have prudence, activity, and kind
affections; and how unexpectedly, and to an extent far beyond apparent
probability, success is given by Providence to virtuous and benevolent
efforts.

Beyond question, the Brothers of this Family are all extraordinary Men:
and perhaps every one of them is more so than he would have been without
the fraternal concord which has animated them all, and multiplied the
powers of all by union and sympathy.

Of NATHANIEL, as of ROBERT, my Account shall be taken from
communications by Letter, made at my request by Mr. GEORGE BLOOMFIELD.

NATHANIEL BLOOMFIELD was born 23d Feb.[1] 1759.

He was the 3d Child and 2d Son of GEORGE BLOOMFIELD, of Honington: and
was deprived of his Father, by the Small-pox, when he was eight years
old. Like ROBERT, he learnt to read and write of his MOTHER: and had,
like him, his farther instructions in Writing, and was taught the
first Rules of Arithmetic, by Mr. RODWELL, of Ixworth[2]: where also
he seems to have had some instruction in Grammar. But his Mother being
then a widow, his Grandfather (Mr. ROBIN MANBY) kindly bound him
Apprentice to Mr. HAYLETT, a Tailor of Market-Harling: of which
business the Father of the BLOOMFIELDS had been.

He was here very kindly treated: and was found to be an excellent
Apprentice.

While here he learnt Church Music, (one of the great consolations of
energetic and pensive minds) and sung in a company which was conducted
by Mr. SYDER. But when his voice broke, he could make no figure among
them: for it was not only a Bass of extremely narrow compass, but weak
and tremulous.

This latter defect of voice was observ'd in THOMSON: and perhaps it may
arise sometimes not from a fault in the natural quality of the voice,
but from exceeding sensibility to Poetry and Music.

When about 16 or 17 years of age he entered with the fervor of a
vigorous and thoughtful mind into the study of Religion, on the
principles of the Church of England: and added to his study of it
what is the great end, the practice of Religion as a rule of conduct
and life.

At a stall at Harling Fair he met with a Practical Catechism: the
Author's name, PRATT: and at the same time he made the acquisition of a
large volume of TILLOTSON'S Sermons. Probably the Folio Edition of the
Sermons of that excellent Man and Writer: so distinguish'd by his
Piety, uniform, mild, and rational; the morality of his excellent
Discourses; their simplicity and clearness; and