^FoTprI^^ OG/CAL SCV BX 7176 .W126 1880 Waddington, John, 1810-1880 Congregational history: 1850-1880 (XMREGATMAL HISTORY. 1850—1880. (FIFTH VOLUME IN THE SERIES, COMPLETING THE WORK.) JOHNVWADDINGTON", D.D., author of Congregational History," 1200—1567; "Congregational History," 1567—1700 "Congregational History," 1700 — 1800; and "Congregational History," continuation to 1850. LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO. 1880. 1...-ND0N : PKiNifcu by Simmons & Botibn, olioe Laue, E.C. PREFACE. The last volume of "Congregational History" (continuation to 1850) left the story respecting the character, labours, and testimony of several of the eminent leaders who have recently passed away, incomplete. More is due injustice to their memory. The institutions formed by them have been fairly tested, and we now reap the fruit of their anxious thought and of their self-denying toil — we enter into their labours. To understand clearly the extent of our obligation and the weight of our responsibilities, it is important to ascertain the point to which we have reached. In the review of the last thirty years, with considerable excitement at intervals and some lost opportunities, we may mark decided stages of progress. At the beginning of this period persistent efforts were made to change our simple order of worship, and to modify the preaching either in substance or in form, in order to meet the re- quirements of the age. This demand, reiterated iv PREFACE. with great pertinacity, was strenuously resisted, on the ground that the pretended reform was neither needed, nor on any account to be desired. The simple polity derived from the New Testament, and beautiful in its Divine simplicity, it was contended, would continue with churches spiritually minded unchanged from age to age, and the Gospel, in- mutable as its Author, and meeting the deepest wants of man, would never lose its peerless value. Venerable men who had preached that Gospel for nearly half a century watched the agitation on the part of some of the younger ministers with trembling solicitude for the future, and entreated them with their dying breath to hold fast the truth so precious to themselves, and which had been such a blessing to others. " We are allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel," and without the fulfilment of our sacred obligations in reference to it, no eloquence or learning can secure its continuance. This sense of responsibility was felt by a few earnest laymen who devoted property, influence, and personal effort for the diffusion of the Gospel in the neglected districts of the country by the agency of a revived Home Missionary Society. This glowing zeal would have been chilled by the influence of doubt as to the Divine authenticity of Holy Scripture, and of this there was no small danger. A party of Anglican clergymen published a series PREFACE. V of Essays and Reviews, in which they denied the truths they had sworn to maintain, and the contagion of their example spread far and wide. At this critical juncture the Bicentenary movement awakened attention to the necessity of fidelity to conscience. Chapels were erected in every part of the country to commemorate the ejectment of two thousand ministers who were true to their convictions, and the Memorial Hall was raised for the same object. Unable to suppress the preaching of the Gospel, the "enemies of the Cross of Christ" sought to dilute it with the maxims of a vain and atheistic philosophy, flattered by the idea of intellectual superiority. Some of our pastors were drawn aside and made shipwreck of faith. But the ruin was limited to the circle of their own scattered congre- gations. Faithful men appeared in defence of the truth, and " the plague was stayed." A more dangerous combination for mischief followed. Under the guise of enlarged liberality, a mixed company, insidiously in the first instance, and afterwards with greater boldness, attempted to divest the Churches of their distinctive character, and to admit to their association all who desired to join them, irrespective of their theological opinions, after the model of free churches on the Continent so fatal to the interests of religion, and ultimately so destruc- tive to sound morality. Hesitancy or inaction at such a crisis on the part of the Churches might have VI PREFACE. brought a blight over the entire field of English Congregationalism. But simultaneously, and with wonderful promptitude and decision, the Churches raised their earnest protest, and a demonstration was made in favour of purity of communion, not soon to be forgotten, and the promoters of the scheme were relegated by moral force to the deepest shade. The details connected with these successive movements are given in the following pages in their natural order, and in every variety of form. Congregational leaders have ever been character- ized by their public spirit — alive to the honour, security, and progress of the nation and the general welfare of humanity. The hereditary and unbought witnesses for civil and religious freedom, they are expected to take their place in the front of every contest for right from the force of deep conviction. Their history, in consequence, touches, more or less, on every public movement. We have had, therefore, to take cognisance, during "the last thirty years, of the gold discovery in Australia, the mutiny in India, the civil war in America, the geographical explora- tions in Africa, and of various incidents affecting the court and the people. We have given special attention to the wonderful course of Dr. Livingstone, on which a clearer light is thrown from his letters, hitherto unpublished, and those of his brother, Mr. Charles Livingstone. PREFACE. Vll A certain haze gathered around his name after his retirement from the London Missionary Society, which might have settled into a permanent shade ; but the letters now published for the first time, show that his consistency, zeal, and devotedness increased to the end of his course, and it is a rare satisfaction to put on record the evidence of this interesting fact. It remains only for us to express our devout thankfulness for the Divine help and guidance, and to renew the assurance of our grateful sense of the kindness of those who have cheered us by their confidence and willing co-operation. The substantial recognition of our labours conveyed to us by the Rev. Samuel Pearson, M.A., and Mr. Samuel Morley, M.P., in the name of a Committee, including the names of those who are held in the highest esteem in the denomination,* has been to us, under recent experience, a source of peculiar comfort and satisfaction. We are abundantly encouraged to * Samuel Morley, Esq., M.P., Trea- Rev. R.^W. Dale, M.A., D.D. surer. Rev. Thomas Green, M.A. Rev. Samuel Pearson, M. A., Hon. Sec. Rev. Alexander Hannay. William Armitage, Esq., J. P. Rev. John Kennedy, D.D. Rev. J. Baldwin Brown, B.A., Rev. Enoch Mellor, D.D. Chairman of the Congregational Rev. Samuel Newth, D. D. Union. Rev. Alexander Raleigh, D.D. Rev. W. Lindsay Alexander, D.D. Rev> h, r, Reynolds, D.D. Rev. Henry Allon, D.D. Rev> j. q. Rogers, B.A. Rev. Henry Batchelor. Rev. John Stoughton, D.D. Rev. A. Morton Brown, LL.D. Rev. H. Arnold Thomas, M.A. Rev. Eustace Conder, M.A. Rev. H. Storer Toms. Rev. W. Cuthbertson, Chairman of Rev. Alexander Thomson, D.D. the Congregational Union. viii PBEFACE. hope that, in the future. Congregational History will not be neglected, nor its lessons 'unheeded. Our best thanks are due to the friends who have aided us in giving access to original documents of peculiar interest and value. Amongst others to Mrs. Joshua Wilson, Mr. Fitch, Mr. Abraham Haworth, Rev. James Griffin, Mr. A. 0. Simpson, Rev. C. Chapman, Mr. Scales, Mr. T. H. Collins, the Secretaries of our Denominational Societies, Mrs. M. Wood, and others ; and to Rev. G. Orme, Rev. Joseph Waddington, and Rev. G. G. Waddington, for their help in the correction of the proofs. 9, Surrey Square, London, April 5th. 1880. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Transitionary Period. Science and Philosophy. New College. Christian Spectator. Address of Dr. John Morison. Rev. James Baldwin Brown, B.A. Ministry for the Age. Dr. Campbell on the Spirit of the Age. Dr. Vaughan and Mr. Edward Mi all. Eclectic Review and Rev. William Linwood. Opposition of Dr. Campbell to the Anti- State Church Society. Demand for his removal from the Editorship of Cliristian Witness. Discussion in the Congregational Union. Interposition of the Rev. Joseph Fletcher. Resolution of the Union. Reconciliation of Dr. Price and Dr. Campbell. Mr. Binney on the Ecclesiastical movement of his Time. Review of the Period by Dr. Vaughan. Union of Evangelical Churches of France. Dr. John Harris, first President of New College . . . 1 — 25 CHAPTER II. Excitement on the Papal Aggression. " Pastoral " of Cardinal Wiseman. Retirement of Dr. Pye Smith. Presentation of an Address. Closing Scenes. Dr. J. Harris on the Life, Character, and Services of Dr. Pye Smith. Address of Rev. John Kelly on the Times of Doddridge. Rev. George William Conder. Rev. Brewin Grant and Rev. Henry Townley and the Working Classes. Rev. R. S. Bayley's Lecture on Inspiration. Mr. Baldwin Brown and the Great Exhibition. Dis- covery of Gold in Australia. Mr. John Fairfax and Mr. West 26 — 50 CHAPTER III. Rev. Joseph John Freeman. Madagascar Refugees. Letter to their Perse- cuted Brethren. Mr. Freeman's Visit to Africa. Letter from the Mauritius. Address of Welcome from Dr. Leifchild. Last Days of Mr. Freeman. Death of Dr. Philip. Letter from Rev. Thomas CONTENTS. Durant Philip. Anxiety for the -Churches at Home. Removal of Students from New College. Mr. Theobald on the Spirit of the Age. Address of Rev. J. A. James at the Funeral of Rev. T. Weaver. Testimony of Rev. T. Lewis. His Death. Rev. W. Rooker. Letter of Dr. Campbell on being Proposed as Chairman of Congregational Union. Death of Dr. Wardlaw. Last Interview of Mr. James with Mr. Jay. Address of Rev. James Griffin to the Students of Lan- cashire College . . . . ... 51 — 77 CHAPTER IV. David Livingstone. Alexander McKellar. Letter of Rev. David Moir from Independent Church in Hamilton. Application of Mr. Livingstone to the Directors of the London Missionary Society relating his Religious Experience and Doctrinal Views. Letter of his Father, Mr. Neil Livingstone. Letter of Mr. Livingstone from Ongar. ■ Mr. McKellar in Berbice. His Death. Baptism of Alexander Oberlin McKellar over his Father's Grave. Meeting of Livingstone and Moffat in Africa. First Explorations of Livingstone. Sufferings from Thirst. Letter of Mr. Livingstone to Dr. Tidman. Solitary Journey. Attack on the Kuruman. Purpose of Livingstone. Dis- appointment at Zambesi. Change of Route. Hospitality of Mr. Gabriel atLoanda. Geographical Society. Speech of Earl Ellesmere. Reply of Dr. Tidman. Letter of Dr. Tidman to Mr. Livingstone forwarding Gold Medal. Letter of Dr. Tidman to Mr. Gabriel. Reply of Mr. Gabriel ..... 78— 10G CHAPTER V. Claims of Australian Colonies. Appointment of Rev. Richard Fletcher and Rev. John Legge Poore. Mr. Poore's Self-portrait. " Conditions of Going." Heads of Agreement. Valedictory Service. Meeting for a Clear Understanding in Victoria. Visit to Sydney. Great Success. Visit to Tasmania. Mr. Hopkins' proposed College. Mr. Poore at Home. Visit to South Australia. Sudden Reverse. Letter of Mr. Fletcher. Founders of Spring Hill College — Mr. George Storer Mansfield, Mr. Charles Glover, Miss Elizabeth Mansfield, Mrs. Glover . 107—133 CHAPTER VI. Schemes of Congregational Reform. Mr. Miall's Proposals. Porterian Schemes. Rev. Thomas Lynch at Highgate. Mortimer Street. Dr. A. C. Simpson's Critique. Conflicting Opinions about Mr. Lynch. Character of his Congregation. Publication of the Rivulet. Opinions of the CONTENTS. XI Press. Protest of Fifteen Ministers. Dr. Campbell joins in the Strife. Explanation of Protesters. Demand for Freedom and Inde- pendence in the Pulpit. British Quarterly Old Theology versus New Theology. Review of Quarter of a Century, by Dr. Halley. Young Ministers and Christian Theology. Craven Chapel. Resignation of Dr. Leifchild 134—169 CHAPTER VII. Religious Press and Congregational Union Meeting. Discussion on Vote of Thanks to Dr. Campbell. Mr. Binney and Dr. Campbell at the Taber- nacle. Influence of Dr. Harris. Conference at Milton Club. Special Meeting for Securing Peace. Letter of Rev. J. A. James to Rev. John Kelly. Address of Rev. J. Stoughton. Report of the Committee. Consolidation of the Union. Letter of Rev. J. A. James. Rev. Richard Knill and the English Congregation at St. Petersburg. Warm Reception of Mr. Knill. Character of the Church. Letter of Mr. Knill to the Author of the "Natural History of Enthusiasm." Sir Charles Reed's Account of Mr. Knill's Visit to Leeds. Dr. Urwick on his Visit to Ireland. Death of Mr. Knill . . 170—196 CHAPTER VIII. Return of Peace. Address of Rev. John Stoughton. Rev. John Blackburn. Claremont Chapel. Rev. Spedding Curwen. Difficulties of Lan- cashire College. Withdrawment of Dr. Davidson. Pamphlet of Rev. Enoch Mellor, M.A., and Rev. J. G. Rogers, B.A. Appearance of Dr. Livingstone in London. Welcome by Directors. Speech of Earl Shaftesbury. Address of Dr. Vaughan. Conference of Dr. Living- stone with Directors of the London Missionary Society. New Mission to Central Africa. Speech of Dr. Livingstone. Dr. Livingstone and the Royal Geographical Society. Proposed Scheme of Missionary Operations. Address of Dr. Livingstone in the University of Glasgow. Professor Hill 197—225 CHAPTER IX. Missionaries Appointed for Central Africa, Letter of Mr. Moffat. Mr. Moffat's Journey to the Matabele. Letter of Mr. Moffat. Rev. Holloway Helmore Leader of the Mission to the Mokololo. Vale- dictory Meeting. Preparations at the Cape. Arrival at Kuruman. Threatened Attack of the Transvaal Boers. Departure of Missionary Party from Kuruman. Letter of Mrs. Helmore. Terrible Sufferings from Thirst. Arrival at Linyanti. Death of the Helmores. Return of Mr. Price. Death of Mr. Price. Mutiny in India. Rev. A. F. Xll CONTENTS. Lacroix. Letters of Rev. W. Buyers and Rev. James Kennedy. Course of Dr. Livingstone. Letters to Mr. Fitch. Journey on Foot. Letter of Mr. Charles Livingstone. Dr. Livingstone at Linyanti. Leprosy of Sekeletu. Letter of Dr. Livingstone to Dr. Tidman. Letters of Mr. Charles Livingstone. Letters of Dr. Livingstone to Mr. Fitch ...... 226—264 CHAPTER X. Congregational Board and the Neglected Population of London. Address of Rev. J. H. Wilson. Congregational Union for London Proposed — Mr. Joshua Wilson. Letter of Rev. James Matheson. Letter of Mr. Hadfield. Letter of Rev. Algernon Wells. Early Life of Rev. J. H. Wilson. Ragged Kirk at Aberdeen. Address of Rev. S. McAll. Mr. Samuel Morley. Rev. Alfred Vaughan sent to Germany. Bewilder- ing Experiences. Co-pastor with Rev. W. Jay. Letter to a Student. Letter to his Father. Sketch of Mr. Vaughan's Preaching, by Rev. J. B. Paton, M.A. Failure of Health. Hours with the Mystics. Dyiug Experiences ..... 265 — 291 CHAPTER XI. Conference of Home Missionary Society at Maidstone. Letter of Mr. Joshua Wilson to Mr. Morley. Rev. J. Hargreaves at Morecombelake. Last Days of Rev. J. A. James. Visit of Dr. Redford. Funeral. Rev. Robert Reynold's Pastoral Address. Reply of Deacons. Dr. Thomas Rees. Preparations of Mr. Joshua Wilson for Bicentenary. Letter of Mr. Hadfield to Mr. Joshua Wilson. Mr. Wilson's Reply. " Essays and Reviews." Latitudinarian Comprehension. Canon Miller and Rev. Samuel Martin ..... 292—321 CHAPTER XII. Letter of Rev. H. Addiscott to Mr. Samuel Morley. Cavendish College. Bristol Institution — Rev. E. J. Hartland, tutor. Address of Rev. H. J. Roper. Letter of V.ev. E. J. Hartland to Mr. Somerville. Rev. J. P. Allen, M.A., appointed Tutor. Paper of Mr. Joshua Wilson on Bicentenary. Memorial Hall. Letter of Mr. Alers Hankey to Mr. Morley, Mr. Joshua Wilson, and Mr. Spicer. Letter of Mr. Hadfield Proposing that Mr. Remington Mills should huild the Hall. Mr. Plint, Mr. Townley, and Mr. James. Speech of Mr. Dale on Mr. James. Speech of Rev. Andrew Reed, B.A. Address of Dr. Vaughan on the Ejected Ministers. Letters of Mr. Hadfield and Chapel Build- ing. Historical Pamphlet by Mr. Joshua Wilson. Letter of Mr. Isaac Taylor. Revivals. Dr. Alexander among the Children . 322 — 36C. CONTENTS. Xlll CHAPTER XIII. Report of the Congregational Union on the Bicentenary Movement. In- augural Address of Rev. Samuel Martin. Report of Results by Dr. Vaughan. Address of Central Committee. Chapel Building. Memorial of Pilgrim Fathers. Rev. James Clifford Hooper. Auto- biography of Rev. Joshua Clarkson Harrison. Rev. John Kennedy, M.A. Stepney Meeting. Dr. Vaughan's Address at Westminster 361—396. CHAPTER XIV. Address of Rev. Enoch Mellor, M.A. Review of the Bicentenary Year. Bishop Colenso. Power in the Ministry. No Substitute for the Gospel. Professor Newth on Definite Conviction. Rev. Benjamin Kent. Cause of Latent Doubt. Dr. Robinson on Atheistic Science. Dr. Stanley and Theology of the Nineteenth Century. Resignation of Dr. Raffles. Jubilee Address. Reply of Dr. Raffles. His Address to the Nonconformist Ministers of Liverpool- Last Sermon. Death and Funeral. Address of Rev. John Kelly . . 397 425 CHAPTER XV. Rev. Henry Allon's Address from the Chair of the Congregational Union on " The Christ, the Book, and the Church." Mr. Binney on the Old Unitarian Views. Diversity of Opinion on the " Book." Mr. Mellor. Mr. Morley. Explanation of the Chairman. Mr. Allon on Little Fellowships and Incompetent Ministers. Letter of Rev. Elias Oldways. Dr. Parker on an Educated Ministry. State of the Churches. Speech of Dr. Vaughan. Rev. J. Macfadyen. Rev. H. W. Parkinson. Rev. James Parsons ...... 426 — 446 CHAPTER XVI. Return of Dr. Livingstone and Review of his Course. Object of the Zambesi Expedition. Letter of Dr. Livingstone to the Bishop of Oxford. Disapproved by Rev. John Stoughton. Comment of Dr. Livingstone. Bishop Mackenzie and his " Crooked Stick." Fighting with the Natives. Letter of Dr. Livingstone. Charles Livingstone's Account. Second Detachment of Missionary Party. Another Mili- tary Expedition. Death of the Bishop. Appeal to the Boating-men of Oxford. Speech of Professor Kingsley. Conference of the Bishop of Cape Town. Sanguine Views Corrected by Mr. Charles Living- stone. Report of Mr. Proctor. Death of Mrs. Livingstone. Collapse of Universities' Mission. Description of Bishop Mackenzie's Staff. Withdrawment of the Government Expedition. Letter of Dr. Living- XIV CONTENTS. stone to Admiral Washington. Statement of Rev. Henry Rowley. Dr. Moffat on Civilization and Missions. Letter of Dr. Livingstone to Sir R. Murchison. Dr. Livingstone's Explanation of his Course His Sublime Purpose. Steadfast Faith . . . 447—478 CHAPTER XVII. Calamitous Effects of the War in America. Clerical Intolerance. Mr. Hadfield's Chapel Building Movement. His First Effort. Letter to Mr. Thomas Wilson. Letters to Rev. James Griffin. Inaugural Address of Rev. D. Thomas. Dr. Sturtevant's Pamphlet, Three Months in Cheat Britain. Resolution on Slavery and President Lincoln in Congregational Union. Dr. Vaughan's Speech. Mr. Dale. Dr. Halley. Appointment of Delegates to Boston Council. Dr. Vaughan in the Council. Dr. Alonzo Quint. Return of Delegates. Speech of Dr. Raleigh. Address of Dr. Vaughan. Letter of Mr. Poore on Canada. Reply of Mr. Climie — Letter of Dr. G. Smith. 479—517 CHAPTER XVIII. Rev. James Cranbrook's Renunciation of Christianity. The " Religion of Humanity," as Invented by M. Comte. Worship of Humanity as a Goddess. Madame Clotilde. Ireland, Scotland, and Wales to be Sepa- rated. Every State to be Governed by three Bankers. Scotland in the Rear. Mr. Dale on Scepticism and on Science and Religion. Gems of Scientific Philosophy. Mr. Spencer's Algebraic Rules of Conduct. Visit of Mr. Sen. Disappointment. Hopes of Mr. Brown. Letter of Rev. James Griffin on Dr. McKerrow's Proposal for United Com- munion Services. Leicester Conference. Report of the Committee of the Congregational Union. Discussion in the Annual Assembly. Sentiments Expressed by the Chairman. Rev. Samuel Pearson, M.A., on Creeds and Church Fellowship. Professor Simon on Free Churches in Germany. Mission of Congregational Churches . 518 — 540 CHAPTER XIX. Dr. George Smith and Tent Methodists. Adopts Congregational Principles. Ordination at Plymouth. Poplar. Secretary of the Congregational Union. His Death. Memorial Hall. Objects Contemplated in the Trust-deed. Dr. Joseph Parker and City Temple. Speech of Dean of Westminster. Reply of Dr. Parker. Principal Newth. Rev. Elisha Newth. Mr. Newth at Coward College — First Pastorate. In- vited to Western College, and to New College, etc. Dr. Binney and the " Little Child." In the Valley. Light at Eventide. Funeral Dis- course of Rev. W. Braden. Rev. John Kelly. Ordination Questions and Answers. Addresses of Ministers. Death of Mr. Kelly 541 — 569 CONTENTS. X CHAPTER XX. Rev. Robert Whitaker McAll. Visit to Paris. Paris Mission. Opposition. Pro- gress. Rev. W. Guest on Education of Ministers' Daughters. Milton Mount College. Decided Action of Mr. Morley. Erection of the Building. Lady Principal. First Report. Committee of Investi- gation. Result. Rev. W. Tarbotton. Irish Evangelical Society. London Congregational Union. English Residents in Wales. Letter of Dr. Halley. Conference in Chester. Speech of Mr. Henry Richard, M.P. Home Missionary Society, and Church Aid Society. Henry Rogers. Rev. Samuel Martin. Dr. A. Morton Brown. Rev. W. Braden. Mr. John Crossley. Mr. Hadfield. Rev. Robert Ash ton. 570—603 CHAPTER XXI. Australian Colonies. Dr. Binney's Notes of a Visit to the Churches. Letter to Rev T. James. Rev. R. Fletcher. Intended Visit to Manchester. His Death. Rev. M. A. Henderson. Last Days of Mr. Poore. Mr. Trigg and Western Australia. Rev. Joseph Johnstone. Letter of Mr. Trigg. Letter from Church Members at Freemantle. Collins Street Church, Melbourne. Rev. Thomas Jones. Leaves from the Journal of a Bush Missionary. Lake Tanganyika Mission. Dr. Mullens. Letter of Mr. Arthington. Statement of Dr. Mullens on Missions in Africa ....... 604—636 EGATIONAL HIE CHAPTER I. The middle of the present century was a period of marked transition. In philosophy there was a decided change, both in the subjects and Traditionary in the methods of investigation. The old Penoc- problems in relation to matters beyond the range of direct observation and experience were relinquished for a more simple examination of phenomena, exact analysis, and careful deduction so as to arrive at the basis of facts clearly ascertained. Science, it was contended, alone could speak with certitude. Claims f the This claim on the part of the new philo- new phiio- J, i • -i- • sophers. sophers naturally affected many m religious circles. Congregational leaders, in particular, were anxious that the rising ministry should be prepared to meet the exigencies of the times, and adapt their teaching to the altered condition of society. At the laying of the foundation stone of New College, St. John's Wood, London, May 11, 1850, bv Mr. J. Remington Mills, an " Oration " J ° New College, of the Venerable Dr. Pye Smith was read May n, by Dr. William Smith, in which he referred to the growing demand for higher learning, and the more perfect combination of educational forces. 1 2 CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. [CHAP. I. " From the beginning of the century each of these semi- naries'' (Homerton, Coward, and Highbury), "now united, has advanced in the comprehension of objects and methods Oration of for the professed studies — the unexampled progress Smith on which literature and science have made within that the Union period, and which have engaged the most active Colleges. minds in Europe and America, has been observed and studied with close attention, and has been followed by diligent effort. Deeply have been felt both the infinite obligation and the manifold difficulty of keeping pace with this progress, aud of still maintaining the proportion of regard to the elements and exercises of vital religion. Such a proportion cannot be just unless it be not merely parallel to the augmen- tation of human learning, but foreseeing, and wisely anticipating further advancement. " In each of these, and in all our sister institutions through the land, there has been a tendency to unity in the particular branches of stndy, and their relation to the ever enlarging circuit,, as the rays from one source of light spreading out in all directions, and thence from boundless space conducting back to the centre of all truth and goodness this essential unity could not but lead to actual manifestation. The simi- larity of objects and plans required an identity of instru- ments, an improvement of means, and, as a spontaneous result, an essential coalition in the midst of formal separation. And this would involve a replacement of the worn-out by the fresh and vigorous, and an important accession of number and power in the faculties and professorships. Hence the union of these three colleges has long been considered desirable ; and its prac- ticability has been a subject of anxious thought to individual minds, and, consequently, in due time, of deliberative counsels. The result has been the constitution of Neiv College, and the founda- tion now laid of the edifice in which its operations are to be carried on." In the department of periodical literature an attempt was made (though not the most suc- chvistian cessful) at corresponding improvement by spectator. th(j establisnment (in 1850) of the Chris- tian Spectator. CHAP. I.] CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 3 " It, was intended," the editor stated, "to supply a frequently expressed want on the part of intelligent and influential Dissenters for a magazine which, firmly based upon those essential truths which are designated Evangelical, should combine with a liberal discussion of them, higher literary merits than had usually been thought requisite to satisfy the taste of the public. Our general aim has been to advance vital godliness in the Christian Church, and to endeavour to strip certain of the Christianity of the present day of much that is conventional and impure, rags that only impede its progress and retard its triumph." With the most earnest desire for the progress of Christianity on the distinct lines of Divine . revelation, the older ministers regarded the new r . movement. the new movement with some misgivings. Dr. John Morison, from the Chair of the Con- gregational Union, gave expression to a feeling of solicitude. " Our pastors and churches," he said, " must co-operate with our colleges and tutors in providing the men who are to meet the claims of the age. They must search out and foster native genius ; they must have a care not to retard the bopeful, nor to encourage the incompetent ; they must be religiously determined that only the flower of the churches shall be offered for sanctuary service; that pre-eminent youthful devotedness shall be demanded of every candidate for the sacred office. But rest assured, if our Congregationalism is to keep its ground, and increase its sphere, there must be no trimming to the spirit of these speculative times — no sympathy with a relaxed theology — no tampering with a modified Rationalism — no shifting of the good old landmarks of Gospel truth — no Pelagian or Arminian importations into our pulpits ; but a steady and staunch adherence to those evangelical verities which have made us what we are ; and which, with an enlight- ened, fervent, and energetic ministry to uphold them, and to give them increased currency with the public, will hand down our Congregationalism to the ages of the future as a boon and a blessing to mankind. " These are times in which we must determine to be valiant 4 CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. [CHAP. I. for the truth of God. There are more than signs of an approach- ing struggle between the new and old theology ; between the advo- cates of a plenary and a modified inspiration ; between those who bnild their hopes on facts and evidence, and those who, on pretence of cultivating a loftier spiritualism, would rob us of our objective Christianity ; between those who have done nothing to build up our denomination, and those who have been chiefly known as destructives, unsettling everything and settling nothing : for this formidable conflict we need a threefold pre- paration— that of spirituality, wakefulness, and union. " Congregationalism cannot live on church theories and ab- stractions. Its very soul and life is the power of an all- subduing faith. It demands to be cherished in a devout heart. It requires to be fed and nourished by a spirit of childlike submission to the will of Christ. Our polity, however scriptural, will not shield us from the newly -resuscitated forms of error which are about to try the Christianity of the aye. We must become instinct with spiritual life, if the love of vital truth is to be maintained. The decline of spirituality among the Nonconformists of the last age led on gradually to Arian and Socinian heresy. Error has always followed in the wake of a cold and expiring godliness. There is nothing to give it effectual resistance but the power of a con- fiding and realizing faith. We may defy every form of religious sentiment antagonistic to the Gospel, if our hold of its essential and life-giving truths be all-pervading, heartfelt, and transform- ing. Let the piety and spirituality of our pastors and churches become every day a more palpable reality ; let ' the deep things of God ' be pondered with the awe and reverence which are due to them ; let the encroachments of an unsanctified literature be withstood in the confidence of a faith planted firmly in the truth of God ; let the spirit of the world be overborne and mastered by the prevalence of holy and devout affection ; let our churches he, in their practical and experimental economy, what they profess to be, and we shall have little to apprehend from the ' diverse and strange doctrines ' by which it is now sought to supplant the divine authority of the Bible, and to corrupt the pure and pel- lucid stream of evangelical Nonconformity. As Congregation- alists must ever reprobate all other modes of supporting and propagating truth but sound argument, tempered with meekness and charity, it is the more incumbent upon us that we should not CHAP. I.] CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 5 be found slumbering at our post, while the enemy is sowing tares in the very field which it is our duty to cultivate. " Closely allied with this course of thought and action will be tho desirableness and the benefit of cultivating more earnestly a spirit of vigorous and hearty union among ourselves. Substan- tial and well-consolidated union can only grow out of sympathy. Now, in proportion as we have spirituality and settled love of the truth in our churches, we ought, from sympathy, to have union and co-operation in their choicest and most influential forms. " It will be twenty-nine years next September, since, at the request of my then brethren and fathers in the ministry, I delivered a discourse before the Monthly Association of Pro- testant Dissenting Ministers, on the best methods of promoting an effectual union among Congregational churches, without infringing their independence. The discourse was published ; and I am glad to find, after the lapse of so many years, that it realizes, to some happy extent, the events which have since deve- loped themselves. There was then but faint hope of the existence of our Union, the subject was but little understood, and powerful jealousies held possession of many acute and virtuous minds. It is a great consolation to me, having been interested in the ideal of Congregational Union from my earliest years, to find, as I am now descending into the vale of life, that it has taken such deep root in the public mind of our churches. Our Union is now, happily, a great fact; I trust I may add, an increasing blessing." " Established in the faith, rooted, grounded, and settled," as in apostolic times, Dr. Morison main- tained that the churches would be prepared _ 1 L Kev. James for any conflict of opinion without, and Baldwin that the truth would shine forth in its and Ministry pristine beauty. Some of the younger 01 e ge' ministers now rising into prominence, contended that more than this would be required to meet the approaching crisis. The Rev. James Baldwin Brown said: — " It is impossible not to be struck with the admirable adap- 6 CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. [CHAP. I. tation of those who are now the old and venerated ministers of the Church, who, full of years of toils and honours, are cast- ing anxious and experienced glances at our present state and future prospects — to the kind of work demanded of them by the age ; as a body of strikingly practical men, not only in the sense in which we all ought to be practical, but in a further sense, not theorizing men, not deep students in this world's wisdom .... not caring to master the elements of this world's philo- sophy, rather jealous of such studies, and why ? Because when they arose, the antichristian spirit was not at all philosophic ; the attacks on Christianity were superficial — almost, except from their malignity, puerile ; the objections were chiefly outside objec- tions, whose great virus was the bitter malignity of the atheist heart. This statu of things called forth the right sort of men to deal with it — men of a bold and direct energy of intellect and eloquence ; men whose minds scarce deigned to analyse the antichristian problems of the day. Seeing that these mainly came from the surface, they contented themselves with more or less superficial answers, and threw all their energy into the practical exposition and powerful enforcement of the grand features of the Gospel, in a manner that went to the seat of the disorder, the evil-disposed atheist heart, with a power which, I fear, we may strive to imitate in vain. Now, the spirit of the age is changed, the intelligence of the age is inquiring of Christianity rather than antichristian, and to every inquiry from a perplexed and anxious spirit, a true answer must be given. We want the men to give it." Enlightened sympathy with the perplexed and doubting minds, and judicious counsels to meet their difficulties, no doubt were greatly needed, with gen- tleness and skill, but not an entire change of minis- tration. " Often has it been insinuated," said Dr. Campbell, " that the existing ministry is behind the age, not adapted to the age, and Dr Camnbell so ^or^ > ano- ^a^ a sPf cial ministry is wanted, and on the Spirit must be created, to meet the wants of this wonder- of the Age. f(.j era_ ^s tneme ]jas oeen flooded with random talk, words without knowledge, and vain boasting. A true CHAP. I.] CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 7 knowledge of the age as to ethics and theology wonld, probably, inspire but small respect, and certainly, no dread on the score of its wisdom or superiority in these matters to the ages which have gone before. If we are to listen to its vaunting notes as poured forth from the thousand trumpets — it is the age of celes- tial wisdom and transcendent philosophy ; but close scrutiny will soon reduce its claims on these grounds to very small dimen- sions. The age is, in many respects, indeed, one of marvellous development, and we are far from setting light by its claims on proper grounds. Everything everywhere is changed or chang- ing, and most changes are improvements; but man's spiritual nature remains the same as it was six thousand years ago — unchanged and unchangeable by any power that man can apply, and happily so, too, does the Gospel. These two facts at once settle the question. The ministry adapted to this age is just that which would have been adapted to every past, and which will continue to be adapted to every succeeding age. It is possible that such a ministry may exist in a season of great dearth of spiritual influence, and that it may, in consequence, be exer- cised with little effect, and only redound to the condem- nation of the hearers ; but this is a thing of the sovereignty of God. It does not affect the moral adaptation of the ministry as an instrument ; and, where the power descends, and the arm of the Lord is revealed, such is the ministry He ever delights to honour. The pulpit must not be confounded with the press. The infidel peculiarities of the day have chosen the press as their arena, and thither let them be followed, grappled with, and overthrown by Christian philosophers ; but let the pulpit, as a rule, be consecrated to its own special work. A ministry deeply erudite, far-sighted, and profoundly philosophic, in certain spots and centres, is much to be desired ; but a dozen such ministers are enough for a nation. Such, assuredly, is not the ministry for the masses of this age, nor will it be of any age for centuries to come. Such a ministry ought to be distinguished by a matter- of-fact rather than by a philosophic character, abounding in Gospel truth, deeply marked by strong affection rather than by strong reason, and intensely fervent. " What is wanted is, we think, not so much men of another and a lower order, a mob of half-taught persons, whose chief attribute shall be vulgar violence, impotent noise, and false fire ; 8 CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. [CHAP. I. not this, but more of sense, ability, and learning worked up into au apostolic mould, and fired with an apostolic spirit. Men formed upon the swivel principle, flexible and versatile, ready and willing to become all things to all men ; and while specially prepared for the middle class, in some good measure adapted to deal with either the highest or the lowest. There may occasionally arise among them individuals, from peculiar tact or temperament, more especially suited to the lowest ; and when such men arise, they should, of course, as far as possible, have full scope in the sphere which Providence seems to have marked out for them. But the thing wanted is, as far as practicable — the preparation of a ministry suited to all. Let the spirit of the Nonconformist ministry be apostolic, and it is impossible to over-educate it. The higher the education the better." In conducting the controversies of the time, called forth by the new theories, Dr. Vaughan, Dr. Campbell, and Mr. Edward Miall, chief representa- tives of the Nonconformist press, severally pursued Dr. Vaughan, a distinctive course. Dr. Vaughan dis- beU, andP" armed opposition by his candour and dis- Mr. Mian. crimination, and so fortified himself by sound argument, that his opponents were content, on the whole, to waive the right of reply. Dr. Campbell, in the same contention, was more vulner- able. The editor of the British Quarterly could write at leisure for a cultured class of readers, and engage contributors who were at liberty to select their own topics, and treat them in their own manner. The position of Doctor Campbell was not so favour- able. As editor of two monthly periodicals, in addi- tion to a weekly journal, pressed, moreover, with a large and multifarious correspondence, and writing in a dingy office, he had to meet the demand for printer's " copy" almost without premeditation, and with little opportunity for careful revision. Set for CHAP. 1.] CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 9 the defence of the truth, according to his own view, he was constantly on the alert to detect and to expose any deflection from evangelical principles on the part of the representatives of orthodox Noncon- formity. The alarm he sounded might sometimes be needless as that of the watch-dog; but on the slightest appearance of danger he was not inclined to sleep himself — nor to allow the inmates of the Congregational household to rest. Mr. Miall, a slow, patient thinker, with the clearest insight and rare devotion to principle, pro- secuted his task with great exactness. The blunders and extravagance of his opponents afforded ample scope for his keen and well - directed strokes. " Miall," said Dr. Abraham Calovius Simpson, " looks, and is, in fact, far above all the other editors, as the Monument is above the steeples about it." The personal discussions that arose between Dr. Campbell and Mr. Miall have lost their interest, but a brief reference to them is necessary, to mark the steps that led to some contention in the meetings of the Congrea'ational Union. Several incidents occurred in quick succession that kept alive the vigilance of Dr. Campbell. The " Eclectic Review," a journal of high re- pute, to which Robert Hall and John Foster had in former years contributed, was now brans- Rev Winiam ferred for a short time to the editorial ^^gd care of the Rev. William Linwood, whose Eclectic Review. former associations were not of a kind to inspire the confidence of the party by which it had been originated. 10 CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. [CHAP. I. Mr. Lin wood, educated for the Congregational ministry, after some variations of opinion, accepted the charge of a Unitarian congregation, and after- wards proposed to form a "liberal" Christian Society at South Street, Finsbury, as successor of Mr. W. Johnson Fox. " My idea," he says, " before I became fully acquainted with the mode of thought and state of feeling at Mr. Fox's chapel, was, that it was quite possible to build up there an earnest and united congregation ; and that, inasmuch, as Mr. Fox contem- plated retiring from the pulpit at the end of the year, I should stand a fair chance of being able to work out in London my own long-cherished idea of a thoroughly unsectarian church. I also hoped that by lecturing to the working classes at the National Hall on the Sunday evening, I might be enabled to infuse into the minds of many who were altogether beyond the reach of our religious teachers, juster conceptions of Christianity, and stimulate inquiry into the subjects which they too often passed by as mere provinces of superstition." Disappointed with his experiment at Finsbury, Mr. Linwood afterwards proposed to form a church on a new basis. " Influenced by these views and feelings, to which years of patient thought have conducted me," he says, " I purpose endeavouring to form a congregation in the metropolis on the broad basis of Christian love and charity, allied with no sect, opposed to no sect, but simply aiming at the advancement of religion, virtue, and civilization. I aim at nothing sectarian on the one hand, or antagonistic on the other. I seek not to under- mine faith, but to strengthen it, to enlarge its basis, extend its range, and to reconcile it with reason, which should ever be its handmaid — never its opponent." To this document, issued as a circular from Lon- don, 1849, was appended a note, requesting all who were willing to co-operate to send their communi- CHAP. I.] CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 11 cations to Mr. Lid wood, to the care of the publishers of the Nonconformist. Dr. Campbell suspecting evil from these doubtful associates, called attention to the circular, blaming at the same time Dr. Price, the former editor of the Eclectic, for remissness in its transfer, and Mr. Lin- wood withdrew. The terms in which Dr. Campbell stigmatized these proceedings gave umbrage to the warmly attached friends of Dr. Price, and to many „ . „ ^ Objection 01 others. Ke^ardless of the odium already Dr. camp- , , . ,. bell to Anti- mcurred, however, the impetuous editor state church gave additional offeace by the avowal of his coDvictioD that the Arti-State Church Associa- tioD would prove a failure. His opiuioD od the impossibility of success might have passed without auimadversioD, but his remarks on the injurious tendency of the movement were warmly resented. '* Your hold," lie said, " on the piety of the land has from the first been very slender, and the little is in the way of speedily becoming less. Tour leaders have all but lost the small portion of confidence they might have had among the thoroughly reli- gious and really spiritual part of the community, and they will never regain it. The churches have now ground for a double dread. They have much to fear on the score of doctrine, and more on that of order. Under the circumstances, even were continued organization expedient, and success probable, the churches would abjure the leadership of the apostles of Pan- theism and the apostles of anarcliy. " Excusable as it might have been for Dr. Camp- bell to ffive utterance to such senti- ° ... Demand ments in a personal capacity, it was deemed for Ms ,,., . . . ,i aj.- removal. the height of injustice to oppose the Anti- State Church Association in another journal while he 12 CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. [CHAP. I. retained his office as editor of the Christian Witness, the recognized organ of the Congregational Union. „ „ Mr. Miall, in a " leader " in the Noncon- Mr. Porter and Dr. formist, headed " Bombastes Fnrioso, Brag and Co.," demanded his instant re- moval as the editorial representative of the denomi- nation. In a vigorous defence of Dr. Wardlaw Rev. Thomas against some infamous imputations of calls for^the the Rev. T. Seymour Porter, Dr. Camp- rfr^camp1- °f ^©11 agam incurred the displeasure of his belL opponents ; the Rev. Thomas Toke Lynch, brother-in-law of Mr. Porter, felt particularly aggrieved. " Most serious," he said, " is my conviction that Dr. Camp- bell's publications, if not amended, must he extinguished. Amended I fear they will not be. Is he, or is he not, a voice from the heart of the Independents of England ? We must dis- own him as we distrust him." This was the point now to be decided at the Congregational Union meeting, held in May, 1850. The question of the advisability of sepa- Discussedat rating the magazines edited by Dr. Camp- Congrega- ° . . , tionai Union bell from their official connection with the Union was fairly discussed, and his conduct as editor brought under review. All admitted the value of the service he had rendered, while exception was taken to the dictatorial style of his criticisms. On seconding the resolution for separating the . , magazines from their official connection Practical ° suggestion with the Union, the Rev. Joseph Fletcher Joseph said, " Nobody had a higher estimate letc er. ^an j^ }m(j for tne inflexible, courageous editor of these periodicals." Mr. Binney, in the course of the business of the Union, said — CHAP. I.] CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 13 " Whatever might be the difference of opinion — and they had each a right to their own — he (Mr. Binney) was second to no man in the high respect and admiration in which he held Dr. Camp- bell. There was not a more manly, energetic individual, and no one felt in his heart greater admiration than he did for his friend." The Rev. John A. James said — u No man was more alive than himself to those differences of opinion which existed, and those little things which might be con- sidered objectionable — such, perhaps, as too much combativeness. But where would they point to a more intelligent, a more de- voted, or a more vigorous advocate of the great principles of orthodox doctrine, than to their potent friend." * A resolution was adopted in the first session of the Union, recommending arrangements for detach- ing the magazines ; but the thanks of the assembly were unanimously given to the editor. * Dr. Pye Smith, when vehemently assailed as one of the distributors of the Regium Donum, and complaining of the injustice of an article in the British Banner said — " If any man have a claim upon our indulgence, in his bombarding of the Regium Donum, it is my worthy opponent. In this ' passage of arms,' I am convinced that he has committed a mistake at the foundation, and that his characteristic impetuosity makes him blind to his error. It should never be forgotten that the editor of the British Banner has given most signal proofs of his disinterestedness and generosity. He devotes to the present aid and future provision of Protestant Dissenting ministers, in poverty and affliction, the yearly profits of his periodical publications. The amount of this magnificent present, for the year 1848, was £1,428, and adding that sum to the profits of the former years of his labours, the total is more than £3,720. What respect and honour should we not cherish for such a man as this ! Long have I known and loved him ; for he has amiable qualities, and his gigantic powers of mind and action make him admirable. His rapid grasping of notions, his vigour of resolution, his heartiness in whatever he undertakes, his exuberance in amplification, his energetic and exhaustless eloquence, surprise and delight, but also alarm. We fear for the daring charioteer ; we apprehend danger, intellectual and moral. He has Peter's noble qualities, but likewise some of Peter's less happy ones. I am compelled to ' withstand him to the face ' ; yet I wish ever to do so with all respect for his excellences ; ' with pureness, with knowledge, with long- suffering, with kindness, with love unfeigned, with the word of truth, with the armour of righteousness.' " 14 CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. [CHAP. I. At the second session of the Union, on the motion of Mr. Samuel Morley, the following resolution was adopted, with protracted cheering — " That this assembly, referring to the resolution adopted on the 7th inst. with regard to the magazines hitherto connected with the Union, and being desirous of preventing any public mis- apprehension on the subject, declares that so far from intending the slightest imputation on the integrity and right-mindedness or general qualifications of their laborious editor, cherishes a high estimate of the value of his past services, and cordially desires for him a long career of usefulness in promoting the cause of Christian truth, believing that the arrangement proposed, while it will relieve the Congregational Union from an undesirable responsibility, will leave to the editor a more unfettered right to the expression of his own personal views on many of the great subjects which now prominently occupy the public mind." This deliverance — after the sharp comments that he had made on the irrepressible editor — gave no satisfaction to Mr. Miall. "We strove to believe," he said, "that the spirit we have denounced was working out its downfall in the estimation of men possessed of a spark of self-respect. That it should the Union have been cheered, and, according to report, cheered disapproved vociferously, by grave divines, and religious office- bearers, whilst in the very act of most offensively displaying itself, is matter for humiliation, and proves how little there is, after all, of that moral firmness which knows how to frown upon an evil as well as to smile upon a good." At the autumnal meeting of the Congregational Union the subject of the magazines was reverted to under circumstances far more interesting. Appeal of . ° Rev. Joseph The Rev. Joseph Fletcher reminded the to Dr. editor of the rules he had laid down for amp e ' his guidance, in No. vi. of the Christian Witness. " Our ' Prospectus ' is our sole and only chart, from which CHAP. I.] CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 15 nothing can induce us to deviate for a moment, and we can therefore permit no man, in our pages, either to attack or to de- fend the Anti-State Church Association. As the Christian Witness was originated to promote great objects in which the Congre- gational Churches of England and Wales are fully agreed, points of difference, whether at the instance of the ' minority ' or the ' majority,' are inadmissible. Our first duty is, to promote union, not division ; we labour for the whole, not a part. Our trust is sacred. The confidence reposed in us we shall never betray." Mr. Fletcher added : " Dr. Campbell has power — a power which I believe no other brother in the denomination has — and I think there should here be a mutual coming together, and in a kind and friendly way, to adjust their differences." Appealed to in this generous spirit, Dr. Campbell said : — " I must make some response to Mr. Fletcher's manly appeal. I think the candour should not be all on one side. I must confess, therefore, that there is a good deal of truth in what Mr. Fletcher has said concerning the Editorial Codes, cited from the wrapper of No. vi. of the Christian Witness. Were I requested to give advice, or draw up rules, as to the best mode of proceed- ing with a denominational periodical, the result would be some- thing very much to the same effect. If any man ask, Why, then, I did not walk by my own rules, I will be equally candid in saying, that I ought to have walked ; I have no hesitation what- ever in saying so. But I was led by circumstances to deviate. I found, what I considered, a monster in a certain ooze, from which I anticipated perils to the Church of God. My fears were aroused ; I inquired whence it came ; and I traced its connection with a certain Association ; and I, therefore, fearless of all con- sequences, as one means of defending Gospel truth and repelling the foe, smote that Association. For that 1 was smitten in return. I was at that time greatly and constantly excited by my many labours, and a large mass of correspondence ; and it may be that, under such circumstances, I was a little unguarded in attacking the said Association. It was, at any rate, certainly a breach of the rules laid down for my own guidance. The act was 16 CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. [CHAP. I. far from pleasant ; it was opposed to inclination and affection. Mr. Fletcher and Mr. Reed, from their youth up, were both pet lads of mine. I had the utmost regard for them both. Andrew Reed I considered a young man of great promise and a noble mind. Well, they both came out from the Anti- State Church Conference to the Union, and met in a pew together. One said, ' I mean to hurl a dart at the editor ;' the other replied, ' I'll join you.' This, it would seem, is precisely how the thing came about. It had certainly been better not to have touched the matter in the Witness, since my readers were divided about it." After further explanation and discussion, it was resolved : — " That after the statement made by Dr. Campbell, the existing arrangements for the management of the magazines be continued." Mr. A. Reed, who was absent from the meet- ings of the Union because of indisposition, on Andrew reading the report of the discussion ex- Reed, pressed his acquiescence in the most cordial terms ; and to add to the pleasures of Christian re- conciliation, Dr. Price and Dr. Campbell Recon- ' _ * ciiiation of meeting casually in a public conveyance, Dr. Price and Dr. came to a mutual understanding and a imp e renewal of their friendship. Greatly to his honour, Dr. Price sent the following note : — " Lowestoft, Royal Hotel, October 21, 1850. " My dear Sir, — For some weeks past my health has been shattered. First my sight, and then my general health has failed me, and I have, in consequence, been compelled to intermit all my ordinary avocations. But for these circumstances, I should have written to you before, as our casual meeting revived feelings formerly cherished, and which I have wanted again to express. I am now much recovered, and having just read in the Patriot your speech at Southampton, I cannot refrain from saying that it does you infinite honour. Had I been present as a member of the Union, I should have been amongst the first to say, ' Let CHAP. I.] CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 17 bygones be bygones.' A man whose heart is large enough and generous enough to make such avowals, is not to be condemned for a word. " There has been unkindness between us. In moments of excitement we have both written strongly. Let the past be for- gotten, so far at least as its unkindlier aspect is concerned, and let this better feeling of a former period be renewed. Such, my dear sir, is my desire ; in simple honesty I say so. We may not in all matters see alike ; but however different our judgments on some public movements, let our hearts cherish and our lips kindly express the kindly sentiments we were formerly accustomed to entertain. " I have not seen the Banner of last week ; but in a letter just received from my friend, Mr. Brock, he informs me that it contains a not unfriendly reference to the Eclectic. — Believe me to remain, my dear sir, as formerly, " To the Rev. Dr. Campbell. ' " T. Price." The personal controversies which have just passed under our notice did not altogether wholly engross the attention of the Congregational Union Mr Binne meeting held at Southampton. Mr. Binney oa the ec- ° x d clesiastical (who occupied the chair, in the place of movement Dr. Morison, prevented from attendance by indisposition) gave an address in reference to the ecclesiastical movement of his own time. " It is important," he said, " to call to mind the fact, that long before either Commonwealth or Restoration, Westminster Assembly or Savoy Conference, there had been Independents who saw the inherent viciousness of any secular authority what- ever in spiritual things ; and that, after the ejectment, the minds of the seceders, or those of their descendants, gradually opened to the perception of the principle. Hence, the Nonconformist body, as Dissenters, came to be distinguished by taking as their standpoint the rejection and denial of the sovereign's supremacy over the Church — the exclusive authority of Christ there, as His mind is declared in Holy Scripture ; and that that mind is to be ascertained for itself by every congregation of faithful men. 2 18 CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. [CHAP. I. Hence, again, this "principle led, by way of natural consequence, to the modem form of Nonconformist antagonism to all ecclesiastical establishments as such ; for independently of other reasons, arising from what is termed the voluntary principle, or the support of the Church by the Church itself, it came to be seen that, when once established, there is left to a Church no inherent power of correction or advancement. No discovered errors can be ab- jured, no deficiencies supplied, but by the permission or with the concurrence of a foreign power — for such is that of every king, president, or parliament, however Christian, if, in or over the Church's spiritual proceeding, any one of them exercise authority as parliament, president, or king. " For many years — emphatically, for the last two or three generations — the Nonconformist body, including Baptists and Independents, held and professed these principles ; their preachers and writers stated and enforced them. They were regarded as extreme, extravagant, fanatical, disloyal. Few listened, few read, beyond the circle whence the voices issued. Men, and books, and principles, if ever mentioned or ever thought of, were the objects of pity, contempt, or wonder to the secure occupants of the State Establishment. The idea of the ' Establishment ' was all in all ; submission to the ' powers that be ' was the highest virtue ; their protection and support were essential to the very existence of religion. So far was this opinion of the necessity and utility of an Establishment sometimes carried, that it used to be often insisted upon in effect, and not seldom even said in words, that if it was done away with, nothing but a direct special miracle could secure the continuance of Christianity in the world ! When, therefore, some twenty years ago, the ecclesiastical contro- versy sprang up afresh, and with something like violence ; and when the spiritual principle of modern dissent (mistaken at first for po- litical democracy or ecclesiastical ambition) — when this made itself heard and feared, astonishing the general ear, and disturbing the dreams of dwellers in Establishments, by the proclamation of the belief that the principle on which such institutions rest was anti- Christian, and their practical working, to a vast extent, spiritually mischievous — a cry of horror burst forth on all hands, as if a band of atheists had confederated together to raze to the founda- tions the sanctuary of God ! We have lived, however, to see those very persons who were then so scandalized by Dissenting CHAP. I.] CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 19 audacity, so shocked and terrified by its strange opinions, actually come round to those opinions themselves, adopt and proclaim them as demonstrable and divine, and speak out on the evils of ' Establishment ' and the assumption of supremacy with a force and bitterness which Nonconformist denunciation never reached. " I am well aware, that this Episcopal proclamation of the opinions of Dissenters is not, properly speaking, the utterance of Dissenting opinion, inasmuch as it is associated with a church, priestly, and sacramental system which gives it materially another character. Still, many of the things which our Church friends now affirm, and which are new and startling as heard from them, have in them much that is right, although they are associated with other things dubious or wrong. It may be true, also, as they say, that the entire movement, with its mingled and bad results, is very much the effect of the ecclesiastical controversy respecting Establishments, and that Dissenters may have thus, in some degree, been the innocent occasion of the revival of great and enormous errors ; but, in the nature of things, this revival was inevitable one time or other ; it must have come, and its coming as it has may be regarded as alle- viated so far as anything that is true has been adopted and professed. I remember when the ecclesiastical controversy began, and when some out of the Church, and many in it, seriously thought that the Establishment was in danger, that a question was started, in a company of friends, as to the effect that would follow the actual separation of Church and State; whether, in fact, it might be expected to lead to the purification and spirituality of the Episcopal Communion ? ' No,' it was replied by one present ; ' not soon — certainly not immediately. Our friends have been so long accustomed to the flattering con- sciousness of being superior to all other denominations, from the circumstance of being the Establishment, that if they were to be disestablished to-morrow they would not be content to take their stand on a level with the sects. Beaten on the ground of exclusive political pre-eminence — left naked on the open plain by the forced surrender of their present distinctions — they will flee to what is provided for them in their Church system, but which has been comparatively lost sight of during their day of Erastian security ; they will be off to the rocks and fastnesses of the succession, Apostolic descent, Episcopal orders, priestly 20 CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. [CHAP. I. powers, and sacramental virtue, and another controversy will have to be prepared for, far more momentous than the present, for which a very different equipment and other weightier weapons will be required.' " So it has come to pass. By more than one writer of the Church party the course of events has been traced backward in this very way. Modern Anglicanism is a reaction as well as a retrogression ; it is retrogression, because it is reaction. It would not, of course, be admitted to be a sort of proud revulsion, from a reluctance to be placed on the same footing with more vulgar orders ; but it may have had something of such an earthly origin, nevertheless, though thought by its advocates to have descended from the sky. But, whatever might be the motive or mixture of motives in the beginning, once begun, the thing spread ; the prospective contemplation of possible disalliance from the State, opened the eye to what had before been concealed ; that which might come by force, and have to be submitted to as a necessity, began to appear as something that was desirable, and that might be selected by choice. It was discovered that the Establishment had injured the Church ; the Church was seen to have been ' fettered and enslaved,' spiritual independence was advocated as a right ; while for secular persons, whether Queen or Council, to pretend to be supreme in spiritual affairs, has grown to be stigmatized as outrageous tyranny and grievous wrong. The Establishment has been called ' a upas tree ; ' the supremacy a degradation ; and a contrast has been drawn between the position of the Church and that of other bodies that enjoy a liberty from which she is excluded ; so that while still proudly contemning the sects, especially conscientious and consistent Dissenters, Churchmen envy their position, re-echo their sentiments, and proclaim, as something newly discovered, what, with a better meaning, bas been familiar to us for a hundred years. " There are two ways of carrying out the principle of spiritual independence : from the middle point of political Erastianism, men may go forth either, on the one hand, to Christ and the Bible — to ' perfect freedom ' — leading to Congregational and individual liberty; or they may go, on the other, to the authority of the Church of past ages, leading, in the end, to the recognition of the supre- macy of the successors of St. Peter. The one form of the principle CHAP. I.] CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 21 allows nothing to intervene between the spirits of men and the utterance of the Word, and is opposed to, or suspicious of, equally and alike, all forms of political alliance; the other subjugates the community of the faithful to the power of a class, and while jealously guarding their independence, does so with the provision, that they need not refuse the gifts of governments if they can get them on their own terms ; nor, in the exercise of their spiritual function, object, if need be, to set their foot upon the neck of kings. From the nature of the light which revealed to many of our friends in the Establishment the rightness, in the abstract, of the Dissenting standing-point, from the position from which they looked at it, and the influence of the objects that surround them there, it was perfectly natural that they should misapprehend it, and that many of them, while becoming ashamed of their past derogatory though splendid bondage to the secular power, should rush, in their remorse, to the opposite extreme, and prefer spiritual subjection to the Pope. We are not answerable for this result. If, as they say, the Dissenting controversial excitement, twenty years ago, was partly, at least, the means of sending their thoughts in a certain direction, whence they have returned with some views which compel them to approve the principle we then enunciated, and to envy the independence we practically enjoy, and if they pervert these new views to a wrong purpose, because associating them with errors of their own, that is their concern, not ours. It would have been the same if their political conversion had been delayed for a century. Their previous condition necessitated the occurrence of their present transition state one time or other ; and we can only earnestly hope and pray that it may soon be succeeded by another reaction, that shall so operate on that great community which must ever be a mighty power in the midst of us, as to make her a pure, spiritual, Protestant, and Evangelical Church ; a sister in a sisterhood ; an equal among equals ; lovingly looking on other churches of the same faith, though of different forms ; neither wishing to be thought by others the daughter of a harlot, nor herself willing to be the mistress of a king, but studying in all things to ' approve herself unto God ' as the nursing mother of many souls, who ' shall contribute a part of the glorious company which in the upper world shall be recognized as the bride, the Lamb's wife.' 22 CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. [CHAP. I. " As a Church, or a confraternity of Churches, we have to preach the Gospel, to save souls and promote holiness, by con- verting sinners, and by confirming and edifying the body of Christ. As a community, professing certain characteristic and distinguishing principles, we have to give our 'testimony' to those principles; to advocate, explain, defend them; to hold them up, that they may have the chance of recognition where they are unknown, forgotten, or denied. In referring to this subject, I beg to say that I am not insensible to the special testi- monies which other bodies, as such, may have to give, over and above their Christian announcement of the 'common salvation.' I am not one of those who are so happy as to think that their own particular communion has got hold of the whole truth on all points, and nothing else, and that other communions must be necessarily wrong, wherever they are so unfortunate as to differ from them. I am disposed to think there is something right in all Christian communions and in all ecclesiastical forms ; that each has some portion of truth, some right idea, which the others have not ; and that all have got some errors they would be better without. " Independency may doubtless be carried so far as that Inde- pendents shall not be, properly speaking, a body ; the churches shall not be members of a body, or if member*, only like so many scattered legs and arms. Then, again, if you seek to secure oneness by centralization, hy jurisdiction and oversight, or anything that produces something like a physical unity, that can be controlled, moved, checked, impelled, because entirely subject to some regal or pervading force — while you gain something by this in mis- sionary ability to sustain teachers for an entire people, in small hamlets, as well as in towns and cities, you not only lose much (perhaps all) of both congregational and individual liberty, but you may become so formidable as a confederacy, such an impe- rium in imperial, as to disturb the movements of the body politic ; to be so capable, in fact, of mischief at any moment, that it may be, for the safety of society, for the State to make terms with you, or to bring you to terms, and those, too, of no doubtful or ordinary stringency. "In the present posture of affairs, we have now to ' contend for the faith once delivered to the saints.' I would remind you, brethren, and myself also, of the necessity there is at the CHAP. I.] CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 23 present moment for a revived attention among us to Protestant truth, evangelical godliness, earnest holy living and preaching ; and I would conclude this address to you by cordially adopting for ourselves the wish of a high dignitary of the Establishment, only a few days ago expressed to myself in a private letter, ' that the present conjunction in Church matters may lead at last to a better appreciation of Christ's religion, as almost anew imparted to man at the Reformation.'' '* The " high dignitary " who wrote to Mr. Binney, was under the influence of the universal excitement caused in the country by the "Papal aggression." The Pope, in defiance of any English law to the contrary, created episcopal sees for the Romish Church, appointed a Cardinal Archbishop of West- minster, and persevered in his determination, not- withstanding the widely-spread resistance. Dr. Vaughan, in the British Quarterly, from another point of view, also glanced over the same period as that to which Mr. Binney, from the chair of the Congregational Union, had called attention. "Some quarter of a century since," he said, "the Church of England seemed to be divided into two parties only — the old Orthodox party, and the Evangelical party ; the latter very devout in feeling, the former with very little of any- ItCVlGW of thing like devoutness, and sometimes with no great tlie same stock even of morality. But beside the Tractarian period by- party, which has since made its appearance, there is another, consisting chiefly of Rugby men, who take the free prin- ciples of their master in Biblical interpretation to an extent which allies them much more with German Rationalism than with English orthodoxy ; and then there is a third party, including the names of Trench, Maurice, and Hare, who bring a high degree of intelli- gence and taste, and a very religious spirit, to everything they do, without by any means taking their place with the more decided men of the Evangelical school. Men of these different 24 CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. [CHAP. I. complexions are mingled everywhere among our clergy, and are everywhere making their impression upon our people." With this careful observation of the parties in the Church of England, the Assembly of the Con- TT . . oreo-ational Union manifested at the same Union of o ° the Evan- time the most lively sympathy with the churches of newly-formed Union of the Evangelical repre-6 Churches of France. The representative sented. members of this interesting- association met for the purpose of forming its constitution in a small upper room in Paris, on the 20th of August, 1849. The sad traces of the sanguinary revolution were still to be seen in the streets of the capital. "Trees of liberty" had just been planted, but as yet religious freedom was not conceded by the Republican government. The brethren who there assembled from the provinces of France had passed through an ordeal of persecution, and after fruitless attempts to obtain in the National Reformed Church a declaration of Evangelical principles, resolved to secede, and to hold fellowship with each other on the basis of a living faith in the Gospel, and of inde- pendence of State support. Of the movement originating in this simple manner, M. Bridei came to speak at the Congrega- tional Union. After a touching recital of the diffi- culties and trials the churches had to encounter, a response was given to his appeal, and, in the name of the assembly, an epistle was sent to the Evan- gelical Union of France, signed by Mr. Binney, as chairman, as the beginning of the fraternal inter- communications, that have since been continued with ever-increasing interest and mutual advantage. CHAP. I.] CONGEEGATIONAL HISTOEY. 25 An impression widely prevailed that in the churches at home there was urgent need for spiritual revival. Dr. John Harris, the first President of New College, in his inaugural address, earnestly conjured the students intended to occupy the rising edifice to cultivate a deeper piety. CHAPTER II. Public excitement on the " Papal aggression " rose to fever heat. Pamphlets were published on all sides of the question. Among the rest, Mr. Binney Excitement wrote one on the " Dissenters and the Papal6 Papacy," and Dr. Morison on the " Present aggression. Aspect of Protestantism in Britain." Some good men imagined that by the audacity of the Pope in creating sees for the Romish hierarchy, the " foundations " would be " destroyed." The editor of the Nonconformist, jealously guarding the interests of religious freedom, saw no just reason for the general flurry. In a review of the pub- lications of the time, the editor of the British Quarterly gives the following account of the un- precedented ferment : — " The pulpit, the platform, and the press — the parish vestry and municipal hall — county courts and assembly rooms — market places and castle yards — the church, the chapel, and the school-room — though convened for widely different purposes, has borne witness to the deep, and earnest, and unwonted excitement of men's minds by the insolence of the Pope's aggression, and the offensive tone in which his emissaries have followed it up. " The Pope's rescript, the Cardinal's pastoral, and Lord John Russell's letter, went off like signal guns, commencing and CHAP. II.] CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 27 announcing the conflict of hostile armies. Preparations for a movement on the part of the Romanists had for some time been visible, but they were universally supposed to refer exclusively to themselves. No one imagined that they were preparing to govern the conscieuces of all England, and intended to make us a Catholic nation, and graciously restore us to the unity which our Reformation had violated. That Bishop Wiseman was about to be made an Archbishop, and probably a Cardinal, we all knew ; but everybody supposed that he was to remain in the same rela- tion to our country and nation which he had previously held ; and that we should feel just as little concern in his being a vicar apostolic, for that, in either case, he would have nothing to do with us, and we nothing to, do with him. Expectation and anxiety, however, were not quite laid to sleep, when the ghostly missive conveyed to us the astounding announcement that we were all bodily, and as a nation, delivered over to the spiritual government of the Papacy, which had obtained for us, through the miraculous intercession of the Virgin Mother of God, the inestimable boon of restoration to Catholic unity, from which we had imagined ourselves long since emancipated. In oratorical periods — yea, almost in soft poetic strains — we were congratu- lated upon the exercise of that Divine grace and Almighty power which had brought us back, like some erratic star or portentous comet, from the depths of darkness in which we had been wan- dering, lawless, through infinite space, and restored us to our proper orbit, and our just relationship to all the other celestial bodies." Cardinal Wiseman, in his " Pastoral," described in glowing terms the marvellous change. " The great work, then, is complete ; what you have long desired and prayed for is granted. Tour beloved country has received a place among the fair Churches, which, normally con- stituted, form the splendid aggregation of Catholic communion. Catholic England has been restored to its orbit in the eccle- siastical firmament, from which its light had long vanished, and begins now anew its course of regularly adjusted action round the centre of unity ; the source of jurisdiction, of light, and of vigour. How wonderfully all this has been brought about, 28 CONGREGATIONAL HISTOET. [CHAP. II . how clearly the hand of God has been shown in every step, we have not now leisure to relate ; but we may hope soon to recount to you by word of mouth. How truly is this day to us a day of joy and exultation of spirit, the crowning day of long hopes, and the opening day of bright prospects ! How must the saints of our country, whether Roman or British, Saxon or Norman, look down from their seats of bliss with beaming glances upon this new evidence of the faith and Church which led them to glory, sympathizing with those who have faithfully adhered to them through centuries of ill repute, for the truth's sake, and now reap the fruit of patience and long-suffering ! And all those blessed martyrs of these later ages, who have fought the battles of the faith under such discouragement, who mourned, more than over their own fetters or their own pain, over the desolate ways of their own Sion and the departure of England's religious glory — oh ! how must they bless God, who hath again visited His people ! how take part in our joy, as they see the lamp of the Temple again enkindling and rebrightening, as they behold the silver links of that chain which has connected their country with the see of Peter in vicarial government, changed into burnished gold, not stronger nor more closely knit, but more beautifully wrought, and more brightly arrayed." In due time Cardinal Wiseman returned from Rome in his red stockings, meeting, on his way to St. George's Cathedral, South wark, the Archbishop of Canterbury ; but, practically, the titles he had received made no sensible difference in the state of England. The spirit of Protestantism was evoked more earnestly than ever. Lord John Russell proved that Popery was not to be checked by Acts of Par- liament ; but the fear of returning persecution has since been allayed by the loss of the Pope's temporal power, and the consequent eclipse of the glories of the Vatican. The venerable Dr. Pye Smith, after his long CHAP. IJ.] CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 29 period of active service, removed from the scene of his academical toil to Guildford, to spend 1 Retirement the evening: of his life in the quiet of a of Dr. Pye S m i th congenial home. Though incapable, from his increasing infirmity, of taking part in public meetings, his friends and the students recently under his care, desired to give expression to their feelings of admiration and affection, and to unite in raising a permanent memorial of his Testimoniali eminent abilities and Christian work. At a meeting convened for this purpose on January 8th, 1851, the Rev. Joshua C. Harrison, in the presen- tation of a testimonial in the name of the subscribers, read an address, recognizing in the most earnest and affectionate terms, the important services of the doctor as tutor, pastor, and author. The document, signed on behalf of the subscribers, by William Alers Hankey, treasurer, John Yockney, J. C. Harrison, and H. Rutt, secretaries, was pre- sented by Mr. Hankey to him, the whole company rising to do him honour. Overcome with emotion, the venerable divine could only utter a few words in response, which were quite inaudible ; but his son, Mr. Ebenezer Smith, read the following written reply : — " My dear and honoured Sir, and you my numerous friends, by many titles, beloved and venerable. After many attempts to find some expression of my judgment and my heart, that might not be quite unsuitable to respond to your affectionate address, I am compelled to reject them all. The looking back upon the years of life, but especially the period of which you have taken a notice so comprehensive and indulgent a survey, revives the impression of events and feelings, which, as to their variety, intenseness, and importance, I cannot describe. I must now, 30 CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. [CHAP. II. almost at the last hour, renounce every such effort as beyond my power ; every attempt but increases my inability. " But there are some names to which the seuse of love and gratitude attaches in a manner which cannot be summarily expressed. " You, Mr. William Aleks Hanket, among my earliest friends in or near the metropolis, were pleased to take of me favourable notice, and rapidly to expand that notice through a long succes- sion of occurrences, private and personal as well as public. You often dissipated doubts and darkness ; you faithfully warned and reproved ; you cheered and encouraged in ways ever adapted with an efficiency and a liberality which nothing could turn aside, and which triumphed over difficulties, the more formidable they might seem to be, or to threaten. " To you, my friend, Mr. Samuel Morlet, then, indeed, an in- fant, I turn, as at that time the friendship of your honoured father, Mr. John Moelet, fixed itself on me with an original sympathy of judgment upon all the practical questions of evangelical truth and national morality. He yielded, at great sacrifices, to the request of an ever- memorable friend, whom declining health compelled to retire, and accepted the onerous office of treasurer to the Homerton College Society. From the anxieties and labours inseparable from such a method as Mr. Hale and he pursued, in fulfilling the duties of his office, he did not shrink ; but main- tained the toil with ardour, till he had the happiness of trans- ferring them into your hands. Then he had the rare satisfaction of seeing the evidences in his son, of maturity of judgment, decision of principle, devotedness to the enlarged application of Christian work. In so many and so well-known lines of activity, we have witnessed your pursuit of the best public objects, that it would be in me superfluous and absurd to enlarge upon them. " But to me personally, your father's and your own universal kindness and extraordinary liberality, through the long period of our connection, have been a testimony that Gospel love never faileth. " Another of my beloved friends I behold in circumstance beautifully similar. You, my beloved friend, Mr. Henry Rutt, have maintained the wise and penetrating intellect of your honoured father, Mr. George Rutt, treading in his steps with CHAP. II. J CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 31 the most amiable affection. To you. and your family my obligations are too great for words. " Tou, my dear friends, many of you my former much-prized pupils, are the leaders in conferring upon me this peculiar testi- mony of attachment from yourselves, and many who have united with you, objects of my indelible gratitude and love, but whom I cannot particularize as I would. " Of myself, I have only to pray that your love may never appear to have been misplaced ; I would reverentially assume the Apostle's words, ' I am nothing, not I, but the grace of God.' " The thanks which reason and every feeliug dictate, are, however, above my power to express, that the richest recom- penses of eternal love may ever flow to you and your families and churches is my heart's desire and prayer. Above all, thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gifts. " I am, and ever, I trust, shall be, your grateful servant, " John Pye Smith. " Homerton, January, 1851." Many ministers and friends present gave ex- pression to their sentiments on the occasion. "After the scene was over," says Dr. Harris, "although his deafness prevented him from hearing anything, Dr. Smith made no inquiry respecting what had been said, nor any specific reference to the meeting, except to express scenes!* the pleasure of having recognized the countenance of so many old friends. Before going to rest, he pointed out the first chapter of the second Epistle to Timothy for reading, and, in the course of the prayer which he then offered, he thanked God with marked emphasis, for the ' signal mercies, the unmerited favours of that day,' entreated preparation for another and a more momentous day ; and, after praying for his beloved children by name, added, ' Though we part now it is not for ever, nor can we ever part from Thee.' " On that day month, February 5, 1851, he departed. No special disease invaded his frame. But, on returning to Guild- ford, the powers of life rapidly declined. " ' Thanks for your encouragement,' (he said, when a hope was expressed that he might survive), ' if so, well ; if God order 32 CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. [CHAP. II. otherwise, I shall bless Him, in either, in every case. During the last six days, the only method of communication left to his sorrowing family was by writing, and offering to his eye a few words of Scripture, for which he expressed hearty thanks. " Looking intensely with his mild eyes into the faces of all who surrounded his dying bed, he made a last effort to bless them. " ' The Lord bless you all ' (said he), ' and He undoubtedly will.' To a medical friend, he articulated with great difficulty, ' Farewell, I am greatly obliged ; the eternal God be thy refuge ! ' and, turning to his son, ' The Lord be your portion for ever ! ' and thus (though he still lingered a short time), like His Divine Master, he may be said to have ascended in the act of blessing." In the sketch given by Dr. Harris of the life, character, and services of Dr. Pye Smith, he says : — " Each of his books was an act, and an act designed to meet a want. Whether he architecturally built up the ' Scripture D „ . Testimony to the Messiah,' like the ancient Taber- on his life, nacle of Witness, or rebuked the flippant attacks of character, infidelity ; whether he asserted the sacrifice and and service. . priesthood of Christ, exhibited the rules for the in- terpretation of prophecy, expounded the principles of the Re- formation, or enforced the claims of Evangelical Nonconformity, his aim was usefulness of the highest order. His great work, the ' Scripture Testimony,' is universally acknowledged to be one of the greatest achievements of sanctified learning. I have long: thought of him in this connection as the Lardner of Doc- trinal Theology ; the correspondence, indeed, is traceable chiefly in the inductive method which each pursued, and in the ex- tremely cautious and candid spirit in which their respective inquiries are conducted. The preponderance of learning and reasoning is decidedly in favour of Dr. Smith." At the autumnal meeting held at Northampton in October, the Rev. John Kelly gave an address on " The Congregational Churches as compared with their condition in the time of Doddridge " : — CHAP. II.] CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY. 33 " One of the most striking results of the religious revival of the last century," he said, " has been the prominent place assigned to the personal responsibility ivhich attaches to the Chris- tian profession, and the distinctness with which the -^ey j^n extent of that responsibility has been defined. That Kelly on every Christian, however humble his position in rj