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 more than TWO HUNDRED POUNDS, during the author's own life-time. THOUSAND 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 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 the bookseller,* either the originals, or authenticated copies of such parts as may not be mixed up up with private affairs. To those who have already complied with this request, I beg leave here to return 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 6, 1822. * Mr. Armstrong, Boston. CONTENTS. A peculiarity in his early turn of mind, 1762. Short apprenticeship to a surgeon, at Alford, Remarkable incident during his apprenticeship, Extracts from the 'Force of Truth,' relative to this period, Hardships from his sixteenth to his twenty-sixth year. Some account of other members of his family, 1772. His ordination by the Bishop of Lincoln, (Sept. 20th.) CHAPTER IV. THE GREAT CHANGE IN HIS RELIGIOUS VIEWS. 1775. Removal to the curacy of Ravenstone, 1776,2 Birth of his two eldest children, 1775. Death of his sister Mrs. Gibbons, Great change in his religious views, Important letters relative to this subject, 1776. He devotes himself entirely to the work of the ministry, His sentiments on study and learning, Doctrinal views at the close of 1776, ib. LETTERS BELONGING TO THE PERIOD OF THE PRE- CEDING CHAPTER. 1779. Letters on numerous deaths in his family, particularly his infant son, 1780. On the death of his daughter, 1778, 2 On the impression produced on his relations by his change CHAPTER VII. FROM THE FIRST PROPOSAL OF THE CURACY OF OLNEY, TO THE CLOSE OF HIS MINISTRY THERE. 1780. Proposal of the curacy of Olney, Changes there on Mr. Newton's removal, Charge of scolding in the pulpit, 1785. Situation at the Lock proposed, Finances, 159-163 Society in London, 165-170 ib. 189-199 190 |