THE REV. FLAVEL S. MINES.
BORN and nurtured in the bosom of Presbyterianism, graduated at her most honoured seat of learning in America, himself a Presbyterian clergyman of no mean reputation; the writer of the following pages came in due time, by the blessing of GOD, to see the errors of that system, and to look earnestly for the Church most clearly identified by doctrine and usage with that built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, JESUS CHRIST himself being the chief corner-stone.
Called to forsake error, he reasoned not with flesh and blood. How he reasoned, submitting himself to the light shining down from above on his faithfully continued efforts; how he searched the records which our LORD JESUS CHRIST, fulfilling His promise to be with His Church in all ages, hath caused to be preserved for its most certain guidance, let these pages testify.
But, was it nothing, to break asunder all the ties of youth and manhood, even though called as were Patriarchs, Prophets and Apostles, by no un certain voice, and for the kingdom of God's sake? In a worldly sense it was the loss of all things; but he of whom we now speak was enabled to take up the cross; and to the earnest Christian man seeking for truth through many countries, over whom the billows of the world have rolle he has left encouragement, in the certain traces of one who has but lately gone before. He has left
"Footprints that perhaps another,
Sailing o'er Life's solemn main-
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, may take heart again."