early correspondence; but it is discussed at some length in a letter to a young minister, written in 1841 (vol. ii., p. 262). Without offering an opinion on "the moral argument," which to a mind of so high an order carried irresistible force, or inquiring what exceptions may be taken to those views of mankind and the present life to which it may appear that that argument owes much of its cogency-and while those who differ from him, and not a few, probably, who would assent to his views, may regret that the statements of Scripture are not more fully discussed-it may be permitted, in justice to his memory, to remark, that in Mr. Foster's mind, as is evident from his other writings, this belief was associated with the holiest views of the Divine being, and with a most elevated standard of moral excellence; nor among those who deem him mistaken on this subject, could any one be found who would more earnestly deprecate that a theological speculation should occupy the thoughts to the neglect of practical, personal piety. (LUKE xiii., 23, 24.) In conclusion, the Editor's warmest thanks are presented to those friends of Mr. Foster (or their representatives) to whom the letters in these volumes are addressed. His acknowledgments are especially due to Mr. Cottle for the memoir of Miss Saunders with the accompanying letters, and for the introductory notice of his interesting and lamented relative. He would also express his obligations to the President of Cheshunt College for permission to insert the long and valuable letter on missionary undertakings (vol. ii., p. 276), and for the observations on some passages written (as might be anticipated) in a spirit of respectful and candid criticism. Northampton, May 15, 1846. CONTENTS. PAGE 1. To the Rev. Dr. Fawcett. First impressions of Bristol-Mr. 2. To Mr. H. Horsfall. The improvement of time-Cultivation of 3. To the Rev. Dr. Fawcett-on the same subject 4. To Mr. H. Horsfall. An apology for silence-Oration on sensibi- 19 21 CHAPTER II. Newcastle-on-Tyne-Ireland-Return to Yorkshire (1792-1796). 2233 34 Chichester-Battersea-Downend-Literary pursuits-Essay on the 45 28. To an unknown Lady. On intellectual and moral excellence 29. To the Rev. Joseph Hughes. Disclosure of his religious views and Removal to Frome-Publication of the Essays-Eclectic Review- Books; Gibbon's History, Baxter's Life, Leslie's Works-Author- Review of early life. Remarks on 209 212 62. To the Rev. Joseph Hughes. Edinburgh Review 63. To Joseph Cottle, Esq. (in answer to an invitation to meet S. T. 67. To Miss B. Coleridge's Lectures 68. To the Rev. Joseph Hughes. Anticipations of marriage Miscellaneous observations, facts, suggestions, &c., written during Mr. Residence at Bourton-on-the-Water-Visit to Frome-Eclectic Review -Birth of his Son-Excursion into North Wales-Visit to Bris- 70. To D. Parken, Esq. Fox's History-Death of Argyle-Edinburgh Review on Cevallos-Political abuses-Spanish war 71. To D. Parken, Esq. Political views of Walker and Gilbert Wake- Invitation to Bourton-Apology for Note. Part of a letter from Mr. Hughes to Mr. Foster 73. To D. Parken, Esq. Rose's remarks on Fox's History-Hall's com- 74. To the Rev. Joseph Hughes. The great theological writers of the seventeenth century-Effect of reading their works-Advan- 75 To D. Parken, Esq. Suitable training for critics—Coleridge's |