ADVERTISEMENT. RICHARD CLARIDGE's Life as now republished, is nearly a verbatim transcript of the first edition. A second came out in 1757; both of them having this addition to the title : "With Essays in Defence of several principles and practices of the people called Quakers." But it was found that these Essays, if subjoined to the present volume, would have swelled it to about twice its size, and probably impeded its circulation. The hope, however, is entertained, that at least a Selection from these, as well as from the other valuable productions of so clear, forcible, and experimental a writer on doctrinal truth, may very acceptably be revived in the same cheap, compact form, and laid before the public and the Society of Friends in particular, at the present juncture. Stoke Newington, 8th Month, 1836. JOHN BARCLAY. CONTENTS. 1649.-Richard Claridge's birth, parentage, education, academi- cal and ecclesiastical preferments-His two first marriages- The births of his children-The death and character of his two first wives-His manner of life while a priest-The work of grace upon him-His going to hear Richard Baxter, and other noted preachers-His reformation of life-His examination of the doctrines and ceremonies of "the Church of England" by the Holy Scriptures-His last preaching at Peopleton, and the heads of his two last Sermons there-The resignation of his rectory-His scruple as to giving the title of Reverend 1691. His joining in society with the Baptists-A remark- b His Answer to the Baptist Church in Virginia-street, calling 1696. His withdrawing from communion with the Baptists, 1698. His judgment about bearing arms-A conference between him and a learned Hungarian-His visiting Mary Gulson, and her concern for him-His exercise of mind, lest he should preach any more in his own will-His letter to the aforesaid Hungarian-His letter of encouragement to a Friend in the ministry-The substance of two conferences between him and 1700. His removal to Barking-His Letter to the people |