EX 5199 R72 . 136 "At est bonus, ut melior vir Non alius quisquam." "Meus divinior atque os Magna somaturum." "Commisisse cavet, quæ mox mutare laboret." "Qualis ab incepto." "BE THOU AN EXAMPLE OF THE BELIEVERS, IN WORD, IN CONVERSATION, IN CHARITY, IN SPIRIT, IN FAITH, IN PURITY." "I WILL GIVE YOU A MOUTH AND WISDOM." 1 Tim. iv. 12. Luke xxi. 15. "HEAL THE SICK, CLEANSE THE LEPERS, RAISE THE DEAD, CAST OUT DEVILS." Matt. x. 8. "WHEN A MAN'S WAYS PLEASE THE LORD, HE MAKETH EVEN HIS ENEMIES TO BE AT PEACE WITH HIM." Prov. xvi. 7. "THOU SHALT REST AND STAND IN THY LOT AT THE END OF THE DAYS." COE, Printer, Little Carter Lane, London. Dan. xii. 13. T PREFACE. Ar length I redeem my pledge, by publishing a memoir of my beloved and most esteemed Friend! When, on the solemn occasion of his interment, I yielded to the request of a mourning band of clergymen who had walked before his hearse, I had a very inadequate conception of the difficulties in which my engagement would involve me. My scanty materials have not been procured without some expense of time and pains; and my numerous avocations, stated and incidental, have so retarded the progress of my work as nearly to force upon me the conclusion, that I was wrong in undertaking it. More than once I would gladly have committed the task into other hands; but an unwillingness to relinquish it, arising from various motives which the reader will readily comprehend, kept it fast in my own. The parochial minister of an extensive charge in a populous town has no business, I am much inclined to say, to commence author: but, if this " greatness be thrust upon him," may he not hope that his situation shall be allowed to furnish some excuse for a delay which would otherwise be unpardonable, and for some faults and imperfections in his work, which might be visited heavily on one who has less to do? Methinks it, should mitigate censure, if it may not wholly repress it. I owe acknowledgments to many friends for the kindness with which they have afforded me information; and I must request all those who have favoured me with communications, to receive this public assurance of my sincere respect and gratitude. My design seemed naturally to open itself into four leading particulars; the LIFE -MINISTRY- -WRITINGS and CHARACTER of Mr. Robinson. A correct view of his character must be formed out of the consideration of the previous materials; and by way of making these more complete, and that our conclusions may be formed on just and sufficient data, I have inserted some of his familiar letters: for which I feel myself particularly indebted to the kindness of those near and dear friends who supplied me with them. These, if I mistake not, will be read with peculiar interest, and will be considered as by far the most valuable part of the volume. In tracing the incidents of his life, I have not followed a strict chronological series, but have pursued subjects rather than the course of events. For instance, having occasion to speak of the repeal of the Test Act at p. 126, I have put down all which Mr. Robinson did in the course of his ministry, connected with that subject. Having occasion to speak of the Abolition of the Slave Trade at p. 134, I have pursued the same course. Having mentioned his marriage at p. 91, I have related all which I saw it necessary to state respecting that connection. I have preferred the general title of " SOME ACCOUNT" to one |