Original sentence: Duyckinck contemplated writing the life of Bishop Leighton, but before entering on its preparation he was seized with the illness that terminated his  life.These memoirs were condensed to a simple narrative; but they are regarded as contributions of high value
Edited sentence: Duyckinck contemplated writing the life of Bishop Leighton, but before entering on its preparation he was seized with the illness that terminated his blameless and beautiful life.These memoirs were unpretending in form, and were condensed to a simple narrative; but they are regarded as contributions of high value to the class of works to which they belong