CHRISTIAN THOROUGHNESS: A MEMORIAL SKETCH OF THOMAS AVERELL SHILLINGTON, J.P., OF PORTADOWN. BY THE REV. JOHN DWYER, AUTHOR OF CHRISTIAN WORK FOR GENTLE HANDS," "DAILY HELP London PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHOR, AT THE 1875. 210. m. 464. LONDON: PRINTED BY BEVERIDGE AND CO. (SUCCESSORS to r. needham), HOLBORN PRINTING WORKS, FULLWOOD's rents, w.c. PREFACE. Na letter received from a brother minister, when IN "You the preparation of this Memoir was under consideration, the following observation occurs :will have no apology to make for the production of such a life, and no blemishes to cover." This fact removes at the outset a serious obstacle which often lies in the way of biographers. It is a sorry case when the narrative of any one's life has to be commenced with an apology for its existence. In this instance no such necessity exists. As a Christian man Mr. Shillington was a model; and his character is sketched with the view of setting forth the grace of God as exhibited in him, and of encouraging others to aim at similar, if not equal, excellence. admitted that we are already provided with biography, even to superabundance; still this can scarcely be asserted in regard to Christian men of business. Their biographies are not so numerous as to leave no room for another. It is The only matter which needs explanation is the authorship of the following pages. This position is not self-assumed, and in attempting to discharge its duties the writer has felt his lack of fitness. It was undertaken at the request of Mr. Shillington's family; and, in the first instance, with the idea of merely preparing a sketch for one of the Methodist periodicals. The existence of a long and valued friendship must be accepted as the reason for the choice; and, when it was made, refusal did not seem to be a course that could be justified. Grateful acknowledgments are tendered to those who have so willingly afforded their valuable aid. Amongst these may be specially mentioned his daughters, his son-in-law, Mr. Thomas Shillington, and his brothers, Messrs. Averell and John Shillington. Through their assistance it is hoped that some approach has been made to a fitting estimate of Mr. Shillington's character and career, while the volume has been enriched with sketches of his father and mother, incidents illustrative of the history of Methodism in the neighbourhood, and notices of several worthy persons, all of which are in keeping with the portrayal of the central figure. The preparation of this work has been pleasant to the writer, and has been blessed to his own soul. Each page has been written in prayerful dependence on Divine aid, and the book is now commended to the favour and guidance of Him whose faithful servant Mr. Shillington was, with the humble but confident hope that His blessing may accompany its perusal, and that many may by it be led to a fuller consecration to God and a quickened activity in His service. J. D. Belfast, June, 1875. |