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32X

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THE

LIFE AND LETTERS

OK THE

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

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COLLEGE 1

THE

LIFE AND LETTERS

Of THE

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

RECTOK OF THORNHIIil.,

Iff TBS DIOCBSB Of TORONTO, CANADA H^RST.

COMPILED AND PREPARED

BY THE REV. JOHN ARMSTRONG, B.A.,

BRITISH CHAPLAIN OF MONTE VIDEO,
SOUTH AMERICA.

" I bear the greatest veneration for the memory of that man (Arch-
bishop Leighton) that I do for any man; and reclcon my early
knowledge of him, and ray long and intimate conversation with him,
among the greatest blessings of my life ; and for which I know I must
give an account to God, at the great day, in a molt particular manner."
Biihop Burnet.

LONDON :
AYLOTT AND JONES, PATERNOSTER ROW.

H\OH

STACK

LONDON :

3, I;^WIN, RrCKLERSiiKiir.

2 1950

PREFACE.

Though I feel it to be really a privilege to be the
instrument of introducing to the public the life and
correspondence of the most intimate friend, especially
of my early life, that I have ever possessed, and of
one of the truly excellent in the earth ; yet, from an
unfeigned consciousness of my incompetency for the
task, I would most willingly have left it to other
hands, and to other hands I offered it, and urged
upon them my earnest desire that they would under-
take it ; but from all I received excuses as to them-
selves, and pressing invitations to myself to engage
in the work. They conceived that I might possess
more materials for the purpose than any other
person ; but they knew not the slenderness of my
capacity to prepare the memoir of one whose general
character, talents and excellences, merit a much abler
pen than mine, to set them forth with perspicuity
and advantage.

His old friend and associate at Wellington, the
Rev. John King, now Incumbent of Christ Church,

PREFACE.

Hull, to whom I wrote on the subject, thus addressed
me : — ** But independently of all considerations of this
kind, I believe you would be much better qualified
than myself, or than any other person I know, to do
justice to the excellent yet peculiar character of the
departed. Let me beseech you, iherefore, to arrange
your correspondence and materials with a view to
publication."

His excellent and much-loved sister, Mrs. Holland,
wrote to me as follows : — " The early, close, con-
tinued, and personal acquaintance you had with my
dear brother, constitute you, in my opinion, his
most suitable biographer."

And his brother, the Rev. Thomas Mortimer,
wrote to me in a similar strain : — " On the very day
that I received your letter, I was fully intending to
write to you, entreating you not to abandon your
design of writing a memoir of your dear departed
friend, my beloved brother George. You, above all
persons I know, are the man to undertake that work
of love with any prospect of a successful issue. Your
own correspondence with him, through such a long
series of years, would alone furnish rrh matter, I
doubt not, for a biographer."

Thus urged and encouraged, I was unwilling not
to do my best : and if I have proved myself but an
unfit steed to draw such a chariot, the friends, at
least, of my dear departed friend must not forget that
it was they who put me into it; and this same con-
sideration also will, I hope, lead others to view the
faults and imperfections of the work with indulgence.

PREFACE.

Happily for me, the work is one rather of selection
and compilation than of original composition, and
the life of my friend will suffer less from the hand
that draws it up, by reason of his speaking chiefly
for himself; his correspondence is, perhaps, his best
memoir, and this is the kind of life that it falls to my
lot to prepare of him.

The attentive perusal of his letters for publication
has most vividly brought to my mind and remem-
brance the man whom, I can truly say, I loved
almost as my own soul ; very delightful was our
intercourse with one another when associated together,
very close was our intimacy, and warm and stedfast
our friendship : and the great point of union between
us, the connecting link in the chain of our connexion,
was our common, and, I trust, unfeigned faith in
Christ crucified for the salvation of mankind. We
were neither of us originally destined for the service
of the sanctuary ; but it pleased God, early in life, to
call us to the knowledge of himself, and to inspire us
with an ardent desire to preach that gospel to others,
who had ourselves been made personally sensible of
the deliverance brought to the soul by it. Through
God's good providence also it was that we were
both led to the same retired and secluded village of
Chobham, in Surrey, where, under the instruction of
the Rev. Charles Jerram, then curate of the parish,
but since successively vicar of it, and Rector of
Witney, Oxon, we received the finishing part of our
education preparatory to our college course ; and up
to the time of our leaving the university, we were

Vlll

PREFACE.

V' i '

I' ^

1,;

personally, as well as cordially, united, in no ordinary
bonds of friendship, few days passing without our
meeting together. From that time our personal
intercourse may almost be said to have ceased ; he
spent a week with me in my first curacy in Bedford-
shire, and I spent a week with him in Canada about
two years before his death. In the intervening long
period, we did not meet, I think, more than once ;
and that after promising one another a yearly ex-
change of visits, so little dependence can be placed
upon the events of time. The time is coming,
however, I trust, when our union will be again
renewed, and become as personal and as cordial as
before, but infinitely more pure and spiritual, and
therefore more perfect and satisfactory — subject to no
painful fluctuation or interruptions, and coeval with
eternity.

Monte Video, January/, 1847.

LIFE AND LETTERS.

George Mortimer, the interesting subject of the
present Memoir, was the third son of Harvey
Walklate Mortimer, the well known gun-maker
in Fleet-street, London. He was bom May 20th,
1784; and it pleased God to deprive him of his
excellent mother the latter end of the following
year. Thus bereaved of watchful maternal care, he
was placed with a relative at Birmingham, who
loved him tenderly. His health was delicate, and
the deformity which ever after made "his bodily
presence weak," was caused by suflFering him to
sit and lie in one posture during a long illness, in
which his restoration seemed impossible ; God,
however, was graciously pleased to spare him for
future usefulness.

In the year 1787, his father again entered the
married state, and George and his elder brothers
were treated with the fondest attention. Little
deserving of remark is known of the days of his
childhood and youth ; as he grew in years he
attained to an average measure of bodily vigour,
enjoyed a good share of health, and was generally
beloved and esteemed. His first instruction was
received under Doctor Hall, of East Acton ; and he
finished his scholastic pursuits with the Rev. Mr.
Audinet, a French Protestant Clergyman, near the
British Museum, who used to perform divine ser-
vice in French, near the Seven Dials ; here, in

2 LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

addition to other attainments, he aci^ui^'ed a know-
ledge of Latin and French, in November, 1798,
he was bound apprentice to Mr. Otridge, a respect-
able bookseller in the Strand, with whom he con-
tinued for the usual period of seven years.

It is not exactly known at what period he became
truly earnest and decided in the Christian life,
though it appears to have been in the earlier years
of his apprenticeship ; and, as will hereafter be seen,
he considered the late Joseph Butterworth, Esquire,
for some time Member of Parliament for Dover, as
his spiritual father. The first notice which we have
of the state of his mind is found in a letter written
to his elder sister, to whom he was fondly attached,
dated August, 1801. Alluding to that happy period,
he says : —

" When I first set out in the Christian race, I was
mocked and laughed at, but this only drove me to
my Saviour. I remember with what joy I could
appeal to the Lord, and say, *Thou seest, O my
God, what I endure for thy sake ;' and I assure you
no moments were spent so pleasantly as those which
I could get by myself in some retired place, to lift
up my heart to God ; sweet, indeed, were the com-
forts I thus enjoyed. I gave all into the hands of
my Saviour, and everything I undertook prospered.
"When in want of anything, I prayed, and all my
wants were supplied ; indeed, I never remember
anything being held from me, but, sooner or later,
I saw it would have been hurtful. What encourage-
ment to give all into his hands !"

Strand, 17th March, 1802.

It is with thankfulness to my kind and indulgent
God that I can tell you my soul is in a prosperous
state, and my desires after a higher degree of divine

m race, I was

J drove me to

joy I could

seest, O my

I assure you

s those which

place, to lift

were the com-

the hands of

ok prospered.

and all my

i^er remember

ooner or later,

lat encourage-

March, 1802.

and indulgent
(1 a prosperous
gree of divine

;«
s

RET. 6B0R0B MORTIMER, M.A. 3

life greatly increased. The Lord is indeed blessing
me ; for though I still find wrong tempers unsub-
dued, these are my burden, and I cannot rest till
I find daily pardon in the Redeemer of mankind.

Many extracts might be given from his letters
written about this time to his sister, which indicate
his uncommon devotedness to God, and his earnest
desire for her advancement in the Christian life.

It has already been stated that he looked upon
the late Mr. Jos. Butterworth as the instrument, in
the Divine hand, which brought him into an ac-
quaintance with his God and Saviour. Through
the advice also of this same excellent man, it seems,
he was led to turn his attention towards the service
of the sanctuary ; and, prior to his going up to the
University, he went to the Rev. C. Jerram's, to
prepare himself for his collegiate course ; and from
that gentleman's house the two following letters to
his sister were written : —

Chobham House, 5th Nov. 1806.

Dear Mary,
That kind and gracious God who watches over his
children for good has brought me safely to this
place. The country, though at present deprived
of many of its ornaments, has not lost its charms
to me. I have now visited my accustomed haunts,
and have experienced that pleasure in recalling past
ideas, which is better conceived than expressed.
On this spot I am reminded of a glorious view of
the unchangeable love of God, and on that of his
amazing condescension and my astonishing vileness ;
here I recollect the excellent Fenelon furnished me
with pious considerations, and there the industrious
and indefatigable bee stimulated my sloth ; and the

B 2

■1 Lltb -ND LETTERS OF THE

result of these recollections produced in my heart a
glow of sincere affection to that God who liad so
variously visited me, and a determination to devote
all my powers to the advancement of his glory.

Notwithstanding my haste to leave Islington, I
found, on my arrival, I was the only one of Mr.
Jerram's pupils who had returned. At first I re-
gretted not taking your advice, hut the spiritual
treat reserved for me soon made me change my
mind. This treat was no less than the unexpected
company of Mr. Venn, of Clapham. Mr. V. had
come the day hefore to see Mr. Cecil, and spent
that evening with Mr. Jerram. As it is natural
when we taste fruit of a superior flavour to wish
others to share our enjoyment, I could not help
wishing my sister had been with me to partake of
the pleasures I then received. I sat in all the
luxury of silence, and listened to the gracious words
which fell from his lips. Among the many things
which warmed aild charmed my heart, I think those
made the greatest impression which related to his
father. Oh, what a spiritual heavenly man ! Mr.
Jerram mentioned that he considered a few hours he
was permitted to spend with him as the happiest and
most profitable he ever experienced ; ** and so power-
fully," said he, "was his conversation impressed upon
my mind, that it was uppermost in my thoughts for
the succeeding half-year. It was such an epocha in
my Christian life as I never enjoyed, cither before
or since."

This day eight years I went to Mr. Otridge*s.
What a variety of changes has taken place since that
period ! Of all I esteem that the most blessed which
has brought me into my present circumstances.
May God so bless me in this path that good may
be imparted to my own soul, and glory ascribed to
his name.

ill

I my heart a
who Iiad so
an to devote
J glory.
Islington, I
one of Mr.
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change my
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Mr. V. had
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[ think those
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few hours he
happiest and
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either before

r. Otridge's.
ice since that
)lessed which
ircumstances.
at good may
y ascribed to

aSV. QEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

Chobham. 27th June, 1807.

Thank you for your kind, affectionate, and Christian
remembrance on my birth-day ; I had quite forgotten
it ; but this I remember, I was more than commonly
blessed in prayer, and had peculiar delight in reading
the Scriptures ; indeed, I intended to note it down as
a day of choicest blessings. May God favour me
with many such days during the year on which I
have entered ! May many pentecostal seasons be
given ; may much humiliation and self-abasement
before God be daily felt ; may the foot of the cross
be hourly visited, and may my views be incessantly
directed to Him who lives in heaven to plead for mc !
I received much good lately in reading Wilberforce
on Christianity. I took it up as a book which I
thought I ought to read, but did not expect that
rich vein of excellence which I found in almost every
part of the work ; his Christianity is truly vital, and
his diction admirable. I have also finished the life
of Judge Hale, by Burnet, and am now reading Mr.
Fletcher's Letters. I scarcely ever read a few pages
without profit ; the wonderful spirit of this excellent
man frequently brings tears from my eyes ; I stop
and reflect, and would give all the world, did I possess
it, could I enjoy the same spirit. I am well per-
suaded that no blessings, excepting these, considered
merely in themselves, are worth our pursuit.
Greek, Latin, and Mathematics, are but a poor por-
tion, if we have nothing more; it is my constant
endeavour, therefore, that these things should sit
lightly on my mind, that, while conscientiously im-
proving every particle of my time, I may still reserve
my heart for God.

The following extract is taken from the first letter
of a correspondence with the writer's endeared friend,

LIFB AND LETTERS OF THE'

which lasted almost without interruption during a
period of twenty years, and, at distant intervals after-
wards, until about two years before his death.

TO MR. J. ARMSTRONG.

Chobham House, Jan. I3th, 1807.

My dear Friend,
Me. J. favoured me with a sight of the letter you
wrote to him. It gave me great pleasure to find you
in the first class, and to hear, also, that you are
fagging for your next term ; though, blessed be God,
human science is no indispensable requisite, either for
salvation or for a minister of the Gospel, yet it
possesses innumerable advantages, and I doubt not
but you will hereafter reap the fruits of your present
exertions. Our greatest fear, my dear Armstrong,
is that we should substitute learning for religion, and
lest we should endeavour to regulate our conduct
more by our present supposed circumstances than
by the will of God ; but I am persuaded your fears
on this subject are similar to my own, and, therefore,
I need not enlarge. As for myself, when I some-
times stand still, and consider how ardently I am
engaged about trifles, and, as Young observes,

** Wasting my strength in strenuous idleness,"

I am quite ashamed, and I go making fresh resolu-
tions of more devotedness to God and more zeal in
his service : but, alas ! how little ground do I gain
after all ! Assist me with your prayers, your con-
stant daily prayers ; and though we are distant in
place, let us meet one another in spirit. My time
of evening devotion is from six to seven ; let us
endeavour in simplicity of heart to meet one another
at this time at the throne of grace ; and may God

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A. 7

pour on each of us that which will not only impart a
present blessing, but diffuse a sacred tune of heavenly
affection through the residue of our lives. Our em-
plovnients necessarily require the exercise of thought,
and very much tend to produce what the Methodists
term " distraction ;" but still the constant influence
of the Divine Spirit, and a continued simplicity of
intention, will enable us to be recollected, even in the
midst of our studies. I was very much pleased lately
in reading in the "Epistles of the Apostolic Fathers
a passage in one of St. Ignatius' Epistles, somewhat
to this effect ; he is giving us some directions for
our conduct in life, and adds, " But even the worldly
things which i/e do are spiritual, for ye do all things
in Jesus Christ." Oh that this may be the temper
and spirit of our lives ; may all our worldly things
be offered upon this altar, which sanctifies the gift ;
and after this transitory scene of being is ended, may
we with pleasure retrace a life entirely filled with God.
I remain, my dear Armstrong,

Yours, affectionately and sincerely,

G. Mortimer.

He was accustomed to spend his long vacations,
during his residence at Cambridge, with a private
tutor, who spent the time in some salubrious and
pleasant part of the country. The following letter
was written on one of those occasions, and is a proof
of his taste for fine scenery, as well as of his great
application to study.

TO HIS sister.
Dawlish, near Exeter, Aug. 12th, 1809.

My dear Sister,
You are, no doubt, returned from Broadstairs, and
enjoying the pleasures a ' ing from quiet and regular

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

movements, and now and then, perhaps, in the midst
of your retirement a thought wanders towards Devon,
and you begin to wonder " what has taken the httle
fellow that he does not write." I confess, time has
glided on so insensibly, that I was not aware how
long I had been here ; I shall really feel sorry to
leave my present situation, for I never spent five
weeks so agreeably before. I lodge with good people,
who do all they can to accommodate me. I make
progress in my studies, which is another source of
gratification, and I am situated in the midst of a
country the most diversified and beautiful. As it is
quite new to me, and I may probably never visit
it again, I avail myself of the present opportunity
of seeing everything worthy of notice, and since my
purse will not allow me to enjoy any " leathern con-
venience," I have commenced pedestrian, and fre-
quently walk from fourteen to eighteen miles a day.
I take a syllabus with me, and go over my subject
in my mind, so that a peep now and then is all I
require : by this method I lose no time, and combine
profit with amusement. My stated walks, however,
are much shorter, and devoted to relaxation only.
But there is another source of gratification which I
must mention, and which far exceeds all the rest ;
it is this, I feel I am advancing in the best of things ;
rehgion has an increasing and diffusive influence over
my mind ; it seems more and more my element, and
I am enabled to live in that spirit which a friend of
ours on a late occasion attempted to ridicule — I
mean a spirit of recollection and prayer ; not,
indeed, so much so as I could wish, or as I ought
to do, but still much more so than formerly. "When
my time for devotional exercises comes round, it is
welcomed as the happiest of the whole day, and
my Sabbaths are days of real pleasure and perma-
nent good. May such in kind, though greater in
degree, be the happy experience of my dear sister.

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

and may no studies, no employments whatever, 1/e
prosecuted, but in subordination to those of a spi-
ritual nature. Religion, I am persuaded, should be
everything or nothing; here only a middle course
is dangerous. If we profess to admire and to be
influenced by heavenly objects, we should prize
them above everything; and yet, alas! (O shame
to our Christian profession!) to what poor and
paltry considerations are they not daily sacrificed !
Adieu, my dearest sister; may God preserve you
pure and unspotted from the world until the day
of his appearing !

Yours, most aflfectionately and sincerely.
Both in Christian and fraternal bonds,

G. M.

TO HIS SISTER.

Cambridge, December, 1809.

Study is, I am persuaded, at present my duty;
but I shall be heartily glad when another year is
over, and I shall be left to pursue the duties of the
sacred office in peace and quietness, if it please
God. . . . How often do I picture to myself
these happy scenes, and "catch a momentary
joy ;" but, perhaps, this hand which now glides
swiftly along the page may soon forget to move. I
may be summoned to another world in the midst
of my academical pursuits, and may never have the
honour granted me of building the house of God.
Should this be the case, should your brother be
called to the peaceful tomb before another revolving
year, bear in mind, when he is gone, that his supreme
wish has been unfulfilled, and that his studies and
trifling successes have not so filled his mind as to
call it ofl^ from the care of souls, and the earnest wish
for their salvation. In this work I would gladly live

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

1 !

and die ; but the Supreme Disposer of events knows
what is best, and in that I hope, not only to ac-
quiesce, but to rejoice. You wish for my thoughts
on letter-writing. I do not think you should make
two copies of any letters, except it be necessary to
keep one by you for reference ; few such circum-
stancei occur, and therefore I would advise you to
write at once what you intend to send. I ao not
mean that you should put down whatever comes into
your mind, but write deliberately and with caution.
I would illustrate my meaning by referring to what
takes place in polite conversation ; supposing yourself
to be in company, and obliged to converse, you would
not weigh and ponder your sentences over and over,
but merely endeavour to avoid anything indecorous,
and to express yourself in tolerably good language ;
or, if you will, in the best manner you are able.
When you write, then, you should endeavour to let
your thoughts flow freely and easily, and express
them in the most suitable words which occur at the
moment, but by no means to be solicitous in seeking
fine words or eloquent phrases. Horace has a
famous line in his Art of Poetry, which has great
strength in the original, but I must content myself
with Francis' translation,

" For if the mind with clear concept iona glow,
The willing words in just expressions flow."

The substance of what I would say is this, having
settled your subject in your mind, write at once, in
the best manner you are able at the time ; practice
will give considerable ease, and you will shortly
write, not only well, but with despatch.

events knows
ot only to ac-

my thoughts
should make
c necessary to
such circum-
advise vou to

BET. OBOBOB MOBTIMBB, y.A.

ise yoi
I do

d. I do not
ver comes into
with caution.
?rring to what
)osing yourself
rsc, you would
)ver and over,
ig indecorous,
)od language;
you are able,
ideavour to let
, and express
1 occur at the
:ous in seeking
Horace has a
lich has great
content myself

glow,
flow."

5 this, having
ite at once, in
time; practice
1 will shortly

TO THE BBV. JOHN ARMSTRONG.

Qaeen'it, June 2Uh, 1810.

My very dear Friend,
You are now, Armstrong, engaged in an employment
to which you have been for years looking forward as
the most pleasing in your life ; your ardent spirit
could not bear inactivity in your Master's service,
and now your wishes are granted, and you at last
experience the blessedness of sounding in the ears of
a thoughtless and giddy multitude the glad tidings of
reconciliation through the death of our blessed Re-
deemer. I need scarcely tell you that you have of late
engrossed many of my thoughts, and been the subject
of many of my prayers. I hope that I feel no common
degree of interest when I hear of any true labourer
being called into the vineyard of our Lord ; and shall I
be less concerned when one of the dearest friends I
have upon earth is called to a similar employment?
You are entitled to my best of wishes ; you have
them freely ; and I have no doubt but the blessings
of God will rest upon your labours, and that many in
that great and dreadful day of account — many will
arise from Melchbourn and Bletsoe, and declare in
the ears of an assembled world,

" I owe it to his care that I am here,
Next to Almighty grace ; his faithful hand,
Regardless of the frowns he might incur,
Snatched me, reluctant, from approaching flames,
Ready to catch and burn unquenchable."

O my friend, when I think of these inestimable
blessings as connected with the sacred office, I long
to lay aside the drudgery of mathematics; but I

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

check myself; the future should employ but little
of my thoughts ; how to improve the present should
be my principal concern. Much is to be done here
as respects my studies, and much more as to the
formation of my mind, the subjugation of my
tempers, and the sanctification of my heart. I
would, therefore, content myself with my present
situation, and endeavour to make it my chief care
to prepare for death and judgment. These awful
concerns have, for many weeks past, engaged my
mind more steadily and frequently than for some
years before. I seem to myself as a dying man
amidst dying men, and it is my aim to live accord-
ingly. I have heard you say, when you were at
college, that retirement and your Bible have afforded
you some of the most exalted joys you ever wit-
nessed ; these joys have been lately mine. I go up
to my little room (which I have fitted up and conse-
crated to sacred purposes alone), and there I meet
my God, find my Saviour precious, and experience
the gracious influence of the blessed Spirit. When
my hours of retirement come round, I joyfully lay
aside everything in which I may be engaged ; for I
feel, I know, assuredly and experimentally, that I
am going up to commune with the best, the most
gracious and compassionate of friends. There I leave
all my cares and all my sorrows, and come down
again to the concerns of life with an unburdened,
soberized, and tranquil mind. Blessed be God for
all his benefits ! I had frequently looked forward to
this last year as the most trying of the three, and
had imagined that if I found it so di£Scult to keep
my ground before, I should necessarily give way at
present; but JEHOVAH has been better to me
than my fears, and I have found the truth of that
promise, " When thou passest through the waters,
I will be with thee ; and through the rivers, they
shall not overflow thee ; when thou walkest through

.n i iinnriMiTrr-r rf i

iploy but little

present should
;o be done here
nore as to the
igation of my
my heart. I
th my present

my chief care
These awful
It, engaged my
than for some
I a dying man
to live accord-
n you were at
e have afforded

you ever wit-
nine. I go up
1 up and conse-
l there I meet
and experience
Spirit. When
, I joyfully lay
engaged ; for I
lentally, that I
bestj the most
. There I leave
id come down
n unburdened,
ied be God for
iked forward to
the three, and
ifficult to keep
•ily give way at

better to me
e truth of that
igh the waters,
le rivers, they
alkest through

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

I the fire, thou shalt not be burnt, neither shall the

flame kindle upon thee."
i Believe me to be.

Yours, truly and affectionately,

George Mortimer.

to the rev. JOHN ARMSTRONG.

Q. C, Camb., Nov. 19th, 1810.

My very dear Friend,
Within a week or two past I have had to thank
my God also for many providential interferences ;
for success in our late examinations ; for being kept
most mercifully from engaging in something which
would have been highly detrimental to me ; for the
acquisition of a most valuable Christian friend (who
is a great helper of my faith, and a very pleasing
and agreeable companion ; he was, like myself,
formerly engaged in business, and also a Methodist);
as also for a providential opening of my path
respecting my future situation in his church. Of all
the places I have yet heard of, this seems most
suited to my views and inclinations. It is, Mr.
Ey ton's, of Wellington, Shropshire, six miles from
Madeley, and surrounded by pious ministers. The
vicar is very pious and laborious, of similar senti-
ments with myself, humble and affectionate. I
know three men in Cambridge who are very well
acquainted with him and his situation, and they
each say that they would go there in preference to
any place whatever. My mother and sister (to
whom I wrote a few days ago concerning him) met
him when in Shropshire ; and they advise me by all
means to accept of it. I wrote to him lately, and
received an answer, which has done my heart good.
I have not yet finally settled in my mind, but I shall
write either to-day or to-morrow, giving my final

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THB

i'.

answer. 1 hope to be directed from above. I would
not trust my own feelings or inclinations, but in the
all-wise Disposer of events. Pray for me, my dear
friend, that if I should not be useful there, or in
any manner out of my proper place, that something
or other may intervene to put a stop to all further
proceedings. I am daily obliged to make some little
preparation for orders, for Mr. E. is in want of
assistance. Should I go to the place, I shall endea-
vour to be ordained soon after I take my degree;
perhaps in a month or six weeks, if I can procure
a private ordination. My degree may suffer in some
measure, but I cannot help that ; we must expect
sometimes to be called to make a little sacrifice, but
it will all be eventually well.
Accept my best wishes

From your faithful and affectionate

Mortimer.

to his sister.

Q. C. Camb. Jan. 19th, 1811.

My dearest Mary,
My time of anxiety is now completely over. 1
have just been admitted B. A., and have no more
college matters to divide my attention, or call off my
thoughts from the grand concern which lays before
me. You will wish to know how I succeeded in
my late struggle. I have no flaming honours to
plume myself with, but through the mercy of God
have passed through in such a manner as to afford
cause neither for self-complacency nor discontent.
I am a wrangler, though eleven from the top. My
tutors, I am happy to state, tell me they are quite
satisfied with my degree ; as it respects myself, 1
have not the least wish it were otherwise. You
would find it difficult to enter into my present
feelings. I seem of late to have been like a ship

'HB

above. I would
ions, but in the
or me, my dear
'ul there, or in
that something
3p to all further
make some little
is in want of
e, I shall endea-
ake my degree;
f I can procure
ly suffer in some
we must expect
tie sacrifice, but

ffectionate

MORTIMEB.

Jan. 19th, 1811.

ipletely over. I
id have no more
»n, or call off my
vhich lays before

I succeeded in
ning honours to
le mercy of God
nner as to afford

nor discontent,
n the top. My
ne they are quite
spects myself, I
otherwise. You
nto my present

been Uke a ship

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

tossed and driven by the fiercest tempests, and in
danger every moment of sinking ; but now I have
gained the long-looked-for shore, and am enjoying
for a time those sweets which my temporary leisure
affords me.

TO THE REV. J. ARMSTRONG.

Q. C. Camb. Jan. 19th, 1811.

My dear Armstrong,
Your letter reached me, as you supposed it would,
in the midst of a " mighty contest," and I may
congratulate myself upon having fewer bones broken
than I might reasonably have expected. In all our
Lord's dealings with his people, there is the greatest
display of wisdom mixed with loving kindness and
mercy ; to satisfy our wishes would frequently be
only to administer poison instead of a balsam,
and therefore He prescribes for us. "With these
introductory remarks you may perhaps expect to
hear of some considerable disappointment in my
place in the tripos, but this is not the case ; I have
had every reasonable expectation answered. I am
eleventh wrangler, and the fifth from the bottom ;
had I been higher I might have been vain of my
little successes ; if lower, I might have felt depressed
and discouraged. As it is, I am not only contented
but happy ; I wish I could say as much of another
of the Jerramites, but I am sorry to say I cannot ;

poor C , though fifth v rangier, feels quite

disappointed, and receives the congratulations of his
friends with a very poor grace. Our good friend
Frazer is a man of a different spirit ; he is third
senior opt., but is nearly as much pleased with it
as any in the tripos. Johnson is the highest Johnian,
who is tenth wrangler, just one above your humble
servant. Dicey, of Trinity, is thirteenth. The

10 LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

order of the men you will soon see in the Christian
Observer^ and therefore I need not insert them at
large.

I feel quite happy, my dear friend, in having done
with every academical contention. I seem now to
have nothing to do but to improve my mind by the
acquisition of useful knowledge, and to prepare for
that most important concern, the sacred ministry.
I take it very kind in your calling my mind to these
things in the midst of my late hurry ; we are too apt
to be absorbed with the things of the moment, but
through the rich mercy of God, so great has been
my composure for some months past, that the Senate
House and all its a])pendages ceased to be objects
of terror or soUcitude. I may account for this
in a great measure from my having fixed upon the
curacy which I alluded to in my last. The saving
of souls seemed more important than the acquiring
of honours ; so that my mathematical studies were
entered upon more from a sense of duty than incli-
nation ; but I must not trouble you with these
reflections upon a matter which is now gone by,
though gone for ever !

Adieu, my dear friend.

And believe me to remain.

Your ever faithful

George Mortimer.

As soon as he had passed through the Senate
House, and taken his degree, he was desirous of
entering, without delay, upon the great work which
had so long engaged his thoughts ; early, therefore,
in the following month he accepted the curacy of
Wellington, in Salop, of which parish the Rev. John
Eyton was vicar ; and in a letter to his sister, dated
1 1th Feb. 1811, after alluding to the prospect of ordi-
nation and of enjoyment with Mr. Eyton, he says : —

" My way is now clear, and all I want is gratitude

If i

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

the Christian
insert them at

in having done
'. seem now to
ly mind by the
to prepare for
cred ministry.
' mind to these
we are too apt
! moment, but
jreat has been
that the Senate
I to be objects
count for this
ixed upon the
t. The saving
i the acquiring
al studies were
uty than incli-
Du with these
now gone by.

ithful

GE Mortimer.

»h the Senate
as desirous of
?at work which
u'ly, therefore,
the curacy of
the Rev. John
lis sister, dated
rospect of ordi-
on, he says : —
int is gratitude

to my gracious God for all his past mercies, and a
richer, fuller baptism from above, to qualify me for
the important, solemn duties which will soon engage
my attention. I have been enabled lately to recal
some of those lively feelings which I experienced
when I thought of entering into the ministry ; a love
for immortal souls, and a desire to spend and be
spent for them in every possible way, in a more
constant feeling of earnest desire than when I was
buried under an enormous load of academical lumber.
I suffered myself to bear it as a mean to an end, but
that end being obtained, I shall dismiss the larger
portion for ever; what is useful I shall retain.
However, I am now free from these incumbrances,
and shall hope to improve my liberty by turning
the habits thus acquired to beneficial purposes."

Thus all seemed in a fair way for his immediate

removal to Wellington, when an unexpected hinder-

ance was put in the way of his ordination, by the

bishop of the diocese. Such hinderances, in those

days, to the dishonour of our Episcopal Bench,

I were frequently thrown in the way of men both of

:l unimpeached character and of sound learning, to

; whose moral excellence and literary qualifications

their respective colleges bore ample testimony ; but

they were men held in suspicion on account of their

great attention to religious duties, and their warm

attachment to the great doctrines of the Reformation :

they were men of scriptural piety, and of sound

Church-of-England principles ; but they bore a name

of reproach ; they were considered as agitators in the

Church, as holding extravagant views, and as going

'n out of the ordinary path of formality and heartless-

i ness, which characterized the great body of the

I Church in those days. Happily, such prejudices

I have, in a great measure, passed away, and no such.

I obstacles exist to the ordination or preferment of men

'^ c

'!■.

(

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

of such views and principles ; not that such men are
altogether exempt from slight and neglect, from dis-
couragement and opposition, on the part of many of
the rulers in the Church at this day ; but they are
now constrained by the weight of their character, by
their well-known laborious habits in their pastoral
duties, as well as by their wealth, their influence,
and their number, to pay them some respect and
attention ; and, blessed be God ! there are many of
our ecclesiastical governors who now know the worth
of such men, and who afford them all suitable en-
couragement and support.

Mr. Mortimer deeply felt this disappointment;
but that God was pleased to make it the means of
calling forth the exercise of his Christian grace, may
be seen by the three following letters : —

TO HIS SISTER.

With a mind willing to acquiesce in whatever my
God shall appoint, 1 am enabled to leave this and all
my concerns to his gracious disposal, being fully
persuaded that the Lord reigneth. If I have at all
profited by past experience in anything, it is in this,
a strong and operative conviction that so long as we
trust in God, our concerns, however unpleasant at
the time, will materially conduce to our welfare ; and
oh ! what an intolerable load of foolish anxiety and
trouble does this persuasion remove from our la-
bouring minds! You will perhaps remember that
one of the last topics of conversation, when you and
Eliza so kindly accompanied me to the Wash, was
the necessity of sacrificing our own will to others, if
we would enjoy comfort ourselves. I was naturally
led to speculate on the future, but could not help
being forcibly struck with the mighty efficacy of this
principle, if suffered to operate freely on our conduct.

: such men are
leet, from dis-
Eirt of many of
but they are
r character, by
their pastoral
heir influence,
e respect and
re are many of
now the worth
all suitable en-

sappointment ;
t the means of
ian grace, may

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

1 whatever my
ave this and all
i\, being fully
If I have at all
ig, it is in this,
t so long as we
r unpleasant at
ir welfare ; and
ish anxiety and
e from our la-
remember that
, when vou and
the Wash, was
ill to others, if
I was naturally
30uld not help
efficacy of this
on our conduct.

As I think it very probable my continuance in
college may be prolonged, I intend availing myself
of the opportunity thus aiforded me of attending a
course of lectures on anatomy, cbemistry and mi-
neralogy. When I thought it my duty to ask for
orders in March, I willingly gave up all thought of
enjoying this gratification. 1 was enabled to sacrifice
it to more important considerations, but since these
reasons no longer exist, I shall gladly avail myself of
the privilege.

Upon the subject of general knowledge for a
minister, I was much pleased with Herbert's " Priest
to the Temple." " The country parson is full of all
knowledge : they say, that it is an ill mason that
refuseth any stone, and there is no knowledge but
serves either positively as it is, or else to illustrate
some other knowledge : he condescends even to the
knowledge of tillage and pasturage, and makes great
use of them in teaching, because people by what
they understand are best led to what they understand
not." As one means of preparing me for the great
charge which lies before me, I have begun a regular
course of the lives of eminently pious characters.
The good I received from this kind of reading some
years ago, makes me indulge the hope that it may be
equally serviceable now ; but I would not rest here —
I^ is a real baptism of the Holy Spirit alone which
can properly qualify me for usefulness in the pulpit,
and a consistent course out of it.

TO THE REV. J. ARMSTUONG.

Q. C. Camb. Feb. 26, 1811.
My very dear Friend,

d Since I last wrote to you I have been spending a
'* c 2

LIFK AND LETTERS OF THE

few days at Islington ; but my stay being very short,

^self wholly to home. I |

! i

I was obliged to contine niyselt wholly to home,
visited but one person all this time. I had hoped,
however, to have returned again soon, and to have
done myself the pleasure of calling on my several
friends ; but a very unpleasant circumstance has
hindered me — the bishop has refused me ordination
at present : and I am under the necessity of waiting
till it shall please my gracious God to show my path.
]My vicar is a notorious character, and my friends
have all along been apprehensive lest I should find
some difficulty in getting ordained to his curacy. I
must say, I shall not be a little disappointed should
I be obliged to relinquish all thought of Wellington ;
but the matter is in the Lord's hands, and I would
willingly leave it to his all- wise disposal. If I have
learned anything by my past experience, it is this, to
feel fully persuaded tliat all our concerns, however
unpleasant they may be at the present, will, either in
this world or in the world to come, terminate in our
good. In affairs of this kind it is better to make as
little fuss as possible : I must therefore beg you will
not mention it to any one. I shall wait quietly for
the present, in hope that the bishop may relent ; but
should not this be the case, I must content myself
with some other situation. Poor G. is similarly
circumstanced with mvself: he has been refused
three times, and that, too, in spite of the interest of
the Master ; he wishes to be ordained on his Coll.
Fellowship, and that lover of the truth, the good
Bishop of Ely, has every time put a spoke in his
wheel. But what a mercy it is that, notwithstand-
ing all the opposition which serious candidates meet
with, still they are not, cannot be, entirely hindered
and excluded ! * * * * * #

And believe me to remain.

Your ever faithful and affectionate

Mortimer.

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

ng very short,
{ to home. I
I had hoped,
, and to have
)ii my several
Limstancc has
me ordination
lity of waiting
how my path,
id my friends
I should find
Ids curacy. I
ointed should
>f WeUington ;
, and I would
al. If I have
e, it is this, to
lerns, however
, will, either in
rminate in our
ter to make as
re beg you will
ait quietly for
lay relent ; but
content myself
r. is similarly

been refused
the interest of
d on his Coll.
•uth, the good
a spoke in his

notwithstaud-
mdidates meet
tirely hindered

* He «

rectionate

Mortimer.

TO IMS sister.

Cambridge, March 2, 1811.

I HAD imagined, some months ago, that the exercise
of mind I was under when preparing for the
Senate House, was the greatest I should ever expe-
rience ; I was greatly mistaken. O my sister,
did you know how much I have felt lately, you would
truly sympathise with me ; but I now enjoy com-
parative rest ; my feelings, indeed, have been
strongly mixed, but the better have generally,
though not without considerable struggle, predo-
minated. I have enjoyed more of the power of vital
religion, and that has been my support and stay ;
and would it but please my God to indulge me with
more communion with himself. He might do with
me and my poor concerns whatever might please
Him. He alone is truly and absolutely necessary
for my comfort, and would He but say, in my sub-
sequent career, "My presence shall go with thee,"
I should feel that enough. I could ask nothing
more.

The clouds which overcast his prospect of ordina-
tion for the curacy of Wellington, were after a time
dispersed, and he was admitted to deacon's orders at
Eccleshall, on the 2Gth of May, 1811, and on the
following day he went to reside at Wellington. He
not long after wrote to his sister, in reference to his
new situation, as follows : —

" Through mercy I am going on pretty comfortably
in parochial matters, and have reason to believe I
am in the situation which God designed me to fill.
My employment is my delight — my heart is in it — a
circumstance I could seldom boast of when toiling
through the drudgery of mathematics. Mr. E. and

■; (

, f

L . '" aL

22 LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

I go on in perfect harmony. I feel very much
attached to him ; and from the marks I am daily
receiving of his kinthiess, I may conchide he looks
with a favourahle eye on my endeavours to help him
in his important work."

TO HIS SISTER. !

Wellington, 12th November, 1811.

In my last I promised an account of my paiochial
proceedings : though I have nothing brilliant to com-
municate, yet I hope I may say, after nearly six
months' residence, that I have good ground to be-
lieve I have not mistaken my path in entering
the ministry. The increase of congregation, both
among the poorer as well as the richer sort, aiford
me some encouragement, and I have frequently ob-
served persons manifestly affected under the word
delivered. I am not so sanguine as to expect great
things should be done by so feeble a labourer as my-
self. " The honest and good hearted " among
the congregation have already gladly received and
profited by the word under my most excellent vicar,
and, consequently, it is not to be expected that any
remarkable change should be effected ; but, as I have
observed before, I have perceived that the Spirit of
God is among us to apply the word, and so long as
persons are not completely hardened, we may indulge
some hope concerning them.

A few Sundays ago I supplied the church of a
neighbouring minister who has not been long in these
parts. I preached from these words, ** The Lord
turned and looked on Peter." I had taken another
sermon with me, but some how or other could not
make up my mind to preach it, and it will appear by
the sequel that the Lord had some gracious purpose

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

^fovember, 1811.

to answer by it. A poor woman, a former hearer of

Mr. happened to come into this part of the

'•ountry, and she mentioned to her daughter that she
should Uke to go and hear her old minister, but re-
lated at the same time a dream that she had the night
before, tliat a strange minister at IMr. C — 's church
was the means of doing her good and recovering her
from her backsliding state. She accordingly came,
and no sooner did I enter the desk than she said to
her daughter, '* That is the clergyman I dreamed of
who recovered me to God." The subject by the

Divine blessing was suitable to her case, and Mr. ,

who related the anecdote to me, stated, that she be-
gan with fresh earnestness to devote herself to the
service of God, and gave manifest tokens of the work
being from above.

TO THE REV. J. ARMSTRONG.

Wellington, September 17th, 1811.

My very dear Armstrong,
I HAVE been regaling myself this afternoon with a
perusal of a large packet of your letters, forwarded
to me from time to time. They present my much
esteemed friend under a great variety of feelings and
circumstances : but they uniformly exhibit him as
the sincere and devoted Christian, and as the warm
and substantial friend. Oh, how do I pity that poor
soul who has never experienced the exquisite delights
of friendship ! Believe me, Armstrong, I would not
exchange the feelings which at present animate my
soul for all the wealth in the universe. It would be
bauble when contrasted with the inestimable blessing
of a friend, whose heart, whose sentiments, whose
pursuits, are congenial with your own. God forbid
that I should ever see the time in which this blessing

*H!II

LIFE AND LETTKRS OF THE

should 1)0 witliholden from inc.
those words of Shakspeare : —

How do I admire

*• The friends thou hast, and their adoption tried,
Grapple them to thy soul with hooks of steel."

I lament, however, one circumstance in which my
sentiments and mv conduct were in this respect
diametrically opposite ; I mean when I so fur gave
way to the feelings of the moment as to write that
letter, which seems to have caused you so much
pain : your conciliatory answer, which I have just
hecn reading, makes me more ashamed of myself
than I can express ; I hope, however, that it will
prove a salutary warning through the whole of my
subsequent life. You will be surprised, perhaps, at
this apology made so long after the offence : 1 make
it from a conviction that my former letter did not
sufficiently express the feelings which I ought to
have entertained. ******
Believe me,

Your aflfectionately sincere

G. M.

TO THE REV. J. ARMSTRONG.

Wellington, Jan. 28th, 1812.

My very dear Friend,
I VERY much long to see you and your little domestic
circle, and, especially so, in consequence of the in-
formation contained in your last : for I am given to
understand that personal intercourse will not much
longer be vouchsafed me.

Do not suppose, however, that I would wish that
any personal advantage, which I might promise my-
self from your remaining in England, should prove the

vr do I admire

Hon tried,
of steel."

e in which my
n this respect

I so fur gave
8 to write that

you so much
ih I have just
med of myself
ir, that it will
I whole of my
jd, perhaps, at
(Fence : 1 make

letter did not
ch I ought to

5fl *IC !(%

ately sincere
G. M.

4G.

an. 28th, 1812.

' little domestic
ice of the in-
I am given to
will not much

uld wish that
t promise my-
lould prove the

REV. OEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

least ohstncle to that most glorious work which it has
pleased God to incliiu' you to desire and pursue. I
rejoice most sincrri'ly in the grace which he has poured
upon you, and I admire the leadings of Divine Provi-
dence,\vliieh have so clearly and manifestly openedyour
path. Ihit still, notwithstanding the approval which
my judgment is constrained to give, yet I cannot alto-
se'ther divest nivself of that affection which would
fain inihice me to chain you to some nearer spot. It
tells me that /wi/ friends are few; it whispers also that,
among all my friends, no one has ever yet so com-
j)letely merited the name. But still, as it has pleased
God to ])ut it into the heart of my friend to under-
take so nohle, so glorious an employment, I cannot
for a moment indulge any feeling of complaint. It
is all well ; and, as I said before, I rejoice in the grace
and j)rovi(lential dealings which have been manifested
on your behalf.

It requires no small measure of faith and self-denial
to leave the pleasures of social life — the intercourse
of friends and the innumerable ties which a long
series of years has tended to strengthen. I have
often gazed in silent admiration at the peculiar kind
of spirit which must animate a missionary, and have
concluded that it must be peculiarly acceptable in the
sight of Almighty God. But, alas ! much as I have

' admired the spirit, I feel that I have scarcely a spark
of it — not, indeed, that I should find it difficult to
forego the pleasures which at present surround me,
not that I should be staggered at leaving my present
situation to live in one which is remote, and which is
now unknown to me; but that I am sensible that these

feelings would not last. The inconceivable ignorance
of some, the stupidity of others, and the state (I
was going to say) of moral and religious incapacity^
to which a long indulgence in vicious habits has
reduced the generality, would check my fervour,
damp my zeal, and cause me either to slacken my

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

exertions, or else to desist from the work in despair.
When we get into discouraging circumstances, how
readily do we slide into despondency. We may not,
perhaps, altogether lose sight of the power of God,
and its all-sufficiency to help us through ; but we are
apt to conclude that we are not the proper instru-
ments ; that we have protruded ourselves into situa-
tions which God never designed for us ; and that,
though he could most easily help us, yet that, for wise
purposes, he sees fit to leave us in a great measure
to ourselves. Such, my dear Armstrong, are our
reasonings in general, when brought into discouraging
circumstances ; and, from a close examination of ray
own heart for some years past, I am persuaded that
whatever zeal and self-denial might animate me in
the first instance, yet that these blessed feelings
would not last when brought to those severe trials
which are the lot of the missionary/ — I mean of that
person who has to contend with all the difficulties
arising from a foreign station. These difficulties,
however, in your case are greatly diminished, and
even were it otherwise the Spirit vouchsafed to you,
may enable you to grapple with them with the greatest
ease. Oh ! that this may be your constant experience!
I rejoice in that spirit and temper which has hitherto
regulated the conduct of my friend, and my constant,
my stated prayers shall ascend up before the God of
power and grace, that he may ever enjoy a rich
unction — a complete baptism from above.

Assure Mrs. A. of my kind regards. Much as I
admire your faith and self-denial, I think that of your i
dear partner no less conspicuous. When God' has
work to be done, how sweetly can he influence our
minds so as to make us co-workers with himself.
Believe me.
Your most affectionate though unworthy Friend,

G. M.

-T

,-^

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

Mr. Mortimer was married February 21st, 1812,
to Miss Barford, a lady of pious habits and of amiable
manners, and who proved herself a most useful and
affectionate helpmeet to him. In the view of this
event, he prepared, some months before it took place,
the following resolutions for his government in the
married state : —

" Since it is very probable I shall soon be united
with my dearest friend M. B., and since we are always
in danger of overlooking the duties of each relation
in life, while engaged in it, though, before we enter
upon it, we may perceive them plainly enough, I
would, therefore, now, in an humble dependence upon
Almighty God, and as in his sight, set my hand to
the following resolutions, which I would purpose
never to swerve from upon any occasion, let it be
ever so trivial : —

" 1st. Since the grand secret of domestic comfort
depends upon the regulation of our tempers, I would,
in the first place, endeavour to keep a strict watch
over these ; would avoid pettishness, of every de-
scription, and would guard against a degree of perti-
nacity, which has always been more or less troublesome
to me : would never be positive in argument, and will
strive to remove every appearance of self-will, and
never to oppose my dearest friend in any thing,
excepting when duty imperiously calls; and even
then, in such a manner as shall impress her more
with an idea of my affectionate regards towards her,
than of any wish to consult my own gratification.

" In the 2nd place : will cultivate a tender and
affeclionate manner, always seeking out means of
promoting her comfort, and lessening her troubles ;
sharing every domestic and maternal anxiety with
tender solicitude.

" In the 3rd place : will be completely open ; will
have no secrets ; on the contrary, will consult her
in everything ; will give her the freest access to all

I ^ilt

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

my papers, letters, &c. ; will also commit to her
entire management all my money concerns ; and
will take no more for my private purse than we shall
amicably settle between ourselves.

" Fourthly. With regard to company, will make
choice of those persons who shall be most agreeable
to herself, and will be very attentive to those of her
relations with whom she may wish to be connected—
especially her mother and sister.

" Fifthly. Being aware of the foolish trouble occa-
sioned by fastidiousness in the choice of Jood, am
determined never to express my partiality for any par-
ticular joint or dish, and never to make the smallest
objection to anything which comes to tabic . Remem-
ber Duke Fortunatus, and the incessant squabbles
occasioned by his fluctuating taste and pettish
tempers.

" So lastly. As to the arrangement of domestic
concerns, will interfere as little as need be, and will
never meddle either in the choice or dismissal of the
servants, and will be careful never to find with them
unnecessary fault.

" These rules and regulations I will read over the
first day of every month, so long as it shall please
God to spare me, and will make them matter of most
serious prayer.

" Should I see fit to make any additions to the
above, will still never destroy this identical paper, but
keep it as exhibiting my views previous to marriage,
and as a witness against me in future life, should I
deliberately violate them.

" I write these rules in my college rooms on the
20th of May, 1811, being the day on which I
complete the 27th year of my age, and being also
the last of my remaining in Cambridge.

"George Mortimer."

•4

■J

:!ommit to her

" ■ '^

concerns ; and

'4:-

e than we shall

•n i._

\any, win maKe
most agreeable
to those of her

be connected—

sh trouble occa-
ice of food, am
ility for any par-
ike the smallest
tabl( . Remem-
Bssant squabbles
ite and pettish

ent of domestic

;ed be, and will

dismissal of the

) find with them

ill read over the
as it shall please
a matter of most

additions to the
jntical paper, but
ions to marriage,
ire life, should I

ge rooms on the
day on which I
and being also
Ige.
E Mortimer."

UEV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

to THE REV. J. ARMSTRONG.

Wellington, April 10th, 1812.

My very dear Friend,
I cannot describe the feeling of regret which the
receipt of your last letter occasioned, and I sit down,
with depressed spirits, to dictate an answer. There is
something exceedingly gloomy in the recollection
that one of the dearest friends I have on earth, is
about to depart to a place where there is no human
probability of our ever meeting ; and that he should
depart also without my being permitted to look him
in the face, to clasp his hand, and to bid him a
parting adieu. I feel truly grieved at the circum-
stance, and the more so, as I had expected that you
would have been detained on shore longer than the
time fixed on for your departure, and consequently
that you would have had some little spare time to
j)ay us a farewell visit.

^f* •!* 3|5 Sp 5|« 3|? *J5 •(•

I feel comforted, however, with the hope of hearing

from you occasionally, and do give you my promise

that I will endeavour to write to you every other

month, whether I hear from you or not ; and my

. poor scrawls shall be duly forwarded to your good

i brother, as you have desired. I will inform you of

^ our proceedings here as minutely as I can ; and will

take care to touch upon such of a more public nature

as I conceive may possibly escape the attention of

your other correspondents. But while I am thus

writing, •! cannot conceal from my Armstrong what

has receutlj passed in my mind. I have long thought

; it to be a circumstance highly disgraceful to our

J Clmrch that so few individuals have appeared who

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

are willing to leave the comforts of life, and to endea-
vour to forward, l>y their own exertions, the grand
and momentous work which the God of all grace is
evidently carrying forward in all quarters of the
globe ; and I now begin to feel a desire (should the
providence of God be i)leased to open my path), to
step forward in this great work. I have o})ened the
matter to my Mary, and she tells me that she is
willing to accompany me to any place where I should
see it my duty to go. It has ])leased God to give
us a competency as to this world's goods, and should
any situation similar to the one you are going to,
occur, we should really feel no hesitation in accepting
it. What our future path may be is uncertain ; but
I should not wonder if my dear Armstrong hears of
our following in the steps which he has marked out
for us. There seems much to he done abroad, and
few inclined to do it ; should, therefore, God be
pleased to accept of my poor intentions to be engaged
in forwarding it, I shall rejoice in the circumstance,
and gladly spend and he spent in so glorious an
employment. I have said to my Armstrong what
has been mentioned to no other individual whatever,
my Mary excepted ; I must therefore request he
will not make the slightest allusion to it for the
present.

I have taken the liberty to send you and Mrs. A.
a small token of parting love ; may they prove the
means of your frequently remembering the unworthy
donor, and whenever you think of him offer up a
silent prayer for his spiritual advancement. I have
also to request that you will accept of the enclosed
notes ;* they may, j)erhaps, prove serviceable in pro-
curing a few more additional comforts for your
voyage and future accommodations. May the God
of love accompany you in your voyage, make

* Twenty pouwds. J. A.

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

?, and to cndca-
ions, the grand

I of all grace is
juartors of the
ire (should the
en my path), to
lave opened the

me that she is

where I should

scd God to give

>ods, and should

II are going to,
ion in accepting

i uncertain ; hut
nstrong hears of
has marked out
one ahroad, and
irefore, God be
ns to he engaged
le circumstance,
I so glorious an
A.rmstrong what
vidual whatever,
jfore request he
)n to it for the |

you and Mrs. A.
y they prove the
mg the unworthy |
■ him offer up a
cement. I have
; of the enclosed
erviceahle in pro-
mforts for your
J. May the God
p voyage, make

you abundantly useful in your passage, and still
more so in your destined situation. My prayers,
my best wishes, do certainly attend you ; and though
we may not meet on earth, yet I hope — I would I
could say more, but my treacherous heart will not
permit me — but still I hope that you and I, our
partners, and the children whom God may graciously
give us, may all meet in that blissful state above.
My Mary desires her kindest regards to Mrs. A. rnd
yourself.

Believe me.

Your ever affectionate Friend,

G.M.

TO THE REV. J. ARMSTRONG.

Wellington, July 6th, 1812.

My dear Friend,
As it respects myself, I must say that I feel the
comparatively trifling duties which I have to perform
to be a burden, which at times seems insupportable ;
I but it is the burden which God has placed upon me,
'> and, therefore, I strive to go on and to press forward,
notwithstanding all my difficulties. You would
hardly conceive how much I dread any public exercise
until the moment in which I am actually engaged in
it ; I am filled with the most dismal forebodings ; but
then, through mercy all my fears vanish ; and I have
reason to believe, that my feeble efforts are not
altogether in vain.

Nothing further has elapsed respecting any change
in my situation. My Mary feels a good many ap-
prehensions on the subject at present, and I heUeve I
must leave matters till some circumstance or other
makes my way clear and evident. Our time is very
seldom God's. There is a haste — a precipitancy — in
our proceedings, which is never to be discovered in

'-;. f

T, ' \

',
I
t

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

those of God. The creation of the world — the calling
of his peculiar people — the coming of the Messiah —
all show that God is slow in operation. I feel, my
dear friend, that I have daily and hourly need of
learning a lesson on this subject. Whenever I feel
hurry of spirits, and solicited to do something or
other in haste, I invariably find that it turns out
badly. It is the power of the enemy — God's pro-
cedure is orderly — calm — deliberate : he leads us
gently on, and, while he forcibly convinces the mind,
he opens our providential path.

We live in troublesome times, in a, troublesome
world. But still we have much to be thankful for,
notwithstanding all, and we have a blessed hope of
things infinitely better in the world to come. I
delight to think of those blessed scenes, and am
persuaded that we all of us lose much for want of
reverting to them more frequently. "With heaven in
our eye, how cheerfully are we enabled to march
forward ; how courageously do we charge through all
opposing difficulties ; how contemptuously do we
look upon the things of time and sense ! Here was
the grand support of the Redeemer ; " For the joy
which was set before him he endured the cross, and
despised the shame."

I have lately been very much gratified by reading
apiece of Dr. Watts' on the Separate State. We are
apt to form too spiritual notions of the world to come,
and, consequently, having nothing upon which we can
solidly ground our investigations, we lose much of
the interest and delight which would otherwise be
imparted. When the literal meaning of Scripture
seems to be absurd, we think we are fully justified in
seeking other interpretations ; but to reject the plain
and obvious sense merely because it interferes with
our pre-conceived notions of the subject, is, in my
opinion, quite unwarrantable. We read of cities,

REV. GEOROE MORTIMER, M.A.

temples, altars, mansions, feasts, trees, and rivers.
And no doubt but many of our enjoyments will be
exceedingly similar to those which Jldam enjoyed on
earth, when in a state of innocence ; and it is very
probable that the employments which engage us now
will/? us for similar hereafter. All our peculiarities
of mind and disposition will have room for their full
exercise : the traveller may be permitted to take
excursions into distant worlds. The philosopher may
pursue, without limitation, the investigations of science
and of art. The soul which is enchanted With, harmony,
may, like David, be the leader of some celestial band ;
and the divine will be delighted with fresh discoveries
into the nature, the attributes, the perfections, of his
God ; while the other myriads of beings, each in
their proper class and society, will be enjoying to the
utmost of their capacity the blessings which are most
calculated to administer to their delight.

•I* •n V 1*

From your sincere Friend,

It I

G. M.

se ! Here was

TO A YOUNG LADY.

Wellington, August 13th, 1812.

You have my condolence, my dear Miss in

not being able to attend the kind of ministry yor.
approve of. Most individuals have a turn of mind,
a peculiarity of thinking, which, in a great measure,
may be considered as their own ; and hence it should
seem advisable that when the choice rests on ourselves,
we should attend that ministry which comes nearest
to our own case and circumstances. But, alas ! this
privilege is seldom allotted us ; local situation,
parental restraints, and a variety of other things,
render it in general necessary to attend some place

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

or other, which is not, perhaps, in every view, that
which, if left to ourselves, we would have fixed upon.
The question, then, is merely this — ought we, under
the circumstances, to quarrel with the dispensations
of providence, or quietly and patiently submit, en-
deavouring to extract from existing circumstances all
tlie good we possibly can ? The language of wisdom,
as well as of piety, seems to direct to the latter course,
as that best calculated to promote our present comfort,
and future welfare. God has certainly some wise
end or other to answer in every thing of this nature,
and if we recollect, at the same time, how tenderly he
loves us, how much he desires our spiritual improve-
ment, as well as our eternal felicity, we shall rest so
completely satisfied that we shall not have a single
desire to alter in the minutest particular. But we
are too apt to lose sight of the wisdom and love of
God, as connected with our affairs , we listen to the
suggestions of Satan, and fondly imagine that if we
had the disposal of things we could easily regulate
our concerns, so as to make them more effectually
conduce to our welfare. How presumptuous is such
language, when stripped of its false colouring, and
presented under its real and proper appearance.

On the 30th November, 1812, he writes to his
sister — I think that I mentioned in my last that
there was an increase of congregation, and that I
could discover some traces of the operation of the
Spirit of God in applying the word. These effects,
I gratefully acknowledge, are still to be seen, and it
has pleased God to encourage me by bringing to my
knowledge two instances in which I hope a decided
and saving change has been produced — one on a lady
of respectability in an adjoining parish, and the other
on an individual among the lower circles.

On the 11th January, 1813, he writes to the
same, on the birth of his eldest son ; — I feel grateful
to God for his goodness and mercy, as manifested on

REV. GRORQE MORTIMER, M.A.

the present occasion, and I am cheered with a pleasing
hope that the deposit which has this day been placed
in my hands, will become an heir of immortaUty, a
glory to his God, and an instrument of good to all
around him. He has been the subject of my prayers
for some time past, and I feel persuaded that God
will not disappoint my hope. I, and its dear mother,
feel anxious on its account, but what is our solicitude
concerning him compared with that of the dear Re-
deemer ! How kindly is he interested in his welfare ;
how ardently does he long to see in him of the
travail of his soul that he may be satisfied ! What
encouragement does this consideration afford to the
exercise of patient hope and persevering prayer.

And on the 24th of the following month, he wrote
in reference to the baptism of the infant. "We hope,
should all be well, on this day se'nnight, to devote
our little charge to his gracious God in baptism. I
feel it to be a solemn occasion, for I cannot but think
that much, both of its future happiness and useful-
ness, may depend on the manner in which it is thus
surrendered. I am somewhat apprehensive that we
shall not quite please you with respect to the name
which we think of giving it. But it has long struck
me as being a foolish custom which prevails at present
of giving those names by way of distinction, which,
in fact, owing to their commonness, are no distinction
at all. George, Thomas, Henry, John, are used from
generation to generation, and thus individuals are in-
cessantly mistaken and confounded either for other.
We have, therefore, ventured to step out of the
beaten track, and have accordingly fixed upon Cecil,
as one which, from many pleasing associations, has
become endeared to both of us.

D 2

LIPE AND LETTERS OF THE

TO HIS SISTER.

Wellington, March ICth, 1813.

I have enclosed a copy of a new edition of Alleine's
Alarm, published by Mr. Gilpin. It was this book,
to which, under God, I feel indebted for the determi-
nation which some years ago I received, with respect
to my views and conduct. I love it greatly in its
old and less inviting garb, but far better now. Ah,
my dear sister, many profess religion, many enjoy
some of its comforts, feel pleasure in an attendjince
upon its institutions and its ordinances ; but, to walk
closely with God, to get a deep and thorough know-
ledge both of him and of our own souls, to penetrate
beneath the surface of religion and to forward the
life — the inward life of God in the soul, something
more is required. In order to this, our eye must be
kept constantly directed to one and the same point ;
we must learn that one thing is supereminently
needful, and that everything which stands in compe-
tition with it must be considered as dung and as dross.
May God in mercy impart to both of us such clear,
such vivid and luminous views of its importance,
that the present world and all its gaudy trifles may
be lessened in our estimation, and that true and vital
godliness, deep and genuine spirituality, may become
more and more the objects of our pursuits. We were
yesterday with dear Mrs. Fletcher, and received, as
usual, much profit from her choice, savoury, and
spiritual remarks. The book, which lay open before
her, was her Eible. I could not help thinking how
much more efficaciously we should all of us proceed,
both as ministers and private Christians, if this
blessed book were more frequently and more seriously
perused. There is a strange feeling with respect to
It existing in the minds of most persons who may be

REV. G£ORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

considered as even pious characters. They would
not feel happy if they suffered the day to pass over
without reading their chapter or chapters, but still
they do it as a duty, merely as a duty. IIow rarely
is it taken up as a privilege, as the book of books, as
the very choicest treasure which we could possibly
open ; and yet, unless it be thus resorted to, thus
feelingly read and studied, how can we expect to be
great proficients in the Divine L'fe — how can we
drink deep into the Spirit of our God ? Could we
see into the manner in which many individuals per-
form the duties of their closet, we should not be
much at a loss to discover the reason of their want of
spirituality. It might all be easily and naturally
traced to this one single source — their hour thus set
^part is gone through in a manner not very dissimilar
to a horse in a mill ; they go round and round with
the same lifeless formality ; and when their duty is
over, they pass with unaltered uninfluenced feelings
to anything which may next engage their attention ;
but how different from those who walk in their soli-
tude with God ; who go to their closets as if they
were about to meet the very best friend they have
upon earth; who feel heavenly emotions on every such
occasion rekindled ; whose hearts are made to bum
within them ; in short, who so wait upon God as to
renew their strength; who carry from their privacy a
holy influence which is easily discovered in the whole
of their converse, tempers, and pursuits. Give our
kind love to Eliza, and accept the same yourself. To
both of you we feel no small degree of affectionate
regards ; we often talk of you, but still oftener make
you the subject of our thoughts.

38 LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

TO THE REV. J. ARMSTRONG.

Wellington, April, I8I3.

My dear Friend,
I HAVE of late been obliged to give up all thoughts
of missionary exertions ; my present ministerial
labours (small, alas ! as they are when contrasted with
the more extended operations of my dear friend) are
a weight which presses very heavily upon my mind ;
they drink up all my spirits, and have so completely
transformed me from the cheerful happy individual
which I formerly used to be, that could you break in
upon me accidentally and unawares you would hardly
recognise me for the same. Ah, my dear friend,
could I have foreseen these things, I should scarcely
have dared to have encountered all the anxieties and
perplexities attendant upon the ministerial office. I feel
indeed that I have to sustain a burden ; but there is
one cheering consideration — it is the Lord's burden ;
it is placed and appointed by him, and if patiently
sustained, not only his glory, but my own eternal
welfare, and perhaps that of others also, will be ad-
vanced. But if I feel the burden so great at present,
how little am I cut out for so great a work as that
which you have the honour and the privilege to be
employed in f

In the service of the sanctuary there were hewers
of wood and drawers of water. I seem to be of this
description. But, though these individuals were
mean and insignificant, compared with others, yet
were they useful in their way ; and, if God do but
bless my labours, I trust I shall be content and be
willing to be employed by him to the end of my days.
I would gratefully acknowledge some of his gracious
manifestations in this respect. Two individuals have,
I trust, been savingly brought to the knowledge of

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

(iocl, and some few have, in other respects, been
))onefite(l. This is the Lord's doing, and it is
marvellous in our eyes.

But though my ministerial duties are thus op-
pressive, I have reason to be thankful in other
respects. I have a dear wife, whom I tenderly love,
and God has been pleased to present mo, about three
months since, with a sweet and interesting little son.
He is healthy, animated, and vigorous, and proves to
me a source of comfort which, I must frankly confess,
I but little anticipated. I feel I have an important
deposit placed within my hands , but I trust God
will enable me to train him for the skies, and then all
will be well. We have named him " Cecil," after
our trusty, excellent, and most valuable friend. I
should have preferred to have prefixed in its stead
that of my good friend whom I am addressing ; but
its length, as well as the number of consonants which
compose it, render it as a Christian name somewhat
harsh and sonorous.

Since I last wrote to you, I received a letter from

our friend F , of Trinity. It was the bearer of

melancholy tidings ; the cup of this excellent young
man seems to be composed of sorrows peculiarly
severe. He lost some time ago, as you will doubt-
less recollect, a tender father, under circumstances
trulv afflictive, and now he has lost his still dearer
mother.

He heard, by letter, of her illness, rode to Inver-
ness, where she then was, without the least inter-
mission ; but when he arrived, she was dead. The
weight of this calamity upon his mind, together with
the accumulated pressure of temporal and domestic
concerns, have caused him to pass through deep
waters ; but God has given to them a sanctifying in-
fluence : you would be truly gratified at the genuine
stream of piety which pervades the whole of his
letter. It characterizes a real child of God.

■^\

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

f >

I !

I have lately been turning my attention towards
botany. Should you ever be sending a packet to
your brother, would you be so kind as to enclose me
a few seeds of some of your choice and beautiful
flowers; I mean those which are peculiar to your
climate ? You will favour me still further by affixing
the names by which they are commonly known. If
you have never amused yourself in this way, you will
be surprised at the inexhaustible source of pleasure of
which it is capable. I walked out with my Mary this
morning through the adjoining country. We were
pleased and exhilarated on various accounts ; but our
botanic pleasures were by far the greatest. Little, ex-
quisitely tasty beauties were discovered by us, which
before had completely escaped our notice ; they lie
before me on my table ; and while I look at them, I
am led to adore the Hand which so elegantly and in-
geniously formed them.

My best wishes and my constant weekly prayers
attend you. I greatly love you — am tenderly con-
cerned in your welfare, and shall always rejoice on
being able to congratulate you on its realization.
From your ever sincere Friend,

G. M.

About the middle of the year 1814, Mr. Mortimer
was joined by a coadjutor in the curacy of Welling-
ton, of a kindred spirit with himself, and one with
whom he seems to have taken sweet counsel, walking
to the house and service of God as friends. This
was the Rev. John King, already mentioned in the
preface. In a letter to his sister, on the 3rd of June,
1814, is this short notice of the event just referred
to : — " My dear friend King has joined us — he is
beloved by all." In another letter dated the 30th of
the same month, he mentions his great attachment

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

to Mr. King, their delightful opportunities of
studying together, and that he esteems his coming
under his roof as one of the greatest blessings ever
vouchsafed. His intimacy with this gentleman was
formed at the University ; " being introduced to
him," as he mentions in a letter to the writer, " the
very first evening of his coming to college, and we
have," he adds, " ever since remained in the closest
bonds of union."

TO THE REV. J. ARMSTRONG.

Wellington, Sept. 1, 1814.

My very dear Friend,
I FEEL thankful that a day of comparative leisure
enables me to fulfil my eugagement as to writing
to you. It is the Lord's goodness ; and I cannot
help considering it as one out of many thousand
other instances in which prayer and simple reliance
upon God tend most effectually to forward us in our
concerns. I fear to trust my own unstable and
treacherous heart, and therefore begged of God that
he would graciously assist me ; and, were I to do so
constantly, how much better would it be for me !
how many good plans and well concerted schemes,
instead of being rendered abortive, would have been
sped and prospered I But, trusting in the goodness
of the plan, instead of the blessing of the Lord, and,
at the same time, overlooking my own utter insuffi-
ciency, I have been manifestly left to learn lessons
of dependence, through the unwelcome medium of
failure and disappointment. But, after all the pains
which a gracious God has been pleased to take with
me, how slow I am to learn, how unwilling to become
nothing, that God may become all in all. And yet this
is the only way in which we can be either extensively

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LIFE AND LETTERS OP THE

or permanently blessed. We are dealt with as
children ; but on which of his children will a judi-
ciously affectionate parent bestow the greatest honour?
Not on the forward and self-sufficient. This is a
spirit which he must chasten and subdue by patient
and humiliating discipline. It is the child who is
modest, distrustful, and unassuming, who is diffident
of his abilities, and afraid of leaning to his own
understanding, that will meet with the countenance
and support of the wise and tender father. But to
one of a contrary temper, such a mode of treatment
would be ruinous, and, therefore, utterly inadmissible
on the part of a parent whose affectionate heart was
regulated by a sound and enlightened judgment.
Ah, my dear friend, how often do we put it out of the
power even of the tender Father of mercies to speed
and prosper us ! How much humiliating discipline
are we incessantly courting by attempting to rob God
of that glory which belongs to himself alone !

A few evenings ago i received a letter from my
agent in town, giving me an account of some loss
which I had lately sustained. I took my dear wife
with me into my study, and falling on our knees, we
prayed to the Lord to bring us into a ready acquies-
cence with his divine will, and to keep us from every
the least feeling of dissatisfaction or expression of
complaint. While engaged in prayer, those words,
" God is love," came with sweet power to my mind.
I felt convinced that it was that divine attribute, and
that alone, which had appointed the circumstance ;
that I could not have done so well vdthout as with it;
and, consequently, that I had far more reason for
gratitude and praise than for anything else. Since
that time how clearly have I seen that the love of
God is the only proper key to unlock all God's dis-
pensations, and that when this is used it will open to
us treasures of mercies and of blessings which would
otherwise be for ever closed from our view. The

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

Lord teach me for the future to profit hy the
instruction ; and enable ub to label, as it were, each
passing trial with some such inscription as this,
"From your loving Father."

You, my dear friend, have had much to bear ; and
perhaps Satan has whispered at times into your mind
those considerations which are likely to distress and
to discourage you ; but all is well ; all originates in
love ; and, therefore, as Pai ne.' ho sweetly teaches,
"Where you can't unravel," ^ t? should learn to
trust."

I hope you feel confidence in these blessed results
of your labours. "What a word is that of our gracious
Redeemer's, and how worthy to be graven on the
palms of every minister of his truth ! " Said I not
unto thee, if thou wouldst believe thou shouldst see
the glory of God ?" Surely it is nothing but our
unbelief which hinders the Lord from laying bare his
arm, and doing wondrous things in righteousness.
In our parish and neighbourhood we have lately seen
a far more extensive w6rk both of conversion and
progression than we have ever yet been indulged
with ; and I cannot but ascribe it to the many
prayers which have been recently offered up in refer-
ence to this point. Many of us have felt great con-
fidence that the Lord would revive his work among
us ; and he who has taught us daily to pray that his
kingdom might come, has in no way disappointed our
hope. We trust, however, that what we have hitherto
seen are merely the drops before the shower.

Mary and King unite with me in kindest love to
yourself and dear Mrs. A., and
I remain.

Your ever sincere and truly affectionate Friend,

George Mortimer.

' t

Mr. Mortimer, from his early connexion with the
Methodists, imbibed many of their views, and followed

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

out some of their practices. I cannot say that he
succeeded in convincing me of the expediency of the
plan described in the following letter, though pos-
sessed probably of some advantages ; nor do I think
that he continued always to approve of the same ;
but I think it right that he should speak for himself,
and therefore I shall give several copies or extracts
of his letters on the subject : —

TO THE REV. JOHN ARMSTRONG.

Wellington, Salop. October 27, 1814.

Ah, my dear friend, what need have we all of being
occasionally pulled down, stripped of our fancied
excellencies, spoiled of our boasted props, and laid
low in self-abasement and humility of soul at the feet
of Jesus. And considering this our need, how kind
is it in the Lord to take the painful pains with us
which he does. He had much rather rejoice over us
in unclouded prosperity ; but our perverseness will
not suffer him, and therefore he forces himself to
grieve us. He constrains himself to cut off the
dangerous limb — to amputate — when it would be
injurious to spare.

We have two classes, after the manner of the
Methodists ; one consisting of men, and the other of
women. The former led by Mr. Eyton, and the
latter by myself. Out of the men's class, Mr. E.
has selected six young men, four of whom go out on a
Monday evening, in turns, and expound to the poor in
four cottages in different parts of the parish ; and
much good, I trust, has already been seen resulting
from the plan. Mr. E. did not think of the classes
till about a year and a half ago ; but we all feel truly
thankful to God that they were begun at last. You
would have been struck at the effects which soon

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

began to follow. A standard, if I may so speak, was
by this means erected, and many, who in all pro-
bability would have remained halting and hesitating
till the very end of their days, were induced, one after
another, to flock around it, and I have been surprised
at the degree of help which they have all received
since they were thus united. And, in addition to
their own personal benefit, they soon became instru-
mental of good to others. Our little society became
a kind of nursery of expounders, exhorters, and
assistants in prayer ; and now, instead of a compara-
tively barren wilderness, we are rejoiced to behold, in
many places, an incipient garden of the Lord.

Another benefit 1 would just beg leave to notice,
and that refers to yourself. You will know much
more of the state of your people, you will obtain a
greater insight into their temptations, difficulties, and
trials, and will be led to look around you for the
means of obviating, or else helping them to bear
them ; and thus your manner of preaching will
become far more experimental, and, consequently, far
more useful. "Without some such knowledge of our
people as we thus obtain, our discourses, as Mr. Jerram
used to say, will be about it, and about it, but seldom
actually upon the mark. I have found a very mate-
rial benefit myself in this way, and I would not have
been without it for worlds. Now, my dear friend,
what hinders but that you should enter upon such a
class meeting ? If you have only three or four, begin
with them ; meet with them weekly ; begin with
singing and prayer ; relate to them the state of your
own mind during the week, and then inquire into the
state of their' 8. Prayer may conclude. Mr. E. began,
I think, with only four, and was some weeks before
he got above two or three more ; but now the men's
class is between thirty and forty, and the women's
not far short. Do not be afraid of the Methodistical
appearance of the procedure. It is full of benefits.

Mil

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LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

and I have no question but that if you can prevail
upon yourself to adopt it, yourself and thousands
more will have eternal reason to bless God for its
institution. And, under such circumstances, should
a name, or an appearance, cause you a moment's
hesitation ? I trust it will not. * * *

I remain,

Your very sincere Friend

And Brother in the Lord,

George Mortimer.

The following letter is a beautiful manifestation of
the greatest humility as to his own Christian expe-
rience ; it was addressed to his sister : —

Wellington, Nov. 17th, 1814.

My dear Mary,

I HAVE to thank my dear mother and yourself for
the printed account, and the accompanying letter
relative to the Lord's gracious dealings with our
dear departed brother: they have proved highly
interesting, and, I trust, truly profitable to us. May
our ears ever be disposed to listen to, and our hearts
prepared to receive, instruction from all the gracious
means which a God of infinite love and mercy is ever
taking with us, in order to our good, and when it
comes to our turn to drop the garments of mortality
may it be with us, as it was with dear James, to be
clothed with those of light. A tear may now and
then involuntarily escape me when I advert to the
difference between his envied situation and my own.
He quite safe, I still surrounded with danger ; still
called to many a conflict with the Christian's three-
fold enemy ; still smarting from the wounds which
my own unfaithfulness and presumption rendered
expedient that I should receive. But I comfort

can prevail
thousands
rod for its

ces, should
moment's

Lord,
Mortimer.

Testation of
istian expe-

7th, 1814.

^ourself for
ying letter
5 with our
ved highly
• us. May
our hearts
he gracious
ercy is ever
ad when it
f mortality
imes, to be
ly now and
ert to the
d my own.
nger; still
iau's three-
inds which
1 rendered
I comfort

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

myself with the recollection that the time will soon
come when I hope to be crowned as victor, and
that my continuance here below is with the merciful
intention of giving me increased opportunity of
getting some fresh jewels to my crown, and of
getting those brightened which are already there.
May the great Captain of my salvation so stand by
me, that all these His gracious purposes may be
abundantly answered ! I bless God, I do feel an
increasing desire to live to Him, and to the
glory of his name; and there are times in which
I feel that I have an increased power to do so.
When I compare the general state of my reU-
gious experience with what it formerly was, I
find that I am enabled to exercise more uniformly
submission to his divine will, and to depend upon
him more habitually for the supply of all my wants.
I feel in many respects more crucified to the world,
and the world seems to have become more so to me ;
so that I care but little about a variety of things
which were at one time accustomed to engross much
of my time and affections. In a word, I am led to
conclude, that the life which I now live in the flesh
is somewhat more a life of faith in the Son of God,
a simple dependence and reliance upon Him, as
my wisdom, righteousness, strength, and happiness,
as my all-sufl[icient Saviour. But while I feel great
cause foi thankfulness in these respects, yet how far
am I from so walking as to please my God ! I was
thinking over the state of my mind the other morn-
ing, and I felt deeply humbled before the Lord on
account of it. My religion strikes me as being more
superficial and circumstantial, than deep, inward, and
spiritual. I possess a measure of union with God,
but very little communion with Him. I am engaged
in His works, and doing His will in the main, but I
hold slight and frequently interrupted converse with
Him. But how can such a walk be pleasing unto
God ? But, perhaps, you will not be able to enter

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

into my feelings — as connected with this my defect
in religious experience — unless I have recourse to
some familiar illustration. An individual may be
walking by my side, towards the place which I would
have him proceed to, and in the way in which I would
have him walk ; but should he walk for miles and
hours together, in total silence, never, during these
intervals, drop a word expressive of his views and
feelings, never communicate to me the least thing
which is passing in his mind ; or should he manifest
a similar indifference concerning my communications
to him, should he never listen to my voice, or suifer
himself to be so amused with the surrounding pros-
pect, or the incidents of the journey, as to have no ear
for me, what opinion should I form of such an indi-
vidual ? Would he be walking so as to please me ?
The application is easy — we may be walking in God's
commands towards the place he would have us
direct our face, and in those paths which he has
been pleased to appoint ; but if we do not hold con-
verse with him, if we are backward to tell him what
is passing in our minds, or if we have no ear to
listen to his kind communications, suffering our-
selves to be previously engaged with the things by
which we are surrounded, how little can such a
walk be gratifying to the blessed God ! Now, my
dear Mary, here is my defect ; I do not cultivate, as
I ought, that loving, gracious intercourse with my
loving Redeemer which it is my privilege to enjoy :
not only many moments, but, sometimes, even hours,
pass without anything like direct communion with
him. Oh, when shall I be able to adopt the
language — the beautiful expressive language — of one
of Sir. Wesley's hymns —

"Far above all earthly things.

While yet my hands are here employed ;
Sees my soul the King of kings,
And freely talks with God."

I my defect
recourse to
al may be
ich I would
ich I would
> miles and
iring these

views and
least thing
le manifest
nunications
:e, or suffer
iding pros-
have no ear
ch an indi-
please me ?
ng in God's
d have us
lich he has
»t hold con-
[1 him what

no ear to
'ering our-
; things by
;an such a
Now, mv
jultivate, as
36 with my
;e to enjoy :
even hours,
lunion with

adopt the
ige — of one

yed;

REV. OEOROE MORTIMER, M.A.

Let us help one another, my dear sister, in this im-
portant matter by our mutual and fervent prayers.
Good Archbishop Leighton, alluding to the effects
of intercourse kept up on the part of ministers with
the blessed God, has happily expressed himself : —
"They that converse most with the King, and are
inward with him, know most of the affairs of state,
and even the secrets of them, which are hid from
others. And, certainly, those of God's messengers
who are oftenest with Himself, cannot but under-
stand their business best, and know most of His
meaning, and the affairs of His kingdom." "What a
luminous proof did this most excellent man afford
in his conduct of the truth of his own assertion, and
what need have we, who are the ministers and stewards
of the same mysteries, to follow him as he also fol-
lowed Christ !

TO THE REV. JOHN ARMSTRONG.

Wellington, Salop. Dec. 29, 1814.
My dear Friend,

9|C *|5 ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^*

In my last I mentioned to you the illness and expected
removal of my youngest brother, James. He has
since been called to his rest, and I am truly thankful
to be enabled to state that his death was attended
with circumstances highly satisfactory, especially
when it is remembered that he was not in any ';yay a
communicative lad, but, on the contrary, very silent
and reserved. Well ! he is gone — gone, I trust, to
eternal glory. The Lord, in his rich mercy, prepare
us all to follow him ! He was the youngest among
us, and the least likely to be first called. I hope
that we have most of us been induced by the cir-
cumstance to watch and to be sober ; " so to number

I'S

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LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

our days as to apply our hearts unto wisdom." As
far as regards myself, I think I may say that the
lesson has been very salutary. I have been led to
consider myself as the next which shall be called,
and, of course, eternal and invisible things have ap-
peared exceedingly near. I thank God that death
has no sting to me. Its sting is sin, and that my
gracious Redeemer has mercifully removed. The
anticipation, therefore, far from being a means of
uneasiness, is matter of entire and sober satisfaction ;
not that I have any cause for disquietude here below
— not that I have any restlessness of desire arising
from a querulous or pettish feeling of discontent.
No, my dear friend, God has been, and still continues
to be, abundant in mercy and truth. But still these
things are not my God — this world is not my home.
I seem to myself like a school-boy very agreeably
placed at school — fond of his master, pleased with
his companions, and interested by his studies, he
has every sober ground for satisfaction, and, as
such, does not pettishly wish to he gone — does not
for a moment think of leaving till his vacation shall
arrive : but still the thoughts of home delight him,
and when the summer which calls him there arrives,
he most cheerfully complies — his kind master, his
pleasing companions — his engaging studies — all are
most gladly left ; for these are not his home. Ah,
my dear friend, how lightly should we all sit to the
things beneath, to those which are nearest and
dearest, did we but consider heaven more as our own
place — as our heavenly Father's house !

I often wish, my dear friend, that the bounds of
our habitation were so fixed that we might not only
correspond with, but f-ice to face converse with, each
other. This privilege I now enjoy with my friend
King, who for nearly a year has been on the same
spot, and even in the same house. But I still feel
my heart longing afler my absent friend. This

indeed r

titude ai

the mer

And ye

the case

thank G

metlium

and vak

yit the (

did I cv

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forted wi

we shall

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shall be

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our lovir

the life,'

kingdom

Your

Anotl:
rector o
duced-
This ge
was eng
desirous
and of 1(
office.

om." As
|r that the
jeen led to
be called,
;s have ap-
that death
d that my
ived. The

I means of
itisfaction ;
here below
jire arising
discontent.

II continues
t still these
; my home.
f agreeably
[eased with
studies, he

, and, as
I — does not

ation shall
light him,
lere arrives,
master, his
les — all are
lome. Ah,
,11 sit to the
learest and

as our own

e bounds of
ht not only
J with, each

my friend
^n the same

I still feel
iend. This

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

indeed may originate in some latent feeling of ingra-
titude and discontent, which leads me to overlook
the mercy vouchsafed, and to long for that denied.
And yet I am not conscious that this is altogether
the case : hardly a day elapses in which I do not
thank God for the blessing granted me, through the
medium of my present friend. He is a most choice
and valuable young man — one of ten thousand. And
yet the question frequently arises in my mind, why
did 1 ever know^ — why did I feel so exceedingly at-
tached to my absent friend, if it were not the inten-
tion of a gracious and indulgent God to give him to
me in like manner ? But the ways of the Lord are
in the great deep : his footsteps are not known ; and
yet gracious, though unknown, I would therefore be
thankful that I have a dear — dear — very dear friend,
to whom I can write, and for whom I can pray, if I
can do no more ; and my mind is solaced and com-
forted with the hope that a day is coming in which
we shall join to part no more ; that glorious in-
heritance is at hand where some adjacent mansion
shall be assigned us, or where distance shall prove
no impediment or barrier to our intercourse. May
our loving Saviour, who is " the way, the truth, and
the life," guide us and ours all safe to this glorious
kingdom !

I remain,
Ypur very affectionate Friend and old Collegian,

" MORT."

Another of his friends, the Bev. J. C., the present
rector of a parish in Cheshire, may be here intro-
duced — a friend whom he esteemed very highly.
This gentleman, in the former years of his life,
was engaged in business, and his friend was very
desirous of detaching his mind from this pursuit,
and of leading him to tu :n his attention to the sacred
office. In one of his early letters pressing this

E 2

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LIFE AND LETTERS OP THE

, s

change upon his consideration, he makes the fol-
lowing pertinent remark :—

" It is not easy, when fixed by circumstances, and
extensively surrounded by our secular concerns, to
follow the example of Matthew, and immediately to
arise. The din of business and the clamour of dear
friends drown the soft intimations of our passing
Lord, and, questioning the reality of his call, we find
it difficult to leave all behind."

In the following extract of a letter to the Rev. J.
Armstrong, Mr. Mortimer states what he conceived
to be the qualifications of a minister of the word in a
foreign or uncultivated soil ; and also his views of
Arminianism. His remarks on the latter subject
were addressed to the editor, to whom, in a former
letter, he had given some account of a plan which he
and some of his friends had devised of raising a fund
for the purchase of livings, and had given to the
designation of the object an Arminian character.
The editor, who has often been considered as a
Calvinist, wrote to his friend to say he objected to
the title of his projected association ; adding, that,
in the event of his returning home invalided, or
from other causes, he could expect to derive no
benefit from his friend's patronage : —

WelUngton, Salop. Feb. 25th, 1815.

My dear Friend,

Were I required to point out those qualifications
which should distinguish the minister of the word in
a foreign or uncultivated soil, I should not specify
those qualities which are too exclusively dwelt upon
by many. I should not inquire into the fervour of
his spirit, the commanding or winning nature of his
aspect and address, the robustness of his frame —

REV. OEOROB MORTIMER, M.A.

J the fol-

nces, and
icerns, to
diately to
ur of dear
ir passing
U, we find

16 Rev. J.

conceived

word in a

views of

er subject

a former

which he
ling a fund
ven to the

character,
ered as a
objected to
ling, that,
'ahded, or

derive no

5th, 1815.

lahfications
he word in
lot specify
iwelt upon
fervour of
ture of his
Is frame —

" his iron sinews, and his bones of brass ; " — nil
these things are good auxiliaries, but they are not
essentials. The grand requisite seems to be this, a
quiet steady application to present duty, combined
with a peaceful and unbroken reliance upon the Lord ;
for if an individual be possessed of a spirit and
temper which this conduct supposes, he must succeed.
Hosts of opposing difficulties will, one after another,
fall before him like the petrified band who came to
seize the person of our Lord. All his patient labours,
the produce of his faith, shall bear the approving
seal of God — ^all that he doeth shall prosper. But,
if present duty be neglected, or supinely, or unin-
terestingly conducted — if his reliance and confidence
on God be broken— if his oppressed spirit sink under
every wave of discouragement which for the trial of
his faith is permitted to pass over him — under such
circumstances, prosperity is impossible ; for even our
gracious and our willing Lord can in no wise help us.
From these considerations, I feel truly thankful that
your spirit faints not, that your confidence in God
still remains, and that yo" still apply yourself to
your arduous work. This Moravian (I should rather
have said this Christlike) spirit will, with the super-
added blessing of the Lord, bring to you and your dear
flock a train of mercies far exceeding the most san-
guine of your expectations. ** Be strong, therefore,
and of a good courage ; fear not, neither be dismayed ;
and then the Lord thy God. will be with thee whither-
soever thou goest." He will " Cover thy head in
the day of battle ; he will, take hold of shield and
buckler ; he will fight for thee, and thou shalt hold
thy peace." But -while I am thus alluding to your
ministerial duties, I would again recommend to you
what I took the liberty of urging upon you somewhat
at large in a former letter. I allude to class meetings.
Whatever you do, my dear Armstrong, do not omit
these. I have seen already, and daily continue to

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LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

see, advantages the most unequivocal resulting from
them ; and am convinced that no one endued either
with a spiritual mind, or with a desire after it, would
make an experiment of their efficacy without most
convincingly perceiving it. In your own case, 1 have
no question hut that the adoption of the plan I am
recommending, would become quite an era to you in
spiritual prosperity, both as a church and as a private
individual — an epocha upon which you would ever
look back with the most unqualified delight.

You seem prepared, my good friend, to receive
from me somewhat of an Arminian trimming for the
heretical, alteration which you have ventured to pro-
pose as connected with our " Living and Peri)etual
Advowson Plan." It happens, however, that I feel
no such disposition at present ; not that I am less
anxious than before for the maintenance of sound
doctrine within the walls of our churches, but because
.1 have a good hope that in your case a caution upon
these points is almost unnecessary. I trust that,
notwithstanding the force of certain prejudices im-
bibed in the early part of your Christian life, the
leaven of real unadulterated truth has been intro-
duced into your mind, and that a time will come in
which it will predominate to the leavening of the
whole lump. I should be glad to find that this was
the case even now ; for, though the circumstances in
which you are placed at present forbid the introduc-
tion of any extensive evil, yet still, I fear that some
degree of evil will almost unavoidably find an entrance.
For every portion of error has its corresponding por-
tion of evil. Truthy simple, unmixed truth, is that
which sanctifies^ and truth alonCi But as to en-
deavouring to lead you through all the mazes of
controversy and debate to this desirable end, I have
not the least intention, nor even desire. I had rather
leave you in the hands of God, by prayer, begging
that lie, the God of Truth and the Father of Lights

king from
ued either
' it, would
lOut most
ase, I have
)lan I am

I to you in
s a private
ould ever
t.

to receive
Ing for the
ed to pro-

Perjjetual
that I feel

I am less
; of sound
ut because
ition upon
trust that,
ludices im-
n life, the
3een intro-

II come in
mg of the
it this was
1 stances in
; introduc-
that some
1 entrance,
adiug por-
h, is that
as to en-
mazes of

id, I have
bad rather
r, begging
of Lights

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

5.-)

would, in his mercy, condescend to instruct you him-
self, and, guided by him, you will then be led into
all truth. As to the alteration you propose, we are
perfectly of your mind, that the word " Arminian "
had better be omitted, and as such intend to drop it.
For, though we should naturally be led to make choice
of individuals the most accordant with our own views,
yet neither liberality nor candour would teach us
to exclude others. Besides, all the good purposes
arising from the insertion of the term may certainly
be answered without. It will be well known in whose
hands the conduct of the affair is vested ; this of
itself will show the bias of our mind, and this is all
we wish. Exclusion upon the general scale is cer-
tainly no part of our intention ; we are thankful,
therefore, for your friendly hint.

^^ ^p ^^ ^^ ^^ ^p ^^ T*

We all unite in kindest love to you and yours,
and I remain,

Your truly affectionate Friend and Brother,

G. Mortimer.

TO the rev. JOHN ARMSTRONG.

Wellington, Salop. May 1st, 1815.

My dear Friend,
Your last letter gave me an account of dear Mrs. A.*s
indisposition. She has been much on my mind of
late. I feared lest her protracted illness should be
the forerunner of something worse ; and my mind
shrunk from the idea of the painful circumstances in
which yourself would be placed, should her removal
be the ultimate issue. But I have left the whole in
the hands of our wise and loving God, and I have no
doubt but that all will be well. To be a stranger in
a strange land, oppressed vrith cares and surrounded

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

with more than ordinary difficulties, and at the same
time reft of his bosom friend, the sharer of his
troubles, and the assuager of his griefs ; this is a
trial from which the mind revolts. But still, " God
is faithful, who will not suffer us to be tempted above
that we are able." He will proportion our supports
to our trials, and with Christ's strengthening us we
can not only do, but bear all things ; and, therefore,
all that we have to do is to shut our eye, and to
yield our hand, and to suffer our kind Lord to lead
us whithersoever he shall please. We have nothing
to do with anticipation respecting the future. Grace
is indeed promised to us, not however in advance —
not as a stock which we may possess beforehand, but
as we need it. " As thy day, thy strength shall be."
I have found this consideration a great source of
comfort to my own mind when I have been recoiling
at the painful possibilities of the morrow ; for, though
I could not bear this and the other trial to-day with
my present strength, yet to morrow's strength may
and will be sufficient for me, provided I do but look
for it. "Were a martyr's trials in reserve for me, a
martyr's grace would also be prepared for me.

With regard to myself all at present is peaceful in
the extreme ; my mind calmly reposing on the God
of all my mercies in tranquil dependence. My wife,
my children, my servants, my property, all so suit-
able, so calculated to administer to my comfort, and
to leave me no reasonable earthly wish unfulfilled.
All, my dear friend, is so well ; all so mercifully
regulated, that I sometimes look around me with
surprise, and am almost led to suspect lest the
treacherous calm should be merely the forerunner of
some tremendous storm. But the consideration does
not alarm me ; for " God is love."

From your truly affectionate

and ever sincere Friend,

George Mortimer.

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

the same
r of his
this is a
11, " God
;ed above
supports
ng us we
herefore,
and to
d to lead
) nothing
Grace
ivance —
mnd, but
hall be."
jource of
recoiling
p, though
day with
igth may
but look
for me, a
le.

;aceful in
I the God
My wife,
i so suit-
ifort, and
iifulfilled.
nercifuUy
me with
lest the
runner of
ition does

ORTIMBR.

In the month of May, 1815, he was invited to
Madeley by many of the parishioners, a deputation
from whom waited upon the rector, the Rev. H.
Burton, to request he might be appointed curate;
and, accordingly, he removed thither on the 8th of
the ensuing month. The following letter addressed
to the editor refers to the event, and enters some-
what into the particulars of it : —

Madeley, near Shiffnal, Salop.
June 15th, 1815.

My dear Friend,

Few things were further from my thoughts, when I
last wrote to you, than that I should now be ad-
dressing a letter to you from the above-mentioned
place; but, "the Lord's ways are not our ways,
nor his thoughts our thoughts ;" we may contrive,
but he controls. I had imagined that my lot was,
for some time to come, assigned to me among my
dear people at Wellington, and that in. my late
house of mercies, surrounded by the family of my
excellent vicar, and his valuable assistant, I should
continue to flourish and grow like a tree planted by
rivers of waters. But the Lord has seen fit to
transplant me; of its being his work I feel fully
assured ; and, therefore, I can now expect my com-
forts and blessings in a diflbrent way and through
other channels. Thus, goodness and mercy have
followed me all t? o days of my life, and will still
follow me. I do, Ii'deed, quite wonder at the ciiange;
it seems more lii ^ a dream than otherwise, that I
should be fixed in this place and parish, of which I
had so often read, and which has always been associ-
ated in my mind with that wonderful and astonishing
man of God, the late venerable Mr. De la Fl^chere.
But you will, perhaps, wish to know the steps

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

which led me hither. Mr.Walters, the late curate (or
rather the present, for he does not leave till next Tues-
day) having heard of a situation which seemed, in many
respects, more congenial to his views than that of Made-
ley, gave notice of its being his intention to leave, in the
church on Sunday after divine service. The people
were much surprised at the commur'ntion; but
since the choice of their minister has usually been
left to themselves, they immediately began to look
around them ; and, having fixed upon me, they
begged of Mr. Eyton, that he would give me up,
and of myself, that I would undertake the cure of
the place. Had I been disposed to consult merely
with flesh and blood, Madeley would have been the
last place to which I should have consented to have
gone ; but, as dear Mrs. Fletcher and the people of
all descriptions seemed desirous of my coming among
them, I thought it would be wrong to resist the order
pf God, and, as such, professed a willingness to let
them do anything with me which they should please.
A deputation was accordingly sent to Mr. Burton,
the vicar, who resides qn another living a few miles
oflF, requesting him to appoint me. He received
them, in the first instance, with a degree of cool-
ness which led them to conclude that there was but
little hope. He did not even tell them that he
would consider the application, but put them off
with mentioning another person who, he thought,
would suit him. Under such circumstances, prayer
seemed the only resort, and to the prayers of the
church I belie;ve I have been given, and to these
alone. In about ten days after the first application,
I heard through the medium of a relation of his,
that he had some intentions of appointing me, and
as such I waited upon him, and was received both by
^aimself and his wife with a degree of cordiality and
attention which quite surprised me. We soon came
to terms, aad I have since heard, from various

mrate (or
ext Tues-
, in many
ofMade-
ive, in the
people
ion; but
ally been

to look
ne, they

me up,
! cure of
t merely
been the
I to have
people of
ig among
the order
ess to let
d please.
. Burton,
few miles

received

of cool-
was but

that he
them off
thought,
IS, prayer
•s of the
to these
plication,
►n of his,
; me, and
I both by
iality and
)on came
I various

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

sources, that he is not only well disposed towards
me, but quite congratulates himself upon my having
undertaken his cure. Such wonderful revolutions,
both in mind and in circumstances, is the Lord able to
effect. All things being thus far adjusted, I began
to look out for a situation for myself, and for a suitable
tenant for the house I was about to leave, and in
both respects have I been led most remarkably to
see the hand of God. The house I now occupy has
been desired by many, as it is the only one in the
place at all suitable for a person in my circumstances;

but a disacreiement

among

the persons who had to

let it, prevented everything like an avnicable prospect,
and it has been strangely left in the midst of all for
me. How kind arid how condescending is the care of
God! How does it reach even to the minutest
particulars, and much more to the commodiously
and pleasantly assigning the bounds of our habita-
tion. Our removal also has been attended with
blessings. Scarcely anything, in the shape of injury,
has hitherto been perceived, and what trivial matters
have, been noticed have only terided to increase our
gratitude, by shewing us what might have been, had
not God given his charge as connected with them.
You will smile, perhaps, at these kind of enumera-
tions; but I feel a pleasure in adverting to them
piyself, and, therefore, I must beg your indulgence.
" A special and minute providence is an object of my
firm belief, as well as a source of my calmest and
most extensive J!oys. I love to dwell on such a truth
as this> /The very hairs of your hfead are all num-
bered.' "

You have heard, perhaps, of the Honourable Mr.
Byder having been made Dean of Wells, and of
his most decided and open exhibition of piety in
his exalted situation. About a month ago he was
^ade Jfishop of Gloucester, an event which has
filled the hearts of the pious in our Establishment

! f

si ;

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LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

\i \r^

with inexpressible gratitude. It may, indeed, be
said by us on such an occasion, " The Lord hath
done great things for us, whereof we are glad," and
to his name would we ascribe the praise. A lady
of my acquaintance happened, at the time when his
appointment was known, to be dining in a party at
which Mr. Wilberforce was present, and she states,
that two or three times he could not help saying in
the most animated manner, '*I am afraid, I am too
glad at it, but it is such a great thing."

I remain,
Your ever affectionate Friend,

Geo. Mortimer.

Mr. Mortimer's post at Madeley was, upon his
entrance on the duties of it, one beset with great
difficulties; but by the blessing of God upon his
Christian spirit and conduct he overcame them all.
This will be seen from the following extracts of three
letters, the first and third directed to his sister, and
the second to his friend abroad.

After alluding to the difficulties referred to, he
says, August, 1815 : —

" I feel a power to stand still and see the salvation
of God ; my chief attention is directed, not to outward
circumstances, but to my own spirit. I am desirous
of cultivating kindness and affection, and am convinced
that so long as nothing is cherished by me contrary
to love, all will eventually be well. We have had a,
most gratifying visit from Mr. and Mrs. Butterworth,
and feel truly thankful for the kind, providence which
brought them among us. What a stimulus to in-
creased activity for God and our fellow-creatures
does the animating example of such a character as
Mr. B. afford. Such sobriety of mind, such solidity
of judgment, such earnestness of C-Jlwuirour : I could
not help applying to him the words of my favourite
Herbert, -

tdeed, be
jord hath
ad," and
A lady
when his
1 party at
he states,
saying in
I am too

[qrtimer.

upon his
ith great
upon his
them all.
s of three
ister, and

d to, he

salvation
)outward
I desirous
jonvinced

contrary
Eive had a
terworth,
ice which
us to in-

creatures

iracter as

h solidity

I could

favourite

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

' Let thy mind still be bent, still plotting where,
And when, and how, the business may be done. '

" Mrs. Fletcher still continues to speak once a week
to her people and also to meet her class ; her breath-
ing is much affected, and she continues to break very
fast. She spoke on the Monday evening, while Mr.
and Mrs. B. were here, for the last time on the week-
days. The assemblage was highly gratifying. After
we came home, we reckoned upwards of fifty who
had come from Wellington to hear her. Such honour
has this distinguished saint of God.*'

Madeley, near ShifFnal, Salop. Sept. 1st, 1815.

Since I last wrote to you I have had to encounter
many difficulties in my parish, but I am thankful to
state that they have now nearly subsided. You
must understand that my parish abounds with
Methodists, or at least that the greater part of the
serious people are such, and of course the church,
though generally attended by them once a day, is
looked upon as a mere secondary concern. Now
though I respect the Methodists, so long as they
keep to their own place, and would gladly give to
them, under such circumstances, the right hand of
fellowship, yet when they leave their proper place and
wish to occupy that post of pre-eminence which the
Lord has given to the church, then I feel it to be my
duty to step forward and to show them where they
ought to remain. My predecessors here, namely, Mr.
Fletcher, Melville Home, and Mr. Walters, all of them
preached at regular times in the Methodist chapels.
When I came here they solicited me, andMrs. Fletcher
among others was exceedingly urgent. I felt it my
duty, however, most stoutly to refuse. This, as you
may suppose, gave great offence, and they imagined
that instead of a friend and encourager, they had most

:l f

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i,i

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

strangely stumbled upon a most determined enemy .
Time, however, has shown them that they misjudged
me, and that I can be friendly and yet not go all the
lengths which they, through a regard to precedents,
had most unaccountably expected ; and now, the
s ober-minded come to church as usual, and every-
thing seems to be pro ceeding in a spirit of love and
of kindness. It is true, that some of the more violent
have seceded, but this is no more than I might
reasonably have expected, and, to speak the truth,
no more than what I should have wished ; for I could
never have felt at home, with individuals of this
description. They have always been troublesome
characters, and had they remained, they would doubt-
less have been troublesome to me. While the mouths
of many were opened loudly against me, I one day
met with an old Methodist of the place, who was a
convert of dear Mr. Fletcher's. In the course of
conversation, I said to him, "Well Mr. P., do you
think that I have been a sinner above all others, in
not preaching in your chapels?" "Why, sir," said
he, " to speak truth, I must say that I think no such
thing, and I have always said, that as you are our
minister you ought to know your own business
a great deal better than we do, and therefore that we
have nothing to do but to be quiet." I was much
struck at the time with his remark, and I believe,
now, that the generality think with him. My mind
was at first much pained, but I endeavoured to
maintain through the whole a loving demeanour and
a praying spirit. I said little, took care to avoid all
exaggeration, and yet, at the same time, kept steadily
to my point. And God has stood by me and brought
me through in a way that I could hardly have sup-
posed. To his name be all the praise.

You will be pleased to hear that one of my younger
brothers, Thomas, has recently been truly converted
to God, and wishes to enter into the church. My

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

father most cordially enters into his views, and has
been urgent upon me to receive him into my house,
by way of preparation for college. This I at length
consented to do. And though it is somewhat of
trouble to me to do my duty towards him, in point of
attention — for he is quite a studious young man— yet
I feel that his being with us is quite in the Lord's
order, and am truly thankful for that grace which
has changed him, and that providence which has
directed his steps among us. From a letter which I
saw from a Methodist preacher, who attended the
conference last month, I understand that no less than
thirteen preachers in their connex ' n have left them
with the intention of preparing tor orders. These
are the men we want in our churches ! What does
our excellent establishment want, but Arminian
preachers and Methodist discipline! But I must
forbear lest I get a second trimming. Leaving joking
however, aside, I felt truly thankful to hear of this,
and I hope many will follow their good example.
The Church wants them, and the Methodists can well
spare them.

\\:

Madeley, Sept. 26th, 1815.

You will be pleased to find that matters are pro-
ceeding with quietness and comfort in my parish.
For some weeks past I have not heard the least
syllable of complaint relative to my first obnoxious
proceedings. The church is increasingly attended,
and the spirit of God seems among us in the appli-
cation of the word, I feel now at length thoroughly
convinced that my coming here was of God. All I
fear is lest my bodily strength should not be quite
equal to my duty. My Sunday work is certainly
fatiguing.

t'i

\ 4

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LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

TO THE REV. JOHN ARMSTRONG.

Madeley, near Shiffhal, Salop. Oct. 26th, 1815.

My dear Armstrong,

•p *l» T" ^ V n" V T*

Since I last wrote to you I have seen it my duty to
give up myself wholly to the work of the Lord. I
am ashamed to confess to you, that the former years
of my ministry have been very partially devoted to
his service. I have too frequently picked and chosen
among my duties, avoided too many which seemed
to promise humiliation and mortification, and entered
upon others only so far as they left me an opportu-
nity of cultivating and enjoying other more favourite
pursuits. Oh, my dear friend, what a cage of unclean
birds is the polluted heart of man, and how many
corners of it still remain impure, even after it has
been for the most part cleansed. How much selfish-
ness, (latent, indeed, or glossed over with some
speciousness of appearance,) still keeps lurking
behind. The Lord, however, has very mercifully
been leading me to part first with one favourite pur-
suit and then with another, till at last I seem to have
but one business, and that is, to do the will of him
who has called me to the ministry. That I perform
this business in such a way as daily humbles me, and
fills me with confusion of face, I need scarcely tell you ;
for you have long known the pride and the naughti-
ness of my heart, and, though I keep fighting with
my spiritual enemies, and am determined by the
grace of God, neither to find for them any apology,
nor to give them any quarter, yet I am but an un-
skijful combatant, and fall under a severe wound

REV. OEORQE MORTIMER, M.A.

instead of habitually conquering through him who
hath loved me. As to my parish, I am very thank-
ful to be able to state that matters are goins; on very
comfortably. The spirit of dissent seems to be
weekly abating, and all seems harmony and love. Two
of the principal men among us have not only given
the most cordial and unexpected support, but have
discovered a degree of seriousness under the word,
and a willingness to con\erse about it, when not
actually hearing it, as encourages me to hope, that
they are inquirers after the things which make for
their peace. I was much struck yesterday with the
very friendly conduct of a Mr. A., one of the masters
of a considerable coal and iron work in the neigh-
bourhood. I had been mquirmg about a place where
I might go near the Iron Bridge, one of the most
populous places in the parish, to expound the Scrip-
tures and thus prepare them, by means of this stepping
stone, fc ' an attendance upon the church, and for
their meeting in one of our little classes. I soon
heard of a room over the market place, which was
employed as a day school, nicely accommodated with
benches, and capable of holding between two and three
hundred people; I was told it belonged to Mr. A.,
but was let by him to the person who now held it,
upon the express condition, that it should never be
used for any religious purpose. An application under
such circumstances seemed somewhat uncertain, but
when I waited upon him, he expressed not only his
willingness, but his great satisfaction in having it so
employed, and told me, moreover, that he would give
immediate orders to his foreman to see that evi;ry thing
by way of whitewashing, and so on, should be done,
so as to make it as comfortable as might be. I don't
Know how it is, but I feel my heart peculiarly united
with this amiable man. One night, after spending
two or three hours in his company, I felt just the
same sensation of indescribable union which I felt

I Hi

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( I

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

towards yourself the first day I knew you. O how
should I rejoice to be made serviceable to his soul,
and to meet him a saved character in the day of the
Lord Jesus. My Iron Bridge meeting I begin to
morrow evening. I feel it much upon my mind, and
should be greatly obliged by your praying for a par-
ticular blessing as connected with it. The population
there and within a short distance extends to some
thousands. « # * * *

With our kind and united regards to Mrs. A. and
yourself,

Believe me, my dear Friend,

Yours, most affectionately,

G. Mortimer.

TO HIS SISTER.

Madeley, Nov. 20th, 1815.

My dear Mary,

Mrs. D. "Whitmore has offered to enclose a letter
for me to yourself in her frank. I have availed my-
self of the opportunity thus afforded me, and have
the comfort of reflecting that for once, at least, my
poor scrawl will not cost more than its worth.

Mrs. D. and Miss Whitmore have lately been
spending a few days with us, and they have left us
with a pleasing and powerful conviction of the bless-
edness resulting from the society of those who live
near to God. We felt, in the first instance, some-
what of reluctance in inviting them ; but, being
persuaded that the law of love required that we
should seek our pleasure in the endeavour to com-
municate pleasure to others, we thought it right to
break through our cozy habits of retirement, and to
welcome them under our roof. I need not tell you
that we have been abundantly repaid. Christian

how

tiis soul,
y of the
:)Cgin to
iiul, nnd
jr a j)nr-
ipulation
to some

. A. and

DRTIMEK.

li, 1815.

? a letter
iled my-
md have
east, my
I.

ely been
3 left us
he bless-
who live
!e, some-
it, being
that we
r to coin-
right to
t, and to
tell you
hristian

HEV. GEORGE MOIlTIMEn, M.A.

intercourse, when sought and conducted on Christ inn
principles, must be productive of good, and I would
gratcfidly adore the goodness of the Lord for all the
refreshment of spirit, and the im[)rovcnient of mind,
which have been conveyed to nie through them as
channels. How clearly, my dear Mary, would the
Lord be teaching us, provided that we would learn of
him that the faithful taking up of the cross, even in
those matters which aj)pear hut trivial and insignifi-
cant, is the most effectual way of procuring present
peace and future blessedness. In short, that the
spirit of surrender is the one thing needful, the grand
prejiarative for happiness and holiness here, and for
eternal glory hereafter. I do not know how you
feel on this point ; but I must, with humiliation,
confess to you, that this yoke of Christ does not sit
so gracefully and so easily upon me as it ought. I
would, however, be thankful that I am endeavouring
to bear it. I am comforted with the thought, and I
may say with the experience, that the effort to ac-
commodate it to my stubborn neck is the most
effectual way of making it natural and easy. I have
been much helped to this endeavour by a persuasion
that the bearing of the cross is not the end, but the
way ; that humiliations, mortifications, trials, and so
on, are only so many means which God is obliged to
have recourse to in order to communicate blessings ;
that he does not wish to harass, pain, and mortify us,
but to promote our comfort, and that the moment
we are ready to take up the cross, and begin to sub-
mit to the only terms on which it is safe in God to
bless us, then he cheerfully avails himself of the oppor-
tunity of conveying to us, not the pain which we
anticipated, but some gracious token of his love.
"For the Lord taketh pleasure in the prosperity of his
servants." His name, His nature, is love. In my
last, I think, I stated to you that matters were going
on pretty comfortably in my parish. I did not,

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LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

however, enlarge, lest I should be conveying to you
a more favourable idea than contingent circumstances
would authorize. I now feel that gratitude towards
God ought to lead me to speak to his praise. Many
persons in the place have, to say the least, been very
favourably impressed, both among the higher, as well
as the lo>ver orders, and show a considerable change
in the whole of their demeanour. The congregation
in the church, both morning and evening, continues
to increase ; and the expositions, both in the town
and the outskirts of the parish, are fully attended.
If there is one thing more than another which seems
to encourage me, it is that of witnessing on all occa-
sions, that the Lord has graciously given to me what
I have all along been led more particularly to pray
for — the heart and affections of my dear people.
They not only tolerate — they evidently love me. 1
seem to myself the same poor blundering stutterer as
ever, and yet they meet me with pleasure, and go
from my ministrations with profit. The Lord make
and keep me humble and thankful! I sometimes
think that all this is too good to last, that the peaceful
calm is but the harbinger of the treacherous storm ;
I feel, however, that this is no necessary conclusion.
Could humility and gratitude be the predominating
feeling of our mind, we then might be safely trusted
with success. But this is the grand difficulty — pride
and self-congratulation are ever apt to insinuate
themselves into our minds, and then adversity is
necessary. " Ii is difficult," as the pious Leighton
observes, " to carry a full cup even." Pray for me, my
dear sister, that all the will of the Lord may be
done in me, and by me, and that no evils on my
part may put any impediment to the free course and
glorification of God's blessed word.

The following letter to his friend, Mr., now the
Rev. John Cooper, will show how much IMr. Mortimer

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

was in advance of the time in which he wrote
on the subject of lay-agency — a kind of help which,
at that time, was considered of very questionable
propriety ; but which has now come to be admitted
very generally, as expedient to meet the pressing
wants of a rapidly increasing population. These
wants, indeed, the editor believes can never be
effectually supplied by any means less than an extensive
augmentation of the number of clerical labourers.
To supply these means, he regrets much that the
Lord Primate, together with the Episcopal Bench,
should not see it to be their duty to admit to deacon's
orders upon a lower standard of literary attainments
than is now required ; keeping persons so ordained,
if it be thought good, in that order, until they pos-
sess the usual portion of literary and theological
knowledge, as well as the ordinary title o:" priest's
orders. On this subject also, as will be seen from
the same letter, Mr. Mortimer appears to have been
equally in advance of his brethren ; for, at that time,
the notion of such an augmentation of the number
of the clergy was little thought of, and would have
been in most quarters, as it is still in many, very
generally condemned. His opinion is, I think, a
just one — viz. that the stability and true respectabi-
lity of the church is more effectually promoted by
sound piety, than by a certain portion of Latin and
Greek. "The union of sound learning with genuine
piety, is what every one must admire and desire in a
Christian pastor; butaman maydo immense good with
nothing more than an unlearned familiarity with the
Scriptures, with sound practical sense and activity,
taking part in all the business of the parish, and devot-
ing himself to intercourse with men rather than with
books. I honour such men in the highest degree,
and think that they are among the most valuable
ministers that the church possesses."* In the mean
* " Dr. Arnold's Letters." Vol. ii. p. 170.

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

time, however, until the clergy shall bear some pro-
portion to the population, we must have recourse to
lay-assistants to supply, in some small measure, the
much to be deplored deficiency. " For myself, I will
openly declare, that I see not how we can dare for
any of those small professional objections, which may
be urged, if they are sought for, against every
comprehensive scheme of good, to refuse such aid
in this our great necessity. It might be well enough
for men, sitting calmly in their closets, and forget-
ting all these mighty issues, to cavil and to speculate,
to raise difficulties as to the exact mission of the lay-
reader, and 1 wish (as which of us does not wish ? )
that bands of zealous, well-timed, devoted deacons
ministered instead among these crowds ; but it will not
do for us, my reverend brethren, who know that souls
are thus perishing around us, to bring upon ourselves
the guilt of their blood ; to let them be unwarned,
and drag us with them into their destruction, because,
through blinding prejudice, or the widely compre-
hensive sin of omission, we have, for a whole genera-
tion, shut out of a })arish the light which might have
streamed into it." "•

Madeley, Dec. 4th, 1815.

My dear Friend,

On the evening previous tu my receiving your very
kind and truly acceptable letter, I had been speaking
in the town from those words of our Lord, " Pray ye,
therefore, rhe Lord of the harvest, that he would
send [or rather thrust] forth labourers into his har-
vest ;" and we all seemed to find it a profitable
season, especially when, in conclusion, we were pray-
ing that this important blessing might be realized.

* " Archdoacou (now Bishop of Oxford) Wllberforcc's
Charge, lH4o," p. 17.

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

When your kind favour arrived, I saw more than
ever, the propriety of beseeching God to " thrust"
them out ; for surely nothing but main force can com-
pel desirable labourers. Others come at a moment's
bidding — no useful employments detain them — no
endeared relatives or friends hang about them, con-
scientiously and feelingly pressing their continuance
among them. But when a prepared labourer, one
whom " the Lord of the harvest" has previously
been fitting for his ministerial work ; when such a
one is fixed on, none but the Lord himself can bring
him out. I have, therefore, only one resource, and
that is prayer ; this, however, I am privilged to use,
and this I must still hope will eventually prevail. I
assure you it would prove a source of no small joy
to myself to welcome you among us for your initiatory
work ; for, independent of the personal gratification
and profit which T must promise myself, your help
in various ways would be exceedingly acceptable to
the people. The most populous parts of the parish
greatly want help, and most gladly avail themselves

of the little which I and T are able to give

them. At present I feel as though I could do but
little more ; I have, indeed, one leisure evening
during the week ; but even this they have been
asking from me, and I fear to deny them. My good
friend need not, therefore, be afraid of eating the
bread of idleness, by secluding himself for a short
season among us; and with regard to his future
employment, a single month's actual residence in a
place tolerably populous will fully convince him
how much work of the highest importance will call
for his daily and even hourly attention. And are
there not hundr'^^^ of places of this description
opening to our v.&hes? "Truly the harvest is
plenteous," but with pain I must still add, that
"the labourers are few."

I felt very thankful to hear of the determination

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

ill

of your friend B , relative to entering into

orders, and of the kind and judicious conduct of the
bishop — a conduct, however, but seldom adopted.
The determination of many on the bench to admit
those only into orders who have previously been at
college, is, indeed, calculated to secure a certain
portion of Latin and Greek in the Establishment ;
but, at the same time, to exclude from it, in many
instances, that which it more needs and which
would more effectually conduce to its stability and
true respectability ; I mean, vital, genuine piety.
What a mercy it is, however, that their determination
has been in so many cases made void, and that there
is not an instance to be found in which a pious young
man has eventually been exclud-rL I think, I
hinted to you, when you kindly visited us in the
summer, that I am too sensible of the dismal fore-
bodings of kind friends to let slip an opportunity of
putting you again in remembrince. But, my dear
friend, with all our zeal for the progress of the
Lord's work around us, we must not forget its
progress within us. I know not hov/ you may feel,
but, with regard to myself, I am constrained to
acknowledge, that while I am endeavouring to mind
the vineyards of others, I too frequently neglect my
own. I get more and more of the habit of thinking
spiritually — speaking spiritually — and even acting
spiritually ; but there seems in my own experience a
great deficiency in point of feeling. Spiritual things
are not brought home to my own mind by an im-
mediate and constant self-application. I seem like a
spiritual purveyor who is convinced that nothing
but spi) ituality will do, and, therefore, my constant
endeavour is to convey, and to exhibit it. But
still, I fear, at times, lest all this is more in reference
to others than to myself. I hope, however, that the
act of conveying and exhibiting it, is not altogether
unattended with good to myself; for the channel

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

imbibes some of the water which passes through it ;
and, as Leighton observes, " The boxes in which our
perfumes are kept for garments and other uses, are
themselves perfumed by keepinj; them."

*«^ ^^ ^^ ^> %^ ml^ ^^

ff* ^% ^^ 'T^ *^ ^^ V^

What a world of instruction is conveyed to us in
that beautiful passage of the prophet, " In returning
and in rest ye shall be saved!" Now when I fail,
or when I wander, too often, instead of quietly
returning and resuming my endeavours, I am apt to
sink into myself, and be discouraged. In short, I
seem rather to brood over my failures than to get
pardon for them, and t set about their amendment.
My paper tells me that I cannot enlarge ; I must,
therefore, conclude, with the assurance that the best
wishes of Mrs. M. and myself continue to attend
yourself and all your circle.

I remain.
Your truly aifectionate and s^icere Friend,

George Mortimer.

TO THE rev. JOHN ARMSTRONG,

Madeley, Dec. 29tli, 1815.

My dear Arr; strong,

:>: * * :l; i * * *

O^' the 9th instant, dear Mrs. Fletcher was removed
from the church militant to the church triumphant,
from a sorrowing church below to a glorious ono
above. The last few months of her life were attended
with much pain, but liow sweetly did the Christian
beam through all ! In her former years she seems
to have been called more particularly to glorify God
by an unusual degree of activity and usefulness.
Latterly, she has been called to bear and suffer ; but
all in the spirit of her Divine Master. O my dear

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

ill

I''
[')

friend, how gladly would I join her glorified spirit
hy makinjr my osripefrom a world of sin and sorrow!
Do not, how ,u, mistake me; I do, indeed, love
home, and si nn^r- would it be were it otherwise,
hui still [ wjui't iiot run away to get there. I see
thfii tJicre Hi much for me still, both to do and to
sulVi'v r aaJ ny such, rather than pettislily desiring to
dep u't, I WO! 1(1 . almly and quietly wish to wait —
wait till all xuy discipline is over, till I am better
fitted and prepared for my inheritance among the
saints in li^^ht.

While my Mary's letter lies before me, I feel
disposed to copy another part of it, relative to the
management of school children. " I was much pleased
a few weeks since at the national school. Dr. Bell's
arrangements are well made, and the mistress he has
appointed is an uncommonly clever woman, just fit for
that situation, and apparently for none else. I asked
her how she managed with the children when any
of them used improper language, having myself been
much troubled with this at our Shoreditch school ?
She said such a case rarely occvrred, bnt when it
did, she found it better to convince the understamling
of the evil, than merelv to correct for tlie individual
fault ; and as she was particular in explaining the
catechism, commandments, &c., she had in general
little troubk in bringing such faults home. For
example, she said, 'A 1 v days since, about twenty of
the girls came to me, and said, " O Governess !
little Chambers has said a very wicked v;ord." 1
lifted up my hands, and said, " Blessed are the peace
makers." If twenty of you had come to tell me of a
good deed, I would gladly have listened, but go away
and be ashamed at being so pleased to publish the
faults of a school-fellow. I thought it right, however,
not to let it go unnoticed ; and therefore called to me
jirivately tL. monitor of the class. She said, " Indeed,

REV. GEORGE MORTIMEU, M.A.

governess, it was a very naughty word, it was O God."
I said, " Very well, that is enough." I then went
round to the diflferent classes, who were saying the
catechism ; after a while I came to this class, and after
having asked several children the commandments, I
said (pointing the fore finger,) ** Little Chambers,
do you say the third." She immediately burst into
tears, and said, ** O Governess ! I did say a naughty
word, but I will never do so again, if you will forgive
me this once." ' This is not according to the plan of
correction generally pursued at schools, but it appears
to me much more judicious and more likely to pro-
duce lasting: benefit."

My Mary joins me in kindest and most Christian
regards to yourself and dear Mrs. A., and in love to
all your family, and

I remain.

Yours ever affectionately,

G. Mortimer.

TO HIS sister.

Madeley, Jan. 26tb, 1816.

jNIv dear Marv,
I HAVE been much struck of late with the forcible
manner in which the providence of God has been co-
operating with his word in the endeavour to teach
me a lesson, which, of all others, I find so exceed-
ingly ditficult to learn ; I mean that of so numberiug
m}'^ days as to apply my heart unto wisdom. The
removal of my dear mother-iu-law, the unusual num-
ber of deaths among all uescrijitions of persons in
my own immediate neigl bourhood, and especially
that of Mrs. Fletcher ; all these conspirini^ circum-
stances loudly enforce the necessity of hmit:; sober
and watching unto prav) ;, of having my loins girt

li'i

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

and my lamp burning', of being in a prepared posture
of expectation, waiting for the coming of my Lord.
These effects, I am thankful to state, have in some
measure been gratefully traced by me in my recent
experience. One thing seems to me more than ever
to be truly needful, not indeed the obtaining and the
securing of inheritances below, but the getting pre-
pared for my inheritance above — an inheritance to
which every day and every hour spent for God is
adding some increase of comfort, and which, when
once possessed, will be found to be worth the pos-
sessing — an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and
which fadeth not away. my dear Mary, how does
the grand enemy of our souls destroy by deluding !
how does he infatuate the world at large ! how gross
also the deception which he practises even upon be-
lievers themselves, making then live nine-tenths of
their time, if not sinfully, at least uselessly for them-
selves, or for the world, instead of for God and eter-
nity, as a matter of course, instead of with a pure and
single aim. But, alas! what is any action when
stripped of its proper motive, I mean the glory of
God. A man may give liberally to the poor, he
may carefully regulate his household, bring up his
children decently and even morally, and restrain his
domestics from immoralities and inconsistencies.
But if our liberality is connected with our own repu-
tation, if our children be merely educated that they
may bring credit and comfort to us, or if our depend-
ents are restrained and their good consulted, be-
cause it would reflect dishonour upon us to pursue a
contrary course ; if these be our motives, what are
they after all but mere selfishness ? There is no re-
ference to God in all these Jiotions, and, of course, no
eternal reward can be exjvected from them. Their
reference is to ourselves and that also in our present
state, hue the future is Wft entirely out of the question.
1 grant, indeed, that a present reward is obtained.

REV. OEORGE MOUTIMER, M.A.

but this is all, and, in fact, it is all which in most
cases is sought for. The benevolent man has the repu-
tation for benevolence, which he seeks ; the moral
educator of his children has the satisfaction of seeing
them orderly and decent, and they bring to him the
temporal comfort which he desired ; the strict and
moral master has in the same way the present fruit
of his labours. But if God's glory, if a sincere de-
sire of pleasing him, has not been combined with the
motives of these respective individuals, no eternal
fruit will be found from them. They die with this
present world. How uselessly, then, if not sinfully,
are the generality of persons employed, and what
need have we all to strive to live more completely
under the influence of unseen celestial realities ! I
feel these truths while I am writing them, and the
earnest prayer of my soul is, that, as a consequence
of them, my inheritance may rather be in reserve
than in immediate possession.

TO THE REV. JOHN ARMSTRONG.

Madeley, Salop. March 4th, 1816.

My dear Armstrong,

't* T» *?• '^

You may perhaps recollect that in one of my former

letters 1 mentioned as a violent opposer of

everything which had the least appearance of real
godliness. He also has been called from among us,
and that in a manner which of all others seemed
most likely to excite attention, and lead to serious
inquiry. O, my dear friend, what a mercy is it
that our feet have not been treading in the same
unhallowed })aths ! We see in him what we our-
selves should have been, had we been left to our-
selves. To the grace of God — Arminian as you

LIFE AND LETTERS OF Tllli

)

conceive me to be—
should be ascribed,
afflictive stroke with
perfect resignation

am fully couviiired the reason

Dear Mr. bears the

of acute feelings and
I should

have imagined the

a unio)i

such as IS seldom seen.

stroke would have almost over-
whelmed him ; but what cannot the grace of God
enable us to bear ?

You imagine that now I am fixed at Madeley, I have
become more a Methodist than ever. If by the term
you mean an attachment to their peculiar doctrines,
I must confess that you are not very far from the
mark ; for I feel more than ever persuaded that with
some sHght n)odiiicatior,> they are the truth. The
more I pray, and study, and ex}»erience, and preach,
the more do I see of their aceorJancy with the whole
revealed will of God. All seems intelligible, all in
unison. But though more decided than ever, I trust
that I am no bigot. I exclude, I would deal out
contemptuous pity to, no one ; and, therefore, God
forbid, that I should at any time lay that stress ui)on
dispaced points which sli )uld lead my dear friend to
imagine, that because we do not quite see alike, that,
therefore, I feel the least atom of diminution in j)oint
of affection. I can from my heart assure him that
it is no such thing. Should you, however, fancy that
by my coming to Madeley, J am more of a Methodist,
because I am less of a Churchman ; in this respect, I
feel, then, I can altogether clear myself. The fact is,
the more I see of Methodism, the less do i admire
it. There is that party spirit, that uncommon wish
to proselyte, that settled jealousy against those who
ai'e more successful in their endeavours — in short,
that spirit which, if suffered to proceed, would com-
pletely undermine our most excellent Establishment,
and erect itself in its stead, that though I cannot but
greatly love and admire some of its members, as a body
I dare not give them that countenance or support
which I should do were their doctrines the only point

REV. OROROB MORTIMER, M. V. 79

in coii"<i(len' ion. I tljorctbrc hnvc adopted all tlmt
strikes nie as good in their system, but at the same
time keep uyseU' and ])eo{)le j)erteclly distinct. Hy
this iiicnus, 1 have ill-will and opposition to an extent
which ywu wcxild hardly conceive ; but I go quietly
and lovjhL^ly tbrvard, and T thank God my j)lans
have hitherto well succeeded, and 1 feel quite con-
vinced that all will cventuallv be wdl. What i)ro-
vokcs most opposition, is my usiiii^t ic same weapons
which have so successfully been employed by them-
selves, and that with the increased advantage of their
being combined with all tlie weight of influence con-
nected with the Establishment. I wish my dear
friend would try the same weapons, and he would
soon see the most beneficial effects. * * * *

Believe me, with kindest regards to yourself and
Mrs. A.,

Your truly affectionate Friend,

G. Mortimer.

TO THE REV. JOHN ARMSTRONG.

Madeley, Salop. Aug. 5, 1816.
]\Iy dear Armstrong,

*^ kU «V *l^ ^ *^ *i*

#1* rj* *J» r|^ ^p •^ ^%

Your tv,o or three last letters, but more particularly
the latst of all, seem written under a degree of de-
pression which I am greatly concerned to observe.
While engaged in doing a great work, while filling an
important post, and that with no small measure of
patient perseverance, you suffer yourself to suppose
that you are doing almost nothing. While your
friends which you have left behind you are admiring
the zeal and the love which have enabled you to tear
yourself from the comforts of civilized and refined
society, and thus to forget, as it were, your own

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Sciences

Corporalion

23 WEST MAiN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) •72-4S03

''/

i/.

LIFB AND LETTERS OF THE

people and your father's house, while they are
thankful for the grace of God within you, you are so
diseouragingly comparing yourself with a Schwartz
and a Van der Kemp, as to request of your unworthy
friend that he would pray for you, lest, after all, you
should prove a castaway. Now, my dear Arm-
strong, what must I say to such feelings and
requests ? Must I sympathise with my dear
desponding friend ? I do so from my heart ; but I
must also chide with- him : you overlook the tender
mercies of God towards you ; you keep your eye not
on the bright side, but on that which is dark, gloomy,
and foreboding; and thus faith and confidence in
your loving and omnipotent Redeemer seem dormant
and inactive principles. But what is the language
of the Saviour under such circumstances of dis-
couragement ? It is that which he addressed to
Martha at the grave of Lazarus : " Said I not
unto thee, that if thou wouldst believe, thou
shouldst see the glory of God?" It is that also
which he used towards the afflicted father, who with
tears requested that, if he could do anything, he
would have compassion on him, and help him : " If
thou canst believe, all things are possible to him
that believeth.*' Believe then, my dear friend,
through all your difficulties and discouragements,
and your temporary darkness will be succeeded by
glorious and abiding Ught. The clouds which for a
season overspread your horizon will be dispelled, and
your glistening eye will be cheered with a bright and
resplendent day. Perhaps, however, you may tell
me, that faith is the gift of God, and that we must
wait till this hinging blessing be bestowed. But are
not all the gifts of God to be obtanied upon the
simple condition of asking ? and were you to ask for
this gift, or for its increase, would the blessed. God
deny it ? I have often found it exceedingly useful
to my own mind, after having fallen upon my knees

((

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

to pray to that God who has promised to give to us
all that we ask in faith, — I have found it profitable to
ask previously, that the Lord would give me faith to
believe that the petitions which I should present
before his throne of grace, would be answered by
him, and, as a consequence, my faith has been
strengthened far beyond its usual exercise. And
with regard to discouraging circumstances, my con-
stant prayer has been that my faith might not fail.
Since I came into this parish, I have had di€iculties
to encounter, such as some of my dearest friends and
fellow-labourers have confessed that they should not
have dared to meet, and I must acknowledge, that,
at times, I have sighed, and wept, and groaned,
being burdened ; and have had many a thought of
leaving my arduous post to some more intrepid and
persevering spirit. But something seemed con-
tinually to be whispering to my dejected mind, " only
believe," "let not your faith fail you," and I
blessed God that through all I was enabled, in some
sort, to believe, though not without many a tre-
mulous assertion, and equally trembling prayer,
" Lord, 1 believe, help thou mine unbelief." And
it is with unfeigned gratitude towards the blessed
God, that I feel it my duty to add, that all my
storms have, for the present at least, completely
blown over, and that success has been vouchsafed to
my poor mean insignificant labours, such as my most
sanguine expectations could in no wise have imagined.
Should I not say, then, to my dear friend, as an
experimental result " from believing verily to see the
goodness of the Lord in the land of the living," —
** O tarry thou the Lord's leisure, be strong, and he
shall comfort thine heart;" "Wait, I say, on the
Lord" ? But here I feel, as usual, that I must
check myself. I forget to whom I am writing, and
likewise what I am inditing : I forget that I am
addressing one who has that anointing from above

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

which teacheth all things, and that I am not com-
posing a sermon, but scribbling a letter.

I know not whether you were acquainted with

S , of our college, and B , of Trinity. The

former I used occasionally to meet, and was accus-
tomed to consider him as one of the very holiest
men at college. Since my last letter, however, he,
B , and two others, have left the Church, be-
cause they could not read the ten commandments,
and are nov/ preaching all the heights and depths of
eternal election, eternal justification, and eternal
sanctification : they have likewise begun to ordain

others, and R K , the member for L ,

has vacated his seat, and received ordination from
them. The moderate Calvinists are endeavouring to
stop the growing evil, but I am sorry to say, that
among many it is sadly spreading. It has had one
good eflFect, however ; it has made many of the high
men, as they are termed, much more guarded and
circumspect. ******

Mary and my brother unite with me in very
kindest love to yourself, and most respectful and
affectionate remembrances to Mrs. A., and I may
likewise add, in very best wishes and earnest prayers
for your dear children.

I remain your very sincere Friend,

George Mortimer.

TO THE REV. JOHN ARMSTRONG.

Madeley, Sept. 30, 1816.

My dear Armstrong,
I SUPPOSE that you are aware, that, as resident curate,
I am entitled to the use of the vicarage-house.
During Mrs. Fletcher's life, I waved my claim in
her favour : but after her decease, I appUed to the

com-

with
The

BICCUS-

loUest
r, he,
h, be-
[nents,
)ths of
eternal
ordain

L ,

n from
iring to
jr, that
lad one
be high
led and

in very
ful and
I may
prayers

RTIMER.

L 1816.

curate,
3-house.
klaim in
to the

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

Tiear, and now that it has been put into pretty
extensive repair, we have taken up our abode in it,
and a most holy happy spot we do indeed find it.
In the room where I am now writing, some of my
older parishioners state, that they have frequently
taken their tea with both Mr. and Mrs. F., and
well remember the happy seasons they enjoyed. In
the room in which we commonly sit, they both of
them departed in the Lord. In a third chamber,

Mr. F was accustomed to retire for more private

and wrestling prayer, and, as we read in his Ufe, the
wall of which was stained with his breath while
importunately pleading. Another room nas the
bureau at which he was accustomed to write, and
which, with many other things, he left in his will
for the use of his successors, that the house might
not be the worse for his having had it. In a word,
almost every spot and fixture reminds us pleasingly
of those exalted characters who have preceded us,
and call forth many an earnest prayer, and many a
private ejaculation, that those who follow them may
drink deeper and deeper into their blessed spirit, and
tread more and more closely in their pious and
spiritual steps.

Dear Mrs. Fletcher once mentioned to us, that one
day, shortly after her coming to Madeley, she re-
marked to Mr. F., as they were entering upon their
premises, that she did not know how it was, but that
she always felt a measure of divine influence whenever
she entered within the gate. The holy man answered
that he was not surprised to hear her say so, for that
there was not a single brick or a stone in the whole
premises which had not been sanctified by prayer. I
feel somewhat in the same way with Mrs. F — y and
though I am aware that God is everywhere present,
and that all spots may equally share in this his
glorious presence, yet I cannot but think that some
places are privileged beyond others, and though, per-

"R'l

Cli:

iil

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

haps, my Honduras friend may smile at his Madeley
enthusiast, yet I must frankly confess to you, that I
consider it as no small privilege that I dwell in the
house, as well as labour in the parish, of one so
peculiarly devoted to God. The days I have already
spent here have been, without any exception, the
happiest I have spent upon earth. Week after week
has rolled round in the peaceful enjoyment of the
presence of the blessed God. My most painful and
laborious duties have been not only easy, but a
source of thankfulness and joy far beyond any of my
former experience. In a word, I seem to have known
some little, at least, of what is so beautifully described
in one of my favourite hymns : —

"Far above all earthly things,

While yet my hands are here employed ;
Sees my soul the King of kings
And freely talks with God."

Pray for me, my dear Armstrong, that these feel-
ings may not be transitory, but abiding and ever
increasing. I too often rest contented with the
mere husks of religion, instead of feeding on the
substantial and the nourishing corn. I am too gene-
rally satisfied with the outward life of the Christian,
the regulation of my conduct, temper, disposition,
pursuits, and so on ; while that inward life of God
within the soul, that communion with the Father of
spirits and the Son of his love, is too commonly over-
looked. I want a deep work of his grace within my
soul, and this I am now endeavouring in my poor
feeble way to pray for, if so be that I may eventually
obtain ; but my unbelieving heart tells me, that I
never was cut out for anything like spirituality. One
text of Scripture, however, still encourages me, " This
is the will of God even your sanctification;" and
therefore though faint, I would still be persevering.

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

To-morrow evening, being the first Tuesday after
€|uarter-clay, our church classes hold their quarterly
meetings for the second time. The first time of their
meeting was a season which will long be remembered
by me with gratitude. My heart quite melted to
hear so many declare, that, under God, they owned
their first religious good to my poor feeble ministra-
tions, and when in the fulness of their hearts they
could not refrain from thanking the good Lord who
had brought me among them. And I felt the more
astonished and thankful inasmuch as I never had a
fourth part of the like success in all the former years
put together in which I had been labouring elsewhere.
Oh, what shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits
conferred upon me ? I will take the cup of salvation
and call upon the name of the Lord — still call upon
him for his future help and blessing, for without
this I feel I can do nothing. Our little classes, I am
thankful to state, are gradually increasing. I think
we reckon sixty-seven in all. As to one or two, I
feel constrained to stand in doubt, but the rest 1
trust are sincere souls. But, while I thus number
my little flock, I feel that there is necessity to
guard against the spirit of David : I endeavour to do
this, and to sink down before God under a continual
sense of my own nothingness ; but pride is a subtle
enemy, and, as Dr. "Watts so correctly observes,

** We cannot make his glories known,
But self-applause creeps in."

I remain yours very truly,

G. M.

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

TO HIS SISTER.

Madeley, May 24, 1817.
My dear Mary,
In the course of Mr. Bailey's attendance upon Mary,
we had frequent opportunities of conversation, and,
as I feel desirous of turning the conversation to those
points on which persons feel most capable, as well as
most desirous of talking, we frequently touched upon
medical subjects. One day I told him my fears that
both Mary and myself were consumptive, and that
we had often talked about the possibility of our being
removed in this way. He said, in reply, that Mrs.

M was not a consumptive subject, at least he had

discovered nothing as yet which led him to suppose
it ; and that, with regard to myself, whatever pre-
disposition I might have had towards it in early life,
it had since taken another course. I wished to
know what he meant by its having gone off in a
different channel, even supposing that the predisposi-
tion once existed, when he told me the following
anecdote : — His father was a medical man and accus-
tomed to speak his mind without reserve. He used

to visit the C s in the place where they then

lived, and knowing their constitutions pretty accu-
rately he used to say, the B s (meaning his own

family) will go oiF into livers, and the C s into

lungs, intimating that these disorders would carry
them oflF. Fanny, however (who was one of the

C s, and similarly deformed with myself), he

thought, owing to her form would out-live them all,

and escape the family disease. The B s removed

from the place, and Mr. B having occasion to go

there again after about twenty years' absence, was
naturally led to inquire after his old friends, when he
found that all of them, excepting Fanny, had been
removed by consumption, and that she, feeling her

REV. OEOROE MORTIMER, M.A.

in a

spirits affected by living in the place where all her
family had died, had gone eitlier to London, or some
such place, for society, but was otherwise quite well.

Mr. B then told me, that he had no doubt that

this was the case with myself also, and that very
many similar cases had occurred. I had often
thought that I could trace much spiritual benefit as
resulting from ray bodily form; nay, I have even
been led to thank God for it, conceiving it very pro-
bable that it had been the saving of my soul ; but
little did I imagine that it conduced in any way to
my bodily comfort, and that it has probably been
the saving of my life. O my dear sister, how little
do we know of the goodness of the Lord towards the
children of men ; and how little, with our present
imperfect powers, shall we ever be able to know in
this present world; but what we do know tends to
show us in characters written as it were with a sun-
beam, ** He doeth all things well."

Extracted from a letter to his sister, dated Mav

17, 1817:—

** Happy in married life.

" Should your union, my beloved sister, with Mr.
H. prove to you what mine has with Mary, you
will be disposed to consider with myself that this
ordinance is not merely divine, but to be ranked
amongst the foremost of God's gifts to man."

Extract of a letter, dated June 2, 1817 : —

" As to myself, I feel that I have increasing cause
for gratitude in all that concerns me. I think I
never felt so truly blessed in any former period of
my life. I really have no earthly desire unfulfilled ;
my cup literally runs over. God is also very gra-
ciously pleased to prosper me in my ministerial
labours. I have the satisfaction of seeing fresh
trophies of the Redeemer's power to save ; and my
heart is rejoiced in seeing those whom the Lord has

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

gathered around me, walking, in some measure at
least, as bccometh the Gospel of Christ. To these,
indeed, there are, as there is reason to fear there
ever will be, some painful exceptions ; but, upon
the whole, I have abundant cause for thanksgiving
and praise. In the midst of all these causes for joy,
I have many a memento that the excellence of the
power is of God, and not of men ; the cracked
earthen vessel is but too apparent. For this, how-
ever, I hope I feel grateful ; for what is so great a
blessing to a poor, proud, selfish being, such as I am
constrained to acknowledge myself, as occasional hu-
miUations ? They are the very medicine of my soul.'*

After referring to two cases of affliction in his
family, he writes to his friend abroad, dated August
4,1817:—

** But out of all the Lord has most graciously
dehvered us ; and I can look back upon the whole
with real gratitude to God. There was not a stroke
or a drop too much ; all was merciful in the design,
and I hope the benefits still remain. Tribulation
working * patience,' a calm waiting upon God.
Patience an * experience' of his divine support at
the time, and an experience of his eventual deliver-
ance. Experience * hope,' an expectation of future
help and future deliverance ; and this hope will not
make me ashamed. There were times in which I
felt this to be a weary land ; but still I found the
shadow of a great Rock, and this shade was truly re-
freshing to my soul. Oh, that I could ever there abide !

" I think I mentioned to you that our mutual friend
Cox had the Uving of Bridgenorth presented to him.
He has been there now some months, but he labours
under very great discouragement, owing to the little
effect resulting from his ministrations. A few weeks
ago he wished that we should exchange duties,
hoping that my Methodistical zeal might arouse

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

■

them. After an enumeration of the probable con-
sequences to which he must make up his nihul, I at
length consented, and, as I supposed, the stir has
been great ; rascal, villain, ranter, field preacher, are
the usual epithets attached to my opprobrious name.
A petition has been drawn up, with many signatures
attached, requesting Cox to forbid me his pulpit ; in
short, the whole place has been in a hubbub. In-
quiry, however, begins to take place, the stagnant
waters are moved, and after the working off of the
scum and the grosser particles, we may expect to
see purer and even living waters. Cox answered
their petition with becoming spirit, united with
pleasing conciliation. It has, I find, given great
offence, notwithstanding all ; but we wait for the
issue in a spirit of prayer. It is somewhat remark-
able that Bridgenorth was the place in which Hichard
Baxter, author of the "Saint's Rest," met with such
decided opposition, that as he went out of the town,
he shook off the dust of his feet as a testimony
against them ; and, since that time, no preached
gospel has prospered among them. The Dissenters
and even the warm-hearted Methodists have hitherto
laboured almost in vain. But who knows how soon
the curse may be removed ? We keep encouraging
Cox all that we possibly can, but he seems deter-
mined at present to leave. tJnite your prayers, my
dear friend, with ours, that he may not be permitted
to desert this wilderness and solitary place, but that
he may patiently wait till he rejoices over it as a
peculiarly verdant spot in the garden of our Lord.'*

TO HIS SISTER.

Madeley, 21st Nov. 1817.

My dear Mary,
The case of conscience with which your letter begins
is such as would puzzle a much more expert casuist

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

than I ever expect to be ; and, therefore, after
reading all that you have written upon the subject,
as explanatory of your views and feelings, I feel
more disposed to commend you in prayer to the
teachings of God's most Holy Spirit, than attempt
to darken counsel by words without knowledge. I
am sensible, however, that this may originate in an
unwillingness to meet a difficulty from a conscious-
ness of the scantiness of my spiritual information,
and from a fear of the consequent poor opinion you
might entertain of me for my want of success, I
will, therefore, hazard a few remarks. It has always
struck me that the creature occupies an improper
place when we consider it in any way essential to our
good, when we fancy that there is any absolute and
positive necessity for the presence of any one thing
m order to constitute us happy. It was God's de-
claration to Abraham, " I am the Almighty [the
all-sufficient] God ; walk before me, and be thou
perfect." And St. Paul so fully realized this, that
he lived, as it were, completely independent of the
creature ; he found his God an all-sufficient portion,
quite adequate of himself to satisfy the largest de-
sires of his soul. He could, therefore, take pleasure
in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, &c. ;
for he experimentally found that, as his afflictions
abounded, his consolations did much more abound.
In a word, he discovered in his God a happiness
which was not merely independent of the creature,
but which flourished and abounded under circum-
stances most hkely to interrupt or destroy it. The
fact is, that the creature is only an arbitrary channel,
the pipe, if I may so speak, which a God of love has
been pleased to choose, in order to convey his bene-
fits. The pipe is neither the benefit, nor the source ;
and, of course, though it is conducive to our comfort,
though it may in many respects be subservient to our
welfare, yet it is by no means essentially necessary.

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

for God is the God of all consolation, whether
intermediately or immediately conveyed, and should
He, on any occasion, see fit to remove the medium,
the same and even more abounding happiness may
be received immediately from Himself; and since
God is infinite in his wisdom and in his love, tliis
will be so, provided it be for our good. And if we
need not the former quantum of happiness, if it
would prove injurious to us, is it not a mercy that
it should be denied? But perhaps you will ask.
How are we to know whether we love the creature
too much or not? How is it to be ascertained
whether we regard it as essential to our good, or
merely subservient to it ? This may be ascertained
in two wavs — Ist, How do we feel when our channels
are removed ? Does it seem as though our all were
gone ? If after a prop has been removed from under
us, we immediately fall, it is evident that our whole
weight has been placed upon it ; if we stagger and
stumble, though by dexterity we may recover our-
selves, and not actually fall, yet we show that too
much of our weight was resting on it ; but if, after
its removal, we stand upright as before, it is manifest,
as Archbishop Leighton observes, that we have been
leaning not on our prop, but on an invisible arm for
support. The application is easy. But I suggested
another means of ascertaining the same point. What
are our feelings under any probable expectations of
the removal of our channel ? This, however, is so
closely allied with the former that it needs no sepa-
rate enlargement or elucidation. It is evident that
the man who is filled with alarm at the bare idea of
the removal of his gold, is too much in love with it,
and, more or less, is making it his god. And he
who, with more specious refinement of taste, dreads
the interruption of his social pleasures, or the re-
moval of some of his wonted sources of good, follows
but too closely in the same steps. God must be

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

owned and felt as our all in all. He must be re-
garded, not merely as our supreme good, but as our
only good, as that which is alone necessary. In a
word, all I have to say is summed up in those two
expressive lines in the Methodist hymn-book,

111
\i

** Lead me where I my heaven may find,
The heaven of loving Thee alone."

About the end of the year 1817, Mr. Mortimer
entertained serious thoughts of going out to New
Zealand as a missionary, and for this end corre-
sponded with the secretary of the *' Church Missionary
Society" on the subject; and it so happened that
about this time also two New Zealand chiefs. Tool
and Teterree, arrived in England, and it was proposed
that they should abide for awhile at Madeley, which
they accordingly did. The providence of God, how-
ever, did not seem to open his way for removing to a
far-distant land, and he acquiesced in the result with
his usual loving submission to the will of God. The
following letter to the writer gives some account
of the way by which he was led to contemplate the
step referred to : —

Madeley, Nov. 26th, 1817.

My dear Armstrong,
Many incidents have occurred since it has pleased
God to separate us, in which I should have regarded
it as an exceedingly great comfort to my mind could
I have consulted you, and obtained from you either
your veto or procedas ; but I think that I never felt
the want of it more than at present. I hardly know
whether I ought to puzzle you with a long detail, pro
and con., of what has of late been passing in my mind,
or to wait till I come tc some conclusion. But as I

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

feel that I should unbosom my mind to you in the
fullest freest manner, were you now sitting by my
side, I will use the same freedom, though you are at
a distance. You must know, then, that 1 have lately
been exerting myself among my parishioners on
behalf of the Church Missionary Society, have read
in my different exposition-rooms the very interesting
accounts published in their quarterly papers and
missionary registers, and, to make myself somewhat
master of the matters upon which I spoke, I began
to go regularly through the whole of the volumes
which they have hitherto published. A great sensa-
tion has been excited among my people. I thought
we should do exceedingly little ; but God has opened
the hearts of my people, and I rejoice in the event.
This, however, is not the only effect which has been
produced. My own heart has been so completely
won over to the missionary cause that I am inclined
to think, I shall not easily be persuaded to remain
quietly and cozily at home, while so much remains to
be done abroad. The call to continue here must be
much stronger than it has hitherto been, or my
struggling spirit will be found to burst its ties and
make its escape to more needed labours. I trust I
shall not force my way ; this, under no circumstances,
can be desirable, but I think that hitherto my mind
has leaned too much one way, and has been too ready
to interpret the suggestions of some, and the opposi-
tions of others, into providential intimations of its
being the will of God, to hesitate and eventually to
abandon my object ; but now I feel very differently.
In the spirit of sacrifice, with our lives in our hands,
and almost our all of earthly good at stake, we shall
hold ourselves ready to proceed whenever we can with
any consistency make our escape. You will ask,
perhaps, what are our plans ? I have often thought of
joining my very very dear friends at Honduras, but
the unhealthiness of the climate, and the stings of

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

your musquitos quite deter my good wife, and she
slirinks from your shore with feelings which I dare
not any further attempt to correct. To speak honestly,
I fear your climate would soon bring her to her grave,
and therefore I should not think myself at all
authorized to press the point further than I have
already done. New Zealand is the place which we
have in our minds, and though the inhabitants are
cannibals, and though the ill treatment of the Euro-
peans has exasperated them to a degree of determined
retaliation, which might deter the mere worldly cal-
culators from venturing to settle among them ; yet as
we trust that the spirit of love and kindness will ever
actuate us in our intercourse with them, we trust
likewise that our gracious God will become a wall of
fire round about us to keep them from injuring us.
A very amiable, interesting, and truly pious young
man, who has lately been through college, and is now
waiting till he becomes of age for orders, has fully
made up his mind to join us so soon as his friends
can be persuaded to part with him. Ever since I
have been in the parish the Lord has been pleased
to knit his heart to me in a very singular way. His
mind has been turned to New Zealand for nearly
three years.

The whole circle of my friends, together with
myself, feel much obliged to you for your communica-
tions to Mr. Pratt, which he has published in the
last Missionary/ Register ^ October, 1817. They
greatly interested us, and we could not help rejoicing
in all the good which the good Lord is effecting
through you. May all this be only the promise
of a more abundant shower.

Letters passed at sea some time about the be-
ginning of this year, between Mr. Mortimer and the
editor, each asking, without knowing the intention of
the other, that his friend would become sponsor for

REV. OEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

his next-born child — a circumstance which explains
the allusions made to the subject, in the three fol-
lowing extracts : —

TO THE REV. JOHN ARMSTRONG.

Madeley, June 1, 1818.

The honour which my dear friends have conferred
upon my unworthy name affected me greatly, and
the more so, as within three or four weeks of the
time your letter reached me, two other similar
instances of the very great affection of my friends
here had occurred. Unknown to me, many of them
put their contributions together, and forwarded them
to the Church Missionary Society, for the support of
two African children, to be named after myself and
my dear Mary ; and a young man among the
Quakers, to whom the Lord has made me (his most
unworthy servant) a channel of good, has likewise
taken my name. What shall I say to these tokens
of love ? 1 know not what to say — but that I am
ashamed and confounded before God, to think that
any mark of love and respect should be shown to me
whom He sees as so abject and polluted ; and as to
my dear friends, all I can say is, the Lord reward
them a thousand fold for all that their hearts con-
trive, and their loving conduct so fully expresses.

TO THE REV. THOS. MORTIMER.

Madeley, near Shiffnal, July 20, 1818.

My dear Thomas,
We think of naming the dear little one Phoebe, a
name much endeared to us, as borne by one dear
relation now no more, and by another still reserved

" I

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

to US, whom we sincerely love. It is a name like-
wise which has not as yet been introduced among us.
We were thinking of joy and gladness, hut this we
have left to be, as we hope, long enjoyed by one
already in our family, and to be in reserve in case it
should be wanted for another, on whom we should
rejoice to see even an equal portion of her parents'
spirit. A servant of the church is what we claim
for our little one, and may the claim be abundantly
realized !

If Mrs. T. M. would not object to become one of
the sponsors for our little girl, and would permit us
to employ some one as her proxy, we should feel
ourselves much obliged by her compliance. My
dear Honduras friend has kindly consented to take
upon him this charge for one, and we purpose ap-
plying to Mr. John Eyton, as the third. Perhaps
you will be so good as drop me an early line, and
thus set me an example I so much need.

TO THE REV. JOHN ARMSTRONG.

Madeley, Aug. 3, 1818.

With regard to myself I have nothing to write to
you but a continued series of failure and disappoint-
ment ; and, if I might speak of the future from the
present, I should say, that the Lord is calling me to
remain at home rather than to go anywhere abroad.
The state of the case is simply this : — When first I
proposed myself as the servant of the Missionary
Society, I did not apprehend anything like difficulty
with regard to a supply for Madeley — the vicar, who
is not resident, had always consulted the wishes of
the people, and had given them the choice of their
minister. No sooner, however, was it known by
him that I had some thoughts of leaving, than he

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

declared, in the most positive terras, that he would
not admit to a curacy a person of my recommending,
and he quite wondered that I should ever think he
would, or, in other words, he did not intend to have
a person of my stamp. It soon, however, occurred
to me, that if an application were made in behalf of

my young but very dear friend, , the

vicar would, for the sake of his father, permit him to
succeed me : this he in fact promised, but when he
found out that the son was of a different stamp from
the father, and that the wrong kind of person was
thus most unintentionally selected, he drew back and

would not take another step ; and Mr. , hurt

at the whole procedure, declares that he will not,
upon any consideration whatever, make another ap-
plication, and thus matters are completely in statu
quo. I dare not leave my people to an ungodly
successor, and therefore the present intimation seems
to be, " stand still." I feel it a time of suspense,
but I am quite persuaded that all is in the very best
hands, and of course that all will be sweetly ordered
for good. I need not request you to pray for us ; I
am assured of your love, and love will necessarily
lead vou to a throne of grace on our behalf.

About a fortnight ago my dear Mary was confined,
and safely delivered of a little girl, whom we pur-
pose naming Phcebe, and may God grant she may
prove a servant of the church, as that honoured
individual whose name stands prominently distin-
guished in the Word of God — not, indeed, by be-
coming a lady preacher, as you designated Mrs.

F , in one of your letters, but in such a way as

is becoming her sex ; and in how many blessed
ways this is possible we shall neither of us be at a
loss to determine. We purpose avaiUng ourselves
of your kind permission to employ you as one of
the sponsors, and we feel ourselves much, very
much obliged by your compliance with our wishes.

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

Indeed, everything which seems Hke bringing us
nearer together affords us a degree of pleasure we
cannot easily express.

The humility of my beloved friend was not only
deep but uniform, and it was also most unfeigned.
I believe no sentiments conveyed in his letters with
regard to himself were more sincerely the utterance of
his heart, than such as appear in the two following
extracts ; and a savour of which, indeed, runs more
or less, through all his correspondence.

M i:.
lit i

TO THE REV. JOHN ARMSTRONG.

Madeley, Oct. 5, 1818.

My dear Armstrong,
Yours of the 8th of August reached me yesterday
evening, and afforded me much refreshment of spirit
after the labours of the day, as your kind and in-
teresting communications almost invariably do ; but
if they sometimes may fail in imparting refreshment,
they are never wanting in interest and in solid in-
struction. The only effect sometimes produced, is
in deeply humbling me, in abasing me before my
friends, and in the presence of my God. I feel
myself so wretched a sinner, and so completely
unworthy of your least notice. Indeed, I sometimes
think that if you could but see me instead of hearing
from me — could we but renew our personal acquaint-
ance — ^you would detect in me such evils as would
almost make you ashamed of acknowledging me.
In my letters, hurried as they generally are, you see
me under assumed appearances. I step a little out
of myself, sentiments are expressed, prayers and
wishes are breathed forth, and statements Ukewise
made, which are so very very far from being

1
t
1
s

a
n

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

tging us
isure we

not only
Lfeigned.
ers with
jrance of
bllowing
ins more

U 1818.

esterday
of spirit

and in-
do; but
ishment,
solid in-
luced, is
sfore my
I feel
mpletely
imetimes
' hearing
icquaint-
Eis would
ing me.
, you see
little out
^ers and

Ukewise
01 being

habitual, that you can know but little of me in this
way. Were you actually to know me, even all the
joy of meeting an old friend would soon give way to
some such exclamation as that uttered by iEneas at
the sight of Hector, "Oh quantum mutatus ab
illo." I thus write in consequence of the first para-
graph in your letter, in which you speak of having
looked over some old letters of mine. The reflec-
tions in which this re-perusal made you indulge
quite startled me as I read them, and I cannot but
still think that no small measure of hypocrisy must
attach to my character, if my communications do
really convey such sentiments to your mind as those
which you express ; for I dare not withhold from
you the humbling confession that, gratified and
thankful as I should be for the discovery, I cannot
perceive the impress of truth on any of them. But
I fear I shall tire as well as disgust you with so much
about self, and therefore turn to some other subject.

TO THE SAME.

Madeley, December 29, 1818.

My dear Armstrong,

With respect to myself, I can say but little, except-
ing what must tend to humble me in the dust before
the Lord and my fellow men. I am still stationary
here, and from all that has transpired, both within
and without, I feel now convinced that whatever the
duty of others may be, mine is to remain at home;
and, I think, I shall not easily be induced to make
any further eflbrt to make my escape. I am now
quite content to remain quiet here, and while set
aside by the Lord, as an instrument in whom he has
no such pleasure, can adore him for the greatness of his

H 2

100

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

tender compassions, which intervened as an effectual
barrier, and kept me from bringing chastisement
upon myself and my family for my presumptuous
folly, in thinking of stretching out my unhallowed
hand in supporting a cause, which, perhaps, I should
only have touched, to have impressed on it a mark
of indelible disgrace.

But amidst these feelings which humble me in
the. dust, and even confound me before the Lord,
I still find him most graciously condescending to visit
me, and still perceive abundant tokens of his love in
my parish, and in my family. All seems to wear a
cheerful and exhilarating smile, and if ever I was
convinced that my being hindered in my plans was
from the Lord, I think it is now. The affection
manifested by all classes among my dear people,
when it was known that I had given up the idea of
leaving them, was such as will long be remembered
by me with gratitude towards my kind and loving
God : for it is He, and He alone, who can thus give us
the hearts of our people. O, may I serve in the
Gospel of his Sou more faithfully than I have hitherto
done !

TO THE SAME.

Madeley, February 26, 1819.

My dear Armstrong,

If I recollect right, I just alluded in my last to the
very striking and unexpected change which has

taken place in my brother . The more 1 think

of it the more am I filled with astonishment and
gratitude. Had I been required to select an in-
dividual, which, in my estimation, was the least
likely to become a trophy to the powerful grace
of our Redeemer, would have been the person

n effectual
istisement
umptuous
nhallowed
, I should
it a mark

ble me in
the Lord,
ng to visit
liis love ill
to wear a
iver I was
plans was
} affection
ar people,
the idea of
membered
md loving
us give us
ve in the
re hitherto

RF.V. OEOROE MORTIMER, M.A.

101

26, 1819.

ast to the
^hich has
re 1 think
ment and
ct an in-
the least
rful grace
he person

upon whom I should have fixed. The grace, however,
of his so long despised Lord has at length triumphed,
and he now delights to build up the faith which he
once so malignantly endeavoured to destroy.

You will readily conceive that I have derived no
small encouragement from these dealings of my gracious
God with my dear brother. But the encouragement
has been greatly increased by the change which has
recently passed upon dear Tool, one of my New Zealand
guests. After they had set sail for New South
Wales, in the Baring, the ship struck against a
brake, and they were obliged to put again into port.
During this interval, Tooi was taken dangerously ill,
and, in the estimation of all who saw him, had not
the least probability of recovery. This painful visi-
tation, however, to his poor body, seems to have
been the means of salvation to his soul. All the
pious friends who surround him, speak of the change
as most unequivocal ; and Mr. Hall, who attended
them while with me, and who is as far, as any one
I know, from attempting to colour, speaks in decided
terms of the divine change which he has experienced.
Among other things in one of his letters, writing
of Tooi, he says, "I cannot help mentioning one of
his si mple speeches, which 1 think will please you.
* When I in New South Wales my heart no good :
I come to England, and hear the word of God, and,
I think, O dear me, I want a new heart ; 1 begin to
pray to Jesus to give me a new heart. In my own
country, I sin very much, and, when in South
seaman, the sailors teach me to curse and swear —
miserable work. But the blood of Jesus runs down
my heart, and washes away my sins, and my heart
feel comfortable and happy, and I no fear to die.
Believe in Jesus is the way to go up to heaven, and
be happy for ever with Jesus, and all Christian
friends ; (naming many, and you and your's amongst
the number).' " O, my dear friend, how blessed is

102

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

true religion, and how touching is this simple account,
which shows, I think, that dear Tooi has become
possessed of it.

TO THE SAME.

Madeley, May 3, 1819.

My dear Armstrong,
Since I last wrote to you, I have been called to
pass through some painful and unexpected scenes.
About twelve months ago my dear father began to
decline very rapidly in his health, owing to some
serious reverses which he experienced in his temporal
concerns, and which preyed very much upon his
mind ; the full extent we are none of us able to
determine, but one of my uncles and his son who
were privy to many of his transactions, can distinctly
reckon up ^675,000 which came under their own
observation. All these losses had their measure of
effect upon his spirits ; but, there was a lawsuit pend-
ing, and which had been commenced some months
since, which, if determined against him, threatened to
sweep away all that remained, and even to leave him
insolvent. Of this he informed no one, but kept it
working secretly within, till, at length, it proved too
much for him, and his constitution irrecoverably
gave way. On the day of his removal, indeed, he
was unusually well ; was out in the garden a great
part of the forenoon, and very cheerful while taking
his tea, but about seven in the evening he was seized
with a fit of apoplexy, and he was a corpse by a
little after nine. His death much affected me, and
especially as I had my fears lest it should have been
produced by a mere sorrow of the world ; but when
I joined my dear mother, I was much comforted by
finding that the Lord's gracious intentions in all this

REV. OEOROE MORTIMER, M.A.

103

apparently severe discipline, were mercifully answered ;
that they produced in him a gradual weaning from
the world, and an increased esteem and relish for the
things which concerned his soul. And in this effect,
I hope, that we are all, at least most of us, enabled
to rejoice, though, in order to produce it, it was
necessary that he sliould suffer the loss of almost
all things. To think of his departed spirit, as
happy with the ijord, affords to us a balm of con-
solation which thousands upon thousands could not
effect without it.

But amidst all this wreck and ruin of property
which I have gradually been called to witness, what
abundant cause have I for gratitude that it has not
come nigh me. How graciously has God been
pleased to provide for me and mine! For though
my family is large, and its wants are continually
iacreasing, yet I have all and abound. I have ever
yet had enough, and a little annually to spare; and
I have no doubt but that, with a little frugality,
I shall be able to put by a little more towards
the settling of my dear children when they shall
come of age. Had I known of the present posture
of affairs, I might have done a little more for them,
but I am very thankful that I have done what I
have. And may the God of love so regulate my
conduct for the future, that I may never, in any
instance, unnecessarily encroach upon their due ;
for I feel the force of the apostolic observation:
" He that provideth not for his own," &c.

The following is a deeply affecting letter; but,
like many of David's Psalms, if it begins in com-
plainings, it ends in praises.

104

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

TO THE SAME.

Madeley, July 3, 1819.

My dear Armstrong,
As to myself, I can say but little : I seem to be more
of a loitering formalist than anything else. Many
things which I began when I first entered upon my
charge here have gradually dwindled into the merest
nothings, and these have at length been given up.
And most of those which are still continued seem to
have lost that interest and power with which they
were once accompanied. As to my own feelings and
conduct in the midst of all, they are my shame and
constant humiliation. I am so accustomed to see this
gradual deterioration in many instances, that I almost
invariably expect it in all others, and this makes me
less earnest in prayer and less zealous in action. In
all the coldness of apathy, I seem anticipating nothing
but eventual failure in everything ; and then, when
nothing further is to be done here, 1 as coldly antici-
pate a removal to some other scene, where similar
eiforts will be productive of similar results. These,
my dear A., have been my general feelings for some
months past. I have often paused to analyze my
spirit and my conduct : sometimes I have been ready
to imagine that my indifference argued a deadness to
popularity and applause, and that while I was so
content that others should see that I was nothing, I
was gaining some increase of humility, and, of course,
was !naking some little advancement in the Divine
life. But within these few days, I have been awakened
from my sleep of carnal security, and have been
deeply humbled before my God on account of it. I
see that, instead of stemming the torrent, I have too
criminally suffered it to spread, till it has threatened

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

105

ruin to nil the plniii below. Instead of propping I
have rntlier nnilerniined the tottering fahrie, anil
tlms aided the natnral decay from time and seasons.
Had spirituality been cherished in my own soul —
had patient selt-denying labours been nnitbrndy pur-
sued — had ardent believing prayer been constantly
oftered — who can tell how much this tendency to de-
teriorate might have been counteracted .' Who can
tell, rather, what increase of i)rosperity might have
now called forth my grateful |)raise / My motto,
therefore, has now become that of the cheerful, be-
lieving and animated Apostle St. Paul. It is said
of him, " He thanked God and took courage." In-
stead of dejectedly witnessing this natural process,
and as des})ondingly anticipating still more and more,
I feel, through the grace of my Saviour, enabled
thankfully to adore him for all the good which yet
remains ; and, with a measure of cheerful courage,
to devote myself to my future work. And I cannot
tell you the sweet peace which has been im})arted to
my distrusting mind, and the animated glow which
has been dift'used through my cold and apathetical
heart ; but to think that this blessed peace and love
should have so long been strangers within my breast,
is cause of my humiliation before my compassionate
Redeemer. May my endeared friend never have
similar cause of complaint !

TO HIS SISTER.

Madeley, Oct. 4, 1819.

My last informed you of the seeming health of our
dear little Basil : on Monday last, we availed our-
selves of a favourable opportunity of having him
christened, and we all thought that, though a little
fallen away, he was looking very well. On Wednesday,

106

LIFE AND LETTERS OP THE

however, he was attacked with infantine cholera
morbus, and on the morning of yesterday his happy
spirit burst its way to God. To us, indeed, the scene
was very aflFecting ; it was the first inroad death had
been permitted to make among us, and his entrance
spread a degree of awe upon our minds such as we
had not known before. The strong feelings of
affection hkewise, and numerous endearing recol-
lections, kept making us weep till, like David and
his men, we seemed to have no more power to weep,
and even all the grateful expressions which kept
bursting from our thankful hearts, could only be
uttered amidst our quickly flowing tears. These
stronger feehngs, however, have now somewhat sub-
sided, and a holy calm of gratitude has regained its
seats within our breasts : our dear little one has, in-
deed, fled from among us, but he has fled to a far
happier place — fled to the arms and bosom of his ever-
to-be-adored Redeemer ; and oh ! how quick, as well
as blessed, the transition!

" We scarce can say he's gone,
Before his happy spirit takes
Its station near the throne."

To-morrow, we think of committing his dear re-
mains to the silent tomb. I have been selecting and
marking out a suitable spot to be employed, should
we continue here, for the successive members of our
family, as they may be called from among us, and
my prayer has been ascending to my blessed Re-
deemer that we may every one of us leave as firm a
persuasion behind us of the safety of our eternal state,
as our dear little Basil has. And, indeed, his removal
has given me an increased confidence that this will
be the case ; for our united prayers for our dear
children have ever been, that they might either live
a holy life, or die an early death. My dear wife,
though weak, is very mercifully supported in the

ne cholera
his happy
I, the scene
death had
8 entrance
uch as we
'eelings of
•ing recol-
David and
r to weep,
hich kept
1 only be
rs. These
what sub-
egained its
le has, in-
i to a far
)f his ever-
ck, as well

dear re-
cting and
d, should
Ts of our
5 us, and
essed Re-
as firm a
rnal state,
s removal

this will

our dear

lither live

lear wife,

;d in the

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

107

season of our trial ; she feels, and that at times very
sensibly, but peaceful gratitude is still her constant
companion : I say gratitude ; for it is not mere sub-
mission, it is the peaceful grateful adoration of that
gracious God who is too wise to err, too good to be
unkind ; and I am very thankful for all the support
and consolation which our kind Saviour so mercifully
affords her. I think of having a small head stone
for my little boy, mentioning his name, the day of
his death and his age, and, underneath, the following
lines which I put down in my pocket book when you
and I were at Enfield, little, indeed, imagining at the
time that I should ever have a dear child of my own
over whose grave they would be inscribed : —

" On Life's wide Ocean sorrowful and pained,
How many Voyagers their course perform ;
This little bark a kinder fate obtained,
It reached the Haven ere it met the storm."

Mr. Mortimer very kindly received the writer's
son "William (now a clergyman, and British chaplain
at Valparaiso, in South America) into his family, to
be educated with his own children, and it is to this
child that allusion is made in the following letter
addressed to him.

Madeley, February 28, 1820.

ig»

My dear Armstronj^
I HAVE entered into these details, conceiving that no
communication can be more interesting to a father
than those which concern an endeared child ; and
happy shall I be if all my future communications be
equally pleasing. Of this, however, I have but little
expectations. Many and very painful fluctuations have
I witnessed in my own children, and have heard of
the children of others, and therefore my dear friend
must not be surprised if my little charge should at

108

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

times disappoint our expectations or our wishes.
Oh what lovely, what heavenly blossoms have I some-
times delightfully discovered in my eldest little boy !
He has seemed even ripening for glory, and that also
so rapidly, that we have almost imagined that his
stay would not be long among us. Tears of grati-
tude have stood in our eyes while we have seen the
gracious evidences, or while we have been relating
them to each other. In a few weeks, however, the
blossoms and the fruit have almost totally disap-
peared, and have left us to sorrow in temporary
disappointment, or to find comfort only in the
cheering exhilaration of hope. Then, again, the
winter has passed, and lovely spring has once more
appeared. But it is all well ; the harvest of none of
our labours is to be expected here; it is in that
blessed world above that we shall reap, provided
that we faint not ; and what greater stimulus can we
need to keep urging us forward even in the midst of
every species of discouragement ?

William told me a few evenings ago that Mrs.
Armstrong had received a letter from you, which
kept her in doubt as to whether you would join her,
or she you. I know so little of what would be for
the best, that I would not attempt to influence you
in one way or other. The greatest benefit which I
can confer on my endeared friend is, to bring him
and his concerns to One who loves him infinitely
more than I can do, and whose infallible direction is
promised in his holy word to the inquiring soul. It
was the prayer of my kind friends, I am persuaded,
which kept me in England when I had felt it my
duty to take even most decided measures for leaving
it. When they objected to my step, I almost inva-
riably requested them to pray for providential hin-
derances, if my intentions were not in the divine
order ; and I told them, if I knew anything of
myself, I should not attempt either to break through

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

109

the hedge, or to overleap the wall. The kind Saviour
heard their prayer, and I have never been so fully
persuaded of anything as of this, that my being
detained in England was completely of the Lord.
Should my dear Armstrong be projecting that which
is not in the will and order of his God, may the
same merciful Saviour hedge up his way, and plant
the piercing thorn at every step, to render his pro-
gress painful, and eventually to deter him ! But
should his removal be from God, then may all diffi-
culties and impediments vanish completely from
before him !

Mary joins me in kind love to yourself and Mr.
Ditcher, and I remain.

My ever dear Friend,

Yours very affectionately,

G. Mortimer.

TO THE REV. THOMAS MORTIMER.

Madeley, Dec. 22, 1820.

My dear Brother,
We have named our little boy Herbert, after our old
and mutual friend ; and happy, indeed, should we
think ourselves were he even in some small degree to
resemble that saintly man. I give you his name,
with the hope of its being inserted in your list of
those whom you remember in your hours of inter-
cession ; and in the hope, likewise, that he will not
be forgotten by your dear wife. He seems unusually
well at present, better, we think, than any of our
children have been at his age. The suddenness,
however, both of the indisposition and removal of
our little Basil, has made us consider the health and
life of an infant as exceedingly uncertain in its
tenure ; and we hope we are enabled to leave him

I '

I f

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

completely in the best of hands. You may perhaps
have heard, through Eliza, of the removal of dear Mr.
Purton : you know his worth, his strong attachment
to myself, and the right hand he was to me in every-
thing in which I could in any way use him, and,
therefore, are prepared to suppose what a loss has
been sustained by myself and others. I do not like
funeral sermons in general, but I thought I ought to
take up my cross on such an occasion, and endeavour
to hold up his uncommon, unobtrusive, and retiring
excellence to the view of others, and then, at the
same time, pay my own tribute of friendship which
I felt I myself owed to him.

In parochial matters, and in my ministerial con-
cerns, we go on much as usual. Mr. Purton's
removal has put some extra burdens upon me, but
they are not as yet too oppressive, and, if they
should become so, the Lord, I doubt not, will give
me some one who will share them with me. Attend-
ance on church classes and expositions, nearly in
statu quo; and this, considering the tendency in
everything to deteriorate, I consider as rather en-
couraging than otherwise. Our good friends and
fellow-helpers, the Methodists, however, seem to be
more prosperous than ourselves. The chapel at the
Green has just been considerably enlarged, and there
is some talk of its being opened in church hours,
morning as well as evening, and some rumours of
sacraments and christenings are now and then reach-
ing my ears. As to myself, I dare say nothing : I
am rather disposed to think that the morning service
would be a benefit to the parish in inducing many
poor to attend, who, through shame or idleness,
would not come so far as to the church ; and, as
they are my parishioners, I hope I should rejoice in
their good, though this good should not be conveyed
through myself. The sacrament and christenings,
in the present state of Methodism, follow almost as

^ii

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

Ill

ftV perhaps

af dear Mr.

Eittachment

le in every-

him, and,

a loss has

do not like

I ought to

I endeavour

nd retiring

len, at the

[ship which

sterial con-
'. Purton's
in me, but
id, if they
;, will give
le. Attend-
nearly in
endency in
rather en-
riends and
seem to be
lapel at the
, and there
rch hours,
rumours of
hen reach-
lothing : I
ing service
cing many
idleness,
and, as
i rejoice in
e conveyed
iristenings,
almost as

a matter of course, and therefore I am equally silent
on this subject. All these things were not the
original intention of the founder ; but were I a
Methodist myself, I do not know but that I should
consider them as expedient, and almost as necessary
parts of present Methodism : why then should I feel
on these accounts ? They are doing a great work.
I find them most important auxiliaries in my own
parish, and do sincerely wish them all that prosperity
which, for their works' sake, they deserve. A few
months ago, I began to pray for them, and have
continued at stated times ever since ; and though I
never reckoned myself exceedingly stiff in my
Churchmanship, I am certainly less so now than
before. God permits, and, not only so, he most
evidently owns and blesses ; and why should we feel
the spirit of Joshua, and pettishly, or enviously, or
selfishly wish to forbid them ?

TO THE REV. J. ARMSTRONG.

Madeley, Dec. 27, 1820.

My dear Friend,

* * * *

I WAS very glad to hear, through my sister, of your

servant Lucy, who came over for Mrs. A , whom

she saw at Mrs. W. A. 's ; she spoke of you in

the most afiPectionate terms, and described, in her
simple but strong manner, the change which had
been effected in the settlement through your ministry
among them. " Before massa came, many very bad ;
now, good, and love great Massa," and so on. Oh,
my dear friend, amidst all the discouraging feelings
arising from your not being able to do all you would,

ou should not forget what has already been done.

"e are most of us too sanguine in our expectations,

yoi

112

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

not suspecting that what exceeds the cool and sober
calculation of tried and well-disciplined faith has too
much to do with self, arises from self-confidence, and
ends in self-humiliation. We are too apt, in imagina-
tion, to seize the magic wand of Harlequin, and
suppose that every touch will effect wonders ; but, to
change the wilderness into the garden of the Lord,
requires the enduring spirit of the toilsome labourer,
the stones must be cleared, and the soil must again
and again be turned : and even when the precious
seed is safely deposited, the patience of our hope
must succeed to the labour of our love. How long
does it usually lie beneath the surface, and when the
tender blade appears, how much longer the interval
before the perfection of the fruit ! so long, that my
endeared friend may never live to see it in his own
case : though he may sow, yet others may enter into
his labours ; yet will both he that sows and they
that reap, rejoice together in that glorious and eternal
harvest.

Since I began my letter, I have had a visit from
our mutual friend, Mr. Cox. Since his residence in
Shropshire, I have frequently had opportunities of
seeing him, and it is with unfeigned pleasure that I
have seenhim evidently advancing in the best of things.
1 think, however, that I never saw him to so great
advantage as now — the truly Christian minister and
the warm and steady friend. He still continues at
Bridgenorth, and has apparently lived through all the
hostility and prejudice which his preaching and
residence among them once excited. He begins also
to see some important fruits of his labours. How
cheering is all this ! Well, my dear friend, let us
catch the animating glow, and strive to live more for
our loving Saviour and the great glory of his name.

Kind faithfulness towards our friends is a truly
Christian grace — this grace the subject of this

A and sober
'aith has too
ifidence, and
, in imagina-
rlequin, and
lers ; but, to
of the Lord,
)me labourer,
il must again
the precious
of our hope
J. How long
and when the
;r the interval
ong, that my
it in his own
may enter into
ows and they
pus and eternal

id a visit from
is residence in
)portunities of
leasure that I
I best of things,
im to so great

I minister and

II continues at
through all the
preaching and
He begins also
labours. How

friend, let us
J live more for
of his name.

ids is a truly
Ibject of this

.■"ft"

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

113

memoir eminently possessed, of which the following
letter is a proof : —

TO THE SAME.

Madeley, April 28, 1821.

My much endeared Friend,
Though circumstances certainly appear against me,
and give you just reason to suspect that no very over-
whelming tide of affection flows towards my expatriated
brother and fellow-labourer ; though I seem to have
lost all the ardent, or the softer feelings of the
friend, in the cold and apathetical conclusions of the
mere calculator ; though like the callous brethren of
the afflicted Joseph, I seem unconscious of your
grief, and can, like them, selfishly sit down to eat
and to drink, or rise up to consult with others, to
decide your fate, and fix you in sorrow ;— though,
I say, all these things appear against me, and though
my friend is constrained to number me among the
annoying trio, yet still I feel within me a pleasing
conviction of real genuine afl^ection, which enables
me to rise above appearances, and which persuades me
that I am not quite a stranger to that love which
vTHny waters cannot quench, and which the floods
cannot drown. The fact is, my dear friend, that the
decision to which you allude in your last was my
painful and not my pleasant duty. I felt, I hope,
something like the surgeon who has been called to
perform some operation on the most beloved of his
friends ; were he to hesitate, or were he to decline,
how justly would he be answerable for all the painful
consequences which might result : but while he
j)roceeds, though steady to his point, though the
fixedness of his eye seems to proclaim him devoid of
pity, though his unshaking hand seems to indicate

114

LIFE AND LETTERS OP THE

no shrinking from his work of torture ; yet still the
tenderest emotions may exist within, and to the dis-
criminating eye may be seen in a thousand varying
turns. I do not, indeed, wisli you to give me credit
for a perfect similarity to all this, and yet I do hope
that when time has a little more sobered down the
strength, and perhaps intensity, of feeling, you will
feel more disposed to thank me for the thankless duty
which my friendship for you enabled me to perform.
My sister and brotlier Holland are with me at
present and have been here for some weeks past.
Many, indeed, are the pleasures of endeared and
social intercourse, and I feel truly thankful that we
have been permitted to enjoy them. We have never
met as a family since my sister was married, and,
though there has been all along an interchange of
thought and feeling through letters, yet we have
found how far short all this comes of viva voce and
personal communications and endearments. I have
no doubt but that a similar result would be experi-
enced, could you and I occasionally meet together.
And when we consider the almost insuperable im-
pediments which lie in the way of such a meeting,
some feeling, perhaps, steals into the mind which
would have us think somewhat hardly of the divine
appointments. Let us, however, be thankful that,
though we have not all the sweets of friendship, yet
that so many are still reserved to us. And who can
tell but that these may be increased, if we are only
more faithful in bringing each other, with our
mutually known concerns, to our compassionate God
and Saviour ?

■'4

!||

After speaking of the arduous duties of his parish,
as oppressive to the flesh, the mind, and the spirits, he
adds, in his usual heavenly strain, to the same friend : —

" It is still very blessed to be engaged in any
way for the blessed Saviour. This is, indeed, a

REV. GEOUOE MORTIMER, M.A.

115

vet still the
id to the dis-
sand varying
;ive me credit
yet I do hope
red down the
ling, you will
liankless duty
ne to perform,
re with me at
le weeks past.

endeared and
ankful that we
We have never
; married, and,

interchange of
, yet we have
f viva voce and
pents. I have
ould be experi-

meet together.

insuperable im-
mch a meeting,
lie mind which

ily of the divine
thankful that,
friendship, yet
And who can
if we are only

[ther, with our

Ipassionate God

es of his parish,
id the spirits, he
B same friend: —
engaged in any
is is, indeed, a

■538

work which pays in the doing. I pray God I may
love it even more and more. But, were it otherwise,
were every step toilsome and thorny, were there no
biook to drink of by the way to enable us to lift up
our heads, were the yoke galling and the burden
heavy, were the cross, instead of concealing a latent
good, only cruciating, were the cup of sorrows divested
of all sweets and only filled with strongest bitters ;
still we have enough of stimulus arising from the
glorious prospect of that blessedness above to inspirit
our souls, and to enable us to toil up the most arduous
ascent, and not only to drag on our wearied feet, but
to lift them up with all the alacrity of cheerful obe-
dience ; for the joy which is set before us, we may well
endure the cross, and, like our blessed Master, despise
the shame. O, my dear Armstrong, may we both of
us live more with heaven in our eye, and with a lively
feeling of our Saviour's love in our hearts ! And
then every murmur will be hushed, and nothing be
heard from our joyful lips but the language of thanks-
giving and praise."

I hope the children of my late endeared friend will for-
give the following little notice of a father's practice and
of the habits of his children in their juvenile days : —
*' Your letter, received yesterday evening, speaks
somewhat at large on pocket money. I think it
probable, from what you there say, that threepence
a week will be less than you would choose ; if so, I
will alter, though I think that threepence altogether
unearned is quite sufficient. I do not give a single
penny to my own altogether gratuitously — i. e., inde-
pendent of their own conduct and exertions ; but
still, while William was with me, I gave most liberal
inducements to him and them, that they might
readily gain sixpence each weekly, and have some-
times gone as far as a shilling, and even more Two
of my children have some of their earnings in the

1 1

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IKi

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

Savings' Bank ; one has a guinea and another has

£\ 3s. Indeed, my boy is always scheming so

largely that he has only a few shillings in hand, and
these are devoted towards making a present of the
new Life of Mr. Fletcher to a poor lad, who, a few
weeks since, had behaved generously to him. But
this his excess of generosity arises, I think, more
from his ability to acquire, than anything else. "Oh,"
he says, "I will soon earn it ;" and in earnest he begins,
and soon does. But then, he is always poor, and unless
I can snare him into something like saving habits, I fear

he will always be so. , who has a guinea in the

bank, is as generous as , nay, has the greater

appearance of generosity ; for he has always some-
thing by him, and brings it out whenever anything

benevolent is proposed ; while , being always

behind hand, has to gain his before he can give it.
But all my children have habits of giving ; some are
careful, but none are penurious, and 1 hope never
will become so.

TO THE REV. JOHN ARMSTRONG.

Madeley, June 1, 1822.

My dear Friend,
It afforded me great pleasure to see, on Tuesday last,
your kind friend. Colonel Arthur [now Sir George
Arthur, Bart, and Governor of Bombay], who arrived
at Liverpool on the preceding Friday. He was ac-
companied by his lady, three children, and two
servants, all of them in good health, though Mrs.
Arthur and the children bore the usual paleness
which Europeans so readily discover in the coun-
tenances of West Indian residents. I felt much
gratified by the colonel's urbanity of manners,
and had great pleasure in showing him and his

RFA'. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

117

another has
schemin}? so
n hand, anil
■esent of the
1, who, a few
) hhn. But
think, more
;else. "Oh,"
est he begins,
)r, and unless
r habits, I fear
guinea in the
s the greater
always some-
!ver anything
being always
le can give it.
ng ; some are
[1 hope never

SG.

rune 1, 1822.

Tuesday last,
w Sir George
], who arrived
He was ac-
■en, and two
though Mrs.
isual paleness
in the coun-
I felt much
of manners,
him and his

lady all the lions of the ])lace. He seemed
greatly to like our neat church and rural quiet
chtdcliyard, and the ver>' ground appeared in
liis \ iew to be more than ordinarily consecrated by
the residence of the venerable Fletcher. He gave me
much interesting detail respecting Honduras, its
church, its schools, its people, and its minister ; and
of the Inst, he forgot not to mention his difficulties,
his battles, and his eventual successes. He spoke
also of his health, and described him (though per-
haps he would not in this respect receive any great
superabundance of thanks for his pains), as being
peculiarly suited to bear all the labours of his arduous
post, and that a change of place, however it might
recreate the spirit, was by no means necessary for the
continuance of his health. Now, I need scarcely tell
you that all this was very refreshing to my spirit.
I am not permitted to see you, and yet such have
been the singular circumstances which have brought
me in contact with those who have long lived in the
Bay of Honduras, that I have been favoured with
details almost as lively and circumstantial as an
actual visit could have afforded me. And all the
accounts strengthen in me the conviction that my
endeared friend is in his own real, identical, proper
post — the one by Heaven's signature stamped with
appointment and approbation too. May the Saviour
who has appointed and approved, still bind him to it
by his constraining love !

The colonel was very kind in his inquiries respect-
ing William ; I sent to Mr. Thurgar for him, and the
counsels he gave him were very affectionate and ap-
propriate. He left with him a sovereign when he
parted from us. He seemed particularly anxious for
his welfare, and was very desirous of gleaning every-
thing encouraging that he might have the satisfaction
of communicating it to you — a satisfaction evidently
very strons:.

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118

LIFE AND LF.TTF.KS OF TIIF,

Last night, I received a letter from that vcrr

rancis Hall, who

excellent

resided some months in my parish, as the companion
of the New Zealanders, and who went with them to
New Zealand. His whole condnct, while among us,
left an indehble impression of the genuine piety
which so humbly but gracefully dwelt within him.
Every recollection of the dear good man is refreshing
to my spirit. But I wander from my point. I re-
ceived from him, yesterday, a letter which ought to
make us all truly thankful that we have been provi-
dentially kept here, instead of being suffered to go,
as we liad once intended, along with himself or
others to this inhospitable shore. He begins with
congratulating us on this point, and illustrates his
congratulation with such a narration of discourage-
ment, connected with the state of the mission, as
would convince every unprejudiced mind tJ.at a family
such as mine has no business there. A time possi-
bly may come when the signs may become more favour-
able ; but certainly they are most discouraging now,
I hope I am thankful to God, as the only source
of our good, for the state of things in my own parish.
To say there was an outpouring of the Spirit upon
us, would be using language by far too strong,
and yet some gracious drops have descended — the
dew has been resting upon us. Our classes increase
— the pubHc means are better attended ; our Sunday
schools are more than doubled, and a spirit of hear-
ing generally prevails. And I feel the more grateful
for all this, as I have all along expected that a seven
years' residence among them would produce a list-
lessness and indifference bordering on satiety ; but,
though this term is now attained within a few days,
vet there seems no want of attention and no diminu-
tion in interest. The hearts of the dear people are
still given to me, and, as such, they still bear with
and love me. And if old things are said in their

nEV. OEOnOE mortimer, m.a.

119

)iii that very
iicis Hall, who
thi; companion
with them to
hile among us,
genuine piety
t within him.
,n is refreshing
point. I re-
hich ought to
ire been provi-
sufFered to go,
ith himself or
[e begins with
illustrates his
of discourage-
he mission, as
lid tLat a family
A time possi-
ne more favour-
30uraging now.
le only source
my own parish,
le Spirit upon
■ar too strong,
descended — the
classes increase
1 ; our Sunday
1 spirit of hear-
e more grateful
ed that a seven
produce a list-
a. satiety ; but,
lin a few days,
and no diminu-
dear people are
still bear with
J said in their

hearing, they appear to come home to them with n
new power, and that power I would gratefully acknow-
ledge is from above : to the grace, therefore, of my
Redeemer, I would ascribe the praise. And I do
still cherish a hope that, so long as he shall be
pleased to continue me here, he will graciously com-
mand that the barrel of meal shall not waste, nor
the cruse of oil fail ; that neither matter nor unction
shall be wanting in my humble ministrations. Humble
they, indeed, are and always will be : the little treasure
which 1 l)ear, is in an earthen, a cracked earthen
vessel. But I hope I am still content, so long as the
excellency of the power may be seen of God and not
of man. Here, my dear friend, is the grand point —
we nothing ; Christ all. Oh, blessed feeling ! Never
are we so truly hapi)y as when we most fully realize it.
We all unite in kind love to yourself and Mrs. A.,
and I remain, «

My dear Friend,

Yours ever sincerely,

G. M.

The friend to whom the following extract of a
letter to the editor refers, was one whom Mr.
Mortimer had strongly urged to turn his attention
towards the service of the sanctuary. The extract
exhibits so beautiful a picture of a good man that I
cannot prevail upon myself to omit it, and yet, not
to offend the retiring feelings of the excellent indi-
vidual alluded to — he being yet alive — I suppress his
name, though to himself and some few of his friends
the name will not be unknown. I hope he will for-
give me this wrong which I have committed for the
sake of others. In a note which the editor received
from this gentleman, forwarding to him several of
the letters which he had received from Mr. Mor-
timer, he says, "*In honour preferring one another,'
seemed to be one of his (Mr. M.'s) constant rules of

120

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

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action. For myself, I may most unaifectedly say,
that while I feel grateful to God for the affection of
such a friend for so many years, I equally feel my own
utter unworthiness of such a privilege and blessing."
*' Two evenings ago, I receiv^ed a letter from my ex-
cellent friend, , late of . He has at length

applied for orders, and was admitted deacon, two
Sundays since, by the venerable Bishop of Norwich.
Mr. Home of Christ Church, Newgate-street, whose
work on the Scriptures you have no doubt seen re-
viewed, was admitted by the Bishop of London
three years since, and these two together with my-
self were a trio of friends meeting in Mr. Butter-
worth's class. Orders were at one time the furthest
from all our thoughts, and yet have we been gra-
dually led forward, and the third has at length joined
us in the blessed and honourable employ. I much
regret that he did not break through his snares and
impediments when, about seven years ago, I strongly
urged him to the point ; for he would then have not
only spent seven more years in the more immediate
work of the sanctuary, but would have saved himself
many painful exercises and many severe losses.

^S^ ^^ ^^ ^g ^^ ^^ ^j# ^j

" But oh, how I admire the man ! If he shone in
prosperity, how much more in adversity ! No mur-
mur ever escapes him. He does, indeed, glorify his
God in the fires. His altered circumstances make
no alteration in the man, unless, indeed, they have
induced greater spirituality of mind, more complete
deadness to the world, and more unreserved surrender
of all his affections and powers to the service of his
God. But here 1 am backward to speak ; for he
shone so conspicuously before, that I find it difficult
to determine which is stronger of the two lights, both
so strong that few could bear with them a momen-
tary comparison. Oh, may our lights, my dear friend,
so shine in every alteration of our circumstances.

■'I-j"^

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

1 L 1

iflfectedly say,
e affection of
y feel my own
ind blessing."
T from my ex-
has at length
. deacon, two
) of Norwich,
-street, whose
oubt seen re-
p of London
ther with my-
n Mr. Butter-
le the furthest
we been gra-
t length joined
(loy. I much
lis snares and
igo, I strongly
then have not
ore immediate
saved himself
re losses.

If he shone in
! No mur-
ed, glorify his
istances make
3d, they have
nore complete
rved surrender
service of his
speak ; for he
find it difficult
wo lights, both
;m a momen-
ny dear friend,
circumstances,

that we also may, like him, bring glory to our
God I"

At the beginning of the year 1823, it pleased God
to deprive the church of the valuable labours of the
Rev. John Eyton, Vicar of Wellington, to whom Mr.
Mortimer was exceedingly attached. About seven
weeks before his removal, he left home with the in-
tention of wintering at the Isle of Wight, but the
weather becoming very cold he was obliged to remain
at Portsmouth. The children being all at home, he
did not wish Mrs. Eyton to accompany him ; but a few
days before his death, she received an intimation that
he wished to see her, and though she set off the very
day she received this information, she did not arrive
till some hours after his departure. In reference to
this painful event, Mr. Mortimer, in a letter to his
sister, says, •

"The death of Mr. Eyton has filled us with a
degree of consternation and surprise which I find it
difficult to express. In what a changing world do we
live, and how many evils does that part of our punish-
ment "death" introduce among us. Prayer seems
at present our only refuge, especially with regard to
his bereaved people. The delicate and very difficult
duty of preaching the funeral sermon has been
assigned to me : the flesh would dispose me to decline
were I to attend to its dictates ; but I dare not listen.
I owe so much to my endeared and highly honoured
friend, that I feel I must proceed. Let me, however,
entreat tne assistance of your prayers."

Some time during last year Mr. Mortimer was
induced to undertake the editorship of a monthly
publication for young persons. He refers to this
engagement in the following letter : —

It,'-

in .'

I .

122 LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

TO THE UEV. THOMAS MORTIMER.

Madeley, Feb. 13, 1823.

My dear Brother,
I AM obliged to you for thinking of me in reference
to my monthly engagements. I can hardly expect
that you should enter with anv very lively interest
into this matter, though, I can assure you, your kind
assistance would prove a very acceptable service both
to myself and my readers ; nor would the lime be
altogether lost, if the matter were considered in sole
reference to yourself; at least I should so conclude,
from what I have observed with respect to my own
mind and habits, and I very greatly regret that, for
so many years, I suffered my feelings to prevail over
my better judgment, and cause me to neglect the
throwing in of my mite into some channel of useful-
ness. But I do not blame others, knowing how very
unwillingly I was pressed into the service myself.
I do not expect that my friends should, by any touch
of my poor leaden wand, start into active and willing
contributors. Had I Orpheus-like powers, the trees
and stones might follow me ; but I possess none of
these magical or touchingly persuasive means, and
therefore, though, as a point of duty, I every now and
then turn an entreating eye, and raise a feeble suppli-
cating voice, both the priest and the Levite are afraid
of messing themselves in my poor concerns, and
prudently pass over to the other side. I would not,
however, ungratefully involve all in this sweeping and
indiscriminate crimination. A Samaritan or two have
kindly pitied me, and for their equally unexj)ected
and unwearied act of friendship, I feel myself pecu-
liarly indebted. But why all this enumeration? Should
I not honestly confess that it is not altogether without

. ,1

HE
IMER.

Feb. 13, 1823.

me in reference
hardly expect
y lively interest
I you, your kind
ble service both
Id the lime be
msidered in sole
lid so conclude,
pect to my own
regret that, for
s to prevail over
to neglect the
aannel of useful-
lowing how very
I service myself,
lid, by any touch
ctive and willing
powers, the trees
! possess none of
sive means, and
I every now and
B a feeble suppli-
Levite are afraid
)r concerns, and
;. I would not,
his sweeping and
ritan or two have
ually unexpected
feel myself pecu-
meration? Should
dtogether without

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

123

reference to yourself? I am not a stranger to my
good brother's Samaritan-like feehngs, and a distant
hope is cherished by me, that he will yet pour in of
his truly welcome supplies.

T. L., I should think, would at present pass quite
as good an examination as his brother B., but I
w^ould not recommend him to be over hasty in apply-
ing for orders, nor indeed does he feel thus disposed
himself. Young men, I think, sadly err in this
matter ; they hasten into the ministry far too soon,
and repent of their haste all through their subsequent
years. But perhaps it is hardly fair to ascribe all
the blame to them : it originates, in great part, with
those who bear the expense of their education, aud who
are glad of the first opportunity which presents itself
of getting them off. But T. L. supports himself,
and, therefore, the burden and the advantage both
fall, as they ought, upon the same individual, and he
so feels the desirableness of improving the present
time, that he prefers waiting a little longer. Another
pupil who is reading with me, a very nice young man,
supports himself in a similar way ; and I do not
intend, for the future, to superintend the studies of
any who do not, in some way or other, pursue the
same method. And

I remain, my dear Brother,

Yours very affectionately,

G.M.

TO THE REV. THOMAS MORTIMER.

Madeley, Feb. 5, 1824.

My dear Thomas,

******* Matters
proceed among us pretty much as usual. My people
are kind, our congregations good, classes very fair,
and attendance on the weekly expositions pleasingly

124

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

increasing. As to myself, I can say but little ; some-
times I am enabled to live in the spirit of the petition,

" Each moment draw from earth away

My heart, which lowly waits thy call ;"

and then my peace flows smooth and tranquil as a
river ; then all my affections take their proper channel,
and are directed to a holy spiritual end. But, alas !
too generally I find my feelings and conduct better
characterized by complaint than exultation, and have
too much reason to say,

** Yet hind'rances strew all the way ;
I aim at thee, yet from thee stray."

•ji

But I still keep fixing my eye upon the beauteous
light, even when furthest from it, and most ardently
do I sigh after its most blessed repose. Well,
perhaps, after all my failures, I may still become
habitually possessed of it ; and indeed without it, I
feel that I shall never enjoy anything like true and
substantial rest. A minister without the inward
grace, and that also in a more than usual measure, is
of all others a character most to be pitied —I mean of
all other Christians ; for in order to instruct others, he
must of course be more advanced in knowledge, and
consequently will be called to a far stricter account.
Besides, the whole routine of his employments, carry-
ing with them the exterior of sanctity, are apt to
impress, not only others, but himself also, with
fallacious hopes respecting the safety of his state.
The constant repetition also of his duties has a strong
tendency to render the spiritual impression on himself
less and less vivid, till at length the pious feeling, in
many instances, is entirely absent, and he detects him-
self half hypocritically acting or ^)erforming a part,
attempting to raise emotion in others to which he is

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

i2r.

little ; some-
f the petition,

1;"

tranquil as a
•oper channel,
. But, alas !
ionduct better
ion, and have

the beauteous
most ardently
pose. Well,

still become
1 without it, I

Uke true and
t the inward
lal measure, is
id— I mean of
ruct others, he
nowledge, and
ricter account,
j^ments, carry-
;y, are apt to
jlf also, with

of his state.
s has a strong
iion on himself
3US feeling, in
le detects him-
»rming a part,
which he is

so much a stranger himself. These, my dear brother,
are our snares — at least they are mine ; but I hope
I not only perceive them, but am watching against
them. And my comfort is, that amidst all my con-
sciousness of weakness, it is still my privilege to rely
on an all-sufficient Saviour.

You kindly speak in your letter of your being able
to assist me in my editorial labours, by furnishing me
with accounts connected with the different societies.
1 fear, however, that the work will not proceed beyond
the present volume. Its sale, I am thankful to state,
has increased since it was placed in my hands, and
is still increasing ; but it will not cover the attendant
expenditure — at least not so much so, as to make it
worth the publisher's while to continue. Its discon-
tinuance, however, will prove no great loss to me.
I edit the numbers of the present volume for £1. 10s.
a number, and, when my monthly expenses are
deducted, I have only about £.\ each remaining. My
object, however, is not gain, but a desire of being in
some way useful ; and as a work of the kind seems
desirable, I shall feel a little regret that it should
cease. But perhaps, after it stops, some London
bookseller will venture upon something of a similar
kind, and, if so, it will then, in all probability, succeed.
***** We all unite iu

sincerest love to yourself, Mrs. T. M., and my dear
niece, and

I remain, my dear Thomas,

Your aifectionate Brother,

George Mortimer.

to the rev. thomas mortimer.

Madeley, Deo. 1, 1824.
My dear Brother,

afraid, from your intimations respecting your being

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126

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

ill quest of a morning service, that Mr. Pratt has
failed in substantiating his claim ; if so, I shall be
much concerned. Retired from the emoluments of a
former occupation, he will possibly feel this diminu-
tion in point of income ; but for such a servant in
the house of our God, I trust that not mere adequacy,
but even the munificence of our merciful Lord, is in
abundant reserve.

You inquire concerning my health. It has been

far from well ever since my return from G , strong

as I seemed while there ; no sooner did I enter upon
my parochial duties, than I began to fail, and in
about a fortnight, I was nearly as ill as ever. This
induced me to lay the whole matter before Mr.
Burton, and to request him to relieve my mind with
an assurance that, in case I should be under the
necessity of leaving, he would kindly indulge the
parishioners with a suitable person in my stead. His
kindness has removed my difficulties, and left me at
full liberty to leave my work in more efficient hands.
I have had an application for the curacy from a
gentleman who strikes me as being very suitable,
and Mr. Burton has accepted of his services. One
difficulty, however, is in the way. He holds a living
in the diocese of Worcester ; but, being peculiarly
circumstanced, he expects that the bishop will permit
him to hold it in conjunction with Madeley, and to
divide his time between them, his curate sharing the
twofold duty with him. Should his application to
the bishop not succeed, he has recommended to me
another person, who seems equally eligible with
himself ; but with this latter person I have had no
communication.

As to myself, I am of course in uncertainty ; but
I feel confident, that as I have hitherto been guided
by the wisdom and goodness of my condescending
God, so he will still point out to me the way in which
I should go.

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

127

Ir. Pratt has
so, I shall be
lolumeuts of a
I this diminu-
a servant in
lere adequacy,
i\ Lord, is in

. It has been

G , strong

d 1 enter upon
,o fail, and in
as ever. This
r before Mr.
my mind with

be under the
y indulge the
my stead. His

and left me at
jfficient hands,
luracy from a
very suitable,
services. One
3 holds a living
jing peculiarly
hop will permit
adeley, and to
ate sharing the

application to
amended to me
' eligible with

I have had no

icertainty ; but

rto been guided

condescending

tie way in which

You speak of the mine of paper and print, and, like
too many others, comfort yourself with consider! nij
that your work is but a little one. But good, my
brother, beware, beware ! Three services on a Sabbath,
occasional weekly ministrations, and numerous offi-
cial employments, should almost entirely exclude every
kind of preparation for the press. With kindest love
&c..

Believe me, my dear Thomas,

Your ever affectionate Brother,

George.

In the spring of 1825, Mr. Mortimer visited his
London friends, one of whom writes as follows : —

" Your dear brother appeared so full of love and
tenderness, and, at the same time, so interested
himself in everything that appeared to interest us,
that we could not help wishing for a much longer
enjoyment. I heard him preach but once : his
sermon was truly edifying. I will transcribe a brief
outline of it, as you may find it a word of con-
solation in some season of sorrow. Matt. xv. 28,
' O woman, great is thy faith : be it unto thee even
as thou wilt.' The advantages resulting from strong
faith were pointed out in four important particulars ;
viz. — I. It yields to no discouragement. II. It
bears and even overcomes the most humiliating dis-
coveries. III. It receives the strongest marks of the
Saviour's approbation. IV. It is put into eventual
possession of every needful good. Each of these
points was marked out as strikingly illustrated in
this affecting and interesting narrative."

His brother, the Rev. Thomas Mortimer, has
kindly furnished me with the following communi-
cation respecting the same sermon : —

"On Sunday, the 27th March, 1825, my beloved

^J^

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LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

brother preached for me at my lecture at St. Olave's.,
Southwark. I shall never forget that sermon. Being
the only church at that time usually open in the
Borough for Sunday evening service, there was gene-
rally a large attendance, and that evening the church
was crowded. On entering the pulpit, my brother's
diminutive figure excited attention ; and, in some,
produced a smile. When, however, he had com-
posed himself in the pulpit, his fine countenance,
beaming with intelligence, evidently inspired some
with respect, who, at first, had looked up with in-
diflerence, if not with scorn. His announcement of
his text was most solemn and yet most tender ; * O
woman, great is thy faith : be it unto thee even as
thou wilt.' From that moment the silence of death
reigned ; and, after a few minutes, every eye seemed
fixed upon the preacher, and every tar listening to
his voice. The scoffer soon discovered that the
preacher was no ordinary man : the candid inquirer
ielt interested in the subject : the timid and weak
believer took courage : and the mourner drank
in the water of life, with the eagerness of the
thirsty soul. Many a time, during subsequent years,
have the tenderest and most grateful reference been
made to that sermon bv those who were accustomed
to converse with me on the great concerns of their
souls. Though nearly twenty years have rolled
away since that memorable night, the recollection of
my beloved brother, of the touching words that fell
from his lips, and the * unction of the Holy One, '
which evidently attended them, is still vivid and
delightful, and will, I doubt not, accompany me to
my grave."

Intimation has already been given, in a letter to
his brother, of Mr. Mortimer's entertaining thoughts
of leaving Madeley, owing to the declining state of
his health. The following several letters refer to

' J

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ii
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■■:'^

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1*1

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■■'■^

VWV.

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•

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REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

129

,t St. Olave's,
rmon. Being
open in the
ere was gene-
ig the church
my brother's
nd,* in some,
he had corn-
countenance,
inspired some
id up with in-
louncement of
5t tender; 'O
thee even as
ience of death
sry eye seemed
bar hstening to
ered that the
andid inquirer
mid and weak
lourner drank
erness of the
)sequcnt years,
reference been
re accustomed
ncerns of their
•s have rolled
recollection of
words that fell
;he Holy One,'
still vivid and
iompany me to

ni a letter to
lining thoughts
dining state of
etters refer to

that event and to arrangements for filling up his
important post in that parish.

TO THE REV. JOHN COOPER.

Yardley, near Birmingham, Sept. 12, 1825.

My dear Friend,
Your very kind and acceptable letter reached me
three or four weeks since; and I should have
answered it much earlier had I not been in some
uncertainty as to my proximate movements ; and I
thought I would wait till something definite should
have transpired. I have been here very nearly seven
months, and was thinking of returning to Madeley
in about a month from the present time ; but it is
now arranged that we should continue here till the
middle of February. From what you mention in
your letter, I should suppose that you have been
informed that I had left Madeley altogether, but this is
not the case ; I have only exchanged duties with the
vicar of this place, who has been, like myself, out of
health for some months past, and who thought that
a complete change of sphere and situation would
prove beneficial to him. He and his family, there-
fore, reside in the vicarage at Madeley, and myself
and family here ; both of us having left our furniture,
library, &c., &c., for each other's accommodation.
The duties in this place being light, as compared
with Madeley, and the air exceedingly salubrious,
I have found great benefit from the change, and am
pretty nearly as well as I was before I began to fail ;
the whole of my family, also, have ^odnd their health
considerably improved ; so that in this point of view
we have reason to be thankful for the exchange.
And I hope, also, that the change of ministrations
will be beneficial to both our parishes. I hear of an

(

i I

( ■ h

l.*30

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

increased attention being produced at Madeley, and
I ought to acknowledge with gratitude the acceptance
with which I am favoured here.

You mention in your letter that your engagement
in your present curacy will terminate early in 1827.
I read that j)art of your letter to Mr. Gwyther (the
gentleman with nhom I have exchanged duties), who
was over horc a few days ago, and he said, " Could
we not contrive between us to keep the curacy open
for Mr. C. till he should be able to take it?"

Our present arrangement will, if we are spared,
bring us to the middle of February, 1826, which is
only a year short of the time when you will ne
released from your present charge. Now, if we
could manage so as to supply till then, would you
like to undertake the charge of the parish, provided
the incumbent would admit you, which, from what
I have lately ascertained, I think could easily be
managed ? Since I saw you I have engaged with an
assistant, but merely pro tempore; the expense of
which is to be principally borne by the parishioners.
The sum allowed to him will be 26! 00 a year;
towards which I myself give ^30, on condition of
being occasionally absent, should my health require
it, at the sea or elsewhere. The value of my curacy
is full i'lOO a year besides the house. You will
perceive, then, that matters are now made much
easier for you, should you think of fixing your lot
among the Madeley people, and I am confident that
the arrangement would be highly gratifying to them.

TO THE REV. JOHN COOPER.

Yardley, February 21, 1826.

My dear Friend,
Though I fully intended to have answered your very

IlEV. OKOIUJE MORTIMER, M.A.

13!

Jadcley, and
le acceptance

f engagement
arly in 1827.
Iwyther (the
I duties), who
said, "Could
J curacy open

eit?"

e are spared,
826, wliicix is
. you will '»P

Now, if we
jn, would you
irish, provided
3h, from what
:ould easily be
igaged with an
the expense of
le parishioners.
^100 a year ;
on condition of

health require
e of my curacy
use. You will
w made much
fixing your lot
1 confident that
tifying to them.

ER.

jruary 21, 1826.
iwered your very

kind letter within the time that you specified, yet,
as it boars date October 1 .5, I find that I have ex-
ceeded the proposed interval hy more than a month.
So much for my friendship. Had it been a letter on
business, I have little hesitation in saying that it
would have been duly despatched ; and, had there
been a dozen of this kind, I th'nk I might venture
to assert the same. But my friends, and those also
the most intimate and endeared, are too generally
neglected ; and many are the kind reproofs whicn
my remissness thus draws upon me. You, indeed,
my dear friend, have, in silence, borne with all ; and
this ought to have made me more cautious in giving
you fresh occasions of pain. But nothing seems of
sutticient influence to correct the inveteracy of my
habit ; and, therefore, I must still, I fear, keep con-
fessing my reiterated faults, and as often keep
tlirowing myself upon the kind forgiveness and for-
bearance of my friends.

I am still, as you will perceive from my date, at
Yardley, and, from a fresh arrangement, our exchange
will be prolonged from March till the latter end of
July next. Nothing has as yet been done about an
assistant curate for Madeley. About

fortnight

ago, I was congratulating myself on the acquisition of

a very desirable fellow-helper, the Rev. A. B ,

who had consented to join with me in the duties of
the parish, and had engaged the residence of our

late departed friend Mrs. E ; but some obstacles

have since arisen, so that I fear we shall now lose
hl.n. Should he decline, I shall not be over anxious
in making any permanent arrangement with any one
else until my return in July, by which time I should
hope you will be able to speak somewhat more defi-
nitely as to your own movements, as there will be only
about six months to the time of your own projected
removal. The impediment? which have been thrown
in the way of every negotiation which I have entered

n; I

; I

132

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

into for ao many months past, incline me to think thnt
it is more than possible the situation may, after nil, he
reserved for my endeared friend. But of the future
how little, or rather, how completely nothing, are wv
permitted to know ; and if we busy ourselves in the
shrewdest guesses, or the most cool and sober cal-
culations, how generally are wu disappointed! It is
our wisdom, therefore, to be more occupied with the
duties which more immediately devolve upon us at
the present, than with speculations about the pro-
fiabilities of more remote and distant periods.

In the foregoing ])age, I mentioned the name of

dear Mrs. E , and I had no sooner done this than

the recollection of all that transpired between us,
during your short visit to us at Madeley, passed
vividly through my mind. What a painful winding

up of W matters ! But yet, in many respects,

how merciful t * * * "With respect,
however, to the endeared individual so lately severed
from her important charge, I have nothing to say,
but what is encouraging : most clearly, most satis-
factorily, had she been latterly ripening for that
blessed world of spirits. And as to the dear family
which she has left behind, " let us not sorrow as those
without hope." They are beloved by many for their
parent's sake, and, in a qualified use of the term,
we may, perhaps, state the same respecting their
parent's faithful and condescending God. For He
will, no doubt, remember them peculiarly for good,
and that for their parent's sake ; for the good in-
heritance of their anxious desires and their holy
fervent prayers, will, sooner or later, be abundantly
possessed. We were truly thankful to hear of dear

Mrs. C 's gradual amendment in health ; and

though it may not be commensurate with our
naturally impatient and restless desires, yet every
increase of so invaluable a blessing should call forth
our grateful praise. We beg to unite in very

REV. GPOROE MORTIMER, M.A.

l.'U

; to think that
y, after nil, bf
of the future
othuig, are we
irsclves in the
and sober oal-
lomteill It is
ipied with the
ve upon us at
about thejjro-
periods.
I the name of
• done this than
d between us,
adeley, passed
painful winding
many respects,

"With respect,
p lately severed
lothing to say,
rly, most satis-
)ening for that

the dear family
; sorrow as those
y many for their
ise of the term,
respecting their

God. For He
mliarly for good,
or the good in-

and their holy
r, be abundantly

to hear of dear

in health; and
urate with our

jsires, yet every

should call forth
unite in very

kindest and Christian regards to her, yourself, and
family, and I remain,

Mv dear Friend,

Yours very sincerely,

George Mortimer.

TO THE REV, TUOMAS MORTIMER.

Y.rdley, June 20, 182C.

My dear Brother,
From what you must have perceived of the evident
inclining of my mind while you were here, you will
not be much surprised at the contents of the nccon»-
panving circular. I have long pmsed, and, I hope,
deliberately weighed, as well as sincerely prayed, and
now I must leave the result in the overruling hands
of an all- wise and ever-gracious God. Tliis I am
thankful to state, that I am at present enabled to do,
with a measure of calm and peaceful reliance, which
I did not at all anticipate.

TO THE INHABITANTS OF MADELEY.

Yardley, June 19. 1820.

My much-endeared Parishioners,
When I left Madeley, in consequence of the delicate
state of my health, I had fully intended to have re-
joined you in a few months. Various*circumstances,
however, induced me to accept the proposals made
at diflferent times by Mr. Gwyther, for lengthening
the period of our exchange : and now that this period
is nearly terminated, I regret to be under the necessity
of stating, that I feel so strongly my total inadequacy
to resume my wonted station among you, that I dare
not venture upon it.

134

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

' i

i i

My health has indeed, through the blessing of
God, upon the diminution of my parochial duties,
been considerably amended. It is the opinion, how-
ever, of all my more intimate friends, that, should I
return to my charge, I shall in a few weeks sink
under the pressure of those numerous parochial cares
and duties which before so materially injured me.
I have, therefore, felt constrained to resign my
situation; and have just written to Mr. Burton,
stating to him, that I shall vacate the Curacy at
Michaelmas next.

I have not mentioned to him anything respecting
my successor, leaving a matter so materially affecting
yourselves to your own superior judgment. I hope,
however, that the principal inhabitants of the parish
will lose no time in making a proper application to
him ; and from the repeated proofs vhich I have
had of his kind feeling towards yoa, I have no doubt
but that he will comply with any request which they
may see fit to make to him.

As to my own future movements I am altogether
ignorant. I trust, however, that the same gracious
God, who guided my steps among you, will still ap-
point for me my future path: and with regard to
yourselves, a people who wiU never cease to be re-
membered by me with feelings of the strongest affec-
tion, I do most sincerely pray that a pastor may be
given to you who shall, in all respects, answer your
most sanguine wishes : and thus supply my own nu-
merous and often-lamented deficiencies.

Believe me to remain.
Your very affectionate though unworthy Minister,

George Mortimer.

The above was also sent to his friend, the Rev.
John Cooper, accompanied by the following letter: —

J
%

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

13j

le blessing of
rochial duties,
opinion, how-
that, should I
!W weeks sink
parochial cares
y injured me.
to resign my
) Mr. Burton,
the Curacy at

ling respecting
erially affecting
[lent. I hope,
s of the parish
application to
vhich I have
'. have no doubt
lest which they

am altogether
e same gracious
a, will still ap-
with regard to
lease to be re-
strongest affec-
pastor may be
s, answer your
3ly my own nu-
;s.

thy Minister,
RGE Mortimer.

friend, the Rev.
lowing letter: —

Yardley, June 26, 1826.

My dear Friend,
I FEEL that I ought not any longer to keep you in
ignorance of my recent decision re::pecting Madeley,
though from what my brother has told me as to in-
quiries made for you in London, I have no expecta-
tion of the situation being really desirable to you.
Nor, indeed, if it were so, would the time of your
leaving your present charge admit of your accepting
it ; for some one will, no doubt, be immediately en-
gaged, and to whom I would surrender as soon as
might be required. Our own movements, as I have
expressed in the accompanying circular, are quite
uncertain ; my wife, however, seems strongly to in-
cline towards the neighbourhood of Clifton, in wliich
spot she wishes to be permanently established. It is
probable, therefore, that we shall bend our steps
thither, and when somewhat established I will try
to obtain some light permanent duty in the neigh-
bourhood. "Que Dieu nous dirige," is the fre-
quent aspiration of my too solicitous mind — too so-
licitous ; for if I knew all the gracious intentions of
a God of love concerning us, I should peacefully leave
everything to his all-wise disposal, without the least
degree of restlessness or fear.

With respect to dear Madeley, I need scarcely add,
that should you know any one who strikes you as
being suitable, and to whom the situation would be
agreeable, I should feel obliged by your mentioning
it to him, and getting him to communicate with Mr.
G on the subject.

We beg our very kindest and Christian regards to
yourself and Mrs. C, and, with much affection.
Believe me, my dear Friend,

Yours very sincerely,

G. M.

III

136

LIFB AND LETTERS OF THE

After receiving the above with its enclosed circular,
Mr. Cooper wrote to his friend as follows : —

Wherwell, June 29, 1826.

My dear Friend,
I WAS not prepared for the intelligence contained in
your very kind letter of the 26th, having hoped,
from the improvement of your health at the date of
your previous letter, that you would shortly return
to your important charge at Madeley, and that you
might have continued there many years, an instru-
ment of blessing others, and being increasingly blessed
yourself in your work. But, I doubt not, all is well
and wisely ordered, and will add my affectionate
though feeble prayers that you may be divinely di-
rected in all things.

Your letter, the end of February last, left it doubt-
ful, whether Mr. A. B might not have finally

determined to become your assistant in the parish ;
and, prior to your last favour, I was looking to hear
from you next month, to know how this matter had
terminated, in order that I might judge whether the
expectation of being associated with you, which I
had not entirely relinquished, might not be realized.
I now beg to state, that, owing to the inquiries of a
beloved clerical brother, two curacies have been oifered
tome within the present month, both of which I have
declined. And now, my dear friend, I put it to you,
whether you think Madeley is such a post as would
suit one with such slender ministerial qualifications
as I deeply feel that I possess ; and whether you
think your parishioners would be disposed to receive
me favourably ? If you do, I leave myself in God's
hand and yours, desiring that He may do with me
as seemeth good in His sight ; and requesting you to
take such steps as you may judge proper. The difH-

RBV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

137

losed circular.

une 29, 1826.

culty as to the time o£ resigning my present cure
may probably be got over soon after Michaelmas;
my vicar having said, when last I saw him, that he
would release me on reasonable notice, if anything
eligible should be offered to me : still I wish to re-
main ill my present sphere as long as I conveniently
can. Having said thus mneh, I will only add that
Madeley has been regard*, d ' mo for many years as a
spot peculiarly sacred ; it i . ;. i lore endeared tome
by the consideration that m^ oeloved and highly es-
teemed friend has been labouring for ten years in that
favoured scene of the apostolical Fletcher's ministry.
I wait with interest, but not with any anxiety, to
hear from you the result of my present communi-
cation. Believe me ever.

My dear Friend,

Yours very affectionately,

John Cooper.

TO THE REV. THOMAS MORTIMER.

Yardley, July U, 1826.

Mv dear Brother,
You will be glad to hear that dear Cooper has ex-
pressed a wish to succeed me at Madeley ; and, in
consequence, an application has been made by myself
and the parishioners on his behalf, which has been
most favourably received, and Mr. Burton has nomi-
nated him to succeed me. Most truly thankful do I
feel that it has pleased God to give to the dear people
such a man. May he long be continued to them,
and may very blessed days be still in reserve for that
honoured spot.

My visit among them was highly gratifying to
myself, and I hope I may say not unacceptable to
them. I never witnessed in them such overflowings

> >

f ;
I I

i I

Hill

«<

\ '

138

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

of kindest feelings, and, what I hardly anticipated,
while they manifested affectionate regrets, 1 do not
recollect a single instance in which they censured or
chode ; but, on the contrary, seemed to think that
the step, though painful, was necessary.

Our own plans are still somewhat uncertain. We
think, however, of moving towards Bristol, and of
fixing somewhere within a mile or two of the city,
and have written to George Yate to engage us a ready-
furnished house for about a month. We expect to
leave this place the 30th of August.

But I have said nothing of dear Mr. Butterworth's
removal, on which your last letter principally dwelt.
I felt surprised and pained beyond my ordinary feel-
ings on such occasions ; for almost all that I possess
spiritually, I owe, under God, to him. But after all,
he is not lost to me, for I trust I shall rejoin him ere
long ; and, even during the short interval of apparent
separation, who can tell how near he may still be to
me, and how materially he may still be permitted to
help me ? But, however this may be, Jesus remains
the same, and I trust that the removal of every en-
deared medium of good may be the means of uniting
me more fully to Him.

Our kindest love to yourself and family, to my
dear mother, Eliza, &c.; and
I remain.

Your ever affectionate Brother,

George.

The letter from which the following extract is
made, is chiefly in reference to the providing means
for an assistant-curate at Madeley ; towards which,
Mr. Mortimer proposed to furnish £10 per annum,
and also a further sum of ^10 per annum to aid the
Curate's Poor Fund, for relieving the sick and dis-
tressed poor of the populous parish of Madeley ; and
it is due to Mr. M.'s kindness and benevolence to

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

139

ly anticipated,

;rets, 1 do not

ijy censured or

to think that

ncertain. We
Jristol, and of
o of the city,
ige us a ready-
We expect to

Butterworth's
ncipally dwelt.
' ordinary feel-
that I possess
But after all,

rejoin him ere
val of apparent
may still be to
)e permitted to

Jesus remains
•al of every en-
eans of uniting

family, to my

late Brother,
George.

ing extract is
roviding means
towards which,
10 per annum,
inum to aid the
B sick and dis-
' Madeley ; and
benevolence to

state, that during the period of his friend's curacy,
he generously contributed each year the proposed
amoimt for the poor; and for three years (during
which time only an assistant curate was employed),
the like sum towards the other object named.

TO THE REV. JOHN COOPER.

Yardley, July 31, 1826.

My dear Friend,
Our way towards Bristol appears to be opening. A
very singular circumstance connected with it has just
occurred. It seems to us all to be too pantomimic — too
magical — to be true. But yet, what cannot the God
of wisdom and of love effect ! We are striving to
wait, as you expressed yourself in a former letter
about Madeley, ** with interest but without anxiety"
to see the result. Oh, what a comfort it is to teel
calmly assured that, while we are leaving ourselves
in God's hands, all must eventually be well. Mary
unites with me in kindest regards to yourself and
dear Mrs. C , and

I remain, my dear Friend,

Yours, very sincerely,

TO THE SAME.

Horfield, near Bristol, October 18, 1826.

My very dear Friend,
Had not circumstances of various kinds interfered,
you would ere this have seen me at Wherwell ; but,
as I had no control over these, and kept expecting
that in a few more days I should be able to write to

140

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

you definitely, I hope you will not too harshly cen-
sure me, when I tell you at length that my projected
visit, like too many of my projections, has come to
nothing, and that it will not be in my power to see
you before you leave. But, after all, your removal is
not to a distant country, and many may be the cir-
cumstances which the kind Providence of God shall
permit for our future intercourse. You speak, indeed,
of a kind of necessity for 'conference and consultation
at the present juncture. Of this, however, I am far
from being convinced ; for I think a stranger always
proceeds best with the least previous acquaintance
with the minutiae of characters and proceedings. A
general idea is quite necessary ; but everything that
is circumstantial creates a prejudice either to the ad-
vantage or disadvantage of the parties concerned.
The fresh unbiassed inspection brings us, for the
most part, nearest the truth. Every one with whom
I converse, who has any knowledge of you, joins
with me in thankfulness to God that it has pleased
Him to direct your steps to Madeley ; most fully does
it seem to have been, from beginning to end, from
Him ; to Him, therefore, may we ever give the
praise. And may you, my much-endeared friend, be
so fully qualified for your important charge ; may
the barrel of meal also granted for your dear people's
supply waste not, nor the cruse of oil fail ; or, in
other words, may matter and unction be so abun-
dantly imparted, and so graciously continued, that
the time may never come in which your ministra-
tions may prove burdensome to yourself, or either un-
interesting or unedifying to your hearers. With
kindest regards, I remain.

Yours, ever aflcctionately,

George Mortimer.

Mr. Mortimer's life has now been brought down
to the close of his services at Madeley, where he had

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

141

been resident pastor for about ten years. In taking
a review of this period, we find him to have abounded
in the great duties of his office — in works of faith
and labours of love. What with his Sunday duties,
his classes, his expositions, his schools, his pastoral
visits, and his manifold acts of charity and kindness
to the poor, in a parish containing very nearly six
thousand souls, with his weakly constitution, and by
no means robust health, the wonder is that he was
enabled to carry on so arduous a course for so long a
time. Madeley has been long and highly favoured ;
it is to he hoped that the people have both appreci-
ated and improved their privileges. Mr. Mortimer met
with much kindness, encouragement, and acceptance
in the diligent pursuit of his self-denying career in
that parish, and the decade of his services there was
no doubt attended with much usefulness, though the
extent of it may never be known until the great day
shall reveal it. He met also with much that was
trying and perplexing to him ; much to wound his
loving spirit ; much to grieve his affectionate heart ;
much to prove his faith and try his patience ; but he
neither flinched from duty, nor swerved from the
line of conduct which became him as a minister of
the Established Church; and, what is more, he
treated neither opposition in the spirit of retaliation,
nor nnposers in a spirit of harshness or severity.
He was eminently a man of peace, j. man of love, a
man of placability. The commencement of his ser-
vices in the parish was attended with great diffi-
culties. Considerable irregularities had been practised
by his predecessors ; in their steps, in this respect,
he was determined not to tread ; and though he felt
himself bound to resist all entreaty on this subject,
to the offending of many, yet was it his prayer, his
study, his endeavour to conciliate all. His steady
though moderate Churchraanship was, perhaps,
always more or less a ground of offence in a parish
which had long been under the influence of Method

142

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

ism ; but wherever good sense and piety prevailed his
motives were respected, and his conduct appreciated.
It was on the manifestation of some unhallowed
zeal of party spirit that the following addresses were
printed and circulated in his parish, and which ex-
hibit the very moderate and conciliatory spirit of
their truly Christian author.

ADDRESS OF THE MINISTER OF MADELEY TO SUCH OF
THE INHABITANTS OF COALBROOKDALE AND ITS
VICINITY, AS DO NOT CONSIDER THEMSELVES
MEMBERS OF THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH.

Vicarage, February 21, 1822.

My endeared Parishioners,
It has lately appeared to me an indispensable duty
to visit more extensively my parish, and to devote
myself more fully to other branches of my minis-
terial office. In the course of my visits I found a
strong regret expressed by many, that it was not in
their power to connect themselves either with me as
their minister, or with the Established Church as
their religious communion: and that this, their
inability, arose principally from the great distance of
the parish church from their respective abodes.
This difficulty I have endeavoured partially to remove
by beginning an exposition on alternate Monday
evenings:* and I hope soon to be able still further

* It must not be understood, however, from this statement,
that I wished to invite to these expositions only such indi-
viduals as are mentioned above, I must candidly confess that it
was not altogether without reference to yourselves. I hoped
that by these occasional meetings we should come somewhat
nearer into contact : and that, as a consequence, feelings of
love and of kindness might more diffusively prevail. It
afforded me, therefore, real pleasure to see so many of you
kindly giving me the meeting on the two evenings on which I
have been in your neighbourhood.

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

143

to meet their wishes by assembUng with them every
other Sunday morning, on a plan similar to that
now adopted at the Ironbridge school-room on the
Sabbath evenings.

I feel a little apprehensive, however, lest these my
proceedings should be considered by some as inten-
tionally interfering with other modes and places of
worship already adopted and attended in your neigh-
bourhood ; and lest my motives should be so far
misconstrued, as to be identified with narrow-minded
prejudice, or with intolerant hostility.

It should be remembered, however, that all persons
have, and cannot help having, their preferences ; and
likewise, that these preferences may be openly shown
by them, and even occasionally employed in influ-
encing others, without the least hostility towards
those who continue in another persuasion. And I
can appeal with the greatest confidence to my own
conduct during nearly seven years' residence among
you, as a proof of this assertion. For though I
have uniformly shown a decided preference towards
the Established Church, yet I am not aware of having
discovered, in a single instance, the least opposition
or hostility towards any individual of another com-
munion, merely as such. Much, indeed, on my first
coming into the parish, was unhappily advanced to
the contrarv ; but I was determined to take no notice
of such remarks, assured that they had no founda-
tion in myself, and that, when my line of conduct
should be better understood, they would gradually
die away, and a different feeling be eventually
adopted. This different feeling has, I am happy to
state, long been cherished by many ; and it was from
a strong desire that nothing contrary to it should
prevail in consequence of my present ministerial pro-
cedures, that I have been induced to send you this
circular address.

Oh, let me then, as your minister, entreat you not to

144

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

regard me with a misgiving or suspecting mind ;
but from the fulness of a loving and a Christian
heart to wish and to supplicate for me abundant
success. And be not hasty in censuring either myself
or others for attachment to our venerable and
established forms. Give to us what you feel entitled
to demand for yourselves ; I mean the right of pre-
ference. And amidst certain shades of difference,
let brotherly love not only contiime among us, but
let it abound yet more and more. And with regard
to myself, I do most sincerely pray God that no
feeling may be cherished by me, no single expresciion
uttered, and no conduct whatever pursued, which
may, in any respect, tend to its diminution.

With feelings, then, of unfeigned affection, believe
me, my much-endeared Parishioners,

Your sincerely devoted Friend and Minister,

George Mortimer.

ADDRESS of THE MINISTER OF MADELEY TO THE IN-
HABITANTS OF MADELEY WOOD AND ITS VICINITY.

Vicarage, March 23, 1822.

My endeared Parishioners,
The very kind reception given to the Address which
I circulated among the inhabitants of Coalbrookdale
and its vicinity, and the feelings of mutual love and
affection it has been the means of eliciting, encourage
me to hope that a similar appeal to yourselves will be
attended with equally beneficial results.

The principal reaso»i of my now addressing you,
is, that I have very painfully witnessed, within the
short space of two or three weeks, a great increase of
party spirit arising from the measures recently
adopted towards forming and carrying on a Sunday
school separate and distinct from that which has so

ing mind ;
a Christian
le abundant
ither myself
iierable and

feel entitled
ight of pre-
»f dift'erenee,
ong us, but

with regard
God that no
;le expression
sued, which
ion.
jction, believe

Minister,

E Mortimer.

TO THE IN-
VICINITY.

»rch 23, 1822.

Vddress which
>albrookdale

tual love and
ng, encourage

irselves will be

•

ddressing you,
ed, within the
•eat increase of
sures recently
on a Sunday
'which has so

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

145

long boon establislied among us. The natural con-
sequences of such procedures, I am willing to hope,
you did not sufficiently estimate, or I can hardly
imagine you would so hastily, and at such a time,
have adojjted them. You arc sensible, I think, that
my wish is for peace ; that my great desire is, that
love may not only i)revail, but abound more and more ;
and that I am striving to pursue that line of conduct,
which, as a consistent minister of the Established
Church, devolves upon me, so as not to give the
least unnecessary offence to others. Permit me, then,
to ask, whether these recent measures are at all
likely to produce such pacific results ? Do they not
rather tend to range more decidedly than ever under
distinct and separate parties, not only the super-
intendents and teachers, but likewise the parents of
the children themselves ? Do they not in some
measure force persons to declare themselves on one
side or other, and that not merely in oj)inion, but
likewise in decisive action ? And are not the indi-
viduals, thus compelled to declare themselves, re-
garded with suspicion by those who move in contrary
directions ? I would inquire, then, is all this cal-
culated to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond
of peace ? And are those individuals our best
friends who are most earnest in this work of aliena-
tion ? I mean no personal allusions, I assure you,
to any individual among you : I hope I very sin-
cerely love you all ; and I wish that bonds of union
may be multiplied, which may bring us closer and
closer together, instead of these cords of separation
which, drawing in other directions, will every day
remove us to a greater and yet greater distance.

Permit me also to ask whether this is the time for
such exertions? If indeed your minister were
sleeping at his post • if he were lying down, and
loving to slumber ; if the schools ha])pened to be on
the decline in respect of numbers, or in regard to

i,sfr — ' —

1:1

li'! ;

146

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

the insufficiency of superintendents or teachers ; if
scarcely anything were going forward adequate to the
necessities of the parish ; tlien, indeed, such exer-
tions might he called for. But how contrary is ail
this to the real state of the case ! It is at a time
when the schools are so crowded as to render it
impossible to instruct them in the usual place : it is
at a time when, to afford greater facilities of instruc-
tion, the larger schools are being divided into twenty
or thirty minor schools, and these so situated as to
be almost at the door of every child in the parish,
and so arranged as to admit of every one being
taught who is capable of instruction. You will
readily perceive, then, that the stir which is making
at present, is by no means called for in the existing
necessities of the case. To what, then, must it be
attributed } It is commonly reported that it arises
from a fear entertained by some, lest my present
plans and procedures should attach too many children
to the Established Church, and thus eventually make
them Churchmen instead of Methodists. This
reason, however, I feel I ought by no means to
admit ; for, whatever may be said of others, the
Methodists of the parish of Madeley have long made
it their boast that they were firm in their attachment
to our venerable Church : and so strong has been
their attachment, that the majority of them would
never listen to any proposals of having their services
so conducted as at all to interfere with the services
of the church, and would never permit the sacra-
ment to be administered in their chapels ; and there
are many who feel a secret satisfaction in being able
to state, that they have never yet partaken of the
sacred ordinance, excepting from a clergyman ; and
thev are still determined that no one shall ever make

this their consistent glorying to be in vain.* It is

* It has been strangely imagined, and even reported by
some, that I do not wish those who consider themselves

iiisc

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

147

teachers; if
quate to the
such exer-
ntrary is all
is at a time
to render it
i place : it is
IS of instruc-
1 into twenty
tuatetl as to
n the parish,
ry one being
[1. You will
ich is making
1 the existing
n, must it be
that it arises
t my present
many children
entually make
odists. This

no means to
)f others, the
ave long made
eir attachment
•ong has been
f them would

their services
h the services
mit the sacra-
els; and there

in being able
artaken of the

ergyman; and
shall ever make
1 vain.* It IS

even reported by
asider themselves

with peculiar satisfaction, that I consider m^' relation
to such individuals ; and I assure you, I rejoice over
you as my parishioners ; I point you out as an
example to others ; and 1 hope we shall never see
the time when the parishioners, and more especially
the spiritual sons and daughters of the venerable and
apostolic Mr. Fletcher, shall cease to be identified
with that Church of which he was so bright an orna-
ment, as well as minister. I feel, therefore, that it
would be the height of injustice to suppose, that the
mass of such of my people as are termed Methodists
have any fear of their children becoming members of
the Established Church ; nay, they would rather
rejoice in it ; — they rejoice in it even now ; — and
some of them go so far as even to recommend it.
They tell their children, in the fulness of their
Catholic spirit, that their own attachment to the
people with whom they are joined, never arose from
dissatisfaction to the Church, but from a natural love
to the private means which their own people at that
time so exclusively possessed. But they add, that
as these same private means are now offered to them
in connexion with the Established Church, they
would advise them to join themselves with its
respected members ; and hence it is, that not a few

Methodists to join with the rest of my people in partaking of
the sacrament, and that I object likewise to administer it to
them at their own houses, when unable to attend the church.
I feel pleasure in availing myself of this opportunity of
assuring them, that such statements are altogether erroneous.
My heart rejoices to see them whenever they attend : for it
reminds me of that general assembly in heavon, where all party
distinctions will be lost in one common feeling of love, and
when we shall all join in sweetest unison in singing that new
and never-ending song. My feelings also are similar when
kneehng around their beds of sickness, and consecrating those
elements of which we are about to partake in remembrance of
that Redeemer who has taught us so emphatically that his
tlisciples should love one another.

L 2

148

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

! ,'

\' M

among our classes are the sons and daughters of
such honoured individuals. I say honoured, for
who can withhold from such the proper meed of
approbation ; for such heal the breaches of our
Zion, they build up its waste places ; they repair the
desolations of many generations.

I am aware, however, that the same extent of
feeling is not cherished by all. Some prefer their
own communion, their own instructors, and classes.
But I have heard such with the greatest candour
acknowledge, that their predilection arose merely
from the circumstance that they happened to receive
their first religious good among them ; and that
notwithstanding this their preference, they very
highly respect the Church, and that they wish its
ministers abundant success in their very important
work. And this I am persuaded is the feeling of
ninety-nine out of a hundred of the Methodists who
compose my parish. The welcome they invariably
give me when I enter their houses or cottages ; the
smile of approbation which brightens on their
countenance when we exchange salutations as we
pass ; and the liberality which they discover in all
points of possible difference whenever they are acci-
dentally touched upon : all these things convince me
that they have no hostility either to the Church or to
myself, and of courbe that they would not willingly
enter upon any plan which might have the least
semblance of opposition.

To what, then, some will still ask, must these
procedures connected with the schools be attributed }
I feel, I confess, somewhat at a loss to determine. I
hope, however, that they have arisen merely from a
well-meant, though certainly an ill-timed, zeal — a
zeal, likewise, which has a direct tendency, though
not previously estimated, to promote disunion among
us, and a diminution of loving Christian feelings.
But whatever may have been the cause of tliese

II
si

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

149

lughters of
loured, for
er meed of
les of our
y repair the

e extent of
prefer their
and classes.
;est candour
irose merely
ed to receive
i; and that
., thej^ very
;hey wish its
rv important
;he feeUng of
3thodists who
ley invariably
cottages; the
ns on their
;ation8 as we
iscover in all
they are acci-
s convince me
Church or to
not wilUngly
lave the least

procedures, I do hope, that the serious evils which
are beginning as a consequence to break forth, will
not only be checked, but entirely subside ; and that
all parties, superintendents, teachers, and parents,
will each in their respective stations be ready to show
that they are not among the last to bring about so
desirable an issue.

And now, with very sincere affection, believe me,
my much-endeared Parishioners,

Your faithful Friend and Minister,

George Mortimer.

The following simple narrative, related by his
attached and faithful servant Fanny, also beautifully
displays the very kind and earnest, though very
decided, character of the excellent pastor of Madeley.

" Some of the beer shops at the Iron Bridge used
to be kept open very late at night, and master was
determined to put a stop to their being open later
than ten o'clock. He used to go to them, and turn
out all the men that were drinking in them after
that time. This enraged some of these men so much,
that they declared they would kill master ; for they
said, * they were determined that no parson should
interfere with them.' Some of master's friends heard
of this, and told him, and tried to persuade him not
to go to the Iron Bridge the next night ; and Mr.
and Mrs. Thomas did not wish him to go ; and we
all begged him to stay at home that night ; but he
told us he was not at all afraid of the men, and when
I said that they would be sure to do him some harm, he
said, * Why, Fanny, they have no power over me to
hurt me ; the Almighty is above them.' So master
went to the public house, and saw the very men that
had threatened to kill him, and he talked to them
for a long time, and told them that they ought to
have been at home with their families, and that he

150

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

iSi'

hoped he should never see them there again. He
spoke so kindly, that they all listened to him, and
never onered to hurt him ; and when he had
done talking to them, they told him, that they had
fully determined to make an attack upon him that
night, but that then they felt as if they had no power
to hurt him. So master shook hands with them all,
and then they all took oif their hats and wished him
• safe home,' and * long life to him.' And they
were never there again after ten o'clock ; and I think
what master said to them then, did one or two of
them so much good, that they afterwards became
pious."

Mr. Mortimer was equally desirous of putting a
stop to the desecration of the Lord's day by the
bargemen on the River Severn, and, for this purpose,
he tried every means to prevent the barges from
saihng on the Sunday. In doing this, he experienced
great opposition from some of the barge owners, who
purposely, as it appeared, kept their vessels locked
at Coalport at the latter end of the week, and released
them on the Sunday. At length Mr. M. was com-
pelled to take them before the magistrates, and have
them fined, by which means he succeeded in entirely
putting a stop to this desecration.

He exerted himself also to have the law enforced
against keeping open the pubUc houses and beer
shops during the time of divine service.

He took pains to prevent the children from playing
about the roads and fields on the Sunday, and to
secure the orderly behaviour of the Sunday scholars
in going to and returning from the Sunday schools.
There were at one period six hundred children in the
different schools in the parish of Madeley.

The class meetings consisted of six ; one for women,
conducted by Mrs. Mortimer, and the other five by
Mr. M. Once a quarter, the six classes met at one
place. Mr. Mortimer's object in having these cla*-

■ i

l-%

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

151

meetings, though he evidently considered them as
auxiliary to the public ordinances of religion, was to
prevent the serious members of his congregation
from joining the Methodists, vrhich he had constantly
found to be the case at Wellington.

The following token of affectionate esteem was, no
doubt, very acceptable to the feelings of Mr. Mor-
timer, not so much from the worth of it, as from
the motive which gave rise to it — a motive at once
honourable to the hearts of the donors and to the
character of the receiver. This token was a handsome
octavo Bible, bound in morocco, inscribed on one
side,

'•To the Rev. George Mortimer, m.a.

A Token of Christian Regard

From the Male Class, meeting under his care at Lincoln- hill ,

1817."

And on the other side,

"With a sincere desire that the rich promises contained
herein may be his consolation through life, and his support in
death."

The following anecdote may, perhaps, be more
suitably introduced here than elsewhere, because, in
all probability, it was during his residence at Madeley
that the fact recorded took place, though it was not
related to his daughter, who communicated it to me,
before the winter of 1842 — 3, during a sleigh-drive
with her father, v'We descending a hill, which was
in a dangerous stive, owing to its slipperiness and to
there being no bai ier on the one side which was the
edge of a precipice.

" K and I (and perhaps a third person, hut I

am not sure about that) were travelling from Welling-
ton to Madeley in a post chaise. When we were
about to descend a precipitous hill, something seemed
to say to me, ' Pray, you are in danger.' I resisted

152

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

I ;'

the impression, and said to myself, it is all nonsense;
I will not give way to superstitious fears. Again the
warning was impressed on my mind, and I then
paused and lifted up my heart in prayer to God. I
had no sooner done so, than I heard the postillion
contending with his horses, which were pl'viging into
the hedge on one side of the road ; then they dashed
to the other side, and it appeared as though we should
have been precipitated rver the side of the hill ; but
we reached the bottom in safety. I then said to

K , ' I will tell you what has been passing in my

mind,' and related to him all the circumstances.

K then told me, that just at the same time, as

he supposed from my description of the spot, the
same thing was suggested to his mind, and that at
first he repelled the suggestion, but afterwards
yielded to it ; but that he had not the honesty to
confess the circumstance till I had done so. I know

K well, and feel perfectly assured that he would

tell me nothing but the truth ; and from the remark-
able circumstance of the suggestion being made to
the minds of both of us, I cannot, but believe it was
an intimation from above of our danger and of the
necessity of prayer. For, although his angels are
always at hand to succour us in danger, yet God has
been pleased to make prayer a necessary means for
obtaining their aid. When I am in my grave, tell
this for the benefit of others as an encouragement to
prayer."

My dear young friend and god-daughter adds, " I
was very much impressed by the charge with which
my dear father concluded, and, that I might be the
better able to fulfil it, I wrote down the whole rela-
tion when I returned home, of which the above is a
copy."

I very gladly comply with a hope expressed by
Mr. Mortimer's eldest daughter that I will insert in
the memoir of her dear father, a letter addressed to

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

153

her by him when she was about ten years of age ;
and, as it was written during his residence at ^ladeley,
I insert it here before we take leave of that place : —

" We returned to Madeley on the evening of last
Thursday week ; and I am thankful to state that we
have all of us received considerable benefit from our
journey. Your brothers and sisters seemed to enjoy
themselves exceedingly. The latter part of the time
we were joined by your uncle, who spent about eight
days with us ; and having hired a car for that time
capable of holding eight or nine persons, we were
enabled to see all that was worth seeing in the neigh-
bourhood. We often wished that you and C

had been with us in our excursions ; but more parti-
cularly while we were going over the castle of Aber-
conway, for it struck us as conveying one of the most
perfect ideas of both the extent and uses of a castle
of any we could recollect to have seen. The town
also is surrounded by a strong and turretted wall,
and gives a good notion of a walled city, such as we
read of as connected with former t.imes.

" We greatly prefer Glau y don to Barmouth. It is
about six miles from Abergeley, in Denbighshire,
North Wales. It is situated in a delightful recess
termed Llaadrillo Bay, and the scenery all around is
picturesque in the extreme. Such a pleasing com-
bination of the sublime and beautiful I have seldom
seen. The sea-shore, however, after all, presented
us with the chief attractions. I collected and fixed
the names of many of our English shells, and that
also in a state far more perfect than before. I began
also a collection of marine plants. These I shall
have pleasure in showing to you when you return
home. You will be surprised, perhaps, when I tell
you that they amount to upwards of sixty diiferent
sorts, and these are exceedingly few in comparison of
those I should have met with had we been there a
longer time, or had we waited for the equinoctial.

!- ;

-r

154

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

• i

i; i

'i»]

1 ''

winds, which, perhaps you know, bring the greatest
quantity of marine substances to the shore, tearing
them from the rocks to which they adhere and grow.

" A begins to learn the names of a few of the

more common shells, and was much pleased with
making an incipient collection. He has purchased
some plain cards, and, after dividing them by pencil
marks into regular departments, he pasted his speci-
mens upon them ; and I think you will say, they
look tolerably well.

" Your aunt stopped with us about a fortnight

after you left us, and I accompanied her up to London.
The only coach, which we could with any convenience
go by, was principally occupied by nine convicts, who
were being conveyed from Shrewsbury to London,
previous to transportation ; and, during the night,
two of them were in the coach with your aunt and
myself. These were two of the most noted pick-
pockets belonging to a Shrewsbury gang, and, as you
will readily suppose, we were not at first much dis-
posed to relish their company. But, as they were
ironed and exceedingly well-behaved, we soon got
reconciled to them, and were not a little interested in
the observation of this novel description of character.
It presented, however, a melancholy admixture of
ingenuity and depravity.

" You will be sorry to hear that during our absence

at the sea, poor Mr. P died. He dropped down

suddenly while standing in the rope-walk, and never
spoke afterwards. He was advanced in years and
his death was expected ; but still, in such an uncer-
tain world as this, who can be secure ? May we all be
fully prepared when our summons shall arrive.

" You inquire concerning H. He began his letters
whiL .,u were at Glan y don ; but I cannot say any
great things as to his proficiency. Within these few
days we have permitted him to dine at our table, and
he has behaved so very well that we intend he should

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

155

continue to do so for the future. L. and P., for
nearly a month past, have been introduced to our
morning family prayer, and I am happy to state that
they conduct themselves with much propriety."

After spending about eighteen months at Yardley,
near Birmingham, exchanging duties with the vicar
of that parish, Mr. Mortimer finally left Madeley
and removed to Clifton, August 30, 1 826 ; but the
situation not being in accordance with his retired
habits, he took a house at Horfield, whither he
removed on the 10th of October of the same year.
From this place was written the letter of which the
following is an extract, bearing date, January 1 7, 1827.

TO THE REV. JOHN ARMSTRONG, BUENOS AYRES.

From my brother, who joined us here the day after
the arrival of your letter, I was rejoiced to find that
Mrs. Armstrong and your family had arrived in
safety ; for though your frequent voyages must have
familiarized you in some degree to danger, yet we
who encounter nothing beyond the minor and com-
paratively trivial perils by land, feel a something
approaching to wondering gratitude at your seemingly
hairbreadth escapes. But possibly I misjudge my
endeared friend. The observation which he has thus
had *• of the works of the Lord and of his wonders
in the deep" has called forth his augmented tribute
of praise. And I trust that being once more sur-
rounded by his dear family, his comforts will thicken
around him, and his sun of prosperity will become
brighter and brighter, and that, if consistent with the
divine will, it may set again no more.

By the commencement of my letter, you will
perceive that / have been wandering as well as your-
self ; and, considering the difference of our locomotive

15G

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

■ill

powers, I am almost disposed to regard my own
movements as the most astonishing. Madeley I
have entirely given up, and left in the hands of my
dear friend Cooper, than whom, I know not any one
more suited to the place. He is, I find, very accept-
able. I can say but little at present of myself :
for my first object in settling here was the health of
myself and family, which has already, I am thankful
to say, been considerably improved. And now I am
waiting for the first eligible employment which shall
present itself in Bristol, that my renewed health
and strength may be devoted to the glory of Him
who has mercifully restored them, and to the benefit,
I trust, of those around me. But though I have
not as yet any settled employment, I am almost con-
stantly engaged twice on the Sabbath, and, were I
not resolutely to refuse, I should frequently be
requested to take a third service.

TO THE SAME.

i M

M i:

Horfield, near Bristol, May 23, 1827.

My much-endeared Friend,
For with these appellations I must address you,
though the long intervals which I suffer to transpire
between my addresses may perhaps induce the
suspicion that they are not the legitimate expressions
of the heart. But as this is the general, not to say
the universal, character of my correspondence, and
as you must, by this time, have had sufficient oppor-
tunities of discovering my weak points, I will comfort
myself with the hope, that though you find me tardy,
yet that yoa will not regard me as insincere.

Your letter of the 1 8th of August last was conveyed,
I presume, through some private hand, and did not
reach me till some months after its date. It

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

1."):

my own
ladeley 1
nds of my
)t any one
;ry accept-
if myself:
! health of
[11 thankful
I now I am
fhich shall
fved health
)ry of Him
the benefit,
agh I have
almost con-
and, were I
jquently be

iddress you,
• to transpire
induce the
e expressions
i\, not to say
ondence, and
ficient oppor-

will comfort
ind me tardy,
icere.
was conveyed,

and did not
ts date. It

contained, as you will perhaps recollect, the painful
accounts of the bereavements which you have lately
been called to endure, in the loss of your two most
beloved daughters ; and to one of your disposition
and habits — one so affectionate, and domestic, and
in everv sense paternal — the dispensation must have
been one of no ordinary suffering ; and yet so sweetly
do the feelings of the true Christian combine with
those of the sorrowing parent, that I almost envy you
the power which you so blessedly possess ; an attain-
ment to which I look up, when I consider it in
reference to yourself, with admirng gratitude ; but
which, when I advert to, in contrj. ;t to my own im-
perfect and limited experience, humbles me in the
dust. Hitherto, indeed, I have had but little
affliction in my family ; yet that little has not been
borne with that meek and patient submission — with
that deadness to the world and that detachment from
the creature — which ought to characterize the child
of God. But if I so readily faint in the day of com-
paratively minor sorrows, how can I be expected to
stand in the day of increased and lengthened suffer-
ing — the evil day, asked for by Satanic malignity,
and rendered but too necessary in order to bring
before me the latent evils of my own unsanctified
heart ? Still, however, the divine panoply has been
mercifully provided ; and what should hinder me
from becoming strong in the Lord and in the power
of his might ? I will therefore hope in his mercy. I
will expect, that should sufferings await me, such as
those with which my endeared friend has been visited,
I may still be enabled to glorify my God in the day
of my visitations ; and then all will be well. For
sanctified sorrow not only loses all its pungent and
corrosive, and deadly qualities, and thus leaves our
neutralized minds in the possession of calm and
settled peace ; but it has reference also to that happy
and eternal state above, where all our light and

158

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

uionieutary alflicdons shall be succeeded by that
inconceivable weight of glory which shall suffer
neither diminution nor end.

Mr. Mortimer's next engagement in the duties of
his sacred office, was at St. Mary ]( Port, Bristol,
first undertaken temporarily during the serious illness
of the regular minister, the Kev. Thomas Grinfield,
which lasted for some months, and afterwards sharing
the services with him for a year, before his going to
the curacy of Button. He entered upon this duty
for the first time, on Sunday, December 10, 18l2G,
and continued in the discharge of it until the end of
September, 1828. In this sphere he seems to have
laboured with peculiar pleasure, acceptance, and use-
fulness ; his talents as a preacher appear to have
been better appreciated, and his services more valued,
than in any other situation that he filled either before
or afterwards ; and, speaking after human judgment,
I cannot help regretting that ever he felt it to be his
duty to leave a field of so much promise, and one
which he was so well calculated to improve and cul-
tivate ; and, if I do not greatly mistake, his own
mind was not entirely free from feelings of regret on
this subject. Of his adaptation to the place and of
the benefits resulting from his ministry there, he was
not himself insensible. He thus writes to his sister,
Mrs. Holland, August 5, 1828 :—

•* In my ministerial duties it has pleased the Lord
to give me a degree of acceptance among my present
charge which I was never favoured with before. At
Madeley, indeed, the attendance was good, and as
much of interest was kept up and spiritual benefit
conveyed, as kept my naturally anxious and misgi\ing
mind from quite sinking ; but in Bristol it has been
far otherwise. The attendance at church has greatly
mcreased ; the affection of the people seems to be given
me in an unusual degree ; and I do hope the blessinir

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

aj)

. by that
lall suffer

e duties of
rt, Bristol,
rious illness
s Grinficld,
irds sharing
lis going to
m this duty
;r 10, IB'iG,
i the end of
ems to have
ice, and use-
,ear to have
more valued,
either before
m judgment,
t it to be his
lise, and one
rove and cul-
ike, his own
of regret on
place and of
there, he was
to his sister,

ased the Lord
ig my present
before. At
good, and as
.ritual benefit
and misgiving
ol it has been
ch has greatly
;ms to be given
,e the blessing:

of the Lord keeps bringing home the word witii
power to their hearts."

He makes reference also to his labours at St. Mary
le Port, in a letter to the Rev. John Cooper, in terms
which sufficiently indicate his own feelings and senti-
ments, and which are plainly expressive of his own
judgment upon a comparative view of his services at
Bristol with those performed elsewhere.

Hutton, near Cross, Somersetshire, Feb. 4, 1829.

My much-endeared Friend,
1 AM quite ready to acknowledge my faults ; and lest,
through forgetfulness, I should in a similar manner
offend in this instance also, I am determined to de-
spatch my communication at once. You kindly allude
to gratification received from this source in time past.
Such hiu-s coming even from an indifferent quarter,
always frighten me ; they make me fincy that some-
thing will of course be expected for the future ; and
knowing so fully the mere business-like strain in
which I am generally accustomed to write, and my
want of spirituality when I touch upon serious sub-
jects, I have such a shrinking, not to say horror
and dread of letters of mere friendship, that while
intending to pay my just and lawful debts in this de-
partment, I keep insensibly postponing their discharge,
till I fancy my answers would be out of date, and
would fain sit down with a quiet and contented mind.
Creditors, however, are those merciless kind of beings
that it is no easy matter to escape out of their hands,
and ever and anon some ipbraiding or threatening
communication appears in due form before me. Not,
licwever, that I could be so wanting in urbane feel-
ings, as to speak in such terms of Madeley despatches ;
they are, of course, the merest and most gentle of
all mementos— all lapses of time are so graciously

I =

IGO

LIFE AND LI. TIERS OF THE

i li

overlooked, and the most unblusliiujj; halts on the
])art of the most notorious offender are rather imj)licd
than expressed. You will therefore be kindly pleased
to accept my most humble and grateful aeknowlcdi;-
ments for such unmerited mercy ; and ho])ing for
ever to profit by such benignity, I now beg leave to
conclude my lengthened exordium.

As you appear to have seen my good friend Y ,

you have no doubt heard from him most of the par-
ticulars connected with my recent change. I do,
indeed, most fully believe, that I am in the spot to
which I have been most evidently directed of the Lord ;
and in respect to outward comfort and suitableness
of employment, I suppose I should hardly find
another situation equally eligible ; buty after all^ I
cannot help regretting the termination of my Mary
le Port engagements. Much kindness have I re-
ceived in various forms from my Madeley people —
much also, and most strongly expressed, from ray
temporary charge at Yardley ; but I never seemed to
live so fully in the hearts of any of my people as
those, from whom unavoidable circumstances have so
recently separated me. I am persuaded, however,
that all is right both for me and for them ; and if
developing circumstances should not reveal this to
the eye of sense, yet that faith which brings its lumi-
nous atmosphere around the results of cautious pro-
cedure and humble dependence will cheer the mind
with its present assurance, till it shall conduct us to
that world where, without the least shadow of a
misgiving, we shall acknowledge that our guiding
and gracious Saviour "hath done all things well."
My outward path has indeed, for some time past,
been in many respects somewhat mysterious and
painfully perplexing; but such are frequently the
movements even of those who not only have the
cloudy pillar to guide them, but who also are careful
to follow its guidance. And, even allowing that

REV. OEOROE MORTIMER, M..V.

161

Us on the

her implied

lly pleased

end Y ,

of the i)ar-
ngc. I do,
I the spot to
of the Lord ;
suitableness
hardly find
after all, I
of my Mary
3 have I re-
»ley people —
led, from my
;er seemed to
ny people as
unces have so
dcd, however,
them ; and if
reveal this to
•ings its lumi-
cautious pro-
eer the mind
conduct us to
shadow of a
t our guiding
things well."
ne time past,
ysterious and
requently the
)nly have the
so are careful
allowing that

ourselves have not thus followed with this undcviating
step, still we have the privilege of penitent return ;
and, from whatever point we may retrace our wander-
ing step, we see the same heavenly guidance before
us, waiting to conduct us onward in the unerring
way.

i feel much obliged for your interesting allusion to
Madeley procedures ; your dispensary, infant-school,
and clerical meeting, have all of them, not only thi
approval of my judgment, but of my heart. . . .
And therefore I do, in all respects, most sincerely
rejoice that the kind and gratifying permission of
which you speak was ever given to me. My fear,
however, is, lest you should be doing too much, en-
couraged by that haff-untrue and sadly delusive
maxim, " Better to wear away than to rust away.'*
I would rather have you patronise that far more pru-
dential substitute suggested by the biographer of
Leigh Richmond, " I labour less that I may labour
longer."

I do indeed most sincerely rejoice with you in the
blessed testimony afforded to you by your endeared
and dying sister, to the faithfulness of our gracious
and Omnipotent Redeemer. How few are the families
where the leavening influence of true religion has
been more extensively or more blessedly experienced !

We had not heard of the arrival of our Ceylon
friends till your last reached us. Most truly rejoiced
shall we be to be permitted to meet them ; but the
notorious offender has some draw-back to his antici-
pated pleasure — a four or five years* halt keeps
haunting his perturbed mind. Nor let your gifted
men of punctuality smile, as they read these com-
punctious movements — these reiteratedconfessions, —
lest our insulted spirits spring from beneath the igno-
minious tread, and, elate with all the consciousness of
our newly acquired powers, hold ourselves in readi-
ness to repel the charge and to retaliate the affront.

'.! !■ a

hi4

162

UFE AND LETTERS OF THE

You hare heard, I suppose, of my having taken
three pupils to instruct with my own children ; my
time, ns you can readily imagine, is far from sluggishly
employed ; my health, however, is, and has been for
some time past, through God's blessing, unusually
good. Within the last three weeks, I have been a
little threatened with a return of Madeley feelingss,
but this has been through attempting too much.
Our united and very kindest love attends Mrs. C.
yourself, and family, and

I remain, my dear Friend,

Yours, ever affectionately,

6. Mortimer.

The next step in the life of my endeared friend,
which comes under our notice, is one which filled all
his friends with surprise— one which they could not
contemplate without much concern — one, the expe-
diency of which, they could none of them fully
perceive — one, indeed, which they could not but
consider as uncalled for and unnecessary. I refer to
his leaving England, and proceeding with his family
to settle in Canada. At an earlier period of his life
he appears to have been animated with a pure and
holy zeal for the cause of missions to the heathen,
and would, if his way had been open, most gladly
have entered upon that self-denying service. But
now he was not stimulated by such a motive ; indeed,
he can hardly be said to have made even ministerial
duties his chief object : it was not to seek a new
fortune in the vineyard of Christ, but to improve his
worldly fortune for the temporal benefit of his
children. I do not presume to censure Mr. Mor-
timer for this step, though I agree with many of his
friends in consideriug it a very questionable measure.
He was not like a man in needy circumstances ;
Providence had supplied him with a very comfortable

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

163

independent income ; one perfectly adequate to pro-
vide for all the reasonable wants of his family, and to
enable him to place out his children in suitable
situations, as they grew up ; much more so, if I do
not greatly mistake, and with much greater satisfac-
tion, too, than he has been able to do in Canada.
Where the object is the cause of God, I should be
among the first to recommend a man to leave his
home, his friends, and his country, and go to the
very ends of the earth, if called to such a service ;
and I see no reason why men of business, if their
disposition lead to it, though they possess even good
properties, should not expatriate themselves for the
purpose of commerce, or the increase of their
fortune; but I hesitate as to granting the same
liberty to the minister of Jesus Christ, ^specially
where it has pleased his heavenly Father co furnish
him with the necessary supplies of life in a tolerably
competent measure. It is clearly the duty of a
clergyman, as it is that of a layman, to make such
provision for his family, in the event of his removal
from them, as his circumstances will permit ; but to
make this the first object of consideration in deter-
mining upon an important movement in life — in
leaving one's own country and settling in another —
does seem to me not very warrantable. Upon these
considerations, I cannot, I confess, perfectly concur
with my late beloved friend in the measure under
contemplation. No doubt he was fully satisfied in
his own mind of the propriety of the step on which
he had determined, and that the accomplishment of
it was in accordance with the path of duty and the
order of Providence.

But let Mr. Mortimer speak for himself. Four, out
of the five following letters, touch more or less upon
the subject, and explain his views of the measure
and of the desirableness of it. In the dark view
taken in some of these letters of the prospects of

M 2

i:,

1()4

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

his native country, the writer of them by no means
stood alone ; and though commerce seems to have
recovered itself, and the prosperity of the nation has
assumed a more promising aspect, yet the encourage-
ment given to Popery by the State on the one hand,
and the movement in the church towards the increase
of its ranks, and the augmentation of its influence
on the other ; the unmanageable state of pauperism,
and the ungovernable, and, I fear, to any considerable
extent, the unimprovable condition of the peasantry
and the poor of our great cities, cannot be contem-
plated by the Christian patriot without fear, alarm,
and consternation. "We are evidently in the state of
a volcano, and everything seems to indicate a no very
distant eruption, which may rase the foundations of
the Church and State, and scatter misery and wretch-
edness, rapine and bloodshed, murder and destruction,
over the face of the land. The elements of some
general convulsion are preparing with a rapid pro-
gress ; and awful, it is to be feared, will be the
catastrophe, if, by timely repentance, the blow which
threatens us, and which undoubtedly we deserve, be
not averted.*

,'1

I I

* '' Unquestionably our aristocratical manners and habits
have made us and the poor two distinct and unsympathising
bodies ; and, from want of sympathy, I fear the transition to
enmity is but too easy when distress embitters the feelings, and
the sight of others in luxury raakes that distress still more
intolerable. This is the plague-spot to my mind in our whole
state of society, which must be removed, or the whole must
perish. And under God it is for the clergy to come forward
boldly, and begin to combat it. If you read Isaiah iii., v.,
and xxxii. ; Jeremiah v., xxii., and xxx. ; Amos iv. ; Habak-
kuk ii. ; and the Epistle of St. James, written to the same
people a little before the second destruction of Jerusalem, you
will be struck, I think, with the close resemblance of our
own state to that of the Jews." — Dr. Arnold's Letters, vol. i.
p. 286.

REV. GEOROE MORTIMER, M.A.

TO THE REV. JOHN ARMSTRONG.

16.5

Hutton, near Cross, Somersetshire,
Nov. 1830.

My dear Armstrong,
I DO indeed feel myself much obliged to you for
kindly breaking through the impediments which my
lengthened silence put in the way of our renewed
intercourse. I often reproached myself for not
writing ; and yet there seemed such an awkwardness
in recommencing, that I fear I should never have
had courage to combat with it. But your truly
welcome letter has opened my way, and I most
gladly avail myself of the unexpected facility. But
before I proceed to other matters, I ought to assure
you that yours is not any personal or any peculiar or
isolated case. All my friends, and even relatives,
are successively neglected ; and if it were not that so
manv of them are touched with a similar feeling of
kindness with yourself, and ever and anon renew the
needful impulse, I should soon be forsaken by them
all, and find myself, what I so richly deserve, " a
desolate old man."

All your topics of communication cheer me. I
truly rejoice with you in the erection of the church.
It was a noble emprise, characteristic of my endeared
friend, and peculiarly owned and blessed of his God;
of its extent of good, eternity will alone unfold. Your
account also of your dear children was read by me
with much interest, and with real gratitude. How
faithful is God. In the spirit of the Levite you have
thrown up your ' ' ^ritance among your brethren.
And some of us, not sufficiently aware of the nature
or extent of your faith, and but little called to tread
in similar paths, were inwardly dreading some disas-
trous shock. But the whirlwind, the earthquake,
and the fire, were only the creatures of our own

166

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

imagination ; while all that is real is " the still small
voice " of our God, proclaiming, as is usual with him,
to those who can trust him, his goodness, and his
love. May the same goodness attend all the other
branches of your dear family. And may you and
your beloved wife be long spared to them, to the
church, and the world.

I know your friendly feeling would prompt you to
enquire respecting our several movements. But
where shall I begin ? All is and all has been well
with us ; and yet much has been transpiring which
we little anticipated. The calls of our family have
induced struggling and self-denial. My curate could
not be retained. The tutor for lii, children, when
he left for college, has not been replaced. First, his
duties devolved on me ; then the extra care of three
pupils. Removing, too, has been attended with loss.
And various other matters hai^e all been tending
toward the same point. But still I would reiterate
the declaration — all is and has been well with us. To
some spirits, struggling and difficulty is absolutely
necessary. Like stagnant waters, they must be
shaken, or they will acquire the evils consequent on
inactivity.

I have for some years past been endeavouring to
feel my way as to a settlement in one of our colonies ;
having little expectation of being able to settle my
children at all advantageously in England. All I
wished for was something in the shape of ministerial
duty, without much regard to the emolument, but as
a kind of satisfaction that I was not going out of the
way ot usefulness. But my inquiries were fruitless.
Indeed my friends were not over anxious about my
success. They mostly inclined to my remaining in
England ; and therefore did not, 1 believe, at all
exert themselves. Now I begin to fancy that I am
getting too old for such an experiment. Thov;gh
possibly should anything desirable present itself, I

i I

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

167

should not wonder at my old feelings reviving. But
I should not now be tempted, I think, with anything
short of a chaplaincy ; and the^e are so far from
being come-at-able, that I consider my emigrating
schemes as at an end. My views, however, with
regard to my own country are still the same. I was
never a national croaker ; and have, I think, always
been disposed to look at the bright side. Still I can
anticipate nothing but rapidly increasing distress,
and not very far distant ruin. And this has almost
invariably been the case with great commercial
nations. The influx if extraneous wealth, pro-
ducing such increase of population, and such extent
of luxury, and when these arrive at a certain point,
other countries, other markets, successfully compete,
and eventually surpass. At one of these points we
are already arrived, and the retrograde impuke is
beginning to be most painfully felt. All classes,
indeed, are much suffering at present ; and had it
not pleased God to have given us a popular king and
a most j)lenteous harvest, it is most generally believed
that a revolution would ere this have taken place.
Many, I know, are still dreading it. A letter which I
received but a/ew days since from a General, a father
of one of my pupils, is strongly expressive of the
feelings which still prevail in the metropolis. To
add to other cafses of apprehension, we have just
received the account of the resignation of the Wel-
lington ministry. All is indeed perplexity. But
still the Lord Omnipotent reigneth ; all is in his
hands. And possibly what we are dreading is only
the small cloud of needless apprehension, which will
either soon blow over, or only discharge itself in
unexpected and undeserved mercies. But why should
I allude to public events ; for, with letters from your
friends, you receive, no doubt, a budget of the public
papers, which bring all these matters before you in
all their diversified aspects and bearings.

1G8

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

•' »;

As to iny mlm:iterial employments, I feel on the
whole conifoi^'yly engaged. My sphere is but
small ; and r-> , success not very apparent ; and yet
circairiot'iDCi ;i .>rf 11 to require my continuance ; nor
doe: any mo'\'ug of the cloud point out any other
placi.. I iVtnr.fore go labouring on ; and should it
pleac',' (jiod to fix me eventually in some other situa-
tion, i s-.4fu] ihid ail the benefit from my past exer-
tion; for i make a point of preparing one new
sermon every week.

Mrs. G. M. unites with me in very kindest re-
membrance to yourself and dear Mrs. A.

And I remain, my much endeared Friend,

Yours, ever sincerely,

G. M.

TO THE RET. JOHN COOPER.

!)/ U i

I. 1

Hutton, January, 1831.

My dear Friend,
I AM much obliged by your kind riid prompt com-
munication respecting the removal of poor Mr.
Burton, your vicar. I am afraid it will prove the
precursor of many difficulties, both with regard to
yourself and beloved Madeley. We must look, how-
ever, beyond these probable perplexities with that
steady eye of faith on t' promises and perfections of
our ever faithful God, which shall enable us not only
eventually, but at each successive movement, to feel
the grateful persuasion that all is well. I hear from
Mrs. D. W , that Mr. B gives her some en-
couragement to hope that your continuance there is
more than probable. Should any aid be required
under such an arrangement, I shall be happy to con-
tinue the 3^10 yearly which I have already devoted
t(» this object, and 1 beg you will not feel the least
scruple in the transfer.

frit

eel on the
ere is but
t ; and yet
lance ; nor
any other
should it
ther situa-
past exer-
: one new

dndest re-

iend,
rely,

G. M.

lary, 1831.

•ompt coui-

poor Mr.

prove the

regard to

look, how-

with that

rfections of

us not only

ent, to feel

'. hear from

er some en-

ice there is

)e required

3py to eon-

cly devoted

H'l the least

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

169

I have been, with much contrivance, plotting an
arrangement for you in conjunction with myself and

Mr. H , but one or two matters would not, I

fear, fall in with your wishes, and therefore I have
let this slip. I have written however to a dear
friend to be on the look out for you, and shall try to
call in other aid, as well as keep an observant eye
myself. I feel persuaded that mercy is still in reserve

for my much endeared friend. Mrs. M unites

with me in very kindest regards to yourself, Mrs.

C , and your family, and

I remain.

Yours, ever aflFectionately,

G. Mortimer.

TO THE REV. JOHN COOPER.

Hutton, Aug. 9, 1831.

Mv dear Friend,
I DID, indeed, intimate to Miss P my intention to
write to you at an early opportunity, and I am
quite ashamed and sorry that I should have de-
layed doing this so long. Your very kind and most
interesting letter, received a few days since, has not
only opened my eyes, but warmed my heart ; and,
even were I disposed any longer to postpone, I
should find it somewhat difficult to do it.

I do, indeed, most sincerely rejoice with you in all
the goodness and mercy which have attended you
during your residence in MadeJey.

You kindly and delicately suppose that the inci-
pient attentions showed yovi, on your first going there,
were in some measure from their kindly feelings to-
wards myself. Possibly, the glowing descriptions of a
friend might have prepared (he min'ls of ^tiany For

1- I

170

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

expectation, and have procured for you the more
than ordmary courtesies of introduction. But such
expectations vrould have terminated in all the vexa-
tion of contrast, had there not been that suitableness
in my dear friend which I had supposed, and which
the parishioners were in no way backward to discover.
It is with much gratitude to our God and Saviour
that I look back on the whole of the past transac-
tion : the circumstances which seemed indispensably
to require my own separation from the dear people
of Madeley ; their hopelessness respecting a suitable
successor ; your willingness to accept the charge ;
the kind vicar's willing consent ; and the long interval
of reciprocal endearment which has since been ex-
perienced — one so cordial, and so thorough * * *
and, surely, that most munificent and touching act
of their kindly feeling and high respect which they
showed you on your departure, is no small proof of
the accuracy of my supposition.

*' Hitherto hath the Lord helped me," may be the
encouraging motto of my friend. And greatly will it
rejoice me to hear that in his new, and yet more exten-
sive sphere of labour, the same distinguishing mercy
from on high attends him : you go accompanied with
many prayers, and encouraged with many a cheering
recollection of the past ; and, what is more comfort-
ing, I will freely acknowledge, to my own mind,
you go onward with a humble sense of your own
nothingness , surprised at the results of mercy
which you see ; pausing, not in self-congratulation,
but in lowly gratitude, to survey and express them.

The account which you giv€ of the new vicar is
very encouraging, and answers, m all respects, to the
other testimonies which have reached me.

The times seem peculiarly perilous, both politically
and ecclesiastically ; though I was never given to

REV. OEOROE MORTIMER, M.A.

l/l

" croak," yet I cannot but feel that we are on the
eve of danger. God only can avert it, and in Him
is my hope ; but out of Him everything seems
gloomy and foreboding. Could my dear wife see
and feel with myself, I think it probable, that I
should make some effort to escape from all this
stormy wind and tempest, to some one or other of
our colonial shores, and there endeavour to establish
my family under more auspicious promises than
those afforded by our native land : for the mercan-
tile day of England has long been declining, and
with our increasing population no very cheering
prospects can be cherished.* My way, however, is not
yet clear ; and till my path is opened, I feel no desire
to proceed. "With your own large family, thoughts
of the future will no doubt, at times, be attempting
anxiously to intrude. But I know full well the
accustomed sobriety of your mind, and can easily
imagine how quietly and peacefully you leave these
bewildering anticipations with Him who has encou-
raged us to cast all our care upon Himself. In
this, as in other respects, may I ever be endeavouring
to follow you.

We are truly glad to hear of Mrs. C.*s amended
health, and of the comfort which you have in
your residence and situation. It seems, indeed,
in all respects, the very place for you, and long
may you and your beloved wife be spared to

* At the date of this letter, the public mind was much agitated
by the question of Parliamentary Reform, and an alarming
spirit of lawlessness prevailed in many parts of the kingdom.
In a few weeks after this was written, the city of Bristol was
for about two days in the hands of a numerous mob ; setting
all authority at defiance, and committing the most fearful de-
predations, burnings, &c. These events, happening within a
few miles of Mr. M.'s residence, would doubtless increase his
wrebodings as to his native land, and his desire to remove to a
foreign scene of ministerial labour.

1 n

172

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

reside among them. Our united and very kind
regards attend you both, and all the members of
your dear family.

Believe me ever to remain,

Your very sincerely attached,

G. M.

TO THE REV. JOHN COOPER.

rt Ji

■' i !

•13

Hatton, March G, 1832.

My dear Friend,

I BELIEVE you are almost the only one to whom this
peculiar and endearing appellation is considered by
me as truly belonging, who has not as yet been made
acquainted with my intended movements. Had it
been at all practicable, I should have taken you in
my way, in my late lengthened tour to Hull, Raithby,
and London; but cii cumstances would not then
admit this, and 1 cannot now indulge the hope. A
similar tour, about eight years since, found you in
Liverpool, and my residence in Shropshire ; and then
I was permitted to enjoy with you a few hours.
But much as my spirit ^as always been refreshed
with the pleasing and profitable intercourse with
yourself, a few hours lately would have been par-
ticularly valued by me; for I know not whether
such may ever again, in this world, be afforded me ;
my late tour having been a leave-taking visit previous
to my finally leaving this country for Ohio.

I know not what your views may be on the subject
of emigration, for I do not recollect to have touched
upon it in any of our conversations. My own mind,
however, has, for many years past, been directed
towards it, and I have only been waiting for the
most eligible opportunity of putting my plans into
execution. My three sons go with me in the first

UEV. nEORor mortimer, m.a.

instance, and u a few months after, my dear wife
and three daii_,Iitor^. Our mutual friend, the Kov.
Josiah Pratt, has written to Bishops Chase and
Mcllvaini, aboi ^ minihierial employment, and I
expect to hear from them soon. But, I understand,
there is a great want of Episcopalian ministers
throughout the United States ; they are, therefore,
gladly welcomed, and handsomely supp rted, so that
I have no grounds to fear in this respect. The
climate also of the State, to which I am intending to
proceed, is considered as very fine and healthy, and
living is Httle more than one half of what it is
even in country places here. In addition to these
advantages, I hope, with God's blessing, to find
remunerating employment, and suitable settlement
for my children — n matter which has been long per-
plexing me, and .)f which there is certainly no
prospect in ^his country. I had intended at first to
have made an extensive purchase of uncultivated
land, which, in the inland States, is selHng for two or
three dollars an acre ; but this plan I have relin-
quished; for my min' rerial avocations, and the settle-
ment of my children, together with the enjoyment
of suitable society, were hardly compatible with a
situation surrounded by uncultivated districts. I am
thinking of sailing from Liverpool, in preference to
Bristol, as I hear that the accommodations are much
superior, and the time of sailing more certain. Do
you know any friend there to whom you could
obligingly write yourself, or recommend to me to
apply to, who would be so good as, first to make
enquiries about the packets, and finally bargain for
me ? I wish to sail as soon as I can after Easter-
day, April 22 ; and I want five cabin places, for
myself, three sons, and a pupil, or proteg6. During
your residence in the vicinity of Liverpool you may,
probably, have become acquainted with some persons
now resident in America, to whom an introduction

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WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716)872-4503

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174

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

might prove to me of considerable service. It is,
indeed, held forth as the land of liberty, prosperity,
and religion ; but there is no place in which we shall
not find the need of friends ; and, especially, will
they be valuable in a strange land. If, then, you
could obligingly help me in this matter, I should
feel much indebted to you. I am particularly de-
sirous of getting my books exempted from duty, if
I possibly could. I have diminished these, with
many a shrinking feeling, to about one-third of their
number; but, even now, there are four hundred
weight, and the duty is one shilling and three pence
per pound, on bound volumes, the chief of which
mine are. Books are, in fact, my implements of
trade ; almost all of them either ministerial or
scholastic; and as the common artisan is permitted
to take his tools, why should not the minister and
tutor his ? Perhaps, the justness of this would be
allowed on our arrival at New York, if I could be
put in the way of obtaining it.

Strange and startling, perhaps, as my projected
movements may seem to you on their announcement,
I shall not venture to ask you whether revolving
months or years may induce my Madeley successor
to follow my steps. Unprepared, however, as he
may be, at present, for such a scheme, even in
imagination, it would be no macter of surprise to me,
should he, ere long, be as fully persuaded as myself
of its expediency. Beneficed clergymen, who have
charges they cannot without much cost, either of
feeling, or temporal sacrifice, detach themselves from,
may see it their bounden duty to remain; those,
also, who have connexions which may help to settle
their children in after life, or those who have only
one or two children to provide for — these may still
linger in their once prosperous, and ever endeared
country; but the unbeneficed — unpatronized heads
of large families must, I fear, sooner or later

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

175

decamp. " Our hive" (as our mutual friend Mr.
Pratt, observed to me) " is too full, and we must
lead out our respective swarms." But may the
God of providence and grace ever guide us, and,
wherever we either go or remain, may He both
•* bless us, and make us a blessing." Our very
kindest love attends yourself, dear Mrs. C, and your
family, and I remain.

My dear Friend,

Yours, ever sincerely,

George Mortimer.

TO THE rev. JOHN COOPER.

Hutton, June 6, 1832.

My endeared Friend,
I LEAVE Button to day for Bristol, and expect to go
on board the brig Active for New York, to-morrow ;
and, as my only remaining means of communication,
I take up my pen to bid you adieu. Had I sailed
from Liverpool, as I was once intending, I should
certainly have endeavoured to have spent a few hours
with yourself and family ; but the expenses of travel-
ling and of conveying luggage so far across the
country, together with the higher charges in the
Liverpool vessels, obliged me to consult my purse
rather than my feelings ; and I am persuaded that
my endeared friend will not be th ";rst to censure me.

We are now proceeding to Uppe: Canada by the
way of the United States ; and though the climate is
somewhat colder in winter, and hotter in summer,
than our own, it is considered as very fine and healthy.
To myself also it has this no small recommendation,
that it is under British Government, and is princi-
pally inhabited by British settlers.

I have used all endeavours to procure ministerial

I "6

LIFE AND LETTERS OP THE

employment there, but as yet in vain. Our present
leading men are too liberal to give support to any
religious object ; and the Canada company prefer the
recommendations which arise from local knowledge
and representations. But on this latter account, I
still hope, that when I arrive there, I shall not be
long before I hear of some situation or other in which
I may be usefully employed. Some desirable intro*
ductions to residents have been kindly afforded me.

The want of religious instruction is almost the only
drawback from the Canadas. In many instances
persons are thirty or forty miles from a place of
worship. This, however, is no small call on the
superabundant labourers among ourselves ; and I do
expect, that ere long this call will be fully regarded.

And now my endeared friend, what shall I say as
to all the comfort — the unmixed satisfaction — which,
for so many years, I have been permitted to enjoy
in our occasional intercourse ? To our gracious and
faithful Redeemer let us give all the praise! And
may we ever be looking forward to the time, when the
friendship of earth shall be followed by the blissful
and never terminating enjoyments of heaven.

Mrs. G. M. begs to be united with me in kindest
remembrances to yourself, Mrs. C, and family, and
I remain, my endeared Friend,

Yours, ever sincerely,

George Mortimer.

Mr. Mortimer and his three sons set sail on the
1 Ith of June, 1S32. He gave an account of his pas-
sage to America, of his reception in Canada, and of
his first impressions and expectations there, in the
following letters to Mrs. Mortimer.

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

177

TO MRS. MORTIMER.

Ang. 6, 200 miles from a Port.

June 12th, Tuesday, 9 o'clock. Driven from the
cabin by disposition to sickness, I write on deck
on one of the hen coops. Last night all of us fell
giddy and beginning to be squeamish — took the
brandy in sips and all were immediately relieved. —
Herbert also lost his head-ach. Our nightly abode
was, I confess, an uninviting concern. When I lay
down I seemed as though I should be suffocated and
was obliged to rise up in haste, but soon got recon-
ciled, and managed, at last, to get off and slept pretty
well till five. The wind has been favourable ever
since we sailed, the captain in good spirits, nothing
could be better. At nine, yesterday evening, we cast
anchor ; the captain, in consequence of the haziness
of the weather, being afraid of proceeding, lest, not
being in open sea, he should run foul of land ; we re-
sumed operations, however, between two and three.
The ship remaining stationary was the cause of the
close and confined sensations which we had on getting
into our berths at night ; for when the vessel is in
motion there is no want of fresh air and no feeling of
oppression. I am again, my dearest Mary, on deck.
I have just been humming over three or four times my
favourite verse,

•* O may I ne'er forget,

The goodness of the Lord ;
Nor ever want a tongue to spread,
Hb loudest praise abroad."

Ah ! we called upon him in our trouble, and he
hath delivered us out of our distress : we could, there-
fore, " praise the Lord for his goodness and for his

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178

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

wonderful works which he showeth to the children
of men." I had scarcely finished writing the contents
of the first side of my sheet, when the wind began to
veer round, and blowing from the west with great
violence, the ship heaved and rolled to such a degree,
that the whole of the passengers, without exception,
were taken so suddenly and so distressingly ill, that
they were obliged to dash, as quickly as possible,
to their beds — no time for undressing, and none, of
course, for arranging our little alleviations and pre-
ventives against sickness. Our party were all diifer-
ently affected, but all suffered much for about twelve
hours. Arthur was quite unconscious of what he
did — Cecil occasionally incoherent — Herbert very
quiet, but at times greatly suffering. Indeed, I had
serious thoughts, whether we should ever recover ;
but I lay musing, and praying, and casting the weight
of my oppressed spirits on my covenant God in Christ
Jesus, and soon had a most blessed state of peace.

Sunday, June 17, 12 noon. We have just had
service on deck — an interesting scene, and seemingly
not unacceptable to the auditors, who, in pleasing and
attentive groups, were lying, or rather sitting, round
me. We had three or four good singers. H3niin,

** God moves in a mysterious way."

Text, Gen. xii. 1 . The deck presents quite a Sabbath
scene, most of the men either reading or quietly sit-
ting. God openly honoured. Wind greatly against
us, out nearly a week and only 200 or 300 miles from
land; but I have no restlessness, indeed scarcely a
wish ; peace more than usual. On deck we fared but
badly, the spray besprinkled most in their turn. One
wave, more unmannerly than the rest, drenched the
mate, soaked the captain, and soused myself and
Cecil and Herbert. We shook ourselves as well as
we could, and sat quietly till we were dry. The mate
says he has been thirty-one voyages and never knew

REV. OEOROB MORTIMER, M.A.

179

such rough weather at this season of the year. In
the evening, all was calm and we ate in quietness, and
with good appetite, a meat supper, followed by biscuit
and cheese, and supported by our good bottled porter.

TO MRS. MORTIMER.

Brig Active, August 13, 1832.

This day week, I forwarded to you by the ship
Science, Greenock, three letters, written at different
times during our voyage. After reading my third it
seemed so vapid and uninteresting that I determined
to discontinue my journal, and, of course, my extracts
from it; for, though many things seem interesting to
us in our isolated and pent-up situation, yet, when
soberly reviewed, they amount to a mere nothing. As,
however, we are now approaching the shore, I am
desirous of having a letter nearly finished that I may
forward it as soon as possible after our arrival, should
it please God to permit us to reach the much longed-
for shore. The last week has been one of much
anxiety and perplexity to most of the passengers.
The ship we spoke with told us we were out in our
reckoning, and this communication proved but too
true. We thought we were within 200 miles of land,
but it then appeared we were distant between 500
and 600. Our provisions and our water had already
begun to fail, and many on board had been reduced
to very short allowance. Judge, then, of the feeUngs
which prevailed when our actual distance was ascer-
tained. The Science, indeed, spared us half a barrel
of flour, but what was this for our increasing neces-
sities ? The privations, therefore, have daily become
greater, and, to such a degree has murmuring and
dissatisfaction prevailed, that a mutiny by many is
daily expected. The Lord, however, is in this, as in

N 2

1.'

180

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

everything else, the all-sufficient God, and he will still
continue to protect and to bless us. And, indeed,
since I last wrote to you, we have had many and
most striking instances of his watchful and paternal
care. On one occasion we were exposed to the most
terrific storm of thunder and lightning, which we
had ever witnessed, and its nearness was so great,
that we appeared in immediate danger of being shat-
tered to pieces. Upon the most accurate calculation,
it was at one time only a quarter of a mile distant,
and if it had actually passed over our vessel, loaded
so extensively with iron, the consequences would, in
all probability, have been fatal to us all. During the
last week we fell in with the fog, and one of the
West India Island hurricanes, terrific and awful
beyond previous conception: it must be witnessed
to be fully understood. Towards its close I ventured
upon deck, and truly thankful was I to learn that no
damage had been sustained, no mast shattered, not a
single leak sprung. Some, indeed, attributed this
to the tightness and excellence of our fine little vessel,
overlooking the goodness and faithfulness of our
God. Ah, how it grieves me to the heart to see the
loving-kindness of our God so generally lavished
upon us in vain ! But the confinement of a ship calls
into exercise almost every latent quality of the mind ;
the secrets of hearts are indeed most fully revealed,
though the exhibition is by no means gratifying. In
many respects, however, it is useful, and I feel very
thankful for it as it regards our little party. Habits
and dispositions have unfolded of which I had scarcely
the least idea, but which discovery will materially
influence me as to the steps which should be taken
in reference to my future movements and the eventual
disposal of my children. We are now, I believe,
about 100 miles from land, and it is well that we are
no more ; for most of our comforts have failed us in
the cabin, and we are brought under allowance as to

he will still
nd, indeed,
many and
ind paternal
to the most
, which we
IS so great,
heing shat-
calculation,
lile distant,
ssel, loaded
js would, in
During the
one of the
: and awful
»e witnessed
e I ventured
earn that no
ttered, not a
ributed this
little vessel,
ness of our
rt to see the
lly lavished
I a ship calls
jf the mind ;
lly revealed,
tttifying. In
I feel very
rty. Habits
had scarcely
materially

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

181

Id be taken
the eventual
V, I believe,
1 that we are
failed us in
Dwance as to

water, and they speak of this as to other provisions ;
so that we manage, as you may suppose, but badly ;
and were we to continue much longer in our present
state, I fear that our health would materially and
even permanently sufiPer. But we make the most of
what remains, and keep cheering ourselves with the
hope that it will not be for long : the wind, however,
is far from favourable, and we proceed with great slow-
ness. Nine weeks to-day have we been out at sea — I
should rather say, since we set sail — and few calcu-
lated upon a longer time than five or six weeks ; so
that it is not surprising many among us are begin-
ning to suffer. But, as I mentioned, hope sustains
us, and the God of love and mercy will, in his own
good time, extricate us out of all our troubles.

Delaware River, August, 1;"<32.

We are at length, dearest Mary, through the good
providence of God, brought about midway up the
river on which the city of Philadelphia stands ; but,
in consequence of the cholera still prevailing there,
we shall be obliged to perform a short quarantine of
two or three days in a place about twelve miles on
this side of it, and after that we may possibly be
detained, previous to our passing the Custom House,
for a day or two longer. In less than a week, how-
ever, from the present time we are hoping to proceed
to New York, and thence on our Canada journey,
liike the great Apostle we should thank God and
take courage. Many have been his tender mercies
towards us, and I feel a calm and blessed power to
resign all the future into his hands. We have just
passed a most beautiful village (Newcastle), built
completely in the English style ; but everything now
is so fresh and novel that we view it with tenfold
interest. We are all, thank God, in very good health.

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182

LIFE AND LETTERS OP THE

and the cholera has considerably abated at New
York. I should hope vi'* are running no risk in pro-
ceeding in our intended line, and, indeed, no prudence
would be any sufficient safeguard, for I hear that it
has spread to very many of the surrounding places,
and therefore there is no possibility of getting entirely
out of its way ; but that God, who directed our
steps through the United States, will, I am confident,
preserve us. I have been reading twice with great
attention a small work of Dr. Granville, which has
thrown great light upon my mind, both as to the
origin, treatment, and prevention of the disease. It
was given by Mr. Grant to Arthur, and I consider
it quite providential that it was thrown in my way.

Philadelphia, August 22.

And so, my Mary, through the mercy of my God,
we are brought at length to the long-wished-for
shore, and the thrilling feelings of pleasure which we
experienced as we stepped once more on land were
half delirious — it seemed scarcely a reality. In a
short time, however, the delirium of joy subsided into
a most delightful state of peaceful gratitude. We
came here yesterday afternoon, and soon began to re-
connoitre ; passing from street to street in rapid suc-
cession, and for the first time since I left England I
was thoroughly tired, but at the cost of my poor
bleeding toes, which were so sore that I could hardly
put on my shoes, but on they went, and a little after
five I awoke our party to proceed on fresh adven-
tures. The first exploit was in the captain's boat,
which he kindly lent to us, and a fine rowing we had
across the Delaware to a small island near the State
of New Jersey, where three of the young people en-
joyed a most delightful bath. On our return to
breakfast such a scene of rapacity was exhibited as

REV. OEOROE MORTIMER, M.A.

183

ed at New

risk in pro-

10 prudence

lear that it

ing places,

ing entirely

irected our

n confident,

with great

which has

as to the

disease. It

I consider

I my way.

August 22.

f my God,
g-wished-for
re which we
L land were
ility. In a
ubsided into
itude. We
began to re<
n rapid suc-

England I
)f my poor
ould hardly
I little after
•esh adven-
tain's boat,
dng we had
' the State

people en-
• return to
inhibited as

would have astonished even an indulgent and ever
apologetic mother. The captain had previously talked
of a good blowhig out, but now we experienced it.
Your half-famished eldest son has, I think, taken
precedence, but we were none of us far behind him,
with such relish did we apply to the abundant and
novel and delicious fare which was set before us.

TO MRS. MORTIMER.
York, Upper Canada, Sept. 21, 1»32.

Nothing as yet has been determined respecting
myself. The bishop was absent on a long tour of
visitation, but I obtained a letter of introduction to
Archdeacon Strachan, through Captain Fitzgibbon ;
and His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, Sir
John Colborne, having heard of my arrival, expressed
a wish that I do wait upon him. Both he and the
archdeacon behaved with great kindness, and men-
tioned places which they thought desirable ; but I
wait for the advice of the bishop, to whom I have
written on the subject. I am disposed; however,
to fix on Hamilton, a rising village near Ancaster,
beautifully situated, and bidding fair to become the
third town in the province, York and Kingston only
taking precedence. No church, indeed, is as yet
built — service is performed in the Court House —
but one is fixed on. My salary will be ^100 sterling,
a rectory house, forty acres of cleared land, besides
some — I forget the quantity — ^uncleared, and the sum
I may obtain by letting the pews. The Governor
and his lady are both truly pious. I dined with
them on Tuesday and spent a most pleasant evening.
The archdeacon is uncommonly friendly; our whole
party took tea with him on Saturday evening, and I
nave called on him since.

I;-

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184

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

TO MRS. MORTIMER.

Thornhill, near York, Oct. 8, 1832.

I DO not wish to raise your expectations in any im-
proper way, but I still think 1 ought in justice to
say, that I think you will be tolerably pleased with
the situation in which I have been led to settle.
There is, indeed, no fixed salary, and perhaps nothing
beyond ^40 or ^50 — the sum given by the congre-
gation — may be obtained by me. But the Bishop
and Governor both expect that I shall receive from
the clergy reserves ^100 more, and, if so, this ^150
will be very fair. As to the distance (only thirteen
miles from York) it has a decided preference over
Hutton, and the society is in my estimation far supe-
rior, and mostly English. The church is small, but
the attendance good, far more than the Hutton
average. They appear also quite pleased with my
coming, as my predecessor, though a learned man and
a great orientaUst, had no aptness for parochial en-
gagements. I forgot to mention that the spot and
neighbourhood is considered most healthy. If the
young folks are desirous of seeing their future loca-
tion, they may look into a map of Canada, and they
will see a road leading from York to Simcoe Lake,
directly north ; this is called, George Street Road,
each side of which is cleared for the space of two or
three fields. It is on this road that Thornhill is
situated. I intimated in my last letter that I had
some thoughts of building a house to be ready to
receive you on your arrival, but you will be glad to
hear, that I have entirely given up all idea of it ; it
never will do, at least for me, and therefore I have
made my continuance here depend on the trustees
of Thornhill Church, allowing me ^0 or ^50 per

;. 8, 1832.

a any im-
justice to
sased with
to settle,
ps nothing
16 congre-
le Bishop
jeive from
thisaei50
ly thirteen
pence over
1 far supe-
small, but
le Hutton
I with my
d man and
ochial en-
spot and
r. If the
iture loca-
and they
coe Lake^
eet Road,
of two or
lomhill is
Lat I had
ready to
i glad to
of it ; it
e I have
i trustees
^50 per

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

185

annum, and their providing me at a moderate rate a
house suitable for my family, some time before the
10th of June next, 1833, at which time, through
God's blessing, I hope to see you all here. And
surely he will preserve you ; not a box, or package,
or anything has been lost, everything brought safe
over the perilous ocean and the intervening space,
and shall not the same faithful God of love preserve
my Mary and all her accompanying charge ? I will,
therefore, trust, and not be afraid.

I received a message from the Governor last night,
in which he tells me, I may depend on having the
^100 he mentioned to me. He is peculiarly kind
and a great blessing to the province. The people

seem very desirous of detaining me ; Messrs.

assure me that some house sufhciently large shall be
provided.

TO MRS. MORTIMER.

Thomhill, near York, Nov. 4, 1832.

To-day, dearest Mary, when I arose, I found the first
snow lying on the ground, and, as the thermometer
now indicates, that we are fast approaching our
Canadian winter. I have staid at home ' day to
get matters more fully in order, that I may meet it
as pleasantly as I can. A few days previously I
quitted my cold, smoky sitting room, and took up
my quarters in my favourite bed room, removing
into it my books, boxes, and in fact everything,
except the chairs and one table, which I have left
below to receive company when they shall honour
me with their visits ; which, in spite of my bachelor-
ship, and the non-attractions of my place, they feel
themselves bound in courtesy to do. Think not,
however, that I freeze my visitors, for I too well

; i

186

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

remember the cold rooms into which I have been
ushered myself, while in England. Mrs. Crosby,
therefore, has received a strict charge to keep up a
fire from ten to five, and when visitors are expected
a semi-mountain of logs is added to the pile. My
bed room has been greatly improved by nailing up
three of the bedding wrappers (and which, for the
purpose, I found a most invaluable treasure), against
three of the windows, so as to exclude all the search-
ing, piercing, cold winds and air, which, I hear,
penetrates so bleakly when the winter fully sets in ;
for this aforesaid bed room of mine has no fewer than
four windows; for the Canadians, not being taxed for
their lights, think they can never have enough, and
hence we are broiled in summer and frozen in winter,
as the concomitants of our delectable liberty. I
have now, therefore, as you will perceive, only one
window remaining ; but this is quite enough, and
you would join me in my conclusion had you to-day
seen the snow forcing its way by some unaccountable
means through some imperceptible apertures, so as
quite to wet some clothes which for a few minutes I
had incautiously placed under the window. My
removal to the bed room was the day before yester-
day, and the two last nights were the only two in
which I slept comfortably. I got an extra blanket
that was of no perceptible benefit ; a second counter-
pane was added to the weight of the superincumbent
clothes, but not apparently to the warmth : I then
slept in a pair of silk stockings; but these also,
though the best of all my auxiharies, were not ade-
quate, and I was therefore obliged to put over these
a pair of my worsted warm socks ; bat even then I
had a chilly feeling towards morning. Since, how-
ever, I have been sitting constantly in my room, and
have had a fire there, and a good one too, all the day
long, lighted before I rise, and left burning with
renewed logs when I go to rest : with all these helps

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

187

have been
rs. Crosby,

keep up a
re expected

pile. My

nailing up
;ch, for the
re), against
the search-
ch, I hear,
lly sets in ;
) fewer than
ig taxed for
nough, and
n in winter,
liberty. I
?, only one
lOugh, and
you to-day
accountable
tures, so as
V minutes I
idow. My
fore yester-
)nly two in
tra blanket
nd counter-
rincumbent
th : I then
these also,
ire not ade-
over these
ven then I
lince, how-
room, and
all the day
rning with
these helps

and adjuncts I do now exceedingly well, but what
I shall do in the real winter I know not. Now the
thermometer is not lower than 20° or 25° below
freezing point in the night, but then it is frequently
10° or 12° below zero, and once last year it was 29°
below it. Perhaps I shall have recourse to the
Russian fashion, and sleep with the feather bed over
me, or between the blankets, but even then, poor
nosey and its neighbours will receive no benefit, and
the gentlemen, I suppose, will complain of the
injustice done to them, while all the other parts are
so cozy, and they are left to bounce against the icy
formations produced by the moisture from the breath ;
but, as little Herbert would say, we must breathe,
and so poor nosey and company must take their
chance. I think I have not, as yet, alluded to one
of the chief Canadian annoyances, the amazing pre-
valence of the house fly. All places swarm with
them, and the most respectable persons, who feel
the annoyance greatly, quite despair of getting rid
of them. In a few days, however, I effected a
clearance, and afterwards only a comparatively few
stragglers made their appearance, which were daily
removed ; and this must be done, if you would have
any comfort. I took up a volume in boards at a
lady's here, which had been lying on its side on the
shelves, and when I touched it it was so rough with
the abundance of their excrement, that I wondered
what kind of excrement it was covered with, till I
examined and discovered the cause of the evil.
Gauze or muslin covers most of their things, but as
to the mass of them, they are filthy beyond endu-
rance ; and then the creatures keep buzzing about
you incessantly, and keep you in a ccutinual fidget
with their intolerable tickling. Then, again, they
almost cover your plate while you are eating, and as
to indulging in a siesta, that is impossible. If a loaf
of bread is left uncovered a shoit space, its surface

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188

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

is SO eaten as to appear quite grated ; and all other
articles are laid by them under similar contribution,
though it may not be quite so discernible. I guess
that my Mary will be equally zealous with myself in
attempting this clearance.

Mr. has just been here ; he is one of the

trustees of Thornhill Church. To him and his
associates the Governor has this day made over 600
acres for the use and benefit of the minister out of
the clergy reserves. These they will perhaps ex-
change for half the number of acres near the church,
situated on the George Street Road, and when the
exchange shall be effected, they will proceed with
the house. You have heard about the long and still
unsettled disputes about the Clergy Reserves. In Mr.
Pitt's administration, a certain portion of the land
was reserved for the clergy in each township ; but the
Presb3rterians of the Scotch Church and the other de-
nominations have lately put in their claim, and since
the litigation commenced, nothing has been done, no
lands, in any case here, I believe, have been assigned.
His Excellency wrote to Lord Goderich, and has
just obtained from him permission to assign lands to
such clergy as at present are just being fixed in
their respective districts. Sir John is now acting
upon this permission ; some lands belonging to the
clergy reserves have been sold to form a fund, in
hand, and out of this he builds the parsonage house.
"We are much indebted to the Governor, Sir John
Colborne, for his perseverance, without which no
adequate provision for ministers of our church could
have been made, for none of our congregations would
hear a word about contributions as long as there was
a chance of the clergy reserves being obtained.

Oh, how glad I am, my Mary, we came here,
instead of going to the United States, and that the
good providence of God directed us to this country.
Depend upon it, we shall never regret the step we

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

189

id all other
intribution,
I guess
I myself in

ane of the
and his
e over 600
ster out of
erhaps ex-
he church,
1 when the
Dceed with
ig and still
es. In Mr.
f the land
p ; but the
e other de-

and since
n done, no
Q assigned.
, and has
^n lands to
s; fixed in
low acting
jing to the
a fund, in
age house.

Sir John

which no
irch could
ions would

there was
led.

!ame here,
d that the
s country,
le step we

have taken, every day convinces me of its expediency,
in every point of view. May the same God of love
who brought us safe and directed us, as the pioneers
of our little party, bless, preserve, and keep those
that remain, and bring you through every perplexity
and trial to this land of his pecuHar smile.

TO MRS. MORTIMER.

Thomhill, Nov. 8, 1832.

I have for the last two or three weeks been expecting
another letter from Locking, and supposing that it
would contain various things which I should like
to touch upon in reply ; but, as the roads keep me
at home for a day or two, I am unwilling to let this
state of leisure pass by. Yesterday, I returned from
York, having been conveyed there and back by the
kindness of a lady in this place, the weather just held
up for the time. Had we been a day later it would
have been terrific work, but I live in hopes his
Excellency the Governor will mend the great north
road on which Thomhill stands. Sir John has com-
menced operations both in the town and neighbour-
hood of York, and his success there encourages
hope in this, though the sum to be raised for the
purpose is a620,000. My reception among the great
in York was gratifying — the condescension and kind-
ness of all parties quite surprises me. My abode
was at the hospitable bishop's, who in this, as well as
in all other respects, is a truly Christian bishop : he
pressed me to lengthen my stay, and was almost hurt
that I did not comply. His chaplain is a true Chris-
tain, and of very pleasing manners. When he found
that Arthur was residing in York, he oifered me his
kind attentions on his behalf, and before I left he

-■

t y-

t;™

'■

190

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

M ' i

mentioned him also to the bishop. I was much
struck with the pious solemnity with which he put
the licence for Thornhill into my hands ; it seemed
a real committal of souls to my charge, so different
from the matter-of-course transactions which I had
in all other instances witnessed. Sir John's party
I joined in the evening, dinner six o'clock, not mucli
in this respect to my liking; but everything else
connected with the visit most agreeable. He has re-
ceived permission from Lord Goodrich to proceed
with the projected plans for settling the clergy, and
he tells me he will make the commencing trial with
myself. When it is more fully and definitely known
to me, I will report to you ; but what I gather at
present is, that he will give me as incumbent 300
acres of land, forty of which shall be cleared at his
expense, and a suitable house erected ; and he thinks
all can be done with ease for your reception, on or
about the 10th of June. He does not promise me
a salary, but, till this be accompliGlied, the bishop
will try to give me at the rate of £100 per annum.
He however cannot engage. The people promise me
£50 per annum : they are very kind to me, and show
me the greatest attention. The congregation in-
creases, and though I am not forward to speak upon
such subjects, I do feel that the situation is impor-
tant, and the Lord has much work for me in this
place. My heart also is in some measure in my
work; I feel it blessed; its former anxieties and
oppressiveness are astonishingly removed, and thus
the Lord has at length granted unto me what I almost
regarded as impossible ; so that the anticipated wil-
derness has been made to smile and blossom as the
rose — the peace and blessedness within having shed
its transforming influence all around. I had often
read the 45th of the Madeley Hymns in reference
to the future, but I little thought how completely it

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

191

was much
ich he put

it seemed
80 different
lich I had
►hn's party

not mucii

lathing else

He has re-

to proceetl

clergy, and

trial with
telv known

gather at
mbent 300
ired at his
1 he thinks
ion, on or
Promise me
the bishop
)er annum,
iromise me
!, and show
sgation in-
ipeak upon
I is impor-
me in this
are in my
ieties and
, and thus
at I almost
ipated wil-
3om as the
iving shed
had often
I reference
mpletely it

would be realized. The hymn begins with, " That
man no guard or weapon needs," and the last three
verses you will perhaps excuse my transcribing —

'* His love possessing I am blest,

Secure whatever things may come ;
Whether I go to east or west,
With him I shall be still at home.

If placed beneath the northern pole,
Though winter reigns with rigour there;

His gracious beams would cheer my soul
And make a spring throughout the year.

Or if the desert's sun-burnt soil

My lonely dwelling ere should prove.

His presence would support my toil.

Whose smile is life, whose name is love."

Many of the Irish Protestant clergy are coming out
in the spring, with large quotas of their flocks, driven
out as they are by the violence of those who refuse to
pay the church tithes. I met one of this description
the other evening at the bishop's, a warm-hearted
and spiritually minded Irishman; his details were
most affecting, but highly interesting, and I thought
I could see a striking providence in their being thus
compelled to flee at this present time to a country
where they were so particularly needed, and where
their own temporal comforts would be so materially
increased. The good bishop quite rejoiced over his
anticipated treasure.

TO MRS. MORTIMER.

Thomhill, January 18, 1833.

* * * The delight of a warm bed the
Canadian can fully appreciate. The other morning

192

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

the thermometer stood 18° below zero, or 50* below
freezing point, and during last night I conceive it
must have been much lower: it is now near the
middle of the day, and the glass is only T above
zero, and yet, difficult as you may feel it to credit
me, it seems to me a mere nothing. I can hardly
imagine that I am in the midst of a Canadian winter,
that horrible and terrible of previous anticipation :
the fact is, that the severe weather only lasts for two
or three days at a time, which is far different from a
continuous season of four or five months, and though
sharp and searching in itself, yet fire, clothing, and
due attention, bring all to a common English tem-
perature ; and then the air is so cheering and bracing
that you smile cheerily, rather than feel oppressively.
But, in reality, I can hardly proceed in my descrip-
tion, not for want of words but of ink ; for it not
only freezes in the ink glass while on the table, but
after I place it on the hearth and thaw it, the pen-full
freezes while I am writing ; so that I am obliged to
stop ever and anon to thaw it in the pen, and yet
with this acme of congelating miseries, I smile and
laugh and go battling on ; but all this sounds worse
than it really is, so do not be alarmed.

ON EMIGRATION.

TO MRS. MORTIMER.

I FEEL somewhat puzzled as to what I ought to say
with regard to emigration. As to agriculture, em-
ployment can easily be procured in the upper pro-
vince, and the wages are good ; but the state of
destitution in which some of the families arrive is
very distressing, and keeps them back for a con-
siderable time. I cannot recommend any family to
come out unless they have £9 a head for each

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

193

r 50" below
conceive it
w near the
ly 1° above
it to credit
can hardly
lian winter,
iticipation :
ists for two
•ent from a
and though
)thing, and
iglish tem-
ind bracing
)pressively.
ny descrip-
tor it not
J table, but
;he pen-full
obliged to
in, and yet
smile and
unds worse

ight to say
ilture, em-
upper pro-
e state 'of
i arrive is
ibr a con-
' family to
L for each

individual. It hapj)ened to one young man who
had paid £\. 15s. for his passage to Quebec, and
yet with one and another charge he had only a few
shillings left out of ^61 2. At Kingston I heard of
a family of emigrants whose baggage was sold by
auction to enable them to find the money to proceed
to the agricultural districts. If emigrants can
proceed with their baggage, and a few shillings in
their pockets, they soon feel thankful for their
altered circumstances. As to the two men and their
families, I must leave it to your decision, and to
influence them as you judge best. If they come, it
should be as early as possible : leave England in
February and get to Quebec in March.

TO MRS. MORTIMER.

Thornhill, Jan. 18, 1833.

As to emigration I feel at a loss what to write.
There is in fact hardly a man living but in some way
or other may succeed in this fine country, and yet
there is scarcely a man who may not fail and suffer
disappointment, so that I dread recommending ; but
were I in the condition of nineteen out of twenty,
I would make every eifort to come out. Most have
to rough it for about a year ; few need do this much
longer ; that is, if thoughtful, prudent, and moral :
their wilderness soon begins to smile, and comforts
one after another crowd around them. I must turn
to my log-book for something to say on this score.
" Of all settlers the medical profession seems to have
least encouragement ; they are worse oft* than
even ministers ; for in this country the population
is so scattered, and the roads so impracticable,
that they slave and toil beyond all endurance for a
scanty pittance, and finding so small a remuneration,

'i ;

194

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

! ^

tbey are obliged to merge their professional engage-
ments into those of the largely cultivated farm.
Should they speculate on more extensive practice
and larger returns in some of the towns there, so many
have anticipated them, that they half starve before
they can get into practice, and, after paying dear
for their rashness, are compelled to return to the
country, and to rough it like others in employments
for which their previous habits have but little quali-
fied them. Another evil is that all the three
branches are here united, there not being a sufficient
call to admit of a division ; and then, again, we are
all so healthy, excepting, indeed, the whiskey
drinkers, who die by inches, but who have no
peculiar penchant for bitter drugs; so that had it
not been for the cholera, which so extensively visited
us, I fear the medical gentlemen must have had no
great cause to congratulate themselves on their
speculations. The best description of settlers are
young persons with or without families, married or
single, who can command about ^1000 in cash, and
have about ^680 or ^100 per annum, on which they
can regularly calculate. These can purchase a fair
quantity of land in cultivated districts, where there
is good society and English comforts ; can build
their house ample, commodious, and well-looking ;
and can realize from their farm what will enable
them to live as gentlemen. I know two or three
families of this description, in this neighbourhood,
who have freely exhibited their finances before me,
and they are just what I have noticed above. And
if these do well, much more those whose income is
larger. Such are the settlers we most need, for
improvements follow so fast in their train. Capital
and taste are in their case combined, and their
respective neighbourhoods start into notice and com-
fort." As to young men of the more respectable
order, they must be willing to go into trade, and in

onal engage-
vated farm,
live practice
ere, so many
starve before
paying dear
}turn to the
imployments
t little quali-
il the three
^ a sufficient
gain, we are
he whiskey
bo have no
that had it
sively visited
tiave had no
'es on their
settlers are
s, married or
in cash> and
1 which they
•chase a fair
where there
can build
rell-looking ;

will enable
wo or three
ghbourhood,
IS before me,
ibove. And
)se income is
it need, for
in. Capital
and their
ice and com-

respectable
;rade, and in

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

195

this they have abundant encouragement, not so
much in specific trade as in the keeping of stores,
both wholesale and retail, and to such they give a
salary for five or six years, and then either take them
into partnership, or else set them up in some country
store, furnishing them with goods on easy terms to
begin with. Farming will not do for young men of
this description, till they are of age to farm for
themselves, and then they may begin, if they have
a small capital to purchase land and stock it. They
want very little of any previous training ; the advice
of some friend or neighbour on the spot is quite
adequate, if he be of any tolerable capacity. As to
settlers I can say little beyond what I have intimated
before. "With ^610 or £\2 a head, they need not
hesitate a moment. The principal thing is raising
sufficient money to bring them far enough into the
country, and without this it is almost cruelty to
to say a word to induce them to leave England.

To finish these remarks on emigration, from one
who knew what it was from his own experience, I
shall add one other short extract from a letter dated
Feb. 21, 1835, addressed to Mrs. D. Whitmore: —

But vnth all this improvement in society and
literature, the matter of emigration puzzles me more
than ever. Produce is sadly falling; my wheat I
sold last year for 4s. 3d. a bushel ; the same sample
would now fetch only 2s. 6d., and all other farming
produce of course in the same ratio. Farmers, there-
fore, are crying out that they shall now be ruined.
Stores also abound so greatly, that a very small
profit can be obtained, where competition is so great.
Fortunes, therefore, are not, as they once were, so
easily procured ; and most classes of emigrants are
sadly disappointed. Those who come out with ample
means will easily succeed ; for living is r.o cheap,

196

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

and capital wanted, and amply remunerating interest
in various ways obtained. But then, again, those
who already have fortunes, or ample means, will
mostly prefer the good old country, and well they

mav.

TO MISS E. FORD.

Lockport, State of New York,
Mayl, 1833.

Mv dear Madam,

It was very unexpectedly but most joyously that I
received your kind communication respecting the
sailing of the B?'istol,* and I lost no time in leaving
Thornhill for New York. I am now on my way
thither, and hope to find a few leisure intervals dur-
ing my journey to fill my sheet, reserving merely a
small space for a postscript, that I may communi-
cate, should all be well, the tidings of the safe
arrival of the endeared party: they have much occu-
pied my thoughts of late, and, sometimes, with too
much of anxious solicitude, for which I have as often
felt reproved; for such has been God's mercy to us
hitherto, that it is not merely infirmity, but positive
sin to be distrustful of his faithfulness and love. I
feel much indebted to you and Miss Ford, for your
peculiar kindness to my dear Mary. I am never
surcharged with feeling, I wish it were my habit;
but still great kindness quite affects me, and as
requital will be ever out of my power, I must look to
the beneficent and faithful retributor above, and
would give vent to the utterance of my heart in the
language of the holy and grateful apostle, "The

* This vessel sailed from Bristol the 22nd April, 1833,
bound to New York, having on board Mrs. Mortimer and her
three daughters as passengers.

ting interest
those

^gam,

means, will
d well thev

New York,
1833.

lusly that I
meeting the
e in leaving
)n my way
tervals dur-
ig merely a
y communi-
)f the safe
much occu-
s, with too
ave as often
nerey to us
but positive
id love. I
•d, for your
am never
my habit;
ne, and as
lust look to
above, and
eart in the
stle, "The

April, 1833,
timer and her

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

197

Lord grant that you may both find mercy of the
Lord," and especially "in that day."

Your kind present of the newspapers, &c., will be
very acceptable, and yet, perhaps you are hardly
aware of the extent of either our political or literary
information. We have two monthly magazines pub-
lished in York, and three or four newspapers, and
from New York we have two weekly newspapers,
designed expressly for English readers — the Albion
and the Emigrant, full of English news and English
literature; so that in a month or six weeks, we have
all the cream of the London and country news, as
well as the best of the lighter articles from the British
periodicals. The Edinburgh and Quarterly Reviews
are reprinted at two-thirds of the English price ; also
the Christian Observer, and other standard and
monthly and quarterly works. Messrs. Harper, also,
in New York, reprint the best of the English works
in the Family Library, at three and sixpence each,
executed like Murray's, and their series amounts
already to fifty-three volumes. Another series is
furnished by Lee and Carey, at Philadelphia, and a
third of a religious sort at Boston ; so that in a few
months, when I can spare a few pounds, I hope to
be able to furnish my family with an extent of litera-
ture far beyond my capabilities in England. Among
my own congregation we have also a book society,
well supported and well supplied ; we are, therefore,
not a little chagrined when your boasting Englishers
think of us as in a semi-barbaric land of literary des-
titution: for we not only feel ourselves a part of the
great nation, but regard ourselves on nearly an equal
footing as to the comforts and luxuries, while in
many respects we feel that we have the most decided
advantage, so we warn you not to treat us either
politically or personally with scorn.

On the day I left York, government despatches
had just arrived, which announced the dismissal of

;

198

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

our two Crown Officers, the Attorney and Solicitor
General, owing, it is supposed, to too great freedom
in debate in our House of Assembly — the ferment it
excited was almost ludicrous — "delenda estCarthagd*
was emphatically pronounced. The Whig Ministry
must be annihilated. The province, though hardly
prepared for such a measure, must at once be severed
— such despotism could not be endured. I acted,
as I generally do on such occasions, as pacificator,
and smilingly quoted the well known lines of old
Dr. Byron, in the conclusion of his Bedlamite —

" Kill your enmnies', kill a foors head of your own,
They'll die of themselves, if you let them alone."

It is whispered also that our excellent and deserving
governor (Sir John Colborne) has not escaped cen-
sure ; this I am truly grieved to hear, for his services
cannot be too highly estimated, and our province
is indebted to him beyond all expression. I fear,
however, that his removal is not very remote ; he is
too pious, and too tame a politician, to give satifac-
tion to the administration at home ; but my con-
tracting limits oblige me hastily to conclude, and
to assure yourself and Miss Ford how truly I
remain.

Yours, gratefully,

George Mortimer.

P.S. June 6, New York. Yesterday the dear
party arrived all in health and safety. Never did I
feel more truly thankful.

TO THE REV. THOMAS MORTIMER.

Rochester, State of New York,
May 2, 1833.

9|C n* 9|C •!• vp •!• 3|C ^T Oil 1*

fame, my frater, has long ago reached this far distant
province, and I ought gratefully to acknowledge that

REV. OEOROB MORTIMF.R, M.A.

199

Solicitor
t freedom
'erment it
Carthago"

Ministry
5h hardly
)e severed

I acted,
acificator,
es of old
ite —

• own,
one."

deserving
iped cen-
s services

province

I fear,

te ; he is

e satifac-

my con-
ude, and

truly I

ORTIMER.

the dear
ver did I

fork,

Your
• distant
%e that

it has, in more instances than one, proved the pass-
port to gracious and kindly recej)tion. It was to
this, I think, that my hoys were principally indehted
for the footing they obtained in Kingston, and many
other little turning points of good are pleasingly
associated in my mind with the high estimate and
kind feeling, which has been cherished towards you
as a minister, or an author. Once, indeed, it
appeared rather the precursor of evil ; for our good
bishop, previous to my introduction, fancied that I
was the actual man ; the great Mr. Mortimer him-
self, the author, the distinguished preacher in London.
And many a congratulation had he cherished within,
to think that he had obtained so goodly a fish in his
Canadian net. "Then you are not Mr. Mortimer
from London, the author." "No, my lord, his
brother." "Oh, only his brother!" was the con-
solatory adjunct ; and the dismaved little man was
left in his own littleness, unpatromzed, unbefriended,
to make his own way ; and to this day is, in all
probability, reaping the bitter fruits of the unhappy
prepossession ; for, though his self-complacency keeps
him from concluding, that his diocesan regards him
as a mere blank, yet he cannot but be aware that the
rich prize still remains in the wheel, and which he
had fondly imagined had been proclaimed as his
very own.

My ministerial matters, however, notwithstanding
this inauspicious commencement, are pleasingly pro-
gressive. My salary has been fixed by our good
governor at ^100 per annum ; £20, or £25, 1 obtain
from the rental of pews; a house is provided for
me by my congregation, free of expense ; and I have a
promise of some good glebe land, which, in a few years,
will be of considerable value. My people are kind;
ministrations seemingly acceptable ; church and expo-
sitions well attended ; temporal matters encouraging ;

200

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

living cheap ; and two tolerably advantageous pur-
chases secured for the children ; so that the good
hand of the Lord appears to be resting upon me.
Indeed, never for a moment, that I recollect, have
1 repented of my step since I have been here.
Once or twice, during our voyage, " when no small
tempest lay upon us," when the raging billows seemed
on the point of ingulphing us, so great did my
responsibility seem, as connected with the immortal
souls of my little unprepared party, that I almost
wished that I had never ventured on the perilous
step. But, never for a moment, since our arrival
here, have I had the least cause to retrace : and mv
only regret is, that I did not proceed before. But,
perhaps, all is right, as to time also ; and, indeed,
when I glance upon some few of the deterring
circumstances which intervened to retard me, I
cannot doubt but that these also were from the
Lord ; that the deed, the time, the place, have all
been under the direction of an agency superior to
our own ; and what a comfort does this assurance
impart !

I forgot to mention, in my last, how much I felt
obliged to Mr. Hartwell Home, for the sundry
introductions, and other tokens of kindness, which
his parcel conveyed to me, just on the eve of my
departure from England. Be so obliging as to
convey to him my sincere thanks.

As to tuition, I have, 1 beUeve, myself altogether
done with it. Hundreds of pleasant hours has it,
in various ways, procured me, and during some few
of the weeks I have been in Canada, have my
classical studies been resumed with peculiar interest.
This, partly for their own sake, and partly as a
preparation for any opening that might arise in the
college, or elsewhere. But I have now taken my
final leave, not in dudgeon, nor with painful regret j

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

201

geous pur-
tlie good
upon me.
llect, have
)een here,
n no small
tws seemed
t did my
immortal
; I almost
e perilous
)ur arrival
'■ ; and my
)re. But,
id, indeed,
deterring
rd me, I
from the
>, have all
uperior to
assurance

uch I felt
e sundry
ss, which
ve of my
ng as to

iltogether
•s has it,
some few
liave my
interest,
'tly as a
se in the
iken my
I regret ;

but in calm surrender to the will of a superior
power. Dear King, was, I think, in his kind and
affectionate counsel in the matter, quite wrong ; such
employments are not so much my duty as my snare.
The scales have at length fallen from my eyes, and
though I cannot say, I can now see clearly, yet I see
enough to convince me that, for the residue of my
short life, I ought to give myself wholly to my one
grand and absorbing avocation. Let, therefore,
collegiate honours be sought and enjoyed by others.
With these altered views, perhaps, were I permitted
to gain the ear of an endeared relative, whom you
well know, I should whisper certain cautionary
monitions in reference to similar points ; for though
from his endeared lips the confessed " weakness of
his heart" has had a charm and a persuasive influence
which won my full approval, yet now that the syren
notes can no longer bewilder me, I see, as in my own
case, the snare rather than the duty, and the couplet
of the almost forgotten Dryden, in which he cau-
tions the aspirant parson, chimes in with my own
overlate, but salutary musings :

" Those who contend for place and high degree,
Are not bis sons, but those of Zebedee."

Whisper, then, in my stead, in some auspicious
moment, to this endeared individual what I am so
desirous to convey ; but mind that you whisper it
in tenderness and love.

But my sheet is filling up so fast, that I have
hardlyleft myself room to assure you of the interest
which I still, and I hope, ever shall feel in all the
concerns — personal, domestic, and ministerial — of my
endeared brother. His opportunities of leisure are
so few, that I must not often expect any direct
communications, but whenever conveyed they will
be most grateful. Accept then yourself, and convey

202

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

to our dear mother, Eliza, and all your beloved
family, the sincere and warmest love of your ever
attached brother.

George.

TO MRS. D. WHITMORE.

Thornhill, near York, Upper Canada,
August 18, 1833.

My dear Madam,
We were much indebted to you for your last most
kind and welcome letter: most joyfully was it re-
ceived and opened, and with peculiar interest were
its instructive and interesting contents perused. So
long and so closely written a letter, however, must,
we fear, have been sadly trying to your eyes ; and
we fear this the more, as we learn from Miss E. Ford,
that you have recently been experiencing somewhat
of failure in your sight. We know how peculiarly
trying this circumstance must prove to one, whose
enjoyments have been so principally derived from
this source ; and we tremble at the least intimation
of its probable diminution. But we would still say
in the language of the man of God, " But the Lord
is able to give you much more than this." And,
from what you have experienced under past seasons
of privation and discipline, you may still expect that,
should God be pleased to try you yet further in this
most painful visitation, he will not withhold from
you that superabounding grace, which in its blessed
issue of spiritual and eternal good is more than
tantamount to the most valued of our other joys.
My endeared mother, as you well know, has been
called to the acuteness of the same trial with your-
self; but, O, how sweetly does she bear it — so
cheerfully resigned — so peacefully yielding all to the

ir beloved
your ever

George.

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

203

wise and loving discipline of her kind and compas-
sionate Lord, saying, in the language of her favourite
hymn : —

" All that I prized below is gone,
Yet, Father, still Thy will be done."

* Canada,

last most
N&s it re-
trest were
used. So
er, must,
(yes; and
b E. Ford,
somewhat
peculiarly
le, whose
ived from
ntimation

still say
the Lord

And,
t seasons
pect that,
er in this
old from
s blessed
ore than
her joys,
has been
th your-
ir it — so
il to the

But to return to your letter. Your decision re-
specting York (now Toronto), exactly corresponds
with that adopted by ourselves ; and, therefore, we
have no intention of going there ; nor, indeed, any
present intention of fixing in any other place, though
many outward circumstances are far from being in-
viting. We are sadly cramped together in a wooden
frame house, consisting of only four rooms, and
these, owing to the badness of their construction, pe-
culiarly hot and oppressive in summer and more than
usually cold in winter. Nearly half of our things
too are unpacked, and our landing and other places
crowded and littered by the boxes and trunks, which
contain them ; in short an air of untidiness and dis-
comfort meets our long-trained English eye, where-
ever we turn it, and, at times, our heart almost sickens
at the sight ; and, were it not for the counteracting
influence of better feelings, we should adopt some
hasty measure to accomplish a retreat into some
situation, which might authorize the expectation of
somewhat more of outward comfort. On Mrs. M's.
arrival we were in hopes of being settled in a far
more suitable abode, and had, in fact, engaged to
take : b ; but its distance from the church and the mass
of GUI' population was so great, and so many other
inconveniences attended it, that we decided on re-
maining for the present where we now are. They
promise, indeed, to build for us a small house near
the church, which is to be ready by spring ; but their
promises have hitherto been so fallacious, that I
hardly know how to trust to them, and the plan

204

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

of the building is so small, that I am not without
strong misgivings, lest we should feel it our duty to
decline it. And if so we must cither build for our-
selves, (seldom either a wise or lucrative act), or else,
in true Canadian style, must turn out and seek other
quarters. The people, indeed, are kind to us, and
the attendance on my ministry is far from discou-
raging ; but if they so little prize the residence and
settled ministrations of a clergyman among them, as
to refuse to accommodate him with a plain and com-
modious residence, — while for themselves many of
them have built elegant and spacious mansions, —
they must not be surprised, if their miscalculating
selfishness terminate in his withdrawing from among
them.

Our temporal matters are encouraging ; for living
here is so cheap, that our income is far more than
adequate to our regular demands. I have purchased
two cultivated farms of 100 and 105 acres, with
clearances of forty and sixty acres respectively, and
out of my savings have already paid off the first in-
stalment of a6'250, and in a few days hence shall pay
^150 more; in all, ^400 ; so that, through God's
blessing, we are already beginning to reap the benefit
of our expensive removal, and, without being over
sanguine, we may perhaps indulge a hope, that still
further mercies are in reserve, if not for ourselves,
still for our dear children. We are very rapidly ad-
vancing as a province. God has been very gracious
to us in our Lieutenant-Governor, Sir John Colborne,
a pious, discreet, and sound intentioned man. Capital
also is gradually finding its way among us ; so that
we are beginning to attract the notice of our jealous
neighbours, who see the rudiments of a vast empire
rising up close beside them. And, hitherto, we have
been singularly prospered. A radical party, however,
of considerable strength is, as you will perceive by
the public prints, beginning to trouble us : it is

hea
Wi
to
coni

t without
ir duty to
d for our-
), or else,
icek other
► us, and
tn discou-
ence and
them, as
and corn-
many of
nsions, —
alculating
m among

br living
lore than
turchased
res, with
i^ely, and
( first in-
shall pay
;h God's
»e benefit
;ing over
that still
mrselves,
pidly ad-
gracious
!^olborne,
Capital
so that
r jealous
t empire
we have
however,
ceive by
s: it is

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A. 20")

headed by the discontented worthless .

Without this drawback, we might almost be tempted
to exclaim, " O nimium fortunati." But I must
conclude. Our kindest and united love attends your-
self and all your party, and
Believe me.

Yours, ever gratefully,

George Mortimer.

It is not without considerable hesitation that 1
have determined to insert the letter which follows in
the Memoir of Mr. Mortimer, not only because he
might not himself have fully concurred in the pub-
lication of it, but because there may be a difference
of opinion as to the expediency of it. The subject,
however, is, in my mind, one of such importance to
the interests of the church in Canada, that I should
not think I had done my duty were I to exclude it ;
and I am happy to say that, so far as the subject
itself is concerned, I have the full concurrence of
some who, from their experience in the ecclesiastical
affairs of Canada, are fully competent to give counsel
in the ease, and who perfectly agree with myself in
thinking that a much larger spirit of liberality is
necessary, not only to the extension, but also to the
support and prosperity of the existing church in that
country.

There can be no greater benefit to a community,
nothing to contribute more to its general well-being,
than an adequately supported and efficient church
establishment. It is the foundation of everything
really good and great, useful and advantageous,
honourable and praiseworthy. It is the grand
means of promoting religion and morality, peace and
good order, charity and good-will, kindness and
sympathy between the different ranks in society,
diligence and industry, subordination and allegiance

' t

! St

206

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

to the powers that he : in a word, everything that
can make a nation happy and prosperous in itself,
and respected by neighbouring countries. The duty,
therefore, of making strenuous eiforts for the accom-
pHshment of so desirable a purpose must be apparent
to all who feel the paramount necessity of religion,
and to all such, perhaps, it may be apparent ; but
the difhculties of every infant colony are urged in
bar against it. These difficulties are fully admitted,
and due allowance made for them ; neither is it the
intention of the writer to say one unkind or unrea-
sonable word on the subject ; his design is ratlier to
encourage for the future than to condemn for the
past, feeling, as he does, very forcibly, the circum-
stances of trial and privation with which the settlers
of new colonies are for the most part surrounded.
Bodily support — food and raiment — must necessarily
be had in the first place ; but, except to this, I
should be disposed to say, that to no other could a
provision for religion be second ; for not more neces-
sary is food and raiment to the body than the offices
of religion to the soul : indeed, the supply of these
wants is equally necessary, and where they are not
simultaneously provided for, but where the former is
over and exclusively cared for, it is more than likely
that the latter will be neglected for years to come.
Under the difficulties, however, in whic\ ^migrants
to a newly formed colony find themselves, it seems,
in the first place, the plain duty of every state to
provide for the support of religion in their infant
settlements, or, where this is withheld, it clearly
becomes the duty of private Christians, possessed of
wealth and competency, either individually or incor-
porated into societies, to afford, as far as may be, the
aid required.

Happily for Canada much has been done for it in
this way ; first by the state, and now by the contribu-
tions of a more private and voluntary kind, and

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

20;

hing that
in itself,
The duty,
le accom-
apparent
religion,
•ent; but
urged in
admitted,
• is it the
or unrea-
ratlier to
I for the
5 circum-
e settlers
rounded,
jcessarily
this, I
r could a
re neces-
he offices
of these
Y are not
former is
an likely
to come,
migrants
it seems,
state to
r infant
; clearly
essed of
)r incor-
^ be, the

for it in
ontribu-
id, and

especially by the venerable Society for the Propaga-
tion of the gospel But a country ought not to be
always looking to and depending upon such adven-
titious assistance ; she ought at some time to rise
above eleemosynary aid, and make an effort to
provide for her own spiritual wants. The enquiry
then naturally arises. Whether Canada is, or is not,
become of sufficient age, or standing, or competency,
to take upon herself the responsibility of supporting
for her own use and benefit the services and ordi-
nances of religion ? I should unhesitatingly reply,
that it is more than time that a beginning were made
to throw off the state of childhood and reliance, and
to assume that of manhood and independence. But
are there to be found in Canada more than a very
few towns, and those too only of the first class, that
have taken upon themselves to provide altogether
for their own church establishments? Wherefore?
Because there are not more that are capable of doing
so ? I fear this would not be found to be the real
state of the case. Mr Mortimer's statement is
much more likely to be the correct and faithful one.
I feel assured that there are many towns or town-
ships which might have done much more than they
have towards this great and honourable work.
What! shall the Presbyterians, the Independents,
the Roman Catholics, in towns of a second-rate class,
support entirely their own churches and ministers,
and shall Episcopalians constitute the lagging party,
the one most backward in this most blessed and holy
work ;— nay, shall the American Episcopalians,
dwelling on the very borders of Canada, and there-
fore little differing in their circumstances from those
living in the colony, support their own religious
establishments, and shall the English Episcopalians
be found deficient? Surely this does not speak
much either for the liberality or the churchmanship
of our Canadian countrymen. If we claim a pre-

208

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

fv.

l-\

eminence for the reformed and catholic Church of
England, all the mcmhers of that Church should be
pre-eminent in their attachment to, and zealous in
their support of it ; they should not he behind any
others in their gifts and graces, waiting for the
coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Let every reader, then, of Mr. Mortimer's Life,
ask' himself, have 1 done what I could? Have 1
contributed liberally, with a willing mind, according
to my ability, towards the erection, enlargement, or
in giving comfort and convenience, and a suitable
appearance to my church ? Do I dwell in my ceiled
house, while the house of God lies waste? Am I
anxious to see all things about the house of God and
the services of religion done decently and in order ?
And do I take my share in the management of the
secular affairs of the church? Am I sufficiently
anxious to promote the comfort and well-being of my
pastor ? If he have sown unto me spiritual things^
is it a great matter that he should reap my temporal
things ? More than persuaded, confident I am, that
if every member of the church of England in Canada
would seriously lay this subject to heart and urge
upon himself the great duties connected with it,
much more would be done there to promote her
interests, and to make her independent of all extra-
neous aid. All might contribute more than they do;
some in money, some in lands, and they who could
give neither, might give of the produce of their
lands, or the fruits of their labour, or occasionally
their labours to assist in tilling their pastor's
grounds, or in planting and cultivating their gardens.
Depend upon it, that he who feels adequately the
real benefits and blessings of being taught in the
word, will minister unto him that teacheth in all
good things. Pastors should not be imrcasonable,
and, if they be right-minded, they will have no wish
to lay unnecessary burdens upon their people : but

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

209

'liurcli of
sliould be
ealous in
ihiiid any
' for the

er's Life,

Have 1

according

ement, or

I suitable

my ceiled

? Am I

God and

in order ?

!nt of the

ifRciently

Ing of my

a/ things^

temporal

am, that

n Canada

and urge

with it,

mote her

ill extra-

they do ;

ho could

of their

lasionally

pastor's

gardens.

itely the

in the

in all

asonable,

no wish

pie : but

their people, if their minds be duly influenced by
religion, will be as desirous to provide for them, free
of all charitable support, as to maintain their own
families in perfect independence.

Besides, the good Churchmen of Canada should
really consider the many and great calls now made
upon that source from whence their church receives
its chief support ; I mean, the Society for Propaga-
ting the Gospel. It has only been by renewed efforts
and extraordinary exertions that the society has been
able to maintain so great an expenditure in Canada ;
perhaps, too, at the expense of withholding very im-
portant help from other needy parts of our extensive
colonial possessions; and it is not reasonable, nor
generous, nor just, to require assistance one moment
beyond what is absolutely necessary. Every town-
ship, therefore, in the colony should begin, with as
little delay as possible, to make its own provision for
the public worship of God.

Verily, earnestly do I pray that the foregoing re-
marks, together with the letter of my late dear friend,
which has elicited them, may be kindly received,
deeply felt, and earnestly followed, not only by good
resolutions, but by personal and immediate exertions
for the gradual accomplishment of a work so truly
honourable to those who promote it, so fraught with
blessings to generations yet unborn, and so full of
glory to God.

TO MISS E. FORD.

Thornhill, near York, Upper Canada,
Oct. 17, 1833.

My dear Madam,

You express your surprise at the reluctant support
afforded to ministers. This is partly to be ascribed

210

LIFE AND LETTEIIS OF THE

to that selfishness which is so sncUy prevalent in our
fallen nature; they can build (commodious and even
sumptnous) honses for their own j)rosperous families;
they can call, out of their perpetually ." increasing
means, comforts of every description ; bui> to their
minister, they can calmly and gravely say, "Oh, you
must wait patiently, and in time all will be right; we
have had to wait before you; it is quite impossible to
force matters in Canada," and so on. And then, in
the spirit of that affected benevolence which prompted
that hypocritical wish, ** be ye warmed and be ye
clothed," they point us to e\intual comforts, and
care not to make the least sacrifice which mav con-
duce to the attainment of the end. In regard to
house, to salary, and to everything pecuniary, I have
experienced scarcely anything but disappointments,
and at times I feel a little piqued at the contrast be-
tween their warm expressions of regard, and their
unwillingness to contribute to the comforts of my
family ; for, as to myself I care but little ; but still I
would not wish to be hard upon them, for though
they have property, very few have money, and as soon
as they procure this, they sink it in the further cul-
tivation or stocking of their farms. And then,
again, they have that admirable loop-hole for escape —
the clergy reserves, which seemed to promise every-
thing, but have done scarcely anything; a broken
reed, which is perpetually piercing those who lean on
it with sorrow; but which affords our people so ready
an excuse for refusing to come forward to our aid;
so that of all classes of emigrants, ministers, in a
pecuniary point of view, are by far the worst off :
they cannot, with propriety, go into the woods, for
they must fix in the more populous and more culti-
vated districts, where land of course is high, and thus
one of the chief sources of prosperity is cut off ; and,
as to trade, from tiiis of course they are excluded,
but still they are the class of settlers most needed.

IIEV. GKOnOB MORTIMER, M.A.

211

it in our
md even
families;
icrensing

to their
Oh, you
ight; we
ssible to
then, in
rompted
d be ye
rts, and
nav con-
?gard to
, I have
itments,
;rast he-
ld their
5 of mv
It still I

though
i as soon
;her cul-
d then,
scape —
e every-

broken

lean on
JO ready
lur aid;
rs, in a
rst off:
ads, for
re culti-
nd thus
f; and,
[eluded,
needed.

And, in the midst of occasional pique and disap-
pointment, 1 cannot but feel thankful to God who
directed my steps to this country, and who, by the
property which he has previously given to me, gives
me the prospect of enjoying, in this land of cheapness,
a great increase both of comfort and temporal pros-
perity. At present, indeed, we are anything but
outwardly comfortable : the house we formerly men-
tioned was found too inconvenient, and therefore
given up, and we are still in the lodging I occupied
previous to the arrival of my family.

TO THE REV. THOMAS MORTIMER.

Thornhill, Toronto, Upper Canada,
July 14, 1835.

My much-endeared Brother,
We were in some measure prepared for the communi-
cation conveyed to us by your letter of the 20th of
April, and which reached us yesterday evening ; for
our Shropshire friend had heard the report of our
beloved mother's departure, and had made allusion
to it in communications received some weeks since.
Well, her happy, holy spirit, is at length released.
Fulness of days has been granted to her, and, though
they have not been unattended with labour and sor-
row, yet has her kind Saviour been with her, and as
much of outward alleviation and inward serenity
and peace have been experienced by her as her cir-
cumstances and state of body would admit of. And
now has she entered into the fulness of her gracious
reward, and her sainted name must ever be inhaled as
the precious perfumed ointment, by all who know
how to estimate her deep, consistent, and exalted
piety. And where shall we now look for her fellow?
For the race of the distinguished and peculiar few
seems now to have become extinct. In vain shall we

•>

LIFB AND LETTERS OF TUB

look for a Cooper, a Rogers, a Fletcher, a Lcfevre, or
one like our equally distinguished mother. A pro-

Ehet indeed is no where so little esteemed as among
is own kindred. And yet I am persuaded that
there is that in the heart of my endeared brother,
which will fully respond to the encomiums wliich
have thus unintentionally escaped me. * * *

Your letter bears the goodly inscription of "Thorn-
hill Parsonage ;" but, alas ! it is a sound without
locality. It exists in my kind brother's imagination,
but nowhere else. A house indeed has long been
talked of, and was at length erected, but a mere
laical abode. But I am happy to say that matters
are now likely to be on a proper footing. I have
purchased four acres of land (at £50 an acre ! !) near
the church, for which the Lieutenant-Governor in
Council has consented to allow me an equivalent in
wild land, as well as for a sum not exceeding ^500
for the erection of a parsonage. And operations
have commenced, but when they shall be terminated
I know not. The lumber must be sawn and seasoned,
and continue seasoning till next spring, and we are
told that a finished habitation will be ready for us
in the fall of the next year, October the 1st, 1836.
But what a distant period ! my hand misgives me
while I write it; for my whitened locks and weakly
frame point to a far different abode. May my affec-
tion combine with my judgment, and may my short
residue of days be so numbered by me, that wis-
dom's lessons may both diligently and effectually
be leanit!

When I sat down I was purposing a tolerably close
imitation of your own very lengthy (eleven-lined !)
epistle, and was about to find some convincing, or at
least plausible, reason for my shabbiness. Happily,
however, my pen has kept sliding on ; and finding
myself so near the conclusion of the third side of
my closely written sheet, I may assure you wUh a

REV. OEOROE MORTIMER, M.A.

213

toleral)ly fair niul unblusliing front, of our unnbuteil
and most aft'cctionate regards to yourself and all your
endeared family, and not least, those of your sincerely
devoted brother,

George Mortimer.

P.S. Our kindest love also to all our endeared
relatives.

TO MRS. D. WHITMORE.

Thornhill, August 21, 1835.

Your account of dear
-'s increasing infirmities, and their necessary

Mr. -

effect on yourself and Mr. G. W., has given rise to
many a pensive, perhaps I ought to say, melancholy,
feeling. Indeed, I hardly dare think of the breaking
up of connexions, comforts, health, and so on. My
foolish heart too frequently deceives itself with
delusive hopes. I say, too generally, " I shall die
in my nest" — the soft downy nest of easy pleasant
dissolution. But when anything reminds me of the
thorn, the sharp-pointed, piercing thorn, which is
mostly found there, then I start, and my spirit
almost sinks within me ; and I have little either of
manly fortitude, or of Christian magnanimity ; at
least, the subject is so unwelcome, that I rather
turn from it, than submissively await it. At times,
indeed, I feel willing that the taking down, the
unpinning of the tabernacle, and the loosening of all
its cords, should take place under any circumstances
which my gracious God shall appoint, and I feel a
persuasion that his faithful love will so adjust every-
thing, that he will in nowise " suffer me to be tempted
above what I shall be able" to bear ; and it is to this
point that I have of late so frequently directed my

id\

214

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

prayers, that all the preparatory circimstances of
death, the undoing of that which has been inex-
pediently or criminally pursued, the pulhng down
of vain and worldly hopes, the detaching of the soul
from even the last of its too-much-clinged-to objects,
the patient endurance of the bodily evils which, as
the precursors of death, in some shape or other
await me ; that all these may be so met, and so
peacefully and cheerfully borne, that, instead of
grieving the Spirit of my God by any unhallowed
feelings, 1 may surrender everything with cheerful-
ness, and endure all in his blessed order. For the
melancholy fact must not be withheld from you,
that, after all I have known, and felt, and preached,
I shrink from very many of the circumstances at-
tendant on dissolution : and what, perhaps, will sur-
prise you more, and what I am still more ashamed to
be obliged to at^knowledge, is, that I am frequently
conscious of a kind of latent infidelity, as to the
reality of the coming world. I do not absolutely
disbelieve ; for revelation assures, and all my reason-
ing confirms, and yet it is one of those points on
which I am constrained to say, — " Lord, I believe,
help thou my unbelief." But how I have ventured
to touch upon these topics I hardly know ; for I
carefully keep them from my own self, hardly daring
to acknowledge their existence ; and I am so ashamed
of them, that I keep them still more carefully from
others. And yet it has produced a strange relief to
me, thus explicitly to advert to them ; it has given
to them more precision of shape and locality ; I see
with more distinctness what my enemies really are,
and I seem encouraged to hope that, by the grace of
God, even these may be overcome : and I trust also,
that, by thus unfolding these weaknesses of my
nature, I shall awaken in my kind friend that
degree of sympathy, which shall call forth from
her an occasional prayer on my behalf. I never

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

215

nces of
inex-
? down
he soul
objects,
ich, as
other
and so
ead of
illowed
eerful-
^r the

more needed prayer, nor never so much estimated
its value, as I have done of late ; it is truly won-
drous in all the branches and bearings of its beneficial
influence.

But I must turn to other matters. I often think
of your self-imposed silence when we were leaving
England, evidently not approving of our step, and
yet not wishing to enter into any enlarged reasoning
or discussion ; and I as often think, was my endeared
friend right in her non-approval? I am ready to
acknowledge, that we were never so out in our calcu-
lation as in many of the results of our Canadian mi-
gration ; and in the estimation of observant friends
we must appear, I should think, to have strangely
missed our path. And yet so marked are all the
leading circumstances which have transpired, that we
cannot, for a moment, question either the permissive
or the appointing mercy of our God. It has been of
essential benefit to myself; it has been of especial
good to also ; her views and feelings have under-
gone a most material change, so that I quite marvel at
the wise and gracious process; and in various ways has
the removal been beneficial to our children. But all
this is hidden from outward observation ; no one
perceives either the needs-be, or the result, but the
outward appearance it is which puzzles them — all
is completely in contrast with our former selves, and
so little in accordance with our property and with
what we have a kind of right to expect in the shape
of accommodation from our parishioners. We would,
indeed, without much difficulty, sliould we see it to
be our duty, bring ourselves into altered circum-
stances ; we could retrace at once our migratory steps
and reach our native land richer by, at least, a thou-
sand pounds than when we left it. We could also
leave our present unaccommodating people, purchase
or build on some advantageously situated spot, re-
tire from the peculiar awkwardnesses of Canadian

216

LIFE AND LETTERS OP THE

ministrations, and more privately exercise, without cost
to any, the exposition of God's word, and the visiting
of the sick and needy. We might also build, at once,
in this place, at our own cost, and, without pecu-
niary regret, let slip a few hundreds of pounds on the
impolitic speculation of procuring somewhat more of
suitable and becoming accommodation. We might
dash also through some others of our temporary un-
seemlinesses, and be able to write in an altered and
more gratifying strain to our now wondering friends
— might encourage our sons, for example, to launch
out into avocations, or attempt other branches, which,
while they have more aj)pearance of gentility, would
only sap the foundation of their future respectability
and comfort. We might do all this and much more,
and pride would suggest its partial or total perform-
ance ; but we should be either forcing our way, or
premature in our movements. Grace and duty bid
us calmly and patiently to await God's time ; and we
are not without hope, that he will at length bring
us into his wealthy place. All is well : with our
hearts, we can say so, and with this conviction, we
may and ought to be content. And I say this, not
to justify our procedures (for this really has become
to us a very small matter), but to bring an endeared
friend into a more correct estimate of what is actually
passing among us — to show her that, while discom-
fort appears to be in some respects outwardly sur-
rounding our little edifice, much of God's blessing,
with peaceful acquiescence and comfort, is still found
within.

I need make no mention of the termination of our
endeared mother's earthly career, on whose account
we are at present in mourning ; we have heard no
particulars of her last moments, nor, indeed, are these
necessary in order to assure us that her end was
blessed. You and ourselves have known her in her
married life, and in her widowed state. But even in

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

217

lout cost
visiting
at once.
It pecu-
s on the
imore of
might
arj un'
ed and
friends
launch
which,
would
Jtability
h more,
erform-
^av, or
Jty bid
and we
I bring
ith our
on, we
lis, not
become
ideared
ctually
liscom-
[y sur-
essing,
found

3f our

JCOUilt

rd no
these
i was
in her
i^en in

this her limited sphere, we have seen her as a most
distinguished and honoured servant of the Lord ; but,
from all I have heard and read, almost all the brilliancy
conspicuous in her unmarried life was then suifering
an eclipse ; and so those of the brightest and most
dazzling rays of the Miss Richie of former times,
were nearly forgotten in the conjugal and domesti-
cated Mrs. Mortimer. Her life, you know perhaps,
is in the course of publication, and I shall look for
it with much interest. I fear, however, that it will
be wanting in incident, though her diary, which she
has kept for many years, may supply much of un-
expected material. Her published letters I read many
years since with peculiar pleasure. * * *

Yours,
My dear Madam, ever gratefully obliged,

George Mortimer.

TO MISS e. ford.

Thornhill, July 28, 1836.

My dear Madam,
I AM becoming so sadly neglectful of my duties, as a
correspondent, that I not only richly deserve from
my friends their censure, but a total discontinuance
of their kind communications. To yourself and
respected sister, however, my neglect assumes the
aspect of ingratitude ; you have so diversified and
heaped on me your kind and delicate attentions. I
can say so little that is apologetic, that I will not
make the attempt; but, as in my approach to a
Higher Power, I would at once acknowledge the
fulness of my delinquency, and solicit from your
united kindly feelings that indulgence which I am in
nowise entitled to expect. I trust, however, that

218

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

your forbearance will not be exercised in vain, and
that it will be long before I again trespass to a
similar extent.

But though I have no apology to offer for my
long silence, it may in some measure be accounted
for in the present uncertain state of our aifairs ; for I
have long been hoping that something definite would
arise, and I was unwilling to write to you before.
But week passed on after week, and we are still in

statu quo. The B s have probably informed

you of our intention to remove to some other situa-
tion, for the sphere is exceedingly limited, and the
church-people unusually few ; so that, after a four
years' trial, I should hardly feel justified in spending
my little residuum of strength in a spot where the
deficiency of proportionate result is so great. Our
accommodation, too, in our confined lodgings, are
far from suitable, and all our personal attempts, as
well as expectations from others to amend them,
have hitherto failed. This minor matter, indeed,
would not, of itself, have been sufficiently strong,
to induce us to remove, but, taken in conjunction
with all the other matters, I have, at length, felt it
my duty either to fix in some other mission, as our
cures are here denominated, or else to retire alto-
gether from public to more private engagement. I
have written to our good bishop on the subject,
expressing a preference for the vicinity of our chil-
dren, or some more southerly and more genial part
of the province near the lake shores. He has
kindly promised to do all in his power to meet my
wishes, but he has not hitherto been able to succeed,
and we are waiting the result of his further en-
deavours. You have heard enough, I doubt not, of
our poUtical affairs to need any enlargement on this
point. Very nearly, indeed, were we on the point of
provincial ruin. But through God's mercy the deci-
sion and g< od sense of the Lieutenant-Governor

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

219

'am, and
»S8 to a

for my
ccounted
rs; fori
te would

before.
e still in
nformed
T situa-
aiid the
r a four
pending
lere the
t. Our
igs, are
ipts, as

them,
indeed,
strong,
unction
, felt it
as our
•e alto-
mt, I
ubject,
r ehil-
al part
[e has
?et my
icceed,
^r en-
lot, of
n this
)int of
I deci-
i^ernor

have saved us from anything immediate, and, I
hope, also, from ultimate evil ; for there is a strong
conservative feeling brought into exercise, which is
not very likely soon to subside. In our last Par-
liament, which the Lieutenant-Governor dissolved,
there was a large Radical majority ; but from the
recent return for the ensuing Parliament, out of
sixty-two members forty-four are Conservative, and
only eighteen Radical ; so that we have good reason
to expect an amended state of things. It will be
months and years, however, before we attain to a
sound, healthy, and flourishing state ; for emigration
is very nearly at a stand ; capitalists, of course, have
no courage to venture among such a set of revolu-
tionary ruffians. The less monied, who are com-
pelled to go somewhere, proceed to the States to the
far west by hundreds and thousands. Labourers
and mechanics not only turn aside from us, but leave
us after settling among us from want of employment,
or, rather, from want of money to pay them for
their labour. Toronto, for months past, has had
quite an appearance of gloom ; so many shops shut
up, and so little trade done ; and other towns com-
plain in like manner. Farming, too, where farming
labour is paid for, is so losing a concern, that, if it
were not absolutely necessary for the supply of
their family in country places, there is scarcely a
gentleman but would give it up. I have annually
lost by mine — little indeed, but still, lost ; and the
general cry among my neighbours is. Nothing is to
be got by farming. Indeed, were it not for the
comparative poverty of ,the settlers, the tide of emi-
gration would soon set homewards : but, to realize
the means of return would, on a general scale, be
impossible; nere they to attempt to sell, no suffi-
cient number of purchasers could be obtained, and
the sum realized would go but a little way towards
living in the same style in England ; so tarry they

220

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

must. Still, the hearts of many are turning towards
their beloved country, and they would soon rejoin
their friends if they could.

TO MRS. WHITMORE.

Thornhill, near Toronto, Upper Canada,
November, 12, 1836.

* * * * During most of the time
since I last wrote to you, we have been in great un-
certainty concerning our movements. At one time
I felt so sinking under my ministerial duties, com-
bined with the peculiarities of the climate, that iny
wife and Cecil were strongly urgent on me to retire
from all public and obligatory duty, and to do no more
than what my strength or spirits would enable me
occasionally and privately to attend to. With this
intention, after inspecting numerous places, we made
a purchase in the salubrious and delightful district
of Niagara, and were just on the point of removing
thither ; but, on inspection, the title did not appear
satisfactory, and, at the suggestion of the solicitor,
I did not complete the purchase. "While, however,
this matter was pending, my people, at a public
meeting, strongly expressed their hope, that I would
not adhere to my intentions of removal, and so unani-
mously and affectionately pressed my continuance
among them, that I at length consented ; and have
since made arrangements for building a house at my
own expense, on some land I had previously pur-
chased near the church, and am intending now to
go on with as much prudence as I can ; but still to
go on, and to die, if it please God, in the harness.
Of late, however, the Lord has been pleased so to
enable me to use appropriate exercise in the open air,
and so to husband my little strength, that all the

unfa
somi
and I
witl
proc

we,

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

221

unfavourable symptoms under which I was labouring
some few months ago, have altogether disappeared ;
and with present adequacy of physical powers and
with more than usual encouragement in spirit, I am
proceeding with my work, and trust all will be well.

After speaking of his family, he adds,
****** Much have
we, indeed, of God's temporal smile, nor is the
light of his gracious countenance withheld. All, all
is love, and we would not only submissively, but
gratefully adore. Permit me to assure you of our best
wishes for the months or years, which may yet be in
reserve, may they prove pre-eminently the best ! "For
such power belongeth unto God ;" and believe me.
Yours, my dear Madam, very sincerely,

G. Mortimer

Mr. Mortimer left England in part to avoid the
storms and tempests which overhung that country,
little thinking that in attempting to avoid a possible
danger, he ran into an actual one ; so very dim is our
foresip^ht and so weak our power of resistance. A
destructive rebellion took place in Canada in 1837,
which, from his residence being on one of the main
roads to Toronto, whither the rioters were proceed-
ing, put even the personal safety of his family in
great jeopardy. He refers especially to this event in
the following letter : —

I !i

TO MRS. HOLLAND.

Thornhill, April 3, 1838.

You kindly allude to the circumstance of apparent
danger in which we have been placed during our
recent revolt, but God has been very merciful to us,

222

LIFE AND LETTERS OP THE

and, not merely screened us under the sheltering
wing of his good providence, but graciously kept our
minds in sweet serenity and peace. You may judge
of the apparent peril to which we were exposed, when
I tell you, that on the afternoon of the evening on
which they (the rebels) proceeded to Toronto, two
parties passed our door, the one consisting of 200,
and the other of 300 persons ; and were, under God's
providence, kept from the execution of their murderous
and destructive designs against the persons and
houses of the more loyal and opulent, merely in con-
sequence of their being obliged to hurry past us to
Toronto two or three days sooner than they had anti-
cipated. As a clergyman too, and more especially
as a beneficed one, noted and lalified as possessing
one of the obnoxious rectories, concerning which they
have so loudly clamoured ; on this account I was a
doubly marked man ; my name was inserted in their
list of intended arsons, and my family as well as my-
self were to be shot, as we were attempting to escape
the flames ; at least, such were the pleasing tidings
which were widely circulated among us, and the
fearful and timid found it no easy matter to restrain
their feelings, or to exhibit calmness of spirit,
or manliness of conduct. Many passed sleepless
nights, and all around us gave indication that there
were solid and extensive grounds for alarm. Colonel

M , the person who was shot on the first night

of the revolt, was an attendant on our church and a
resident in our neighbourhood, and, in the very midst
of the excitement, was brought to our churchyard for
interment. A hostile attack was expected by many,
and the mob, who assembled to pay the last sad ofiices
to their veteran friend and neighbour, came accoutred
in their swords, daggers, pistols and fowling pieces.
A novel and a painful scene, but which was alto-
gether uncalled for; no attempt having been con-
templated. My eye glanced on one of the assembly ;

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

'J23

a loyal, but strange anil penurious tnan, whose habits
had never suifered him to become possessed of any-
thing in the shape of arms, and he was leaning on
his trusty lengthened pitch fork, a weapon, of which
I heard, he was afterwards vaunting that there was
nothing Hke that. His presence, however, to my
mind at least, was far from pleasing ; it ill-accorded
with the scene before us, and seemed so ridiculous,
that I could hardly refrain from a momentary smile.
Of the general and more public details you are doubt-
less most fully a|)prized; for I perceive that our
Canadian affairs are exciting a f)eculiar interest in
our fatherland, and are commented on with an accu-
racy, which shows that they must have been perused
with every means of the fullest information lying
before them. All is now, through God's providence,
in a state of quietness ; while, therefore, we feel in-
debted to our friends for their kind sympathy, and
their affectionate expressions of hope, that our pro-
vincial troubles may cause us either quickly, or even-
tually to retrace our steps towards our beloved native
land, we must still assure them that nothing is
further from our thoughts ; our path has been de-
liberately chosen, our objects have been extensively
gained, much of God's temporal smile is resting upon
us, we are now established in our ample, commodious,
and, I might say, beautiful house, the society around
us is superior to what is found in most country
places in England ; our income is ample and enough
for all exigencies. Life is gliding gently along with
as little disquietude and as much comfort as we can
ever expect to find in the present world ; peace and
tranquillity reign in our domestic circle, God's spiri-
tual blessings are experienced by the majority of our
family, uad some hopeful indications given by all,
and, therefore, why should we wis! for a change?
Of myself and my own immediate duties, I would
say, but little good is being done. Ministers are

224

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

much wanted, and, were I in England, it would be
only to extrude and thrust out some of the partially
engaged or wholly unoccupied with which you are
overburdened already. No, my endeared sister,
much as we love our native land, much as we value
our still more beloved friends, we ought not to close
our eyes on our present mercies, or so mix up the
cueiishing of regret with causes for thanksgiving, as
to destroy their etfi^acy, or to dimhiish their heart-
stirring effect.

While Mr. Mortimer's friends did not approve of
his expatriating himself and family, so some of them,
who visited him in Canada, were by no means con-
vinced of his having improved on his lot and position
in life by his change of country. The Bev. B.
Luckock was one of these, who v»'a3 so struck with
the inferiority of everything which he 3aw, that he
afterwards wrote to him in no very measured terms
of his dislike and almost detestation of what he
called his wretched situation. These condoling and
sympathizing notes produced no echo in the mind of
Mr. Mortimer, and he wrote to his friend in the fol-
lowing playful terms, united to strains of piety and
seriousness, very expressive of his own satisfaction
with the change which he had made : —

"Both your letters found me at Thornhill, and from
the same miserable and deserted place, I date, as you
will perceive, my present letter. It is difficult to
determine what class of feelings we should indulge
in at the accumulated epithets of loathing and ab-
horrence with which you speak of our delightfully
happy sojourn ; our disposition, however, to merri-
ment prevailed, and we all laughed most heartily at
your intemperate and ill-timed abusings, so com-
pletely and so pleasantly had the whole class of our
own feelings and circumstances been changed since
your visit to that anything but " happy valley." I

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

225

need not detail to you the various incidents which,
through the kind providence of our God, have tended
both to fix our steps and to settle our minds ; the
hundreds of miles which were previously travelled —
the ineligibility of every spot and every abode in
some important particular — the striking Providence
which put some unexpected and final stop to our
ne^'otiations in each of the matters on which we were
disposed to venture — the altered feeling and conduct
discovered by my people, when they perceived me
fully resolved to leave — their solicitations, accompa-
nied with proffered, though not accepted, pecuniary
liberality to remain among them — the erection of a
large, commodious, and tasty, not to say beautiful,
house, on the few acres of my own, near the church,
which I had some time before purchased — the set-
tling of a most esteemed, and delightful, intelligent,
well-educated, Christian family, within a few stones'
throw of our residence— and, finally, the induction
and installing of the long unbeneficed curate into that
most lucrative and honourable piece of preferment,
" the Rectory of Thomhill." Happy consummation
of the most ambitious wishes, or only to be credited
by the envied and enviable dignitaries of our Church,
of which " I am proud to think" that my valued
and respected friend is one ! But I wander ; there,
then, we are at Thomhill ; but, through God's
mercy, under circumstances of great comfort, much,
very much, indeed, which calls forth our gratitude
and praise ; so that what I partly smilingly, partly
ironically, and partly believingly, predicted, has been
strongly fulfilled ; the course adopted by the Abys-
sinian Prince has been closely followed by ourselves,
and not an atom of wish do we now feel to exchange
the place of our abode for any other in the province,
and we may say even in the world. Of the younger
branches of the family, I am not of course speaking ;
they may possibly be far from the rest and quiet,

226

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

and satisfaction of i,he older folk. As to ourselves,
however, we wish for no change ; to live and to die
where God's good providence has now at length fixed
us is the ultimatum of all our wishes.

TO THE REV. JOHN ARMSTRONG.

ii I

Thorahill, Upper Canada,
Feb. 11, 1840.

My dear Armstrong,
I FEEL much indebted to you for having complied
with Mr, Ditcher's suggestion, as well as to Mr. D.
himself, for so kindly and judiciously making it.*
And I hope that now we shall be able to enjoy a
little occasional intercourse, not perhaps to the same
extent, or with the same buoyant energetic feelings
of our more youthful bygone days, but with the
spirit of those who are drawing nearer and nearer to
life's peaceful termination, and who, while grateful
for the attached intercourse which has characterised
a few of their past years, must still feel that in this
world of severings and perturbations we form our
several friendships, not so much to enjoy them on
earth, as to renew and perfect them in heaven.

What you mention concerning your dear family
has greatly interested me. God has been very very
gracious to you and them, and I do sincerely praise
him on your and their behalf.

I have thought a good deal on the hints you
throw out respecting my namesake and endeared

* Mr. Ditcher, now vicar of South Brent, Somers, had
succeeded Mr. Mortimer in the curacy of Hutton, where Mr.
Armstrong was paying him a visit ; he suggested that, being
in the house lately occupied by their mutual friend, Mr. A.
should write to him from the same, which he did accordingly.
It is from this circumstance that the allusion to Mr. Ditcher
is made.

REV. QEOROE MORTIMER, M.A.

22r

arselves,
d to die
^th fixed

Canada,
0.

complied

Mr. D.
king it.*
> enjoy a
the same
: feelings
with the
nearer to

grateful
acterised
t in this
brm our

them on

ir family
^ery very
ly praise

ints you
endeared

mers, had
^rhere Mr.
;hat, being
i, Mr. A.
cordingly.
r. Ditcher

godson, and hope the best wishes of your heart will
be realised with regard to him. Canada, however,
does not strike me as being the place for him, at
least in a pecuniary point of view. £]aO sterling,
with a house, and three or four acres of land, is the
utmost he should calculate on. Though a rector, I
have no more than ^'135 sterling, and have no par-
sonage house, but am dwelling in one erected by
myself, at my own cost. The general allowance
made by the bishop at present is ^'100 sterling ;
and this is paid out of the sum contributed by the
different societies in England, principally the Propa-
gation, or by the fund arising from the sale of clergy
reserves. In addition, however, to this £100, the
bishop expects that the congregation should provide
four acres of land, build a parsonage, and pledge
themselves to give a salary of £50. But this pledge
is too frequently merely nominal, the money being
very seldom fully, or at all nearly, paid, and little more
is obtained beyond the bishop's allowance, excepting
what may arise from surplice fees and the rental of
church pews. Something in addition, however, may
be expected when the vexatious matter of the clergy
reserves shall be settled ; but as these will be un-
cleared land, no immediate advantage to any extent
would of course accrue. Upper Canada, inde» \, I
consider as one of the most necessitous of all our
provinces, and none offer so little in the shape of
just and equitable remuneration. Much, therefore,
as I should rejoice on many accounts at Mr. George's
coming here, I am afraid he would find it very diffi-
cult to procure the means of adequate support.
Orders, indeed, if only tolerably qualified, he might
with ease and without expense obtain. Important
spheres, also, of ministerial engagement are nume-
rously presented. And to one who has no thought
of entering on a married life, or is prepared to rough
it, or contentedly to sink below the customary grade

228

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

of his profession — to one so prepared, the missionary
field of Canada is the very place. But to those who
are otherwise minded, we ought, in Christian charity,
and even in common fairness, to present the salutary
cave. Sir George Arthur, no doubt, would do all in
his power to assist him, should we be permitted to
retain him among us ; but in Canada his means of
this description are exceedingly limited, and I should
almost think that he could exert a more beneficial
influence on his behalf by endeavouring to obtain,
through his . English friends, some appointment as
chaplain to one of the colonies, or, should this be
questionable, some benefice in Australia, or else-
where, under circumstances of more encouragement
than we are authorized to hold out in our poor, ne-
glected, harassed province.

You speak of the possibiUty of giving us a visit ;
I need scarcely assure you how greatly it would
delight us aU ; I fear, however, that Sir George will
have left us, unless you are somewhat agile in your
movements. I have been apprised by him (though
quite confidentially) of his kind intentions towards
yourself. How astonished should I have been at
their realization, and how unspeakably rejoiced. But
still all is well ; and if time discover not this, faith
can tell us of an important day that will.

You lay on me, my endeared friend, a next to
impossible injunction ; what a string of kind aifec-
tionate inquiries relative to my own procedures,
personally, parochially, domestically.

My labours, I trust, are not altogether in vain in
the Lord ; our congregation has been increasing ever
since I came here, and this year the church was
enlarged to nearly double its former size, and the
additional pews were all let in three or four days
after they were offered for rental. Some few of my
people seem to have been under gracious influence,
and have given me much of encouragement and

iissionary
hose who
1 charity,
! salutary
do all in
nitted to
means of
I should
beneficial

obtain,
tment as

this be

or else-

ragement

poor, ne-

s a visit ;

it would

eorge will

e in your

1 (though
} towards
J been at
iced. But
this, faith

L next to
ind affec-
•ocedures,

n vain in
ising ever
lurch was
and the
four days
ew of rny
influence,
nent and

REV. QEOROE MORTIMER, M.A.

229

hope. And my people at large show me much
kindness, and appear attached to my ministrations.

Socially and domestically we have much of comfort.
Good house and premises, good servants, one of
whom has been with us twenty-three years — and
good neighbourhood — pleasant distance (twelve or
thirteen miles) from Toronto — almost every English
comfort within our reach, not to say every luxury.
The only cause of regret, perhaps, is that in these
matters we are going too much a-head.

"We are far too gay, as a neighbourhood, for my sim-
ple liking. A few evenings since, one gentleman had
a party of sixty persons present, many more invited,
with a part of the band of the 93rd regiment, from
Toronto. And very shortly after, another of my
congregation had a still gayer and more extensive
assemblage. But you will now begin to sigh over
my interminable and undecipherable scrawl; and
therefore, in simple pity to your straining eyes, I
shall only add, that with most affectionate and
Christian regards, in which my whole family unite,
to yourself and dear Mrs. A.,

I remain.
Your ever attached, though unworthy friend,

George Mortimer.

I insert the following address, not only because it
may be generally useful, but because it may be as
applicable now to those for whose use it was origi-
nally written, as at the time of its publication : and
if a stranger may be allowed to urge their attention
afresh to the warm and affectionate remonstrance of
their late pastor, he would just remind them, that
Divine worship, on the Lord's day, being a para-
mount duty, an attendance upon both services is
obligatory on all sincere Christians, except duties of
mercy or necessity preclude such attendance. All

230

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

other excuses or reasons admit of no justification,
and in the great day will be viewed only in the light
of positive neglect of God's service, arising either
from sinful disobedience, or culpable indifference.
The partially formal observance of the Lord's Day,
by an attendance on the morning service, spending
the rest of the day in pursuits entirely alien from
sacred duties, is the Sabbath of the mere nominal
Christian, not of the sincere disciple of Christ.

ADDRESS

TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF THORNHILL.

Thornhill, Oct. 1, 1840.

My much-endeared Parishioners,
I PERSUADE myself you will receive with your wonted
kindness a few words which I am desirous of pressing
on your serious attention.

Our church, I am happy to think, has, through
your own liberality and the kind assistance of our
English friends, been so far enlarged as to admit of
considerable increase in the attendance; and it affords
me matter of much satisfaction, that even before its
completion, the whole of the extra-sittings were
secured. And though occasionally pained at the
irregular attendance of some, still I cannot but feel
gratified in meeting, on the Sabbath mornings, so
encouraging a congregation as that which usually
attends.

But here I am sorry to say that much of my
satisfaction, as connected with our church attendance,
terminates. For when the morning service is con-
cluded, as though the Sabbath itself were also ended,
we see no more of the mass of our congregation till
we meet them on the following Sunday. A painful

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

231

tification,
the light
ig either
ifference.
d's Day,
spending
ien from
nominal
ist.

3RNHILL.
i, 1840.

r wonted
pressing

through
e of our
admit of
t affords
efore its
gs were

at the
but feel
ings, so

usually

of my
ndance,
is con-
ended,
tion till
painful

inquiry, then, as you will easily conceive, is often
presented to our minds, as to the probable manner
in which the remaining hours of your Sabbath are
employed. Some few of you, I know, are kindly
endeavouring to instruct the young in our Sunday-
schools ; some few also (oh that there were more !)
make a point of instructing their own families at
Some ; and some few more attend the evening service
;he church. But what, I would affectionately
Ujuire, becomes of our congregation at large, after
the morning service? As consistent churchmen, I
take for granted that you conscientiously confine
youselves to the ministrations of the church : for,
convinced that the principles of dissenters are in
direct opposition to — are altogether subversive of —
the interests, if not the very existence of the church,
you cannot but abstain from everything which may
seem in any degree to support them ; and as your
attendance on their place of worship must be so
considered, I may naturally conclude that you refrain
from frequenting them. But as you go to no dis-
senting place of worship, and as only a very small
number attend the evening service in the church, in
what way must I suppose that the rest of the
Sabbath is, for the most part, employed? Oh,
think not that I am uncharitable, if I cannot help
suspecting that it is too frequently frittered away in
idleness, or in unprofitable pursuits ; in unhallowed
reading ; in domestic amusements ; in visiting or
receiving visits ; in Sabbath rambles ; or possibly in
some other still more decided profanations of this
sacred day.

Under this impression, then, you will permit me
to urge upon you the bounden duty of increased
conscientiousness in regard to Sabbath-employments?
Let the golden moments be duly appreciated and
diligently improved. Religious reading, family in-
struction, and personal devotions, should, of course,

232

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

employ a portion of your time, especially your
Sunday afternoons; but as to your Sabbath evenings,
I should hope that you will be convinced of the
paramount obligation, to devote these to an attend-
ance on the second service, which is now regularly
afforded to you in the church: and that you will
strive also so to arrange your other matters, as to
admit of your being accompanied by as many as
possible of your respective households.

I ought not, perhaps, to withhold from you, that
much surprise has frequently been expressed by my
clerical and other friends, that I should not as yet
have succeeded in obtaining a more regular attend-
ance on the second service, which, at so many
different times, I had been attempting to establish :
and our excellent bishop was much at a loss to
account for the painful circumstance. I am hoping,
however, that this reproach will ere long, by the
Divine blessing, be removed from among us. Public
opinion is now so universally in favour of having a
second service in our churches, whenever the clergy
have it in their power to give one, that I have no
need to enter upon this point. But surely if it be
admitted that it is the duty of the clergy to provide
such a service, is it not equally a duty on the part
of the people to attend it when it shall be provided
for them ?

Suffer me, then, to request your kind and willing
co-operation in this matter, calculated, as it so evi-
dently is, to promote the spiritual good of yourselves
and of the neighbourhood at large. And will you
permit me to tell you how repeatedly my heart has
sunk within me, when I have adverted to the little
I have hitherto been able to effect in this matter?
How grieved have I been to look around our church
on the Sabbath evening, and to see so many seats
vacated, which in the morning had been so cheeringly
filled. Oh how difficult do I then find it to believe

ly your
svenings,
I of the
i attend-
egularly
you will
rs, as to
nany as

ou, that
1 by my
»t as yet

attend-
) many
tablish :
loss to
hoping,
by the

Public
[aving a
e clergy
bave no
if it be
provide
^e part
rovided

willing
so evi-
irselves
ill you
Eirt has
e little
latter ?
jhurch
y seats
sringly
)elieve

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

233

that such absentees can feel much of affection either
towards myself or my assistant — their church or
their Saviour. But I try to check these feel-
ings, and would hope for better things. I well
know the kindness of your hearts, for many a proof
have I received of your affectionate regards. And
I trust you will not only bear with me in this expos-
tulation and appeal, but so co-operate with me, that
in my next report to our respected bishop, I may be
able to convey the gratifying intelligence, that the
attendance on the evening service is little short of
that, which, with such pleasure, we so generally
meet with on the Sabbath morning.
Believe me.
My much endeared friends and parishioners.

Your truly affectionate Rector,

George Mortimer.

TO HIS sister, MRS. HOLLAND.

Thornhill, Oct. 21, 1840.

We congratulate you on dear Henry's account. Oh,
how glad should we have been had Canada been
commiserated by him : had I twenty sons and should
you ask, how I should wish to dispose of them, I
would say. Oh, let them be clergymen — pious, faith-
ful, useful ministers of our beloved Church, and let
them all be fixed in Canada. I hope my dear
nephew will be on his guard : caution him against a
religion of forms and ceremonies, and high priestly
assumption, none of which can be maintained with-
out sapping the grand fundamental article of our
Protestant religion. Justification by Faith. Once
admit that there is anything inherently gracious in
anything but what is simple ftiith, and Protestantism

234

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

is virtually at an end : let anything be expected
otherwise than from Christ by faith through the
power and agency of the divine Spirit, and carry out
this admission to its full length, and you are inevit-
ably landed safely in Romanism. I fear much for
the younger clergy.

In another letter, in reference to the above subject,
he writes : —

Oh, my dear sister, I quite tremble when I think
of the probable results of the present wide spread of
tractarian notions. High churchmen, if it be suf-
fered to proceed, and does not meet with a speedy
and most effectual check from the rulers of our
Church, will hurry hundreds and thousands into Ro-
manism, or force the decidedly Evangelical into seces-
sion. Awful times seem to be awaiting us, and I
hardly dare think of them : indeed, I keep putting
away every consideration almost as fast as it comes ;
or, rather, I endeavour to keep rolling the weighty
care upon One who is both able and pledged, in
answer to believing prayer, to sustain it. These
principles are exerting no small degree of influence
in our province. Oh, forget us not in your prayers !
we greatly need them. As to myself I need say
but little. My health and spirits are restored to a
degree which I little anticipated, and I am enabled
to go through such duties as I engage in with com-
parative ease and comfort. A calm, tranquil, peace-
ful old age has been mercifully vouchsafed me, and
all I want is more grace to enjoy and improve my
many mercies. I am always backward to speak
of spiritual things, lest while recounting God's mer-
cies, " self-applause should step in ; " but I still owe
it to the goodness of my condescending God and Sa-
viour to testify that I do hope his work is not retro-
grading in my soul. Infirmities, I have many —
mental and spiritual, as well as bodily ; but still some

xpected
gh the
arry out
^ inevit-
uch for

RBV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

235

precious deepenings are I hope not fallaciously dis-
cernible.

TO THE REV. JOHN COOPER.

subject,

think
iread of
be suf-
speedy
of our
nto Ro-
;o seces-
, and I
putting
comes ;
weighty
ged, in
These
tifluence
3rayers !
eed say
red to a
enabled
th com-
, peace-
me, and
rove my
> speak
I's mer-
till owe
and Sa-
)t retro-
many —
ill some

Thornhill, near Toronto, Upper Canada,
Jan. 4, 1841.

My much endeared Friend,
How can I convey to you the heartfelt satisfaction,
which I received in perusing your most truly wel-
come letter? My many infirmities vill hardly
admit of my complying with your request of an early
reply ; for I have only written one letter, I believe,
for many months past, and that with extreme diffi-
culty ; and I have no expectation of being able to
finish this without sundry rests and postponements.
But I am desirous of making the attempt, and in-
deed should feel myself altogether unworthy of so
endeared and estimable a friend were I to place his
letter among my unanswered accumulations, or avail
myself of the filial aid of one of the amanuenses to
whom, on especial occasions, I am constrained to
have recours3.

But while I allude to the circumstance of difficulty
connected with writing, I ought not, I suppose, to
pass on to other matters, without a few words of ex-
planation. About a year and half ago, I suffered
sundry strains and contusions from a fall, from
which I have never yet quite recovered ; and though
I feel no positive pain, when I am perfectly at rest,
yet when I use my shoulder or the muscles connected
with it, in any continuous operation, I am sure to
suffer ; and, whenever I imprudently and pertina^
ciously persist, I feel the effects for days, weeks, and
even months. A habit of caution therefore, has crept
upon me; and having at no time possessed any

236

LIFE AND LETTERS OP THE

strong predilections for the labours of the pen, and
especially for the duties of the correspondent, I have,
at length, almost persuaded myself, that I am fully
released from the obligation.

I am reluctant to fill my sheet with reference to
myself, and yet I ought not to withhold from you
the yet further allusion to infirmities. Long have I
been failing in my health, and long have my minis-
terial duties proved too great a call on my general
strength, and especially my nervous system ; but I
still feel reluctant to retire from them. My wife and
children were indeed repeatedly striving to bring
me to the point, and represented to me the desirable-
ness of withdrawing before such an attack should be
experienced, as would render the residue of life
burdensome to myself, distressing to my friends, and
useless to all. Still, I shrunk, — it seemed almost an
awful thing to retire from duties so solemnly under-
taken ; and from which none but God could release
me. In this state of uncertainty I was seized with
so violent a nervous affection, while engaged in some
public but unimportant matter, that I lost, in the
course of few minutes, all power to read, and could
not for some days make out the very commonest
words without spelling them just like a child ; and
though, as my nerves acquired a little more tone, I
was enabled to recover somewhat of my suspended
powers, it was not till several weeks after my seizure,
that I was enabled to appear again in public duties ;
and then I could merely preachy not read. But this
resumption of my duties gradually brought on such
oppresive, not to say alarming, symptoms, that I, at
length, felt fully convinced that my poor weakly
frame was no longer able to bear such onerous duties;
and having, through God's mercy, obtained an assis-
tant, who exactly suits both myself and people, I
have turned over to him my yearly stipend with
every public and oppressive duty, and am now rector

I
\

RRV. OEORGF. MORTIMER, M.A.

237

indeed in name, but little further : I visit, indeed,
parochially, and am endeavouring in various little
ways, to counsel, regulate, and forward the move-
ments of others, and to be a bond of union to the
somewhat heterogeneous mass around us ; and the
silent intercessor for their diversified good, when it
is not in my power in any other way to aid them.
And I trust, that God is still among us as a people.
As to other things, the kind interest which you have
ever taken in my welfare, makes me wish that you
would just introduce yourself, if only for a few mi-
nutes, into our midst. I could not have believed
that so much comfort awaited me in my latter days.
Pecuniary means quite adequate, not only for neces-
saries, but for extensive comforts ; a commodious,
elegant, and tasty abode, close and open carriage for
summer, a cutter and sleigh for winter &c. ; estim-
able society, and superior by far to most neighbour-
hoods in the province, within two hours' easy drive
of the capital (Toronto), and this well and even
luxuriously supplied. No lack of literature. I see
the best books, and have access to, or take in myself,
the most approved periodicals and newspapers,
almost to overpowering. And all this, when I derive
no income from my ministry (excepting the pittance
from letting the glebe of my rectory), and having no
aid, as in England, from pupilizing ; so great are the
advantages of residing in this fine province. In Eng-
land all was struggling and difficulty, and no possi-
bility of settling my family ; while here, I am enabled
to call every reasonable comfort around me, and to
live in a style, not indeed of ostentation and dis-
play, which has never been my aim, but of compara-
tive ease and comfort, such as calls for many an ex-
pression of grateful praise. The earlier part of my
residence and ministrations in this place were not
indeed over abundant in encouragement, and I had
frequent thoughts of relinquishing my apparently

,» l ^ ^ w»

I w^ipi iw >w n « ■ ii .m

238

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

hopeless charge, and escaping from my comfortless
location. But my way never appeared to me so sa-
tisfactorily opened as to authorize the final step, and
truly thankful am I that I continued. For three or
four years past all has heen encouraging, and I can-
not but regard the spot in which I hope now to end
my days, as one of the most eligible and pleasant,
which this fine country can present. The visit paid

to us by Mr. B. L , and to which you allude in

your letter, was in the very midst of our discourage-
ments, and most affectionately did he sympathize
with us. A few months after his return he expressed
similar sympathy in the letter he wrote to me, which
quite made me smile, as descriptive of scenes and
feelings which seemed to have reference to " the lang
syne; so completely had our circumstances amended.
But when, in a subsequent letter of a few months
later date, his mind seemed only able to dwell on the
same mournful scenes, and we had got fully esta-
blished in our comfortable abode, with all our nume-
rous satisfactions around us, and at the same time
enjoying abundant proofs of our being deeply and
firmly seated in the affections of our attached people.
Thus circumstanced

March 25, 1841.

Thus far, my endeared friend, had I written nearly
three months ago, and then abruptly terminated my
operose endeavour, effected at four different sittings,
and at length laid by, almost in despair. But
through God's mercy. I am beginning again to use
my pen with far less of annoyance ; and, after
having despatched three short letters, on the three
last days, and being tolerably sound after the
operation, I have looked out my suspended com-
munication, and have no small pleasure in resuming.

REV. OBORGE MORTIMER, M.A. 239

The non-completed sentence will, I suppose, speak
for itself, the intention being simply to assure you
that, though possibly you may have heard through

Mr. B. L , of our being surrounded by nothing

but desagrdmenSf we arc, in fact, some of the most
delightfully located persons in the province — perfect
joy and satisfaction — a pan Jisaical blessedness — a
very elysium of delight. Unfortunately, however,
for my description, it was written in January instead
of Alarch, — the provinces since united — seat of
government removed — radical elections— a fearful
preponderance of rebel abettors — destructives and
liberals — our beloved Church threatened — the Papacy
fearlessly exhibited, and giving but too much reason
ibr anticipating its eventual triumph, and Protestant
Episcopal subversion. All around us gloomy, and
full of dismal forebodings ; and our only hope (if
the Divine Disposer be overlooked) in the detrusion
from office of those Whigs, who so vexatiously retain
their places at home, and not content with liberalism,
and bringing into jeopardy England's every good,
are carrying with a yet higner hand their destructive
and church-subversive measures in its colonies.
Such, alas ! is the present aspect of our horizon !
But as to myself, I am happy to say that it does not
much trouble me. It is indeed not a little cloud
which hangs over us, but dark and far-spreading ; and
yet I cherish hope that it will soon blow over. We
have had our direful threatenings before, but God
has dealt very mercifully with us ; and I trust that
similar mercies are now also in reserve.

But I am hardly leaving myself room to say a few
words on other matters. Greatly did it rejoice me,
my endeared friend, to follow you in your most
pleasing recital of the numerous exhibitions of God's
mercy and faithfulness to yourself and family, and I
have no question but that in many respects you will
see yet greater things than these ; — ^yes ! all is well —

)

,tm «F ■«

210

LIFE AND LETTERS OP THE

much of spiritual good has been reaped by my
beloved friend. He lias gone forth bearing precious
seed, and even here has come again with joy, bringing
his sheaves with him.

April 21, 1841.

Much to my mortification, I was unable, as I had
wished, to finish my letter, when I added the few
lines about a month ago ; but that slight effort
brought on a return of my disability, and obliged
me to be again quiet ; and, were I to consult the
suggestions of prudence, I should not, I believe,
now venture on a few lines which I am desirous of
appending by way of conclusion. But I am so
thoroughly ashamed of both my apparent neglect,
and the fussiness attendant on my endeavours to
write to you the letter I have done, that I can keep
my sheet by me no longer, and, though I seem to
have many things to say to you, I must content
myself with the assurance, that with unabated
affection, and with every good wish for yourself,

Mrs. C , and family, in which Mrs. M

most sincerely unites, I have the pleasure to sub-
scribe myself,

Your long attached Friend

And brother in the gospel,

George Mortimer.

After an interval of eighteen years, I saw my late
beloved friend only for the second time after our
leaving Cambridge and settling in life. I saw him
for a few short hours in the year 1824, and, from
that time, I had not that pleasure again until July,
1842, when I had the long-desired happiness of
paying him a visit at Thornhill, and passing a week
with him, in the society of his kind family, to whom

RRV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A,

241

sub-

I had never before been personally introriiiced. We
used, when at college, to promise ourselves thr
pleasure of alternate annual visits, little thinkiiig
that, for so long a period, the bounds of our habita-
tion were to be no nearer togi.'ther than the eastern
and western hemisphere. At Thornhill, I saw v.;v
endeared friend in different circumstances and rela
tions to what I had ever personally known him
before — as the pastor, the husband, and the father ;
and I was not disappointed in contemplating him iu
these characters. He was as venerable in appear-
ance as grey — I might rather say white — hairs could
make him, and which crowned a countenance of the
most benignant aspect — serene, intelligent, animated,
and beaming with tenderness and affection. There
was also in his manners, in the tones of his voice,
and, when speaking, in the peculiar expressiveness of
his countenance, something remarkcb'; .weet, mild,
and engaging. The general contour of the upper
part of his body, especially his long white hair
behind, reminded me of the l&ii likenesses of the
justly celebrated John We"?l y. His body was of
low stature and deformed, which, at first sight, might
have given to a stranger but a lowly opinion of him ;
but every disadvantage from appearance soon wore
off, and the mind shone brightly through the mean
and weak and uncommanding body, which contained
it. A pleasing instance of this effect occurred when
I was in Canada. He was kind enough to spend
three or four days with me at my son's — a visit to
which the following letter has some reference, and
which, as being the last I ever received from him,
though it contain nothing of any importance, I insert
with a deep recollection of the intercourse which I
had with my friend on the occasion. We were spend-
ing an evening together at the house of a friend :
a lady of piety and intelligence was present as a
visitor like ourselves, and who had never before seen

242

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

Mr. Mortimer. Before the evening passed, she ob-
served to me, " That gentleman is no common man,"
so struck was she, and, perhaps, contrary to her ex-
pectations, with the superior cast of his conversation,
which I had myself also observed in the course of
the evening.

TO THE REV. JOHN ARMSTRONG.

ThomhiU, Aug. 7, 1842.

My dear Armstrong,
It struck me that the last thing you said to me in
parting was, that you would inform me of your
movements, and for such information I have hitherto
been waiting ; but as I possibly may have misunder-
stood you, and you are expecting to hear from me, I
had better write at once.

Circumstances, I find, will not admit of my going
to New York just at present, nor do I apprehend
that I shall find it necessary for the accomplishment
of my literary purpose to go beyond Buffalo, or
Rochester at the farthest, though this I cannot quite
settle till I see you.

I shall hope, if all be well, to sleep in Toronto on
Monday next, and proceed the next morning for
Niagara or Queenston ; or, in fact, whatever place I
shall find, on inquiry on board the steamer Transity
shall be the nearest point to your son's abode ; and
from that point shall make my way to him as I can.
I am no nice traveller on such occasions, and there-
fore very readily get accommodated.

There are two or three matters I am wishing to
talk over with you, and which strike me as of no small
importance in reference to our Canadian ecclesiastical
matters. I suppose you have not been able to
arrive at any decision in our favour ; and, while we

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

243

I, she ob-
on man,"
to her ex-
versation,
course of

7, 1842.

to me m
e of your
re hitnerto
misunder-
Tom me, I

my going
apprehend
ipUshment
Juffalo, or
nnot quite

'oronto on
jming for
irer place I
!r Transit,
)ode ; and
1 as I can.
and there-
wishing to
of no small
clesiastical
1 able to
while we

are beating our rough and perilous way, you will be
felicitating yourseltj when in some tranquil cozy
retreat, that you have escaped the threatening danger
of our more unquiet seas. But whether such out-
ward tranquillity is awaiting my endeared friend or
not, I trust he will ever experience much of that
peace which his peace-imparting Saviour can alone
bestow ; and may the peace and rest which awaits
him in heaven be realized by him in all its delightful
fulness. And oh, may his unworthy friend be pri-
vileged to meet him there ! Our kindest regards to
yourself and our endeared young friend.
Yours ever, my dear Armstrong,
Most affectionately and sincerely,

George Mortimer.

The last letter addressed to his fondly attached
sister, Mrs. Holland, was written in a broken
manner, and was probably among the last, except on
mere matters of business, which he ever wrote.
I have myself seen but one other written after the
date which this bears, and which will be noticed
presently.

TO HIS sister.

Thornhill, April 6, 1844.

Am not dead, dear Mary, but increasingly abhorrent
of the epistolary — it's no use scolding — quite inve-
terate. [After entering more minutely than usual
into family details, he adds,] Self aUve again —
marvel greatly — though an old man, still two full
services on the Sunday — no assistant — do all the
parochial — ^visit not a little from house to house,
more regularly and systematically than has been my
wont — never felt my duties less onerously — peaceful
dependent, and more hopeful — more power to cast

R 2

244

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

ray burden on another, and find my Redeemer
mighty — oh never fails — so faithful, condescending,
kind. Sorry, oh sorry, that deafness has appeared j
but could Brother G. heal as well as sympathise, he
would soon show, by its immediate removal, that
blundering aifection, instead of the wisdom of love,
which marks mortals' wishes and decisions ; but,
dear Mary, it's more than compensated. May that
blessed Christian grace of patience have its perfect
work ! Am a middle man still — hate Dissent, but
never preach against Dissenters — love the men, but
greatly deplore the evils of the whole system — there-
fore budge not from my long wont — a real Church-
man I hope still, but neither ultra high, nor ultra
low. And now, dear Mary, adieu — your letter has
shamed, has lovingly shamed me, and therefore have
written something. Kindest love from all to all.

Yours as ever,

G. M.

The day before his death, Mr. Mortimer addressed
a long letter to his brother, the Rev. Thomas Mor-
timer, full of interest and full of kindness, and
which, no doubt, will be treasured ^up by him with
great care and affection ; but it is of so personal and
domestic a tenor, that it is only a single short extract
that I can with propriety insert in this memoir,
though nothing could be more appropriate, as a con-
clusion to his correspondence.

June 14, 1844.

* * * * Of myself a word or two
will suffice. Thcmgh old and grey-headed, my God
forsakes me not ; but graciously imparts a gleam of
sunshine in my latter days, which almost makes me
marvel. I have just completed my sixtieth year,

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

245

ledeemer
icending,
ppeared ;
thise, he
val, that

of love,
(IS ; but.
May that
ts perfect
sent, but
men, but
a — there-

Church-
[lor ultra
letter has
fore have
to all.

G. M.

addressed
nas Mor-
ness, and
him with
sonal and
irt extract
memoir,
as a con-

and, though encompassed, as ever, with infirmities,
have for the last twelvemonth done full dutv twice on
the Sabbath.

The flame yet flickers, and till it shall sink into
total darkness, may it send forth some shining ray to
enlighten the minds and change the hearts of my
beloved Canadian people.

Adieu, my beloved Brother,

Ever affectionately yours,

George Mortimer.

Mr. Mortimer's death, which took place on Satur-
day, June 15, 1844, has been so suitably and
feelingly described by others that I have nothing to
do but to avail myself of their services. These
consist of notices of the event, taken by the public
papers of Toronto ; a resolution of the Central Board
of the Church Society of the Dioeese of Toronto,
presented to Mrs. Mortimer by the Rev. W. W.
Ripley, secretary ; a brief memoir drawn up by the
Rev. Thomas Grinfield, and inserted in the Bristol
Journal; and letters written by his amiable and
excellent daughter. Miss Phebe Mortimer, giving
some account of the last years of her father's life, as
well as of the circumstances and particulars of his
death.

L4, 1844.

d or two
my God
I gleam of
makes me
eth year,

{From the " Church'* newspaper of June 21 , 1844.^

It is with feelings of no ordinary pain and grief
that we announce the sudden and afllictive death of
a venerable friend and fellow-labourer in this diocese,
the Rev. George Mortimer, M.A., Rector of Thomhill.

As this deeply-lamented gentl-^man was proceeding

246

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

on Saturday afternoon last from his residence to
Toronto, his horse» when ahout half way through the
village, took fright, and the reins breaking, the
carriage was upset, and Mr. Mortimer was thrown
violently against the stump of a tree. He received
immediate c distance, and was carried into the house
of a neighbour, Mr. Griffiths. Dr. Paget, his
medical attendant, speedily arrived, and drove him
home. On the way he spoke with cheerfulness, and
hopes were entertained that the injury would not
prove very serious ; but soon after his arrival at his
own house, he expressed his conviction that he had
not long to survive — an apprehension which was con-
firmed by his kind and afflicted medical friend.
Having called his family round him, he addressed
them in his own pecuUarly affectionate and earnest
manner, upon the solemn change he was soon to
undergo, blessed them, and presently after sunk to
his rest, so calmly and quietly that they knew not of
his departure until the mournful event was commu-
nicated by Dr. Paget. About two hours only had
elapsed between the occurrence of the accident and
his death.

The servant who had driven him, was thrown also
with great violence against a heap of stones, and
severely hurt ; but he is now, we are happy to say,
recovering.

The well-known excellencies of Mr. Mortimer in
every Christian sphere and relation, render any
extended remarks of our own unnecessary. He was all
that the mind can conceive, in this imperfect state,
of a gentle, consistent, and established Christian.
With talents and acquirements of the highest order,
a polished mind and a benevoler. heart, he was fitted
to adorn any society; while the zealous and con-
scientious discharge of every pastoral duty to which
his strength was equal, added to a large and syste-
matic charity, endeared him, in a peculiar degree, to

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

24/

idence to
ough the

"ng.

the

IS thrown
3 received
the house
iget, his
Irove him
iness, and
rould not
val at his
at he had
was con-
1 friend,
iddressed

earnest
soon to

sunk to

ew not of

commu-

only had

dent and

rown also
nes, and
•y to say,

irtimer in
ider any
[e was all
;et state,
Christian.
;st order,
vas fitted
and con-
to which
ad syste-
iegree, to

the flock who were so fortunate as to enjoy his minis-
trations.

In the diocese at large, as a well-informed, pious,
and influential clergyman, his loss will be severely
felt ; a loss the more afllictive to many, from the
very recent opportunity occurring at the late visita-
tion, where he attended apparently in unusual health,
of enjoying the benefits and gratification of his
society.

He has gone to his rest in a mature, though not
old age ; and, in the words of a contemporary, " the
chief consolation to the family and friends of this
truly good man will be, that he died in the full
assurance of entering into the perfect realization of
the true believer's promised happiness."

{From the Toronto Patriot, of Tuesday,
June 18, 1844.)

Melancholy Accident. — It has seldom been our
task to announce a more truly melancholy accident
than that which, on Saturday evening, deprived the
diocese of Toronto of one of its most zealous, useful,
and truly respected clergymen, the Rev. George
Mortimer, of Thomhill. * * * *

* * * Few men could have moved in
a sphere of more active Christian usefulness than
this most excellent minister of religion. To the
poor, and the neighbourhood generally, of Thomhill,
his death will be a severe loss. His charities were
large, and extended to the bounds of his clerical
remuneration and a large private income. The chief
consolation to the family and friends of this truly
Christian man will be, that he died in the full assur-
ance of entering into the perfect realization of the
true believer's promised happiness.

I 1

248

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

\\\

(From the ** British Colonist," a Presbyterian
paper, of Tuesday, June 18, 1844.^

With much regret we announce the death of the
Rev. Mr. Mortimer, of Thornhill. * * *

Mr. Mortimer was the incumbent of the Episcopal
Church, at Thornhill ; he was beloved by his con-
gregation, and held in high respect by all around
him, and distinguished for his benevolence and
charity.

At a meeting of the Central Board of the Church
Society, of the diocese of Toronto, held at the
Society's House, on the 3rd July, 1844, the Lord
Bishop in the chair : on the motion of the Rev.
H. J. Grasett, M.A., domestic chaplain to the Lord
Bishop, seconded by the Hon. W. Allan, it was

Resolved — That the Central Board of the Church
Society of Toronto, with feelings of the deepest
emotion, embrace the first opportunity of their meet-
ing together since the sudden and lamented death of
the Rev. George Mortimer, M.A., Rector of Thorn-
hill, to express their sorrow in the removal of a
member of their body, who, for warm yet humble
piety, enlarged and Christian charity, a self-denying
course of life, and a holy rlevotedness to his Heavenly
Master's cause, was surpassed by none of those who
have been commissioned to feed the flock of Christ
in this diocese.

And while the Board view in this melancholy
bereavement, the chastening hand of a merciful and
gracious Father, who scourgeth every son whom he
receiveth, they most sincerely beg to offer their
condolence to the widow and family of their deceased

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

249

fterian
)

th of the

* *

Bpiscopal

his con-

11 around

ince and

! Church
[ at the
the Lord
he Rev.
he Lord
ms

Church

deepest
iir meet-
death of

Thorn-
'al of a
humble
denjdng
[eavenly
ose who

Christ

ancholy
ful and
lom he
!r their
eceased

brother, who, his warfare being accomplished, has
been thus suddenly called from the Church militant
to join the society of those who have departed hence
in the faith and fear of the Lord.

(Signed) John Toronto.

{From the Bristol Journal.)

THE REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

With deep regret and affectionate esteem, we record
the death of one, whose memory (^we are persuaded)
is embalmed in the hearts of many among our
fellow-citizens — the Rev. George Mortimer. In
the midst of his ministerial usefulness in Upper
Canada, whither he emigrated from this city about
ten years ago, his valuable life was suddenly ter-
minated by one of those mysterious dispensations of
Infinite Wisdom, which, while they make us feel
our deep ignorance, exercise at once reverential
submission and Christian confidence. Thrown from
an open carriage against the stump of a tree, he
received a fatal injury on his chest ; and having been
carried to his home, and placed on his bed, he expired
within two hours. It is remarkable that, as a fall,
suffered in his infancy, had injured his growth, and
distorted his person, a fall should have proved the
occasion of his death. For several years (between
1826 and 1834) he resided in this neighbourhood;
first at Horfield, when he officiated as evening
preacher at St. Mary-le-Port, in this city ; after-
wards, as curate of the Rev. Alfred Harford, at
Hutton, in Somerset. He was a man equally distin-
guished by his intellectual and Christian excellence.
The strength and symmetry of his mental constitu-
tion presented a striking contrast and relief to the

250

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

imperfection of his stature and his form — imperfec-
tion redeemed by a countenance eloquently expressive
of benignity blended with intelligence. Those who
enjoyed his personal intimacy will remember him
long among the most instructive and interesting of
companions — among the most kind and faithful of
friends. As a preacher, he was eminently popular,
powerful, and profitable ; peculiarly excelling in
accurate details of practical and social duty, and
also in discriminative representations of the character
and the heart. A mind acute, perspicuous, me-
thodical, enriched with knowledge at once varied and
exact; a natural unwritten eloquence, aided by a
voice of peculiar and pathetic tone — imparted an
extraordinary charm to those evening discourses,
which, delivered to crowded auditories in St. Mary-
le-Port Church, have left, we doubt not, vivid and
valued impressions on the memory and the heart of
many a surviving hearer. At this moment we well
recollect particular passages of his preaching ; and
especially his farewell address, heard with mournful
eagerness by an overflowing throng on the evening of
the day preceding his departure for America : the
text, " Choose ye this day whom ye will serve !" —
the sermon, a masterpiece of comprehensive and
momentous exhortation. On the next morning
(Monday) in company with many of his attached
fiiends and hearers, "we accompanied him to the
ship, sorrowing most of all for this, that we should
see his face no more.** (Acts, xx. 38.) Our Canadian
colony, then the scene of large emigration, and
greatly in need of able clergymen, rejoiced to receive
the treasure which Bristol once enjoyed. By his
natural and acquired endowments, Mr. Mortimer was
singularly qualified for usefulness in the new field of
his ministry. In his extensive parish of Thomhill,
the parish church was considerably enlarged during
the year preceding his last, towards which he con-

-imperfec-
expressive
i'hose who
mber him
cresting of
faithful of
y popular,
celling in
duty, and

character
lous, me-
mried and
ded by a
larted an
iscourses,
St. Mary-
vivid and
3 heart of
it we well
ling; and
moumfiil
evening of
?rica: the
serve !" —
isive and
morning
attached
n to the
?e should
Canadian
ion, and
to receive

By his
imer was
V field of
homhill,
1 during

he con-

REV. OEOROE MORTIMER, M.A.

251

tributed greatly ; and also effected the establishment
of two other churches, with clergymen attached to
them, in the same extensive district. During a long

course of yesrs, Mr. M had made it his rule to

expend a tenth part of his income annually, on the
various objects of Christian benevolence : his libe-
rality must have proved doubly valuable, where,
while numerous necessities demanded rehef, the
people are generally slow to give. In what high
esteem he was held by his Canadian brethren, is
sufficiently attested by the extraordinary honours of
hi funeral : the Bishop of Toronto, accompanied by
moie than forty clergymen, many from distant
places, attended his remains to their sepulchral rest,
with tears of mingled love and grief. He has left
an excellent widow and six children to lament his
loss, and cherish his memory. Of his sons, two are
enga.s;ed in the ministry ; one as a missionary among
the Chippeway Indians, and the youngest is studying
in the College of Toronto for the same sacred
destination. May the spirit of their father be per-
petuated in his children's children.

T. G.

August 7, 1844.

TO MISS ELIZA FORD.

Thomhill, September 25, 1844.

My dear Madam,
In compliance with the wishes expressed in your
letter to Mamma, and at her request, I proceed to
retrace the latest years of my dear father's life.
Though it is in some respects a painful task, and one
for which I feel myself incompetent, I shall be quite
repaid if I afford any pleasure to the respected and
valued friends of my late beloved father.

252

LIFE AND LETTERS OP THE

I think you must have heard of the distressing
nervous attack which my dear lather had about four
years since, and which, for a time, entirely incapa-
citated him for the discharge of his ministerial
duties, and obliged him to engage the services of a
curate. "When he had partially recovered, but, at
the sani' time, felt unequal to the resumption of his
ministrations at Thornhill, he undertook a service in
a retired place, nearly four miles distant, where no
church service had been before held. He felt very
much interested in this self-imposed charge, which
he termed, in speaking of it to me, the nursling of
his old age. Many of the members of this congre-
gation, which consisted entirely of farmers, me-
chanics, and labourers, have frequently spoken in
strong terms of gratitude for his attention to them,
and I hope that his labours there were in some
measure appreciated. When he afterwards f ave Mr.
Townley some assistance in Thornhill Church,* he
still continued his exposition, as he was accustomed
to call it, at the German Mills, but then went only
once a fortnight, and my youngest brother, with the
consent of the bishop, officiated as lay-reader, on the
alternate Sundays. At the end of June, in last
year, my dear father having felt very anxious to
resume his charge at Thornhill, at length came to
the determination of dismissing his curate, notwith-
standing the fears of his family that he would be
unequal to bear the sole burden of the then greatly
increased parochial duties. Connected with this
determination, was a resolution to devote himself
entirely to his ministerial work, and he re-entered
upon it with renewed zeal and ardour. At the same

* On the 10th of October, 1841, Mr. Mortimer preached
at Thornhill, in the evening, for the first time after his nervous
attack. His text was very striking — " I shall not die but live,
and declare the works of the Lord." After that he preached occa^
sionally in the evening, until he altogether resumed his duties,
about the middle of the year 1843.

[listrcssing
ibout four
'ly ineapa-
tiiinisterial
k'ices of a
1, but, at
ion of his
service in
where no
felt very
5e, which
urshng of
is congre-
lers, me-
poken in
to them,
in some
('ave Mr.
rch,* Ije
customed
vent only
with the
T, on the
> in last
ixious to
came to
notwith-
N^ould be
I greatly
ith this
himself
!-entered
he same

_ preached
is nervous
5 but live,
'bed occa-
Is duties,

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

253

time he entirely gave up nil his literary pursiiits,
and, as if to confirm his purpose, removed from his
study all t\\c geological and other scientific works,
which had previously engaged and captivated his
attention. This was an evident and great sacrifice,
but it was made with cheerfulness for the sake of his
Divine Redeemer ; and the comfort and great peace
of mind which he enjoyed in doing his Master's
work, fully recompensed him for this act of self-
devotion. Our fears respecting his health proved to
have been grotindless, for he frequently said that he
never felt his ministerial duties less oppressive than
he then did. The good health which he enjoyed
was greatly promoted by the practice which he had
adopted of driving out regularly every day, and
which he then continued both for the benefit of the
exercise, and also for the purpose of visiting his
parishioners, very many of whom lived at a distance
of many miles. His visits have been frequently
alluded to, and they appear to have been prized by
many, as marks of kindness and condescension, when
they could not appreciate their spiritual advantage.
During this last year of my dear father's life, owing
perhaps to the exclusively religious nature of hia
studies, his conversation much more frequently than
before took a serious turn. I was frequently much
struck with the beauty of his observations, and at
times the thought occurred that his remarks were
those of one ripening for glory. At the end of last
May, Arthur and his bride came to visit us, and we
then eflfected a family meeting, every member being
present excepting Maria. During the next week,
my dear father was present at the bishop's triennial
visitation, and at the anrual meeting of our Diocesan
Church Society ; and his apparent good health was
generally remarked by his clerical and other friends.
The ceremony of opening a church in our neigh-
bourhood, occurring in the following week, he

i 1

254

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

thought it his duty to attend ; but these exertions,
combined with the excitement of an enlarged family
circle, affected his health, and on that account,
during the three last days he spent the whole of his
time in parochial visiting. The man-servant spoke
with much feeling of his conversation during their
drives, and mentioned his having said, each day,
when they reached home, "Once more, Stephen,
God has brought us home in safety." Some of the
persons that he visited on those days remarked to a
young friend, that their minister spoke to them par-
ticularly of preparation for death. On Saturday,
the 15th of Jmie, having heard that his bookseller
in Toronto had received a supply of new books, he
determined upon going there to select some theolo-
gical works. While he was waiting for the carriage,
he returned to the dming-room, and talked in a very
lively manner till it was ready. He had only pro-
ceeded about a mile on his journey, when the fatal
accident occurred. The newspapers gave a correct
account of the accident, which perhaps you have
heard — that the horse ran away; that one rein
broke suddenly, though nearly new, which caused
the horse to make so sudden and violent a turn, that
the carriage was overturned, and that the man,
though thrown out as well as his master, was only
slightly injured, while the latter received his death-
blow on the chest, by being thrown with violence
against the stump of a tree. It had long been the
practice of my endeared father, and one which he
recommended from the pulpit, to make death a daily
subject of prayer, and a part of that, I believe, daily
petition, was that he might, if consistent with the
will of God, have an easy death. The testimony of
his kind and skilful medical attendant, is a decisive
evidence to the striking fulfilment of this prayer ;
for he told us that no other death was so easy,
excepting when occasioned by lightning, as that

1 '

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

255

exertions,
ged family
t account,
lole of his
rant spoke
•ring their
each day,
, Stephen,
)me of the
arked to a
them par-
Saturday,
bookseller
books, he
me theolo-
e carriage,
1 in a very

onlypro-

the fatal
I a correct
you have

one rein
ch caused
turn, that
the man,

was only
his death-
1 violence

been the
which he
th a daily
leve, daily
; with the
itimony of
a decisive
s prayer ;

so easy,
as that

which terminated the existence of my dear fntht»r,
who, he assured us, suffered no pain. He also men-
tioned that he considered it a ver^ rcnuirkable
circumstance, that he should have survived so long a
time as four hours : for that two hours was deemed
the utmost length of time that life could be pro-
longed, under such circumstances, and that instant
death was the frequent result of such a blow. That
such was not the case in this instance, we felt very
thankful, and he himself expressed his satisfaction at
being brought home to his own bed, and his thank-
fulness that none of his bones were broken ; not
knowing then the fatal nature of his accident. He
expressed a desire that some of his family should
leave the room, that he might be quiet, and we all
therefore quitted his room, excepting Dr. Paget and
Arthur. He was perfectly composed, and resigned,
to the will of God, whatever that might be, but
expressed a wish that he might fall asleep in Jesus.
When he became aware, or rather suspected, that his
end was approaching, he sent for all the members of
his family who were then at home, mentioning us by
name, and we received in succession his last blessing.
He was then perfectly calm, and in a peaceful state
of mind. Almost his last words were expressive of
his admiration of, and thankfulness for, the won-
derful plan of redemption : his words I do not
remember accurately enough to quote, but his last
petition was for his beloved flock ! Dr. Paget,
though his aifectionate heart felt deep sorrow, said,
that it was a privilege to witness such a death. The
testimony which has been borne by all ranks to the
esteem in which he was held, is very gratifying.
The bishop came from Toronto, though with great
inconvenience, to pay the last mark of respect to the
dear remains of one whom, to the credit of both
parties, he greatly respected, though differing f»-om
him in many points. The church was greatly

1 1

250

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

crowded on the mournful occasion, and a deep
feeling appeared to pervade the assembly. The
pulpit, &c. wsre hung with black cloth, and all the
genteel residents in the neighbourhood put on
mourning. These are the consolations which the
world has in its power to offer to mourning rela-
tives, and very many have we received, nor were they
by any means undervalued by us, but, added to
them, we had far higher sources of comfort, in the
perfect assurance that he whom we mourned had
entered into his rest, and in the full assurance that
the event, deeply afflicting as it was to us, was
ordered by an allwise and gracious God.

Mamma desires her Christian respects to yourself
and your dear sister, of whose very afflictive state of
deprivation of almost every outward comfort; she
was truly grieved to hear.

My dear father was much affected when he heard,

through Miss B , the sad intelligence, and he

more than once alluded to your dear sister's blind-
ness with tears of sympathy.
Believe me, dear Madam,

Very sincerely and respectfully yours,

Phebe Mortimer.

The following letter, written by the same hand,
repeats so much of what was said in the foregoing,
that at first the writer of these memoirs determined,
on the omission of one of them : but, upon con-
sideration that, though there was repetition, there
was also so much variety of expression, as well as of
additional matter, he judged it best to insert both —
a judgment which he doubts not will be approved by
his readers.

* * *♦'

I a deep
)ly. The
d all the
put on
irhich the
iiing rela-
were they
added to
rt, in the
irned had
ranee that
} us, was

yourself
i^e state of
ifoi ts she

he heard,
;e, and he
jr's hlind-

irs,

loRTIMER.

ame hand,
foregoing,
jtermined,
ipon con-
ion, there
well as of
;rt both —
proved by

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

TO MRS. HOLLAND.

257

ThornhiU, Feb. 8, 1845.

My dear Aunt,

"The memory of the just is" indeed "blessed";
and I wish that the last remembrances of my beloved
father could have been traced for you by a more
able hand than mine. His memory is, I am sure,
treasured in the hearts of very many here who knew
him. I wish it may incite them to follow him as he
follovred Christ.

The last year of my beloved father's life was
marked by an entire devotion to his ministerial
work ; for when he came to the determination of
resuming the entire charge of his parish, it was
accompanied by a resolution to abandon every other
pursuit, and to devote all his time and powers to
the one object of winning souls to Christ. As if
to confirm this purpose, he put away from his study
library all the geological and other scientific and
literary books with which it was furnished, and
replenished it with theological works. It was to
him an act of great self-denial thus entirely to give
up the studies and pursuits which had previously
so engaged and captivated his attention; but they
were relinquished with cheerfulness, because for his
Redeemer's sake ; for he observed at the time that
he made this sacrifice, ** Oh ! it is a very little thing
to do for my Saviour." He was fully recompensed
for this devotion to his Heavenly Father's cause, as
appears from his having expressed to mamma the
great comfort and peace of mind which he after-
wards enjoyed in his clerical avocations. From that
time a change was apparent in his conversation ; for
although he was always accustomed to introduce

258

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

religious subjects in conversation with his family, espe-
cially in the evening, when he would sit with us for a
short time after family prayers, stUl, during the last
year, his conversation, partaking of the exclusive na-
ture of his studies, was more uniformly serious than it
had been previously. I was frequently much struck
with the beauty and spirituality of his observations,
and, once or twice, while listening to his conversation,
the idea presented itself, that the sentiments and
feelings he expressed were those of one who was
ripening for the garner. This, however, was merely
a passing thought, and never at all realized or dwelt
upon ; for my dear father was, at that time, particu-
larly well, and he frequently told us that he never
felt his ministerial duties less burdensome. One of
his remarks, which made an impression on my mind
at the time, has since struck me the more from the
coincidence of the following text being written in
one of the blank leaves of the Bible that he was
accustomed to use, until within the last two or three
years of his life : ''When I am old and grey-headed,
O God, forsake me not." Psalm Ixxi. 18. The
remark which he made in conversation was this :
" He has been my God from my youth up, but I
oever ielt that he was so near to me as now in
jfiy old age." These are not, I think, quite the
expressions he made use of, for I quote from
memory, and although I nttempted to write them
down the same day, I could not even then recall
the words that he used. Often similar attempts
that I made failed also, and I t!ien relinquished the
idea that I had entertained, of preserving in writing
sorr e of my endeared father's religious obscrvationr
During one of our drives to the station at the
German Mills, speaking of the ministering of angels,
a subject of which he was very fond, he remarked,
that the dispensation of faith under which we are
placed made it necessary that an unseen agency

amily, espe-
ith us for a
ing the last
jcclusive na-
•ious than it
luch struck
bservations,
juversation,
iments and
e who was
was merely
led or dwelt
me, particu-
at he never
le. One of
)n my mind
)re from the
written in
hat he was
two or three
rey-headed,
18. The
. was this :
} up, hut I
as now in
, quite the
[juote from
write them
then recall
ar attempts
quished the
5 in writing
bservationr
tion at the
g of angels,
e remarked,
lich we are
een agency

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

259

should be employed for our protection and deliver-
ance, as otherwise faith would be lost in sight ; and
also that, had these ministering spirits been made
visible to us, we should have been very prone to
place our reliance upon them, instead of putting our
trust simply in God. He pursued the conversation
as we ascended a very steep hill, and said, " I think
we are little aware how constantly angels are em-
ployed on our behalf; perhaps now, an angel is
leading that horse by the bridle, and encouraging
it onwards." One of the horses, a fine animal, was
then exerting itself to the utmost; for the roads
were very bad at the time, and the hill was therefore
very difficult of ascent. I think the following anec-
dote will be interesting to you, as it is one which
made a strong impression on my dear father's mind,
and, as it is short, I am tempted to copy it for you :
"As one said to Philip J. Jenks just before he
expired, * How hard it is to die,' he replied, * Oh, no,
easy dying, blessed dying, glorious dying.' Look-
ing up at the clock, he said, * I have experienced
more happiness in dying this day, than in my whole
life. It is worth living for, it is worth a whole life,
to have such an end as this. I have long desired
that I might glorify God in my death ; but oh ! I
never thought that such a poor worm as I could
have come to such a glorious death.' " I beUeve
this account of "happiness experienced in death,"
contributed very much to weaken his apprehension
of the pains of death, which he afterwards entirely
lost. It had, however, long been his own practice,
and one which he recommended to others from the
pulpit, to make death a daily subject of prayer,
particularlj'- as regarded its time and manner; and
I believe one of these daily petitions was, that he
might have an easy death, if consistent with the
will of God. This petition was answered by his
Heavenly Father in a striking manner, for our kind

s 2

260

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

friend and physician assured us, that he suffered no
pain, not even so much as a person experiences in
fainting. It is also remarkable, as Dr. Paget men-
tioned to us, that in no other way could his existence
have been terminated with this absence of pain,
except by a stroke of lightning. The doctor also
considered it remarkable that he survived so long
after the fatal accident, as instant death frequently
occurs under such circumstances. That such was
not his case was an unspeakable comfort to us ; and
he himself expressed his satisfaction at being brought
home to his own comfortable bed. He also stated
his thankfulness for the circumstance of no bone
beina: broken, or even dislocated, and quoted that
passage of Scripture, **He keepeth all his bones,
not one of them is broken." This was before he
was aware of the fatal nature of the accident. He
expressed a wish to be left alone that he might be
quiet, and we all left the room in consequence,
except Arthur and Dr. Paget. We had no idea
that any danger was to be apprehended, till a
few moments before he expired, when he sent for
us, asking for each by name, and for the servants
also. He said he thought he was dying, and
added, "Do not be surprised if I should struggle
at the last." Immediately after he said, " What a
salvation is that which Christ has purchased for us j
what a blessing that I have nothinp- to do now!
My dear flock, may the Lord bless them all, and
provide for them ! " Then seeing us all around him,
he said to each, " May the Lord bless you." These
were his last words, except the expression of his
wish to lie dovvn. I supported his head on my arm,
and thought that he was falling asleep — but no, it
was the sleep of death.

Mr. Osier preached a most excellent funeral sermon
from this appropriate text, " Blessed are those ser-
vants, whom their Lord, when he cometh, shall find

B suffered no
cperieuees in

Paget men-
liis existence
ce of pain,

doctor also
vedi so long
h frequently
it such was

to us ; and
ing brought
; also stated
of no bone
juoted that

his bones,
J before he
lident. He
lie might be
onsequence,
id no idea
ded, till a
be sent for
he servants
dying, and
Id struggle
, "What a
Lsed for us j
do now!
rn all, and
round him,
1." These
iion of his
)n my arm,
-but no, it

sral sermon

those ser-

shall find

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

261

watching." My dear father was employed to the
very last in doing his Lord's work : his three last
days were spent entirely in parochial visiting, con-
trary to his usual practice of spending the greater
portion of each day in his study, and two or three
hours in his drives and in visiting his people. Some
of those whom he visited on these days, afterwards
told a young friend, that he talked to them prin-
cipally about preparation for death. The man-ser-
vant also has spoken with much feeling of his con-
versation during those drives, and he mentioned also,
that each day, when they reached home, he said,
" Once more, Stephen, God has brought us home in
safety." My beloved father's consistency of conduct
won for him the respect and esteem of all who knew
him, even of those who differed from him, sometimes
widely, in religious opinions. Such was the case
with the bishop, who however not only respected
hiiit, but entertained very kind feelings towards him,
which he evinced by coming from Toronto, though
with great inconvenience, and unsolicited, to pay the
last mark cf respect to his remains. The public
testimony which was borne to the excellence of my
dear father's character, in a resolution of the Central
Board of the Church Society, of wlr* 'j body he was
a member, was so gratifying, that I cannot refrain
from copying a part of it. He is spoken of in the
resolution as one " who for warm yet humble piety,
enlarged and Christian charity, a self-denying course
of life, and a holy devotedness to his Heavenly
Master's cause, was surpassed by none of those who
have been commissioned to feed the flock of Christ
in this diocese."

One of the features of character alluded to in this
resolution had been especially observed by a young
clerical friend, who, when speaking with much
warmth of the high estimation he entertained of my
dear father's character, particularly mentioned his

262

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

great humility. As an instance of this, he told us,
that, when he had gone with my father into the
vestry after preaching what Mr. D. considered a
most excellent sermon, he had spoken of it as fur-
nishing cause for fresh humiliation, and a stimulus to
greater exertions and more earnest prayers for the
future. Mr. D., on the same occasion, alluded to the
peculiar facility with which he constantly introduced
religious remarks in conversation, which, he said, he
had particularly noticed on the few occasions on
which he had met him in company. In answer to an
observation, that my dear father had often deplored
the want of this very gift, Mr. D. remarked, that this
circumstance aflForded a fresh proof of his humility.

Believe me, my dear Aunt,

Your ever-affectionate Niece,

Phebe Mortimer.

PREACHING.

Mr. Mortimer, says one of his friends* (well fitted
to ^orm a correct estimate of him), was "a rarely
gifted person." As a 'preacher^ he possessed very
considerable excellence. His extemporaneous dis-
courses were of a very finished kind, lucid in order,
striking in illustration, and powerful in application.
These discourses were not the mere effusions of
thoughts unprepared and of matter undigested, but
the result of diligent reading, close study, and fervent
prayer, which alone can enable even the competent
extempore speaker to address a Christian congrega-
tion with any good effect. He was eminently a

* The Rev. Thomas Grinf, 11 -who greatly admired an J
love* Mr. Mortimer, and for wnom, from his first acquJnt-
•nce wUh him, he entertained sentiments of mingled affectioii,
esteem^ and admiration.

i '.'

HEV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

263

he told us,
er into the
jnsidered a
■ it as fur-
stimulus to
ers for the
luded to the
introduced
he said, he
ccasions on
tnswer to an
en deplored
3d, that this
humility.

Niece,
Mortimer.

(well fitted
"a rarely
sessed very
nieous dis-
id in order,
application,
ffusions of
jested, but
and fervent
competent
I congrega-
niinently a

admired and
rst acquumt-
ied affection,

practical preacher, and signally excelled in pourtraying
the unfair arts so often practised by men of business
with a view to their worldly gain,: and, as his hearers
were mostly tradesmen, his graphic delineations were
sometimes keenly felt in the consciences of indivi-
duals, who were ready to say, " Art thou come to call
our sins to our remembrance ? " More than one of
his mercantile hearers has asked him, in private
intercourse, by what means he had acquired so exact
and extraordinary an acquaintance with the varieties
of fraud, which, however familiar in the busy walks
of trade, might be supposed little known to a minis-
ter of the gospel. To such a question he has replied,
that he had derived his knowledge, partly from the
habitual study of his own heart, partly from his
personal experience of a busy life in his earlier years ;
as he had been apprenticed to an eminent London
bookseller, previously to his collegiate preparation for
the ministry.

So searchingly did he probe the consciences of his
hearers, that it was not unfrequent with some among
them to visit him for the purpose of private confer-
ence, counsel, and consolation. He well knew how
to " speak a word in season to the weary," with a
peculiar sympathy and kindness. Yet quite as well
he knew how to apply ** the terror of the Lord : "
and I remember his telling me, that one of the most
effective sermons (as he had reason to believe) which
he had ever preached, was of terrific character, and
founded on those words of overwhelming horror ;
" In Hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments."
That sermon (he had reason to hope) had been used
by the Lord as an instrument for rescuing " a brand
from the burning," which the preacher aimed to re-
present. Another of his most striking sermons, di-
vided between tlie morning and evening of the same
Sabbath, was formed on a theme contrasted with the
precediugj the conduct and the reward of the faithful

■ i

I I,

264

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

Christian, as exemplified in St. Paul : " I have
fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I
have kept the faith : henceforth there is laid up for
me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the
righteous Judge, shall give me at that day."*

But, whatever excellencies he possessed as a

Ereacher, Mr. Mortimer was unconscious of them
imself : for he frequently deplored what he con-
sidered the inefficiency of his ministrations, and was
accustomed to speak in the most humhle terms of
his sermons. On one such occasion, he said, "When
I come out of the pulpit, and turn over in my mind
what I have said, I think, What does it all amount
to ? How much more to the purpose it might have
heen, and how much more useful I"

On the Sunday evenings, after committing his past
endeavours into the hands of his God by prayer, he
would turn his thoughts from the review of what he
considered his past failures to the hope of future
usefulness, by at once renewing his exertions. With
this view, he was accustomed, before he retired to
rest on the Sunday evening, to look out a text for
the following Sunday, and to form the outline of
the sermon. But although he was thus peculiarly
anxious about the preparation of his sermons, he sel-
dom spoke on the subject without remarking upon
the necessity of the accompanying influences of the
Holy Spirit, to render efficacious even the most
highly wrought, powerful, and most convincing ser-
mon. Indeed, he has expressed the opinion, that
the most common-place sermons were often made the
most useful ; because, in such cases, the preacher,
being aware of their defects, and being thus divested
of all feelings of self-congratulation, was led, in more

* From a comnuinication made to me by the Rev. J. Grin-
field, to whom I am indebted for several papers and letters
with which he has kindly furnished me, anu of which I have
niaclc ample use in this memoir.

hui

"I have

course, I

lid up for

Lord, the

ised as a
I of them
t he con-
, and was

terms of
1, "When

my mind
U amount
light have

g his past
Tayer, he
f what he
of future
s. With
retired to

text for
mthne of
jecuUarly
IS, he sel-
ing upon
;s of the
he most
cing ser-
ion, that
made the
ireacher,

divested
, in more

J. Grin-
nd letters
;h I have

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

265

humble dependence upon God, to entreat that He
would give the increase.

In connexion with this subject, he once mentioned
having preached for a friend on a rainy day to an
exceedingly small congregation. The comparatively
large number of empty pews presented a very dis-
couraging aspect, and tended very much to depress
his spirits ; — altogether such was the effect produced
on his mind, that least of all on that day would he
have expected any favourable result from his sermon.
Some time afterwards, when he was spending an
evening at the house of a person who resided at
some distance both from the place where he preached
and from his own home, a lady, who was of the party,
took an opportunity of stating how much she felt
indebted to him for the spiritual sight that she had
received through his instrumentality. He was at a
loss to know what she alluded to, for he had no
recollection of having seen her before : but she
brought to his recollection the thinly scattered con-
gregation in his friend's church, for whom he had
preached on a very rainy day : and then stated that
she was one of those few hearers, and that the ser-
mon had made so deep an impression on her mind
as to have been productive of lasting benefit.

PASTORAL VISITING.

In his pastoral visits, Mr. Mortimer appears to have
been remarkably successful. He seems always to
have paid attention to this very important and often
very useful part of the Christian pastor's office, but
more especially during a few of the latter years of his
life, making his daily drives for the benefit of his
health subservient to that purpose. He made a
point of visiting at first six, and afterwards ten
families during each week, by which arrangement he

« M**iim^„i^

2G6

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

I: )

considered that he could visit each family four Mmes
during the year, besides paying more frcqueui visits
in case of illness, or any particular afttiction. He
not only visited the different members ol liis con-
gregation and others belonging to the church, but he
went to every house in the immediate neighbourhood,
and, for several miles around, he knew the occu])ants
of almost every house. When he visited Roman
Catholics, or Dissenters, he never sought to enter
into controversy with them; for he considered it, in
general, unprofitable, and seldom productive of the
desired effect of bringing them into the fold of the
Church. He was far, however, from shrinking from
f-ntering upon the subject, when it appeared desirai>le
for him to do so ; and w. .. the subject was brought
forward in conversation, he stated the grounds of his
firm adhesion to his own communion, and conscien-
tiously, but with a mild and affectionate manner,
warned them of the sin of schism. On such occa-
sions, uniti/ was generally the theme of his discourse,
and he would dwell much on its importance and
obligations, and urge upon them the consideration of
that beautiful prayer, " That they. Father, may be
cae, as we are." He was never satisfied unless he
could give a decided religious turn to the conversa-
tions he had with his people, but, even if he failed
in doing this, he always contrived to introduce some
serious remark before he left their houses. A Pres-
byterian, who was warmly attached to her own
Church, when speaking of Mr. Mortimer, said, " Ah,
he was a real good man. I have often said, that he
and Mr. J. [the minister of her own communion]
were the two best ministers in Canada. I wouldna
miss going to hear Mr. Mortimer preach in the
evening [she went to her own place of worship in
the morning], but I havena the heart to go now. I
weel remember how he sat here, for near an hour,
talking to my husband the last time he was here.

REV. OEOROK MORTIMER, M.A.

267

tour ♦irni-s
lU'ut vifiit.v
•tion. He
i his con-
ch, but ho
bourhood,
occupants
'd Roman
t to enter
ered it, in
ive of the
old of the
iking from
d desiralde
IS brought
mds of his
1 conscieu-
e manner,
such occa-
I discourse,
rtance and
deration of
r, may be
unless he
! conversa-
he failed
duce some
A Fres-
her own
aid, "Ah,
3, that he
mmunion]
I wouldna
ch in the
mrship in
now. I
an hour,
was here.

My husband served at M'aterlo i»nd tijey were
talkhig about the battlf, and such thiiij:;s ; and then
he stopped all of a sudden, and smiled, and said,
*but I didna come hereti/ tall about |)oliti('s.' "

He was particularly de irons of impressing upon
the minds of those whom he visited the importance
of individual and experiiiKiitul religion, and would
coiistai.tly remind them thaf their great aim should
be to j)repare for heaven.

He took also occasion to warn them of open sins
which they were in the habit of committing, such as
drunkenness, or the neglect of public worship. An
old man, who frequently gave way to a habit of
intoxication, and, perhaps from this cause, has now
become prematurely infirm and almost childish,
alluded to the last visit of his pastor in the following
manner: — "On the Thursday — the Thursday, you
mind, before he died — old Mr. Mortimer came to see
me in his little carriage, and his man drove him :

and he gave me a caution. He said, * Mr. , I

saw you on Yonge street a short time since, and you
were drunk ;' and on the next Saturday he was a
corpse, and I lost my brother :" and the old man
turned aside to hide his tears.

The husband, or rather the widower, of a Pres-
byterian, mentioned that his wife had frequently
remarked to him, that there could not be a better
minister by a sick bed than Mr. Mortimer : for that
he never excited persons, but that at the same time
he did not delude them about their eternal prospects,
but spoke candidly to them, according to their
different states of mind. She said that there was no
minister that she should so much like to see, if she
were ill, as Mr. Mortimer. Her wish, however, was
not gratified, for she survived him about half-a-year.

Another person, a member of a Presbyterian
family in the neighbourhood, after stating that Mr.
Mortimer was very much missed, said, " And no one

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268

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

misses him more than mv mother ; for he used to
come and sit with her, and talked so nicely to her,
that it did her so much good — it did her good till he
came again. There will never be another minister
like Mr. Mortimer: if there were to come five
thousand, there would not be another Uke him." *

He took an interest in the concerns of those whom
he visited, and, following the example of St. Paul,
strove to " please all men in all things, not seeking
his own profit, but the profit of many, that they
might be saved." " He was not naturally fond of
children, and I was much struck, on that account,
with the remark of a woman when talking about the
visits of my dear father ; * Ah, miss, your father
was mighty fond of this little one, and he took so
much notice of him the very last time he was here !*
Another woman said, ' Ah ! he was a real gentleman,
and he would sit down with us, and talk so free and
pleasant-like/ ** f

'*' Such an influence over the minds of those who widely
differed from him, and perhaps viewed the Church to which he
belonged with much prejudice, was not attained but by a
course of great kindness and consideration towards all, and
the thing gained was worth all the cost of it. Mr. Mortimer
was not an indifferent Churchman ; but he felt that, like his
Divine Master, he should not only be of a meek and lowly
spirit towards his own, but that he should exercise tenderness
and conciliation to the Samaritan as well as to the Jew ; to the
Dissenter as well as to the Churchman ; considering all as
entitled to the benefits of his flock, though they were not dis-
posed to partake of them. It will be said, perhaps, that many
Dissenters are not only bitter in their spirit, but violent in
their language, and provoking in their conduct and actions. If
it be so, let us set them a better example ; let us show them a
more excellent way ; let us make them the objects of our
kindness and prayers, and not of our scorn, hatred, and oppo-
sition. " Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with
good."

t From Miss Mortimer's communications.

he used to

Icely to her,

good till he

ler minister

come five
e him." *
those whom
)f St. Paul,
not seeking
, that they
ally fond of
iat account,
g about the
frour father
he took so
was here !*
gentleman,
so free and

e who widely
:h to which he
led but by a
irards all, and
Ir. Mortimer
hat, like his
ek and lowly
ise tenderness
! Jew ; to the
idering all as
were not dis-
ps, that many
ut violent in
1 actions. If
show them a
tjects of our
d, and oppo-
me evil with

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A. 269

CONFIRMATION.

Mr. Mortimer devoted a good deal of time and
attention to preparing the candidates for the con-
firmation that was held at Thornhill, in July, 1843.
Mr. Townley was then assisting him ; for he began
the instruction of the candidates several months
previous to the solemnizing of the rite, and he was
thus left more at liberty than he had ever before
been for this important branch of duty. His plan,
on that occasion, was to divide the candidates into
three distinct classes ; viz., one comprising the
juniors, and another, the adults of the less educated
among his congregation, and the third embracing
the remainder. The first of these classes was required
to learn by heart portions of an explanation of the
Church Catechism, which they repeated to their
minister when they met together on a specified
afternoon in each week. Their attention was par-
ticularly directed to the Scripture proofs of the
Catechism, which was also commented upon in a
familiar manner, and particularly in connexion with
confirmation. In order to encourage them to learn
the Catechism well, a prize was promised to each of
the three who should be able to repeat the whole of
it most accurately. The adult classes met also once
.A week in the evening, and were prepared with
answers, which they read from the Bible, to questions
on scriptural subjects, with which they were furnished
the previous week. They also repeated a part of
Dean Nowell's Catechism, which, together with the
scriptural questions, formed the subject for addresses
and interrogations. The third class met one morn-
ing in the week at their pastor's house, and they
were expected to give verbal answers to questions on
the Book of Common Prayer, with which they were

I ;

(' I

270

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

previously supplied. For the use of this class also,
Mr. Mortimer prepared a set of questions and an-
swers explanatory of the sacrament, which will
appear in another place ; and he made use of a
Catechism on Confirmation to explain that ordinance
to the candidates, besides distributing several tracts
on the subject.

SOCIAL MEETINGS.

In the years 1842 and 1843, Mr. Mortimer esta-
blished several different week-day meetirgs for
promoting the spiritual benefit of his flock. One
of these was held on Tuesday evenings, and was
conducted alternately by himself and Mr. Townley,
both, however, being present. The meeting was
opened by singing a hymn, and by offering up a
short extempore prayer, either by himself or Mr.
Townley. One of them then spoke on some subject
connected with experimental religion ; after which,
some of the members were expected to make ob-
servations connected with the spiritual life of the
Christian, or their own particular experience, or to
ask any question on practical or doctrinal subjects ;
and, when a pause ensued, one of the clergymen
would carry on the remarks, or introduce another
subject. Singing the doxology, and the use of one
or two collects, or, occasionally, extempore prayer,
and the blessing, concluded the meeting. This
meeting was not continued long ; for it was not
found to answer, owing to the difficulty that persons
experienced in speaking on these subjects.

After this was given up, another was established
for the Sunday-school teachers. There were twelve
members, all young, in the same rank of society,
and on terms of intimacy with each other and with
their respected pastor, at whose house they met ;

s class also,
3ns and an-
which will
de use of a
at ordinance
leveral tracts

•rtimer esta-
leetirgs for
flock. One
^s, and was
[r. Townley,
neeting was
Fering up a
iself or Mr.
ome subject
ifter which,
o make ob-

life of the
rience, or to
al subjects ;
! clergymen
uce another
3 use of one
tore prayer,
iting. This

it was not
;hat persons

established
were twelve

of society,
er and with

they met ;

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

271

and these circumstances, together with the cheerful
easy manner in which it was conducted, combined to
render it pleasant, as well as profitable. Each
member learnt by heart a short portion of a cate-
chetical work on the " Elements of Christian Know-
ledge," which they repeated by turns, and afterwards
gave verbal answers to questions, previously written
out, on miscellaneous subjects connected with religion,
such as the evidences of Christianity, the history
of the Old Testament, or doctrinal subjects. Ques-
tions were prepared by Mr. Mortimer for this purpose,
and other questions were copied by the different
members from a book of " Questions on the Old and
New Testament, and the Book of Common Prayer,
by the Rev Edward Thompson." The different
subjects thus brought forward, always drew forth
many interesting and profitable remarks in connexion
with the duties of Sunday-school teachers. At other
times, they were addressed as professors of Christian-
ity. These meetings were very much liked, and
are still looked back upon with feelings of pleasure
and grateful recollection by, at least, some of its
members. They only lasted one winter, as the
summer evenings were not found so convenient for
them, and the following winter Mr. Mortimer was
unable to resume them, as his whole time was
devoted to other ministerial duties.

LIBRARY.

At the beginning of the year 1837, Mr. Mortimer
opened a " Library for Sunday Reading," It con-
tained, at first, about 150 volumes, and, as the
books were very much read by all classes of persons,
about 100 more were afterwards added to the number,
all of which were furnished at his own cost. They
were lent gratuitously, and were changed weekly in

li'

272

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

the vestry. The different readers were furnished
with a printed catalogue of the books, that they
might have the opportunity of selecting those that
they preferred, as being most suitable to their taste
or circumstances. These books were in circulation
up to the time of his death.

About the same time an attempt was made to
establish a "Library of Useful Knowledge," at
Thomhill, the object of which was to promote
useful information to " Farmers, Mechanics, and
Artizans," at a cost so trifling as to bring it easily
within their reach ; the terms of subscription being
five shillings annually, or a penny-a-week for each
volume. This endeavour, which was made with the
hope of improving the habits and character of a
large portion of the population, by furnishing pro-
fitable employment for leisure hours usually spent
in idleness or frivolous amusements, was mainly
seconded by Mr. Mortimer, who made a handsome
donation towards it in money, besides about eighteen
volumes, most of which, though scientific or literary
works, were distinguished for their reUgious tendency.
Most of the gentlemen in the neighbourhood also
contributed towards this library. It was found, how-
ever, for the most part, that there was no taste for
this style of reading among the class for whom the
libraiy was intended ; only ten or a dozen persons
availed themselves of the use of the books, and in
rather more than a year appUcations for them ceased
to be made.

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL SERVICES.

It was while visiting the people in the neighbour-
hood of the German Mills, in August, 1841, that
their state of spiritual destitution was impressed
upon Mr. Mortimer's mind, and he i-nmediately

'!(

RET. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

273

e furnished

that they

: those that

3 their taste

circulation

Eis made to
vledge," at
to promote
lanics, and
ng it easily
ption being
ek for each
de with the
racter of a
ishing pro-
3ually spent
nras mainly
i. handsome
lut eighteen
3 or literary
IS tendency,
irhood also
X)und, how-
o taste for
• whom the
en persons
•ks, and in
tiem ceased

neighbour-
1841, that
impressed

nmediately

determined upon trying to do something for them.
As he had then no Sunday duty to perform, and, at
the same time, was partially recovered from his
nervous attack, he made up his mind to attempt a
Sunday service there himself, and immediately began
to inquire if any room could be found for the pur-
pose. A farmer, whose house was very conveniently
situated, on being applied to, wilUngly consented to
secure the use of a room in his own house, without
any charge, for the remaining term of his lease, five-
and-a-half years ; nor would he at any time accept
any remuneration for the expense and trouble which
he incurred by the service being held in his house ;
and both himself and his wife were ever ready to do
all in their power to promote the comfort of their
minister, and of those who were engaged in the
Sunday school, which was also held in the room
used for Divine service. Their generous conduct
much pleased Mr. Mortimer, who often said,' that
they would never suffer for " sheltering the ark of
God,'* but that, on the contrary, he felt sure that as
the " Lord blessed the house of Obededom," so He
would bless them and their family. The room
being then in an unfinished state, Mr. Mortimer
agreed to have it prepared for Divine worship at his
own expense, the fitting up consisting simply of a
desk and benches. On the 5th of the following
month, September, the service was performed in this
room for the first time. Mr. Mortimer was much
surprised, and greatly encouraged by the largeness
of the congregation, many being unable to find seats,
and standing in the entrance. Before the following
Sunday the room was furnished with additional
benches, which, altogether, was considered sufficient
to seat a hundred persons. On that day also, there
was a large congregation, as appears from a memo-
randum in Mr. Mortimer's handwriting; ''The
room quite filled, and overflowing*" As he himself

274

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

jij

;.!

expected, however, after a time, the novelty wore off,
and the congregation decreased, leaving an average
of about seventy attendants ; but even this number
he thought a large congregation, considering the
scattered state of the population. He always felt a
peculiar inteicst in this station, which he styled,
** the nursling of his old age." The congregation
always appeared grateful for the establishment of
the service there, which they evinced by the willing-
ness with which they subscribed to the "Church
Society,'* when called upon to do so. Though this
place is not more than three-and-a-half miles from
Thornhill Church, it is believed, that not more than
one person during their residence there ever attended
the church service, until it was held at the German
Mills. The settlement derives its name from the
circumstance of the surrounding country having been
settled chiefly by Germans many years since ; at
which time there were mills close to the house in
which the service is now held. These mills have
been long since in ruins, having never been repaired,
owing, it is said, to some superstition connected with
the histoiy of them. There are now scarcely more
than two dozen houses within a circuit of halj^a-mile
from the ruins of the mills. The other dwellings
are scattered on the different surrounding farms.

On the 10th October, in the same year, a Sunday
School was begun in connexion with the Church,
which was well attended, having from forty to sixty
attendants. At the time the Church service was
established at the German Mills, there was no
Sunday service there of any description. The Me-
thodists had previously attempted to establish
prayer and other meetings, but had then no service
of any kind : as soon, however, as the Church ser-
vice was commenced, Mr. Mortimer was informed
that they had again opened a meeting at a house
close by, apparently for the sake of opposition, but

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

275

!lty wore off,
; an average
this number
sidering the
always felt a
h he styled,
congregation
)lishment of
' the willine-
le "Church
rhough this
f miles from
ot more than
;ver attended
the German
ne from the
having been
rs since ; at
:he house in

mills have
een repaired,
nnected with
carcely more

hal^a-mile
er dwellings
g farms,
ar, a Sunday
the Church,
orty to sixty

service was
re was no
U The Me-
to establish
en no service
Church ser-
r&s informed

at a house
position, but

of which he took not the slightest notice : it was
shortly afterwards given up, though in a little time
re-commenced.

In the same manner, when he was informed that
the editor of the Christian Guardian, a Methodist

{laper, had written against him, he would not even
ook at the paper, observing, that " it matters but
little what people said of him." He considered it
the wisest plan to let opposition die away. By some
he was called a Puseyite, by others a low Churchman ;
but his own aim was to be " a consistent Church-
man." What he considered one breach of consistency
is mentioned in his pastoral letter to his parishioners
at Thornhill ; viz., attending other places of worship :
another was contributing towards the support or
encouragement of Dissent, which he invariably de-
clined doin r from conscientious motives.

CHARITY.

The following memorandum is made in his pocket-
book for 1832 :—

" After I leave England, I purpose giving one-
seventh to poor-purse, as my object in devoting one
fifth was that I might more extensively employ the
poor about my premises, &c. &c. But as there is
no want of labour there, so large a proportion will
not be needed : at least, it so strikes me at present.
Possibly, however, more will be needed for the cause
of God." One way in which employment was given
to the poor at Mutton was, making a side walk
through the village, covered with white spar, which
was procured from the neighbouring hills, and was
broken very small. His rector, the Rev. Alfred
Harford, shared in many of the plans which were
adopted for the benefit of the poor in Hutton.

Mr. Mortimer made a point of never being his
own instrument in affording pecuniary assistance to

T 2

■p.

276

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

any of the persons he visited. If he noticed that
any persons were in distressed circumstances, or if
any told him of their difficulties, he would mention
them to Mrs. Mortimer, and she would do what was
necessary to relieve them. Indeed, she was in every
case his almoner ; for he never himself gave any
money in charity. His reason for this was, that the
people might have no selfish aim in desiring his
visits, which he wished to be purely spiritual.

As a HUSBAND and a father, Mr. Mortimer was a
pattern of conjugal tenderness and of parental kind-
ness : there was a remarkable suavity in his manners,
which greatly endeared him to his family, and indeed
to all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. If
ever he said or wrote an unkind word, he -w&s the
first to discover and acknowledge it, and to make the
most ample apology. His humility was so great
that it might have been suspected of disingenuous-
ness, if those who knew him the most intimately
were not well assured of his Christian simplicity and
sincerity. His youngest daughter, writing to me,
says, in reference to this subject : — " He kindly
made me the companion of his drives before he
began to visit his people regularly, and he frequently
talked to me more as if I were his friend than his
daughter ; for he would speak of his religious feel-
ings, and even of his faults. He once said that he
had no wish to conceal his sins and failings here ; for
that they would all be revealed before the assembled
multitudes of men and angels at the day of judg-
ment. I frequently felt deeply humbled by the
thought that I was so unworthy of the feelings my
beloved father entertained towards me : but I was
fully aware that it was his own disposition to cause
him to feel as he did towards me." My amiable
young friend and god-daughter also writes, in re-
ference to his kindness to servants : —

loticcd that
inces, or if
lid mention
lo ivliat was
ras in every
f gave any
as, that the
iesiring his
bual.

timer was a
rental kind-
lis manners,
, and indeed
ntance. If
he was the
bo make the
as so great
singenuous-

intimately

nplicity and

ing to me.

He kindly

before he
B frequently
id than his
ligious feel-
»aid that he
js here ; for
e assembled
ay of judg-
iled by the
feelings my
but I was
on to cause
My amiable
ites, in re-

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

277

*' My dear father was the kindest and most con-
siderate of MASTERS. He was always anxious to
promote the comfort and happiness of his servants,
and very careful not to wound their feelings, or to
give them unnecessary trouble or annoyance. He
often expressed his pleasure at seeing them seated by
the fire at their needlework, or enjoying the society
of their relatives and friends, and would tell them
that he wished them to be as comfortable as he was
himself. Nor was he less mindful of their spiritual
welfare, and took pains to instruct them in the great
duties of religion."

For the foregoing particulars, illustrative of mv
friend's character as a Christian pastor, and in his
domestic relations, with the exception of a part of
the article on the character of his preaching, attri-
buted in a note, to another friend, I am entirely
indebted to his youngest daughter, Miss Phebe
Mortimer : nothing is due to myself except for the
arrangement of the materials with which I have
been so kindly and so well furnished.

From the foregoing sketch, as well as from the
general contents of the volume, Mr. Mortimer's cha-
racter is clearly seen, and cannot fail to excite
admiration : — let every reader here add a prayer to
be enabled to imitate as well as to admire. That my
friend was possessed of no peculiarities, or of no
defects, I do not affirm ; but they were blended with
so much purity of motive, integnty of principle, and
correctness of conduct, that his general excellences
were visible to all, his peculiarities were known but
to few. His extreme carefulness in expenditure, and
his — seemingly, at least — over anxioitsness to pre-
serve unimpaired, if not to increase, his fortune, led
him to the adoption of some measures, which by
many of his friends were thought questionable. It
is, however, exceedingly difficult to judge another in

(

278

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

this matter, or, indeed, to set up any precise and
universal standard by which to form a judgment in
the case. So many among the clergy, it is to be
feared, err in the opposite extreme, and so much
reproach has been brought upon the Church and the
clerical character, by the want of a sufficient pru-
dence and economy in secular affairs, to prevent
pecuniary embarrassment, that the error of too much
care is much to be preferred to that of a want of it,
where it is attenaed by such counteracting pro-
perties as marked Mr. Mortimer's management of
his income. His systematic charity, his cheerful
and bountiful liberiuity, and his strict integrity,
more than balance any defective peculiarity in his
secular matters.

If I might venture to sum up Mr. Mortimer's
character in a few words, I should say that his whole
life, from the time of his becoming a decided
Christian, was characterized by firm faith, deep
humility, great decision, steady consistency, self-
denial, holy zeal, and patient perseverance ; and his
manners were characterized by urbanity, kindness,
and sweetness of address peculiar to himself. As a
pastor, as a private Christian, as a relative, and as a
friend, he has left an example worthy of imitation.
" Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord : even
so saith the Spirit ; for they rest from their labours,
and their works do follow them."

Mr. Mortimer, just before his death, gave direc-
tions to destroy all his papers and writings, and it
does not appear that he kept any record of the events
of his life, or of his Christian experience : no spe-
cimen, therefore, of his regular composition has
come into the hands of the writer. The following
fragments or remains have been collected from
different sources, and show his opinions on the
several subjects of them.

precise and
udgment in
it is to be
d so much
rch and the
ficient pru-
to prevent
)f too much
want of it»
acting pro-
agement of
tiis cheerful
integrity,
arity in ms

Mortimer's
at his whole
a decided
faith, deep
tency, self-
ce ; and his
jt kindness,
iself. As a
ve, and as a
»f imitation.
Lord : even
leir labours,

gave direc-
ngs, and it
)f the events
» : no spe-
Dsition has
le following
lected from
Dns on the

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

ARMINIANISM.

279

Tour very Christian remarks and feelings connected
with my much honoured and much beloved Wel-
lington friend deserve mv sincere thanks. You are
quite right : the unity of the Spirit in the bond of
peace is of infinitely more importance than nice and
subtle distinctions upon points of which, after all, we
know so exceedingly little. I do not think those
two sermons should have been attached to the
volumes, whose other contents are generally prac-
tical : and I objected at the time, but the opinions
of others prevailed. I think with you that the text
is unhappily chosen. As to the contents, we shall
of course differ : but I can say so much as this, that
I attach so little importance to the peculiarities of
the system which I adopt, that, for many months
past, I have declined in toto entering upon the sub-
ject with every one who would dispute with me :
and am so moderate in my own statements, that
most of my Arminian friends have their fears of my
eventually leaving them: — not that any alteration
has taken place in my doctrinal views, but simply in
the ideas of importance which I used at one time to
attach to them.

ATHANASIAN CREED.

The Athanasian Creed is not the milk which the
Church gives to her babes, but the test to which she
brings her heretics.

CATHOLIC EMANCIPATION.

As to Catholic Emancipation I profess to know and
to fear but little. Were I better acquainted with the

280

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

effects of the present system, I fancy I should think
with such men as Mr. Wilberforce : but not knowing
these, having only a very limited survey, I feel quite
satisfied to let them think for me. A meeting was
lately called at Bridgenorth to petition against the
claims. I refused both to attend and to authorize
the use of my signature. I am equally satisfied,
however, that the bill should be lost : and I should
imagine that the strength in the Upper House will
always throw it out.

DR. A. CLARKE S COMMENTARY.

You ask me my opinion of Dr. Adam Clarke*s Com-
mentary. I think that upon the whole it is a great
work : and few persons could have produced such a
one. But after all, the Dr. is not to be depended on,
he is far too venturesome and far too positive — he
drives through thick and thin — certain opinions must
be maintained, certain characters must be vindicated,
and this is done in a manner and spirit which is not
quite suited to my taste. I continue, however, to
take in the work for the present : but have told one
of the Methodist preachers stationed here, that, if he
can part with it for me on reasonable terms, I will
take from him Benson's Commentary in its stead.

CLASSES.

As to classes, I still think that something like church
fellowship is the grand desideratum of our Church.
The Communion, which was originally intended for
lliis, now completely fails. It is almost anything but
Ihe communion of saints. Private meetings, too, of a
familiar, conversational, or expository kind, do not
quite come up to the supposed point. There must

lould think
lot knowing
I feel quite
leeting was
against the
authorize
y satisfied,
1 I should
House will

rke*s Com-
It is a great
ced such a
upended on,
ositive — he
mions must
vindicated,
hich is not
lowever, to
'e told one
that, if he
ms, I will
s stead.

ike church
I Church,
tended for
jrthing hut
s, too, of a
id, do not
tiere must

REV. GEOROB MORTIMER, M.A.

281

be some enclosure — some hedge of separation, some-
thing which shall admit the apparently sincere in-
quirer and exclude the worldly — something, in fact,
which shall "gather believers together out of the
mass of the ungodly world."

DISSENT.

In reference to Dissent, I am, I believe, what Dis-
senters consider a high, bigoted, stiff Churchman,
but the simple true Churchman is all I wish to be
known by. I love my Church right thoroughly, and
I love Church unity in the same degree, and have
never, for many years past, done anything by counte-
nancing, encouraging, aiding, or abetting Dissent, and
I hope I never shall ; but I cannot, dare not, un-
church Disse? iters, and deny that they are sections of
Christ's outward and visible Church, and, of course,
I cannot but respect the private characters and con-
duct of many individuals among them.

EPISCOPACY.

As to Episcopacy, I think with Bishop Hall, that it
is necessary for the well or better being of a Church,
but not essentially necessary to its very being itself;
and as to High Church pnnciples, or Puseyism, or
Tractarian notions, I go not a single step. I regard
them as quite subversive of the doctrine of Christ ;
there is not one single point, by which they are dis-
tinguished but, if honestly carried out, must lead to
Romanism. Admit, for example, that in ordination
there is conveyed through the bishop, of necessity,
and independent of the state of mind of the candi-
date, any grace or virtue or qualification for the spi-
ritually and graciously discharging the duties of the

I I

282

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

ministerial office, which is not conveyed by Presby-
terian or Methodistical ordination, and you arrogate
for our Church what neither Scripture on the one
hand, nor daily observation on the other, will sub-
stantiate. They may authorize and commission those
who appear to them already quaUfied, but it is the
Divine Spirit alone, which can fit and qualify with all
the gifts and graces necessary for a due discharge of
their important function.

FAITH AND WORKS.

When a man is justified by faith, he is by faith
accounted just and righteous before God.

When a man is justified by works, he is by his
works proclaimed or declared to man to be just and
righteous.

To be justified is generally to be considered or re*
garded just or righteous.

FIRST STEP.

The first step in vital religion is a sense of the pre-
sence of God.

FRIENDSHIP.

It generally happens when there are little unpleasant-
nesses among friends and relations, that they arise
from mutual faults, and therefore I cannot but con-
clude, that there must have been something either in
my observations or manner, which it would have
been better to avoid. I am surprised, however,
that you should so long have sufiered from such inci-
dents: friends, and especially relatives, should be

by Presby-
^ou arrogate

on the one
jr, will sub-
nission those
)ut it is the
lalify with all
discharge of

is by faith

e is by his
be just and

idered or re-

of the pre-

unpleasant-
they arise
ot but con-
ng either in
would have
i, however,
n such inci-
> should be

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

283

like two bowls suffering temporary collision; they
should rub and go on, for in this imperfect state we
must expect many such *a rub ; we cannot move at
equal rates, we cannot keep at equal distances, there
will be an infringing every now and then, but still
let us go on, go on in love, agree to differ, and expect
occasionally to feel ; but why should this feeling be
either strong or lasting ? I am glad, however, that
you have relieved your mind, and though it has been
a little at my expense, yet as the effort has been
beneficial to you, I will not attempt in any way to
destroy the effect, but will, for the sake of good will
and kind feeling, admit anything you have said.
And here may such matters rest "never to rise
again."

MILLENNIUM.

On the Millennial question, I am always backward to
speak; for I expect no personal reign: look for
nothing very immediate, and then merely suppose a
general or universal profession of Christianity through-
out the world, and deeper work in the hearts of be-
lievers. As to the time of previous trial, I dare
hazard but little — ^in sober truth, I do not suffer
myself to be puzzled, or even much occupied with
Mw/M^/Zec? prophecy ; with this we have graciously
little to do ; it is purposely so revealed that it cauf
not be previously known, that it may not seem, when
accomplished, to have been through its prediction
fulfilled.

SIR ISAAC NEWTON.

(From the Rev. T. Grinfield.)

Mr. Mortimer had a fine mind for mathematical
Studies, and took a high degree in the Senate House

284

LIFE AND LETTERS OP THE

Examination of 1811. I have often questioned him
on topics connected with those studies ; — and well
remember asking him, on one occasion, what he sup-
posed might be the reason why Newton, with so vast
a mind for mathematical science, and after such un-
precedented success, should have deserted all further
investigations of that kind during the latter thirty
years of his studious life. "With his characteristic
sagacity, he promptly assigned a reason which has
not (that I know) been remarked by Sir D. Brewster,
or the other biographers of Newton, and which,
while it exempts him from the unjust imputation of an
enfeebled mind, does just honour to his piety, and
may probably be the real, deep, and admonitory
reason : "Ah, sir, we must remember that, great as he
was in intellect, after all Newton was but a man, who
had the same wants and cravings of the heart with
ourselves. Having achieved his great discoveries, he
began to feel within himself, this also is vanity :
he could not find, in his mathematical demonstra-
tions, rest for his soul — satisfaction for his heart,
he therefore turned his attention from science to the
Scriptures." I thought the explanation at once origi-
nal and just, and, as it refers to '* Magnum ilium,
Newtonum, qui genus humanum ingenio superavit," *
singularly interesting and impressive : — a fragment,
among many reminiscences, that I would fJEiin preserve
from being lost.

Dii

th8

BISHOP OP PETERBOROUGH S EIGHTY-SEVEN QUESTIONS.

The Bishop of Peterborough, in my opinion, richly
deserves all he has met with ; and I do hope that
since many, perhaps a majority of our bishops, read

* From the incription by Dr. Bentley, on the pedestal of the
sublime statue by Roubiliac, in the Chapel of Trin. College,
Cambridge.

"HE

questioned him
lies;— and well
»f what he sup-
3N, with so vast
after such un-
ted all further
»e latter thirty
' characteristic
son which has
ir D. Brewster,
N, and which,
iputation of an
lis piety, and
d admonitory
at, great as he
it a man, who
e heart with
iscoveries, he
fo is vanity:
} demonstra-
or his heart,
icience to the
at once origi-

?num ilium,
superavit,*' *
-a fragment,
■am preserve

QUESTIONS.

ion, richly
hope that
^ops, read

destalofthe
in. College,

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

285

the Christian Observer the rough handling he has
experienced will operate beneficially on the bench
at large. From my heart I hate and detest all inqui-
sitorial measures. Perhaps, however, the Evangelical
body need some fan or other to purge the floor ; and
though a great stir has lately been made about op-
pression &c., I am not without hope that it will do
us considerable good.

SUBJECTS FOR PRAYER,

I. That we may habitually realize a sense of the
Divine presence.

II. That we may live in the will of God, and feel
that it is precious to us.

III. That we may ht grateful Christians — trace
our mercies — and thankfully adore the good Lord for
sending them.

IV. That we may be helped against the soul-
ruining, and God-dishonouring sin of unbelief,
" Lord, increase our faith."

V. That our confidence may be strengthened as
connected with prayer in general, and especially in
these private addresses.

VI. That we may discover in all our enjoyments,
social intercourse, &c. &c. true sobriety of mind,
and guard against every approach to a light and
frivolous spirit,

VII. That we may manifest a spirit of faithful
admonition and reproof, combined with tenderness.

VIII. For earnestness in the cause of God.

IX. For those gifts and graces implied in the
outpouring of God's Spirit.

X. For a discovery of the love of Jesus, and a
greater knowledge of him in all his saving benefits
— wisdom, righteousness, and strength.

XI. For growth in grace in general, and in its

■•t

285

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

evidences. 1st. Increased love to the Saviour.
2nd. Increased hatred to sin ; and 3d. Increasingly
lowly views of ourselves.

SACRAMENTAL GRACE.

i;l

With regard to sacramental grace, I do not conceive
that an episcopally ordained minister has any in-
herent grace deposited in him, which imparts a
greater efficacy, when a sacrament is administered
by him, above what may be received by graciously
prepared recipients, who may have it administered
by others not episcopally ordained. The good im-
parted is immediately and directly from the Divine
Spirit, just as the power of seeing came immediately
and directly from Christ, and not through the clay
with which the eyes of the blind man were anointed :
no inherent or even transferred power with which
the clay had become endowed, but a simple transac-
tion between Christ and the believing applicant.
The outward and visible signs are of great import-
ance, but most lamentable is it when they are
invested with that power which belongs to God
alone. The connexion between these views and
Romanism is easily apparent. Salvation is no longer
of faith, but of works: — use forms, ceremonies,
penances, sacraments, prayers, recitations, liturgical
services, and all is done : grace is conveyed, and
that, too, in proportion to the number and frequency
of the performances ; and the state of the heart &il
the while disregarded — the vast surplusage of merit
will be obtained, or extreme unction adjust all.

he Saviour.
Increasingly

not conceive
has any in-
L imparts a
idministered
J graciously
idministered
le good im-
the Divine
immediately
igh the clay
'e anointed :
nrith which
pie transac-

applicant.
^at import-

they are

I to God
views and
s no longer
jeremonies,

liturgical
^e^ed, and

frequency
le heart aU
;e of merit
:all.

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

THE SACRAMENTS.^

28:

1. What are the Sacraments ?f

" They are outward and visible signs and pledges
of inward and spiritual grace." — Ch, Cat.

2. How many are the Christian Sacraments ?
"There are (only) two Sacraments ordained by

Christ our Lord in the Gospel: that is to say,
Baptism and the Supper of the Lord." — 25M Art.
Ch, of England.X

3. What are the design and use of Sacraments?
The principal design is to convey "spiritual

grace" to the soul : and their chief use consists in
their being suitable " means" for the purpose.

4. What is the nature of the Christian Sacra-
ments ?

"Sacraments ordained of Christ be not only
badges or tokens of Christian men's profession, but
rather they be certain sure witnesses, and effectual
signs of grace, and God's good will towards us, by
the which he doth work invisibly in us, and doth not
only quicken, but also strengthen and confirm our
faith in Him." — 25th Art. Ch. of England.

5. What do you understand by " spiritual grace,"
which you say it is the design of the Sacraments to
convey to the soul ?

The term grace has many significations in Scrip-

* Drawn up for the use of the candidates for confirmation.

t The word Sacrament is not found in Sacred Scripture ;
but it signifies an oath: and the Christian ordinances of
Baptism and the Lord's Supper were very early designated by
this term, by some of the fatiiers ; because the dedication of
ourselves to God in these ordinances is as binding and
obligatory as a solemn oath. In the Roman style, it signifies
a most solemn and inviolable engagement.

% Baptism under the Christian dispensation corresponds
with, and was instituted in place of, Circumcision, under the
Jewish dispensation : and the Lord's Supper corresponds
with the Passover.

288

LIFB AND LKTTBRS OF THE

HI i

ture : but most commonly it either means good-will,
or favour (Romans xi. 6 ; 2 Tim. i. 9 ; Rom. v. 20) ;
or it signifies the internal operation of the Holy
Spirit upon the soul, regenerating, purifying, iaud
sanctifying our nature : and the Sacraments, when
duly regarded, are signs and pledges of the one, and
effectual means of conveying the other.

6. How, then, are the Sacraments to be regarded }
Simply as means of grace, and not as necessarily

conveying any internal benefit to the soul : for no
such benefit is, or can be, derived from them, unless
the mind be previously prepared to partake of them
as God has willed and commanded.

7. What proofs can you adduce that the internal
benefits of Sacraments are not absolute, and inde-
pendent of the previous state of the mind ?

First, because we have no warrant either in Scrip-
ture, or in the reason of things, to think so ; and,
secondly, because, if they were so, no one could eat
and drink in the Lord's Supper to their own con-
demnation, which St. Paul affirms is the case with
those who eat and drink unworthily. (1. Cor. xi.
29. Acts viii. 13, 20—23.)

8. But though this is the case in the Lord's Sup-
per, are not the benefits of Baptism absolute and
unconditional ?

No : repentance and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ
are indispensably necessary in all cases previously to
any saving benefits being derived from the use of
this sacrament. Repentance and faith, however,
though previously necessary, are in nowise the me-
ritorious and procuring cause of these benefits ; they
form only a preparatory and necessary meetness for
a due reception of them.

9. But are not infants, although incapable of
either repentance or faith, invariably regenerated,
renewed, and sanctified in and by this sacrament ?

All that are baptized are said to be regenerated.

REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.A.

289

ns good-will,
-om. V. 20) ;
)/" the Holy
rifying, Rnd
lents, when
the one, and

)e regarded ?
J necessarily
oul : for no
hem, unless
ake of them

the internal
), and inde-
d?

ler in Scrip-
nk so ; and,
ne could eat
ir own con-
e case with
(1. Cor. xi.

Lord's Sup-
bsolute and

Fesus Christ
reviously to
the use of
, however,
ise the me-
lefits; they
leetness for

capable of
^generated,
rament ?
?generated.

because the outward ordinance is a sign or emblem
of "spiritual regeneration." And nothing is more
common, both in Scripture and in ancient writings,
than the use of a term which only denotes the sign
for the thing signified. And in the judgment of
Christian charity, in all cases when this sacrament
is rightly received, and the after conduct corresponds
with the professions therein made, we may conclude
that they partake, as of the sign, so also of the thing
signified.

10. What do you understand by the sacrament
being " rightly received '* ?

The sacrament is rightly received in infant baptism,
when the parents and sponsors have just scriptural
views of its nature and design, and present children
to be baptized in obedience to the authority of God ;
simply, humbly, and sincerely depending upon his
unmerited grace and favour in Christ Jesus; and
are truly desirous that the child so presented by
them, may become " the faithful soldier and servant
of the Lord Jesus Christ ;" and when the sponsors
themselves exercise repentance, whereby "they forsake
sin, and faith, whereby they stedfastly believe the
promises of God made to them in that sacrament."
In all such cases we have "a presumptive certainty"
that spiritual regeneration commences in the ordi-
nance ; for then it is " rightly received.**

1 1 . What is the best after proof of this ?

The best after proof which children can give of
this is, the fulfilment of those promises and engage-
ments made for them by their sponsors in their
baptism.

12. And what were the promises and engage-
ments ?

"That they should renounce the devil and all
his works, the pomps and vanity of this wicked
world, and all the sinful lusts of the flesh ; that
they should believe all the articles of the Christian

^;!i

ill

290

LIFE AND LETTERS OF THE

faith ; and that they should keep God's holy will
and commandments., and walk in the same all the
days of their life." — Ch. Cat.

13. But how do you show that children in after
life are bound to fulfil those engagements made for
them by others, at this unconscious period of their
infancy ?

They are bound to do so by the obligation which
they themselves owe to God, inasmuch as their
parents or spiritual guardians entered into such
engagements only, on their behalf, as each individual
is bound to fulfil, whether such engagements had or
had not been entered into by others.

TEMPERANCE.

PuPLic opinion is, through God's mercy, effecting
much among us. Much bitterness, indeed, still
exists in some, as well as most determined opposi-
tion. But the work is of God, and I feel a blessed
assurance that much good will eventually be done.
I am beginning to perceive with much thankfulness
that the Temperance Society is an important engine
in aid of all my ministerial plans — a kind of stepping
stone to the church and to piety ; and I am careful
to watch all its movements, and to follow up every
indication for good.

The following letter, addressed to the Rev. John
Cooper, it is presumed may not unsuitably close the
preceding Memoir. The writer, who so affectionately
expresses his deep obUgations to the late Mr. Mor-
timer, has been for many years the faithful minister

UEV. OEOROE MORTIMER, M.A.

2!)1

s holv will
me all the

en in after
ts made for
od of their

ition which
h as their
into such
1 individual
ents had or

y, effecting
adeed, still
led opposi-
el a blessed
[y be done,
lankfulness
'tant engine
of stepping
am careful
w up every

Rev. John
ly close the
fectionately
Mr. Mor-
'ul minister

of a large parish in Shropshire, very near tho scene
of Mr. M.'s former labours in that countv.

W Vicarage, June 18, IH4 J.

My dear Friend,
I FEEL sincerely and deeply obliged to you for tlu'
kindness you have shown in sending me the interesting
extracts you have made from Miss Mortimer's letter,
relative to her beloved father. There are few, if any,
to whom I am so deeply indebted as I am to that
dear and valued friend. At an early period of my
life he noticed me with a kindness and humility
which I can never forget. These were, indeed, traits
constantly exhibited in his Christian character, but
they were the more affecting and attractive as appear-
ing in a man of such abiUty and accompUshments.
Whatever I know of Christian truth and experience
I owe in a high degree to the daily conversations
which I was permitted to enjoy for many months in
three or four successive years, with him, and to the
sermons and expositions which I heard from him at
that time, every Sabbath and every week.

After I left Madeley I saw less of him, though
our intercourse was renewed, in some measure, when
he came to Bristol, and, in the end, he succeeded me
in my old curacy at Hutton, on my presentation to
the living which I now hold. * * * Not many
letters ever passed between us ; but / have never
ceased to remember him with admiration, ffratitude,
and love. Indeed, take him altogether, and 1 have
never seen his equal.

With my very kind regards to yourself and family,
I remain, my dear Sir,

Very sincerely vours,

* ' G. L. Y.

>it

u 2

THE WATCHFUL SERVANT

A SERMON

PREACHED AT THORNIIILL CHURCH, JUNE 19, I8it,

OCCA.SIOKKD BY THE UEATH OF

THE REV. GEORGE MORTIMER, M.\.,

Rector of that Township.

BY THE REV. F. L. OSLER.

oco

req

coi

era

br(

del

ti<

fi
o

A SERMON.

LUKE XII. 37.

BLESSED ARE THOSE SERVANTS WHOM THE LORD, WHEN
HE COMETH, SHALL FIND WATCHING."

On receiving an invitation to officiate on the mournful
occasion which calls us together, accompanied with a
request that I would also preach a sermon suitable
to the afflicting circumstance, the oft-repeated en-
couragement of my dear departed friend, eagerly to
embrace every opportunity of setting forth Christ, wai»
brought home to my mind, and a voice from the
dead seemed to say. Stand in my accustomed place,
and for me tell to my bereaved family and friends,
to the people of my charge and of my many prayers,
that the Gospel which they have so often heard
proclaimed by the lips now cold in death, is not a
vague uncertainty, but the power of God unto salva-
tion ; and while they weep for one whose most earnest
endeavours were to promote their welfare, that they
should not sorrow as those without hope, but seek
earnestly to become imitators of those who through
faith and patience inherit the promises.

So suddenly was he whose loss we mourn taken
from the midst of us, that the necessity and duty
of watchfulness naturally presents itself to the mind ;

mmdi

296

SERMON.

such is the injunction impHed in the words of my
text — to that and the blessing promised let us first
direct our attention.

Under the figure of a householder, or master, and
his servants, Christ represents Himself, and those
who profess to be His disciples ; for it is evident that
the words are addressed to such, and not to the
godless and profane. And as Christ's watching
servants are also to be working servants, fidelity,
diligence, and perseverance the Lord requires to
find in them, when he comes to call them to their
account.

" It is required in stewards that a man be found
faithful," saith St. Paul. No other qualification can
compensate for the want of this, and the higher the
trust reposed, the greater is the fidelity required.
How solemn, then, and awful, is the position of the
minister of Christ ! he has not only to watch for his
own soul, and take care lest his very duties, by their
frequent performance, become the means of imper-
ceptibly leading him to trust in them, and think
that because he is made useful to others> it must,
therefore, be well with himself, but also to watch
for the souls of others. As Christ's ambassador,
there is committed unto him the ministry of re-
conciliation, to entreat sinners in Christ's stead to
be reconciled to God ; and should any perish through
his wilful neglect, either to warn or to give instruc-
tion, against the unfaithful minister is denounced
the fearful sentence, " his blood will T require at thy
hand."

Deeply did our beloved friend feel this ; his daily
prayer and study was to make full proof of his
ministry, and seek by every means to win souls to
Christ. His manner of life from the time of his
first coming among you, up to the hour of his death,
is known to most present. In his family the kind
husband, parent, and master, anxious for the comfort

SERMON.

297

ords of my
let us first

master, and
and those
vident that
not to the
3 watching
s, fidelity,
'equires to
m to their

I be fi)und
ieation can
higher the
' required.
;ion of the
tch for his
s, by their

of imper-
and think
, it must,

to watch
fibassador,
;ry of re-
» stead to
ti through
'^e instruc-
lenounced
lire at thy

his daily
)f of his

souls to
le of his
his death,
the kind
e comfort

and welfare of all, yet most anxious that each who
dwelt beneath his roof, might love that Saviour who
was so precious to his own soul. Owing to the
delicate state of his health, and what he suffered from
even a little unusual excitement, he was, perhaps,
seen less in his family than most clergymen ; but
those friends with whom he felt that he could act
freely, and leave when he found himself no longer
equal to conversation, will doubtless bear me witness,
that as the head of a family few excelled him, and
that it was a happy privilege to join with him at the
family altar^in prayer and praise.

In the temporal property which God had given
him, we find the same earnest care that God might
be glorified thereby. His liberality is well known,
and the principle on which he acted, he believed to
be in accordance to God's revealed word. At first,
a tenth of his property was set apart, and after a
little while, not feeling satisfied with that portion,
one seventh of his income, as he received it, was
regularly set apart, and most carefully used, as might
best promote the glory of God, and the good of his
fellow-creatures. All he possessed he considered as
a talent given by God with the injunction, " Occupy
till I come," and as a good steward he laboured
faithfully to improve the talent committed to his
trust.

But the fulfilment of his ministerial duties was
that which engaged his most earnest attention.

He would not offer to the Lord that which cost
him nothing, and whether his sermons were what
is commonly termed extempore, or written, they
were composed with much care, and after much
prayer. His anxiety was to win souls to Christ, and
to give to each his portion of meat in due season ;
he was careful, almost to a fault, that the subject on
which he was treating should be rightly divided.

,f-

298

SERMON.

But his greatest delight* appeared to be in visiting
his people from house to house, warning the wicked
of the danger of his ways, encouraging the weak,
comforting the feeble minded, but more especially
delighting to dwell upon that theme so dear to his
own soul, the love of Christ. As a father with his
children, they were all upon his heart, and few days
were suffered to elapse in which he did not visit some
famiUes, and his visits were literally ministerial ones,
as many present can testify, and who will do well to
treasure carefully the instructions they have received,
and pray earnestly that they may be profitable to
their souls. Judging by the test which Christ him-
self hath given us, " By their fruits ye shall know
them," will it not be the testimony of all who knew
our dear departed brother, that he was in the highest
sense of the term a faithful minister of God ? and
doubtless he has heard from that Master whom he
loved and served, " Well done, good and faithful
servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

And he was not only faithful but diligent. It is
well known that the strength of our friend was small,
and that he was afflicted with a nervous affection, the
natural tendency of which is to prostrate the energies
both of mind and body. He felt this and struggled
against it, and frequently would return to his house
completely exhausted. With him there was no
** spare thyself;" whatsoever his hand found to do,
he did it with all his might, and as a good servant,
his aim and endeavour were to make the most of
that strength which was given him.

Patience and perseverance also are necessary

* After stating that it was Mr. Mortimer's deligh to visit
his people, Mrs. M. informed me that his nervousness was so
great, that pastoral visiting was a duty he rather dreaded
than delighted in. How faithfully then must that duty have
been performed when thus imagined to be his delight! —
Note by the Author.

SERMON.

299

in visiting

he wicked
the weak,

especially
ear to his
r with his
I few days
visit some
erial ones,
lo well to

received.
Datable to
hrist him-
hall know
who knew
he highest
jrod? and

whom he
d faithful
i."

;nt. It is
was small,
Jction, the
le energies
struggled
his house

was no
nd to do,
3 servant,
e most of

necessary

gh to visit
less was so
er dreaded
t duty have
delight !—

qualifications for the Christian minister. " Ye have
tience.

pati

saith the Apostle St. Paul, " that

after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive
the promise." " Add therefore," saith St. Peter, " to
your faith, virtue ; and to virtue, knowledge ; and to
knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, j»a^«>nce."
"In your patience," saith Christ, "possess j^e your
souls." And because his difficulties are great, and
the enemies with which he has to contend, numerous
and powerful, he must put on the whole armour of
God, in order to withstand the evil day, and having
done all to stand. He must not only pray, but pray
with all prayer and supplication in the spirit ; he
must not only watch, but watch with all perseverance.
May it not, alas ! be said of some, that they began
well, but lacked patience to run the race that was
set before them; as St. Paul complains of the
Galatians (chap. v. "), Ye did run well, and yet
afterwards they made shipwreck of faith. The
young Christian, when he feels himself as a brand
plucked out of the burning, and experiences the love
of Christ in his soul, constraining him to devote all
his powers to the service of that God who called him
out of darkness into marvellous light, like Peter, is
ready to combat a host of men in his Master's defence,
wonders at his former blindness, and almost thinks
it strange, that any should neglect the service of so
good a Master. And in like manner the young
minister, when first appointed to his charge, and
opening his commission as one of God's ambassadors,
like the untried soldier, thinks of great things to be
achieved, and the difficulties seem light ; but by
degrees both find that the course cannot be run with-
out many a struggle, nor the victory won without
many a battle. And the minister of Christ more
than any other, will be assaulted by the great adver-
sary of souls with temptations exactly suited to his
circumstances and disposition, and all tending to one

I> '

300

SERMON.

point, the making Christ, and Christ crucified, if I
may so state it, a secondary object in his ministra-
tions, first in name, second m reality, giving to other
duties and doctrines, valuable in themselves and in
their proper place, that pre-eminence which belongs
to Christ alone. Alas ! my brethren, do we not see
too much of this in the present day ? Bread is asked
for, and a stone is given by some who once preached
" Christ in everything, and everything in Christ.'*
But we can thankfully bear testimony to the per-
severance of our dear departed brother in the right
way ; from the day of his admission into the sacred
office of the ministry up to the hour of his removal
from us, he looked unto Jesus, as the author and
finisher of his faith, set Him always before him, and
with deep humility sought to follow in his steps.

He was ordained in the year 1811, and for many
years officiated in the parish of Madeley, England,
and the testimony of those who knew him there is,
that he was systematic in all his plans, which were
laid after much consideration and prayer, and then
as earnestly carried out. For eleven years and a half
he was your minister, part of which time he was
unable to perform any active duties from weakness,
and a violent nervous affection which seized him
when *he Bishop of Toronto visited this place, to
conLcornte the church and confirm the young. It
was to him a severe trial to be laid aside, as he used
to express himself, as of no more use, and yet with
cheerful humility he would often observe, "The
Lord's work can go on without me," or words to
that effect. But contrary to his own expectation
and that of his friends, he was again restored to com-
parative health and strength, and oh, how eagerly
did he resume his duties directly he felt himself
equal to them, and his gratitude to God was great
for enabling him again to set forth Christ !

Joined to fidelity, diligence, and perseverance, was

SERMON.

301

Jified, if I
i ministra-
g to other
es and in
b belongs
ve not see
id is asked
preached
Christ."
the per-
the right
he sacred
s removal
[ithor and
him, and
iteps.
for many
England,
I there is,
hich were
and then
ind a half
e he was
weakness,
ized him
place, to
)ung. It
) he used
I yet with
B, "The
words to
pectation
d to com-
V eagerly
himself
v&s great

mce, was

continual watchfulness. He waited for the Lord's
coming, he watched unto prayer, as one who was to
give an account. The exhortation of the prophet
Ezekiel (iii. 17), "Son of man, I have made thee a
watchman unto the house of Israel," was deeply im-
pressed upon his mind, and every means in his
power he used to win souls to Christ. He watched
over the young of his flock with a father's love and
a father's anxiety, and many present can testify to
the affectionate kindness with which he received them
in little parties to explain and enforce the precepts
of the Gospel. In visiting his people he was watch-
ful to speak a word in season, making it, I believe,
a rule never, or very rarely, to leave a house or family
without speaking of the one thing needful. Ever
remembering that the vows of God were upon him,
he was studiously careful that even in manner he
might act as became a minister of God, whilst at the
same time few were more cheerful than himself. His
pulpit preparations were also subjects of much
anxious watchfulness and prayer : he studied what he
conceived to be his people's wants, and in love endea-
voured to declare to them the whole counsel of God.

And whilst watchful over those committed to his
charge he was not unmindful of that solemn hour
which has come upon him. For some time previous
to his death, he seemed to have the subject con-
tinually present to his mind, and would frequently
observe to the servant who drove him, on returning
from his accustomed rides, " Once more the Lord
has brought us home in safety ;" and particularly
during the last week his conversation at every house
he visited, was on death, and the necessity of a con-
stant state of preparation for it, warning the careless,
and entreating the almost Christian to come out from
an ungodly world, and so to live as to be accounted
worthy to stand before the Son of Man, when he
shall come to judge the world in righteousness.

302

SERMON.

A few days since he observed to his servant, " I
shall not be long here," and mentioned with satisfac-
tion that the house was his private property, and
that Mrs. Mortimer would not have to leave it, as
she must have done had it been a parsonage. These
remarks were made when his bodily health appeared
to be improving, and, humanly speaking, there was
every probability of his being spared many years ;
and it is satisfactory to dwell on these minute par-
ticulars now, as they give us the most certain evi-
dence that the sudden call to render up the account
of his stewardship found him ready and watchful for
the summons.

Our beloved friend was found watching, and the
blessing promised is his portion ; he received the
earnest of it in this world, he doubtless enjoys it
more fully now.

He was blessed in the enjoyment, in no small
degree, of the confidence and affection of his people ;
he was looked up to as a father and a friend, and the
outward demonstrations of respect and sorrow which
appear on every side this day prove that the loss is
felt to be no common one, and many are ready to
exclaim, "My father! my father! the chariot of
Israel and the horsemen thereof."

He was blessed in being permitted to see that his
labours were not in vain in the Lord. Whilst we
would by no means lay down ministerial success as
the certain token of God's favour, or the want of it
a mark of his displeasure — for sometimes the most
faithful devoted ministers are only permitted to sow
the seed, while others reap the harvest, in order
practically to prove to us that it is not by human
might or power, but by the Spirit of God alone, that
souls can be converted to Him ; that a Paul may
plant, and Apollos water, but it is God alone who
giveth the increase — yet it is a blessing, and a great
and precious one, to be permitted to see the work of

SERMON.

303

rvaut, "I
h sntisfac-
)erty, and
eave it, as
;e. These
I appeared
there was
ny years ;
inute par-
'rtaiii evi-
le account
itchful for

and the
leived the
enjoys it

no small
is people ;
d, and the
•ow which
the loss is
I ready to
;hariot of

3 that his
>Vhilst we
uccess as
vant of it
the most
id to sow
in order
►y human
lone, that
'aul may
done who
d a great
B work of

the Lord prospering in our hands. Little, perhaps,
do some present think of the anxious hopes and
fears which fill the minister's heart while preparing
for his public ministrations, or striving to bring
before his people the whole counsel of God. How
often in the bitterness of disappointed hope he is
ready to exclaim, " Who hath believed our report ?"
But when he marks the earnest attention paid to his
ministrations, the vanities of the world forsaken by
some, who boldly, and yet with humility declare.
Whatever be the conduct of others, " as for me and
my house we will serve the Lord ;" great is his en-
couragement, and he goeth on his way rejoicing.
This blessing was vouchsafed to our dear departed
friend, and he was also permitted to see that his
ministrations were so highly valued that the church
in which we are now assembled required twice to
be enlarged to accommodate the increasing congre-
gation.

. There is something painful in the thought that
so good a man should be thus suddenly, and in
such a manner, taken from the midst of us. We
should have chosen for him a long and peaceful old
age, and when, at length, he must depart this life,
like corn fully ripe, the Master whom he loved and
served would come and gently receive him to himself.
But his death and the manner of it was appointed
by One wiser than man, and who loved him better
than his dearest earthly friends. Even in his sudden
death, there was a blessing and an answer to many
prayers. From the state of his bodily health, and
what he had previously suffered, he used to dread
the pains of dying, and earnestly prayed that he
might either be spared these pains, or be strength-
ened under them. And God gave him more than
he asked ; for nearly two years past this di oad was
taken away, and the bodily pain he suffered after
the accident, was, I have been informed, not equal

') .j

i !

) ,:

304

SERMON.

to the uneasy sensations experienced at fainting. At
first, he did not consider that he had received a
fatal injury, and on heing taken up, exclaimed, " He
keepetjj aft my bones, not one of them is broken."

His kind friend and physician Dr. Paget, hastened
to his assistance, and brought him gently home.
The family, naturally much alarmed, eagerly met
him as he was being carried into the house, anxious
to ascertain the extent of the injury ; he strove to
calm their fears by telling them, what he then really
thought, that he was not seriously hurt. But when
laid upon his bed, and he found, as he expressed it,
that it would be instant death for him to lie in any
but the one position, then he felt that he should
never rise again, and was thankful for being brought
home to his own comfortable bed. He then spoke
with much feeling of the kindness and gentleness
of the persons who took him up immediately after
the accident, repeating, "Kind— kind," and expressed
himself as quite resigned to the will of God, not
anxious to live, and ready to die. He alluded briefly
to his temporal affairs, and when he felt his end
approaching, desired that those who were not present
might be called, when he addressed a few words sepa-
rately to each, ending with " God bless you.'* It was
evidently an effort for him to speak much, and his
memory appeared to be in some degree affected, as
he mentioned none of the family who were absent,
and only addressed those present as they stood
directly before him. Having spoken to his family,
he then prayed for his people ; they had always been
Tery dear to him, and often had his prayers ascended
before the throne of grace on their behalf, and now,
ere the spirit took its flight, whilst yet he might
plead for a blessing to descend upon them, he lifted
up his heart vrith the words, " God bless my poor
dear people ;" and having uttered this prayer, he lay
for a time quite still, and then so gently fell asleep

SERMON.

305

ting. At

received a

ncd, " He

roken."

, hastened

tly home.

gerly met

e, anxious

J strove to

hen really

But when

pressed it,

lie in any

he should

ig brought

fien spoke

gentleness

ately after

. expressed

God, not

led briefly

It his end

ot present

ords sepa-

It was

and his

ffected, as

re absent,

ley stood

lis family,

evays been

ascended

and now,

he might

he lifted

J my poor

er, he lay

'ell asleep

in Jesus, that an old and valued servant of the family
observed, "How sweetly master is sleeping!" and knew
not that it was death until told by the physician,
" It is the sleep of death."

He was permitted to retain his senses to the last,
having lived about four hours after the accident.

Beloved friends, may the dying prayers of your
late valued minister be heard and answered abun-
dantly on your behalf! " Blessed are the dead which
die in the Lord, even so, saith the Spirit, for they
rest from their labours." Our departed friend has
fought the good tight, has finished his course, and
entered into his rest. He now beholds Him whom
having not seen he loved. Oh that those who are
ready to exclaim " Let me die the death of the righ-
teous, and let my last end be like his," may treasure
up the instruction they have received from him they
will see no more, till all meet at the judgment-seat
of Christ, and seek to follow in the steps of their
departed minister as he followed Christ.

We observe from what has been stated, that even
in death he was greatly blessed, but what is that
compared with the blessing he is now inheriting !
We weep around his lifeless corpse, but his freed
spirit rejoices in the presence of its God. Eye hath
not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into
the heart of man to conceive the things which God
hath prepared for them that love him : and in a
little time, that which was a weak and fragile body
whilst animated by the spirit, and now about to turn
to corruption, shall rise a glorious body ; it is sown
in corruption, it is raised in incorruption ; it is sown
dishonour and shall be raised in glory. Our

departed friend looked forward to this when more
than once he exclaimed, a little before he closed his
eyes in death, " I am going to my rest," not yet to
the fulness of bliss. It doth not yet appear what we
shall be, man cannot describe it; raise the imagination

30C

SERMON.

to the highest ])itch, and still it will fall far short of
the reality ; for ** when He shall appear, we shall be
like Him, for we shall see Him ns He is."

From this subject let us seek to derive some prac-
tical improvement.

1st. A solemn warning. The words of my text
are addressed by Christ through his servant to each
present, and the scene before us proves that in such
an hour as we think not, the Son of man comcth.
Who would have thought a few days since, that wc
should have been assembled here on this occasion, or
that your minister, whose renewed strength seemed to
promise many years of usefulness, would have been
thus cut off suddenly as in a moment ? Oh, my
brethren, you well know that he taught you long and
faithfully, ever willing to spend and be spent in your
service. You must meet him at the judgment-seat
of Christ, and how will you answer it if you then be
found unprofitable servants, and he who loved and
served you here, and was honoured and loved by you
in return, be obliged to testify against you, that he
entreated you in Christ's stead to be reconciled to
God, and you refused ? May the awful words which
are written in the forty-seventh verse of the chapter
from whence my text is taken, awaken each of you
to greater diligence, since the servant which knew his
Lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did
according to that will, shall be beaten with many
stripes.

2nd. Submission to God's will. Be still and know
that I am God, and this not of necessity, because we
must submit, but pray and labour that though sor-
rowful we may yet be rejoicing, since we sorrow not
as those without hope, that this affliction may
produce a lasting blessing. Thus Eli submitted when
the message from the Lord declared such heavy
tidings against him and against his family, saying, "It
is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good."

SEKMON.

307

sliort of
s shall be

me prac-

my text
it to each
it in such

Cometh.

that we

casion, or

leemed to

lave been

Oh, my
long and
t in your
nent-seat
I then be
oved and
(d by you
I, that he
)nciled to
'ds which
e chapter
h of you
knew his
?ither did
th many

and know
;cause we
Dugh sor-
)rrow not
ion may
;ted when
;h heavy
ying, "It
1 good."

And thus holy Job, when his property was lost, all
his children taken, and his body afflicted with sore
boils, from the sole of his foot to the crown of his
head, and his very wife urging him to curse God and
die — "Shall we receive good at the hand of the
Lord, and shall we not nveive evil ? The Lord gave
and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name
of the Lord."

3rd. Encouragement. We remember the gifts
and graces of our departed friend ; but from whence
were they derived ? What made him what he was ?
The Lord. And who supported him all his journey
through life ? It was the same God. He found the
grace of God sufficient for him, and the feeling of his
heart at all times was, " not unto us, O Lord, not unto
us, but unto Thy name be the glory." The God who
called, guided, supported, and blessed our departed
friend, is still the same. His arm is not shortened,
nor his ear heavy, and His direction to us is, ask and
ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. We may
therefore derive also

4th. Comfort. Doubtless our friend hath entered
into the presence of the Lord, and the meanest re-
deemed sinner will sing a louder song of triumph
than the highest archangel. Angels have never
tasted of pardoning grace and redeeming love. Did
you love your minister ? Then thank God that he is
released from all sorrow and trial. Thank God for
what he has promised, that, having preserved your
minister to the end, He will, if you seek Him, also
preserve you.

My reverend brethren, in this bereavement, there is
a message from God sent to us, as watchmen of the
House of Israel. One is taken from our midst, and
we are left exposed to peculiar trials and temptations.
Our brother was the same, and he continued faithful
to the end. And what was his strength and comfort /
It was Chiist. Oh let us beware of preaching

'M)S

SERMON.

anything but Christ crucified, as " the way, the truth,
ana the life" for perishing sinners. The more we seek
and exalt Him, the more shall we feel in our happy
experience, *• Christ all and in all."

In conclusion, let me remind this congregation
that your late minister's instructions are yet sounding
in your ears. Oh take heed to them. Pray that
the Holy Spirit may be to you a spirit of remem-
brance, bringing again to your minds what has been
said to you ; and as you pass the mound of earth
which covers his mortal remains, strive to call to
mind what he said while yet with you, and seek the
grace of God to enable you so to live that you may
become followers of those who, through faith and
patience, inherit the promises. Amen.

J. Uowla, Printer, ai, Bui kiursbiii>, L<Mi>iun

he truth,
e we seek
ir happy

^regation
sounding
'ray that
i" remem-
has been
of earth
3 call to
seek the
you may
faith and

September, 1847.

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