The principles of piety were carefully implanted in his infant mind, by
the example, as well as precepts, of both parents; and, amidst all the
tempestuous passions by which mankind is agitated during his progress
through the various scenes of active life, these principles could never
be eradicated from his bosom.

The celebrated grammar-school at Norwich, called the High School, of
which a Mr. Symonds was then master, and which was afterwards
superintended by the learned Dr. Parr, has the honour of having given
him the first rudiments of a respectable education. How long he
continued at Norwich school is not now known, any more than the
particular reason why he quitted it. From thence, however, he went to
the grammar-school at North Walsham; and was placed under the tuition of
the Reverend Mr. Jones, whose abilities are said to have then acquired
much celebrity.

It seems likely, that this removal might take place at the period of his
mother's death, which happened on the 24th of December 1767; being about
nine months after she was delivered of Mrs. Matcham, her eleventh and
last child.

The death of this excellent lady was a severe loss to her affectionate
husband, and his infant family; who do not appear to have experienced
any very substantial proofs of friendship from their illustrious
relatives in general, after Mrs. Nelson's decease. It is, indeed, but
too common for the affluent to neglect those of their humbler kindred
who have a numerous offspring; as if marriage were a crime, and the
fruits of virtuous love a reproach rather than a blessing. The Reverend
Mr. Nelson, however, was never in necessitous circumstances; and, as he
felt no solicitude for any self-indulgences not always within his reach,