Page:Annals of the Poor (1829, London).djvu/29

 utterance, his exuberant fancy, his aptness of illustration, his deep knowledge of divine things, rendered his sermons always interesting and useful. Perhaps he did not, upon common occasions, allow himself sufficient previous study; but if this were his fault, he acted upon principle, "Why," he would often say, "why need I labour, when our simple villagers are far more usefully instructed in my plain, easy, familiar manner? The only result would be, that I should address them in a style beyond their comprehension."

His appearance on the platform of a public meeting, was universally hailed with pleasure. His ready adaptation of passing incidents, the suavity of his addresses, sometimes solemn, sometimes even jocose, interspersed with interesting narratives, which he could so well relate, deservedly placed him high in public esteem.