the polite manner in which he furnished her with materials from personal recollection, autograph sermons, and interesting communications from Strasbourg. To her highly valued friend, Dr. Steinkopff, she is indebted for the correction of her German translations, and to the Rev. Francis Cunningham, for the use he kindly allowed her to make of various memoranda and letters written during a short residence in the Ban de la Roche in the summer of 1820, and also for a number of original papers and MSS. respecting Mr. Oberlin. It is to the kindness of these friends indeed, that the volume chiefly owes whatever of interest it may contain; and, while gratefully acknowledging the sources whence she has derived her materials, the Editor is happy to add, that it has undergone the revision of one whose personal acquaintance with Oberlin, and the knowledge he possessed of his character, both as a benefactor to his country and an eminent servant of God, peculiarly qualified him for the task. Under the sanction of this dear friend her Memoir meets the public eye. The works from which such parts as are not original are chiefly translated or taken, are Mr. Wilks's little narrative, entitled "The Ban de la Roche and its Benefactor; " M. Lutteroth's "Notice sur Jean Frédéric Oberlin," already alluded to; the same work in German, with additions, by M. Krafft; "Promenades Alsaciennes, par M. Merlin;" and "Rapport fait à la Société Royale et Centrale d'Agriculture par M. le Comte François de Neufchâteau, sur l'Agriculture, et la Civilisation du Ban de la Roche." The Editor trusts that the following recital of the astonishing change effected in the morals and condition of the little flock committed to Oberlin's pastoral care, and of the unremitting labors of love, which, for a period of fifty years, were crowned with such signal success, may induce many humble laborers in the Lord's vineyard, who, though in different situations and circumstances, have to contend against similar or equal obstacles, to" thank God and take courage." CONTENTS. Page Oberlin's birth and childhood - Instances of his early Oberlin's first impressions on reaching Waldbach — Oberlin's address to his parishioners on the com- civilization - Four other school-houses Introduction of infant schools, under the care of conductrices- Public schools-- Weekly assembling of the children at Waldbach, to receive religious instruction-Establishment of a circulating libra- Death of Mrs. Oberlin. Its effect upon Oberlin's mind-Louisa Schepler becomes his housekeeper Letter from the latter Letter, taken from a Ger- man Magazine printed at Tubingen, containing an Unmolested state of the Ban de la Roche during the period of the Revolution - Oberlin's generous renunciation of his own interests for the sake of his parishioners - His school for the children of for- eigners His sentiments respecting the payment of tithes - Letter containing a plan for their dis- bursement Purchase of assignats - His influence in exciting a spirit of Christian charity among his people Account of Sophia Bernard, &c. - Ober- lin becomes a correspondent of the British and Foreign Bible Society Letters addressed by him to members of the London committee - Mode of col- lecting subscriptions and donations for charitable |