Letters: Success
TO HIS SISTER SARAH.
“Aberystwyth, August 1, 1818.” My dear Sister, — It has been said that nothing great was ever accomplished without enthusiasm; not that we are to infer from hence that enthusiasm is invariably the indication of something noble going on; if it were, then indeed is a mighty work at this time doing in Wales. In my last letter to James, I told him that in my next, which I should address to you, I should give an account of what I witnessed at Bala last Sabbath-day. You have often heard of the Welsh Jumpers. I will, to the best of my power, describe to you the apparently frantic excesses of their zeaL Mr and iirs Davies did everything to prepare us for an extraordinary scene; but not all they said, nor all I had read before, nor anything I had ever conceived, came near to the reality. As Vronhanlog is four miles from Bala, and as the family in which we were visiting is not remarkable for punctuaUty, we did not get to meeting till the minister (who, by the way, was the same good man on whom we called on Friday) had just taken his text. During the early part of his discourse, which was of course all in Welsh, he was quite cool and sober. Considerable attention from the beginning was paid by the greater part of the congregation. As he proceeded he became more and more animated, and in proportion, the people became more and more interested and affected. Great numbers were at length dissolved in tears, and a loud groan attended by some fervent exclamation burst from all parts of the place. Being seated in the gallery, I could command an entire view of the congregation, and could discern many very interesting cases of deep and silent emotion. Some of them interested and affected me greatly. I understood not a syllable that was uttered; but to see hundi-eds of people melted down to tears and groans by the simple yet impassioned tones of a rustic, whom I had seen but two days before in the character of a ploughman, was indeed a novel and impressive sight. Thus far all was interesting, and I could not help weeping abundantly. The preacher now grew more warm than before, and at length proceeded to what in refined EngUsh congregations would be accounted a species of pulpit raving. Still, however, he was not ungraceful. His eyes seemed ready to start from their sockets. His every muscle seemed strained and quivering. This drew forth fresh bursts of feeling from his audience. Many screamed out at once, and some writhed as if in agony or in fits. This returned just as often as the preacher ascended into his altitudes. When the sermon was closed and the people rose to prayer, you might see them in dilferent parts of the meeting, six or eight in a group, with their arms round each other’s necks and waists, all hanging together. The sacrament was now to be administered, which is conducted something after the plan of the Church of England. The communicants come and kneel round the railing of the chancel, and receive the elements from the hands of the ministers. Among these were many boys and girls, not more than twelve or thirteen years of age. The men approached the table first, and during their approach all was silent and solemn, but no sooner did the women draw near than a scene commenced which balfles all power of language to describe. One woman directly after receiving the bread and wine, began to vociferate as loud as her lungs would permit, at the same time throwing her arms about and clapping her hands, more like a man playing the cymbals in a military band of music than anything else I can compare it to. This never ceased for a single moment during the space of twenty minutes, tiU pale and foaming she seemed ready to drop. Her shrill cry was the signal for many others to commence. The whole place was now filled with a howling I cannot describe. I
saw a crowd of women, perhaps thirty in number, come together and literally throw themselves down before the railing, all bathed in tears, and filling the place with loud lamentation. One of them beat against the railing with her fist as if she was determined to demolish it, tiU her hands must have been bruised. Another, directly she rose from off her knees, plucked off her bonnet and thi-ew it violently across the meeting. As they retired from the table, they seemed to form into groups, and commence jumping with all their might, as if they were trying to leap from the area into the gallery. I saw five or six women jump with their bonnets ofi”, I suppose fifty times without stopping, nearly a yard high, at the same time uttering loud cries. They were chiefly occupied in saying, ‘Bruised for me,” Died for me.’ In another part of the place were groups of men waving their hands over their heads, clapping them together, and filling the pLace with their cries. All this time fresh groups were coming up to the table to receive the elements, and in the midst of the surrounding noise and confusion, the ministers at the table were perfectly composed, and actually sometimes engaged in prayer with others of the communicants. I was quite alarmed for Fanny, lest she should become hysterical, and often advised her to go out. To say all in a word, conceive of fifty mad people turned loose into one place, and giving vent to their feelings in wild gestures and incoherent ravings, and you have the best idea that can be entertained of the interior of Bala chapel the day that we were there. I shall never, never, never forget the scene, if everything else that memory ever received were to be effaced.”
TO THE CONGREGATION ASSEMBLING IN CAER’s LANE MEETING-HOUSE, BIRinNGHAM.
“Aberystwyth, August 11, 1818.” My dear Friends, — It has been customary with me, when I have been called by Divine Providence to be long absent from my beloved and affectionate flock, to address a letter to the church, in which I have stirred up their pure minds by way of remembrance. On the present occasion, however, I have determined to enlarge the sphere of my epistolary concern, and include my hearers in general in the object of this letter.
“I flatter myself that this effort of ministerial solicitude, attended as it is with the warmest assurances of my sincere regard, and containing the most fervent desires for your spiritual welfare, will be neither coldly received nor inattentively heard. It is but a feeble expression of the feelings of my heart towards you, to say that no change of time, or place, or circumstances, or society, produces the smallest variation of sentiment towards the people amongst whom I have now laboured for thirteen years, and whom I can truly say, I have loved the more the more I have known them; and amongst whom it is in my heart, if it be the will of the Great Head of the Church, to close the ministry which I have received of the Lord. God is my witness, my dear friends, ’ how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ earnestly desiring that ’ by warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, I may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus, whereimto I also labour, striving according to his working wliicli worketh in me mightily.’ I trust that it was not in a thoughtless maimer, or ignorant of its tremendous import, that I received the solemn and weighty trust of your spiritual concerns. It is a trust which I assure you I can never totally forget — a care of which my mind is never entirely divested. Whether I am at my usual post of labour, or enjoy-LIFE OF JOHN ANGELL JA.AIES.
ing a season of innocent relaxation, I cannot forget that the interests of your immortal souls are in a measure confided to my hands. Oh, what a deposit! Lord, who is sufiicient for these things? If, through my neglecting to instruct you in sound doctrine, or to admonish you with seriousness and fidelity, you should be lost, indescribably dreadful vi be the consequences, both to you and to me. You will die in your sins, and your blood will God require at iny hands. Let us both tremble at a catastrophe so shocking: you at the thought of losing your soxils, and / at being the guilty occasion of such an incalculable loss. As it respects my own part, amidst all the imperfections of which I am humbly conscious in reviewing my past labours, I cannot help hoping that I may adopt the apostolic appeal to the elders of the Ephesian church — ‘I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men’ who have sat under my ministry. “Tiat I believed to be truth I have never shunned to declare, nor have I, out of respect to any man’s person, failed to rebuke, to exhort, or to convince; but have endeavoured to commend myself to every man’s conscience ia the sight of God. I cast myself upon your impartial judgments. Have I prophesied smooth things ] Have I cried peace when there was no peace? Have I attempted to purchase your smiles by flattering your imperfections? Have I endeavoured to lull you into the slumber of carnal security upon the lap of ministerial carelessness? No. I am confident none of you will accuse me of these things. God is my witness how often I have studied by what new modes of representing truth I could instruct your minds, interest your attention, and alarm your consciences; how often, as I entered upon my weekly task of preparing for the pulpit, it has been my prayer, * Lord, teach me the way to the human heart.’ Yet after all, of some of you I must say with the apostle to the Galatians, ‘I stand in doubt of you.’ I doubt if yet my ministry has been successful in persuading you to seek the favour of God with your whole heart, through the mediation of His divine and equal Sou. Some of you, I fear, are still living witkout God and without hope in the world. Are there not some living in known and open sin, which their olm consciences in loud and faithful echo to the Word of God assure them will end in death? Are there not some living in secret sin, who as yet have not entered the high-road of immorality, but are stealing along the by-paths of more private iniquity, who are not become hardened in their sin? Are there not many who are halting between two opinions, sometimes impressed under the word and troubled with occasional convictions, whose religious feelings are like ’ the morning cloud and early dew? ‘Are there not many young persons, gay, volatile, worldly, who are not remembering their ‘Creator in the days of their youth,’ but are forgetting, turning a deaf ear to His righteous demand, ’ ^ly son, give me thine heart V Are there not even some of the children of the righteous, the ofispring of the godly, over whom prayers and tears and admonitions without number have been poured, even these, who are disappointing all the hopes that had been entertained concerning them, and instead of preparing to occupy their parents’ seats when they shall have risen to the Church triumphant, are foolishly and sinfully ambitious of becoming the votaries of fashion and the people of the world 1
“I put it to your consciences, are there not still in the congregation to whom I preach the word of God some of all these classes? Yoit can teU, your consciences can reply. Oh, my dear friends, if any who may hear this letter should stand self-reproached, self-condemned, do not, I beseech you do not, treat the matter with indifference. Your souls are too precious and valuable to be abandoned to that destruction which unbelief and impenitence must inevitably bring upon all by whom they are indulged to the end of life. The thought is very dreadful to me that any should go from beneath my ministry to the worm that never dies, to the fire that is never quenched. I can scarcely bear to dwell upon the reflection that my sermons should be forgotten upon earth only to be remembered in heU. Gospel sermons indeed be most tormenting companions in those dismal regions, which are never to be gladdened by the tidings of salvation. There they will haunt the memory of the lost, only as the ghosts of slighted, murdered friends.
“Suffer, my beloved hearers, suffer the word of admonition. My heart in this seclusion is as full towards you, as when I have been sui — roimded by you in the place of our accustomed resort. I woidd try every means for your salvation, and earnestly pray that this letter may effect what a thousand sermons have tried in vain, to rouse your attention, in a saving manner, to the things that belong to your peace. Consider your situation as placed under a dispensation of mercy, and ’ give a more earnest heed to the things you have heard, for if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward, how will you escape who neglect so great salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed imto us by them that heard him’?’
“Tuung -people, let me enforce the claim of God. Give to God your hearts. Nothing short of this will be accepted. Your tongues to talk of Him, your feet to carry you to His sanctuary, your knees to bow to Him in prayer, your whole bodies to be employed in the mere forms of godliness, will be refused as an unworthy sacrifice without the heart, — yea, all the faculties of the mind, the judgment to imderstand His nature, the memory to remember His truths, — all -wiU be disdained till you give Him your hearts to love Him, to delight in Him, to be sancti-P
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fied and satisfied by Him: give Him then your hearts, — who so worthy of them as God, who besides Him can keep them, or who else can fill them?
“Aged persons, let me admonish you to turn unto God while yet your life continues. Your sun is just about to set; it already as it were touches the mountains, and your shadows lengthen on the plains. It is dreadful to think that night is approaching and your work not even begun. But salvation is of gi-ace, and even you, at the eleventh hour, are invited to believe and be saved. Do not, as you value your souls, do not delay to cry for mercy, no not an hour.
“You that are poor, I would earnestly exhort to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom. Denied by a wise but inscrutable pro-idence many of the comforts of this life, seek to have the deficiency infinitely more than supplied by all spiritual blessings in heavenly things in Christ Jesus. With this ’ pearl of gi-eat price ’ to enrich you, with a title to ’ an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away,’ to animate and comfort you, all the privations of earthly poverty might be borne, not only with patience, but with cheerfulness. The grace of God in the heart, the promise of God in the hand, and the glory of God in the eye, are enough to reconcile us to the longest life of severest poverty. But poverty without religion, is to be poor indeed. To be poor and to be wicked, is to have a double heU, — a heU here, and a worse heU hereafter.
“Some of you are comparatively rich. Trust not in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us all things richly to enjoy; be not high-minded, do good. ‘Be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate, laying up in store for yourselves a good foundation against the time to come, laying hold on eternal life.’ Think how dreadful would it be to sink from all the comforts and luxuries of this life, to that state of forlorn wretchedness in the world to come, which admits not the alleviation of a single drop of cold water.
“Many of you, of all ranks and descriptions, I know are partakers of the grace of God. Happy, most happy do I feel when my mind turns to you. Of not a few I can say. What is my hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For ye are my gloiy and joy. My beloved children in the Lord, whom I have begotten in the gospel of Jesus, as the humble instrument of Divine power and grace, with feelings of peculiar afi”ection and interest, I address myself to you. Let us rejoice together in the grace of our God, — I in the honour of being employed to introduce you to the prilileges of the spiritual life, and you in the bhss of being called to such a distinction. You may have ten thousand instructors, far abler than I, yet have ye not many fathers. Kemember I have no greater joy than to hear of my children walking in the truth. Look to yourselves, that / lose not the things that I have wrought, but that I receive a full reward. Be faithful unto death, and then, what mutual joy shall we experience in that great day, when I shall attend you to the throne of Almighty God, saying, * Behold, I and the children whom Thou hast given me! ’
“Some of those who have been enlightened in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, have not yet joined themselves to His disciples, and are Uving in a state of separation from the church. Is this right? Can you justify it to yourselves? Can you excuse it to Jesus Christ your Lord and Master? Have you a dispensation from Him to be exempted from the obhgation of that command, ‘Do this in remembrance of me?’ Would you wish it? Do you desire to be excused from the table of the Lord? Suppose your neglect were turned into a punishment — suppose Jesus Christ were to say of you — ‘Never let him sit down at my table amongst my disciples. I will admit him at last to heaven, for his heart is right with God, but never let him be united to the church on earth.’ Would you not feel this a dreadful privatipn? Yet you inflict it upon yom-selves. Where should a child be, but with the family? ‘Where should a lamb be, but with the flock? Where should a disciple be, but with the master? Where should a loyal subject be, but with his prince? Let me hear, upon my return, that your names are given in as candidates for fellowship.
“Professing Christians, you who are walking in church-feUowship, bear the word of admonition. ‘Walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.” Ye are the salt of the earth; ’ let not ’ the salt lose its savour.” Ye are the light of the world; ’ let not your light be darkness. ‘Ye are a city set on a hiU; ’ do not occupy that high station, only to be a pubUc reproach. Adorn the doctrine of God your Saviour in all things. There is such a thing as disfiguring, deforming this doctrine. You had better be Christians than angels, if you are consistent Christians, but you had better be infidels — I was going to add, devils — than inconsistent Christians. Satan has not a more successful agent upon earth, nor God a more triumphant enemy, than an unworthy member of a Christian church. Such a man might be called Apollyon, for he is indeed a destroyer, and ’ goeth about seeking whom he may devour.’ Brethren, follow after peace and ’ holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.’ Fly not only from what would be vice in a wicked or worldly man, but what would be a spot upon the character of a Christian. Remember you are consistent only just so far as you are like Christ. You wear His name, and His name imports His likeness. Be diUgent in all the means of grace, private as well as public, week-day as well as the SabbatL Seek the spirit of prayer, for this is
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the spirit of true godliness. You that are in business, carry your religion into your worldly transactions, and let those that are without be constrained to say, ‘I can trust that man, for he is a Christian.’ If you are servants, let your religion make you faithful, diligent, obedient, and humble; if you are masters, let it render you kind, gentle, and watchful; if you are poor, let it exhibit you contented and cheerful; if rich, spiritual, humble, and liberal. If you are parents, let your profession lead you to instruct your children in the fear of God, especially by the impressive admonition of a good example. If you are children, adorn your character by a dutifid and affectionate line of conduct towards those whom you are commanded to love and honour. May those of you into whose hands the inscrutable will of Providence has put the bitter cup of alSiction, drink it with submission, remembering that ’ the time is short,’ that ’ the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory to be revealed,’ and that our ’ present light afflictions work out for us,’ if sanctified to us, a ’ far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.’
“And now, my dear hearers, after having wi-itten much more at length than it was my intention when I commenced, and I almost fear too long for your patience, I must ’ commend you to God and the word of His grace, who is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among them that are sanctified.’ I entreat an interest in your prayers, that in due time I may be restored to you again, in renewed health and vigour, and above all, ’ in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.’ — I remain, your unworthy but affectionate and faithful minister,
“J. A. James.”
TO THE CHTJECH OF CHRIST ASSEMBLING IN CAER’s LANE, BIRMINGHAM, THEIR FAITHFUL PASTOR SENDETH GREETING.
“West Cowes, Isle of Wight, August 27, 1819.
“My dear Friends, — Although absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit; joying and beholding your order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ, and making constant mention of you in my prayers before our heavenly Father, that ye might be filled -with the knowledge of His will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. If the tenderest interest in all your concerns, united with the most affectionate soUcitude for your spiritual and eternal welfare, be among the qualifications which are required in your pastor, I do at least possess these.
“In the exercise of these feelings I admonish you by epistle, as I have done being present with you, to give all diligence to make your calling and election sure. You have lately had very striking proofs of the vanity of the world, and the power and excellence of reHgion, in the removal of some of our friends from this low diurnal sphere, and in the sacred composure with which they sustained the approach of the last enemy. I would fain hope that the living virtues and dying supports of that dear saint who, a few months since, ascended from my side to the right hand of Him who redeemed her by His blood, are not yet forgotten. Oh, they were far too precious to be deserving of a speedy oblivion. Think how holily and unblameably she behaved herself among you for nearly fourteen years; how meekly and affectionately she ever behaved. Often look at the bright picture which her innumerable and ineffable excellences have left suspended upon your recollection, and remember that the richest honour you can bestow upon her memory is to be like her. I have sometimes been afraid lest this costly sacrifice should have been made in vain. I had need gain some spiritual improvement from it; for, as it respects this world, it has in a measure created a wilderness before me, go where I will, and opened springs of sorrow at almost every step of the journey of life. To you, however, next to God, I look for consolation, and in your holiness, spirituaUty, and Christian consistency find a balm for every wound, a cordial for every fear. Other breaches, I find, have been lately made upon us by the king of terrors. Not only has the aged disciple, in the full maturity of years and graces, been gathered home like a shock of corn fully ripe, but also the father of a rising family has been cut off, while his sun had scarcely attained to its meiidian. Pity and pray for the widow, that she may not be swallowed up of over-much sorrow, and commend the dear children to Him with whom the fatherless findeth mercy.
“In the removal of our dear friend Elmore, the church has lost a very valuable member, and I a most affectionate friend. Cut off in the midst of his days, his death speaks loudly to us all. “What now is the world or any of its concerns to him 1 What all those objects for which men toil, and contrive, and consume their strength? Brethren, I beseech you, dwell more upon the topics which revelation brings before the mind. Think more of the soul, and its vast concerns. Look at things unseen and eternal. Realise the thought that every moment you are verging to an everlasting state. Resist the undue anxiety which many feel about this vain transitory world; and nothing will so much enable you to do this, under the blessing of God, as to have the mind much occupied with the prospect of the world to come. Let us set up eternal glory as the back-ground of all our earthly prospects, and while moving forward amidst the pleasurable or painful varieties of the latter, keep our eye steadily fixed upon the former. How little then
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shall we think of those sorrows which are irradiated by beams of splendour fetched from heaven! how little of those comforts which are lost in the radiance which spreads its glow over the whole compass of the distant horizon! My dear brethren, let our conversation be more in heaven. We are too earthly and sensual. We are too much elated by the comforts and too much depressed by the sorrows of life, forgetting how close at hand is the event which will render them both alike indifferent to us and us to them. Eternity, eternity is before us, and what should materially affect those who are moving to eternity 1 If a monarch were going to take possession of a kingdom, or a person were going to take possession of a large estate, neither of them would think much or care much whether the road were smooth or rough — the weather fair or foul — the carriage elegant or homely. Christians, you are kings travelling through this world to a kingdom — heirs journeying to be vested with an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. Why, then, should you think so much about the road, and the weather, and the mode of travelling? The very next point beyond death renders all that you pass through on this side of it a matter of no consequence. Let these thoughts be present with you amidst the perplexities and embarrassments of the times. Most deeply and tenderly do I feel for those of you on whom embarrassments press with pecuHar weight. There is not a care which wrinkles your brow that does not reach my heart. I have prayed for you in this respect that God would appear for you. The resources of the universe are at His disposal. The sUver and the gold are His, and if He do not give them to you, it is not that He does not love you, but because He sec; that these things would not be good for you. WTiat! has He given His Son for you, and would He withhold wealth from you if it were for your benefit? Look at the cross, and ask what God would be likely to deny you that is for your benefit. Cast all your care upon God. Do not appear dejected and at your wits’ end like the men of th world. Let them see that your principles have a tendency to keep th mind cahn and serene amidst external changes and agitations. L’ them clearly discover the soothing and supporting operations of tha hope which anchors upon the promise of a better and more endu“‘- substance. Kemember the Lord God ommpotent reigneth, and t the times and the seasons are in His hands. Be it your earnest pray and constant endeavour that in this season of difficulty and trial yo may be kept from every dereliction of Christian principle in the tra actions of worldly business. A season of worldly embarrassment is test of Christian principle. Happy is the man who endureth temptions, for when he is tried he shall receive a crown of glory that fade not away. Rather sufi”er the greatest losses by trade than commit t least sin to avoid them. Hold fast your integrity. How sweet will be the reflection when the time of trial is over, to reflect that you passed through it with an unsullied reputation!
“You cannot be indifferent to the dark cloud of a political nature with which God has permitted the internal concerns of our country for a season to be veiled. ‘Unreasonable and wicked men, aiming ahke at the destruction of all that is venerable in our civil constitution and all that is sacred in religion, have arisen, who, imder specious pretexts about liberty, are covering designs of a most mischievous and dreadful nature.’
“I should indeed blush and be ashamed if any of you were seen, in the smallest degree, to give countenance to their seditious conduct. I again repeat that loyalty is one of the fruits of piety and the injunctions of revelation. Depend upon it, that the most malignant infidelity is closely connected with that seditious spirit which has unhappily gone forth to corrupt the popular mind. As the recent transactions which have taken place are likely to agitate and divide the public mind, and as political animosities and even strong political feelings are very unfriendly to the meek and gentle spirit of true religion, I most seriously and affectionately admonish you to be upon your guard against suffering your minds to be too deeply engaged in the subject, or your tongues from being too busily employed in the discussions which, in every house and every company, are sure to be carried on. Avoid all excess of feeling and dissension. Say but little, and speak mildly. If you feel strongly, you will need to be still more upon your guard. Nothing can compensate for an injury inflicted upon your own personal religion, and religion is never more in danger than when enveloped in the mist of political feeling. If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, live peaceably with all men.
“It gives me great pleasure to hear that everything continues to go on with regularity and harmony in my absence. I trust this will continue. The unanimity which has subsisted in relation to the great work which is upon our hands, if not absolutely pei-fect, is more than could have been expected considering the magnitude of the undertaking. It is, indeed, a mighty work; and glorious, I hope, will be the results. Who does not feel a glow of sacred delight at the thought of helping to build a place where, for ages, two thousand immortal souls win hear the glorious gospel of the blessed God? What an unspeakable honour! Compared with the good to be expected, what are the sacrifices which must be made for its completion? I admit, that a cloud has arisen since the work commenced, which many regard with peculiar dread, and I admit, that had the present difiiculties existed before the work was begun, it would have been prudent to suspend it for a
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season; but, as the national embarrassments have come on since we began, we have only to continue with firmness, looking up to Him who has the silver and gold at His command. ‘Tis true, we are not to expect miracles even for the support of the cause of God; but, I think, we may humbly hope, that for a work so obviously connected with His glory. He will provide us with the means. We must, however, every one of us determine to exert himself to the uttermost. We must stand prepared to deny ourselves some of the usual luxuries of life, rejoicing that God hath put it into our heart to do this thing for His name’s sake. Bearing in mind your affectionate solicitude for my health, I have given every degree of attention to the subject; having, on no Sabbath, preached more than once, nor ever more than once in the week. I am thankful to say that my strength continues to increase, and that, for the ordinary duties of my office, I feel as equal as at any period of my ministry.
“I commend to your affection my dear friend and fellow-labourer Mr Adams, whose name in Hampshire, but more especially in this island, is a precious perfume. Love him for his work and his piety’s sake.
“I beg you to accept, individually, my warmest and most grateful love. This letter is but little worth your attention, in consequence of its being written amidst many interruptions.
“Commending you to God and the word of His gi-ace, I remain, your devoted and faithful pastor,
“J. A. James.”
TO THE CHURCH OP CHRIST ASSEMBLING IN CARR’s LANE.
“London, February 15, 1822.” My BELOVED Flock, — If it were necessary, after the sixteen years that I have spent amongst you, to speak of my affection for you, I would rather refer you to my conduct during all that period, than abound in expressions of the strongest regard. I may, however, with propriety, because I can with sincerity, adopt, in reference to you, the language which St Paul appUed to his beloved Phihppian converts, and call you ‘My brethren, dearly beloved, and longed for, my joy and crown.’ All of you are the subjects of my pastoral care, many of you the fniits of my ministerial labours, — considerations these which, in addition to the usual grounds of brotherly love, give you a high place in my heart.
“Most truly can I aver, that, to promote your best interests is the anxious wish of my soul; and the consciousness of having in any measure attained this object, is one of the sublimest gratifications of my life. The bond which unites a faithful pastor to an affectionate flock. is no common tie, but gives rise to feelings, and motion to energies of a most elevated nature. Through whatever part of the religious world I journey, and amidst whatever scenes I sojourn, I turn to you with the fond feelings of a heart that considers your society as its religious home; and, at the same time, I rejoice in the assurance, that I have not to say with the apostle, the more I love, the less am I beloved. Every demonstration that you could give of your attachment, you have given. You have approved my labours, you have ministered to me in sickness, you have provided for my comfort, you have made me the subject of your prayers, and have left nothing undone by which you could manifest your esteem and regard. If other ministers have had to complain of a cold, neglectful line of conduct from their people, / have never for a moment had any ground for such an accusation. Such a state of things between us has led on my part to that decided, unwavering, unhesitating, preference for the people of my charge, which nothing for a moment could change or diminish. Other churches have offered me inducements to leave you, when your prosperity was far less than it now is; but they were presented to a mind too fixed in its choice to be attracted by the prospect of a larger salary, or a richer congregation. I received you as the people not only of my charge, but my preference: as such you have continued, and as such you remain to this day.
“With such feelings, absence from you, though it has been frequent, has never been pleasant to me. Some ministers are put more in requisition for the public than others. It has been the lot of your pastor to have many demands of this nature urged upon him — demands which it has been impossible for him wholly to resist. He can, however, assure you, that it has been the subject of much reproach upon him from abroad, that he confined himself so much at home.
“My present absence, at least for the greater part of the time, was by no means a voluntary one, and has, on your account, from the length of it, been a source of the most acute distress to my mind. My labours on the first Sabbath in January, at a time when I was suffering under a severe bihous attack, brought on a state of feverish languor and debility, for the consequences of which I was certainly a little alarmed. I suffered far more illness than I was willing my people should know; and hence, I charged the few friends who visited me, not to circulate alarms, which I hoped a little time would remove. I was certainly very ill, and my skilful and attentive physician ordered an immediate joiurney. Thanks to the Father of mercies, my visit to my native air, with constant exercise on horseback, has been of great service to my health; and, I am sure, I do not miscalculate your affection, when I express my confidence, that you will rejoice in my gradual return to
LIFE OF JOHN ANGELL JAilES.
health. When I say return to health, I must of course be understood in a comparative sense; for, after the dangerous illness which I experienced five years since, I must never look for that robustness of constitution which I enjoyed before the attack. Experience has proved to me that I must not be surprised at frequent returns of indisposition. On this ground I may probably have need of your patience.
“It has aggravated the distress of my absence greatly, to know that my supplies have not altogether met with your approbation. Most grieved have I been to learn that considerable dissatisfaction has prevailed on this ground through a large portion of the congregation. It should be recollected, that my attack being sudden gave no time
for previous arrangement and extended application. Mr had been
engaged to preach in the afternoon, for a few Sabbaths, as probationer for the office of assistant-minister, and it was thought advisable, in the existing state of things, that he should preach morning and evening for two Lord’s days. Efforts more than you can conceive of were made by myself to procure acceptable assistance; and by a most singular concurrence of circumstances, these efforts in almost every case were followed by disappointment. I have written an incredible number of letters on the subject, and I regret with so Little success. I am happy, however, to express my hope, that I shall trespass very little longer on your patience. After two more Sabbaths I expect to be at my post, and for these two I have provided supplies, whom nothing but a sinfully fastidious taste can render unwelcome in my pulpit. And having mentioned the subject of fastidious taste, I cannot but express my fears that there is rather more of this in our church, and more looking to the messenger, and less to the message, than there ought to be. I have often been grieved at that restlessness and dissatisfaction which have discovered themselves, if even for a single Sabbath the supply had not some of the features of a popular preacher. You will readily believe me when I say, that I wish to give place to no one in your estimation as a preachsr; yet, still I could desire to see a little more MiUingness to hear others when I am occasionally absent. I am not to be understood as pleading for more frequent leave of retirement from my home duties, or as giving any intimation of being more abroad for the future; on the contrary, it is my fixed and deliberate resolution — a resolution to which I am brought no less by a sense of duty than by inclination — to give up all public engagements whatever, besides those which are already made, and to confine my exertions almost exclasively to my own congregation. All that I have of physical or mental strength shall be in future almost undividedly yours. It is your due, and you shall have it. The public are nothing to me in comparison with you. I am your shepherd, and the flock have a just right to the attention of their pastor.
“In the new relationship to which I am looking forward, I have consulted your comfort no less than my own, as I believe the result will prove.
“You will not be displeased to hear that I have preached once every Sabbath since I have left home; and last Sabbath-day morning war; very unexpectedly called to preach in Surrey Chapel, and am thankful to say did not feel the worse for the exertion.
“‘Commending you to God, and the word of His grace, who is able to build you up, and give you an inheritance amongst them that are sanctified,’ I remain, your affectionate pastor,
“J. A- James.”
The answer of the church to the foregoing letter, written after his second marriage: —
TO THE PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF CHEIST ASSEMBLING IN CAEE’s LANE CHAPEL.
“Dear Sie, — As through the superintendence and guidance of an all-wise Providence, you have entered into a most interesting and honourable connexion; and as it hath pleased the Great Head of the Church to remove the severe indisposition under which you have so recently laboured, and to restore you to comparative health and strength; permit us, as the flock over which you are the endeared and beloved pastor, to offer our sincere and heartfelt congratulations. Accept, as a pledge and a proof of continued affection and esteem, our desire to participate in your joys as well as your sorrows; to rejoice when you rejoice, as well as to weep when you weep. It is our ardent -wish that the scenes through which we are called to pass, whether they be prosperous or adverse, may have the tendency of exciting those reciprocal sympathies and good wishes which shall bind us still closer to each other, and strengthen that union which, through the blessing of God, has been crowned with the most glorious and auspicious consequences. The anxiety which you manifest for our welfare during your absence; your earnest sohcitude to promote our immortal interests when present; your disinterestedness in refusing to accept of the more splendid offers of other churches; your avowal of the decided preference which you entertain for the people of your charge, induce us to believe that, on your part, the bond of connexion is daily acquiring strength and firmness. We trust, also, that we shall not incur the charge of insincerity when we afiBrm, that your anxious care, your unwearied and persevering labours of love on our behalf, your fixed determination to continue
LIFE OF JOHN ANGELL JAMES.
with us, notwithstanding the change which has taken place in your circumstances, have produced corresponding feelings of love and esteem, and cemented more strongly on our part the hallowed union.
“If, during your absence, we appeared to be fastidious, it was not because we despised the servants of Christ, (for we desire to ’ esteem all of them very highly in love for their work’s sake,’) but because we were convinced that the shepherd who was best acquainted with our wants and our circumstances, was best able to apportion to us that food which we required, and to break to us the bread of everlasting life. It resulted from a firm conviction that your ministry was more adapted to promote our benefit and advantage, than the ministry of any other person.
“With such views and such feelings, we hail with unmingled delight and pleasure your resolution to confine your labours more exclusively to your own flock; and more especially so, as we are convinced that it was a resolution prompted as well by a sense of inclination as of duty; and that it originated in an increasing afi”ection for your people, and a more ardent desire to promote their eternal as well as temporal felicity.
“We humbly hope, that through the influence of the Spirit of God, our profiting and growth in grace, and every other Christian virtue, may render us more worthy to receive, and you more ready to bestow, your undivided labours.
“May the wise Disposer of all events consecrate with His rich blessings and -inestimable favours, the endeared relationship into which you have entered; may He render the union more permanent and durable than that, the transient and fleeting nature of which we saw and deeply deplored!
“May the happiness derived from it soothe your mind in seasons of domestic sorrow, and alleviate the burden and anxiety of public duties; may it sweeten those cares, and soften those woes, from which no station in life can possibly exempt us; but above all, may it be the means of promoting the honour and glory of God, and the welfare of immortal souls!
“May you and the partner of your life enjoy continually the smiles of Heaven; may a long life of health, of happiness, and peace be granted to you; may your paths, like the path of ’ the just, shine brighter and brighter unto a perfect day,’ and at last, after having spent your days, in the service of your Maker, may you descend to the grave laden with I the fruits and honours of those who have ’ turned many to righteoiisness,’ and like them shine as stars of the first magnitude, and in the celestial city wear a bright diadem, and an unfading crown, is the earnest wish, and sincere desire, and fervent prayer, of your afi’ectiouate flock,”
THE CHUECH OF CHRIST ASSEMBLING IN CAER’s LA^E, BIRMINGHAM,
UNDER THE PASTORAL CAKE OF JOHN ANGELL JAMES, TO THE
CHURCHES OF CHRIST, TTITH THEIR BISHOPS AND DEACONS,
ASSEMBLING FOR THE WORSHIP OF ALMIGHTY GOD IN VARIOUS
PARTS OF THE ISLAND OF TAHITI.
“Dearly-beloved Brethren in our Lord Jesus Christ, — Grace he unto you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in trutk As ye also heard of !Mr Nott and others, our dear fellow-servants, who are for you faithful ministers of Christ, and who have declared unto us your love in the spirit. The account of your conversions, dear brethren, from the worship of dumb idols to serve the living and true God, was a cause of unspeakable de-Ught to us, and we have innumerable times blessed God our heavenly Father, and J esus Christ whom He has sent, for this great and glorious change. God be thanked that though ye were the servants of sin, ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine into which ye were delivered. It is the Lord’s doing, and is marvellous in our eyes. “What else but divine grace could have enhghtened your understanding to see the great -wickedness of idolatry, or have caused your heart to abhor and forsake if? How justly might God have said concerning you, ‘They are tied to their idols, let them alone!’ But blessed be His glorious name, instead of this He has made you to exclaim, ‘What have we any more to do with idols 1 Other lords have had dominion over us, but by thee only, Jehovah, will we be called. ‘How truly, dear brethren, has the apostle John said that ‘God is love!’ ‘In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.’ The love of God, in sending Jesus Christ to die upon the cross for our sins, is the greatest wonder that we shall ever hear of on earth or in heaven, in time or through eternity. How constantly should we think of it, how much should we talk of it, how great should be our gratitude to God, how strong our love to Jcsua Christ!
“Dearly-beloved brethren, we are quite sure that you have a deep
LIFE OF JOHN ANGELL JAMES.
sense of your obligation to God for sending missionaries to your islands. What a change has the gospel produced in your customs, manners, and feelings! No infant murder, no human sacrifice, no bloody wars are practised now. Husbands and wives live, and eat, and dwell together. Parents, instead of destroying their children, bring them up in the fear, nurture, and admonition of the Lord. Blessed are the people that know the jojrful sound! You have proved, by your happy experience, ’ that godliness is profitable for all things, having the promise of the life that now is, as well as of that which is to come.’
“Oh, happy, happy Tahitians! we doubt not that you feel greatly indebted to those dear men of God who first brought to you the glad tidings of salvation. We in England love them for what they have done for you; and how much more may it be expected that you should love them! Do everything in your power to promote their comfort; in order to this hearken diligently to their advice, constantly attend their ministry, and never grieve them by sinning against God. The sins of the people are the deepest afflictions of a minister’s heart.
“We earnestly pray for you, dear brethren, that you may persevere in faith and holiness to the end of life, for Chiist has said, ‘Then are ye my disciples indeed, if ye continue in my word.’ Remember that it is only such as continue to the end that shall be saved. We are surrounded by trials, temptations abound in every place, and many by this means make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience — and if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the latter end is worse than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the proverb, ‘The dog is turned to his own vomit again, and the sow that was washed to her walloAsing in the mire.’
“We would most affectionately warn you, dear brethren, against the temptations to which we think you wiR be exposed in future. As your civilisation advances, and your island, -with, others in the Pacific Ocean, becomes more improved, you will, in all probability, be visited by more ships from different parts of the world; the crews of which, often consisting of men that fear not God, will tempt you in various ways to sin against the Lord. Your wives and your daughters will be tempted to lewd conduct, and your men to drunkenness, falsehood, deceit, and injustice. Against these things we most affectionately warn you, and; entreat you to watch unto prayer. Alas! alas! that we should have to caution you against the vices of our own countrymen! but there are great multitudes among us, who, though Christians by name, are not in’ reality. Your dangers will perpetually increase, and it is only by a deep-rooted fear of God in your hearts that you can escape them. As British property becomes more and more introduced among you, there will be more room for envy, jealousy, dishonesty, and covetousness. All of which, as your honoured teachers, the missionaries, inform you, or rather as the Word of God tells you, are very wicked in the sight of God. It is by the fear of the Lord that men depart from evil You must depend for protection on the grace of God. It is not the strength of power but of principle that must defend you. How would it distress us if we should ever be informed that our dear Tahitian brethren had lost their first love, and had sank into the pollutions of the world! But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
“We doubt not, brethren, that you will continue to increase in diligence and industry in reference to your temporal concerns. Running water is sweet and pure, but stagnant water soon becomes foul and ofifensive. ‘Satan finds some mischief still for idle hands to do,’ and our idle days are his busy days.
“Cultivate your gardens, multiply the useful furniture of your houses, promote in every possible way the improvement of your island. We are very anxious that you should all be able to write, and especially to read, and therefore hope you will be constant in your attendance at the school. “NAThat a useful art is writing, and especially printing! Be very attentive to the education of your children, let them at home neither hear nor see anj-thing in you but would recommend religion. Example is more powerful than precept. It is in vain to teach them religion by your words unless you shew it to them by your actions. Teach them to obey you, but provoke them not to wratL Be firm, but mild. Govern them in love. Subdue them by kindness. Send them early, punctually, and constantly to school. It will be a disgrace if a single Tahitian cluld should grow up in ignorance.
“We are most happy, dearly beloved brethren, in being informed that you have a system of wise, just, and humane laws. No state can be happy or prosperous without good laws, and no laws can be efl”ectual unless the people determine to support them. iSText to your Bible, your laws are the greatest benefit you have received from the missionaries. Our king in England does not nile by his own will, but by the laws which are made by him and the people, and we hope that you will fear God, honour the king, and respect the laws. It is a cause of great pleasure and thankfulness to us, brethren, to learn your zeal for the Lord God of hosts, and your love for mankind, as manifested by your forming missionary societies, and sending missionaries to other islands which have not yet cast away their idols. Every Christian church
LIFE OF JOHN ANGELL JAMES.
ought, so to speak, to be a missionary society in itself. It was so in the days of the apostles, and should be so in our days. When a Bible comes into a man’s hand, his first duty is to believe and practise it himself, his second is to help his neighbour to believe and practise it. How can we love God if we are not anxious to destroy idolatry, or how can we love our neighbour as ourselves if we do not endeavour that he should possess the blessings of the gospel as well as we 1 “Would you, or should we in Britain, ever have had any knowledge of the true God, or of Jesus Chi-ist whom He has sent, had it not been for missionaries? No! how much then is it our duty to send missionaries to others! We hope that from you will sound out the word of God all through the islands of the vast Pacific. Look out from among you the most holy, the most courageous, the most prudent, and the most learned of your own number, and let them give themselves to reading, meditation, and prayer, and especially let them be instructed by the missionaries in all useful knowledge, and go forth to preach the gospel among the heathen.
“Every country that is converted to Christianity should, in process of time, find both ministers for itself, and missionaries for its neighbours, amongst its omi converted natives, and not be dependent upon a foreign country, and this is the way for the word of the Lord to have free course and be glorified. The visit of your dear minister and our beloved brother Mr Nott to this kingdom, and especially to this town, from which he formerly went out, has been a source of great delight to thousands of the saints in England, and has refreshed the hearts of many. We all esteem him very highly in love for his work’s sake, and having blessed God for permitting us to see him, we send him back with many prayers for the safety of his passage, the continuance of his life and health, and the success of his labours through the future years of his continuance on earth.
“While we cherish a very strong affection for all your missionaries whom we have never seen, we entertain a very peculiar regard for those whom we personally know. We feel greatly honoured in having sent out to you a member of our own church, and his wife, to aid those who already laboured among you in word and doctrine. Mr Pritchard was among us a brother dearly beloved, whom we would gladly have retained, had not the Lord inclined his heart to quit his native country and live and die among you. We commend him and his mfe to your deserved regards. And now, brethren, in conclusion, we beseech you to walk worthy of your vocation in all holiness, meekness, love, and humUity, and pray that we may do the same ourselves, that when we meet, (as we shall do at the last day before the judgment-seat of Christ, and never tiU then,) our meeting may take place at the right hand of Him who sitteth on the throne, and that we may hear the voice of our Divine Lord saying to each of us, ‘Well done, good and faithfid servant; ye have been faithfid in a few things, enter ye into the joy of your Lord.’
“Passed at a meeting of the church, held September 29, 1826, and signed on their behalf, by
“JOHJT AkGELL jAitES, PastOT.
“Thomas Cocks,
“Joseph Phipson,
” “William Edwards,
” John Gausby,
“John Beery,
” John Walfoed,
“Thomas Beilby,
” James James,
Deacons.
TO THE REV. W. PATTON, D.D., OF NEW YORK.
“BiBMiifGHAii, February 19, 1827.
“My dear Beothee, — .... I have an invincible dislike of letter-writing, which has often subjected me to heavy charges and more serious accusations, than those I have provoked from you.
“You will please to accept my best thanks both for your letters and pamphlets. Dr Griffin’s ‘Concio ad Cleros,’ is exceedingly good, and ‘The Moral Grandeur of the Missionarj’ Enterprise,’ is a very striking discourse. It is truly delightful to see that talent is peculiar to no country, and that great powers of mind are everywhere employed in the cause of our glorious Redeemer. America has yet jiroduced no great authors, at least with few exceptions; but in the department of theologj’, and in her Edwards, she stands pre-eminent in the science of sacred truth. D-night is excellent, and has more of the graces of composition, but less of profundity, than Edwards. I think the latter will never be surpassed as a theological reasoner. I have herewith sent you two sermons which I have published since you were here — one on the death of my venerable tutor, and the other preached on occasion of the opening of our new Mission College; they are not worth the transit across the Atlantic, but if they have no intrinsic worth, you will perhaps feel some little interest in them on account of their author. I have also sent you a copy of a work which I consider to be an astonishing production. The author is comparatively a young man, but a man of prodigious reading, as will be evident to you from a perusal of his book. It is much admired in this country. I should teU you that Mr Douglas is a Scotch lajnnan, and -will not be liked the less by you for being a Presbji:erian. Q
LIFE OF JOHN ANGELL JAMES.
“Well, how goes on the great cause of Truth and Holiness in America, in New York, and in your own congregation 1 I expect great things from your country in every point of -sdew. I believe that the United States are destined to a distinguished place in the future history of the world. If you do not divide into separate kingdoms, which I think you will do in process of time, you must be the greatest and most powerful people on earth. And I think that as your wealth increases, you -will do much more than you have ever yet done for the spread of Christ’s kingdom in the world.
“Your Foreign Missions do not yet bear a proportion to your population and your piety. To be sure, you have the Indians to attend to in your back settlements. Religion is, I hope, gaining ground in this country. It is spreading in the higher walks of life. Several of our nobles, and many of our gentry, are become truly pious; our evangeUcal Episcopal clergy are stUl increasing, and, I believe, their labours are very successfid in turning sinners to God. Our reHgious institutions continue to be well supplied, but the Bible Society controversy has given some little check to the distinguished career of that noble organisation of religious zeal. Perhaps this check wUl be salutary, and was necessary. We were becoming proud and vain-glorious. We were in danger of almost worshipping the Society as such, and exalting the Bible, perhaps in a forgetfulness of the God of the Bible. God is a jealous God, and will not give His glory to another. We must be cautious against doing His work in our ovm strength, and in our own spirit. The Scotch opponents of the Society’s proceedings have been actuated by a bad spirit, and have strangely lost sight of that declaration, that ’ the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.’ I am happy to say that the ferment is rapidly subsiding, and that I hope nothing will in a little time remain, but the fruits of a sanctified affliction. The Society was certainly at one time in peril. God, in mercy to the world, has presei-ved it. Blessed be His holy name! Our Missionary Society is, happily, preserved in peace, but its exi:»enditure is swelling beyond its income in so rapid a manner that, unless the public come forward in an extraordinary manner, we must curtail our Missions.
“My own congregation is much in the same state as when you were here. Nothing very remarkable in the way of success has lately followed my labours.”
TO THE REV. DR PATTON.
“BiKMiNGHAM, February 2, 1828. “My dear Friend and Brother in Christ, — I must commence my letter with the language of apology, for having sufi’ered your first communication to remain unanswered till my neglect was reproached, and niy recollections quickened, by the arrival of your second epistle. It is usual to plead in excuse for such omissions, the number and urgency of engagements, but such attempts at extenuation are usually but one remove from falsehood. I shall not, therefore, resort to them, but confess my fault, promise amendment, and ask forgiveness.
“I am indeed your debtor, not only for the letters themselves, and for the pamphlets, but for the information you have conveyed to me of the progress of reUgion in the United States; for although the general facts to which you allude have obtained considerable publicity in this country, they are of a nature so truly gratifying to every one who is concerned for the extension of the Redeemer’s cause, that like a person listening to the tidings of a victory, we deUght to hear the blissful details repeated, though it be ever so frequently, and especially by those who helped to fight the battle, and to achieve the conquest. Your country, my friend, seems selected by the Sovereign Dispenser of all grace, for the richest communications of spiritual blessings. Gladly wovdd I come, if it were possible, to see the grace of God, and with all gladness to exhort you with full purpose to cleave unto God. For a few months’ residence in America I woixld forego most willingly the pleasure of a visit to the classic scenes of Greece and Home: gladly would I yield to others the associations connected with the mouldering monuments of ancient greatness, to look upon the rising fabric of future empire; and especially would I abandon, without a moment’s hesitation or regret, the opportunity of seeing all that is left of those splendid ruins, which, while they proclaim the splendour of human genius, no less truly prove the depravity of the human heart, to gaze upon the spiiitual temples of the Triune Jehovah, which are rising all over that land, which, so short a time since, was a moral as well as a natural wilderness. If I were so much of an Englishman as to forget that I am a Christian, or permitted what some call patriotism to smother and extinguish the purer flame of Christian love which burns in my bosom, I should look on the United States with feelings of alarm, and of jealousy, and of gloomy anticipation: but this is not the case. I rejoice with all the full fervour of universal benevolence in what I see going on in transatlantic regions; and much I do see going on for the glory of God, and the good of the human race. All the germs of human greatness and human happiness are there, vegetating in soil of uncommon luxuriance, fostered by institutions adapted to their growth, and nurtured by the choicest influences of Heaven. Go on, my dear brother, to fan, by the breathings of a Heaven-kindled eloquence, — that is, the eloquence not of words, but of thoughts — not of the school of rhetoric, but of religion — not on the model of Cicero, but of Paul, — the flame of pubUc spirit. Most gratefully do I bless our Lord Jesus
LIFE OF JOHN ANGELL JAMES.
Christ, that He has put His own mind and spirit into so many of His American servants. But how shall we account for your revivals 1 I now, of course, mean as to second causes and means. One, and perhaps the first of secondary causes, is that you seek them and expect them. Then perhaps may be mentioned, that you have not to contend, as we have, with the prejudices of an Established religion. I do think that much is to be set down to this. This is one of the fearful and distressing evils resulting from an Estabhshment; men are bound by it to particular persons, and forms, and habits of thought, and feeling, and action; anything which does not come from canonical individuals, and in a prescribed way, instantly arrays all the prejudices of bigotry — i.e., human depravity, in the form of zeal against innovation — against it. TVe are hindered, effectually hindered, in our attempts, at least oftentimes, especLaUy in small towns and villages, by the intolerance of the clergy and their flocks. Of Revivals, strictly so-called, I am sorry to say, we know nothing in this country. It is true that religion is, I think, steadUy advancing, but it is more in the way of silent and unmarked progress, than in that of conspicuous and noticeable movements. I am also a little apprehensive, that neither our people nor our ministers are distinguished for depth and fervour of pious feeling. I am both delighted and astonished at the liberality disjjlayed by the friends of missions in New York. Christians seem coming to the conaction, that all they have, as well as all they are, belongs to God. I am of opinion, however, that there is in the present day a lironeness to depend rather upon organised systems of human energy, than upon God’s ovm Spirit and grace. Our societies are to do everything, and we must have large and impressive combinations of men, and means, and wealth, and wisdom, or we do not expect any result. But was this the way in which the gospel was first spread 1 How is it that we hear nothing of separate churches sending out their messengers and missionaries into the field, supporting them, and supplying them with all necessary assistance, and looking up to Him who can bless the feeblest means. We must have great and imposing associations, or our weak faith and self-dependence are apt to suggest that we can do nothing. And then we should endeavour to make the cause, so far as means can go, self-propagating. Every convert from paganism, who has even tolerable qualifications, should be a jireacher of righteousness.
“You have much indeed to do for your own country, as well as for the heathen. Your population increases so rapidly, that unless prodigious exertions are made to train up a very large number of ministers, your peoj)le will, to a very great extent, be a population of practical atheists. I do not think that an appeal to the benevolence of this countiy would be followed with any beneficial results, and that for two reasons: Fkst, It must be coufined to the Dissenters, for the Church people -would do nothing; and, secondly. The hands of the Dissenters are already so full, that they cannot do all they vrish to do for our own population, a great part of -which are as destitute of religious instruction as yours can be in any of the back settlements. You must, therefore, go on calling out the pecuniary resources of the people, and bringing them to this great principle, that they have no right to live in houses ceiled -with cedar, and to feast at tables covered with luxuries, as long as the Lord’s house heth -waste, and the souls of men are famishing for -ivant of the bread of Mfe. I have read with great pleasure and edification your excellent sermon. It is just in all its reasonings, and forcible in its appeals, and -will, I trust, be followed -with the Di-vine blessing. We are going to form a society on Wednesday evening, for the purpose of diffusing Christian instruction through the myriads of our population, in this to-wn, -who are li-ving -without God and -without hope in the world.
“I know not whether the attention of your ministers has been at all excited to the study of the unfulfilled symbolical prophecies of Daniel and John. The subject has been taken up pretty extensively in this country, especially by some ministers in London, at the head of whom is the celebrated Mr Irving. I am in no degree infected -with the passion, being persuaded that time is the best expounder of prophecy. I never could make up my mind on the meaning of the Apocalypse, except as to its general design. No expositor that I ever read, and I have read many, has yet satisfied me: and, as they all disagree among themselves, I think it is a presumption that none of them understand the subject. I am also afraid that e-sdl -will arise from the prevalence of the study, inasmuch as reUgious people -^^-iIl be taken off from labouring to bring on the millennium, to watch the signs, and calculate the time of its approach. I have sent you a volume of sermons on the ‘E-vidences of Christianity,’ preached by some of the London Independent ministers. Some of them are very superior discourses. I have also put in a little production of my own. I feel gratified by your remembrance of me at the Falls of Niagara: it was no small proof of friendship that my name should occur to your recollection amidst such scenes of subUme and absorbing grandeur. The cane from Goat Island has not yet arrived, but lxUl be much valued when it does. My family, through the goodness of God, are all well.
“Desiring for you every blessing, as a man, a Christian, and a minister, — I remain yours, in bonds not severed, and in communion not interrupted, by an interposing ocean,
“J. A. jAliF..S.
“I shall hope to hear from you again soon.”
LIFE OF JOHN ANGELL JAMES.
TO MES PATTON,
ON THE DEATH OF TWO OP HER CHILDREN DURING HER HUSBAND’s
ABSENCE IN ENGLAND.
“Birmingham, August 19, 1828.
“My deak Madam, — An act of pure friendship needs no apology, although performed by an entire stranger; and as I am conscious that the witing of these few hnes is an effort of Christian affection, and an effort made at the request of your excellent husband, I shall not ask your forgiveness for that which, under other circumstances, might be deemed an obtrusion. It will relieve your mind at once from all sohcitude as to the purport of this letter, if I assure you that its only object is, to condole with you as a mother bereaved of her children, and to inform you that Mr Patton is greatly improved and still improving in health; and bore the communication, which it was my painful office to make to him, of the sad intelhgence of his loss, yAth. more than manly fortitude, with the most Christian resignation. It was indeed both affecting and instructive to be the witness of his chastened grief and meek submission, and we glorified God in him. It was a great cordial to his mind to learn, that you had been so graciously supported in the hour of your severe trial by ‘Him who comforteth those that are cast down,’ and that you had been enabled to keep silence, if not to say, * The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’ You will be pleased to hear, my dear madam, that, to borrow the words of the excellent Phihp Henry, ’ weeping did not hinder sowing,’ and that the next day after Sir Patton received the mournful news, which was the Sabbath-day, he stood up in my pulpit, and to a congregation of nearly two thousand people, bore his testimony for the Lord God our Saviour, and gave us some account of what he had seen and heard of the work of revival in America. I have reason to believe his visit was amongst the merciful arrangements of the Great Head of the Church, and that it will appear at the last day that ’ he must needs pass through ‘Birmingham. At our prayer-meeting the next evening, there was a congregation of twice or three times the usual number, to which I again delivered the substance of your good husband’s address, and I do hope that although we may not have what in your happy and higlily-favoured country is meant by a revival, we shall have God’s great and good work in the souls of men revived amongst its.
“And now, my dear madam, may you be filled with ‘all joy and peace in believing,’ that in the full assurance of faith and hope y may find
‘A sovereign balm for every wound,
A cordial for your fears.’
“Your husband, wlieii I broke to Mm the intelligence, in as delicate and gradual a manner as possible, replied, ‘It is right, all right. I dedicated them to God in baptism, and He has a greater right to them than we have.’ Echo his language, and say, ‘It is right; yes, all right.’ Ah! my friend, it -nill all end well if we do. As sinners we have no right, and as Christians we have no reason, to complain. We are within a circle of mercy, and nothing can reach us but what passes through that reconciling medium. As to your dear babes, they are in glory, and as to yourself and your husband, you are going thither. What more would you have, can you have? They have sipped the cup of human life, and are gone to diink of the river ’ clear as crystal, which floweth from the throne of God and the Lamb.’
“Think of the mercy of Mr Patton’s recruited strength, and set one thing over against the other. J>Iay the Lord grant you a happy interview with each other, and many years of mutual comfort and helpfulness! My wife unites with me in kind regards. — I remain, my dear madam, your friend and brother in Christ,
“J. A. Jajies.”
TO TH£ KEV. DK PATTON.
“BiEiuxGHAii, December 13, 1823.
“My deak BfiOTHEK, — The receipt of your letter gave us unfeigned deUght, and a new occasion of praise to the Father of mercies and God of all consolation, on account of your safe arrival in the bosom of your family and flock. We bless God that He sent you here, and overruled your personal affliction for the good of many who have been stirred up by your account of God’s dealings with the churches in America, to seek the same blessings for themselves; and we now bless Him also that He has taken you back in renewed health and strength, to be instrumental in carrying on the great and glorious work in New York After you left us, we watched the direction of the clouds with a fresh interest, hoping that He who appoints the winds from what quarter they are to blow, would give you the breezes that were necessary to waft you to your desii-ed haven. Your visit to this country has been, I believe, the means, in connexion with the printed accounts which have been forwarded to us, of exciting a very considerable interest in the subject of revivals, of which I will now give you some account.
“About a week after you left us, I attended the ordination of a missionary at Worcester; this solemnity took place in the evening of the day appointed, the morning of which was employed in a conference on the subject of revivals, at which were present ministers of several denominations, and many persons of Mr Bedford’s congregation, besides Christians from other churches. As I had been much -nith you, I was
LIFE OF JOHN ANGELL JAMES.
called upon to state the substance of the communications I had received from you in the different conversations we had held upon the subject; with this request I comphed, and a very solemn feeling was produced by a conference of about two hours and a half. The hint of a deputation from America was thrown out, and the matter referred to the ministers, who, in the following week, were to be assembled at the missionary meeting, to be holdeu in Birmingham. At that meeting, the subject was taken up in niy vestry, and discussed for the greater part of three hours. All present were deeply affected ^ith the solemn importance of the subject, and in conclusion resolutions were agreed to, recommending a consideration of the subject to the Congregational Board of our denomination in London. ITie Board was specially convened to take our resolutions into consideration, when two successive adjournments took place, and at length the resolutions were agreed to, which you ^Yi. find in the Congregational Magazine forwarded herewith. At these meetings of our ministers in London, the most heart-affecting impressions were produced; an unusual solemnity prevailed; aged and respectable pastors rose and confessed their unprofitableness, others joined in making the same declarations, tUl all present seemed melted down under a new and powerful influence. No proposition was made, as you -noil see, for an exchange of deputations, but merely for opening a correspondence. This I am sorry for, as I am convinced that the visits of three or four of your ministers would have been of vast service to our churches. The subject, however, has got fast hold of the public mind, both in the metropolis and in the country. Meetings are being held in many places, and the periodical publications are continually discussing it. But what I am afraid of is, that the matter will end in mere public stir and excitement. I have held a season of humiliation and prayer with my church, which lasted for three hours, and was of a very solemn character, and have appointed a monthly special season of prayer to implore the influence of the Holy Spirit upon us; but I was much grieved and disappointed to observe our last meeting not so well attended as I expected. I am afraid the piety of our churches is at a low ebb, and that the general habits of our people are not friendly to the revival or cultivation of a devotional spirit. I mean, however, by God’s grace, diligently to persevere, with the hope of seeing something done. Unhappily I have been somewhat indisposed for the last six weeks, and have been prevented from being so active as I otherwise should have been; but I am considerably better, and intend, by Divine help, to apply most dOigently to the work, and pray that God would arise and have mercy upon us, and cause His face to shine upon us. I long most intensely for the blessing; and entreat a special interest in your prayers, and in the prayers of as many as you can engage for us, that God would visit us with one of those fruitful showers which have fallen upon your countiy.
“I have herewith sent you a complete copy of the ‘Family Monitor,’ which I am thankful to say is obtaining the favour of the public here, and selling fast. I am not now prepaiing anything for the press, except a pastoral letter to my people on the subject of revivals. All my time and all my strength I intend to devote to the great work of Stirling up my people’s hearts to serve the Lord more fully.
“We have been visited by a Dr of your city, who has come
over to negotiate some sort of connexion between our London Society for the Conversion of the Jews, and an institution which you have in the vicinity of New York for employing converted Jews. He seems an agreeable man, but does not seem an enthusiast in the subject of revivals.” ....
TO THE EEV. DE SPRAGUE.
“BiEMiSGHAM, December 15, 1828.
“My deak See, — You must possess a very extraordinary and unusual measure of that charity which ’ thinketh no evU,’ if you have not before this often reproached me, and imputed all kinds of bad motives to me, for my long silence. I can only borrow the language of Themistocles, and say, ‘Strike, but hear me 1’ — not indeed that my explanation will be any farther a justification than to clear me, if my veracity can be confided in, from all want of real respect and sincere afifectiou. lu the first place, then, I have been a great part of the year at intervals from home, and once so long a time as six weeks together; at others, I have been engaged in bringing two volumes and a sermon through the press; for two months I have been somewhat indisposed, and though not ill enough to lay me aside from my public labour, yet so nervous as to be disinclined for everj-thing but that which necessity compelled me to attend to. Then I have had some Little difiiculty in procuring two or three of the autographs which attend this letter; and, last of all, I have a strong and almost invincible dislike of letter-writing. I have told you all, and having finished my defence, await your verdict. I confess, I repent, and I hope I shall reform.
“We were much gratified to hear of your safe arrival at home, and in improved healtL Yours is one of the pleasant reminiscences which furnish the more delightful scenes of the mingled and chequered history of our life. You were with us long enough to produce, but not to gratify, the feelings of Christian friendship. I suppose you are never likely, to cross the Atlantic again, except it be on the same errand as brought you here before — the pursuit of health; and as this is the case, I say to you, as Louis XIV. said to our James II., of inftoious
LIFE OF JOHN ANGELL JAMES.
memory, -vvlien the latter was leaving the French Court for Ireland, * The best wish I can express to your Majesty is, that I may never see your face again, Much as I could wish to renew our personal intercourse, I cannot desire it at such an expense as your health. Blessed be God, Christian friendship, lilce everything else of essential Christianity, has the principle of immortality in its nature; and is one of the plants of grace which, having struggled for existence in this poor soil and this insalubrious climate, will be transplanted to the paradise of God, and there flourish as one of the lovely flowers that bloom outside, at least, of the palace of the King in His glory. There is an expression of the apostle, than which I scarcely know any one more beautiful or comprehensive, or more gratifying to the love of Christ and of our friends, ‘I beseech you by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering togdlier unto Him.’ What a gathering together! all that are saints, and all to Christ!
“Mr Patton’s visit was, I believe, the means of great and lasting good to this countiy; by exciting a stUl deeper interest in the subject of revivals than had before been felt. Our periodical pubHcations had already brought the subject before the minds of the religious pubUc. It had been discussed, and much talked of; but as he was several months here, and had been blessed with a glorious work in his church, his company was sought by the ministers of the metropolis, conferences were held with him, and the result at present is a considerable excitement throughout the country at large. Oh that God would indeed come and bless us, and grant us if it were only the skirts of the shower which is falling so plentifully in your highly-favoured land! Our churches are, in my opinion, far from a state of sound, healthy religion. We have but little of what constitutes the essence of experimental religion. Everything is superficial. Our repentance, our faith, our love, our devotional habits, all superficial. The world has engrossed men’s minds, absorbed their feelings, starved their piety. Conversions, at least supposed conversions, are not unknown, nor unfrequent in many congregations, but the work, in most instances, is not of a decisive and impres.sive character. Attention has been drawn off from the heart and the closet to public meetings and bustle and activity. Not that I am against pubUc institutions for the spread of the gospel — far from it — but I am persuaded that Satan has taken advantage of them, to divert men’s minds from the state of their own souls. We need a revival then; we feel that we do, and acknowledge that we do, and we are, I hope, seeking it in earnest. Oh, what a time was it at Northampton under the ministry of your illustrious Jonathan Edwards.! and yet there is a problem connected with that revival which I cannot solv In five years after it took place, the hearts of the people were so turn against him as to account him their enemy, or at least to treat him as if he were so. Moreover, he states that, during the revival, his church had increased to six hundred members, and yet, when the church-meeting was held at which it was to be determined whether he should go or stay, there appears to have been only about two hundred and fifty present. “What had become of the rest? Had they fallen back to the world? If so, would it not seem as if the supposed conversions, during the time of the revival, were but a mere temporary excitement of the feeUngs 1 I must say, that I feel so deeply interested in the subject of revivals, that I am anxious to have eveiy objection to them removed. The existence of our National Establishment is, in this country, a great impediment in the way of such a state of things here. I am quite convinced that, had not the Church of England been set up again at the Restoration, religion would have been in a far better state in the British empire than it is now. There was piety enough in the land at that time, had it been left to its own unrestricted energy and influence, to have filled the country by this time.
“I have sent you a few autographs. The sermon of Philip Henry is a fine specimen of that eminent saint. Matthew’s is not so good, but is undoubtedly genuine, as I received it from Mr Williams of Shrewsbury, who has lately published a new life of that admirable commentator. Dr Priestley’s autograph I received from his son. I do not know whether you have autographs of Drs Bennett, Bogue, and Williams; if not, I have added them to your collection. I have not been able to procure anything of Samuel Pearce’s, but I will still go on searching after something. Pamphlets I have sent you none, not knoling what to select.
“You A-ill do me the favour of accepting a copy of a small volume I have lately published. I would have accompanied it with another volume on Christian Charity, which I have also published this year, but the first edition is out of piint, and as the second is about to be published, I woidd prefer sending you a copy of that.
“You do not admit of the lawfulness of revenge, therefore I hope you AviU not retaliate on my long silence.
“We are much indebted for your valuable present of the India-rubber shoes, which came safe to hand, and fit admiiably. They are a great curiosity, and are much admired.
“May our God and Saviour Jesus Christ continue to bless you with health, comfort, great grace, and great usefulness. ]My wife unites in every feeling of regard to yourself and Mrs Sprague vdih, yours most affectionately,
“J. A. James.”
LIFE OF JOHN ANGELL JAMES.
Note. — The following extract from Dr Sprague’s reply, in reference to Jonv than Edwards’ treatment at Northampton, is interesting: —
“You suggest, in your letter, a difficulty respecting the revival at Northampton and Jonathan Edwards. I have not the means, at this moment, of referring to printed documents on the subject, but my imjjression is, that it admits of easy explanation. That that part of his congregation who passed through the revival without becoming Christians, should have been more restless than ever before, and less patient of his close and pungent dealing with the conscience, you will readily perceive was a natural consequence of their having been in a greater or less degree awakened under his preaching, and having resisted the Holy Spirit. I have mj” self often seen case.s, during a revival, in which persons who have been regarded as models of everything that is amiable, and among the best specimens of human nature, have exhibited against the revival, and all who were active in promoting it, the venom of a viper. And there have been instances not a few, in which this has laid the foundation, on the part of those who have not been converted, for a deep and incurable prejudice against the minister; he has been guUty of the sin of distuibing their consciences, and they cannot forgive it. This would go far to explain the fact that Edwards’ conyreyalion became hostile to hiip. In respect to the church, you say it had increased to six hundred members during the revival, whereas only two hundred and fifty appear to have acted relative to his dismission. The six hundred, I presume, included both males and females; the two hundred and fifty only males, as they only are accustomed to vote in church-meetings. It is probable, moreover, indeed the fact is unquestionable, that a considerable number of his friends, regarding the case as one of extreme difficulty, on account of the violent opposition that prevailed against him, did not act at all, and were not present at the meetings.
“This 1 take to be in general a solution of the difficulty which you suggest; though, after all, I am fully prepared to admit that there are dangers connected with revivals, and that one of the most prominent of them is precisely that to which you refer, — that of spurious conversions, — of admitting persons to the church who are nothing better than stony-ground hearers, — who have mistaken the temporary excitement of natural feeling for the spirit of true piety.”
TO THE EKV. DR PATTON.
“BiRMiNOHAM, June 2, 1829.
“My dear Brother in Christ, — My delay in answering j’our numerous and intei-esting communications, both written and printed, has afforded you accumulating evidence that I am a tardy correspondent. I have such an aversion to letter-writing, that it requires the dictate of necessity, the strong sense of duty, or the powerful impulse of affection, to overcome my reluctance, and to extort from me an epistle. In addition to this, I have been waiting to give you some account of several things connected th the cause of our home and foreign proceedings in reference to the kingdom of our Divine Lord.
“1 shall first refer to the account contained in your last letter but one, of the interest taken by your flock in the spiritual welfare of the British churches generally, and of mine in particular. The account most deeply affected me, even to tears. I was touched to the very centre of my heart -witli the idea of being the object of Christian sympathy and kindness, and the subject of prayer, by a church on the other side of the Atlantic. Herein indeed is the communion, not only of the saints, but of the churches, and a proof and a fruit of that union of all believers in Christ, -n-hich cannot be dissolved nor altogether interrupted by the intervention of oceans, or the distinction of separate nations, or the differences of various denominations. Yes, vre are all one in Christ. There is, there can be, but one church. You vdll not be surprised to be informed that your letter ^n-as read to our church when assembled on Good-Friday, for humiliation and prayer, to seek the outpouring of the Spirit for the revival of religion; and was heard with deep and solemn emotion by all present. You and your people were specially and fervently remembered by our brethren who led our devotions. We thanked God for the abundant gTace bestowed upon you, and supplicated for stUl larger communications of the heavenly gift. It was matter of entreaty that the example of earnest, and vigorous, and fiiutful piety, set us by the American churches, might be followed by the disciples of oitr Lord in your mother coimtry. No feelings of envy, no disposition to detract, but a sentiment of gratitude to God, and a cordial willingness to believe to the uttermost the accounts we have received of the glorious work which is going on among you, occupied and influenced every bosom.
“It had been resolved, as you know, by the churches in London, and recommended by them to their sister churches in the country, to spend Good-Friday as a season of humiliation and prayer. This resolution was very generally adopted throughout England, not only by the Independents, but by great numbers of Baptists; and we may hope that the thousands of prayers which were presented on that day will bring down upon us showers of blessings in their season. The subject of revivals still continues to occupy the public attention. The greater number of our ministers have preached upon it, and many have printed tracts, treatises, or sermons, copies of which I herevith send you. My expectations, I confess, are not sanguine as to the results. Our professors are so entangled with the world in various ways, that I do not look at present for any great increase of their spirituality of mind or their devotional habits. My chief hope rests upon the ministers, who Alill, I think, be stirred up to a greater devotedness to the duties of their office, and a more intense earnestness after the conversion of sinners. Our churches are, I think, likely to be enlarged by a greater number of conversions, but I am afraid the tone of individual piety is not likely to be much raised. I have lately had an opportunity, during a long journey, to ascertain the fact that the subject has laid hold of the mind of many of our ministers, who are going more diligently to their work.
LIFE OP JOHN ANGELL JAIiIES.
“As it respects our own cliurcli, you will see by a paper in one of the magazines that I send herewith, that I have begun an anxiousinquiry meeting, and I am happy to say with considerable success. Since that paper was written, the meeting continues not only to answer, but to exceed my expectations — new cases are continually occurring. I sent the account to the magazine, with the hope of drawing the attention of my brethren in the ministiy to the subject. My address to the ministers in the January number excited considerable notice. Some cordially thanked me, but others thought me an accuser of my brethren. Thus it is, that all who would do good must pass through evil report and through good report. A great impression was produced upon our congregation by the addition of twenty-one members at once in the month of April, and the proposal of nine more as candidates for fellowship. This may seem to you a small number to be followed -with any remarkable effect in the way of suqjrise; but here it is thought an extraordinary occurrence.
“I can most truly aver that I never felt so a’R’ful a sense of responsibiKty as I do at the present time; never felt so heavily the weight of the charge I have undertaken; never had such desires to be useful in the conversion of souls; never had such longings for the coming down of the Spirit in power and great glory; never was conscious of such an entire consecration of myself and all I possess to the work of the ministry; never more anxiously looked round for open doors of usefulness; never had a more humbbng and afflictive sense of past inactivity and unf ruitfulness; and never had larger expectation of success than at this moment. Oh that God would bless us indeed!
“I am sorry, however, to add that God is pleased to try me just now, by considerable bodily indisposition; and yet, if it pleased God, why should I say I am sorry 1 He doth all things well. He can fit me fo greater success, or do without my exertions. I have no organic disease of any kind that I knoAV of, but am the subject of frequent attacks of nervous irritabiUty, which disturb my sleep, and sometimes take it away whole nights together. My late journey was intended to brace up my nerves, but I do not think it has altogether accomplished the end. I desire to be thankful that I have not yet been incapacitated for my pubUc duties; but sometimes I seem very unfit for them. In consequence of my indisposition, I took no part in the public services” at the missionary meetings, although I was present at some of them.
“These meetings were as numerously attended as ever, and I thi~ that the annual meeting of the London Missionary Society was t most deeply touching in some parts of its procedure that I ever a tended. The presentation by Mr Mark WiDcs of Paris, of three Fren missionaries to go out with Dr Philip to South Africa, was m affecting. I think I never saw so many men in tears at once before We saw the French Protestant Chiu’ch, in that scene, laying her first-fruits to the missionary cause on the altar of the Lord. The liberaUty of our churches, as appeared by the statements, has kept up, but not much increased during the past year. There yet is lacking in the rich a disposition to give of their abundance, and in abundance. Now and then a generous individual gives his hundred pounds, but this is a comparatively rare thing. The responsibility attaching to property is either not yet understood, or not yet believed.
“I suppose you were a little surprised in America at the manner in which the Catholic question was settled by our Parliament. Is not the finger of God in this I The men that have for years been trying to do it were not permitted to do it, and those who have been strenuously opposed to it have done it. I think the influence of the measure will in several ways be unfriendly to Popery, and therefore rejoice in it. But what an open insult was it both to the laws of God and man, for our premier and a semi-religious peer to meet as murderers!
“I shall take into consideration the subject of an epistolary intercourse between your church and mine. I like the idea, and shall bring it before my deacons, and if they approve of it, shall prepare a letter for the adoption of the churcL
“I am much obliged to you for the various books which you have ut me. Beecher’s sermons are truly eloquent; and it is legitimate eloquence, there is no bombast; but I wish they were a little more interspersed with Scripture. I think this is a defect in most printed sermons on both sides the Atlantic. I received the American edition of my books with a peculiar interest of course. It was Uke sending my intellectual off“spring to be adopted by America, and receiving them back in transatlantic clothes. God grant His blessing upon the circulation of them!”....
TO THE EEV. DR SPRAGUE.
“Birmingham, Septemher 14, 1829.” My dear Brother ijt Christ, — You have much reason to complain again of my long sUence. The date of your last letter makes me ashamed of my seeming neglect. I wish, however, that He whom we are both bound to hold in perpetual, and grateful, and adoring remembrance, had not stUl more cause to reproach me -with obli’ion than you have. Your heart must be in a holier and happier state than mine, if upon any consciousness of too much forgetfulness of an earthly friend, it is not forcibly rebuked for its criminal neglect of that dear heavenly Friend who loved us even to the death. This, however, in reference to yourself I can say, that I have more frequently thought of you and
LIFE OF JOHN ANGELL JAMES.
talked of you than you, from my conduct, may be led to suppose. Enough of preamble. I have learnt that I am to congratulate you upon your academic honours. Well, although I have no pretensions to a diploma, I have some slight conscientious scruples about the propriety of D.D.’s; yet if this shall be of the least service to you in the cause of Christ, by gi’ving you greater weight in society, and thus opening a little wider your door of usefulness, I shall rejoice in the effect. Doctor of Laws or Master of Arts does not appear to me to be liable to the same objection as Doctor of Divinity, inasmuch as the former are civil, and the latter ecclesiastical honours, and therefore not equally opposed to our Lord’s prohibition, ‘Be ye not called Doctor.’ The trial of my principles is not, however, likely ever to be made again as it once was by some injudicious friends, whose attempts I immediately resisted, and the matter fell to the ground.
“You have seen and read, of course, the correspondence between our Congregational Board in London and the General Assembly of the United States. Nothing for a long time has more delighted me. The American letter is most beautiful; it is the eloquence of piety. I feel not a little gratified and honoured in having been, in connexion with our mutual friend, Bedford, the occasion of this auspicious commencement of our associated intercourse with the American churches. In his vestry at Worcester, at a meeting called by himself to consider the subject of revivals, I proposed that a deputation should be invited from the United States to visit our churches; the proposal was referred from that meeting to the ministers of the three midland counties about to be assembled in this town at their annual missionary meeting. It was taken up at a meeting held in my vestry, and introduced by myself. Mr Orme, the Secretary of the London Missionary Society, was present at the discussion, at the termination of which it was resolved that it should be recommended to the CongTegational Board in London to open an intercourse with our brethren on the other side of the Atlantic. This is the history of the late exchange of communications, and which, I hope, will, as the letter from the General Assembly expresses it, lead to an exchange of delegates as well as letters. Delightful will it be to see the two most Christian nations in the world thus visibly united by the bond of brotherly affection and confidential intercourse. Had I nerve and health enough, it should not be long before you saw me in New England; for although I should feel a deep interest in treading the classic ground of Greece and Italy, yet woidd I ten times rather visit America than stand on the Acropolis of Athens, that scene ’ of lost gods and godlike men,’ as Byron caUs it; or pace the Capitoline Hill, or the solitude of the Coliseum at Bome. Yes, I would rather look upon the blossoms of American grandeur than upon the mouldering stones and withered leaves of Attic or of Latin beauty. Greece, or at least those remains of it wliicli give it such an interest in the glowing imaginations of scholars, and the majority of travellers, was after all the enemy of God, and insulted the one great Jehovah by a system of mythology which, however adorned by the arts, was still an act of immorality or impiety. I want to look on the infant nation which, in the maturity of its years, its wisdom, its wealth, and its piety, is destined, I think, to do more for the spread of Christianity through the world than any other country on eartL
“I am sorry to say that I think the stir about reidvals begins to abate in this kingdom. We have taught, preached, printed, and prayed about it; but somehow or other it is, I fear, slipping from the public mind. I see no signs of an approaching awakening. I hear no rustling in the tops of the mulberry trees indicative of the coming breeze. We do not seem prepared for the blessing. Our people are brimful of the world in most directions; if not of the love of the world, yet of the care of the world, and there is little room for the subject of relivals. My own church, I thank God, is in a tolerably flom-ishing state; yet I cannot speak of an awakening. We shall add to our fellowship this year perhaps about seventy members, which is certainly with us an unprecedented number. But the generality of our members appear to me to be in a state of much lukewarmness. Jily greatest hope arises from the fervent and united suppHcations that are presented for us by the American churches. This is a most encouraging and delightful fact; and it is so purely and manifestly in accordance with the letter and spirit of the New Testament, and must be so acceptable in the sight of God, that I do think if we ever have the blessing it -will be granted to us in answer to your prayers. This should stimulate you to go on, and to abound in prayers on our behalf, and I do entreat in a particular manner that my church and their unworthy pastor may be made the subject of special intercession. I long for a blessuig; I am praj-ing for it; I am hoping for it. I have had some pecuHar exercises of mind in reference to this matter, and who can tell but the Lord will come and bless us?
“There is one circumstance which I am anxious to mention, and to gain some information upon. It has been stated in this country that a large ‘proportion of the Congregational churches in the New England States are Socinian, and that nevertheless the orthodox body BtUl continues associated with them in visible connexion. Is this true in either part of the statement? Are the Socinians so numerous as this, and are you thus united? I should be obliged to you for accurate information on this subject, as the statement has occasioned no small degree of surprise. Accompanying this letter is a MS. ser-E
LIFE OF JOHN ANGELL JAMES.
mon of that inestimable man, Samuel Pearce. I have found considerable difficulty in obtaining an autograph of his, and have at length succeeded, much to my satisfaction, and I hope to yours. I could not obtain a letter, or even a signature, but you may depend on the sermon as being a genuine document.
“I must conclude with assuring you of the sincere affection and tender interest, and pleasant remembrance of your friend and brother in Christ,” J. A. James.
“My wife joins in affectionate regards to yourself and Mrs Sprague.”
Note. — The following is an extract from Dr Sprague’s reply, in reference to the passage in the preceding letter on the Socinianism of New England: —
“I will now answer your inquiries in reference to the Socinianism of New England, and have no doubt that I can do it quite to your satisfaction. Nearly all the Socinianism in New England is confined to Massachusetts, there being not more than about half-a-dozen churches in all the other States, and those of but little importance. In Massachusetts, I should say that from one-fourth to one-third may be Unitarian. This heresy began to come in as far back as the days of Doctors Chauncy and Mayhew, a little after the middle of the last century; but it was in a covert form, and was scarcely ever avowed until about the beginning of the present century, and not frequently tiU about 1811. Up to this latter period the Unitarians were not known as a sect, and no instance had occurred in which any orthodox miui.ster had refused to exchange with them; and very few instances had occurred in which positive Uuitarianism had ever been heard from any New England pulpit. Dr Codman of Dorchester was the first who declined exchanges with them, and he did it well nigh at the expense of martyrdom; his decision drove all the Unitarians from his church, of which there were many, and had it not been for his wealth, which enabled him to purchase the church, the experiment never could have succeeded. As the Unitarians became more open, other orthodox ministers gradually followed in the steps of Dr Codman, though as late as 1820 there were a considerable number who still continued occasional exchanges. And the truth was, that in many cases there was a real difiiculty in giling them up, fi-om the fact that where heterodoxy existed it was not avowed, and in some instances the departure from the faith was so small that it was not thought sufficient to warrant a virtual excommunication, such as would seem to be implied in a refusal to exchange. I am not certain that at this day there is a single orthodox minister in New England who admits Unitarians into his pulpit, and yet I am not certain but that there are two or three who do it occasionally, because they say they must or give up their congregations to Unitarians altogether. The line between the two parties is perfectly drawn, and has been for three or four years, though there is still one occasion which brings them together; it is in a general convention for the apj.ropriation of a fund for the widows of clergymen who are left destitute. They have a sermon on this occasion sometimes by an orthodox man, sometimes by a Unitarian, though the orthodox being the majority have now determined to keep the staff in their own hands, and have none but their own preachers. It is not imjirobable that the efi’ect of this will be ultimately to divide the convention. Great elioi ts have been made to introduce Unitarianisiu into other parts of the country, and in most of our principal cities there is a single congregation, but in nearly every instance it consists of a handful, and is in a gasping state.”
TO THE REV. DR PATTO^-.
“BiEirrxGHAii, June 8, 1830. “My dear Brother, — As an opportunity presents itself of sending a letter by the return to America of the gentleman who -wiU. present this to you, and who has already performed a similar act of kindness, I avail myself of his oflfer, and transmit these few Unes. Indeed I had intended to wi-ite before this, in consequence of a piece of information which I received a few weeks since in London. I was told, that in the exercise of your kindness, and under the influence of your friendship for Mr Fletcher of Stepney and myself, you were about to procure for us from one of the American colleges the honour of a diploma. I am not sure the report is correct, but it is so reported. If such be your intention, I beg most cordially to thank you for this fresh proof and display of your esteem, but at the same time to entreat you, so far as I am concerned, to lay aside your purpose. In declining this academic distinction, I would not be supposed to undervalue it; so far from it, did circumstances permit, I should feel myself much flattered by becoming a member of any one of your colleges — but in the first place, I decUne the honour on the ground of disqualification. I am not by any means entitled to it. My literary, scientific, or even theological acqiiirements, are not such as authorise me to accept of it. I am merely a preacher of the gospel, not a scholar, not a philosopher, not a profound theologian. I should lose my respectability and appear ridiculous, if I were to assume the title of D.D. But secondly, I have a conscientious ground of refusiil: ‘Be ye not called Eabbi,’ said He who is my Master, and whom I serve. Are not these titles, especially that of doctor of divinity, a disregard of the injunction of Christ? Duly then as I appfeciate your too flattering respect, and at the same time the honour of ha-ving my unworthy name upon the college list of ny one of your theological institutions, I must beg leave, for the reasons Inch I have stated, to decline it. I put a stop to similar efi”orts which were made a year or two since, by some persons in this town, to procure for me a degree from one of the Scotch universities. Mr Fletcher is pre-eminently entitled to it, and has no conscientious scniples on the subject, and upon him it would be very properly bestowed. But perhaps what I heard is a mere report; if so, I shall be glad. .... Our May meetings this year were as well attended as ever. Our London ^Nlissionary Society has sustained a very great loss by the death of ilr Urme of Camberwell, our foreign secretary. He was an invaluable man, in every point of view; an able ofiicer of our institution, and one of the brightest ornaments of his denomination. He was only about forty-thiee years of age. ^Vhat an admonition to us, to ’ work while it
LIFE OF JOHN ANGELL JAMES.
is called to-day, for the night comctli when no man can work’ The finances of our society are this year in a most flourishing condition; the receipts amounted to nearly £49,000, being £10,000 above our expenditure. I wish I could see more spiritual feeling apparent in our meetings. They appear too much like religious amusements. I am afraid that He whose eye is upon the heart, sees but little pure zeal for His glory in what is doing in the present day. All the institutions seem flourishing so far as funds, activity, and a certain kind of interest, are concerned.
“A strange medley of religious controversy has sprimg up both in England and Scotland. In the former, among Mr Irving’s followers, on the subject of the peccability of our Lord’s human nature; and in the latter, on the subject of universal pardon, by Mr Erskine of Dundee, the author of some little treatises on the internal evidences of Christianity and Faith. He has lately gone so far in delusion, and led his followers with him, as to assert the revival of miraculous gifts, which he contends are possessed by some in the north. Oh what a mercy is it to be kept sound in the faith, and with sobriety of judgment!”....
TO THE KEV. DE PATTON.
“Edgbaston, April 12, 1831.
“.... I hope you were not hurt at my refusing to wear the honours which you so kindly procured for me from the college of New Jersey. I lament that you should have given yourself so much trouble. If, however, you wished to give me an impressive token of your respect and regard, your labour was not in vain; for although such a proof was not necessaiy to convince me in what light I am happy enough to be viewed by you, yet it adds to the evidence of a point to which I will not pretend that I am insensible. I still retain the same views of the subject as a matter of conscience, and were both our English universities to award me in full convocation a similar honour, I could not assume it. I perceive by an American paper forwarded to me by one of your pious citizens now in this country, that I am not without abettors of my opinion in the United States. Some Synod, I forget where, has declared its opinion, that such titles are unscriptural and improper. You received, I hope, the parcel in which was contained my letters on this subject addressed to yourself and the President of New Jersey, and in future will address me, I hope, as Mr James and not as Dr- James. I am anxious to keep the matter secret in this country, that I have been ofl’ered the distinction.
“I am glad and thankful to perceive by our periodicals, that your favoured land continues to receive and enjoy the copious showers of heavenly blessings in their season, and that the city of New York has shared largely in the gracious effusion. I shall await with some degree of impatience a little information of the extent of the revival produced by the Holy Spirit in your late attempts. As I perceive you have been much engaged in the vrork, I am a little anxious about your health, and shall be happy to hear from you that you are not the worse for your exertions. Should a voyage be again necessary for recruiting your strength, you know one land, on the shores of which you will be welcome, and I think you would not be long in selecting the one family in that land, which would give a heartier and kinder welcome than all the rest. I do not want to see you on such an errand; I would not buy your society at such a loss to yourself, your family, and your flock; but if the Divine Lord see fit to permit afHiction to come upon you in His service, I do covet the happiness and honour, in conjunction with my wife, of doiiag all we can to repair the wastes of your strength, and the damages in your constitution,
“Alas! for England, on the subject of revivals! No symptoms of an encouraging nature appear in our churches; no certain signs of renewed vigour; no unambiguous tokens of the descending shower are to be discerned. The little stir that was made about two years ago has nearly all died away; and though it has left in some few instances a happy result in renewed ministerial exertion, it has not been followed by any visible general residt. Among the great body of evangeKcal Dissenters things are much as they were, and within the pale of the Establishment a great deal of the religious feeling that is produced is running into the wild luxuriance of all sorts of novelties. Not a few of our evangelical clergymen are pursuing themselves, and leading their hearers to pursue, such subjects as prophetic interpretation, assurance, the revival of miracles in the ChurcL Both in Scotland and in England, the evangelical body is strangely unsettled, and is rambling away from the ’ old paths ’ in search of something new, and for more of the deep sense of eternal realities which seems to be granted in such numerous instances to America — and yet, even with you, I can see signs of a metaphysical, scholastic theology springing up, which is wide of the simplicity that is in Chnst Jesus, and which will be very likely to corrupt the taste for the sincere milk of the word. The controversy about Regeneration discovers great dialectic skill, but it appears to me t po much like an attempt to settle a doctrine of the Bible without the I ‘’ible. I am persuaded that we are but just entering upon the great
•iiflict of opinion. “We know what will be the result, but for a time I ‘L-Ueve we shall witness a partial triumph of error. There is a subtle -nd unavowed infidehty creeping over the public mind here. Our political horizon is also now presenting a strange aspect. The new ministry have introduced a scheme of Parliamentary reform so exten-LIFE OF JOHN ANGELL JAMES.
sive, as to be generally denominated a revolutionary measure. The balance is at present in equilibrio j the friends and opponents are preparing for the tug and strife next week. On the second reading of the bill, as you will have been informed, the measure was carried in a house of more than six hundred members present by a majority of one. How it will terminate I know not — but God does; and it will be all for His glory. This is enough for a Christian.”
Note. — The controversy on Regeneration, to which Mr James alludes in this letter, was one of the numerous points of dispute between the Princeton and the New Haven divines. The Princeton theologians maintained that Regeneration consists in a change produced by the immediate action of the Holy Ghost on the disposition or bias of the mind, resulting in a change in its volitions. The theologians of New Haven maintained that the whole change is in the sinner’s will and choice; that though wrought by the Holy Ghost, it does not “He back of voltmtary action,” to use the phrase constantly employed in the controversy, but in volition itself. On the one hand, it was contended that virtuous volitions imply a virtuous state of mind, and sinful volitions a sinful state of mind; it was asked, in reply, whether the state of Adam’s mind was sinful before his first sinful volition; and it was contended that a sinner when required to repent might, on the Princeton theory, answer,* “You call me to the exercise of emotions which, according to your theory, are the results of a previous change of heart or bias, which change is not within my ability, inasmuch as it respects something which lies back of voluntary action, and which, therefore, is wholly independent of my wUl. I must wait for such a change as this; there is a necessity in the case over which I have no control.”
This question was only part of a much wider controversy which extended over many years, and ended in the disruption of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. The most accessible sources of information to English readers, in reference to this most interesting passage in polemical history, are the Quarterly Christian Spectatoi; the Biblical Repoisitory, and the “Princeton Essays,” selected from the Princeton Review.
TO THK REV. DE SPEAGUE.
“Edgbaston, April 13, 1831.” My deae Friend, — You have proved by this time that I am a soriy kind of correspondent, and that the rarity of my letters is not compensated by their value. The date of your last communication is so remote, that I confess you have just reason to suspect either that it has never been received, or is never to be answered. Forgiveness is a Christian virtue, the exercise of which I crave in the present delinquency, and which I trust you will not refuse. Your sermons, both the detached ones and the volume addressed to the young, came safely to hand, for which I return you my sincere thanks, especially for the latter, which are exceedingly valuable. I doubt not they have been well received in
* (American) Quarterly Christian Spectator. 1833. P. 6G0.
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the United States, and that by the blessing of God they will prove extensively usefuL I have herewith sent you a controversial pamphlet, which I have been compelled in self-defence to publish. It has met with favourable acceptance from my own denomination, and has been admitted by the members of the Establishment at any rate to be written •VN-ith candour and good feeling. It wUl not interest you a great deal, as your land is free from the evils of religious establishments, and not much affected by those of prelacy. The Church of England is in a very extraordinary situation at the present time, partaking very largely of the convulsions of the times, or at least manifesting many symptoms of approaching convidsions. The increase of pious clergy, and of course pious members, is undoubted and delightful, and yet withal the increase of indifference and even of hostility on the part of the nation generally is no less certain or manifest. The whole countrj’ is completely disgusted ad nauseam with the tithe-system, and pluralities, and the abuses of patronage; while many of the pious clergy are pubUsliing the most extraordinary books on the abuses of the Church, and, as you will see by my pamphlet, strengthening the grounds of Dissent in the most (so far as they are themselves concerned) suicidal manner. I am inclined to think that things are tending to an unestabKshed episcopacy; that by and by many of the evangelical clergy will come out and select a voluntary, unendowed Episcopal Church. Many of the pious clergy in both the Established Churches of England and Scotland are sunk into strange, and much-to-be-regretted novelties of opinion. MiUenarianism, universal pardon, assurance the -essence of faith, the revival of miracidous gifts, the sinfuhiess of the human nature of Christ, are making considerable way among many, both on the northern and southern side of the Tweed; so that the evangelical world is in this country in considerable agitation. It is a Uttlc gratifying to kirow that the great body of orthodox Dissenters are not infected themselves, nor infecting others, with these pestilential pei-versions of the doctrines of grace and the records and evidences of the truth. I do not think that these errors wtU spread much. Satan has been making a most desperate effort to avail himself of the opportunity afforded by an age of excitement, to corrupt the faith of the saints. A subtle, covert-kind of infidelity is creeping over the more enlightened part of our population, akin to the neology of Germany; not indeed that neologj’ as a system is much known by them, but they admit the Word of God in gross but deny it in detail. Knowledge, Knowledge is the god of their idolatry, and Reason the priest of the mysteries. Infidelity is the enemy which the Church has now to fear and to fight. Our country is waiting in a kind of a-K-ful suspense for the decisions of next week on Lord John Russell’s, or rather Lord Grey’s, measure on parliamentaiy reform. I hardly know how it will go. If, however, it should be thrown out, the popular ferment will be very, very great. “What times we live in! Everything is shaking; the scenes of Providence are rapidly shifting, as if, to use the language of the late Robert HaU, the drama was soon to close. This leads me to advert to the death of that illustrious man. Yes, his eloquent tongue is hushed in the silence of deatk How deeply is it to be regretted that he could not be prevailed upon to jjubhsh more; and of that which he has published, how much is it to be lamented that there is not even a single sermon which is devoted to a full and explicit statement of the peculiar and fundamental doctrines of grace! His works have many allusions to them, so that his orthodoxy is and ever must be unsuspected, but we
should like to have had his lengthened testimony to such subjects. About two volumes of new matter will be published, i.e., not entirely new, but gleaned from sources not well known before. Many abstracts of sermons taken down in short-hand wUl also probably be published, but we must have Hall’s own words, or the thing is not his. Dr Thompson’s death is also a great loss. Such events are monitory to us to work while it is called to-day. And oh, what an idea do they furnish of heaven, that region of pure and holy intellect, that world of sanctified genius, that fellowship of pious minds, each reflecting the image of the great God around whose throne they assemble as the centre of their everlasting union! — Beheve me, yours in the fellowship of Christ,
“J. A. James.”
TO THE EEV. DR SPRAGTTE.
“Edgbaston, Becember 7, 1 832. “My DEAR Sir, — I am really concerned that so long an interval should have elapsed between the receipt of your truly excellent volume on Revivals, and my acknowledgment of your kindness in sending it; but the fact is, that upon perusing it I was unmUing to make such acknowledgment tiU I could do so m a way that would more emphatically convey my sense of its value, than by a mere complimentary letter. I now send you this last of your mental offspring, and I may add, the most promising, in an EngUsh dress — a dress somewhat less costly and splendid than that in which it crossed the Atlantic, and disrobed of some of its American habiliments, to make way for some British appendages. But leaving the metaphor, and coming to matters of fact, and thus to account for what I am afraid must appear ungrateful neglect, permit me to say, that soon after the book arrived I wrote to Mr Bedford, suggesting to him the expediency of his publishing it in England with a preface of his own. This he declined, but offered to do something in conjunction with myself, if any plan could be
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devised for bringing it fairly before the public. Just about this time, or, I beHeve, upon second thoughts, just before Mr Bedford’s answer came, Mr Collins of Glasgow, who has been for several years bringing out a series of old authors with prefaces written by living writers of celebrity, called upon me, and upon my shewing him jom book, offered to print it if Mr Reclford or myself, or both, would write a preface. Upon conferring with Mr R, it was agreed that he should address the pastors, and I the churches, on the subject of revivals. It was found by Collias that to make way for our essays, it would be necessary to displace that of Dr Wood’s, excellent as it is. After much correspondence and much delay, the book is at length placed in the hands of those who may feel interest enough in the subject of revivals to purchase it. I Tvish it may obtain that circulation which its importance and eminently judicious mode of discussing the momentous topic on which it treats, deserves as well as demands. I doubt not that its value ls-ill be duly appreciated in the United States. There, where corrections and safeguards were wanted more than stimidants and excitements, its influence will be great and most beneficial. You have done yourself great credit, and the cause of revivals and of religion great service, both by your own lectures and the letters you have added to them from so many able and candid men. As it respects the co-operation of your English brethren, it was thought that the recommendation of men who are somewhat known to the religious public might procure for the work more attention than it woidd otheraise receive; for I am sure you -will not consider it as a reflection to say that you are less known in this country than your own. Your name is familiar to many of our ministers, but, of course, not to the great body of our private Christians; and on this account it was deemed advisable that you should be formally introduced by some of your friends here, who know, esteem, and love you, both for your own sake and also for your work’s sake. You will find Ir Eedford no unworthy coadjutor in this your labour of love, and work of faith, and patience of hope. His fine logical mind and classical style and vigorous thinking, united with his ardent piety, render him a hterary associate in whose company you will not feel ashamed to come before the public. As for your other fellow-worker, so truly unworthy did he feel himself of this fellowship, that nothing but Mr Bedford’s obstinate resolution not to accompany you without him would have induced him to appear in the preface of your book. He was quite aware of the disadvantage under which he must present himself in such company; but so impressed was he with the benefit which might be derived by the ministers and the churches of this land from your volume, and Mr R.’s introduction, that to secure 80 rich and lasting an advantage, he felt it to be his duty to submit to
LIFE OF JOHN ANGELL JAMES.
the self-denyiiig mortification. Already have my earnest supplications ascended before the throne of grace and the fountain of life, for a great and effectual blessing to attend the circulation of the work in these United Kingdoms. I need not ask you to join your supplications with mine to the same important object, since you have a deep personal interest in the work. Do, do beseech the Giver of every good and perfect gift, that in His great mercy, and in His wise and uncontrollable sovereignty, He would be pleased to pour upon the dry, parched, and barren places in this land, some showers of blessings like those which He has caused to fall on your country. In the moral condition of America I seem every year to take a deeper interest. You cannot M’ell imagine with what solicitude the state of your country is watched by persons of all creeds, both in politics and religion, in this land. The church party are seizing with avidity upon every fact that proves the destitution of your rayidly increasing population of the means of public religious instruction. And I do give it as my deliberate and frequently ex])rcssed opinion, that the paramount duty of American Christians is the evangelisation of their own people. Foreign missions are not so much your duty as home objects. The valley of the Mississippi, as to its spiritual condition, should receive the concentrated attention of all the members of the evangelical denominations ui the United States. You want two thousand new ministers of religion every year to supply the demands of your prodigiously advancing population, and the wants of your churches. If ever, since the days of the apostles, there were a people who seemed called to the high and holy pui-pose of throwing all their wealth and- talents into one common stock for their own religious improvement, that people is the American nation. You have no prejudices to obstruct you at every step, generated by a national establishment, as we have. Unless something, and much more still, be done by your churches, although they are already doing great things, the Catholics will outstrip you, and take possession of that portion of your territory which in half-a-century will form the very heart of your country. You must even yet bestir yourselves stLU more, or the condition of your population will be such as to prevent our appealing to your land, as furnishing a proof that the expansive force of Christian principle in the church when left to itself, will sooner and better supply a country with religion than legislative enactments.
“We are just entering the bustle of a general election for the reformed parliament; a new seal of our national history is about to be broken, and a new dispensation to open upon us. The Church will be reformed in its secularities, but I do not think its connexion with the State will be dissolved at present. We are all in suspense about a continental war. The obstinacy of the King of Holland in retaining Antwerj) has led to the commencement of liostilities, Avbicli we hope -will terminate with the capture of that citadel; but this cannot yet be depended upon. One thing, however, is certain, — ‘The Lord God omnipotent reigneth,’ and Christ is Head over all things to His Church. We may well say, Hallelujah. I trust you, your family, and your flock have escaped the awful visitation of the cholera, — that mysterious scourge, especially of the intemperate. I know not whether Mr Delavan is a member of your church; if so, give my kind and Christian respects to him, and teU him I am sorry to say the Temperance Society does not flourish much with us.
“J. A. James.”
TO THE EEV. DR PATTOX.
“Edgbaston, December 10, 1832.” My dear FKiE>rD and Beothek, — The volume of Dr Sprague’s Lectures on Kevivals, a copy of a reprint of which I now send you, is doubtless well known to you. I think that they are well calculated to do good in the United States, and to serve as a dam to keep and guide the feeling of your churches within proper bounds, without, at the same time, stopping up its source. Mr Eedford and myself, who are both interested in the subject, have written, as you will perceive, a preface to the book, and have thus introduced it to the attention of the churches and ministers in this country. May the Divine Spirit accompany it with His blessmg, and render it effectual to stir up an interest in the subject in these kingdoms! Of this, however, my hopes are at present rather low, for, in addition to the usual deadness of our religious community, we have now topics of such irresistible power and absorbing influence before the minds of our people, that I am afraid revivals of religion will be almost the last thing they think and talk about. The Reform Bill is just coming into operation. The Parliament was dissolved last week, the writs are out to elect a new one, and the fury of election contest is just about to commence, in which our pious people will be more deeply engaged than is perhaps either their duty or for their comfort. Besides this, the slavery question has taken hold of their feelings, and is much occupying their minds. The pubKc excitement on the state of the EstabKshed Church is very great. Our ministers have, I believe, determined upon a reform, — which means, in their vocabidary, nothing more than a more equitable equalisation of church property. I do not think that any dissolution of the alliance will at present take place. The chm-ch is unquestionably rather unpopular, but still its members cleave as closely to it as ever; and, strange as it may appear, it is a fact that many wealthy Dissenters are from time to time going over to it. It is still the religion of the state, of the nobility
LIFE OF JOHN ANGELL JAMES.
and gentry. There is more genteel society among its members than among the Dissenters; and in this age of extra-refinement, these are strong attractions for those who wish to find out a genteel way to heaven. Charles II. said, that the Church of England furnished a very good religion for a gentleman, and so think some of our worldly-minded evangelical Dissenters. And as there are now a great body of truly pious clergymen belonging to the National Church, they think they may as well unite a regard to the claims of piety and fashion in their outward profession of reKgion. But oh! these are sad symptoms of the state of piety among us. Indeed, my brother, I am afraid it is but low. Dissenters, as a body, are a little divided on the Kue of conduct they should pursue in the present juncture, — whether to be quiescent or aggressive — whether to let things take their own course, or to make a bold united attack upon the National Church. Our political parties are likely to be brought into envenomed conflict; and, to add to all other causes of agitation, hostilities have commenced in Belgium, and all the kings of Europe are at this moment standing vdth their hands upon the hilts of their swords, and watching each other’s movements with suspicion and distrust. Our confidence is, that Jehovah Jesus reigns, and is ‘Head over all things to His Churck’ My own ecclesiastical afi“airs are, blessed be God, tolerably prosperous. We shall have added about fifty members to our church this year, and are likely to add, I hope, many more soon.” ....
TO THE REV. DR PATTON.
“Edgbaston, November 30, 1833.” My dear Friend and Brother, — I ought to begin this letter with an apology for not acknowledging before this your last two parcels, which, with the communications accompanying them, came safely to hand, and afforded me much information and gratification. Abbott’s books are indeed most striking. Jacob is a most extraordinary man, and his brother is quite worthy of him. The ‘Young Christian ’ is, I think, more widely circulated, read, admired, and talked of, than any book I have known in modern times. The ’ ]Iother at Home ’ is also getting into innumerable families, and is the subject of conversation in almost every religious circle. The wise mothers praise it; but the fond and foolish ones, who are condemned by it, reproach it as too rigid. The ‘Teacher ’ is of its kind quite equal to the others, and will, I doubt not, introduce more of the science of education into many schools than they had ever practised or even thought of before. These two men are raised up by God to be extensive blessings, not only to
yowr country, but also to ours There is another subject of
immense consequence to the interests and moral reputation of your country wliicli ought to be deeply studied by all who have her welfare at heart — I mean, the perplexing question of slavery. The determined opposition, so long and at length so successfully carried on by Great Britain against this evil, renders us stUl more alive than ever to the flagrant and shocking inconsistency of some of your States in retaining more than two milhons of their subjects in a condition of cruel vassalage, and in a land, too, professing the most love of freedom. I am quite aware that this is a matter of state, and not federal legislation; but it does appear to all thinking people in this country that the antislave States have not done all they coxdd and should do in the way of intelligent and affectionate appeal to their slave-holding neighbours, and in the way of generous willingness to bear the loss, to induce them to wipe out this foul blot on your national escutcheon. Your Colonisation Society is pretty generally considered here as a mere delusion, tending only to keep up the system of slavery. But that you iii the north are participating in the crimes of the south, is apparent from your deeply-rooted prejudices against the free people of colour. The contempt and obloqiiy to which, however respectable in circumstances or in character these hapless beings are exposed from their white-skinned neighbours, shock our feelings in this country. I do not foi-get the force of habit, and how difficult it is to break through hereditary prejudices and the customs of society; nor do I forget either that it is only a little more than a quarter of a century since this land was involved in all the atrocity of the same system, and all the violence of the same prejudices. But I am anxious that the light which has at length broken in upon us should visit you. The case of Miss Crandall has produced in this land emotions of disgust and astonishment which I am not able to describe. I am the more solicitous about the matter in consequence of the revivals of religion with which your land has been visited and blessed. It is becoming more and more common for humane and even religious persons to meet our accounts of these gracious visitations with the taunt, ‘Let them learn humanity towards the blacks, and we shall then perhaps be incUned to think better of their religion.’ This is sufficiently mortifjdng to one who has said so much about America as myseK. It was proposed at the last meeting of our Congregational Board in London to address a letter of affectionate and respectful exjjostulation to the ministers of religion in the United States, earnestly soliciting them to employ all their influence in endeavouring to soften and subdue the prejudices against the coloured people in the non-slavery States, and in attempting to induce the southern States to abohsh slavery. The measure is still under consideration. Do, my dear brother, as you value the moral reputation of your country, — as you wish to make the example of your churches effective upon Chris-LIFE OP JOHN ANGELL JAMES.
tians in other countries, — as you are anxious to rouse and sustain a more liberal and zealous spirit of moral enterprise in the Protestant nations of Europe, both for their own internal improvement and the extension of religion in the world, do call the attention of your brethren to the vast importance of a more philanthropic and Christian treatment of the slaves and free blacks. Let the ministers of the gospel of all denominations take up the subject, and employ both the pulpit and the press in demolishing those prejudices which, as long as they are suffered to exist, are at once your reproach and your weakness. Pardon these suggestions, which are thrown out in a spuit of genuine solicitude for the moral reputation of your country. With this letter I send a newspapei-, in which you will see how the conduct of the Americans in reference to slavery is considered by our journalists. The Evening Mail is in fact the Times, (which you may know, perhaps, is the most influential of all the English papers,) put in another form and published three days a-week as an evening paper. Could you convey it, with the accompanying letter, at small expense, to Dr Hewit, Bridgeport 1
“You refer to a report that I am about to visit the United States. That I have been requested to do so is very true; but it is not true that I am about to comply with the request. I am much indebted to you for your most friendly and brotherly invitation, which I cannot help wishing it were in my power to accept. Insurmountable difficulties are in the way of my seeing America, and I must therefore indulge the hope of seeing you and others whom I esteem in that land Jieye. Come, and you shall be welcome.” ....
TO THE PUPILS IN A YOUNG LADIES’ SCHOOL.
“Edgbaston, December 4, 1833.
“My dear young Friends, — You will, perhaps, feel some surprise, and I hope some pleasure, in receiving a few lines from one who, though tUl lately an entu-e stranger to you all, is not uninterested in your future, and especially in your eternal welfare.
“The visit I paid to the excellent family under whose kind. Christian, and truly parental care you are so happily placed, and the conversations I had, not only with those pious and well-informed ladies, to whom your general education is intrusted, but also with yourselves, have left a deep and pleasant impression on my mind, and have induced me thus to address you. The interest you appeared to take in the advice I gave you, and the many tears you shed, lead me to hope that many of you begin to ask, and to ask with a seriousness in some measure commensurate to its importance, that momentous question, ‘What shall I do to be saved? ‘And what question, my dear young friends, can be so appropriate to the condition of a lost sinner as an inquiry after salvation? Oh, -wliat a word is salvation! It is uttered in a moment, but it will require eternity to comprehend it, and, if lost, an eternity to deplore it Salvation is our great business in this world; and whatever else we gain, yet if we miss this, the end of life is lost, esdsteuce is thrown away, and, to all valuable purposes, we have been made in vain. Begin life, then, my dear young ladies, with a clear perception, and keep it ever in view, of the great and merciful end of God in sending you into the world. Eternity, vast eternity, is before you, and that eternity must be spent in heaven, or hell! This world is a great school-house; all its inhabitants are the scholars; religion is the grand lesson to be learnt; heaven is the state for which religion is to prepare us, and dying, to a Christian, is but finishing his education, and going home to his Father. I would not, for a moment, insinuate that your whole attention is to be taken up with religious matters. No. But you are commanded to seek — first, mark that — liirst, the kingdom of God and His righteousness.’ You are related to this world as well as to the next, and therefore you are to prepare for the station you are to occupy here, as well as for the duties you will have to discharge, by cultivating your mind with useful and ornamental knowledge, and by forming your character, so as most securely to give and receive pleasure. Religion is not unfriendly to any study or pursuit to
which your attention will be directed at. Get all the knowledge
of a general nature you can, but ’ with all your getting, get understanding,’ even that which consists in being made wise unto salvation. You are now about to separate, and return home to your parents. Happy and thankful ought you to feel that you have a good home to go to, and affectionate parents to receive you; but let me remind you, that there is a danger lest the joyous and innocent enjoyments of home should turn away your thoughts from the still more sacred pursuits of religion. I have known young persons who, though deeply impressed vnXh. pious subjects at school, have lost all their impressions at home, even though their parents were pious people. Before, then, you leave school, I would advise you seriously to reflect upon this, and most earnestly to pray to God that you may be kept from losing your interest in spiritual matters, by the agreeable and lawful delights in your father’s house. JSTot that you are to be gloomy and unwilling to enter into the pleasures of home, for there is nothing melancholy in the fear of God and love of Christ: on the contary, there is ‘joy and peace in believing,’ a ‘joy unspeakable,’ a ‘peace that passcth understanding.’ Who has a right to be happy, or a reason for it, but he whose sins are forgiven, who is adopted into the family of God, and entitled to everlasting glory? But I am a little jealous of school impressions of religion, and afraid lest they should be left at school, or lost at home.
LIFE OF JOHN ANGELL JAMES.
Some of you have found peace tlirougli faith in Christ. Strive to keep it by looking still to Him who first gave it, and by walking in all weUpleasing before God. Remember the loveliest fruits of faith are humility and love, and the best ornament of piety a beautiful exemplification of the character of a daughter and a sister. There are others of you who are seeking the Lord, but have not yet found peace in believing. Take care. Delays are dangerous. Impressions and convictions that do not soon end in conversion, tei-minate in confusion and disappointment. Tremble lest yours should leave you unconverted. Nothing is so dangerous as to tamper or trifle with conviction of sin.
“There is still another class — I mean those who are not yet even convinced or deeply impressed. What! where salvation is come so near as even to some of your school-feUows, AviU you not seek it? You may never again be in a situation so favourable to your eternal welfare. Times of awakening around us are seasons of gracious invitation to ourselves. WiU you leave your school-fellows to go to heaven by themselves? Take hold of their hand, and say, ‘We will go with you.’ Some few are going from the school to return no more. You know not into what scenes you may be introduced in future life. Commit your way unto the Lord; say unto God from this time, ‘My Father, be Thou the guide of my youth.’ I commend you all to God. May He bless you all with the grace that is unto eternal life. — I remain, your sincere friend,
“J. A. James.”