His Religious Exercises and Labors, from the Time of His Relinquishing the Idea of Going Abroad to the Commencement of His Last Illness
Had the multiplied labors of ibis excellent man permitted him to keep a regular diary, we may see by the foregoing specimen of a single month what a rich store of truly Christian experience would have pervaded these memoirs. We should then have been belter able to trace the gradual openings of his holy mind, and the springs of that extraordinary unction of spirit, and energy of action, by which his life was distinguished. As it is, we can only collect the gleanings of the harvest, partly from memory, and partly from letters communicated by his friends.
This chapter will include a period of about four years, during which he went twice to London to collect for the Baptist mission, and once he visited Dublin, at the invitation of the Evangelical Society in that city.
There appears, throughout the general tenor of his life, a singular submissiveness to the will of God; and, what is worthy of notice, this disposition was generally most conspicuous when his own will was most counteracted. The justness of this remark is sufficiently apparent from his letter above to Mrs. Pearce, Nov. 13, 1794, after the decision of the cominittee; and the same spirit was carried into the common concerns of life. Thus, about a month afterwards, when his dear Louisa was ill of a fever, he thus writes from Northampton to Mrs. Pearce: —
‘’Northampton, Dec. 13, 1794.
•’My dcarSara]!.
I am just brought on the wings of celestial mer- ,cy safe to my Sabbath’s station. I am well; and my dear friends here seem healthy and happy; but I feel for you. I long to know how our dear Louisa’s pulse beats: I fear still feverish. We must not, however, suffer ourselves to be infected wnth a mental fever on this account. Is she ill? It is right. Is she very ill .... dying? It is still right. Is she gone to join the heavenly choristers? It is all i right, notwithstanding our repinings .... Repinings! No; we will not repine. It is best she should lgo. It is best for her: this we must allow. It is best for us. Do we expect it? O what poor, ungrateful, short-sighted worms are we! Let us submit, my dear Sarah, till we come to heaven: if we do not then see that it is best, let us then complain. But why do I attempt to console? Perhaps an indulgent providence has ere now dissipated your fears; or, if that same kind providence has removed our babe, you have consolation enough in Him who suffered more than we; and more than enough to quiet all our passions, in that astonishing consideration, — ‘God so loved the world, that he spared not his own Son.’ Did God cheerfully give the holy child Jesus for us; and shall we refuse our child to Him? He gave his Son to suffer; he takes our children to enjoy. Yes; to enjoy himself.
“Yours, with the tenderest regard, S. P.”
In June, 1795, he attended the association at Kettering, partly on account of some missionary business there to be transacted. That was a season of great joy to many, especially the last forenoon previous to parting. From thence he wrote to Mrs. Pearce as follows: —
“My dear Sarah,
“From a pew in the house of God at Kettering; with my cup of joy running over, I address you by the hands of brother Simmons. Had it pleased divine providence to have permitted your accompanying me, my pleasures would have no small addition; because I should have hoped that you would have been filled with similar consolation, and have received equal edification by the precious means of grace on which I have attended. Indeed, I never remember to have enjoyed a public meeting to such a high degree since I have been in the habit of attending upon them. O that I may return to you, and the church of God, in the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel af Christ! I hope, my beloved, that you are not without the enjoyment of the sweet
i ficss and the supports of the blessed Gospel. O that jou may get and keep near to God, and in Him find nfinitely more than you can possibly lose by your lusband’s absence!
“Mr. Hail preached last evening from 1 Pet. 1: 8. V most evangelical and experimental season I I was charmed and warmed. O that Jesus may go m to reveal himself to him as altogether lovely? I m unable to write more now. To-day I set off for Northampton, and preach there to-night. The Lord ‘less you. S. P.”
i The following letters, written to Mr. Carey, will exhibit the deep interest he continued to feel in the [lappiness, of his brethren in India, and in the success hf their blessed undertaking. The first was written from London, where he was engaged in soliciting ontributions for the Mission.
‘’ London, August 27, 1795.
My very dear Brother,
“Banished as you are from my eyes, I love you oo well to be unmindful of your concerns, or unin* erested in your best welfare. Our affectionate and trust pious intercourse, before you left England, toether with the letters I have received and seen rom you since your arrival in India, have uniformy heightened that esteem which begun with our irst acquaintance on the day of your ordination at jcicester. Hence I can suffer no opportunity of ;orrespGnding with you to pass unnoticed; and as
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my dear friend Mr. Savage tells me that he exeftts a vessel will sail for Bengal in a few days, I attempt to give you some pleasure by writing a friendly epistle.
‘* I am here raising subscriptions for our Society the the third yeav. The times, indeed, are unfavorable to application, and 1 do not fail to meet with beggars’ fare; yet on the whole I must not complain. I have been three days at work, and have received thirty four guineas: whether I shall continue to succeed as well, 1 know not: my spirits often flag, but 1 would hope and do the best.
“Perhaps you have heard that the late Mr. Trinder, of Northampton, left about £ 400 to the Society, besides which 1 suppose we have £ 300 or ig400 more in hand; so that we only want suitable persons to send, in order to extend our endeavors for, the conversion of the heathen.
“In former letters we told you that we had resolved on an African mission, and that two pious, and apparently suitable young men, had offered their services for the work of the Lord in that benighted and miserable part of the world. I am happy now in being able to add, that ahhough there was some difficulty at first in securing them a pas*, sage, it is at length obtained. Brother Fuller cam to London, and met with some of the directors of thi Sierra Leone Company, who have agreed to allow them a passage in their ships, and to leave them
I, full liberty as to the conducting of the mission when
1 they arrive in Africa.
’ “On Wednesday, the 16th of September next, we propose to have a parting meeting at Birmingham. Brother Ryland is to address the missionaries; the other parts of the service are not yet arranged. Early in October the vessels will sail, and with them six pious families of Wesleyan Methodists, Vv-ho are to settle for one year at Free Town. They mean to proceed up the Foulah country; and having prepared suitable receptacles for their families, on the commencement of the second year they are to be removed also; when, by the practice of agricul*
[ ture and the useful arts, together with frequent conversation on religious subjects, and a cheerful yet guarded behavior, they hope to civilize and christianize the negro inhabitants. The better to promote their pious designs, it is proposed to send with them one or more missionaries, whose only work it will be to preach to the colony and evangelize the heathen.
“The plan strikes me as well calculated to answer its end. I remember reading of a similar plan formed by one John Oxenbridge, an ejected minister in the reign of Charles II. who went to South America on purpose to explore the country, and on his return published a book, recommending the going out of a colony for the purpose of spreading the Gospel there; but the time was not then come: both wise and foolish virgins then slumbered and ^lept I trust that the frierds of Christ are now recovering from their stupor. A general concern discovers itself in almost all denominations. The Independent brethren, in connexion with Calvinistic Methodists and Churchmen, are about attempting a mission to the South Sea Islands, where they propose to send a large body of -nissionaries, if they can procure them. The Lord prosper the work of their hands! •’ Your affecticnate brother, S. P.”
“P. S. I have another minute to spare, and affec* lion bids me to spend it in your company. 1 have heard, since I wrote the above, that the plan of the Wesleyan Colony in the Foulah country has been somewhat ahered, and that Dr. C. will accompany them.
“Mr. La Trobe has furnished me with the last two numbers of the Brethren’s Periodical Accounts: I enclose them for your gratification. You will rejoice to find that the Hottentots are seeking after I Jesus, and be encouraged to continue your labors of] love among the poor Hindoos. Be not discouraged, rny dear brother, if you do not succeed immediately. You know the brethren labored nearly six years without effect in Greenland; but they persevered, and now a tenth part of the inhabitants of that coun- jj try are professors of the faith of Christ. But when ‘I consider by what means they achieved so great a xvork — by the simple preachinc of the cross of Christ, and an exhibition of the love of his heart, I am constrained to say. ‘No; by might, nor by power, but by thy Spirit, 0 Lord of Hosts.’ I have lately ^een struck with a remark which applies to their labors and success. Facts nterest more than speculations or abstract positions, however just. Talk to a child about any abstract subject, and it requires pains to secure his attent.on; but tell him a story and he is all ear. So I shDuld suppose an affectionate relation of the story of Jesus Christ, and his death and sufferings, would be the most likely way of engaging the heart of a heathen: but I, who am 15,000 miles from ;he seat of your labors, am almost ashamed to givs my thoughts on a subject with which you must be so much better acquainted. Forgive my freedom, and again believe me,
“Most affectionately yours, in our dear Lord Jesus,
“S. P.”
“Birmingham, Jan. 6, 1796
My dearly beloved Brother,
“To neglect any oppcrtunity of renewing the expressions of my warm Lttachment, would give me pain, especially after kn:)wing how long you were in India before you received any communications from your friends in Europe. Long before now I hope you are convinced that your disappointment was not owing to any wait of regard or attention in your brethren here. I have often pleased myself with an idea of the scene when the delayed corresspondence poured in upon you too fast almost even for your keenest appetite to devour, and the abundance of packets at once annihilated all your suspicions of our want of friendship.
“I would now have written a long letter, but have been so much employed this last month in preprring cur Periodical A.ccounts, No. 2, for the press; correcting the proofs, and sending them off to the different churches in the kingdom, that I almost fear being too late for this conveyance, as I must first send to Olney, that it may be enclosed in brother Sutcliff ’s parcel to you. He, brother Fuller, and I suppose brother Ryknd, will write, and probably give you all the intelligence that the state of the churches afford. My next, I hope, will be longer.
“What pleasure must it give you to hear of the great things God has done for Leicester! I was there last Christmas day, and preached for the Mission at Mr. Worthington’s rfieeting. The congregation was very large, and many went away, not being able to get in. £ 36 were (ollected, and apparently given with the heart. I thnk I told you that above j£30 were raised in Leicester the last year. Thus the seed you sowed, durhg your residence there, now springs up to the glojy of God.
“Thaitk you, my dear )rother, for your kind letter of January 18, 1795. It was as cold water to a thirsty soul. Do not fail to refresh me as often as j’ou have leisure, and pray be particular in your communications respecting the work of God. A large portion of zeal now discovers itself among Christians of every name. I shall desire brother SutcliiT to enclose a copy of the Missionary Society’s Sermons. I was in London when they were preached, attending our brethren, who soon after sailed for Africa. It was a Pentecost. The brethren who compose that society, stated publicly that our zeal kindled theirs: ’ we lighted our torch at yours, and it was God who first touched your heart with fire from his holy altar.’ To him be all the praise!
“I am, my dear, dear brother, aflfectionately yours,
“S. P.”
In July, 1795, Mr. P. received a pressing invitation from the General Evangelical Society at Dublin to pay them a visit, and to assist in diffusing the Gospel of the grace of God in that kingdom.
A little before this journey, it occurred to Dr. Ryland that an itinerating mission into Cornwall might be of use to the cause of true religion, and that two acceptable ministers might be induced to undertake it; and that, if executed during the vacation at the Bristol Academy, two of the students might supply their place. He communicated his thoughts to Mr. Pearce, who wrote thus in answer:
“May 30, 1796.
“My very dear Brother,
I thank you a thousand times for your last letter. Blessed be God, who hath put it into your heart to propose such a plan for increasing- the boundaries of Zion! I have read your letter to our wisest friends here, and they heard it with great joy. The plan, the place, the mode, the persons, — all, all meet our most affectionate wishes. How did such a scheme never enter our minds before? Alas, we have nothing in our hearts that is worth having, save what God puts there. Do write to me when at Dublin, and tell me whether it be resolved on, when they set out, &c. I hope, ere long, to hear that as many disciples are employed in Great Britain as the Savior employed in Judea. When he gives the word, great will be the company of the preachers.
“O my dear brother, let us go on still praying, contriving, laboring, defending, until ’ the little leaven leaven the whole lump, and the small stone from the mountain fill the whole earth.’
•’ What pleasures do those lose who have no interest in God’s gracious and holy cause! How thankful should we be that we are not strangers to the joy which the friends of Zion feel, when the Lord turneth again Zion’s captivity!
“I am, beyond expression, your affectionate brotheir in Christ. S. P.”
On May 31 he set off for Dublin, and “the Lord prospered his way,” so that he arrived at the time appointed; and from every account it appears that he was not only sent in the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel of peace, but that the Lord himself went with him. His preaching was not only highly acceptable to every class of hearers, but the word came from him with power; and there is abundant reason to believe that many will, through eternity, praise God for sending his message to them by this dear ambassador of Christ.
He was earnestly solicited by the Evangelical Society to renew his visit to that kingdom, in 1798. Ready to embrace every call of duty, he had signified his compliance, and the time was fixed; but the breaking out of the rebellion prevented him from realizing his intention. This was a painful disappointment to many, who wished once more to see his face, and to hear the glad tidings of salvation from his lips.
The following letter was witten to Mrs. Pearce, from Dublin, when he had been there a little more than a week: —
“Dublin, June 31, 179G.
•’My dear Sarah,
“I long to know how you do, and yow will be as much concerned to know how I go on, at this distance from you. I hasten to satisfy your inquiries.
•’ I am in perfect health; am delightfully disappointed with the place and its inhabitants. I am very thankful that I came over. I have found much more religion here already than I expected to meet with during the whole of ray stay. The prospect of usefulness is flattering. I have already many more friends (I hope Christian friends) than I can gratify by visits. Many doors are open for preaching the Gospel in the city; and my country excursions will probably be few. Thus much for outline.
“But you will like to know how I spend my time, &c. Well then: I am at the house of a Mr. Hutton, late high sheriff for the city, a gentleman of opulence, respectability, and evangelical piety. He is by profession a Calvinistic Presbyterian, an elder of Dr. M’Dovval’s church; has a most amiable wife, and four children. I am very thankful for being placed here during my stay. I am quite at home — I mean as to ease and familiarity; for, as to style of living, I neither do, nor desire to equal it. Yet, in my present situation, it is convenient. It would, however, be sickening and dull, had I not a God to go to, to converse with, to enjoy, and to call my own. Oh! it is this, it is this, my dearest Sarah, which gives a point to every enjoyment, and sweetens all the cup of life.
•’ The Lord’s day after I wrote to you last, I preached for Dr. M’Dowal in the morning, at hah past eleven; heard a Mr. Kilburne at five; and preached again at Plunket-street at seven. On Tuesday evening I preached at a hospital; and on Thursday evening at Plunket-street again. Yesterday, for the Baptists, in the morning; Dr. M’Dowal at five; and at Plunket-street at seven.
*’ The hours of worship will appear singular to you: they depend on the usual meal times. We breakfast at ten; dine between four and five, sometimes between five and six; take tea from seven to nine; and sup from ten to twelve.
I thank God that I possess an abiding determination to aim at the consciences of the people in every discourse. I have borne the most positive testimony against the prevailing evils of professors here: as sensuality, gaiety, vain amusements, neglect of the sabbath, &c.; and last night told an immense crowd of professors, of the first rank, ’ that if they made custom and fashion their plea, they were awfully deluding their souls; for it had always been the fashion to insult God, to dissipate time, and to pursue the broad road to hell: but it would not lessen their torments there, that the way to damnation was the fashion.’
“I feared my faithfulness would have given them ofience; but, I am pursuaded it was the way to please the Lord; and those who I expected would be enemies are not only at peace with me, but even renounce their sensual indulgences to attend on my ministry. 1 do assuredly believe that God has sent me hither for good. The five o’clock meetings are miserably attended in general. In a house that will hold fifteen hundred or two thousand people, you will hardly see above fifty! Yesterday morning- I preached on the subject of public worship, from Psalm 5: 7, and seriously warned them against preferring their bellies to God, and their own houses to his. I was delighted and surprised at the five o’clock meeting, to see the place nearly full. Surely this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in my eyes. Never, never did I more feel how weak I am in myself — a mere nothing; and how strong I am in the omnipotence of God. I feel a superiority to all fear, and possess a concious dignity in being the ambassador of Christ. O help me to praise! for it is he alone who teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: and still pray for me; for, if he withdraw for a moment, I become as weak and unprofitable as the briers of the wilderness.
“You cannot think how much I am supported by the assurance that I have left a praying people at Birmingham; and I believe that, in answer to their prayers, I have hitherto been wonderfully assisted in the public w-ork, as well as enjoyed much in private devotion.
*’ I have formed a most pleasing acquaintance with several serious young men in the University here, and with two of the fellows of the college, most pious gentlemen indeed, who have undergone a world of reproach for Christ and his Gospel, and have been forbidden to preach in the churches by the Archbishop: but God raised another house for them here, where they preach with much success, and ha-e begun a meeting in the college which promises fresh prosperity to the cause of Jesus.
“S. P.”
The following particulars, in addition to ths above, are taken partly from some notes in his own hand-writing, and partly from the account given by his friend Mr. Summers, who accompanied him during the latter part of his visits.
At his first arrival, the congregations were but thinly attended, and the Baptist congregation in particular, amongst whom he delivered several discourses. It much affected him to see the whole city given to sensuality and worldly conformity; and especially to find those of his own denomination amongst the lowest and least affected with their condition. But the longer he continued, the more the congregations increased, and every opportunity became increasingly interesting, both to him and them. His faithful remonstrances, and earnest recommendations of prayer-meetings to his Baptist friends, though at first apparently ill received, were well taken in the end; and he had the happiness to see in ihem some hopeful appearances of a return of God,
On June 20 he wrote to his friend Mr. Summers as follows: —
“My dear Friend.
If you mean to abide by my opinion, 1 say, come to, Dublin, and come directly, I have been most delightfully disappointed. 1 expected darkness, and behold light; sorrow, and I have had cause for abundant joy. I thank God that I came hither, and hope that many, as well as myself, will have cause to praise him. Never have I been more deeply taught my own nothingness; never has the power of God more evidently rested upon me. The har« vest here is great, in deed; and the Lord of the harvest has enabled me to labor in it with delight.
‘I praise him for all that is past;
* I trust him for all that’s to come.*
“The Lord has of late been doing great things for Dublin. Several of the young men in the college have been awakened; and two of the fellows are sweet evangelical preachers. One of them is of a spirit serene as the summer’s evening, and sweet as the breath of May. I am already intimate with them, and have spent several mornings in college with various students who bid fair to be faithful watchmen on Jerusalem’s walls. But I hope you will come, and then you will see for yourself If not, I will give you some pleasant details when we meet in England. S. P.”
SA.MUEL PtARCt;. 133
Mr. Summers complied with this invitation. Of the last seven or eight days of Mr. Pearce’s continuance at Dublin, he thus writes;
■■’ Monday, July 4. — At three in the afternoon I went with my friend Mr. Summers to Mr. K.’s« Spent a very agreeable day. Miss A. K. remarked two wonders in Dublin — a praying society composed of students at college, and another of lawyers-The family were called together; I read and ex’ pounded the twelfth chapter of Isaiah, and prayed. At seven we went to a prayer-meeting at Plunket-street; there was a very large attendance. Mr. R. and Mr. S. prayed; and I spoke from Rom. 10: 12, ^13: ‘There is no difference between the Jew and ;the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto jail who call upon him. For whosoever shall call iUpon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ Many seemed affected. After I had closed the opportunity, I told them some of my own experience, and requested that, if any present wished for conversation hey would come to me, either that evening, or on Thursday evening, in the vestry. Five persons tame in. One had been long impressed with religion, but could never summon courage enough td )pen her heart before. Another, a Miss W. attri- puted her first impressions, under God, to my minstry; and told me that her father had regularly at- 3nded of late, and that her m.other was so much larmed as to be almost in despair. Poor girl! she
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seemed truly in earnest about her own soul, and as much concerned for her parents. The next had possessed a serious concern for some time, and of late had been much revived. One young lady, a Miss H. stayed in the meetingf-house, exceeding-ly affected indeed. Mr. K. spoke to her. She said she would speak to me on Thursday.
“Tuesday, 5. — Went to Lexlip. At seven preachedtb a large- and aflected auditory.
“Wednesday, 6. — Mr. H. and myself went to Mrs. M’G. to inquire about the young lady who was Bo much aifected at the meeting. Mrs. M’G. saidher mother and sister were pious; that she had been very giddy; but that last Lord’s day she was seriously awakened to a sense of sin; had expressed her delight in religion, and fled for refuge to the blood of Jesus. Her sister was introduced to me, a sweetly pious lady. I agreed to wait for an interview with the young lady at Mr. H.’s in Eccles-street, to-morrow.
“Thursday 7. — Miss H., her sister, and Mrs. M’G. came to Eccles-street. A most delightful interview. Seldom have I seen such proficiency in so short a time. That day a week, at Plunkelstreet, she received h&r first serious impressions her concern deepened at Mass-lane, on Lord’s day morning; more so in the evening at Plunket-street; but most of all on Monday night. I exhorted thent to begin a prayer and experience-meeting; and they agreed. Blessed he God I this strengthens my hands greatly. At seven o’clock, preached at Plunket-street, from Jer. i: 4, 5: ‘Going and weeping — they shall ask their way to Zion with their fiaces thitherward.’ A full house and an impressive season. Tarried after the public services were ended, to converse on religion. The most pleasing case was that of a young man of Mr. D.’s.
“Saturday, 9. — Went with my friend Mr. S. to call on Miss H. Found her at her mother’s. We lirst passed the door. She ran out after us; seemed happy, but agitated. Ran, and called her mother. Soon we saw the door of the parlor open, and a majestic lady appeared; who, as she entered the room, thus accosted me: ‘Who art thou, O blessed of the Lord! Welcome to the widow’s house! Accept the widow’s thanks for coming after the child whom thou hast begotten in the gospell’ I was too much overcome to do more than take the aged saint by the hand. A solemn silence ensued for a minute or two; when the old lady, recovering, expressed the fullness of her satisfaction respecting the reality of the change effected in her daughter, and her gratitude for the great refreshment of her Own soul, by means of my poor labors. She said she had known the Lord during forty years, being called vmder the ministry of John Fisher, in the open air, when on a visit to an officer, who was her brother-in-lav.-. She told us much of her experience, and promised
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to encourage the prayer-meeting which I proposed to be held in her house every Lord’s-day evening. They are to begin to-morrow, after preaching. It was a pleasant meeting: and we returned with pleasure to Eccles-street. After we rose up to come away, the old lady affectionately said, ‘May the good-will of Him who dwelt in the bush attend you wherever you go, for ever and ever!’”
The young lady, some months after, wrote to Mr. S. and says, amongst other things, “I have great reason to be thankful for the many blessings the Lord has been pleased to bestow upon me, and ia particular for his sending Mr. Pearce to this city; and that through his means I have been convinced of sin. I am happy to inform you that, through grace, I am enabled to walk in the narrow path. The Lord has taken away all desire for worldly company; all my desires, now, are to attend on the means of grace. Blessed be his name! I often find him present in them. My mother and I often remember the happy time we spent in your company at our house. She often speaks of it with great pleasure, and blesses the Lord for the change which grace has wrought in me.”
“Lord’s-day, 10. — (the last Sabbath.) — Preached in the morning at Mary’s Abbey, from Job, 33: 27, 28: ‘He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not, he will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light.’ A happy season. In the afternoon, having dined with Mr. W. he took me to Swift’s Alley, the Baptist place of worship, where I gave an exhortation on brotherly love, and administered the Lord’s supper. At Mr. W.’s motion, the church requested me to look out a suitable minister for them. In the evening I preached at Plunket-street, from 2 Timothy, 1: 18: ‘The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day!’ A very solemn season.”
“Monday, 11. — Met the dear christian friends, for the last time, at a prayer-meeting in Plunket-street. The Lord was there! Several friends spent the evening with us afterwards at Mr. H.’s.”
“Tuesday, 12. — Went on board at four. Arrived at Liverpool on Thursday, and safely at home on Friday, July 15, 1796. Blessed be the Preserver of men, the Savior of sinners, and the help of his servants, for evermore. Amen, amen!”
Some time after, writing to his friend who accompanied him, he says — “I have received several letters from Dublin; two from Master B. one from Miss H. one from M. three or four from our Baptist friends, and some from others whom I cannot recollect. Mr. K. lately called on me, in his way from Bath to Holyhead. We talked of you, and of our Lord, and did not part till we had presented ourselves before the throne.”
During his labors in Dublin he was strongly solicited to settle in a very flattering situation at the Black Rock, the residence of some of the most genteel families in the neighborhood; and a very liberal salary was offered him.* On his positively declining it, mention was made of only six months in the year. When that was declined, three months were proposed; and, when he was about to answer this in the negative, the party refused to receive his answer, desiring him to take time to consider of h. He did so, and, though he entertained a very grateful sense of the kindness and generosity expressed in the proposal, yet, after the maturest deliberation, he thought it his duty to decline it. Mr. Pearce’s modesty prevented his talking on such a subject; but it was known at the time by his friend who accompanied him, and, since his death, has been frequently mentioned as an instance of his disinterested spirit.
His friends at Birmingham were ready to think it hard that he should be so willing to leave them, to go on a mission among the heathen; but they could not well complain, and much less think ill of him, when they saw that such a willingness was more
* One lady of affluence engaged herself to contribute sufficient for the handsome support of Mr. Pearce and family, if he would reside in the neighborhood of Dublin; but he declined, telling her that he had found three things at Birmingham which determined him not to leave it — health, love, and usefulness.
than could be effected by the most flattering prospects of a worldly nature, accompanied too with promising appearances of religious usefulness.
About a month after his return from Dublin, Mr. Pearce addressed a letter to Mr. Carey, in which he gives some farther account of Ireland, as well as of some other interesting matters.
“Birmingham, Aug. 12, 179fi.
“O, my dear brother, did you but know with what feelings I resume my pen, freely to correspond with you, after receiving your very affectionate letter to myself, and perusing that which you sent by the same conveyance to the society, I am sure you would persuade yourself that I have no common friendship for you, and that your regards are at least returned with equal ardor.
“I fear {I had almost said) that I shall never see your face in the flesh; but if any thing can add to the joy which the presence of Christ, and conformity, perfect conformity to him, will afford in heaven, surely the certain prospect of meeting with my dear brother Carey there, is one of the greate.st. Thrice happy should I be, if the providence of God would open a way for my partaking of your labors, your sufllerings, and your pleasures, on this side the eternal world: but all my brethren here are of opinion that I shall be more useful at home than abroad; and T, though reluctantly, submit. Yet I am truly with you in spirit. My heart is at Mudnabatty; and at times I even hope to find my body there: but with the Lord I leave it. He knows my wishes, my motives, my regret. He knows all my soul; and, depraved as it is, I feel an inexpressible satisfaction that he does know, it. However, it is a humbling thought to me, that he sees I am unfit for such a station, and unworthy of such an honor as to bear his name among the heathen. But I must be thankful still that, though he appoints me not to a post in foreign service, he will allow me to stand sentinel at home. In this situation may I have grace to be faithful unto death I
“With pleasure approaching to rapture, I read the last accounts you sent us. I never expected immediate success; the prospect is truly greater than my most sanguine hopes. ‘The kingdom of heaven IS like to a little leaven hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.’ .Blessed be God! the leaven is in the meal, and its influence is alreadydiscoverable. A great God is doing great things by you. Go on, my dearest brother, go on; God will do greater things than these. Jesus is worthy of a world of praise: and shall Hindostan not praise him? Surely he shall see of the travail of his soul there; and the sower and the reaper shall rejoice together. Already the empire of darkness totters, and soon it shall doubtless fall. Blessed be the laborers in this important work; and blessed be He who giveth them hearts and strength to labor, and promises that they shall not labor in vain!
“Do not fear the want of monej’’. God is for us, and the silver and the gold are his; and so are the hearts of those who possess the most of it. I will travel from the Land’s End to the Orkneys, but we will get money enough for all the demands of the mission. I have never had a fear on that head: a little exertion will do wonders; and past experience justifies every confidence. Men we only want; and God shall find them for us in due time.
“Is brother Fountain arrived? We hope he will be an acceptable remittance, and, viva voce, compensate for the lack of epistolary communications.
“I rejoice in contemplating a church of our Lord Jesus Christ in Bengal. Why do not the Hindoo converts join it? Lord help their unbelief! But perhaps the drop is now withheld, that you may by and by have the shower, and lift up your eyes and say, * These, whence came they? They fly as clouds, or as doves to their windows.’ For three years we read of few baptized by the first disciples of our Lord; but, on the fourth, 3000 and 5000 openly avowed him. The Lord send you such another Pentecost!
“I intended to write my dear brother a long letter. It will prove my desire to gratify him, if it do no more. I wish that I knew in what communications your other correspondents will be most deficient; then I would try to supply their om.issions.
142 MEJioirv OF
“As to myself, I have nothing good to say. i think I am the most vile, ungralefui servant that ever Jesus Christ employed in his church. At some times i question whether I ever knew the grace frf God in truth; and, at others, I hesitate on the most important points of Christian faith. 1 have lately had peculiar struggles of this kind with my own heart, and have often half concluded to speak no more in the name of the Lord. When I ain preparing for the pulpit, I fear I am going to avow fables for facl.^, and doctrines of men for the truths of God. In conversation I am obliged to be silent, lest my tongue should belie my heart. In prayer I know not what to say, and at times think prayer altogether useless. Yet I cannot wholly surrender my hope, or my profession. Three things I find, above all others, tend to my preservation :-7-^First, a recollection of a time when, at once, I was brought to abandon the practice of sins which the fear of damnation could never bring me to relinquish before: surely, I say, this must be the finger of God, according to the Scripture doctrine of regeneration; — Secondly, I feel such a consciousness of guilt, that nothing but the Gospel scheme can satisfy my mind respecting the hope of salvation; — Thirdly, I see that what true devotion does appear in the world, seems only to be found among those to whom Christ is precious.
“But I frequently find a backwardness to secret prayer, and much deadness in it: and it puzzles me
SAjri’EL PEARCE. 143
to see how this can be consistent with a life of grace. However, I resolve that, let what will become of me, I will do all I can for God -while I live, and leave the rest to him: and this I usually experience phe best way to be at peace.
•’ I believe that, if I were more fully given up to God, I should be more free from these distressingworkings of mind; and then I long to be a missionary, w-here I should have temptations to nothing hut to abound in the work of the Lord, and lay myself entirely out for him. In such a situation, I think, pride would have but little food, and faith more occasion for exercise; so that the spiritual life and inward religion would thrive better than they do now.
“At times, indeed, I do feel, I trust, genuine contrition, and sincerely lament my short-comings before God. O the sweets that accompany true repentance! Yes, I love to be abased before God. ‘There it is I find my blessing.’ May the Lord daily and hourly bring me low, and keep me so!
“As to my public work, I find, whilst engaged in it, little cause to complain for want either of matter or -words. My labors are acceptable, and not altogether unprofitable, to the hearers: but what is this to me, if my ov^Ti soul starve whilst others are fed by me? O, my brother, I need your prayers; and feel a great satisfaction in the hope that you do not forget me. O that I m5>y be kept faithful unto death! Indeed, in the midst of my striiggiini;?, a gleam of hope that I shall at last awake in the likeness of God, affords me greater joy than words can express. To be with Christ is far better than to continue sinning here; but, if the Lord has any thing to do by me, his will be done.
“I have never so fully opened my case to any one before. Your freedom on similar topics encourages me to make my complaint to you, and I thinks if you were near me, I should feel great relief in revealing to you all my heart. But I shall fatigue you with my moanings; so I will have done on this subject.
“It is not long since I returned from a kind of mission to Ireland. A society is established in Dublin, for the purpose of inviting, from England, ministers of various denominations, to assist in promoting the interests of the kingdom of Christ there. Some of our Baptist brethren had been there before me; as Rippon, Langdon, Francis, and Birt; and I think the plan is calculated for usefulness.
“The inhabitants of Dublin seem to be chiefly composed of two classes; the one assumes the appearance of opulence, the other exhibits marks of the most abject poverty; and, as there are in Ireland no parishes which provide for the poor, many die every year for want of the common necessaries of life.
“Most of the rich are by profession Protestants. The poor are nearly all Papists, and strongly pre-SAMUEL PEAltCE. 145
judiced ag;ainst the reformed religion. Their ignorance and superstition are scarcely inferior to your miserable Hindoos. On mid-summer day I had an affecting proof of the latter. On the public road, about a mile from Dublin, is a well, which was once included in the precincts of a priory dedicated to St. John of Jerusalem. This well is in high repute for curing a number of bodily complaints, and its virtues are said to be the most efficacious on the saint’s own day. So, from twelve o’clock at night, for twenty-four hours, it becomes the rendezvous for all the lame, blind, and otherwise diseased people, within a circuit of twenty miles. Here they brought old and young, and applied the holy icater, both internally and externally; some by pouring, some by immersion, and all by drinking; whilst, for the good of those who could not attend in person, their friends filled bottles with the efficacious water, to use at home. Several I saw on their knees before the well, at their devotions, who were not unfrequently interrupted with a glass of whiskey! With this they were supplied by a number of dealers in that article, who kept standings all round the well.
“Near to the spot wms a church-yard, where great numbers kneeled upon the tombs of their deceased relatives, and appeared earnestly engaged in praying for the repose of their souls.
“It was truly a lamentable sight. My heart ached at their delusions; whilst I felt gratitude, 1 hope un* feigned, for an acquaintance with the ’ water of life, of which if a man drink, he shall live for ever!’
“There are few or none of the middle class to connect the rich and the poor, so that favorable access to them is far more difficult than to the lower orders of the people in England; and their priests hold them in such bondage, that, if a catholic servant only attend on family worship in a protestant house, penance must be performed for the oflence. S. P.”
It has been already stated that Mr. Pearce “formed a pleasing acquaintance with several serious young gentlemen of the University of Dublin.” The following letter was addressed to one of them, the Rev. Mr. Matthias, a few months after his return:
“Dear brother Matthias,
“I have been employed this whole day in writing letters to Dublin; and it is the first day I have been able to redeem for that purpose. I will not consume a page in apology; let it suffice to say that necessity, not disinclination, has detained from my Irish friends those proofs of my gratitude and esteem which, in other circumstances, I ought to have presented three months ago. I thought this morning of answering all their demands before I slept; but I have written so many sheets, and all full, that I find my eyes and my fingers both fail; and I believe this must close my intercourse with
Dublin this day. When I shall be able to complete my purpose I do not know. To form friendships with good men is pleasant; but to maintain all that communion which friendship expects, is in some cases very difficult. Happy should I be, could I meet my Irish friends in propria persona, instead of sitting in solitude, and maintaining, by the tedious medium of the pen, this distant intercourse. But the Lord he shall choose our inheritance for us. Were all the planets of our system embodied, and placed in close association, the light would be greater and the object grander: but, then, usefulness and systematic beauty consist in their dispersion: and what are we, my dear brother, but so many satellites to Jesus, the great Sun of the Christian system? Some, indeed, like burning Mercuries, keep nearer the luminary, and receive more of its light and heat; whilst others, like the ringed planet, or the Georgium Sidus, preserve a greater distance, and reflect a greater portion of his light; yet if, amidst all this diversity, they belong to the system, two things may be affirmed of all: — all keep true to one centre, and borrow whatever light they have from one source. True it is, that the further they are from the sun, the longer are they in performing their revolutions; and is not this exemplified in us? The closer we keen to Jesus, the more brilliant are our graces, the more cheerful and active are our lives: but alas, we are all comets; we ail move in eccentric orbits; at one time glowing beneath the ray divine, at another congealing and freezing into icicles. ‘Oh, what a miracle to man is maul’
“Little did I think, when I began this letter, that I should thus have indulged myself in allegory: but true friendship, I believe, always dictates extempore; and my friends must never expect from me a studied epistle. They can meet with better thoughts than I can furnish them with in any bookseller’s shop. It is not the dish, however well it may be cooked, that gives the relish, but the sweet sauce of friendship; and this I think sometimes makes even nonsense palatable.
“But 1 have some questions to put to you. How are my college friends? How is their health? But chiefly, how are the interests of religion among you: are there any praying students added to your number? Do all those you thought well of continue to justify their profession? You know what it is that interests me. Pray tell me all, whether it makes mo weep or rejoice.
“I hope Mr. H ’s ministry was blessed in
Dublin. Do you know any instances of it? We must sow in hope, and I trust that we shall all gather fruit to eternal life, even where the buddings have never appeared to us in this world. How is it with your own soul? I thank God I never, 1 think, rejoiced habitually so much in him as I have doners of late. ‘God is love.’ That makes me happy. I
SAMUEL PEARCE. [id
rejoice that God reigns; that he reigns overall; over me; over my crosses, my com/brls, my family, my friends, my senses, my mental powers, my designs, my words, my preaching, my conduct; that he is God over all, blessed for ever. I am willing to live, yet I long to die, to be freed from all error and all sin. I have nothing else to trouble me; no other cross to carry. The sun shines without, all day long; but I am sensible of internal darkness. Well, through grace, it shall be all light by and by. Yes, you and I shall be angels of light; all Mercuries then; all near the sun; always in motion; always glowing with zeal and flaming with love. O for the new heavens and the new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness!”
A while after this, he thus writes to his friend Mr. Summers:
“Dci3mbcr, 1793.
“I rejoice that you have been supported under, and brought through your late trials. I do not wonder at it, for it is no more than God has promised; and though we may well wonder that he promises any thing, yet his performance is no just ground of surprise: and, when we find ourselves so employed, we had better turn our wonder to our own unbelief that for one moment suspected God would not be as good as his word,
“I have been lately more than ever delighted with the thought that God has engaged to do any thin for such -wonns as we. I never studied the Deistical controversy so much, nor ever rejoiced in revelation more. Alas! what should we know, if God had not condescended to teach us? Paul very justly remarks, that no one knoweth any thing- of God but the Spirit of God, and he to whom the Spirit revealeth him. Now the Spirit hath revealed God in the Bible; but to an unbeliever the Bible is a sealed book. He can know nothing- from a book that he looks upon as an imposture, and yet there is no other book in which God is revealed; so that to reject the Bible is to immerse ourselves in darkness, and, whilst professing to be wise, actually to become fools: whereas, no sooner do we believe what the Spirit saith, than God IS revealed to us, and ’ in his light do we see light.’
“S. P.”
In April, 1797, Mr. Pearce attended a meeting of ministers at Arnsby. A person present has recorded that, “upon this occasion, he was previously expected to preach; but, as he did not arrive till the service was ready to commence, one of the brethren was engaged to supply his place. On the appearance of INIr. Pearce, however, the minister entreated to be excused; v.’hen he was thus addressed by that amiable man: ‘My dear brother, I am fatigued with my journey, and unfit to preach: you complain of manyfears besetting you, and know not that I am as timid and nervous as yourself: ofiv’^ntimes, and especially since rny nervous complaint, I have suffered to an agony in the prospect of such an exercise; but, on the principle of benevolence, to save you from those painful feelings, I will endeavor to encounter my own and comply with your request.’” Of the sermon he then preached, notes were taken from his lips at the time, by the friend referred to; and though, as the writer remarks, they are “extremely inadequate to convey a just idea of the discourse,” since Mr. Pearce’s impassioned enlargements on his principal ideas formed the peculiar excellence of his pulpit exercises, yet as excellent in themselves, and happily illustrating the text, it is conceived they will be found acceptable to the pious reader.
Rev, 7: 9; “I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no man can number, of all nations, and kindred, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb.”
Life is a journey; Christians are travelers: but the world to which we are going is to us unknown. Those who have gone thither have not returned to
give us any information about it The doctrine
which Christ has left behind him, however, supplies us with all the information that is necessary to our happiness. Here life and immortality are brought to light. From his doctrine we learn what heaven is, and what its employments are. In general, we know that heaven is a place of society: when Lazarus died, he was carried to Abraham’s bosom.
And, from the passag-e before us, we learn that it is a very large and blessed society.
I. Inquire, Of whom the society of hlaven
WILL CONSIST.
1. Jesus the Mediator Tie is the sun that
enlightens that world .... He who shed his blood for your salvation .... He whom your souls adore, and desire to see, and to enjoy. ...” 1 go to prepare a place, for you: I will come aain, and receive you unto myself: that where I am, there ye may be also.’’ “Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me.” We shall “stand before the throne, and before the Lamb.”
2. The angels of God shall form a part of this society. They even now hold an uninterrupted intercourse with the church of God on earth; are continually “ascending and descending on the Son of man;” — are “sent forth to minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation;” — and at length shall lead us to the throne of God and the Lamb, and wo shall dwell among them.
3. This society will comprehend all good men, — “a o-reat multitude which no man can number, of all nations, and kindred, and people, and tongues.”
... There are three things which prevent the full society of good men on earth: — 1. We are separated by distance of lime. We have heard of Abel .... of Enoch, who “walked with God,” .... of
Abraham .... of Paul, and others eminent for piety; but we have never seen them. Could we but see and converse with these good men, they would teach us to walk with God too .... Well, there we shall see them; there also, Jesus and his disciples! — 2. Here we are separated by distance of place. Some good men live in Europe; a (ew in Africa; some in America; and Asia at least contains one good man,*
with whom we have taken sweet counsel,
but we shall see his face no more! Well, we
shall meet again in glory, and part no more. — 3. Good men are separated by difference of sentiment. Here they are divided into various classes, and distinguished by several peculiarities; and, as truth is the bond of union, we necessarily feel most attached to those whose principles and dispositions are most congenial with our own. But there shall be no dissensions One blaze of light shall illuminate
every heart!
H. Inquire, Wherein will consist the
BLESSEHNESS OF THIS HEAVENLY SOCIETY.
1. There they shall be ail holy. One reason why we do not rejoice more in the society of the godly here is, that we have so much sin amongst us, while the world around us is lying in wickedness. Very often, like Lot, our souls are “vexed with the filthy
The preacher here made a most pathetic allusion to Mr. Carey.
conversation of the wicked;” and, with the Psalmist, we are ready to say, “Wo unto us, that we sojourn in Mesech, and dwell in the tents of Kedar!” .... Here, a good man feels his pleasure abated by the reflection that, perhaps, his nearest relations are ftirthest off from the kingdom of heaven, and his house is not so with God .... But none of these things are found in heaven: there we shall never behold sinners, nor be grieved with their conduct any more: “there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination or maketh a lie; but they who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”
2. Not only all shall be holy, but they shall be eminently so. When we meet with good men, we rejoice in their society, and feel a oneness of heart with them: but alas! we soon discover so many defects; in some a little pride, in others a little covetousness .... like the spots in the sun, which, though they do not obscure its rays, yet become a blemish. But there every subject shall be as righteous as his Lord, and every disciple as holy as his Master.
3. There they shall be completely happy, as well as holy. Many of our sorrows in this world arise from sympathy; and religion not only allows, but teaches us “to weep with those that weep; to bear each other’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” We have some happiness in our religious friends: but often have to say, Lord, he whom thou lovest is sick.’ Here, a dear friend is called to ( lament the loss of an affectionate wife, a faithful husband, an only child, or a tender parent .... there,; a beloved friend is involved in some worldly difficulties or temptations. These diminish the happi. Hess of society .... But, in heaven, the tears shall be wiped from all faces, sorrow and sighing shall I flee away, and each shall be as happy as his capacity will admit.
4. Perfect union in our religious sentiments, affections, and worship, will form an essential part of the felicity of heaven. The want of such an agreement diminishes the aggregate of social happiness
; and evil passions both produce and are produced by
‘it In the exercise of public worship we feel
I our minds elevated and dignified; our hearts are
more enlarged than in private duties: the latter may
, be more profitable, but the former are more jov-I ful Here, however, our pleasures are abated
by the limitation of our society; there, the society will be abundantly large, consisting of “a great multitude which no man can number;” and they shall be “all of one heart and of one soul.”
5. This society shall be blessed with permanence and perpetuity. Fellowship with Christian brethren on earth is sweet, and, while engaged in acts of social worship, Ave feel the endearing bands sweetly ^rawn around us; but soon we are called to part.
and parting divides our joy Our social pleasures are often damped by the necessity of exclusion from the church, — by the death of valuable friends .... But there shall be no exclusion from that society; no more death; “neither shall the’ inhabitants say any more, 1 am sick.”
From hence we may learn, 1. What must be our qualifications for heaven. John, 3:5. 2. To be reconciled to bereaving providences, and to our own death: such as die in the Lord are gone to this blessed society. 3. To endeavor to render our intercourse with Christians on earth more like that ebove.
A few extracts will now be given from letters which he addressed to his friends in 1797 and 1798,
To Dr. Ryland.
“March, 1797.” During the last three weeks I have at times been ill with colds, &c. Am better now. and lave been all along assisted in going through my public duties. Let us continue to pray for each other till death makes it a needless service. How uncertain is life, and what a blessing is death to a saint! I seem lately to feel a kind of affection for death. Methinks, if it were visible, I could embrace it. ‘Welcome herald, that bids the prisoner be free; that announces the dawn of everlasting day; that bids the redeemed come to Zion with everlasting joy, to be beyond the reach of an erroneous judgment and a depraved heart.’ To believe, to feel, to speak, to act exactly as God will have me; to be wholly absorbed and taken up with him; this, nothing short of this, can make my bliss complete. But all this is mine. O the height, the depth, the length, the breadth of redeeming love! It conquers my heart, and constrains me to yield myself a living sacrifice, acceptable to God, through Jesus Christ. My dear brother, we have had many happy meetings on earth; the best is in reserve.
‘No heart upon earth can conceive
The bliss that in heaven they share;
‘Then who this dark world would not leave,
And cheerfully die to be there?
“Ohow full of love, and joy, and praise, shall we be when that happy state is ours I Well, yet a little while, and he that shall come will come. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! My dear brother, forgive the hasty effusions of a heart that loves you in the bowels of Jesus, and is always happy in testifying itself to be
“AfTectionately yours, S. P.”
To Mr. Cave. On the falling away of some who had promised fair in religion.
“1797.” I thank you, my dear brother, for the confidence you repose ia me, the affection you have for me, and U the freedom with which you write to me. Assure yourself that I sincerely sympathize in the cutting events which you have lately experienced. Trying indeed! Your heart must bleed. Yet, be not discouraged in your work. The more Satan opposes Christ, the more let us oppose him. He comes with great violence, because his time is short. His kingdom is on the decline, his strong holds are besieged, and he knows they must soon be taken. Whilst it lasts, he is making desperate sallies on the armies of the Lamb. It is no great wonder that he fights and wounds a raw recruit now and then, who strays from the camp, and, thoughtless of the danger, keeps not close by the Captain’s tent. I hope our glorious Leader will heal the wounded and rescue the captive. He is sure to make reprisals. Christ will have ten to one. You Yill yet see his arm miade bare. He shall go forth like a man of war. The prisoners shall be redeemed, and the old tyrant shall be cast into the bottomless pit. Be of good cheer, my fellow soldier. The cause is not ours, but God’s. Let us endure hardness, and still fight the good fight of faith. At last we shall come off conquerors, through him who hath loved us.
“I hope you have somx causes for joy as well as grief I tru?t, though one, or two, or three fall, the tens and the twenties stand their ground. O do what you can to cheer them under the common trial. Let them not see a faint heart in you- Fight manfully
Still. Tell them to watch the more; to pray the harder; to walk the closer with God. So out of the eater shall come forth meat, and sweetness out of the strong. S. P.”
To 3Ir. Bates and Mrs. Barnes, who had been burnt out of their rcsiJeucc.
“The many expressions of Christian friendship which I received from you and your affectionate families, during my late visit to London, will often excite grateful recollections in future, as they have almost daily since I parted from j’ou; and, though I do not write this avowedly as a mere letter of acknowledgment, yet I wish it to assure you that I am not forgetful of my friends, nor unthankful for their kindness. May all the favor you show to the servants of our common Lord, for his sake, be amply recompensed in present peace and future felicity, when the promise of him who cannot lie shall be fulfilled: * A cup of cold water given to a disciple, in the name of a disciple, shall not lose its reward.’
“But whilst you, my dear friends, live ’ in hope of the glory’ that remains ‘to be revealed,’ I am persuaded that you e.lpect all as the fruit of sovereign mercy, which first forms us to the mind of Christ, then accepts, and then rewards. Truly,^ if sinners be rewarded, it must be ‘of grace, and not of debt.’ Yet it is a msrcy of unspeakable magnitude, that grace should establish a connection, be* tween obedience and enjoyment, such a connection as at once insures joy to the believer and glory to Christ.
“0 that our thoughts, our affections, our desires, may be much in heaven! Here, you have been taught, is ’ no continuing city,’ no certain place of abode; and, though you have been taught it awfully in flames, yet, if you learn it eflectually, the terror of the means will be conquered by the excellency and glory of the consequences. Yes, ray friends, ’ in heaven we have a better and enduring substance: the apartments there are more spacious; the society more sweet; the enjoyments more perfect; and all to last for ever. AVell may Christians ’ rejoice in hope of the glory of God!’ “.
To Mr. Carey.
“Blrminghzm, Sept. 8, 1797.
” My very dear Brother,
“It might be wrong to compare the pleasure which any of your letters from India to Europe give, with that which between the same friends is derived from European letters to India. Your want of Christian society may make Christian correspondence sweeter than we, who are surrounded with affectionate brethren in the Lord, can conceive; otherwise I should have referred you to your own feelings when you hear from us, for an idea of the pleasure I derive from your brotherly epistles, ladeed, my dear brother, neither distance
8AMUEL PEARCE. IGl
nor absence abates the ardent attachment my sout bears to yours; on the contrary, I feel ii grow year by year, and I sometimes derive greater joy in the prospect of heaven itself, from the expectation of meeting with my beloved Carey there. 1 can hardly refrain from repeating, what I have so often told you before, that I long to meet you on earth, and to join you in youriabors of love among the poor dear heathen: yes, would my Lord bid me so, 1 should with transport obey the summons, and take a joyful farewell of the land that bare me, though it were for ever; but I must confess that the path of duty appears to me clearer than before to be at home, at least for the present: not that I think my connections in England a sufficient argument, but that I am somewhat necessary to the mission itself, and shall be as long as money is wanted and our number of active friends does not increase. Brother Fuller and myself have the whole of the collecting business on our hands; and, though there are many others about us who exceed me in grace and gifts, yet their other engagements forbid, or their peculiar turn of mind disqualifies them for that kind of service. I wish, however, to be thankful, if our dear Lord will but employ me as a foot in the body. I consider myself as united to the hands, and eyes, and mouth, and heart, and all; and, when the body rejoices, I have my share of gladness with the other members. •’At this moment I rejoice, though it be with trembling. Your communications respecting Sooknmn, and Yardee, and Doorgotteea, and the other whose name you forgot, more than repay every painful step; but do they hold on their way? O, my brother, be not discouraged if you cannot say they do; nor will we be discouraged, should future letters terminate our pleasing hope respecting them. If they are not effectually called, God will call others, and yet set up his empire and make his name glorious in Hindoostan. Should they still appear to be really the sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus, tell them there is one in Birmingham who loves them in the Lowels of Jesus Christ — a poor sinner, by nature as bad as they, but who, like them, is looking for the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life; tell them he remembers them by name in prayer to their Father and his Father, to their God and his God; tell them he hopes to meet them in glory, and to join them eternally, singing to the Lamb that was slain for both, glory in the highest.
“1 am glad that at last you have received most of my letters, and 1 hope, should any considerable time elapse in future without your hearing from English friends, you will set it down to the account of a precarious conveyance, and not to our neglect of you: like th? comforts of the holy man of Uz, they may be delayed for a season, to crowd upon you in greater abundance in the end.
“1 have considerably affected my spirits by nightreading on mission history during the last winter, so that I had hardly fortitude enough to enter my own pulpit, or sometimes to engage in family prayer; but through mercy I am much recovered, having been more regular in going to bed, and taking more exercise by day, although I am still incapable of close thinking or much writing, without pain in my head, followed with an almost stupefaction for a time.
“Our church is in very favorable circumstances. I have baptized several lately, and many more are in a very hopeful state. We are at present strangers to all discord; we live in peace and much affection. God grant it may abide and abound!
“A society has lately been formed in London for preaching to the Jews: very few attended; but a Jew of some consequence lately told one of the supporters of that lecture that it had occasioned some consideration — that the men of influence deterred the poorer sort from attending; ’ but (said he) I would have you print some small tracts upon the subject — we may read when we durst not hear.’ Hence we fondly hope the ice is broken: I rejoice in every step that is taking: it will do good to Christians, if not to the posterity of Abraham.
“I think in one of your letters you hint a suspicion that ’ the ten tribes yet exist in India.’ Have you pursued the inquiry? What is the result?
“I have had with me this afternoon a blind v>’0- man from the workhouse, the eyes of whose mind the Lord appears to have truly enlightened. She reminds me of brother Thomas’s blind Brahmin. O that he may be enabled to behold the Lamb of God, and see the glory of God in him!
“May my dear brother enjoy much of God in his own soul, and see his power and his glory displayed in Hindoostan m.ore than he ever did in a British sanctuary.
“I am. dear brother,
“more than 1 can express,
“your affectionate brother,
“S. P.”
To Dr. Ryland.
“November 17, 1797.” I feel much for you in relation both to the duties and trials of your present situation; at the same time I bless God who fixed you in it, because I am persuaded it will be for his glory in the churches of Christ. And, though none but those whose hands are full of religious concerns can guess at your difficulties, yet our blessed Redeemer knows them all. O, my brother, you are travailing for him who redeemed you by his blood, who sympathizes with you, and who will graciously crown you at last. Small as my trials are, 1 would turn smith, and work at the anvil and the forge, rather than bear them for any other master than Christ. Yet. were they ten thousand times as many as they are, the thought of their being for him, I trust, would sweeten them all.
“I have reason to be very thankful for much pleasure of late, both as a Christian and a minister. I have never felt so deeply my need of a divine Redeemer, and seldom possessed such solid confidence that he is mine. I want more and more to become a little child; to dwindle into nothing in my own esteem — to renounce my own wisdom, power, and goodness, and simply look to and live upon Jesus for all. I am ashamed that I have so much pride, so much self-will. O! my Savior, make me ‘meek and lowly in heart:’ in this alone I find * rest to my soul.’
“I could say much of what Immanuel has done for my soul; but I fear lest even this should savor of vanity. When shall I be like my Lord? O wel-; come death, when I have nothing more to do for ‘Christ. To hifh, till then, may I live every day and I every hour. Rather may I be annihilated than not! live to him!
- “You will rejoice with me to hear that we have a pleasing prospect as a church. Several very hopet ful, and some very valuable characters are about to join us. Lord, carry on thy work! S. P.”
A few weeks after, he writes to Dr. Carey: “A spirit for village preaching prevails much in England and Scotland. I have pleasing prospects of settled congregations in two neighboring villages, to the first of which I went but little more than twelve months since. On Lord’s day above thirty of our members go in turn and pray, exhort, read I sermons, &c. which the Lord has greatly blessed.”
To Mrs. Poarce, on the dangerous illness of one of the chiliirea.
“Portsmouth January 29, 1798.
“Ignorant of the circumstances of our dear child, how shall I address myself to her dearer mother! With a fluttering heart and a trembling hand, I, in this uncertainty, resume my pen. One consideration tranquillizes my mind — I and mine are in the hands of God, the wise, the good, the indulgent Parent of mankind! Whatever he does is best. I am prepared for all his will, and hope that I shall never have a feeling whose language is not ‘Thy will be done.’ %
“I am most kindly entertained here by Mr. and Mrs. Shoveller; and, except my dear Sarah’s presence, feel myself at home. They have had greater trials than we can at present know. They have attended seven children to the gloomy tomb: they have been supported beneath their loss by Him who hath said, ‘as thy day, so shall thy strength be.’ Mrs. S. tells me she ‘blessed God for all.’ May I my dear Sarah be enabled to do the same, whatever the result may prove. To-morrow I expect another letter from you; yet lest you should too much feel my absence, I will not delay forwarding this a single post. O that it may prove in some degree a messenger of consolation!
“Yesterday I preached three times; God was very good. I received your letter before the first service: you may be assured that I bore you on my heart in the presence of my Lord and j’ours; nor shall I pray in vain: He Aill either restore the child or support you under the loss of it. I dare not pray with importunity for any earthly good: for ‘who knoweth what is good for a man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow?’ But strength to bear the loss of earthly comforts he has promised; for that I importune: and that I doubt not will be granted.
“In a house, directly opposite to the window before which I now write, a wife, a mother, is just departed! Why am I not a bereaved husband? Why are not my children motherless? When we compare our condition with our wishes, we often complain: but, if we compare it with that of many around us, our complaints will be exchanged for gratitude and praise, S. P.”
To Mr. Carey.
PortSTTwuth, Feb. 5, 1798. *’ I am here, my dear brother, on the same errand which took you from Europe to India, seeking the
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salvation of the heathen: but how differentlj’ am I situated from my dear friends in Bengal! They are laboring in the midst of idolatrous strangers: 1 am reposing in the bosom of Christian I’riendship. Blessed be God, we shall find one resting place at last;; and soon shall we be reposing there. O how short the space which in this world we can employ for: God! Surely whatever our hands find to do, wej; should do with all our might.
“I am stimulated to new exertions at home by my dear brother’s activity abroad. I bless God who inspired you with such a zeal in such a cause, and who still adds fuel to the precious flame. Long may your heart be preserved, glowing with the same ardor for Immanuel’s honor and the salvation of poor heathens!
“The people here are very liberal to the mission. I have been here a little more than a week, and have already raised £78. Could I stay through this week, 1 suppose it would be made XlOO; but my dear wife writes me that our eldest child (just six years old) is dying in a fever, so that I must return as soon as I. can. The Lord support the mother and myself!
“Had I time, I would write to brethren Thomas and Fountain also. I have written them both twice lately. You will give my warmest Christian love to them, and to all that love our Lord Jesus in Bengal Your frequent correspondence will always rejoice the heart of your friends, among- whom assure yourself none is more heartily yours in our dear Jesus than S. P.”
To R. Bowycr, Esq.
‘•’ February 14, 1798.
“Not a day has hurried by since I parted with my dear friends in Pall Mall, but they have been in my affectionate remembrance; but, not being able to speak with any satisfaction respecting our dear child, I have withheld myself from imparting new anxieties to bosoms already alive to painful sensibility.
“At length, however, a gracious God puts it in my power to say that there is hope. After languishing between life and death for many days, she now seems to amend. We flatter ourselves that she has passed the crisis, and will yet be restored to our arms; but parental fears forbid too strong a confidence. It may be that our most merciful God saw that the shock of a sudden removal would be too strong for the tender feelings of a mother, and so, by degrees, prepares for the stroke which must fall at last. However, she is in the best hand’s, and we are, I hope, preparing for submission to whatever may be the blessed will of God.
“I was brought home in safety, and feel myself in much better health in consequence of my journey. O that it may be all consecrated to mv Redeemer’s praise!
“Happy should I be if I could oftener enjoy your friendly society; but we must wait for the full accomplishment of our social wishes till we come to that better world for which divine grace is preparing ns. There our best, our brightest hopes, and there our warmest afiections must be fotmd. Could we have all we want belou% we should be reluctant to ascend when Jesus calls us home. No, this is not our rest; it is polluted with sin, and dashed with sorrow: but, though our pains in themselves are evil, yet our God turns the curse into a blessing, and makes all that we meet with accomplish our good.
“What better can I wish my friends, than the humble place of Mary, or the happy rest of John? Faith can enjoy them both, till actually we fall at the Savior’s feet, and lean upon his bosom, when we see him as lie is.
* O the delights, the heavenly joys,
‘The glories of the place,
Where Jesus sheds the brightest beams
* Of his o’erflowing grace! ‘”
To Mr- Carey
“Birmingham, Sept. 26, 1198.
“My dear Brother,
“It is impossible formetogiveyou a just idea of the effect your last affectionate letter produced on my feelings. What regret did I feel that, for so long a time, you had received nothing from me: though the recollection that, whatever had become of my letters, I had neither forgotten nor neglected you, somewhat relieved me. I hope long ere now you have had abundant proof of this; and I am really mistaken if I have not been your most voluminous correspondent.” But how kind it was in you to give me credit for the continuance of my friendship, even when the expected evidences of it were wanting! This I deeply feel, and for this I most affectionately thank you, as well as for all those glowing expressions of Christian attachment which overwhelmed my heart, and drowned me, and many more who heard them, in a flood of tears. O could I be indulged v.’ith the enjoyment of your society once more in the flesh, to renew all the sweet intercourse we have had together at Leicester, at Northampton, at Kettering, at Walgrave, at Birmingham, at London, &c. and to give full vent to all those strong emotions which have been now nearly six years kindling and strengthening whilst seas and continents have separated us! Methinks a greater gratification my heart has never conceived; and, might I be allowed the choice, IN-DIA should be the spot, — there would I hasten on the wings of the wind, and, whilst I gratified my inclination, perpetuate my joy, till He, whose love to us is the sole cause of our love to each other, should call one of us from the stage of action, and leave the other for a little longer season, to finish the work that was given him to do.
“But how wild my wishes run! Am I not fixed in ray present station by the Lord Jesus, who has fixed you in yours? Has he not, by his servants at least, forbidden my removal? Does he not prosper me where I am, and honor me with opportunities of doing something for his cause among the heathen, although I am not, like you, called to visit and immediately instruct them? Is not the period of continuance here extremely short? and, when I leave this world, will it not be in the sure and certain hope of meeting my dear brother in glory *? I confess these considerations ought to satisfy me, and I hope they have their influence.
* Obedient to my Head,
* Where he appoints I’d go;
‘And still in Jesus’ footsteps tread,
‘And do his work below.’
•’ I have still reason to rejoice in the Lord’s goodness to us at Birmingham. We have had some pleasing additions lately, and next ordinance daj’’ we expect from eight to twelve more. Through great mercy we have long enjoyed perfect peace, but we longed after closer union than on the usual plan it was possible for a church of nearly 400 members to expect. We therefore agreed to adopt two new measures, and, if we judge of the issue by the beginning, they seem to promise the fulfillment of our wishes.
“First, instead of a public lecture after the ordinance, we have a church-meeting for the following purposes:
“1. Let every brother be called upon in his turn to pray,^ — four or five might engage on an evening; but let none exceed four or five minutes.
“2. Let the minister, and every other member who has, during the last month, received any intelligence respecting the state of religion in our own town, in the kingdom, in Europe, in the world, communicate it: and for this purpose let our brethren who travel on business, or otherwise, make a point of inquiring into the state of religion in the places through which they pass, and make a report on their return, whilst others enlarge their correspondence as they have opportunity.
“3. Let every brother be at liberty to give exhortations to the church on any practical subject.
“4. Should these exercises, on any evening, not occupy the whole of the allotted time, let there be some profitable question always on the table, for friendly and serious discussion.
“Secondly, we have agreed to divide the whole church into districts often families in each, selected according to the nearness of their residence. A brother in each district to visit every member in his district for one month; then let the visiter give his roll to the next brother on the list, and so on monthly; and at the end of each month let all the visitors meet and report to the deacons and the minister the state of all and each member in the church; whilst a committee is formed to maintain a regular correspondence with every member whom Providence has called to another place of residence.
“The first of these plans we put in practice about six months ago; and we found it very profitable. But the novelty excited suspicion that we met for political discussion, and we thought it prudent to decline. However, we have now resumed our meeting, admitting strangers into the gallery. It has had a blessed effect in promoting our acquaintance and union, and I ardently hope will increase in its advantages.
“My dearest brother, we deeply sympathize with you in all your afflictions; and if I say but little on your trials, assure yourself it is not because I am insensible to their weight, but because I fear to probe your wounded heart, lest it should unnecessarily make it bleed afresh. If my poor prayers may aught avail, they are not, nor shall be wanting on your behalf May He who was himself “a man of sorrows, tempted in all points like as we are,” succor, comfort, and, if it is his blessed will, deliver you. Yet who knoweth what is good for a man, all his vain life, which he passeth as a shadow? — No doubt there is a need-be that we should endure heaviness through these selfsame afflictions. I have lately been much led to realize the existing, actual, universal government of God; and I feel myself constrained to subdue every wish but for holiness, and to check every complaint but for the evils of my heart. Yes, my brother, surrounded with troubles — personal, domestic, religious, or civil — we will still shout ‘Hallelujah, for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.’
“Most afTectionately yours in Jesus, S. P.”