use of some verbal expressions, especially in the lectures "On Native Depravity;" but in extenuation, it may be remarked, that if words are there found which are not authorized by Webster, they are, at least, easily understood, and the author is entitled to the credit of "giving the trumpet a certain sound." The plan of the lecture "On the Extent of the Atonement," as it existed in the author's mind, is not finished, inasmuch as it aimed at the discussion of two additional points, mentioned in the manuscript, which was omitted for the want of time, and which, though reserved for another opportunity, has not been found. The lecture, however, as published, is finished; or discusses, at length, the points it pro poses. As a whole, these lectures may be regarded as the result of the author's maturest reflections and severest study; and they are now sent forth into the world with the belief that however they may "provoke unto love," in the form of review or criticism, they will nevertheless impart interest and profit to those who admire manly discussion, or have a taste for the character of reading which they are intended to furnish. As to the character of the "sketch," the writer would use a more careful form of speech. The work has been hurried to the press by circumstances which he could not control; and a part of the Biography has been written amid other responsibilities of the most urgent and exciting character. It may be thought strange that the writer has dealt so largely in extracts, and so sparingly in entire letters, but his apology is twofold. (1.) The space designed to be occupied by the Biography was too limited to allow the publishing of many entire letters; and, (2,) The writer is honestly oppposed to giving much space to the mere introductions, or farewells, or irrelevant details of letters, in a work of this kind. If letters furnish what will aid the Biographer in drawing the character of his subject, or what will serve as links in the chain of his history, so far they may be used with great advantage; but beyond this they are, in our judgment, of doubtful utility. The writer would state in this connection, however, that he has received several letters, from his fathers and brethren in the ministry, from which he has extracted, and which would have been published entire had our space allowed. These brethren have our grateful acknowledgments for the facts which they have communicated, and also for the aid furnished to the writer in confirming his own impressions of the character he has attempted to sketch, and thereby rendering him the more confident in giving those impressions to the world. From all, or nearly all, extracts are given. We humbly hope that our attempt to draw the character of Dr. Richards will not be found an entire failure. If those who knew him well shall recognize, in any good measure, the noble original—if the bereaved widow and the fatherless shall be satisfied-and if the youthful ministry of our land shall be induced to covet more earnestly the fallen mantle of the "venerated dead," then good has been done-good to which, under God, our lamented father contributed, both in furnishing the character drawn, and in his influence upon the writer-a son of the AUBURN SEMINARY. Waterloo, 7th May, 1846. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. CHAPTER I. FROM HIS BIRTH TO HIS LICENSE TO PREACH THE GOSPEL. SAMUEL RICHARDS, a youth of eighteen years, came to this country from Wales, in the reign of Queen Anne. He served, for a time, in the British service in Canada against the French, and afterwards went to Connecticut, and settled in Middlesex parish, near Stamford in that State. In the line of his descendants, JAMES RICHARDS, the subject of the following sketch, was of the fourth generation, being the son of James, who was the son of James, who was the son of Samuel. He was born in New Canaan, Connecticut, October 29, 1767; and was the eldest of nine children, four of whom-two sons and two daughters-yet remain. His father was a farmer, a man of good sense, and esteemed for his social and Christian virtues. His mother, RUTH HANFORD, Was "a mother in Israel." She was a woman of vigorous intellect, of consistent piety, and of uncompromising faithfulness in all matters of social duty. As a mother, she partook largely of the spirit of the age in which she lived. It was a day of household subjection. Children |