THE Vision OF MIDSUMMER MORNINGS' DREAM. BY F. STARR, NORWICH. "God spake once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not, in a DREAM, in a VISION of the "And it shall come to pass afterwards, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; TO THE AUTHOR OF THE "COMING STRUGGLE AMONG THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH." DEAR SIR, The frankness with which you have granted me permission to dedicate this work to you, demands a primary, and grateful acknowledgment; arising from the impression I have, that a favourable inference, must be the accompaniment; although it does not necessarily involve either of us, in the unrestricted adoption of our several views of the present momentous crisis, at the same time, it cannot but strike the minds of those, who have read the "Coming Struggle," and "Midsummer Mornings' Dream," also, that there is a singular coincidence in them, in reference to the Present War; and what renders that coincidence the more remarkable, is, your deductions are made from Scripture Prophecy, and mine entirely from the Prophetic teaching of the occult power, I have evidently been under. The more than singularity of this fact, might give rise to the impression that some collusion existed between us, as it has been principally on this account, that I have sought for the permission you have so kindly granted; but I know not whom it is I address, and, therefore, the only reciprocity of feeling that can exist, at all events for the present, between us, must be found, in the circumstance to which I have thus alluded here, and more largely dealt with in the work itself; and, the far more important consideration, "What is to be the end of all these things?" "Whether it is a sign, and inauguration of the Millennium," or not, one purpose I trust is clearly manifest in us, viz.-that we seek to make the matter, familiar, in a channel where perhaps, the subjects of either a tr Millennium," or a Second Coming," are the least likely to be discussed; otherwise, the fact of your productions, having obtained, so world-wide, a celebrity, should prompt me, to use different language. I therefore beg you, Sir, to accept of my hearty thanks, for having permitted one of such humble pretensions to literature, as myself, to associate, a great unknown," with a name, hitherto but little connected, with so high a walk in society; in either case, a matter of but slight import, identified as our productions are, with subjects of such paramount consideration; for to "HIM" in whom all goodness dwells, our motives are well known, and by "Him" our "works" will be judged. I believe our desire in this respect to be reciprocal, however wide apart we may be on doctrinal points. I therefore feel most unfeigned pleasure, in thus having the opportunity of according my humble testimony, to the able, and concise, manner, in which you have treated the subject, and to dedicate this volume to you. May He in whose hands are the issues of all things, bless you, in your continued efforts. I am, Dear Sir, With great respect, and gratitude, Norwich, 1854. Yours faithfully, F. STARR. CONTENTS. INTRODUCTORY-Character of the two works, formerly published; "Twenty Years of a Traveller's Life," and "Midsummer Mornings' Dream"- Reasons and inferences-Question considered, whether personal or other- wise-References to various correspondents-" Walk by faith, and not by sight"-Anecdote The Christian's faith-Paul's, and how created- "Samson" and "Manoah "-The activity of the Christian considered- Difficulties-Clerical aid-" Samuel "—" Eli "-Reasons for calling the dia- logue "The Voice"-The answer to prayer-Setting up and setting down— The tax-gatherer-Employers' gratitude-What might have been avoided by silence-Its probable consequences-Reciprocity in letter-writing-Satan's The silence of the press-Difficulties its writers have to contend with- Reasons for the title of the "Dream"-Review of its early chapters- Reference to Mysterious Beings-And reasons for silence on that portion of the "Dream"-It remains a MYSTERY-Proof offered, the visitation, and attendant circumstances, have not disturbed the mind of the writer, business attended to immediately after it, in the ordinary way-Mr. SPIKE-Angels upon the earth-THE PROPHECY OF THE WAR. June, 1850-Its termination prophecied of Treatment formerly experienced, for prophesying a war— 28 |