PREFACE.



   By prescription, which often has the force of law, a
book should have both a Preface and an Introduction:
the first relating to the writer; the second to the things
written. I may well dispense with the latter, for what
is here written the humblest capacity can understand;
and it would be cruel to detain him long on the porch
who is anxious to enter the building.
   But, dear reader, a word with you (for that is the
meaning of " Preface ") before you begin this unpre-
tentious little book, the joint production of an author,
an editor, and a publisher.
   It is due the first, to say that he wrote what is here
called his Autobiography in great physical weakness,
and without expecting that it would appear in this
form. This will account for its homely garb, and apol-
ogize for it, if apology be necessary. Frank Allen had
no time to spend upon mere style in anything he
wrote. He aimed at clearness and force of expression,
and reached these in a remarkable degree in his latter
days. If any one, therefore, should take up this vol-
ume expecting to find literary entertainment, he will
have the search for his pains; but if he seeks for what
is far better, the secret of a life devoted to God and
                                               V.