Identify the author and title to which the following selecti…

Identify the author and title to which the following selection belongs.  ALSO, in 2-3 sentences explain the meaning and significance of the selection to the whole work. Having emerged from Poverty and Obscurity in which I was born and bred, to a State of Affluence and some Degree of Reputation in the World, and having gone so far thro’ Life with a considerable Share of Felicity, the conducting means I made use of, with the Blessing of God, so well succeeded, my Posterity may like to know as . . . therefore fit to be imitated.