Excerpt from The Autobiography of a Blind Minister: Including Sketches of the Men and Events of His Time
For many years I have contemplated writing this sketch. My life has been peculiar, and may afford some useful lessons to others, particularly to young men; who will learn that adverse events, to which they are all exposed, need not subdue them. Difficulties encountered with cheerful resolution are generally overcome; and the history of every resolute man proves the truth of Bolingbroke’s remark, that trophies of glory are often built upon what the world considers our own ruins.
I trust that, by writing my own biography, I shall not be thought to assume a rank in the scale of importance which does not belong to me. I have often been requested to do it, and requested by men whose wishes I would not Slightly regard. Several eminent men have written to me, requesting some passages of my life, and desiring to know how I made my literary and theological acquisitions - how I composed my sermons, and performed the varied duties of the pastorate. I had also understood that some gentlemen were determined that my life should be written; and, if this was to be done, I considered that it was so unique that no one could draw up the biography but myself. I know the history of my own life vastly better than any other man can possibly know it; and, if self-love has thrown a few roseate tints into some of the pictures, it is still better that I should hold the pencil, than another man who could not understand so peculiar a subject.
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