In turning my views towards a rising generation, in which description I include all who have not attained to middle age, and feeling a renewal of that cordial interest in their highest well-being, which has been often peculiarly awakened on behalf of a wide circle with whom I have been personally acquainted, I believe myself warranted to address the present salutation to a still wider range of the same class, and to solicit their attention to those sentiments and subjects which, from time to time, have been impressed on my mind; not, I apprehend, for my own sake only, but for the especial purpose of extending B or confirming their important influence through the present medium. I am duly aware of the great diversity as to states, stations, and circumstances, which are comprehended under this division of our Society, as also in reference to endowments natural and spiritual. Some among them, of whose progress from infancy to maturity I have been an interested witness, have themselves become heads of families; yet are they not less truly among the appropriate objects of that religious solicitude, which has been often revived in my heart for their growth in grace, and in the saving knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." I have a consoling hope, that among this number, not a very few of both sexes may be ranked with those of whom the Apostle John observed, that he "wrote unto them not because they knew not the truth, but because they knew it; and that no lie is of the Truth." To such as these, by whom the word of exhortation is willingly received, I am induced to believe the present volume will not be unacceptable; either as containing caution, counsel, and encouragement of a practical influence, or as embracing comprehensive views of Gospel Truths, more peculiarly of a doctrinal character. To such readers the Author would suggest how important and desirable may be their instrumentality, in promoting the objects of these labours of love, by introducing into their social circles, especially when enlarged by the company of other young people, the perusal of a Lecture or a Chapter designed to convey impressive information, to the inexperienced yet seriously disposed and enquiring mind; and that in a form which she hopes is alike calculated to preclude the labour of argumentative investigation, and the unsanctifying tendency of familiar discussion. The writer believes that He who declared to his disciples: Where two or three are gathered together in my Name, there am I in the midst of them;" will not be wanting to extend a portion of his blessing to any number, whether few or many, who are collectively engaged in promoting the knowledge of his Truth, though conveyed through channels inferior to those who denominated themselves "earthen vessels: " for |