Preface

The hite venerable Dr. Ryland said of the subject of this memoir, “He possessed such an assemblage of lovely graces and acceptable qualifications as are seldom found united, even in truly Christian ministers. He had the firmest attachment to evangelical truth, and the most constant regard to practical godliness; he united remarkable soimdness of judgment with uncommon warmth of affection. I never saw. at least in one of his years, such active, ardent zeal, conjoined with such gentleness, modesty, and deep humility, so much of the little child, and so much of the Evangelist — I can scarcely forbear saying of the Apostle of Jesus Christ.” “One thing I will say, which I could say of very few others, though I have known many of the excellent of the earth, — that I never saw or heard of any thing respecting him which grieved me, imless it was his inattention to his health; — and that I believe was owing to a mistaken idea of his constitution.”

In the funeral discourse preached by Rev. Mr. Fuller, he says, “There are but few characters in this imperfect state that will bear an impartial scrutiny; and which do not require, if exhibited to advantage, that a number of their words and deeds should be overlooked, or thrown, as by a painter, into the shade. But I solemnly declare that were I disposed to say all I know of our deceased friend, both bad and good, I should be utterly at a loss on one side, nor have I any fear of speaking too much on the other; but rather am persuaded that it is not in my power to do him justice. He was, doubtless, a sinful and imperfect creature before God; but he was also a singular instance of the holy and happy efficacy of divine grace, whose imperfections were as few, and whose excellences as many, as I have ever witnessed in a mortal man. Some, who knew but little of him, may think this too strong, I only say, they that knew him best will be the least disposed to think so.”