I present the public with a book which will be differently received, according to the different dispositions of those into whose hands it shall chance to fall. The mentioning of visions, revelations, and other supernatural favours, will raise the curiosity of some and prove a jest to others, and in all probability will relish with very few in an age so little inclined to believe anything of this nature. However, since I am persuaded that those who are piously disposed will reap advantage by it, I see no reason why it should not be published for their sakes, notwithstanding whatever less favourable reception it may meet with. I am very willing to give so far in to the sentiments of those who declare against the publishing anything which appears singular, as to agree that nothing in this kind should be made public which is not grounded upon sufficient testimonies to secure the reader from being imposed upon. Though this caution is always necessary, yet more particular regard must be had to it when we treat of anything of this nature with relation to women. There are not wanting those, and in great number, who exaggerate so much in them the weakness of nature and the force of imagination and fancy, that they value themselves upon discrediting everything in this kind, and they seem persuaded that the only way not to be imposed upon is to believe nothing; but these persons, as is observed by a moderate author, do not seem to reflect that as it would be a simplicity to take everything upon trust without sufficient proof, it is no less a weakness of judgment not to assent when proof exists.