Autobiography and Diary of the Rev. James Clegg. Edited by
Henry Kirke, M.A. (Wardley, Buxton).—Mr. Clegg was the minister of a Nonconformist congregation near Chapel-le-Frith, and kept a diary which he entered up so diligently that it would fill five stout octavos. He was a man of liberal views, though he does speak of " novels, poetry, and such like trash," for he did not settles+ to worship himself, and he recommended others to worship, in the Established Church. Mr. Clegg was a medical practitioner as well as a minister, and the double profession gives a certain variety to his observations. Smallpox is a frequent topic. He had himself narrowly escaped with his eyesight and his life, and he records various outbreaks of the disease. Perhaps one of the most curious items is the good man's statement that being in prospect of death and "anxious for ye continuance of ye means of salvation in those parts after his decease," he had purchased a ticket in the Irish lottery, and meant, if Providence should "favour him with a prize," to devote half to this or some other pious purpose. The "half" is good. You purchase the help of Providence, and keep a fairly good thing for yourself.
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