I think there are very few serious troubles befal us, but God is pleased to give us some intimation of their approach; so I have frequently found it, either by uncommon joys or remarkable impressions, and very often by dreams, and these repeatedly. I know this last idea will expose me again to the contempt of heedless characters; but it is written—“God speaketh once, yea twice, though man perceiveth it not.” However, many have found it too true. God spoke so to Joseph, to the butler, and baker, in prison; to Pharaoh, and to many others of old, and I am fully persuaded he speaks to us. Not that dreams have any thing to do with salvation business; although I am fully persuaded that the Lord has often first imprest many of his people with awful dreams, which have led them to a serious concern about their souls; and no doubt given them warning of approaching troubles: so I found it. I dreamed, one night, that a vast number of young scorpions, or small serpents, were crawling about the floor of the chapel; this at first alarmed me, but by my feet I crushed all but two, which fled to the very seat which was occupied by ******* and another. These I could not destroy, which left a painful sensation on my mind. When I awoke, I knew, at least I judged, some calamity was approaching; nor was I deceived. A gentlewoman soon after called upon me—she appeared very dejected; I enquired the cause, when she informed me she was sure some direful trial would shortly befal me. I asked why she thought so? Only from the repetition of her dream—which was, that she saw a cat, while I was in the pulpit, clasp me round the neck, and salute me; but, as she departed, she tore my neck and throat in so awful a manner that all were frightened who saw it. I told her it was but a dream; but she said she was sure it was of God, as the sad event proved. Shortly after this, I was invited to sleep at a friend’s house, which I did; but the second night, being indisposed, and having to meet the committee after service, the hour being late, I was advised and pressed not to go there; yet I knew I was expected, and being entreated, I complied. On my road a most unaccountable sensation seized me, and, as though a hand touched me, a voice, at the same time, seemed to say, “Do not go to-night.” I made an apology to the party I was with, by saying I would see them to the door, and then return home; but nothing would avail. O that I had followed the impressions. Shortly after this night, I heard a strange rumour, which produced a great deal of uneasiness. Evil reports were circulating; but, as if some strange infatuation had seized me, I took little notice of it, yet I thought it strange. These words came to me: “Agree with thine adversary quickly, while thou art in the way with him, lest at any time he deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.” Yet I