THE LIFE AND CHARACTER OF HEZEKIAH CONSIDERED IN SIX LECTURES, DELIVERED DURING LENT, 1839. BY WILLIAM NICHOLSON, M. A. RECTOR OF ST. MAURICE, WINCHESTER. LONDON: J. HATCHARD AND SON, 187, PICCADILLY; 1839. 217. THE CALL UPON THE CHURCH, CONSIDERED IN TWO ESSAYS, BY W. ROBERTS, Esq. M.A. AND REV. W. NICHOLSON, M.A. ALSO, THE PRESENCE OF GOD IN HIS A VISITATION SERMON, PREACHED IN WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL, BY W. NICHOLSON, M.A. LONDON: IBOTSON AND PALMER, PRINTERS, SAVOY STREET, STRAND. DEDICATION. TO THE RIGHT REVEREND CHARLES RICHARD, LORD BISHOP OF WINCHESTER. MY LORD, THE following Lectures were prepared solely with a view to the edification of my own parishioners; nor had I the slightest intention of committing them to the press, until requested to do so by several members of my congregation. Their too partial judgment, it may be reasonably thought, scarcely justifies the obtrusion of such a volume upon the public. But, upon consideration, the subject appeared to me to contain matter not only adapted for general instruction, but peculiarly suited to the times in which we live. Hezekiah was a zealous reformer, and the spirit and temper with which he engaged in the work of religious reformation, seem to present a striking contrast to the spirit which, unhappily, is too characteristic of these latter days. In an age, the tendency of which is rather to destroy than to amend, the example of a holy man and a religious ruler, bending all his energies and influence to the restoration and establishment of institutions, which had either fallen into desuetude, or had lost their efficiency, will to the thoughtful mind suggest lessons neither unprofitable nor unseasonable. Another motive has had some influence upon my decision. With your Lordship's sanction and liberal assistance, I have been endeavouring to procure the necessary funds for rebuilding my church upon a scale sufficient for the wants of a large and poor popu lation.* The work has hitherto prospered * The parishes of St. Maurice, St. Mary Calendar, and St. Peter Colebrooke, containing a population of more than three thousand souls, are provided with church accommodation for only one-fifth of the inhabitants. The churches, which once belonged to the two latter parishes, have long ceased to exist. The whole district now forms one ministerial charge, with one parish church in an extremely dilapidated condition. Should any profits result from this publication, they will be devoted to the purpose of rebuilding and enlarging the church of St. Maurice. beyond my expectations; but still there is a deficiency of means, which must be met before the undertaking can be commenced. It has been suggested that the publication of these Lectures may possibly render some assistance towards the accomplishment of this good work. The avowal of this object will, I am sure, render your Lordship favourably disposed towards this unpretending volume. Deeply interested in the extension of church accommodation and pastoral superintendence throughout your diocese, your Lordship will rejoice with me, if this effort should in any measure be instrumental in promoting an undertaking, in which the spiritual welfare of the largest district of your Lordship's cathedral city is deeply concerned. I am, my Lord, Your Lordship's faithful W. NICHOLSON. Winchester, June 3, 1839. b |