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L. B. SEELEY AND SONS, THAMES DITTON, SURREY,

The Latter

ans!

By Mrs. Sherwood.

PUBLISHED BY R. B. SEELEY AND W. BURNSIDE;
AND SOLD BY L. B. SEELEY AND SONS,
FLEET STREET, LONDON.

MDCCCXXXIII.

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IN introducing the Latter Times' to the attention of the public, it may, perhaps, be as well to say something of the motives which induced the Author to undertake a work of so peculiar a

nature.

Being two summers ago in the library of a friend, the Author was surprised to see the table covered with a variety of new publications, all referring to the signs of the times, and shewing how various passages of prophecy are fulfilled in the present state of society. That many of these small volumes displayed much learning, piety, and beauty of composition, was generally allow

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ed; but the inquiry being made, who will read them? it was almost unanimously agreed by a large circle then present, that they would be perused only by persons already impressed with the importance of the subjects on which they treated; and that they were not calculated to attract any description of reader not already interested in that which ought to be equally interesting to all, namely, those awful symptoms of the dissolution of society; those wars and rumours of wars, and other appalling tokens which are continually occurring in these days, to admonish us to look to the end, and be prepared for that which may arrive.

It was then suggested that if some of the leading prophecies which had been brought forward in these graver treatises could be arranged in a more popular and attractive form; there might perhaps be a hope, under the divine blessing, of drawing the attention of some persons who would not easily be tempted to forego amusement for edification; and the Author being requested by the whole assembled party, to direct

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