and Common Sense, thus, "I saw this admirable treatise on the subject of original sin and human depravity, in manuscript, at Madeley. It was lost for some time betwixt Bristol and Madeley, but was at length found and published, to the conviction and edification of thousands. I hardly know a treatise that has been made so eminently useful." The likeness which accompanies the work, Mrs. Fletcher assured me was the best ever taken of her husband-upon the whole, it is hoped that no person can read this precious volume without feeling the greatest veneration for Mr. Fletcher's character and writings, and an ardent desire to imitate him as he imitated the great head of the church, who in the last struggles of dissolving nature enabled this faithful servant so gloriously to triumph over death and the grave, and administered to his immortal soul so largely an entrance into the holiest of all by the blood of Jesus! Well, this is our consolation, the good that is done upon the earth, the Lord doeth it himself, and to his name be ascribed glory and dominion for ever and ever, and that Mr. Fletcher's portion may be our portion, and his God our God, is the humble hope and sincere desire of the Baltimore, June 1, 1814. PUBLISHER. CONTENTS. From his conversion to his taking orders and en- tering upon the work of the Ministry, Of his qualifications for, and faithfulness in, the work of the ministry, and of his labours at Of the excursions he made to different places and his first visit to his native country, ✔ Of his declining state of health, the progress of his disorder and his behaviour under it, Page THE LIFE OF THE Rev. JOHN WILLIAM de la FLECHERE. OF HIS PARENTAGE AND YOUTH. JOHN WILLIAM DE LA FLECHERE (this was properly his name,) was born at Nyon in Switzerland,* a town about fifteen miles north of Geneva, on September the twelfth, in the year 1729. His father was an officer in the French service, till he left the army in order to marry. But after a time, he returned to the same line of life, and was a colonel in the militia of his own country. Of this gentleman, whose family is one of the most respectable in the Canton of Berne, and a branch of an Earldom of Savoy, Mr. Fletcher was the youngest son. He passed the early part of his life, at Nyon, where he soon discovered an elevated turn of mind accompanied with an unusual degree of vivacity. After having made a good proficiency in school learning, he was removed, with his two brothers, to Geneva, where he was distinguished equally by his superior abilities, and his uncommon application. The two first prizes, for which he stood Wesley's Life of Fletcher. + Gilpin's Notes subjoined to Fletcher's Portrait of St. Par! B a candidate, he carried away from a number of competitors, several of whom were nearly related to the professors: and on these occasions he was complimented by his superiors in a very flattering manner. During his residence at Geneva, he allowed himself but little time, either for recreation, refreshment, or rest. After confining himself closely to his studies all the day, he would frequently consume the greater part of the night in noting down whatever had occurred, in the course of his reading, worthy of observation. Here he acquired that true classical taste, which was so frequently and justly admired by his intimate friends, and which all his studied plainness could never conceal. Here also he laid the foundation of that extensive and accurate knowledge, for which he was afterwards distinguished, both in Philosophical and Theological researches. After quitting Geneva, he was sent by his father to Lentzbourg, a small town in the Swiss Cantons, where he not only acquired the German language, but diligently prosecuted his other studies, to which he ever discovered a passionate attachment. On his return from this place, he continued some time at home, studying the Hebrew language, and perfecting his acquaintance with Mathematical Learning. His early piety was equally remarkable with his early attainments. From his childhood he was impressed with a deep sense of the majesty of God, and a constant fear of offending him, and manifested great tenderness of conscience. Mr. Fletcher's early acquaintance with the Holy Scriptures guarded him, on the one hand, from the snares of infidelity, and preserved him on the other, from many of the vices peculiar to youth. His conversation was modest, and his whole conduct marked with a degree of rectitude, not usually to be found in early life. After Mr. Fletcher had gone through the usual course of study at the university of Geneva, it was the desire of |