INTEODUCTION. XVll 



to have received a spark of their inspiration. His 

 style of preaching was most impressive. On 

 ascending the pulpit every eye and ear was 

 rivetted with attention, as with a depth of feeling 

 and power of language of the most impressive 

 nature, he delivered the Gospel message in all its 

 fulness, and in all the plenitude of its divine 

 mission ; but, nevertheless, in words so plain as 

 to be distinctly understood by the most unlettered 

 of his humble flock.' Not less earnest were his 

 private ministrations, for there were no cottagers 

 within the bounds of his extensive parish, who 

 failed to find in their pastor a ready sympathizer 

 in all their troubles and sorrows. 



In 1791 he erected a school at a cost of 400Z., 

 the money having been set apart for this excellent 

 purpose out of the profits of his publications. 

 Eleven years afterwards he determined to endow 

 this school, and, in order to enable him to do so, 

 he sold a number of his drawings, for which 

 he obtained a sum of 1200Z., investing the 

 amount in the public funds. This sum was 

 added to a small amount which had been pre- 

 viously invested with a similar object, and was 



a 



