MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOSEPH HOLLINGWORTH, WESLEYAN MINISTER; WITH NOTICES OF DALE ABBEY, ETC. BY JOSEPH THORPE MILNER. SHEFFIELD: PRINTED BY SAXTON AND CHALONER, HIGH-STREET. 1836. 174. PREFACE. THE contemplation of human character is an employment which, if conducted in a right and proper spirit, will be found to be useful and profitable. We study with no common interest the lives of those who have been distinguished above their fellows, and have benefited the world, either by the greatness of their genius, or the influence of their piety; and with no common emotions we think of the various events which marked their history—the actions they performed— the opinions they entertained. Especially as Christians, the records left us of the great and the good should frequently occupy our attention; they are set before us as ensamples; and we are directed to be followers of them as they also were followers of Christ. These considerations, in connexion with the repeated solicitations of a large circle of friends, led the Writer to prepare for publication the following Memoir. He had scarcely entered upon his work when he became the subject of a severe and protracted indisposition, which prevented him from paying that attention to it which was desirable-seldom able to devote more than an hour at a time, and that only occasionally, to its composition. He has, however, been materially assisted by the contributions of several Ministers and friends, and he embraces this opportunity of tendering to them his sincere thanks. |