RECOMMENDATIONS. "I HAVE read a part of Mr. Ely's First Journal with pleasure, and am also happy to learn that a Second is about appearing." JAMES K. BURCH, Pastor of the 5th Pres. Church, Philadelphia. It were superfluous to add to the preceding recommendations. It may, however, be permitted to state, that the First Part of this Journal has been received with as high a degree of approbation in England, as any work ever written on this side of the Atlantic. Philadelphia. THE PUBLISHER. PREFACE. THERE are subjects of vital importance to the young people of our cities, and to strangers who visit them, upon which parents rarely speak, and public teachers never preach. Shaii no warning be given, where it is indispensably necessary, because it cannot be given from the pulpit? Many laws are essential to the well being of the state, which could not with propriety be read to a promiscuous society. Should they for this reason be abrogated, or unwritten? Many parts of the Bible are of infinite use to individuals, which it is best, generally, to read in private. From the highest authority, the author of this volume has taken an example, and hereby sends an admonition to young men, who are on the brink of ruin; and to females, who have almost passed, for some favourite individual, the boundaries of decorum; with the hope that it will present sufficient interest to secure a perusal, and truth enough to make them tremble. The reader will meet with nothing fictitious in the following pages, excepting some initials, which are designed to conceal the true names of the persons of whom I write ; while they afford an opportunity of tracing, from time to time, the history of the same individual. For some descriptions, with which the curious will meet, if any apology be decmed necessary, I can only say, that they are faithful exhibitions of depraved human nature, in the condition in which I have found it; and such exhibitions as are deemed necessary by many of the wise and good for the promotion of virtue. I have heard, indeed, "that a very genteel lady, of one of the most respectable families, said, concerning my former publication, I wonder if Mr. Ely thinks that a religious book, which is nothing but a history of ****** and beggars? To this extremely delicate person, and to all who PREFACE. xi correspond with her in sentiment, LORD BYRON may say, ". Gayer insects fluttering by, Ne'er droop the wing o'er those that die; And every woe a tear can claim, Let those who imagine that they stand, take heed lest they fall; and let all sinners have compassion on such as are out of the way; yes, let us all be grateful, who enjoy the pleasures of a good conscience, of reputation, and abundance; for who hath made us to differ. That this little volume may give no offence to reasonable and candid men; may furnish, in many cases, a practical application of scriptural doctrine; may warn the wicked; and encourage those, who show unto sinners the way of salvation, is the sincere wish of the reader's friend, Philadelphia, October 20th, 1815. EZRA STILES ELY. |