VI DEDICATION. 



' which we tread upon finds a pang as great as when a 

 " giant dies," would not wantonly and unnecessarily 

 hurt the smallest insect. " Blessed are the merciful, 

 " for they shall obtain mercy," is a voice from Heaven, 

 to be heard, not in behalf of man alone, but of all God's 

 creatures here on earth. Although an almost un- 

 interrupted prosecution of the duties of our high 

 calling have left you little time and leisure, in middle 

 and later life, to follow the pursuit of which I have 

 taken in hand to hold converse, yet I well know your 

 taste and relish for fishing have never been lost ; nor 

 have you seen cause to condemn it, if followed in a 

 way of wise moderation, and in subservience to those 

 claims of duty which devolve upon every Christian, 

 and, with accumulated force and sanction, on every 

 Christian minister. 



With every sentiment of regard, esteem, and 

 friendship, 



I subscribe myself, 



My dear and valued friend, 

 Yours most faithfully, 



THE AUTHOR. 



