So far, therefore, the hope has been disappointed. But, though an history of his long and valuable life from his own pen might have been more minute, and more circumstantially correct, than any that can be collected from mere scattered fragments, or the imperfect recollections of surviving friends,1 the want will be found in a considerable degree supplied, especially so far as his personal and domestic character is concerned, by the numerous interesting conversations he has recorded, as having taken place in his intercourse with so many of his deceased relatives. Many will recognize in these conversations the tender affection which so eminently distinguished him as a husband and a parent, a master and a friend, as well as the lively and deep interest which he took in the best welfare of all with whom he came into familiar contact. His zeal and unwearied diligence in the discharge of his more public duties, may be regarded as having formed an "epistle known and read of all men."

1 The scantiness of these detached materials must be the apology for their not appearing in the form of a separate narrative, as one or two friends whose opinion is entitled to respect, have thought would have been preferable. Apart from the accompanying Memoirs (which, in fact, are in many respects Memoirs of himself) they would have presented a very imperfect view of his character; combined, it is trusted, they will be found to exhibit it in all its essential bearings. If, notwithstanding, the reader should prefer perusing the narrative apart, he has only to pass over the intervening Memoirs for the time being, and return to them at his leisure.

MEMOIRS,

&c.

To trace the footsteps through life, of a good man, is a pleasing, and, by the divine blessing, has often been found a profitable occupation. While reviewing the diversified train of circumstances and events, which, under the direction of a merciful providence, has led to the formation of his character, the serious and devout mind will naturally admire the manifold wisdom and grace of God; and while proceeding to notice the kindly and salutary operation of this grace the delightful peace and holy joy which it creates in the mind of the possessor, and the extensive benefit which it diffuses amongst those who are brought within the sphere of its influence-will recognize the truth, and feel the force of the inspired declaration, "The memory of the just is blessed."

The Rev. Basil Woodd, the head of the little group whose memory it is the design of the

B

following pages to perpetuate, stood eminently entitled to this high designation. Though not just in the absolute sense of the term, as it would imply exemption from the common taint of our fallen nature, and from the infirmities which are ever incident to humanity during its abode on earth, he yet deservedly ranked high as a believer in Him who justifieth the ungodly; and presented a bright and illustrious instance of the value and energy of the faith he professed, in purifying the heart, working by love, raising the soul above the world and all its vanities, and in exciting to every good word and work.

Mr. Woodd was born at Richmond in Surrey, on the 5th day of August, 1760. His father and mother were both natives of the same place. Of the former, little is known. It only appears that in the course of a few months after his marriage, and while on a visit from home, he caught a cold which terminated in his death, on the 12th of the following January, nearly seven months previously to the birth of this his only child. So far, therefore, the subject of our present narrative was an orphan even before his entrance into the world. But it pleased Him who has so often proved himself to be a Father to the fatherless, and the Husband of the widow," so to sanctify and bless the afflicting dispensation to the survivor, that she was not only enabled to give birth to her fatherless babe, but to act towards him the part of the best of mothers; by bringing him up

66

"in the nurture and admonition of the Lord," and instilling into his tender mind those principles of piety, which, under the fostering influence of divine grace, contributed much to the formation of a character, pre-eminently distinguished by a life of the most exemplary devotion to the service of Christ, and of very extensive benefit to his church.

The following is his own statement, as contained in a memoir of his mother, addressed, in the form of a letter, to the late Rev. Dr. Conyers of Deptford, and published in the year 1784.

So great a shock,' he says, referring to the afflicting event of his father's death, to a mind of her sensibility, could leave no faint impression; nevertheless it proved an eventual blessing, though conveyed in the disguise of woe. By one stroke her mind was severed from worldly prospects, and being rent from the love of the creature, she now began more anxiously to seek the knowledge and love of the Creator. She had from early life been of a devout turn of mind, a strict observer of moral duties, and the ritual of religion; but now, in the day of adversity, she was brought to deeper views of the depravity of her heart and the need she stood in of a Saviour. She perceived the insufficiency of her own righteousness, and the necessity of being born again.

Pious friends, who had sympathised in her late affliction, now observed the spiritual concern of her

mind, and availed themselves of this opportunity to bring her under the sound of the gospel.1

In the spirit of true Christian friendship they lamented that she had no better instruction than mere moral essays, and brought her acquainted with sound evangelical principles. These proved indeed the spiritual food which her soul hungered after; she received them in faith and love, adorned them in her life, and found them her triumph in her dying hour.

، From this happy period, to a disposition naturally benign and amiable, were added the graces of the Holy Spirit; and the christian motive of love to the Lord Jesus gave life and spirituality to her moral duties. Religious exercises, which hitherto she had not regarded higher than a devout form of godliness, now became her soul's delight. She ordinarily retired three times in the day for private prayer; at morning, noon, and at evening. Love to God her Saviour led her with cheerful feet to the courts of the Lord's house :-a privilege she so highly valued, that she rarely permitted inclement weather, or the late decay of her health to interfere with it.

Though filial affection may be suspected of exaggerating a mother's excellence; yet I must do

Amongst these were principally the late Mrs. Conyers and Mrs. Wilberforce, with whom her acquaintance had commenced at school, and by whom she was about this time introduced to the acquaintance of Dr. Conyers and the Rev. Mr. Venn.