[ORIGINAL DEDICATION.] TO THE RIGHT HON. ROWLAND, LORD HILL, OF ALMAREZ AND OF HAWKSTONE, G.C.B., G.C.H., K.T.S., K.M.T., K.S.G., D.C.L. COMMANDER OF HIS MAJESTY'S FORCES, &c. &c. &c. THIS VOLUME, IN THE FULL ASSURANCE HOW GRATIFYING SUCH A DEDICATION WOULD HAVE BEEN TO THE VENERABLE SUBJECT OF ITS PAGES, WITH HIS LORDSHIP'S KIND PERMISSION IS INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR. PREFACE. THE last evening I ever spent with Mrs. Rowland Hill, she expressed a wish, that, if I survived her venerable and beloved husband, I should write an authentic narrative of his remarkable life, and I promised her that I would, if possible, fulfil her desire. Mr. Rowland Hill, acquiescing in this request, bequeathed me all his papers, to be used at my discretion.' I have now performed my promise, but with more haste, on account of the anxiety of his friends, than was convenient or advantageous; with what discretion I must leave others to determine. My readers, however, will doubtless consider the unique character I have had to pourtray, and will recollect that Mr. Hill's truly solid excellences were mingled, even in public, with a vivacity and humour peculiar to himself. Had I mentioned only serious facts, it might have been justly remarked, that, excellent as the individual appeared, it was not Rowland Hill. Still, I trust, it will be seen in these pages, that his true piety, Christian benevolence, and deep spirituality, more than atoned for any trifling singularities of his nature, or sallies of wit, which were mostly accompanied with so much kindness, that, like a medicine given in sweetmeats, the bitter was seldom tasted. I have made such selections from the papers of my affectionate guardian as I thought most useful and interesting; and if I have erred, I can only plead my inexperience as an author: but most truly can I add, that it has been my aim not to give the slightest pain to the feelings of any human being. Mine has been a task of no ordinary delicacy and responsibility; and while I have not concealed my own opinions, I hope they have been expressed in a spirit of Christian charity towards such as may differ from my views. |