To the Reader. s odr

THE writer of the following pages

was born October 12, 1757: was educated at Harrow School: became a member of Clare-hall in

Cambridge January 1775: and

was elected a Fellow of that society in 1779. In 1782 he received the degree of Master of Arts: and vacated his Fellowship by marriage in 1786. In 1788 he became a resident minister of the parishes of Mileham and a 3

Frans

Fransham in Norfolk; which situation he changed in 1793 for the adjoining parish of Litcham and Lexham. He died January 31st 1795, after a short illness, in the 38th year of his age.

It may be imagined, perhaps by many, that a life, of which such was the outline, must have been as useless and insipid, as it was short and retired. Not such, however, will be the judgment of those whom experience or observation may have taught more justly to appreciate the character of an exemplary parish priest. Such will be aware, that to consti

tute

tute that character, there must be an union of learning and modesty; of spirit and of patience; that a marked detestation of vice must be made consistent with unabated charity for the offender; that the conduct of the man must never be at variance with the precepts of the preacher; that reproof must be tempered with gentleness; faith be made manifest by works; and zeal be directed by knowledge.

Whoever, indeed, can estimate the advantages which result to society from the exertions of a man at once sufficiently dignified and

conciliating to "reprove, rebuke, "and exhort with all long-suffer"ing and doctrine;" who can win over the rich to temperance and charity; and the poor to honest industry and contentment: above all, whoever reflects on the blessedness of turning but one sinner from the error of his ways unto righteousness, will admit, that when the conscientious discharge of such duties is chosen by any one as the basis on which to build his character, his labours (albeit hidden in the deepest retirement) are still directed to an end not unworthy the commendation of

the

the wisest men, or the gratitude

of the best.

The following discourses constitute the principle labours of their author in his ministry. The. species of merit, on which their editor founds his hope of their being well received by the public, is their plainness: and it was with a reference to this quality that he has intimated in the title page the auditors to whom they were delivered. The reader is requested to carry this in his recollection while he peruses them: because it accounts for, and gives to, their great simplicity

a value

of