Samuel Kilpin had a special love for and ministry to poor children and through them to their parents. Not every man’s pastoral ministry looks exactly the same of course. And Samuel’s attention to the physical and spiritual plight of Exeter’s children is noteworthy. He performed the usual ministerial responsibilities to his congregation, but added to it a specific focus on destitute children. I’ll explore the relationship of Samuel and children under three headings. First,
his own upbringing. His life as a child under exemplary Christian parents may help explain, in part, his own desire that others have a similar blessing. Second, his short experience with his own 4 children. And third, his ministry to children.