PREFACE. WE live at a period in which many bold attempts have been made to discredit the authority of religion, and imbue the public mind with sentiments of infidelity and atheism: and the success of these attempts, especially among young persons of a reading and speculative turn, in the metropolis and other parts of the kingdom, has been frequently acknowledged and deplored. It is, indeed, to be lamented that a large portion of the literature of the age, and many works daily issuing from the press in the most fascinating style of composition, are deeply tinctured with the spirit of scepticism, and have become the means of diffusing it more widely in the most dangerous and insinuating forms. It is, therefore, incumbent on the lovers of christian truth, to use their best efforts to remedy the evil, and, as far as possible, to communicate to the public mind an antidote to infidelity, through the same channels which diffuse the poison. And as no species of writing is more attractive, especially to young persons, than private biography, it is hoped the present work may in some degree effect this desirable purpose. With this end in view, were the documents from which the writer compiled the following Memoirs, intrusted to his care, with full permission to make such use of them as he might think proper, if, upon mature consideration, he should deem the narrative worthy of public notice, and calculated to do good. But though the facts related are well known to the writer, due care has been taken to frustrate any attempt to ascertain the parties more immediately concerned. To gratify curiosity by disclosing any further particulars, would answer no good purpose. It has, therefore, been determined that no such disclosures shall be made. But if the following exercises of an ingenuous mind entangled in the mazes of infidelity, and the means of its restoration to the true and saving faith of the gospel, should afford relief to any who may yet be involved in the same perplexities, and should become an antidote to scepticism in christian families, the writer's ultimate design and best wishes respecting it will be answered. November, 1827. |