MEMOIR OF WILLIAM GORDON, M.D., F.L.S., OF KINGSTON-UPON-HULL. ABRIDGED FROM "THE CHRISTIAN PHILOSOPHER TRIUMPHING BY NEWMAN HALL, B.A. Fifth Edition. LONDON: J. SNOW, 35, PATERNOSTER ROW. 1851. 210. 4.203. ADVERTISEMENT. TEN thousand copies of "The Christian Philosopher Triumphing over Death; a Narrative of the Closing Scenes of the Life of the late William Gordon, M.D., F.L.S.," having issued from the press in less than three years, this Abridgment is now published, in compliance with the wishes of many persons, who have thought that, in a smaller compass and at a reduced price, the book might become useful to a still more extensive class of readers. While the conversations and occasional remarks are abbreviated, some selections from Dr. Gordon's Speeches and Lectures have been introduced, for the purpose of throwing additional light on his character. The original work may still be obtained in 8vo., cloth, with Portrait, 4s. CHAPTER I. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. BENEATH the venerable ruins of the far-famed abbey of Fountains, majestic even in decay, surrounded by the loveliest scenery, and embosomed in the luxuriant foliage of stately forest trees, stands the large ancient mansion called Fountains' Hall, in which the subject of this memoir was born, on the 2nd of August, 1801. From his parents, who were both possessed of superior intelligence, he early imbibed that love for study which distinguished him through the whole of life. He acquired the rudiments of learning at the grammar school of the adjacent city of Ripon, where the amiability of his disposition, combined with his extraordinary mental abilities, commanded the love and respect of his schoolfellows. Though so young, he often would sit up till one or two o'clock in the morning, pursuing his favourite classical studies. After leaving school, he was articled to a general practitioner at Otley, and there, as he continued through life, was the friend of the poor. His unaffected interest in their afflictions has left an impression too deep for time to wear away; so that, notwithstanding the changes which occur during so long a period, there B |