The careful reader will at once perceive that Dr. Whitehead is no ordinary writer. The elegance, strength and perspicuity of his lan guage, the facility and faithfulness of his delineations, amply qualify him for the acceptable performance of the task which Mr. Wesley, in confidence, intrusted to him. With the hope that the efforts which I have made to republish this valuable work, and which have been attended with great expense, will be duly appreciated, and that the work itself may be the means of further extending the public acquaintance with the founders, Doc trines and early usages of a dearly cherished religious institution, I remain the Public's humble and obedient servant in the bonds of the Gospel.