that part of Europe; and in which British Christians might perform a prominent part, by establishing in that country, for themselves, "the means of grace;" and, as far as their legitimate influence extends, by affording a similar privilege to others. These pages are not encumbered by many references to authorities and documents to which English readers could not have access; and as there is no attempt made to conceal important facts, uch minute attestation becomes unnecessary. The events related are public; they recently occurred; most of them are well known in England; and A 3 26 X 2 as those portions of the work which embrace a detail of the proceedings of the Wesleyan Missionary Society contain nothing that is exaggerated or marvellous, the author feels confident that his testimony to the general character of the Spaniards, as being willing to hear the truth, will not be disputed. To the Committee of the Wesleyan Missionary Society he is indebted for cordial support during the most interesting years of his past life; and he rejoices in the persuasion, that the extending operations of that Institution in Continental Europe will be supported with increasing liberality by the friends of Missions, and crowned by abundant manifestations of divine favour in the conversion of multitudes to the fold of Christ, through the instrumentality of an increasing company of zealous and indefatigable labourers. Lynn, March 14th, 1844. WILLIAM H. RULE. |