Applications for the Boy Preacher; Introduction to Rowland Hill

My DEAR Children, — I hardly know how it was that I succeeded in preaching from time to time in such a degree as I did. But I could not be ignorant of the acceptance I met with, and the numbers who followed me; nor did my too fond and partial tutor keep from me so often as he should have done, the applications he had for the boy preacher I am convinced my motives at this time were right; for gain and fame seemed perfectly out of the question. This simplicity of intention much helped me in studying and speaking; for it is only as the eye is single that the whole body is full of light.

After having for some time been confined to village efforts, I was elevated to preach occasionally in some of the respectable congregations, both in the neighbouring and remoter towns. Here also I found favour; and from report and observation I began to think I possessed something more than I had formerly been aware of, and I supposed (I trust I may say this without arrogance) what it was, and that it might be improved; and that it would be my wisdom to adhere chiefly to it. I knew some attainments were not in my power; and that few indivi-LET. VI. HIS DEVOTION OF HIMSELF TO THE MINISTRY. 47

duals ever had talent enough to excel in many, or even in several things. A remark had struck me in reading Johnson’s Life of Watts, in which he says, “The reason why the ancients surpassed the moderns was their greater modesty. They had a juster conception of the limitation of human powers; and, despairing of universal eminence, they confined their application to one thing, instead of expanding it over a wider surface.”

I cannot deny that even at this time I felt enough to excite and encourage a moderate hope that, by the blessing of God in the diligent use of means, I might become a preacher of some little distinction. The work also appeared the noblest under heaven, and to be a sufficient employment in itself. To this, therefore (not entirely neglecting other things), I resolved more peculiarly to dedicate myself, keeping as much as possible from encroachments, and endeavouring to make every thing not only subordinate but subservient to my chosen and beloved aim.

Nor, though it may seem vain, could I state things truly and fully unless I observed also that I perceived some common failings in preaching which I thought might be avoided, and some sources of attraction, impression, and improvement, that might at least be essayed with propriety. Of course I refer more immediately to the state of the pulpit in the religious connexions in which I moved. It is probable my meaning will be explained and exemplified before the close of these letters. But in what I have here intimated I am certain I judged from my own views and feelings. I also left nothing to mere speculation. I tried the case, in some humble degree, and my conviction was increased by a measure of success.

As I was now leaving Mr. Winter, after too short and imperfect a course of preparation, I came in contact with the Kev. Rowland Hill, who, with the permission and approbation of my tutor, engaged me for a season to go to London, to supply Surrey Chapel. This was indeed a formidable engagement, but

I was carried through it far beyond my expectations. The place though so large, was soon crowded to excess; and when I preached my last sermon, the yard before the dwelling-honse was filled with the lingering multitude, who would not disperse till I had bidden them farewell from the window.*

This visit to London was,, with regard to myself, a very important and influential event. It gave me an enlarged publicity, t It led to a friendship between Mr. Hill and myself which continued till his death. It involved me in an engagement to supply Surrey Chapel for a number of Sabbaths annually. It brought me into a very intimate intercourse with, and subserviency to, that extraordinary character, the Rev. John Eyland, of Northampton, the father of the late Dr. Ryland, of Bristol. It placed me under the notice, and gave me a share in the affection, of that most estimable man of God, the Rev. John Newton, rector of St. Marys Woolnoth; and it also laid the foundation of my acquaintance with, and admiration of, your entirely beloved and esteemed mother.

Before I left town I received applications to settle; but owing to my youth, and being anxious before I became a pastor to secure more preparation for the ofl&ce, I declined them all, and retired to Christian Malford, near Chippenham. This was a

* As nearly as we have been able to ascertain by a comparison of dates, this first visit to Surrey Chapel, which had so important an influence upon the subsequent career of Mr. Jay, took place in the year 1188.

t In the Preface to the Sermon entitled “The Wife’s Advocate,” Mr. Jay relates the following fact relative to this visit: —

“When the author, if he may be excused a reference to himself, quite a youth, first went to London, and was all anxiety to hear the preachers of the famed metropolis, he was told by a friend, that if he wished to hear a

good doctrinal sermon, he must hear Mr.; if an experimental, he

must hear Mr.; and if a practical, he must hear Mr.. And he

well remembers simply asking, “But is there no minister here who preaches all these? I should rather hear him.”

small, but to me an interesting village, as I had often preached there while a student, and as here Mr. Winter himself for some time had resided, and laboured in his earlier ministry, as may be seen in his memoirs. My salary was to be £36 a-year; but my wants were few, and a considerable tradesman (who had married Mr. Winter’s niece) promised to board me gratuitously. Here I was rich compared with the prophet in the house of the Shunammite, who had only” a little chamber on the wall, and a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick.^’ I was therefore as to accommodation and provision perfectly satisfied, and free from all worldly care.

Here (it was much my wish in going there,) I hoped to find abstraction, and to pursue my improvement. But my design and expectation failed me in no small degree. My own stock of books was very scanty, and there was no public library to which I could have access. My purse did not allow me to buy, and there was no one from whom I could borrow. I had also become previously too well known in most of our neighbouring congregations to be left unsolicited when they had a lack of service. I was, therefore, urged constantly to preach abroad, and I had not the courage and firmness which time gives one, to say “No,” to importunity; for, as Mr. Cecil remarks, “A minister should never be to be had.’’

Here in my little volume of life you will have to turn over another leaf. In the mean time

I am, &c.

[The reader will, we trust, not be displeased at an interruption here for the purpose of introducing to him some extracts from the sermon which Mr. Jay preached and published on the occasion of quitting this his first station. The fact of the very early appearance of this sermon in print, is of itself interesting; but the great excellence of the farewell words from so young a minister will gratify all who admire Mr. Jay’s character and writings, but few of whom can ever have seen that sermon. It so pleased his excellent tutor, that, though he had before dissuaded him from printing when urged by partial friends, yet he not only consented to the publication of this sermon, but himself wrote a prefatory address to the reader, which, as it is an expression of affectionate regard for Mr. Jay and a relic of the excellent tutor, we shall insert it entire, together with so much of Mr. Jay’s sermon as refers to the solemn farewell.]

Mr. Winter’s ‘^ Address to the Reader. ‘^

“Soon after Mr. Jay’s public appearance several of his friends were desirous of reading some of those sermons which they had heard with pleasure. I had influence enough with him to overrule the motion, and my reasons for interfering may easily be conjectured. The subjects were common, and in a variety of forms had been treated by the most able ministers, whose years and experience gave weight to their observations.

“The sermon preached at the opening of Mr. Tuppen’s Chapel at Bath, however, found its way to the press, through the request of many who heard it. The subsequent sermon is published at my particular desire. On being informed of the impression it made at the time of delivery, I desired to read it. I cannot but think it will gratify some, as it did me, — no doubt it will those who heard it preached. It was the production of a Saturday evening, and the writer had not the most distant thoughts of its coming abroad. A special notice taken of, and an address made to, individuals of a congregation in the body of a discourse such as Mr. and Mrs. Prior received, is imusual, but local circumstances justified it on the present occasion; and it may serve as a specimen of the difficulty with which the Gospel is supported in many of our villages. My principal design in this advertisement is to take the blame of the publication to myself, if it deserves any, and to screen the youth from reflection. Whether it will be thought wise or weak by the speculatist is not, I am persuaded, what Mr. Jay will be concerned about, so much as whether it may conduce to answer the end he had in view when he preached it, — the profit of many that they may be saved, and for which he is willing to renounce the praise of man. If I mistake not, the sermon is expressive of a proper spirit, and may safely be imitated by young men, who too frequently break their first connexions with acrimony and reflection, that betrays resentment of injuries, either real or imaginary, and impatience of contradiction.

“Like all other congregations, that at Christian Malford has those in it who are not properly sensible of the blessings of the Gospel, — are prone to cavil at what they have, and to want what they have not. But the best and the greatest part are otherwise minded. It is a poor congregation, which has undergone many revolutions, and includes a small society over which I was ordained; and with which, from my great attachment to rural retirement, I had a desire to live and die. Though I left them of necessity, I intended to give them all the assistance I could, and when I opened my little seminary, I had my eye upon them as a proper people with whom my young friends might with advantage make their first exertions. They have shared as largely in Mr. Jays afiections as they have of mine, but I never supposed he would continue with them. He who stations the stars, has the disposal of his ministers; and in subordination to his wise and righteous appointment, the qualification of ministers should determine the propriety of their situation.

‘’ Men of the most distinguished ability, if disposed to exert themselves, might diffuse their light where it would be improper for them to fix their residence; and by their occasional services might help such indigent country congregations as that at Christian Malford to advantage. The necessity of raising and preserving such societies is obvious to a thinking man influenced with proper zeal for the spread of vital godliness. Parochial instruction is, in general too superficial and abstruse. It does not enough respect the first principles of religion; and what it does inculcate is without that solemnity, fervour, and perspicuity that is necessary to render it efiectual. As the poor want more condescension than in common is shown to them, so their minds require more labour than in general is bestowed upon them. An attention to this I always inculcated upon Mr. Jay; and, blessed be God, he has learned to stoop to the child. If I detain the reader a moment longer from the sermon, it is only to add a hint on the importance of my brethren in the ministry making such congregations as that we refer to, the object of their benevolent attention, as far as circumstances will admit. The tedious hours of many old people are hereby well employed, and their minds fed with knowledge. Mothers of young children, who by maternal duties are prevented from going far distant from their habitations, partake of the benefit; and servants who are restricted in their time find their advantage from it. The glory of God and the salvation of souls are concerned in it. By this means living expositors supply the place of printed expositions; and a projjer attention being paid to the narrow capacity of the poor illiterate peasants, their understanding is informed, while their affections are animated. By the blessing of God upon our endeavours, they acquire proper ideas of a church, and without engaging in the clamours of controversy, silently and modestly organize themselves into such societies as they have examples of in the Sacred Records. Though they may be destitute of the splendour of the world, they have the sanction of God, and the neighbouring minister or evangelical student — for they are incompetent to support a pastor — finds pleasure and profit. But every such village has not the advantage of a student disposed or permitted to lay out himself, and bestow the first fruits of his studies upon its inhabitants, and the accomplished academic thinks it too great a stoop for him to make. The luxuries of the study, the laborious attention given to the turning of the period, the ceremonious and time-wasting visits, and the large portion of time spent in decorating his person, prevent attention to the pursuit after souls in this humble way. We admire, then, the providence of God that selects from the laity, men of genius and spirituality more than sufficient to supply their place, nor do we startle though they should be called Methodists. By the effect of their labours, we perceive them to be the servants of the Most High God, who show unto men the way of salvation, and contribute to the common cause of Christianity. That a reserve of such a blessing may be always made for the people who heard, and now may read, the subsequent sermon; and that the word may be preached in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance, is the prayer of their affectionate and devoted friend,

Cornelius Winter.^’

Conclusion of Mr. Jays Farewell Sermon at Christian Malford.

“We are now dissolving a very tender connexion, and it yields matter for mutual humiliation. My success has not equalled my acceptance. It becomes you to inquire what on your part has prevented it; and with sorrow to lament that you have not improved the help you have enjoyed. But all the blame is not yours, and, upon a review of my labours, I need not wonder that so little good has been done. Pride and levity — the want of spirituality of mind, zeal for God, and love for souls, have corrupted my services, and rendered them unsuccessful. Infirmities, natural and sinful, I have had many. I repent that I have had no more fervency and importunity with you about the concerns of eternity. O, eternity! eternity! — that thou hast been no more on the lip of the preacher, and in the ear of the hearer! Yet, blessed be God, I have the testimony of my own mind, and I hope of yours also, that I have not walked in craftiness, nor handled the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commended myself to every mans conscience in the sight of God. Those principles only have been inculcated upon you which I believed to be consistent with the oracles of truth. Having explained the doctrine, and enforced the practice, of the gospel — having paid equal regard to the moral and spiritual part of the Word — and having kept back nothing that was essential for you to know or do, * I have not shunned to declare unto you the whole counsel of God.’ Having described the guilt of sin, warned the sinner of his danger, directed him where to flee for refuge, and testified repentance towards God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, ‘I take you to record, that I am pure from the blood of all men.’ What my doctrine and manner of life have been is known to you; and what my aim and intent has been is known to God. Respecting the former, I have endeavoured ’ in simplicity and godly sincerity, not by fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, to have my conversation in the world; but more abundantly to you-ward.’ Respecting the latter, I have had the salvation of your souls at heart; for God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for you is that you may be saved.’ With this view, I would now close the subject by reciting a few doctrines, giving you my thanks, and expressing my wishes, fears, and advice.

“The doctrines which you have heard, and which we pray God may ever sound from this pulpit, include man’s depravity, the redemption of the soul by the blood of Christ, justification by his obedience and sanctification by bis Spirit — or faith and holiness. ‘Without faith it is impossible to please God, and ‘without holiness no man shall see the Lord.’ Where there is faith there will be holiness, and true holiness always springs from faith in Christ. The believer disclaims merit, but delights in obedience, and walks before God in newness of life. It would be easy to prove of what importance such doctrines are. Be well grounded in them, and pay more attention to them, than to those which are of less moment, and which have furnished the world with matter for endless controversy. ‘Contend earnestly for’ these important articles of ‘the faith once delivered to the saints,’ and beware of hearing or receiving a man who opposes them, lest ye be partakers of his evil deeds. ‘Be ye not carried about with divers and strange doctrines, for it is a good thing for the heart to be established with grace.’

“My thanks are due for the respect you have paid me, and for your desires of my continuance. While the love of many cannot be overlooked, it would be very remiss, were I not to notice the kindness of some present, which reflects the greatest honour on them, and lays me under peculiar obligations. Our united thanks are due to our dear friends with whom I have resided. Under God, we have been indebted to them for my coming and continuance here. Being unable to support a minister yourselves, I could not have lived among you, had they not generously invited me to their house, and given me my comfortable subsistence. Nor are they unwilling for my continuance; but have earnestly desired me to continue my connexion with their family. ‘That which was lacking on your part, they have supplied; for they have refreshed my spirit and yours; therefore acknowledge them that are such.’ There can be no impropriety, my honoured friends, in making this public acknowledgement, ‘for this thing has not been done in a corner.’ You have exerted yourselves to the uttermost in the cause of your Redeemer; yea, and beyond your power you have been willing to discover the sincerity of your love. ‘Now he that ministereth seed to the sower, both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness.^ Remember, ‘God is not unrighteous to forget your work of faith, and labour of love.^ Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper in your body, soul, and family. May your dear children ‘know the Lord God of their parents, and serve him with a perfect heart and willing mind! -

“My wishes respect your welfare as individuals, and a society; that you may order your conversation aright, and love one another with a pure heart fervently; that there may be no root of bitterness springing up among you; no divisions and contentions; but that you may live in peace, and the God of peace be with you j that religion may be visible in the power and practice of it, and that you may neither be barren nor unfruitful in the kingdom of God! May the seed which has been sown yet spring up, and bring forth much fruit; may the Lord provide a supply for you, and render future labours more successful! While I am thus expressing the wishes of my soul, may you be able to say, ‘The Lord grant thee thy heai-ts desire, and fulfil all thy petitions P

“My fears are great and many. I fear lest I have bestowed labour upon you in vain. I fear you have been instructed, warned, exhorted, to no purpose. I fear that while you have been hearing of an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away, there are many of you who have no part nor lot in the matter, but are still in the gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity. If our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost. And are there none among you to whom this Gospel is hid? Hid as to the light? Hid as to the power of it? Are there not many blind minds, hardened hearts, ungodly lives? But, God be thanked! there are a few, who, though they were the servants of sin, have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered them. O that it was the case with you all! I would not leave one unconverted person. O how happy would it be to leave you all in a fair way for glory! But I cannot depart from you so. O, then, ye blind souls, upon whom the light has shined in vain; ye hardened souls, upon whom the Word has made no impression; ye deluded souls, who have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof; — I fear for you, and I will weep in secret, when my tongue cannot reach you. Let my concern be yours. How is it you are so unalarmed? Can you rest secure under such a load of guilt? Can you expect a certain fearful looking-for of judgment, and be unconcerned? What! are there so many Sabbaths, sermons, exhortations, gone never to be recalled, and not afraid? Like the jailor, may you fear, and tremble, and cry, What shall I do to be saved? ‘But this is not the case. I have then another fear that I must, rise up in judgment to condemn you. Dreadftd! What! be the means of increasing their condemnation whom I would gladly save? Soon we must all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ, to give an account of our preaching and hearing! May each of us then be able to do it with joy, and not with grief! It would yield a minister much pleasure, had he reason to conclude that all the people now committed to his care would then prove his joy and crown of rejoicing. But, should he be unsuccessful, yet if he be faithful, he shall not lose his reward. ‘Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall he be glorious in the eyes of the Lord.’ Tor we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish; to the one we are a savour of death unto death, and to the other a savour of life unto life.’

“My advice respects you as sinners and saints. If you are sinners of any description whatever, I exhort you to inquire into your true state, your heinous guilt, your dreadful danger. Lay yourselves open to your inspection. View yourselves in the glass of the law. Believe that you are what the word of God represents you to be — miserable, and wretched, and poor, and blind, and naked.^ Pray for the wisdom that cometh from above, that you may know the value of your immortal souls, and the excellency of Jesus Christ. Search the Scriptures with prayer for an understanding heart. Depend on Christ alone for salvation. Tis at your peril you neglect Him. There is none other name by which you can be saved. But in him you will find plenteous redemption. Come, and welcome. He will not cast you out. He waits to be gracious.

“And you, my dear young friends, what shall I say to you? My heart feels for you. The enemy of souls eyes you as his prey: disappoint his hope. Beware of the snares of the world, and particularly of an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. Give up yourselves to the Lord by an early dedication, and you will find that his ways are ways of pleasantness and all his paths peace. Your tears now at my departure show your afiection for me. You have given many evidences of it. Give one more. Tis my parting request. BecoUect the many exhortations I have given you. Remember your Creator in the days of your youth. Seek him early, and you shall find him.

“I can rejoice with those of you who know the Lord. You have begun well, but you must go forward and hold out to the end. Pray for an increase of grace. Set the Lord always before you. Converse much with him, and keep up a holy, happy communion. Live in continual dependence on his mercy and power for every supply you need. Act for his honour and praise. Prefer this to all pleasure and interest of your own. Whether you eat or. drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God. Grow not indifierent in his service, but be zealous for every good word and work. And, as you would be happy in time or eternity, be ye holy in all manner of conversation and godliness, looking for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.

“Herein I give my advice. Were these to be my last words, I know not what I could press upon you of greater importance. Let me prevail with you to have a proper regard to what has been said, and remember it has been given out of love to your best and eternal interest. Tis not because I seek myself, but your salvation, that I thus speak. I utter the dictates of affec-. tion. Let, then, the parting advice of one who sincerely loves you be received and followed. ‘Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour shall not be in vain in the Lord. Only let your conversation be as becometh the Gospel, that whether I come and see you, or else am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the Gospel. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among them that are sanctified. Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect; be of good comfort; be of one mind; live in peace, and the God of peace shall be with you.^ ‘’