MEMOIRS OF THE HONOURABLE AND REVEREND WILLIAM BROMLEY CADOGAN, M. A. LATE RECTOR OF ST. LUKE'S, CHELSEA; VICAR OF ST. GILES'S, LORD CADOGAN. TO THE HON. MRS. CADOGAN. MADAM: I Know not any one to whom I can present the following Memoirs so properly as to yourself. It was at your pressing request I undertook the relation; and that at a time when, overwhelmed as you were with the recent loss, nothing could be refused by surrounding friends that could meet your wishes, or mitigate your distress.-You have also furnished a great part of the particulars here related. In endeavouring to execute your commands, I have borne a feeble but faithful testimony-Not to exhibit the excellency of man that is a worm, for wherein is he to be accounted of!-but the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord. Of the excellency of this knowledge your late Partner was a striking instance. His single aim was, that Christ might be magnified in his body, whether by life or by death; and I trust our intention is the same in collecting these Memorials, by which " 'HE BEING DEAD YET SPEAKETH." It only remains for me now to pray in behalf of yourself, and of the affectionate people he has left, that the deep wound you have lately received (and in which multitudes as well as myself have sympathized) may appear to have proceeded from the hand of that Physician who so often wounds where he intends to heal. I know that you have frequently looked into your Bible, and struggled with your Heart, thus to view the dispensation: and your most intimate friends agree with me in thinking, that your efforts have not been in vain. That your path, as well as that of the just man I am about to describe, may be as the shining light, which shineth more and more unto the perfect day, is the unfeigned wish and prayer of, Madam, Your faithful and affectionate Friend and Servant, RICHARD CECIL. MEMOIRS, &c. THESE Memoirs are drawn up from the scanty materials which the Editor could collect from the disconsolate widow, a few intimate friends of the deceased, and his own observations. That only a few particulars of so valuable a character can be collected is to be lamented; but the reason seems evident: the life of Mr. CADOGAN, and that of many other laborious ministers, resembles the service of some invaluable domestics in a family. Such bear the burden of the day, and tread the path of their duty over and over again with fidelity and care; but the history of the week is almost the history of their lives. It is thus the faithful labourer in the ministry, who has an appointed station, perseveres in his course: most sedulously employed when least observed. And it often happens that while some, who are doing little to purpose, stun the house with their bustle; he, intent on the duties of his station, silently performs the business. |