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OF

WILLIAM THOMPSON,

Lately Deceased.

WITH A

SKETCH OF HIS LIFE.

SECOND EDITION,

With Additions and Corrections.

"Honourable age is not that which standeth in length of time, nor that is
measured by number of years."

"But wisdom is the grey hair unto men, and an unspotted life is old age.”
Wisdom of Solomon, c. iv.

PRESTON:

PRINTED AND SOLD BY I. WILCOCKSON;

SOLD ALSO BY

J. HARRISON, WARRINGTON; W. ALEXANDER,

YORK; W. PHILLIPS, DARTON, HARVEY

AND CO. AND W. DARTON JUN.

LONDON.

1818.

HARVARD COLLEGE LIBRARY

GIFT OF

FRIENDS HISTORICAL LIBRARY
SWARTHMORE COLLEGE
FEB 7 1935

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PREFACE

TO THE

SECOND EDITION.

IN introducing the former edition of this little work to the public, it was stated that the motive which had led to its publication, was a desire felt by the Editor and some other friends of him whose life and sentiments it records, that the letters, which appeared to them to possess considerable value, should be rendered more extensively useful by being published, with such a sketch of the writer's life as would connect, and in some measure illustrate them.

The very rapid sale which the First Edition experienced, and the general satisfaction which has been expressed concerning it, have caused this republication, in which some additional letters are introduced, and a few slight verbal alterations and grammatical corrections made. Two or three passages are omitted, in the belief that the writer himself, had he been living, would have desired their suppression.

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It is to be recollected that the following pages contain a delineation of the conduct and sentiments of a real character; not of an imaginary being, endowed with every perfection, and exempt from every failing; but of one, who, in his progress to a more pure and exalted state, had to pass through many of the trials incident to humanity, was wrought upon by the same feelings as others, and was frail like them, and that, therefore, should it appear that any of his early opinions, are at variance with those of his riper years, it is hoped that due allowance will be made for such immaturity of judgment.

The selection might readily have been extended; but as it is, I shall perhaps be thought to have been too much influenced by the partiality of friendship. I hope, however, that it will be productive of some benefit, and that the younger class of readers especially may derive instruction from the amiable pattern which it holds out for their imitation.

The profit arising from this edition will be appropriated, with that from the last, to the use of William Thompson's parents and their surviving family.

GEORGE CROSFIELD, Junr.

LANCASTER, 25th of 9th month, 1818.

LETTERS, &c.

IT will readily be admitted, at least by the serious part of mankind, that there is no species of biography more truly interesting and instructive, than that which enables us to contemplate the lives of those humble and sincere Christians, who, having their hearts embued with the love and fear of their great Creator; and having dedicated themselves to His service, pursue the path of righteousness; and though frequently labouring under great conflicts of spirit, and surrounded by many outward trials and difficulties, yet hold fast their faith, keep in view the glorious termination of their course, persevere unto the end, and finally receive the crown.

Of this number, it is believed, was WILLIAM THOMPSON, late of Penketh, near Warrington, in Lancashire, schoolmaster. He was born at Macclesfield, on the 26th of the 1st Month, 1794. His parents, William and Alice Thompson, then resided in that town, where his father carried on

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