PREFACE TO THE FIFTH EDITION. When the publishers, in compliance with the suggestions of several respectable and influential members of the denomination, adopted the plan of issuing neat and uniform editions of valuable works by Universalist authors, they had but few inducements to incur the expense of the undertaking, and many difficulties to encounter. At that time, owing to the unpopularity of the doctrine, it could not have been reasonably expected that large editions of any works devoted exclusively to the interests of the order, would be disposed of; and, as the only expedient that promised an ultimate indemnification, they resolved to stereotype such as were deemed permanently useful, and publish, from time to time, such a number of copies as the demand should warrant, and regulate the price by the amount disposed of. With a view to furnish the order with a series of publications adapted to its wants, and suited to the improved taste of the community, they gave works of this character issued by them, the general title of "THE UNIVERSALIST LIBRARY," and the Life of Murray was the first of the series. In this undertaking, they had but little to fear from competition; since few, if any, at that time, were disposed to hazard the expense of publishing Universalist works of this class; and had it been the desire of any to run risks of the kind, for the good of the denoinination, there were works not a few, in the republication of which there was sufficient scope for a laudable enterprise. Still, if the public can derive advantage from a fair and honorable competition, the publishers of this edition will not complain, as it has ever been their determination to afford it at as low a rate as possible without pecuniary loss. In the former edition of the Life of Murray, little more was attempted than to furnish the public with the original work, with a few explanatory remarks. To this much useful and interesting information has been added; and it is thought to contain all that is necessary, to secure for it the countenance and approbation of the order. In the Appendix, something like an epitome of the views of Mr. Murray on several points of theology has been attempted. Many interesting facts and reminiscences, have been collected. The account of the scene of his first labors in this country, and of the tribute of respect which has been recently paid to the name and memory of his early friend and patron, will be found particularly valuable. An Index sufficiently copious for all useful purposes of reference has been added to this edition, and much pains has been taken to render the work complete in all its parts. Aug. 23, 1833. The Publishers. CONTENTS. The Author becomes a happy husband, a happy father. He embraces the 'truth, as it is in Jesus,' and from this, and other combining cau- ses, he is involved in great difficulties. Death deprives him of his wedded friend, and his infant șon, and he is overtaken by a series of The bereaved man quitting his native shores, embarks for America, in- dulging the fond hope of sequestering himself in the solitude for which he sighed. But, contrary to his expectations, a series of circumstan- ces unite to produce him a Promulgator of the gospel of God, our |