OF THE LIFE AND GOSPEL LABOURS OF SAMUEL FOTHERGILL, WITH SELECTIONS FROM HIS CORRESPONDENCE. ALSO AN ACCOUNT OF THE LIFE AND TRAVELS OF HIS FATHER, JOHN FOTHERGILL; AND NOTICES OF SOME OF HIS DESCENDANTS. BY GEORGE CROSFIELD. LIVERPOOL: PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY D. MARPLES. LONDON: CHARLES GILPIN. MDCCCXLIII. PREFACE. BX7795 MORE than seventy years have now elapsed since the decease of SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. It has often, during that period, been wished that some account of his life and gospel labours should be written, and that his letters should be published; that thus the example, the sentiments, and the experience of one, who in his youth was so remarkably visited by Divine Grace, and in more mature life was so eminently gifted for religious service, might not be lost, but serve for the benefit and instruction of others. It is this feeling which has led to the present publication, with a desire that such may be its fruits. Doctor Fothergill contemplated the publication of such a work, and made some progress in collecting materials for it, soon after the decease of his brother; but, whether from his numerous engagements, whether from the diminished energy which is generally the attendant upon advancing years, or from whatever 549 |