a gentleman who several years afterward lent his critical assistance in preparing another edition for the press, he thus observes: "Though, prior to its publication, I submitted the MS. of my Essay to my much lamented friend, the Rev. John Whitaker, he suggested no improvements, he made no remarks; he did not even hint the propriety of dividing the work into chapters and sections, as it now appears; so that the first edition had no other division than the two parts which separate Immateriality' from " Immortality.' He, however, gave me his name in writing, with his avowed opinion of my MS., and authorized me to use it whenever I thought it would give me access to any subscriber. The service which he thus rendered me I hope I shall never forget. "When this Essay was about to undergo a second edition, a friend from Bristol suggested to me the utility of dividing the work into chapters and sections. This, for some time, I hesitated to do, from a foolish notion that it would be an assumption that could not be detached from arrogance; and though it was at last done, the work was republished before I had time to reflect on the import and bearing of its various passages. In short, I no more thought that it would ever have gained celebrity in the literary world, than I now dream of being made a doctor of divinity. I applied, indeed, to several of my friends whom I thought capable of entering into the subject; but not one could or would impart the information I both solicited and wanted. Notwithstanding the numerous acquaintances to whom I was soon introduced, every one almost wanted me to solve difficulties, to answer questions; but none could I find who would attempt to meet my inquiries, or correct my views; and I began to conclude, that, in point of assistance, I was 'out of humanity's reach, to finish my journey alone.' 999 The following letters show the friendly intercourse between Mr. Drew and Mr. Britton, and the kind interest which the latter took in Mr. D.'s welfare. "To Mr. Samuel Drew, St. Austell. "MY DEAR SIR, "I have received your two long letters, and feel much obliged to you for the information they contain, and the trouble you have taken to oblige me. This day I have also received four of your books, and shall give them to some K of my friends for reviewing, and doubt not but most of them will treat you as you deserve-by giving a high character of the work. For myself, I can sincerely say, it has pleased, instructed, and surprised me. You have a mind that should be employed on something for the head instead of the heels. But many great men have been doomed to employ their hands for a livelihood, when their heads would have obtained them a fortune, if they had been placed in an advantageous situation : -may you soon acquire this advantageous station. I am sorry you sold the copyright of your book to a country bookseller; for I had been planning a scheme calculated to be more advantageous and important to you; but it is now too late. Should you have any thing else in embryo, let me know, if you think me worthy your confidence. If I cannot do wonders for you, I will endeavour to promote your fame and profit in some degree. "Your letters on the Cornish Tinners have given much gratification to some of my literary friends-and those high in fame's fair temple.' Pray continue them-they will be serviceable and pleasant to me, and I think they will prove ultimately useful to you. "But what I wish from you first (and I hope you will comply with my wishes, as they originate in a desire to serve you) is some anecdotes of your life-your studies, pursuits, and early modes of thinking,-and a short history of your growing mind. I want to pay a tribute to genius, and illustrate some propositions by living facts. Two sons of Crispin have obtained great fame and some fortune by stretching their faculties; and it is nobly proved that academic instruction is not absolutely necessary to call forth the genius of a Gifford, a Bloomfield, and a Drew-three shoemakers. I presume you know one of them, and are not totally unacquainted with the other two. "Have you seen Gifford's Translation of Juvenal's Satires?' Did you ever see ''The Mine,' a poem ?-Have you seen the Farmer's Boy,' by Bloomfield? "Let me hear from you soon, and believe me "J. BRITTON. "London, February 22d, 1803." "St. Austell, March 12, 1803. "DEAR SIR, "I wrote you some short time since, by post, a long letter, which, I hope, came safely to hand. In compliance with your request, I endeavoured, in that letter, to give you a few outlines of my life; I doubt not that it has excited your smiles, but I flatter myself, if I know Mr. Britton, they are not the smiles of haughty contempt, but of sympathetic feeling. "It happens, very opportunely, that this letter will approach. you free of all expense; and I feel an unwillingness to let slip the opportunity, even though I embrace it to tell you I have nothing particular to say. Mr. Grant, who brings you this, is well acquainted with me, and perhaps can give you any little information respecting my situation and mode of life. It is to his brother (who is a surgeon) that I owe my commencement of authorship. It was to combat the principles which he had adopted that I made remarks on the Age of Reason,' and afterward published them to the world. "You ask me, 'Did you ever see Bloomfield's Farmer's Boy?' I have, and admire it much, for that artless simplicity which runs through the whole. I felt its force, from a congeniality of soul, and from the knowledge which I have of rural life in the most servile stations. Mr. Gifford's publication I have never seen. I have repeatedly heard his name, but never heard that he had written any thing, unless it be the reply to Mr. Erskine. That I have never read, nor do I know whether it be the same Mr. Gifford or not. I need not say to you how remote the situation of Cornwall is from the seat of science and learning. We know little of the scenes which are exhibited on the great theatre of life. In this remote corner, and in the humble vale of obscure life, the rays of intelligence are few indeed. * * * * * "I hope when the reviewers give their opinion on my Essay, you will write to me; without your information, it is probable I shall never know what they say. You see I have but barely room to call myself your friend, "SAMUEL DREW. "I am now writing on a piece of leather, and have no time to copy or correct. "To Mr. John Britton, London." A letter from Mr. Edwards to Mr. Drew, of May, 1803, gives the carliest intimation that the attention of the late Dr. Clarke had been drawn to Mr. Drew's writings. "The editors," he says, "of the European Magazine have spoken very well of the work and of its author; and several sensible men in London who have read it think highly of it. I learn from Mr. Britton, that the Monthly Mirror, Gentleman's Magazine, Critical Review, and British Critic intend noticing it: and, as he thinks, will give it a good character. My particular friend Adam Clarke has promised me to read your book with critical accuracy, and to write me his sentiments on it. He has a high opinion of you and your abilities." The "Essay on the Soul," the copyright of which Mr. Drew had disposed of on the terms just named, and which, before its first appearance, a Cornish bookseller had refused at the price of ten pounds, after passing through four editions in England, two in America, and being translated and printed in France, at the end of twenty-eight years became again his property. He then gave it a final revision, added much important matter, and sold it a second time to Messrs. Fisher & Co., Newgatestreet, London, for two hundred and fifty pounds. SECTION XIV. Extension of Mr. Drew's literary acquaintance-He commences his Essay on the Identity and Resurrection of the Human Body. MR. DREW was now become an author of established reputation. In many of the literary journals his Essay on the Soul had received unqualified praise; and this praise he felt to be an incitement to further exertion. His friends thought that he had parted with the copyright of his book upon too easy terms. Influenced by their opinions, he was at first disposed to think as they did; but, on viewing the subject in all its bearings, he felt perfectly satisfied with the bargain he had made. Undoubtedly, after the favourable criticisms on the work had appeared, he might have taken it to a better market; but both buyer and seller had made a contract in ignorance of this, and as a matter of speculation. To the promptitude of Mr. Edwards in getting the book reprinted by the time public curiosity was awakened beyond the boundaries of Cornwall, Mr. Drew thought himself indebted for many of the courteous attentions which were bestowed upon him by strangers and persons of elevated station. He had already obtained the notice of several literary gentlemen: a door was now opened for the extension of such acquaintance. In a former age, "a prophet was not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house." Mr. Drew's frank disposition, upright character, and acknowledged talents procured him the favourable notice and kind offices, not only of persons at a distance, but of those in his immediate neighbourhood. A short letter, now before the writer, shows the sentiments of a gentleman (then well known in Cornwall), who, as a resident in the same town with Mr. Drew, was enabled to scrutinize his conduct. "SIR, "To Mr. Samuel Drew. "St. Austell, 24th March, 1803. "When I returned from Menabilly, this evening, I received your favour, with the second edition of your late work, for which I return you many thanks. The additions and alterations to this book are really great improvements, and must, I think, give very general satisfaction. If my good opinion of you, and recommendation of your publication, have been of any service, I am very glad of it; but I do not think it entitled me to the copy you have sent. I certainly thought your answer to Tom Paine the best I had read; and, as a justice due to your conduct and character, you had (and have) my best wishes; being truly, “ Sir, "Your friend and humble servant, It would be easy to mention other distinguished individuals from whom Mr. Drew received repeated proofs of esteem and good-will; but the enumeration might appear ostentatious. We however venture to particularize one, not unknown in political life, but still more conspicuous in the annals of science, who, about this time, honoured Mr. Drew with his friendship and correspondence. He had known Mr. D.'s name from his writings the incident which led to a more intimate acquaintance may interest the reader. In the village of Tywardreath, mentioned in an earlier part of this volume, Mrs. Kingdon, Mr. Drew's sister, resides ;-her husband being engaged in business as a shoemaker. During |