PREFACE. It is not my intention to add to a volume, already perhaps too bulky, by here enlarging on any of those topics which the subject of biography in general, or the contents of the present work in particular, might suggest. All that I propose is, briefly to advert to a few points which may seem to require notice. The narrative, which I now present to the world, will no doubt produce upon different classes of readers very different impressions. Possibly it may carry a degree of offence to the feelings of some, to contemplate the very humble scenes in which one, who has since been regarded with much veneration, was conversant throughout the former years of his life. This however is a case in which, could the sentence be divested of the pride, I fear, inherent in it, we might be tempted to apply the words, Quantum generi demas, virtutibus addis.' But it is more becoming to say, as my father was accustomed to do-without at all wishing to disparage external distinctions where they existed-that in all 1 To depress my rank is to exalt my character. these respects he was a man of no pretensions. Nor can any Christian, appreciating his other qualifications, consistently regard him the less on that ac count. Others may view, not without jealousy, a person who, by his own shewing, was once "far off" from God and from goodness, represented as eminently 66 brought nigh;" distinguished by the divine blessing, and by great usefulness in the church of Christ. The real and well informed Christian, however, will regard the mighty change with far other feelings: and to all descriptions of persons his family and friends would say, If we "glory" in our revered relative, it is not in what he was by nature, but in what he became by divine grace: or, to express the sentiment in terms which would have been still more agreeable to his own principles and feelings, We "glorify GOD in him." Some may perhaps object to the full disclosure that is made of those circumstances of his history and character, which always humbled him in his own sight, and which may tend to abase him in the view of worldly or pharisaical persons. There remained however not much of this nature to be added to the confessions of "The Force of Truth:" his supplemental narrative, included in this volume, was all written in the same unreserved style: and it appeared to me that it would be unworthy of his biographer, as it would certainly have been contrary to his own wishes, to attempt any suppression of what neither could nor needed to be concealed. It is more than possible that the publication of so detailed a story, concerning a clergyman of humble station, may appear to many a proceeding altogether calling for-perhaps scarcely admitting of -apology. Some notice of this objection will be found in an early part of the work itself. I shall only here add, that I could not but remember that I was called to give to the public an account of a person, on whose works-of plain didactic theology-and those charged at the lowest price at which they could be afforded— that public had not thought it too much to expend upwards of Two HUNDRED THOUSAND POUNDS, during the author's own lifetime.1 On the part of many who bore a high regard for my father's character, some impatience has been expressed for the appearance of the present work. I trust however it will now be seen that time has not. been lost in bringing it forward. Indeed I cannot but fear that I may incur the charge, rather of premature publication than of unnecessary delay. The work itself will sufficiently explain the nature of the materials from which it has been composed. I would only therefore observe, that, of all the letters which are introduced into it, there is not one of which See the calculation concerning his Commentary alone, below, p. 295. any copy had been preserved by the writer. Their preservation has depended on the persons to whom they were addressed, and it appears to have been in great part accidental. The letters will, I trust, be judged a highly valuable part of the volume: and, as will appear to the reader, there are many more in reserve, from which a further selection may be given to the public, if it should be desired. With this view I would still earnestly invite those friends who possess letters of my father's to communicate to me, through the medium of my bookseller,' either the originals, or authenticated copies of such parts as may not be mixed up with private affairs. To those who have already complied with this request, I beg leave here to eturn my sincere acknowledgments. I find that it may not be superfluous to insert a caution with respect to any new publication bearing my father's name. Whatever is not expressly sanctioned by his family, must be considered as appearing contrary to their wishes. May 6th, 1822. I Mr. Seeley, 169, Fleet Street, London. CONTENTS. A peculiarity in his early turn of mind 1762. Short apprenticeship to a surgeon, at Alford..... Remarkable incident during his apprenticeship.... to Hardships from his sixteenth to his twenty-sixth year 21 1772. His ordination by the Bishop of Lincoln, (Sept. 20th) 34 He accepts the curacies of Stoke Goldington, and Weston Underwood, Bucks... Reflections on his ordination.. for Mr. S.'s censures of himself.... An incident .... Family of George Wrighte, Esq. of Gayhurst.... 49 |