Memorials of the Sea

The memoir, here again quoted, refers to some incidents among his earliest recollections, by which his life was greatly imperilled, marking 'the superintending providence of God, which, on all occasions, he gratefully acknowledged.' At an endowed school, in the nearest adjoining village, Cropton, his early, and indeed chief, education was received. But the distance being considerable, and the roads indifferent, his attendance was much interrupted, and, in winter, totally suspended. His progress, therefore, was far from being satisfactory. Nor was this disadvantage compensated by any long continuance of opportunities for obtaining scholastic instruction; for, at the age of nine, he was removed, and from that time forward employed, as his strength and years might qualify him, in occupations among the cattle, and about the farm.