It has been well observed, by one who took a profound view of human nature, that there are three very different orbits in which great men move and shine, and that each sphere of greatness has its respective admirers. There are those who, as heroes, fill the world with their exploits; they are greeted by the acclamations of the multitude; they are ennobled whilst living, and their names descend with lustre to posterity. Others there are who, by the brilliancy of their imagination, or the vigour of their intellect, attain to honour of a purer and a higher kind; the fame of these is confined to a more select number; all have not a discriminating sense of their merit. A third description there is, distinct from both the former, and far more exalted than either; whose excellence consists in a renunciation of themselves, and a compassionate love for mankind. In this order the Saviour of the world was pleased to appear, and those persons obtain the highest rank in it, who, by his grace, are enabled most closely to imitate his example.

Henry Martyn, the subject of this Memoir, was born at Truro, in the county of Cornwall, on the 18th of February, 1781, and appears, with his family in general, to have inherited a weak constitution; as of many children, four only, two sons and two daughters, survived their father Mr. John Martyn, and all of them, within a short period, followed him to the grave.