Lives of Virginia Baptists ministers

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Preface To The First Edition

In the work of human redemptioii, the divine Being has given a sublimely glorious exhibition of his perfections. This display is made, not only in the person and work of Christ, but by the Spirit's influence on the hearts and lives of men. Hence, the biography of the eminently pious, may well be regarded with deep and lively interest. In eveiy transgressor, converted from the error of his way, we behold a monument on which is inscribed the triumph of the gospel. Especially is this true in reference to those who, with becoming zeal, labor as the heralds of the cross. Not only will they shine "as the stars of the firmament" in a future state, but even in this world they reflect, with no common lustre, the glory of their divine Redeemer.

The author of the following pages has long believed that an essential service might be rendered to the cause of truth and righteousness, by preparing a judicious biography of prominent Virginia Baptist Ministers. To some extent, this work was executed by the venerated Semple, in an appendix to his History of Virginia Baptists. The publication of those sketches sufficiently indicated the utility of embracing, in a separate volume, a brief survey of the lives and labors of all those eminent Virginia Baptist preachers who have gone to their reward.

This work has been undertaken by the author, with the earnest hope that some good might be effected. He has presented a collection of portraits, and, so far as opportunity has been furnished, he has faithfully sketched the intellectual and moral features of his brethren now no more. If, in any instance, he has failed, the failure has been unintentional. He has not wished to magnify or conceal defects, neither has he been willing to give a flattering exhibition of beauties which the original really possessed.

IV PRBFACE.

Some allowance must be made to the biographer, on account of the scanty materials from which a portion of this work has been executed. From various sources he fafas sought information; and, while he acknowledges with gratitude the valuable assistance furnished by several brethren, he regrets that, in many inquiries, he has been entirely disappointed. On this account, he has been reluctantly compelled to leave out of these sketches, the names of several whose memoxy ought to be dear to all our churches. Some of Virginia's most able and useful Baptist ministers might be mentioned, whose character it would have been a grateful task to hold up for the imitation of others.

In giving the biographies of nearly one hundred ministers of the gospel, an opportunity has been furnished of making practical observations, both on the beauties and defects of which Christian character is susceptible. This duty the author has not been willing to decline. He commits the work, as it is, to his brethren, and, if the Grod of all grace shall make it a blessing to his fellow men, the warmest veish of his heart will be gratified.

Preface To The Second Edition

In presenting the second edition of this work to the public, the author is happy to say, that he has been able to furnish nearly forty additional memoirs of Virginia Baptist Ministers. There are still other brethren, who have ceased from their labors, concerning whom nothing has been said in this volume, because the needed information could not be obtained. As the memoir of Lott Cary has been published in a separate edition, it is omitted in this; the same may be said of the sketch of Abner W. Ciopton.

Contents

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£phraim Abel, 244