Widening Horizon

Mr. Knill fully expected that after a brief sojourn in England, he would be able to return with the means of completing a chapel, in which he should continue to hold forth the word of life in St. Petersburg. But his services among the churches in England proved so valuable, that he was induced by the directors, from time to time, to prolong his stay; and having met with one well qualified to occupy his vacant place, he eventually perceived that he was to prosecute and to finish his labours for Christ in his native country. The work on which he entered is one almost equally useful and perilous. To awaken the Christian mind of the country to the duty of disseminating the gospel over the earth, is to render, not only to the heathen, but to England, one of the highest services; but to maintain a thoughtful and devout spirit during incessant journeys, in the

atmosphere of public meetings, and among successive crowds of strangers, cannot be easy, and is never really accomplished, but when the ruling motive is of unusual power. Mr. Knill entered on the task with a full knowledge of its peculiarities; and during the eight consecutive years which he pursued it, received in Buch measure the blessing of the Holy Spirit, as to make that period one of the most valuable of his life. Materials, however, for giving it full illustration do not exist. There was no such leisure for entries in journals, and no such necessity for epistolary correspondence as had existed in the quietude and remoteness of the Russian capital: the journals now containing little more than lists of engagements, and the letters being confined almost entirely to affectionate notes to his family and his more intimate friends.

The following communication from the Rev» Dr. Urwick of Dublin, opportunely supplies a characteristic general sketch.

“The first time I had the pleasure of seeing and hearing Mr. Knill was in the summer of 1820. I was not then iesident in Dublin, but came up to attend a public meeting for fully organizing the Hibernian Auxiliary to the London Missionary Society. A deputation from the parent society was present, consisting of the Rev. John Arundel, its Home Secretary; the Rev. Dr. Stewart of the Scotch Church, Liverpool; and the Rev. Richard Knill, who had just returned from India. Evangelism in our city was in the simplicity and susceptibility of its early youth. The arrival of such a deputation in behalf of missions to the heathen, produced no small stir among those who are called the Christian public; for to many of them the missionary enterprise was a new thing — to the claims of which they then awoke as from a sleep, — the rising of an orb they had not before seen. The admirable exhibition which the deputation presented of the catholic principle and practice of the society, added to the excitement. Especially was it extraordinary and interesting to have the sacred cause pleaded in Dublin, by a young man of good speaking powers, with a soul of fire, direct from the far-off mission field — who could largely and affectionately tell, from his own.

knowledge, what abominable idolatries and other evils prevailed in heathendom, and what blessed results had already followed upon the introduction of the glorious gospel in the dark places of the earth!

“Sixteen years passed by, and Mr. Knill was again in Dublin. During the interval he had been fulfilling his ministry in Russia. He came alone, but the event proved ‘he was a host in himself!’ The first service in which he was engaged was on a Sabbath morning, in my own chapel. It was, throughout, one of great efficiency. His prayers, his reading of the Scriptures, with short comments as he proceeded, and his sermon, all conspired to gather up the hearts of the congregation into communion with his own.

There was no pretence of greatness; there was no attempt at display; there was no elaborate composition; there was not what would entitle him to be placed high as a reasoner, or as an original thinker, or as an orator; but there was good sense, pure and rich gospel truth, living earnestness, a spirit glowing as if kindled from the altar of God, and a directness which made the hearers feel that what he said was spoken in honest purpose of heart. Rarely had I heard a preacher who was more happy in illustration by anecdote, or who better combined and blended statements adapted to convert and edify, with those which bore for the consecration of talent and property to aid Christian missions. His style was simple; his sentences short; and every word seemed to be an outbreathing of his soul. His countenance was most expressive; whatever affected himself appeared to affect others; ypu might read his mind in his face; and the smile or the tear — the look that wins, or melts, or awes, came spontaneously with his ideas. He was tellingly graphic in description, and moving in appeal; and withal he had an unction of sterling piety which proved him to be truly a man of God. Those who attended his ministry in other places of worship in our city formed a like estimate of him.

“As Mr. Knill was unaccompanied by another delegate from the society, I went with him on a short tour to some places south

of Dublin, and on a round to the west, including Sligo. We had hospitality and God speed from excellent ministers and members of the Established Church, as well as from other friends. Two of our meetings were held in episcopal places of worship, according to arrangements made by the clergymen of the respective parishes. Wherever we went, we found hearts open to receive our friend’s statements, and respond liberally to his appeals. I much enjoyed the opportunity which this jointtravelling gave me, for becoming more intimately acquainted with him; and the better I knew him, the more I loved him. I found him to be as real in private, as he appeared to be in public. His residence in India, and afterwards in Russia, had given him a good knowledge of the world. He could ’ beware of men,’ while he was free and lively in conversing with them. He maintained his position among them without aping what he was not. Nothing of what is justly called * cant ’ ever escaped him; but he was never at a loss for pointed appropriate remarks, wisely and pleasantly made, to whomsoever he met. He had great viyacity in conversation, with not a little Tvit and humour, and uniform good temper. When opportunity was given, he spent his time alone, partly in writing, partly in prayer, and partly also in resting and recruiting his not over-strong bodily frame. He had great power of observation and quickness in adapting incidents to illustrate cases. What struck me perhaps as yet more remarkable, was his faculty for repetition. Anecdotes and appeals which he had given out often in other places, he delivered in the same words and with the same warmth of spirit, tone of voice, and expression of countenance, as if he were then speaking them for the first time. This habit would with most men have been merely mechanical — an artistic acting to produce effect. I feel assured that in him the freshness and kindling which came on many occasions in the same form, were genuine, and were sustained by close communion with God, in and for His work.”^

“I may add, that he was in the habit of

* Cornelius Winter thus explains the same peculiarity in Whitfield.

making a request, that the Christian friends with whom he was to be engaged, would occupy themselves beforehand in special, private, and social prayer for the Divine blessing upon his visit. I need not observe how well this served to open and make ready the way for him, and to bring with him a presence and a power far higher than his own. Were the visits of missionary and other Christian deputations always preceded by the same devout preparations, they would be received with a more cordial welcome, and the advantage derived from them would be much grater than is realized in cases not a few.”

The value which Mr. Knill placed on the prayers of the people whom he was about to visit, was in keeping with the importance which he attached to it in his own practice. “I think,” said a friend to him, “I should feel the want of retirement in your present mode of life, more than anything.” “So I do, my brother,” he replied,” and particularly that I have so little time for prayer; I mean quiet prayer in the closet — without any noise, any hurry, any disturbance. This is what I want, and what every minister of the gospel wants. What can we do without prayer? How can we study, how can we preach, how can we visit the sick, how can our words reach the heart, without prayer? A minister needs to be surrounded continually with a devotional atmosphere.’’

Of seasons of solemn retrospect and devotion, there occur many traces in the journal, such as these: —

May 1, 1834. — I am now at Kibworth where the blessed Doddridge began his ministry. 0 my God, make me as holy, and preserve me as spotless — make me as zealous and devoted as thou madest him; and though I have not his learning, yet thou canst make me as useful! Lord, bless me, and make me a blessing! The last month has been very cheering. Ten thousand mercies have followed mo — exposed by night and day — constantly preaching and living among strangers, yet preserved and well to this moment! 0 Lord, to thee I ascribe the praise forever, and to thee on this first day of the month, I afresh give up myself to be more than ever consecrated 2y

to Thy service. If I am spared through this month, there will be many calls upon my feeble powers. Lord, help me safely through! Thy grace is suf&cient for all Thy servants: help me to lay hold of it by faith. Amen.”

The scenes of his own early life awakened a similar class of feelings in a very interesting manner.

“September 30, 1836 — Proceeded to Braunton my native place, and found my brother alive, but weak in body; and, I trust, improving in spiritual things. My soul was greatly comforted by his conversation, especially on the majesty and glory of the Saviour.

“At night I was accommodated with the same bed I had often occupied before. The furniture remains just the same as when I was a boy. But my busy thoughts would not let me sleep; I was thinking how God had led me through the journey of life. At last the light of morning streamed through the little window, and my eye caught a sight of the very spot where my sainted mother, more than forty years ago, took my hand, and said, ‘Kichard, my dear, kneel down with me, and I will go to prayer.’ I seemed to hear the tones of her voice: I recollected some of her expressions. I burst into tears, and rising from my bed, fell on my knees, just on the place where my mother kneeled, and adored the Divine goodness for giving me such a parent. Bless the Lord, 0 my soul, at every remembrance of this mercy

“October 2, Lord’s-dmj. — Preached at Barnstaple. The scenes of youthful folly pressed sore upon me, and I was nearly overwhelmed. When reading the second of Ephesians, I could not proceed, but shut the book; when the congregation rose, and we prayed. I recovered, but it was a weeping day to myself and to hundreds.”

“October 8. — Walked about among my old neighbours, and humbled myself before God at the recollection of youthful transgressions. I bless Thee for light and life, and peace and joy, through Christ Jesus, my Lord.”

“October 9. — I dined at Bideford with dear Spencer, and preached to about a thousand old and young, in the old meeting, where I have enjoyed so much. Fine sight! Religion is

greatly on the increase here, and in every part of North Devon. The Lord be praised !*’’

Proceeding through the country in such a spirit as this, it will be readily understood that he aimed primarily at the increase of religion in the hearts of the people before him. “I like,”’ he said, “the missionary sermon which brings the people to dwell on the love of Christ. It is not the brilliant oration which does the work at our missionary meetings, but the earnest and direct appeal to the conscience. ‘How much owest thou to my Lord?’ — that is the question to bring home; and when it is brought home, the money will not be wanting.” The predominance of this feeling gave him an almost intuitive perception of opportunities of usefulness. “Sir,” said a working-man to him, “I went last night to the missionary meeting, and I heard you speak of the love of Christ, and of the responsibility of Christ’s people to seek the salvation of the heathen. I have professed many years to be a Christian, but I have never yet given anything to the Christian cause. I have come now to say that, by good health and constant work, I have saved up XIO; and I have brought it, begging jour acceptance of it, as my first contribution to the Missionary Society.”

Mr. K. asked “Does your wife know of this?”

“No; she is not a godly woman, and I am afraid to tell her,” replied the man.

“Well, I will tell you what to do. I cannot take it without her knowledge. Go home; take courage and say to her, ‘You are my nearest and dearest friend. I want you to kneel down with me and pray with me for five minutes, and then I want to ask your permission for something that I will not do without that permission.’ Do not be afraid; but go tenderly and affectionately to her. See what the result will be, and come again to-morrow.”

The next morning the man came, and with tears said, “It is a most wonderful thing! My wife has always been opposed to these things. But I went home; I had the courage to do what you told me: I asked her to kneel down with me. I then told her everything; and she has sent me here to-day to say she gives it cordially, and with all her heart.”

The following communication from Mr.

Charles Reed gives an additional proof that arduous as were the duties in connexion with the mission to which he was pledged, there was hardly a proposal for the good of the population around him with which he was not ready to comply: —

“Early in the year 1839, Mr. Knill visited

Leeds. He was the guest of Mr. C, an

influential magistrate in that borough, and at his house we first met. I had resided through several years in the town, and was a member of the church under the pastoral care of the Rev. John Ely. During the winter of 1838, this excellent minister had been making an effort to promote the revival of religion among the people of his charge, and a great awakening had taken place in both the church and congregation. Drawing-room and kitchen meetings were held from house to house, at which persons of all classes were assembled — the Scriptures expounded, religious experience given, and free prayer united in. These were hallowed seasons. Breaking in upon the ordinary festivities of the winter, no opportunity seemed to be left for mere evening parties; for the families were all concerned in higher and more important interests. Among the inquiring people, John Ely was like an apostle; and Winter Hamilton and Thomas Scales rejoiced in the proofs of usefulness by means of these holy and prevailing influences. Having at the time the charge of a large factory in the town, where many hundreds of young people were employed, I was led, amidst much discouragement, to attempt something for their religious welfare. Most of the families employed in Britannia Mills were Irish, and of these most were Romanists. No difficulty, however, had arisen in setting on foot a good library of books for circulation; and classes for instruction had been arranged. The great difficulty seemed to be, the connecting with the scheme a religious service, which it was desired, by some of the pious workmen, to hold at least once in the week. On a certain Wednesday evening, the experiment was to be made; and in the face of some open contempt, and much more apathy, we had issued the notice that the works would stop an hour earlier than usual on that evening.

“I believe it was in answer to prayer that, on the very night when this notice had been posted on the outer gates of the mill, and we were questioning the policy of the act, a stranger came into the town. Quite unexpectedly to me I met him at the house of our mutual friend; and, before he knew my name, or I was acquainted with his, my eye had met his searching and affectionate look, at the startling question, ‘What are you doing for the Saviour?’ I hesitated; and our host said, * 0, Mr. Knill, he is at work in a corner of the vineyard, which you must see.’ From that moment he was my friend. He fell in my way at a time of sore trial; and he no sooner heard of our plans and difficulties, than he entered into them with the greatest interest. He offered to go with me to the houses of some of our people; and while he astonished them by the suddenness and pointedness of his questions, he won their respect by his kindness and essential goodness. Thus I remember that he went with me from cottage to cottage, and, standing by the looms, his wonderful tact broke through all the obstacles which had barred my effort to be useful. The poor people were all delighted, and through the day the principal topic of conversation in the factory was the visit of the Russian missionary. On the morning of the day in question, a great event happened. Mr. Knill visited our works, and so great was his popularity, that people, not unused to stand by their machines while peers and nobles passed along, were with difficulty kept at their work while he visited the various departments. He was received in all the rooms with great manifestations of interest by the groups surrounding him; and the strong men in the forge, the dye-house, and the engine-room, vied with the little children piecing the endless threads and soliciting the tracts, hundreds of which he distributed during his visit. With his own hand he wrote a notice, and posted it in the principal entrance — ‘Mr. Knill will give an account to-night of” A Yorkshireman’s Funeral.’’’ I shall never forget the scene. The great bell rang out at seven o’clock, the last beat of the throbbing engine was heard, the gates were thrown open, and the people were free to go or to remain*

In one room, of immense proportions, a platform was raised, and on that platform stood a home-made pulpit, fresh from the carpenter’s shop. Rushing in like a mighty tide came the congregation. Pious Sunday-school girls led the way: old women, to whom the blessed Word had long been a strange story; little children, attracted by the novelty of the scene; and behind them all, a compact body of men. Catholics, and plenty of them — infidels, and not a few — men of every creed, and more, I fear, of none — mingled in that promiscuous throng. The magic power of love had won that congregation.

“The proprietors of the mill were punctual in their attendance; the cashier, the bookkeepers, and clerks; the gate-keeper and the call-boys — all were present; indeed, I believe few were wanting when the whole company stood to sing that hymn of praise, ‘Come, let us join our cheerfal songs.’ It was an impressive sight, even to Mr. Knill, accustomed as he was to popular gatherings. I watched his face, and saw that emotion was busy there. The tenderness of a loving spirit betrayed itself in those large expressive eyes, and the words faltered on his lips — ‘Jesus is worthy to receive, &c. All eyes were turned on him as, rejecting the pulpit, he stood against one of the columns to address that crowd of busy workers, in the life of daily toil and in their own workshop. I doubt not that exquisite narrative, since published, under the title of ‘The Funeral of a Yorkshireman,’ was first composed and delivered on this occasion. Aptly suited to the circumstances of the people, and having a local interest of so powerful a kind, his address was listened to with profound attention. I may not say what good resulted from this effort; but if sighs, sobs, and exclamations (quite unusual in that part of the country) are proofs of feeling, and that feeling was sincere, surely that night was one in which * the angels of heaven rejoiced over the faithful proclamation of the heavenly message of peace and salvation. It was the beginning of a good work; a nail had been fastened in a sure place; a regular prayer-meeting was instituted, and several persons were received into fellowship among the Independents and Wesleyans.

“Some years after this Mr. Knill visited Leeds again, and he received this testimony that ’ good hands worked better and that tract distribution and prayer-meetings ’ did not hinder labour, any more than psalm-singing at the loom reduced the amount of profit.”

It must have been observed before now, but it merits particular attention, that, though favoured to a remarkable extent, with large and exciting audiences, Mr. KnilFs zeal was not limited to them. He was as much moved by an individual as by a multitude, and seemed habitually impressed by the infinite worth of every human being. He therefore rarely permitted an opportunity of personal conversation on the highest topic to pass unimproved, and numerous were his entreaties to his friends to pursue this accessible, but too little frequented path to usefulness. It was evident that he had made the method of successfully approaching strangers on the question of personal religion a subject of constant study. That he occasionally made mistakes, no one was more ready to admit than himself. Sometimes a rapidity and directness of utterance, which were meant to throw off reserve, and which indeed most nearly accorded with his natural manner, made the timid shrink from further communication, and the proud resent the familiarity by studied silence; but while the causes of such failures were carefully observed with a view to prevent their recurrence, in by far the greater number of instances, the sincerity, the benevolence, and the real deference which declared themselves in his transparent eye and simple manner, secured the confidence which he never misused. The instances are too numerous to admit of record, in which his words spoken in fitting circumstances, and at a critical moment, came with electric power on individual hearts. It is said, that as many as a hundred ministers, now preaching the gospel at home and abroad, trace their first purpose to give their souls to Christ, or their lives to the public service of his church, to his quickening appeals. From his frequent allusion, in conversation and in correspondence, to these results, some may have imagined him ostentatious; but no one 24^

who properly understood the childlike openness of his disposition, or perceived the unaffected tone of devout praise in which such references were made, could retain that impression. So far from attributing his usefulness to any peculiar wisdom and excellence of his own, he was continually overcome by the Divine goodness which shone in it.

“This morning,” he writes to an intimate friend,” I received from Mr. M the touching account of his dear son’s death, and of God’s love to me, in making my conversation blessed to him, while walking on the road. It affected me to tears — indeed to ’ strong crying and tears for the dear youth is only one among many who have been led to Christ, not by preaching, but by a tender, pointed conversation. Three letters received within a few

days from K, so very useful; from S,

an excellent preacher; and now this from

P, is a rare occurrence, in so short a time.

I would encourage every one whom I know to speak to their friends to the point. God will bless it.”

If his sanguine and charitable temperament sometimes inclined him to judge too favourably of character, it never led him to expect great results without toil. Some labour without hope, and others hope without labour: he fell into neither of these errors, and when the prayerful spirit he maintained, and the incessant diligence with which he pursued his work are considered, no one who believes the Divine promises, can be surprised that his path was crowded with blessings. Such notices as the following frequently occur in his concise journal:

“January 14, 1839. Tabernacle, Bristol, — About fifty-five remained after service to converse with me about their souls. Many have called since at my house.

“lth. — Sermon on the influence of pious women. After service, about two hundred women remained to speak with me. Lord, follow it with ten thousand blessings!

“March 3. — Preached to seven thousand people in fifteen days, and had offers from six young men to go as missionaries.

“April 12. — On one day I received a letter saying that a sermon had been blessed to three

people in London, and heard that three had been awakened by the sermon at Chishell.

Sent books to the young person at B,

who appeared to get good from the service there.

October 15. — Mr. H called to tell me

that God blessed my message to him at

W, and brought him to the Saviour. Now

he is going with John Williams to the South Seas. What shall I render to the Lord for all those mercies!

“December 1, 1839. — The month of November has been a very instructive month to me.

Mr. B told me of three persons being led

to the Saviour during my visit. A minister from Turvey informed me that, when I attended the missionary meeting at P, it pleosed

God to convert a poor, ignorant, careless woman, who has since been blessed to the conversion of her husband. When I was at Norwich, one of the deacons called and told me that a person had lately been admitted to the church, who was converted under a sermon I preached some years ago. Mr. Venning introduced a man to me who was converted during a Christmas sermon at Bradenham Hall. Two ministers, both Weslejans, came to declare to me that the Lord had been pleased to call them, through ray sermons, the one to the work at home, and the other to the work abroad.”

Such incidents were much more numerous than Mr. Knill was ever aware of. Very recently, a minister when preaching in Bideford, stated that when he revisited that town after his return from Russia, he took aside himself and one of his companions, and having made them repeat the prayer, “0 Lord, convert my soul, for the sake of Jesus Christ, Amen,” until it was impressed on their memory, he charged them in the most solemn and affectionate manner to continue to offer it until it was answered. They did so; and both are now ministers of extensive usefulness: one in the Wesleyan connexion, and the other in the established church.

During his residence at Wotton-under-Edge, he visited the Rev. James Spurgeon, the minister of an ancient chapel of Dr. Watts’ at Stambourne, Essex; and walking in the garden with his host’s grandson, then about ten years

old. he felt, lie afterwards said, a prayerful concern for the intelligent and inquiring boy, sat with him under a yew-tree, put his hands on his head, and prayed for him; telling him at the close, that he believed “He would love Jesus Christy and preach his gospel in the largest chapel in the world. ^’ When this curious prediction obtained something like fulfilment in the young preacher of the Surrey Music Hall, both parties, in a short correspondence, referred to the old garden incident with feelings akin to wonder. Who can trace the subtle influence of such suggestions on the tenor of one’s life? All will at least be able to appropriate the aspiration prompted by these occurrences — “0 Lord God omnipotent! Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory. Help me as Thy servant to go on labouring and rejoicing. These are tokens of Thy favour too great to be left unrecorded. What would thousands of gold and silver be, compared to the conversion of souls, and the calling out of preachers?”

The year is thus gratefully and devoutly closed: — “December 31. — In looking back on the past year, I find many things to call forth my praise. I have laboured in twenty-five English counties, made two trips to Ireland, and spent a month in Wales. My general health has been wonderfully preserved. My opportunities of usefulness have been very extensive, I having addressed four hundred congregations of different sizes, by which the Lord has given me the privilege of speaking to one hundred and fifty thousand persons about the salvation of their souls. This brings with it great responsibility. Lord, help me to feel it as one who must give an account! Pity and save Thy servant! Amen.”

The toil, however, attending this service began to tell sensibly on Mr. Knill’s health, and to point to the necessity of a change. “You recollect,” he writes to a friend in Leeds,” that in my ordination service I declared that all my days should be spent as a missionary. This was my purpose, but I was compelled to surrender it from failure of health. Then, when I travelled for the Missionary Society, I thought I was just in my proper place, serving the

same cause; but my health again failed. Indeed, the work was too exciting and laborious for any man. I had eight years of it — Sabbaths and week-days — not like the agents of the Bible and Tract Societies, who generally rest on the Sabbath. In July, 1841, I was going through Gloucestershire for the mission, my health very feeble, nerves shaken by overwork, and a slight fever caught at Chatham. I preached in Rowland Hill’s pulpit. A deep feeling pervaded the congregation, and two persons, in opposite conditions of life, a young lady and an old wicked soldier, were converted. The people pressed me to preach for a month, and at last to become their minister. I knew not what to do. I sighed for rest. I proceeded to London, and the directors giving their consent, I went to Wotton-under-Edge on the first of January, 1842.”’^

This place, which he had repeatedly visited and admired, was suited both to his state of

* The Rev. Rowland Hill, soon after 1771, built a “tabernacle,” a range of alms-houses, and a summer residence in this place, and till the close of his life, in 1833, divided hia labours between it and London. health and to the peculiarities of his ministry. The rich scenery and rural quiet which it supplied, restored the tone of his mind, and the neighbourhood presented facilities for that union of the pastoral and missionary functions to which his tastes impelled him. The faithful labours of several of his predecessors had left impressions on the hearts of many in the congregation, which waited for the quickening influences of a spiritual spring-time. That period came with the vivacity and devout energy of his addresses in the pulpit, and the familiar and kind intercourse which he maintained with the people in their homes and by the way-sides. There was an almost general revival of religious feeling among Christians; and numbers who had been dead in trespasses and sins were “added to the Lord.”

The heart of the system being animated, the warmth was quickly transmitted to the extremities. All converts were urged to bear some part in their Master’s work; and he was able, in 1846, to say to a friend,” Eight of our members were at work on Sunday last in six parishes, and preached to about seven hun-WIDENING HORIZON.

dred precious souls. We have five Sunday-schools in the villages, which call for much care and labour. Our Tabernacle Sunday-school is large, and God continues to smile upon the labours of our self-denying teachers.” Among the sixty assistants at prayer-meetings, and the twelve village preachers, whose services he directed, there were, it was acknowledged, a great variety of gifts; but considering that, “in the absence of gaslight, a glimmering lamp is better than total darkness,” he encouraged their endeavours, and did what he could to cultivate their powers. He says of the British schools, which had been improved, and accommodated with a spacious school-house, through his exertions: — “They are likely to be a great help to us. Some of our pious youth have had few opportunities of reading, or writing, or speaking correctly; but several, who have become concerned about their souls, are now attending an evening-school. This comes nobly to our help; and I hope to live to see the day when not one of our young men who engage in public services shall offend the ear of a good grammarian.” All these villages he visited personally at short intervals. At two of them — Hawkesbury and Charfield — he procured the erection of suitable chapels, and the services, for a season, of students from the Western Academy; while the converts were either formed into small local churches, or united to the society at the Tabernacle, which, during the period of his residence, was doubled in numbers.

It was Mr. Knill’s settled conviction that his ministry was specially adapted to the awakening and gathering in of sinners; and when he thought he saw that object, to any marked degree, accomplished in one place, he became eager to pass to “regions beyond.” On approaching the close of the sixth year of his work at Wotton, a variety of considerations conspired to impress him with the belief that it ought to be left to the careful cultivation of a new labourer, and he began to look around for another spot to which his peculiar gifts might be advantageously applied. During several visits, in the cause of missions, to Chester, the claims of that city appeared to him singularly great, and, under the advice of

several ministers of sound experience, he acceded to the unanimous invitation of the church in Queen Street to become their pastor. With profound sorrow his flock at Wotton heard from his own lips, at the last communion season of the year, that he had resolved to leave them. The sensitiveness of his heart prevented him allowing a long interval to elapse between the announcement of this purpose and its consummation. The four weeks of affectionate leave-taking which followed was as much as he could endure; and on the last day of the year, bearing costly tokens of love, he left a home in one of the loveliest vales in England for another within the old walls of Chester.