A SKETCH

OF THE

AUTHOR'S LIFE.

THE Author deems himself bound in gratitude to the Christian community of the United States, to furnish them with some little insight into his history and life, that they may know something of the humble individual whom it has pleased Divine Providence to bring (most unexpectedly) into open and public conflict with the enemies of the Living God; and so to strengthen his arm, as on SIX PUBLIC OCCASIONS, to give him over them, a signal and decided victory.

He was born May 1796, in the county of Cork, Ireland, of highly respectable parents-was educated in the Diocesan Academy, under the direction of the Rev. Giles Lee, in the city of Cork, and was married in Dublin in 1817, to the eldest daughter of Burrowes Campbell, Esq., L. L. D., an eminent member of the Irish Bar.

In 1814, he entered Trinity College, Dublin, in which, as well as in the University of Edinburgh, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and in the King's and Queen's College of Physicians, he studied every department of the healing art, both as physician and surgeon. Subsequently he became a member of the Royal College

of Surgeons in London, and in 1824, was appointed one of their recognized Lecturers on Anatomy, Physiology, and Surgery.

In 1826, he was elected Hon. Member of the Royal Western Literary and Scientific Institution, and had the honor of being presented with their medal.

In 1827, being candidate for Surgeon to one of the Royal Hospitals, he received a testimonial from Sir Matthew Tierney, Bart. Physician to the King, &c. stating that the author's "high attainments as a surgeon, qualify him, in no ordinary manner, to discharge the duties of the office he aspires to, with no less credit to himself and friends, than advantage to the institution." And in the same year he became Senior Surgeon of the Royal Western Hospital.

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When only eighteen years of age, he was called, by Divine Grace, to a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus since which time, the Bible, and the Bible only, (so far as theology is concerned) has been his principal study. In 1817, he seceded from the established church of England, (in which he was born, baptised, confirmed, and a constant communicant) in consequence of his considering a union between Church and State totally incompatible with the nature of a Church of Christ. Shortly after he had finished his studies, he recived a testimonial from the Rev. Horace T. Newman, a rector, and a most devoted minister of the church of England, in which he states, that he knew "Dr. Sleigh to be a skillful physician, and a well principled religious man."

On settling in London, prosperity and success crowned all his exertions, until it pleased God, whose judgments are unsearchable, and ways past finding out, to permit a combination of medical men, who, through jealousy,

malice, and selfish motives, planned and effected his temporal embarrassment.

Depressed in spirit, and sick of the world, he resolved to come to America, and spend the remainder of his days in peace, in her forests.

Accordingly, having obtained letters of introduction from some of the most respectable and religious persons in London, to the Rev. Dr. Ely and others, in this city; and a testimonial from a dignitary in London, of the Episcopal Church, stating "he had known the author for many years, and that he was always exemplary in his morals, correct in his principles, and strictly honourable in every transaction of life," he took his passage in the Mary Frazier of Boston, Captain Pelham, for Philadelphia. He sailed from London on the 23d of February 1834, bringing with him his beloved wife, two sons, and two daughters; and arrived in Philadelphia on the 14th of April. Having delivered his letters of introduction, he proceeded in a few weeks to the West, taking with him other letters of introduction to Judge Burnet, Dr. Drake, &c. It soon became evident that the West was not the place the Lord deemed fit for him long to remain: for, after having fearlessly and gratuitously delivered several lectures in defence of Divine Truth, a most unprovoked, unexpected, and diabolical conspiracy (which will never be fully developed till the great day when the secrets of all hearts shall he made manifest) Iwas laid for him; but out of which the Lord delivered him. Being then fully convinced it was not his duty to remain there any longer, he returned to this city, and what business the Lord had for him to do here, soon became apparent by the following circumstances.

While delivering, in the ensuing October, a course of Lectures on Physiology and the laws of life, in the Frank

lin Institute, he took occasion to observe that the laws of nature, so far from militating against the truth of the Scriptures, as Infidels generally suppose they do, powerfully corroborate them; and that it is only a superficial knowledge of nature which leads any man to imagine that her laws contradict the Bible. A few other observations similar to the above, appeared quite sufficient to excite the spirit, and arouse the pride of the Infidels of Philadelphia, who hold meetings every Sunday, to revile the Living God.

Accordingly, they invited the Author to deliver his lectures in a place where they would have an opportunity of replying to them; or in plain English, to a public debate. The Author acceded. A large room was taken for the purpose-regulations were entered into between the parties-moderators were chosen-and on the 18th day of October, 1835, the discussion commenced. Mr. Camfield, editor of the Temple of Reason, Mr. Burral, a member of the Bar, and Mr. Purser of New York, appeared on the platform, as the champions of Infidelity:the Author as the advocate and defender of the Scriptures. The debate was carried on for six nights, and terminated in a manner the following resolution sufficiently explains.

"CHRISTIANITY VICTORIOUS.-At an over crowded meeting held on the 30th instant, in the Temperance Hall, Northern Exchange, the following resolution was carried unanimously, and with enthusiastic applause :

"Resolved, That after six nights public discussion between Dr. Sleigh, in defence of Divine Revelation, and the Representatives of the New York and Philadelphia Free Inquirers, in support of Infidelity, it has been satisfactorily proved that genuine Christianity is of divine origin, and that the attacks made by Infidels on the

Sacred Scriptures, are as frivolous as they are unsupported by reason and common sense, and destructive to the best interests of mankind."-[Nem. Con.]

"The reverse was then put, and not a single hand was held up to support it.

"Signed,

This discussion in Philadelphia had not actually terminated, ere the Infidels of New York invited the Author to that city, to meet them before the public. The Infidels assembling in Tammany Hall, in New York, under the name of "Moral Philanthropists," appointed two gentlemen as their representatives or delegates, whose appointment was communicated by the following docu

ment:

"New York, Nov. 4th, 1835. "The undersigned, as Trustees of the Society of Moral Philanthropists, do hereby nominate and appoint Mr. Benjamin Offen, and Mr. G. H. Purser, to be their delegates to confer with Dr. W. W. Sleigh, relative to any Theological Discussion, and to make such arrangements with him on behalf of this society, as they may deem proper for conducting the same.

"Signed,

"THOMAS WOODWARD, Chairman. "JOHN WOOD, Secretary.

"JOB DITCHETT, Treasurer."