THE LIBRARY 
 
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 MEMORIALS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 SEttfj SJttpu&ltsSrti Correspondence 
 
 OF THE 
 
 COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON, LADY GLENOECHY; 
 THE EEVS. JOHN NEWTON, A. TOPLADY; 
 
 ETC., ETC., ETC. 
 
 BY THE 
 
 REV. THOMAS W. AVELXNG. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 JACKSON, WALFOKD, AND HODDEE, 
 
 27, PATERNOSTER ROW. 
 
 18G7.
 
 3X 
 
 7ZQO 
 
 C57A9 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 It may appear somewhat out of date, to publish the 
 Memoirs of a family, the eldest member of which — the 
 principal personage introduced in this volume — was 
 born more than a hundred years ago; somewhat 
 strange to lead the reader back, along the beaten 
 pathway of time, to the close of the reign of George 
 the Second — to a period, fifteen years anterior to the 
 birth of Napoleon and Wellington. Yet to recount 
 the chief incidents in a good man's life, — extending 
 over eighty-nine years, and spent among the most 
 stirring episodes in the world's history ; and that 
 man one who was intimately associated with those to 
 whom, under God, was owing the revival of religion 
 in this country, at the close of the last century, and 
 who himself occupied a prominent and noticeable 
 position among them, — may, I think, be justified on 
 its own merits. 
 
 But Mr. Clayton was the father of three sons, who, 
 like himself, won and maintained, to the last, an 
 honourable place in the church of God ; and are 
 worthy of a few flowers of remembrance. Several 
 loving friends have brought their offerings, and I 
 have striven, — it may be with an unskilful hand, — to 
 
 •
 
 v i PREFACE. 
 
 weave, them into a chaplet, and lay it, — not on their 
 tomb, but where they would themselves have chosen 
 it to be placed, — at the foot of that cross, whence 
 they derived their hopes, and where they received 
 an inspiration to a life of usefulness, for which each 
 was most eminent. 
 
 The sources of these Memoirs have been various. 
 The chief agency in their production may be ascribed 
 to the Rev. George Clayton, who, in the closing part 
 of his life, amused himself, in his retirement at 
 Gaines, in drawing up an account of his venerated 
 father, which is quoted at great length in the present 
 volume. Indeed, the first hundred pages, after the 
 introductory chapter, are for the most part a transcript 
 of that document. 
 
 A very interesting paper has been sent to me, by 
 A. C. Hobart Seymour, Esq., of Bath, containing 
 reminiscences of the Rev. John Clayton, sen. This 
 has been of great service ; and I beg to offer my 
 cordial thanks to the esteemed and venerable writer, 
 for his spontaneously-offered contribution. In addition 
 to those to whom acknowledgments are made in the 
 body of the work, I am indebted to C. Godwin, and 
 W. J. Clarke, Esqs., of Bath, for valuable hints; to the 
 Revs. W. Ellis, T. Binney, R. Hamilton, of Brighton, 
 and other friends, for permission to print their letters. 
 I especially owe thanks to Mrs. Randall, Mr. John Clay- 
 ton's elder daughter, and Mrs. Henry Joslin (formerly 
 Mrs. George Clayton), for affording me every facility in 
 the compilation of these Memorials, by giving me various
 
 PEEFACE. Vll 
 
 kinds of information, and by unreservedly placing a 
 large mass of papers at my disposal. Mr. George 
 Clayton left behind him two thousand closely-written 
 quarto pages of a diary, of which, as will be seen, I 
 have made ample use. Unfortunately his brothers 
 destroyed, or gave orders for the destruction, — after 
 their death, — of memoranda which would have proved 
 of great value to me, in preparing this volume. This 
 fact is named, to account for the larger space devoted 
 to Mr. George Clayton's memoirs, than to either of 
 his brothers. 
 
 A prominent feature of the early portion of this 
 volume is the letters of eminent personages, especially 
 those of the Countess of Huntingdon. No small 
 amount of difficulty has been experienced in decipher- 
 ing the very crabbed handwriting of that excellent 
 lady, who evidently wrote very rapidly, and rarely seems 
 to have read, afterwards, what she had written ; so that 
 often an obscurity is noticeable in her communications, 
 and the reader is not perfectly sure of her meaning. 
 Still her letters display so much goodness, foresight, 
 and administrative capacity, that I am sure — especially 
 as they have never been before published — they will be 
 read with interest ; as will also those of Lady Glenorchy, 
 the Revs. John Newton, A. Toplady, and others, of a 
 past generation. 
 
 It has been quite a spiritual refreshment to me, to 
 spend some months in familiar intercourse with the 
 pious dead, by a perusal of their many letters, and 
 especially the voluminous diaries of Mr. George Clayton.
 
 v jii 1'UEFACE. 
 
 Amid evidences of human frailty, which are. of course, 
 to be expected, an ineradicable conviction has wrought 
 itself into my soul, that those, whose Memoirs are here 
 presented, were pre-eminently men of God : and — for 
 their devotion to the work of the Lord — their unfeigned 
 and eminent piety — their steady adhesion to the great 
 doctrines of Evangelical Truth — and the unswerving 
 consistency with which their ecclesiastical principles 
 were maintained, deserve to be held in loving and 
 lasting remembrance. 
 
 Although nearly three generations have passed away, 
 since Mr. Clayton, sen., began his career, I hope and 
 believe that many still remain, to whom these pages, 
 with all their imperfections, will prove acceptable ; 
 especially do I anticipate this to be the case with the 
 very large circle of friends, still surviving, with whom 
 the sons were associated in the bonds of Christian 
 fellowship and action. To them, and to the blessing of 
 the Great Master, I earnestly desire to commend this 
 volume; which has been prepared amid the pressure 
 of heavy pastoral duties ; but which has afforded me, 
 while writing it, not a few opportunities for profitable 
 meditation, for both my own good, and that of the 
 people of my charge. May similar opportunities be 
 realized and enjoyed by all my readers! 
 
 THOMAS W. AVELING. 
 
 Kixgsland, April, 1867.
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 CHAPTER I. page 
 
 A Century Ago 1 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 1754-1773. 
 Birthplace of the Rev. John Clayton. — Early Education.— Odium Theologicum. 
 
 Apprenticeship. — Elopement from Manchester to London. — Deathbed 
 
 g cene . — Rev. W. Romaine. — Striking Conversion. — Desire for the 
 Ministry 5 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 1773-1777. 
 Introduction to the Countess of Huntingdon. — Entrance on Trevecca College. — 
 Letter from the Countess. — Persecution. — Interesting Incident. — Second 
 Letter from the Countess. — Deliverances from Peril. — Abstemiousness. — 
 Ride to London. — 111 Health. — Tunbridge Wells. — Eour Letters from the 
 Countess. — Conversion at Norwich. — Seventh Letter . . . .15 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 1777. 
 Conformity and Nonconformity. — Seeks Episcopal Ordination. — Extracts from 
 Mr. Bourne's Diary of 1777. — Towgood on Dissent. — Mr. Clayton becomes 
 a Nonconformist. — The Countess's Displeasure.— Letter from her . 31 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 1777-1778. 
 Sir Harry Trelawny. — His Ordination at Southampton. — Mr. Clayton becomes 
 his Assistant in Cornwall. — Letters from Rev. Richard Knill and Sir Harry 
 Trelawny. — Labours in Cornwall. — Sir Harry's Marriage. — His Apostasy. — • 
 Separation between the Fellow-labourers. — Sir Harry's Conformity. — Letters 
 on the Subject 40 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 1778-1779. 
 Mr. Clayton returns to London.— Weighhouse Chapel, Eastclieap. — Invitation 
 to the Pastorate there. — Letter from Lady Glenorchy, inviting to Edinburgh. 
 — Settles at the Weighhouse. — Ordination. — Mosaic Ecclesiasticism. — 
 Presbyterian and Congregational Fund Boards. — Second Letter from Lady 
 Glenorchy. — Conscientious Deacon. — Laxity in Attendance on Worship. — 
 A Gifted Brother. — Letter from Rev. Augustus Toplady to Mrs. Flower. — 
 The Fuller Family. — Mr. Clayton's Marriage 5(i 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 1779-1784. 
 Domestic and Pastoral Arrangements. — Studious Habits. — Old Divines. — 
 Pulpit Preparations. — Orderly Distribution of Time. — Punctuality. — Birth
 
 X CONTENTS. 
 
 of his Firstborn.— Infant Baptism.— Parental Responsibility. — Birth of his 
 Second and Third Sons. — Eclectic Society. — Letter from Rev. John Newton. 
 — Efforts of Usefulness 78 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 1785-1797. 
 Birth of a Daughter. — Parental Discipline.— Birth of his last Child. — Final 
 Letter from the Countess of Huntingdon. — Letter from Eev. J. Newton. — 
 Mr. Clayton Preaching at the Hulks. — Barrington the " Gentleman 
 Pickpocket." — Mr. Thornton the Philanthropist. — Letter from him on 
 Missions to the East Indies. — "Weighhouse Schools.— Second Letter from 
 Eev. J. Newton. — The Merchants' Lecture 80 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 MR. CLAYTON IN THE FAMILY. 
 
 Love of Order and Punctuality.— Hour with the Children.— Family Training.— 
 
 Sabhaths at Home. — Habits of Industry. — Family Discipline. — Educational 
 
 Arrangements. — School at WaDingford. — Mrs. Siddons. — First Bereavement 
 
 in the Family. — Christian Submission 99 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 ME. CLAYTON IN THE PULPIT. 
 Acceptability as a Preacher. — Eminent Men among his Hearers.— Anecdote of 
 Lord Truro. — Letter on the Death of his Mother. — Dr. Bunting. — Charac- 
 teristics of Mr. Clayton's Preaching : Its Studiousness— Appropriateness — 
 Earnestness — Prayerfulness — Scripturalness — Fidelity. — Anecdotes : The 
 Voice of Conscience — The Angry Hearer— The Alarmed Hearer. — Special 
 Instances of Usefulness: Rev. W. Ellis and Dr. Leifchild— Letters from 
 them. — Students and Ministers 113 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 MP. CLAYTON AS A PASTOR AND A PUBLIC MAN. 
 Essay on Visiting.— Controversy on Church Discipline. — Fidelity to Truth. — 
 Public Amusements. — Maintenance of Church Discipline.— Letter from 
 Eev. Rowland Hill. — Charges Delivered to Ministers. — Mr. Clayton's 
 Conservatism. — Anecdotes of George the Third. — Sermon on the Eiots at 
 Birmingham.— Animadversions of Robert Hall. — Scurrilous Attack on 
 Mr. Clayton. — Mr. Wilberforce. — Public Societies and Committees. — 
 Conversational Tact. — Anecdote : A Word in Season .... 138 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 REV. JOHN CLAYTON, JUN.— 1795-1817. 
 Choice of the Ministry.— Enters Homerton College. — Studies in Edinburgh.— 
 Labours as Assistant Minister at Newbury. — Removes to Kensington. — 
 Ordination. — His Father's Charge. — Illness. — Marriage. — Settlement at. 
 Camomile Street. — London Ministerial Life. — Early Eising. — Children's 
 Hours. — Eclectic Society. — Anecdote of the Eev. J. Newton . . . 171 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 REV. JOHN CLAYTON, JUN.— 1818-1834. 
 Now Chapel in the Poultry. — Address at the Foundation-stone. — Opening 
 Services.— Characteristics of Mr. J. Clayton's Preaching.— Kindness to Poor 
 Ministers. — Anecdote. — Letter to an Aspirant to the Ministry. — Advice to 
 his Daughters. — Anecdote. — Joint Secretaryship of the London Missionary 
 Society.— Rev. W. Ellis 193
 
 CONTENTS. XI 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 REV. GEORGE CLAYTON.— 1797-1804. 
 School at Reading. — Rev. John Newton. — Entrance into Hoxton Academy. — 
 Extracts from Diary. — Ministry at Southampton. — Offer of Preferment in 
 the Estahlished Church. — Refusal to Conform. — Escape from Drowning. — 
 Visit to Walworth. — Resignation at Southampton. — Invitation to York 
 Street Chapel. — Acceptance of the Pastorate. — Ordination Services . 219 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 REV. GEORGE CLAYTON.— 1804-1821. 
 His Marriage. — Silent Sabbath. — Extracts from his Diary. — Enlargement of 
 Chapel. — Visit to Ireland. — Reopening of Chapel. — Happy Moments. — 
 Illness. — Leaving Home. — Attack of Apoplexy. — Preaches in an Episcopal 
 Church. — Romantic History of Captain Wilson, Commander of the Sbip 
 " Duff." — Heart-searching. — Second Apoplectic Attack. — Public Engage- 
 ments. — Missionary Sermon. — Residence at Gaines, Essex . . . 247 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 REV. GEORGE CLAYTON.— 1822-1834. 
 Return to London. — Meditation on the Threshold of a New Year. — Pastoral 
 Desires. — Remarkable Deliverance from Death. — Lessons Learned from the 
 Event. — Death of Mr. Janson. — Love of Retirement. — Retrospect of 
 Twenty-one Years' Ministry. — Curious Dream. — Domestic Sorrow. — Dangers 
 of Wealth. — Success at York Street. — Rev. R. Knill. — The Bishop of 
 Winchester 275 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 REV. WILLIAM CLAYTON.— 1800-1831. 
 Destruction of Manuscripts. — Entrance on Business at Maidenhead. — Call to 
 the Ministry. — Student at Hoxton. — Settlement and Ordination at Saffron - 
 Walden. — Minute Diary. — New Chapel. — Labours and Life at Walden. — 
 Anecdote. — Illness of his Child. — Missionary Sermon. — Mill Hill Grammar 
 School. — Invitation to the Chaplaincy 207 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 REV. WILLIAM CLAYTON.— 1831-1838. 
 Chaplaincy at Mill Hill. — New Chapel. — Success. — Attachment to the Young. — 
 
 Interesting Anecdote of the Earl of C . — Mr. Clayton's Closing Labours. 
 
 — Premonition of Sudden Death. — Visit to London. — Last Moments. — 
 Affecting Scene at the Funeral Service at Mill Hill. — Interment in Bunhill 
 Fields. — Retrospect of his Life and Character 310 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 REV. JOHN CLAYTON.— 1804-1830. 
 Continued Labours at the Weighhouse.— Accession of George IV. — Residence 
 at Gaines. — Assistance in Preaching. — Retirement from the Pastorate. — 
 Resolutions of the Church. — His own Emotions on Retiring. — Splendid 
 Testimonial from his People. — Inaugural Address at the Opening of the 
 New Mill Hill Grammar School. — Interest in the Labours of his Sons, and 
 of his Successor at the Weighhouse. — Letter from Mr. Binney.— Preaches at 
 Walworth. — Baptismal Services. — Second Letter from Mr. Binney . 330 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 MRS. CLAYTON. 
 
 Her Gentle Rule. — Education of her Daughters. — Letters to George Clayton. —
 
 Xli CONTENTS. 
 
 Interest in her Husband's Labours— Letters to Mr. and Mrs. John Clayton. 
 — Illnesses and Fear of Death.— Letter from her Son. — Anecdote of Mr. Jay, 
 of Bath. — Her Last Hours and Happy Departure. — Mrs. Johnson's " Remi- 
 niscences of her Mother."— Letter from Rev. J. Sortnin . . . 303 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 REV. JOHN CLAYTON.— 1S36-1843. 
 Closing Years. — Spiritual Contrasts. — Questions for Self-Examination. — Family- 
 Bereavements. — Interest in Public Matters. — Last Months of Life. — Memo- 
 randa of his Children. — Last Hours. — Death. — Funeral Services. — Extract 
 from Rev. George Clayton's Sermon. — Summary of Character, and Legacy of 
 Wisdom to his Sons, as Preachers. — Letter of Rev. J. Sortain . . 394 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 REV. JOHN CLAYTON, JUN.— 1834-1848. 
 Ministerial Prosperity. — Death of Mrs. John Clayton. — Sketch of her Life and 
 Character by her Husband. — Residence at Romford. — Second Marriage. — 
 Announcement of his Retirement from the Poultry Chapel Pastorate. — 
 Letters to and from the Church. — Resignation. — "Welcome to Titus." — 
 Presentation of Testimonial 410 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 REV. GEORGE CLAYTON.— 1835-1842. 
 Accident. — Death of his Mother. — Symptoms of Failing Strength. — Death of his 
 Brother. — Sorrowful Musings. — Mrs. George Clayton: Sketch of her Life 
 and Character: Early Training: — Conversion: — Marriage: — Usefulness: — 
 Young Ladies' Class: — Extracts from Correspondence: — Sickness: — Death.- — 
 Extract from the Address of Dr. Pye Smith 440 
 
 CHAPTER XXIY. 
 
 REV. GEORGE CLAYTON.— 1843-1802. 
 Second Marriage. — Illness. — Co-Pastorate. — Rev. P. J. Turquand. — Letter to 
 Mrs. "Wills.— Fete at Gaines. — Presentation of Testimonial from the Church 
 at York Street. — Letter from the Bishop of Winchester. — Resignation of the 
 Pastorate. — " Clayton Memorial Schools."— Death of Mrs. Johnson. — Attack 
 of Apoplexy. — Generosity to Relatives. — Last Year of Life. — Last Public 
 Services. — Last Entry in his Diary. — Mrs. Clayton's Account of his Last 
 Moments. — Death. — Funeral Services 409 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 REV. JOHN CLAYTON, JUN.— 1848-1865. 
 Resilience in the South of England. — Occasional Services. — A Minister's Friend. 
 
 Illness of his Granddaughter. — Letters to Rev. R. Hamilton. — Death of 
 
 his Brother George. — Interest in Religious Societies. — Last Sermon. — 
 Declining Strength. — Humility of Spirit. — Death of his Granddaughter. — 
 Mental Depression. — Death. — Funeral Services. — Extract from Dr. Spence's 
 
 Sermon. Descendants. — Estimate of his Character: — His Hospitality — His 
 
 Cheerfulness— His Political Creed — His Generosity .... 401 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 Estimate of the Character of Father and Sons: — Their Courtesy and Kindness — 
 Their Indifference to Literary Fame — Their Devotion to their Work — Tho 
 Secret of their Success 512
 
 MEMORIALS 
 
 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Chapter 3L 
 
 A CENTURY AGO. 
 
 The world has made rapid and marvellous strides, 
 since the principal subject of the following memoirs first 
 drew breath, in a little village in Lancashire. As he 
 wandered amid the shadows of his native hills, he little 
 dreamed of those momentous changes that were then 
 impending; of the strange and stormy events which 
 were to pass in wild array before him and his contempo- 
 raries ; or anticipated the advent of men who shook the 
 earth with their tread, and whose rise, culmination, and 
 fall he should contemplate, from that prominent posi- 
 tion which was assigned to him on the watchtower of 
 one of the walls of Zion. 
 
 In Mr. Clayton's earliest years, the pulsations -which 
 were so soon to throb with mighty force in the hearts 
 of vast populations, and reveal themselves in the life- 
 throes of a whole continent, were only beginning to be 
 felt. Distant mutterings were then but faintly audible 
 which were to swell into a tumultuous and universal 
 storm. The little cloud, at that time no bigger than a
 
 2 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 mans hand, was to swell and spread until it covered 
 the whole firmament with portentous darkness. 
 
 But political stirrings and strivings had their counter- 
 parts in other directions. The upheavings of mind 
 developed themselves in the more peaceful and benefi- 
 cent forms of scientific discovery, and in adding to the 
 resources of a nation's greatness and power. Mr. Clay- 
 ton was entering on manhood when Watt, with indomi- 
 table perseverance, was perfecting his steam-engine, 
 whose gigantic and widespread operations were to create 
 a new era in the history of our world. Telford and 
 Rennie — the former three years and the latter seven 
 years Mr. Clayton's junior — and other embryo engineers 
 of even greater fame, were gradually acquiring the skill 
 and daring which were to exhibit themselves in elaborate 
 schemes and operations, that were to astonish the 
 world and revolutionize society; bridging gulfs, exalting 
 valleys, and piercing hills ; subduing the mighty forces 
 of nature to the will of man; yoking the elements to 
 his triumphal car, and making all subserve the advance- 
 ment of the interests of the human race. Strange must 
 have been the musings of the old man of eighty-nine, 
 when he remembered through what wondrous transitions 
 the world had passed, since he journeyed on foot from 
 Lancashire to London, a truant from his home. 
 
 Mr. Clayton had reached his thirtieth year when the 
 tidings of the first outbreak of the French Revolution 
 reached these shores. At first, with many of the good 
 men of that day, who loved liberty with a passionate 
 ardour, he heard them with the hope that that was the 
 dawn of a happier era, in the history of the peoples of 
 Europe; a hope, however, that was soon doomed to a 
 bitter disappointment, when they saw night settling 
 down on the world rather than day rising; and the
 
 A CENTUEY AGO. 
 
 lurid flames of destruction spreading wider and further ; 
 and beheld men, with the stamp of humanity and God 
 on their brows, transformed into demons, ready for any 
 deed of darkness and blood. Nine years later he was 
 to hear — with a chill of horror, that ran through all 
 ranks and peoples — of a dethroned king, led pitilessly 
 to the guillotine; and soon after the mother of his 
 children, and the partner in his misfortunes, amid the 
 frantic execrations of a misguided and infuriated rabble, 
 dying the same dreadful death. 
 
 But amid all these startling occurrences, — and others, 
 political, social, and religious, here and in other lands ; 
 in the progress of science, and the development of the 
 before-hidden resources of the material world, — after a 
 fashion, and to an extent, of which, if a century before 
 there had been any prediction, it would have been 
 regarded as the ravings of delirium, or the wild fancies 
 of a fairy tale, — he saw the unveiling of the grand designs 
 of Him who " is wonderful in counsel and excellent in 
 working." 
 
 It was to be his privilege to witness the origination 
 or the establishment of some of the great institutions, 
 of a religious character, which have proved the glory 
 and bulwark of our native land. This period opens up 
 before us one of the brightest chapters in the history of 
 this country ; although, as yet, the chief chroniclers of 
 her heroic deeds have scarcely discerned the moral 
 grandeur and significance of the transactions wrought 
 by men of whom the world was not worthy. Future 
 historians will have to look for other causes of the true 
 greatness of England than those which are supposed to 
 reside in courts and camps, or to emanate from houses 
 of legislation, or the great laboratories of art and science, 
 commerce and literature. As from the upper room at
 
 1 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Jerusalem, which seemed beneath the notice and even 
 the contempt of the heads of the Jewish nation, sprang 
 the church of Christ, whose course has been that of 
 a mighty stream of beneficent influences, designed to 
 fertilize and bless all lands ; so, from the unadorned 
 walls of two or three quiet counting-houses, belonging 
 to merchants of this great city, have originated those 
 schemes of Christian enterprise which, aiming to 
 distribute the Bible, or religious books, or send the 
 living missionary to the distant heathen, have already 
 effected the grandest results, in the transformation of 
 whole communities of savages, or heathen idolaters 
 possessing some of the refinements of life, into civilized 
 and Christian men. " The wilderness and the solitary 
 place have been made glad for them ; and the desert 
 has rejoiced, and blossomed as the rose." " Thou hast 
 brought a vine out of Egypt : thou hast cast out the 
 heathen, and planted it. Thou preparedst room before 
 it, and didst cause it to take deep root, and it filled the 
 land. The hills were covered with the shadow of it, 
 and the boughs thereof were like the goodly cedars. 
 She sent out her boughs unto the sea, and her branches 
 unto the river " (Psalms lxxx. 8-11). 
 
 To the chief incidents in the lives of Mr. Clayton and 
 his three sons, who were for so many years consistent 
 and effective workers in the vineyard of the Lord, the 
 following pages are devoted.
 
 Cijapter M. 
 
 1754-1773. 
 
 BIRTHPLACE OF THE REV. JOHN CLAYTON. —EARLY EDUCATION. — ODIUM 
 THEOLOGICUM. — APPRENTICESHIP. — ELOPEMENT FROM MANCHESTER TO 
 LONDON. — DEATHBED SCENE. — REV.W. ROMAINE. — STRIKING CONVERSION. 
 — DESIRE FOR THE MINISTRY. 
 
 Mr. Clayton was the only son of George and Alice 
 Clayton, and the youngest of ten children. His father 
 (who was descended from an ancient family in Lanca- 
 shire, by that branch of it, the head of which was Ralph 
 Clayton, who died about the year 1662, and whose 
 posterity merged into the line of the Claytons of 
 Adlington, Lancaster) occupied an ancient residence, 
 built entirely of stone, now known by the name of 
 Wood End Farm. The edifice bears evidence of its 
 extreme antiquity, and of the use for which it was 
 originally designed. The massive walls, the spacious 
 hall, the narrow lights, and the precipitous staircase, 
 denote its monastic derivation. There is a legend 
 current in the township that, some centuries ago, this 
 religious house was profaned by the barbarous murder 
 of a priest, who sought shelter therein ; and who, having 
 treasure about him, was put to death in an upper 
 chamber, which is still shown as the scene of this dark 
 deed. It is not to be wondered at that, in an age of 
 superstition, the house was said to be haunted from 
 that time forth, to the no small dismay of the neigh- 
 bourhood, and more especially of the tenants of the 
 dwelling. It stands on an eminence, gently sloping 
 towards a stream which winds through the valley
 
 6 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 beneath. It is abundantly supplied with the purest 
 water, from a living spring, which, flowing from the 
 house along the adjoining meadows, led probably to the 
 appropriation of them as bleaching grounds. Such 
 they were when held by George Clayton, who followed 
 the vocation of a bleacher of cotton and calicoes. There 
 it was that the Reverend John Clayton was born on the 
 5th of October, 1754. 
 
 As the only son in their numerous family, it may 
 be supposed that the boy became the object of the 
 tenderest love of his parents, and especially his mother, 
 of whom he always spoke with great reverence and 
 affection; describing her as a woman devoted in an 
 eminent degree to household duties; of a mild and 
 gentle bearing, and not without certain traces of piety, 
 according to the light she possessed, and the means of 
 instruction she enjoyed, which, alas, in those parts and 
 at that time of day, were very poorly and inadequately 
 furnished. There is little doubt that this son was a 
 spoilt child, caressed with an over-indulgent fondness, 
 and unchecked in the wilful and wayward follies of 
 thoughtless boyhood. He was the pet of his sisters, 
 some of whom were from fifteen to twenty years his 
 seniors, although the majority of them were cut off in 
 their early youth. Three of them only are known to 
 have survived, and settled in families. The second, 
 Alice, was united to Mr. Baker, a surgeon and apothe- 
 cary in London. She lost her husband in early life, 
 and afterwards married the Rev. Anthony Crole, one of 
 the eleves of Selina, Countess of Huntingdon, at her 
 College of Trevecca, in Wales, and afterwards for many 
 years the honoured, successful, and beloved pastor of 
 the church formerly assembling at Pinners' Hall, and 
 afterwards at Founders' Hall, Lothbury, in London. He
 
 BOYHOOD. 
 
 lived to a good old age, and was blest with a family of 
 seventeen children, in addition to the two step -daughters, 
 the Misses Baker, who were of so tender an age when 
 their mother became Mrs. Crole, that they never knew 
 any father but him. She was the survivor, for several 
 years, after his removal to a better world, and at length 
 departed in the faith and hope of the Gospel, at the 
 house of her eldest daughter, who had married, long 
 before that event, the Rev. W. Craven, the much- 
 respected pastor of the Congregational church at 
 Melbourne, in Cambridgeshire. 
 
 As soon as John Clayton was of an age to be sent to 
 commence his studies, he was entered as a scholar at 
 the Leyland Grammar School, an ancient foundation, at 
 that time held in considerable respect for classical 
 learning. Beyond the ordinary routine of instruction, 
 and an attendance, not very regular, at church, he was 
 altogether destitute of religious education. The books 
 for children, now so numerous, and so excellently 
 adapted to attract and impress the infant and the 
 youthful mind, were, in that age and in that part of 
 the kingdom, entirely unknown. From his mother he 
 gained some notions of things moral and divine, but 
 her own stock of knowledge at that period was of the 
 most scanty and imperfect kind. There were, never- 
 theless, particular seasons, even then, in which he 
 was no stranger to certain " compunctious visitings of 
 conscience," and of some undefined aspirations after 
 immortality. He has been heard to say, that he well 
 remembered, when at a very tender age he sat in his 
 mother's rocking-chair, for hours together meditating 
 on eternity, and was even absorbed in the contemplation 
 of the overwhelming theme ; feeling, as it were, in the 
 darkness, if haply he might find some resting-place for
 
 8 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 his disquieted spirit. These thoughts, however, were 
 rare and transient, leaving no permanent impression, 
 and were productive of no practical results. Whether 
 they may not be considered to have been among those 
 " preparations of the heart " which " are from the Lord," 
 is a question which the reader must determine for 
 himself, in reflecting upon the future character of the 
 man, and the great purpose to which his life was 
 consecrated. 
 
 He was, in these boyish days, a staunch Protestant, 
 and brought up with an irreconcilable and almost 
 instinctive hatred of Popery. His childhood dates at a 
 time not very remote from the great rebellion in favour 
 of the Pretender, in 1745, and this may serve to account 
 for the antipathy subsisting among his schoolfellows, 
 composed, in almost equal numbers, of Roman Catholics 
 and Protestants. Mutual reproaches and irritating 
 scorn often led to pitched battles amongst the boys, 
 who, without knowing much, if anything at all, of the 
 grounds of their respective opinions, learned to hurl 
 defiance at each other, and to manifest no small degree 
 of animosity, in indulging their warlike propensities. 
 John Clayton, from his tall stature and natural courage, 
 became a leader in these pugnacious exploits, and often 
 gave and received some hard blows in the cause of the 
 Protestants. The war songs were couched in no very 
 complimentary language, and were uttered in tones of 
 studied insult. Of course, in these affrays no moral 
 victory was ever achieved, but, on the contrary, much 
 ill-will generated, while each party adhered to its own 
 predilections. 
 
 These deep-rooted prejudices, however, became in 
 process of time, by reading and reflection, deep-rooted 
 principles; issuing in a determined hatred of Popery,
 
 APPRENTICED TO BUSINESS. 9 
 
 and all its deadly operations and influence ; and an 
 attachment as strong to the rights of private judgment, 
 liberty of conscience, and loyalty to the House of 
 Hanover and the Protestant succession. 
 
 The time at length came when he was to receive 
 the rite of confirmation, as appointed by the Anglican 
 Church. All that was required to this end was an 
 ability to repeat the catechism, the creed, the Lord's 
 prayer, and the ten commandments; in which, having 
 acquitted himself to the satisfaction of the parochial 
 clergymen, he was presented to the bishop, for the 
 sanction and benediction which encouraged him to 
 believe that he was now, and for ever after, to all intents 
 a Christian. An incident occurred at this administra- 
 tion, of which he sometimes made mention. As he 
 passed with a crowd of young persons to the communion 
 table, which for convenience sake was enclosed by a 
 railing, the clerk or sexton let fall the movable rail 
 upon his head, inflicting a severe wound, from which 
 the blood flowed copiously, and which, though unat- 
 tended by any serious consequences, left a scar which 
 he bore to the end of his days. Oftentimes has he 
 referred to his confirmation with humiliation and regret, 
 fully assured that he was confirmed when in a state of 
 gross spiritual ignorance, unbelief, and sinfulness. 
 
 Shortly after this he was apprenticed to his brother- 
 in-law, Mr. Boultbee, at Manchester, and thus acquired 
 an acquaintance with practical chemistry. The time 
 he spent in the laboratory was not lost. There, and in 
 the dispensing of medicines at the counter, he became 
 familiar with the quality of drugs, and their application 
 to the numerous diseases of the human body, the 
 knowledge of which he found to be of essential service 
 to him in future life, in treating his own ailments and
 
 10 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 those of his family; while amongst his numerous 
 acquaintance and friends he was prepared, in ordinary 
 cases, to suggest useful advice and to recommend 
 appropriate remedies. To every minister of the Gospel, 
 and especially to the missionary, such an acquaintance 
 with the healing art is invaluahle; for while he will 
 shun everything like quackery, or encroachment upon 
 the office of the regular practitioner, he will be qualified, 
 especially in cases of sudden emergency, to suggest the 
 best methods to be pursued with a patient, so as to stay 
 the progress of disease, or afford suitable relief. 
 
 Here he continued for four years; when, before the 
 expiration of his term of service, he suddenly decamped, 
 without assigning a reason for so doing, or in fact giving 
 any notice of his intentions. He made his way to 
 London, with only a slender wardrobe, and a fowling- 
 piece, which it is conjectured he borrowed of a neigh- 
 bour, with the full purpose at the time of returning 
 it to its owner; but as this long journey was mainly 
 accomplished on foot, his resources failed him on the 
 road, and he sold the gun as a measure of dire necessity, 
 to enable him to go forward towards the place of his 
 destination. How this matter was arranged with the 
 proprietor is unknown; but it is in no wise uncertain 
 that John Clayton, in after clays, adverted to the fact 
 w T ith deep compunction and penitential shame; observing 
 that his case bore some analogy to that of Onesimus, 
 for whom Paul so pathetically pleaded with Philemon. 
 What were the particular motives which led to this 
 irregular and censurable movement are not known; but 
 it offers a solemn warning to youths in similar circum- 
 stances, to beware of listening to the voice of temptation, 
 and to avoid discontent, insubordination, weariness of 
 duty in their place and station, and the love of change,
 
 REV. W. EOMAINE. 11 
 
 which have heen fatal to many in the condition of 
 servitude, and in the outset of life. It cost, in the 
 remembrances of the subject of this memoir, many a 
 bitter tear and many a regretful sigh, that he should 
 have so early turned aside from the path of rectitude 
 and peace. But He who maketh the wrath and folly of 
 man to praise Him, overruled this clandestine visit to 
 the everlasting good of the wanderer. 
 
 Having reached the house of his sister in London, 
 he was received with much surprise and with gentle 
 remonstrances, but withal was treated with much 
 kindness. 
 
 A short time before this unexpected visit, Mr. Baker, 
 his brother-in-law, as has been intimated, died, after 
 a brief illness, in his youthful prime. While on his 
 deathbed, it was considered proper that he should see 
 a clergyman ; but for whom to send, was the question. 
 Mrs. Baker had occasionally heard the Kev. William 
 Komaine, at St. Ann's, Blackfriars, and it was suggested 
 that he should be invited to visit the sufferer. The 
 summons was obeyed without delay; and the venerable 
 minister, having placed himself by the couch of the 
 patient, adopted a style of address not very usual on 
 such occasions. Taking him kindly by the hand, he 
 spoke to the following effect: — "You are, sir, a perfect 
 stranger to me, and I to you. I ask not what may 
 have been your former character, or your habits and 
 course of life. I know all about it. I know that you, 
 like myself, are a sinner against God; that you w r ere 
 born under His wrath and curse, and have gone astray 
 like a lost sheep, having transgressed that law which is 
 holy, just, and good, in thought, word, and deed; and 
 that you have no power in and of yourself to effect your 
 deliverance from this state of condemnation and misery.
 
 12 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Nevertheless be not discouraged. I bring you good 
 news, glad tidings of great joy. The God whom you 
 have offended is full of mercy and compassion. He 
 willeth not the death of the sinner, but rather that he 
 should repent and live. He has provided for your 
 escape by the gift, mission, meritorious obedience, and 
 atoning sacrifice of His incarnate Son. The work 
 which He undertook He has gloriously finished; and 
 His righteousness, freely imputed to the penitent and 
 believing sinner, will infallibly justify from all charges 
 and liability to condemnation. He is able to save to 
 the uttermost all that come unto God by Him ; and 
 him that cometh, you have His own word, He will not 
 cast out. He is willing at this very moment to save 
 you; only believe. Look unto Him and be saved." 
 Then, with much affection and earnestness, he still 
 further addressed himself to the dying man, saying : — 
 " Sir, this is my message ; were I to remain with you 
 till midnight, I have nothing more to tell you. Can 
 you receive it ? I again ask, Can you receive it ? 
 Look and Live." Having offered prayer, he took his 
 departure, pronouncing a cordial farewell. Death soon 
 fulfilled his commission, and Mr. Baker never again 
 beheld the face or heard the voice of his clerical 
 instructor. His first and last visit w r as consoling as 
 well as awakening, and it is hoped produced a beneficial 
 impression on the mind of him who was so soon to 
 enter an eternal world. 
 
 It is, how r ever, certain that great moral results to 
 others followed this interview. The mourning widow, 
 by the teaching of the Holy Ghost, then received the 
 Divine testimony, and " embraced, and ever after held 
 fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, in Christ Jesus 
 our Lord." It is needless to add that she now resorted
 
 CONVERSION. 13 
 
 regularly to St. Ann's, Blackfriars, and sought for 
 further instruction and consolation from the lips of 
 the evangelist who had preached the Gospel to her 
 dying husband. As her light increased her peace and 
 joy abounded, and she " rejoiced in Christ Jesus, having 
 no confidence in the flesh." 
 
 It was natural that, having learned the value of her 
 own soul, she should feel anxious for the salvation of 
 others. As soon, therefore, as her young brother, in his 
 flight from Manchester, sought refuge in her house, her 
 first desire was to prevail with him to accompany her to 
 hear the preaching of Mr. Romaine. This he did ; and, 
 wonderful to relate, the first sermon he heard — and it 
 was the very first in the course of his life to which he 
 had listened, that set forth the fulness of reconciling 
 grace through the righteousness of the everlasting Son 
 of the Father — was made the power of God to his sal- 
 vation. He described the work as almost instantaneous, 
 and could compare it to nothing but a flash of lightning, 
 which discovered to him, as in a moment of time, the 
 only method of reconciliation, the only ground of hope 
 for ruined man. He now perceived that there was no 
 way of deliverance from the curse of a violated law, and 
 the condemnation of hell, but in believing the record 
 which God has given of His Son ; and from that hour 
 he became a new creature, casting away and trampling 
 under his feet all self-righteous pretensions ; while he 
 made it his prayer, ere he left the church, and reiterated 
 it ever afterwards, to the end of his protracted life, " that 
 he might win Christ and be found in Him, not having 
 his own righteousness, which is of the law, but the 
 righteousness which is of God by faith." 
 
 After this first sermon by Mr. Romaine, which was 
 so signally blessed to the youthful wanderer, he
 
 14 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 continued to hear, as often as lie was able, that 
 venerable preacher, whom he always revered and loved 
 as his spiritual father. From his lips he learned 
 other lessons beside those which referred to the utter 
 incapacity of man, as a sinner, to work out for himself 
 a justifying righteousness. He was led to see that 
 fallen man is, of himself, as destitute of power as of 
 righteousness; that all his efforts towards reformation 
 and amendment of life are insufficient, without Divine 
 aid and succour ; and that nothing short of a regene- 
 rating influence from the quickening Spirit can avail to 
 mortify sin, and insure the fruits of holiness. He 
 likewise heard much of the duty, privilege, and efficacy 
 of prayer, as the means of obtaining spiritual good and 
 spiritual growth. He learned, moreover, that a life of 
 communion with the Triune Jehovah is the only life 
 worth living; and in a word was taught to live the " life 
 of faith" and walk the "walk of faith" in hope of 
 enjoying the triumph of faith. 
 
 The current of his thoughts and the bent of his 
 desires were now totally changed; and he longed to 
 become the instrument of announcing to others the 
 wondrous discovery of God's mercy which had been 
 made to him, and by virtue of which he had passed 
 from death unto life. The love of Christ constrained 
 him; and he thought of nothing in future but of 
 consecrating himself to the work of the Christian 
 ministry.
 
 Chapter M3L 
 
 1773-1777. 
 
 INTRODUCTION TO THE COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. — ENTRANCE ON TRE- 
 VECCA COLLEGE. — LETTER FROM THE COUNTESS. — PERSECUTION. — 
 
 INTERESTING INCIDENT. — SECOND LETTER FROM THE COUNTESS. 
 
 DELIVERANCES FROM PERIL. — ABSTEMIOUSNESS. — RIDE TO LONDON. — 
 ILL HEALTH. — TUNBRIDGE WELLS. — FOUR LETTERS FROM THE COUNTESS. 
 — CONVERSION AT NORWICH. — SEVENTH LETTER. 
 
 While God was thus impressing the heart of the 
 youthful convert, the great and good Countess of 
 Huntingdon heard some of these interesting particulars 
 concerning him, and desired an interview. He was but 
 too happy to avail himself of the privilege, and met 
 her ladyship's invitation with rejoicing readiness. It is 
 well known that she was a person of great sagacity and 
 penetration. On seeing him she was at once greatly 
 prepossessed in his favour, by his pleasing and intelli- 
 gent countenance, his commanding presence, and his 
 elegant manners. Her conversation with him led her 
 to the conclusion that the brokenness of spirit and 
 self-renouncing humility she thought she perceived in 
 him, connected with the decided tone of his evangelical 
 sentiments, and his earnest but chastened zeal in his 
 great Master's service, — accompanied also with much 
 undissembled diffidence of his own competence for so 
 great a work as that of the ministry of the Gospel, — were 
 signs of a gracious spirit, taught and led by God; and 
 induced her at once to take him under her patronage, 
 and to offer him an appropriate education at her college 
 in Wales, then under the direction of a pious and
 
 16 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 learned clergyman of the Church of England. She 
 believed him to have the gifts and the grace requisite 
 for the sacred vocation; and forthwith engaged to 
 maintain him, entirely at her own cost, in his 
 preparatory studies, and the early exercise of his 
 preaching talent. With fear and trembling he accepted 
 her ladyship's generous proposals, and, animated by her 
 exhortations and encouragement, soon found himself 
 among her students at her seminary of Trevecca. 
 
 Lady Huntingdon's plan was to furnish her students 
 with all things necessary for their personal comfort and 
 respectable appearance as ministers. Her provision 
 extended to lodging, diet, clothing, a horse for their 
 journeys, with a gown, cassock, and bands, and a small 
 sum of money for the pocket. Mr. Clayton retained to 
 his old age a pocket-handkerchief, marked at the 
 corners with the words " Trevecca College," and the 
 initials of the student to whom it belonged; so 
 minutely did the countess condescend to the details of 
 personal convenience, in favour of those under her care, 
 that they might have lack of nothing. 
 
 Mr. Clayton had not been long at Trevecca before 
 he sensibly felt his deficiency for the task which, in 
 the ardour of youthful zeal, he had undertaken. He 
 became much depressed in spirit, and but for the 
 kindness of his patroness, in combating his apprehen- 
 sions, and consoling him under his misgivings, he 
 might, at this crisis, have abandoned altogether the 
 service upon which his heart was, notwithstanding, 
 intensely set. In his very earliest ministrations he was 
 the subject of such nervous excitement and apprehen- 
 sion, that on more than one occasion he stopped in the 
 midst of his discourse, burst into tears, and abruptly 
 closed the service. In this he was by no means
 
 COLLEGE LIFE AT TEEVECCA. 17 
 
 singular; as the same thing is stated of some who 
 afterwards, like himself, became most eminent as 
 public speakers. By degrees he gained confidence, 
 and speedily acquired that self-possession which is of 
 such essential importance to effective oratory. His 
 occasional preachings proved so generally acceptable, 
 that he was, as he thought, sent forth on itinerating 
 missions much too frequently, to the constant interrup- 
 tion of his academical studies ; and herein he ventured 
 to differ in opinion from her ladyship, who held a 
 supreme direction in the affairs of the college, and 
 therefore claimed implicit obedience. 
 
 In the weekly services upon which he was sent, his 
 knowledge of the horse, and its fitting treatment, proved 
 of great advantage ; while his expert horsemanship 
 enabled him to accomplish long journeys, in a rough 
 country, with greater facility and less fatigue than fell 
 to the lot of his fellow-students. On the Saturday, and 
 sometimes on the Friday, in every week, he set forth on 
 these itinerating excursions, and was strictly enjoined 
 to return to the college on Monday. This injunction 
 was scrupulously obeyed; for her ladyship was a stern 
 disciplinarian, in the government of her students — as 
 they all found — in the domestic as well as the scholastic 
 arrangements of the college. They rose at five o'clock, 
 and were expected to appear in the hall for divine 
 worship punctually at six; at which hour the prayer- 
 bell rang, and she herself was always present. She 
 cast a searching glance around her, to satisfy herself 
 that none appeared in negligent attire, or betrayed an 
 inattention to the requirements of cleanliness and 
 neatness, on which she was wont to lay great stress. 
 
 The earliest- dated letter extant, from the countess to 
 Mr. Clayton, was written some time after he had become 
 
 c
 
 18 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 one of her students, and was addressed to him during 
 an itinerating excursion in Cornwall. As everything, in 
 connexion with one who occupied so prominent a 
 position in the religious movements of the latter part 
 of the last century, has an interest attaching to it, even 
 with the present generation, her correspondence with 
 Mr. Clayton is given. The letter above-mentioned is 
 as follows : — 
 
 " Dear Clayton, — I have your letter ; it gave me much 
 pleasure in finding your days are ernploj'ed for so dear and 
 faithful a Master as we serve upon earth. May zeal, faithful- 
 ness, and love cause each moment to be engaged for Him and 
 with Him. He pays good wages, and often the best wages, 
 when He shows us we can do nothing without Him, and by 
 which He best proves how much we may and can do with Him. 
 Mr. Sampson has wrote to beg a supply for his meeting, during 
 his absence. As I don't know the state of that place, I am at 
 a loss to answer properly for you ; but in my letter to him I 
 shall refer it to you, as consistent, with any other engagements 
 you may see yourself obliged to observe, with my willingness 
 to have you serve him. Great, very great, increase everywhere 
 of work ! Such a Gospel day have we not known. May our 
 hearts live near the Lord, and in true poverty of spirit evermore 
 be at His feet, waiting His gracious smiles and directions. All 
 * is well at college. The Lord Jesus is with them. Could your 
 clothes do tolerably, till this very bad weather is a little over, it 
 would be well. I know you are so clean and careful. I can 
 never wish you to have less ; but new clothes to ride in must 
 so soon be spoiled at this season, that I will leave it with you to 
 judge ; and when you see fit, order them, and send me the bill. 
 I hope to be at Bath next week. I am so hurried I have not a 
 moment to spare, but to assure you I ever am, 
 
 " Your faithful and affectionate friend, 
 
 " S. Huntingdon. 
 
 " London, December 1st, 1774." 
 
 It often happened that Mr. Clayton endured much
 
 PERSECUTION. 19 
 
 persecuting violence, and coarse ill usage, in his early 
 ministrations. His voice, always sonorous and full of 
 agreeable intonation, was sometimes drowned in the 
 clamour of vulgar hootings and vociferous abuse ; while 
 he was not unfrequently pelted with rotten eggs, with 
 stones, brickbats, and other offensive missiles. A 
 remarkable instance of this kind occurred in the town 
 of Christchurch, Hants. He was preaching in the 
 market-place, where he was surrounded by a large 
 concourse of people, some mocking, and others bent on 
 more serious and mischievous interruption. Among 
 these was a young man named Mitchell, a farmer's son, 
 who had spent the morning of the day in gathering a 
 large number of addled eggs, from the farmhouses in 
 the neighbourhood, which he brought to the town in a 
 hamper. While the sermon was proceeding the hamper 
 was opened; a signal was given to his comrades, and 
 the pelting began, till the young minister's face, apparel, 
 and preaching robes were completely bespattered, and 
 became as yellow as gold. He mildly expostulated with 
 the assailants, and closed his discourse with the prayer 
 — " Father, forgive them ; for they know not what they 
 do." Mr. Mitchell afterwards went to India, made his 
 fortune, and returned to England " to die in his nest." 
 In India he heard and received the life-giving truths of 
 the Gospel, and became a new creature in Christ Jesus. 
 Among other remorseful reminiscences of bygone years 
 was the disgraceful scene at Christchurch, which must 
 have been enacted somewhere, about the year 1776. It 
 happened that, as long after as 1812, Mr. Clayton's 
 second son was supplying, for a few weeks, the pulpit 
 of the countess's chapel at Cheltenham. After one of 
 the services, there walked into the vestry an elderly 
 gentleman, of a benignant aspect, who having introduced
 
 20 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 himself as Mr. Mitchell, of Reading, inquired earnestly 
 of the preacher if his father was yet living ; because he 
 had, he said, especial reasons for wishing to see him, 
 and ask pardon of him before he (Air. Mitchell) should 
 close his eyes in death. " For I," added he, " was the 
 ringleader of a number of ignorant and foolish youths 
 who pelted and insulted your father in the market-place 
 at Christchurch, when beseeching sinners, for Christ's 
 sake, to be reconciled unto God; but I have obtained 
 mercy; and I long for an opportunity before I die " — and 
 as he spoke the big tears rolled down his cheek — " to 
 make my confession and apology to one whom I so 
 evilly entreated, in the days of ignorance and unbelief." 
 The desired interview was brought about; and the 
 meeting of the two men, under the circumstances 
 already detailed, may be easily conceived as most 
 affecting. They have now met in heaven, to join in 
 the new song — " To Him that loved us, and washed us 
 from our sins in His own blood ; to Him be glory and 
 dominion for ever." 
 
 The following letter from his patroness, bearing date 
 February 19th, 1775, was sent to him while in Corn- 
 wall : — 
 
 "Dear Clayton, — Agreeable to your wishes I send you a 
 release. This should have been sooner done, but being most 
 dangerously ill I left all business for a season. I think you 
 should introduce Gibbons into Cornwall, and leave him your 
 gown, and I will have one made at Bath to fit you, when you 
 come through here, that you may have with you at the college. 
 The work of the Lord is prosperous everywhere, and, by new 
 students being sent me, promises still more to be so. I am glad 
 to release you, as it is your wish ; and abundantly so, as I hope 
 Gibbons will be able, with your approbation, to succeed you. 
 The summer must have good help for Cornwall. I trust you 
 will have much comfort by hearing of the fruit of your faithful
 
 PROVIDENTIAL DELIVERANCE. 21 
 
 labours. May the Lord bless your gracious soul with the 
 abundant increase of Gospel faith and love, and make you daily 
 feel the glory and happiness of an unreserved heart for His 
 service. It is the only true joy of a simple heart to become 
 wholly His. I hope to see you so soon, that I can only beg 
 your prayers ; believe me, you have ever mine. 
 
 "lam your ever faithful and affectionate friend, 
 
 " S. Huntingdon." 
 
 Mr. Clayton's growing power and acceptance, as a 
 preacher, led to still multiplied engagements, in some 
 of which he had to record signal escapes from imminent 
 dangers, in travelling the wild and mountainous districts, 
 whither he carried the message of reconciling mercy. 
 Keturning homewards, on one occasion, he was be- 
 nighted, and neither moon nor stars appeared. His 
 steed made a sudden halt, and continued immovable, 
 notwithstanding the various expedients, resorted to by 
 the rider, to urge him forward. After waiting for some 
 time, the moon appeared in her brightness, and 
 discovered that he was on the brink of a rocky preci- 
 pice, from which, had he and the animal fallen, they 
 must, in all probability, have been dashed to pieces. 
 The good providence of God preserved them both, by 
 means of the instinct and sagacity of the horse. 
 
 On another occasion, when preaching in the open air, 
 and surrounded by a ferocious band, intent on mischief, 
 there stood forth a man, remarkable for his stature and 
 athletic power, who was to make the signal for the 
 commencement of the assault; but this very man was 
 so touched by the youthful aspect of the preacher, his 
 entire composure, and earnest expostulations, that he 
 exclaimed with a stentorian voice, while he clenched his 
 fist in defiance, " The first man that throws a stone, or 
 an egg, or any other thing at this young parson, I'll
 
 22 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 throw my fist in his face;" and having made this 
 menace he stood like a sentinel, with his fist douhled, 
 and in mute attention, till the service peacefully closed, 
 and the throng as peaceably dispersed. 
 
 Indiscreet kindness is sometimes as injurious as 
 boisterous rudeness, of which take the following 
 example. At one of the hospital tie farmhouses in 
 Wales, — and at that time there were comparatively few 
 that afforded an asylum to the persecuted itinerant, — 
 after twice preaching, followed by a long ride, 
 Mr. Clayton was courteously entertained. The good 
 lady of the house, full of generous feeling, prepared for 
 him, as he was retiring to rest, a tumbler of brandy and 
 water, made "very stifl." He tasted it, and exclaimed, 
 " I would not drink it for all the world ; it would derange 
 my head, and dishonour my ministry." "Pshaw!" she 
 replied, " what does it signify ? as you are so soon going 
 to bed." Upon which the young preacher ventured to 
 admonish her, that the sinfulness of excess is the same 
 in the sight of God, under all circumstances ; and that 
 Christians are bound to avoid the appearance of evil, 
 and to make their moderation known unto all men, 
 because the Lord is at hand. Through the protracted 
 life with which it pleased God to favour Mr. Clayton, 
 he was distinguished by a temperance, leaning to the 
 side of abstinence. On ordinary occasions he was 
 accustomed to restrict himself to two glasses of wine 
 per diem ; in company he might perhaps take a third 
 glass, — but a fourth never; and mixed liquor, except 
 when used for medicinal purposes, he held in utter 
 abhorrence. He would say, jocularly, that he took of 
 wine two glasses for himself, a third for his friends, and 
 if he were to take a fourth, it could only be for his 
 enemies.
 
 EIDE TO LONDON. 23 
 
 The usefulness of his ministrations, the politeness of 
 his manners, and the correctness of his habits, made 
 him a great favourite with his venerable patroness, and 
 led her to regard him in the light of a friend and a 
 confidant. On a particular occasion, rather inconsider- 
 ately, as she afterwards thought, she issued her orders 
 to commence the building of a large chapel, in the 
 environs of the metropolis. She was anxious to 
 countermand the directions she had given ; but how to 
 do this in time to stay proceedings was the difficulty; 
 the post was tardy, and not very regular in its delivery ; 
 the time of railroads and electric wires had not yet 
 come. She sent for Mr. Clayton, and inquired if he 
 thought he could ride post from the Principality to 
 London, on business of great emergency, without injury 
 to himself. He replied, that on her ladyship's business, 
 and under the protection and blessing of God, he would 
 willingly make the attempt. She then directed him 
 where to go in London, imparted very fully her reasons 
 and motives for recalling her previous commands, gave 
 him ample instructions as her plenipotentiary, and bade 
 him " God speed." Fully to estimate the arduousness 
 of the undertaking, it must be remembered that travel- 
 ling, at the time referred to, was a thing materially 
 different from what it has since become. The roads 
 were rough and devious, the accommodation at inns 
 imperfect, and the dangers manifold and great. The 
 young minister, however, set forth undaunted, and 
 taking a fresh horse at the end of each stage, pressed 
 forward, with little rest and scarcely a regular meal, till 
 he reached the place of destination, just in time to 
 prevent the signing of the contract for the building. 
 Towards the close of the journey, between Northampton 
 and St. Albans, he was, in consequence of this unusual
 
 24. THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 effort, seized with violent bleeding from the nose, which 
 he apprehended would delay his arrival in town, and 
 possibly defeat the design of the mission. But here his 
 medical knowledge assisted him; and having bathed 
 his forehead and face in the coldest water he could 
 procure, he supplied himself at a chemist's shop with 
 some lint, and made pledgets of that material, wherewith 
 he plugged the nostrils, stayed the bleeding, and 
 proceeded on his way. The journey was, otherwise, 
 accomplished safely, with no material inconvenience to 
 the rider, and with a speed almost incredible. Having 
 successfully completed the business intrusted to him, 
 he returned, as he came, to Trevecca, though not with 
 equal celerity, to receive the acknowledgments of his 
 noble patroness. 
 
 About this time Mr. Clayton's health became delicate, 
 and he betrayed symptoms, as it seemed, of pulmonary 
 disease, which naturally awakened in her ladyship's 
 benevolent heart much solicitude on his behalf. With 
 a view to his benefit she sent him to supply her chapel 
 at Tunbridge Wells, where he took the duty alternately 
 with the late Rev. Dr. Haweis, rector of Aldwinkle, 
 Northamptonshire, and one of her ladyship's chaplains. 
 Here Mr. Clayton recovered his strength, and proclaimed 
 the Gospel of the grace of God with great power and 
 general acceptance. Not a few listened to his message 
 to their conviction, conversion, and edification ; and the 
 preacher became in an eminent degree what is termed 
 "popular." After leaving Tunbridge Wells he came 
 to preach in London, and was followed by admiring 
 crowds to the Tabernacle in Moorfields, Spafields 
 chapel, Zion chapel, the Mulberry Gardens, and 
 Tottenham Court Road chapel. 
 
 The following letters of the countess were sent to
 
 LETTERS FltOM THE COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 25 
 
 him, the first during one of his absences from London 
 preaching in the provinces, and the others on his return 
 to the Mulberry Gardens. 
 
 " Dear Clayton, — Hoping to find you at Lincoln, I write to 
 desire you would as soon as possible go to London. Your abode 
 is prepared at the Mulberry Gardens walk, and for all your 
 wants. The Lord's hand has been most graciously manifested 
 by His strength and power there. The people — a most precious 
 people — will expect you with impatience. You know how 
 to guard against such as you have had difficulties at Norwich 
 with. Let love and patience deal with dissenters, but let us 
 guard against becoming the dupes of any party. Love all in 
 their own way, but Jesus Christ above all other ways. — I am, 
 dear Clayton, entreating your being in London, in very great 
 haste, but ever your faithful and truly affectionate friend, 
 
 "S. Huntingdon. 
 
 " College, February 9t7i, 1777." 
 
 "College, April 1st, 1777. 
 
 " Dear Clayton, — The enclosed I thought would revive and 
 comfort all your hearts. Don't fail to read it on Sunday, and 
 after leave it with either Mr. Simpson or Mr. Leggat. There 
 is something of the right sort arising here, and most exceeding 
 promising cause for my heart to triumph in the mercies vouch- 
 safed to our poor labours. pray and rejoice. Nothing but 
 the hope that these accounts would revive our dear friends at 
 the Mulberry Gardens could make me write. Satan is angry, 
 but the Lord smiles ; and who then can fear ? A single eye or 
 an honest heart for Him shall carry all before it, in spite of 
 men and devils. Read it heartily. Pray fervently for more 
 blessing, and our cup shall overflow. for more, more faith, 
 and then let the devil and world do what they will. Our lively 
 young men have had a precious feast to-day. We all love and 
 pray for you. Love to your dear sister, dear Crole, and all our 
 friends at the Gardens. 
 
 " I am, ever faithfully and affectionately your friend, 
 
 " S. Huntingdon. 
 
 "A fall, coming out of chapel, has affected me much. The 
 devil had a hard blow, but wonderful mercy, only, saved my
 
 20 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 life : but though his head is bruised, yet he docs wound our 
 heels ; this I found true." 
 
 " Dear Clayton, — Your letter of this morning has made me 
 most uneasy, on account of your health. While Mr. Shirley 
 stays at Norwich send and order Wills to the Mulberry Gardens, 
 and do you come to Wales, for the goat's milk, or Bristol 
 waters; and till then change with Dunn, for Woolwich. I 
 wish you could find out for me Matthew Wilks, that I might 
 write to him. I hear he is coming to Haverford West, to 
 preach ; this he will grieve me by to the highest degree, and 
 oblige me to disown him; as he must then stand against the 
 college and association, and that in most wicked defiance, which, 
 if lie knew fully, as an honest man, he would suffer death rather 
 than do. Was I sure where to find him, I would write to him 
 in much love and kindliness, to avoid distressing me in the way 
 he must do, and oblige me in honour for ever to disown him. 
 Should he take that step, a more dishonest foundation never 
 was laid, and God will never own it. Let me know where he 
 is, that I may write ; and if you can see him, beg him not to 
 go till he has heard from me. Fear not, the matters at the 
 Mulberry Gardens shall go well, though through the fire. All 
 that's kind to dear sister and Crole, and believe me, as ever, 
 "Your own affectionate and faithful friend, in haste, 
 
 "S. Huntingdon. 
 
 " College, April 4th, 1777. 
 
 " Dear Mr. Jones, of Langan, has preached to-day, and has 
 given us all a high feast. The Lord give such a spirit to all 
 His ambassadors." 
 
 The round of public services in London soon brought 
 on a recurrence of the symptoms already noticed, and 
 gave fresh cause of alarm to her ladyship, who forthwith 
 commended Mr. Clayton to her family physician in 
 town, and sought his advice. 
 
 The two following letters addressed to Mr. Crole and 
 Dr. Fothergill, so characteristic of the lady who wrote 
 them, and as both indicating her high regard for
 
 DECLINING HEALTH. 27 
 
 Mr. Clayton, and her minute attention to the comfort 
 and health of her students, are given : — 
 
 "Dear Crole, — Clayton's letter, relative to his state of health, 
 
 has given me great uneasiness. I have heen praying, with a 
 
 heartfelt distress about him, to the Lord, and the best human 
 
 means of all kinds I am resolved he must pursue ; and I rely 
 
 upon you that no time may be lost in his going with the 
 
 enclosed to Dr. Fothergill. Let him send the letter up, and 
 
 wait for his appointment to see him. I have told the doctor 
 
 that my express orders to him are immediately to follow his 
 
 directions, if to the Hot "Wells, or to Wales for the goat's milk, 
 
 air, and quiet ; with an exact observation of the doctor's 
 
 prescriptions. I am sure his kindness to me will make him do 
 
 all for poor dear Clayton in his power. I rely on your seeing 
 
 him most exactly observing the doctor's orders, without delay ; 
 
 — he is so thin and tender, that time lost is of the utmost 
 
 importance to his health and life. He will press the doctor to 
 
 take a guinea. At nine, or rather before, every morning, he 
 
 may have a chance of seeing him ; otherwise to attend to the 
 
 doctor's appointments exactly. Time obliges me to add only 
 
 my love to your wife, and all that's kind to Clayton ; insisting 
 
 upon no trifling with his complaints, and I now remain, 
 
 " Your truly faithful and affectionate friend, 
 
 " S. Huntingdon. 
 "College, April Gth, 1777." 
 
 "College, South Wales, April Gth, 1777. 
 
 " My worthy Friend, — My high opinion and just degree of 
 
 confidence engage my request for your advice and instruction 
 
 to the bearer of this, Mr. Clayton, who is a student of mine, and 
 
 whose health is of much importance, for the best services. He 
 
 is truly an uncommon instance of grace, — not now but two and 
 
 twenty, — and has been a most useful instrument in the church 
 
 of Christ. The great and just regard all that know him have 
 
 for him renders this request from myself and others but the best 
 
 excuse for this particular trouble. He has my express orders 
 
 to immediately pursue whatever method you should advise, 
 
 whether to the Hot "Wells, or directly to "Wales for the goat's 
 
 milk, quiet, and air, with those prescriptions you should appoint;
 
 28 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 which mar the Divine blessing abundantly attend. With my 
 keeping warm this "winter, and attending to your directions, I 
 have reason to be thankful that this last year in WaJ.es has been 
 spent in much more of the comforts of health than I could have 
 expected ; and being ever under the truest sense of my obliga- 
 tions to you, I must ever remain, my worthy friend, 
 
 " Your ever obliged and sincere friend, 
 " To Dr. Fothergill." " S. Huntingdon. 
 
 Country air and horse exercise having been recom- 
 mended, Mr. Clayton was appointed to the chapel at 
 Norwich, where he continued for a while preaching the 
 word and itinerating in the neighbourhood. Here his 
 ministrations were remarkably blessed. One instance 
 is on record of a conversion effected through his instru- 
 mentality, which, both directly and indirectly, was 
 attended with results of the highest importance. In 
 this cathedral city there lived, at the time of Mr. Clay- 
 ton's visit, a person of the name of Johnson, of whom, 
 in a letter sent to Mr. George Clayton, the Kev. W. 
 Eoaf, of Wigan, thus writes : — " He was a Pharisee. 
 The descriptions he gave of his pharisaical spirit were 
 really ludicrous. He limited himself to a certain 
 number of words per diem. He fully believed God 
 would some day signalize him by some miraculous 
 interposition, and point him out as the pattern for all 
 beings to imitate. He went to hear Mr. Clayton in 
 Norwich. The subject was the two builders. God 
 blessed the word. On his going home, he loathed 
 himself. He actually gave a dog the footpath, thinking 
 it a less odious creature than he felt himself to be. 
 This person, after being, I believe, at Trevecca college, 
 settled at Wigan. My chapel was built for him. There 
 he instrumentally converted Mr. Roby, who succeeded 
 him here a short time, and then went to Manchester.
 
 LETTER FROM THE COUNTESS. 29 
 
 Mr. Roby improved his death from the words ' My 
 father, my father ! ' His emotions were very deep, 
 and many of the people said, ' I may exclaim, My 
 grandfather ! ' &c. Who can tell the results which 
 have issued from that one sermon preached by Mr. 
 Clayton, at Norwich?"* 
 
 Having in a good measure recovered his health, 
 Mr. Clayton continued to preach in various parts of 
 the kingdom, under the immediate direction of Lady 
 Huntingdon ; and everywhere, through the Divine 
 blessing, with no ordinary degree of acceptance and 
 usefulness. Among other places he visited Tunbridge 
 Wells, where his labours were highly appreciated, and 
 whither, on the occasion of an attack of illness, she 
 resolved to send him again. Her wishes were commu- 
 nicated to him in the following letter : — 
 
 " Dear Clayton, — The state of your health, and the repeated 
 calls for you at Tunbridge Wells, make me hope that the 
 change there might, from the air, and Mrs. Marsden's care of 
 you, with little preaching, be the only thing that may prevent 
 your growing ' worse, by the extreme heat of the Mulberry 
 Gardens. I have had such difficulties about your leaving that 
 place, with the remark lest your health should suffer more by 
 your staying, that I have wrote to John Jones, at Norwich, to 
 come up (I do believe he is faithful to our work) and be 
 instructed by you before you leave it; apprising him clearly of 
 the various enemies to that work on aU sides we have. With 
 his judgment and faithfulness, I trust the Lord might bless him 
 among the people. I have ordered him to write to you; but 
 prevent him by a line if you should not approve him for the 
 Mulberry Gardens ; but I cannot find another, besides yourself, 
 I coidd alike rely on. When he comes to town, or the day you 
 can fix to be at Tunbridge Wells, write to Mr. Marsden, after 
 
 * In the Life of the Countess of Huntingdon, vol. 2, p. 347, Mr. Johnson is 
 represented as having been minister of St. George's, Manchester. This must 
 have been previous to his settling at Wigan.
 
 30 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 consulting Mr. Coughland, to give out your being there, as they 
 are all so very anxious about it, and I shall never be forgiven if 
 you don't go. Collin gham shall succeed you there, when you 
 come off for the college, and he may easily change with Jones, 
 as Whitefoot is in Sussex. is just arrived out of Lincoln- 
 shire. Do hurry Hall down if he is not gone ; and on William's 
 return (which will be soon) he shall go there also, and if Wilks 
 wants help, Tyler or Thomas Jones may go, and I think Moody 
 to Harwich, and some one sent to Maidstone or to Dover, or 
 Kinfer to Maidstone, and some one to Dover. You cannot 
 
 conceive the grief P , by his evil actions, has occasioned me 
 
 — tore all the Worcester society to pieces, and divided it for 
 himself; but this to yourself only. I trust the Lord will 
 increase my faith and patience, and by this, His dear yoke will 
 be easy and His burden become light. Hint to J. Jones his 
 
 keeping clear of the T cle, till things are better than at 
 
 present. All your friends here ever are full of love for you. 
 In great haste, and. much fatigued with writing, I must conclude, 
 " Your ever faithful and affectionate friend, 
 
 "S. Huntingdon. 
 
 "College, April 22nd, 1777. 
 
 " You were much blest at the Wells, I find. May the Lord 
 more and more bless your honest soul, and crown your faithful 
 labours with success."
 
 Cfjaptcr IF. 
 
 1777. 
 
 CONFORMITY AND NONCONFORMITY. — SEEKS EPISCOPAL ORDINATION. — 
 EXTRACTS FROM MR. EOURNE's DIARY OF 1777. — TOWGOOD ON DISSENT. 
 — MR. CLAYTON BECOMES A NONCONFORMIST. — THE COUNTESS'S DIS- 
 PLEASURE. — LETTER FROM HER. 
 
 We now come to a most important period in 
 Mr. Clayton's history, when a crisis of great -moment 
 arrived, and his ecclesiastical relationships and move- 
 ments were to undergo an entire change. It was the 
 earnest wish of the countess that Mr. Clayton should 
 take orders in the Church of England, and with this 
 object she had procured the necessary testimonials, and 
 despatched him with her own warm recommendations 
 to the Bishop of Lincoln, from whose hands he was to 
 receive ordination. 
 
 At this point in Mr. G. Clayton's memoirs of his 
 father I break off, for the purpose of introducing the 
 following extracts from the " Diary of Henry Bourne, 
 of Dalby, Lincolnshire," which were obligingly sent me 
 by his daughter, Mrs. Allenby, senior, of Louth. 
 
 "April 24th, 1777. — This day brought a letter from Mr. 
 Waltham, informing us that lie found so many obstacles in his 
 way towards obtaining orders for the curacy of Dalby, that he 
 had laid aside all thoughts of proceeding; and we likewise 
 received a letter by the same post from Mr. Glascott, informing 
 us that, as Mr. "Waltham had desisted from his intentions, he had 
 written to Mr. Clayton, who is a student in Lady Huntingdon's 
 college, and wanted much to make his way into the Church of 
 England, if he could get his credentials signed ; and Mr. Glas- 
 cott engaged to inform us.
 
 32 - THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 "May 9th. — Received another letter from Mr. Glascott, to 
 inform us that Mr. Clayton had got testimonials signed, and 
 that they were sent to be countersigned by the Bishop of 
 Landaff, and that he expected Mr. Clayton in a few days, at 
 Gainsborough, to which place he had requested the bishop to 
 forward the testimonials. The business is now to all appearance 
 in some forwardness. There are indeed tAvo bishops between 
 Mr. Clayton and us ; yet if God be for us, and if Lie has work 
 for this man to do amongst us, we know lie is able to remove 
 every obstacle. We desire not to be looking to man for the 
 accomplishing this important affair, but to God alone. 
 
 " May 11th. — This day brought another letter from Mr. Glas- 
 cott, respecting Mr. Clayton. The clouds, we hope, are dispersing 
 apace : for we received enclosed Mr. Clayton's testimonials, signed 
 by the Bishop of Landaff, informing us likewise that Mr. Clayton 
 would be with us in a few days, to get his title from Mr. Bickett, 
 and then proceed to the Bishop of Lincoln ; but as the paper 
 ouo-ht to be with the bishop three weeks before the ordination, 
 a difficulty seemed to arise in respect to that. As to-morrow it 
 will only be three weeks to Trinity Sunday, I waited immedi- 
 ately upon Mr. Bickett, got him to write a letter, with the 
 testimonials, to the bishop, which we purposed to send by the 
 post this evening ; but when I returned home I foimd my 
 brother had a man prepared to set off with it express to Bngden, 
 which he did this afternoon ; so we hope there will be no objec- 
 tion. I am much rejoiced by the seeming prospect. Hitherto 
 the Lord has helped us, and trust He will continue to do so till 
 He shall accomplish His own will in us and by us. 
 
 "May loth. — The man who carried Mr. Clayton's testimo- 
 nials to the Bishop of Lincoln returned (having delivered the 
 letter into his own hand), with a letter from the bishop, in 
 which he informed my brother that he had received the testi- 
 monials and title, but must be excused admitting Mr. Clayton 
 as a candidate for orders, till he should have made further 
 inquiries about his character, conduct, and education ; of which 
 he had some suspicions, as his friend the Bishop of Landaff had 
 subscribed his testimonials in such general terms. Here we 
 seem to meet with a fresh hindrance ; we fear the inquiry will
 
 me. bourne's diary. 33 
 
 not turn out to our advantage, as the Countess of Huntingdon's 
 people are peculiarly obnoxious to the bishops, in general. Lord, 
 what wouldst Thou have us do? We are devising a way of 
 approach to the bishop to solicit him in this business. 
 
 11 May 15th. — Clouds seem to gather round us, more and 
 more. A letter from Mr. Glascott brings us an account that 
 the curate of the place where Mr. Clayton resides had positively 
 refused to read his ' Si quis,' &c. ; he had, therefore, laid aside 
 all thoughts of coming over, this being indispensable. Had 
 just time to acquaint Mr. Kay and Mr. Thompson. 
 
 "Jane 9th. — After this the writer went up to London, and 
 waited on the bishop, who promised to take the case into 
 consideration before another ordination, and consult his brother 
 bishops ; but said he could not consistently ordain a person whose 
 principles he disliked and thought to be pernicious. 
 
 " June 12th. — Set forward homeward after visiting Mr. Yenn, 
 at Zetting. Soon after my return home, wrote to Mr. Glascott 
 to inform him how matters stood, with respect to Mr. Clayton 
 and the bishop. 
 
 "June 20th. — Mr. Glascott and Mr. Kay (the vicar of 
 Bloxham) came to Dalby, to inform us that Mr. Clayton had 
 laid aside all thoughts of continuing to offer himself as a 
 candidate for orders in the Church of England." 
 
 Mrs. Allenby, in her letter to me, says : — 
 
 " I have often heard it remarked, in my younger days, how 
 little the then bishop knew what he was doing, by driving such 
 a man, who was subsequently followed by three such sons, to 
 exercise his piety and talent amongst Dissenters, when he might 
 have secured the father, at least, as an ornament to the church 
 in which he held office." 
 
 I resume Mr. George Clayton's narrative ; in which lie 
 records the incident, that led to the important change 
 which took place in his father's views, on ecclesiastical 
 matters. 
 
 Before leaving Tunhridge Wells, where he then was, 
 he called on an aged dissenting minister, of the name of 
 
 D
 
 34 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Shepherd. While waiting in the parlour for the coming 
 of that gentleman, he took up a book which was lying 
 on the window seat, and which proved to he Towgood's 
 Letters to White, on Dissent, in which the subject of 
 Church Establishments is largely treated, with equal 
 power and good temper. He read these pages for some 
 time, and was perfectly startled by a discussion of 
 matters which, as yet, he had never considered at all, or 
 at least with no gravity and attention. He instantly 
 felt great difficulties arise, as to any further pursuit of 
 the object on which his heart had been set; and having 
 opened his mind freely to the venerable minister, who 
 instructed him more fully on the heads of this impor- 
 tant controversy, he at once abandoned the design of 
 seeking ordination at the hands of the bishop ; and 
 resolved, at all hazards, to declare himself a Noncon- 
 formist, in obedience, as he fully believed, to the dictates 
 of his own conscience, and to the will of Christ, as made 
 known in the New Testament. 
 
 This unlooked-for change in his sentiments on 
 ecclesiastical polity was most unwelcome to his 
 patroness, who for the first time since his introduction 
 to her met him with a frown, and expressed her deep 
 concern and disappointment that he was seceding from 
 the church, as by law established, and thus rendering 
 all the care and pains she had used to facilitate his 
 ordination abortive. 
 
 The separation of Mr. Clayton from her ladyship's 
 Connexion very speedily followed; and the accompanying 
 lengthened communication from her pen shows the light 
 in which she contemplated his secession, and his identi- 
 fication with the Congregationalists. The letter bears 
 no date; but no doubt was written about the middle 
 of the year 1777, and was addressed to Mr. Clayton, 
 at Tunbridge Wells : —
 
 LETTER EEOM THE COUNTESS. 35 
 
 "Dear Clayton, — I have received your kind letter, and 
 though very painful to consider you no longer united in our 
 labours for the Lord, or the services of the Connexion, with me, 
 I yet find that renouncement of ourselves, to which abiding 
 faith must first or last make every sacrifice, willingly and cheer- 
 fully, to Him who so forgot all things for our sakes, but the love 
 of His Father's will only. So would my heart learn something 
 of this great lesson of self-denial, and yield you up as an Isaac, 
 a choice lamb of the flock, devoted to the Lord for His service 
 — this being now done most faithfully, humbly, and for ever — as 
 His property and right. I still find He will not let my care 
 for you (as intrusted by Him) cease, while thus disinterestedly 
 desiring His will only for you to be my point, but to lay before 
 you most faithfully what either my little light in Divine matters, 
 or my experience in the world, thus obliges me to afford you, 
 before we part ; and so far as those are left with you (as such) 
 the force of truth will in the end ever have its place. First, as 
 to the state of your heart : if this matter that lies before you 
 is void of every earthly or interested view; if it flatters not 
 flesh and blood in prospect ; or has still a more devoted sacrifice 
 of your whole life to the Lord Jesus's service (for such honour 
 only belongs to His saints), I then may pronounce your object 
 worthy of this pursuit ; and the light shall shine more and more 
 to the perfect day, while the eye is thus single for His glory 
 alone. Was this the case all must be well, for ever, dear Clayton, 
 with you. You are then among those sons of God who so 
 blessedly are led by the Spirit of God. 
 
 " Your labours will be honoured ; your life will praise Him ; 
 and. your death confirm, by its latest moments, those victories a 
 soul so devoted must evermore triumph in. If it be so, your 
 high privileges will proclaim whose wise, holy, and righteous 
 ways your happy soul has been led in ; and they that so follow 
 you, as you do Christ, shall rise up and call you blessed; but 
 should you from youth, or less faithful sentiments taken in, 
 accommodate matters, and any darkness be brought into those 
 more glorious views of the Gospel, how great may that darkness 
 prove to your heart! You have been faithful, simple, and been 
 hitherto blest ; and this while separated from every end but the
 
 3G THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 most disinterested labours for the Lord. May this abide! It 
 will not, because you may like it better. O no ! our wills ever 
 want a security separate from the will of God ; and here danger 
 ever commences, and perplexities, and the severities of that cross 
 we make for ourselves, — either outwardly or inwardly, with the 
 earthly or worldly disappointments we may have — or secrelly 
 an eye to advantage; and thus render life and your labours a 
 heavy burden, and so heavy (observation has proved to many) 
 as to yield themselves the slaves to interest, power, and even 
 the love of the world again ; and so our last state be worse than 
 our first. 
 
 " On these dangers for you, my heart dwells. Should your 
 present call not be wholly in the will of God, and not solely for 
 His glory only, those consolations — that early met your heart, 
 and led to Him in peace and safety — being fled, the path will be 
 most painfully trod, through many days of sorrow, should even 
 the tender mercies of God meet your departing spirit. But for 
 worlds, hazard not this precipice of imminent danger to your 
 soul, and the loss of those many blessings under the smiles of 
 His beloved countenance. What my soid trembles for, to 
 myself, wonder not at, it fears for you, who have not yet 
 seen or felt the pilgrim's path so narrow' to life and liberty, as 
 my many days and nights have proved it ; and which true 
 Gospel faith, well tried by the Lord, will sufficiently evidence. 
 
 " I have been informed your engagement is to Sir H.Trelawny 
 as an assistant. I hope a gracious young man ; and though 
 having acted by me neither as a Christian nor a gentleman in 
 this matter, yet no prejudices that can flow from selfish ends 
 render my wishes less faithful for his usefulness, or the many 
 blessings I wash his own soul. His youth, inexperience of the 
 world, united with a bigoted zeal of party, all make his excuses 
 for the present to any fair mind ; but above all is he to be pitied 
 for the exclusion of himself from that great and popular service 
 his great and universal services to the world might be of — this 
 talent seems laid up in the napkin. He will now give the 
 world's great security no trouble ; he, as tolerated, subjected to 
 laws, will contrive to obscure, by the most cautious conduct, his 
 life in a Presbyterian meeting-house ; and be bound to bow before
 
 LETTER FROM THE COUNTESS. 37 
 
 penal laws, to escape punishment for preaching Jesus Christ to 
 the world, and which for forty years has been gloriously owned 
 by the Lord, in the streets, lanes, highways, and hedges, and still 
 is — with the most blessed results. And I will venture to declare 
 that if ever the Lord has wrought effectually in his soul, under 
 the present dispensation of grace to this nation, he will break 
 these cords, and cast away these bonds from him, if called by 
 God to be a true apostolic minister of the Gospel. This, then, 
 dear Clayton, you think you are to do likewise. Conscience 
 never makes you practise this ; but the doing good, I do believe, 
 is in your views, though I believe, also, you know not hoiv. If 
 honour or profit has its plausible appearance in this for you, 
 how much the sad reverse for that, justly so called, will a little 
 time prove it. The changeable state of men and things renders 
 nothing secure but from Him who is the same yesterday,' to-day, 
 and for ever. Fidelity to God in you may make all human 
 smiles cease ; and the reserves others make, for party or opinions, 
 may deaden every power in your labours. Mollond and Adams 
 (worthy creatures) have been ordained. My love made me 
 pity, while my justice to them obliged me to agree, that they 
 should become so subjected to man, and to those obligations so 
 fatal to their peace, as to narrow a sphere of action as theirs ; 
 and which must render a labourer in these days of evil but a 
 miserable prisoner at best. The future difficulties that are 
 certain, by any plan of man's making, in which they are so 
 limited in the services of the Gospel as they must be, according 
 to those laws, make me ready to weep over them ; while I could 
 bless the Lord the poor people had such honest souls to care for 
 them ; but ease and sloth, under their legal restraints, will have 
 so good a pillow to rest upon, that I tremble for them. Perhaps 
 in vain ! I hope so ; but I have too seldom been mistaken. 
 
 " And now I must call upon that faithfulness, that experience 
 so much makes me respect in you, to act by the Connexion, you 
 are leaving thus, like an honest man. You have seen others' 
 labours have been to weaken our hands; and by every artifice 
 draw away the young and unwary, to act as partners in this 
 most horrid, and of all others most base practice, and under 
 which no prosperity from God will in the end ever be proved.
 
 38 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 You have many of your brethren that love you, and your 
 influence might serve to help an unfaithful heart to break the 
 bonds of justice, truth, and every tic. If ever you expect 
 success or peace from the Lord, in your own soul, I must charge 
 you, never to have a hand, or by a secret, or open approbation, 
 aid in labouring to destroy that sect appointed by God for many 
 increasing blessings to the church ; this the Lord will not suffer 
 long. It is disinterestedly for His glory — or it is not. If it is 
 for this great purpose, who must suffer, but such as arise to 
 destroy its end and meaning, by taking to ruin those who 
 through ignorance or temptation are made the reproach of it, 
 by want of the common ties of common honesty or principle; 
 and, in the face of the sun, covet and win what neither God nor 
 man gives them any right in ? If it is to fall let it fall ; but not 
 by your hands, in part, who have secured God's appointment 
 for you in it, with much love and faithfulness. Many plagues 
 will follow to all such, — however their cunning may now cause 
 them to laugh at the base arts and villany that succeed to the 
 ruin of others, — and who lie in wait to deceive. This view of 
 justice will bind me ever to the strictest distance from you. 
 None of your labours shall suffer from any belonging to me ; 
 and I shall require you to receive none that belongs to the 
 college; as I will not, for worlds, countenance or allow the 
 labours of any from among you. As none, as honest men, will 
 enter those labours you are engaged in ; so none, I expect, in 
 yours will venture to break those bonds of justice to our labours 
 also. Nothing can be more extensive than my love for all ; yet 
 nothing more remote from my judgment or experience than 
 your present obligations are now subjected to ; and as that part 
 has all possible supplies of instruction, it cannot want our help 
 or services. The world is before us; let not Ephraim vex 
 Judah, nor Judah vex Ephraim. The most charitable wishes 
 may subsist, while at a distance, and out of the reach of ungodly 
 men, who would make merchandise of the honest and the simple. 
 I desire to be such, alone, for ever. 
 
 " Thus you see I have with the greatest kindness to you, and 
 also with the greatest abhorrence of the professing deceivers, 
 spoke my whole mind, that nothing may arise after that shall
 
 LETTER FROM THE COUNTESS. 39 
 
 cause me to esteem you less, as an honest man and a Christian — 
 both which appear scarce in these our days ; and thus may the 
 Lord make you faithful, upright, and honest, in little and much. 
 How often shall I lament you, shut up in dry, dead Presbyterian 
 meeting-houses; wise enough to despise the life, power, and 
 spirit with which to many you have so often spoken, and who 
 so affectionately received the sweet Gospel of Jesus Christ from 
 you ; and your gifts and grace withering under the unprofitable 
 hearers ! May this never be the case ! or cause me to lament 
 that sorrowful conclusion of all your labours which has been 
 the case and is the case with others, now weary of the political 
 task, of pleasing for a miserable support ; and who, having 
 suffered loss, exclude themselves altogether from views of useful- 
 ness. As this may be the last time you may ever wish to hear 
 from me, I desire in love, and in the most earnest faithfulness, to 
 render my account. I can now leave every future event in His 
 blessed hands; and so commending you in all tenderness of 
 spirit, continue to remain, dear Clayton, 
 
 " Faithfully and affectionately yours, 
 
 " S. Huntingdon."
 
 (Chapter #♦ 
 
 1776-1778. 
 
 sir harry trelawny. — his ordination at southampton. — mr. clayton 
 becomes his assistant in cornwall. — letters from rev. richard 
 knill and sir harry trelawny. — labours in cornwall. — sir 
 harry's marriage. — his apostasy. — separation between the 
 fellow-labourers. — sir harry's conformity. — letters on the 
 
 SUBJECT. 
 
 Preaching in London, Mr. Clayton was introduced 
 to Sir Harry Trelawny, a baronet of an ancient and 
 honourable house in Cornwall, who, at that period of 
 his life, was associated with the countess in her zealous 
 movements, and preached conjointly with him at the 
 places before-mentioned, in London, drawing after him 
 large and attentive congregations. Sir Harry was in 
 the heyday of youth; extremely fascinating in his person 
 and manners, and filled with holy ardour in preaching 
 a free and full salvation, seeking to save the souls of 
 men from condemnation and death. He formed a 
 strong friendship for the companion of his labours; so 
 that their hearts were knit together in ties so tender, 
 intimate, and endeared, that they were often compared 
 to Jonathan and David. 
 
 It is not known whether, at the critical juncture in 
 Mr. Clayton's life, referred to in the last chapter, he 
 imparted his new ecclesiastical views to his friend and 
 fellow-labourer ; but it is certain that the baronet 
 became at this time a Nonconformist likewise, and 
 avowed his decided preference for a Presbyterian, or 
 Congregational discipline, or rather a mixture of both.
 
 SIR HARRY TRELAWNYS ORDINATION. 41 
 
 Acting upon his convictions, Sir Harry was publicly set 
 apart to the office of pastor or overseer, in the church 
 of Christ, by the laying on of the hands of the 
 Presbytery. This solemnity took place at Southampton, 
 April 22nd, 1777, with more of poixrp and circumstance 
 than usually attend services, when administered accord- 
 ing to the simple forms of Protestant Dissenters. A 
 large platform was raised, covered with green cloth, 
 and a velvet cushion provided for the young baronet to 
 kneel upon. Constables were in attendance, to guard 
 against disorder and disturbance. The crowd, anxious 
 to witness the celebration of the rite, under circum- 
 stances by no means common, was immense, and 
 composed of all classes, fashionable and unfashionable, 
 from the town and neighbourhood. The chapel above 
 Bar, the pulpit of which was then tilled by the 
 Rev. William Kingsbury, and subsequently by the 
 Rev. Thomas Adkins, who still continues his ministry 
 there, crowned with the years and honours of more 
 than half a century, was never known to contain 
 within its walls, for the then size of the building, so 
 large, so august, and so interested an assembly. The 
 Rev. Mr. Ashburner, of Poole; and the Rev. William 
 Kingsbury, with other neighbouring ministers, took part 
 in the work of the day. The ordination service was 
 afterwards published, and contains a noble confession 
 of faith by Sir Harry, with a lucid and fearless declara- 
 tion of his views on the points of church government. 
 
 Shortly afterwards, Mr. Clayton was engaged by Sir 
 Harry as an assistant in the ministry, at his family seat 
 at Looe, in Cornwall. Here he resided for some time, 
 having the free use of a large library, and being treated 
 by the lord of the castle with uniform kindness, affection, 
 and confidence, as though he were his equal, his familiar
 
 42 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 acquaintance. Here also these two young men offici- 
 ated, conjointly, at the chapel in Looe, and in a widely- 
 extended circuit, through which they itinerated, holding 
 forth the word of life amid the dark towns and villages 
 of that county. They performed their excursions on 
 horseback; preaching in chapels, — where such existed, 
 or in private houses, or in the open air, as opportunity 
 offered. Many received the word with joy, and embraced 
 the message of reconciling grace. Here outrage and 
 persecution were unknown. This is to be accounted 
 for, doubtless, by the consideration generally paid to Sir 
 Harry, whose rank — standing in society as the head of 
 one of the most ancient families in Cornwall — served to 
 awe the vulgar, and to silence the polite. There were 
 living, till within a few years past, some aged persons 
 who remember well Mr. Clayton and his preaching, and 
 who attribute their spiritual birth to a new and heavenly 
 life, and their growth in grace, to his early and earnest 
 labours among them. 
 
 Subjoined is an extract from a letter addressed to 
 Mr. Clayton, by the excellent and devoted Richard 
 Knillj who gives an account of a visit he paid to 
 Cornwall, on behalf of the London Missionary Society, 
 in 1838, when he met with some of these first fruits of 
 Mr. Clayton's early labours. 
 
 " Honoured Sir, — On the 12th of September last, I preached 
 at Looe, in Cornwall, to a large and interesting congregation. 
 Mr. James, the minister, interested me very much about your 
 early labours in this place, and referred to your kindness in later 
 days. I found that it was just sixty-one years ago since you 
 first spake in the name of the Lord in that place. What favours 
 and honours has your adored Master heaped upon you during 
 this long period ! not only on your own person and labours, but 
 on your dear children and their labours. ' He hath not dealt so 
 with every family : praise ye the Lord.'
 
 LETTER FROM REV. R. KNILL. 43 
 
 " On the morning of the 13th, Mr. James took me to see an 
 old lady who lives just by the bridge. She is nearly your own 
 age, and was converted under your ministry. She forgets many 
 things which happened six months ago, but she has a vivid 
 recollection of your prayers, and your sermons, and your texts. 
 Her daughter is very devoted to the cause of Christ, and I 
 guess she is the chief supporter of Mr. James. The people in 
 general do little for him. 
 
 "After our morning visit we ascended the mountain to a 
 farmhouse, where we dined with a pious family who attend 
 Mr. James's ministry. The son of the good farmer preaches at 
 Polperro, when Mr. James is preaching at Looe. 
 
 " At two p.m. we had service at Polperro, and a very cheering 
 sight it was. Before I left the pulpit a novel scene presented 
 itself. An aged man, with an ear trumpet in his hand, ascended 
 the pidpit stairs, and called out aloud to me, ' Do you know the 
 venerable Clayton?' 'Yes, I do, and his sons also.' 'Oh, I 
 am glad to see any person that knows him.' 'Do you know 
 him ? ' I inquired. ' Know him ! ' said the hoary-headed 
 veteran, 'I heard him preach his first sermon in these parts 
 threescore years ago.' 'Was Mr. Clayton's ministry blessed 
 to you, sir ? ' ' Blessed ! It was blessed to everybody, more or 
 less. Sir Harry was the means of my conversion before 
 Mr. Clayton came ; but I was nourished up in the words of 
 sound doctrine under the venerable Clayton. Give my love to 
 him. He will know me.' Much more followed ; but I have 
 forgotten the good man's name ; though I never shall forget 
 the circumstances connected with my visit to Polperro. May 
 the evening of your days be increasingly tranquil and happy, 
 is the sincere prayer of, honoured sir, 
 
 " Your very obedient servant, 
 
 "Pichard Kntll. 
 
 "Mission House, ISth December, 1838." 
 
 Mr. Clayton was ever striving, together with his 
 beloved colleague, so to proclaim the truth and to seek 
 the profit of many, that they might be saved. 
 
 The few letters of Sir Harry to his friend and 
 assistant which remain, strongly evince their mutual
 
 44 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 sympathy, affectionate regard, and devotion to their 
 work. The following was written about the time of the 
 commencement of their joint labours. 
 
 " My dear Sir, — At last I am about to answer your accept- 
 able letter. I would by no means wish you to preach to the 
 injury of your health. We must do what we can, as affectionate 
 yoke- fellows and labourers in the same vineyard, to serve the 
 little places around, as often as opportunities may be given. 
 
 " I hope and pray this situation may be agreeable. For my 
 own part I can only say from what I have heard of you, dear 
 sir, ' I am as thou art ; my horses as thy horses ; my house as 
 thy house ; my heart as thy heart.' 
 
 " The sooner you come, the better ; however, if you must stay 
 three months longer with Lady Huntingdon, I can do tolerably 
 well till September, when I propose, God willing, to go to the 
 Isle of Wight, where is, I trust, a plentiful harvest. 
 
 "I hope, my dear sir, we shall be united in the warmest 
 Christian friendship, and that our relationship in the dear 
 Lord's vineyard may be the means of assisting each, and 
 comforting each. 
 
 " I cannot endure the thought of grieving Lady Huntingdon. 
 Therefore I hope, in your letter, you will acquaint her ladyship 
 with your call to Chatham, as well as to Looe. That she may, 
 if possible, be convinced that I have not seduced you from 
 her Connexion. I shall expect to hear from you very soon, that 
 I may know when you propose to be here. — I am, my dear sir, 
 your very affectionate and faithful brother in the ministry, 
 
 " H. Trelawny. 
 
 "Trelawxt, near Looe, June 11th, 1777." 
 
 Among other places which he visited, was the house 
 of Mr. Martin, at Cungurrell, near Gerans, which was 
 opened for Divine service, and where the glad tidings 
 were sounded, both by Sir Harry and himself, to the 
 joy of not a few, who fled for refuge from the wrath to 
 come to the asylum of the cross. Out of these house- 
 lectures arose the little chapel at Portscatha now
 
 REMINISCENCES OF LABOUR IN CORNWALL. 45 
 
 standing, and which has ever since heen supplied hy a 
 succession of faithful evangelical pastors." 
 
 In the year 1855 the following letter was received by 
 one of Mr. Clayton's sons, from a lady in Cornwall, 
 which will introduce the reader to some notices of his 
 early labours in that county. 
 
 " Cungurrell, October 9th, 1855. 
 
 " Hev. and Dear Sir, — I much fear you will consider this 
 a very singular epistle, but one for which I have an apology to 
 offer. I wish to know whether or not I am addressing a son of 
 the gentleman who bore the same name as yourself, and who, in 
 connexion with the late Sir Harry Trelawny, father of the 
 present Sir S. Trelawny, lord lieutenant of Cornwall, — perhaps 
 sixty years since, and long before my recollection, — visited Corn- 
 wall, for the express purpose of spreading the glad tidings of 
 salvation in this remote province of our island ? I have heard 
 that those gentlemen were the first dissenting ministers who 
 ever preached in this county. "What induces me to make the 
 inquiry is this : — A late worthy minister of this parish, Mr. 
 James, of Portscatha, frequently spoke in deservedly admiring 
 terms of your repeated kindnesses to him ; and among other 
 circumstances that you had presented him with a gig, which, 
 in his declining years, added considerably to his comfort, 
 when his strength so far declined, that he was unable to take 
 the tedious round of his weekly duties, without some such 
 conveyance. I have heard him, on many occasions, mention 
 your name; but delicacy forbids my repeating the overflowing 
 expressions of his grateful heart. I once said, ' The name of 
 Clayton reminds me of one of whom I have often heard my late 
 father speak, in connexion with Sir Harry Trelawny. Was 
 that gentleman a father to your friend ? ' Mr. James replied in 
 the affirmative. It then occurred to me that these gentlemen 
 
 * I paid a visit to Portscatha in the autumn of this year (1866). The chapel, 
 which has stood for nearly ninety years, was about to undergo an entire 
 remodelling ; and with a new and convenient school-room will meet the growing 
 wants of this beautiful sea-side locality. Under the intelligent ministry of the 
 Rev. George Orme, aided by the devoted labours of his interesting family, this 
 cause has undergone a thorough revival.— T. A.
 
 46 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 were the same whom my late grandfather entertained at his 
 house, and for whose accommodation he erected (solely at his 
 own expense) a small chapel ; he being at that period the only 
 person of respectability in those districts who countenanced 
 dissent, and who during his earthly course entirely supported 
 the little sanctuary he had erected on his estate, Cungurrell, 
 the place, dear sir, from which I now address you. 
 
 " Cungurrell was the first spot in this locality where the word 
 of God was preached, and the first ministers were your excellent 
 father and his friend, Sir Harry Trelawny. 
 
 "A pious tradesman, at his sole expense, has this summer 
 erected a new chapel, which was opened about a fortnight since. 
 It is within half a mile of this place. I attended for the two- 
 fold purpose of hearing a good sermon, and of contributing a 
 trifle to so good a cause. We had an excellent sermon ; but 
 judge of my surprise at what followed. An old worthy had 
 been employing his pen, for many days previous, to give the 
 audience some account of the commencement of religion in this 
 neighbourhood. His statement was to the effect that the Gospel 
 was first preached in this parish by Sir Harry Trelawny and 
 his friend, Mr. Clayton. ' The only person who countenanced 
 their God-like mission was Mr. Martin, of Cungurrell, who not 
 only received and cordially entertained these messengers of the 
 Most High, but opened his house for preaching, by inviting the 
 poor of this and the neighbouring parishes to attend, where 
 they were accommodated with the best apartment the place 
 afforded. As numbers increased the heart of this good man 
 was inclined to do his utmost to accommodate them. He then 
 constructed, from a cottage of his, a neat compact chapel, where 
 the Gospel was regularly preached by the above-named gentle- 
 men, assisted in after times by the Rev. Mr. Wills, the rector 
 of Burgan. Next followed some students from Lady Hunting- 
 don's college ; and the work went on,' to use this good man's 
 language, ' gloriously. On the 6th of January, 1777, Sir Harry 
 preached in this new chapel to an attentive audience, from the 
 third chapter of the book of Judges, and the twentieth verse, 
 " I have a message from God unto thee," which,' the good man 
 said, ' I have heard described as a most thrilling sermon.'
 
 SIR h aery's marriage. 47 
 
 " Then followed a pleasing detail of the many excellencies of 
 my worthy grandfather and father, 'who,' he was pleased to 
 add, 'would not suffer his left hand to know what his right 
 hand gave.' These humble effusions, on reaching my ear so 
 unexpectedly, created a thrill of delight I would not have 
 exchanged for all the pleasures the world could bestow." 
 
 That Sir Harry entertained at that time no other 
 desire and intention but to live and die the pastor of 
 the church at Looe, is obvious from an epitaph which 
 he wrote for his own grave, whenever it might please 
 God to call him hence, and which was given by him to 
 Mr. Clayton. 
 
 NEAR THIS PLACE LIETH BURIED THE BODY OP 
 
 THE REVEREND SIR HARRY TRELAWNY, BART., A.B., 
 
 THE FIRST MINISTER OF THIS CHURCH, 
 
 WHO DIED , IN THE TWENTY-THIRD YEAR OF HIS AGE ; [sic] 
 
 EXPECTING THE MERCY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST 
 UNTO ETERNAL LIFE. 
 
 Indulge no sorrows, shed no tears ; 
 
 His soul, upborne on eagles' wings, 
 Is far removed from trouble, sin, and fears; 
 
 And in the bosom of his God for ever loves and sings. 
 
 After awhile Sir Harry was smitten by -the charms of 
 a lady, who was young, beautiful, and pious, — the only 
 child of her parents. It was said that her hand had 
 been previously sought and promised to a young 
 gentleman, then pursuing his studies for the church, at 
 the University of Cambridge. The parents of the lady, 
 dazzled by the title and fortune of the baronet, while 
 she herself could not fail to be pleased with the agree- 
 able person and winning manners of her new suitor, 
 determined to bestow her in marriage upon Sir Harry. 
 The matter was rather precipitately concluded, and the 
 union duly solemnized in 1778. When he brought
 
 48 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 home his bride to Trelawny, he was received at the hall 
 door by his assistant and the retinue of his domestic 
 servants, who vied with each other in giving to him and 
 his companion a respectful and affectionate welcome. 
 
 A large amount of letters had accumulated during his 
 absence, which he proceeded to open and read. One 
 of these was unusually long, and closely written. As 
 he read this, Mr. Clayton observed that his countenance 
 changed — he trembled, and at length threw down the 
 letter. Supper was announced, but he .refused to eat; 
 and notwithstanding the entreaties of his wife, urged 
 with the most tender assiduities, even to the cutting 
 the food upon his plate, he could not be prevailed on to 
 touch a morsel. When her ladyship retired, he arose 
 in a state of almost frantic excitement, and addressing 
 Mr. Clayton, as he was wont, in a familiar style, 
 exclaimed, "Johnny, if it were not for the hope of a 
 glorious immortality, I should blow my brains out with 
 a pistol." "Alas!" replied his colleague, filled with 
 consternation and grief, " what can have happened to 
 cloud this scene of gladness ?" " Read that letter," said 
 he, handing to him that which he had been seen to 
 peruse with so manifest an emotion. It was from the 
 young gentleman at Cambridge, stating his attachment 
 to the lady, the encouragement he had received, and 
 the confident hope he had cherished, not without good 
 reason, of one day claiming her for his bride. He appealed 
 to his sense of honour, as a gentleman and a Christian, 
 not to persevere in his suit ; and concluded in a strain 
 of heart-touching expostulation, well fitted to prostrate 
 the firmest nerves, and to subdue the stoutest courage. 
 Mr. Clayton endeavoured to calm his friend's mind by 
 every appropriate consideration, derived from the all- 
 disposing providence of God, his own innocence of any
 
 SIB HARRYS APOSTASY. 49 
 
 dishonourable motive or design, the extreme youth of 
 the lady, and her unconditional submission, probably, to 
 parental wishes and persuasions. In some degree he was 
 successful in tranquillizing the agitation of his spirit; 
 but here was the sting; — the deed was irretrievably 
 done, the remonstrance had come too late. Nor was 
 there anything in the issue of this tragical scene to 
 alleviate the sorrow. The young clergyman, when he 
 found that his loss was irretrievable, sunk into a state 
 of hopeless depression; his health declined, death 
 ensued, — and it was believed from a broken heart. 
 Here was a fair morning of earthly felicity suddenly 
 overcast, and followed by long years of regret. Not 
 that Sir Harry and his lady lived unhappily; for the 
 reverse was the fact ; and a numerous progeny was the 
 result of their marriage, the last surviving member of 
 which, Miss Anne Letitia Trelawny, departed this life 
 at the Esplanade, Plymouth, in the year 1860. But 
 it cannot be disguised that this incident had a very 
 unsettling influence on Sir Harry's mind and habits, 
 and may serve to account, in some degree at least, for 
 the many changes of which he subsequently became the 
 victim, and explain that lamentable versatility which 
 characterized his course, even to the end of his days. 
 
 Very shortly after Sir Harry's marriage the first of 
 these changes occurred, by which the two friends 
 were led into diverse paths, and eventually were 
 separated from each other. Not that their mutual 
 regard was at any time entirely broken, so long as life 
 continued; but the religious opinions, adopted by 
 Sir Harry, placed a gulf between him and his assistant. 
 On these matters they became wide as the poles 
 asunder. At that time the spirit of Latitudinarianism 
 prevailed, to a melancholy extent, amongst the Noncon- 
 
 E
 
 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 forming churches throughout the West of England. 
 Arianism and Socinianism, those pestilent heresies, 
 were very rife; and many Christian professors were 
 turned away from their steadfastness, and from the 
 simplicity that is in Christ. The titled minister of 
 Looe w T as much courted, flattered, and caressed ; till by 
 enticing w r ords and fair speeches, he came to adopt the 
 Shibboleth of the rationalistic party, and to renounce, 
 or to hold very loosely, some of the essential doctrines 
 of Gospel faith. From this fatal snare, through the 
 great mercy and controlling grace of God, Mr. Clayton 
 was preserved. He argued, expostulated, and discussed, 
 with great seriousness, the points of difference; and 
 stood himself firm and immovable as a rock. 
 
 The immediate occasion of the separation between 
 Sir Harry and his assistant was this. An association 
 of Nonconformist ministers was holden in the West of 
 England, at which one of the number was to preach on 
 a given subject — that subject was " Candour towards 
 the opinions of other men." Much was spoken on 
 this favourite theme, and candour was lauded to the 
 skies. After the dinner, which succeeded the public 
 service, speeches were made, with reference to the 
 points which had been discussed in the hearing of the 
 assembly; when a gentleman, who was held in repute 
 for his learning, rose to address his brethren ; and 
 having complimented the preacher of the day, warmed 
 as he proceeded, and at last affirmed that, in his 
 opinion, every Calvinist must be either a knave or a 
 fool. At this Mr. Clayton arose from the table, took 
 his hat, and addressing the chair, observed, that after 
 the practical comment which they had just heard, upon 
 a discourse on " candour towards the opinions of other 
 men," he felt, for one, that he could not longer remain
 
 SEPARATION FROM SIR HARRY.- 51 
 
 in such an atmosphere as that ; and bowing respectfully 
 to the company, retired ; — not, however, without being- 
 followed by several who were like minded with himself. 
 This was considered by Sir Harry as a direct declaration 
 of hostility to his opinions, — a breach not to be healed ; 
 and he was as willing to release Mr. Clayton from his 
 engagements as he himself was desirous of terminating 
 them ; and so, without any angry feeling, and with no 
 mutual accusations or reproaches, they were parted 
 asunder, to unite no more in this world, on religious 
 grounds. Sir Harry was, however, subsequently rescued 
 from the shoals of deadly error, whither in an evil hour 
 he had drifted, and restored to sound sentiments; having 
 taken orders in the Established Church, and, of course, 
 subscribed, — it is presumed on full conviction, — the 
 orthodox articles and formularies of that communion. 
 He became afterwards a prebend of Exeter cathedral, 
 but eventually died within the pale of the Church of 
 Rome. 
 
 As Sir Harry was a noticeable man in his day, and 
 stood prominently before the religious world, at the 
 close of the last century, two letters, bearing upon this 
 subject, — written to his old friend and associate in the 
 ministry at the time he was contemplating this step, 
 — are here given. They are of a date subsequent to the 
 time at which we have arrived in Mr. Clayton's 
 biography, but as no reference to the versatile baronet, 
 as he was designated, will be made after this chapter, 
 they are introduced here for the sake of preserving con- 
 tinuity, and to render unnecessary any further allusion 
 to this business. 
 
 "Direct for me at Kingston, near Taunton, Somerset. 
 " My dear Friend, — I do not often write to you, because a 
 mere chit-chat letter is of all things to me most disagreeable.
 
 52 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 When I have anything to say, I shall always take the liberty 
 to rely upon your former regard; and believe that you will 
 assure me of your continued friendship, by assisting me with 
 your advice, &c, &c. In full confidence I write this, and beg 
 
 that Mr. F may not know its contents, for you know that 
 
 it is as well to publish it by the bawling of the common crier. 
 
 " When we were walking from your house to Hackney, you 
 hinted to me that you thought it most advisable for me to go 
 back to the Church. I have thought much on this hint, 
 especially as it came from a dissenting clergyman. All my old 
 friends say the very same. The whole world knows that I 
 have been indiscreet and precipitate — that, as a young man, I 
 ought rather to have acquiesced in the opinions of others than 
 set up my own youthful, and consequently not matured, judg- 
 ment. Now the question is, whether, if I can conscientiously 
 conform, you would advise me so to do; as the only way to 
 recover my credit, and be of any service in my age. I thank 
 God, the Archbishop of York, the Bishop of Exon, and others, 
 have behaved to me in the most friendly manner. Do not the 
 Dissenters expect this step ? Will they, do you think, blame 
 me more than I can bear ? or, rather, in one word, do not you 
 think, upon the whole, that it would be a right and proper 
 measure for one in my situation and with my connexions? 
 Write me by the return of the post, freely and fully; and again 
 I beseech you do not even let your wife, without the most 
 positive assurance of secresy, see this letter. — I am, my dear sir, 
 your very affectionate and sincere friend, 
 
 "H. Trelawny. 
 
 ''June 27th, 1780." 
 
 "My very Dear Friend, — Your kind letter, received this 
 morning, deserves my warmest acknowledgments, and an 
 explicit accoimt of this whole important matter. Sensible that 
 my situation in life was not as could be wished by myself and 
 real friends, I wrote in the last autumn to Dr. Priestley, desiring 
 his advice. He gave me a very friendly answer, and told me 
 that he thought it right that I should leave off preaching, and 
 be rather an encourager than a teacher of religion, &c. To be 
 a clergyman has been my uninterrupted wish for these fourteen
 
 LETTERS FEOM SIR HARRY. 53 
 
 years, and I cannot by any means return to a lay-habit. After 
 this I determined to apologize for my Methodism, and restore 
 myself to my friends. My letter to Mr. Alcock was therefore 
 printed, and has been considered by many as a preparatory step 
 to my restoration. Ever since Christmas I have suffered, at 
 times, almost inexpressible anguish. I have done as a wise 
 man should do; I have considted all my old sincerely-attached 
 friends, who have loved and regarded my person, not my 
 opinions — the Archbishop of York, the Dean of Christchurch, 
 Dr. Hooke, and many others ; they all with one consent advise 
 me to return, if I can conscientiously, as the best, the only, the 
 sure way to recover my credit, and do good in the world. The 
 Bishop of Exeter I have been acquainted with these two years, 
 nearly; and his friendship and kindness upon this occasion are 
 above all praise. I am now well weighing and considering all 
 that has been — that can be said ; and may, perhaps, some time, 
 or other make a determination. The report of my conforming 
 fills these two counties ; and all my Church acquaintance are 
 abundantly joyful. With respect to my saying anything 
 illiberal respecting the Dissenters, &c, never fear, never suspect 
 it. I am now grown wiser by dearly-bought experience. 
 Besides, I am veiy consistently the friend of candour and 
 moderation, and of the religious privileges of mankind. 
 
 " If you will favour me again, I shall rejoice. Direct again 
 to Kingston, and the letter will be forwarded. Why did you 
 not mention Mrs. Clayton ? — I am, most affectionately yours, 
 
 "H. Trelawny. 
 
 " July 6th, 1780." 
 
 Seven years afterwards, the first of the following two 
 letters was received ; and ten years subsequent to that 
 the second, which closed the correspondence of those 
 who had once been such firm and loving friends. 
 Although both lived for more than forty years after the 
 date of the final letter, they do not appear ever to have 
 met again. 
 
 " Dear Sir, — You will give me credit, I trust, for the dis- 
 appointment I felt when I received your friendly letter in
 
 54 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Switzerland. Ever retaining a sense of the months wo passed 
 here together, it would certainly give me much pleasure to 
 meet you again on the same ground, and talk of the various 
 scenes and accidents of life we have both been witnesses to since 
 our separation. On the great subject of divinity, too, we might 
 have talked -with satisfaction, I would hope, as far as our senti- 
 ments coincide — room sufficient for long conversation : for I 
 much mistake if, on the doctrine that distinguishes our religion 
 from all others, as the only one for fallen man, our opinions are 
 not materially the same. There are words which controversial- 
 ists have employed which I, perhaps, shoidd have avoided using ; 
 but in divinity, as well as in other sciences, words arc only 
 useful as they lead to ideas. I will venture to hope we may yet 
 one day meet at Trelawny, and renew the remembrance of days 
 that are passed for ever. My health is not the strongest. I 
 am not to expect much relief from living abroad, and shall now, 
 therefore, probably no more make the trial. I have felt a satis- 
 faction no words can express to you, in my return to the Church 
 of England ; and I have now had seven years' probation. See 
 how the time passes ! It is eight or nine years since we parted. 
 I am sincerely glad you are happy; and earnestly hope your 
 happiness will continue till you go to the enjoyment of it, where 
 it cannot for a moment be interrupted. The letter you mention, 
 disagreeable as it is, you will greatly oblige me by enclosing to 
 me, at your earliest convenience. It gives me satisfaction to find 
 it not destroyed, for reasons, when we meet, I may be able to tell 
 you. 
 
 " I desire to be remembered to Mrs. Clayton, and would send 
 affectionate wishes to your children ; accept them on their 
 account, and believe me your faithfid and affectionate, humble 
 
 servant, 
 
 " Harry Trelawny. 
 
 "Trelawny, June 20th, 1787." 
 
 " My dear Sir, — I return you many thanks for your kind- 
 ness in writing to me ; but you seem so very imperfectly 
 acquainted with the circumstances of the case, that our corre- 
 spondence on this subject will be quickly closed. "With those 
 clergymen whom you describe by the word evangelical, greatly
 
 LETTER FKOM SIR HARRY. 55 
 
 as they may be entitled to my respect, I can have very little 
 intercourse : for there are important points of Christian doctrine 
 and Christian practice on which I could not talk with them in 
 a free, unrestrained manner, owing to difference of opinion ; and 
 when the conversation is restrained, how much pleasure and 
 improvement are lost ! 
 
 " I have reason to hope that my ministry has been useful, 
 and desire to return thanks ; but you do not seem to be aware 
 that, had I reason to think otherwise, my way to a foreign 
 climate would be more perfectly clear, and my stay in England 
 during the remainder of my life, be it long or short, would 
 probably be of no great continuance. As it is, the advantages 
 I receive from being abroad are too considerable, not to be 
 desired, and enjoyed with gratitude — at least they ought to be 
 so enjoyed. 
 
 "It will always give me pleasure to hear from you; and, at 
 whatever distance we may live from one another, I hope we 
 shall always be friends. 
 
 " One word I think it necessary to add. On the great 
 doctrines of atonement and grace, there is, I trust, no material 
 difference in our sentiments, though there may be in our 
 expressions ; but I would beg you to observe that I do not wish 
 to be classed with the clergymen whom you call evangelical. I 
 would rather have said this in conversation than in writing, as 
 the manner, &c, would have removed, or prevented rather, all 
 possible suspicion of disrespect. — I am, my dear sir, your affec- 
 tionate, faithful, and obliged servant, 
 
 "Harry Trelawny. 
 
 "Trelawny, August 9th, 1797."
 
 Chapter U3L 
 
 1778-1789. 
 
 MR. CLAYTON RETURNS TO LONDON. — WEIGHnOUSE CHAPEL, EASTCHEAP. — 
 INVITATION TO THE PASTORATE THERE. — LETTER FROM LADY GLEN- 
 ORCHY, INVITING TO EDINBURGH. — SETTLES AT THE WEIGHHOUSE. — 
 ORDINATION. — MOSAIC ECCLESIASTICISM. — PRESBYTERIAN AND CONGRE- 
 GATIONAL FUND BOARDS. — SECOND LETTER FROM LADY GLENORCHY. 
 
 CONSCIENTIOUS DEACON. — LAXITY IN ATTENDANCE ON WORSHIP. — A 
 GIFTED BROTHER. — LETTER FROM REV. AUGUSTUS TOPLADY TO MRS. 
 FLOWER. — THE FULLER FAMILY. — MR. CLAYTON'S MARRIAGE. 
 
 Mpw. Clayton, through Sir Harry's change of views, 
 was placed in a predicament at once delicate, uncom- 
 fortahle, and perilous; but the Lord of the churches, 
 who holdeth the stars in His right hand, appeared in a 
 signal manner on his behalf. At this juncture the 
 church of Christ, meeting in the chapel known by the 
 name of the King's Weighhouse, in Little Eastcheap, 
 London, was destitute of a pastor; having been deprived 
 by death of the services of the Rev. Samuel Wilton, D.D., 
 a man greatly beloved, and held in general admiration, 
 for his talents, his virtues, and his ministerial fidelity 
 and consistency. He had died very recently, in the 
 prime of his days and usefulness, in consequence of a 
 fever, caught in visiting a family of his charge, when an 
 infectious distemper was committing its ravages among 
 them. He was as generally lamented as he was highly 
 appreciated, both by his own flock and the public at 
 large. It happened that the late Nathaniel Fenn, Esq., 
 was at this time travelling, in the way of business, in 
 Cornwall, and accidentally heard Mr. Clayton preach at 
 Looe. He was agreeably impressed by the doctrine,
 
 INVITATION TO THE PASTOEATE. 57 
 
 the manner, and the earnestness of the minister; and 
 on his return home strongly recommended him to the 
 elders of the church at the Weighhouse. They invited 
 him to spend a few weeks among them, as a probationer 
 for the pulpit. He responded to the call; and soon after 
 was heard, approved, and, by an almost unanimous vote, 
 invited, by the following letter, to take the pastoral 
 oversight of the widowed church. 
 
 "Reverend Sir, — It has pleased the allwise Disposer of 
 events to remove, by death, from the church of Christ assembling 
 at the Weighhouse, in Eastcheap, their much beloved and most 
 valuable pastor, the late Rev. Dr. Samuel Wilton, under whose 
 ministry they were greatly edified, and whose loss they much 
 deplore ; but relying on the Great Head of the church, with 
 whom is the residue of the Spirit, they requested several 
 of the reverend ministers of Christ to spend some time in 
 prayer with them, to implore the direction of God to lead 
 them, by His providence, to the choice of a faithful minister of 
 the blessed Gospel, who should teach them the truth in sincerity. 
 It is therefore with great pleasure we view the method which 
 the blessed God hath taken, in answer to our prayers, by 
 directing you to town, without our knowledge, and thereby 
 accepting our invitation to preach to us for a short season. I 
 am happy to inform you that the kind assistance you have 
 afforded them has given great satisfaction, and you have their 
 thanks for it; I am also further to mention that it is their unani- 
 mous request that you accept of the pastoral care of the church. 
 
 "I do now, by their order and approbation, accordingly 
 invite you to the pastoral office and spiritual care of them; not 
 doubting but that God, who hath thus by His unerring provi- 
 dence led you to us, will abundantly bless and succeed your 
 labours for the salvation of many souls, which will be their 
 constant prayer; amongst whom must ever join, dear sir, your 
 very sincere friend and well-wisher in Christ, 
 
 " Samuel Ewen, Jun., Secretary. 
 " Signed in behalf of • the committee and the church in general. 
 
 " Coles's Coffee-house, October 26ft, 1778."
 
 58 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 The only person who did not vote in Mr. Clayton's 
 favour was a lady of the name of Flower, a person of some 
 note and influence in the religious community to which 
 she belonged. She had united herself with the church 
 under the pastoral charge of Dr. Wilton, whose friend- 
 ship she enjoyed, and in whose ministry she took great 
 delight. Feeling as one recently bereaved, she could 
 not bring her mind to make choice of another pastor; 
 and hers was the only vote among the members of the 
 church and congregation withheld from the young 
 
 O O JO 
 
 probationer. This lady subsequently became his wife ! 
 
 Almost simultaneously with these proceedings at the 
 Weighhouse, Mr. Clayton's ministrations attracted the 
 notice, and engaged the approval, of that excellent 
 person, the late Lady Glenorchy, of the noble house 
 of Breadalbane. She was associated with the Countess 
 of Huntingdon, in her great work of evangelizing the 
 kingdom ; and gave Mr. Clayton an invitation perma- 
 nently to fill the pulpit of her chapel at Edinburgh. 
 The letter bears date six weeks later than the call from 
 the Weighhouse, and is as follows : — 
 
 "Edinburgh, the l'3th of December, 1778. 
 " Reverend Sir, — It having pleased the Great Head of the 
 church to deprive us last summer of our valuable pastor by 
 death — and all attempts to supply his place in this country 
 having proved ineffectual, — I have now resolved to seek for one 
 among the Dissenters in England ; and from information received 
 of your character and gifts, I am inclined to believe there are 
 none of them who would more exactly suit our congregation 
 than yourself. As it is impossible for me to explain everything 
 relating to the plan upon which my chapel is conducted, by 
 letter, — as to make you so far acquainted with many particulars 
 concerning the country and the people, as to remove the preju- 
 dices which will naturally arise in your mind against a removal 
 from London to Edinburgh — I have prevailed upon Mr. Dickie
 
 ACCEPTANCE OF THE CHARGE AT THE WEIGHHOUSE. 59 
 
 to be the bearer of this letter, who (from bis connexion with tbe 
 chapel as one of the consistory) is able to give you full informa- 
 tion concerning everything you may wish to know. He is a 
 person you may freely confide in ; to him I refer you for parti- 
 culars ; and shall only add that, if you see it as your duty to 
 accept of this invitation, you may depend upon my doing every- 
 thing in my power to make your situation in this country useful 
 and comfortable. — I am, reverend sir, your very sincere well- 
 wisher in the Gospel of Christ, 
 
 ""W. Glenorchy." 
 
 After weighing the matter with all the respectful 
 deliberation due to her ladyship's kind preference, he 
 was led to decline the honourable post in " the modem 
 Athens," and determined in favour of the church in 
 Little Eastcheap. He ventured, however, to commend 
 to her ladyship's notice the Rev. Snell Jones, afterwards 
 Dr. Jones, a fellow-student, and his very particular 
 friend, who, having been heard and approved by the 
 congregation, was appointed, to her ladyship's chapel, 
 and continued to labour there, with manifest tokens 
 of usefulness, till the day of his death. No man was 
 more respected in the city of Edinburgh than he. He 
 came to his grave at an advanced age, with unstained 
 honour, and as a shock of corn cometh in its season. 
 Mr. Clayton, after his settlement in London, periodi- 
 cally visited the metropolis of the north, and preached 
 in Dr. Jones's pulpit. The fulness of Gospel truth, 
 — announced in a tone of uncompromising deci- 
 sion, and enforced and illustrated by a constant appeal 
 to Holy Scripture, which characterized Mr. Clayton's 
 sermons, — rendered him peculiarly acceptable to his 
 Scottish audiences. Dr. Jones, when in London, visited 
 his friend's house, preached in his pulpit, and bestowed 
 many kind attentions upon his rising family. 
 
 On Wednesday, November 25th, 1778, Mr. Clayton's
 
 CO THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 ordination was solemnized at the Wcighhouse, in the 
 presence of a numerous assembly. The Rev. Nathaniel 
 Jennings, of Islington, commenced the service; Dr. 
 Gibbons preached an introductory discourse, and re- 
 ceived the confession of faith; the Rev. R. Winter, of 
 New Court, offered the ordination prayer ; the venerable 
 Dr. Trotter, of the Scottish Kirk, Swallow Street, gave 
 the charge to the young minister, from 1 Tim. vi. 20, 
 with so much gravity, tenderness, and power, that the 
 impression of it remained with him to the last hour of 
 life ; and after another prayer by Dr. Hunter, the 
 Rev. Samuel Brewer, of Stepney, preached a most 
 animated sermon to the people. 
 
 It was not long before the congregation was greatly 
 multiplied, and the church proportionably enlarged; 
 and, what is of far greater importance than any 
 numerical increase, many were brought, by the faithful 
 manifestation of the truth, from the paths of error, sin, 
 and death, to repentance and godly sorrow, and to that 
 faith in a crucified Redeemer which leads to newness 
 of life. From many a pew the cry was heard, "What 
 must I do to be saved?" 
 
 Not a few from the world without were brought to 
 listen to the preacher, who never troubled themselves 
 or even thought about the special ecclesiastical position 
 he held. An amusing illustration of this was supplied 
 
 by Mr. G , a surveyor and architect of eminence 
 
 and celebrity, who was in some way or other induced 
 to hear the young minister, and found his word, through 
 the teaching of the Holy One, to be spirit and life. 
 Having received the truth in the love of it, Mr. G. 
 — as is usually the case — became anxious to bring 
 others to hear the man whose instrumentality had been 
 blessed to his own soul. He addressed himself more
 
 MOSAIC ECCLESIASTICISM. 61 
 
 particularly to a professional friend, requesting that he 
 would spend a Sunday at his house and hear his 
 minister. "Who and what is he?" said the friend. 
 " Come and see," was the reply. " No," said the 
 gentleman, " I will not hear him till I know what he is 
 called, and to what class or denomination he belongs." 
 " I can scarcely tell you, as I never inquired particularly 
 
 into the matter," rejoined Mr. G ; "but I have 
 
 heard that he is considered to be an Independent 
 Presbyterian Methodist." This is a description which 
 sounds strangely, and was never before heard of; yet it 
 is strictly accurate and just. As to his own convictions 
 he was a Congregationalist ; he became the pastor of 
 an old Presbyterian church, by their voluntary choice ; 
 and, as we have seen, his training was under the 
 Countess of Huntingdon, who was a principal agent in 
 the movements of the Calvinistic Methodists. In allu- 
 sion to this circumstance several sagacious observers 
 have remarked that such a sect as this is truly a 
 desideratum in the churches of Christ — a community 
 which shall combine the simplicity, freedom, and 
 elasticity of Independency, the order and authority of 
 Presbyterianism, and the life, fire, and unction of 
 Methodism. Each system separately has its acknow- 
 ledged defects. An amalgamation of the three would, 
 it is believed, remedy these defects, and bring the 
 church of Christ to a nearer conformity with the New 
 Testament standard. 
 
 Not long after his settlement at the Weighhouse, 
 Mr. Clayton's mind and conscience were troubled to 
 know how to act, in a matter of some importance to 
 others as well as to his own people. The church had 
 been long accustomed to make an annual collection for 
 the Presbyterian Fund Board, the object of which is the
 
 G2 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 relief of ministers whose stipend is inadequate to their 
 support. The English Presbyterians at this time had 
 very generally departed from the faith of their great 
 predecessors — the Baxters, the Henrys, the Bates, and 
 the Man tons, — and had appropriated to themselves, by a 
 patent of their own creation, the appellation of Unita- 
 rians, which, by the way, conveys no just notion of their 
 distinguishing tenets — Antitrinitarian being the term 
 which best describes their peculiar dogmas; for all 
 consistent Trinitarians are as strenuous advocates and 
 supporters of the unity of God as those can possibly 
 be who assume to themselves the name of Unitarian. 
 Mr. Clayton felt no difficulty in pleading for these 
 ministers, as necessitous men, and gentlemen of 
 admitted science, scholarship, and moral worth; but 
 he could not, in his conscience, regard them as the 
 ministers of the Lord Jesus Christ; he conceived that 
 they were preaching "another Gospel;" and so far 
 from exalting Christ as the salvation of God to all the 
 ends of the earth, he beheld them as employing their 
 talents, learning, and influence, to cast Him down from 
 His excellency, and to reduce Him from His essential 
 dignity, — who was in the beginning with God, and was 
 God — to the level of a mere man, fallible and peccable 
 as themselves ; although a great teacher, a bright exem- 
 plar, and a heroic martyr. How could he, with these 
 views, continue to collect money for these parties, as 
 ministers, without a dishonest evasion or compromise ? 
 Yet he felt that he was still young in his office ; he had 
 a great dislike to innovation of any kind ; he was pained 
 to run counter to the opinions and predilections of some 
 of the old standards in the church, who from long 
 habit had been attached to the Presbyterian Fund ; 
 while he was perfectly aware of the odium which would
 
 LETTER FROM LADY GLENORCHY. 63 
 
 attach to his public secession from that body, in many 
 quarters. After much consideration and prayer he 
 resolved to call the church together, candidly and 
 without reserve to state to them his difficulties, and to 
 propose, after fully assigning his reasons, that in future 
 the contributions of the church should be carried to 
 the Congregational Fund Board. The proposal was 
 carried at the church meeting, without a dissentient 
 voice, although some few were not overmuch pleased 
 with the measure^ and one member in particular, a 
 wealthy and most respectable banker in the city, unused 
 to carry matters by the voice of the people, was heard 
 to say, as he left the assembly, that he did not under- 
 stand how things of this sort were to be " crammed 
 down their throats " by an appeal to the whole assembly. 
 No further uneasiness was created by the change, which 
 was cordially welcomed by the majority of the congre- 
 gation, that, for nearly fifty years of his subsequent 
 ministry, continued their contributions to this ancient 
 and most useful institution ; (and under his successor, 
 the Rev. T. Binney, have done the same down to the 
 present day) frequently sending more than ^100 per 
 annum towards the relief of the poor and afflicted 
 ministers of Jesus Christ. 
 
 In connexion with this subject the following letter, 
 from the excellent Lady Glenorchy, shows the interest 
 she took in the maintenance of Gospel ordinances 
 among the poor, as well as the estimate she had formed 
 of Mr. Clayton's influence, and of his readiness to aid 
 her in her work of mercy. 
 
 "Barnton, 3rd of March, 1770. 
 "Reverend Sir, — I received the enclosed petition, a few 
 days ago, from a poor congregation of Presbyterians at Leek, 
 in Staffordshire, who have hitherto been upon the Presbyterian
 
 64 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Fund list. A late dispute about the settlement of a minister, 
 which, happily for them, ended in their getting a very pious 
 man, and a Gospel preacher, makes them afraid that some of 
 the gentlemen of the Presbyterian persuasion may be prejudiced 
 against them, and may wish to deprive them of their annual 
 donation from the fund. I have every reason to believe the 
 facts, as stated in their petition, are strictly true, and feel 
 interested in the welfare of this little church now emerging 
 from Socinian darkness. 
 
 "Having no acquaintance with any of the English Presby- 
 terians, and being informed that your congregation has much to 
 do with the trustees of that fund, I take the liberty of sending 
 the petition to you, hoping you will be so kind as to get it 
 presented to them, in any way most likely to obtain a favour- 
 able answer. The Leek congregation had also something from 
 the Yorkshire fund. I should be glad if you could put me upon 
 any way of applying to them for a continuance of their bounty. 
 
 " I regretted very much my absence from this country last 
 summer, when you were here. Is there no hopes of seeing you 
 in the north this year? Surely Mrs. Clayton will pay her 
 sister a visit in Lancashire ; the distance from thence to this 
 place is not very great. If such a plan should at any time be 
 formed, I hope you will allow Barnton to come in for a share in 
 it. I beg my best compliments to Mrs. Clayton; and am, rever- 
 end sir, with much esteem, 
 
 " Your friend and servant in the Lord, 
 
 "W. Glexorchy." 
 
 Mr. George Clayton, in his notes on his father's life, 
 says that Dr. Barington, bishop of Durham — who was 
 a lineal descendant of Caryl, one of the first of the 
 ministers ejected by the Act of Uniformity, and the 
 learned and elaborate expositor of the book of Job, — 
 displayed his catholic charity by occasionally writing 
 letters of recommendation to the Congregational Fund 
 Board, on behalf of poor and afflicted dissenting minis- 
 ters residing in his diocese. Of these letters, one, at 
 least, remains in the archives of the Society, with
 
 A CONSCIENTIOUS DEACON. 65 
 
 the signature of Dunelm. His recommendation was 
 cordially acceded to, — as it was always, on behalf of 
 worthy and devoted men. 
 
 As time rolled on, Mr. Clayton's ministrations 
 became increasingly attractive, and his friendships, 
 among the people of his charge, more intimately 
 cemented. In truth, he won the respect, affection, and 
 confidence of those among whom he lived and laboured, 
 by his faithful and fearless proclamation of a full and 
 free salvation ; by his agreeable manners, his devotional 
 spirit, and his dignified and consistent deportment. 
 His elders or deacons, men of the old school, showed 
 a warm attachment to his person and ministry, and 
 exerted themselves to the utmost to promote the com- 
 fort of the pastor, and the prosperity of the church. 
 
 The names of Mr. Ewen, Mr. Hanson, Mr. Leathley, 
 Mr. Dyson, Mr. Knowlys, and Mr. Ogclen, are still 
 remembered, by their remote descendants in the church, 
 with honour and reverence, as those who served their 
 generation according to the will of God, ere they 
 fell asleep, and were gathered to their fathers. Of the 
 gentleman first mentioned, it may be remarked that 
 he was so sensitively conscientious, in the discharge of 
 his official duties at the Weighhouse, that he was never 
 absent from town, on the days when the Lord's supper 
 was administered, and when he was expected to assist 
 in the distribution of the elements. His London resi- 
 dence was in Lincoln's Inn Fields ; but, having a house 
 and property in the town of Ipswich, he passed the 
 summer months there; yet, so intent was he upon 
 duly filling his place in the sanctuary of God, that he 
 regularly travelled by postchaise, once in every month, 
 and returned in the same manner, that he might be 
 present, together with his pastor and the brethren, at 
 
 F
 
 66 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 the table of the Lord. The length and the expense of 
 the journey (and travelling was not then what it is now) 
 did not deter him from what he, at least, deemed to 
 be a matter of Christian obligation. How differently 
 do manj church officers of modern times think and 
 act on these occasions ! often regarding -their worldly 
 journeyings, and other engagements, as of far more 
 importance than any duties which their place and 
 station in the church devolves upon them. 
 
 Many of the members of our churches, as well as 
 others in the congregation, would do well to ponder 
 this incident in the religious life of Mr. Ewen ; and ask 
 if it does not somewhat rebuke the habit into which, of 
 late, numbers have fallen, of contenting themselves with 
 a solitary morning attendance at the house of God, on 
 the Sabbath; the rest of the day being spent in the 
 indulgences of the table, in seeking the charms of 
 music, or in a social intercourse, which too rarely 
 assumes the character of the conversation that won, for 
 the disciples going to Emmaus, the notice and sympathy 
 of the Divine Master, and which too frequently de- 
 generates into mere gossip, or worldly talk, that no 
 more promotes the intellectual than the spiritual welfare 
 of parents or children. There is something radically 
 wrong in all this; and the watchmen on the walls of 
 Zion will do well to blow the warning trumpet, with an 
 unmistakable sound ; or the assumed difference between 
 the church and the congregation will speedily vanish 
 away, as an ecclesiastical delusion. 
 
 While Mr. Clayton resided in London, at the com- 
 mencement of his ministry, he was regular in his 
 attendance at the weekly social prayer-meetings. Here, 
 however, certain difficulties beset his path. Among the 
 numerous accessions to the church was a worthy man,
 
 A GIFTED BROTHER. 67 
 
 a stonemason by trade, who had, or fancied he had, the 
 gift of public speaking; and, not content with taking 
 his turn in prayer, thought fit, when the pastor chanced 
 to be absent, to exercise his talent in expounding the 
 Scriptures, and exhorting his brethren. They, however, 
 did not very much relish his spontaneous effusions, 
 although he evidently took much pleasure in hearing 
 the sound of his own voice. Some of the people com- 
 plained to the minister of what they considered an irre- 
 gularity, and he considered how he might best meet it. 
 
 On a certain evening he entered the vestry, a few 
 minutes after the time for the commencement of Divine 
 service. At that moment the forward brother was 
 opening the Bible, to expound its contents; when his 
 pastor said before all, in a tone of mingled mildness 
 and firmness, " My good sir, I wish you to understand 
 that there will be no public teaching in this place of 
 worship, excepting by express invitation from myself, 
 until I have an assistant regularly appointed by a vote 
 of the majority of church members." 
 
 Thus he put down a disorderly movement which, if 
 unchecked, might have led to confusion and dissension 
 in the house of God. While he was an advocate for 
 Christian liberty, he was, through his entire course, as 
 strenuous a supporter of Christian order. In a short 
 time the preaching brother withdrew from the Weigh- 
 house, and united himself with a body of Sandemanians, 
 to whom his gifts were, probably, more acceptable. 
 
 Among the families whom Mr. Clayton visited was 
 that of Mr. George Flower, a merchant in Cannon 
 Street, in the city, who had recently departed this life, 
 leaving his widow and five children, two daughters and 
 three sons. A letter addressed to Mrs. Flower, on the 
 occasion of her husband's death, by the Rev. Augustus
 
 GS THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Toplady, will be read with interest, as both showing 
 the Christian sympathy of that well-known clergyman 
 with a sister in affliction, and as being among the latest 
 of Mr. Toplady's correspondence — for he died in the 
 summer of the same year. 
 
 "Dear Madam, — Knowing that the officious zeal of nume- 
 rous visitants, however well meant, often occasions more trouble 
 than relief, during the first impressions that result from so 
 trying a dispensation as that under which God is now exercising 
 you ; I, for this reason, waive presenting you with my personal 
 condolences, and request yourself, and your amiable family, to 
 accept my written respects. 
 
 " You and yours are deeply on my heart, before the mercy- 
 seat. Has the Holy Spirit yet brought you to that point, to 
 which faith invariably tends, and in which it will always 
 ultimately rest, viz., ' It is the Lord, let Him do as secmeth 
 Him good'? That your husband's God is and will be your 
 God, even to the end, and without end, I believe, with the 
 fullest assurance. May He, likewise, be the God of all your 
 offspring ! It is a great, an unspeakably great thing, to be born 
 again. How far that most momentous work has taken place 
 on their souls, I know not. But may they ever tread in the 
 religious footsteps of their deservedly-honoured father ; and 
 never forget that the same blessed and triumphant consolations 
 which (I am informed) enlivened his last hours, will also felici- 
 tate their lives, and brighten their deaths, if effectual grace 
 render them partakers of like precious faith with him in the 
 
 righteousness of our God and Saviour, 
 o 
 
 " The presence of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. 
 Remember that your Maker is your husband : a husband who 
 never dies, and who changes not. 
 
 "My kindest and most sympathizing respects attend the two 
 young ladies, and both the gentlemen. Adieu, till I have an 
 opportunity of assuring you, by word of mouth, how much I 
 am dear Mrs. Flower's affectionate and inviolable friend, 
 
 "Augustus Toplady. 
 
 " Kmghtsbkidge, Feb. 20ih, 1778." 

 
 THE FULLER FAMILY. G9 
 
 Mrs. Flowers maiden name was Fuller. She was 
 one of the sisters of the late William Fuller, Esq., of 
 Lombard Street, and Ponders End, banker, and of 
 Kichard Fuller, of Cornhill, and of the Kookery, near 
 Dorking, who was likewise a banker. These two 
 gentlemen belonged to a family of ten children, who 
 resided with their parents at Fitzharris, in Berkshire, 
 whence they migrated, at an early period of life, to 
 London. They were the architects of their own 
 fortunes; and by great diligence, frugality, and perse- 
 verance, laid the foundation of large and flourishing 
 houses, to which they bequeathed their abundant 
 wealth. 
 
 The parents at Fitzharris were persons of eminent 
 piety, of the puritanical class, as also were some cor- 
 relative branches of the family at Aston, in Berkshire, 
 and its neighbourhood; all of them staunch Noncon- 
 formists, and bright exemplars of primitive Christianity, 
 who walked with God themselves, and laboured to train 
 up their children in the nurture and admonition of the 
 Lord. 
 
 Mr. Richard Fuller died at the age of sixty-nine. 
 His brother William long survived him; enjoying a 
 hale old age, accompanied by extraordinary activity, 
 and exemption from the infirmities usually attendant 
 on advanced life. He died at Ponders End, in his 
 ninety-fifth year, after a short illness, resulting from 
 cold caught in riding from London to his country house. 
 While he yet lived he built and endowed several 
 almshouses in Hoxton, and transferred at different 
 times to the Congregational Fund Board, for the relief 
 of poor ministers of the Gospel, and the education of 
 students for the ministry, the munificent sum of 
 j£33,400. He held fast the profession of his faith
 
 70 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 without wavering, even to the end of his protracted 
 existence here, nor forsook the good old way in which 
 his pious forefathers walked. 
 
 In visiting at the house of Mrs. Flower, Mr. Clayton 
 found himself in an atmosphere of intelligence, mental 
 culture, and vital religion. There he met occasionally 
 the Rev. Mr. Hitchen, of 'White's Row chapel, Spital- 
 fields, the pastor of the family. There, too, he had 
 opportunities of seeing and conversing with the Rev. 
 W. Romaine, his spiritual father; the Rev. Augustus 
 Toplady, the Rev. J. Martin, pastor of Keppel Street 
 chapel, the Rev. S. Olding, of Deptford, and other 
 ministers of note and standing, both of the clergy and 
 the nonconforming ministry. It is delightful to look 
 back upon this remote day, when prejudice was rife, 
 and party spirit ran high, and recognize, in the friendly 
 associations of these godly ministers, an intercourse 
 so catholic and Christian as to reflect honour upon 
 their common Master, and illustrate one of His most 
 emphatic declarations, " By this shall all men know that 
 ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." 
 
 The late Mr. Flower was one of the deacons of 
 White's Row chapel, and filled his office well, so as " to 
 purchase to himself a good degree, and great bold- 
 ness in the faith of Christ." His religion, however, 
 was lowly and unostentatious, and discovered itself 
 mainly in his private walk with God, and his diligent 
 cultivation of the minds and habits of his numerous 
 family. He was blessed with no fewer than eleven 
 children, whom he carefully instructed; ever accom- 
 panying his instructions with fervent prayer. 
 
 To the daughters of this house — both of them 
 endued with superior intelligence, a fondness for 
 reading, a talent for conversation and correspondence,
 
 MISS FLOWER. 71 
 
 various female accomplishments, and decided Chris- 
 tianity, — Mr. Clayton was soon drawn, in sentiments of 
 esteem and friendship. Towards the elder sister he 
 began to feel something more than friendship; and 
 though aware that there was some disparity in their 
 years — she having been born in 1746 and he in 1754, 
 — and still greater disparity in their outward circum- 
 stances, he, nevertheless, after committing the impor- 
 tant matter, by frequent and earnest prayer, to Him who 
 overrules all human concerns, and setteth the solitary 
 in families, offered himself to the acceptance of the 
 lady. At first she hesitated, and then declined his 
 advances ; assigning as her principal objection, the 
 difference in their respective ages. Thus discouraged, 
 he bethought himself that if this were the main 
 
 O 
 
 obstacle, he was not left altogether without hope of 
 success ; and so set himself vigorously to combat the 
 misgivings indicated on that ground, and ultimately 
 triumphed. 
 
 There were yet other difficulties in his path. The 
 mother was averse to the match; and for awhile 
 opposed herself to the mutual wishes of the parties 
 more immediately concerned. She avowed that she 
 saw much to applaud in the young minister, but 
 that his want of fortune would be a barrier, in her 
 judgment, to the desired alliance. The good old lady 
 accompanied her statement of objections with the usual 
 arguments in such cases, and concluded by dropping 
 some unpleasant remarks as to her daughter's " throwing 
 herself away upon a penniless parson;" words which 
 created much pain at the moment, and were never 
 wholly forgotten. Some branches of the family also 
 sympathized in these views of their parent. They were 
 not, however, entirely correct ; for the young pastor was
 
 72 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 in the receipt of a respectable income from his charge, 
 and was living in the affections of numerous friends, 
 who were both able and willing to pledge themselves to 
 assist him, in any reasonable measures for promoting 
 his success and advancement. 
 
 Time and patience eventually softened objections, 
 and Mr. Clayton received his bride with her mother's 
 consent ; their union being solemnized by the Rev. W. 
 Romaine, at the parish church, in the month of July, 
 1779. 
 
 The young couple settled down in Highbury Place, 
 Islington, in a house which had never been tenanted, 
 and which they purchased as their future residence. 
 Here they found a happy home, under the smiles of 
 providence and grace; and here they lived for forty 
 years, — a period comprising the most interesting events 
 of their lives, — without any change of local habitation. 
 Congratulations, by visitors and letters, poured in upon 
 them in great profusion ; most of them exhibiting the 
 religious character of the circles in which they had 
 severally moved. Lady Huntingdon appears to have 
 kept silence on the occasion ; for she had not yet got 
 over the separation of Mr. Clayton from her Connexion ; 
 but subsequent to this her correspondence with him, 
 which will appear in its proper place, proved the 
 sincerity of her regard for her former student.
 
 Cfjaptcr UH. 
 
 1779-1784. 
 
 DOMESTIC AND PASTORAL ARRANGEMENTS. — STUDIOUS HABITS. — OLD 
 DIVINES. — PULPIT PREPARATIONS. — ORDERLY DISTRIBUTION OF TIME. 
 
 — PUNCTUALITY. — BIRTH OF HIS FIRSTBORN. — INFANT BAPTISM. 
 
 PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY. — BIRTH OF HIS SECOND AND THIRD SONS. 
 
 — ECLECTIC SOCIETY. — LETTER FROM REV. JOHN NEWTON. EFFORTS 
 
 OF USEFULNESS. 
 
 We have now to contemplate the subject of this 
 memoir in a new light, not only as the pastor of a 
 Christian people, in his stated ministrations amongst 
 them, from Sabbath to Sabbath, but as the head and 
 master of a family ; seriously concerned to walk before 
 God within his house, with a perfect heart, and to give, 
 in his domestic relations, an example to the flock. He 
 first of all dedicated his dwelling, in solemn acts of 
 devotion, to the God of the families of the earth. 
 Having set up his tent, " he reared his altar, and called 
 on the name of the Lord." Those, and they were 
 many, who frequented his habitation in succeeding 
 years, whether as transient visitors, or more settled 
 inmates, could have no difficulty in admitting that 29, 
 Highbury Place, was indeed a consecrated abode. 
 
 One day in the week (Friday) was set apart to receive 
 friends or strangers, who might desire to see and to hold 
 conversation with the pastor of the Weighhouse; and 
 they were on that day cordially welcomed, and hospi- 
 tably entertained. This regulation was made that the 
 other days of the week might not be needlessly broken 
 in upon, and that domestic affairs, the plans of the
 
 74 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 study, preparation for the pulpit, and pastoral visitation, 
 might receive an uninterrupted attention. 
 
 The young minister deeply felt the solemn responsi- 
 bility of his position, and was anxious to " do the work 
 of an evangelist," proving himself to be " a workman that 
 needeth not to be ashamed." He was fully aware of the 
 inadequacy of his preparatory educational course, in 
 many important respects. He judged that it was too 
 superficial and too limited ; and had been likewise too 
 much abridged by early public labours, to be as available 
 to him as he could have desired ; — placed, as he was, in 
 the heart of a great city, and called to supply spiritual 
 aliment to an intelligent and now numerous auditory, 
 week after week; while he was also surrounded by 
 fellow-labourers, of learning, years, experience, and long 
 standing in the churches of Christ. He therefore set 
 himself, in dependence upon better strength than his 
 own, resolutely to remedy, as best he might, the defects 
 of which he was conscious. 
 
 He was ambitious to become a sound divine, " a scribe 
 which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven." With 
 this view, he secluded himself, that he might seek and 
 intermeddle with all kinds of knowledge, and more espe- 
 cially with that which might be of most service to him 
 in the discharge of his sacred duties. He deliberately 
 formed his scheme of self-improvement, and inflexibly 
 adhered to it. In the first seven years of his married 
 life he was found in his study at five o'clock, both 
 summer and winter, and thus secured three hours daily, 
 before he met his household, for reading, meditation, 
 and prayer. The constancy of the habit of rising betimes 
 was greatly facilitated by the prudent arrangements of 
 the mistress of his family, aided and carried out by an 
 excellent domestic, whose activity, early hours, and
 
 THE ASSEMBLY'S CATECHISM. 75 
 
 punctuality, enabled him to pursue his studies, even in 
 the depth of winter, without hindrance. It was in these 
 hours that he sat at the feet of those great teachers, 
 whose names and writings are of imperishable renown. 
 He believed in the necessity of human as well as divine 
 teaching; — one instrumental, the other efficacious, — 
 "that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly 
 furnished to all good works." He made himself 
 familiar — not by hasty glances, not by skimming the 
 surface, but by diligent and attentive perusal — with the 
 writings of Owen, Charnock, Bates, Man ton, Howe, 
 Baxter, Goodwin, Watts, and Doddridge; together with 
 the Bostons and Erskines of Scotland, and some of the 
 most celebrated divines of New England. These were 
 his companions, while other men slept; and he found 
 that intercourse with them enriched his understanding 
 and warmed his heart. 
 
 It was in these hours, too, that he made a study 
 of the AssemMi/s Catechism, both the Shorter and the 
 Larger, and derived therefrom, as he often acknowledged 
 in after years, the most valuable light and the most 
 important benefit. This compendium of sound doctrine 
 gave unity, compactness, and order to his theological 
 sentiments. He always regarded it as a cincture to the 
 loins of the mind, giving strength and tone to his own 
 apprehensions and convictions. It was this view of 
 things which led him, in subsequent years, to present to 
 each of his three sons a copy of Fisher and Erskine's 
 Catechism, on entering upon their divinity course ; with 
 his earnest recommendation and entreaty that they 
 would give to it their best attention. He regarded it as 
 containing the truths of the Bible in a condensed form ; 
 not so much a human standard of faith as the divine 
 standard of Holy Scripture, compressed into a systematic
 
 7G THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 order, for the help of the memory, and well adapted for 
 practical use, on every suitable occasion, or controversial 
 emergency. So strongly was this conviction embedded 
 in his mind, that in his old age he was often heard to 
 say that — after an observation, and not a careless one, 
 of men and things, for half a century — he had never 
 known an instance of one thoroughly grounded in the 
 Assembly s Catechism, either among ministers or. private 
 Christians, who had turned aside into the paths of 
 error. 
 
 Although he read much and thought much, he was 
 not in the habit of writing much. He kept a com- 
 mon-place book; and made extracts of such passages 
 as appeared striking, and which he wished to review at 
 leisure, and to make his own. He was, however, no 
 plagiarist, and adopted no human teacher for an oracle. 
 " Take the thoughts of other men," he would say ; 
 "digest them, and make them your own; incorporate 
 them with your mental constitution, and you will give 
 them forth with freshness, with ease, and with variety. 
 You may borrow other men's spectacles, but always see 
 with your own eyes." To this may be attributed the 
 originality which marks many of his pulpit addresses. 
 
 His plan of preparation for his public discourses was, 
 carefully to write the ideas of the sermon, and to clothe 
 many of them with appropriate language, in entire 
 sentences or paragraphs ; whilst others were simply 
 noted down, and left to an extemporaneous utterance. 
 He seldom took his notes into the pulpit, but used a 
 slip of paper with a brief syllabus of the heads and 
 particulars, and Scripture references, by way of aid to 
 his memory; which faculty, whether arising from his 
 mental structure, or the neglect of early exercise, he 
 did not think to be very tenacious. Through his whole
 
 ORDERLY DISTRIBUTION OF TIME. 77 
 
 life he had a very qualified estimate of his powers of 
 recollection. 
 
 His anxiety to make due preparation for the Sabbath 
 sermons, at times amounted to nervousness. He was 
 not at ease, unless he could fix on his texts for the 
 Sabbath on the preceding Monday. Tuesday was spent 
 in the city, in pastoral visitation ; the texts occupying 
 his thoughts, as he walked or rode, and in the intervals 
 of various engagements. On Wednesday he sat down 
 to write, and excogitate upon the selected topics ; and 
 finished everything by noon on Friday, the day allotted 
 to receive his friends. He uniformly gave Saturday to 
 healthful bodily excursions, a ride or drive into the 
 country, or a walk with his children, together with light 
 reading, until the hour of six ; when, after an early tea, 
 he retired for what he was wont to call " the preparation 
 of the heart " for the public service ; working the 
 subjects into his mind, and accompanying the operation 
 with fervent prayer for the effusion of the Holy Spirit, 
 both upon the teacher and the hearers. 
 
 These habits, pursued with undeviating regularity, in 
 process of time became a second nature; and among 
 those who were intimately conversant with him it was 
 generally understood, that the orderly distribution of 
 one week was but the type and pattern of every week, 
 throughout the year, and that for more than forty years 
 together. Attachment to order was indeed one of the 
 leading characteristics of his mind, and formed, in his 
 opinion, a great point of moral duty. Yet he did not 
 regard it as of itself an end, but only as a means to an 
 end; judging that without it a man could not serve 
 God acceptably, in guiding his family, or bearing rule 
 in the church ; nor be of much utility to his fellow-men. 
 
 His punctuality was exact, and his attention to time
 
 78 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 and seasons remarkable. In the religious ordering of 
 his household, those who formed it can attest that they 
 scarcely knew an instance of the deviation of two minutes 
 from the hour of eight, for the morning service, and 
 nine, for evening prayers. As the clock struck the bell 
 rang. Although in the course of time his engagements 
 multiplied, and he was frequently in town, in the fulfil- 
 ment of his pastoral visits and public duties, yet he 
 records the fact that he never heard the clock strike the 
 hour of nine, in London, for the space of thirty years 
 together. By careful management and fixed resolution, 
 he secured the inviolability of his hours; which, consider- 
 ing that his residence was three miles from the city, 
 required no small effort, and deserves to be considered 
 no unenviable achievement. By this means he was 
 never hurried, never in a bustle ; but moved on in his 
 appointed course with a calm and unruffled dignity. 
 By some he might have been regarded as too rigid a 
 disciplinarian; but his children and servants, when 
 once thoroughly initiated into his system, did not find 
 it difficult to comply; and the yoke became easy, the 
 burden light. 
 
 On the 13th of May, 1780, a year memorable for the 
 riots of London, his eldest son was born into the world; 
 a strong, healthful, and promising child, who, after one 
 month, was solemnly dedicated, by his father's hands, 
 in the ordinance of baptism, to the triune Jehovah, in 
 the face of the congregation at the Weighhouse. On 
 this occasion he preached on the subject of infant 
 baptism. He was ever a warm advocate of the right of 
 infants to this ordinance, and took especial delight in 
 its administration; having, after patient investigation, 
 much reading, and diligent search of Holy Scripture, 
 satisfied himself that the rite is of divine institution,
 
 INFANT BAPTISM. 79 
 
 and intimately connected with personal, domestic, and 
 public religion. If he erred, as some will think he 
 did, in this particular, he certainly erred with the 
 sanction of his reason, his convictions, and his con- 
 science. These convictions, and the practice to which 
 they led, constituted a characteristic feature of the man; 
 and his zeal for the infant race, in maintaining what 
 he regarded as their indefeasible right and inalienable 
 privilege, formed a leading trait of his religious por- 
 traiture. 
 
 As might be expected, he often conversed with his 
 own children on this subject, and urged them with 
 much solemnity, tenderness, and impressive force, to 
 make the surrender of themselves to God, by a personal 
 profession of Christianity — reminding them that they 
 had already been brought under covenant engagements 
 to be the Lord's, by their baptism ; and warned them 
 against the inexcusable sacrilege of taking back the 
 dedicated things, and alienating, in the service of sin, 
 of the world, and of Satan, that to which God has the 
 first, the best, and the everlasting claim. 
 
 In conformity with these views, he was continually 
 pouring instruction on religious matters, as well as those 
 of civil and secular concernment, into the minds of his 
 offspring. He endeavoured practically to exemplify the 
 rule given to the Hebrew parent in Deut. vi. 6-9 : 
 "These words . . . shall be in thine heart: and 
 thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and 
 shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, 
 and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest 
 down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind 
 them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as 
 frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write 
 them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates."
 
 80 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 While his children were yet young, his home-life was 
 literally a vital embodiment of these precepts. 
 
 In all that Mr. Clayton taught on this subject, there 
 was an unhesitating certainty, in his matter and 
 manner, which showed at least that he was thoroughly 
 persuaded, in his own mind, on which side truth and 
 fact are found. He chiefly insisted on the practical 
 improvement of the rite, as strengthening the obliga- 
 tions and motives of personal religion, and as eminently 
 calculated to preserve and promote family religion in 
 the world. He believed with Matthew Henry that if 
 infant baptism were more improved, it would be less 
 disputed ; and when he heard that it was vaunted, by 
 some of the anti-psedobaptists of the United States, 
 that the practice of infant baptism was fast dying out, 
 he observed, " Then personal and family religion, and 
 Christianity itself, will die out along with it." Of this, 
 however, he entertained no fear, while the great Shep- 
 herd of the sheep lives, to gather the lambs with His 
 arm, and to carry them in His bosom. 
 
 Firmly as Mr. Clayton held his opinions on the 
 matter of baptism, he was no bigot, but honoured and 
 loved his anti-pasdobaptist brethren, for the sake of 
 those vitally-important and essential truths, in which 
 all are agreed who are taught by the Spirit of God. 
 He was favoured with the friendship of the Rev. Mr. 
 Martin, of Keppel Street, the Rev. John Ryland, of 
 Northampton, the Rev. Andrew Fuller, of Kettering, 
 the Rev. Joseph Hughes, of Battersea, and the Rev. 
 Thomas Burnside; all of whom he entertained at his 
 house, and with whom he maintained Christian love 
 and fellowship, as faithful and honoured servants of the 
 one Master, even Christ. 
 
 Both Mr. Clayton and the honoured partner of his
 
 ECLECTIC SOCIETY. 81 
 
 joys and cares entered upon this service, of dedicating 
 their child to God, with much premeditation, and in 
 the faith that their prayers would be heard, and their 
 offering accepted. How earnestly they longed for the 
 salvation of their firstborn, let the strong crying and 
 many tears which accompanied this dedication testify, 
 while they pleaded, on his behalf, the ancient promise, 
 " Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye 
 shall be clean ; from all your filthiness and from all your 
 idols will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give 
 you, and a new spirit will I put within you : and I will 
 take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will 
 give you a heart of flesh; and I will put my spirit 
 within you." Eventually, their ardent aspirations and 
 brightest hopes on this occasion were, through the 
 grace of God, abundantly fulfilled. 
 
 Three years after the birth of his firstborn, on the 
 Oth of April, 1783, Mr. Clayton welcomed a second 
 son, who in like manner was dedicated to the God of 
 his father, by a public baptism at the Weighhouse 
 chapel, and with the same pious feeling as that which 
 marked the former engagement. This child was called 
 George, after the name both of his paternal and 
 maternal grandparents. 
 
 It was in the year 1783, that he had the honour and 
 privilege of being chosen a member of the Eclectic 
 Society. 
 
 The Rev. J. Newton, of St. Mary, Woolnoth, inti- 
 mated to Mr. Clayton his election into this fraternity, 
 in the following letter — 
 
 " Dear Sir, — I am directed, by the Society to which I have 
 the honour to belong, to inform you, that you were last night 
 unanimously admitted a member with them. 
 
 " The pleasure, and I hope profit, which I have received from 
 
 G-
 
 82 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 this institution, and my persuasion that you will enter into the 
 spirit and promote the design of it, prompt me to congratulate 
 both you and the Society on the event of your admission. 
 
 "The next meeting will be on Monday, 14th August. The 
 hour four. No tea after half-past four. No admission after 
 six. The penalty of absence (except the plea is approved by 
 the Society), two shillings and sixpence. 
 
 "I should be glad to introduce you, but shall probably be 
 out of town ; but if you inquire at the bar for Mr. Bacon Foster 
 Cecil, or any member of the Society, you will be ushered into 
 the room, where, if I cannot be present, I wish you all happy 
 together. 
 
 " I suppose this will find you returned from Sussex, or that 
 it will not lie long before you return. I shall be glad to hear 
 that the journey has been comfortable and useful to papa and 
 mamma and children, and may peace and blessing dwell with 
 you at Highbury. "We join in love. It may not perhaps be 
 quite genteel to desire you to remember me to my two friends 
 in the kitchen ; but it is my way, where I have kitchen friends. 
 
 " I am, sincerely yours, 
 
 "John Newton. 
 "Ch. Square, y°20th July, 1783. 
 
 " The Society, that bears no name, and espouses no parly, 
 meets at the Castle and Falcon, Aldersgate Street." 
 
 On the cover of this Mr. Clayton wrote as follows : — 
 " The enclosed is a letter written by the Eev. J. 
 Newton, of fragrant memory in the church of God. 
 My introduction to and connexion with the Eclectic 
 Society, for fifty years, I consider as a singular mercy of 
 a gracious God, it having been highly advantageous to 
 myself, my family, and my congregation. — J. C, July 
 10th, 1833." 
 
 In this edifying and delightful association he con- 
 tinued for more than sixty years ; always esteeming its 
 meetings to be amongst the most favoured seasons for 
 pious intercourse with ministers and private gentlemen,
 
 BIETH OF A THIED SON. 83 
 
 who were wont to assemble for the purpose of devotion, 
 and for converse on subjects of general interest, but 
 more especially such as relate to the Christian ministry. 
 Several MS. volumes, on subjects chiefly theological, and 
 written by Mr. Clayton after these meetings, have been 
 left by him; but none of them contain matters of 
 sufficient importance to justify extracts/" 
 
 When Mr. Clayton became a member, he found 
 himself associated with Newton, Foster, Cecil, Scott, 
 Abdy, Basil Wood, among the clergy; and of the 
 laity, Bacon, the sculptor, Charles Grant, Wilberforce, 
 and Eli Bates. At subsequent periods, Hawtrey, the 
 late bishop of Calcutta, C. J. Wilks, William Goode, 
 John Goode, Crowther, Patrick, Jerram, Simons, Simeon 
 of Cambridge, Pratt (senior and junior), Gibbs, John 
 Clayton, George Clayton, Hambleton, Auriol, Cohen, 
 Gibson, Garrard, Garrett, By an, Baptist Noel, the 
 honourable Mr. Villiers, the late bishop of Carlisle, 
 with others, joined them. Country visitors took their 
 seats with the Society, and severally contributed their 
 share to the general improvement, and to that spirit of 
 Christian love and harmony, which has never known an 
 interruption from the beginning to the present day. 
 
 On the 22nd of July, 1784, a third son was given to 
 Mr. Clayton, who in the first month of his existence 
 gave signs of great bodily weakness, insomuch that his 
 anxious parents, fearful of exposing him to the risk 
 of a public baptism, dedicated him in private to 
 their covenant God, by the hands of their friend, the 
 Bev. Thomas Snell Jones, afterwards Dr. Jones, of 
 Lady Glenorchy's chapel, in Edinburgh, who happened 
 
 * A volume has very recently been published by the Eev. W. Pratt, con- 
 taining papers read at the meetings of this Society, on topics of varied interest, 
 relating to the affairs of the Church and the World.
 
 84 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 to be visiting at Highbury at the time. The infantine 
 weakness of this babe, who received the name of 
 William, soon disappeared; and he passed through a 
 remarkably healthful childhood and youth, and grew 
 into a manhood of athletic strength and extraordinary 
 power, so that the exertions of which he was capable, 
 in after life, were matter of astonishment to all who 
 witnessed them. 
 
 About this time, Mr. Clayton's health was often 
 seriously interrupted. He was subject to periodical 
 attacks of quinsy in the throat, and to cough, — with 
 great delicacy of the pulmonary organs. On account of 
 these symptoms, the advice of eminent physicians was 
 resorted to, in humble dependence on the Almighty 
 healer. Fordyce, Sandiman, Ford, and especially 
 Letsom, were consulted, who strongly recommended a 
 return to horse exercise, abstinence from public labour, 
 for a season, and leisurely travelling to some remote 
 locality. This advice led him to make several journeys 
 on horseback to Edinburgh; where he was hospitably 
 entertained by Dr. Jones, and frequently occupied his 
 pulpit, to which he was at all times welcomed by the 
 elders and the congregation, who retained, without 
 abatement, the same partiality for his ministrations, 
 which originally led to Lady Glenorchy's invitation to 
 become their pastor. 
 
 Leaving home, always with regret, he was wont to 
 travel with a pair of saddle-bags, containing his apparel 
 and other personels, with his Greek Testament, and a 
 few other books; and by easy stages performed the 
 distances from Edinburgh and back again, without any 
 feeling of excessive fatigue, and to the obvious renova- 
 tion of his health. At the inns on the road, he read, 
 meditated, and prayed; sometimes succeeding in his
 
 EFFORTS OF USEFULNESS. 85 
 
 endeavours to bring the host and hostess, the waiters, 
 postillions, and women servants, to join in the last- 
 named exercise, as an act of family devotion. Not 
 unfrequently he employed his leisure, while the animal 
 on which he rode was resting, to write sketches of 
 sermons, which he found of singular service, upon the 
 resumption of his stated labours.
 
 Cijaptcr HE, 
 
 1785-1797. 
 
 BIRTH OF A DAUGHTER. — PARENTAL DISCIPLINE. — BIRTH OF HIS LAST 
 CHILD. — FINAL LETTER FROM THE COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. — LETTER 
 FROM REV. J. NEWTON. — MR. CLAYTON PREACHING AT THE HULKS. — 
 BARRINGTON THE "GENTLEMAN PICKPOCKET." — MR. THORNTON THE 
 
 PHILANTHROPIST. LETTER FROM HIM ON MISSIONS TO THE EAST 
 
 INDIES. — WEIGHHOUSE SCHOOLS. — SECOND LETTER FROM REV. J. NEW- 
 TON. — THE MERCHANTS' LECTURE. 
 
 On the 20th of November, 1785, a daughter was 
 born, who, like the two elder sons, was brought to the 
 Weighhouse chapel, and publicly baptized by the hands 
 of her father, and called Mary, after her mother. 
 
 As his family increased he was more deeply im- 
 pressed with the solemn weight of his relative responsi- 
 bilities, and became anxious to inform his mind — by a 
 diligent study of Holy Scripture, and by consulting the 
 best treatises on the education of children, — with regard 
 to the wisest and fittest methods of dealing with the 
 young, with a view to their civil, moral, and spiritual 
 benefit. Among other works the writings of Hannah 
 More attracted his notice, and that of his excellent 
 companion. They found in them much to approve, 
 and which they resolved to copy, — as far as applicable 
 to their own circumstances, — in training their infant 
 children. The father adopted a system of discipline 
 which some persons might consider rigid and austere, 
 although it was greatly mitigated by the soft and gentle 
 influences of the mother, who, without opposing the 
 strictness of his method, had the talent of throwing 
 into it the tenderness of her gentle spirit ; so that the
 
 LAST LETTER OF THE COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 87 
 
 yoke was lined with love, and the little ones were 
 reconciled to bear it. He was wont to say, "While 
 children are in the animal age, you must treat them as 
 animals, and especially in the suhduction of their will 
 by the exercise of authority. When the powers of the 
 mind expand, treat them as rationals, and address their 
 understandings and consciences; when they discover 
 the indications of religious feeling, fan the flame, and 
 treat them as friends and as fellow- Christians." 
 
 It was at this time Mr. Clayton received the last 
 letter with which he was favoured from the Countess 
 of Huntingdon. The cordiality of its tone ; the deep 
 interest she evidently still felt in the progress and 
 prosperity of her protege; the kind of professional 
 dignity with which she inculcates upon him the 
 performance of his ministerial duties, as if he were 
 still one of her students ; and the exulting and joyous, 
 Paul-like spirit, in which she refers to the success of 
 the Gospel at Birmingham, — all are thoroughly charac- 
 teristic of this truly noble old lady, and show the 
 mental and moral elements of her nature to have been 
 unchanged, to the last. 
 
 "My good old Friend, — I feel myself obliged by your 
 kind remembrance of my students in this place, and by that 
 brotherly spirit evidenced by those books sent to them, and 
 which I was Happy to read, as your faithful testimony bore to 
 the sound meaning of the blessed Gospel of our salvation. 
 Your worst enemies are doing you more good than they can 
 easily conceive. Firmness and coolness will end in that proof 
 that ' they can do nothing against the truth, but for it ; ' and so 
 become the means, in God's hands, of stirring you up to faithful- 
 ness in that cause which will be your highest honour here, and 
 your crown of rejoicing in the day of the glorious appearing of 
 the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. I most highly 
 approve your charge. Manly steadiness, from true conviction,
 
 88 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 proves consistency of sense, and stamps an uprightness of 
 character, that claims respect and esteem, even when they will 
 not admit approbation of sentiments. My best wishes and 
 prayers attend you. Our particular situation engages reserve, 
 lest that base and mean aspect of partj^-making should sully the 
 precious Gospel we arc favoured to carry, in simplicity, among 
 the miserable poor and ignorant, who are yet without hope and 
 without God in the world. The Lord — opening any door by 
 their calls — only for this has the willing services of His favoured 
 messengers ; leaving the controverted systems of churches, 
 doctrines, and any less immediate usefulness, to any who may 
 not see the great importance we may of that voice — ' Go ye into 
 all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature,' &c. To 
 approve or condemn is not our point. Panegyric or satire 
 belongs not to truth — the mere effects of those passions the Son 
 of God ever combats with ; and thus by justice and truth we 
 only wish or mean to stand or fall. I mention this to prevent 
 any supposed judgment of bigotry or limited approbation that 
 reserve might include by observation ; but the interference with 
 good men's labours ever has its unfair effects, and with a bad 
 man's ministry confusions must make us appear but a partaker 
 of his evil deeds. To keep faithful and fruitful in our line of 
 work, with the testimony of real honour to the faithful servants 
 of God, on all occasions, will be our lasting ambition ; but expe- 
 rience has proved to me these yet remain few ; though, by high 
 profession, there are many that do many things conviction 
 cannot approve ; and so leave to Him who only judges righteous 
 judgment. May our blessed Lord yet answer my many prayers 
 that have been put up for you years ago ! and among His most 
 precious servants may you stand 'as called, chosen, and found 
 faithful unto death,' by His grace alone ; and thus secure that 
 inestimable inheritance of your dear Master's joy. My age is 
 great, and infirmities many ; and daily I put the Lord in mind 
 to remember me when He is in His kingdom, and as the morning 
 watcher I wait for my dear Brother's joy fid answer, 'This day 
 thou shalt be with me.' You will have the thanks of thirteen 
 or more (if returned home) of the students, and the tutor, — 
 Mr. Williams, — soon. All promise well here at present.
 
 LETTER FROM REV. J. NEWTON. 89 
 
 Gracious is the Lord to our poor unworthy labours : the 
 progress of the Gospel is very rapid with us, and much peace 
 and love abide with us ; and the Lord yet enables me to try to 
 put a pin in the tabernacles now building for Him. Give me 
 your prayers — for your unworthy, but ever alike faithful, friend, 
 
 _. OQ „ .- oc "S.Huntingdon. 
 
 " College, February 28th, 1786. 
 
 " I wish you never to go into your pulpit without this testi- 
 mony wrote on your heart : ' that all poiver in heaven and on 
 earth is given into His hands for you, who has proved He has 
 loved you even stronger than death. Thus faith alone must 
 have the victory for you and me, in all we do and all we suffer : 
 of this faith little will be found upon earth. Great news of the 
 Son of God's power, in a new work we have at Birmingham. 
 Thousands attend, and great and mighty things done in the 
 name of the holy child Jesus, I hear by this day's post. Glory 
 be to the Lord our God ! Kemember me kindly to Crole and 
 your sister." 
 
 Mr. Clayton's fifth and last child was born March 
 27th, 1789, and was publicly baptized by him, and 
 named Jane after her mother's only surviving sister* 
 married to John Dawson, Esq., of Aldcliffe Hall, near 
 Lancaster. 
 
 A mistake as to the time of an intended visit to 
 Highbury Place, followed by an illness in Mr. Clayton's 
 family, about the time when the friends had again fixed 
 to meet, led to the following letter from Mr. Newton. 
 
 * This estimable lady was distinguished by intelligence, by gentleness, by 
 piety, and various mental accomplishments, the fruits of reading, cultivation, 
 and association with many of the wise and good of that day. She loved retire- 
 ment, and meditation, and prayer, and for many years led a secluded life, 
 passed in domestic duties and devotional exercises ; addicted, however, to acts 
 of benevolence and social usefulness, so far as her circumstances and opportu- 
 nities permitted. She was greatly honoured and beloved by the circle in which 
 she moved. A memoir was published after her decease, which exhibited her 
 character at large, and affords evidence that she was a person of rare excellence, 
 and most deservedly entitled to be ranked with those pious females who have 
 reflected honour upon their age and their country.
 
 90 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 It has no date, but was prior to the death of his wife in 
 1790. 
 
 " Dear Sir, — May I say I am sorry for the occasion of your 
 note ? Yes ! I am allowed to feci for myself, and for my 
 friends. But I am not to sorrow like them who have no hope. 
 It seems we fixed upon the wrong day for meeting at Highbury, 
 and the Lord has in this way corrected our mistakes. But all 
 is well, and shall be well. "We must wait His time, and when 
 it comes, we shall see it was the best time. 
 
 " You and John and the two servants are ill together ! Poor 
 Mrs. Clayton ! But bid her be of good courage. He will 
 support and deliver, and we shall yet praise Him. 
 
 " My dear joins in love ; she is yet poorly, but I am quite 
 recovered, and I hope He will soon restore her likewise. 
 
 " I shall be glad to get Utopia [sic] again, as soon as I can ; 
 and commission Miss Flower to pronounce for me, 'Peace be 
 with you and yours, with me and mine, and with all who love 
 Jesus Christ in sincerity.' Fiat ! — Your affectionate friend, 
 
 "John Newton. 
 
 " Wednesday morning." 
 
 Every year, as it passed, witnessed the growing 
 acceptableness of Mr. Clayton's labours, and served to 
 rivet the affections of his flock to their pastor; while they 
 produced, at the same time, a considerable impression 
 on a still wider circle, and commended him to persons 
 not of his own congregation, among whom were men 
 of station and wealth, who favoured him with their 
 patronage and friendship. Among these was the pious 
 philanthropist of Clapham, John Thornton, who often 
 visited Highbury Place, and engaged Mr. Clayton in 
 various services of benevolence and public usefulness. 
 At one time he took him in his carriage to preach to 
 the convicts on board the hulks, at "Woolwich. The 
 minister was supported, right and left, by two officers, 
 each holding a carbine in his hand. The text chosen 
 for the occasion was taken from Zechariah ix. 12 :
 
 ME. THORNTON. 
 
 91 
 
 " Turn you to the stronghold, ye prisoners of hope." 
 The doctrine of justification hy faith in the Lord Jesus, 
 as the stronghold of the sinner's safety and confidence, 
 formed a prominent topic of the discourse, which was 
 listened to by the prisoners with fixed attention, while 
 good order and becoming reverence were universally 
 observed. It happened that there was then among 
 them a notable thief, a sort of gentleman pickpocket, of 
 the name of Barrington, who, after the service, accosted 
 Mr. Clayton in this manner, "Well, doctor, I see that 
 with you it is all faith and no works." To which the 
 preacher replied, " Sir, we can have no good works at 
 all, till they are produced by faith in Christ, through 
 the participation of His life-giving Spirit ; and I confess 
 that the very last place in which I should have expected 
 to find the merit of works pleaded would be his Majesty's 
 hulks for convicted felons." 
 
 Mr. Clayton often adverted to this fact, in after life, 
 as affording a demonstration that man is under the 
 violated covenant of works ; and that even in the most 
 humiliating and degraded position of crime and shame, 
 he vainly clings to his own doings, as the ground of his 
 hope before God. 
 
 Mr. Thornton occasionally heard Mr. Clayton at the 
 Weighhouse, and other places, although himself an 
 attached member of the Established Church ; and often 
 made him the almoner of his bounty to poor ministers 
 of the Gospel, students for the ministry, and private 
 Christians in distress. Through the medium of this 
 gentleman he was introduced to the acquaintance of 
 Mr. Wilberforce, and the three sons of Mr. Thornton, 
 Messrs. Samuel, Henry, and Robert, who were nearly 
 his own age, and with whom he enjoyed a friendly 
 intercourse, which was sought to be improved for the
 
 92 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 purpose of confirming their educational principles, their 
 devout habits and consistent practice. 
 
 Those who arc acquainted with the history of modern 
 missions will remember the pertinacious opposition that 
 was shown by the East India Company, against the 
 introduction of the Gospel to that part of the world. 
 The accompanying letter from Mr. Thornton will show 
 his sympathy with the movements of evangelical Chris- 
 tians, and his desire that those movements should be 
 regulated by prudence and caution, in dealing with 
 those " whose only care was to increase their store." 
 
 "Battersea Eise, Monday morning, 9lh Jan., 1797. 
 
 "Dear Sir, — Though so much a stranger to you as not to 
 have had the pleasure of seeing you for some years, I am about 
 to take a liberty with you, by which I am afraid I may put you 
 to some inconvenience and trouble. 
 
 "I understand that there is to be a meeting to-morrow of 
 the dissenting clergymen in the metropolis, for the purpose of 
 considering of an application, either to the directors of the India 
 Company, or to some other quarter, in favour of sending some 
 missionaries to the East Indies. It is a subject with which both 
 I and Mr. Wilberforce, who is here with me, are very familiar, 
 and in which we feel deeply interested. We are of opinion, 
 however, that in order to bring about in any measure the 
 adoption of any scheme of this sort, great prudence, as to the 
 manner of application, is necessary. 
 
 "Mr. Haldane, from whose zeal I understand the present 
 measure originates, has been often with mo and Mr. Wilberforce 
 upon it, and also with my neighbour, Mr. Grant ; and from this 
 cause, as well as from the interest we had previously taken in 
 the general subject, we happen to be a good deal informed, as I 
 conceive, about the object of your deliberations to-morrow. 
 
 " What I take the liberty, therefore, of observing is, that if 
 without too much inconvenience you can come down to us here, 
 at any time to-day or to-morrow, previous to the meeting, we 
 shall be glad to converse with you upon it ; and I beg you, if 
 you think proper, to bring with you any other dissenting
 
 WEIGHHOUSE SCHOOLS. 93 
 
 clergyman who is likely to attend the meeting. I am obliged 
 to remain at home to-day on account of indisposition, otherwise 
 I might perhaps have called upon you. — I am, dear sir, your 
 very faithful friend and humble servant, 
 
 "Henry Thornton. 
 
 " In selecting the dissenting clergyman who may accompany 
 you, it may perhaps be as prudent to think of one who is not 
 altogether of your own sentiments in politics; for Mr. Wilber- 
 force and I wish to consider this subject merely in a religious, 
 and not at all in a political light, and also to be understood to 
 do so." 
 
 Mrs. Thornton, too, showed much kind regard to 
 Mrs. Clayton, and greatly assisted her in establishing 
 and supporting the Weighhouse Charity School for 
 Girls, which was formed in 1780, and was a favourite 
 object with Mrs. Clayton, during her whole life; for while 
 training most assiduously her own children at home, 
 she was much occupied and interested in the instruction 
 of the children of the poor, in the neglected streets and 
 lanes of the city. To this was added, in a few years, a 
 school for boys, supported by the gentlemen of the con- 
 gregation. Both the institutions were wisely governed 
 and liberally supported, as long as Mr. Clayton continued 
 to minister in Eastcheap ; and it is believed that they 
 continue to nourish to the present day. The schools 
 were watched over with unceasing care and assiduity 
 by their founders, aided in the female department by 
 Mrs. Harding, of Hatcham House, Miss Wilson and 
 Miss Stock, of Highbury Place, — the former of whom was 
 married to Samuel Mills, Esq., late of Eussell Square, 
 and the latter to Joseph Watson, Esq., who, for more 
 than fifty years, honourably and usefully filled the office 
 of deacon in the church of the Weighhouse; and in 
 the boys' school, by the Messrs. T. W. Adam, and his
 
 94 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 brother Benjamin, and Messrs. Dyson, Dawson, Piper, 
 Birkett, Joseph Wilson, Roberts, and others, whose 
 names are still fragrant, in connexion with that ancient 
 church. When many years had elapsed from the time 
 of the formation of the schools, Mrs. Clayton wrote of 
 them with an undiminished interest, and to her latest 
 hour never failed to manifest an ardent affection towards 
 them. An abundant reward followed this labour of 
 love ; as few similar institutions have supplied a larger 
 number of respectable household servants, of steady 
 apprentices, and honourable tradesmen or mechanics. 
 
 It was on the occasion of the dangerous illness of 
 Mrs. Clayton, in 1791, that her husband received the 
 following beautiful and characteristic letter from the 
 Rev. John Newton : — 
 
 "My dear Brother Eclectic, — When I am abroad, not 
 being able to write to all whom I love, I am obliged to make 
 some selection. I usually give the preference to the afflicted. 
 Others must wait till they are served. Perhaps I should not 
 have written to you so soon, if at all, had you not been upon 
 this list. But now you have a claim upon me. You are on 
 that post of observation on which I lately stood, and my feelings 
 for my dear Mary (the recollection of which makes me shrink 
 at this moment) have well qualified me to feel for you and 
 Mrs. Clayton. On the other hand, my experience warrants, 
 and perhaps requires me, to encourage you both. I have not 
 only read that the Lord our God is all-sufficient, a very present 
 help in trouble, but I have found Him so. Oh ! call upon Him. 
 I can assure you He is a hearer of prayer. Trust Him, and 
 He will make good, yea, exceed your expectations, so far as they 
 are warranted by His Word. You must feel, but you need not 
 fear. Low as Mrs. Clayton is brought, He is still able to raise 
 her up ; and if it be, on the whole, best for you both, He certainly 
 will. He can do a greater thing than this. He can not only 
 enable her to receive her dismission with composure, with thank- 
 fulness, with joy, but He can enable you to resign her with
 
 LETTEE EEOM EEV. J. NEWTON. 95 
 
 equal composure ; and while you are keenly sensible of your loss, 
 and of the apparent loss to your dear children, by her removal, 
 He can strengthen you to declare with a firm tone from the 
 pulpit, to the comfort and encouragement of your friends and 
 people, ' He hath done all things well ! ' 
 
 "When I preached my dear's funeral sermon, did He not 
 enable me to tell the auditory, in His heart-searching presence, 
 that, making allowance for the unavoidable emotions of nature, 
 I had no more real, solid regret in thinking of the day of sepa- 
 ration, than of the day which first united us? And to this 
 hour, though my wound is still fresh, though she is every minute 
 present to my thoughts ; such is the Lord's goodness to me, that 
 I believe my friends have never seen me disconsolate. Blessed 
 be His name, I am satisfied, and have not a wish that things 
 should be otherwise than they are, if a wish could alter them. 
 
 "And yet I think no attachment could be stronger than 
 mine. I have no reason to boast of it, for it was excessive and 
 idolatrous. The manner of her removal was well suited and 
 designed to remind me of my folly; to bring my sins to my 
 remembrance, and I trust to humble me for them. But while 
 the Lord chastened, He supported me ; and perhaps I never had 
 a clearer sense of His wisdom and goodness, or a more unreserved 
 submission to His will, than when my soul was most harrowed 
 and sore, with sensible anguish. 
 
 "But enough in this strain, both for you and myself. I 
 would rather amuse your thoughts a little, than fix them on 
 this painful subject. 
 
 "I have seen Cambridge, consequently Cambridge has seen 
 me. I was much at home there. I found the Lord had 
 servants there, both in the colleges and in the town. They 
 expected me to admire their palaces and chapels, and wondered 
 at the indifference with which I surveyed them, or rather 
 glanced my eye over them. But, besides that I am no connois- 
 seur in that way, I had better things to look on. I saw some 
 living temples of the Holy Ghost, which I admired greatly. I 
 could relish their walks and gardens ; for there I saw the works 
 of God, to which the puny works of man seem only a foil. I 
 preached twice for brother Simeon, on Sunday, to numerous and
 
 9G THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 attentive auditories. I was favoured with some liberty, and 
 seemed to bo beard with acceptance. Surely since tbe Lord 
 does not put me to sbame and silence, nor take His word utterly 
 out of my moutb, as I bave well deserved, I ougbt to bear every- 
 thing else witb cbcerfulness. But indeed I bave as little to 
 bear as most folks : excepting tbe body of sin and deatb, and 
 tbe absence of ber wbom I so dearly loved, I bave notbing to 
 excite a sigb. I am surrounded at borne and abroad witb 
 mercies and comforts. I bave all tbings and abound. Praise 
 tbe Lord, my soul ! 
 
 "I write from a village, four miles from Eoyston, and ten 
 from Cambridge. Here I am most at borne of all. Here, 
 besides a bospitable and kind entertainment, I bave tbat perfect 
 retirement wbicb I am naturally fond of. I seemed not cut out 
 for London, by my dispositions; but wben tbe Lord led me 
 tbitber, be gave me, as it were, a London beart : and since it 
 lias become my post of duty, it is become tbe place of my cboice. 
 But I still enjoy tbe country wben I can get at it, — tbe fields 
 tbe lanes, tbe trees, tbe busbes, tbe birds, and tbe lambs, &c. 
 Ob, bow calm, bow beautiful is everytbing around me ! Sucb a 
 scene, witb a few select friends, would be my cboice, were self 
 to cboose. But through mercy I am not my own, nor my own 
 chooser. Tbe Lord has chosen well for me. Tbe lines are 
 fallen to me in a pleasant place. Now London shall be my 
 country, and I will prefer the bustle of Lombard Street to the 
 bleating of lambs; for there is my charge, and there is my 
 heart. 
 
 "Say everything that is affectionate and sympathizing to 
 Mrs. Clayton, in my name ; and particularly tell her she is often 
 in my thoughts. If you can attend the Society on Monday, 
 present my duty to Mr. President, and my love to the brethren. 
 
 " I return to Cambridge, if the Lord please, on Saturday, and 
 go from thence to Everton, on Tuesday, y e 12th July. Such is 
 my present plan; but the" way of man is not in himself. Dear 
 Betsy, who is pretty well, joins in love. Pray for us. Eemem- 
 ber me to John, George, and all the rest. Pay them each a 
 kiss on my account. 
 
 " May the Lord bless you, and your poor brother Eclectic, 
 
 "John Newton. 
 
 "Hildreth, Cambridgeshire, 29</i June, 1791."
 
 merchants' lecture. 97 
 
 In 1793, Mr. Clayton was chosen to be one of the 
 preachers of the Merchants' Lecture, established, in 
 1672, at Pinner's Hall, in Broad Street. The first 
 six names on the list were Dr. Bates, Dr. Manton, 
 Dr. Owen, Mr. Baxter, Mr. Howe, and Mr. Alsop. In 
 Mr. Clayton's time it was held in New Broad Street 
 chapel, to which place of worship it had been removed, 
 in 1778. 
 
 This lecture was held every Tuesday, throughout 
 the year. The congregations were generally numerous, 
 though varying, in some degree, according to the 
 popularity of the minister. The remuneration of the 
 preachers of those days was liberal, so that the service 
 might be called " The Golden Lecture of the London 
 Nonconformists;" the lecturers dividing upwards of a 
 hundred guineas per annum, besides making an ample 
 provision for rent, pew-openers, firing, and other 
 incidental expenses, including the precentor." 
 
 Mr. Clayton's auditory was amongst the largest; 
 
 * As one of the Merchants' lecturers, at the present time, in association with 
 Messrs. Binney, Martin, Drs. Spence and Raleigh, and Newman Hall, it may- 
 be as well to say, that Mr. Clayton and his coadjutors appear to have been 
 more fortunate than their successors, as not one-eighth of the amount he mentions 
 is divided between the preachers now; and that is supplied by a few merchants 
 and friends in the city, who are desirous to keep up a service that has been held 
 for more than two hundred years, and the continuance of which is necessary to 
 the retention of some property, the entire proceeds of which the lecturers have 
 the gratification of distributing among poor ministers of the Congregational 
 body. 
 
 The lecture is now delivered monthly, and at the Poultry chapel, on the 
 Tuesday after the first Lord's day in the month ; and is — as many can testify, 
 who step in for an hour, out of the whirl of city life, to enjoy the religious 
 service then held — an occasion of sweet and hallowed spiritual refreshment, 
 that enables the weary heart to go back again to its cares and toils with 
 renovated strength. 
 
 A strong desire has been publicly expressed to make the lecture weekly, as 
 it was at the commencement; and steps, I believe, are at this moment being 
 taken, by those who are interested in the restoration, to accomplish that object. 
 — T. A. 
 
 H
 
 98 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 attributable, doubtless, in some measure, to the 
 proximity of the lecture to the residences of many of 
 his own immediate charge, who were disposed to attend, 
 in the hope of hearing again, from his lips, discourses 
 which they had found especially impressive, at their 
 own spiritual home in the Weighhouse. 
 
 Business, at the period now referred to, was not quite 
 so exacting of the time and thoughts of the merchants 
 and traders of the metropolis, as to prevent their 
 attendance for an hour (for the service was strictly 
 confined to that length), to listen to those who, like the 
 prophets of old, came forth, from their retirement, into 
 the streets of the city, to bear a message from the 
 Great King, the burden of which was : " Brethren, the 
 time is short: it remaineth that they that buy be as 
 though they possessed not; and they that use this 
 world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this 
 
 WORLD PASSETH AWAY."
 
 MR. CLAYTON IN THE FAMILY. 
 
 LOVE OF ORDER AND PUNCTUALITY. — HOUR WITH THE CHILDREN. — FAMILY 
 TRAINING. — SABBATHS AT HOME. — HABITS OF INDUSTRY. — FAMILY 
 DISCIPLINE. — EDUCATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS. — SCHOOL AT WALLING- 
 FORD. — MRS. SIDDONS. — FIRST BEREAVEMENT IN THE FAMILY. — CHRIS- 
 TIAN SUBMISSION. 
 
 As we have arrived at a period in Mr. Clayton's life, 
 when all its moral and intellectual machinery was in 
 fair and full action, we may now regard him a little 
 more closely, in the several relationships he sustained, 
 in private and public. The high estimate in which he 
 was held by his contemporaries will be found fully 
 justified by this retrospect. In the present chapter he 
 will be contemplated in the Family. 
 
 He had pondered well all the qualifications which an 
 inspired apostle had described, as constituting a bishop, 
 — " a good minister of Jesus Christ;" and among them 
 he read that he must be " one that ruleth well his 
 own house, having his children in subjection, with all 
 gravity; for if a man know not how to rule his own 
 house, how shall he take care of the church of God?" 
 Deeply imbued with a sense of the solemnity of his 
 position, as well in the paternal as in the ministerial 
 relationship, he sought, as in the sight of God, to fulfil 
 the obligations that rested upon him. 
 
 As has been already intimated, a primary feature in 
 his character was the love of order, which pervaded the 
 whole economy of his life. His study was a perfect
 
 100 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 exemplification of that principle which has been justly 
 described as "heaven's first law." Enter it when you 
 might, you would see his books in their place, his 
 papers neatly arranged; his unanswered letters occu- 
 pying a drawer set apart for their due preservation ; his 
 writing-desk well dusted, and free from ink spots; bis 
 hearth well swept ; and, in a word, no litters visible, no 
 confusion apparent. This, he was wont to affirm, was 
 perfectly practicable and easy, to a well-regulated mind ; 
 and, what he deemed of great moral importance, proved, 
 in the long run, a great saving of time, which, as a 
 precious talent, every Christian is bound to redeem. 
 
 From the commencement of the day to its close, 
 order and method reigned in the household. Reference 
 has been made to the regularity with which the devo- 
 tional exercises of the family were conducted. These, 
 in the morning, scarcely ever exceeded fifteen minutes ; 
 as he deemed that amount of time sufficiently long, 
 when little children and servants were to take part in 
 the act of worship. 
 
 Breakfast despatched, there immediately followed 
 what might be called the Morning lecture. First, a 
 chapter was read by the children, and briefly com- 
 mented upon by the father, and illustrated by images 
 and anecdotes level to their capacities. Afterwards 
 selections were made from Watts's Lyrics, Cowper's 
 Poems, the Odyssey of Homer, as versified by that author, 
 Pope's Iliad, and the Dramas of Hannah More; and 
 the reading of these was interspersed with remarks of 
 a moral and religious character. 
 
 Pains were taken to induce habits of reflection ; and 
 every encouragement given to the young people, to 
 speak out what they thought, with unrestrained free- 
 dom and familiarity. This method of eliciting their
 
 FAMILY TRAINING. 
 
 101 
 
 own sentiments, — often, doubtless, crude and immature, 
 and even wild, — presented to him an opportunity of 
 correcting what was erroneous, and commending what 
 was sound and true, although it might be imperfectly 
 conceived and expressed. 
 
 Mr. Clayton accustomed his children to read to him 
 aloud, and to recite passages of prose or poetry which 
 they had committed to memory. On these occasions 
 he would instruct them in the art of speaking ; explain- 
 ing and exemplifying the several rules of articulation, 
 emphasis, and the modulation of the voice. He 
 advised that they should follow nature in these respects, 
 as opposed to what is merely artificial; believing that 
 in speaking, what is most truly natural would prove 
 most intelligible and agreeable. In these efforts he 
 was much assisted by Mrs. Clayton, who had a voice 
 remarkably gentle, soft, and mellifluous, and who 
 endeavoured to regulate the pronunciation of her 
 children, as to clearness, distinctness, and audibility. 
 
 When Mr. Clayton had finished with his children, he 
 went forth either to his study, or some engagement 
 connected with his pastoral and public duties. These 
 occupied the intervals of meals, and were agreeably 
 diversified by recreation, physical and mental, alone or 
 with his family ; until the evening of the day brought 
 with it the season for those hallowed exercises, social 
 and secret, with which it appropriately closed. 
 
 The hour from eight to nine was, for many years, 
 set apart for the private devotions of the family — visitors 
 and servants being included in this arrangement. 
 Each retired to his own room, for the perusal of the 
 Scriptures and prayer; and thus a period was allotted 
 to those duties, before weariness had incapacitated for 
 their efficient discharge ; and a sweet preparation
 
 102 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 was enjoyed for the family exercise which followed. 
 Thrice blessed the household that is thus governed! 
 "Happy is that people, that is in such a case; yea, 
 happy is that people, whose God is the Lord." 
 
 While the ordinary occupations of the week thus 
 went on, the Sabbath brought its own special privileges 
 and duties. Public worship having been attended, 
 morning and afternoon, the family re-entered their 
 dwelling ; and, like David, the minister " returned to 
 bless his household." 
 
 Living in an age when Sunday evening services 
 were comparatively unknown to the Christian church, 
 Mr. Clayton endeavoured sedulously to improve the 
 hours of the day of rest, from six to half-past eight, by 
 private and domestic instruction and fellowship. In 
 these never-to-be-forgotten exercises, the parents, the 
 children, and the servants severally took their part. 
 Hymns or sacred poems were recited; the Assembly's 
 Catechism was repeated ; the sermons of the day recapi- 
 tulated ; and sometimes themes or essays — composed 
 by the children on Scripture characters, Bible histories, 
 or particular doctrines — were read. Thus very early 
 were they taught, both to think and express their 
 thoughts in their own language; and were haj^py in 
 having so judicious a critic of these juvenile composi- 
 tions. 
 
 It will naturally be supposed that such a man — 
 deeply impressed with the value of time, and the 
 wisdom and necessity of rightly employing it — would 
 inculcate most strenuously, and most determinately 
 insist upon, the cultivation of habits of industry. An 
 idle drone was his detestation ; and his sons were early 
 initiated into the duty of rightly and conscientiously 
 spending every hour.
 
 HABITS OF INDUSTRY. 103 
 
 Even in Eden, with all the exemptions which a 
 condition of innocence secured, " when out of the 
 ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is 
 pleasant to the sight, and good for food, He took the 
 man whom He had formed, and put him there to dress 
 it and to keep it." Occupation is one of the necessary 
 and beneficent laws of our being ; and the violation of 
 it must entail mischief, if not misery. 
 
 Thus Mr. Clayton brought his lads up to a life of 
 industry, and a love of it ; and never master had more 
 docile, or more conscientious and successful pupils. It 
 became the habit of their lives to be usefully engaged ; 
 and for this they had to thank and venerate their 
 father, whose example was ever a most powerful re- 
 commendation of his precepts. 
 
 When a large band of French emigrants came to 
 these shores, — driven hither by the revolutionary perse- 
 cution, with the loss of their possessions, and homes, 
 and means of livelihood, — Mr. Clayton lectured on the 
 duty of preparation, both moral and civil, should such 
 reverses fall to the lot of the people of this country. 
 " See," said he, " the noblesse and the clergy of France 
 reduced to penury and want ; and many of them com- 
 pelled to undertake even the most menial offices for a 
 morsel of bread!" 
 
 On this ground he enjoined it upon his sons to make 
 themselves acquainted with the nature of the humblest 
 duties of the household; and he himself instructed 
 them in the treatment and management of horses, of 
 which he often found he knew more and better than 
 his own groom. " I trust, my dear lads," he would 
 observe, "that you will never be placed under the 
 necessity of performing these services for your subsist- 
 ence ; but should such reverses betide you, you will not
 
 104 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 be left in utter ignorance and helplessness, as to the 
 right method of doing them. At all events you will 
 know how things ought to be done, should you have 
 others under you upon whom these labours will devolve. 
 No man is degraded by a knowledge of what belongs to 
 the duties of the humblest servant, or by a humility 
 which can stoop, when requisite, to the most subordinate 
 employments." 
 
 He would often remind his little auditory that they 
 were highly privileged children, having advantages 
 above many others, and that it was, at all times, 
 dangerous to stand where others do not. " Watch," 
 he would say, "watch your thoughts, your looks, your 
 words, and your actions, that you may give no just 
 cause of offence on this score;" adding facetiously, 
 " you are decent children, on the whole, if you are 
 kept humble ; but remember that ' Pride goeth before 
 destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.'" At 
 the same time he would indicate the wide difference 
 between humility and abjectness; between lowliness 
 and meanness ; affirming that dignity of manners, 
 a well-regulated self-respect, and an abhorrence of 
 degrading associations and acts, were no evidences of 
 pride. " Make it your daily prayer," he would say, 
 " ' Let not the foot of pride come against me.' " 
 
 In the important matter of Family Discipline — so 
 necessary to be kept up ; so difficult to keep up wisely 
 and well, with the preservation of the happy medium 
 between undue laxity and unjust severity — Mr. Clayton 
 sought counsel at the lips of the "God of all the 
 families of Israel," who has said, "If any of you lack 
 wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men 
 liberally, and upbraideth not."
 
 FAMILY DISCIPLINE. 105 
 
 It was a favourite phrase with him that the Bible 
 ought to be the chief magistrate in every house, and 
 the authority whose judgment should be final, in all 
 cases that might arise. He particularly recommended 
 the book of Proverbs ; and encouraged those around 
 him to commit to memory portions of that repository 
 of piety, wisdom, and sound morality; and thus to 
 retain its sage counsels for practical purposes, in future 
 life. He often referred to passages of that book, in 
 order to explain those acts of discipline which he felt 
 it his duty to administer. The rod, suitably applied in 
 case of grievous faults, especially when persisted in, 
 after kindly admonition, he regarded to be nothing less 
 than an ordinance of God, for the right training of 
 children. The horsewhip, whose place was the archi- 
 trave of the door of his study, was seldom used for 
 correction, but often pointed to, as " the silver-headed 
 monitor." 
 
 Previously to the exercise of discipline, he would 
 read such texts as the following : " He that spare th his 
 rod hateth his son : but he that loveth him chasteneth 
 him betimes " (Proverbs xiii. 24). " Chasten thy son 
 while there is hope, and. let not thy soul spare for his 
 crying" (ch. xix. 18). Then he would proceed to 
 inflict the incurred punishment. 
 
 He never administered correction immediately on the 
 committal of the fault. It was not till several hours 
 after, and, in some cases, days after, that he proceeded 
 to this extremity ; — observing that when the Great 
 Father called Adam to account for his sin, it was in 
 "the cool of the day;" and contended that when 
 chastisement was administered in a passion, the good 
 effect was hazarded, if not defeated. " Who," he would 
 ask, " who, in their senses, would give medicine to a
 
 106 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 child scalding hot?" All this served to create an 
 impression that he was guided hy principle, and not by 
 impulse, in the government of his family. 
 
 When the time arrived for the educational efforts of 
 home to he succeeded hy school instruction, Mr. Clayton 
 and his valuable coadjutor felt all the anxiety incident 
 to such a crisis. After much deliberation and prayer, 
 they intrusted their eldest son to the tutelage of the 
 Rev. William Kingsbury, at Southampton, who was at 
 that time at the head of an establishment for young 
 gentlemen, at once numerous, respectable, and flourish- 
 ing. With this choice they had every reason to be 
 satisfied. The pupil improved, and won the approval 
 and affection of the preceptor. 
 
 Some time after this, an attempt was made to 
 combine household teaching with school learning ; and 
 the three boys were sent, as day scholars, to a large 
 seminary in Islington, where they acquired the rudi- 
 ments of classical and scientific learning. But the 
 public calls and engagements of the pastor, and the 
 entertainment of visitors, from time to time, at his 
 house, were found to clash with the objects proposed 
 in home education. In fact, after an experiment, 
 patiently extended over two or three years, the plan 
 was relinquished, as incompatible with the duties of 
 the minister, and the desired improvement of the 
 scholars. They were, therefore, again sent from home ; 
 and this time were transferred to the care of the 
 Rev. T. Pentecross, Wallingford, in Berkshire, — an 
 evangelical clergyman, and a man of letters. 
 
 Although they were, at that time, in constant 
 attendance on the worship of God, as administered 
 according to the rites of the Church of England,
 
 MRS. SIDDONS. 
 
 107 
 
 Mr. Clayton was of opinion that the advantages of the 
 school, in all other respects, abundantly compensated 
 for a departure from the forms to which they had been 
 previously accustomed. 
 
 In thus placing his sons under the care of a 
 clergyman, Mr. Clayton did not escape censure amongst 
 some of his friends and brethren, more rigid than 
 himself in their attachment to their own mode of 
 worship. He did not, however, consider that he was 
 chargeable with any inconsistency, in permitting the 
 greater to take precedence of the less ; and maintained 
 on this, as on all other occasions, that modes and forms 
 are but of secondary and subordinate importance, when 
 compared with that which is vital and essential. 
 
 While at "Wallingford the three youths were occa- 
 sionally visited by some of Mr. Clayton's personal 
 friends, who were either students or residents at the 
 university of Oxford, and who embraced this opportunity 
 of evincing their respect for the father, by bestowing 
 attentions on his children. 
 
 Among other boys at Mr. Pentecross's school was 
 Master Harry Siddons, a son of the celebrated actress 
 of that name. In her occasional visits to see her son, 
 she was kind enough to give readings to the whole 
 school, after the hours of study; and it is easy to 
 conceive how high a treat was thus afforded to the 
 boys, and more especially to those of them whose 
 previous training qualified them to appreciate the rare 
 attainments of that lady, who was a personification of 
 excellence in the art of speaking. The ease and 
 gracefulness of her carriage, the clearness of her 
 enunciation, the music of her voice, the telling 
 precision of her emphasis, the extraordinary adaptation 
 of her look, and the diversified expression of her fine
 
 108 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 countenance, could not fail to interest, astonish, and 
 gratify her youthful hearers, in a more than ordinary 
 degree ; and to prove a valuable study for those who in 
 future life were destined to become public speakers. 
 The pieces which Mrs. Siddons selected for her 
 readings, taken from Shakspeare, Milton, and Addison, 
 were obviously intended to have a moral and religious 
 bearing on the minds and manners of her schoolboy 
 auditors. 
 
 As his children grew up into youth, Mr. Clayton and 
 his estimable wdfe had the joy of seeing the graces of 
 Christian excellence — for whose budding and unfolding 
 they had prayed and watched, from the hour of each 
 child's birth — begin to develop themselves; and, 
 ultimately, as will be seen, their three sons, after having 
 united themselves to the church, followed their father's 
 example, and entered upon the ministry; while their 
 two daughters also made choice of the service of Christ, 
 and sought in such quiet and retired walks of Christian 
 usefulness, as were suited to their sex, to honour the 
 profession they had made. 
 
 But while the young men, to the great joy of their 
 parents, were engaged in preparatory studies, an 
 insidious foe was stealing into the happy home circle, 
 and silently laying siege to the life of the youngest of 
 the family. The second daughter, Jane, a lovely and 
 loving girl, fell into a state of delicate health, which 
 ofttimes filled the parental hearts with many sad 
 forebodings. All suitable means were resorted to, 
 accompanied with constant and earnest prayer; but, 
 so far as recovery was concerned, all in vain. She 
 continued to decline, as the days passed on ; till it 
 became evident that she must soon fall a victim to 
 pulmonary consumption.
 
 PARENTAL ANGUISH. 109 
 
 For more than six weeks, it was the mournful office 
 of her father to convey her in his arms from her 
 chamber to the parlour, in the morning, and thence 
 again to her own room, at the close of the day. As is 
 often the case, in this particular disease, it was almost 
 a hopeless task to attempt to impress upon her mind, 
 practically and permanently, a sense of physical danger 
 and impending death ; although many remarks made by 
 her, on the general frailty of our nature, the necessity 
 of- preparation for a coming eternity, and the blessedness 
 of being found in Christ Jesus, pardoned, accepted, and 
 reconciled, left no room for doubt as to the happy state 
 of her mind towards God ; which was further confirmed 
 and illustrated by a truly amiable, dutiful, and blameless 
 conversation. 
 
 As to the likelihood of a fatal termination to her 
 illness, she continued to the last perfectly insensible 
 to it. To every inquiry after her health by her family 
 and friends, her uniform reply, made in a cheerful tone 
 of voice, was, " Better, better ; much better ; " thus 
 supplying another proof that "flattery and fatality" 
 appear to be inherent characteristics of the malady 
 under which she suffered. 
 
 It was no small trial of her father's firmness, when 
 he felt it his duty to assign to the two sisters separate 
 sleeping-rooms. They had not been parted for a clay 
 or a night, during many past years ; they were of one 
 heart and one soul, and most tenderly attached to each 
 other; yet it was deemed indispensable that this form 
 of sisterly association should be terminated. Many 
 tears were shed on the occasion ; many entreaties were 
 preferred, to reverse the parental decree, but he was 
 inflexible. He often adverted to the cost of this 
 struggle to his own feelings. The conflict was almost 
 more than he could bear.
 
 HO THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 The beloved patient continued to grow weaker and 
 weaker, till all hope of restoration ceased. She was 
 recommended to try the air of Tunbridge Wells, which, 
 however, evidently disagreed with her ; and after a few 
 weeks' sojourn there, she returned home, manifestly 
 much worse. At Highbury, there was a slight abate- 
 ment of the symptoms, but it was of short continuance. 
 
 She then became possessed with the idea that if she 
 were taken to Southend, on the Essex coast, a place 
 she had previously visited and enjoyed, she should 
 certainly recover. She therefore urged a request — 
 though with unaffected deference and submission — that 
 this experiment might be tried. Every one of the 
 family but herself knew how unavailing the expedient 
 must prove, yet her pitying parents resolved to indulge 
 her wishes. A lodging-house was engaged ; and when 
 the day came for leaving home, the family were 
 astonished by finding her in the breakfast-room, attired 
 for her journey, and in readiness to undertake it, in 
 spite of her extreme debility. She had actually 
 dressed herself without assistance, and had succeeded 
 in getting down the staircase, by an effort entirely her 
 own. Among numerous other proofs, this feat afforded 
 a striking evidence of the power of a strong excitement, 
 in overcoming the physical difficulties which beset 
 individuals, in peculiar circumstances of disability and 
 infirmity. 
 
 Southend was reached in a day; and the invalid 
 expressed her gratification with everything she saw, 
 and her thankfulness for divine protection, and for the 
 parental kindness, which had so fully provided for the 
 accomplishment of her irrepressible desire. 
 
 This apparent revival was, however, of short duration. 
 The clouds returned, and became darker and darker,
 
 DEATH OF HIS DAUGHTER. Ill 
 
 every hour ; till in less than a fortnight from the time 
 of her arrival, on Thursday, July 19th, 1804, she 
 breathed her last, supported in the arms of her beloved 
 sister; the delusive hope of recovery apparently not 
 forsaking her even in the article of dissolution. 
 Happily, there were general grounds for the belief that 
 she had departed to be with Christ, although she 
 slipped through the iron gate of death without being 
 conscious of it. 
 
 The mind of her father was overwhelmed with grief, 
 on this truly mournful occasion. The strong man was 
 bowed down with his sorrow; and in after years, even 
 when nearly half a century had passed away from the 
 time of this bereavement, he could never advert to it 
 without tearful emotions. 
 
 He felt all the tender sorrow, which is so exquisitely 
 expressed by the sweetest of English lyrists : — ■ 
 
 " And, oh ! the home whence thy bright smile hath parted. 
 "Will it not seem as if the sunny day 
 
 Turned from its door away ? 
 While through its chambers wandering, weary hearted, 
 I languish for thy voice, which past me still 
 
 Went like a singing rill ? " 
 
 but he could add — 
 
 " I give thee to thy God — the God that gave thee, 
 A wellspring of deep gladness, to my heart ! 
 
 And, precious as thou art, 
 And pure as dew of Hermon, He shall have thee — 
 My own, my beautiful, my undefiled ! 
 
 And thou shalt be His child." 
 
 He aimed to exemplify that submission to the divine 
 will which he had so often inculcated, both privately 
 and in his public ministrations. He sought to improve 
 the event to his surviving children and his household, 
 who sympathized with him in his sorrow, as he wepf for 
 his withered gourd, and gazed upon his faded flower
 
 112 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 In subsequent periods of his life, he often remarked 
 that, whenever the things of the present world struggled 
 for the ascendency, and attempted to establish a usurped 
 dominion over his affections, two things were found to 
 counteract their influence, — the cross of Christ, and 
 the death of his daughter Jane. 
 
 After a short recess from his public work, he returned 
 to his pulpit, and his pastoral duties, with deepened 
 impressions of the evil of sin, as displayed in the 
 mortality of the human race ; of the vanity and 
 emptiness of all earthly objects and expectations; of 
 the preciousness of time ; of the value of the Gospel 
 of Christ, as the only available relief amidst the 
 afflictions of life, and the desolations of the grave ; and 
 of the necessity of instant and habitual readiness for 
 the Lord's coming. It is probable that he never so 
 fully realized, till this crisis in his history, the sentiment 
 expressed in those well-known lines : — 
 
 " I preach as though I ne'er should preach again, 
 And as a dying man to dying men."
 
 (£jjapter £♦ 
 
 MR. CLAYTON IN THE PULPIT. 
 
 ACCEPTABILITY AS A PREACHER. — EMINENT MEN AMONG HIS HEARERS. — 
 ANECDOTE OF LORD TRURO. — LETTER ON THE DEATH OF HIS MOTHER. 
 — DR. BUNTING. — CHARACTERISTICS OF MR. CLAYTON'S PREACHING: — 
 ITS STUDIOUSNESS — APPROPRIATENESS — EARNESTNESS — PRATERFULNESS 
 — SCRIPTURALNESS — FIDELITY. — ANECDOTES : THE VOICE OF CONSCIENCE 
 
 THE ANGRY HEARER — THE ALARMED HEARER. — SPECIAL INSTANCES 
 
 OF USEFULNESS : REV. W. ELLIS AND DR. LEIFCHILD — LETTERS FROM 
 THEM. — STUDENTS AND MINISTERS. 
 
 At the commencement of the present century 
 Mr. Clayton was in the zenith of his acceptableness 
 and usefulness, as the preacher at the King's Weigh- 
 house, Eastcheap. He had, besides the Merchants' 
 lectureship, to which reference has been already made, 
 one at Fetter Lane, Holborn; and another at Hare 
 Court, Aldersgate Street. For these, as well as for his 
 stated services, he made diligent and prayerful prepara- 
 tion; attracting everywhere a numerous audience, and 
 successfully aiming at the conversion and edification of 
 souls. 
 
 Amongst his hearers at home were many of the most 
 respected merchants and magistrates of the city; several 
 members of the legal and medical professions; and a 
 large body of thriving and opulent traders. To these 
 may be added a numerous attendance of the poor, for 
 whose benefit he never failed to let fall some handfuls 
 of the good seed, on purpose. 
 
 A modern writer, treating on the causes of decay 
 in Protestant dissenting churches, has mentioned the
 
 114 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 aristocratical element as having seriously injured 
 Protestant Nonconformity. It is difficult to say where 
 we can look for this element, at the present day ; for 
 if it formerly existed among Dissenters, it has almost 
 entirely disappeared. Whatever else may he the cause 
 of the alleged or supposed declension, certainly the 
 one just mentioned is innocent of the charge preferred 
 against it. At the time of which we speak, however, 
 there was certainly something like it in operation; 
 for there might have been counted at the doors of the 
 Weighhouse chapel, from sixteen to twenty equipages, 
 or full -appointed gentlemen's carriages, waiting to 
 convey their owners, after public service, to their 
 respective suburban villages. 
 
 Some who have attained the highest legal eminence, 
 sprang from the Weighhouse chapel, under the minis- 
 trations of Mr. Clayton ; and if they failed to embrace 
 and profess all the principles with which he would 
 fain have imbued them, they were never backward to 
 acknowledge the advantages they reaped from their 
 early attendance on his ministry. Among these were 
 Mr. Pollett, the late recorder of London ; Mr. Knowlys, 
 whose generous and excellent father was a member of 
 the Weighhouse, from the commencement of Mr. Clay- 
 ton's pastorate, till the period of his own decease ; and 
 the late Lord Truro, who, while at the bar, was un- 
 rivalled in his profession, and whose decisions as a 
 judge commanded general admiration. 
 
 An anecdote may here be related of the deceased 
 nobleman. When a young man, and beginning his 
 honourable career, he formed a strong attachment to 
 an amiable and elegant young lady, the daughter of a 
 merchant in the city, and a member of Mr. Clayton's 
 church. His offer as a suitor would have been
 
 LETTER FROM THE LATE LORD TRURO. 115 
 
 responded to by the lady, but met with a stern and 
 inflexible opposition from her father, on the ground of 
 the pecuniary inequality that then appeared to him to 
 exist. The young lawyer keenly felt the disappoint- 
 ment, and the lady no less. They both afterwards 
 married : she to an excellent dissenting minister, long 
 
 settled at C ; and he, in the first instance, to a 
 
 lady of great worth and amiability, the mother of his 
 children ; and, secondly, to Mademoiselle d'Este, the 
 daughter of his royal highness, the late Duke of 
 Sussex. It is well to know, amid the separate and 
 diversified courses of those who were once close friends, 
 that " the lot is cast into the lap ; but the whole 
 disposing thereof is of the Lord." 
 
 Many years afterwards, in 1826, Mr. Clayton received 
 the following letter from Lord Truro, then known as 
 Mr. Wylde, and as an eminent, rising barrister, who 
 was already giving those indications of forensic learning 
 and oratorical powers, which ultimately raised him to 
 the woolsack. The letter, which was written on the 
 occasion of his mother's death, is alike honourable to 
 the writer and the receiver; and although chronolo- 
 gically out of place, yet may be most fittingly introduced 
 here. 
 
 "2, Verulam Buildings, Gray's Inn, 26th Sept., 1826. 
 "Dear Sir, — "When I look back upon the many years, 
 during which I have ever entertained towards you great 
 personal interest and respect ; and when, on the present 
 occasion, I am more particularly urged to the remembrance of 
 that high regard and respectful friendship my mother was, at 
 all times, so glad and proud to acknowledge, — as, for a still 
 longer period, subsisting between yourself and her, — I become 
 indeed as fervent as sincere, in the expression of my earnest 
 hope, that the blessings of Heaven may have- continued to rest 
 upon you and yours ! A long interval has intervened since I
 
 116 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 have been allowed the satisfaction of any personal communica- 
 tion with yourself, or family; during which I still had the 
 gratification of learning, from my good mother, that you yet 
 favoured her with your friendly notice and remembrance. This 
 consciousness, believe me, was a source of no little pleasure and 
 relief to her, during her last days. Yes, sir, 'tis even so. Those 
 last days have passed away, and my mother rests for ever in 
 peace; nay, rather, has risen, I trust, to the inheritance of 
 eternal happiness. 
 
 " You are aware, I rather think, how infirm of late my poor 
 mother had become. When I returned home from New South 
 Wales, nearly a twelvemonth since, she had just paid the last 
 visits to my brothers her state of weakness, as to the joints, 
 ever allowed of. She was not otherwise afflicted with illness, 
 even to the last horn-,— which apoplexy brought on, most unex- 
 pectedly. I had been with her at Bayswater, the day before, 
 and had conversed with her on some subjects of interest, and 
 was not prepared at all for the report of the following day, that 
 from natural sleep she had fallen into that, from which the 
 voice of her Creator could alone arouse her. In the memoranda, 
 found in her handwriting, and dated three or four years back, 
 she requests particularly of her sons to present you, sir, with 
 a trifling souvenir. As the memorial of the affectionate respect 
 she so long and so ardently bore towards you, her sons hope 
 you will, on that account, condescend to accept it,— although 
 only a mourning ring— to the memory of one, of whom you 
 were so long the faithful pastor, and most valued friend. We 
 would have ventured at once to forward it ; but that we must 
 request your assistance as to the size— and in this respect shall 
 be much gratified, if you will have it conveyed, at your conveni- 
 ence, to Messrs. Weatherley and Son, silversmiths, &c, Poultry, 
 who have the family order on the occasion. 
 
 "Hoping that many peaceful years still remain to you on 
 earth, and that the decline of life may be softened down with 
 the blessed serenity of the highest Christian confidence, believe 
 me to remain, reverend and dear sir, yours very truly and 
 
 respectfully, 
 
 r " Jno. Wylde. 
 
 "The Eev. John Cxatton, Weighkouse Meeting."
 
 EXTKACT FROM DE. BUNTING'S LIFE. 117 
 
 He often found among his hearers ministers of 
 other denominations, as well as those of his own, and 
 not infrequently clergymen of the Established Church. 
 With some of these he was drawn into acquaintanceship, 
 by their entering the vestry, after the conclusion of the 
 public service, to make their acknowledgments, for the 
 instruction and edification they had gained from his 
 discourses. In several instances these casual introduc- 
 tions ripened into warm and lasting friendships. In 
 the biography of the late Dr. Bunting, there occurs the 
 following passage : — 
 
 "A.D., 1803. 
 
 " We found, however, several friends, one of whom, Miss , 
 
 a very young, but very sermon-loving lady, I was glad to 
 accompany to Eastcheap chapel, to hear Mr. Clayton. 
 
 "I had heard, from good judges, the highest character of 
 Mr. Clayton's talents, as a preacher ; and I was not disappointed. 
 There is something wonderfully pleasing to me in his manner. 
 It is easy, serious, dignified, and highly impressive. His elocu- 
 tion is animated and manly ; but very different from the florid, 
 tinsel oratory, which distinguishes many of those who are called 
 popular preachers. 
 
 " Mr. Clayton is popular, indeed, but not among the populace. 
 In his matter, to-day, there was nothing new or uncommon. 
 The subject was the duty of confidence in God, in the present 
 perilous times. But anything said by Mr. Clayton is said so 
 well, as to become striking and interesting. I am more and 
 more convinced that my character, in the pulpit, is too much 
 that of a declaimer, and too little that of a Christian preacher ; 
 but 'Rome was not built in a day.' I must try to be more 
 weighty and solid. 
 
 " Mr. Clayton is, as a parent, highly honoured of God. He 
 has two sons already in the ministry, and another at Hoxton 
 academy, who is likely to be as great an honour to it, as his 
 brothers and father. After all, I like our own system and 
 people best. If others have more brilliant displays of talent in 
 their assemblies, I think we have, in general, most of the spirit 
 of true and lively devotion.
 
 118 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 " With the son then at the academy, the Rev. John Clayton,* 
 who, since 1803. has commenced and completed a ministerial 
 course of great honour and success, for which he still lives to 
 be grateful, my father afterwards formed a cordial friendship. 
 
 "The three brothers have all been known as refined English 
 gentlemen, effective preachers, and devout and catholic Chris- 
 tians ; of a school which, by its steadfast loyalty to the old 
 theology, and to those essential principles of Protestant Noncon- 
 formity which modern politics have, perhaps, tended somewhat 
 to obscure, long retained the Puritan hold upon the middle 
 order of society in this country." f 
 
 Mr. Clayton's ministry, whether statedly, in his own 
 pulpit, or occasionally, in other places, was, by the 
 divine blessing, made eminently successful, in the 
 conversion of sinners, and the edification of those who 
 through grace had believed. 
 
 His preaching was characterized by the compass and 
 variety of its subjects; by its adaptation to passing 
 events and occurrences; by accurate discrimination of 
 the states and characters of his hearers; by warm 
 affection, tender sympathy, and impassioned expostula- 
 tion; and by an obvious concern to give to all classes 
 their portion in due season. His manner was grave, 
 but not dull; familiar, but not colloquial; plain, but 
 never coarse ; pointed, without being personal ; and in 
 no instance, that can be remembered, anecdotal, or 
 approaching to wit or drollery. He was fond of the 
 line of the poet Cowper — ■ 
 
 " 'Tis pitiful to court a grin, rather than woo a soul." 
 
 Men widely differ as to their mental constitution. 
 Some have a vein of humour, which runs through all 
 
 * This is a mistake: it was William, who was, at the period referred to, 
 studying at Hoxton. 
 
 t The Life of Dr. Bunting, by his son, T. P. Bunting, p. 194.
 
 REV. ROWLAND HILL. 119 
 
 they think, or speak, or write ; while others are more 
 prosodial, and are little troubled with flashes of genius. 
 Of the former class was the late Rev. Rowland Hill, 
 whose mind appeared to have been cast in a most 
 humorous mould, which was sufficiently apparent in 
 his preaching and writings. Whenever his sallies of 
 wit displayed themselves in his sermons, so as to excite 
 the risibility of his audience, he has been heard to 
 lament it ; alleging that he neither studied, nor allowed 
 them: but that they would come forth in spite of his 
 every effort to repress them. On all occasions, whether 
 private or public, he was full of merry conceits, some of 
 which, it is well known, were overruled for the highest 
 good of his hearers ; of whom not a few — at first 
 attracted and possibly amused by his oddities — were 
 afterwards led to embrace the truth as it is in Jesus, 
 and in all seriousness to devote themselves to His 
 service and glory." 
 
 * I am here remiuded of two anecdotes of Mr. Hill, which, as far as I know, 
 have never yet been published. 
 
 As he was going into Surrey chapel, one Sunday morning, he passed two 
 lads, one of whom said to his companion, "Let's go and hear Rowland Hill, 
 and have some fun." The old gentleman went inside the porch, just before the 
 boys, and gave directions to the verger to put them in a certain pew, in front 
 of the pulpit, and fasten the door. This was done. 
 
 After the prayers were finished, Mr. Hill rose, and gave out his text, "The 
 wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God" (Psalm 
 ix. 17) ; and looking full in the face of the two youths, who sat immediately 
 before him, he said, significantly, "and there's fun for you." 
 
 The congregation, somewhat familiar with the old man's oddities, felt sure 
 that he had a special reason for this strange remark; and when, each time he 
 repeated the text, this singular commentary instantly followed, all looked to 
 see in what direction his glance was turned; and the two lads soon found 
 themselves the observed of all the people. 
 
 The tremor and alarm with which they heard the words, that reminded them 
 of their design on coming, that morning, to Surrey chapel, were not diminished 
 when they saw every eye fixed upon them, whichever way they looked; and 
 conscience, "which doth make cowards of us all," wrought so powerfully, — in 
 conjunction with the force of God's truth, which Mr. Hill kept enunciating, in 
 the illustration of his text, — that one of them fainted away, and had to be
 
 120 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Mr. Clayton's mental structure was differently framed : 
 he was at all times grave, though not to the exclusion 
 of cheerfulness, which he cherished and exemplified, in 
 conversation with his family and friends, as a general 
 habit. In the pulpit, however, there was a dignified 
 sedateness, and an unaffected solemnity. 
 
 Of his ministry it may be truly said it was a studious 
 service. His manuscript sermons indicate thought, 
 reading, and care. Of these, after having destroyed 
 many before his death, a few remain, which embody the 
 chief ideas that form the substratum of the discourse, 
 arranged with a due regard to what was a favourite 
 phrase of his — the " lacidus ordo," — and clothed in 
 language, original and striking, though not marked by 
 elaborate composition, and much less by flowery diction. 
 These ideas were wrought into his mind by a process of 
 
 carried out by his companion. The latter remained comparatively unaffected, 
 except with a temporary feeling of shame. 
 
 Mysterious and sovereign are God's ways ! The youth who fainted returned, 
 the next Sabbath, to that same place of worship ; heard the word with gladness ; 
 was brought to the knowledge of the truth; ultimately entered the ministry 
 amongst the Independents; and before he died was chairman of the Congrega- 
 tional Union ! 
 
 The other lad grew up careless and abandoned ; and, if I mistake not, became 
 an outcast from country and friends. 
 
 Mr. John Clayton was full of anecdotes of the ministers of his acquaintance; 
 and one, half amusing, half sad, is told of Rowland Hill, and illustrates the 
 readiness and wit with which London working men can sometimes retort, when 
 they receive an unwelcome reproof. 
 
 Mr. Hill was one day going down the New Cut, opposite his chapel, and 
 heard a brewer's drayman, who was lowering some barrels, swearing most 
 fearfully. Mr. Hdl rebuked him, very solemnly, and said, "Ah, my man, I 
 shall appear as a swift witness against you ! " 
 
 "Very likely," rejoined the offender; "the biggest rogues always turn king's 
 evidence!" 
 
 "What did you say to that?" asked the friend, to whom Mr. Hill related 
 the anecdote. 
 
 "What could I say?" replied he. "It was true, though I bope not justly 
 applicable to my case ; and it made me resolve to be cautious, when I spoke to 
 such men again, how I reproved them."
 
 CHAEACTERISTICS OF HIS MINISTEY. 121 
 
 excogitation, and enunciated extemporaneously — with 
 little reference to his notes — with great readiness of 
 utterance, and with emphatic force. 
 
 His ministry was remarkable for its appropriateness or 
 adaptation. He brought the truths of the Bible to 
 bear upon passing events ; upon important phenomena, 
 both physical and moral; and upon the distinguished 
 persons of his time, whether ministers or laymen, 
 missionaries to the heathen, or labourers in the home 
 field; whether noble or royal, great generals or naval 
 heroes. He would attempt to improve, for the benefit 
 of his congregation, the circumstances of their history, 
 the exploits and achievements for which they were 
 renowned, and more especially their death — the end of 
 all men — which " the living ought to lay to heart. 1 ' 
 
 His ministry was, moreover, characterized by unaf- 
 fected earnestness. He was no pulpit drone; and yet 
 there was nothing of violent gesticulation, or noisy 
 shouting, but an intense ardour, sometimes approaching 
 to vehemence, which bespoke that with him all was 
 reality ; that he firmly believed what he uttered ; and 
 that his heart was supremely set upon the great ends of 
 his ministration — the conversion and edification of the 
 souls of men. 
 
 His was a courageous ministry, which never indicated 
 anything like tameness, abjectness, or time-serving 
 pusillanimity. Few persons have been more entirely 
 divested of the " fear of man that bringeth a snare." 
 On the one hand, he knew not to give flattering titles ; 
 and, on the other, never shrunk from administering 
 wholesome reprehension, in cases which called for it. 
 He could never cringe to the rich and the great ; while 
 he never disdained the holy and humble poor. There 
 were some persons who believed that he carried his
 
 122 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 conceptions of faithful admonition to an extreme ; but 
 in this particular his judgment is with his God. 
 
 He obeyed, both publicly and privately, the apostolic 
 exhortation — " Reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all 
 long- suffering and doctrine." Possibly a spice of 
 harshness might sometimes mingle in his reproofs. 
 But if he could not say with Paul, " I ceased not to 
 warn every one night and day with tears;" yet he 
 never fell short of the standard of duty, contained in 
 the directions of the same apostle, " warning every man, 
 and teaching every man, with all wisdom, that we may 
 present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." It might 
 have been affirmed of him, at his grave, as of an 
 illustrious Scottish Reformer, " Here lies one who 
 never feared the face of man." 
 
 His was, pre-eminently, a prayerful ministry. Fervent 
 supplications for the blessing of God always attended 
 the choice of his texts or subjects, the composition of 
 his sermons, their public delivery, and his subsequent 
 review of them. He was wont to remark that, when he 
 had preached his discourses first to his own heart, in 
 his Saturday evening preparation, he invariably preached 
 to the people with greater apparent ease, zest, and 
 power. Another frequent and favourite allusion was 
 made by him to the practice of some farmers, who 
 steep the seed before they sow it. " So," said he, " let 
 our sermons be steeped in prayer." He knew that the 
 treasure of the Gospel is deposited in earthen vessels, 
 but that " the excellency of the power is of God," and 
 the exercise of that power he diligently sought. 
 
 A prominent distinction of the Christian ministry, 
 in his view, was this, that it is to be regarded as a 
 testimony — a testimony for God and His truth, borne 
 before men in order to their illumination, conviction,
 
 MODE OF PREACHING. 123 
 
 conversion, and spiritual edification. He believed that 
 every right-minded public teacher stands as a witness- 
 bearer; and is set apart for the express purpose of 
 making a solemn deposition, as in the sight of God, on 
 the great subjects of his teaching; and that, therefore, 
 he should enter the pulpit, not as a logician, a 
 philosopher, an orator, a merely ethical essayist, but as 
 a man of God, charged with a message from the eternal 
 throne, in which the dearest interests and brightest 
 hopes of our fallen race are involved. 
 
 This it was which gave so observable a character to 
 his preaching, for seriousness, plainness, earnestness, 
 and certainty. Nothing hypothetical, equivocal, or 
 indecisive, was ever heard from his lips. From a full 
 belief of the vital truths to which he was wont to give 
 utterance, he might say, with the inspired apostle, " We 
 have believed and therefore have we spoken." " The 
 truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth," was 
 with him a favourite maxim, which he kept constantly 
 before him, in the composition and delivery of his 
 sermons. 
 
 In his public addresses the trumpet never gave an 
 uncertain sound. All was based upon the Word of God, 
 from which he adduced the proofs of the doctrines 
 which he maintained, the duties he inculcated, and the 
 views of experimental godliness which he illustrated. 
 He was indeed " mighty in the Scriptures." By some 
 persons it was thought that his references to passages 
 of the divine Word were too numerous; and served, 
 in some measure, to burden his own memory, to 
 break the thread of his discourses, and divert, in too 
 great a degree, the attention of his hearers from the 
 theme under consideration. He thought otherwise; 
 as his practice for a long course of years sufficiently
 
 124 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 demonstrates. If in this particular he verged too 
 much towards one extreme, the opposite is far more to 
 be deprecated; as the absence of Scripture references 
 from any pulpit discourses weakens their force, and robs 
 them of that sacred imprimatur, " Thus saith the Lord." 
 
 Besides which, he directed and encouraged his 
 hearers to follow him, in the quotations he introduced 
 from the Bible; that they might become acquainted 
 with divine truth, by means of the " words which the 
 Holy Ghost teacheth," and thus be better able to 
 compare spiritual things with spiritual. This view of 
 the matter, moreover, tended greatly to the composure 
 of his own spirit, both in preparing for pulpit services, 
 and in after reflection upon them. " I stand up," he 
 was wont to say, "as a witness for God. While 
 conscious of manifold deficiencies and infirmities, I 
 hope that I have made my deposition clearly, fearlessly, 
 and faithfully ; and I leave the results with Him whom 
 I serve in the Gospel of His Son. I am by Him held 
 responsible for my fidelity ; but not for the consequences 
 of my labours." 
 
 This view, at the same time, raised him above the 
 censures and the applauses of his fellow-men ; account- 
 ing it a small thing to be judged of man's judgment. 
 Hence he was enabled to possess his soul in serenity 
 and patience, when his public deliverances were 
 attacked, either by misrepresentation or avowed 
 hostility. 
 
 On no subject did he descant more frequently than 
 on honour and honesty. In the great commercial city 
 where he exercised his ministry, he had, on many 
 occasions, observed, how loosely men talked and acted 
 on these matters ; how little they seemed to regard the 
 exhortation of the inspired book, " Owe no man any-
 
 HONOUR AND HONESTY. 125 
 
 thing, but to love one another ; " how, under a profession 
 of piety, too many insinuated themselves into the 
 confidence of others, and then ruthlessly invaded their 
 property, and despoiled them of the means of support. 
 Nothing roused his hallowed indignation more than 
 these deviations from moral probity, issuing often in 
 shameless bankruptcies, by which in various instances 
 he had seen widows reduced to beggary, and orphans 
 to their last crust. 
 
 Often would he quote the saying of a distinguished 
 English judge, " that in his opinion for ten cruel 
 creditors, there were a hundred cruel debtors." He 
 especially endeavoured to instil into the minds of his 
 offspring a high-toned sense of moral justice; warning 
 them against the habit of borrowing money of their 
 schoolfellows, their playmates, and each other; and 
 reminding them of the advice of the great and good 
 Judge Hale to his sons, " Tremble to borrow twopence." 
 
 He would point out that God, in His providential 
 government, has allotted to every one his own portion 
 of earthly good, which he is at full liberty to use, 
 with moderation, and to improve by every legitimate 
 means; but he strongly denounced the reckless and 
 unmeasured speculations, by which those who concocted 
 them ruined themselves, and involved innocent parties 
 in the wide-spreading desolation. " It is written," he 
 was wont to say, " Thou shalt not steal ; Thou shalt not 
 covet;" and they that will be rich, at all hazards, "fall 
 into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and 
 hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and 
 perdition." 
 
 Yet could he wisely discriminate particular cases, and 
 challenge sympathy, prayer, and consolation, on behalf 
 of those who, by unforeseen and, on their part, inevitable
 
 12G THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 complications, and a course of untoward events, had 
 become entangled in their secular concerns, and were 
 compelled to invoke the clemency of their creditors, 
 and even to appear in the Gazette. Towards these he 
 cherished a feeling of respect and compassion, and 
 offered condolence ; at the same time administering to 
 their relief and support, until a brighter day dawned 
 upon them. Nevertheless these exceptive instances 
 detracted nothing from his fixed principles, and his 
 forcible animadversions on this subject. 
 
 It was Mr. Clayton's aim to commend himself to 
 every man's conscience, in the sight of God ; hence the 
 pointed appeals he was wont to make in the distribution 
 of truth. He often repeated the saying, that a letter 
 put into the post-office without a direction was sure to 
 reach no one. 
 
 Several instances occurred of the effective force of 
 his ministry, in awakening the conscience. On one 
 occasion, after a sermon from the text, "Be sure your 
 sin will find you out," a gentleman entered the vestry, 
 in great indignation, and addressing him, said, " Sir, I 
 have to charge you with ungentlemanly conduct, I may 
 say dishonourable cruelty, for having exposed me, before 
 the whole congregation, and drawn the eyes of all 
 towards me. I know not who may have been the 
 informers, but you have magnified my delinquencies, 
 as well as published them. I demand an explanation ; 
 for I believe that so open an exposure will be found 
 actionable, in a court of law." 
 
 Mr. Clayton assured him that till that moment he 
 had never seen him; that he had never received any 
 information concerning him, and did not so much as 
 know his name. Upon this the gentleman presented 
 his card — " Mr. G., Tower Street, London," adding,
 
 PAINFUL INCIDENT. 127 
 
 " You may expect, sir, to hear more from me on this 
 matter." It was not without difficulty that he was 
 calmed and pacified, after he had heen repeatedly 
 assured that the preacher had no previous knowledge 
 of him whatever. The result was, that a few Sundays 
 after this explosion, he took sittings for his wife and 
 himself; and continued for some years to be a constant 
 and devout worshipper at the Weighhouse. 
 
 Another, and a far more distressing incident, — 
 illustrative both of the force of truth, and the power of 
 conscience, — occurred shortly after that just narrated. 
 
 Mr. Clayton was in the habit of delivering courses of 
 sermons, upon topics which he deemed calculated to 
 interest and edify his flock. He was once preaching a 
 series upon Relative Duties, and amongst the rest, the 
 duty of the husband to the wife. At the close of the 
 service, a stranger, of gentlemanly appearance, entered 
 the vestry, and, apologizing for the intrusion, requested a 
 few minutes' conversation, in private, which was granted. 
 
 He began by asking the minister if he had received 
 any information concerning his character or circum- 
 stances ; and was answered by a distinct and unqualified 
 negative. Then, placing his hand on his forehead, 
 with a look of anguish, he exclaimed, " It must be the 
 providence of God !" 
 
 He proceeded to state that a few years before, in an 
 evil hour, he yielded to the force of temptation, and 
 forsook his excellent wife, — with respect to whom he 
 had no fault to allege, — and associated himself with a 
 female, who, he foolishly and wickedly thought, would 
 make him more happy than she. He soon found how 
 much he had been deceived. He had learned, by bitter 
 experience, that "the w r ay of transgressors is hard;" 
 and now sincerely mourned his folly and crime.
 
 123 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 The sermon he had heard had goaded him almost to 
 madness; and now anxiously he desired to return to 
 the right path. Very earnestly he craved the pity and 
 counsel and prayers of the minister, that he might be 
 helped out of the complications and entanglements of 
 guilt, and regain what he had lost, by his own inexcus- 
 able infatuation. 
 
 The best advice which an experienced pastor could 
 suggest, at the moment, was given to the penitent 
 transgressor. He was recommended, in his mournful 
 case, to deal with God, rather than man; to read and 
 adopt, as the fittest language he could employ, the 51st 
 Psalm, — and in the same spirit in which it was penned 
 by David ; to repair to Calvary, and apply by faith, and 
 plead in prayer, the expiatory atonement of Him whose 
 blood clean seth from all sin ; to make earnest supplica- 
 tion for the gift of the Holy Spirit, as the Spirit of 
 <*race, to restore, sanctify, and comfort him ; and never 
 to cherish a doubt of the willingness of God to pardon 
 and accept him, according to His infinite mercy in 
 Christ Jesus. 
 
 It appears that he had broken off from the unhallowed 
 connexion ; but whether or not he had sought again the 
 wife whom he had so grievously wronged, that he might 
 obtain her forgiveness too, is not known. As the 
 troubled penitent left the presence of the preacher of 
 righteousness, the latter, taking him by the hand, bade 
 him farewell, saying, " Go, and sin no more." 
 
 Other, and yet more pleasing, instances of good, 
 effected by his preaching, were brought before him, 
 from time to time. Romanists were turned from 
 superstitious observances to a pure worship. Infidels 
 and irreligious men heard him, and bowed down before 
 the majesty of the Truth.
 
 ^LETTER FROM REV. W. ELLIS. 129 
 
 No case of this latter kind was more interesting, or 
 in its results — so far as they are at present visible — 
 more transcendently important to the church and the 
 world, than the following ; while the ultimate issues 
 of the case, who shall divine? It is given in a letter, 
 addressed to Mr. Clayton, by my friend and fellow- 
 townsman, the Rev. W. Ellis, — the veteran missionary, 
 whose name is so honourably and lastingly identified 
 with Polynesia, and with recent religious occurrences 
 in Madagascar — and will speak for itself. 
 
 " Gosport, Jan. 19th, 1816. 
 
 "Reverend Father, in Christ, — Suck you must permit 
 me to call you, when I inform you that, under tke blessing of 
 God, your preacking was tke means of bringing me to tke 
 knowledge of myself, as a lost and guilty sinner, and I trust to 
 a saving knowledge of Ckrist, as tke only Saviour of sinners. 
 
 " Impressed witk a sense of my ingratitude to God, and tke 
 injustice of my conduct towards you, in not acquainting you 
 witk His great goodness, I could not leave England witkout 
 writing to you. I kope you will both pardon my past neglect 
 and tke liberty I now take, wkile I intrude upon you witk a 
 few lines. 
 
 "In tke year 1812, tke providence of God placed me at 
 Stoke INewington Green, a short distance from Kingsland. 
 Tke montkly lecture to young people was to be delivered at 
 Kingsland ckapel, in July, 1812, and Mr. J. Clayton, jun., was 
 expected to preach. As some females wko resided in tke same 
 family witk myself attended, I went, merely to accompany tkem. 
 After stating tkat tke indisposition of your son. prevented kis 
 addressing us, you named your text, wkick was from tke 71st 
 Psalm and tke 17tk verse, ' God, tkou kast taugkt me from 
 my youth,' &c. "Wkile you were faitkfully and affectionately 
 setting before us tke folly and sin of devoting tke prime of life 
 to tke pleasures of tke world, and tke service of Satan, God, 
 wko is rick in mercy, applied tke word witk power to my 
 conscience. I saw tkat I was one of tke ckaracters wkick you 
 kad been describing ; and desired to be delivered from my evil 
 
 K
 
 130 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 way, and to enjoy the happiness of having God for the guide of 
 ray youth. Before I left the place the language of my soul was, 
 ' What shall I do to be saved ?' 
 
 "For a long time afterwards I was the subject of strong 
 conviction and much darkness of mind ; which darkness was, by 
 degrees, dispersed by the light of divine truth. I continued 
 to attend the preaching of tho Gospel at Kingsland, and was 
 united to the church of Christ there. 
 
 " On the return of my dear pastor, the Rev. John Campbell, 
 from Africa, with the concurrence of my friends I offered my 
 services as a missionary to the heathen ; was accepted by the 
 directors, and by them appointed to strengthen the mission in 
 the South Sea Islands, to which station I am now on the eve of 
 departing. Our vessel lies at Spithcad, waiting till He, who 
 commands the winds and the waves, and they obey Him, shall 
 commission those winds to blow propitiously, and waft us to our 
 desired haven. 
 
 "Permit me, reverend sir, as one of your spiritual children, 
 to solicit an interest in your prayers. I stand very much in 
 need of them ; and am constrained to say, when I contemplate 
 the work I have before me, ' Who is sufficient for these things ? 
 but our sufficiency is of God.' On Him alone I depend for 
 grace equal to my day ; grace to be faithful even unto death. 
 
 " If you have any time to spare, and would kindly direct a 
 few lines of advice and encouragement to me, in my arduous 
 work, I should feel myself greatly obliged thereby. 
 
 " That the Lord may bless you abundantly in your own soul, 
 in your family, and in your work, and give you many seals to 
 your ministry, is, reverend sir, the fervent prayer of yours very 
 affectionately in Christ, 
 
 " Wm. Ellis." 
 
 The following postscript was written by the gentle- 
 man whose name is appended to it, and who was, I 
 believe, a student at the same time with Mr. Ellis : — 
 
 " It is with peculiar pleasure I have perused the above letter 
 of my dear brother; as I believe you were the honoured 
 instrument in leading my father in the road to heaven ; and I
 
 LETTER FROM REY. W. ELLIS. 131 
 
 trust your son, the Rev. J. Clayton, an invaluable, precious, and 
 faithful minister of Christ, has been the means of bringing me 
 to a saving knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord. Praying that 
 God would abundantly bless you, and your valuable family, 
 permit me to subscribe myself, yours affectionately in Christ, 
 
 "J. B. Moor." 
 
 It may well be imagined, that it was with deep 
 emotions Mr. Clayton received this communication; 
 and that he watched with growing interest the success- 
 ful career of the youthful missionary in his far-distant 
 scene of labour. A letter from Mr. Ellis, written from 
 Huahine, under date of November 25th, 1818, testified 
 to the continuance of the reverential interest with 
 which he regarded his spiritual father, who had 
 conveyed, by the hands of Mr. Campbell, of Kingsland, 
 some token of his paternal sympathy with his son in 
 the faith. 
 
 "Reverend and dear Sir, — When on the eve of leaving 
 England for these islands, in great haste, I addressed to you a 
 few lines, conveying intelligence which I supposed it would be 
 gratifying to you to receive. It afforded me much pleasure to 
 learn, by a communication from Mr. Parkinson, dated October 
 26th, 1816, that my letter had reached you. 
 
 " Our vessel being about to sail for Port- Jackson, an oppor- 
 tunity presents itself, which I gladly embrace, to acknowledge 
 the receipt of the liberal present you were pleased to forward 
 to Mr. Campbell, for me ; and to return you my sincere thanks 
 for the same. I received the articles in December last : they 
 came very opportunely, and were gratefully welcomed. 
 
 " It will doubtless afford you pleasure to hear that the 
 Redeemer's kingdom is rapidly advancing in this remote part 
 of the world. The light of the glorious Gospel — the knowledge 
 of the true God and of Jesus Christ the only Saviour — is 
 spreading far and wide, on the right hand and on the left. On 
 four different islands we have now missionary stations formed. 
 The vigilance and attention of the people in the use of the 
 means of instruction are very encouraging.
 
 132 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 " Our congregations are large, — sometimes fifteen hundred 
 are found at our meetings. Our schools are well attended : 
 upwards of one thousand scholars belong to the one at this 
 place. The people are also diligent in teaching each other, 
 where no missionary school has been established. Several 
 thousands of elementary books are among them ; but an ardent 
 thirst still prevails, and we are by no means able to meet their 
 pressing demands. About five months back an edition of three 
 thousand copies of Luke's Gospel was finished. Very few now 
 remain undistributed; but the people are not half supplied. 
 There are now more than six thousand people that can read; 
 and we suppose that, before we can get any more books ready, 
 their number will have increased to ten thousand. 
 
 " Christianity has become the professed religion of this group, 
 and some of the surrounding islands. There is every reason to 
 believe that many have departed in the faith ; and many are 
 now the living monuments of the sovereign grace of God — 
 having been created anew in Christ Jesus. 
 
 " These things will rejoice the hearts of all who feel interested 
 in the extension of the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, 
 much yet remains to be done ; as there are many groups of 
 islands in these seas, where the name of Jesus has never yet 
 been proclaimed to their miserable inhabitants. I doubt not 
 but that you will continue to imite with the thousands that 
 daily beseech a throne of grace, that the Word of God may 
 have free course among the nations, and spread its mighty 
 influence abroad ; not only till all the islands in this vast ocean 
 become evangelized, but till ' the kingdoms of this world 
 become the kingdoms of our God and His Christ.' 
 
 " Enclosed I have forwarded a copy of the Gosjoel by Luke ; 
 believing it will afford you pleasure to see part of the Word of 
 God in the language of the South Sea islanders. Should you, 
 in any leisure half hour, kindly favour me with a few lines, they 
 will be received with peculiar pleasure by, reverend and dear 
 sir, your obedient servant in Christ, 
 
 "William Ellis. 
 
 " To the Rev. J. Clayton." 
 
 Among those who were accustomed to look up to
 
 LETTER FROM DR. LEIFCHILD. ioo 
 
 him, with reverence and attachment, as a minister who 
 had been instrumental in the production or maintenance 
 of their spiritual life, was one who for many years was 
 the honoured and beloved pastor of Craven chapel, 
 Dr. Leifchild. When he went to settle at Kensington, 
 in 1808, he wrote the following letter to Mr. Clayton : — 
 
 " Much respected Sir, — It has often been my earnest wish 
 to be indulged with your advice, respecting my settling at this 
 place ; but the consideration of my being so little known to you, 
 and an unwillingness to intrude, have as often deterred me from 
 soliciting that favour. No other motive, I trust, has prevailed 
 upon me to come hither, than a conviction of its being the 
 appointment of Him who has promised to direct me in all my 
 paths. If this impression has led me to act improperly, it 
 will yet, I hope, prevent me, sir, from incurring your slightest 
 disapprobation. 
 
 " Nothing could give me greater satisfaction than your 
 condescending to take a part in my public designation to the 
 pastoral office, on the second of June 
 
 " Permit me, sir, to add, with the hope of its not being 
 questioned, nor considered improper, that I do and ever shall 
 deem myself considerably indebted to you, in very many 
 important respects. If I have any clear views of truth, and 
 the least ability to impress it on the minds of others, they have 
 been produced by an attendance on your ministry — a ministry 
 which has effectually weakened sinfid attachments, in me the 
 most strong and stubborn, and excited dispositions that no 
 period or changes will ever totally efface. 
 
 " Might I be allowed to hope, sir, that, notwithstanding my 
 circumstances and situation, you would honour me with your 
 presence, on the day before mentioned ? It would certainly 
 afford a high degree of gratification. — In any case, I shall ever 
 esteem it an honour, sir, to subscribe myself, your obliged and 
 humble servant, 
 
 " John Leifchild. 
 
 "3, Young Stkeet, Kensington, May 6th, 1808." 
 
 Twenty-three years afterwards, when invited to the
 
 13-i THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 pastorate of the largest Congregational chapel in 
 London, he was again desirous of the presence and 
 sanction of his venerable friend, on the occasion of 
 his recognition. Under date February 18th, 1831, 
 Mr. Leifchild wrote thus : — 
 
 "13, Bath Place, New Road, Tottenham Court Road. 
 
 "My dear Sir, — I am about to ask a great favour of you, 
 but the peculiar circumstances of the case embolden me in the 
 attempt, and encourage the hope of success. I have felt it my 
 duty to accept a call from the church and congregation at 
 Craven chapel, Regent Street, to become their pastor ; and 
 have commenced my labours among them. Your eldest son is 
 acquainted with the whole of my movements relative to this 
 change ; and though my mind was kept for some time in a 
 painful state of suspense, as to what was the divine will, I have 
 now a perfect satisfaction of His approbation of my proceed- 
 ings. 
 
 "It is proposed that my setting apart to this office should 
 take place on Wednesday morning, the 13th of March, at the 
 above chapel. The end of the town where the place stands 
 renders it important that the service should be as respectably 
 conducted as is possible among us. Mr. Stratten, Mr. Andrew 
 Reed, Dr. Winter, and Mr. Morison will be invited to take 
 respective parts in the service ; but my earnest wish is that you 
 would undertake the address to me. You would be left at 
 perfect liberty as to its length, and as might suit your health 
 and convenience. 
 
 "What could be so desirable to me as your presence and 
 advice, on that occasion? and what more proper in itself? 
 You will not forget that you were my honoured pastor, and, in 
 a manner, my father in the Gospel; all my early and faint 
 impressions of a religious nature having been so revived and 
 fixed by your never-to-be-forgotten discourses, as almost to 
 appear to have taken their rise from them, through the blessing 
 of the Divine Spirit. I have never yet had an opportunity of 
 meeting you in any public engagement, where this fact could 
 be explicitly recognized ; and the feelings associated with it
 
 LETTER FROM DR. LEIFCHILD. 135 
 
 called into lively exercise. I never shall have any other 
 occasion such as the one before me. 
 
 " May I not then calculate on your making an effort — great 
 as that effort may be, from your retirement and comparative 
 cessation from public life — to meet my anxious wishes ? Allow 
 me to hope to hear speedily from you, in the affirmative ; as I 
 shall hesitate to take any step, with respect to the rest of the 
 proceedings, till this point is determined. 
 
 "The ministers and friends will dine together at the Free- 
 masons' tavern afterwards ; and, could your time allow of it, 
 your presence there would add to what, in the former case, I 
 shall ever consider a great obligation. — I am, very dear sir, with 
 grateful respect and esteem, yours sincerely, 
 
 " J. Leifchild. 
 
 "Rev. J. Clayton." 
 
 With this request Mr. Clayton complied; and came 
 forth from his retirement at Gaines to fulfil the duty 
 required at his hands. Five days afterwards, he 
 received another communication from Mr. Leifchild, in 
 which, while expressing his gratitude for the part 
 Mr. Clayton had taken in the recognition service, he 
 mentions another instance of his ministerial usefulness 
 that must have greatly cheered the old man's heart. 
 
 " 14, Alfred Place, Bedford Row, March 21st, 1831. 
 
 "My dear Sir, — I am loth to break in again upon your 
 time, but as I missed the opportunity, which I sought, of 
 speaking to you, after the service of last Wednesday, I cannot 
 forbear thus to express my gratitude to you, for your kind 
 services, and the deep sense I entertain of their value. 
 
 "The remarks you addressed to me, fraught with so much 
 wisdom and experience, will never go from my mind. May 
 their influence be seen in the whole of my conduct, and of my 
 public ministrations ! I do not forget that I am not a novice 
 — that the midst of my career is already passed, and that it 
 can only be the shorter part that remains; yet I derive from 
 this the most earnest desire that it may be so much the more 
 diligent, honourable, and useful.
 
 13G THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 " If anything could have beguiled me into a forgetfulness to 
 the lapse of time, it would have been again listening to your 
 voice, which so intimately connected that moment with former 
 years, and placed me in their midst. Both the friends at 
 Craven, and myself and brother ministers, can never forget the 
 last accents of it we have heard, or fail to derive benefit from 
 them. Would that I had the observations before me, correctly, 
 in a permanent form ! 
 
 "Mr. Blackburn, at the dinner, made an allusion that I hope 
 I may be forgiven for repeating ; since it serves to show how 
 usefulness, which descends in its source from above, may be 
 prolonged and multiplied. He claimed also to be considered 
 in a manner your son ; — not immediately from your ministiy, 
 but through the channel of his mother, to whom God had 
 blessed your word ; and who poured into his opening mind the 
 truths she imbibed at the Weighhouse, and as she imbibed 
 them : and to those communications he dates his first and 
 decided religious impressions. what pleasing discoveries of 
 this kind may await us yonder, to increase our admiration of 
 that grace which descended on us so nobly, and extended from 
 us, in so many channels and directions ! 
 
 "To the Great Author of that grace, and of the glorious 
 Gospel, what praises will be due from you, my dear sir, and 
 from many of your children in the faith ! In that faith may 
 we continue firm, till we meet before the throne. I beg my 
 regards to dear Mrs. Clayton ; and again apologizing for this 
 intrusion, beg to subscribe myself, yours gratefully, 
 
 "J. Leifchild." 
 
 Mr. Clayton delighted ever to bestow a kindly notice 
 and show many hospitable attentions to students for 
 the Gospel ministry, and those who were just entering 
 on their public labours. Not a few attended his 
 ministrations, and held communion with his church. 
 Among these were the Rev. William Knight ; the 
 Rev. William Anglesarch, who afterwards conformed to 
 the National Church ; the Rev. William Lowell, of 
 Woodbridge, and afterwards of Bristol; and at a later
 
 INTEREST IN STUDENTS. 137 
 
 period the Eevs. Messrs. Dewhirst, of Bury St. 
 Edmunds ; Thornton, of Billericay ; Durant, of Poole ; 
 John Savill, of Colchester; Drs. Payne and Henry 
 Foster Burder; all of whom, with several other students, 
 generally attended his chapel. 
 
 He was wont, at all times, and in every period of 
 his life, to exhibit an affectionate interest in their 
 movements, and was ready to assist them in prosecuting 
 their studies at the colleges to which they severally 
 belonged ; while he never failed to give them a place in 
 his prayers and intercessions, both public and private. 
 Often did his eye sparkle with joy, when he heard 
 of young men, imbued with piety, and possessed of 
 promising talents, devoting themselves to the service of 
 the sanctuary; while he quoted a favourite saying of 
 one of our old divines, " It is a sure sign that the 
 Great Master is not about to break up housekeeping, 
 when He is seen engaging many new servants in His 
 employ."
 
 Chapter XJL 
 
 MR. CLAYTON AS A PASTOR AND A PUBLIC MAN. 
 
 ESSAY ON VISITING.— CONTROVERSY ON CHURCH DISCIPLINE. — FIDELITY TO 
 TRUTH. — PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS. — MAINTENANCE OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE. 
 — LETTER FROM REV. ROWLAND HILL. — CHARGES DELIVERED TO MINIS- 
 TERS. — mr. Clayton's conservatism. — anecdotes of george the 
 
 THIRD. — SERMON ON THE RIOTS AT BIRMINGHAM. — ANIMADVERSIONS 
 OF ROBERT HALL. — SCURRILOUS ATTACK ON MR. CLAYTON. — MR. WIL- 
 BERFORCE. — PUBLIC SOCIETIES AND COMMITTEES. — CONVERSATIONAL 
 TACT. — ANECDOTE : A WORD IN SEASON, 
 
 Mr. Clayton having perceived how little the social 
 intercourse of professing Christians tended to advance 
 the knowledge, to improve the virtues, or to edify the 
 souls of men, sent forth from the press an Essay on 
 Visiting, which was much read when it appeared. It 
 was found to be replete with sound advice, seasonable 
 cautions, and useful suggestions ; and was designed to 
 lead to conversation in mixed companies 
 
 " Such as it behoves man to maintain, 
 And such as God approves." 
 
 It is believed that the divine blessing accompanied 
 this tract ; and that not a few were made wiser and 
 better, by the perusal of it. It aimed to purify the 
 converse of Christians from certain blemishes and 
 defects, and to render association more profitable than 
 it too often proves to be. It pretended not to be 
 profound, but was eminently practical and useful. 
 
 Prefixed to this brief essay, was a discourse upon 
 The Snares of Prosperity, which, apart from its adaptation 
 to general instruction, at all times, and in all places, 
 was intended to bear more especially upon the state of
 
 SNARES OF PROSPERITY. 139 
 
 the metropolis — the gain- devoted city ; and upon those 
 merchants and traffickers who formed a large portion of 
 the auditory in the Weighhouse, many of whom were 
 "rich and increased with goods." 
 
 This kind of preaching and teaching is not always 
 palatahle ; but that it is necessary, the mournful 
 declensions, over which ministers have to sigh and 
 lament — when some of their hearers are favoured (?) 
 with success in their worldly enterprises — unmistakably 
 evidence. As wealth increases, too often piety declines, 
 in an inverse ratio ; and the history of the Laodicean 
 church (Rev. iii. 17, 18) has its repetitions in individuals 
 and families. Amid the splendours of not a few 
 luxurious homes, among the accumulated stores of this 
 world's good, with multiplying barns, and extending 
 domains, how often the conscience- stricken professor, 
 who beholds with dismay his starved and shrivelled 
 soul, has exclaimed, in the anguish of bitter remem- 
 brances, " Oh that I were as in months past ; as in the 
 days when God preserved me ! " 
 
 Now too often, with this class of persons, there is an 
 impatience of rebuke, even though it be administered 
 in the kindest manner. A minister becomes "their 
 enemy because he tells them the truth." But he has 
 no alternative. He is to watch for souls, as those that 
 must give account ; and to declare the whole counsel of 
 God, whether men will hear or forbear. It is as much 
 his duty to "reprove," if need be, as it is to "preach 
 the word." They are both enjoined in the same breath 
 by the Spirit of God (2 Tim. iv. 2). Nor dare he be a 
 respecter of persons. He is to " charge the rich that 
 they be not highminded," as well as warn the poor of 
 the dangers to which their poverty may expose them. 
 
 In the maintenance of scriptural discipline, Mr.
 
 140 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Clayton was most reluctantly dragged into controversy 
 with a gentleman of family and fortune, and a man of 
 letters and literary associations, although engaged in 
 commerce. He had married the daughter and co-heiress 
 of an English baronet, and lived in affluence. For 
 many years he had attended Mr. Clayton's ministry ; 
 and there subsisted between the two much mutual 
 respect and friendship — a friendship to which there 
 seemed no prospect of a serious interruption. 
 
 But increase of wealth and family connexions 
 appeared, as Mr. Clayton thought, to have operated 
 unfavourably on the Christian character of his friend, 
 and to have tarnished the spirituality and consistency of 
 his religious profession. He gradually slid into com- 
 pliances with the world, which his pastor deeply deplored. 
 He took his family, a large and interesting group of 
 young people, to places of public amusement, and, 
 among others, to theatrical entertainments. 
 
 In Mr. Clayton's judgment, the stage was an 
 engine of irreligion and demoralization ; at war with all 
 the plans and principles of a godly education among 
 children, and perilous to all spirituality of mind in 
 those of adult age. Nor did he consider that it 
 required any very high degree of moral perspicacity to 
 see this ; and although there are some persons who 
 identify these views with puritanical strictness, he was 
 fain to quote two authorities, — as adverse from each 
 other as can w T ell be imagined, — the one that of 
 Rousseau, the French philosopher, a free-thinker and 
 an infidel, — who certainly was no advocate of monkish 
 austerity, or superstitious sanctimoniousness, — yet he 
 wrote a powerful and eloquent treatise against the 
 theatre, as immoral in its tendency and opposed to the 
 civil good of society : and the other, that of Tillotson —
 
 WORLDLY PROFESSORS. 141 
 
 a distinguished archbishop of the English Church, 
 himself far removed from the stiffness of Puritanism — 
 who expresses his conviction that the entertainments of 
 the playhouse are as much the instruments of Satan 
 for the destruction of souls, as are the ordinances of 
 Christianity designed by God for the salvation of men. 
 These amusements may gratify " the unthinking many, 
 but can never secure the approval of those who make 
 the Bible the judge of principles, and the arbiter of 
 practice." 
 
 The gentleman in question scrupled not, when his 
 household were at the sea-side, or at a distance from 
 home, to adopt the practice of Sunday travelling, that 
 he might meet the claims of business, and fill his place 
 in the London market. 
 
 On removing to a large and elegant house, situated 
 in one of the suburban villages, he gave his balls and 
 , routs, with a disregard to expense, and an undiscri- 
 minating promiscuousness, that excited the astonish- 
 ment and grief of those who had hearkened to the 
 declaration of the Great Author of Christianity : — " Ye 
 are not of the world, even as I am not of the world;" 
 and who reverenced the teaching of the apostle Paul, 
 " Be not conformed to this world : but be ye transformed 
 by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what 
 is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." 
 
 Mr. Clayton mourned over a state of things by which 
 he conceived the honour of Christ and His church was 
 obscured; a guilty concession made to the world, in 
 its vanities and frivolities ; the consciences of pious 
 persons wounded; a stumbling-block cast in the way 
 of inquirers, and the lines of demarcation — drawn in 
 Holy Scripture between a profession of Christian 
 godliness and the world lying in wickedness — entirely 
 effaced.
 
 142 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 It was to him also a grief of heart, that the dear 
 young people of the family, whom he tenderly loved as 
 lambs of the fold, and all of whom he had dedicated to 
 God in baptism, should be thus led astray, and early 
 drilled into worldly observances, and led to form 
 worldly associations. He regarded all this as a 
 sacrilegious violation of the vows of the parents, by 
 which he conceived they were laid under solemn 
 obligations, to teach their children to renounce the 
 " pomps and vanities of this wicked world," as well as 
 " all the sinful lusts of the flesh." 
 
 In dealing with this case, Mr. Clayton resorted, in 
 the first instance, to private admonition and friendly 
 remonstrance ; yet failed in producing, on the minds of 
 the heads of the family, the effect which he wished and 
 hoped for. 
 
 When they went to reside at a distance from the 
 city, they worshipped in a sanctuary near to their new 
 residence, and were allowed to partake of the ordinance 
 of the Lord's supper in that place. After a while, they 
 desired to be transferred from the church in Eastcheap 
 to that at Peckham; and requested the usual testi- 
 monials of Christian character. 
 
 To this Mr. Clayton demurred; feeling that, under 
 the circumstances of the case, if he and the church 
 should give a favourable testimony to those whom he 
 regarded as flagrantly inconsistent, both he and his flock 
 would incur, and very justly, the imputation of bearing 
 false witness. A correspondence ensued, which ended 
 in a printed paper war. Various pamphlets were 
 published; statements and counter-statements made; 
 and caricatures appeared in the shop windows, insulting 
 to the minister and the church. 
 
 Throughout the whole of this painful affair, Mr.
 
 CHUECH DISCIPLINE. 143 
 
 Clayton considered that he suffered for conscience 
 sake; and bore up under the acrimony and insolence 
 of browbeating violence. None of these things moved 
 him. Firm as a rock he braved the storm, and saw the 
 foaming billows dash harmlessly at his feet. Testimo- 
 nials he could not give; and he was inflexibly deter- 
 mined that no consideration on earth should extort 
 them from him. Firmness of principle and conscious 
 integrity sustained him. "Duty is ours," said he; 
 " consequences must be left with God." 
 
 The church was summoned by special notice. The 
 particulars were laid before the assembly, and calmly 
 deliberated on; resolutions were unanimously voted, 
 confirmatory of the pastor's views ; and the testimonials, 
 so loudly clamoured for, were refused. 
 
 Thus terminated the controversy. The opinions 
 expressed concerning it were varied, according to the 
 sentiments or prejudices entertained by the critics; but 
 it may not be amiss to mention the impression made on 
 the minds of two clergymen, of acknowledged judgment 
 and wide-spread celebrity, in sections of the Christian 
 church diverse, in their polity, from that in which 
 Mr. Clayton was found. The first was the Rev. Richard 
 Cecil, of St. John's Episcopal chapel, in Bedford Row. 
 
 " Clayton," said he, " I have long respected you, but 
 I have never before envied you. I own, I do now 
 envy you; because I hear that you have applied the 
 discipline of the church to a man that rides in his 
 coach ! " 
 
 The other was the Rev. Rowland Hill. In a note, 
 addressed to the Rev. George Clayton, of Walworth, he 
 thus writes : — 
 
 " My dear Friend, Neighbour, and Brother, — A famous 
 publication has appeared against your father ; and the name of
 
 144 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Rowland Hill seems quoted against his narrow notions, in not 
 giving his members a little more elboiv room, who want only 
 now and then a treat at ball, a card-table, a playhouse, or an 
 innocent walk into that most infamous place for assignations — 
 Yauxhall Gardens. 
 
 " I have therefore esteemed it my duty to address Mr. E 
 
 on this occasion. I wish you or your father to see that letter 
 before I send it. Can we meet here on Monday morning, at 
 breakfast? and, to prove your neighbourly affection, can you 
 preach here on Tuesday eve next ? — Yours affectionately, 
 " Surrey Ch., Sat. eve. " **• HlLL. 
 
 " My servant only wants a verbal answer, as you'll receive 
 this on a Sunday." 
 
 While Mr. Clayton was chiefly sustained by the 
 " mens conscia recti" it was some source of gratification 
 to find that lookers on, who were not likely to be 
 unduly biassed in his favour by ecclesiastical sympa- 
 thies, thus heartily endorsed and commended his 
 fidelity to his convictions, and to the claims of consist- 
 ency and truth. 
 
 But Mr. Clayton had to stand up for the defence and 
 maintenance of the truth, on a somewhat wider arena 
 than was presented to him at the Weighhouse. 
 
 On the occasion of the ordination of the Rev. Joseph 
 Brooksbank, a young minister who, in 1785, had been 
 called to succeed the Rev. Dr. Gibbons, at Haber- 
 dashers' Hall, Wood Street, London, Mr. Clayton 
 delivered the charge, which he afterwards printed. Not 
 long after this he was called upon to perform a similar 
 service at Collier's Rents, Borough, at the ordination of 
 the Rev. James Knight, who had been a member of 
 his church, and a student at Homerton college, under 
 Dr. Gibbons and Dr. Fisher. 
 
 This charge, like the former, gave umbrage to certain
 
 mr. Clayton's conservatism. 145 
 
 parties, whose animadversions only served to increase, 
 very considerably, the sale and circulation of the 
 pamphlets. They contain much wholesome advice, 
 given with a parental freedom, authority, and affection, 
 which, even at this day, would be found to supply a 
 profitable study to the young pastor, on entering upon 
 the duties of the sacred office. 
 
 It was evident, from more than one paragraph in 
 these charges, that Mr. Clayton's mind inclined rather 
 to conservatism than liberalism, not only in matters 
 religious, but in those pertaining to the things of this 
 world. 
 
 When the mind of the public was exasperated by 
 party politics, and the horrors of the French Revolution 
 made every ear tingle, and many hearts bleed, he set his 
 face like a flint against what he termed "the revolu- 
 tionary mania ; " and while barbarous atrocities were 
 practised in a neighbouring land, and corresponding 
 societies, treasonable plots, seditious libels, and furious 
 demagogues, were in activity at home, he felt it to 
 be his duty to insist much on relative obligations — 
 especially those which refer to the subject and the 
 magistrate. 
 
 He strenuously maintained that he never took politics 
 into the pulpit, while, at the same time, he bore his 
 testimony to the requirements of Christianity, as to 
 civil, relative, and social , duties. He brought before 
 his auditory discourses, founded on such texts as 
 Romans xiii. 1,2: " Let every soul be subject unto the 
 higher powers. For there is no power but of God : the 
 powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever there- 
 fore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of 
 God;" and the kindred passages, 1 Timothy ii. 1-3; 
 1 Peter ii. 13, 14, 17. 
 
 L
 
 140 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 In discussing these duties, he endeavoured to discri- 
 minate between the exploded doctrines of passive 
 obedience and non-resistance, and that rational, just, 
 and religious deference to constituted authorities, so 
 indispensable to the liberty, safety, and prosperity of 
 the empire. 
 
 The course he took proved offensive to not a few of 
 his ministerial brethren ; and to the whole fraternity of 
 Jacobins and revolutionists, who rose up in arms against 
 him, in squibs, pamphlets, and caricatures. But he 
 continued to give utterance to what he believed to be 
 the truth of God, whether his fellow-men approved or 
 raved. 
 
 " How could I do otherwise," he said, " when seditious 
 movements are constantly presenting themselves to my 
 notice, with vulgar abuse of men in power; when 
 profane parodies on the litany, and other devotional 
 pieces, in the form of ballads, are sung in the streets by 
 a misguided rabble; and when I am credibly assured 
 that a certain minister, in the county of Norfolk, has 
 proclaimed from his pulpit, that he and thirty thousand 
 more are ready to join the revolutionary army of France, 
 should they effect a landing on the British coast?" 
 
 He tasked all his strength to stem the torrent of 
 democratic fury, which then threatened to sweep away 
 the ancient landmarks, and to involve law, order, 
 commerce, and liberty, — in its genuine sense — in one 
 desolating flood. 
 
 To the reigning sovereign, George the Third, he felt 
 not only as a loyal subject, but entertained towards his 
 Majesty a real personal esteem and attachment. This 
 was strengthened by circumstances, that gave him the 
 opportunity of knowing many of the private virtues and 
 excellent qualities which distinguished that prince.
 
 ANECDOTE OF GEOEGE THE THIRD. 147 
 
 Being on intimate terms of friendship with Mr. C , 
 
 first clerk of the works, and Mrs. Pratt, head nurse to 
 the Princess Amelia, he was put in possession of many 
 facts which threw light on the private character of the 
 king, who uniformly showed his concern and respect 
 for liberty of conscience, and was determined practically 
 to uphold its rights. This was in strict keeping with 
 his oft-repeated declaration, that there should be no 
 persecution for conscience sake, in his time. 
 
 Mr. Clayton received from these members of the 
 royal household the following facts, as illustrative of 
 the king's sentiments, in relation to this matter. 
 Walking, one day, in the castle grounds, he missed a 
 young man, who had been employed in them, and 
 whom he had often noticed, for his diligence, activity, 
 and evident respectability. He sent for the head 
 gardener, and inquired what had become of the youth 
 who worked in that portion of the grounds — describing 
 his general appearance. 
 
 " Please your Majesty, I dismissed him," was the 
 reply. 
 
 "On what account?" asked the king. "I hope he 
 has committed no crime deserving such punishment." 
 
 The gardener hesitated. " Come, tell me," said the 
 monarch, " all about it." 
 
 "Please your Majesty, he has turned Methodist, and 
 joined the Whitneldites." 
 
 "Is that all?" the king replied; "then I command 
 you to send for him without delay, and reinstate him 
 in his employment. I will have no persecution for 
 conscience sake ; and besides, I would have you 
 understand, that if I were to change my religion I 
 should turn Methodist too ! " 
 
 Another instance which occurred was this. On a
 
 148 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 certain Sunday, during the war, at an early hour, a 
 special courier arrived from Downing Street, to apprise 
 the king that very important despatches had been 
 received from the Continent, which required that not 
 a moment should be lost in considering them ; and 
 that a cabinet council had been summoned for that 
 day, at which the royal presence was considered 
 indispensable. Orders were instantly issued for the 
 court to travel to London. The king, even in the 
 midst of hurried preparations, happened to recollect 
 that it was not only Sunday, but the day when the 
 sacrament of the Lord's supper was administered, at 
 the Congregational chapel, of which Mrs. Pratt was a 
 member, and where she statedly communicated. " Let 
 Pratt," said he, " have a post-chaise, and follow us after 
 divine service : I know where she wishes to be on this 
 
 day." 
 
 On one occasion, when the court was staying at 
 
 Weymouth, the king met Mr. L , as he was 
 
 returning on the Sunday from chapel, while he was 
 himself returning from church. With his accustomed 
 
 familiarity and condescension, he called to Mr. L , 
 
 and entered into conversation with him. Among other 
 
 things he inquired, " L , does your minister always 
 
 pray for the king and royal family ?," 
 
 "Always, please your Majesty; and most fervently 
 and sincerely, too. I wish your Majesty could have 
 heard him this very morning." 
 
 " If he does it at all," was the reply, " it must be 
 sincerely; for you see that I pay my ministers for it, 
 and they must pray for us, willingly or unwillingly." 
 
 On the occasion of the well-known Birmingham 
 riots, Mr. Clayton put forth his public testimony, in the 
 shape of a sermon, on the text, Luke xii. 14, "And He
 
 SERMON ON THE EIOTS AT BIRMINGHAM. 149 
 
 said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider 
 over you?" It embodied some conservative senti- 
 ments, which would not be wholly endorsed by many 
 of his brethren then, and still less now. It was written 
 under certain impulses, created by a state of society 
 which happily does not at present exist; although the 
 demand and the necessity for change are almost as 
 great, in some things, as in Mr. Clayton's polemical 
 days. The people have, however, found out " a 
 more excellent way" than was popular at that period. 
 Calm, firm, respectful demands, sustained by intelli- 
 gence, and enforced by moral worth and social power, 
 must ere long prevail. 
 
 To this sermon there appeared a great number of 
 replies ; some written by ministers of the Gospel, others 
 by laymen, and, at least one, by a female pen. His 
 own account of these matters is given in the sermon he 
 preached and published at the conclusion of the French 
 war, on the proclamation of national peace. 
 
 Among those who wrote against Mr. Clayton's 
 sermon was that great and good man, the Rev. Robert 
 Hall, then minister of the Baptist church at Cambridge. 
 His strictures contained some strong reasoning, clothed 
 in his own peculiar style of unrivalled eloquence, and, 
 doubtless, produced a powerful impression.* 
 
 * Many years after, Mr. Clayton thus writes on the subject of Mr. Hall's 
 attack: "Mr. Hall, of Cambridge, did me the honour to -write some animad- 
 versions, on the above short sermon, which I never read, except a quotation in 
 the Monthly Review; for I did not wish any materials to lodge in my mind, 
 which, through my own infirmity, might lessen my respect for a son whose 
 father I well knew, and highly esteemed, for his biblical wisdom, eminent 
 piety, universal holiness, and extensive usefulness. It is not long since I had 
 the pleasure of dining in a company where Mr. Hall was a guest. The conver- 
 sation happened to turn on church music; many present did not agree with 
 him in opinion, any more than myself. His patience of contradiction, and 
 suavity of manners, led me to esteem him highly in love, for the Christian 
 temper he exemplified on that occasion." It is refreshing to think that the
 
 150 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 But neither to these, nor any other similar attacks, 
 did Mr. Clayton make any reply ; because his conscience 
 told him that, according to the light he possessed, he 
 had taken the course which, in his judgment, the truth 
 of God, the circumstances of the times, the welfare of 
 his country, and the good of immortal souls, rendered 
 imperative. He felt that he was too busy, in the 
 appropriate services of his pastoral charge, to give any 
 of his time to controversy; and was not without fear 
 that through the temptations of that adversary who is 
 emphatically " the accuser of the brethren," and his 
 own infirmity, he might be betrayed into unhallowed 
 passion, in the effort of self- vindication, and write 
 unadvisedly with his pen ; by which the interests of our 
 common Christianity might be disserved rather than 
 assisted. He therefore maintained a determined silence, 
 which was not the offspring of pride, or sullenness, or 
 conviction of error, but of prudence. 
 
 It is probable that Mr. Hall was incited to write 
 some bitter things against this sermon by a person 
 then living at Cambridge, who, although related to 
 Mr. Clayton's family, might perhaps be regarded as 
 an enemy, because the latter had reproved him for 
 mal-practices in money affairs, and had withdrawn from 
 all association with him. 
 
 With this person Mr. Hall was then on terms of 
 intimacy ; but in process of time he saw reason entirely 
 
 two antagonists were, in the evening of their days, brought into happy frater- 
 nization, and did really love as brethren. 
 
 Mr. Hall once observed, in a select company, at Denmark Hill, that if he were 
 asked to name a man whom he considered the happiest, in the wide sphere of 
 his observation, he should without hesitation point to Mr. Clayton. " Looking," 
 said he, "at his domestic relations, his personal endowments and character, his 
 happiness in his church, and his position and usefulness in the world, I seriously 
 regard him as the most favoured individual I ever saw, or ever heard of."
 
 SCURRILOUS ATTACKS. 151 
 
 to decline his friendship ; alleging that, " if acrimony 
 
 were to be banished from our world, Mr. would 
 
 die the death of starvation, for the want of his chosen 
 aliment." 
 
 Some few years subsequent to this, the same party 
 sent forth a scurrilous pamphlet, replete with slander 
 and insult towards Mr. Clayton. Shortly after it 
 appeared, he was met by a friend, in the streets of 
 London, who, with a grave and sorrowful aspect, 
 assured him of his sincere condolence, upon the 
 virulent attack made upon him and his family. 
 Mr. Clayton thanked the worthy gentleman for his 
 sympathy, which he duly appreciated ; but begged him 
 to understand that he considered it to be matter for 
 congratulation, rather than condolence ; inasmuch as 
 the harshest vituperation from the quarter referred to, 
 he regarded as his highest commendation, adding, in a 
 line of Milton : — 
 
 " Of whom to be dispraised, is highest praise." 
 
 " Sir," replied his friend, "you stand there, do you?" 
 
 " I do so," said Mr. Clayton ; " and anything and 
 everything which that individual can say or write 
 against me amounts not to ' insect vexation.' " 
 
 Some persons thought that he should send to the 
 press an answer to a publication, in many particulars 
 utterly false, and throughout abusive ; but his own 
 fixed resolve was comprised in the edict of king 
 Hezekiah to his servants, respecting the insolent letter 
 of Rabshakeh, — " Answer him not." 
 
 " Two parties, at least," said Mr. Clayton, " are 
 necessary to a fight ; and if one only is determined to 
 strike, let him have the comfort of beating the air, — all 
 by himself, — alone."
 
 152 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Mr. Clayton, from his prominent position in the 
 dissenting ministry in London, was regarded by those 
 who were not identified with Nonconformists, but who 
 looked with interest upon their movements, ecclesias- 
 tical and political, as a representative man; and was, 
 consequently, more than once consulted, by those in 
 power, on matters of moment, connected with the 
 religious liberties of the people, both here and in some 
 of the distant dependencies of the empire. With the 
 leaders in philanthropic movements he was in frequent 
 intercourse ; and the following letter from Mr. Wilber- 
 force was written, after some communication had passed 
 from Mr. Clayton, on public affairs : — 
 
 "Near London, May 1st, 1810. 
 " Dear Sir, — I beg you will accept my best thanks for your 
 very interesting letter ; not in the unmeaning sense in which 
 acknowledgments of this sort are general!}* made, but as really 
 feeling the obligation. Information on such a subject, from a 
 person like you, with whose principles and practice I am so well 
 acquainted, must have due weight with me ; and, at the same 
 time that I am careful how I use your name, I will endeavour 
 to turn it to the best account. Let me beg you to communicate 
 freely to me any further information or suggestions which may 
 be useful to me. — I remain, dear sir, your faithful servant, 
 
 " W. WlLBERFORCE. 
 
 " P.S. I trust you will excuse my writing by another hand." 
 
 Mr. Clayton commenced his ministry in London 
 some time before the great religious societies were 
 formed which, at the present day, make such heavy 
 demands on public men — especially ministers, — and 
 seriously interfere with the efficient discharge of home 
 duties. His time and energies were almost wholly 
 devoted to his pulpit and pastoral engagements, some 
 of which were very onerous. When, therefore, these
 
 PUBLIC SOCIETIES AND COMMITTEES. 153 
 
 new Christian confederations were formed, it was not 
 easy for him to find the leisure necessary for attendance 
 on boards and committees. By some persons he was 
 censured, as deficient in public spirit, because he was 
 so intently occupied in attending to the claims of his 
 own people, and did not very conspicuously espouse the 
 new institutions as they arose. He saw and acknow- 
 ledged their importance; their excellence, and their 
 wise adaptation to secure the objects they severally 
 contemplated. But they found him engaged, not to 
 say tasked, to the utmost of his capabilities. His days 
 were constantly occupied; his powers were on the full 
 stretch; while his husbandry of time, and his love of 
 order, prevented his doing much for these laudable 
 enterprises, beyond giving them his good wishes and 
 prayers, his hearty recommendation, and his annual 
 subscription. 
 
 His personal services were not, however, utterly 
 withheld from them. He assisted in directing the 
 affairs of the Old College, Homerton ; Hoxton Academy 
 (afterwards Highbury College) ; the Widows' Fund ; the 
 Orphan Working School ; the Newport Pagnel Insti- 
 tute; and the Congregational Fund Board, where his 
 seat was seldom or never vacant. 
 
 He often made excursions from home, in the 
 settlement of newly-formed churches, the ordination 
 of pastors, the advocacy of schools, and other works of 
 Christian benevolence. At one time, we find him 
 supplying, for six weeks, the pulpit of a new chapel, 
 opened at Cheltenham, on the plan of his revered 
 patroness, the Countess of Huntingdon. At another, 
 he undertook a mission to the sister kingdom, for the 
 London Hibernian Society. So that the charge of a 
 want of public spirit could hardly be sustained, except
 
 154 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 by those — and there are such — who imagine that they 
 do well to cultivate the vineyard of others, even if their 
 own lies waste. Let it not, however, be forgotten, that 
 there are those who err in the opposite direction. 
 Nothing can draw them from their retirement ; and 
 thus the burden, which, if shared, would have been 
 more lightly borne by those who now do the whole of 
 the work, becomes oppressive. God's cause must be 
 carried on by God's people; and those "unattached" 
 to any of our societies, religious or philanthropic, will 
 do well to ask whether they are not ministering to a 
 species of refined selfishness, when they coolly look on, 
 and let others labour; while they do not so much as 
 " touch the burdens with one of their fingers," although 
 earnestly importuned to do so. Some, by whom the 
 harness has been worn until it has become familiar to 
 them, would be thankful for a relief, if not for a 
 reprieve. 
 
 Mr. Clayton strove to remember, wherever he 
 journeyed or abode, that he was a servant of the Great 
 Master, " who went about doing good." He endea- 
 voured to use his opportunities for benefiting others, 
 whenever they presented themselves. There was some- 
 thing of marked peculiarity, in the facility with which 
 he entered into converse with strangers, and in the 
 felicitous adaptation of his remarks to the rank, 
 education, and calling of those whose highest good he 
 sought to promote. 
 
 On a visit which he paid to the city of Norwich, — the 
 scene of some of his early labours — on behalf of the 
 London Missionary Society, it was observed, among 
 several of the families by whom he was hospitably 
 entertained, that they had never before seen conver-
 
 A WORD IN SEASON. 155 
 
 sational talent employed with so much wisdom and 
 practical benefit. The heads of households, the 
 children, the visitors, the servants, severally engaged 
 his attention, and hung upon his lips ; so that his 
 private discourse seemed to be as impressive and useful 
 as his public addresses. In fact his tongue was as 
 choice silver, his instructions were as a tree of life. 
 
 An instance of the tact with which he was gifted, in 
 administering reproof, even to strangers, occurred in 
 one of his journeys into the north of England. 
 
 At Leicester, a young man mounted the roof of the 
 coach, whose conversation was marked by so much 
 profaneness and obscenity, as to astonish and disgust 
 the passengers. At the next stage, when the horses 
 were changed, Mr. Clayton, taking this reprobate youth 
 by the arm, and leading him to a little distance from 
 the company, observed, — 
 
 " I have been greatly surprised and grieved that 
 a person so well dressed as you are, and of such 
 respectable outward appearance, should have given 
 your tongue so unbridled a licence, in the impure and 
 hateful discourse in which you have indulged, while we 
 have travelled together. You have offended all the 
 passengers, I can assure you ; but this is not the worst 
 of it : you have really disgraced yourself, sinned against 
 your own soul, and affronted your Almighty Creator. 
 If for ' every idle word that men shall speak, they shall 
 give account thereof in the day of judgment,' what may 
 be apprehended by them whose utterances are those of 
 impiety and indecency ? I pray you, as your friend, to 
 renounce this evil habit. The fault is more that of the 
 heart than of the mouth ; and therefore I recommend 
 to you the prayer which you will find in the 51st Psalm : 
 ' Create in me a clean heart, God, and renew a 
 right spirit within me.' "
 
 156 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 The young man listened with respectful attention; 
 and giving his hand to the reprover, thanked him for 
 his advice, and promised that he would offend no more, 
 after that sort; and certainly so far kept his promise 
 that not another improper word escaped his lips, to the 
 end of the journey. 
 
 This recital may serve for instruction and direction 
 to those persons who, deterred hy the fear of casting 
 pearls before swine, forego opportunities of useful 
 admonition, and may seem, by their silence, to tolerate 
 what is sinful. It may turn out that, instead of " the 
 rending of the swine," there may be found the happy 
 combination of " the wise reprover and the obedient 
 ear."
 
 RECOLLECTIONS of the EEV. JOHN CLAYTON, Sen. 
 
 BY A. C. HOBAET SEYMOUR, ESQ., 
 
 AUTHOR OF "THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON." 
 
 [After the preceding portions of this volume had 
 been written, and in answer to a request I made, at 
 the close of a short article I wrote, on the life of the 
 Rev. John Clayton, jun., which was inserted in the 
 columns of the Evangelical Magazine, in January, 1866, 
 I received the following sketch of his father, from, the 
 venerable compiler of the Memoirs of the Countess of 
 Huntingdon. It is so interesting — including, as it does, 
 two or three unpublished letters of the countess, and 
 of Lady Glenorchy, on matters relating to Mr. Clayton, 
 and a detail of incidents, not noticed in the foregoing 
 pages — that I have resolved to print his communication 
 by itself, as an appendix to one of the chapters of the 
 Memoir ; and this appears to me to be the most fitting 
 place for its insertion. 
 
 A more valuable and well-informed chronicler than 
 my venerable correspondent, on subjects connected 
 with the progress of evangelical truth in this kingdom, 
 during the last sixty years, does not exist. I am glad 
 to find that his facile pen is still employed on this, to 
 him, familiar subject; and pray that he may be spared 
 yet for many days to come, to enrich the annals of the 
 churches with his valuable and acceptable reminis- 
 cences. — T. A,]
 
 158 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 "Remember tour Leaders, who have spoken to you tiie Word 
 of God, the final issue of whose conduct attentively observing, 
 be imitators of their fidelity." 
 
 It was my privilege, when a very young man, to have 
 attracted the particular notice, and secured the paternal regard 
 of Mr. Clayton. He has a record deeply engraven in the hearts 
 of thousands, — cere pevennius: and it will be a pleasure to 
 myself to leave behind me this testimony to my departed 
 friend ; and to honour him, dead, whom, living, I so highly 
 respected. I leave this sacred testimony to his worth : that 
 never did human being act with more real kindness, affection, 
 and zeal, than did Mr. Clayton to me, in a season of great 
 perplexity and doubt, as to my future course in life. You have 
 given a general invitation to all who loved him when living, 
 and honoured him departed, to send you any particulars with 
 which they are acquainted. I have examined some papers that 
 I am providentially possessed of, and have collected from them 
 every fact of importance : and I shall speak from personal 
 knowledge and acquaintance. These sources, united, I hope 
 will furnish me with some valuable materials respecting this 
 distinguished veteran in the cause of God and truth — add 
 additional information to your tribute to his memory — and 
 afford to those, who remember him with gratitude, and hold 
 him high in honour for his work's sake, a subject of pleasing 
 recollection, as well as abundant improvement. 
 
 I can never forget the particulars of my first interview with 
 Mr. Clayton. I had been invited to dine at the house of a 
 clergyman, without any intimation that I should meet any one 
 but the usual family circle. On entering the room I found the 
 host and hostess absent — two young ladies and Mr. Clayton 
 being the only persons present. I immediately recognized him, 
 from having heard him preach. After speaking to the sisters 
 of my host, and observing me looking a little embarrassed, 
 Mr. Clayton advanced to meet me, and, extending his right 
 hand, grasped the hand that writes these words, and, placing
 
 me. Seymour's eecollections. 159 
 
 the other on my shoulder, addressed me in the following words, 
 whilst a most benignant smile played around his features : — 
 
 " My dear young friend, I am really delighted to meet you 
 on this occasion ; and to make an acquaintance that shall, I 
 trust, be renewed in the temple above. Thank God, you are 
 on the Lord's side. Fear not, God will bless you; and hail 
 reproach, and welcome shame, if these must be endured for the 
 faithful testimony of God our Saviour." 
 
 His noble aspect, and gentlemanly bearing, excited my 
 admiration. I was surprised and affected by his cordial 
 address. It was evident he knew that I was to be a guest, and 
 had been informed of my peculiar position and trials. As he 
 had learned I belonged to a family, known for the conspicuous- 
 part they took in the great Reformation from Popery, he 
 congratulated me on my adherence to the faith of my ancestors, 
 for the defence of which so many of them had shed their blood. 
 On being informed, by my worthy host, that very many of my 
 relatives, on the female side, were the victims of the fatal 
 revocation of the Edict of Nantes, he renewed the subject with 
 increasing ardour. 
 
 During my residence at Brighton, in the j^ear 1819, I had 
 frequent opportunities of meeting Mr. Clayton, not only at my 
 own house, where he was always a welcome guest, but at the 
 houses of others. He opened his ministry at Lady Huntingdon's 
 chapel with these words, — " I am come to see how you do ; " 
 and to many of the old worshippers in that time-honoured 
 sanctuary, his address was peculiarly acceptable. How long he 
 remained in Brighton, at that time, I do not recollect. I recall 
 with delight a particular instance of his paternal regard for 
 my dear departed wife, now a saint with him in glory. He 
 presented her with a copy of the Hymn Booh in use in the 
 Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion, accompanied with his 
 warm and cordial good wishes for her temporal and eternal 
 welfare ; and in the first leaf was contained a full exposition of 
 her title to eternal life, concluding thus : — " In the bonds of 
 Christian love, I am yours, heartily and sincerely, J. Clayton." 
 
 Providential circumstances having separated us, and residing 
 in different and distant places, years passed without an inter-
 
 ICO THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 view ; yet occasionally we had the happiness of meeting, and his 
 friendship ceased only when death loosed the silver cord. Two 
 of the three are gone to their eternal rest, and bending under a 
 hoary head I have advanced to the very margin of the stream 
 — the narrow stream of death, which divides me from those 
 who have gone before, and have obtained the prize. 
 
 A minister of the everlasting Gospel should carry with him, 
 everywhere, the spirit of his profession. Not only should his 
 own house be a daily temple, but wherever he resides, the 
 sweet savour of his ministrations, and his peace should rest upon 
 the house which receives him. Mr. Clayton was particularly 
 observant of the irreligion in many families of the clergy 
 themselves, where a bended knee was seldom seen, and such 
 forgetfulness of God evident that, even where he was invited 
 as a guest, the very table was unblest. But Mr. Clayton's 
 character needed no contrast to display its excellence. Wher- 
 ever he visited among his friends, they always found the 
 richest enjoyment in his morning and evening exercises, and 
 esteemed it amongst their privileges to have such a chaplain in 
 their family. 
 
 In candour, liberality, and zeal, it is impossible not to 
 acknowledge that he was superior to every bigoted attachment. 
 In the many opportunities that offered, where he was exclusively 
 associated with ministers and individuals belonging to the 
 Established Church, I never once heard him express anything 
 but the most cordial regard to all " who love our Lord Jesus 
 Christ in sincerity." I had many evidences of the true 
 Catholicism of his spirit ; and various instances, which I have 
 observed, demonstrate his cordial and kind attachment to 
 those who in point of church government differed greatly from 
 him. lie had learned to call no man common or unclean, for 
 differing from him, in matters which he had learned to estimate 
 according to the scale of their real importance. 
 
 At Lady Huntingdon's college, at Trevecca, he was amongst 
 the earliest students ; for I find his name associated with 
 Messrs. Aldridge, Cooke, English, Crole, and Matthew Wilks, 
 in the year 1772, when the noble foundress addressed a letter 
 to all the ministers and students in her Connexion, inviting a
 
 ME. SEYMOURS EECOLLECTIONS. 1C1 
 
 general meeting at the college, in order to consult together, 
 and to ask counsel from on high, upon a measure at once new 
 and important — namely, a mission to North America, whose 
 head-quarters should be at Bethesda ; from which the mission- 
 aries could go forth, either to the savages in the forest, or 
 among the white men of the colonies, wherever the providence 
 of God opened a way, to publish the everlasting Gospel. 
 
 The occasion proved to be one of unusual interest. 
 Missionary zeal was enkindled ; the baptism of a self-sacrificing 
 love fell upon many hearts ; and at the call, " Who will go for 
 us ? who will publish the glad tidings of great joy in the forests 
 and frontiers of the New World ? " the response came from 
 many a youth, " Here am I, send me." 
 
 The impressive services which attended the selection and 
 setting apart of the students for the North American Mission, 
 both at Trevecca and Tottenham Court Road chapel, and 
 in the ojDen air on Tower-Hill, were witnessed by large 
 numbers, deeply and tenderly excited by the scene. It is a 
 fact worthy of being recorded, that all the ministers engaged 
 in that solemn and imposing service were episcopally ordained. 
 There were nine clergymen who took part in the dedication, 
 and I am particular in giving their names, for I think them 
 worthy of being had in remembrance :• — The Hon. and Pev. 
 Walter Shirley, cousin and chaplain to the countess, and rector 
 of Loughrea, in the county of Galway, Ireland ; Pev. William 
 Piercy, president of the college in Georgia, and subsequently 
 rector of St. Paul's, Savannah ; Pev. Cradock Glascott, rector 
 of Hatherleigh, Devonshire; Pev. James Glazebrook, minister 
 of St. John's, Warrington ; Pev. Charles Stewart Eccles, of 
 Fintona, county of Tyrone, Ireland ; Pev. Mr. Cross, of Brad- 
 ford, head master of the Georgian college ; Rev. Mr. Williams, 
 a Welch clergyman ; Pev. Mr. Owen, and Pev. John Green ; — 
 the last two assistants at the Tabernacle and Tottenham Court 
 Poad chapel. 
 
 From the published narrative of this remarkable event, it 
 does not appear that Mr. Clayton took any prominent part in 
 the preliminary services held at the college, for some days 
 previous to the departure of the countess, her chaplains, and 
 
 M
 
 1G2 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 the seven students, for London. Public services were continued 
 for a fortnight at Trevccca ; and several of the students, whose 
 names are not given, took a leading part in them ; as there was 
 a sermon every day. 
 
 This was one of the earliest of those sublime spectacles of 
 missionary embarkation which, from the impulse that Methodism 
 was then giving to English Protestantism, have now become 
 common. The religious community of the metropolis was 
 stirred by the occasion, and it was not inaptly called " The 
 Methodist Jubilee." An embarkation hymn, written by Mr. 
 Shirley, was printed for the occasion. It begins, — 
 
 " Go, destined vessel, heavenly freighted, go ! 
 For, lo ! the Lord's ambassadors are there." 
 
 Immense throngs crowded the river's side; and when the ship 
 started, a solemn and affecting scene was presented. Every 
 countenance was suffused with tears ; hats and handkerchiefs 
 were to be seen waving in all directions, and many voices were 
 heard, bidding these servants of God farewell; while prayers 
 and good wishes ascended as a cloud of incense to the Great 
 Head of the church, recommending them to His merciful 
 protection and care. Such a spirit of prayer and supplication 
 was poured out upon the people of God, at this interesting 
 period, as has seldom been remembered. Every heart was 
 affected ; and the impressions then made were attended with 
 the most beneficial results. As an illustration of the renovated 
 evangelism of the times, this remarkable event can never lose 
 its interest. "A remarkable outpouring of the Spirit," wrote 
 the countess, "attended the scene; and nothing was ever so 
 blessed as the spirit in which they all went." 
 
 At Trevecca, Mr. Clayton continued some years ; where, by 
 close application to study, he so improved in theology, and 
 other branches of knowledge connected with it, that the noble 
 foundress sent him forth to the neighbouring villages, to diffuse 
 the sweet savour of the Gospel of our salvation. In a letter to 
 John Lloyd, Esq., of Swansea, her ladyship speaks thus of 
 Mr. Clayton: — 
 
 " I am at my wits' end for the services of my chapels. The calls
 
 me. seymour's recollections. 103 
 
 are so numerous, from all parts, that I am unable to comply with 
 the wishes of the people, who seem hungering after the bread of 
 life. All the students that can be of any effectual service are 
 labouring diligently ; and I have every confidence in the zeal and 
 ability of Aldridge, Clayton, Crole, and others, — faithful souls, who 
 preach, frequently out of doors, to large and attentive congregations. 
 So many having gone from the college, to preach the unsearchable 
 riches of Christ, on the continent of America, those that remain have 
 a laborious work. But souls are perishing daily, hourly, momen- 
 tarily, and can we be idle? He who sees the heart knoweth my 
 only one object upon earth is, to be His servant, in all ways 
 wherein He may be glorified, and sinners snatched from destruc- 
 tion." 
 
 In another letter, of a later date, the countess further alludes 
 to the ministerial abilities and successful labours of Mr. Clayton, 
 and some of his fellow- students : — 
 
 "You cannot tell how many hearty prayers are put up for the 
 dear students, daily, especially for English,* Crole, f and Clayton, 
 who labour so abundantly, and have been singularly owned and 
 blessed of Grod. May they enter into the ears of the Lord of 
 Sabaoth ! The work is flourishing amazingly ; the Grospel runs 
 and is glorified; and the Holy Ghost descends in a most glorious 
 manner, amidst the congregations where they minister. Unworthy 
 as I am, the Lord Jesus Christ deigns to work in and by me. 
 sovereign free grace ! How sweet to the soul, who really feels the 
 power of it! that I may walk worthy of that holy vocation 
 wherewith we are called ! 
 
 "I thank you heartily for your kind letter. It rejoices my soul 
 to hear that you and Mr. Wilson | are going on hand in hand so 
 
 * Rev. Thomas English, of Woburn, Beds. 
 
 + Txev. Anthony Crole, of Pinner's Hall, London. 
 
 J John Lloyd, Esq., of Swansea, and Richard Wilson, Esq., were men of 
 influence and fortune, and the steady friends of the countess. Mr. Lloyd was 
 one of the devisees named in the will of Lady Huntingdon. His eldest 
 daughter, Anne, married the late John Walcot, Esq., a gentleman of fortune, 
 and for many years a member of the Tabernacle congregation, at Bristol — 
 author of works on botany, conchology, and ornithology. Mr. Walcot was a 
 descendant of the family of Walcot, of Croagh, in the county of Clare, Ireland, 
 and nephew of William Cecil, first Lord Glentworth, father of the first Earl of 
 Limerick. Mr. Walcot's sister, Susanna, was the wife of the Rev. Thomas 
 Young, of Margate, a minister long known and respected in the Countess of
 
 1G4 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 zealously, so persovcringly, and so successfully iu tho good cause. 
 You arc able helpers in tho great things of God. When we get to 
 heaven, how shall we praise God for what Ho hath done for our 
 souls ! 
 
 " I have written to English and Clayton, ordering them to 
 another part of the vineyard : and their places will Le filled by 
 others from the college. Glory be to God for raising up such 
 instruments for carrying on His cause in the world! The searcher 
 of hearts only knows how the welfare of perishing souls is impressed 
 upon my sold. I continually make mention of them in my poor 
 prayers ; and I have not failed to give thanks for the showers of 
 blessing, and the success which has attended the college. I serve 
 a precious Master, and He makes me more than conqueror. My 
 work is great, but my supports are greater. My infirmities often 
 make me blush ; and yet my gracious Master passes them by, and 
 sweetly carries me through the biu-den of every day's labour. He 
 enables me to cast all my care upon Him. then let us magnify 
 His name together !" 
 
 Having obtained an established reputation as a preacher, 
 Lady Huntingdon appointed Mr. Clayton to supply her 
 principal chapels, and his services were very acceptable and 
 useful among her congregations ; and indeed wherever he 
 went, his talents and zeal, his eloquence and piety, commanded 
 universal esteem. 
 
 Tho distinguished station in which he was placed held 
 Mr. Clayton up, more than ever before, to public observation ; 
 and the subjects he treated excited general attention from their 
 dissimilarity to everything around him, especially in the 
 churches of Norwich. The fame of his preaching awakened 
 
 Huntingdon's Connexion. Mrs. Walcot died in 1782, and her funeral sermon 
 was preached in the chapel of Lady Huntingdon, at Bath, by the lie v. Mr. 
 Pentycross, vicar of St. Mary's, Wallingford, from 1 Cor. xv. 50, 57, and was 
 afterwards published. 
 
 Francis Wilson, Esq., of Clapham Common, son of the above Richard Wilson, 
 married Elizabeth, daughter of John Lloyd, Esq. She resided in Pulteney 
 Street, Bath, for many years — was a liberal benefactor to the chapel and the 
 institutions connected with it, and always ready to consecrate her property 
 to the cause of God. She died July 14th, 1820, aged fifty-seven, and was 
 inteiTcd in a walled grave, near the tablet, erected to her memory, in the 
 chapel of the countess.
 
 me. Seymour's recollections. 165 
 
 general attention there ; and how highly his noble patroness 
 thought of hini and his labours, her own account will best tell. 
 
 "It will rejoice your heart, my dear Shirley,* to hear that the 
 Gospel triumphs. The auditories are very large and very attentive. 
 Mr. Clayton writes me word that many have been brought under 
 convictions, and that he has never seen anything like the work of 
 God at Norwich. Glory be to free grace ! Unworthy as I am, the 
 glorious Immanuel condescends to crown my poor services with 
 success. Every day fresh seals are given to the faithful labours of 
 the students. People are daily coming under deep convictions, and 
 crying, ' What shall we do to be saved?' Mr. Clayton preaches 
 frequently, and expounds at private houses. He is employed, in 
 speaking to souls under distress, great part of the day. I want 
 more help for that part of the work. that God may enlarge 
 your heart to come and give some assistance, as soon as you are free 
 to do it ! I love and honour you for your Master's sake. And my 
 prayer to God is, that the glorious Gospel may flourish in your 
 hands, and that you may bring many, very many souls to Jesus. 
 This, unless my heart deceives me, is my only aim on earth. 
 
 ' For this let men revile my name ; 
 I shun no cross, I fear no shame : 
 All hail, reproach, and welcome, pain, 
 Only thy terrors, Lord, restrain !' 
 
 "Whilst I write, the fire kindles in my heart. It is overflowing 
 with the love of God, and love for the souls He died to save. 
 Amazing, that He should suffer me to labour for Him ! Help me 
 to cry, Grace ! grace ! Surely I shall sing it in heaven ! I long 
 to be there, but am willing to tarry the Lord's pleasm-e. Excuse 
 this freedom ; but surely I am writing to one that loves to spend 
 and be spent in the service of the best of Masters. May His 
 presence go with you to Norwich, and cause you to triumph there 
 and in every place, and fill your soul with joy unspeakable. 
 
 "I shall wait with impatience for your answer. I heartily wish 
 all the Lord's servants were prophets. How I do long to see 
 bigotry and party-zeal taken away, and all the people of God more 
 knit together. Dear Mr. Yenn is actively engaged, and so is 
 faithful Glascott. Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, who hath sent forth so many of His servants with this cry, 
 
 * The Hon. and Eev. "Walter Shirley.
 
 166 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Behold, the Bridegroom cometh. May thousands obey tho call, and 
 go forth to meet Him, with their lamps trimmed. — Your unworthy 
 friend, and unprofitable fellow-labourer in the Lord's vineyard, 
 
 "S. Huntingdon." 
 
 From a letter of Lady Huntingdon's I find Mr. Clayton was 
 labouring, in 1776, with singular benediction on his ministry, 
 at the Mulberry Gardens chapel, in London. In the October 
 of the same year, the late Rev. George Burder, soon after his 
 ordination, commenced preaching occasionally in London, and 
 not unfrcquently assisted Mr. Clayton and Mr. Aldridge, 
 at Jewin Street chapel, and Mr. Crole, at Cumberland Street 
 chapel. It is a singular circumstance, that Mr. Clayton and 
 Mr. Burder were, at this period, scarcely determined whether 
 to take their lot with the Dissenters, or not. They had 
 found abundantly more of the power of God with evangelical 
 clergymen, and with the Calvinistic Methodists ; and were 
 rather inclined to enter into the Church, under the appre- 
 hension of obtaining a more extensive field of usefulness ; but 
 upon further investigation they were led to dissent, for reasons 
 that appeared to them of sufficient weight. The great Lord 
 of the vineyard, however, destined Mr. Clayton to move in 
 a more public and extensive sphere of usefulness, for which 
 his talents signally qualified him. His fame had reached the 
 respectable congregation of Congregational Dissenters, assem- 
 bling at the King's "Weighhouse ; and being then in want of 
 a minister, their attention was directed to Mr. Clayton, as one 
 likely to fill the office, with reputation to himself, and with 
 advantage to the people. 
 
 Some years prior to this period, the Viscountess Glenorchy, 
 on whose mind religion had taken a deep hold, began to devise 
 schemes for the diffusion of that Gospel which she had found 
 the power of God to her own salvation. In union with her 
 friend Lady Maxwell, with whom I was personally acquainted, 
 and from whom I had many interesting details, relative to the 
 spread of the Gospel in Scotland, she formed the design of 
 opening a place of worship, in which ministers of various deno- 
 minations, who held the essential truths of the Gospel, might 
 preach. This chapel was partly supplied by the clergymen and
 
 mr. Seymour's recollections. 167 
 
 probationers of the city and neighbourhood, and partly by the 
 Eev. John Edwards, of Leeds, and the Eev. T. Grove, of Wal- 
 sall, two eminent dissenting ministers, and well-known supplies 
 at the Tabernacle and Tottenham Court Road chapel, London. 
 From the letters of Lady Glenorchy, I find she frequently 
 applied to Lady Huntingdon, not only for supplies for the 
 chapel which she had hired, but also for such as she could 
 recommend for a settled minister. The Rev. Joseph Townsend, 
 of Pewsey, Rev. Dr. Peckwell, Rev. Richard De Courcy, and 
 the Rev. Erasmus Middleton, were sent by the countess, or 
 recommended by her, as able and popular preachers, whose 
 ministrations might prove eminently useful in diffusing the 
 light of the Sun of righteousness. After her new chapel was 
 erected, the same system was pursued; and Lady Glenorchy 
 had many difficulties to contend with, in the settlement of a 
 pastor, which caused her much uneasiness, as will be seen 
 by the following extract from one of her letters to Lady 
 Huntingdon : — 
 
 "Your ladyship's kind offer of assistance I most thankfully 
 acknowledge, and feel most grateful for your long-continued friend- 
 ship and advice. The chapel I have erected will soon be ready for 
 the reception of a congregation, and I am most desirous of having 
 a minister of approved character and abilities. The Presbytery of 
 Edinburgh have given me infinite trouble, and caused me consi- 
 derable perplexity. Mr. Grove is a gentleman of good address and 
 excellent ministerial talents ; but, as I cannot see my way clear to 
 separate my chapel from the Church of Scotland, with which all 
 my family and my oldest and best friends are connected, he has, 
 though with great reluctance, determined on returning to England. 
 
 "And now, my dear madam, I would most earnestly consult you, 
 as to the best mode of proceeding ; for I really am so hurt and so 
 perplexed by the clamour that has been raised, that I have had 
 serious notions of leaving Scotland altogether. I have heard 
 very favourable accounts of some of your students, particularly 
 Mr. Clayton, and Mr. Aldridge, and Mr. Crole; and if you can 
 recommend any of those, as suitable for the diffusion of divine truth 
 in Edinburgh, I shall endeavour to give up all my own plans, with 
 reference to the chapel, content to follow whatever seems most 
 likely to promote peace in the church of Christ. The character
 
 1G8 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 and talents of Mr. Clayton, I have been informed, are of a very 
 high order. Do you think it probable that ho might answer, in 
 the situation of pastor of the congregation? Is ho eligible to fill 
 such an important post? I am most anxious to accomplish this 
 matter with as little delay as possible ; and have sought the advice- 
 of the Chief Shepherd and Head of the church, to guide me in tho 
 choice of a minister. From what your ladyship has written to me, 
 and from what I have heard from others, I am inclined to form a 
 very favourable opinion of Mr. Clayton, in preference to any of your 
 other students; though I am bound to believe them men of equal 
 piety, and zeal, and devotedness in the cause of their Divine Master. 
 Any minister coming from England will have much larger congre- 
 gations to preach to than they can have in their own country, 
 except they are invited to Tottenham Court Eoad chapel or the 
 Tabernacle ; and the sphere of usefulness they will have here they 
 can form no opinion of, without having seen it. I make no apology 
 for giving your ladyship all this trouble, knowing how your heart 
 is set upon forwarding the work of God, and tho spread of His 
 glorious Gospel, in this as well as in your own country. 
 
 "I cease not to lament the death of my very dear friend and 
 pastor, Mr. Sheriff. His last words were, ' All is well.' I was 
 enabled to attend to him, during the last two days and nights of his 
 life, for which I feel most thankful ; and though I grieve for my 
 loss, yet I have felt great support, and have had given me great 
 power to believe and acquiesce in the wise disposal of God. Never 
 shall I forget his last words, his dying exhortations to submit to 
 the Lord's will. happy, happy soul ! now in the presence of Him 
 whom he adored, and whose Gospel he so faithfully proclaimed. 
 May my end be like his ! 
 
 "Mr. Walker, of the High Church, has given me great 
 assistance, and has preached frequently in the chapel. He is a 
 very exceUent man, and esteems your ladyship very highly for your 
 work's sake. Other ministers also have proffered their help. Miss 
 Hill has been very, very kind in writing to me ; and her letters 
 have been most consolatory, urging me to bear all tho dispensations 
 of God with patience and resignation. 
 
 "To the care and protection of God I now heartily commend 
 
 your ladyship. And believe me to be, more than I can express, 
 
 your sincere and affectionate friend, 
 
 ""W. Glexohciiy." 
 
 Disappointed in her expectations of procuring an eligible
 
 ME. SEYMOURS RECOLLECTIONS. 1G9 
 
 minister in Scotland, Lady Glenorchy appears to have followed 
 up her application to Lady Huntingdon by deputing one of the 
 chief managers of her chapel to visit London, in order to 
 prevail on Mr. Clayton, or some other of the students at 
 Trevecca, to visit Scotland, with a view to his settlement, as 
 minister of her chapel, in Edinburgh. 
 
 Some of the circumstances attending Mr. Clayton's rejection 
 of Lady Glenorcky's offer, and the final settlement of Dr. 
 Thomas Snell Jones, who had received his education at Tre- 
 vecca, are to be found in the well- written life of her ladyship 
 by her chaplain, and likewise in the following letter from Lady 
 Glenorchy to Lady Huntingdon, which, like most of her 
 letters, was without the date of the year, but must have been 
 written in 1779, about the period when Mr. Clayton was 
 ordained pastor of the congregation at the Weighhouse : — 
 
 "My dear Madam, — My mind has been so wholly taken up with 
 the affairs of my chapel, and the settlement of an eligible minister, 
 that I have not had a moment to reply to your last kind favour, for 
 which I thank you a thousand times, as I most heartily do for your 
 very great kindness to me, in all my difficulties ; aiding me by your 
 excellent advice, and assisting me by your prayers. As you are 
 acquainted with the particulars of the failure of my negotiations 
 with Mr. Clayton, I shall not dwell upon that subject any further 
 than to express my sincere regret that he did not accede to my 
 request. May the blessing of the Great Head of the church rest 
 upon his labours, amongst the people of his choice ; and may he 
 experience the richest manifestations of the Spirit of God in his 
 own soul, enabling him rightly to divide the word of truth. He 
 must ever have my high respect and esteem. 
 
 "At your ladyship's suggestion I turned my attention to Mr. 
 Jones, who visited Scotland, at my solicitation, in order to supply 
 my chapel; and I have now the pleasure to inform you that the 
 result has been most satisfactory. His preaching was much 
 approved by the people ; and, at the united request of the managers 
 and congregation, I made him an offer to become the minister of 
 my chapel, which he has kindly consented to accept ; and I trust 
 he will come to us in the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel 
 of Christ. 
 
 "Dear Lady Maxwell and Lady Henrietta unite in invoking on
 
 170 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 your head every spiritual blessing, and I return a hundredfold all 
 the prayers and good offices you have bestowed on your much- 
 obliged and affectionate Mend and servant, 
 
 " "W. Glenorchy." 
 
 And here I must close my brief details. But you who have 
 undertaken the subject, and are so much better qualified than 
 myself, with materials more abundant, will, I trust, adorn 
 Mr. Clayton's memory with trophies of more excellent work- 
 manship. The preceding sketch contains a true, and I hope 
 characteristic, portrait of my venerable friend, which those 
 who best knew him will vouch as authentic. At his first 
 settlement in London I dare not say how few ministers were 
 found labouring within the strict pale of orthodoxy; but at 
 his death the number of faithful Gospel ministers, or those 
 whom he, and every one who truly loves and honours his 
 memory, esteem such, was amazingly increased. The happy 
 impulse given by his labours most abundantly tended to 
 accelerate the movement. Hundreds are now labouring in 
 the like cause, and with the like zeal; and if we cannot say 
 with equal ability, yet with true purpose of heart, and signal 
 blessing on their endeavours. A mighty spirit has been 
 stirred up round about; the most vigorous exertions are 
 making to extend the knowledge of the doctrine of a crucified 
 Saviour ; to erect the standard of His cross in every city, and 
 every obscure village, in the kingdom; and God, our God, 
 will, I doubt not, give His blessing.
 
 Chapter XM. 
 
 REV. JOHN CLAYTON, JUN. 1. 
 
 CHOICE OF THE MINISTRY. — ENTERS HOMERTON COLLEGE. — STUDIES IN 
 EDINBURGH. — LABOURS AS ASSISTANT MINISTER AT NEWBURY. — 
 REMOVES TO KENSINGTON. — ORDINATION. — HIS FATHER'S CHARGE. — 
 ILLNESS. — MARRIAGE. — SETTLEMENT AT CAMOMILE STREET. — LONDON 
 
 MINISTERIAL LIFE. — EARLY RISING. — CHILDREN'S HOURS. ECLECTIC 
 
 SOCIETY. — ANECDOTE OF THE REV. J. NEWTON. 
 
 Having brought down these records of the elder 
 Mr. Clayton to a period, when he had passed the full 
 meridian of life, it may be well to leave him for awhile, 
 and trace the several currents of existence and action 
 pursued by his three sons, as these currents diverge 
 from the parent stream. While that still continued to 
 flow on, full and majestic in its course, diffusing on 
 either side varied blessings, making many a spot, that 
 might otherwise have been a wilderness and a solitary 
 place, glad, and transforming the moral desert into a 
 garden of the Lord, those that parted thence became no 
 less noticeable and beneficent. They very soon found 
 channels for themselves ; and, widening and deepening 
 rapidly, bade fair to equal, if not excel, in volume and 
 in vitalizing influences, that from which they had 
 issued forth. They were destined, for the most part, 
 to flow on, in a direction nearly parallel with the main 
 stream ; for London, or its immediate neighbourhood, 
 became the scene of the labours of all three sons; of 
 the two elder, throughout the whole course of their 
 pastorate, and of the youngest, during the latter part 
 of his ministerial career.
 
 172 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 In noticing these in their natural order, Mr. John 
 Clayton claims our attention, primarily. He was the 
 firstborn child of the family, and the last surviving 
 member thereof; having been summoned to the sad 
 task of following every one of his brothers and sisters, 
 as well as his venerable parents, to the grave. 
 
 When Mr. Clayton's sons left the school at Walling- 
 ford, John was about fifteen years of age. In a 
 fragment of a memoir, which he wrote of himself, 
 but which he afterwards partially destroyed, he says, 
 referring to this period of his life : " My parents, 
 perceiving that I had for some time addicted myself to 
 private prayer, and reading of the Scriptures and other 
 good books, often conversed with me as to the trade or 
 profession I should wish to pursue. I had little choice 
 of my own ; and a slight persuasion would have induced 
 me to follow almost any business which might have been 
 recommended to me. I was requested to take six 
 months to consider the subject; and one or two efforts 
 were made, during that period, to place me in a count- 
 ing-house, but without success. My mother was wont, 
 occasionally, to drop hints, as to the work of the 
 ministry ; to which I learned, afterwards, that she had 
 devoted me, at the time of my birth, with humble 
 submission to the will of God." 
 
 The great Lord of the temple heard that mother's 
 prayers, as He did those of Hannah. Like the wife of 
 Elkanah, she could say, as she brought her son to the 
 altar of God, " For this child I prayed ; and the Lord 
 hath given me my petition which I asked of Him : 
 therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long 
 as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord. And he 
 worshipped the LoPvD thep.e." The sanctuary was to 
 be the scene of his labours. He was to " minister unto 
 the Lord."
 
 JOHN CLAYTONS FIRST SERMON. 173 
 
 His own mind — under a divine impulse, of whose first 
 workings lie was probably utterly unconscious — soon 
 became deeply impressed with the conviction that that 
 was the service on earth to which God had called 
 him ; and for this he resolved, by a suitable course 
 of preparation, to strive and qualify himself. He was 
 sent to the Old College, Homerton, where he continued 
 for some time, pursuing the usual course of study 
 required of the alumni of that institution. 
 
 While here, his first sermon was preached in his 
 father's chapel, at the Weighhouse, from the text (Acts 
 xx. 24) which that father chose for the foundation of 
 his address, when, some years later, he delivered the 
 charge to his son, on the clay of his ordination. The 
 words selected were a faithful exposition of his estimate 
 of the importance of the work on which he had entered ; 
 and his whole subsequent history was one prolonged 
 illustration of the spirit and temper of the apostle who 
 said, " None of these things move me, neither count I 
 my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my 
 course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received 
 of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of 
 God." 
 
 In common with his brother students, he was engaged 
 in preaching to different congregations, in and around 
 London, as their services were required ; and the young 
 and eloquent pleader for truth speedily became one of 
 the most popular of the " sons of the prophets." But 
 it was soon felt, both by himself and his father, that 
 a broader and more solid intellectual foundation than 
 had been laid was necessary, if stability of mental 
 character, and affluence, rather than poverty, of attain- 
 ments were deemed desirable. To this end it was 
 necessary, not only that he should " meditate on these
 
 174 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 things," but " give himself wholly to them," for a 
 season, that his " profiting might appear unto all." 
 
 At this time, and for more than half a century 
 afterwards, Oxford and Cambridge were entirely closed 
 against the honest and faithful Nonconformist; and 
 John Clqo'ton was therefore necessitated to enter as a 
 student at the university of Edinburgh, attending 
 especially the logic and moral philosophy classes. In 
 that city his studies were directed by his father's old 
 college companion at Trevecca, and his intimate friend 
 through life, Dr. Jones, the minister of Lady Glen- 
 orchy's chapel. 
 
 But it so happened, that, in seeking to avoid the 
 dangers incident to too much early preaching, before 
 the mind of young Clayton had attained sufficient 
 culture and stamina, — and which dangers especially 
 threatened him in London, where he was so well known, 
 and where the congregations that would be likely to 
 seek his services were far more numerous than in the 
 northern capital — he was exposed to others, of which 
 the thoughtful parents had not dreamed. They saw 
 the Scylla, and strove to avoid them; but were not 
 aware of the Charybdis that was seething at a distance. 
 This was, however, revealed to them by an incident, to 
 which many parents would not perhaps have attributed 
 any great importance, though with Mr. and Mrs. Clayton 
 it was otherwise. 
 
 While at Homerton their son's movements were all 
 observable; and the way in which his leisure hours 
 were spent was as well known to them, as was that of 
 his studious ones. At Edinburgh, however, it was 
 impossible to exercise the same oversight of the youth ; 
 and from his native geniality of disposition, his gentle- 
 manly manners, and exuberant cheerfulness, which
 
 EDINBURGH AMUSEMENTS. 175 
 
 made him a great favourite with all whom he visited, 
 his company was much sought. The usual results 
 followed; in his participation in certain amusements, 
 which, at home, had never been allowed ; which at the 
 best were of an equivocal character, and were certainly 
 utterly inconsistent with the ministerial office. 
 
 In inspecting the young student's wardrobe, on his 
 return home after the session, his mother observed 
 certain stockings of white silk, together with dancing 
 shoes. Her curiosity was awakened ; and she inquired 
 whether he had been in the habit of attending balls, 
 and other frivolous amusements. Having ascertained 
 the fact that he had frequently done so, and that this 
 was the general practice of the Christian circles in 
 Edinburgh, she instantly took the alarm; conceiving 
 such pastimes, however regulated by a regard to 
 decorum, to be a very unfit preparation for the pulpit, 
 and a most incongruous prelude to a life which, she 
 fondly hoped, would be devoted to the service of God, 
 in proclaiming the mystery of redeeming grace to a 
 perishing world. Having communicated her apprehen- 
 sions to her husband, they consulted together, upon 
 the best measures to be adopted for snatching the 
 beloved youth from the vortex of worldly gaieties ; and 
 not knowing whereunto this beginning of things might 
 grow, they resolved that he should not again return to 
 Edinburgh. The announcement of this determination 
 was, in the course of the ensuing summer, made to 
 Dr. Jones, and the name of his young friend appeared 
 no more in the college lists. 
 
 That his parents did not err, in the estimate they 
 formed of the dangers to which his residence in Edin- 
 burgh exposed him, is evident from his own recorded 
 opinion nearly half a century afterwards. He says : —
 
 i;Q THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 " I cannot say, however, on a calm review of my residence in 
 Scotland, that my highest interests were advanced. I had 
 continual returns of strong convictions. I attended, with 
 undeviatino- regularity, the house of God on the Sabbath ; but 
 my retired devotions were very superficially regarded, and I 
 was painfully harassed with doubts, as to the reality of my 
 personal religion. Some of my studies, and the influence of 
 some of my companions, dissipated my better impressions ; and 
 my goodness was like that of Ephraim, as the morning cloud, 
 soon & dispersed by the wind, or the early dew, quickly dried up 
 by the beams of the sun. Nevertheless, I became better 
 acquainted with theology ; and the foundation for future im- 
 provement in that department was most firmly and deeply 
 laid." 
 
 The opening months of the nineteenth century, so 
 prolific of events the most momentous to all the nations, 
 found the young student again pursuing his studies 
 under the paternal roof, and waiting for the rising and 
 moving of the pillar of cloud, that was to indicate the 
 will of that Leader, under whose banners he had 
 enrolled himself. 
 
 He and his more experienced father were deeply 
 sensible of the perils that beset the youthful warrior 
 of the cross, in the outset of his career, and of the 
 unadvisedness of one so very young taking upon himself 
 the sole responsibility of leading others into the very 
 thick of the conflict, in which the advocates of truth 
 and the adherents to error were engaged. They therefore 
 looked round for a sphere of action, where he could 
 enjoy the benefits to be derived from witnessing daily 
 proofs of the practised skill of some veteran leader in 
 the army of the living God, and profit by the details of 
 his lengthened experience. 
 
 At this time the Rev. John Winter, of Newbury, 
 requiring help in the work of the ministry, Mr. John
 
 RESIDENCE AT NEWBURY. 177 
 
 Clayton was introduced to his notice, and, after having 
 preached a few Sabbaths on probation, was invited, by 
 the aged pastor and his people, to take upon him the 
 office of assistant preacher, which offer was cordially 
 accepted. Mr. Clayton regarded it as a happy arrange- 
 ment of divine providence, that his firstborn should 
 thus commence his public labours, in conjunction with 
 an elder minister, so sound in his sentiments, so gentle- 
 manly in his habits, and so thoroughly respected for his 
 talents, moral character, and usefulness. 
 
 His residence at Newbury, however, did not extend 
 to a very lengthened period. From the first, it was 
 never contemplated that he should take up his perma- 
 nent abode there; but, as has been intimated, the 
 advantages of a temporary association with one who 
 had been for some years familiar with all the duties and 
 difficulties of the pastoral office were duly appreciated ; 
 and in due time these were obtained. 
 
 In comparative retirement, as a country minister, 
 with only a partial responsibility, and a division of 
 labour that afforded more time for other studies than 
 those which were necessary for each Sabbath's duties, 
 he spent several of the happiest and most useful 
 months of his life. By means of those spiritual exer- 
 cises, in which the young athlete here engaged, he was 
 gradually acquiring the skill and strength which would 
 qualify him to appear with honour and applause in a 
 wider arena, and before a greater and more critically 
 observant cloud of witnesses. As with Samson, so with 
 him, " the Spirit of the Lord began to move him at 
 times in the camp of Dan," in a division of " the sacra- 
 mental host of God's elect," at some distance from the 
 main body; but the time was close at hand for his 
 
 N
 
 17S THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 appearing to Israel, in the high places of the field of 
 action. 
 
 It was in 1801, when Mr. John Clayton had attained 
 his twenty-first year, that the Congregationalists at 
 Kensington, whose former minister was the Rev. Dr. 
 Lake, invited him to assume the pastoral office amongst 
 them. This step indicated a high estimate of the 
 talents and character of the young minister, who, at 
 an age now frequently reached, hefore a five years' 
 curriculum is begun, was invited to preach to, and to 
 preside over, a most respectable congregation. 
 
 The village of Kensington was honoured, as the 
 abode of royalty ; and although within an hour's walk 
 of the great city itself, was, with its neighbouring noble 
 parks and gardens, as rural a retreat as though it were 
 a hundred miles from town. Its proximity to London 
 enabled many of its denizens to carry on their occupa- 
 tions in the crowded marts of commerce in the day, and 
 retire to the quiet repose of the village in the evening. 
 Of this intelligent class a goodly portion of the con- 
 gregation, that now felt desirous to secure Mr. John 
 Claytons services, was composed. The event proved 
 that the people who gave the invitation were fully alive 
 to the importance of the step which they had taken, 
 and were perfectly justified in the belief they enter- 
 tained, that "this same should comfort" and instruct 
 them in the ways of God. 
 
 On leaving Newbury, the following communication, 
 addressed to his father, by the Rev. John Winter, 
 with whom Mr. John Clayton had been associated, will 
 show the estimate entertained of the young minister 
 by him : — 
 
 " Rev. and dear Sir, — I should very justly accuse mysglf of 
 impropriety, were I to part from your son without putting into
 
 ORDINATION AT KENSINGTON. 179 
 
 his hands a letter of acknowledgments to you, for the high 
 treat which you have for twelve months afforded me and my 
 congregation, by permitting him so long to reside among us, 
 and partake with me in the labours of the sanctuary. This, I 
 can fairly say, he has done with the ability of a theologist and 
 the faithfulness of a minister of Christ. We have had one 
 heart and one spirit ; and have unitedly to rejoice that the 
 pleasure of the Lord has prospered in our hands. Nevertheless, 
 I see that he has now a call to depart; with a prospect of 
 usefulness, by preaching the Gospel in another place. I there- 
 fore readily commend him to the Lord, and the word of His 
 grace ; and shall rejoice to hear that all our hopes are realized 
 among the people of Kensington. 
 
 "I have likewise to thank you for your kind attention, in 
 looking out for one who may assist us, for a permanence. I 
 hope you will continue your kindness in this respect, till your 
 endeavours prove effectual. None, I am persuaded, would suit 
 us like Mr. George Clayton. But the question is, should we 
 suit him ? I can only say that, although in early life I have 
 been led into other habits, I have spent my time among this 
 people, with great satisfaction and success, for more than 
 seventeen years. — I am, dear sir, 
 
 " Your very affectionate friend and humble servant, 
 
 "John Winter. 
 "Newbury, Aug. 4, 1801." 
 
 On the 21st of October, 1801, Mr. John Clayton was 
 ordained in the chapel which, for nearly four years, 
 was the scene of his zealous and faithful labours. The 
 introductory sermon was delivered by the Rev. W. 
 Humphreys, then of Hammersmith; the liev. W. 
 Nicol, of the Scotch Church, Swallow Street, preached 
 the sermon to the people ; and the charge was given by 
 the newly-ordained minister's father, from Acts xx. 24. 
 
 This charge was a most faithful and solemn exposi- 
 tion of ministerial duties, enforced with amazing vigour 
 and pungency of expression ; indeed at times there was 
 a trenchant fearlessness of utterance, almost amounting
 
 180 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 to invective, against time-serving, hesitating, cowardly 
 preachers, who kept hack the truth, or proclaimed 
 smooth things, to gratify graceless spirits. The following 
 extract will illustrate these remarks : — 
 
 " I have not language of indignant severity sufficiently strong 
 to express the contemptible cowardice, hypocrisy, and soul- 
 murdering cruelty of those who adopt an indefinite phraseology, 
 in order (such is the plenitude of their prudence and moderation) 
 that none may suspend their devotion, but that a heterogeneous 
 mass of nominal Calvinists and real Arians and Socinians may 
 be assembled (for united they cannot be) in one society. Frost 
 unites sticks and stones, moss, leaves, and weeds ; the sun 
 separates them- Into the secret of that frosty liberality may 
 you, my son, never enter, and to the assembly of its advocates 
 never be thou united. 
 
 " Your testimony is to contain nothing but the truth. Ser- 
 mons should not consist in declamation, but be calculated to 
 convey solid instruction. You must teach, and not trifle away 
 time, in exhibiting fine thoughts, or playing upon words. Let 
 not your testimony be encumbered with what is foreign. Be 
 like Paul, who could say, 'Therefore seeing we have this 
 ministry, as we have obtained mercy, we faint not; but have 
 renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in 
 craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by 
 manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every 
 man's conscience in the sight of God.' 
 
 "Your testimony should be borne with zeal; in the heat of 
 which do not lay aside Christian meekness towards opposers. 
 At the same time take care that you do not grow lukewarm 
 and indifferent, under the specious pretext of meekness. An 
 unfaithful, accommodating pastor perhaps applauds himself for 
 carrying it fair with all sorts of people ; whereas this peaceable 
 kind of preaching, in neither condemning heretics and worldly- 
 minded persons, nor being condemned by them, is no other 
 than a sign of his being himself in a state of condemnation and 
 death. That person betrays the truth who ceases zealously to 
 defend it, or to oppose its professed adversaries; either from
 
 CHARGE, AT ORDINATION. 181 
 
 fear of giving occasion of offence, or through a false love of 
 peace. The shepherd should not only feed the flocks, but also 
 drive away the grievous wolves." 
 
 But equally earnest and faithful was the preacher, 
 when he referred to the people : — 
 
 "Guard," said he, "against hindrances to progress, which 
 may arise out of your charge. Those already in communion, 
 so far as my information extends, promise to be a comfort to 
 you ; and will, I am persuaded, concur in any regulations 
 calculated to promote the religious prosperity of this society, 
 and the furtherance of the Gospel in this neighbourhood. 
 Characters, however, from whom we cannot withhold commen- 
 dation, are liable to mournful changes; since St. Paul him- 
 self had reason to complain of some at Galatia, who, though 
 they were ready at one time to pluck out their eyes for him, 
 yet afterward became his enemies, because he told them the 
 truth. Should you meet with a similar revolution in characters, 
 from the same cause, do not be discouraged at the melancholy 
 and mortifying occurrence, as though some strange thing had 
 happened to you. 
 
 "Versatility and inconstancy enter into the constitution of 
 human nature ; and as the discipline of prevention is better 
 than that of cure, a scriptural caution should be observed in 
 the admission of members to your communion. Persons who 
 are equally ready to take a place at the card-table and the 
 table of the Lord, — who express an attachment to the house 
 of God, and not less practically love the playhouse, — who 
 affect a plan of life which their legitimate resources will not 
 support, — who profess to value the future world above all 
 things, and yet allow the present to gain such an ascendency 
 over them that they have no time for closet devotion, or any 
 family instruction or worship ; all these have slender pre- 
 tensions indeed to Christianity. Professors of this worldly 
 cast, admitted into the church, will hinder you in your course. 
 Should you preach like an apostle on the Sabbath, if the com- 
 municants be counteracting, by their conduct in the week, your 
 salutary instructions, little good will be done by your most
 
 182 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 strenuous and diligent endeavours in this place. As a wise 
 master-builder, select, therefore, proper materials." 
 
 Deep were the emotions of the parents of the young 
 pastor, who were thus privileged to witness his public 
 designation to the service of Christ in the ministry of 
 the "Word. Their fondest wishes gratified ; their loftiest 
 ambition reached; their fervent and long-continued 
 prayers answered ; — they returned to their home re- 
 joicing, and glorifying God, who had done such great 
 things for them. 
 
 For a year and a half nothing occurred to interrupt 
 the young minister's labours and usefulness ; but at the 
 end of that period, a dangerous affection of the knee 
 joint, arising from an accident while riding, rendered it 
 imperatively necessary that he should cease, for a while, 
 from the active use of the limb ; and, in order to be 
 near Mr. Pearson, an eminent surgeon of that day, a 
 lodging was taken for him in Golden Square. For a 
 while the aspect of things was very serious ; and it was 
 once thought that he would be lame for life ; but a 
 divine hand appeared on his behalf, and by slow degrees 
 a cure was effected. 
 
 During this time his brother George and other 
 ministers supplied the lack of service of the young 
 and afflicted pastor; while he, in comparative solitude, 
 was learning, from a gracious teacher, better lessons 
 than a whole library of divinity could have taught him. 
 No one more than himself — no one so much as himself 
 — saw the necessity for the infliction of a thorn in the 
 flesh, to counteract or sanctify the buoyant tendencies 
 of his nature ; and with childlike submissiveness he 
 bowed to the stroke of his heavenly Father, knowing it 
 was sent in love.
 
 rev. j. Clayton's maeriage. 183 
 
 Happily recovered from this affliction, he prepared 
 his house for the reception of another inmate, who was 
 for thirty-six years to be his faithful companion, the 
 mother of his children, and the self-denying and 
 watchful minister's helpmeet ; the divider of his 
 sorrows, and the multiplier of his joys. On May 12th, 
 1803, he was married to Miss Sarah Ellis, a lady in 
 every way fitted for the important post to which the 
 providence of God had called her; and whose labours 
 in connexion with her husband's ministerial charges, 
 were of that silent, unostentatious, and yet valuable 
 character, which is the noblest testimony to excellence ; 
 and which wins an encomium like that which was 
 passed on the virtuous woman of Solomon : — " Her 
 price is above rubies ; the heart of her husband doth 
 safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of 
 spoil; she will do him good and not evil all the days 
 of her life. Her husband is known in the gates when 
 he sitteth among the elders of the land. Her children 
 rise up and call her blessed ; her husband also, and he 
 praiseth her. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and 
 let her own works praise her in the gates." 
 
 In 1804, Mr. John Clayton passed through some 
 anxieties, on account of a debt that appears to have 
 existed, in connexion with the chapel at Kensington, 
 for which, or for a portion thereof, he appears to have 
 been partially responsible. It was, however, soon 
 reduced to a small sum, for which a few of the people 
 became surety ; and so his mind — which ought never to 
 have been allowed to be disturbed by such an anxiety 
 — was set at rest. 
 
 The next year the congregation meeting in Camomile 
 Street, London, invited him to become their minister ;
 
 184 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 and after a connexion with his Kensington friends, 
 which had existed for nearly four years, he felt it his 
 duty to separate from them, and take up his abode 
 among a people to whom the pillar of divine providence 
 had directed him, and with whom, for forty years, it was 
 to be his privilege to live and labour. On April 4th, he 
 commenced his stated ministry in London ; transferring 
 his residence from the western to the eastern suburbs. 
 
 The village of Hackney, like its opposite neighbour 
 at Kensington, was a rural retreat for opulent citizens. 
 Its population at that time was scarcely one-twentieth 
 of the present number. Corn-fields then, and until a 
 quarter of a century ago, lay between the Downs and 
 London ; and he who walked from Hackney to Islington 
 passed through pleasant meadows, fragrant with wild 
 flowers, and along paths skirted by hawthorn bushes 
 and alders; while amidst tall elms and oaks a chorus 
 of singing birds made music all day long, and at night 
 the melody was repeated ; for the late Mr. Campbell, 
 of Kingsland, about the period now referred to, speaks 
 of the pleasure with which he listened to the song of 
 the nightingales, in Dalston fields! "They sing most 
 charmingly," he says ; " God seems to have designed 
 them to cheer the gloom." Here it was that Mr. 
 Clayton and his young wife located themselves; and 
 here for many years, though in various dwellings, he 
 continued to reside. 
 
 It is somewhat difficult to realize London when 
 Mr. John Clayton became one of its ministers, — for "'tis 
 sixty years since," and everything has so completely 
 changed. This is as true, in relation to the social and 
 religious condition of the place, as to its streets and 
 buildings, which in many localities are so metamor- 
 phosed, that an exile of a quarter of a century would
 
 PASTOItAL VISITATION. 185 
 
 have the greatest difficulty in recognizing what to him 
 had once been familiar spots. But still the position of 
 a preacher of the Gospel, as far as his purely ministerial 
 and pastoral duties are concerned, is much the same 
 now as then, as it regards the nature of the demands 
 made upon him, though not as to the extent thereof. 
 There was, probably, more time devoted to the visitation 
 of the people than is now expected, or is possible. 
 Business was not quite so absorbing, as in the present 
 day ; and the admission of a minister into the counting- 
 house, or shop, of one of his hearers, would not awaken 
 so much surprise as there is reason to believe it would 
 now. Then, merchants could find time to retire into 
 their private room, and hold a quarter of an hour's talk 
 with their pastor, on the best of all subjects; and not 
 resent the intrusion. Many, too, of the attendants in 
 city churches or chapels lived at their houses of 
 business ; so that if the master of the family could not 
 greet the pastor, other members of the household 
 would, and looked for such visits with interest and 
 expectation. 
 
 Mr. John Clayton was particularly qualified for this 
 work. His courteous manners, his ever-cheerful spirit, 
 and ready wit — which, however, were never suffered to 
 transgress due bounds, — his admirable and easy con- 
 versational powers, his fund of anecdote, and apt 
 quotations, made him a welcome visitor to young and 
 old; while his genuine and unostentatious piety, his 
 hearty sympathy, and Christian tenderness towards all 
 who were in " anywise afflicted, in mind, body, or 
 estate," proved him to be a disciple of the Master "who 
 can be touched with a feeling of our infirmities," and 
 made him an acceptable companion in the sick chamber 
 and at the bed of death.
 
 18G THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Whole days were spent by him in these engagements ; 
 and often lie has returned home thoroughly exhausted, 
 by the incessant strain upon his physical and mental 
 and emotional powers; for he had frequently to travel 
 great distances, along the crowded streets of London, 
 in order to discharge his pastoral functions ; the 
 reputation of the preacher having brought hearers from 
 different parts of the metropolis; all of whom had, or 
 thought they had, a claim upon his special regard. 
 
 The recorded experience of one of the most 
 indefatigable of London pastors, on this subject, may 
 be of service both to ministers and their people, who 
 dwell in large towns or cities. On one of the fragments 
 of the diary, before mentioned, he writes : — 
 
 "My greatest difficulty in ministerial, or rather in pastoral 
 engagements, was connected with, what is termed pastoral 
 visitation. "When our numbers were smaller, I was able to see 
 most of my people once or twice in the year ; and to pay almost 
 countless visits to the poor, the sick, the afflicted, and dying. 
 To this work I devoted two days in the week; often walking 
 and riding many miles in the day, and praying, from twelve to 
 twenty times, and more, with various members of my flock. 
 But I found this procedure impracticable, at the Poultry chapel. 
 I therefore tried to divide my people into districts ; but some- 
 times found that one required five times as much attention as 
 the other; and one complained if I did not to a great degree 
 equalize my visits to all. I obtained the aid of some of the 
 deacons and members, but ascertained that many were dissatis- 
 fied, unless they saw the minister. I fixed days and hours of 
 meeting, that those who wished to consult me on any subject 
 might come, either to my house, or the vestry ; but, after a little 
 while, comparatively few came. I adopted other expedients, 
 but none worked perfectly ; and after years of diversified 
 attempts, I was driven to the conviction, that in a dense 
 population, as in the metropolis, and large cities and towns, 
 and in a sphere in which there is nothing parochial, but in
 
 DILIGENCE IN STUDY. 187 
 
 which, the congregation is very widely dispersed, the pastor 
 must consult locality, the habits of the people, and must 
 particularly attend to the poor and afflicted; endeavouring to 
 see and visit others, as circumstances will allow. There are 
 two extremes he must try to avoid — that of neglect of a 
 considerable mass, and that excessive visitation, which absorbs 
 too much time, and deprives him of the opportunities of making 
 preparation in his study, for the intelligent and varied exercises 
 of the pulpit. This combination of a practical regard to my 
 flock in their houses, and to the requirements of sanctuary 
 services, often involved me in perplexity, and was carried on 
 sometimes at a great sacrifice of physical power." 
 
 But the character of his public ministrations showed 
 that no attention to this, or any other part of the 
 pastor's duties, was allowed to stand in the way of 
 suitable preparation, mental and spiritual, for the great 
 work of preaching. He knew the primary obligation of 
 a shepherd in Israel ; the " pastor according to God's 
 heart" was to "feed the flock, over which the Holy 
 Ghost had made him overseer, with knowledge and 
 understanding;" and he did not expect to be able to 
 communicate to others until, by conscientious and 
 painstaking diligence, he had first sought and secured 
 for himself those stores, from which the wants of others 
 could be supplied. 
 
 Although possessed of a remarkable fluency of speech, 
 which to its possessor is sometimes a great snare, he 
 never suffered himself to be beguiled into the neglect 
 of making a provision of some kind or other for all his 
 public services. It was with him a maxim, that he 
 would not offer to God or his people a sacrifice that 
 cost him nothing. He was ever anxious to present the 
 firstlings of the flock, and the finest of the wheat, to 
 the Lord; to bring the freshest and best thoughts he 
 could conceive, the results of profound and prayerful
 
 18S THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 meditation on divine tilings, wherewith to edify, and 
 strengthen, and comfort his people. 
 
 Through the whole of his ministerial life he was a 
 diligent theological student; not unmindful of the 
 valuable contributions to our religious libraries, to 
 which the present century has given birth — for he ever 
 kept himself abreast of the current literature of the 
 day, — but especially delighting in the society of the 
 giants in theology, who, by the overruling providence 
 of the Great Head of the church, were directed to go 
 down into the mines of divine truth, and dig thence 
 the gold and gems of priceless worth, which succeeding 
 ages, to whom another kind of work was assigned, 
 might contemplate, and polish, and wear, and use. 
 The old divines were not so much men of action as 
 men of thought. Participating, by a few weeks' perusal, 
 in the results of months and years of earnest study, the 
 present generation are able to devote more time to 
 those duties that now demand attention and active 
 effort, but to which these thoughtful and holy men, 
 comfortably ensconced, from Monday till Saturday, in 
 their studies, had no call, and of which they certainly 
 had no conception. 
 
 Considering the great amount of work which Mr. 
 John Clayton performed, in the way of preaching, as 
 well as of pastoral visitation — for his popularity led 
 to his being invited, in all directions, to anniversaries, 
 and ordination services, and to plead the cause of the 
 missionary and Bible societies, and different philan- 
 thropic institutions, — one marvels how all could have 
 been done, and done so well. But an explanation of 
 his capacity for multifarious and diversified labours is 
 afforded, by the fact of his being very methodical in his 
 distribution of time, and systematically and invariably
 
 MISSIONAEY SERMON. 189 
 
 an early riser. He had learned this from his venerable 
 father. Every morning, at five in summer, and six in 
 winter, he was to be found in his study, engaged either 
 in reading or writing. His correspondence was usually 
 gone through during these early hours ; and often his 
 family, when they came in to worship, at eight o'clock, 
 would find twenty letters on the mantelpiece, waiting 
 to go to their destination. 
 
 It was well for him that he had a pen as facile as his 
 tongue was eloquent, for terrible demands were made 
 upon it. And it would be well if people generally, in 
 the present day, would remember, that ministers of any 
 standing must, of necessity, have a large correspondence, 
 and so be merciful and moderate in their expectations 
 of replies, especially on their business. It might not be 
 amiss, either, if they would try to recollect that a penny 
 post is by no means a cheap institution for all persons ; 
 but often a serious expense to public men, from the 
 want of a little thought on the part of those who desire 
 to be benefited by their services. " This is also a sore 
 evil." 
 
 Years passed, with multiplying evidences of useful- 
 ness to the pastor in Camomile Street. In May, 1809, 
 he was chosen to preach one of the anniversary sermons 
 of the London Missionary Society, at the Tabernacle : 
 an honour which was subsequently shared in by his 
 brothers George and William ; the only instance of the 
 kind in which three members of one family, sustaining 
 the fraternal relationship toward each other, were called 
 upon to engage in such special services for this great 
 missionary institution. 
 
 By degrees Mr. Clayton's family increased, and the 
 education of his children was a new care added to those
 
 100 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 pertaining to the ministerial office. In the duties of 
 home he had an admirable helper in his wife, who 
 loved to lighten the burden which often rested heavily 
 on her husband ; and by her spirit, temper, and devotion 
 to his welfare, chased away many a furrow that would 
 otherwise have written itself on his brow. 
 
 Mr. Clayton was — what is not always the case with 
 men in his position — as much the light and life of his 
 own family as he was of his people. "While every day 
 interested in all that concerned his children, and always 
 glad to associate with them, as his duties would allow, 
 he set apart every Saturday afternoon for them, exclu- 
 sively. That was their weekly holiday at home, to 
 which they always looked forward with delight. Directly 
 after an early dinner, if the weather was fine, they 
 sallied forth into the country, around and beyond 
 Hackney; and spent the hours till tea-time in wandering 
 among green fields, gathering wild flowers and binding 
 them into chaplets; or running races, in which the 
 father was as earnest and active as his young people. 
 When the weather was unfavourable, the playroom was 
 the scene of their romps; and, amid shouts and laughter, 
 he was made to do suit and service to the little playful 
 tyrants, who, during these pleasant saturnalia, usurped 
 a temporary sovereignty over the minister and parent. 
 
 At six o'clock, however, all noise was hushed. " That 
 day was the preparation, and the Sabbath drew on;" 
 and that he might make ready for its coming, with all 
 its sweet solemnities, Mr. Clayton sought the retirement 
 of his study, for the rest of the evening ; and gave the 
 last hours of the week to solemn self-scrutiny, and to 
 those "preparations of the heart" which he believed to 
 be a preacher's best and most fitting prelude to the 
 right " answering of the tongue."
 
 KEY. JOHN NEWTON. 191 
 
 Mr. Clayton's official position in London brought him 
 frequently into contact with ministers of other denomi- 
 nations, and with several estimable clergymen he formed 
 close friendships, with which no difference of opinion 
 on ecclesiastical matters interfered. 
 
 The meetings of the Eclectic Society, of which his 
 father was a member, and to which he was introduced 
 in the early part of his ministry, afforded him excellent 
 opportunities for the cultivation of the amenities of 
 Christian life, with those who were in communion with 
 other branches of the church of God ; and offered 
 a healthy stimulus to his intellectual pow T ers — these 
 meetings never being allowed to degenerate into mere 
 gossip; but given subjects being considered, and each 
 one in his turn expected to offer the results of his 
 reflection upon them. 
 
 With none whom he met there was he on more 
 friendly terms than with the Rev. John Newton, with 
 whom, from his boyhood, he had been a favourite ; and 
 one of the greatest treats that could be offered to him 
 and his brothers, was to breakfast with the venerable 
 old man, whose quaint, and shrewd, and sensible 
 remarks on men and things were calculated to interest 
 intelligent youths, just entering upon the busy world. 
 In his latter days certain vagaries were indulged in by 
 some of his brother clergymen, whom he did not spare 
 in his animadversions. He loved the simple purity of 
 the Gospel, without any of the meretricious adjuncts 
 which sometimes foolish, but well-meaning men sought 
 to bring with it. Had he lived in these days, and seen 
 the absurd lengths to which modern ritualists have 
 gone, in making fools of themselves and dupes of their 
 congregations, he would have been still more desirous 
 to obtain a gratification of the wish, of which he spoke 
 one day to his young friend.
 
 192 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 " John," said he, " I should like to add one more 
 petition to the Litany." 
 
 "Ah! sir," rejoined his companion, smiling; "but 
 you know you can't. If you were an Independent, you 
 could, if you pleased, introduce a dozen." 
 
 " Well, well," replied the old man, " perhaps so ; but 
 I should be satisfied, just now, as an Episcopalian, 
 with one." 
 
 " And what would you add ? " inquired Mr. Clayton, 
 whose curiosity was roused. 
 
 " Well," said Mr. Newton, " seeing some of my 
 brethren are 'carried about with every wind of doctrine,' 
 as if they had lost their senses, I would pray, ' From 
 all windmills in the head, good^ Lord, deliver us ! "
 
 Cijaptcr Z$M. 
 
 REV. JOHN CLAYTON, JUN.— 1818-1834. 
 
 SEW CHAPEL IX THE POULTRY. — ADDRESS AT THE FOUNDATION-STONE. — 
 OPENING SERVICES. — CHARACTERISTICS OF MR. J. CLAYTONS PREACHING. 
 — KINDNESS TO POOR MINISTERS. — ANECDOTE. — LETTER TO AN ASPIRANT 
 TO THE MINISTRY. — ADVICE TO HIS DAUGHTERS. — ANECDOTE. — JOINT 
 SECRETARYSHIP OF THE LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. — REV. W. ELLIS. 
 
 Time continued to roll on, and the congregation at 
 Camomile Street felt the necessity of enlarging their 
 borders. But this was impracticable, in that locality ; 
 and Mr. Clayton and fiis friends contemplated the 
 erection of a new and much larger sanctuary. But 
 where to build was the great difficulty, and one that for 
 some years delayed the execution of their project; until 
 at length, the freehold spot of ground, on which the 
 Poultry chapel now stands, and for which ,£2,000 were 
 paid to the corporation of the city of London, was 
 decided upon. 
 
 According to Mr. Clayton's statement, at the laying 
 of the foundation-stone of the new building, December 
 17th j 1818, " several of the contiguous places of worship 
 belonging to the Congregationalists were about to be 
 pulled down, without a prospect of being rebuilt;" so 
 that the eligibility of the place selected, for more 
 reasons than one, became apparent. 
 
 Speaking of the site they had chosen, Mr. Clayton 
 said, on the occasion referred to, — 
 
 "The spot on which we now stand has been subjected to a 
 variety of vicissitudes. For ages, it was occasionally watered 
 by the superfluous tides of that noble river which rolls in our 
 

 
 194 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 vicinity ; and which is a source of health, support, and opulence 
 to the inhabitants of this vast city and the surrounding country. 
 From the scanty information which at this distance of time 
 we are able to gather, it seems to have been occupied as the 
 site of a few insignificant houses, that either fell into decay, or 
 were pulled down, for the erection of a market-place ; and this 
 immediately took its name from the fowls which were sold here, 
 to supply the tables of the residents in the metropolis. Long 
 before the citizens had the appointment of their sheriffs, the 
 ground was selected as a central place for a prison ; though it 
 is not ascertained in what year the house of confinement was 
 built. Stow, in his Survey of London, published in 1G18, says, 
 'Some four houses west of St. Mildred's church is a prison- 
 house, pertaining to one of the sheriffs of London, and is called 
 the " Counter in the Poultrie ; " this hath been there kept time 
 out of mind, for I have not read of the original thereof.' But 
 another change awaited the situation on which we stand ; and 
 the compter having been removed, we are assembled this 
 morning to lay the foundation-stone of a house, for the worship 
 of Him, who amidst the revolutions of His providence, as well 
 as by the efficiency of His grace, exhibits His high prerogative, 
 'Behold, I create all things new.' 
 
 "It is a fact, not unworthy of notice, that very near to the 
 site of the Poultry chapel, 'Henry Wallice erected, about the 
 year 1281, the first great conduit, to convey sweet water, in 
 pipes under-ground, from Paddington to the city, which was 
 castellated with lead.'* "What are the sanctuaries in our 
 metropolis but so many, reservoirs? 'the streams from which 
 make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of 
 the Most High.' May the erection, in which we hope to 
 worship, add to the number of these fountains, which shall 
 refresh and cool the thirsting multitudes who may come to 
 draw water from the wells of salvation ! So shall our grateful 
 pleasure burst into a song : 
 
 " ' What glories -were described of old ! 
 What wonders were of Zion told: 
 Thou city of our God below, 
 Thy fame shall Tyre aud Egypt know. 
 
 * See Chamberlain's History of London.
 
 DEATH OF A CHILD. 195 
 
 " ' Egypt and Tyre, and Greek and Jew, 
 Shall there begin their lives anew ; 
 Angels and men shall join to sing 
 The hill where living waters spring.' " 
 
 Mr. Clayton's father, and his brother George, offered 
 the devotions of the assembly, on this interesting 
 occasion. 
 
 Shortly afterwards, the feet of the silent messenger 
 crossed his threshold; and one of the little band that 
 was wont to gather around his knees was summoned 
 away. He mourned so deeply for the son, thus 
 snatched from the parents who had so fondly nurtured 
 him, that an alarming illness followed, of some months' 
 duration. But from both personal and relative affliction 
 he emerged, as gold from the fire ; and with a chastened 
 spirit prepared for the enlarged sphere of usefulness 
 which was opening before him, in the new sanctuary. 
 It was in this year, 1819, he was elected one of the 
 Merchants' lecturers ; a post he continued to occupy till 
 the close of his ministry in London. 
 
 Everything had succeeded in the erection of the 
 building of the Poultry chapel, which cost £1 0,000; 
 and it was with feelings of devout joy and thankfulness 
 that arrangements were made for the opening services. 
 These took place on November 17th, 1819, exactly 
 eleven months from the laying of the foundation-stone ; 
 and, on this occasion, the Rev. John Clayton, of the 
 Weighhouse chapel; the Rev. Thomas (afterwards Dr.) 
 Raffles, of Liverpool ; and the Rev. W. Jay, of Bath ; 
 were the preachers. All the sermons were to have 
 been printed ; but the numerous engagements and 
 afflictions of the two last-named ministers prevented 
 this intention from being carried out. Mr. Clayton's 
 was published, and is based on the text, Ezekiel xlviii.
 
 ] .: THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 35, '-And the name of the city from that day shall be, 
 The Loed is there." 
 
 In this sermon he refers touchingly to the change 
 which had passed over the city of London and its 
 inhabitants, since the time when he had first come to 
 settle there : — 
 
 " If such bo the nature of that presence with which God 
 favours the evangelical church, let us inquire for what purposes 
 the Lord is there? He is there to repair the ever- wasting 
 population of the city of His abode. Death is constantly 
 removing men from the civil and ecclesiastical distinctions 
 enjoyed in the present world. "What changes have I witnessed, 
 since I commenced my ministry in the city of London! I am 
 now the eldest minister but two in our denomination ; and there 
 are onlv two persons living of the church over which I was 
 ordained. In the space of forty-one years, mayors, sheriffs, 
 aldermen, recorders, deputies, common council-men, comptrollers, 
 solicitors, surveyors, sword-bearers, marshal-men, have been 
 pt away from civil citizenship. But the God of providence 
 perpetuates his ordinance of magistracy, and raises up a 
 succession of persons whom he qualifies, to restrain the factious 
 and profligate, and protect the orderly citizens." 
 
 There is, throughout this discourse, the same fearless 
 and pointed reference to duties and doctrines, which 
 was wont to characterize his teaching, and which was 
 evidently dictated by some sad experiences he had had 
 of delinquent professors. The concluding portion of it 
 is a favourable specimen of his style, and, as it was 
 about the last publication he sent from the press, it 
 may be given entire : 
 
 "Let me embrace this opportunity of saving a few words to 
 the minister of this place — a freedom which I can take with a 
 son, and for which, therefore, I need offer no apology. 
 
 " Your dear mother and I have had the honour of rearing,
 
 mr. Clayton's sermon. 197 
 
 educating, and introducing you into active life, which we did, 
 with deep anxiety, with many prayers and tears, noticed by 
 Him who seeth in secret. I baptized you, when an unconscious 
 infant, in the midst of an affectionate and praying congregation ; 
 and afterwards had the high satisfaction of receiving you into 
 the church, and dispensing to you the holy sacrament. I gave 
 the charge at your ordination, and addressed you on your 
 settlement at Camomile Street ; and now, probably for the last 
 time, I again speak to you, on an occasion that will not soon be 
 forgotten. 
 
 " In this ward of the holy city of God you are called to 
 preside, and God is present to witness your behaviour. Be 
 faithful then, as a steward of the mysteries of the kingdom ; 
 and commend yourself ' to every man's conscience, as in the 
 sight of God.' A larger place of worship, and more numerous 
 hearers, instead of elating, should alarm and humble you; for 
 these circumstances swell the awful account you will have to 
 give to your great Master. Use the religious time of the 
 congregation with pious care, yea, with fear and trembling ; 
 recollecting that you have not more than a few hours in the 
 week, in which you can ministerially deal with immortal souls. 
 Let them be occupied, therefore, with the zealous consideration 
 of essential and saving truth ; and let your grand aim be, to 
 break the whole heart, and to heal the broken one. Be not 
 puffed up, because there is not a pew, in this capacious place, 
 unoccupied with attentive hearers. Bemember, successful 
 instrumentality and personal religion may exist — apart. It is 
 to be feared that some ministers live on preaching, as some 
 hearers live on hearing, — deceiving their own souls. 
 
 "Be encouraged, however, in the discharge of your various 
 duties. God is here. You have had His gracious support in 
 your personal and farnity afflictions, which have been many and 
 frequent. They have been wisely appointed, as ballast ; so that 
 your bark has better cut the waves, and has hitherto, through 
 the favour of the skilful pilot, sailed steadily. May your 
 experience and example contribute to the advantage of your 
 brethren, who may be called to traverse deep waters in stormy 
 seasons ! Confide yourself still to that gracious God, who has
 
 198 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 conducted you through many and sore troubles, and who will 
 strengthen you for your accumulating official engagements. 
 
 "The times in which we live are of such a character, that 
 every Christian who occupies a public station needs the special 
 aid of God's Holy Spirit, to stem the torrent of opposition. 
 This is the age of audacity. It is fashionable to attack states- 
 men, judges, magistrates, and ministers of religion, not only 
 by all sorts of slander and disparaging insinuations, but in 
 language the most indecent and scurrilous. Be not intimidated, 
 should you be thus assailed. Calculate upon such assaults. 
 All ministers of Christ, who have decision in their sentiments, 
 and moral and practical point in their preaching and conduct, 
 will be vilified by heretics who hate 'the truth as it is in 
 Jesus;' by those who seem to be in their favourite element 
 when they are 'speaking evil of dignities;' and by depraved 
 and fraudulent characters, as well as by the multiplied tribe of 
 Antinomian religionists. But never let their profane and 
 vociferous clamours — no, nor the rage of Satan, in any form — 
 daunt your spirit, in the faithful performance of imperious 
 duty. Continually call to remembrance the text which you 
 chose when you first ascended your father's pulpit : ' None of 
 these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto 
 myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the 
 ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the 
 Gospel of the grace of God.' 
 
 " I conclude, my dear firstborn, by what has been my prayer 
 from your infancy, — that God would bless you, and make you a 
 blessing ; and by conjuring and animating you, in the words of 
 the Great LTead of the church : ' Be thou faithful unto death, 
 and I will give thee a crown of life.' 
 
 "Finally, I would supply a closing thought or two to the 
 congregation. To you who sustain office here, I would state 
 that, in a family consultation which took place, relative to the 
 removal of your minister to Camomile Street, I ventured to say, 
 ' The materials are good, and the little band is so well officered, 
 that you will not be hindered, but helped, in the execution of 
 any plan for the promotion of truth, holiness, and peace.' I 
 am no prophet; yet this prediction has been verified, and is
 
 MINISTERIAL ACCEPTABLENESS. 199 
 
 still true. Continue, my esteemed brethren, to stand by your 
 minister, while lie adheres to the Word of God, as his rule ; and 
 support him by your prayers, and by every good office which 
 Christian love dictates." 
 
 A short time sufficed for the noble edifice, which had 
 been erected for Mr. Clayton and liis people, to be 
 completely filled. He had now attained the very 
 height of his popularity. Everything combined to 
 insure his acceptableness with the public. He was 
 in the midday of his manhood — for he had not yet 
 passed the fortieth year of his age. He had a fine 
 commanding person, that arrested the eye of the 
 spectator, the moment he ascended the pulpit or 
 platform. Over a countenance, strikingly expressive 
 of openness and candour, might be seen perpetually 
 glinting a smile of sympathy with his audience ; while 
 the consciousness that he came as the bearer of a 
 message of momentous importance to those he 
 addressed, always threw over it a slight shade of 
 seriousness, that only added to the dignity and 
 impressiveness of his look and manners. His voice 
 was full and melodious in its intonations — capable of 
 rousing the indifferent and the slumbering, or of 
 soothing the sorrowful and weary. Above all, there 
 was the faithful and earnest representation of Gospel 
 truth — a declaration of the whole counsel of God, 
 " whether men would hear, or whether they would 
 forbear." From his pulpit the trumpet uttered no 
 uncertain sound. Its notes were ever heard, ringing 
 clear, and full, and unmistakable — warning of danger, 
 and summoning to the battle. 
 
 Mr. Clayton's style was one which appeared well 
 suited to a public auditory. To some, perhaps, it 
 might seem too redundant, and as bordering a little
 
 200 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 more on the grandiloquent than a severe taste could 
 approve. But the results showed that it was the hest 
 style he could adopt for real effect. His crowded 
 congregations, and — better and more satisfactory than 
 these, — the numerous instances of spiritual benefit, 
 wrought through his instrumentality, bore their testi- 
 mony to its adaptation for usefulness. He would 
 be most unfairly judged if it were imagined by 
 those who never heard him, but only heard of him, 
 that an inflated verbosity was a conspicuous feature in 
 those exercises ; for not very friendly critics sometimes 
 spoke of the " Clay toman style," as if this were its chief 
 characteristic. Beneath all, there was ever a solid 
 substratum of healthy thought, good sound sense, a 
 scripturalness of doctrine that could not be gainsayed, 
 and unaffected piety. The religious public, however 
 much it may be beguiled, for a season, by the advent 
 of some flaming meteor, whose corruscations dazzle 
 and confound, and fling lesser lights into the shade, 
 continues to follow only the clear, steadily-shining 
 radiance that " guides our feet into the way of peace." 
 It can hardly be believed that large and respectable 
 congregations would, for nearly fifty years, have 
 persisted in hearing Mr. John Clayton, unless, amid 
 many defects that might be visible, he had had the 
 main elements of a thoroughly good and effective 
 speaker. So that those who revere his memory are 
 content to leave the verdict, on the matter under 
 consideration, to be determined by the general estimate 
 formed of him; and that unquestionably was one the 
 most favourable. 
 
 The following passage, from a letter addressed by 
 his father to his daughter, Mrs. Janson, after he had 
 been listening to one of his son's sermons, although it
 
 ESTIMATE OF JOHN CLAYTONS PREACHING. 201 
 
 is the opinion of a critic who sustained a near and 
 holy relationship with the preacher, is yet not to be 
 disregarded ; as it expresses the deliberate opinion of 
 one who, having been familiar with preachers and 
 orators for nearly half a century, was eminently capable 
 of forming a good judgment on the subject, and whose 
 utterances had always been characterized by a strict 
 adherence to literal truth : — • 
 
 "Dear John preached last night, for the \Valworth charity 
 schools, and slept here. The partiality of a father out of the 
 question, he is certainly a very superior minister. His strength 
 of thought, ingenuity, and high-raised ardour, awakened my 
 admiration, to no small degree. I had not heard him for a 
 considerable time; I was glad of the opportunity. His pre- 
 eminent talents, and the honour God has been pleased to put 
 upon all your brothers, instead of elating my mind, produce a 
 humble fear, lest any bold temptation should prevail, so far as 
 to sully our characters, and interrupt that usefulness for which 
 many are grateful to the God of grace. It is only in heaven 
 that hearts never grow worse, and reputations never tarnish. 
 Pray for those who stand in high places, which few occupy ; 
 that they may know their danger, and take heed lest they fall." 
 
 While Mr. John Clayton was reaping the reward of 
 a faithful ministry, in the love and attachment of his 
 people, whose growth in spiritual life it was his 
 honourable ambition and object to promote ; and while 
 substantial advantages, of a worldly nature, were not 
 wanting, as the honestly-earned recompense of his 
 untiring labours, he was not unmindful of others, less 
 fortunately fixed than himself. He was truly " a 
 brother born for adversity;" and no one ever sought 
 his aid in vain, unless the character of the suppliant 
 made him unworthy of sympathy. Even that did not 
 always close his heart or hand against the faulty one ;
 
 202 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 and a stern rebuke of folly or sin was generally 
 accompanied by some solid evidence that the reproof 
 was not intended as a convenient cover, under which to 
 escape from the performance of a deed of charity. 
 
 His position, as a pastor in one of the largest 
 churches in London, afforded opportunity for aiding 
 necessitous ministers, by becoming the almoner of the 
 bounty of others; and sharing in the administration of 
 some funds that had been left, long ago, for the relief 
 of " poor ministers of Christ's holy Gospel." But he 
 was not content with this; and for many years gave 
 £100 per annum, out of his own private resources, to 
 comfort the hearts of his brethren, who were often 
 made to feel — and but for his generosity would have 
 felt yet more keenly — the res angusta domi. If the 
 prayers and blessings of grateful souls can weave 
 around the benevolent a curtain of quiet repose, then 
 must many of his nights have been very peaceful; for 
 there was scarcely a day in which he did not make 
 some one's " heart to sing for joy." For many years 
 he conscientiously devoted one-sixth part of his entire 
 income to purposes of a religious and philanthropic 
 character; in numerous instances helping largely those 
 whose necessities made a powerful appeal to his gene- 
 rous sympathy. 
 
 Mr. Clayton was not only ready to help others, but, 
 as opportunity offered, he strove to make those over 
 whom he had any influence do likewise. He was one 
 day in the Kotunda of the Bank of England, when he 
 saw, standing next him at the counter, one of his 
 own members, — a bachelor, who had long passed the 
 meridian of life, — and who was sweeping up a large 
 number of notes and sovereigns, evidently the proceeds 
 of a dividend warrant he had just handed in.
 
 ANECDOTE. 203 
 
 Astonished at seeing so much money in the hands of 
 one who had never been supposed to possess one tithe 
 of the income this amount indicated, Mr. Clayton said, 
 
 half earnestly, and half jocularly, " Brother H , is 
 
 all that yours?" 
 
 The person addressed turned round, as he heard the 
 well-known voice, and said quietly, " Not any one else's, 
 you may be sure." 
 
 " Stay," said Mr. Clayton, " till I get my money, and 
 let me walk home with you. I have a pastoral word or 
 
 two to say." Mr. H quietly waited for his minister, 
 
 and they left the bank together. 
 
 Mr. Clayton ascertained that his companion, who 
 made no secret of the matter, was a wealthy man, with 
 few or no claims upon his purse, and he then said : 
 
 " My dear brother, can you reconcile it to your 
 conscience to be the possessor of your annual income, 
 and give one solitary guinea to the Missionary Society, 
 another to the Bible Society, and a third, and perhaps 
 a fourth, to some other object? Is this being a faithful 
 steward?" And thus discoursing, he set before his 
 auditor, who listened respectfully, the duty of being 
 " rich towards God." 
 
 " I never thought of this before," exclaimed his 
 companion ; " I see my fault this day. Help me, and 
 I will remedy it." 
 
 And he did. From that time he increased his 
 subscriptions tenfold, in one case nftyfold ; and after a 
 life, from this period, marked by acts of great munifi- 
 cence, he died, bequeathing almost the whole of his 
 property to two of our most valued institutions ; and a 
 handsome legacy, though by no means a large one, to 
 his minister; thus testifying his due appreciation of 
 the fidelity of the reproof he had received, and giving a
 
 204 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 practical evidence of the effectiveness and value of the 
 pastoral tuitions of many years. 
 
 While aiding those already in the ministry, he was 
 prepared to give judicious advice to those who were 
 seeking to enter it; a line of conduct which should he 
 more scrupulously followed than, apparently, it is. 
 When one considers the failures of some, — and the 
 number is by no means small, — who have been attracted 
 to the work, without possessing the requisite qualifica- 
 tions, one cannot but wish that there had been more 
 fidelity and judgment exercised on the part of those 
 who encouraged the step, and who are afterwards 
 mortified at the non-fulfilment of their expectations. 
 Happily, in the case of the esteemed brother, the 
 Rev. John Thornton, of Stockport, to whom the 
 following letter was sent, — and who was brought up 
 under good training, at home and in the sanctuary, — 
 no such disappointment ensued ; but the appropriate- 
 ness of the counsel, and the wisdom of the suggestive 
 queries, are not less conspicuous. 
 
 "Hackney, Mar. 18th, 1823. 
 
 " My dear young Friend, — I was very sorry to bo from 
 home when you favoured us with a visit, the other day ; but 
 you would learn that I was under the necessity of going into 
 the country, with my father, who was, and is still, seriously 
 indisposed. 
 
 " My regret, too, was increased when I found, from 
 Mrs. Clayton's statement, the nature of the topic that you 
 wished to discuss, at the interview which you purposed to hold 
 with me, — namely, the desire which you entertain for the 
 Christian ministry. 
 
 " I wonder not at this desire. It is what almost all converts 
 to the Saviour feel, more especially in the novitiate of their 
 Christianity. And it is one sign of the possession of love to
 
 LETTER TO REV. J. THORNTON. 205 
 
 Him, when we are anxious that all should become the 
 participants of His grace. 
 
 "As, however, you ask my opinion and advice, I will 
 endeavour to give it to you, with the most transparent honesty 
 and simplicity. And if my cautionary language should not 
 quite correspond with your ardent feeling, attribute it, I pray 
 you, to my friendship ; and to my anxious wish that you should 
 not take a step which you might afterwards deplore, and which 
 your valuable parents might also bewail. 
 
 " Previously, then, to my entrance on full conversation with 
 you, on the momentous subject, allow me to furnish you with a 
 few questions, which I beg you to press home to your conscience, 
 ere we shall embrace an opportunity for discussion. 
 
 " 1. Have you, seriously and deliberately, inspected and 
 sifted the motives which influence you, in desiring the ministry:' 
 
 "2. Have you inquired whether a weariness with secular 
 labour, and a desire for comparative or imaginary repose, have 
 had no powerful influence on your mind ? 
 
 "3. Have you asked whether a hope of distinction among 
 your fellow-creatures, and fellow- Christians, has not presented 
 itself to your ambition ? 
 
 " 4. Have you had any dispute, or quarrel, or misunderstand- 
 ing, with your employer, or those who may be in his service, 
 which has given you a disgust to your present situation ? The 
 fact is, / have known persons who have undertaken preparatory 
 studies, and have afterwards stated the above circumstances as 
 having had the ascendency in their mind. 
 
 "5. Have you made this topic the subject of frequent and 
 fervent prayer? Not only have you occasionally adverted to 
 it, in your supplications, but have you laid aside any time 
 specifically to spread the case before the Lord ? 
 
 " 6. Have you in some degree attempted to count the cost ? 
 I say ' in some degree,' for none know it fully, till they have 
 been for a while employed in the work. 
 
 " 7. Are you prepared to say that, by God's assisting grace, 
 you can labour for years in previous study ? 
 
 "8. Can you consent to resign (for the most part) worldly 
 fame, and worldly possessions, and to become the despised, 
 lowly, patient, diligent preacher of ' Christ and Him crucified?'
 
 20 G THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 "I will not at present multiply these inquiries. I know 
 your time is much occupied, and you cannot rescue many 
 minutes for private reflection. Carry, however, I beseech you, 
 these preliminary thoughts and queries into your retirement, 
 and think over them ; and when you can gain the opportunity, 
 I shall be most happy, either to wait on you at Mr. Ashton's, 
 or to see you here, whichever may be most convenient or 
 agreeable to you. 
 
 "Meanwhile I commend you to the wisdom and grace of 
 God. May Jesus be your counsellor, and then you will not 
 err ! I shall not cease to make mention of you in my prayers ; 
 and with best respects to Mr. and Mrs. Ashton and family, — I 
 remain, my dear sir, yours affectionately and faithfully, 
 
 " John Clayton, Jun. 
 
 " Mr. John Thornton." 
 
 Reference lias already been made to Mr. Clayton's 
 domestic engagements with his children, and to the 
 interest and pleasure he took in their enjoyments. As 
 these children grew up, he became more and more 
 solicitous for their best welfare; and strove, by means 
 of counsel and prayer, to commend to them " whatso- 
 ever was true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good 
 report." 
 
 The document that follows speaks for itself. I 
 rejoice exceedingly in the permission accorded me, of 
 presenting to the public that which was originally 
 written only for the perusal of the dear ones to whom 
 it was sent. It will well repay the attention given to it, 
 and may be read with profit by all the daughters of our 
 households. 
 
 " A LETTER FROM A FATHER TO HIS BELOVED DAUGHTERS, AT THE CLOSE 
 OF THEIR MORE REGULAR PROCESS OF EDUCATION. 
 
 " My beloved Daughters, — The publicity of my character 
 and station renders it difficult for me to select a quiet and
 
 LETTER TO HIS DAUGHTERS. 207 
 
 undisturbed hour, for intellectual and religious intercourse with 
 my children. I have, therefore, availed myself of the break of 
 day, and shall devote this morning, before we enter on the 
 ordinary business of the family, to pen down a few thoughts 
 which I am very anxious to impress upon your minds. 
 
 "As your eyes pass over the lines which follow, some of 
 them, at least, may appear to refer to subjects of a trivial 
 order, and some to embrace topics very intimately connected 
 with the state of the heart, which none but Grod can see; 
 yet be assured that I shall advance nothing that is trifling, 
 and nothing which does not spring from the tenderest and 
 most anxious parental love. 
 
 "Before I enter on the express and specific theme of this 
 epistle, I must call your attention to the crisis at which you 
 have arrived, in the course of your education. Most of its 
 official forms have now passed away. Your regular instructress 
 has terminated her engagements, and you will only receive the 
 occasional visits of a professional person, to give a finishing 
 stroke to the system which, for three years past, we have 
 diligently pursued. 
 
 " There are two dispositions of mind which I am solicitous 
 you should exercise, in reference to educational engagements : 
 the one relates to the past, the other to the future. 
 
 "On taking a retrospect of the past, it becomes you to 
 cherish a spirit of gratitude to God, that your parents have 
 been enabled to secure for you such a training as that you have 
 enjoyed ; and that, during the process of tuition, no events have 
 occurred, whether of a physical or moral nature, which have 
 seriously interrupted either your governess or yourselves, in 
 the prosecution of your mutual labours. Disease has not 
 disqualified you ; reason has not been eclipsed ; the most 
 friendly feelings have been maintained between you and your 
 monitress ; and as you met, so have you parted — in the exercise 
 of those kindly affections which so sweeten and adorn the 
 intercourse of life. 
 
 "If, my dear girls, you cultivate gratitude for your advan- 
 tages, it will have a tendency to promote humility ; and it will 
 prevent the discovery or indulgence of anything like a contempt
 
 208 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 of others, who may not have been blessed with privileges 
 resembling your own ; and while you will render praise to Him 
 who lias appointed the bounds of your habitation, and crowned 
 you with mercies, you will endeavour to imitate Him, ' who had 
 compassion on the ignorant, and on them that were out of the 
 way.' 
 
 ""With regard to the future, I entreat you to cultivate a 
 desire for improvement, and to aim at its attainment. Your 
 previous education is only the groundwork on which the 
 superstructure is to be raised ; it is not the completion of the 
 building. I have pitied some parents, who have gazed at their 
 children when the} - have just left school, and have exclaimed, 
 with a mixture of ignorance and complacency, ' They are 
 finished!' when in fact it has been evident to the sober and 
 thoughtful spectator, that they had scarcely begun. 
 
 "Knowledge, like the sun, is to shine brighter and brighter 
 to the perfect day. But who can think it is noon when it has 
 just struck nine 1 Principle, like the tree, is daily to take 
 deeper root ; to spread its fibrous ramifications beneath the 
 ground, and at proper seasons to open into leaf and bloom ; to 
 extend its branches, and thicken its boughs, and bring forth an 
 increasing abundance of fruit. 
 
 " Try and acquire a real love for reading — perusing not the 
 mere ephemeral publications which pass through the house 
 from book societies (and one half of which are not worth a 
 glance), but those solid, entertaining, as well as instructive 
 works, which, if life be spared, I shall successively put into 
 your hands. Hitherto you have been educated by others ; now 
 you must, in a sense, educate yourselves; and, in projiortion as 
 your stock of valuable ideas increases, you will be furnished 
 with materials for reflection — so that solitude will not be 
 irksome ; while you will be supplied with a fund to communi- 
 cate to others ; and thus in society your company will be both 
 profitable and pleasant. 
 
 " From these prefatory remarks I pass on to the more 
 immediate object which I have in view, which is, to present 
 you with some condensed advice and rules, to which I hope vou 
 will take earnest heed ; and to render them the more impressive,
 
 LETTER TO HIS DAUGHTERS. 209 
 
 and that they may be the more easily remembered, I shall 
 arrange them under three divisions: — First, your duties to 
 God; Secondly, to the Family; and, Thirdly, to Society in 
 general. 
 
 "First: Your duties to God. Commence and close every 
 day with Him. Fail not to read some portion of Scripture, or 
 of such good books as you are furnished with, at your private 
 devotions. Watch against hindrances, which would deprive 
 you of the sacred half hour, both in the morning and in the 
 evening. When you are alone, guard against distractions; 
 vain musings ; examining your drawers ; looking over your 
 letters, your curiosities, your drawings, or clothes. Kesolutely 
 employ the consecrated time religiously — that is, in meditating 
 on the appointed portion which you read, and in bending your 
 knees, and humbly imploring the forgiveness of your sins ; the 
 purification of your consciences, by the blood of the cross; 
 the gift of a new heart ; and all needful grace to fit you for 
 the duties, the cares, the temptations, and the enjoyments of 
 life. If once you become careless and neglectful of private 
 devotion, you cut the very root of all true excellence, and 
 substantial pleasure, and solid usefulness, in those spheres in 
 which you may be placed. 
 
 " Consider, too, when you are in the sanctuary, that you 
 have visited it, not to perform a few formal ceremonies ; not as 
 you would go to a picture gallery, or a panorama, to see and 
 to be seen, but to worship God. Endeavour to join with the 
 minister in prayer, to unite in the singing, and to make an 
 application of what the preacher advances to yourselves. You 
 are too well instructed, and, I am happy to add, are too 
 habituated to an outward reverence in the temple, to render 
 any suggestions necessary, as to the manner in which you 
 should behave in the house of God. But I am desirous that 
 you should watch the movements of the mind; and bear in 
 remembrance that no worship is acceptable but that which is 
 offered by the heart; nay, that any other is in reality no 
 worship at all. 
 
 " Wherever you are, let this sentence press upon your spirits, 
 * Thou, God, seest me.' The eye of a parent, of a relative, of a 
 
 P
 
 0] THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 friend, cannot always be upon your person, or your path ; but 
 to God the darkness and the light are both alike. He beholds 
 you when alone, as well as in society; and lie bids the recording 
 angel register the most retired transactions in which you are 
 engaged. David, in a beautiful composition (the 139th Psalm), 
 brings forward this subject in a very striking manner; and 
 closes the impressive ode with a prayer, which I would often 
 recommend you to prefer, ' Search me, God, and know my 
 heart ; try me, and know my thoughts ; and see if there be 
 any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.' 
 
 " On this branch of my observations and admonitions I will 
 not enlarge; because your religious instruction will still be 
 regarded, so long as you arc residents in the house of your 
 parents, as of paramount importance. 
 
 " Secondly, I would specify some things relating to theFo.m ily. 
 "I need not tell you how tenderly you are loved by your 
 parents, and how anxious they feel to promote your welfare and 
 happiness; that amidst their several pleasures there is none which 
 contributes more to their gratification than to see you cheerful, 
 and walking in the right way. If you give them credit for 
 this, it will not only dispose you, in general, to treat them with 
 due respect, and to comply with their wishes, but there arc 
 three other effects which will follow. One will be an habitual 
 effort to minister to their comfort, in any of the little and kind 
 offices which arise out of passing circumstances ; and especially 
 so to act towards your dear mother, who consecrates so much of 
 her time to you at home, that her domestic burdens may be 
 lightened and her heart cheered. The next is that, satisfied 
 with the disinterested wish of your parents to advance your 
 real interests, you will accept their reproofs, or corrections of 
 your phraseology, manner, and disposition, in the spirit in 
 which they are given. And the last is, that you will discover 
 a spirit of ingenuous frankness, and inform them, in full 
 confidence, of any event which may arise, in which your 
 feelings, your duties, your happiness, or your prospects, may 
 seem to be deeply involved. In this point I may fairly say, 
 ' Imitate our example, and maintain and exhibit that character- 
 istic openness, which is opposed to hypocritical disguise, and 
 which we have studied to preserve in our domestic system.'
 
 LETTER TO HIS DAUGHTERS. 211 
 
 " It is probable tbat one or both, of your elder brothers, and 
 certainly Edward (if lie be spared), will remain, as partial or 
 entire inmates, in our bouse, for some time to come. There is, 
 for the most part, a roughness about boys and youths, which 
 your gentleness of demeanour may happily soften and correct. 
 I am grateful that you live harmoniously ; but it is desirable 
 for you to avoid all asperity of language and manner which has 
 the aspect of a quarrel, though the reality may not exist. Lads 
 who are out the chief part of the day, beaten about in the world, 
 often get vexed with the mortifications to which they have been 
 subjected ; and may return home, occasionally, not with the best 
 feelings. Your gentleness will be the best rebuke ; and one of 
 the most effective methods of removing that rudeness of mien 
 which embitters domestic life. It will also generally awaken 
 in your brothers a desire to treat their sisters with that 
 tenderness and love, of which they are so fair an example. 
 
 " It gives me much pleasure to say that I have noticed in 
 you such a uniform and proper behaviour towards the servants, 
 that I shall merely recommend you to pursue the same line 
 of conduct towards them, which for years past you have 
 observed. The spectacles you have witnessed, in some families, 
 have excited your just displeasure. That undue familiarity 
 which breaks down the order of society, or that contemptuous 
 treatment of servants, as though they were slaves ; that 
 unreasonable demand upon them at unsuitable hours and 
 seasons, or that ridiculous and foolish confidence in them, 
 which makes them despise their employers ; — of all these, you 
 have had specimens in other households, and against them I 
 hope you will uniformly watch. 
 
 "To sum up all that relates to the family in few words, I 
 would only add : Cultivate an obliging disposition ; and mark 
 when there are little things which can be done to promote the 
 order and peace of home. There are days of bustle and 
 extraordinary labour which will occur, and especially in a 
 house where any of the members are public characters. Many 
 nameless minor efforts may be made by you, especially, to 
 render the home -economy agreeable, and to produce an 
 impression on all around of the advantage of throwing good
 
 212 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 sense and religious principle into common affairs ; till they 
 shall exclaim, ' Behold, how good and pleasant a thing it is to 
 see them dwelling together in unity ! ' 
 
 " Thirdly : I shall detain your attention but a little longer 
 to advert to some parts of your demeanour towards Society. 
 For some time you know that birds remain quietly in their 
 nest. As they become fledged they rise upon the wing, flutter 
 about the hedge, the tree, the garden, and the orchard, till at 
 length thev fly out into the fields and the woods, and build and 
 provide for themselves. This is the case, too, with our children ; 
 who, becoming gradually qualified to take their part in the 
 scenes of life, by degrees also enter into the wide community, 
 and assume the station allotted to them by the providence of 
 God. T\\e period of transition is however a very critical one, 
 and requires some attentive consideration. 
 
 "As it has pleased God to place you in what is termed a 
 respectable station in life, you will find that as you go forth 
 into society, there will be (and more particularly owing to my 
 public avocation) many who will appear to be desirous of your 
 acquaintance. While I would be far from recommending 
 anything like the indulgence of pride, yet I wish you to 
 consider the proper rank and condition which you hold. Be 
 affable and courteous to all; but recollect that all are not 
 suitable as companions and as friends. Your connexions, your 
 education, and your habits, may not correspond with theirs; 
 and association would therefore be productive in the end of 
 mutual unhappiness. It is far more easy to decline acquaint- 
 ance, than to dissolve it and set it aside. 
 
 "In many companies you will meet with inquisitive, 
 impertinent, and prying persons, who will profess to be much 
 interested in the welfare of your family, or of your connexions, 
 and who may ask you rude and improper questions. Learn to 
 be cautious when you are thus assailed ; and, before you answer 
 the inquiries of such individuals, pause a moment, and think, 
 ' Shall I wish my reply to be repeated ?' 
 
 "A minister's house is a sort of magazine, in which is 
 deposited numerous stores. It is impossible but that in your 
 parents' parlour you will hear many histories of characters, and
 
 LETTER TO HIS DAUGHTERS. 213 
 
 of families, and frequently much to the dishonour of both. 
 Great care should be taken never to detail these things in 
 promiscuous company. A talebearer may be there, and may 
 from a little spark kindle a great flame. 
 
 " In process of time, as your circle of association widens, you 
 will receive some marked notice from the opposite sex. You 
 may probably meet with young men of very different dispositions. 
 There are those who are so thoughtless, and even cruel, as to 
 try, by their attentions, to make impressions on your minds, but 
 who care nothing for your persons, or your welfare ; — very fools, 
 to whom ' it is sport to do mischief.' Set a strong guard upon 
 your imaginations, lest you suffer wounds which will produce 
 much pain, and which it will be exceedingly difficult to heal. 
 A trifling, giggling, pedantic, fulsome dandy, is often an object 
 to be dreaded, and always worthy of a holy contempt. Upon 
 this important topic, which connects with it misery or happiness 
 through life, let me assure you that it will be found most safe 
 and pleasant to be early and open in your communications to 
 your parents. You know enough of them to be persuaded that 
 their comfort is bound up with yours. 
 
 " In our more private and familiar conversations, we have 
 been sometimes called to talk on melancholy examples, in 
 which you have seen the intellectual and domestic happiness of 
 associated life completely sacrificed and lost, and the vigour 
 and hilarity and artless simplicity of youth worn down and 
 extinguished, by a forced dissimulation, by a train of mortifica- 
 tions, and total disappointment. my much-loved Sarah and 
 Mary, these are beacons to warn you, lest your vessels should 
 founder on such sands, or be split to pieces on such rocks ! 
 
 " From many of those inconveniences and disadvantages, 
 which commonly attach themselves to the families of ministers, 
 you have been happily exempt. Whether it be in reality a 
 benefit or not, I do not now wait to determine ; but the fact is 
 undeniable, that the conspicuous position which we hold attracts 
 the eyes of multitudes towards us, who would never notice us if 
 we walked in some less open and ostensible path of life. This 
 may, however, be turned into a valuable means of personal 
 improvement, and relative usefulness. It may conduce to
 
 £li THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 watchfulness, caution, and circumspection; and it may render 
 ood example more influential on the minds and characters of 
 
 numerous spectators. Remember, too, my dear girls, that you 
 may, by your dispositions and conduct, seriously obstruct or 
 eff< ctually promote my ministerial success. Be it your concern 
 to exhibit such a valuable and fair specimen of the effect of 
 pious education, that other parents may be constrained to 'train 
 up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord;' 
 and that many may form the resolution, ' We will go with you, 
 for we perceive that God is with you.' 
 
 "As I have lengthened this letter far beyond the intended 
 limits, I shall not weary you by any additional observations 
 upon another topic of high and holy importance. This shall 
 be reserved for some future communication, if our lives be 
 spared. I close my present epistle, therefore, with two 
 requests : that you would each peruse these lines alone ; and 
 that when you have finished them, you Avould earnestly pray 
 over their contents. 
 
 "And now, my tenderly-beloved creatures, I shall fall upon 
 my knees before God, to implore the influences of llis Spirit 
 to bless this humble effort of my pen. For, after all, it is 
 His prerogative to reach the heart. I can employ the means 
 of instruction, can plant and water, but He must give the 
 increase. I am conscious that my endeavours to train you up 
 in the way you should go, are marked with much imperfection 
 and deficiency, which He observes; but I can also sincerely say 
 that I have laboured, at every interval of which I could fairly 
 avail myself, and when the service of Christ would allow me, to 
 communicate those instructions which would at once make you 
 wise for this world, and for that which is to come. 
 
 " Full many a time, when you have been reposing upon your 
 beds, or gambolling in your pastimes, or conning your lessons, 
 have I been pouring out my fervent supplications for you and 
 your brothers, before God. Full many a tear have I shed over 
 the means which I have used, in the process of your education ; 
 and full many a thrill of anxiety makes my breast to vibrate 
 when I am reflecting upon the dangerous world, into the paths 
 of which you are about more fully to enter. The longer I live
 
 ANECDOTE. 215 
 
 the less desirous do I feel that any of you should stand high on 
 the lists of fame, or the scale of opulence, in this world ; but for 
 this I pant, that you may be the 'sons and daughters of the 
 Lord Almighty' — the subjects of His grace, and the heirs and 
 heiresses of His patrimony. 
 
 " There is a veil spread over futurity, which no mortal hand 
 can draw aside. Our prospective destinies, in this world, are 
 quite unknown to all but Him who sees the end from the 
 beginning. Of this, however, I feel assured, that whether you 
 are bound for early death or for long life, the principles 
 instilled into your minds, during your education, are those 
 which will best prepare you for both. If the days of my 
 pilgrimage are to be lengthened, I trust it will be your mother's 
 pleasure and mine to see them illustrated in your characters 
 and course ; but should I be shortly called to ' put off my 
 tabernacle,' it is possible that these lines may remain as a 
 memorial of my paternal solicitude, and of those sentiments 
 and practices which I most ardently wish you to adopt and to 
 pursue, when the hand that wrote them shall have crumbled 
 into the dust of the grave. — I remain, my beloved Sarah and 
 Mary, your very affectionate father, 
 
 " John Clayton, Jrx. 
 
 "Shore Cottage, June 14th, 1823." 
 
 Another decade passed, in continuous or scarcely 
 interrupted labours. In London, and throughout the 
 whole country, he was ever ready to aid his brethren, 
 in frequent occasional services, and this often at great 
 inconvenience to himself, and to the invasion of the 
 claims of the friendly circle. I remember the energy 
 and tact with which he sought to remedy a mistake he 
 made, more than thirty years ago, in connexion with 
 an anniversary service at Wisbeach, in Cambridgeshire. 
 He had failed, through a misconception of the right 
 time, to meet the coach, which then left Bishopsgate 
 Street every morning, at eight o'clock; and found, to 
 his dismay, that no other would leave London, for that
 
 216 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 part of the country, until the next clay, on which the 
 services were to he held. But resolved to do the hest 
 he could, to get as far as was possihle on his way 
 thither, he hethought himself of the Cambridge coach, 
 which would leave town in the afternoon ; and as, on 
 reaching that place, he knew that more than half the 
 distance would have been traversed, he hoped, by some 
 means, to accomplish the rest of the journey. 
 
 It was very late in the evening when he arrived at 
 Cambridge; but he was aware that if he could start 
 early the following morning, he might get to Wisbeach 
 by eleven o'clock, the hour fixed for the service; 
 although the distance to be travelled was about forty- 
 five miles, and it was through a fenny country, with 
 not always the best roads. Undaunted, however, he 
 resolved to make the attempt. He inquired at the inn 
 where he was to sleep, whether they knew of any 
 persons who were likely to journey in the direction he 
 wished to go ; and was told that an inmate of the 
 house at that moment would leave at four o'clock in 
 the morning, for St. Ives, about twelve miles further 
 on towards Wisbeach. Arrangements were made with 
 this person, and Mr. Clayton retired to rest. At the 
 appointed hour he sallied forth, and found a butcher's 
 cart at the inn door, into which he climbed, and he and 
 his companion drove off. Sundry sounds at the back 
 of the vehicle told him that another passenger beside 
 himself was there ; and he found, on inquiry, that he 
 was aiding in escorting a fine fat porker to St. Ives. 
 Arrived there, he hired a post-chaise, and got to 
 March, a town about ten miles from Wisbeach, at half- 
 past eight. 
 
 A hasty breakfast was followed by his entrance upon 
 the last stage of the journey; when, to crown his
 
 MISSION SECBETAEY. 217 
 
 disasters, three or four miles from the place of his 
 destination, the chaise broke down. What was to be 
 done ? No help was nigh to repair the broken vehicle ; 
 and if there had been it would have consumed more 
 time than he could afford to give. It was now ten 
 o'clock, and it wanted but an hour to the time for 
 commencing the services, for which he had been 
 publicly announced. So without any further delay, 
 leaving his carpet-bag in the post-chaise, to come after 
 him as it could, and promising the driver to send some 
 help speedily from the town, he set off walking; and 
 just as the first hymn was being sung, and the minister 
 of the place was anxiously casting about in his mind 
 what he should do to nil the place of the metropolitan 
 magnate, — for whom he had looked in vain, when he 
 went to the coach- office, the evening before, — the 
 earnestly-desired personage himself appeared, to the 
 no small comfort of his provincial brother; and after 
 apologizing for his lateness, and his unavoidable 
 appearance in his dusty dress, and detailing his ad- 
 ventures, somewhat to the amusement of his auditory, 
 he preached a most animated and admirable sermon, 
 which was vividly remembered, after many years, by 
 those who were privileged to hear it; the antecedents 
 of the discourse probably helping to fasten it the more 
 firmly upon the memories of his auditors. 
 
 In 1830, Mr. Orme, the foreign secretary of the 
 London Missionary Society, died, after a short illness, 
 and the office was put in commission, until a suitable 
 successor could be appointed. Mr. Clayton was asso- 
 ciated with Dr. Bennett and the Rev. Henry Townley, 
 in discharging the duties of the office, which, if I 
 mistake not, were fulfilled perfectly gratuitously. For
 
 21S THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 more than two years he continued to labour in this 
 new position, the Rev. William Ellis, who had recently 
 returned from the South Seas, being associated with 
 him, during the latter portion of the time. This 
 gentleman was ultimately appointed foreign secretary ; 
 a post he filled for some years, with great judgment 
 and indefatigable assiduity; until failing health com- 
 pelled his resignation. That health became subse- 
 quently marvellously restored; and he who believes in 
 the overruling providence of the Great Head of the 
 church cannot doubt, when he contemplates the part 
 which Mr. Ellis has taken during the last ten years in 
 the affairs of Madagascar, — the importance of which it 
 is impossible to exaggerate,— that his has been a 
 charmed life, as was that of the apostle Paul. "Be 
 not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace : for I am 
 with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee : 
 for I have much people in this place." Happily he still 
 continues among his brethren, crowned with honours 
 as with years, his eye not yet dim, and his natural 
 force scarcely abated. It is not only on account of his 
 position and character that this renewed reference is 
 made to him; but to the fact, as a previous chapter in 
 this volume shows, that he stands in an interesting and 
 hallowed spiritual relationship to the Clayton family.
 
 Cijaptrr UV. 
 
 REV. GEORGE CLAYTON. -1797-1804. 
 
 SCHOOL AT READING. — REV. JOHN NEWTON. — ENTRANCE INTO HOXTON 
 ACADEMY. — EXTRACTS FROM DIARY. — MINISTRY AT SOUTHAMPTON. — 
 OFFER OF PREFERMENT IN THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH. — REFUSAL 
 TO CONFORM. — ESCAPE FROM DROWNING. — VISIT TO WALWORTH. — 
 RESIGNATION AT SOUTHAMPTON. — ■ INVITATION TO YORK STREET 
 CHAPEL. — ACCEPTANCE OF THE PASTORATE. — ORDINATION SERVICES. 
 
 After Mr. Clayton's second son, George, had left 
 Wallingford, in company with his brother, it was 
 observed that the youth had outgrown his strength, and 
 that he gave indications of a delicacy of constitution 
 which awakened some anxiety in the hearts of his 
 anxious parents. It therefore became a matter of 
 serious consideration, how best to combine the care of 
 his health with a due attention to study. With the 
 view of promoting both objects, he was, in the year 
 1797, placed under the roof of the Rev. Archibald 
 Douglas and his excellent wife, at Reading. There he 
 found his second home ; and there every attention was 
 paid to his physical welfare, and every effort made to 
 secure his moral and religious improvement. At the 
 same time he became a private pupil of the Rev. Dr. 
 Valpy, of that town, for many years distinguished as 
 the head of an academy, generally regarded as little 
 inferior to the schools of Harrow and Rugby. 
 
 George Clayton attended daily in one of the class- 
 rooms, under the immediate instruction of the Rev. 
 Edward Valpy, an eminent classic; and read with him, 
 Ovid, Virgil, Livy, Horace, Homer, and Xenophon.
 
 220 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Here also he received instruction, from an emigrant 
 priest, in the French language. 
 
 When between fourteen and fifteen years of age, he 
 was favoured with the notice and friendship of many 
 of the most respectable inhabitants of Reading. 
 Mrs. Ryder, a lady related to the Harrowby family, 
 became almost his patron; and he often met at the 
 house of Dr. and Mrs. Ring, the late venerable 
 Dr. Marsh, Lady Marsh, his mother, and others of 
 honoured memory. It was the custom of Dr. and Mrs. 
 Ring to receive and entertain at their house, pious 
 clergymen, of the evangelical school. They were 
 themselves brought to the knowledge of the truth, 
 under the heart-stirring ministry of the Hon. and Rev. 
 W. B. Cadogan, and were solicitous to perpetuate his 
 faithful testimony, now no longer heard in the parish 
 church of St. Giles. They therefore invited a succes- 
 sion of clergymen, during the months of summer, who 
 lectured, and expounded the Scriptures in their 
 drawing-room ; while the adjoining apartments were 
 thrown open to all those who were disposed to attend. 
 
 Among the honoured servants of Christ who visited 
 them was the Rev. John Newton, who has before been 
 mentioned, in these pages, as the friend of the father 
 of the family. His talent for expository ministrations 
 was universally admitted, and was perhaps unrivalled. 
 Here his doctrine distilled like the dew; and his 
 hearers could not but be sensible that " grace was 
 poured into his lips," and that " his word was with 
 power." George Clayton was frequently present on 
 these occasions; and in this way his friendship with 
 the venerable preacher commenced. 
 
 It was at a very early period of his life that he 
 decided to enter the ministry. Indeed his thoughts
 
 GEORGE CLAYTON AT HOXTON. 221 
 
 never appear to have been turned in any other direction, 
 when the subject of his future course in life was under 
 the consideration of himself or his parents ; and for the 
 work he contemplated he made diligent preparations, 
 mentally and spiritually. 
 
 On recovering from an alarming illness, which seized 
 him when sixteen years of age, he resolved to keep a 
 diary, which he forthwith commenced, and kept up to 
 the end of his long life. In this he describes, with 
 great minuteness, the several moods of mind through 
 which he passed; and records the various resolutions 
 he made, in the prospect of the solemn and momentous 
 duties on which he was about to enter. There is, in 
 these early volumes, the evidence of a depth of piety 
 and experience, remarkable for one so young. They 
 reveal the fact that the divine Spirit was, unconsciously 
 to the youth himself, gradually qualifying him for future 
 usefulness, as one who would have to deal with the 
 souls of men in all the varying phases of thought and 
 emotion with which humanity is conversant; and who 
 therefore had to pass through a severe mental conflict, 
 and be himself the subject of a moral discipline, 
 somewhat sharp, but eminently salutary and instructive 
 to a teacher of others. 
 
 He began to preach very early ; as in 1799 he records 
 some instances of his juvenile efforts to make known 
 the Gospel. This was before he had completed his 
 seventeenth year. He was now a student at Hoxton 
 College, under the care of the Rev. Dr. Simpson, for 
 whom he appears to have entertained a profound 
 veneration ; and between whom and himself there soon 
 existed a reciprocal warmth of affection, peculiar to the 
 tutor and the student, that continued unchanged down 
 to the death of that excellent man, whose funeral
 
 222 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 sermon was preached, in the Academy chapel, by his 
 favourite pupil. 
 
 Two extracts, from the diary alluded to, will suffice 
 to show the estimate he had formed of himself, and 
 the jealous scrutiny with which he probed his heart, 
 in order to ascertain its real condition. Brought up, 
 under the careful tuition, and wise and tender 
 restraints, of a religious home, there was all the greater 
 necessity for a rigorous self-examination of his own 
 soul, lest he should be found mistaking the shadow for 
 the substance ; and interpreting the effect of habit, and 
 an almost unconscious imitation of the good examples, 
 with which he had been familiar from childhood, as 
 if they were the natural outgrowths of a new life, 
 implanted within him by the divine Spirit. 
 
 "January 20th, 1800. 
 "The history of one day with me is the history of twenty. 
 It is full of sin ; for even when I hope most, I feel compunction 
 of soid. I would always fear hardness of heart; and would 
 deprecate grieving the Holy Spirit, as a principal prognostic of 
 that awful condition. Yet I am fully sensible that frequently, 
 by my ungodly conduct, I am guilty of doing despite unto the 
 Spirit of grace; and particularly by resisting tliose internal 
 operations, which one always attributes to His divine agency. 
 I am very formal in duties, and remiss in their performance ; 
 and am not adequately affected by the sufferings of my 
 Saviour, even when treating of them to others. Lord, quicken 
 and rouse me, that I may, with more delight, run in thy ways, 
 and persevere unto the end. Amen." 
 
 " Septemlcr, 1800. 
 "My feelings and disposition are very various; undulating 
 like the sea, ebbing and flowing like the tide. However, to the 
 praise of sovereign and undeserved mercy would I ascribe it, 
 that I am still pursuing ; and that I have enjoyed this week, 
 I trust, much of commimion with God. My retirements have 
 been more regular ; my thoughts and behaviour more consistent ;
 
 MINISTRY AT SOUTHAMPTON. 223 
 
 nor is this of myself, it is the gift of God. Nor do I write it in 
 a way of boasting or glory, but only that, if ever I should 
 relapse into indifference (which God forbid !), I may have this to 
 bear record against me, and to help forward my penitence and 
 promote my return. Amen." 
 
 It was after a somewhat brief residence at Hoxton — 
 partly accounted for by the fact that he had been 
 engaged in study all his life, and had entered the 
 academy, with an amount of scholastic knowledge 
 almost equal to that of many when they left it, — that 
 Mr. George Clayton, not yet nineteen years of age, was 
 sent to Southampton, as a probationer for the office of 
 assistant minister to the Rev. Mr. Kingsbury, who then 
 presided over one of the oldest Independent churches 
 in the kingdom — the original members having formed 
 themselves into a separate community in the year 1GG0. 
 
 On the eve of leaving Hoxton to go thither, he thus 
 records his emotions, in the contemplation of his 
 removal from the quiet scenes of student life, to the 
 more public arena of action. The entry is at the close 
 of the year 1801, when he finished his academic course. 
 
 " December, 1S01. 
 " The occurrences of my existence daily grow more interest- 
 ing ; as I am called upon to occupy a more prominent position 
 on the stage of life. Various and conflicting have been the 
 emotions of my mind. It has been indeed a troubled ocean, 
 and has, alas ! too often cast up mire and dirt. I have the 
 prospect of entering more statedly on the discharge of the 
 duties of the ministerial oflice. Oh ! who is sufficient for these 
 things ? Lord Jesus, make perfect thy strength in my weak- 
 ness : perfect thou that which concerneth me. Oh, may the 
 Spirit of glory and of God rest abundantly upon me ! Go with 
 me to the place to which I am sent : there speak to the hearts 
 and consciences of people through me. Guard me from impru- 
 dences ; keep me back from presumptuous sins ; and cleanse me
 
 224 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 from secret faults. Oh God, my whole heart is open to thine 
 inspection. I submit myself entirely to thee. Be thou my 
 light, my hope, my guide, my ever-satisfying portion ; and at 
 length my exceeding great reward. 
 
 " Oh, how many mercies have I to be thankful for ; — mercies 
 innumerable, both temporal and spiritual ! I commend to thee, 
 blessed Eedeemer, in faith and prayer, my dear brother 
 William, who is about to succeed me in this place, as a 
 student. May the good Lord preserve him from evil, promote 
 his improvement, and make him a burning and a shining light ! 
 Amen." 
 
 Young as he was, Mr. George Clayton had preached 
 with great acceptance, in some of the largest and most 
 influential congregations, in and near London. His 
 first sermon in his father's chapel, which was filled with 
 the elite of dissent, was delivered before he was eighteen 
 years old-; — a rather formidable task for so young an 
 orator, but one in which he acquitted himself most 
 successfully. 
 
 So far as external advantages and accomplishments 
 went, he had all the elements of a popular speaker; 
 possessing a handsome person, an admirably clear and 
 distinct elocution, and manners most graceful and 
 winning; while the unmistakable enunciation of the 
 great doctrines of Gospel truth, proclaimed with all 
 boldness and fidelity to the souls of his hearers, 
 insured him the suffrages and sympathies of all the 
 good ; and proved, in the case of many, most attractive, 
 and, ultimately, most effective to the undecided and 
 ungodly. 
 
 An object of admiration to not a few, there was great 
 danger of the young preacher being led away by the 
 applause that followed him. His diary shows that he 
 was quite aware of the fact, but knew also where and 
 how to guard against it.
 
 INVITATION TO SOUTHAMPTON. 225 
 
 "Last Sabbath," he writes, under date November, 1801, "I 
 
 preached at H ; was greatly assisted, and much caressed ; 
 
 the good Lord gave me acceptance. may the foot of pride 
 never be suffered to come against me. How little do I deserve 
 the reputation I enjoy ! Could my fellow-creatures see my 
 heart, I should become an outcast from the pious and holy. 
 And if God were to suffer me to act out the latent depravity of 
 my heart ! — Oh, I tremble to think of it ! Hold thou me up, 
 Lord, and then I shall be safe. Many watch for my halting. 
 Numerous are my observers. Lord, dry up sin in me, in its 
 root and principle. Kill more and more the man of sin. Let 
 Christ be formed in me, the hope of glory. Let me live in the 
 Spirit ; and walk in the Spirit ; and exemplify the fruits of the 
 Spirit ; and ever maintain the unity of the Spirit, in the bond 
 of peace, and in righteousness of life. May the Holy Ghost fill 
 me with all necessary gifts and grace, crown me with usefulness, 
 and conduct me to glory. Amen." 
 
 After preaching, with great acceptance, for two 
 months, the church at Southampton were very desirous 
 that young Mr. Clayton should settle among them. 
 His father, whom he naturally consulted on so 
 important a matter, objected to what he thought a 
 precipitancy in the movement; hut when he found it 
 was the office of an assistant minister to which he was 
 invited, and not to the co-pastorate, which would have 
 involved much more binding obligations, and a larger 
 amount of serious responsibility, he advised his accept- 
 ance of the invitation. " I am much pleased," writes 
 his father, " that the manner of conducting this 
 affair has been so satisfactory to Mr. Kingsbury. He 
 seems to have attained that which few have exemplified : 
 he rose with humility; he has shone with a steady and 
 useful lustre ; and he sets with a dignity unstained by 
 envy. To wondrous few is this grace given." 
 
 On the second Sabbath in March, Mr. George
 
 220 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Clayton commenced his stated ministry at Southamp- 
 ton, preaching from the words, 2 Cor. xi. 15: "I will 
 very gladly spend and he spent for you;" and 2 Cor. 
 vii. 2 : " Receive us." 
 
 Here he lahoured most diligently ; " studying to 
 show himself approved of God, a workman that needeth 
 not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 
 He was sensitively anxious to discharge his ministerial 
 duties most conscientiously, both in and out of the 
 pulpit; never presuming to offer to the people that 
 which cost him nothing; and not venturing to depend 
 upon his natural fluency of speech, to the neglect of 
 due preparatory reflection, on the topics on which he 
 had to discourse. The effect of such earnest and 
 painstaking labours soon began to reveal itself, in his 
 growing acceptability as a preacher. Persons, who had 
 never before been within the walls of a dissenting 
 chapel, were soon found among his regular hearers ; 
 and not a few, who there first learned the nature and 
 virulence of that spiritual disease which was consuming 
 their souls, found that, along with the ministrations of 
 the word, " the power of the Lord w T as present to heal 
 them." 
 
 Warm and lasting attachments were formed with the 
 people here, who seemed to vie with one another in 
 showing kindness to the youthful minister, and almost 
 painfully oppressed him with their attentions. His 
 diary bears witness to his consciousness of the danger 
 attending all this ; but the inward warrings of soul, of 
 which he was the subject, served to keep him humble. 
 
 The relationship existing between Mr. George Clayton 
 and Mr. Kingsbury, the senior minister, was most 
 advantageous to both parties. His brother John at 
 Newbury, and he at Southampton, were happily initiated,
 
 LABOURS AT SOUTHAMPTON. 227 
 
 by degrees, into all the anxieties and responsibilities of 
 pastoral life. Those young ministers who have enjoyed 
 similar advantages, under the guidance of a wise and 
 thoughtful, and kindhearted elder pastor, can testify to 
 the invaluable benefits . which result from such an 
 arrangement. The character and example and teach- 
 ings of a Paul, who has stood for many years before 
 the church and the world, — having gathered in rich 
 experiences, often at no small cost, which he is willing 
 to communicate to the Timothy, whom the Great 
 Master has associated with him, — are of infinite service 
 to the latter. Labour is divided ; which, if the congre- 
 gation be large, is too much for one, who is but a 
 neophyte in the work; and that crushing sense of 
 responsibility, — which at times rests heavily on the 
 heart of the pastor, and is most painful and harassing, 
 — is unfelt, or, at least, is not felt so oppressively, if 
 shared with another. 
 
 For two years this union with Mr. Kingsbury and 
 the church at Southampton continued, with mutually 
 growing esteem. The youthful preacher gradually won 
 his way to all hearts ; and in his simple, faithful minis- 
 trations, was greatly owned by his divine Master. But 
 still he ever regarded his position here as tentative; 
 and could never bring his mind to the conviction that 
 this was to be the scene of his permanent labours. 
 
 Shortly after taking up his abode at this place, an 
 earnest request was made to him to undertake the 
 instruction of a youth, the son of one of the members 
 of the congregation ; and this became a subject of no 
 small amount of anxious thought. He believed his own 
 mental powers would be stimulated afresh, by having to 
 communicate scholastic knowledge to another; while 
 he was desirous not to engage in anything that would
 
 228 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 interfere, in any degree, with his direct preparation for 
 the pulpit. He naturally sought counsel of his father, 
 from whom he received the following reply : — 
 
 " The proposal of your becoming a tutor to the 3'oung- 
 gentleman, I have thought of, not a little. I can never advise 
 to airything that would diminish your force in the great work 
 of preaching Christ Jesus the Lord. A situation that would 
 stimulate you to literary pursuits, not only to keep, but advance 
 the secular learning you have acquired, I should like much. 
 Living in the house of your pupil's father must be on conditions 
 which perhaps cannot be granted. You must not come down 
 from the high ground of the minister of Christ. The sacrifices 
 on the domestic altar must be duly offered, and many nameless 
 concessions made to the decorum of your office. 
 
 " Imperious necessity does not require your seeking bread in 
 this way, which opens a prospect to emolument and usefulness. 
 You are already handsomely provided for. If you enter the 
 door which invites you, it must be out of a pure regard to the 
 glory of God, and doing good to those minds which God may 
 have disposed favourably to you, to bring to light His purposes 
 of grace towards them, by your instrumentality." 
 
 The project, however, was ultimately abandoned, as, 
 on the whole, undesirable. 
 
 But another offer, of a very different kind, was about 
 this time set before him, which, as illustrative both of 
 his own and his brother's conscientious Nonconformity, 
 is deserving of record. The whole of the account of 
 the transaction about to he referred to is given, nearly 
 verbatim, from Mr. George Clayton's own manuscript. 
 I am not sure that the name of the person who 
 manifested such a lively interest in the two young 
 ministers is known ; but of the fact there is not the 
 slightest doubt. 
 
 It was not long after the settlement of Mr. Clayton's 
 eldest son, that a lady of fortune and position in
 
 OFFER OF A CHURCH LIVING. 229 
 
 society, whose town residence was at Kensington, sent 
 a message to Mr. Clayton, sen., desiring an interview 
 with him, at her house, on an early day. He conse- 
 quently waited on her, and was informed that a 
 presentation to a family living had fallen to her 
 disposal; and that if either of his elder sons would 
 accept it, she would look no further, hut feel happy in 
 presenting one of them to the benefice, estimated at 
 £600 or £700 per annum. He thanked the lady for 
 her unexpected generosity, and kind intentions towards 
 his sons ; adding that they were of an age to form their 
 own opinions on the subject; that he would place her 
 offer before them ; and, with as little delay as possible, 
 make known to her the decision, to which their own 
 unbiassed judgment might finally conduct them. 
 
 The result of the interview was soon communicated 
 to the young men, who gave to the lady's proposal 
 a grave and calm consideration. They studied the 
 Thirty-nine Articles, and Book of Common Prayer, to 
 which subscription, and an ex animo assent, would, of 
 course, be indispensable. They read anew some works 
 which they had previously perused, on both sides of the 
 question of Conformity; including Hooker's Ecclesias- 
 tical Polity, and Towgood's Letters on Dissent; and, in 
 consequence, were fully convinced that the obstacles to 
 the acceptance of the proffered boon were, as far as 
 they were concerned, insurmountable. 
 
 Mr. Clayton used no influence, direct or indirect, 
 to sway their final determination. All that was said 
 on the subject by their mother, to whose judgment a 
 deserved deference was paid, was in these few words : 
 " You have certainly a very tempting proposal brought 
 before you: think it over; ask counsel of God, in 
 prayer; search the New Testament Scriptures, to
 
 230 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 ascertain the mind of Christ; and remember to listen 
 readily to the whispers of conscience ; lest perchance, 
 at a future period of your lives, you should be forced to 
 hear its thunders." 
 
 To the eldest son, in addition to other scruples, it 
 was a serious objection that he had but recently 
 received ordination ; and considered himself to be as 
 fully authorized to preach the Gospel, and administer 
 the sacraments of the Christian church, as his own 
 inward satisfaction demanded, and his prospective 
 usefulness required. To re-ordination, as involving an 
 acknowledgment of the invalidity of the service by 
 which he had already been set apart, he felt an 
 invincible repugnance. He probably thought and acted 
 in sympathy with John Howe, who, when kindly and 
 urgently pressed to conform, by his friend and old 
 acquaintance, the then Bishop of Exeter, told his 
 lordship that he was utterly unable to do it. He 
 stated that he could not, without greatly trespassing on 
 his patience, go through the several objections he had 
 to make, against the terms of conformity, but that they 
 were insurmountable. The bishop pressed him to 
 name any one he reckoned to be of weight. He there- 
 upon instanced the point of re-ordination. 
 
 " Why, pray, sir," said the bishop, " what hurt is 
 there in being twice ordained ?" 
 
 " Hurt, my lord ?" said Howe ; " the thought is 
 shocking ; it hurts my understanding ; it is an 
 absurdity, — for nothing can have two beginnings. I 
 am sure," continued he, " I am already a minister of 
 Christ ; and I am prepared to debate that matter with 
 your lordship, if you please ; but I can't begin again to 
 be a minister." 
 
 In viewing the whole question calmly, carefully, and
 
 OFFER OF A CHURCH LIVING. 231 
 
 with prayer, for divine direction, Mr. John Clayton 
 respectfully, yet gratefully, declined the benefice. 
 
 The circumstances of Mr. Clayton's second son were 
 somewhat different from those of his brother. As yet 
 he had not received ordination, being then only in the 
 twentieth year of his age. He felt that such a pro- 
 vision for life as had been submitted to his acceptance, 
 was not, on slight grounds, to be refused. He was 
 further strengthened in this feeling by the fact that he 
 had, at that juncture of time, formed an attachment to 
 a lady, which was reciprocated ; but she was restrained 
 from fully committing herself by the opposition shown 
 on the part of the parents, more especially the father, 
 a bigoted Churchman, and distinguished, as to his 
 opinions on all subjects, by inflexible determination. 
 He avowed that he had no objection whatever to the 
 proposed connexion, save one, and that was insuperable. 
 The young suitor of his only child was a Nonconform- 
 ist, and until he should renounce his nonconformity, 
 his own consent should never be given. 
 
 Placed in a predicament so peculiar, it is not a 
 matter of surprise that the young man had to sustain 
 a great inward struggle; sometimes casting a wistful 
 eye upon . a gentlemanly provision, at other times 
 calculating upon an auspicious domestic settlement; 
 yet fully satisfied that the paramount question was 
 simply this, " What is right before God, at whose bar I 
 must shortly appear, to give an account of motives, as 
 well as actions ?" 
 
 He read much, on both sides of the ecclesiastical 
 controversy between Churchmen and Dissenters. 
 Besides those books his brother had perused, he went 
 carefully through Neale's History of the Puritans, as far 
 as the time allowed for deliberation would permit. He
 
 232 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 consulted also with some dear and venerated clergymen, 
 who gave him the results of their own reasoning and 
 experience, and one of whom had written a defence of 
 national religious establishments. He looked anxiously 
 and attentively into the liturgical offices of the English 
 Church, and pondered gravely the Thirty-nine Articles. 
 He then requested a conversation with his parents, and 
 frankly confessed to them how strenuously all his 
 natural feelings and interests pleaded in favour of 
 conformity to the Episcopal Church, yet that on a 
 question so momentous, he dared not " confer with 
 flesh and blood;" and therefore, after great searchings 
 of heart, had determined to follow his eMeu brother's 
 example, and to decline the benefice, which had been 
 offered with so much of spontaneous and disinterested 
 kindness. 
 
 While thus apprising the lady of the specific grounds 
 of his refusal, he expressed his profound regret that he 
 was compelled to differ from so many of the learned, 
 the wise, and the pious, who arrived at conclusions 
 opposed to those he had been led to entertain; and 
 which, with his deep and ineradicable convictions, he 
 had no alternative but to accept. Thus ended this 
 anxious inquiry ; and with it, all hope of preferment in 
 any ecclesiastical establishment. 
 
 More than once during his sojourn at Southampton, 
 the parents and brothers of Mr. George Clayton visited 
 him; and he records, in his diary, an escape from 
 drowning, which both he and his brother William had, 
 while bathing. This, with a severe illness, at the close 
 of the second year of his ministry, and which laid him 
 aside for nearly a month, was blessed to the production 
 of a greater tenderness of conscience, and a deeper
 
 PEEACHES AT WALWORTH. 233 
 
 solemnity of soul, of which his people reaped the 
 advantage in the increasing spirituality of his preaching. 
 In December, 1803, he left Southampton for a visit 
 to his family, in London. On Christmas day he 
 preached at Camden chapel, Camberwell; and on the 
 second Sunday in the new year at what was then 
 known as Lock's Fields meeting, and afterwards as York 
 Street chapel, Walworth, where he had been asked to 
 officiate some months before. These were his first 
 services in that part of London, which was subsequently 
 to be the scene of the faithful ministrations of more 
 than fifty years. In his diary he writes, under date of 
 January, 1804 : — 
 
 " I preached at Walworth. The congregation was good in 
 the morning, and large in the afternoon. I trust I only wished 
 to know the will of God, and do it. My motives I laid before 
 God, and said, 'Let the Lord do with me what seemeth good 
 in His sight.' In the evening preached at Camden chapel — a 
 special sermon. To this service I had looked forward with 
 much fear and sorrow ; but God was better to me than my most 
 sanguine expectations. heavenly Father, bless the labours of 
 that day ! May I hear of some good being done ; if it be the 
 will of Heaven ! Let some soul be brought to glory, to honour, 
 to eternal life ! " 
 
 The special sermon above referred to was addressed 
 to the volunteers, who, at that period, when much alarm 
 was felt at the threatened invasion of Buonaparte, 
 banded themselves together in great numbers, for the 
 defence of their altars and their homes. The discourse, 
 which had been previously delivered at Southampton, 
 was founded on Matthew xxii. 21: "Bender therefore 
 unto Ca3sar the things that are Caesar's ; and unto God 
 the things that are God's." This he was earnestly 
 requested to publish; and after a little hesitation 
 consented.
 
 234 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 This was the first production of Mr. George Clayton 
 that issued from the press, and his reasons for printing 
 it are stated briefly hy him. At this time the adver- 
 saries of Dissenters, — seeing that the latter stood in a 
 position similar to that occupied by the apostles, who 
 felt it to " be right to obey God rather than man," in 
 matters religious, — charged them with disloyalty to the 
 reigning sovereign, in matters political. The preacher 
 desired to repel this false accusation; one but rarely, 
 if ever, brought against Nonconformists now, even by 
 the most rabid of their opponents. In his preface 
 Mr. Clayton says : — 
 
 "If it should be asked, 'Why do you venture to appear 
 before the public?' the author's answer is short, and lie wishes 
 it may be deemed satisfactory. He is not ambitious of becoming 
 a candidate for earthly fame ; his talents do not qualify him for 
 the enterprise ; and his principles forbid the attempt. Nor is 
 he induced to place himself before the eye of the world merely 
 by the solicitations of partial friends, whom it is always pleasing 
 to gratify, but whose commendatory persuasions hardly form 
 a sufficient apology in case of rashness and inadvertency. 
 Actuated by a sincere hope, that those truths which appeared 
 interesting and edifying to such as heard them delivered from 
 the pulpit, might, by assuming their present form, become more 
 permanently and extensively useful, he submits them to the 
 candour of the public, and the blessing of God. He is also not 
 without expectation, that some impressions unfavourable to that 
 class of the community to which his conscience attaches him, 
 fastened on the public mind by the uncharitable insinuations 
 of bigotry, may be effaced; and others, of a contrary nature, 
 substituted and cherished." 
 
 The congregation at the place of worship where 
 Mr. G. Clayton preached this sermon, seemed desirous 
 to secure his services, as their minister, and the 
 subjoined letter from his father to him refers to this 
 subject: —
 
 CAMDEN CHAPEL, CAMBEEWELL. 235 
 
 " Yesterday, Mr. Carter, deputed by the trustees of Camden 
 chapel, waited on me, to make inquiries concerning the nature 
 of your engagements at Southampton, and whether an invitation 
 to be the stated minister at Camberwell would be accepted. 
 
 " I answered, that your obligations at Southampton were far 
 from being indissoluble ; but that your steady regard to 
 principle, and to a consistency of profession, would not allow 
 your becoming the minister of Camden chapel, with their 
 present plan of worship and discipline ; that you would not 
 approach the Church of England any nearer, except you became 
 a regular clergyman ; and that as you were at present a 
 Dissenter, you would not diminish the uniformity of the church 
 of God, by countenancing a middle plan of worship, especially 
 in a permanent relation to the unincorporated worshippers. I 
 promised to mention his visit to me, and the purport of our 
 conversation, when I wrote. Moreover I told him I was 
 persuaded that they never would get a minister of education, 
 talent, and dignity of character, who would settle with them on 
 their present middle plan. 
 
 "Your parents, brothers, and sisters also, are unanimous in 
 voting against your departure from the regular liberal dissent, 
 in which your father and his sons have, thus far, been honoured 
 by reputation in the church and the world ; yea, usefulness in 
 both." 
 
 Most probably, Mr. Clayton's decided statements, with 
 regard to the hybrid ecclesiastical character of Camden 
 chapel, in which, at that period, there was an attempt 
 to combine the different modes of worship, as observed. 
 by Episcopalians and Dissenters — an arrangement 
 which has rarely worked well, — led to the abandonment 
 of the design of inviting his son. The place was, 
 afterwards, affiliated with the Established Church; and 
 was for several years the scene of the faithful and 
 eloquent ministrations of the Rev. Henry Melville, for 
 a long time the most popular clergyman in the neigh- 
 bourhood of the metropolis.
 
 23 G THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 The invitation that had been given by the officers of 
 the Walworth church, which was then destitute of a 
 pastor, was designedly, on their part, for the purpose 
 of affording an opportunity for the people to hear 
 Mr. Clayton, and for him to form an acquaintance with 
 the state of things existing among them. A series of 
 painful trials had befallen the congregation. The first 
 two ministers who had been called to preside over them 
 had died amongst them — both at the early age of thirty- 
 four, — and were buried, side by side, in the graveyard 
 adjoining the chapel. Their united j)astorates did not 
 exceed four years. From the death of the first of these 
 excellent men — at whose ordination Mr. Clayton, sen., 
 preached to the people, — to the settlement of his 
 successor, three years and a half elapsed. "When the 
 latter also passed away from the service of earth to the 
 higher engagements of the heavenly temple, three more 
 years of pastoral destitution were appointed to the 
 church, whose position was one that was trying in the 
 extreme. But the days of their mourning were soon to 
 be ended. Weeping had endured for a long and dark 
 and dreary night, but joy was at hand, to be ushered in 
 with the advent of a bright and blessed day, that was, 
 by Mr. Clayton's coming amongst them, to rise on the 
 bereaved flock. 
 
 His ministrations appear to have been very acceptable, 
 for in his diary he writes thus : — 
 
 " Friday, the 13th of January, 1804, is a day which will 
 over be memorable in my history, either for the darkness or 
 brilliancy of its consequences. On that day the deacons of the 
 Walworth meeting waited on me. We began our conversation 
 with solemn prayer to God. After some deliberation, fully 
 believing myself to be in the path of plain and unequivocal 
 duty, I consented, in three months' time, to visit Walworth
 
 RESIGNATION AT SOUTHAMPTON. 237 
 
 with a view to the pastoral office. Lord, sanction with thine 
 approbation, and the seal of thy Spirit, what was begun and 
 ended with fervent prayer ! " 
 
 Immediately after this, he returned to Southampton ; 
 and at once communicated to Mr. Kingsbury, and 
 through him to the people, his intention of terminating 
 his assistant-ministership with them. In his diary, 
 dated the 14th of January, the day on which he made 
 these intimations, he writes : — 
 
 " I do not feel my mind more inclined to remain here than it 
 was. My understanding, my will, my affections, my conscience, 
 lean most decidedly to Walworth. Yet, oh, Lord! I fly to 
 thee; thou hast promised thy heavenly guidance. I ask it, 
 through Christ my Lord. Lead me by thy Spirit, adorable 
 Jehovah, and keep me under the shadow of thy wings. Hide 
 me in thy pavilion from the strife of tongues ; make my path 
 plain ; and bless, I pray thee, the kind, affectionate, prayerful 
 people in this place. Lead them to act to thy glory. May they 
 see thy will, and be enabled to acquiesce therein. Hear their 
 prayers for my continuance, if it be for our mutual good. Thou 
 who didst appear to Moses in the bush of fire ; to Elijah in the 
 desert cave; to thy holy apostles on the day of Pentecost, 
 appear to me. Direct me; bless me, also, my Father! 
 Amen and Amen." 
 
 This announcement of his intention to resign was a 
 source of great regret to the Southampton people ; and 
 the whole church and congregation were summoned 
 together to consider his letter. At this meeting a 
 unanimous invitation to the co-pastorate was given him, 
 with earnest wishes for his continuance in the place. 
 " I received this," he says, " with much anxiety ; grateful 
 to God, and grateful to the people." This communica- 
 tion is so honourable to all parties that it is given 
 entire.
 
 238 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 • A; a meeting of the church and congregation under the pastoral care of 
 the Rev.W. Kingsbury, held in the vestry, this day, January L6th, 
 L804> it was unanimously resolved, that the following letter should 
 be addressed to the Rev. G. Clayton, in reply to his letter communi- 
 cated to us by the Rev. W. Kingsbury : — 
 
 "Rev. Sir, and our dearly-beloved Minister, — We have 
 
 this dav met to hear read to us, with much distress of mind, by 
 our beloved pastor, the contents of your letter addressed to us, 
 dated the 14th inst., and which we can truly say, one and all, 
 has much wounded our hearts. 
 
 " We should think ourselves ungrateful to you, deficient in 
 our duty to ourselves, and unthankful to God, for sending you 
 amongst us, were we not to communicate to you our feelings 
 on the present occasion ; and to express to you our united 
 sentiments, on this truly distressing circumstance. We do it 
 with some degree of hope ; as we trust that both you and 
 ourselves wish to be directed by the Holy Spirit of God, whose 
 guidance we humbly implore, on this very momentous occasion. 
 
 " We beg leave, in the first place, with perfect unanimity, to 
 express our warmest affection for you ; and that, as we ever 
 have done, so we ever shall (should Providence continue you 
 amongst us), make it our study to render you happy, and to 
 administer to your comfort, under every circumstance of God's 
 providence. We believe you were at first brought to South- 
 ampton by the hand of God. We are the more confirmed in 
 this opinion by what our eyes have seen, our ears have heard, 
 and our hands have done, since you have been with us. It has 
 pleased God to make you peculiarly acceptable to us, and to our 
 town in general. Previous to your coming to Southampton, we 
 had an intention of enlarging our place of worship ; but we 
 believe the project would have failed of execution, had you not 
 been the means of uniting our minds, and enlarging our hearts, 
 to complete this sacred fabric. 
 
 "Under God, sir, you have been the instrument of drawing 
 many families and individuals regularly to attend divine 
 ordinances. We believe many hundreds also occasionally hear 
 the Gospel, who, before you came amongst us, seldom, if ever, 
 heard the word of truth. We believe you have essentially 
 benefited the young in influencing many to be sober-minded;
 
 LETTER FROM THE PEOPLE. 239 
 
 and we have no hesitation in declaring it to be our hope, that 
 in many a heart the seeds are sown which will produce fruit 
 unto life eternal. Some, we believe, ascribe to you the honour 
 of being the instrument, in disposing their hearts to serve the 
 Lord fully. 
 
 " We believe you, sir, to be acceptable to old and young, rich 
 and poor, the serious and those that are still in the world : that 
 the gifts with which it has pleased God to bless you are adapted 
 to the situation where His providence has placed you : that 
 your ministry has been crowned with success beyond our most 
 sanguine expectations. It does not appear to us, that a field of 
 more extensive usefulness than that where it has pleased God 
 to place you, can offer itself, in the whole world. We therefore, 
 the church and congregation now assembled, unanimously, 
 cordially, and affectionately, invite your continuance with us, 
 as our minister. We, the pastor, deacons, and members, invite 
 you to accept the co-pastoral charge ; and we all unitedly trust 
 and pray that the good Spirit of the Lord will lead you to that 
 decision which shall ultimately promote His glory, and the 
 peace, happiness, and prosperity of the church of our adorable 
 Lord Jesus, in this place. 
 
 "We cannot close our letter without expressing the high 
 degree of pleasure we have received in beholding the most 
 cordial affection which has always subsisted between yourself 
 and our revered pastor; a pleasing omen of future peace and 
 prosperity. Signed, — 
 
 " W - Kingsbury, Pastor, | ^ ^^ of ^ chmch 
 
 « Petek Bernard, Deacon, ^ tion> 
 
 " James W. Lobb, Deacon, ) 
 
 "Wm. Bernard, 
 
 "Joseph L. Darvall, 
 
 "Edwd. Toomer, 
 
 "Thos. Bernard, the congregation." 
 
 " Saml. S. Taylor, 
 
 " Richd. Taylor, J 
 
 To this earnest and affectionate communication he 
 gave, as it deserved, a prayerful and anxious attention. 
 It was, of course, most cheering to his heart to find 
 
 Trustees in behalf of
 
 240 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 how firmly and closely he had entwined himself around 
 the affections of the people; and to know that his 
 desires and efforts for their spiritual advancement had 
 been appreciated, and were not destitute of beneficial 
 results. 
 
 There were many things that made it desirable he 
 should remain at Southampton. The cordiality of the 
 senior minister ; the division of labour and responsibility 
 in the pastorate; the warm attachment of the people; 
 and the fact, which was daily becoming more and more 
 evident, that, in the two years spent in the town, he 
 had gained a public position of great importance and 
 influence — which, in a new sphere, would have to be 
 secured by breaking ground afresh, — all these things 
 pointed to his continuance in the scene of his present 
 labours, as having much to recommend it. 
 
 But other considerations pressed with equal and even 
 greater weight upon his judgment; and led to the 
 adoption of another course. On the 26th of January, 
 he communicated to Mr. Kingsbury, and the friends 
 under his charge, his final decision, relative to the 
 co-pastorship — which was to decline it; and from this 
 time his mind was at rest. The people, however, were 
 very reluctant to part with him. Many private and 
 personal efforts were made to endeavour to alter his 
 determination, and under date February 27th he says : — 
 
 "The people here are not enabled to give me up. Lord, 
 what wilt thou have me to do ? I have no wish but to honour 
 thee, and to promote thy glory. Oh ! discover my motives to 
 myself. Thou readest the heart ; but to me it is deceitful above 
 all things, and desperately wicked. Search me, Lord, aud 
 try me, and see if there be any way of wickedness in me, and 
 lead me in the way everlasting ! 0, for ten thousand worlds, I 
 would not err, in a matter of so much moment. If thy presence
 
 PRAYER FOR GUIDANCE. 241 
 
 go not with me, cany me not up hence. Cleanse my heart, 
 Lord ; remove all iniquity from me, and do with me as seemeth 
 thee good. Truly can I say (unless my mind egregiously 
 deceives me), that as to one single affair of life, I have not a 
 will of my own. To Jesus Christ I desire to live ; to His 
 disposal I resign myself, and make His will mine. Oh ! thou 
 lowly, meek, yet all-discerning Jesus, I now apply to thee in 
 solemn prayer. The heathen had their oracles : thou art the 
 true and infallible Teacher, and Guide of thy church. By thy 
 Hoi}' - Spirit thou dost give counsel to thy people. Oh ! counsel 
 me, by that wisdom which cannot err. Guide me by thine eye. 
 Remove every inclination of my bosom which thou disapprovest, 
 and strengthen and uphold, in undaunted exercise, all that thou 
 hast implanted. Oh ! Spirit of all divine power and grace, 
 dwell richly in my heart ; console, fortify, direct, and purge my 
 soul. Oh ! blessed and glorious Trinity, three divine persons, 
 mysteriously subsisting in one God, co-equal, co-eternal, ever- 
 lasting; God in covenant, whom I serve in my spirit, and to 
 whom I have devoted myself in body and in soul, appear for 
 me, who am but dust and ashes, the weakest and unworthiest 
 of thy creatures ; who am less than the least. Pitifully regard 
 me; save and deliver; and at this time take me to thyself 
 rather than suffer me to err in my demeanour and my decisions. 
 Help, help, oh ! holy Lord, Father of mercies, God of grace. 
 Teach me to do thy will, for thou art the Lord my God. Lead 
 me in a plain path, because of my observers. Hold thou me up 
 and I shall be safe !" 
 
 These extracts show his supreme anxiety to know the 
 •will of God, that he might not follow the inclinations 
 of his own heart, but the unmistakable directions of 
 his divine Master. 
 
 One more effort was made by the good people at 
 Southampton. Their deacon, Mr. Jobb, was commis- 
 sioned to offer the young minister double the salary he 
 had been receiving, and a house to reside in; but he 
 remained firm to his prayerfully-formed resolution ; and 
 records, with thankfulness, under the date of March 1st,
 
 242 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 the fact, that at a meeting of the people it was finally 
 determined not to press the invitation any further. 
 "And when he would not he persuaded, they ceased, 
 saying, ' The will of the Lord he done.' " 
 
 The removal to London was urged upon him hy 
 friends to whose judgment he could not but pay great 
 deference. Dr. Simpson, his tutor; his father, and his 
 brother John, — now happily settled at Kensington, — 
 gave it as their unhesitating opinion that he should go 
 thither; and his own mind was strongly, and, as he 
 says, in his diary, unaccountably impressed with the 
 belief that God had called him to labour there. 
 Subsequent events proved that he had not been 
 following an illusion of his own brain ; but that an 
 invisible hand was drawing him onwards to the great 
 metropolis, as certainly as Paul was summoned, by the 
 providence of God, to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles, 
 on European soil. So he prepared to follow the pillar 
 of cloud, that had been taken up from over the door of 
 the tabernacle; and to pitch his tent in another part 
 of the wilderness. His prayer was that of the leader of 
 Israel, in which he desired not to depart, except with 
 the sanction and under the guidance of God. 
 
 It was a painful task to leave the circle of friends 
 with whom, for more than two years, he had enjoyed 
 social and religious intercourse, which had been 
 mutually pleasant and profitable ; but the resolve 
 having been made, the separation took place, amid 
 mingled expressions of heartfelt sorrow, and mutual 
 loving commendation to God. On Sunday, March 25th, 
 he preached his farewell sermons to crowded audiences 
 in Southampton ; and on the following Wednesday 
 returned to London. In the contemplation of his 
 residence in the great city, he indulges in some sensible 
 remarks, in a letter to his father : —
 
 SETTLEMENT AT WALWORTH. 243 
 
 " May He who fixes the bounds of our habitations realize all 
 that appearances unquestionably promise ! I shall certainly 
 feel less when 1 come to London ; and be obliged to entertain 
 more diminutive ideas of my own importance. This I shall 
 esteem a real benefit ; though some may esteem it an injury. I 
 shall no longer be tempted to be self-complacent, as 'par inter 
 pares;' but shall know my own inferiority, which I hope will 
 nourish humility, and operate as a stimulus to diligence in 
 reading, meditation, and prayer." 
 
 On Sabbath clay, April 1st, 1804, he preached what 
 may now be regarded as his first pastoral sermon, at 
 Walworth ; for although he was at the time but a 
 probationer for the pulpit, and had not received any 
 formal call from the people, to take the spiritual over- 
 sight of them, yet that was the commencement of 
 ministerial labours that were to be carried on, without 
 interruption, in one place, for the long period of half a 
 century. He had not completed his twentieth year, 
 when he thus entered upon the cares and anxieties of 
 a London pastor's life ; and in after clays, he looked back 
 with wonder at his temerity, in undertaking a task so 
 onerous, with the limited experience of a man only just 
 out of his teens. But he realized to the fullest extent 
 the truth of the promise, "As thy days, so shall thy 
 strength be." 
 
 He records in his diary, with gladness and gratitude, 
 the hallowed emotions with which he went through the 
 services of this Sabbath, and the pleasure he enjoyed 
 in the society of Captain Wilson, whose guest he was, 
 for the day. Of the romantic history of this excellent 
 man, who commanded the ship " Duff," — the first vessel 
 sent out by the London Missionary Society, — and who 
 was one of the deacons of the chapel at York Street, a 
 short account will be given in the next chapter.
 
 244 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 On the 29th of April, Mr. G. Clayton was admitted 
 to the fellowship of the church, at Walworth, by the 
 Rev. J. (afterwards Dr.) Pye Smith, of Home.rton. This 
 was the initiatory transaction adopted by the people, 
 before they made a formal choice of their newly- 
 elected brother — one of their own number — as their 
 teacher and pastor ; a mode of action in those days not 
 confined to the church at York Street, although now it 
 has fallen into disuse. 
 
 On May 13th, he preached an admirable sermon, 
 which was afterwards published, on behalf of the 
 Protestant Union ; a valuable society, " established in 
 1798, for the purpose of enabling ministers to make 
 provision for their widows and children, by means of 
 annual premiums among themselves, and of donations, 
 annual contributions, and bequests." Although still a 
 young minister and a young man, he had imbibed the 
 true esprit du corps, as the following paragraph, with 
 which the sermon closes, shows : — 
 
 " This fund, if established on liberal and enlarged principles, 
 would remove some very serious obstacles to the formation of 
 those ties which are ' honourable to all.' By this means, you 
 will enable your ministers to discharge the duties of domestic 
 life with greater ease and quietude of mind ; raise them above 
 the little prying narrowness of home economy, which some are 
 disposed to ridicule ; and consequently afford them an opportu- 
 nity of paying a more devoted and undivided attention to the 
 concerns of your families and their flock, and to give themselves 
 more entirely to reading, meditation, and prayer. 
 
 " In the ministerial character, the teasing thoughtfulness, 
 occasioned by worldly anxiety and narrow circumstances, should 
 be, as much as possible, avoided ; and the mind set at rest with 
 regard to futurity. The man, encircled by a numerous offspring, 
 can enjoy but little, if the dark and distressing imagination 
 perpetually haunts him, that, should he die, his defenceless
 
 ORDINATION SERVICE. 245 
 
 partner and infant race are to be plunged into complicated 
 woes. You censure him for want of cheerfulness ; for reserve ; 
 for timidity. How can it be otherwise, when his brow is 
 incessantly furrowed with care ; his tongue chained in silence, 
 and sentinels placed at the door of his lips, lest the big sorrow 
 of his heart should escape him ; and his fortitude depressed, by 
 fearing to incur the displeasure of those, at whose mercy his 
 earthly all may one day or other be left ? 
 
 "This charity paves the way for the calm and resigned 
 dissolution of ministerial connexions. It smooths and softens 
 his deathbed, and plucks from his last pillow the sharp thorn 
 of care. The agonies of his departure are alleviated by the 
 thought that, while he takes his flight to the world where they 
 hunger and thirst no more, his weeping helpmate and his 
 sobbing babes will not be obliged to experience, in this vale of 
 tears, the miserable contrast to his enjoyments. 
 
 " The Protestant Union borrows the voice of divine mercy, 
 and says, 'Leave thy fatherless children with me, and I will 
 keep them alive : ' it stands, as the favourite disciple, to receive 
 the dying bequest of the servant of God : it opens the doors of 
 an asylum, where the widow dries her tears, receives ' beauty for 
 ashes, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness ; ' 
 where the ' barrel of meal wastes not, nor does the cruse of oil 
 fail ; ' and where the ' fatherless findeth mercy.' To the support 
 of such an establishment, you will esteem it your honour and 
 privilege to contribute. May you inherit ' the blessing of him 
 who was ready to perish, and cause the widow's heart to sing 
 for joy!'" 
 
 The formal call of the church was given to Mr. G. 
 Clayton on May 19th, 1804, and accepted by him the 
 following week ; and on Wednesday, June 6th, his 
 ordination took place. His brother John began the 
 service with prayer, and reading the Scriptures. The 
 introductory discourse was delivered, and the usual 
 questions put, by the Rev. Mr. Kingsbury, with whom 
 the young minister about to be ordained had been 
 associated at Southampton. Dr. Simpson, Mr. George
 
 0|6 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Clayton's beloved tutor at Hoxton, offered the designa- 
 tion prayer; and his father, who had to come from 
 watching by the sick bed of his daughter Jane, who 
 shortly after died, gave the charge from 1 Timothy 
 vi. 20 : "0 Timothy, keep that which is committed to 
 thy trust." This, together with Air. Kingsbury's dis- 
 course, was published. Dr. Nicol, of the Scotch Church, 
 Swallow Street, London, preached to the people. 
 
 Thus happily the newly-elected pastor was settled in 
 the midst of his flock ; and gave himself heartily to the 
 work of the ministry; resolved, as God should help 
 him, to esteem " all things but loss for the excellency 
 of the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord;" and not 
 to count his life dear to himself, so that he might finish 
 his course with honour and joy.
 
 Chapter TS. 
 
 REV. GEOEGE CLAYTON".— 1804-1821. 
 
 HIS MARRIAGE. — SILENT SABBATH. — EXTRACTS FROM HIS DIARY. — 
 ENLARGEMENT OF CHAPEL. — VISIT TO IRELAND. — REOPENING OF 
 CHAPEL. — HAPPY MOMENTS. — ILLNESS. — LEAVING HOME. — ATTACK OF 
 APOPLEXY. — PREACHES IN AN EPISCOPAL CHURCH. — ROMANTIC HISTORY 
 OF CAPTAIN WILSON, COMMANDER OF THE SHIP " DUFF." — HEART- 
 SEARCHING. — SECOND APOPLECTIC ATTACK. — PUBLIC ENGAGEMENTS. — 
 MISSIONARY SERMON.— RESIDENCE AT GAINES, ESSEX. 
 
 In the autumn of 1804, Mr. George Clayton was 
 married to Miss Mary Whennell, of Hornchurch, a lady 
 of great accomplishments, and sterling piety. To her 
 his ministry had been remarkably blessed ; and frequent 
 intercourse developed the existence of those feelings 
 which led ultimately to marriage. But before this event 
 took place, the course of the young people's love not 
 only did not run smooth, but was impeded so per- 
 tinaciously, met with such terrible opposition, that 
 the difficulties in the way of their union seemed 
 insuperable. These principally arose from the noncon- 
 formity of the suitor for the lady's hand. But at length 
 the chief obstacles were overcome; and Mr. George 
 Clayton welcomed his bride to his new residence, at 
 Charlotte Row, Walworth ; and introduced to his people 
 a pastor's wife, who was destined to exercise a most 
 beneficial influence over her husband's flock, especially 
 over the young people of her own sex. 
 
 Mr. Clayton was soon entirely occupied with the 
 multiplying engagements of his ministerial life; and 
 learned, ere long, how fearful is the demand which
 
 248 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 public duties make on those who, like himself, are 
 called to occupy a prominent position in the church of 
 God. He deeply lamented the interference with his 
 hours for retirement, and converse with his own heart 
 and God, to which these public engagements led. 
 He complained of the unconscionably frequent, and 
 lengthened calls of the people, in the midst of whom he 
 had taken up his abode; and longed for a habitation 
 where this would be in some degree impracticable. 
 
 He was intent on doing good; and for this purpose 
 all his studies for the pulpit were pursued with 
 conscientious fidelity. But he often found, as all his 
 brethren have done, that the most careful mental 
 preparation does not always secure a successful and 
 happy presentation of what has been prepared; and 
 had often to solace himself with the hope, which 
 instances not a few tended to justify, that his own 
 personal discomfort might be attended with a divine 
 blessing to others. 
 
 In August, 1805, his daughter Mary was born; and 
 the parents devoted themselves, with much prayer and 
 anxiety, to the discharge of their new and interesting 
 duties. With the opening of 1806, came a severe fit of 
 illness, that, for a time, incapacitated him for his pulpit 
 labours. But he was learning lessons in the sick 
 chamber by which he was to be fitted for the more 
 efficient discharge of public engagements. Thus he 
 writes, Sabbath day, April 20th, 1S0G :— 
 
 " A silent Sabbath ! A Lord's day spent in confinement and 
 solitude ; and my first wish is that it may be a profitable one. 
 My Jesus and His Spirit are not restrained to any places, or any 
 times ; may their united influence search and try me, cheer and 
 enliven me, unfetter and enlarge me ; shower down in copious 
 measures grace and peace, and love and joy, that I may hold
 
 SOLITARY MUSINGS. 249 
 
 communion with my covenant God, my Father and my Friend! 
 I have this day been wrestling with God, for my dear people. 
 May they be edified, and sinners called this day to the knowledge 
 and love of a crucified Eedeemer ! Oh, Spirit of truth ! exert 
 thine omnipotent energies, and snatch men as brands from 
 the burning. 
 
 " I ought to be unfeignedly thankful that I have been laid 
 aside so seldom from my delightful work. Blessed be God ! it 
 is long, very long, since this embargo was laid on me, and my 
 lips sealed in silence. I take shame to myself, when I think of 
 the many misspent, unprofitable, unserviceable, and unspiritual 
 Sabbaths I have passed, when my tongue and my heart have 
 been at sad and lamentable variance. " 
 
 These records from his diary are valuable, as indicating 
 the fact, that with a growing and extending popularity, 
 which was sufficient to produce mental intoxication, he 
 was the subject of spiritual conflicts that tended to keep 
 him humble. Thus, in a meditation on the eve of the 
 Sabbath, he writes: — 
 
 " And now, my soul, like the patriarchs of old, thou art 
 found alone. Having been thinking for others, it becomes thee 
 now to think for thyself. Thou hast, as it were, closed the 
 labours of preparation for the Sabbath, as far as relates to the 
 exertions of the«pulpit; now aim to attain a suitable frame of 
 mind for the day of rest, and for the exercise of ministerial 
 duties. And how is it with thee, my 'soul ? Hast thou made 
 any progress in the divine life? Hast thou acquired more 
 knowledge, more love, more experience, a more steady and 
 uniform obedience ? Alas ! alas ! I hardly dare answer in the 
 affirmative. 
 
 " I have such cold, heartless, and unprofitable seasons in the 
 closet, that I sometimes fear my religion is more external than 
 inward and real. I trust that in the family, and in public 
 ordinances, I have more enjoyment of God, and a greater 
 perception of what I take to be the exercises and actings of 
 grace; but even then, in those engagements, I may well 
 exclaim, 'My leanness, my leanness!' • How swiftly time
 
 250 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 revolves. Another year is hastening to its close ; and how soon 
 my frail life may end, God only can determine. Lord, I fly to 
 thee afresh. Pardon me, through Jesus Christ, the Saviour of 
 thine appointment, and my thankful, admiring, and believing 
 choice. Apply to my soul, by the power of the divine Spirit, 
 the precious peace-speaking blood of Jesus. I trust I love Him, 
 and desire to be spent in His service ; but I pray not to be 
 deceived in a matter of such moment, and to this end would 
 daily begin anew my repentance, faith, and humble confidence." 
 
 Deeply conscious of the abounding goodness of God 
 towards him, in the several relations he sustained, he 
 grieved that his heart was not more affected by these 
 divine dealings. Eagerly he embraced the opportunity 
 afforded for communing with himself and his God ; that 
 he might pour out his acknowledgments to Him who 
 had clone great things for him. Thus, just after his 
 25th birthday, he meditates in the silence of his study: — 
 
 " Sweet are the hours of solitude to my spirit, worn with 
 pidpit exertions, and other public duties. Scarcely ever do 
 I know those seasons of impervious retirement which Isaac 
 must have enjoyed, when he went out to meditate ; and which 
 Jacob knew when he was visited by God at Bethel ; but I do 
 love to be alone, and can truly say that — 
 
 ' In secret silence of the mind, 
 My heaven, and there my God, I find.' 
 
 It is matter of continual wonder that, loving, as I do, this 
 retreating from the creature and the world, I do it so seldom, 
 so irregularly, and that I can ever allow my sacred hours 
 to be exchanged or interrupted. This arises from the nearness 
 of sensible objects, and their undue influence over my mind. 
 How forcibly do they plead for entertainment and indulgence, 
 and swallow up my time, and encroach on the seasons of 
 worship ! This I often consider as the worst s}Tnptom of my 
 religious character, that I do not maintain a more intimate 
 nearness, a closer walk with God. 
 
 " "Why should friends, or sleep, or visiting, or anything,
 
 VISIT TO IRELAND. 251 
 
 separate my soul from Jesus, or keep me from my God ? His 
 kindness to me in providence is very great. I surely have 
 a prospered lot — in an affectionate and pious family, in a loving 
 wife, a thriving child, obedient servants, a kind people, honour 
 among my neighbours, respect in the world. Nay, what have I 
 not ? Ingratitude must blush to ask more. Lord, I should be 
 happy, thrice happy, if I enjoyed more of thy blessed presence, 
 tasted more thy heavenly love, and possessed a stronger likeness 
 to the adorable Saviour. Temporal good I have received, in 
 a manner quite wonderful, and am a living witness of the faith- 
 fulness of God to His promises. I entreat that I may not 
 be Imrt by the smiles of providence, but that every temporal 
 good may prove as a ladder, by which I may ascend to heaven. 
 I have lately entered into some plans and schemes as to secu- 
 larises. Lord, let me not become earthly, nor permit even 
 things lawful to draw me from thyself. I should dread to be 
 among those who ' mind earthly things.'" 
 
 In the summer of 1808, a severe attack of illness 
 rendered it necessary that Mr. Clayton should, for a 
 season, abstain from labour; and change of air being 
 deemed advisable, he visited Ramsgate. Previously to 
 this, the increase of the congregation at York Street 
 having rendered it necessary to enlarge the chapel, steps 
 had been taken to carry this design into effect. During 
 Mr. Clayton's illness the alterations were commenced; 
 and the people had to disperse for several weeks, greatly 
 to the regret of the pastor, on account of his forced 
 absence. 
 
 His restoration to health having followed his removal 
 to Ramsgate, and his chapel being still in the builder's 
 hands, so that he could not return at once to his usual 
 place of labour, his services were sought by the com- 
 mittee of the Hibernian Society, on whose behalf he 
 visited Ireland. Some weeks were happily and usefully 
 spent by him, in different public engagements. This
 
 252 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 journey tended still further to the invigoration of his 
 before enfeebled powers ; and afforded, by the novelty 
 of the scenes he visited, the pleasant society with which 
 he mingled, and the work in which he engaged, in the 
 advocacy of the society's claims, much and varied 
 enjoyment; so that he returned to Walworth, some 
 short time before the chapel was ready for opening, 
 with a good stock of replenished health, wherewith to 
 enter upon his enlarged sphere of operations. 
 
 It was with peculiar and mingled emotions he appeared 
 once more in the midst of his own people; whom, at 
 the reopening services, he addressed from the words 
 (Hag. ii. 9), " In this place will I give peace." His 
 father preached in the afternoon ; taking for his text 
 the prayer of the Psalmist (Ps. cxviii. 25), " Send now 
 prosperity." 
 
 Very soon every seat in the place, to which the 
 minister and his flock had thus returned, w 7 as occupied ; 
 and many additions were made to the church, that 
 now begun to assume proportions which it tasked his 
 utmost strength to keep up with, so as to meet the 
 legitimate claims that w r ere made upon him, in his 
 pastoral character. 
 
 On February 1st, 1809, it w T as his happiness to take 
 part in the services held at Saffron- Walden, on the 
 occasion of the settlement of his brother William; 
 between whom and himself a most unusually warm 
 fraternal attachment existed, which was cemented still 
 •further by spiritual sympathies, and a similarity of 
 tastes and occupations. 
 
 From this time, nothing occurred to interrupt the 
 usual course of labour in which Mr. George Clayton 
 was engaged, for several years. His ministrations were 
 increasingly successful, and the mutual attachment of
 
 HAPPY MOMENTS. 253 
 
 pastor and people — bound together only by the bands 
 which should unite those who sustain such holy and 
 momentous relationships; there being on the part of the 
 minister a hearty devotedness to the highest interests of 
 his charge, and on theirs a loving gratitude in the 
 recognition of such devotedness — this mutual attach- 
 ment was daily becoming stronger ; so that the church 
 at Walworth presented, with the usual individual excep- 
 tions, a bright and cheering example to sister com- 
 munities, of a united and happy Christian family. Such 
 individual exceptions were, however, very trying to the 
 sensitive mind of Mr. Clayton, who seems at times 
 to have thought more of them than of the happier and 
 more encouraging, and overwhelmingly numerous facts 
 of an opposite character. But these served to temper 
 the elation of heart which, otherwise, his almost unin- 
 terrupted ministerial success might have awakened. 
 
 No wonder that with so much to gladden and stimu- 
 late the pastor, he should be able to record in his diary, 
 under date of March 3rd, 1811, an account of some 
 " happy moments " he was permitted to enjoy. These, 
 as his words evince, he estimated carefully; regarding 
 them as compensatory visitations for past annoyances ; 
 or as designed to afford comfort, in the remembrance 
 thereof, when other and far less pleasant emotions 
 should be afterwards excited. 
 
 " ' Ere I was aware, my soul made me like the chariots of 
 Amminadib.' If ever this sentiment was realized in my expe- 
 rience, it was this morning. In the exercises of family devotion 
 a secret sweetness distilled upon my soul. I was softened, 
 melted, and humbled at the throne of grace; filled with a 
 sense of the evil of sin, and the love of Jesus Christ, whose 
 agony and death were peculiarly impressed upon my mind. I 
 saw Him fainting, groaning, dying, to become the life of
 
 251 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 perishing souls. I could scarcely finish the duty of pra3 r or, 
 and hastened from my knees into my study, where those sweet 
 feelings were perpetuated; and I felt as though I could 
 cheerfully have bid adieu to earthly scenes, and have taken 
 wing for another world. Oh! that I knew more of those 
 happy frames, and that by them my prayers might bo accele- 
 rated, and my attainments in holiness promoted! Perhaps, 
 the sceno of delight is intended to prepare me for trials, or 
 rather to support me under those which I already feel ! 
 There are, alas! sad causes of grief to me, ministerially. 
 Oh ! Lord, give me wisdom, patience, meekness, and dependence 
 on thee. I am a child ! Undertake for me ! " 
 
 In the autumn of 1811, Mr. George Clayton was 
 invited by his old flock, at Southampton, to take part in 
 the ordination of the Rev. T. Adkins, — who still occupies 
 his post among an attached flock at the Above Bar 
 chapel; esteemed and beloved, as he righteously deserves 
 to be, not only by the ministers and churches of his 
 own denomination, but by all the people of God to 
 whom he is known; and crowned with the honours 
 of an unblemished reputation, and the evidences of 
 extensive usefulness, which have accumulated through 
 an official life of 5G years, spent in one place, and 
 among one people. 
 
 Mr. Clayton preached on the occasion to a very 
 crowded audience. "I received," he says in his note- 
 book, " from the people at large, the most affecting 
 expressions of gratitude and love." His choice of 
 another sphere of permanent labour, while at the time 
 it pained and troubled them, did not sever the cords of 
 affection with which they had been for two years bound; 
 while this renewal of the intercourse, before so pleasant, 
 seven years afterwards, only deepened the respect and 
 regard they entertained for each other. 
 
 In 1812 he was elected into the same fraternity into
 
 VISIT TO THE LAKES. 2oo 
 
 which his father and brother John had, some years 
 before, been introduced — the Eclectic Society ; at whose 
 meetings, for the chief part of his ministerial life, he 
 was accustomed to associate with clergymen and other 
 ministers, in friendly fellowship. 
 
 Severe personal affliction again visited him ; and the 
 recollection that he was approaching the age at which 
 his two predecessors at York Street had died, seemed to 
 suggest to him that it would be the part of wisdom to 
 decline some of the numerous extra-pastoral engage- 
 ments to which he was invited, and to restrict his 
 labours more to his own pulpit and people. 
 
 The number of those who, week after week, thronged 
 his chapel, rendered such a resolve as this a necessity; 
 for he found it very difficult to overtake the visiting 
 which w r as required, especially among the sick. He 
 made a list of the members of his congregation, and of 
 their places of abode, and inserted the dates of his calls 
 upon them ; so that no one should be overlooked, and 
 that there should not be an undue attention given to 
 some to the neglect of others. 
 
 For six weeks, in the summer of 1812, he went to 
 the north of England, and paid his first visit to the 
 lakes. He appears to have gone with some sad fore- 
 bodings, which, however, were happily unrealized. In 
 the anticipation of an unfavourable issue of his present 
 illness, just before his departure, he penned the 
 following in his diary : — 
 
 " To take leave of my home, my child, my family, my flock, 
 for so long a period, must be regarded, at all times, and under 
 all circumstances, as a serious change ; but to one in ill-health, 
 with sensations of great weakness and infirmity, it is doubly 
 serious; therefore I desire to record that I do now, in the 
 presence of the all-seeing God, and of the attendant and
 
 25G THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 witnessing angels, solemnly, deliberately, and, I would hope, 
 believingly, commit myself and all my interests into the hands 
 of God. 
 
 " I consider this the greatest of all privileges — to be 
 permitted to give myself up to the custody and government of 
 a covenant God. Take me as I am, oh ! Jehovah — Father, 
 Son, and Holy Ghost ; — the God of my salvation. Make me 
 what I should be ; and do with me and mine whatsoever 
 seemeth good in thy sight. I am a sinful, a blind, an insig- 
 nificant worm. Thou art the infinitely wise, gracious, holy, 
 faithful God; and therefore I flee from myself to thee; and 
 desire to hide under the shadow of thy wings. I desire to 
 place my soul and its weighty interests in the hand of Jesus ; 
 and the print of the nail in that adored hand forms my security. 
 I give my health, my relatives, my reputation, my flock, my 
 life, my all, to the care of Him whose is ' all power in heaven 
 and in earth,' and who doeth all things well. 
 
 " Such is the uncertainty of all things, that I know not 
 whether I may ever see this home again. Oh ! that every sin 
 committed in it may be pardoned; every stain it has received 
 from the inhabitant be effaced; and blood divine, sprinkled 
 upon the walls and doors, cleanse, and preserve, and sanctify 
 the whole. 
 
 " In going abroad I entreat the presence of God, I hope I 
 can say, 'If thy presence go not with us, carry us not up hence.' 
 I pray that I may find favour among the strangers and people 
 into whose society I may be thrown ; and chiefly, and above all, 
 I beg that usefulness may mark my course. May the excellent 
 savour of Jesus be diffused, and the great name of God be 
 honoured! Lord, let thy blessing attend 'our going out and 
 our coming in, from this time forth, and even for evermore.' ' : 
 
 At the outset of this journey, which was mostly 
 performed in his own chaise, and by easy stages, he 
 suffered greatly. But by degrees the change and rest 
 recruited him ; and he was enabled thoroughly to enjoy 
 the lovely scenery of Cumberland and Westmoreland, 
 which he surveyed with an eye that was fast losing
 
 ArorLECTIC ATTACK. 257 
 
 the languor of sickness, and soon flashed with the 
 brightness of renewed health. On his return, after 
 seven weeks' absence, he found his people in peace ; 
 and large audiences, as before, ready to welcome his 
 resumption of ministerial duties. 
 
 The distance of his place of residence from the 
 chapel where he preached — for after residing in 
 Charlotte Row, Walworth, for a year, he had removed 
 to Addington Place, Camberwell — rendered it at length 
 necessary that he should again live nearer; and so, in 
 March, 1813, he left the spot where he had resided for 
 eight years, and pitched his tent nearer to York Street ; 
 an arrangement which, while it had one drawback, as 
 a too great proximity to a place of worship has to 
 ministers, had many and special advantages, on which 
 the people had certainly occasion to congratulate them- 
 selves. 
 
 Another preservation from death, on his journey 
 to the West of England, in the autumn of 1813, is 
 recorded by Mr. Clayton, with grateful acknowledgments 
 of the divine care. But the most serious occurrence of 
 this nature happened in the opening of the year 1814. 
 His own words will best describe it : — 
 
 " On Tuesday, January 25th, I left my own habitation, about 
 ten o'clock in the morning, in a good state of health and spirits. 
 After having paid several short visits to the sick and afflicted, 
 I was attacked by an alarming seizure, under the influence of 
 which I fell to the ground, and continued in a state of 
 insensibility, for more than half an hour. Had I never awoke 
 to consciousness in this world, where had my immortal soul 
 found her abode ? It pleased God so to appoint, that I dropped 
 at the door of one who is numbered with my flock, and to 
 whom, I trust, I have been made the instrument of spiritual 
 good. Here every attention was promptly and cheerfully 
 rendered; an apothecary sent for, without delay; and every 
 
 s
 
 258 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 means used for my restoration. Confusion of mind gradually 
 subsided; and I became, in a few hours, calm, collected, and 
 tranquil. 
 
 "I cannot deny that the shock was severely felt. I was, 
 however, greatly supported ; delivered from alarm, and enabled, 
 though conscious of great unworthiness, to cast my care, for 
 time and eternity, on Him, whose sacrifice and intercession are 
 my only hope. The world appeared to be vanishing: death 
 seemed making his immediate approach : nothing but eternity 
 was present. Then I found that none but Jesus could do me 
 any good; because He alone can pluck the sting from death, 
 and open the gate of immortal bliss. 
 
 "During the weeks of my confinement and convalescence, I 
 have desired to have my ear opened to discipline, and to receive 
 the instruction which my heavenly Father designed to impart. 
 I have felt more than ever the uncertainty of life ; the necessity 
 of hourly preparation for the tomb ; the importance of an 
 interest in Christ ; and of being found diligently attentive to 
 the duties of our post and station. 
 
 " My affliction has been mitigated by everything that could 
 soften and assuage it. My friends, my relatives, my neigh- 
 bours, have been all kindness and attention ; and I desire to 
 bless God, who has done such great things for me. While 
 I offer up praise and adoration to the Most High, I would 
 earnestly beg the sanctification of this trial. ! let not the 
 effect of the chastisement, as a stroke of moral discipline, be 
 weakened by worldly objects, nor impaired by time. May I 
 reap a harvest of present and everlasting gain ; and so have 
 to say, ' It is good for me that I have been afflicted.' 
 
 "Never let me forget the sermon of my dear brother, on 
 the first Sabbath that I re-entered my pulpit, ' Casting all your 
 care upon Him ; for He careth for you.' " 
 
 In July of this year, Mr. George Clayton was called 
 to occupy a rather novel position. He had gone into 
 Lancashire, to be present at the festivities attendant on 
 the attainment of his majority, by his cousin, Mr. Daw- 
 son, of Aldcliffe Hall; between whom and himself a
 
 PEEACHES IN A CHURCH. 259 
 
 warm friendship existed. While staying with him he 
 preached at several places; among others at Lancaster 
 and Liverpool ; in the latter town at the chapel which 
 had been erected for the lamented Thomas Spencer, but 
 which, through his early and sudden death, he was 
 not permitted to occupy; and where, at the time of 
 Mr. Clayton's visit, Dr. Raffles was labouring with 
 brilliant success. But at the village of Wharton, in the 
 same county, he found himself in the pulpit of the 
 parish church; the clergyman of the place reading the 
 prayers, preparatory to the sermon, which was delivered 
 by his Nonconformist brother. 
 
 These days, now more than half a century ago, were 
 hardly far enough removed from the time of Whitfield 
 and Wesley, — when interchanges between clergymen 
 and dissenting ministers were far from being un- 
 common, — to cause such an incident as this to pro- 
 duce any very great commotion. So far as is known, 
 no notice whatever was taken of this breach of 
 ecclesiastical discipline, by the superior of the clergy- 
 man in question; and certainly no proceedings were 
 commenced, or threatened, in the Arches Court, against 
 the bold Congregationalist minister, who had ventured 
 into the forbidden precincts ; but who, as the law then 
 stood, and still stands, by simply preaching the Gospel 
 of the blessed God there, had run the risk of an action, 
 for brawling in an Episcopal church. 
 
 We can fancy the excitement which such an occur- 
 rence as this would now create; and the dreadful scandal 
 it would prove to high-blown Churchmen, to have 
 suggested to them the bare idea of a dissenting minister 
 lifting up his voice, in preaching or prayer, in any 
 pulpit of the Establishment. Yet worse things than 
 that might happen ; are indeed now happening to our
 
 200 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Episcopalian friends, as perhaps many of them know 
 and lament. 
 
 Mr. Clayton's return home to Walworth was to the 
 second reopening of his chapel, which had for some 
 weeks been closed for repairs, and for the purpose of 
 making enlarged accommodation for the ever-growing 
 number of worshippers. 
 
 At this time his diaconate was greatly reduced, by 
 death and resignation ; and his mind was naturally 
 anxious about obtaining suitable successors. 
 
 Among those who had been removed from the service 
 of the church below was Captain Wilson, whose name 
 has already been mentioned, as associated with York 
 Street chapel. His history, although he died at a 
 comparatively early age, was so chequered and romantic 
 that a slight sketch will not be deemed out of place. 
 I am indebted to my friend and brother, the Rev. J. 
 Turquand, the co-pastor and successor of Mr. Clayton 
 at Walworth, for the following particulars, which are 
 recorded in the York Street Chapel Year-Book, for 1866. 
 
 "CArTAIN JAMES WILSON. 
 
 "The following brief sketch of his life has been compiled, 
 partly from the Missionary Enterprises of the martyred 
 Williams ; partly from an account of missionary ships, by the 
 Eev. E. Prout ; and partly from a memoir of Captain Wilson, 
 now scarce, and out of print, very kindly lent by J. Newbald, 
 Esq., for the purpose. 
 
 "James Wilson was the son of a captain of a vessel employed 
 in the Newcastle coal trade, and grew up a rough and reckless 
 sailor boy. When still a very young man, he was placed in 
 command of a small vessel, bound to the Nicobar Islands, in the 
 sea of Bengal. Shortly after his arrival in the East, he learned 
 that the English army was surrounded by the troops of Hyder 
 Ali, the warlike prince of Mysore ; that their stores were nearly 
 exhausted, and that a large French fleet had cut off all supplies
 
 ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN WILSON. 261 
 
 by sea. Captain Wilson, at the request of the Governor of 
 Madras, undertook to attempt a passage, with four store ships;, 
 manned by black men, in order to save his countrymen from 
 famine and captivity. He performed this perilous service with 
 great skill and success, and arrived at the English camp with 
 supplies, when the troops had only a little rice remaining. 
 Captain Wilson continued, amid much danger and many narrow 
 escapes, to carry supplies to the army ; but in one of his 
 ventures, while in charge of a valuable cargo, he was taken 
 prisoner by the French, and carried into Cuddalore, where he 
 was given up, with three hundred other captives, to Hyder Ali 
 for a large sum of money. 
 
 "No sooner did the captain find himself exposed to the cruelty 
 of the Indian prince, than he resolved to make his escape from 
 a slavery worse than death. One evening, evading the guard, 
 he contrived to reach the ramparts of the fort in which he was 
 confined, along with his servant, a young Hindoo boy. In the 
 darkness he could not tell the height of the wall, nor the depth 
 of the river which ran below ; so, leaping at a venture, he 
 alighted on his feet, but the shock was so great that he fell 
 headlong into the river. By great exertions he recovered 
 himself and landed; then, bidding the boy drop down, he 
 caught him in his arms. 
 
 " The subsequent journey, first marked by marvellous dangers 
 and deliverances, and then by capture and suffering, has 
 scarcely a parallel. Making his way across the dead level and 
 numerous rivers of that part of India, swimming the streams 
 with the boy upon his back, he at length reached the last and 
 most dreaded obstacle between himself and liberty. This was 
 the river Coloroon — a river full of alligators. Worn out, and 
 almost fainting with previous efforts, he trembled as he gazed 
 upon the broad rushing stream ; but the courage of despair and 
 the love of freedom braced his nerves. He plunged into the 
 foaming flood, which swept him swiftly towards the sea. How 
 long he was hurried forward upon the current he never knew, 
 for while swimming he either slept or swooned, but, strange to 
 say, did not sink; and when his reason returned he found 
 himself resting against the mast of a ship, or a tree which was
 
 262 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 floating down the stream. Having reached the opposite shore, 
 he flattered himself that his dangers were past, and his liberty 
 secured. But, alas ! on ascending an eminence, to survey the 
 surrounding country, he was perceived by some soldiers of 
 Hyder Ali, who galloped towards him, seized him, stripped him 
 naked, tied his hands behind his back, and, fastening a rope to 
 them, drove him before them for many miles, under a burning 
 sun, to their commander. When interrogated by one of the 
 chieftains, he gave an account of his escape from the prison at 
 Cuddalore ; but the commander exclaimed, ' That's a lie, as no 
 man ever swam across the Coloroon ; for had he only dipped his 
 finger in it, the alligators would have seized him.' Upon being 
 convinced, however, of the fact, they all gazed with astonish- 
 ment ; and, iiplifting his hands, the Turk exclaimed, ' This is 
 God's man,' and so indeed he ultimately proved to be. 
 
 " After this, as a punishment for his attempt to escape, he was 
 chained to another prisoner ; and barefoot, naked, and wounded, 
 was driven by brutal soldiers a distance of five hundred miles 
 to Seringapatam. Some of his fellow-prisoners had pity upon 
 his forlorn condition, and did what they could to supply his 
 wants. One gave him a shirt, another a waistcoat,' and a third 
 a pair of shoes. But the cruel guards at the first halting-place 
 stripped him again, leaving only a small piece of cloth to wrap 
 round his waist. In the various villages through which they 
 passed, in this long and weary journey, he was placed under 
 cover, as an object of curiosity, and exhibited to the country 
 people, many of whom had never seen a white man before. 
 There he was forced to present himself in all possible positions, 
 and to display all the antics of which he was capable, in order 
 to amuse the bystanders, so that his conductors might obtain 
 money at the expense of their poor captive. 
 
 " On arriving at the end of his journey, he was by day 
 exposed to the scorching sun, and at night was thrust into 
 a damp prison, without clothes, and almost without food. Here 
 he was attacked by an alarming disease. Still his miserable 
 condition did not soften the hearts of his guards towards him. 
 They placed on him chains weighing thirty pounds, and at 
 night he was fastened to a soldier. His bed was the earth ; a
 
 ADVENTUKES OF CAPTAIN WILSON. 263 
 
 few rags were thrown to him to wrap round his loins, and his 
 daily portion of food was a pound of rice, which was so full of 
 stones that he was compelled to swallow it whole. So great at 
 times was the raging of hunger that his jaws snapped involun- 
 tarily, when his scanty meal was brought to him. Often the 
 corpse was unchained from his arm in the morning, that another 
 living sufferer might take its place, and sink under the same 
 merciless treatment. What he suffered cannot be described, ( 
 but may be imagined, from the fact that, after twenty-two 
 months' imprisonment, only thirty-two out of a hundred and 
 fifty-three prisoners survived, the rest having miserably perished. 
 Captain Wilson was reduced to the point of death ; and that he 
 should have survived such accumulated miseries, for so long a 
 period, was next to a miracle. 
 
 "At length the monster Hyder Ali was subdued, and the 
 doors of the black -hole were thrown open; when, emaciated, 
 naked, half starved, and covered with ulcers, the few survivors 
 escaped. Captain Wilson now made his way to Madras, and, 
 through God's blessing on the kind care of his friends, was soon 
 restored to his former health and spirits. After a short time 
 he went again to sea, where other perils awaited him. At 
 Bencoolen, in the ship which he commanded, every European, 
 except himself, died after a few hours' illness. Although in 
 deaths oft, he did not recognize the hand that preserved him. 
 During one of his voyages he had a pious missionary on board, 
 as a passenger; and the infidel principles, and the careless 
 conduct of the captain so grieved the heart of the good man, 
 that he said he had more hope of converting the Lascars to 
 Christianity than of making any impression on him. 
 
 "At length Captain Wilson had several successful voyages, 
 and accumulated a good property. He then retired from a 
 seafaring life, and settled near Portsea, where he was known, 
 not only as a man of fashion and pleasure, but as a bold enemy 
 to the Gospel of Christ. 
 
 "One day, however, when dining with a friend, he met a 
 minister, who engaged him in conversation on the subject of 
 religion. To him Captain Wilson vauntingly said, — 'I have 
 never met with a clergyman yet, and I have conversed with a 
 few, that I could not foil in half an hour.'
 
 264 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 "Notwithstanding this boast, an impression was made upon 
 his mind ; and on the following Sunday he was seen, to the 
 astonishment of all, to enter the house of God where the young 
 minister was to preach. The sermon was on the compassion of 
 the Saviour, and His willingness to receive and to save all who 
 come to Him in faith. During this appeal tears fell from those 
 eyes which had never wept before. From this hour the captain 
 made the Bible his daily study ; and after an anxious struggle 
 he declared himself a sincere believer, and became an eminent 
 and devoted Christian. 
 
 " He now sought opportunities of doing good ; and reading 
 in the Evangelical Magazine that it was the intention of the 
 London Missionary Society to send out a ship, he volunteered 
 gratuitously to command it. Such an offer, from such a man, 
 was received by all with wonder and delight. Many exclaimed, 
 ' This is the Lord's doing ! ' and were more than ever encouraged 
 in the great enterprise upon which they had entered. Thus 
 sacrificing all the home comforts which he had gathered round 
 him, he once more embarked upon the deep. 
 
 "Space forbids, or we should like to follow him throughout 
 his interesting voyage in the ship 'Duff' — the first sent out by 
 the London Missionary Society, and the precursor of the ' John 
 Williams.' But we can only say that he sailed in August, 1796, 
 with thirty missionaries on board, who were safely conveyed to 
 the Marquesan, Tahitian, and Friendly Islands. After a most 
 successful voyage he returned home, having been absent about 
 two years ; the missionaries having been settled, and everything 
 having succeeded in accordance with the wishes of the directors 
 and friends of the benevolent enterprise. ' This success,' says 
 John Williams, 'in a great measure may be attributed to the 
 skill of Captain Wilson, whom God raised up, and, by a series of 
 events, almost without a parallel in the history of man, qualified 
 to take charge of the expedition.' 
 
 " Upon Captain Wilson's return to England he settled at 
 Walworth, and became a member of the church at York Street, 
 shortly after its formation. He was the first deacon elected, 
 and was one of the trustees of the chapel. Having married the 
 only daughter of Mr. Richard Ilolbert, he was appointed one of 
 the executors to his will.
 
 SUCCESS AT WALWORTH. 265 
 
 "He appears to have suffered heavy affliction and losses, 
 which he bore with submission and resignation to the will of 
 God. His sight beginning to fail, he set himself to learn the 
 more precious chapters of the Bible by heart, so that he might 
 recall them, when unable to read. He derived much comfort 
 from this course, and recommended it strongly to others. But 
 the time of his departure was at hand, and he prepared himself 
 to die. He was memorable in his eventful life, and remarkable 
 in his triumphant death. On the 12th of August, 1814, at the 
 comparatively early age of fifty-four, he departed this life, and 
 his dying words were — 
 
 " ' Triumphant now from sin and death, 
 From law and curse secure ; 
 Peaceful I yield my parting breath, 
 And know my heaven is sure.' 
 
 " ' Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace : for 
 mine eyes have seen thy salvation.' 
 
 "His remains were interred in the family vault of the 
 Holberts, near the vestry windows." 
 
 Four new deacons were after this appointed, one of 
 whom, Mr. Pelham Maitland, sustained the important 
 office until his death, a period of thirty-two years. 
 
 Still the congregation increased, so that although the 
 place had been twice enlarged, seventy applicants for 
 seats were waiting for accommodation. " Thus, in 
 Judah, things went well." 
 
 But Mr. Clayton and his family were not to enjoy 
 the prosperity, with which God had visited them, with- 
 out counterbalancing troubles. A family transaction, 
 with which nobody on earth, save the members of that 
 family, had anything to do, was, chiefly through the 
 malignant conduct of one person — who, unfortunately, 
 was a relative, and whose eccentric behaviour had for 
 years been the subject of intense grief and vexation to 
 his best friends — made the occasion of public notice and
 
 OGG THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 slander; and the low arts of the scurrilous caricaturist 
 and buffoon were called into requisition, to give point 
 to that malignity, and pain to its victims. The thought- 
 less public is ever too ready to welcome a high-spiced 
 piece of gossip, especially if it be directed to any 
 prominent and specially-successful person; and if he 
 happen to belong to the ministerial order, the more 
 acceptable are the accusations. 
 
 Were it necessary to state all the facts of the case, in 
 relation to this matter, those who have been unjustly 
 branded with epithets, derogatory and humiliating, would 
 be found to have acted as nobly and generously as they 
 have been supposed to act mercenarily, and with selfish 
 ends. It is best, however, that such things should 
 await the revelations and justifications of another 
 tribunal than that of man. " The day will declare it." 
 
 Meanwhile, Mr. George Clayton was honestly and 
 earnestly probing his own heart, in connexion with the 
 duties of his office. Thus, in the autumn of 1816, 
 he writes : — 
 
 " When I lift up the veil from my heart, I am sickened and 
 discouraged by a view of the abominations which disclose 
 themselves. What a chamber of imagery ! What a cage of 
 unclean birds ! What a sink of sin ! It requires some courage 
 to look at such a mass of moral mischief as I carry within me ; 
 so much pride, earthliness, and carnality ; so much unbelief, 
 sinful fear, and instability, that I am ready to doubt whether 
 the cure is begun. But this I am sure of, that I desire to be 
 made whole. Lord, I throw myself at thy feet, just as I am ; 
 earnestly entreating that thou wouldest make me what I should 
 be. I long to find the rebellions of sin weakened, and the divine 
 life growing stronger and stronger. I long to be what Christ 
 is ; to be holy, as God is holy. 
 
 "At the sacramental table I gave three items of advice, which 
 I pray God to enable me to take to myself. Never to let the
 
 SECOND APOPLECTIC ATTACK. 267 
 
 world come in God's room ; to set apart some portion of every 
 day to think on eternity ; and to shun the company that shuns 
 God. These things, duly regarded, will administer to the 
 growth of religion in my heart, with a supply of the Spirit 
 of Jesus Christ. 0, my Saviour! withhold not that supply, 
 I beseech thee. 
 
 " When I look around, I am overpowered by a view of my 
 mercies and comforts. I may say that God has ' comforted me 
 on every side.' In my church I have abundant comfort : there 
 all is harmony, peace, and love. No root of bitterness has yet 
 sprung up to trouble us : no dissensions, no divisions are taking 
 place, to weaken my hands and to grieve my heart. I trust 
 God's blessed word is winning its way, and that the grace of 
 the Holy Spirit is not withdrawn from us. My family, I bless 
 God, is peaceful and happy. My beloved wife has been for 
 some weeks in far better health than for several previous 
 months ; my dearest child is improving in growth and educa- 
 tion. My servants are dutiful and obliging, sober and diligent. 
 My honoured parents are yet spared to me. My brothers and 
 their families prosperous and happy. No discord or alienation 
 amongst us ! " 
 
 On January 16th, 1817, a repetition of the apoplectic 
 attack occurred, while walking with his daughter near 
 Hornchurch, where he was on a visit to his father. 
 
 " Though the attack came upon me," he says, " without any 
 sensible warning, yet I had a very marked preparation of mind 
 for it ; something amounting to a presentiment of its approach. 
 
 " An observation I made to my child, and a hymn which I 
 was singing, afford me proof of this, in the recollection I have 
 of the occurrence. Those words were peculiarly impressed on 
 my mind, and had several times passed my lips : — 
 
 '"A guilty, weak, and helpless worm, 
 On thy kind arms I fall ; 
 Be Thou my strength and righteousness, 
 My Jesus, and my all.' 
 
 At about twelve o'clock I actually did fall : whether in a species
 
 208 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 of apoplexy or epilepsy, I know not — ' God knowcth.' ' He 
 knoweth our frame, and rcmembcreth that we are dust.' 
 
 "Here I would note the presence of my dear child, who, by 
 God's ordination, was at my side, and was the instrument of 
 procuring assistance. I might, but for this circumstance, have 
 lain for hours — indeed till the spark of life itself had been 
 extinguished. But ' the Lord was ready to save ; ' and she to 
 whom I gave life, was the instrument ordained for the preser- 
 vation of mine. 
 
 " Being on a visit at my father-in-law's, was also a circum- 
 stance I wish to record. In that house there were those to 
 whom the sight of my sorrows and my supports, my affliction 
 and the temper which, through divine grace, I was enabled to 
 discover under it, will, I trust, be made useful. I pray God to 
 own and override this providence, for so important an end ! 
 Then shall I glory in my infirmities, if my fall should conduce, 
 in the most distant way, to the rising again of some lost soul 
 from the ruins of the first apostasy. 
 
 "I cannot suffer to escape my notice the tender affection of 
 my relatives ; the sympathy of my friends ; the prayers of my 
 people ; the supports of the Spirit. My calmness has been 
 unruffled through the whole scene ; and I have been enabled 
 not only to acquiesce in, but even to approve and subscribe to, 
 the dealings of God towards me. I trust I am humbly 
 concerned for the sanctification of the event. I want to have 
 Christ more endeared to me ; sin embittered ; earth renounced ; 
 and my title to heaven insured. Lord, forbid that I should 
 lose the benefit of this correction ! " 
 
 When the thirteenth anniversary of his ordination 
 service returned, he indulged in the following reflec- 
 tions, which show that familiarity with ministerial 
 duties, and the frequent discharge thereof, had not 
 diminished his sense of their magnitude, nor led him 
 to glide, unconsciously, into a perfunctory fulfilment of 
 them : — 
 
 " The Great Head of the church, the Shepherd and Bishop 
 of souls, has permitted me to witness another anniversary of
 
 RETROSPECT. 269 
 
 my ordination to the pastoral office, among the beloved flock 
 committed to my charge. I have held a day of abstinence ; and 
 devote a few hours this evening to recollection, self-examina- 
 tion, and prayer. I have now thirteen years to look back upon; 
 and did my memory retain all the sins and failings which 
 the book of God's remembrance records, I should be over- 
 whelmed with shame, despair, and sorrow. Of those high 
 duties which pertain to the Christian ministry, how many have 
 been wholly omitted, and how many imperfectly performed ! 
 ' Enter not into judgment with thy servant, O Lord ! Mark 
 with strictness my errors and offences, and I am undone.' 
 
 " I grieve to think of the muddiness of my motives, the 
 slowness of my progress, and the coldness of my affections 
 towards Christ, His kingdom, and the soids of men ; and the 
 miserable lack of personal holiness and spirituality. How just 
 were it in the holy Lord God to take the word of truth utterly 
 out of my mouth. O, my soul ! burdened with these recollec- 
 tions, haste thee to the cross of Jesus, and to the footstool of a 
 forgiving God ! Pardon, pardon, thou most gracious Father, 
 the official delinquencies of thirteen years! If penitential 
 confession takes the lead, in the sensations which pervade *my 
 bosom, admiring, adoring gratitude is impatient to pour forth 
 her tribute of praise, at the altar of God. What shall I render 
 for the strength afforded me; for the harmony and love sub- 
 sisting between me and the dear people of my charge ; for the 
 many proofs of a divine blessing on my labours ? Lord, why 
 me? That I should have maintained my standing for these 
 years, is a wonderful evidence of rich, free, and sovereign grace. 
 
 " I have been perusing my ordination service ; and I thank 
 my gracious Master that I have not yet renounced my chosen 
 office ; nor sacrificed the truths I engaged to preach ; nor 
 become indifferent to the souls committed to my charge. I 
 continue to this day, testifying both to small and great, that 
 Christ is all and in all, the Alpha and the Omega. I thank 
 God that I have lived to this hour in all good conscience ; and 
 that none can accuse me of riot, injustice, falsehood, or even, to 
 my knowledge, of intentional unkindness. I have had a large 
 share of prosperity and public favour, and these have a tendency
 
 270 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 unduly to elevate. But God, by various dispensations, is labouring 
 to keep me humble, and to show me the vileness of my own 
 heart. Alas ! in many respects have I a thorn in the flesh, a 
 messenger of Satan to buffet and to humble me. Lord, sanctify, 
 if thou dost not remove it, and let thy grace be sufficient 
 for me ! 
 
 " Help me, Lord, now to set out afresh ; and to aim at a 
 more diligent, circumspect, zealous, and affectionate discharge 
 of pastoral duties. Give me strength according to my day, 
 whether that day be longer or shorter. Unable to look into 
 futurity, I am sensible that my Lord's coming may be near. 
 May I stand prepared ; and receive the notice of His approach 
 with firmness and with joy ! 
 
 " I wish especially to commend my people to the benediction 
 of the Great Head of the church. The young, the aged, the 
 rich, and the poor ; my friends and benefactors ; my enemies 
 and revilers ; I beseech thee, Lord, to think on them for good. 
 
 Amen. 
 
 " June 7th, 1817." 
 
 About this time, he entered upon the occupation of 
 Manor House, Walworth ; with gratefulness of heart to 
 God, for the comforts and advantages which such a 
 home afforded him, and with earnest desires that no 
 multiplication of earthly benefits should be permitted 
 to wean his soul from his Saviour. 
 
 On his thirty-fifth birthday, when — as had been his 
 custom, every year, on the return of that day — he sought 
 the privacy of his study, for communion with God, 
 his chief thought and prayer were in relation to the 
 honour of his Master, so far as that was connected with 
 his consistency, as a minister of Christ. 
 
 "I often fear," he says, "lest I should be left, in the sequel 
 of my days, to dishonour God, and wound His blessed Gospel : 
 and yet I think I can say that no thought of any possible 
 calamity is so pungently distressing to me as this. No loss of 
 property ; no bereavement of friends ; no decay of health ; no
 
 MINISTEKIAL DANGEKS. 271 
 
 form of death imprints on my heart so much of terror and grief, 
 as the idea of grieving the Spirit ; crucifying afresh the Lord 
 of glory ; and disgracing the Gospel I have so long preached. 
 May God forbid it, for His name and mercy's sake ! 
 
 " Lord, in the faith of the covenant, and of thy Son's blood, I 
 now commit myself to thee ; praying for a large measure of the 
 Spirit's grace, to keep me near thee and for thee ; that I may 
 be spared and acknowledged to be thine, in the day of thy dear 
 Son's appearing. Amen. 
 
 "April 9th, 1818." 
 
 And thus he recognizes " Ministerial Dangers :" — 
 
 " for a closer walk with God ! I see plainly that a man 
 may be much engaged in keeping the vineyards of others, 
 while his own is neglected. He may go from place to place, 
 preaching, praying, speaking, instructing, and warning others ; 
 exciting the zeal and liberality of the Christian public, and yet 
 be deceiving and neglecting his own soul ; and beating out a 
 pathway, through the sanctuary and its services, through the 
 Bible and the plans of dispersing it abroad, to the damnation 
 of hell, the blackness of darkness for ever ! my God, think 
 upon me for good ! If one of the ancients exclaimed, ' In 
 Ileitis perimus /' what will become of those who will find it 
 to be their motto, ' In sacris perimus !' " 
 
 In 1819, his parents, who began to feel the gradual 
 approach of old age, and were by the marriage of their 
 daughter, Mrs. Janson, left alone, came to reside with 
 their second son, at Walworth. Mrs. Clayton's total 
 deafness rendered her position exceedingly painful 
 and dependent; and made it necessary that some one 
 interested in her welfare should be at hand, — when 
 Mr. Clayton by his public duties was necessarily absent, 
 — who might, with due authority, direct or advise. 
 As Manor House was capacious enough for the two 
 families, and the son and his wife were supremely 
 desirous to minister to the comfort and necessaries of 
 their aged parents, this arrangement was mutually
 
 X', \> THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 acceptable ; and continued until Mr. and Mrs. Clayton 
 retired to their country residence at Gaines, near 
 Upminster, in Essex. 
 
 All this time, Mr. Clayton was not only labouring 
 with great assiduity at Walworth, but giving much of 
 his time and thought to extra-pastoral services. He, for 
 many years, held the post of one of the secretaries of 
 the Southwark Bible Society ; and in the service of the 
 parent institution, as well as in order to aid the 
 churches of his own and other denominations, at 
 anniversaries, ordinations, &c, he was frequently from 
 home; always carrying with him, and leaving behind 
 him, a hallowed influence; and permitted at different 
 places and seasons to be the honoured instrument in 
 the conversion of souls. 
 
 In April, 1820, the present spacious chapel at 
 Above Bar, Southampton, erected to accommodate the 
 increasing congregation attending the ministry of the 
 Rev. T. Adkins, was opened for public worship; and 
 once more Mr. George Clayton found himself among 
 the attached people, in the midst of whom his earliest 
 ministerial labours had been passed. He was invited, 
 with Mr. Jay, of Bath, to preach one of the sermons 
 on the day of opening; and this pleasing duty he 
 performed, discoursing from 1 Kings ix. 3 : "I have 
 hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my 
 name there for ever." As he had been blessed at 
 Walworth, so had his successor at Southampton; and 
 each had the most satisfactory evidences that he had 
 chosen his proper sphere of action. 
 
 In 1821, he preached the annual missionary sermon 
 for the London Missionary Society, at Surrey chapel, 
 from the text, Ephesians ii. 11, 12: "Wherefore 
 remember, that at that time ye were without Christ."
 
 MISSIONARY SERMON. 273 
 
 One extract from this sermon will suffice to convey a 
 general idea of his usual style of £>reaching : — 
 
 " The circumstances which marked the origin and birth of 
 the London Missionary Society, are such as, in my judgment, 
 ought never to be forgotten. At a moment when infidel 
 philosophy had succeeded in prostrating the human understand- 
 ing, and demoralizing the human heart, and in producing a 
 general convulsion amongst the nations of the European conti- 
 nent ; when thrones were shaken, and sceptres tossed as feathers 
 on the billowy breeze ; when political changes were arising, 
 with a succession so rapid as to perplex the wisest, and confound 
 the most experienced observers ; and when the eyes of all were 
 fastened on the awful drama of revolutionary devastation ; then 
 arose, in the metropolis of Britain, that spiritual confederacy, 
 of which it was the sole and simple object, to give a more 
 universal extension to the Gospel of Christ, and thus to bring 
 glory to God in the highest, to restore on earth peace, and 
 establish good will among men. Then, amidst 'distress of 
 nations with perplexity ; the sea and the waves roaring, and 
 while the hearts of men were failing them for fear, and for 
 looking after those things that were coming on the earth/ did 
 this rainbow of mercy appear in the clouds. All who piously 
 and attentively beheld these things, laid them up in their 
 hearts, saying, ' What manner of child shall this be, rocked by 
 the tempest, and cradled in the storm?' From a birth so 
 portentous, much might be expected, and the event has more 
 than realized the expectations which were formed. Forcing 
 the consideration of the wise and good, from themes of secular 
 and sublunary interest, all men were invited to apply, with 
 increased energy and united strength, the only remedy for 
 human corruption and human wretchedness. ' Come/ said this 
 society, ' behold the works of the Lord, what desolations He 
 hath made in the earth. He maketh wars to cease unto the end 
 of the earth ; He breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in 
 sunder ; He burneth the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know 
 that I am God : I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be 
 exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us ; the God of 
 Jacob is our refuge.' "
 
 274 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Year after year he records, with gratitude, the 
 continued success of his preaching at York Street, and 
 the peace of his church ; and once more, and for the 
 third time, the idea of enlargement was started among 
 the people, and was soon after embodied in action. 
 
 In the meanwhile, as Mr. Clayton's parents had 
 resolved to live in their own house at Gaines, 
 Mr. George Clayton was not desirous to continue his 
 large establishment at Manor House, where for four 
 years he had resided. A favourable opportunity 
 presented itself of disposing of the property ; and 
 having purchased an estate in Essex, bordering upon 
 his father's, he designed to make that the place of his 
 residence; arranging for being certain days in town, to 
 attend to his pulpit and pastoral engagements ; and, in 
 the summer of 1821, he, too, took up his abode at 
 Gaines. 
 
 Visits to Southampton, the Isle of Wight, and to 
 Bristol, where he had the gratification of an interview 
 with Mrs. Hannah More, made the summer of 1821 a 
 delightful time of recreation. This was followed by the 
 reopening of the chapel, after the third enlargement, 
 by which an addition of from four to five hundred 
 sittings was made. Notwithstanding this great excess 
 of accommodation, the place very soon again became 
 filled.
 
 Chapter Xm. 
 
 REV. GEORGE CLAYTON. -1823-1834. 
 
 RETURN TO LONDON. — MEDITATION ON THE THRESHOLD OF A NEW TEAR. 
 — PASTORAL DESIRES. — REMARKABLE DELIVERANCE FROM DEATH.— 
 LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE EVENT. — DEATH OF MR. JANSON. — LOVE 
 OF RETIREMENT. — RETROSPECT OF TWENTY-ONE YEARS' MINISTRY. — 
 CURIOUS DREAM. — DOMESTIC SORROW. — DANGERS OF WEALTH.— SUCCESS 
 AT YORK STREET. — REV. R. KNILL. — THE BISHOP OF WINCHESTER. 
 
 The change, which Mr. George Clayton had made 
 from Walworth to Gaines, was found so inconvenient, 
 that he was obliged to return to town; and his sister 
 and her husband became the tenants of his surrendered 
 dwelling. He had greatly enjoyed the quiet and retire- 
 ment of the country; but as the facilities of modern 
 travelling did not exist then, as now, it became impos- 
 sible for him to keep up the pastorate at Walworth, and 
 continue to reside at a distance of nearly twenty miles 
 from his people. 
 
 It was with reluctance, and yet submission to the 
 divine will, he tore himself away from a spot to which, 
 though his enjoyment of it was but a brief one, he had 
 become strongly attached. He now went to live at 
 Heme Hill; with a growing conviction, forced on him 
 by these repeated changes, of the instability of all 
 earthly positions and comforts. Thus, on the threshold 
 of the new year, 1823, he writes : — 
 
 " Another year of this mortal pilgrimage has flown away ; 
 and, on its rapid pinion, has conducted me into a new period of 
 time. The year 1822 has retired for ever, and given way to 
 1823. A new scene of things opens; and it becomes every
 
 276 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 thoughtful, every serious mind, — it peculiarly becomes me, as 
 a professor of Christianity, as a minister of the Gospel, — to 
 pause, to reflect, to weep, to pray, to praise. 
 
 " In the midst of official duties it is possible for the thoughts 
 to be so far distracted and dissipated, as to give little oppor- 
 tunity for collected, fixed, and salutary meditation, on the great 
 points which belong to personal religion. And, alas ! how poor, 
 how sad a thing is it, to be preaching to others, and praying for 
 others, if one should neglect preaching to his own heart, and 
 crying mightily unto God, for his own individual salvation ! 
 If the great apostle of the Gentiles represents it as a possible 
 thing that, after having preached to others, he might himself 
 be cast away, how much more may I fear ! 
 
 " ' Lord, let not all my hopes be vain, 
 Create my heart entirely new, 
 Which hypocrites could ne'er attain, 
 Which false apostates never knew.' 
 
 "Lord, I lay open my heart under thine all-seeing eye. I 
 invite and entreat thine inspection and thy scrutiny. ' Search 
 me and try me, and see if there be any wicked way in me, and 
 lead me in the way everlasting ! ' Have I been losing ground, 
 or advancing, in the year that is past ? Is salvation nearer, or 
 is it more distant? Which way am I travelling? To what 
 o-oal tending? To heaven, or to hell? God forbid that I 
 should deceive myself with vain words, or with delusive 
 sophistries. Lord God! enable me to deal honestly with 
 myself, and to remember that — 
 
 " ' Nothing but truth before thy throne 
 With honour can appear.' 
 
 " May I hope that my state is described in these words, ' faint, 
 yet pursuing'? I trust I have not lost sight of the prize of 
 my high calling. Jesus is precious to my soul. The savour of 
 His priestly anointing is sweetly fragrant and reviving. His 
 glory is, in some degree at least, my aim; and nothing is 
 nearer to my heart than to realize, in my own experience and 
 conduct, that apostolic saying, ' For me to live is Christ,' and to 
 add, when I am summoned hence, ' to die is gain.'
 
 OBJECTS OF THE MINISTKY. 277 
 
 " It is still a day of conflict with me, though the ground 
 of the contention is somewhat changed. Now it is from the 
 things of the world — anxieties, plannings, distrustful jealousies, 
 complacent thoughts in and about the objects of this perishing 
 state ! The enemy has come in as a flood, with the pleas of 
 lawfulness, necessity, prudence, foresight of probable evils ; and 
 my soul has been darkened, defiled, and disturbed. O Lord 
 Jesus, preserve me from a worldly spirit, from a disproportion- 
 ate musing, and a fruitless poring over earthly things ! May 
 I ever keep them in a subordinate place, yea, very subordinate ; 
 and have grace given me so to pass through things temporal as 
 not finally to lose those which are eternal. 
 
 " O for a contrite spirit, a holy courage, a fervent faith, a 
 more expansive charity ; — even that love which is the fulfilling 
 of the law ! 
 
 "Uncertain what events this year will develop, I desire to 
 seek preparation for God's holy will in all things. For scenes 
 more shadowed, or more joyous ; for the smoother or rougher 
 passages of the journey, Lord, give me the Holy Spirit for 
 my guide ; and then shall I be prepared to travel, to combat, to 
 suffer, to enjoy, to live or to die. Amen and Amen." 
 
 A lengthened continuance in his work did not 
 diminish his sense of its importance and responsibility, 
 as the following extract of the objects of his ministry 
 will prove : — 
 
 " What am I really proposing to myself, in the labours of 
 my ministry ? Fame or wealth, ease and popularity ? I trust 
 my conscience qualifies me to give a decided negative as to 
 these points. To seek out the lost sheep of Christ ; to feed the 
 lambs ; to defend the truths of God's holy Word and Gospel; 
 to promote faith and holiness, zeal and usefulness, in the people 
 of my care ;- — these are the points at which I desire to be 
 continually aiming. Yet, how far short am I daily coming 
 of the mark proposed ! Dear Jesus, raise me higher ! Am I 
 living under realizing and awful impressions of judgment and 
 eternity ? Life ; — how short ! Eternity ; — how overwhelming ! 
 What loud and impressive calls are continually made upon us !
 
 278 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 How soon must the curtain drop, which will hide us from the 
 view of all the living ! " 
 
 How earnestly he pleaded for his people, in the silence 
 of his own closet, let the following show : — 
 
 " Through the favour of an indulgent Providence, I have an 
 allotted season of solitude. My numerous public engagements 
 have taught me the high value of religious retirement. I love 
 to be alone ; and trust that I can say, with truth and sincerity, 
 that I am never less alone than when alone. Yet have I deeply 
 to lament the wanderings of a truant heart ; and feel that when 
 T would do good, evil is present with me. Lord, let thy good 
 Spirit help my infirmities, and be my Teacher, Guide, and 
 Comforter. 
 
 " This is to me a day which deserves to be particularly 
 marked, inasmuch as I have been engaged in improving the 
 death of an aged and much-loved officer of the church, of 
 which I am appointed the overseer. For more than nine years 
 he has gone in and out before us ; and during that space of 
 time he has been very pleasant, very helpful, and very orna- 
 mental, in his relation to myself and my people. I desire now 
 to bless God for his coming amongst us, and for his having been 
 preserved to a good old age, — even as long as he could enjoy 
 good, and do good. His end was most tranquil, and marked by 
 a heavenly composure. 
 
 "Never may I forget the hallowed chamber from which 
 his spirit fled — 'just on the verge of heaven.' that I may 
 ' die the death of the righteous, and that my last end may be 
 like his.' His dying words formed the text of his funeral 
 discourse, — ' My portion for ever ! ' O Lord Jesus, who hast 
 graciously condescended to be the portion of our souls, grant 
 that we may ever make up our whole happiness in thee ; and 
 never seek a portion in anything else ! 
 
 " The death of our dear friend makes it imperative that the 
 church should be called on to elect and appoint other officers, to 
 fill up the vacancies which have been made in our number by 
 death, or removal, or resignation. On this occasion, I would 
 set myself to seek the Lord and Head of the church, by prayer
 
 TASTOEAL DESIRES. 279 
 
 fasting, and earnest intercession ; entreating Him, for His 
 mercies' sake, to guide us by His wisdom, to preserve us from all 
 discrepancy of judgment, and collision of feeling; and to cause 
 the Spirit of peace and love to abide and remain amongst us. 
 
 "Lord! I deeply feel how justly Thou mightest come out 
 of thy place, to punish us for our carelessness, coldness, and 
 unfruitfulness. For my own personal sins and miscarriages 
 Thou mightest, indeed, enter into judgment, and scatter us one 
 from another, and leave us neither root nor branch. But thy 
 mercies are great ; and, casting myself at thy feet, in humble 
 prostration, I desire to entreat for myself and my beloved 
 flock, pardon, purity, direction, and assistance. Leave us not, 
 I pray thee, Lord, for thy name's sake. Satan, that roaring- 
 lion, envies our prosperity, and would exult in our ruin. 
 Destroy him ; cast him down ; let him fall by his own counsels ! 
 
 " Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the God upon whom, as a 
 people, our hopes and our happiness are exclusively built, send 
 the Spirit of thy Son into our hearts ; and may we consult only 
 thine honour, and the good of thy body, the church. 
 
 " Let no root of bitterness, springing up, trouble us — no root 
 that beareth wormwood and gall. Let those be chosen and 
 appointed who shall approve themselves ; men of prudence* 
 piety, zeal, and kindness. My time is fast wearing away, and 
 soon must I stand before the judgment-seat of Christ. O keep 
 me humble, teachable, faithful, and zealous ; yea, faithful unto 
 death, that I may receive the crown of life. O Jesus, my 
 adored Master, whom I so unworthily serve, meet us when we 
 are assembled in thy name ; and let the Spirit of truth and 
 peace and love be in the midst of us, now and for ever ! " 
 
 At the close of the year 1823, Mr. George Clayton, 
 indulging in those meditations, which were so sought 
 after and prized by him, penned some sentences in his 
 diary, which, taken in connexion with what in a short 
 time happened to him, and which is about to be 
 narrated, seem to be singularly and strikingly antici- 
 patory of a critical event in his history. 
 
 He had been preaching, at the last Sabbath service
 
 280 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 of the year, from the words, Ezekiel xii. 97 : " They say, 
 The vision that he seeth is for many days to come, and 
 he prophesieth of the times that are far off." From 
 this text he discoursed on the minister's duty, and the 
 sinner's surmise ; pointing out the fallacy of the in- 
 sinuation, that the things of eternity are to be con- 
 sidered as distant; — and showing that, if they were, 
 it would detract nothing from their importance and 
 solemnity ; but that in point of fact they are ever near 
 at hand, — because life is short, and uncertain ; — every 
 rolling year bringing them into nearer view; and many 
 of our kindred and friends having already been brought 
 into immediate contact with them. He explained that 
 the indications of decay in our own persons supply a 
 refutation to the idea; and that whenever eternity 
 approaches, it will burst upon us with amazing sudden- 
 ness and solemnity. 
 
 In his reflection on this sermon he says : — 
 
 "O the felicity of those who are prepared to meet this 
 incomprehensible eternity which stretches out before us ! Lord, 
 I beseech thee to bring these reflections home to my soul, that 
 I may feel and improve them ; and walk evermore, as surrounded 
 by invisible and eternal realities. How uncertain is all that is 
 before me ! — that is, so far as I am concerned. All is known to 
 God perfectly ; and is not that enough for me to know ? Help 
 me, Lord, to cast all my care upon Him that careth for me ; 
 and let my mind be evermore held in sweet content, and a full 
 complacence with all thy holy, perfect, and righteous will." 
 
 It was on the following Saturday, April 3rd, that he 
 left home for the city; and having occasion to take a 
 boat, in order to cross the river Thames, he was in the 
 act of stepping on board, when he was suddenly seized 
 with a fit; and, in a state of perfect unconsciousness, 
 fell into the water. For a few moments he disappeared
 
 DELIVERANCE FROM DEATH. 281 
 
 from view; and when again he rose to the surface, it 
 was close to the bow of a barge, that lay moored near 
 the spot where he fell ; and underneath this the rapidity 
 of the current bore him, a second time, from the sight of 
 the bystanders, who set up a cry of horror and alarm. 
 For a few seconds, the boatman who had been about 
 to receive Mr. Clayton, as a passenger, stood almost 
 paralyzed, on the brink of the river; but at length 
 regaining his senses, and fully alive to the peril of the 
 stranger, he leaped on board, and seizing a boat-hook 
 that lay at the stern of his wherry, he thrust it under 
 the barge, without any distinct idea of the exact position 
 of the drowning man. Most providentially, he caught 
 some portion of Mr. Clayton's dress, by means of which 
 he was drawn out of the water ; and, with the assistance 
 of others, brought, though perfectly senseless, on shore. 
 
 He was immediately taken to a neighbouring house, 
 and a medical man being sent for, the usual restoratives 
 were applied, which, with the divine blessing, were at 
 length successful in reproducing consciousness. After 
 remaining a short time under the roof of his hospitable 
 entertainers, and suitable clothing having been provided, 
 he was able to return to his own home ; being the first 
 to inform his family of his imminent peril, and most 
 remarkable preservation. 
 
 The next day was the Sabbath ; and fearing that the 
 shock which he had received from the fit, and the 
 immersion in the water, would incapacitate him for 
 preaching, he tried to get a supply for his pulpit. But 
 he failed in his efforts to obtain help ; and had to 
 conduct the whole of the service himself, including 
 the administration of the Lord's supper. To his great 
 surprise, he was enabled to perform his duties without 
 any perceptible diminution of energy, and with great
 
 2S2 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 satisfaction to his people ; who participated in their 
 minister's gratitude, for the sparing mercy which had 
 been vouchsafed to him. He had never before been so 
 near the eternal world, and the circumstance naturally 
 produced the deepest impressions on his mind. 
 
 His fortieth birthday, which happened within a week 
 from his merciful deliverance, was to him an unusually 
 heart-searching season. Every year, this was a day set 
 apart for special meditation and prayer; but this time 
 he felt it to be one of the most solemn he had ever 
 known. 
 
 " Drawn out of the water," he writes, " it seems like another 
 birth into the land of the living; and I bless God for the 
 renewal of life, reason, sensation, and the capacity for continued 
 usefulness. 
 
 " ' That life which Thou hast made thy care, 
 Lord, I devote to thee.' 
 
 " My marvellous preservation has been followed already by 
 some consequences, which, lead me to hope that I may appro- 
 priate the language of David, 'It is good for me that I have been 
 afflicted.' I have smarted under a discipline which I trust has 
 been profitable. It has lowered and abased me even to the dust. 
 It has quickened the sense of my dependence on God. It has 
 shown me the vanity and emptiness of earth. It has led me to 
 a renewed consecration of my restored faculties to God. It has 
 awakened my sympathies towards others who suffer adversity. 
 It has strengthened my purpose of a vigorous and concentrated 
 effort, to secure the great ends of my pastoral office. It has led 
 me to cast all my cares and devolve all my interests upon my 
 covenant God ; and I can say that I would not, on any account, 
 have missed this heavenly correction." 
 
 He was desirous not only to derive instruction himself 
 from this occurrence, but, as the subjoined extract 
 shows, he strove to make it the occasion of promoting 
 the good of others : —
 
 DEATH OF MR. JANSON. 283 
 
 " The casual introduction I had to a young medical practi- 
 tioner, in consequence of niy attack, will, I hope, lead on to 
 some important results. I find him well read and clever ; 
 apparently modest, and open to conviction. But with all this 
 he is tinctured (alas ! and pretty strongly) with sceptical 
 opinions. Lord God of the spirits of all flesh, I humbly and 
 earnestly approach thy throne for this young man ! Let his 
 life be much set by, in thy sight ! I now present my petition 
 for the life of his soul. Give me this soul, and I shall glory in 
 my infirmities, that they should have given opportunity to the 
 exertion of the power of Christ in his salvation. May He who 
 called Luke, the beloved physician, call this medical practitioner 
 to Christianity, to hope, to heaven, and to God ! Lord, give 
 me wisdom to treat with him, and earnestness to plead with 
 him, and firmness to defend thy cause, without fear or shame !" 
 
 The death of his brother-in-law, Mr. Janson, occurred 
 at this time ; and Mr. Clayton records the impression 
 produced on his mind by the funeral solemnities which 
 accompanied his interment ; and which were carried out 
 in accordance with those usually observed by the Society 
 of Friends, of which community Mr. Janson was a 
 member. They were noticeable for their simplicity; 
 and the occasion was marked by the thoroughly evan- 
 gelical character of the addresses delivered by Mrs. Fry 
 and her brother, Mr. Joseph John Gurney. 
 
 Some years passed on in the usual routine of duty; 
 public engagements still crowding in upon him, and 
 requests made for services, which it was more easy 
 to fulfil than to refuse ; but ever was his heart craving 
 for more quiet, and less publicity ; a desire with which 
 many of those most occupied can sympathize ; but who 
 know not how to secure it, compatibly with what are 
 felt to be the claims of God and His church upon 
 them. Thus he writes : —
 
 284 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 " How sweet are these recollective hours, at the close of the 
 day, — of the Lord's day, — at the termination of the active 
 labours of the sanctuary ! I have been, for these two hours, in 
 perfect solitude. My beloved wife and daughter from home ; 
 my servants gone to public worship ; myself left alone, to listen 
 to the voice of the Lord, in the cool of the day ; to catch the 
 utterances of that blood which speaketh ; to interpret the 
 whispers of the still small voice, which are best heard when no 
 other sound is stirring. O wondrous mercy, that God will 
 grant these manifestations to worms ! to dust and ashes ! 
 Though I have never improved seclusion as I ought, nor 
 sought it as I ought, I do most truly love and prize it ; and 
 can say that I am never ha]3pier than when alone, and drawing 
 near to the Lord my Redeemer. Lord, be with me in every 
 solitary hour ; and especially when, all alone, I shall cross that 
 Jordan, on whose banks I have already sown too many thorns, 
 whose sharp points can only be blunted by a free, a full, an 
 irrevocable pardon ! " 
 
 A retrospect of tlie ministry of twenty-one years led 
 to these reflections : — 
 
 "On the whole, though condemned, absolutely condemned, 
 on other points, I do feel that, in my preaching, to do good has 
 been my constant aim and habitual desire ; and it would be 
 contrary to honesty were I to affirm that I had not, to the best 
 of my knowledge, from the beginning, preached the whole 
 truth, and nothing but the truth. Yet am I greatly abashed, 
 in my own eyes, because of innumerable sins and miscarriages 
 which have beset me, through my whole course. Pride, and 
 worldliness, and self-seeking, and undue regard to man, and 
 too little dependence on God, — these are the things which 
 humble, and abase, and confound me. I have therefore 
 chastened my soul before God, on account of the sins of thrice 
 seven years. I have fled to the cross of the adorable Redeemer, 
 for pardoning mercy, and cleansing blood. I have sought a 
 renewed outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon myself, and my 
 beloved flock ; and I shall now in humble confidence wait the 
 fulfilment of the promise, and the answer of my prayers.
 
 PREMONITIONS. 285 
 
 i 
 
 Lord, ' cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy 
 Holy Spirit from me ! ' 
 
 "The gratitude I owe is, beyond expression, great. How 
 thankful ought I to be for the measure of health and strength 
 vouchsafed to me ; for the help, intellectual and spiritual, 
 communicated to me ; for the pleasing tokens of success in 
 the conversion and edification of souls ; for the harmony of 
 the church ; for the degree of purity in doctrines and morals 
 which, I trust, is to be found with us ; for the increase of our 
 numbers ; and the enlargement of our borders ! I am less than 
 the least of all thy mercies, yet Thou thinkest upon me. 
 
 "Many are the sinful fears, and God-dishonouring doubts, 
 which have thrust themselves upon me ; but I have bade them 
 depart, in the name of the Lord. ' Because Thou hast been my 
 help,. therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I trust.' 
 
 "Finally, I renew the dedication, entire and unreserved, 
 to God and my people. I have no one wish but to serve my 
 Redeemer while I have any being; where, as long, and in 
 whatever form He may appoint. But with my dear people I 
 hope I shall be associated, until death shall call me home. 
 that we may stand in the presence of the Lamb, when earth 
 and skies are fled ; and pass our immortality in His service, and 
 in His smile ! Amen and Amen." 
 
 It is not an uncommon thing for persons of strong 
 imaginativeness, when any unusual occurrence happens, 
 that has been preceded by certain thoughts and feelings, 
 which aftenvards appeared premonitory of the occur- 
 rence, instantly to infer that there was a necessary 
 connexion between such supposed premonitions and 
 the fact; and this is often referred to, as confirmatory 
 of the semi-superstitious notion, which is more preva- 
 lent than is imagined, that to some persons a species of 
 preternatural intimation or warning is given, of an 
 approaching calamity, or a descending favour — generally 
 the former — so that the mind may be, to a certain 
 extent, prepared for it. " Coming events," the proverb
 
 28 6 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 tells us, " cast their shadows before ; " and these are 
 deemed, by those who hold the opinions now animad- 
 verted on, sufficient in importance to w r arrant these 
 preparatory warnings ; although it is frequently found, 
 on looking at the occurrences which are presumed 
 to be foreshadowed, that they are often of so insigni- 
 iicant, and sometimes of so ridiculous, a nature, that 
 one marvels they should ever have been deemed de- 
 serving of any pre- announcement, that seems to involve 
 a violation of the usual order of things. If the Hora- 
 tian advice to the poet — 
 
 " Nee Deus intersit, nisi digmis vindice nodus 
 Incident," 
 
 be a judicious one, its soundness is certainly questioned 
 by those who imagine it to be necessary that super- 
 natural machinery should be put into motion for even 
 the most trivial ends. 
 
 But such good people do not tell us of the many 
 cases, where there have been as vivid apprehensions 
 and premonitions as those of which they speak ; which 
 had, however, no sequel like that which is said to have 
 befallen them. Perhaps, therefore, it was not amiss in 
 Mr. George Clayton to record the following incident, 
 which, in after days, he could look back upon, as 
 correcting any over-credulous tendencies of which he 
 might be the subject : — 
 
 " I am not given to superstitious imaginings ; but last night, 
 on my bed, just as my eyelids were closed in sleep, I liad a sort 
 of disturbed vision of the image of my dear wife, by the curtain 
 nearest the window. She seemed to be hastily retreating from 
 the bed, when I made a strenuous effort, as I thought, to retain 
 her, but she as forcibly disengaged herself, and suddenly 
 vanished. I looked in her wonted place, and thought I missed 
 her ; and not till I had put my hand upon her forehead, did I 
 feel convinced that she was slumbering by my side. I do not
 
 DOMESTIC SOEKOW. 287 
 
 in reality attach anything of importance to this circumstance ; 
 but it was altogether so strongly charactered, and productive of 
 so powerful an effect of dread and solicitude on my spirit, that 
 I thought it right to note it, whether it may or may not be 
 followed by any remarkable results. She had, I thank God, 
 been unusually well through the whole winter, more than for 
 many antecedent years ; so that there is no reason to apprehend 
 anything ominous in the occurrence, though for the grounds 
 above stated I have recorded it in this place." 
 
 At the close of 1829, a dark shadow overspread 
 Mr. George Clayton's household, in the affliction of 
 mind that overtook his only child ; " the result," he 
 says, " of a highly-wrought sensitiveness of mental 
 temperament, and of a severe nervous affliction," similar 
 to that with which her mother had been assailed at the 
 same age ; and who was then the subject of a depression 
 so great, that it " threatened to unseat reason from her 
 throne." In the latter case, however, the merciful 
 interposition of God averted the calamity; in the 
 former it had not so gracious a termination. Fever, 
 languor, and nervous debility, were of constant con- 
 tinuance; and an unaccountable and perpetual silence, 
 for some time, sealed the lips of the suffering one. 
 Change of scene and society were tried, but in vain ; a 
 temporary restoration being soon followed by a relapse. 
 
 This trouble was the father's thorn in the flesh, that 
 was not to depart from him ; although he besought the 
 Lord often, and with strong crying and tears, for this 
 longed-for mercy. It became the skeleton of the house, 
 whose presence told of the death of the fondest hopes 
 and expectations, and dimmed the brightness of the 
 flame of domestic enjoyment. The weeping ones could 
 only bow the head, with meek submissiveness to the 
 dark and inexplicable dispensation, and say, " It is the
 
 288 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Lord : let Him do what seemeth Him good ; " and from 
 Him who had smitten them came the assurance, which 
 was abundantly realized, " My grace is sufficient for 
 thee : for my strength is made perfect in weakness." 
 
 With this brief reference to a sacred sorrow, which 
 wrung the heart of the parents with unutterable 
 anguish, but which was attended with the most sanc- 
 tified results, the hand of the biographer must draw the 
 curtain reverently over this mournful domestic scene. 
 
 God, who sent this affliction to the father, sent 
 compensating comforts in his pastoral relationships ; so 
 that on the twenty-sixth anniversary of his settlement 
 at Walworth he writes : — 
 
 " It is now twenty-six years since, by the providence of 
 God, I was placed in the pastorate here. Through how many 
 changes, trials, duties, temptations, and sorrows, have I been 
 conducted ; and what a miracle of mercy and grace do I appear 
 to myself at this moment ! I desire to give myself over, this 
 evening, to a sort of pastoral scrutiny of my own heart and 
 life. I would search and try my ways, as in the sight of 
 Almighty God. 
 
 11 Pastoral humiliation, very deep and submissive, much 
 becomes me, in the presence of my great Master. for a 
 contrite heart, to mourn over my ministerial faults and mis- 
 carriages ! I see such lamentable defects of motive, effort, and 
 action, that if I were to spend twenty-six years in weeping 
 over the sins of the twenty-six years that are gone, it might 
 well befit so sinful and so unprofitable a servant as I. ' Lord, 
 enter not into judgment with me.' I feel that I have done 
 nothing well ; that evil has been mixed with all the good ; that 
 I have not done half that I might for the beloved people of my 
 charge, many of whom have passed into eternity, and I must 
 meet them at the judgment-seat of Christ. Lord ! let it not 
 appear that any have been lost through my negligence, cold- 
 ness, or unfaithfulness. ' Deliver me from bloodguiltincss, 
 Q-od thou God of my salvation ! ' If the atonement, which I
 
 PASTORAL RECOLLECTIONS. 289 
 
 recommend in my preaching, were not prepared for the priests, 
 as well as the people, woe, woe unto me ! ' 
 
 " ' Jesus, my God, thy blood alone 
 Hath power sufficient to atone ; 
 Thy blood can make me white as snow : 
 No Jewish types could cleanse me so.' 
 
 " Pastoral gratitude becomes me : for I seriously question 
 whether any minister, in any age, or any country, has had so 
 much to be thankful for, as myself. In the peace, in the 
 increase, in the kindness and sympathy of my flock ; in their 
 prayers, and in their fruitfulness, I have very much to be 
 thankful for. O Lord, what shall I render ? I am ' lost in 
 wonder, love, and praise.' 
 
 "Pastoral dedication and renewed consecration form the 
 desire of my soul, on this solemn occasion. Here, 
 
 " ' Lord, I give myself away ; 
 "lis all that I can do.' 
 
 Take me, purify me, use me for thy glory. ' Here am I, send 
 me ! ' 
 
 "Pastoral resolution shall mark this day; for I would be 
 more entirely given up to the good of the people, and the glory 
 of Jesus, my Lord. I will, in His strength, aim to do more, 
 and to do better, than I have yet done. 
 
 "Pastoral hope shall come in, to crown the whole. Wilt 
 Thou not go with me, and bless me ? Yes ; bless me, more 
 abundantly than ever. I ask much ; I expect much ; for I 
 know who is ' able to do exceeding abundantly above all I can 
 ask or think.' Lord, do as Thou hast said. 
 
 " It has been a day of clouds and darkness, as to my dear 
 daughter ; the domestic horizon has been quite obscured ; but I 
 commit all to God. 
 
 " ' We, through the cloud, believe thy grace, 
 Secure of thy compassions still.' 
 
 " This week we set out on an excursion to Bath, Bristol, and 
 Ireland. Lord, if thy presence go not with us, carry us not 
 up hence. In the whole of our journey do Thou go with us ; 
 bless us ; keep us ; and give us peace. I woidd stand prepared, 
 
 u
 
 290 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 by faith in Jesus, for every event ; for pain or pleasure ; life or 
 death ; usefulness in time, or blessedness in eternity. Number 
 me, Lord, among the righteous, and then all shall be well 
 with me, both now and for ever. Amen. 
 " Saturday evening, June 6th, 1830." 
 
 It was with a subdued spirit he received the strokes 
 which his heavenly Father laid upon him, and kissed 
 the rod that was chastening him. His desire was 
 earnest and fervent, that all might tend to the growth 
 of personal holiness, and ministerial effectiveness. 
 
 " I bless God," he says, " that I am kept from murmuring ; 
 that I am enabled to see His hand in all these things ; and 
 to hope that it is the hand of a Father ; that I can say, ' Not 
 my will but thine be done;' and am assisted, through all the 
 superincumbent gloom, to wait, and hope, and pray. I do not, 
 I dare not, I cannot despair. For God, my God, is wise and 
 powerful, gracious and kind. He cannot err. He cannot 
 injure. Nothing can confound, or perplex, or disconcert Him. 
 Without a God in Christ, I should despair, and even die ; but 
 ' the Lord is my light and my salvation ' — my hope, my rest, 
 my joy. 
 
 " My prevailing wish is the entire sanctification of the afflic- 
 tion to us all ; that sin may be detected, embittered, confessed, 
 pardoned, and forsaken. Lord, let the fruit of all be the taking 
 away of sin ! 
 
 "May Jesus be more endeared in His sympathy, power, and 
 promise ; and the Holy Spirit more sought after and enjoyed, 
 as a Comforter, Purifier, and Deliverer. I pant for holiness ; 
 and long for higher measures of conformity to the blessed Lord, 
 my Saviour. to have a heart wholly absorbed, and taken up 
 in and with Him ! " 
 
 A missionary deputation tour, in Wales, and some of 
 the western counties of England, in company with 
 Mr. George Bennett, who, with the Rev. D. Tyerman, 
 had visited several of the stations, belonging to the 
 London Missionary Society, in India, China, and the
 
 DANGERS OF WEALTH. 291 
 
 South Seas, was a refreshing relief to the cares and 
 anxieties attendant upon his domestic sorrows. The 
 effect of these cares upon his own spirituality was 
 most marked. His diary, on almost every page, reveals 
 that God was maturing the piety of His servant, by 
 subjecting him to the fiery processes of personal and 
 relative affliction. He came forth as gold ; and his 
 people, as well as himself, were rich gainers by the 
 occurrence of these divine providences. The power 
 and unction of his public ministrations were never so 
 manifest as at this crisis in his affairs. 
 
 It was at this time, that certain unlooked-for circum- 
 stances happened, by which his position was materially 
 changed, as to " this world's good." But the danger 
 which might have resulted from unexpected affluence, 
 and of which he was not ignorant, was to a great extent 
 prevented by the severe trial appointed to him. Before 
 he carried more sail aloft, the vessel was ballasted with 
 a heavy weight of secret trouble ; and if his course was 
 not quite so swift and triumphant as otherwise it might 
 have been, it became safer to all who were on board the 
 bark. 
 
 Most mistaken notions had, for years, been enter- 
 tained of his means ; and of course rumour, with her 
 hundred tongues, was ever ready to magnify his posses- 
 sions; yet, when approaching fifty years of age, he 
 could say, — " I have, from the period of my marriage, 
 been comparatively poor, though seeming, and accounted 
 of, as though I rolled in abundance. A competent liveli- 
 hood, with many, and great, and undeserved mercies, I 
 have most gratefully to acknowledge ; but I have never 
 been entirely free from incumbrance, while striving ever 
 to keep within my limited resources." When, there- 
 fore, through the operation of providential events, he
 
 292 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 became a steward, to whom was committed a much 
 larger amount of his Lord's substance than he had ever 
 before possessed, he could say, — 
 
 "God is my witness that I looked forward to this time with 
 fear and trembling. An accession of wealth will tell very 
 materially on my personal religion ; on my domestic appoint- 
 ments ; on my public exertions ; on my ministry in the church. 
 O Lord, grant that it may tell advantageously and usefully, in 
 all these respects ; and give what Thou wilt, or withhold what 
 Thou wilt, only give thy servant a wise and understanding- 
 heart ; with more of humility, faith, zeal, love, disinterestedness, 
 heavenly-mindedness, superiority to this world, and assurance 
 of blessedness in the next. Without this augmentation of 
 spiritual and imperishable good, I cannot anticipate the im- 
 provement of my outward circumstances, but with terror and 
 deprecation. Lord, sanctify all thy dispensations ; and sanctify 
 me by them, and by thy Word and Spirit, that I may be a 
 vessel chosen, and made meet for the Master's use ! Amen." 
 
 Once more Mr. Clayton changed his place of abode, 
 and again returned to Walworth. 
 
 A visit to Bath, in the autumn of 1832, to preach 
 for Mr. Jay, enabled him to renew his ancient friendship 
 with one, whom he designates his earliest and best 
 friend, Mr. Thomas Kingsbury, in whose house, he says, 
 he found " the elements of order, devotion, and love, 
 wisely combined ; and forming a scene on which the 
 mind could rest with serenity and delight." 
 
 Returning to his own home and flock, he notices 
 with gratitude the harmony, increase, and blessedness 
 which existed among his people — " rarely equalled, and 
 never surpassed." 
 
 " Is not the Spirit of the Lord amongst us ? Seven young 
 people are this day added to our fellowship ; and five others are 
 proposed for communion. More are coming forward to tell 
 what God hath done for their souls, and that by my wretched
 
 PLEASING RETROSPECT. 293 
 
 instriunentality. Since the Lord has so cuttingly laid His hand 
 upon my natural offspring, He has raised up for himself, by me, 
 a spiritual seed to glorify His name. God of my fathers, 
 bless all my spiritual children ! Pour upon them thy Spirit. 
 Write upon them thy new name. Keep them from falling ; 
 and let them be presented faultless before the throne. may 
 I see them, and rejoice with them, and praise with them, in thy 
 presence for ever ! " 
 
 The retrospect of this year enabled him to say : — 
 
 " Sixty- four new members have been joined to us, during the 
 last twelve months ; while six only have been removed by death, 
 or other changes. Besides this, we have eight now proposed ; 
 and from what I see and hear, many, I believe, are under 
 serious impressions ; while there is a movement which augurs 
 favourably, as to future additions to the church of God. That 
 I myself have been strengthened, after twenty-nine years of 
 service on the same spot, and when verging fast towards fifty 
 years of age, is a miracle of mercy. Not one Sabbath, for 
 some time past, have I been laid aside by illness, nor missed, 
 when at home, a single week-day service. What thanks I owe 
 thee, and what love ! A boimdless, endless store ! Lord, help 
 me to praise thee, and to bind the sacrifice with cords, even 
 to the horns of the altar ! ' Having obtained help of God, 
 I continue to this day.' 
 
 "The future I am willing to leave, with Ml content and 
 satisfaction, to my heavenly Father ; only anxious to be found 
 watching with Him, in real and close communion ; in willing- 
 service, and social usefulness ; and to be standing prepared for 
 life, for death, and for eternity. Ebenezer ! Glory to God for 
 ever." 
 
 As his days multiplied, the labours of his hands 
 increased upon him, and made even greater demands 
 on his time and thoughts and strength ; yet he felt, as 
 many similarly situated feel — and with him it was an 
 ever- deepening conviction — how desirable it was to get 
 more alone with God, and walk more frequently on
 
 294: THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 the silent shores, where is heard more distinctly the 
 heavmgs of the eternal sea. But the round of clamorous 
 duties pressed so upon him, that how to find the neces- 
 sary leisure he knew not. Nor was he quite sure of 
 himself that, if the leisure were found, it would he 
 more wisely employed than his occupied time was now. 
 Who cannot sympathize with these reflections ? — 
 
 " It is, alas ! many months, since I have enjoyed the privi- 
 lege of spending a Sabbath evening at home, and alone. The 
 continual reiteration of public services, with comparatively 
 short intervals of solitude, constitutes one part of the cross I 
 am called to bear ; and one of the calls to self-denial, which, 
 as a disciple of the Redeemer, He bids me exercise. To be 
 incessantly before the eyes of others, and so little under my 
 own, in self-communing ; so little under that of my Father, 
 who seeth in secret, is, as He knows, a real and aggravated 
 trial. But I am always sighing and hoping for far more of 
 voluntary leisure ; and then I promise myself more of devout 
 seclusion, more of converse and fellowship with my God and 
 Saviour. But this may be delusion ; the beau ideal of fancied 
 spirituality and sentimental devotion! I know too much of 
 my heart to trust it, in any given circumstances ; and seeing 
 that I do not adequately improve the leisure I have, there is 
 too much reason to suspect, that if more were possessed, it 
 might be as little consecrated to God's glory, and my own 
 spiritual good. 
 
 " I have thought, whether erroneously or not, that while 
 I am in full health and unimpaired vigour, it becomes me to 
 undertake and perform as much as I possibly can, for the 
 service of the church of God, and my fellow-sinners around 
 me. The words of our blessed Lord are powerfully impressed 
 on my mind : ' I must work the works of Him that sent me, 
 while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work.' 
 I expect that the evening shadows are hastening upon me, and 
 perhaps the night may fall ere I am aware. to be ready for 
 that chill, dark night of the tomb ! to know whom I have 
 believed, and to feel that I shall not be ashamed before Him 
 at His coming ! "
 
 EEV. K. KNILL. 295 
 
 Mr. Clayton's love of all good men led kira to delight 
 in the society, and rejoice in the success, of all who 
 laboured in the service of the Lord, whether among 
 his own fraternity, or in other sections of the church of 
 Christ. His ministerial status, and official relation- 
 ships with some of the religious institutions of the 
 great metropolis, frequently brought him into contact 
 with persons of rank; as also with men who, though 
 the multitude cared not to honour them with nattering 
 titles, were, by the providence of God, called, either 
 temporarily or otherwise, to fill a prominent position 
 before the church and the world. 
 
 On the same page of his diary he refers to his inter- 
 course with two men, very differently circumstanced, 
 but each eminent in his own line of action. One 
 was the Rev. R. Knill, who had recently returned from 
 St. Petersburg, and who was at this period visiting the 
 churches affiliated with the London Missionary Society, 
 as a deputation. His extraordinary fervour, his impas- 
 sioned and pathetic eloquence, his irresistible aj^peals 
 to the conscience and sympathy of his audiences, pro- 
 duced effects, on the congregations to which he minis- 
 tered, rarely surpassed by any orator. Young and old, 
 learned and illiterate, alike bowed down before the 
 simple but powerful and touching pleadings of this 
 man of God. After one of his addresses at York 
 Street, Mr. Clayton says : " The preaching of dear 
 Mr. Knill — the missionary servant of Jesus Christ — 
 in my pulpit, produced a most remarkable effect. A 
 solemn heart-stirring sermon it was ! The people were 
 struck ; and many were dissolved in tears. I was greatly 
 affected and delighted; and thought it a high honour 
 to have the devoted man among us." 
 
 "Yesterday," he writes in his diary, referring to another 
 servant of Jesus Christ, though not a missionary : —
 
 29 G THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 "Yesterday I had the honour of a visit from the Bishop 
 of Winchester, who took his dinner with me, and afterwards 
 strolled with me through the Zoological Gardens. He is a man 
 of God, a fine example of a Christian bishop, and distinguished 
 by manners most perfect, — combining all that is dignified with 
 all that is graceful, — by simple spiritual piety, and by a catholic 
 spirit of Christian love. 
 
 " I feel honoured with the acquaintance of such a man ; so 
 learned, so exalted, and pious. I felt my heart drawn out 
 in prayer to God for him and his. 
 
 " I looked not on his mitre or stole with the least particle of 
 grudging or envy. While I thanked God that the National 
 Church had such a bishop, I was glad that I was not one 
 in connexion with a community from which, as a State estab- 
 lishment, my conscience most palpably revolts. I am, I trust, 
 a bishop of Christ's creation ; an overseer and guide to the 
 flock at Walworth, whom I truly love, and with whom I find it 
 in my heart to live and die ; devoted to their present welfare, 
 and their everlasting good. 
 
 "June 1st. 1834."
 
 (Chapter XOT3L 
 
 REV. WILLIAM CLAYTON.— 1800-1831. 
 
 DESTRUCTION OF MANUSCRIPTS. — ENTRANCE ON BUSINESS AT MAIDENHEAD. 
 — CALL TO THE MINISTRY. — STUDENT AT HOXTON. — SETTLEMENT AND 
 ORDINATION AT SAFFRON-WALDEN. — MINUTE DIARY. — NEW CHAPEL. — 
 LABOURS AND LIFE AT WALDEN. — ANECDOTE. — ILLNESS OF HIS CHILD. 
 — MISSIONARY SERMON. — MILL HILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL. — INVITATION 
 TO THE CHAPLAINCY. 
 
 In the last chapter, the memorials of Mr. George 
 Clayton were brought down to the same period at 
 which those of his brother John were broken off, with 
 the design of taking up the floating threads of their 
 respective histories in subsequent pages. 
 
 The attention of the reader is now called to some 
 records of the youngest of Mr. Clayton's sons, a man in 
 every way equal to his brothers, in intellect and culture, 
 and pre-eminently distinguished by a naturally- sweet 
 and most loving disposition, — adorned, and sanctified, 
 by the gifts and graces of the Spirit of God. There is 
 a charm about an innate amiability, which arrests the 
 attention, and interests the mind of every observer; 
 just as a landscape of soft and sylvan scenery attracts 
 the eye of the traveller, and awakens admiration, even 
 though the heavens above be clouded; but as the 
 beauty of the view becomes enhanced a thousandfold, 
 when from the blue sky the sunshine is streaming in 
 golden showers, so when a natural benignity of soul is 
 suffused with the rich glow of real religion, a sight of 
 transcendent loveliness presents itself, unrivalled in the 
 effect it produces on the beholder. Such was the aspect
 
 298 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 which the character of Mr. William Clayton presented, 
 when contemplated as nature and grace had made him. 
 
 It is to his biographer a source of intense regret, 
 that the sensitiveness and scrupulosity of Mr. Clayton's 
 mind were such, as to lead him to give directions 
 that all the records of faith and feeling, which had 
 accumulated during a period of thirty yearSj should, at 
 his death, be destroyed. Whenever such an injunction 
 as this is given and obeyed, an irreparable loss is 
 sustained ; — so far as a knowledge of the process 
 and progress of the workings of a man's intellectual 
 and spiritual nature is concerned. By means of a 
 thoughtful person's written meditations on great themes, 
 and his recorded estimates of men and things, the 
 development of mind and feeling in his soul may be 
 discerned : — ever an interesting and instructive study. 
 Of course, there are penetralia in every heart, into 
 which no human eye should attempt to glance ; and 
 from the very threshold of which a right-minded 
 observer would keep aloof. But if the sanctified 
 experience of one Christian is to be made useful to 
 others, it cannot but be a subject of lamentation that 
 the opportunity for ascertaining its character and extent 
 should be so irretrievably lost, as in the case before 
 us, except as the disjecta membra of conversations or 
 letters enable a biographer to form a judgment. 
 
 But Mr. Clayton's motive was so pure; the design 
 so honourable to his humility, and so expressive of his 
 sense of the lofty standard of Christian excellence, — 
 to which he, like the great apostle of the Gentiles, felt 
 he had not yet attained, — that, while regretting the 
 destruction of his manuscripts, one can only breathe a 
 benediction on his name and memory. 
 
 The brief account which is here given, is compiled
 
 FEAGEANT MEMORIES. 299 
 
 chiefly from some fragmentary papers of his brother 
 George, — who at one time evidently intended to draw 
 up a more lengthened notice than that which appeared 
 in the sermon, preached on the occasion of his death, 
 and printed by his brother John, — and from the per- 
 sonal recollections of the writer of these pages, whose 
 close intercourse with the subject of this memoir during 
 the last two years of the latter's life — an intercourse, 
 alas ! so brief, but so delightful, — enabled him to form 
 some correct estimate of a character which appeared 
 to him at that time — and years, and a further acquaint- 
 ance with men and things, have not diminished the 
 force of the impression — to be one of the noblest and 
 loveliest with which it has been his good fortune, 
 through life, to form a familiar acquaintance. The 
 rains and sunshine of a quarter of a century may have 
 dulled the marble that enshrines the dead ; but the 
 tears of love, and the sweet though sad smiles of 
 remembrance, have nourished and developed the flowers 
 which the hand of affection planted around the tomb ; 
 and which, year by year, have sprung afresh, as from 
 imperishable seeds, and still exhale a welcome fragrance 
 to all who draw near to muse on the dead, and who 
 delight to call to mind the many traits of excellence by 
 which he was distinguished. 
 
 After leaving school, William Clayton grew up a 
 fine, handsome lad, full of life and vigour; a buoyant, 
 sprightly mind being enshrined in a well-built and 
 symmetrical frame. With his parents it was, for some 
 time, a matter of anxious and prayerful consideration, 
 what course to adopt, in reference to his future career 
 in life; and at length it was decided that he should 
 enter into business.
 
 300 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 During his father's occasional visits to Reading, 
 while George was at school there, he halted often at 
 the neighbouring town of Maidenhead, where several 
 valued friends resided. Among these was the Rev. 
 John Cooke, for many years the beloved and useful 
 minister of the Congregational church in that place. 
 Here Mr. Clayton became acquainted with Mr. AVest- 
 brook, one of his deacons, and a thriving tradesman 
 of the town. After due consideration, and consulting 
 with his domestic adviser, he came to the resolution 
 of placing his son William with Mr. Westbrook, as an 
 apprentice. This connexion, however, though mutually 
 agreeable, was not destined to be of very long duration. 
 
 After a year or two had passed away, the youth gave 
 unequivocal evidence of true piety, and at length united 
 himself to Mr. Cooke's church. He engaged in prayer 
 at the weekly social meetings ; and by his gifts, his 
 spirit, and his consistent behaviour, made a favourable 
 impression on the congregation ; and became much 
 endeared to the minister, and to his flock generally. 
 An opinion was expressed that he should not remain 
 in trade, but devote himself to the work of the ministry. 
 The subject was discussed at a meeting of the members ; 
 and it was resolved that he should be called out to 
 labour in the vineyard of the Lord. He himself solemnly 
 and prayerfully considered this summons on the part of 
 the church ; and, after advising with his parents, who, 
 not without anxious deliberation and some hesitancy, 
 assented to his wishes, his retreat from secular business 
 was effected. His indentures with Mr. Westbrook were 
 cancelled ; and he entered Hoxton Academy, under the 
 presidency of the Rev. Dr. Simpson. 
 
 Here he studied diligently ; was uniformly consistent 
 in his conduct; and preached with much acceptableness
 
 SETTLEMENT AT SAFFRON-WALDEN. 301 
 
 to the various congregations to which he was sent as a 
 supply. Here, too, he formed friendly intimacies with 
 several of his fellow-students ; more especially with 
 three, who attained to a high position in the Congrega- 
 tional body. These were the late Rev. Joseph Fletcher, 
 D.D., of Stepney; the Rev. Dr. Payne, late tutor of the 
 Western College at Plymouth; and the Rev. H. F. 
 Burder, D.D., of Hackney. 
 
 "On finishing the allotted terni of study at Hoxton, he 
 preached in various places, and won the hearts of all, by his 
 frank and ingenuous manners, his amiable and cheerful spirit, 
 his humble, circumspect behaviour, and by the manifestation of 
 a decided and unaffected piety. 
 
 " At Cambridge, at Newbury, and at Edmonton, successively, 
 he supplied the pulpit, as a probationer for the pastoral office ; 
 and at the last two places, if not at the first also, was invited to 
 fix his residence. But there were determining considerations 
 which led his own mind, and that of his wisest and best friends, 
 to conclude, that the call of providence was not so decisive as to 
 warrant his compliance with the invitations addressed to him 
 from these churches. He was willing to wait ; and while 
 waiting he prayed that it wpuld please the Great Head of the 
 church to fix the bounds of his habitation. 
 
 "In the year 1807, he was asked to supply the pulpit at 
 Saffron- Walden, in Essex, the church being then without a 
 pastor. He consented to do so ; and, after passing two or three 
 months with the people, received a unanimous and affectionate 
 invitation to become their spiritual shepherd and overseer. 
 After much and serious deliberation, he met this call with 
 affectionate readiness, and was solemnly ordained to the office 
 of the pastorate, February 1st, 1809."* 
 
 On this occasion both the young minister's brothers 
 took part in the service. The introductory discourse 
 
 * Sermon delivered at the Poultry Chapel, on the occasion of the sudden 
 death of the Rev. W. Clayton, by his brother, the Rev. John Clayton.
 
 302 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 was preached by the Rev. W. Carver, who also asked 
 the questions, and received the confession of faith. The 
 ordination prayer was offered by the Rev. G. Burder ; 
 and the sermon to the people delivered by the Rev. W. 
 Harris, of Cambridge, who, at a short notice, consented 
 to supply the place of Mr. Win. Clayton's pastor, the 
 Rev. John Cooke, of Maidenhead, " who was prevented 
 from fulfilling his engagement to take this part of the 
 service by the high flood, which rendered the roads, in 
 many parts of the country, impassable." As was to be 
 expected, the address to the young pastor was given by 
 his venerable father, who had the high and rare gratifi- 
 cation, for the third time, to address one of his sons, — on 
 this occasion the youngest, — in a solemn charge, founded 
 on 1 Timothy vi. 11 : "But thou, man of God, flee 
 these things ; and follow after righteousness, godliness, 
 faith, love, patience, meekness." This discourse, with 
 others preached at the ordination service, was afterwards 
 published. As in the previous addresses to the two 
 elder brothers, there is in this the same fearless and 
 faithful exposition of duty, presented in the most plain 
 and uncompromising language. He neither disguises 
 the difficulties of the work, nor the dangers of the work- 
 man ; and certainly could not be charged with a failure 
 in proclaiming the whole counsel of God, in relation to 
 ministerial fidelity, in and out of the pulpit. 
 
 In reading this charge, one feels as if inhaling an 
 invigorating mountain breeze. It seems to brace up 
 the soul to a holy resolve; and to compel the recog- 
 nition of the necessity of an utter and everlasting 
 abandonment of all trifling, all dilatoriness of spirit 
 or action, in a work so momentous and great, as that 
 of the Christian ministry. 
 
 The son was not unworthy of his sire, for faithfulness
 
 MINISTEEIAL ACTIVITY. 303 
 
 in duty : his official life at Saffron- Walden being a 
 literal embodiment of the instructions he had received 
 from the lips of his father. 
 
 After this solemn event in his history, he entered 
 upon his work with yet greater ardour and characteristic 
 devotedness of spirit : not content with fulfilling his 
 ministerial duties to the people who statedly came to 
 his chapel to hear him, but continually breaking up new 
 ground, in the villages near Walden, in order to sow the 
 good seed of the kingdom ; obtaining suitable places for 
 assembling the people together — a farmhouse kitchen — 
 a barn or granary — which he had fitted up with benches, 
 pulpit, &c, and got licensed for worship: for in those 
 days this was a necessary precaution, in order to keep 
 the congregation within the protection of the law, 
 against vulgar, and not always ignorant interrupters of 
 religious services, that were not held in the parish 
 church. 
 
 The reminiscences of Mr. Clayton, as he was in those 
 days, are very pleasant to those who can call up the 
 memories of the past; mellowed as they are by time, 
 and consecrated by death. 
 
 To eminent piety, and fixed habits of devotional 
 converse with the Invisible, he joined a cheerfulness 
 and hilarity, approaching to facetiousness, which made 
 his company to be much sought, and his conversation 
 to be highly appreciated. It was next to impossible to 
 be dull or dispirited in his society. He had a large and 
 generous heart, and refused no expense in his power, 
 and in some few instances beyond his power, to serve 
 and oblige others ; and especially to promote the 
 happiness of those immediately connected with him. 
 
 He, like his revered father, was remarkable for his 
 love of order, in all things ; and was so sensitive, cir-
 
 304 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 cumspect, and guarded in his walk through life, that 
 some persons thought his conduct savoured of scrupu- 
 losity, and approached to moral bondage. He had such 
 deep convictions of the depravity, maliciousness, and 
 wickedness of human nature, and its proneness to 
 calumniate the innocent, and to magnify the infirmities 
 of the good into acts of criminality, that he deemed it 
 incumbent on all Christians, but more particularly on 
 the ministers of the Gospel, to be doubly on their 
 guard; to be incessantly vigilant; to be fully armed 
 against the shafts of envy and malice ; and to shun all 
 those frailties which might soon be exaggerated into 
 matters of reproach. 
 
 From the time when he was ordained to the pastoral 
 office at Saffron-Walden, to the period of his sudden 
 and much-lamented decease, he kept a minute diary, in 
 which he noted with much brevity, and with scarcely 
 any comments, the engagements and transactions of 
 every hour of his life. These papers, in the course of 
 thirty years, swelled into a large mass, which was 
 destroyed — agreeably to his express direction — at his 
 death. When questioned by his relatives, as to the 
 reason of imposing upon himself so much labour and 
 trouble, he would reply, that it might be an advantage 
 to a man, under some circumstances, to be able to 
 prove an alibi. By the course he adopted he could 
 ascertain with precision where he was, how he was 
 occupied, and with whom he was associated, every day, 
 and every hour, for the last thirty years of his earthly 
 sojourn. 
 
 Shortly after his settlement, Mr. William Clayton 
 was united to an accomplished lady, the daughter of 
 one of the trustees of Mr. George Clayton's chapel at 
 Walworth : a gentleman distinguished by his prudence,
 
 NEW CHAPEL. 305 
 
 kindheartedness, and generosity, and by the interest he 
 took in the happiness of his minister, and the welfare 
 of the cause of God. By this marriage Mr. Clayton 
 was blessed with a daughter — an only child — whom the 
 parents reared with the tenderest assiduity. 
 
 He had not been ordained at Saffron-Walden much 
 more than two years, before the meeting-house, in 
 Abbey Lane, became too strait for the worshippers. 
 It was one of the oldest nonconforming places in this 
 eminently nonconforming county of Essex — dating from 
 about 1666; and, after the lapse of 150 years, required 
 to be replaced by a new building, and one more in 
 accordance with modern tastes in architecture. This 
 was determined on ; and it was Mr. Clayton's happiness 
 to see the project carried out, from its commencement 
 to its completion. He and his people entered upon 
 their new sanctuary, towards which the friends and 
 family connexions of the minister contributed hand- 
 somely, with high hopes and large anticipations, which 
 were destined, in due time, to be fully realized. Thus 
 the same honour was conferred upon the youngest of 
 the fraternal band, which had been enjoyed by his two 
 brothers, — that of either originating a new or a larger 
 place of worship, in their respective ministerial spheres ; 
 and in this manner all were permitted to receive a 
 distinguishing token of the approval of their divine 
 Master. 
 
 To the increasing demands made upon his time and 
 energies, he was promptly and conscientiously alive. As 
 his sphere of operation enlarged, so did his heart and 
 hands prepare themselves for wider action ; and though 
 residing in a comparatively quiet town — at some dis- 
 tance from the roar and bustle of the great city, where 
 his brothers' lots were cast — living where more leisure
 
 30 G THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 moments could be snatched, than it is the privilege 
 of the London pastor to secure, he nevertheless found 
 his hours fully occupied; and, by devoted attention to 
 the best interests of his spiritual charge, showed how 
 desirous he was to make full proof of his ministry. 
 
 By careful study, by prayerful preparation, he sought 
 to qualify himself to be a teacher of others. Nothing 
 slovenly ever appeared in his public instructions. For 
 the many or the few, for the Sabbath or the week-day, 
 there was the fixed season for meditation, honestly 
 spent. He read much and thoughtfully — laying up, 
 with great care, in the storehouse of his memory, 
 precious thoughts gathered in the course of his reading, 
 which could be made available for the edification of his 
 people; and eagerly following out the suggestive hints 
 of his favourite authors — among whom John Howe, 
 John Owen, Jeremy Taylor, Flavel, Goodwin, Bunyan, 
 and the Henrys occupied the chief places — so as to 
 develop from a small seed a rich and flowering plant, in 
 which not only he but his people should delight. Ho 
 literally answered to the description of the model 
 minister of Solomon : " Moreover, because the preacher 
 was wise, he still taught the people knowledge ; yea, he 
 gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many 
 proverbs. The preacher sought to find out acceptable 
 words : and that which was written was upright, even 
 words of truth." 
 
 His indefatigable application to the duties of his 
 vocation; his large catholic spirit, displayed toward 
 those who differed from him in his opinions upon eccle- 
 siastical matters, yet with whom he laboured in various 
 departments of Christian duty — among whom were 
 several of the neighbouring clergy — Professor Farish, 
 of Cambridge; the late Bishop of London, then of
 
 PASTOKAL EFFICIENCY. 307 
 
 Chesterford, and the Rev. H. Bull, of Littlebury; — his 
 zealous devotion to the local institutions of the town ; 
 his courteous manners ; and, above all, his retiring 
 modesty, and the lowly estimate he formed of himself, 
 his attainments, and his doings, soon won many hearts, 
 and earned for him golden opinions from all. 
 
 While his lips taught many, his life taught more. 
 Not a few of the inhabitants of his adopted town, who 
 were not accustomed to attend his ministry, could 
 say, — " Behold now, I perceive that this is a holy 
 man of God, which passeth by us continually." Thus, 
 during the time of his residence at Walden, which 
 extended over a period of twenty-four years, he evinced 
 the qualities of a true Christian workman. He was 
 instant, in season and out of season, in teaching, 
 warning, reproving, and consoling ; and many were the 
 " seals of his apostleship in the Lord." The young 
 people of the families of his flock, with whom, from 
 his buoyant, happy spirit, he was ever a great favourite, 
 and the schools of the congregation, engaged much of 
 his attention. As a pastor he was constant in his 
 visitation of the sick, the aged, and the poor; and with 
 these various qualifications no wonder that under his 
 presidency the church was increased and edified, and 
 " the word of the Lord had free course, and was 
 glorified." 
 
 In the summer season, as has been noticed, he 
 devoted himself most indefatigably to village preaching, 
 almost every evening in the week ; and, like his great 
 Master, went about doing good; seeking to win souls 
 to Christ. In these voluntary, yet exhausting services, 
 he took great delight; though he often walked eight, 
 ten, or twelve miles, in going to, and returning from, 
 the places which he visited as a home missionary;
 
 308 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 while at the same time it generally happened, that 
 the conduct of the psalmody, the reading of the 
 lessons, and the prayers, as well as the sermon, 
 devolved exclusively on himself. 
 
 At this period of his life he was blest with robust 
 health, and a measure of athletic power which per- 
 formed feats, in the way of duty, almost incredible ; so 
 that some sportively gave him the name of "the Giant;" 
 a designation which seems to have been justified by 
 the following amusing incident: — 
 
 On a certain afternoon, in the month of June, he 
 set forth, accompanied by his daughter — who was 
 occasionally his associate in his preaching travels — 
 to a village about four miles distant from his home. 
 The weather was intensely hot; which led him to 
 procure a donkey- cart, for easier transport from one 
 place to another. He had driven through several fields 
 — for there was no turnpike road — until he came to 
 the last, which was of considerable extent; and with 
 the barn in which he was to preach, in view. To his 
 great mortification, he discovered that the gate of this 
 field was fastened, and strongly barricaded. What was 
 to be done ? No vociferation on his part, had he tried 
 it, could have been heard ; no human being was near, 
 to afford help in this emergency ; and as the time for 
 commencing the service was fast approaching, nothing 
 remained but that, summoning all his energies, he 
 should literally put his shoulder to the wheel. He 
 first lifted his daughter over the gate, and provided 
 for her safety. This done, he unharnessed the donkey, 
 and lifted the cart over the gate, in like manner. But 
 the most difficult part of the effort remained to be 
 accomplished. Nothing daunted, however, he grasped 
 the donkey, and with one powerful effort succeeded in
 
 ILLNESS OF HIS DAUGHTEE. 309 
 
 placing the animal on the other side, to the astonish- 
 ment, yet to the great amusement and joy, of his young 
 companion. He then proceeded on his way, and joined 
 the congregation punctually at the hour of worship. 
 
 To some persons this exploit may appear almost 
 incredible ; but to those familiar with his muscular 
 form, and physical power, it will be known to be quite 
 in keeping with his efforts, both on ordinary and 
 extraordinary occasions. 
 
 Without any particular occurrences to vary the 
 routine of a country pastor's life, — except occasional 
 visits to London, where he from time to time occupied 
 some of the metropolitan pulpits, with great acceptance; 
 and renewed, amid the scenes of his early domestic 
 life, his intercourse with beloved friends, — his days 
 glided onward, peacefully and happily. Once a dark 
 shadow seemed for a while to gather around his 
 dwelling, in the dangerous illness of his daughter. At 
 a period of opening youth, when every fibre of the 
 parental heart has fixed itself so firmly around the 
 child, that to touch the one is to send a thrill of agony 
 through the other — " seeing his life is bound up in 
 the child's life " — she was attacked by a dangerous ill- 
 ness that threatened her existence, and that awoke in 
 the hearts of her parents and relatives great anxiety, 
 and excited deep sympathy among all who knew and 
 loved the afflicted family. But " God had mercy on 
 them;" the fears of their heart were removed: and the 
 even current of domestic and ministerial life, which had 
 been broken by this temporary obstruction, flowed on 
 smoothly again, beneath the bright sunshine of ,a cleared 
 and unclouded sky. 
 
 In 1828, Mr. William Clayton, following ;his two 
 elder brothers, who had engaged in a similar special
 
 310 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 service, preached one of the May sermons for the 
 London Missionary Society, at Tottenham Court Road 
 chapel, from the text, 3 John 7, 8 : " Because that for 
 His name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the 
 Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we 
 might be fellow-helpers to the truth." 
 
 This was a much more lengthened and elaborated 
 discourse than was either of those delivered by his 
 brothers, on the same theme. One extract may be 
 given, which will enable the reader to judge of the 
 literary merits, as well as the missionary spirit, of the 
 sermon : — 
 
 "Observe the high, and sublime motive by which these 
 primitive servants of the cross were inspired, as denoted by 
 the comprehensive phrase, 'Because for His name's sake they 
 went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.' Love to their 
 Lord and Master was the mainspring of all their endeavours, 
 — the life-blood of their zeal. Love is the fulfilling of the 
 royal law. Not only did His personal excellencies attract their 
 admiration, and secure their attachment, but an individual 
 persuasion of vast and boundless obligation to Him. Affection 
 to the Saviour; ardent and inexpressible gratitude, were the 
 strong, impulsive, and imperishable principles of their activity. 
 These are motives of constantly-accumulating power ; and urge 
 with augmenting influence to persevering diligence. ' For the 
 love of Christ constrahieth us ; because we thus judge, that if 
 one died for all, then were all dead : and that he died for all, 
 that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, 
 but unto Him which died for them, and rose again.' 
 
 "The first heralds of salvation were men of genuine and 
 unsuspected personal religion; and enjoyed, as the special 
 qualification and the general accompaniment of extraordinary 
 service and suffering, an abiding sense of their interest in the 
 Kedeemer's favour and mercy. 
 
 " A sense of pardoning grace, combined, as it invariably is, 
 with deep and humbling views of un worthiness and guilt,
 
 MISSIONARY SERMON. 311 
 
 producing abhorrence of sin, and an ardent thirst for pro- 
 gressive conformity to the image of Christ, has ever been 
 found the true and efficient cause of good works. Hence 
 sprang the transcendent diligence, and the more abundant 
 labours, of one who considered himself as less than the least 
 of all saints ; and who appears at a loss for terms adequately- 
 vigorous to express his affectionate gratitude to Him who put 
 him into this ministry, and bestowed upon him this distin- 
 guished ' grace ' or privilege, that he might preach among 
 the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. His ardours 
 were so intense, that his carnal or less spiritual friends were 
 disposed to pronounce his zeal excessive and irrational. Like 
 his great Lord and Master, whose fervours he emulated, he was 
 considered as 'beside himself.' 
 
 " For the same degree of enthusiasm which exalts a painter 
 or a poet to the highest pinnacle of fame, places a preacher or a 
 missionary on the world's pillory, and assimilates him to the 
 'despised and rejected of men.' Patriotism, indeed, and impas- 
 sioned ardours for secular objects, have covered a multitude of 
 sins. All relative charities, and life itself, have been deemed a 
 cheap sacrifice at the altar of national liberty. Our youth are 
 early taught to applaud to ecstasy the Roman patrician, who 
 sacrificed his life for the supposed good of his country, by 
 leaping into the gulf, to which he was impelled by the 
 ambiguous oracle of a blind superstition; but men who would 
 act with equal determination, to save souls from eternal woe, 
 are everywhere spoken against. 
 
 "Such dormant prejudices and sophisms are to be dispersed 
 only by the just appreciation of invisible realities, and by a 
 supreme and ascendant love to the Redeemer. How high and 
 awful a function is that which proposes to establish in the soul 
 an interior dominion, to illuminate its powers by a celestial 
 flight, and introduce it to an intimate, ineffable, and unchanging 
 alliance with the Father of spirits ! The moment we permit 
 ourselves to think lightly of the Christian ministry, our right 
 arm is withered ; nothing but imbecility and relaxation remains ; 
 for no man ever excelled in a profession to which he felt not an 
 attachment bordering on enthusiasm; though what is enthu-
 
 312 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 siasm in all other professions, in this is the dictate of sobriety 
 and ' truth.' 
 
 " Such sentiments and conclusions are not only sustained by 
 the most lucid and convincing arguments, but sanctioned by 
 observation, and by the practical experience of men in ancient 
 and modern times. The hallowed enthusiast (for I glory in 
 the term) has effected wonders ; and when his fervours have 
 intermitted, he has renewed their warmth and influence by 
 recollections of a Saviour's love, indefatigable benevolence, and 
 unparalleled sufferings. In all parts of his history, from the 
 infantile cry at Bethlehem, to the awful groan on Calvary, there 
 is a holy and efficient excitement. When Buchanan's firm and 
 steady mind was momentarily discouraged by unexpected oppo- 
 sition, and by unforeseen obstacles, he was conscious of a gloom 
 and chill worse than those produced by nocturnal vapours. The 
 appearance of a star in the heavens, brought to his remem- 
 brance, so seasonably and forcibly, another Star which he had 
 seen in the East, that he thanked God and took courage. 
 When the devoted Henry Martyn, by bodily pain, and by 
 mental suffering, was ready to despair even of life, the occasional 
 shelter from an almost vertical sun, and from parched sands, 
 which he obtained in a stable, so refreshed his spirit, by leading 
 him into a train of holy cogitations concerning the Child born, 
 and the Son given, and for whom there was no room in the inn, 
 that he became as a giant refreshed by sleep, and awoke to more 
 strenuous and persevering efforts. Are these fanatics ? A 
 fanatic can never be permanently and consistently virtuous. 
 And is this fanaticism ?^-fanaticism, which invariably debases 
 both the intellectual and moral powers of the heart ? Are these 
 the emotions of ignorant, or hardened, or perverted minds? 
 Are not here the finest sensibilities excited, by an intelligent 
 reminiscence of scenes which were the admiration of angels, 
 and produced the veneration and offerings of the wise men, and . 
 have fed the flame of piety and devotion through the long 
 succession of revolving centuries ?" 
 
 After passing twenty-four years of the prime of his 
 life at Saffron-Walden, Mr. Clayton received an invita-
 
 MILL HILL SCHOOL. 313 
 
 tion to take the office of chaplain to the Protestant 
 Dissenters' Grammar School, at Mill Hill, Hendon. 
 
 This scholastic establishment was founded in 1807, 
 for the purpose of affording a first-rate liberal education 
 to the sons of gentlemen, who were debarred, by the 
 ecclesiastical arrangements of other large public schools, 
 from sending their children thither. Situated in one 
 of the loveliest neighbourhoods of the metropolis, on 
 a hill whence could be seen the spire and buildings of 
 the village of Harrow, the establishment at Hendon 
 commenced its career, in a noble rivalry with its more 
 time-honoured and renowned competitor. A beautiful 
 valley lay stretched out between the two hills on which 
 the schools are built, and over this extent of country — 
 a fair specimen of cultivated England, — rich in farms 
 and verdant meadows, that form part of the demesnes 
 of wealthy residents and proprietors ; with here and 
 there a diminutive village, whose smoke could be seen 
 rising above woods and plantations that dotted the 
 landscape, — the spirit of peace seemed ever to brood; 
 suggestive of the thought that between the two estab- 
 lishments no other rivalry need exist than that of each 
 striving, frankly and honourably, to outdo the other, in 
 most effectively educating the eager and aspiring youth, 
 who came thither to receive instruction and guidance. 
 The mental athletes could, by hardy and vigorous exer- 
 cise, in their several palasstra, prepare themselves, 
 within sight of each other, for the time when, in the 
 actual and serious contests of life, they should prove 
 the worth of their respective trainings. 
 
 About the time negotiations were commenced with 
 Mr. William Clayton, to become the chaplain of the 
 institution, and the pastor of the village church, which 
 had existed since 1728, the school was passing through
 
 314 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 a crisis in its history. It had foes without, and there 
 were fears within. It evidently needed some resusci- 
 tating power to he at work; the infusion of new vigour 
 into all the departments of official life ; and the presence 
 of one who, to the exercise of a kind, yet firm and wise 
 control over the establishment, should he able to add 
 an influence upon the world and the church without; 
 so as to awaken a well-grounded expectation in the 
 judicious management of the institution ; and lead the 
 chief men among Dissenters and liberal-minded Church- 
 people, fearlessly to confide in the judgment and good 
 feeling of those into whose hands the highest interests 
 of their children might be committed. 
 
 In looking round, with no small anxiety and care, for 
 a suitable person in whom this great trust could be 
 reposed, the attention of the committee of the Mill 
 Hill school was directed to Mr. William Clayton. His 
 own position in the Congregational body — as a minister 
 who, for nearly a quarter of a century, had presided 
 over a most respectable provincial congregation, — 
 and his connexion, through his father and brothers, 
 with three of the most important and influential 
 churches in London; above all, his high character 
 for prudence, judgment, and simple yet ardent piety, 
 and his well-known affection for the young, seemed to 
 mark him out, above all others, as fitted for the post 
 to which, with the hearty concurrence of the friends 
 and supporters of the institution, the committee 
 invited him. It was believed that his acceptance of 
 the office would, by the blessing of God, bring back to 
 the school its former prosperity, and insure even a 
 larger amount of efficiency and success. 
 
 At the time he received the invitation of the com- 
 mittee, there were circumstances, of a personal nature,
 
 ACCEPTS THE CHAPLAINCY. 315 
 
 which seemed to indicate that a change of position 
 would be desirable. He would not be necessitated, by 
 accepting the invitation to Mill Hill, to forego his minis- 
 terial duties, or his pastoral relationships, both of which 
 were to him sacred pleasures as well as obligations; 
 while he would be brought into a more immediate inter- 
 course with his revered parents, now advanced in years, 
 and other near and dear relatives. But the chief and 
 all-powerful incentive to compliance with this invitation 
 was the fact, that he would thereby be brought into 
 direct contact with young minds, belonging to the elite 
 of Nonconformist families, as well as others, at the time 
 they were passing through their educational course. 
 These, he knew, were destined, in future life, to form 
 no inconsiderable portion of the mercantile, scientific, 
 and religious population of the kingdom ; and so he felt 
 that it was impossible to exaggerate the importance of 
 the post filled by a chaplain to such an institution, with 
 these opening and ingenuous minds continually at hand 
 to receive the influences and teachings of an earnest 
 Christian minister, intent upon the grand object of 
 securing them all for the service of Christ. 
 
 After weighing these considerations in the balances, 
 with his characteristic caution, and with a conscientious 
 regard to the will of God, he resolved to resign his 
 charge at Saffron-Walden, after a union of nearly a 
 quarter of a century, and to accept the chaplainship 
 at Mill Hill. This he did, and in the spring of 1831 
 left the scene of his early labours, in the midst of un- 
 equivocal tokens of regret, on the part of those before 
 whom he had gone in and out, for so lengthened a 
 period, and took up his abode at Hendon.
 
 Chapter SST03L 
 
 EEV. WILLIAM CLAYTON.— 1831-1838. 
 
 chaplaincy at mill hill. — new charel. — success. — attachment to 
 
 the young. — interesting anecdote of the earl of c . 
 
 mr, Clayton's closing labours. — premonition of sudden death. 
 — visit to london. — last moments. — affecting scene at the 
 funeral service at mill hill. — interment in bunhill fields. — 
 retrospect of his life and character. 
 
 Mr. William Clayton entered upon his new scene 
 of duty with no small amount of diffidence, and with 
 much anxious prayerfulness ; relying, not on his own 
 resources or capabilities, but on the promised strength 
 of Him who has said, " I will be with thee in all places 
 whither thou goest; my presence shall go with thee; 
 my grace is sufficient for thee." 
 
 He soon won the confidence and esteem of all with 
 whom he stood connected. The committee of manage- 
 ment did everything in their power to strengthen and 
 encourage him in his labours, by their willing co-opera- 
 tion and liberal supplies. The masters welcomed the 
 new chaplain with much respect and friendliness ; 
 while, attracted by his gentlemanly manners, practical 
 wisdom, and consistent example, they were aroused to 
 new energy; and aided him in all acts of moral dis- 
 cipline, and in all his plans and efforts, within his 
 prescribed sphere, for the benefit of the scholars. 
 
 On Monday, May 16th, he was solemnly set apart 
 to his office, at a devotional meeting, held in the chapel 
 belonging to the school. At the same time, the Rev. 
 H. L. Berry was inducted into the head-mastership.
 
 SUCCESS AT MILL HILL. 317 
 
 The Revs. T. Binney, A. Stewart, of Barnet, and the 
 Revs. J. Burnet, of Carnberwell, G. Clayton, E. Steane, 
 and others, took part in the service. In the unavoidable 
 and regretted absence of Mr. Clayton's father, Dr. Pye 
 Smith, of Homerton College, delivered an excellent and 
 affectionate charge to the newly- elected chaplain ; while 
 the Rev. Joseph Berry addressed his son. 
 
 Through the blessing of God upon the labours of 
 Mr. Clayton, and with a desire to provide a place of 
 worship for the school and the neighbourhood, more in 
 accordance with the reputation of the place, a new and 
 elegant chapel was erected in 1832. He was indefati- 
 gable in his efforts in connexion with the rearing of 
 this structure ; and had the pleasure, in a short space 
 of time after the laying of the foundation-stone, of 
 seeing it dedicated to the service of God, and entering 
 upon it himself, as the scene of his latest ministerial 
 labours — labours, alas ! to be soon brought to a close. 
 But of this he had then no premonitions ; and he and 
 his friends, who contemplated his position in the midst 
 of young people gathered from all parts of the kingdom, 
 as fraught with the highest possible results, fondly 
 anticipated for him a long career of extended usefulness. 
 
 From a survey of the seven years during which he 
 presided over this important establishment, it is evident 
 that the blessing of God rested on his varied labours, 
 for the good of all those with whom he was connected. 
 The pupils reverenced and loved him ; the masters 
 regarded him as an acceptable fellow-labourer, and a 
 sincere friend ; the household servants were taught by 
 his example, and won by his kindness ; the church and 
 congregation, with which he was associated in the 
 fellowship of the Gospel, nourished under his care ; 
 while he zealously and efficiently encouraged and
 
 318 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 directed the efforts made by the school, by the wor- 
 shippers of the chapel, and by others in the village, 
 on behalf of the Bible Society, the Missionary Society, 
 and other benevolent institutions. It is only when 
 the books shall be opened, and the secrets of all hearts 
 shall be revealed in the light of eternity, that it will 
 be fully known how many of the young were savingly 
 impressed by his private discourses — always accompa- 
 nied by prayer ; and how many of the adult population 
 were turned to righteousness and to God, by his public 
 ministrations. 
 
 He was not satisfied with a mere routine of service. 
 He was ever casting about for some fresh mode of 
 interesting his youthful charge in holy things ; and one 
 of his most successful methods of awakening attention 
 to them was to win the affections of the pupils towards 
 himself, as their teacher, and God's ambassador. This 
 was generally no difficult task, with one who was so 
 eminently calculated to gain the love of those with 
 whom he came in contact. Having secured this as a 
 fulcrum on which to work, he sought, by earnest, 
 simple, and manly, yet tender expostulations, appeals, 
 warnings, and invitations, to bring to thoughtfulness 
 the naturally wayward heart of youth. Nor did he 
 labour in vain. There rose up around him reflective 
 lads, who reciprocated his regard; listened reverently 
 to his counsels; and gave full proof of their wisdom 
 and worth, by a choice of the service of Christ. Some, 
 now in the ministry of the Gospel, and others, sus- 
 taining honourable positions in the church and the 
 world, can bear their grateful testimony to the value of 
 his instructions. 
 
 Every morning, before family worship, some one of a 
 number of the boys, — to whom, as a special mark of
 
 ANECDOTE. 319 
 
 favour, on account of excellence of conduct, and 
 diligence in study, the privilege was accorded of private 
 friendship, — was received in his study, for a quarter of 
 an hour's conversation, — always terminated by a short 
 prayer. There are some now living who remember, with 
 a thrill of gratitude and affection, that prized and happy 
 season. They can recall to mind the wise advice, the 
 loving admonitions, and the words of encouragement 
 that fell from his lips ; while his beaming countenance, 
 radiant as a glow of sunshine, proclaimed the parental 
 tenderness that dwelt in his heart. Every boy, when he 
 went forth from his presence, carried with him to the 
 religious service that immediately followed, in the hall 
 of the school, a conviction that the chaplain, who led 
 their devotions, had the best interests of the pupils at 
 heart; and each day, one young spirit, at least, knelt 
 down with a soul chastened and sanctified, by the sweet 
 moral influence which had been brought to bear upon it. 
 
 I cannot forbear recording an incident, which occurred 
 while I was once travelling with him, in Hampshire, as 
 illustrating his interest in the young, and his singular 
 tact, in striving to benefit strangers, by a word in season. 
 
 We were walking upon the hard at Portsmouth, when 
 a small boat, from a man-of-war that lay in the harbour, 
 touched the shore, and two young midshipmen stepped 
 out. Mr. Clayton directed my attention to the lads, 
 and said, "What an open and noble countenance that 
 younger boy has ! He is a gentleman, evidently, from 
 his bearing; any mother's heart must be anxious about 
 such a son, in such a profession. I'll go and speak to 
 him ; perhaps God may bless what I say : and in the 
 perilous position he occupies, on board a man-of-war — 
 one of peril both to body and soul — a stranger's word of 
 warning and advice may be of service."
 
 320 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Suiting the action to the word, he walked up to the 
 midshipmen, and, in his well-known, courteous, and 
 winning manner, asked some question concerning the 
 ship and themselves, to which they readily replied. He 
 then glided away, hy a natural, easy transition, to higher 
 and more solemn topics. As he spoke the lads listened; 
 
 at first with surprise; then with evident interest; and 
 
 at length with deep emotion ; and when, pointing to his 
 clerical dress, he said, " Gentlemen, you will, I am sure, 
 pardon my earnestness and freedom, when you recognize 
 my profession, as a minister of Christ," they took off 
 their caps and bowed low before him. In a strain of 
 exquisite adaptation to his young auditors' position and 
 inexperience, and in tones of melting tenderness, he 
 besought them, by the memories of home, by the love of 
 mother and sister, and by a regard for their own souls, 
 to guard against the sinful influences to which, in the 
 presence of so many who had no fear of God before 
 their eyes, they would be exposed; and bade them 
 remember how often, when on the wide deep, it would 
 be literally true that there was "but a step between 
 them and death." 
 
 When he had ended these remarks, he asked them 
 each to receive a little book which he offered them, — 
 I think it was James's Anxious Inquirer, or the Young 
 Man from Home, — and inquired their names, that he 
 might remember them in his prayers, with a special 
 petition. This, he assured them, he would present to 
 God, while they were on the voyage which, as they had 
 informed him, they were to commence in a few days. 
 They accepted the books with a quivering of the lip, 
 which told that his words had not fallen on unsuscep- 
 tible hearts ; and stood with bared heads, as, with his 
 own lips trembling with emotion, he ejaculated a 
 benediction upon them.
 
 FLUCTUATIONS IN HEALTH. 321 
 
 "But your names, young gentlemen?" said lie; as 
 after having given them the books, he shook hands 
 with them, and was about to turn away. 
 
 "Mine," said the tallest youth, "is ; and my 
 
 friend is the eldest son of the Earl of C ." 
 
 I do not give the names, for obvious reasons ; but it 
 is with a glow of grateful feeling I record the fact, that 
 it is borne now by one, whose piety and philanthropy 
 adorn him more than his coronet; and, judging from 
 the lapse of years, and the age of the present wearer of 
 the title, I conclude, with almost positive certainty, that 
 he is the midshipman in whom my departed friend was 
 so deeply interested. If so, I have pleased myself with 
 the thought that, not improbably, Mr. Clayton's inter- 
 view with him on the hard, at Portsmouth, was a 
 turning-point in his history. 
 
 The interesting course of things at Mill Hill was 
 not ordained to be of long continuance. Mr. Clayton's 
 health fluctuated a good deal, in the last year of his 
 service at the school, — although there were no very 
 marked symptoms of disease ; certainly none that were 
 urgent or alarming. He consulted one or two physicians 
 of celebrity, who prescribed for him ; but without prog- 
 nosticating any imminent danger, whatever might have 
 been their private opinion. 
 
 On Saturday, April 4th, he commenced a course of 
 lectures on the life and character of Elisha — designing 
 to make the several incidents in the history of the 
 prophet illustrative of certain great religious truths, 
 for which he was anxious to gain admission into the 
 hearts of his youthful auditors; having found, by 
 experience, that no more effectual method for attaining 
 this object could be employed than by such a style
 
 322 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 of teaching. The first lecture was on the fact of 
 Elisha's entrance upon his prophetic office, symbolized 
 by his assumption of the mantle of his predecessor; 
 and, naturally, he had to discourse on the translation 
 of Elijah, as the great occurrence attendant on, and 
 preparatory to, that investiture. After the service was 
 finished, and he had retired to the vestry, he spoke on 
 the theme of his discourse to one of the friends of the 
 congregation; and especially referred to the subject of 
 sudden death; and as though, for a season, the prophetic 
 mantle had descended on the preacher, he remarked, — 
 and how vividly the words were remembered afterwards, 
 when death seemed to set a solemn seal on them, as 
 though spoken from God, may well be imagined, — 
 "It is probable that I shall leave you in an unexpected 
 moment: they shall seek me in the morning, and I 
 shall not be." 
 
 That this was not a mere momentary impression, but 
 had long been a presentiment of his mind, is evident 
 from the closing paragraph of a work which Mr. Clayton 
 published, while at Saffron-Walden, called The Invisible 
 Hand. Referring to the contents of the book, and his 
 design in writing and sending it forth, he says : — 
 
 " To lead persons to an acquaintance with themselves, and 
 their own affairs, has been the object of the previous detail. In 
 scenes of affliction, the sentiments there illustrated have been 
 the sweet solace of the writer's mind. He has invariably found, 
 that events in his retired life, which were unpropitious in aspect, 
 or mysterious in their language, have been the messengers of 
 favour, and tended to a consummation devoutly to be wished. 
 With these views, he, from the loophole of retreat, looks at an 
 agitated and tumultuous world. As darkness is dispelled, there 
 appears confusion among the atoms which before fluctuated 
 unseen in the atmosphere. Their manifestation ought not to 
 distress the observer. It shall at length be clearly evident,
 
 LAST VISIT TO LONDON. 323 
 
 that He hath, done all things well ; and warrant the acclamation 
 of angels and beatified spirits : ' Just and true are thy ways, 
 thou King of saints.' 
 
 "As to what concerns himself, daily expecting the summons 
 to leave this state, where even the light of Goshen is but 
 comparative, as enjoyed in contrast with surrounding darkness, 
 he hopes that he shall pass safely and with composure through 
 the regions of terror and tyranny ; and, not fearing the wrath 
 of the King, he shall then endure, as seeing Him who is 
 invisible." 
 
 On the Monday of the week in which he died, he 
 visited London, on business connected with the school ; 
 and by appointment I met him in the city. Here let 
 me be pardoned a personal reminiscence, and for ven- 
 turing to obtrude my own affairs, in connexion with the 
 account of this last interview I ever had with him on 
 earth. But that interview had so important a bearing 
 on my own subsequent ministerial life, and his words 
 afterwards appeared so prophet-like in their advice and 
 assurance, that I cannot refrain from referring to it ; in 
 addition to which, memory delights to linger upon the 
 last moments spent in the society of a beloved friend, 
 whose voice will be heard, and whose form will be seen, 
 no more among the living. 
 
 I had sought his counsel, relative to the acceptance of 
 a, call I had just received from the church at Kingsland, 
 to the co-pastorate with the Rev. J. Campbell. My own 
 mind was strongly disinclined to accept it; my heart 
 had fixed itself on another people, in a different suburb 
 of the metropolis, where spiritual children had been 
 already given me. But Mr. Clayton's judgment was 
 entirely opposed to my own; and he most vigorously 
 combated all my objections. "When I observed that 
 there were, among the 150 people assembling in 
 Kingsland chapel, not a dozen young persons with
 
 324 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 whom a minister was likely to grow up, and from 
 whom he might look for co-operation — that it was. 
 literally an " assembly of elders " — for there were, out 
 of sixty-eight members of the church, twelve about 
 eighty years of age, — he only replied, " Go, and call 
 such young people in." When I said the place was 
 very small, his answer was, " Go, and enlarge it." When 
 I remarked that there was a sparse population among 
 which to work, — Kingsland then was a mere hamlet — 
 cornfields and pasture lands lying » between it and 
 London, — he said, "Though the beginnings be small, 
 its latter end will greatly increase." And so, while I 
 was waiting, and desirous to know the will of God in 
 a matter to me of deep and anxious interest, he, in the 
 last words I ever heard him utter — and referring to 
 the success with which his brother George had been 
 honoured in his sphere of labour, — said to me, " Go to 
 Kingsland, and make it a second Walworth." 
 
 I was not disobedient to the advice, which the solemn 
 event of three days afterwards seemed to invest with 
 the authority and sacredness of a divine command ; and 
 now, on looking back upon the result of the labours of 
 twenty-nine years, in the pastorate which he earnestly 
 and affectionately urged me to accept, I see the wisdom 
 of his counsel, and bless God who gave me so faithful 
 and judicious an adviser. 
 
 On Thursday, the 12th of April, he appeared in his 
 usual health, and was full of spirits and activity, as he 
 went about his several duties. After dinner, he invited 
 his daughter — who was frequently his companion in his 
 walks around that pleasant neighbourhood — to accom- 
 pany him through the grounds of the school. As they 
 strolled along, he conversed cheerfully on a variety of 
 topics; but as though his spirit was unconsciously
 
 HIS DEATH. 325 
 
 pluming its wings for its departure, he spoke of the 
 uncertainty of life, and the necessity for making all 
 our arrangements subject to the providential control of 
 God : " For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we 
 shall live, and do this, or that." 
 
 Something incidentally engaging the attention of 
 Miss Clayton, she left him for about two minutes, to 
 examine the object of her curiosity. In this brief 
 interval, a divine messenger had whispered to the man 
 of God — who stood prepared to receive the summons, — 
 " The Master is come, and calleth for thee. As soon as 
 he heard that, he arose quickly, and came to Him." 
 When his daughter returned to where she had left her 
 father, she found him prostrate on the ground. Bewil- 
 dered, terrified, hoping, fearing, — it was the work of an 
 instant to raise an alarm, and bring the needed assist- 
 ance to lift up the fallen body. But, alas ! the heart 
 that had clung to her so fondly had ceased to beat for 
 ever ; its last utterances had been poured into the ears 
 which had from infancy been familiar with its loving 
 tones — tones that shall be heard no more, till parent 
 and child shall greet one another in the Celestial City. 
 
 Of course, every effort was made to resuscitate life, 
 but in vain ; the arrow had sped direct to its mark. 
 "In the midst of life he was in death." One minute 
 conversing with his companion in the language of 
 earth ; the next listening, astonished and entranced, 
 to the language of heaven. Erewhile speaking of 
 Him, "whom having not seen, he loved," then suddenly 
 ushered with breathless awe into His presence, — 
 "beholding His face in righteousness; awaking in His 
 likeness; seeing Him as He is." In a moment the 
 great veil, which hides all things in the spirit-world 
 from mortal vision, was rent, and a limitless horizon 
 stretched out before him.
 
 320 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Wondrous change ! Yet, though sudden, should any 
 one deprecate it, who is living habitually, and thought- 
 fully, on the confines of the two worlds ? Mr. William 
 Clayton did so live; and the language of the inspired 
 historian, as supplemented by the apostle Paul, admir- 
 ably expounds his case: " Enoch walked with God: and 
 he was not; for God took him. He was not found, 
 because God had translated him; for before his trans- 
 lation he had this testimony, that he pleased God." 
 "And it came to pass as they still went on and talked, 
 that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses 
 of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went 
 up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it, and 
 he cried, ' My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, 
 and the horsemen thereof.'" 
 
 This event, in itself so awfully sudden, produced, 
 through a wide circle of relatives and friends, great 
 consternation and grief. The sad intelligence of the 
 chaplain's decease flew rapidly in every direction, and to 
 the most remote parts of the kingdom ; as from many 
 of its cities, provincial towns, and country places, some 
 of the pupils had come for education at the Grammar 
 School ; and others who had finished 'their studies, had 
 taken up their residence in them. It would not be easy 
 to count the number of those among the young and the 
 aged, the rich and the poor, who participated in the 
 profound sorrow which this unexpected death occa- 
 sioned, and by whom the name and virtues of William 
 Clayton are embalmed in tender and affectionate 
 remembrance. 
 
 When the tidings of the domestic bereavement were 
 conveyed to Gaines, the residence of his venerable 
 father, who had now for two years been a widower, 
 it was feared that they might be productive of some
 
 PAKENTAL SOEEOW. 327 
 
 mischievous effects upon his enfeebled frame, and 
 were divulged with the utmost caution. He was in 
 his study alone, when the catastrophe was gradually 
 broken to him. After a vehement paroxysm of parental 
 agony had in some degree subsided, he seemed to 
 collect his thoughts, and in a devotional tone breathed 
 forth a thanksgiving to God. " The Lord be praised," 
 said he, " that dear William is safely landed. The 
 great end of his existence is answered. The object 
 of the anxious solicitude and earnest prayers of his 
 dear mother and myself is realized ; he is now and for 
 ever with the Lord ! " But again the old man wept, 
 sorrowfully — though not as those without hope ; for the 
 " fountains of the great deep are broken up," when the 
 children precede the parent to the grave. It was a 
 mystery, in the arrangements of Him who " giveth not 
 account of any of His matters," that his youngest son 
 should be taken first from the ministerial triad ; taken 
 in the very zenith of his usefulness, and from the 
 midst of an occupation so congenial to his nature and 
 disposition, and so likely to be attended with the most 
 important results. But the heart of the aged Christian 
 had learned to school itself to a holy acquiescence, and 
 with devout reverence he listened to the admonition, 
 "Be still, and know that I am God;" meekly replying, 
 "Even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy 
 sight." 
 
 A post-mortem examination of the body was made, 
 by which it was found that disease of the heart was the 
 cause of death. Mr. Clayton had long entertained the 
 belief that this vital organ was affected ; and it produced 
 the conviction to which, shortly before he died, he gave 
 utterance, that his departure would be without any 
 specific warning. This, too, led him, as a devout
 
 328 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 learner, at the feet of Infinite Wisdom, to " number 
 his days ; " and to live in continual preparation for a 
 change of worlds. "How many fall as sudden, not as 
 safe ! " 
 
 It was deemed appropriate that, without any undue 
 parade, the funeral of a minister who had occupied a 
 post of so much importance and prominence should he 
 a public one ; so as to afford an opportunity for the 
 numerous friends, who revered his memory, to testify 
 their regard, by their presence at the solemn services 
 that were ajmointed to be held, both at Mill Hill and 
 in London. Those at the former place w r ere especially 
 affecting, from the presence of the young people, in 
 whose temporal and eternal welfare Mr. William Clayton 
 had felt so deep an interest. The distance of the 
 residence of the deceased from the place of burial was 
 too great to admit of the attendance of more than the 
 representatives of the school, in the persons of some 
 of the members of the committee, and the principal 
 officers of the establishment ; but it was felt to be of 
 the highest moment that an opportunity should be 
 afforded to the whole of that large household, to 
 participate in some of the funeral solemnities. So, 
 before the procession left the house, the coffin was 
 borne into the hall of. the school, and all the scholars 
 were gathered together, to pay their last tribute of love 
 and reverence to the dead. Dr. Pye Smith delivered 
 an address to the family and the pupils, full of tender 
 sympathy with them in their respective relationships; 
 and Dr. Morison, of Brompton, a warm friend of the 
 deceased, implored the sanctifying blessing of Heaven to 
 attend this most painful bereavement. 
 
 The silence which followed the prayer was then 
 broken by the measured march of the youths who, as
 
 FUNERAL SOLEMNITIES. 329 
 
 they rose from their seats to leave the hall, one by 
 one, approached the coffin, and placed their hands upon 
 it, to take an earthly farewell of one who had watched 
 over them with a paternal interest, and who had now 
 gone to give an account of his stewardship, in relation 
 to them, as well as others. Must there not have been 
 some who, in the presence of death, breathed a 
 sacramental vow of service to the living God? Some 
 who were desirous to be baptized for the dead? who 
 then resolved on unswerving fidelity to the instructions 
 they had received from the lips that were now so silent 
 and cold? "The day will declare it." Nothing would 
 have been more in harmony with the yearning desires 
 of their pastor, than that his departure from among 
 them should be the occasion of spiritual decision to 
 those who remained. Like Paul, he was solicitous 
 that " Christ should be magnified in his body, whether 
 it be by life, or by death ; " that they to whom he had 
 so faithfully ministered should "be blameless and 
 harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the 
 midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom 
 they should shine as lights in the world; holding forth 
 the word of life; that he might rejoice in the day of 
 Christ, that he had not run in vain, neither laboured in 
 vain." With his whole heart would he have cried, "Yea, 
 and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of 
 your faith, I joy and rejoice with you all." " So then 
 death worketh in us, but life in you." 
 
 The mournful cortege left the school, and proceeded 
 to Bunhill Fields, London, where the interment was 
 to take place. A service was held in the City Road 
 Wesleyan chapel, in the presence of a large and 
 deeply- affected assembly, that had gathered together 
 from various quarters. Dr. Leifchild delivered the
 
 330 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 funeral oration, and Dr. Burder offered prayer. The 
 coffin was then placed by the side of the mother and 
 sister of the deceased, in the family vault; and for a 
 season he was left to slumber in the midst of many of 
 the excellent of the earth, — men " of whom the world 
 was not worthy," — who, for conscience sake, had become 
 Nonconformists, and did not shrink from the odium 
 which was attached to the name; whose dust reposes 
 in that honoured necropolis, awaiting the resurrection- 
 of the just."" 
 
 Some kind hands, moved by loving hearts, strewed 
 flowers on the bier, — on which, at that moment, the 
 snow fell, — as reverently it was laid in its sepulchral 
 abode; for out of the circle of his own family, there 
 were those who had come " to the grave, to weep there," 
 and offer their silent yet expressive tribute of affection 
 to one who was so eminently worthy of honour. 
 
 The following Sunday, Dr. Joseph Fletcher, of Stepney, 
 who, with Dr. Burder, had been a fellow- student with 
 Mr.Wm. Clayton, at Hoxton, preached a funeral sermon 
 in the chapel, which for nearly six years had been the 
 scene of his faithful ministration ; and then were set 
 before the bereaved congregation, and the pupils of 
 the school, the solemn lessons which the unexpected 
 removal of their pastor was calculated and designed 
 to teach. 
 
 A handsome tablet to Mr. Wm. Clayton's memory 
 
 * Surely the unseemly pertinacity of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, — ia 
 their resistance to the offer of the corporation of the city of London, to keep 
 this "God's acre" intact from all secular uses, unless a large sum of money be 
 paid them — will never be persisted in. Religious sentiment and good feeling 
 alike revolt from the huckstering spirit that has been displayed. The graves of 
 Owen, and Bunyan, and Watts, — names of national rather than of denomina- 
 tional renown, — should surely awaken some reverence and regard for the place ; 
 and the mercenary spirit, that would make capital out of the ground where such 
 men repose in their last sleep, should be cast out with ignominy.
 
 MONUMENTAL TABLET. 331 
 
 was placed in the chapel, in the rear of the pulpit, by 
 certain friends, and bears the following inscription : — 
 
 TO THE MEMORY OP 
 
 THE EEV. WILLIAM CLAYTON, 
 
 CHAPLAIN OF THE 
 
 PROTESTANT DISSENTERS' GRAMMAR SCHOOL, 
 
 AND PASTOR OP THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, IN THIS VILLAGE ; 
 
 WHO, IN THE MIDST OP HIS 
 
 LABOURS AND HIS USEFULNESS, WAS SUDDENLY REMOVED 
 
 TO HIS HEAVENLY REST, 
 
 ON THE 15TH OF MARCH, 1838, 
 
 IN THE FIFTY-FOURTH YEAR OF HIS AGE. 
 
 DURING A RESIDENCE OP ONLY SEVEN YEARS, 
 
 HE RENDERED ESSENTIAL SERVICE TO THE INSTITUTION, 
 
 AND TO THE CAUSE OF CHRIST, 
 
 BY PROMOTING THE ERECTION OF THIS PLACE OF WORSHIP, 
 
 AND BY VARIOUS OTHER EFFORTS OF 
 
 ACTIVE BENEVOLENCE. 
 
 BY THE DILIGENCE, FIDELITY, AFFECTION, AND ZEAL, 
 
 WITH WHICH HE FULFILLED THE DUTIES OF 
 
 HIS IMPORTANT OFFICES, HE COMMENDED 
 
 HIMSELF TO THE DEVOTED ATTACHMENT OF HIS BELOVED PUPILS, 
 
 AND OF HIS BEREAVED FLOCK, 
 
 WHO HAVE UNITED IN RAISING THIS TABLET, 
 
 TO TESTIFY 
 
 THEIR HIGH REGARD FOR HIS CHARACTER, AND THEIR 
 
 VENERATION FOR HIS MEMORY. 
 
 At the lower part of the tablet the family arms are 
 sculptured, with the motto, "Nihil sine Deo." 
 
 It is scarcely necessary much further to eulogize the 
 character of Mr. William Clayton. He would have been 
 the first to deprecate the act; for no man had a more 
 humiliating estimate of poor human nature — and of 
 himself, not the least— than he had. He was conscious 
 of the existence and workings of inbred corruption, —
 
 332 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 that awoke the hursting sigh of self-abasement, and led 
 him to cling, with strong tenacity of purpose, to the 
 cross, whence he derived all his hopes of pardon and 
 acceptance. He was a man of unfeigned piety; loving 
 the hour of solitude for communion with his God; 
 having regularly in reading some searching book on 
 experimental religion, as a help to the probing of his 
 own heart. Of the solemnities of that secret intercourse 
 which he so regularly and scrupulously kept up with 
 God, of course no one can speak; and if any one 
 could, his duty is to keep silence. But as the prophet, 
 admitted to a solemn audience with God — of which no 
 other of mortal mould was privileged to be a spectator 
 — silently indicated, in the radiant light that streamed 
 from his face, with whom he had held intercourse, amid 
 the awful grandeurs of the mount, so did Mr. Clayton, 
 when he left his study, after these secret communings 
 with God, in the bright and happy smile that shone 
 on his features, — so expressive of child-like faith, holy 
 serenity, and devout joy, — announce to all who took 
 knowledge of him, that he had been privileged with 
 " fellowship with the Father, and with His Son Jesus 
 Christ." 
 
 What he was as a son ; what was his " manner of 
 life from his youth, which was at the first among his 
 own people," knew a large circle of observant friends. 
 Tenderly affectionate, yet filially reverent, was he — as 
 were both his brothers and sisters — towards his parents. 
 There was ever, in the intercourse of the younger 
 people with their elders — even to the last days of their 
 lives, — and this was especially conspicuous in the style 
 of address adopted in their letters — more of that old 
 deferential spirit which found its abode in the house- 
 holds of England a century ago, but which is now so
 
 HIS CHAEACTEE. 333 
 
 rarely met with ; when a child would not think of 
 sitting down in the presence of his father or mother 
 without an invitation to that effect; when every word 
 was couched in respectful tones ; and when love was 
 found to he perfectly consistent with profound venera- 
 tion for the parental character. There is something so 
 beautiful in all this, that one cannot but lament the 
 modern innovations, which have banished — though, it 
 is to be hoped, only for a season — this reverential mode 
 of behaviour from our English homes. 
 
 Reference has already been made to the fraternal 
 spirit, which was cherished and displayed by the 
 brothers, and which made the interests of one the 
 concern of the rest. In his intercourse with them 
 and his sister, the thorough amiability of Mr. William 
 Clayton ever displayed itself. Happy were those 
 reunions, which from time to time were enjoyed ; 
 wdien from their respective localities they met at the 
 house of one or other of the members of the family; 
 pleasant social converse ever being chastened and 
 sanctified by the introduction of topics of the highest 
 importance, on which every one felt it a pleasure and a 
 privilege to speak. 
 
 But it was in his own home, by his own fireside — 
 albeit the circle was small that gathered there — that 
 Mr. William Clayton was seen to perfection. Refine- 
 ment, culture of mind, kindred sympathies on matters 
 of religion ; similarity of tastes in art and science ; a 
 love of nature, in all her varying moods and manifesta- 
 tions ; — these constituted a strong bond between "the 
 husband and father, and the wife and daughter. The 
 latter, as the only child, was not unnaturally soon 
 looked upon more as a companion, than as the youngest 
 member of the household; and to the development of
 
 334 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 her mind both parents devoted themselves, with all the 
 ardour of their souls; and were blessed in their work. 
 A happier household than that which met under the 
 minister's roof, both at Saffron-Walden and at Mill Hill, 
 could not be found ; and the smile that lighted up his 
 countenance, and the glance of affection that beamed 
 in his eye, never shone with so rich a lustre, as when 
 he crossed the threshold of his own dwelling. Dark, 
 therefore, and intense, was the gloom which suddenly 
 overshadowed it, when that light was quenched in the 
 darkness of death. 
 
 To Mr. William Clayton's pastoral character there 
 has already been a reference. In the discharge of the 
 duties connected with his office, he was scrupulously 
 conscientious ; showing to all equal attention ; whether 
 the members of his flock were " the poor of this world, 
 rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom," or those who 
 had " this world's good," and were socially in the same 
 position as himself. 
 
 In his pulpit preparations he was, as I have already 
 intimated, most assiduous. I have before me, as I 
 write, the last two sermons he preached, four days 
 before he died. Both are written out in full, and an 
 analysis of each discourse' accompanies the more 
 expanded manuscript ; together with the hymns chosen 
 for both services, endorsed on a fly leaf; — so methodical 
 was he in all he did. One of these, which was the 
 second of the course on Elisha, was entitled, " Children 
 mocking sacred things put under a curse," and founded 
 on 2 Kings ii. 23-25. As among the last teachings of 
 their revered pastor, this discourse would surely be 
 solemnly remembered by his youthful audience. The 
 afternoon sermon was from Proverbs xiv. 11 : " The 
 backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways;"
 
 HIS CHARACTER. 335 
 
 and is a most faithful exposition of the appalling state 
 of the class of persons alluded to, who were held up as 
 beacons, warning others off from the rocks and shoals 
 with which the sea of life abounds. Both subjects, 
 remembered in connexion with the event of the 
 following Thursday, were most instructive. 
 
 That he might not derogate at Mill Hill from his 
 well-earned character, as a diligent student, when at 
 SafFron-Walden, he burnt the whole of the sermons 
 he had written at the latter-named place, — more than 
 two thousand in number, — and thus necessitated the 
 composition of fresh ones in his new sphere of labour. 
 There was an amount of moral courage displayed in 
 this transaction that few would have evinced; and a 
 resolution, to work as vigorously as ever, that was 
 unmistakable. It was one of many proofs of a firmness 
 of purpose for which he was remarkable, and from 
 which no love of ease, or temptation to spare himself, 
 could turn him aside. 
 
 He was the author of two volumes : The Invisible 
 Hand, a tale ; and Submission Exemplified, or the Amiable 
 Stranger; both of which went into a second edition. 
 They were simple, sober narratives, at an infinite 
 remove from the sensational, both in style and incident. 
 They were written, as their titles imply, for the purpose 
 of solacing the heart of the weary and afflicted with 
 such views of the ways of God as were calculated to 
 inspire confidence in His goodness, and lead the heart 
 to nestle quietly beneath the wing of divine love. 
 These, with the sermon preached before the London 
 Missionary Society, appear to have been the only 
 publications he sent from the press.
 
 Chapter SEX- 
 
 REV. JOHN CLAYTON. -1804-1836. 
 
 CONTINUED LABOURS AT THE WEIGHIIOUSE. — ACCESSION OF GEORGE IV. — 
 
 RESIDENCE AT GAINES. — ASSISTANCE IN PREACHING. RETIREMENT 
 
 FROM THE TASTORATE. — RESOLUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. — HIS OWN 
 EMOTIONS ON RETIRING. — SrLENDID TESTIMONIAL FROM HIS PEOPLE. 
 
 INAUGURAL ADDRESS AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW MILL HILL 
 
 GRAMMAR SCHOOL. — INTEREST IN THE LABOURS OF HIS SONS AND 
 HIS SUCCESSOR AT THE WEIGHIIOUSE. — LETTER FROM MR. BINNET. — 
 PREACHES AT WALWORTH. — BAPTISMAL SERVICES. — SECOND LETTER 
 FROM MR. BINNEY. 
 
 It is necessary now to return to the elder Mr. Clayton, 
 from whom, at page 170, we had for a while to part, in 
 order to insert the notices which have been given of his 
 three sons. As has been shown, these, with their father, 
 were for many years permitted to labour for God, in 
 their several pastorates; without any interruptions, other" 
 than those which are incident to all human occupations, 
 and to which such references as were necessary have 
 already been made. He was allowed to witness the 
 evident tokens of the divine Master's approval with 
 which his children's services were crowned. He rejoiced 
 in their joy ; and felt himself, to a great extent, a sharer 
 in all the honours conferred upon them ; while, in his 
 own immediate sphere of action, the same blessing 
 accompanied his exertions as had, during the earlier 
 period of his ministry, been so distinguishingly bestowed. 
 
 On the accession of George IV., in 1820, to the 
 throne of these kingdoms, Mr. Clayton was chosen to 
 draw up the address, on behalf of the General Body of 
 the Three Denominations. This not unnaturally led
 
 EESIDENCE AT GAINES. 337 
 
 him to turn to the records of that body, to see what 
 had been done, sixty years before, when George III. 
 began his reign. Of the 104 ministers, who then went 
 up to the palace with the address, not one remained 
 alive ; and the old man was deeply affected as he 
 glanced along the list of the names of departed 
 worthies, many of whom were still occupying their 
 posts when he began his ministry, and with not a few 
 of whom he had, during the space of forty-two years, 
 taken sweet counsel. But now all had fallen asleep. 
 "Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do 
 they live for ever?" 
 
 Having, about the year 1820, purchased a small estate 
 at Gaines, in Essex, he resolved to build a house there, 
 and make that his country residence. The infirmities 
 of increasing years made it necessary for him to with- 
 draw from the immediate neighbourhood of the busy 
 city, where callers were too numerous, and interruptions 
 too many, to comport with that retirement which he 
 now began to feel he more than ever required. Other 
 arrangements, too, were contemplated, which would 
 facilitate this removal of his household gods. 
 
 Among the very few papers left behind by the 
 venerable man, is one, in his own handwriting, referring 
 to this change of residence ; and another, expressive of 
 his profound gratitude to God, who had done great 
 things for him, whereof he was glad. 
 
 "August 8th, 1821. — I and my dear wife entered the house 
 at Great Gaines, Upminster, Essex. This dwelling I had, 
 during its erection, repeatedly given to God ; and when 
 prepared as a habitation, it was taken possession of in the 
 name of Jesus Christ, the great Heir of all things, whose merit 
 and grace alone can insure the sanctified use of all He deems 
 fit to bestow on believers. 
 
 z
 
 338 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 ""When I call to remembrance my small beginnings, and 
 reflect on the stream of divine bounty which has flowed in a 
 current, uninterrupted and increasing, all the days of my life, 
 I ought to be lost in wonder, love, and praise. O, my gracious 
 God, give me a heart to remember thy benefits, with suitable 
 gratitude and devotion ! 
 
 "August 20th, 1821. — It is forty-three years this day since 
 I preached my first sermon at the King's Weighhouse, 
 Eastcheap. How much I have to be humbled for, during the 
 lapse of so much time ! I thank thee, Lord, for thy great 
 forbearance, and for mercies, more than I can number. As 
 a husband — I have been favoured by the kind attentions of 
 an affectionate wife, for forty-two years ; as a father — Thou hast 
 graciously given me children, who are not only performing 
 with promptitude every filial duty, but are abounding in the 
 work of the Lord, and honoured by signal success in preaching 
 the word of life. 
 
 " I yesterday received the holy sacrament, for the first time, 
 from the hands of my beloved son, George ; with a pious, but 
 little band, in this village. I had great delight (notwithstand- 
 ing my bodily indisposition) in the services of the day. I sat 
 during worship by the side of my only daughter, for whose 
 good sense, devotion, benevolence, affection, and usefulness I 
 cannot be sufficiently thankful." 
 
 It was about this same time that, after forty-three 
 years' service, Mr. Clayton began to feel the necessity 
 for some help in conducting the worship of the 
 sanctuary; and he called L his church members together, 
 for the purpose of reading a communication which he 
 had to make upon the subject,* and addressed them 
 thus : — 
 
 "My highly- esteemed brothers and sisters in the Lord, — 
 You are called together this evening to receive a communication, 
 in due form, on a subject which has been under my serious 
 consideration, for two years past. It relates to an afternoon 
 preacher. 
 
 " The necessity for assistance on one part of the Lord's day,
 
 MINISTEEIAL COADJUTOE. 339 
 
 has pressed upon me, with more or less weight, for the space of 
 time I have mentioned. 
 
 "It was in order, to communicate my mind relative to this 
 business, first, to the officers of the church. It now comes, 
 in regular course, before you ; being assembled, in consequence 
 of a public notice given last Lord's day. 
 
 " Under some circumstances, a diminution of active service in 
 the church of God may be the consequence of sloth ; in others, 
 the demand of duty and submission. On this point, with me 
 there have been great searchings of heart. 
 
 " I undertook a pastoral charge, at first, with fear and 
 trembling. The same order of feeling has attended me, more 
 or less, through the lengthened period of my labours amongst 
 you : and I now announce the abridgment of my services, with 
 affectionate reluctance : nevertheless, under a persuasion that 
 the God of nature, who has destined the human body to decay, 
 will not be dishonoured by a timely yielding to His ordination ; 
 and that He, as the God of grace, will not allow your improve- 
 ment to be impeded by my partially receding from public duty. 
 
 "As a church, you are now called to exercise a very important 
 right. A voice, in the choice and introduction of a preacher 
 into a pulpit, must be considered as involving your own 
 religious interests, and those of your children, and even of 
 remote posterity. Whether the occupation of the pulpit be for 
 a longer or a shorter time, the results of ministerial influence 
 may be permanently good or evil. The business of this evening 
 will, it is hoped, be entered on, with a suitable dependence on 
 the wisdom and grace of the Great Head of the church. 
 
 " I have expressed a wish to our office-bearers, that the 
 assistance to be given us by an afternoon preacher, may not 
 subject the congregation to any additional pecuniary burden. 
 I might, perhaps, without offence, after nearly forty- three years' 
 constant service, prefer some claims as to temporalities; but 
 these I waive ; and repeat the request that, in your prospective 
 compensatory arrangements, the preacher's stipend, whoever he 
 may be, may be paid out of the proceeds of subscriptions raised 
 for your pastor ; in such proportion, as the sound judgment, 
 equity, and generosity of the deacons may determine.
 
 340 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 "Having said thus much, my own feelings, on an occasion 
 like this, together with propriety, dictate the necessity of my 
 retiring, in the present stage of the business of this meeting ; 
 requesting one of our brethren to offer a prayer to God before 
 you separate. 
 
 " The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with 
 you all. Amen." 
 
 In accordance with the wishes thus expressed, arrange- 
 ments w r ere made to relieve Mr. Clayton of the afternoon 
 service, which continued in force, for a while. But at 
 length the strong men so bowed themselves, and the 
 keepers of the house so trembled, that he felt it neces- 
 sary to withdraw from his post. He dreaded continuing 
 on in the ministry with failing powers ; lest the cause, 
 which was dear to his heart, should suffer — as it most 
 probably would have done — from his utter inability to 
 meet the demands that were made upon his physical 
 and mental energies. 
 
 Not a few congregations have declined, in numbers 
 and usefulness, from this very cause ; and the humilia- 
 ting spectacle has presented itself of men, enfeebled in 
 all their faculties, attempting tasks which required a 
 herculean strength for their right performance. The 
 wise and timely introduction of more youthful powers 
 mi«rit have averted the downward tendency of affairs, 
 in some congregations ; and the infusion of fresh blood 
 have awakened new life and vigour, throughout the 
 whole ecclesiastical body. It is not difficult to under- 
 stand why those venerable and venerated brethren thus 
 cling to their position. Some are the last to perceive that 
 they are shorn of their strength ; and cannot discern, 
 ■what is very patent to others, that the eye is dim and 
 the natural force abated. Others look round upon their 
 home circle, and cannot always discover whence the
 
 RETIREMENT FROM THE TASTORATE. 341 
 
 help is to come, for the loved ones there, when the usual 
 source of supply is closed to them. If on the one hand 
 they think they hear, in the house of God, a voice which 
 tells them their stewardship in the church should come 
 to a close, they hear another in their own dwelling— the 
 Toice of imperious necessities — when, perhaps, wife and 
 children are waiting to be fed, "Whence shall we buy 
 bread, that these may eat?" 
 
 It will not do for others to be oblivious of these facts, 
 however strong their convictions may be of the absolute 
 propriety of abdicating a position, the functions of which 
 cannot be duly discharged.'" 
 
 Happily, Mr. Clayton was not in circumstances which 
 made it necessary to pause, on these grounds. God had 
 given him a competency; and he thankfully accepted 
 it, as from the divine hand : and not the least was he 
 grateful for this, in that it gave him the opportunity 
 of withdrawing from a post which he could not, with 
 satisfaction to himself, nor with the usual amount of 
 edification to his people, fill. 
 
 He resolved, therefore, to retire from his pastorate ; 
 and leave the way clear for the introduction of another 
 minister, whose hands should be more strong to labour 
 than his, which had for so many years been put to the 
 plough, and which were now becoming feeble and 
 faint. He was desirous of seeing another standard- 
 bearer appointed, to receive from him that banner 
 which he had so nobly, and faithfully, and fearlessly 
 
 * The author cannot forbear the expression of his thankfulness, that this 
 difficulty, so frequently and poignantly felt, is likely to be met, to a great 
 extent, by the establishment of the "Pastors' Retiring Fund," of which the 
 Rev. Dr. Ferguson is the able secretary. He commends it warmly to the 
 sympathy and aid of all the churches of the Congregational order, from a 
 personal observation of the exceedingly happy results that have already flowed 
 from its beneficent operations.
 
 342 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 borne, before that portion of the army of the living 
 God, accustomed to look so confidently up to him for 
 direction, and valorous inspiration, in the holy warfare 
 in which they were engaged; and who knew that, who- 
 ever might be recreant or laggard, that w r ould be waved 
 in the forefront of the conllict, in whatever direction 
 the tide of battle rolled. 
 
 The resolve was made known to the church in the 
 following communication, which was thus prefaced : — 
 
 "Mr. Cla} T ton does not feel that lie has sufficient firmness, 
 personally to address the church, to-morrow evening, and re- 
 quests Mr. Watson to read the underwritten communication. 
 
 "Dear Brethren, — In the year 1778, having, by a signal 
 concurrence of providences, been called to minister in holy 
 things in this place, I have continued to teach and to preach to 
 you, and your predecessors, repentance towards God, and faitli 
 in oiu* Lord Jesus Christ, to the present period. For this grace 
 given to me, who am less than the least of all saints, I give 
 thanks to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit — the God of 
 my salvation. 
 
 "The influence of time on the body, which is destined to 
 decay and dissolution, has rendered me less capable of active 
 labour. My growing infirmities, together with your disappoint- 
 ment, hitherto, in not obtaining a suitable afternoon preacher 
 (with other reasons, which need not be mentioned), induce me 
 to believe, that my retirement from office, at the Weighhouse, 
 will facilitate your obtainment of an eligible successor. My 
 reason for thus judging is, that a minister whom God has 
 endowed with gifts and grace, adapted to raise and keep 
 together a London congregation, will not be inclined to accept 
 an invitation to anything less than the station of a sole pastor. 
 
 " Wishing to see you (in my lifetime, shoidd it please God) 
 happily settled, in unity and love, in a promising church state, 
 whenever the desired gift of a competent teacher is brought to 
 your approving notice, I shall readily, by a finished resignation, 
 surrender to you the awful and responsible right of choosing,.
 
 LETTER EROM THE CHURCH. 343 
 
 for yourselves and posterity, a minister who may go in and out 
 before you and your dear children ; diligently caring for the 
 flock, over which the Holy Ghost may make him the overseer. 
 
 " This communication is respectfully made, from the concern 
 I cherish for your present and future religious prosperity ; not 
 to urge you to adopt any hasty proceedings. As my retreat 
 from professional duty is by no means intended to be uncour- 
 teously abrupt ; so your measures will be marked by Christian 
 deliberation ; yet not lukewarm, or dilatory. 
 
 " The wise and gracious guidance of the Great Head of the 
 church, which you have sought, and will continue to seek, I 
 trust will, at no very distant day, put you in possession of a 
 pastor, who shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. 
 
 "This, my dear brethren, be assured, is the sincere and 
 earnest prayer of — your faithful and affectionate pastor, 
 
 "John Clayton. 
 
 "Gaines, Upminstee, 22nd of February, 1826." 
 
 This letter was, as requested, read to the members,, 
 assembled for the purpose of hearing this communi- 
 cation from their pastor ; and the emotions with which 
 it was received, may be easily gathered from the 
 resolutions which were then presented for adoption. 
 
 " February 22nd, 1826. 
 
 "At a church-meeting held this evening, at the Weigh- 
 house, it was unanimously 
 
 " Resolved, First : — 
 
 "That the members of this Christian society desire humbly 
 to record their unfeigned gratitude to Almighty God, for 
 having, in His wise and merciful providence, directed and 
 appointed, in the year 1778, the Rev. John Clayton to the 
 superintendence of the church and congregation worshipping 
 in this place ; for having preserved his valuable life, and for 
 having bestowed upon him such general bodily health, as 
 that, to the great comfort of his attached flock, he has 
 seldom been prevented from discharging his ministerial and 
 pastoral duties, through a period of more than forty- seven 
 years. And especially do they desire to express their devout
 
 314 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 thankfulness to the Great Head of the church, for having built 
 up His people in their most holy faith, by the edifying labours 
 of their beloved and venerable pastor ; and for having made 
 him the honoured instrument of turning many sinners from the 
 error of their ways, from darkness to light, and from the power 
 of Satan to God. 
 
 " Resolved, Secondly : — 
 
 " That a large proportion of the members of this church, 
 having long enjoyed the advantages connected with, and 
 resulting from, the pulpit exercises and pastoral duties of their 
 esteemed minister, and all of them feeling a most ardent and 
 filial affection for his person, they receive the communication, 
 made by him this evening, — that he is desirous of relinquishing 
 the endeared connexion which has so long subsisted between 
 them, — with deep regret ; but, sorrowful as they all feel, in look- 
 ing forward to the entire secession of their minister and friend 
 from his public labours, they desire to bless their heavenly Father, 
 as the God of peace, for the reciprocal friendship and affection 
 which have hitherto subsisted between the pastor and his 
 people ; ever to remain, they trust, unabated and undiminished. 
 That the members of this church and congregation can never 
 forget the faithful, wise, and affectionate counsels given from 
 the pulpit, in this place, by their minister ; nor his occasional 
 friendly and pastoral visits to their respective families ; and as 
 they believe that the fervent prayers, offered by him, publicly 
 and privately, for their temporal and spiritual welfare, have 
 been, in many instances, mercifully heard and answered, so 
 they trust they shall still ever be remembered by him, in his 
 suj)plications at the throne of the heavenly grace. 
 
 " Resolved, Thirdly : — 
 
 " That it is a satisfaction to the members of this society, that 
 the painful feelings, induced by anticipated separation, are 
 mitigated by the assurance given to them, that their beloved 
 pastor will continue his accustomed services, until the church is 
 provided with a suitable successor. That they do cordially and 
 unanimously embrace this opportunity of expressing their 
 sincerely affectionate regard for their minister, and their 
 veneration of his uniformly consistent character; and also
 
 LETTER FROM THE CHURCH. 345 
 
 beg to assure him that they will not cease to pray that a 
 copious effusion of the enriching, sanctifying, and consoling 
 influences of the Holy Spirit may ever be poured upon him, by 
 the Great Head of the church ; that the evening of his life 
 may be attended with a holy peace, and a serenity of mind 
 which passeth all understanding. 
 
 " Resolved, Fourthly : — 
 
 "That it now becomes the duty of the members of this 
 church, collectively and individually, by earnest prayer, to 
 beseech God, the Fountain of wisdom, to direct them in the 
 choice of an able, diligent, affectionate, and faithful man of 
 God, to preside over them in the Lord, as the successor of their 
 beloved pastor. 
 
 " Resolved, Fifthly : — 
 
 " That a committee be now appointed (aided, as it is trusted 
 they will be, by the counsel and prayers of the church), for the 
 especial purpose of making the inquiries requisite for obtaining 
 a suitable minister ; one who is richly endowed with spiritual 
 gifts, distinguished by his piety and humility, and also by his 
 zeal and love for the cause of the Redeemer's kingdom, 
 generally; and for the prosperity of the church and congre- 
 gation in this place, in particular ; and that the following 
 members constitute the said committee, viz. : — Messrs. 
 
 " Dyson, 
 
 Burkill, 
 
 Roberts, 
 
 Turner, 
 
 "Tomkins, 
 
 Brown, 
 
 Hanson, 
 
 Cooke, 
 
 " Watson, 
 
 Procter, 
 
 Wood, 
 
 Curling, 
 
 " Dawson, 
 
 Piper, 
 
 Sutcliffe, 
 
 Mills. 
 
 " Resolved, Sixthly : — 
 
 "That the letter received from the Rev. J. Clayton, which 
 has been read this evening to the church, be entered in the 
 church book, together with the foregoing resolutions ; and that 
 the officers of the church be desired to wait upon the highly- 
 esteemed and venerable pastor of this Christian society, with a 
 copy of these resolutions." 
 
 A few days afterwards, Mr. Clayton, in a letter to his 
 son George, gave expression to some of the emotions 
 with which he contemplated the step he had taken, and
 
 31G THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 which, to superficial observers, might have appeared one 
 in which feeling had no place — so calmly had he gone 
 throuah the act of resignation. But his was not a 
 nature to reveal to every passer by, or even to every 
 friend, the secrets of his heart. To his son, however, 
 he could venture to open its inner chambers, and 
 permit him to read the inscriptions there. 
 
 He writes from Devonshire Square, under date 
 February 27th, 1826 :— 
 
 "My dear George, — I thank you for the copy of a very 
 excellent charge, delivered at a late ordination, in the Poultry 
 chapel. I value much your filial love, conveyed in expressions 
 far exceeding my parental claims. 
 
 "It contributes to my satisfaction, that you think I have 
 done right, in the solemn transaction of last week. You 
 favoured us with your prayers, whilst the business was in 
 progress ; we need and request the continuance of your suppli- 
 cations, that a comfortable settlement may be granted to the 
 church. 
 
 " What I have done has been sanctioned by my judgment ; 
 but my softer passions are not under that control I could wish. 
 The tender recollections, furnished by the interesting events 
 which have taken place, during my pastoral connexion with 
 the church at the Weighhouse, affect me, when alone, unduly. 
 May a gracious God pity, and also forgive, the infirmity of my 
 excitement ! for sin is blended with all I think, feel, and do. 
 
 "It has been my anxious labour, for half a century, to 
 collect, not ornamental, but useful materials, for ministerial 
 work. My efforts have been too official in one respect; my 
 own vineyard has not been sufficiently kept. I shall, however, 
 if spared, have an opportunity of remedying the defect ; but the 
 opportunity alone is not sufficient, without a supply of the 
 Spirit of Jesus Christ. 
 
 " I ought to be truly thankful to my gracious Master — who 
 has been pleased to retain me in His service for so many years — 
 that I do not retire from my station and connexion with my 
 people, in consequence of mutual weariness of each other, nor
 
 PEESENTATION OF PLATE. 347 
 
 with apathy; for the affectionate resolutions, passed at the 
 church-meeting, last Thursday, are of a character that I cannot 
 read without emotions almost overwhelming. May the day of 
 your separation from your beloved flock be distant ! When it 
 does, as it certainly will, take place, may the closing scene be 
 attended with the like Christian feeling, for which I and my 
 people have to thank a gracious God. 
 
 " We hope to see you in the country, next week. 
 
 "Give my love to my daughters, who are, your excellent 
 wife, and obedient daughter. 
 
 " I am, as ever, dear George, your affectionate father, 
 
 "John Clayton." 
 
 During, that year the Rev. Edward Parsons was 
 introduced to the congregation at the Weighhouse, as 
 a suitable successor to Mr. Clayton, on his retirement; 
 and after preaching for some time he was invited to 
 the pastorate. This invitation was accepted, and 
 Mr. Clayton himself introduced the newly-elected 
 minister to his charge, preaching from the words, 
 Psalm cxviii. 19 : " Save now, I beseech thee, Lord; 
 Lord, I beseech thee, send now prosperity." 
 
 It was natural that, on the occasion of his withdraw- 
 ment from office, the people who had for so long a 
 period enjoyed his faithful ministrations, should desire 
 to present him with some permanent token of their love 
 and gratitude, to which he himself, and his children 
 after him, might look, with honest pride, and pardonable 
 exultation ; as proofs of the appreciation of the labours 
 of nearly half a century. A committee was formed, 
 and plate, of the value of £228, was purchased, and 
 on January 1st, 1827, presented to Mr. Clayton, at a 
 crowded public meeting, held in the edifice which had 
 been for so many years the scene of his public labours. 
 It was the wish of the congregation, and particularly of 
 the young people, who had ever participated in the
 
 348 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 affectionate veneration cherished for their late minister, 
 to witness the ceremony; and therefore, although it 
 would have been more congenial with his own feelings 
 to have received it privately, Mr. Clayton consented to 
 gratify the prevailing desire. 
 
 In The Times newspaper of January 2nd, 1827, there 
 was a lengthened account of the presentation; from 
 which the following description of the plate, and an 
 epitome of the addresses delivered on the occasion, are 
 given. 
 
 " The plate consists of a vase, and two salvers. The vase is 
 of silver, richly gilt, in dead and burnished gold, 21 inches 
 high, and weighs 223 ounces. The cover is surmounted with 
 the acanthus leaf, upon which stand the three characteristic vir- 
 tues — Faith, Hope, and Charity. Beneath is a wreath of palm 
 leaves, and at the edge, a bold border of flowers and scrolls ; 
 the body is occupied, on one side, by a bas-relief copy from 
 Raphael's cartoon of Paul preaching at Athens; and on the 
 reverse is the following inscription : — 
 
 "'To the Kev. John Clayton, who, for forty-eight years, 
 sustained, with distinguished acceptance, fidelity, and usefulness, 
 the interesting and responsible office of pastor of the church 
 and congregation, assembling for divine worship at the "Weigh- 
 house meeting, Little Eastcheap, this tribute of affectionate 
 regard was, on his retirement, presented by the people of his 
 charge, in testimony of their love for his person, of their 
 veneration for his character, and of their gratitude for the 
 many advantages, — inteUectual, moral, and spiritual, — which, 
 by his instrumentality, were conferred upon them, by the Great 
 Head of the church.— 1826.' 
 
 "Above these is a rich border of laurel leaves and berries. 
 On the lower part is again introduced the acanthus, enriched 
 with flowers, from the top of which rise the handles, in an 
 elegant and serpentine form. The lower part of the vase is 
 ornamented with leaves, flowers, and a wreath of laurel. 
 
 "Each waiter is 17J inches in diameter, and weighs 97 
 ounces. It is supported on rich shell feet. The bottom is
 
 ADDEESS OF THE LORD MAYOR. 349 
 
 chased, and in the centre is an inscription corresponding with 
 that on the vase. 
 
 "The right hon. the lord mayor (alderman Brown), an old 
 and respected member of the church, became the representative 
 and organ of the donors of this splendid gift. 
 
 "The chair was taken by R. Dawson, Esq., one of the 
 deacons, who, after a hymn had been simg, and prayer offered 
 by the Rev. Edward Parsons, stated the object of the meeting. 
 He reminded the assembly, that on this day was completed the 
 laudable object, for which they had met on the 27th of May, 
 when they determined to present some appropriate token of 
 gratitude and affection to their late valued minister. The 
 chairman acknowledged that, at the public recognition of his 
 successor, some months before, he experienced a considerable 
 mixture of joy and regret ; but on this day his feelings were of 
 the most pleasurable kind ; and after happily expatiating on 
 the obligation under which the church and congregation were 
 laid to Mr. Clayton, he directed their minds to that God who 
 had qualified him for his work, had smiled upon his labours? 
 and crowned them with His blessing. 
 
 " The lord mayor then rose, and said : — 
 
 " ' Rev. and dear sir, — The committee have confided to me 
 the presentation of these memorials of gratitude and esteem. 
 I am sensible that it might have been considered desirable, that 
 this should have been made by some gentleman connected, by 
 office, with the church and congregation, over which you have, 
 for so many years, presided. Still, I will not affect to conceal 
 my pleasure, that I have been selected to perform this duty. 
 Not among the least of the reasons for the pleasure I feel, is 
 the persuasion, that the gift will not be the less acceptable for 
 coming through the hands of one towards whom, I have good 
 ground for belief, from many instances, not merely of official 
 attention, but of personal kindness, you entertain a warm 
 and sincere affection.' 
 
 "He proceeded to state, that the church and congregation 
 there assembling for the public worship of Almighty God, had 
 felt that their late pastor, — after forty- eight years' continuance 
 among them ; after having, during all that period, faithfully
 
 350 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 discharged every pastoral duty — was justly entitled to a lasting 
 memorial of their gratitude; that nothing need be said to justify 
 the proceedings of that day, to those before whom he stood, because 
 an advocate for their propriety was to be foimd in the feelings 
 of every one who heard him. He spoke most feelingty, when 
 he said, that parents who were present were conscious they 
 owed not only their own conversion, but that of their children, 
 under God, to their late pastor. He knew that he spoke the 
 sentiments of many present, who, by their parents, now with 
 God, had been presented to the rev. gentleman whom he 
 addressed, in order to their being by him dedicated to God, 
 in holy baptism. He remarked, that if it were permitted to the 
 spirits of the just made perfect to know what was passing in 
 our world, many a member of the church triumphant, with 
 whom the minister before him had, in days that were past, 
 taken sweet counsel, would join in approving of what was then 
 passing, in that portion of the church militant ; that while 
 the feelings of the assembly were interested in the business 
 on which they were met, their judgment was in full accordance 
 with their feelings ; and that he hoped, and was fully persuaded, 
 that He who graciously condescended to approve of the conduct 
 of one who, in the days of His flesh, poured upon his Sacred 
 Person the alabaster box of ointment, would deign to approve of 
 the testimony of affection which they were about paying to one 
 of His faithful ministers. 
 
 "He said that he felt the more satisfaction in what was 
 passing, because he believed most firmly, that while it was the 
 desire of that people to obey the injunction of the apostle, 
 'to know them who labour among them, and are over them 
 in the Lord, and admonish them, and to esteem them very 
 highly in love for their work's sake ; ' it was their earnest wish 
 to adopt the full spirit of that sentiment which was inscribed 
 upon the plate, — to regard their late minister as the instrument 
 whereby many spiritual blessings had been conveyed to them, 
 but to give to God the glory of all the good that had been 
 achieved. 
 
 "In alluding to the three sons of Mr. Clayton, and to his 
 successor (all of whom were present), the speaker expressed his
 
 mr. Clayton's reply. 351 
 
 persuasion, that the scene which they were witnessing would 
 tend to strengthen their hands, and encourage their spirits, in 
 the warfare which they were leading against Satan and his 
 kingdom. In reference to his own situation, as chief magistrate 
 of the city, — in the very heart of which, for so long a period, 
 Mr. Clayton had faithfully, perseveringly, and unhesitatingly, 
 amidst evil report and good report, declared the whole counsel 
 of God, — his lordship took occasion to speak of his obligations to 
 a kind providence, for having, by its merciful dispensations, 
 introduced him to a connexion which had been to him the 
 source of great domestic happiness, and the means of leading 
 him to that place, wherein, upon true Christian principles, he 
 had been faithfully taught his duty to his God, his neighbour, 
 and himself ; and ascribed whatever either of private or public 
 usefulness he might have been enabled, amidst much cause 
 for self-humiliation, to exemplify, to the blessing of God upon 
 those instructions. He exhorted the young, if they would live 
 honourably and usefully, and die safely and happily, to attach 
 themselves to a practical evangelical ministry; to take the Word 
 of God for their rule ; and to make conscience of prayer for the 
 blessing of the Holy Spirit, to give effect to the means of His 
 own appointment. 
 
 " On presenting the plate, he expressed his own wish, and his 
 full persuasion that he gave utterance to the desires of every 
 individual present, that the rev. gentleman might pass the 
 autumn of his life serene and happy — that his usefulness 
 might be protracted — that at a very distant day he might come 
 to his grave, in a full age, like as a shock of corn fully ripe in 
 its season — that then he might be introduced by many whom 
 he had survived, but to whom his labours had been blessed, into 
 the immediate presence of that Saviour, whom he had long 
 and faithfully held up to sinners — that by Him he might be 
 welcomed with a 'Well done, good and faithful servant' — and 
 that he might, at the great day of final account, and consum- 
 mation of all things, appear before his Master and his Judge, 
 accompanied, if it were the will of Heaven, by every individual 
 to whom his message had been addressed. 
 
 " The Rev. John Clayton said, he could not forget that at the
 
 352 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 ao-e of twenty-three he entered this fumed city, with his staff, 
 and undertook the pastoral charge of this church and congrega- 
 tion ; and now, after having laboured for nearly half a century, 
 he was called, on retiring from his station, to receive unlooked- 
 for honours. The presentation by the chief magistrate he 
 considered as adding value to the gift. 'I am not,' said he, 
 'elated, but humbled by your commendation of my pastoral 
 fidelity. I have a very humble view of the manner in which I 
 have discharged my duties, compared with that of many of my 
 brethren.' He ascribed the presentation of this metallic gift to 
 their sense of the value of the delightful truths of the Gospel, 
 which he trusted were inscribed, not on gold or silver, but on 
 the tablets of their hearts. He believed those principles would 
 be found influential on the chief magistrate, who, he hoped, 
 would not prove a pliant osier, but an oak. He expatiated on 
 the liberal spirit of Gospel truth. Some, he said, had regarded 
 Protestant Dissenters as bigots in principle, and anti-social in 
 conduct. He repelled the insinuation, and felt thankful that 
 he had frequently associated with the clergy of the Establish- 
 ment, and exhorted his young successor to cherish a friendly 
 regard to the ministers of the endowed church. ' All,' said he, 
 ' who are illuminated by the Spirit of God, are illuminated by 
 the same Spirit. There is an identity of principle in the heart, 
 and the fruit will be the same.' 
 
 " The circumstances of that day he regarded as encouraging 
 to ministers. He exhorted his successor and the people to fear 
 God, to love the brotherhood, and to honour the king. He paid 
 a tribute to the church and congregation, for this act of their 
 kindness and munificence ; and for all former instances, in which 
 their kindness had been as a refreshing stream. He entreated 
 that they would add to their gift their fervent prayers on his 
 
 behalf. 
 
 "After a short pause, the Rev. John Clayton, jun., rose, and 
 spoke to the following effect : — 
 
 " ' Mr. Chairman, — Being totally unacquainted with the order 
 of this service, may I request your permission (if I shall not 
 disturb your arrangements) to say a few words on this highly- 
 interesting occasion. For as I have been gazing at the sur-
 
 ADDRESS OF HIS ELDEST SOX. 353 
 
 rounding scenery, and nmsing upon the things which I have 
 heard, I have felt the fire kindling within me, and I can hardly 
 refrain from speaking with my tongue. Interesting, sir, such 
 an engagement must be to the late pastor of this church and 
 congregation, while he is called to accept so valuable an expres- 
 sion of the uncooled affection of a people, among whom he has 
 laboured, for a period of nearly fifty years, with so much 
 acceptance and success. Interesting it must be to the religious 
 community, from which my beloved father has recently retired ; 
 while they have the satisfaction to perceive that the separation 
 which has taken place, has not been effected amidst the storm of 
 strife and angry debate, nor in the sullen and ominous calm of 
 secret alienation of heart, but amidst the quickening breezes 
 of devotion, and in the mild atmosphere of Christian love. 
 Interesting it must be to the present highly- valued minister of 
 this place, while he is furnished with so conspicuous a proof 
 of the reciprocal affection of the former pastor and his flock ; 
 and sees, in this splendid gift, a pledge that, not only in the 
 fire and enthusiasm of his youth, but in his sober autumn, and 
 even in the December of his life, he is likely to be surrounded 
 by those who will continue, in unabated friendship, to cheer 
 him by their assurances of attachment, by their prayers, and by 
 their beneficent ministrations. Interesting, more especially, is 
 this solemnity, to those of us who form part of the family of the 
 preceding speaker. It takes us back in thought to the earliest 
 parts of our history, and to the scenes of our childhood and 
 youth ; it reminds us of the period when we were first brought 
 to this temple, and consecrated, in baptism, to God ; of the 
 season when we assembled with the worshippers, and began to 
 lisp the name of Jesus, and to call upon "Our Father, who is in 
 heaven;" and of that golden hour when, bending before the 
 cross of the Saviour, we surrendered ourselves to Him, and to 
 His service for ever. 
 
 " ' Surrounding friends will surely forgive us, if at such a 
 meeting as this, and amidst such recollections as these, we drop 
 a tear or two ; and charitable allowance will be made, if the 
 speaker discovers more weakness and embarrassment than his 
 endeared brothers, who sit by his side. This assembly, I say, 
 
 A A
 
 354 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 will pardon us if, for once, we publicly offer our grateful 
 acknowledgments to our honoured father, who has often charged 
 us, within these walls, to "Remember our Creator in the days 
 of our youth;" and to our venerable mother, who, as we were 
 grouped around her, frequently bedewed our heads with the 
 tears of her devotion, and who travailed anew, that Christ 
 might be formed in our hearts, the hope of glory. We have 
 not the " cup and platter " of gold and silver to offer, but we 
 present the devout gratitude of affectionate filial hearts. 
 Gratitude, sir, may be compared to a fountain, which divides 
 itself into several streams. If there be one which flows towards 
 our parents, there is another which rolls in quick and strong 
 current towards you, and the members of the religious society 
 in the midst of which we stand. 
 
 " ' We will not employ words of compliment and adulation. 
 We sincerely thank you for all your past kindnesses, and your 
 present memorial of unbroken regard. We feel ourselves in 
 the situation of the younger of the three sons, who were bidden 
 by an Eastern lady to furnish her with an expression of their 
 love, before she went a long journey. One brought a marble 
 tablet, with the inscription of her name ; another presented her 
 with a rich garland of fragrant flowers ; and the third entered 
 her presence, and thus accosted her : " Mother, I have neither 
 marble tablet, nor fragrant nosegay, but I have a heart. Here 
 your name is engraven ; here your memory is precious : and 
 this heart, full of affection, will follow you wherever you travel, 
 and remain with you wherever you repose." 
 
 " ' Allow me only to add, sir, that I cannot but consider this 
 service as a very expressive type of that which shall take place 
 in future, both in this world and that which is to come. The 
 hour fast approaches, when we shall be successively separated 
 from each other, at the tomb; in the darksome chambers of 
 which our bodies shall slumber, till the consummation of all 
 things shall arrive. But when the fair morning of the resurrec- 
 tion shall dawn, and the dispersed children of God shall be 
 collected together, all, who have been participants of the Spirit 
 and grace of Christ, shall meet again, in a temple so spacious as 
 to contain a multitude which no man can number ; when the
 
 RETIREMENT AT GAINES. 355 
 
 endearing reciprocities of a perfect charity shall suffer no inter- 
 ruption ; where a eucharistic festival shall be celebrated, at 
 which there will be no need of the chalices of silver and gold ; 
 and where the devout and delighted assembly shall never be 
 dissolved.' " 
 
 Thus ended the connexion, so long and so faithfully 
 maintained by pastor and people; and Mr. Clayton 
 retired to the solitude of his country residence at 
 Gaines, to prepare for another separation, of a more 
 momentous character than even this. In the society 
 of his beloved and honoured wife, and in the near neigh- 
 bourhood of his most estimable daughter; surrounded 
 by his books in his own library, or reading the wider 
 pages of nature, in the heavens and earth, his life 
 glided peacefully on towards its close; calm as a 
 summer evening — and, like that, flushing with a golden 
 sunset, in the accumulated honours and affections with 
 which his last days were crowned. 
 
 On the occasion of the opening of the new buildings, 
 erected at Mill Hill Grammar School, in June, 1827, 
 Mr. Clayton, from his high position in the Congrega- 
 tional body, his known sympathy with the educational 
 movements of Dissenters, and from his venerable years, 
 was selected to give the inaugural address. How would 
 his interest in the event have been increased, had he 
 foreseen that that was to be the scene of his youngest 
 son's latest pulpit labours, and of his lamented and 
 early death ! 
 
 Although withdrawn from the active duties of his 
 ministerial office, and freed from the incumbent obliga- 
 tions inseparable from the pastoral relationship, he did 
 not cease to feel interested in the honour and usefulness 
 of the church of God, and especially of those portions 
 of it presided over by his sons. This is evident from
 
 356 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 a letter, written on the occasion of the anticipated 
 exercise of some stern church discipline, by one of 
 them. 
 
 " Upitjxstek, January 30, 1828. 
 
 "My dear , — The present crisis of your ecclesiastical 
 
 affairs at , lias with weight rested on my mind, ever since 
 
 I read the letter addressed to your sister. My anxiety has 
 risen, in part, from a fear that you may ho discouraged and 
 enfeebled, in the discharge of your pastoral duty, by the unholy 
 boldness of any opposing power, human or infernal. 
 
 "You, as a minister of Christ, stand upon high and solid 
 ground, where the express directions of your great Master have 
 placed you; consequently, your duties are not optional but 
 defined, and imposed by the supreme will of Him, to whom 
 you hereafter must give an account of your ministerial labours. 
 If you, and the officers and members of the church, keep to 
 written instructions, with a spirit of prayer, you may be assured 
 of the presence of Christ. Matt, xviii. 15-20 inclusive, contains 
 a law of the kingdom, intelligible, and of easy application. You 
 have nothing to do with the use Satan and human corruption 
 may make of a religious profession, and Gospel discipline in 
 action. The King of truth will be answerable for all the con- 
 sequences of your duty, whilst performed in LTis Spirit, and 
 depending on His blessing. 
 
 " The church is a kingdom not of this world. What do you 
 mean to touch in your prospective measures? Not the civil 
 rank, liberty, or property of any man; but to deal with de- 
 partures from the explicit laws of that King whom God has 
 set in Zion; departures, not of an equivocal character, but 
 established by tangible facts. 
 
 "Do not, my beloved , think that any strange thing 
 
 has now happened to you and your charge. Meet the trying 
 dispensation in the exercise of grace, and it will turn your 
 present administration into an honourable, instructive, holy, 
 and convincing testimony, which will silence adversaries ; yea, 
 convince and convert sinners, and most certainly edify the 
 faithful. 
 
 " I like much your spirit of holy and charitable sorrow for
 
 ON CHURCH DISCIPLINE. 357 
 
 the delinquent. You are in the temper of the supremo Pastor, 
 who says, 'I hate putting away.' In the present instance, 
 there is a call for the most poignant grief, because the previous 
 deliberate and temperate measures have produced wrath rather 
 than penitence. This state of mind forebodes heavy chastise- 
 ments in this world, or the pains of hell for ever. The last 
 consideration to you must be almost overwhelming, after so 
 many years of intercourse on sacred ground, and in often- 
 repeated acts of sacramental commemoration of the dying love 
 of Him who gave himself for us, to redeem us from all iniquity. 
 
 "Church discipline is disliked by unsound professors. Do 
 not be surprised if, in a church so numerous, there should be 
 found some individuals who would approve a sermon on Chris- 
 tian zeal, but cavil at an act of zeal. Lengthened observation 
 has grounded me in the conviction that, in some circumstances, 
 the most morbid characters will find partisans, who will endea- 
 vour, by well-worded declamations, to draw away even true 
 disciples after them. ' Stand fast, quit you like men, be strong.' 
 Bead Rom. xvi. 17-19. 
 
 " I have penned the above, not because you want information, 
 but that you may know that your father, although retired from 
 public scenes of action, retains his public spirit; and that he 
 entertains a prayerful solicitude for the prosperity of the church 
 of Christ, and for the honour and success of all her ministers ; 
 especially for his beloved sons, whose Christian deportment and 
 ministerial diligence, favoured by proofs of divine approbation, 
 are occasions of much satisfaction to both their aged parents, 
 and demand from them abounding thanksgiving to God. To 
 His guidance and blessing you are commended. "With tender 
 affection to your dear ones, from your mother and myself, — 
 
 " I am, dear , your loving father, 
 
 " Jno. Clayton." 
 
 Id the welfare of the cause with which he had been 
 so long identified, he took the liveliest interest, even 
 to the last. When, therefore, the church at the Weigh - 
 house invited the Rev. Thomas Binney, then of Newport, 
 in the Isle of Wight, to be their pastor, he rejoiced with
 
 358 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 great joy; and in July, 1829, offered the designation 
 prayer on the occasion of the new minister's introduc- 
 tion to his charge. 
 
 It is with much pleasure I introduce the following 
 letter from Mr. Binney, as illustrative of the veneration 
 with which Mr. Clayton was regarded hy one who 
 entered into his lahours, — and was therefore capable 
 of forming a judgment of the ministerial and personal 
 estimation in which he ought to be held — one who has 
 occupied, and still happily occupies, a far more prominent 
 and influential position in the church of Christ than 
 was ever allotted to the venerable subject of these 
 memoirs. Esto perpetua. 
 
 This letter contains a reference to Mr. Clayton's 
 expressed opinion — not unimportant or insignificant — 
 on some of Mr. Binney's publications — especially as, in 
 one of them, the " Celebrated Sentence " occurred, which 
 has entailed more unjust obloquy on its author, and 
 more ungenerous animadversions on him and his 
 convictions, than were ever uttered or penned by the 
 fiercest polemics of a past generation. It is not a little 
 curious to see how current events are every day writing 
 confirmatory proofs of the correctness of the sentiment, 
 embodied in his memorable words ; which, though 
 demonstratively shown to be the offspring of others, not 
 of Mr. Binney's communion, was quoted against him as 
 if it had been indebted to him alone for existence. 
 
 "13, Finsbury Square, October 31st, 1832. 
 "Dear Sir, — I should be quite ashamed to acknowledge your 
 very kind and gratifying communication, so many days after 
 receiving it, were it not that I know you must be so well 
 acquainted with the incessant occupations of a London life, as to 
 be able to make every allowance for one who is in the midst of 
 the heat and burden of that day, the hallowed and calm evening 
 of which has so softly descended upon yourself. I well knew,
 
 LETTER FROM MR. BINNEY. 359 
 
 my dear sir, your continued interest in the church and congrega- 
 tion at the Weighhouse, and felt persuaded that in your daily 
 intercessions for them, your successor in the pastoral office was 
 not forgotten ; still, it is pleasing to be assured of the fact, and 
 to receive from yourself those kind and indulgent expressions of 
 your regard which your letter contains. 
 
 " Your sympathy, both in my sorrow and my joy, is acceptable 
 and gratifying. The stroke with which we were visited, in the 
 removal of our sister, was indeed distressing, both from its 
 severity and its suddenness ; it has been followed, however, by 
 such transcendent mercy as demands our deepest gratitude. Not 
 only was Mrs. Binney sustained in the hour of peril, and made 
 the rejoicing mother of a living child, but both have continued 
 ever since perfectly well, and are affording me the prospect of 
 their continued health. 
 
 "The satisfaction that you express with my publications 
 affords me, I assure you, no ordinary pleasure. My last, 
 especially, I expect to be spoken against by the bigoted and 
 selfish of all parties ; and it is gratifying to find men of age, 
 experience, and wisdom, encouraging one's efforts to bring 
 people together, on the principle of mutual love and mutual 
 forbearance, rather than to feed and foster party pride. We all 
 want reform, in the highest sense ; we want more of the Spirit 
 of Christ, and less of the spirit of the world. There is far too 
 much secularity both in our ministry and our churches. We 
 want the fire of another Whitfield to melt the frozen, and to 
 animate the sluggish. God's Spirit is withheld from us, 
 because we are too much taken up in quarrelling with each 
 other, and too little intent on the conversion of souls, and the 
 glory of Christ. 
 
 " Begging to be remembered continually in your prayers, 
 and with kind regards to yourself and Mrs. Clayton, in which 
 Mrs. Binney cordially joins, 
 
 " I remain, dear sir, 
 
 " Yery much and respectfully yours, 
 " T. Bixxey." 
 
 In July, 1834, Mr. Clayton officiated at York Street 
 chapel, in Walworth, on the occasion of the absence of
 
 3 CO THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 his son George, and in a letter addressed to him, thus 
 refers to the service : — 
 
 " I have complied with the united request of the pastor and 
 officers of York Street chapel, to take the morning service. 
 Indeed the request was conveyed in terms so earnest and 
 affectionate, that I could not decline, what I, nevertheless, 
 undertook with fear and trembling. My text was Ileb. xii. 6. 
 I was graciously assisted, beyond my expectations, and very, 
 very far beyond my deservings ; for I am prone to forget not 
 only the word of exhortation, but the word of promise also. 
 
 "The attention of the auditory gave me reason to believe 
 that they heard a voice, now much impaired by time. The 
 whole scene at your chapel affected me much ; not only at the 
 time I was there, but on the retrospect of my visit. Your 
 officers are men of mature age, grave, and adorned with the 
 graces and proprieties of their Christian office. You have, I 
 am persuaded, their willing co-operation in all your endeavours 
 to promote the cause of our blessed Saviour. The large assembly 
 of immortal beings filled me with awe. Has my son (I thought 
 within myself) this nmltitude to address every Lord's day, and 
 a great majority of an impressible age, not yet hardened by a 
 corrupting intercourse with an evil world? What a large 
 prize has your great Lord put into your hand, — to impart 
 wisdom to souls who, in the space of thirty or forty years, will 
 be in a state of everlasting happiness or endless torments ! 
 
 " May large supplies of the Spirit of Jesus Christ continue 
 your strength for useful labour ; and sustain, in unbroken 
 exercise, your patience, of which you have great need. You 
 have hitherto been well supported, for which many thanks- 
 givings to God are offered by your relatives and others; and 
 there are promises to be inherited which contain more than at 
 present we can conceive ; for at best ' we see through a glass, 
 darkly.' 
 
 " We had a great press of Weighhouse people at the chapel, 
 and many in the vestries. Alderman Brown took me in his 
 carriage to Manor Place, after the services. So much kindness 
 was too much for me to bear with firmness, and the pictures in 
 the parlour completed my overthrow. A flood of tears relieved 
 me."
 
 LETTER FROM MR. BINNEY. 361 
 
 At times Mr. Clayton preached to the people at 
 Upminster, with whom he statedly worshipped; and 
 other congregations now and then enjoyed his services. 
 Ever were these welcomed. It seemed as if one of the 
 old prophets had returned to hear testimony for God, 
 when the noble -looking old man ascended the pulpit, 
 and, with a blending of great dignity and solemnity, 
 delivered his message to the people. In the baptism of 
 some of the children of those he had baptized years 
 before, he was found not unfrequently engaged. As 
 has been intimated, this was ever a favourite service 
 with him; and those who witnessed it, as performed 
 by him in his old age, will never forget the thrill of 
 emotion with which they beheld it. 
 
 The following letter from Mr. Binney was written 
 with a vivid remembrance of one of these scenes. 
 Mr. Clayton had sent four Bibles to Mr. Binney's four 
 sons, the youngest of whom he had recently baptized, 
 and this was the acknowledgment : — 
 
 "Kennington Common, December 13t7i, 1839. 
 "Dear Sir, — I can hardly express to you, in words, the 
 feelings with which Mrs. Binney and myself received your 
 present for our sons, and read your letter to ourselves. We 
 have always looked back to the day when you dedicated our 
 dear child to God, with deep interest. It can never be forgotten 
 by us ; and we trust the day may come when that child, taught 
 to realize the fact, shall feel as if 'aged Simeon' had 'taken 
 him up in his arms and blessed him/ and, impressed by the 
 moral influence of such a recollection, learn earnestly to seek 
 the fulfilment of the prayers which were so fervently offered for 
 him then. Such a result, we cannot but believe, will be greatly 
 aided by the manner in which you have now expressed your 
 feelings of interest in the child. Not only for him, indeed, but 
 on all, do we trust, that the possession of the Holy Scriptures, 
 as a gift from you, will ' avail much.' Taught, as they will be, 
 to venerate your character, as an aged minister of the Lord, and
 
 3G2 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 having in their hands what was felt by such an one to be the 
 most valuable thing on earth, after a sojourn in it nearly 
 approaching to a hundred years — this, under God, may greatly 
 contribute to attach them to its truths, and lead them to seek its 
 consolations for themselves. 
 
 "I am much affected by the kind manner in which you 
 speak of myself, personally, and of the interest you feel in my 
 engagements, as your successor in the church. I often painfully 
 acknowledge, to myself and to God, the utter incompetency of 
 which I am conscious, for the duties that daily devolve upon 
 me. I highly value the prayers with which I know you 
 remember me, and solicit, dear sir, their constant and earnest 
 presentation on my behalf. I ought to mention, that the elder 
 children are exceedingly pleased with their books, and think 
 that 'it was so very kind in Mr. Clayton to remember them.' 
 Mrs. Binney unites with me in thanking you for the good 
 wishes you offer for ourselves and our children, and in prayer to 
 God, that you may continue to enjoy, in an abundant measure, 
 the supports and hopes of that Gospel which you so long 
 dispensed. I much regret that extraordinary engagements this 
 week have quite prevented my writing till to-day. — I am, dear 
 sir, your obliged friend, and (I may add) son, and successor, in 
 the Gospel, 
 
 "T. Binney."
 
 Chapter £3L 
 
 MRS. CLAYTON". 
 
 HER GENTLE RULE. — EDUCATION OF HER DAUGHTERS. — LETTERS TO GEORGE 
 CLAYTON. — INTEREST IN HER HUSBAND'S LABOURS. — LETTERS TO 
 
 MR. AND MRS. JOHN CLAYTON.— ILLNESSES AND FEAR OF DEATH. 
 
 LETTER FROM HER SON. — ANECDOTE OF MR. JAY, OF BATH. — HER LAST 
 HOURS AND HAPPY DEPARTURE. — MRS. JOHNSON'S "REMINISCENCES OF 
 HER MOTHER." — LETTER FROM REV. J. SORTAIN. 
 
 The calm current of Mr. Clayton's domestic life was, 
 however, destined now to be ruffled, by an event which, 
 though not unexpected, came upon the old man with 
 terrible violence. God was about to take from him 
 " the desire of his eyes with a stroke." But before I 
 describe that occurrence, it is most fitting that the 
 principal portion of this chapter should be devoted to a 
 more detailed account of the excellencies of character 
 possessed by the venerable lady, to whom frequent 
 references have already been made, in connexion with 
 some of the leading events in her husband's or 
 children's lives. 
 
 A happier choice, neither the man nor the minister 
 could have made, than that which, under divine 
 guidance, Mr. Clayton was led to make, when he chose 
 Miss Mary Flower, as the partner of his joys and cares. 
 Intimations and proofs have already been given of her 
 matronly dignity, and wisdom, and tenderness. She 
 reigned as queen in her home, but it was a sceptre of 
 love that she swayed ; she governed her domestics, but 
 it was with a happy blending of kindness, firmness, and
 
 304 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 self-respect; she held all her children in the bonds of 
 subjection, but the cords were silken, and pleasant, and 
 never chafed ; while to her husband she was ever atten- 
 tive, affectionate, and sympathizing ; never forgetting 
 that he was a minister of the sanctuary, and a bishop in 
 the church of God, to whose hands was committed a 
 trust that would often necessitate self-denial on her 
 part, as well as his; and cause to devolve upon her 
 additional and heavy obligations, in the home manage- 
 ment of her children. 
 
 Faithfully did she discharge the varied duties of her 
 household ; and most lovingly was she reverenced in 
 consequence. There was a playfulness about her that 
 was a pleasant relief to the more Roman stateliness of 
 her husband ; and one can easily conceive how welcome 
 this would be to the young people, whose natural 
 hilarity would find, in this peculiar feature of their 
 mother's character, that which harmonized most with 
 their own moods of mind. Yet Mrs. Clayton could be 
 as grave and dignified as her husband, when occasion 
 required ; and her children ever found, on all questions 
 of morals or religion, a tone of decision was assumed, 
 and a look of thoughtful seriousness worn, that bespoke 
 a consciousness of the entrance upon a class of subjects, 
 which could only be contemplated in one aspect, and 
 that a most solemn one. 
 
 She took great delight in the superintendence of the 
 education of her daughters ; watching, tenderly and 
 anxiously, over the budding and unfolding of their 
 minds. She was ever tremulously alive to the impor- 
 tance of a true moral development, which she knew 
 greatly depended upon the kind and mode of instruction 
 given to young people, as well as upon the examples 
 that were' continually before them. So that it was with
 
 EDUCATION OF HER DAUGHTERS. 365 
 
 the greatest anxiety she made arrangements for their 
 education ; and regretted much when, through any 
 failure of health, which was very frequent, her usual 
 attention to her daughters' studies was interrupted. 
 That her heart always yearned for a return to this 
 congenial occupation, and that she was keenly alive to 
 the responsibility and importance attaching to her 
 superintendence, is evident from one of her letters to 
 her son George. 
 
 " My beloved and necessary business I cannot yet enter upon 
 — the instruction of the dear girls, especially Jane, who needs 
 me much, unless others more qualified could and would attend 
 to her. O how I dread your sisters entering upon the world, 
 superficial, half-educated, idle-headed, and idle-handed young 
 women ! I am sure I do not belie the truth, when I say that, in 
 the professing world, — I mean the dissenting world, which I am 
 in, — there are many set in battle array against solid, mental, 
 religious, and moral improvement. Therefore, though I am only 
 a poor wounded warrior, I must fight upon stumps for your 
 sisters." 
 
 Another extract from a letter on the same subject, 
 written by Mrs. Clayton to her sister, Mrs. Dawson, who 
 was then residing at Lancaster, will not be unacceptable, 
 as showing the possession of that " good common sense " 
 of which she writes. 
 
 " We have gone through the five volumes of Saurin's 
 Sermons, with much pleasure, and I hope profit ; and we have 
 now entered on Dr. Home's Sermons, with great delight. Jane 
 occasionally — daily if we can — reads poetry to me. She is 
 now going through Milton, the second time. 
 
 " As for accomplishments, I can give them none, for I possess 
 none ; but I wish to give them ideas, to communicate knowledge, 
 to form a sound judgment of man and things. I am anxious 
 that they may partake of that good common sense, which shall 
 pervade everything in the whole circle of action, during their
 
 306 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 lives, wherever they are destined to move. I have endeavoured 
 to form in them tempers Christian, amiable, and benevolent. 
 It would be flattering to me to have them shine; but my 
 prayer is, ' Let them be good and do good ; lessen the stock of 
 human misery, and add to the stock of happiness.' Then I have 
 the assurance that they shall be blessed in their generation." 
 
 As her sons grew up, and entered upon their Master's 
 work, she displayed great interest, not only in their 
 personal but ministerial welfare. Her letters to them 
 evince a keen insight into human motives, a pretty close 
 observation of the world, and a sagacity that often served 
 to indicate the course which those she loved should 
 pursue, w r hen they themselves were hesitating or halting. 
 
 When George was settled at Southampton, she wrote 
 the following letter to him, in relation to the offer of a 
 tutorship to some young gentleman, the son of an 
 influential member of the congregation to which her 
 son ministered, and which is referred to, on page 227. 
 
 "Need you, my dear George, determine respecting your 
 tutorship, till we come ? I think, when your good father is on 
 the spot, his wisdom could decide. Do not finally fix: time, 
 and a little prayerful waiting, generally give true light. I can 
 only say, ' May our good God make every path of duty straight, 
 and plain before your face.' You should well consider the 
 characters of your people, who advise for, or against. Their 
 motives, their views of your holiness, as a minister, were I 
 acquainted with them, would greatly influence me to side with 
 them, or differ from them. Those who think you do not visit 
 enough, — what do they want you to visit for ? to sink your mind, 
 talents, and religion? or to raise themselves, and keep you up 
 to the rare and very difficult duty of spiritual, rational, well- 
 improved hours ? I confess, could the plan be fixed, which could 
 insure time for pulpit preparation and closet prayer, at stated 
 seasons, I should, without hesitation, try, for one twelvemonth. 
 That minister gains much, whose employments are all rational ; 
 never debased by a thousand things, which custom and a low
 
 a mother's desires. 367 
 
 standard of religion, worldly propriety, and affected politeness, 
 among the richer low people now give a sanction to ; but how 
 different the estimate of Scripture, reason, learning, and sound 
 good sense ! Beside, you have not a baby to educate, but a 
 youth ; to form him to religion and good morals — which, by 
 God's blessing, I hope you would do. History, poetry, philo- 
 sophy, moral and natural, would fill up great part of your time ; 
 and happy and very useful are those ministers who can, by a 
 spiritual art, work up all for the sanctuary. God is a God of 
 wisdom, as well as grace. I want you to have much of these 
 things, and bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh to your blessed 
 Saviour. I wish it may ever be said of your labours, that, after 
 you have worshipped Him in prayer, you, like those sages, open 
 your treasures." 
 
 While thankful to find that her sons were labouring 
 with acceptance, and that substantial tokens of kindness 
 and regard were not wanting, she was most anxious for 
 their spiritual usefulness. On the occasion of a present 
 of some plate to her eldest son, about the time of his 
 marriage, she wrote thus : — 
 
 " If my warmest wishes can avail, I say, ' that they may 
 be emblematical of the richness, duration, lustre and light of 
 his ministry in that place ! ' for, separate from this, I should feel 
 no pleasure. Could you have riches, honour, and all the 
 bounties of divine providence, bestowed upon you, except it was 
 all, all consecrated to Christ and His temple, the wishes of a 
 fond mother — poured out from the time my infant sons were 
 laid on their first pillows, to this period — would all be frustrated. 
 I aspired high for you; asked the durable riches of eternity, 
 where moth and rust do not corrupt ; and prayed that in your 
 sacred employments to adorn the temple of God, you might 
 bring and polish lively stones, and place them as pillars in the 
 heavenly Jerusalem, where they shall eternally shine to the 
 honour of the dear Redeemer. Whatever you possess, in 
 providence and grace, may it all be devoted to this blessed 
 cause; for 'worthy is the Lamb to receive riches, as well as 
 honour and glory.' "
 
 3G8 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Most judicious and motherly, and at the same time 
 far seeing, were the counsels she gave, when, after her 
 son George's mind had been troubled to know what 
 course he ought to pursue, in a perplexed condition of 
 his affairs, she penned the following letter. The 
 admirable advice, too, which she gives to him, in 
 connexion with his ministerial preparation and duties, 
 is beyond all praise. 
 
 " Highbury Place, September 20th, 1803. 
 
 "My dear George, — "We were truly glad that a calm had 
 succeeded the storm ; and that agitation and conflicting passions 
 had given place to tranquillity and resignation of mind. I 
 think God has strongly marked out your present duty, to pray 
 and wait. His voice is, 'Be still, and know that I am God.' It 
 is our highest interest and sweetest rest to be found submissive 
 at His feet. I pray God to continue this state of mind. 
 Remember a state of suspense is the present ordination of God, 
 to exercise you in the highest duties and graces of the 
 Christian; to lead away from all self-dependence, from all 
 second causes and means ; and to bring you to repose your cares 
 on that omnipotent power, love, and goodness, which alone can 
 make crooked things straight, and rough places plain; whose 
 sole prerogative it is to create peace ; to cause light to arise out 
 of darkness, and order out of confusion; and to make all 
 perplexities ' work together for good to them that love God.' 
 
 "Make daily use, therefore, of the gracious command and 
 high privilege to cast all your care upon God, who careth for 
 vou. Be not sinfully careful, even in this affair; but by 
 'prayer and supplication make known your request unto God, 
 and His peace shall keep your heart and mind.' May His 
 gracious promise be fulfilled to you ! 
 
 " The admirable Charnock has this beautiful remark : ' The 
 springs of God's providence often run underground out of sight ; 
 but ere long they will arise with new medicinal qualities, 
 contracted from the earth through which they ran.' 
 
 "It is a good plan to read what is suited to the present 
 state of the miud. I have found Flavel on Providence, and
 
 LETTEE TO HER SON. 369 
 
 Charnock on the same, frequently, in my seasons of trial, balm 
 to my hurt mind. I earnestly recommend these treatises to 
 your perusal, and to your memory ; and many things contained 
 in them to your place-book. Now is the season to gather this 
 fruit, and to preserve it rich and fine ; for yourself, your future 
 family, and the church of God. My heart has suffered much, 
 lest your ministerial character should, in the least, be injured, 
 by this perplexed affair ; but I have poured out my soul to the 
 Lord, da%, to prevent it. God grant that you may be enabled 
 to give yourself to reading, meditation, and prayer. 
 
 " Now, my dear George, is your seedtime ; and if much is not 
 sown in youth, there will not be the rich and golden harvest in 
 future life. You are a labourer ; your time is the Lord's ; and 
 the work of the ministry should occupy him who has entered 
 upon it, as much as the counting-house, the shop, the wharf, or 
 the exchange, does the merchant and the tradesman. To change 
 my metaphor, ever remember good Bishop Hall, speaking of 
 ministers, says, ' They should always be fishing, or mending their 
 nets.' I may add, if their nets were not of so flimsy a texture, 
 and so dreadfully broken, as in too many instances they are, 
 more fish would be caught; for the inseparable connexion of 
 means and ends is God's predestination, to accomplish His 
 purposes of grace to a fallen world. 
 
 " I have been, and am still, a sincere mourner of wasted time, 
 in many ministers. That talent of talents ! give yourself 
 wholly to your sacred work, that your profiting may, through a 
 long course of years, appear to all ! You live in days of peculiar 
 temptation, especially as to the sacred hours of the closet and 
 the study ; and yet however popular, however cheerful and 
 jocular in the parlour, many of this description are (and the 
 uncoloured fact is, many such there are in this day — I must say 
 it, nor am I censorious in saying it) — they cannot have any 
 scriptural claims to be holy men of God, such as the written 
 Word describes. We cannot make a false estimate when we 
 take Acts xx., and St. Paul's epistles and commands to Timothy 
 and Titus, for our guidance. I was much pleased that you read, 
 and so much admire, the life of the holy Philip Henry — a good 
 model for you. Read it again and. again. Your sisters tell you 
 
 B B
 
 370 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 all the news, while I write my heart. Believe it, my dear 
 George, to be that of the most affectionate of mothers. 
 
 "Hary Clayton." 
 
 Her connexion with some of the institutions at 
 the Weighhouse lias been already noticed, and the 
 excellencies of the pastor's wife were — if not quite so 
 conspicuous as those of the mother of his children — 
 noticeable, and most praiseworthy. Until afflicted with 
 the deafness, which incapacitated her from uniting 
 much with the committees, who managed the several 
 societies connected with the chapel, she was ever ready, 
 so far as her home duties would allow, to take her place 
 with other admirable workers, and to share their labours 
 and responsibilities. The subjoined letter, written to 
 her daughter Mary, will show her deep interest in the 
 subject of education, and the heartiness with which she 
 joined in all her husband's plans for the benefit of the 
 poor : — 
 
 " Good Mary Henwood has left the almshouse, for a mansion 
 prepared by love divine, in the New Jerusalem. She was eighty 
 years of age, and had been a member of the Weighhouse forty 
 j T ears. Papa preached a beautiful sermon for her, yesterday. 
 ' Godliness with contentment is great gain.' Rich or poor, may 
 our lot be with the saints ! He is no proper judge of blessedness 
 who hesitates a moment to prefer the condition of a penitent in 
 the porch, to that of a sinner on the throne. 
 
 " what a thrice happy day I had last Tuesday ! In the 
 upper school-room were assembled nearly three hundred people, 
 the flower of the Weighhouse congregation. When all the 
 visitors were seated, the children came in, one by one, in slow 
 order ; girls first, then boys, with the master and mistress. 
 Papa began by singing the forty-first psahn, and then prayed. 
 A very charming address followed ; — first to the benefactors, 
 
 S. M , Esq., who gave the ground, and Mr. T , who gave 
 
 £300. Other liberal donations were mentioned; the circum-
 
 THE WlilGHHOUSE SCHOOLS. 371 
 
 stances enlarged on and improved; and the gracious goodness 
 of God celebrated. Reference was made to the fact that some 
 children, brought tip there, were now excellent servants, others 
 flourishing tradesmen ; and that some had died in the faith. 
 One girl, who was patronized by a lady present, had departed 
 this life, an eminent believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 "Papa then addressed the children, and the master and 
 mistress. Then the scholars repeated Scripture and hymns ; 
 and a poem to their benefactors, simple and pretty, written for 
 the occasion. All was concluded with prayer. 
 
 " Dear M. M , all activity, stood by a large table, ready 
 
 to distribute the rewards — articles of clothing, &c, &c. O how 
 pleased the poor children were ! When the shawls were noticed 
 by some of the ladies, I believe they were as highly gratified as 
 a duchess would have been, in displaying the various elegances 
 of a drawing-room at a grand rout. The company then went 
 downstairs, and in the boys' school-room two long tables were 
 spread, with a small one for the master and mistress, and 
 abundant provision for all. 
 
 " Several dear friends were there, and presented their offering. 
 But none could have my feelings. I hope I did wonder, love, 
 and adore, when I remembered that the boys' school originated 
 in the desire of a poor female of little note. When it was 
 mentioned to papa, he said, with a grave countenance, ' He was 
 sure the Weighhouse congregation could not support two 
 schools.' I replied, ' Let us try twelve boys.' We selected 
 them ; and our pious servant, Robert Beale, who was incapable 
 of labour, from shortness of breath, became the master. We 
 took a room, paid him half-a-guinea a week, and it flourished ; 
 but he was soon called to glory. His prayers, I doubt not, 
 were precious seed which has sprung up. I well remember 
 making them shirts at Highbury ; and when they were clothed 
 and came thither, to have tea and cake, what joy it gave me to 
 see them walk in the garden. They were noticed at worship ; 
 inquiry was made ; subscriptions came in ; and now twenty- one 
 boys are educated, annually clothed, and have a dinner on the 
 Sabbath ; and, — a grand conclusion — one thousand pounds have 
 been raised for the .spacious building.
 
 372 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 " Thou art, Lord, a God who docst wonders. Thou hast 
 not despised the day of small things. What has God wrought ! 
 In this instance he has done exceedingly abundant more than I 
 could ask or think. O praise the Lord for His goodness !" 
 
 When unable to do much abroad, she was ever 
 keenly alive to her domestic obligations. Nothing 
 relating to her husband or her children was a matter 
 of indifference to her. She seized all opportunities 
 to prove that she was an observant wife and mother, 
 and was ready with help or counsel, as the case might 
 require. On the first anniversary of her eldest son's 
 wedding-day, she sent this greeting : — 
 
 " My very dear Children, — Though Mary will answer dear 
 Sarah's letter, respecting our sweet invalid, I must send you a 
 line, to wish you many happy returns of this day. IIow many 
 minds mingle when bodies are separated ! Had the feelings of 
 my heart been gratified, I certainly should have visited you this 
 day ; but in this, as in many other instances, I am the child of 
 necessity, not of choice ; or in other words, I must not have my 
 own will, but am called very frequently to give it up. for 
 blessed resignation to calm my soul ; to teach me to say, 
 'Father, thy will be done.' 
 
 " I am continually pressing after cheerful submission to the 
 divine appointment ; and sometimes hope I shall in patience 
 possess my soul, and attain to the 'ornament of a meek and 
 quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price ; ' and 
 the finest adorning of the female character. I believe I have 
 been with you as much in spirit, all this morning, as if I had 
 actually been sitting in your parlour; and have with genuine 
 affection poured out my heart for you, before the throne of 
 mercy. 
 
 " On a review of your first year of marriage, in retracing 
 the various providences of God, we must sing of mercy and 
 judgment. Many have been your trials; but what deliverances! 
 what signal instances of favour ! what providential supplies ! 
 So marked, that the divine and beneficent hand has been most
 
 LETTER TO HER DAUGHTER-IN-LAW. 373 
 
 conspicuous, and has put unbelief to the blush, and hushed our 
 guilty fears. Let us then say, ' Praise the Lord ; for His mercy 
 endureth for ever.' 
 
 "My wish for you, my beloved children, is, that you may 
 walk in all the ordinances of the Lord blameless, like the holy 
 couple set before us in Scripture example. 'Walk together 
 as heirs of the grace of life,' that your prayers may not be 
 hindered. Live in that love you have begun. Beware of the 
 least diminution. 'Be of one heart, and one mind; and the 
 God of love and peace be with you.' 
 
 " I have had many thoughts respecting the situation at 
 Kensington; and in looking back, and seeing what has been 
 done, it must, beyond a doubt, appear that it was a chaos. 
 Has not some order arisen from the rough, rude, heterogeneous 
 mass? Who can tell but light, life, and fruitfulness may, in 
 God's due time, through His all-gracious, all-powerful influence, 
 be given. His work is gradual, in the new creation. Let much 
 prayer be made, for God to prosper His word to those ends to 
 which He has appointed it. 
 
 "Papa unites in all kind wishes, at this period, with your 
 
 truly affectionate mother, 
 
 "Mary Clayton. 
 
 "Highbury Place, May 12th, 1804." 
 
 The subjoined letter was written to Mrs. John 
 Clayton, when the latter had entered upon her inte- 
 resting maternal duties with her young and rising 
 family; and shows both the submission of the writer's 
 heart, under her heavy affliction, and her supreme 
 concern for the spiritual welfare of those who were 
 dear to her. 
 
 "Highbury Place, December 12th, 1810. 
 " Amid the multitude of undeserved mercies, which a gracious 
 God, of His free bounty, has bestowed on me, I account my dear 
 children a very prime one. Their attention, prayers, and true 
 sympathy, demand my gratitude, and devout acknowledgment 
 to Him, from whom cometh every good and perfect gift. This 
 leads me to return my dear daughter my heartfelt thanks, for
 
 oT-A THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 every expression of her love and kindness, by messages, and 
 especially by lier affect ionate letter, received by Mr. Clayton, 
 on Sabbath day. Could I have heard your soothing, condoling, 
 and encouraging language, how glad should I have been of a 
 visit, in my affliction, from my dear Sarah ; but the distracting 
 noise in my head, my not hearing my own voice, with other 
 pains, and total deafness, have made me covet stillness and 
 retirement, as the only means of quiet ; and, — should it please 
 the all-disposing Providence— a little partial recovery. 
 
 " I have reason to bless God that I am rather better ; and 
 
 hope Dr. S 's prescriptions have been of some benefit. I 
 
 am going on with them. I know you will join me in praying, 
 if it be the divine will, that they may be still more efficacious 
 in the recovery of my health; and, what is yet more to be 
 desired, in a renewal of animal spirits ; for sure the worst part 
 of my disorder has been extreme dejection, which, I believe, is 
 the quintessence of nervous malady. Oh, how does this spread 
 a gloom over everything, earthly and heavenly ! What an 
 avenue for the grand enemy of souls to enter, and act with his 
 cruel devices. Yet I have reason to praise God, for Satan has 
 not prevailed. My confidence in the dear Lord Jesus has been 
 unshaken. I have cast anchor on the sure and immovable 
 promises of God ; and though in storms, and clouds, and 
 tempest, have not, I trust, lost sight of the skilful Pilot, who 
 can bring me safe into the port of rest and joy. 
 
 " I hope you and your dear tribe are well. May the divine 
 benediction rest iipon them, and on all your care and labour of 
 love towards them. I should tell a falsehood if I said I pitied 
 you. ~No ! those cares are delightful ; especially those you are 
 now entering upon, or, rather, have entered upon. It is no 
 poetic fiction to say, ' Delightful task, to rear the infant mind.' 
 I know the truth as much as mortal can; and look back and 
 view those hours, so spent, as my period of bliss. Ah ! pleasant 
 task, to draw out the infant reason; to teach the young to 
 think ; nor to rest till you have improved the mind, as well as 
 stored the memory; to see the dear little ones take in and 
 digest their knowledge ; and grow up with strong, vigorous 
 souls — making a true and scriptural estimate of persons and
 
 MBS. JOHNSON. 375 
 
 tilings around them. Above all, oh, bliss divine ! to lead them 
 to Jesus, who has promised to take the lambs in His arms, and 
 fold them to His bosom ! May this, my dear daughter, be 
 your happy experience ; and then I may add, for my dear 
 second progeny, 'Not a grandmother's fondest wishes, can to 
 greater joys aspire.' 
 
 " I once hoped, in this employ, I should have the honour to 
 be a coadjutor with you. But I am still a babe — a learner in 
 the great lesson of resignation. Yet though I lisp, I desire 
 from my heart to say, 'Not my will, Lord, but thine be 
 done.' 
 
 "Was my dear Mr. Clayton at home he would send his 
 love. The child of my heart, my matchless Mary, desires her 
 affectionate regards to you and ' John, the beloved ; ' in which 
 cordially joins your very affectionate mother, 
 
 "Mary Clayton. 
 
 "Excuse all defects ; the last page is written in the dark." 
 
 As her sons one by one settled in life, she was left 
 with only her daughter Mary for her female companion, 
 and most tender and loving was the intercourse between 
 them — more like that of sisters, with some slight dis- 
 parity of years, than of mother and child. Mrs. Clayton's 
 affliction and growing infirmities rendered it necessary 
 that she should be cared for, with untiring assiduity. 
 This care was never intermitted; for even when Miss 
 Clayton, in 1816, was married to Mr. Janson, and 
 subsequently contracted a second marriage with Mr. 
 Johnson, her home being situated near her mother's, 
 she was still able to perform her filial duties, or at least 
 so to superintend those who ministered to the venerable 
 lady's wants, as that nothing was neglected that was 
 necessary for her comfort. 
 
 A more amiable and excellent woman than Mrs. 
 Johnson never existed. In the above letter, her 
 mother calls her her " matchless Mary ; " and, making
 
 37G THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 all due allowances for maternal preferences, there was 
 ] rally a solid foundation for so high an estimate of her 
 daughter. But -she was one of the timid and trembling 
 class of Christians. John Bunyan's Mercy, at the 
 wicket gate, admirably represents her — for while others 
 were " rejoicing in Christ Jesus," she " did stand 
 without, trembling and crying, for fear that she was 
 rejected, and that no gate should be opened to her." 
 While every one recognized the unmistakable evidences 
 of a true spiritual vitality in her profession, her constant 
 fear was that she had " a name to live and was dead." 
 Through her whole life she went mourning, under the 
 apprehension that she had no interest in the Saviour ; 
 and, to the last, dared only, and as it were in secret, 
 touch the hem of His garment ; with the hope, though 
 generally a faint one, that she might be made whole. 
 She never doubted the power of the Divine Healer, but 
 could not realize the fact of His willingness to restore 
 her ; and this arose from the profoundly humble estimate 
 she had formed of herself, in the presence of Infinite 
 Perfection. I have no doubt that this intensely morbid 
 sensibility, that was most distressing to those who loved 
 her, and revered her for her numerous excellencies 
 — excellencies which were patent both to rich and poor, 
 who shared either in her bounty or friendship, — resulted 
 from physical causes, whose subtle operations could 
 not be traced, but whose effects, too plainly visible, 
 were painful in the extreme. 
 
 Mrs. Clayton was often the subject of severe and 
 dangerous affliction. More than once, especially between 
 the years 1811 and 1813, all hope of her restoration 
 to health was abandoned; and her husband and children 
 were hourly anticipating the loss of one of the best 
 of wives and mothers. But these trying seasons, that
 
 LETTER TO HER SON GEORGE. 377 
 
 tested her faith and patience to the utmost, served only 
 the more vividly to elicit the graces of a meek and 
 submissive spirit, which, amid the tempests that were 
 sweeping around her, could exclaim, " Though He slay 
 me, yet will I trust in Him;" and God came nigh 
 in the hour of peril, to rescue her; so that she was 
 spared to a good old age, to adorn her station with 
 those Christian and matronly graces which so dignify 
 and beautify " a mother in Israel." 
 
 Another letter to her son George, dated Upminster, 
 December 6th, 1823, must close the extracts given 
 from her correspondence. It will be seen that, towards 
 the conclusion of it, she refers to what was a marked 
 feature in her religious experience, her dread of the 
 hour of death ; through fear of which she was " all her 
 lifetime subject to bondage." 
 
 "I hail you, my beloved son, that your great and good 
 Master does not turn you out of work, but keeps you in the best 
 employment ; gives the highest wages, and the sure promise of 
 a rich inheritance, when you cease from your labour. Who can 
 tell the blessedness, when He shall not only enrich, but approve ? 
 Oh! the felicity to hear, 'Well done, thou good and faithful 
 servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.' Bliss beyond the 
 conception of mortals ! 
 
 " Pray take care of your health. The body is His servant, and 
 yours ; therefore do all you can to keep it strong for service, 
 and unimpaired. Much as I long for and love your company, 
 I gladly relinquish the pleasure, for His sake who pleased not 
 himself; nor must mother or sister interrupt His service. It 
 grieves me much to hear of my dear daughter's pains and 
 suffering. I take her affliction where I take my own — to the 
 throne of mercy — to Jesus, whose infinite love bore our sins and 
 sicknesses, and carried all our sorrows. Give my love to her, 
 and assure her of my heartfelt sympathy — made peculiarly so, 
 at this time, as a partner in pain, though somewhat abated. 
 
 " I thank you for the precious little book. I have perused it
 
 378 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 with pleasure, and I hope profit. It is wise, scriptural, and 
 holy; I wish it may spread, and he adopted hy the heads of 
 families; especially that God may be glorified, and the pious 
 zeal of the author reap his reward. 
 
 " Good Mr. Curling's death must be called a translation ; so 
 peaceful ! Such a well-founded confidence in his Redeemer may 
 well banish, or at least mitigate, the dread of the last enemy. 
 I hope, in this illness, my fear and bondage have a little 
 subsided ; at least I have endeavoured to maintain the combat 
 against unbelief, fear, and despondency. In the prospect of 
 death, in former sickness, this was my state — lingering on the 
 brink, I feared to launch away. Now I have laboured to 
 glance beyond Jordan ; to enter more into the employment and 
 enjoyment of the heavenly state. I have been greatly aided in 
 my meditations by the admirable Saurin ; especially by two of 
 his discourses, Revelation v. 11, 12, and 1 John iii. 2, where he 
 shows the blessedness of the beatified soul to consist in four 
 communications from the adorable Saviour : 1st, A communica- 
 tion of ideas — all rectified from sin, darkness, and error ; 2nd, 
 A communication of love ; 3rd, Of holiness ; 4th, Of felicity. 
 His enlargement on these charmed me. Indeed I have chiefly 
 read Saurin, of late. His sublime devotion, original thought, 
 strong reasoning, just conclusions, and eloquence of style, have 
 been a means of fixing my attention, and diverting and drawing 
 off my mind from my painful bodily feelings. — Believe me to 
 
 be, your loving mother, 
 
 "Mary Clayton." 
 
 To this prevailing fear of death her son George refers, 
 in a letter he addressed to her in 1820, in which he 
 mentions, for her encouragement, a case not unlike 
 her own, that had a happy termination; and adverts 
 also to one of God's afflicted children, whose accumu- 
 lated woes might well awaken in the hearts of others 
 a tender sympathy, excite gratitude for freedom from 
 such trials of faith, and lead to the magnifying of that 
 grace, which sustained the trembling and troubled spirit, 
 and bore it safely through terrible " storms and seas of 
 deep distress." Mr. George Clayton says : —
 
 FEAR OF DEATH. 379 
 
 "It lias long been the earnest desire of my heart, that you 
 may be favoured with a larger measure of spiritual peace and 
 sensible consolation ; but though this is to a certain degree 
 denied you, and though you walk in darkness, and have no 
 light, yet it is your happiness to trust in the Lord, and stay 
 yourself upon your God. I can believe for you, though you 
 may not be able to take the comfort of it yourself, 'that at 
 evening time, it shall be light' Have you seen Mr. J. Bran- 
 dam's funeral sermon for the late Alderman Lea? His expe- 
 rience, for many years, was like your own ; but at last the sun 
 of divine consolation broke forth in all its splendour, before he 
 entered that bright world, where it shall go down no more, for 
 ever. 
 
 " It was just so with a dear old lady, whose removal I 
 endeavoured to improve last Sabbath — Mrs. "Webb, of Fetter 
 Lane — the daughter-in-law of the minister who once preached 
 there. My text was, 'Cast down, but not destroyed;' which 
 might be truly said to be her motto, as descriptive of her 
 outward afflictions, and inward depressions. Her youngest 
 daughter was, by accident, burnt to death ; her eldest son, by a 
 fall, fractured his skull, and was killed, at twenty-five years of 
 age ; her husband died in the midst of his days, of a decline ; 
 and she remained a widow forty-three years. After this she 
 lost her eldest daughter, who died — in consequence of family 
 troubles — of a broken heart, at fifty years of age; and to 
 complete the sad picture, on a principle of mistaken generosity, 
 she sacrificed her property to some other children, and lived, 
 for twenty-five years, in a state of poverty and dependence. Yet 
 was she a gentlewoman, by birth, manners, and education ; and 
 a bright ornament to her Christian profession, in humility, 
 integrity, meekness, and submission, for sixty- six years. One 
 of the long ' cloud of witnesses.'" 
 
 This fear of death was as much, if not more, a dread 
 of the actual struggle with the last enemy, than of the 
 consequences. How she should pass through the 
 river ? — that was her anxiety. Whenever she met with 
 Christian ministers, or persons of marked piety, and
 
 380 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 lengthened experience in the divine life, she invariably 
 introduced the subject, hoping to hear, from some of 
 them, words, whereby she might be saved from the 
 continuance of the torturing apprehensions which pos- 
 sessed her. 
 
 One day, before her deafness became quite confirmed, 
 she was in the society of Mr. Jay, of Bath, and, as 
 usual, her favourite topic was introduced. She spoke 
 to her visitor of her fears; and of her sorrow because 
 she knew those fears were derogatory, both to her 
 profession, and to the lovingkindness of her Lord. 
 
 "Madam," said Mr. Jay, "why do you persist in 
 making boats, and carrying them on your head ? " 
 
 " Carrying boats on my head ! " replied the lady, 
 rather perplexed, for a moment, to discover his mean- 
 ing; " I don't understand you." 
 
 "Why, madam," rejoined Mr. Jay, gravely, "you are, 
 I know, about to cross a river — it may be dark and 
 deep — it may, I believe it will, be shallow, and bright 
 with Heaven's splendour. But you seem to think that 
 the Lord of the country whither you are going, when 
 He summons His friends to come and abide with Him, 
 does not properly provide for their necessities, — by 
 having some mode of transit ready for His guests, 
 when they come to the water that flows between His 
 country and ours; and so you think it needful to carry 
 a boat along with you." 
 
 Mrs. Clayton looked earnestly at the speaker, and, as 
 though a new light had flashed in upon her soul, said, 
 " Ah, my dear friend, you have fairly described the state 
 of the case. Like the disciples on the sea, when the 
 Saviour was asleep, I have been very fearful. Well may 
 the blessed One — who now never slumbers nor sleeps, 
 but who has said, ' The Lord shall preserve thee from all
 
 TRIUMPH OVER DEATH. 381 
 
 evil, He shall preserve thy soul ; the Lord shall preserve 
 thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, 
 and even for evermore' — chide me with the loving 
 rehuke, ' thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou 
 doubt?'" 
 
 There are many who can sympathize with Mrs. Clayton, 
 in her mental trouble, who need only call to remembrance 
 the " exceeding great and precious promises" which 
 have been given on this subject. Surely He, who bears 
 with His people through all the wilderness, will never 
 leave nor forsake them, when they come to the Jordan t 
 He who has divided the Ked sea, and enabled His ran- 
 somed ones to pass safely, from the Egypt of the world 
 unto the mount of God, will certainly care for them 
 in crossing the narrow stream ! If, in the greater and 
 more lengthened conflict with the prince of the power 
 of the air, we have stood still, and seen " the salvation 
 of the Lord ; " in that which we must wage with death 
 — his enfeebled and oft- defeated offspring — we shall 
 certainly not be less encouraged, by the presence and 
 power of our great Deliverer ! " We shall be more than 
 conquerors through Him that loved us." With Satan 
 bruised under our feet, we shall, undoubtedly, one day 
 exultingly exclaim, "0 death, where is thy sting? 
 Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through 
 our Lord Jesus Christ." 
 
 " All things are yours ; whether life or death, or 
 things present, or things to come; all are yours; and ye 
 are Christ's; and Christ is God's." "For I am persuaded 
 that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, 
 nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor 
 height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able 
 to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ 
 Jesus our Lord."
 
 382 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Mrs. Clayton's last hours were a remarkable commen- 
 tary on the truth of this assurance. 
 
 She had reached the advanced period of ninety years; 
 and having been often the subject of severe bodily 
 suffering, at times extending over many months, it is no 
 marvel that the tabernacle should be very feeble, when 
 such extreme old age was attained. At this time any 
 intercourse with her, by means of speech, was utterly 
 impossible ; her deafness having become hopelessly 
 incurable. Every communication had to be made by 
 writing; and although her family and domestics 
 patiently sought by this slow method to converse with 
 her, yet, from the very necessity of the case, it was 
 scanty information that could be conveyed. She was 
 therefore left much to her own resources, and her time 
 was principally passed in reading or meditation. 
 
 She, of course, was able to make known her wishes 
 and thoughts to her family, for the faculty of speech was 
 enjoyed, though that of hearing was lost; and sweet 
 and welcome were the communications that came from 
 her experienced and cultivated mind. Her counsels 
 were most precious ; for they were recommended by the 
 forcible example of a lengthened and holy life. The 
 Christian meekness, and humility which clothed her 
 as with a garment, falling in graceful folds around her, 
 had an irresistible charm ; while the loving tenderness, 
 undiminished by the lapse of years, that gleamed in her 
 looks, and trembled in her tones, won the reverential 
 affection of all her social circles. She was often visited 
 by her children and her grandchildren, who, as they sat 
 at her feet, felt how awful, and at the same time how 
 beautiful, goodness was ; and that it never shines with a 
 richer lustre than when it reveals itself in old age. If 
 ever profound veneration is felt for another ; if at any
 
 MR. SIMEON, OF CAMBEIDGE. 383 
 
 time one feels inclined to render a kind of worship to 
 the creature that may deprecate censure, it is when one 
 is in the presence of an aged disciple like Mrs. Clayton ; 
 who, while yet a sojourner on earth, seems as if living in 
 the atmosphere of heaven. 
 
 No one who had been in her society ever failed to feel 
 interested in her ; and often her solitude was cheered by 
 the presence of Christian visitors, who delighted to hear, 
 from her lips, her varied reminiscences of three quarters 
 of a century back. Mr. Simeon, of Cambridge, was 
 one of her friends; and he sent a message to her, 
 through her son, which was amongst the very last 
 communications she received from the outer world, a 
 short time before her death. " He inquired much 
 about the state of your mind," wrote Mr. George Clayton, 
 on the sheet, with which he communicated with his 
 mother. " I said, I thought you dwelt in the atmosphere 
 of contrition. He said, 'I wish I could talk with her, 
 for that is my prevailing frame of mind; in dust and 
 ashes before the cross of Christ.' He added, ' I should 
 covet to live and die with the two Marys. To live with 
 the first, sitting at the Saviour's feet; and to die with 
 the second, bathing those feet with tears.' " 
 
 But at length " the time drew nigh that she must 
 die ; " and it was granted to her that her experience 
 should afford another illustration of the tender and 
 loving care of God over His people; that "like as a 
 father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them 
 that fear Him ; for He knoweth our frame, He remem- 
 bereth that we are dust." 
 
 For some days increasing difficulty of breathing had 
 been noticed by Mrs. Johnson, and the attendant; and, 
 at their earnest solicitation, she consented, though very 
 reluctantly, to adopt a rather sharp remedy, in the
 
 3S4 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 shape of a blister. The night that followed was a very- 
 restless one, but she arose the next morning, as usual, 
 and readily partook of the food that was brought to her. 
 Durin^ the day she several times fell into a quiet doze, 
 as she sat in her easy chair ; watched by the loving eyes 
 that could see the shadow beginning to fall, which was 
 to end in the total eclipse of the light, that had for so 
 many years gleamed on that beloved face. 
 
 When the hour for her evening devotions arrived, she 
 asked for her Bible and hymn-book, that she might 
 read her portion ; but the eyes failed to perform their 
 functions, and she laid down the books gently, with 
 a sigh, that seemed to whisper a consciousness that 
 the duties of " those that look out of the windows " 
 were well-nigh ended. She then crossed her hands 
 meekly, and her lips breathed some words of prayer, 
 which, at intervals, became audible to those around 
 her. " Blessed Jesus," she said, " cleanse me in thy 
 blood ; cleanse from every sin ! Make me like thyself 
 — holy. Prepare me for thy presence." These w T ere 
 among her last words. 
 
 Shortly after, she feebly attempted to rise, and walk 
 towards the bed, — her daughter and her attendant sup- 
 porting each arm. " How is this ? " she exclaimed, 
 suddenly; as, leaning heavily upon them, she turned 
 from one to the other, with a look of wonder in her 
 eyes. They placed her gently on the bed ; and she laid 
 her head lightly on the pillow; then lifting up a loving 
 glance towards the face of her daughter, whose filial 
 attentions had, for so many years, been most solacing 
 to the beloved invalid, she gave her a sweet expressive 
 smile. That was the last farewell between the mother 
 and the child, — for the next moment she was in heaven. 
 Not a quivering of the lip was seen, not the faintest
 
 MRS. CLAYTON S DEATH. 385 
 
 sigh even was heard; the solemn stillness of that 
 moment was unbroken, till the sobbing of the bereaved 
 ones told that all was over. "I heard a voice from 
 heaven, saying, ' Blessed are the dead which die in the 
 Lord.' " " Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth." 
 
 Thus she who, " all her lifetime," had anticipated 
 this solemn hour with dread, found that the valley was 
 full of light, and the pathway smooth and clear. She 
 did not see death ; she knew nothing of the anticipated 
 conflict with the last enemy. She was a conqueror 
 without a struggle. As silently and softly as the flower 
 folds its petals, at the evening time, so did her eyelids 
 gently close, as the night shadows fell around her ; and 
 she sank into calm and dreamless slumber. "So He 
 giveth His beloved sleep." Her blessed Lord had 
 fulfilled His promise : "I will come again, and receive 
 you unto myself." With this peaceful scene before us, 
 do we not say, " So come to us, Lord Jesus"? 
 
 Mrs. Johnson, after her mother's death, gratified her 
 own filial affection, and complied with the wishes of 
 many friends, by writing the following 
 
 "reminiscences of a beloved mother. 
 
 " To gather up a few favourite sentiments of hers, 
 and endeavour, however feebly, to delineate some per- 
 manent characteristics, cannot violate her wish that no 
 eulogy should be attempted ; a wish which will ever be 
 held sacred by those who so tenderly loved her, and in 
 whose hearts her precious memory is embalmed. 
 
 " Being the eldest in a large family of children, her 
 time was fully occupied in domestic duties ; which, she 
 was wont to say, would always be the honour and glory 
 of females, while the last chapter of the book of Proverbs 
 was held canonical; for no indolent, selfish, or ignorant 
 
 c c
 
 386 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 person, could ever consider, plan, and execute, as did 
 the ' virtuous woman.' She did not, as many, after her 
 long day of exertion, boast of her efforts, and be ill- 
 humoured with all about her; for in her tongue was 
 the law of kindness. She used to say the duty of 
 women was, in Paul's epistle to Timothy, said to be 
 the ' guidance ' of the house ; but too many read the 
 passage, ' Drive the house ; ' therefore there was so 
 much misery in the kitchen. Guiding implies calm- 
 ness and judgment, not petulance and exaction. 
 
 " She had a secluded room, in her father's country 
 house at Tooting, where she devoted her hours to study, 
 and working for the poor. As the younger part of her 
 father's family grew up, she had much more time for 
 reading, which she highly prized, and diligently im- 
 proved, by the perusal of the best authors. Among 
 the poets with whom she was conversant were Homer, 
 Milton, and Young. In her after days, Cowper was her 
 constant companion; and she committed much of his 
 poetry to memory. All the old divines were perused, 
 and transcribed from ; and many volumes of diary were 
 written, all of which were burnt, before she went to 
 heaven. 
 
 " This life eminently fitted her for the position she 
 was called afterwards to occupy, and so eminently to 
 adorn. When she married, she was a sweet solace to 
 her husband, and a great help to him, as a minister; 
 ever ready, in animated and highly intellectual converse, 
 to blend her mind with bis ; while all that was tender 
 and domestic engaged her affections and efforts. 
 
 " Her three sons were formed in the nursery. She 
 had an earnest wish that her eldest son should be a 
 minister; and she has told us that, the night he was 
 born, she was constantly repeating the lines,
 
 REMINISCENCES. 387 
 
 ' May'st thou live to know and fear Him, 
 
 Love and serve Him all thy days ; 
 
 Then go dwell for ever near Him, • 
 
 See His face, and sing His praise.' 
 
 She committed him to her God and Saviour, as surely 
 as Hannah did the infant Samuel. 
 
 " Very early did she wish her children to recognize 
 the sacredness of the Lord's day, and to love it. She 
 obliged us to put away all our toys at six, on Saturday 
 afternoon. She found pleasing and entertaining books, 
 suited to our age ; and used to narrate to us the 
 historical parts of Scripture, in her own language, and 
 we were to guess the names of the persons. Every 
 Sabbath evening she was accustomed to gather us 
 around her, taking the youngest on her lap, and ask us 
 very close questions, about our thoughts and feelings; 
 and pray with us, in most simple, tender language. 
 Perhaps the very first convictions of sin in the heart, 
 and the desire to have it pardoned and subdued, may 
 be dated from these seasons of maternal watchfulness 
 and love. 
 
 " She used to wish young people to be taught to think. 
 She said that in education the memory was tasked, and 
 there were masters for every branch of learning; but 
 she never heard of a thinking master. 
 
 "As we grew older, proverbs and select sentences 
 were gathered during the week, and we each read them, 
 on the Sabbath evening. Then Scripture characters 
 were illustrated ; then my dear brothers took a text, and 
 wrote upon it. This was the beginning of their studies, 
 in composition and sermon-making, in which God has 
 made them so eminently useful, through their whole 
 lives. 
 
 " She loved to be the companion of her sons and
 
 3SS THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 daughters, and to get their confidence as ^vell as affec- 
 tion. When it became twilight, before the candles 
 were brought, she delighted to amuse and instruct us, 
 and to call our mental faculties into exercise. She 
 went through the various tribes of bird, beast, fish, 
 plants, and trees; asking each child, in turn, what was 
 its favourite, and why he or she liked that best; and 
 when we had selected ours, some for form, or beauty of 
 plumage, or fine singing, &c, she would tell us which 
 was her choice, and give substantial reasons for valuing 
 it; bringing out useful qualities, or gentle manners; 
 and thus leading us to estimate most highly what 
 benefited or delighted society, rather than what merely 
 attracted the eye, by the showy and extrinsic. 
 
 " She was anxious, at the very earliest period, to 
 subdue the will, but on no account to break the spirit. 
 She said the duties, cares, and trials of future life 
 would call for all the cheerfulness and buoyancy that 
 any young one possessed ; and therefore it was wise to 
 keep the spirit as firm and unbroken as possible; but 
 to induce, as soon as could be, the self-denial, self- 
 relinquishruent, meekness, and gentleness, which the 
 religion of Jesus taught. Once, when two of her 
 children had quarrelled violently, one of them said, 
 ' Mamma, I cannot bear to be so treated.' 
 
 " ' My dear,' she replied, ' you must learn to bear 
 whatever God pleases to appoint. Even the ill-temper 
 and harshness of others you must quietly endure, that 
 you may gain patience and forbearance. Now I desire 
 you to go up into your room, and open the Testament, 
 and pray over those words, " Learn of me ; for I am 
 meek and lowly in heart : and ye shall find rest to your 
 souls." And I charge you not to come downstairs to 
 me, till you have wept and pleaded over that text; and
 
 keminiscenc.es. 389 
 
 till you have a hope that the gentle spirit of Jesus is in 
 measure given to you.' 
 
 " The child did so ; and that was an occurrence that 
 remained in the memory, as a waymark in life's history : 
 for never was such petulance again felt; and never 
 again was there a quarrel between the two, who were 
 then so angry with each other. 
 
 " Our beloved mother used to have many young- 
 persons around her, from the congregation, and read to 
 them interesting passages from various books ; and was 
 especially anxious for the welfare of those who were 
 soon to be united in marriage; giving them advice, 
 which many a one, in after years, has told her was beyond 
 all price ; for to it they owed much of their happiness 
 in the progress of life. She enforced the duty of 
 submission on women, and used jokingly to say, 'If 
 your husband wishes you to put a shoe on your head, 
 do it to please him. Do everything for him but violate 
 conscience.' She often said, 'Young persons, before 
 their marriage, are studying to please in everything; 
 taking pains with their manners, their tempers, their 
 attire ; but afterwards, when the object is gained, they 
 neglect to keep up those things which first attracted and 
 delighted. Whereas, love is a refined and delicate 
 feeling, and needs to be cherished and fed. Therefore, 
 my dear girls, be as neat and nice, as polite and 
 attentive, as intelligent and lovely, after marriage, as if 
 your husband were your lover.' 
 
 "To the youths she was in the habit of saying, 
 'Remember the apostolic injunction, "Husbands, love 
 your wives, and be not bitter against them.'" 'How 
 extraordinary!' you will say, 'to tell me to love this 
 treasure ; this lovely creature ; and not be bitter against 
 her !' ' Ah ! my dear young friend, the time may come,
 
 390 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 in life's rough journey, when your spirits will be jaded, 
 and your hopes frustrated ; and a numerous family, and 
 straitened circumstances, will test and sour your temper; 
 when you must resort to duty, and duty enforced by 
 God, who alone can keep you in tender attachment to 
 the woman you have chosen and vowed to love; and keep 
 you from uttering a bitter word against her.' 
 
 " She was especially anxious that her children should 
 never hear anything ludicrous associated with Scripture, 
 or sacred subjects. One day, a minister came to 
 Highbury, and mentioned some blunders that persons 
 had made, in reading the Bible. He also told some 
 stories of weak and uneducated people, who had said 
 laughable things connected with their religious feelings. 
 She was deeply grieved in spirit ; and when the minister 
 was gone, she called her children, and extorted a solemn 
 promise from them, that they would never repeat any of 
 the conversation they had the great misfortune to hear ; 
 and also that, if in future they heard any relations of 
 the sort, they would never reproduce them; because 
 Satan often made use of such things to distract and 
 harass the mind, in seasons of devotion ; and even what 
 the holy soul hated, it could not always forget. She 
 said she should endeavour to take an opportunity, 
 humbly, yet forcibly, to express her feelings to the 
 minister, who had spoken so much of the ignorance 
 and faults of professors. 
 
 " She was ever solicitous that conversation should be 
 rendered profitable ; and when her children were going 
 out, she used to ask them if they had prayed for wisdom 
 and grace to use the tongue aright ? whether they had 
 been begging of God to guide those they might meet, 
 and themselves, to speak wisely, truly, and kindly ? ' A 
 wholesome tongue,' she said, 'is a tree of life;' that
 
 REMINISCENCES. 391 
 
 organ is the glory of the frame, if God tune it, and 
 direct it aright.' 
 
 " Our precious mother was watchful that family 
 politeness should be constantly maintained. She 
 dreaded that vulgar familiarity which is perilous to 
 domestic tenderness. She said relative affection was 
 a beauteous gem, and should ever be enshrined in 
 respectful and courteous manners. As her husband 
 always treated her as a lady, and she never forgot the 
 reverence due to him, but acted towards him with 
 constant deference, so her sons should ever treat their 
 sisters as ladies, and the girls behave to their brothers 
 as gentlemen. How often has she bewailed the reverse 
 in circles she has known 1 Eespectful attention shown 
 to entire strangers, or company in general ; and neglect 
 and inconsideration, and even harshness, to those 
 nearest and dearest, with whom there was daily 
 association. 
 
 " From our childhood, she enforced gentleness and 
 great consideration towards servants. She used to say 
 servitude itself was to be pitied; it was a continued 
 giving up of the will to the employer, as it regarded the 
 time and manner of doing things ; therefore there ought 
 to be no petulance, no imperative tone, but a calm and 
 decided one, in making every reasonable requisition ; 
 continually putting ourselves mentally in the place of 
 the servant, and asking how we should like to be dealt 
 with. She never had a servant give her warning, as it 
 is termed, during above fifty years of housekeeping; 
 and many were indebted to her, both for time and 
 eternity. She always made it a duty to act towards 
 them, as she would have wished her children to be 
 treated, had such service been allotted to them. She 
 used to say there was nothing so hard-hearted as a
 
 392 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 complete ' fine lady;' who often, through her ignorance 
 of domestic things, expected that to be done in a few 
 hours which it would take days to accomplish, nicely 
 and thoroughly; — and that selfish ease was all that was 
 thought of by many masters and mistresses. 
 
 " She was very careful of the time of poor and 
 working people. She said it was their bread; and 
 unnecessarily to detain them, or keep them waiting, 
 was robbery. She deeply deplored the oppression and 
 vexation caused to those in humble life, by such as had 
 the command of their hours, or a purse to make up the 
 deficiency. 
 
 " She used to inculcate on her children, the impor- 
 tance of never letting an opportunity to oblige or serve 
 another slip by. She said, 'Little children can do so 
 few things to be useful, and show their gratitude to 
 others, that they should watch to please ; and if in the 
 village or street they see a poor old person drop his 
 stick, should run and pick it up for him; or if an 
 animal is hurt or in distress, try and help it : thus 
 always cultivating the disposition to be kind and helpful 
 whenever they can.' 
 
 " These may seem small matters, comparatively, but 
 ' trifles make up the sum of human things,' and 
 attention to them materially adds to domestic and social 
 enjoyment." 
 
 Such is a brief account of the excellent lady, from 
 whom Mr. Clayton was called, by the providence of 
 God, to part, on January 11th, 1836, at the age of 
 ninety years; and the rest of his life's journey he had 
 to pursue alone. 
 
 This chapter may fitly conclude with the following 
 letter, from the Rev. Joseph Sortain to the Rev. George 
 Clayton :^
 
 LETTER FROM MR. SORTAIN. 393 
 
 "27, Bedford Square, Brighton, ISth Jan., 1836. 
 
 "My very dear Sir, — In the Globe, last Saturday, I read 
 an account of the death of the invaluable Mrs. Clayton. This 
 is the only channel through which I have been informed of it ; 
 but I am desirous of losing no time in expressing our sincere 
 sympathy with yourself and family. 
 
 " I have been thinking, if it is possible to imagine a case in 
 which death could have been more fully deprived of his wonted 
 sting ? Mrs. Clayton has been spared so long, and meanwhile 
 has had the declivity of life made so gentle in its descent ; has 
 had the usual monotony of age so cheered and kept alive, by 
 the active events and usefulness of her sons' lives, and has been 
 so fully comforted with the consolations of hope and faith, that 
 I can conceive of no more holy or pleasing an end. She has 
 indeed been a l shock of corn fully ripe.' In some instances, it 
 would seem as if the seed was left too long after maturity, only 
 to gather mildew and expend its healthiness; but this, though 
 the ingathering has been long delayed, was still ' golden. 5 
 
 " I trust that the venerable survivor will have that grace 
 given him which shall diminish the force of this severe shock. 
 May I beg my sincerest sympathies to be offered to him ? 
 
 "Believe me, my very dear sir, most faithfully and sympa- 
 thizingly yours, 
 
 "Joseph Sortain."
 
 Chapter SXJL 
 
 REV. JOHN CLAYTON— 1836-1843. 
 
 CLOSING TEARS. — SPIRITUAL CONTRASTS. — QUESTIONS FOR SELF-EXAMINA- 
 TION. — FAMILY BEREAVEMENTS. — INTEREST IN PUBLIC MATTERS. — LAST 
 MONTHS OF LIFE. — MEMORANDA OF HIS CHILDREN. — LAST HOURS. — 
 DEATH. — FUNERAL SERVICES. — EXTRACT FROM REV. GEORGE CLAYTON'S 
 SERMON. — SUMMARY OF CHARACTER, AND LEGACY OF WISDOM TO HIS 
 SONS AS PREACHERS. — LETTER OF REV. J. SORTAIN. 
 
 In the retirement of Gaines, Mr. Clayton's last days 
 glided peacefully away. A sweet serenity of spirit 
 possessed his soul, even when he looked out on the 
 stirring world beyond ; for he knew that amid the 
 complicated wheels of various national and social 
 revolutions, which were then startling Europe, a divine 
 Spirit was moving ; that out of apparent confusion and 
 commotion would evolve order and beauty; and righ- 
 teousness and truth be established among men. 
 
 This quietude of existence was broken, as we have 
 seen, by the death of his son William, in 1838 : an event 
 which he felt deeply, and which tended still more to 
 loosen the ties that bound him to life. His principal 
 employment now was the preparation for his own 
 departure, which he knew could not be far distant. 
 He lived very near the eternal world ; and realized the 
 solemnity, and, at the same time, the happiness, which 
 a close proximity to heaven produces. He was permitted 
 now to enjoy a " consolation and good hope through 
 grace," in delightful contrast to the stormy time of 
 doubt through which he passed, in his earlier years.
 
 TEMPTATION TO DESPONDENCY. 395 
 
 In reference to that period his sonGeorge says, in one 
 of his memoranda : — 
 
 "Mr. Clayton was occasionally the subject of such inward 
 conflict, severe temptations, and depressions, that all was little 
 enough to keep him, in certain seasons of inward trial and 
 conflict, from total despair. It is not wise to lift the veil from 
 the exercises of Christian experience, even in good and holy 
 men ; yet it may afford some comfort to tried and tempted 
 Christians to know, that the same harassments they endure from 
 the arch tempter, are common to others of their brethren, in this 
 probationary state. Richard Baxter, in his Dying Thoughts, 
 records, that there were particular seasons in which he had been 
 left to wish he had been created a horse, or a toad, or some 
 other viler reptile, rather than an accountable and immortal 
 being: upon which Mr. Clayton writes on the margin of the 
 leaf, ' Et ego quoque. J. C 
 
 "At certain periods of his life, temptation had pressed so 
 ruthlessly upon his spirit, that he has been known to request 
 that he might not be left alone. It was the saying of Martin 
 Luther that three things go to form the minister, — meditation, 
 temptation, and prayer. Happy they who escape the second in 
 its direst forms ; but happier still they who, under such circum- 
 stances, can repair in faith to Him 'who was in all points 
 tempted like as we are, yet without sin,' and is therefore able to 
 sympathize with and succour them that are tempted." 
 
 Thus, on two occasions, Mr. Clayton, — in a private 
 note-book, of very early date, which he appears to have 
 preserved from the flames, to which he consigned the 
 rest of his manuscript, for the purpose of enabling him, 
 by the perusal of these brief but pregnant records of his 
 early mental struggles, to appreciate the devout peace of 
 mind he now enjoyed — wrote as follows : — 
 
 " I am filled with shame when I examine my own heart. At 
 present, I cannot perceive that I have at all grown in sanctity ; 
 and I am suffused with a mixture of shame, dejection, and 
 despair, when I consider that I sustain the character and office
 
 390 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 of a minister. I have little zeal and still less ability, and deeply 
 regret the want of a better education. 
 
 " Mysterious providence ! I entered on the work of preaching 
 a raw, inexperienced youth. I am now fixed as a pastor, in a 
 sphere where great abilities seem necessary ; the want of them 
 in me gives a striking proof of God's sovereignty. I am 
 astonished at my success. Lord ! it is thy pleasure to make 
 use of inconsiderable instruments, to accomplish great designs, 
 that the excellency of the power may appear to be of thyself." 
 
 The next extract indicates the terrible conflict of soul 
 through which he passed, while doubtful not only of his 
 call to the ministry of the Gospel, but of his possession 
 of any real piety at all — his misgivings concerning the 
 one fearfully aggravating his doubts concerning the 
 other. 
 
 " what a Sabbath has this been ! I ought to be astonished, 
 above measure, that I am out of hell. My heart has been full 
 of rebellion and discontent. I have been on the brink of giving 
 up all, — my pastoral charge, the ministry, yea, the profession of 
 religion. I was, in my own apprehension, the greatest hypocrite 
 in the congregation. I could scarcely open my mouth in prayer. 
 My present feelings — the duties that he before me to perform — 
 press my spirit so exceedingly, that relief must soon arrive, or I 
 know not what will become of me. Lord, I am oppressed 
 sore ; undertake for me. All thy waves and billows are gone 
 over me. My sins are innumerable, and aggravated to the last 
 degree. O Lord, my spirit is overwhelmed within me. Give 
 me help, speedily. Thou that hearest the young ravens when 
 they cry, be not silent unto me, lest I be like those that go 
 down into the pit. 'Why art thou cast down, O my soul? 
 Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of 
 His countenance.' " 
 
 Happily this agitation passed away. God drew him 
 up from the depths, " set his feet upon a rock, and 
 established his goings." Through all his subsequent 
 ministerial life he was enabled to keep fast hold of
 
 SELF-EXAMINATION. 397 
 
 the promises ; and his earnest and uncompromising 
 maintenance of the truth, in all his ministrations, and 
 his fervent appeals to his hearers, to receive that truth 
 into their hearts, were the result of his own personal 
 experience of its value. He could, with the apostle, 
 say, " Having the same spirit of faith, according as it is 
 written, 'I believed, and therefore have I spoken;' we 
 also believe, and therefore speak." 
 
 That his attention to his ministerial duties might not 
 be suffered to create and nourish the delusion, that an 
 official discharge thereof must, of necessity, keep the 
 heart right with God, he was accustomed to institute a 
 daily examination of himself, with a strict scrutiny of his 
 desires and motives. He drew up a series of inquiries 
 which he headed, " Questions for my own heart, every 
 evening," which were as follow : — 
 
 " (1.) Did I awake with God in the morning, and in His 
 strength, resolve to walk with. Him all the day long? Psalm 
 cxxxix. 17, 18. 
 
 " (2.) Did I willingly leave my bed, that I might go to 
 prayer, and search the "Word of God? Did I long for and 
 enjoy communion with God, in these duties ? Psalm v. 3 ; 
 cxix. 147. 
 
 " (3.) Have I walked within my house with a perfect heart ? 
 praying with the inmates, edifying them, and giving no occasion 
 of offence or stumbling to them ? 
 
 "Every Christian's family should be like Philemon's — a 
 church. Genesis xviii. 19 ; Joshua xxiv. 15 ; Philemon 2, 3. 
 
 " (4.) Have I kept my heart, this day, with all diligence ? 
 The heart should be kept for God ; and from sin and Satan, 
 and this present evil world. 
 
 " (5.) Have I so walked and prayed, that I might not enter 
 into temptation ? 
 
 "(6.) Have I done justly, and acted as if I loved mercy? 
 1 Thessalonians iv. 6 ; Titus ii. 11, 12. 
 
 " (7.) Have I bridled my tongue ? James i. 26.
 
 398 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 " (8.) Ilare I been spiritual in my civil employments ? 1 Cor. 
 vii. 30, 31. 
 
 " (9.) Have I been careful to redeem time ? Psalm xc. 12. 
 
 "(10.) Have I received mercies thankfully, and borne crosses 
 patiently ? 
 
 " (11.) How much have I advanced in heaven's way, to-day? 
 
 " (12.) Have I waited upon the Lord all this day long ? 
 Psalm xxv. 3. 
 
 " (13.) What care have I had, to adorn the Gospel this day, 
 and to win those that are without to a love of religion? 
 Philippians ii. 15." 
 
 Thus, through his lengthened life, he strove to fulfil 
 the apostolic injunction, " Examine yourselves ; prove 
 your own selves;" and though ever humbled under a 
 deep sense of his deficiencies, he could " rejoice that he 
 had the testimony of his conscience, that, in simplicity 
 and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, hut by the 
 grace of God, he had had his conversation in the world." 
 
 Domestic bereavements were now following one 
 another fast. Those of 1836 and 1838 have been 
 referred to. In April, 1840, his eldest son's faithful and 
 devoted wife passed away to her rest ; and in August, 
 1842, another chasm was created in the domestic circle 
 at Gaines, by the death of Mrs. George Clayton, at 
 Brighton. Of both these ladies some notice will be 
 given in a future page. 
 
 The winter of this year brought with it increased 
 weakness to the aged Christian, who began to be 
 conscious that soon he must lay aside his pilgrim's staff 
 and shoon, and exchange a temporary for an eternal 
 home. Some dropsical symptoms became apparent, 
 which increased till the time of his death. Yet still 
 his interest in the cause of his divine Master was 
 unabated ; and thus, in one of his latest communica-
 
 CLOSING DAYS OF LIFE. 399 
 
 tions to his son George, he writes, under date December 
 19th, 1842:— 
 
 " The glorious Gospel of the blessed God affords me a sacred 
 calmness of mind, which will not, I trust, be found delusive, at 
 the coming of Jesus Christ. I am comforted by knowing that 
 my surviving sons, with many others, faithful men, are diligently 
 preaching the unadulterated truth ' as it is in Jesus.' I lament 
 over Oxford, which is now sending out captains to lead the 
 population of our Protestant country back to mystical Egypt. 
 May the Holy Spirit lift up His standard against the enemy, 
 which is coming in like a flood ; and which I fear will drown 
 numbers in destruction and perdition." 
 
 The words of his surviving children will best describe 
 the closing months of Mr. Clayton's life : — 
 
 " On the sacramental Sabbath, in February, 1843, he appeared 
 for the last time in the pulpit ; and a supply having failed, he 
 delivered a short and pathetic discourse on the text, 'Behold 
 the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world ' — 
 affectionately urging his hearers to betake themselves to the 
 atonement of Jesus, as the only foundation of their hopes for 
 eternity. "While his disease was making slow, but certain, 
 progress, his spirit was obviously meetening for that heaven to 
 which he aspired. He familiarized himself with the admonitory 
 infirmities which, he said, were 'the inexorable messengers, to 
 warn him of the approach of death ; ' and often expressed his 
 gratitude that they 'did not subject him to acute pain, nor 
 hinder him in the employment of those private means of 
 grace, through which he could still hold communion with his 
 Saviour and Lord.' He conversed much with his relatives and 
 friends, on the goodness and mercy of God, which had followed 
 him all the days of his life. He expatiated largely on his vast 
 obligations to that divine Saviour, in whom he reposed his 
 confidence, and whom he frequently entreated ' to release him 
 from the prison of the flesh, and receive him into the everlasting 
 arms of His mercy.' ' I am thankful, also,' he said, ' that I 
 usually enjoy much peace of mind ; not, I trust, the calm of
 
 400 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 indifference or delusion, but derived from the righteousness and 
 sacrifice of the Son of God.' When one of his kindred offered 
 him a congratulation, on the serenity of his mind and the firmness 
 of his hopes, he lifted up his voice, and added — ' Yes ! but I am 
 no hero on a dying bed. Christ is all my hope : I am nothing 
 without Him ; ' and then, with tears of mingled love and 
 humiliation, he quoted the lines of one of his favourite hymns — 
 
 ' Jesus, thy blood and righteousness 
 My beauty are, my glorious dress,' &c. 
 
 "His faculties remained unbroken during his protracted 
 indisposition ; his devotional spirit was uniform ; his affection 
 constantly breathing itself forth towards his surrounding 
 children and attendants ; while he poured out brief and 
 importunate prayers for the maintenance of piety among his 
 descendants ; for the prosperity of the pastoral charges of his 
 successor and his sons ; for the little flock in the village of his 
 residence, and for the advancement of the kingdom of the 
 Redeemer throughout the world. The last few days of his 
 mortal existence he spent in the repeated expression of kind 
 wishes for those around him, and in holy aspirations to his Lord 
 and Master, whose coming he ardently desired."* 
 
 Mrs. Johnson noted down each day, during the last 
 week of her father's life, the various occurrences and 
 conversations that took place ; as everything indicated 
 that the sands in the hour-glass were nearly run, and 
 all around him desired to treasure up sacredly, in 
 their memories, the words of wisdom, and piety, and 
 humility, that fell from his lips. 
 
 "September 14. — Both my loved brothers prayed with him, 
 at different parts of the day. He was greatly impressed by the 
 abounding mercy of God, in giving him such sons ; and spoke 
 of them with great tenderness, expressing his utter unworthiness 
 of such exalted favour." 
 
 * The Present and Future Privileges of the Believer: a Sermon delivered at 
 the Poultry Chapel, on the death of the Rev. John Clayton, by his son.
 
 LAST HOUES. 401 
 
 On the 15th, Mr. George Clayton visited him again, 
 and records a conversation he held with him : — 
 
 " I found liim very feeble, and much, oppressed by infirmity. 
 He, observed that lie had passed a very trying night, much dis- 
 turbed with violent coughing. ' I several times thought myself 
 at the point of dissolution/ he said. I reminded him that he 
 might suffer more than he had done already, ere that change 
 should come ; and expressed a hope that patience might have its 
 perfect work. ' I am looking to the God of patience,' he replied, 
 ' for a continual supply of patience. O to endure unto the end ! 
 God has wise and gracious reasons for keeping me in the furnace. 
 There's something to be got rid of, and something more to be 
 attained, that I may shine in His image.' I reminded him of the 
 saying of the apostle, ' Our light affliction,' &c. 'What wondrous 
 words are these,' he exclaimed ; ' an eternal weight of glory ! ' 
 
 " He then spoke very feelingly of Christ, as the forerunner, 
 who had taken possession of heaven for us, having, by His own 
 merit and blood-shedding, entered into the holy place. He 
 made inquiry concerning some temporal matters ; and then said, 
 'How truly may I say, for myself and family, the Lord hath 
 dealt bountifully with me and mine, as a provider, a protector, 
 a benefactor, and especially as the God and Father of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ. Blessed, for ever blessed be His name ! I have 
 every attention and alleviation which my condition will admit 
 of. I am often looking back upon the rock whence I was hewn, 
 and say, " Who am I, Lord, and what is my house ? " 
 
 "He spoke of the refreshment he enjoyed, from a prayer 
 offered for him by his elder son. 'Dear fellow,' he gently 
 murmured, 'it proved a great comfort to me.' He spoke of 
 what he felt from the loss of public ordinances. He wanted to 
 be edified by the gifts and graces of others. He referred to 
 family worship, performed with enfeebled powers, but never 
 omitted. He said, a form of prayer which he sometimes used, 
 although not so copious as he wished, yet kept up connexion 
 with God, through Jesus Christ, the Mediator." 
 
 Mrs. Johnson continues her narrative of the last hours 
 of her father : —
 
 402 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 " September 1G. — On entering his chamber, he said, 'I am 
 just alive, waiting for the Son of David, who has the key. He 
 openeth, and no man shutteth. O if it would please Him, this 
 day, to open to my spirit the gates of everlasting life ! ' 
 
 "Sabbath morning. — As Mary "Wilton and myself were 
 sitting near the bed, while he dozed, he looked up, and said, 
 ' And they watched Him there. I am honoured by having those 
 who love Jesus to watch by me; — assimilated to the Great Head 
 of the church.' 
 
 " After he had been got up, and wheeled into an adjoining 
 room, he asked for the Bible, and was left in quiet, for his 
 devotions. This was the last time he was able to read. The 
 chapter in course was 1 Teter ii. When I returned to him I 
 said, ' My dear and honoured father, I have been reviewing your 
 Sabbaths at the Weighhouse.' He replied, ' Ah ! my dear ; 
 blessed be God, I was permitted to preach there for nearly fifty 
 years. But, oh ! my deficiencies, in motive, rule, and aim ! 
 God be merciful to me, a sinner. Blessed be His name ! there 
 is a great High Priest to bear away the iniquity of our holy 
 things.' 
 
 "After having lifted him into his bed, with considerable 
 trial to himself, and frequent pauses, lest his breath should fail 
 him, I said, ' Now I trust you will have some refreshing sleep.' 
 He raised both his hands and said, 'If it be thy blessed will, 
 
 blessed God, grant to one of thy most unworthy creatures 
 repose — 
 
 " Tired Nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep." 
 
 1 need a fresh sprinkling of the blood of Jesus; grant it to 
 me ! May every blessing descend on those agents who are 
 appointed to help me. Guide, protect, and comfort them.' 
 Then, with a solemn invocation to the sacred Trinity, he 
 concluded, ' Amen and Amen.' 
 
 " On Monday morning he was partially dressed, and taken 
 into the next chamber. The Bible was brought, as usual ; but, 
 on looking over the page, he said, ' My head and eyes are so 
 weak I cannot see ; ' so the chapter was read to him. Then he 
 said, ' Oh ! holy and blessed book, — praised be God for the sacred 
 records ! '
 
 DYING MOMENTS. 403 
 
 "On Tuesday he sat up for a few hours. The impress of 
 death was on his countenance, which was emaciated, and almost 
 transparent. His silver hair glistening, his eyes bright, and 
 altogether presenting such a peculiar unearthly appearance — he 
 seemed an inhabitant of another world. He did not ask for the 
 morning reading, but had Isaiah lv. repeated to him, and then 
 desired prayer to be offered. After this, in extreme and sad 
 weakness, he was lifted into bed, and appeared almost exhausted 
 when the slightest movement was made. 
 
 " He then slept some hours ; partly from the effects of a 
 sedative, given to quiet the cough, which, at intervals, was most 
 violent and distressing. He often prayed for patience, and 
 said, ' Lord, help me ; Lord, have mercy upon me.' 
 
 " On Thursday, about half-past eleven, he was slightly con- 
 vulsed, and exclaimed, 'Raise me up, raise me up; I am dying.' 
 He soon, however, became calm ; and had no more such apparent 
 conflict. Early in the morning my brother John called. On 
 taking leave, his father said, 'Farewell, dear John; peace be 
 with you : ' the last words he uttered to him. 
 
 " My brother George stayed at the house, deeply and tenderly 
 anxious to watch the ascent of the immortal spirit to glory, and 
 catch the falling mantle of the faithful servant of God. He 
 was seldom from the bedside ; but once, having left the room 
 for a short time, he was called up hastily, and bending over the 
 sufferer said, 'When thou passest through the waters they 
 shall not overflow thee.' His father was rather agitated by the 
 excessive difficulty of breathing, and said, ' Oh ! this I cannot 
 bear; I cannot bear.' Then quiet was graciously restored; and he 
 breathed gradually shorter, with his eyes closed, for some time. 
 
 "In the afternoon George repeated one of his favourite 
 hymns, ' Jesus, thy blood and righteousness,' &c, &c. ; and in 
 some lines was at a loss. The dying saint supplied the word or 
 sentence needed. When the hymn, ' Jesus, lover of my soul,' was 
 repeated to him, and the line came, ' Still support and comfort 
 me,' he said twice, ' Still support and comfort me : comfort roe! 
 He often raised his hand and said, 
 
 'Eock of ages, cleft for me, 
 Let me hide myself in thee.'
 
 404 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 ' Lord, have mercy on me ; Christ, have mercy on me.' When 
 my brother prayed with him, he joined most devoutly, and said, 
 ' the mercy of having such sons ! Thank you, George ; thank 
 you.' 
 
 " The night was partly dozed away, when his most devoted 
 and tender nurse and friend said, ' Sir, can I do anything for 
 you ? ' he replied, ' Nothing, my dear, unless you could go into 
 eternity with me.' 
 
 "At half-past six, on Friday morning, his faithful female 
 servant came into the chamber, and he very inarticulately 
 inquired after her welfare. When he was asked, ' Is Jesus with 
 you ? ' he made a slight assenting sound, but could not speak. 
 
 "At a quarter before nine, the messenger of release was 
 evidently come ; and all present kneeled around the bed. 
 Dearest brother George commended the departing spirit to the 
 care of angels, and the bosom of the Redeemer ; and at nine 
 the last sigh was breathed. Then we kneeled again, and 
 Georo-e "-ave thanks for the mercy vouchsafed to the loved and 
 honoured saint. 
 
 " The heavens seemed opened : the shining ones took him to 
 the Celestial City; the harpers sounded a welcome; the ran- 
 somed, rescued souls, whom he had led to Jesus, hailed him; the 
 spirits of relations, gone before, rejoiced in his entrance to the 
 New Jerusalem ; and he saw Him, whom he had so constantly 
 and ardently longed to behold, 'The Lamb slain from the 
 foundation of the world.' " 
 
 His mortal remains were committed to the tomb, in 
 Bunhill Fields, where already several members of his 
 family had been laid; the funeral services being con- 
 ducted by Dr. Burder. On the following Lord's day 
 sermons were preached by his sons, and by other 
 ministers, who desired to testify their veneration for 
 the. excellencies of the departed, and to magnify the 
 grace of God in him. Mr. John Clayton's sermon was 
 from the appropriate text, Psalm xci. 16, "With long 
 life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation."
 
 FUNERAL SERMON. 405 
 
 His son George preached to his own people at Walworth, 
 from 2 Kings ii. 11, 12 — the translation of Elijah. 
 From this latter unpublished discourse I give the 
 following extract, as a summary of the leading charac- 
 teristics of his venerable father : — 
 
 " Let me show the applicability of the circumstances narrated, 
 in this account of the translation of Elijah, to the case before us. 
 
 "Your pastor has verified it in some of its distinguishing 
 features. He had a great desire and determination, like Elisha, 
 to witness the last conflict ; and it was granted to him. He 
 talked with him, as he drew near to the Jordan ; he beheld the 
 change, and the departure, which was peaceful and glorious; 
 and from the depths of his heart cried, ' My father, my father, 
 the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.' In this 
 exclamation many here will unite. 
 
 " He loved the congregation at York Street. I never visited 
 him, but he inquired after you and your families. The last 
 sacramental service he ever celebrated, was here. You will 
 remember the majesty, the solemn seriousness and benignity, 
 with which he rose to give you his blessing, at the close of the 
 service. The affectionate greetings which he received from 
 you, were fragrant as precious ointment ; and, as it has 
 happened, therewith was he anointed for his burial. 
 
 " I may sum up his character in a few sentences. 
 
 " 1. As a Christian and a minister, he was of divine, not 
 human formation ; not a mere creature of tuition or imitation. 
 The hand of God was manifestly seen in all the incidents that 
 led to his introduction to the ministerial office, and in the 
 subsequent movements of his eventful life. 
 
 "2. He was distinguished by his steady attachment to 
 truth and holiness. His testimony he bore with unflinching 
 courage, against error in doctrine ; against ritualistic novelties 
 in worship ; and against everything dishonourable in practice. 
 In nothing was he more stern, than in his denunciations of 
 shameless and dishonest commercial transactions, and revolu- 
 tionary movements, in the political world. 
 
 " 3. He was distinguished by eminent prudence and discre-
 
 406 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 tion, in all his affairs. lie was frugal in his habits, but never 
 parsimonious ; beneficent, but not profuse ; remembering he was 
 to be a wise steward, who neither on himself nor others wasted 
 his Master's goods. 
 
 " 4. lie was a decided and conscientious Nonconformist. He 
 never concealed his convictions, nor compromised his principles. 
 Yet he could never bring himself to speak in terms of disrespect 
 and contempt of the Established Church. He could not forget 
 that at St. Ann's, Blackfriars, under Mr. Romaine, he first 
 drew the breath of spiritual life. He associated much with the 
 clergymen of that church, and prayed fervently for all its 
 members. During his later years it was a part of his Sabbath 
 work to read over, in his closet, the morning service of the Book 
 of Common Prayer, never omitting the Litany ; in order, as he 
 said, that he might hold communion with the members of that 
 fellowship, on the Lord's day. There was no acrimony in his 
 nonconform^. He gave, as he claimed, the right to every 
 man to choose for himself, according to his deep and solemn 
 convictions. He loved all, and treated all with courtesy, who 
 loved the Lord Jesus Christ, and bore His image. 
 
 " 5. He was eminently blessed with conversational talents. 
 He was almost as useful by his private addresses, as by his 
 public ministrations. All was natural and unaffected. There 
 was no offensiveness of tone, but a deep and evident solicitude 
 for the good of those he addressed. His manner was ever kind, 
 yet with an air of authority, that made him impressive and 
 commanding. In the midst of his public labours, and after- 
 wards in his retirement, he lost no opportunity of doing good. 
 He had a marvellous facility of adaptation of address to the 
 persons spoken to, and to the circumstances that were occurring 
 at the thne — a rare and most precious talent. 
 
 " 6. As a preacher he was ever dignified, serious, scriptural, 
 animated, earnest, and affectionate. His appearance, his voice, 
 his manner, all told mightily on his audience. Well do I 
 remember how often his congregation listened in deep silence ; 
 and the breathless pauses that were frequently noticed in that 
 crowded assembly, when the people seemed to hang on his lips. 
 His was the eloquence of nature, not of art; and the effects 
 that followed were great, ' The word was with power.' "
 
 ADVICE TO MINISTERS. 407 
 
 All who remember the venerable preacher, to whom 
 his son thus refers, will confirm the testimony here 
 given, as to the striking effects produced by his pulpit 
 ministrations. For these, as has been stated, he made 
 very careful preparations. Among Mr. George Clayton's 
 papers I found the following hints, which he, along with 
 his brothers, received from their father, as designed to 
 help them in their studies for the pulpit ; and may not 
 be inappropriately introduced here. They may, doubt- 
 less, be regarded as descriptive of the course he himself 
 usually pursued; and will explain the originality, 
 freedom, and vigour, which characterized his public 
 addresses : — 
 
 " In composing your sermons, endeavour," said he, " to 
 ascertain, by every possible method, the genuine sense and 
 design of the passage. In order to do this, resort to your 
 Hebrew Bible and Greek Testament : mark well the context, 
 and other collateral portions of Holy Scripture; and consult 
 judicious and approved commentators, with a just appreciation 
 of their opinions, but not with slavish deference. Let your 
 thoughts in sermonizing be the offspring of your own minds. 
 You may borrow another man's spectacles, but be careful always 
 to see with your own eyes. Avoid plagiarism, and the 
 intentional imitation of any living preacher, however eminent 
 or popular. I have found it a wholesome exercise, after my 
 own preparations have been completed, to read the work of some 
 sound divine of established celebrity, on the subject of the 
 intended discourse, not for the purpose of furnishing extracts 
 or quotations, but of rectifying any misconceptions into which 
 I might have inadvertently fallen, and of catching the spirit 
 and unction of the best of our theological writers. 
 
 "Study variety in the choice of your topics of discourse. 
 Tether not yourself nor your hearers to a few favourite themes; 
 but walk at large through the fair field of revelation, in the length 
 and Jbreadth of it. Old knoivledge continually repeated, grows 
 wearisome, and excites disgust. Like the hoarded manna in the
 
 40S THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Israelitish camp, it breeds worms and corruption. Old truths as 
 often as you please ; but presented to the mind in all the 
 freshness of recent composition, with such additional lights as 
 time, reflection, and experience may cast upon them. Beware 
 of ' the sallow manuscript ; ' unless you set to work upon 
 it, in order to give it fresh attire, and adjust it skilfully to 
 the existing state of things, and the ever- varying exigencies of 
 your people. 
 
 "Furthermore, cautiously guard against monotony in your 
 tones : they have a deadening effect, and dispose to somnolence 
 on the part of the hearer. Beware, also, of contracting, 
 insensibly, unseemly habits in public service ; distortions of the 
 countenance, in the devotional exercises; and awkward twitchings 
 of the body, in preaching. Give the people the benefit of the 
 eye, by looking at those you address, instead, as some have done, 
 of fixing your gaze on the ceiling, the opposite wall, or the 
 pulpit cushion." 
 
 He urgently recommended a style of tender expostulation 
 in public addresses. Criticism, logical niceties, elaborate disqui- 
 sitions, he believed to be unedifying and uninteresting to the 
 majority of our auditories, and much out of place in the sacred 
 desk. " That which is required is the lucid statement of the 
 truth of the Gospel ; something that will ' strike and stay,' 
 pressed home upon the consciences and feelings of the hearers." 
 
 He mentioned, in reference to pulpit criticism, that when 
 newly settled in London, he went to hear an elder minister, who 
 was held in great repute, for his varied and extensive learning. 
 Having taken his text from the prophet's vision of " the baskets 
 of summer fruit," he bestowed three quarters of an hour in 
 discussing the material and shape, and capacity of the baskets, 
 at that time in use amongst the Jews ; quoting largely from 
 Hebrew authors, of great antiquity, and at last left it altogether 
 uncertain whether these baskets were of wicker or straw, of 
 porcelain or metal ; whether oval, roimd, or square, whether of 
 larger or smaller quantity. He then drew his discourse to a 
 close, lamenting that the time was far spent, and that he must 
 necessarily abstain from the improvement of the subject which 
 he had contemplated. Mr. Clayton being asked how he liked
 
 MR. sortain's letter. 409 
 
 the sermon, could only reply, "We have heard much of the 
 baskets, but where was the fruit ? " 
 
 He frequently and solemnly inculcated the duty and neces- 
 sity of prayer, in the composition of sermons, and all prepara- 
 tions for the pulpit. " Pray, before you begin — pray, as you 
 proceed — pray, when you have finished; " quoting often the well- 
 known saying, " Bene orasse, est bene studuisse." " Watch also 
 with anxious expectation for the result. The happy consequences 
 of the faithful proclamation of the Gospel, when circumstances 
 permit, should be diligently inquired for ; and they are well 
 worth looking after, as supplying a present encouragement to 
 the minister, and useful direction in his future course." 
 
 With these words of good sound sense and wisdom, the 
 memoir of Mr. Clayton must close. That he was a man 
 who deserved well of his contemporaries, and one, the 
 memory of whom should not pass utterly away, without 
 some such attempt as has here been made to introduce 
 him " to the generation following," will, I think, be 
 admitted, even though the work of the biographer may 
 have been imperfectly performed. Mr. Sortain's words, 
 in a note of condolence, which he addressed to Mr. 
 George Clayton, when he heard of his father's death, 
 record the opinion of all who knew the subject of his 
 eulogy, and may fitly end this chapter : — 
 
 "You and your whole family have the best sympathies of 
 the entire Christian church. I believe that there never was 
 a servant of Christ, who, after a most honourable, dignified, 
 consistent, and useful life, 'waited for the consolation of Israel' 
 with a more legitimate hope. It was his lot to be the link 
 between the calm, soberminded, judicious ministiy of the former 
 generation, and the fervid, active one of the present. O ! would 
 that we could with ' like patience possess our souls.' 
 
 " I trust, my dear sir, that Mrs. Clayton and Mrs. Johnson are 
 enabled, with yourself, so brightly to realize the reward which 
 the patriarch is now enjoying, that you feel no gloom. 'The 
 path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and 
 more unto the perfect day.'"
 
 Chapter XH3L 
 
 REV. JOHN CLAYTON. -1834-1848. 
 
 MINISTERIAL PROSPERITY. — DEATH OP MRS. JOHN CLAYTON. — SKETCH 
 OF HER LIFE AND CHARACTER BY" HER HUSBAND. — RESIDENCE AT 
 ROMFORD. — SECOND MARRIAGE. — ANNOUNCEMENT OF HIS RETIREMENT 
 FROM THE POULTRY CHAPEL PASTORATE. — LETTERS TO AND FROM 
 THE CHURCH. — RESIGNATION. — "WELCOME TO TITUS." — PRESENTATION 
 OF TESTIMONIAL. 
 
 Until the commencement of 1836, the even current 
 of Mr. John Clayton's domestic and public life flowed 
 on, as we have described it, in a former chapter, with no 
 other than the orcUnary interruptions that are incident 
 to mortal existence. His autumn was a truly golden 
 one ; rich in the ripe fruits of experience and wisdom, 
 of which multitudes were privileged to partake. His 
 preaching was never characterized by more unction 
 than at this time. With no less fervour than he had 
 displayed in his more youthful ministrations, it had 
 that mellowness which only years can give ; and the 
 large congregations that used to listen to him, with 
 devout pleasure, never more thoroughly realized the 
 meaning of the words of the prophet Isaiah : " And in 
 this mountain shall the Lord of hosts make unto all 
 people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, 
 of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well 
 refined." 
 
 But, as has been stated, the opening month of 1836 
 introduced a great destroyer into the household at 
 Gaines, and his venerable mother was summoned to 
 her rest. Two years later, the sudden death of his
 
 MES. JOHN CLAYTON. 411 
 
 brother William occurred, at Mill Hill, on March 15th, 
 1838 ; and the increasing solemnity of his own position 
 was deeply felt, as voices from the unseen world 
 became more and more audible, and gleams thence 
 seemed more vividly to flash before his eyes. 
 
 He was destined, however, after two more years had 
 elapsed, to feel the keenest pangs of bereavement he 
 had yet known ; when the same dread messenger, who 
 had invaded the sanctities of the happy homes at 
 Gaines and Mill Hill, came to beckon away from his 
 side the wife of his bosom, who for thirty- seven years 
 had been the light and life of his household. 
 
 A funeral sermon, preached by the Eev. Dr. Burder, 
 on the occasion of Mrs. Clayton's death, which occurred 
 April 23rd, 1840, had appended to it a sketch of the 
 deceased, which, though not avowedly acknowledged as 
 from her husband's pen, bears unequivocal evidence of 
 its authorship. It is given here entire, as presenting 
 a better and more lifelike portraiture than any other 
 hand could draw. " Her children arise up, and call her 
 blessed ; her husband also, and he praiseth her." 
 
 " The late Mrs. Sarah Clayton was the daughter of 
 Mr. William Ellis, of Fenchurch Street, London, and 
 entered this world on the 28th of December, 1779. 
 Her childhood was spent chiefly at home ; as from the 
 delicate state of her health she was not able to bear 
 the bustle, and some of the inevitable restraints, of 
 school. The instruction which she received was partly 
 from an aunt, and partly at the establishment of 
 Mrs. Walker, of Hackney. She was in the constant 
 habit of attending, with her parents, on the ministry of 
 the Rev. John Clayton, of the King's Weighhouse, 
 Eastcheap ; and under his discourses was frequently
 
 412 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 the subject of deep convictions of sin. An intimacy 
 having been formed between her and the sister of the 
 Ecv. George Ford, of Stepney, she often went to hear 
 him at Zion chapel, and Orange Street, Leicester 
 Square. It was while attending to one of his discourses 
 that her inquiring and anxious mind obtained spiritual 
 relief; and it proved the more immediate instrument 
 of that change, which she always considered as her 
 conversion to God. It has been her frequent exclama- 
 tion, ' that I could always be the subject of those 
 lively impressions, which I felt when Mr. Ford gave his 
 address to the people, from that beautiful passage, 
 " Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward 
 receive me to glory." ' 
 
 "On the 4th of June, 1801, she was united to the 
 church at Stepney; and remained in communion with 
 that Christian society till her marriage with the 
 Eev. John Clayton, jun., in 1803. 
 
 "It is obvious, from the written records of her 
 experience, that her entrance on so new a sphere of 
 relationship and duty called forth a spirit of most 
 earnest prayer, that she might not only prove a suitable 
 partner to her husband, but that, in the semi-public 
 station in which she was to be occupied, she might 
 exemplify the character of a Christian minister's wife. 
 This was a period in which she evidently spent much 
 time in converse with God, and in the exercise of 
 habitual vigilance, that neither her religious profession, 
 nor the ministry to which she was allied, might be 
 justly blamed. 
 
 " ' I think/ she writes, ' that some of those who marry 
 ministers carry themselves proudly, so that the poor are afraid 
 of them; and some are so vulgar, that the rich are disgusted 
 with them ; some arc so light and trifling, that they are
 
 MBS. JOHN CLAYTON. 413 
 
 hindrances rather than helpmeets to their husbands. Lord, 
 preserve me from these three evils ! ' 
 
 "111 the course of a comparatively few years, she 
 became the mother of eight children; three of whom 
 are numbered with the dead, and five of whom survive. 
 During this period of life, her domestic character 
 pleasantly and advantageously exhibited itself to view. 
 Punctual in her early morning devotions, she was 
 always prepared calmly to enter on the duties of the 
 busy day; and was remarkable for the order, accuracy, 
 and efficiency of their fulfilment. She often quoted a 
 familiar saying of her mother-in-law, ' That everything 
 in a family should have its proper place and season; 
 and that the mistress should guide the house, and 
 not drive it.' She was very considerate, as to the 
 requirements which she made of her servants ; and 
 wished, as she said, ' to see them always adequately 
 employed, but not in a violent hurry ; as the work was 
 then likely to be ill done, and bad tempers to be 
 excited.' 
 
 " As the minds of her little ones were developed, she 
 attentively watched the opportunities of conveying the 
 simple truths of the Gospel to their understandings, 
 as well as of applying them to their hearts; and her 
 surviving sons and daughters can attest, how earnest 
 and constant were her efforts to conduct them to that 
 gentle Shepherd, who gathers the lambs in His arms, 
 and carries them in His bosom ; and how repeatedly, 
 on the evenings of the Sabbath, as she knelt in the 
 midst of the youthful group, she bedewed their heads 
 with the tears of devout desire, that ' Christ might be 
 formed in their hearts, the hope of glory.' 
 
 " The following extract from her diary will best 
 exhibit the state of her mind, in reference to the 
 eternal welfare of her children : —
 
 414 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 " ' I have just had an interesting and melting interview with 
 my two sons. I entered into full conversation with them, on 
 the great concerns of their souls ; and was enabled to engage 
 in prayer with .them, with much liberty. This solemn inter- 
 view will not be forgotten by me. that it may produce 
 serious impressions on them ! I feel it a most momentous 
 affair to be a parent ; and as my children rise up into society, I 
 am anxious to know that they have commenced their travels to 
 a better country. The hopes and fears to which Christian 
 parents are liable, can only be fully known by experience. 
 What would satisfy a worldly, is not sufficient for the Christian, 
 father or mother. No ; we cannot fully rejoice till we can say, 
 "Our children are walking in the truth." I want something 
 more than mental furniture upon common subjects, and decency 
 of conduct. I long for the tears of penitence, for the cry, 
 "What must I do to be saved?" for the holy and bold 
 resolution to join themselves to the Lord, in a covenant not to 
 be forgotten. Oh ! to hear them say, 
 
 " Here, Lord, we give ourselves away ; 
 'Tis all that we can do." 
 
 Lord, hear my request ! I ask not, as the mother of Zebedee's 
 children, that my two sons may be eminent in their stations 
 in this life — that I leave entirely in thy hands ; but I do 
 importunately ask that they may have seats in the church on 
 earth, and in the kingdom of heaven at last.' 
 
 " In the arrangements of providence, her companion 
 removed from Kensington, where he was first fixed, as a 
 pastor, and settled over the church in Camomile Street, 
 London, which was in a widowed state, owing to the 
 death of the Rev. John Reynolds. In the year 1819, 
 the Christian community removing to the new chapel 
 in the Poultry, an alteration soon took place in the 
 times of conducting public worship. It then became 
 the practice of Mrs. Clayton to devote the afternoon of 
 the Lord's day to her children ; and she thus states her 
 opinion upon the subject: —
 
 MRS. JOHN CLAYTON. 415 
 
 " ' If I were in single life, or had no family, I should generally 
 deem it my duty to instruct in the Sunday school ; but I do not 
 like those ostriches, who run to great distances in the desert, 
 and neglect their own brood.' 
 
 " Her custom she continued, therefore, until her 
 offspring reached an age when they retired to read by 
 themselves, or attended the services of some neighbour- 
 ing sanctuary. As they successively passed away into 
 society, and into different positions of life, she was 
 wont to say, 'Well, our children are no longer under 
 the wing of our immediate protection; now let us 
 spread the wings of more earnest prayer for them/ 
 During this course of parental proceeding, it was the 
 habit of herself and husband to devote special seasons 
 to prayer, that the blessing of God might rest on their 
 united endeavours to train up their children in the 
 1 nurture and admonition of the Lord.' 
 
 " While Mrs. Clayton shone in the domestic depart- 
 ment, to which she was principally devoted, in her 
 earlier years of married life, her example in the public 
 scene became brighter and brighter, as she advanced. 
 Many of the religious and benevolent societies at the 
 Poultry originated exclusively in her agency, assisted, 
 for a considerable length of time, by only one or two 
 steady coadjutors. In the establishment and movements 
 of all she became singularly active.* Her words were, — 
 
 " ' I think that I am acquiring some influence among our 
 beloved people ; and as it is a talent for which I am responsible, 
 I must try and turn it to a good account. I am ashamed to see 
 
 * Amongst numerous letters of affectionate condolence, which Mr. Clayton 
 has received from Christian friends, since the decease of the lamented subject of 
 the above brief memoir, are valuable communications from the deacons of the 
 church, and the committees of all the societies at the Poultry chapel, expressive 
 of their sympathy ; and attesting the calm but energetic zeal with which 
 Mrs. Clayton devoted herself to their several interests.
 
 41 G THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 so many professors, who have much leisure, but who spend their 
 time in nothing else but idle gossiping, and give themselves 
 i;p to no useful pursuit whatever. Lord, may I not be a 
 drone, but a busy bee, in the hive to which I belong ! ' 
 
 "The committees of the Schools, of the Maternal 
 and Benevolent Societies, and of the Cheap Clothing 
 Society, can bear testimony to her zeal for their welfare, 
 and her untiring assiduity to maintain their useful 
 operations. She was the life and soul of the Friendly 
 Female Society, instituted for the removal of a debt of 
 a thousand pounds on the school-house and asylum ; 
 and upon her completion of that enterprise, on her 
 return home, her joy was such that she wept profusely, 
 and exclaimed, as her husband read over the details of 
 the meetings, ' I feel that I am an utterly unprofitable 
 servant towards God; but I bless His name, that He 
 has enabled me and my companions, notwithstanding 
 some have discouraged us, to finish this work.' 
 
 " Some time afterwards, on the receipt of a silver tea- 
 service, and a purse of one hundred guineas for her 
 husband, from the church and congregation, and which 
 (to use her own words) were ' presented in a manner so 
 unostentatious, delicate, and affectionate, as to delight 
 her heart ; ' she was so overpowered with strong emotions 
 that, for many days together, she was occasionally 
 weeping (as she said) ' with gratitude to God, and 
 tender attachment to the people of her choice ; ' adding, 
 ' I am no admirer of those religious ramblers who rove 
 everywhere, and seem to me, after all, to do little or 
 nothing that is effective. I dwell among my own 
 people.' 
 
 " About five years ago, Mrs. Clayton was attacked 
 with an affection which seemed to indicate a disease of 
 the heart, which greatly enfeebled her strength, and
 
 MRS. JOHN CLAYTON. 417 
 
 which, in connexion with certain painful anxieties 
 respecting some of her children, hore down her animal 
 spirits. On her recovery, from a confinement of some 
 months to her chamber, she writes : ' I have felt a very 
 strong temptation to retire altogether into privacy ; hut 
 I must resist it ; and hope to pursue an active course, 
 with as much vigour as the impaired state of my health 
 will admit.' This determination she amply fulfilled; 
 for, until her last fatal illness, she was unremitting in 
 her attempts to sustain and advance those institutions, 
 in the prosperity of which she took so lively an interest. 
 
 " It was on her attendance on a meeting of the 
 young persons who had been educated in the schools, 
 that she caught a violent cold. She strove against it 
 for a few days ; but it issued in an attack of influenza 
 and sore throat, which rendered her incapable of 
 swallowing anything but a little liquid, for ten days. 
 An imposthume also formed in the right ear, which 
 gave her great pain ; but on its breaking, she found 
 relief, and appeared to be gradually recovering. 
 
 " On Tuesday, the 22nd of April, 1840, she sat up 
 for two hours, in the afternoon ; and on the return of 
 her husband from an anniversary service, he took a 
 chair by her side, and inquired how she felt, as to body 
 and mind. With a smile of love and of Christian hope 
 on her countenance, she said, ' As to the body, I am 
 certainly much better, though I have such sensations 
 in my head, and such a numbness in my arm, that I 
 have an impression I shall not ultimately recover 
 from this attack; but I think I shall some day go off 
 suddenly, like my aunt. As to the mind,' she added, 
 ' I enjoy a singular calmness, for so anxious a being as I 
 am. I wished to tell you what a Sabbath morning I 
 spent in bed. I had such a sense of God's love to me, 
 
 E E
 
 41 S THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 in all His dealings, and such a sweet persuasion of my 
 interest in Christ, that I felt as though I could give 
 my mortal interests up, and make my God my all. I 
 assure you, it was to me a Sabbath morning of unmixed 
 delight, and seemed like a foretaste of heaven.' 
 
 " And so it was — a taste of the grapes of Canaan, 
 before she crossed the Jordan. On Thursday, the 
 23rd, she relapsed; and an extreme restlessness came 
 on, which was most distressing to witness. Two 
 medical attendants saw her, both of whom entertained 
 a hope that the malady would again yield to appropriate 
 treatment. In the evening she stated that her head had 
 become so bad that she should lose her senses, if she 
 had not a composing draught given to her, and which 
 she importuned the nurse to administer. A moderate 
 opiate had been provided, in case of necessity; and 
 soon after she had taken it she sunk into a tranquil 
 slumber. 
 
 "At four o'clock on Friday morning, her husband 
 went into the room and found her asleep, though 
 apparently breathing with some difficulty, and stated 
 that in a couple of hours he would return. About 
 twenty minutes to five, her attendant knocked at his 
 door, and said, ' sir, will you come into my mistress's 
 room ? for she has given two or three sighs, and really 
 seems as though she did not breathe ! ' He hastened 
 into the chamber, and finding no pulsation at the wrist, 
 and no beating at the heart, as he wiped away the cold 
 perspiration from her face, and bent over her, to give 
 her a parting kiss, he saw unequivocal indications that 
 her spirit had fled from the clay tenement, and had 
 winged its way to the bosom of her Saviour and her 
 God. The household was immediately alarmed: several 
 came around her bed : one or two exclaimed, ' No, she
 
 MRS. JOHN CLAYTON. 419 
 
 is not dead ; it is only a fainting fit.' But it proved to 
 be the crisis of dissolution — the moment of her glorious 
 birth into a world where no sigh is heaved, no groan is 
 heard, no tear is shed ; and where the immortal inhabi- 
 tant can suffer no painful separations. 
 
 " The required brevity of this memoir, intended only 
 as an appendage to a funeral discourse, forbids its 
 writer to expatiate on the numerous excellencies of 
 character which the beloved deceased sustained. In 
 the conjugal relation she was always tender, affectionate, 
 and devotedly attentive to her husband; in the maternal, 
 overflowing with love to her children, and ready to 
 make any personal sacrifice for their well-being in both 
 worlds; in the private walks of life, respectful and 
 courteous to superiors, condescending and kind to 
 inferiors, and ever prompt to relieve, to the utmost of 
 her ability, the wants and woes of her fellow-creatures ; 
 and, as the wife of a minister, most considerate, prudent, 
 sympathetic, and usefully active. Her friendly attach- 
 ment to those whom she esteemed, as the faithful 
 servants of Christ, was very strong; and among social 
 pleasures none gratified her more than to see them at 
 the table of her hospitality ; and to mingle in conversa- 
 tion with them, on the state of their flocks, and the 
 progress of religion in the world. 
 
 " She breathed a true missionary spirit ; of which 
 some judgment may be formed from the subjoined 
 extract : — 
 
 " 'July 2lst, 1829. — Among the many spiritual advantages 
 which I possess, in the situation in which a kind providence 
 has placed me, one is, that I have so often the pleasure of 
 enjoying the society of holy and eminent ministers of Christ : 
 and, if my heart does not deceive me, I do greatly prize this 
 privilege. This last week, however, has been to me one of the
 
 4.20 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 most interesting and impressive I ever enjoyed in my life. 
 We accompanied dear Dr. Philip, and his wife and two 
 daughters, down to Gravesend, to take leave of them, before 
 they sail for the Cape. The evening on which we arrived 
 (Thursday, 17th), we went with them to the house of God, and 
 held a missionary meeting ; and at the close committed the 
 Christian company to Him who holds the waters in the hollow 
 of His hand. 
 
 " ' The next morning we met some more Christian friends at 
 breakfast. The conversation was melting, and yet animating ; 
 and related to the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom. 
 My husband engaged in prayer ; and was so assisted and 
 enlarged, as to produce a strong feeling ; and, I think, none 
 rose from their knees without, weeping eyes. At about twelve 
 at noon, we were joined by fourteen or fifteen more missionaries ; 
 some from France, and others from Germany, but all of one 
 heart and mind. With them came many ministers, among 
 whom were Mr. Orme, Mr. Arundel, Drs. Fletcher and Reed, 
 Mr. James and Mr. Slatterie. Such conversation, prayers, and 
 addresses, and such a genuine flow of Christian love, I never 
 heard or witnessed before ; and I hardly expect to see anything 
 equal to it, on this side heaven. 
 
 " ' The excitement has actually affected my bodily health, so 
 that I am almost unfitted for the duties to which I have 
 returned. Lord, I desire that the past scene may stir me up to 
 holy inquiries, whether I am in the right way to that blessed 
 world, where all thy saints shall meet again, and where 
 missionary work will be needed no more ; when the whole body 
 of the ransomed of the Lord shall be brought from the north 
 and south, the cast and west, and sit down together in the 
 kingdom of God. 
 
 " There shall our passions all be love, 
 And all our powers be praise." ' 
 
 " Mrs. Clayton's visitors at her own house can testify 
 to the animated joy which she felt, in receiving the 
 refugees from Madagascar, in company with the Rev. 
 Mr. Freeman, and while listening to his details of the
 
 MRS. JOHN CLAYTON. 421 
 
 history of the sable group, around whom were collected 
 about forty of her Christian friends. 
 
 " On points of difference among Christian professors, 
 she said that she was intentionally guarded in her 
 conversation, as she thought that many let their tongues 
 run a useless race, on this subject, and often got no 
 valuable prize by it. She was, on principle, a Congre- 
 gationalist; yet her disposition was most catholic 
 towards all who hold the head, Christ. She often 
 expressed a dislike to vehement and angry controversy, 
 and avowed her determination to suppress, so far as she 
 was able, that spirit and language, which she deemed 
 particularly unbecoming in a Christian female ; and by 
 which the adherents of different denominations separate 
 friends, undermine true charity, impede usefulness in the 
 church, and present a repulsive edition of Christianity 
 to the world. 
 
 " Perhaps her prejudices were too strong against 
 those persons in whom she witnessed what she called 
 ' heterodoxy of temper,' connected with matters of reli- 
 gion. The writer of these lines scarcely ever remem- 
 bers her to have used anything like the language of 
 strong censure, excepting when she discovered a bitter 
 spirit in others towards fellow- Christians. One striking 
 instance of this occurred at table, on a particular 
 occasion. A certain person was dealing out his accu- 
 satory and acrimonious remarks very liberally around 
 him; and turning to her, and, with an air and tone of 
 rudeness, rebuking her for silence, said, ' Well, now I 
 am determined to have your opinion.' She coolly 
 replied, 'Why, sir, I had rather be excused from giving 
 it.' He rejoined, 'But we must and will have it; for 
 we live in times in which we ought to show our colours.' 
 'Well, sir,' she added, ' my opinion is this; that gentle-
 
 422 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 men had better keep their razors to shave their own 
 faces ; and not employ them to cut and slash everybody 
 who does not think exactly as they do. I also think, 
 sir, that Paul judged the same, when he said to Titus, 
 " Put them in mind to speak evil of no man ; to be no 
 brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all 
 men." ' Several pious friends are living who can 
 confirm this statement ; and who can recollect the 
 effect produced on the whole company, by the sudden 
 check thus given to the gratuitous exercise of unchari- 
 tableness. 
 
 " The papers which Mrs. Clayton has left behind her 
 afford many striking exemplifications, not only of the 
 spirit, but of the practice of her charity. As a lover of 
 all the good, she secretly ministered of her substance to 
 the necessitous, to whatever caste they belonged; and 
 considering the limitation of her means, — more especially 
 till within the last ten or fifteen years, — the extent of her 
 silent liberalities to the poor, and her self-denial to 
 communicate to some persons in particular, have excited 
 much astonishment. She has often gone to her drawers, 
 and when she could not find appropriate garments to 
 give away to applicants, has disposed of articles of dress 
 which she had not made up for herself, and parted with 
 them to clothe the indigent. 
 
 " Yet, withal, such was her deep humility and sense 
 of unworthiness, and such her extreme dislike of every- 
 thing that had the aspect of flattery, that she could not 
 bear to hear a word in her own praise ; and on a late 
 occasion, when, after an act of singular and ill-requited 
 generosity, the sentence was quoted to her from the 
 book of Proverbs — ' Her husband, he praiseth her ; ' she 
 exclaimed, ' In this world, my love, I wish to serve in 
 the shade ; in the next, I hope I may serve and shine.'
 
 RESIDENCE AT ROMFORD. 423 
 
 In short, her motto was, 'For me to live is Christ; 
 and to die, gain.' During her earthly course, she well 
 illustrated the first part of this interesting sentence; 
 and now, having hid adieu to all the cares, conflicts, 
 and imperfect satisfactions of this inferior scene, the 
 author of this lowly sketch avows his full and consola- 
 tory persuasion, that she ' shines with the brightness of 
 the firmament, and as the stars for ever and ever.' " 
 
 Shortly after this, Mr. Clayton left Hackney, and 
 went to reside at Romford, that he might he near his 
 venerable father, and his only sister, Mrs. Johnson, 
 who lived at Upminster. Through the facilities of 
 transit, it required scarcely any additional expenditure 
 of time, to reach London from Romford, than was 
 formerly necessary in going thither from Hackney; 
 while that distance from town secured him a greater 
 freedom from the invasion of the quiet and retirement 
 of his home, from which he could not obtain exemption 
 when residing nearer the great city. Then, an inces- 
 sant stream of callers — each one probably imagining 
 that he was the only visitor for the day— made sad 
 havoc with the hours devoted to study, or that ought to 
 have been consecrated to domestic claims. By the 
 change now effected his time became more at his own 
 disposal. 
 
 With Mr. Clayton's thoroughly domesticated habits, 
 the loss of the wife who had so long been his congenial 
 companion could not but be deeply felt; and having 
 arrived at a time of life when a man more than ever 
 desires the endearments of the social circle, it is not 
 to be wondered at, that, when a period of three years 
 of widowerhood had elapsed, he contracted a second 
 marriage, in June, 1843, with Mrs. Lloyd, a widow lady, 
 residing at South Ockenden, in Essex.
 
 •121 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Shortly after tliis, ho began to consider the propriety 
 of relinquishing his charge at the Poultry. The example 
 of his father, which had been followed by the subsequent 
 happy settlement of Mr. Binney, as his successor at the 
 Weighhousc, had doubtless no small influence on him 
 in coming to a determination. \Yith all the reasons, 
 by which his fathers mind had been governed, he was 
 familiar; and his own convictions being in perfect 
 harmony with those of his venerable parent, he ventured 
 to imitate his example. There were no indications of 
 failing powers, other than those which sixty-five years 
 naturally supplied; but before the increase of these 
 should compel him to retire from the pastorate, and 
 before any of his people should have occasion to con- 
 sider it desirable, he resolved to relinquish it voluntarily. 
 
 On New Years day, 1845, he sent the following note 
 to his estimable deacons : — 
 
 "Dear Brethren, — On the first day in the new year, I 
 convey to you my best wishes, that it may please the God of 
 providence and grace to shower down the choicest favours on 
 you and your families, ' from the beginning to the end thereof.' 
 
 " I have also to make a reference to a subject of very 
 considerable importance, which has for some time past occu- 
 pied my thoughts and my prayers. I did not purpose to allude 
 to it till next April ; but as the annunciation of my decision to 
 you (made at present in perfect confidence) may be needful to 
 guide or modify your movements, I beg to inform you that, if 
 life be spared, it is my full and fixed determination to relin- 
 quish all pastoral responsibility at the Poultry chapel, on 
 December 31st, 1845. 
 
 "At the same time, if required and expedient, I shall be 
 most happy to render my beloved flock assistance, as their 
 occasional preacher ; and, by any means in my power, to 
 facilitate the introduction and agency of an intelligent, faithful, 
 catholic, and efficient minister, on whom the future election 
 may fall.
 
 LETTER TO THE CHURCH. 425 
 
 "It is not needful, at present, to trouble you with the 
 reasons of my prospective procedure, which, at the appropriate 
 time, will be fully and openly given to my charge ; but most 
 earnestly praying that you, and the church and congregation, 
 may be directed by heavenly wisdom in all your deliberations 
 and proceedings, I remain, dear brethren, your attached friend, 
 and faithful servant in the Gospel, 
 
 "John Clayton." 
 
 This was followed, in a few days, by a Letter to the 
 Deacons and Members of the Church and Congregation 
 assembling in the Poultry Chapel, London. This was 
 printed, and a second edition shortly afterwards sent 
 forth. It was a very lengthened document; and some 
 portions of it — when it fell into the hands of others, 
 who did not belong to his flock — gave offence, on 
 account of his references to the movements of a politi- 
 cal nature, in connexion with Dissenters, of which he 
 disapproved. As it explains his reasons for retiring, 
 and may be regarded as a manifesto — explanatory of 
 his motives for abstaining from appearing prominently 
 before the public, in connexion with political matters, 
 which towards the close of his ministry were widely and 
 earnestly discussed, — I give several extracts from it. 
 
 " My dear Friends, — It has pleased the great Master whom 
 I serve, to sustain me in ministerial labours, for above forty -five 
 years ; and though I have reason to be thankful for exemption 
 from the painful pressure of corporeal infirmities, yet my period 
 of life, while it should urge me to gratitude, humility, and 
 confidence in God, tells me that I cannot reasonably look for 
 a much more protracted competency for those exertions to 
 which I have been long accustomed. that a sense of past 
 deficiencies, and of my increased liability to be summoned away 
 by death, may prompt me to greater diligence to make my own 
 calling and election sure, and to effect whatever I can achieve 
 to promote the peace and prosperity of Zion !
 
 126 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 " There is, however, a subject on which I have been anxious 
 for some time past to communicate to j r ou my thoughts. It 
 relates to desirable changes in our Christian community. For 
 not only do I find that I am not so capable of vigorous and 
 continued movement s, as in years which are fled, but there are 
 other facts deserving sedate consideration, and which render a 
 full compliance with the demands of my station altogether 
 impracticable. 
 
 " One is the altered and dispersed state of our city congrega- 
 tions. Formerly, they were in a sort of ring fence, or parochial 
 locality, so that, with some orderly arrangement, they were 
 accessible, with comparative ease. Of late years they have been 
 scattered, not only through the length and breadth of the 
 metropolis, but in the surrounding suburbs. Up to the close of 
 last year, we had members and attendants residing at Finchley, 
 Hornsey, Highgate, Islington, Dalston, Newington, Hackney, 
 Homerton, Bow, Stratford,~\Valtham Abbey, Enfield, Eotherhithe, 
 Brixton, Peckham, and some other places equally remote. With 
 strenuous effort, I kept up the plan of pastoral visitation and 
 inspection for more than thirty j^ears. This task I can now no 
 longer execute, either to my own satisfaction, or the required 
 advantage of the community. 
 
 " In the next place, our institutions, not one of which existed 
 when our connexion was first formed, have become so numerous 
 and so onerous, that they demand much more attention on the 
 part of a pastor, than one who has long borne the burden and 
 heat of the day can possibly give, consistently with other claims. 
 Hearers in general are not aware of the extent of our engage- 
 ments and responsibilities; but when you take into consideration 
 the baptisms we have to administer at private houses, the 
 funerals we have to attend, the sick and dying we have to see, 
 the institutions we have to superintend, the candidates Ave have 
 to examine, the countless visits to be received and paid on 
 various matters of business, the correspondence we have to 
 conduct, and the calls of the great societies in the metropolis 
 which we cannot altogether decline, — to say nothing of our 
 weekly preparations for the pulpit (no mean effort in these days 
 in which we live), — I can assure you, we are kept on a full 
 stretch of exertion, by which we are often almost overpowered.
 
 LETTER TO THE CHURCH. 427 
 
 " In the third place, I have observed that when large churches 
 and congregations are subjected to the sudden disqualification, or 
 the removal of their pastors, they are in danger of confusion, or 
 of separation, unless some provision is made for the prospective 
 emergency ; and it is a desideratum, that such provision should 
 be arranged, before the religious society languishes, or falls 
 into that state of decay, from which it is very difficult to be 
 recovered. ...... 
 
 " I determine, then, to retire, — not from weariness, or disgust 
 with my work, in which I still take delight ; not to enjoy the 
 otium cum dignitate, which my principles would not sanction, 
 nor my moderate means allow ; not to assume the character of 
 an officious spy on our own, or on any other denomination, to 
 make a public report of the delinquencies of those who may 
 have fallen into temptation ; not to become an ecclesiastical or 
 political incendiary, holding up a torch of flame and smoke and 
 terror, or carrying about with me lucifers to fire the peaceful 
 homesteads of my rural brethren, in whose wants and sorrows 
 I have long and deeply sympathized ; no, nor from any cooling 
 of affection for those with whom I have walked in communion 
 during the greater part of my life, — but from the fullest 
 persuasion that I am no longer capable of fulfilling the duties 
 of my extensive sphere, in the manner in which they ought to 
 be performed ; and from the ardent desire which I cherish, that 
 my friends may be at the most perfect liberty to select an over- 
 seer, who shall effectively carry on the work which, through 
 'the tender mercy of God,' was so auspiciously commenced, 
 and has been so happily sustained. Nor do I think that my 
 Master in heaven will deny me the comparatively slight and 
 short repose, which a humane earthly employer would give to 
 one who had been nearly fifty years in his service. 
 
 " Yet it is not my wish to spend my possibly remaining days 
 or years in listless indolence. There are many tranquil modes 
 of usefulness which, owing to my voluntary and uniform 
 absorption in my pastorate, I have never attempted, but in 
 some of which, perhaps, I may embark. Often have I coveted 
 the hundred hands of the fabled Briareus, that I might
 
 428 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 accomplish more for the cause of the Saviour, and for the 
 interest of the souls lie came to redeem. Full many a time 
 have I envied that sweet goddess, who, from her cornucopia, is 
 ever dispensing the blessings of plenty and peace. And if 
 the days of darkness and extreme decrepitude do not await me, 
 I would aspire, in one sense, to the distinction of the Jewish 
 hero, of whom it is recorded that ' the dead which he slew at 
 his death were more than they whom he slew in his life.' 
 
 " As I thus gradually dissolve my pastoral relation, I look 
 back with penitential regret on many intirmities and deficiencies, 
 which, however, it is better to confess to a merciful and 
 pardoning God, than to talk of before the multitude. I daily 
 feel it necessary to flee for refuge to the righteousness, atone- 
 ment, and intercession of that Saviour who has been the chief 
 theme of my ministry ; on whose arm of strength I rely in the 
 autumn of my life, as well as in the prospect of death ; and in 
 whose celestial fellowship I hope to spend a blissful eternity. 
 
 " There is one feature of my ministry, however, for which I 
 have been often and most severely censured, to which I shall 
 make a cursory reference, because I consider it to be closely 
 connected with the general usefulness of the Christian pastor. 
 The number of letters, chiefly anonymous, which I have received, 
 on this and a few collateral subjects, is truly astonishing. I 
 shall not copy the rude, sarcastic, and indignant style in which 
 very many of them have been written, but coolly say to the 
 writers, to whatever denomination they belong, ' Strike,' as hard 
 and long as you please, ' but hear me.' 
 
 "Warmly attached as I am to the simplicity, freedom, 
 elasticity, and useful tendency of a candid Nonconformity, yet 
 my pulpit services have been conducted, as much as possible, 
 with a cautious abstinence from everything like a party spirit- 
 I have endeavoured to guard against bitter and vituperative 
 remarks on the ecclesiastical polity of others ; and have not 
 given perpetual and irritating prominence to the subordinate 
 points of difference subsisting among real Christians. Taking 
 to myself the full right of private judgment, I have freely 
 given it to all. I have had no sympathy with the temper of the 
 intense denominational partisans of the day, but have studiously
 
 LETTER TO THE CHURCH. 429 
 
 endeavoured to follow the things which make for peace and 
 universal edification. Whatever may be my opinions on ' men 
 and measures/ I have always kept them out of the pulpit ; and 
 thus have tried not to throw off my power to edify opposite 
 parties, by putting into my hat the cockade, or wearing on my 
 shoulders the epaulette of either. In the execution of my 
 duties, as a minister of the Gospel of peace, I have completely 
 cast into the shade Whigs, Tories, Radicals, Conservatives, and 
 Destructives, and have been a 'total abstainer' from their 
 agitations; being chiefly anxious that they might mourn for 
 sin, and flee to Christ, and that 'by all means they might be 
 saved.' My aim has been to avoid the political, which is only 
 one form of a worldly, spirit ; which has soured the temper, 
 embittered the language, diverted the energies, obstructed the 
 usefulness, and withered the prospects of some ; or, to say the 
 least, has wiped off the bloom and beauty of the sacred 
 profession, with which the servant of the 'Prince of peace' 
 should be habitually adorned. I have been a quiet, but not an 
 inattentive observer of the signs in the ecclesiastical Zodiac. 
 There are distinctly discernible, Aries and Taurus, Cancer and 
 Leo, Scorpio, Capricornus and Sagittarius ; but I am the 
 subject of the most perfect conviction, that the fraternal 
 association of Gemini, the charms of the charitable Virgo, the 
 catholic equity of Libra, the gentle culture of Aquarius, and the 
 soft gliding of Pisces through the roaring floods, will, in due 
 time, effect those ends, which the horns, and paws, and bites, 
 and sharp arrows of the others, will ultimately fail to accomplish. 
 " In the views which I entertain on this subject I have been 
 abundantly confirmed, by marking the effects of an opposite 
 mode of advocating what may appear to be truth. I have 
 travelled, with ' open eyes and ears,' over numerous parts of my 
 native land, and I have found scarcely any instances in which 
 such a style of proceeding has wrought sober conviction, though 
 possibly it may have established some in the opinions which they 
 previously held ; just as stormy winds will occasionally root trees 
 faster in the earth. But I have witnessed many cases in which 
 it has exasperated opponents, while it has conciliated none. It 
 has repulsed, but not attracted. It has driven away from many
 
 430 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 of our country congregations, catholic friends, from other 
 denominations, who -wore in the habit of contributing to the 
 support of the dissenting minister, and the religious institutions 
 of his congregation, and multiplied his privations by the serious 
 diminution of his resources. It lias restrained young persons of 
 education and respectability from uniting themselves to our 
 body, lest they should fling themselves on a bed of thorns. It 
 has contributed to the retirement of not a few from the ranks of 
 Nonconformity ; — and it is a fact not unworthy of notice, that 
 while those parents who have endeavoured to recommend their 
 dissenting profession, by mingling with their denominational 
 instructions the suavity of Christian candour, have seen their 
 offspring rising up generous adherents to their religious caste ; 
 others, who have been always boring them with controversy, 
 have been mortified by the spectacle of their sons and daughters 
 renouncing their connexion, and even running into the 
 preposterous absurdities and ruinous delusions of Anglo- 
 Eomanism. 
 
 " Above all, when I have studied the New Testament, I have 
 not discovered any sanction for that modus operandi, which, 
 however justifiable in the officers of the kingdoms of this world, 
 I conscientiously disapprove in those who are devoted to the 
 ministry of reconciliation. The conduct of our blessed Lord and 
 His apostles furnishes me with no models, such as are supplied 
 bv some of our modern ministerial associations. The first heralds 
 of that Gospel which proclaims peace to them that are nigh, and 
 to them that are afar off, never linked themselves together in 
 such forms of alliance. Gigantic and formidable as were the 
 antagonists with whom they had to contend, both among Jews 
 and Gentiles, they trusted to the weapons of a warfare which 
 were not carnal but spiritual, to pull down the strongholds of 
 idolatry and superstition. 'By pureness, by knowledge, by 
 longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by the word of 
 truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on 
 the right hand and on the left/ they sought to extend the 
 victories of that cross, which is destined to subdue a rebellious 
 world to God. I firmly believe that, if our entire body had 
 adopted this procedure, Nonconformity, by its argumentative
 
 LETTER TO THE CHURCH. 431 
 
 weight and moral power, would have acquired an ascendency, 
 which it will now take many years to obtain. 
 
 " In short, who that addicts himself to a careful study of the 
 entire ritual of piety, does not discover that all the forms of 
 godliness are only forms, and are quite distinct from its power? 
 Some are apparently more consistent with the sacred Scriptures 
 than others; some are the offspring of human wisdom, or a 
 legitimate expediency; but there is not any mode of church 
 government which can be adopted, which does not combine 
 both. Our business is to conform, as nearly as we can, to ' the 
 pattern shown us in the mount ; ' but there are minor regulations 
 in all our communities, for which we have no express command 
 or example, in the Word of God. Yet, were it possible to frame 
 an ecclesiastical polity of the most perfect order, its ordinances 
 and sacraments would only be organs of transmission — mediums, 
 or instruments of action, altogether impotent to the production 
 of spiritual effects on the heart and character — a shell without a 
 kernel, a body without a soul. 
 
 "But though I have inculcated this spirit, and humbly 
 attempted to pursue this career, I can appeal to you, that I 
 have not kept back our own distinctive principles. Witness 
 my Course of Lectures, especially on the Acts of the Apostles, 
 and the Seven Churches of Asia. "\yitness my discussion of 
 denominational topics, in connexion with some signal events 
 which have passed over us. Witness the appeals to the 
 Legislature, which I have promoted on a variety of appropriate 
 occasions. Testify whether I have not interwoven our peculiar 
 views in the texture of very many of my discourses, in which 
 they have appeared, as a good old divine says, 'not in lumps, 
 but diffused through the whole cup which has been put into the 
 hand : ' while my principal and avowed effort has been, to 
 exhibit our Nonconformity, as the companion of charity, and to 
 overcome that which appeared to me to be error, by the 
 manifestation of that which I believed to be truth : and I have 
 yet to learn that it is a necessary proof of sincerity, or an 
 evidence of moral courage, to pour forth vehement accusations 
 against those who hold opinions different from our own. 
 
 " Whoever may be your future minister, my heart's desire and
 
 432 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 prayer arc, that lie may be one who shall contend earnestly for 
 the faith once delivered to the saints, and that lie may 
 recommend it to the embrace of all ranks and classes around 
 him, by the benevolence of his spirit, as well as by the use- 
 fulness of his life ; that he may ever bear in mind, that the 
 servant of the Lord should be ' gentle towards all men, apt to 
 teach, patient;' and that he may shun those angry conflicts 
 about the externals of Christianity, which appear to me to be 
 some of the heaviest obstructions to the conversion of mankind 
 to God. Let him labour to make them sincere and eminent 
 Christians ; and impress them with the importance of daily 
 appeals to 'the law and the testimony;' and he may rest 
 satisfied that they will not move far from that part of the com- 
 pass, towards which the truly magnetized needle will ultimately 
 point. In essentials, may he be firm as the oak of the forest ; 
 in non-essentials, may he exhibit the graceful pliancy of the 
 willow, which, to a certain extent, can bend with the breeze, and 
 flow with the stream. ...... 
 
 " In much fear and trembling I entered into your association, 
 in the twenty-fifth year of my life. A devout and united band 
 of fifteen or twenty disciples agreed together, touching that 
 which they should ask of the Lord of the vineyard ; and resolved 
 to use every scriptural means to ' strengthen the things which 
 remained, and which were ready to die.' They did not despise 
 my youth. They had patience with me, and did not expect, in 
 April, the produce of autumn. In a few years, ' the little one 
 became a thousand;' and those residts gradually followed, which 
 have often called forth the acknowledgment, 'The Lord hath 
 done great things for us, whereof we are glad.' 
 
 " But I cannot close my short address, without offering you 
 my cordial congratulations on the present state of our Christian 
 society. The debt of above £12,000, on your chapel and schools, 
 has been long since rolled away, by your liberal contributions. 
 Your institutions, with one exception, flourish, and are regula- 
 ted by harmonious superintendents and effective committees. 
 Though your numbers are not so overflowing as in years past, 
 yet your useful efficiency has been steadily increasing, and was
 
 LETTER TO THE CHURCH. 433 
 
 never at a higher point than at this crisis. Your contributions 
 to missionary causes alone have reached nearly £1,500, in the 
 past twelve months, apart from the large amounts raised for 
 other purposes. Your union, so far as I am aware, is as com- 
 plete as can be expected in this world ; or, at least, will only be 
 surpassed in the millennial day. Your reputation, as a church, 
 has not been sullied or impaired. Your influence has augmented, 
 rather than decreased; and, judging from the testimony of 
 unequivocal facts, you are not left without witness, that the 
 labours of your minister have not been in vain. 
 
 " With me, a growing consciousness of un worthiness 
 altogether excludes boasting ; but most truly can I state, that I 
 have served you, in my youth, my maturity, and my riper age, 
 according to the best of my ability, and with a thorough 
 devotedness of heart and action to your highest interests ; quite 
 content to forego the plaudits which, possibly, I might have 
 gained, by some more popular forms of usefulness, that I might 
 win your souls to Christ, and at last present you perfect in Him. 
 I wish that I could adopt, with application to myself and my 
 course, the whole of the descriptive statement which St. Paul 
 supplies, in the impassioned appeal to the elders of the Ephesian 
 church, when he bade them farewell ; — a picture at which, 
 however, when I look, I blush to think how faint and imperfect 
 is my attempted resemblance. But I can affirm, that I have 
 tried to 'declare to you the whole coimsel of God.' I can 
 assert, that by the space of 'forty years, I have not ceased to 
 warn you night and day,' and often ' with tears.' I can say, 
 that I have endeavoured to prove that ' I have not coveted your 
 silver, or gold, or apparel ; but have showed you, how that so 
 labouring, you ought to support the weak, and to remember the 
 words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to 
 give than to receive.' And now, my beloved brethren and 
 sisters, ' I commend you to Gfod, and to the word of His grace, 
 which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance 
 among all them who are sanctified.' If my physical strength 
 begins to give way, my ardent attachment to you, my sense of 
 obligation to many of you, for your steady regard, — from the 
 novitiate to the close of my public career, — and my intense desires 
 
 F F
 
 434 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 for your spiritual welfare, remain as fresh as ever, and put forth 
 vigorous blossoms, as I pass into the winter of life. On the 
 front of the glowing altar of my heart, is written this 
 inscription — ' Lord, save thy people, and bless thine inherit- 
 ance : feed them also, and lift them up for ever ! ' — I remain, 
 your affectionate friend, and faithful servant in the Gospel, 
 
 "John Clayton. 
 "Chapel House, Poultry, January, 1845." 
 
 This communication from the pastor naturally led to 
 gatherings and consultations among the people. That 
 they did not imagine the vigour and efficiency of their 
 beloved teacher s ministrations to be impaired, although 
 he had passed the grand climacteric, was evident, from 
 the earnest efforts they made to induce him to alter 
 his determination. At a meeting, summoned for the 
 purpose of considering the pastor's letter to the church, 
 it was resolved by a formal, but earnest application, to 
 request him to reconsider the matter. The letter that 
 was written and sent by the deacons, in the name 
 of their fellow-members, is an interesting document; 
 expressive of the high estimate they entertained of their 
 minister, and their sincere desire for the continuance of 
 their mutual relationship. 
 
 "The Deacons and Members of the Church assembling at 
 the Poultry Chapel, to their beloved Pastor. 
 
 "Poultry Chapel, February Gth, 1845. 
 
 " Reverend and dear Sir, — With emotions of the liveliest 
 gratitude, mingled with the deepest regret, have we perused the 
 affectionate letter you have just addressed to us. 
 
 "Considering, however, as we do, that it wears a most 
 unfavourable aspect towards the continued peace and prosperity 
 of this church and congregation, we have been earnest in our 
 supplications, that our divine Master would, at the present 
 juncture, bestow, both on the pastor and the flock, an enlarged 
 measure of grace and wisdom ; and that He would so direct us,
 
 LETTER FROM THE CHURCH. 435 
 
 that no step may be taken but such as shall tend to the pro- 
 motion of His own glory, and to the advancement of our best 
 interests. 
 
 "The communication of a purpose so important, pregnant, 
 too, with injury, as it may be, to the cause of Christ here, has 
 naturally been received by your attached people with the 
 sincerest sorrow. 
 
 "It has pleased the Great Head of the church to continue 
 your oversight of us, for so many years ; and so greatly to 
 bless your labours, to the enlargement of the church, and the 
 edification of its members, that the very thought of a separation 
 is most distressing to our feelings. 
 
 "For above forty years have some of us travelled with you 
 through the wilderness, and we have felt that our- bond of union 
 was of no common order. An unbroken harmony has uniformly 
 pervaded all our intercourse, and we had hoped that it was in 
 your heart to have lived and died with us. Others amongst us 
 have passed a longer or shorter portion of our lives under your 
 highly- valued ministrations ; and all are desirous of recording 
 our gratitude to God for the unwearied diligence, the abundant 
 labours, the disinterested sacrifices, and the elevated devotion, 
 which He has enabled you to manifest — not only in your public, 
 but in every private capacity — as the spiritual pastor, the faith- 
 ful counsellor, the gentle monitor, the tender participator in our 
 trials, and the ever-accessible and steady friend. 
 
 "To these gifts and graces, bestowed upon you, we are 
 conscious that, under the blessing of God, our peace, unity, and 
 prosperity, as a church, are mainly owing ; and if you, our 
 beloved pastor, say that you find occasion to 'look back with 
 penitential regret on many infirmities and deficiencies, and to 
 flee for refuge to the righteousness, atonement, and intercession 
 of that Saviour, who has been the chief theme of your ministry,' 
 what cause have we to be humbled, under so many and so great 
 advantages, shared by so few, and excelled by none ! 
 
 "Permit us, dear sir, most respectfully but earnestly, to invite 
 you to a reconsideration of the various reasons which have 
 conducted to a conclusion so unlooked for by us ; and which, we 
 would venture to hope, will not, on more deliberate consideration,
 
 430 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 commend itself, under the circumstances it would necessarily 
 place us in, to your adoption. 
 
 "How many, and how powerful, arc the arguments which 
 might be adduced in favour of such reconsideration, in the 
 review of the state of our Zion — with your energies of mind and 
 body still unbroken ; and so many encouraging circumstances 
 existing among us, — in the efficient state of most of our 
 institutions ; and when the lambs of the flock — whom you 
 baptized in infancy, or taught from their youth up, with others 
 trained in our Sabbath schools — are coming forward, to declare 
 what the Lord hath done for their soids. 
 
 " We presume not further to urge this delicate subject, than 
 thus to give utterance to the emotions of our hearts. We wish 
 to spread your letter before the Lord ; and should Lie be pleased 
 so to influence your mind, that our present relationship may be 
 prolonged, we shall indeed hail the prospect with delight. 
 
 "We would not conclude, without expressing our entire 
 concurrence in your catholic recommendation of Christian union; 
 and the duty of forbearance towards those who differ in non- 
 essentials, with a constant cultivation of the law of love; 
 remembering the words of our blessed Lord, ' By this shall all 
 men know that ye are my disciples ; ' and fervently praying that 
 we may be preserved from the least approach to an opposite 
 spirit, we beg to subscribe ourselves, on behalf of the church, — 
 yours very affectionately and respectfully, 
 
 "Samuel Legg, 
 "Samuel Houston." 
 
 To this letter Mr. Clayton sent the following reply:— 
 
 " To Samuel Legg and Samuel Houston, Esquires. 
 
 "My dear Brethren, — I avail myself of the earliest 
 opportunity which I can command, to acknowledge the receipt 
 of the letter signed by you, on behalf of the church assembling 
 in the Poultry chapel. 
 
 " Most sincerely do I reciprocate the expressions of affectionate 
 attachment which it contains, and I shall proceed to answer it, 
 I trust, in the same spirit which it breathes. 
 
 " The important subject to which your letter refers, has been
 
 LETTEK TO THE DEACONS. 437 
 
 deeply considered by me, for the past two years of my life ; and 
 while I join with you in grateful acknowledgments to the Great 
 Head of the church for His smiles, which we have so long 
 enjoyed, I will yield to none of my Christian friends, in the 
 integrity and ardour of my wishes for the future peace and 
 prosperity of the religious society with which we have for 
 many years been connected. 
 
 " Forgive me, however, if I add that the step which I propose 
 gradually to take, appears to me to be precisely that which is 
 essentially necessary to perpetuate the flourishing state of our 
 community. Your epistolary favour does not even touch the 
 reasons which I have assigned for my procedure ; and the 
 request with which you have honoured me, neither repairs the 
 decay of my physical strength, nor suggests means for the 
 revival of that which droops, nor answers my objections to a 
 collegiate charge. 
 
 " The mode in which I have proposed to execute my purpose, 
 I humbly conceive, is free from anything abrupt, precipitate, or 
 unkind; but your appeal to me does not in the least degree 
 mitigate the pressure, which I find it impossible to bear. 
 
 "While, therefore, I am prepared, by divine permission, to 
 do everything in my power to aid a minister of your choice, in 
 his comfortable settlement, it is still my fixed intention, after 
 carefully weighing the facts and arguments which bear upon 
 our mutual relation, to relieve myself, as soon as Providence 
 will allow, from all pastoral responsibilities. I hope, too, that 
 after six and forty years of laborious service in the church, I 
 shall not be considered as justly deserving censure, if I seek a 
 little comparative repose, in the evening of my life. 
 
 " I will not now enter into any further detail. We shall ere 
 long be called to hold a special church meeting; when I shall be 
 quite ready to furnish you with a variety of statements, which 
 will justify my entire proceeding. 
 
 " Earnestly praying that the Spirit of wisdom, holiness, and 
 love, may guide you in all your deliberations ; and requesting 
 you to assure my beloved flock of my unabated affection and 
 solicitude for their welfare, I remain, dear brethren, your 
 faithful friend, and devoted servant in the Gospel, 
 
 "John Clayton. 
 
 "6, St. Helen's Place, February 7th, 1845."
 
 438 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 In pursuance of this resolve he brought his pastoral 
 labours at the Poultry chapel to a close, amid mutual 
 expressions of love and attachment between the shep- 
 herd and his flock. 
 
 Before, however, he took a final leave of his people, 
 he had the privilege of seeing them united together in 
 the choice of a successor. The Rev. S. B. Bergne, 
 then residing at Lincoln, was invited to the pastorate, 
 which invitation he accepted in the spring of 1847; 
 and continued there until 1853, when he succeeded 
 the Rev. George Brown, as one of the secretaries of 
 the Bible Society. He was followed, in 1854, by the 
 Rev. Dr. Spence, who is still the esteemed minister of 
 the congregation assembling in the Poultry. 
 
 When arrangements had been made for the settle- 
 ment of Mr. Bergne, Mr. Clayton preached and printed 
 three discourses which he had delivered to his old flock, 
 under the title of Welcome to Titus. From this publica- 
 tion two extracts are appended; the first, an earnest 
 appeal for prayer on the behalf of ministers, on account 
 of the responsibilities and anxieties attendant upon 
 their official position : the second presents us with the 
 farewell utterances with which he parted from his 
 people. 
 
 " Prayer for your ministers is both a just and kind return for 
 their sacrifices, labours, and intercessions for you. It is touching 
 on a tender and delicate point, when we speak of ourselves ; but, 
 surely, it will not be considered a trespass on propriety, if we 
 suggest, that probably no small proportion of the trials which 
 we are called upon to undergo, is the direct result of our having 
 publicly embarked in your service. Possibly we might have 
 passed quietly through society and life, at least with no other 
 than common interruptions to our tranquillity ; but it is for you, 
 that we are exposed to the hatred and scorn of the world, and 
 sometimes to its angry persecutions ; for you, that we encounter
 
 WELCOME TO TITUS. 439 
 
 many difficulties, and sustain the wear and tear of public life, so 
 destructive to many of those calm satisfactions which you, in 
 your privacy, enjoy. 
 
 " Nor is this the only view to be taken of the subject. 
 Doubtless not a few of our afflictions are sent to increase our 
 qualifications to sympathize with you, that we may speak a 
 word in season to the heavily laden. In addition to which, we 
 often yield up our edification to yours. In the hour of retire- 
 ment, we should often gladly pursue some favourite theme of 
 meditation, but we are restrained by a regard to your profit. 
 In public we should be thankful to sit down in peace, and listen 
 to the pleasant subjects of discussion, without any anxious 
 excitement ; but we must be prepared with some address, calcu- 
 lated to rouse the thoughtless, to pierce the hardened conscience, 
 and to sound an alarm among those who are at ease in Zion. 
 We are compelled to put a stress on our own feelings, that we 
 may awaken an appropriate order of emotions in your bosoms, 
 and preach so as to save them who hear us. Thus, as Paul 
 says, ' We endure all things for the elect's sake ; ' and, surely, 
 the least we can expect from you in return, is, that you will 
 succour and uphold us by your prayers." 
 
 " Titus has come into the midst of you, under favourable 
 circumstances. Though your numerical attendance has been 
 somewhat diminished, yet look at what God has wrought ! 
 Located in the heart of the metropolis ; on a tranquil site ; in a 
 noble sanctuary, completely relieved from the many thousand 
 pounds of its debt ; with a group of prosperous institutions, for 
 the relief of want and misery, and the diffusion of the Gospel at 
 home and abroad ; and, above all, united in brotherly affection, 
 and prayerful for the peace and prosperity of Jerusalem, your 
 field of usefulness is thrown open, and the skies overhead are 
 bright. 
 
 " Amidst the strong emotions by which my mind is stirred, 
 I cannot withhold an expression of my gratitude to the Great 
 Head of the church, that He has permitted me to see this well- 
 constructed vessel, with a fresh pilot and company of officers, 
 and with numerous passengers, about to launch forth again on
 
 440 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 another voyage. May it bo signally prosperous, until we shall 
 arrive at the fairest of fair havens, in which, having bid adieu 
 to the deceitful calms, and to stormy winds and waves, 'there 
 shall be no more sea,' and sorrowful separations shall be for 
 ever unknown ! 
 
 " In a word, if, without impropriety, I may make one more 
 slight reference to myself, in connexion with you and your 
 interests, I will only add that, during my course of more than 
 forty years in your service, I have, though amidst many 
 lamentable deficiencies, heartily devoted myself to your welfare. 
 Detaching mj^self, as much as was compatible with the numerous 
 claims of a London sphere, from secular, and perhaps more 
 exciting popular pursuits, I have readily sacrificed many of the 
 pleasures derived from science, from the arts, and the charms of 
 general society, that I might be the pastor ; and count every- 
 thing else but loss for Christ and your salvation. If I had any 
 sparks of sacred fire in my youth, if any energy in the ministry 
 of my manhood, if any mellowness in the discourses and the 
 influence of my autumn and decline — all have been yours. 
 
 "True, the series of my regular labours among you is now 
 brought to a final close ; but suffer me to remind you that our 
 responsibility remains ; and we must all give an account of 
 ourselves before God. Sinners ! once more I warn you to ' flee 
 from the wrath to come,' and repair to Jesus as the only hope 
 set before you in the Gospel. Saints ! ' This also I wish, even 
 your perfection.' May the Spirit of the living God descend 
 and abide on this hill of Zion ! May your pastor be endowed 
 with the richest gifts, adorned with the brightest graces, and 
 shine as a star of magnitude and sweet influence, in this moral 
 firmament ! May he be clothed with righteousness, and his 
 people shout aloud for joy, symphonious to the anthems of the 
 heavenly choirs ! 
 
 "Though my stated engagements among you terminate, yet 
 I have one delightful reflection, that if I cannot serve as a 
 vigorous labourer, I can still plead for you as a lowly supplicant ; 
 and when I pass into comparative retirement, this, in my best 
 moments, shall be my fervent prayer : ' Now the God of peace, 
 who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great
 
 TESTIMONIAL. 441 
 
 shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting 
 covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His 
 will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, 
 through Jesus Christ ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. 
 Amen!'" 
 
 A handsome testimonial was presented to Mr. Clayton 
 some time after his retirement from his charge. " The 
 pieces of plate consisted of an oval, pierced, arabesque- 
 bordered engraven tea salver, with chased foliage handles 
 and feet, with arms and inscription ; two round waiters 
 to correspond; and a richly-chased and superb inkstand." 
 The inscription which the salver bears is as follows : — 
 
 " A tribute of affectionate respect, presented December 12th, 
 1848, by the church and congregation assembling at the Poultry 
 chapel, London, to the Rev. John Clayton, M.A., on retiring 
 from his charge, after a pastorate of more than forty years, in 
 testimony of the sincere regard which they cherish for his 
 private virtues, and his public worth; but more especially to 
 mark their sense of his zeal and fidelity as a minister, and also 
 his untiring assiduity as a pastor ; which, under the divine 
 blessing, were the means of recovering their Christian commu- 
 nity, then worshipping in Camomile Street, from a state of 
 extreme depression, to its present high standing among the 
 churches of the metropolis : and they record with grateful 
 recollection his active co-operation, and his generous sacrifices, 
 when enlarged accommodation was required for increasing 
 numbers, which mainly contributed to effect the erection of the 
 Poultry chapel." 
 
 The presentation took place in private, at Mr. Clay- 
 ton's own house at Worthing, whither he had gone to 
 reside. After some prefatory remarks, made by the 
 senior officer of the church, and a prayer offered by 
 the Rev. S. B. Bergne, an address was read, to which 
 Mr. Clayton responded as follows : —
 
 442 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 "My Christian Friends, — When a disciple of Jesus Christ, 
 on a memorable occasion, brought an alabaster box of precious 
 ointment, and poured its contents upon His person, some captious 
 individuals were offended, and said, ' To what purpose is all this 
 waste ? for this ointment might have been sold for much, and 
 given to the poor.' But our Saviour, who looked at the motives 
 and intentions of His faithful follower, vindicated and com- 
 mended her action, and replied, ' Why trouble ye the woman ? 
 for she hath wrought a good work upon me ; for in that she 
 hath poured this ointment upon my body, she did it for my 
 burial. Verily I say unto you, "Wheresoever this Gospel shall 
 be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this 
 woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.' 
 
 " Now it strikes me that a similar objection might be made 
 to the procedure of this interesting hour ; and that the costly 
 and beautiful present, which you, gentlemen, as a deputation 
 from my former flock, have placed before me, might have been 
 devoted to more useful purposes than that to which it is applied. 
 I am prepared most fully to concede this ; but I am desirous to 
 copy the example of our divine Master; and in His spirit I would 
 gratefully accept the donation which you have brought, and 
 which is so agreeably expressive of the sentiments and feelings 
 of the Christian society, of which you are the representatives. 
 It is the fragrant composition, by which my pastoral relation is 
 embalmed on its interment ; and its presentation will be reported 
 to your honour, wherever the intelligence of your proceedings 
 may be diffused. 
 
 " It would have been gratifying to me, on this pleasing occa- 
 sion, to have indulged in an extended retrospect of our mutual 
 connexion, during the past forty years ; but you have done this 
 in the touching address to which I have listened with impas- 
 sioned emotions, and I have attempted it, in some discourses 
 which I preached and published, when I bade you a friendly 
 farewell. I shall therefore content myself with saying that, 
 while I feel much on the review to humble me, under a sense of 
 imperfections and deficiencies, we have ample cause for reciprocal 
 congratulation, and for the exercise of gratitude to Him who is 
 'head over all things to the church.' Soon after our union, in
 
 me. Clayton's acknowledgment. 443 
 
 the year 1805, we were favoured with His gracious and percep- 
 tible smiles. ' The little one became a thousand, and the small 
 one a strong people.' By our united efforts we reared, at a large 
 expense, that noble structure in the heart of the city, in which 
 we conducted our worship, and you rose into one of the most 
 conspicuous and nourishing churches in the metropolis. For a 
 long season we enjoyed one even flow of religious prosperity. 
 Various institutions sprung up among us into active efficiency. 
 Though we lived in times when we were often surrounded by 
 storms in the political, commercial, and ecclesiastical worlds, yet, 
 like the bush at Horeb, enveloped in flames, we were unscorched 
 and unconsumed. On the highway of our steady progress, ' no 
 lion nor ravenous beast ' was suffered to tread. Our harmony 
 remained unbroken ; and our co-operation in labours of love 
 acquired constant accessions of strength. Full many a soul 
 within the walls of our sanctuary was born to new life ; and full 
 many a tree of righteousness was transplanted from among us, 
 to flourish in the celestial paradise of God. There, when the 
 cares, the conflicts, and the imperfect pleasures of life shall have 
 passed away, we hope to meet with many who were our com- 
 panions on earth, to join their purer fellowship, and to mingle 
 in the praises of Him ' who sits upon the throne, and of the 
 Lamb.' 
 
 " To you, my respected brethren, and especially to my elder 
 friends, connected with your religious society, I am deeply in- 
 debted for many tokens of kindness, for a series of years, which 
 have long since rolled away. Receive, and express to them, in 
 your own courteous manner, the assurance of my strong sense of 
 obligation, for numerous displays of liberality, sympathy, and 
 prompt readiness to carry into execution our various projects of 
 usefulness ; and for those patterns of piety, by which you have 
 recommended to others the principles which you profess. I 
 congratulate you on the proof which you have supplied, that, 
 while habitually alive to the preservation of your rights and 
 liberties, you could labour to maintain and enlarge them, without 
 violation of Christian temper, or disturbance of the public tran- 
 quillity. On several very critical occasions, you have demonstrated 
 the practicability of combining a jealous regard to rational free-
 
 444 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 dom, with loyalty to our sovereign, and a just appreciation of our 
 valuable constitution ; and have openly shown that, amidst the 
 extensive plantation of churches in the capital and its suburbs, 
 Nonconformity need not be the pricking brier, but rather that 
 it may bud and blossom, as the rose without a thorn. 
 
 " I cannot refrain from offering you my hearty gratulations 
 upon two other subjects, intimately connected with your honour 
 and welfare. The one relates to the cause and mode of our 
 separation. It was not the effect of a mutual alienation of 
 heart ; not the result of heretical, political, or sectarian agitation 
 and dispute ; not the consequence of the wearing out, or break- 
 ing up of the religious interest at the Poultry chapel ; nor a 
 severance which took place after a very brief period of time had 
 elapsed ; — but after my ministrations had been conducted among 
 you, during my youth, my manhood, and the greater part of the 
 autumn of my life. It is only an act of justice to your character, 
 and to the circumstances in which you were placed, when we 
 bade each other adieu, to state that, in addition to the usual 
 supplies, you raised for public institutions, in the year before 
 we parted, an amount which surpassed that of any of the 
 churches of our body in the kingdom ; and that, although there 
 was some diminution as to numerical attendance, in all other 
 respects your position was such as to call forth thankfulness 
 and praise. When physical weakness came upon me, by which 
 I was disqualified for the due and vigorous performance of the 
 duties of my weighty charge, divine Providence enabled me to 
 retire ; which I did in the exercise of the most perfect charity, 
 and without proving the least burden to my flock, or an impedi- 
 ment to the revival and progressive advancement of your 
 community. 
 
 "I rejoice with you also, that, after a comparatively short 
 interval of fifteen months, your attention was directed to one 
 who had for years proved himself to be 'a good and faithful 
 servant ' of Jesus Christ ; whose ministerial talents, devout and 
 catholic spirit, and energetic industry, give fair promise, if life 
 be spared, of a course of usefulness, which will ' shine more and 
 more to the perfect day.' 
 
 " While I undervalue not the splendid testimonial of which
 
 ME. CLAYTONS ACKNOWLEDGMENT. 445 
 
 you, gentlemen, have been the conveyancers, yet, be assured 
 that the sentiments which glow, and the spirit which breathes, 
 in the document which accompanies it, are of far higher price, 
 in my estimation, than ten thousands of gold and silver. The 
 material substances are perishable, but the ethereal elements of 
 our friendship are capable of everlasting duration ; and will con- 
 tribute to the strength and sweetness of an attachment which 
 will give freshness to our social enjoyments in the winter of life, 
 will survive the decays of age, and nourish beyond the tomb. 
 
 " Accept, gentlemen, my sincere thanks for your visit and its 
 object ; convey my best acknowledgments to my friends on your 
 return, accompanied by my fervent prayers that you may long 
 be spared in the enjoyment of every personal and domestic 
 comfort ; that the church to which you are allied may continue 
 to prosper ; and that our present association may be a type of 
 our meeting in that ' better country ' where painful separations 
 shall be unknown." 
 
 The Kev. S. B. Bergne then offered an affectionate 
 and fraternal address; Mr. Clayton closed the engage- 
 ment with prayer and praise; and the deputation, — 
 which, in addition to the new pastor, consisted of 
 Samuel Houston, Robert Simpson, Eusebius Smith, 
 John Radley, John Perry, and William Bateman, Esqs., 
 — after sharing his hospitality, amidst reciprocal expres- 
 sions of friendship, returned to London. 
 
 Thus ended the official connexion between pastor and 
 people, who had been united together, in hallowed and 
 happy relationship, for upwards of forty years.
 
 Cfjapter ££SH« 
 
 REV. GEORGE CLAYTON.— 1835-1842. 
 
 ACCIDENT. — DEATH OF HIS MOTHER. — SYMPTOMS OF FAILING STRENGTH. 
 
 — DEATH OF HIS BROTHER. — SORROWFUL MUSINGS. — MRS. GEORGE 
 CLAYTON : SKETCH OF HER LIFE AND CHARACTER I EARLY TRAINING. 
 
 — CONVERSION. — MARRIAGE. — USEFULNESS. — YOUNG LADIES' CLASS. — 
 EXTRACTS FROM CORRESPONDENCE. — SICKNESS. — DEATH. — EXTRACT 
 FROM THE ADDRESS OF DR. PYE SMITH. 
 
 Perhaps the records of most men's lives, extending 
 to more than threescore years and ten, would show that 
 frequently they have been the objects of a special divine 
 care and watchfulness, and have often been delivered 
 from impending dangers, threatening life or limb. It 
 was so with Mr. George Clayton, who was ever mindful 
 of his obligations to his great Protector, and strove to 
 learn the lesson which such events were designed to 
 teach. 
 
 Late in the autumn of 1835, he and his family were 
 staying at Brighton for a few weeks. Riding out on 
 the downs, in company with his friend and deacon, 
 Mr. White, he was thrown with violence from his horse. 
 No limb was broken, but he was much bruised, and 
 sustained injuries that necessitated abstinence from 
 exciting duties for some time. In reference to this 
 circumstance, he wrote in his diary thus : — 
 
 " Lord, show me for what cause, and to what end, Thou hast 
 contended with nie ! 
 
 "It is not a little remarkable that we had, the night but one 
 before this visitation, an alarm of fire in the house where we 
 lodged. By some irregularity in burning the gas, at eleven
 
 DEATH 0E HIS MOTHER. 447 
 
 o'clock the premises were threatened with conflagration. We 
 were called up from our beds, and were putting ourselves in a 
 posture for escape, when our divine Protector extinguished the 
 flame, restored quietness, and indulged us with a night of safety 
 and repose. Here, again, if we were not as ' brands plucked out 
 of the burning,' that promise was literally fulfilled — ', Neither 
 shall the flame kindle upon thee.' O with what sentiments of 
 gratitude and joy did I revisit my habitation, and bend my knee 
 in the presence of my heavenly Preserver and divine Benefactor ! 
 Now, Lord, what shall I render? Behold, I do most solemnly, 
 deliberately, cheerfully, irrevocably renew the dedication of my- 
 self and my all to thee. May I be the better as a man, as a 
 Christian, as the head of a family, as a citizen, as a pastor and 
 teacher in thy church, by reason of the things that have befallen 
 me!" 
 
 In January, 1836, he was called, with the rest of his 
 family, to mourn over the loss of his excellent mother, of 
 whom he ever wrote and spoke with the utmost reverence 
 and tenderness. Although, from her extreme age, the 
 event could not be regarded by him as unexpected, yet 
 filial affection felt keenly the sharpness of the pang of 
 severance, when it did occur. To this he adverts in his 
 journal, where he penned down the thoughts and senti- 
 ments which the bereavement had awakened. 
 
 "Among other blessings, it was not the least that, my dear 
 parents and their children, without exception, were permitted to 
 meet together in the Christmas week, and on the last day but 
 one of the year. And it was the last meeting we shall have on 
 this side eternity. Already the parent trunk has been riven 
 asunder ; and my ever dear and most excellent mother has been 
 called home. On the 11th day of January, at half-past six p.m., 
 her waiting spirit was released. She has dropped the garment 
 of the flesh, to put on the robes of light and immortality. To 
 me, the trial being perfectly new, there has been such a rush of 
 varied instincts, and overwhelming emotions, in my bosom, as 
 cannot be described. One must feel, in order to know what it is
 
 448 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 to lose a parent ; a mother, such as I have now resigned. I 
 bless God, who made her to me and to my brothers and sisters — 
 what she became, through the influence of the Holy Spirit — the 
 parent of a new, a heavenly birth. I bless God, who spared her 
 so long to her family, and to the world, — even for ninety years. 
 I bless God, for her humble, holy, cheerful, blameless, and 
 eminently useful course, and for her tranquil dismission, and 
 almost unconscious departure from the body. 
 
 " It was yesterdaj^, the 13th, that I visited her loved remains; 
 stroked her clay-cold forehead ; knelt by her coffin ; and prayed 
 that her God might be my God, for ever and ever, and my guide 
 even unto death ! We have lost not only a most wise and tender 
 relative, but a powerful intercessor, and a bright example. 
 Lord, support, comfort, and preserve unto the end my widowed 
 father. Let thy wisdom guide, thy love soothe, and thy grace 
 uphold thy aged servant ! Sanctify this event to our whole 
 family ; help us to cleave to thee, and to each other, to promote 
 each other's highest welfare, and love and labour that we may 
 meet at last, with all the faithful, in the unsuffering, undying 
 kingdom of God our Saviour. Amen." 
 
 The time had at length arrived when the rich glow 
 of early and mature manhood was gradually fading into 
 the soberer gray of advancing years ; and Mr. George 
 Clayton was now about to be taught one of the hardest 
 lessons a public man, who has been honoured with a 
 long and prosperous career in the church, can possibly 
 learn. In nothing did the nobleness of John the 
 Baptist reveal itself more, than in his perfect readiness 
 to retire from observation, when the Great Teacher of 
 men appeared amongst them. " He must increase, but 
 I must decrease." It requires no small amount of grace 
 to say this, and to submit to it, without a sigh of dis- 
 satisfaction. A Christian pastor, who has for years gone 
 before his rlock, beloved, revered, deferred to, can hardly, 
 with unruffled equanimity, contemplate the cessation of
 
 THOUGHTS ON THE CO-PASTORATE. 449 
 
 this close intercourse, or the advent of another person, 
 who shall divide the attachment of his people, and 
 draw off some of the affections which had been wont to 
 centre on himself alone. In Mr. Clayton's case, a whole 
 generation had passed away, since his settleinent at 
 Walworth ; so that the ties which now bound pastor and 
 flock together had been cemented by time, as well as by 
 religion : the severance or weakening of such ties could 
 scarcely be contemplated without a pang. Hundreds 
 there had been baptized by his hands, and received by 
 him into the church ; — their children in turn had also 
 been dedicated by him to God ; and his heart clung to 
 them with an affection which can only be understood 
 by those who have sustained similar relationships, or by 
 those who knew the genial warmth and tenderness of 
 Mr. Clayton's heart. To leave them ; or to be, only in 
 part, what he had been for so long a time altogether, 
 was, not unnaturally, something from which he shrank. 
 Yet in no action of his life, either in the anticipation 
 of the event, or when it occurred, did he display more 
 noble traits of character. The following extract from 
 his diary, of the date of January, 1837, lays bare his 
 whole heart to our view : — 
 
 " I do feel bound to my dear people by tenderest ties. I am 
 sensibly touched when I leave them, but for a season ; and I 
 cannot be thankful enough for the degree of light, and peace, 
 and love, which is found among them. I have many searchings 
 of heart, when I feel, or think I do, some symptomatic failure 
 of physical strength — some gentle intimations that I must 
 decrease in vigour, in energy, and activity. I am indeed in a 
 strait betwixt two ; first, being perfectly willing to work up the 
 last shred of existence, in the service of my blessed Master ; and 
 feeling, at the same moment, that the very willingness requires 
 to be placed under discreet regulations. 
 
 G G
 
 450 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 " I greatly dread the thought of seeing the congregation 
 grow languid or supine ; and the more so, if such a state of 
 things should be imputable, even in semblance only, to any of 
 the irresistible influences of time upon the mental habits or 
 physical powers of the minister. God has certainly wrought a 
 great work for me, and by me, in this neighbourhood. There 
 are many adversaries, as there always will be, wherever a wide 
 and effectual door is opened. how would they rejoice to 
 see York Street deserted ! York Street divided ! A torrent of 
 Church influence has set in against us, but it has been signally 
 defeated. Two large churches raised in the parish, it was pre- 
 dicted, would swamp the dissenting meeting-houses ! But no 
 such effect has followed. 
 
 " I hope I can appeal to the Searcher of the heart, that it is 
 no motive of vanity, or avarice, or ambition, but those impulses 
 which spring from love to Christ, love to souls, love to truth, 
 love to the principles of Protestant Nonconformity, by which I 
 am urged to approach this very weighty and momentous ques- 
 tion, of a colleague in my work. I love my work, my Master, 
 my sphere ; and am content, vastly more than content, nay, 
 abundantly thankful, for all the circumstances of my position. 
 Nor would I move or stir, till compelled to do so, but for the 
 conviction that, when this necessity comes, it may be too late to 
 have the thing rightfully, wisely, and calmly effected. 
 
 " He who seeks the good of Jerusalem — her peace and pros- 
 perity — must look forward ; and endeavour by faith, by prayer, 
 and prudence, to remove obstructions to the peace and prosperity 
 of the Jerusalem he loves. This, then, is now the topic of all- 
 absorbing interest and solicitude with me. I wish, I desire to 
 deal with God, in the matter. It is between Him and me alone. 
 I, a worm, and no man, come to the footstool of my father's 
 God ; the God of my covenant, the God to whom I am minis- 
 terially devoted ; I come to tell Him, with adoring gratitude for 
 the past, and with the confidence of perfect love, that I am 
 willino- to serve — anywhere, and in my best manner, and for 
 any length of time He pleases — His redeemed flock. 
 
 " I have been thirty-five years in active and unceasing labour; 
 and am not tired, nor do I seek inglorious repose ; but I begin
 
 DEATH OF HIS BROTHER. 45 1 
 
 sometimes to feel faint ; and I would have health, and youth, 
 and piety, and talent called into the field, that two may help 
 each other in the work of the Lord ; gather in greater armfuls ; 
 bind fuller sheaves, and crown the Lord of the increase with a 
 richer crown. I therefore now commit this affair to the Lord 
 Christ ; that I may be wise in His wisdom, strong in His might, 
 and only live and move by His counsel, and to His glory. 
 Speak, Lord, and I will hear. I shall now watch every breath 
 of providence, and move or rest as Thou biddest. "What a rich 
 mercy would it be to see Jerusalem a quiet, prosperous habita- 
 tion, ere the days of darkness come upon me, and ere the going 
 down of the sun ! " 
 
 Mr. Clayton was now to become familiar with afflictive 
 visitations. The footsteps of the destroyer were to be 
 heard near his dwelling with solemn frequency; and 
 whispers from the spirit-land, floating around him, 
 warned him to set his house in order. A sickness, 
 extending over eleven weeks, visited him in the summer 
 of 1837, and entirely prevented him from attending to 
 his ministerial duties. But in the autumn he was 
 restored to health ; and returned to his post with 
 renewed earnestness of soul. 
 
 A few months rolled by, and once more the angel 
 of Death entered within the family circle, to summon 
 away one of its members — the youngest of the fraternal 
 band. To see those, who had set out in the journey of 
 life long before him, vanish from his vision, was nothing 
 surprising, however painful might be the bereavement. 
 But to find those who were his juniors pass off the stage 
 of earthly existence, while he remained a spectator of 
 their departure, was what he had not anticipated. 
 
 One of the greatest trials of his life befell him, when 
 his youngest and much-loved brother, William, was sud- 
 denly snatched away from the midst of a large and 
 attached circle of friends. He pours out his heart in
 
 452 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 the most touching expressions of tenderness and sorrow. 
 The whole strain rings like the breaking of a harp- 
 string. It is David lamenting over Jonathan. " Very 
 pleasant" had the slain one been to the weeping sur- 
 vivor — his love had been tender and pure as that of 
 woman. Thus the grieved one records his emotions : — 
 
 " It has pleased the Lord of my life and the Author of all 
 my mercies to lengthen out my existence, and to permit me to 
 witness another anniversary of the day of my birth. Never 
 before have I passed a birthday under circumstances of equal 
 sorrow. My dearest brother William never failed to meet this 
 day with the heartiest congratulations, and kindest wishes of 
 fraternal love ; but now the hand which wielded his affectionate 
 pen is cold and motionless in the dust. That countenance, which 
 beamed with confidence and gladness, is hidden in the grave ; 
 and that tongue, which gave utterance to the tenderest emotions 
 of friendship, is silent in death. 
 
 " Alas ! alas ! my brother, I am distressed ; not for thee, but 
 for those whom thou hast left behind, to mourn their irreparable 
 loss. Ah me, my brother ! thou hast been snatched away from 
 those who loved and delighted in thee ; and I am left to pursue 
 my journey, as it were, in comparative solitude. For though 
 much remains to me, of which I am utterly unworthy, yet 
 much, very much, has been subtracted from my social joy and 
 felicity, by thy glorious translation to the regions of light. But 
 I dare not repine ; thou art perfectly holy and happy; and this, 
 in the midst of sorrow, shall bring joy to my heart. 
 
 " May I be like thee, in all that was like thy blessed Master, 
 into whose joy and glory thou hast entered ! Let me look back 
 with gratitude upon the years of help, pleasure, and sacred 
 solace, I knew in thy society ; and let me adore and give praise 
 to God, whose grace made thee what thou wast to me ; and seek 
 my all in Jesus, whom thou lovedst and servedst on earth, and 
 with whom thou reignest in heaven. Let not my tears obscure 
 my mercies; or hinder me from sending forth my grateful 
 ascriptions to Him who has spared a sinful worm, less fit to 
 depart, less meet than thou for the inheritance of the saints 
 in light.
 
 MRS. GEOEGE CLAYTON. 453 
 
 " O that on this day I may resolve, with all my heart, on 
 a new and more entire consecration of my life, my all to God. 
 Let me be more diligent, cautious, circumspect, and prayerful ; 
 and seek a larger measure of the Spirit's grace to sanctify me 
 wholly; to preserve me to the end; and to make me a more 
 abundant blessing to my family, my church, and the world! 
 for a renewed application of the blood of sprinkling ; that, 
 with a sense of pardoned sin, I may pursue my course, hold 
 on my way, wait all the days of my appointed time, and finish 
 my short day of life to the glory of my God and Saviour ! 
 "April 9th, 1838." 
 
 In the summer of 1842, Mr. Clayton and his wife 
 journeyed to Brighton, for a temporary sojourn there. 
 The latter appeared in her usual health and spirits — the 
 fresh air of the country, and the invigorating breezes of 
 the sea, seemed to give new life to her delicate frame. 
 But, after four days, she was seized with illness, while 
 staying at the house of the Eev. J. Sortain. This illness 
 increased upon her rapidly, and reduced her to a state of 
 distressing weakness. Everything was done, that human 
 agency could accomplish, to arrest the progress of the 
 disease; but without effect. From the beginning she 
 had a presentiment that this sickness would be unto 
 death; and composed herself with wondrous self- 
 possession in the exercises of contrition, faith, and 
 prayer, to meet her last hour. 
 
 This will be the proper place for a short notice of this 
 estimable lady, who, for nearly thirty-eight years, had 
 been the companion and coadjutor of her husband, in 
 his great work. 
 
 Mrs. George Clayton,* who was born in 1779, was the 
 
 * For these particulars concerning Mrs. Clayton, I am mainly indebted to a 
 short Memoir of her, published by the Rev. Joseph Sortain, in 1844.
 
 454 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 only child of Burchett Whennell, Esq., then residing at 
 Aveley, in Essex. She was of a good family ; General 
 Oglethorpe, of Cranham Hall, and Sir Nathan Wright, 
 Bart., a soldier distinguished hy his loyalty and devotion 
 to the house of Stuart, heing among her maternal 
 ancestors. 
 
 In her infancy she was visited with a sudden loss of 
 power in the right limh, the effect of slight paralysis. 
 All that medical skill could devise failed to neutralize 
 the evil. But as her mind developed, it gave indications 
 of a robustness and intelligence, in happy contrast with 
 her physical weakness. In her eighth year she was 
 placed at school, at Reading; and, in 1790, was sent to 
 one at Great Baddow, where she found herself in the 
 midst of sixty scholars. Here her reading embraced a 
 wide range of literature ; the classical authors of other 
 lands, as well as those of her own, being her favourites. 
 In her autobiography she says : — 
 
 " When Miss More's Treatise on Education was published, I 
 read it diligently, but could not enter into the last chapter of 
 either volume. By the recommendation of this writer, I deter- 
 mined to read Locke's Essay on the Understanding. Never 
 was I more captivated by a book ! It introduced me into a new 
 intellectual region. I regretted that I had wasted so much time 
 in reading novels; and determined to discard them for the 
 future, as I now heartily despised them. This resolution I was 
 enabled to keep." 
 
 While at Reading, Mr. Cadogan's preaching produced 
 in her mind the first awakenings of a sense of the evil 
 of sin ; but they were met by the opposition of her 
 unregenerate nature ; and when, at different times, she 
 was brought to listen to a faithful evangelical ministry, 
 which she did not find where her parents worshipped, it 
 seems only to have excited afresh the latent hostility of 
 the unchanged heart.
 
 MRS. GEORGE CLAYTON. 455 
 
 In 1794, she left school, and spent some time in 
 town ; where she contracted a taste for dramatic 
 representations, which were her ruling passion for four 
 years. Tired at length of novels and light literature, 
 in which she had indulged, she gave herself to the 
 perusal of works calculated more to improve her mind. 
 Bishop Taylor's Holy Living and Dying became a 
 prime favourite : — 
 
 " I entered," she says, " into his austere and legal views with 
 great zest ; retired at the prescribed hours for secret prayer, 
 — using the prayers of Bishop Andrews — -with great constancy. 
 This, however, only lasted while I was at home. When I 
 visited London, I was ensnared by its pleasures, and absorbed 
 in the pursuit of them. I read Plato's Dialogues, and, as if I 
 had never heard of a revelation from God, nor seen a Bible, 
 I was thrown into the greatest perplexity, as to the nature and 
 existence of the Supreme Being, and the way of acceptance with 
 Him. Under deep anxiety of mind did I grope in darkness, 
 while the effulgent beams of divine truth were shed around me; 
 but I had no spiritual light to behold them." 
 
 It was shortly after this that a young minister from 
 college — her future husband — was introduced to her. 
 In a small private circle, he read the account of Moses, 
 given in Robinson's Scripture Characters, and at once 
 a new light broke in upon her. She saw that if God 
 was to be pleased, the world must be renounced; and 
 she resolved to do it. Her own words, written long 
 afterwards, will best state this : — 
 
 "On this day, 1802, I was first introduced to . On this 
 
 day, the arrows of conviction first pained my heart ; I saw what 
 was to be given up for Christ ; I was made willing to accept the 
 terms of the Gospel. How much have I been a gainer by my 
 losses ! How true is that divine word : ' No man hath forsaken 
 lands, or houses,' &c. I would set my seal to the truth of the 
 promise. I have waded through a sea of affliction, since I first
 
 456 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 set out in the Christian course ; but never have I repented ; 
 never, through the grace of my Lord, cast a lingering look on 
 the world which I have quitted. Thus far have I persevered, 
 though with unequal, and sometimes faltering steps. I now 
 look forward to the prize, and can say, truly, that I despise all 
 that earth can offer. O that I could more steadfastly believe 
 that He, that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up 
 for us all, will with Him also freely give us all things ! " 
 
 From this time her chosen preachers were of the 
 evangelical school, for which, up to this period, she had 
 entertained the bitterest contempt. But now the Rev. 
 John Newton, the Rev. Thomas Scott, the commentator, 
 Dr. Waugh, and others, were listened to with delight. 
 This change, however, exposed her to the opposition of 
 her parents, who had cared for none of these things, and 
 to the official remonstrances of their parish clergyman. 
 But she maintained her position with calmness, dignity, 
 and success. The very difficulties by which she was 
 beset, led her more closely to examine her own heart, 
 and consider well those truths, for which she had to 
 endure the frowns of friends ; and the result was a 
 firmer attachment to them, from a conviction of their 
 scripturalness and worth. 
 
 It was at this time she formed an engagement with 
 Mr. Clayton, which ultimately issued in their marriage. 
 But before this event could take place, she had to pass 
 through deep waters ; and by a stern mental discipline, to 
 which her divine Master subjected her, be qualified for 
 the position of a minister's wife, who would often be 
 called upon to " speak a word in season to those who 
 are weary;" and must "know how" to do it, from a 
 remembrance of her own experience. Referring to this, 
 she says : — 
 
 " During a visit in town, I was seized with the influenza : the
 
 MRS. GEORGE CLAYTON. 457 
 
 attack was violent, and my frame much debilitated by it. I 
 continued for four months in a state of great bodily weakness. 
 My mind became unstrung ; a nervous depression settled on my 
 spirits ; I lost all my comfort ; nay, even hope itself was lost. 
 I could not pray, nor read the Scriptures, nor endure to be 
 present at religious services, — the tempter persuading me that 
 my sacrifices were an abomination in the sight of God, and 
 would only tend to enhance my condemnation. I could not 
 open my lips to any who were competent to enter into my case, 
 or afford me consolation, from an apprehension that they would 
 charge me with hypocrisy; and as I judged myself to be 
 indeed a hypocrite, I gave myself up for lost. For six months 
 I remained in the deepest despair, assaulted by the most fearful 
 temptations, and the prey of the most fearful imaginings. It 
 pleased God, however, by restoring my health, to calm my 
 mind. And though, for many months after, I enjoyed not a 
 ray of comfort, yet I was enabled to attend to the duties of 
 religion, as it respected external worship." 
 
 Reference has already been made to the trying 
 circumstances which preceded her marriage with 
 Mr. Clayton. But the opposition of her friends was at 
 length overcome; and she entered upon her new sphere 
 of service for God, with a devout desire to glorify Him, 
 whose she was. 
 
 Her first care was over her own heart ; and systemati- 
 cally she strove to instruct and discipline it. Scrupu- 
 lously attentive to her private devotions, she drew up 
 for herself a series of " Reflections on the opening of 
 the day, by way of preparation for the solemn exercise 
 of prayer." For the evening, she instituted a number 
 of searching inquiries into the spirit, and temper, and 
 manner in which the day's engagements had been 
 observed; that she might have topics for reflection, 
 and subjects which should induce becoming emotions 
 of penitence or thankfulness, at the throne of grace.
 
 458 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 She arranged her devotions for each day of the week, 
 according to a special plan, and ever made meditation 
 precede prayer ; " remembering that as the mind is 
 musing the fire burns; and so, ere she spake to God 
 with her tongue, she pondered in silence over the sub- 
 ject of her petitions." 
 
 Among her papers was found "A solemn Covenant 
 with Almighty God, made through His beloved Son 
 Jesus Christ, and by the aid of His Holy Spirit; to 
 be frequently reviewed." That covenant she sought 
 daily to keep; and by the help of God, amid many 
 conscious defects, she remained faithful to it. 
 
 Mrs. Clayton was, amidst all her engagements, a 
 great reader. She kept a catalogue of those books 
 which she read from 1788 to 1841. 
 
 " It would seem that immediately upon her having concluded 
 a volume, she herein recorded it. The works thus studied are 
 classified under the heads of Divinity, History, Biography, 
 Poetry, Travels, and Natural History and Philosophy. To 
 these is added a large number of books which defied arrange- 
 ment. When it is recollected that her meditative habits 
 made her what might be called a slow reader; — that the 
 moment a work betrayed its worthlessness, she threw it aside, 
 and omitted to record it in this catalogue ; — that never- 
 theless, of books which she had thoroughly studied, on the 
 truths of which she had ruminated, thus converting them into 
 pabulum for her mind, there were 16 folios, 58 quartos, 1,118 
 octavos, and 241 duodecimos ; making in the whole 1,433 ; — 
 her mental industry will surprise, and should arouse to emula- 
 tion. . . . Hers could not have been a contracted mind, 
 seeing that it was familiar with the rich tomes of Bishops Hall 
 and Taylor ; the sublime Christian philosophy of Howe ; the 
 varied literature and theology of Watts. Hers could not have 
 been a weak mind, seeing that it had held converse with Plato, 
 and Seneca, and Bacon, and Locke, and Butler, and Berkeley. 
 To commune with them, and to respond to them, showed power.
 
 MRS. GEOEGE CLAYTON. 459 
 
 Hers could not have been an unattunod mind, seeing that it 
 had listened, as 
 
 ' Our sweetest Shakspeare, fancy's child, 
 Warbled his native wood-notes wild ;' 
 
 had heard, in awe and reverence, the deep diapason of Milton ; 
 and had caught the mystic whisperings of Wordsworth. Indeed, 
 it was a refreshing thing to watch her ; to know the profound 
 and conscientious piety of her heart ; to be aware that its 
 delicacy was such that, like the mimosa, it shrunk at the bare 
 touch of evil ; and yet to perceive that, instead of sympathizing 
 with the religious prudery around her, she found it morally 
 healthful to live with the wise of all ages, and to hearken to 
 genius, as to the inspiration of the Most High."* 
 
 But it is not to be supposed that there was any 
 omission of domestic or social duties, on account of 
 these intellectual pursuits. It is sometimes alleged 
 that the love of literature and a true domesticity are 
 rarely combined. It may be that individual cases can 
 be found of absorption in study to the neglect of home 
 duties ; but there is no necessary disconnexion between 
 these things; and a rightly-regulated mind, such as 
 Mrs. Clayton's was, will ever take care that each receives 
 its due amount of time and attention. 
 
 It is certain that she was deeply interested in the 
 success of the various societies affiliated with the York 
 Street congregation, and, as she had opportunity and 
 strength, aided in their working. Her chief interest, 
 however, centred in a charity school of girls, which she 
 established in 1810, and over which she watched with 
 parental solicitude, for thirty-two years. During the 
 whole of that time she wrote the reports that were 
 annually presented to the subscribers, and strove in a 
 variety of ways to multiply its friends and supporters. 
 
 * Sortain's Memoir.
 
 460 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 But that which was most noticeable was the healthy 
 influence, of an intellectual and spiritual character, 
 which she exercised over a large number of her own 
 sex. The value of this it would not be easy to 
 exaggerate ; while its important results can never be 
 fully ascertained, until the disclosures of the last day 
 shall reveal the nature and extent of holy incentive, 
 which a vigorous, refined, and sanctified mind can give 
 to those who come within the sphere of its action. 
 
 Mrs. Clayton was in the habit of meeting, at stated 
 times, with the young ladies of the families worshipping 
 at York Street ; " when topics selected from subjects 
 which bore upon the mental and spiritual culture of 
 females were discussed, in the easiest and most 
 informal manner; and when, as if one of themselves, — 
 as a learner, not an instructress ; as a companion, not 
 a senior, — she would avail herself of her extensive 
 reading and experience. One of that number, who 
 shared, more than most, her affections and interest, 
 thus writes of her, in a strain in which all the rest 
 would, I am sure, cordially acquiesce : — 
 
 " ' I can scarcely yet realize that we shall see no more, or 
 commune with, this beloved friend. She stood out to the eye of 
 my early youth, as a pillar of mental rectitude and moral worth, 
 whose fair outline time never dimmed. I know no one who, for 
 so long-continued a term of years, maintained such a strong and 
 yet affectionate influence over me, for good. Her cast of mind 
 was so calm, lucid, and reflective ; she was such an eminent 
 Christian ; viewing all things by the light of another world, and 
 setting so little store by the glitter of this. She appreciated 
 talent, but it never dazzled her, or even won her admiration, 
 unless used in God's service. She really loved the beautiful in 
 nature, and felt the powerful in art. Her society, in free and 
 intimate intercourse, was always elevating. She was a truly 
 refined and spiritually-minded woman. She is gone, after
 
 MRS. GEORGE CLAYTON. 461 
 
 fulfilling her allotted period of probation and usefulness on 
 earth, to the land where such spirits dwell. 
 
 ' " Heaven gives us friends to bless tlie present life : 
 Removes them to prepare us for the next. 
 
 " ' For the maintenance of this variety of social intercourse 
 she was, with one exception, singularly fitted. Though decided 
 in her opinions, and conscious, as she must have been, of great 
 mental vigour, she was, nevertheless, I am convinced, timid and 
 diffident. The direct result of these peculiarities was a reserve, 
 which the superficial or malicious might have called pride. 
 But the moment that this timidity and diffidence gave way to 
 an intimate acquaintanceship, her manner became irresistibly 
 attractive, from its confidingness and candour. Her repartee, 
 which often approached to wit, enlivened the gravest subjects. 
 If it ever wounded, its barb, beforehand, had been steeped in a 
 balm. Her discussions on individual character always interested 
 the best feelings of her associates ; for they held a happy 
 medium between what would have been meaninglessly general, 
 or unkindly specific. Sometimes her manner lost its ordinary 
 placidity, and her voice quivered with emotion ; her thoughts 
 breathed, and her words burned ; and then her invective, which 
 was never, to my knowledge, against men, was eloquent against 
 measures. Hence, her influence upon public men, in stirring 
 them up to the advocacy of great numan rights, was often most 
 decisive.' "* 
 
 A few quotations from Mr. Sortain's Extracts from her 
 Correspondence will give a slight idea of the discursive 
 character of her reading, her keen perceptions of men 
 and things, and of the vigour with which she could 
 wield her pen. 
 
 " Christian Experience. — Every day I endeavour to push 
 the world from me, and inquire, what of its causes, and pursuits, 
 and enjoyments, can be dispensed with ? — that I may be more 
 entirely devoted. But, alas ! when the nightly review is 
 
 * Memoir.
 
 •162 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 instituted, nothing seems to have been cither renounced, on the 
 one hand, or accomplished, on the other. 'To will is present, 
 but how to perform I find not.' Do you know what it is to feel 
 as if you made no progress in the celestial journey? — to have 
 the same spiritual prospect continually before your eyes? — 
 contending with the same enemies ; encountering the same 
 temptations ; committing the same sins every day, as if you 
 never moved a step onward, in the path of Zion ? That is my 
 experience. Did I not retain a vivid recollection of the broad 
 road, and the motives which impelled me along its course, I 
 should sometimes doubt whether I had entered on the heavenly 
 way. But, no ! it cannot be mistaken : it is narrow, and thickly 
 strewn with thorns and briers, on the one side ; while, on the 
 other, the flowers and fruits of paradise offer themselves in rich 
 abundance to the weary traveller." 
 
 "Jonathan Edwards. — I thank you for introducing Edwards 
 to me. I find his work on religious affections profitable. I like 
 him for his sober-mindedness. There is much that is cautious 
 and discriminating in his delineation of spiritual feeling, and 
 an ample exposure of what is spurious and counterfeit. What 
 an admirable quotation is that from Mr. John Smith, on 
 Pharisaic righteousness, page 117. It is very pleasant, occa- 
 sionally, to climb the dazzling height, where fancy, waving her 
 magic wand, exhibits the glories of her unreal world to the 
 astonished gaze; or roaming in the labyrinth of metaphysic 
 lore, to listen to the sage, profound, and erudite, who, discoursing 
 of that subtle essence, mind, shall investigate its powers, analyze 
 its perceptions, and trace its actings. But it is safest and best 
 to walk in the good old path, where the light of Scripture, the 
 evidence of faith, the deductions of corrected reason, and the 
 harmony of subjugated passion, combine to assure us that it is 
 the King's highway, and will certainly conduct us to the celestial 
 paradise. 
 
 "In lately meditating on the intermediate state, I have been 
 led to think that it is as remote from the refinement of intel- 
 lectuality, as from the grossness of materiality. I am inclined 
 to the opinion, expressed on Saturday evening, — that conscious-
 
 MRS. GEORGE CLAYTON. 4 Co 
 
 ness and the moral sense will be the all-pervading impression, 
 and only perception of the spirit. Judgment will be past ; 
 memory will probably be in exercise ; but imagination, and the 
 discursive faculty, held as it were in abeyance, till the soul is 
 united to the glorified body, when the various mental faculties 
 may find a slightly analogous employment in the new theatre of 
 human activity. What is your prevailing idea of heaven ? Is 
 it as a state of individual felicity, or social enjoyment ; or as a 
 beatific absorption in the contemplation of the divine nature? 
 I perceive that Edwards answers my query concerning mental 
 intercourse negatively: 'Spirits united to bodies have no medium 
 of acting, as it respects other creatures but the body.' So it is 
 not only the instrument and the habitation, but the prison of 
 the soul. But, thanks to Heaven, written speech can fly whither 
 spirit cannot ; and convey its thoughts, feelings, and wishes." 
 
 " Nervous Affections. — You ask if I have experienced the 
 feelings you describe ? I am well acquainted with many forms 
 of that hydra — nervous disease ; and to the wild workings of a 
 morbid fancy I am no stranger. The various undefined and 
 undefinable ills, the fearful apprehensions which it conjures up, 
 and the false surmises in which it indulges — these I also know. 
 With regard to physical suffering, I acquired at an early age 
 (14), from my first moral master, Seneca, some control over 
 animal feeling ; and a capacity of endurance, which comes nearer 
 to the idea of passive power than anything else which I can 
 conceive of. 
 
 " This, I hope, has improved in a higher school. When 
 suffering pain, I generally retire within myself, and pray, and 
 endure, and strive to perfect patience — which I invariably find 
 the best anodyne. By this means I can lie still, almost motion- 
 less, when the slightest sound beats with distressing violence on 
 the diseased sensorium, and the least movement of another is 
 painful and annoying. 
 
 " I find it easier to reason with nerves and muscles than with 
 imaginary terrors. I think the dominion of mind over matter 
 would be apparent, if the first ten years of human life were spent 
 on subjugating the animal, and cultivating the moral powers,
 
 464 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 instead of forming the intellectual. How much is effected this 
 way by the Moravians and the Friends ! Abstinence from 
 stimulants, during the entire period of youth, would, I think, 
 also contribute to this end. But, leaving the physical view of 
 the subject, we know that our God, who is rich in mercy 
 towards them that fear Him, will not lay upon us more than 
 He will enable us to bear. He will give dying grace in dying 
 moments." 
 
 " Classics. — Dear has been most assiduous in her atten- 
 tions during my illness, and visited me three or four times 
 every week. We have had a whole Iliad of battles on the 
 subject of the classics ; but no Homer to recount them, for the 
 amusement of future ages. She insists that, if the classics were 
 abolished, taste would be extinct ; whereas, I contend that a 
 most elegant philosophic mythology might be built on the 
 discoveries of modern science ; one that would excite the 
 imagination, without stimulating the passions. What lovely 
 forms might be conceived to bask in the soft rays of polarized 
 light, reflecting prismatic hues from their gauzy wings ! What 
 wondrous beings might be supposed to direct electro-magnetic 
 influence, and produce chemical transformations ! What a 
 variety of personifications might be employed to control the 
 forces which act on the material world around us; and what 
 sublime intelligences, to preside over the sidereal movements ! 
 
 "But is mythology necessary, either for taste or poetry? 
 Were the youthful mind no longer corrupted by the baleful 
 streams which flow from Castalia's polluted fount, the soft 
 flowing waters of ' Siloa ' would attract them, and the dews of 
 Hermon impearl their brows. Surely, the terrors of Sinai, the 
 glories of Tabor, and the more thrilling words, as revealed to 
 the lone inhabitant of Patmos' isle, would furnish loftier themes 
 than Empyrean Jove and ' his rabble rout ' of inferior deities 
 would ever inspire ! . . I have not forgotten your favourite 
 Longinus. He reminded me of a fine tract of country 
 diversified with mountain scenery and fertile plains, while, 
 ever and anon, a bog or slough betrays the feet of the unwary 
 travellers, and annoys those who love to walk in clean paths."
 
 MRS. GEORGE CLAYTON. 465 
 
 " The Christian Ministry. — Laymen cannot form any just 
 conceptions of the labour of making sermons. They do not 
 calculate on the deep thought, the patient research, the dis- 
 criminating judgment, the chastised imagination, the fervour 
 of devout affection, which should be employed in every prepa- 
 ration for the pulpit. Or, if from habits of mental application, 
 they can form some estimate of these, yet it is impossible that 
 they should realize the solemn feelings, the melting emotions, 
 the painful searchings of heart, the fearful forebodings of those 
 who, in the true spirit of their office, stand up between the 
 living and the dead, as the messengers of God, as the ambassa- 
 dors of Christ; knowing that no argument, no warning, no 
 appeal from their lips, is without its effect. It is either a savour 
 of life unto life, or of death unto death ! Who is sufficient for 
 these things ? They filled the Saviour's heart : they would fill 
 an angel's hands. 
 
 " But persons in general have very inadequate ideas on the 
 subject. The merchant thinks it as easy to write a sermon as a 
 letter of business ; the tradesman, as to cast an accoimt ; and 
 some, probably, think with the countryman, that it comes by 
 nature — like reading and writing. Inconsideration is one source 
 of this misconception ; but there is a yet more culpable one ; 
 — religion has too little influence upon the heart : we are too 
 little conversant with awful realities. The minister's voice is to 
 many but as a lovely song, which charms the ear, and dies away 
 from the mind. 
 
 " I love the priesthood, and I must stand up for its defence 
 while I can wield the pen." 
 
 Throughout her life Mrs. George Clayton had often 
 been the subject of bodily affliction; while her domestic 
 sorrow — to which reference has already been made — 
 bowed her heart very often to the dust. But amidst it 
 all the meekness of the Christian shone forth beauti- 
 fully. No murmur was heard ; but a holy acquiescence 
 in the appointment of the all- wise God was ever visible. 
 
 When her last days approached, and she found that 
 
 H H
 
 4CG THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 she had left her earthly home to die in that of another, 
 she prepared herself for the event. 
 
 Mr. Clayton furnished some minutes of a conversa- 
 tion held with his wife, on her deathbed, from which I 
 extract the following : — 
 
 "She appeared to labour under considerable difficulty and 
 embarrassment, in uttering that which she nevertheless was 
 anxious to communicate. At length she said, 'I wished to 
 speak to you on the state of my mind ; I intended to do so 
 yesterday, but was prevented. I hope this illness will be a 
 great blessing to me. For some time past I have mourned over 
 great darkness and distance from God ; such coldness of heart, 
 such want of sensible comfort ! I am full of fear in relation to 
 the time to come ; lest I should become helpless, and useless, 
 and a burden. But why should I look forward to the morrow, 
 when I have so many mercies, innumerable mercies, for the 
 present day ! I want more submission to the will of God. I 
 want an increase of faith. " Lord, increase my faith." This 
 must be henceforth my motto—" Only believe." I have, alas ! 
 read too much, and prayed too little ; I have read many books 
 which might have been better left alone. Yet I really did 
 it often with a view to the good of the young people ; to the 
 improvement of their minds.' 
 
 " I reminded her that the cultivation of the understanding is 
 a duty, and that in an age of information it was as well to keep 
 up to some extent with the advancement of knowledge. ' Ah ! ' 
 she replied, 'the knowledge of Christ is the one thing — the 
 
 everything. 
 
 "To know my Jesus cru< ' 
 By far excels all things beside." 
 
 It is well,' she continued, 'that I have been called aside 
 from the incessant round of duties, too formally discharged — 
 not neglected, but with so little of the heart in them. that 
 I had read less in my private hours of devotion, and meditated 
 more! Meditation, communing with our own hearts, is the 
 thing to be especially aimed at.' 
 
 "Then, with much emotion. Fhe repeated a favourite verse —
 
 MRS. GEORGE CLAYTON. 467 
 
 ' Yet save a trembling sinner, Lord, 
 Whose hope, still hovering round thy word, 
 "Would light oil some sweet promise there — 
 Some sure support against despair.' 
 
 " I reminded her that that was a favourite verse of my dear 
 mother's, and that she had never taken higher ground, in her 
 religious experience. She smiled and said, 'How low, then, 
 ought I to place myself!' She complained of pride; 'How 
 much I have had of it! How God has been humbling me 
 for it, all along ; 
 
 " But pride — that busy sin, 
 Spoils all that I perform.'" 
 
 " She asked if I thought that ' a soul, which sincerely loved 
 Christ, or that sincerely desired to love Him, could perish?' 
 I answered, ' Certainly not ; it is incongruous and impossible.' 
 She added, C I do sincerely desire to love Him. Of one thino- 
 I am certain, that I desire holiness above all things ; a holy 
 heaven, and nothing else. I sometimes hope that this may be 
 regarded as an evidence of grace.' " 
 
 She sent messages to the people at Walworth, — "her 
 dear people, with her best love, and hope to meet them 
 in heaven, if they never met again on earth." Gloomy 
 thoughts at times oppressed her, hut they gradually 
 passed away; and at length, the tired one sunk to a 
 sweet repose. Mrs. Clayton died August 13th, 1842, 
 aged sixty- three years. 
 
 An extract, from Dr. Pye Smith's oration at the grave, 
 will close this sketch : — 
 
 " Our departed sister was by God formed, naturally, and in 
 the arrangements of His providence, to attract universal admira- 
 tion and love. I well remember, in the commencement of her 
 course, it being said by one who was a good judge of human 
 nature, 'She is all intellect.' Her fine understanding, her 
 penetration, her vivacity, had she chosen to take her lot in the 
 world, would have made her the ornament of the most brilliant 
 circle. But she chose to take her lot with the people of God ;
 
 468 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 and to consecrate her natural and acquired talents of mind, in 
 every respect, to the honour of the Redeemer ; and you know 
 (though you can but imperfectly know) the simplicity, the 
 humility, the self-renunciation, the abdication of human 
 applause, with which she habitually laboured to promote the 
 love and honour of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. As 
 ' the beloved Persis ' ' laboured much in the Lord,' so do you 
 know — you, the members of the church of Christ, under the 
 pastoral care of my dear brother — that she infused life and 
 energy into numerous associations ; and that yet, with all this 
 vivacity, there was feminine sweetness, and softness, and tender- 
 ness, and everything that exhibited always an anxiety that not 
 she, but the grace of the Lord, should be contemplated. 
 
 " While she thus wrought, in every part of the circle she had 
 filled, domestic and private, as well as when brought forth into 
 a measure of public knowledge, she left no duty — I may say, 
 without any exaggeration, so far as the human eye could see — 
 she left no duty neglected. Order ; exact, wise, and beneficent 
 adjustment of time and circumstances, showed that she possessed 
 what is the mark of a great mind — comprehension ; and an 
 ability to combine attention to the greatest, with a dignified, 
 yet affectionate arrangement of the smallest, affairs. But whilst 
 thus our departed sister ' was as an angel of God ' walking the 
 earth, attracting love and admiration, or scattering blessings 
 around, her spirit habitually held communion with the Infinite 
 and the All Perfect; and thence she drew the vital power 
 which animated the whole of her character. 
 
 " Yes, that vital power was union to Christ. The Lord Jesus 
 Christ was the centre and the energy of all that lovely, and 
 active, and useful character, which it is a delight to survey. 
 I may apply to her, without any impropriety, an epitaph which 
 stands in one of the churches in Westphalia, — ' What things 
 were gain, those I counted loss, for the excellency of the know- 
 ledge of Jesus Christ my Lord.' So thought, so felt, so lived, 
 the Princess Amelia Galitzin; so thought, so felt, so lived, 
 Mary Clayton. It is true, it is true, without any exaggera- 
 tion."
 
 Chapter XXIV. 
 
 REV. GEORGE CLAYTON.— 1843-1862. 
 
 SECOND MARRIAGE. — ILLNESS. — CO-PASTORATE. — REV. P. J. TURQUAND. — 
 LETTER TO MRS. WILLS. — FETE AT GAINES. — PRESENTATION OF TESTI- 
 MONIAL FROM THE CHURCH AT YORK STREET. — LETTER FROM THE 
 BISHOP OF WINCHESTER. — RESIGNATION OF THE PASTORATE. — " CLAY- 
 TON MEMORIAL SCHOOLS." — DEATH OF MRS. JOHNSON. — ATTACK OF 
 APOPLEXY. — GENEROSITY TO RELATIVES. — LAST YEAR OF LIFE. — LAST 
 PUBLIC SERVICES. — LAST ENTRY IN HIS DIARY. — MRS. CLAYTON'S 
 ACCOUNT OF HIS LAST MOMENTS. — DEATH. — FUNERAL SERVICES. 
 
 For more than three years, Mr. George Clayton 
 continued a widower; but on December 18th, 1845, he 
 entered again into the marriage relationship with Mary, 
 the elder daughter of Edward Giles, Esq., of Clapham 
 Common ; an event which contributed so largely to his 
 domestic and ministerial happiness, that, to the latest 
 hour of his life, his heart breathed devoutest thanks 
 to God, who had once more gilded his home with a 
 chastened sunshine ; and enabled him, in the genial 
 society of one who could sympathize with him, in all 
 matters social, intellectual, and spiritual, to realize as 
 much of earthly blessedness as his soul could desire. 
 
 With devout joy does he record the fact, that never 
 had his ministry been more acceptable, more valued, or 
 useful, than in the fourth decade of his pastorate at 
 Walworth. For some years afterward he continued to 
 pursue his course, with an extraordinary measure of 
 bodily health and strength. Public services, and more
 
 470 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 private labours, ho says, were " never less fatiguing, or 
 more pleasant." In 1846, lie was permitted to lay the 
 foundation of his beautiful mansion, at Gaines Park; and 
 in June, 1849, entered upon its possession, with earnest 
 supplication to his heavenly Father, to abide with him, 
 " that it might be the house of prayer, and the dwelling- 
 place of God." 
 
 In 1850, while on a visit to his brother, he had 
 another attack, of an apoplectic character; but happily 
 a very slight one, — for the immediate application of 
 appropriate remedies led to a speedy restoration. 
 
 In February, 1851, he delivered the oration at the 
 funeral of the Rev. Dr. Pye Smith, of Homerton, who 
 had taken a prominent part in his settlement at 
 Walworth, forty-seven years before, and of whom, in 
 this excellent address, he speaks, with the admiration 
 of a man who had learned to appreciate the great 
 erudition of the departed; and with all the warmth of 
 a friend, who loved the venerable sage, for his " humble 
 and modest bearing, his gentleness and patience, the 
 suavity and Christian courtesy of his manners, asso- 
 ciated at the same time with the stern love of justice, 
 and an uncompromising firmness of principle." He 
 eulogized "his disinterestedness and generosity; the 
 facility with which he forgave injuries, forbore to 
 retaliate affronts, and ever returned good for evil ; and 
 that which formed the very climax of his virtues — his 
 utter abnegation of self, and the willing attribution of 
 all he was, all he possessed, all he achieved, solely to 
 the ' grace which was with him.' " 
 
 The frequent recurrence of attacks of illness was 
 too significant a warning to be despised; and thus he 
 records his meditation on a subject which, for some 
 time, had been engaging his attention : —
 
 ME. W. D. WILLS. 471 
 
 " The time is come, when I consider it my duty to call in more 
 stated and regular assistance than I have hitherto required. 
 The illness of last autumn, the state of my hearing, and some 
 other minor symptoms of decay, remind me that the grass 
 withereth, the flower fadeth, and that strength and vigour must 
 decline. I have sought the Lord, on this point, in earnest 
 prayer, and have been waiting for an answer. I seek not my 
 own will, hut His glory ; not my way, but that which shall most 
 conduce to the peace, progress, fruitfulness, and prosperity of 
 the dear people, and the advancement of Christ's kingdom 
 amongst us, and around us. 
 
 "April 9th, 1851." 
 
 It was about this time, that the following letter was 
 sent to Mrs. W. D. Wills, on the occasion of an accident 
 to her husband, by which a limb was broken. It has a 
 solemn and affecting character about it, when read with 
 the remembrance of the fact, that Mr. Wills was again 
 the subject of a terrible accident, while attending the 
 missionary meetings in London, in May, 18G5. He was 
 run over by an omnibus, in Holborn ; and, being taken 
 to St. Bartholomew's Hospital, suffered amputation of 
 the leg, but, from the collapse that followed a few hours 
 afterwards, he died : — 
 
 "Gaines, 29th April, 1851. 
 
 " My dear Friend, — It gave to Mrs. Clayton and myself 
 much pain to hear of the sad accident which has befallen your 
 dear and excellent husband. My young cousin, Mr. GK Dawson, 
 gave us the information on Sabbath morning ; and the concern 
 felt for the sufferer was deep and sincere. It extended beyond 
 the limits of the pulpit ; and the prayers of many hundreds of 
 devout and sympathizing minds ascended to Heaven on his 
 behalf and yours. 
 
 " We hope that the fractured limb is progressing favourably ; 
 and shall be happy, when you have a moment's leisure, to have 
 the assurance of it from your own pen. 
 
 "I need not remind you of the comfort contained in the 
 sentiment, ' My times are in thy hands.' All things that
 
 472 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 concern us arc arranged and directed by a wisdom that cannot 
 err, and a goodness "which is unimpeachable and unchanging. 
 
 " If a sparrow fallcth not to the ground without our Father, 
 we are sure that no casualty can happen to us, but by the special 
 permission or appointment of Him who has said, 'Ye are of 
 more value than many sparrows.' 
 
 " I have sought for you both, a humble, patient, and 
 submissive frame, under this trial; and the abundant sanctifi- 
 cation of it, through the power and grace of the Holy Spirit. 
 Your good Mr. Wills has been, eminently, the active servant 
 of God for many years ; he is now called to practise another and 
 a harder lesson, the exemplification of the passive graces, under 
 the suspension of his wonted energies, in comparative solitude 
 and quiet seclusion. It is good when a broken heart takes 
 precedency of a broken limb ; for such a heart prepares us to 
 suffer with unrepining acquiescence, and will enable us to 
 acknowledge, ' It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not 
 consumed.' 
 
 "'Wherefore doth a living man complain; a man for the 
 punishment of his sins ?' especially when he has every reason to 
 hope that sin is pardoned ; that condemnation is averted ; and 
 that these 'light afflictions, which are but for a moment, are 
 working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of 
 glory ' ? 
 
 "Present our united Christian regards and affectionate 
 
 sympathy to Mr. Wills; accept the same yourself; and, with 
 
 best remembrances to Mr. William, believe me, as ever, 
 
 affectionately yours, 
 
 "George Clayton." 
 
 Before the end of this year he carried into effect the 
 design he had for some time been contemplating. The 
 admonitions of his own increasing feebleness, which now 
 began to be sensibly felt, were too frequent and urgent 
 for him any longer to delay making the request to his 
 people, for assistance in the pulpit and the pastorate. 
 Thus, under date November 28th, he writes : — 
 
 " The crisis, which I had already foreseen, and of which I
 
 REV. P. J. TUEQUAND. 473 
 
 have had many foreshadowing premonitions, has actually 
 presented itself. Various ailments have assaulted the earthly 
 house of this my frail and mortal tabernacle. I would fain have 
 continued at my post for a longer season, and that in full 
 occupation; but as the Supreme will, always good, seems to 
 indicate another course, I desire to bow with unqualified 
 submission, and without a murmuring word. 
 
 " I can most truly and distinctly aver that my chief solicitude 
 has been about my beloved flock, whom I have tended, on one 
 spot, for very nearly forty and eight years. I have feared lest 
 they should be scattered ; lest they should be disunited; lest any 
 root of bitterness should spring up to trouble us ; lest the fair 
 and lovely garden should be blighted; souls scandalized; Christ 
 dishonoured; His enemies furnished with causes of triumph, and 
 the effective usefulness of an harmonious church be impaired. 
 But is the Spirit of the Lord straitened ? His promise is not 
 forgotten by Him, <Lo, I am with you always, even unto the 
 end of the world.' 
 
 " On Sabbath day, the 9th November, 1851, I announced the 
 change to my people, who received it with the kindest 
 sympathy and Christian feeling." 
 
 On May 17th, 1853, the Rev. P. J. Turquand was 
 unanimously invited to the co-pastorate, at Walworth, 
 with the most perfect and hearty concurrence of the 
 minister who had so long laboured there. On June 
 7th, the forty-ninth anniversary of Mr. Clayton's own 
 ordination, Mr. Turquand was set apart to the work, 
 which, from that day to the present, he has been 
 enabled, with many, and most encouraging, tokens of 
 his great Master's approval, energetically to carry 
 forward. 
 
 In June, 1853, Mr. Clayton gave a public expression 
 to his attachment to one of the noblest institutions of 
 the land, the " British and Foreign Bible Society." He 
 had been connected with it almost from the first hour 
 of its establishment; and for many years acted as one
 
 474 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 of the secretaries of the Southwark auxiliary, from 
 which he received, on his retirement, an especial public 
 acknowledgment of his services. The catholic character 
 of this society won his heart ; and throughout the whole 
 of his public life it commanded his services, both on the 
 platform and in the pulpit. On the occasion referred 
 to, he gave an entertainment on his lawn, to between 
 six and seven hundred persons — in commemoration of 
 its jubilee. 
 
 In November he was again laid aside by illness, until 
 April of the following year; when once more, and on 
 his seventy-first birthday, he was enabled to preach. 
 
 The day when Mr. Clayton completed the fiftieth 
 year of his pastorate, at Walworth, June 7th, 1854, 
 was appropriately selected for the presentation of a 
 splendid and costly testimonial of the esteem and 
 regard of his flock.* It may well be believed that this 
 public attestation of his fidelity and zeal, in the service 
 of God and his people, was to him a source of the 
 highest joy ; and awakened in his heart most profound 
 gratitude to Him who had so long preserved him in life, 
 usefulness, and an unblemished reputation. 
 
 At the meeting held for the purpose of making the 
 present, J. T. Briscoe, Esq., presided. The testimonial 
 consisted of a massive silver waiter, bearing the following 
 inscription : — 
 
 "Presented, with other plate, to the Rev. George Clayton, 
 by the church and congregation assembling at York Street, 
 Walworth; as a memorial of affectionate regard, and as a 
 grateful testimony of his generous and successful exertions 
 during a pastorate of fifty years." 
 
 * This was the second testimonial of this nature which Mr. Clayton received; 
 as in 1836 one was made, on the thirty-second anniversary of his settlement 
 at Walworth, "as a tribute of affection from a benefited people."
 
 TESTIMONIAL. 475 
 
 In addition to the salver, there were a large and 
 magnificent centre-piece of the Tudor pattern — to be 
 used either as an epergne or candelabra — and four table 
 dishes and covers; the whole of the value of .£337. 
 
 Dr. Morison, of Chelsea; Mr. White, one of the 
 oldest and earliest friends of the pastor; Mr. Maidlow, 
 Mr. Edward Edwards — by whose hands the testimonial 
 was presented — Mr. Edward Corderoy, and others, were 
 the principal speakers on the occasion. Mr. Potter, one 
 of the members of the church, read an address from the 
 congregation to their pastor, signed by 540 persons ; 
 from which I give one or two extracts : — 
 
 " We find that, during your ministry, not fewer than 1,757 
 members have been added to the church. Our place of worship 
 has been very considerably enlarged. Institutions, the fruits 
 of Christian benevolence, beneficial to the church and to the 
 world, have flourished amongst us. Harmony and peace have 
 prevailed; from the pulpit no uncertain sound has gone forth, 
 to perplex the people ; from the pews no spirit of revolt against 
 the pure doctrines of the Gospel, or the settled order of religious 
 worship, has arisen to grieve the minister. The Lord has made 
 'our Jerusalem to be to us a quiet habitation;' and 'walking 
 in His fear, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, we have been 
 multiplied.' For these blessings, continued for the term of half 
 a century, we solemnly adore Almighty God, the gracious giver; 
 and now tender to you, dear sir, our very sincere and cordial 
 congratulations, as the chosen, and favoured, and faithful 
 minister, through whose instrumentality He has been pleased 
 to bestow them upon us. 
 
 "And, sir, we have yet further to add, that we are indebted 
 to you, not only as the public teacher, but also as the pastor and 
 friend of your people. Whilst health and strength permitted 
 it, the dwellings of the rich and the poor have alike witnessed 
 your visitations of Christian affection and kindness. You have 
 sympathized with our sorrows, as well as partaken of our joys. 
 When adverse circumstances or strong temptations, when
 
 476 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 sicknesses or bereavements, have cast their dark shadows 
 around our families, and we have 'feared as we entered into 
 the cloud,' how often have your prayers, your counsels, and 
 your assistance also, helped to confirm our faltering faith, 
 direct our doubtful course, and caused even the widow's heart 
 to leap for joy ! Be assured, dear sir, that these services are 
 not forgotten ; they are registered in heaven, for commendation 
 at the great day of final account. They still live in the memory 
 of a grateful people, who have benefited by them." 
 
 In the course of his reply, Mr. Clayton said, — 
 
 " It would be affectation to pretend that the circumstances in 
 which we are met are not highly gratifying to the minister who, 
 on the sixth day of the present month, witnessed the completion 
 of the fiftieth year of his service and pastoral care, on this 
 hallowed spot. . . . 
 
 "While, however, there is much that gratifies, there is much 
 to humble and shame me, on the retrospect of the last half 
 century of my public service. I can see so much of defect and 
 imperfection tarnishing all my duties, and blemishing all my 
 performances, even the very best of them, that self-abasement 
 and self-renunciation, with the hope of forgiveness and accept- 
 ance, through the mercy of God in Christ, are the only elements 
 in which I can find repose for my spirit. 
 
 " It has been my study and prayer, from the beginning, to 
 fulfil, with conscientious fidelity, the pastoral relation ; and I 
 have therefore sedulously watched against all those seductive 
 influences which might have turned me aside from the pursuit 
 of this one object. My gifts, such as they are ; my time, my 
 labours, have been consecrated to the office of an undcr- 
 shepherd, in inspecting, guiding, feeding, and comforting the 
 flock committed to my charge. Uninfluenced by the many new 
 opinions which I have seen rapidly rise to popularity, and then 
 as fast decline ; unterrified by opposition and menace, while the 
 cry has resounded, on the right hand and the left, ' Lo, here is 
 Christ, or, lo, there/ from the enemy's camp ; unmoved by the 
 allurements of literary distinction, and the notoriety secured by 
 the time-consuming labours of the press ; far removed from the 
 arena of political conflict and party strife ; indifferent to the
 
 mr. g. Clayton's acknowledgment. 477 
 
 smiles or frowns of the world — it has been my endeavour to be 
 able to say, with the prophet Jeremiah, ' As for me, I have not 
 hastened from being a pastor to follow thee ;' and with the 
 apostle Paul, 'I determined to know nothing among you save 
 Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.' . 
 
 "I thank you, the people of my love and care, for all the 
 kindness which the last fifty years have developed, in various 
 forms, and in an unusual measure of generosity and constancy. 
 
 " I thank you for your steadfast friendship, contrasting so 
 strongly, as it does, with that fickleness and love of change with 
 which too many vagrant religionists are grievously infected. 
 
 " I thank you for your wise, tender, and delicate sympathy, 
 under many distresses and private sorrows ; — a sympathy always 
 prompt, and manifested as often as I have been called to drink 
 of the cup of personal or relative affliction ; of which, as you 
 well know, I have not unfrequently participated in large and 
 deep draughts. 
 
 " I thank you much for your prayers, which I have the full 
 assurance that God has heard and answered. To these, in fact, 
 I trace very much of the harmony, happiness, and success, in 
 which we have mutually shared. 
 
 "I thank you for your co-operation, in my labours at home 
 and abroad. A cordial and generous co-operation it has ever 
 been, and never withheld, where your own hearts approved the 
 objects proposed to your adoption. 
 
 " I thank you for the peace and unity preserved among 
 yourselves. Your quarrels and dissensions, had such arisen, 
 would have gone far to break my heart, and to have driven me 
 from my pulpit, long before the expiration of fifty years. 
 
 " I thank you for a liberal maintenance ; for such it has been 
 from the beginning. I speak it to your honour, as Christian 
 men and Protestant Dissenters, that in this respect you have 
 done more, under the providence of God, than I could have 
 asked or expected. You have raised me, by the communication 
 of your bounty, above want, — yes, more, above anxiety; and, 
 even more, above the low-born earthly enterprises, in which too 
 many teachers of Christianity have been induced to embark, till 
 the life and vigour of their ministrations have been lost in a
 
 478 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 vortex of sccularity and worldliness. While I have taught you, 
 you have honourably supported me. 
 
 "I thank you for the heart-stirring address, which lias just 
 been read in your hearing. I thank you for the elegant and 
 sumptuous testimonial of your esteem and affection, presented 
 this evening. Truly can I aver, that I desired no gift at your 
 hands ; for ' I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.' 
 But, as you have seen fit to make this splendid offering, I accept 
 it with all cordiality and gratitude, and shall ever regard it, 
 with feelings not to be described, as the oblation of my people's 
 love." 
 
 Not only did ministerial brethren, in connexion with 
 Mr. Clayton's own denomination, heartily congratulate 
 him, on the honours his people had conferred upon him, 
 but those belonging to other sections of the church of 
 Christ joined them, in this graceful recognition of his 
 leno-thened services. I cannot withhold the letter of 
 the venerable and excellent Dr. Sumner, the present 
 bishop of Winchester, to whom Mr. Clayton had sent 
 an account of the presentation of the Jubilee Testimo- 
 nial. This was the bishop's reply, in acknowledgment 
 of the receipt of the pamphlet : — 
 
 " Faenham Castle, July 22nd, 1854. 
 
 "My dear Str, — I desire to return my cordial thanks, for 
 your just appreciation of the feelings with which I should 
 receive the little Jubilee volume, you have had the kindness to 
 send me. 
 
 "I recognize in this 'testimonial the best earthly recompense 
 which a pastor can enjoy, after half a century of labours. I 
 heartily pray that it may be an earnest to you of that higher 
 and imperishable crown, not twined by mortal hands, or awarded 
 by fallible judges, to which the great apostle could look forward, 
 with so well-grounded a hope, and I am persuaded that you 
 also ; 2 Timothy iv. 8. — I am, my dear sir, with very sincere 
 wishes for your prolonged health and welfare, very faithfully 
 yours, 
 
 "Rev. George Clayton." "C. Wixtox.
 
 MEMORIAL SCHOOLS. 179 
 
 The close of the year found Mr. Clayton at Brighton ; 
 and symptoms, very unfavourable to his health, present- 
 ing themselves, he was forbidden to preach for some 
 time. This temporary suspension of duties was followed, 
 in March, 1855, by his formally resigning his charge, after 
 he had sustained the pastoral office for fifty-one years. 
 
 A short time before his resignation, the people at 
 Walworth had resolved to erect " The Clayton Jubilee 
 Memorial Schools," in commemoration of the goodness 
 of God, in " having preserved the church and congre- 
 gation, for a period of more than fifty years, in cordial 
 and unbroken union and affection with their beloved 
 pastor." 
 
 " The schools, which will accommodate 750 children, 
 and cost with the site <£2,754, were opened, June 27th, 
 1855, by an address from the Eev. Samuel Martin ; and 
 a public meeting followed. 
 
 " The opening sermon was preached to a crowded 
 audience by the Kev. G. Clayton, on the following 
 Sabbath, July 1st, from 1 Peter i. 18, 19." In this, 
 referring to his name as connected with the schools, he 
 observed : — 
 
 " I accept tlie terms of that connexion. It is much more in 
 harmony with my better judgment — with my principles — with 
 my feelings — with my habits of life — with my near approach to 
 another world — to have my name standing on this building, 
 than upon any marble pillar, however sumptuous, that could be 
 raised to my honour. ... I do not look upon these schools 
 merely as a personal offering, but also as an offering to the poor 
 of this neighbourhood — to the dense masses of children by which 
 we are surrounded ; and, also, as an omen of future prosperity 
 to the church of Christ on this spot. When God moves us to 
 do much for Him, He intends to do much for us." 
 
 Although he had retired from the pastorate, Mr. Clay- 
 ton did not refrain altogether from preaching. In the
 
 480 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 autumn of 1855, lie was found engaging in public 
 services at Stockport, Leeds, and Scarborough. 
 
 The year 1857 was ushered in with the death of 
 Mr. Clayton's only surviving sister, Mrs. Johnson, to 
 whom frequent references have been made, in connexion 
 with her parents. She was, as her brother, who knew 
 her well, says, not only "a real, but an eminent Christian; 
 and was adorned with the graces of the Holy Spirit, 
 even as a bride prepared for her husband." But, for 
 vears, as has been already stated, this amiable lady lived 
 in an atmosphere of intense spiritual gloom. Horror 
 and anguish gat hold upon her; and all the reasonings 
 and encouragements of friends, whom she loved and 
 revered, failed to relieve her. It was " total eclipse," as 
 to spiritual comfort, from the beginning to the end of 
 her life. It was to survivors a consolation, when that 
 end was reached ; for those who knew her best were 
 perfectly certain that all her wretchedness was the 
 result of a morbid state of health ; while her whole 
 course was that of one who had been born of God, and 
 who exhibited the evidences of that new birth in her 
 spirit, temper, humbleness of mind, and profound 
 reverence for all that was good. 
 
 " If it be a clear and certain rule," says her brother, " ' By 
 their fruits ye shall know them/ then have we a blessed 
 assurance that these fruits, brought forth in long continuance 
 and rich abundance, satisfactorily demonstrate that she belonged 
 to Christ, and will be acknowledged by Him at the last day. I 
 have learned to distinguish between what relates to the safety 
 of the believer, and his sensible consolation and enjoyment ; 
 what is absolutely necessary, and what is greatly desirable. 
 
 " Mrs. Johnson lived a life of faith and love ; of self-renuncia- 
 tion and contrition ; of constant kindness and extensive benefi- 
 cence. She lived, not to herself, but others ; and after she had 
 done much, and done all, she threw everything aside, saying, 
 ' God be merciful to me a sinner.' "
 
 GENEEOSITY TO RELATIVES. 481 
 
 This was to be a memorable year to the Clayton 
 family, in the way of bereavement, for, within nine days, 
 the amiable wife of his brother John followed her 
 sister-in-law into the eternal world. 
 
 On April 9th, when Mr. George Clayton had reached 
 his seventy-fourth birthday, he had one of the most 
 serious attacks, of an apoplectic character, which 
 he had ever known. He fell with great violence to 
 the ground; giving the whole physical frame a severe 
 shock, and producing an affection of the brain. For 
 several weeks he continued very ill; the object of the 
 watchful care and tenderness of his estimable and 
 devoted wife ; whose active affection, and unwearied 
 sympathy and help, were among the sweetest solaces in 
 his. affliction, and whom, he says, " God has made an 
 unspeakable blessing to me, in the evening of my days." 
 By degrees he regained his strength; and a sojourn 
 for a month at the sea-side materially aided in this 
 restoration. 
 
 By the demise of his sister a large sum of money 
 came into his possession, one half of which, without 
 any legal obligation to do so, he handed over to the 
 relatives of her first husband ; not waiting till his own 
 death should render it no longer possible to enjoy this 
 increase of wealth, but freely giving it up in his lifetime. 
 He had performed a similar act towards some of his first 
 wife's relatives ; anticipating her dying request, that he 
 would direct this to be done after his own decease : 
 preferring, in this matter, to be his own executor, 
 although, by so doing, he lessened considerably his 
 property, and his annual income. " I rejoice to do 
 this," he said, " for the love I bore to her, the gratitude 
 I cherish for her memory, and for God's goodness in 
 preserving her so long to me; as well as to prove to 
 
 i i
 
 482 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 myself, that a greedy and grasping spirit, that would 
 hold all it can till the last moment, for self, is utterly 
 inconsistent with the Christian character, and the office 
 of the Christian minister, and is by all means to be 
 subdued And mortified." 
 
 From this time his ministerial services were very 
 few, yet were they not wholly omitted. But, that the 
 servant might not suppose he was altogether forgotten 
 by the Master he had so faithfully served, or imagine 
 that he had ceased to be useful in the church of God, 
 he was able to write thus : "It has happened that 
 the last year has brought to light, by communications 
 from various quarters, many remarkable instances of 
 usefulness in my ministry, in years more recent, or long 
 ago passed away. I thank God that He has permitted 
 me to become acquainted with them, for my encourage- 
 ment and joy of heart." 
 
 He was enabled to preach, during this year, at 
 Upminster and Lowestoft; and filled his post at the 
 Merchants' Lecture, when his half-yearly turn came 
 round. In this latter pleasant duty, he maintained 
 his position to the very last. 
 
 The year 1862, which was to witness the close of his 
 long life and labours, was ushered in with a grateful 
 acknowledgment of past mercies, and a kind of pre- 
 monitory meditation on death, as close at hand. Thus 
 he writes on January 1st : — 
 
 "According to my advanced period of life, the time remaining 
 to me must needs be short; and soon the angel's voice shall 
 assure me that time with me ' shall be no longer.' Then will 
 disclose itself a solemn, measureless, ever-during, unchangeable 
 Eternity ! Am I on my way to its blessedness ? Am I every 
 year becoming more meet for the enjoyment of it?" 
 
 Then came his seventy-ninth birthday, the last he
 
 LAST BIRTHDAY THOUGHTS. 483 
 
 was to spend on earth ; and thus his spirit, pluming its 
 wings for a heavenly flight, mused : — 
 
 "April 9th, 1862. — This day ushers in the eightieth year of 
 my mortal existence ; and I bless God that I am indulged with 
 a season of solitude, for the purpose of reviewing the past, 
 contemplating the present, and looking forward to the future. 
 
 "In surveying my present circumstances, I find myself placed 
 in a truly felicitous position, personally. I fill a highly 
 comfortable, honourable, and influential sphere, with not a 
 few opportunities of usefulness, in the church and in the world. 
 
 " Relatively, I am very mercifully dealt with, in one of the 
 
 kindest, cleverest, most attentive, and best of wives 
 
 The future of this life must now of necessity be short. The 
 night cometh apace. It is wisely measured, and its limit 
 decreed, with absolute and immutable certainty. Its precise 
 character and complexion, of which I can form no prognos- 
 tication, I am content to leave entirely with God. Its close I 
 would desire to keep constantly in view ; and to say from the 
 heart, ' "When Thou wilt, where Thou wilt, as Thou wilt ; only 
 let me be found in Jesus, and looking for the mercy of God, 
 through Him alone, unto eternal life.' 
 
 " I have felt my heart much drawn out in prayer, not for 
 myself and my family alone, but for others, especially the 
 following : — 
 
 "1st. All the infants whom I have baptized, who, to the 
 present time, have survived the blasts of mortality ; the entire 
 number being considerably more than two thousand. May God 
 be to them a Father, and Jesus a Saviour ! 
 
 "2nd. All whom I have instrumental^ received into the 
 church, by a public profession. May they so run as to obtain ; 
 endure to the end ; and so be finally saved ! 
 
 " 3rd. All who have ascribed their religious impressions and 
 conversion to my teaching and care." 
 
 His last pulpit service was in the chapel at Upminster, 
 where he preached his first sermon ; thus singularly 
 closing a round of public duties, performed in all parts 
 of the United Kingdom, during a period of more than
 
 484 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 sixty years, at the very same place where he had begun 
 them. For some little time the church in this village 
 had been without a pastor, and Mr. Clayton kindly 
 supplied the lack of service, when required. During the 
 first months of 18 02, he delivered a course of lectures 
 on prayer, for which he received the written thanks of 
 the people to whom he had so kindly ministered. His 
 last text was from Psalm cvi. 4,5: " Remember me, 
 Lord, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people : 
 visit me with thy salvation ; that I may see the good 
 of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of 
 thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance." 
 Admirably appropriate were these words for a parting 
 discourse; and as constituting the last prayer for 
 himself and the church of Christ ; for his heart, while 
 reposing on the love of God, and finding its chief joy in 
 believing on Him who had redeemed him, found also a 
 hallowed blessedness in his conscious relationship with 
 all those who adored the same Lord. 
 
 Gradually his physical strength declined; but the 
 spirit of the minister and the Christian was unaffected 
 by this decay. Beautifully and brightly the faith and 
 hope of the believer shone, like stars amid the gathering- 
 gloom of the night; the Gospel he had so long and 
 faithfully preached proving a consolation and stay to 
 his soul. 
 
 On June 22nd, three weeks before his death, he made 
 the last entry in his diary. The handwriting is a great 
 improvement on most of the previous pages; and 
 although he had had a severe attack of illness, nothing 
 seemed to indicate the near approach of his last hour. 
 
 " June 22nd, 1862. — At this particular season, I feel called 
 on to make an especial record of the great goodness and 
 marvellous lovingkindncss of God, my covenant Father, and
 
 CLOSE OF HIS DIARY. 485 
 
 faithful Friend, towards His unworthy servant. Though the 
 deliverances I have experienced have borne a near relation 
 to temporal affairs and interests, yet why should the wonders 
 He has wrought, in His providential administration, he lost in 
 silence and forgot?" 
 
 He then adverts to these private matters, and thus 
 concludes : — 
 
 " my soul, often review and gratefully remember this very 
 observable conjunction of events ! 
 
 " There are also certain other circumstances to which I have 
 applied the inspired exhortation, 'Have faith in God.' 
 
 " I have now pending interests, all which I have placed under 
 the lock of promise, fastened by the key of faith, and that key 
 moistened by the oil of prayer. 
 
 " Bless the Lord, my soul ; and all that is within me, bless 
 His holy name : who forgiveth all thine iniquities ; who healeth 
 all our diseases ; who crowneth our lives with lovingkindness and 
 tender mercy. Forget not all His benefits ! " 
 
 These last words were the burden of his heart- song, 
 all through life ; and most felicitously do they conclude 
 the recorded sentiments of more than sixty years. 
 
 Ten days before his death, I visited him at Gaines, 
 to confer with him on the subject of the Family 
 Memorial, which, at his request, I had consented to 
 prepare for the press. He appeared then very feeble; 
 yet not more so than I had known him to be for some 
 time. The small circle of friends that, on the occasion 
 of this visit, gathered round his hospitable board, did 
 not certainly suppose that so soon the grave would 
 close over their host. But he was unable to do more, 
 at the dinner-table, than just preside in the midst of 
 his visitors ; which he did with all the grace and 
 courtesy for which he was distinguished through his 
 whole life. Before the meal was finished he was
 
 480 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 obliged to vacate his seat, and retire to his couch ; 
 and his guests, whose eyes followed his retreating 
 figure with reverential looks, gazed, as he left the 
 room, on his open manly countenance, for the last 
 time. The door that closed upon him hid him from 
 our view, till we meet him again in the Father's house; 
 for we had scarcely left his dwelling, before the dark 
 shadow of death began to gather round it. 
 
 While he lay on his dying bed, a letter was delivered 
 to him from a young girl in Australia, informing him 
 that he was the means of her conversion to God. 
 Gratefully did his heart welcome this intelligence, as 
 he stood on the threshold of the eternal world. It was 
 sweet as the ointment that Mary poured on her Master's 
 head. It was as though His adoring servant had also 
 received an anointing for his burial. 
 
 His loving and faithful friend and companion, who 
 sat by his bedside, through all the days that he was 
 confined to his chamber, and, with the tenderness of 
 the wife, and the skill of the nurse, ministered to his 
 necessities, thus refers to his last hours, in words that 
 were written under the influence of the elevating 
 thoughts, that a spiritual realization of his entrance 
 upon the beatific engagements of the heavenly temple 
 suggested to her mind : — 
 
 "Being unable to join in the prayers and praises of God's 
 people, by that infirmity, sent in loving discipline, he was in 
 the habit, whilst in God's house, of commending the occupiers 
 of each pew to the care of the Good Shepherd. How different 
 now ! No infirmity to shut out the glorious melody of heaven. 
 He hears the songs of angels, and casts his crown at the feet 
 of that Saviour, whom, on earth, he loved and served. My 
 husband's last sermon was preached at Upminster, on the 
 first Sunday in June. The Saturday following, that illness 
 commenced which terminated in his removal to his Master's
 
 FUNERAL SERVICES. i 1*7 
 
 presence. During days, and sometimes nights, of pain, no 
 murmur escaped his lips ; and he frequently expressed his 
 feelings of gratitude to that kind earthly physician, to whose 
 skill he felt himself so much indebted for a mitigation of his 
 suffering. On his last Sabbath, he remarked to a faithful 
 domestic, who was waiting upon him : ' I know the hand of the 
 Lord is upon me, but I would not wish to raise my little finger 
 to alter any of His dispensations ; for I feel that it is love, and 
 I know I have a home prepared for me above.' 
 
 " Prayer for patience, thanksgivings for innumerable mercies, 
 and words of advice, to look up ! to look up ! (pointing heaven- 
 wards) — addressed to her who was so soon to lose the benefit of 
 his bright example, his loving care, and his earnest prayers ; — 
 these were all that could be heard from that bed of death. 
 Perfect peace was there ; a firm footing on the Pock of Ages, 
 while underneath him were the everlasting arms ; and with 
 serene composure, this servant of God passed from a world of 
 sin and sorrow into the presence of his Saviour, there to praise 
 Him for ever and ever." 
 
 Mr. Clayton's remains were brought to Abney Park 
 cemetery, for burial. There a tomb had some years 
 before been prepared, to which the coffins of the 
 members of the Clayton family were removed from the 
 vault in Bunhill Fields. 
 
 On Tuesday, July 22nd, the corpse, followed by eight 
 mourning coaches, containing the family and friends of 
 the deceased, and several private carriages, was brought 
 to the Congregational church, Kingsland, the area of 
 which was filled by a large and most respectable 
 audience, comprising many of his attached flock at 
 Walworth, who had thus come to pay the last tribute of 
 respect to one whom in life they had so sincerely loved, 
 and whom in his death they bewailed, with heartfelt 
 sorrow. 
 
 The Rev. John Clayton, the eldest and sole surviving 
 member of his fathers family, attended as chief mourner.
 
 •l.SN THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 The coffin was borne into the church, and placed in 
 the front of the pulpit, while the organ pealed forth a 
 funeral dirge. The hymn was sung, commencing, 
 
 "Our fathers, where axe they, 
 With all they called their own ? " 
 
 and the minister of the church then read Psalm xc, 
 Daniel xii., 2 Corinthians iv., and offered prayer. The 
 Kev. H. Madgin, the pastor of the flock at Upminster, 
 with whom Mr. Clayton worshipped, in the latter years 
 of his life, gave a most appropriate address. 
 
 " Hear what the voice from heaven proclaims," 
 
 was afterwards sung; and while the organ played the 
 " Dead March in Saul," the body was removed to the 
 hearse, and the mourners proceeded to the grave at the 
 cemetery, where the remains of this faithful minister of 
 God were placed. 
 
 The Rev. T. Aveling addressed the numerous friends 
 who stood around the grave, and Mr. Turquand read a 
 portion of the burial service of the Church of England. 
 
 On the morning of the following Sunday, the Rev. 
 John Stoughton preached the funeral sermon at Wal- 
 worth, from the text, Daniel xii. 13 : " But go thou thy 
 way till the end be ; for thou shalt rest, and stand in 
 thy lot at the end of the days;" and read a short 
 account of Mr. Clayton, which had been prepared for 
 the occasion. In the evening, Mr. Turquand preached 
 from Acts xiii. 3G : " After he had served his own 
 generation by the will of God, he fell on sleep." Both 
 sermons were published, together with an account of 
 the funeral solemnities. 
 
 From Mr. Turquand's discourse I give the following 
 quotation : —
 
 MR. turquand's sermon. 489 
 
 r 
 " After my ordination I began to realize my position, and feel 
 the responsibilities which must rest on one who succeeded such 
 'a prince in Israel.' I saw a numerous congregation, which 
 hung with delight on his eloquent lips. I heard prayers whicli 
 were most comprehensive, including not only subjects of world- 
 wide interest, but descending to the minute daily affairs, the 
 social sorrows and joys of his congregation. He possessed a 
 remarkable power of clothing worldly affairs in devout and 
 inspired language. 
 
 " I beheld him the pastor of a church, whose oversight all 
 might covet. By gradual stages of success, it had reached a 
 summit of prosperity and influence, rarely equalled — perhaps 
 never exceeded — in the history of our denomination. Benevo- 
 lent societies existed, for the relief of those who were in sickness 
 and want. Clothing societies gave garments to the poor. A 
 day school taught the young their duties to others. Sunday 
 schools instructed them in their duties to God. All approved 
 agencies were employed ; and supported by himself. 
 
 "I was his companion in his pastoral visitations ; a guest with 
 him in social gatherings ; and was amazed at the interesting and 
 instructive tone of his conversations, and his power of comforting 
 and soothing the anxious and distressed mind. You remember 
 how, at the baptismal font, gracefully folding the little ones in 
 his arms, his countenance beaming with .pleasure and with love, 
 he would commend them to God ; allude to the excellencies of 
 ancestors who, perhaps, were long since dead ; and, varying his 
 prayers in every case, implore the God of their fathers to make 
 them the best and happiest of their race. 
 
 "As a speaker on the platform, he marvellously excelled ; 
 happily combining the eloquent, the pleasing, and instructive. 
 
 " He influenced all classes. His portrait, which hangs on so 
 many cottage walls, tells of the love of the poor ; and not less 
 numerous, though less known, are the proofs of his influence 
 among the rich. Amidst his people he was the one centre of 
 attraction, and was willingly offered the love of every heart, and 
 the homage of every mind. Considered as a man, a friend, a 
 preacher, or as a pastor, few men ever excited so great an 
 influence, or wielded so great a power."
 
 490 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 In the chapel at Walworth, his people placed a marble 
 tablet, on which were engraved these words : — 
 
 IN AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE OF 
 
 THE REV. GEORGE CLAYTON, 
 
 WHO, FOR MORE THAN HALF A CENT I KV, 
 
 WAS THE BELOVED AND HONOURED PASTOR OF THIS CHURCH. 
 
 HE DIED ON THE 14TH JULY, 1862, 
 
 IN THE EIGHTIETH YEAR OF HIS AGE. 
 
 "Distinguished for great consistency of Christian character, courtesy of manner, 
 uniform kindness to the poor, and untiring devotedness to his ministerial work; hia 
 faithful and earnest preaching of the Gospel was greatly blessed of God to the 
 conversion and edification of many souls." 
 
 "Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do 
 follow them." 
 
 His w T idow placed a tablet in the chapel at Upminster, 
 with the following inscription : — 
 
 SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 The Rev. GEORGE CLAYTON, of Gaines Park, 
 
 WHO, FOR MORE THAN FIFTY YEARS, 
 
 HONOURABLY SUSTAINED THE OFFICE OF PASTOR 
 
 OVER THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH IN YORK STREET, WALWORTH. 
 
 HE DISCHARGED HIS DUTIES 
 
 WITH AN UNTIRING FIDELITY AND CHRISTIAN COURTESY, 
 
 WHICH SECURED THE WARMEST AFFECTION OF A NUMEROUS CONGREGATION ; 
 
 WHILE AT THE SAME TIME EVERY EFFORT TO SPREAD 
 
 THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST 
 
 RECEIVED THE BENEFIT OF HIS ELOQUENT AND EARNEST ADVOCACY. 
 
 THE LATTER YEARS OF HIS LIFE WERE EMPLOYED 
 
 IN PROMOTING THE WORK OF GOD IN THIS VILLAGE, 
 
 AND WERE HONOURED BY MANY TOKENS OF DIVINE FAVOUR. 
 
 HE WAS BORN THE 9TH OF APRIL, 1783, 
 
 AND PEACEFULLY CEASED A LIFE OF HOLY DEVOTEDNESS 
 
 ON THE 14TH OF JULY, 1862, AGED SEVENTY-NINE YEARS. 
 
 " Where I am, there shall also my servant be" (John xii. 2G).
 
 Chapter Xm 
 
 REV. JOHN CLAYTON, JUN.— 1848-1865. 
 
 RESIDENCE IN THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND. — OCCASIONAL SERVICES. — A 
 MINISTER'S FRIEND. — ILLNESS OF HIS GRANDDAUGHTER. — LETTERS TO 
 REV. R. HAMILTON. — DEATH OF HIS BROTHER GEORGE. — INTEREST 
 IN RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. — LAST SERMON. — DECLINING STRENGTH. — 
 HUMILITY OF SPIRIT. — DEATH OF HIS GRANDDAUGHTER. — MENTAL 
 DEPRESSION. — DEATH. — FUNERAL SERVICES. — EXTRACT FROM DR. 
 SPENCE'S SERMON. — DESCENDANTS. — ESTIMATE OF HIS CHARACTER. — 
 HIS HOSPITALITY. — HIS CHEERFULNESS. — HIS POLITICAL CREED. — HIS 
 GENEROSITY. 
 
 After Mr. John Clayton's retirement from the 
 pastorate, he resided at Worthing, Tunhridge Wells, 
 Brighton, and Dorking; the genial climate of the south 
 of England being suited to the growing infirmities 
 which began to creep over him, and which justified him 
 in the step he had taken, in resigning his charge. By 
 degrees the fine athletic form began to bend under the 
 weight of years ; and lost much of its activity, through 
 the contracting grasp of rheumatism, of which he was 
 more or less the victim, during the closing period of 
 his life. 
 
 Still the mind and heart lost nothing of their vigour 
 and kindliness; and the spirit of the minister remained 
 unchanged, in its yearnings to do good, as opportunity 
 offered. He was ever ready to yield to the solicitations 
 of his brethren, to render help in the pulpit; and no 
 one who supplied the lack of service of the stated pastor 
 was ever more cordially welcomed, or more reverently 
 listened to, than the " Evangelist of the South Coast," 
 as he termed himself.
 
 192 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 It was a rich treat to hear the clear, and faithful, and 
 earnest enunciations of the truths of the Gospel of 
 Christ, which fell from the lips of the " old man 
 eloquent." He proved to the congregations which were 
 strangers to him, quite as much as to his own late 
 beloved flock, in the Poultry, that he was careful so to 
 preach, as to be able with truth to say, in the retrospect 
 of the services, — "I kept back nothing that was 
 profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have 
 taught you publicly, testifying repentance toward God, 
 and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." 
 
 While at Brighton, he attended, with great pleasure, 
 the ministry of the Kev. A. King, of Queen's Square 
 chapel; and on the departure of that gentleman from 
 England, worshipped at London Road chapel; with the 
 pastor of which, the Rev. R. Hamilton, he formed a 
 close friendship, that revealed itself in a frequent 
 epistolary correspondence, both while he resided at 
 Brighton, and when he removed to Torquay and Bath. 
 
 Nothing can be more indicative of the true-hearted- 
 ness, the delicate sensitiveness, the scrupulous care, and 
 native courtesy of Mr. Clayton, than his conduct towards 
 his ministerial brethren, with whom he was associated 
 in church fellowship. There was an attendance at the 
 sanctuary conscientious and constant; a hearing the 
 most respectful given to the teachings of the pulpit ; and 
 a warm grasp of the hand, and a few hearty words of 
 acknowledgment of profit and pleasure, derived from 
 the exercise in which they had been engaged, when the 
 minister returned to the vestry : — not unfrequently to 
 the encouragement of a drooping spirit, which, with a 
 loftier standard of what preaching should be, than it 
 had been able to reach, was at times depressed with a 
 sense of its own imperfections.
 
 MODESTY AND WISDOM. 493 
 
 " We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the 
 excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." 
 It is a cheering reflection to the servant of Christ, when 
 keenly alive to the poverty of the material employed, 
 that a treasure does, nevertheless, reside within it, and 
 can he thence communicated to others ; and that he is 
 thus made " a vessel unto honour, sanctified and meet 
 for the Masters use." 
 
 In all matters relating to the government of the 
 church with which he associated himself, to the 
 arrangement of its services, and the management of 
 its secularities, he never stepped beyond the bounds of 
 the* position he had voluntarily assumed, as a private 
 member. If his judgment was sought, on any point, — 
 as not unnaturally it would be, from one of such large 
 experience, — it was ever given with a modesty equal to 
 its frankness and sensibleness. The beloved brethren, 
 with whom at different times Mr. Clayton worshipped, 
 can bear hearty and unanimous testimony to the truth 
 of this representation. 
 
 To the officers of the church associated with the 
 minister — as was ever the case in his intercourse with 
 his own deacons, when he was a pastor — there was the 
 courteous recognition of the fact that they were the 
 chosen of the people ; and as such, and fulfilling well 
 their duties, they received from him the respect which 
 they deserved, who had thus "purchased to themselves 
 a good degree." 
 
 These remarks are introduced here, to show how 
 wisely and kindly Mr. Clayton performed a delicate 
 task. For it is no very easy matter, after having been 
 looked up to, for fifty years, as the supposed centre of 
 intelligence, and after having so long exercised a 
 delegated authority over the church of God, to settle
 
 494 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 down, in the capacity and position of a private member 
 of a Christian community. No small amount of grace 
 is requisite to abnegate one's self, after this fashion, — 
 although it is a duty ; and the correct, and conscientious 
 fulfilment of it, or the pursuit of an opposite course, 
 may either minister to a brother's usefulness and 
 comfort, or paralyze his spirit, and dishearten him in 
 his work. 
 
 It is one of Mr. Clayton's noblest titles, which not a 
 few now living can cordially attach to his name, that he 
 w r as emphatically a minister's feiend. 
 
 The death of his only surviving sister, on January 
 6th, 1857, brought him up to town to attend her 
 funeral ; and this was followed, with alarming rapidity, 
 scarcely more than a week afterwards, by the death 
 of his second wife, who had been for some time a 
 confirmed invalid. She died January 1 5th of that year, 
 aged eighty-one, esteemed and beloved for her many 
 Christian excellencies. 
 
 Again Mr. Clayton was left alone; save that a beloved 
 granddaughter, the child of his eldest son — who had died 
 in the prime of life, — was left to cheer his solitariness. 
 Of course, his house was often visited by his daughters, 
 or some members of their families ; but this orphan 
 grandchild lived with him. However, the anticipated 
 comfort, in connexion with this latter relative, was 
 doomed, ere long, to a sorrowful disappointment. He, 
 who had hoped to be soothed and sustained in his 
 declining years by the filial attentions of his youthful 
 companion, had to take his place by her side, as the 
 watcher over a sickness that was destined to be unto 
 death. 
 
 Nothing can be more touching than the bursts of 
 tenderness, with which, in his communications to his
 
 LETTER TO REV. R. HAMILTON. 495 
 
 numerous correspondents, he refers to his discharge of 
 the mournful task which the providence of God had 
 assigned to him. Day by day he observed, with 
 paternal grief, the slow but sure progress of the 
 insidious disease, that was sapping the foundations of a 
 life so very dear to himself. On her behalf he left Sussex 
 for Clifton, Bath, and Torquay; staying at each of these 
 places for a season, and hoping, by the several changes 
 thus enjoyed, to prolong the days of the beloved invalid. 
 When his seventy-ninth birthday arrived, he thus ac- 
 knowledged a fraternal greeting, which he had received 
 on the occasion from the Eev. R. Hamilton, with whom 
 he had at this time found his spiritual home : — 
 
 "22, Buckingham Place, May 14tk, 1859. 
 
 " My dear Friend and Brother, — I detach a few moments 
 from the social circle, this afternoon, that I may not delay to 
 thank you, and your excellentissima, for your congratulations, 
 and your good wishes, on the return of my natal day. I spent 
 it, as usual with me, in retirement ; and occupied myself in a 
 neighbouring village, in humiliation, meditation, praise, and 
 prayer. He, who was the witness to my transactions, can 
 testify, that as I passed near your door, last evening, I sent 
 upwards some sincere and strong aspirations, that it might 
 please God to pour down, on your habitation and its residents, 
 the bounties of His providence, and the riches of His grace ; and 
 that you might go on and prosper in your work, till, at a very 
 distant day, you might be surrounded by a multitude of whom 
 you may exclaim, with unutterable transports, ' Here am I, and 
 the children which thou hast graciously given me.' 
 
 " I feel it a solemn thing to touch my eightieth year. I have 
 had some sore trials of late ; but I took down my harp from the 
 willows, and played the Lord's song, in this strange land, to 
 these words, ' Because Thou hast been my help, therefore in the 
 shadow of thy wings will I trust.' 
 
 'Hie murua aheneus esto.' 
 
 " May you receive a copious baptism of the best influences
 
 •19G THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 from above, to qualify you for to-morrow's servic< a ; and lo 
 insure to them that success over which the church militant and 
 triumphant shall rejoice. 
 
 "Accept, and present to Mrs. Hamilton, the assurances of 
 my esteem and Christian love ; and offer my kind remembrances 
 to the young folks ; and believe me, my dear sir, yours cordially 
 and faithfully, "John Clayton." 
 
 Amid these varied changes, and with so much to 
 depress him, he never lost his native sprightliness. 
 Indeed, the elasticity of his spirit, throughout his whole 
 life, was wonderful, — but for it he must have sunk, 
 under the pressure of the various trials that befell him. 
 The following letter, addressed to the Rev. R. Hamilton, 
 and dated Torquay, September 5th, 1860, shows the 
 cheerfulness and vigour of his mind : — 
 
 "My dear Friend and Brother, — I may have appeared 
 to be very dilatory, in replying to your favour, sent to me so 
 long ago ; but though I have purposed to answer it frequently, 
 and have often talked of you and yours, I have been in such a 
 state of uncertainty, that I have been tempted to neglect my 
 duty, as a correspondent. I must rely, therefore, on your 
 mercy to forgive ; and while many around me are absorbed in 
 shooting partridges and hares, I will devote this day to make 
 the amende honorable to my friends. 
 
 " The real fact is, that through the fluctuations of our health, 
 for many weeks, I did not know whether you would not have 
 seen me and mine in Brighton ; but though we are still invalids, 
 we have been led, by a variety of considerations, to ensconce 
 ourselves in a little cottage ; and have made up our minds to 
 winter (d.v.) in this warm and lovely locality. My dear orphan, 
 though very feeble, is on the whole better. 
 
 "Though I am now numbered with octogenarians, I never 
 remember such a state of the weather, any previous year of my 
 existence. We were two months at Clifton, looking out of the 
 windows at snow, .sleet, rain, and opaque clouds, which obscured 
 the lovely prospect by which we were surrounded. During this
 
 LETTER TO MR. HAMILTON. 497 
 
 period we had only four fine days. I continued to receive 
 advice from medical friends, to proceed to Torquay ; and after I 
 have given this a trial, I know not what (should life be spared) 
 may be my next step; but I believe that God numbers my 
 hairs, and will determine the bounds of my habitation. 
 
 "I greatly miss your cheerful company on a Monday, and 
 especially your ministry on the Sabbath. I have tried to hear 
 eight ministers, but can only hear one, who is a member of a 
 Baptist church.* I have not settled at any place yet ; as I wait 
 to ascertain who is coming to the chapel I wish to attend. For 
 though I do not class myself with aggressives of a certain cast, 
 I am a decided Congregationalist ; and consider their economy 
 the most scriptural, and the most conducive to usefulness, in the 
 church and in the world. 
 
 "I am much afflicted by the death of Mr. Sortain, whom I 
 had known from his boyhood. He was a man and minister, 
 sui generis ; and I coidd strongly sympathize with many who 
 deplored the loss of the pastor in North Street chapel. But 
 some of his panegyrists, in the ardour of their love and zeal, 
 gave him ample credit on some few points, in which, I think, he 
 did not excel. I am happy, however, to know, from very good 
 judges, that, for the past few years, his ministry has been more 
 fully evangelical than it was aforetime, f 
 
 " There will be some difficulty to find an appropriate successor; 
 
 " Mr. Clayton refers to his inability to hear — physically ; a terrible deafness, 
 which seems to have been an hereditary affliction in the family, rendering it 
 impossible for him to catch the words of a speaker, unless his enunciation was 
 most distinct, and his voice somewhat loud. His absence from the ministrations 
 of many brethren — whom he heartily loved, for their work's sake, — in the several 
 places where he resided, was usually to be accounted for by this distressing 
 peculiarity. 
 
 + I do not think that this estimate of Mr. Sortain's earlier ministrations is a 
 correct one. "I am happy to know, from very good judges," as well as from 
 personal observation, that Mr. Sortain, with a pure eloquence, with great beauty 
 of illustration, and intense earnestness of manner, " by manifestation of the 
 truth commended himself to every man's conscience in the sight of God." Some 
 of the most stirring appeals ever addressed to crowded audiences, and some of 
 the most full and faithful exhibitions of the cross of Christ, ever presented by 
 the heralds of the Gospel, were delivered from the pulpit of North Street chapel, 
 Brighton, by its departed minister, whose soul was too strong and vigorous for 
 the fragile form in which it dwelt. 
 
 K K
 
 498 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 but though we arc mortal, and arc not suffered to continue by 
 reason of death, Jesus lives, and 1 1 is fountain of fulness is 
 inexhaustible. ' Jehovah-jin-h ! The Lord will provide.' 
 
 "I rejoice to bear of the advancement of the interest at the 
 London Road chapel, and heartily adopt the prayer of David: 
 ' Peace be within the walls, and prosperity within the palaces, of 
 Jerusalem.' 
 
 " It is a common adage, ' The last pound breaks the camel's 
 back.' I shall be glad to put it on the creature called Debt, and 
 should be happy to extinguish it altogether. 
 
 " Confined and deaf, as I am, I am a sort of cormorant of 
 books. I have read very many since I left Brighton. I am 
 now passing through Smiles's Self-Help ; a very interesting 
 book, — especially to young men, at their entrance on life. 
 I have just finished Binney's lecture on Sir T. F. Buxton, 
 which is a valuable address, and likely to be very useful. In 
 my better moments I am perusing Bickersteth's Water of Life, 
 — a most devotional work, and calculated to inspire the wish : 
 
 ' O for a closer walk with God, 
 A calm and heavenly frame !' 
 
 " But I shall weary you with my prolixity ; and I think I see 
 you gaping, and saying to your estimable Victoria, 'Ah, the 
 writer is indulging in the garrulity of old age ! ' 
 
 "Then I will close with an assurance of my esteem and 
 affection to you both ; and with kind remembrances to the 
 young folks ; only adding that I am, my dear sir, your attached 
 and faithful friend, " John Clayton. 
 
 " P.S. — Just whisper in Mrs. II.'s ear, that a bird, said to be 
 not famed for wisdom, will fly to her larder on the 28th of this 
 month." 
 
 In July, 1862, while residing at Bath, he received the 
 somewhat unexpected tidings of the death of his brother 
 George; and once more came to London, to visit the 
 family grave. 
 
 It was very affecting, to the numerous spectators of 
 that solemn service, to see the only surviving branch of
 
 GKOWING INFIEMITIES. 499 
 
 that generation stand, bareheaded, by the side of the 
 open sepulchre, in which the remains of his beloved 
 brother had just been deposited; to reflect that, with 
 the greatest probability, he would be the next inmate 
 of that silent home; and to watch the eager look he 
 bent upon the speaker, who, in a short address, referred 
 to the excellencies of the deceased. As I spoke of the 
 days of their childhood, passed at their mother's knees, 
 and of the scenes of their youth, so long, long ago, the 
 old man's frame quivered with emotion ; for, being close 
 to me, while I spoke, he heard every word ; and with eye 
 uplifted to heaven, seemed silently to be communing 
 with his divine Father, and inwardly exclaiming, " 
 God, Thou hast taught us from our youth: and hitherto 
 have we declared thy wondrous works. Now also when I 
 am old and gray-headed, God, forsake me not ! Thou, 
 which hast showed me great and sore troubles, shalt 
 quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the 
 depths of the earth." 
 
 From this time, Mr. Clayton's life was spent more 
 and more in seclusion. His physical infirmities greatly 
 incapacitated him from going out into company; but 
 he was always delighted to receive his old friends, at 
 his own dwelling. When brethren from London visited 
 Brighton, or Bath, to advocate the cause of some of our 
 religious institutions, he was w r ont to invite them to dine 
 with him ; and if domestic circumstances made it incon- 
 venient to receive them, at his own house, he always 
 provided a hospitable entertainment at some hotel. 
 
 But at last this had to be given up; and the necessary 
 omission of his accustomed hospitalities was, of itself, 
 the most unmistakable evidence of his consciousness of 
 failing strength. When visiting Bath, as a deputation 
 from the London Missionary Society, along with the
 
 500 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Rev. John Wardlaw, who had then recently returned a 
 second time from India, we called, at Mr. Clayton's 
 request, to see him. I remember how delighted he 
 was to meet this excellent missionary; and how his 
 eye glistened, as he referred to the venerable father 
 of his visitor, Dr. Wardlaw, one of Mr. Clayton's own 
 contemporaries. The conversation on his part was as 
 cheerful and racy as ever. He was full of anecdotes of 
 men, all gone to their reward ; and seemed, in the 
 society of his younger brethren, — who listened with 
 interest and admiration to his words, as he passed, by 
 easy transition, " from grave to gay, from lively to 
 severe," — as if he had cast off the old man and become 
 young again ; until some twinge of pain reminded him 
 that a body, over which the storms of fourscore and two 
 years had passed, must not take too great liberties with 
 itself. 
 
 While at Bath, Mr. Clayton attended, when he was 
 able, the ministry of the Rev. W. S. Edwards, at the 
 Vineyard chapel, which was within a stone's throw of 
 his residence, in Bladud's Buildings ; and it was with 
 him, and with some of the people of his charge, among 
 wdiom he found one of his old Poultry members, 
 Mr. W. J. Clarke, he held sw T eet intercourse, to the 
 very close of life. 
 
 His last sermon was preached in Bath, on the passage 
 of the Jordan, by the Israelites, into the promised land. 
 Perhaps the conviction, which, when he had passed the 
 boundary of fourscore years, must have been felt, each 
 time he preached, that that might be the last occasion, 
 naturally led his thoughts to such a subject; which very 
 appropriately closed a ministry of more than sixty years. 
 
 His gradually declining powers were preparing himself 
 and his friends for the change which awaited him. To
 
 DEEP HUMILITY. 50l 
 
 him the future had no terrors ; while it was equally the 
 case that he knew nothing of emotions approximating 
 to ecstasy. His was a temperament with which such 
 emotions are rarely found associated; for, though at first 
 sight it may appear strange, it is nevertheless true, as 
 the experience and observation of many can testify, that 
 those who are naturally of a vivacious temperament, 
 and who, in the intercourse of daily life, are buoyant 
 and hopeful, are far from entertaining and exhibiting 
 similar states of feeling, when they contemplate their 
 relations with the Holy One. The majesty of that 
 holiness awes and confounds them ; and the longer and 
 closer they have w T alked with God, the more they have 
 learned their own insignificance and unworthiness. 
 While, with the young and ardent spirit, glowing with 
 delight in the vision of the infinite love of God, hope 
 is in the ascendency ; in the hearts of the aged, who 
 have learned also to look at the infinite purity of God, a 
 very different sentiment is awakened. The nearer they 
 approach the throne, the more they sympathize with the 
 seraphim, who, with veiled faces, stand before it, and fill 
 heaven with the adoring cry, "Holy, holy, holy, Lord 
 God of hosts." 
 
 But the same humble trust in the divine guidance, 
 which had characterized Mr. Clayton through life, was 
 conspicuously visible in his last days. " I have no 
 raptures," I once heard him say ; " but I am clinging to 
 the Cross, as an unworthy but trusting one, whose only 
 cry is, ' God be merciful to me a sinner.' " 
 
 To Mr. Clarke he said, a short time before he died, 
 "I am either a monument of vengeance, or a monument 
 of mercy; but I trust it is the latter." 
 
 The event, for which many months of watchful- 
 ness had prepared him, — the death of his beloved
 
 502 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 granddaughter,— took place, in September, 1862; and 
 this link, which seemed to have bound him to life, 
 having been broken, he prepared for his own departure. 
 He set his house in order; and, steadfastly looking 
 towards the land afar off, walked calmly down to the 
 river, which he must cross, before he could enter upon 
 the promised possession. 
 
 But he was not to be permitted to pass homeward 
 without a stern conflict. 
 
 It is not infrequently the case, — and it is among the 
 mysteries of the divine dealings with some of the most 
 godly, — that the day, which has for the most part been 
 one of fall sunshine, but now and then— perhaps, only 
 momentarily — obscured, should decline amidst thickest 
 clouds of gloom, before the hour for sinking behind the 
 horizon has come. 
 
 There is no doubt that physical causes will account 
 for these phenomena. Still, whatever has produced 
 them, they are painful in the extreme; and living 
 friends can only reverently cast the mantle of charity 
 and silence over the sufferer; and wait patiently the 
 hour that shall emancipate the imprisoned spirit from 
 this "body of humiliation." 
 
 It cannot, therefore, be a matter of surprise that, 
 during the progress of the disease which ultimately 
 removed Mr. Clayton hence, there should have come 
 over the spirit, sympathizing with the weakness of the 
 physical frame, a temporary darkness and sadness, a 
 depression and hopelessness of spirit, which his friends 
 observed with deep sorrow and sympathy. But such 
 visitations were only temporary; the clouds were 
 passing ones ; and, even when they hung over him, 
 the rifts in their folds let through a divine radiance, 
 which streamed calmly and beautifully on him. "At 
 evening time it shall be light."
 
 DEATH. 
 
 .03 
 
 Diligently and faithfully attended by one who, for 
 many years, had been the companion of his deceased 
 wife, and who ministered to his necessities, when his 
 failing strength rendered such aid imperative, all that 
 was required by him was done, with respectful tender- 
 ness. 
 
 At length it became very evident to watchful friends 
 that the silver cord was loosed, and the golden bowl was 
 breaking. The once-busy brain began to exhibit signs 
 of lassitude and weakness, which were premonitory of a 
 rapid approach of second childhood, unless death should 
 step in, and avert the dreaded calamity. Slowly, yet 
 surely, glided on the dark shadow, which was to stand 
 between the mind and "the light which lighteth every 
 man that cometh into the world." The chambers of 
 memory began to close up, one by one; the voices of 
 the past were hushed into silence, no more to be broken 
 till the hour should come when God would be heard 
 exclaiming, "Behold, I make all things new." The 
 mental faculties became dull and feeble in their action ; 
 and there remained only the wreck of the body, as a sad 
 and sympathizing companion to the once noble mind. 
 
 It was a happy morning that brought the summons to 
 the sufferer, "Come up hither;" and those who loved 
 him the most, gave God thanks that He had taken 
 " the soul of the departed out of the miseries of this 
 sinful world." 
 
 He died at Bath, October 3rd, 1865, in his eighty- 
 sixth year; and after a funeral service had been 
 conducted at Kingsland Congregational church, — 
 Dr. Spence and the Rev. T. Aveling, according to 
 his last request, officiating on the occasion, — his 
 remains were placed with those of his family, in the 
 vault at Abney Park cemetery.
 
 501 THE CLA.YTON FAMILY. 
 
 Funeral sermons were preached for him, in the 
 several places of worship with which he had been 
 identified. The Rev. R. Hamilton, of Brighton, and 
 the Rev. Dr. Spence, at the Poultry, both took the 
 same text — Acts xiii. 36 : " For David, after he had 
 served his own generation by the will of God, fell on 
 sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption." 
 
 From the discourse, delivered from the pulpit where 
 Mr. Clayton had so long and so faithfully proclaimed 
 the Gospel, and which has been kindly placed at my 
 disposal by my esteemed brother, Dr. Spence, I extract 
 the following passages : — 
 
 "As a preacher he was fluent and fervent; always evangelical, 
 and full of unction. He had a remarkable facility of expression ; 
 with a polish of style, and an earnestness of manner, exceedingly 
 attractive. He never strained after the intellectual or philo- 
 sophical; nor did he for the novel; but his preaching was 
 always substantial and intelligent, marked by strong good 
 sense, and eminently calculated to be useful. Sometimes he 
 rose to bursts of impassioned eloquence, which produced a vivid 
 and thrilling effect upon his audience. His discourses generally 
 embodied a happy combination of doctrinal, experimental, and 
 practical truth ; applied felicitously to the every-day experience 
 of human life, hi a manner that brought it home to the hearts 
 of the hearers. Many who could testify this, still live ; many 
 more, I believe, have passed to glory, who with profit and 
 pleasure heard the Gospel from his lips. 
 
 " ' It is more than half a century,' writes the Rev. Thomas 
 James to me, 'since I first heard Mr. Clayton preach, at his 
 chapel, in Camomile Street. Many of my fellow-students were 
 accustomed to attend there ; and we all, and always, felt edified 
 by his preaching. It was a common remark amongst us (in 
 Hoxton academy), that if Mr. Clayton was not a great preacher, 
 he was amongst the first of good preachers. We might be 
 sometimes attracted by a country light, that occasionally blazed 
 for a little season— a Jay, or a Thorpe, or a Raffles, — but if
 
 DR. SPENCE S SERMON. 505 
 
 pleased with them, we were always profited by Mr. Clayton. 
 Then his kindness to the students caused them to feel an 
 attachment to him above all others, of that day.' 
 
 " Mr. Clayton had not only great readiness of utterance, but 
 great aptitude, in turning to the best account extraordinary 
 events or passing incidents. A striking instance of this has 
 been communicated to me, by one, no longer with us, but 
 formerly a member of his church. 
 
 " On a Sabbath morning, more than thirty years ago, and 
 at the close of divine service, in this chapel, a tremendous 
 storm burst over the city. Some hundreds of the assembled 
 congregation found it impossible to quit the house of God, 
 while the storm continued; and many strangers, passing through 
 the Poultry, were glad to take refuge within the open doors. 
 Perceiving, from the vestry, that the lower part of the chapel 
 was crowded, Mr. Clayton, wishing to improve the opportunity, 
 mounted a seat in front of the central door, and, with earnestness 
 and tears, spoke of the storm of divine wrath, which shall 
 overwhelm the ungodly at the last great day ; concluding his 
 remarks with these words, ' If there be among my hearers any 
 accustomed to neglect the house of God, and to seek their own 
 pleasure, on His holy day, I beg these persons will consider the 
 words I have spoken, as especially addressed to them.' More 
 than ten years after this circumstance, the lady who tells me 
 the fact, was, along with a friend, walking down Aldersgate 
 Street, towards Islington. Opposite the wall of the Charter- 
 house, they saw a pensive-looking woman, apparently far gone 
 in consumption, led between two others, and bearing a letter 
 and a phial, which evidently betokened a visit to some dispen- 
 sary. The friends accosted the poor woman, and asked if they 
 could be of any service to her ; inquiring, at the same time, if 
 she knew and loved the Saviour, and was thus prepared for 
 the great change, which appeared so near. The woman's 
 countenance brightened, as she replied, '0 yes!' They then 
 inquired by what means she had been brought to know Christ, 
 as her Saviour; to which she replied, 'Perhaps, ladies, you 
 know the Poultry chapel ? Well ; I was once a giddy, thought- 
 less girl, till, one Sunday morning, I was proceeding towards
 
 506 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 London Bridge, intending to join an excursion party on the 
 river, when I was overtaken by a fearful storm. That storm 
 drove me for shelter into the Poultry chapel. I soon saw a 
 gentleman, in his robes, stand up on the scat of a pew, and 
 heard him speak to the people, on the storm which was then 
 raging. I felt that every word was meant for me ; and, when 
 the storm was over, instead of going on the river, I went home 
 
 to pray.' 
 
 " This incident, — only one of many, — testifies the earnestness 
 and unction, the power and tenderness, the readiness and 
 aptitude, of Mr. Clayton's ministry; and many who are now 
 with the spirits of the just made perfect, and a goodly company 
 still with the church below, will have reason to bless God for 
 ever, for what they have heard from him, in the Poultry 
 chapel.* 
 
 " As a pastor Mr. Clayton was most exemplary ; as not a few 
 remain still to testify. Sickness, affliction, or trial of any kind, 
 was sure to find him, as soon as he knew of it, in the dwellings 
 of the poor or of the rich ; for there was no respect of persons 
 with him. His fitting words of consolation and encouragement 
 abide still, in the memories of many; and his very presence 
 and manner were, in themselves, a power in the chamber of 
 suffering, or in the house of sorrow. He diffused his own spirit 
 of kindness and Christian charity throughout the church ; and 
 its continued peace, and unbroken harmony, may, under God, 
 
 * Mr. Clayton used to mention the following fact with great pleasure and 
 thankfulness : — "I was travelling in the country, some time since, and stopped 
 at a roadside inn, to rest my horse, and obtain some refreshment for myself. 
 After taking my chop, I inquired what I had to pay, when the landlady 
 entered, and said, 'You have nothiiig to pay, Mr. Clayton. I owe to you, under 
 God, the salvation of my soul.' I answered, 'My dear madam, I do not kuow 
 that I ever saw you before.' ' That may be,' said she ; ' but I used to hear you 
 preach frequently in London ; and one of your sermons was, I trust, the means 
 of my conversion to God. I married soon afterwards, and settled here, and 
 have, by the blessing of God, been kept to the present time. I am now a 
 widow.' After some further conversation, I said, 'Well, what you have told 
 me has caused me much gratification ; but, as the body must be fed, as well as 
 the soul, you must allow me to pay for what I have had.' ' Certainly not,' she 
 replied ; 'and I hope you will never come near this place again, without making 
 this house your home.' "— T. A.
 
 ESTIMATE OF CHAEACTEE. 507 
 
 in a great degree, be fairly traced to the happy leaven of his 
 loving influence. In all its institutions, societies, and efforts for 
 the glory of God, and the good of men, he took a lively interest, 
 and cherished them with a fostering care." 
 
 But three out of eight children survived Mr. Clayton. 
 Three died in their childhood. His two surviving 
 daughters married and settled; the elder, Mrs. Eandall, 
 in London, and the younger, Mrs. Rawson, first in 
 Leeds, and subsequently at Clifton. His twin sons, 
 George and William, died in the prime of manhood; 
 one in America, the other in London. The youngest 
 son, Edward, is the only one now remaining, bearing 
 the family name; neither of Mr. Clayton's brothers 
 having sons. He left behind him a large number of 
 grandchildren, to cherish most loving remembrances of 
 one of the excellent of the earth. 
 
 Enough has been said, in the course of the foregoing 
 chapters, to enable the reader to form a correct estimate 
 of Mr. John Clayton, mentally and spiritually. The in- 
 troduction of one or two other features of character will 
 assist in the completion of the portraiture. 
 
 His hospitality has already been spoken of. This was a 
 marked feature in his character; visible, as long as he was 
 able to discharge the duties of a host. At his table, his 
 poorer brethren were as welcome as those who were more 
 fortunate in their worldly circumstances ; and in nothing 
 was the genuine kindness of Mr. Clayton's heart more 
 manifested, than in the delicate tact displayed in his 
 attentions to such visitors, — speedily setting them at 
 ease, by a behaviour at an equal remove from patronizing 
 grandeur, and a pretence of humility. " Few are left 
 so kind, so genial, so naturally hospitable. His great
 
 508 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 delight," as his friend Mr. Clarke observes, "was to 
 give his fellow-mortals pleasure, and to do good." " He 
 was," as lias been truly observed, " a fine type of an 
 English Christian gentleman." The judicious early 
 training which he enjoyed, under his estimable parents, 
 stamped this character upon him and his two brothers. 
 They were remarkable for their courtly manners, which, 
 under no circumstances of provocation, ever forsook 
 them. Mr. John Clayton, in his intercourse either 
 with high or low, with adversaries or friends, never 
 forgot the apostolic precepts, " Be courteous : Honour 
 all men." 
 
 He was a man of remarkable cheerfulness, naturally ; 
 and so no wonder that, while he was firm in his resist- 
 ance to everything which bore upon it the character of. 
 irreverence or irreligiousness, he was a foe to everything 
 savouring of puritanical severity. He made no objections 
 to harmless recreation — knowing that the bow must at 
 times be unbent, if its true elasticity is to be preserved. 
 Some one asked him his opinion of chess, to which he 
 replied, "Anything — even prayer and reading the Bible 
 — may be carried to excess. As to the game of chess, if 
 used only as a recreation, I call it a very harmless one ; 
 and only wish I was clever enough to play it." 
 
 Mr. John Clayton's political creed, which he seems to 
 have received intact from his father, savoured more of 
 conservatism than liberalism ; and on account of this he 
 was not infrequently the subject of strong animadversions 
 from those who thought that the avowed sentiments of 
 a man in such a position, and which sentiments were so 
 different from the great mass of his brethren, might 
 have a mischievous effect upon persons in authority, 
 with many of whom, as a supposed representative man, 
 he often came in contact. These might be inclined to
 
 POLITICAL OPINIONS. 509 
 
 form their views of the opinions of Nonconformists 
 from him ; and regard all others as turbulent and 
 discontented persons, possessed of the spirit of the 
 demagogue, and eager only for change. This misappre- 
 hension, however, if it ever existed, did not last long. 
 The Conservative party — which, during one of its 
 tenures of office, out of high personal respect for 
 Mr. Clayton, offered him an appointment for one of 
 his sons, — soon found that he stood comparatively alone 
 in his opinions; and that those who differed from him, 
 and were making their voices heard through the length 
 and breadth of the land, in connexion with politico- 
 ecclesiastical questions, were his equals in mind, 
 position, and influence, and must and ought to be 
 attended to. 
 
 An utter abstinence on the part of ministers, from 
 a manifestation of interest in the great questions of 
 the day, in which the hopes and desires and passions of 
 the masses is bound up, is neither right nor wise. One 
 of the charges brought against preachers of the Gospel 
 — at a recent conference of working men with several 
 ministers and laymen — was their supposed want of 
 sympathy with them in worldly matters. This, some of 
 the speakers, at the meeting referred to, represented as 
 one cause of the indifference or hostility of the people 
 to public worship ; and their unwillingness to listen to 
 the teachers of Christianity. Doubtless, in all this, there 
 was no small amount of exaggeration ; but still there 
 was enough of truth in the statement to give some force 
 to their objections, against attendance on the preaching 
 of such men. 
 
 Ministers, like Nehemiah, are doing a great work, and 
 ought to be unwilling to come down, at every summons, 
 from their position on the walls of Jerusalem; but
 
 510 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 there are seasons and occasions when the duty seems 
 imperative to do so; and when the judicious intermixture 
 of the thoughtful and the godly with those who are too 
 apt to be led away by impulse and shortsightedness, or 
 influenced by selfishness and class views, may prove of 
 incalculable service; may avert threatening calamities, 
 and tend to secure a national good. 
 
 Mr. Clayton thought differently ; but his opinions were 
 those of a minority. He held his views conscientiously; 
 and claimed a forbearance, on this account, which was 
 not always tendered him. He was too manly and 
 generous, and too well acquainted with the character 
 of his brethren who differed from him, to doubt the 
 honesty and sincerity of their opinions ; so that, though 
 he might deprecate the course they pursued, he neither 
 denied their right, nor impugned their motives. He 
 lived to see many of his fears to be unreal; and, 
 probably, had he entered public life in the present 
 generation, instead of half a century ago, he might have 
 been as liberal as he was unquestionably conservative. 
 Indeed, in one of his latest communications to his flock, 
 at the Poultry, he admitted the necessity for " a little 
 more conformity to the spirit of the times in which we 
 live, than his moderate principles would admit." 
 
 Reference has been made to his liberality. This 
 was as constant and continuous as it was generous,— 
 according to his means. Among his papers was found 
 the following memorandum, written by his own hand. 
 It is an account of subscriptions, donations, and contri- 
 butions, principally in the interest of Nonconformity, 
 during forty-five years of his ministry. It does not refer 
 to anything obtained from others, but his own pecuniary 
 offerings to the cause of Christ, derived from his 
 private income.
 
 LIBERALITY. 511 
 
 "Account of my subscriptions, donations, and contributions, 
 principally in the interest of Nonconformity, during forty- 
 five years of my ministry and pastorship ; — not including 
 sums obtained by collections, but sacrifices from my income 
 and private property : — 
 
 1851. £. s. d. 
 
 Six societies, annually, for 45 years .... 270 
 Twenty-one additional, for 25 years .... 525 
 
 Ten additional, for 15 years 150 
 
 Building cases — chapels, schools, colleges — for 
 
 45 years 1225 
 
 Donations to different societies, in sums of £1, 2, 
 
 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 50, and £100 each, for 45 years 2212 10 
 Donations to Poultry chapel — original gift of 
 £500, and subsequent resignation of £200 per 
 annum, for 10 years, regularly remitted to Mr. 
 Hammond ; together with building the school, 
 
 gallery, repairs, &c 2547 13 
 
 Donations to distressed ministers, to pay their 
 debts, and relieve them from various embarrass- 
 ments 850 
 
 Travelling expenses, on deputations for societies, 
 
 which I always gave for 35 years. . . . 350 
 Assisting and supporting candidates for the 
 
 ministry, for above 40 years 920 
 
 £9050 3 0" 
 
 From this it will be perceived that about one-sixth 
 of the cost of the Poultry chapel, which, for more than 
 a quarter of a century was the scene of his labours, was 
 paid by the minister himself. If, as has been said, his 
 resources were ample, — though, as usual, the report was 
 greatly exaggerated, — his liberality kept pace with them, 
 as a faithful steward of the manifold grace of God.
 
 Chapter X£F3L 
 
 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 ESTIMATE OF THE CHARACTER OF FATHER AND SONS. — THEIR COURTESY 
 AND KINDNESS.- THEIR INDIFFERENCE TO LITERARY FAME. — TnEIR 
 DEVOTION TO THEIR WORK. — THE SECRET OF THEIR SUCCESS. 
 
 I have thus striven to perform the task of embalming 
 the memory of the Clayton Family ; — a task which was 
 assigned to me by my departed friend, who is, himself, 
 so conspicuous a personage in the group. I have 
 preferred to let the several members of that household 
 speak for themselves, whenever I could do so ; and, for 
 the most part, to leave the readers of this volume to form 
 their own judgment of the characters, intellectual and 
 spiritual, of those who have been brought before them. 
 But few words are necessary to conclude these sketches. 
 
 That the father and his sons were men of mark, none 
 will question. They were, in the highest sense of the 
 word, o-entlemen. It was natural to them to be so ; and 
 what was natural was cultivated, from a deep sense of 
 duty to God, and an anxiety to commend themselves to 
 others, as ministers of Christ's Gospel, by a courteous 
 mode of behaviour, as well as by fidelity to truth, in their 
 teachings. This courtesy was displayed towards all ; and 
 the members of their own family were especially the 
 objects of it, — as has more than once been noticed ; no 
 familiarity of intercourse being suffered to diminish 
 their high estimate of the excellency of this grace, which 
 was manifested as much in minor as in greater matters. 
 A paragraph, in a letter which George sent to his 
 brother William and family, gives us his views upon this
 
 ELEMENTS OF CHARACTER. 513 
 
 subject, in which the others all shared: "I ought to 
 offer thanks to you, for having accepted and appreciated, 
 in a manner so far above all their value, the very minute 
 attentions I was permitted to show to the travellers at 
 Brighton. It is a maxim that love is shown in little 
 things ; and as much in receiving them with kindness, 
 as in performing them with readiness. Great occasions 
 and urgent exigencies are of rare occurrence ; these 
 little things make up the texture of every passing day ; 
 and relative affection is the principle which puts us in 
 readiness for the performance of those numberless 
 offices of love, in the receipt of which so large a 
 portion of the happiness of this short and transitory 
 life consists. It is a principle ductile as gold; and of 
 such versatility of application, that, while it shrinks 
 not from the greatest enterprises, it scorns not the 
 humblest services from those whom it cherishes." 
 
 All the Claytons were naturally gifted with mental 
 powers of a high, though not of the highest, order; and 
 these were well developed by study and observation. 
 They displayed an exceeding judiciousness, in never 
 attempting to soar higher than they knew their breadth 
 of wing would carry them. Tact, skill, a wise choice 
 of time and place, in the disposition of forces, are as 
 necessary for effective oratory, as for strategical success ; 
 and he who is able and content to manage a battalion, 
 while he could not manoeuvre a brigade, is more likely 
 to receive the thanks of his commander, than if he had 
 been tempted to some more ambitious undertaking. 
 The Claytons were sensible men, and kept to their 
 proper post. The father never professed anything in 
 the way of learning. He was too early engaged in 
 preaching, to make much progress in scholastic lore, 
 which, in his day, among dissenters from the Established 
 
 L L
 
 511 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 Church, was hut slightly attended to. No London 
 University then existed ; and the so-called national 
 ones, by their exclusiveness, ostracized a goodly portion 
 of the nation. When Mr. Clayton's sons entered the 
 ministry, more regard was paid to the matter of a polite 
 education ; and although none of the brothers made 
 any pretensions to scholarship," yet all three had a 
 respectable acquaintance with classical literature ; and 
 George especially was proficient, as a French scholar, so 
 as to be able, on the occasion of the ordination of a 
 French missionary, to address the charge to him in his 
 own language. ■ 
 
 Mr. John Clayton published several single sermons 
 and addresses, connected with ordinary or extraor- 
 dinary seasons in his ministry ; and, after his retirement, 
 projected a three-volumed edition of discourses, delivered 
 during his pastorate at the Poultry ; but after sending 
 forth the first volume, he abandoned his design. 
 
 Mr. George Clayton issued a large number of separate 
 sermons, some of them funeral discourses; and one 
 goodly sized volume on Faith and Practice, which found 
 great acceptableness with the religious public. Mr. 
 William Clayton's three publications have already been 
 mentioned. 
 
 But the forte of all was energetic, devoted, and sys- 
 tematic labours, in connexion with the pulpit, platform, 
 and pastorate, rather than with the press. They pre- 
 ferred — far more from a simple sense of duty than 
 from inclination — to forego the pleasures of litera- 
 ture, that they might fulfil their high mission to 
 " preach the word, and be instant in season and out of 
 
 * Mr. John Clayton's name is frequently seen with the initials M.A. attached 
 to it. He did not so write it ; as he never took any degree : his residence at 
 Edinburgh was too brief to allow of its being done.
 
 DEVOTION TO THEIR WORK. 515 
 
 season;" and although they occupy no position, have 
 no niche of fame assigned to them, among the scholars 
 or literary magnates of the church of Christ, they have 
 their reward, in the large number of souls awakened, 
 enlightened, and edified in their faith, by the untiring 
 exertions of a lifelong ministry. " They counted all 
 things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of 
 Christ Jesus their Lord." God signally answered the 
 prayer of the venerable John Wesley, who, just before 
 his death, placed his hands on the heads of the two 
 brothers, John and George, who were taken to see him, 
 and with patriarchal fervour, said, "The Angel which 
 redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads." 
 
 As this volume abundantly proves, the father and 
 his sons were greatly honoured in their ministry. It 
 would be invidious, even if it were possible, to point 
 out who of the four achieved the highest success. 
 That should not be the basis of our estimate of a 
 minister's work, as we believe it will not be that of 
 God, in the last day. According to what a man hath, 
 and does with that which he hath, will he stand in 
 judgment ; not according to the visible results of his 
 labours. But if estimated by these, great was the 
 reward of these good men ; for they were all permitted 
 to gather into the garner many sheaves, from the wide 
 harvest-field they cultivated; and they did so with 
 rejoicing. 
 
 All were eminently Christian men ; and their religion 
 revealed itself before the world in a consistent course 
 of life; although each in secret knew the sore place in 
 his own heart, and felt deeply and keenly its plague, 
 that often made him smart and tremble with apprehen- 
 sion. The lessons the sons had learned from their 
 parents of the duty and privilege of habits of devotion,
 
 510 THE CLAYTON FAMILY. 
 
 were faithfully remembered and practised to their latest 
 hour ; and this, above all things — talents or tact, oppor- 
 tunities or openings, — was the secret of their accept- 
 ability with the public, and the main cause of the 
 usefulness of their lives. 
 
 They have now all passed away; but their memory 
 will for many days remain, as a fragrant odour, in the 
 churches with which they were severally identified, and 
 amons the various social circles, in the midst of which 
 they moved ; while the honour paid to them during 
 their lifetime, and which is not withheld from their 
 names, now that they have passed away to the better 
 country, will be a stimulus to all who, sustaining the 
 same office, desire and aim to be followers of those 
 who, having " fought a good fight, and kept the faith," 
 finished their course with joy, and now " inherit the 
 promises." 
 
 EDWARD BA1NES AND SONS, PRINTERS, LEEDS.
 
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