M. N. Downing.
Binghamton, N. Y., April 24, 1888.
Dedication.
To the memory of her who became my companion when we first set sail on the domestic voyage of life, and who for seventeen years, by her amiability, Christian integrity, and faithfulness as a wife and mother, made home earth’s Paradise; and subsequently to her who for nearly twenty-five years has stood so heroically with me in the joys, sorrows, toils and sufferings consequent upon an itinerant’s life; and to the dear children given to us by these sacred relations, who now, as the infirmities of this uncertain life are coming upon us with sure and certain tread, manifest in the silvery locks, furrowed cheeks, bedimmed vision—all indicating that our sun is rapidly descending the western slope, so tenderly care for us in bearing the burdens of life, and lovingly provide for our comfort, is this work sacredly dedicated by
The Author.
Preface.
My reasons for writing and publishing this book are:
1—I believe that the Lord wanted me to. The burden has been on my heart for years to do this very thing.
2—I have a great desire to perpetuate the glory of God for the miraculous power displayed in saving one, who had been so great a sinner as me, and for so many years in the toil and conflict of life, leading me beside the still waters, and into green pastures; delivering me out of the hand of my enemies, and all their expectation again and again; bringing re-enforcements when it seemed that all supplies were cut off.
3—On several occasions for miraculous deliverance from drowning, when others perished, and for the preservation of life on other occasions, when nearly kicked to death by vicious horses, and badly bruised by them.