Ebook The Life and Times of Gilbert Sheldon

Soon after my institution to the benefice once held by Gilbert Sheldon, I formed a purpose and indulged a hope that, in due time, I might be able to do something to place in true historical position the eminent English ecclesiastic, who more than two and a half centuries ago was my predecessor as Rector of Ickford. And this intention has been strengthened by the knowledge that, incredible though it may seem, no Life of Sheldon has hitherto been written. The prosecution of my studies and researches in regard to Sheldon and his career has again and again filled me with surprise and amazement at such an omission. Whilst men, conspicuously his inferiors in personal character, ability, activity, munificence, and influence in the Church of England since the Reformation, have found ready and capable biographers, Gilbert Sheldon has been unaccountably neglected, and even deserted by those of his own way of thinking and working.