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JOB, [407] of Woolwich, Me., had chil.

1111 I ROBERT WOODWARD, Rev.8 D. D., (2404) b. at Woolwich, Me., 10 Apl. 1800.

His mother was the daughter of Rev. Sam. Woodward of Brunswick, Me. His father, who was a shipmaster, was lost in a hurricane at sea, when young Robert was only five years of age; and this sad event was followed, a few years later, by the death of his mother. Thus early left an orphan, the period of youth was passed in various mechanical employments, and in the possession of very limited means of education.

At the age of fourteen, unwilling to be longer dependent, and feeling that he must prepare for an honest living, he went, on the injudicious recommendation of a relative, into the interior, and into apprenticeship in the cabinet making business. He soon found it a bad move; for neither his physical nor mental organization seemed to be fitted for that occupation. He remained there two years and returned to his friends.

He next selected a more suitable and far ness, that of watch-making and jewelry,

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bly have been his employment through life, had not aspirations for a higher work induced him to commence a course of study. How mysterious and yet how grand are the ways of Providence! In the very boy, while busily engaged in learning to adjust the minute wheels of the watch, we find the germ of the future man, who is to be instrumental in bringing many into " the way of sal vation."

At the age of sixteen, the influence of religious truth awakened him to a new life. Deeply impressed by the conviction that it was his duty to preach the Gospel, he at once carried his new formed resolution into effect, going from house to house, exhorting the people to repent. The discouragements of friends and pecuniary want however repressed his youthful zeal and again induced him to resume a mechanical occupation. But so deep was the impression that a "dispensation of the Gospel" had been committed to him, that every leisure moment was devoted to study, and soon after a systematic course of preparation was commenced.

His academic studies were pursued, partly with the Rev. S. Glover, at Kingston, and partly at Lincoln Academy, New Cas

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