Memoirs of the Life and Correspondence of Mrs. Hannah More, Vol. 1 of 2 (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from Memoirs of the Life and Correspondence of Mrs. Hannah More, Vol. 1 of 2

It seemed but, justice to this excellent person to say some thing respecting her peculiar title to the veneration of her country, before we entered upon the narrative Of her instruct ive and interesting life reserving the more particular deline ation of her character for the Opportunity which will more seasonably present itself at the close of our record. The same justice also demands that the reader should be forewarned not to expect a hypothetical model Of perfect excellence. NO picture, or exemplar is affected to be drawn; nothing but the sincere life Of a daughter of Eve, beginning her course amid the vanities of the world, and advancing in excellence, under the impulse of extraordinary faculties, but more especially under the guidance of that grace without which all labour is strife, and all prudence folly.

Her i1fe and social intercourse will be developed in the cor respondence about to be presented; in which it will be seen how violent was the assault made upon her principles by flat terles and distinctions and how the convictions which religion brings to the conscience struggled with the world, and brought her safe out Of the conflict, into that humble path of moder ation, circumspection, and trust, which made her example so profitable, and her teaching so efficacious.