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PREFACE.

HE following record is not to be regarded in the light of a mere biography. In itself it is defective and incomplete. It was written, moreover, for the most part from a bed of sickness, and was undertaken for a special purpose.

I had previously drawn up some brief narratives, having reference to loved ones whom death had taken from my own dwelling, and intended mainly, if not exclusively, for the benefit of my own children. It was with the same view that I began to examine and arrange a few of the papers which my revered father-in-law had left behind him, when he ceased from his earthly labours, and entered into his everlasting rest, being thoroughly convinced that there were outstanding facts in his history, and great lessons to be drawn from them, which, by the blessing of God,

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