THE PREFACE To the READER.
THIS account of the life and spiritual experience of
James Albert, was taken from his own mouth, and
committed to paper by the elegant pen of a young Lady of the town of Leominster, for her own
private satisfaction, and without any intention, at first, that it should be
made public. But she has now been prevailed on to commit it to the
press, both with a view to serve Albert and his
distressed family, who have the sole profits arising from the sale of it ;
and likewise, as it is apprehended, this little history contains matter well
worthy the notice and attention of every Christian reader.
Perhaps we have here in some degree, a solution of that
question that has perplex'd the minds of so many serious persons, viz.
In what manner will God deal with those benighted parts of the world
where the gospel of Jesus Christ hath never
reached? Now, it appears, from the experience of this remarkable
person, that God does not save without the knowledge of the truth ; but,
with respect to those whom he hath foreknown, though born under
every outward disadvantage, and in the regions of the grossest darkness
and ignorance, he most amazingly acts upon, and
influences,
their minds, and in the course of wisely and most
wonderfuly appointed providence, he brings them to the means of
spiritual information, gradually opens to their view the light of his truth,
and gives them full possession and enjoyment of the inestimable
blessings of his gospel. Who can doubt but that the suggestion so
forcibly press'd upon the mind of Albert
(when a
boy) that there was a Being superior to the sun, moon, and stars (the
objects of African idolatry) came from the Father of lights, and was,
with respect to him, the first fruit of the display of gospel glory? His
long and perilous journey to the coast ofGuinea,
where he was sold for a slave, and so brought into a Christian land ;
shall we consider this as the alone effect of a curious and inquisitive
disposition ? Shall we, in accounting for it refer to nothing higher than
mere chance & accidental circumstances ? Whatever Infidels & Deists
may think, I trust the Christian reader will easily discern an all wise and
omnipotent appointment and direction in these movements. He belonged
to the Redeemer of lost sinners ; he was the purchase of his cross ; and
therefore the Lord undertook to bring him by a way he knew not, out of
darkness into his marvellous light, that he might lead him to a saving
heart-acquaintance and union with the triune God in Christ, reconciling
the world unto himself ; and not imputing their trespasses. As his call
was very extraordinary, so there are certain particulars exceedingly
remarkable in his experience. God has put singular honor upon him in
the exercise of his faith and patience, which, in the most distressing and
pitiable trials and calamities, have been found to the praise and glory of
God. How deeply must it affect a tender heart, not only to be reduc'd to
the last extremity
himself, but to have his wife and children perishing for
want before his eyes ! Yet his faith did not fail him ; he put his trust in
the Lord, and he was delivered. And, at this instant, though born in an
exalted station of life, and now under the Pressure of various afflicting
Providences, I am persuaded (for I know the man) he would rather
embrace the dunghill, having Christ in his heart, than give up his
spiritual possessions and enjoyment, to fill the throne of Princes. It
perhaps may not be amiss to observe, that James Albert
left his native country (as near as I can guess from certain
circumstances) when he was about 15 years old. He now appears to be
turn'd of 60 ; has a good natural understanding ; is well acquainted
with the scriptures, and the things of God ; has an amiable and tender
disposition ; and his character can be well attested not only at
Kidderminster,
the place of his residence, but likewise by
many creditable persons in London and other places. Reader,
recommending this Narrative
to your perusal, and
him who is the subject of it, to your charitable regard,
I am your faithful and obedient servant,
For Christ's sake,
W. SHIRLEY.
