QI

"I:gaie t^t/i Soitks
fur Oe falaida^ {>f a, Ctr^cgisn. i^^oiotef'"

\ » Y^]LE«¥MU¥EI^SIIinf »

o'/^ n^ uy^^

THE

LIFE AND TIMES

SELINA

COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON,

BY A MEMBEE OF THK HOUSES OF SHIRLEY AND HASTINGS,.

SIXTH THOUSAND— WITH COPIOUS INDEX.

VOL. II.

ENTEEED AT STATIONEES' HALL.

LONDON: WILLIAM EDWARD PAINTER, STRANO.
1844.

INTKODUCTION.

VOL, II,

Those who have perused the former Volume with attention
aad caadwir, will bave made acquaintance with so many of the
company, and have been so much delighted with their society,
.' as to require little further introduction. As, however, the great
object of Biography is to teach hy example, and to embody
principles ia livmg forms ; sijd as the original Compiler of The
. Lafs md Jaimes of tke Com-te&s of Huntingdon, w'iih. astonishing
' ifidsastey aad saeeess, fea* eoJleeted iaets, aad left tfeem to speak
for iieffiiselves— the Writer of this paper may be allowed to trace
tkese fects to their proper sources, and to endeavour to ascertain
the i^jadq^te whieh actuated and characterised those who
toi©k the lead in the Revivals of the last century. In this
ejEeTeiseshosrever, li^e aid is to be obtained from their general
name ; for, as is individuals, so in societies, terms of denomi
nation aremore eommonly aecid^ital thau intended, and seldom,
therefore, isadicative <rfthe great principles ofthe classes which
tliey d«6^*fce. It would, iadeed, J»e curious and amusing to
examine the n:a«nes of the most distinguished of the species, and
to see how tbey agree with the jpaster-quality of their wearers;
thes^ it WiOuld generaUy eod in the same uncertainty as the
elpjjologieal dilutes on the name of Cicero : for whether we
deterariae <m.it »8 an indkation of agriculture or of a iiasal
niairik, we mugt lesa® from other quarters the philoso.phy and the
eloquence hy which this Roman was diatiaaguished.
Wi^^fiWit ^tiis^sla&g to itjjg aoeieiit itse of the tei-m Meth&dist^
b 2

or to its employment either in France or Irt England, it is enough
to say, that it little more expresses the peculiarities of the creed
and practice of any class of Christians than does that of Swad-
dlers—a name givert to the followers of Wesley hy a drunken
Irishman: nay, in some respects, however orderly and methodical
their private deportment, there was an evident disregard of
method irt Wesley and Whitefield and their followers : thus
they had to deviate from the rules of the Established Church,
on the one hand, and were unwilUng to submit to the order of
what are called regular Dissenters, on the other ; they were
especially under the guidance of circumstances, and were
determined to ftirther the Gospel in every possible way, however
irregular and unmethodical it might appear. We must look,
therefore, to other means of information to ascertain the leading
principles of Methodism.
It may not be improper, in this place, to remark, that men of
the world have unintentionally raised this term to a pitch of
distinguished honour, and, at the same time, given a clue to its
right interpretation : they have agreed to brand those persons
who have showrt more than ordinary concern for the interests of
morality and piety -with the name — Methodist, If a man of
quality has avoided scenes of dissipated amusement, or a states
man been regular at Church, and philauthropic and zealous in
the cause of enslaved and suffering humanity — he hasbeen called
a Methodist ! The most rigid Churchmen, if they have ad
vocated the distinguishing doctrines of the Gospel, have been
considered Methodists. Even in our day, let the gay hecome
serious, and the formal penitent and practical Christians, and
they are Methodists! Could greater homage he paid to a
name ? Could a more unequivocal avowal be made, that Me
thodism, in the estimation of the irreligious, is identical with
true Christianity ? It is not, indeed, asserted that this estunate '
is perfectly correct, only that it will be difficult for those who
feel hostility towards Methodism to point out any thing, in
modern times, more like primitive Christianity than much of
that which is recorded in the accompanying pages.
The term Metlwdist, correctly applied, includes both the

followers of Wesley and those who, with the late Countess of
Huntingdon and Whitefield, receive the Calvinistic doc
trines. Tke Life and Times of tke Countess has, of course,
to do with the latter, artd the following remarks are more espe
cially applicable to this division ; yet, granting a considerable
difference in the views of the two great sections, it may be
asserted that the characteristic principles of Methodism are, in
both, essentially the same.
As the principle of the Reformation, next to the paramount
authority of the Word of God, was justification by faith, and not
by works; so it is evident, that early Methodism was distinguished
by the prominence which it gave to this and other kindred doc
trines. It loved Christ more than it loved either Plato or
Aristotle, and disdained to urge even social duties by hea
thenish arguments, or to consider these duties as the whole of
godliness ; it presented the facts of humau sinfulness and of
Divine redemption in a relief so bold as to startle many into
observation, alarm, and earnestness. The Apostolic topics of
Repentance toward God, and Faith toward our Lord Jesus
Christ, were the themes of those holy men who were its
first promoters ; and gracious, though not miraculous, signs
and wonders followed their ministrations. Man's ingenuity
is ever inventing new subjects of public discussiou, and these,
though often not only beautifiil, but likewise in strict ac
cordance -with the Gospel itself, yet being very subordinate,
or nice and metaphysical deductions, their exhibition has
but a feeble influence on the heart, while "the foolishness
of preaching" the same few, simple truths, which characterised
the Apostohc addresses, becomes a lever, hy which society
is not only moved but elevated — the power of God unto
salvation. The Church may, through zeal not accordant with
knowledge, or through less respectable means, injure this in
strument or employ it unskilfully; but when will she learn that
the abuse of Evangelical preaching must be corrected, not by
the substitution of another Gospel, which is not another — but
by a better use of that which God has appointed to save them
who believe ? " He is a rock, his work is perfect," and His

VI

method of blessing mankind admits of no human impr0V6tnertt,
The prominence, therefore, given to the leading truths of Reve
lation, by the early Methodists, constituted at once their cha
racteristic and their glory.
It will likewise be seen, in Tke Life and Times ofthe Countess,
that a conviction generally actuated the number of this body,
that they had to promulgate the Word of GOD, which LIVETH
and abideth for ever. Not only the doctrines themselves that were
delivered, hut the vivida vis animi that inspired the preachers,
gave warmth and force to public addresses, and awakened sym
pathy in the congregations. The conscience, too, more thart even
the passions, was assaulted ; the arrow had not only force, but
point, artd, under a divine guidance, pierced the heart. The dis
courses, indeed, of some of the auxiliaries might be without the
nice discriminations of logic and the classic embellishments of
rhetoric, but they were rich in evengelical truth, " spriukled with
hlood," and delivered with affection and fervour. These social
graces, together with an elocution of extraordinary command,
gave to the addresses of WHiTE5"iELD,inparticular,acharmand
a mastery, which ueither the collier nor the philosopher conld
altogether resist; and invested the less powerfiil but more argu
mentative Wesley with legitimate meaus of access to the hearts
of his hearers. This animation happily diffiised itself through
all denominations, and thus formed a new era in the history of
the pulpit. The unusual, though not novel practice, which the
first Methodists adopted, of delivering their sermons, either ex
tempore, or memoriter, or from short notes, aided them in this
work ; but, next to the gracious power with which God was
pleased to clothe their ministrations, the great charm and secret
of their energy andimpression was thefervourof their own hearts.
The fire burned within them, and, giving warmth to their dis
courses, diffused a glow through all their vast congregations.
Nor ought we, perhaps, to overlook the improvement iu Psal
mody, in the introduction of hymns, and of a more lively style
of singing, in which the Methodists excelled, though Watts
and other sacred minstrels had set them art example. This gave
a degree »( life to public worship unknown to congregations.

in which slow xmm ia robbed ef all its suhliauty by its defective
performance, and where words are sung, excellent for the service
ofthe temple, but being unsuited tQ our dispensation, are foreign
to the sympathies of Christian worshippers, and, indeed, unin^
telhgihle. It will be seen in these Memoirs, that some ofthe first dom^
posers ofthe age, a^id many persons of good musical and poetie
talents, gathered arouud the Countess, to whose lyres -we are
indebted for marty of the sweetest of all sweeit sounds to charm
our moments of social devotion, and to aid our rehearsal ofthe
song of Moses and the Lamb. The Poet Laureat, in his Lifi
of Wesley, carried away by the influeuce of his own art, has given
too much to poetry and to scenery, by attributing the effect of
preaching to fency and lartdscape ; but, -with all its plainness,
Methodism had much of imagination and pathos, and was thus
philosophically adapted to human nature, carrying its creden
tials in its success.
The object, too, of those whose pious actions are here re
corded, gave grandeur and power to their public ministry.
Heedless, in a great degree, of denominational and sectarian
attainments, their sole purpose was to bring sinners to Jbsus
Christ : and this object is so evidently paramount, that men
felt and recognised its sublimity. Instead of the amusements
of secondary, if not unimportant speculations, and the discus
sion of the questionable assumptions of Ecclesiastical Polity,
the awfiil truths of sin, ruin, redemption, grace, death, judg
ment, hell, and heaven, came down upon the crowds, as the
visitation of the prophet, in the wind, and in the earthquake,
and in the fire, and in the still small voice.
It is one of the numerous proofe of the divinity of the Gospel,
that the grandeur and force of its dispensation does not consist
in the subtile and eloquent discussion of its more delicate and
recondite doctrines, hut in plain and earnest statements of its
broad and evident principles ; and all shyness of those princi
ples, through fear of awakening prejudice, or through desire of
gratifying curiosity hy widening the field of enquiry, will render

vill

the ministry tame and unhonoured — the word of man rather
than the word of God,
I The character of the agency employed in the revival here
recorded is certainly worthy of consideration. In moral quali
ties, indeed, this agency possessed great uniformity ; the same
simplicity and godly sincerity, the same stirring conviction of
man's necessity and of the riches of Divine grace, pervading the
whole, even although the views of one part, on subjects of minor
importance, did not accord with those of the other. Nothing,
however, could be more diversified than the eariier agenoy of
Methodism, in respect to rank, and education, and natural talent.
The more originating and ostensible instrument of this work of
the Gospel were Clergymen of the National Church — men of
regular training, and strongly attached to the hody with whom
they had heen nurtured : these soon found it necessary to call
in the aid of the laity, some of whom, like Howel Harris,
had enjoyed liberal advantages ; while others, though generally
possessed of strong, good sense, had received only a very ordi
nary education. To these a group of persons, considerable in
number, of the highest rank and of the most cultivated habits,
publicly and zealously attached themselves. The sanction of
these distinguished persons encouraged those who Avere toiling
through good report and evil report ; the doors of utterance
which by them were opened, their own private exertions and
liberality, together -with their influence on the various classes
of the community, were of incalculable value. This agency,
however, was as unusual as it was miscellaneous; and the
world equally wondered to see Clergymen preaching in houses,
and hams, and fields ; persons not in orders, nay, even illiterate,
co-operating with them ; and the rich and noble aiding their
exertions by personal attendance on ministrations deemed irre
gular, and by great sacrifice and exertion. This disturbed the
noiseless tenor of Christian profession, and startled many into
attention and prayerfiilness ; while others exclaimed, with equal
surprise and dislike, "We have seen strange things to-day'"
. There was throughout something in this economy admirably

IX

adapted to the work intended to be performed. Even amidst
great irregularities. Church prejudice, so prevalent at that time
in our country, was in some measure disarmed, by clergymen
taking the lead ; and by the employment of laymen, the agency
was multiplied a hundred-fold, and met the mass of the people
on their own ground, addressing them in a style which they
could easily comprehend ; while the highest orders in society
were brought within the circle of its influence. The co-opera
tion of the noble and wealthy with the clergy and common
people, was also one means of diffusing the blessings of vital
religion irt the Established Church, as it was of increasing the
number and of elevating the tone of Evangelical Dissenters,
The revival which animates these pages owes, indeed, some
of its success to the accidental circumstances of the social body.
Mind had been excited to activity ; the character of Civil and
Religious Liberty had been investigated in the Bangorian and
other controversies ; the moral sense of the multitude, and the
piety of the few, by various means, had increased ; while preach
ing had become too commonly, hoth in the Church and in the
Meeting-house, dull and lifeless where it was Evangelical, and
void of the distinguishing truths ofthe Gospel, where it was
animate and engaging.
The ground, therefore, on which the friends and coadjutors
of the Countess were presented, as in a painting, added con
siderably to the effect of the figures, giving them space and
relief ; for common sense, admitting the Gospel to be of God,
nay, Infidelity itself, as in the case of Bolingbroke, saw and
confessed that they had the advantage. Had the ministers of
religion heen more orderly and active, and had they preaehed
something more Uke the Gospel, in doctrine and in spirit, the
contrast would not have been so great and striking ; but the
darkness of the night disposed the people to hail the dawn of
the morning.
No adventitious circumstances, however, can account for the
wonderful success of early Methodism. The time to favour
Zion, yea, the set time, was come; and the impression, the
extent, the continuance ofthe work — place it beyond a question

that it is of God. « Not by might, nor by power, but by my
Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts." The doctrine of the Divine
Sovereignty, in relation to converting and sanctifying influence,
has indeed been perverted, to the relaxing of moral obligation ;
but it is impossible not to see it illustrated in the "history ofthe
Church, Sueh a tide of success, at times when least expected,
and through a channel in Uttle esteem, flows in upon her, that all
must attribute it, not to earthly but to heavenly attraction, and
recognize in it the good pleasure of God, " He hath mercy on
whom he will have mercy." Were we, indeed, quaUfied to take
a view of all the cireumstances ofthe work, we should doubtless
see an agreement between cause and effect, an aptitude in the
employment of appointed means to convey the great blessings
received ; and thus should we be confirmed in a belief of the
connexion between sovereignty and equity — that grace reigns
through righteousness. As, however, we are ignorant of this
fitness and connexion, and of the modes of gracious operations
on the human mind, we must deal with facts, and finding the
effect so much exceeds the apparent circumstantial cause, resolve
the question in the sentiment of our hlessed Lord, " Even so.
Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight." Taking this -view
of the subject, we shall at once be constrained to ascribe the
glory of success to its proper Author, and excited to the per
formance of duty, since, as far as we know, the right employ
ment of the ineans always results in the attainment of the end.
Let Christians, and especially Christian ministers, rival the
characters here pourtrayed in piety, in united acti-vdty, and
above aU, in faith and prayer ; and sovereign grace, having
already acted in preparing an agency, will soon appear, in the
enlarged success of their efforts. " I will bless thee, and make
thy name great ; and thou shalt be a blessing."
It may appear strange that the Calvinistic branch of Metho
dism, commencing under auspices equally favourable with the
Wesleyan, should, in the present age, be so much less flourishing
than its cotemporary. Reflection, however, on the real number
of the former will, in some degree, qualify wonder— a number
far greater than appears to a hasty observer : for while the

xi
congregations associated In the Countess's Connexion, White-
field's and Rowland Hill's, together with the more Con
gregational, which,nevertheless, adopt some ofthe principles and
forms of Methodism, make an aggregate of considerable amount •
no common name has heen assumed, and, consequently, the
whole, as such, has never been presented to the view. Their
pubUc operations and contributions, likewise, have not been
distinctively preserved, but have been blended with those of
other and more conspicuous denominations. Ecclesiastic sta
tistics will, however, show, that when all the congregations in
England which naturally range themselves with this class of
Christians are added to the more ostertslble Calvinistic Metho
dists in Wales, the number is hy no means inconsiderable.
These assertions are not made to disguise the fact of the
great majority and importance ofthe Wesleyans, but to correct
a eommon error, of underrating the other section of Methodism,
It Is Indeed, at times, no easy task to account for relative pros
perity, as the race is not to the swift, nor the hattie to the
strong; and the Writer can only hazard the avowal of the
reasons which appear to himself in some way to account for
the less popularity and Influence of the body, to which, never
theless, he gives a decided preference,
A wish to shun even an approach to controversy, forbids
more than the avowal of the fact, that some doctrines, as they
flatter human cortceit of power artd merit, are likely to he
generally received by the world ; and the followers of White-
field, having counted the cost, have rejected these, and es
poused the less popular. In doing tliis, however, they believe
they act correctly, (John vi. 65, 66) ; but the Writer would
rather reflect on the failings of his own than on those of any
other body of men who hold the Head, and who manifest a
sincere and active devotedness to the Lord Jesus.
It was never the paramount object of the leaders of the Cal
vinistic Methodists In England to found a sect which should be
perfectly distinct from all other denominations of Christians.
They could not, Indeed, hut see, at an early period of their
existence, that without cohesion and order, the body could not

Xll

long remain active and efficient, and they necessarllj-, therefore,
formed themselves Into an association: still, however, more
Intent on reviving the things which were ready to perish, and
on extending, by every practicable means, the sphere of Evan
gelical exertions, than of building up their own house, their
influence was rather felt than acknowledged, and it was seen In
Its effeets on all the tribes ofthe spiritual Israel more than in Its
instrumentality. Perhaps in this catholic way a greater quantity
of good was effected than would have been produced by more
denominational concentration ; but it Is easy to see that this was
not the way to render Calvinistic Methodism numerically Impos
ing. An army, however numerous, distributed over a whole coun
try, and allowed to mix with its citizens, even while retaining the
military spirit and forming the safety ofthe community. Is not so
easily distinguishable from the people, or so great in appearance,
as that which Is never disbanded or seen without its uniform.
It is not so easy to find an apology for the decrease of a spirit
of zealous itinerancy in the CaMnlstlc body, whieh has doubt
less contributed to the state of numerical inferiority ; while the
other section of Methodists has, amidst all the changes of cir
cumstances, preserved its youthfiil activity, and, almost heedless
of what the other sections of the Chureh are doing, has main
tained Its earliest disposition to run to and fro, .that knowledge
may be mcreased ; the foUowers of Whitefied and the Coun
tess, associating more with regular pastors, have altered their
habits, and rather devoted their energies each to a single congre
gation, than to a district or a nation. This very congregation,
too, has often become Isolated, and thus the original Connexion
has been weakened. This paper does not enter on the question
of the comparative advantages of an Itinerant and of a settled
ministry, but merely asserts a fact which wIU account for the
present state of things in the two communities to which it refers.
In this Inquiry the different constitutions and modes of acting
of the two bodies must not he overlooked. Wesley had the
penetratlort to know that men wiU never do any thing great, so
long as they are dependerit on others ; and the magnanimity to
aUow his successors to project their own measures, and to feel a

Xlll
personal responsibility for their own attempts. Whatever of
management he showed to keep the power In his own hands at
first, and. Indeed, during his life, all must admire his foresight
Irt the constitution of a Conference, which should come into
real legal operation at his decease. Unhappily for the spread
of the other branch of Methodism, It has generally adopted a
Trustee superintendence : this system, as far as the extension
of the general cause Is concerned, has not worked well ; it has
created a legal authority which may be opposed to the moral
and ecclesiastical power ; It has either crippled the energies of
ministers, or removed them to other spheres ; and, by makirtg
them feel that, excluded In a great degree from responsible
management, they acted a subordinate part, It has paralyzed
talent which ought to have heen kept healthy hy exercise, and
to have been encouraged in every legitimate attempt at prose
lyting mankind to the faith.
The Wesleyans, on the other hand, conscious, as being their
own executive power, of personal responsibility, have heen
roused to action, and have almost hecome a Parliament in
Council, while they give an impulse to all the assemblies which
they direct and edify. " Use talent and have talent," has been
beautlfiiUy illustrated in this remarkable people. Had their
Founder placed his ministers under the countrol of a few lay
or clerical trustees, whatever their personal excellence, Wes
leyan Methodism would exhibit a very different front from
that which it now presents.
The various sub-divisions of Calvinistic Methodism, likewise,
though cordially united, have never coalesced and co-operated
as one Integral body. No union, exeept that of brotherly affec
tion and an occasional exchange of services, exists between
the English and the Welsh Methodists : the Connexions of the
Countess, and Whitefield and Hill — strange as it may ap
pear — have never properly met in council and acted In con
cert, to say nothing of the numerous congregations, unattached
to either of these communities, though using their forms, and.
In some degree, acknowledging their principles.
How far a general combination of design and operation would

xiv
have benefitted the Church, Is a question not here agitated :
but aU these reasons, and others which might be adduced, wIU
account for the fact of Whitefield's followers not being so
numerous as those of Wesley,
Good men are at issue respecting the degree of importance
to be attributed, in the present state of religious parties, to the
perpetuity of Calvinistic Methodism, It is thought that the
Established Church possesses so large a number of truly Evan
geUcal Ministers, and that orthodox Dissenters are so much
aUve to the fiu'therance of the Gospel, that a third body is a
superfluity. Those, indeed, who read The Life and Times of
the Countess carefiiUy, and learn how few and how marked tlie
pious and Evangelical Clergy then were, and how lifeless many
of the Dissenters, will, with joy and thanksgiving, exclaim, as
they survey the present number andthe fervour ofthe preachers,
"What hath GoD wrought !" Yet, as something hetween the
two parties was the means of reviving hoth at first, so we beUeve
that the continuance of an agency intervening and exciting, is
of the greatest importance to their Ufe and prosperity. Much,
however, of its utility depends on Methodism preserving its true
character, which charaeter, is a freedom from hostility to the
National Church, though excluded from a general co-operation
with it; and, at the same time, while uniting most cordiaJly
with the EvangeUcal Dissenters in great public measures to ftir
ther the Gospel, a freedom from Ecclesiastical invective, and
an employment, as occasion permits, of the devotional formu
laries of the Common Prayer Book, Where this character is
honestly supported, we conceive that Calvinistix; Metibodism,
warm and marked with the sign of the Cross, works most bene
ficially. It is a sort of adjusting and balancing power, suiting
the ever-varying circumstances of the community, and meeting
the views and the wants of a large class of persons, who con
scientiously object to the National form, if every part is to he
adopted, but who prefer the use of those selections which they
judge to be most exceUent — and with reason ; for if a man dis
like his present position, why should he be compelled to travel
t(j the antipades 1 If tliere te a few things to wiiich he .can-

XV

not subscribe, must he array himself against every thing in the
Established Church ? Why may we not here, as in other in
quiries, presume that truth and utility are Eclectic ? The
practical advantage and excellence of these principles has been
acknowledged by some of the best men of all parties ; and it
was gratifying to the real friends of the Connexion ofthe Coun
tess to see, a few years ago, before the present controversies had
inflicted a sort of panic on good Churchmen, the tide of Eccle
siastical Reform set in so strongly towards their own forms and
principles. Men of distinction were recommending, by means of
the press, considerable changes in the National Church, most of
which tended to something like the system ofthe best-conducted
chapels belonging to the Countess of Huntingdon, The ser
vices, for Instance, were proposed to be abridged, and freed
from some objectionable passages; the endowments to be more
equalized, and brought to benefit the population as it is located
at the present time ; the patronage to he much more regulated
hy the voiee of the congregations than it now is. The improve
ment, also, in Psalmody, the cottage meetings, the more general
aid given by the laity to the Clergy, the erection of churches
dependent on voluntary support, and many other changes in the
EstabUshment, are proofs of the correctness of our assertion.
On the other hand, the pious Dissenters, excited by a thousand
moving causes, such as the great evangelizing Institutions, the
spirit of revival, and the re-action of the Church party, have
thrown off much that encumbered them, and have dfish^d im
provement in their o-wn bodies. Unions of denomination and
of district have almost destroyed the isolated charaieter of con-
gregationaUsm ; and not a few of the advocates for free prayer
have avowed an inclination, in connexion with extemporaneous
devotion, to employ a well-selected Liturgy, 'Oiese faets are
mentioned only to show, that a tacit deolarationhas been given,
by some of the good of all parties, of the worth of those prin
ciples which this work embodies, and thatthe signs of the times
are pointing towards Methodism, When the present gladsators
shall have fought their battles — when Eoclesiastie©-politieal
agitation shall lasatQ ^ubgidied — sna^ ^^ br«^ei^y Jiove ^baU

XVI

have taken the place of mutual alarm, we doubt not, that one
of two events wUl occur— either important changes wiU be made
in the Established Church, approaching to the principles here
recognized, and In some measure neutralizing the evils of a State
aUiance, or a large secession of Its most devoted Clergy wIU
take place ; whUe Dissenters vriU advance towards the ground
which now lies between the two extremes. How Important,
then, are the existence and the living activity of a mediate hody
of Christians, as a sort of point to which aU may direct their
attention— or, at least, an asylum, to which the truly Catholic
may flee from the truly bigoted! Even before this happy
agreement shall take place, in how many instances does the
unfettered zeal of men, more intent on doing good Itself, than
on the mode in which It may be effected, fiU up places which
otherwise would be vacancies, and animate parts which other
wise would be torpid and lifeless !
The Writer of this Introduction judges it will not be deemed
out of place for him to state what he conceives to be the prin
ciples of the Connexion founded by the late Countess of Hun
tingdon ; this, however, it will be remembered, he does not
officially, but as an individual member, and that the statements
themselves more respect the original constitution and spirit of
the Connexion, than the practice of any particular congrega
tion at the present moment.
The spirit of Evangelical truth, then, in which the Connexion
originated. Is a proof that it was constitutionally formed for
evangelical enterprise. These volumes cannot be attentively
perused without the recognition of the fact, that the commence
ment and continuance of this class of Christian efforts was to
make Inroad on the world, and, so far as they needed it, to dis
turb the slumbers of pious men of all denominations. The plan
of itinerating — the restless endeavour to break up new ground —
the too great hurry with whieh the Countess sent her students
from the College to labour In the public ministry — the true spirit
of missions in which she lived and inoved — her living zeal and
dymg requests and prayers — aU show what she designed.
And in proportion as those who have professed to foUow her

xvu
steps — for she could have no successors — have worked the
College and the Connexion as an apostolic* and enterprising
association for the evangelization of mankind, they have re
deemed the vows which were upon them.
So far from supposing the Connexion would become a mere
trust for a certain number of chapels, each left to work in an
insulated form, the Countess was indeed too negligent in ef
fecting legal security of the places which she either entirely
built or obtained at considerable expense. " Work !" was her
motto, and she contemplated In all she did an increased po'wer
and activity in a machine which should operate for the Divine
glory and human salvation. O! that there were more of
spirit In the wheels.
As far, therefore, as the Connexion fails to make enterprise,
and ceases to be an active evangelizing body, so far does It
abandon its own principles, and disappoint the righteous ex
pectation of the universal Chureh.
Nothing, however, can be farther from the true spirit of the
Connexion than that of proselyting to a mere party. The
Countess and her feUow-lahourers were much above sectarian
feeling : sometimes, indeed, their liberality to the general cause
stands chargeable with Injustice to themselves, as it led them
to neglect that organization whieh is essential to the perpe
tuity of a cause. This will account for the numerous chapels,
mentioned in these pages, raised under the influence of the
Countess, and, in no small degree, at her expense, which have
long since been detached from the Connexion, and some of the
congregations of which •will perhaps be startled at the dis
covery of their own origin and obligations.
Catholicity, then, is a leading characteristic of the Connexion
— a spirit that haUs every true Christian as a brother, and that
views every unconverted man as the object of Its benevolent zeal.
This spirit, indeed, may not always have been preserved unin
jured, but we maintain that Christian charity is the principle of
Methodism, and that its great principle has been deserted exactly
• The Trustees of her Ladyship's CoUege at Cheshunt, are termed, in the
deed, Trustees of " The Apostolic Society,"

XVlll

in proportion to the degree in which it has been actuated by a
sectarian and partial spirit. The Connection, with all its faults,
has, however, the pleasing consciousness of having blended more
in an Christian efforts with other denominations than they have
with her, and of having merged her name and Identity in the
general cause, raore than have any of her cotemporaries.
The principle of accommodation has been adopted by the
Connexion, and forms one of its characteristics. The Foundress
was herself, at first, and ever continued to be, a friend to the
National Church ; she left its pale from circumstances, rather
than from principle— a dissenter from Its actual management^
as unfriendly to the furtherance of the Gospel, more than from
either its doctrines, Its ritual, or the theory of Its hierarchy — and,
unless there were strong reasons to the contrary, always pre-
feiTed the use of the Liturgy. Her early sentiments and habits
were in conformity with these assertions, and, in later years,
the communion she held with GoD, by means of the National
Formularies, was not likely to wean her heart from them. She
knew also that the great mass of the English population, how
ever ignorant of the doctrinal Articles, were strongly pre-
'i.s 10S d towards the Prayers, and she therefore availed herself
Ol' tliis avenue to the public mind, and thus promulgated the
all- important truths of the Gospel, without doing violence to
Church prejudices. An accommodation was, in fact, all this
while, perfectly natural, and free from any charge of trimming
or dissimulation, as both she and her chaplains and other
toadjators only did that which they themselves preferred,
though tliey knew at the same time that this Une of conduct
,A.d public- advantages. With most of them, It was more an
aet of self-denial to accommodate themselves to the Congre
gational form of worship ; hut, whether prayers were read or
not, they rejoiced so that Christ was preached.
In carrying out this principle, the members of the Connexion
believe they imitate the highest examples : che Apostles did It,
i. . i'.sp*-'ct to the Jewish service, tUl the destruction of the
i.oi^ V.1.J ana tiie temple ; and our Lord himself not only sub
mitted to the Divine institutions, but, as in the frequent use of

XIX
th© popular- version and In other accommodations, to customs
and practices, innocent indeed, but at the same time human.
The Gospel is a dispensation for mankind, and has in it won-
dfflrfiil elasticity, and Christian wisdom will endeavour to use
this instrument as it eomes from Him who knows what is man,
and what wUl suit his diversified constitution, both of mind and
body. The water consolidated in ice, though cold and inert,
wUl be most uniform in its appearance ; but the Connexion
delights to contemplate it in other and various forms — in the
Uving stream, and in the dew and rain, — and, under good
direction, in the moving and potent agency of vapour,
A -writer in the Edinburgh Review, July, 1838, concludes an
article, a great part of which we approve and admire, in the
following way : " Whenever the time shall be ripe for writing
the ecclesiastical history of the last and the present age, a
curious chapter maybe devoted to the rise and progress ofthe
Evangelical body in England, from the days of Whitefield
to our own. It will convey many important lessons. It will
manifest the irresistible power of the doctrines of the Refor
mation when proclaimed with honest zeal, even though its
teachers be unskilled in those studies whieh are essential to a
complete and comprehensive theology. It will show that in
firmities which, not without some reason, offend the more cul
tivated, and disgust the more fastidious members of the Catholic
Chureh among us, are but as small dust in the balance when
weighed against the mighty energy of those cardinal truths, in
the defence of which Wycliffe and Luther, Knox and Cal
vin, Ridley and Latimer, lived, and laboured, and died. It
may also prove that recondite leaming, deep piety, and the
purest virtue, may be all combined in bosoms which are yet
contracted by narrow and unsuspected prejudices. But, above
all, it may teach mutual charity ; admonish men to look with
kindness and self-distrust, even to each other's extravagant
claims to an exclusive knowledge of the Divine will, and the
exclusive possession of the Divine favour."
That you may form a just estimate of Selina, Countess OP
Huntingdon, the Writer would not only Introduce you to

XX
pages which he hopes you wiU candidly and attentively read;
but, reminding you how much the present state of ever-growing
piety and missionary exertion is indebted to her and her co-
temporaries, would conduct you into the temple, extended in
size and graced with spiritual adornments, and say — " Look
around," J, K, FOSTER,

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXVni.
Mr. Howel Harris. Success of Mr. Venn's preaching. Mr. Furley. Miss Gideon. Meet
ing of the awakened Clergy at Lady Huntingdon's. Death of Mrs. Venn. Mrs. Medhurst.
Letter from Mr. Venn. Sir Rowland Hill's family. Mr. Rowland Hill and Lady Hunting
don. Mr. Brown. Mr. Joseph Williams. Ulness of Lady Huntingdon. Lord Dartmouth,
Letter from Mr. Talbot. Letter from Mr. Whitefield to Mr. Shirley. Earl of Buchan and
Family. Mr. Ireland and Mr. Fletcher. Letter from Mr. Fletcher to Lady Huntingdon.
Mr. Powley. Letters from Mr. Berridge. Lady Huntingdon's support under affliction.
Mr. Powley preaches at Bath. Letter from Lady Huntingdon.
CHAPTER XXIX.
Death of the Hon. John Shirley and Lady Stewart. Letter from Mr. Venn. Mr. Ryland.
Booth's " Reign of Grace." Letter from Mr. Venn. Mr. Whitefield to Mr. Shirley. Mr.
Whitefield's last visit to Bath. His labours in Lady Himtingdon's Chapel. Letters from
Mr. Venn. , Lord and Lady Dartmouth. George the Third and Dr. Beattie. Baron Smythe.
Lady Smythe. Mr. Moses Browne. Mr. Newton. Mr. Venn's preaehing tours. Worcester.
Mr. and Mrs. Stillingfleet, Shropshire. Mr. Henshaw and Mr. Hawksworth. Mr. Townsend.
Mr. Jesse. Letter from- Mr. Venn. Lady Lowther. Mr. Venn's sermon on the death of Mr.
Whitefield. Mr. Venn's liberality. CHAPTER XXX.
Lady Betty Germaine. Lord ChanceUor Thurlow. Mr. Rowland HiU. Letters from Mr.
Berridge. Mr. Roquet. Mr. Wills. Anecdote of Lavington, Bishop of Exeter. David
Erskine. Illness of Lady Fanny-Shirley. Letter from Mr, Venn. Marriage of Mr. Wills.
Mr. Pentycrosa. Letter from Mr. Pentycroas. Chapel at Wallingford. Mr. Toplady, Let
ter from Mr. Toplady. Mr. Romaine's Essay on Psalmody, Lady Glenorchy. Mr. Holmes.
Captain Scott. Mr. Fletcher. Mr. Venn'svisittoBath. Lady Henrietta Hope, Letterfrom
Lady Glenorchy to Lady Huntingdon. Argyle Chapei, Bath. Dr, Shepherd. Letterfrom
Lady Himtingdon to Mrs. Pentycross. CHAPTER XXXI.
History of the CoUege at Trevecca. Mi-. Fletcher appointed President, Letters from Mr.
Fletcher. Mr. Glazebrook the first Student. Mr. Easterbrook. Account of Mr. Glazebrook.
Letter from Lady Him.tingdon to Mr. Glazebrook and Dr. Kirkland. Lady Moira. Letters
from Mr Berridge. Interesting circumstances. Mr. John Jones. First anniversary of the
CoUege. Letter from Lady Huntingdon. CHAPTER xxxn.
Mr. Joseph Benson appointed Head Master at Trevecca. Mr. Flefteher's conduct at the
CoUege. His pastoral letters to the Students. Mr. Benson's dismissal. Lady Huntingdon's
certificate. Second Anniversary of the CoUege. Mr. Shirley and Mr. Venn. Mr. Thornton's
gift to the CoUege. Lady Glenorchy's generosity. Letter from Lady Glenorchy. Letter
from Lady Huntingdon. Third Anniversary of tbe CoUege. Students educated at Trevecca.
Lady Huntingdon visits Swansea. History of her Chapel there. Mr. Edmund Jones. Mr.
David Jones .{of Langan). Letter to Lady Himtingdon. Anniversary services of 1774 and
1776' Letter from Mr. Toplady. A remarkable incident.
CHAPTER XXXIH.
History of the Chapel at Tunbridge Wells. Mr. Venn and Mr. Madan preaching in the
open air. Extracts from Lady Huntingdon's letters. Mr. Whitefield visits Tunbridge Wells.
Mr. Shipman Mid Mr. Matthews preach there. Illness of Lady Himtingdon. IUness of Mr.
Whitefield. Mr, Venn. Mi*. Newton. Mr. Thornton. Preaching at Lady Huntingdon's.
A condemned criminal. Opening of the Chapel by Mr. Whitefield and Mr. De Courcey. Mrs.
Althena. , Chapel at Margate. Mr. Aldridge. Mr. Cooke, Mrs. Horsley. Chapels at Dover,
Folkstone and Deal. - Dr. Carter. Mrs. Elizabeth Carter and Miss Talbot. Lady Hunting
don's observations on Mi's. Carter's opinions. Charles and Edward Perronnet. Chapel at
Canterbury. Mr. Aldridge. Dr. Povah. Mr. Maddoek i his death. The Fnwin family
and Cowper the Poet. Mrs. Major Cowper. Mr. ITnwin preaches at Lady Huntingdon's
Chapel. Mr. David Simpson. Mr. Taylor.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Lady Huntingdon's Connection in Ireland. Mr. Whitefield the first who visited Ireland.

xxu
Mr. Charles Wesley. Speaker of the House of Commons. Dr. Gifford. Mr. Whitefield.
Mr. Lunoll. Mr. Whitefleld'a second visit to Ireland. Methodist Society. Mr. John
Edwards. Mr. Whitefield's third visit to Ireland : near being murdered. Mr. 0. Wesley
ceases to itinerate. Success of Mr. Shirley and Mr. Piers. Lord and Lady Clanricarde.
Mr. De Courcy. Letter to Lady Huntingdon. Mr. Townsend. Mr. Venn. Mr. Newton :
his first attempts at preaching. Irregulars and Itinerants.
CHAPTER XXXV.
Mr. Townsend's visit to Dublin. Lady Saxton. Mr. Alderman Townsend. Lord Shelburne.
Mr. Phillips. Mrs. Paul. Mrs. Kiernan. Temporary Chapel. Lady Huntingdon sends
Ministers to Ireland. Mr. Mead. Mr. H.iwkesworth. Letter from Lady Huntingdon. Mr.
PentycrqsB. Mr. Rowland Hill. Meeting in Wales. Independent Churches. Letter
from Lady Huntingdon. Mr. Lloyd. Plunket-street Chapel opened. Opposition. Letter
from Mrs. Paul. Several of the Nobility go to Lady Huntingdon's Chapel. Letter
from Lady Huntingdon. Mr. Hawkesworth visits Waterford. Mrs. Bennis. Methodist
Preachers. Mr. Hawkesworth solicits ordination. Lady Huntingdon's Letter on that
subiect. CHAPTER XXXVI.
Mr. Eccles returns from Georgia. Letter from Mrs. Paul. Lady Huntingdon's Belations.
Bishop of Raphoe. Anecdote of Mr. Skelton. Letters from Lady Huntingdon. Mr. Hawkes
worth ordained. Mr. Adams. Mr. Kinsman. Letters to Mr. Hawkesworth. Mr. MoHar.
Mr. Davies. Mr. "Wiiikworth. Colonel Despard. Mr. "White : iUness and death. Letters
from Lady Huntingdon. Opposition to Mr. Shirley. Remarkable Letters of Mr. Shirley
to his Bishop. Anecdote of the Archbishop of Armagh. Mr. Hawkesworth visits Cork and
Waterford. Mr. Osborn. Letter from Lady Huntingdon. Mr. Wesley's Ministers. Magda
len Chapel. Mr. Shirley's Sermons give great offence. Letter from Mrs. Paul. The Dean
of Caslipl. ¦ Mr. Thompson. Mr. Coughlan. Several of the Bishops and Clergy attend Mr-
Shirley's preaching. Letters from Mrs, PauL Letters from Lady Huntingdon. Mr. Hawkes
worth joins the Moravians. CHAPTER xxxvn.
Mr. Edward Smyth. Mr. William Smyth. Remarkable Conversion of Mrs. Smyth.
Romaine and Garrick. Persecution of Mr. Smyth. Mr. Smyth's family. Mr. and Mrs.
Fletcher. Lady Mary Fitzgerald. Dr. Peckwell visits Dublin. Letter from Dr. PeckweU.
Magdalen Chapel. Lady Mou-a andLady Arabella Denny. Letter from Lady Moira. Mr.
Skelton. Blr. Stephens. Death of Dr. PeekweU. Account of his family. Mr. Shirley sup
plies. Lady Huntingdon's Chapel. Death of Mr. Shirley. Hymns written by him. Mr.
Boddeley. Bethsaida Chapel. Mr. Timothy Priestly. Anecdote of Miss Ford. Sir William
Hamilton; Mr. Wesley visits Dublin. Evangelical Society. Mr. Rowland Hill and other
Minister* visit Ireland. Mr. Wildbore. Mr. Ball. Mr. Gai'ie. Chapel at Sligo. Fersecn-
tion. Dr. Povah. CHAPTER XXXVHL
Mr. Edward Smyth and Mr. Mann. Mr. Walker. Mr. Maturin. Mr. Kelly. Hon.
Walter Shirley. Miss Maturin. Letter from Mr. Walker. Mr. Matthias. Dr. Thorpe.
Anecdote of the Stewart family. Mr. Horne. Mr. Pierce visits Ireland. Mr. Rowland
HlII's visit to Ireland. Miss Johnson. Mr. Alderman Hutton opens his House for Preaching..
General Evangelical Society. BIi-. Cooper invited to Ireland. Mr. Shaw. Mr. Roe.
United Brethren. Prosecutions. New Chapel in Dublin. Reflections on Lady Huntingdon's
Laboms to sprea^l the Light of Divine Truth.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
Conference ot 1770. Mr. Wesley's Minutes of Conference. Protest against them by Lady
Huntingdon and Ml-. Shirley. Conference of 1771- Mr. Wesley's Conference— Considered
a Recantation. Mr. Fletcher's Vindication. Mr. Shirley's Narrative. Controversy.
CHAPTER XL.
American Affairs. Rev. Cornelius Winter : Refused Ordination of the Orphan Hottse.
Rev. John Zubley. Govei'nor Wright. Bishop of London. Letters from the Hon, Mr
Habersham. Mr. Whitefield's WiU. Great Meeting in Wales. Mission to America.
Circular Notice from Lady Huntingdon. Letter to the Hon. James Habersham from Lady
Himtingdon. Letter to Mr. Wright and Mr. Crane, Services at Trevecca. Designation of
tbe Missionaries in London. Mr. Piercy preaches on Tower-hill. Bev. Charles Stuart
Ecclcs. AiTival of the Missionaries at the Orphan House.
CHAPTER XLL
Destruction of the OrphiTji House by Fire. Observations of Mr. Berridge. Slave Trade.
Remarks on Mr. Whitefield and Lady Huntingdon. Slave Trade at the Orphan House.
Lady Huntingdon purchases Slaves. Anthony Benezet. Writes to Lady Huntingdon on

XXUI
tho Slave Trade. Death and Funeral of Anthony Benezet. Ameriean War. Mr. Piercy.
Mr. Keene and Lady Huntingdon. Colonel Tattersall. Lord George Germain. Sir James
Wright. Hon. Henry Laurens committed to tho Tower- Mr. Channing. Mr. Laurens
returns to America. Rev. John Johnson. Orphan House seized by the Georeians. General
Washington. Sir James Jay. Dr. Franklin. CHAPTER XLU.
Students from Trevecca visit Dorsetshire, Derbyshire, Devonshire, Somersetshire, &c.
Success of their Labours. Mr. Lake. Mr. Romaine. Mr. Benson. Archbishop of Canter
bury. Lady Huntingdon's Interview with George the Third. Anecdotes of the King. Lady
Huntingdon's Chaplains. His Majesty's Letter to tho Archbishop. Tho King's opinion of
Lady Huntuagdon. Duchess of Ancaster. Anecdote of a Lady of Quality and the King.
His Majesty's Advice. Feathers' Tavem Association. Letter to Laay Huntingdon from
Edmund Burke, Esq. Rejection of tbe Petition. Observations on Subscription to Articles
of Belief. Dissenters' BUL Lord Chatham and Archbishop of York. Mr. Theophilus Lind
sey. Deathof Howel Harris. Lettersfrom Lady Huntingdon. Letters from Mr. Toplady.
Mr. Headsman. Letter from Lady Huntingdon on his Ordination.
CHAPTER XLHI.
Chapels of Lady Huntingdon in London. Ewer-street, Chapel, Princess-street.Westminster.
Opened by Dr. PeckweU, Letterfrom Lady Huntingdon. Mr. English. Mr. Beck. Mul
berry Gardens Chapel. Mr. Charles Stewart Eccles. Mi'. Coughlan, Mr. John Clayton.
Mr. George Burder. Letter from Mr. Toplady-. New Mulberry Gardens Chapel. Mr. Isaac
Nicholson. Mr. Stoddart. Spafields Chapel. Richmond Theatre. Letter from Mr. Top
lady. Letters from Lady Huntingdon. Northampton Chapel opened. Opposition of Mr.
Sellon, Consistorial Court. Mr. Berridgo's advice. Letter from Lady Huntingdon. Lord
Dartmouth. Mr. Thornton. Spafields Chapel re-opened by Dr. Haweis. Queries sent to
Mr. Serjeant Glynn. Letter from the Recorder of London to Lady Huntingdon.
CHAPTER XLIV.
Ecclesiastical Courts. Letters from Lad^ Huntingdon . Secession of Mr. WiUs and Mr.
Taylor. Mr. Romaine's advice to Dr. Haweie. Letter from Lady Huntingdon, Mr, Row
land Hill. Lady Huntingdon's difPerence with Mr. Hill. Welsh Association. Letters to
Lady Huntingdon. Letter from her Ladyship. Surrey ChapeL Lady Huntingdon's libe
rality. Mr. Piercy. Mr. Venn. Sir Richard HiU, Mr. Scott. Sion ChapeL Letter to tho
Committee of Spafields ChapeL Remarkable Conversions. Missionary Ordination.
CHAPTER XLV.
History^of the Tabemacle at Norwich, Mr. Wheatley excluded the Methodist Connexion.
Visits Norwich. Violent Persecution. Mr, Whitefield visits Norwich. Remarkable Con-
?ersion. Lady Huntingdon's attention attracted to Nonvich. The Wesleys. Mr. Charles
Wesley. Mrs. Colonel Galatin. The Tabernacle opened by Mr. Whitefield, Colonel Galatin.
Mr. Cudworth. Mr. Robert Robinson. Letters to Mi*. Whitefield. Remarks on Mr. Robin
son's Character. Eccentricity. Mr. Madan. Letter to him from Mr. Whitefield.
CHAPTER XLVL
Mr. Wesley takes a lease of the Tabei-nacle at Norwich. Dissatisfied with the Tabernacle
Society. Tabemacle sold to Lady Huntingdon. Mr. Sliirly, Mr. Glaseott, and Mr. Bowman.
Lady Huntingdon, Lady Anne Erskine, and Mr. Toplady visit Norwich. Remarkable Ser
mon by Mr. Toplady. Mr. ]\Iark Wilks. His appointment to the Tabernacle. Mr. Wesley
and Mr. Fletcher visit Norwich. Yarmouth. Mr, Shirley. Letter from Lady Huntingdon.
Mr. Crole and Mr. Clayton sent to Norwich. Conversion of Mr. Johnson. Letters from Lady
Huntingdon to the Committee of the Tabernacle.
CHAPTER XLVII.
History of the Tabemacle at Bristol. Mr. Whitefield's family. The first Methodist
Society at Bristol, Success of his preaching. Opposition of the Clergy. Newgate. Mr.
Dagge. Field-preaching. Kingswood, St. George's Church. Mr. Hart. Kingswood School.
Mr. Wesley at Bristol. Mistake about Kingswood School, Founded by Mr. Whitefield. Mr.
Maifield. Firsc Methodist Preaching House. Mr. Charles Wesley. Lady Huntingdon
contributes to the School at Kingswood. Division between Whitefield and Wesley. BIr.
Cennick. Imprisonment of Savage the Poet. Lady Macclesfield's Cruelty. Letter to Lady
Htmtingdon from Lady Macclesfield. Persecuiion at Hampton. Preachers at the Taber
nacle. Mr. ReUy. Mr. Godwin. CHAPTER XLVin.
Mr. Daniel Rowlands. Mr. Howel Davies. Effects of their preaehing at Bristol. Mr.
¦VVhitefieW Yisite Bristol. Lett©! to Lady HuntiDgdon. Letter to tbe Countess Delitz. Ports-

XXIV.
mouth Tabernacle. Lady Huntingdon visits Bristol, Mr. Whitefield in Bristol. Lady
Huntingdon's Benevolence to the Prisoners. Commencement of the Tabernacle. Letters
from Lord Chesterfield and Lord Bath. Mr. Charles Wesley. Opening of the Tabernacle.
Mrs. Grenfield. Illness ot Mr. Wesley. Mrs. Charles Wesley's Hlness. Lady Huntmgdon
attends her. Mr. Whitefield's Letter to Mr. Charles Wesley. Mr. Croom. Mr. Cornelius
Winter. Mr. Hogg. Mr. Shipman, Letter to Mr. Winter. Letter from Lady Huntingdon
to Mr. Shipman. Mr. Shipm.an's Deatli. Lord Barham. Lady Huntingdon's Chapel opened.
Mr. Owen. Letters to Mr. Evans. New Chapel opened.
CHAPTER XLIX.
Lady Huntingdon's Chapel at Readhig. Mr. Tiilbot. Letter from Mr. Venn. Mr. HaU-
ward. Death of Mr. Talbot. Mr. Cadogan. Mrs. Talbot. Sir Richard HiU. Mr. HaU-
vvard aud Lady Huntingdon. Letter from Lady Huntingdon to Mr. Hallward. Mr. Cadogan's
preaching. L.idy Huntingdon's Chapel opened. Mr. Piercy. Letter from Lady Huntingdon
to the M.anagers. IVIr. Gurdon. Mr. Cadogan's Conversion. Lady Huntingdon's Letter to
Mr. Cadogan. BIr. Hallward. Death of JMr. Cadogan. Chapel opened by Mr. Rowland Hill
and Mr. Eyi'e. Mr. Sherman. CHAPTER L.
Chapel at Kidderminster. Mr. Fawcett. Mr. Wills preaches at Kidderminster. Mr.
Best. Letter to Mr, Hawkesworth. Lady Huntingdon in Cornwall. Mr. Parish. Chapel
at Truro. Dr. Haweis. Effects of Mr. Wills's preaching. Lady Huntingdon's Chapels in
Cornwall. St. Ives. Mevagissey. Letter from Lady Huntingdon. Sir Harry Trelawney-
WestLooe. Lady Huntingdon's opinion of Sir Harry Trelawney : his apostacy. Mr. WiUs
preaches at Looe. Difference with Mr. Whitefield's Trustees. Letter from Mr. Berridge.
Dr. Dodd. Mr. Romaine's opinion of him. Lady Huntingdon's Letter to Dr. Dodd. Letter
from Mr. Browne of Haddington. CHAPTER LI.
Labours of the Students. Extracts from Lady Huntingdon's Letters. Itinerant Preaching.
Circular Letter from Lady Huntingdon. Letter to the Committee of Mulberry Gardens.
Journals of Messrs. Wills, Glaseott, Taylor, and Piercy. Success of their Labours. Out-
of-door Preaching. Secession. Observations on Toleration. Letter to the Bishops. Dr.
Lowth. First Ordination at Spafields Chapel. Particulars of the Ceremony. Articles of Belief.
CHAPTER LII .
Hospital of EtwaU. and School of Bepton. Lady Huntingdon interested abont those Insti
tutions. Rev. Mr. Cotton. Lady Gerard. Correspondence of Lady Huntingdon with the
Guardians. Letters from Lord Chesterfield and Lord Huntingdon. Letter to Mr. Cotton
from Lady Huntingdon, dueries relative to the Charity. Rev. Cr.addock Glaseott presented
to tho Living of Hatton. Mr. Ireland. Letters from Lady Huntingdom to Mr. (Slascott.
His Illness and Death. CHAPTER LIH.
Mr. Madan's " Thelypthora." Chapel at Bootle. Anecdote of Mr. Romaine, Mr. Whit-
ridge. Mr. Daniel Gibbons. Mr. Daniel Gray. Letter from Lady Huntingdon to the
Trustees of the Chapel at Kendal. Letter from Lady Huntingdon to Mr, Gray. Mrs. Paul.
Chapel at Hereford. Correspondence relative to it with Mrs. Paul and others.' Chapels at
Whitehaven, Weymouth, Shefdeld, Newark. . Correspondence relatmg to them. Letter to
the Congregation at Berkhamstead. Letters to Mr. ElUs and Mr. Blake. Chapel at Birming-
h.im. Mr. Bradford. Lord Douglas. Lady Huntingdon invited to Brussels-Escapes assas
sination. Death of Lord Douglas. Letter from Lady Huntingdon relative to Brussels-her
Difference with Mr. WiUs. Preface to a Volume of Sermons.
CHAPTER LIV.
Increase of the Connexion. Association for Perpetuatmg the Connexion. Plan of tho
Association. Letter to the Congregation at Bath. Welsh Calvinistic Methodists. FaUure
of the Plan. Opposed by Dr. Haweis and Lady Anne Erskine. Lady Huntmgdon's Connex
ion. Observations on Bequests. Extracts from Lady Huntingdon's WUl. Devisees of Ladv
Himtingdon.-her control over the Connexion. Rules for Lady Huntingdon's Societies
Property bequeathed to Lady Huntingdon's Connexion. Letter to Mr. Priestly. Death of
Lady Huntmgdon-her last words. Letters from Dr. Lettsom to Lady Anne Erskine
Funeral Sermon. Character of Lady Huntingdon. Last interview with MnPrtestly
CHAPTER LV.
Cheshunt CoUege. Mr. Nicholson. Opening of tho College. Services on the occasion
Appeal to those educatedat Cheshmit, Letter from Dr. Haweis. Letter from Lady Hunt:
ingdon toa Student List of Persons educated at Cheshunt. List of the Trustees to tbo
present day. Lady Anne Erskme succeeds Lady Huntingdon. Aneedote. Het Early Pietv
Last Iltaesa and Deatii, Funeral Epitaph. CONCLUSION. ^lei ^^-ariy «ety.

LIFE AND TIMES

COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON.

CHAPTER XXVIII,
Mr. Howel Harris — Success of Mr. Venn's preaching — Mr. Furley — Miss
Gideon — Meeting of the awakened Clergy at Lady Huntingdon's — Death of
Mrs. Venn— Mrs. Medhurst  Letter from Mr. Venn—Sir Rowland Hill's
family — Mr. Rowland Hill and Lady Huntingdon — Mr. Brown — Mr. Joseph
Williams — Illness of Lady Huntingdon — Lord Dartmouth — Letter from Mr.
Talbot — Letter from Mr. Whitefield to Mr. Shirley— Earl of Buchan and
family — Mr. Ireland and Mr. Fletcher^Letter from Mr. Fletcher to Lady
Huntingdon — Mr. Powley — Letters from Mr. Berridge — Lady Huntingdon's
support under affliction — Mr. Powley preaches at Bath — Letter from Lady
Huntingdon.
Mr, Howel Harms, who had been with Lady Huntingdon at
Brighton, now returned to London, where he was most kindly
received by Lord Dartmouth, Lady Gertrude Hotham, Mrs.
Carteret, and Mrs, Cavendish, At their houses he often ex
pounded with successful ability, and after preaching several
times at the Tabernacle and Tottenham-court Chapel, he visited
Bath, and preached at Lady Huntingdon's chapel, expounding
also at Lord Buchan's, and other houses. At her Ladyship's
request he spoke to Messrs, Hart, Jones, Johnson, and Jesse,
appointing them to meet her at Bath, in the month of May, when
she purposed going thither with Mr, Whitefield to devise fresh
schemes for the more extensive diffusion of Divine truth.
On the 30th of March Lady Huntingdon and Miss Orton
left Brighton for London, where they remained only a few days,
and thence proceeded to Bath, Mr, Venn had just set off
for Yorkshire, having spent two months there supplying her
Ladyship's chapel. By this means his sphere of action was
VOL, H.  B

i THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
greatly enlarged, and the Lord gave many testimonies that his
endeavours to be useful in his cause were acceptable and suc
cessful. His labours in Bath at this time were owned of God,
and not a few were added to the society. In a letter to his
esteemed friend and correspondent, James Kershaw,* Esq,, of
Halifax, he says : —
" I have been enabled to speak of our Jesus here, to the astonisli-
ment of the rich and noble. They have behaved with remarkable
attention ; and, by the numbers increasing, I trust the Lord will make
himself known by this ' foolishness of preaching,' as lie did of old."
The duties of his parish having called him home, he was
obliged to leave Bath before Lady Huntingdon's arrival, and
much earlier than he had intended. Mr. Venn, in his letter to
her Ladyship, after his return to Huddersfield, says : —
" It was a real concern to me that I was under a necessity to leave
Bath when I did ; but my times and places of preaching on the way
were so fixed, and at Easter so very much duty in preaching and sur
plice services, that my brother Ryland could not have gone through
without me. You make me happy in telling me there is every ap
pearance that the word ofthe Lord in my mouth was not in vain. All
I can say is, that I teach that I do know, and testify that I have seen ;
that I feel the power and preciousness ofthe life and light of Immanuel ;
and, therefore, I would wish he was known by all who are ignorant of
him, and very suspicious of his power and government."
It was now that the Rev. Samuel Furley removed to Bath on
account of his health. This good man was early connected
with the Methodists. While at Cambridge he had formed an
acquaintance with Mr. Venn, then Fellow of Queen's College,
and his senior by eight years. To him he recommended Law's
" Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life," and Mr, Venn read
it with peculiar interest and advantage, and immediately began
to frame his life according to the Christian model there de-
• The members of a Socinian Club, in a market town near Huddersfield, sent
two of their body to attend this strange preacher, to detect absurdity and
furnish matter of merriment for the next meeting. They went ; but were
struck with the sight of the multitude assembled, the devotion of 'their beha
viour, and their anxiety to attend the worship of God. When Mr. Venn
ascended the reading:desk, he addressed his flock, as usual, with a solemnity and
dignity which showed him to he deeply interested in the work in which he was
engaged. The earnestness of his preaching, and his solemn appeals to tha
conscience, so deeply impressed one of the Socinian deputation, that he observed
as they left the church, " Surely God is in this place ! there is no matter for
laughter here !" He immediately called upon Mr. Venn, told him who he was
and the purpose for which he had come, and earnestly begged his forgiveness
and his prayers. He requested Mr. Venn to visit him without delay and left
the Socinian congregation: and, from that time to the hour of his' death he
became one of Mr. Venn's most faithful and affectionate friends. This een'tle
man was James Kershaw, Esq., of Halifax. °

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON, 3
lineated. After his ordination, Mr, Furley did duty a few
months in London, occasionally assisting Mr, Romaine, and soon
after removed to Lakenheath, in Suffolk, He continued there
but a short time, and from that place went into Yorkshire, and
resided at Kippax for twelve months. Whilst there Lady Hun
tingdon became acquainted with Mr, Furley, through the me
dium of her niece, Mrs, Medhurst, He afterwards removed to
Slaythwait, where he remained five years, and preached to a
large congregation, to many of whom his ministry was much
blessed. There he received a visit from Lady Huntingdon,
w'len she was with Lady Margaret Ingham at Aberford, In
the year 1766, being in London, he was introduced by the
Countess to the excellent Mr, Thornton, of Clapham, who pre
sented him to the living of Roche, in Cornwall,
Mr, Furley seldom left his parish; but whenever he visited
Bath he always rejoiced at being invited to preach in Lady
Huntingdon's chapel. He was a faithful and zealous preacher
of the everlasting Gospel; rather a Boanerges than a Barnabas,*
and his learning and abilities made him an excellent explainer
of the holy Scriptures, During the period he was at Bath for
the benefit of his health and medical advice, Lady Huntingdon
often visited hiin, "Dear Mr. Furley, (says Mr. Venn,)
writes me word he had the pleasure of seeing your Ladyship
at Miss Gideon's.f Your visits of love to that afflicted friend of
mine, and child of God, I doubt not are a more reviving cor
dial to her soul than any raedicine," Through the whole of
her severe illness. Miss Gideon's cheerful resignation to the
Divine will was wonderful to those who were eye and ear wit
nesses to the Christian fortitude and patience with which she
bore the most excruciating pain. The conversation of Lady
Huntingdon and Mr. Furley was peculiarly serviceable to her,
and though she had to struggle with much feebleness and pain,
occasionally attended his ministry at her Ladyship's chapel : —
" Not a complaining word (says the Countess) ever escapes her
lips ; but she is continually repeating that sweet passage of Scripture —
Whom ihe Lord loveth ke chasteneth, and scourgeth everi/ son -whom he
receiveth. Dear Mr. Furley prayed with her a few days ago, and ad
ministered the Lord's Supper at her house. Truly this child of God is
in the furnace of affliction. May she come forth like gold from the
refiner's fire."
Lady Huntingdon's stay in Bath was very short. On the 7th
* More a son of Thunder than a son of Consolation.
t Miss Gideon was one of that plenteous harvest that was gathered to the
Lord in the drawing-rooms of Lady Huntingdon in London, under the power
ful preaching of her chaplains, She was a daughter of Sampson Gideon, of
B 2

4 THE LIFE AND TIJIES OF
of April, accompanied bv Miss Orton, she went to Trevecca,
where slie was joined by Mr. Fletcher, who waited on her for
the purpose of escorting her to Madeley, whither she went on
the 2(>th of April : —
" I have just received your letter (writes Mr. Fletcher to Mr. Ire
land) upon my arrival from Wales, ^vith dear Lady Huntingdon, wlio
is of a truth" a tried stone, built upou the corner-stone ; and such as
you have seen her, such, I am persuaded, you will find her to the last,
a soul devoted to Jesus, living by faith, going to Christ himself by the
scriptures, instead of resting on the letter of the Gospel promises, as too
many professors do."
Soon after Lady Huntingdon's return from Trevecca, Mr.
Whitefield arrived" in Bath, It was during this visit that her
Ladyship had another numerous meeting of ministers at her
house.* The Rev. Richard Hart, rector of St. George's, Kings-
wood, Rev. James Brown, rector of Pentishead, and vicar of
Kingston, Mr. Jones, Mr. Johnston, Mr. Roquet, rector of St,
Werburgh's, Bristol, Mr. Howel Harris, Mr. Furley, and many
others were present ; all of whom expressed their stedfast de-
Belvidere-house, Kent, Esq., a man well known, and sister of Sampson, first
Lord Eardley. At one period she resided at Clifton, but afterwards removed
to Bath, where she enjoyed the society of those to whom her heart and afi'ec
tions were united. She was a woman of deep piety, and much esteemed by
Lady Huntingdon, and those men of God who laboured for her. In the cor
respondence of Mr. Whitefield are to be found some letters addressed to Miss
Gideon, and she is often mentioned in the letters of Mr. Romaine, Mr. Venn,
and others.
* With a view to promote that cause which she valued more than life, Lady
Huntingdon was accustomed, from time to time, for a number of years, to
assemble the evangelica! clergy in the vincinity of Bath, at her residence, to con
sult upon tbe most advisable plans to be adopted forthe more general diffusion
of divine truth in diiferent parts ofthe kingdom, and in the immediate neigh-
bourhood of their respective cures. As early as the year 1753 we find her thus
actively engaged. In the month of January 1756, there was another meeting at
her Ladyship's. Mr. Chapman, vicar of Bradford, Mr. Hart, then curate of
Warminster, Mr. Johnston, perpetual curate of Cirencester, Mr. Brown, then
curate of Bradford, and afterwards vicar of Kingston, Mr. Rawlings, vicar of
Padstow, Mr. Hill, rector of Tavistock, and one or two others, composed this
little band. On these occasions therewas frequent preaching. Numerous
audiences were collected ; the sermons were listened to with the deepest at
tention, and her Ladyship received many testimonies of their usefulness. Her
own spirit was ahvays much refreshed by these meetings ; and her clerical
friends were accustomed to hail her arrival amongst thera as a season of pecu
liar pleasure and advantage.
The Rev. William Rawlings, formerly of Exeter College, O.xford, and forfortv
years vicar of Padstow, was the intimate and bosom friend of Mr M'alker of
Truro. His son, the present lector of Lansallos, espoused a niece'of Lord de
Dunstanville. Mr. Hill was the particular friend of the Rev. George Thomp'-on vicar of St
Ginney's, in Cornwall, under xvhom he was awakened. He was 'a pious and
exemplary minister, and possessed a good church Uving, which he knew how
to apply to proper uses. He died about the year 1800, at an advanced age

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 5
termination to brave every suffering and reproach for the Gospel' ^
sake, persevere in the great cause in which they were engaged
till every city had the standard of the cross erected in it, an
every obscure village in the kingdom, by some means or otherd
should hear the joyful sound ! ,
A few days after this meeting. Lady Huntingdon, Lady Anne
Erskine, Miss Orton, and Mr, Howel Harris, accompanied Mr,
Whitefield into Gloucestershire on a preaching excursion.
From thence her Ladyship proceeded through Wales to Derby
shire and Yorkshire, Thence she repaired to London, accom
panied by Mr, Whitefield ; but her stay was short, as she pro
posed to spend the winter at Bath, Not long after her arrival
there she received the afflicting intelligence of the death of her
esteemed friend, Mrs. Venn. For the last few months of her
life she was in a very declining state of health ; and when Lady
Huntingdon was at Huddersfield she perceived strong symp
toms of a rapid decline. Her spirits, which during her health
had been remarkably lively, were now become equally low.
This, with the weakness she felt, and the thought of her beloved
husband's affliction if she should be taken from hiin, with many
other fears, almost overwhelmed her.
The following particulars of Mrs. Venn's illness are extracted
from a brief statement in Mr. Venn's own hand-writing. It is
addressed to his dear and intimate friend, the late Sir Richard
Hill, Bart., and soon after communicated to Lady Glenorchy,
by her confidential friend and adviser. Miss Hill. A copy was
also sent to Lady Huntingdon by Sir Richard, and was some
years after published by her Ladyship's Chaplain, Mr. Wills, in
his " Spiritual Register."
" On the 5tli of September, when some alarming symptoms ap
peared, she told me, ' I am ready, I am, willing to depart ; so clear a
view have I had of my Saviour !' On Tuesday the Sth, when the fever
raged, she laid her hand upon the head of her dear friend, Miss
Hudson, saving, ' 0 that I could take you up with me to everlasting
rest !' On Mr. Ryland asking her whether she could not still bless
God, she answered, smiling, '0 ! now is the time for Hini to bless
me !' meaning her disease bore down the activity of her mind, and ren
dered her entirely passive to receive the comforts of his love. Two
days before her departure she desired vve would not pray for lier re -
covery, but for some mitigation of her pain, and for an easy passage to
the Lord. This request was fully answered ; for though her pain in
creased, till she once said, ' I think it is greater than I can bear !' yet
the very last words she uttered were — ' Oh, the joy ! Oli, the delight V
" I was in much pain (continues Mr. Venn) after I knew we must
part, from the fear of what she might suffer in the agonies of death.
But in the midst of judgment, upon me a sinful man, my God remem-

6 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
bered mercy : for she appeared insensible from six in the morning till
a quarter past two in the afternoon, on the Ilth of September, 1707 ;
when, only drawing in her breath twice, somewhat longer than usual,
her spirit took its fiight, and ieft me suffering under an affliction which
nothing but the presence and love of Jesus, and the clear evidence of
her being with Him, could make supportable."*
Mrs. Venn's remains were interred by torch-light, and Mr.
Burnet, afterwards vicar of Elland, preached in the church during
the service. Her affiicted husband was wonderfully supported,
and enabled to preach her funeral sermon the next morning,
being Sunday, to a very crowded and deeply aifected congrega
tion, from "Let me die the death of the righteous ; and let my
last end be like his !"
Nothing could exceed the kindness of Lady Huntingdon's
nieces, Mrs. Medhurst and Miss Wheeler. They invited him
and his children to Kippax, hoping to relieve his mind from the
load of grief which seemed to press heavy upon him.f
Nor was Lady Huntingdon less solicitous for the welfare of
the friend she so highly valued. Shortly after this distressing
event, her Ladyship wrote to him, inviting him to spend some
time with her at Bath. Mr. Venn's answer is worthy of pre
servation, not only because it exhibits the sensible supports
which he enjoyed at this time, but likewise because it gives an
interesting detail of the effect of his ministry at Huddersfield :—
"Huddersfield, Oct. 15, 1767.
" The only return I can make your Ladyship for the very tender
sympathy you show for me in my present trial, is prayer to Him who
has already made so much use of you as an instrument, that he would
do so more and more. Six places I have been most cordially invited
* It is rather singular, that though m uch of the above narrative is inserted
i".*'' ¥^?.?/i"''- Y''""' .'''"'^5' published by his grandson, yet the names of Sir
Richard Hill (to whom it was addressed) and Lady Glenorchy (from whose
life It IS taken) are studiously omitted. Strange that the descendant of this
apostohc man should considerit a disgmce to be associated «ith such charac
ters, particularly Sir Richard who was his most intimate friend. Unfortunately
this feeling pervades the work. ^.„u„,.,.^,j
f His letters to these excellent women will be ronH ,.,-,fi, /i„ ¦ . . i
profit. It is a curious fact, that although their names fent^riP '"*"''?' ""a^
Life and Correspondence of Mr. Venn,1ind manHf hif2,t' T °^?"'' "J ''^^
teresting letters are addressed to them, yet the reader ;ll?f?\ ^aluable and m-
these favoured correspondents were. This is the r^oi r ^°"J'='^'"''<= ^^^°
are frequent notices of his intiraate friends and associate, t*?,'";^'' ""^ \^^'^^
work; but not the slightest allusion to rt«r bein^ the ni.r'Tll' '^"^'^ ''"'^
of Huntingdon, as if their connexion with that inconma, nW , Countess
tracted from their real worth or sterling goodness and rt! i" ,'=^^facter de-
estimation of Mr. Venn's biographer, wlio, in e';rv Dos^'hf *'"" '" *'
assiduous to steer clear of the odour of Methodism The w tl ''^'f' '^ "°^'
soul superior to this species of trifling. He loved all i,vho l"^ ^ I*^"" ^^^ ^
Master, of whatever name or denomination. ° °^^ Diyine

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 7
to ; but I know my soul would receive a blessing under your roof, as
it has done again and again, I am now a living witness of the truth
you so sti'enuously maintain, and of the necessity of that truth in our
miserable condition here below. Did I not know the Lord to be
mine ; were I not certain his heart feels even more love for me than I
am able to conceive ; were not this evident to me, not by deduction
and argument, but by consciousness, by his own light shining in my
soul, as the sun's doth upon my bodily eyes, into what a deplorable
situation should I have been now cast ! I have lost all that I could
wish myself to have been, iu the partner of my cares and joys, and
lost her when her hidustry, and ingenuity, and tender love, and care
of her children, were all just beginning to be perceived by the two
eldest girls, and to strike them Avith a sense of the excellency of such
qualities, I have lost her when her soul was as a watered garden,
when her mouth was opened to speak for God, and he was blessing the
testimony she bore to a free, full, and everlasting pardon in the blood
of Jesus. Nevertheless, I can say, all is -well. Hallelujah ! for the
Lord God omnipotent reigneth. At all times, and in every thing
pertaining to me, let him do what seemeth Him good. Were there
no Holy Ghost now to strengthen me mightily ; were there nothing
more than a dependance on the word of promise, without an Almighty
power and agent to explain, impress, and apply it, how would my
hands hang down, and my knees be so feeble that I should faint and
fall under the pressure of my cross ! But on the contrary, I abound
in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost given unto me. I re
joice in tribulation, from the experience I now have, more than I pos
sibly could in a less severe trial, tbat the man of sorrows is as rivers of
water in a dry place, and giveth songs in the night. My blessed Lord
sent to me two preachers immediately after my loss. The one was a
poor and most afflicted viddow — sick, very sick in body, with two
helpless children, destitute of raiment almost ; and upon my asking
her how she did — 'Oh, Sir! since you have been gone, (she answered)
I cannot tell 3'ou how much my Saviour has done for me. Though
I have utterly lost the sight of one eye since you went, I have got
better light than the sun can give me. I feel myself so sinful, and
Him so full of love to me, that I am happy, and only beg of you that
I may not be carried into the workhouse, to be amongst so many
people, because I feel by being alone as I am, I can enjoy the love
and presence of the Lord more abundantly. But, if you think it
proper that I should go, I can go still in faith and cheerfulness.' The
weighty manner in which she spoke this, and the air of her counte
nance was, indeed, such as I think I never saw. It was as if she saw
her Lord, and he was attending to every word that came out of her
mouth. This was a sermon to my heart, and as seasonable as the rain
upon the mown grass.
" The other preacher was a double-minded professor, with whom I
have often discoursed. She told me that now she would believe all
I said of the love of God. ' Before, I used always to say of you, you
had no trials. You might, indeed, give your advice to persons in
trouble, but you knew nothing of their feelings. But since you have

8 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
lost Mrs. Venn, and can be thankful, I now confess you may call upon
us, with much justice, to seek after God, and declare the knowledge
of him to be indeed a help in every time of need.' So necessary do
I now myself see it that ministers should be touched in the most sen
sible part, that knowing the hearts of God's people, and the com
forts he imparts to them, we may be able to comfort them with the
very same comforts wherewith we have been ourselves comforted of
God. " I have been enabled to remember your Ladyship in your sickness,
and cannot but hope you will yet be spared, and many more seals be
added to your labours of love before you rest above. I shall be much
oblio-ed for a letter, when health and leisure will permit. And, re-
turnin"- you my most heart-felt thanks for your prayers, your example,
your invitation, and a thousand instances of kindness to such a sinful
man, I remain your servant in the bonds of Jesus,
«H. Venn."
Mrs, Venn was a daughter of the Rev, Thomas Bishop, D,D,,
minister of the Tower church in Ipswich, a gentleman of high
eminence as a scholar and a divine. In this lady Mr, Venn
found a mind congenial with his own, — the most sincere and
exalted piety, directed by a sound judgment, and enriched by d
sweetness of disposition and animation which rendered her par
ticularly interesting as a companion and friend. Lady Hun
tingdon's acquaintance commenced shortly after her marriage,
when Mr, Venn was curate of Clapham, Between them was
formed a friendship of the strictest kind, which continued till
Mrs, Venn's death. In Mr, Venn's letter to Miss Wheeler, the
following passage occurs relative to the supports which he ex
perienced under his severe bereavement, and corroborative of
the sentiment at the close of his letter to Lady Huntingdon : 
" Since the moment she left me, I can compare my sense of her
Leing with the Lord to nothing but a vision ,• it is so clear, so constant
so delightful ! At the same time the Lord gives me to see his own
infinite beauty, and to feel more and more his preciousness, as a foun
tain of living waters, to those who are bereft of earthly joys. And
well it is that I am so supported ! For his o«'n cause, I cannot but
conclude the Lord does it : since, immediately upon my unspeakable
loss, the opposers cried out, ' Oh ! now you ivill see what \vill become
of his vauntings of the power of faith and the name of Jesus !' They
knew our great happiness, and they said, ' You will see your vicar
just like any one of us in the same situation !' But my God heard
and answered ; so that when I was mightily helped by Him to preach
the very Sabbath after her death, and not inany hours after her inter
ment, their mouths were stopped, and the little flock of Jesus who
had been praying for nae with all fervour and affection, say they have
not had so great a blessing since I have been amono- them."
Several members of Sir Rowland Hill's family now began to

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON, 9
attract public notice from their open and avowed attachment to
the cause of God and truth. Of Miss Hill, Lady Glenorchy
had often spoken in terms of high commendation ; and with Mr.,
afterwards so well known as Sir Richard Hill, Lady Huntingdon
had long been acquainted. The report of Mr, Rowland Hill's
piety and zeal soon reached the ears of her Ladyship, who
eagerly sought his acquaintance. He was then a student at
Cambridge, and had preached in many places with great accept
ance and success. Not only were all the energies of his own
mind at this period directed to the object of preaching Christ,
but he had been the means also of communicating to some of his
fellow-students and others a portion of his ardent zeal. They
had formed a little society, of which he was the leader ; and he
urged them on in pursuit of the one end they had in view,
through every possible barrier that was cast before them. He
was assailed on all sides. His father and mother were decidedly
opposed to his career, and his superiors in the University con
demned, in the strongest terms, his infringements of discipline.
Hints of a refusal of his testimonials, and even of his degree, were
held out as the probable result of these irregularities ; but in vain.
To preach Christ he was resolved ; and it was not his natural
disposition to yield to any intimidating menaces, nor could he see
that, by his present departure from the regulations of the Univer
sity, he was throwing any obstacle in the way of his future use
fulness. The stigmas and censures cast on him he considered
as honours ofthe highest order ; and expulsion, or refusal of any
University privilege, would only have driven him at once to other
scenes of labour, and not to desponding silence and obscure re
pose. Besides the inclination of his own zealous and fervent
disposition, he was under the influence of a master spirit of no
ordinary mould : he was encouraged in his course, whenever
difficulties appeared before him, by the stirring letters of Mr,
Whitefield, Mr, Whitefield and Mr, Berridge, both of whom had consi
derable influence in directing his newly awakened mind, had
repeatedly mentioned him to Lady Huntingdon, Mr, Hill's
acute sensibility to the opposition of his parents, and the hin
drances which were cast in the way of his exertions, seem very
much to have weakened the spring of his elastic mind. The
opposition he experienced at Cambridge now becoming very
serious and decided, he wrote to consult Mr, Whitefield, whose
advice, so much in unison with his own desires, was quite suffi
cient to determine him to defy all resistance from whatever
quarter : —
" Go on, therefore, (says he) my dear man^ go on ; old Berridge, I

10 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
believe, would give you the same advice : you are honoured in sharing
his reproach and name. God bless and direct and support you — ^he
will, he will ! Good Lady Huntingdon is in town ; she will rejoice to
hear that you are under the cross : you will not want her prayers, or
the poor prayers of, my dear young honest friend, yours, &c. &c., in an
all- conquering Jesus."
Through the instrumentality of Mr. Whitefield it was at
length determined that Mr. Hill should pay a visit to Lady
Huntingdon, who was then at Bath. On the 21st of October
he left Hawkstone for the University, having first commended
to God in prayer those of whom he was now about to take leave.
This is noticed in a letter of his sister to her friend, Lady Glen
orchy, dated October 20, 1767, in which she says —
" We have just had a parting prayer with my dear brother Rowland,
who leaves us to-morrow. He proposes to see good Lady Huntingdon,
in his way to Cambridge, which I trust will be blessed to him, and that
he will ever stand faithful in the cause of his crucified Master, whether
he be admitted as a minister of the Gospel to preach in his name or not ;
but, alas ! my dear friend, to such a deplorable apostacy is the world
come, that young men who are stedfastly attached to the Church, and
live exemplary lives, can hardly get their testimonials signed for orders."
On his arrival at Bath he was soon received by Lady Hun
tingdon, as she herself expresses it, " with open arms," He
preached in her chapel, and expounded in her house, "with much
comfort," He also preached at the residence of Mrs, Layton,
a lady at that time very conspicuous in the religious circles at
Bath, and who was the friend and correspondent of Mr, Ber
ridge, Mr, Toplady, and others. There were a great number of
persons of distinction, and Mr, Hill was " rather dashed at the
audience," and observes, " I do not love to speak to fine people,"
As he was under the frowns of his family, and sometimes ex
posed to such treatment as called forth the interference of others,
he felt fully sensible of the marked attentions of the Countess,
Her Ladyship's maternal kindness to him, in a season of distress
and perplexity, proved the sincerity of the friendship she pro
fessed for her young friend : —
"He was as my own son— received into my house, and preached in
my pulpits. I have again written to Lady Hill in his behalf, my former
apphcation to Sir Eowland having met with no redress. But they
obstinately refuse to answer any letter I wi'ite to entreat for him. There
is no hope then from that quarter. But blessed be God, we have a
strong-hold, a never-failing source of comfort and support to look to
under every trial. That God whose he is, and whom he desires to
serve, will uphold him, and carry him through all the storms of perse
cution, and all the opposition, rage, and malice of men and devils, and
make him a triumphant conqueror over all. I have a confidence a
firm persuasion, that he will triumph ; for he is on the Lord's side, and

SELINAj COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON, 11
Jesus, the King of Zion, will enable him to overcome every obstacle
intended to retard the progress of his truth, in preventing his entrance
into orders. If the Lord omnipotent will send, who shall stay his
power? What arm of flesh shall resist the power of Jehovah? He
has preached frequently, and great crowds attended at the chapel and
at my house. His word fell with great power, and some were pierced
to the heart. Dear Mr. Brown* was much delighted, and poured
* Mr. Brown, afterwards vicar of Kingston, and Mr. Furley, rector of Roche,
were supplying her Ladyship's chapel at this period. Mr. Romaine was also
preaching at Bath for Lady Huntingdon, and did not return to London till the
middle of October. It was on this occasion that Mr. Hill and Mr. Brown
met for the first time, when a, friendship commenced which only ended when
the latter was taken to his eternal reward. It should he remembered, that
it was this good man who furnished Mr. Hill with his title to orders; and
that Rowland preached his first sermon at his curacy at Kingston, on Sunday
the 20th of June, 1773, from — " I am determined to know nothing among you
save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." Mr. Brown was at that period minister
of a large parish, situated in a delightful country in the neighbourhood of Taun
ton. He was an elegant scholar, and a warm-hearted and generous friend.
His sentiments were refined by the sincerest piety, and his conversation was
replete with true politeness, diversified and interesting. " He is, in many re
spects, (says Lady Huntingdon,) an extraordinary man. His classical know
ledge, I am told, exceeds that of most men of his age and standing. His infor
mation is extensive, accurate, and correct. His knowledge diversified and pro
found. But what I admire most is his zeal and devotedness of heart to God.
His preaching is" much admired, and is owned bythe great Master of assem
blies. It is now about twelve years since he was called of God to the know
ledge of his truth. My excellent friend, Mr. Joseph Williams of Kiddermin
ster, was the honoured instrument of his conversion, the particulars of which
are very interesting and extraordinary."
The mention of Joseph Williams induces us to extend this long note. — This
devout tradesman was the son of a pious clothier, deacon of a dissenting
church at Kidderminster. He very early became acquainted with the leaders
of the Methodist connexion, by whora, as well as Lady Huntingdon, he was
highly esteemed. His occasional labours in the Tabernacle connexion afibrded
Mr. Whitefield much satisfaction. Eminent for the exercise of personal re
ligion, he was signally successful in diffusing piety among all whom Providence
had placed within the sphere of his influence. In one of his numerous .iour
neys, happening to visit his friend, Mr. Chapman, the vicar of Bradford, Wilts,
he was introduced to Mr. Brown, the vicar's curate. Mr. Williams saluted
him, and asked with an air of solemnity and confidence  Sir, how does your soul
prosper ? " This (says Mr. Williams) it pleased God to make the arrow of his
conviction. He seemed a little disconcerted, and replied in a languid manner.
I saw him no more that night. Next morning he sent for me just as I was
going to take horse, and told me, that our conversation the preceding evening
had given him a great deal of concern ; that it had put him upon considering
the state of his soul more than ever before. I talked with him a good while
as the Lord enabled me, and then said — Come, do not let us part without
prayer. Mr. Hart, a pious curate from Warmington, happened to come in, and
they both desired me to pray, so we kneeled down all three together, and the
Lord poured out the spirit of grace and supplications. When we rose, he ap-
peared bathed in tears, thankeil me most heartily, begged the continuance of my
pra;yers, and that I would write to him." The impression proved permanent
and eflfectual ; Mr. Brown became a faithful preacher of the Gospel ; and Mr.
Williams, who lived but a few years after, maintained from that time an aflfec-
tionate correspondence with him : delighted, as he said, with the honour of
beirig a winner of such as are winners of souls.

12 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
forth fervent prayers on his behalf, at our parting prayer-meeting, be
fore he set off for Cambridge."
Lady Huntingdon appears to have been much indisposed in
the early part of the month of October, which is noticed by Mr.
Venn at the close of his letter of the 15th, in which he hopes
she " will yet be spared, and many more seals be added to her
labours of love before she is removed to her rest above,"
Towards the middle of October her Ladyship's health appeared
tolerably established ; and on the 27th of that month, Mr,
Romaine informs Mrs, Medhurst that " Lady Huntingdon was
pure and well," This amendment, however, was but of short
duration ; for early in November she had a very serious relapse,
was again most alarmingly indisposed, and for several weeks
was visited with a lingering illness which totally incapacitated
her from writing, or any active employment. The most
serious apprehensions were entertained for her safety; and
thousands of people offered up their joint supplications on her
behalf, in the house of God, Little was seen, on this trying
occasion, amongst her numerous friends at Bath, but affliction
and tears. Indeed, it was a period much to be remembered for
the many affecting testimonies which appeared on every side.
The melancholy tidings of her Ladyship's alarming indisposi
tion quickly circulated through the kingdom, and excited grief
the most unfeigned, and called forth prayer the most importu
nate on her behalf. Few felt more deeply on this occasion than
her excellent friend, Mr, Venn : —
" Your Ladyship's letter, received this day, filled me with joy un
speakable. I was greatly afraid the Church of God below was "o-oino-
to lose you, and that your sickness was gaining ground, and left us
little hopes of your longer continuance here. In your illness I could
not but be concerned for the ark, and mentioned your chapels, and the
unspeakable loss if they were not kept open. Lord Dartmouth said  ¦
Should Lady Huntingdon leave themto me, I should think myself hound
in conscience exactly to comply -with her -mill. I said nothin" more
upon that head, but thought it proper to acquaint you." °
Messrs, Stillingfleet, Madan, and Talbot expre.ssed the same
concern for the unspeakable loss which the Church of Christ
would sustain in the removal of this eminent woman. The
latter speaks more fully of her Ladyship's chapels : 
" I have had a long conference (says Mr. Talbot) with my Lord
Dartmouth, who is ready and willing to do any thing your Ladyship
may direct. He feels his inability for a work so great but humblv
hopes the Lord will strengthen his hands, if you should think proper to
repose the trust in him. He is delicate of writing, lest he should ap
pear to dictate, Messrs, Madan, StUlingfleet, Romaine, and Downing

SELINAj COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON, 13
arc of opinion that his Lordship is the fittest person for this great
cause. How have we wrestled with God on your behalf! Prayer-
meetings have been frequently held at his Lordship's house, and the
most importunate supplications have been poured forth before the
throne of the Great Shepherd and Head of his Church and people, to
spare his heritage in this ungodly land, and raise your Ladyship up
again to be a nursing-mother to the Church of Christ, Spare ihy
people, 0 God ! and spare thy servant, isae beseech thee ! has been the
perpetual cry of our hearts in this season of suspense and deepest an
guish : and I trust our prayers will be heard for his great name's sake.
To him we commit your Ladyship, and his cause and interest in the land
with which you are so identified."
To the unspeakable joy of her numerous friends, Lady Hun
tingdon's disorder began rapidly to abate, and she was at length
pronounced out of danger by her physicians. For some weeks,
however, she was bowed down by a lingering weakness and de
pressed spirits. In this state of debility Mr, Whitefield found
her Ladyship, on his arrival at Bath, early in the month of
December, whence he wrote to Mr. Shirley, who had been
preaching at Tottenham-court Chapel with great zeal and suc
cess for some considerable time previous to his return to Ire
land : — <¦' Bath, December 8, 1767.
" Rev. and very dear Sir, — How glad was I to hear, by the ' Lon
don Shunamite,' that you and your lady were well ; — that God had
given you a son ;* — that you reflected on your preaching at Tottenham-
court Chapel with pleasure; — that you had gotten a curate ;t — and, to
complete all, that you intended to visit England next spring. This
news rejoiced me before I left town, and was most grateful to our
good Lady Huntingdon, whom I have the honour of waiting upon at
this time in Bath. She has been sick, nigh unto death, but through
mercy is now somewhat recovered, though as yet unable to write
much. This her Ladyship much regrets on your account ; and, there
fore, enjoins me to inform your whole self that your letter did not
reach her hands till many weeks after the proper time ; that ever since
she has been visited with linjrering sickness, but begs you will not lin
ger in coming over to our Macedonia to help us. The thought of it
seems to refresh her heaven-born soul. Blessed be God, her Lady
ship still takes the lead. She is now doing honour to the remains of
the Earl of Buchan, who sweetly slept in Jesus last week. His corpse
lies deposited in her chapel, and is not to be removed till next Friday
morning. There have been public prayers and preaching twice every
day. The noble relations constantly attend, and all is more than solemn.
* The present Rev. Walter Shirley, of Ashbourne, Derbyshire.
f Rev. Richard de Courcy, who was afterwards a preacher at Tottenham-
court Chapel, and in Lady Huntingdon's connexion, chaplain to Lady Gle
norchy, and finally vicar of St. Alkmond's, Shrewsbury.

14 The LIFE AND TIMES OF
Great numbers of all ranks crowd to see and hear : 1 trust maliy will
also feel. The deceased Earl died like the patriarch Jacob ; he laid his
hands ou and blessed his children, assuring them of his personal in
terest in Jesus, calling most gloriously on the Holy Ghost, cried —
Happy! happy! as long as he could speak, and then — you know
what followed. I know you and yours will improve this imperfect
account, and therefore hasten to subscribe myself, dear and honoured
friend, yours, &c. &c., " George Whitefield."
A short time previous to the opening of Lady Huntingdori's
chapel at Bath, the Earl of Buchan, for his family convenience,
had removed to that city. His Lordship succeeded his father,
David, ninth earl, in 1745, and was brother to Lady Frances
Gardiner, widow of that brave soldier and eminently pious
Christian, Colonel James Gardiner, who was killed at the battle
of Preston, in ] 743, valiantly fighting against the rebels, Henry
David, tenth Earl of Buchan, married Agnes, second daughter
of Sir James Stewart,* of Goodtrees, in the county of Edin
burgh, Bart, Her Ladyship was a woman of elegant taste and
genius, and became mother of a numerous family; some of whom
inherited her abilities — the strong natural parts and probity of
the father, with the taste and brilliant imagination of the mother.
For some considerable time Lord Buchan had been in a de
clining state of health, but at length his disorder assumed an ap
pearance so formidable as to baffle the skill of the physicians,
and medical aid was of no avail. The circumstances attending
his death were of a nature highly consolatory to his afflicted
family. His Lordship's long intimacy with persons of piety in
Scotland had gradually prepared his mind for the reception of
those great and momentous truths with which he became ac
quainted after his introduction to Lady Huntingdon and the
junior members of the Hawkstone family. At her Ladyship's
chapel, where he was a most regular attendant as long as his
health permitted, he was in the constant habit of hearing Messrs,
Whitefield, Wesley, Romaine, Venn, Shiriey, Townsend,
Fletcher, and others, men of renown in their day, whose power
ful and energetic exhibitions of the doctrines of the Cross
* Sir James Stewart was Solicitor- General for Scotland. He married Anne,
daughter of Sir Hugh Dalrymple, Lord President of the Court of Session, and
left issue fonr daughters, and the late learned and truly eminent Sir James
Stewart Denham, Bart, author of the ' Principles of Political Economy.' Miss
Agnes Stewart, the second daughter, became the Countess of Buchan." Lady
Anne Agnes Erskine was called after her grandmother and mother. Mary
Anne Stewart, eldest daughter of Sir James Stewart, and sister of Lady Buchan,
married Sir Alexander Murray, of Cringalty, in Peebleshire, Bart., and left
issue two sons and a daughter. Lord Chancellor Erskine is reported to have
said that ha considered it the highest honour reflected on him and his family
that Lady Anne Erskine was his sister.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON, 15
proved most beneficial to the illumination of his Lordsbip's
mind, A few days before his death, Lady Huntingdon went
to see him, at his particular request. The interview was parti
cularly affecting. As soon as he could speak, he said, " I have
no foundation of hope whatever, but in the sacrifice of the Son
of God — I have no where else to look — nothing else to depend
upon for eternal life and salvation, and my confidence in Hum
is as firm as a rock."
In his last moments Lord Buchan bore witness of a hope
and confidence of eternal life, built on the Divine propitiation
and righteousness. As his end approached he evinced the
same firm reliance on the hopes of the Gospel, and was filled
with joy unspeakable and full of glory. He behaved like the
patriarch Jacob, when, by faith, leaning upon his staff, he blessed
his children. The Earl added, " Yea, and they shall be blessed,'
At another time he said, " Had I strength of body, I would
not be ashamed, before men and angels, to tell what the Lord
Jesus hath done for my soul. Come, Holy Ghost ! Come, Holy
Ghost ! — Happy, happy, happy !" Thus
 " On his lips, his dying lips,
The sound of glory quiver'd !"
and in this triumphant manner his Lordship burst the fetters of
mortality, and entered that " land of pure delight " —
" Where congregations ne'er break up.
And Sabbaths never end,"
" His Lordship's departure (says Lady Huntingdon) was not only
happy, but triumphant and glorious. Though arrived at the very sum
mit of assurance, and experiencing much of those rapturous communi
cations which are often made at the last moments to the souls of de
parting saints, he felt abased in the dust on account of his own vile
ness and utter wretchedness, and his continual cry was — God me mer
ciful to me a sinner ! I have witnessed the dismissal of many from
the burden of mortality, but I have seldom seen an end more satisfac
tory, more solidly happy, or more triumphant. Thanks, unceasing
thanks to Him who hath, in his infinite goodness, blessed the preaching
of his word in the house which he hath enabled me to build to record
the glories of his name, and the wonders of his redemption — and at
tended the labours of his vile and unprofitable servant with the bene
diction of his spirit ! Not unto me, not unto me, 0 my God ! — but
unto Thee, and to thy free and sovereign grace, be all the praise and
glory I"
His Lordship departed this life December 1st, 1767, in the
fifty-eighth year of his age. The impressive services which
took place at Bath on the death of the Earl, aud which pro
duced so great a sensation, were of a nature too singular and

16 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
interesting not to be noticed in this place. We shall give the
narrative in Mr, Whitefield s words :—
" All hath been awful, and more than awful. On Saturday even
ing, before the corpse was taken from Buchan House, a word of ex
hortation was given, and a hymn sung in the room where the corpse
lay. The young Earl stood with his hand on the head of the coffin ;
the Countess Dowager on his right hand. Lady Anne and Lady Isa
bella* on his left, and their brother Thomast next to their mother,
with Miss Orton, Miss Wheeler, and Miss Goddle on one side ; all the
domestics, with a few friends, on the other. The word of exhortation
was received ¦with great solemnity, and most wept under the parting
prayer. At ten the corpse was removed to good Lady Huntingdon's
chapel, where it was deposited within a place railed in for that pur
pose, covered with black baize, and the usual funeral concomitants, ex
cept escutcheons. On Sunday morning all attended in mourning at
early sacrament. They were seated by themselves at the foot of the
corpse, and, -\y'iih their head servants, received first, and a particular ad
dress was made to them. Immediately after receiving, these verses
were sung for them : —
" Our lives, our blood, we here present.
If for thy truths they may be spent ;
Fulfil thy sovereign counsel. Lord —
Thy will be done, thy name adored,
" Give them chy strength, 0 God of power I
And then let men and devils roar ;
Thy faithful witnesses they'll be;
'Tis fixed — they can do all through thee.
" Then they received this blessing : — ' The Lord bless you and
keep you ; the Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you !
the Lord cause his face to shine upon you, and give you peace;' — and
so returned to their places. Sacrament ended (and a blessed sacrament
it was), the noble mourners returned to good Lady Huntingdon's
house, which was lent them for the day. At eleven, public service
began. The bereaved relations sat in order within, and the domestics
around the outside of the rail. The chapel was more than crowded ;
near three hundred tickets, signed by the present Earl, were given out to
the nobility and gentry to be admitted. All was hushed and solemn.
Proper hymns were sung ; and I preached on these words — ' I heard
a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write, blessed are the dead that
die in the Lord.' Attention sat on every face, and deep and almost
universal impressions were made. The like scene, and if possible
more solemn, was exhibited in the evening ; and I was enabled to
" Lady Isabella Erskine married, first, at Tunbridge ^^'ells, 21st of January,
1770, William Leslie Hamilton, Esq., barrister at law. Attorney- General of the
Leeward Islands, and a member of the Council of Barbadoes, who died in Lon
don, 2nd of October, 1780. Her Ladyship was married, secondly, 23d of
April, 1785, to John, last Earl of Glencairne, and died at Boulogne-Sur-Mer, in
France, May 17th, 1824, without issue by either of her husbands.
f Afterwards ennobled as Baron Erskine, of Eestormed Castle, in Cornwall,
and Lord High ChanceUor of Great Britain,

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON, 17
preach a second time, and a like power attended the word as in the
morning. Ever since there hath been public service and preachins
twice a day. This is to be continued till Friday morning ; then all is
to be removed to Bristol, in order to be shipped for Scotland. The
inscription on the coflin runs thus: —
HIS LIFE WAS HONOUKABLE,
Hie DEATH BLESSED;
HE SOUGHT EARNESTLY PEACE WITH GOD ; —
HE FOUND IT,
WITH UNSPEAKABLE JOY,
ALONE IN THE MERITS OF CHRIST JESUS,
WITNESSED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT TO HIS SOUL.
HE YET SPEAKETH;
"go thou AND DO LIKEWISE."
" For five days together we have been attending at the house of
mourning. Many, I trust, are obliged to say, ' How dreadful is this
place !' Such a like scene I never expect to see opened again on this
side eternity. Congregations very large, attentive, and deeply im
pressed. Surely the death of this noble Earl, thus improved, will prove
the life of many. He had great foretastes of heaven; he cried, ' Come,
Holy Ghost ! ' He came, and filled him with joy unspeakable.
' Happy, happy ! ' were his last dying words. All surviving relations
stfll feel the influence : they sit round the corpse, attended by their
domestics and supporters, twice a day. Two sermons every day — life
and power attend the word ; and I verily believe many dead souls have
been made to hear the voice of the Son of God."
The young Earl of Buchan now became very conspicuous in
the ranks of Methodism. He made a bold avowal of his faith,
and was zealous and constant in his attachment to the cause of
God and truth. Shortly after the remains of the late Earl were
shipped at Bristol for Scotland, the young Earl repaired to
London, where he was soon thrown into the society of Lord and
Lady Dartmouth, Lady Gertrude Hotham, Lady Chesterfield,
Mrs. Carteret and Mrs, Cavendish, Mr, Whitefield, Mr, Romaine,
Mr, Madan, and a numerous circle of religious people,
" The present noble Earl, I believe (says Mr. Whitefield, when
writing to Dr. Gillies,* of Glasgow), hath got the blessing indeed, and
seems, upon the best evidence, to determine to know nothing but
Jesus Christ, and him crucified. He hath behaved in the most delicate
manner to the Countess and other noble survivors. He stands here in
town against all opposition, like an impregnable rock, and I humbly
hope will prove the Daniel of the age. He must be — ^nay, he hath
been already, thrown into a den of lions ; but he hath One with him
that stops the lions' mouths. You will encourage all God's people to
pray for him. What, if you wrote him a line ? I am sure it will be
taken kindly; for I know he honours and loves you much."
* Dr. John Gillies was for more than fifty years one of the ministers in the
CoUege Church of Glasgow. He raarried a daughter of the house of Stewart.
VOL, II,  C

18 THS LIFE AN'D TIMES OF
Succeeding to the hereditary honours and estates of his
family, the young Earl of Buchan from that moment evinced a
generous ambition to maintain and exalt, by his personal exer
tions, the true dignity of the Scottish peerage and the name
of Erskine. If the law of freedom and the love of literature — if
eininent proficiency in the fine arts, and an eager fondness to
patronize the same proficiency in others — if classical and patrio
tic enthusiasm, associated with not a few of the most amiable
and respectable moral virtues, are calculated to recommend any
man to the esteem and praise of his contemporaries, David,
Earl of Buchan, could not easily fail of obtaining their highest
approbation. He made a public avowal of his principles, which
drew upon him the laugh and lash of all the wits and witlings of
the rooms; but he " stood impregnable as a rock," defied all the
sneers of the court, and dared " to be singularly good," Re
gardless of the obloquy and reproach so liberally heaped upon
him by his former companions and associates, he openly
espoused the cause of God and truth; and, acting under the
advice of Lady Huntingdon, appointed Mr, Venn, Mr, Fletcher,
and Mr, Berridge as his chaplains : —
" I was filled with joy unspeakable (says Mr. Venn, when writing
to Lady Huntingdon), for the glad tidings your letter brought of the
Earl's triumphant death, and the work of God at Bath. It is only a
post since, that I received the compliment of a chaplainship to the Earl
of Buchan. Though I feel not the least degree of value for any honour
thatcometh from man, yet this pleases me very much, because I can
receive it in no other Hght than that of bearing a pubhc testimony that
Jesus, the God of the Christians, is his God and his all,"
His Lordship's letter to Mr, Fletcher was highly gratifying to
the feelings of that good man. In writing to Lady Huntingdon,
Mr, Fletcher says: —
" I have just received a letter from Lord Buchan, where, among
other edifying expressions, I find these pious lines—' Pray for me that
I also may be found faithful when our Master calls for me, and that I
may hve a martyr to redeeming love, and die a trophy and a monu
ment of the reality of the despised influences of the Holy Ghost,' It is
a singular honour to belong to so excellent a nobleman. Oh' how
far below his grace is his nobility! I feel a strong desire to pray
that he may be kept from the fickleness of youth and the baits of
Mrs. GiUies was a daughter of Sir John Stewart, one of the Commissioners for
the county of Renfrew to the Union ParUament, and twin sister of the late Sir
Michael Stewart, Member of the Faculty of Advocates. His grandson s the
Cr..lffn^s?r' n 'p-,r'^^"' 't°l^ "'''<^^' daughter became Duchess of
fnTSe^?eLm?i;r?itirr%V^te^^^e^ rrs/n^of I'^iXf L^en"^^ ''-^^^ -ile^ th^e^H^ cIlterL^^li^

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON, 19
atnbition. 1 share in tho happiness of Lady Buchan and Lady Anne
Erskine upon the occasion. May God make them, together with your
Ladyship, a four-fold cord to draw sinners unto Jesus ! " *
After the remains of Lord Buchan were removed from Bath,
Mr, Whitefield repaired to Bristol, where he preached thrice
and administered the sacrament. The word was attended with
great power, and thousands went away, being unable to get in.
Having to preach at Bath a few times, he returned thither on
the 16th of December. The funeral services for the late Earl
had made a wonderful sensation in Bath, and brought vast num
bers of the nobility to attend his ministry, so that the seed of
Divine truth was sown in many a heart. Previous to his depar
ture for London, Lady Huntingdon, anxious to have some popu
lar supply for the chapel at that particular season, wrote to Mr,
Venn in very urgent terms, hoping he would find it convenient
to leave Yorkshire for a few weeks : — •
" I was so much aflected (writes Mr. Venn) with your Ladyship's
letter, tbat I believe, though it is highly inconvenient, I should have set
out for Bath if Mr. Powley had not consented. He was in the room
when your letter came; and, upon receiving another from you, fixing -
Mr. Davies's time of being here, he will set out any day after Monday
the 2d of .January, to stay a month. He is a very precious minister,
and in his last illness, I believe, received the knowledge of the Lord
as his God."
At the same time that her Ladyship wrote to Mr. Venn, she
sent a similar invitation to Mr, Berridge, requesting him to
supply her chapel at Bath, His reply is dated —
"Everton, December 26, 1767.
" My Lady, — I had a letter from your Ladyship last Saturday, and
another from Lord Buchan. His letter required an immediate answer,
which I sent on Monday, and then went out a-preaching. I am now
returned, and sit down to answer yours. But what must I say?
Verily, you are a good piper ; but I know not how to dance. I love
your scorpion letters dearly, though they rake the flesh off my bones ;
and I believe your eyes are better than my own, but I cannot yet
read with your glasses. I do know that I want quickening 'every day,
but I do not see that 1 want a journey to Bath. I have been whipped
pretty severely for fighting out of my proper regiment, and for rambling
* The Earl was twenty-four years of age at the period of his father's de
cease. His Lordship passed his life in literary retirement, and is known as
the author of " An Essay on the Lives of Thorapson the poet, and Fletcher of
Saltoun." He diedat an advanced age in 1829, without issue by his Countess,
whom he survived ten years. His Lordship's mother, the Dowager- Countess
of Buchan, was a woman deservedly esteemed for her good sense, fine abilities,
amiable manners, and distinguished piety. She was a raatheraatician, and a
scholar of the great Maclaurin. This accomplished lady died at Edinburgh on
the 17th of December, 1778.
c 2

20 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
out of tho bounds of my rambles ; and whilst the sraart of therod
I'emains ui)on my back, it will weigh more with me than a thousand
arguments. All marching officei-s are not general ofiicers ; and every
one should search out the extent of his commission. A Gospel minis
ter, Avho has a church, will have a diocese annexed to it, and is only
{tTna-KOTToi) an overseer or bishop of that diocese: and let him, like
faithful Grimshaw, look well to it. An Evangelist, who has no church,
is a Metropolitan or Cosmopolitan, and may ramble all the kingdom,
or all the world over ; and these are more highly honoured than the
other, though they are not always duly sensible of the honour. They
are nearest to the apostolical character of any.
" But whom do you recommend to tho care of my church ? Is it
not one Onesimus who ran away from Philemon? If the dean of
Tottenham could not hold him in with a curb, how should the vicar of
Everton guide him with a snaffle ? I do not want a helper merely to
stand up in my pulpit, but to ride round my district. And I fear my
weekly circuits would not suit a London or a Bath divine, nor any
tender Evangelist that is environed with prunello. Long rides and
miry roads in sharp weather ! Cold houses to sit in with very mode
rate fuel, and three or four children roaring or rocking about you !
Coarse food and meagre liquor ; lumpy beds to lie on, and too short
for the feet ; stiff blankets, like boards, for a covering ; and live cattle
in plenty to feed upon you ! Rise at five in the morning to preach ;
at seven breakfast on tea that smells very sickly ; at eight mount a
horse with boots never cleaned, and then ride home, praising God for
all mercies. Sure I must stay till your academy is completed, before
I can have an assistant.
" But enough of these matters. Let us now talk of Jesus, whom I
treat in my letters, as I deal with in my heart, crowd him into a cor
ner, when the first place and the whole room belongeth of right to him
self He has been whispering of late, that I cannot keep myself nor the
flock committed to me ; but has not hinted a word as yet, that I do
wrong in keeping close to my fold. And my instructions, you know,
must come from the Lamb, not from the Lamb's wife, though she is a
tight woman. He has taught me to labour for him more "cheerfully,
and to loath myself more heartily, than I could before. I see mvself
nothing, and feel myself vile, and hide my head, ashamed of all" my
sorry services. I want his fountain every day, his intercession every
moment: and would not give a groat for the broadest fig-leaves or the
brightest human rags to cover me. A robe I must have of one whole
piece, broad as the la«-, spotless as the light, and richer than an ano-el
ever wore— the robe of Jesus. And when the elder brother's raiment
IS put on me, good Isaac will receive and bless the lyino- variet
Jacob." •' °
During this period Lady Huntingdon's constitution manifested
symptoms of increasmg weakness; and at the commencement of
the year 1768 she experienced an almost total loss of appetite.
Although every aid of medicine was tried, administered by the
hands of the most able physicians, who had long attended her,

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON, 21
yet her usual health could not be restored. He, who cannot
err, saw meet to afflict her also at this time with many outward
trials and disappointments, which had a natural tendency to
lower the spirits; but those she bore with a holy fortitude, know
ing that they were permitted for wise purposes, and, through
grace, answer valuable ends. But however afflicted or tried, in
great condescension, the Spirit of the living God bore witness
with her spirit, that through the Son of his love, he was recon
ciled to her, and that her sins were forgiven. And although
she felt the pressure of several trials and disappointments for a
long time, she was graciously permitted to cast her burden on
the Lord, who, in great mercy, gave her an increase of power
to trust in him.
In a letter to Mr, Fletcher, at this time, her Ladyship ex
presses her sense of the goodness of the Lord, and the abun
dant support which she experienced whilst under his afflicting
hand: —
'' How many and sore trials hast thou showed me, yet in the midst
of them thy comforts have refreshed my soul. Truly thou art
 " ' the spring of all my joys.
The life of my delights ;
The glory of my brightest days.
And comfort of my nights.'
I feel perfectly resigned to suflfer all my God shall think fit to lay upon
me; for I am forcibly persuaded he will give strength according to my
day, and fully perfect what concerns me. When ready to be discou
raged by outward and inward trials, he always appears for mv support.
Never did I feel so much reconciled to the cross, when it ceaseth to be
necessary, I shall suffer no more. 0, what cause have I to trust in
him for all things, when he has so clearly revealed his dear Son in me ;
and in my moments of secret anguish never permits me to lose sight
of a reconciled God, or of my union with the Lord Jesus Christ."
Her Ladyship's chapel was supplied at the commencement
of the year by the Rev, Matthew Powley, vicar of Dewsbury,
near Wakefield, in Yorkshire; a man of superior talents and dis
tinguished piety. He had been mentioned to her Ladyship in
terms of approbation by Mr, Venn and Mr. Berridge, both of
whom esteemed him very highly for his indefatigable dihgence
and zeal in the service of the (3hurch of Christ, This was Mr,
Powley's first introduction to the congregation at Bath; and it
was highly encouraging to him to learn, on his return to York
shire, that the Lord of the harvest had crowned his labours with
success. In a letter from her Ladyship to Mr. Venn, acknow
ledging her obligations to him for having recommended one so
able and faithful, she adds —
*' Mr, Polvley took his leave on Sunday in the words of the Apostle-^

22 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
The arace ofthe Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, andthe com-
iiufiZcfthe Holy Ghost be with you all. It was one of the most
^lemn afd affecthij meetings of this nature I ever remember lo have
inded The Lord was remarkably present and the whole eong..
<.ation seemed to bow beneath the power of.the Spmt. The unction
of the Holy One rested in a very peculiar manner upon his labours
here I have heard of two persons awakened by his energetic appeals
to the conscience, and trust very many spiritual chfldren from this
place will be his joy and the crown of his rejoicing in the day ot
the Lord."*

CHAPTER XXIX,
Deathof the Hon. John Shirley and Lady Stewarta— Letters from Mr. Venn-
Mr. Ryland Booth's " Reign of Grace"— Letter from Mr. Venn— Mr. White-
field to Mr. Shirley— Mr. 'Whitefield's last visit to Bath— His labours in Lady
Huntingdon's Chapel— Letters from Mr. Venn— Lord and Lady Dartmouth,
George the Third, and Dr. Beattie— Baron Smythe— Lady Smythe— Mr.
Moses Browne— Mr. Newton— Mr^_ Venn's preaching tours— Worcester-
Mr. and Mrs. Stillingfleet— Shropshire— Mr. Henshaw and Mr. Hawksworth
—Mr. Townsend— Mr. Jesse-Letter from Mr. Venn— Lady Lowther— Mr.
Venn's sermon on the death of Mr. Whitefield— Mr. Venn's liberality.
At the commencement of this year Lady Huntingdon was called
to the painful task of parting with two very near and beloved
relatives, the Hon, John Shiriey, brother to Washington, Eari
Ferrers, and her Ladyship's aunt, the Lady Stewarta Shiriey,
sister to Lady Fanny Shirley, Lady Selina Bathurst, Lady
Mary Tryon, Lady Anne Furness, Lady Elizabeth Clarges, and
Ladv Dorothy Cotes, Lady Stewarta died at Bath, and for a
series of years had been the subject of affliction. Her dismis
sion from mortality is thus briefly noticed by the Countess of
Huntingdon : —
" Since I wrote last, I have been called to pass through additional
trials, aud have much cause to bless the Lord for the abundant sup
ports which I experienced when in the furnace. Poor Lady Stewarta
is at lengtii released. But, oh! much mercy has been mixed witli this
painful dispensation. Dear Lady Fanny feels the parting stroke, but
* This faithful and useful rainister of Christ was twenty-nine years vicar of
Dewsbury. He departed to his eternal home on the 23rd of December, 1806 ;
and the Gospel which he had embraced, and which he had for so many years
published among dying men, was found by hiraself to be an effectual solace in
the extremities of sickness and death.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON, 23
has been enabled to manifest Christian fortitude and patience. Lady
Barbara will not long survive ; she is daily declining more and more.*
0 that we may have grace given us to be faithful to the interests of
herjmmortal soul,"
Lady Huntingdon's health having rapidly improved, and busi
ness of importance requiring her presence in the metropolis, she
went thither the latter part of the month of March : —
" Through abounding mercy (says her Ladyship) I reached London
on Wednesday last, with my health better than when I went from
hence. I was rejoiced to meet my dear and honoured friend, Mr:
Whitefield, once more in the flesh. He breakfasted with me the next
morning, and I enjoyed a truly delightful season. Christian conversa
tion was profitable, and social prayer swee.t."
Her Ladyship remained in London till the beginning of May,
when she went to Tunbridge Wells, where she was busily
engaged in making preparations for the opening of her college
at Trevecca, which was to take place in the month of August,
Whilst at Tunbridge Wells her Ladyship wrote to Mr, Venn,
then in a bad state of health, inviting him to her house at Bath,
hoping that rest and the use of the waters might, under Provi
dence, be the means of his complete restoration,
" Your Ladyship's last favour (says Mr. Venn) brought with power
to my mind that ample promise made to' the followers of the Lamb,
that they should receive an hundred fold now in this time — ^houses, and
brethren, and sisters, and mothers — for the poor sacrifice they can
make in faithfulness to him ; for certainly the parental affection dic
tated every syOable of your letter, and heartily am I obliged to you
for it. Had I not a very afflicting call at home, I know the journey,
the rest from my necessary duty, and perhaps the waters, would be of
singular service to me, as I am sure your Ladyship's example and
words would animate my soul ; but I have a little child, who is very
far gone in a consumption, after the small-pox ; and though it humbles
me very much to see her suffering day hy day, yet the little alleviation
I can administer, and the being an eye-witness that every thing is done
for her which her case requires, gives me some comfort, and I look upon
it as a call."
The delicate state of Mr, Ryland's health also prevented Mr,
Venn's leaving home at this time. He had been invited to
Kippax by Mrs, Medhurst, and had actuaUy ridden eight miles
on his way thither, when he turned back from a consideration
which then first darted into his mind, that the weight of the
whole duty lying on Mr, Ryland, it might bring on a relapse of
his very alarming attack: —
" Immediately (says he) the uneasiness 1 felt, and the self-condemna-
* Her Ladysliip died November?, 1768, unmarried.

24 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
tion I should suffer, and the appearance it might have of unkindness
in leaving him too soon alone, all crowded into my mmd, and I could
no way be satisfied but bv being with him. I determined, therefore,
God wflling, to postpone my visit to you a little longer, when absence
from home, on a Sabbath day, wfll in no degree endanger the health of
one so justly dear to the parish and to myself, both for indefatigable
labour and most truly Christian example."
Lady Huntingdon, at this time, had some prospect of obtain
ing the living of Ashby-de-la- Zouch for Mr. Ryland, of whom
she entertained a very"^high opinion, from personal observations
when in Yorkshire, as well as from the great esrimation in
which he was always held by Mr. Venn. After his marriage
with Miss Hudson, one of Mr. Venn's most valued and faithful
friends and correspondents, he continued to reside in the vicar
age, as he had been accustomed to do before his marriage. By
this arrangement, Mr. Venn's young family received the benefit
of a most afiPectionate superintendance, which repaired, as far as
possible, their mother's loss. The prospedt of Mr. Ryland's
removal gave Mr. Venn some uneasiness : —
" Shall I tell your Ladyship (says he) how much you are likely to
distress me and my people by removing Mr. Ryland : he has been both
strength of body and zeal of mind to supply my lack of service to a very
large fiock. He is greatly beloved, and greatly blessed in his inde
fatigable labours : and to my children he behaves with the tenderest
love ; so that, upon the proposal of calling him to Ashby, I found my
heart rise, and unwilling for the time to say — ¦¦ Let the will of the Lord
he done.'"
About this period the late Rev. Abraham Booth attracted
the notice of some persons eminent in the religious world. He
was pastor of a small congregation of the Particular Baptist de
nomination, at Sutton Ashfield, in Nottinghamshire, where he
composed a work entitled, " The Reign of Grace," which con
tained the substance of a great number of his sermons, preached
first to the church over which he presided, and at other places.
The manuscript had been recommended to Mr. Venn, who,
hearing a pleasing account of Mr. Booth's life and ministry,
desired to peruse it, " though he entertained no raised expecta-
tations concerning it;" but "to my great surprise (says Mr.
Venn) there appeared to me in it the marks of a genius joined
with the feelings of a Christian heart; a vigour of style much
above what is common in our best religious writers; in his reason
ing, clearness and force, and in his doctrine an apostolic purity***
I flatter myself also that this work will prove both so pleasing and
useful to men of an evangelical taste, that some better situation
may be found for Mr, Booth— a situation proper for a man

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON, 2.5
whom God hath endowed with abilities, and a taste for good
learning; so that he shall be no more subject to the necessity
of manual labour,"
By the advice of Mr, Venn Mr, Booth's treatise was com
mitted to the press, which, with his recommendation and the
merits of the work itself, soon brought the worthy author into
notice : —
" I have just been the means (continues Mr. Venn) of publishing a
work which, all things considered, your Ladyship will doubtless think
a very extraordinary one. The author is very poor, has seven chil
dren, and was never taught more than to read or write. The title of
the book is ' The Reign of Grace, from its Rise to its Consummation.'
Some tbings there are in it which I am sure would exceedingly delight
you ; and from the rage with which they rail against me at Halifax,
for causing it to be published, I trust the old serpent feels it strike at
his throne,
" I have the pleasure of acquainting your Ladyship that another is
just gone to heighten the triumph above from Thornhfll. She was of
that amiable, meek spirit, which is ever highly esteemed in the world.
She was named always as an example. Five years ago she paid a
visit to a bitter opposer of the Gospel in my parish, and then the Lord
called her; and so precious was his name to her heart, and so jealous
was she of his glory, that a few weeks before her death one of her old
acquaintance mentioning that so good a liver as she had been must be
happy after deatb, threw her into a fit. Indeed, Messrs. Burnet, Ry
land, Stillingfleet, Molesworth, and myself, were all very much edified
by her. The furnace of affliction into which she was cast was ex
ceedingly hot. For seven weeks she endured such pains as made us
rejoice when her Lord and Heavenly Husband said, it is enough; and
then departed with a smile.
" I beg my Christian respects to Lady Anne, to Miss Orton, and all
friends. I wish you good luck in the name of the Lord. May the
fruit of .the cross amongst you shake like Libanus. From your very
greatly indebted servant for Christ's sake, „ tt y _ „
As soon as Mr, Booth's work was in circulation, Lady Hun
tingdon procured a number of copies, which she distributed in
every direction, and recommended the author to several of her
dissenting friends of the Baptist denomination in London, Her
Ladyship wrote to Dr, Gifford, and sent him several copies of
" The Reign of Grace," requesting him to use his utmost efforts
in promoting the welfare of the deserving author. Some of the
members of the church in Prescot-street, Goodman's-fields,
(then destitute of a pastor,) having read the book, and being
much pleased with it, invited Mr, Booth to preach to them on
trial. He afterwards received a unanimous call, and was or
dained pastor of the church on Feb. 16th, 1769. Lady Hunting-

26 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
don, being at that time in London, was present on the interest
ing occasion, and ever after maintained a friendly intercourse
with Mr, Booth,
At the commencement of the year Lady Huntingdon appears
to have been much indisposed. She had spent a portion of the
winter in London, but was sufficiently recovered, soon after Mr.
Booth's ordination, to proceed to Bath, where she remained some
weeks for the benefit of the waters, before she proceeded on her
intended excursion into Kent and Sussex, A few weeks previous
to the departure of her Ladyship for Bath, Mr, John and Mr,
Charles Wesley left London for Bristol, and at the request of
the Countess took Bath in their way. On Thursday evening,
the 7th of March, Mr, Charies Wesley read prayers, and his
brother preached in the chapel to a very numerous and atten
tive congregation. On Mr, Wesley's departure for Ireland, Mr,
Charles Wesley remained for some time to supply the chapel.
Shortly after her Ladyship's arrival she was joined by Mr,
Shrubsole, of Sheerness, whose labours in the Tabernacle con
nexion are well known. He resided with her Ladyship about
three weeks, and frequently preached in the chapel with much
acceptance and success. Lady Fanny Shirley, also, about the
same period, removed to that city, for the benefit of her health,
and continued there till her death.
Owing to his incessant labours, Mr, Whitefield was seriously
indisposed at this period; but towards the end of March, so far
recovered as to be able occasionally to resume his delightful
occupation. " Through infinite mercy (writes Mr, Whitefield) I
have been enabled to preach four days successively," During
his illness he received repeated offers of assistance from several
of his- brethren in the ministry, but from none more cordially
than 'from the Hon, and Rev, Walter Shirley, In a letter,
dated London, April 1, 1769, Mr, Whitefield thus expresses his
obligations to Mr, Shirley for his proffered assistance : —
" Rev, and very dear Sir, — How much am I obliged to you for your
two kind letters, and more especially for the repeated offers of your
ministerial assistance. They will be most gratefully accepted, and, I
humbly hope, be remarkably succeeded by Him who hath promised to
be with us always, even unto the end of the world. Blessed be his
name, we have been favoured with delightful passover feasts. The
shout of the King of Kings is still heard in the midst of our Methodist
camps : and the shout of Grace ! Grace I resounds from many quar
ters. Our Almighty Jesus knows how to build his temple in troublous
times. His work prospers in the hands of the elect Countess, who is
gone to Bath, much recovered from her late indisposition. Worthy
Lady Fanny Shiriey proposes soon to follow, in order to reside there.
Some more coronets, I hear, are likely to be laid at the redeemer's

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON, 27
feet. They ghtter gloriously when set in and surrounded by a crown
of thorns. " ' Subjects of the Lord, be bold ;
Jesus will his kingdom hold :
Wheels encircling wheels must run,
Each in course to bring it on.'
" I know who joins in crying Hallelujah ! even a Waller, a Harriot,
both heirs of the grace of life. That the Spirit of Christ and of glory
may abide and rest upon them here, and that they may shine with
distinguished lustre in his heavenly kingdom hereafter, most earnestly
prays, less than the least of all, " G, Whitefield,"
Immediately after the date of the above, Mr, Whitefield left
London on a visit to Lady Huntingdon, This vvas his last visit
to Bath, and his trip was attended with remarkable success, not
only there, but at Bristol, Chippenham, Castlecomb, Dursley,
Rodborough, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Frome, and other places,
to almost all of which he was accompanied by Lady Huntingdon
and Lady Anne Erskine, " Never were these places so endeared
to me (says he) as at this last visit. Old friends, old Gospel
wine, and the great Governor ordering to fill to the brim !
" 0 to grace what mighty debtors !" &c.
In the month of May Lady Huntingdon, Lady Anne Erskine,
Lady Buchan, Miss Orton, aud Mr, Whitefield propeeded to
Tunbridge Wells, to attend the dedication df the chapel there;
from whence her Ladyship proceeded to Wales for the anniver
sary of the College ; and in the month of September returned
to Bath for the winter. On her way from Trevecca she stopped
for a few days at Berwick, the seat of Thomas Powis, Esq.,
and passing through Kidderminster, Worcester, and Gloucester,
reached Bristol on Saturday the 9th of September, where she
was joined by Mr. Wesley, who had arrived only a few hours
before from Cornwall. On the 12th, her Ladyship visited
Kingswood-school, and the society in connexion with Mr. White-
field. The next day Messrs. Johnson, Hart, Brown, Andrews,
and several other clergymen breakfasted with her. At eleven
o'clock the sacrament was administered by Mr. Hart, after
which Mr. Wesley preached on " I am not ashamed of the Gos
pel of Christ."
Leaving Mr. Wesley at Bristol, her Ladyship, Lady Buchan,
Lady Anne Erskine, and Miss Orton, proceeded to Bath ; and
for some weeks after her arrival was constantly occupied with
business of a perplexing and harassing nature : —
" I have much cause (observes her Ladyship) to bless the Lord for
his goodness to me, in bringing me back in health and peace, and for
his remarkable interpositions in behalf of his cause and interest in this
city. Many things tending to obstruct the furtherance of the Gospel,

28 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
have been happily removed ; and though sadly annoyed with affairs of
the most perplexing nature, I am in no ways discouraged. The work
is the Lord's ; He is with me, he upholds my feeble hands, and con
descends to help my humble plans for the promotion of his glory, and
the eternal gooclTjf my fellow immortals. He not only carries me
through every difficulty, but favours me with much divine support.
His glory, and the eternal good of my fellow-sinners, is the habitual
desire of my poor sinful heart ; and I bless and praise him for it."
Previous to the anniversary of the College, Lady Huntingdon
wrote to Mr. Berridge, inviting him to Trevecca, hoping that the
change of air might prove beneficial to his health, which was so
much impaired that he was quite incapable of attending to the
duties of his parish. Mr. Hicks occasionally assisted him, but
some of his parishioners becoming dissatisfied, he applied to
Lady Huntingdon for some assistance. Mr. Glaseott was ac
cordingly sent thither, with directions to Mr. Maxfield to be
ready to supply his place whenever he was called away to another
part of the work. Mr. Berridge was reluctantly obliged to de
cline her Ladyship's invitation, from his inability to undertake
so long a journey during the warm weather, which had reduced
him to a state of great weakness and languor.
" Mr. Glaseott (says he) has arrived — a very acceptable person to
myself and to my flock. Not a dozing face, with a hoarse doctrinal
throat ; but a right sharp countenance, with a clear gospel pipe. He
is going about Everton this week. Afterwards he goes out on Mon
days and returns on Saturdays. In six weeks' time he will be able to
visit not all, but most of my churches. I hope you Can spare him so
long at least. I thank you most heartily for sending. The Lord multiply
his grace, mercy, and peace upon yourself and upon your churches."
In the October of this year, Mr. Venn engaged to supply
Lady Huntingdon's chapel at Bath, for some weeks, and early
in the month left Huddersfield for that purpose, preaching
wherever he could obtain a pulpit.
" Yesterday (says he) I was brought in health and safety to my
journey's end. Many Christian friends I have met with, all express
ing their love for me— a worm, sometimes not able to bear the sight of
my own pollutions. Indeed I feel, under the expressions of kindness
I receive, sometimes distressed; and when I compare my imputed
with my real self, I seem like a man of supposed large fortune, and
living in splendour, who is, in fact, a bankrupt and°nothino- worth.
At Northampton, no Mr. Madan ; so that I fear he is ill. "l know"
what it is to suffer more, long after the blow has been given, than
immediately upon feeling it. Probably he is now sufferinn-^'ano-uish of
spirit for^liis departed Isaac.'' ° °
This severe affliction of Mr. Madan is hkewise mentioned by
Mr. Newton, in a letter to Captain Alexander Clunie i—

SELINAj COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 29
" Dear Mr. Madan has met with a heavy stroke indeed. He in
formed me of it by letter. But the Lord is able, and will be faithful,
to give him strength according to his trial ; and I hope this also shall
work for good, and yield the peaceful fruits of righteousness to his soul."
From Northampton Mr. Venn proceeded to St. Alban's, where
he met with his intimate friend, t'he Rev. Thomas Clarke, rector
of Chesham Bois, Bucks, whom Mr. Romaine complimented
with the epithet of " The Solomon of the age." The history of
this good man is somewhat singular. He was originally of Bra
zenose College, Oxford, where he took the degree of B.A. At
an early period his mind became the residence of vital religion ;
and, through all the subsequent stages of life, he evinced that
he had not received the grace of God in vain. After he had
taken holy orders, he was appointed to the curacy of Amersham,
Bucks. From the commencement of his public work, he found
means to be faithful to his ordination vows — to the souls of his
parishioners — and to the truths of God. " A city that is set
upon a hill cannot be hid." The difference between the doc
trines inculcated by the rector and by his curate attracted
general observation. While his manly and open avowal of the
gospel, in its doctrines and influence, was rendered beneficial to
some, it became a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence to
others, who persecuted him with unrelenting hearts. Among
the persons to whom his ministrations were attended with saving
effects was a relation of the rector. This circumstance, united
with the clamours of the inhabitants, at length procured Mr.
Clarke's dismission. On this occasion, his spiritual children
became deeply afflicted, and his adversaries enjoyed a temporary
triumph. From Amersham he removed to Yorkshire, where he
became acquainted with Mr. Venn, and by him was introduced
to the notice of Lady Huntingdon, who highly esteemed him for
his extensive erudition, his accurate knowledge of the various
branches of science, and his great talents for biblical criticism,
but, above all, for his exemplary conduct as a Christian and a
minister of the gospel of the grace of God. While serving a
curacy in Yorkshire, the wheels of divine providence were
revolving to return him to his disconsolate friends, with double
advantage. The excellence of his character, the extent of his
learning, and the injuries he had received, being made known by
Lady Huntingdon to the Marquis of Tavistock, he generously
promised him the next vacant living in his gift. Some time
after the Marquis was removed by death ; but the Duke of Bed
ford, considering himself bound by the engagement of his noble
relation, afterwards presented him to the rectory of Chesham
Bois, about one mile distant from Amersham church. How

30 THE LIFE AND TIMES OP
incapable of penetrating the designs of God are mortal men !—
how unable to estimate the extent of good which a gracious
Redeemer ordains, by means which they conceive to be most
disastrous. Thus was Mr. Clarke settled in a situation much
superior to his former, and sufficiently convenient for his late
converts to enjoy all the advantages of his stated ministry.
Mr. Venn was highly gratified at meeting his old friend :—
" Dear Mr. Clarke (says he) I was happy with. He preached last
Sunday morning a discourse full of good sense, abundant in matter,
searcliing and piercing to the heart, yet truly evangelical. A company
of about one hundred persons have him for their teacher, whose good
sense, and knowledge, and grace, qualify him for the largest sphere.
This is one of the secrets not to be explored by us ; it is enough to
know thatthe Head ofthe Church fixes His ministers as seemeth best
to His infinite wisdom. From Mr. Clarke I went to Reading, and was
received with unfeigned love by Mr. and Mrs. Talbot ; he rode with
me on my way to Bath ; we had very much communion of heart.
From Mr. Talbot's I rode to Pewsey, and was most cordially received
by Mr. Townsend : he is an excellent man, and inquired after Mr,
Ryland and all Yorkshire friends, with great affection. From thence
I came here yesterday; and found Lady Huntingdon, and my dear
son in the Gospel, as he will call himself, Mr. Shirley ; we are to share
the work between us. 1 am made very much of I can assure you.
My accommodations are very agreeable ; and every thing I could wish
for is done to express respect. In fact, I jind there is no temptation
stronger to vanity and to feed self-love than -lehat a traveUing popular
pn-eacker meets UBith."
The winter of 1769 was an unusually crowded season at Bath,
Great numbers of the nobility attended divine service in Lady
Huntingdon's chapel ; and not a few were excited to seek after
the things which make for their everlasting peace. Lady Fanny
Shiriey, Lady Gertrude Hotham, the Countess of Buchan, the
Marchioness of Lothian, and some other pious persons amongst
the nobility resided at this period at Bath, The narrative of
Mr, Venn's labours in the chapel of the Countess we shall give
in his own words. And we cannot but note in every letter the
cordial regard he bears to her Ladyship, and those who laboured
for her. These are traits which speak the spirit of this departed
patriarch, and speak to his honour. The excellent of the earth,
without respect to their denomination, he honoured, attended,
and countenanced. It was not, in his views, a matter of first
importance, whether men assembled at church or at meeting,
provided they gathered to the true Shiloh ; and without that,
it was no matter where they assembled — a pagoda or a mosque
were equally as good as a steeple and bells.
We insert a few precious gleanings from Mr, Venn's corte-

SELIN.A, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 3l
spoadence — they will warm the hearts, while they gratify the
curiosity, of his and the venerable Countess's remaining friends,
to whom these relics will be precious. They are from letters
written to his friends, Mrs. Ryland and Mr, Kershaw, now united
to him in glory : — " Bath, Nov. 4.
'-'- On Sunday evening last there was such a crowded audience, Mr.
Shirley told me, as there never was before. The chapel doors were
set open, and people stood in the court as far as the houses. That
full description of the way of salvation, and the object of the believer's
hope, the condition of his enemies, and the glory of his people, in the
concluding verses of Isaiah xlv. was my subject. Happily I am much
alone ! though solicited to spend my time with one family after another
all the day. You may judge of this, when I tell you I have read two
quarto volumes, with other books, and written near twenty letters,
witiiout intermitting my study of the ever-blessed Book. Solitude is
a great cherisher of faitli ; were we more alone, to pray and look back
upon ourselves, and to look into ourselves — not to find any good, but
to observe more of tbe amazing blindness of heart, unbelief, selfishness,
and vile idolatry, which so benumb our feelings of the love of Christ —
were we to be more alone for these purposes, we should enjoy more
of the presence and joy of God. In the exercise of meditation and
prayer, I can stand amazed, and be almost lost in astonishment at my
misery and sinfulnes.s — misery so great, in not feeling an everlasting
admiration, love, and joy, in an incarnate Jehovah, and in the view of
the great things of the Spirit of God \^'hicli are revealed to me ! At
the same time this is my misery, it is my shame and guilt ; for every
thing ought to be loved according to its intrinsic worth. What a robber
am j, and what sacrilege am I committing, when the affections of my
heart are so cold towards my Lord ! Sometimes I have touches which
I would give the world they might last ; but in an hour they are gone !
Whilst they last, my heart swells with the vehement desire expressed
in the hymn — " ' Nothing in all things may I see.
Nothing on earth desire, but Thee I' "
"Bath, Nov. 5.
" I am favoured with the pleasing sight, and with the animating
example, of a soul inflamed with love to a crucified God — that stum
bling-block to them that perish. In Lady Huntingdon I see a star of
the first magnitude in the firmament of the Church. Blessed be God
for free grace, that salvation is to every one that cometh to Christ !
otbei'wise, when I compare my life and my spirit with hers, I could
not believe tbe same heaven was to contain us. How do works, the
works of faith and love, speak and preach Jesus Christ, in that devoted
servant of His ! No equipage — no liverj' servants — no house — all
these given up, that perishing sinners may hear the life-giving sound,
and be enriched with all spiritual blessings. Her prayers are heard,
her chapel is crowded, and many sinners amongst the poor are brought
into the City of Refuge. Happy is it for us, my friend, that we have

.32 THE LIFE AND TIME OF
been brought into that city— that we know in whom we have believed
—that we can say, ' Surely in the Lord have I righteousness and
strength !' — that we have been happily reduced to the necessity of con
fessing we have nothing to pay, nothing to plead, but -worthy is the
Lamh ! This is all our relief, consolation, and triumph ; and_ will be
through all ages. I feel, from Lady Huntingdon's example, an increas
ing desire, both for myself and you, and all our friends, that we may
be active and eminent in the life of grace. Too apt are we to rest in
life received, and not to be every day doing something for our Lord;
either earnestly engaged in prayer, speaking affectionately to sinners,
overcoming our selfish violent passions, or exercising mercy to our needy
brethren : but it is by abounding in every good work, that our light
shines before men, and we stand confessed the workmanship of God in
Christ. I would urge you, and may God press it home effectually upon
my own heart, to open our mouths wide to importune Him for the
best gifts ; and to live in the sight of all around us, beyond dispute,
zealous conscientious worshippers, and dear obedient children.
" I have enjoyed in this visit, the edifying discourse and bright ex
ample of many of our dear Saviour's family, all of them partakers of
one life and one spirit, yet each distinguished by its particular hue and
beauteous colour, more predominant than the rest. In one, I have
been animated by ai'dent activity for the glory of Christ and the salva
tion of souls. In another, I Avas pleased and softened by conspicuous
meekness and gentleness of spirit. In a third, I was excited to love
and good works, by the fervent charity and brotherly kindness I be
held : and in a fourth, I was led to abase myself, and confess the pride
of my heart, from the humility and brokenness of spirit which struck
me. In the Head alone all graces, in their lustre, unite."
On leaving Bath, Mr. Venn went to Sandwell, the residence of
Lord Dartmouth, near West Bromwieh, where he remained some
time, having to do duty for Mr. Piercy, then at Brighton : —
" As soon as I came here (says Mr. Venn) the Earl, with as much
love as you could wish he had for me, received me ; and Lady Dart
mouth the same. It often happens to me that the tender regard of my
friends distresses me : as I cannot divide myself, nor spend my time
with them as they desire. It is the case at present ; Lord and Lady
Dartmouth, with an earnestness that makes me blush, and which I
cannot withstand, will not let me leave Sandwell till Monday the 1 1th.".,
For some years previous to this period Lord and Lady Dart
mouth attracted very general attention from the profession of re
ligion they made, and the countenance they afforded to zealous
and faithful ministers of Christ who were suspected of what was
called Methodism. Early in life deprived of his father, the care
of the noble Lord's education devolved on his surviving parent,
who became the second wife of Francis, first Earl of Guildford,
by whom she was mother to the late Lord Willoughby de Broke
and Dr. Brownlow North, Bishop of Winchester? From this
period his lordship, with his sister, Anne (afterwards Countess

SELIN A, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON . 33
of Cardigan), and Elizabeth (married to Whitshed Keene, Esq.
M.P.), principally resided with Lord Guildford. On the death
of his mother. Lady Guildford, Lord Dartmouth left England to
make a tour of the Continent; on his return from his travels
through France, Italy, and Germany, in 1750, he succeeded his
grandfather as Earl of Dartmouth, being then about twenty-five
years of age; and five years after espoused the only daughter
and heiress of Sir Charles Gunter Nicholl, by whom he acquired
a very considerable addition to his fortune.
Shortly after his marriage. Lord Dartmouth became the inti
mate friend of Lady Huntingdon, to whom he was introduced by
the then Countess of Guildford, widow of Lewis, Earl of
Rockingham, daughter and co-heir of Sir Robert Furness, Bart.,
a woman of general knowledge, of infinite wit and pleasantry,
and of a delightful temper, with a most disinterested mind. She
was cousin-german to Lady Huntingdon, and niece to Lady
Fanny Shirley. A few years after the decease of Lord Rock
ingham, she became the third wife of Francis North, first Earl
of Guildford, by which marriage he acquired the noble seat of
Waldershare, near Dover, and a large surrounding estate of
great value. Her Ladyship possessed considerable influence in
the higher circles, and had an extensive acquaintance with per
sons of genius. She was often at Court, and lost no opportu
nity of recommending religion to the notice of the great. It was
at Lady Huntingdon's house that Lord Dartmouth first became
acquainted with Mr. Whitefield, Mr. Wesley, Mr. Romaine,
Mr. Jones, Mr. Madan, &c. In the letters of Whitefield and
Mr. Hervey we find frequent mention of his Lordship. As early
as the year 1757 the latter writes thus : — " I have not the hon
our of Lord Dartmouth's acquaintance; but I hear he is full
of grace, and valiant for the truth ; a lover of Christ and an
ornament to his Gospel."
Lady Fanny Shirley was extremely intimate with Lord and
Lady Dartmouth, and frequently corresponded with them. Re
ceiving a letter from his Lordship with which she was particu
larly delighted, she enclosed it to her correspondent, Mr.
Hervey, who, in reply, said :
" It is, mdeed, a delightful sight to see a person of Lord Dartmouth's
dignity and politeness closing a letter with the name of Jesus Christ.
May we all know more and more of that just One ! then it will
appear meet and right ; not a pious extravagance, but a most rational
determination, io count all things but loss for the excellency of Christ
Jesus our Lord."
On another occasion he says to the same correspondent : — •
" Permit me to wish you many edifymg and delightful interviews
VOL, II. — D

34 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
with Lord Dartmouth and liis Lady. Of such interviews, I think we
may use the words which I have been just speaking upon to my famfly,
' It is good for us to be here.' Oftentimes, while we are talking, grace
is administered, and the fire kindles. We have brighter views of Christ,
and firmer faith in his infinitely rich atonement. £o may the hearts of
my honourable friend and her noble acquaintance burn within them,
whenever they confer about the Lamb that was slain, and the inesti
mable fruits of hisblood."
Lady Fanny having mentioned Mr. Hervey to Lord Dart
mouth, his Lordship was pleased to express a wish to see Mr.
Hervey the first time he was in London : —
"¦ Be so good. Madam (says Mr. Hervey), as to return my most grate
ful acknowledgments to the generous Lord Dartmouth : together with
my ardent wishes that he may ' shine as a light in the midst of a crooked
and perverse generation ;' shine before God in the immaculate and ever
lasting righteousness of Christ : shine before men in all the beauties of
evangelical holiness. I hope God will make him ' stedfast and jin-
moveable ;' enable him ' always to increase in faith, and always to
abound in the work of the Lord.' ''
Lord Dartmouth soon began to experience a portion of that
contempt and ridicule which all who will live godly in Christ
Jesus must ever expect to meet from a proud, self-righteous,
and gainsaying worid. His Lordship's uncle, the Hon. Henry
Bilson Legge, then Chancellor of the Exchequer, treated him
with unmerited severity, and for a time refused to hold inter
course with him. But, through the kind interference of Lady
Huntingdon, who obtained several private interviews with his
Lordship's aunt, the Baroness Stawell, afterwards Marchioness
of Devonshire, he was restored to the friendship of his relations,
who ever after entertained a more favourable opinion of him and
of the sentiments which he espoused. Indeed, for some years
after, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Lady Stawell were
not unfrequently to be found amongst the circle who attended
Mr. Whitefield's preaching at Lady Huntingdon's residence ; and
so much did his Lordship conciliate the esteem of his noble re
latives, by a prudent and consistent line of conduct, that several
of them became ofthe congregation at the Countess's, particu
larly his uncle, the old Lord Bingley, Lord and Lady Ayles
ford, Lord and Lady Andover, and Lady Anne Finch; and
there is reason to hope not without lasting benefit to some of
them. °
His Lordship was esteemed a man of sense, and was consi
dered a tolerable speaker in the House of Lords. He connected
himself eariy m life with the Rockingham party, and when they
came mto power, in 1765, he was made first Lord of Trade,

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 33
knd sworn of the Privy Council. His Lordship was the noble
man alluded to by the poet Cowper, in that passage in his poem
on Truth : —
" We boast some rich ones whom the Gospel sways.
And one who wears a coronet and prays ;
Like gleanings of an olive tree they show,
Here and there one upon the topmost bough."
Amongst the Peers, none stood higher in Lady Huntingdon's
and Mr. Whitefield's estimation, for piety or prudence, than
Lord Dartmouth. George the Third confirmed this estimate
of his Lordship's character. Few persons were more highly
esteemed by his Majesty, who appointed him principal Secre
tary of State for the American department: which office his
Lordship afterwards exchanged for the place of Lord Keeper of
the Privy Seal: and some years after was constituted Lord
Steward of his Majesty's household. In the course of the in
terview with which his Majesty favoured Dr. Beattie, the cele
brated author of the "Philosophic Essay on Truth," he asked
him what he thought of his new acquaintance, Lord Dartmouth ?
Beattie replied that there was something in his air and manner
which he thought not only agreeable, but enchanting, and that
he seemed to him to be one of the best of men : a sentiment in
which both their Majesties heartily joined. " They call my Lord ;
Dartmouth an enthusiast," observed the King, " but surely he
says nothing on the subject of religion but what any Christian
may and ought to say."*
Lord Dartmouth patronised the college for the American
* The " Essay on Truth," which was destined to establish the fame of Dr.
Beattie, was first published in 1770, and in a few years ran through many
editions. It was also translated into several foreign languages, and procured the
author high marks of distinction, and an extensive acquaintance. He soon
attracted the notice of Lady iluntingdon, who introduced him to Lady Ches
terfield. " Everybody (says her Ladyship) speaks well ofthe Essay on Truth ;
and I am in hopes something will be done for the deserving author, who, I
think, is not far from the kingdom of God. Lady Chesterfield has promised
me to present a copy of the work to his Majesty, which may open the way to
his promotion,." Not long after the King received the Essay frora Lady Ches
terfield, he honoured Dr. Beattie with a conference at Kensington, and granted
him a pension. He was very strenuously urged to go into the Church, and very
advantageous offers were made him, which he declined, lest the enemies of re
ligion, who were irritated by his " Essay on Truth," might allege, that he wrote
ib,^ book from interested motives. The philosophical style of Dr. Beattie is
imbued with the poetical ; and this, perhaps, has contributed in no small
degree to tlie celebrity of his Essays and Dissertations. His private cha
racter was valuable, and the religion which he so ably defended in his writings
he adorned by his life. Among his friends were the first persons of the age, as
Dr. Johnson, Bishops Porteus and Hurd, Mr. Gray, Mr. Burke, Mrs. Mon
tague, &c.
» 2

36 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
Indians, and contributed largely towards the Orphan-house in
Georgia. He was also one of the chief patrons of evangelical
preaching at the Lock Chapel, and with Baron Smythe, gave the
full weight of his rank and influence to that « hill of Zion" on
which the dew of heaven has so often and so long descended.
That influence was not small. Lord Dartmouth stood high at
Court; and Baron Smythe, besides being descended from Lady
Dorothy Sidney, eldest daughter of the celebrated Eari of
Leicester, was Lord Chief Baron of the. Exchequer. Both were
the personal friends ofthe Countess, and of most of the worthies
who laboured for her."'
Lady Smythe was the steady friend and patroness of Mr. Venn
for more than thirty years. 'Her Ladyship died in 1790, and
by her last will bequeathed pecuniary legacies to Mr. Venn and
to each of his children ; and the advowson of Bidborough, in
Kent, to his son, the late Rev. John Venn.f
Lord Dartmouth was the early patron of the Rev. Moses
Browne, who had commenced his ministry as curate to Mr.
Hervey. Pie became the patron of a more extraordinary cha
racter — John Newton: and to his Lordship he addressed the
first twenty-six letters ofthe " Cardiphonia.^X
Mr. Newton had preached a good deal in Warwickshire and
Yorkshire, and -from his previous connexion with the Dissenters
and Methodists was refused ordination by the Archbishop of
York. Lord Dartmouth, however, prevailed on Dr. Green,
Bishop of Lincoln, to ordain him, and of the Bishop's candour
* Sir Sidney Stafford Smythe gave Mr. Venn the living of Yelling, in Hunt
ingdonshire, and was his steady friend and patron to the time of his death, in
1778. His funeral sermon was preached at the Lock Chapel by one of the
chaplains, the late Rev. Charles ISdward de Coetlogen, the contemporary of
Eowland Hill, Simpson of Macclesfield, and Pentycross, at Cambridge. The
sermon was afterwards published, and entitled, " Tlie Death of the Righteous,
a public loss; a token of respect to the memory of the Right Hon. Sir Sidney
Stafford Smythe, late Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, and one of his Ma
jesty's most honourable Privy Council."
+ Lady Smythe was the daughter of Sir Charles Farnaby of Kippington, in
Kent, Bart. Her youngest sister,- Elizabeth, espoused William Hale, Esq., of
King's Walden, brother to Mrs. Martin Madan, of the Lock ; and a daughter of
Mr. Hale married the cousin of Lady Huntingdon, the late Sir Edward Dering,
of Surrendon, Bart. Lady Smythe was the bosom friend of Lady Mary Fitz
gerald, who attended herin her last illness, and wrote Mr. Venn an account of
her happy departure.
t The curacy of Olney was first offered to Dr. Haweis, who had been op
pressively driven frora Oxford, by the abused authority of Hume, Bishop of
that diocese ; but as he was then serving at the Lock Hospital, with Mr.
Madan, he declined it, and introduced Mr. Newton to the acquaintance of his
Lordship, as a person well qualified to fill the vacant curacy which was in his
gift. How mueh the Church of Christ owes to this introduction, and his Lord
ship's kindness !

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 37
and tenderness Mr. Newton speaks with great respect. From
him he obtained double orders, and became curate to Mr.
Browne, at Olney, to the vicarage of which he was afterwards
presented by Lord Dartmouth, and which he continued to hold
till his removal to St. Mary Woolnoth, London, to which living
he was presented by the benevolent and munificent John
Thornton, Esq.
In 1776 Lord Dartmouth, then Lord Keeper of the Privy
Seal, had some prospect of being appointed Lord Lieutenant-
General and General-Governor of the kingdom of Ireland.
Mr. Toplady, who was well acquainted with his Lordship, ob
serves in a letter to Lady Huntingdon, dated in October of
that year : —
" It continues to be strongly reported and believed, that Lord Dart
mouth will go to Ireland. If so, and he should be sent with a land-
tax in his right hand, I shall heartily wish him safe back again. His
Lordship's nomination to the Lieutenancy, if certain, will probably
issue in Mr. Madan's promotion to the lawn : nor should I -wonder if
Mr. John Wesley was to obtain that episcopal consecration which he in
vain solicited the Greek bishop to confer on him."
Lord Dartmouth being of a pious turn of mind, his conduct
was chiefly marked by an attention to religious duties, for which,
as well as correctness of manners, he had been more distin
guished than most men of the same rank. In private life, he
bore the character of a good husband, a good father, and a
kind master. He was the close friend of Lady Huntingdon,
Mr. Whitefield, and all the eminent supporters of Calvinistic
Methodism. It must be allowed that, as a private man, he bore
himself with a uniform character through life; and with the
profession invariably connected the practice of the religion of »
Christ. On Mr. Venn's return to Yorkshire he was desirous of thank
ing Lady Huntingdon for all her kindness and generous conduct
towards him ; but that return was unexpectedly retarded by his
prolonged stay at Lord Dartmouth's, and on his arrival at Hud
dersfield, the holidays intervening, he could not address her
Ladyship till the 29th of December, when he wrote to the fol
lowing purpose : —
" My dear Lady, — Detained to do Mr. Piercy's work at West Brom
wieh, I did not reach my house before the latter end of last week ;
and the holidays immediately following, in which we have preaching
every day, I was prevented returning' sooner my most hearty thanks
to your Ladyship, for all your maternal tenderness over me — for all the
blessed things you spoke of that all-glorious narae which I am called
^0 the iinspeakablQ honour of proclaijning — for all the care you took in

38 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
me, and yiru/r abundant kindness in morethan discharging the expenses
of my traveUing, -which indeed is the whole I teould have received, if
Mr. Lloyd -would have permitted it to be so."
-\--\- To the honour of Mr. Venn, his labours were without the
least expectation of any remuneration ; and all he ever got
from Lady Huntingdon 'barely paid his journeys and his ex
penses. We notice this because many have circulated the basest
stories respecting these apostolic men who laboured for her,
none of whom, we may venture confidently to say, were ever a
shoe-latchet the richer for any service done her Ladyship. Not
that it is meant to impeach her boundless liberality. Never,
perhaps, did mortal make a nobler use of what she possessed,
live less attached to earth and its unrighteous mammon, or
dispense it with a more open hand. She was one of the poor
who lived upon her own bounty ; and if she grudged anything, '
it was to herself. Never did human being sit more loose to
money, or more jealously watch over the distribution of it, that
every shilling she possessed should be employed for the glory of
God. But with all her fortune and self-denial, her finances
were inadequate to her calls, and it was impossible she could
have done the noble acts that marked her character, if she had
not found such men as those and many others happy to second
her views with like nobility of disinterested zeal, and to spend
their substance, as well as themselves, in the same glorious
cause. The miserable sons of earth suppose there is always
some worldly motive that engages the ministers of the Gospel :
they cannot entertain an idea that the work is its own reward.
On leaving Bath, the first place Mr. Venn stopped at was
Worcester, where a considerable awakening had taken place,
under the ministry of the Rev. Thomas Biddulph, a few years
previous. « In the way (says he) I preached at Mr. Skinner's,
at Worcester (where Mr. Glaseott had preached), to about two
hundred people." The remains of Mr. Biddulph's congregation
were gathered together by the labours of Sir Richard Hill, the
late venerable Rowland Hill, Mr. Glaseott, and some of thefirst
race of students from Trevecca. As the churches were not
generally open to him, Mr. Venn preached elsewhere; not
thinking the souls of men unworthy of his pursuit, even in the
meanest hovel. Where ignorance reigns, how shall sinners be
plucked from the burning, if no man dare step out of the beaten
track? Thus did Mr. Venn, nothing fearing, nothing doubt
ing. And when the great Master says, "Be thou faithful unto
death, and I will give thee the crown of life," what have minis
ters to apprehend? Let the violence of insolent and absufd
authority, or the timid cautions of half-hearted friends, attempt

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 39
to quench the flame of holy zeal, thou faithful labourer lose not
the full reward, let no man take thy crown !
At West Bromwieh Mr. Venn preached several times, as Mr.
Piercy was from home, supplying the chapel of Lady Hunting
don at Brighton. The Rev. Edward Stillingfleet, great grand
son of the learned and celebrated Bishop of that name, was
then minister of West Bromwieh and chaplain to Lord Dart
mouth : —
" Mr. Stiflingfleet (says Mr. Venn) sat under me, and I imagined
would be offended. But I am sadly too hasty in judging. Lady Dart
mouth told me he shed many tears ; and he himself thanked me very
cordially, and said he was glad to hear such doctrine. His congregation
is very large, and I believe there are many amongst them who live unto
the Lord."
From Lord Dartmouth's, Mr. Venn proceeded to Shropshire,
and spent a day or two with Mr. and Mrs. Powys, and preached
at Shawbury church for Mr. Stillingfleet : —
" Mrs. Powys enquired much after your Ladyship, and still continues
justly apprehensive of the danger of substituting doctrines in the place
of power, life, and love. At Shawbury Mrs. Stillingfleet pleased me
much. She seems a very upright and correct follower of the Lord.
There is a good deal of stirring at present in the parish, and Mr.
Stillingfleet is likely to do much good."*
After spending a few days at Mr. Stillingfleet's, and preach-
* There was much opposition to the introduction of the 'Gospel into Shaw
bury church some time prior to this period. In the year 1766 Mr. Stillingfleet,
who was a fellow of Merton College, Oxford, visited his friend, Mr., afterwards
Sir Richard Hill, in Shropshire. Being desirous that he should preach in fhe
parish church, Mr. Hill wrote a very handsome letter to the minister, requesting
that he would lend his pulpit the following Sunday to Mr. Stillingfleet, an in
timate friend of his, and a gentleraan of most unexceptionable conduct and
character, and firraly attached to the articles, homilies, and liturgy of the
Church of Englanct. This preamble Mr. Hill was in hopes would have pre
vailed on the minister ; but to such a height did his prejudices against truth run,
that he absolutely refused, concluding, because Mr. Stillingfleet was recom
mended by Mr. Hill, he must be an enthusiast, or, in other words, a Methodist,
and therefore would not suffer the ears of his congregation to be " infected with
his erroneous and delusive doctrine ;" though, blessed be God, raany belonging
to it were tumed from darkness unto light, by means of that doctrine he was
pl«ased toterm erroneous and delusive. As the pulpit of the pari^ church
was refused to Mr. Stillingfleet, Sir Rowland Hill, with the igreatest kindness
and candour, told bis son that his friend should be welcome to preach in the
chapel  an offer Mr. HiU accepted with thankfulness. About this time Mr..
Hill began to expound the word of God for the edification of his neighbours in
the vestry of Hodnet chureh ; a:nd when Mr. Lee and Mr. Powys, gentlemen of
opulence in the sarae neighbourhood, with Captain Scott and Mr. Stillingfleet,
who was afterwards minister of Shawbury, united their efforts to introduce the
glad tidings of salvation in the vicinity of Wem, the late Samnel Henshaw,
Esq., coincided with their measures. He attended the ministry at Shawbury

40 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
ing twice or thrice at Shawbury church, Mr. Venn proceeded
through Cheshire, and the first night stopped at Nantwich.
church on the Lord's day, whilst Mr. Stillingfleet, Mr. de Courcy, and Mr.
Hallward supplied the pulpit ; and opened his own house in the evening, where,
if a preacher could be provided, a sermon was preached ; if no preacher were
present, he read a serraon hiraself, with great pathos, having previously studied
the subject. After sorae time Mr. Henshaw applied to Lady Huntingdon to
send some of her students to Wem ; and finding their house too small for the
increasing nuraber of people assembled, Mr. Henshaw erected a suitable place
of worship contiguous to his house. This chapel was soon after made over, by
a written document, to Lady Huntingdon, and supplied by the students from
Trevecca for some years. In the beginning of the year 1777 her Ladyship
directed Mr. Hawkesworth to stop at Wem, " where (says she) Ihave a chapel,
and there you may preach, and also in your way to College, at Worcester."
At the close of the same letter her Ladyship adds ; " At Wem you are to en
quire for Mr. Henshaw, attorney-at-law, at whose house the chapel is. They
built it at their own expense, and most precious soals they are." In 1781 Mr.
Richardson, a student irora Trevecca, was supplying at Wem, but whether he
remained any tirae there we are not certain. Mr. Richardson having expressed
a wish to withdraw from the Connexion, it was intimated to her Ladyship by
Mr. Henshaw, and in her reply she says : — " Your thinking Richardson's views
might be more profitable for him, I cheerfully resign any restraints on ray ac
count, and by this fully release all ray future influence over hira, praying it raay
prove best, and ever wishing to serve and do him any possible good in any
way." At the sarae time her Ladyship surrendered the chapel at Wem into
the hands of Mr. and Mrs. Henshaw, for whom she ever entertained a very high
esteem and friendship. " From a hint (says Lady Huntingdon) I received that
it was both your and Mrs. Henshaw's secret wish that the chapel you would
desire to be in your own hands, as I am sure it could not be in any so well or
so proper, I send the engagement to you, and truly wish I could have ever had
it in my power, on this or any other occasion, to prove the raeans of obliging
either you or Mrs. Henshaw ; and as being happy that this as been the case
hitherto, so it will not cease to be my wish, though not enough in my power to
prove Its extent, which I should ever hope might be unlimited for every best
end. May our Lord abundantly bless you both, and encourage your hearts to
persevere through every trial of faith and patience, till you arrive with the ever
lasting joy of the redeemed."
Mrs., Henshaw was the daughter of Stephen Tippet, Esq., of Truro, and
awakenedunder the mimstry of that eminent man of God, the late Rev. Samuel
Walker. Mr. Henshaw was first introduced to her during a visit she made to
her pious friends Mrs. Edward Stillingfleet, of West Bromwieh, and Miss
Clay of Hodnet, Salop, afterwards the excellent wife of the well-known Cap
tain Scott; ladies possessed of handsome estates—and what was of far greater
importance, ladies of eminent piety and exemplary prudence. One of Mrs
Henshaw's sisters was afterwards united to the Rev. David Simpson a resnect
able clergyman at Macclesfield. During Mrs. Henshaw's last sTage of lifetThen
a complication of disorders appeared to prevail against her, and strength and
spirits became exhausted, the Lord graciously enabled her to bear the whole of
her affliction with great calmness and serenity of raind, and with patient resig
nation to his will. Some of her last words were, " Saviour ! be n?y refuge and
strength!" Mr. Henshaw, whose devoted attention to her for thirty-five tears
Tered that ' '""'" '' ^"'' short tirae, and on February 1st, 80l! he

en-

'laiid of pure delight.

vvnere samts iramortal reign '
His dying scene was tranquil ; he frequently employed his thoughts in devo
tional hymns and select scriptures, and expressed^ more than a region of
mmd to his dissolution, crying out repeatedly, " Come, Lord Je,^ cS"

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 41
Here he had the pleasure of meeting the Rev. John Smith,*
the rector of the parish, who was a nephew to Mr. Matthew
Smith, one of the first Methodists at Oxford, in 1729. Mr.
Venn thus relates his interview with this gentleman : —
" Of all the agVeeable things I met with on my return home, none
more surprised me with joy than meeting with Mr. Smith, the rector of
Nantwich, a town that contains five thousand souls. Perhaps there
was scarce one market town in the whole kingdom so thoroughly void
even of the least appearance of regard to religion or sobriety. Just
before I came to the town, I had heard of the rector, who is tbe talk
of the whole neighbourhood. I sent my compliments to him, and we
spent the evening together at my inn. He is about thirty-six, educated
at Oxford ; full of fire, and bold ; his eye appears quite single, and his
labours are indeed abundant. He does not yet preach the forgiveness
of sins, but I think he will very soon preach the whole counsel of God.
When, in the course of our conversation, I had an opportunity to urge
this doctrine, as the blessing so suited to our misery, and that, instead
of putting men upon helping at all themselves, we were to proclaim the
power and grace of Jesus, as was done to the sinners of Jerusalem,
Corinth, and Ephesus, by the apostles; he seemed much affected —
shed some tears, and we immediately went to prayer, and parted with
mueh affection on both sides. Thus, where Satan's seat is, the bruiser
of his head erects his own glory, and triumphs in the salvation of sinners.
" I beg my best wishes to Lady Anne, with yourself, that this new
year may be more blessed to you both exceedingly, and in whatsoever
you set your hand to. I beg to be remembered to Miss Scott, Mrs.
Dix, and all friends. From your Ladyship's most affectionate and
obliged servant in the Gospel, " H. Venn.
" Mr. and Mrs. Ryland desire their best respects to your Ladyship."
Amongst the men of renown who at this period supplied the
chapels of the Countess of Huntingdon, there were few more
popular than Mr. Townsend, of Pewsey, and Mr. Jesse, who
afterwards succeeded Mr. Piercy at West Bromwieh, and who
at this time was labouring in Lincolnshire. " He is (says Mr.
Venn) a very excellent man, and seems appointed to evangelize
the Wolds, the inhabitants of which are dark almost as the
Indians." Mr. Townsend had preached at the opening of
the chapel at Bath with Mr. Whitefield, and from that time
continued a most acceptable supply for many years. He was
formerly Fellow of Clare Hall, Cambridge, and at one time
• Mr. Smith was educated at Oxford, where he took the degree of B.A.
He was author of several single sermons, and a work entitled " Polygamy
indefensible," an answer to Mr. Madan. There is a portrait of Mr. Sraith in
the Old Gospel Magazine, edited by Mr. Toplady. In 1775 he published " A
Vindication of the Freedom of Pastoral Advice ; or a Review of the Obligations
which the Ministers of the Gospel are under plainly to declare the truth to
their hearers. "

42 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
Studied physic uhder Dr. Cullen, at Edinburgh, where he had
for a fellow student Dr. Haweis, who afterwards marrifed his
.sister, the widow of John Wordsworth, Esq., of the Isle of Thanet.
At his outset in the ministry he distinguished himself as d
preacher amongst the Calvinistic Methodists, and was selected
by Lady Huntingdon as a fit person to visit Scotland and Irelandj
as we have already shewn. He was very intimate with Mr;
Newton, and on his obtaining the curacy of Olney often visited
him and supplied his pulpit.
" Mr. Townsend, of Pewsey (says Mr. Newton), has been with me
three days, but goes off to-morrow for Aldvvincle. He is a ready,
lively, hiimbie man, beyond all my conception of him. I preached
this morning : he is to bear his testimony in the afternoon and evehing;
We e±pect the whole country in to hear him. The Lord give us ears,
and hearts to understand."*
The early part of the y6ar 1770 Lady Huntingdon divided
between London, Tunbridge Wells, and Brighton. She left the
latter place towards the end of March for Bath. Mr.|Shiriey
was there about the same period, having spent a considerable
portion of the winter in preaching at Tottenham-court Chapel,
alternately with Mr. De Courcy, who also occasionally visited
Brighton and Oathall. During the early part of this yeg.!-, Mr.
Venn was incapacitated from all exertion by an alarming illnessj
which was brought on by excessive labour in the discharge of
his ministry. Lady Huntingdon recommended him to try the
effect of a journey to Bath, Brighton, or Tunbridge Wells. The
following is his reply to her Ladyship's letter : —
* In 1786 Mr. Townsend left England for France, whence he proceeded
to Spain, where he remained during that year and the greater part of the suc
ceeding one. Soon after his return to England he published his travels, under
the following title, " A Journey through Spain, in the Years 1786 and 1787 j
with particular attention to the agriculture, manufactures, population, taxeS,
and revenue of that country ; and reraarks in passing through a part of France.''
This work, which is replete with interesting matter, went through several
editions, and was after\yards translated into the French language. Besides
sermons on various subjects, he published two pamphlets on the Poor, Laws,
Thoughts on Despotic, and Free Government, The Physician's Vade Mecum,
A Guide to Health. But his greatest and most elaborate wbrk was puMislied
a few years before his death, aiid entitled, " The Character of ftloseS established
for veracity as an historian : recording events from the Creation to the Deluge."
The design of this work is to prove, bjf internal and external evidence, the cre
dibility of the Pentateuch, more especially with reference to the creation, the
septennary division ortime, the state of innocence, the fall of nito, the 'general
prevalence of sacrifices, and the universal deluge. T^is is a peculiarly -i'lttd--
es ting work — a work on which the author eraployed more than ^^ years ih
collecting his mat'erials.'andforthe execution Of which he was known to possess
the requisite leartiing and ability. Mr. Tovwisend married, fifyt, Miss NankivMl
of Truro, and, secondly, Lady Clarke, in March, 1790. He died in ]'617.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HU^ITINGDON. 43
"Hud., May 20, 1770.
" I shall be very glad to be of service to your Ladyship's plan, by
jitfeaching as much as I am able at Tunbridge or Brighthelmstone, where
I can contrive to be by the first week in July, if nothing unforeseen pre
vents, and return from thence the beginning of September. I am sorry
I cannot undertake the whole! duty. But I am still weak in my
breast, though, blessed be God, 1 am neyer laid by on a sabbath. If
going to Ttmbridge this season, or to Bath the latter end of the year,
woidd be more acceptable, just as your Ladyship determines, will be
equal to me. My children beihg at home for the holidays, prevents my
setting out sooner than the time above-mentioned, if you choose I should
go to Tunbridge. You know liiy attachment to my own people. The
blessing ofthe Lord was giVen to make me more abundantly useful when
I return from Bath, and encourages me to hope it may be sb again. We
have had a glorious winter : none like it since the two first in which the
Gospel was preached. Mr. Ryland and Mrs. Ryland (who has been
a mother a week) desire their best respects to your Ladyship. I beg
you will be so kind as to present mine to Lady Fanny, Lady Lowther,*
Lady Anne, Miss Godde, and Mrs. Bale, dear Mr. Shirley, and all my
friends at Bath. I heartily wish you to see more and more the friiit of
youi: labours for the good of souls, and that those who labour in your
plan may be mighty in word and deed. I can speak frbm heartfelt
knowledge, that it is a heaven upon earth to preach, to pray, to visit,
and converse, under the Divine infiuence. But I find perpetual need
of watchfulness, prayer, and touch retirement, or elsfe my soul sbbn grows
dry, and I lose that sensible fellowship with my Lord. I shall miss
your Ladyship's animating sayings — but not your prayers, which I trust
will be joined daily -wiih mine, that I may not go hence without the
Lord go with me — that he would pity my weakness, ignorance, dark
ness, and manifold corrtiptions, which I am bppressed with — which I
feel so keenly, that I am sometimes ready to wish I had never under
taken the arduous office I stand in — that he would give me indeed the
sptfit of wisdom, counselj and might, which alone can make me a vessel
of honour for the toaster's use. I am, your Ladyship's affectionate and
much indebted friend and servant, " H. Venn."
Lady Huntingdon was at Bath when the melancholy news of
Mr. Whitefield's decease arrived in London : for a time she was
• Catherine, Lady Lowther, was a daughter of Sir William Ramsden, Bart.,
qf Byron, in the county of York, by Elizabeth, daughter of John Viscount Lons
dale. She was the second wife of Sir William Lowther, Bart, Who was mem
ber for Pontefract; this Sir William, dying without issue, left his estate to
his cousin, the Rev. Sir William Lowther, Prebendary of York, and rector of
SwiUingtpn, whose sOn Was created Eari of Lonsdale. Lady Lowtbpr died iii
January 1778. " Last week (Says Mr. Venn) my afl'ectionate friend, Lady Low-
t"her.entered into her glorious rest. She was indeed an hoiioiir to her Christian
profession I" By Lady Huntingdon, Lady Fanny Shirley, Lady Mary Fitzgerald;
and all those eminent iflinisters of Christ who preached in Bath, she was highly
esteemed, for her piety, benevolence, and amiable character. It was Lady Low-
tlier's grand-father. Sir J'ohn Ramsden, who presented Mr. Venn with the living
of Huddersfield, at t'he earnest solicitation and r«comtnendation of LOrd Dart
mouth;

44 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
nearly overwhelmed by thoughts of her unspeakable loss. Anxi
ous to show every remark of respect for the memory of her dear •
departed friend and chaplain, she caused the pulpit, reading-
desks, and galleries to be hung with black ; and on Sunday the
18 th of November, the day on which Mr. Wesley preached his
funeral sermon in London, Mr. Venn preached a funeral sermon
in Lady Huntingdon's chapel at Bath. His text was Isaiah
viii. 18, " Behold I and the children whom the Lord hath given
me, are for signs and for wonders in Israel ; from the Lord of
Hosts, which dwelleth in Mount Zion." An immense crowd
thronged every part of the chapel, and seemed deeply affected.
Mr. Venn's sermon was afterwards pubhshed. How highly he
thought of the apostolic Whitefield his own account of him will
best tell.*
It was during this visit to Bath that Mr. Venn received the
o
* The following extracts from Mr. Venn's serraon on the death of Mr. White-
field will gratify surviving admirers of both these great and good men : —
" Though the children of Christ are all for signs and for wonders in Israel,
yet do they diflfer as one star differs from another star in glory. Talents, grace,
and zeal eminently dign'fy some, and draw the eyes of men upon them. In the
foremost of this rank, doubtless, is the Rev. George Whitefield to be placed,
for his doctrine was the doctrine of the Reformers, of the Apostles, and of
Christ ; it was the doctrine of free grace, of God's everlasting love. Through
Jesus he practised the forgiveness of sins, and perseverance in holy living, '
through the faithfulness and power engaged to his people. And the doctrines
which he preached, he eminently adorned by his zeal and by his works. For
if the greatness, extent, success, and disinterestedness of a man's labour can give
him distinction amongst the children of Christ, we are warranted to afSrm that
scarce any one has equalled Mr. Whitefield.
" What a sign and wonder was this man of God in the greatness of his labours !
One cannot but stand amazed that his mortal frame could, for the space of
nearly thirty years, without interruption, sustain the weight of them. For what
is so trying to the human frame, in youth especially, as long continued, frequent,
and violent straining ofthe lungs? .Who that knows their structure, would
think it possible, that a person little above the age of manhood, should speak
in the compass of a single week (and that for years) in general, forty honrs,
and in very many weeks sixty, and that to thousands ; and after this labour,
instead of taking any rest, should be offering up prayers, intercessions, with
hyrans and spiritual songs, as his manner was, in every house to. which he was
invited. The history of the Church of Christ affords but very few instances
of men thus incessantly employing their whole strength, and, as it were, every
breath they drew, in the business of their sacred function. And the truth is,
that in point of labour, this extraordinary servant of God did as rauch in a few
weeks as raost of those who exert theraselves are able to do in the space of a
year. Thus labouring, not by fits and starts, but with constancy, and perse
verance, and ardour unabated, his mortal frame, about nine years since, began
to sink under the weight of so much work. If with the length and frequency
of Mr. Whitefield's preaching, we consider the intenseness of voice and spirit
with which he spoke, the greatness of his labours will appear perfectly aston
ishing : he knew not how to speak with less zeal, in his whole manner, than
became the subjects of his discourse. The total ruin of the human race by the
fall ; the complete recovery of believers in Christ, his dying love, and the
unsearchable riches of his grace, to be known experimentally in this life, though
fully to be displayed in the next ; fjnd thg infatuation of sinners led captive by

SELINA, CXJUNTESS of HUNTINGDON. 45
offer of the living of Yelling, in Huntingdonshire, to which he
was presented by the interest of his friend Baron Srtiythe, then
one of the Commissioners of the Great Seal.*
It was not to be expected that the tender and sacred bonds
their lusts down to the chamber of death -. these grand truths of more weight
than words can paint, fired his whole soul ; they transported him as much as
earthly spirits are transported into vehemence when they contend personally
for their own property ; he cried out therefore, as his dear Lord was wont
to do, with a voice audible to an amazing distance ; hence, in a thousand in
stances, when the cause of God, more coolly pleaded, would have been
neglected, he gained it a hearing, and carried the day; for the unusual earnest
ness of the speaker roused the most stupid and lethargic ; it compelled them
to feel; the matter must be momentous indeed which the speaker was urging
as a man would plead for his own life.
" Should any one say, few in coraparison, besides the low, ignorant, comraon
people were his followers, I would answer — the souls of the poor and ignorant
are to the full as precious as those of the rich and learned : and the mob have
shown the justest discernment, and have received the truth, whilst men of
wealth and learning, and education have trampled it under their feet. Witness
the chief scribes and pharisees, who rejected both the Baptist and the Saviour
when the common people justified God, and gave them both the honour of
being sent from him. Indeed, in every age we see the Scripture fulfilled —
JVot viany rich, not many -mighty, not many wise men after the flesh are called ; but
Godhath chosen the poor, rich in faith- and iieirs ofthe liingdom.
" However, when the fierceness of prejudice was worn off, numbers who at
first despised him, taught to do so by gross slanders, were happy under his
ministry : and this honour was put upon him even to the last. He had a rauch
larger audience statedly to hear him than any man in the whole kingdora, per
haps in all Christendom.
" Add to this, that the letters he received of grateful acknowledgment from
persons of all ages and conditions in life, for the spiritual blessings he had
conveyed to them, would fill whole volumes. Nay, it is a well known fact that
the conversion of raen's souls has been the fruit of a single sermon frora his
lips ; so eminently was he made of God a fisher of men. But he was not
more successful than he was disinterested in his labours ; for though a vast
multitude (which must ever be the case with those whora God is pleased
leraarkably to own) followed him, he had still no ambition to stand as the head
of a party.
" 'The scourge of the tongue was let loose upon him, his name was loaded
with the foulest calumnies ; he was often in tunwlts, and more than once in
danger of his life, by the rage of the people ; he wore himself away in the ser
vice of souls ; and when he died, he died quite exhausted by much speaking ;
but in his death he received an iraraediate answer to his own prayer — That if
it were consistent withthe Divine will lie might finish tiiat day his Master's work.
" For such a life, and such a death (though in tears under our great loss),
we must yet thank God. Ahd though we are allowed to sorrow, because we
shall never see or hear him again, we must rejoice that millions have heard him
so long, so often, and to such good effect : that out of this mass of people
multitudes are gone before him we doubt not to hail his entrance into the
world of glory ; and that in every period of life, from childhood to hoary age,
many of his children in the Lord are still to follow ; all to be his crown of
rejoicing ; the only effectual everlasting confutation of his adversaries — that he
' ran not in vain, nor laboured in vain."
* Upon receiving the first intimation of this design of Baron Smythe to
prefer him, Mr. Venn directly wrote to Lady Huntingdon, who had goiie to Lon
don immediately after the funeral sermon for Mr. Whitefield, urging her to
press for the nomination of his successor at Huddersfield, and recommending
Mr, Ryland to her notice.

46 THfc LIFE AND TIMES OF
which united Mr. Venn with his flock at Huddersfield could
be severed, without exciting regret on both sides.*
Mr. Venn was deeply wounded in his feelings at leaving a
flock amongst whom he had laboured with so much success : —
" No human being can tell (says he) how keenly I feel this ap
proaching separation from a people I have so dearly loved. Your
Ladyship knows how much attached I am to Huddersfield — where my
poor labours have been acknowledged by the great Lord of the har
vest — and where I have enjoyed so much and such near coramunion
and fellowship with tlie Father and his son Jesus Christ. But the
shattered state of my health, occasioned by my unpardonable length
and loudness in speaking, has reduced me to a state which incapacitates
me fbr the charge of so large a parish. Providence seems to have put
it into the^heart of the Lord Commissioner to offer this small living to
mo ; and now, my dear Lady, my most faithful friend, pray for me, that
the blessing of the Lord our God may go with me, and render my
feeble attempts to speak of his love and mercy efficacious to the con
version of souls. At Yelling, as at Huddersfield, I shall still be your
Ladyship's willing servant in the service of the Gospel ; and when I
can be of any service in furthering your plans for the salvation of souls
and the glory of Christ, I am your obedient servant to command."
The last two or three months of his residence were pecuharly
affecting. At an early hour the church was crowded when he
preached, so that vast numbers were compelled to go away.
Many came from a considerable distance to take leave of him,
and to express how much they owed him for benefits received
under his ministry, of which he had not been aware. Mothers
held up their children, saying, " There is tke man wko has been
our most faifkful minister and our best friend .'" The whole
parish was deeply moved ; and when he preached his farewell
sermon,f neither could he himself speak without the strongest
emotions, nor the congregation hear without marks of the
deepest interest and affection.
After Mr. Venn left Huddersfield, the people who had pro
fited by his preaching were repelled from the parish church hy
discourses which formed a marked contrast to those they had
^ •« It was not for the sake of greater emolument that he took this step, forthe
income of Yelhng was at that tirae little superior to that of Huddersfield ; but
It was solely on account of the declining state of his health. His zeal had
carried him beyond his strength ; and by his earnest and frequent preaching,
duringthe ten years of his residence in Yorkshire, he materially injured Trim-
s;lf, and brought on a cough and other syraptoms of approaching consumption,
which incapacitated him for longer usefulness in so large a sphere He was
only able, in general, to preach once in a fortnight, and the exertion rendered
him incapable of rising from his bed for several days after
t Easter day, .March 30, 1771. His text was Col. iii., 2. " Christ is all and
m aU.'

SEXINA, countess of HUNTINGDON. Al
lately heard within the same walls ; so that they were dispersed
in various directions, some to neighbouring churches, some to
Dissenting chapels. Several of the.m at length determined upon
building a chapel, in the hope that they might be united to
gether in one body, under a pastor of their own choice. Mr.
Venn gave his sanction and assistance to this plan, E|.nd advised
the people to attend the chapel after it was built. Mr. Venn
also printed an affectionate pastoral letter to the people, dated
the very week that the chapel was opened ; and with a liberality
very uncommon, most cordially recommended the Rev. William
Moorhouse as their minister, in which office he continued among
them above fifty years, with great acceptance and success.*
On his removal to Yelling, the same ardent desire to be
useful, when a spring of health enabled, prompted him to
burst out on the right hand and the left ; and his own parish
being but thinly inhabited (though his preaching drew a full
auditory), he hesitated not to go into the neighbourhood, and
preach in a variety of places, at Godmanchester, at the houses
and barns of the farmers in the adjoining parishes, and else
where, always heard by attentive audiences, ahd blessed greatly
to the souls of many : —
" My congregations at the church (says he) are small, when com
pared to those I used to preach to at Huddersfield, but they are re
markably attentive, and seem to wonder very much at my doctrine
and my earnest manner. Dear Mr. Berridge has been here, and has
preached for me. He has encouraged me to go into the neighbouring
parishes, where he has preached occasionally ; and I have had several
congregations in barns and other places, and I hope good has been
done. Your Ladyship would enjoy the sight of one of these rustic
assemblies, and the avidity with which they drink, as it were, every
expression that falls from my lips. Souls are perishing around me in
every direction, but I have not strength to go forth as I used to do. I long
to see your Ladyship, and to hear once more the many precious things
* Mr. Moorhouse had been a stated attendant on Mr. Venn's ministry for a
number of years, walking to Huddersfield and returning, a journey of tvifenty-
five miles. He was a warm admirer of his preaching, and Mr. Venn saw in his
young hearer the presage of future eminence and usefulness. Between him,
and Mr. Venn a very affectionate intercourse existed, as appears from a letter
written by the latter shortly after his removal to Yelling, and when Mr. Moor
house was newly settled at Huddersfield. TTiis document has been rescued
from oblivion in the memoirs of Mr. Moorhouse in tb,e Evangelical Magazine for
1824, and exhibits a noble instance of Christian charity, the kindness of afather
anxious for the welfare of a son in the Gospel of Christ. " God's name be
praised (says Mr. Venn) that your phurch is in a flourishing condition. It has
n(y daily prayers. Remember us also at the throne of grace. Ishall be glad
to hear from you as my successor among a people whom I shall always love, and 1
hope to meet one day in glory. From your affectionate fellow labourer in the
Gospel." Mr. Moorhouse died July % 1823, ?ged 8L

48 the life and times of
from your lips, which invigorated my dead soul and gave me such vehe
ment ^desires in times past. 0 pray that may be animated wi.li a
burnincT desire to spread the glorious Gospel of my precious Loid and
Mastei" and be content to spend and be spent m a cause so divme !
Never ashamed of the brand of Methodism, or of those most
hberally abused by a wicked worid, but induced by the hope ot
being blessed to the call and conversion of smners, this apos
tolic man ventured to preach in unconsecrated places, and at
uncanonical hours, and the great Head of the Church bore
testimony to the word of his servant. The word ot the Lord
no sooner began to be preached in the light and the love of it,
than it immediately ran and was glorified.
Mr. Venn was of the middle stature; his countenance
marked with pleasantness and sensibility, notwithstanding a red
ness, which might be easily mistaken for the consequence of in
temperance. His voice was strong and powerful : his manner
of delivery engaging and impressive ; and he seemed himself
deeply penetrated with the truths he delivered. His action was
becoming his subject ; and his manner of treating every theme
united singular ability with the most solid experience.

CHAPTER XXX.

Lady Betty Germalne-^Lord Chancellor Thurlow — Mr. Rowland HiU — Letters
from Mr. Berridge — Mr. Roquet — Mr. Wills — Anecdote of Lavington, Bishop
of Exeter  David Erskine — Illness of Lady Fanny Shirley — Letter from Mr.
Venn — Marriage of Mr. WiUs — Mr. Pentycross — Letter from Mr. Pentycross
 Chapel at Wallingford — Mr. Toplady — Letter from Mr. Toplady— Mr.
Romaine's Essay on Psalmody — Lady Glenorchy — Mr. Holmes — Captain
Scott — Mr. Fletcher — Mr. Venn's visit to Bath — Lady Henrietta Hope  Let
ter from Lady Glenorchy to Lady Huntingdon Argyle chapel at Bath, — Dr.
Sheppard — Letterfrom Lady Huntingdon to Mrs. Pentycross.
In the year 1771 the eccentric Lady Betty Germaine, widow
of the notorious adventurer and gambler, Sir John Germaine,
who had previously married the divorced Duchess of Norfolk,
arrived in Bath, and paid her respects to Lady Huntingdon.
She had been of her Ladyship's parties in London to hear Mr.
Whitefield ; and at Lady Betty's the Countess had met Horace
Walpole, Dr. Johnson, Mr. Garrick, Sir Joshua Reynolds, and

selina, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 49
other celebrated persons of the day. The niece of Lady Betty,
the witty and eccentric Lady Craven, better known as the Mar
gravine of Anspach, did not conceal her high opinion of the
Countess; and the well-known Mrs. Montague, who had been
long acquainted with her Ladyship, and who seldom associated
with any one whom she did not think a person of information,
was also very partial to her society, and has expressed a high
opinion of her exalted worth. Lord Chancellor Thurlow, who
was then at Bath, having signified a wish to be acquainted with
Lady Huntingdon, Lady Betty undertook to introduce him.
The Chancellor endeavoured to dazzle Lady Huntingdon with
the variety and splendour of his talents ; while she overwhelmed
him with astonishment by the unaffected simplicity of her
conversation and the depth of her theological acquirements.
His Lordship was very fond of relaxing from the arduous duties
of his oflice, but had a disagreeable habit of mixing oaths in his
conversation at all times. It is said the reproofs of Lady Hun
tingdon were of singular service to him in this particular ; so
much so, as to excite the jocularity of some of his friends, who
used to tell him he would soon be a convert to all her Ladyship's
opinions. He was a man of a superior mind, and in many re
spects filled his high station with great and deserved reputation.
About this time the Rev. Rowland Hill commenced preaching
at Bristol and in the neighbourhood. Many parts of Glouces
tershire, Somersetshire, and Wiltshire were visited by him, and
he has himself recorded In his diary many of the texts from
which he preached, and the effect of his sermons. But his head
quarters were at Bath, atthe house ofthe Countess of Hunting
don, where he always had a welcome reception. He was at this
time under the frowns of his family, disappointed of admission
into the Church, and distressed for money. His labours in her
Ladyship's chapel were attended with remarkable success. Lady
Betty Germaine brought many of the nobility to hear him,
and great crowds attended whenever he preached. Mr. Ber
ridge, in his usual quaint manner, notices Mr. Hill's visit to Bath,
in a letter to her Ladyship, dated May Bth, 1771 : —
" I find you have got honest Rowland down to Bath : he is a pretty
young spaniel, fit for land or water, and has a wonderful yelp. He
forsakes father, and mother, and brethren, and gives up all for Jesus ;
and I believe will prove a useful labourer, if he keeps clear of petticoat
snares. The Lord has owned him much at Cambridge and in the
North, and I hope will own him more abundantly in the West."
He preached several times in the neighbourhood of Bath ; also
at Rodborough, Painswick, and Dursley, to immense crowds.
VOL. II. — E

50 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
From Dursley he went, for the first time, after preaching on
the evening of Sunday, June 16th, to Wotton-under-Edge, a
place that was destined to become his favourite summer resi
dence in after life. The people behaved with remarkable atten
tion, and stood in great crowds under the market-place, while
he addressed them from Ephes. v. 14, "Awake, thou that
sleepest," &c. An old lady, of one of the most respectable
families of the town, who was avi'akened to a sense of religion
under his ministry, used frequently to describe his first visit to
Wotton. She was sitting at her tea, when a relation suddenly
came in, and said, " Ann, the baronet's son, who goes about
preaching, Is now under tbe market-house." Are you sure it
is the baronet's son himself?" " Yes, that I am, for I saw his
brother, Mr. Richard Hill, not long ago, and he is so like him,
I am sure he is of the same family." Upon this she accompa
nied her friend, out of curiosity, to see and hear the stranger,
little thinking of the alteration his preaching would be the means
of producing in her own views of herself and of her Sariour.
One m.an v.Iio stood by her seized a stone, and was going to
throw it at Mr. Hill ; but another who was near him laid hold of
his arm, and said, in the broad dialect of Gloucestershire, " If
thee dost touch hitn, I'll knock thy head off!" when the assail
ant dropped the stone, and the people soon became quiet, over
awed by the solemnity of the subject and the earnestness of fhe
preacher. In the midst of these labours he received the following letter
of encouragement from the veteran in the same cause at Everton.
The letter was directed to " Rowland Hill, Esq., to be left with
the Right Honourable the Countess of Huntingdon, at Bath, in
Somersetshire." It was dated May 8, 1771, the same day on
which he wrote to her Ladyship : —
" Dear Rowley, — My heart sends you some of its kindest love, aad
breathes its tenderest wishes for you. I feel my heart go out to you
whilst I am writing, and can embrace you as my second self How
soft and sweet are those silken cords which the dear Redeemer twines
and ties about the hearts of his children ! How different from mere
natural affection, and much more from vicious self-love. Surely it is a
pleasant thing to love with a pure heart fervently ; and something of
this love I feel for you, which brings a melting tear into my eye, and
refreshes my very body as 1 write. Grace, mercy, and peace be with
you. May heavenly truth beam into your soul, and heavenly love in
flame your heart ! I suppose you are now arrived in the We.st, and are
workmg as a labourer in your Master's vineyard. Be faithful and
diligent, and look up to your Master continually for direction and
assistance. Remember his gracious promise, — ' Lo, I am with you
alway, even to the end of the worid.' He will supply you with wisdom,

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 51
Strength, and courage ; for he sends none upon a warfare at their own
cost. 1 think your chief work for a season will be to break up fallow
ground. This suits the accent of your voiee at present. God will
give you other tongues when they are wanted; but now he sends you
out to thrash the mountains, and a glorious thrashing it is. Go forth,
my dear Rowley, whenever you are invited, into the devil's territories ;
carry the Redeemer's standard along with you, and blow the Gospel-
trumpet boldly, fearing nothing but yourself. If you meet with suc
cess, as I trust you will, expect clamour and threats from the world,
and a little venom now and then from, the cliildren. These bitter
herbs make good sauce for a young recruiting serjeant, whose heart
would be lifted up with pride if it was not kept down by these pres
sures. The more success you meet with, the more opposition you
A\ill find : but Jesus sitteth above the water-floods, and remaineth a
king for ever. His eye is ever upon you, and his heavenly guards sur
round you. Therefore fear not ; go on humbly, go on boldly, trustinn-
only in Jesus, and all opposition shall fall before you. Make the
Scriptures your only study, and be much in prayer. The Apostles gave
themselves to the word of God and to prayer. Do thou likewise ; la
bour to keep your mind in a heavenly frame — -it will make your
work pleasant, and your preaching and your conversaticn savoury.
Now is your time to work for Jesus ; you have health and youth on
your side, and no church or wife on j^our back. The 'world is all before
you, and Providence your guide and guard. Go out, therefore, and work
whilst the day lasteth ; and may the Lord Jesus water your soul, and
give ten thousand seals to your ministry ! I am, with great affection,
your friend, " John Bebridge."
The beginning of June Lady Huntingdon received another
letter from the vicar of Everton. The health of that good old
man was declining rapidly as the warm weather advanced ; and
fearing he should soon be entirely laid aside, wrote to entreat
her Ladyship to send her chaplain, Mr. Glaseott, to supply his
church, as the congregations were unusually large durino- the
summer months, and it v/ould grieve him to see them as sheep
without a shepherd. " Everton, June 8, 1771.
" My dear Lady, — I am coming early with another letter, because
I am yet able to write, and do not know how long I shall be able.
My health and strength are declining apace since the warm weather
came in. My legs are almost gone, and my horse is almost useless.
As yet I have been able to do whole duty on the Sabbath, but fear I
shall be laid up soon. Do, my dear Lady, wrestle with me in prayer,
that I may be strengthened to labour ; and get the men and women of
Israel to help. The same fervent prayer that opened Peter's prison-
door may o;ien the door of my mouth. Jesns loves to bring his disci
ples to his feet, and his heart is so tender he cannot resist much im
portunity. I would fain prattle a little for him in the pulpit thij sum
mer ; for we have now large congregations, and it is sad, very sad, to
e2

52 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
have them broken up, and to be laid aside myself altogether, as a broken
vessel. If my Ladv could spare Mr. Glaseott for six weeks in the hot
test part of the summer, it might be of great use. He is very dear to
me, and very acceptable to my flock, and the best marchmg soldier in
the king's Cassock regiment, which regiment, like the king's guard, is
usually more for show than for service.
" Mr, Venn is coming to Yelling, nine miles from Everton, but he
is weakly himself, and cannot dismiss the old curate at present, with
out quarrelling with his whole parish ; so that I can expect no Sunday
help from him. Mrs. Lyons has dropt a hint about providing me ivith
a curate by subscription. The proposal is very agreeable to me, and
might be very useful. Doors are open, and ears are open everywhere,
but messengers are wanting. There are several serious students at
both Universities, but I fear they are very prudent and very doctrinal,
and such would not suit me. If one of your college could be ordained,
he might make a good field-tighter ; and if it is my Lord's mind, he
will soon put a gown on his back, notwithstanding all opposition. But
enough of this matter. I weary you, and weary myself with writing
about it. Every subject proves barren but Jesus; and my poor feeble
heart droops when I think, write, or talk of any thing but liim. Oh !
that I could get near unto him, and live believingly upon him, looking
up to his eye for direction, lenning on his arm for support, fed with the
milk of his word, quickened by the breath of his Spirit, and clothed
with the robe of his righteousness. I would walk and talk, and sit
and eat, and lie down with him. I would have my heart always doat
ing on him, and find itself ever present with him. The work is thine
— Lord, help me ! I cannot come to thee, but thou can'st come to me.
A welcome lodging thou hast provided in my heart; why standeth my
Lord without ? Come in, come in, thou heavenly guest, and abide
with me day and night for ever. May tbis Angel of the covenant guide,
guard, and bless you, and prosper every labour of love undertaken for
his sake ! Grace be with you, and with " John Berridge.
" P.S. Kind love to all that love Jesus."
About the middle of June Mr. Romaine arrived in Bath, and
shortly after Mr. Townsend, who had left Edinburgh in March
to supply the chapel at Bretby, where he remained some
weeks previous to his return to Pewsey. Towards the end of
June Lady Huntingdon left Bath, and visited Frome, Pensford,
Shepton-Mallet, Warminster, Bradford, and many other places
in Somersetshire and Wiltshire; and there is reason to believe
several were brought to God at that time by the ministry of Mr.
Romaine and Mr. Townsend, who preached very frequently in
all those places, sometimes In the churches, and sometimes in
private houses, to very large auditories. A few days after her
Ladyship returned to Bath, she received an invitation from Mr.
Ireland to spend a few days at Brislington, near Bristol, and
accordingly went thither, with Mr. Romaine, on the 15th of July.
Mr. Charies Wesley being at that time in Bristol, she enjoyed

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 53
many opportunities of conversing with him on the subjects then
in debate between Mr. Wesley and so many eminent characters
in the Christian world. A few days before the arrival of Mr.
Wesley to attend the conference which was to be held in Bristol
on the 6th of August, Lady Huntingdon left Brislington for
Trevecca, where she was joined by Mr. Shirley, after he had re
ceived Mr. Wesley's recantation of the obnoxious propositions
contained In the Minutes of Conference for 1770.
During her Ladyship's absence from Bath, the chapel was
partly supplied by Mr. Browne and Mr. Roquet,* one of her
most valued and intimate friends.
* Mr. Roquet was the son of a French Protestant refugee, whose father was
condemned to the gaUeys for his religion. He was early admitted into the
Merchant Tailors' School in London, where he was instructed in the various
'branches of classical learning. While in this situation, and closely engaged in
the pursuit of his youthful studies, he was led providentially to hear Mr. White-
field: nor did he hear in vain. Tbe Lord was pleased to call him effectually
by his grace, and in this his early youth revealed his Son to him, the hope of
glory. Whilst at St. John's College, Oxford, he received repeated invitations
to preside over the school instituted by Mr. Wesley, at Kingswood, near Bristol,
for the children of the Methodists, and for the sons of itinerant preachers ;
which he accepted through the purest motives, and in which situation he ac
quitted himself with singular success. Mr. Roquet was preceded in his situation
as master of Kingswood school by several weU-known characters, particularly
the Rev. John Cennick, the Rev. Walter Sellon, the Rev. John Jones, and
others. Having spent three or four years in this employment, during which
time he preaclied frequently, as opportunity offered, he applied for orders in the
Church of England. A title being jirocured for him in the diocese of Glouces
ter, he was ordained deacon by Dr. Johnson, then Bishop of Gloucester. His
fidelity and zeal were, however, too great to admit of his long continuance in his
curacy : he was soon dismissed from it for preaching from house to house, and
in the gaol of Bristol. He was, notwithstanding, presented to a vicarage by the
Lord Chancellor, and ordained priest hy Dr. Wills, the aged Bishop of Bath and
WeUs, who had ordained his intimate friend, the Rev. Rowland Hill. His
Lordship, finding him to be a truly worthy raan, notwithstanding the cry of
Methodism which had been raised against hira, received him with parental affec
tion, and spoke of him to many in terras of the highest respect. Being ap
pointed by the Bishop to preach at the next ordination, he delivered an exceUent
sermon from these words : " Feed ray sheep." This sermon drew down upon
him such severe censures, that the Bishop desired a copy of it might he sent to
him, and after having read it, wrote him a raost affectionate letter, expressing
his entire approbation cf its doctrines, and assuring him of the continuance of
his friendship.
Mr. Roquet soon after exchanged his vicarage of West Harptree for the curacy
of St. Werburgh in Bristol. He was also appointed lecturer of St. Nicholas,
and chaplain of St. Peter's Hospital. After this Mr. Roquet pursued his own
course unheeded. In November, 1771, he was solicited to preach at the open
ing of the Tabernacle at Trowbridge. The Rev. John Clark, who was in
strumental in establishing a religious interest in that town, preached in the
morning, Mr. Roquet in the afternoon, and Mr. Ware, one of Lady Huntingdon's
students, in the evening. Such was the liberality manifested by Mr. Roquet
towards the Dissenters and Methodists, with whom, in all essential poiiit.^ of
doctrine, he was one in heart and mind, that to the dry of his death he con
tinued to preach the anniversary sermon at Trowbridge, without any notice
being taken of his irregularity.

4 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
In tbe month of September, 1772, the late Rev. Thomas
Vv^ills being in a bad state of health, was advised by his physician
to go to Bath, for the benefit of the waters. Lady Huntingdon
and Mr. Shirley were there at the same time, and were much
delighted with a personal introduction to this eminent minister
of Christ, who was destined by Divine Providence to take so
prominent a lead in the great revival of religion.*
After drinking the waters at Bath for about six weeks, it
pleased God to restore his health, and he returned to St. Agnes,
to the great joy of his people. During his stay in Bath he
* He was a native of Truro, and received his first serious impressions under
the ministry of that eminent man of God, the Rev. Samuel Walker. Being de
signed for the rainistry, he was entered a student and a commoner of Magdalen
HaU, Oxford. The late Dr. Haweis, his friend and townsman, was then a com
moner of Christ Church ; and to him Mr. Wills was particularly recomraended
to introduce him to a respectable acquaintance, from the same school, and under
the tuition of Mr. Walker. The Doctor had carried to college a deep sense of
divine truth ; and abandoning the profession of physic, to which he had heen
bred, had deterrained (with the warra approbation of Mr. Walker) to addict
hiraself to the ministry of the word. With such happy irapressions on his
mind, his active spirit soon began to diffuse a savour of the sarae divine truth
into the minds of many of bis fellow collegians ; and a few of them, desirous
of improving by his superior knowledge, used to assemble and drink tea in his
room, read the Greek Testament, converse together on divine subjects, and be
fore they parted, join in prayer.
It was one of these social raeetings to which Mr. Wills, when he entered
college, was introduced ; and the first (ime he had ever knelt in such a society
was in the cloisters of Christ Church : he was struck with the prayer, and on
looking back, could perceive no book which surprised him more. 'The im
pression, however, of what he heard was fixed un his mind ; and from that
time he attached himself to his friend, and constantly attended his instructions
and ministry ; and their connexion grew closer, by the reraoval of Dr. Haweis,
as a gentleraan commoner, to the same house as Mr. 'Wills, soon after the for.
mer entered the rainistry. Here, with a few others like-minded, they often
breakfasted in each other's rooms alternately, and the intercourse became mu
tually profitable.
Having completed his terras at the University, he was ordained deacon by the
Bishop of Oxford, in 1762; and on Trinity Sunday, 1764, was admitted to
priest's orders by Dr. Lavington, Bishop of Exeter.
Immediately after his ordination Mr. WUls left the University, and went to
he resident curate to Mr. Walker's churches of St. Agnes, and Perran in Corn
wall. The latter he kept but a short time, the former he suppUed upwards
often years—It was the only benefice he ever possessed in the EstahUshraent.
From the moraent he became curate at St. Agnes he laboured in his high and
important office with energy and zeal; and the Lord graciously honoured his
mini..try to the call and ccnvcrsion of many souls. His education, acquaint
ance '""1 i-eading, had fixed his views decisively respecting the thirty-nine
articles of the Church of England, which he embraced in the sense called
Cahimstic; and though many of the Wesleyan Methodists who attended his
rainistry were differently mmded, yet he won the universal suffrage of his
hearers by a faithful address to their consciences ; and, studiously avoiding all
asperities of controversy he endeavoured to commend himself to every man's
conscience in the sight of God The church was filled from door to door, and
the congregation were remarkable for their early attendance, so that Mi-. Wills
has been heard to say, it was with difliculty he could get to the reading-desk

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 55
preached frequently in Lady Huntingdon's chapel, and his
ministry was peculiarly acceptable and popular.*
About the same period that Mr. Wills arrived in Bath, the
late David Erskine, Esq., was sent thither by his medical
advisers. He was a man of fortune, who had partaken of and
drank deep into the pleasures and vanities of this world, till
about fifteen years before his death. Then it pleased the Lord
to afflict him with great trials, which, through mercy, were made
the happy means of bringing him to a sense of his lost state by
nature, and of producing in him an earnest desire for the sal
vation of his soul.f
After he had drank the waters for about three weeks, Mr.
Erskine was seized with a violent bleeding of the nose, which
he survived only ten days. During this time his mind was In a
state of perfect tranquillity. When Mr. Wills called to see him,
he said, with the greatest earnestness, " What a wretch am I,
that the Lord Jesus should bestow his free grace and pardoning
love upon me, after having devoted the chief of my days to the
service of Satan !" Just before a fit came on, which he appre
hended would terminate his earthly existence, he lifted up his
hands, and said, " Now for heaven!" When Lady Huntingdon
told him how much she wished to lie in his place, he answered,
" No — you must wait till you have done what the Lord has
given you to do here ; and then he will come and take you to
* Mr. Wills was of the middle stature, rather inclined to corpulency. His
coraplexion dark, slightly raarked with the sraall-pox, full and round faced.
When in his zenith he was " noble figure in the pulpit, and his attitude was
graceful and raajestic. It may be worthy of notice, that Lavington, who with
out scruple ordained Mr. Wills, refused to accept the testimonials of Dr. Haweis,
which were signed by Mr. Walker of Truro, Mr. Penrose of Gluvias, and Mr.
MitcheU of Vefyan, under the pretence that because they preached taith
WITHOUT W0HKS, they were not even worthy of credit. Ere now the fruit and
works of the accuser and the accused have been weighed in the unerring
balance !
f For two years he continued under very great darkness and distress of mind,
using every means, and labouring hard to make himself holy by the Ia^\' : but
the more he strove in this way, the more he was condemned. He then betook
himself to those that were esteemed by the world men of judgment and pru
dence, seriousness and gravity, to point out to him the way to eternal happiness;
but these proved blind leaders of the blind. Now he determined to omit no
opportunity of attending all public ordinances ; and ever made it a rule, when
he passed by any place of worship, whilst service was perforraing, to enter, in
hopes of hearing of the way of peace. Accordingly, as he was going by St.
Dunstan's, in Fleet-street, on a Thursday evening, he went in as usual, and
heard Mr. Romaine preach on the first verse of the tv.'enty-third Psalra — " The
Lord is my Shepherd, 1 shall not vcant." Under this sermon it pleased God
graciously to manifest himself, and his great salvition, to his distressed and
wounded heart ; and from that period to the end of his mortal course he had
peace with God, and peace in his own conscience, and his walk Was exemplary
and such as became a foUower of Christ,

56 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
himself." At another time he said to her, " Oh, what a com
fort and stay have I found and experienced In my own soul
from that blessed truth, the unchangeable love of God to his
redeemed children ! " Upon another occasion he said, " My
desire is, that the whole will of God may be done In me, and by
me; and for that end I would be as a blank paper In the hands
of God." Just before he died, he was asked by Mr. Shirley, if
he was happy ? He answered, " Yes, very, very happy ; and
had I strength, I would sound forth the praises of my blessed
Redeemer to the uttermost parts of the earth."
Thus was the power of vital Christianity evidenced by a most
gloriously triumphant death. " Another (says Lady Hunting
don) has just gone to heighten the triumphs above, and swell
that everlasting song of praise which shall roll In heaven for
ages and millions of ages more than human thought can reach.
Eternal praise to Him for such signal displays of his mercy,
love, and power to us poor worms of earth ! " His funeral ser
mon was preached at her Ladyship's chapel, to a very numerous
and deeply-affected congregation, by Mr. Shirley, from Phil. I.
21 : " To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
We now pass on to the winter of 1773, at which time Lady
Huntingdon was deeply afflicted by the alarming and painful
indisposition of Lady Fanny Shirley. Mr. Shirley was supply
ing the chapel at this season, and was likewise deeply exercised
by the loss of one of his children. Mr. Venn's letter on this
occasion is full of consolation and deep interest: —
"Yelling, Dec. 7, 1773.
" My dear afflicted friend, — Your letter was the third whicli brought
me the doleful tidings of my beloved fellow-traveller's suffering under
the all-wise disposal of Providence. One bereaved suddenly of the
husband of ber youth, and the most tender one imaginable — another
oppressed so with a cancer as to be unable to lie down in her bed,
with no other prospect but that of excruciating pain, till she receives
her blessed call to enter Paradise ;* and the next news was your loss.
How do we stand exposed like soldiers in the day of battle to wounds
and death, to suffer in ourselves or in our friends every day ! Were it
not for the spiritual blessings enjoyed by faith, who would be able to
bear with thankfulness the crosses appointed for him ? I am thank
ful, therefore, on the dear Evangelist's account, that he is called away
so soon to enter into rest, to be made wise, and perfectly holv, and
happy, at once amongst the innuraerable multitude of human kiiid who
in their tender years were removed out of a worid of iniquity and of
trouble. I love my dear offspring much— yet should rather see them
depart for glory, than remain to fight through all the temptations and
* Lady Fanny Shirley.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 57
enemies that encompass them, and that all children do depart to enjoy
bliss I can have no doubt ; because though corrupt as born of Adam,
I never read of the execution of the sentence except where contention
against the truth, disobedience and perseverance in it, have gone be
fore ; the whole voice of Scripture speaks of men being adjudged ac
cording to their works — from whence I conclude tbat children, who
by reason of their tender age are not subjects capable in general of tbe
knowledge of divine things,^ will never be condemned. Besides, whilst
we hold, as we are impelled to do by Christian verity, the doctrines of
Predestination and Election, we must hold them scripturally — not so
as to infringe on his goodness and love — -not so as to make the pre
dominant features in the divine character severity and inexorable jus
tice — not so as to annul the oath of God, that he taketh no pleasure
in the death of the wicked. I believe no one is more firmly fixed in
those doctrines than myself ; but still I must say, I think we ought so
to press them as to display always the loving-kindnesses, tbat tbe
vessels of wrath are first endured through the long-suffering of God till
they are fitted for destruction.
" It would be a double pleasure to me to visit Bath now; but I can
have no hope to do so till spring ; tben, if I am not disappointed, I shall
be alile, sbould it meet with your plan, to join again in speaking for our
everlasting friend, with one ofthe same mind and judgment with your
self, dear to me indeed above most of my fellow labourers. Mrs. Venn
desires with me, to be remembered to Mr. Shirley, and as we never
part, if I come, she will be rejoiced to see two of my friends who con
tributed so much to make my stay in Bath most agreeable indeed. May
tbe God of patience aud all consolation be with my dear Mr. Shirley.
May he incline his heart to say with joy my heart is in heaven, my
treasure is in heaven, and in a few years more I shall be there too. I
p ray remember me to Lady Fanny, for whom I feel.
Yours, &c. " H. Venn."
Not long after this Mr. Venn went to Bath. Lady Fanny's
complaint, as it continued to make Inroads upon her constitution,
became every day more and more dreadful ; yet, in a manner
that was truly surprising, she was enabled to endure her suffer
ings with patience and resignation, and even to express great
pleasure in bearing them. If at any time her Ladyship felt
disposed to murmur on account of her affliction, she endea
voured to realize to her mind that weight of suffering which
the Redeemer for her sake endured which soon caused her, to
forget her own. Of her acquiescence to the divine will in her
trying illness many who visited her coidd bear ample testimony.
The physician who attended her one day observed to Mr. Venn,
that he was quite at a loss to explain how she was enabled to
bear such a severity of suffering as he well knew attended her
complaint, with so- much tranquillity and so httle symptoms of
murmuringand restlessness. " Can you account for it. Sir ?" added

58 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
he. " Sir (said Mr. Venn), that lady happily possesses what you
and I ought daily to pray for— the grace of her Lord Jesus
Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost."
Thus satisfactorily, though somewhat to the surprise of the doc
tor, did the divine explain what the physician was unable to
account for.*
Lady Huntingdon continued at Bath, usefully and actively
employed, till the month of March, when she went to London,
to be present at the opening of her chapel in Westminster.
She visited Weymouth and Trevecca also this year; and in the
month of October went into Sussex.
" With the Lord's leave (says her Ladyship I am to be, October
23rd, at Chichester, for the opening of the chapel shere ; and should
the Lord (whose I am, and whom I only wish to follow) have no clear
call for me, I shall return to Bath in my wa)' to my much-loved col
lege, where I have found so much of that fuel that is kindled onlj' by
tbe true fire from off the altar."
Mr. Wills paid his second visit to Bath this year; and preached
with great acceptance and success in her Ladyship's chapel. It
was at this time he was united to Selina Margaretta Wheeler,
third daughter ofthe Rev. Granville Wheeler and Lady Catherine
Wheeler, of Otterdan-place, in Kent, and niece to Lady Hun
tingdon. Her education was favourable to the cultivation of her
mind and the formation of her habits and manners. Her situation
and connexions in life were such as had a tendency, with the
Divine blessing, to cherish a spirit of piety, and to fix deep im
pressions in favour of the grand and essential principles of the
Gospel. But it does not appear that she made any solemn
surrender of herself to God, till after she came to reside with
the Countess of Huntingdon. Here she had frequent opportu
nities of hearing several eminent ministers of Christ, under whose
powerful and energetic preaching she was led to a saving
acquaintance with divine things. With Lady Huntingdon and
the Ladies Hastings, sisters to Lady Catherine Wheeler, she
-> Horace Walpole, in his letters, mentions the dangerous iUness of Lady Fanny
at this time, and that she was very near her end. He had been very intimate
with her Ladyship, but always ridiculed her sentiments and change • and when
ever he mentioned her, .styled her " Saint Fanny." '
+ One ofthe Miss Wheders married Mr. Medhurst, of Kippax ¦ one of his
grandsonsisthepresent incumbent of Ledstone, in Yorkshire- another Maior
Medhurst, who raarried a Sicilian lady, by whom he has a numerous familv
resides m that country. Another ofthe Miss Wheelers married the Rev Jaraes
Stuart Menteith, of Closeburn Hall, in Scotland. She died in August 1793
aged 57. Her son, the present Charles GranviUe Stuart Menteith was created
a baronet at the coronation of Queen Victoria. His eldest daughter is the nre
sent Countess of Mar. ° . ^ "

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 59
was a great favourite, and for a number of years occasionally re
sided with her Ladyship, who ever acted towards her with ma
ternal kindness and tenderness. It was during her visits to her
sister, Mrs. Medhurst, at Kippax, that she became acquainted
with Mr. Venn, who continued to correspond with her for a
number of years. His letters to these excellent women prove
the cordial esteem and friendship which he entertained for
them.* Much about the sam.e period, also, Mr. Pentycross, who had
just been presented to the living of St. Mary, Wallingford,
through the interest of Mr. Romaine, and had been supplying
her Ladyship's chapel at Chichester for a few weeks, arrived in
Bath for the first time, on a visit to Lady Huntingdon.f
He came in good spirits, for his flock was increasing, and the
work of the Lord prospered. His delight at this discovery, and
his gratitude to God for thus blessing his labours, are best ex
pressed in his own words : —
" Madam, — Ever sinoe my return to Wallingford I bave been fully
occupied in my ministerial labours. Glory be to God ; the Sun of
Righteousness has at length arisen, and shines upon this part of tbe
vineyard. Let unbelief be confounded. If God will work none can
let it. How often has my wicked heart suggested tbat the " Lord's
* Mr. Wills died on the third of April, 1814, at Boskenna, in t/Ornwall, in
the 82d year of his age.
-)- Mr. Pentycross was observed by the Countess frora the beginning of his
course. " Our dear Penty (says Mr. Whitefield) is under the cross at Cam
bridge;" he was persecuted there. " There is something very amiable in dear
Penty (says Mr. Berridge). He cams to my house about three weeks ago, and
brought two pockets full of doubts and scruples relating to the Articles and
Liturgy. I would fain have had the scruples left at Everton, but he took them
aU back with him to college, and seemed determined not to part with thera. I
believe the Lord loves him, and de.=iigns him for great things. Perhaps he may
be intended for a spiritual comet, a field preacher like yourself (Mr. Whitefield) :
this seems to be his great aim and ambition. When he left me he talked of
going to the Welsh College (Trevecca). May the Lord direct him !"
In the first coraraencement of his ministry lie vras patronised by Mr. Romaine,
for ™hom he occasionally officiated with rauch acceptance. In the beginning
of the year 1774 he obtained the " living^'' of St. Mary's, Wallingford. It is rated
in the king's books al t-welve pounds per annum only, and actually at that time
produced but Uttle raore.
Here the Lord opened "an effectual door, though there were raany adversaries"
to encounter, and raany difficulties to surmount : but he was not easily in
timidated in his labours. In the prime of life, in the full possession of his
powers, and with an ardent zeal in his Redeemer's cause, he applied himself
with all fidelity and diligence to the duties of his function.
Lady Huntingdon having been consulted as to his acceptance of the living,
strenuously urged him to take it; and as aproof of hergood wishes and liberality,
sent him five and twenty pounds to commence with, with promises of her faith
ful intentions towards him, and earnest prayers for the success of his ministry.
The benevolent work was imitated, and his living was cousiderably increased
by subscription.

60 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
time was not come," and how has this thought paralyzed my exertions !
But, oh ! with what tenderness, what unparalleled afl'ection bas he re
proved my vile ingratitude and unbelief! The light of divine truth
has begun to dispel tbe awful gloom that hung upon this town and the
surrounding neighbourhood, and many, lately sunk in ignorance and
vice, now press to catch the cheering ray. The dews of heaven have
descended on the seed of life, and it has taken root in many hearts.
Now the wilderness and the solitary place is glad, the desert rejoices
and blossoms as tbe rose, and this hitherto barren spot is converted
into a pleasant field of fertility and joy.
" To your Ladyship I am "bound to yield unceasing thanks. Your
counsels" and your prayers have upheld me, have encouraged me,
have stimulated me with a holy zeal, a, vehement desire to spread the
glories of Immanuel's name. 0 cease not to wrestle with the great
Angel ofthe Covenant, that I may be kept pure from the blood of all
men — that no selfish passions mingle with my zeal, to corrupt the sim
plicity which is in Christ — but tbat I may be stedfast, unmoyeable,
always abounding in the work of the Lord — through every vicissitude
of life conducting myself as a dying, accountable being, anticipating the
awful period when ' tbe silver cord shall be loosed, -^vhen the dust
shall return to the earth as it was, and my spirit to God who gave it.'
" Your Ladyship's mentioning my poor ministrations having proved
acceptable, gives me courage and makes me confident of success.
Greater is he that is for us than all those who shall be against us.
Angels aud glorified spirits above stand ready to aid our every struggle,
and our adorable Master, the great Leader and Comraander, speaks in
loud and firm accents — ' Be tbou faithful unto death, and I will give
thee a crown of life : fear not, for I am with thee ; be not dismayed,
for I am thy God— I will keep thee, I -will strengthen thee ; yea,|I wiU
uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Be not weary
in well-doing, for in due season ye shall reap, if ye faint not.'
" Having enjoyed so many and great blessings whilst under your
Ladyship's roof, it would ill become me not to offer my uuuorthy ser
vices whenever your Ladyship is pleased to comraand them. It will
yield me unspeakable pleasure to be an humble instrument in further
ing the plan you have in view for the promulgation of the glorious
Gospel of tbe ever -blessed God. Your embassy is an embassy of love ;
and should our great Hij';!) Priest smile upon vour endeavours — still
walk humbly with your God, and yield to him the entire glory of the
work. " Into his everlasting arms I surrender your Ladvship, with my
utmost strength of faith and affection. I honour your faith, ^\•hicb re
nounces abundance for poverty, and counts not ease, or even life dear,
so tbat you are the means, of unfurling the banner cf the cross and
sending the glad tidings of salvation to people sunk in darkness, and
covered with the shadow of deatb. May the smiles of Him who dwells
in Zion attend you in all your ways, aud may his grace succeed you in
bringing many sons to glory !
" With many thanks; heartfelt thanks, for your many acts of kind-

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 61
ness, I remain your grateftil and very willing servant in the Gospel of
Christ, "Thomas Pentycross."
His fame as a Methodist extraordinary had now extended
itself in every direction ; and many people from circumjacent
villages, from motives of curiosity or ridicule, were incited to
come and hear this wonderful man for themselves ; and many,
very many, that came to laugli went home to pray. From one
or two villages especially, many families attended regularly, and
sat for some years under his ministry ; and it was found necessary
to erect another gallery, chiefly for their accomodation. To a
goodly number the message of life was brought with power to
their hearts : and now, through Lady Huntingdon's Connexion,
these families and their friends are able to support an Interest
and maintain aminister amono- themselves.*
Mr. Pentycross now became a constant preacher in Lady
Huntingdon's principal chapels, and maintained an intimate
correspondence with her Ladyship to the time of her death.
She was much attached to his preaching, and his services were
highly acceptable and useful among her different congregations ;
and, indeed, wherever he went his talents and zeal, his eloquence
and piety, commanded esteem.
Lady Huntingdon's chapel at Wallingford arose out of a
separation from Mr. Pentycross, which proceeded on doctrinal
grounds. Though success followed his labours almost from his
first sermon, yet, as there are peculiar seasons " of refre.shing
from thepresence ofthe Lord," so Mr. Pentycross found it to
be in the course of his ministrations : — the year 1783 was such
a season. Successively, Sabbath after Sabbath, one or more
were pierced to the heart, convinced of their transgression ¦=, Mnd
led to the Saviour. His work was as delightful as his success
was astonishing. Many in the town or neighbourhood now felt,
and gladly acknowledged, the power of efficacious grace. In
alluding to that auspicious period, he once exclaimed in his
pulpit — " The glorious year of seventeen hundred and eighty-
three will never be forgotten by us through the ages of eternity!"
Elated with his great success, he appears to have Indulged
himself in some of the vain speculations of what is called, but
very improperly, Higk Calvinism, whicli soon ended in vain dis
putes that produced a separation.
Patronized by his excellent friend. Lady Huntingdon, and
* Various and frivolous complaints were made against Mr. Pentycross to his
diocesan, — such as crowding the church, singing of hymns, speaking to the com
municants at the Sacraraent, &c. After repeated admonitions, the bishop
summoned him to give an account of these irregularities ; but owing to the
representations of an eminent clerical friend, the prelate, after a mild expostu
lation, granted him aU the indulgence he wished to have.

62 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
supplied by preachers m her Connexion, the Separatists assem
bled during the first twelve months in a privatehouse, and atthe
expiration of that period removed to another private house, in a
more convenient situation, which they converted into a chapel,
opened in the year 1791, by her Ladpshlp's chaplain, the Rev.
Thomas Wills."^ The chapel, with the whole freehold estateon
which it stood, was purchased by the society, and vested in nine
trustees.* Mr. Pentycross felt reconciled to the separation, judging that
if the light of evangelical truth should forsake the Church at
his death, many of his hearers would go to the Dissenting
meetings.! He himself continued his parochial duties, and be
came a more consistent, experimental, and scriptural preacher
than before his lapse.
After Lady Huntingdon's chapel was opened by Mr. Wills, It
continued to be supphed by the ministers and students In her
Ladyship's connexion till 1793, when the Rev. J. Boddily, for
merly of Walsall, who had received his education at Trevecca,
accepted a call to the pastoral office, which he resigned on the
19th of January, 1795, and soon afterwards went to America,
and settled as minister of Newbury Port. In the church-book
at Wallingford, it is recorded, that the Rev. Joseph Griffiths,
another of her Ladyship's students, was called to the discharge
of the pastoral duties in that church, by a written Instrument,
dated the 19th of June, 1798; and uas publicly ordained on the
26th of November following. This union promised happiness
to the minister and prosperity to the cause of Christ. The fol
lowing year the old chapel, in which the congregation had wor-
* Just before the chapel was opened, a separation from the newly formed
congregation, also under the patronage of Lady Huntingdon, took place, prin
cipaUy under the infiuence of Mr. Lovegrove, an attorney in the town, who had
embraced atitipcedobaptist sentiments'; and having erected a chapel on his own
estate, continued to preach in it till his death, in November, 1812. The sece
ders graduaUy increased, and t«-o respectable congregrations were forraed.
t These presentiments were verified. His successor was the Rev. Edward
Barry, M.D., some lime assistant preacher at Fitzroy and Bethel chapels, and
chaplain to Dr. Jackson, late Bi&hop of Kildare. He was the son of an eminent
apothecary at Bristol, and in early life enjoyed the patronge of Lady Hunting
don, who admitted him to her college at Trevecca, where he received his educa
tion, with a view to become one of her minister.s. But on obtaining orders
frora the Bishop of ?.Ian he left Lady Huntingdon's Connexion, and shortly
after his induction to the living of St. Mary's, at WaUingford, attacked his former
friends in a sermon entitled—" The friendh/ CaU of Truth and Reason to a new
Species of Dissenter.^, preached before the Archdeacon and Clergy of Berks, at the
Visitation at Abingdon. '' Were we in possession of all the particulars whieh led
to such a change in his views, we raight possibly account for the theological
errors, the defective morality, the misrepresentation of the inhabitants of Walling
ford, the iUiberality towards Dissenters, and the antipathy and violence which
are discoveiable in the production of Dr. Barry.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 63
shipped, was taken down, and the'present building erected. Such
was the respect entertained for the character of Mr. Griffiths,
that the civic authorities of the town allowed him the use of the
Borough-hall for public worship during the whole time the new
chapel was building. Mr. Griffiths also carried the Gospel Into
the populous but neglected village of Benson, where he obtained
a place for preaching, which was soon after fitted up in a respect
able way as a chapel, and has ever since been held as a preach
ing station connected with the church at Wallingford.*
The early part of the year 1775 Lady Huntingdon continued
at Bath, busily engaged in making preparations for the opening
of her chapel in Bristol : —
" The hurry I have been in (says her Ladyship) sinoe I came from
Sussex, must excuse me to you. Opening a chapel in Chichester for
the Lord, with the business tbat arises from the amazing increase of
our work, allows me little time to indulge myself even in that of the
more constant intercourse with my friends."
In the course of this year four chapels were opened, viz.,
Bristol, Lewes, Petworth, and Guildford. In the month of
July Mr. Toplady arrived at Bath, and preached for a few
Sundays in her Ladyship's chapel. As a public speaker he
stood eminently distinguished. Never did a man ascend the
pulpit with a more serious air, conscious of the momentous work
that he was engaged in. His discourses were extemporary, de
livered in strains of true unadulterated oratory. He had a
great variety of talents, such as are seldom seen united in one
person : his voice was melodious and affecting ; his manner of
delivery and action were engaging, elegant, and easy, so as to
captivate and fix the attention of every hearer. His explanations
were distinct and clear ; his arguments strong and forcible ; and
his e'ixhortations warm and animating ; his feelings were so in
tensely poignant, as to occasion, in some of his addresses, a flow
* Mr. Griffiths resigned his charge at Wallingford in January, 1801, and the
chapel was supplied by the rainisters in the Conne.xion, till May, 1804, when
Mr. Raban was invited to preach to the people. He was subsequently called
to the pastoral office, and publicly ordained over the congregation in October
following, on which occasion Mr. Griffiths, the late pastor, Mr. Hinton of
Oxford, Mr. FuUer, of Kettering, Mr. Cooke, of Maidenhead, Mr. Douglas, of
Reading, and Mr. Lovegrove, of Wallingford, took part in the services of the
day, V;'hich were afterwards published. Mr. Rahan lesigned on the 20th of
June, 1807 ; and the August foUowing the Rev. George Lee was invited to fill
the vacant pulpit, and continued his ministry with great acceptance, till July,
1812, when he reraoved to the Tabernacle, at Exeter, and not long after died.
While Mr. Lee was at Wallingford, a house was erected for the minister on part
ofthe freehold land which is attached to the chapel. In August, 1812, the
Rev. WiUiara Harris was invited to supply it for a few weeks. The application
was afterwards renewed, and he continued his ministry till October, I8l3, when
he was ordained over them.

64 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
of tears, which, as It were, by a sympathetical attraction, have
drawn forth a reciprocal sensibility in his auditory. Notwith
standing he was possessed of whatever study and application
could impart, or learning, judgment, and genius could combine,
we find him estimating all human attainments as of little con
sequence In divine things, without the effectual agency of the
Holy Spirit.
It was the infelicity of Mr. Toplady to have a capacious
soaring mind Inclo.-ed in a very weak and languid body; yet,
this by no means retarded his intense application to study, which
was often prolonged until two or three o'clock In the morning.
This, and the cold moist air that generally prevails in Devon,
which is extremely pernicious to weak lungs, it is more than
probable laid tlie foundation of a consumption which terminated
in his death. He endeavoured to exchange his living for another
of equivalent value, in some of the midland counties, but could
not obtain it. As his strength and health were greatly Impaired,
he was advised by the faculty to remove to London, which he
accordingly did in the year l??."}; and, notwithstanding his de
bilitated frame, continued to preach a number of .sermons in the
churches for the benefit of public charitable Institutions. Having
no settled situation in the metropolis, he occasionally assisted
Mr. Romaine and Mr. Madan at the Lock ; and also frequently
preached for Lady Huntingdon at Westminster chapel. It was
during this Interval that he likewise made excursions to Wales,
Br'ghton, and other places, to preach for her Ladyship. But
many of his friends being desirous of receiving the advantages
of his ministiy, by their pres-ing solicitation, and from a desire
to be useful wherever Divine Providence might lead him, he en
gaged the chapel belonging to the French Calvinistic Reformed
Church, in Orange-street, where he preached twice in the
week while his health pei-mltted. Here he had the occasional
assistance of many of his brethren, particularly Mr. Madan, Mr.
Shirley, Mr. Venn, and Mr. Hill, men of a like spirit with him
self, who laboured with singular blessing and success, and many
were witnesses ofthe power with which they spake, being turned
from darkness unto light, from the power of Satan unto God.
" Mr. Shirley (says he) preached afew evenings since at Orange-
street chapel, on Rom. viii. 15, 16. The Lord was eminently
with him, and it was a season of peculiar refreshment from
above." Lady Huntingdon was much indisposed at this time, never
theless she removed to Bristol eariy in the month of August,
accompanied by Lady Anne Erskine, Miss Orton, and Mr.
Toplady. Dr. Peckwell and Mr. Glaseott soon after arrived in

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 65
Bristol, to be present at the dedication of her Ladyship's chapel ;
and Mr. Toplady took his departure for Brighton, to supply
the congregation, who at that time were destitute of a minister.
On the 22nd of September he wrote to her Ladyship from
thence :—
" Madam, — Best thanks to your Ladyship for the honour of your
much esteemed letter from Bristol, of the Sth instant. You were so
ill when I left you there, that the receipt of a letter which carries in it
the evident traits of your recovery, was peculiarly welcome, and fur
nished me with additional matter of thanksgiving to that God who, in
mercy to his Church, has been graciously pleased to protract a life so
transcendently useful and valuable. It would be far better for your
Ladyship to he dissolved, and be with Christ ; but it is more needful
for his people below that you reniain in the body. On their account,
may it be very long ere you exchange your coronet for a crown.
" It would have given me much joy to have been present on a late
happy occasion at Bristol ; our friends Mr. and Mrs.  , when
they had the honour of waiting on your Ladyship there, presented my
message, I suppose, and assigned the reason; I bless the Father of
mercies, that the power 'of the Spirit was experienced, and that he
continues to speed your Gospel plough.
" I have been at this place a week to-day ; and mean, if the Lord
please, to overstay the first Sunday in October. Here is considerable
gathering to the standard of the cross. I have found much union with
them, and the unction of the Holy One has given me much comfort
and enlargement among them hitherto in our public approaches to God.
By a letter from dear Mr. Pentycross, who is now at Chichester, I find,
that a new chapel at Petworth, and another at Guildford, are to be
opened the first of October. May they receive that true consecration
which arises from the presence and power of the great Shepherd and
Bishop of souls. I trust God will enable me and the people here, who
arc one of the most clearly enlightened, most judicious, most harmoni
ously united, and most lively congregations 1 ever was with, to pour
out our souls in prayer on that day, for a blessing on your Ladyship's
labours of love in general, and on those two encampments in particular.
" I am infoi-med tbat Lady Manners' zeal for God has been consi
derably blessed to many of her neighbours at or near Ealing. She has
frequently preaching in her own house ; and it seems there is good
hope that Lord Robert* himself begins to have the hearing ear and the
feeling heart.
" Has your Ladyship .seen the corrected copy of dear Mr. Romaine's
* Lord Eobert Manners was the third son of John, second Duke of Rutland,
by his second raarriage with Lady Lucy Sherrard, sister of Lord Harborough.
He sat in several ParUaments for Kingston-upon-HuU, of which town and
citadel he was Lieutenant-Governor. He was Colonel of the third regiment of
Dragoons ; and advanced to the rank of General in 1772. His Lordship mai
ried IMiss Digges, of Roehampton, in Surrey, and died May 31st, 1782, at his
house in Grosvernor-square. They had three sons (one of whom was several
times raember for the town of Cambridge), and two daughters. In the me
moirs of the Rev. Richard Morris, late pastor of the Baptist Church, Amer-
VOL. II.  F

66 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
Treatise on Psalmody ? If you have you must have perceived that
the very exceptionable passages, which laid that great and good man
open to much just reprehension, are happily expunged. I asked him
for a copy soon after my arrival in London ; he answered, that in its
present state, he did not acknowledge it for bis ; but I should have
one as soon as published. He was as good as hi.? word, and shortly
after gave me his book. I examined it very carefully; and find that
the faulty pages have been cancelled. We now no longer read of
Watts's Hymns being Watts's Whims, nor of the Holy Spirit's being
present where the Psalms are sung. I am glad that my valuable friend
was under the necessity of striking out these and such violent and un
guarded positions. I never met with so much as one spiritual person
who did not censure them most severely ; but as he has been so hurable
and just to truth as to displace them from his Essay, I hope he will
meet with no further slight and mortification on their account.
" God go with your Ladyship into Cornwall, and shine on all your
efforts for the glory of his name, and for the transfusion of his salva
tion into the hearts of sinners. Open your trenches 'and ply the Gos
pel artillery ; and may it prove mighty, through God, to tho demoli
tion of every thought, every error, and every work which exalts itself
against the knowledge, the love, and the obedience of Christ. Your
affectionate servant in Him, " A. M. Toplady."
Mr. Romaine, in his Essay on Psalmody, gave considerable
offence by a slighting mention of Dr. Watts. His friend. Lady
Huntingdon, and others, expostulated with him, and it was
altered. He was not favoured with a musical ear, and therefore
appeared contented with the scream of charity boys, led by a
parish clerk, whose inharmonious notes often grated the ears of
his congregation. Hymns he would not introduce, but made a
selection of psalms. The pulpit at Blackfriars sung a thousand
times sweeter than the choir ; yet he had a taste for the poetry
and music of the hymns sung in Lady Huntingdon's and the
Tabernacle Connexion. Mr. Wills, in his funeral sermon, said
of him : — ¦
" How haye I seen his cheeks glow and his eyes sparkle, when I
have heard him repeat in the midst of a sermon, from his pulpit, these
sweet words of one of our hymns, which was, as well it might be, a
gi-eat favourite with him :
" ' Jesus, thy blood and righteousness,
My beauty are, my glorious dress ;
Midst flaming worlds in these array'd.
With joy shaU I lift up my head.
sham, Bucks, there is much interesting information relative to Lord and Lady
Manners ; and a letter from her Ladyship, which places her piety and excel
lence m a pleasing point of view. She was eminently distinguished for her
zeal in the cause of God her Saviour ; and, influenced by her, his Lordship
was ready to promote the happmess of society, and the best interests of his
feUoWi-men.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 67
When from the dust of earth I rise.
To claim my mansion in the skies.
E'en then shall this be all my plea, —
Jesus hath liv'd and died for me.'"
The enthronement of Sternhold and Hopkins, or Tate and
Brady, in our churches, to the exclusion of more edifying com
positions, is to be accounted for only by the prevailing fear of
innovation, -as they are pleased to term it who cry, " The
Church, gind Sternhold and Hopkins for ever !" So far has pre
judice on this point prevailed, that more than one clergyman
has been threatened with expulsion for singing a single hymn in
their churches. Of late years there has been a great improve
ment in this matter : and that beautiful hymn of Mr. Perronet' s —
" All hail the power of Jesu's name," &c.
has been heard beneath the gothic roof of many an edifice.
Perplexed and distressed by the vexatious conduct of the
Presbytery of Edinburgh relative to her chapel. Lady Glenorchy
not merely resolved to leave, but actually took measures for leav
ing Scotland for ever, and arrived at Hawkestone, the seat of Sir
Rowland Hill, in the month of October, 1776. From thence,
accompanied by her friend, Miss Hill, she proceeded to Bath,
where she saw, for the first time, an eminent popular preacher,
who promised to meet her at Exeter, and act as her chaplain-
wherever she fixed her abode. Lady Huntingdon was In
Wales at this time, and Mr. Toplady was supplying the chapel
at Bath. Through the kindness of Miss Hill he "was Introduced
to Lady Glenorchy, whose society he enjoyed during her short
stay. Her Ladyship's manners were polite, elegant, and digni
fied; her person was to the last agreeable, and In her youth must
have been handsome. She was naturally endowed with talents
far above medioceity ; and these were highly cultivated and im
proved, and brought to bear with full effect on her whole con
duct in life. But when she became a recipient of the grace of
God, they were rendered subservient to the interests of religion.
Her imagination was lively, and her spirits constitutionally gay,
on which, perhaps, she laid too severe restraints ; and she had
a vein of ready wit and pleasantry which gave a delightful air of
ease and frankness to her conversation. Her piety was un
affected and deep : her views of divine truth clear and distinct ;
and her attachment to the peculiar doctrines of the Gospel de
cided, firm, and not to be shaken ; her desire to be the instru
ment of doing good in the world, led her to devote the whole
of her life to plans of beneficence, and her whole fortune to
their execution ; the institutions, which remain to this day, shew
that her views of usefulness had been by her extended be-
f2

68 THE LlFi; AND TIMES OF
yond her abode upon earth. But what, perhaps, forms the most
striking feature in her character, is the proof she has given of
the efficacy of true religion to resist the mighty snares and
temptations of high rank, great fortune, and powerful worldly
influence and friends ; no one of these, nor all of them com
bined, although employed with all their subtlety and all their
powers, ever shook her fidelity to God and religion ; and| it is a
proof to those In high life what may be done for the cause of
Christ, if there be integrity, In the midst of the most unfavour
able circumstances, for such, for one half of her religious life,
were those of Lady Glenorchy.
Lord Breadalbane's first wife was Lady Amabella de Grej',
daughter and co-heiress of Henry Duke of Kent. The issue of
this marriage was Henry, who died a few weeks after his mother,
at Copenhagen, where Lord Breadalbane was then in the capa
city of ambassador from the British Court, and Lady Jemima
de Grey, who, upon the death of her brother, succeeded him
under the title of Baroness Lucas, of Crudwell, and Mar
chioness de Grey. The Marchioness was sister-in-law to Lady
Glenorchy, and had married Philip Yorke, second Earl of Hard
wicke. With these relations Lady Glenorchy always lived on
the very best terms ; they were at this period in Bath with
their daughters, Amabel, created Countess de Grey, and Lady
Mary Jemima, afterwards Lady Grantham. Being invited by
Lady Glenorchj', they accompanied her to Lady Huntingdon's
chapel to hear Mr. Toplady, with whose preaching they were
so much pleased, that they became constant attendants on his
ministry during the remainder of his stay at Bath. When speak
ing of Lady Glenorchy, In one of his letters to Lady Hunting
don, Mr. Toplady says : —
" Through the kindness of our excellent friend. Miss Hill, I had the
pleasure of an introduction to Lady Glenorchy, of whose piety, good
sense, refined manners, and general information, I have a very high
opinion. We spoke much of your Ladyship, and she expressed her
deepest obligations for the spiritual advantages she enjoyed from her
intimate acquaintance with you. ^She will be a brilliant star in your
crown, and eclipse many of those who shall be your joy and crow"n of
rejoicing in the last great day. Her Ladyship's relations. Lord Hard
wicke and the Marchioness de Grey, have been to the chapel several
times, and have expressed themselves pleased with what they saw and
heard. His Lordship is a literary man, and we had some agreeable
conversation,^ havmg spent an evening in company with him at Lady
Glenorchy's." After paying a visit to Mrs. Tredwav, the Lady of Clement
Tredway, Esq., many years Member of Pariiament for Wells,
Lady Glenorchy and her fellow traveller, Miss Hill, proceeded

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 69
to Exeter, where she met with Mr. Holmes, a gentlernan of a
congenial spirit to her own, and to whom she had a letter of in
troduction from his intimate friend, Mr. Toplady. Mr. Holmes
had been, in his youth, a merchant trading to Lisbon, and early
in life had acquired an ample fortune. He had now, however,
retired from business, and was the kind and generous friend of
every good man who happened to be brought within the sphere
of his notice, and the munificent patron of every work of piety
and charity. His house was made by him and his excellent
lady the welcorae home of every approved minister of the Gos
pel who passed through their city, where they found every thing
that could delight a well-informed and well-disposed mind.
It was at the residence of Mr. Holmes that Lady Glenorchy
met, for the first time, the Rev. Thomas Snell Jones, one of
Lady Huntingdon's students, who had been sent by her to Ply
mouth, where he had been residing for two years and a half as
assistant to the Rev. Andrew Kinsman, at the Tabernacle. A
few years after, this gentleman became minister to her Ladyship's
chapel in Edinburgh. From Exeter Lady Glenorchy and Miss
Hill went to Exmouth, on account of the warmth of the climate
and the salubrity of the air ; and having a preacher with her
who was distingui.shed for his popularity and zeal, a congregation
was collected. She soon after procured a house, which she had
fitted up as a chapel, in which a congregation of some hundreds
was speedily gathered : this place has been eminently useful,
and continues to be so to the present time. It was occasionally
supplied by the ministers in I.,ady Huntingdon's Connexion ;
Mr. Wills preached there in 1781, and was remarkably well
received. In the summer of 1777 Mr. Venn made another journey to
Bath to supply the chapel of the Countess. Being in London
early in June, he preached for Mr. Toplady, at Orange-street
chapel, as he usually did whenever he visited the metropolis.
His health had declined so rapidly, and his disorder had in
creased to such an alarming degree, that the possibility of his
recovery, without a miracle, was now universally doubted : —
" Since I have heen laid hy (says he) many of God's ministers have
made me greatly their debtors by preaching to my dear people at
Orange-street. Among these, I am under very particular obligations
to our beloved Mr. Shirley, who has, on several memorable occasions,
been enabled to dispense the word with power and with the Holy
Ghost sent down from heaven. Mr. Venn has also preached for me ;
&nd God was with him of a truth : he is a first-rate messenger of
Ghristi It rejoiges my hfeart to hear that he is goitig to devote soma

70 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
months to those precious hills in Zion which God has made your
Ladyship the instrument of raising."
Mr. Toplady's letter Is dated June 11, 1777 ; and we find Mr.
Venn writing to his son'* on the 18th of the sarne month, from
Bath, where he had arrived, with Mrs. Venn, a few days pre
vious : —
" My prayer (says he) before wo set out, and every day is, that we
may receive good to our souls ; and already I have received an answer.
In these parts I see great monuments of the rich and tender love of
our ever-blessed Saviour. Captain Scott and his lady, who set out in
the way of glory long, long after me, how have they got beyond me !
He said to me the other day, ' It was worth while for us to come to
Bristol, if it had been only to suffer as we have done, under the kind
hand of our Lord : for now we can tell of his faithfulness and consola
tions, whicli we related before upon heresay.' His beloved wife was
two months at the point of death ; and he has been cut for a cancer,
the disease which killed his father. Dear Mr. Fletcher, who is sink
ing under a painful disease, accosted me thus : — ' I love His rod ! How
gentle are tbe stripes I feel ! how heavy those I deserve f A third
witness, a lady, who by excruciating pain has lost one eye, yet still
continues in her affliction, told me that she found, at the foot of the
cross, patience and victory over all ; though she suffered more than she
was able to express. Everlasting praise be given unto the Lord of all
Lords for such invaluable supports ! Here are the faith and patience of
the saints ! here the power of Christ ! What an office are you train
ing for, my dear son ! to pubhsh that Saviour whose love can thus make
bitter sweet, and give songs to our poor afflicted fellow-creatures in the
dark night of severest sufferings.
'"01 for His love, let roeks and hills
Their lasting silence break ;
And all harmonious human tongues
The Saviour's praises speak !"'
Mr. Fletcher's health has been declining much for some time,
as appears by sundry passages in his letters to his friends. Some
time before this he says to Mr. Ireland, " Oh, how life goes ! I
walked, now I gallop into eternity! The bowl of life goes
rapidly down the steep hill of time. Let us be wise; embrace
we Jesus and the resurrection. Let us trim our lamps, and con
tinue to give ourselves to him that bought us, till we can do it
without reserve." The frequent journeys which he took to and
from Trevecca, while he presided over Lady Huntingdon's Col
lege, In all weathers and in all seasons of the year, greatly im
paired the firmness of his constitution. A violent cough, accom
panied by spitting of blood, determined him to remove to
Bristol to try the hot-well water. It would seem, however, that
? Ttie late Ppv. John Venn, of Claphsro,

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 71
he reaped little or no benefit from it, and on his return to
Madley, his disorder increasing rather than abating, Mr. Ireland
by the advice of a physician, wisely recommended his going, as
soon as convenient, to the south of Prance and Switzerland, as
the most likely means to restore hini. Mr. Fletcher, however,
would not then consent to go ; and some time after removed to
Stoke Newington, where he had the advice of the most emi
nent physicians that London could afford. But all proved inef
fectual to restore him, and Sir John Elliot, his principal rnedical
attendant, advised that he should again have recourse to the
Bristol waters. Accordingly, Mr. and Mrs. Ireland took him to
their house at Brislington, near Bristol, for that purpose, and he
was there a few weeks at the period that Mr. Venn arrived iu
Bath. Mr. Venn remained some weeks in Bath, and his ministry
was attended by great crowds : — ¦
" Dear Mr. Venn (sayS Lady Huntingdon) has been labouring most
successfully at Bath, to overflowing congregations. Captain Scott and
Mr. Fletcher have been there, and heard him preach in the chapel.
The latter is far gone in a consumptive disorder, but is alive to God,
and ripening fast for glory. We have exchanged several letters lately.
As a last resource, he is to accompany Mr. Ireland to the south of
France. May the grace, mercy, and love of our great Intercessor accom
pany them, and abide with them wherever they go."
From Bath Mr. Venn removed to Brislington, on a visit to
his excellent friends, Mr. and Mrs. Ireland. Whilst there he
had many opportunities of examining the character and dispo
sition of the apostolic vicar of Madley. The testimony of Mr,
Venn is the more valuable, as there were several points of doc
trine in which he differed from Mr. Fletcher ; and he felt him
self a good deal interested in the support of several of those
tenets which Mr. Fletcher publicly opposed. But difference of
opinion on points respecting which good men probably never
will be all agreed on earth, could not close the eyes of the great
and good Mr. Venn against the extraordinary excellencies of
Mr. Fletcher, and therefore he spake of him with all the rap
ture and affection which pre-eminent graces will always excite
in the breast of a true Christian. Making mention of Mr.
Fletcher to a brother clergyman, he exclaimed —
" Sir, he was a luminary-^a luminary did I say ? — he Was a sun !
I have knowu all the great men for these fifty years, but I have known
none like him. I was intimately acqustinted with him, and was under
the same roof with him once for six weeks, during which time I never
heard him say a single word which was not proper to be spoken, and
which had not a tendency to miniatei- grace to theheareys, Qne tirae,

72 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
meeting him when he was very ill of a hectic fever, -which he had
brought upon himself by his intense labours in the ministry, I said,
' I am sorry to find you so iU.' Mr. Fletcher answered with the
greatest sweetness, — ' Sorry Sir, why are you sorry ? It is the chas
tisement of my heavenly Father, and I rejoice in it. I love the rod of
my God, and rejoice therein as an expression of his love and affection
towards me.' "
Mr. Venn, being asked whether Fletcher might not have
been imprudent in carrying his labours to such an excess, an
swered, "His heart was in them, and he was carried on with an
impetus which could not be resisted. He did not look on the
work of the ministry as a mere duty, but it was his pleasure and
delight. Tell a votary of pleasure that his course of life will
impair his health and property, and finally ruin him ; he will
reply that he knows all this, but he must go on ; for life would
not be tolerable without his pleasures !" Such was the ardour
of Mr. Fletcher in the ministry of the Gospel — he could not
be happy but when employed in his great work.
An observation having escaped a gentleman in company with
Mr. Venn which seemed to bear hard upon a particular body
of Christians, he gave a solemn caution against evil-speaking in
these words-: — " Never did I hear Mr. Fletcher speak ill of any
manche would pray for those that walked disorderly, but he
would not publish their faults."
On the 10th of May, 1780, Lady Glenorchy wrote to her
friend. Miss Hill, informing her that Lord Hopetoun had given
his daughter. Lady Henrietta Hope, permission to accompany
her to England, without restricting them either to time or the
places which they might visit, and that she intended to be at
Hawkestone in her way home. Accordingly, on the 17th of
May, these two friends left Edinburgh for London ; on the 27th
they reached that city, just at the moment when the opposition
against Spafields Chapel was at its height. Lady Huntingdon
was then in London, and received Lady Glenorchy and Lady
Henrietta Hope with the utmost cordiality and friendship.
Not long after her arrival Lady Glenorchy was taken alarm
ingly ill, and the most eminent physician of the day pro
nounced her complaint to be a gout in the head and stomach.
From this she was never afterwards completely free. By the
28th of June she was so far recovered as to be able to leave
town and set out for Exmouth. There she found the chapel
which she had formeriy fitted up, and in the welfare of which
she was so much interested, in a very prosperous condition. At
her request the chapel was then supplied by the ministers and
students m Lady Hurttingdon's Connexioni After paying fl

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 73
visit to her friends, Mr. and Mrs. Holmes, at their country re
sidence near Exeter, she repaired to Bath, where her stay was
short, and proceeding to Hawkestone, returned by Buxton to
Scotland in the month of August.
Having promised Lady Huntingdon to return to Bath for the
winter, hoping the change might be beneficial to her health,
Lady Glenorchy again left Scotland on the 23rd of November,
and amved there on the 9th of December, about ten days before
Lady Huntingdon came thither. A few months previous some
serious persons belonging to her Ladyship's chapel, not approving
of the forms of the Established Church, had formed themselves
into a body for public worship, according to the Dissenting
mode ; but in consequence of the fewness of their number and
the opposition they encountered, they with difficulty maintained
the cause for four years, when Thomas Welsh, Esq., of London,
and some other Independents, exerted themselves in their
favour, and engaged to look out for a suitable pastor for them.
On Lady Glenorchy's arrival in Bath it was her intention to
unite with this newly formed church, being herself a Presbyte
rian, but the place of meeting was then shut up, and she joined
in worship in Lady Huntingdon's chapel, and received much
edification : —
" On arriving at Bath (says her Ladyship) I was much disappointed
at finding the Dissenting meeting-house shut up, as there was no other
place of worship that I could attend with satisfaction but Lady Hun
tingdon's chapel, and I was not clear about uniting with them in the
Lord's Supper. I went there on Christmas-day, with the disposition
to come away at the beginning of the communion service. When tbe
clergyman, however, gave the invitation to all who were sincerely and
devoutly disposed to come and partake of the ordinance, 1 asked my
self, if I durst refuse ? Here was a company of devout worshippers
assembled to show forth the Lord's death — the Lord's presence, ac
cording to his promise, was to he expected. Why, being invited, should
I decline to join them ? Was I more holy than they ? By no means :
perhaps the most unworthy there. Was it the form ? This was not
a sufficient reason to neglect the Lord's command, and especially as I
had no opportunity of obeying it elsewhere ; and, moreover, the Lord
looks upon the heart, and not the attitude of the body. I thought my
self a behever ; I was desired as such to unite. The question was,
durst I refuse ? I found I could not. I therefore staid and partook
of the ordinance with more than usual comfort. My heart was dis
solved with love and joy in believing the great and glorious tbings held
forth ; it was broken under a sense of sin, and the grace of a pardon -
ing God. My affections were drawn forth in an unusual manner at
the table, insomuch that it was with difficulty I refrained from crying
aloud. My faith was strengthened ; I was enabled to receive a whole
Christ to save me from the guiU and power bf sin, and td sanctify and

74 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
glorify my soul. I came home rejoicing, and my heart more enlarged
towards his people of all denominations; and confirmed in the opinion,
that a Catholic spirit is acceptable to God."
On the first day of the year she again joined in celebrating
the Lord's Supper at Lady Huntingdon's chapel, and experienced
much comfort from the exhortation to the communicants, espe
cially from what Mr. Pentycross said upon the sanctification of
the heart: —
" I was conscious (says Lady Glenorchy) that I desired to put off
the body of sin, and longed to be holy as God is holy. I went in the
evening and heard Mr. Taylor, from Psalm cvi. 4, ' Eemember me, 0
Lord, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people : 0 visit me
with thy salvation.' It was a profitable discourse : may the Lord
enable me to follow the exhortations given in it."
Just at this period an event took place which added much to
the comfort of Lady Glenorchy's after life. On the death of
the Earl of Hopetoun, in the beginning of this year, his nume
rous family, as is usual on such occasions, were dispersed. His
eldest daughter, Lady Henrietta, soon after went to London, to
which place Lady Glenorchy, who was then at Bath, hastened
to meet her. From this time Lady Henrietta constantly took
up her abode with Lady Glenorchy, and commonly accompanied
her wherever she went. They were of one heart, and of one
mind iri all things, and united in promoting every work of faith,
and labour of love. To Lady Glenorchy she was a most valu
able acquisition. With a happy temper and high accomplish
ments, she was distinguished for sagacity and prudence, talents
which she inherited from her father. Perhaps the sympathies of
these two friends were excited and strengthened by their ex
tremely delicate state of health.
Lady Huntingdon's stay in London was short, for she returned .
to Bristol, and from thence to Bath, In the month of March. Not
long after this. Lady Huntingdon left Bath, and Lord and^Lady
Dartmouth arrived there. Lady Glenorchy's mind was much dis
composed by various occurrences which had of late perplexed her;
she was likewise seized with avery violent illness, which detained
her six weeks longer than she originally Intended to have remained
in Bath. Under these circumstances she received a letter from
Lady Huntingdon, which was much blessed as the means of de
livering her soul from spiritual disease, and quickening hef views
of invisible and eternal things. Her Ladyship's reply to Lady
Huntingdon developes the state of her feelings at this time :—
« My dear Madam,— I am unwilling to give you the trouble bf read
ing many unprofitable letters from me; yet as Miss Godde has offered

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 75
to he the bearer of one, I take this opportunity of returning my most
grateful thanks for your Ladyship's kind and instructive letter, which I
hope the Lord has already blessed to my poor murmuring soul, hy com
forting me under my present state of ignorance of His will concerning
me, and showing me that I must, like a little child, submit to be taught
many things I do not now understand the meaning of, and wait*his
time for unfolding those things that appear to me mysterious. I now
find that it is indeed very difficult to stand still and see the salvation of
God. I wish to be running to do a thousand things in my own spirit,
and need to be often taught that the Lord has pre-ordained the works
he would have me walk in.
'' Miss Godde will inform you of all that has happened here since
you left us. Lord and Lady Dartmouth have heen near a week in
Bath, and go away to-morrow. They were much pleased with Mr.
Sheppard yesterday, who preached very well in the morning, and like
wise in the afternoon. I propose going next week to Staffordshire,
where I hope, through Miss Hill's means, to see Captaiu Scott and
perhaps Mr. Fletcher. It appears to me very clear that the Lord has
brought me here, and kept me here, to get acquainted with his own
people, and to teach me many things from seeing them, and living
among them, that I never could so well have learned in my retirement.
I cannot help mentioning to your Ladyship how much I think of your
clerk, Mr. Wills. He is indeed a faithful creature, and has been very
kind to me in speaking sweetly for half an hour two days ago, when he
was here about business. I happened to be very low when he came,
and it seemed as if the Lord had sent him on purpose to help and com
fort me. He has kept several meetings which I have foimd particu
larly sweet and useful.
" I wiU not now detain your Ladyship any longer than by repeating
what I at all times feel, that I am, my very dear and honoured Madam,
your much obhged and most affectionate servant, " W. Glenobchy."
The congregation assembling in Argyle Chapel, Bath, origi
nated, as already stated, in the cessation of a few pious indivi
duals who formed themselves into a church on Independent
principles. The first person to whom application was made to
preside over this infant church was the Rev. Thomas Tuppen,
who had been a preacher in Mr. Whitefield's Connexion, and
afterwards minister of the Tabernacle at Portsea. He arrived
in Bath in 1785, when the interest rapidly increased: from
about twenty-five persons, who at first attended him, the number
rose in a few years to seven or eight hundred. The place in
which they worshipped being now too small for the congregation,
a newchapel was begun in 1789: and opened October 4, 1790;
but Mr. Tuppen's health was then so much reduced, that he
was never able to preach a single sermon there ; he could only
attend the services of the day, which were performed by the

76 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
Rev. William Jay, who has been the minister of the place ever
since. During the few years that Mr. Tuppen exercised his ministry
at Bath, his manner of preaching was very striking: he was
often heard to say, " If the attention be gained, half the busi
ness is done." It was never his wish to empty other places
where the Gospel was preached, in order to fill his own; for,
after observing the largeness of his own audience, he would often
enquire whether the other places were full. When he was
answered in the affirmative, he seemed to be much pleased ; and
would say, " Well, we may now hope something is doing!"
After a lingering illness, which he supported with great resig
nation and patience, he entered into his rest on the 22nd of
February, 1791, aged forty-eight.
Her Ladyship's chapel at this period was principally supplied
by Mr. Wills, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Glaseott, Mr. Pentycross, Mr.
Piercy, Dr. Sheppard, and Mr. Bradford. This latter gentle
man was of Wadham College, Oxford, and curate of Frelsham,
in Berkshire. Soon after he began to preach the Gospel, he
was invited to Bath by Lady Huntingdon, where he attempted,
for the first time, to preach without notes : —
" On my return (says he) from Bath, I found the Church shut
against me, and a letter from Lady Huntingdon, from whom I after
wards received many favours, and more spiritual edification than from
all the books I ever read, or from all the preaching or conversation I
ever heard."
Lady Huntingdon spent a considerable portion of the year
1782 at Bath. Dr. Edward Sheppard was then a resident
there, and a*frequent preacher at the chapel for many years.
In September and October of this year Mr. Wills and Mr. Pen
tycross laboured alternately with great utility to the cause of
God ; for their services were not hasty productions, but filled
with solid good sense and well-digested sentiment, expressed in
a style pleasing to the man of science, yet perfectly intelligible
to the more illiterate, and were well calculated to inform the
ignorant, to alarm the careless and secure, to comfort and edify
the saint, and to make the sinner in Zion tremble : 
" Dear Mr. Wills and Mr. Pentycross (says her Ladyship) have left
a mighty blessing behind them, in the many awakened and truly con
verted souls, the fruits of their honest labours among us. Blessed be
God for such faithful men ; 0 that He would send forth many, very
many -more such labourers into this plenteous harvest I"
And to Mr. Wills, not long after his departure from Bath,
she says : —
*' It must comfort you and my dearest niece, that you left a hlessirig

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 77
behind you. Much rejoicing abides still with us, and dear Mr. Penty
cross keeps exceedingly alive in his own soul, and comforts the many,
and causes fear to rest on the multitudes."
Mrs. Pentycross was one of the first fruits of Mr. Pentycross's
ministry at Wallingford. In domestic life she was truly affec
tionate and pious, happily blending much good humour with un
affected seriousness. Lady Huntingdon was always partial to
her, and when she was in Bath, for the benefit of her health,
sent her a silver tea-pot, as a small token of her affectionate re
membrance. The following note accompanied the present : —
" Lady Huntingdon's kindest wishes ever attend Mrs. Pentycross —
was glad to find she was so well as to be able to arrive at her lodgings
last night, though she fears she will feel the great difference in having
left the hospitable roof of her kind friend, Mr. Perry. A small token
from Lady Huntingdon she hopes Mrs. Pentycross will accept, to put
her in mind how kindly she took her every remembrance of her when
' absence so justly might bave left her so very excusable of every atten
tion that could be due to her. Lady Huntingdon hopes Mrs. Penty
cross will not suffer by the change of lodging ; and as the air may be
better, hopes they may both feel the best effects from it.
" Bath, Feb. 11, 1784."
From this period nothing remarkable occurred in the history
of her Ladyship's chapel at Bath. For several successive years
it continued to be supplied by Messrs. Shirley, Townsend, Glas
eott, Wills, Taylor, Piercy, Pentycross, Rowland, Maxfield,
Jesse, Jones, and Charles; Drs. Haweis, Sheppard, and Peck
well. For this highly favoured city to be the appointed scene
of their exemplary labours, was a truly happy circumstance.
Their names will long continue to be had in honour; and
from thence many a goodly jewel will be collected to form their
crowns of rejoicing in the great day when the chief Shepherd
shall appear. Multitudes thronged to hear them ; and it was
truly delightful to behold the powerful, the resistless effects of
the Gospel-words amongst those, who, before that time, had
seldom or never heard it proclaimed in its purity. Many de
spisers were overawed and confounded — many formal professors
were touched with the power of true religion — and many care
less lovers of pleasure were impressed with a solemn sense of
eternal things.

78 The life and times Of

CHAPTER XXXI.
History of the College at Trevecca— Mr. Fletcher appointed President— Let
ters frora Mr. Fletcher— Mr. Glazebrook the first Student—Mr. Easterbrook
—Account of Mr. Glazebrook— Letters from Lady Huntingdon to Mr.
Glazebrook and Dr. Kirkland— Lady Moira— Letters from Mr. Berridge—
Interesting circumstances—Mr. John Jones— First Anniversary of the Col
lege  Letter from Lady Huntingdon.
On the character of its Ministers the prosperity of the Church
will at all times greatly depend. That they should be men of
talents and piety, which, in the language of the Holy Scriptures,
are named gifts and graces. Is devoutly to be desired. As to the
measure of talents requisite, they should not fa/1 below medio
crity — the higher they rise above It the greater benefit will accrue
to the Church. Piety is stiUmore needful : what the Scriptures
express by " being born again of the Spirit, believing in Christ,
repenting of sin, being sanctified wholly in spirit, in soul, and
body, and living to the Lord," forms an essential part of the
character of the man who aspires to the office of a Christian
Minister. Education succeeds to prepare them for this peculiar
service. Could a greater blessing be wished for the human race,
than that it might be regarded as an universal maxim, " that no
one should receive an education for the pastoral office who had
not first been made a partaker of a divine nature, and known
the grace of God in truth."
When by the preaching of the Apostles and Evangelists, and
the Ministers whom they ordained, the Gospel was planted among
the nations, all the extraordinary aids for the propagation of it
ceased, and every thing was left to the operation of ordinary
means, under the divine blessing, as the standing method
appointed by the Head of the Church for the advancement of
his kingdom in every succeeding age. There is no way of at
taining knowledge of any kind, but by the method common to
all ; and an acquaintance with religion, as well as with science,
must be acquired by the vigorous application of the mind to the
study of divine truth. A blessing from God on such endeavours
is to be expected, and shovdd be implored ; but he is guilty of
a most dangerous error, who conceives that it will In any degree
supersede the necessity of ordinary means.
These remarks are applicable to the Seminary founded by
the Countess of Huntingdon for the instruction of candidates

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 79
for the Christian ministry. For the supply of her chapels, her
Ladyship hitherto confined herself, with but few exceptions, to
the Ministers of the Established Church, as her preachers, most
of whom accepted her invitation and laboured in the places
which she had opened. But her zeal enlarging with her success,
and a great variety of persons throughout the kingdom begging
her assistance, in London and many of the most populous cities,
she purchased, built, or hired chapels for the performance of
divine service. As these multiplied, through England, Ireland,
and Wales, the Ministers who had before laboured for her
Ladyship were unequal to the task, and some unwilling to move
in a sphere so extensive, and which began to be branded as
irregular, and to meet great opposition ; yet many persevered
in their services when summoned to the work, and were content
to bear the cross.
The winter of 1767 Lady Huntingdon spent chiefly at Bath,
from whence she wrote frequently to Mr. Fletcher and others
relative to the College at Trevecca, and was very active in form
ing arrangements for the execution of her plan. She proposed
to admit only such as were truly converted to God, and resolved
to dedicate themselves to his service. They were at liberty to
stay there three years, during which time they were to have
their education gratis, with every necessary of life, and a suit of
clothes once a year; afterwards, those who desired it might enter
into the ministry, either in the Established Church of England
or among Protestants of any other denomination.
Before her Ladyship entered on this arduous undertaking, her
pious mind was desirous to know if there was anything which
could be found to favour her plan in the word of God: nor was
the enquiry made without receiving ample satisfaction. There
were schools of the prophets under the dispensation of the Old
Testament, in which young men were trained up in the study of
the law of Moses, under the tuition of persons the most eminent
and the most favoured of God. Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha,
appear to have presided in these seminaries of learning. Many,
who have a hypothesis to support, would be greatly delighted if
they could produce so respectable authority in its favour. May
we not consider this ancient practice as sanctioning similar
institutions under the Christian economy ?
But there is more than analogy to argue from in support of
evangelical seminaries : there Is divine authority pronounced in
an express injunction. In 2 Tim. ii., 2, the apostle Paul gives him
the following charge: " The things which thou hast heard of me
before many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men,
who shall be able to teach others also." Every thing necessary

80 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
for Christian schools of education for the ministry, is to be found
here. The system to be taught is the Gospel of Jesus Christ —
the things which Jesus Christ hath revealed to Paul. The
tutor or professor, Timothy, an evangelist, who had himself
studied under the apostle Paul, and learned from him, both in
pubhc and in private, all those glorious truths which " make the
man of God perfect, thoroughly furnished unto every good work,"
and who had acquired experience in the work of the ministry.
The students are described — they must be " faithful men," true
believers in Christ, who display the efficacy of their faith by
following the Lord fully; and it probably means too, that they
should be men of some eminence in gifts and graces. The
term of their course of study is specified ; and it is to continue
tdl they be thoroughly instructed, that " they shall be able to
teach others." The foundation is laid by the God of nature, in
endowing the student with good abilities and powerful talents;
and by the God of grace, in renewing the soul and sanctifying
these talents for the service of Christ. On this foundation a
course of evangelical instruction, under an eminent and expe
rienced servant of the Redeemer, is reared; and the result is a
fitness for the work of the ministry, for which it is intimated that
this education will qualify the student of sacred truth. Such is
the mode which the Holy Spirit prescribes as the ordinary way
of preparing persons for the ministry of the word. We say the
ordinary way, for where circumstances are such that it cannot
be obtained, ministers must do without it. The necessities of
the Church may render it proper that men should be ministers
who have not enjoyed the advantages of an academical or even
a liberal education. After the revocation of the Edict of
Nantes, the French Protestants called to the pastoral office the
most zealous of their members, and are indebted to those lay-
preachers for the continuance of their existence.
From the high opinion which the Countess of Huntingdon
had of Mr. Fletcher's piety, learning, and abilities for such an
office, she invited him to undertake the superintendance of the
College at Trevecca. Not that he could promise to be gene
rally resident there, much less constantly : his duty to his own
flock at Madely would by no means admit of this: but he
was to attend as often as he conveniently could ; to give advice,
with regard to the appointment of masters and the admission
and exclusion of students ; to revise their studies and conduct,
to assist their piety, and judge of their qualifications for the
work of the ministry. As Mr. Fletcher greatly approved of
the design, especially considering, first, that none were to be
admitted but such as feared and loved God; and secondly, that

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 81
when they were prepared for it, they were to be at liberty to
enter Into the ministry, whenever providence should open a
door; he readdy complied with the Invitation, and undertook the
charge. This he did without fee or reward, from the sole mo
tive of being useful in the most important work of training up
persons for the glorious office of preaching the Gospel.
When the plan for the examination of the young men who
might appear proper candidates for admission into the College
was drawn up, and approved of by Mr. Romaine, Mr. Venn,
Mr. Wesley, and others, it was forwarded by Lady Huntingdon
to all those ministers with whom she had any acquaintance or
connexion, requesting them to assist her in the choice of such
persons as might be suitable for the Christian ministry. Mr.
Fletcher being favoured with a copy of the plan, some time after
sent her Ladyship the following reply, which throws considerable
light on the early history of the late Mr. Glazebrook and the
College at Trevecca, for which he was most probably thefirst
candidate proposed : — "¦ Madely, 24th Nov. 1767.
" My dear Lady — I have received the proposals which your Lady
ship has drawn up for the examination of the young men who may
appear proper candidates for the Trevecca academy, and gratefully
acknowledge your kindness in allowing me to propose suitable sub
jects out of my parish. Our Israel is small, my Lady, and if among six
hundred thousand, only two faithful men were found of old, the
Joshuas and Calebs cannot be numerous among us. After having pe
rused the articles and looked round about me, I designed to answer
your Ladyship, that out of this Galilee ariseth tio prophet. With this
resolution I went to bed, but in my sleep was much taken up with the
thought and remembrance of one of my young colliers, who told rae
some months ago, that for four years he had been inwardly persuaded
he should be called to speak for God. I looked upon the unusual
impression of my dream as a call to speak to the young man, and at
waking designed to do so at the first opportunity. To my great sur
prise he came to Madely that very morning, and I found upon enquiry
that he had been as much drawn to come, as I to speak to hira. This
encouraged me to speak to him of your Ladyship's design ; and I was
satisfied, by his conversation, that I might venture to propose him to
your Ladyship for further examination. His name is James Glaze
brook, collier and getter of iron-stone in Madely Wood. He is now
twenty-three — by look nineteen; he has been awakened seven years;
he has heen steady from the beginning of his profession, at least so far
as to be kept outwardly unblameable, but seemed to me to walk mostly
in heaviness. What I told him was as oil put into a glimmering
lamp, and he seems to revive upon hearing of the little outward call.
Notwithstanding his strong desire to exhort, he never attempted it yet,
and his not being forward to run of himself, makes me have the better
VOL. II.  G

1-2 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
hope his call is from God. He hath no mean gift in singing and
prayer, his judgment and sense are superior to his station, and he does
not seem (at least in the prospect) to be discouraged by the severest
part of your Ladyship's proposals. One difficulty stood in the way : he
maintains by his labour his aged mother, but this is made easy by his
mother's leave, and the promise of an elder son to maintain her, if he
can but have his brother's place in the pit.
" With regard to the superintendency of the College, or the exami
nation of the candidates, I know myself too well to dream about it :
nevertheless, so far as my present calling and poor abilities will allow,
I am ready to throw my mite into the treasury that your Ladyship
may find in other persons.
" Some of our conversations upon the manifestations of the Son of
Man to the heart have led me into many an hour's consideration. The
Holy Ghost alone can clear up the points to pursue. Nevertheless, 1
have found both corafort and profit in setting upon paper the reflections
I have been enabled to make upon the mysterious subject; and they
have, tbrougb raercy, set my soul more than ever against the rampant
errors of Sandemanianism. Should providence ever favour me with
an opportunity, I would bespeak an hour of your Ladyship's time, to
ratify my views of the point, under God.
" I am happily provided with a schoolmaster to my mind, and my
ministry is the last under whicli I would advise any one intended for
a preacher to sit. Nevertheless, if the yojng candidate* (Mr. East
wood) mentioned in the letter wants retirement and a prophet's room
at my house, he may have it, if he can cook for himself, or find a table
n the neighbourhood. " J. Fletcher.'
Mr. Glazebrook was the first fruit of Mr. Fletcher's inde
fatigable labours at Madely, and he had much pleasure in
watching the growth of grace in the heart of this youthful ser
vant of Christ. From a very early period of life he was of a
remarkably witty and satirical turn of mind ; and not being under
much control from the impressions of religion, there was so
little bar to its full exercise, that he has been heard to say,
that before he was sixteen years of age he was the terror of the
whole neighbourhood where he lived. The reader will make
his own reflections upon the extreme danger and impropriety of
an uncontrolled indulgence of such a disposition. Mr. Glaze
brook retained through life a propensity to humour and satire,
and something of the kind is observable in many of his writings.
* Mr. Jonas Eastwood was patronized by Lady Huntingdon, and afterwards
took orders in the Established Chnrch. He was one of the body of Evan
gelical clergymen to whom Mr. Wesley addressed his celebrated letter on the
subject of an open and avowed union between all who preach the fundamental
truths of the Gospel. Where he was situated, or at what time he finished his
course, we have not been able to learn. Previous to the year 1 760 he ha,d filled
the office of classical tutor of Kingswood school, and was a member ofthe
Weeleyan Connexion,

SlELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 83
It is acknowledged and lamented in the preface to his treatise
on Extemporary Preaching; and whenever he found a youth
possessed of this talent, he never failed to guard him against
indulging it with too much freedom. He would assure him that
it required a strong restraint, without which it was liable to
become extremely dangerous and often mischievous.
The uncommon zeal, unaffected piety, the simplicity and po
liteness of Mr. Fletcher's manners, together with his primitive
method of stating and enforcing the great truths of the Gospel,
soon attracted the notice of young Glazebrook. It is certain
that no abilities or qualifications of the minister can be sufficient
of themselves to convert a sinner to God. Paul niay plant, and
Apollos water, but it Is God who giveth the increase. Never-
thelcs.s, the great Head of the Church often displays his wisdom
in raising up the most suitable instruments for accomplishing
his purposes of mercy. The word oftruth came with such power
to the heart of this young man that he entered with spirit into
the profession of serious religion : his wit became consecrated ;
and his zeal and abilities, which In any situation could not be
concealed, soon brought him acquainted with the vicar, and he
received great assistance in his religious progress from the pri
vate admonitions and instructions of that faithful and zealous
pastor. Mr. Glazebrook was a man that never appeared in disguise.
There was a frankness and openness In his manner which at once
discovered the sincerity of his heart. Having felt the power of
religion in his own soul, he most earnestly desired to rescue
others of his fellow creatures from destruction ; and he men
tioned this desire with that undisguised freedom, and at the
same time respectful prudence, for which through life he was
always remarkable. Mr. Fletcher stated to him the vast im
portance of the ministerial office, and the improbability of his
obtaining such a stock of learning as would enable him to dis
charge it with credit to himself, or usefulness to the Church of
Christ. Yet he advised him neither to suppress this desire
altogether, nor to encourage it, but earnestly to apply to God
for that wisdom which Is profitable to direct on so important an
occasion. Not long after this, the providence of God, in the establish
ment of Lady Huntingdon's College, opened a door for Mr.
Glazebrook's admission into the office of the ministry, in a way
that excited his utmost gratitude. He entered Trevecca among
the first, if not the very first Student. As early as January 1768,
we find Mr. Fletcher appointed Master or President, and the Rev.
Joseph Easterbrook, afterwards vicar of the parish of Temple,
c2

84 THE Life and tImes of
in the city of Bristol, assistant. In a letter fo her Ladyship,
dated January 3, 1768, Mr. Fletcher says : —
" My Lady — A thousand thanks to your Ladyship for the letter you
were so kind as to favour me with ; it relieved me in a great measure
from the fears I had concerning your health. Blessed be our God who
spares you to see the beginning of a new year, and to fili up the space
of it with inward acts of faith and love towards Him whodid not abhor
the virgin's womb, and outward attempts to promote every where the
savour of his knowledge. May the Child born, and the Son given,
show himself more abundantly than ever to be wonderful in his w.orks
and ways, and with regard to your Ladyship's soul and projects. May
you find him turning this year into a Christian jubilee wherever his pro
vidence shall direct your steps; and may your very enemies be forced to
confess that the Mighty God and ihe Prince of Peace is your sun, shield,
and exceeding great reward ! What this year may bring forth who
knows ? This, however, we know — all will be welcome that he shall
he pleased to appoint ; and nothing will befall us but by his appoint
ment, for the very hairs of our head are numbered. With what
angelic peace and martyr-like intrepidity ought this consideration to
inspire us ! Oh, for more faitli to persevere, as seeing the Invisible,
as carrying this Saviour in arms of love with the sensibility of exulting
Simeon ! I am, through mercy, in some feeble manner penetrated
with a sense of the necessity of abandoning myself to the holy child
Jesus, as a worthless mite towards the reward of his humiliation. If
the Word was made flesh; if the Most High exchanged his throne
for a manger, his heaven for a stable, and his transcendent majesty for
the apparent feeblenessof an infant; good God, into what an abyss of
shame and humility should I plunge myself ! .Methinks, if my eyes
were truly opened to see this mystery of godliness, I should instantly
he dissolved into tears of astonishment and love. Oh, pray for me,
insensible me, that the Holy Ghost may teach me to sound tbe depths
of incarnate love, or at least to lose myself in their immensity, together
with your Ladyship. It is an ocean without bottom : may we fall into
it every moment, as insignificant drops of gall, to be absorbed in those
pure and mighty waters. There the mountains of our iniquities and
the valleys of our deficiencies are more effectually covered than the
highest mountains were by tbe waters of the flood. Our temptations,
transgressions, losses, and pains are lost here like drops or showers in
the sea. We are in this sea : it fills heaven and earth ; and if we
meet now and then in it A^ith a dash against the rock of adversity, or
a storm from tbe boisterous winds of temjitations, it is only to make
our scum go from us, as Isaiah says. Welcome, then, even contrary
winds ; they are, in reality, favourable. Some will, no doubt, blow
upon your Ladyship frora that little point of the compass, Trevecca;
but the Lord hath them in his hands; fear not, tbe government is still
upon his shoulder.
« I thank your Ladyship for having recommended to me Easterbrook;
I hope he w. 1 be the captam of the school, and a great help to the
master, as well as a spur to the students. He hath good parts, a most

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 85
happy memory, and a zeal that would gladden your Ladyship's heart.
He has preached no less than four times to-day ; and seems, indeed,
in his own element when he is seeking after the lost sheep of the
house of Israel. He is employed every evening in the work of the
Lord ; and I give him the more opportunity to exercise his talent, as
it appears he does it far better than I. I beg two things for him :
first, that it may hold ; secondly, that he may be kept humble. He
would at first live upon potatoes and water ; but finding it may impair
his health, I have got him to table with me, and shall gladly pay his
hoard : he works for me, and the workman is worthy of his hire.
" Our young collier seems a little discouraged with regard to the
hopes of his being admitted one of your students: he thinks he stands
no chance, if all must be qualified as he is. With regard to books, I
am in doubt what to write to your Ladyship. Having studied abroad
(Geneva), and used rather foreign than English books with my pupils,
I am not acquainted with tbe books Great Britain affords, well enough
to select the best and most concise. Besides, a plan of studies must
be fixed upon first, before proper books can be chosen. Grammar,
Logic, Rhetoric, with Ecclesiastical History, and a little Natural Philo
sophy, and Geography, with a great deal of practical divinity, will be
sufficient for those who do not care to dive into languages. Mr. Town-
send and Charles Wesley might, by spending an hour together, make
a proper choice, and I would recommend them not to forget Watts's
Logic and his History of the Bible by questions and answers, which ?'¦
seem to me excellent books of the kind for clearness and order. Mr.
Wesley's Natural Philosophy contains as much as is wanted, or more.
Mason's Essay on Pronunciation will be worth their attention. Henry
and GiU on the Bible, with the four volumes of Baxter's practical
works. Reach's Metaphors, Taylor on the Types (printed at Trevecca),
Gurnal's Christian Armour, Edwards on Preaching, Johnson's English
Dictionary, and Mr. Wesley's Christian Library, may make part of tbe
little library. The book of Baxter I mention I shall take care to send
to Trevecca, as a mite towards the collection, together with Usher's
Body of Divinity, Scapula's Greek Lexicon, and Lyttleton's Latin
Dictionary. " With regard to those who propose to learn Latin and Greek, the
master your Ladyship will appoint may choose to follow his particular
method. Mr. Wesley's books, printed for the use of Christian youths,
seem to me short and proper, and their expense less, which I suppose
should be consulted. 'Two or tbree dictionaries of Bailey orDyke, for
those who learn English, with two or three Coles's Dictionaries,
Schrevelius's, and Pasore's, for those who will learn Latin and Greek,
may be a sufficient stock at first.
" The woman I mentioned died as happy, I trust, as I described
her : but she reraained speechless sorae days, through the violence of
her disorder. Another I buried the same week, who died as trium
phant as Mr. Janeway. God prepare us for tbat solemn change !
Mr. Easterbrook joins me in duty to your Ladyship. We have rejoiced
greatly together at the opening made by the death of Lord Bucban
for the spread of the Gospel ! may many enter in nt that door, m\A

86 THE LIFE AND TLMES OF
especially all the relations he hath left behind. Mr. James Stillingfleet
is presented, by Mr. Hill, to the living of Shawbury, eight miles from
Shrewsbury and twenty from here. 1 thank the Lord for this fellow-
helper. My Christian respects wait upon all that love Jesus about
yonr Ladyship. I am your Ladyship's unworthy servant^ J . f LETCHER.
As Mr. Glazebrook was the first student proposed, and most
probably ihe first tkat entered the College at Trevecca, we shall
crave the indulgence of the reader whilst we briefly detail some
further particulars of his history. Whilst at Trevecca, he was
distinguished equally by his superior abilities and his uncommon
application. During his residence there he allowed himself but
little time either for recreation, refreshment, or rest. After
confining himself closely to his studies the greater part of the
day, he would frequently consume several hours of the night in
noting down whatever had occurred in the course of his reading
worthy of observation. His piety was equally remarkable with
his attainments. As labourers were wanting, he was soon sent
forth, and his preaching was attended with very considerable
success. Her Ladyship appointed him to serve several places
in England, where his ministry was much owned. But disliking
an itinerant life, he applied to his noble patroness to procure
liim orders in the Established Church. With the assistance of
Mr. Fletcher a title was obtained, and in December, 1771,
he was ordained deacon, by Dr. Brownlow North, afterwards
Bishop of Winchester, who had then been newly appointed to
the diocese of Lichfield and Coventry.*
Soon after his ordination, Mr. Glazebrook entered on the
curacy of Smisby, In Derbyshire; affer which he served the
curacies of Rowley Regis, near Birmingham; Shawbury, in
Shropshire; Ravenstone, in Derbyshire; and Hugglescote, in
Leicestershire. He continued several years in deacon's orders,
though with much Inconvenience to himself, owing; to the circum
stance of an inconsiderate removal from his first curacy within
the year; and it was not till the year 1777 that he was ordained
T */^''¦r^?'"^''"\P'¦!:'^'^' *^" ""'y '^"-^y years of age, was the second son of
^o^^GmWoxi,v,hoh^m-,,vnei the near relative of Lady Huntingdon, the
"^llvt'il^T T^^'i ^°\T Fr"^'"' Bart., and widow o^f Lewis, Eari of
W n ftrew'ch?^,.! 't ^'f ^^^"^«'' ''^° afterwards settled as nrinister of
¦m aift terfrora Mr'''p 'ri''™:"'^ i° ''^™ ^'<'" °'<^^^'^^ «' 'he same time;
?o"':r]:rrto ^vhict M^ Fletd e";. hal'ob^ridfh'"' '=°"*'''"^ ^"^""^ "' '" ^l^'
cause of his failing to obtidn epLopal n d'"'?, '*'' "^f «.^''"7 ^'g>^«t"™«- 7^f
U, \n%nmm fsf ef4w»,'' ' ^ ' ^^' ""^ '-^^ '" *^ ^*""^*

SELINAj COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 87
priest, by Df. Hurd, then Bishop of Worcester. He speaks of
this ceremony in these terms, in his " Treatise on Extempore
Preaching :" —
" Never can I orget the serious nianner with which the worthy Bishop
of Worcester addressed himself to the candidates when I was ordained
priest. His warnings and exhortations were such as well became a
governor of the Church, and were truly expressive of that anxious
concern which every godly prelate must feel when sending forth per
sons to undertake the pastoral office."
Under impressions like these Mr. Glazebrook's ministry was
conducted. From the time of his ordination to the last con
cluding scene, his life did not contain much variety; but it was
uniform and consistent.
In August, 1779, Mr. Glazebrook married the eldest daughter
of Dr. Thomas Kirkland, of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, a man of
acknowledged eminence in his profes.sion, and a very old and
intimate friend of Lady Huntingdon. He bad long resided at
Ashby, near her Ladyship's former residence, and Was highly
esteemed by the different members of her family for his profes
sional skill and general excellence of character. He took his
degree at Edinburgh, where he became a member of the Royal
Medical Society; after which he settled at Ashby. In 1 760 he
was brought much into notice by his attendance on Mr. Johnson,
who had been shot by her Ladyship's relative, Lord Ferrers, at
Stanton, the residence of the Shirley family, about two miles
from Ashby. His conduct in this most unhappy and distressing
business was truly gratifying to Lady Huntingdon. Dr. Kirk
land died in 1798, aged 77. He published five or six treatises,
principally on medical and surgical subjects, some of whicli are
much esteemed.
Soon after his marriage, Mr. Glazebrook came to reside at
Warrington, as minister of St. James's, which was not conse
crated for some time after. His zeal for the great and glorious
truths of the everlasting Gospel, and the peculiar leading doc
trines of the Reformation and the Church of whicli he was a
minister, and to the belief of which he had so solemnly subscribed,
together with his former connexion with Lady Huntingdon and
those men of God who had so largely contributed to the revival
of vital godliness in the land, rather Injured him with respect to
any intimate acquaintance with those who differed from him in
religious opinions. Great pains having been taken to prejudice
the minds of the people against any minister wbo might be ap
pointed to St. James's, his situation was peeuliariy emlsarrassing.
Not finding himself very comfortable at Warrington, ftnd seeing-
no immediate prospect of a change for the bettar, he applied to

88 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
Lady Huntingdon, hoping she would be able to obtain for him
one of the li4gs in the gift of her son, the Earl of Hunting
don. But his Lordship's well-known Infidel principles and long
determined hostility to evangelical religion, excluded every
prospect of success from that quarter. Her Ladyship s corre
spondence with Mr. Glazebrook and his father-in-law, Dr. Kirk
land, while it exhibits her ardent desire to promote the we fare
of immortal souls, eminently proves her strong maternal feehngs
towards those students who were educated under her patronage,
whose lives exhibited lucid proof that they were honest, zealous,
and sincere in the cause of God and truth.
The first letter to Mr. Glazebrook, and that to Dr. Kirkland,
are dated from Trevecca, September 3, 1782: —
" Dear Sir, — I received your obliging letter by Thorne.* He seems
a gracious young man. Nothing but a sensible experience of the
heart's rooted evils can make -as fully sensible of the want of a whole
and absolute salvation by the free bounty of another. To learn this by
degrees is the surest and only best means to secure the true delight
and peace of our souls as an abiding state. Thorne will be tenderly
dealt with, yet consistently and faithfully.
" It would be a great pleasure to me to have, with any hope of suc
cess, been able to recommend you to my son for a living ; but for more
than thirty years, his most implacable dislikes have not ceased to prove
to me he never will be entreated on this subject. Knowing this, your
next wishes in some offer in which you might be most useful, and a
corafortable support for your family, and that certainly, and in a situa
tion of credit to be sought for. A large congregation, on completing
a chapel, have applied to me to appoint a minister. Could I be sure
• it would suit you, I would require otie hundred a year and a house.
It is within fourteen miles of Bath and Bristol, and these very large
and populous congregations you might, by my direction, have" access
to, I hope with profit to yourself and others. This congregation is very
large, and raised entirely by the students' labours among them, and is
now to be fixed and settled in the connexion. In your absence at
Bath, or elsewhere, I could supply, without expense to you, that con
gregation, by a previous agreement, which might be a considerable
advantage to you, by those various committees appointed for the support
of those mmisters that attend, by rotation, in our several congregations.
I would have you and your wife well consider of this, and I will let '
you know on my being at Bath, anything certain on this subject, tbat
our commi tees on this occasion shall comply with, and that appears
or your advantage m your ministry, united ^vith the temporal advan-
ages of your family. Remember me kindly to your wife -and believe
me, as ever, your truly faithful friend c tr '
«p« Ti^„„i „ f luiinuia, S.Huntingdon.
P.S.-Thanks for your book, which I hope will prove useful. Le
* A student at Trevecca, wlio was nfici-wards re,=;.i„H- * jm ,
bthet plftwsi i-u-iAaras resident at Gloucesterj and

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 89
me know if this prospect suits your wishes, that an application may be
made by my kindest endeavours for you. I have written for Dr.
Kirkland's approbation, as he may have something better in view for
you; and, as an old friend, I thought it but kind to him and you."
The following is her Ladyship's letter to Dr. Kirkland, of
Ashby-de-la-Zouch : —
" Sir, — Your son-in-law, Mr. Glazebrook, has expressed to me his
wishes that an application raight be made to Lord Huntingdon for his
succeeding to some living in his gift. Did I not certainly know this
can never be obtained by me, it would have heen a great pleasure to
me to have done good to an honest, sensible young man, brought up
hy me, and whose religious principles I so highly esteem : but this
being hopeless, and he not being satisfied with his present situation,
I have an opportunity (I should hope) of placing him in a principal
congregation, on a certain allowance of one hundred a year, and a
house, and with much credit in the religious world. Your right to
judge for the best advantage of your own child made me willing this
should be considered by you; as, otherwise, a student.out of this College
must be ordained for it. A trial for a year may bring about a better
situation, which, though I cannot answer for, yet probably time may pro
duce. The general prejudices render matters delicate to all who cannot
trust to something better than their own limited views, which their
own uncertainty of eternal things must prove the weakness of all human
purposes. My old regard for you and yours obliges me_to this. Leav
ing my best wishes and prayers for your best direction, and begging
the best blessings, as ever, for you and your family, I am, with true
regard, your ever obliged friend, S. Huntingdon.
" P.S. — Could I be sure the prospect for Mr. Glazebrook was ap
proved byhim and you, I should use my earnest endeavours to obtain
its success. Say all that is kind to Mrs. Kirkland."
This kind offer of the Countess Mr. Glazebrook was unable
to accept, owing to the peculiarity of his situation at Warring
ton ; and as his preaching in her Ladyship's chapel at that time
would have inevitably exposed him to the censure of his dio
cesan. Mr. Glazebrook wrote to Lady Huntingdon, explaining
the nature of his engagements to the Bishop of Chester; and
the following is her Ladyship's reply : — "College, Sept. 13, 1782.
'' Dear Sir, — Being ignorant of the condition of your situation, from
supposing you freed from any authority of the bishop; and, under tbe
character of a donative, the offer made in this view might have many
advantages. But, by your letter of to-day, you must hazard too much
by accepting a proposal that must expose you to any offensive step of
the bishop ; and this, most certainly, would be the case in so large a
sphere of action, and so publicly known as you must be. Your family,
also, might suft'er, and Various discontents unavoidably be sustained
by the changes you might be called tb. Great faith and great pa-^
tienee are wanting to support ministers M'uly devoted to God in the v^l

90 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
labours that his love and power call upon them for ; and unless this
is the case, the smaller field of usefulness must be submitted to, and,
indeed, your point seems yet to remain as you are. Indeed, in the
former view of things, and wishing you owned of the Lord, and blessed
in your own soul, I thought much comfort and relief might be yielded
you; but as matters are, by no means would I advise it. If you in
form Dr. Kirkland of my mistaken information of your situation, he
will best judge of my friendship by my ignorance of the truth :— ^and
here it may end, only should anything lie in my way properly calcu
lated, as you now stand, with service to you, rest assured it will be a
great pleasure to see, consistently with your character, every advantage
in the Lord's will which can be best for you. Most kindly rememher
me to your wife, and tell her, her old friend Mrs. Wills is happy and
well. Mr. A¥il]s's large field of action makes them both the most faith
ful witnesses for God I know, and bright and shining characters — a
very Caleb, fully following the Lord in his eminence and excellence
above his fellows. May the Lord make and keep us faithful unto
death, is my best prayer for myself and all I esteem on earth. I am,
truly, your faithful friend, S. Huntingdon.
" P.S. — I leave this place for Bath on the 23rd of this month, if the
Lord permit. In tbis connexion there is rotation of Clergy, through
out the large chapels and congregations. These serve some eight, some
ten weeks in a congregation. Some of these have livings, and such are
allowed two guineas a week, a lodging, and travelling charges (finding
their own board), according to the time they serve in each congrega
tion. Should you like to raake trial of being one of these, by way of
trial only, at any tirae, you can have your church supplied. Let me
know, and I will appoint you. I don't press this as advice, hut the
like kind offer several eminent servants of God rejoice in."
On the death of his noble patroness, all prospect of advance
ment or promotion seemed for ever cut off; but that God whom
he served, and whose everlasting Gospel he so faithfully pro
claimed, was preparing another sphere of usefulness for him.
The late Countess of Moira, Lady Huntingdon's eldest and only
surviving daughter, who in several instances acted with great
kindness towards those who had been connected with her vener
able mother, was disposed to befriend him; and on Dr. Kirkland
making application to Lord Moira, who inherited, In right of his
Countess, all the estates and baronies of her brother, Francis,
late Ear! of Huntingdon, presented him to the vicarage of Bel
ton, in Leicestershire. This change of situation was very
agreeable to Dr. Kirkland, who had long wished to have his son-
in-law placed near to him. In this situation he eontinued till
the time of his decease ; retaining, with the full approbation,
and almost at the request of Bishop Cleaver, his chapel at
Latchford, Warrington. If zeal, and integrity in the discbarge
of tbe laborious duties of his office, and the unwearied exertion

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 91
of considerable abilities for a long series of years, can entitle a
man to attention and regard, or his memory to gratitude and
esteem, Mr. Glazebrook was eminently entitled to the meed of
praise. Nor was he an unsuccessful labourer in his Lord's vine
yard. It pleased God to make him the honoured instrument
of " turning many to righteousness," both at Warrington and
other places where he laboured, who will be "his joy, and
crown of rejoicing in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ
at his coming." Neither was it the pulpit only that witnessed
his zeal. His active mind furnished many materials for the
press. Besides his Treatise on Extemporary Preaching, he
published an answer to Mr. Gilbert Wakefield's Treatise on
Baptism, Letters on Infant Baptism ; and after his death a
volume of sermons was published by his family, and well received
by the public*
But to return to the history of her Ladyship's College. Being
provided with able teachers, it soon began to fill with students.
From that retirement the Countess despatched the requisite
supplies for the increased congregations under her patronage ;
and as the calls were often urgent, her students were too fre
quently thrust forth into the harvest before they had made any
considerable proficiency In the languages or sacred literature,
in which it had been her intention they should be instructed.
Yet, being men of strong sense, and real devotedness to God,
their ministry was greatly blessed, and the accounts of their
succe.ss animated her to greater exertions. They were all
itinerant — moved from congregation to congregation in rotation
established; and her correspondence with them, to regulate and
provide a constant supply, was a labour to which her active
spirit alone was equal.
Against those educated in seminaries similar to Lady Hunt
ingdon's College, an objection has frequently been urged, that
they are man-made ministers. But ii they he faithful men, the
objection falls to the ground ; for they were previously taught
of God, and are sent by him. It is readily granted, that if
students, though they may have been in seminaries, are not holy
men, they are utterly unfit for the work of the ministry, and
merit the reproachful, epithet of man-made ministers. But let
it be remembered, that persons destitute of divine grace, or of
gifts for the pastoral office, may set up themselves for preachers :
and when this is the case, it may be fairly asked whether self-
made ministers are one whit better than man-made ministers ?
* For further particulars of Mr, Gln?;ebrook see s memoir of bim in tli?
EvangsJlcRl Beginw for 163S,

92 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
Though Lady Hunringdon experienced the countenance and
support of many active and eminently useful members of the
Christian Church, she likewise felt the disapprobation of others
equally good and singulariy holy. Among the letter we find
her pious and excellent friend Mr. Berridge. To her Ladyship's
letter, containing the plan for the examinarion of the students
to be admitted, we find him returning the following answer: —
" The soil you have chosen is proper ; Welsh mountains afibrd a
brisk air for a student ; and the rules are excellent : but I doubt the
success of the project, and fear it will occasion you more trouble than
all your otber undertakings besides. Are we commanded to make
labourers, or to 'pray tbe Lord to send labourers?' Will not Jesus
choose and teach and send forth his ministering servants now, as he
did the disciples aforetime ; and glean them up when and where and
how he pleaseth ? The world says no : because they are strangers to
a divine comraission and a divine teaching. And what if these asses
blunder about the Master's meaning for a time, and mistake it often,
as they did formerly ? — no great harm will ensue, provided they are
kept from paper and ink, or fi;pm a white wall and charcoal. Do you
like to see cade-lambs in a house and suckling with a finger, or to view
them skipping after the dam in their own proper pasture ? We read
of a school of prophets in Scripture, but we do not read that it was
God's appointment. Elijah visited the school, which was at Bethel,
and seeras to have been fond of it ; j'et the Lord coraraands hira to
fetch a successor, not frora the school, but, as the Koraans fetched a
dictator, from tbe plough. Are we told of a single preachitig prophet
that was taken out of this school ; or do we find any public employ
ment given the scholars, except once sending a light-heeled young
man, when light heels were needful, with a horn of oil to anoint Jehu,
2 Kings ix. That old prophet, -who told a sad lie to another pro]ihet,
was of this school, and might be the master of this College, for he was
a grey-headed man, 1 Kings xiii. 11. Whilst my heart is thus prat
tling to you very simply, like a child, it stands in no fear of offending
you ; and if your project be right, the Master will keep you stedfast,
and you -will only smile at my prattling. Indeed I am the most dubi
ous man in the world about my oNvn judgment, and wiil stickle for
nothing, excepting to live and to trust in my Lord."
Trevecca House, in the parish of Talgarth, South Wales, was
an ancient structyre, and supposed to have been part of an old
castle, erected In the reign of Henry the Second. The date
over the entrance, now almost effaced. Is 1176. This building
was opened as a College for religious and literary instruction,
and the chapel dedicated to the preaching of the everiastino-
Gospel, on the 24th of August, 1768, the aimlversary of Lady
Huntingdon's birth-day, by the Rev. George Whitefield, who
preached from Exodus xx. 24 — " In all places where I record
biy name, I will come unto thee and blcsH thee !*' sind on the

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 93
foUowing sabbath-day he addressed a congregation of some
thousands, who assembled In the court before the College : his
text on this occasion was, " Other foundation can no man lay
than that Is laid, which is Jesus Christ." When speaking of
the dedication of the College, Mr. Whitefield says, " What we
have seen and felt at the College is unspeakable."
An unction from the Holy One did unquestionably rest In a
remarkable manner on the inmates of Trevecca ; and accounts
of the scenes there witnessed cannot be perused but with deep
interest. The venerable and respected John Clayton, who was
himself one of the early students at Trevecca, a few years since,
when affectionately advocating the cause of the same institution,
now removed to Cheshunt, mentioned several pleasing parti
culars relating to Trevecca College. Lady Huntingdon, it
seems, commonly resided in the College, and the influence of
her fervent piety was highly beneficial. The greatest deference
was paid by the students to their tutors, aud habits of neatness
and decorum were cultivated. Above all, the spirit of devotion
was at Trevecca eminently apparent. The dehghted visitant,
when walking in the neighbouring vale, might often hear dis
tinctly from several parts of the surrounding woodlands the
voice of social prayer proceeding from several little bands of
students who were pouring out their hearts before the God of
mercy. Active exertion was combined with devotional exercises :
several horses were kept for the purpose of conveying the stu
dents to more distant places on Saturday afternoons, whde the
nearer villages were visited on foot, and thus the benefits ofthe
College were felt throughout the surrounding towns and villages,
to the distance of twenty or thirty miles. "There were pressing
calls heard from every side, " Come over and help us." Being
possessed of an experimental acquaintance with the things of
God, and fired with holy zeal and ardent love to the souls of
their jierishing fellow-men— the ministry of the students was
much blessed. There was a fire and freshness about their
ministrations, together with a laudable preference for that style
of preaching which gave prominence to those truths which are
most likely to awaken the careless and to Increase tbe Church
from the^ world. They were indeed irregular troops, but they
brought in more captives than the disciphned squadrons, and
were eminently serviceable to the cause of real religion.
Frequently a student was sent out to greater distances to
preach in certain districts or rounds, as they were termed. On
these tours, chapels, private houses, market places, or fields, as
occasion required, became the scenes of a student's labours ;

94 THE LIFE AND TIMES OP
and thus the Gospel was introduced, or the cause of Christ
revived in very many places, where now there are stated preachers
and numerous hearers. ShaU these movements be complained
of as irregula.r ? Who censures the unmeasured steps of fhe
man who, at the risk of his own safety, plunges into the flood,
and snatches a fellow mortal from the deep ?— and are not souls,
immortal souls, to be valued at least as highly as the bodies of
men ?* Men were perishing In multitudes for lack of knowledge,
and we cannot but venerate those disinterested servants of God
who willingly exposed themselves to the insults ofthe unthinking
crowd, and who endured much hardness, as good soldiers of
Jesus Christ, that they might win souls for Him. They were,
Indeed, despised by men, but they were approved by God, and
the Spirit of glory and of grace rested on them.
" Thanks be to God (exclaims one of them),t He is raindful of us
at College, and we have had some delightful times amongst the people
since the anniversary. On the hare mention of our royal entertain
ment at that season, the hearts of many are rekindled into a flame of
love and gratitude ; tbeir song — ' 0 moliant i Dduw byth^ — 0 praise
he to God for ever ! is not, and I pray the Lord may never be forgotten;
such seasons, such privileges, and such continued manifestations of
divine love and power call for much humility and self-ahasement."
May He who has the residue of the Spirit pour that heavenly
influence anew on all our Churches, and give us to renew the
days of old !
Some months after the dedication of the College, Lady Hun
tingdon received the following letter from her old correspondent
Mr. Berridge, whose Ideas of that Insritution seem to have
undergone a change —
" My Lady, — When the frost broke up, I became a scalled miser
able indeed ; just able at times to peep into my Bible, but not able to
endure the touch of a quill. I am now reviving, but not revived ; and
can venture to take up a pen. You shall have its first-fruits, such as
they are.
" I am glad to hear of the plentiful effusion from above on Talgarth.
Jesus has now baptized your College, and thereby shown his approba
tion of the work. You may therefore rejoice, but rejoice with tremb
ling. Faithful labourers may be expected from thence ; but if it is
Christ's College, a Judas will certainly be found amongst them. I
beheve the baptism will prove a lasting one, but I believe the sensible
comfort will not last aluays nor long. Neither is it convenient. In
* A society-one of the glories of our coiintry._gives a gold medal for
every such effort made to save tbe body : wiU not the Lord give a greater prize
for tbe recovery of an immortal soid ? oor
t Rev. Anthony Crole, afterwards minister of Pinners' Hall, London.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 95
the present state of things, a winter is as much wanted to continue the
earth fruitful as a summer. If the grass was always growing, it would
soon grow to nothing ; just as flowers, that blow much and long,
generally blow theraselves to death. And as it is thus with the ground,
so is it with the labourers too. Afilictions, desei'tions, and temp
tations are as needful as consolations. Jonah's whale will teach a good
lesson, as well as Pisgah's top ; and a man may sometimes learn as
much from being a night and a day in the deep, as from being forty
days in the mount. I see Jonah corae out of a whale and cured of
rebellion ; I see Moses go up to the mount with meekness, but come
down in a huff and break the tables. Further I see three picked dis
ciples attending their master to the mount, and fall asleep there. I
believe you must be clad only in sack-cloth whilst you tarry in the wilder
ness, and be a right mourning widow till the Bridegroom fetches you
home. Jesus has given you a hand and a heart to execute great things
for his glory, and therefore he will deal you out a suitable measure of
afflictions, to keep your balance steady. Did Paul labour more abun
dantly than allhis brethren? He had more abundant stripes than them
all. The Master will always new shave your crown, before he puts a
fresh coronet upon your head ; and I expect to hear of a six months'
illness, when I hear of a building of a new chapel. 1 cannot comfort
you with saying that I think your day is almost spent ; but it is some
encouragement to know that your noon is past, and that your afternoon
shadows lengthen. Go on, my dear Lady ; build and fight manfully,
and believe lustily. Look upwards and press forwards. Heaven's
eternal hills are before you, and Jesus stands with arras wide open to
receive you. One hour's siglit and enjoyment of the Bridegroom in
his place above will make you forget all your troubles on the way.
Yet a little while, and He that shall come will come and receive you
with a heavenly welcome. Here we must purge and bleed, for physic
is needful, and a tender Physician administers all. But inhabitants of
heaven cry out and sing ' we are no more sick.'
"' Ah ! Lord, with tardy steps I creep.
And sometimes sing, and sometimes weep ;
Yet strip me of this house of clay.
And I will sing as sweet as they.'
" A very heavy time have I had for the last three weeks ; cloudy
days and moonless nights. Only a little consolation fetched down now
and then by a little dull prayer. At times I am ready to wish that sin
and the devil were both dead; they make such a horrible racket
within me and about me. Rather let me pray. Lord give me faith and
patience, teach me to expect the cross daily, and help me to take it up
cheerfully. Wofully weary I am of myself, but know not how to live
¦ and feast daily upon Jesus. A treasure he is indeed, but lies hid in a
field, and I know not how to dig in the dark.
"Your francs are all spent, I find ; and so poor Jack raust now be
like Marget in a cage, have all the chatter to himself. This looks
mighty ciyil, but is not wondrous honest. For good folks should pay
their debts, as well as give gifts. May daily showers from above fall

96 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
upon you and refresli you; and the dew of heaven light upon your
chapels and college. I remain ^vour affectionate servant m a loving
y ^ ° " John Berridge.
" Kind respects to Miss Orton.— Everton, Dec. 30, 1768."
Mr. Fletcher was president, and Mr. Easterbrook head
master when the College was solemnly dedicated to God. The
latter, however, did not remain long at Trevecca. He was a
deeply pious and usefal man, an able preacher, and a bold
defender of the truths of Christianity. His conversation was as
becometh the Gospel of Christ. He adorned the Gospel of
God his Saviour. Even keen -eyed jealousy could fix no blot
upon him, either as a Chrishan, or in his ministerial character :
but nevertheless. In this he gloried not. The language of his
heart was — " Whate'er in me seems wise, or good.
Or just, I here disclaim;
I \-\ash my garments in the blood
Of the atoning Lamb."
His great and continued labours, with too great a neglect of
himself, brought on a general weakness, wnich increased more
and more, notwithstanding the best medical assistance ; and at
last took him out of this world to his eternal reward, on the
21st of January, 1791. Having imbibed much of the spirit
of his divine Master, he was meek, humble, and devout. The
love of God was shed abroad In his heart, and the language of
prayer and praise continually dwelt in his life. Besides being
Vicar of Temple, he was likewise Ordinary of Newgate, and his
fidelity in the discharge of his ministerial duties was highly
commendable. Unmoved by the banter of reviling tongues, un
dismayed by the Impious scoffs of ungodly men, he boldly asserted
the grand fundamental truths of God, declaring the universal
depravity of the human heart, the insufficiency of human merit
in point of acceptance with Jebovah, and the indispensable ne
cessity of regeneration and evangelic holiness in order to eternal
life and happiness. Though a minister of the Established
Church, he yet manifested a great degree of good will and affec
tion for those of his brethren In the ministry who, from motives
of conscience, thought proper to dissent from him. A fuller
proof of his disinterestedness and candour we can scarcely
wish for than that which he gave in expressing his approbation
and joy when Temple Chapel was first opened. In July 1785, by
the Rev. Mr. Hoskins, for the purpose of preaching the Gospel
to the poor, and others of his parish, who were disposed to attend ;
so happy was he to see Zion flourish, by whatever means, or by
whomsoever the Lord thought proper to send. As his life was

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 97
a scene of general usefulness and devotion to the public good,
so his death was crowned with serenity, peace, and joy. To a
friend he said, " I have fled to the city of refuge, where the man-
slayer cannot reach me. O, tell my friends to flee to this city
of refuge. What should I have done all this while, with death
staring me in the face, if I had not fled to Jesus for safety ?" —
Two sermons were preached on the occasion of his death ; one
by the Rev. John Hey, minister of Castle-green meeting, the
other at the Methodist chapel, by the Rev. Henry Moore ; both
of which were afterwards published.
Mr. Easterbrook appears to have left Trevecca previous to
the anniversary of the opening of the College in 1 769. In the
summer of that year the Rev. John Jones, who had lately with
drawn from Mr. Wesley's connexion, made application for the
situation of head master. He had been one of the masters at
Kingswood school for several years, was author of the Latin
Grammar which is taught there, and had obtained Episcopal
ordination from the Bishop of Arcadia. A letter from Mr.
Fletcher to Lady Huntingdon gives some particulars relative to
Mr. Jones's application : — '' Madely, July 1st, 1769.
" My Lady, — I repeat my thanks to j^our Ladyship for the repeated
offer of helping me by one of your chaplains if I go to Switzerland.
By my last, which I sent a few hours before yours came to hand, I
informed your Ladyship I postponed my journey till next year, — in
short, that I do not think of it at present, for who can boast of to
morrow ?
« * -s •:;- -:<¦ * *
" Mr. Jones's letter puzzled me a little. I did not know what an
swer to make to it. I have however sat down, and, after an introduc
tion, I say — ' The first and grand point to be kept in view at Lady
Huntingdon's College is to maintain and grow in the spirit of faith and
power that breathes through the acts of the Apostles, and was ex
emplified in the lives of the primitive Christians. The first and grand
qualification required in a person called to be at the head of such a
College is, then, a degree of faith and power from above, with an entire
devotedness to God and his cause. The master who is there at pre
sent seems, on account of his youth, to be deficient in point of Christian
experience. Nor is he a proper master of tbe Greek, nor even of the
harder classics, so that he can hardly maintain his superiority over
those who read Cicero and Horace. Whether this inconveniency. Sir,
would be avoided, suppose you were to succeed him, I cannot judge
by your letter. He is also unacquainted with Divinity and the Sciences,
of which it is proper he should give the students some idea ; and how
far you may excel him in these points. Sir, is not in my power to de
termine. He hath twenty-five guineas a year, with his board, room,
and washing. I dare say the generous foundress would not hesitate
VOL. II. — H

98

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF

to raise the salary of a master of superior merit, though she hopes none
would undertake that province for the sake of money.
"After giving him a little account of the business of the College, I
add-' The varTety of classes in it demands great assiduity and dihgence
in the master I would not, therefore, advise any one to engag^e with
out a p" per irial. I have begged of Lady Huntin,don not to fix upon
a masLr till she had allowed him to look about h,m, and see how he
liked the place, people, and business ; and as you veiy properly observe
Sir it would be improper to engage to repent of the undertaking,!
think tbat (if upon consulting with the Lord m prayer, and with Mr.
Maxfield ill conversation, you find your heart free to embrace so pecu
liar an opportunity of being useful to your generation) it might_ be best
to come and see how you like the business, and how it agrees with you ;
and should not matters prove agreeable on either side, I dare say
Lady Huntingdon will pay your travelhng expenses to Talgarth and
back again.' . ., , , .
" In a letter to Mr. Maxfield I desired him to inform your Ladyship
how Mr. Jones's mind stands after reflecting on the contents of my
letter and whether he would go to make a trial. I add, that so much
depends upon the aptness to teach. Christian experience, solidity,_ live
liness and devotedness of a master, tbat no one could presume to judge
of these things hy a letter, or even by a day's conversation. The proof
of food is the eating of it.
" If your Ladyship does not approve of this step, a line to Mr. Max
field will rectify what you think amiss, and oblige, my Lady, your un
worthy servant, J.Fletcheb.
" P.S. — If your Ladyship is so good as to spare a minister for three
weeks, I shall be glad to wait upon the dear 5'oung men and their
patroness at College, as soon as he makes way for my leaving this
place. It will be a good opportunity to send for Mr. Davies. We
begin to remember here the 16th day of the month; may the Lord
make it memorable !"
Having spent the principal part of the summer at Tunbridge
Wells, Lady Huntingdon left in August 1769, in order to attend
the anniversary of the opening of the College, a service of pecu
liar solemnity, and attended with remarkable manifestations of
the Divine favour and love In those days. For several weeks
previous to this event, her Ladyship was actively engaged In
making preparations for the approaching solemnity, and invited
many eminent ministers to assist at the services to be held on
that occasion. On Friday, the 18th of August, Mr. Daniel
Rowlands, Mr. Fletcher, and Mr. William Williams arrived at
the College; and on the following morning Mr. Rowlands
preached in the chapel to a crowded congregation, on " Lord,
are there few that be saved ?" In the afternoon the Lord's
Supper was administered, when Mr. Fletcher addressed the
communicants and spectators in a very close and pointed man-

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 89
ner. Power from on high accompanied the word, and rendered
it effectual to the conversion of many. Mr. Williams then gave
out the hymn — " Come, let us join our cheerful song.
With angels round the throne," &c.
which was sung with the most lively feelings of devotion. Abun
dance of people being gathered together, Mr. Howel Harris stood
in the court and gave a solemn warning to a large congregation,
from these awful words : — " The time is come that judgraent
must begin at the house of God."
On the 19th, Mr. Shirley and several exhorters and lay
preachers arrived at Trevecca. The next day, being Sunday,
a very numerous congregation assembled in the court, the chapel
being much too small to contain the half of the people. Public
service commenced at ten o'clock. Mr. Fletcher read prayers,
and Mr. Shirley preached on "Acquaint thyself now with him,
and be at peace." At one the sacrament was administered in
the chapel, Mr. Rowlands and Mr. Fletcher alternately addressed
the communicants during the distribution of the elements, and
Mr. Williams closed the solemnity with a suitable address to the
awakened and unawakened. In the afternoon Mr. Fletcher
stood in the court and applied the words of the Apostles, " I am
not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ," to an Immense congre
gation, many of whom appeared to receive the word with glad
ness. When the sermon was concluded a hymn was sung, and
Mr. Rowlands explained and enforced in the Welsh language
those solemn words — ¦" It is appointed unto men once to die."
From this time to the day of the anniversary, people flocked
from all parts to Trevecca. Mr. Howel Harris and several of
the Welsh exhorters assisted the clergymen assembled at the
College, so that there was preaching twice every day. On Wed
nesday, the 23rd, Mr. Wesley, accompanied by Mr. Howel
Davies and Mr. Peter Williams of Caermarthen, arrived at Tre
vecca : —
" I preached iu the morning (says Mr. Wesley) to as many as hor
Ladyship's chapel could well contain, which is extremely neat, or rather
elegant, as is the dining-room, the college, and all the house. About
nine, Howel Harris desired me to give a short exhortation to his family.
I did so, and then went back to my Lady's, and laid me down in
peace." At an early hour on the morning of Thursday the 24th, the
Lord's Supper was administered by Mr. Wesley and Mr. Shirley,
first to the clergymen assembled at the College, then to stu
dents, after which the Countess of Huntingdon, the Countess of
H 2

100 THE LIFE AND TIMES OP
Buchan, Lady Anne Erskine, Miss Orton, and the other mem
bers of her family received. An amazing concourse of people
being collected from all parts, the public service commenced at
ten o'clock. Mr. Howel Davies and Mr. Daniel Rowlands read
the prayers, with appropriate lessons selected for the occasion,
after which, Mr. Fletcher preached an exceedingly lively sermon
in the court, the chapel being far too small to contain the con
gregation ; when he had finished, the Rev. William Wlhlams
preached in Welsh till about two o'clock. At two they all dined
with Lady Huntingdon ; and baskets of bread and meat were
distributed amongst the people in the court, many of whom had
come from a great distance. Public service commenced again
at three o'clock, when Mr. Wesley preached in the court, then
Mr. Fletcher ; about five the congregation was dismissed. Be
tween seven and eight the love-feast began, during which Mr.
Shirley, Mr. Davies, and Mr. Rowlands gave short exhortations,
and Mr. Peter Williams and Mr. Howel Harris engaged in ^
prayer. There were eight clergymen present on this occasion.
Thus terminated an anniversary in which much of the divine
presence was experienced both by ministers and hearers. Such
divine power accompanied the discourses delivered on this oc-
c;ision, and such fervent and lively devotion breathed In all the
addresses to the throne of grace, that very many were savingly
impressed with the importance of attending to the great con
cerns of eternity : —
" Truly (observes her Ladyship) our God was in the midst of us,
and many felt hira erainently nigh. The gracious influence of bis
Spirit seemed to rest on every soul. Many with whora I have con
versed experience a spring-tide of sensible conifort and strong joy, and
vehement longings after more communion with Him, especially in the
nieans of grace. Though necessarily much hurried with outward things,
my mind was preserved in peace : I enjoyed a divine composure, a
heavenly serenity of soul, while my communion was with the Father
and the Son. Words fai! to describe the holy triumph with which the
great congregation sung — .
' Captain of thine enlisted host.
Display thy glorious bbnner high,' &c.
It -i\-as a season of refreshing from the presence of the Lord— a time
never to be forgotten."
The day after the anniversary Mr. Wesley set off for Bristol,
and on the following day Mr. Davies and Mr. Rowlands left
Trevecca. Mr. Shiriey, In the afternoon, took his stand on the
scaffold in the court, and addressed a mulritude on Hebrews
vii. 2.5:—
" From this time (adds her Ladyship) we had pubhc preaching

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. IQI
every day at four o'clock, whilst Mr. Shirley and Mr. Fletcher re
mained. Copious showers of divine blessings have been folt on every
side. Truly God is good to Israel. I am weak, ungrateful, and hum
ble. Continue thy goodness, and in much greater abundance. 0 that
1 raay be more and more useful to the souls of my fellow-creatures. I
want to be every moment, all life, all zeal, all activity for God, and
ever on the stretch for closer communion with Him. My soul pants
to live more to bim, and to be more holy in heart and life, that all my
Iiature may shew forth the glories of the Lamb."

CHAPTER xxxn.
Mr. Joseph Benson appointed Head Master at Trevecca — Mr. Fletcher's conduct
at the College — His pastoral letters to the Students — Mr. Benson's dismissal
— Lady Huntingdon's certificate — Second Anniversary of the College — Mr.
Shirley and Mr. Venn — Mr. Thornton's gift to the College — Lady Glenorchy's
generosity — Letter from Lady Glenorchy — Letter from Lady Huntingdon —
Third Anniversary of the College  Students educated at Trevecca — Lady
Huntingdon visits Swansea— History of her Chapel there — Mr. Edmund
Jones— Mr. David Jones (of Langan) — Letter to Lady Huntingdon — Anniver
sary services of 1774 and 1776— Letter from Mr. Toplady — A remarkable
incident.
Some months after the anniversary, through Mr. Fletcher's
means, and in consequence of Mr. Wesley's recommendation,
the Rev. Joseph Benson was appointed to the situation of head
master of the College. Some years previous to this he had
filled the office of classical master of Kingswood school, and
was at this period a student of St. Edmund's tiall, Oxford, where
he regulariy kept his terms, and was, according to the testimony
of a contemporary clergyman of the Church of England, who
was his most intimate friend and associate at the University,
conscientiously attentive to the studies and obligations of his
situation. Mr. Benson being yet greatly wanted at Kingswood, and
having likewise his terms to keep at Oxford, could only pay
Lady Huntingdon's College a short visit for the present, which
was in January 1770. It will illustrate the correctness of his
views on the subject of Divine Providence to insert a paragraph
from his journal, in which he adverts to this change of situation :
"Nov. 27, 1767. — I have this last year, in general, had the desire
of my heart turned to God, and have been led to pray much and fer-

102 THE LIFE AND TIIVIES OF
vently that he would make me holy and useful in the worid, and dis
pose of me in life as mav be most for his glory. Tbe first thing that
Providence seemed to ' point out to me was Lady Huntingdon's
College at Trevecca. The time, however, was not come for my
leaving Kingswood. 1 have lately seen my way plain, and concluded
on going to Trevecca. I pray God to direct my way, and make me
useful in every station to ^vhich I may be called by his providence."
In the spring following Mr. Benson went to reside at Tre
vecca, and for some rime was well satisfied with his new situa
tion. The young men were serious, and made considerable
progress in learning, and many of them seemed fo have talents
for the ministry. Mr. Fletcher visited them frequently, and it
is not possible to describe the veneration in which he was held
by all at the College. Like Elijah, in the schools of the pro
phets, he was revered, he was loved, he was almost adored :
and that, not only by every student, but by every member of the
family ; and, Indeed, he was worthy : —
" The reader will pardon me (says Mr. Benson) if he think I ex
ceed. My heart kindles while I write. Here it was that I saw, shall
I say an angel in human flesh ? I should not far exceed the truth if
I said so. But here I saw a descendant of fallen Adam so fully raised
above the ruins of the fall, that though by the body he was tied down
to earth, yet was his whole conversation in heaven : yet was his life,
from day to day, hid with Christ in God. Prayer, praise, love, and
zeal, all ardent, elevated above what one would think attainable in
this state of frailty, \\'ere the elements in which he continually lived.
And as to others, his one eraployment was to call, entreat, and urge
the students to ascend with him to the glorious source of being and
blessedness." Mr. Fletcher had leisure comparatively for nothing else. —
Languages, art, sciences, grammar, rhetoric, logic, even divinity
itself, as It is called, were all laid aside when he appeared in the
school-room among the students. His full heart would not suffer
him to be silent. He must speak, and they were readier to
hearken to this servant and minister of Jesus Christ than to at
tend to Sallust, Virgil, Cicero, or any Latin or Greek historian,
poet, or phdosopher they had been engaged in reading. And
they seldomed hearkened long before thev were all in tears, and
every heart caught fire from the fiame that burned in his soul.
These seasons generally terminated in this : Being convinced
that to be filled with tke Holy Ghost was a better qualification
for the ministry of the Gospel than any classical learning,
(although that too be useful in Its place,) after speaking awhile
in the school-room, he used frequently to say, « As many of you
as are atlurst for this fulness of the Spirit, follow me into my
room." On this, many of them have instantly followed him, and

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTlNGIDON. 103
there continued for two or three hours, wrestling like Jacob for
the blessing, praying one after another, till they could bear to
kneel no longer. This was not done once or twice, but many
times : —
" And I have sometimes seen him (says Mr. Benson) on these oc
casions, once in particular, so filled with the love of God, that he could
contain no more, but cried out, 0, my God, withhold thy hand, or ike
vessel -wiU burst ! But he afterwards told me he was afraid he had
grieved the spirit of God ; and that he ought rather to have prayed
that the Lord would have enlarged the vessel, or have suffered it to
break, that the soul might have had no further bar or interruption to
its enjoyment of the supreme good. In this he was certainly right.
For, as Mr. Wesley has observed, the proper prayer on such an oc
casion would have been —
" ' Give rae the enlarged desire.
And open. Lord, my soul.
Thy own fulness to require.
And comprehend the whole !
Stretch my faith's capacity
Wider and yet wider still ;
Then with all that is in Thee
My ravish'd spirit fill !' "
Such was the ordinary employment of this man of God while
he remained at Trevecca. He preached the word of life to the
students and family, and as many of the neighbours as desired to
be present. He was " Instant in season and out of season, he
reproved, rebuked, exhorted with all long suffering." He was
always employed, either in illustrating some important truth, or
exhorting to some neglected duty, or administering some need
ful comfort, or relating some useful anecdote, or making some
profitable remark or observation upon some occurrence. And
his devout soul, always burning with love and zeal, led him to
intermingle prayer with all he uttered. Meanwhile his manner
was so solemn, and at the same tirae so mild and insinuating,
that it was hardly possible for any one who had the happiness of
being in his company not to be struck with awe and charmed
with love, as if in the presence of an angel or departed spirit : —
" Indeed (says Mr. Benson) I frequently thought, while attending
to his heavenly discourse and divine spirit, that he was so different
from, and superior to, the generality of mankind, as to look more hke
Moses or Elijah, or some prophet or apostle come again from the dead,
than a mortal man, dwelling in a house of clay. It is true, his weak
and long afflicted body proclaimed him to be human ; but the grace
which so eminently filled and adorned his soul manifested him to be
divine. And long before his happy spirit retumed to God who gave
it, that which was human seemed in a great measure to be swallowed
up of life."
And as Mr. Fletcher was thus zealous and unwearied in his

104 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
e.xhortarions to, and prayers for, the students and other mem
bers of the family, while" present with them, so he was far from
being inattenrive to their spiritual welfare when absent. His
concern for their prosperity in the divine life constrained him,
during his absence from them, frequently to address to them
pastoral letters full of instruction and exhortation. One of
these, the only one we have been able to obtain, we shall here
insert. It was written from Madley, July 23, 1770, imme
diately after his return from abroad : —
" TO THE MASTERS AND STUDENTS OF LADY HUNTINGDON'S COLLEGE.
" Grace, mercy, and peace attend you, my dear brethren, from God
our Father, and from our Lord and Brother Jesus Christ. Brother,
do I say ? but should I not rather have written all ? Is not he all
and in all? All to believers, for he is their God or the \o<^os (the
word), and tbeir friend, brother, father, spouse, &c. &c., as he is
X070S r-jevofievo^ "ap^ (the word made fesh). From him, through
him, and in him, I salute you in the Spirit. I believe he is here with
me and in me ; I believe he is yonder with you and in you ; for
' in him we live, and move, and have,' not only our animal, but
rational and spiritual ' being.' I beheve it, I say, therefore I write.
May the powerful grain of faith reraove the mountain of remaining un
belief, that you and I may see things as God sees them, that wc may
no more judge by appearances, but judge righteous judgment; that
we may no more walk by carnal sight, but by faith, the sight of God's
children below ! When this is the case, we shall discover that the
Creator is all indeed, and that creatures (whicli we are wont to put
in his place since the fall) are mere nothings, passing clouds that our
Sun of Righteousness hath thought fit to clothe himself with, and paint
some of bis glory upon. In an instant he could scatter thera into their
original nothing, or resorb them for ever, and stand without com
petitor, XVST!^^ tke Being. But suppose that all creatures should
stand for ever, little signatures of God, what are they even in their
most glorious estate, but as tapers kindled by his light, as well as
formed by his power? Now conceive .n sun, a spiritual sun, whose
centre is every where, -svhose circuraferenoe can be found no where ;
a sun whose lustre as much surpasses tbe brightness of the luminary
that rules the day, as the Creator surpasses the creature ; and say.
What are the twinkling tapers of good men on earth— what is the
smoking flax of wicked creatures— what the glittering stars of saints
in heaven? Why they are all lost in his transcendent glory; and if
any one of these would set himself up as an object of esteem, regard,
or admiration, he must indeed be made with self and pride: he must
be (as dear Mr. Hams hath told us) a foolish apostate, a devil. Un
derstand this, beheve this, and you will sink to unknown depths of self-
horror for having aspired at \>€ingsomebod,.i, self-bumihation for seeing
yourself nobody, or, what is worse, an eviUody. But I would not have
you dwell even upon this evil so as to lose sight of your sun, unless it
he to see him covered, on this account with your flesh and hlood, and

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 105
wrapt in the cloud of our nature. Then you will cry out with St.
Paul, 0 the depth ! Then finding the manhood is again resorbed into
the Godhead, you will gladly renounce all selfish separate existence in
Adam and from Adam. You will take Christ to be your life, you will
become his members by eating his flesh and drinking his blood, you
will consider his flesh as your flesh, his bone as your bone, his spirit as
your spirit, his righteousness as your righteousness, his cross as your
cross, and his crown (whether of thorns or glory) as your crown : you
will reckon yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God,
through his dear Redeemer : you will renounce propriety, you will
heartily and gladly say, ' Not I, not I, but Christ liveth, and only be
cause he lives I do, and shall live also.' When it is so with us, then
are we creatures in our Creator, and redeemed creatures in our Re
deemer. Then we understand and feel what he says, ' Separate from rae,
¦)(uipls e/i TB KTiara aSev ea-re ; xu)/>tS c^s th aoT-rjpos s SvvdaOe troteiv.'
(Without me, the Creator, ye are nothing ; without me, the Saviour, ye
can do nothing.)
'" The moment I consider Christ and myself as two I am gone,' says
Luther, and I say so too ; I am gone into self and into anti-Christ
for that which will be something will not let Christ be all, and what
will not let Christ be all, must certainly be anti-Christ. What a poor
jejune dry thing is doctrinal Christianity compared with the clear and
heartfelt assent that the behever gives to these fundamental truths !
What life, what strength, what comfort, flow out from them ! 0, my
friends, let us believe, and we shall see, taste, and handle tbe word of
life. When I stand in unbehef I am like a drop of muddy water dry
ing up in the sun of temptation ; I can neither comfort, nor help, nor
preserve myself: when I do believe and close in with Christ, I am like
that same drop losing itself in a boundless bottomless sea of purity,
light, life, power and love ; there my good and my evil are equally
nothing, equally swallowed up, and gi-ace reigns through righteousness
unto eternal life. There I wish you all to be ; there I beg you and I
may meet with all God's children. I long to see you, that I may impart
unto you (should God make use of such a worm) some spiritual aift
and that I may be comforted by the mutual faith both of you and me'
and by your growth in grace and in divine as well as human wisdom!
dunng my long absence.
"I hope matters will be confrived so that I may be with you to be
hold your order before the anniversary : meanwhile I reraain your
affectionate fellow-labourer, and servant in the Gospel of Christ,
" J. Fletcher."
Mr. Benson continued at Trevecca about nine months, when
he was discharged from thatoffice ; not for any defect of learnlno-
or piety, or any fault found with his behaviour, but wholly on
account of the part which he took in the controversy relative to
the Minutes of Conference. The particulars of his dismissal
will be found in the chapter which gives the history of the con
troversy. He had the comfort, however, to receive from Ladv

106 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
Hunringdon, on quitring her College, the following certificate,
equally creditable to both parties, and which is here copied
from her Ladyship's hand-writing: —
" This is to certify, that Mr. Joseph Benson ivas master for the lan
guages in my College at Talgarth for nine months, and that during that
time, from his capacity, sobriety, and diligence, he acquitted himself
properiy in that character, and I am ready at any time to testify this
in his behalf whenever required.
"College, Jan. 17, 1771. S. Huntingdon."
The causes which led to Mr. Benson's removal from Oxford
were painful to him, and discreditable to his opposers. He pur
posed to have conrinued at the University until he should
graduate in the usual manner, but was discouraged by the hos-
tdity of his tutor, to whom it appears his open and frank dis-
posirion led him to confess his connexion with Lady Huntingdon
and Mr. Wesley, together with some of those irregularities
which those connexions occasioned. Whilst classical master at
Kingswood School, it was his custom to keep meetings among
the colliers, and to exhort them and pray with them ; and also
when tutor at Lady Huntingdon's college he was wont to go
out into the villages to preach on the Sundays to the poor igno
rant inhabitants. On this account Mr. Bowerbank, the Vice-
principal of Edmund's Hall, refused to act any longer in the
capacity of a tutor to Mr. Benson, and declined signing his tes
timonials for orders. Thus he was cruelly deprived of the ad
vantage of a University education, and hindered from entering
the ministry in a regular manner, for doing what he judged his
duty, and what perhaps could not be proved contrary to any law,
human or divine. Some tirae after this, he made another
attempt to obtain orders in the Established Church, but was
most ungraciously refused, even without being permitted to be
examined. This led him to join Mr. Wesley's Connexion, of
which he was a bright ornament for the space of half a century,
and he appears to have stood in the esteem and affection of the
Wesleyan Methodists next to their venerable founder.
On the 18th of August, 1770, Lady Hunringdon, with Mr.
Shiriey and Mr. Venn, arrived at Brislington, near Bristol, the
residence of James Ireland, Esq., a man well known in the re
ligious worid, and the friend of all parties. Mr. Wesley was
then at Bristol, where he had stayed with the expectation of ac
companying her Ladyship to Wales, to attend the approaching
anniversary of ber College, having been invited thither the pre
ceding year. But the Countess had formed the determination
of excluding him from her pulpits so long as he held the senti
ments discussed at the lafe conference, and accordingly wrote

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 107
to him to that effect. Mr. Wesley returned no reply to this
communication, but left Bristol for Cornwall the next day; and
never after preached in the chapels of Lady Huntingdon.
The day following her Ladyship's arrival at Brislington, being
Sunday, Mr. Shirley and Mr. Venn preached to very large
congregarions at St. George's Church, Kingswood, and at St.
James's, Bristol. On the 21st Lady Huntingdon, Lady Anne
Erskine, Miss Orton, Mr. Ireland, Mr. Lloyd, and the ministers
who accompanied her, went to Trevecca, and were received by
Mr. Fletcher, Mr. William Williams, Mr. Rowlands, ^r. Peter
Williams, Mr. Howel Harris, and several lay preachers and ex
horters. At nine the next morning the Sacrament was adrai-
nistered by Mr. Shiriey, and at ten Mr. Fletcher preached in
the chapel. At two Mr. Venn gave an exhortation to the
students, and at four Mr. Howel Harris preached in the court
to a large congregation. The Sacrament was administered by
Mr. Venn on Thursday morning. At ten Mr. Rowlands and
Mr. Williams preached in the court ; Mr. Shirley examined the
students and gave an exhortation at two o'clock ; and af four
Mr. Peter Williams preached in the chapel, whilst some of the
exhorters addressed the crowd in the court. In the evening
Mr. Berridge arrived at the College, and several persons from
the surrounding country, so that the concourse of people the
next morning was exceedingly great.
At six o'clock -in the morning of the 24th of August, a public
prayer-meeting was held In the chapel, to Implore the benediction
of the great Head of the Church upon the College, the bene
volent foundress, and all those ministers of Christ *ho laboured
with her in the sacred cause of God and truth. Notwithstand
ing the early hour at which this meeting was held, it was very
numerously attended, and the heavenly Influence which rested
upon the congregation was generally regarded as " a token for
good," and as a delightful prelude to what might be expected
during the religious services connected with the anniversary. —
Messrs. Rowlands, Williams, Harris, and Berridge severally en
gaged in this delightful exercise : after which the Sacrament
was administered by Mr. Fletcher, as president of the College,
first to the clergymen, ten of wbom were present on this occa
sion, then to the students, Lady Huntingdon, and her Ladyship's
household, and after to the congregation, great numbers of whom
communicated in the dying love of their Lord and Saviour.
Public service commenced at ten o'clock, when a vast con
course of people collected from all parts. A scaffold was erected
in the court, on which all the clergy, dissenting ministers, lay
preachers, and students sat. Mr. Fletcher read the prayers of

108 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
the Established Church, with a selecrion from the Old and New
Testament, suitable to the occasion. Mr. Peter Williams, of
Caermarthen, then, in devout and fervent prayer, implored the
divine blessing on the minister who was about to preach — that
he might be faithful to God, faithful to himself, and faithful to
the souls of his hearers — and on the congregation, that they
might hear us for eternity, and give all diligence to the things
which belonged to their everiasting peace, looking up to the
Father of light, beseeching him to give " all the words of this
life" an abundant entrance into their hearts.
The vast assembly then sung with the most animated devo
tion — " Arm of the Lord, awake, awake !
Thine own immortal strength put on," &c.
After which Mr. Shiriey ascended the pulpit and preached an
excellent discourse, highly appropriate to the occasion, from
1 Cor. I. 21, " For after that, in the wisdom of God, it pleased
God, by the foolishness of preaching, to save them that believe."
When he had concluded, Mr. William Williams preached in
Welsh till one o'clock. At two they all dined ; and during the
Interval between the public services, the people continued to
sing and pray, both In the chapel and the court. Service com- '
menced at three, when Mr. Berridge enforced the example and
success of the primitive ministers of Christ, from Mark xiv. 20,
" They went forth and preached every where, the Lord work
ing with them, and confirming the words with signs following."
When he had concluded, Mr. Rowlands addressed the assembled
multitude iu Welsh, In his accustomed eloquent and powerfully
energetic manner. His text was from 1 Cor. i. 2.3, "We preach
Christ crucified;" from which he pointed out the subject matter
of every Christian minister's preaching — the wisdom and good
ness of God in commanding the Gospel, of which Christ cruci
fied wasthe sum and substance, tobe preached "everywhere" —
the adaptation of the Gospel to the condition of man, and its
promulgation the appointed means for the conversion of sin
ners, and finally, the stdl binding commission of their once
crucified, but risen and exalted Master, and the promise of his
gracious presence " to the end of the world."
In the evening Mr. Venn addressed the students, ministers,
and lay preachers who were assembled at the College on this
occasion, from 2 Tim. Iv. 2, " Preach the word — be instant in
season and out of se.ason." From these words he enforced the
absolute necessity of zealously and faithfully preaching the truth
as it is in Jesus—of being ever ready to go forth at all seasons

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. l09
to proclaim the words of eternal life — and the importance of a
constant feeling of entire dependence upon the promised in
fluence of the Spirit to " confirm the words with signs following,"
and support them under every difficulty and every trial which
they might be called to endure in the faithful discharge of the
ministry which they had received of the Lord. Mr. Fletcher
concluded with prayer to the great Head of His Church
and people, for the especial outpouring of his Spirit upon the
various services connected with the anniversary — upon the Col
lege, that It might prove a lasting blessing to the Church of
Christ, and be mighty, through God, to the pulling down the
strongholds of Satan — upon its noble foundress, that the love
of the Saviour might burn brighter and stronger on the altar of
her heart, and that she might long be spared to reap with joy
the fruits of her generous and disinterested labours — and upon
the ministers and students, that they might prove polished shafts
in the Redeemer's quiver, zealous, active, and laborious in ex
tending the knowledge of their divine Master, and In the last
great day be found at his right hand, and hear him pronounce
the meed of approbation, " Well done, good and faithful ser
vant, enter ye into the joy of your Lord."
Thus terminated the second anniversary of her Ladyship's
College. The most delightful spirit of piety and brotherly
affection prevailed during the whole of this Interesting period ;
and the gracious presence of God was largely experienced by
all. The congregations were unusually large and deeply at
tentive ; and a blessed influence from on high rested upon the
assembled multitudes. At seven o'clock the next morning a
prayer-meeting was held in the chapel, when Messrs. Sbhie),
Venn, Berridge, and Fletcher commended themselves and
brethren in the ministry to the blessing of God before they de
parted to their respective places of abode. Soon after. Lady
Huntingdon and suite left Trevecca for Berwick, the seat of
Thomas Powys, Esq., in Shropshire. The next daj-, being Sun
day, Mr. Venn preached in the morning to a large number of
persons, and in the afternoon Mr. Berridge addressed a more
numerous congregation from those solemn words, " As the Lord
liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and
death." Lady Huntingdon next proceeded to Worcester, where
she remained a few days, and then went forward to Bristol, where
she had the satisfaction to meet Mr. Charles Wesley, who shortly
after accompanied her to Bath, and preached several times in
the chapel.
Lady Huntingdon's sphere of usefulness becoming every year
more and more extensive, her expenses were consequently greatly

Iio I'HE Life and times of
augmented. Though she expended very frequently every far
thing of her income, still it was inadequate to the demands
made on her boundless liberality; and but for the occasional
assistance which Mr. Thornton, Lady Glenorchy, Lady Ches
terfield, Miss Orton, and others aff'orded, she would somerimes
have been involved In difficulries. It was about this rime that
she received a second gift from Mr. Thornton of five hundred
pounds towards defraying tbe e.xpenses of the College. From
Lady Glenorchy, Lady Chesterfield, Mr. Lloyd, Mr. Ireland,
and Miss Orton, she likewise received very considerable sums,
amounting to neariy one thousand pounds, which enabled her
Ladyship to pursue those plans for promoring the spiritual hap
piness of her fellow-creatures, the accomplishment of which
yielded the highest grarification to her benevolent heart.
The letter of Lady Glenorchy on this occasion is worthy of
preservation, as it presents the piety, generosity, and liberal
views of that excellent woman in an interesting light. It is
dated "Edinburgh, Jan. 10th, 1771.
'¦ My liear Madam, — I received your letter ofthe 19th ultimo, and
thank you a thousand times for all your kindness and friendly advice.
I bless God for the light and conifort which your Ladyship has been
instrumental in conveying to my mind, and esteem it a high privilege
to write to one so devoted to the best of causes, and so willing to com
municate to others the blessings of tbe everlasting Gospel.
" I am rejoiced at the success which has attended the College ; and
of your very extensive field of labour. I long to be raore actively en
gaged for God, but hitherto my way has been greatly hedged up. When
the weather permits, I frequently visit the poor, and find much liberty
and pleasure in speaking for God ; but am jienetrated with shame at
my ignorance and weakness. I am constantly surrounded by persons
who have no relish for these ihings, which is very hurtful to my soul.
Miss Hill was a great source of comfort to me, and I regret her absence
exceedingly. I saw Mr. Townsend yesterday ; his conversation was
edifying and refreshing. His ministry has been astonishingly blessed
in Edinburgh ; and I feel gratel'ul to your Ladyship for his continuing
so long with us. Knowing the many demands on your generosity, I
beg your acceptance of the enclosed iov four hundred pounds, which
you will oblige me by expending in advancing that glorious cause which
my heart longs to serve ; and at the same time allow me to repeat what
I have already assured your Ladyship, that my purse is always at your
comniand, as I feel persuaded that the Lord smiles upon your plans of
usefulness, and will cro« ii thera with his blessin"-.
" I expect Mr. De Courcy very soon, and trust the Lord will accom
pany him, and make him useful to many in the city. Your Ladyship's
account of what occurred ut l\lr. ^V¦esley's last conference does not
surprise me. _ I have since seen the Minutes, and must bear my feeble
testimony against the sentiments contauied in them. May the Iiord

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. Ill
God of Israel be with you, and enable you to make a firra stand in
defence of a free-grace Gospel. Lady Anne's letter has told me all you
have been doing in this momentous affair. When you next write to
dear Mr. Shirley give my kindest regards to him, and also to Mr. Venn,
Mr. Fletcher, and Mr. liomaine. From what Lady Anne says, I fear
very much for Mr. Fletcher that he will be carried off by Mr. Wesley's
influence. What will be the eud ot this business I know not. May
we be kept by the mighty power of God unto the day of salvation. I
know Mr. Wesley is greatly displeased with me, though I have always
countenanced his preachers ; but now I find this cannot be done by me
any longer. Nevertheless I respect him highly, and pray that he may
be led in the way of truth. Good Lady Maxwell rejoices in the suc
cess attending your eflhrts; she begs her Christian regards maybe
conveyed to your Ladyship, and desires me to assure you, though per
sonally unknown to each other, that she feels a union of spirit with all
who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, though they differ in some
points from her, and esteems it her bounden duty to pray t'lat lie Lord
may strengthen your hands, and make you eminently usotiij m yom-
day and generation.
" Truly I have need of your Ladpshlp's prayers. With my whole
soul I bless the Lord for the numberless mercies he has bestowed upon
me, ofthe least of which I am utterly unworthy. Blessed be his name,
I feel every day more power to beheve, and more inclination and relish
for spiritual things. Yet, alas ! I am so unprofitable, that I wonder
I have not long since been cut down as a cumberer of the ground.
Lord, I desire to be wholly thine, and to sacrifice health, fortune, re
putation, and even life itself, if I may but be counted worthy to suffer
for thee !
" I cease not to pray that the Lord may bless your Ladyship with
every spiritual blessing, and repay a thousand-fold the maternal tender
ness and affection you have so often bestowed on your truly grateful
and singularly indebted friend and servant, in i-he bonds ofthe ever
lasting Gospel, " W. Glenorchy."
That part of Lady Huntingdon's answer which relates to the
generous contrlburion of Lady Glenorchy for the benefit of the
College, we transcribe here ; the remainder will be found in
another chapter : —
"I am mdeed bound to thank your Ladyship most sincerely for your
generous gift to tbe College, whicb has been the offspring of many tears
and strong crying to the great and glorious Head of the Church.
This is surely one ofthe effects of that blessed faith wrought in your
heart by the power of the Holy Ghost. Every token, expression, and
act oflove in obedience to the new coramandment is acceptable to the
Lord. Your many noble and benevolent works I doubt not spring
from faith in the Lord Jesus, and are done out oflove to Christ, to his
people, for the truth's sake that dwelleth in them, and because they
belong to Christ. These are the works which will be remembered and
recompensed at the resurrection of the just. The College is in a most

112 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
glorious state. The unction of the Holy One is continually descend
ing on all its beloved inmates, and the love and harmony that reigns
amongst them all it is most delightful to witness. Fired with a zeal
for God and perishing souls, all seem determined, in their strength, to
spend aud be spent in this divine employ. The College, as dear Mr.
Berridge says, hasbeen baptized with the baptism ofthe Holy Ghost;
great grace rests upon all within its walls, and eminent success crowns
their labours inthe towns and villages around. To God alone be all
the glory ! — the work is his — and he will carry it on in his own way.
His smiles of approbation have cheered my heart amidst the many
labours, cares, and sorrows I have to contend with. I thirst for an
entire devotedness to him, and his cause and interest in the world. 0
that I had a thousand hands, a thousand hearts, all should be employed
for Him — for He is woRiHi'. Sing, O my sonl. Worthy is the Lamb
ihat was slain !"
The third anniversary of the College was attended by greater
crowds than the preceding year. On the 20th of August Messrs.
Shirley, Roquet, Johnson, Hart, Browne, Ireland, and Lloyd set
off for Trevecca. The next daythey were joined by Messrs.
Rowlands, Williams, Jones, Owen, and several clergymen from
England, so that this year there were fourteen clergymen pre
sent, Independent of several Dissenting ministers, exhorters, and
lay preachers. Messrs. Shirley, Roquet, and Browne were the
preachers. Much of the divine presence was felt and enjoyed;
and all returned to their respective abodes under a deep sense of
their Infinite obligations to free and sovereign grace : and a holy
determination on the part of all the ministers who were present
on this occasion to preach the Gospel more zealously than they
had hitherto done, and endeavour by every means In their power
to spread the savour of divine truth among the careless and un
awakened.* * Among the pupils introduced into the work of the ministry by means of
this Institution were the following ; 
Adams  Salisbury i Clark  Cheadle, Staffordshire
Aldridge  Jewry-street, London Clayton  Weigh-house, London
Alley  Stepney " ' _ . ~ ..
Austen  Great Wakering, Essex
Barnard  Hull
Beard  Scarborough
l^eaufoy  Town Sutton
Bennet  Birmingham
Best  Curate of Cradley
Boddily  America
Bradley  Manchester
Broadey  Bessel's Green, Kent
Browning ... Wrington
Bryant  Sheffield
Bryson i  London
Burn  St. Mary's, Birmingham
Cambridge

Cook  South Carolina
Cosson  Ditto
Crole  Pinners' Hall
Cureton  Newcastle
Davis  Yeovil
Dawson  Sheffield
Denham...... Walworth
Derbyshire . . .
Dunn 
EUis  Woburn
English  Reading, and Homerton
Eyre 
French 
Ford  Stepney
Giles  North America. '

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON.

113

Soon after the anniversary Lady Huntingdon made a tour In
Wales with Mr. Rowlands and Mr. Williams. On tbe 28th of
August she went to Brecknock, where she spent two days, and
on the 31st proceeded to Caermarthen. At each of those places
Mr. Rowlands and Mr. Williams preached to large congregations
both In the churches and in the open air. From thence her
Ladyship went to Haverfordwest on the 2nd of September, and
in the evening Mr. Rowlands preached in St. Martin's church
yard to a numerous and deeply attentive audience. At Swansea
Mr. Rowlands and Mr. Williams preached to very numerous con-

Glazebrook... Gray 
Griffiths 
Griffiths 
Harris 
Harris 
Hawkesworth
Hayes 
Herdsman.... Honey will ...
Honejrwood. ..
Hull 
Hupton 
Hyde .-. 
Jenkins 
Johnson 
Jones, Dr 
Jones, T 
Jones, W. ...
Jones, J 
Jones, T 
Jones, W. ...
Jones, L 
Kirkman 
Leggatt 
Lewis 
Lloyd 
M'AU 
May 
Mays 
Mantell 
Mead 
Meldrum ....
Meyer 
Mills 
Mollond 
Moore 
Morris 
Moss 
Munn 
Munn, J 
Newell 
Newborn 
Parish 
Parish 
Parsons 

Warrington

Pearse 

Phease 

Aston, Berks

PhiUips 

Coleford, Gloucester

PhUlips, D....

Curate of Stanmore

Piatt 

Fordham, Essex

Porter 

United Brethren

Price 

North America

Pritchard 

South Petherton

Richards 

Melksham

Ralph 

Richardson . . .

Roby 

Claxton, Norfolk

Roberts 

Rowlands ...
Lewes
Rowley 
Manchester
Sedcole 
Edinburgh
Shenstone ...
Oathall
Stephens 
Smith 
Lincoln
Shutter 
Stumphousen
Tessier 
Durham
Thorn 
Islington
Thorrer 
Burwash
Thresher 
South Sea Islands
Townsend ...
Swansea
Tyler 
London
Vaughan 
Undenvood...
Waring 
Swindon
Wase 
St. John's, Wapping
Watkins 
White 
Artillery-lane, London
Whitefoot ...
Walworth
WUdbore 
Wilks 
Wilks 
Monmouthshire
Williams 
Narberth, South Wales
Williams 
Jamaica
WiUiams 
Williams 
Great Missenden
Williams 
Wachett
Winkworth...
Sheffield
Wren 
Rednall, Birmingham
Young 
Leeds
Truro
Norwich
London Highgate
St. Paul's, Blackburn
Baltimore, N. A.
Bristol
Manchester South Carolina
Gainsborough
Warwick London
Leather-lane, London
Clack
Chatteris
EnaeldAbingdonRamsgate Vicar, Ashby, Lincoln
Yeovil
Bristol
Coleford, Gloucester
South Petherton
Enfield Penryn
Tabernacle, London
Norwich Stepney
Gate-street, London
Stone, Staffordshire
St. Saviour's, South-
York [wark
, Margate
VOL. II.  1
114 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
gregarious in the open air. On the 13th her Ladyship was at
Mr. Bowen's, at Languire, where she spent a few days. Here
she was joined by Mr. Pugh, who had been at the anniversary
of the college, and whose living was but a short distance frora
Languire. It being Sunday, Mr. Pugh read prayers at New
port, and Mr. Rowlands preached to a deeply serious congrega
tion. In the evening Mr. Williams preached in the open air to
an immense multitude, many of whom appeared much affected.
Lady Huntingdon arrived at Trevecca on the 20th, " filled with
wonder and astonishment at the goodness of God her Saviour In
preserving her in going out and coming in, and enabling her to
carry the blessings of the Gospel to those who were sitting in
darkness, and in the shadow of death."
Previous to Lady Huntingdon's visit to Swansea, there was a
great .dearth of religious knowledge in that place. A few persons,
Welsh and English, assembled together for prayer in a room in
Castle-street. These, differing in language and sentiment,
eventually separated, and formed distinct societies, and probably
this gave rise to the Wesleyan and the Welsh Independent, as
well as to the Countess's chapel. After this separation, those
remaining were too poor to pay the rent, which was about three
pounds per annum. The landlady demanded either that the
rent should be paid in a week or the room quitted. It is ofteii
seen, as in the present case, that Divine Providence makes
things, trivial in themselves, turn out to the furtherance of the
Gospel. Among these poor people was one of the name of
Benjamin Tucker, a man filling a menial situarion, yet of sin
gular piety. Being informed that he must either take the re
sponsibility of defraying the expenses upon himself, or that it
must be given up In a week, his mind was greatly distressed : he
knew the power of prayer, and that man's extremity is God's
opportunity. Overwhelmed in his spirits, he strolled doWn the
baj as far as low-water mark, where, falling upon his knees, he
prayed ; nor did he pray in vain. Whilst engaged, the name of
the venerable Countess rushed into his mind with such force
that he was convinced it was an answer to prayer. Her Ladyship
was then lodging at Britton Ferry, only a few miles from Swan
sea. On account of his humble circumstances he prevailed on
a respectable farmer in the neighbourhood to write to her Lady
ship. No reply being given. Tucker at length waited personally
upon her. Having heard his statement, her Ladyship kindlv
consented to send a student from Trevecca every Sabbath'.
These continued to preach there twelve months, when it was
thought that if a chapel were erected a congregation might be
gathered. Tucker was the organ of communication. Her

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 115
Ladyship enquired how many members might be obtained to
form a society ? When informed five, she expressed her sur
prise that so amall a number should desire a chapel might be
built ; Tucker replied — " There were but few in Cornelius's
house, but at his invitation more came, and while Peter preached
the Holy Ghost fell upon all tbem that heard fhe word." The
Countess, pleased with his Scriptural remark, promised to use
her endeavours to build a chapel. She soon after paid another
visit to Swansea. An elm-tree faced her lodgings In Chapel-
street; here she directed a student, Mr. Thomas Jones, to preach :
she opened her window and listened to the sermon. This vene-
r;i!jle tree is standing, and is viewed with pleasing emotions by
the elder members of the society.
On her Ladyship remarking that a room was suflficient. Tucker
remonstrated, and, with his characteristic energy, declared that
with hat In hand he would beg through the Princlpalitv if she
would not comply. Her Ladyship yielded, and, through'the in
terposition of Sir Herbert Mackworth, applied to the corporation
for one of the sand-banks on the Burrows, which the corporation
granted on a 40 years' lease, at a ground rent of 31. 14s. Od. per
annum. A Mr. Jernegon agreed to build it for 430Z. After
wards be found that his contract was considerably too low to pay
his expenses, when she honourably gave him another lOOZ. The
foundation stone has, on a brass plate, the following inscription :
the right honoubablk
SELINA
COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON,
AT HEB OWN EXPENSE, ERECTED THIS
HOUSE OF GOD,
IN THE YEAR OF OUB LOBD, 1787.
WILLIAM JEBNEGON, ARCHITECT.
BEV. WILLIAM ALDBIDGE 1
AND >-LAID THIS STONE.
BENJAMIN TUCKEB, I

Its dimensions are sixty feet by forty : its style Gothic. It
was opened April 5 th, 1789. In the morning the Rev. Mr. Row
lands read prayers, and the Rev. David Jones, rector of Langan,
and the Rev. William Taylor, one of her Ladyship's chaplains,
preached. The text of the latter was, " Mine eyes and my
heart shall be thine perpetually." In the evening Mr. Taylor
read prayers, and Mr. Rowlands preached in Welsh and English.
Mr. Taylor supplied the pulpit for a month, and was succeeded
by the Rev. Dr. Ford, and the Rev. Messrs. Harris, M'All,
Clark, Kenneford, Camidge, Chamberlain, Jones, and others.
The following paragraph, copied from a Bristol paper of March,
1791, indicates the kind feeling that was entertained towards
I 2

116 THE LIFE AND TliMtS OF
this newly erected place of worship, and the good results which
appeared : —
« The chapel latelv built by tho Countess of Huntingdon at Swan
sea, promises fair to be a blessing to that neighbourhood. The abilities
of the worthy minister who now preaches there are truly great, and
have been made eminently useful ; his discourses are delivered with
becomino- solemnity and graceful freedom, and flow not as frora a barren
head or an unfeeling heart, but indicate all the pathos of a soul devoutly
panting after the advancement of the glory of God in the salvation
of sinners, and establishing the Church of God in faith, holiness, and
love." In 1796 the late Rev. William Kemp became the pastor, and
continued to labour there with pleasing tokens of success for
twenty-five years, when, at the earnest request of the Trustees
of Cheshunt College, he removed to fill the important station of
theological tutor fo that institution. He was succeeded by the
Rev. David Jones, whose valuable services were interrupted by
a long and serious indisposition. Continued ill-health obliged
him, though unwillingly, to resign his charge in May, 1825. He
died the following au|umn, since which it has been supplied by
various ministers of the Connexion.*
The number of chapels and congregations In various parts of
the kingdom were now Increasing every year, and new invitations
were daily made to her Ladyship to send the students to many
places where darkness and ignorance prevailed. In order to
attend to tbe.se much of her time was necessarily required at the
College, from whence she was continually sending forth raessen
gers of mercy to proclaim the glad tidings of great joy, that
there Is a Saviour, even Christ the Lord. From this period,
therefore, to the close of her active and laborious course. Lady
Huntingdon spent a considerable portion of every year at Tre
vecca. Whilst there she was very frequently visited by ministers
of eminence and respectability belonging to the Principality, as
well as by those from distant parts of the kingdom. No charac
ter, eminent for religion, knew her, by whom she was not highly
esteemed. Among her very intimate friends must be reckoned
that raan of God, the Rev. Edmund Jones, minister of Ebenezer
• There is a recent circumstance in the history of this chapel which calls
for distinct notice, and for grateful acknowledgment to God for the signal
proof of his gracious interposition. It appeal's that Lady Huntingdon vvas dis
appointed m having so short a lease as forty years. In the year 1822, only five
years betore the expiration of the lease, the corporation was desirous of making
a new road by the side of the chapel, and offered the trustees a new lease for
99 years as a compensation for thp ground on one side of the chapel, which
was readily granted. Subsequently, a school-room has been erected on a part
of the vacant ground which still remained.

SELIN.i, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 117
Chapel, near Pontypool, in the parish of Trevathian, South
Wales. This venerable man lived almost a century, a faithful
servant of God, and the peculiar care of heaven. With Lady
Huntingdon he maintained a constant correspondence, and when
ever she came into Wales fhe good old Prophet (for that was the
name he bore) spent some time with her at the College at Tre
vecca. His memory is still dear to many of the surviving stu
dents of that seminary who were witnesses of his undissembled
seriousness. He generally preached once a day during his visit :
Indeed it was his grand object, whenever he came, to diffuse a
savour of divine and eternal things. Whoever was favoured
with his company was always the better for it. He lived at the
gates of heaven himself, and thither also he constantly en
deavoured to bring all his friends. His person was of the raid-
die size, his eye remarkably penetrating, and the dignity of an
apostle was stamped upon his countenance, which was the index
of his heart, and commanded respect wherever he made his ap
pearance. His mode of preaching was strictly puritanical ; his
voice was rather feeble, and his delivery slow ; his doctrines
were purely evangelical, and his discourses enriched with Chris
tian experience.
Never was any man more highly favoured in a matriraonial
connexion than Mr. Jones. Mrs. Jones was a woraan of eminent
piety, and possessed of strong intellectual powers. In the apos
tolic age, when poverty was no reproach, she would have been
esteemed a Christian of the most exalted character. They
were married when young, and their aflfection increased with
their years. What the good old man felt at the lo.ss of such a
wife it is Impossible for words to describe. Though she died
twenty years before him, he scarcely ever mentioned her name
but tears involuntarily flowed from his eyes. When contemplat
ing the joys of heaven, he frequently anticipated the pleasing
interview with (as he continued to call her) " his dearly beloved
spouse." " I would not (said he once, in a conversation with
Lady Huntingdon) for half a heaven, but find her there." The
beauty of the marriage state was so conspicuous in this happy
pair, and raade so powerful an impression on the mind of Mr.
Whitefield, when on a visit at their house, that he immediately
determined upon changing his condition, and soon after paid his
addresses to a lady In that neighbourhood ; but he had not the
good fortune to find a Mrs. Jones in the object of his choice.
Lady Huntingdon was always highly delighted by his visits to
Trevecca, and after one of these refreshing seasons wrote thus
to a correspondent :— -
" The dear good old Pr'ephet has just left usi 0 what a blessed

118 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
saint of God I — how devoted ! how lively ! how active ! — always athirst
for full coramunion with the Father of Light ! His heart-stirring ad
dresses to the students, and his most fervent and energetic prayers for
their success will surely leave a blessing behind them."
Mr. Jones was remarkable not only as a wise instructor, but
a powerful intercessor. Many experienced the benefit of his
prayers. " As a prince he had power with God and with man,
and prevailed."
In 1773 the College was favoured with frequent visits from the
Rev. David Jones, rector of Langan, a man of great eminence
in his day, and for many years a constant preacher in the chapels
of the Countess. The beginning of May her Ladyship wrote
to Mr. Jones, by one of the students who was going to attend
the Welsh Methodist Association, requesting him to renew his
visits to Trevecca. It was her Ladyship's intention to have been
present at the meeting of the Association, but she was prevented
by indisposition. After the meeting the young man returned
to the College on trial, and brought the following letter from
Mr. Jones : — "Bridgend, May 14, 1773.
" My Lady — Your kind letter I received by tbe young man, for which
I heartily thank your Ladyship. We should have been truly glad to
have seen you at our Association. It was a very solemn day indeed.
The Lord Jesus fulfilled his precious promise to his servants — " I will
be with you." Great power from on high attended the word preached.
Many went horae rejoicing : and who would not rejoice when the
Captain of our salvation himself appeared in the field of battle, assuring
the hearts of his poor people that he would conquer in and for them ?
I trust there were sorae also of the careless sort cut to the heart. Mr.
Eowlands preached the second sermon in the morning, from Acts ix. 4,
"And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul,
why persecutest thou me ?" Mr. William Williams preached before hira.
In the afternoon we had two sermons also. The first by Mr. William
Lloyd, a lay-preacher, and the second by Mr. Peter Williams. Some
of the people made our little town ring with Gogonant i Fab Dafydd
Hosanna trwy'r ne foedd.* Your Ladyship does not want Welsh
interpreters. Hosanna hefyd irwyr Dcear, Doear. Amen, Amen.f
Mr. Rowlands preached the next day at a little town, about twelve
miles west of us, where he had a sweet opportunity indeed. He spoke
wonderfully on Abraham looking up : Gen. xxii. 1 3. I never heard
such a sermon before. Surely he is the greatest preacher in Europe.
May the Lord own him more and more. That httle town also rang
with Gogoniant. Keep on, blessed Jesus, to ride triumphantly throngh
our land. Fill our cold hearts with thy love, then we shall praise thee
from shore to shore.
' Glory be to the son of David — Hosanna through the heavens.
t Hosanna also through the earth. Amen, Amen.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 119
" My poor wife, who enjoys but a poor state of health, desires to
join with me in Christian love and respect to your Ladyship ; and we
hope the Lord will bless and preserve you long in this world for his
own great glory. We rejoice to hear that you are enabled to hold up
your head like a brave soldier in your present situation. As thy day
is, so shall ihy strength be.
" In a week's time I intend setting out on a journey through Pem
brokeshire : probably it will be my last, as they are! soon to have a
settled minister among them, Mr. Williara Davies, of Neath.
" I intend giving myself the pleasure, if the Lord preserve my health,
of calling on your Ladyship before the end of this sumraer. If I can
contrive to stay over a Sunday, I shall give your Welsh neighbours a
sermon at your Ladyship's chapel.
" The young man is to bring this. I hope the Lord will greatly bless
him in his studies. 1 believe him to be very honest in his sphere :
whether he is cut out for the College or no, I can't pretend to judge:
you will find that during the time of his trial, I wish he may turn
out to your Ladyship's satisfaction : and ara, ray honoured and dear
Lady, humbly and dutifully yours, D. Jones.
'' P.S. The following lines I throw at the feet of your Ladyship's
young men. Let them try their talents, and render a just translation
of them in verse* for their worthy Patroness. They were written by
Mr. WilUam Williaras, and are very sweet to an afflicted soul."
" Eive yn terfynn
Noi pwyso oil ynghyd,
Mse cyfnewidiol ydyw Dyn,
Ond Dnw Sydd Un o hyd ;
Ar ei ffyddlondeb ef,
Sy'n noddfa grefir gwaw.
Mi greda dor mhen gronyu bach
O'r tounaw'n jack ir law."
That most zealous and faithful servant of the Lord, Howel
Harris, often favoured the College with his public preaching,
and the students with his counsel. Here also the most eminent
• The following translation of- these lines was made by Mrs. Blomfield, the
wife of Mr. Blomfield, who had his education at her Ladyship's College at
Cheshunt : — " Alas ! how vain is mortal man.
How fickle he appears !
How fast he hastens to the tomb,
Which terminates his years !
So said my soul, when great distress
Like waves burst o'er my head;
But God for ever is the same —
Who shaU my footsteps lead.
He my unchanging refuge is,
Nor will my prayer despise ;
I know he'll save— I'll trust his grace
To raise me to the skies.''

120 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
evangelical clergymen and dissenting ministers frequently ad
dressed immense congregations. The anniversary was always
remarkably well attended during the life-time of the noble
Foundress. Great multitudes were attracted thither on these
occasions, and it often proved a singular blessing to many who
were then called to the happy experience of the salvation of
Jesus. The anniversary services of 1774 and 1776 were par
ticularly interesting, from the great number of clergymen who
attended, and the mighty blessings which descended upon the
assembled multitudes. The following letter was writteh by one
who was present on that most interesting occasion, an extract
or two from which we insert in this place, as we doubt not but
it will gratify the hearts of many : — " Trevecca, August, 1774.
" I do not mean to confine myself to the transactions of the 24tk
instant, which was more properly the anniversary day, but will tell you
all I can recollect of the blessed opportunities I have been favoured
with since I came here. On Sunday morning Mr. White and one of
the students preached from Psalm cxxxii. 15, 'I will abundantly bless
her provisions,' &c. He spoke very excellently of the abundant blessing
which God hath provided for his church, and that every poor niember
thereof should be satisfied with the bread of life. In the evening Mr.
English preached from Daniel ix. 24, ' To make reconciliation for ini
quity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness.' On Monday evening
Mr. Crole exhorted from Psalm xlv. 5. ' Thy arrows are sharp in
the heart of the king's enemies.' He was led to speak much of the
depravity of the human heart. On Tuesday evening '_the people flocked
in great numbers to the College : Mr. Peter WiUiams preached partly
in English and partly in Welsh. About nine arrived Messrs. Peckwell,
Eccles, Coupland, Keene, Lloyd, and Stones from Bath, and Mr. Row
lands and Mr. Williams, two eminent Welsh ministers, who had been
preaching in the neighbourhood. Mr. Woolmer, an independent minis
ter frora Bristol, was here also. He preached on Wednesday morning.
'After this I believe 300 people breakfasted together. Then Mr.
Williams preached in English and Welsh, and after him Mr. Rowlands.
I lost all benefit of these two excellent discourses, not being able
to understand Welsh. I think we may be allowed to form some sort
of judgraent from the appearance of the people, who seemed greatly
affected. I could distinguish manv very hearty Aniens, and a fre
quent crying, ' Glory to God.'
"And now, my esteemed friend, I will tell you a httle of the minis
ters who brought us bread, I mean first Mr. Peckwell. He taught us
from Revelations, v. 9. 'And they sung a new song, saying thou art
worthy to take the book,' &c. He observed we were redeemed from
the various sms by which we were enslaved, unbelief, pride, self-love,
a too great attachment to and fear of our kindred, which often weighed
us down to earth and clogged our affections that they could not aspire
Rfter Christ ; and here he spoke of thb many things which the sovll

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 121
would often be dehghted with, rather than with God : and most awfully
of the dangerous consequences of esteeming any thing superior to
him. He then in a suitable manner addressed the Welsh, and told
them he wished he could speak to them in their own language, so as
to be understood, for he would gladly have them know that God re
jected no nation. He uttered a few words in Welsh, with which the
people seem quite delighted.
" When Mr. Peckwell had concluded, all went to dinner. The mi
nisters and most respectable part of the congregation dined with -Lady
Huntingdon, and the rest of the multitude dined at her Ladyship's
expense. After dinner Mr. Coupland preached, and when he had
finished Mr. Peter Williams took his place. Sermon being concluded,
about fifty persons took tea with Lady Huntingdon, after which there
was a love-feast. Mr. Davies, Mr. Peckwell, and Mr. Woolmer ex
horted the people, and Mr. Coupland prayed. I wish that by a recital of
these things it was possible for me to convey to you some idea of that
great power which was so sensibly felt at this blessed season : but, alas !
it is a power that may be felt, yet cannot be expressed in an adequate
manner,'much less conveyed, if it cannot be related. The love-feast
concluded about nine ; and from this time to eleven I think every room
in the house was converted into a chapel, preaching in one, praying in
another, exhorting and singing hymns in others. O what a beloved
sight ! and how dift'erent frora the generality of the world, who live as
if every part of them was mortal, or as if they could partake of the
pleasures of the world and yet be in the high-road to heaven. Glory
be to God, if He have, and I trust He hath, given us a relish for joys
superior to the beggarly elements of a perishing world. O, may we
constantly be engaged through a grace to tread it under our feet, and
spurn at every thing it can offer us in exchange for Christ ! But this
is a digression from the account I mean to furnish.
" On Thursday morning Mr. Coupland preached from Luke xv. 2,
' This man receiveth sinners.' And in the evening Mr. Peckvi'ell fa
voured us again from Ezekiel ix. 6, ' Corae not near any man upon whom
is the mark.' In a most powerful manner he reasoned upon the safety
of God's children, enumerated many instances from Scripture to prove
his peculiar care for their safety, and particularly mentioned in this
chapter, that though such a few, yet these few must be secured before
the city could be destroyed. He said, their being marked in the
forehead was to denote that the mark of God's children raust be seen :
that we must not only profess, but live as Christians. In this discourse
he very awfully andressed the Students and ministers of the Gospel to
be faithful to, God and to their own souls."
." After this serraon we had the sacraraent : Lady Huntingdon, and
a few with her, received first, and then about thirty of the students.
Mr. Peckwell renewed his exhortation and charged the students afresh,
as in the more immediate presence of God, strictly to examine their
hearts, and, as he had called them to be rainisters of the Gospel, begged
thev might be wiUing to spend and be spent in the cause of Christ.
A more solemn season I never remember. The evening closed with
prayer. On Friday morhing Mv'. Coupland preijched bn our Lord s

122 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
inquiry of Peter whether he loved him, and his charge for him to feed
his larabs and his sheep. This was a most comfortable opportunity.
The Lord was present, not only iu the place, but, I believe, powerfully
felt in every heart. Mr. Coupland spoke very awfully, and in a most
striking manner to the students who had dedicated themselves to the
ministiy, and prayed for them with the utmost affection. I wish I could
recollect the expressions be made use of in telling them the Searcher
of Hearts was acquainted with their different trials and temptations as
rainisters ; and that they must beg of him to undertake for them, and
to impart grace and strength proportionate to their day. I know you
join in a hearty Amen that the petitions may be fulfilled.
" On Friday evening Mr. Newborn, a student, preached from these
weighty words : ' Except ye be converted, ye shall not enter into the
kingdom of heaven.' He told us what it was to be born again ; being
a change of heart, which would consequently produce a change of affec
tions, of temper, of life, &c., and very powerfully did he enforce the
necessity of this change, as that without it we could not see, much less
inherit as a state in the kingdom of God. He described heaven, and
that the nearer we hved unto God, the more we should enjoy the king
dom of heaven whilst on earth. This sermon concluded the anniver
sary ; but I hope the life and power of God are not departed from the
souls of the people."
Mr. Toplady's letter to Mr. Hussey contains an interesting
narrative of the anniversary of Lady Huntingdon's College in
1776:— " Broad Hembury, Sept. 9, 1776.
" Very dear Sir, — A student of Lady Huntingdon's, whose name is
Cottingham, and from whom I parted at Bristol on my return from
Wales, promised rae to wait on you and Mrs. Hussey in London, to in
form you how gracious the Lord has been to me ever since I saw you
last. " The night I left town the Worcester coach in which I went
broke down ; but not one of us received the least injury. I have a
still greater deliverance to acquaint you with ; even such as, I trust,
will never be blotted from my thankful remembrance. On the anni
versary day in Wales, the congregation was so large that the chapel
would not have contained a fourth part of the people, who were sup
posed to amount to three thousand. No fewer than one thousand three
hundred horses -were turned into one large field adjoining the College,
besides what were stationed in the neighbouring villages. The car
riages, also, were unusuaUy numerous. A scaffold was erected a,t one
end of the College-court, on ivhich a book-stand was placed, by way
of pulpit, and thence six or seven of us preached, successively, to one
of the most attentive and most lively congregations I ever beheld.
When it came to my turn to preach, I advanced to the front, and had
not gone more than half way through my prayer before Sermon, when
the scaffold suddenly fell in. As I stood very near the higher-most
step (and the steps did not fall with the rest), Providence enabled me
to keep on my feet, through the assistance of Mr. Winkworth, who

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 123
laid fast hold on my arm. About forty ministers were on the scaffold
and steps when the former broke down. Dear Mr. Sliirley fell under
most of all, but received no other hurt than a very slight bruise on
one of his thighs. A good woman, who for the conveniency of hearing
had placed herself under the scaffold, received a trifling contusion on
her face. No other mischief was done. The congregation, though
greatly alarmed, ¦ had the prudence not to throw theraselves into out
ward disorder ; which, I believe, was chiefly owing to the powerful sense
of God's presence, which was eminently felt by most of the assembly.
" Such was the wonderful goodness of the Lord to me that I was not
in the least disconcerted on this dangerous occasion : which, I raention
to the praise of that grace and providence without which a much
smaller incident would inevitably have shocked every nerve I have.
About half a minute after the interruption had commenced, I had the
satisfaction to inform the people that no damage had ensued : and re
moving for security to a lower step, I thanked the Lord, with the
rejoicing multitude, for having so undeniably given his angels charge
concerning us. Prayer ended, I was enabled to preach, and great
grace seemed to be upon us all.
" If God perrait, I hope to be with you, in London, soon after the
middle of this month. I deem it one of the principal felicities of ray
life, that I have the happiness and the honour to minister to a praying
people. We should not have had so much of the Lord's presence in
Orange Street, if he had not poured upon us the spirit of supplication.
Go on to pray, and God will go on to bless. Remember me most
respectfully a^d most tenderly to as many of our dear friends in Christ
as you are acquainted with, and particularly inform Mr. and Mrs. Wil
lett and Mr. and Mrs. Stokes that I have not forgot my promise to
write to them ; and that I will perform my promise, unless they are so
kind as to dispense with it ; which I am very sure they would most
willingly do if they knew how little time I have to rayself.
" Farewell. Grace be with you, and with dear Mrs. Hussey.
Grace comprehends all we want, in time and in eternity. I reraain,
my valuable friend, ever, ever yours, Augustus Toplady.
" P.S. I had tbe happiness to see dear Lady Huntingdon (who is the
if, most precious saint of God I ever knew) well both in body and soul.
The Lord, I trust, still continues with you at Orange-street chapel. I
shall be much obliged to you for inforraing rae how things go on by
a line directed to rae, at Mr. Deriiam's, in Green-street, Bath ; for
which place I intend to set out from Devonshire, on Monday next, the
16th instant. I have the unutterable satisfaction to find several more
awakened people at Broad Hembury than I formerly knew of. The
Lord never sends his Gospel to any place in vain. He will call on his
own people, and will accomplish his own work. There is really a
very precious remnant in and about this parish. Thanks to free
grace for all."

124 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF

CHAPTER XXXIH.

History of the Chapel at Tunbridge Wells — Mr. Venn and Mr. Madan preach-
in the open air  E.xtracts from Lady Huntingdon's letters — Mr. Whitefield
visits Tunbridge Wells— Messrs. Shipman and Matthews preach there 
Illness of Lady Huntingdon — Illness of Mr. Whitefield— Mr. V§nn— Mr.
Newton — Mr. Thornton — Preaching at Lady Huntingdon's — A condemned
criminal — Opening of the Chapel by Mr. Whitefield and Mr. De Courcy 
Mrs. Althens— Chapel at Margate — Mr. Aldridge — Mr. Cooke — Mrs. Hors
ley  Chapels at Dover — Folkstone — Deal — Dr. Carter — Mrs. Elizabeth
Carter and Miss Talbot — Lady Huntingdon's observations on Mrs. Carter's
opinions — Charles and Edward Perronet^Chapel at Canterbury — Mr. Ald
ridge  Dr. Povah — Mr. Maddoek — his death — The Unwin family and Cow
per the poet — Mrs. Major Cowper — Mr. Unwin preaches at Lady Hunting.
don's Chapel — Mr. David Simpson — Mr. Taylor.
Celebrated for its waters, Tunbridge Wells was remarkable
for little else than the ignorance and profaneness of its in
habitants. As a place of public resort for the affluent, the gay,
and the invalid, it became one of the most distinguished spots
in the kingdom. In this benighted place the sabbath was
openly profaned, and the most holy things contemptuously
trampled under foot ; even the restraints of decency were
violently broken through, and the external form of religion held
upas a subject of ridicule. This general description of the
inhabitants of Tunbridge Wells must not, however, be indiscri
minately applied to every Individual among them : exceptions
there were to this prevailing character, but they were compara
tively few indeed.
That something should be attempted towards the conversion
of this people was Lady Huntingdon's most anxious wish, and
seemed to be the general desire ofall those whom she consulted.
Commencements so auspicious as those at Brighton and Oathall,
confirmed and encouraged her hopes In this raost de.sirable en
terprise. Accordingly, in the suramer of 1763, her Ladyship
went thither, accompanied by Mr. Madan and Mr. Venn. Some
attempts had been made to introduce the Gospel to this resort
of fashion, about this time by Sir Thomas I'Anson, who resided
in the neighbourhood, and had occasional preaching In his house.
By this means attention was excited, and many were anxious to
enjoy the blessings of the everiasting Gospel. The chapel be
longing to the Estal.dished Church haying been refused, Mn

selina, countess of HUNTINGDON. 125
Madan and Mr. Venn preached in the large Presbyterian place
of worship, which was freely lent on this occasion, and in which
Mr. Wesley and others had also preached. But spacious as this
place was, it was insufficient to contain the numbers who wished
to hear, and Mr. Madan and Mr. Venn were encouraged by
Lady Huntingdon to address the assembled multitudes In the
open air. This was a new and extraordinary occurrence at
Tunbridge Wells, and created no small stir. Whilst Mr. Venn
was enforcing that gracious invitation, " Come unto me, all ve
that are weary and heavy laden," a man in the congregation, not
far from where the preacher stood, dropped down and instantly
expired. This circumstance caused a general sensation, of
which Mr. Venn very judiciously availed himself, and with great
energy and warmth exhorted them to seek the Lord while he
raight be found, and to call upon Hira while he was near : —
" So strong and general an influence (observes Lady Huntingdon)
on a congregation I seldom remember to have seen. Many were
melted to tears, and seemed resolved to fly frora tbe wrath to corae.
Dear Mr. Venn was raost solemn and irapressive ; the word came
with power, and the arrows of conviction stuck in the hearts of many."
When Mr. Venn had concluded, the people lingered around
the spot, as if unwilling to depart. Lady Huntingdon observing
this, urged Mr. Madan to address a few words to the congrega
tion : —
" Many (says her Ladyship) wept under the word, and a general
concei-n seeraed to pervade the assembly. The event of this day is a
manifest indication that the Lord hath a people in this place. It hath
pleased him to give a successful entrance to his Gospel — the tune, the
set time is evidently corae, and this people are to be brought under the
sound of salvation. 0 that hundreds, nay thousands, raay answer the
call of the new-creating voice ! I have waited on the Lord, and sought
the leadings of his Providence in this matter ; and I did not visit Tun
bridge Wells till 1 was confidently assured that he had called me
there. The fields are white already to harvest. May the precious
name of Him who died to save be made very dear to many in this
place ; and raay this grain of mustard seed become, by the blessing of
God, a flourishing tree, extending its branches far and wide."
Her Ladyship's active endeavours, which proceeded from true
zeal for the enlargement of the kingdom of Christ, and which,
like the beams of the sun, passed with unabating alacrity from
place to place, from town to town, from city to city, soon ripened
into execution. In the year 1768 she procured a permanent
residence in that part of Tunbridge Wells usually called Mount
Ephraim ; and in the month of May received avisit from Mr.

l26 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
Whitefield, then on his way to Lewes and Brighton. He
preached twice in the open air,— nor did he preach in vain .—
" Very many (says her Ladyship) were cut to the heart— smners
trembled exceedingly before the Lord, and -o. universal impression
seemed to abide upou tbe multitude. Truly God was m the midst
of us to wound and to heal. Such happy indications of the approba
tion of God induce me to hope that He will deign to smile on my
humble efforts for the glory of his great name and the good of the
people of this place, and ultimately crown them with distinguished suc
cess. Conscious that every effort is impotent without his Almighty
aid, I cry continually to Him for wisdom and strength. But what am I,
that He should condescend to make rae instrumental in communicating
any good to others ? I ara humbled in the dust before him. It is the
Lord, the Lord kimself , that has done the work. The treasure is in an
earthen vessel, but the excellency of the power is of God only, and not
of man."* Early in the month of January, 1769, Lady Huntingdon
arrived in London full of plans for the glory of God and the
immortal happiness of her fellow-creatures. Her Ladyship's
residence at this time was in Portland-row, Cavendish-square.
Mr. Whitefield and Mr. Wesley were both in the metropolis, and
frequent in preaching at her Ladyship's house, with Mr. Romaine
and others. On Tuesday the 1 Oth of January, Mr. Whitefield
administered the sacrament, and Mr. Wesley preached on " Ye
are saved by faith." Tuesday, the 17th, Mr. Romaine adminis
tered the Lord's Supper, and gave a solemn address to the com
municants: after which Mr. Whitefield explained that important
declaration, " If they hear not Moses and the Prophets, neither
will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead."
Lady Huntingdon appears to have suffered much from bodily
* Previous to the opening of the College at Trevecca, Mr. Shipman and Mr.
Matthews, two of the students expelled from Oxford, paid her Ladyship a visit
at Tunbridge Wells, with a view of obtaining admission into the intended Col
lege, and ^vere most cordially received by her Ladyship. It occurred to Lady
Huntingdon, that as she had two ministers in her house, one of them should
preach. Notice was accordingly sent round that on such an evening there
would be preaching before the door. At the appointed time, a great many
people had collected together, vvhich the young men seeing, inquired what it
meant I- Her Ladyship said, " As I have two preachers in my house, one of
you must preach to the people." In reply, they said they had never preached
M.iS;f ""^ '? ^^ ex"'sed. JIi-. Shipman was a ready speaker, but Mr.
het fnr M, «l '¦'"'"''''''''''''y diffident. Lady Huntingdon, therefore, judged it
a B We imo hur7 -'" ™''^" t'^"^ *i^^t ««e"Pt- While he hesitated, she put
Lll them he was Tlii-rf 'fS "J'°" ''^^ appearing before the people, and either
^~oil:inlttto^CtX?M^\^' '° f° the best hfco^d. . Onthe
ms " The I ord }i,= wJti; , ^adyship thrust him out with her blessing, say-
".^3. " An^d^h;'Ltrsaid?m7'spirit ^^iTot'T" ""^ ^^^^^'^^^ '™'" H'l
he also is flesh." ^ °' always strive with man, for that

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 127
indisposition at this time. Her constitution, ever since her last
illness, had been extremely delicate ; and a cold, caught soon
after she reached London, threw her on a bed of sickness. Her
inward conflicts were severe, and the pressure of many outward
things concurred to aggravate her aflliction.
Mr. Whitefield was now almost entirely laid aside from duty.
On the '27th of February, Mr. Wesley writes, " I had once more
agreeable conversation with my old friend and fellow-labourer,
George Whitefield. His soul appeared to be vigorous still ; but
his body was sinking apace ; and unless God interpose with his
mighty hand he must soon finish his labours." The next day,
however, he was at Lady Huntingdon's, but wholly unable to
take any active part in the usual service at her house. Mr.
Green administered the Sacrament, assisted by Mr. Elliott, and
Mr. Romaine preached on " God forbid that [ should glory,
save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Early in the month of March Mr. Venn arrived In London,
and was most cordially greeted by Lady Huntingdon, with whom
he spent much of his time. Many pulpits were open to him,
and frequent applications were made to him to preach charity
sermons : —
" Last Sunday morning (says he) I preached a charity sermon in one
of the largest churches in London. The curate so hated my name
that he left the church, and there was no one to read the prayers ; after
making the congregation wait, I was obliged to read them myself. In
the congregation I saw two young men from Huddersfield, who had
run away from their homes. I took occasion to tell the congregation
that 1 knew there were present two unhappy people, self-deceivers
conceming the doctrine of grace."
At the request of Mr. Thornton, who was high-sheriff for the
county of Surrey, Mr. Venn preached the assize sermon at
Kingston, which was afterwards published ; he preached also
very frequently at Lady Huntingdon's, and at the Lock Chapel.
On one occasion, after Mr. Whitefield had preached at her
Ladyship's, Mr. Romaine and Mr. Venn administered the Sacra
ment ; and in the evening of the same day Mr. Venn preached
in her drawing-room to a very crowded assembly. Mr. White-
field was now much recovered, and enabled to preach several
days successively ; and Mr. Venn availed himself of every oppor
tunity to attend the instructive ministry of that great apostle of the
Lord. At the last meeting at Lady "Huntingdon's house for the
season, her Ladyship being about to leave London, and Mr.
Venn being on his return to Yorkshire, Mr. Charles Wesley ex
horted all present to " stand fast in one mind and in one judg
ment." The Lord's Supper was administered by Mr. Romaine

128 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
and Mr. Venn, and Mr. Whitefield gave a very solemn parting
prayer ; Mr. Venn concluded with the usual benediction ; after
which the doxology —
" Praise God from whom all blessings flow," &c.
was sung with uncommon fervour and devotion, and all separated
with a deeper sense of their mercies, and of their infinite obliga
tions to the Lord Jesus Christ.*
Previous to the day of dedication at Tunbridge, her Ladyship
was very diligent in sending invitations about the neighbourhood,
and also to some more distant, requesting their attendance on
that occasion. Accordingly, great numbers of persons flocked
into Tunbridge, and at a very early hour of the morning assem
bled In front of her residence, where they continued engaged in
singing hymns, and other acts of devotion, till the time when
public service commenced. Lady Huntingdon has been often
heard to say, in reference to this circumstance — " It is impossible
to express the delight and satisfaction I experienced on being
awoke at an early hour in the morning by the voice of praise
and thanksgiving — my heart was powerfully affected, and never
can I forget the sensations of pleasure I then felt."
On Sunday, July 23, the chapel was opened for divine worship,
and soon thronged In every part. Mr. De Courcy, who came
down for the purpose, read the prayers of the Established Church,
and Mr. Whitefield preached from Genesis xviii. 17: "How
dreadful Is this place ! this is none other but the house of God,
and this is the gate of heaven !" The congregation was too
large to be accommodated In the chapel, and this herald of
salvation, like his great Master, preached In the open air, from
a mount in the court before the chapel. The hallowed spot is
still preserved, and when pointed out to tbe visitant can scarcely
* Lady Huntingdon had engaged Mr. Venn before his departure to visit a
condemned criminal, at a short distance from London. He was the son of
godly parents in Ireland, yet a most notorious offender, who had been recom
mended to her Ladyship's notice by Mr. Shirley, a friend of his unhappy
parents. Mr. Whitefield and several other ministers had been to see him, and
hopes were entertained that he was .under deep convictions as to his awful
condition in the sight of God the Judge of all. " I am so much engaged (says
Mr. Venn) in visiting a condemned man, twelve miles from town, that I fear
I shall not be able to leave London before the end of three weeks. I think
it long ; but my friends are so kind, and make so much of my company, that
I cannot refuse them. The man is chained to the floor whilst I am preaching
to him." And again, " 1 have returned from visiting the condemned prisoner,
with whom I was a good deal ; and preached one evening in the gaol to a small
company, on those blessed words—" The Son of Man is come to seek and to save
that which was lost." The poor man seemed fo have a glimpse of that blessed
Redeemer, and His ability and willingness to save him ; so that his heart
began to feel a hope he never knew before : so certain is it that the preaching
of Christ crucified is the power of God unto salvation.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. ]2!3
be regarded without the liveliest Interest, and the most heart-
stirring emotions. When contemplating the scene, imagination
unveils this man of God, and we almost again behold hira
stretching out his hand, and exclaiming — " Look yonder ! what
is that I see ! it is my agonizing Lord ! hark ! hark ! do not
you hear? O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord!"*
Mr. Whitefield's sermon at the opening of the chapel at Tun
bridge Wells was said to have been a perfect piece of oratory.
One who was present said, " How earnestly did he pray that
some poor sinners mi^ht acknowledge that chapel as the place
of their spiritual nativity ! " His prayer was not in vain — it was
recorded in the courts of heaven ; and the 'last great day will
unfold to an assembled world sorae of the effects resulting from
the erection of that house of prayer. The late Mrs. Margaret
Magdalene Althens has left on record that it was the place of
her spiritual nativlty.f
The evening of the day on which the chapel was opened by
Mr. Whitefield, Mr. De Courcy preached from Rev. i. 18, "I
am he that liveth, and was dead ; and, behold, I am alive for
evermore. Amen: and have the keys of hell and of death."
The next day the Sacrament was administered by Mr. De
Courcy, and Mr. Whitefield gave a most solemn and awful
charge to the communicants. " Such a Sacrament (says Mrs.
* Mr. Whitefield's maxim was, " to preach, as Apelles painted, for Eternity. "
He was first struck with this maxim at the table of Archbishop Boulter in Ire
land, when the great Dr. Delany said to him, " I wish whenever I go up into a
pulpit, to look upon it as the last time t shall ever preach, or the last time the
people raay hear." He never forgot this. He often said — " Would ministers
preach for eternity, they would then act the part of true Christian orators, and
not only calmly and coolly inform the understanding, but by persuasive, pathetic
address, endeavour to move the affections and warm the heart. To act other
wise bespeaks a sadignorance of human nature, and such an inexcusable indolence
and indifference in the preacher, as raust constrain the hearers to suspect,
whether they will or not, that the preacher, let him be who he will  only deals
in thefahe commerce of unfelt truth."
It must ever be borne in mind, that Mr. Whitefield's face was a language,
his intonation music, and his action passion. So much was this the case,
that Garrick said of him he could make men vi'eep or tremble by his varied
utterances of the word " Mesopotamia."
+ Mrs. Althens, whose maiden name was Jasper, had a large share in the
vicissitudes so common in human life. Her mother being a German, she was
educated in that language, as well as in her native tongue. Being on a visit to
her aunt, who resided in the neighbourhood of Tunbridge for the benefit ofthe
air, she had an invitation from Lady Huntingdon to the opening of the chapel.
Her aunt appears to bave been a pious woman, for while she was conversing
with her Ladyship on religious matters. Miss Jasper was forming determinations
that nothing she might hear or see should make any impression upon her
mind, and hardening herself against every thing that was serious. " But, oh !"
says she, " the amazing love of God ! when he saw me in my blood, he said
unto me. Live !"
VOL. II. — K

],30 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
Althens) as I never was present at before; I had such a view of
Jesus Christ crucified, that I seemed as caught up into the third
heaven, to hear things unutterable."
In September, 1771, Lady Hunringdon received a sensible
anonymous letter, requesting her to send a minister to Margate,
in the Isle of Thanet, describing it as a licentious place, par
ticularly at the watering season. She made known the contents
of it to one of ber senior students, Mr. Wdham Aldridge, and
gave him the liberty of choosing any student he pleased in the
College to accompany and assist him in this Important work.
Mr. Aldridge fixed upon the Rev. Joseph Cook, who died, in
1799, a missionary In South Carolina: he cordially approved of
the design, and was eminently zealous for God. Being utterly
unknown to any persoii at Margate, they stood in the streets,
and proclaimed the most Important Intelligence that ever reached
the ear of mortal, that there is a Saviour, even Christ the Lord.
Many attended, and the labours of these Itinerants to revive a
spirit of zeal and true Christianity, to make the name of Jesus
more precious, and his authority more respected, were attended
with the happiest effects. Meeting with such success, they ex
tended the sphere of tbeir labours, and preached not only at
Margate, but at many other places in the Isle of Thanet.
The late Mrs. Horsley, a woman In humble life, was awa
kened at a very early age to a sense of her danger, through the
ministry of Mr. Ingham, or one of his fellow-labourers, who
visited her native village in the neighbourhood of Wakefield.*
At about the age of twenty-four she married her first husband,
* Having learned that there was to be preaching at a public house at Wake
field, kept by the father of one of Mr. Wesley's preachers, she determined,
notwithstanding the opposition of her parents, to attend. The text was singu
lar: " The people ate and drank, and rose up to play." It pleased the Lord,
however, to bless the word, and impres.-ions were made on her mind, which,
through a life protracted far beyond the general allotment of mankind, were
never lost. Her parents noticing the altered demeanour of their daughter, who
labouredunder strong convictions, treated her as insane, and threatened to send
her to a mad-house, if again she attended the preaching of the Gospel. Their
unkindness, and the teniptations of Satan, had well nigh driven her to despera
tion. When atthe age of twenty years, she was sent to the care of her uncle,
Mr. Grace, at Dover ; her parents vainly hoping the gaieties of new scenes and
new acquaintances would remove those gloomy ideas from the raind of their
daughter. It pleased God, however, that their design should be made instru
mental in bringing her out of her state of depression in a way by them least
wished or expected.
Soon after her arrival, that great moral renovation, which was wrought
through the itinerant labours of Messrs. Wesleys and Whitefield, was extended
to Dover. Mrs. Horsley made one of the first Wesleyan congregation held
-nnder cover in that town, ^^'hich met in a cooper's shop, on the site of the present
Quaker's meeting-house, and became one of the first fruits unto God of the
pious labours of these servants of the Most High. Her attachment to divine

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 131
William Doughty, witii whom she came f o Dover. Mr. Doughty,
who had imbibed the sentiments of the pious Baxter,* joined
with three others, viz., Messrs. Boyce, Russell, and Spearpoint,
in giving an invitation to Mr. Aldridge, and Mr. Cook. Mr.
Aldridge began the public ministry of the Connexion in Dover.
He was a man of fearless character, and, that greater excitement
might be made in the public mind, chose to deliver his first address
In the market-place, from a chair borrowed at a neighbouring
l)arber's .shop. The inhabitants were returning from afternoon
woi'shlp at the parish church, which forthwith increased the
o it-door congregation to a mob that began to assail the preacher
with every offensive missile they could procure. The desired
efToct having been produced, Mr. Aldridge cut short his dis
course, and begged the attendance of his audience at the old
meeting-bouse in the evening. That place, deserted by its
congregation and deprived of its minister, had been shut up for
a considerable time, but was procured by the persons who had
given the invitation to Lady Huntingdon's ministers. There, in
a tolerated and protected place of worship, with all his charac
teristic energy, Mr. Aldridge resumed bis discourse, and not
without success ; for several who, a few liours before, were cry
ing, " Away with such fellows," were now pricked to the heart
— irresistible conviction seized on their consciences, and they
cried out under the word — " Men and brethren, what shall
we do ?"
It was now agreed on by all parties that Mr. Aldridge and
Mr. Cook should supply Margate and Dover constantly, and
change every week : accordingly Mr. Cook visited Dover, and
preached on the next Tuesday evening In the Presbyterian
meeting-house. His first text was Heb. ii. 3. " How shall we
escape if we neglect so great salvation !"
Many attended, and were much struck with the sight of such
ordinances, and to those who, like herself, had set their faces .Zion-ward,
awakened the opposition and anger of her uncle ; who, after trying his authority
to prevent her attendance on the means of grace, sent an account of what he
considered her wilful misconduct to her relations in Yorkshire. The conse
quence was, that her mother took a journey from that distant part ofthe king
dom, for tlie purpose of adding her parental authority to the admonitions of her
uncle. Mrs. Horsley was, however, enabled, through divine grace, to resist
all their importunities, although her mother, on taking leave of her, en
treated her with tears, not to bring the grey hairs of her father with sorrow to
the grave.
After her mother's departure, her meek deportment and consistent walk so
won upon the affections of her uncle, that he was induced to attend the preach
ing of the Gospel in her company. He also became the subject of a divine
change, and many years after died in the faith of Christ.
* He had joined the Wesleyans, and occasionaUy attended the ministry of
Mr. Richard Holt, a Presbyterian miniiter, whe died in 1768.
k2

132 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
a youth, who delivered his discourse extempore (which was a
new thing to most of them). This sermon was peculiarly blessed
to the Rev. William Atwood, who subsequently became an acrive
village preacher, and eventually pastor of the Particular Baptist
congregation in the adjacent town of Folkstone ; so that he was
obliged to say, " Here is a man that hath told me all things that
ever I did ; surely he Is a servant of Christ." Mr. Cook con
tinued to supply Dover, in his turn, for some time, and was
remarkably useful in winning souls to Christ, all of whom
have long since joined their Spiritual Falher in the kingdom
above.* Such was the origin of the Countess of Huntingdon's Con
nexion at Dover and Margate, where spacious and elegant
chapels have since been erected, and where nuraerous and
respectable congregations assemble to hear all the words of this
life. The labours of Mr. Aldridge and Mr. Cook were not con
fined to these places; at Folkstone their word was signally
¦* Having identified Mrs. Doughty, afterwards Mrs. Horsley, with the rise
and prosperity of the two great divisions of the Methodistic body in Dover,
little reraains to be said of her public life. Her husband died in the faith in
1795, and was buried in the yard of the old meeting-house, now called Zion
Chapel. Her aim, however, was still the good of souls, and the honour of her
divine Master. The savour of the Gospel was ever on her lips. Of her spiri
tual admonitions none partook more largely than young ministers: to Ihem
her advice was, living and dying—" Preach Christ ! preach Christ !" Of the
success of her monitory labouis one instance may suffice : — About thirty years
since, a highly respected and gifted young clergyman became minister of the
parish in which Mrs. Horsley resided. She heard him preach, noticed his
misconceptions, and, like another Priscilla, took him horae, and expounded unto
him (whilst he partook of her homely cup of tea) the way of God more per
fectly. The Lord was pleased, by her means, to convey instruction to his ser
vant, who, we believe, still lives, and is a faithful witness to the truth as it is in
Jesus, over a parochial charge in the north of England.
The closing years of Mrs. Horsley's extended life were marked alike by the
kindness ot her Chnstian friends and her habitual, cheerful piety ; and when
infirmity at length prevented her from attending at the Pier Chapel with her
Wesleyan friends, she became a steady worshipper at Zion Chapel, joining witlT
those who are there united in Christian fellowship in all the ordinances ofthe
Lord Jesus. Here she continued tOl the last year of her life, bearing her testi
mony to the truth ; always at the close of the public services recommending
the Saviour to the passers by, in her way to the door. Her last days were closed
at the neighbouring village of River, where distance prevented her friends from
witnessing her end which was, emphatically, peace. Feeling the approach of
death, she requested an alteration of her position ; she then retumed her thanks
to the kmd woman who had attended to her dying request, blessed God for his
goodness, and, with the expression of praise upon her lips, closed her eyes, and,
without a struggle, fell asleep in Christ Jesus, November 11, 1830, aged ninety-
five years and SIX months. 'The funeral service was performed over her re-
mams in the burial-ground of Zion Chapel, bythe Rev. Mr. Chote. Methodist
preacher, assisted by the Rev. Thomas Anderson, minister of Lady Hunting
don s Chapel ; and a sermon Nvas preached by each of them on the occasion at
their respective jdaces of worship.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 133
blessed to many, several of whom joined the Baptist interest,
and one of them was a deacon of the church of which Mr.
Atwood afterwards became pastor. The chapel was eventually
purchased by the trustees of Lady Huntingdon's Connexion,
and opened in the year 1798, by the Rev. Thoraas Drew : It
was well filled with a respectable and attentive congregation,
and there appeared at that tirae a great disposition for hearing
among the inhabitants of the town.
Mr. Aldridge and Mr. Cook preached alsb occasionally at
Deal, but met with rauch opposition, chiefly from Dr. Nicholas
Carter, who had been many years perpetual curate of St.
George's Chapel. After many ineffectual attempts on his part
to prevent their preaching, and to create a disturbance when the
people were willing to hear them, he addressed an impertinent
letter to Lady Huntingdon, which he desired Mr. Aldridge to
deliver, without fad, to old Motker Huntingdon.
" Madara, — I am surprised at your intruding yourself upon me and
my parishioners. A noman of your rank and education I should have
thought would have known better than to be guilty of any such
rudeness. Pray wbo gave you leave to send your preaching-fellows
into my parish ? I desire you will command them to withdraw from
Deal forthwith, or I shall take steps to compel them to make a hasty
retreat. They have done plenty of mischiefj I understand, at Dover,
and other places by such preachments, and the introduction of new
doctrines, disturbing people's minds, and causing divisions and dissen
sions. I had enough of tbis sort of bu.siness after your favourite
Whitefield preached here many years ago, and I will not suffer a repe
tition of the same, though these impudent Wesleys and their followers
have often annoyed me, hoping to establish themselves here also. I
desire. Madam, that you will imm-ediately withdraw your preachers
from this place, and give me no more cause of complaint.
" Yours, &c. N. Carter,
" Perpetual Curate of St. George's Chapel, Deal."
The Rev. Montague Cunnington, the nephew of the learned
and celebrated Mrs. Elizabeth Carter, in- his memoirs of that
lady, observes : —
" The occasion of Dr. Carter's publishing his volume of sermons was
an impertinent as well as false insinuation of Whitefield, that the inha
bitants of Deal had need of his assistance, as their minister did not
preach to them the Gospel of Christ. Dr. Carter, therefore, printed a
few sermons, not composed for the press, but of those which he was
in the habit of preaching in the chapel of that town."
Soon after the Doctor had pubhshed his sermons, Mrs.
Elizabeth Carter sent a present of a copy to her friend, the
Countess of Hertford, who In reply said : —
" I am ashamed that I have not sooner returned you my thanks for

134 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
your present of Dr. Carter's sermons, which are such as afford a clear
demonstration that there was no reason for Mr, Whitefield to be fol
lowed with so much joy at Deal, as he intimated in the first part of his
journal."* It is worthy of reraark how raaterially the sentiments of this
celebrated woman were changed in after-life, when she became
the friend and correspondent of Lady Huntingdon and the
admirer of Mr. Whitefield.
Mr. Aldridge and Mr. Cook next visited Canterbury, and,
having no acquaintance in the town, preached in the streets.
Mr. Whitefield and Mr. Wesley had frequently visited that city,
and many fruits of their labours remained. Some of these were
collected together, and occasionally visited by the students from
Trevecca, and by the ministers supplying Lady Huntingdon's
chapel at Tunbridge Wells. Much about the same period
Charles and Edward Perronet, sons of the venerable vicar of
Shoreham, came to reside in Canterbury. t
Mr. Edward Perronet seconded the views of Mr. Aldridge,
* Many years after the above occurrence Lady Huntingdon was introduced to
Mrs. Elizabeth Carter and Miss Catherine Talbot, niece to the Lord Chan
cellor Talbot, a young lady of considerable genius and most amiable disposition.
This was brought about by a mutual friend, the celebrated William Pulteney,
Earl of Bath, who delighted in the society of Lady Huntingdon, and regarded
- her intellectual powers and acquisitions with unfeigned admiration. But it
does not appear that any particular intimacy succeeded this introduction —
there being very little similarity of feelings or principles existing between them.
Once, in company with the Bishop of Gloucester, in the course of conversation.
Lady Huntingdon raade some allusion to the extraordinary success attending
the labours of Mr. Whitefield and Mr. Wesley, and the revival of light and
truth which their laborious ministry was likely to produce. This called forth
some severe observations from Mrs. Elizabeth Carter on the preaching of
Mr. Whitefield at Deal, where her father resided, and an explanation of the cir
cumstances which led to the publication of his sermons. " Madam," replied
Lady Huntingdon, " every thing depends on the right interpretation of the
terra gospel. In my hurable opinion it signifies good neios — glad tidings of great
joy — a gracious declaration of mercy to the guilty and the ruined—salvation from the
wrath to come — salvation from the guilt and poiver of sin, through the meritorious
righteousness and blood-shedding of the Lord of life and glory. But of this inter
pretation I can find no trace in the serraons of Dr. Carter; and I am well
aware that, in the present day, many who call themselves Christians substitute
a system of heathen ethics, varnished over with the name of Christian morality,
for the vicarious sacrifice offered on the cross as the sure foimdation of a
sinner's hope. This, and oidy this, will avail you or me, my dear Madara, in
the great and tej-rible day of the Lord, when summoned to appear at his
tribunal. This was sufficient to silence Mrs. Carter, who, though a lady of
profound learning and genius, was no theologian, and never after wished to
encounter Lady Huntingdon.
f They had been itinerant preachers in Mr. Wesley's Connexion for a short
time. The former desisted for want of health, and the latter from some change
in his opinion.s. Charles Perronet died at Canterbury in 1776, but his brother
survived him many years, and possessed equal powers with him, to which was
superadded a large fund of wit. But wit is a dangerous thing to those who do
not live under the si^cred mi benevolent influence of the Spirit of God,

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 135
and the different preachers sent by Lady Huntingdon to Canter
bury; and, after a little time, commenced preaching under her
Ladyship's patronage. The Lord owned his labours of love at
Canterbury, Norwich, and other places to which he was sent by
the Countess, with considerable success. In almost every place
where he proclaimed the love of Jesus, the Lord graciously gave
him seals to his ministry. Though the son of a clergyman, he
is said to have been a notorious enemy to he hierarchy of the
Church of England, and soraetimes employed his pen In sati
rizing it.*
After he ceased to be employed by Lady Huntingdon, who
had frequently remonstrated with him on his openly avowed
enmity to the Church Establishment, he preached to a small
congregation of Dissenters, till his death, which took place about
the year 1791.
The congregation having very considerably increased, a beau
tiful chapel was erected under the auspices of Lady Anne
Erskine, and opened on the 26th of November, 1797: when the
Rev. Dr. Haweis and the Rev. Mr. Caldwell preached. The
number, obliged to depart for want of room was greater than
that of those who, by early attendance, were fortunate enough
to secure admission. The Rev. Mr. Young was for several
years the officiating minister of this chapel, having been ap
pointed to that office by Lady Anne Erskine. Some years
since, Ashford, a respectable market-town, containing a popu
lation of about two thousand souls, attracted the attention of
several of the raembers of her Ladyship's chapel at Canter
bury; and, from its nearness to that city, being distant only
twelve miles, they considered it an eligible station for the Con
nexion. A chapel which had been recently built there, fifty-
three feet by twenty-three, was purchased by the Trustees of
the Connexion, and opened on Sunday, the 10th of October,
1823, by the Rev. James Bloomfield. This place of worship
is capable of holding between four and five hundred persons,
and is most respectably attended.
Maidstone, Greenhithe, Dartford, Lewisham, and other places
in Kent, were also visited about this time by Mr. Aldridge and
other ministers under the patronage of Lady Huntingdon: in all
which places chapels have since been erected in the Independent
interest. Of Mr. Cook we will speak in another place. As a
preacher, Mr. Aldridge was very popular. He delivered his
* He was the author of an anonymous poem, called " The Mitre,'" which is
generally supposed to have been one of the keenest satires on the national
establishment that was ever written. It was printed, but the publication of it
was suppressed; it is said by the influence, and at the rec^uest of Mr, Wesley,

136 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
discourses with perspicuity and ardour ; his ideas were gene
rally arranged with propriety, and his subjects mostly selected
with judgment. His ministerial labours, especially in the early
part of his life, were very successful; and he had the singular
felicity of introducing into the ministry no less than sixteen or
seventeen young men from his own communion. He was a
native of Wiltshire ; and at the age of twenty-four received
some serious impressions, which issued In a saving change of
his mind and conduct. Having a strong inclination to the
Christian ministry, he was introduced to Lady Huntingdon's
College at Trevecca, and became one of her senior students.
Having continued there during the time usually allotted to
study, he began to preach in her Ladyship's Connexion, in
which he laboured for several years, and which afforded him an
opportunity of visiting various parts of England.
About the period that he was at Dover, desirous of obtaining
episcopal ordination, he applied to his noble patroness to pro
cure hira orders. With the assistance of Mr. Fletcher, a title
was procured, and he was to have been ordained at the same
time with his fellow-student, Mr. Glazebrook, vicar of Belper,
and minister of St. James's, Warrington.
The cause of Mr. Aldridge's failing to obtain episcopal ordi
nation at this time is thus briefly stated by her Ladyship, in a
letter to Mr. Hawkesworth, then serving her chapel in Dublin,
and who had been one of his fellow-students: — "Glazebrook
was accepted for ordination ; and Aldridge also, but for the III-
huraour of Mr. Morgan to Aldridge, who will not read in the
church his intentions for orders."
Lady Huntingdon, who seldom permitted her students to
continue long In one place, afterwards appointed Mr. Aldridge
to_ supply the Mulberry-gardens Chapel, in London. There his
ministry was so well received by the congregation, that they
united in a petition to the Countess to have his labours conti
nued for some time longer ; but her Ladyship peremptorily re
fused, and he quitted her Connexion in 1776. Jewry-street
Chapel being then vacant, Mr. Aldridge was invited to settie
there as the stated officiating minister. In this connexion he
continued upwards of twenty-one years, and was greatly beloved
by an affectionate congregation.
During the eariy part of Mr. Aldridge's ministrv at Jewry-
street Chapel, he had the assistance of the Rev. Mr" Bryan.*
On Friday raorning, Frebruary 28th, 1797, in the 60th year
* This gentleman was a native of Yorkshire, and pursued his studies at Lady
Huntingdon s College at Trevecca. But he did not itinerate long in that Con
nexion. Erasmus, a Greek bishop, having visited London, in 1763, ordained

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 137
of his age, he bade adieu to the painful scene of this wilderness,
and entered into the joy of his Lord. The Rev. George Gould
delivered the address at his interment in Bunhill-fields ; and on
the following Lord's-day two funeral serraons were preached for
him at Jewry-street Chapel, by two of his fellow students at
Trevecca : that in the raorning, by the Rev. Anthony Crole,
minister of Founders' Hall ; and in the evening, by the Rev.
Thomas Bryan, of New Road, St. George's in the East. The
three services were afterwards printed. Mr. Aldridge published
"The Doctrine of the Trinity, stated, proved, and defended;"
and a funeral sermon on tbe death of Lady Huntingdon.
. During his last illness, Mr. Aldridge had the occasional as
sistance of the Rev. Richard Povah, who was educated at Corpus
Christi College, Cambridge.
Dr. Povah was ordained by Dr. Markham, Archbishop of
York, upon a title io a living in Yorkshire. He afterwards
became curate and evening lecturer of St. James's, Duke's-place,
where he established an excellent school of instruction and in
dustry. About the year 1 806 he became afternoon lecturer of
St. Paul's, Shadwell ; and in tbe year 1811 he was chosen, by
a considerable proportion of votes, Friday morning lecturer at
St. Bartholomew by the Royal Exchange, but was prevented
from fulfilling the intentions of the electors, as Is well known,
from the circumstance of the then Bishop of London (Dr.
Randolph) having refused to sanction their choice, on the
score of Dr. Povah's unfitness for the office. This long depend
ing cause was decided in the Court of I^g's Bench, February
8th, 1812. Lord Ellenborough delivered the judgment of the
court, which was to this effect : —
" That the Bishop had a right to determine upon the fitness of the
minister to occupy the station proposed ; it was concluded that the
Bishop conscientiously objected to Dr. Povah as unfit; and that the
court could not interfere with the Bishop's conscience. The affidavit
of two reverend gentlemen, who objected to Dr. Povah, contained in
the Bishop's affidavit, were considered as far more credible and respect
able than the evidence adduced by himself and his friends, in refutation
of the objections made against him on account of his doctrines. The
court decided that they could not overturn the Bishop's refusal, and
violate a Bishop's conscience. The rule was therefore discharged."*
him some years before he was under Lady Huntingdon's patronage. After he
left her Ladyship's Connexion he became minister of a congregation at Sheffield.
Having contracted an acquaintance with Mr. Aldridge while at college, it was
afterwards maintained by a mutual correspondence ; and when Mr. Aldridge
settled at Jewry-street, Mr. Bryan constantly spent three months of the year
in London.
* The chapel in Jewry-street is of ancient date, and was occupied by a

138 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
But to return to the chapel at Tunbridge Wells. It would
appear Lady Huntingdon was desirous of obtaining a resident
minister for this place of worship,— a useful and popular clergy
man—one who would superintend the work m Kent, and visit
frora tirae to time the different stations occupied by the students.
With this view she applied to the Rev. Abraham Maddoek, who
had laboured faithfully at Kettering, in Nortiiamptonshire,
during a period of nine years, but from which he was ignomi
niously driven, without a charge against him that could justify the
treatment he met with, but the crime of having collected large
congregations, and being blessed to the call and conversion of
a vast number of persons, both in the town and in fhe country
round about him. He was originally bred to the law, and con
tinued in the profession of an attorney till tbe year 1757, when
he was ordained deacon by Dr. Thomas, Bishop of Lincoln, at
Bugden. He received priest's orders on the 23rd of September
1759, from Dr. Terrick, then Bishop of Peterborough. Mr.
Whitefield mentions Mr. Maddoek in a letter to Dr. Gilhes.
" Seven Gospel ministers," Says he, " were together at Bristol
when the counsellor preached. A lawyer hath lately entered
likewise into orders, and I humbly hope the blessed Jesus will
not give us up." The letter is dated, « October 16th, 1757."
Mr. Madan was the counsellor, and had been ordained a short
time before Mr. Maddoek.
Mr. Maddoek had been recommended by Lady Huntingdon
to the late meraorable Mr. Hervey, as his curate at Weston-
Flavel ; he contInued*with him till his death, and was promised
by the patron to succeed him in one of his livings, but which,
to say no more, was never fulfilled. His next rainlstrations were
at Weldon, where he continued only a few months ; the Gospel
being too offensive there. In Septeraber, 1773, he removed to
Guilsborough, and entered upon the curacy of Creaton, a
neighbouring village, which was the last stage of his ministry.
society of Presbyterians for upwards of a century, under the ministry of Dr.
Lardner and Dr. IJenson. The church was in a very low state ; for though they
were raen of learning and talents, and laboured diligently, according to those
principles which they deemed correct, happily their cold and destructive So
cinian errors rendered their mode of preaching extremely unpopular ; and the
withering blast of this pernicious system was but ill adapted to preserve the
church from a languishing state. It has the appearance of an ancient building,
- and does not seem materially altered from its former state. When it was
opened upon the present plan, an organ was erected in the front gallery, and
the Liturgy of the Church of England introduced. Lady Huntingdon sometimes
attended there, and in one of her letters mention is made of the profit and
pleasure with which she heard Mr. Aldridge and other minist-ers of Christ, in
that place. The ministers supplying her Ladyship's chapel at Mulberry-gar
dens frequently assisted Mr. Aldridge, and a friendly intercourse was maintained
between the managers of both places.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 139
Here he laboured in season and out of season, with all zeal and
diligence, for twenty pounds a year !
Before he quitted Kettering, during his illness, which was
caused by the furious malice of his enemies, Mr. Newton paid
him a visit, and took occasion, from his sickness, to preach
amongst his parishioners, from John x-ii. 35 : " And I, if I be
lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." One of his
stated hearers, belonging to the parish of Lavenden, to whom
his ministry had been useful, was then dead, and the father of
the young woman applied to the rector for liberty for Mr.
Newton to preach her funeral sermon, which he refused, and
would preach one himself, though undesired, and, indeed, though
desired not; but as he thought the faraily, and some others
who heard Mr. Maddoek and Mr. Newton, would be there, he
seized the occasion to rail much against enthusiasm, methodism,
&c. He chose Romans viii. 16, for his text, though it little
suited his purpose ; for he aimed to prove that none could
have their sins forgiven in this life, and that it was presumption
to expect it. The following Lord's-day, in the afternoon, Mr.
Newton borrowed his text — " Tke spirit itself bearetk witness
tvith our spirit, tkat we are the children oj' God," and en
deavoured to show (though without using names) the falsity
of his assertions. Mr. Newton afterwards preached a funeral
sermon for Miss Perry, from Job xxxiii, 24, " which passage,
(says he,) I hope and believe was remarkably verified in her case."
Many years ago, the late venerable rector of St. Mary
Woolnoth was walking in the highway that leads to the parish
church of Creaton, where he was to preach on a certain oc
casion ; struck with the extreme beauty of the scenery whicli
surrounded him on every side, and not Insensible to the pe
culiar blessing whicb had long attended the means of grace
in that place and neighbourhood, he lifted up his eyes and
hands, saying, " How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of
Hosts ! my soul longeth, yea even fainteth for the courts of the
Lord ; my heart and ray flesh crieth out for the living God !"
Psalm Ixxxiv. 1 and 2. The natural and spiritual scenery con
nected with the spot afforded hira a happy subject for the
pulpit, and he was then immediately led to preach from that
very text. Those who were present long remerabered in how
striking and judicious a way he expatiated on the words of fhe
Psalmist, and how singularly appropriate his discourse was to
the place and the congregation then assembled.*
Mr. Maddoek quitted this vale of tears on Sunday morning,
* Mr. Newton was not the only one who could bear a willing and grateful
testimony to the goodness of God as it concerns the village and vicmity of

140 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
July 17th, 1785, in the 72nd year of his age, and was buried in
the churchyard of Creaton, by his own desire, on the 21st of
Julv following, when a serraon was preached to a very large
and rauch affected congregation, by the Rev. Thomas Scott, of
Olney, afterwards rector of Aston-Sandford, from Acts xiii. 36.
When informed of the death of her old and long-tried friend, by
letter from Mr. Scott, Lady Huntingdon shed tears ; and when
speaking of him afterwards she said —
" He has entered the haven of rest before me. My time will soon
come. Blessed be God, I have a saving knowledge of my interest in
Hini, and am continually receiving fresh grace and strength from that
fulness which is treasured up in the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh I how often
have I by faith ascended to the top of Pisgah, and viewed the pro
mised land — . the Canaan which 1 love

With unbeclouded eyes.
The various dispensations of Providence have reminded me frequently
during my long life that the world is not my rest. As a stranger and
a pilgrim, I look forward to the termination of my long journey with
satisfaction — for then I shall see my Saviour as he is, and meet all my
dear old friends and companions, with whom I have so often taken
sweet counsel on earth. Through all the remaining moments of my
life, I desire this one thing only— that I may be kept steadily, as a re
deemed sinner saved by grace, looking unto Jesus !"
It was during this Interval that Lady Huntingdon was vi.sited
by an amiable and e.xemplary young clergyman, the Rev. Wil
liam Cawthorne Unwin, rector of Stock, near Ramsden, In Essex,
to which living he had been instituted in July 1769. Mr. Ber
ridge had known him whilst a student of Christ College, Cam
bridge, and had frequently mentioned him to her Ladyship in
terras of high approbation. He remained a few weeks at Tun
bridge Wells, and his ministry was generally acceptable to the
people. He also preached a few times in Lady Huntingdon's
chapel at Bristol, and occasionally in other places, but did not
Creaton. Adorned, as it is, with a thousand beauties of natural prospect,
this is its least praise. It has long been favoured with the blessing of
a faithful evangelical ministry. Under the labours of Mr. Maddoek, and
his worthy successor, the Rev. Thonias Jones, many souls have been there born
to God, and very extensive benefits conferted on the neighbourhood at large.
At this place, also, for a long series of years, several clergymen, who have the
best interests of the Church of England at heart, have been aimually accus
tomed to meet and to " take sweet counsel together," and converse upon those
subjects which have a direct and happy tendency to excite them to holy activity
in their ministry, and the most conscientious consistency to their principles and
conduct, as rainisters of the Established Church. Much usefulness has arisen
from these clerical meetings, and some important literary projects, from which
the public are now deriving considerable spiritual advantage, first originated in
these conferences.

SELINA, COtJNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 14]
afford her Ladyship that frequent assistance which some others
did. As a preacher, he pretended not to first-rate talents ; but
he was faithful in the discharge of his duty, and laboured to
" maintain a conscience void of offence toward God and toward
man." And as a " teacher in Israel," he failed not on all occa
sions to recommend, by precept and by practice, the superlative
excellence ofthe religion of Christ.
This "amiable and exeraplary minister of Christ," as Lady
Huntingdon usually styled him, was the only son of the Rev.
Morley Unwin, who superintended a private classical serainary
at Huntingdon. Just at this period the celebrated author of
" The Task" sought retirement and concealment there, where he
might often have the company of his brother alone, without
being known to the numerous academical friends amidst whom
he resided at Cambridge ; but he could not anywhere long re
main unnoticed. Mr. Cowper's appearance was striking and in
teresting : a most intelligent and engaging countenance, a
well-proportioned figure, and elegant manners, speedily drew
attention from the inhabitants of a rural borough town. Young
Mr. Unwin happening to be at Huntingdon at the period when
Mr. Cowper came to reside there, conceived a strong desire for
the acquaintance of the interesting stranger, and being himself
possessed of very engaging manners, surmounted Mr. Cowper's
reserve, and gradually acquired his confidential friendship.
Such was the origin of the introduction of Cowper to the family
of Mr. Unwin, consisting of himself, his wife, the son already
named, and a daughter ; an event which, when viewed in con
nection with his remaining years, will scarcely yield in importance
to any feature of his life. Concerning these engaging persons,
whose general habits of life, and especially whose piety, rendered
them the very associates that Cowper wanted, he thus expresses
himself in a letter written two months after to one of his earliest
and warmest friends : " Now I know them, I wonder that I liked
Huntingdon so well before I knew them, and am apt to think I
should find every place disagreeable that had not an Unwin be
longing to it."
The house which Mr. Unwin inhabited was a large and con
venient dwelling in the High-street, In which he had been in the
habit of receiving a few domestic pupils to prepare them for the
University. At the division of the October Term, one of these
students being called to Cambridge, it was proposed that the
solitary lodging which Cowper occupied should be exchanged
for the possession of the vacant place. Toward the close of the
year 1765 he took up his residence entirely with this agreeable
family. Mrs. Unwin had always been very fond of reading, and

142 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
was esteemed for superior intelligence ; but she had been re
markable also for gaiety and vivacity. She soon, notwithstand
ing, fully entered into Mr. Cowper's religious views, and dis
covered a change of character that was far from being agreeable
to her fashionable acquaintances. Her age exceeded Mr. Cow
per's but seven years : yet, as she was married very young, and
was the motlier of his academical friend, he naturally regarded
her with a kind of filial as well as with a spiritual affection. He
thus writes of her to his cousin, Mrs. Major Cowper, sister to the
Rev. Martin Madan : —
" The lady in M'liose house I live is so excellent a person, and regards
me with a friendship so truly Christian, that I could almost fancy my
owu mother restored to live again, to compensate me for all my friends
I have lost and all my connexions broken."
Whilst in this retirement it pleased the Almighty to make
Mr. Cowper instrumental to the conversion of almosi all Mr.
Unwin's family. The consequent alteration of their conduct
excited tbe surprise and displeasure of their former intim.ates,
whose round of amusements had long been undisturbed by ap
pearances of genuine godliness. They regretted that a man of
Mr. Cowper's accomplishments should have been spoiled for
society by religion ; and still more, that his delusion should have
infected a family so extensively connected as Mr. Unwin's with
the polite inhabitants. That connexion was soon dissolved; and
their resentment of the change vented Itself in a calumny, to
which a gross ignorance of the principles of Christian friendship
afforded the sole support.
_ A solemn and unexpected event removed Mr. Cowper to a
vicinity more congenial with his feelings, and more conducive to
his religious advantage. In the summer of 1767 the Rev.
Morley Unwin was killed by a fall from his horse. At that
juncture Mr. Newton, then curate of Olney, was on a visit to
Dr. Conyers, at Helmsley, in Yorkshire, who had learned from
young Mr. Unwin, about six months before, the change that
had been wrought In his mother's mind, and at his desire took
Cambridge in his way homewards, and called upon Mrs. Unwin.
Mr. Newton found the family in the depth of affliction for their
recent and sudden loss ; and as they proposed shortiy to remove
from Huntingdon, he invited them to fix their abode at Olney.
They repaired In the following October to a house so near the
vicarage in which he lived, that by opening a door-way in a gar
den wall they could exchange mutual visits without entering the
pubhc street. Mrs. Unwin kept the house, and Mr. Cowper
continued to board with her, as he had done in her husband's

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 143
life-time. Their days were spent nearly as at Huntingdon, ex
cept the differences produced by a substitution of frequent evan
gelical worship for the daily forms of prayer, the advantages of
a more extended religious intercourse, and the peculiar friend
ship of Mr. Newton.
One of the benefits which resulted to Mr. Unwin by the re
moval of Mrs. Unwin and the poet to Olney was his acquain
tance and intimacy with the Rev. Matthew Powley. This gen
tleman had graduated at Oxford, and was ordained about the
same time as Mr. Newton, in 1764, and settled within a mile of
Dr. Haweis's, in Northamptonshire. He was extremely intiraate
with Mr. Newton, and frequently supplied his church during
his absence. "I trust (says Mr. Newton) I have provided well
for Olney in my absence by Mr. Powley : he is a very valuable
young man ; he loves the people, and they him. May the Lord
bless them together." Mr. Powley's occasional visits to Olney
brought him acquainted with the Unwins, and he soon learned
to indulge an attachment for Miss Unwin, a young lady of dis
tinguished excellence and piety, which ended in their union.
This amiable woman survived her excellent husband, and all
those interesting characters with whom she was so intimately
associated in early life, and closed her lengthened career in
Yorkshire, near the scene of her partner's labours, in the month
of November, 18:35, having attained the advanced age oi eighty-
nine. Whilst Mr. Unwin was at Tunbridge Wells with Lady Hun
tingdon, he recommended to her notice the Rev. David Simpson,
as a person suitable to the charge of her Ladyship's chapel ;
and offered to be the bearer of any proposals which she might
make to that effect.*
Unfortunately the offer came too late, for only a few days
* He was of St. John's College, Cambridge, and had for his associates at the
University, Rowland Hill, Mr. Pentycross, Mr. De Coetlogan, and some others,
who cvfterwards filled important situations in the church of Christ. He was or
dained on the title of Mr. Unwin, to the curacy of Ramsden, in Essex, and re
mained in that situation for two years. Mr. Unwin, who had been his senior
fellow-student at the University, greatly contributed to promote his happiness.
He had from the commenceraent of Mr. Simpson's religious impressions, be
come both friend and coimsellor, and in his new relation retained inviolate his
former esteem and affection. As his first attempt to labour in the vineyard
met with general approbation, so his unexpected removal created no inconsider
able degree of astonishment. It was corapletely an act of his own, for which
Mr. Simpson confessed he could give no satisfactory account. But many of
those actions which appear to us to be under no controul of reason, are in
fluenced by an unseen cause. " I will bring the blind by a way that they
know not," is the declaration of God ; and how many among the living
"  Through the palpable obscure
Find out their uncouth way !"

b>

14 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
previous Mr. Simpson had accepted the invitation of Charles
Roe, Esq., to his residence in Macclesfield, with a view to his
officiating as the curate of the old, at that time the only church
in the town. This disappointment* was communicated by Mr.
Unwin to her Ladyship, who much regretted this engagement of
his friend, as sheappears to have anricipated much utility to the
cause of God by his becoming minister of the chapel at Tun
bridge Wells, and superintendent of the work throughout the
county of Kent.
Mr.;^Simpson had not been long in his curacy before he had
to pass" the fiery ordeal. That a minister of his erudition, exact
morality, and amenity of manners, sbould meet with, first in
Bucks, and afterwards in Macclesfield, such undeserved indig
nities, can only be explained by causes which iraply the de
generacy of our nature. It cannot be imagined that a man so
intrepid could slumber at his post. In and out of the pulpit he
attacked sin in its most heinous forms, or more imposing de
lusion. He explained, he enforced, the doctrines of pardon
through faith in the blood of the covenant, and the fruits and
witness of the Spirit: the result of his indefatigable toil still
remains in many living examples. For a time those whom
ignorance or vice had made his enemies, firm and determined,
calculated upon final victory by the strong hand of ecclesi
astical power : they addressed his diocesan. In consequence
of the mutual apprehension of danger by the bishop and
petitioners, from the encroachments of Methodism, he was
for a season silenced. Thus he was twice suspended for teach
ing, according to a creed to which he was sworn 'and had sub
scribed, when deviation would have been a flagrant violation of
the most sacred oaths. How long this suspension continued we
are not informed ; but in the interval he was not Idle. Denied
the liberty of publishing the Gospel in pulpits to which he was
professionally devoted, he preached In the adjacent towns and
* The premature decease of Mr. Unwin, iu November, 1786, erabittered much
of the coraforts which his interestingfriend enjoyed in the delightful society of
his mother, the Newtons, and his cousin. Lady Hesketh. The ardour of his
attachment to the author of " TheTask," excited in him reciprocal friendship —
a friendship which had subsisted and increased frora their first interview,'at Hun
tingdon. To this event he alludes in concluding a letter to Lady Hesketh—
" So farewell, my friend Unwin I The first man for whora 1 conceived a friend
ship after my removal from St. Alban's, and for whom I cannot but still feel a
friendship, though 1 shall see thee with these eyes no more. " Of Mrs. Unwin
it wUl be unnecessary to say much. Her memory is embalmed in the melan
choly history of Cowper. She breathed her last at East Dereham, in Norfolk,
in December, 1796. Her funeral was attendedby Mr. and Mrs. Powley, who
had been summoned from Yorkshire within the few last days of their parent's
life, but had not arrived till she had ceased to breathe. She was buried on the
23rd of December, in the north aisle ofthe church of East Dereham.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. l45
villages wherever a door was opened. This practice was not
omitted after the storm of difficulties subsided, until Infirmities
and the general reception of the Methodist preachers, led him
to conclude that his exertions were less neces.sary.
At this period Lady Huntingdon again pressed upon him the
offer which had been made through Mr. Unwin, but it was
again refused.
About this juncture the prime curacy of the Church at Mac
clesfield became vacant. The nomination is appended to the
office of mayor, pro tempore. Mr. Gould, a friend of Mr.
Sirapson's, was the chief magistrate : he offered it to him, and
it was accepted. To prevent his introduction, a petition, with
seventeen articles of accusation, was transmitted to the Bishop
of Chester. In this presentment, the learned prelate, differing
in candour and impartiality from his predecessor, could only dis
cover one ckarge — that he was a Methodist, and that his preach
ing promoted the spread of Methodism. With his usual
heroism, alluding to the alleged offence, he says, in a letter to
his Lordship : —
" This is true. My method is to preach the great truths, and doc
trines, and precepts of the Gospel, in as plain, and earnest, and affec
tionate a manner as I am able. Persons of different ranks, persuasions,
and characters, come to hear. Some hereby have been convinced of
the error of their ways, see their guilt, and the danger they are in, and
become seriously concerned about their salvation. The change is soon
discovered, they meet with one or another who invite them to attend
the preaching and meetings among the Methodists, and hence their num
ber is increased to a considerable degree. This is the truth. I own
the fact. I have often thought of it; but I confess myself unequal to
the difficulty. What would your Lordship advise ?"
Before this conflict came to an issue, his patron, Charles Roe,
Esq., offered to erect him a church at his oxen expense. To
this he was induced, in consequence of a resolution he had
made that if he should succeed in business he would build a
church in token of his gratitude to God. He accepted the offer.
A proposal was made to his opponents, stating that he would
relinquish the prime curaoy of the old church, to which he had
been presented, provided he could secure the consecration of
the new church, and be regularly inducted as incumbent.
This project was the basis of future harmony. The new
church, an elegant and beautiful structure, was erected in 1775,
and afterwards consecrated. Upon Mr. Sirapson's adraission he
resigned his curacy, and was, to the close of life, a period of
twenty-six years, permitted to continue his ministrations with
out interruption. Thus ended a succession of opposition, almost
VOL. II.  L

146 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF ^
unexampled in modern history ; and this man of God lived to
see, in the revolution of a few years, several of his most acri
monious adversaries In the ranks of his firmest supporters, and
among those who received the greatest benefit from his public
instructions. Repeated disappointments seem to have caused Lady Hun
tingdon to abandon the scherae of a settled minister for Tun
bridge Wells ; and for a period of ten years we find no allusion
to the subject in her Ladyship's letters, or those of her numerous
correspondents. The subject was again revived at the period
when Mr. Sellon made such opposition to the opening of Spa
fields Chapel, when her Ladyship was corapelled, by the decision
of the Spiritual Court, either to close the chapels she had been
the means of erecting, or place them under the Toleration Act.
In the summer of 1782 the Rev. William Taylor was engaged
at Tunbridge WeUs, when Lady Huntingdon wrote to him on
the subject of the intended secession and the settlement of her
chapel there. Her Ladyship's letter will best explain her views
on this subject : — "College, July 19, 1782.
" I hinted to you how inaccessible distance makes minds not suffi
ciently infoi-med of even their own advantages, and therefore proposed
meeting you at Bath, as the most reasonable and proper measure for
obtaining the most united love and harmony ; and with which, from
the kind influence there afforded me, might be best secured. Something
has occurred to render this most desirable to me, and to lay it before
you and the Lord, with many prayers, as the best previous means for
your satisfaction — that for the present, the lease of Tunbridge Wells
being renevs'ed (and for a longer term than twenty-one years) — might
not -my fully giving you aU up tliere, as it now stands, to be a founda
tion for every or any future contingency, and best to secure the possible
prosperity of the Gospel in Kent, and to the poor great also ? Here no
committee, but your most absolute power and liberty might be en
joyed ; and you and dear Mr. Wills, who so affectionately loves you,'
as does my dear niece ; and thus so mutually assist in the important
stand we are making in London, and be a leading object to the most
blessed and successful influence in spreading the glorious Gospel. You
are both ministers of Jesus Christ — scholars— independent, in a good
degree ; that must set you hoth above the low, and mean, and deceitful
workers the miserable, poor, and distressed Church has among them.
The ministry of you both universally honoured, and we must suppose
must be doubly so from a point of such eminence as this calls you to
in the Lord's vineyard. If it is what you don't approve, forgive these
faithful and simple sentiments of my heart ; and may our Lord, who
sees my heart, either incline your heart, or cause you to reject it, that
He may be the sole mover for us both, to bring only His glory most
effectually about, whicli ever way he appoints it. Should you approve
it, the sooner it was done the better, as an ordination must be soon, or

Selina, countess of Huntingdon. 147
the Dissenters will have all our congregations, and our students also,
and the various revolutions of the ministers settled.
" A bond might speedily secure to you my engagements, obliging me
to execute, as soon as can be obtained, my deed of gift to you, contain
ing my fullest authority for your present and future possession ; and
for the present your winter months either at Bath or London, as your
calls might render you subject to ; and you to have a right from the
College for a student, or an ordained seceding minister, to supply your
absence; and to oblige the people to continue such in case of your call
upon any occasion from Tunbridge ^V'ells. Let this remain with vou
and me till your answer fully is given. The congregations are to allow,
as now, two guineas a-week and travelling charges. The more I see
this matter the more I am satisfied that it is the best means to secure
in future your wishes : but the Lord alone for ever instructs us what is
best. Should you or should you not approve this, to ourselves will be
best kept, but should you, Fisher might make the bond of obligations,
and remit it for my execution, till he shall prepare tho deed in the
fullest and most legal manner.
" Tbis is and must be your surest and safest road to Bath ; as only
universal concurrence so obtained can give that lasting love and peace
which must abide with all. Should this be the case, we shall see the
wisdom and love of the Lord in making the chapel quite ready for
you. Farewell, my ever affectionate friend, " S. HUKTINGDON.''

CHAPTER XXXIV.

Lady Huntingdon's Connexion in Ireland — Mr. Whitefield the first vvho visited
Ireland — Dr. Delany — Bishop of Limerick — Mr. Thomas Williams — Per
secution ofthe Methodists — Mr. Charles Wesley — Speaker of the House of
Comraons — Dr. Gifford — Mr. Whitefield — Mr. Lunell — Mr. Whitefield's
second visit to Ireland — Methodist Society — Mr. .John Edwards — Mr. White-
field's third visit to Ireland — near being murdered — United Brethren — Mr.
Piers — Mr. Shirley — Mr. Wesley visits Ireland — Mr. Charles Wesley ceases
to itinerate — Success of Mr. Shirley and Mr. Piers — Lord and Lady Clan
ricarde — Mr. De Courcy — Letter to Lady Huntingdon — Mr. Townsend — Mr.
Venu — Mr. Newton — His first attempts at preaching — Irregulars and
Itinerants.
" Poor wicked Ireland, I trust, shall yet have a Gospel day. 1 can't see how
or when — ^but it must be ; and till I find that opportunity, my eye is only
waiting darkly for its accomplishment." — Lady Huntingdon.
As the venerable Countess was instruraental in establishing
a very flourishing congregation in Dubhn, and laying the founda
tion of others in more distant parts of Ireland ; and as raany of
L 2

148 THE LIFE AND TIMES Of
those eminent clergymen who laboured with her In the blessed
wotlv of spreading tbe everlasting Gospel, with several of the
students educated at her Ladyship's College in Wales, were the
ineans, under God, of diffusing much of the light of evangelical
tmth through the kingdom in general, an account of the rise
and progress of her benevolent and zealous exertions to spread
the knowledge of the doctrine of her crucified Lord in that
countiy, demands particular notice In the Life and Times of the
Countess of Huntingdon. Since her Ladyship's death, the
number of ministers in the Church of England, labouring in the
strict pale of regularity, and contending for the true doctrine of
fhe Articles in their literal and grammatical sense, has amazingly
increased. The happy impulse given by the labours of her
Ladyship's chaplains and ministers has left the most abundant
tendency to accelerate tbe movement. Hundreds are now labour
ing In the like cause and with the like zeal — with true purpose
of heart and signal blessings on their endeavours. May they be
finally crowned with abundant success, till every city, every
town, and every obscure village in the kingdom have the stan
dard of the cross erected in each of them.
Ireland, unhappily sunk In darkness and the superstitions of
Popery, and but little adorned with real evangelical knowledge,
oven In those who had assumed the name of Protestants, had
long afforded matter of much sorrow to such as looked for the
life and power of religion. Vital godhness had sunk to a very
low standard ; and only here and there an Individual cleaved to
the faith once delivered to the saints, and dared to be singular.
The conduct of the clergy was Indeed such as, with few excep-
lions, to merit the severest reprobation. Not one perhaps in
a county was an active parish priest, suited to the state of
the country and people, preaching the pure doctrines of the
Gospel, visiting or catechising his flock, entering into the cabins
of the poor to Instruct them, to fortify tbeir minds against the
attempts of the Romish emissaries, and to reclaim those who
had been led astray. Such, indeed, was the crirainal sloth of
the clergy, tbat Itr merits to be held up to the execrarion of all
succeeding ages, as the grand cause of the deplorable state of
religion In that country, and of the political calamities which
have sprung from it, and have been so severely felt.
It was during this state of torpor— this departure from all
godliness, that those disringuished advocates of evangehcal truth,
the Wesleys and Whitefield, with their zealous coadjutors in the
blessed work, passed from England Into that kingdom, since
which tirae true religion has spread out its branches through
many parts of that unhappy country. Mr. Whitefield was the

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 149
leader in that glorious enterprize ; and his first visit to Ireland,
in 1738-39, one hundred years ago, bad a more beneficial result.
Dr. Burscough, Bishop of Limerick, received him with the
utmost kindness and cordiality. At his Lordship's request, he
preached in the cathredral to a very numerous audience, who
appeared universally affected. After service the mayor sent
twice to invite him to dinner, but he was engaged to the bishop,
who offered him the use of his palace as long as he remained.
At parting, the venerable prelate embraced hira, and said,
"Mr. Whitefield, God bless you — I wish you success abroad.
Had you staid in town, this house should have been your horae."
At Dublin he was kindly received by Dr. Delany,* Dean of
St. Patrick's Cathredral, by whom he was introduced to Dr.
Rundel, Bishop of Derry, and Dr. Boulter, Primate of all Ire
land, both of whom gave him most polite and pressing invi
tations to their houses. He dined with the latter ; "and (says
Mr. Whitefield,) was most courteously received both by him
and his clergy ; having heard of me, the Bishop of Derry told
me, from some friend at Gibraltar." He preached twice at St.
Werburgh's and St. Andrew's to very crowded congregations.
who seemed amazed at the novelty of the doctrines, and pleased
with his eloquent and energetic style of delivery.
Mr. Thomas Wllliamsf was the first Itinerant Methodist
preacher who visited Ireland. He crossed the channel in 1747,
and began to preach in Dublin. He was a man of extraordinary
powers and great zeal. Multitudes flocked to hear him, and
* Dr. Patrick Delany received his education in Trinity College, Dublin, of
which he was a fellow. He was very intimate with Dean Swift, by whose in
terest he procured the Chancellorship of Chiist's Church, and a Prebend in the
Cathredral of St. Patilck. In 1744 he was made Dean of Dovvn. ^ He died at
Bath in 1768. His widow, the celebrated Mrs. Delany, died in 1788. Shewas
daughter of Colonel Bernard GranWlle, brother of George, Lord Lansdowne.
This lady, so justly celebrated for her great literary acquirements, was rauch
esteemed by George HI. and Queen Charlotte, and resided constantly with
their Majesties both at Kew and Windsor. Her most curious performan<.'e
was the " Hortus Siccus," a botanical work in ten volumes folio, illustrated with
admirable delineations on coloured paper of the genera plantarum. She became
well acquainted with Lady Huntingdon, and was the intiraate friend of Dr.
Buniey, the Duchess of Portland, Miss Seward, Swift, Horace Walpole, &c.
f Mr. Williams had been excluded by Mr. Wesley from the Methodist Societv,
August 2, 17^4, for some slight oflfence ; but was re-admitted upon his repent
ance. He, however, finally quitted the Methodist body in 1756, having obtained
more consistent views of divine truth. He occasionally itinerated for Mr.
Whitefield, andinthe course of his movements visited Londonderry, where he
was instrumental in collecting a congregation. On his return to England he
hecame known to Lady Huntingdon, who showed him many acts of friendshij).
Through her Ladyship's interest he afterwards obtained episcopal ordination,
nnd resided in the neighbourhood of High Wycombe, in Buckinghamshlr^j
ivhete he continued for several years, and was extremt-ly populari

150 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
for some time he met with considerable opposition ; but ulti
mately his labours were crowned with success. He soon formed
a small society, several of whom God had given him as seals to
bis ministry, and they were made happy witnesses of the truths
which he preached. Mr. Williams wrote an account of his
success to Mr. Wesley, who soon hastened to the scene of
action. The house they used for preaching was situated in
Marlborough-street, and was originally designed for a Lutheran
church. It contained about four hundred people ; but four or
five times that nuraber might stand in the yard, which was very
spacious. Ireland had peculiar clairas on Lady Huntingdon. Her Lady
ship's grandfather was a baronet of that kingdom; her mother,
the Countess Ferrers, was an Irish lady ; many of her relatives
were natives and residents of that country : and her eldest
daughter, afterwards Countess of jMoira, was, for half a century,
an inhabitant of Ireland. It was no wonder, therefore, that the
benevolent heart of the Countess should have been directed
towards a country so dear to her from relative ties. About the
latter part of the year 1749 we find the first manifestation of
her Intentions towards Ireland, and the ardent desire which
always burned in her heart to make known the savour of that
name which she loved. Mr. Charles Wesley, accompanied by
several preachers, had succeeded his brother," and, after a short
stay in the metropolis, proceeded to Cork, at which period a
violent persecution raged against the Methodists in that city.
Application was made to the Mayor, but redress could not be
obtained; and the grand jury made that meraorable present
ment, which is worthy of being preserved in their records to
all succeeding generarions : — " We find and present Charles
Wesley to be a person of ill-fame, a vagabond, and a common
disturber of Ms Majesty's peace, and we pray tkat he may he
transported !" Similar presentments were made against eight
Methodist preachers and some respectable citizens, who be
longed to the Methodist Society. A statement of the Indignities
and hardships which they underwent was forwarded to Lady
Huntingdon and Mr. Whitefield, by Mr. Lunell, a respectable
banker m Dubhn. Her Ladyship, being then at Donnington-
park, in Leicestershire, requested Mr. Whitefield to wait on the
Speaker of the House of Commons, in her name, and demand
redress. «I have been with the Speaker (says he) ; Dr. Gifford* introduced
• Dr Andrew GifTord, the respected rainister of the Baptist meeting in
Eagle-street, London. His intimacy with Sir Richard Ellys, the lewne^

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 151
me, and opened the matter well. His Honour expressed a great re
gard for your Ladyship, and great resentment at the indignities the
poor sufferers underwent ; but said, Lord Harrington or the Secretary
of State were the most proper persons to be applied to : he did not
doubt but that your Ladyship's application would get their gxievances
redressed. He treated me with great candour, and assured me nb
hurt was designed us by the state."
A well-attested narrative of the whole affair was presented to
Lord Harrington, the King's representative in Ireland ; and
through Lady Huntingdon's Influence a memorial was likewise
presented to his Majesty by the Countess of Chesterfield. The
Duke of Newcastle, then Secretary of State, was likewise spoken
to ; he expressed great resentment at the proceedings df the
magistrates and clergy of Cork, and great personal respect for
Lady Huntingdon, with whom he was well acquainted, the
Duchess of Newcastle, Lady Lucy Pelham, and Lady Susannah
Booth having frequently attended the Breaching at her Lady
ship's house.
" Blessed be God (writes Mr, Whitefield) for putting it into your
Ladyship's power to help the poor sufferers of Cork. Last night I re
ceived a letter from Mr. Ltmell, and purpose this night or to-morrow
to write to him about what your Ladyship desires. Mr. Charles Wes
ley, 1 believe, is at his bouse."
In the summer of 17.51 Mr. Whitefield paid a second visit to
Ireland, and was most hospitably received in Dublin by Mr.
Lunell, who had been awakened under the preaching of the first
Methodist Itinerant preachers that had visited tbat city. He
was a man of opulence and great respectablity ; and, Mr.
author of " Fortuita Sacra," was of great service to him in life. Sir Richard
appointed hira his chaplain, and he was one of the heartiest friends Dr. Gifford
ever had amongst the Protestant dissenters, retaining him in his office till his
death. He continued to reside with Lady Ellys, and received an annual pre
sent of forty guineas from her till her mariiage with Lord Le Despencer.
Her ladyship and her sister. Lady Wheate, were on intirnate terras with Lady
Huntingdon, and often frequented her house to hear Mr. Whitefield and those
eminent men who proclaimed the unsearchable riches of Christ in her drawing-
rooms. Lady Le Despencer died in 1 769.
Dr. Gifford obtained his diploma from Aberdeen. He had apeculiar deligjit
in antiquities ; and it is said that his private collection of coins, which was
one of the most curious in Great Britain, was purchased by George II., as an
addition to his own cabinet. "The doctor's superior abilities, and his being of
the Antiquarian Society, together with the personal friendship of Lord Chan
cellor Hardwicke, Archbishop Herring, Sir Arthur Onslow, the Speaker, Lady
Huntingdon, and his unshaken patron, Sir Richard Ellys, was the cause,
under providence, of his being appointed Librarian to the British Museura, for
which station he Was remarkably suited. He died on the I9th of June, 1784,
in the eighty-fourth year of his age. He left a handsome legacy to the church
in Eagle-street, in w*hose service he ended his days. He published sortie ser
mons, and an edition of Folkes's " Tables of Coins," two vols, quarto. — Se§
JVicfyil's BoiUyer attd the Spiritual Magazine-

152 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
Whitefield adds, in a letter to Lady Huntingdon, " a follower
of Christ." ,. • -n w
Mr. Whitefield preached about fourteen times in Dublin,
seven times in Limerick, and on several occasions at Waterford,
Cork, Bandon, Kinsale, Athlone, Belfast, and other places.-
During this excursion he preached neariy eigkfy times.
His hearers in Dublin organized a class, and, procuring a place
in Skinner-street, formed themselves, in 1752, into a public
society. This step does not appear to have met with the ap
probation of Mr. Whitefield :—
" This morning (says he) I have been talking with dear Mr. Adams,
and cannot help thinking but that you have run before the Lord,_in
forming yourselves into a pubhc society, as you have done. I am sin
cere when I profess that I do not choose to set myself at the head of
any party. When I came last to Ireland, my intention was to preach
the Gospel to all ; and if it should ever please the Lord of all Lords to
send me thhher again, I purpose to pursue the same plan. For I am
a debtor to all of every -denomination, and have no design, if I know
any thing of this desperately wicked and deceitful heart, but to pro
mote the common salvation of mankind. The love of Christ constrains
me to this."
During this interval, the people assembling in Skinner's -alley
obtained help from the late Rev. John Edwards, the early stages
of whose life are involved in some obscurity ; but we find him
amongst the first set of preachers at the Tabernacle in London
in 1746. In the course of his itinerant labours he visited almost
every part of England, Wales, and Ireland. In Dublin his
ministry proved highly acceptable to the congregation at Skin-
ner's-alley. It was a time' of great persecution. The rage of the adver
sary was often so violent as to place his life in the most immi
nent danger. At one time, while he resided in Dublin, as he was
returning from preaching at a village, a party of rude fellows,
called the Ormond Boys, who used to assemble in the evening,
recognized him as Swaddling Jokn,* a term of reproach applied
to the Methodists in Ireland ; and seizing him with all the mad
ness of their enmity against the truths he preached, declared they
* This term of reproach originated in the following circumstance : soon after
the introduction of Methodism into Ireland, the Rev. John Cennick was preach
ing at Skinner's-alley on a Christmas-day. His text was Luke ii., 12, Ye shall
find the babe ivrapped in sivaddling clothes, and lying in a manger. A drunken
fellow who ^^'as listening at the door to pick up something by which he might
ridicule this new religion, which had not yet obtained a name, hearing the word
sivaddk often repeated, ran along the streets, exclaiming, " O I these people are
SwaddlerB, they are Swaddlers I" ^ The name quickly tookj and became the
badge of opproi&rium through the kingdom of Irel»ndt

SELINAj countess OF HUNTINGDON. 153
would throw him over the bridge into the Liffey. This was ob
served by an opposite party, who had assumed the appellation of
Liberty Boys, residing on the other side of the river. They im
mediately encountered his assailants, determined they would
rescue him out of their hands. This jhey accomplished, and
carried him home in triumph ; saying he was fkeir swaddling
Jokn, for he lived on their side of the river, and none should
hurt him. Thus God preserved his life, and made both the
wrath and ignorance of man to praise him.
At another tirae, having preached out of doors, after he had
finished his discourse a furious mob of the Wkite Boys beset
the house into which he had entered, and threatened to burn it
to the ground, if he were permitted to continue in it. This des
perate menace greatly alarmed the Inhabitants, who were ex
tremely unwilling to gratify their wicked desire. There was,
however, but one way for his escape, and that was through a win
dow which opened into a garden belonging to a justice of the
peace, who was himself a bitter persecutor of the Methodists.
Through this window he was let down, like the apostle Paul, in
a basket. Here he stood some time in'great consternation,
fearing the family would observe him, and charge him with having
broken into their garden for bad purposes, and that thereby both
himself and religion might be injured. At length he ventured
to knock at the door, asked for the magistrate, and being intro
duced, ingenuously stated the circumstances of his distressed
situation, which had such an effect on the gentleman's mind,
that he protected and entertained him at his house two days in
a hospitable manner.
Some time after a number of soldiers who had been brought,
under his ministry, to know the way of salvation, were, to their
no small sorrow, removed to another town, not favoured with the
light of the Gospel. Full of concern for the poor inhabitants,
they wrote to him, requesting that he would come and preach
there ; with which request he readily complied, and took his
journey for that purpose. When he came within a mile or two
of the town, he was met by sorae of the pious soldiers, who in
forraed hira, with grief, that such were the cruel threatenings of
the people against his life, that if he dared to preach they would
not answer for his safety. Mr. Edwards, however, was not to be
dissuaded from his purpose ; for, on his arrival, he immediately
preached in the street, and several persons of consequence,
among whom was the mayor of the town, came to hear him, and
by their presence and respectful behaviour prevented every kind
of disturbance. After the service, the mayor invited him td
brcclkfast with several of the principal inhtibitants, and told hint

154 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
they were very glad he was come, that the people were extremely
dissolute in their manners, and the clergy, both Protestants and
Catholics, exceedingly remiss in their duty, and they hoped the
Methodists would succeed In their endeavours to reform the town.
These gentiemen subscribed to the support of stated preachmg
in a room, whicb was fitted up for the purpose ; and there the
Word of God was crowned with such a blessing, that a religious
society was soon formed, to the great joy of the poor soldiers.
In tbe summer of 1757 Mr. Whitefield visited Ireland for the
last tirae. His reception In Dublin was as promising as on for
mer occasions : congregations were very large, and a blessing
appeared to attend his ministry;* but not having a regular
supply of preachers, some divisions took place amongst his
hearers. One portion laid the foundation of the present flourish
ing church of the United Brethren,! another formed a Baptist
congregation, whilst the scattered remains continued feeble and
unsupported, till Lady Huntingdon was enabled to send them
some suitable supply.
The Rev. Henry Piers, vicar of Bexley, in Kent, an awakened
• On Mr. Whitefield's former visit to Dublin he preached in a more confined
place in the week days, and a few times ventured out to Oxmantown-green,
then a large open place, like Moorfields in the old time, situated near the Royal
Barracks, where the Ormond and Liberty boys, two factions amongst the lowest
class of fhe people, generally assembled every Sunday to fight with each other.
The congregations then were very numerous ; the word seemed to come with
power, and no noise or disturbance ensued. This encouraged Mr. Whitefield
to venture again ; and he gave notice that he would preach there during this
visit to Dublin. He went throngh the barracks, the door of which opened into
Oxmantown-green, and pitched his tent near the barrack-walls, not doubting
of the protection or at least interposition of the officers and soldiery, if there
should be occasion. Vast was the multitude that attended. After singing and
prayer, Mr. Whitefield preached without molestation, only now and then a few
stones and clods of dirt thrown at him. It being war time, he took occasion to
exhort his hearers, as was his usual practice, not only to fear God, but to honour
the King ; and prayed for success to the King of Prussia. When he had finished,
and thought to return home the way he came, by the barracks, to his great
surprise access was denied; and he was obliged to go near half a raile, from
one end of the green to the other, through thousands of Papists, who finding
hira unattended (for a soldier and four preachers who came with him had fled)
threw vollies of stones upon hira from all quarters, and made him reel backwards
and forwards till he was almost breathless and covered with blood. At last,
with great difficulty, he staggered to the door of a minister's house near the
Green, which was kindly opened to him. For a while he continued speechless
and panting for breath ; but his weeping friends having given him some cordial,
and washed his wounds, a coach was procured, in which, amidst the oaths, im
precations, and threatenings of the Popish rabble, he got safe home, andjoined
in a hymn of thanksgiving with his friends. In a letter written to a friend,
just after this event, he says : " I received many blows and wounds; one was
particularly large, and near my temple ; I thought of Stephen, and was in
hopes, like him, to go off in this bloody triumph to the iramediate presence
of my Master."
f The late Rev. John Swertner, who for many years was the worthy minister
of the Moravian chapel in Dablin, married the only child of the Rey. ^ohn

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 155
clergyman, who had attended the first Methodist conference in
London, and had preached with great zeal in various parts of the
kingdom, was soon after presented to a living in Ireland. About
the same period the Hon. and Rev. Walter Shirley became
rector of Loughrea, in the diocese of Tuara, a living in the gift
of the Earl of Clanricarde, whose great-grandfather had espoused
an heiress of the house of Shirley.*
On the first of AprU, 1760, Mr. Wesley landed in Dublin;
and some days after preached in the square of the Royal Bar
racks, without any disturbance. He preached there to very at
tentive congregations several times; and on one occasion, being
a rainy day, an offer was made hira of the riding-house, a very
large commodious building, designed by Lord Chesterfield, when
Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, for a church, but never used as such
till Mr. Wesley preached in it. Some soldiers were exercising
there when Mr. Wesley arrived, and the officers forbad them
going away before the sermon was ended. There were at this
period upwards of five hundred merabers belonging to the
Methodist society in Dublin. Mr. Wesley made an extensive
tour through the kingdom, preaching wherever he could obtain
a congregation; visited Moira, the residence of the Earl of Moira,
Lady Huntingdon's son-in-law, and on a tombstone, near the
church, opposite bis Lordship's, preached to a considerable
number of people.
During this visit to Ireland Mr. Wesley visited the county of
Galway, where he preached frequently, and often to very nume
rous congregations. On the return of Mr. Shirley to Ireland,
after the arrangement of Lord Ferrers' affairs, he was not so for
tunate as to meet Mr. Wesley, who was then travelling in a dis
tant part of the kingdom.
From some unexplained cause Mr. Charles Wesley, a short
time prior to this period, ceased to itinerate in conjunction with
his brother. At his first visit to Ireland he was accompanied
Cennick, whose zealous labours in that city were productive ofthe most be
neficial results. The labours of the late Mr. Latrobe were also much owned
of God. He was father of Mr. Latrobe, minister of the Brethren's chapel, in
Fetter-lane, London.
* Mr. Shirley was cousin-german to Lady Huntingdon, and three of his
brothers were successively Earls Ferrers. His mother was the daughter of Sir
Walter Clarges, of Aston, in Hertfordshire, Bart., and grand-daughter of Philip,
fourth Earl of Pembroke, and first Earl of Montgomery. His intimacy and
near relationship with the Countess of Hunting-Ion brought him in close con
tact with many of the leading characters in the religious world ; but it was the
ministry and conversation of Mr. Venn that was blessed in a peculiar manner to
his soul, so that he ever after styled himself "his son in tiie Gospel."' They
were nearly cotemporaries, Mr. Venn having the advantage of a few raonths
only. Dr. Conyers, Mr. Madan, Mr. Newton, and Mr. Venn, by an odd coinci
dence, were precisely of the same age, having all been born in the some month,

156 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
by Mr. Charles Perronet, son of the Rev. Vincent Perronet, the
venerable vicar of Shoreham. On a subsequent visit to Ireland
he prosecuted his labours with great success. Shortly after his
marriage he ceased to intlnerate ; he still, however, continued
firmly attached to the Methodists, and laboured by every means
which his situation would permit to promote the good of the
societies. After he had ceased to travel, he divided his labours chiefly
between London and Bristol.* His residence was at the latter
place, and whenever Lady Huntingdon was at Chfton or Bath
Mr. Charles Wesley was usually her chaplain, frequently ad
ministering the Sacrament at her house, and preaching to great
nurabers of the nobility and gentry. He was much attached to
Mr. Shirley ; and his kind attention to him and Lady Hunting
don during the season of their domestic calamity called forth
their warmest gratitude. Towards the close of the year 1760
his health was much impaired, and he ceased for some time to
visit the metropolis.
Mr. Shirley was now appointed one of Lady Huntingdon's
chaplains, and on his return from Brighton, Bath, and other
places where he had been preaching for her Ladyship, he found
the churches in which he bad formerly rainistered closed against
him. The clergy, whose hand on these occasions is always first
in the transgression, fired with envy and resentment, as In thus
saying and doing he reproached them also, conspired to ex
clude him from the pulpits of the city churches. Though care
fully conforming to established rules, and strictly regular, he
became everywhere tbe object of reproach, because his conduct
could not but refiect on those who chose not to follow such ex
amples. He laboured, indeed, under many discouragements.
Everywhere he carried the stamp of peculiarity, and was marked
by his brethren. All fhe superior orders shunned his society,
and he was often treated by tbem with much Insolence and op
pression. But his being prohibited the use of the churches
turned out to the furtherance of the Gospel. Thus does the
Lord always bring good out of evil — the wrath of man shall
praise him.
In the year 1767 the great Head of the Church was gra
ciously pleased to raise up a mighty instrument in the person of
the late Rev. Richard De Courcy, whose quick aad lively talents
contributed powerfully to the extension of divine truth. The
descendant of an ancient and respectable family in Ireland, and
' The Journal of Mr. Charles Wesley appears to have been discontinued after
he had ceased to travel ; and the events of the last thirty years of hia life th^
official biographers of the Wesleys have thrown into half a dozen pages!

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 157
distantly related to the family of Lord Kinsale, Mr. De Courcy
was justly entitled to that deference and respect due to persons
of his rank, and which his superior abilities so eminently claimed
for him. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, and at
the age of twenty-three received deacon's orders in the cathe
dral church of Clonfert,* as curate to Mr. Shirley. On one
occasion, being in Dublin, he was Invited to preach in St. An
drew's church, and the fame of his preaching brought a large
congregation who filled every part of the edifice. The cry of
Methodism had already gone forth, and whilst the prayers were
reading the pulpit was seized by order of the metropolitan, Dr.
Arthur Smythe, to the exclusion of Mr. De Courcy, who find
ing himself thus treated, conferred not with flesh and blood, but
immediately withdrew, intimating that he should preach in the
open air. He was quickly followed by the congregation, and,
ascending a tombstone, proclaimed to the surrounding multitude
the glad tidings of great joy, that there Is a Saviour, even Christ
tbe Lord.
Such zeal and such conduct, but, above all, the doctrines
which he preached, so dissimilar to anything around him and in
other churches, soon ex])osed Mr. De Courcy to the malignant
attacks of a host of enemies. He had comraitted the unpar
donable sin of daring to preach the everlasting Gospel, and not
fearing to offend those who hate the light. On him, therefore,
the hand of authority was laid heavily. The bishop became
offended — he was refused a licence and priest's orders. But
none of these things moved hira. Insulted as he had been, and
without prospects of any preferment, he had numerous friends
who loved and esteemed him. On Mr. Shirley's representation
of his case to Lady Huntingdon, her Ladyship immediately ap
plied to the Bishop of Lichfieldj- to ordain him, and wrote him
an urgent invitation to come to England and aid her in the great
work in which she was engaged.
He accepted the offer, and about the beginning of May
* By Dr. Dennis Cumberland, aftenvards Bishop of Kilmore. He was
grandson of that leamed prelate, Dr. Richard Cumberland, Bishop of Peter
borough. Going to Ireland with Lord Halifax, the intimate friend of Lady
Huntingdon and Dr. Doddridge, he was made Bishop of Clonfert, frora whence,
in 1772, he was translated to Kilmore. He died in 1775. This prelate mar
ried Joanna, daughter of Dr. Richard Bentley, master of Trinity College, Cam
bridge, and was father of Richard Cumberland, a dramatic and miscellaneous
writer. Of his poetical performances none are likely to be long remembered,
except " Calvary ; " but his " Observer" holds a distinguished rank among the
works of the British essayists. He diedin 1811.
-|- Dr. John Egerton, who at the age of thirty-five was consecrated Bishop of
Bangor. His father was Bishop of Hereford. In 1768 he was translated to the
see of Lichfield and Coventry, and in 1771, promoted to be Bishop of Durham.
By his marriage with Lady Anne Sophia Grey, daughter of Henry Duke of Kent,

158 THE LIPE AND TIMES OF
arrived in England. He Immediately waited on Mr. Whitefield,
who was then In London, at the Tabernacle-house.*
Lady Huntingdon, finding the cloud did not move in the
direction of Ireland, gathered around her the able raen who
served her, and directed them to pour out the tidings of salva
tion In England. To them was Mr. De Courcy added, and
also Mr. Newton, whose talents, habits, and inclinations fitted
him for a stated residence, as a parochial minister.f
He, too, knew how to treat with Christian friendship those
wbo, out of regard to conscience, separated from the communion
of the Church of England. Probably, the Church does not con
tain a clergyman of superior liberality towards Methodists and
Dissenters. This will, perhaps, be accounted a reproach to his
memory by those wbo represent all Christian affection to the
Sectaries as criminal and derogatory to the dignity of the Esta
blished Church; but if we form our estimate of the Christian
temper from the example of Christ and his immediate followers,
and if we look forward to the day in whicli the love of his dis
ciples to each other will be particularly noticed by our coramon
Lord, we shall rejoice in every proof of rainlsterial candour such
as Mr. Newton so uniforraly displayed.
he left a daughter, and two sons, successively Earls of Bridgewater. It does
not appear that Lady Huntingdon's application was attended with success, for
Mr. De Courcy did not obtain priest's orders for some time after his arrival in
England. The bishop died in 1787.
* By some peculiar accident, his apparel not being brought to town with him,
he was obliged for several days to appear in his gown and cassock, which, to
gether with his very juvenile appearance, excited no small attention as he walked
along the streets. On being introduced to Mr. Whitefield, the latter took oif
his cap, and bending towards Mr. De Courcy, placed his hand in a deep scar in
his head, saying, " Sir, this wound I got in your country for preaching Christ."
[Mr. Whitefield alluded to the circumstance which occurred when he preached
at Oxmantown-green.] Mr. De Courcy afterwards observed toa friend, that
this circumstance much endeared this noble champion of the Gospel to him.
Mr. Cornelius Winter happening to come into the room. Mi'. Whitefield com
mitted the stranger to his attention, saying, " Take care of this gentleman."
From this period an intimate friendship took place, which lasted till Mr. White-
field's death. On the next day, which was Sunday, Mr. De Courcy preached
at Tottenham-court Chapel, from Zach. xiii. 7, " Awake, 0 sword, against my
Shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saitii the Lord of Hosts."
His youthful appearance and pleasing address fixed the attention of the nume
rous audience, and laid the foundation of liis future popularity.
-|- Others, probably, are equally adapted, as well as called, to itinerant labours;
but Mr. Newton, in his " Cardiphonia," (vol. ii. p. 291), seems to deprecate too
much the endeavours of those who travel about to preach the Gospel. " I
wish," says he, "there were more intinerant preachers. If a man has grace and
zeal and but little fund, let him go and difl^use the substance of a dozen sermons
over as many counties ; but you have natural and acquired abilities," &c. And
again, (p. 245), " I wish well to irregulars and itinerants who love and preach
the Gospel. I am content that they should labour that way, who have not
talents nor fund to support the character of a parochial minister ; but 1 think
you are qualified for more important seiTice."

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 159

CHAPTER XXXV.
Mr. Townsend's visit to Dublin — Lady Saxton — Mr. Alderman Townsend —
Lord Shelburne — Mr. Phillips — Mrs. Paul— Mrs. Kiernan — Temporary Cha
pel — Lady Huntingdon sends I\linisters to Ireland— Mr. Mead — Mr. Hawkes
worth — Letter from Lady Huntingdon — Jlr. Pentycross — Mr. Rowland Hill
— Meeting in Wales— Independent Churches — Letter from Lady Huntingdon
— Mr. Lloyd — Plunket-street Chapel opened— Opposition — Letter from Mrs.
Paul — Several ofthe Nobility go to Lady Huntingdon's Chapel — Letterfrom
Lady Huntingdon — .Mr. Hawkesworth visits Waterford — Mrs. Bennis —
Jlethodist Preachers — Mr. Hawkesworth solicits ordination — Lady Hunting
don's Letter on that subject.
The Rev. Joseph Townsend, fellow of Clare Hall, Cambridge,
and rector of Pewsey, in Wiltshire, reached Dubhn* as Mr. De
Courcy quitted it, sent by the Countess of Huntingdon to dif
fuse the light of righteousness. It was he whora her Ladyship
had sent into Scotland, at the request of Lady Glenorchy. He
and Dr. Haweis had previously studied together in Edinburgh,
under Dr. Cullen; and his sister, Mrs. Wordsworth, afterwards
becarae the wife of his fellow student. His labours in Ireland
were successful. It was while he was in Ireland that the familyf
of John Phillips, Esq., was converted.
On Mr. Shirley and Mr. Townsend representing to Lady
* On board the same packet were the Earl of Shelburne, afterwards Viscount
Calne, Earl of Wycombe, and Marquis of Lansdowne, then Foreign Secretary,
Edmund Bui-ke, Mrs. Vesey Dawson, the friend of Hannah Moore, and foun
dress of the Bluestocking Club, Sir Charles and Lady Saxton, whom Mr. Town-
send knew. His father. Alderman Townsend, was representative of Lord
Shelburne's borough of Calne, and his supporter in many Parliaments. At
Shelburne House there Mr. Townsend was a frequent visitor, and was intro
duced by Lord Shelburne to most of the nobility of Ireland. His father was
averse to his religious connexions, and in presenting him with the living of
Pewsey, demanded as a condition that he would never preach in Moorfields on
a joint stool, and he gained access to many pulpits.
f With this amiable family Mr. Shirley became extreraely intimate; and on
the 27th of August, 1766, was united to Henrietta Maria, eldest daughter of Mr.
Phillips ; and left issue one son, the Rev. Walter Shirley, born the 1 1th Octo
ber, 1768; and three daughters, viz , Frances Anne, born the 6th of .May, 1770,
married the Rev. John Going : his eldest son, also a clergyraan, married Wil
helmina, daughter ofthe late Dr. Roe, and sister ofthe Rev. Peter Roe, rector
of St. Maiy's, Kilkenny ; Henrietta, Eleonara, born Ilth August, 177ii, mar
ried the Rev. Henry Bunbury, and has a numerous family ; Anne Augusta, born
29th November, 1775, married Gabriel Maturin, Esq., and has issue. Mrs.
Shirley died 15th December, 1792.
A sister of Mrs. Shirley mai-ried the late George Kiernan, Esq., and left
issue a son and five daughters — Harriet, Augusta, Selina, Sophia, and Matilda ;

160 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
Huntingdon the deplorable state of spiritual destitution prevail
ing in Dublin, she commissioned them to purchase, build, or
hire some sound commodious edifice, for the performance of
divine worship, according fo the forms ofthe Establisked Churcli.
At the suggestion of Mrs.' Paul,* the Merchant Tailors' Hall
was procured for this purpose, and solemnly dedicated to the
God of our salvation. Several ministers from England were
sent at the sole expense of Lady Huntingdon, and their preach
ing was attended with very considerable success.f
In the year 1772 Lady Huntingdon called in all the stu
dents who were labouring in England, Wales, and Ireland, to

of whom Sophia married the Rev. George Hamilton, son ofthe late Dr. Hugh
Hamilton, Bishop of Ossory, and nephew of the late Baron Hamilton. Mr.
Hamilton was the author of a work on the study ofthe Hebrew Scriptures, &c.
Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton are both deceased.
Colonel Phillips, the brother of Mrs. Shirley and Mrs. Kiernan, sailed round
the world with Captain Cook. He married a daughter of Dr. Burney, the cele
brated musician, and sister of Madame D'Arblay, the authoress.
* This excellent woman waS wife to Dr. Thomas Paul, Dean of Cashel, and
sister to Dr. James Hawkins, Bishop of Raphoe, and Sir W. Hawkins, Ulster
King of Arms. She was for many years the intimate friend and constant cor
respondent of Lady Huntingdon. In the Letters of her Ladyship frequent
mention is made of Mrs. Paul, Mrs. Shirley, and Miss Phillips, afterwards Mrs.
Kiernan. She was the only daughter of John Hawkins, Esq. , Ulster King of
Arms, by Catherine, daughter of Dr. WiUiam Sraith, of Dublin. Her grand
father, likewise, held the sarae situation at the Herald's Office. Dean Paul was
the youngest son of Jeffrey Paul, Esq., for many years the representative in
Parllamentfor the county of Carlow; and his mother, the only daughter of
Richard Christmas, Esq., of Whitfield, county of Waterford, and member of
Parliament for the city of Waterford. The eldest brother of Dean Paul mar
ried Miss Carew, daughter of Robert Carew, Esq., of Ballynaraona, counlyof
Waterford, and member of Parliaraent for Dungarvon, and left a son, Joshua
Paul, created a Baronet of Ireland in 1794, father of the present Sir Joshua
Christraas Paul, of Paulville, county of Carlow. She separated from her hus
band on account of his dislike to her religious principles, and afterwards lived
in Hereford, hearing and doing good.
The Bishop of Raphoe was father of the present Admiral Sir James Hawkins
Whitshed, Bart. A granddaughter of the Bishop, a daughter of the Dean of
Clonfert, is married to the Rev. Mr. Verschoyle, an evangelical clergyman in
Dublin. f The first was the Rev. Henry Mead, afterwards lecturer of St. John's,
Wapping, and minister of Ram's Chapel, Hackney. He arrived in the summer
of 1771. He asked for assistance, suggesting Mr. Rowley, who was by that
time fixed at Warwick. Lady Huntingdon wrote to Mr. Hawkesworth, observ
ing—" Dear Mead is exceedingly blessed, and wishes for another helper ; and
therefore I shall have Ellis [who was educated at Trevecca] ; and you shall go
to Dublin When you can spare time let me hear from you ; as I ever am,
dear Hawkesworth, your faithful and afl'ectionate friend, S. Huntingdon." Mr.'
Pentycross was then curate of Hawley, near Ryegate, and had not obtained
priests' orders, or he would have gladly gone to Ireland, where, as Mr. Shirley
wrote, there was an opening in one of the city churches. Mr. Pentycross was
educated at Christ's Hospital, and distinguished himself as a Grecian ; whence
he went to Pembroke College, Cambridge, and became the friend of the Rev.
Rowland Hill. He had before acquired the notice of Horace Walpole by his

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 161
the College In Wales, to form a mission to North America, as
very pressing and encouraging letters had been received by her
Ladyship, requesting her to send faithful and zealous ministers
thither. The following letter was addressed to Mr. Mead and
Mr. Hawkesworth, desiring them to be in Wales early in the
month of October, and accompanied by a circular notice, which
was to be read in all the congregations in her Ladyship's Con
nexion : —
" My dear Mead and Hawkesworth,— The enclosed paper so fully
explains my request, that I must beg, as the only proof of any regard
to me, you will not fail of being present, and lose no time. Depend
upon all things being ready, that the day after the meeting, either one
or more students, as you both think best, shall be ready to set off for
Dubhn. Assure my Dublin friends the means of settling matters for
their advantage will be by sparing you for one fortnight. Read the
paper to the society, as directed by me, with the assurance of what I
say ; and request from me their meeting for prayer and fasting on
Friday, the 9th of October. I depend upon this as the one single
instance of regard I shall ever either ask or desire. I must repeat the
surprising success of our labours everywhere. How many times ten
thousand hear each day I dare not say ; and the calls are increasing so
fast, that my heart is broken not to be able to supply all. And this
opening in America is the astonishment of' all tbat love or fear the
Lord. I hope to be at the College October the 1st or 2nd. May all
hlessmgs attend you ; and do not fail to be with us. I must insist, if
alive, that you come by Wales directly to the College. The amazing
blessings before us engage me to write so many letters, that you must
excuse my not being miore particular ; and believe me, my dear Mead
and Hawkesworth, your very affectionate friend,
"Oathall, Sept. 9th, 1772. S. Huntingdon."
Early in the month of October, Mr. Mead and Mr. Hawkes
worth arrived at Trevecca, to attend the proposed meeting.
They were soon followed by Mr. Shirley and the Rev. Charles
Stewart Eccles, a respectable clergyman, son of  Eccles,
of Ecelesvdle, in the county of Tyrone, Esq., a gentleman of
highly respectable family and very considerable fortune. As
the circular notice which accompanied her ladyship's letter to
Mr. Mead and Mr. Hawkesworth, and the particulars of this
affair, will be amply detailed in another part of this work, it will
be unnecessary to advert to them in this place. As soon as the
poetical talent, and by his skill in reciting from plays, of which he was very
fond. He was also the friend of the poet. Gray; but Rowland Hill and Dr.
Coetlage taught him his part in the great healer of the world. He was the
friend of Mr. Simpson and General Oglethorpe, and the " Dear Penty" of Mr.
Whitefield. He being unable to proceed, her ladyship applied to the Rev.
Rowland Hill, who was then kept on a very scanty allowance by Sir Rowland,
in order to prevent his itinerancy. He agreed to go, and so did Mr, Glaseott.
VOL. II. — M

162 THE Life and times of
meeting was terminated, Mr. Hawkesworth returned fo Dublin,
Many of tbe leading members of the congregation,^ for some
considerable time, had intimated a wish that they might be or
ganized as an Independent church. Several meetings were held,
and resolutions to that effect were passed, though not unani
mously. These resolutions were forwarded to Lady Hunting
don for her approbation; but her ladyship's liberal system
could never countenance anything so narrow, and, in her
opinion, so ill calculated to further the cause and interest of
the Redeemer among mankind. Her ladyship's answer is im
portant, as It fully explains her sentiments on the subject of
Dissenting Churches, which cannot fail to be read with attention
by all who profess to belong to her Connexion at the present
day:— " You know so well my sentiments pf independent congregations,
that I need not enlarge ; but I have heard it is detennined by the
people tbat they mean to collect themselves into a body for this pur
pose, and support a minister by subscription. You know rny liberal
way of thinking, by having all follow the light the Lord vouchsafes
them ; and therefore I must leave it under this situation. I can be no
longer able to serve them, as according to what I do know, or have
known, my call is a general and universal one ; and I believe this to
he tbat of the College : and my protection, as a Dissenting Church, is
quite out of the order of ail my work ; and, if this become their settled
choice, I think you will like to come to England — the sooner tbe
better, after you see they have made their appointment of a minister.
As I am satisfied you will not sacriiice the whole of your ministry to
a handful of people, while the calls for you here are so many and so
great — and nothing oould distress me more than for you to sink into
tbe formality of a single congregation, while your ministry is so gene
rally owned of the Lord — therefore, dear Hawkesworth, hasten to us,
and help us. Eight drawn to America makes us much distressed for
help. Be so good as to order the furniture which Mead brought to be
sold, and the lodging given up, as soon as possible ; as, under these
circumstances, I consider myself wholly at liberty to withdraw."
Sirailar letters were addressed to Mr. Lloyd and Mr. Wilson.*
* John Lloyd, Esq., and Richard Wilson, Esq., men of influence and fortune,
and the steady friends of the Countess. Miss Anne Lloyd, a daughter of Mr.
Lloyd, married the late Mr. Walcot, a gentleman of fortune, and many years
a member ofthe Tabernacle Society in Bristol. He was the descendant ofthe
ancient family of Walcot, of Croagh, in the county of Clare, Ireland, and
nephew of William Cecil, first Lord Glentworth, father of the present Earl of
Limerick, and Eleanor Lady Hunt, mother of the present Sir Aubrey de Vere,
Bart., who raarried Mary, eldest daughter of Stephen Edward Rice, Esq., of
Mount Trenchard, in the county of Limerick, and sister of the Right Hon.
Thoraas Spring Rice, Chancellor of the Exchequer, and son-in-law" of Lord
Liraerick. Mrs. Walcot died in 1782, and her funeral sermon was preached at
Lady Huntingdon's Chapel, at Bath, by Mr. Pentycross, from 1 Cor. xv.
56, 57, and was afterwards published.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 163
From subsequent letters of Lady Huntingdon, it appeared
that the plan of erecting a chapel in Dublin was abandoned ;
and, with the'sanction and advice of Mr. Shirley, the old Pres
byterian meeting-house, in Plunket-street, was rented. For
several years before its dissolution the church was in a very low
state : the sentiments and preaching of the ministers who offi
ciated were extremely unpopular, and but ill adapted to preserve
the church from a languishing condition. After some feeble
attempts to revive the [expiring interest, the society dissolved,
and the meeting-house was disposed of to Lady Huntingdon.
Having undergone some alterations and repairs, Plunket-street
Chapel was opened with the use of the Liturgy of the Church
of England, and upon the plan adopted in her Ladyship's other
chapels, early in 1773. A numerous congregation was soon
raised, by the blessing of the great Head of the Church, upon
the labours of her Ladyship's ministers. Mr. Shirley, Mr. Ec
cles, Dr. Peckwell, with several other clergymen and students
from Trevecca, preached there with great acceptance and suc
cess; and very many, by their ministry in that place, were added
to the Church of such as shall be saved.
Not long after her Ladyship's chapel was opened, opposition
began to lift her frowning face against all those whom the world
denominated Methodists : —
" Multitudes (says Mrs. Paul, in a letter to Lady Huntingdon,)
attend him everywhere, and God, even our own God, is blessing his
own most precious word to the conversion of sinners, notwithstanding
the general opposition that is raised against the great doctrines which
he preaches, which are everywhere reviled as Methodism and rank
enthusiasm. My brother is in a mighty rage at dear Mr. Shirley's
preaching in a conventicle, as he terms your Ladyship's chapel, and
threatens to have him stripped of his gown. But the Dean says he
cannot be prevented from preaching where he likes, so long as he eon-
foi-ms to the rtiles and doctrines of the Church. They have frequent
altercations on this subject, and on the doctrines which Mr. Shirley
holds forth in the pidpit with such fidelity and zeal, in which I some
times also bear my part, and, in my humble way, bear my testimony
for God and his Christ. Many of the clergy have made a representa
tion of his conduct and preaching to our new Archbishop,* who
refuses to take any notice of it, not caring, to make himself disliked by
the adoption qf any disagreeable proceedings on entering a new see.
Last Sunday evening. Lady Longfordt brought Lady Anne and Lady
SehnaJ to the chapel to hear Mr. Shirley. They were much pleased
* Dr. John Ctadock, who died in 1778, father of the present Lord Howden.
f The Viscountess Longford, a peeress iu her own right, and grandmother of
the late Marquis of Headfort and the Duchess of Wellington.
\ Daughters of the Countess of Moira, and grand-daughters of Lady Hun-
m2

164 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
with tbe singing, but I have not seen Lady Longford since to know
tbe particulars. I have been confidently assured that two of Lady
Betty's* brothers, the clergyman t and Commissioner Beresford (who
is said to be in great grief for the recent loss of his wife). Lord Koden,
and a large party of fashionables, have gone privately to hear him.
My brother having heard it reported, asked Mr. Beresford if it were
true, and he did not deny it ; but my brother's being extremely angry
prevented him saying anything about the sermon."
The latter part of the year 1772 and coraraencement of 1773,
Mr. Wesley's societies in Waterford, Limerick, and other places
were in great confusion, owing to the controversy relative to the
Minutes of Conference of 1770, and to the tone of preaching
adopted by several of the ministers, in consequence of Mr.
Fletcher's "Vindication of the Doctrines contained In the
Minutes," — a work which was actively and industriously circu
lated among the members of the Methodist body.
"¦ By the frequent neglect of preaching (says Mrs. Bennis, a favourite
correspondent of Mr. Wesley's), and the almost total neglect of disci
pline, the people are scattered ; and of the few that remain, some are
grieved and some offended with tbis new method of preaching salva
tion by works, as they have for many years been taught to depend on
the Lord Jesus alone, and through his merit and death alone to seek for
justification here, and a final acquittance at the great day. But now,
after all, are we to be made perfect in the flesh, and to be ac
cepted only for our works ; and even at the great day is our faith,
nay, and the righteousness of Christ, to profit us nothing, but our
works only? If this were the case, might I not ask — who then
can be saved?"
Such is the language used by one of Mr. Wesley's favourite
correspondents, who had resided many years in Limerick, and
was at this period in Waterford, — a woman of strong sense and
considerable information, who, through a long life, was a con
sistent follower of her Divine Master. Many became dissatis
fied with the doctrines taught In Mr. Wesley's societies. In
Dublin, likewise there was much discontent. "I have been
tingdon. Lady Anne Rawdon was married in February, 1788, at the residence
of her uncle, the Earl of Huntingdon, in St. James's Place, London, to the Earl
of Ailesbury. Her venerable grandmother was present on this occasion. Lady
Selina married George, sixth Earl of Granard. Lady Ailesbury died in 1813,
and Lady Granard a few years since in Paris. Lord Granard died at his resi
dence in Paris, 1837.
* Lady Betty Cobb, whose husband was a near relation to Lady Hunting
don. f The Hon. and Rev. William Beresford, third son of the Earl of Tyrone.
He was at this period rector of Urney, in the diocese of Derry, and eventually
became Archbishop of Tuam. He was raised to the peerage in 1812, as Baron
Dedes, and died in 1819.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 165
credibly informed (says Mrs. Paul) that great dissatisfaction
prevails among Mr. Wesley's people, owing chiefly to the influ
ence which Mr. Fletcher's book has on the preaching of the
ministers in his society. Of this book I know nothing but from
report. It appears, however, to have unsettled the minds of
many, from what I can learn ; and a few have left the society
in consequence of if." Many in different parts of the kingdom
becoming dissatisfied with the new doctrine taught in the Me
thodist society, application was made to Mr. Shirley to prevail
on Lady Huntingdon to send sorae of her ministers to Ireland.
This was an embarrassing affair for her Ladyship. The great
success of the work in every part of England and Wales en
gaged every minister and student in the Connexion, so that not
one could be spared. " I ara at my wit's end (says her Lady
ship) to find help for the people of Ireland. I have written to
Mr. Hill, but as his family are so opposed, I cannot hope that
he will be suffered to go on this mission ; and the work so pros
pers under dear Mr. Glaseott and Mr. Peckwell that I dare not
remove them. A student from the College shall go irarae
diately — you will then be able to visit some of the large towns,
whilst he remains with the people in Dublin ; but I am in
great hopes of sending some who may get admittance to the
churches, perhaps Mr. Venn, Mr. Madan, or Mr. Talbot — I
shall write to them without delay, and inform them of this
opening." From sorae causes unexplained. Lady Huntingdon was unable
to prevail on Messrs. Venn, Madan, .or Talbot to visit Ireland
at this time. The Rev. Thomas Jones, who had preached with
great acceptance and success in different parts of the kingdom,
was sent over without delay. Soon after his arrival, Mr.
Hawkesworth visited Limerick and Waterford, and at the latter
place met with considerable encouragement, which induced him
to prolong his stay. A place for preaching in was soon hired,
and his ministry was extremely well attended. Mr. Wesley was
soon apprised of this step by his correspondent, Mrs. Bennis*
• Mrs. Eliza Bennis, who deserves a record in the annals of Methodism,
emigrated to America, and died at Philadelphia, June, 1802, aged seventy-seven
years. A few years after her decease, two smaU works were published by her
son, Mr. Thomas Bennis, entitled " Christian Correspondence ; being a collec
tion of Letters, written by the late Rev. John Wesley and several Methodist
Preachers in connexion with hjm, to the late Mrs. Eliza Bennis, with her
answers ;" — and " The Journal of the late Mrs. Eliza Bennis, from 1749 to
1780, with an Account of her last Sickness and Death." These were published
in Philadelphia, and the volume of letters, from whence the above extracts are
given. Was republished in Cork, in !819i They arc both extremely scarce, and
oontttin much interesting information relative to the eorly struggles of Metho«
illsm in Ireland. The lettera of ori« of hut correspondent!) Mr. Jobn Stretton,

166 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
— " Mr. Hawkesworth, a Calvinistic minister under Lady Hun
tingdon, has come here, and preaches regularly at Methodist
hours, in a large roora, and to great congregarions ; he is to stay
here for sorae time, and when he goes another is to be sent in
his roora. Our people, though forbidden by fhe preachers, go
almost constantly to hear him. I have spoken to several, with
little effect, and have heard his discourses so praised, that I did
wish to hear him, but would not show the example : but I yes
terday paid him a visit at his lodging, and had an hour's conver
sation with bim."
The intelhgence conveyed in this letter was by means
agreeable to Mr. Wesley. We leave every reader to make his
own comments on his extraordinary reply to Mrs. Bennis,
which has been preserved in the published correspondence
of that latly : — " It is far better (says he) for our people
not to hear Mr. Hawkesworth — Calvinism will do them no
good. Until Mr. Hill* and his associates puzzled the cause,
it was as plain as plain , could be ; the Methodists always held,
and have declared a thousand times, the death of Christ is
the meritorious cause of our salvation (that is, pardon, holi
ness, glory) ; living obedient faith is the condition of glory.
This Mr. Fletcher has so illustrated and confirmed as I
think scarce any other individual has done either before or
since the Apostles. I enclose James Perfect' sf letter to you,
on purpose that you may talk with him : he has both an honest
heart and a good understanding, but you entirely mistake his
doctrine. He preaches salvation by faith in the same manner
that my brother and I have done, and as Mr. Fletcher (one of
the finest writers of the age) has beautifully explained it.
None of us talk of our being accepted for our works — that is
the Calvinistic slander ; but all maintain we are not saved with
out works ; that works are a condition (though not the merito
rious cause) of final salvation ; it is by faith in the righteous
ness and blood of Christ fhat we are enabled to do all good
who was stationed at Harbour- Grace, Newfoundland, give many interesting
particulars of the labours of the Rev. Lawrence Coughlan, a clergyman in Lady
Huntingdon's Connexion, who had been sent out to that country by the Society
for Promoting Christian Knowledge.
* Afterwards the well-known Sir Richard Hill, Bart., of Hawkstone.
t Mr. Jaines Perfect, or Perfett, was one of the fijly-three preachers who

i  i preceding year, 
expelled in 1775, for what cause is unknown. He was extremely hostile to
Mr. Hawkesworth and the ministers sent to Waterford by Lady Huntingdon,
and from tbe pUlpit, as well as in private, warned and admonished the people
not to near tbem,

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 167
works; and it is for the sake of these that all who fear God
and work righteousness are accepted of him." *
How long Mr. Hawkesworth continued at Waterford is uncer
tain. He was succeeded by Mr. Jones and other ministers in
the Connexion. They likewise visited many other places, and
were instrutnental in laying the foundations of congregations at
Cork and Shgo, which were afterwards in connexion with Lady
Huntingdon. In 1796, when the late Rev. Samuel Pearce, of
Birminghara, was in her band, he addressed a letter to the late
Dr. Carey of India, in which he says : — " Lady Huntingdon's
Connexion has one society here, the only one in the king
dom perhaps, except Sligo, where there is another." The
congregation in Cork has long ranked with the Independent
denomination. As the congregation in Dublin continued to increase, the
people became desirous of having the Lord's Supper dispensed
to them, conceiving it peculiarly calculated to bind thera all
together in the bonds of Christian love, and inflame their zeal for
the Redeemer's cause. Mr. Hawkesworth was also desirous of
obtaining ordination, and with this view solicited her Ladyship's
permission. The reply of his noble patroness is worthy of
preservation : —
" My dear Hawkesworth, — Last night, and not before, I received
your letter, dated October 2nd, which was exceedingly sweet to me.
Snch a spirit of simplicity and godly sincerity breathed through the
whole, that revived my heart abundantly, and caused me to bless our
adorahle Immanuel, that he had given me such a companion in tribu
lation and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus, to labour with us in
the mighty work appointed for us upon earth by him. 0 ! it is great
indeed, and is extending far and wide ; and from the number of
yoUng men I have received into the College (devoted souls !) it looks
as if the Lord seemed resolved to cover the earth with the knowledge
of his truth by their means. I shall write to-night to the College, and
lay before them the call for Ireland, and your removal from thence ;
and I hope for two, and also for Mr. Peckwell, to he with that work
this winter. This last I am not sure of ; hut two students will cer
tainly he sent tb change in the country, and one of them to he residing
in Dublin, that the work there may be well carried on. Indeed, dear
Hawkesworth, my heart is much vvith you, and ever since I have
known you you have been as a dearly beloved son to me in the Gos
pel. Your faithfulness and great disinterestedness in the Lord's
labours have so much united my heart to you, that it has been matter
of self-denial I have so long parted from you. But tdl I found your
heart first free to remove, I feared I mi^ht call you before the Lord's
time from a people you were so owned of God and blessed to, I have
* Letters and Correspondence of Mrs. Eliza Bennis, p. 71,

168 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
often wanted you for plans where the greatest trust must be reposed ;
and, therefore, I am most abundantly thankful the Lord has given you
the liberty I have been ^I'aiting for.
" As to your ordination, it shall be just as you find your own heart
disposed. You know I am only the Lord's poor servant for you all;
and as he has given me a maternal heart for you, so the tenderness for
all your usefulness, health, happiness, and, above all, increase of grace
and knowledge in Christ Jesus, I can truly say is not only matter of
my prayers and tears, but also of my greatest earthly happiness and
joy. "To have you not only to walk in the truth, but to become an
eminent servant of that dear Lamb of God, this is my only portion and
joy- " The present state of the work is as follows : — Two new students
are in the west; Mr. Glaseott occasionally there. Nuben* and
Aldridge in the Wiltshire work, the latter just removed to Dover.
White is in London serving a very large congregationt I have been
called to supply with the College services. Smith I have taken into
connexion, and who is much alive ; he and another student supply
Woolwich, Dartford, and another place we are called to serve. Kent
promises great things. Sussex is supplied by Mr. Peckwell, and two
students you don't know, with other local helps. Elhs, Harris, and
Crole, a new student, are serving anew work which promises to spread
in the city of Lincoln and other parts of Lincolnshire. Poor, dear,
and precious souls are walking n?iles to London, hearing I am there,
to beg our help in diffei'ent parts where the Gospel has never yet been
preaclied. Wales is blossoming like a rose in all the English parts, as
well great blessings on our Welsh labours. The chapel at Worcester,
which is an exceedingly handsome one, is to be opened by Mr. Shirley,
the 31st of this month. The long round in the various counties spreads
in a most amazing manner. I keep to my old rule of going no where
but from the call of the people first. The Lord_ knows only well how
to employ us.
" I have as clearly and exactly informed you of the state of the
work as possible, and the College has much of the power of God, and
overflows at present with numbers. Twenty-four are there at present,
and lively honest souls, with the greatest harmony and love that ever
subsisted in such a place ; and this, I trust, owing to their all having
but one thing in view.
" My desire on your return for you would be the west, should you
find freedom after a little stay to see how your brethren do at the Col
lege. There shall not be the loss of a day to inform you of the setting
out of those students the Lord shall appoint in your room, as I shall
now long to have you as soon as possible with us in England. Write
to the person that has informed you of our calls into these counties
* This gentleman's name is variously spelled. In the Annual Reports of
Cheshunt College the name is Newborn, and in the life of Mr. WiUs it is
Newburn. He was for many years the minister of her [Ladyship's chapel at
Watchet, in Somersetshire, and died eeveral years ago,
•(• Princess-street Chapel, near Moorfields, then occupied bV the Rev. Tboaiss
Maxfield,

SELINA, COUNTESS OP HUNTINGDON. 169
and let him know that I hope to he enabled to send them a proper
student for that purpose, and enquire well if they call upon the peo
ple's hearts for help. We are sure and safe when that is the case.
" 1 am treating about ground to build a very large chapel at Wap
ping, in London. Mr. Peckwell was in Sussex when tbe account
came of my great temporal loss in America ; and out of great love
eame to'speak a word of comfort, but that was not the Lord's meaning,
though it was his ; and instead of three or four days for this purpose,
he has heen here nine weeks; and 1 suppose by the multitudes he
preached to in the fields. Tower-hill, the churches, &c., that a hundred
thousand people have heard the Gospel at least that never heard a word
before. He is amazingly popular, and much owned in the conversion
and comforting of the people. I was rejoiced tbat the house had been
burnt down, as tbis was the cause, the sole cause, of bringing him or
me to London, where the fields are now every where white to the
harvest. " Poor wicked Ireland, I trust shall yet have a Gospel day. I can't
yef see how or when — but it must be ; and till I find that opportunity,
my eye is only waiting darkly for its accomplishment.
" Could I have thought my letters would have been of any comfort,
I should have written, though having the whole transaction of this
work oti my own kands, I am prevented from following my heart in
many things ; and I think my poor self such a hewer of wood and
drawer of water, that I despair of being the least use or comfort to
any. But my soul is in the dust, prostrate at the cross, hoping for all
there ; and after my poor little vile labours of the day, I go to rest,
having finished the day's work as well I can, and waiting for that
voice each night that shall say — ' Come up higher !' Thus I feel as
void of care as a little child, knowing my dear Master cannot want me,
and that his eye will be for a better, a more faithful and living ser
vant, in my place, when my work is done. I am filled with shame
when a weary day of trials makes my heart in secret feel it for a mo
ment hard; and often understand what my dear brother Paul meant
when he said — ' without was fightings and within was fears.'
" Make my Christian love most acceptable by your reeommendation
of it to our dear friends belonging to or in connexion with us ; and
assure them my heart and eye are for them with the Lord. This grain
of mustard seed shall become a great tree in time,
" Dear Hawkesworth, believe me ever what I have been, and must
ever remain, your faithful and most aflTectionate friend,
" Trevecca', Oct. 13, 1773. S. Huntingdon."
Mr. Hawkesworth continued In Ireland during the winter,
and Lady Huntingdon sent him Mr. Jones, " who (she says)
begs much not to be confined to one congregation. But
while he spreads the Gospel elsewhere, let the people unite
in prayer meetings. Preaching they may hear long, and yet be
miserably ignorant ; whereas prayer meetings must bring them
on in the examination of the heart."

170 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF

CHAPTER XXXVL
Mr. Eccles returns from Georgia — Mr. Jones — Letter from Mrs. Paul^-Lady
Huntingdon's Relations — Bishop of. Raphoe — Anecdote of Mr. Skelton —
Letters from Lady Huntingdon — Mr. Hawkesworth ordained — Mr. Adams —
Mr. Kinsman — Letters to Mr. Hawkesworth — Mr. Mollar— Mr. Davies — Mr.
Winkworth — Colonel Despard — Mr. White — Illness and death — Letterfrom
Lady Huntingdon — Opposition to Mr. Shirley — Remarkable Letters from
Mr. Shirley to his Bishop — Aneedote of the Archbishop of Armagh —
Mr. Hawkesworth visits Cork and Waterword — Mr. Osborn — Letter from
Lady Huntingdon — Mr. Wesley's Ministers — Magdalen Chapel — Mr. Shir.
ley's Sermons give great offence — Letter from Mrs. Paul— ^the Dean of
Cashel  Mr. Thompson  Mr. Coghlan  Several ofthe Bishops and Clergy
attend Mr. Shirley's preaching — Letters from Mrs. Paul — Letters from Lady
Huntingdon — Mr. Hawkesworth joins the Moravians.
In 1774 the Rev. Charles , Stewart Eccles returned from
Georgia, bringing letters from the students who went out in
1772. He remained some tirae with the Countess of Hunting
don, preaching at Mulberry-gardens and elsewhere, and then
passed into Ireland. Whilst a student in the University of Dub
lin, the occasional preaching of Mr. Shirley excited his atten
tion, and Mr. Eccles determined to hear and judge for himself.
He accordingly went, and the ministry of Mr. Townsend, and
the sermon preached by Mr. De Courcy on a tonib-stone in St.
Andrew's church-yard, confirmed him in the great truths of the
Gospel, and excited in his mind an ardent desire to proclaim
the unsearchable riches of Christ,
Whilst Mr. Hawkesworth was making excursions in the coun
try, Mr. Eccles and Mr. Jones supplied the chapel in Dublin.
Mr. Eccles also occasionally obtained admission into some of
the churches, through the interest of his relation. Dr. Newcomb,
then Bishop of Dromore, afterwards Primate of Ireland, who at
the same time strongly censured his doctrine and manner of
preaching. He was an extremely popular preacher, for his was
the eloquence which steals silenriy into the heart and softly as
flakes of faihng snow. His subjects were well chosen, and he
brought down the most sublime truths to the level of his hearers ;
for, though his language was chaste and correct, it was simple and
lucid, peculiarly instructive to the young, the poor, and illiterate.
Free from all that could be called cant, he might have been
understood by those who never before heard the language of
any religious party : while he preashed the doctrines of the

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 17]
Gospel so fully, that it was evident he loved them, and with
such fervour, that it was manifest he deemed them essential to
the eternal safety of his hearers. Amidst the opprobrium which
he endured for his ardent and faithful testimony to the doctrines
of the Gospel, he maintained a humbling sense of his own defi
ciencies, and this stamps the highest value on his personal reli
gion. His influence was powerful among the higher classes,
and many, who were unfriendly to the principles of evangelical
truth, deemed themselves honoured by his friendship, which he
ever considered a talent entrusted to him for the Redeemer's
service. Vast numbers of the hig'ner orders who were induced
to hear hira in the churches, afterwards followed him to Lady
Huntingdon's chapels, where they brought others, to some of
whom there is reason to believe the word which he proclaimed
was made the power of God to their salvation : —
" Shortly after my last letter to your Ladyship (writes Mrs. Paul),
I was at Straffen for a few days. There were many kind enquiries
made after you, and much conversation about Mr. Eccles, Mr. Town-
send, and the preachers sent over by 'your Ladyship. Prom what I
was enabled to say much prejudice was removed, and Mr. and Mrs.
Henry were induced to hear Mr. Eccles and Mr. Jones. Lady Mount
cashel* accompanied them. Mrs. Henry was much pleased with
Mr. Jones's manner of delivery, but there were many things to which
she objected. Pharisaical pride is a great stumbling-block in her way,
* Lady Mountcashel and Mrs. Henry were daughters of Sir John Rawdon,
Bart., afterwards Earl of Moira, by his first marriage with Lady Helena Perceval,
daughter of John, first Earl of Egmont, and consequently near relations of Lady
Huntingdon. Mrs., afterwards Lady Catherine Henry, was the wife of Joseph
Henry, Esq., a banker of eminence and reputation in Dublin, by Anne, sister
of Joseph, first Earl of Miltown. In 1772 Lady Catherine accidentally broke
her leg while on a visit to her friend, Mrs. Vesey, the foundress of the Blue
Stocking Club, and one of the early patronesses and correspondents ofthe late
Mrs. Hannah More. During the many months she was confined by this afflict
ing event, her mind was led to reflect on the mercy of God and his great good
ness to her through the various scenes of life. It was during this season of
affliction that Lady Huntingdon first opened a correspondence with her, but
no fragments of her letters or Lady Catherine's answers have been preserved.
Lady Catherine died in October, 1780, leaving three daughters. She was the
friend and correspondent of Mrs. Elizabeth Carter, Mrs. Montague, and several
literary characters of that period. Lady Helena married the Earl of Mount
cashel, and was grandmother to the present Earl, and mother of the Countess
of Kingston, sister-in-law ofthe present Viscount Lorton. The Earl of Moira,
their father, was first cousin to Lady Huntingdon, and afterwards became her
Ladyship's son-in-law, by his marriage with Lady Elizabeth Hastings in 175'2.
Lady Helena Rawdon, their mother, died at the Hot Wells, Bristol, June II,
1746. She was attended in her last illness by Lady Huntingdon, vvho was then
at Clifton, with Lord Huntingdon, who died a few months after, and their
daughters, Lady Elizabeth] and Lady Selina, with his Lordship's excellent
sisters, the Lady Anne Jacqueline and Lady Francis Hastings.

172 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
and closed her eyes to the reception of the truth as it is in Jesus. Yet,
notwithstanding this, she seems most grateful for your Ladyship's let
ters and attentions under her late heavy afBiction. I do hope she will
yet be brought to the foot of the cross, and every relative of your
Ladyship's brought home to the Shepherd and Bishop of souls. 0 that
they may hourly and momentarily feel the rich and inestimable bless
ings purchased by the blood of our incarnate God I Lady Mount
cashel is most kind and attentive ; she does not start so many objections
as Mrs. Henry, and is less disposed to argument and to find fault. My
brother tells every body I have made Methodists of them. Lady
Longford has been of benefit to them, and I trust has derived some
good herself."
Mr. Eccles's popularity was supported by a commanding
voice and intrepidity In avowing his senriments, not by empi
rical pretences, or unfaithful accommodations to a depraved
taste. He not only preached In all those places in connexion
with Lady Huntingdon, but also occasionally in some of the
Methodist chapels in the country, when he could not obtain
access to the parish churches. When In the county of Tyrone,
be offered to preach in Pintona church, near Ecclesville ; but
although his brother was proprietor of almost the whole parish,
yet the rector, the Rev. Philip . Skelton, would not suff'er him to
preach till he was convinced that he was not rinctured with
Methodietical principles.*
Whilst Lady Huntingdon and the zealous men who laboured
for her were actively engaged in devising fresh plans for illu
minating multitudes in every part of this country, Mr. Shirley,
Mr. Eccles, and Mr. Hawkesworth formed plans for the ad
vancement of religion in the dark parts of Ireland, and meetings
were established for supplication and prayer, for the propagation
of the Gospel through every part of the Land.
The habitual display of the vital truths of the Gospel was at
tended with considerable success. Many were called to the
faith of Christ, and exhibited superior purity in principle, sanc
tity of life, and patience in suffering. Many of the more pious
* Mr. Skelton was an extraordinary character in some respects. He invited
Mr. Eccles to his house, and a week was spent in close examination of his
principles : the result of which was, that he allowed hi™ to preach in his pulpit
whenever he pleased. The Rev. Mr. Burdy, in hisTlfeof Mr. Skelton, prefixed to
his works, says, " Mr. Eccles told me that his brother had been to Georgia, where
he was head ofthe College of Savannah. While he was there, he and another
clergyman went among the Indians to convert them to Christianity ; but their
preaching was unhappily not successful. In one town particularly, the savages
chased them away with stones ; on which they shook the dust otf their feet aS
tt judgment against them. In a day ot two after tisiey heard that another bod)"
ot hidians eame upon them, destroyed the town, and put tbem all to death."

SELINA, COttNTiJSS OF HUNTINGDON. l73
members of the congregation assembled frequently for the en
joyment of social worship, to strengthen each other's hands, to
kindle each other's zeal to advance the cause of the Redeemer
in their respective circles, and to extend the ordinances of reli
gion to places where the Gospel was not preached. The work
thus continuing to increase, Mr. Hawkesworth became more
desirous of obtaining ordination as the resident minister of the
congregation in her Ladyship's Connexion In Dublin, and in
the month of Marcli, 1774, wrote again for further help : —
" Nothing (says her Ladyship) but the hourly expectation of seeing
Mr. Eccles has prevented the first post being made tbe reply to your
very comforting letter. Nothing can express the difficulties I feel for
helpers fi'om the amazing increase of the work every where. Ireland
must feel this with me, as well as England, Wales, and America. I
am going to the College, with the Lord's leave, and from thence shall
send you the best help I can."
Lady Huntingdon was then at Bath, frora whence she went
shortly after to Trevecca, and forwarded two students to Ireland.
Early in the raonth of April Mr. Hawkesworth arrived in Eng
land, for the purpose of procuring ordination, and immediately
proceeded to Exeter, where he remained only a short time, and
from thence removed to Plyraouth, to supply the Tabernacle
pulpit for Mr. Kinsman ; Lady Huntingdon having agreed to
provide him with regular assistants, as the state of his health did
not admit of his preaching three times on the Lord's-day. For
many years the Tabernacles of Plymouth and Dock were supplied
frora Trevecca, and the preaching of her Ladyship's rainisters
there and in the immediate neighbourhood was attended with
reraarkable success. For sorae years before Mr. Kinsman's
death, a succession of ministers from the metropolis and other
parts of the kingdom regularly supplied the congregations, much
upon the same plan with the London and Bristol Tabernacles.
Immediately on Mr. Hawkesworth's arrival at Plymouth he
wrote to Lady Huntingdon relative to his ordination, and soon
after received the following reply from her Ladyship : —
" College, July 29, 1774.
" Dear Hawkesworth, — I have receiyed your letter ; and I may say
I have sought the Lord on your account, and am fully satisfied you
judge right to be ordained for the Dublin congregation, as it will
abide in connexion with me on the broad bottom plan. As Mr.
Kinsman must remain with you, the sooner you return to the College
the better; and you write to Adams,* or one in the west to take
* The Rev. John Adams, of Salisbury. The " Memorial " of him is short,
but it has not " perished with him," for his record is on high. He has a place
in the chronicles of the redeemsd, a name before which tfiat of heroes shall

174 THE LIFE AND TIMES OP
Exeter, and the sooner the better. You will be just able to stay over
the anniversary, and so embark from Bristol. I was not clear in the
matter before yesterday, but I am now alive and happy about it ; and
shall be more united to Ireland, I find, than I have yet been. Write
to dear Mr. Kinsman all kind thanks, and I will do the same. Say all
tbat is most kind to dear Mrs. Kinsipan,* and kindest remembrances
to Mr. Heath. t Blessed be the Lord our God in tbe midst of us here.
I have been ill. Pray for me, and believe me dear Hawkesvrorth,
your ever affectionate friend, " S. Huntingdon."
From a letter of Mrs. Paul to Lady Huntingdon, we learn
that the work still continued very prosperous in Dubhn; the
chapel was well attended, persons of great respectability went
privately to hear Mr. Jones, and the congregation looked for
ward with anxious expectation to the moraent when Mr. Hawkes
worth was to return to his beloved charge. Mr. Kinsman being
in London supplying Mr. Whitefield's chapels, sorae delay
necessarily took place in Mr. Hawkesworth's ordination. Lady
Huntingdon wrote to Mr. Kinsman requesting his kind assistance
in this affair, and received from hira the most satisfactory and
gratifying assurance of his compliance with her Ladyship's wishes.
This InteUigence she lost no tirae in conimunicaring to Mr.
Hawkesworth, who still continued at Plymouth during the
absence of Mr. Kinsman : —
"¦ Dear Hawdjesworth, — I have just received a letter from Mr. Kins
man th.nt assures me of his intention of ordaining you ; and therefore
think the first moment in your power you must get your call seciu'ed
from Ireland. I have no creature in Ireland that I know but Mrs.
Paul upon this occasion ; aud upon reflection I think her by no meaus
a proper person for such an application, considering ber near relation
to the Church. I would, therefore, lose uo time, leaving it wholly with
you to obtain the call from those you yourself know. May the Lord
Jesus abundantly bless you by this means and every other ; and as it
dwindle into insignificance, and which it requires no " storied urn nor anima
ted bust" to perpetuate. Mr. Adams had his education at Trevecca, and after
itinerating some years undgr the patronage of Lady Huntingdon, he was invited
to become stationary at New Sarum, and succeeded in 1778 the Rev. Mr.
Hoskins, afterwards of Castlegreen, Bristol.
* This excellent v;'oman, whose maiden name was Anne Tiiey, was a native
of Plymouth, and, with many others, had been awakened under Mr. White-
field's ministry, while he was detained there on his way to America. In 1745
she was united in marriage to Mr. Kinsman, and by him she had one daughter
and three sons. The daughter and the eldest son survived tbeir respected
father, and were members of the religious community over which he presided.
It is but justice to the memory of Mrs. Kinsman to say, that she was a great
ornament to her Christian profession and a mother in Israel. The Lord was
very gracious to her during her long illness ; and indulged her with a very
cheerful and happy frame in her last moments. She died in 1774, a very few
weeks after the above letter from Lady Huntingdon was written.
t Rev. Robert Heath, afterwards npinister of the Tabernacle at Rodborough.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 175
will be confinement to your labours, I find no difficulties upon this
matter. This ought to be done with all speed, as I conclude 1 shall
see you before you go ; and if you embark from Bristol, and I should
be at Bath, this will make it easy to us both. With the Lord's leave I
am to be, October 22nd, at Chichester, for the opening of the chapel
there ; aad should the Lord (whose I am, and wliom only I wish to
follow) have no other call for me, I shall return to Bath in my way to
my much, much beloved College, where 1 have found so much of tbat
fire that is only kindled by the true fire from off the altar. Any money
you want Mr. Kinsman will let you have. Indeed I do so much value
your gracious spirit, that I can't help feeling my loss by so great a dis
tance removing you ; but the Lord knows such are wanted in that part
of his vineyard ; and if he does honour your labours in that kingdom
of darkness, the little leaven may leaven the whole lump. I am, dear
Hawkesworth, your ever faithful and ever affectionate friend,
" Bath, September 16, 1774. S. Huntingdon."
Towards the close of September, Mr. Hawkesworth was or
dained to the office of minister of Lady Huntirigdon's Chapel
in Dublin, at the Tabernacle in Plymouth, Mr. Kinsman, Mr.
Heath, and other ministers assisting on that occasion. The
ordination service was nearly the same as that practised among
the Independent Dissenters. The congregation having been
perfectly satisfied with the services of Mr. Hawkesworth, several
of the merabers joined In giving hira a solemn and express call
to take upon bim the pastoral inspection of them. The call of
the congregation having been recognized, Mr. Hawkesworth's
credentials and testimonials having been duly examimed, and
satisfaction as to his belief in the great doctrines of Christianity
given to Mr. Kinsman and Mr. Heath, they solemnly conse
crated him to the office, and recommended hira to the grace
and blessing of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Great
Head of the Church, by fasting and prayer, accompanied with
the imposition of hands. Soon after his ordination, Mr.
Hawkesworth received the following very affectionate letter from
his revered and noble patroness : —
" Dear Hawkesworth, — The hurry I have been in since I came from
Sussex must excuse me to you. Opening a chapel in Chichester for
the Lord, with the business that arises from the amazing increase of
our work, allows little time to indulge myself, even in that of the more
constant intercourse with my friends. I bless the Lord abundantly
that you had so powerful a sense of the Lord's good wdl to you in
your ordination. He has blessed you, and he will still bless you, as he
will do every faithful soul with a single eye to his glory. Tell dear Mr.
Kinsman how much obliged I feel myself to hiui and all eoneerned.
As he is not well (and which grieves me to hear) you surely are
right to stay ; and then I should be glad your first journey might be
to London, as business must protract my stay ; and much must he

176 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
settled for Ireland. I have written no letter there waiting for consult
ing with you on those steps best to be taken on your arrival there.
When Mr. Kinsman can spare you I think you should come, for this
reason, as 1 must rely, under the Lord's wing, that you must be prin
cipal there, and have the care of that part of the work upon you. Pray
for me as in the midst ol many difficulties, and that the Lord may be
glorifi-ed by all. In great haste, but ever the same, in all faithful and
Christian affection, I remain, dear Hawkesworth, your devoted friend,
" Nov. 2, 1774." "S. Huntingdon."
After some weeks spent at Plymouth, Mr. Hawkesworth re
paired to London to meet Lady Huntingdon. From thence he
was sent to Woolwich for a season, Mr. Piercy's chapel then
being under her Ladyship's patronage during his absence in
America : but how long Mr. Hawkesworth reraained there we
are not informed. Not long after his return to Dublin, he was
united in marriage to Miss Mollar, sister of the late Andrew
Mollar,* Esq., a worthy member of the Moravian Church, and
a liberal benefactor of the human race. The ceremony was
performed by Mr. Shirley. Mr. Hawkesworth's place at Wole
wich was supplied by a Welsh gentleman of the name of Jones,
afterwards minister of Lady Glenorchy's chapel In Edinburgh.
Mr. (afterwards Dr.) Jones was then serving in the Lincolnshire
round, and was sent by Lady Huntingdon from Gainsborough to
Ireland, in October, 1775, where he was much followed, andhis
ministry much owned.
Nothing remarkable occurred in the history of her Ladyship's
Connexion in Ireland from this period till the sumraer of 1777,
when Mr. Hawkesworth left Dublin to attend the meeting of
the Welsh Association of ministers, which was held at Trevecca.
The late Rev. William Winkworth, afterwards one of the chap
lains of St. Saviour's, Southwark, and the Rev. Thomas Davies,
were sent to Ireland by Lady Huntingdon to supply the con
gregation during the absence of Mr. Hawkesworth. Mr. Wink
worth had his education at Trevecca, and after itinerating some
years under the patronage of her Ladyship, took orders in the
Established Church. In his preaching there was a simplicityof
manner, a perspicuity of representation, and a familiarity of
illustration calculated to make a strong impression on the minds
of the people. He was a pains-taking man, and did all that
human efforts could to render his discourses effectual for the sal
vation of those to whom he proclaimed the unsearchable
riches of Christ. He was also chaplain to the Surrey gaol,
• A son of Mr. MoUar's married a Miss Thomas ; one of the Miss MoUars
married Dr. William Beilby, a respectable physician m Edinbui-gh, and another
her cousin, Mr, Hawkesworth,

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 177
where his labours were made effectual In the conversion of many
hardened and profligate characters. In the year 1803 he at
tended the well-known Colonel Despard,* who was executed
for high treason. The unhappy man was actuated by a spirit
of infidelity to the very last, and when Mr. Winkworth kindly
offered his services, he said, " 1 have fetters on my legs, do not
endeavour to put fetters on my mind." Mr. Winkworth died at
Reading, August 22, 1804; his remains were brought to London
and interred in his own church.
After the meeting of the Association, Lady Huntingdon pro
jected a scheme for the Rev. William White's going to Ireland
with Mr. Hawkesworth, thinking the change of air might be of
service to hira. This zealous and devoted raan had his education
at her Ladyship's College, and had been labouring at South
Petherton for some time, where he was instrumental In doing
much good. When the students were called in from all parts to
form the mission to America, he was chosen one of the stu
dents to go to Georgia, but was taken ill of the sraall-pox before
he passed the Channel, and was landed at Dover. It pleased
God to restore bim frora the borders of the grave, but the disease
left such a bodily weakness, that he never corapletely recovered.
Being unable to prosecute the voyage, he returned to the scene
of his former labours. His stay there, however, was but short,
for we find him In London in Septemer, 177.'3, supplying Prin
cess-street Chapel, near Moorfields, whilst the minister, the
Rev. Thomas "Maxfield, an episcopal ordained clergyman, was
itinerating for Lady Huntingdon. Frora thence he went to
Tunbridge Wells, Brighton, and other places In the Connexion.
The last time he visited London was to supply at the Mul
berry-gardens Chapel : there his ministry was very acceptable.
The last sermon he preached In that place was from the 4th verse
of the twenty-third Psalm, " Though I walked through the valley
of the shadow of death, Iwill fear no evil, for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Growing weaker and
unfit for preaching. Lady Huntingdon removed him to the Col
lege at Trevecca, where he spent the remainder of his days In
continual expectation of his disscdutlon, frequently exhorting his
brethren to be zealous and disinterested in the noble cause they
had embarked in, expressing bis confidence and assurance of
salvation by Jesus Christ with rauch humdity and gratitude.
Having revived considerably, he was prevailed upon by her Lady
ship to accompany Mr. Hawkesworth as far as Wera, In Shrop-
* A gentleman of high respectability (uid coniie.\:ions in Ireland. His family
have been long seated in the Queen's County, at Sbandeiry, Donore, and Larch
Hill. VOL. II.  N

178 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
shire, where she had a chapel, and where he remained some
weeks at the house of Sarauel Henshaw, Esq., a truly pious and
excellent man, who, with the late Sir Richard Hill, Messrs.
Powis and Lee, and the Rev. Mr. Stillingfleet, was the means
of diffusing much evangelical light in Shropshire. But Mr.
White's weakness increasing rapidly, he coiild proceed no further,
and with much difficulty returned to the College, where he lan
guished till November following, and then died. Some months
before his decease these words were much Impressed upon his
mind, and for some time followed him day and night — " Behold
I die, but God shall be kere^ — whicli passage was applied by
hira concerning the College, the spiritual welfare of which he
was particularly Interested about, as he had been eight years a
most diligent, faithful, and affectionate preacher in the labours
of the Gospel in the Countess's Connexion, and was one for
whom her Ladyship had a great esteem, both on account of his
knowledge of divine matters and from his exemplary conduct
during the many years he had been with her.
Between six and seven o'clock in the morning, when all the
students were collected in the College Chapel in prayer for him,
Mr. White secretly slipped out of the body, as he often used to
call it, to be for ever with his Lord and Saviour, where sorrow
and sighing for ever flee away. Many who had benefited by his
conversation attended his funeral in Talgarth Church with a
mixture of sorrow and joy. He lived beloved and died lamented.
His funeral sermon was preached some weeks after in Talgarth
Church, by the Hon. and Rev. Walter Shirley, from Rev. xxi. 4.
Mr. Shirley spent a considerable part of the summer of this
year in England, aiding Lady Huntingdon at Bath, Brighton,
Oathall, and Norwich. At the latter place there were eight
hundred in coramunion ; " and I believe, (says her Ladyf^hip,)
there is nothing like it in the whole kingdom — their ex
perience, lives, and conversation, so excellent." On his return
to Ireland he was assailed on all sides by his clerical brethren,
a set of men, many of whom were unencumbered by any con
scientious scruples, and admired for that charming indifference
to religion which will always fascinate a world at enmity with
God. Such men could not look with a favourable eye upon the
ardour of Mr. Shirley's zeal in the cause of religion, nor fhe
novelty and boldness which he employed for its diffusion ; and he
was soon made to feel that he was obnoxious to his diocesan,
who regarded him as a Methodist, and stigmatized him as a
dangerous schismatic. His preaching was truly evangelical ; he
was a man of ability, knowledge, and wisdom, as well as zeal.
To convert sinners was his business and his object, and he kept

SteLINA, COUl^TESS 01? HtJNTINGDON. 170
it in view with singular steadiness and perseverance during the
whole of that stormy period when he was called to exercise his
ministry in Ireland.
It has been remarked, that revolutions in kingdoms frequently
elicit talents, and draw forth an extent of capacity and energy of
soul which external quiet would have allowed to remain inert
and unknown. The sufferings of the Church of Christ display
similar effects. The blood of the martyrs has always been the
seed of the Church. By opposition from the rulers of the earth
and the rigours of persecution, the most salutary influence on the
minds of ministers has been produced. Threatened with the
loss of every temporal enjoyment, they become disengaged from
the world, and, feeling the perilous situation in which the cause
of religion is placed, they make the most powerful efforts in its
behalf. The mind rises above its common tone, and being called
forth to extraordinary acts of service or suffering, acquires a
strength of power, an acuteness and feeling above the common
standard. This spiritual elevation and undaunted boldness in the
cause of God and truth were frequently displayed in the charac
ter of Mr. Shirley, whose devotedness and zeal were often
heightened by an opposition from his superiors, which harassed
but did not crush the superior energy of his mind. The following
spirited reply to his diocesan deserves publicity and preservation,
and raay supply an exaraple to persons in sirailar circumstances.
Dr. Walter Cope, Bishop of Clonfert, writing to Mr. Shirley
in June, 1778, among other things, which, being of a private
nature, we omit, says : —
" In case of your return to Loughrea, I fairly warn you to lay aside
your exceptionable doctrines ; for, without entering into paper con
troversy, I must and will surely proceed in the most effectual manner
to suppress all such."
To which this champion for the truth replied as follows : —
" My Lord, — After having written to your Lordship in the most re
spectful terms I could conceive, I was astonished at the unprovoked
offensiveness of your Lordship's answer. Menaces, my Lord, between
gentlemen, are illiberal ; but when they cannot be put into execution
they are contemptible ! In spiritual matters your Lordship acts as
a judge ; but no judge is to treat a man as an offender till an accusa
tion comes officially before him. When you are pleased to call my
doctrines exceptionable, you ought to particularize what is exceptionable
in them.
" But, after all, does your Lordship know what my doctrines are ?
That you may have the most authentic information I will give it myself.
I maintain (not a partial, but) the total and absolute apostacy of man
through the fall ; so that he cannot tum and prepare himself, hy his
n2

180

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF

own natui'al strength and good \^-orks, to faith and calling upon God,
and that works done before the grace of Christ and the inspiration of
his Spirit, are not pleasing to God, and without doubt they have the
nature of sin. I preach justification by faitli only in the merits, blood,
and righteousness of Jesus Christ. I preach the equality of the Son
aud the Spirit with the Father in the Godhead, and that these are three
Divine Persons, and but ono God. I preach the doctrine of Regenera
tion or the New Birth : the sanctification, influence, inspiration, adop
tion, sealing, and testimony of the Spirit. I preach the full assurance
of faith as the privilege of God's believing people, whereby they know
that their sins are forgiven theni for Christ's sake, and they are recon
ciled to the favour and love of God. I insist, moreover, that though
wc are justified by faith only, without our works or deservings, yet that
every true believer will be careful to maintain good avorks ; and that
we are not to consider a man as possessed of saving faitli who lead.s an
ungodly life. These, my Lord, are the doctrines which I must and will
preach, in defiance of the lohole world ! I can but smile at your Lord
ship's threatening to suppress my doctrines ; and beg leave on this oc
casion to relate a matter of fact : —
" It is now about twenty years ago. Dr. Cumberland being Bishop
of Clonfert, and Dr. John Kyder* Archbishop of Tuam, that bis Lord
ship of Clonfert, the archdeacon, and my curate, went to Tuara to con
sult with his Grace how they might proceed against me ; and tho
Archbishop, with much candoia- and good humour, was pleased to tell
me afterwards what had passed. ' Do you know,' said he, ' that your
bishop, your archdeacon, and your own curate, having picked up some
scrap of your sermons, came galloping over to me to know what they
could do to you ! And what do 5'ou think my advice was? Said I,
' Let him alone ; for if you bring him to a trial, he will appeal to the
Articles and Homilies ; and since the Articles and Homilies are as they
arc, you can do nothing to him : so let him alone !' t
" And now, my Lord, having the authority of the Church of England
* Son of Dudley Ryder, Esq., of Warwick, uncle of Sir Dudley Ryder, Bart.,
father of the first Lord Harrowby. It is gratifying to learn that many of the
descendants of Archbishop Ryder have been the zealous supporters of evan
gelical principles and preaching in Ireland. One of his daughters niarried Dr.
John Oliver, Archdeacon of Ardagh, father of the Do«"ager Vicountess Lifford,
Admiral Oliver, who married a daughter of Lady Saxton, mentioned in a for
mer part of this chapter. Major Oliver, &c.
-\- The excellent advice of the good Archbishop did not altogether check the
tattling spirit of Mr. Shirley's clerical enemies, nor lessen the enmity which
they felt towards him, and the solenm truths which he preached — truths, to the
belief of which they themselves had subscribed. The curate was perpetually
communicating some piece of intelligence which he thought might be pleasing
to the Archbishop ; but his Grace soon saw the motive of this gossiping man,
Avhom he was secietly detennined to reward as soon as a tit opportunity oifercd.
On one occasion he went to Tuam on a mission of the utmost importance, as
he conceived, confidently anticipating that the veiy serious accusation which he
Avas about to prefer against Mr. Shirley would definitively ruin him in the eyes
of his Grace. " O, your Grace !" cried the reverend gentleman, " I have such
a circumstance to communicate ! one that will astonish you !" " Indeed !" said
his Grace, " what can it be ?" " Why, my Lord," rejilicd the curate, at the
same instant throwing into his countenance one of those extraordinary expres-

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. ]81
on my side, confirmed by the Word of God, be assured that, to my
latest breath, I will bear a faithful testimony to the constitutional doc
trines of our Estabh-shment, and wdl expose the inconsistenc3', the
iniquity, the religious juggling of those who solemnly subscribe articles
of faith with their hand.s, from which they difiev fundamentally in tlie'iv
hearts, and maintain diametrically opposite doctrines from their pulpits.
I am, howeyer, willing and desirous to be on a proper footing with
your Lordship ; and whilst your deportment towards me is such as is
duo to a gentleman and a minister of Christ, you will never find mo
wanting iu that respect to which your Lordship's station entitles you ;
but I see no necessity for submitting to be trampled on by the first
man in the kingdom.
" Hoping that your Lordship and I shall understand each other
somewhat better for the future, I remain, my Lord, your Lordship's
humble servant, " Walter SmnLEY."
The summer of this year Mr. Hawkesworth again visited
Waterford and Cork. At this latter place he found a scattered
remnant, the fruit of Mr. Whitefield's labours, and a few who
had withdrawn from Mr. Wesley's society. Here he remained
some weeks, and sometime after his departure the congrega
tion whicb he had been instrumental In raising, was supplied
for a season by the late Rev. George Osborn.* This gentle
man's famdy were araongst the fruits of Mr. Whitefield's minis
try, and were united to this Infant cause. Mr. Osborn, havlno-
irabibed dissenting principles, received his ministerial education
at Daventry, and on his return to his native country commenced
preaching. But those to whom his talents as a preacher would
have been acceptable differed frora bis sentiments. The con
gregation, at that period, was composed chiefly of persons
belonging to the Established Church, who preferred the use of
the Liturgy, and the plan usually adopted in the chapels of
sions which seemed to imply that the Archbishop would be petrified by tlie
coramunication, " He actually wears — ivhite stockings .'" " Very anti-clerical
and very dreadful indeed," returned the Archbishop, apparently much surprised.
The curate at this moment was evidently at the very pinnacle of self-congra
tulation. His Grace, with a peculiar earnestness in his maaner, and in a sort
of confidential half-whisper, drawing at the same time his chair closer to the
curate, enquired, " Does Mr. Shirley wear them over his boots ?" It would be
difficult to conceive the situation of the poor unhappy curate at this raost un
expected question ; alraost panting for breath and in the raost mortified tone,
he muttered out, " No, your Grace." The Archbishop rose from his seat with
much dignity, and placing his hand in a familiar manner on the shoulder of his
reverend auditor, replied, '¦ Well, Sir, the first time you find Mr. Shirley ivith
Ids stockings over his boots pray inform me, and I shall deal accordingly with
him." * This gentleman was afterwards settled at Kidderminster for a short time,
and for twenty-one years was pastor of the Dissenting church in Angel-street,
Worcester. He died in November, 1812.

182 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
Lady Huntingdon. From some cause this congregation was
but irregularly supplied by the ministers in her Ladyship's Con
nexion ; and after the lapse of some years they were regularly
organized as an Independent church. Several excellent men
have been the pastors of this church ; and the labours of Mr.
Fleming and Mr. Burnet (now of Camberwell) will be long re
membered in Cork and its vicinity. Mr. Hawkesworth visited
several other places, and on his return to Dublin was seized
with a dangerous illness, from which, however, he soon recovered,
to the unspeakable joy of his numerous friends. Lady Hun
tingdon was at this period at Bala, in Wales, and feeling much
alarmed at Mr. Shirley's report of Mr. Hawkesworth's illness,
wrote to him as follows : — ¦
" My most faithfully esteemed friend, — I hope you have not thought
my delay in writing has had the appearance of less regard for you.
Oh ! no : the same sense of your faithfulness in the Lord's work re
mains an unalterable cause of tbat esteem and regard ever due to you.
Dear Mr. Shirley's account of your illness has made me so uneasy to
hear that you are recovered, that I could no longer forbear this enquiry,
begging a line to hear how you do. The best revival for your spirits
is that which can bring from your heart most praise to the Lord ; and
I will assure you much cause there is for that, for of the increase of
his government there seenis no end ! Each week, each day, brings
new cries — ' 0 ! come and help us !' — and tbat w'\th an earnestness
that is as the children's cry for bread in their father's house. I have
striven all in my power to commit all into faithful hands, believing
their better care would bring more glory to God. But, alas ! none
will take it — the burden and the heat of the day must still continue
my lot ; and while able to sustain it, I am willing, living and dying,
to yield myself, the poor unprofitable servant, into his hands, who
wants not any profitableness to bless my soul and all that belongs to
him. " Your poor little College still goes on well; andthe gift of awa
kening seems much continued to our plan and work. Tbe spread is
astonishing I The College does not yet fill equal to our calls : but
the fewer, the more useful. They appear like Gideon's army — only
those that had the right lap were to have the victory ; and the thou
sands of others had neither part nor lot in the spoils. Faith, true
divine faith, is at a^ow ebb. I often think myself a very Herod, in a
gorgeous robe of profession, such a poor wretched creature do I seem
to myself, not worthy or fit to be called by that holy name — Chbistian.
If faith had such victories, surely, when I have it, it will make all
things possible — the conversion of the world : for it subdues kingdoras
to God. These fruits from the faitli of a saved soul ought to follow ;
but we suffer our expectations from the Lord to be cut off, supposing
he has not such blessings and work for his people as formerly : and
then the devil makes such fools of us, and lets us be pleased and so
satisfied with ourselves, legt ;ve should do hira more mischief: and if

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 183
the Lord was to come now into his professing Church, He, Uie Son of
Man, would not find one bit of that faith that God honoured by his
report of it ; and without ' this faith it is impossible to jilease him.'
He likes nothing in all his creatures but the trust they jdace iu him.
Dear Enoch ! how I long for his faith. I see no glory given to God
but by thee alone. 0 ! evermore give me this faith, then heli, death,
and the devil do 3'Our worst, for an eternal victory is gained.
" I long to hear from you, nnd more about dear Mr. Shirley's success
in the churches. Love to Mrs. Paul, or any that ask after me or wish
weU to Zion. When you pray for me, ask for that faith that pleases
God : I will ask it foryou. And believe me, as ever, your truly faith
ful, sincere, and devoted friend, " S. Huntingdon."
The labours of several ministers in Mr. Wesley's Connexion,
particularly Messrs. Houghton,* Coughlan, and Thompson, were
eminently successful in reviving a spirit of true Christianity in
Dubhn and other parts of Ireland. At one rime Mr. Shiriey
and Mr. Houghton preached morning and evening for a succes
sion of Sundays to very crowded and attentive congregations.
The noise attending their ministrations, and the raultitudes that
followed them, soon awakened the enmity of those that hated
the light. Mr. Shirley in all his public ministrations insisted
chiefly on the great and important doctrine of the sinner's justi
fication by faith without works ; in which the righteousness of
God is manifest through the redemption which is in Jesus
Christ. The subject he treated in a tone so decisive and truly
evangelical, as to excite the wrath of his superiors in the Church,
with all the horde of dignified or diminutive oppugners of the
grace of God in truth : but their envenomed arrows fell impo
tent on his shield of faith ; imbelle telum sine ictu.
The chapel of the Magdalen Asylum, founded by Lady
Arabella Denny, was supplied with the most popular preachers
ofthe metropolis, and was frequented by persons of the highest
rank in society. Through the interest of young Lady Granard,
the grand-daughter of Lady Huntingdon, and just then married,
Mr. Shirley was Invited to preach a few times in the chapel of
this institurion.
" Your Ladyship (writes Mrs. Paul) cannot imagine what an uproar
has been created by dear Mr. Shirley's preaching at the Magdalen.
Lady Granard was spoken to, and as it was her first request since her
* Mr. Houghton was one of the preachers against whom the grand jury of
Cork made that memorable presentment, in 1750. He afterwards quitted the
Methodist Connexion, and, procuring episcopal ordination, settled in the parish
of Kilrea, in the county of Londonderrj', where he ended the days of his pil
grimage in peace, having been raany years a respectable minister and a useful
justice of the peace. He occasionally visited the metropolis, and having ob
tained admission to some of the churches, proclaimed the Gospel of the grace of
God with great boldness and fidelity.

184 THE LIFE AXD TIMES OF
marriage. Lady Arabella would not refuse her ; so Mr. Shirlev got the
use of the pulpit three times. But 0 ! wliat sermons ho preached !
The doctrine of the sinner's justification by faith without works, the
sin and danger of neglecting tlie salvation of the Gospel, and the great
duty of repentance were enforced with an eloquence and zeal which
cannot but mortify the pride and goad the enmity of those who have
never tasted the grace of God in truth. This he is made to feel by
rudeness and insult ; and he is now constantly exposed to the incon
sistent charges of maintaining licentious doctrine and over-righteous
severity. But such honour have all his saints. It is even reported
that our Archbishop intends some proceedings against Mr. Sliirlev.
This is disputed by my brother. Sir William Hawkins, who insists upon
it that Mr. Shirley has only given the real sense of the articles and
doctrines of the Reformers, and that whoever preaches or believes
these leading truths of the Gospel will be inimediately branded as a
Methodist or Calvinist. The dean has actually invited Mr. Shirley to
dinner, but my brother, the Bishop, refuses to meet him. Still I have
a hope that he will not act in a manner so unchristian. There is to
be a grand discussion and examination of the doctrines he preaches.
Some good, I trust, will come of it ; and I pray heartily to the Lord
to enable Mr. Shirley to be bold, resolute, and uncompromising. The
object I know is not to ascertain truth, but to obtain some loop-hole
hy whicli to entrap him. May these unholy desires be overruled for
good to all. Numerous charges are brought against him, as your Lady
ship may readily conceive, from your long experience in the ways of
God and the many instances you have had of the unreasonable opposition
of a gainsaying world. But what has been termed his " over-righteous
severity," and the contempt which he has poured on the grovelling
morality of rational and pharisaical religion, has been the most offend-
sive, as testifying of the world that its deeds are evil, and its professional
rehgion but name and form. I have heard Mr. Shirley twice since,
in St. Mary's Church, when he nobly vindicated the doctrines ^^'hich
he preached atthe Magdalen fromthe charge of licentiousness, the cry
ef the ignorant, unawakened, and self-righteous, from the Apostles' day
unto the present.
Mr. Coughlan and Mr. Thompson were eminently useful —
the great Head of the Church bore testimony to the word of
his servants, and wherever they preached, " signs and wonders
were wrought in the narae of the holy Jesus." Their labours
were intense, and they had frequently to contend with the " out
casts of men." But they cheerfully sacrificed ease, honour, and
worldly gain : and, with the Apostle, '' counted not their own
lives dear unto themselves, so that they might but finish their
course with joy, and the ministry which they had received."*
* At one time, while Mr. Thompson was preaching, an unruly mob arose
(instigated by the minister ofthe parish) and cruelly assaulted him and several
of his friends, whom they cirried off in triumph, and placed on board a trans
port, which then lay ready to sail with a fleet of men-of-war. Mr. Thompson

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 185
The summer of 1 780 Mr. Shirley spent in England, supplying
the chapels of the " Countess ; and on his return to Ireland
preached several times in Dublin on his way to his living in the
county of Galway. On this visit Mr. Shirley's ministry was
attended by the Archbishop of Dublin,* the Dean of Christ
Church,f the Dean of St. Patrick's,:): and the Dean of Kildare, ||
the Bishops of Liraerick, § Ossory,1T and Derry,** the Dean of
Clonmacnois,-]-!- and other ecclesiasrics. It was strongly sus
pected that the motive whicli induced them to hear one so stig
matized, was in order to conjure up some accusation against hira,
by which they might silence his preaching.
" The Dean (says Mrs. Paul,) though as great an enemy as other^
was confined in prison, expecting every hour to be transported also, and he was
not permitted to see any of his friends. The parson and the noble justice of
the peace sometimes deigned to visit him, in order to dispute with him on re
ligious subjects.
This outrage, committed against all law and order, coming to the ears of Lady
Huntingdon, her Ladyship, with some others of considerable respectability, made
application to Government ; by which means Mr. Thompson and the people
were soon set at liberty. An action was brought against the worthy clergyraan,
who had nearly paid dear for his zeal; for had not Mr. Thompson himself
nsed his utmost endeavours to stay the process, it would probably have proved
the rain of him and his family.
Mr. Thorapson was a mau of remarkably strong sense, a fertile genius, a clear
understanding, a quick discernment, a retentive memory, and a sound judgment.
His mind, naturally endowed with strong parts, was greatly improved by reading
and close thinking ; so that as a minister he was a " workman who needed not
to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." He was supposed by many
to be one of the closest reasoners and most able speakers that ever sat in the
Methodist Conference. After the death of Mr. Wesley he took a very active
part in the affairs of the Connexion ; and the outlines of the present form of
government originated principally with him. The Conference showed in what
light they viewed him by choosing him for theu first president after the decease
of the venerable founder of Methodism.
• Dr. Robert Fowler, father of the late Countess of Kilkenny and the pre
sent Bishop of Ossory.
f Dr. Charles Jackson, Lord Bishop of Kildare.
J Dr. William Craddock, brother of Dr. John Craddock, formerly Arch.
bishop of Dublin, and uncle to the present Lord Howden.
II Dr. Robert King.
§ Rev. William Gore, eldest son of the Dean of Down. Hewas successively
Bishop of Clonfert, Elphin and Limerick, where he died, February 25, 1784.
His first wife was eldest daughter of Colonel Chidley Coote, of Coote Hall, in
the county of Roscommon, and his second wife a daughter of William French,
of Oak Park, in the same county, and sister to the Countess of Miltown.
Some of the descendants of Bishop Gore have been amongst the friends of
evangelical religion in Ireland.
If Sir John Hotham, Bart., cousin-german to Lady Gertrude Hotham, so fre
quently mentioned in this work.
** Afterwards Earl of Bristol, brother of the e.'icellent Lady Mary Fitzgerald.
For some particulars of this nobleman's conduct see memoirs of the celebrated
Lady Hamilton.
f-f Rev. Arthur Champagne, son of Major Josias Champagne and Lady Jane
Forbes, daughter of the second Earl of Granard. Dean Champagne was father
of the Countess of Uxbridge, Lady Desvoeux, and Lady Borrowes.

186 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
to Gospel truth, yet, out of a pure spirit of opposition, will not join the
party now sitting in judgment on dear Mr. Shirley. I cannot make
out what they intend to do ; every thing is carried on with great secrecy,
and he is still permitted to preach. We must leave the result of such
deliberations in the hands of Him who worketh all things according to
the counsel of his own will. He will overrule their impotent attempts
to retard the proclamation of bis Gospel — his message of mercy to tbe
sons and daughters of sin aud iniquity. 0, pray that He may make
bare his arm in our defence, and that the word of our God may run
and be glorified amongst us."
But the truth of the matter was that Methodism and Cal
vinism, and words of like undefined meaning, which were applied
so unsparingly to Mr. Shirley, and all who preached the great
doctrines contained in the Arricles, Homilies, and Formularies
of our Church, were only the tubs thrown out to amuse the
whale. The real ground of contest was the nature and necessity
of vital godliness — whether the Holy Ghost was yet given in
his divine influences, restoring us to a life of communion with
God, through the blood of the Lamb. The controversy about
doctrines, among spiritually-minded men, has of late lost many
of the angles of asperity. Every one who loves our Lord Jesus
Christ in sincerity, will neither refuse the hand of fellowship
nor the heart of affection to those of whom he has confidence
that they have received the grace of God in truth, and drank
into one spirit. But the real sense of the articles and doctrines
of the Reformers is an iraportant point to be ascertained by all
who call themselves Churchmen, and subscribe their assent and
consent. They are not the doctrines of Calvin or Arrainius,
as copied servilely from one raaster; no, nor from the Helvetic
confession; but drawn pure from the sacred fountains them
selves, by raen as exceUent and learned In the Scriptures as any
of the foreign divines, Lutherans, Calvinists, or Zuinglians. In
the great lines of truth they coincided : and the doctrines of
original sin, of free will, of justification by faith, and of good
works, were equally raaintained by Luther and Melancthon, by
Zuinglius and CEcolarapadius, by Calvin and Beza, by Cranmer,
Ridley, and Latimer, by Jewel, Sands, and other Reforraers :
every man knows that, without entering into the details, ex
pressed with whatever moderation, • whoever insists on these
leading truths of the Gospeh according to the stateraent of any
one of the persons mentioned, he will be immediately branded
as a Methodist or Calvinist.
Mr. Shirley had been on a visit to his brother, the Hon.
Captain Shirley, deputy ranger of St. James's and Hyde Parks,
after he had been supplying the chapels of the Countess, and

SELINA, COUNTES? OF HUNTINGDON. 187
on his return to Ireland remained some time in Dublin, having
some affairs relative to her Ladyship's chapel to arrange.
A student of the Countess, afterwards the Rev. Edward
Burn, minister of St. Mary's, Birmingham, was a native of Ireland,
and was now sent to relieve Mr. Hawkesworth, whose mind began
to waver as to his longer continuance in Ireland. From the
period of his first adraission at Trevecca he became a remark
able favourite with Lady Huntingdon, who esteemed him very
highly for his work's sake, his many estimable qualities, his
unflinching Integrity, and erainent devotedness to the cause of
God. From the tenor of her Ladyship's correspondence with
hira, it is very obvious that she was at all times extremely anxious
to see him usefully settled in England, but did not see that
Providence called him to quit a post of such importance. His
abilities and zeal suited the station in which he was placed —
nowhere could he hope to be raore usefully employed — a divine
unction was upon his own soul and on his ministrations ; but,
above all, his removal would have left a vacancy, which there
was no hope to supply alike to the good of man and the
glory of God. In the following letter we find her Ladyship's
.sentiments on this head fully detailed : though anxious for his
removal, she still " thought the Lord had not yet given him a
discharge from the pastoral charge of the people in Dublin."
The letter, which is highly important. Is dated College, Octo
ber 21, 1781:—
" My highly esteemed Friend, — Not having heard from yon so long,
and my bad health, with multiplied business, and daily increasing
trials, filling my time with cares and my heart with fears, grief, &c., I
wanted opportunity to write so fully as my wishes even dispose me to
you. However, through all opposition the devil or wicked men can
make here, I yet am a poor worm, ready to be crushed every moment,
yet reviving afresh to fight the Lord's battles, and standing with heed
to glory in tribulation : and under all such wonderful displays of the
Lord's povver, and the increasing blessing upon the work, that I often
say my ingratitude is so base that a single murmur for anything I suf
fer might justly bring a blast upon the work ; so glorious does our dear
and faithful High-priest show himself out of Zion in such perfect
beauty. Thousands are added to the Churches of England and Wales
continually. 0 that the Lord could make your way clear to come
among us. So tried have I been by the various disappointments of
those, from time to time, Ihave wished to hav« found faithful to serve
for you, that I have even fainted in my spirit ; and I think till I know
tbey are in the ship, and hardly then, shall my evil heart believe but I
shall still meet the cross.
" The College is full, and yet such amazing calls they are dragged
out by the people, that we live ever in want. I do beg a line to let

188 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
me know the light you have upon your continuance, or your wishes to
be removed. I have thought that the Lord had not yet given your
discharge to these people, and that the trials I have met with on this
account were to reprove my selfish wants of you in various parts of the
work. And, alas ! when I see you standing alone through every diffi-
cidty, I think this is the heart of faithfulness to the people, and the
day of trial may be at hand, when these poor souls might be tossed
and not comforted, unless so supported ; and I see nothing for myself
or others, but bearing and enduring all things for Christ and his elect's
sake, that is worth living for or doing upon earth— all is alike misery,
and just so far as the eye is kept single, and the heart faithful, to be
hold that Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, and that even
fwor I, shall nothe plucked out of his hands. Come life, come death,
come devils, men, or all their hosts of infernal legions, yet the last mo
ments will be so sweet as to make good amends for all my sorrows,
and hell groan for its hopeless prospect of one of its deserved compa
nions. But let us take courage, my excellent friend, almighty strength
is ours, it is all engaged to defeat the devil's purposes; and that one
thought makes me face all dangers, as sure to make a fool as well as
a devil of him in the end. I think I see bim bruised under my feet,
begging hard for life, bat I have found him a father of lies, and the
Lord shall give him his death's blow, and my soul triumph in the Lord
strength. " Farewell, my worthy friend. Let me soon hear from you. Your
name is loved and honoured in this College to this day ; but of none
more than your ever faithful and truly devoted friend, " S. Huntingdon."
Mr. Hawkesworth's marriage with Miss Mollar, sister of the
late Andrew Mollar, Esq., a worthy meraber of the Moravian
Church, brought Mr. Hawkesworth in close connexion with the
United Brethren; and about the beginning of tbe year 1782 he
withdrew frora the Connexion of his kind and noble patroness,
and joined the Moravian Church. This change greatly dis
tressed the venerable Countess, who foresaw in this circumstance
the departure of his ministerial usefulness. Her Ladyship
deeply felt this trial, and made several ineffectual efforts to in
duce him to retrace the steps he bad taken. On his return to
England he settled at Wem, In Shropshire, where he had for
merly laboured In tbe chapel built by Mr. Henshaw, and sup
plied for many years by the students from Trevecca. After
sorae tirae he reraoved to Fulneck, in Yorkshire, and from
thence to London. Whilst there he withdrew from riie Church
of the United Brethren, and retired to Horsley, in Gloucester
shire, where he ended bis days in peace, in the year 1810.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 189

CHAPTER XXXVII.
Mr. Edward Smyth— Mr. WiUiam Smyth — Remarkable Conversion of Mrs.
Smyth— Romaine and Garrick — Persecution of Mr. Smyth— Mr. Smyth's
Family — Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher — Lady Mary Fitzgerald — Dr. Peckwell visit.-;
Dublin — Letter from Dr. Peckwell — Magdalen Chapel. — Lady Moira and
Lady Arabella Denny — Letterfrom Lady Moira  Mr. Skelton — Mr. Stephens
—Death of Dr. Peckwell— Account of his Family— Mr. Shirley supplies
Lady Huntingdon's Chapel — Death of Mr. Shirley — Hymns written by him
— Mr. Boddeley — Bethesda Chapel  Mr. Timothy Priestly — Anecdote of
Miss Ford — Sir William Hamilton  Mr. Wesley visits Dublin — Evangelical
Society — Mr. Rowland Hill and other Ministers visit Ireland— Mr. Wildbore
— Mr. Ball — Mr. Garie — Chapel at Sligo — Persecution — Dr. Povah.
It was now that the Rev. Edward Smyth* commenced his
ministry In Dublin, as curate of one of the city churches.
The Lord, who is rich In mercy, early began to thwart Mr.
Smyth's worldly prospects and scenes of happiness, by the sud
den and unexpected death of his uncle, the Archbishop of Dub
lin, in 1772, without considering him in his will, at a tirae when
be bad intended to have given hira the first living that dropped.
This sudden change of his worldly prospects caused Mr. Srayth
to look out for a curacy : one presented itself, which seeraed
very advantageously situated, being on the estate of a near re
lation, of very considerable fortune, who raade him very kind
offers, if he would accept of it, telling him, at the s.iv.io time,
he would procure hira the chaplaincies of the different regiments
that should be quartered there. But God, who
"  moves in a mysterious way.
His wonders to perform,"
frustrated this intention, by a clergyman offering to resign his
curacy in Dublin to Mr. Smyth, which Mrs. Higginson's fond
affection for her daughter, Mrs. Smyth, prompted him to accept,
as his mother-in-law feared if they removed to a greater dis-
* He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, where he took his A. B. degree.
His father was Archdeacon of Glendalough, being a younger brother of Dr.
Thomas Srayth, Bishop of Limerick, by a daughter of Dr. Ulysses Burgh, Bishop
of Ardagh, to which most ancient see he was appointed (by William and Mary),
in 1692, in which year he died, when the see was united to that of Dromore.
Mr. Smyth was cousin of the then Bishop of Down and Connor, and nephew to
Dr. Arthur Smyth, Archbishop of Dublin, who died in 1772, to whose raemory
a magnificent monument, executed by Van Nort, was erected iii St. Patrick's
Cathedral, with a beautiful inscription from the pen of his intimate friend, Dr.
Lowth, Bishop of Lincoln.

190 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
tance she might never see them more. Mr. Smyth had reason
to bless God for his removal to Dublin ; for at the house of his
eldest brother, William Smyth, Esq., he first met many excel
lent Christian 'people, usually stigmatized as Methodists, and
frequently had opportunities of meeting and hearing the minis
ters in Lady Huntingdon's and Mr. Wesley's Connexions. At
first he thought It very strange and unlawful that they should
preach without being sent according to the form of the Church
of England ; and very much disapproved of some parts of their
doctrine. His prejudices, however, gradually subsided ; he had
frequent conversations with Mr. Shirley and Mr. Hawkesworth,
his mind became deeply impressed with a sense of divine truth,
andhe soon broke through every trammel and boldly proclaimed
the glad tidings of salvation.
The brother of Mr. Smyth was very conspicuous at this time,
from the prominent part which he took in all that concerned the
advancement of divine truth. He was a man of fortune, and
his residence was the resort of people of every name and deno
mination who loved the Lord. He was the friend of all good
men, and the liberal supporter of every scherae for the diffusion
of that name which he loved and honoured. Frequent mention
of him occurs in the correspondence of Lady Huntingdon and
Mrs. Paul.
Events of the last importance arise from causes apparently in
significant. The links of the chain of providence are wonderfully
connected : an infidel ridicule.? — a believer admires and adores.
The circumstances connected with the conversion of Mr. and
Mrs. William Smyth, and tbe unspeakable benefits wbich re
sulted from it, not only to many of their own immediate family,
but fo hundreds besides, are of a nature so singular, and so cal
culated to bring glory to the God of all grace, that we cannot
omit the mention of them In this place. Shortly after tbe mar
riage of Mr. Smyth, It was announced In the public papers th;it
Mr. Garrick was to take a final leave of the stage in the month
of JuBe, 1776.'' Mrs. Smyth, who was a passionate admirer of
theatrical representations, expressed an ardent desire to witness
the last acting of this celebrated raan. Mr. Srayth said much
to divert her attention frora this point, but in vain. As it was
inconvenient to leave Ireland at that time, Mr. Smyth requested
* The late Mrs. Hannah More was in London at this period, and had been
introduced to the notice of Mr. Garrick, whose curiosity was great to see and
converse with her. His career was drawing to a close, which inflamed her eager
desire to hear Shakspeare speaking in the person of that consummate actor.
It was afterwards Mr. Garrick's delight to introduce Miss More tothe best and
most gifted of his acquaintance.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 191
his brother, Colonel Smyth, to accompany his lady to London.
On their arrival they made Imraediate application for places,
but none could be obtained. What then was to be done ?
Colonel Smyth recollected a former intimacy with the Duchess
of Leeds : her Grace was all condescension, and readily Invited
Mrs. Smyth to accompany her to the theatre. Every wish was
now on the eve of being gratified ; Garrick took his leave of the
stage, and Mrs. Smyth became the guest of the Duchess of
Leeds during the remainder of her stay in London.
Mr. Romaine was at this period In the zenith of his popu
larity : through the interest and persevering conduct of the late
Jobn Thornton, Esq., he had been elected and finally Inducted
to the living of St. Anne's, Blackfriars. Here his rainistry was
attended by araazing multitudes, and if we were desired to write
a panegyric on the memory of that venerable man, we would
studiously collect a complete register of the ministers and people
converted by his preaching, now living or gone to their eternal
rest. The names and anecdotes attendincf them would fill
voluraes, and perhaps not unprofitably.
Hearing of the iramense crowds that attended his ministry,
and tbe astonishing effects produced by his preaching, Mrs.
Srayth expressed a stro.ng desire to hear a man so singular and
so renowned. The fashionable circle by whom she was sur
rounded were unanimous In their reprobation of the man and
the doctrines he promulgated. In vain it was urged that he
was a Methodist- — an enthusiast — one whom It was improper
for her to hear — and that to procure admittance to a place so
crowded was utterly impracticable. Mrs. Smyth had been gra
tified In seeing Mr. Garrick, and in mingling with the immense
crowd fhat witnessed bis last acting. The more Mr. Romaine
was reprobated, and the greater the difficulty of obtaining ad
mission to the church, the more urgent was Mrs. Smyth to hear
him : nothing could deter her, and go she would, in defiance of
every remonstrance. Mr. Romaine preached from that remark
able passage in the 90th Psalm — " Who knoweth the power of
thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath."
There the Lord met Mrs. Smyth with the blessings of his grace;
and she was led to a happy acquaintance with tbe great deep of
corruption In a heart deceitful above all things and desperately
wicked. Mi-. Smyth's state of mind was little short of derange
ment. With the utmost anxiety he hastened to London : Mrs.
Smyth explained the change that had taken place in her prin
ciples and feelings, and tbe abandonment of all her former
notions of religion. Mr. Smyth was- overwhelmed with surprise,
but agreed to accompany her to hear Mr. Romaine, and judge

192 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
for himself; and he too was constrained, as a poor sinner, to lake
refuge at the foot ofthe cross ! From that time the happy change
commenced, for which hundreds have since had reason to bless
God. Mr. Smyth has long since entered into the joy of his
Lord. There, among the spirits of just men made perfect, he
has joined many of those who have been awakened by his In
strumentality, and they will rejoice together with joy unspeak
able and full of glory.' Persecuted In the Church for the zea
lous execurion of a painful duty,* he joined the Wesleyans, and
in the course of his Itinerant excursions he visited Limerick,
where most of his relations resided. The chapel was crowded
to excess ; and he sometimes preached In the open air to great
multitudes. It was soon after this period that one of his nieces.
Miss Ingram, daughter of the Rev. Jaques Ingram, -f- chancellor
of the cathedral, joined the Methodist Society in Limerick.
She afterwards married John Morton, Esq., whom she accom
panied f o India. Their eldest daughter, called at Madras under
the ministry of Mr. Loveless, became the first wife of the lafe
Rev. Dr. Morison, missionary in China, and died at Canton,
* After labouring a short time in Dublin, the Rev. Edward Smyth was pre
sented with a curacy in the country, by Lord Bangor, which was so agreeably
circumstanced that all his friends advised hira to accept it. Their residence
not being in proper repair, his loi'dship invited Mr. and Mrs. Smyth to spend
some time at Castle Ward, till their home was ready to receive them. Mr.
Smyth's stay in this part of the vineyard was but of short duration. Lord
Bangor living in open adultery. Mi'. Smyth thought it his bounden duty to ad
monish him, in the most afl'ectionate and respectful raanner, not to approach
the sacramental table whilst continuing in such a flagrant violation of the law
of God. His lordship, regardless of all expostulation ond propriety, persisted
in his intention, and Mr. Smyth was reluctantly forced to perform a painful
duty, imposed upon him by the Canons ofthe Church. This exposed him to
the enmity and opposition of his lordship. A petition was sent to the Bishop
of the diocese, Dr. Trail, who summoned Mr. Smyth to a trial, when he was
enabled, before the rulers of this world, to give a public testimony of the U-uth,
proving that the doctrine he taught was agreeable to that of the Church of
England, and to the oracles of God ; and though nolhing was found whereby
they could give sentence against him as giulty, yet, through an illegal stretch
of power, the Bishop was induced to deprive him of his cure.
f One of the sisters of Mr. Ingram married the Rev. Deane Hoare, a gen
tleman of great benevolence and philanthropy, under whose superintendence
the cathedral of Limerick was much improved and beautified. His eldest son,
the late Rev. John Hoare, rector of Rathkeale, chancellor of St. Mary's, and
vicar-general of the diocese of Limerick, was a sound evangelical preacher, and
a useful minister of the Gospel. There is an excellent memoir of him in the
" Evangelical Magazine." One of his sons is a popular evangelical preacher at
present, in Liraerick. Mrs. Hoare was a daughter of Sir Edward Newnham,
Bart., and sister to Mrs. Walter Shirley.
The Rev. William Hoare, second son of the Rev. Deane Hoare, was likewise
an evangehcal clergyraan. There is mention made of him in the memoirs of
his brother. He was minister of St. George's, and Vicar-general of the diocese
of Limerick. He married Miss Guinness, one of the sisters of Arthur Guin
ness, Esq., of Beaumont, in the county of Dubhn.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINtSDON. 193
June 10, 1821, leaving behind her a son anda daughter to feel
the loss of one ofthe best of raothers.*
Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher, of Madely, had been earnestly re
quested by several serious persons at Dublin to come over and
spend a few weeks in that city, for the purpose of promoting
the interests of religion by their exhortations and example. As
long as civility or piety would suffer them to resist the earnest
solicitations of these friends of the everlasting gospel, they de
clined the journey ; but after being repeatedly urged to under
take it, at the united instances of the Methodist Society, they
judged it improper any longer to withhold that consent, lest, in
disregarding the solicitations of a willing people, they should
disobey the summons of God. Accordingly, in the summer of
1783, they accepted the invitation, and appeared for a season in
another kingdom, as two burning and shining lights. During
their continuance in the Irish metropolis, Mr. Fletcher's public
and private exhortations were attended with a reraarkable bless
ing. Numbers of careless persons were awakened to a sense
of the importance of divine things, and the general tone of
religion was evidently raised amongst the more serious characters
with whom he conversed.
While in Dublin, Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher were entertained
• The Rev. Edward Smyth was'.' twice married. His second wife. Miss Daw
son, was sister to the lady of the Rev. Dr. Murray, the present worthy Dean of
Ardagh. Mr. Smyth possessed considerable political abilities, and published
a poem, entitled " The Fall and Recovery of Man," "Devout Meditations,"
&c. &c.
One of Mr. Smyth's sisters married Benjamin Lee, Esq., of Merrion, near
Dublin, and left three daughters, Anne, Jane, and Rebecca. Jane, the second
daughter, married the Rev. Thomas Roberts, A. M. , a respectable minister in
Mr. Wesley's connexion. Mr. Randolph Roberts, a son by a former marriage,
became the husband of Miss Sarah Morton, daughter of the late John Morton,
Esq. , and sister to Mrs. Morrison jiof, China. The eldest and youngest daughters
of Mr. Lee married two brotheri, Arthur and Benjamin Guinness, Esqrs., men
of large fortunes, and eminently devoted to all that is excellent and of good
report. For a long series of years they have been stated hearers in the chapel
erected by their uncle, William Smyth, Esq., and most liberal supporters ofthe
Gospel in every denomination. Mrs. Arthur and Mrs. Benjamin Guinness were
women of great piety and singular excellence. They both quitted this world
with a hope blooming and full of immortality. In the south gallery of St.
Werburgh's Church are two handsome monuraents to their memory. The
eldest brother. Dr. Hosea Guinness, was rector of St. Werburgh's. The eldest
son of Mr. Arthur Guinness, the Rev. William Smyth Guinness, is an evan
gelical clergyman, the rector of an extensive parish. He married his cousin,
Susan Jane, only daughter of his uncle, Benjamin Guinness, Esq.
One of Mr. Smyth's uncles was a Baron of the Exchequer, another married
a sister of Viscount Pery, and another, Charles Smyth, Esq., represented the
city of Limerick in Parliament for forty-five years. He married the sister and
heir of Sir Thomas Prendergast, Bart ., and was father of the late Lord Kiltavon,
and grandfather of Charles Vereker, the present Viscount Gort.
VOL. II.

194 THE LIFi; AND TIMES OF
chiefly at riie house of William Sin;j^''Esq.* Under the hos
pitable roof of this excellent man K-„>Fletcher met many truly
pious persons of other denominarious, whom he saluted as the
chUdren of God, and honoured as beirs of an eternal inherit
ance. Sincere worshippers, of every denomination, he regarded
as " fellow-citizens vvith the saints, and of the household of
God," desiring no greater honour than to be counted as their
brother, and comraanded as their servant. With Mr. Shirley,
many years tbe companion of his choice, be took sweet and
solemn counsel : considering him as a fellow partaker of the
same grace, be received him as the redeemed of the Lord,
honoured his character, gloried in his friendship, and cheerfully
associated with hira in his labours in the chapels of Mr. White-
field and the Countess, and during his visit to the metropolis of
Ireland. During this period Mr. Fletcher frequently preaclied at the
French Church in Dublin, whicli was attended by the descend
ants of the persecuted Hugenots. The first time he preached
there he selected for his text — " Call to remerabrance the for
mer days, in which, after you were illuminated, ye endured a
great fight of afflictions ;" from whence he took occasion to refer
to the sufferings and piety of their ancestors, and to enforce
upon them tbe necessity of self-examination. Amongst his
hearers were some persons who were totally unacquainted with
the French language. Being questioned respecting the motives
for their attendance, they instantly replied, " We want to look
at him, for heaven seemed to beam from his countenance."
This anecdote is so far interesting, as adding one testimony to
innumerable others of the deep impressions which his amiable
manners and heavenly countenance made upon the minds of all
who saw him.
About the same rime that Mr. Fletcher was In Dublin, the
excellent Lady Mary Fitzgerald paid a visit to Ireland, and was
hospitably received at the residence of Mr. Smyth, with whose
lady and her sister-in-law, Mrs. Edward Smyth, she cultivated
the closest inrimacy and friendship, which conrinued unabated
till their removal into another worid. In the memoirs of Mr.
Venn and Mr. Fletcher some of her Ladyship's letters have
been preserved, and likewise several of those addressed fo her
by these apostolic men. She was a woman of piety and sin
gular devotedness to God. Her unhappy marriage with George
Fitzgerald, Esq., of the county of Mayo, was the fruitful source
" In Benson's " Life of Mr. Fletcher," see an excellent letter, addressed to
Mr Smyth, expressing his and Mrs. Fletcher's gratitude for the kindness shown
them durin their visit to Dublin.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 195
of many of those afflictions which she was called f o endure in
the early part of her life. The dreadful quarrels which disunited
and distracted that family, together with the outrageous conduct
of Mr. Fitzgerald,' compelled her to seek a separate maintenance.
It was but a short time prior to Lady Mary's visit to Ireland
that her eldest son, the well-known George Robert Fitzgerald,
Esq., one of the most elegant and accomphshed men of his day,
at the general assizes for the county of Mayo, had been found
guilty of an assault upon and false imprisonment of his father,
and was sentenced by the court to be imprisoned three years,
and to pay one thousand pounds sterling. Her Ladyship's stay
in Ireland was not of long continuance, and .she returned to
England with Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher and Mrs. Smyth. Writing
to Mr. Smyth, Mr. Fletcher says — "I must spare a line to tell
you that I had the pleasure of seeing our kind benefactress,
Mrs. Smyth, safe at Bristol, with her little charge,* and Lady
Mary.f Not long after the departure of Mr. Fletcher for England
* The eldest daughter of the Rev. Edward Smyth, who married Mr. Wilcox,
Mary, the second daughter, called after her godmother. Lady Mary Fitzgerald,
became the wife of the Rev. John Jenkins, formerly Curate of St. Mark's,
Dublin. In May, 1783, Mr. Smyth lost his beloved and afl'ectionate wife, who
died in the full triumph of faith, in the twenty-eighth year of her age. Mr.
Smyth was then residing in London, and a preacher in the chapels of Mr.
Wesley. Through the whole of her illness, Mrs. Smyth was attended by Lady
Mark Fitzgerald, who spent some hours with her each day. Soon after her
decease, Mr. Smyth published an account of her life and dying experience, in
one large volume, and a " Collection of her Letters," many of which were
addressed to Lady Mary Fitzgerald.
f This excellent woman suffered many severe and extraordinary family afilic
tions. Her eldest sister. Lady Mulgrave, grandmother ofthe present Marquis
of Normandy, the Colonial Secretary of State, was found dead in her bed.
Three of her brothers were successively Earls of Bristol. The marriage of her
brother George, the second Earl, with Miss Chudleigh, and her subsequent
marriage with the Duke of Kingston, in his lifetime, which produced her me
morable trial, in 1776, are well known. Frederick, the fourth Earl, for more
than thirty years was bishop of Derry, where his conduct and example were so
disgraceful, that he was compelled to retire to the continent, and spent the
latter years of his life principally at Naples (where he was imprisoned for a con
siderable time), very unlike a dignitary of the Christian Church. His connexion
with the profligate Lady Hamilton, and his Lordship's letter to her, published
in her memoirs, merit the severest reprehension. About a year before Lady
Mary's visit to L-eland, a large octavo volume, containing the disputes of this
unhappy family, was published by her eldest son, George Robert Fitzgerald,
Esq., who, a few years after, in a fit of passion, shot his coachman ; for which
offence he was tried and publicly executed. He married a daughter of William
ConoUy, Esq., of Stratton Hall, in Staflfordshire, by the Lady Anne Wentworth,
daughter of the last Earl of Stafford- Lady Anne ConoUy was well acquainted
with Lady Huntingdon, and frequently attended the preaching of the Gospel
at her residence. Mrs. George Robert Fitzgerald was sister to Caroline,
Countess of Buckinghamshire, and was received by her with every mark of
attention at the Irish court, when the Earl of Buckinghamshire was appointed
Lord-Lieutenant General, and General Governor of Ireland, a few years
o2

196 'fHE Life aNd times of
Dr. Peckwell arrived in Ireland. The Doctor was rector of
Bloxham-cum-Digby, in Lincolnshire, and chaplain to the Dow
ager Marchioness of Lothian. The first Sunday after his arrival
in Dublin he preached in the morning at St. Thomas's Church,
and in the evening at her Ladyship's chapel. On the following
Sunday he preached at St. Mary's, and at St. Bride's in the
evening. " Immense congregations (says Dr. Peckwell) attended at every
place, and I trust good has been done. Many of the higher orders
inquire daily where I am to preach the following Sabbath ; aud some
who have heard me in the churches follow me to the chapel on tho
week evenings. This is an immense field of usefulness, and there is
abundant encouragement to press forward in the glorious work of
preaching the everlasting Gospel of God my Saviour. Dear Mr. Shirley
has been abundantly owned of God ; and the labours of your Ladyship's
ministers have tended powerfully to create a spirit of inquiry. Mr.
Fletcher's ministry has heen eminently useful ; he has healed many
divisions ; and now very many of Mr. Wesley's people attend the word.
The dry formal clergy have taken the alarm, and I expect a storm
will soon hurst upon me. But the Lord is my shield, and he will
make the wrath of man to praise him. A Mr. Skelton* has behaved
very kindly, and, though blind in spiritual matters, has procured me
some pulpits. He is a man of extensive information, great learning,
and universally hked. But from all I can learn, knows nothing of die
Gospel of the Grace of God. The archbishop, I am told, has made
some inquiries ahout me, and Mr. Skelton has had some controversy
with the Dean of Christ Church, who is also Bishop of Kddare, relative
to my preaching. I earnestly pray the Great Master of assembhes to
bless his own word, and send it with power to the hearts of all who
hear it, so that many in the last great day will be found to have been
horn in this great city, where there is an awful lack of the bread of
life, and multitudes perishing without hope and without God in the
world. In a few weeks I hope to give your Ladyship further infor-
prior to these disgraceful transactions. A monument to the memory of Lady
Mary was erected in Mr. Wesley's chapel, in the City-road, London. Her
Ladyship's second son. Colonel Charles Lionel Fitzgerald, of Oakland, in the
county of Mayo, married a daughter of the late Sir Thomas Butler, Bai't., of
Garryhunden, in the county of Carlow. She died a few years since at Ver
sailles, in France, where she had long resided. A funeral sermon for Lady
Mary, preached at tbe Lock chapel, by the Rev. Thomas Scott, contains many
interesting particulars of her Ladyship.
* Rev. Philip Skelton, rector of Fintona, in the county of Tyrone. His
conduct as a clergyman was exemplary, and he was considered a very popular
preacher. He was a great favorite with Lady Arabella Denny, for whom he
preached frequently at the Magdalen chapel. Mr. Wesley makes mention of
him in his Journal — " I spent an hour (says he) with Mr. Skelton, I think full
as extraordinary a man as Mr. Law : of full as rapid a genius, so that I had
little to do but to hear— his words flowing as a river." He died at Dublin in
1787. His principal works are— Deism Revealed, in 2 vols. ; Sermons, in 3
vols.; Miscellaneous Tracts. See Life by Burdy

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 137
mation. Next Lord's day I am to preach again at St. Bride's, and
in the evening at the chapel. Mr. Smyth begs his most respectful
regards may be presented to your Ladyship. He is the liberal friend
of all good men. I have only time to assure your Ladyship how sin
cerely I am your devoted servant in the Gospel of our common Lord.
" H. Peckwell."
The old Countess of Antrim and several persons of distinction
having heard the Doctor, were desirous that he should preach
at the Magdalen Chapel, which was then almost exclusively
frequented by persons of the first rank and respectability. The
Countess of Moira (Lady Huntingdon's eldest daughter), who
appears to have taken a great interest in the success of Dr.
Peckwell, made application for the use of the pulpit. The
noble foundress of the Institution, the Lady Arabella Denny,*
daughter of the first Earl of Kerry, and widow of Arthur Denny,
Esq., of Tralee, representative of the county of Kerry, at first
hesitated, recollecting the effects of Mr. Shirley's preaching, and
fearful of again admitting any doctrine which might disturb the
repose and security of the fashionable congregation that assem
bled at the Magdalen asylum ; but on Mr. Skelton's assuring
her Ladyship of the orthodoxy of his principles, and reminding
her of the very favourable reception and countenance which her
nephew, the Earl of Shelburne, afterwards Marquis of Lans
downe, had afforded Mr. Townsend, who had been sent over by
Lady Huntingdon, Lady Arabella consented to allow Dr.
Peckwell to preach in the chapel of the Institution.
The ecclesiastical instructors at the Magdalen were of the
men described by Milton, to whom —
" The hungry sheep look up, but are not fed."
Dr. Peckwell, awfully conscious of the Importance of his com
mission, and to whom alone he stood responsible, was fully
determined to enter his protest against the style of preaching
of those " Who never mentioii'd hell to ears polite."
This faithful display of divine truth roused all the latent enmity
of the unrenewed heart, and loud complaints were made of the
very objectionable doctrines promulgated by Dr. Peckwell.
Many of the congregation conceived themselves insulted at being
placed on a level with the unhappy daughters of uncleanness —
the victims of seduction and vice, who sat behind a screen ; and
would not be told that the hearts of all men were alike — that
• Lady Arabella was also sister of John, first Earl of Shelburne, andaunt to
Willian), first Marquis of Lansdowne.

198 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
they were deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, and
though not guilty of such gross acts of sin, yet that the seeds
of the sarae depravity reigned in the hearts of all ; for " all had
sinned and come short of the glory of God." Vexed at the
murmurs of disapprobation. Lady Arabella in a moment of irri
tation charged Lady Moira with having deceived her in the
character of the preacher. Capable of estimating the sacred
truths advocated by Dr. Peckwell, and consulting the dictates
of conscientious decision, her Ladyship thus replied to the
foundress of the Magdalen :
" Conscious of the most upright intentions, and fearless of being
branded with fanaticism. Lady Moira avows her firm conviction ofthe
justness and propriety of all that was advanced from the pulpit by the
respectable clergyman whom Lady Arabella Denny and others have
charged with Methodism, and the propagation of new doctrines
subversive of all morality and the Established Church ; such charges
hecome ridiculous and contemptible when unsupported by evidence,
and put forth by persons who have never exerted one ray of intellect
towards the discovery of truth from the prevalent errors of the day.
If Lady Arabella Denny and her friends wdll be at the trouble of com
paring the doctrines preached by Dr. Peckwell with the Thirty-nine
Articles, and other parts of the Prayer Book, they may perhaps dis
cover that those clergymen whom they so unsparingly vilify with every
odious epithet are amongst the number of those who faithfully and
conscientiously preach what they have so solemnly subscribed at their
ordination."* The controversy between the Countess of Moira and Lady
Arabella Denny was soon noised about in the world of fashion,
and considerable attention was excited towards Dr. Peckweh,
whose pulpit talents and doctrines constituted the subject of
this critical investigation. The friends of Lady Arabella made
apphcation to the Archbishop of Dublin to interpose his authority
to put a stop to the progress of Methodism in the Church ; and
all the artillery of the Episcopal bench was soon directed against
evangelical sentiments and extempore eloquence. But what arm
of flesh shall stay the progress of the word of truth ?
" The noise occasioned by my .discourse at the Magdalen Chapel (says
the doctor) has very considerably increased since my last letter to your
Ladyship. Angry disputants have filled the ranks on both sides. My
Lady Moira has written a sharp letter to the Foundress of the Mag-
* This note was copied from one in the handwriting ofthe late Mrs. Peek-
well. It is written with spirit, but in a tone of great severity. But Lady
Moira was a woman of superior intellect and information, and she was conscious
of the inferiority of merit of those with whom she was acquainted. Lady
Arabella was then an old woman, and acted upon the information of others.
She died a few years after.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 199
dalen, but I know not the result of it. Her Ladyship intends writing
full particulars in a few days, so that you wdl have better information
than I can give. Your Ladj'ship will smile at the expostulatory ad
dress to the Archbishop, praying him to stop tho progress of what is
called Methodism, by those deluded people whose enmity and rage
against the truth as it is in Jesus hasbeen so abundantly manifested by
their late conduct and proceedings. But all this was the natural re
sult of having attacked one of the strongholds of Satan. Comparative
success has attended the effort, and when the flame of discord ceases
to burn, and prejudices gradually coo], many timorous and feeble
minded persons, I doubt not, will join the proscribed party. Never
theless there is a progressive increase, and I have a confidence in the
ultimate triumph of the cause of God and truth, which animates me
to more vigorous exertions in diffusing its hallowed light. God the
Judge of all will mar the impotent iittempts to retard the progress of
his Gospel, and confound the enmity and rage of his enemies.
" Your Ladyship will be surprised to hear that Mr. Skelton made
many enquiries after you — asked particulars of your opinions — and
the theological system pursued at your Ladyship's College — and what
notions you entertain on ecclesiastical discipline ; to all which I replied
I trust to his satisfaction. During the late dispute he displayed re
markable flrmness and energy, though fiercely attacked by Lady
Arabella Denny and her partizans. A letter from your Ladyship might
be of use, for he seems to have an enquiring mind, and an ardent
desire for truth. His system, as far as I can learn, very nearly assimi
lates to that of Mr. Law. Mr. and Mrs. Smyth fight manfully — their
conduct is noble and catholic. The students in the University go on
well — their number is increasing, notwithstanding great opposition from
their superiors. The pulpits of St. Mary's, St. Thomas's, St. Anne's,
and one or two others in the city parts, are still open to me. My timo
is fully occupied. 0 pray that I may he faithful in the delivery of my
message — that great grace may descend upon all — and the word of our
God have free course and be glorified in this populous city."
The present chaplain,* one of the Fellows of the University,
is an able and faithful preacher of the truth as it is in Jesus,
and his ministry is remarkably well attended by persons in the
upper ranks of life.f
* The Rev. Joseph Henderson Singer, D.D.
f Dr. Peckwell, during this visit to Ireland, became acquainted with Miss
Blosset, descended from an ancient French family long settled in Touraine,
who, expatriated at the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1589, and seeking
an asylum in Ireland, settled in the county of Dublin, where the family estates
lie. To this lady he was united, and by her had a son and daughter. After his
retum to England he was sent by Lady Huntingdon to serve Lady Glenorchy's
chapel in Edinburgh, which was at that time supplied by the ministers in her
Ladyship's Connexion ; and his labours in that eity in connexion with those of
Mr. Townsend, of Pewsey, were productive of the most beneficial effects.
He was of a very humane disposition, and studied physic to administer to the
necessities ofthe poor. He founded the '¦ Sick Man's Friend Society," wlrieh
he constantly laboured to support. He also patronized tbe Humane Society

200 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
On the departure of Dr. Peckwell for England, Mr. Shirley
continued to labour in Dublin for some considerable time. His
diligence and zeal in proclaiming the unsearchable riches of
Christ are sufficiently tested in various parts of this work : but
at length bis honourable course was-arrested, when his friends
hoped that he was yet in the midst of his race, though his
physicians and friends advised him, for the recovery of his health,
to desist from preaching. The mortal career of this distinguished
ambassador of the King of kings terminated on the 7th of April,
1786, aged sixty years and six months.* His disorder was of a
dropsical nature : and for some time before his death he was
totally incapable of reraaining in bed. He died at the residence
of his brother-in-law, the late George Kiernan, Esq., In Mary-
street, Dublin. Sitting in his chair he frequently preached to
great numbers, who crowded the drawing-rooms, the lobbies
and the stair-case, as far as the voice of the preacher could be
heard. The benediction of the Spirit of God rested on his
dying labours, and bore testimony to the word of his grace in the
and the Society for the Relief of Persons Imprisoned for Small Debts. But
in the meridian of life and usefulness, after a very short illness, this laborious
and disinterested minister was taken to his eteinal reward. The imraediate
cause of his dissolution was singular. The Doctor opened the body of a young
person dead of consumption, who^e lungs were in a very disordered state, and
the chest full of putrid matter ; and in sewing up the body gave himself a
wound with a needle, which on the tenth day proved fatal, August 18, 1787, in
his 40th year. How unsearchable are the Lord's judgments, and his ways past
finding out ! He, like Mr. Toplady, desired an unostentatious funeral, and
forbade any public tribute to bis memory, yet the Rev. T. Grove and the Rev.
J. To^vnsend preached sermons on his death, which were afterwards published,
with the elegy by Dr. Beck, of Bury-street meeting.
Mrs. Peckwell survived her husband nearly thirty years, and died at her resi
dence in Wilmot-street, Brunswick-square, November 28, 1816. By this lady
Dr. Peckwell left one son and one daughter. The late Sir Robert Henry
Peckwell, Knt., who, assuming the name and arms of his mother's family,
was well known and highly esteemed for many years as Mr. Sergeant Blosset.
He was a member of Christ Church, Oxford, where he took his degree of A.M.
in 1799. In 1804 he published, " Report of Cases on Controverted Elections,"
in 2 vols. Svo. He was afterwards Chief Justice of Bengal, where he afforded
his countenance in the support and encouragement of Christian Missionaries.
Dying unmarried in 1828, he bequeathed his fortune to his only sister, who
now enjoys it ; and after her death to her eldest son, or any other of her sons
she should fix upon in preference, with entail to the remaining sons ; in default
of male issue, to her immediate heir.
Selina Mary, only daughter of Dr. Peckwell, married George Grote, Esq.,
a justice of the peace for the counties of Kent and Oxlbrd, and sheriff to the
former shire in 1809 ; and by him, who died July 3, 1830, she had issue an only
daughter. Selina (who married, in 1825, Lieutenant Colonel Frederick, of the
East India Company's Military Service, Bombay, and died in 1826), and eigU
sons, among whom was George Grote, Esq., of Dulwich Wood, Surrey, the
eminent banker in the city of London, and one of its representatives in Par.
liament. * The library of the Countess's College, Cheshunt, has an original likeness
of Mr. Shirley.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 201
conversion, sanctification, and edification of many who heard
him.* To the kindness of the excellent James Ireland, Esq., of
Brislington, near Bristol, Mr. Fletcher expresses himself indebted
for the honour of a friendly interview with Mr. Shirley, whose
circular letter he thought himself obliged to oppose. This was
in the year 1777 ; and for the remainder of their course these
good men continued upon the most friendly terms. They were
called to their eternal reward within less than nine months of
each other. Mr. Shirley was a httle better than four years older
than Mr. Fletcher. Having long laboured together, and
" fought the good fight of faith," they were permitted to " finish
their course with joy," and the concluding scenes of their warfare
were triumphant and glorious.
About this period, the Rev. Mr. Boddily, who afterwards
settled at Walsall, and eventually went to America, arrived in
Dublin to supply her Ladyship's chapel. This gentleman was
educated at Trevecca, and laboured many years in the Con
nexion of his patroness. Many fashionable persons now fre
quented, tbe chapel which was too distantfor them. Accordingly,
in the month of July, 1 784, the foundation-stone of a spacious
place of worship, called "Bethesda Chapel," was laid; an elegant
and comraodious edifice, capable of containing a very numerous
congregation, situated in a part of the city, in the immediate
¦* In 1760, Mr. Shirley published a volume of Sermons, which he dedicated
to his parishioners at Loughrea. Frequent mention is made of those sermons
in the well-known controversy relative to the Minutes of Conference of 1770~
particularly by Mr. Fletcher, who gives several quotations in his " First Check
to Antinomianism," which was addressed to Mr. Shirley. A Poem on Liberty
was printed at the end of the Sermons. Mr. Shirley was the author of several
weU-known h)Tnns in Lady Huntingdon's collection ; particularly 
" From heaven the loud, the angelic song began," &c.
" Hark ! in tbe wilderness a cry," &c.
" Flow fast my tears, thy cause is great," &c.
" Sweet as the Shepherd's tuneful reed," &c.
" Source of light and power divine," &c.
There are also some in other collections, and a few little poems scattered in
various periodical publications. The lines on the departure of the Missionaries
from Lady Huntingdon's College for America in 1772, nnder the direction of
Mr. Piercy, have been much admired ; they were re-published in the Evan
gelical Magazine, in 1 796, on the departure of the ship Duff, for the South Sea
Islands. The prominent part which Mr. Shirley took in the controversy rela
tive to the obnoxious tenets contained in Mr. Wesley's Minutes of Conference
of 1770 is well known ; and the "Narrative" of that affair, which he published
at the time, is now so scarce that a copy cannot be procured. He likewise
assisted Lady Huntingdon in the selection of hyrans now in use in the congre
gations in her Connexion. In 1775 Mr. Shirley wrote a recommendatory
preface to Dr. Sibb's "Meditations and Holy Contemplations," which vvere
published with a dedication to Lady Huntingdon and a preface by Mr. WiUiam
Millar.

202 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
neighbourhood of Rutland and Mountjoy squares. It was
erected at the sole expense of the late William Srayth, Esq.
The day previous to its dedicarion, Mr. Smyth, accompanied by
a few friends, went Into the chapel, and kneeling in the centre,
in a short but pathetic prayer besought God to bless the preach
ing of his word in tbat place. The voice of prayer was heard
and answered ; and on the last great day many, yery many, no
doubt will be found to have been born there. On the 25th of
June, 1786, the chapel was opened according to the forms of
the Church of England. The Rev. Edward Smyth and the
Rev. William Mann were the first chaplains. Mr. Smyth added
an Orphan School and Asylum, for female children only, who
are lodged in apartments over the chapel. To this was annexed
a Penitentiary, or Asylum for the reception and employment
of Destitute Females leaving the Lock Hospital, who are accom
modated in an excellent building attached to the chapel and
are supported by contributions, by the collections in the chapel,
and by the produce of their own labour, in calendering, washing,
mangling, &c. The performance of divine service at this
chapel is rendered more affecting and impressive than in most
other places of worship owing to the plaintive melancholy tone
in which the responses are delivered by the penitents, who are
concealed from view by a curtain in front of their seat.
It was about the period of the opening of Bethesda, or the
Lock Chapel, as it was sometimes called, that the Rev. Timothy
Priestley* reraoved to Dublin, at the request of Lady Hunting
don, to take charge of the congregation in Plunket-street cha
pel. Her Ladyship entertained a very high opinion of his piety
and talents, and appears to have recommended him in very
strong terms.
* Mr. Priestley had been labouring in Manchester for upwards of eighteen
years, during which period he frequently visited London, and preached at the
Tabemacle, where he was an occassional supply for many years. Being there
in the year J 774, when his brother, the well-known Dr. Priestley, was at Lord
Shelburne's in Berkeley-square, as they were one day walking in the street, the
Doctor appeared particularly struck with the great difference in their acquaint
ance and situations in life. He said, two brothers were s^irely never thus
situated ; it mortifies me when I am told "there is a brother of yours preaching
at the Tabernacle." With Lord Shelburne, Lady Huntingdon was well ac
quainted. He was the patron of the celebrated Alderman Townsend, and
afforded his countenance and support to his son, Mr. Townsend of Pewsey,
when sent to preach in Dublin by Lady Huntingdon. His lordship was intimate
with the late Gilbert Ford, Esq., Attorney-General for Jamaica. Two of his
brothers, Thomas Ford, Esq., Clerk of the Arraigns (who died May 3, 1768),
equally celebrated for his eminence and extensive practice ; and Dr. Ford,
Physician to the Queen (son of Sir R. Ford), so justly esteemed for his know
ledge in the obstetric art, frequently attended the preaching at her Ladyship's
house, and were amongst the number of those who were honoured with her
friendship and esteem.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 203
A little anecdote whicli occurred some years prior to this pe
riod, may not be considered as unworthy of insertion in this
place, and thus rescued from oblivion. Miss Ford, daughter of
the Clerk of the Arraigns, was one of the most singular and
accomplished women of her day. She was a musical genius of
the first rank, and her private concerts attracted the notice of
all the gay and fashionable world. Whilst at Bath, on a visit
with Governor and Lady Betty Thickness, she was in the con
stant habit of attending Lady Huntingdon's chapel, then so much
frequented by the nobility, and her fine voice was frequently
distinguished in the congregation. She had been taught to
read by Sheridan, the father of the late orator, was well ac
quainted with Garrick, and received private lessons from Mrs.
Cibber to qualify her to shine on the stage. Her education
would at this day be very expensive ; it was then estimated by
her father at from four to five hundred (pounds per annum.
Unwilling to live under the vigdant control of a fond parent,
this singular woman privately withdrew from the paternal man
sion ; but a warrant, granted under the signature of Sir John
Fielding, soon restored her to her father. Taking an unhappy
aversion to a man v/hom Mr. Ford considered a suitable match
for his daughter, she eloped a second time ; and instead of
resigning herself to grief and melancholy, determined to turn
her talents to advantage, and by one bold effort render herself
independent. As Miss Ford had lived in habits of familiarity
with the first nobility, she conceived the idea of rendering their
patronage subservient to her scherae. The Opera-house was
accordingly hired, and a fine band of music prepared for three
nights only. But this scheme had nearly been deranged, if not
entirely annihilated, by her father. Angry at her having left
his house, and abhorring the idea of his daughter appearing on
the stage for any period, however short, or under any circum
stances, however favourable, he applied to the same magistrate
who had before assisted him, and all the avenues to the Hay
market were occupied by Sir John's runners. But they were
soon dispersed by Lord Tankerville, then an officer in the
Guards, who threatened to punish any interference on their
part, at a time when some oj' the Royal family were expected
to be present.
The timidity incident to a first performance was in some
measure repressed by the kindness and support of her friends.
Prince Edward condescended to drink a cup of tea with her in
the green-room, on which occasion his equerry. Colonel Bru-
denel, brother to the Duke of Montague, stood behind his chair,
and soon after handed her to the stage door, where she was

204 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
received with bursts of applause. Nor was the audience disap-
pointed, for when Miss Ford sang one of Handel's oratorio
songs, beginning —
" Return, 0 God of Hosts !
Relieve thy servant in distress !"
she displayed such exquisite sensibility, that many of her friends
burst into tears.
There is, perhaps, no other instance on record in the annals
of the English stage, when one person alone entertained a
numerous audience during three successive nights, and realized
so much at the end of that period. Some relaxation, after such
an exhausting effort, now became necessary, and having raised
an Independence, she accepted an invitation from Governor and
Lady Betty Thickness, and accompanied them into Suffolk,
wliere she remained till the death of the latter. A few years
after she was married to the Governor, on which occasion up
wards of 300 ladies and gentlemen were present. Governor
Thickness was the father of the late Lord Audley, with whora he
had some dreadful disputes, which became the subject of a
singular publication many years ago. This eccentric character
died in 1792 — Mrs. Thickness surviving him many years. She
is well known in the literary world by her " Lives and Writings
of the most eminent ladies of France," and her " School of
Fashion." Mr. Ralph Thickness, an elder brother of the
Governor, was a man of genius, and the friend of Pope, War
burton, and Mr. Allen, at whose house Lady Huntingdon some
times met him. He died suddenly, as he was playing the first
fiddle In a composirion of his own in a morning concert at Bath.
The celebrated Dr. Oliver, a particular friend of Lady Hunting
don's, who was at his elbow when his head fell, was of opinion
that the stroke was hastened by the anxiety he was under for
the well-performance of his composition ; and wrote some elegiac
lines to his memory, which may be seen in Nichol's Bowyer,
vol. ix. p. 253.
Miss Ford, being led from the drawing-room to the parlour,
on a visit to Lady Huntingdon, found all the party standing be
hind their chairs, while her ladyship uttered a " drawling metho-
disrical prayer :" the corapany were persons of disrinctlon. Lord*
» Lord Cathcart was one of the sixteen representatives of the Scottish
peerage. Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of
Scotland, and some years after Ambassador Extraordinary and Minister Pleni
potentiary to the Empress of Russia. His lordship was no less distinguished
for the virtues which adorn private life, than eminent for all those which exalt
public character ; and exceeded by none in discharging with dignity and ability
the duties of the high stations in which he was placed by his sovereign.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 205
and Lady Cathcart (at whose residence, in Edinburgh, Mr.
Whitefield was so kindly entertained), riie Countess of Chester
field, Countess Dehtz, Lady Sehna Hastings, Miss Bariow (the
friend of Lady Selina), and the Hon. William Harailton (brother
to Lady Cathcart, and at that period an officer in tlie third
regiment of Foot Guards). These distinguished persons, ac
customed perhaps to the strange intonation and uncommon
cadence of Lady Huntingdon, betrayed »no surprise, but Miss
Ford absolutely tittered, to the great annoyance of her uncle, the
Attorney-General, who apologized for her levity, and she made
her peace by setting to music the hymn beginning, " All ye that
pass by," &c.
It was at Lady Huntingdon's residence that Mr. Hamilton,
afterwards Sir Williani Hamilton, first met Miss Barlow, the
only child of Hugh Barlow, Esq., of Lawrenny Hall, in Pem
brokeshire, to whom he was afterwards married, and with whom
he received a large estate. Sir William was soon after appointed
Ambassador to the Court of Naples, which he enjoyed with the
uninterrupted approbation of the two courts for thirty-six years.
Lady Hamilton* (for whom Lady Huntingdon bad a very sincere
esteem and affection) died at Naples, August 25, 1782, and
was buried In Wales.
Mr. Priestly appears to have continued in Dublin about two
years, and then to have removed to London, upon a call to suc
ceed the Rev. Mr. Woodgate, in Jewin-street, where he con
tinued till his death in 1814. Few persons had a higher opinion
of Lady Huntingdon, or entertained a stronger feeling of vene
ration for her exalted worth, than M||Priesriey. Soon after the
death of her Ladyship he was prevailed upon, by many who
loved her and revered her memory, to preach a funeral sermon,
which was published with the following title : " A Crown of
Glory preferable to all the Riches of this World."f
The beginning of the year 1787, Mr. Wesley paid a visit to
Dublin. " On Saturday, April 7 (writes Mr. Wesley), I preached in Bethesda
(Mr. Smyth's new chapel). It is very neat, but not gay ; and I believe
* It was the second wife of Sir Williara Hamilton (a woman of low origin)
whose conduct towards the hero of the Nile rendered her so conspicuous.
Shewas an iU-principled woman, and frora great atfluence was reduced to
abject poverty.
f The following singular address to serious Christians, of all denorainations,
was prefixed to the sermon : 
" Erasmus, the leamed Dutch Reformer, mentions a preacher at Rome, who
was imprisoned for saying in his sermon, that St. Peter and ^t. Paul were both
fools, On his trial before the Pope and Cardinals, he thus explained himself i
' Either they were both fools, for living so poorly, or you, their succeseors, for

206 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
will hold about as many as West-street Chapel. Mr. Smyth read
prayers and gave out the hymns, which were sung by fifteen or twenty
fine singers. It was thought we had between seven and eight himdred
communicants. And, indeed, tbe power of God was in the midst of
them. On Monday and Tuesday I preached again at the Bethesda,
and God touched several hearts, even of the rich and great ; so that
(for the time at least), they were almost persuaded to be Christians.
It seems as if the good providence of God had prepared tbis place for
those rich and honourable sinners who will not deign to receive any
message from God but in the genteel way."
On the following Sunday Mr. Wesley again preached at
Bethesda Chapel. " Many fair blossoms we see here (says he),
and surely some fruit will follow !" Mr. Wesley made a tour
through a part of the country, and returned to Dublin to attend
the Conference in the beginning of July. During the sitting of
the Conference, he preached at Bethesda to an exceedingly
large congregation.
" And (he observes), we Lad a brilliant congregation, among whom
were honourable and right honourable persons. But I felt they were
all given into my hands : for God was in the midst. What a mercy
it is, what a marvellous condescension in God, to provide such places
as Lady Huntingdon's chapels for those delicate hearers who could not
bear sound doctrine, if it were not set off with pretty trifles I"
In the year 1717 a number of persons in Dublin, connected
with Lady Huntingdon's Chapel, the Scots' Church, Bethesda
Chapel, and the Church of the United Brethren, deeply affected
by the state of religion in the kingdom, which at this period and
for some time previous, bad been such as could not but give
pain to every serious and discerning mind, met to advise and
adopt some plan to check the growth of irreligion and vice, and
to promote a spirit of vital godliness. The Episcopal Protestant
Established Church of Ireland was rich In tUles and estates, but
poor in labours and In success. The Clergy, not deficient in
literature, abundant In wealth, cherished in the bosom of power,
and supported by the strong arm of civil auriiority, headed by a
living so luxuriously.' So it may be truly said, that former professors ivere
either fools for dtsregarding the world so much, or those of this day are such
for so greedily grasping its riches and honour?. To this latter, how striking a
contrast do we find in the late departed and honoured Lady ! An ancient
painter, being censured for describing ti\-o of the apostles with very florid
countenances, leplied, " I paint them blushing at the ambition of their succes
sors.' It is only living fishes that go against the stream. It will be no advan
tage to have Christ in the mouth, if the world be in the heart. To see goodness
in greatness, is a wonder to angels, fills godly professors with admiration,
extorts awe and reverence from deists, and confounds worldly professors as
much as the speaking ofthe ass checked the madness ofthe prophet Balaam.
Great subjects will only be relished in great minds.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 207
considerable nuraber of Archbishops, Bishops, and other dignfied
Ecclesiastics, with pure doctrine in her Articles and Liturgy, and
eraployed to diffuse divine truth among the Irish people, all of
whom, as they tithed, they doubtless counted themselves bound
to teach, shamefully neglected the people, and presented a
phenomenon which never did, and it is hoped, never will again,
appear In the Christian world. The crirainal sloth of the
clergy, and their great inattention to the people, raust astonish
as well as shock every pious and candid mind ; and to seek a
parallel in any other Church in Europe, of whatever name It
may be, would be a vain attempt. It was during this period
there arose that valuable and useful class of men whom Mr.
Newton distinguishes in England by the appellation of " awaken
ed clergy." We have seen the labours of the great Methodist
leaders and those zealous clergymen of tbe Church who co
operated with Lady Huntingdon. The ministration of Messrs.
Shirley, Piers, De Courcy, Houghton, Townsend, Peckwell, and
Smyth, had a mighty influence in reviving a spirit of inquiry,
and leading very many to a saving acquaintance with the great
truths of the Gospel. They were pious, laborious, and zealous
men ; and their labours were crowned with considerable suc
cess. They were the only ministers in the Established Church who
then preached the Gospel of tbe grace of God in that country.
They were often rigorously opposed and grievously harassed
by some of the highest dignitaries of the Church, who, b^ such
proceedings, gratified those who sought her degradation or her
ruin. But the effects which were produced by their preaching
were to them incontrovertible evidences of the approbation of
God : they therefore .stood in the midst of all opposition,
'. " As an iron pillar strong.
And stedfast as a wall of brass !"
If Ireland ever become Protestant, it is by men of their spirit
the work must be accomplished.
To the respectable and pious persons who thus merged all
minor differences in the narae of Christian, it appeared that
the most likely way to accomplish the great and desirable object
they had in view would be to gratify that taste for variety which
is essential to the human mind, by furnishing a succession of
zealous and popular ministers of every denomlnarion, who should
be employed to preach occasionally wherever an opportunity
should offer, either in the city or in the country. A beginning
was then raade, by forraing a society under the name of " The
General Evangehcal Society," and a subscriprion was opened
for raising a fund to defray the expenses of such ministers as

208 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
might from time to time comply with the Invitation of the society.
One of the first who laboured In this plenteous harvest was the
late Rev. Rowland 'Hill, who, in the autumn of 1793, visited
Ireland, and found pulpits open to him in Dublin and other
places. At first he was allowed the use of St. Mary's, St. Bride's,
and other Churches, but this permission was soon withdrawn,
and he preached frequently at Bethesda Chapel, at Lady Hunt
ingdon's, the Scotch Church, and many other places. To Mr.
Hill, succeeded the Rev. Dr. Jones, minister of Lady Glenorchy's
chapel in Edinburgh ; the Rev. Dr. Rippon, of London ; Rev.
Samuel Medley, of Liverpool ;* Rev. Benjamin Francis, of
Horsley ; Rev. Isaac Birt, of Plymouth Dock ; Rev. Samuel
Pearce, of Birmingham ; and again by the Rev. Rowland Hill,
in 1796.
On Mr. Priestly leaving Ireland, he was succeeded in the
charge of the congregation in Plunket-street by the Rev. James
Bakewell Wildbore, who had been minister of a congregation at
Falmouth, long supplied by the Rev. Thomas Jones, afterwards
of Oathal, and other ministers in Lady Huntingdon's Connexion.
Under his faithful preaching, with the divine blessing upon It, a
considerable revival of religion was experienced in Dublin, and
several members were added to the church. Mr. Wildbore
afterwards settled at Macclesfield, and in 1793, resumed his
paternal relation with the people among whom his ministerial
labours had commenced. After this second union with the
church at Falmouth, Mr. Wildbore continued to labour araong
them till April 1 817, when through Infirraities of age, he re
signed a charge which he had held with high respect, usefulness
and comfort, for upwards of thirty years. He ended his days
in peace, April 14, 1822, in the eightieth year of his age.
The Rev. John Ball wae invited bythe congregation to preach
to them after Mr. Wildbore returned to England. He had been
invited over to Ireland by the General Evangelical Society, and
vvas sent to Sligo, where his message was well received. The
preaching of Mr. Hawkesworth and other ministers in Lady
Huntingdon's Connexion, in that town, had made a deep im
pression on- the minds of many, and several were called to
* This respectable rainister was originally in the navy, and engaged in several
actions. Being severely wounded he was permitted to return to his grandfather's
house till perfectly recovered. As soon as he was able to go abroad, he at
tended with his grandfather (a deacon of the Baptist Church in Eagle-street,
London) the ministry of Mr. Whitefield and Dr. Gifford, when it pleased God
to lead him to a saving acquaintance with divine things. He was twenty-seven
years pastor of the Baptist Church at Liverpool, and during that period one of
the regular supplies at Tabernacle and Tottenham-court Chapel, where his
ministry was greatly owned. He died July 17, 1799, aged sixty-one.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 209
the knowledge of the truth. This little band remained united,
and were occasionally favoured with a visit from the ministei-^
and students sent over by her Ladyship. On the forraarion of
the General Evangelical Society, Sligo engaged its early atten
tion ; a chapel was built by the aid of gentlemen in the town
and of friends at Dublin.
Mr. Ball remained but a short time in Dublin, and only
supplied the congregation till the arrival of the Rev. James
Garie, on the J 2th of September, 1789. The araiable and
exeraplary conduct of this gentleman recommended him to
the patronage of Lady Henrietta Hope, and after her death,
Lady Glenorchy, apprised of Mr. Garle's worth, received him
into her house, and considered It no small acquisition lo have
him so near her. Mr. Garie was employed as chaplain in
the family, her ladyship generally assisting in exercises of
devotion herself, by reading the Word of God. But the career
of this erainently devout lady's usefulness closed about a year
and a half after he went Into her family ; and she drew her last
breath while this honoured servant of God was by her bedside
addressing the throne of grace in ber behalf.
But her ladyship, fully satisfied of the propriety of encou
raging Mr. Garie's views towards the ministry, bequeathed to
him in her will a sum sufficient to prosecute his pious intention.
And it deserves to be mentioned, to the honour of her executrix,
the late Lady Maxwell, that though the will happened not to be
signed, she gave Mr. Garie to the full amount of what his dear
deceased friend and noble patroness intended.
On his first setting out In the ministry, Mr. Garie preached
occasionally for the Rev. Thoraas Grove, who was then situated
at Rotherham, and also for the Rev. Jonathan Scott in Stafford
shire, where he remained till invited by the congregation in
Plunket-street, where his labours were continued about five
years ; during which time he also preached occasionally in the
neighbourhood of the metropolis. About two months after his
arrival in Dublin he made a preaching excursion to Sligo and
other places ; and on his return to Dublin, in compliance with
the wishes of his congregation, he proceeded to England, and
on the 10th of Deceraber, of the same year, was solemnly
set apart to the work of the ministry over the people at Dublin
and Sligo, at Newcastle-under-llne, by the Rev. Jonathan
Scott, W. Boden of Hanley, and others.
Mr. Ball continued to labour at Sligo with considerable suc
cess. On the 2nd, of January, 1791, the new chapel was
opened by Mr. Garie.
" From the first coming of the ministers of the Evangelical Society
VOL. II. — P

210 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
to this town (he v\'rites), God, in various ways, seemed to favour the
undertaking. Great numbers attended — their behaviour was decent
and serious — tbe congregation was seldom or never disturbed — many
more, deeply impressed with the great truths they heard, became
thoughtful and circumspect. The Protestants, in general, seemed to
give the things they heard a candid reception ; and even some of the
Papists attended with seriousness, and spoke favourably of what they
heard. Thus it continued for a considerable time. Whde the house
was building, some threats were thrown out, but disregarded, and to
the great joy of the people, it was opened on Sunday, the 2nd of
January, 1791. The congregation was numerous and attentive. On
the evening of the next day the windows were broken open, and three
large branches, which were designed for lighting the house, stolen.
This distressed, but did not discourage the people. The public
spoke of tbe action with marked disdain ; and we soon supplied the
want of sconces with small white iron sockets affixed to each of the
pews. The congregation continued to increase, so that the house was
quite thronged, and a divine influence seemed to attend the word.
Great seriousness appeared during divine worship ; many became
thoughtful ; an anxious spirit of enquiry was discovered [in some, for
merly careless ; and such as had through grace believed were com
forted and established, and very happy in the prospect of good being
done. We now had preaching twice on the Sabbath, a weekly lecture on
Wednesday evening, and prayer-meetings every other evening, except
Saturday. Our happiness was great ; our hopes many ; our comfort
able house, our sweet meetings, our attentive audiences, and above all,
our enjoying sensibly the Divine presence, made us think that the
time to favour God's cause in this distant corner of the world was come.
In conversation we spoke of, and at the throne of grace we prayed for,
primitive Christianity, real religion, in its native power and extensive
influence. Little did we think tbat God was about to satisfy our
desires and answer our prayers in a way so trying to human nature."
But now fhe enemy began to rage furiously, threatening de
struction to this Infant cause of God. After the Wednesday
evening Lecture was over, and the congregation had quietly
retired to their respective dwellings, the persecutors violenriy
forced open the strong iron bars that were placed across the
windows, broke the glass, tore the sashes, and endeavoured
otherwise to destroy the building. Next day, the perpetrators
of the outrage avowed what they had done, and that it was their
fixed determination to burn the house and level it with the
ground. These persons, insanely wicked, powerful in their
connexions, and pushed on by secret hellish Popish mahce,
disregarded the laws both of God and man. The people were
reviled and distressed ; the chapel was exposed to the incle
mency of the weather, and It became necessary to suspend the
evening services. The final destruction of the place of worship

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 211
was determined to be effected a few nights after Uiis outrage, and
it was thought prudent fo set men to watch, in order to defeat
the attempt. These were in the chapel when lighted candles
were put to the shutters, which were soon on fire. Mr. Albert
Blest, a gentleman greatly devoted to God, and much honoured
as an instrument for propagating and maintaining the cause of
God in Sligo, was applied to, and at the request of Mr. Blest,
took his pistols with him. Desirous of preserving the place of
worship, he reasoned wilh the gentleman who was the leader of
their gang, and would probably have prevailed on him to give
up so black a design, had not some of his accomplices inter
posed, and with imprecations, threats, and blows, provoked Mr,
Blest to fire the pistol, which hurt no one. Mr. Blest re
treated from them, and being a stout man, kept them at bay,
but they followed hard after him, and happening to stumble at
his own door, he fell, when they got above hira, and most likely
would have murdered him, had he not been rescued from their
hands by one of his Roman Catholic servants. Mrs. Blest, who
was then in a way to become a mother, was the distracted spec
tator of this outrageous attack upon her husband. Their house
was threatened, their windows broken, and their chddren, twelve
in number, exposed. Mr. Blest, being threatened in his person
and property, left his house next morning to avoid their rage,
and continued away for some time. After he returned, he, with
his brother-in-law and two servants, lay in prison for some time ;
and were, together with his father and two of his servants, tried
for their lives, but were honourably acquitted. Mr. Blest's
counsel having got the hint that the prosecutors had obtained
a jury that were resolved to criminate his client, cast every one
of them, and others were appointed in their stead. Divine
Providence, by this circumstance, delivered a good man from
the determinate malice of his enemies.
Mr. Garie left Sligo immediately after the trial, having been
there between three and four months ; during a considerable
part of which time he was frequently in imminent, danger of his
life, and had to change his resting place every night. At one
time, the gentleman raentioned above carae in quest of Mr.
Blest's brother-in-law, with fire arms, and, after searching the
house from room to room, came Into that in which Mr. Garie
was. Upon his entering the roora, with a pistol In his hand,
Mr. Gai'ie arose from his seat, and holding a small Bible in his
hand, with a smding countenance, looked his rude visitor in the
face. The man, struck and confounded with Mr. Garie's araiable
and innocent appearance, immediately retired.
It may excite astonishment that the executive power was in-
p 2

21 '2 The life and ti.mes of
effectual to afford protecrion to loyal subjects, while quietly
attending to the things that concern their everlasting peace !
But so It v.'as ; and the most daring atrocities were too frequently
coraraitted with impunity. But araidst all the storra which for
some time raged at Sligo, He who ruleth over by his power,
though he was pleased, for the trial of his servants, to permit
" men to ride over their heads," and to answer their prayers " by
terrible things in righteousness," was still present with theni,
accompanying tbe ministration of the word with his divine bless
ing, to the everlasting benefit of many, who were plucked as
brands frora the burning. Sorae who came to hear for the
purpose of ridicule and derision, were compelled, by the power
ful efficacy attending the declaration of divine truth, to retire
to meditate and pray. One of these, Mr. Wilham Henry,
afterwards becarae a preacher of the faith he once atterapted to
destroy. Having devoted hiraself to the service of the heathen,
with twenty-eigkf other raissionaries, he was solemnly designated
to the work, in Lady Huntingdon's chapel (Sion), London, July
28th, 1 796, and embarked on board the ship Duff, destined to
convey thera to the Island of the South Seas.
Mr" Ball resuraed his labours at Sligo on Mr. Garie's return
to Dublin ; but how long he continued with the people we have
not been able to learn. He afterwards settled with a congrega
tion at Westbury, in Wiltshire ; from whence, after a few years,
he removed to London, to succeed the Rev. Dr. Povah, at Jewry-
street Chapel. Being recomraended to that congregarion by
the Rev. Matthew Wilks, of the Tabernacle, he was requested,
in the month of July, 1801, to pay them a visit for a few weeks
upon trial ; and his ministry being approved, he was invited, in
October following, to take upon hira the pastoral office. Mr.
Ball died in London, April 3, 1811, in the 48rd year of his age,
leaving a widow and six children. In 1807 he pubhshed a
defence of the Rev. Rowland Hdl, in a pamphlet, entitled
"Animadversions on 'An Admonitory Epistle to the Rev.
Rowland Hill, occasioned by the republication of his Spiritual
Characteristics, or Most Curious Sale of Curates.' "

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 213

CHAPTER XXVIIL
Mr. Edward Smyth and Mr. Mann— Mr. Walker — Mr. Maturin— Mr. Kelly —
Mr. Walter Shirley — Miss Maturin — Letter from Mr. Walker — Mr-
Matthias  Dr. Thorpe — Anecdote ofthe Stewart family — Mr. Horne — Mr
Pearce visits Ireland  Mr. Rowland Hill's visit to Ireland — Miss Johnson —
Mr. Alderman Hutton opens his House for preaching — General Evangelical
Society — Mr. Cooper invited to Ireland  Mr. Shaw — Mr. Roe — United
Brethren  Prosecutions  New Caapel in Dublin — Reflections on Lady
Huntingdon's Labours to spread the light of the Divine Truth.
The Rev. Edward Smyth, after some years preaching in Be
thesda Chapel, in conjunction with the Rev. William Mann,
A.M., resigned his situation and removed to Manchester, where
he afterwards became minister of St. Clement's and St. Luke's
Churches. Mr. Smyth had been a member of Mr. '.Wesley's
Connexion, but had withdrawn. Mr. Mann was a Calvinist in
sentiment, consequently there was a difference in their sermons,
whicli led to party feelings and discussions, that ended in a
separation. Mr. Srayth published the Book of Comraon
Prayer, with some few alterations, and a very large collection of
Hymns for the use of the congregation. This was followed, in
1791, by a very admirable collection compiled by Mr. Mann,
with a well-written preface. Mr. Mann, who remained some
time after Mr. Smyth resigned, removed to London, where he
became evening preacher at Ely Chapel. In 1804 he was
chosen by a great majority, (300 to 25,) one of the Chaplains
of St. Saviour's, Soutihwark, to succeed the Rev. William Wink
worth, who had been one of Lady Hunringdon's ministers, and
educated at her College, at Trevecca.
To Mr. Smyth and Mr. Mann succeeded the Rev. John
Walker, one of the Senior Fellows of the University, a man
of extraordinary abiliries and great learning, and the Rev. Henry
Maturin, also a Senior Fellow of the University, and afterwards
rector of Fanet, a living in the gift of the College. They were
of the five ministers prohibited by the Archbishop of Dublin
from preaching in the churches of his diocese, and who betook
themselves to Bethesda Chapel. The Rev. Thomas Kelly,*
• Mr. IfeUy is well known for a volume of very beautiful Hymns, most of
which he has set to music of his own composing. He married Miss Tighe, of
Rosanna, in the county of Wicklow. Her mother, Mrs. Tighe, was the only
child of Sir William and Lady Betty Fownes, and inherited their large fortune
and estates. When resident in Dublin she was an occasional attendant at
Lady Huntingdon's Chapel, where she was awakened to a sense of divine

214 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
only son of the Right Hon. Chief Baron Kelly, the Rev. Walter
Shirley,* son of the Pion. and Rev. Waller Shirley, the Rev.
Mr. Stephens, who had been ignominiously driven from the
Magdalen Chapel, and some others, sounded the Gospel
trumpet. One of the first fruits of their ministry was the late Miss
Maturin, who for many years adorned the doctrine of God our
Saviour by a holy life and conversation. Her family were of
great respectability — her father a beneficed clergyman, her
grandfather the Dean of St. Patrick's. She was sister to the
Rev. Henry Maturin, already mentioned, and another of her
brothers, Gabriel Maturin,f Esq., married the youngest daughter
of the Hon. and Rev. Walter Shirley, one who had been her
intiraate friend for a series of years, and who, like her, had de
rived a considerable benefit frora Mr. Walker's ministry. J
As a Clergyman of the Church of England, and a Senior Fel
low of the University of Dublin, he thought he infringed no
rule that was obligatory, or was guilty of any crirainal irregula
rity by preaching at Surrey Chapel. The well-known Mr.
Venn preached statedly at tbat place for a number of years —
so did Mr. Scott, ,of the Lock — so did Mr. Pentycross — so did
Mr. Berridge — so did Mr. Jones (of Langan) — so did Mr.
Charles, and many others long since gone to their eternal rest.
The preaching of Mr. Walker afforded Mr. Garie consider-
things. She was a woman of great piety and benevolence, and erected a small
chapel at Willowbank, near her residence, where there was constant preaching.
Her sister-in-law, the late Mrs. Theodosia Blackford, daughter of Mr. and
Lady Mary Tighe, and great grand-daughter of the celebrated Earl of Claren
don, was likewise a woman of singular excellence, and the foundress of a most
excellent institution, called the " House of Refuge. " In early life she was also
an attendant at Plunket-street Chapel. The death of her only daughter, the
late Mrs. Henry Tighe, author of " Psyche," and other poems, preyed much
upon her mind in latter years. Mrs. Blackford was the author of several
little tract.s, and translated from the French the Memoirs of the Baroness de
Chantel. * Mr. Shirley married, in 1796, Alicia, daughter of Sir Edward Newenham,
and has issue Walter Augustus, in holy orders, born 1797, and married, in 1827,
to Maria, daughter of William Waddington, Esq.
f One of his sons, Washington Shirley Maturin, Esq., married, December
26tb, 1836, his cousin, Elizabeth, daughter of the late Lieut. Col. Phillips, of
the Royal Marines.
^ A volume of Miss Maturin's letters was printed some years since by John
Synge, Esq., of Glenmore Castle, in the county of Wicklow (nephew of the
late Archbishop of Tuara), at his private printing press, and obtained a
wide circulation araong her friends and admirers. Miss Thompson, of Kil-
bricken, was one of her correspondents, and the early associate of Miss Matu
rin, Miss Brook, and Miss Edgeworth. She became the second wife of Mr.
Slack, of Armanale, in the county of Ferraanagh, a gentleraan of fortune and
great piety. The first Mrs. Slack was called " The Queen of the Dale" by
the late Dr. Coke, who had a high esteem for her. She was a member of Mr.
Wesley's Society.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINSDON. 213
able encouragement, and he rejoiced that the Lord vt^as raising
up faithful witnesses to proclaim the glad tidings of redemp
tion within the walls of the Established Churches. When
speaking of this circumstance, at the beginning of the year
1792, he says : — " the Lord has in some measure appeared for
his cause in this city, by raising up Mr. Walker, Fellow of
Trinity College, to preach in the Churches with much zeal,
simplicity, and clearness. This has afforded me much pleasure
and encouragement. May tbe Great Head of the Church bless
his labours !" On another occasion he writes : — " Breakfasted
this morning with my dear friends, Messrs. Walker, Maturin,
&c., at College. O, how pleasing to see God raising up pious,
zealous, wise young raen in that place I Lord Jesus, add to
their nuraber !" Not long after this period, fhe Rev. Benjamin
William Matthias* and the Rev. William Thorpe began to add
their voices to the testimony of Jesus. These gentlemen were
likewise originally connected with Lady Huntingdon's Chapel,
and formed part of the plenteous harvest of iraraortal souls
gathered to the true Shiloh in that place. Oh ! how many in
the last great day will have reason to bless God for having pnt
it into the heart of the Countess of Huntingdon to send the
blessing of a free salvation to the Irish shores ! From her
chapel all the other congregations in this populous city have
emanated. For a considerable nuraber of years it stood, as it
were, alone, and was the only place where the ministers of the
Gospel distinguished themselves in the service of the crucified
Redeemer with zeal and fidelity. Thither all the awakened
people fled for refuge, and great and small bore testimony to
the signal displays of gospel grace, under the ministry of these
faithful labourers in the Lord's vineyard.
Willmott House was now open for the preaching of the Gos
pel. Clergymen of the Church of England, the preachers in
Mr. Wesley's Connexion, Moravian ministers, and ministers of
other denominations here found a welcome ; and the faithful

• Mr. Matthias commenced his useful ministry as curate of Rathfriland, of
which the venerable and excellent Mr. Tighe was the worthy rector. But the
doctrine of the cross was not confined to the walls of the parish church : on
the neighbouring mountains this faithful minister of Christ proclairaed the good
tidings of salvation to listening thousands, and God immediately began to bless
his testimony. The family of the late Mr. Stuart, of Willmott, was converted
by means of a maid-servant, a hearer of Mr. Matthias, and whs was an instance
of religious heroism in humble Ufe. Through her labours nine sisters became
pious. Three of them afterwards married Evangelical preachers — Mr. Matthias,
the Rev. Blayney Mitchell, and the Rev. Edward Hoare, late curate of St.
Mary's, Leicester. Mrs. Bellingham, Mrs. Hannah, and Mrs. Flood, have been
called to their eternal rest.

216 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
success. Mr. Matthias was much owned in the field of useful
ness; but about the year 1804 he was induced to remove to
proclamation of the word of life was attended with remarkable
Dubhn, having been invited by the trustees* to succeed Mr.
Walker, as chaplain of Bethesda and of the Lock Peniten
tiary : at this latter place he was associated with the Rev. WU
liam Thorpe,-]- who had been curate of one of the city churches,
which, however, he resigned on becoming assistant to Mr.
Walker. Towards the close of 1 794, Mr. Garie left Dublin and en
tered on the duties of his office as minister of a chapel -of-ease at
Perth, in connexion with the Established Church of Scotland.
There he continued usefully and successfully employed till his
deatb, January 14th, 1801. To Mr. Garie succeeded Mr.
Richardson, who had been settled at Wem, as minister of the
chapel which had formerly been in Lady Huntingdon's posses
sion. He married in Ireland Miss Donovan. The Rev. Andrew
Horne was the next minister of Plunket-street Chapel. Having
commenced his studies at Cheshunt College, under the Rev.
Isaac Nicholson, he was publicly ordained to the office of the
ministry in Lady Huntingdon's Connexion, June 13, 1797, at
Sion Chapel, London, together with Mr. Lewis, Mr. Wilkins
(late of Abingdon), Mr. Mather (the present minister at Bever
ley, York), and Mr. Cooper, who some years after succeeded
Mr. Horne in Dubhn. The Rev. Thomas Williams, of Step
ney, who had been educated at Trevecca, opened the service
with prayer. The Rev. Thomas Young (then of Canterbury,
but now of Margate) addressed the congregation, and called
on the candidates for an account of their experience and call
to the ministry. Mr. Cooper read the articles of faith. Mr.
Nicholson, president of her Ladyship's College, prayed, and,
with Mr. Young, Mr. Kirkman, and Mr. Rowland, ordained
* Bethesda chapel was vested in five trustees, 'all Clergymen of the Church of
England. f Rev. William Thorpe, A.M. and M.D. He was educated at Trinity Col
lege, where he took his degree. He afterwards studied medicine at Edinburgh,
where he took the degree of M.D. The father of this gentleman was for many
years a deacon of the church in Plunket-street. Some years since Doctor
Thorpe removed to London, and became Minister of Ely Chapel, Holborn, and
lecturer of St. George the Martyr. He was subsequently chaplain of the Lock
Hospital, a place formerly of great notoriety, and minister of Belgrave Chapel.
Prior to his removal to London, be brought himself into notice by some pam
phlets against Catholic Emancipation, which vvere written with great spirit and
ability, and were dedicated to the Earl of Liverpool. He also published a ser
mon, preached at St. Andrew's, of which he was curate, and a short account of
Mrs. Hoare, wife of the late Rev. William D. Hoare, of St. George's, Limerick.
A few years since. Dr. Thorpe married, for his second wife, the widow of the
late Earl of Pomfret.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 217
them by imposition of hands. Mr. Nicholson then gave the
charge, and Mr. Rowland closed the solemn service with prayer.
This vast edifice was filled the moment the doors were open, and
thousands were obliged to depart without being able to get
within the doorway.
In the summer of 1796 the Rev. Samuel Pearce, of Birming
ham, arrived in Dublin, in compliance with the invitation of the
General Evangelical Society. Several ministers of the Baptist
denomination had been there before him, as Messrs. Rippon,
Langdon, Francis, and Birt. " Having engaged to spend six
Lord's days in that Kingdom (writes Mr. Pearce), I arrived there
the day before the first Sabbath in June. I first made myself
acquainted with the general state of religion in Dublin. I found
there were four Presbyterian congregations ; two of these
belong to the southern Presbytery, and are Arians or Socinians
— the other two connected with the northern Presbytery, and
retain the Westminster confession of faith. One of these latter
congregations is very small, and the minister, though orthodox,
appears to have but little success. The other is large and
flourishing ; the place of worship ninety feet by seventy, and. In
the morning, well filled. Dr. Mc. Dowell is the senior pastor of
this church — a very affectionate, spiritual man. The doctor is
a warm friend to the society of whose request I went over to
Ireland. There is one congregation of Burgher Seceders and
another of Antiburghers. Lady Huntingdon has one society
here, the only one in the kingdom perhaps, except at Sligo,
where there is another. There is not one independent Church
in the kingdom. There were ten Baptist societies in Ireland—
they are now reduced to six, and are, I fear, still on the
decline." When Mr. Pearce had been in Dublin but a very short time
he wrote thus to Mr. Pearce : —
" I am delightfully disappointed with the place and its inhabitants-
I liave found much more religion here already than I expected to
meet with during the whole of my stay. I am at the house of a Mr.
Hutton, late high sheriff of the city, a gentleman of opulence, re
spectability, and Evangelical piety. He is by profession a Calvinistic
Presbyterian — an elder of Dr. Mc. Dowell's church— and has a most
amiable wife and four children. The Lord's day after I wrote to you
last, I preached for Dr. Mc. Dowell in the morning, at half-past
eleven — heard a Mr. Kilburn at five — and preached again at Plunket-
street at seven. On Tuesday evening I preached at an hospital, and
on Thursday evening at Plunket-street again. Yesterday, for the
Baptists in the morning. Dr. Mc. Dowell at five, and at Plunket-street
at seven. I thank God that I possess an abiding determination to aim
at the consciences of the people ; in every discourse I have borne the

218 THE LIPE AND TIMES OF
most positive testimony against the prevailing evils of professors here,
as sensuality, gaiety, vain amusement, neglect of the Sabbath, &c.,
and last night told an immense crowd of professors of the first rank
' that if they made custom and fashion their plea, they were awfully
deluding their souls, for it had always been the fashion to insult God,
to dissipate time, and to pursue the broad road to hell ; but it would
not lessen their torments there that the way to damnation was the
fashion.' I expected my faithfulness would have given them offence ;
but I am persuaded it was the way to please the Lord, and those
whom I expected would be enemies are not only at peace with me,
hut even renounce their sensual indulgences to attend on my ministry,
I have formed a most pleasing acquaintance with several serious young
men in the University here, and with two of the Fellows of the Col
lege, most pious gentlemen indeed, who have undergone a world of
reproach for Christ and his Gospel, and have been forbidden to preach
in the Churches hy the Archbishop ; but God has raised another
house* for them here, where they preached with much success, and
have begun a meeting in the College, which promises fresh prosperity
to the cause of Jesus."
Mr. Summers afterwards visited Dublin, and accompanied
Mr. Pearce during the latter part of his visits in the neighbour
hood, particularly at Blackrock-)- and Lexlip.
Shortly after the departure of Mr. Pearce from Ireland,
Dr. Rippon received two letters from Dublin, one from Dr.
McDowell, and another from Mr. Howard,:): an aged deacon in
that city, in which Mr. Pearce's labours were very highly
estiraated. Not long after Mr. Pearce had returned to Birmingham, Mr.
• Bethesda Chapel.
f A considerable bathing-place, situated on the sea-side, about three miles
frora Dublin, and the residence of a vast number of the most genteel families
in the vicinity of the capital. During his labours in Ireland, Mr. Pearce was
strongly solicited to settle at this place, and a very liberal salary was offered
him. On mature deliberation, he thought it his duty to decline it. A very
neat and commodious chapel was afterwards erected at this place, at the sole
expense of the Rev. Thomas Kelly, and for a number of years was supplied by
him and the preachers in connexion with him. About twenty years ago it was
disposed of to some of the leading members of the congregation of Bethesda
Chapel. In this populous neighbourhood the Rev. Mr. Matthias and Dr.
Thorpe laboured alternately for some years with great utility. Several other
evangelical clergymen also occasionally preached there. For a long series of
years it was the only Protestant place of worship in that neighbourhood. The
present minister is the Rev. John Crosthwaite, formerly curate of St- John's,
and chaplain to the Molyneux Blind Asylum.
\ Deacon of the church in Plunket-street. For some years before his death
this excellent man withdrew from Plunket-street, and became meraber of the
congregation at Bethesda Chapel. He lived to a great age, and died a few years
ago in peace. He resided with his daughter, Mrs. Cuthbert. It was at his
house that Mr. Hawkesworth remained a great part of tlie tirae he was in Dub
lin. Of the same " set" was the Rev. Hans Hamilton, D.D., son of Dr. Hugh

SELIN.4, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 219
Hill paid a second visit to Ireland. His first trip to Dublin
was in 1793, when his presence and advice were peculiarly use
ful to those ministers of the Church of England who were at
that tirae suffering much obloquy and persecution for the faithful
testimony which they bore to the great doctrines of the Refor
mation. He had found a ready access to the affections of the
pious people in Dublin, and his name has ever been held in high
veneration in that city. Letters to him from his Irish hearers
bear testimony of his zealous exertions there, and to fhe revival
at that period of the work of religion among them. A clergj'-
man pressed him to go to the north of Ireland to " proclaim
the word of life in his parish," where he tells him that notwith
standing the numbers of Papists among his people, a work of
grace was going on. His vivid imagination, animated manner,
liveliness of disposition, and rooted ahhorrence of Popery, suited
in a high degree the pious Protestants who crowded around him.
Letters still in existence from his Irish friends express their
assurance of his deep sympathy in the awful scenes so frequent
during tbe heat of the rebellion in that country. Wherever he
went his presence inspired such confidence and regard, that
those whom he admitted to any degree of intimacy looked upon
him as a friend and brother, to whom they might appeal for
advice and consolation in the difficulties and trials by which
they were afterwards surrounded.
Prior to the breaking out of the rebellion in 1 798, when poli
tical parties ran high, and the cloud which afterwards burst was
gathering in blackness, a few persons of the highest respecta
bility, whose minds had been touched with a deep sense of eternal
things, desiring to profit by the awful appearance of the times,
and anxious for their country's welfare, came to the determination
of having meetings for prayer, with a particular view to the state
of the nation. The residence of Mr. Alderman Hutton, close
to St. Stephen's Green, was opened for this purpose on Friday
evenings. Messrs. Walker and Maturin (Fellows of the Uni
versity), Mr. Kelly, Mr. Shiriey, Mr. Matthias, Mr. Stephens,
Mr. Thorpe (all Clergymen of the Established Church), and
many occasionally from the countr}' ; with Dr. Mc. Dowell (the
senior minister of the Scotch Church) ; Mr. Harriey, minister
ofthe Moravian chapel; Mr. Horne, Mr. Cooper, and other
ministers in Lady Huntingdon's Connexion, laboured in this
Hamilton, late Bishop of Ossory, and elder brother of the Rev. George Hamilton,
who married Miss Sophia Kiernan, niece of the Hon. and Rev. Walter Shirley.
Dr. Hamilton married the third daughter of the Right Hon. Silver Oliver, of
Castle Oliver, in the county of Limerick, sister to Lady Mountsandford, and
aunt to Henry, second Baron Mountsandford.

220 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
field of usefulness to much purpose. Great numbers attended ;
the drawing-rooms, lobbies, and staircase were often crowded
to inconvenience, and the word of the Lord no sooner began to
be preached in the light and the love of it, than it immediately
ran and was glorified. Many seals were there given to their
labours.* In May, 1798, the rebellion broke out with alarming violence :
terror and dismay were visible In every countenance ; and never,
perhaps, did the Lord appear more awful as coming out of his
place to punish the inhabitants of a land for their Iniquity. The
Lord maketh the wrath of man to praise him ; and has promised
that when his judgmeuts are abroad in the earth the inhabitants
thereof shall learn righteousness. This promise he graciously
fulfilled during the disturbances that at this time agitated Ireland.
During this awful period the labours of the Evangelical
Society were singularly useful in exciting a spirit of inquiry
throughout the kingdom. The itinerants went forth under their
patronage, and proclairaed the unsearchable riches of Christ in
the highways and hedges, and wherever an opportunity pre
sented Itself. The visit of the Rev. Sarauel Pearce, of Bir
mingham, to Ireland, in 1796, was attended with considerable
success. His preaching was not only highly acceptable to every
class of hearers, but the word came from him with power, and
there Is abundant reason to believe that many will, through
eternity, praise God for sending his message to thera by this
highly-gifted arabassador of Christ. He was earnestly solicited
by the General Evangelical Society in Dublin to renew his
visit in 1798, to assist in diffusing the sweet savour of the Gospel
of God our Saviour. Ready to erabrace every call of duty, he
had signified his corapliance, and the tirae was fixed ; but the
» Amongst the rest the late Miss Johnson, since removed to her eternal
reward, who a thousand tiraes lifted up her voice in praises that ever
these ministers of Christ proclaimed his everlasting love and mercy in that
place. She was amongst the first fruits of the harvest gathered at Mr. Alder
man Hutton's house, and to the period of her decease adorned the doctrine of
God her Saviour in all things. The Alderman's house was in the neighbour
hood where Miss Johnson resided, and the preaching there naturally becarae
the subject of conversation in the circle in which she moved. Induced by
curiosity she went to this meeting. The novelty of the scene attracted her
attention, and its solemnity made an impression on her mind. It was diff'erent
from any tiling she had before witnessed ; equally free from the dry formality
to which she was accustomed, and the wild enthusiasm that has too frequently
disgraced the name of vital godliness. For some time she continued her
attendance ; and from the place where she had been professedly waiting upon
God, would depait to the place of public resort to spend the remainder of the
evening. This, however, appeared to herself an inconsistent line of conduct;
she saw the necessity of abandoning the prayer-meeting or the promenade,
and deterrained it shoiild be the latter.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 221
breaking out of the Irish rebellion prevented him from realizing
his Intention. This was a painful disappointraent to raany, who
wished once more to see his face, and to hear the glad tidings
from his lips.
The suramer of the succeeding year, the late Mr. Alderman
Hutton happening to be In Bristol, the Rev. Wilham Cooper,
then in the zenith of his popularity, was supplying Lady Hun
tingdon's chapel in that city. He had been recomraended to
the notice of Lady Anne Erskine, who, instead of sending him
to the College at Cheshunt, appointed him to preach in some
of tbe principal chapels in the Connexion. In August, 1796,
the day on which he corapleted his twentieth year, he preached
a serraon to the Jews, at Sion Chapel, London, to an immense
concourse of people, among whom were many of the descendants
of Abraham. The crowd was so great that the Rev. Isaac
Nicholson, President of Cheshunt College, the Rev. William
Roby, of Manchester, and the Rev. Mr. Carter, a minister in
the Connexion, preached without the doors to many thousands
of people, wbo were unable to gain admittance. The discourse,
with another in the same place on the 18th of September fol
lowing, was afterwards published, and rendered the author ex
ceedingly popular. On the 13th of June, 1797, he was or
dained to the work of the ministry, in Lady Huntingdon's Con
nexion, at Sion Chapel, together with five others. Mr. Alder
man Hutton was so struck with the zeal and abilities of Mr.
Cooper, that in tbe name of the Evangelical Society, he invited
him over to Dublin, to try and diffuse in that region the light of
the Sun of RIg-hteousness. Lady Anne Erskine hesitated not
to comply with the wishes of the Society, and in the summer of the
sarae year Mr. Cooper commenced his useful ministry in Dublin.
From thence he went to the north of Ireland, and on the 4th
of June, 1799, we find him preaching at Moy, in the county of
Tyrone. Considerable attention was excited to the word of
life in that neighbourhood; after which the Rev. George Ha
milton, of Armagh, and other ministers in connexion with the
Evangelical Society, preached there occasionally. During the
summer of 1800 Mr. Gregory preached once a fortnight inthe
open air to about one thousand persons, and a subscription was
then commenced forerecting a place of worship. By the liberality
of the inhabitants of Moy and its vicinity, with the assistance of
the religious public, who knew its destitute state, that town
being about three miles from any regular place of Protestant
worship, a neat and commodious chapel was erected, to be sup
plied by evangelical ministers of every denomination. It was

22^ THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
solemnly dedicated on the 19 th of May, 1802, on which occasion
two sermons were preached ; that in the morning by the Rev.
George Hamilton, of Armagh, from 2 Sam. vii. 12 ^^ Ebenezer"
the name of the chapel ; and that in the evening by the Rev.
W. Gibson, of Rich-hill, from Luke xix. 9, " This day is sal
vation come to this house." Tbe Rev. George Maunsell, of
Drumeree, concluded the soleran and interesting services of the
day by prayer and giving out the hymn — " All hail the power of
Jesu's name," Sic, which was sung by a numerous congrega
tion with the most enlightened devotion.
We have already seen an abundant harvest produced from the
seed which was cast into the Gospel field; and with earnest
hope and joyful expectation the people of God looked for a yet
more abundant crop. Many were ready to exclaim —
" Saw ye not the cloud arise.
Little as a human hand ;
NoiV it spreads along the skies.
Hangs o'er all the thirsty land.
Lo I the promise of a shower.
Drops already from above ;
But the Lord will shortly pour
All the Spirit of his love."
The light of divine truth now burst forth in several parts of
the kingdom, and men were qualified and sent forth by the great
Head of the Church to proclaim the glory of his name and the
riches of his salvation. Two beneficed clergymen — the Rev.
Robert Shaw, a near relative of Sir Robert Shaw, Bart, many
years representative of the city of Dublin, and tbe Rev. Peter
Roe, rector of St. Mary's, in Kilkenny, the son of a respectable
physician in Dublin — now began to bear a faithful testimony to
the grace and atonement of the Redeemer. They frequently
visited the metropolis, where many churches were open to theni.
Wherever they preached amazing multitudes thronged every
part of the largest edifices, and the " signs and wonders which
were wrought by their instrumentality were to theraselves and
others indubitable proofs that the " Lord God and his Spirit
had sent them."*
Towards the close of the year 1801 the late Rev. John Hart-
* Several others were also raised up about this period to testify the Gospel
ofthe grace of God ; the Rev. Blayney Mitchell, Rev. Berkeley Mitchell and Rev.
George Maunsell, afterwai-ds Dean of Leighlin. This gentleman, at the com-
mencement of his ministerial course, preached everywhere with great zeal and
success, and occasionally officiated in the Countess of Huntingdon's chapel
in Dublin. He is from a family of ancient descent and high aUiances. His
father was M.P. for Kilmallock, and his mother a daughter of Richard Waller,

SELINA, COtJNTESS OF HUNtlNGDON. 223
ley ariived in Dublin, and on the first sabbath in November
entered upon his public labours, preaching from these words —
" I have much people in that city." The German Lutheran
congregation in Dublin being without a minister, Mr. Hartley
for two years preached a sermon in the German language every
other Lord's day in the afternoon. His stay In Dublin was but
of short duration, for he was removed to Gracehill, in the county
of Antrim, to superintend the extensive settlement in that place.
This was his last removal, till called by death to take possession
of that " house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens,"
which was prepared for him ere time began.*
At this period the Evangelical Society having resolved to send
missionaries into Ireland, made application to the Rev. John
Eyre, of London, one of Lady Huntingdon's ministers, and Robert
Haldane, Esq., of Edinburgh, whose general knowledge and dis
interested zeal gave sanguine hopes of success, and who, on
various occasions, evinced the interest they took in the welfare
of the Society. From the former gentleman they obtained one
itinerant, William P. Crook, who had been a missionary at the
Marquesas; and from the latter four, Messrs. Henderson,
Hamilton, M'Kenzie, and Laurie. Aided by Mr. Cooper, Mr.
Horne, and Mr. Gregory, regular supplies were now obtained
for Cork, Waterford, Limerick, and many of the principal towns
in the kingdom. The Rev. Claude Morrison, the Rev. Berke
ley Mitchell, and Mr. Gunn, who laboured in connexion with
Mr. Kelly, who had erected chapels at Blackrock, Athy, and
other places, itinerated in various directions, and were every
where heard with attention. Mr. Cooper and Mr. Kelly likewise
made a preaching tour through the south of Ireland.
The Rev. John M'KenzIe, one of the itinerants, was sent to
New Ross in the summer of 1802; after hearing service in the
parish church, he assembled in company with many respectable
Esq., of Castle Waller, in the county of Limerick. One of his sons, an eminent
barrister, married Lady Catherine Hare, daughter of the Earl of Listowel ; and
his youngest daughter was wedded to the Rev. Williara Atthill, an evangelical
preacher, rector of Fentona, in the county of Fermanagh, and a near relative
to Dr. Porter, late Bishop of Clogher. Dean Maunsell and Mr. AtthUl are
trustees of Bethesda Chapel, and the latter a constant pieacher there.
* This useful minister of Christ finished his course June 17, 1811, in Dublin.
The Rev. John Swertner, at that time minister of the Brethren's church, in
Dublin, preached his funeral serraon. This excellent man, whose private papers
have contributed much useful matter to these meraoirs, has likewise finished
his race. He removed to Bath, and afterwards to Bristol, where he ended his
days March 11, 1813. By his marriage with Elizabeth Cennick, only daughter
of the Rev. John Cennick, founder of the Brethren's churches in Dublin and
the north of Ireland, he had two daughters ; one died young, and the other,
born deaf and dumb, survived her father.

224 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
inhabitants of the town, in order to preach in the open air.
Having begun the service, while In the act of prayer, and ira
raediately after he had been praying for the king, Henry Loftus
Tottenham, Esq., a raagistrate, and sovereign of Ross, carae
with a mihtary guard, and brought Mr. M'Kenzie to the gaol,
where he was confined from two o'clock on Sunday tdl eleven
o'clock on Monday, when he was discharged. Mr. M'Kenzie
brought an action for damages against Mr. Tottenham, and the
cause was tried atthe next assize at Wexford, March 29th, 1803,
before the celebrated Lord Norbury. The learned judge, in a
very able charge to the jury, cited the several laws on our
rehgious liberty, which the jury were called on that day to sup
port ; and expressed the pleasure he felt. In the discharge of his
duty. In vindicating the religious liberty of Ireland, In opposition
to tbe magistrate of Ross, who. It appeared, had framed laws
for himself. The, jury after retiring for half an hour, brought
in a verdict against Mr. Tottenham* of two Iiundred pounds
damages and costs.\
It has already been stated that the congregation at Sligo was
originally gathered by tbe labours of the rainisters in Lady
Huntingdon's Connexion, under whose rainistry not a few were
brought to taste that the Lord is gracious. The preaching of
Mr. Garie and Mr. Ball, who remained sorae considerable time
at Sligo, was attended with very great success, and many were
added to the church of such as shall be saved. On Mr. Ball's
return to England, the congregation were supplied by the minis
ters In connexion with Mr. Kelly, and the itinerants under the
General Evangelical Society. On the 4th of July, 1802, the
Rev. Claude Morrison, who had been educated In tbe seminary
established by the munificence of Mr. Haldane,. at Glasgow,
under the superintendance of the Rev. Greville Erving, was
ordained pastor of this church. The service was held In the
chapel of tbe Rev. Thomas Kelly, at Blackrock, near Dublin,
when Mr. Gunn, Mr. Horne, and Mr. M'Kenzie took part in
the solemnity. A very suitable and Irapressive charge was given
* It is peculiarly gratifying to state that several of the Tottenham family
have since been the zealous supporters of evangelical principles and preaching.
The Rev. Edward Tottenham, of Bath, is one of this family.
f There was another trial about the same period in Dublin, of three rioters,
who were found guUty of a riot at Harold's Cross, near Dublin, while Mr.
Gregory was preaching on the green. Lord Avonmore expatiated very largely
on the laws which they had broken, and proved that, had there been any
lives lost, the prisoners would have been guilty in the eye of the law, and
capitally convicted. They were sentenced to three months' imprisonment.
These trials operated as a caution to others who would disturb the public peace
and good order on such occasions, or violate the sacred laws that guarantes
religious liberty.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 225
by the Rev. Andrew Horne, from Acts xx. 28, " Take heed,
therefore, unto yourselves," &c. The service concluded by
singing the hymn —
" Let Zion's watchmen all awake," &c.
and the numerous congregation who assembled to witness this
novel scene were dismissed with the usual benediction.
In the month of July, 1802, the late indefatigable Rowland
Hill again visited Ireland. He landed at Waterford, and preached
in that city, where he found a small band of people, who had
originally been collected by Mr. Hawkesworth and other minis
ters in the Countess's Connexion.
On leaving Waterford, Mr. Hill proceeded to New Ross, not
long after Mr. Tottenham's attempt to suppress the promulgation
of divine truth in that town. To the pulpit of the Rev. George
Carr, an evangelical clergyman, whose ministry has proved a
blessing to many in that town and neighbourhood, Mr. Hill was
welcomed, and he preached to overflowing congregations with
his accustomed zeal and success. He also preached for Mr.
Kelly, at Athy, and at one or two other places on his way to
Dublin. On Sunday the 1st of August, Mr. Hill opened his
commission with a very powerful sermon at Bethesda Chapel in
the morning, and in the evening at Plunket-street. Both dis
courses were in aid of the funds of the General Evangelical
Society, and upwards of one hundred and twenty pounds were
contributed. After this Mr. Hill made an excursion to the
north of Ireland.
After preaching at Bethesda Chapel, Plunket-street, and at
Mr. Alderman Hutton's house, Mr. Hill embarked for England
on Wednesday the 25th of August. Mr. Walker had left Ireland
for England the very day on which Mr. Hill arrived in Dublin ;
and Mr. Matthias was supplying his place at Bethesda Chapel
tin his return. About the same time that Mr. Hill was in Ire
land, the Rev. Thomas Williams, of Stepney, who had been a
student at Lady Huntingdon's College at Trevecca, paid a short
visit to Dublin, and preached in Plunket-street, Swift's-alley
meeting-house, and the Danish Church, to very crowded audi
tories. He was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Shoveller, of Ports-
nVDuth, who had been recomraended to the Society by Dr.
Ryland, of Bristol, and Mr. Birt, of Plymouth. He also preached
at Swift's-alley and Plunket-street, and was succeeded by the
Rev. Mr. Stennett in the month of October. About the same
time the Rev. Berkeley Mitchell, who had been preaching in Mr.
Kelly's connexion, accepted an invitation from the congregation
of the late Rev. Philip Oliver, at Boughton Chapel, Chester,
VOE. II, — Q

2'26 THE Life and times of
It was likewise about the same period that the Rev. Blayney
Mitchell, one of the students at the University, and brother-in-
law to Mr. Matthias, who had been preaching in Dubhn and
other places with great zeal and success, was appointed to the
curacy of Balllnrobe, in the county of Mayo. Such was the
state of religion In this unhappy country in the year 1802. At
that time there were not ten ministers in the Established Church,
labouring within the strict pale of regularity, who preached the
doctrines of the Gospel and the Reformation ! Blessed be God
for the wondrous change which hath since ensued ! Within the
last thirty years the number of those who lie under the imputa
tion of Methodism has grown into the number of a host. And
may God the Spirit still give more abundant increase !*
It was during this year that a large school-room, situated at a
distance from Plunket-street Chapel, was fitted up and opened
for a Sunday evening lecture.
This year Henry Hutton, Esq., alderman, and late high
sheriff, served the office of chief magistrate of the city of Dublin,
with high credit to hiraself and to the general satisfaction of
his fellow-citizens. He was voted a gold box and a valuable
• The absence of Mr. Horne from Plunket-street was, on some occasions,
supplied by Mr. Crook, who was much esteemed by the congregation. In
-March, 1803, he embarked for England, for the purpose of going once more as
a missionary, under the London Missionary Society, to the island of Otaheite,
in the Pacific Ocean. During his residence in Dublin Mr. Horne published
a collection of hymns for the use of the congregation in Plunket-street. He
married a Miss Eyres, a lady of considerable talents, and much piety. She
possessed great musical abilities, and was the composer of some very popular
airs, especially the rausic of " Head of the Church Triuraphant," and " Blow
ye the trumpet, blow," &c.
In the early part of the year 1803 Mr. Horne accepted the call of the trustees
of Lady Huntingdon's Connexion to superintend the College at Cheshunt ,-
and he accordingly left Dublin for that purpose on the 12th of March. He did
not, however, remain long at Cheshunt. He was afterwards situated at High
Wycombe, in Buckinghamshire. On his departure from Dublin the congre
gation in Plunket-street were supplied by the Rev. William Gregory, who had
been one of the missionaries on board the missionary ship Duff, when she was
captured on her voyage to the South Sea Islands. He was solemnly designated
to the important work at Spa-fields Chapel, in November 1798, on which occa
sion Dr. Haweis read the prayers of the Established Church, and the Rev. John
Eyre, A.M., formerly a student at Trevecca, delivered a charge to the mis
sionaries. Mr. Gregory, with three others, was afterwards ordained at Surrey
Chapel, when Mr. Hill read the Church prayers, and Mr. Howell, of Knares
borough, prayed the ordination prayer ; after which Dr. Waugh preached, and
Mr, Hill gave an affectionate charge to the raissionaries. Shortly after Mr.
Gregory's return to England, he formed a connexion with the Rev. William
Ross, who had just left Cheshunt College, where he had been educated under
the able superintendance of the worthy President, the Rev. Isaac Nicholson,
and they obtained possession of Salera Chapel, Shadwell, which had been for
some time shut up. Mr. Gregory was employed by the Evangelical Society
to itinerate in diff'erent parts of the codntry, but on account of his engagement
to preach in Plunket-street, his connexion with the Society ceased.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTUvTGDON. 227
piece of plate ; and his great attention to the observance of the
Sabbath, is mentioned in three public addresses from the city.
About this time the worthy Alderman opened a school at the
rear of his house, for the education of poor children, in which
lectures were delivered every Saturday evening to overflowihg
congregations. Mr. Cooper succeeded Mr. Horne in Plunket-street. Under
his ministry the church and congregation rapidly increased, and
his popularity continued undiminished to the close of his minis
terial labours in 1829. He was called under Mr. Caldwell*
and Mr. Haweis, at the same time with Mr. Sage, who soon be
came a preacher of that Gospel which had proved the power of
God to his salvation ; but his race was short in this capacity,
for he was called to his eternal rest in February, 1799, at the
early age of thirty-two years.f
It was now that a new chapel was erected for the preaching
of the Gospel by clergymen of all persuasions, whose doctrine
was evangelical. At the first meeting upwards of seven hundred
pounds was subscribed, and Mr. Cooper was engaged to supply
the pulpit four months in the year. After much diligent inquiry,
a plot of ground was obtained at the corner of York-street, on
the west side of St. Stephen's Green, eligible in every respect
for the building. This was purchased by the trustees for the
sum of tkree thousand pounds, of tiieir own proper money ; and
they in every respect made themselves liable for rent, taxes,
* The Rev. Robert Caldwell rose from an obscure situation to that of a
respectable minister iii Lady Huntingdon's Connexion. Disliking an itinerant
mode of life, he resolved to take the first opportunity of settling, and cheer
fully accepted the call of the people at Silver-street Chapel to succeed the Rev.
Thomas Wills. He preached his first sermon there February 16, 1800, from
the following words : — " I am determined to know nothing among you, save
Jesus Christ, and him crucified." His services were so acceptable that the con
gregation, which had declined during the latter part of Mr. Wills's tirae, began
to revive. But the pleasing prospects entertained by his friends were speedily
withered by his untimely death, on the 16th of April, 1803, in the forty-fifth
year of his age. Mr. Caldwell, though not distinguished for literary attain
ments, was an afl'ectionate and acceptable preacher. His delivery, however,
was somewhat too rapid. During the time he was at Silver-street he was very
popular. t See Memoirs of Thomas Sage, by the Rev. William Cooper. A funeral
sermon was preached at Spafields Chapel for Mr. Sage, by his friend, Mr.
Cooper, Februaiy 20, 1799, a short time before his first visit to Ireland. 'To
elegance in writing Mr. Cooper never pretended, and he has modestly cau
tioned the religious world not to expect from hira any " great display of
literature," or perfection of style. " The following is a list of his publications :
— " The True Messiah," 1796. " The Proraised Seed," 1796: both preached
to the Jews at Sion Chapel. " Daniel's Seventy Weeks," 1796, also preached
to the Jews. " Letters on Religious Subjects," 1806. " The Flying Angel ;"
a sermon preached at Armagh before the Evangelical Society of Ulster. " A
Collection of Hymns for the congregation in Plunket-street," and a few tracts.
Q 2

*

228 The life and ti.mes oF
interest, and expenses thereof, for tbe purpose of erecting a
cliapcl for the celebration of divine worship. I'he trustees were
nine in number,- — Alderman Henry Hutton, Michael Blood, "
Joseph Wilson, Thomas Oldham, Edward William Burton,f
William Macauley, Archibald Hamilton, John Robinson, and
William Osborne, Esqrs. ; raost, if not all, of whom have long
since been removed to another world. The plan was on a far
more extensive scale than any place of worship in Dulilin, being
eighty-six feet by seventy-two. By letting and selling a part of
the ground, the trustees were enabled to hold the chapel rent-
free for ever. In the year 1805 the subscriptions amounted
only to one thousand pounds, so that the trustees were obliged
to make an appeal to their more opulent brethren in England.
This appeal was published in the " Evangelical Magazine" for
1805, at which period Mr. Alderman LluttonJ and Dr. M'Dowell
visited London, for the purpose of collecting; and, with the kind
assistance of the Rev. Rowland Hill, Rev. Matthew Wilks, Rev.
Dr. Haweis, Rev. John Eyre, and others, they collected about
two tkou sand pounds. On Sunday, the 4th of July, 1808, the
spacious edifice was dedicated. The Rev. Thomas Harding, a
respectable clergyman, who had been for many years one of tbe
committee of the General Evangelical Society, read the prayers
of the Establishment, after which the Rev. Rowland Plill preached
from 1 Cor. ii. 2, " I am determined not to know anything among
* Mr. Blood was descended from a highly respectable family in the county
of Limerick. He was a consistent member of the Church of England, and a
regular attendant at Bethesda Chapel to the period of his death. He was a
man generally respected ; his integrity was inflexible ; his attachments were
cautiously forraed, but unshaken ; his ra.anners were unaffected, yet dignified ;
and he despised all art and cunning, especially under the cloak of religion.
His brother, the Rev. Neptune Blood, a pious clergyman, and rector of Rox
burgh, in the county of Clare, first introduced the Moravians into that part of
Ireland, where they had a small settlement. Mr. Blood left a daughter by his
second wife. Miss Cecilia Compton, of Liraerick.
f Mr. Burton was a man of family, and a worthy raember of the church of
the United Brethren. He married one of the sisters of the above Michael Blood,
Esq. One of his daughters married the Rev. John Hutton, only son of Mr.
Alderman Hutton ;,the other, Muurice Fitzgerald, Esq., of Limerick. She died
in Piercy- street, London, in 1821. Her amiable Christian disposition and
deportment through life greatly endeared her to all her numerous connexions.
Mr. Fitzgerald afterwards married the relict of Michael Blood, Esq.
\ This excellent raan enjoyed tolerable health till within a short period ofthe
day of his death, February 8, 1808. He was twice married. Byhis first wife.
Miss Barber, he had a son and four daughters, one of whora, Sarah, raarried
Higginson Johnson, Esq:, and another, Susan, John Guinness, Esq., younger
brother of Arthur Guinness, Esq., of Beaumont, near Dublin. By his second
wife. Miss Olivia Mason, only daughter of Joseph Mason, Esq., and sister of
Williara Shaw Mason, Esq., author of the " Statistical Survey of Ireland," and
other works, he left three daughters. One of the Members for Dublin is the
Alderman's nephew.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUN'TLNGDON. 229
you, saye Jesus Christ, -a-ad irilh crucified." From which, af^er
expatiating on the doctrine of the Gospel of Christ and the
importance of that doctrine to sinners, he assured the people
that it was determined not to know anything else in that place :
the bond of Christian union not at all interfering in the disputes
or distinctions of sects or parties, on account of subordinate
matters. In the evening the Rev. John Hutton,* assisted by
Mr. Harding, read the service, and Mr. Hill again preached from
Titus ii. 14.
This was Mr. Hill's fourth and last visit to Ireland. After
his departure, the chapel was supplied by the Rev. George
Clayton, of Walworth. To him succeeded Mr. Maslen, of Hert
ford, Mr. John Clayton, sen., ot London, Mr. Leifchild, Mr.
Mark Wilks, Dr. Bennett, and many others, who were well
attended and much approved. This method of supplying the
chapel being attended with considerable expense, and the plan
not succeeding according to the wishes of the trustees, some
difference of opinion took place amongst them. The chapel
underwent a different arrangement, and is now a regulariy
organized Independent church, under the pastoral care of the
Rev. Dr. Urwick. From this congregation emanated two others,
the one called " Ebenezer Chapel," the other " Zion Chapel."
The former was opened on the Sth of Nov. 1820, by the Rev.
Dr. Cope, then tutor of the Irish Evangelical Academy, and
the Rev. John Petherick, minister of the chapel ; and the latter
by Dr. Raffles, of Liverpool, on the 20th of July, 1821, who
preached both morning and evening. A son of the Rev. William
Cooper is the pastor of this congregation.
" According to this time, it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel,
what hath God wrought ?" How has this little grain of mustard
seed become a goodly tree, extending its branches over a great
part of the kingdom ! To the self-evident excellency and gran
deur of the cause, and to the interposition of " the God of the
spirits of all flesh," to whom the salvation of human beings is
dear, must be ascribed the surprising success which has
crowned the zealous endeavours of the venerable Countess to
make known the transcendant blessings of the redemption of
Christ, and unfurl the banners qf his cross in a country deep
sunk in Popish superstition, and covered with the shadow of
death. Endued with a deep sensibility for the ignorance and
* Son of Mr. Alderman Hutton. He was for a short period curate of St.
Andrew's ; afterwards curate to Mr. Biddulph, at Bristol ; subsequently settled
at Coleshill, in Warwickshire ; then curate of Glenfield, near Leicester, and of
Church Lawford, in Warwickshire ; whence he removed to Sproxton, near
Melton Mowbray, in the vicinity of which he has a sraall rectory.

230 ' TfHJ LIFE AND TIMCS OF
misery of h.r fellow-mortals, how~zea-ious]y..aid perseveringly
did this excellent woraan exert her time, talerts, fortune and
influence to spread the glorious Gospel of the ever-blessed
God ! And how hath It pleased the great Lord of the harvest
to crown her labours in this widely-extended field, and smile
upon whatever sbe undertook for the furtherance of this grand
object ! The little one, planted and watered with many prayers
to the great and glorious Head of the Church, hath become a
strong nation. Churches have been formed in various parts of
the kingdom, and are daily receiving additional members, many
of whom are fervent followers of the Saviour, who stand ready
to do whatever their hands find to be done, for the glory of
God and the salvation of their fellow-raen.
Within the pale of the Established Church there has been a
wonderful extension of divine truth. The congregation of
Bethesda Chapel had its origin in an amicable withdrawment
from Lady Huntingdon's Chapel of such persons as resided at
an inconvenient distance from Plunket-street, which was situated
in a part of the city little frequented by persons of respectability.
The faithful proclamation of the word of life in Bethesda Chapel
has been attended with the happiest results. The light has
shone from thence to the remotest parts of the kingdom; and
more than five-and-twenty young men from that congregation
have passed through the University, and are now consecrating
all their talents to the Redeemer's glory and service. More
than fifty clergymen, some holding high and honourable situa
tions in the Church Establishment, have from time to time
sounded the Gospel trumpet in that highly-favoured place; and
many of the mighty, the wise, and the noble* of the land have
there been enclosed in the Gospel net.t Amidst the awful and
general departure from the faith, as once delivered to the saints
in the Church of England, and sealed by the blood of our
reformers, it is pleasing to observe that there is a remnant,
according to the election of grace, who continue rising up to
testify tbe Gospel of the grace of God, and to call back their

* Amongst the many noble families and persons of distinction who frequented
Bethesda Chapel, few were more conspicuous than that of the Earl of Clan-
carty. The noble testimony borne to the faith and hope of the Gospel on a
death-bed, by the late Lady Emily La Touche, proved the life of many of her
numerous family and connexions. She was attended in her last moments by
her brother, the present Archbishop of Tuam, a steady supporter of evangelical
principles and preaching.
f Brooks, in his Gazetteer, when enumerating the number of places of wor-
ship in Dublin, mentions " Bethesda" Chapel as the Cathedral of the Metho-
dists." Dr. Law, late Bishop of Elphin, a man of remarkably liberal feelings,
once preached in the chapel for Mr. Walker.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 231
fellows to the consideration of the great and leading doctrines
on which the Reformation was built and the Church of England
hy law established. To Bethesda were added St. George's
Church* and St. James's Chapel.-]-
In the year 1815 a new chapel was opened in the parish of St,
Peter, attached to an asylum for blind females, on a plan simi
lar to those in London, Liverpool, and Bristol. The old thea
tre, which was of considerable extent, underwent a thorough
repair, and was neatly fitted up as a place of worship, capable of
accommodating a very numerous congregation. It was opened
by the Rev. John Crosthwaite, chaplain to the institution, with
a sermon on these words-.-" Thy kingdom come." The civic
authorities of the city attended, and every part of this spacious
edifice was crowded with serious and attentive hearers, who
ppeared to receive the Word of God with gladness. The light
oi divine truth soon burst forth from the Magdalen and St.
George's Chapel.:^ In the latter, the Rev, John Barker and
the Rev. William White put the lip to the Gospel trumpet; and
in other places in the city, the sound of salvation through a dying
Redeemer was frequently heard.
We have already seen an abundant harvest produced by
the seed which the venerable Countess was the instrument 'of
casting into the Gospel field; and with earnest hope and joyful
expectations we look for a yet more abundant crop, when we
shall see the bright beams of truth piercing through the clouds
of darkness, and the Sun of Righteousness arising, with healing
omhis wings, on this land of superstition and error.
Ye men of God! — ye ministers in the Connexion of tke vene
rable Countess of Huntingdon! — animated by a feeling sense of
divine truth, and a fervent desire for the salvation of immortal
* The rector of St. George's is the Rev. WOliam Burke, brother-in-law of
the Bishop of Kilmore, and nephew of the late Right Hon. Henry Grattan.
+ The rector of this parish was the Hon. and Rev. Edward Wingfield, son
of Richard, fourth Viscount Powerscourt, and grandson of John, first Earl of
Clanwilliam. He married Louisa-Joan, daughter of the Hon. George Jocelyn,
and niece of the late Earl of Roden, Mr. Wingfield, and also his brother, the
late Lord Powerscourt, who died August the 9th, 1823, brother-in-law of the
present Earl of Roden, were awakened about the same period. He was taken,
in the midst of usefulness, to his glorious rest in the paradise of God, in the
year 1825. Lord Powerscourt departed this life, wijh a blooming prospect
of a better, August 9, 1823, aged 33. His lordship's first wife, sister to the
present Earl of Roden, was an eminently pious woman. A funeral sermon,
preachefd on-tbe occasion of her death, in 1828, by the Rev. Robert Daly (son
of Lady Harriet Daly), vicar of Powerscourt, contains an interesting account
of her Myship.
\ This ancient place of worship was originally the old parish church, and
pommonly called " Litde George's Churoh." Jtwas shut up for some years,
but was re-opened by the above named clergyman, now advanqe^ in years, who
bad received th« truth in tbe lore of it at B«thesda Chapel,

232 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
souls, redeemed by the same price as your own, communicate to
the perishing millions in Ireland that same Gospel which you
have yourselves erabraced, and which your noble patroness
exerted every faculty and strained every nerve to promulgate.
Few, comparatively, in that unhappy country have yet enjoyed
its light or felt its influence. Darkness still covers a great por
tion of that land, and gross darkness the majority of the people.
Multitudes there are who "know not God, and obey not his
Gospel;" on whom no beam of the Sun of Righteousness hath
risen, with healing on his wings. Ye who sigh for the abomi
nations dally committed in that country — who feel the religion
of Jesus essential to life and hope — who experience the con-
strainings of divine charity — press forward to their service !'
Should you fail of success, the very attempt will be noble —
should you succeed, glorious. And why not succeed? when
" the shout of a King is still among you," and he, " the King
eternal, immortal, invisible — the only wise God, our Saviour?"
Hath he not promised " to be with you always, even to the end
of the world ! " Hearken then to the voice of the great Leader
and Commander, who yet speaketh from heaven — " Go ye into
all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature :" — " he
that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved; and he that
believeth not shall be damned." " Awake, awake, put on
strength, O arm of the Lord; awake, as in the ancient days, in
the generations of old."

CHAPTER XXXIX.
Conference of 1770 — Mr. Wesley's Mmutes of Conference— Protest against
them by Lady Huntingdon and Mr. Shirley — Conference of 1771  Mr.
Wesley's Declaration — Considered a Recantation — Mr. Fletcher's Vindication
_-Mr. Shirley's Narrative — Controversy.
In the year 1770 a controversy of considerable extent arose
among the Calvinistic and Arminian Methodists, occasionfed by
the publication of the doctrinal parts of the minutes of the
twenty-seventh Conference of the preachers in connexion with
Mr. Wesley. Certain obnoxious propositions inserted in the
minutes of this year gave great offence to the followers of the
apostolic Whitefield, Lady Huntingdon, and the whole host of

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 233

Calvinistic Methodists. As to the effects of this controversy,
buff few of them can be contemplated with pleasure. Yet a
more accurate statement of the doctrines which have been the
subject of debate is a benefit usually resulting from theological
warfare, and it was the fruit of this bitter and tedious contest.
But by far too manifest were the evil consequences resulting
from the dispute. The spirit displayed by the polemics, and
their perseverance in contention during the space of six years,
in opposition to the most earnest entreaties to desist from strife,
cannot be mentioned with too strongly-marked disapprobation.
Many there were, indeed, both Calvinistic and Arminian
Methodists, who kept aloof from controversy and its feverish
heat, and preserved both their hearts and lips from the unhal
lowed warfare. At the same time, there were but too many
on each side, both ministers and private Christians, who drank
deeply of the foaming cup of controversy, and felt its intoxica
ting powers to the injury both of themselves and others. While
those who, in the midst of the noise, preserved themselves from
the dreadful contagion, are entitled to praise, let the men who
engaged in it so keenly and so long, from the pulpit or from the
press, whether Calvinists or Arminians, bear that severity of
reprehension which their conduct merits. May the beacon,
which the writers in this controversy erected, be seen, and the
dangerous quicksands avoided by all their successors from age
to age !
For some years prior to the controversy it became evident to
Mr. Wesley and many of his friends that he was daily declining
in the estimation of Lady Huntingdon, and consequently losing
that influence which he ever delighted to exercise over all those
with whom he had to do. The cause of this change may be
traced in his letter to the pious and benevolent Vicar of Made-
ley, dated Birmingham, March 20, 1768, and which we quote
at length : —
" Dear Sir, — I was told yesterday that you are sick of the conversa
tion even of them who profess religion — that you find it quite unprofi
table, if not hurtful, to converse with them three or four hours together,
and are sometimes almost determined to shut yourself up, as the less
evil of the two. I do not wonder at it at all ; especially considering
'with whom you have chiefly conversed for some time past, namely,
the hearers of Mr.  and Mr  . The conversing with them
I have rarely found td be profitable to my soul. Rather it has damped
my desires, and has cooled my resoludons, and I have commonly left
them with a dry, dissipated spirit.
" And how can you expect it to be otherwise ? For do we not
naturally catch their spirit with whom we converse ? And what spirit
can we expect them to be of, considering the preaching they sit under ?

234 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
Some happy exceptions, I allow. But, in general, do men gather grapes
offthoins? Do tbey gather tbe necessity of inward and outward self-
devorion, of constant, universal self-denial, or of the patience of hope,
or the labour of love, from the doctrine they hear ? Do they gather
from tbat amorous way of praying to Christ, or that luscious way of
preaching his righteousness, auy real holiness ? I never found it so.
On the contrary, I have found that even the precious doctrine of salva
tion by faith has need to be guarded with the gi'eatest care, or those
who hear it will slight both inward and outward holiness.
" I will go a step further. I seldom find it profitable to converse
¦with any who are not athirst for full salvation ; and who are not big
with earnest expectation of receiving it every moment. Now you
find none of these among the persons we are speaking of; hut many
on the contrary, who are in various ways, directly or indirectly, oppos
ing tbis blessed work of God — the work, I mean, which God is carry
ing on through this kingdom hy unlearned and plain men.
" You have, for some time, conversed a good deal with the genteel
Methodists. Now it matters not a straw what doctrine they hear^
whether they frequent the Lock or West-street, if they are as salt
which has lost its savour — ^if they are conformed to the maxims, the
spirit, the fashions, and customs of the world. Certainly then, if you
converse much with such persons, you -will return less a man than
you were before. But were either the one or the other of ever so
excellent a spirit, you conversed with them too long. One had need
be an angel, not a man, to converse three or four hours at once to any
good purpose. In the latter part of such a conversation we shall he
in great danger of losing all the profit we had gained before.
" But have you not a remedy for all this in your hands ? In order
to converse profitably, may you not select a few persons who stand in
awe of Him they love ; persons who are vigorously working out their
salvation : who are athirst for full redemption, and every moment ex
pecting it, if not already enjo3dng it ?
" Though it is true, these will generally he poor and mean, seldom
possessed of either riches or leaming, unless there be now and then
one of higher rank : if you converse with such as these humbly and
simply, an hour at a time, with earnest prayer for a blessing, you will
not complain of the unprofitableness of conversation, or find any need
of turning hermit. Do you not observe that all the lay-preachers who
are engaged with me, are maintainers of general redemption ? and it is
undeniable that they are instrumental in saving souls. God is with
them, and he works by them, and has done so for near these thirty
years. Therefore, the opposing them is neitiier better nor -worse than
fighting against God. — I am, your ever affoctionate brother,
" John Weslby."
This letter seems written ex cathedra : it has an air of epis
copal direction or dictation, which, addressed to such a man as
Fletcher, of Madeley, excited, and no wonder, a suspicion that
Mr. Wesley regarded, not without jealousy, his reception among

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 285
the great, and his influence with the Countess of Huntingdon.
That Mr. Wesley had warned Mr. Fletcher against his inter
course with persons of Calvinistic sentiments soon became known
to Lady Huntingdon ; and to this circumstance her Ladyship
alludes in a letter, written at this time, in which she says : —
" You will not he much surprised to hear that dear Mr. Fletcher has
been severely reprimanded for endeavouring to maintain peace and
unanimity in the household of God. His preaching so frequently for
me and dear Mr. Whitefield, and mixing so much with those who have
been sneeringly and contemptuously termed ' the genteel Methodists,'
are considered great offences, and highly injurious to the cultivation
of the life and spirit of the Gospel in the soul. The hearers of
Mr. Madan and others are no better than worldlings; and all who
hold the free-grace truths of the Gospel are pronounced unprofitable,
conformed to this world, &c. Blessed be God, dear Fletcher has
¦withstood this violent attack ; and, with a heart overflowing with
brotherly love, is determined, through the mighty grace of our divine
Master, to persevere in the way in which he has gone, in every step of
which he can trace the gracious leadings of Providence."
Mr. Wesley began to regard her Ladyship under a new
aspect. " Trevecca (he writes to Mr. Benson) is much more to
Lady Huntingdon than Kingswood is to me. /mixes with every
thing. It is my College, my masters, my students. I do not
speak so of this school."
On the 7th of August, 1 770, the Methodists in connexion
with Mr. Wesley held their twenty-seventh annual conference in
London. To raise a bulwark against Antinomianism, certain
propositions respecting doctrine were agreed to, which will be
found in the note below.*
These propositions gave great offence to the whole host of
» " Take heed to your doctrine."
We said, in 1744, we have leaned too much towards Calvinism. Wherein ?
1, With regard to man'sfaOhfulness. Our Lord himself taught us to use the
expression, therefore we ought never to be aShamed of it. We ought steadily
to assert upon his authority, that if a man is not faithful in the unriglUeous
mammon, God uriS not give him the true riciies.
2. With regard to working for life, which our Lord expressly commands us to
do. Miaur (Ergazesthe) literally, work for the meat that endureth to everlasting
life. And, in fact, every believer, till he comes to glory, works /or, as well as
from, life.
3. We have received it as a maxim, that " a man is to do nothing in order to
justification." Nothing can be more false. Whoever desires to find favour
with God should cease, from evil, and leam to do well. So God himself teaches
by the prophet Isaiah. Whosoever repents should do works meet for repentance
And if this is not in order to find favour, what does he do them for?
Once more review the whole affair :
1. Whp of us is now accepted of God?
He that now believes in Christ, with a loving obedient heart.

236 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
Calvinistic Methodists. Lady Huntingdon and several other
zealous persons, apprehending that the fundamental truths of
the Gospel were struck at in these minutes of conference, and
considering Mr. Wesley's consequence in the religious world, as
standing at the head of such numerous societies, thought it
incumbent on thera to show their abhorrence of doctrines which
they believed shook the very foundation of the Christian faith.
Mr. Shirley publicly said, that he "deeraed peace in such a case
a shameful indolence, and silence no less than treachery." And
Lady Huntingdon, resolved that no Iraputation of tacitly assent
ing to such doctrines should lie on her name, declared that
whoever did not wholly disavow them should quit her Col
lege. Mr. Benson defended them, and Mr. Wesley writes to
him —
" I am glad you had the courage to speak your mind on so critical
an occasion. At all hazards do so still ; only with all possible tender
ness and respect. She is much devoted to God, and has a thousand
valuable and amiable qualities. There is no great fear that I should
he prejudiced against one whom I have intimately known for these
thirty years. And I know what is in man, therefore I make large
allowances for human weakness. But what you say is exactly the
case : they are ' jealous of their authority.' Truly there is no cause
—Longe mea discrepat illi et mens et ratio : I fear and shun, not de
sire authority of any kind, only when God lays that burden upon me
I bear it for his and the people's sake."
This letter was written at Bristol, on the 5th of October, and
2. But who among those that n.ever heard of Christ ?
He that, according to the light he has, feareth God andworkethrighteousness.
3. Is this the same with him that is sincere ?
Nearly, if not quite.
4. Is not this salvation by works ?
Not by the merit of works, but by works as a condition.
5. What have we then been disputing about for these thirty years ?
I am afraid, about words (namely, in some of the foregoing instances).
6. As to merit itself, of which we have been so dreadfully afraid : we are re
warded according to our works, yea, because of our works. How does this differ
from, /or the salte of our works. How differs this from secundum merita operum ?
which is no more than, as our ivorks deserve. Can you split this hair ? I doubt
I cannot. 7. The grand objection to one of the preceding propositions is drawn from
matter of fact. God does, in fact, justify those who, by their own confes
sion, neither /earerf God, nor wrought righteousness. Is this an exception to
the general rule ? It is a doubt whether God makes any exception atall. But
how are we sure that the person in question never did fear God and work
righteousness? His own thinking so is no proof. For we know how all that
are convinced of sin undervalue themselves in every respect.
8. Does not talking, without tbe proper caution, of a justified or sanctified
state, tend to mislead men? almost naturally leading them to trust in what was
done in one moment? Whereas we are every moment pleasing or displeasing to
God, according to our works. According to the whole of our present inward
tempers and outward behaviour ?

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 237
Soon after Mr. Wesley wrote to Lady Huntingdon in defence of
the minutes ; about the same time he wrote thus —
" For several years I had been deeply convinced that I had not done
my duty with regard to that valuable woman : that I had not told her,
what I was convinced no one else would dare to do, and what I knew
she would bear fi'om no other person, but possibly might hear from me.
But being unwilling to give her pain, I put it off from time to time.
At length I did not dare to delay any longer, lest death should call one
of us hence; so I at once delivered my own soul, by telling her all that
was in my heart. It was my ' business,' my proper business so to
do; as none else either could or would do it. Neither did I take at
all foo much upon me. I know the oflice of a Christian minister. If
she has not profited, it is her own fault, not mine; I have done my
duty. I do not know that there was one charge in that letter that was
unjust, unimportant, or exaggerated, any more than that against the
doggrel hymns, which are equally an insult upon poetry and common
sense." A month after he had written to her Ladyship, he re-perused
his letter.
" This morning (says he) I have calmly and coolly read over my
letter to Lady Huntingdon. I still believe every line of it is true; and,
I am assured, I spoke the truth in love. It is a great pity for any one
who wishes her well to skim over the wounds which are there searched.
As long as she resents that office of true esteem, her grace can be but
small." *
Mr. Benson, besides defending Mr. Wesley, wrote on the
baptism of the Holy Ghost, avowing sentiments which, accord
ing to Lady Huntingdon and Mr. Shirley, were unscriptural ;
and she again avowed her deterraination that every Arminian
should quit the College. Mr. Wesley, aware of this, still urged
on Mr. Benson to adhere to the minutes of conference. He did
so, and was dismissed.
It will be remembered that Mr. Fletcher recommended Mr.
Benson to the Countess ; to him the latter sent an account of
his dismissal, and Mr. Fletcher was naturally affected. He bad
said, on the first appearance of the minutes of conference, that
Mr. Wesley could not maintain such doctrine, and that he would
' The reader may be curious to know ho-iV~Mr. Charles Wesley regarded the
present conduct of his brother John to Lady Huntingdon. We have before us
three letters of his, all dated from Bristol, and between the October and Decem
ber of this year. The substance is, that John had not shown him the letter, that
he doubted whether he could read it in the right temper, that he looked on it
as one of Lady Huntingdon's trials, and that he, although preferring peace to all
things, would not fail to speak to his brother roundly on the sub] ect of that
letter; and he asks her Ladyship if anything can be said in its defence to per
mit hin to say it to her.

238 THE LIFE AND TIMES OP
explain himself: but now, January 1, 1771, he writes to Lady
Huntingdon, saying, — -
" Mr. Benson made a very just defence when he said, he did hold
with rae the possibility of salvation for all men; that mercy is ofi'ered
to all, and yet may be received or rejected. If tbis be what your
Ladyship calls Mr. Wesley's opinion, free-will, Arminianism, and if
every Arminian must quit the College, I am actually discharged also.
For, in my present view of things, I must hold that sentiment, if I
believe that tbe Bible is true, and that God is love.
" For my part, I am no party-man. In the Lord I am your servant,
and that of your every student. But I cannot give up the honour of
being connected with my old friends, who, notwithstanding their fail
ings, are entitled to my respect, gratitude, and assistance, could I
occasionally give them any. Mr. Wesley sball always he welcome to
my pulpit, and I shall gladly bear my testimony in his as well as Mr.
Whitefield's. But if your Ladyship forbid your students to preach for
the one, and ofter them to preach for the other at every turn; and if
a master is discarded for believing that Christ died for all — then preju
dice reigns; charity is cruelly wounded; and party spirit shouts, prevails,
and triumphs."
To Mr. Benson, he says : —
" If the procedure you mention be fact, and your letter be a fair
account of the transactions and words relative to your discharge, a false
step has been taken. If the plan of the college be overthrown, I have
nothing more to say to it: the confined tool of any one party I never
was, and never will be. Take care, my dear Sir, not to make matters
worse than they are ; and cast the mantle of forgiving love over circum
stances that might injure the cause of God, so far as it is put into the
hands of that eminent Lady, who hath so well deserved of the Church
of Christ?"
Mr. Fletcher immediately visited Trevecca, and in a letter to
Mr. Benson, dated March 22, 1771, said: —
" On my arrival at the College I found all very quiet, I fear through
the enemy's keeping his goods in peace. While I preached I found
myself as much shackled as ever I was in my life, and, after private
prayer, I concluded I was not in my place. The same day I resigned
my office to my Lady, and, on AVednesday to the students and the
Lord  * Last Friday I left them all in peace, the servant, but no
more the president of the College. My Lady behaved with great can-
* Mr. Shirley had proposed Mr. Benson's " Baptism of the Holy Ghost" as
a theme for discussion, and only two students spoke in its favour. He then
sent a copy of the minutes of conference, and all were called on to write con
cerning them. This Mr. Fletcher did, and argued in their defence, after which
he immediately resigned. His argument with Lady Huntingdon induced her to
think better of Mr. Wesley, and she meditated a letter to him asking an
explication of his minutes of conference. " This (says Mr. Benson in his Life
of Flether) was never done either by her Ladyship or any one of her friends."
But Mr, Benson is in error; the letter was sent, and Mr, Wesley deigned not to

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 239
dour and condescension towards me ; but as for you, you are still oUt
of her books, and are likely so to continue."
The controversy nov(f commenced in earnest. Lady Hunting
don, by a widely-dispersed circular, invited the clergy of all
denominations to assemble at Bristol, in August, to meet the
Wesleyan conference, and compel them to revoke their heresies;
or to sign a formal protest against theiii. This document was
signed by Walter Shirley, and it contains, in a postscript, the
names of the persons to whom the answer should be addrcs.sed,
and an intimation that lodgings would be provided for the
ministers who should accept the invitation. This circular was
accompanied by copies, first, of the minutes of conference, (see
page 235,) and, secondly,' of the proposed protest, of which we
subjoin a copy in the note below.*
This circular being issued. Lady Huntingdon again wrote fo

reply, "judging (as he expressly says) that silence would be the best answer."
Whether her Ladyship's letter was destroyed by Mr. Wesley, or suppressed by
the gentlemen (Dr. Coke, Dr. Whitehead, and Mr. Henry Moore,) to whom
his papers were bequeathed, it is dilRcult to determine.
* The above minutes, given by Mr. John Wesley, in conference with others,
we think ourselves obliged, injustice to our own consciences and in tbe sight
of God, to disavow, believing such principles repugnant to^Scripture and tbe
whole plan of man's salvation under the new covenant ; as also to the founda
tion of that Church to which vve profess to belong, and which is established in
this kingdom, by its Articles, Homilies, and Liturgy, as its Confession of Faith.
In union -with this and all other Protestant and reformed Churches, we hold
faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ forthe sinner's justification, sanctification,
righteousness, and complete redemption. And, that he, the only wise God our
Saviour, is the first and the last, the author and finisher, the beginning and end
of man's salvation : wholly by the sacrifice of himself to complete and perfect
all those who believe. And that under this covenant of free grace for man. He
does grant repentance, remission of sins, and meekness for glory, for the full
and true salvation to eternal life ; and that all called good works are alike the
act of his free grace to man through faith ; as a part of that covenant, vvhich
can sensibly contain nothing else suitable to the very nature of it. Being
" created aneiv in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before ordained,
we should walk in them." Thus the works of faith, and those of a phaiisee,
through his own natural powers become separated, as St. James shows by the
works he treats of, which are set forth in Abraham and Rahab as the most
eminent instances the Holy Spirit has recorded of faith; and whatsoever is not
of faith is sin. We altogether desire no other salvation than what is derived
by this alone, believing all promises are vested in Jesus Christ, and by him, as
his purchase to be dispensed, that so it may be all of grace by faith in himself
alone, and works only as the naanifestation and natural fruit of that faith which
saves. Upon the most impartial survey of these minutes, we find from the
beginning to the end one uniform and positive contradiction to these known
principles and experience of the Protestant faith. And as all under the name
of Methodists may, and are, too generally sui)posed to hold principles essen
tially the same j we therefore desire to be considered as having no approbation
of, or hand in, the establishment of such doctrines, either in whole or in part ;
nar answerable in any degree, towards God or man, for the bad consequences
so justly feared from ftiem. Considering them as dt^staj^ction to the very foun
dation of Christianity, and this distinct from all private judgments of men, who

240 THE Life and timEs of
Mr. Wesley on the subject of his propositions; his reply is dated
London, June 19, 1771, and its object is to show, by reference
to his sermons on " Salvation by Faith," pubhshed in 1738,
" The Lord is our righteousness," — a few years afterwards, and
that on Mr. Whitefield's funeral, a few months before the date
of his then present letter, tbat he had for thirty years maintained
the same doctrine; that the religious world and many of his own
children had arrayed themselves against him, following the ex
ample of his " eldest son" (Mr. Whitefield); that the then lines
printed In August, were falsely held to contradict his previous
doctrines; and he requests that they (the minutes of conference)
may be interpreted by the sermon last referred to. The Lord,
he says, continues to confirm his doctrine, notwithstanding
weaknesses and contradictions which he could not deny. " Once
I thought myself almost infallible ; but, I bless God, I know
myself better now;" and he concludes thus : —
" To be short, such as I am I love you well. You have one of tbe
first places in my esteem and aflfection ; and you once had some regard
for me. But it cannot continue if it depends on my seeing with your
eyes, or my being in no mistake. What if I were in as many errors as
Mr. Law himself? If you were, I should love you stOl, provided your
heart was still right with God. My dear friend, you seem not well to
have learned yet the meaning of these words, which I desire to have
continually written upon my heart, ' Whoever doth the wdl of my
Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother and sister and
mother. I ara, my dear Lady, your affectionate John Wesley."
Immediately on the receipt of this circular, Mr. Fletcher wrote
to Lady Huntingdon, threatening to take the field In defence of
the minutes, if the meditated attack on Mr. Wesley were not
given up.* Lady Huntingdon, in her reply, after an affectionate
may be led into various opinions upon these essentials. While Mr. Wesley
held these fundamental principles (though with some particular judgments of
his own upon Scripture which -ivanted the approbation of many) we trusted
the foundation stood sure with him, till, under his own hand, he has proved to
all Christians, as well as all men of sense the contrary, by the clear and explicit
manner in which he novv avows his endeavour to establish salvation by works.
We mean to enter into no controversy on the subject; but, separated from
party bigotry and all personal prejudice to Mr. Wesley, the Conference, or his
friends, do, as Christians, Protestants, and members of the Church of England,
hereby most solemnly protest against the doctrines contained in these minutes.
And as those who, with a single eye, stand out for what we believe to be the
truth in Jesus, we appeal to Him for our honest and upright meaning in this,
wishing to show Mr. Wesley and all others, every kindness due to them as
men, while we are forced by conscience to disavow his principles.
* To Mr. Shirley Mr. Fletcher complains bitterly of the hurt done to Mr.
Wesley's character by the circular. " Thousands of his friends you have grieved,
offended, or staggered ; and confirmed thousands of his enemies in their hard
thoughts of him, and ia tbeir unjust contempt of his minisS-y.''

selina, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 241
remonstrance against Mr. Fletcher's reproaches, a tender reproof
of his attachment to man rather than God, and a remark that
he will have all the world with hira, while she will be compara
tively alone — says, she has no objection fo his taking the field
for Mr. Wesley, regarding all men as her fellow worms ; and
valuing neither learning nor greatness, she is content to be a
witness for Jesus Christ, and to stand up against any and all
who would rob him of honour, to arrogate any portion of salva
tion to themselves in right of theii' works. The whole letter
breathes a spirit of burning zeal, and a piety ready to sacrifice
love, friendship, and herself, in defence of the name of Jesus.
The trustees of Mr. Whitefield's chapels in London, Messrs.
Keene, Hardy, and West, declined all part in the intended oppo
sition. Their reply to the circular has not been discovered ;
but Lady Huntingdon, in answer to Mr. Keene, enlarges on the
flagrancy of the minutes, and the necessity of opposing them ;
and rests her defence of the proposed manner, in the difficulty
of spreading pamphlets among the poor, or securing their being
read by the members of Mr. Wesley's conference, and on the
hope tbat Mr. Wesley will be ready to receive and acknowledge
any remonstrance set forth in a loving spirit. " If the mode
then offends (says her Ladyship), and it is a small matter that
it should do so, while so Important a point was at stake, it would
have showed much brotherly love as well as disinterestedness for
that tri'.th contended for, to have proposed some more excellent
way." Many persons objected to the dictatorial tone of the protest ;
and Mr. Wesley, more especially, reraonstrated against the re
solve, " to come in a body and to insist on a recantation." On
the evening before the conference assembled, Lady Huntingdon
wrote to Mr. Wesley, endeavouring to soften or remove this ob
jection. " As Christians (she observes), we wish to retract what
a more deliberate consideration might have prevented, as we
would as littie wish to defend even truth itself presumptuously,
as we would submit servilely to deny It."
" It has been said (observes Mr. Shirley), that we have no right to
intrude into your conference. We did not pretend to any civil or
jirdicial right, any more than Paul had to call Peter to account ; vve
did not mean to exercise any authority over you, or to treat you as our
inferior, but as our equal, and engaged with us in the common cause
of tbe re-vival of spiritual religion. However, it raust be acknowledged
upon the whole, that the circular letter was too hastily drawn up and
improperly expressed, and therefore, for the oflfensive expressions in
it, we desire we may be hereby understood to make eyery suitable
submission to you. Sir, and the gentlemen of the conference ; and I
vol. h  R

-¦^12 Tiife Life aNd times of
cannot but wish, most caniesdy, that this recantation of the circular
letter may p-.-evail as an example for tho recantation of the minutes."
To these letters no an=;wcr was returned, and on the morniug
of the conference Mr, Shiriey wrote again to Mr. Wesley and
the body, regretting that offence should have been given by the
mode of the circular; and requesting to know by what other
way, more agreeable or convenient to the conference, the pro
testing party might be admitted to make objections to the mi
nutes of the conference of August 1770.*
The conference was convened at Bristol, on Tuesday, August
6th, 1771. The assembly was, on account of the circular letter,
larger than usual ; and on the 8th (Thursday), at ten in the
morning, Mr. Shirley and about ten of his friends, were ad
mitted, and a conversation of some two hours occurred. " All
(says Mr. Fletcher) were pleased with Mr. Shirley's conduct,
so much like a minister of the Prince of Peace, and a meek,
humble, loving brother in the Gospel of Christ." Mr. Wesley
drew up a declaration, which was acquiesced In by Mr. Shirley
and his friends, who candidly acknowledged their too hasty con
duct in judging his sentiments.
Tke original document now lies before us, in tlie ka-nd-tvi-iting
of Mr. Wesley, and witk fhe signatures of tke 53 preachers : —
" Bristol, August the 9tli, 1771.
" Whereas the doctrinal points in the minutes of a conference held
in London, August Ttb, 1770, have been understood to favour justifica
tion by works — Now, we, the Rev. John Wesley, and others assembled
ill conference, do declare tbat we had no such meaning, and that we
abhor the doctrine of justification by works as a most perilous and
abominable doctrine. And as the said ininutes are not sufficiently
guarded in the way they are expressed, we hereby solemnly declare.
in the sight of God, that we have no trust or confidence but in the
alone merits of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, for justification or
salvation, either in life, death, or the day of judgment. And thougk
* Her Ladyship wrote to Mr. Thornton, enclosing copies of the minutes of
conference, ofthe protest, and of her letter to Mr. Wesley, showing what pains
had been taken to remove the first objection, that of an arbitrary mode of acting,
and of her resolve to remove the second charge, that of lier leading the opposi
tion, by abstaining from presenting herself at the conference, unless summoned.
She complains of the falling off of those who promised support, and, indeed,
first made the proposal to her. " Four only (she says) act vvith coolness and
firmness in co-operation with me. I find (she adds), an old monk in France
has declared these minutes to be the Pelagian heresy, and that the Church of
Rome was nearer to the Church of England than the author of these ininutes."

SELIXA, COUNTESS OF IlUNTlNGUON.

2-13

no one is a real Christian believer (and consequently cannot be saved),
who doth not good works when there is time and opportunity, yet our
works have uo part in lucritiug or pui-chasiug our justification, from
first to last, either in w hole or in part.

John Wesley
Joseph Cowidey
J. Helton
Thomas Rankin
John Easton
Daniel Bunsted
John Pawson
Alexander Mather
Joseph Thompson
James Dempster
Thomas Westell
Barnabas Thomas
Joseph Guilford
J. Cotty
John Furz
John Goodwin
Janies Glasbrook
Thomas Taylor

John Olivers
Samuel Wells
Joseph Benson
James Clough
Martin Rodda
John Duncan
Francis Walker
William Barker
George Shadford
William Pitt
Richard Bourke
Jonathan Crowie
James Parfett
Benjamin Hhodes
Thomas Hanson
John Murray
Richard Seed
Richard Andrews

William ^Vhitcaker
Edward Slater
John Poole
Thomas Potter
Jasper Winscorn
Thomas Twinny
Jeremiah Robertshaw
Samuel Tooth
John Miigor
Matthew Mayer
Richard Caddick
Christopher Watkin
Thomas Eden
Edward Bolton
George Hudson
Janies Nind
WiUiain Winbe
Thomas Brisco.

At the request of Mr. Wesley, Mr. Fletcher prepared a vin
dication of the doctrines contained In the minutes, in five letters,
addressed to Mr. Shirley. The raanuscript was finished on the
29th of July, and iraraediately presented to Mr. Wesley to pub
lish or suppress, as he raight think proper. This raanuscript
was in Mr. Wesley's hands when he drew up and signed the
above declaration ; but, strange and unaccountably contradictory
as it may appear, on his leaving Bristol, for Wales, on Monday
the 12th of August, he committed Mr. Fletcher's vindication of
the minutes to tbe press, and left directions that they should be
published with all imaginable despatch !
]\Ir. Fletcher no sooner beard of the declaration and Mr.
Shirley's noble conduct, than he felt the utmost anxiety to sup
press the publication ; he wrote to Mr. Ireland, kis friend and
Mr. Shirley's, a letter, full of admiration of the latter, and of
earnest entreaty to suppress the vindication ' of the minutes, in
which Mr. Shirley had been freely dealt with. Mr. Ireland
immediately applied to the printer, who said he was willing but
unauthorized to delay the publication. To the stewards of the
Methodist Society in Bristol Mr. Ireland sent a copy of Mr.
Fletcher's letter, and another copy he enclosed to Mr. Shirley ;
but all his friendly zeal was vain ; and his efforts to make peace
could not prevent the outburst of the war of controversy. Mr.
Olivers, one of Mr. Wesley's preachers, a fiery-tempered over-
zealous man, was entrusted with the publication. He had ob
jected to the declaration, and had used bitter expressions against
r2

244 THE LIFfi AND TIMtS Of
the protest, and was too glad to publish Mr. Fletcher's argu
ments on a subject on which his own had been rejected. Mr.
Shirley was unmoved ; he wrote kindly to Mr. Fletcher, who as
kindly acknowledged his letter.
Mr. Shirley now hastened to Trevecca, to consult her Lady
ship; and Mr. Fletcher's vindication being published against
his own wish, through the strange inconsistency of Mr. Wesley
and the fiery zeal of Mr. Olivers, it became necessary to pub
lish, on the part of Mr. Shirley, a narrative of the whole affair,
with all the correspondence to whicb we have adverted, and
including a letter written by Mr. Wesley to the Countess, after
the conference. In whicb he says, " Till Mr. Fletcher's printed
letters are answered, I must think everything spoken agamst
these minutes is totally destructive of his (Christ's) honour,
and a palpable affront to him, both as our Prophet and Priest,
but more especially as the King of bis people." This letter
reached Lady Huntingdon on the 19th of August, and on the
•29th she wrote to Mr. Shirley that she could no way explain
Mr. Wesley's letter, except by " attacking his Integrity or sus
pecting that his judgment Is Impaired ;" and she recommended
to Mr. Shirley the publication of the narrative of facts and the
letters. About the beginning of September, Mr. Shirley wrote
to Mr. Fletcher, announcing this Intended publication, and Mr.
Fletcher replies, "I ara not averse, at all. Sir, to your publish
ing the passages you menrion, out of my letters to Mr. Ireland.
They show my peculiar love and respect for you, which I shall
at all tiraes think an honour, and, at this juncture, shall feel a
peculiar pleasure in seeing proclaimed to the world." If the
letter be friendly, he adds, and printed in the same size with
his vindication, he will take copies to the amount of ten pounds,
and will use his best ineans to circulate them with his vindica
tion, to show the world that they urge a loving war. But he is
not the less zealous in Mr. Wesley's defence : he regards the
publication of his pamphlet as a necessary evil, and hopes
good will come of It; and declares, that as the ininutes were
necessary to prevent the spread of Antlnoraianism, so the vin
dication was Justified by the wide-spread abuse of Mr. Wesley.
Mr. Shirley's narrative appeared, and Mr. Wesley's friends
were shocked to find his rainutes described as an attack upon the
foundation of our hope. Mr. Fletcher was again summoned to
the rescue, and he published " A Second Check to Antinomian
ism," in three leiters to the Hon. and Rev. Mr. Shirley. That
Mr. Shirley construed the declaration as a recantation of the
minutes of conference, greatly offended Mr. Wesley's friends;
but Mr. Fletcher did not succeed in disproving it. After the

SELIN.4, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 245
publication of this "Second Check," the Countess of Hunting
don wrote to Mr. Fletcher complaining of an unfair account of
a conversation between them when her Ladyship first showed
Mr. Wesley's minutes to Mr. Fletcher. In his reply he uses
these remarkable words : —
" Appearances are against me, I confess ; yet, I honestly acknow
ledge, that when I took up my pen in vindication of Mr. Wesley's
sentiments, it never entered my heart that my doing so would have
separated me from those whom I love and honour, and shall always
highly esteem. AVould to God I had never done it ! To your Lady
ship it has caused incalculable pain and unhappiness, and my consci
ence hath often Stung me with bitter and sharp-cutting reproaches."
In 1 772, Sir R. Hill entered the field for the Calvinists, in
five letters addressed to Mr. Fletcher. This produced " A
Third Check to Antinomianism," in a letter addressed to the
author of Pietas Oxoniensis. The controversy raged : as tbe
minds of men grew he.Ued their hearts became more alienated
and tiieir recriralnation more fierce. Sir Richard published six
more letters at the end of the year, and his brother Rowland
published several pamphlets on the Calvinistic side. Acriraoni
ous epithets and interapcrate expressions were of course mixed
with the arguraent in so long and important a controversy, and
tbe enemies of the Church rejoiced. " Logica Genevensis ; ox
a Fourth Check to Antlnoraianlsra," addressed fo Sir Richard
and to Mr. Rowland Hdl, appeared from tbe pen of Mr.
Fletcher. The Rev. Walter Sellon, of Buldon, and Mr. Olivers,
took his side. In 1773, Sir R. Hill published his " Finishing
Stroke," and Mr. Beveridge his " Christian World Unraasked."
Mr. Fletcher replied. Sir Rowland retorted, and Augustus
Toplady, vicar of Broad Hembury, rushed to fhe Calvinistic
banner. His " More Work for John Wesley" was the ablest
pamphlet that Mr. Fletcher had to encounter; but he raet it
ably: and after several attacks and defences on either side, Mr.
Fletcher wound up the controversy with an exhortation to
love and peace, which ought to outlive all his polemics. Mr.
Thornton and Mr. Ireland were in the meantirae receiving the
ministers of both sides, and labouring to reconcile thera.
Through their means a meeting was arranged between Mr.
Fletcher and the Countess of Hunringdon, and to ber Ladyship
he dedicated his " Essay on Truth; or. a Rational Vindication
of the Doctrine of Salvation by Faith." He was now seriously ill,
and returned to Stoke-N^wington, to his friends, the Green
woods, where he was visited by raany exalted persons, and by
several of his opponents. There it was said of him, "I went

246 . THE LIFE AXD TIMES OF
to see a man with one foot In the grave, but I found a man with
one foot in heaven."
During the latter part of tbe year 1774, and the beginning
of the year 1773, the controversy appears to have been sus-
])ended by the awful disputes between Great Britain and her
Colonies, which becarae so hot, and threatened such dreadful
calamities to both countries, that the attention even of religious
minds was generally turned from every other controversy to that
alone. From a sense of duty to their King and country, as well as
to the Church of God, both in England and America, Mr.
Wesley, Mr. Fletcher, and others, began to employ their pens
on political subjects. After Mr. Fletcher had published two or
three sraall political pieces, in reference to our contest with the
Americans, one of them was sent to Lord Dartmouth. His
Lordship took it to the Lord Chancellor, and the Lord Chan
cellor handed it to the King. A person was iramediately com
missioned to ask Mr. Fletcher whether any preferment in the
Church would be acceptable? or whether lie (the Chancellor)
could do him any service ? He answered, " I want nothing,
but raore grace."
In the year 1775, Mr. Toplady opened the campaign by
publishing his celebrated work, entitled •' Historic Proof of the
Calvinism of the Church of England," which was answered by
Mr. Sellon, who was also a minister of the Church Establish
ment, and a protegee of the Huntingdon family. Shortly after
his " Sermon on Free Will and Merit," and his " Scheme of
Christian and Philosophical Necessity asserted," in answer to
Mr. Wesley's tract on that subject, came from the press, Mr.
Fletcher published his " Answer to Mr. Toplady's Vindication
of the Decrees," " A Reply to the Principal Arguments by
which the Calvinists and Fatalists support the Doctrine of
Absolute Necessity," and " Remarks on Mr. Toplady's Scheme
of Christian and Philosophical Necessity." The whole field of
controversy between Calvinism and Arminianism was traversed
over and over again by these adroit polemics. The fires of
contention kindled anew; and the champions on both sides
engaged in the theological warfare with renewed vigour.*
Her Ladyship, who felt towards her students like a nursing
mother for her sons, wrote an affectionate remonstrance to Mr.
Fletcher, which concludes thus : —
" However hard to my heart I feel it that others should thus sutfer
* During the heat of this warfare, it was reported to Lady Hunting.lon, on
good authority, that Mr. Fletcher had spoken disrespectfully of the students at
Trevecca.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 247
through me, it must become a part of that cross I wish only more sub
missively to cai-ry a litde longer, and for my Great iNIastcr's sake, glory
in this tribulation also. Should anything more be wanting for my
excuse to you on this occasion, place "nil you yourself would add to my
account, wihingly becoming your debtor, as I raust still remain for
many instances of your former friendship, which I hope never to lose
sight of, though through a medium now which makes it to be so littlo
understood why on your part it ever should have existed for me. I
am your sincere friend, &c. " S. Huntingdon."
Numerous pamphlets now appeared on both sides, and to the
arguments contained in them were added the keenest ridicule
and the strongest possible invective. " Farrago double distilled"
— " An old Fox tarred and feathered" — " Pope John," &c., were
among the rities of these passionate productions. Mr. Rowland
Hill excused his severity, by quoting, among other epithets
applied by the Messrs. Wesley to the Calvinists, the titles of
"'Devil factors" — " Satan's synagogue" — " Children of the old
roaring hellish murderer who "believed his lie" — " Advocates for
sin" — " Witnesses for the Father of lies" — " Blasphemers" —
" Satan- sent preachers" — " Devils" — Liars" — " Fiends." Was
Mr. Wesley's biographer, Watson, aware of these expressions,
v»hen be described the pamphlets on Mr. Wesley's side, as
" models of temper, and calm but occasionally powerful re
proving ?" It has been said that the acid was all on one side, but
was this so, when Mr. Wesley thus summed up the doctrine of
Mr. Toplady's pamphlet on predestination ? — " The sum of
all this is : one in twenty (suppose) of mankind are elected;
nineteen in twenty are reprobated. The elect shall be saved,
do what they will ; the reprobate shall be damned, do what
they can. Reader, believe this or be damned. Witness my
hand, A. T."
Now, did Lady Huntingdon and her preachers hold any such
doctrine as this ? Never did persons more freely invite all to
come to Christ, than the ministers she employed; nor have any
preachers, since the days of the apostles, been raore practical
in their doctrines or holier in their lives. It is only to be
lamented that the combatants did not meet instead of writing.
They were inflamed by constant misrepresentations, which lost
nothing in passing from one to another. When they did meet,
their mutual religion generally awakened a common love towards
each other.- When Mr. Toplady saw Olivers, one of his niost
acute antagonists, whom he had ridiculed in verse and attacked
in prose, all his anger seemed to cease. " To say the truth
(he writes), I am glad I saw Mr. Olivers, for he appears to be
a person of stronger sense and better behaviour than I had
imagined."' Mr. Rowland Hill, with admirable candour, says

248 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
of his own writings, " a softer style and spirit would better have
become me ;" and this would have undoubtedly been the case,
had he met and conversed with his opponents. He also wrote
to London and Bristol to forbid the sale of one of his severest
publications, part of which, addressed privately to a friend, had
been printed without his consent. " Thus (says he) have I done
my utmost to prevent the evil that might arise from any wrong
touches of the ark of God."
The cause was the Lord's, but the armour in which both
parties came into the field was not selected from the panoply
of light. They, therefore, turned their weapons against each
other, and forgot for a period the effect of such a spectacle
on the enemies of their comraon salvation. Let the case be fairly
stated, the faults on both sides be acknowledged, and raay the
reraembrance of them serve as a warning to those who treat
upon religious differences ! Let us give credit to both parties
for integrity of principle ; and let Calvinist and Arminian join
in one coramon acknowledgment, that they never should have
sought God by nature, had he not first sought them by grace ;
tbat the only way to eternal life is through the all-sufficient
atonement of a dying Saviour ; and the only evidence of our
interest in his blood, a heart sanctified by his Spirit and a life
dedicated to his glory.*
On a review of this raeraorable controversy, it is painful to
reflect that scarcely ever was so important a subject discussed
with such ill success. Both sides discovered towards certain
truths feelings which did them honour ; the one being jealous
for divine sovereignty and grace, with human dependence ; the
other for infinite justice and holiness, with the moral agency of
man. But they seem to have reserved their religion for their
friends, and to have thought that any thing was lawful to an
enemy. Forgetting that frora erring man, the errors, as well as
sins, of his brother, deraand sorrow rather than anger, they let
loose all the furies against their opponent's opinion. With
whomsoever the victory raight be supposed to rest, acquired by
such weapon It could confer no glory.
* The author has, p^-tTced in the hands of the publisher the whole of the
voluminous correspendehce on the subject of the conference, and the contro
versy between Lady Huntingdon and Mr. Fletcher, her Ladyship and Lady
Glenorchy, and between the Countess and the sixty clergymen then employed
by her. There are five letters from William Mason, Esq., of Rotherhithe, one
from the Rev. David Edwards, a respectable dissenting minister of Ipswich,
one from the Rev. John Brown, of Sheddington, &c. ; but it is presumed that
the review of the controversy given in the text, precludes the publication of
these letters, except at the demand of the public : on the expression of which
they may appear either in the form of an Appendix to the Memoirs or as a
separate publication.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON 249
Where both parties deserve so much censure, with regard to
their tempers, the comparative estiraate of their delinquency Is
difficult, and the condemnation of the one iraplies no praise to
the other. The Calvinists, however, were the most guilty ; for
Mr. Toplady bore away the palm of contempt and bitterness,
evil surmises, and provoking speeches. To Mr. Wesley, indeed,
must be attributed the guilt of letring loose the dogs of war;
he comraenced the dispute by publishing Mr. Fletcher's defence
of the minutes, after having pubhcly drawn up and signed a
refutation or recantation of the obnoxious prhictples which they
contained ; and his horrid appeal to all fhe devils in hell gave
a sort of infernal tone to the controversy. In point of temper,
Mr. Fletcher was of all the disputants, at once the best and the
worst. Too much under the impression of the approaching
judgment to indulge himself with tbe ribaldry, sneers, and con
tempt, in which others seemed to glory, he discovered all the
seriousness of Saul of Tarsus in his opposition to tbe Gospel,
and, transported by tbat zeal whicli is not according to know
ledge, he is often very devoutly wicked, and almost blasphemous
from a sense of duty. In argument, however, he stood alone
on the Arminian side : for though Mr. Wesley was shrewd and
perspicuous, excelling in that luminous siraplicity of language
which controversy deraands, he soon turned frora disputing with
eneraies to rule his votaries ; and left Fletcher to dazzle with
eloquence Instead of reasoning, and to substitute tropes for argu
ments. If the corruscatlons of passion and ephemeral wit should
go down to it, posterity would pronounce him too loquacious
for a deep reasoner, and too impassioned to investigate duly the
most profound and awful themes which <'an occupy the human
understanding. It is as painful as it is remarkable, that the true point on
which the whole controversy turns was never brought to view.
This could not be expected from the Arminians, whose cause
it would have injured. But the Calvinists, by this neglect, be
trayed a want of insight into their own system. The contest,
concerning what God designed from eternity, must at last be
decided by what he effects in time; for his actions are the annun
ciations of his decrees. As Mr. Wesley professed to admit that
God was the author of conversion, that he gave the will its
right direction, and sustained the religion which he first pro
duced ; when this adraission is pursued to all its consequences.
It proves all that Calvinism requires. Instead, however, of dis
cussing this interesting question which lay within tbeir reach,
and tended to edification as it led them to -look inio their own
hearts, the combatants pushed each other back into the ages of

250 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
eternity, to speculate upon the order of fhe thoughts which
passed in the Infinite Mind.
Another singularity of this contest was, tbe difference of the
tribunals to wbich tbe litigants appealed. The Arminians seem
to have felt as gladiators exhibiring before the world, which
must have been much confirmed in its native enmity to divine
sovereignty and grace, by the misrepresentations of Mr. Wesley
and Mr. Metcher. "The Church of Christ was the theatre in
which the Calvinists sought applause; but they seemed not
sufficiently solicitous whether tbat applause proceeded from the
best or the worst part of the professors of religion. The Armi
nians gloried in the patronage of the Montlily Revieiu, and Mr.
Fletcher reproached Mr. Hill for appealing to the children of
God. That was indeed more likely to be true which commended
itself to those " who had tasted that the Lord is gracious," than
that which suits the taste of " the carnal mind which Is enraity
against God;" but in appealing to the people of God, we should
not forget that those who lay claim to this title without right
are often the worst judges of truth and holiness.
The effect of the controversy was most pernicious. Without
eliciting truth, or illustrating difficult texts, the combatants
inflamed the spirit of party, and rendered the two bodies of
Methodists, for several succeeding years, raore hostile to each
other than alraost any other differing sects. Both parties were
driven to extremes. The Calranlsts not only shocked their oppo
nents by saying things as strong, rather than as true, as possible,
against Aminians ; but they actually went to lengths which
some of them afterwards condemned as the perversion of Cal
vinism; though others unhappily gloried in these extravagancies
as the perfection of the Gospel: so that real Antlnominianism
became the pest of many Churches, and the scarecrow of the
Arminians. These, In their turn, fled from Calvinism, with
such haste, fhat they alraost rushed into the arras of a raystical
delsra ; for though Mr. Fletcher, as he advanced towards the
close of the controversy, felt as a Christian on the verge of
eternity, and dropped some healing antidotes to the controversial
venom, Mr. ^Wesley seeraed only intent on following up his
position, that " we are going too far towards Calvinism."

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 251

CHAPTER XL.
American .-^ffiiirs — Rev. Cornelius Winter — Refused Ordination for the Orphan
House — Rev. John Zubley — Governor Wright — Bishop of London  Letters
from the Hon. Mr. Habersham—Mr. Whitefield's Will — Great Meeting in
Wales — Mission to America — Circular Notice from Lady Huntingdon  Let
ters to the Hon. James Habersham, from Lady Huntingdon  Letter to Mr.
Wright and Mr. Crane — Services at Trevecca — Designation of the Mission
aries in London — Mr. Piercy preaches on Tower-hill — Rev. Charles Stuart
Eccles — Arrival of the Missionaries at the Orphan House.
Lady Huntingdon now stood in a very high and responsible
situation. By the will of Mr. Whitefield she became the sole
proprietor of very considerable possessions in America, which,
with the numerous chapels erected in various parts of the king
dom, and the College that her boundless liberality had reared,
greatly increased her labours and her cares. Impressed with
the necessity of depending more siraply and entirely upon the
revelation of " tbe arm of the Lord," she recommended to the
several congregations under her patronage to unite, both in
public and private, in earnestly supplicating the Great Head of
the Church for a copious outpouring of his Spirit upon ministers
and people. Tuesday the first, and Tuesday the fifteenth of
January, 1771, were appointed for the soleran purpose, and
were observed with great strictness throughout her Ladyship's
connexion. .
The late Rev. Cornelius Winter had now returned from
America with Mr. Whitefield's will,* and was the bearer of
¦* The respect showed to the memory of Mr. Wliitefield by the inhabitants
of the province of Georgia, was very great, and gratifying to the feelings of Mr.
Winter, who had accompanied him thither in order to instruct the poor negroes
in the settlement. All the black cloth in the stores was bought up ; the
pulpit and desks of the church, the branches, the organ-loft, the pews of the
governor and council were covered vvith black. The governor and council in
deep mourning, convened at tbe state-house, and went in procession to church,
and were received by the organ playing a funeral dirge. The funeral sermons
were preached, one by Mr. Ellington, and the other by the Rev. John Joachim
Zubley, first minister of the Presbyterian Church at Savannah. He originally
came from Switzerland, and took the charge of this church in 1 760. He preached
to an English and German congregation, and sometimes also he preached in
French. He was a member of the provincial congress, in 1775, but, as he dif
fered in opinion from his fellow-citizens with respect to the independence of
the United States, he incurred their displeasure, and his subsequent days were
embittered. He was a raan of great learning, of a vigorous and penetrating
mind, and of a heart moulded into the Christian spirit. He published a sermon

252 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
letters from his Excellency Governor Wright and Mr. Frink,
the rector of Savannah, addressed to tbe Bishop of London,
recomraending Mr. Winter for episcopal ordination.* To
strengthen their testimonials and prevent any obstacle. Presi
dent Habersham wrote to the Rev. Brian Broughton, rector of
Allhallows, Lombard-street, secretary to the Society for the
Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, and one of the
original Methodists at Oxford.
Mr. Winter waited on the Bishop of London, who, after read
ing the testiraonials, sent for hira into his room. He said,
" You have been over to America as a preacher?" Mr. Winter
answered, " No, as a cateehist." " But," said his Lordship,
" you have preached ?" Mr. Winter replied, " I have attempted
to explain the Scriptures to the negroes, and the curiosity of
some people have excited them to hear." " It was illegal,"
said the Bishop; " you had no right to do so." As Mr. Win
ter stood before the Bishop as a candidate, and not as a casuist
to defend his conduct, he judged It prudent to be silent.
" How came you over to America?" asked his Lordship.
" On purpose to see if I could be of any service to the negroes,"
replied Mr. Winter. "Then," said the Bishop, "you went over
with Mr. Whitefield ? I suppose you have been connected with
him, and have drank deep into his sentiments." To wdiich Mr-.
Winter replied, " I hope, ray Lord, I shall be enabled to give a
degree of satisfaction upon exaraination." The Bi.shop told him
on the value of that faith, without which it is impossible to please God, in
1772 — a funeral sermon— and one on American affairs. He occasionally cor-
responded with Lady Huntingdon and Mr. Whitefield; and died at Savannah,
in July 1781.
* At a meeting of the trustees upon the occasion of Mr. Winter's return to
England, the follovving address was agreed upon to Sir James Wright, Governor
of Georgia. The Executors of the Rev. Mr. Zulubuhler to Governor ^Y rigid.
May it please your Excellency,
We, the subscribers, executors, and trustees of the last will and testament of
tbe late Rev. Mr. Zulubuhler, having, agreeably to the said will, employed Mr.
Cornelius Winter as a cateehist to instruct the negroes on the plantation of the
deceased, for a year past, and he having given us entire satisfaction in the dis
charge of his duty, and behaved irreproachably in all respects in his religious
and moral character, beg leave to recommend him to your Excellency as a
person, in our opinion, properly qualified to receive holy orders ; and therefore
we request your Excellency will be pleased to recommend him to the Lord
Bishop of London for ordination, that he m.ay thereby be enabled fully to com
ply with the intention of the testator, by performing the ministerial offices re
quired by his will. We are with great respect, your Excellency's most
obedient servants, Francis Harris,
James Read,
John Smith,
Joseph Clay,
Savannah, Georgia, Nov. 22, 1770. Noble William Jones.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 253
he would do nothing for him of himself, that it was always
usual for raissionaries to apply f o him through the Society ; that
they should meet at Bow Church, in the 15th instant, where
he would be examined, and there would be an ordlnatlan the
next week. From the manner in whicli his Lordship disraissed
him, Mr. Winter forraed sorae expectation of success. But to
his surprise, after waiting In Bow Church till the Society was
nearly broken up. Dr. Burton sent for him into the vestry, and
informed hira his business had been laid before the Society, wbo
-agreed to have nothing to do with It ; neither could they recom
mend him to the Bishop of London, as he wanted no assistance
from them. However all agreed if his Lordship of London were
disposed to ordain Mr. Winter, they had no objection; but his
Lordship rephed he would have nothing to do with the Ameri
can business except through the Society ; and he added, that be
was afraid the young gentleman had drank deep into Mr.
Whitefield's doctrine.
After his rejection, Mr. Winter waited upon every gentleman
whom he judged had any interest, and among the rest, upon Dr.
Franklin, the kind and steady friend of Mr. Whitefield, and
Lady Huntingdon, who engaged to use his exertions on his
behalf. Mr. Winter was advised to write to the Bishop of Lon
don, and after his Lordship perused his letter, he sent for hiin
and said, " I suppose you have heard what the Society have con
cluded on ?" Mr. Winter replied, " My Lord, I have ; and as it is a
raatter left to your Lordship, I hope you will deterraine it in my
favour." But though he urged the necessity by repeated align
ments, the only reply he made was, "I can do nothing iu ii." V/hen
Mr. Winter Inforraed hira he could not think of returning to
America in his present circumstances, his Lordship said, " You
must do as you please; and withal added, " Now Mr. Whitefield
is dead, you want to throw yourself under our wing. We have
an objection against ordaining any person brought up to busi
ness ; but you have been a preacher with Mr. Whitefield, whicli
is illegal." To each of tiiese Mr. Winter made a reply in sub
mission to his Lordship's judgment, but did not dwell upon tbem,
remembering the circumstances In which he stood. Just as
Mr. Winter shut the door on leaving tbe Bishop, he called to
him, which led him to think the scale, was turned, but he only
said, " When you return to America let me know." I'o wbich
Mr. Winter replied, " My lord, I cannot tiiink of returning
without ordination." Bowing his head, be said, " Very well ;"
and thus they parted tdl the judgment day.
The complete fadure of Mr. Winter's mission was soon com
municated to his numerous friends in America. The trustees

254 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
were really sorry for his disappointment, but the refusal of the
Bishop did not give them half so much uneasiness on his account
as to see thet a door was so shut against them. In Mr. Clay's
answer to Mr. Winter, he says —
" Unless God, in his intinite mercy and goodness, uses some extra
means in our favour, tins land, (I may say, land of darkness and igno
rance, more particularly if applied relative to the people in the back
woods, many of whom I dare sa}' never saw a Bible in their lives, or
ever heard a Gospel semion, and most of whom can neither write nor
read), must be left without teachers, at least, ofthe Gospel of Jesus
Christ, the true and only Saviour of sinners, unless we encourage those
wbo are dissenters from tbe Established Church, Avhicli, for my part,
I have not tbe least objection to, provided we cannot get others.
But I must say, that I think, of two men, equally qualified for the
ministry, tbe one of the Established Church, and the other a dissenter
from the Church, that the former would be more favourably received,
I mean in this country ; and for which reason, I would rather wish to
sec episcopal ministers among us. AVhat can our dignitaries think — or
really one would rather ask, do they think at all ? One would imagine,
if we were to judge on this side, from those tbey generally send among
us as- ministers, tbat their only care w-as to see that they were not
religious men. It is surprising that there is not one among tbem wbo
would venture to ordain such persons as tliey should have reason to
think would prove faithful teachers. Tbis is, as I presume, for fear of
the scoffs of their brethren. Much might be said upon this head, but
perhaps it may be more prudent to be silent."
Mr. Habersham said. In a letter to Mr. Winter : —
"Perhaps few of your friends think themselves more interested in
your success in getting ordination, than myself, and I think I may also
truly say, that few, if any, of your friends, have a higher esteem or
more real friendshij) for your person than I have, and therefore your
disappointment has given me much concern, and I cannot help viewing
it as a froivn of Divine Providence.
" I bad raised my expectations of seeing a church of Africans, and
bad fixed on j'ou ns the instrument, under God, to bring it about, and
hoped that you would have been the happy man to have presented
many of them to yonr Father, and to their Father, -ivith a ' Plere am
I, and the children whom thou bast given me.' You know there are
a few, and of no inconsiderable property, who would be glad to have
tbeir black servants become fello-iv-heirs with them, and partakers of
tbe inheritance undefiled, and tbat fadeth not away. Is it then pos
sible tbat tbe guardians and fathers of our excellent Church should re
fuse orders to a man every way qualified, amply provided for, unex
ceptional in his moi-al character, and heartily desirous from the best
motive, the love of God, to engage in and promote so arduous, so
painful, and difficult a work, as the conversion of those neglected and
benighted people from, wdiat shall I call it, prejudice or mistake ? I
could say more, but I forbear, not doubting but God will vindicate bis

SELIN.'i, COUNTESS OF HNTINGDON. 255
own cause. I have by this conveyance -written to good Lady Hunting
don, and have desired her to have some conversation with you on this
subject, as you are circumstantially acquainted with the state and pro
vision made for the mission here ; and in case you do not see your way
clear, to return to us ; a kind Providence may possibly point out some
person properly qualified, agreeably to the will ofthe donor, to succeed
you, who, I may venture to say, will be heartily received by those
entrusted with the execution ofit."
The refusal of the Bishop of London to ordain Mr. Winter,
and the existing sfate of the Orphan-house, became the cause
of much embarrassment to Lady Huntingdon. Mr. Berridge, in
a letter to her Ladyship, in May, 1771, says, " Mr. Winter, who
went to Georgia with Mr. Whitefield, and returned last Christ
mas, called lately upon me, and acquainted me with the state of
the Orphan-house. He says there are but few Orphans in
the house, and no symptoms of grace in any. Mr. Wright has
the whole management of the house, who, according to my little
knowledge of him, seeras neither to have zeal nor grace enough
for the work. Mr. Whitefield, when at Georgia, made a sumptu
ous feast on a Sunday, for all the better dressed people, intending
to renew this every year by way of commemoration ; but I hope
you will put a stop to this guttling business. I wish the Orphan-
house may not soon become a mere Blue-coat Hospital and
Grammar-school. If Mr. Fletcher could go to Georgia for a
year, things might be on a better footing. Indeed, I never
could relish Mr. Wright; he seems a mere cabinet-maker, with
out godliness. Mr. Winter, who gave me this Intelligence, is a
zealous, prudent, godly youth, and is now settled at Bristol, in
fhe room of Mr. Adams, so that you may easily obtain all
needful intelligence from hira."
We have already seen the zeal and usefulness of the venerable
Countess In England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, and it
devolves on her biographer now to record the extension of her
Christian philanthrophy towards other regions. Her's was a
missionary zeal that burned with unabated energy for the salva
tion of mankind, coraraunicating its hallowed fire to other
hearts, and urging thera to deeds of glory and renown.
In the year 1772, her Ladyship havmg brought in all heirs-
at-law, and secured by the kind assistance of Sir Jaraes Wright,
Baronet,* Governor of Georgia, and the Hon. James Habers-
* Sir James was Attorney- General, Chief Justice, and Govemor of the Pro
vince of Georgia. He vvas created a baronet in 1772. Lady Wright, who was
drowned oo her voyage to England, was only daughter and heiress of Captain
Maidman of the army. Sir James died in 1786, and was succeeded by his eldest
son, wbo married a daughter of John Smith, Esq., some time Governor of South

256 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
ham,* and settled all things to the satisfaction of her own mind
and that of all Mr. Whitefield's friends, formed the determina
tion of sending over a President and Master for the Orphan-
house, with such students as were willing to devote themselves lo
the service of tbe heathen.
Mr. Habersham was appointed by Mr. Whitefield as executor
of his affairs in the Province of Georgia ; which office he fulfilled
perfectly to the satisfaction of Lidy Huntingdon, and with high
honour to himself. Prior to the execution of his will,f Mr.
Whitefield converfed with Mr. Winter upon the future disposal
ofthe Orphan-house. "I told him," says Mr. Winter, "I
thought he should resign it to tbe Government of the Province,
giving it as my reason, that though Lady Huntingdon should
have it in case of his death, she would not be able to preserve
the life of religion in It as he supposed."' The work of God
usually goes on in a way contrary to tho order prescribed by
man. Mr. Whitefield had taken such steps as certainly raised
the expectation of the Governor and council ; and they had
reason to think it would be an institution under tbeir direction.
Carolina, but dying without issue, in 1816, the title reverted to his grand-
nephew, James Alexander Wright, the present baronet, of South Carolina.
* Mr. Habersham vvas an eminent merchant at Savannah, and early in life
was connected with the first Methodists at Oxford, whilst a student at the
University. For many years he was the faithful friend and adviser of Mr.
Whitefield, with whom he maintained a constant correspondence to the day of
his death. He was a man of piety, and held in much esteem for his honour
able and upright character. His views of divine truth had their genuine in
fluence upon his temper and conduct to an unusual extent. Few have experi
enced such uninterrupted peace of mind through life, or such strong support in
death. He died August 29, 1775, leaving a son, Joseph Habersham, Esq., Post
raaster General of the United States, who likewise afterwards corresponded
with Lady Huntingdon on her affairs in Georgia. He died November, 1815.
f Mr. Whitefield's will was dated March 22, 1770, and the bequest made
in the following manner : — .
" In respect to my American concerns, whicli I have engaged in simply and
solely for His great name's sake, I leave that building, commonly called the
Orphan-house, at Bethesda, in the province of Georgia, together with all the
other buildings lately erected thereon ; and likewise all other buildings, lands,
negroes, books, furniture, and every other thing whatsoever, wbich I now stand
possessed of, in tbe province of Georgia aforesaid, to that elect lady, that mo
ther in Israel, that mirror of true and undefiled religion, the Right Hon. Selina,
Countess Dowager of Huntingdon : desiring that as soon as may be after my de
cease, the jdan of the intended Orphan-bouse, Bethesda College, may be prose
cuted, if not practicable or eligible to pursue the present plan of the Orphan-
house Academy on its old foundation and usual channel; but if her Ladyship
should be called to enter her glorious rest before my decease, I bequeath all the
buildings, lands, negroes, and every thing before mentioned, which I now stand
possessed of in the Province of Georgia aforesaid, to my dear fellow-traveller
and faithful invariable friend, the Hoh. James Habersham, President of his
Majesty's Honourable Council : and should he survive her Ladyship, I earnestly
recommend him as the most proper person to succeed her Ladyship, or to act
for her during her Ladyship's life-time in the Orphan-house Academy."

SELINA, COUNTESS OP HUNTINGDON. 257
Some disappointment was felt when his will was made known ;
but most of the religious people in the colony felt satisfied that
the trust was reposed in good hands ; and a letter from Lady
Huntington to the Governor and Council reconciled many to
the disposition in her favour.
Hitherto, Lady Huntingdon had confined her exertions to
Great Britain; and it was the supreme delight of her soul to
see the pleasure of the Lord prospering in a happy revival of
spiritual religion. By the persevering zeal of those devoted
men who laboured with her, vast multitudes of the most
ignorant and abandoned of mankind were recovered from the
power of Satan unto God, many of whom now walk with him as
dear children, adorning the doctrine of God their Saviour by a
conversation such as becometh godliness; and thousands, de
parted In the faith, rest in his bosom. But now her attention
was directed to America; and sbe embarked in the arduous
undertaking with a confident assurance that, whatever retard
ments might make the heart sick with hope deferred, or what
ever difficulties obstruct the execution of her efforts, in some
succeeding generations tbe work would be done with efficacy ;
for the heathen are given to the Saviour for his inheritance, and
the utraost parts of the earth for his possession. Happy and
honoured are those whom he deigns to employ as instruments
in the accomplishment of his glorious designs !
All the students labouring in England, Wales, and Ireland,
were now called Into the College In Wales, to form the Mission
to North America. A letter was addressed by her Ladyship
to all the rainisters and students in the Connexion, desiring them
to be in Wales early In the raonth of October. This letter was
accompanied by a circular notice to be read in all the congrega
tions, and a request that the people would unite for prayer and
fasting on Friday the ninth of October, the day appointed for
the solemn dedication of those called to go to America.*
Her Ladyship wrote at large her views to Mr. Habersham,
* Circular notice from the Countess of Huntingdon to all the Clergy and Students,
and to all the Congregations, Managers, and Trustees of Ciiapels in connexion with
her: — .
" The affairs in America being fully settled. Lady Huntingdon's intention is
to carry into execution that which she believes will most effectually be the
means of promoting the knowledge of the Lord, not only in the Provinces of
America, but also (by the intended measure,) a supply of missions will be pro
vided to carry it into the back settlements and among the heathen nations.
Believing this to be the Lord's wU) for the Orphan House in Georgia, she pro
poses a meeting in Wales of all the principals in connexion with her, for this
purpose, that the calls of such students as offer themselves for the help of the
Lord may be examined ; and also for the more effectually planning out the
work in England, North and South Wales, and Ireland ; and also to settle the
College, by receiving or rejecting such new students as shall be offered. The
VOL. II. — S

258 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
and, by the same conveyance, wrote her directions f o Mr. Wright
and Mr. Crane for every needful preparation for the receprion
of her family at the Orphan House, that nothing should be
wanting on their parts to render the establishment of the presi
de, ;t, master, and students, suitable to the character they have
as belonging to the Countess of Huntingdon. We might here
proceed to lay before tbe reader an account of the selection and
dedication of tbe students destined as missionaries to North
America, and the solemn services on tbat occasion at Lady
Huntingdon's College in Wales, at Tottenham-court Chapel,
and In the open air on Tower Hill — scenes wbich must have
been singularly impressive, and particularly so in a day when
Missionary Ordinations were not comraon, as they now are.
The whole of the proceedings mark the spirit of the days of the
Son of Man, and can scarcely be contemplated without exciting
a prayer, that the mantle of the prophets of tbat period of
divine power may rest on tbeir descendants.
The students being thus called in from all parts of the king
dom. Lady Huntingdon left Bristol on Friday, October 2d, ac
companied by Mr. Shirley, Mr. Piercy, Mr. Lloyd, Mr. Wilson,
&c., and arrived at Abergavenny in tbe evening, where they met
six of the students, some from the College, to attend her Lady
ship there, and others on their way from various places, to
attend the meeting on the 9th. The next morning all set out
for Trevecca, and were met on the road by several other stu
dents,* who accorapanied her to the College, v,-here they ar
rived at four o'clock on Saturday afternoon. The students in
the establishraent received them with the hymn —
'' Welcome 1 welcome, blessed servants !"
Mr. Shirley prayed devoutly on their entrance. At dinner, the
students sung —
'' Ye servants of God, your Master proclaim."
clergy intending to be present are the Hon.[and Rev. Mr. Shirley, rector of Marj'-
bill; the Rev. Mr. Glaseott, rector of Hatterleigh, Devonshire ; the Rev. Mr.
Crosse, vicar of Bradford (and intended chaplain and master of the Orphan-
house) ; and the Rev. Mr. Piercy, rector of St. Paul's, Charlestown, with all the
students variously engaged from all parts, to be present on Wednesday, Octo
ber 7th, at furthest — the Friday after being intended as a feast of dedication of
all those called to go to America. She is obliged to desire it so soon, as a ship
by the end of next month will be ready to sail and land them at Georgia, and
the captain is the person she most wishes them to go by, from many advan
tages arising to them from bim. As Lady Huntingdon supposes this the most
important event of her whole life, so all that bear her any regard, in connexion
with her, she must entreat to be present, and is bound to believe great blessings
from the Lord Jesns Christ will descend upon all who are made willing to help
her with their presence and their prayers."
* Of their proceedings, the fullest details are before us ; but to insert them
would require a third volume of these Memoirs.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 259
In the evening, one of the students preached. At supper, a
hymn was sung, and was followed by prayers, the signal for
retiring to rest. On Sunday, the first public service was com
menced, and this was repeated every day for a fortnight.
On the 27th of October the missionaries embarked on board
fhe vessel destined to convey them to America, and sailed from
Blackwall to Gravesend. As the moment of their departure ap
proached, the prayers of the thousands who felt themselves pecu
liarly interested in the arduous yet glorious undertaking, became
more frequent and fervent than usual. Vast mulritudes attended
them to the river side ; and, as soon as the boats conveyed them
from the shore, a solemn and affecting scene presented itself.
Every countenance was suffused with tears, hats and hand
kerchiefs were to be seen waving in every direction, bidding
these servants of God farewell, and a multitude of prayers and
wishes ascended as a cloud of incense to the great Head of the
Church, recommending them to his raerciful 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 impres
sions then made were attended with the most beneficial results.
The missionaries embarked on board the vessel perfectly undis
mayed at the apparent dangers of the ocean, and deeply pene
trated with a sense of the glorious cause in which they were
engaged ; and, to preserve on their minds a lively sense of the
nature and iraportance of the missionary work. Lady Huntlno--
don planned several judicious regulations during the voyage.
She recomraended that there should be public service every day,
in which all the students should engage by rot:ition ; and that
they should raeet, at certain parts of every day, for the purpose
of social prayer, and the strengthening each other's hands by
mutually relating their Christian experiences, and reading such
works as might be of iraportant benefit to thera in their arduous
undertaking.* As the vessel was nof to put to sea for some days, Mr. Piercy
returned to London, and on the following Sunday preached to
* The following lines were written on this interesting occasion by Mr. Shir
ley, and though printed at the time, few, comparatively, had an opportunity of
seeing them. When the missionary ship, the Duff, sailed from England for
the South Seas, this poem was published in the " Evangelical Magazine " for
" Go, destined vessel, heav'nly freighted, go —
For, lo ! the Lord's ambassadors are thine ;
Faith sits at helm, and Hope attends the prow.
While thousands swell the sails with balmy pray'r.
s 2

"260 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
an amazing congregation at Tottenham-court Chapel. His text
was — " Peace I leave with you — my peace I give unto you ; not
as the world giveth give I unto you : let not your heart be
troubled, neither let it be afraid." At six In tbe evening the
worship was renewed at the Tabernacle, when he delivered a
discourse to an Immense multitude, whicb greatly overflowed that
vast place of worship. This sensible and judicious sermon was
founded on Matt. xiii. 9, " Wbo hath ears to bear, let hira hear."
On the Wednesday following he preached again at Tottenham-
court Chapel from these words- — " Because I have said these
things unto you, sorrow hath filled your hearts." This discourse
was delivered under circunistances which rendered it peculiarly
affecting and impressive. In tbe evening he took his leave of
the Tabernacle congregation, preaching from Acts xx. 32, " And
now, brethren, I commend you to God, and the word of his
grace, wbich is able to build you up, and to give you an In
heritance among tbem which are sanctified." On Thursday
evening he delivered bis farewell-sermon at Woolwich, to the
congregation which was of bis own planting ; and on the fol
lowing morning preached on Tower Hill to an immense con-
" Jesus, thy Guardian, walks the briny ^vave.
Or on the whirlwind rides, or rules the storm ;
His eye regards thee, vigilant to save.
Though danger varies its terrific form.
" Black gath'ring tempests, aw'd by his command.
Their hideous forms in lowly murmui's cease ;
Whilst o'er the monstrous surge he waves his hand.
Or spreads the silky mantle of his peace.
" The Lord of elements is Lord of men ;
He stills the menace ofthe hostile wind:
His servants, soon as the glad port they gain.
In hearts prepar'd shall friendly welcome find.
" Lo ! India's tawny sons incline the ear,
And pause attentive to the sacred \^'ord ;
Heralds of God ! your embassy declare,
And win obedient nations to the Lord.
" Proclaim the Cross, the banner lifted high.
And bid a guilty world find refuge there ;
So shall the praise of myriads rend the sky.
And heaven and earth the mighty blessings share.
" Gleams the glad morn ! arise, O King of kings,
Assume, assert thine universal sway ;
TiU earth subdued, its willing tribute brings,
And distant regions cheerfully obey.
" Then, big with conquest, bring thy glories down,
Let those that love thy name thy praise declare ;
Friends of the Cross, they soon shall wear the crown
In peaceful rest, and bliss for ever share."

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 261
course of people collected on this interesting occasion. He
spoke from Luke vii. -48, " And he said unto her. Thy sins are
forgiven." He closed his ministerial labours in London at this
time on Sunday morning, in the Immense building of Totten
ham-court, which was crowded frora door to door. The passage
selected for closing the solemn scenes of what was not inaptiy
termed the Methodist Jubilee was taken from tbe last chap
ter of the Second Epistie to the Corinthians—" The grace of
ourLord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion
of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen."
The vessel, however, being detained some time in the Downs
by a contrary wind, the missionaries preached almost every day
on shore. Mr. Cook being so near Dover, where he had supplied
in his turn for some months, wished to see his friends once
more. He went unexpectedly and preached a lecture, which
was remarkably owned. Several of the students also went to
Dover on the next sabbath, in order to preach. A fair and
brisk gale springing up in the night, the ship sailed, and most
of them were left behind. Two of thera reraained In England,
the Rev. Henry Mead, who afterwards took orders in the Es
tablished Church, and died a few years since at Reading; and
the Rev. WiUiam White, who took the small-pox, whicb obhged
him to give up the idea of going to America. He continued a
diligent, faithful, and affectionate preacher of the Gospel in the
Countess's Connexion till his death, which happened in Novem
ber, 1777. He was of a consumptive habit, and unequal to a
long voyage.
Mr. Eccles, who had returned to Ireland to take leave of his
family and friends, arrived about this time, and embarked for
America. Mr. Cook, with the rest, was yet determined on the
voyage, and prosecuted the plan. " Nothing ever was so
blessed," says Lady Huntingdon, " as the spirit in which they
all went; and such a remarkable outpouring of the Spirit, that
we trust Is a pledge of their promised blessing to the heathen."
After a passage of only six weeks, these servants of God
reached the place of their destination, vrithout having expe
rienced one day of real bad weather from the time they launched
upon the bosom of tbe mighty deep. '• A letter from Georgia,"
says Lady Huntingdon, " assures me of Cosson, Cook, and
Billy the housekeeper being safe arrived. Tbe finest passage
that ever was known they had all tbe way, and under six weeks
going. May the Lord bless and prosper tbem, and cause them
to appear among tbe poor heathen with glad tidings, and owned
and honoured of the Lord, whose servants they most surely are !
We wait with impatience to hear of the rest ; but those wordri

262 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
the morning before they sailed from Gravesend came with Infinite
power and sweetness — ' Not a hair of their heads shall perish.'"
It was not long, however, before Lady Huntingdon had the
satisfaction of learning the safe arrival of the reraainder of the
missionaries in America, and the cordial reception which they
received from the friends of the late Mr. Whitefield.
Immediately on their arrival, they proceeded to tbe Orphan
House, from whence they soon issued forth to spread the know
ledge of the doctrine of tbeir crucified Lord. As they had all
preached in England, and considered themselves authorised to
do so ou their general plan, tbey travelled about the country and
preached with much acceptance among serious Christians of
different denominations. Their labours were crowned with
singular success — many, by their ministry, received the light of
the Gospel ; and vast nurabers of our sable-coloured brethren*
were called, by their preaching and conversation, to the know
ledge and love of our Lord Jesus Christ. The regions where
they Itinerated furnished happy evidences of the powerful word
of a crucified Jesus among the wild wanderers in the forests and
the boundless plains of tbat vast continent.
The spirit of activity manifested by the missionaries to raake
known the glory and to erect the kingdom of our Immanuel in
the hearts of men, roused tbe dormant zeal of many fo send the
Gospel to their heathen neighbours, and endeavour to evan
gelise the Indian tribes. A door of hope for the entrance of
the everlasting Gospel being thus opened, and the cordial ap
probation expressed and tbe affectionate regard testified to
wards those whora Lady Huntingdon had sent over, induced
many to make earnest application to her Ladyship for further
assistance, to keep alive the spirit of zeal and activity which bad
been excited to spread the glorious Gospel around them.
" America (says Lady Huntingdon) is honoured by the mission sent
over. The province of Georgia bave made proposals to build a church
at their own expense, and present me with it, that the College of
Georgia may have their ministry in that part honoured. The invita
tions I have for our ministry in various parts of America are so kind
and affectionate, that it looks as if we flere to have our way free
through the whole continent  My last letters from
America inform me, our way appears to be made to the Cherokee
Indians ; and in all the back settlements we are assured the people
will joyfully build us churches at their own expense, and present
* Two Africans, members of a church in the Countess of Huntingdon's Con
nexion in Sierra Leone, under the pastoral care of Mr. John Ellis (also a
man of colour, now ninety years of age, and probably one of these brethren)
have lately visited London. Meetings were held to receive them at Sion Cha
pel, Northampton Tabernacle, &c. They returned to Sierrft Leone on Wednes»
dfrjr, June I9tb. 1839,

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 263
them to us, to settle perpetually for our use. Some great, very great,
work is intended by the Lord aniong the heathen. Should tbis appear
I should be rejoiced to go myself to establish a College for the Indian
nations. / can't help thinking but before I die the Lord wiU have me
there, if only to make coats and garments for the poor Indians. I am
looking when some from among us shaU be called to the Jews — hut the
Gentiles by us will surely hear the voice of the Lord."

CHAPTER XLI.

Destruction of the Orphan House by fire—Observations of Mr. Berridge— Slave
Trade—Remarks on Mr. Whitefield and Lady Huntingdon— Slave Trade at
the Orphan House— Lady Huntingdon purchases Slaves— Anthony Benezet
—Writes to Lady Huntingdon on the Slave Trade— Death and Funeral of
Anthony Benezet — American War— Mr. Piercy— Mr. Keene and Lady Hun
tingdon—Colonel Tattersal—Lord George Germaine— Sir James Wright—
Hon. Henry Laurens committed to the Tower—Mr. Channing— Mr. Laurens
returns to America  Rev. John Johnson — Orphan House seized by the
Georgians — General Washington— Sir James Jay — Dr. Franklin.
Not many months after the arrival^ of the missionaries at
Georgia, the Orphan House was accidentally destroyed by fire.
On the first news of her great temporal loss in America, the
Countess hastened to London. " No lives being lost in the
fire (observes her Ladyship), has made my heart so thankful,
that, for the many thousands I have temporarily lost by it, I
could never wish it for one moment to be otherwise ; believing
the Lord removed it only out of our way, and that it was not
somehow on that right foundation of simplicity and faith our
work must stand upon. Though we may be disappointed,
God, the Judge of all. Is not defeated — all things are ordered
according to the counsel of his own will.'' To the frustration of
Lady Huntingdon's fond hopes and the defeat of Mr. White-
field's design,^ the venerable Mr. Berridge, the friend of both,
refers in a letter to the late Rev. Cornehus Winter, which, from
the singularity of the style and sentiment, and as partly agreeing
with her Ladyship's idea, is here presented to the reader : —
" It excites in me no surprise that the Orphan House is burnt down.
It was originally intended for orphans, and, as such, was a laudable
design,' but has ceased to be an orphan house, in order to become a
lumber-house for human learning, and God has cast a brand of his
displeasure upon it ; but how gracious has the Lord been to .Mr. White-
field, in preserying it during his lifetime ! We stU liye to lay plana,

264 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
and you laid one last winter, but your Master has shown you he wiU
not eniploy you as his counsellor."
Mr. Whitefield first landed In Georgia In 1778. "When able
to look about hira (says Dr. Gillies), he found every thing bore
the aspect of an infant colony ; and, what was more discourag
ing still, he saw It was likely to continue so, by the nature of
its constitution. The people were denied the use of rum and
slaves !" This the apostolic Whitefield wrote, and this Dr.
Gillies recorded, without any comment. Indeed, Mr. White-
field considered the denial of rum and slaves, as more than a
misfortune to the colony. Hence, he adds (after stating that
female heirs were not allowed to inherit lands), "so that, in
reality, to place a people there on such a footing, was little
better than to tie their legs and bid them walk. The scheme
was well meant at home, but, as too raany years' experience
evidently proved, it was absolutely irapracticable in so hot a
country abroad."
How differently would Mr. Whitefield write if alive now !
But then, he was not wiser than his times on the subject of
slavery. Indeed, be soon became a slave owner, when he
founded his Orphan House in Georgia. Nevertheless, bis
sentiments and feelings were very different from the generality
of the proprietors of slaves. He soon became an Instrument in
turning the attention of raany to the hard case of the negroes,
and of exciting syrapathy towards thera. His letter from Georgia
to the Inhabitants of Maryland, Virginia, and North and South
Carolina, was printed in 1739, and is as follows : —
" As I lately passed through your provinces on my way hither, I was
sensibly touched with a fellow-feeling for the miseries of the poor
negroes. Whether it be laAvful for Christians to buy slaves, and thereby
encourage the nations from whom they are bought to be at perpetual
war with each other, I shall not take upon me to determine. Sure I
am it is sinful, -when they have bought them, to use them as bad as
though they were brutes, nay -(vorse ; and whatever particular excep
tions there may be (as I would charitably hope there are some), I fear
the generality of you who own negroes, are liable to such a charge ;
for your slaves, I believe, work as hard, if not harder, than the horses
whereon you ride. These, after they have done their work, are fed
and taken proper care of; but many negroes, -lAhen wearied wdth labour
in your plantations, bave been obliged to grind their eorn after their
return home. Your dogs are caressed and fondled at your table ; but
your slaves, who are frequently styled dogs or beasts, have not an equal
privilege. They are scarce permitted to pick up the crumbs which
fall from their master's table ; not to mention what numbers have
been given up to the inhuman usage of cruel task-masters, who, by
their unrelenting scourges, have ploughed tiieir backs, and at length

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 265
brought them even nnto deatb. When, passing along, I have viewed
vour plantations cleared and cultivated, many spacious houses huilt,
and the owners of them faring sumptuously every day, my blood has
frequently almost run cold within me, to consider how many of your
slaves had neither convenient food to eat, nor proper raiment to put on,
notwithstanding most of the comforts you enjoy were solely owing to
their indefatigable labours."
The letter from which this Is an extract produced a desirable
effect upon many of those who perused it, but particularly upon
such as began to be seriously disposed in these tiraes. And as
Mr. Whitefield continued a firra friend to the poor Africans,
never losing an opportunity of serving thera ; he interested, in
the course of his useful life, many thousands of his followers in
their favour.
The object of the Orphan House was to furnish scholastic
instruction to the poor, and to prepare some of them for tbe
ministrv. Mr. Whitefield, ever attentive to the cause of the
poor Africans, thought that this institution might have been
useful to them also ; but soon after his death they who suc
ceeded him bought slaves, and these In unusual numbers, to
extend the rice and indigo plantations belonging to the College.
This fact raight have been concealed, now that there are Ameri
cans who may eraploy It In their own justification ; but we have
not hid It, because even they cannot hide frora theraselves the
fact, that the Countess of Huntingdon, or her chaplain, ought
never to have held a slave. It was not like themselves — it was
unworthy of them to do so ! So it is of every American Chris
tian. " I wot that through ignorance they did it, as did their
and our fathers." They would not do It now. Who does not
instinctively feel this ? How difficult it is to believe that ever
Mr. Whitefield or his noble patroness could have written the
following words ! In his raeraorial to the Governor of Georgia,
for a grant of lands to found a College, he urges his request by
stating that "a considerable sura of raoney Is Intended speedily
to be laid out in purchasing a large number of negroes." In
his memorial to the King, praying for a charter to the intended
College, he pledges himself to " give up his trust, and make a
free gift of all lands, negroes, goods and chattels, of which he
now stands possessed in the province of Georgia, for the present
founding, and towards tbe future support of a college to be
called Bethesda." He makes a sirailar appeal to the Archbishop
of Canterbury, Inforraing him that the number of negroes,
young and old, is about thirty ; and proving to bim, that by
" laying out only a thousand pounds in purchasing an additional
number of negroes," the income of tbe college would bg " easily

266 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
and speedily augmented." (There were fifty slaves, men,
women, and children, at the Orphan House In 1770.) On the
receipt of the first remittance from the Orphan House estate
and property bequeathed to Lady Huntingdon by Mr. White-
field, her Ladyship writes thus to Josiah Tatnall, John Glenn,
and Nathaniel Hall, Esqrs., agents and attorneys for the Or
phan House trust :
"The bill for 26^. 10«. bd., remitted by you, as a draft payable to
me, upon Mr. Channing, and as arising from the trust estate of the
Orphan House in Georgia, and my own property there (intended by
me to be for ever united to it), must be returned to you, for the pur
poses of that trust, and expended by my order upon it, as having thus
reached my immediate direction. I must, therefore, request that a
woman-slave may be purchased w'\\h it, and that she may be called
Selina, after me, in order best to establish that period of my only re
ceipt of money during the whole course of my possessing that trugt, or
my own property there, and that in your accounts it may fully fix and
determine the time of this remittance, taking care that it may appear
as by my special appointment of it. This will be needful, as it will
so stand in my accounts of this trust when delivered in by me."
We may well exclaira, " Lord, what is man !"
The encouragement thus given to the slave trade excited the
attention of the excellent and venerable Anthony Benezet,*
* Anthony Benezet was the personal friend of Mr. Whitefield, who frequently
lodged at his house whenever he visited Philadelphia. His father was one of
the many Protestants who, in consequence of the persecutions vvhich followed
the revocation of the edict of Nantes, sought an asylum in foreign countries.
After serving an apprenticeship in an eininent mercantile house in London, he
removed to Philadelphia, where bejoined in profession the Quakers. He con
sidered the accumulation of wealth as of no importance, when coinpared with
the enjoyment of doing good; and he chose the humble, despised, but beyond
appreciation useful, and honourable, situation of a schoolmaster, as according
best with this notion, believing, that by endeavouring to train up youth in
knowledge and vii'tue, he should becorae more extensively useful than in any
other way to his fellow creatures. His works on the calamitous state of the
enslaved negroes in the British dominions contained a clear and distinct de-
velopement ofthe subject, and became eminently instrumental in disseminating
a proper knowledge and detestation of the trade. He died at Philadelphia in
the spring of 1784. The interment of his remains was attended by several
thousands of all ranks, professions, and parties, including some hundreds of
those poor Africans, who had been personally benefitted by his labours, and
whose behaviour on the occasion showed the gratitude and affection they con
sidered to be due to him as the benefactor of their whole race. It was at this
amiable philanthropist's funeral, when hundreds of weeping negroes stood
round, that an American ofBcer said, " I would rather be Anthony Benezet in
that coffin, than General Washington with all his fame."
A branch of the Benezet faijiily remained in England, and intermarried with
the family of Dr. Claude Fournereau, of Christ Church Park, in the county of
Suffolk. His descendant, the late Major Benezet, was a resident at Margate for
many years, where he acquired considerable property, a great portion of the new
town having been built on land belonging to him. The name is novv nearly
extinct  only one person remaining, an old bachelor, upwards of seventy
yews of Sge,

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 267
one of the most zealous, vigilant, and active advocates, the
cause of the oppressed Africans ever had. He seemed to have
been born and to have lived for the promotion, and never to
have omitted the least opportunity of serving that cause. He
opened a correspondence with Lady Huntingdon, in order to lay
before her Ladyship, as a religious woman, the misery she was
occasioning in Africa by allowing the managers of her College
in Georgia to give encouragement to the traffic In human blood.
The Countess replied, that such a measure should never have
her countenance, and tbat she would take care to prevent it.
Her Ladyship had estates in Georgia, and on being entrusted
with Bethesda, ber first act, as described in a letter to the Hon.
James Habersham, dated London, Sept. 19, 1772, was to send
over a teacher, the Rev. Mr. Crosse, with several students, to
be established as ber own family on her property there ; a
president for the Orphan House, and others, with full commis
sions, she says, will follow, and a regular plan be laid down for
the house, the school, and the estate, which, she declares, she
never regarded as her own. Her own housekeeper is to be sent
to regulate all according to her Ladyship's direction. Mr.
Longworthy, who had left the house, is directed to return and
wait the arrival of Mr. Piercy, the appointed president ; and
she indicates a hope of visiting Georgia in person. On the
same day, she urges Mr. Wright, for the sake of his master, Mr.
Whitefield's memory, for the sake of his own soul, and the
souls of thousands, to exert himself in discharging the trust re
posed in him by Mr. Whitefield, and now temporarily renewed
by her; a similar exhortation addressed on the same day to Mr.
Crane is also before us. In all these letters she speaks of the
dreadful state Into which the institution Is reported to have
fallen, and piously hopes that God has so ordained it as a pre
lude to increased usefulness. The breaking out of the American
war interrupted the good works of the venerable Countess ; but
the reduction of Charlestown gave Mr. Piercy the long-wished-
for opportunity of returning to Europe ; after eight years'
absence, he joyfully embraced the first convoy that sailed
frora Carolina, on the .5th of October, 1780. The Mary and
Charlotte, In which Mr. Piercy and his family sailed, unfor
tunately foundered at sea, after they had been out one month ;
but they were raost kindly taken on board bis Majesty's ship
Hydra, Captain Gardner, the Commodore of the convoy, and
were landed at Cork in the beginning of December, after a pas
sage of two months,*
• It wBs on the 4th of December, 1780, tbat Mr. Piercy returned, for on thaj

268 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
On the 20th of .lanuary her Ladyship writes to Mr. Piercy,
then at Cork, giving him a good account of the chapel at Wool
wich, which his friend, Mr. Groves, had filled with a fine con
gregation ; of the deed, and will, and power of attorney, left with
her by Mr. Piercy, and of all tbe trust be bad confided to her.
She then reraarks on the trust he had held for her, and on the
fact that during eight years she had not received from him any
account of her affairs. "Your brotber Richard told me of his
having driven to Boston forty- one of my best slaves, and sold
them to Mr. Elliots. He also said that 1,000^. a year out
of the estate would be a bad bargain for me." She then asks
for an abstract of his accounts, remarks on ber bad state of
health, which makes writing painful, and hopes that his enemies
will be proved liars. Her Ladyship refers to the verv delicate
situation of Mrs. Piercy and the sufferings of the family, which
however, she can only lament. On the 27th her Ladyship
wrote ao-aln to Mr. Peircv, referring to a letter meanwhile re-
ceived, and whicli her Ladyship appears to have regarded as in
part a justification of his silence, and she refers him to Mr.
Evans, at Bristol, who will pass his accounts. On the 16tli of
February she wrote again, justifying her doubts and apparent
severity, but evidently more inclined to believe In Mr. Piercy's
justification : she reminds him that reports were spread of his
having allied himself with the rebels, and advises him to wait on
Lord George Germaine, Secretary of State, and purge himself
of that suspicion.
He was detained there by Mrs. Piercy's delicate situation
throuo'h the winter, then he went to Dublin, thence to Bristol,
where his kind patroness had ordered a house and every accom-
day a letter, dated Cork Harbour, was addressed by him to Mr. Keene. He nar
rates the foundering ofthe ship, the kindness of Captain Gardner ofthe Hydra,
and adds, that foul winds and scarce provisions had compelled them to put into
the Cove of Cork. He describes himself as entirely without money, and gives
accounts of several bills which he had drawn on Mr. Keene for the expenses of
his own passage, and that of his wife and two daughters, &c. Mr. Keene, on the
I4th of December, enclosed Mr. Piercy's letter to Lady Huntingdon, observing,
that he would give the holders of the bills her Ladyship's address. Her Lady
ship returned Mr. Piercy's letter on the same day, as it was Mr. Keene's secu
rity and begs him not to send the holders of the bills to her, but promises to
secure Mr. Keene if he pays them, at the same time observing that eight years
without any account of his trust forbids her believing herself Mr. Piercy's
debtor Mr.' Keene (still on the Mth) writes again, absolutely refusing to have
invthing to do with the bills, says he has closed accounts with her Ladyship,
and is always hearing of illiberal abuse of him on her side, and thathe never had
anv account with Mr. Piercy, and that, in short, he had sent the holders to her
Ladvship On the same day Lady Huntingdon declares her intention to return
the bills unaccepted, as she had not given authority to draw on any one,

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 269
modafion te be ready for his reception, and where Mr. Evans, a
respectable merchant, and one of the comraittee for the raa
nageraent of her chapel there, was engaged to inspect and pass
his accounts relative to the Orphan House, and the expenses of
the Mission In Its first establishment in Georgia.
Mr. Piercy arrived in Bath the beginning of March, 1781,
and gave such an explanation of the affairs In Georgia, and of
the trust reposed In hira, as satisfied the mind of Lady Hunring
don, who, unwilling to suppose that any evil or falsehood lurked
beneath the statement, confirmed the authority placed by Mr.
Piercy in tbe hands of Messrs. Tatnall, Glenn, and Hall, con
stituting them agents, by letters of attorney, for all her property
in America.
On the 29th of March, 1781, Mr. Piercy writes to Messrs.
Tatnall, Glenn, and Hall, at Georgia, telling thera of his disas
trous voyage, of his delay at Cork of a whole winter on account
of Mrs. Piercy's state, of his thirty-six hours' sail to Bristol, &c.,
and confirming the power of attorney he left in their bands. He
desires them to sell all the slaves on the Countess's estates at
full value in Carolina, and remit the price to her In government
bills, and also the proceeds of the crops of 1778, 1779, and
1780. He calls on Mr. Badle to account for plate and linen,
and desires that the orphan negroes may be made to plant as
much as possible. In another letter he accuses Mr. Bailie of
asserting that the French troops carried off furniture, &c., which
he, Mr. Piercy, knows to be In Mr. Bailie's possession ; accuses
him of misapplying tho crops, and appropriating very valuable
articles of Mr. Whitefield's, and altogether gives a disgraceful
picture of the state of that " greatly injured charity."
The delicate and important situation in which the Countess
stood before the public with regard to Georgia, had forced her
to seek for Inforraation from the highest quarters. The well-
known Lord George Germaine was at the time one of his Ma
jesty's principal Secretaries of State, and he, on her, Ladyship's
application, wrote to Sir James Wright, Governor of Georgia,
who advised her Ladyship to give full powers of attorney to
Colonel Tatnall and Mr. Hall to call to account Mr. Badie, who
who was then resident at Bethesda, and this her Ladyship had
already done.*
* Meanwhile her Ladyship was most anxious for the final deposidon of the
affiurs of Georgia, and also that it should be shown that she had acted faithfully
to Mr. Whitefield's memory. She received nothing during twelve years from
the estates in America, but expended thousands, and paid the bills of Mr.
Habersham, of Mr. Piercy, of Tatnall and Hall, then of Savannah, of Smith of
Carolina, &c. &c.
In 1782, tbe Americans again seized her estates and the Orphan House ; but,

270 THE LIFE AND TIMES OP
Soon after Mr. Piercy's arrival in England, Lady Huntingdoil
began to suspect that all was. not right In his accounts. This
caused sorae reserve on her part, which her niece, Mrs. Wills,
thought unkind. As a justification of her conduct, she thus
wrote to Mr. and Mrs. Wills, In March, 1782.
" So united in heart as we are, it is incumbent on me, with the
gi'eatest simplicity of my spirit,-to clear up matters relative to Mr. Piercy,
of which you are yet ignorant, and may suppose my backwardness in
helping hira (if I conld) might appear unkind at present. He was
eight years abroad upon my estates. Mr. Keene's accounts prove
between five and six thousand pounds were remitted, including tho
expenses attending his going out with students. Six-and-twenty hun
dred pounds, the second year of this, was expended in buying slaves,
which, united with the Orphan House slaves, made near four-score in
number, sufficient for a large estate. And after these were put upon
my own estate, the.re was upon Change in Bristol an offer of eleven hun
dred pounds SterUng yearly to be paid me. After this, six years passed
wdthout a single line or scrap of paper, or any account whatever.
He then, without leave, s,oli\. five-and forty slaves to a great amount,
and took the bonds for this money in his own name, and brings me a
scrap of paper, with the bond signed by a lawyer as existing, but so
managed, that I cannot see a legal claim I ean make for the recovery
of the money. Indeed, I have every reason to apprehend the worst
from Mr. Piercy's conduct ; but in love to him, and respect for his
family, I do not wish to make these things known to others, till jus
tice shall force me to exculpate my seeming neglect of the trust of my
dear old friend, Mr. Whitefield — the fullest proofs I require to
establish his honesty. To my kind American friends I must look for
assistance in this matter, and pray the Father of Lights to guide mo
into all truth, and enable me to judge honourably of Mr. Piercy, if
circumstances will in any way admit of my so doing. My poor heart
is sadly perplexed in this affair. Do pray for me, my very, very dearest
friend."* The Countess was now surprised and shocked by an event
which led ultimately to incalculable good. His Excellency the
as she writes to Mr. Channing, the greatest losses were by the King's troops, and
the Americans behaved to her with extreme kindness. Mr. Piercy, as her Lady
ship says to the Rev. Joseph Cooke, at Charlestown, after spending all the
annual revenue of the Georgian estates, in October 1783, threatened her
Ladpship with a bill in Chancery for further demands. His conduct appears
to have been altogether devoid of honesty and truth ; he appropriated all the
property, brought false accounts against most respectable men, and, living in
luxury, said he did so out of his wife's estate.
• For some time after his return to England, Mr. Piercy continued to supply
her Ladyship's chapels at Bath, Bristol, Brighton, London, Norwich, &c. It
was during this peri^ that he preached one of the sermons at the opening of
Surrey Chapel. When Lady Huntingdon became satisfied as to the truth ot
those unpleasant insinuations which had long been whispered, he was engaged
by Mr Keene for the service of the Tabernacle and Tottenham-court chapels,

SELINAj COUNl-ESS OF HUNTINGDON. 271
Hon. Henry Laurens, President of tbe American Congress,
whom she had long known and admired for his many estimable
qualities, had been deputed by his country to solicit a loan from
Holland, and fo negotiate a treaty with the united Netheriands.
On his passage, he was captured by a British vessel, on the
banks of Newfoundland. He threw bis papers overboard, but
they were recovered by a sailor and sent to England. He was
then coramitted to the Tower, as a stafe prisoner, on a charge of
high treason, and his life was staked on the success of the
American revolution.*
Immediately on hearing of his committal. Lady Huntingdon
made application to Lord Viscount Stormont and Lord George
Germaine for permission to visit him, but her request was refused;
and during his confinement, which was more than a year, he
was treated with great severity, being denied, for the most part,
all intercourse with his friends, and forbidden tbe use of pen,
ink, and paper. His capture occasioned no small embarrass
ment to tbe Ministry. They dared not condemn him as a rebel,
through fear of retaliation ; and they were unwdling to release
him, lest he sbould accomplish the object of his mission. The
intrigues discovered in his papers led to a war between Great
Britain and Holland, and Mr. Adams was appointed in his place
to carry on the negotiation, on the part of Araerica, with the
United Provinces.
Enfeebled in health, and apparently sinking into the grave
through his continued confinement, Mr. Laurens sent a petition
to the House of Commons for his release, relating that he had
laboured to preserve the friendship between Great Britain and
the Colonies, and had extended acts of kindness to British
prisoners of war. At the close of the year, he was accordingly
released ; and, with Mrs. and Miss Channing, proceeded to Bath
to recruit his health. Here they enjoyed the society of Lady
Huntingdon and several persons of distinction, whom she intro
duced to them.
After sorae months' residence at Bath, Mr. Laurens proceeded
to Paris, and with Franklin, Adams, and Jay, signed the prelirai-
naries of peace, November 30, 1782, having been appointed by
in which conne.xion, however, he did not long continue. Some years after, he
had his degree of D.D., and became minister and proprietor of Queen-square
Chapel, Westminster. He was subsequently presented to the rectory of St.
Paul's Church, Charlestown, South Carolina; and died in London, July 13th,
1819, in the 75th year of his age.
* The father of Mr. Laurens was the regular correspondent and confidential
adviser of Mr. 'Whitefield, during his visits to America. Miss Laurens bad gained
Lady Huntingdon's attachment during a visit to England. She was the wife of
Dr. D. Ramsay, the biographer of Washington.

272 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
Congress one of the Commissioners. He afterwards returned
to England, where be remained till bis final return to bis native
land, in the suramer of 1784. His son accompanied hira on
the voyage, and he took with him the fullest authority from
Lady Huntingdon, for the management and investigation of her
affairs abroad. *"
The arrangement of this affair being secured, her Ladyship's
attention was directed to the Rev. John Johnson, f as a suitable
person to direct the affairs of tbe Orphan House. His stern
integrity and his earnest desire to be useful, sometimes placed
objects before him In a too prominent view, and involved hira
in difficulties which he might have escaped; but even in the
midst -of these, though be suffered in his person and his circum
stances, his character remained unimpeachable.
Such was the man whom Lady Huntingdon sent to America.
At first his labours were attended with every prospect of ulti
mate success ; but soon the scene began to change, and he
experienced considerable Inconveniences, on account of bis de
termining to instruct tbe negro-slaves belonging to the House
contrary to the then existing laws.:|;
The state of public affairs between the American Colonies
and Great Britain, whicli issued in a protracted war, and ulti
mately in the entire separation of most of those colonies from
¦* Mr. Laurens died at Charlestown, December 8, 1792, aged G9. Miss Lau
rens, afterwards Mrs. Ramsay, died in 1811. (See an interesting life of this
lady by her husband, Dr. Ramsay. ) His son, Henry Laurens, died in May,
18-21 ; and his eldest son, Colonel Laurens, in 1783, at the early age of 29.
f He vvas publicly ordained at Spafields Chapel, on the plan of the Secession,
in 1783, and became minister of St. George's, Manchester. He had great me
chanical genius, considerable musical anil poetical ability, and his inventive
powers M'ere tested in a scheme for a universal language. He left a grammar
of the Hebrew language in MS.
^ His principal sufferings, however, were occasioned by the death of his
honourable patroness. With the account of her death, he received power to
assert the trust ofthe Orphan House, according to the tenor of her will. About
a month after this, he received a letter from the Speaker of the House of
Representatives, informing him that a bill had passed that house, declaring the
property vested in the Countess of Huntingdon to be a life estate, and vesting
the same in certain trustees nominated by the said act, thereby annulling her
Ladyship's will, and alienating the Orphan House, &c. from the trust which
she had appointed. Soon after this Mr. Johnson received further intelligence
that, on a certain day, the trustees appointed by the General Assembly would
come to take possession of the estate. They, came accordingly ; but he, like
a faithful steward, resisted the claim, resolving not to give up possession till he
was compelled to do so by the highest legal authority. Tbe commissioners
retired ; and in the evening two constables were sent, from whom Mr. Johnson
experienced the most abusive treatment. Still he remained in the house ; but
the next day he was forced out of possession. Both he and Mrs. Johnson were
dragged violently off the preraises, and he was placed in a state of imprison
ment. During his confinement, he received some flattering proposals of being

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 273
England, rendered the designs of Mr. Whitefield and the exer
tions of Lady Huntingdon abortive, the whole of tiie property
having been seized by the Americans.*
Her Ladyship had'now a noble project with regard to Ame
rica. She resolved to convert all the revenues of the Orphan-
house at Bethesda, and of her own estates, into a fund for the
estabhshment of a mission to the Indians, on a grand scale.
With this view she wrote, on April 8, 1784, to General Wash
ington, a letter, of which the following is a copy : —
" Sir — I live in hopes that before this you must have received, by our
mutual and most excellent friend, Mr. Fairfax, the grateful acknow
ledgments of my heart for your most polite and friendly letter ; this
further trouble arises from the kindness of Sir James Jay offering to
take charge of my packets to the several Governors of those States of
America, to whom I have applied on the subject of my most anxious
wishes for the poor Indians ; and I felt it quite impossible to let any
thing go out of my hands without communicating my intentions to you
before all others.' I have, therefore, taken the liberty of sending you
with this a copy of my circular to the Governor of each State, to
gether with a plan, or rather outlines of a plan, thrown together to
convey some idea of my views. With my very best compliments to
Mrs. Washington, I remain, with the greatest respect and esteem. Sir,
your most obliged and most faitiiful and obedient humble Servant,
(Signed) " S. Huntingdon."
To the same illustrious person her Ladyship wrote again, on
April 23, 1784, of which letter the following is an extract: —
'' Sir — I should lament the want of expression extremely, did I believe
it could convey with the exactness of truth the sensibility your most
polite, kind, and friendly letter excited in me. Any degree of consi
deration for the nearest wishes of my heart that stand connected with
services to the Indian nations, eminently demands my ardent thanks.
No compliments can be accepted by you, the wise Providence of God
having called you to, and so honoured you in a situation far above
your fellows, and, as one mark of his favour to his servants of old, has
given *¦ the nations to your sword, and as the driven stubble to your
bow.' Allow me then to follow that comparison till that character
shall as eminently belong to you, ' He was called the friend of God.'
May, therefore, the blessings obtained for the poor, so unite the tem
poral with the eternal good of those miserable, and neglected, and
despised nations, that they may in future ages be enabled to bless you,
constituted the president of the Orphan House, with a liberal stipend, on con
dition that he would submit to the new regulations ; but these he disdained to
accept. At length, he was officially liberated. Still he persisted to maintain
his right of possession ; but, being left without support, he was unable to pro
secute any further appeal.
• No fewer than forty-five original letters, now before us, have been laid
under contribution in the preparation of this chapter.
VOL. 11. — T

274 tHE LIFE AND TIMES OF
whose fatherly hand has yielded to their present and everlasting com
fort. I am obliged to say that no early or intemperate zeal under a
religious character, or those various superstitious impositions too generally
taken for Christian piet}', does in any measure prevail with my passion
for this end, to raise an altar for the knowledge of the true God, and
Jesus Christ our Saviour whom he hath sent, where ignorance alike
of him and of themselves so evidently appears, are my only objects ;
and thus to convey the united blessings of this life with the lively
evidence of an eternity founded on the sure and only wise testimony
of immutable truth; so all my wants or wishes in this matter, and my
poor unworthy prayers are for these providences of God, that may
best prepare the way to so rational and great an end, I have been
induced, from this great object before me, to accept of the obliging
oSfers of Sir James Jay (who was upon the point of embarking for
America), to convey the outlines of my design to each ofthe Governors
of those States ui which, from nearest access to the Indian nations, and
for soil and climate, a situation for many hundred families for the ser
vices of the Indians and the establishment of a people connected with
me should appear best, and whose object would be to support the Gos
pel, and render these Missionaries, sent by me for the Indians and
the various ministrations aniong themselves, the most consistently
useful for all. Should I be able to obtain a sufficient quantity of land
suitable for such purposes, my intentions would be to transfer both my
trust estate, with all my own property in Georgia, for tbis more exten
sive prospect, and which, from the extreme heat of the climate, renders
the labours of Missionaries there of little advantage. This, with the
poor little all I have on earth to give, has been long devoted to God.
Should ever so happy a period arrive, as in his tender mercies to us
¦\ve might be made the fortunate and honoured instruments in that
great day approaching for calling the heathen nations as his inheritance,
to the glorious light of the Gospel."
A regular organised plan has been found among Lady Hun
tingdon's papers, encouraged by the Earl of Dartmouth, for
obtaining a grant from Government of a considerable portion
of these lands. Students were to have been sent from Trevecca
College, and other steps taken to spread tbe Gospel in those
spiritually destitute regions. But the war of America with the
mother country frustrated this, as well as the attempt to carry
on the Orphan House.*
We may add, that tbis place was afterwards abandoned ; the
¦* With regard to the religious character of General Washington, there have
been different opinions. In the extracts from some of his private letters which
have been published by the historian of his life, the name of the Supreme
Being is once or twice introduced in a manner which in common conversation
is deemed irreverent. It is also understood that, in a few instances, durhig the
war, his language was unguarded in this respect. It may not be impossible
that a good man, in a moment of extreme irritation, should utter a profane ex
pression ; but perhaps it is less possible that such a man, when his passion has
passed away, and his sober recollections have returned, should not repent bitterly

SELINA, COUNTESS Oi? HUNTINGDON. 275
trustees, who were chosen from different denominations, not
agreeing amongst themselves in the choice of successors to fill
the vacancies occasioned by deatb. Two niembers of the same
denomination were contrary to the original intention ; at length
Dr. Benjamin Franklin was named, with the observation, that he
was merely an lionest man, and of no sect at all, which prevailed
with the trustees to choose him. The site was purchased for a
school, and a much handsomer and more commodious place
erected by the labours of Mr. Gilbert Tennant.
With Franklin the Countess had no correspondence ; but no
one can forget his character of Mr. Whitefield. It finds a place
in the note beneath.*
of his krevercnce to the name of God. On the other hand, General Washing
ton, at the head of the army, issued public orders, calling upon his ofiicers to
discountenance the habit of profanity ; he speaks in his writings of " the pure
and benign light of revelation," and of the necessity of imitating " the charity,
humility, and pacific temper of mind, which were the characteristics of the
Divine Autbor of our blessed religion ;" he gratefully acknowledges the inter
positions of Providence in favour of his country. His life was virtuous and
upright. He principally supported an episcopal church in the neighbourhood
of Mount Vernon, where he constantly attended public service. During the
war he not unfrequently rode ten or twelve mUes frora camp for the benefit of
the institutions of religion ; and it is believed that he every day had his hour of
retirement from the world for the purpose of private devotion. General
Washington died December 14th, 1799, and Mrs. Washington survived him tUl
May 22, 1803.
* In 1739 arrived among us, from Ireland, the Rev. G. Whitefield, who had
raade himself remarkable there as an itinerant preacher. He was at first per
raitted to preach in some of our churches ; but the clergy, taking a dislike to
him, soon refused him their pulpits, and he was obliged to preach in the fields.
The multitudes of all sects and denominations that attended his sermons were
enormous, and it was a matter of speculation to me (who was one of the num
ber) to observe the extraordinary influence of his oratory on his hearers, and
how much they admired and respected him, notwithstanding liis common
abuse of them, by assuring them they were naturally half beasts and half devih.
It was wonderful to see the change soon made in the manners of our inhabitants.
From being thoughtless or indifferent about religion, it seemed as if all the
world were growing religious, so that one could not walk through the town of
an evening without hearing psalms sung in different families of every street.
And it being found inconvenient tb assemble in the open air, subject to its
inclemency, the building of a house to meet in was no sooner proposed, and
persons appointed to receive contributions, but sufiicient sums were soon
received to procure the ground and erect the building, which was a hundred
feet long and seventy broad ; and the work was carried on with such spirit as
to be finished in a rauch shorter tirae than could have been expected. Both
house and ground were vested in trustees, expressly for the use of any preacher
of any religious persuasion, who might desire to say soraething to the people at
Philadelphia. Mr. Whitefield,. on leaving us, went preaching all the way through the colo
nies to Georgia. The settlement of that province had lately been begun, but
instead of being made with hardy, industrious husbandmen accustomed to labour,
the only people fit for such an enterprise, it was with families of broken shop
keepers and other insolvent debtors ; raany of indolent and idle habits, taken
out ofthe gaols, who, being set down in the woods, unqualified for clearing land,
T 2

276 THD LIFE AND TIMES OF
and unable to endure the hardships of a new setdement, perished in numbers,
leaving raany helpless children unprovided for. The sight of their miserable
situation inspired the benevolent heait of Mr. Whitefield with the idea of build
ing an orphan-house there, in which they might be supported and educated.
Returning northward, he preached for this charity, and made large collections,
for his eloquence had a wonderful power over the hearts and purses of his
hearers, of which Imyselfwas an instance. I didnotdisapproveof thedesign;
but as Georgia vvas then destitute of materials and workmen, and it was proposed
to send them from Philadelphia at a great expense, I thought it would have
been better to have built the bouse at Philadelphia, and brought the children lo
it. This I advised ; but he was resolute in his first project, rejected my counsel,
and I therefore refused to contribute. I happened soon after to attend one of
his sermons, in the course of which I perceived he intended to finish with a
collection, and I silently resolved he should get nothing from me. I had in my
pocket a handful of copper-money, three or four silver dollars, and five pistoles
in gold; as he proceeded I began to soften, and concluded to give tbe copper ;
another stroke of his oratory made me ashamed of that, and deterrained me to
give tbe silver; and he finislied so admirably, tbat 1 eraptied my pocket wholly
into the collector's dish, gold and all ! At this sermon there was a!so one of
our club, who, being of my sentiments respecting the building in Georgia, and
suspecting a collection might be intended, had by precaution emptied his pockets
before he came from home : towards the conclusion of the discourse, however,
he felt a strong inclination to give, and applied to a neighbour, who stood near
him, to lend him some money for the purpose. The request was made to per
haps the only man in the company M'ho had the firmness not to be affected by
the preacher. His answer was, " At any other time, friend Hopkinson, I would
lend thee freely ; but not now, for thee seems to me to be out of thy right
senses." Some of Mr. Whitefield's enemies affected to suppose that he would apply
these collections to his own private emolument; but I, who was intimately ac
quainted with him, never had the least suspicion of his integrity ; but am to this
day decidedly of opinion, that he was in all his conduct a perfectly honest man,
and methinks my testimony in his favoiu- ought to have more weight, as we had
no religious connexion. He used indeed sometimes to pray for my conversion,
but never had the satisfaction of believing that his prayers were heard. Ours
was a more civil friendship, sincere on both sides, and lasted to his death. The
following instance will show the terms on which we stood. Upon one of his
arrivals from England at Boston, he wrote to me that he should come soon to
Philadelphia, but knew not wheie he could lodge when there, as he understood
his old friend and host, Mr. Benezet, was removed to German Town. My
answer was — " You know my house ; if you can make shift with its scanty
accommodations, you will be most heartily welcome." He replied, that if I
made that kind offer for Christ's sake, I should not raiss of a rewaid. And I
returned, "Don't let me be mistaken ; it was not for Christ's sa/ie, but for your
sake." The last time I saw Mr. Whitefield was in London, when he consulted me
about his orphan concern, and his purpose of appropriating it to the establish
ment of a College.
He had a loud and clear voice, and articulated his words so perfectly, that he
might be heard and understood at a great distance ; especially as his auditories
observed the most peifect silence. He preached one evening from the top of
the Court-house steps, whicb are in the middle of Market-street, and on the
west side of Second-street, which crosses it at right angles. Both streets were
filled with his hearers to a considerable distance : being among the hindmost in
Market-street, I had the curiosity to learn how far he could be heard, by
retiring backwards, down the street towards the river ; and I found his voice
distinct till I came near Prout-street, when some noise in that street obscured
it. Imagining then a semicircle, which my distance should be the radius, and
that it was filled with auditors, to each of whom 1 allowed two square feet, I
computed that he raight well be heard by more than thirty thousand. This

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 277
reconciled me to the newspaper accounts of his having preached to twenty-five
thousand people in the fields, and to the history of generals haranguing whole
armies, of which 1 had somerimes doubted.
In the early part of his life, Mr. Whitefield was preaching in an open field,
when a drummer happened to be present, who was determined to interrupt his
pious business, and rudely beat his drum, in a violent manner, in order to drovvn
the preacher's voice. Mr. W. spoke very loud, but was not as powerful as the
instrument ; he therefore called out to the drummer m these words—" Friend,
vou and 1 serve the two greatest masters existing, but in different calbngs—you
beat up for volunteers for King George, and 1 for the Lord Jesus ; in God s
name then, let us not interrupt each other ; the worid is wide enough tor both,
and vve may get recruits in abundance." This speech had such an effect on the
drummer, that he went away in great good humour, and left the preacher in full
possession of the field.

CHAPTER XLII.

Students from Trevecca visit Dorsetshire— Derbyshire — Devonshire — Somer
setshire, &c.— Success of their Labours— Mr.'Lake— Mr. Romaine— Mr. Ben
son  Archbishop of Canterbury — Lady Huntingdon's Interview with George
the Third— Anecdotes of the King — Lady Huntingdon's Chaplains— His
Majesty's Letter to the Archbishop — The King's Opinion to Lady Huntingdon
.  Duchess of Ancaster  Anecdote of a Lady of Quality and the King — His
Majesty's Advice — Feathers' Tavern Association — Letter to Lady Hunting.
don from Edmund Burke, Esq. — Rejection of the Petition — Observations
on Subscription to Articles of Belief— Dissenters' Bill — ^Lord Chatham and
Archbishop of York — Mr. Theophilus Lindsey — Death of Howel Harris —
Letters from Lady Huntingdon — Letters from Mr. Toplady — Mr. Herdsman
— Letter from Lady Huntingdon on his Ordination.
From the first establishment of the College at Trevecca, Lady
Huntingdon usually resided a considerable portion of every year
at her " beloved retreat," regulating its concerns, and sending
the students to such parts of the kingdom as solicited her assist
ance. By this means many towns and villages were visited with
the glad tidings of salvation ; and in very many instances " the
Word ofthe Lord had free course, and was glorified," in the con
version of vast numbers. From this period the students, as well
as the ministers and chaplains employed by the Countess, were
laboriously occupied in diffusing the doctrines of the cross, and
the glorious fruits of these delightful labours of love have long
since been gathered by the Divine Husbandman to the land of
rest and peace and joy.
As early as the year 1771) Lady Huntingdon's students first

278 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
visited Dorsetshire, in consequence of repeated invitations ; and
from time to time several preachers in her connexion were sent
into that county. In the vicinity of Broadmain, near Dorches
ter, their ministry was attended by great crowds, and amongst
the rest by Mr. James Lake."' Various opinions were entertained
of them and of their preaching; the prevaihng one appears to
have been, that they were the " false prophets," of which they
were commanded by Christ to " beware." But while many
spake evil of this way, others experienced that " the Gospel of
Christ," which they preached, "is the power of God unto salva
tion to every one that believeth."
Lady Huntingdon's students now first began to visit Stafford
shire and Warwickshire. The number of pious and faithful
ministers of Christ was few indeed in these counties; hence
their sphere of action was extensive, and their labours heavy.
At Birmingham, Wednesbury, Darlaston, Walsal, Bilston, Wol
verhampton, and many other intervening places, they frequently
preached in the open air, and in some of them met with con
siderable persecution, yet never received any serious injury.
Lady Huntingdon having visited most of these places before,
and the preaching of Mr. Venn, Mr. Piercy, Mr. Romaine, Mr.
Fletcher, and Mr. Stillingfleet, through Divine mercy, proved a
blessing to many. The countenance of Lord Dartmouth was
particularly useful in furthering the labours of her Ladyship's
ministers. His Lordship loved the Lord Jesus Christ with sin
cerity and fervour, and was hearty in the support of his cause.f
At the particular request of Mr. Toplady and Mr. Holraes of
Exeter, Lady Huntingdon sent the students to preach at Broad
¦• Mr. Lake's mind was very painfully exercised on this subject ; he was
afraid to go and hear them, and yet coiJd not stay away in peace. Another
opportunity offered, and he set out for the appointed place. On his way thither,
his perplexity became a perfect agony ; he fell on his knees, and prayed that if
they were, as was reported, the false prophets, rather than he should be deluded
by them, some accident might happen to him to convince him that it was Wrong
to attend their ministry; but that if, on the contrary, they were indeed servants
of the Most High God", and did show the way of salvation, the truth might that
day come with power to his heart. God, vvho knew bis sincerity, blessed him
under the preaching of the Word ; and all his doubts were removed. He em
braced the truth, and the truth made him free. From that day he becaine
a decided character, and no calumnies or reproaches could shake his attachment
to the people of God.
f It was at this time that Mr. Romaine first preached in Derby, having fre
quently atterapted it on other visits to Derbyshire, but was always refused the
use of the church. He also preached several times at Ashbourn, Duffield,
Belper, and other places, with great acceptance and success. At Shottle,
and other villages in the neighbourhood of Belper, considerable attention was
excited, and great numbers crowded to hear the preaching of Mr. Romaine, Mr.
Powley, Mr. Jesse, and others, who frora tirae to tirae visited those places,
under the patronage of Lady Huntingdon. An excellent man, Mr. Thomas

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 279
Hembury, and in the towns of Moreton, Hampstead, Crediton,
and Topsham, and in various villages in the vicinity of Exeter.
In each of these places they met with great opposition ; yet
some in heaven, and others on their road thithel", bless God
they ever heard her Ladyship's ministers.
In the dark parish of Barton St. David, Somersetshire, the
Gospel was introduced about the same period by the students
from Trevecca, some of whom preached at South Petherton
and other places in that county. Many of the first fruits of
their labours are fallen asleep in Jesus. From that time divine
worship was kept up in private houses. A small, decent chapel
was erected there in 18()4, almost solely by the exertions of the
people, who subscribed cheerfully to this good work.
The Rev. Thomas Jones, afterwards of Cathall, in Sussex,
was the first student that preached at Alvastoh and Melbourn.
He afterwards preached a few times at Derby, in the Market
place; and, as appears by the " Derby Mercury", of the 10th of
September, was announced to preach in the morning of the fol
lowing sabbath in a room situated in a yard at the back of the
Town Hall, which had been fitted up as a schoolroom. He
was soon joined by the Rev. Joseph Griffiths, late of Aston,
Berks, whom Lady Huntingdon sent to the assistance of Mr.
Jones. As the engagement of these faithful and laborious
ministers of the Gospel permitted them to come to Derby only
occasionally, it was usual to send the public crier round to an
nounce their intention to preach; in this manner the congrega
tion was raised, and, with the assistance of other ministers in the
neighbourhood, was greatly enlarged. One of the first minis
ters who supplied the congregation was the Rev. J. D. Middle-
ton, a student from Trevecca. Several of the surviving hearers
of this gentleman speak highly of him ; but he soon after
resigned his charge, and became pastor of a Baptist church at
Lewes, in Sussex.*
Slater, at that time residing at Shottle, under the constraining influence of
zeal for his Saviour's glory, and compassion for the perishing souls of his fellovv-
men, employed his sabbaths in preaching the Gospel of salvation to the poor,
in the neglected villages of his own neighbourhood. He met with the treat
ment which raight be expected frora an ungodly raultitude ; but he bore it
with patience and fortitude ; and the word which he preached proved the
power of God to the salvation of many. By this good itian. Lady Huntingdon
tod the ministers she employed were always received with delight, and wel
comed as the messengers of mercy to those who Were in darkness and ih the
region of the shadow of death.
• Mr. Middleton died suddenly, Jan. 18, 1805. He went to bed oh tbe pre
ceding evening in apparent good health ; but at twelve o'clock was seized With
an apoplectic fit, when medical aid was immediately sent for by Mi's. Middlfetori,
but, alas ! in vain. He lay insensible till about three o'clock on the following
afternoon, when he breatfed his soul into the bosom of the Redeemer. On the

280 THE LIFE ANU TIMES OF
After Mr. Middleton's secession, the place was variously
supplied. At length the Rev. Thomas Bryson, who had been
educated in Lady Huntingdon's College at Trevecca, and, after
quitting it, had preached at York and Lancaster, carae to Derby,
where his labours were for a time abundant, preaching not only
in the barn, but also in the open air when the weather would
permit, and In most of the neighbouring villages. He had a
commanding appearance, a fine voice, and a good elocution.
His sentiments were strongly Calvinistic, and his style of preach
ing doctrinal, with frequent striking appeals to the conscience,
and awful representations of death, judgraent, and eternity. He
soon becarae very popular, and acquired great influence over the
people, but he often manifested a considerable degree of warmth
which produced unpleasant effects, and eventually led to a sepa
ration between hira and a portion of his congregation. For the
separate use of the Seceders, the late Mr. Thoraas Wilson, of
Islington, (a native of the county, who manifested on various
occasions great concern for the moral and spiritual welfare of its
inhabitants), purchased premises in the Brookside, and erected at
his own expense a meeting-house, with a convenient vestry; Mr.
Bryson, with the remainder of the congregation, continuing for
a short time to occupy the barn till he left Derby for London.
During their , forraer visits to Derby, Mr. Jones and Mr.
Griffiths also preached very frequently at Ashbourn. The old
Presbyterian meeting-house, which had been shut up for some
time, was procured, and Mr. Jones settled here on leaving Mel
bourn, and continued with the people till he removed to Oathall.
A neat and commodious chapel was afterwards erected at the
sole expense of Mr. John Cooper, of London, who had been a
native of Ashbourn. This new chapel was opened on tbe 20th
of May, 1801.* The venerable Alexander Start is srill the
pastor of this church.
About this time Lady Huntingdon engaged In an affair which
had excited much of the public attention, and ultimately drew
forth the censures of royalty. Dr. Cornwallis, Archbishop
of Canterbury, during the preceding winter, had given several
second sabbath after his death, the awful providence was improved in a funeral
sermon to his bereaved congregation, by Mr. Upton, of London.
. * The Rev. Mr. Crockford read the Liturgy used in the Countess of Hun
tingdon's connexion; after which, the Rev. Jonathan Scott, of Matiock, preached
from Num. x. 27. Mr. Roby, of Manchester, preached in the afternoon,
from Psalm xxvi. 8; arid Mr. Rust in the evening, from Hag. ii. 9. As a further
testiraony of his affectionate concern for his native place, Mr. Cooper erected a
dwelling-house for the minister, and seven alms-houses for poor aged women,
all which he liberally endowed, and vested tbe property in the hands of the
(trustees of the Countess of Huntingdon's establishment!

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDO-N. 281
large balls and convivial routs at his Palace. Mrs. Cornwallis
was also recognised in all the journals of the day as a leading
personage in the fashionable world, who eclipsed everybody by
the splendour and magnificence of her equipages and entertain
ments. These outrages on all decency attracted the notice of
every friend to propriety, and even drew forth many satirical
observations from sorae of the gay personages who were most
frequent at the Palace. Although Lady Hunringdon did not
feel herself called upon to be a regulator of public morals, she
nevertheless felt that such gross violarions of established order
and decency required some check. With the Archbishop her
Ladyship was unacquainted; but, through the medium of a
family connexion, she was resolved on making some atterapt. In
a private way, to put a stop to what was so loudly complained
of on all sides. George, first Marquis of Townshend, had mar
ried her Ladyship's cousin. Lady Charlotte Compton, only sur
viving child of the Earl of Northampton, who inherited in his
own right the Baronies of Compton and Ferrers of Chartley.
The marquis was nephew, by marriage, to Charles Earl of Corn
wallis, brother to the Archbishop; and by this means Lady Hun
tingdon obtained an audience with his Grace of Canterbury,
having been introduced by the Marquis of Townshend, who
attended her to the Palace, and seconded her Ladyship's remon
strances. Although this matter was conducted with the utmost
privacy and delicacy on the part of Lady Huntingdon and the
Marquis Townshend, his Grace was violently offended, and Mrs.
Cornwallis scrupled not to reprobate and ridicule Lady Hun
tingdon in all the fashionable circles. But this, instead of hav
ing the effect she so rauch desired, only drew additional odium
on the Archbishop, whose popularity sustained a severe shock
by a line of proceeding so utterly inconsistent with the gravity
and decorum of the sacred character of a prelate.
Lady Huntingdon, having failed in this attempt, next applied
to Mr. Madan, whose brother. Dr. Spencer Madan, afterwards
Bishop of Peterborough, had married Lady Charlotte Corn
wallis, niece to the Archbishop of Canterbury. But his Grace,
still disregarding every remonstrance, and becoming more vio
lent in his abuses of those whom he was pleased to brand as
Methodists and hypocrites, Lady Huntingdon made application
for a private audience with the King, which was most graciously
granted. On the day appointed, her Ladyship, accompanied by the
Duchess of Ancaster and Lord Dartmouth, went to the King's
Palace at Kew, where she was received in the most gracious
manner by both their Majesties. The King listened to eyery

282 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
thing she said with great dignity and marked earnestness, but
with evident emotion : " Madam," said he,_ " the feelings you
have discovered, and the conduct you have adopted on this oc
casion, are highly creditable to you. The Archbishop's beha
viour has been slightly hinted to me already; but riow that I
have a certainty of his proceedings, and most ungracious conduct
towards your Ladyship, after your trouble in remonstrating with
him, I shall interpose ray authority, and see what that will do
towards reforming such indecent practices."
Lady Huntingdon had the honour of conversing with their
Majesties for upwards of an hour, on a great variety of topics.
The King and also the Queen complimented her Ladyship in
the highest terms on the many benevolent actions which had
been reported to them, and her great and commendable zeal in
the cause of religion. His Majesty then told Lady Huntingdon
tbat he was no stranger to her proceedings ; but added, that he
often found it difficult to obtain an unprejudiced account of
what she said and did. " I have been told so many odd stories
of your Ladyship," said the King, " that I am free to confess I
felt a great degree of curiosity to see If you were at all like other
women; and I am happy in having an opportunity of assuring
your Ladyship of the very good opinion I have of you, and
how very highly I estimate your character, your zeal, and
abilities, which cannot be consecrated to a more noble pur
pose." His Majesty then .spoke of the talents of some of her Lady
ship's preachers, whom he understood were very eloquent men.
" The bishops," said he, " are very jealous of such men ;'' and
he went on to mention a conversation he had lately had with a
dignitary whom he would not name. The prelate had Com
plained of the conduct of some of Lady Huntingdon's students
and rainisters, who had raade a great disturbance in his diocese.
" Make bishops of them — raake bishops of them," said the
King.* "That might be done," replied the Bishop; "but,
please your Majesty, we cannot make a bishop of Lady Hun
tingdon." " Well, well," said the King, " see if you cannot
iraitate the zeal of these men." " As for her Ladyship, you can
not make a bishop of her, 'tis true; it would be a lucky circum
stance if you could, for she puts you all to shame," the Queen
added. His Lordship made some reply, which did not please
the King, and his Majesty, with more than usual warmth, re
marked, " I wish there was a Lady Huntingdon in every diocese
" He had said the same of Mr. Wesley ; and his grandfather used the same
words when some complaints were made agamst Mr. Whitefield.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 283
in the kingdom !" It is remarkable that this bishop never after
made his appearance at court.
The Queen inquired for Lady Chesterfield, who had been a
great favourite with their Majesties, but had not visited court for
some years. The King reminded Lady Huntingdon of his
father, of whom he spoke in a feeling manner, and lamented his
premature death. " I remember seeing your Ladyship," said
the King, " when I was young. You then frequented the court
circle; and I cannot forget that you was a favourite with my
revered father, the Prince of Wales."
" We discussed a great many topics (says Lady Huntingdon), for
the conversation lasted upwards of an hour, without intermission. The
Queen spoke a good deal — asked many questions — and before I re
tired, insisted on my taking some refreshment. On parting, I was per
mitted to kiss their Majesties' hands; and when I returned my humble
and most grateful acknowledgments for their very great condescension,
their Majesties immediately assured me they felt hoth gratified and
pleased with the interview, which they were so obliging as to wish
might be renewed."
A few days after this interview, the good monarch addressed
the following admonitory letter to the Archbishop of Canter
bury :. —
" l^y good Lord Prelate, — I could not delay giving you the notifi
cation of tbe grief and concern with which my breast was affected, at
receiving authentic information that routs have made th^ way into
your palace. At the same time, I must signify to you my sentiments
on this subject, which hold these levities and vain dissipations as ut
terly inexpedient, if not unlawful, to pass in a residence for many cen
turies devoted to divine studies, religious retirement, and the extensive
exercise of charity and benevolence ; I add, in a place where so many
of your predecessors have led their lives in such sanctity as has thrown
lustre on the pure religion they professed and adorned.
" From the dissatisfaction with which you must perceive I behold
these improprieties, not to speak" in harsher terms, and on still more
pious principles, I trust you will suppress them immediately ; so that I
may not have occasion to show any further marks of my displeasure, or
to interpose in a different manner. May God take your Grace into his
almighty protection! I remain, my Lord Primate, your gracious friend,
«G. R."
The first time their Majesties saw Lord Dartmouth, after the
interview with Lady Hunringdon, the King told him he thought
her Ladyship one of the best of women, a sentiment in which the
Queen heartily concurred. " I was much taken with her ap
pearance and manner," said his Majesty; " there is something
so noble, so commanding, and withal so engaging about her,

284 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
that I am quite captivated with her Ladyship. She appears to
pessess talents of a very superior order — is clever, well-informed,
and has ail the ease and politeness belonging to a woman of
rank. With all the enthusiasm ascribed to her, she is an
honour to her sex and the nation."
The habitual piety of the King was perhaps the most striking
feature of his character : it was manifested at a very early
period of his life, and continued with him, bright and glowing, to
the last. Although he might be said to be more particularly
the Father of the Established Church, he was still tbe zealous
friend and advocate of genuine religious toleration. All classes
of bis religious subjects were equally objects of his tenderness
and love. His Majesty, happening one day to pass in his car
riage through a place near one of the royal palaces, where a
rabble had gathered together to interrupt the worship at a
meeting-house, his Majesty stopped to know the cause of the
tumult; and being answered that it was only some affair be
tween tbe town's-people and the Methodists, he replied, loud
enough to be heard by many, " Tbe Methodists are a quiet, good
kind of people, and wdl disturb nobody; and if I can learn that
any persons in my employraent disturb tkem, they sball be ira
mediately dismissed." The King's sentiments soon spread
through the town, and persecution has not dared to lift its head
there since that period.
The King's anxiety for the prosperity of the Established
Church was great, yet he was far from being displeased when
he saw persons of other persuasions propagating zealously what
they believed conscientiously. His displeasure, however, he
could not conceal, when he saw men who professed to believe
acting as though they believed not.
The Duchess of Ancaster was for some years a constant
attendant at Lady Hunringdon's house, and always professed a
great respect for religious persons, with wbom she frequeiitly as
sociated. For Lord Dartraouth she had a very high esteera,
and always lived In habits of great Intlraacy with him and Lady
Dartmouth. This union was strengthened by a" near family
connexion, the Duke of Ancaster having had for his first wife.
Lady Nicholl, the mother of Lady Dartmouth. One day, at
court. Lady Huntingdon became the subject of conversation,
when a lady of rank observed, she thought her so great an en
thusiast, that she certainly must be deranged in her intellects.
The King, who had been listening raost attenrively, replied, with
great quickness, " Deranged, raadara ! did you say ?" " Yes,
please your Majesty," said her Ladyship, " for no one could act
RS she does that was not insane ;" and then related the circum'«

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 285
stance of Lady Hunringdon having called on the Archbishop of
Canterbury to " preach to his Grace" for presuming to see com
pany, which impertinence, she said, Mrs. Cornwallis resented
with a becoming spirit. Their Majesties and the Duchess of
Ancaster exchanged looks, and the King laughed hearrily. The
Duchess of Hamilton, wbo was present, fearing the unfortunate
Marchioness would get deeper into the scrape, made a motion to
her to be silent, which the King perceiving, immediately de
manded of her Ladyship what Mrs. Cornwallis had said of Lady
Huntingdon, and if the Archbishop had not given her his bless
ing. " His blessing !" repeated the Marchioness, with much
surprise ; "no, indeed, ])lease your Majesty; Iam sure she had
no right to expect any such favour. I really don't know what I
might not have said had she intruded herself upon me in a simi
lar manner." Observing the Duchess of Ancaster smile, the
Marchioness added, " If your Majesty wishes to be further in
formed of Lady Huntingdon's practices, I dare say the Duchess
of Ancaster can give you every information, as she is a very
great friend of her Ladyship's." " I am proud of the friendship
of such a woman," repUed the Duchess, " and know of nothing
to condemn, but much to commend, in the Countess of Hun
tingdon." The Queen, perceiving the temper of the Marchioness a
little ruffled, observed, that she had lately derived much plea
sure in the Society of Lady Huntingdon, whom she consi
dered a very sensible, a very clever, and a very good woman.
The unfortunate Marchioness was all astonishment and confu
sion, and would have withdrawn immediately, had not the King,
in the kindest manner, taken her by the hand, and assured her
she was quite mistaken in the opinion she had formed of Lady
Huntingdon. " Pray, madam," said his Majesty, " are you ac
quainted with her ?" The Marchioness replied in the negative.
"Have you ever been in company with her?" inquired the
King. " Never !" replied the astonished Marchioness. " Then,"
said the monarch, " never form your opinion of any one from
the ill-natured remarks and censures of others. Judge for your
self; and you have my leave to tell every body how highly I
think of Lady Huntingdon."
An event occurred about the same period, which called forth
the energies of Lady Huntingdon, and stimulated her to the
most active exertions. This was an association formed by some
of the clergy of the Established Church and a few of the laity,
for the purpose of making an application to Parliament to obtain
relief in the matter of subscription, that a declaration of assent
to the sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures might be substituted

286 THE lif£ and times of
in lieu of subscription to the Thirty-nine Articles and the Book
of Comraon Prayer.*
It is almost needless to add, that in a cause so pregnant with
raischief, and so calculated to subvert the fundaraental doctrines
of the Established Church and the Reforraation, Lady Hunting
don exerted herself with more than her usual activity and ardour.
Her success corresponded with her labours and her hopes. Peti
tions poured in from every side ; and the strongest opposition
was expected from the University of Oxford, from Lord North,
and from the whole body of Methodists and Evangelical Clergy.
It being determined by the association not to defer the petition
to another session. Lady Huntingdon and her friends were very
active in soliciting the support of those members of the House of
Comraons who might be disposed to oppose the petition. Her
Ladyship waited in person on several merabers, and their recep
tion was highly flattering and encouraging. From Lord North,
then first Lord Commissioner of the Treasury, Lady Hunting
don received the most positive assurance of support. Mr. Burke
also expressed himself highly gratified at witnessing her zealous
exertions, and promised the aid of his powerful talents when the
petition carae before the House. The letter of this distinguished
ornament of the British Senate has been preserved, and is here
presented to the reader : —
" Madam, — I am sensible your kindness and partiality to me will in
duce you to put the most favourable construction on my seeming neg
lect of the communication which your Ladyship did me the honour to
address to me. Permit me to assure you that disregard and inattention
to the contents of your letter, and the wishes of your Ladyship, had
not the smallest share in it. I honour and respect the zeal and activity
you have evinced on this occasion ; and shall make it my study to
merit the good opinion you entertain of me, which is so flattering to
my feelings.
" It is with shame I find myself so late in answering a letter which
* This application to Parliament originated in the impression which was
made upon the minds of many of the clergy by a work of Archdeacon Black
burne, entitled " The Confessional." At the desire of some of his brethren, the
Archdeacon published, in the beginning of the year 1771, " Proposals for an
application to Parliament for relief in the matter of subscription, &c., hurably
submitted to the consideration of the learned and conscientious clergy." In
consequence of these proposals, a meeting of the clergy in or near the metro
polis was advertised for the 17th July, when it was unanimously agreed
to form an association, for the purpose of applying to the legislature for
relief. About fourscore attended ; some from motives of curiosity, some
as observers of the rest, and some to lend a helping hand to the business
in agitation. This, from the place of meeting, was called the Feathers' Tavem
Association, and a petition having been drawn up by the Archdeacon, was
adopted by the association, and circulated through the country -with great in
dustry, in order to obtain signatures previous to the meeting of Pai-liament.

SELJNA, COifN^ESS OF HUNTINGDON. 287
gave me such sincere pleasure. I am happy in coinciding with your
Ladyship in attachment for the Established Church. I wish to see her
walls raised on the foundation laid in the volume of divine truth, that
she may crush the conspiracy of Atheism, and those principles which
will not leave to religion even a toleration. My sentiments in regard
to the petition of the clergy, praying to be relieved from subscription
to the Thirty- nine Articles, are in opposition to the opinions of nearly
all ray own party. There is every probability of its being thrown out ;
and you may rely on my determined opposition to it in every stage. I
have the honour to be. Madam, with the highest esteem and regard,
your Ladyship's most faithful and obedient humble servant,
"Edmund Bubke."
Many regarded the object of the petition as frivolous ; whilst
others believed that it would be hazardous to meddle with the
Articles. The prevailing opinion was that the application was
ill-timed, and dangerous to the interests of the Established
Church, and a general confederacy was formed to crush It.
On the 6th of February, 1772, agreeably to the resolution of
the general meeting of the Feathers' Tavern Association, the
petition was presented to the House of Comraons. There was
some difficulty in procuring a suitable person to present it;
Lord John Cavendish and Sir George Saville having declined
the office. At length it was introduced with an appropriate
speech by Sir William Meredith, the brother-in-law of the late
unhappy Lord Ferrers, whom Lady Huntingdon had in vain
laboured to engage in opposing it. After a very aniraated de
bate, the House divided; the nurabers for not receiving the
petition were two Iiundred and seventeen, — for receiving it,
seventy-one !
Lady Huntingdon, though at all times the advocate of tolera
tion and religious hberty, in the most liberal and extensive
sense compatible with the public tranquillity and the good of the
community, strongly objected to the principles of the petition.
She felt convinced that Parliament could not grant any relief to
those who had already subscribed, as they had no power to vacate
oaths ; and that for those who were not yet beneficed, and who
wanted to seize on the emoluments of the Church without be
lieving in her tenets or complying with her laws, they were not
at all to be listened to, as, from every principle of reason and
justice, they should be excluded from her for ever. She per
fectiy agreed with Mr. Burke on the plea, that while the asso
ciators professed to belong to the Establishment, and profited by
it, no hardship could be implied in requiring some common
bond of agreement, such as the subscription tb the Thirty-nine
Articles, among its niembers. The great majority that rejected

288 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
this petition, insisted that all governments had a right to con
stitute the several orders of their subjects as they pleased; that
the priesthood, in tbis instance, stood in the same predicament
with the others ; that It was necessary that those who were ap
pointed to be the public teachers and instructors of the people,
should be bound by sorae certain principles from which they
were not to deviate ; tbat to prevent the disorder and confusion
incident to so great a number, it was also necessary that some
public symbol should be established, to wdiich they sbould all
assent, as a mark of their conformity and union. It was also
said, that, so far as subscription related to the clergy, who were
those principally concerned, It could not be considered that
they suffered any injustice, as they were under no necessity of
accepting benefices contrary to their conscience ; and, if their
scruples arose afterwards, they had It always in their power to
quit tbem ; and tbat every raan now, according to the prayer of
tbe petition, was at liberty to interpret the Scriptures for his
own private use ; but that his being authorised to do so for
others, contrary to their inclination, was a inatter of a very dif
ferent nature.
In the course of the debates upon the petition for relief in
the matter of subscription, several favourable sentiments were
thrown out with regard to the Dissenting ministers, and some
concern was expressed for the hardships tbey suffered in being
obliged, under heavy penalries, to subscribe the articles of a
church to which they did not belong, and from which they
sought neither promotion nor emolument ; and sorae gentle
men declared their readiness to consent to a bill for their
relief. This favourable disposition In one part of the legislature
naturally occasioned a meeting of some of the ministers in
London, to consider of a petition to Parliament for that purpose.
For a period of raore than thirty years Lady Huntingdon bad
cultivated a close intimacy with many of the leading characters
araongst the orthodox Dissenters, most of whom were as strongly
attached to the doctrinal parts of tbe Articles as even the mem
bers of the Established Church. Her Ladyship's well-known
prmciples of religious liberty and toleration, and her long and
intimate friendship for many without the pale of tbe national
Establishment, whom she considered the excellent of fhe earth,
shared her cordial approbation of the measure, though she
deeply regretted that the persons who chiefly occupied them
selves in this affair professed theological and political opinions
which she dared not approve. The bringing in of this bill gave
great alarm to the High Church party, who, seeing the former

SELIN.l, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 289
petition Immediately succeeded by another attack upon tho
Thirty-nine Articles", began to iinagine that some settled design
was formed subversive of the established religion. They ac
cordingly opposed it with great warmth ; but found the general
sense of the House strongly ag-ainst them, and were surprised to
see a considerable part of administration, and almost the whole
of opposition, for once join in opinion, and both appear equally
sanguine in the cause of religious liberty, and for the extending
the benefits of toleration. T'he motion was carried through the
House of Coramons by a great majority ; but upon a second
reading in the House of Lords, it was thrown out by a still
greater majority. Although the voice of justice did not prevail
at this time, yet some years afterwards, a bill was passed, sub
stantiating the declaration of belief in Christianity,' in lieu of
subscription to the Articles.
It was upon this occasion that Dr. Drummond, Archbishop
of York, attacked the Dissenting ministers as men of close am
bition ; but they met with an able advocate in the great Earl of
Chatham, who made this noble defence : " This is judging un
charitably, and whoever brings such a charge without proof, de
fames." Here the enlightened statesman paused for a moment,
and then proceeded — " The Dissenting ministers are represented
as men of close ambition : they are so, my Lords ; and their
ambition is to keep close to the college of fishermen, not of car
dinals; and to the doctrine of inspired apostles, not to the
decrees of interested and aspiring bishops. They contend for
a scriptural creed and spiritual worship ; we have a Calvinistic
creed, a Popish liturgy, and an Armenian clergy. The Re
formation has laid open the Scriptures to all ; let not the
bishops shut them again. Laws in support of ecclesiastical
power are pleaded, which it would shock humanity to execute.
It is said that religious sects have done great mischief when
they were not kept under restraint ; but history affords no proof
tbat sects have ever been mischievous when they were not
oppressed and persecuted by the ruling church."*
* It will seem extraordinary that pending the application to Parliament for
the relief of Dissenting ministers, tutors, and schoolmasters, a printed paper
was circulated very widely, signed by several ministers about London, opposing
the application, and stating their reasons for so doing. In this list we find the
names of some men eminent for piety and extensive usefulness in the Church of
Christ — Samuel Brewer, Edward Hitchen, John Trotter, John Macgowan, and
Henry Hunter. With Mr. Brewer and Mr. Macgowan Lady Huntingdon had
long maintained a friendly intercourse ; and she felt extreme regret at being
obliged to oppose the sentiments of those whom sbe personally knew and
esteemed. But the cause of truth and religious liberty were dear to her heart,
and she could not be silent. Her Ladyship is said to have expostulated with
Mr. Brewer and Mr. Macgowan with much good temper, as well as great force
of argument. \'0L. II. — U

290 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
The Rev. Theophilus Lindsey had been wavering in his sen
timents relative to the doctrine of the Trinity, and subscription
to the Thirty-nine Articles of the Established Church.
Soon after the meeting at the Feathers' Tavern, he announced
his intention of resigning the living of Catterick, as absolutely
necessary for bis own peace with God, which he preferred above
all considerations. In this resolution he was strongly opposed
by Lady Huntingdon, who endeavoured, by every argument and
motive which zeal and friendship could suggest, to retain in the
Church a man so truly upright and conscientious. But her
efforts, though well intended, were unavailing. Mr. Lindsey's
resolution had been formed upon deliberation too raature,
and upon principles too sacred and too firmly riveted, to be in
the least degree shaken by the arguraents or expostulations of
his worthy patroness and friend. He had forraed an acquaint
ance with Dr. Priestley and Mr. Turner of Wakefield, both
Socinians, and, convinced by their arguments, adopted their
principles, religious and political.
In obedience to what he considered the voice of conscience,
he resigned his residence and living of Catterick, with all its
secular advantages and comforts. The sentiraent expressed by
our admired poet, Cowper, was unquestionably that of the great
majority of orthodox persons on the conduct of Mr. Lindsey,
and those other gentlemen who afterwards followed his example.
And it is so still.
" They now are deem'd the faithful, and are prais'd.
Who, constant only in rejecting Thee,
Deny thy Godhead with a martyr's zeal.
And quit their office for their error's sake ;
Bhnd, and in love with darkness !"
During the year 1773, Lady Huntingdon lost her old and
stedfast friend, Howel Harris, one of Mr. Whitefield's most
energetic followers, and a man of extraordinary powers of body
and mind.
" Mr. Harris is gone home in triumph, (says Lady Huntingdon to
Mr. Romaine, under date of July 29, in this year,) and he now rests
from all his labours.
" This indefatigable servant of God fell asleep in Jesus last week.
During his illness, he said, ' I feel myself growing very weak to-day,
and am in much pain, and feel my spirit crying, 0, my dear Father, art
thou coming to Strike the last stroke ? When our Saviour shall come
and raise my spirit from nature and death, and everything here below,
to his own spirit, then I shall know what it is to be cleansed and
purified. I feel that my spirit goes to God, not as his creature, but as
his child, and the purchase of his hlood, jMy spirit crieth continually,

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 291
0 come, come, Lord, come quickly. I feel my spirit among the sup
pliant here before his throne, and find freedom Iiere to say, I have
done my work, I have finished m-y testimony, I have run my race ;
what more remains for me to do, but to come home to my God, and
Father, and friend, and best relation ? All thy friends are my friends,
and all thy enemies are my enemies. 0 come. Lord Jesus, come
quickly, and take me home to rest. I feel my spirit rejoicing and
singing — ' My Lord is gone, and I must go,
I cannot stay content below.'
" When he was confined to hed, and could no longer preach or
exhort, he said, ' Blessed be God, my work is done, and I know that
I am going to my God and Father, for he hath my heart, yea, my
whole heart ' — adding, ' the enemy is permitted to torment my hody ;
hlessed be the Lord, he is not suffered to come near my spirit.' He
very often repeated these words with the utmost joy : — Glory be to
God, death hath no sting ! Death hath lost its sting ! ' At another
time he expressed his faith and ardent desire to depart, saying, ' I am
in great pain, but all is well, all is well ; He hath settled all things
well. Oh ! how would it be if the sting of death had not been taken
away ? 0, that I could now go home, for my work is done here.'
" And thus this good man went home to rest.
" It is impossible to describe the grief that is manifested every where,
on account of the death of Mr. Harris ; he was so beloved, and so
esteemed as the spiritual father of multitudes who were converted
under his powerful preaching, and enabled to venture their souls upon
an infinite Saviour, entirely depending on his righteousness for the
acceptance of their persons and services. Truly his loss is felt at the
College, where many were awakened by his lively ministry. The
last time he preached at the College, there was as great a crowd as
usual ; and his preaching was as searching and rousing as ever. He
spake with a mighty sense of God, eternity, the immortality and
preciousness of the souls of his hearers, of their original corruption,
and of the extreme danger the unregenerate were in ; with the nature
and absolute necessity of regeneration by the Holy Ghost, and of
beUeving in Christ, in order to our pardon, justification; yielding
acceptable obedience, and obtaining salvation from hell and an entrance
into heaven. He spake as became the oracles of God in demonstra
tion of the Spirit and of power ; and especially when he came to his
application, he addressed himself to the audience in such a tender,
earnest, and moving manner, exciting us to come and he acquainted
with the dear Redeemer, as melted the assembly into tears.
" On the day he was interred we had some special seasons of Divine
mfluence, both upon converted and unconverted. It was a day never
to he forgotten ; but, I think, ought to be remembered with holy wonder
and gratitude by all who were present. Not fewer than twenty
thousand people were assembled on this solemn occasion, and we had
abundance of students in the College, and all the ministers and exhor
ters Tvho collected from various parts to pay their last tribute to the
V 2

292 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
remains of a great man. ^Ve bad three stages erected, and nine ser
mons addressed to the vast multitudes, hundreds of whom were
dissolved in tears. Fifteen clergymen were present, six of whom blew
the Gospel trumpet with great power and freedom. Though we had
enjoyed much of the gracious presence of God in our assembhes before,
yet, I think I never saw so much at any time as on that day ; especially
when the Lord's Supper was administered, God poured out his Spirit
in a wonderful manner. Many old Christians told me they had never
seen so much of the glory of the Lord and the riches of his grace, nor
felt so much of the power of the Gospel before.
" I hope soon to open a chapel in Worcester. Lincolnshire and
Kent promise great things. Mr. Townshend* and Mr. Spencert are
supplying at Bath, where the Spirit is most evidently with the word,
and the work of the Lord, through infinitely wonderful grace, pros
pering in their hands. Lady Fanny Shirley has frequent meetings at
her residence, and many of the nobility attend, some of whom have
heen led to cry, ' What must we do to be saved ? ' — Mr. Shirley is
labouring at Brighton, and his family are now with Lady Fanny at
Bath. The work spreads amazingly in Gloucestershire. Mr. Milner
is labouring with great zeal and boldness in Hull ; there he meets with
much obloquy and abuse. I have some students there supplying my
chapel, whose ministry has been remarkably owned.
" Accept my thanks for tbe hints you have given me relative to the
students ; they shall be attended to, and any suggestions which may
further the cause, will be most gratefully received. I am happy you
approve tbe plans I have adopted. The salvation of poor souls is
my one object upon earth, and my greatest earthly happiness and joy.
I can freely declare that I have seen God's Spirit accompanying the
preaching of the students in many places, by which precious souls
have been subdued to himself; which, I apprehend, is only an earnest
of much greater blessings to his church ; for he has said that he -will
make the ' knowledge of himself to cover the earth, as the waters do
the sea.' Zion shall yet ' look forth (out of all the clouds of contempt
cast ori ber), fair as the morn, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army
with banners.' I doubt not but ' the light of the gospel-sun shall yet
increase as the ligbt of seven days,' for the mouth of the Lord hath
spoken it. Even so, come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.
" When you have a little leisure, Mr. Shirley will be glad of your
assistance at Brighton. Mr. Madan and Mr. Venn are at Oathall :
the latter I expect here this month, — also Mr. Toplady and Mr.
Berridge. I must conclude myself your very faithful and affectionate
friend, in the best bonds, " S. Huntingdon."
In the spirit of this letter, her Ladyship wrote to several
clergymen to assist ber in the work of grace, by joining their
labours with hers. One of thera, Mr. Toplady, replied, that
he thought himself qualified rather for regular than irregular
• Rev. Joseph Townsend, A.M., rector of Pewsey, in Wiltshire.
f Rev. Edward Spencer, rector of Winkfield, near Bradford,|Wiltshire.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 293
service, and that his course appeared to be the plain and useful
one of pastoral teaching : —
" I remember, that in one of my last conversations with dear Mr.
Whitefield, antecedently to his last voyage to America, that good and
precious man of God said as follows : — ' My good Sir, why don't you
come out, why don't you come out ? you might be abundantly more
useful, were you to widen your field, and preach at large, instead of
straining your ministry to a few parish churches.' My answer was to
this effect — tbat the same Providence which bids others to roll at large,
seems to bave confined me to a particular orbit. And I honestly own
1 am still of the same mind. If tbere be for me a yet more excellent
way, God, I trust, will reveal even this unto me. I hope I can truly
say, that I desire to follow his guidance with a single eye.
" As to the doctrines of special and discriminating grace, I have thus
much to observe : tbat, for the four first years after I was in orders, I
dwelt chiefiy on the general outlines of the gospel. In the usual
course of my public ministry, I preached of little else but of justifi
cation by faith only in the righteousness and atonement of Christ ; and
of that personal holiness without which no man sball see the Lord.
My reasons for thus narrowing the truth of God, were (with humiliation
and repentance I desire to speak it,) these two : 1, 1 thought these
points were sufficient to carry as clear an idea as was absolutely
necessary, of salvation by grace. And 2, I was partly afraid to go any
further. " God himself (for none but he could do it,) has since gradually
freed me from that fear. And as he never at any time permitted
me to deliver, or even to insinuate, aught that was contradictory to His
truths, so has he been graciously pleased, for between seven and eight
years past, to open my mouth to make known tbe entire mystery of
His Gospel, as far as his spirit has enlightened me into it. The con
sequence of my first plan of operation was, that the generality of my
hearers were pleased, but very few were converted. The result of my
latter deliverance from worldly wisdom and from worldly fear, (so far
as the Lord has exempted me from these snares,) is, that multitudes
have been very angry ; but the conversions which God hath given me
reason to hope he has wrought, have been, at least, three for one
before. Thus, I can testify, so far as I have been concerned, the use
fulness of preaching predestination, or, in other words, of tracing sal
vation to its first source.
'' Your Ladyship's goodness will pardon the unreserved freedom and
plainness with which 1 have taken occasion to open my mind ; nor
wdl you, I hope, disbelieve me, when with the same simplicity and
truth I assure your Ladyship that I love and revere you, for what God
has made you, and for what he haa effected through you. Let me
have, as 3'ou kindly promise, an interest in your prayers."
The late Rev. Richard Herdsraan, who received his education
at Trevecca, under the patronage of Lady Huntingdon, was
sent by her Ladyship, about two years previous to this period

294 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
to South Petherton, in Somersetshire. A place having been
fitted up for Diyine worship, Mr. Herdsman, in conjunction with
other students, laboured in it with considerable success. In
process of time, a church was formed, and Mr. Herdsman re
ceived an unanimous call to the pastoral office, which he ac
cepted with much fear and trembling. His ordination soon
after took place, a new place of worship was erected, and Messrs.
Reader, Ashburn, English, and others engaged in the service.

CHAPTER XLIV.
Chapels of Lady Huntingdon in London_Ewer-street Chapel, Princess-street,
Westminster— Opened by Dr. Peckwell—Letter from Lady Hunringdon 
Mr. English— Mr. Beck—Mulberry Gardens Chapel— Mr. Charles Stewart
Eccles—Mr. Coughlan_Mr. John Clayton—Mr. George Burder  Letter
from Mr. Toplady— New Mulberry Gardens Chapel_Mr. Isaac Nicholion—
Mr. Stoddart— Spafields Chapel— Richmond Theatre— Letter from Mr.
Toplady— Letter from Lady Huntingdon— Northampton Chapel opened 
Opposition of Mr. Sellon — Consistorial Court  Mr. Berridge's advice  Letter
from Lady Huntingdon— Lord Dartmouth— Mr. Thornton— Spafields Chapel
re-opened by Dr. Haweis— Queries sent to Mr. Sergeant Glynn—Letter from
the Recorder of London to Lady Huntingdon.
At a very eariy period of her religious course, we find the be
nevolent and ardent mind of the Countess directed towards the
spiritual wants of London, that emporlura of error and dis
sipation. At her house in Park-street, and subsequent residence
at Chelsea, Mr. Whitefield, Mr. Romaine, Mr. Fletcher, the
Messrs. Wesley, Mr. Berridge, Mr. Madan, Mr. Venn, Mr.
Jones (of St. Saviour's), and other eminent ministers of Christ,
proclaimed all the words of this life to the highest personages
in the land. At her Ladyship's earnest recommendation, the
residences of Lady Gertrude Hotham, in New Norfolk-street,
Grosvenor-square, and Lady Fanny Shiriey, in South Audley-
street, were opened, and in their spacious drawing-rooras these
apostolic labourers proclaimed the truth to nurabers of the
nobility. Her liberal heart next devised the plan of hiring or
erecting chapels for the accomraodation of the poorer classes.
In tbe beginning of 1770, her Ladyship took the lease of a
chapel in Ewer-street, which had been occupied for a long
series of years by a society of Quakers, and supplied it for some

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 295
time by students from her own College. One of these, a Mr.
Causton, preached there about nine months; but, complying
.with her Ladyship's wishes, he went over to America in 1772;
and Mr. Smith, another student, preached at this place until
removed by death. Mr. William Crawford being requested by
the people to preach his funeral sermon, a way was prepared for
his settling amongst them.*
About the year 1773, a large and commodious meeting house
in Princess-street, Westminster, becoming vacant by the removal
of the congregation under Dr. Kippis to another place, erected
upon a much more contracted scale, in consequence of the
diminution of the society,t it was repaired and enlarged by the
pious munificence of Lady Huntingdon, aided by the zeal and
liberality of some persons of respectabihty, who had the exten
sion of the Redeemer's kingdona much at heart ; and opened
by Dr. Peckwell in April, 1774. Speaking of this chapel in
a letter to Mr. Hawkesworth, dctted April 2, 1774, her Lady
ship observes : —
" I am going to the College, with the Lord's leave, and from thence
shall send you the best help I can. Dear Mr. PeckweU is ready in
heart, but a large chapel of mine, holding more than three thousand,
is to be opened this next week ; and this being in the heart of West
minster, requires our most eminent ministers to follow up that pre
paration of heart the Lord has -wrought, — and another I am going to
erect in Wapping. The Lord has sent us Mr. Haweis to join our
* This connexion took place in 1776, and in the follpwing year the present
building was erected. Mr. Crawford being of the Particular Baptist denomina^
tion, a regular society was forraed here upon similar principles, but it was
agreed to allow mixed communion. There is a small burial-ground behind the
meeting-house. Mr. Mansfield and Mr. Elliott, two respectable clergymen, oc.
casionally preached there ; and some of tbe ministers supplying at the Taber
nacle at Tottenham-court Chapel lent their assistance. Having become a Dis
senting congregation, her Ladyship's attention was directed to a larger field of
usefulness, wbere her ministers and students could preach with a greater pro
spect of success.
t In the early stages of non-conformity, when talent and respectability cha^
racterised its leaders, and an attachment to principle the people, this was one
of the most flourishing societies amongst the English Presbyterians. It was
first collected in the reign of Charles II., iiqt long after the passing of the Act
of Uniformity, by the learned Mr. Cawton, chaplain to the pious Lady Arpaine,
who was one of the rainisters ejected by that statute. Mr. Vincent Alsop, Mr.
John Shower, and Dr. Ednjiund Calamy, were sucoessive p^stQis of tbis church,
Happy would it be for the cause of our commoii Christianity, were thp same
glorious truths that characterised the ministrations of the early non-conforjnists
taught Vfith similar faithfulness in spme modern congregations t With the fall
ing off of the congregation there was an ecjual declension from the doctrine^
taught by the earlier pastors of this society. At length, it became necessary to
erect a place of worship upon a mueh smaUer scale, where, notwithstsinding the
pains tbat are taken to uphold the cause of what is, hy a perverseness of lan
guage, called "tfnitarianism," the success is by no means apparent, and tbe
society seems fast hastening to a dissolution.

296 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
Connexion ; and indeed he is a most blessed and extraordinary minister.
Yet pray on we must for more labourers in our harvest, for truly it is
great, and the labourers are few."
For some years this chapel was supplied by a rotation of
ministers of the Established Church, many of whom preached
with much acceptance. Mr. Toplady occasionally laboured in
this sphere of usefulness with much utility ; as also Mr. Shirley,
Mr. Glaseott, Mr. Pentycross, Mr. Jesse, and Dr. Haweis; and
many by their instrumentality were savingly converted. After
some time Dr. Peckwell became the stated minister, and the
name was changed to that of " Westminster Chapel :" —
" I am happy (says the Countess) in having dear Mr. Peckwell set
tled in London ; his zeal and eloquence are so great, and he is so abun
dantly owned of God in the conversion of souls. Whdst he itinerates,
the chapel will be supplied with the College services. Dear Mr. Top
lady hath been much owned of God there, and Mr. Haweis, Mr. Jesse,
and Mr. Glaseott likewise. The congregation is very numerous, and
many of the mighty and noble, as well as the poor, gladly hear the
word, to some of whom it has proved the savour of life."
i i The late Mr. English, of Woburn, and Mr. Beck, minister of
Bury-street jneeting, were among the supplies here, which is
remarkable for the nuraber of ejected ministers, who have pre
sided over it. Under Dr. Watts there was a very considerable
revival in the congregation, and he had a large and respectable
audience ; but Mr. Beck's liopes were not fulfilled.
The " Mulberry Gardens Chapel" is the next in succession.
It was some time in the year 1773 that the Rev. Lawrence
Coughlan, an episcopally-ordained clergyman, who had just re
turned from Newfoundland, and was then preaching in the
Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion, first directed her Lady
ship's attention to this scene of her labours. In a letter to one
of her students, (the late Rev. John Hawkesworth,) dated Oc
tober 1773, she says, "I ara treating about ground to build a
large, very large chapel at Wapping, in London." The lease
was for twenty-one years ; and during the building of the chapel
Dr. Peckwell, assisted by Mr. Coughlan, the Rev. C. Stewart
Eccles, an Irish clergyraan who had returned from Georgia, and
others, with several of her students, continued to preach under
the Mulberry Trees with great acceptance and success.
The Rev. John Clayton, having finished his academical course
at Trevecca, under the patronage of Lady Huntingdon, had
now comraenced preaching in her Ladyship's chapels, and also
in the Tabernacle connexion. Having obtained an established
reputation as a preacher, Lady -Huntingdon appointed him ttf

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 297
supply the Mulberry Gardens, where his ministry was much
approved. About the period of which we are now writing, the
Rev. George Burder also occasionally preached at this place.*
He had been a stated communicant at the Tabernacle, and had
just then began his ministerial career in_ the Methodistical way,
by preaching in the open air, " which (says he) I have never
seen reason to repent. — I believe it is the best way still — and I
rejoice that I began, at first, to go without the camp, bearing his
reproach." The chapel was not opened till the close of the year 1776,
and the delay was principally owing to some unpleasant differ
ences relative to the choice of a resident minister. Mr. Top
lady was then living in London, and was consulted by her Lady
ship on the best means of terminating this painful contro
versy. His letter, detailing the particulars of the dispute be
tween Mr. Coughlan and the managers appointed by her Lady
ship, is dated October 29, 1776, from which we select the fol
lowing extracts :^-
" I have had a long inter-view with Messrs. Young and Gibbs, who
have perused and taken a copy of the rough draught of the lease sent
by your Ladyship. Since that period, I have requested to see them
again ; but four or five days are .now elapsed without their coming.
I would repeat my call on them at one or both of their houses, but
I know, by experience, that I should run a very great risk of not meet
ing -with them.
" From the conversation I had -svith them, they really strike me as
upright, undesigning men, who have taken much pains to have a fixed
stand for the Gospel at the Mulberry Gardens, and who have met
¦with little more than slander and misrepresentation in return. They
aver, that they never had the remotest wish of renderiCg the Chapel
a Dissenting Meeting; that they would never consent to such a per
version of it from its original purpose ; that they earnestly desire the
whole management of the spiritualities may be vested entirely in your
* Mr. Burder's first serious impressions were received at Tottenham-court
Chapel, where he frequently heard Mr. Whitefield and Captain Scott ; he also
occasionaUy heard Mr. Romaine with much profit. It is a singular circum
stance, that Mr. Clayton and Mr. Burder were at this period scarcely deter
mined whether to take their lot with the Dissenters or not. They had found
abundantiy more of the power of God with the Evangelical clergymen and with
the Calvinistic Methodists ; and they were rather inclined to enter into the
Church, under the apprehension of obtaining a raore extensive field of useful
ness. It seems Mr. Clayton was at one time upon the eve of receiving episco
pal ordination ; but, upon further investigation, was led to dissent for reasons
that appeared to hira of sufficient weight. He afterwards became pastor of the
Weigh-house meeting, one of the oldest and most respectable ofthe Dissenting
churches in London ; and Mr. Burder was pastor of Fetter-lane meeting, which
has always ranked amongst the most ancient of the congregational persuasion,
and in which both his' father and brother were active and useful deacons for
many years.

298 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
Ladyship ; and that it may be conducted on the same plan as your
other chapels, where a rotation of ministers is kept up. They further
add, that the sole reason why the building is at a dead stand (for so it
still remains), is, Mr. Coughlan's visit to them, informing them, ' that,
hy your Ladyship's authority, he was to be stated minister of the
chapel when finished.' Upon which, when the people heard of it,
they peremptorily refused, and at this very day refuse to advance any
further subscriptions ; and, moreover, insist upon their past subscription
money being returned to them, as they are determined that neither
Mr. Coughlan nor Mr. Latless (who went with him on the above occa
sion,) shall be flxed as a minister over them. If I may presume to
give my judgment, I am most clearly of opinion that a people who
have expended, and are expending, a considerable sum of money for
erecting a place of religious worship on the plan of the Gospel, ought
not to have Mr. Coughlan rammed down their throats, supposing him
to be ever so good a kind of man. I am by no means convinced that
they ever made any proposal to Messrs. Young and Gibbs respecting
the transfer of the chapel from your Ladyship's patronage to their con
nexion. I have been twice at Mr. Keene's house, but he was, both of
these times, from home. I shall take the first opportunity of putting
the question to him.
" Mr. Coughlan has been thrice with me. I do not heartily fall in
with all he says. He will have it that Young and Gibbs are Dissenters.
They solemnly deny that charge ; and I firmly believe them. He de
nied to me, and called God to witness the truth of the denial, that he
ever proposed himself to Young and Gibbs as the designed minister
of the chapel in debate. On the contrary, they declare themselves
ready to make affidavit of it before any magistrate or bench of magis
trates in London. What shall we say to these things ? I would not
be rash or uncharitable ; but I am prodigiously mistaken if Mr. Coujrh-
lan is not tbe snake in the grass ; or the Jonas, who, for some hidden
ends of his own, has raised the whole of the present storm.
" Allow me likewise, vrithout offence, to decline, most tenderly and
most respectfully, letting my name stand on any instrument wherein
Mr. Parker has anything to do. I have known him well ; and he is
among that particular sort of good men whom I hope to meet in Hea
ven, but with whom I must beg to be excused from having much per
sonal intercourse on earth."
Several letters passed between Lady Huntingdon and the
managers relative to the Mulberry Gardens Chapel. Mr.
Coughlan defended himself with much ingenuity, and deprecated
the idea of ever having entertained an idea of becoming minister
of the chapel. " Such contradictory statements," observes
her Ladyship, " are puzzling, and leave a melancholy uncer
tainty of the truth and fidelity that ought to sway every honest
heart." On the Sth of November, Mr. Hall, her Ladyship's
attorney, called on Mr. Toplady, desiring such information as
was in his power to give concerning the chapel. " At his

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 299
request," says Mr. Toplady, " 1 entrusted him with the rough
draught of the deed, drawn up for you by your Ladyship's
lawyer in Wales. The same evening I wrote to Young and
Gibbs, and forwarded my letter by a special messenger;
apprising them that, by your direction, I should engage a select
number of your friends in town, to give them (Young and
Gibbs) the meeting, on any day which they should fix ; at
which time, I added, I hoped the good providence of God
would give such a turn to affairs as might result in the mutual
satisfaction of both parties. I had no answer till the 14th,
when I received a letter from Gibbs, which ran thus : — -
" Sir, — I received your letter, and the same day received one from
her Ladyship, which gives us no such information as what you men
tioned in yours. And as our business is with her Ladyship alone, we
shall not wait on you nor you on us."
" I immediately communicated the contents of the above to
Mr. Hall by the penny-post, and desired him to act as he
thought would be most agreeable to you. What has been since
done, I know not."
An appeal on the part of the managers was made to Lady
Huntingdon, who consulted with Mr. Toplady, Mr. Shirley, and
others, on the best means of terminating this painful contro
versy. Through the kind interference of these gentlemen, who
took great interest in all the 'affairs relating to Mulberry Gar
dens Chapel, the matter was amicably arranged, and the
chapel opened according to the forms of the Church of Eng
land, and was supplied by a periodical change of ministers. The
building, which was of considerable extent, was fitted up in a
t asteful andJ elegant manner. The labours of her Ladyship's
ministers g.ave great offence to their more regular brethren, who,
alarmed at their popularity and ashamed by their dilio-ence,
endeavoured to silence them by various acts of persecution.
Their efforts, however, were vain. Being sincere in the cause
they had undertaken, opposirion gave a srimulus to their exer
tions, and abundant success attended their unwearied and inde
fatigable labours.
The Independent Meeting House (called Nightingale-lane
Meeting), of which the Rev. Henry Mayo, D.D., had for many
years been the respected minister, was the freehold of Messrs.
T. and R. Allen, brewers : as was also the Mulberry Garden
Chapel. Wishing for the ground on which the Nightingale-
lane Meeting stood to enlarge their brewery, and refusing to
renew the lease of the Mulberry Garden Chapel, they proposed
to the Nightingale-lane congregation an exchange of buildings,
and engaged, on their agreeing to remove, to fit up at their
own expense, the whole or any part of the said chapel for their

300 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
accommodation. The proposal was at length accepted. The
chapel (a little contracted) was fitted up and opened on Sunday,
April 1st, 1798. The late Rev. John Humphrys, LL.D'.,
preached in the morning, from 1 Kings viii, 57, and the Rev.
John Knight in the afternoon from Haggai ii. 9. The place was
still to be called Nightingale-lane Meeting, nor was its name
changed till the building was reraoved for the London Docks,
when the congregation having purchased and fitted up a com
modious Hall, in Pell-street, for a place of worship. It was
usually denominated Pell-street Meeting.
Throughout the whole management of the business in ques
tion, there was nothing dishonourable either on the part of Mr.
Knight or his friends.
After the expiration of the lease, the old congregation be
longing to Lady Huntingdon's Chapel dispersed, some to the
Ladyship's Chapel at Spafields, and others to Sion Chapel;
but the greater part removed to Charlotte-street Chapel, where
they continued to assemble till it was obliged to be taken down
for the erection of the New Docks. The congregation, there
fore, erected a new place of meeting in Pell-street, Wellclose-
square, which was called the "New Mulberry Gardens Chapel."
This spacious place of worship was opened on the same plan as
the others in Lady Huntingdon's Connexion, in which the ser
vice of the Church of England is regularly performed. It was
opened on tbe 29th of September, 1802, on which occasion three
sermons were preached : that in the morning by the Rev. John
Hay, of Bristol : that in the afternoon by the Rev. F. W. Piatt,
of Holywell Mount Chapel : and that in the evening by the
Rev. Griffith Williams, of Gate-street Chapel, Llncoln's-Inn-
fields. The chapel was supplied by a rotation of ministers,
chiefly from the country, till the beginning ofthe year 1804,
when the managers and people gave an unanimous call to the
Rev. Isaac Nicholson, President of Lady Huntingdon's College,
to be their pastor. This respectable clergyman accepted the
invitation, and laboured there, with unabated ardour and growing
usefulness for three years and a half, during which period one
hundred and forty members were admitted to the society, a
great proportion of whom were awakened nnder his own ministry.
It will long be remembered by many with what huraility and
dependence upon supernatural aid he entered upon his work at
the Mulberry Gardens Chapel, and how highly he valued and
earnestly requested the prayers of God's people, as a most sure
prelude to success. But his labours were not confined to this
sphere of usefulness — he had a lecture on Tuesday evenings,
partly at his own expense ; nor did he ever refuse a call else
where. He also accompanied a beneficial reorganisation of his

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 301
church, for he was an enemy to promiscuous and unscrip
tural communion. Suitable officers were appointed, who, with
their pastor, examined each meraber as to his experience, and
after Inquiring into his moral character, he was readmitted for
communion. Other churches, probably, might be purged from
errors of doctrine or practice, by the adoption of a similar plan
of reformation.
Success accompanied Mr. Nicholson's labours, till the ap
proaching termination of his mortal course. On the morning
of June 21, 1807, he preached in his own chapel with so much
energy and unction, that some of his hearers observed that he
seemed to be ripening apace for glory. In the evening he
preached at Stratford, where it pleased the Lord to visit him
with the affliction which ended in his dissolution, which took
place a few days after June 29th, in the forty-seventh year of
his age. His remains were interred at Bunhill Fields, amidst a
great concourse of serious persons. Mr, Piatt spoke at the
grave, and Mr. Bennet, of Birmingham (both ministers in the
Countess's Connexion), preached the funeral discourse at the
Mulberry Gardens Chapel, to an overflowing congregation, who
testified their deep sorrow for his departure.
Soon after the Mulberry Gardens Chapel was built, a large
edifice, erected for a Mariners' Lodge, was purchased by the
friends of the Rev. J. Knight, and neatly fitted up as a place of
worship. The place was capable of holding about three hun
dred and fifty persons, and was publicly opened on the Sth of
March, 1805 ; Mr. Buck, Mr. Townsend, Mr. George Clayton,
and Mr. Simpson, of Hoxton, assisting on the occasion. For
some time it was supplied by the students from Hoxton Aca
demy, and at the close of the year 1806, Mr. Thomas Cloutt,
from that academy, was ordained pastor of this small Indepen
dent Church. This place was an asylum to the church and
congregation of Mulberry Gardens, for prayer and church
meetings, during the interval when the managers of that day set
aside all the rules of Church government which Mr. Nicholson
had formed, and to which they had cordially assented : this
matter was ultimately settled by the High Court of Chancery.
The Independent cause in Pell-street meeting became extinct
about ten years since. The building was put up for sale at the
Auction Mart, when, fearing it might fall into the hands of
persons who would employ it for works of the devil, Mr. Stod
dart, the present minister of Lady Huntingdon's Chapel, pur
chased it, where, since that time, the Gospel has been occa
sionally, and is now statedly, preached : it is only about twelve
yards from the present Mulberry Gardens Chapel.

302 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
Mr. Nicholson dying in June, 1807, the chapel was supplied
by^a variety of ministers till the October of the following year,
when the Rev. Robert Stoddart, of Lady Huntingdon's Con
nexion, was publicly recognised as the stated pastor. He had
commenced his labours in 1807, and was unanimously chosen
by the church and congregation the first Sabbath in May 1808,
when the sense of the church was taken by the Rev. W. F.
Piatt, of Holywell Mount. Mr. Stoddart was not publicly
recognised until tbe October following, in consequence of his
intended marriage with the daughter of the late Robert Hood,
Esq., of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, who, at his decease, left lOOl.
to Cheshunt College, and gave the freehold ground, and was
principally instrumental in the erection of the neat and commo
dious chapel, capable of containing eight hundred persons, in
the Postern,* at Newcastle, where the Rev. J. Browning, (after
wards of Wrington,) became the pastor. At the public recog
nition of Mr. Stoddart, Mr. Gould, of Stratford, began with
prayer ; Mr. Young, now of Margate, then resident minister of
her Ladyship's chapel at Canterbury, preached to the minister
and people, from Col. ii. 5-7, which sermon was afterwards
published. Mr. Stoddart's introduction into tbe ministry and to the
Mulberry Gardens Chapel was remarkable. Mr. Nicholson,
while classical and divinity tutor at Lady Huntingdon's College,
after the loss of an affectionate partner, fell into a state of nervous
debility, and was advised by his medical attendant to try his
native air in Cumberland, particularly desiring him to go by sea
to Newcastle. Some days after his arrival at that place, there
being but few students at College, he inquired if there was any
young man in the Church who exhorted in the neighbouring
villages ? Mr. Stoddart was mentioned to him as one who
usually exhorted the pitmen in the colleries at High Cross,
where numbers of them resided. Mr. Nicholson sent for Mr.
Stoddart, aud from the simple narrative of his labours he was
deeply affected, even to tear.s, and said, " I think I see my errand
in coming here ; I wdl write to the trustees of the College,
and, if you please, you shall go with me when I return frora
Cumberland." Mr. Nicholson returned to London by sea, and
was accompanied by Mr. Stoddart.
" But for him (says he) probably I should never have seen London.
I was his last student at the College. The wonderful dispensation of
• By a fatal mismanagement in London, this chapel was lost to the Con
nexion some time ago.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 303
Providence in bringing me to the Mulberry Gardens Chapel, are still
marvellous in my eyes. So deeply was it impressed upon the mind of
Mr. Nicholson, that he again and again repeated to the elders and
deacons of that chapel my history ; and the consequence was, an invita
tion given me to supply after his decease a people entirely unknown
to me ! It was truly said that the last days of that man of God were
the best of all his days. The painful dispensation of Providence made
him truly learned ; he had indeed the tongue of the learned to speak
a word in season to them who were weary and faint on the way. His
ministry, in the conversion of sinners, was eminently successful ; his
hfe was holy, and his death triumphant."
A short time previous to the opening of the Mulberry Gar
dens Chapel, and whilst Lady Huntingdon was in actual treaty
for the Pantheon, in Spafields, Mr. Toplady, then resident In
London, as minister of Orange- street Chapel, directed her at
tention to Richmond, then a place of fashionable resort for
the great and the gay of the metropolis. The Rev. Rowland
Hill, Mr. Joss (of the Tabernacle), and the Rev. Mr. West, a
very popular clergyman, then in London, made at this time fre
quent preaching excursions to Richmond, where they encoun
tered most violent opposition.* The theatre was the place
where they preached ; but the proprietor, a Mr. Waldren, being
desirous of disposing of it to Lady Huntingdon, commissioned a
Mr. Hough to wait on Mr. Toplady, with a view to negociate
the matter.
" The proprietor (says Mr. Toplady) is desirous of throwing it into
your Ladyship's hands, if you think it a desirable object, and if terms
can be agreed on. Mr. Hough will call on me again, in hopes of
receiving your Ladyship's general answer ; to which, if in the affirmative
(that is, if you think proper to treat), he will reply hy laying the con
ditions of the purchase before you. The Lord sway your mind accord
ing to his pwn infinitely wise and hlessed will !"
The purchase of the theatre seems not to have met with
Lady, Huntingdon's approbation. The only notice which we
can now obtain of this affair, is contained in a letter to Mr.
Shirley, which he communicated to Mr. Toplady :—
" I have prayed for light (says her Ladyship), but the cloud does
not move towards Richmond. The opposition which Mr. Hill and
others have experienced is very discouraging. Consult with dear Mr.
Toplady, and look earnestly for directions from, above. May your
* On one occasion, an attempt had been made to persuade Mr. Hill not to
go to Richmond, because a party of young men had hired a boat, and were
coming down the river with the determination to draw him through the water.
His feelings may be conceived, when informed the boat was upset, and that the
poor misguided enemies of his ministiy had all entered into th« presence of
tirehJadge in another world,

304 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
gi-eat Master guide you in this matter ! My mmd is against it, but I am
content to submit to your better judgment ; persuaded, that if it is
his will who governs all tbings, we shall be sent to Richmond with
full authority to proclaim his grace, and make his name more known
amongst that people."
The nuraber of places of worship in connexion with the
Countess had now considerably multiphed ; and, ever devising
plans for the diffusion of the Gospel in places where Satan had
his seat, her attention was directed, towards the close of the
year 1776, to a large budding in Spafields, then known as the
Pantheon, from its having sorae resemblance to the heathen
Teraple of that narae, and whicb bad been erected as a place
of amusement, especially on the Lord's-day. It now became,
but did not long remain unoccupied. Several letters passed
between her Ladyship and Mr. Toplady, who, with Mr. Shirley,
David Parker, Esq., and the Rev. Anthony Crole, minister of
Pinners' Hall, were the chief agents in this affair. The multi
plicity of business which crowded upon her Ladyship, was at
this time extraordinary : —
'•' From the little engagements (writes Mr. Toplady,) with which I
have been lately conversant, at your Ladyship's desire, I can form
some adequate idea of the labours you have been enabled to sustain
in promoting the cause of God. Had less than Almighty power been
with you, you could not possibly have been brought thus far. And
He, who has loved and supported you till now, will love, and uphold,
and direct you to the end.
'•' After acknowledging the receipt of the two important letters with
which yonr Ladyship has honoured me, I am to acquaint you with
the state of the business to which they refer. On Wednesday last,
tbe 30tb instant, Messrs. Shirley, Parker, and Crole held a Cabinet
councd in my study, relative to the conditions, importance, and proba
ble consequence of engaging that place as a stand for the Gospel.
Two parties, I find, have it in their eye for themselves, viz. : Mr.
William Taylor and Mr. Herbert Jones, (both of them awakened
Clergymen,) who wish to erect it into a chapel on their own account,
and at their own joint expense, and also another, who wants it for the
purpose of a tavern. Mrs. Mc Kenzie informs me (for I have not been
able to meet her husband at home) that Mr. Mc Kenzie and his
partner in the proprietorship, are on the point of concluding a final
agreement with one or other of the above-mentioned bidders ; and fears
that, unless your Ladyship returns an immediate and decisive answer,
the opportunity of letting, or of selling it to either of them, vrill be
lost, as they wish to come to a speedy conclusion, off or on. I craved
a fortnight's further patience, and believe I have succeeded. Your
Ladyship, therefore, will please to determine as soon as you can ; and
to signify that determination without delay. The expenses of the
Pantheon will be very great. To fit it up as a chapel, will not, according

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 305
to the moderate computation of Mr. Parker, cost less than 4001. ;
he says, he should not wonder if it turned out to be nearer 500; nor
should I wonder if it should actually amount to 600. The stated
outgoings, afterwards, will be at least 400/. per annum more. With
regard to the place where the Pantheon stands, I am humbly of opi
nion that the situation is much to its disadvantage. It seems too large
a place of worship to be well attended, unless it stood more in town.
The ways to it, likewise, are none of the best, especially in vvinter.
Consider also, the supply of constant and able ministers which such a
chapel would require- Where are they to be had ? Moreover, a
doubt, (started by Mr. Parker,) is not without its weight ; viz., would
your Ladyship choose to have an ostensible connexion with the Taber
nacle and Tottenham ministers ? If in the affirmative, the Pantheon
pulpit must be open to them. If in the negative, it may be considered
as a chapel set up in opposition to them. Many, according to Mr.
Parker, already begin to tattle and complain, as if this was thft_proposed
design. " On the whole, dear Mr. Shirley gave me, as his private opinion,
that your Ladyship had better forego the Pantheon entirely."
Discouraged by the timid advice of Mr. Toplady and Mr.
Shirley, Lady Huntingdon declined engaging tbe Pantheon at
this time. In thus doing, her Ladyship acted contrary to her
own convictions, and what she conceived the leadings of Divine
Providence. " My heart (says she) seems strongly set upon having this temple
of folly dedicated to Jehovah Jesus, the great Head of his church and
people. Dear Mr. Berridge does not discourage the undertaking, but
says I may count upon a fit of sickness, if I engage in this affair. I
feel so deeply for the perishing thousands in that part of London, that
I am almost tempted to run every risk ; and though at this moment I
have not a penny to command, yet I am so firmly persuaded of the
goodness of the Master whose I am, and whom I desire to serve, that
I sball not want gold or silver for the work. It is his cause ; he has
the hearts of all at his disposal, and I shall have help when he sees
fit to employ me in his service. Nevertheless, with some regret, I give
up the matter at this time. You are on the spot, and your opinion in
circumstances of this nature may be better than mine, hut faith tells
me to go forward, nothing fearing, nothing doubting."
When Lady Huntingdon's determination was communicated
by Mr. Toplady to the proprietor of the Pantheon, it was imme
diately taken by a company of gentiemen, who engaged the
Rev. Herbert Jones, Chaplain to the Misericordia Hospital, and
the Rev. WiUiam Taylor, A.M., Fellow of Magdalen College,
Cambridge, and Domestic Chaplain to the Earl of Marchmont,
to carry on the worship of God in that place. Some months'
delay was necessarily incurred in fitting it up as a place of
Worship, and considerable expense was incurred by the com-*
VOL. lli—X

306 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
mittee in the internal arrangements and embellishments of the
chapel. It was first opened on Saturday, July Sth, 1777, by the Rev.
John Ryland, sen., of Northampton, who preached an adrai
rable sermon on the occasion. The next day, Sunday, July 6th,
Mr. Jones preached a very judicious sermon on the appropriate
text. Gen. xxviii. 19. " And he (Jacob) called the name of
that place Bethel : but the name of that city was called Luz at
the first." This sermon was afterwards published, and likewise
an excellent collection of hymns, mostly selected from Lady
Huntingdon's and the Tabernacle collections, for the use of the
congregation of " Northampton chapel." Not long after it was
opened, it became an eyesore to that avaricious pluralist, the
Rev.Williara Sellon, Minister of St. James's, Clerkenwell, father
of Mr. Serjeant Sellon.*
Insatiate after lucre, and complaining of the blessed work of
ministering as if it had been Egyptian bondage, It was not
surprising that he should condemn the fidelity of Mr. Jones
and Mr. Taylor for seeking the salvation of those souls whom
he never felt a care to save. However disunited in sentiment,
divided by party, and each eager to seize the golden prize before
his fellow, here mere worldly rainisters are unanimous. Does
there arise araong them a faithful servant of a crucified Lord —
unweariedly labouring for the souls he died to save — instant in
.season and out of season, employing his time and his talents to
warn the unruly, to undeceive the formal, to awaken the dead
in trespasses, inform the ignorant, convince the dubious, confirm
the wavering, and strengthen the unfaithful — whose disinterested
labours have one object only in view, that the Lamb of God
might be glorified, and miserable sinners 'plucked as brands
frora the burning — every heart kindles against him, every tongue
is envenoraed with gall ; falsehoods, the most improbable and
absurd, are forged, believed, propagated, delighted in ; convic
tion, so far from being sought, is shunned; and men of candour
in every other cause refuse in this the evidence of truth, and
join in the general cry.
The preaching of Mr. Jones and Mr. Taylor attracted con
siderable attention, and a nuraerous congregation thronged
every part of this spacious edifice. They stood for sorae tirae,
as it were, alone In the Church, in that part of London, and,
* Few clergymen have possessed greater Church preferment, under the
same circumstances, than Mr. Sellon, who had fifteen hundred a year without
any patron but popular adoption. He was proprietor and preacher at Portland
Chapel, joiut Evening Preacher at the Magdalen, and alternate Afternoon
Lsctursr of St. Andrew, Holborn, and St, Giles's in the Fields.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 307
according to our ideas of Gospel truth, wo know not any other
men in that neighbourhood who distinguished themselves with
like labours, zeal, and fidelity. Mr. Sellon, whose hand on this
occasion was first in the transgression, fired with envy and
resentment, that in thus saying and doing they reproached him
also, conspired to remove them from their sphere of usefulness.
A paper was extensively circulated through the parish, in which
Mr. Sellon claimed the privilege of preaching in the chapel
whenever he pleased — the right of nominating the chaplains
who should officiate there — and formally demanding the sacra
mental and all other moneys arising from the sittings and other
sources to be paid to him ; and, on pain of non-compliance, the
ministers and committee were threatened with proceedings in
the Ecclesiastical Courts.
These unreasonable claims were resisted with fitmness by the
proprietors, who circulated the following statement through the
parish : — " NOBTHAMPTON ChAPBL.
" Whereas the Rev. William Sellon, Curate of the Parish of St.
James, Clerkenwell, hath endeavoured to prejudice the inhabitants of
the said Parish against the proprietors of Northampton Chapel, by
insinuating amongst tbem that the said proprietors have broken their
agreement, forfeited their word, and injured him in his property ;
therefore the proprietors think it incumbent on them to lay before the
parishioners the substance of the Articles proposed and offered by Mr.
Sellon, but which, never being signed, could not possibly be agreed to,
and we doubt not, but after a fair and candid examination of the fol
lowing Articles, with the Remarks, every parishioner vrill discover his
intentions." On July 3, 1777, about twelve o'clock, these Articles were sent
to the proprietors of Northampton Chapel with a raessage, re
questing that they should be signed within three kours : —
I. That Mr. SeUon and his successors, the Curates of the Parish of St.
James, ClerkenweU, shaU have the right of nominating the Ministers of the said
Chapel, and of appointing a Clerk, who should receive ofthe proprietors 12/.
per annum.
Remaek — The last clause of this Article, namely, the appointment of a
Clerk, Mr. Sellon consented to withdraw.
II. That Mr. SeUon and his successors shaU have full right and liberty,
without any let or hindrance, to read prayers, preach, and administer the Sa
craments, when and as often as he or they shaU think proper.
Remark.— Had the proprietors agreed to this Article, itis plain it would
have been in the power of Mr. Sellon to have shut out the nominated Ministers
trom preaching at all.
III. Tbat the proprietors shall pay to Mr. Sellon 401 per annum, in con
sideration of his appointing William Taylor and Herbert Jenes to be preachers
in the said Chapel during life or their continuance ; and if, after the death of
either of them, Mr, SeUon should nominate a successor Without the consent of

308 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
the proprietors, then Mr. SeUon shoidd receive but 20/. per annum from that
time. Remark  This Article fully declares that Mr. SeUon's consent to admit
those whom he contemptuously terms Methodists to preach bi his parish, was
to be attained by the lure of worldly gain ; though now, as he has no emolu
ment from the Chapel, he persecutes them for conscience' sake.
IV. That the proprietors shall pay 8/. 8s. per annum to the Clerk of the
said parish.
Remark  This Article was lessened from the first deraand, which was
10/. lOs. to the Churchwardens, and bl. 5s. to the Clerk, per annum.
V. That the money coUected at the Sacrament shall be received by the
Churchwardens of the parish, or by whom they should appoint.
VI. That four sermons in the year, for the benefit of the children of the
charity school of the said parish, shall be preached in the chapel.
VII. That no corpse shall be buried in the chapel, orin the ground adjoining
thereto. VIII. That for the due performance of the above Articles, the proprietors
shall agree to sign a bond for one thousand pounds.
Remark  At the time the above Articles were proposed to be signed, the
bond was not drawn up, the proprietors, therefore, could not consent to an
agreement for signing the Articles till they were acquainted and satisfied with
the contents of the bond, which might indeed be drawn much more to the dis
advantage of the proprietors than the above Articles specify. We, therefore,
leave the parishioners to judge whether the proprietors could in honesty to
themselves have consented to be bound in a bond of 1000/. to give away their
property and privileges to Mr. Sellon. If Mr. Sellon can dispute the truth of
the above Articles, he would oblige the parishioners in general by publishing
his own account of the afl'air.
Irritated by the resistance offered by the proprietors of
Northampton Chapel, Mr. Sellon instituted a suit in the Con
sistorial Court of the Bishop of London, — a remnant of Popish
and tyrannical power. To that Spiritual Court, for such is Its
title, Mr. Jones and Mr. Taylor were cited, to answer for their
irregularity in preaching in a place not episcopally consecrated,
and for carrying on Divine worship there, contrary to the wish
of the minister of the parish. Verdicts were obtained against
thera, and they were suspended frora preaching there. Thus
this persecuting man prevailed, and had the momentary gratifi
cation of closing tbe chapel, and dispersing the numerous con
gregation that had been collected.
Encouraged by Mr. Berridge, Lady Huntingdon lost no time
in repairing to London to prosecute a plan which she had long
entertained, and for the completion of which she so ardently
longed. Lord Dartmouth was then in London, and, with the
late John Thornton, Esq., was very acrive in furthering her
wishes. At the Tabernacle-house there was a long conference
on the subject between Mr. Keene, Lord Dartraouth, Mr.
Thornton, the Rev. Anthony Crole, and her Ladyship ; and it
was finally agreed that she should become the proprietor of
Northampton Chapel : —
«' Blessed be God (says her Ladyship) for the abihty and strength

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. .309
which has been given me in the prosecution of this affair. Opposition
is to be expected from that unhappy man ; but the Lord, whose we
are, and whom we serve, will make us more than courageous, and
cause his name and the unsearchable riches of his grace to triumph
over all the malice and vain opposition of his enemies. 0, pray that
His presence may be with us at the dedication, and the power of his
arm revealed in the conversion of sinners to himself I My eye is
directed to this ultimate and only end of all my labours."
Lord Dartmouth and Mr. Thornton accompanied her Lady
ship to Northampton Chapel, with a view to suggest improve
ments and alterations. The place is of a circular form, with a
neatly ornamented dome, and two galleries, one above the
other, supported by small columns, capable of accommodating
a very numerous congregation. The name was changed to that
of " Spafields Chapel," and was re-opened in the connexion of
the Countess of Huntingdon on the 28th of March, 1779, by
one of her Ladyship's chaplains, the Rev. Dr. Haweis, rector of
All Saints, Aldwincle, Northamptonshire, who preached a
powerful and irapressive sermon to an overflowing congregation,
from I Cor. i. 23, 24, " We preach Christ crucified, unto the
Jews a stumbling-block, and unto fhe Greeks foolishness ; but
unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the
power of God, and the wisdom of God."
This was a formidable undertaking for Lady Huntingdon,
whose private fortune was already fully engaged in meeting the
various expenses attendant on the extensive exertions then
making for the diffusion of the Gospel of Christ. , The times
were peculiar. The favourite aphorism of the devoted Carey, of
more recent days, seems to have been ever before the eyes of the
devoted foundress of the connexion — Expect great things,
AND attempt great THINGS. Depending on the Lord for aid,
the Gospel standard was here unfurled ; the result need not be
stated — it has been glorious.
As a peeress of the realm, the Countess supposed she had a
right to employ her own chaplains at any time and place in the
most public manner. In this, however, she was soon undeceived ;
for Mr. Sellon, who most justly merited the appellation of San
ballat, renewed his attack, not against the place, but against
every clergyman whom her Ladyship engaged to preach there.
On this question being agitated in the Ecclesiastical Courts, it
was decided against her Ladyship, and Dr. Haweis and Mr.
Glaseott, being ministers of the Church of England, were
obliged to discontinue their services. Harassed and tormented
by this unreasonable opposition. Lady Huntingdon sought the

310 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
highest legal advice, and forwarded the following queries, to be
submitted to the judgment of Mr. Serjeant Glynn : —
" Is the domestic chapel of a peer of this realm exempt fi-om eccle
siastical jurisdiction, and licensed ?
" What constitutes such domestic chapel ? Is it sufficient that it be
contiguous \vith the house or usual residence of such peer, and that
divine service be performed, according to the Church of England, by a
regularly ordained minister ?
" May such chapel be open to any besides his immediate domestics,
if such peer pleases to admit them ?
" Must the clergyman, so officiating, necessarily be registered in the
Commons; or is an appointment under such peer's hand and seal,
with or without a pecuniary appointment for his services, necessary to
constitute him legally qualified for such ministry ?
" If he is cited into the Commons for such exercise of his ministry,
can he refuse to appear ? Will his plea, as domestic chaplain to such
peer, be sufficient bar to further proceedings ? Can the cause be carried
into the King's Bench or House of Lords ?
" Is it necessary that such chapel should be registered in the
Bishop's Court ?"
These queries were returned to Lady Huntingdon with the
legal opinion of John Glynn, Esq., Serjeant at Law, afterwards
Recorder of London, a leading man at tbat tirae at the English
bar. His letter to her Ladyship will be read with much interest
at the present day, as strikingly prophetic of much that has
occurred in our times : —
" Madam, — I duly appreciate the honour you have conferred upon
me, by selecting me for your legal adviser. Permit me to sympathize
with you on the unjust and ungracious treatment you have received
from the Rev. Mr. Sellon. That a man, wearing the sacred garb — a
minister, whose office it is to preach ' peace and good-will to man
kind' — should be guilty of such unreasonable conduct, such deter
mined avariciousness, and such detestable tyranny, is lament-able and
disgustingly revolting. In the notes to the queries which your Lady
ship did me the honour to transmit to me for my inspection, you will
perceive there are great difficulties in your way. Ecclesiastical law,
suck as it now stands, is against you in some points — points which
¦would not he insurmountable, were our Bishops differently minded ;
but I regret to say, the spirit and temper of too many of our ecclesias
tical rulers is very unfavourable to any liberal or tolerant system ; so
that nothing can be expected from a set of men in whom the desire
for gain is so deeply rooted, and who seem so determined on all occa
sions to crush the spirit of inquiry, free opinion, and liberty of con
science. I anxiously look for reformation in some matters connected
with the Established Church, to which I am conscientiously attached ;
and though I may not live to see any great change, yet I am per
suaded the time ia not far distant when Bishops will deeply lament the

SELIl^A, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 31 1
obstinate, headstrong tyranny, which has driven so many from the
Church, and that persecuting spirit so prominent in their characters, in
too many instances more in accordance with the dark, intolerant spirit
of the Romish Church, than with the enlightened principles of the
Protestant faith.
" Your Ladyship's benevolent conduct must command the respect
aud veneration of every hberal-minded man. I sball be most happy
at all times in giving my humble aid to tbe furtherance of your most
excellent designs for the good of mankind, and the improvement of
the ignorant midtitude. My professional services are ever at your
Ladyship's command. I have the honour to be. Madam, your much
obliged, humble servant, " John Glynn."

CHAPTER XLIV.

Ecclesiastical Courts — Letters from Lady Huntingdon — Secession of Mr. Wills
and Mr. Taylor — Mr. Romaine's advice to Dr. Haweis  Letters from Lady
Huntingdon — Mr. Rowland Hill—Lady Huntingdon's diff'erence with Mr.
HiU — Welsh Association — Letters to Lady Huntingdon  Letter from her
Ladyship — Surrey Chapel — Lady Huntingdon's liberality  Mr. Piercy  Mr.
Venn — Su: Richard HiU_Mr. Scott— Sion Chapel—Letter to the Committee
of Spafields Chapel — Remarkable Conversions  Missionary Ordination.
Bills having been found against Dr. Haweis and the Rev.
Cradoek Glaseott in the Ecclesiastical Courts, actions were
carried on and verdicts obtained, by which they were prohibited
from officiating at the Spafields chapel. A citation was also
procured against Mr. Wills, who had resigned the curacy of St.
Agnes, near Truro, and had entered the Connexion of the
Countess of Huntingdon ; but he left London on the very day
on which it was to have been served. To Mr. Wills succeeded
Mr. Taylor, but his ministry was of short duration, owing to the
former inhibition. These repeated persecutions induced Lady
Huntingdon to devise a plan whereby a stop might be put to
the malicious measures of Mr. Sellon : —
" This cruel and bitter enemy of mine (says her Ladyship, in a letter
to Mr. Piercy, dated December 23, 1781,) is suffered to go great
lengths of oppression ; but herein also I must see life arise through
death. Should further citations come, I am not able to support the
dispute, however unjustly determined by a court that has no legal
authority. This I must patiently endure whUe power conquers right.

312 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
In this case, I am reduced to turn the finest congregat'ion, not only in
England, but in any p>art of the world, into a Dissenting Meeting,
unless by the medium of secession. - This is a subject, in considering
which nothing but the very clearest convictions of conscience, im
pressed by the Holy Ghost for tbe continued protection of the truth,
and faithfulness to God's people, ought to make a point worth any
minister's attending to. As He who sees in heart, sees this to be the
faithful testimony of my purest conscience, so I do affectionately beg
that no suggestions I may advance may have influence, but such as
immediately occur to your own mind.
" Episcopacy never wdl be established in Araerica according to the
present or any reasonable prospect. The reformed churches are too
well guarded against ecclesiastical authority, and a more liberal devised
idea from experience has now become almost universal. Our ministers,
then, must come recommended by that neutrality between Church and
Dissent-secession. Such ministers could supply any work that opened,
yet not be obnoxious to either party ; while by preaching and practice
they maintained the doctrines of the Reformation. These sentiments
have best secured my approval in this day of necessity; indeed, the
present degeneracy of the clergy, who profess the Gospel, proves this
the only way to preserve the Reformation from that apostacy into
which it is falling by their means. Little, weak, and insufficient as I
account my light among others, tbis becomes the only noble and honest
testimony I can hear fbr Jesus Christ, in this day of rebuke and blas
phemy ; and for the strength and support of the honest, simple, and
devoted souls who were no better preserved from lapsing into the
increasing declension of faith and holiness. M3' reasons you have the
fullest right to, that I may thus commend myself to your conscience
in the sight of God ; and thus .willingly suffer all things, looking every
honest man in tbe face, for Jesus Christ's sake, as void of offence
towards God and man.
" The next term, when the other citations must come, and with
them the great weight of artillery against me, I must beg your earliest
notice. I suppose this to be about the 1 Oth of next month. My pre
sent great load is on Mr. Glascott's account ; but, alas ! where shall
we find the Gospel, except under the affiiction that is its sure hand
maid ? Be it so : the soul is thus preserved blameless, waiting for the
Lord's coming. Then we shall be able to say, ' This is enough — no
more sin now — no more sorrow now !' Then the chaunts of everlasting
life and liberty, and the Saviour's love, will fill heaven with acclama
tions of the spirits of the perfect then in glory."
To avoid all further molestation, it was unanimously resolved
to take shelter under the Toleration Act. Mr. Wills having
consulted with Mr. Taylor, who had joined Lady Hunringdon's
Connexion after his expulsion frora the chapel, they agreed for
tkemselves to secede from the Established Church, took the
oaths of allegiance as Dissenting ministers, and retained such
part of the Church service as is allowed to the Dissenters by the

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 31 3
canons. Mr. Wills was appointed minister of the chapel, and
the worship of God was carried on from that rime with uninter
rupted peace and harraony.
Many censorious reflections were passed on the conduct of
Mr. Wdls and Mr. Taylor, and many professors, as well out of
the Establishment as in it, spoke hard speeches against them,
as introducing a new schism into the Church of Christ. Their
rindicarion, addressed to the Archbishops and Bishops of the
Church of England, is inserted in the note below.*
Hitherto it had not been generally understood how far the
* " We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, beg leave with aU humiUty
and due respect to inform your Lordships that we have for some time past
been engaged in the service of the chapels belonging to the Countess Dowager
of Huntingdon ; apprehending that those placea of worship, under the pro
tection of her Ladyship as a peeress of the realm, were iir nowise contrary to
the laws, ecclesiastical or civil.
" But whereas, by a late decision in the Consistorial Court of the Bishop
of London, it appears that her Ladyship cannot authorise us to of&ciate in her
chapels in the public manner wherein we have been accustomed to exercise our
mmistry, we perceive ourselves (as long as we continue in the Established
Church) reduced to the necessity of knowingly and wUfuUy opposing the laws
of that church whereof we at present are ministers, or of withdrawing our ser
vices from the various congregations to whom we have ministered foi' a long
season, and trust we have, by the blessing of God, been made useful. But as
we cannot take either of these steps wiih a good conscience, nor submit to
those ecclesiastical canons that would prevent the discharge of the ministerial
commission we have received from God and man to the fullest extent ; and yet
desire from principle (as we have invariably done from our ordination) to
spread and maintain faithfully the fundamental doctrines contained in the
Articles, Homilies, and Liturgy of the Church of England through the various
parts of the kingdom, as we have opportunity ; we think there is no alterna-
tive left but for us to secede or withdraw peaceably from the Established
. Church, and under the protection ofthe Toleration Act, continue to maintain
her doctrines, though we cannot in aU thiugs submit to her discipline. And
this we desire to do, not from a factious or schismatical spirit, not from a de
sign to propagate heresies in the Church of God, nor from any sinister or lucra
tive motives whatsoever ; but for a simple view of glorifying God, of preach
ing the Gospel, and of being useful to our fellow-creatures, in that way which
is most agreeable to our own consciences, and which we humbly conceive to
be'the most calculated for the general good of those raany thousands that attend
the ministry of ourselves and of those connected with us. And as great indul
gences have lately been given bjf the legislature to religious persons of various
denominations, to worship God in the way most agreeable to their consciences,
we flatter ourselves our conduct will give the less offence in this land of
hberty to our superiors in the Church and State, especiaUy as we determine to
maintain the doctrines of the former, and in all things desire to acquit ourselves
as faithful and dutiful subjects belonging to the latter.
" We will not trouble your Lordships any further than by observing, that we
have no other view in this address than to declare simply our resolutions and
our motives thereunto ; and in this our secession (to which we are compeUed
more by necessity than by choice) to acquit ourselves not only in a manner
consistent with our open and uniform conduct hitherto, but in such a way as
should appear most respectful to your Lordships as governors of the Esta
blished Church ; humbly beseeching the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls to
direct and bless your Lordships in aU such undertakings as shall be most for the
glory of God and the good of the Church. " Thomas 'Wills,
"William Taylor."

314

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF

privilege of a peeress extended; but the trials whicb took
place in the Consistorial Court of London, respecting Spafields
chapel, first decided the character of her Ladyship's chapels,
as dissenting places of worship. Conscientious clergymen were,
at the period of the events now under our notice, painfully cir
cumstanced. On the one hand, multitudes in every neighbour
hood were perishing in ignorance ; on tbe other, the regulations
of the Established Church forbad them stepping across the
boundaries of a parish, to save a soul from death ; the result
was that many, though sincerely attached to the Church of
England, preferred what seemed to them the lesser evil, and
preached beyond the limits of their own parishes, but generally
without incurring ecclesiastical penalties. The excuse made
by the venerable Berridge, when interrogated by his diocesan
for preaching out of his own parish, is well known. " Why, my
Lord, 1 see many parsons playing at bowls, and going a-hunring
^ out of their own parishes, yet they meet with no reproofs ; why
should I be blamed more than they ?'
The itinerant and irregular labours of a Whitefield, a Ber
ridge, a Grimshaw, a Wills, a Glaseott, and others, must not be
rashly censured, for God was with them.
These litigations in the Consistorial Court were the means
of withdrawing from the service of her Ladyship's Connexion
Messrs. Romaine, Venn, Townsend, Jesse, and others, though
they continued in the most cordial intimacy with her and those
who continued to serve her chapels.* Yet by the labours of
Mr. Wills and Mr. Taylor, and the occasional assistance of Dr.
Haweis, Mr. Glaseott, Mr. Bradford, Mr. Jone.s, Mr. Piercy,
Mr. Pentycross, Mr. Charles, and other ministers in the Esta
blished Church, many of the most abandoned and obstinate
rebels against Christ and his Gospel were compelled to lay down
the weapons of their rebellion. Under all her cares and trials,
this animated the heart of the venerable Countess to still greater
exerrions. " Long have I been looking (she says) for some release to indulge
"¦ When Lady Huntingdon, without the knowledge of Dr. Haweis, made him
her trustee and executor, leaving him (with others) the whole of her numerous
chapels, &c., the worthy Doctor went to Mr. Romaine, and was by him assured
that if he had been similarly honoured he would have accepted the trust ;
adding, " your matters wUl be better conducted than if in any other hands."
"May 1 say that Mr. Romaine gave me that advice?" said Dr. Haweis; and the
venerable brother of BlackCriars anwered, " With my free leave, and m'ore than
that, I will vindicate the step : you wfll always find me the same, and though
I may not now give you my help, you wiU always be welcome to my pulpits,
and receive every token oi my fraternal regard." He kept his word, for Dr.
Haweis often preached at Blackfriars, and so did Mr. WiUs, even when mini-
ter of bei liEtdysbip's cfiapel at Spafields.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 315
your friends, and to have you share in the blessed success of the Gos
pel that daily surrounds us. It is great indeed ; but persecutions are
each hour arising against me, and only at me seems all the bitterness
expressed. All tbe other Clonnexions seem to be at peace ; and I
have ever found belonged to me while vve were at ease in Zion.
I am to be cast out of the Church now, only for what I have been
doing these forty years — speaking and living for Jesus ChUist ! and
if the days of my captivity are now to be accomplished, those that turn
me out, and so set me at liberty, may soon feel what it is, by sore dis
tress themselves, for those hard services they have caused me. Blessed
be the Lord, I have not one care relative to this event, but to be found
exactly faithful to God and man through all. You will smile and
rejoice with me in all I may suffer for our dear Immanuel's sake. I
have asked none to go with me — and none that do not come willingly
to tbe help of the Lord, and by faith in the Son of God lay all at his
feet — any other would do me no good, and He only knows these.
But Mr. Wills, Mr. Glaseott, and Mr. Taylor, offered themselves wil
lingly for the people against the mighty ; and may the evil pronounced
against Meroz belong to none I know ! * * *
" Dear Mr. Haweis, Wills, &c., are mightily owned and blessed of
God in the conversion of sinners. The chapel is crowded from door
to door, and multitudes go away disappointed at not being able tg get
in. Jlr. Sellon is in a mighty rage with Mr. Sergeant Glynn for what
he terms ' his vile abuse of him.' I am greatly indebted to him and
other law officers of the Crown for their able advice and assistance in
this affair. I have been severely handled and vilified ; but none of
these things move me — determined the short remnant of my declininn-
age shall be employed in setting up the standard, and enlarging the
circle of evangelical light and truth. With the Lord's help I shall go
on in devotedness to lus work, and wait contentedly fer his approbation
when called to give up my accounts."
It is a fault often to be laraented in modern biography, that
while all the virtues of men of piety are blazoned forth as bright
examples to follow, their failings are seldom exhibited as beacons,
to warn us of the dangers of onr course. The memory of the
just is blessed ; and the memorials of them, which record their
excellences, have the happiest tendency to rouse the spirit of
emularion, to imitate or surpass what is so praiseworthy and
of good report. But biographers too commonly, instead of
giving a faithful picture of their subject, turn panegyrists, and
raise suspicions of the truth of their report, by endeavouring to
exalt men compassed with infirmities on such pedestals of per
fection as dishearten, rather that excite to iraitation. In fact,
earth produces no such faultless monsters, and Christianity dis
claims them. The Bible biography is of a quite different kind.
Men as they are, not as they ought to be, are there described
in thw true (jharacter ; and the best of men, as but men at the

316 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
best. Nor Is this without singular use ; for had we only seen
their bright side, we should probably have despaired, amidst the
glare of their excellences, at finding how totally different the
faithful tablet of conscience and meraory held us up to ourselves.
But when the shade of their faults, their follies, or their weak
nesses softens down the features of Christian perfection into the
true characteristic of man fallen but renewed, their very failures
suggest grounds against despair under our own teniptations and
falls, and rouse the beart to fresh activity from the conviction,
that great excellence is not incompatible with many Infirmities.
Of every buman being, it raay be said, that araidst all his
apparent graces and good qualities, God knows his heart ; and
If a faithful biographer were to describe everything which hath
passed In his spirit or conduct with scrupulous fidelity, perhaps
there is not a creature who ever existed that would subrait the
narrative to public view ; conscious that it must, sometimes at
least, excite disgust and abhorrence instead of love and venera
tion. Yet as to God alone we are responsible for the secrets of
the soul, before his fellows every man's actions should be fairly
stated : " Et ubi plura nitent, paucis hand uffendar maculis —
where many excellences shine resplendent, a few failings shall
not offend." Let the falls or mistakes of others stand as land
marks for admonition, and their fidelity and devotedness rouse
to more vigorous exertions.
Was Lady Huntingdon a perfect character ? No ! This is
not the lot of mortals on this side the grave. When the moon
walketh in her brightness, her shadows are most visible. She
was in her temper warm and sanguine — her predilections for
some, and her prejudices against others, were sometiraes too
hastily adopted — and by these she was led to forra conclusions
not always correspondent with truth and wisdora. The success
attending her efforts seemed to impress her mind with a per
suasion, that a particular benediction would rest upon whoraso
ever sbe should send forth, and rendered her choice not always
judicious ; though seldom were there ever less offences in so
extended a work. She had so long directed the procedures of
her Connexion, that she too seldom asked tbe advice of the
judicious ministers who laboured with her; nor did she passively
bear contradiction. This is the history of truth. She needs no
posthumous fame to blazon her worth. She is past far beyond
all human censure. The Great Head of the Church hath
decided her character, pitied her infirmities, pardoned her ini
quities, and welcomed her to glory with " Well done, good and
faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord !"
Not long after the opening of Spafields chapel some unplea-

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 317
sant differences relative to the Welsh Associarion arose between
Lady Hunringdon, Mr. Hill, and the trustees of the Tabernacle
Connexion. Her Ladyship was one of Mr. Hill's earliest and
best friends. At his first setting out she had paid him consider
able attention. When under the frowns of his family, and an
alien from his father's house, — when Sir Rowland and Lady
Hill were so displeased with him that neither of them would
answer any letter written by Lady Huntingdon to entreat for
him, — in this season of distress, " he was (says her Ladyship)
as my own son received into my house, preached in my pulpits,
and, as far as I know, a single offence he never had given him."
" Though he always treated her memory with respect (says Mr.
Sidney), and vindicated her character against aspersions during
the Wesleyan controversy, I think he was not one of her Lady
ship's most cordial admirers. The mode in which she exercised
her authority was not suited to a mind impatient of restraint."
The fact was, Mr. Hill had given very serious offence, not by
opposing her party in argument, but by attacking them with
wit and sarcasm, and holding the Countess up to ridicule. " All
this (says she), though npt fair or upright, I should have so far
despised, as for peace sake to have passed over ; but the worm
that still lies at the bottom of the gourd, is his taking us all up
Into the pulpit, as his merry andrews, and, through his evil jokes,
leaving a bitter sting behind." Mr. Hill was the aggressor,
and sought by various means to be restored to favour, when con
vinced of the impropriety and injustice of his proceedings. But
the prejudice and suspicions of her Ladyship were not so easily
done away with. " He has been in London (says she) to offer
peace ; and wanted to preach in our large congregations, and
by getting in, bring nothing but division — but I have avoided
this." This was in the summer of 1781.
Her Ladyship was in Wales ; but a friend wrote to her, saying,
" I have now seen that Scripture fulfilled — when a person's ways
please the Lord, he maketh their enemies to be at peace with them.
I have been talking with two of your Ladyship's prmcipal ones, and I
find them wishing to be your very humble servants. Mr. Hill is one.
He says he will preach in the great Spafields chapel, if your Ladyship
will give him leave. The committee have been told of it, and they
are weh pleased, if you will but approve him. Mr. Keene says that
he hopes your Ladyship will take them into favour again, and the Lord
will make but one family of us aU. He says it is his heart's desire to
have your favour and friendship renewed. Indeed I believe that there
is none of them happy without you. I hope the Lord wdl incline
your heart to make peace."
Lady Huntingdon's answer to the foregoing letter is dated

318 THE LIFE AUD TIMES OF
"College, July 10, 1781," and is highly characteristic. She
was then in her seventy-fourtk year.
" Your letter, having followed me to the College, I have only received
by this day's post. I can want no assurances of yours or my faithful
old friend ; and you will both agree with me, ' He that believeth, shall
not make haste.' This proposal for peace will never find any objection
from me while it stands upon a foundation that the Lord himself, who
is the Prince of Peace, makes, and who says, ' The fruit of righteous
ness is peace, and the effects of righteousness quietness and assurance
for ever.' What I see my duty as a poor servant in his household, and
what most appears for my dear Master's honour, and the greatest
benefit of my beloved brethren and fellow-servants, that inviolable
obligation I stand under, happen what will to my most unworthy self
here on earth. The utmost love, union, and harmony now subsist
among us in all our quarters ; to hazard that, iri the smallest degree,
would bring my grey hairs with sorrow to the grave. My Welsh
friends are dear to me as my own soul — their voice on all occasions
with mine, will be but one. Those with my dearest and faithful minis
ters eminent in abilities, zeal, and unbounded labours in God's church,
are likewise more precious to me than the whole creation could be
made by every earthly comfort it could afford me. Thus their honour
is sacred to me, and to maintain their peace and prosperity is my un
ceasing obligation. Nine of these must have the places they now have
— six of those in close connexion, and three in heart with all their
possible moments of services for us. Our aid is entreated all over
England, and the wonderful blessings that follow dear Mr. Wills since
the late revolution, taken for the services of this whole land, convince
me of the very great consequences of giving any wrong touch to the
ark of God. I tremble at this in thought only, and yet my proposals to
prevent division and confusion would never be accepted. "The pride of
some, the interestedness of others, the selfishness of many, with the
ignorance and vanity that are incident to all, prove that nothing but
the Lord only, who subdues all things to himself, can accomplish this.
Two points lie at the very threshold that will make all their wishes bave
an end at once. The first is, all in Wales to be delivered up in a kind
and friendly spirit to the association — and next, tbe ministers universally
to have the lead in the work wherever I am concerned, and this only
because I know that I can honestly and honourably trust and depend
upon their fidelity to the people, while with regard to any other how
much I own I may wish to respect and show them marks of Christian
regard, yet I cannot be supposed to place in them such important con
fidence. Without reserve to you, my kind friend, and with every best
wish to dear Mr. Venn, Mr. Hill cannot preach for me. This must
not be pressed. When we meet, 1 shall explain fully my present
reasons. Should any future day prove it expedient, it may be con
sidered, but be assured it cannot be now. Mr. Piercy will be succeed
ed at Spafields by Mr. Phillipps, the master of the College, till some
other of our ministers return from their four quarterly excursions round
the kingdom. He is a gracious, worthy, and faithful minister, and is

SELINA, COUNTESS OV HtfNTlNQDdN. 319
received with great applause in ali the churches in Wales. He preached
at the chapel most sweetly last Sunday. He is not only sufficiently
judicious for a critic to hear, but welcome to every heart that loves the
Lord. Repeated Christian love to you and dear Mr. Venn, and to the
committee. I am, my dear friend, as ever, your affectionate and
faithful " S. Huntingdon."
The Rev. Rowland Hdl was now In the zenith of his fame — in
the brightest of those seventy years during which he preached the
everlasting Gospel. Often had the church door been shut
against him, and he had no fixed cure of his own in London.
Thus was he driven into the vast chapels of Mr.Whitefield and
Lady Huntingdon, or into the streets or fields. Araong his raore
constant hearers were many who had amassed fortunes by in
tegrity and industry, and they began to desire for their beloved
preacher a suitable establishment. During tbe riots of 1780
Mr. Hill had preached to incalculable numbers in St. George' s-
fields, and with such power, that many had fled from political
excitement to religious retirement, and. In memory of his suc
cesses on tbat spot, it was resolved to build a chapel there. In
the centre of one of the most depraved districts of the metro
polis Surrey Chapel was erected, a banner of the Cross was
reared ; precept and example of the pious flock had their effect
on the careless multitude, many were excited^to inquiry, others
helped on to grace. The service of the new chapel was the
ritual of the Church of England, and in such spiritual forms of
devotion, its original promoters framed the suitable cvpression of
tke outpourings of tkeir minds in the public wor skip of God.
The pulpit was open to all preachers of the Gospel of any sect
or country — a union to which all the actions of Mr. Hill's public
life converged; for he was the zealous supporter of every insti
tution that drew together men of different religious persuasions
and collected their several powers in a common arena of action.
The liberal contributors to the chapel permitted Mr. Hill to
spend the suraraer months in travelling, or in his delightful re
treat at Wotton, and were content to receive in the interim such
supplies as be thought proper to appoint.
The first meeting was held on the 4th of February, 1752,
when it was resolved that the chapel should stand in any eligible
spot between the bridge and the obelisk, and that Mr. Hill
should direct and provide ministers, so long as he should preach
agreeably to the doctrinal Articles of the Church of England,
and not give the pulpit to any one who was known to preach
otherwise. Mr. Hill's position was remarkable ; for while ex
cluded frora the chapels of the Countess of Huntingdon, the
followers of Mr. Whitefield hailed him as the reviver of their

320 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
cause ; he was beloved and honoured by the Wesleyans ; and
now was this chapel erected, in the list of the subscribers to
which appeared the name of Lord George Gordon for the sum
of £50.
The Rev. Mr. Berridge, of Everton, happening to be in
London about tbe time tbe first meeting was held, thus com
municated tbe intelligence to Lady Huntingdon : —
" I am 'persuaded (says he) your Ladyship will rejoice that dear
Rowley is going, with the Lord's help, to erect a standard for tbe Gos
pel in the very middle of the devil's territories in Loudon. What a
bellowing and clamour the old enemy wdl make at this fresh invasion
of his kingdom ! But he may storm, and rage, and persecute — Christ's
cause must, and will prevail over every opposition men or devils can
raise. A meeting has been held, and I am told the place fixed upon
is one of the worst spots in London — the very paradise of devils. This
much is satisfactory. Pine soil for ploughing and sowing ! By and
hy, my Lady, we shall hear of the reaping time — the harvest — and
the harvest home ! How glorious will be the triumphs of the Gospel
in that place ! Some of the blessed fruits we may expect to meet
in our Father's kingdom above. I am now looking every day to hear
tbat the foundation-stone has been laid, and the King of Zion conse
crating the spot hy the conversion of souls to himself. I need not
remind your dear Ladyship to pour forth a volley of prayers for the
success of this sanctuary."
" Such (says the Countess) is the very reviving intelligence com
municated by my worthy and excellent friend, Mr. Berridge. I, who
have known Mr. Hill from his first setting out, can testify that no man
ever engaged with more heartfelt earnestness in bringing captives from
the strongholds of Satan, into the glorious liberty of the Gospel of our
Immanuel; and it will require all the energies of his zealous and
enterprising spirit to erect the standard of the Cross in that part of
London where ignorance and depravityjprevail to such an awful degree.
Though I have seen sufficient cause to exclude him from serving in my
chapels,yor the present, yet I cordially rejoice in the success that has
attended his faithful labours. I knew him when a youth at the Uni
versity — when persecuted by his family — when in pecuniary distress
— and he was as a son to me, received into my house, and preached
for me every where. My heart's desire and prayer to God is, that this
undertaking may prosper most abundantly, and that very many souls
may there be gathered to the true Shiloh, such as vrill be his joy and
crown in the day of the Lord Jesus Christ."
The venerable Countess not only approved the erection of
Surrey chapel, but assisted It with a liberal subscription, and the
first stone was laid on the 24th of June, 1782; when Mr. Hill
addressed the vast assembly present from the words — " There
fore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foun
dation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner-stone, a sure

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 321
foundation : he that believeth shall not make haste." Isaiah
xxviii. 16.*
At the opening of the chapel a very serious occurrence had
nearly happened. The building being erected on a marshy
soil, the foundation was considered by some persons insecure,
and, in the midst of the service, a false alarm was given that it
was yielding to the pressure of the crowd. Mr. Hill entered
the pulpit and endeavoured to persuade them that all their
apprehensions were groundless, to prove which, he said he
should remain there till the last, and begged them to stay
quieriy in their seats. Notwithstanding this, a general rush took
place, and many, in their struggle to get out, were much injured.
The management of the affairs at Surrey chapel was vested
in trustees ; and Mr. Hill had the satisfaction to see his brother.
Sir Richard, at the head of the directors of the concerns of
this new and respectable congregation. Though the pulpit was
supplied by ministers of various denominations during Mr. Hill's
absence fjora London, his chief delight was in getting it occu
pied by his old clerical friends, Berridge, Pentycross, Venn,
Jones, Charles, Wills, Haweis, and others, all of whom laboured
in the chapels of Lady Huntingdon ; and Mr. Piercy, by her
Ladyship's consent, preached at the opening of Surrey chapel.
When Mr. Hill could no longer obtain help from the Church,
it gave him no little disquietude. The late worthy Mr. Venn,
for a number of years, made one of the stated supplies at
Surrey chapel. In the months of May and June, 1786,- Mr.
Venn visited London for a few weeks, and preached each Sun
day at the chapel. The following extract from one of his let
ters refers to this visit : —
" I have crowded audiences. Many of the clergy are generally
present. The sub-dean of the Chapel Royal was there last Sunday,
and came into the vestry to speak to me. Mr. Cecil says I do very
wrong to come for so short a time. He would persuade me to under-
* While the works were in progress, Mr. HUl frequently addressed the people
drawn to them by curiosity. Several persons who attended the ceremony of
laying the foundation stone, came to him to declare the impressions made on
their minds, and to ask his advice. He used also to gather the chUdren together
when they came to play about the building, and after engaging their confidence
by kind words, and by Uttle presents of cake and fruit, he would talk to them of
Jesus in the simplest and most affecting manner. Very much to his annoyance
some individual pubUshed a sermon which professed to be the one delivered at
the laying of the stone, though he disclaimed it in the daily papers ; it was re
viewed as his in the periodicals of the day, which held himself and his production
up to ridicule. The publication of this spurious production induced Mr. HiU
to print the sermon he preached at the opening of the chapel, in the summer
of 1783, the title of which was " Christ crucified ; the sum and substance
of the Scriptures."
VOL. II. — Y

322 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
take for half the year. Vain would be the attempt, unless I kept a
curate. Mr. Wilberforce has been at the chapel, and attends the
preaching constantly. Much he has to give up ! and what will be the
issue who can say ?'
In a letter of June 22, 1790, he adds : —
" On the 1 Sth I took my final leave of the chapel, addressing myself
to a great multitude, from Heb. x. 23 : ' Let us hold fast the profession
of our faith, without wavering : for He is faithful that promised.' My
work is nearly ended, for my mental faculties are very dull, and my
bodily strength greatly reduced."
The late Mr. Thomas Scott, Rector of Aston Sandford,
Bucks, when chaplain at the Lock, used to exchange pulpits
M'ith Mr. Hill once a year ; that being the stipulated condition
of his preaching a charity sermon for the Lock Hospital. The
Rev. John Walker, one of the senior Fellows of Trinity College,
Dublin, and many other eminent and excellent ministers of the
Established Church, esteemed it a privilege to be invited to the
pulpit of Surrey chapel, to diffuse the savour of tbat Name
wbich they preached. It is not a little surprising, that many
who think highly of these departed worthies, have, in the present
day, becorae the apologists of what they are pleased to reckon
their very objectionable irregularities : witness the biographers
of Roraaine, Venn, Fletcher, and Scott. Sincere as their at
tachment was to the Established Church, and warm as their
wishes were, and those of every good man must be, to see her
a p -raise in the earth, they had ceased to be tbe dupes of bigotry
and ediWational prejudices. These are traits which speak
the true Catholicism of these faithful men, and speak to
their honour. Cowardice and a fear of offending, may make
some desirous of sinking these striking features in tbeir charac
ters; but we are bounato hold up their nobl6^ example for
imitation, and cordially profess to have our lot and portion with
these apostolic witnesses.
We now pass on to the history of Sion chapel. Lady Hun
tingdon, never weary in well-doing, and still devising plans for
the diffusion of the Gospel, now determined to erect the standard
of the Cross in a distant part of London, where there was little
evangelical light at that time. The success attending the open
ing of Spafields chapel encouraged her to this arduous under
taking. The place was erected about the year 1785, and being
intended for purposes of public amusement, was constructed ac
cordingly. The proprietor, Mr. Jones, finding this speculation
did not answer his expectations, offered it fo Lady Huntingdon
for a place of worship, and in 1790 granted her Ladyship a lease
for the remainder of his term (78 years), at a rental of 130/. per

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON, 323
annum. No material alterations were deemed necessary; and
it was perhaps proper to show by substantial and permanent
signs the triumph of wisdom and goodness over folly and vice.
The dressing-rooms for the actors were converted into a vestry,
and the pulpit was erected on the front of the stage. The pit
was designed for the poor, and the galleries for the more decent
hearers of the word of life. The expense of fitting it up with
pews, free seats, &c., vvas defrayed by the Countess, and cost
2,6 OOZ. The chapel was dedicated to the service of God on
the 28th of November following, by the Rev. Dr. Ford, who
pro iched in the morning ; and the Rev. David Jones, rector of
Langan, preached in the afternoon and evening. During her
lifetirae the chapel was supported by Lady Huntingdon, who
confided its temporal governraent to Messrs. Bulwer, Clarke,
Emerson, Gilbert, Hodson, Hinde, and Hicks, as a committee
of managers, all of whom have followed their venerable patroness
into eternity. After her Ladyship's decease, the cause began
to languish, and it became necessary to have recourse to col
lections and the other usual means for its support. For many
years the pulpit was filled by the ministers of the Connexion,
who generally supplied for six weeks (similar to the plan still
continued at Spafields chapel), until the year 1812, when the
Rev. Mr. McAll accepted an invitation to become their stated
minister ; but for some unknown cause their union was not of
long duration, and the chapel was supplied with various minis
ters as before, until 1831, when the Rev. William Hodson became
the settled pastor, and has laboured there ever since with in
creasing usefulness.
Sion chapel is situated immediately behind the eastern end
of Whitechapel church. The external appearance of the build
ing has nothing to recommend it: it appears to have been
originally of a circular form, but by the addition of school-rooms
and vestries, it presents an irregular shape externally. On en
tering the chapel at the front door, the visitor is struck with its
capaciousness, and on descending a flight of steps enters the
body of the chapel, which still retains its original name of " The
Circle," having been used for feats of horsemanship, &c. It is
about eighty-six feet in diameter, and contains six hundred free
sittings for the accommodation of the poor. On the opposite
side, behind the pulpit and desks, is what has been called " The
Throne," (formerly the stage,) the pews of which are covered
with scarlet : this part of the chapel is approached from the
Circle by six or eight steps, and is forty- nine feet long by forty-
five feet wide. The whole, as well as the Circle, is entirely
Y 2

324 TJlE LIFE AND TIMES OF
surrounded by gallerie,?, and is capable of containing a congre
gation of several thousand persons.
Although much ofthe management of her chapels was vested
by Lady Huntingdon in the committees appointed by ber, she
still retained considerable power in her own hands over those
places. From tirae to tirae we find her addressing letters to the
managers, as they were soraetiraes called, on the spiritual and
teraporal affairs of the congregations In connexion with her,
directing the periods when collections should be made, and re
gulating the allowance for the maintenance of ministers. One
of these letters will convey a just idea of the iramensity of her
labours, and the complicated nature of the machinery she was
called to direct : — *
" To the respected Committee of Spafields Chapel.
'' My worthy Friends, — You must allow me to assure you that the
pleasure I had in reading the conclusion of your letter did abundantly
outweigh those many complaints, and, I hope, needless fears, wliich
our gracious Lord is forced to try us by, and that in order that we may
see the only hand worthy to expect our blessing from, and yield him
all the praise. More I want not than to find our Lord own our
assemblies as his. No good thing shall be withheld while the Lord of
Hosts remains the tender father of us his Israel, and will afford us our
meal in due season. I thought the shortest way to explain my
thoughts was sending them as communicated to the Norwich com
mittee, and fully agreed to by those of Bath and Bristol. I lament a
complaint should come on Mr. Taylor's account, and have sent a direc
tion to provide for him from my own property, as no collection can be
had at Tunbridge Wells, owing to the great poverty of the people.
The income of an estate of mine has been ever freely given to support
the Gospel in that part of Kent, with an allowance for the winter food
of a student, as no mimster can pay this out of what is received. Mr.
Taylor cannot have more for his support for four months there than is
allowed through all the churches ; and in case of his absence, a ininister
is to be boarded by him, as is the student supported in part by the
people all the winter. The purpose that is intended (and kindly so to
me by you all) bears no proportion of difficulty to me, who only am the
responsible person for the debt or deficiencies that may arise upon the
chapel. I am still willing to trust my dear and faithful Master — he
has dealt ever kindly by his poor old worthless servant, and I don't find
I want a better bank to maintain food and raiment for me, or those
proper and just supplies he shall afford for his various little household,
which he orders or may order for my ignorant care of them. As to
the minister's board, your allowance of tivo guineas a week just conies
to what you have stated. As to a reader, we have n'o such example
among us. The Gardens have one for the sake of the prayers when a
student preaches, but no one minister has ever had a single difficulty ;
and, it appears to me, allowing the minister ten guineas who stays a

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 325
quarter with you, to find a reader if he likes, will be less expense than
the burden of regularly maintaining one. Many choose to read the
prayers ; and I must say that the air of superiority and importance thus
manifested has not that simplicity, that means neither show nor parade.
The more apostolic we are, the better; and 1 must say,as a most remark
able blessing, I know of none anxious or discontented among us, even
ivhen it might justly have been excused, seeing myself unable to do what
my heart so much desired. My best advice to you, is to be wisely cautious
upon this point, and either collections or private subscriptions from honest
and devoted hearts, privately applied to for this purpose (and this latter
above all others to be preferred) as a little loan to the Lord, and not
necessity, will go further to bless such means than the many affected
shows supposed liberality wears. I am sure you expect a faithful an
swer from me, and ' such as I have give I unto you all.' Don't be
careful about the household stuff — my dear Master will not let me
want table and chairs. You see where all my cares are cast, and even
will also well end. Commending your gracious labours (for this our
best friend) to Him whose faithful and tender eye is ever over you ;
with many earnest prayers for that beloved flock you so care for,
and this as for my unworthy soul ; I remain, my worthy friends,
your faithful, willing, and every-ready friend and devoted servant,
" S. Huntingdon."
It is not the province of any historian to give the true history
of her Ladyship's chapels ; that great day, " for which all other
days were made," will unfold the best history of those hallowed
sanctuaries ; for then it will be seen " that this and that man
were born there." More than half a century has elapsed since
the joyful sound of salvation was first heard within the walls of
those highly-favoured temples of God. During that period
many a perishing outcast has there found peace and pardon —
many a wandering prodigal has there said, " I will arise and go
to my Father " — many a mourner has there exchanged the spirit
of heaviness for the garment of praise — and many a fainting
believer has there found fresh strength, and been enabled to
rejoice in the God of his salvation. Thousands of immortal
souls have been redeemed from death and destruction by the
powerful ministry of her Ladyship's chaplains ; and, it is pre-
surned, that there are but few of the many churches in London,
and scarcely any in the eastern district of the vast metropolis,
but have received members into Christian communion, who
have, through the signal benediction of the Spirit, found these
sanctuaries a directory to Him, " who is exalted as a Prince and
a Saviour," and whose " blood cleanseth from all sin."
A man about to commit suicide was converted to peace by
the preaching at Spafields ; and one of the preachers met, in

326 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF ,
Edinburgh, a young man, who accosted him, and said he had
heard him preach there :—
" Do you remember (said he) a note put up from an afflicted widow,
begging the prayers of the congregation for the conversion of an un
godly son ?" " I do very well remember such a circumstance." '' Sir
(said he), I am the very person ; and, ii'onderful to tell, the prayer
was effectual. I was going on a frolic with some other abandoned
young men one Sunday, through the Spafields, and, passing by tho
chapel, I was struck with its appearance, and hearing it was a Me
thodist chapel, we agreed to mingle with the crowd, and stop for a few
minutes to laugh and mock at the preacher and people. We were
but just entered the chapel, when you, Sir, read the note, requesting
the prayers of the congregation for an afflicted widow's profiigate son.
I heard it with a sensation I cannot express, I was struck to the
heart ; and though I had no idea that I was the individual meant, I
felt the bitterness of a widow's heart, who had a child as wicked as I
knew myself to be.
" My mind was instantly solemnized, I could not laugh — my atten
tion was riveted on the preacher. I heard his prayer and sermon with
an impression very different from what had carried me into the chapel.
From that moment the Gospel truths penetrated my heart ; I joined
the congregation ; cried to God in Christ for mercy, and found peace
in believing ; became my mother's comfort, as I had long been her
heavy cross ; and, through grace, have ever since continued in the good
ways of the Lord. An opening having lately been made for an ad
vantageous settlement in my own country, I came hither vrith my
excellent mother, and, for some time past, have endeavoured to dry
up the widow's tears, which I had so oft caused to flow, and to be the
comfort and support of her age, as I had been the torment and afflic
tion of her former days. We live together in the enjoyment of every
mercy, happy and thankful ; and every day I acknowledge the kind
hand of my Lord that ever led me to Spafields chapel."
In 1 780 this chapel narrowly escaped being pulled down by
the rioters, who came from Clerkenwell Bridewell, and sup
posing it still belonged to Mr. Maberly, who had incurred their
displeasure, they were going to demolish it ; but being Informed
of this mistake, and that it belonged to the Countess of Hun
tingdon, and one of them (who was afterwards executed at
Newgate,) also observing to the rest, that the place should
be spared, because his mother went thither, on these conside-
' rations they desisted from their raischievous designs.
The first serraon preached before tbe directors of the Mis
sionary Society was delivered at Spafields chapel, by the Rev.
Dr. Haweis. The Rev. David Jones, Rector of Langan,
preached for the ss^rae society at Sion chapel ; it was also at
this place that thg niissionaries destined for the South Sea

SELINA, COUNTESS OP HUNTINGDON. 327
Islands received their solemn designation. Dr. Haweis pre
sided on that occasion. Dr. Hunter, in his usual strain of elo
quence, delivered a most impressive discourse ; Dr. Williams, of
Rotherham, addressed the missionaries (twenty-nine in nura
ber), standing round the communion rails, in a most able and
judicious charge ; and the Rev. John Walker, one of the senior
Fellows of the University of Dublin, closed the solemnity with
a most scriptural prayer, and full of aniraated devotion, suited to
the occasion, finishing with the usual benediction, " The peace
of God," &c. ; after which, the congregation rose and united in
such a song of praise a.s, perhaps, was never before heard — -
" Captain of thine enlisted host,
Display thy glorious banner high."

CHAPTER XLV.

History of the Tabemacle at Norwich — Mr. Wheatley excluded the Methodist
Connexion — Visits Norwich — Violent Persecution  Mr. Whitefield visits
Norwich — Remarkable Conversion — Lady Himtingdon's attention attracted
to Norwich — The Wesleys — Mr. Charles Wesley — Mrs. Colonel Galatin 
The Tabernacle opened by Mr. Whitefield — Colonel Galatin  Mr. Cudworth
— Mr. Robert Robinson — Letters to Mr. Whitefield  Remarks on Mr. Robin
son's ch3racter.^Eccentricity — Mr. Madan  Letter to him from Mr. White-
field.
It has been observed, that when the friends of religion endea
vour to reduce the annals of particular churches, with which
they respectively stand connected, into distinct histories, they
render a service which, when performed with diligence, and a
rigid regard to historical verity, the religious public will not fail
duly to appreciate.
In some cases success has crowned the diligent labours of the
inquiring, while in numberless instances every attempt to rescue
from the ravages of time some account of the origin and pro
gress of religious societies, has proved fruitiess. Disappoint
ment is too often the reward of particular research.
The history of the Tabernacle at Norwich, like that of many
other places in connexion with Lady Huntingdon, is involved in
much obscurity. The first race df ministers were so actively
and wholly employed in the grand object of their ministry, that
they forgot to collect and preserve for the use of their successors.

328 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
a variety of important facts relative to the origin and early his
tory of their respective churches. The fragments, collected by
much patient investigation, are here thrown together, and res
cued from oblivion.
The Rev. James Wheatley was adraitted as a preacher by
Mr. Wesley during the early struggle of Methodism, in 1742.
He was esteemed a very popular preacher, and, in the prosecu
tion of his labours, was called to endure many hardships and
grievous sufferings for the sake of Christ. For raany years he
was a " burning and shining light" — but, alas ! whilst stationed
in Wiltshire, he was led away by the error of the wicked, and
fell from his stedfastness. After a very minute investigation
of the circumstances of his case, Mr. Wesley and his brother
expelled him from the Connexion by the following note, dated
June 25, 1751, which they afterwards found necessary to make
public : —
" Because you have wrought folly in Israel, grieved the Holy Spirit
of God, betrayed your own soul uito temptation and sin, and the souls
of many others, whom you ought, at the peril of your own life, to have
guarded against all sin ; because you have given the enemies of God,
whenever they shall know these things, cause to blaspheme the ways
and truth of God; we can, therefore, in nowise receive you as a
fellow-labourer, till we see clear proofs of your zeal and deep repent
ance : of this, you have given us no proof yet. You have not so much
as named one single person, in all England or Ireland, with whom you
behaved ill, except those we knew before.
" The least and lowest proof of such repentance which we can re
ceive is this — That tdl our next Conference (which we hope will be in
October), you abstain both from preaching and practising physic. If
you do not, we are clear ; we cannot answer for the consequence.
" John Wesley.
" Chables Wesley."
This occurred in Bristol in 1751, after which Mr. Wheatley
went to reside in the county of Norfolk. After a time, having
evinced deep repentance for the errors he had been led into, he
felt a strong desire to visit Norwich. He was unknown in the
city. When he reached its gates, he gave the bridle to his
horse, and was taken to one of tbe public inns, before the door
of which he observed a soldier on guard, and discovering some
thing serious in his appearance, inquired if he knew any religious
people in the city. He was answered in the affirmative ; and as
soon as the soldier was relieved from duty, was taken to one of
their houses. These people were designated by the ancient title
of Puritans, and in them Mr. Wheatley discovered the character
of Christ's disciples. Under the patronage of this despised
company he commenced his labours. His first sermon was

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 329
preached under the trees on Tomb-land, and his second was
delivered at the Felon's-gate, on the Castle-hill. This new and
strange scene began to attract attention and excite persecution,
which afterwards raged in the most brutal manner, under the
auspices of men of influence, and was even countenanced by
the magistrates and clergy. This is attested from a printed
pamphlet, entitled, " A true and particular narrative of the dis
turbances and outrages that have been committed in the city of
Norwich since November to the present time ;" a scarce and
interesting narrative. We learn that —
" Towards the latter end of the year 1751, a most remarkable refor
mation attended the preaching of the Rev. Mr. Wheatley, inasmuch
that amongst the people notorious for all kinds of vice and immorality,
profaneness, and irreligion, many thousands seriously attended the word
of God; and near 'iwo thousand two hundred of them gave in their
names to each other, to unite together in earnestly seeking the salva
tion of their souls. This, waiving all party disputes, was the whole of
their intention, and sole tendency of their doctrine and practice, and
within a few weeks the face of things not only seemed, but was en
tirely changed, and a spirit of seriousness was visible throughout the
city, even in those that were before the most abandoned ; so that, as
the public newspapers intimated, and as some of the magistrates said,
whereas before they could hear nothing in the streets but profane
swearing, they now seldom heard an oath ; many an idle man became
diligent, and many a dishonest man became faithful."
Mr. Wheatley finding it impossible to preach in the open air,
a tsmporary building was erected on St. John's, Timber-hill,
and, in imitation of the one erected by Mr-. Whitefield In Moor
fields, London, was called the Tabernacle. In this place per
secution raged with greater violence. The windows were broken,
and tbe diabolical plan of sawing away the supporters of the
building was formed, but happily detected and prevented, but
the chapel was completely unroofed — the rage of the enemy was
not spent on the Tabernacle. Mr. Wheatley shared In their fury.
They drew him from the chapel, stripped him, dragged him to
one of the bridges, intending to drown him, when he was mer
cifully rescued by the mayor. His life was frequently in danger
from the fury of the mobs ; and he was often dragged by tbe
hair of his head through the streets of the city ! All these
grievous sufferings he, however, endured with the meekness of
a lamb and the fortitude and patience of an apostle.
The riots at Norwich are tbus noriced in the " Gentieman's
Magazine" of the period: — " Norwich, February 19, 1752.
" This city has for several months been disturbed and alarmed by
the violent proceedings of an enraged or animated populace. They

330 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
had taken offence at some encouragement given by the magistrates to
Mr. Wheatley, a Welsh cobbler, lately turned Methodist preacher, who
comes in great compassion to convert" them to a sense of religion ; but
they constantly disturb him with the beat of drums, &c. January
1 2th, though he had three constables to guard him, they beat both him
and them, and so covered them with mud and dirt, that they could
hardly be known. In this condition Mr. Wheatley went to the hall to
the magistrates, as they were assembled. They sent one to gaol, and
desired Mr. Wheatley not to preach that afternoon, which he readily
comphed with; nevertheless, the mob went to the Tabemacle, broke
the pulpit and windows, pulled down the seats, and untiled and des
troyed a great part of the building. Since this there has been great
rioting from time to time, aud on Sunday 16th, the mob broke open Mr.
Lawson's door, the Baptist preacher's, when one got up in a chair and
made a mock preaching, and then broke his windows — and not
only disturbed the Baptist meeting, but very much abused the peo
ple that came from the Independent meeting. The mayor and
sword-bearer came and read the proclamation, hut they cried out.
Church and King! do-wn with the meetings ! The mob increased to
many thousands; and if any one were committed to prison, he soon
got bail, and rioted more than ever ; they threatened to take off the
prison doors (as in the riot about exporting corn) if any of their fellows
were imprisoned."
This account was followed by a letter addressed to the editor
of the " Gentieman's Magazine," dated Norwich, March 22, 1 752 :
" As I find, when I left London, that very few had any tolerable
idea of the enormous riots in this city on account of the Methodist
preacher, I have made it a part of my business to inquire some further
particiflars, which take in an unconnected manner, for out of so many
stories from persons inclined to one pr other side, a regular account is
as much beyond my skill as it would be to put an end to the confusion.
It is said that the preacher, who ought to have been content to pro
mulgate his doctrine on Sundays, called the people forth several times
in a day, and occasioned great numbers, men and women, who were
woino' to work, to neglect their occupations ; that many journeymen
who had worked hard till noon, going home, found their wives gone
out to be dear hearers, and their children neglected, and no dinner
prepared for them ; that by such avocations many mouths had come
upon the parishes ; and the magistrates had been obliged to put into
the workhouses many who were negligent of their families, to make
them earn something towards their sustenance. Some of these were
sainted, and had presents from their friends. On the other hand, the
rioters who are committed to gaol, receive contributions from some of
their party. The provocation to this riot and animosity to the good
man of God, as he pretends to be, is that he occasions the labouring
people to go without their dinners ; the parishes to be loaded with
helpless infants ; and, in the meantime, though he came here without
a groat, he pockets ten or twelve guineas every week, besides partaking
of the feasts which are daily made for him by the devout and open-

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 331
hearted dear hearers, who club their husbands' earnings to treat him,
his clerk, and one of his protectors, who, at the same time, is worth
his thousands, but a miser and starver of his own family. But wives
and children, masters aud servants, are of little account in respect of
the dear hearer and holy inspired preacher ; insomuch that people of
good sense, and once in high esteem, having declared that they did not
know evil from good, before taught by their inspired Mr. Wheatley,
are treated rudely enough by the populace, who call ' Bah ! Bah !'
when they appear, alluding to the lost sheep recovered, as they term
themselves. " The populace have done great damage to the houses of several
who harboured the preacher ; and, on the election of a coroner, trun
dled some dear hearers down the Castle Hill, and afterwards pumped
on one, and several have heen much wounded by them. No less than
sixteen of the ringleaders have been commited to prison ; but this
has by no means quieted the minds of the rest, who, as a further
aggravation, complain that this holy man takes two or three pence a
week of the meanest hearers, and they must not fail in payment on
pain of damnation : that he has himself been a noted bad liver, and
that he always wears a glove on one hand. However, he goes well
dressed, in a grey coat and black under-habit, like a clergyman. I
rememher the town of Reading was in the same confusion on a like
occasion, but here the soldiers have heen called in, though to no
effect, when they are but in small numbers."*
It is unnecessary to make any comment on these absurd and
contradictory statements. They are inserted merely to mark
the spirit and temper of those times. In the midst of such
unparalleled sufferings, Mr. Wheatley stood
As an iron pillar, strong.

And stedfast as a wall of brass."
His preaching was attended with Divine power ; and raany of
the most profligate and abandoned characters in the city became
reformed. He was instruraental In gathering a considerable
society, the members of which he called his Lambs ; on which
account this appellation was generahy applied to pious persons,
and became a proverb throughout all that county. It is said,
to the disgrace of the city, if true, that the eneraies of religion,
in order to ridicule Mr. Wheatley and his Lambs, carried a
young lamb, elevated on a pole, before an unruly mob, through
the principal streets of the city, and blasphemously cried aloud,
• See " Gentleman's Magazine" for 1752. The writer of the above adds —
" That the high winds had blown down the steeple of one of the churches, and
broke so many windows that the carpenters were employed to put up boards,
as a glazier could not be had to furnish glass — being so much occupied in
attending Mr. Wheatley's preaching!" Carpenters, it would seem, were irre
ligious men in Norwich — tney eared for none of these things !

332 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
" Behold tke Lamb of God!" Such a daring insult (let Mr.
Wheatiey and his followers be what tbey might) offered to the
religion of the Son of God, is hardly to be met with in the
annals of a Christian country.*
The success wbich attended Mr. Wheatley's labours, and the
manner in which he endured persecution, turned the tide in his
favour. From being universally despised, he became extremely
popular ; and the bulk of the inhabitants of the city began to
conclude he certainly was a good man ; and they, in some
degree, espoused his cause. His popularity was so great that
he erected one of the largest chapels In the city, which he
called the Tabernacle. It was soon after the demolition of the
teraporary place of worship that the ground was purchased on
which the present Tabernacle stands. It was bought for 230/.,
and the building of the chapel cost 1,530Z. On the 23d of
April, 1752, forty-four persons bound theraselves to pay 5/.
each man, towards building the new Tabernacle.
While this place was erecting, Mr. Whitefield visited Nor
wich. When the time of the year came that he could sing,
" Lo, the winter Is past," he quitted winter quarters. "The time
of the singing of birds and the voice of the turtle in the land,"
ca!i\.edL fortk his voice too. This was in April, 1 753.
" For these three days past,'' says he, " I have been preaching here
tvrice a-day. In the mornings we have been quiet ; but in the
evenings the sons of Belial have been somewhat rude. The place
huilt here for public worship is much larger than yours at Newcastle ;
and I believe hundreds of truly awakened souls attend. What can
not God do ? What will the end of this be ? The destruction of
Jericho. The rams' -horns must go round, till her towering walls fall
down." In a subsequent letter to Mr. Keene, he adds : —
" How does God delight to exceed even the hopes, and to disappoint
the fears of his weak, though honest-hearted people ! In spite ofall
opposition, he hath caused us to triumph even in Norwich. Thou
sands attend twice every day, and hear with the greatest eagerness.
I hope it wiU appear yet more and more that God hath much people
here." Much exhausted by frequent preaching and startling attacks
of sickness, Mr. Whitefield returned to London, and soon after
wrote to one of his converts at Norwich —
"I shall little regard the weakness and indisposition of my body, if I
can hut have the pleasure of hearing, if not before, yet at the great
* See " Atmore's Methodist Memorial," p. 490.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 333
day, that good was done to one precious soul at Norwich. Blessed
be God for the seed sow.i there ! I doubt not hut it will be watered
with the dew of his heavenly blessing, and bring forth a divine in
crease." The doctrines of the Cross did triumph there — but this
apostolic man knew it not on earth. The late Mr. Fuller, of
Kettering, was wont to tell the following anecdote, which he
had from the lips of the person : — A young man, a native of
Norwich, of about eighteen years of age, was walking one
morning with a party of other young men, who had all agreed
for that day to make a holiday. The first object that attracted
their attention was an old woman, who pretended to tell fortunes.
They iraraediately employed her to tell theirs ; and that they
might fully qualify her for the undertaking, first made her
thoroughly intoxicated with spirituous liquor. The young man
of whom mention was first made, was inforraed araong other
things, that he should live to a very old age, and see his chil
dren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, growing up around
him. Though he had assisted in gratifying the old woman for
the fraud by intoxicating her, yet he had credulity enough to be
struck with those parts of her predictions which related to
himself. "And so (quoth he, when alone,) I am to see chddren, grand-
ch'! ren, and great-grandchildren ! At that'age I must be a burden to
the young people. What shall I do ? There is no way for an old
man to render himself moi-e agreeable to youth than by sitting and
telhng them pleasant and profitable stories. I will then (thought he)
during my youth, endeavour to store my mind with all kinds of know
ledge. I will see and hear, and note down everything that is luro and
wonderful, that I may sit, when incapable of other employment, and
entertain my descendants. Thus shall my company be rendered
pleasant, and I shall be respected rather than neglected in old age.
Let me see, what can I acquire first ? 0 ! here is the famous Metho
dist preacher, Whitefield ; he is to preach, they say, to-night — I will
go and hear him. From these strange motives the young man
declared he went to hear Mr. Whitefield. He preached that evening
from Matthew iii. 7 — ' But when he saw many of the Pharisees and
Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, 0 generation of
vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come ?' Mr.
Whitefield, (said the young man,) described the Sadducee's character ;
this did not touch me, I thought myself as good a Christian as any
man in England. From this he went to that of the Pharisees. He
described their exterior decency, but observed that the poison of the
viper rankled in their hearts. This rather shook me. At length, in the
course of his sermon, he abruptiy broke off, paused for afew moments,
then burst into a flood of tears, lifted up his hands and eyes, and
exclaimed, ' O my hearers, the wrath to come ! the wrath to come !—

334 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
the wrath to come !' These words sunk into my heart like lead in the
waters. I wept : and when the sermon was ended, retired alone.
For days and weeks I could think of little else. These awful words
followed me wherever I went — ^ The wrath to come! — the wrath to
come !' The issue was that the young man soon aftqf made a public
profession of religion, and in a little time became a preacher. He
himself related the foregoing circumstance to Mr. Fuller."
The cause at Norwich now attracted the notice of Lady
Huntingdon, and her liberal hand contributed to the erection of
a Tabernacle. " I rejoice to find (says her Ladyship) that the Gospel still triumphs
at Norwich. If the Lord Jesus Christ be preached faithfully to the
people, and exhibited in his mediatorial characters, offices, and rela
tions, we may confidently anticipate great results. He must be the
beginning, the middle, and the end of every sermon.
' To man the bleeding cross has promised all,
The bleeding cross has sworn eternal grace.'
Mr. Wesley gives me much information of a pleasing and painful
nature. Of Mr. Wheatley I am unable to form an opinion, there is so
much said for and against him. I trust all will be overruled for good,
and that the word of our God may have free course, and be glorified in
the conversion of sinners."
Up to this period, Mr. Wheatley had continued to labour with
distinguished success ; but he imprudently blended the practice of
medicine with the preaching of the Gospel. This last step led to
the most distressing circumstances, which eventually terminated
his ministry in Norwich. Just at this period, Mr. and Mrs.
Charles Wesley, witii Mr. John Wesley, who was indisposed, and
Mr. Charles Perronet, son of the Rev. Vincent Perronet, Vicar
of Shoreham, arrived in that city. The whole town was in an
uproar about Mr. Wheatley, '' whose works of darkness," says
Mr. Wesley, " are now brought to light ; whereby tbe people are
so scandalized and exasperated that they are ready to rise and
tear him in pieces. We do not, therefore, wonder that the
clergy are not forward to shew their friendly inclination to us ;
yet one has sent us a civil message, excusing his not visiting us
till the tumult Is over." A letterfrom Mr. Charles Perronet to
Mr. Wheatley was printed and circulated, contrary to the express
orders of the Messrs. Wesley, who observed — " it was not fit
that their hands should be upon him."
On the Sunday after their arrival, Mr. Charles Wesley took
the field, and preached to about two thousand, on Hog Hill, his
brother standing by hira. In the afternoon he went again to
the same spot, where it was computed that ten thousand persons
were assembled.
" Again (says Mr. Charles Wesley) I preached repentance towards

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HtTNTINGDON. 385
God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. They listened with great
seriousness — their hearts were plainly touched, as some showed by
their tears. Who could have thought the people of Norwich would
ever more have borne afield preacher! Itis the Lord's doing, and it
is marvellous in our eyes. To him be all the glory who saith, ' I will
work, and who shall hinder ? "
Mr. John Wesley left Norwich, being too ill to preach, and
Mr. Charles Wesley continued his labours. " At night (he
says) I had multitudes of the great, vulgar, and the small, to hear
me, with three justices and nine clergymen." The following
Sunday he preached to such a multitude as he had not seen
before in Norwich.
" During the hymn (says he) a pale, trembling opposer laboured to
interrupt the work of God, and draw off tbe people's attention ; but
as soon as I began to read the history of the prodigal son, his commis
sion ended, and he left me to a quiet audience. Now the door was
opened indeed. For an hour and a half I showed their sins and wan
derings from God, and invited them back to their Father's house. And
surely he had compassion on them, inchning many hearts to return.
God, I plainly found, had delivered them into my hand. He filled my
mouth with persuasive words, and my heart with strong desires for
their salvation. I concluded and began again, testifying my good will
towards them, which vvas the sole end of my coming. But if I hence
forth see them no more, yet is my labour with my God. They have
heard words whereby they may be saved, and many of them, I cannot
doubt, will be our crown of rejoicing in the great day."
With the view of forming a society in Norwich, Mr. Charles
Wesley rented a large brewhouse from a justice of the peace,
who had reserved it for them. This was soon fitted up as a
chapel, and Mr. Wesley preached frequently to crowded con
gregations. Many having desired to be admitted into the so
ciety, Mr. Wesley met them at five o'clock in the morning.
" We spent some time together (says he) in conference,
praise, and prayer. I am in no haste for a society ; first, let
us see how the candidates live." Had this cautious and prudent
conduct been observed through every part of the Methodist
dicipline, the preachers and members of the societies would
not, indeed, have been so numerous as at present; but they
would have had a degree of excellence they have not yet
attained. Hitherto all was tolerably tranquil ; but opposition now began
to rnanifest itself against Mr. Charles Wesley, and the doctrines
he preached.
" The more Satan rages, the more our Lord will own and bless us.
A poor rebel, at the conclusion, lifted up his voice, for whom I first
prayed, and then turning full upon him, preached repentance and Christ

336 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
to his heart. I desired him to turn his face towards me, but he could
not ; however, he felt the invisible chain which held him, to hear the
offers of grace and salvation. I have great hope that Satan has lost his
slave : some assured me they saw him depart in tears. At night I laid
the axe to the root, and showed their actual and original corruption
from Rev. iii. 1 7, ' T'hou sayest I am rich ; and knowest not that thou
art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked ?' The
strong man was disturbed in his palace, and roared on every side. My
strength increased with the opposition. A gentleman on horseback,
with others, was ready to gnash upon me with his teeth; but my voice
prevailed, and they retreated to tbeir stronghold, the alehouse. There
with difficulty they procured some butchers to appear in their quarrel ;
but they had no commission to approach till I had done. Then, in the
last hymn, they made up to the table with great fury. The foremost
often lifted up his stick to strike me, being within his reach,'but he was
not permitted. I staid to pray for them, and walked quietly to my
lodgings. Poor Rabshakeh muttered something about the Bishop of
Exeter." During the first year of their marriage, Mrs. Charles Wesley
accompanied her husband in his travels in the North, where
their accommodations usually formed a striking contrast to the
luxuries in which she had been bred. She would sometimes
speak of them with a smile, always dwelling on the tender atten
tions of her huband on these occasions, who, she said, "felt
more for her than she did for herself." When Mr.' Charles
Wesley had concluded his discourse, as stated above, a mob col
lected in great nurabers, and seemed disposed to behave in an
unruly manner. Mrs. Wesley became alarmed, and it was
deemed advisable that she should pass through the crowd with
Mrs. Colonel Galatin, who came with her, the Colonel being
then quartered at Norwich, rather than with Mr. Wesley, who
was the object of their vengeance, and who remained to brave it.
Mrs. Wesley was low in stature — " happily (she said) her insig
nificance secured her. But her poor friend, Colonel Galatln's
lady, being of majestic height and appearance, was taken for the
wife of Mr. Wesley, and being separated from her side, was
sorely annoyed by the rabble. But all providentally arrived at
their lodgings unhurt.
In August 1755, Mr. Whitefield visited Norwich, to open the
new Tabernacle, at the request of Lady Huntingdon, who took
great Interest in all that concerned the cause 'of God in that
city, and there he so turned the tide out of the Wesleyan chan
nels, that he deemed it necessary to apprise his friend Mr.
Wesley of the fact, and to assure him that there were no party
designs on foot. When writing to a friend, he says —
« At thi» last place, notwitlwtanding offences have eome, here hae

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 337
been a glorious work begun, and is now carrying on. The po'ite and
great seem to hear with much attenlion, and" I scarce ever preached a
week together with gi'eater freedom."
His measures at Norwich seem to have been misrepresented
to Mr. Wesley, who remonstrated with bim for having obtruded
on the scene of his labours. Mr. Whitefield had no intention of
visiting Norwich at tbat time, but was desirous of paying his
respects to Lady Huntingdon, at Donnington Park, had" not
illness and private business prevented him. Her Ladyship's
request to preach at the opening of the Tabernacle he could not
refuse, and was obliged to leave London with speed, as the day
of .dedication had been fixed. He therefore replied to Mr.
Wesley, and deferred any further explanation tiU they should
meet face to face. His letter is dated " Norwich, August 9.
1755." " Rev. and dear Sir, — Till Thursday evening, I knew no more of
coming to Norwich than the child unborn. Had I been well enouo-h,
and my private business permitted, 1 should have been some miles on
my way towards Donnington Park. This I told Mr. Hartiey, aud
acquainted him with every step ; he should have written himself, and
not retailed our conversation. As I expect to be in town some time
next week, I choose to defer writing more till we have a personal in
terview. My. time is too precious to be employed in hearkening to, or
vindicating myself against, the false and invidious insinuations of narrow
and low-life informers. Never was I more satisfied of my call to any
place, than of my present call to Norwich. The Redeemer knows the
way that I take. I came hither purely for his glory, without the least
design to make a party for myself, or to please or displease any other
party whatsoever. In this way, and in this spirit, through his divine
assistance, I hope to go on. Blessed be his name, I trust my feeble
labours have not been in vain. Sin, I hope, hath been prevented,
errors detected, sinners convicted, saints edified, and my own soul
sweetly refreshed. But I must add no more. That Jesus may give us
all a right judgment in all tbings, and keep all parties from giving a
wrong touch to the ark, is and shall be the constant prayer of, reverend
and dear Sir, yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
" Geohge Whitefield."
It was at the request of Colonel and Mrs. Galatin, who had
been some time at Norwich, and had formed an Intimacy with
many of the religious people there, that Lady Huntingdon had
sent Mr. Whitefield to preach at the dedication of the Taber
nacle. From some letters of this worthy couple, it appears that
multitudes of all ranks attended his ministry, and lasting im
pressions were made on the minds of a vast number of people.
On leaving Norwich the pulpit was supplied by the Rev. William
Cudworth, who had commenced preacher in Mr. Whitefield's
VOL. II. — z

338 THE LIFE AND TIMES OP
Connexion, in whicli he continued for a considerable time, and
was the intimate friend of Mr. Cennick, one of Mr. Whitefield's
most successful fellow-labourers.
It was during this interval that Mr. Cudworth first became
acquainted with the Rev. James Hervey. After the first edition
of " Theron and Aspasio" came out, Mr. Cudworth found Mr.
Hervey was so much of one mind with him, as that he had dis
played fhe argument and two illustrations of his book concern
ing marks and evidences. This encouraged Mr. Cudworth to
send him a prerent of " Marshall on Sanctification," which he
had abridged about two years before. Immediately on this Mr.
Hervey wrote to Mr. Cudworth, informing hira of the opposition
he met with, and requesting him to review and amend his works,
particularly Dialogue 16. After this, by frequent interviews
with Mr. Cudworth at Weston, and correspondence by letter,
Mr. Hervey's views of Gospel truth were much enlarged and
improved.* Mr. Cudworth continued to exercise his ministry at the Taber
nacle for some years, and was instrumental in the conversion of
many who were added to the society. In the course of a litfle
time he was joined by the Rev. Robert Robinson, who in after
years became a person of sorae celebrity. This gentleman was
a native of Swaffham, in the county of Norfolk, and at the early
age of seventeen became a student at the Tabernacle, London.
The Tabernacle continued to be supplied by Mr. Wheatley,
Mr. Cudworth, and Mr. Robinson for some time. Preaching
stations were also established in the villages In the neighbour
hood, and a tabernacle erected at Forncet, about twelve miles
from Norwich. Mr. Robinson's talents as a public teacher,
were of the highest order. He knew how to draw every ear to
attention, and his dominion over his audience was absolute.
After he had preached at the Tabernacle for some time, he
quitted the Calvinistic Methodists, and formed an Independent
* Like Mr. Hervey, Mr. Cudworth gained his evangelical knowledge, not by
education, but by reading. From his writings he appears to have been an ac
curate thinker, and well informed in the doctrines of grace, particularly in the
natijre and warrant of saving faith. After his acquaintance with Mr. I^ervey
he was eminently useful in reviewing and correcting that good nian's writings,
particularly " Theron and Aspasio," and " Aspasio Vindicated." He wrote one
of the best vindications pf the doctrines of grace, in opposition to " Sandeman's
Letters," and " Bellamy's Dialogues." He published a sermon on Mr. Hervey's
death and three volumes of Tracts on religious subjects. He intended to have
published what he called the Evangelical Library, containing an abridgment of
the best divines, from the Reformation to his own time, in six volume?, 12mo.;
but he did not live to complete the work. He became rainister of an Indepen
dent congregation, Margaret-street, Oxford-road, London, and died in 1763,
in the comforts of the doctrines of grace, leaving behind him a character for
eminent holiness and integrity.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 339
church of thirteen persons, who had imbibed his sentiments. Of
the church he became the pastor, baptising infants, and perform
ing all the other offices of an Independent minister. This was the
first division which took place in the Tabernacle Society.
In a short time Mr. Robinson changed again, and became a
Baptist. All these changes took place in the course of a few
years ; for, in 1759, when he was only twenty-four years of age,
he was invited to the pastoral charge of the Baptist church at
Cambridge. On leaving Norwich, the congregation he had
formed became extinct, most of the members having returned to
the Tabernacle. The rapidity of the changes in shifting from
one denomination to another in his youth, was unhappily fol
lowed by a versatility in maturer years, which betcayed itself in
regard to subjects of unspeakably greater importance. His
unbounded self-conceit, and more than sovereign contempt of
others, exposed a heart already removed from under the influence
of evangelical truth, and fully prepared to drink the cup of
Socinianism to the dregs. The close of his ministerial course
is a tale of horror. Labouring under a constant dejection and
languor of mind, he removed to Birmingham, conceiving that an
interview with Dr. Priestley, which he had long desired, would
prove beneficial to him. He preached twice for the Doctor, who
was charmed with his conversation, but much disappointed in
his preaching. " His discourse (he said) was unconnected and
desultory, and his manner of treating the doctrine of the Trinity
savoured more of burlesque than serious reasoning." The im
pression left on Dr. Priestley's mind by his conversation and
preaching was, that " he (Mr. Robinson) was of the Unitarian
faith, and had received considerable light from his theological
writings." There is a thrilling horror in recording the event —
the day after he had been permitted to utter such awful senti
ments, he was found dead in his bed !
The indulgence of eccentricity, and a fondness for novelty
were strong features in his character. For sorae time, in order
to follow nature, he would only eat when he was hungry, and go
to bed when he was overpowered with sleep, so that day was
turned into night, and night into day. How absurd and in
convenient these fancies must have been in the head of a large
family, may be easily conceived. Eccentricity, it has been often
said, is one of the attributes of genius ; but nothing can be far
ther from the truth — it is the pretext of men who could lay
claim to genius on no other account. True genius will prove
the corrector of eccentricity. Whoever heard of the eccentrici
ties of Grotius, of Sir Isaac Newton, of Locke, or Baxter, or of
a host of others ? If there was any difference between them
z 2

S40 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
and other men, their genius dictated a greater propriety of con
duct. That some men of genius have been eccentric is acknow
ledged ; but men still raore eccentric can be produced in un-
.speakably greater proportion, from whose souls one spark of genius
never appeared. The eccentricity of some men of genius is to
be considered as a painful proof that their genius was not com
plete, that there was a weak part in tbe soul to which it did not
extend, and whicb was the cause of the eccentricity. If this
will not satisfy, then it may be asserted, that some men to whom
genius has been given, not having it under the guidance of wis
dom, become odd and eccentric, and sink beneath the dignity of
that rank in the intellectual and moral world in which they were
entitled to stand.
Some time in the year 1757, the Rev. Martin Madan, elder
brother of the Bishop of Peterborough, then occasionally at
Thetford, visited Norwich, at the request of Lady Huntingdon,
and preached in several of the churches. Great crowds attended
his ministry, and the great Head of the Church was pleased to
make bare his arm. Sorae persons frora Lakenheath having
been at Norwich during Mr. Madan's visit to that city, became
acquainted with the glad tidings tbat there is a Saviour, and in
their return home manifested an anxious wish that their friends
and neighbours should hear what proved to thera so great a
blessing. Accordingly a considerable number of persons invited
Mr. Madan to Lakenheath. This Invitation he eagerly em
braced, and being invited by the rector, preached in the church
with great acceptance and success. Mr. Wesley aiso preached
there several times about tbe same period. He likewise men
tioned Mr. Madan to the people, and afterwards sent them a
curate by the desire of the rector. " So now (says Mr. Wesley)
they have one that both preaches and loves the gospel."

CHAPTER XLVI.
Mr. Wesley takes a lease of the Tabernacle at Norwich — Dissatisfied with the
Tabernacle Society — Tabernacle sold to Lady Huntingdon — Mr. Shirley,
Mr. Glaseott, and Mr. Bowman — Lady Huntingdon, Lady Anne Erskine, and
Mr. Toplady, visit Norwich — Remarkable Sermon by Mr. Toplady — Mr.
Mark Wilks — His appointment to the Tabernacle — Mr. Wesley and Mr.
Fletcher visit Norwich — Yarmouth — Mr. Shirley — Letter from Lady Hun
tingdon  Mr. Crole and Mr. Clayton sent to Norwich— Conversion of Mr,
Johnson — Letters from Lady Huntingdon to the Committee of the Tabernacle.
On the termination of Mr. Wheatley's ministry at Norwich, the
Tabernacle was variously supplied, but chiefly by those in con-

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 341
nexion with Mr. Whitefield, till the year 1758, when Mr. Wheat-
ley made an offer of it to JVIr. Wesley.
" James Wheatley (says he) repeated his offer of the Tabernacle.
But I was in no haste. I wanted to consult my friends, and consider
the thing thoroughly. One glaring objection to it was, ' The congre
gation there will not hear me.' He replied, ' Sir,' you cannot tell that
unless you will make trial.' "
Mr. Wesley consented, but many declared he should not
enter the pulpit, and put themselves in the way to prevent it.
He did, however, preach five or six times, and overcame all
opposition. On his return to Norwich in March 1759, he found
the society, once consisting of many hundred members, moul
dered into nothing. Out of fifteen or sixteen hundred subscri
bers, not one was left. He now set himself vigorously to work,
and appointed those who were willing to join in the society to
meet him the following evening. About twenty gave in their
names. "But the greater part (says Mr. Wesley) appeared
like frighted sheep. On Saturd.-iy and Sunday about forty more
gave in their names. Thirty or forty more spoke to me on
Monday. I think two-thirds of those I have yet seen have had
a clear sense of God's pardoning love." On the following
Lord's-day Mr. Wesley administered the Lord's Supper in the
Tabernacle to near two hundred communicants. " So solemn
a season I never remember to have known in the city of Norwich.
As a considerable part of them were Dissenters, I desired every
one to use what posture he judged best. Had I required them
to kneel, probably half would have sat. Now, all but one kneeled
down." Mr. Wesley continued nearly the whole of the raonth of
March at Norwich, and divided his time in preaching at the
Foundery, and the Tabernacle. He also preached occasionally
at Forncet, near Norwich, where a tabernacle had been erected
by Mr. Wheatley, and included in the lease to Mr. Wesley.
On one occasion, when he went to the latter place he found
Mr. Cudworth had preached there in the morning —
" So that the people looked as direful upon me (says he) as if it
had been Satan in person. However, they fiocked from all parts, so
that the Tabemacle would not near contain them. After preaching, I
found Mr. Cudworth sitting in the pulpit behind me, whom I quietly
and silently passed by. About six, I preached at the Tabernacle in
Norwich, crowded with attentive hearers. Perhaps these two will be
brought into order by and by. Hitherto there has been no King in
Israel." A day or two after this Mr. Wesley had an interview with
Mr. Cudworth, which seems to have produced little effect on
either i-^

342 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
'' His opinions (says Mr. Wesley) are all his own, quite new ; and
his phrases as new as his opinions. All these opinions, yea, and phrases
too, he afiirms to be necessary for salvation ; maintaining that all who
do not receive them, worship another God ; and he is as incapablte as
a brute heast of being convinced, even in the smallest point."
The society now consisted of upwards of four hundred mem
bers, two hundred of which Mr. Wesley thought it Improbable
would continue with him long. Several new regulations were
introduced — every member of the society was required to pro
duce his ticket when he came In — the men and women were or
dered to sit apart — and spectators were excluded from the gal
leries while the Lord's Supper was administering, whidi had been
customary from the time the Tabernacle was built. This Mr.
Wesley judged highly improper, and therefore ordered none to
be admitted but those who desired to communicate. These
things produced discontent, and the preaching of Mr. Cudworth,
whoVas frequently admitted to the pulpit during Mr. Wesley's
absence, tended to widen the breach, insomuch that on Mr.
Wesley revisiting Norwich a few months after, he remarked : —
" I preached at the Tabernacle to a large, rude, noisy congregation.
I took knowledge what manner of teachers they had been accustomed
to, and determined to mend them or end them. I told the society in
plain terms that they -ivere the most ignorant, self-conceited, self-
willed, fickle, untractable, disorderly, disjointed society, in the three
kingdoms." On visiting Norwich in October 1763, Mr. Wesley enforced
several new rules, particularly closing the Tabernacle, in order
to prevent preaching In the tirae of church service : —
'' Notwithstanding the notice I had given over and over (says Mr.
Wesley), abundance of people came to the Tabernacle at two in the
afternoon, the usual time of preaching; and many of these Itimbs
roared hke lions. For many years I have had more trouble with this
society, than with half the societies in England put together. With
God's help, I will try you one year longer ; and I hope you will bring
forth better frait. Let me only get the lambs in order, and I will
quickly tame the bears."
In October following Mr. Wesley returned to Norwich, and
inquired into the state of the society : —
" I have seen (says he) no people in all England or Ireland so
changeable as this. This society in 1755 consisted of eighty-three
members: two years after, of one hundred and thirty-four: in 1768
it was shrunk to one hundred and ten. In March 1759 the society
was increased to about seven hundred- and sixty. But nearly five
hundred of these had formerly beeft with James Wheatley, and having
been scattered abroad, now ran together, they hardly knew why.
Few of them were thoroughly awakened, most deeply ignbrtot, all

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTlNfiDON. 343
bullocks unaccustomed to thd yoke, having never had any rule or order
among them, but eVery man doing what ¦was right in his own eyes. It
was not, therefore, strange that the next year only five hundred and
seven of these were left. In 1761 they were reduced to four hundred
and twelve. 1 cannot tell how it was that in 1762 they ¦were increased
again to six hundred and thirty. But the moon soon changed, so that
in 1763 they were shrunk to three hundred aud ten. This large
reduction was owing to the withdrawing the sacrament, to which they
had been accustomed from the time the Tabernacle was built. They
are now sunk to a hundred and seventy-four."
Thus ended Mr. Wesley's connexion with the Tabernacle at
Norwich, and Mr. Wheatley left it to the Rev. John Hook,* who
held it till it came into the hands of Lady Huntingdon, who
in February 1773 advanced to Mr. John Hook the sum of
£66 5s. 9d., for all his expenses and charges during his serving
at the Tabernacle. In the same month Mr. Wheatley let the
building to her Ladyship at an annual rent of £40. A copy of
the agreement will be found below .f
Mr. Shirley, Mr. Glaseott, and Mr. Bowman, were the first
clergymen who preached in the Tabernacle after it came into
possession of the Countess of Huntingdon.
The spring of the following year was remarkable for the
arrival of Lady Huntingdon in Norwich, accompanied by Lady
Anne Erskine and Mr. Toplady, whose memorable sermon from
Acts xvii. 6, " These that have turned the world upside down
are come hither also," left a lasting impression on the minds of
many. Her Ladyship's stay in Norwich was not of a long dura
tion : the congregation was regularly organized, and the affairs
of the society arranged ; and, a few months after her return to
Trevecca, we find her coraraunicating the inteUigence to one <i>f
her favourite students, the late Rev. John Hawkesworth : —
" You will expect some particulars to gladden your heart, but I shall
• He was of a respectable family, and left a son who was a musical composer
and performer. He married a lady of the name of Madden, an authoress, and
left two sons, the Rev. Dr. Hook, Prebendary of Winchester, and Mr. Theodore
Hook, a well-known writer of the present day.
+ I hereby accept Lady Huntingdon as tenant to me for the Tabemacle, in
the room of Mr. Hook, and upon the very same terms and conditions ; and I
hereby promise, upon a penalty of two hundred pounds, to give her Ladyship
a lease of the Tabemacle upon the very same terms and conditions that I gave
a lease of the same to Mr. Hook, and that the lease for the same shall be made
and conveyed without delay.
" Witness, " James Wheatley.
" C. Glascott, " Thomas Bowman,
" Daniel Aknes, " Joh.v Ivory.
" John Fuller, Norwich, February 17, 1775."
This was Mr. Wheatley's lasft concern with lihe Tabernacle, for on the 27th
cf the following May he was removed into another world.

344 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
not know where now to begin or where to end. I have one congre
gation at Norwich, four thousand hearers, six hundred communicants,
and this under two students, who write me word that about thirty
were added to that society in three weeks. May our gracious Lord
continue to bless you more and more, and cause you to rejoice in Him
who lived and died, and now, 0 wonderful love ! intercedes for sinners."
In August following, the Countess purchased Mr. Wheatley's
share in the Tabernacle for nine hundred pounds, and vested it
in seven trustees, four clerical and three lay, who were em
powered, upon the decease of one trustee, to elect another; to
form a committee for the management of the secular concerns
of the chapel ; and to appoint a minister, or to revoke his ap
pointment at pleasure.
The Rev. Mark Wilks was appointed by her Ladyship. He,
with his celebrated brother, the Rev. Matthew Wilks, was the
convert of the Rev. William Piercy, and both brothers were
her Ladyship's students at Trevecca. Matthew was very studious,
but Mark was too impatient to endure the drudgery of acquir
ing languages. He longed to be useful : and the Countess
acquiescing in his desires, appointed him to those places
where she thought his services and his talents would be most
acceptable. To the time of his appointment to the Tabernacle at Nor
wich, he had been a mere itinerant amongst the rude vdlagers
of Warwickshire, and the ignorant and superstitious inhabitants
of Wales, but was now called to address auditories of a raore
refined and intellectual character.
It was in the pulpit which the apostolic Whitefield once oc
cupied that Mr. Wilks was now stationed : and although of very
little value as the test of character, yet the simplicity of his
appearance, and the thoughtless negligence of bis exterior,
could scarcely be surpassed by the apostle of Calvinistic Me
thodism himself. His long hair fell carelessly upon his shoul
ders : his slender person and ruddy countenance gave him an
appearance of youth beyond what he possessed, and impressed
upon him the character of a strlppling. The whole of his de
meanour was illuminated by the fire of affectionate zeal, and by
an earnestness which gave proof that
" He was honest in the sacred cause."
In his prayer there was nothing to excite the peculiar attention,
or to elevate the expectation of his audience; but his text, the
striking and emphatic tone in which he repeated it, and the
manner of introducing his sermon, eifectually ensured him the
undivided and untired attention of his hearers.
He read his text,—" There is a lad here, with five bariey

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 345
loaves and two small fishes." A long pause ensued — then, in
his own peculiar manner, he repeated — " a lad here : well, better
is truth from the mouth of a lad, than error from that of a raan."
He again repeated — " a lad kere — and this lad does not come
empty handed : five barley loaves and two fiskes — if it is coarse
fare, at least it is wholesome." Tbis is a slight specimen of
the manner in which he introduced his subject and himself to
the notice of his new congregation, and in which he seemed to
assert, through the siraile of the loaves and fishes, the quality
of talent to which he made pretension. The object of his dis
course, however, was not himself ; he exhibited the value of the
Gospel in language and with a manner so impressive and soleran,
as to rivet the attention of his hearers, and seeraed to cast over
every countenance a shade of deep reflection and of solemn
feeling. His next subject was that ofthe wild gourds ; and the
succeeding one from Nehemiah : " There is much rubbish, so
that we are not able to build tbe wall." It must be acknow
ledged that the striking and uncommon character of the subjects
which he selected, united to the useful and peculiar manner
in which he treated them, contributed considerably to his popu
larity. Numbers flocked to hear him ; his own congregation
increased rapidly ; and he becanie generally popular. He was
indeed popular, in the true sense of the word ; not in the sense
. of accommodation to humours and prejudices of people, but
calculated to strike and seize their hearts. He was particularly
happy as a village preacher. In Yarmouth also he was very
successful. The regiment in which Mr. Howel Harris was an officer, was
quartered at Yarmouth in the summer of 1760. He preached
every night, none daring to oppose him ; and by that means
a good seed was sown in that wicked town. Mr. Wesley was
invited there in 1761, and in the course of a little time there
were four hundred members in society. In a few years Mr.
Benjamin Worship and Mr. John Simpson, who had preached to
the people in the absence of other supplies, erabraced Cal
vinistic principles, and with the greater proportion of the people,
left Mr. Wesley's society.*
The labours of Mr. Glascott and Mr. Bowman were also
abundantly successful at this time in exciting a spirit of inquiry.
The commencement ofthe year 1777 Mr. Shirley visited Nor
wich, and his ministry attracted universal attention. Grandson
of Robert, first Earl Ferrers, nephew of Washington and Henry,
* A chapel in Lady Huntingdon's Connexion was erected at Great Yarmouth
some years after. It was very considerably enlarged, and re-opened in Octo"
ber I8l8i

346 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
second and third earls, and brother of Laurence, Washington,
and Robert, successively fourth, fifth, and sixth earls, his appear
ance in the pulpit of the Tabernacle created no small sensa.tion,
and was instrumental in drawing many of the higher orders to
hear hini. His pulpit labours were immense. By the force of
a bold and imposing eloquence, he carried the hearts and con
sciences of his hearers along with him ; and at the same time
awed and impressed all by the ardour of his zeal, and the hvely
and important exhibitions of the gospel, which he presented with
a fervour, perseverance, and disinterestedness, of which few
preachers ih the present day are possessed. Lady Huntingdon
was always gratified with the labours of Mr. Shirley. This is
evident in her correspondence. In April 1777, when writing to
Mr. Hawkesworth, her Ladyship says : —
" Mr. and Mrs. Shirley are well. He is serving my chapel in Nor
wich, and rejoicing exceedingly over a large congregation, which I went
down to seUle just one year ago ; we have eight hundred of most
precious souls in the society there ; and Mr. Shirley adds, he believes
there is nothing like it in the whole kingdom — their experience, lives,
and conversation are so excellent. Glory! glory! be to our dear
Immanael, for the high favour shewn to his poor servants : — chiefly
raised by the students and Mr. Glascott !"
In a subsequent letter some strong expressions of her appro
bation occur : —
" Dear Mr. Shirley is so blessed and o^vned of God at the Norwich
Tabernacle, that I am constantly blessing and praising the Lord for
the display of his love and favour to our poor unworthy sei"rices for
his glory, and the salvation of precious souls. His ministry is so faith
ful — such ¦rivid applications to the conscience — so earnest — so affec
tionate — so zealous — that many are born again, and will be his joy and
crown in the great day. All glory to our divine Head for the success
which attends our labours in- the Lord's vineyard ! Blessed are the
feet that carry the glorious light of the gospel into the dark corners of
our land, where the Sun of Righteousness never shone ! And blessed
are the lips that proclaim the glad tidings of salvation to the poor, the
wretched, and the uiidohe ! — Success has crowned our efforts at that
wicked place, Yarmouth. Dear Mr. Shirley was well received, and
had a numerous congregation. There have heen many divisions
amongst them — but I hope good has been done, and some souls brought
from darkness to light."
To Mr. Shirley succeeded Mr. Crole and Mr. Clayton, two
of the senior students at Trevecca — men destined by Divine
Providence to fill distinguished situations in the Church of
God, as pastors of flourishing Dissenting congregations in the
metropolis. " I have never (says the noble patroness of Trevecca) sent a stu-

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 347
dent forth to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ, without special
prayer and supplication to God, the Judge of all, and Sovereign Head
of his Ghurch, that he would be graciously pleased to bless the feeble
instruments, and enable them to deliver, with fidelity and zeal, his
proclamation of mercy to the guilty and rebeUious chddren of men —
to enrich their understandings — to cultivate their talents — to endue
them with hearts of deeper sensibility for the ignorance and misery of
their fellow-men — and crown their labours with a harvest of immortal
souls redeemed by the hlood of the Lamh. The Lord Jesus Christ,
whose I trust they are, and to whom they dedicate thepiselves for this
important work, has all power and authority in heaven, earth, and
hell ; and he hath declared that he will be with his servants always,
even unto the end. Even now the Lord of Life and Glory speaks to
every minister, every student: — ' Be thou faithful unto death, and 1 will
give thee a crown of life.' "
With such prayers and benedictions these devoted young men
left their beloved retreat, leaving all events to God — to his
adorable and sovereign disposal, and bent their lonely way to
the scene of their labours. A sense of the magnitude, high
importance, and difficulty of the undertaking, has led many a
man to say, from the bottom of his heart — " Who is sufficient
for these things ?" The immutable purpose of the love of Je
hovah, founded not in human goodness, but in sovereign mercy,
must be the minister's strength. The triumphs of the day of
Pentecost, of the three first ages of Christianity, and of the glo
rious Reformation, must dwell in his memory. Oh ! for the
descent of the Spirit of wisdom, power and love, from the glo
rious Head in heaven, for such high and gracious ends !
The labours of the students, with the benediction of the Most
High, proved successful in its progress, and infinitely gloriousin
its issue. A short time previous to their arrival, and not long
after Lady Huntingdon's visit to Norwich, the Rev. John John
son, afterwards minister of St. George's, Manchester, had re
covered from a long and dangerous illness. A friend invited
him to go to her Ladyship's chapel to hear one of the students,
who had become exceedingly popular, and was attended by such
multitudes that it awakened the envy and enmity of the clergv.
Mr. Johnson went to the Tabernacle — the Rev. John Clayton,
sen., now of London, was then the preacher. The subject of
the discourse was the two builders, one of whom built his house
upon a tock, the other upon the sand. Under this sermon it
pleased God to convince him that he had hitherto been building
his hopes of eternal life on a sandy foundation. Being naturally
of a pharisaical turn of mind, it was some considerable time
before he enjoyed the glorious liberty of the Gospel ; but no
sooner were its precious doctrines, together with the dependen-

348 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
cies and connexions of God's eternal, personal, and Independent
election — his everlasting and unalterable covenant — the substi
tution of Christ — free salvation through his precious blood — and
the final perseverance of the saints — brought with Influence and
power to his soul, than he immediately felt it his paramount duty
to recommend Christ and his complete salvation to his friends
and relations, which he did with a hurable dependence on the
promising blessing of Him who hath said, " My word shall not
return unto me void."
After waiting about twelve raonths, the Lord was pleased to
open a door for him, and Mr. Johnson's mind being at perfect
liberty with respect to his call, he entered her Ladyship's Col
lege at Trevecca, April 28, 1780, having previously availed
himself of the instructions of one of her Ladyship's ministers,
relative to the Important work in whicb he was about to
engage. Mr. Crole was a young man of considerable talents and in
forraation, and was honoured with the friendship of bis noble
patroness to the close of his earthly career. The unaffected
simplicity, seriousness, and abihty with which he delivered his
sentiments on religious subjects : tbe humility and fervour with
which he poured forth his soul In devotional excercises ; the
sanctity of his life, and the affectionate concern he always ex
pressed for the souls of his fellow-men, not only excited the
admlrarion, but gained him the esteem of her Ladyship : —
" Our success (writes the Countess) is great, exceeding great at
Norwich. Crole, the last student sent there, is much liked, and his
labours useful. I am satisfied he is such as the Head of the Church
delio-hts to honour. Tbe glory of God, the salvation of sinners, and
the extension of the Redeemer's empire, are the important objects
which occupy his attention ; in the accomplisbment of avhich he is re
solved, through grace, to persevere, whatever it may cost him, till sum
moned to his reward by the great Captain of our salvation. Oh for
more such labourers ! for the harvest is great, exceeding great, and I
find so few wiUing to renounce ease, pleasure, ambition, and come to
the help of the Lord."
He was a native of Scotland, and had the Inestimable privilege
of a religious education. On bis removal to London, at the age
of twenty-two, he chiefly attended the ministry of Mr. Cruden,
of Crown-court ; but Mr. Madan was honoured as the instru
ment of bringing him to clearer views of the Gospel, as a system
of free and sovereign grace. By means of Mr. Madan he was
introduced to Lady Huntingdon ; and on going to Trevecca,
diligently and successfully applied hiraself to recover his know
ledge of th6 Latin, and to gain an acquaintance with the Greek

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 349
and Hebrew languages. The excellent patroness of that in
sritution knew how to appreciate his talents, but did not fully
enter into his Ideas respecting the necessity of improving them
by an unremitted application to academical studies ; and she,
therefore, urged him Immediately to commence his ministerial
course. For sorae tirae Mr. Crole itinerated ; and in this ser
vice his labours were abundant. His zeal, prudence, and forti
tude were worthy of the best times of Christianity ; and though
he laboured under many discouragements, and In some instances
was cruelly maltreated; yet, through good report and evil re
port, honoured and caressed by the friends, or despised and.
persecuted by the enemies of religion, he failed not to declare
the whole counsel of God. Nor did he labour in vain, but was
the instrument of great good to the souls of many ; and he had
the consolation, at a late period of his life, to bear of some re
markable instances, in whicli his early labours had been fol
lowed raith a blessing to those who were never personally known
to him.
In tbe course of a few years, Mr. Wilks left the congregation
to which he had been peculiarly acceptable, and withdrew from
tbe Connexion of tbe Countess of Huntingdon. Nothing re
mains of the particulars of that event. Her Ladyship is said to
have testified a deep regret at this separation ; and, at his de
parture, recommended bim to several destitute congregations,
none of which, however, were then suited to his wishes. He
had previously become acquainted with the Rev. Rowland HiU,
and, after quitting the Tabernacle at Norwich, he preached a
considerable time in his Connexion in Wiltshire and Glouces
tershire. After he left Norwich, several of the Tabernacle
society separated themselves frora the Connexion of Lady Hun
tingdon, and having purchased the chapel built by the Rev.
Thomas Bowman, invited Mr. Wilks to return and settle amongst
thera. He had no hesitation in accepting their invitation ; for
not only had Norwich been endeared to hira by the ties of
friendship, but he regarded it as a scene where his life raight
be made subservient to those objects for the purposes of which
he most valued it, — the glory of God, and the advantage of his
fellow-creatures. He therefore returned to Norwich, and be
came pastor of his new meeting under the denomination of
Calvinistic Methodist, without the customary form of ordination.
The congregation soon after rejected infant baptism, and the
society was formed into a regular Baptist church, which it has
ever since remained. Many of those who had been bis most
active supporters, and his first and warmest admirers as a
preacher, on this change left him. A few years before Mr.

S50 The life and times of
Wilks's decease, a new place of worship was erected In another
part of the city, in which the congregation now assemble, under
the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Puntis. This made the second
separation from the Tabernacle.
The Tabernacle still continued to be supplied by a succession
of ministers, among whom we find the names of Peckwell, Wills,
Taylor, Piercy, and Coughlan, clergymen of the Church of
England; Williams, Jones, Owen, Langley, and Green. This
latter gentleman, being Invited by the congregation to remain
among them. Lady Huntingdon complied with their request.
He continued to labour with great success until some misunder
standing took place, when he left them, and retired to Reading,
in Berkshire, where he died. After Mr. Green's removal,
different ministers preached in Norwich, under the patronage of
Lady Huntingdon, particularly Messrs. Phillips, Young, Brother-
ton, Grey, and Dr. Ford. In 1792 Mr. Phillips received an
appointment to reside in Norwich, whicb he continued to do till
1816, when, on account of the renewal of theminister's appoint
ment, a painful separation took place. This made the third
division since the opening of the Tabernacle. In March 1819,
tbis branch of tbe congregation erected a chapel, sixty-seven
feet by fifty-two, in Princess-street, over which the Rev. John
Alexander was ordained pastor.
When Mr. Phillips left the Tabernacle, it was again supplied
by the ministers In the Countess's Connexion, viz., Messrs. John
Meffin, Joshua Meffin, Sherman, John Owen, Noyes, Shep-
perd, Davies, John Mather and Stevenson. In 1819 the Rev.
John Owen, who had been some time minister of her Lady
ship's chapel at Cheltenham, received an invitation to labour in
the Tabernacle. This was confirraed by the approbation of the
London trustees. A few years since he reraoved to Bath,
having been appointed minister of her Ladyship's chapel in
that city, when the Rev. J. Dryden was appointed In his
place. This once flourishing congregation the Trustees have managed
to break up. In 1884 It was deemed necessary to fill up the
vacancies In the trust occasioned by death. Two clerical trus
tees, therefore, were appointed, and, at the same time, notwith-
standino' the remonstrances of the rainister and the coraraittee, a
lay trustee, whom most of the congregation considered unfit for
the oflSce. Thus a feellngof opposition was produced, which was
subsequently strengthened In the minds of the people who ex
pressed a determination to defray none of the expenses that might
be incurred by such an appointment. In this way matters went
on until September 1835. Meanwhile two of the lay trustees, the

SELINA, COtJNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 35],
third having for some years ceased to act, frequently attempted
to interfere in the business entrusted to the managing committee.
It was therefore found necessary to convene a meeting of all the
trustees, the minister, and the committee. Accordingly, a meet
ing took place on the 30th of September. The committee then
submitted the following proposition to the trustees — viz.. That
they (the comraittee) would engage to pay the expenses, amount
ing to 27Z., incurred by niaking the new deed of conveyance,
upon condition that the lay trustees abstain from interfering with
the business of the committee ; and that no lay trustee be made
at any future time, without first consulting the congregation.
On the 4th of April, 1836, without any previous intimation,
an attorney's letter was sent to the treasurer, ordering him to
pay what money he had received, or might hereafter receive, on
account of the chapel, into Messrs. Gurney's bank, and to open
an account in the name of the trustees of the Tabernacle.
Many of the congregation resolved to leave a place which had
been, and was likely to be, subject to similar annoyances — sorae
had left already ; and the minister, after representing the case
to the trustees, and requesting, but in vain, that his last quarter's
salary might be paid up, sent in his resignation, and prepared
to leave Norwich. On the 25tli of April, however, the seat-
holders and members of the church passed resolutions, in virtue
of which, on Sunday, May the Sth, 1836, the Rev. John Dryden
and the great body ofthe congregation removed, and commenced
public worship in St. Andrew's Chapel,* where they have since
continued, vrith every prospect of increasing comfort and success.
This is the fourth, and by far the most numerous, division in the
Tabernacle Society since its commencement.
To the Society of Norwich Lady Huntingdon wrote as
follows : —
" My very dear Christian Friends, — Your earnest and faithful
affection towards me bows my spirit before the Lord, knowing how
unworthy 1 am of the least of his mercies. May his love a thousand
fold into your own gracious souls be felt, as that revvard I can with the
most thankful heart ever think but sufficient to repay you all. My
dear friends, let our love, faith, and diligence, be known to all the
churches, as abounding from that grace that flows from the cross of
Christ, crucified for us ; and in this strength we shall be able to do all
things that can bring praise to his precious name, and that peace,
through the blood of his cross, to our poor sinful and unworthy souls.
Take your many trials as that best road, which is eveu through great
tribulation, as the sure fruits of true faith and much prayer. Let us
¦" It is a singular fact, that the individual who built St. Andrew's Chapel,
gave it the name, on the day it was opened, of The New Tabemacle.

352 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
remember, in many of the roughest steps of our road, Ave have met the
smile of that reserved Heaven as the heirs of his Cross first, and next
the sure and purchased glory that awaits us iu consequence of it.
Have courage, my dear friends, we sliall reap if we faint not. Hell
is conquered — sin is pardoned — and eternal life our own, and this
while only fora short time we meet Avith nothing but vanquished foes.
My love and zeal for your prosperity in the Gospel ceases not — for
this end our faithful friend, Mr. Langley, showed all readiness in your
service, and offered himself while I was in the midst of much distress
and many prayers. Yet here my care for 3'ou abates not. Our dear
minister, Mr. Taylor, also I bave considered for you, as one you may
the more readily call upon, as more immediately in trust for you ; as
also our various and most eminent servants of the Churches with him,
may, by their various visitations among you, cause you to feel the bless
ings intended by those different gifts bestowed for the edification and
the building up of Christ's Church. And now, my dear friends, fare
well. Forget not to pray for an old but tender mother over you all;
but above all, for one of Jesus Christ's poor widows, who he often feeds
in the day of famine ; and thus, with a beart and spirit abounding with
love to all, I remain the unworthy servant of the beloved Church of
Norwich, " S. Huntingdon."
" 0 ! let love abound to the Committee — having found them faithful
in little, and in very much to you all, and a comfort to my own soul.
" CoUege, July 22, 1781."

CHAPTER XLVII.

History of the Tabemacle at Bristol—Rev. Air. Whitefield's family—First
Methodist Society at Bristol—Success of his preaching—Opposition of the
Clergy— Newgate— Mr. Dagge— Field-prearhing—Kingswood_St. George's
Church— Mr. Hart— Kingswood School— Mr. Wesley at Bristol— Mistake
about Kingswood School—Founded by Mr. Whitefield— Mr. Maxfield— First
Methodist Preaching House— Mr. Charles Wesley— Lady Huntingdon con-
tributes to the School at Kingswood— Division between Mr. Whitefield and
Wesley— Mr. Cennick— Imprisonment of Savage the Poet— Lady Maccles
field's cruelty— Letter to Lady Huntingdon from Lady Macclesfield—
Persecution at Hampton— Preachers at the Tabernacle — Mr. ReUy— Mr.
Godwin.
Bristol has long been considered the cradle of Methodism
in England. At Bristol, the modern practice of field-preaching
first began ; there the first Methodist preaching-house was
erected ; and the foundarions of Methodism, as a substantive

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 353
an organized sect, existing independently of the Church, were
first laid at Bristol. These are remarkable events in the history
of that city — one of the most ancient, most beautiful, and most
interesting in England.
Bristol had many claims on the founder of Calvinistic Metho
dism. His father, Mr. Thomas Whitefield, nephew of the Rev.
Samuel Whitefield, Rector of Rockharapton, in Gloucestershire,
was brought up as a wine-merchant in Bristol, where he married
a lady related to several respectable families of that city. Mr.
Whitefield's sister was twice married at Bristol, and in her
house one of the first societies met for prayer and other
religious exercise. His brother, of whom frequent mention is
made in the correspondence of Lady Huntingdon and others, by
whom he was often hospitably entertained, was likewise a resident
at Bristol.
When the first Methodist societies broke up at Oxford, Mr.
Whitefield went to Gloucester for the benefit of his native air ;
for the mistaken austerities which he had practised, had so
reduced hira that he was scarcely able to walk. But it pleased
the God of all grace to reveal to hira the way of salvation by
faith ; so that, while his fellow-collegian, Mr. Wesley, was dis
covering that he had no religion, his younger companion was
rejoicing in the power, and riches, and sovereignty of Divine
grace. He now improved the peaceful and happy state of his
mind by devoting himself to the study of the sacred Scriptures,
in which, under the guidance of the Spirit of Truth, he made
erainent advancement. His heart, expanded by the joys of
reconciliation to God, loved to tell of the divine goodness ; for
which purpose he formed a little society in his native place, and
braved the reproach which he knew would be heaped upon him,
for forraing what were called Conventicles. He read to a few
poor people several times a week, and visited and prayed with
the prisoners in Gloucester gaol. From thence he went to visit
some of his relations in Bristol, where his active and zealous
spirit soon began to diffuse the savour of the Name that he
loved. Societies were formed for conversation, prayer, expound
ing the Scriptures and mutual edification. In this labour of
love he was ably assisted by his early and kind friend and patron,
Gabriel Harris, Esq., one of the aldermen of Gloucester. Soon
after his ordination he again visited Bristol, and his ministry
was attended everywhere by vast crowds ; whde signal tokens
of the Divine blessing and favour accompanied the proclamation
of the doctrines of the Cross.
Letters from Mr. Ingham and the Messrs. Wesley made him
long to follow them to Georgia ; and their arrival in England
VOL. II. — A A

354 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
soon after to procure assistance, determined him to proceed
to America, tiaving been accepted by General Oglethorpe
and the Trustees, and presented to tbe Bishop of London and
the Primate, and finding tbat it would be some months before
the vessel in which he was to embark would be ready, he wrote
to his relations at Gloucester, telling them his design, and
saying that If they would promise not to dissuade liim, he would
visit them to take his leave ; but otherwise be would embark
without seeing them, for he knew his own weakness.
Having deterrained on his departure, he visited first his
native place, and from thence made a tour to Bath and Bristol,
attracting by his popular preaching Iraraense nurabers in every
place, where raany were roused to a serious solicitude for their
eternal happiness. The Bishop of Gloucester approved his
deterraination, received him like a father, not doubting that
God would bless him, and that he would accoraplish much
good In Georgia, At Bristol, he was held in high honour ; the
mayor appointed him to preach before the corporation. People
of all denominations flocked to hear hira ; the churches were as
full on week days as they usually were on Sundays ; and on
Sundays crowds were obliged to go away for want of room.
" The whole city, (he said,) seeraed to be alarmed." On his
return to London, whilst waiting for General Oglethorpe, he
preached more frequently than he had done before, and greater
liumbers of people congregated to hear him. He was invited
to accept a very lucrative curacy In London, but he refused it,
in order to go and preach to the ignorant Inhabitants of Georgia.
It speaks highly in praise of his superior character and strength
of religious principle, that while in tbe ardour of youth, when
such unexampled popularity as he enjoyed is peculiarly intoxi
cating, he should resolve to tear himself from London, and
refuse an offer which he might have easily persuaded himself
was a field of usefulness superior to the deserts of America.
Finding that the General was not likely to sail for some time,
and having received many and pressing invitations, he went
again to Bristol. Multitudes came out on foot to meet him, and
sorae in coaches, a mile without the city ; and the people saluted
and blessed him as he passed along the street. He preached
about five times a week to such large congregations that it was
with difliculty he could make his way along the crowded aisles
to the reading-desk. Some hung upon the rails of the organ-
loft, others climbed upon the leads of the church, and altogether
made the church so hot with their breath, that the steam fell
from the pillars like drops of rain. When he preached his
farewell sermon, and said to the people that perhaps they might

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 355
see his face no more, high and low, young and old, burst into
tears. Multitudes after the sermon followed him home weeping ;
the next day he was employed from seven in the morning tdl
midnight in taking and giving spiritual advice to awakened
hearers ; and he left Bristol secretly in the middle of the night,
to avoid the ceremony of being escorted by horsemen and
coaches out of the town.
The man who produced this extraordinary effect had many
natural advantages. He was something above the middle
stature, well-proportioned, though at that time slender, and
remarkable for a native gracefulness of manner. His com
plexion was very fair, his features regular, his eyes small and
hvely, of a dark blue colour : in recovering from the measles he
had contracted a squint with one of them ; but this peculiarity
in no way lessened the expressive sweetness of his countenance.
His voice excelled both in melody and compass, and its fine
modulations were happily accompanied by that grace of action
which he possessed in an eminent degree, and wbich has been
said to be the chief requisite of an orator. An ignorant man
described his eloquence oddly but strikingly, when he said that
Mr. Whitefield preached like a Hon. So strange a comparison
conveyed no unapt notion of the force and veheraence of that
oratory which awed his hearers, and raade them trerable like
Felix before the Apostle. For, believing himself to be the
messenger of God, commissioned to call sinners to repentance,
he spoke as one conscious of his credentials, with authority and
power; yet in all his discourses there was a fervent and melting
charity, an earnestness of persuasion, an outpouring of redun
dant love, partaking the virtue of that faith from which it flowed,
inasmuch as it seemed to enter the heart which it pierced, and
to heal it as with balm.
On Mr. Whitefield's return from Georgia his popularity was
considerably Increased. After receiving priest's orders at
Oxford from his good friend Bishop Benson, he paid another
visit to Bristol, accompanied by Mr. Seward, of Eversham, a
young man of education and fortune, and one of the most
ardent of Mr. Whitefield's converts. Here he had the use of
the churches for two or three Sundays, but soon found they
would not be open very long. The Dean was not at home.
The Chancellor sent for hira, and after much, conversation said,
"I am resolved, Sir, if you preach or expound anywhere in this
diocese till you have a license, I will first suspend, and then
excommunicate you." With this declaration of war they parted ;
but the advantage was wholly on the side of Whitefield, for the
day of ecclesiastical discipline was gone by. Laws which long
aa2

356 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
have slept may sometimes be awakened to ill purposes, rarely to
a good one. In the present instance, where discipline was
obsolete, and the laws feeble, Mr. Whitefield, though denied the
Church, continued to preach very frequently to tbe numerous
societies which ra])idly sprung up in different parts of Bristol.
The places where they assembled in Baldwin-street, Nicholas-
street, Castle-sfreet, Gloucester-lane, and the Back-lane, were
denominated " Society Rooms." The chapel of Newgate
aff'orded a vast field of usefulness, which he cultivated to the
glory of God and the good of Immortal souls. " God, (says he)
having given me great favour in the gaoler's eyes, I preached
a sermon on the Penitent thief to the poor prisoners In Newgate.
Many seeraed rauch aff'ected, and I hope the power of the Lord
was present to awaken thera." The next day, he coraraenced
a regular exposition, and reading prayers to the prisoners. " I
opened, (says he,) by enlarging on the conversion of the
gaoler ; and I trust the same good work will be experienced in
this prison before I leave it." Here his rainistry was attended
with some remarkable raanifestations of the Divine power and
blessing. Tbe ardour of devorion which glowed in his soul,
and burst forth in flames of zeal, gave his discourses all the
efficacy which anything human could confer ; but his depen
dence for success was on tbe influence of the Holy Ghost, who
crowned the immensely blessed labours of this great itinerant
apostle with some singular tokens of the Divine favour. The
faithful exhibition of the doctrines of the Cross soon awakened
the enmity of those who hate the light ; and after a month's
incessant labour, he was compelled, by an order from the mayor
and sheriffs, to discontinue his ministry, and abandon tbe con
gregation he had collected ; solely for this one inexpiable
offence, that he had insisted upon the necessity of regeneration
or the new birth, and publicly, and frora house to house, had
ceased not to preach and teach Jesus Christ. The poor
inmates of tbe prison were much distressed at this very
arbitrary exhibition of authority. Many of them having been
awakened to a sense of religion, and their temporal necessi
ties relieved by the frequent collections made for them, they
united in a perition to the mayor to have Mr. Whitefield
restored to tbem ; but they petitioned in vain. Mr. Dagge, the
keeper, remonstrated, and told them Mr. Whitefield preached
agreeably to Scripture; but they were offended at hira. " They
answered and said unto hira, Thou art altogether born in sin,
and dost thou teach us ?"
However, short as Mr. Whitefield's labours were in that place,
many had reason to bless God for them, having been, within the

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 357
walls of that prison, called to the knowledge of His grace,
and faith in Him. Mr. Dagge, the keeper of Newgate, so justly
eulogised by Dr. Johnson, in his Lives of tke Poets,* was
amongst the first fruits of Mr. Whitefield's ministry in Newgate,
and long adorned the doctrine of God our Saviour which he pro
fessed, by a conversation such as becometh godliness. Such as
these, and they were raany, will be his joy and crown In the day
of the Lord Jesus Christ. And when the hinderers of God's
word, who drove him from his station of usefulness, will have to
render their awful account before the great Judge of quick and
dead, these will be swift witnesses against them at His bar, who
is no respecter of persons, nor regardeth the rich more than the
poor. A few of the clergy still continued to countenance him. Mr.
Penrose, minister of St. Werburgh's, invited him to his pulpit,
where he preached, with great freedom, to alarge congregation;
and Mr. Gibbs offered him the use of St. Thomas and St. Mary
Redcliffe. " The latter of these (says he) I accepted of, and
preached to such a congregation as my eyes never yet saw, with
great liberty and demonstration of the Spirit."
The next day there was a general expectation of his preach-
ino' at St. Nicholas, and thousands had collected before the hour
appointed. But the lecturer, who had invited Mr. Whitefield to
the pulpit, sent word that tbe rector had given orders that he
should not preach in his church. "After this (writes Mr.
Whitefield) we dined with several Christians, friends with the
kind keeper of the prison, and rejoiced exceedingly at the
thought that we should one day or other sing together in such a
place as Paul and Silas did."
The churches being all closed against him, he now found
himself compelled to adopt some new method, to prevent his
usefulness from being totally annihilated. Before his first em
barkation for Georgia, when he talked of going abroad, numbers
in Bristol used to reply — " What need of going abroad ? Have
we not Indians enough at home ? If you have a mind to convert
Indians, there are colliers enough at Kingswood." In tracing
the history of field preacking, we find it was first practised at
Bristol by Mr. Whitefield, who had the high honour of being the
first Methodist who proclaimed the Gospel of the grace of God
in the open air. At a very early period of bis ministry, he was
led to think on this subject. One Sunday, when he was preach
ing at Bermondsey church, as he tells us, " with great freedom
in his heart, and clearness in his voice," to a crowded congrega-
* Memoirs of Savage, See more of this unfortunate person, at p. 367-370i

358 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
tion, nearly a thousand people stood in the church-yard during
the service, and hundreds went away who could not find room.
He was strongly inclined to go out and preach to them from one
of the tombstones. " This (he says) put me first upon think
ing of preaching without doors. I mentioned it to some friends,
who looked upon It as a mad notion. However, we knelt down,
and prayed that nothing might be done rashly. Hear and
answer, O Lord, for thy Name's sake ! "
In the neighbourhood of Bristol is a tract of country called
Kingswood ; formerly, as ifs name implies, it had been a royal
chase, containing between three and four thousand acres, but it
had been gradually appropriated by the several Lords whose
estates lay round about its borders ; and their title, which for a
long time was no better than what possession gave thera, had
been legalised. The deer had long since disappeared, and the
greater part of the wood also ; and coal raines having been dis
covered there, from which Bristol derives its chief supply of
fuel, it was now inhabited by a race of people as lawless as the
foresters, their forefathers, but far more brutal ; and differing as
much from the people of the surrounding country in dialect as
in appearance. They had, at that time, no place of worship, for
Kingswood then belonged to the out-parish of St. Philip and
Jacob ; and if the colliers had been disposed to come from a
distance of three and four miles, they would have found no room
in the parish church of a populous suburb.
In the year 1755 a spacious church was erected at Kings-
wood, and the parish separated from that of St. Philip and
Jacob. The Vicar of the old parish, however, enjoyed both
livings, after the separation had taken place, to the time of his
death, in 1759, when the Rev. Richard Hart was presented, by
the corporation of Bristol, to the Vicarage of St. George, where
he spent the remainder of his life, consisting of forty-nine
years. *' He was a very acrive and laborious minister, and used
? Mr. Hart was a native of Hanham, in the county of Gloucester. His family
were of high consideration in the city of Bristol and its vicinity, and the name
frequently occurs in the list of its mayors and sheriffs. His grandfather, Sir
Richard Hart, knight, was thrice mayor of the city, and represented it in fonr
successive Parliaments. Mr. Hart was entered commoner of Christchurch,
Oxford, under the tuition of the Rev. Joseph .lane, whose eminence as a scholar
is well known. Some years previous to his death, he resigned his living of
Iron Acton, which had been given him by his College ; and at his death, in
1794, left Mr. Hart and Mr. Hugh, Rector of Ranceby, in Lincolnshu-e, execu
tors to his will, having bequeathed his property to pious and charitable pur
poses. Mr. Hart was ordained by Dr. Martin Benson, Bishop of Gloucester,
the same who had laid hands on the apostolic Whitefield. His first settlement
was at Warminster, in Wiltshire, as Curate to the Rev. John Rogers, which he
held to the period of his appointment to St. George's, Kingswood.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 359
to unite with Mr. Brown, Vicar of Kingston, Mr. Chapman,
Vicar of Bradford, and Mr. Johnson, Incumbent Curate of Ciren
cester, in making preaching excursions about the country. Mr.
Hart, as well as the above-named gentlemen, frequently visited
Lady Huntingdon when at Bath and Bristol, and often preached
at her house with Mr. Whitefield and other eminent ministers
of that day. Mr. Hart died at a very advanced period of life,
in November, 1808.
Towards the poor colliers at Kingswood, Mr. Whitefield, as he
says, had long felt his bowels yearn, for they were very nume
rous, and yet as sheep having no shepherd. In truth, it was
a matter of duty and of sound policy (which Is always a duty),
that these people should not be left in a state of bestial igno
rance — heathens, or worse than heathens, in the midst of a
Christian country, and brutal as savages, in the close vicinity of a
city which was then in extent, wealth, population, and commer
cial importance, the second city in England. After much prayer,
and such mental conflicts as can be conceived by those only who
have devised new and daring efforts in the cause of religion, on
the afternoon of Saturday, Feb. 17, 1739, he stood upon a
mount. In a place called Rose Green, his first field pulpit, and
preached from the first verse of Christ's Sermon on the Mount,
to as many as came to hear, attracted by the novelty of such an
address. " I thought (says he) it might be doing the service of
my Creator, who had a mountain for his pulpit, and the heavens
for a sounding-board; and who, when bis Gospel was refused by
the Jews, sent his servants into the highways and hedges." Not
above two hundred persons gathered round him, for there had
been no previous notice of his intention ; and these, perhaps, no
ways prepared for his exhortation, were more astonished than
impressed by what they heard. But the first step was taken,
and Mr. Whitefield was fully aware of its importance. " Blessed
be God (he says in his journal) that the ice is now broken, and
I have now taken the field. Some may censure me ; but Is
there not a cause ? Pulpits are denied, and the poor colliers
ready to perish for lack of knowledge." The news flew so
swiftly, that the second and third time of preaching out of doors
the nurabers increased, till the congregation was computed at
near twenty thousand. Many of these despised outcasts, who
had never been in a place of worship in their lives, received the
Gospel with eager gladness, which defies all description.
" The first discovery of their being affected (says Mr. Whitefield)
was by seeing the white gutters made by their tears, which plentifully
fell down their black cheeks as they came out of the coal-pits. Several
hundreds of them were soon brought under deep convictions, which, as

360 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
the event proved, happily ended in a sound and thorough conversion.
The change was visible to all, though numbers chose to impute it to
any thing rather than to the finger of God. As the scene was quite
new, and I had just begun to be an extemporary preacher, it often
occasioned many inward conflicts. Sometimes, when twenty thousand
people were before me, I had not, in my own apprehension, a word to
say. But I was never totally deserted, and frequently (for to deny it
would be lying against God) so assisted, that I knew, by happy expe
rience, what our Lord meant by saying, ' He that believeth in me, out
of his belly shall flow rivers of living waters.' The open fii'mament
above me, the prospect of the adjacent fields, witii the sight of thou
sands and thousands — some in coaches, some on horseback, and some
in trees, and at times all affected and drenched in tears together, to
which was added the solemnity of the approaching evening — was almost
too much for, and quite overcame me."
Many of the higher ranks went out of Bristol to hear him,
and tben invited hira to preach in an unconsecrated spot in that
city, under the blue vault of the heavens. The Bowling-green,
the Weavers'-hall in Teraple-street, on the steps of the Poor-
house without Lawford's-gate, Baptist-hills, and other places in
the vicinity of Bristol, were afterwards added to these methodis-
tically consecrated spots, where from_^»e to twenty thousand are
said to have assembled to hear all the words of this hfe. Having
once taken the field, he was encouraged to persevere in so pro
mising a course. All the churches being now shut, and, as he
says, if open, not able fo contain half that come to hear, he
went frequently to Kingswood, where his audience continued to
increase : —
" The sun shone very bright (he says); and the people standing in
such an awful manner round the mount in the profoundest silence, filled
me with a holy admiration. Blessed be God for such a plentiful har
vest. Lord, do thou send forth more labourers iuto thy harvest !"
On another occasion he says : —
" The trees and hedges were full. All was hushed when I began :
the sun shone bright, and God enabled me to preach for an hour vrith
great power, and so loud, that all, I am told, could hear me. Blessed
be God, the fire is kindled in the country ! To behold such crowds
standing together in such an awful sdence, and to hear the echo of
their singing run from one end of them to the othei', was very solemn
and striking. How infinitely more solemn and striking will the gene
ral assembly of the spirits of just men made perfect be, when they join
in singing the song of Moses and the Lamb in heaven!"
The former prevalence of heathenish ignorance and brutality
araong the colliers of Kingswood, and the successful introduc
tion of Christianity by Mr. Whitefield, Mr. Wesley, and their

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 361
zealous coadjutors in this noble cause, whereby the manner of
the people were considerably civilized, and many ignorant souls
brought out of darkness into the marvellous light ofthe Gospel,
are facts generally known and acknowledged by the enemies
as well as the friends of evangelical religion. Many of the
awakened amongst the colliers being desirous of having a school
established amongst them, intlraated their wishes to Mr. White-
field:— " Blessed be God (says he), 1 hope a good Vork is begun to-day.
Having had several notices that the colliers were wiUing to subscribe,
I went to dinner vrith them to a place called Two-mile Hill, and col
lected above twenty pounds in money, and got ehove forty pounds in
subscriptions towards building them a charity-school. It was sur
prising to see with what cheerfulness they parted with their money on
this occasion. Was I to continue here, I would endeavour to settle
schools all over the Wood, as also in other places, as Mr. Griffith Jones
has done in Wales. I have but just time to set it on foot ; and hope
God wUl bless the ministry of my honoured friend, Mr. John Wesley,
and enable him to bring it to good effect. It is a pity so many little
ones as there are in Kingswood should perish for lack of knowledge.
Stir up thy power, 0 Lord, and come amongst them, for the sake of
Jesus Christ I After dinner I preached a farewell sermon, and recom
raended the charity-school to their consideration ; and they all seemed
willing to assist, either by their money or their labour, and to offer such
things as they had. I doubt not but the Lord will prosper this work
of my hands upon me."
This was on the 29th of March, 1739, before Mr. Wesley
had ever been in Bristol. The attention of the reader is par
ticularly called to this fact, because all the biographers of Mr.
Wesley have been silent on this subject. The tirae of Mr.
Whitefield's embarking the second time for Georgia being very
near, and the societies at Bristol having increased rapidly, he
and Mr. Seward wrote very pressing letters to Mr. Wesley, in
viting him to Bristol without delay. It raight have been thought
that Mr. Wesley, to whom all places were alike, would bave
hastened at the call ; but he and his brother, instead of taking
the raatter Into calm and rational consideration, consulted the
Bible upon the business, and sturabled at uncomfortable texts.
When the matter was proposed to the society in Fetterdane,
Mr. Charles Wesley would scarcely bear it to be mentioned.
However disposed the brother raight have been, that he should
have declined the journey without further consultation, the
members of the society continued to dispute upon it, till, seeing
no probabdity of coming to an agreeraent by any other ineans,
they had recourse to sortilege ; and the lot decided that Mr.

362 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
Wesley should go. On his arrival there on Saturday evening,
March 31st, Mr. Whitefield says : " I was much refreshed with
the sight of my honoured friend, Mr. John Wesley, whom God's
providence has sent to Bristol." This was Mi'. Wesley's first
visit to Bristol. Mr. Whitefield received him there, and intro
duced hira to persons who were prepared to listen to him with
eager and intense belief: "Help him, Lord Jesus, (writes Mr.
Whitefield,) to water what thy own right hand hath planted,
for thy mercy's sake !"
Having thus provided so powerful a successor, he prepared
for his departure. On the following morning, April 1st, he took
his leave of his Bristol hearers in three farewell discourses at
the Bowling-green, Hanham, and Rose-green ; at all which
places the congregations were exceedingly large, especially at
the latter, where it was thought to exceed twenty thousand
persons : —
" As I was returning home (sa3'she), it comforted me exceedingly to
hear almost every one blessing me, and wishing me a prosperous
voyage in the name of the Lord. Indeed my heart is so knit to the
Bristol people, that it could not with so much submission leave them,
did not I know that dear Mr. Wesley was left behind to teach them
the way of God more perfectly."
He then took his leave of the societies. At Baldwin-street
the yard and entry leading to it were so exceedingly crowded,
that he was obliged to climb up a ladder, and go over the roof
of an adjoining house^before he could get to the door. Wherever
he took his leave at their places of meeting, there was loud weep
ing. " Oh," he e.xclalms, " these parrings !" Whenhe forced
himself away, crowds were waiting at the door to give him a last
farewell, and near twenty friends accorapanied him on horse
back : —
" Blessed he God (he says) for the marveUous great kindness he
hath shown me in this city ! Many sinners, I believe, have been
effectually converted. It is unknown what numbers have c6me to me
under convictions, and \'riiat multitudes of God's children have been
comforted; several thousands of httie books have been dispersed among
tbe people ; about two hundred pounds collected for the Orphan-
house, and many poor famUies relieved by the bounty of my friend, Mr.
Seward. And what gives me the greatest comfort, is the consideration
that my dear and honoured friend, Mr. Wesle}', is left behind to con -
firm those that are awakened ; so that, when 1 return from Georgia, 1
hope to see many bold soldiers of Jesus Christ."
Mr. Whitefield's journey lay through Kingswood ; and there
the colliers, without his knowledge, had prepared an entertain
ment for him. As this was a farewell visit, they earnesriy

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 363
entreated that he would lay the foundarion-stone of their school.
A person present offered a piece of ground, in case the lord of
the manor should refuse, and Mr. Whitefield laid a stone ; after
which he knelt, and prayed God that the gates of hell might not
prevail against their design ; the colliers adding a hearty « Amen.'
After giving them a word of exhortarion suitable to the occa
sion, he took his leave, promising that he would come amongst
them again on his return to England.
Such was the coraraencement of the school and preaching-
house, afterwards called the " Tabernacle," at Kingswood. In
Miles's " Chronological History of the Methodists," and by the
biographers of Mr. Wesley, no notice is taken of Mr. White-
field's having laid the foundation-stone of the school ; but all
unite in ascribing the work wholly to Mr. Wesley. Mr. Miles
says : " In June 1 739 the first attempt was made towards erect-
ino- a school at Kingswood." A reference to the journals of Mr.
Whitefield and Mr. Wesley will prove the correctness of this
statement. The foundation-stone was laid by Mr. Whitefield
on the second of April, as stated above, two days after Mr. Wes
ley's arrival in Bristol. It is possible, and even probable, that
he was present at this interesting service, but there exists no
notice of it in his journal of that date.
On the day before his departure, he set Mr. Wesley an ex
ample of field-preaching; and frora this period we find him
treading in his irregular steps at Bristol ; though he confesses
that he had been so tenacious of decency and order, that he
should have thought the saving of souls almost a sin if not done
in a church. The raultitudes which attended the preaching of
Mr..Wesley were great, though not so nuraerous as those who
had flocked to hear Mr. Whitefield ; but fhe sudden Impressions
and loud cries of the iiearers were far greater than any thing we
find recorded in the Life and Journals of Mr. Whitefield. It was
at the society rooms in Nicholas-street, that Thoraas Maxfield,
afterwards destined to raake so conspicuous a figure in the
history of Methodisra, was first awakened, under the preaching
of Mr. Wesley. He was then a stranger in Bristol, and had
come to the meeting from a mere motive of curiosity, and then
received those Impressions which decided the course of his future
life. On Mr. Wesley's first arrival In Bristol, that part of the
Methodist discipline was Introduced which he had adopted from
the Moravians, and male and female bands were formed, as In
London, that the members might meet together weekly, to con
fess their faults one to another, and pray one for another. The
rooms in which tbe societies at Bristol had hitherto met, in
Nicholas -street, Baldwin-street, and the Back-lane, were small,

364 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
incommodious, and not enrirely safe : they determined, there
fore, to build a room large enough for all the merabers, and for
as raany of their acquaintance as might be expected to attend.
Accordingly in the month of May, Mr. Wesley, and sorae of
the leading members of the Methodist body at Bristol, took
possession of a piece of ground near St. James's churchyard, in
the horse-fair, and, on the 12th of May, " the first stone was
laid, with the voice of praise and thanksgiving.'' This was the
first Methodist preaching-house built In England. Mr. Wesley
had not, at first, the least apprehension or design of being per
sonally engaged, either in the expense of the work or in the
direction of it, having appointed eleven trustees, on whom he
supposed these burdens would fall ; but be quickly found his
raistake, on receiving letters frora bis friends in London, and
Mr. Whitefield in particular, stating that neither he nor they
would have anything to do with the budding, nor contribute
anything towards It unless he instantly discharged all tbe officers,
and did everything in his own narae. The school at Kings-
wood — the building of which had not coraraenced till the middle
of June — Mr. Wesley likewise placed in the hands of trustees ;
but Mr. Whitefield disapproving of the plan, lest the officers
should abuse their powers, to the exclusion of the Gospel, went
again to Bristol In July — an embargo having been laid upon the
shipping, which prevented his sailing for Georgia — and settled
Mr. Wesley in full possession of both places, by which he was
himself afterwards excluded, on bis return from Araerica, when
differences of doctrinal points led thera on to the right hand, and
the other to the left.
The news of Mr. Whitefield's intended visit to Bristol soon
spread like wild-fire. At Petty France he was raet by a nuraber
of friends on horseback ; and, before he carae within two rades
of the city, the raultitude increased to a very considerable amount.
The people rejoiced at his coming — their hearts seemed to leap
for joy, and many thanksgivings were rendered to God on his
behalf. The bells rang a raerry peal, and he was received as
an angel of God. Sorae days after his arrival he says, " Settled
sorae affairs concerning our brethren, and had a useful confer
ence about many things with ray honoured friend Mr. Wesley."
Respecting Kingswood, he says, —
" Dined to-day with my honoured feUow-lnbourer, Mr. We.sley, and
many other friends, at Two-mile Hill, in Kingswood, and preached
afterwards to several thousand people, colliers, in the school-house,
which has been carried on so successfully, that the roof is ready to be
put up. The design, I think, is good — old as well as young are to be
instructed. A great and visible alteration is made in the behaviour bf

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 365
the colUers. Instead of cursing and swearing, they are heard to sing
hymns about the woods ; and the rising generation I hope will be a
sreneratiou of Christians."
During this visit he preached at the Bowling-green, Hanham,
Rose-green, Baptist Mills, and other places, to immense mul
titudes ; and before his departure, " went to the women and
men's societies, settled some affairs, and united the two leading
societies together." Two days after he preached his farewell
sermon at seven in the morning, to a weeping and deeply-affected
audience. " My heart (says he) was full, and I continued near two hours in
prayer and preaching. The poor people shed many tears, and sent up
thousands of prayers on my behalf, and would scarce let me go away.
Their mites they most cheerfully contributed to the school-house at
Kingswood, and proved I think to a demonstration, that they had not
received the Word of God in vain. Blessed be God for seeing this
increase of his mercy ! Blessed be God for my coming hither to behold
some fruits of my labgurs 1"
Having introduced Mr. Wesley as a field-preacher at Glou
cester, and other places, Mr. Whitefield embarked for America,
August 14, accompanied by his friend Mr. Seward, who died
the year following. Soon after Mr. Whitefield's departure,
Mr. Charles Wesley — one of the earliest, and certainly not the ,
least efficient apostles of Methodisra — who was now pursuing the
course of itinerant preaching which Mr. Whitefield had beo'un,
joined his brother at Bristol. The well-known Mr. Joseph
Williaras, a pious dissenter of Kidderminster, having been led
by curiosity, and a religious temper, to hear hira preach in the
fields, near Bristol, thus describes his raanner : —
"¦ I found him standing on a table-board in an erect posture, \vith
bis hands and eyes lifted up to heaven in prayer: he prayed with un
common fervour, fluency, and variety of expression. He then preached
about an bour in such a manner as I scarce ever heard any man preach;
though I have heard many a finer sermon — according to the common
taste or acceptation of sermons — I never heard any man discover such
evident signs of a vehement desire, or labour so earnestly, to convince
his hearers tbat they were aU by nature in a sinful, lost, undone state.
He showed how great a change a faitii in Christ would produce in the
whole man ; and that every man who is in Christ — that is, who believes
in him unto salvation — is a new creature. Nor did he fail to press
upon them how ineffectual their faith would be to justify them, unless
it wrought hy love, purified their hearts, and was productive of good
works. With uncommon fervour he acquitted himself as an ambassa
dor of Christ, beseeching them in his name, and praying them in his
stead, to be reconciled to God."
His account of the meeting in the evening is more curious.

366 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
The room was thronged, and Mr. Charles Wesley continued
alternately singing, praying, and expounding the Scriptures for
nearly two hours :
" Never (says Mr. Williams) did I hear such praying ; never did I
see or hear such evident marks of fervency in the service of God. At
the close of every petition, a serious Amen — like a gentle rushing sound
of waters — ran through the wdiole audience, with such a solemn air
as quite distinguished it from whatever of that nature I have heard
attending the responses in the Church service. If there he such a
thing as heavenly music upon earth, I heard it there : if there be such
an enjoyment — such an attainment — as heaven upon earth, numbers in
that society seemed to possess it. As for my own part, I do not re
member my heart to have been so elevated in divine love and praise
as it was there and then, for many years past, if ever : and an affecting
sense and savour thereof abode in my mind many weeks after."
As we bave said, Mr. Whitefield collected some money
towards defraying the expenses of erecting a school for the col
liers at Kingswood, and performed the ceremony of laying the
foundation ; and when he erabarked the second tirae for Ameri
ca, left the work to be carried forward by Mr. Wesley. There
was the great difficulty of vv'ant of money in the way ; but this was
a difficulty which faith would remove; and in faith Mr. Wesley
began building, without having a quarter of the sum necessary
for finishing It. But he found persons wbo were willing to ad
vance money if be would become responsible for the debt ; the
responsibility and the property thus devolved upon him, and he
iramediately made his wdl, bequeathing It to his brother Charles
and Mr. Whitefield. Application was made to Lady Hunting
don ; and her Ladyship, and tbe Ladies Hastings, with a few
other persons of distinction, becarae liberal contributors to the
building of the school. Mr. Ingham and Mr. Bryan Broughton
were active In procuring subscriptions, and many of the society
in London were generous In their support of the measure. Two
masters were provided as soon as the hou,se was fit to receive
them, and the well-known John Cennick— one of Mr. White-
field's raost popular and useful fellow-labourers, who possessed
a sweet simplicity of spirit, with an ardent zeal In the cause of his
Divine Master, — was oue of them. Hewas not in holy orders;
but the pracrice of lay-preaching — which had at fi'rst been
vehemently opposed by fbe Wesleys — had now become inevi
tably part of their system, and Cennick, who had great talents
for popular speaking, laboured also as one of these helpers,
as they were called. The societies in London and Bristol
were at this time disturbed by the Introducrion of the Calvlnisric
tenets. While Mr. Whitefield, from America, was exhorting

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 367
the Wesleys to forbearance frora controversy, some of the lead
ing members In London were forcing on the separation vvhich
he deprecated, and which he foresaw. John Cennick joined the
Cavinisric party at Bristol and Kingswood ; and, zealous for the
glory of that gracious and exalted Master whom he so faithfully
served, wrote urgently to Mr. Whitefield, calling upon him to
hasten from America, that he might stay the plague.
The Imprisonment of Savage the poet — a raan whose wrirings
entitle hira to an eminent rank in the classes of learning, and
whose misfortunes claim a degree of corapassion not always due
to the unhappy, as they were often the consequences of the
crimes of others, rather than his own — was at this time the
universal subject of conversation in the upper circles in London,
Bath, and Clifton. Deserted by those who had hitherto
caressed and applauded him, he was arrested for a small debt,
and conveyed to the common gaol of Bristol. Lady Hunting
don, Lady Fanny Shirley, Lady Anne and Lady Frances Has
tings, were then In Bath, and, upon hearing from him an account
of his condition, Immediately sent hira relief. A few weeks
after her Ladyship, and noble relatives, removed to Clifton, and
volunteered, with several persons of distinction, to make a col
lection for bis enlargement ; but he treated the proposal with
the utraost disdain. He very frequently received visits, and
sometimes presents, from his acquaintances ; but they did not
amount to a subsistence, for the greater part of which he was
indebted to the generosity of Lady Huntingdon, Lady Fanny
Shirley, the Ladies Hastings, and his keeper, who did not con
fine his benevolence to a gentle execution of his oflGce, but made
some overtures to the creditors for his release, though without
effect. Mr. Dagge, the keeper of the prison, was well known to
her Ladyship, as the frequent hearer of Mr. Whitefield and the
Messrs. Wesley ; and hence, we may presurae, sprang that huma
nity which induced him to support Mr. Savage at his own table,
without any certainty of recorapense ; so that he suffered fewer
hardships in prison than he had been accustoraed to undergo in
the greatest part of his life.
" Virtue (says Dr. Johnson) is undoubtedly most laudable in that
state which makes it most difficult ; and, therefore, the humanity of a
gaoler certainly deserves this public attestation ; and the man whose
heart has not been hai'dened by such an employment, may be justly
proposed as a pattern of benevolence. If an inscription was once
engraved ' To the honest toll-gatherer,' less honours ought not to be
paid ' To the tender gaoler.' "*
Just at this period, Mr. Whitefield again visited Bristol, where
* Lives of the Poets,

S68

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF

he stayed a considerable time, preaching statedly every day twice,
and four times on the Sunday. From his great intimacy with
Mr. Dagge, it is presuraed he enjoyed many opportunities of
conversing with Mr. Savage ; but of this we have no certain
information. Stdl tbere is abundant reason to believe, from
some expressions in a letter of Lady Huntingdon's, that he had
frequently seen and heard that apostolic man, not only in the
chapel of tbe prison, but at the table of the humane keeper.
Certain it Is, her Ladyship and noble relatives did not confine
their benevolence merely to the relief of his temporal wants ;
they frequently visited him in prison, and anxiously sought to
direct his attention to tbe vast concerns of an eternal world.
During the whole period of bis imprisonment, they continued to
treat him with the utmost tenderness and civihty ; yet such was
the wayward disposition of this singular character, that, though
caressed, esteeraed, and liberally supported, he could forget,
on a sudden, his danger and his obligations, f o gratify the petu
lance of his wit or the eagerness of his resentment, and employed
hiraself in prison in writing a satirical poera, called " London
and Bristol delineated," by which be raight reas6nably expect
that he should alienate those who then liberally contributed to
his support and comfort, and provoke those whom he could
neither resist nor escape. The resentment of many was raised
by sorae accounts that had been spread of the satire ; and Lady
Fanny expostulated with him on the impropriety and Ingratitude
of his conduct. But he disregarded all considerations that
opposed his present passions, and readily hazarded all future
advantages for any imraediate gratifications. Whatever was
his prorainent inchnation, neither hope nor fear hindered him
from complying with it ; nor had opposition any other effect
than to heighten his ardour, and irritate his vehemence. The
perforraance, however, was laid aside, at the request of Lady
Fanny, whilst she was eraployed in soliciting assistance for him
frora several great persons. To Mr. Pope her Ladyship
addressed a melancholy account of his sufferings and his wants,
with the hope of reviving, in that peevish little man, some
feeling of compassion towards his forraer friend. The applica
tion was in vain. A few weeks before the death of this unfortu
nate and imprudent man, Mr. Pope wrote him a letter, that
contained a charge of very atrocious ingratitude, drawn up in
such terms as sudden resentment dictated. What were the
particulars of this charge we are not informed ; but, from the
notorious character of the man, there is reason to fear that Mr.
Savage was but too justly accused. He, however, solemnly
protested his innocence ; but he was very unusually affected at

SELINA, COUNTESS OP HUNTINGDON. 369
the accusation. In a few days after he was seized with a disorder,
which, at first, was not expected to be dangerous; but, growing
daily more languid and dejected, at last a fever seized him, and
he expired on the 1st of August, 1743, in the forty-sixth year
of bis age, leaving behind him a character strangely chequered
with vices and good qualiries. Lady Huntingdon and Lady
Fanny obtained, in the circle of their friends, some small con
tributions, which they sent to Mr. Dagge, to defray the expenses
of the interraent.
Anne, Countess of Macclesfield, was the daughter of Lady
Mason. Having lived some time upon very uneasy terms with
her husband. Lord Macclesfield applied not to the ecclesiastical
courts for a divorce, but to the parliament for an act by which
his marriage might be dissolved, the nuptial contract totally
annulled, and the children of his wife illegitimatized. Her
fortune, which was very great, was repaid her, and she was
shortly after married to Colonel Breft. Born with a legal claim
to honour and affluence, Richard Savage was In two months
deprived of it by parliament, and disowned by his mother —
doomed to poverty and obscurity, and launched upon the ocean
of life, only that be might be swallowed by its quicksands, or
dashed upon Its rocks. He was unfortunately accused of murder
— tried, and condemned to perish by the evidence of an infamous
woman and his mother, had not justice and compassion pro
cured for him an advocate of rank too great to be rejected
unheard, and of virtue too eminent to be heard without being
believed. His merit and calamities happened to reach the ear
of the Countess of Hertford, who . engaged In his support with
all the tenderness that is excited by pity, and all the zeal which
is kindled by generosity ; and, demanding an audience of the
Queen, laid before her the whole series of his mother's cruelty,
exposed the improbability of an accusation by which he was
charged with intent to coramit a murder that could produce no
advantage, and soon convinced her how little his former conduct
could deserve to be mentioned as a reason for extraordinary
severity. The interposition of this lady was so successful, that
he was soon after admitted to bail, and not long afterwards re
leased by the King. It would be difficult to conjecture from
what motives his mother could persecute him in a manner so
outrageous and implacable, and for what reason she could
employ all the arts of malice, and all the snares of calumny, to
take away the life of her own son — of a son who never injured
her, who was never supported at her expense, and who obstructed
no object of pleasure or advantage.
During one of Lady Huntingdon's visits to Bath, she was one
VOL. II. — B B

370 THE LIFE AND TIMES 03?
day accosted in the street by a very elderly gentlewoman, who
with much politeness inquired her address, intending to do
herself the pleasure of calling on her Ladyship. Lady Hunring
don omitted to ask tbe narae of the individual who seemed so
anxious to cultivate her acquaintance, and some time after left
Bath without hearing or seeing any thing more of the old lady.
After the lapse of nearly a year, Lady Hunthigdon received a
visit from a nobleman, who presented her with the following
letter from Mrs. Colonel Brett, dated Old Bond-street, London.
Reduced to the brink of the grave by a dangerous illness, she
penned this remarkable letter, which was presented by her
nephew, the Lord Viscount Tyrconnel, to Lady Huntingdon, —
a letter written under the most alarming apprehensions of an
awakened conscience, soliciting in the most eager and pressing
terms the favour of an interview with ber Ladyship : —
Madam, — This will be handed to you by Lord Tyrconnel, who was
K) obliging as to inform me of your arrival in London. By this time,
perhaps, you may have forgotten the person who took the liberty of
asking your address in Bath ; and I have lo apologize for my seeming
rudeness in not availing myself ofthe pleasure I then intended, whicb,
from your gteat politeness, and the high opinion I entertained of your
goodness, I anticipated would be highly gratifying to me, though person
ally unknown to you. The day after I saw your Ladyship, I %vas
seized vrith such a violent illness, that I thought I should have died ;
and even now vij-hUst I write, a shuddering horror steals over me at
the recollection of what I then endured from the terrifying appre
hensions of an alarmed conscience. When you call to mind some trans
actions in the life of the miserable individual who now addresses you,
perhaps you will recoil with disgust from any association with a being
so depraved and so debased. But, oh, dear Madam, recollect for a mo
ment that I am touching my last hour, and that the prospect is dark
and dreary as the tomb to which I am so rapidly hastening. I tremble,
yes, my knees smite against each other, at the apprehension of the
sentence I must receive at that aAvful tribunal, before which I must so
soon appear. Bnt 1 trust there may be mercy, even for me, vile offender
as I am.
"I will not trespass any longer on your Ladyship's valuable time, but
merely to say that Lord Tyrconnel will kindly take charge of any
answer which your Ladyship may think proper to make to my letter.
" With the most profound respect for your Ladyship's chracter, and
veneration of your benevolent and exalted principles, I remain,
Madam, your truly humble servant, " Anne Bbett."
What answer Lady Hunringdon gave to Lord Tyrconnel it is
not difficult to conjecture ; and that her Ladyship saw the ci-
devant Lady Macclesfield before her removal to an eternal world,
and used the utmost tenderness and fidelity in the discharge of

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 371
an important duty, there can be but little doubt. It is deeply
to be regretted that no memorandum remains that can shed any
light on the final close of the life of this singular and extraordi
nary woman. She died, October 11, 1753, at her house in Old
Bond-street, aged above fourscore.
The most popular supplies at this period, at Bristol and
Kingswood, were the well-known Howel Harris, John Edwards,
afterwards of Leeds, Thomas Adams, Herbert Jenkins, James
ReUy,* and Edward Godwin. j-
• Mr. ReUy, a native of North Wales, was a wild, ungovernable youth, and
addicted to bad company. In one of Mr. Whitefield's excursions through
Wales, young ReUy agreed, with some other lads of his own stamp, to go and
hear Mr. Whitefield preach, that he might have an opportunity of laughing at
the Methodists. They commenced their sport by making a noise, and ridicu
ling the preacher, to the disturbatice of the congregation. At length, Mr.
Whitefield's discourse, which was delivered with his usual energy, so riveted
the attention of young ReUy, that, when his companions wished him to retire,
he resolved to stay behind, and from that time became serious. Soon after,
forming an acquaintance with Mr. Whitefield, he became one of his most
strenuous supporters, in which he was joined by his brother John ; and, in a
little time, both commenced preachers of that faith tbey had so offien laboured
to destroy. Mr. James ReUy was first situated near Nasboth, in South Wales,
where he continued to preach, in connexion with the Calvinistic Methodists,
for some yeats. During his residence at this place, he took frequent journeys
to Bristol ; and on his way, would often stop at KingsWood, and other places,
to discourse with the colUers. Mr. ReUy afterwards separated frofti Mr.
Whitefield, and removed to London : in process of time, he took the meeting
house in Bartholomew-close, where he continued to preach till his death,
AprU 25, 1778. His remains were interred in the Baptist burial-ground. Maze
Pond, Southwark, where a neat monument is erected to his memory. The
term Antinomian is said to have been first applied to him by Mr. Wesley, and
it has been fixed upon his followers ever since. He, published a variety Of
pieces in defence of his peculiar sentiments — a volume of hymns, and an elegy
on the death of Mr. Whitefield. There are two portraits of him; the one
engraved by June, the other by Sylvester Harding.
f Ml-. Godwin was the eldest son of the Rev. Edward Godwin, for upwards
of forty years minister of the Presbyterian church in Little St. Helen's, London.
His mother was the daughter of a worthy ejected minister, who was a consider
able loser by his nonconformity, and widow of the Rev. Samuel Jones, of
Tewkesbury, who was the tutor of Seeker, Bishop Butler, Drs. Chandler and
Gifford, and the Rev. Rr. Pearsall of Taunton. Though not trained to the
ministry, Mr. Edward Godwin commenced preacher iu Mr. Whitefield's con
nexion but died in early life. He was very useful in London, and other places,
where he laboured very diligently, and was esteemed a very popular speaker.
WhUst resident at Bristol, he published several sermons, preached before the
Tabernacle Society ; and also a small volume of hymns, dedicated to Marma
duke Gwyn, Esq, of Garth, the father of Mrs. Charles Wesley— abrief Account
of God's Work in the British Army in Flanders, Christian Tales, and an Ac
count of God's dealings with' himself; and other publications. His brother
was a Dissenting minister at Guestwick, in Norfolk, where he died in Novem
ber 1772, in the fifdeth year of his age.
This gentleman was father of Mr. WiUiam Godwin, weU known to the world
by his " PoUtical Justice," and other writings. He married the celebrated
Mary Woolstonecroft, the author of " The Rights of Women," and left a daugh
ter, Mary, who married in December, 1816, the late Percy Bysshe SheUy, Esq.,
the poet. He was drowned in 1822, leaving a son, Percy Florence, heir to the
p B 2

372 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
During the four years that Mr. Whitefield was absent in
America, the cause of Methodism rose to great popularity at
Bristol and Kingswood, by the zeal and eloquence of his fellow-
labourers. The most popular preachers amongst the itinerant
labourers who at this period supplied those congregations, were
Mr. Reily and Mr. Godwin. The former, when writing to his
brother, who was then preaching at the Tabernacle, in London,
says : —
" There seems to be a shaking among the dry bones at Bristol ; I
trust the scales will fall from their eyes shortly. The flock at Kings-
wood begins to spread its wings, and flee away towards Jesus. I found
God amongst them these two Sabbath-days in a glorious manner. I
go from hence to Bath once a week, and the Lord seems to revive his
work among his people there. On Thursday many people of fashion
heard me, and were affected with the discourse ; indeed, the Word
seems to run and be glorified among them. Oh that it may take deep
root in all their hearts ! My greatest grief at present is to see the
Church fallen from her first love , and iniquity running down our
streets, and very few laying it to heart, to see the watchman leave the
walls, and keep silence whUe hell prevaUs. Oh that the Almighty
God would bow the heavens, and make known his power on the earth,
that hell might quake and devils tremble, while God's favourites are
gathered home ; for surely I long to see the nations how to Christ's
sceptre, that we may hear nothing but hallelujah and hosannah through
the camp of God."*
Baronetcy of his grandfather. Sir Timothy Shelly, Bart., of Castle Goring,
county of Sussex. Mrs. Shelly is also a writer, but partakes of some of the
fatal sentiments of her father and mother. Two of the sisters of Maiy Wool
stonecroft many years since kept a respectable school in Dublin ; hut they
were Socinians, members of the anti-trinitarian meeting in Sand-street, under
the pastoral care of the late Dr. Moody.
* Christian History, page 214. This work was 'published in numbers, in
1747, and consists or a collection of letters from Mr. Whitefield, Mr. Howel
DaTies, Howel Harris, Adams, Edwards, Godwin, Kinsman, Reily, and several
of the early preachers in the Tabernacle connexion, relating to tbe progress of
the Gospel in England, Wales, Scotland, and America.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 373

CHAPTER XLVIIL
Mr. Daniel Rowlands — Mr. Howel Davies — Efitcts of their preaching at
Bristol — Mr. Whitefield visits Bristol — Letter to Lady Huntingdon — Letter
to the Countess Delitz — Portsmouth Tabernacle — Lady Huntingdon visits
Bristol — Mr. Whitefield in Bristol — Lady Huntingdon's Benevolence to the
Prisoners  Commencement of the Tabernacle  Letters from Lord Chester
field and Lord Bath — Mr. Charles Wesley — Opening of the Tabernacle 
Mrs. Grinfield — IUness of Mr. Wesley — Mrs. Charles Wesley's illness — Lady
Huntingdon attends her — Mr. Whitefield's Letter to Mr. Charles Wesley 
Mr. Croom — Mr. Cornelius Winter  Mr. Hogg — Mr. Shipman — Letter to
Mr. Winter — Letter from Lady Huntingdon to Mr. Shipman — Mr. Shipman's
Death — Lord Barham — Lady Huntingdon's Chapel opened — Mr. Owen-
Letters to Mr. Evans  New Chapel opened.
The Calvinistic Methodists were now strengthened by the
accession of the Welsh beneficed clergyman, Mr. Daniel Row
lands, Rector of Llangeitto and Chaplain to the Duke of Lein-
ster, and Mr. Howel Davies, Rector of Prengast, near Haver
fordwest, men of energetic and extraordinary eloquence. Men
unfettered with worldly cares, and almost unconnected with
the world, these apostolic men lived alone, and were striking
emblems of priraitive simplicity. Their manner of life carried
the mind many centuries back, and set it down in the apostolic
age. Such undissembled piety and such unaffected integrity
are not the general characteristics of latter days. Wholly
devoted to their Master's work, and treading in his steps, these
indefatigable labourers went about continually preaching the
doctrines of the Cross ; and the great Head of the Church was
graciously pleased to make manifest by them the savour of his
grace. Their audiences were very large wherever they were
called to proclaim the Gospel of the grace of God ; and the
stated number of communicants at the monthly sacraments in
their churches, was seldom less than two thousand, and often
more than four thousand. Mr. Whitefield, being present on an
occasion of this sort, says — " The power of God at the sacra
ment, under the ministry of Mr. Rowlands, was enough to make
a person's heart burn within him. At seven of the morning
have I seen perhaps ten thousand from diiferent parts,_ in the
midst of a sermon, crying Gogunniant bendyitti, ready to leap
for joy."
Deeply acquainted with the Gospel scheme of salvation by
'Jeins Christ, they published the glad tidings with all the fervour

374 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
and affecrion of men who experimentally knew its inestimable
worth. They often added tears to their entreaties, when, after
they had displayed tbe unsearchable riches of Christ, they
invited the miserable, the poor, and tbe naked, to come and par
take of them. Yet, conscious that no human persuasion could
prevail with man to accept a free and plenteous redemprion,
with earnest supplications they recoramended those whora they
addressed to the Spirit of Grace, and to the efficacious influences
of His power. This part of their office was performed in such
rapturous and elevated strains of devotion, that whole congrega
tions became melted, borne down, and overcome, while the sweet
and precious accents dropped from their tongues.
Having kindled a flame through both South and North Wales,
they were now invited to Bristol, by Mr. Howel Harris, to supply
Mr. Whitefield's congregations during his protracted absence
in America. With a force of eloquence and comprehension of
mind which excited tbe idolatry of their friends and the
astonishment of their foes, these apostolic men exercised their
ministry in Bristol and Kingswood for several weeks. Whenever
they preached, immense multitudes thronged around them, very
many of whom were powerfully affected by the Welsh fire which
was displayed in the animated addresses of these Cambrian
brethren. No sooner had they coraraenced speaking in the
name of their Divine Master, than they forgot themselves and
everything around thera. They thought only of their subject
— Him who died upon the cross to save the chief of sinners.
Their genius warmed and kindled as they went on. They
seemed to dart fire into their audiences. Torrents of irapetuous
and irresistible eloquence swept along their feelings and convic
tions. They had, indeed, but few opportunities of testifying the
Gospel of the grace of God within the city churches, being
excluded frora them for the unpardonable crime of collecting
crowded congregations, and being attended with an eagerness
and multitude that awakened the envy and enmity of their
brethren. But the displays of Gospel grace under the ministry
of these faithful labourers in the vineyard, were surprisingly
great from the beginning ; and vast multitudes were called fo
the happy experience of the salvation of Jesus by their rainls
trations there.*
* Of Mr. Howel Davies, abrief memoir has been given in the " Evangelical
Magazine " for 1814. He died the same year as Mr. Whitefield. Mr. Rowlands
survived some years. A volume of his sermons was translated from the original
British, and published by subscription, in 1774. Both these exceUent men were
the .steady friends of Lady Huntingdon, and often suppUed her chapels, with
great utUity to the cause of God ; for the Lord was pleased to make known by
theip the sayour of gr?ice in .cy.ery place.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 375
On Mr. Whitefield's return to England, after an absence of
nearly four years, he was invited to Lady Huntingdon's house fit
Chelsea, as soon as he had landed ; and after preaching a few
times to crowded and brilliant auditories at her Ladyship's resi
dence, visited Bristol, where he was received with every demon-
strarion of joy, Araazing multitudes flocked to hear him, and
great and small bore testimony to the power with which he
spoke. But in the midst of his labours he was sumraoned to
London by the Countess, who wrote to inform him that several
of the nobility desired to hear him. Thither he accordingly
repaired, and a whole circle of tided hearers in a few days
attended, and were not contented with hearing him once, but
desired that the favour might be repeated. The illness of her
Ladyship having put a check to these proceedings, the ensuing
spring he returned to Bristol, whither she also intended to foir
low, as soon as the state of her health would permit her to move.
From Bristol he went to Portsmouth, where he awaited with im
patience some tidings of her Ladyship's health, having left her
very much indisposed at his departure from London.
" This morning (says he) your Ladyship's unexpected letter sur
prised me. Your writing under such weakness put me in mind of Mr.
Cennick, who, when his friends advised him not to write, on account of
his illness, made this reply — 'What! would you have my Master come
and find me idle?' I only wish I eould bear it for your Ladyship; but
then your crown would not be so bright, nor the inward purity of your
heart so great.
"¦ Next Monday evening I intend, God wUling, to set out for Salis
bury, and from thence shall avrite to your Ladyship again. Yesterday I
wrote to the Countess Delitz and Lady Fanny, but did not send the
letters to you, not knowing but you might have set out for Bristol. My
brother would be highly delighted to have your Ladyship under his roof.
That God may restore you to perfect health, and make you a blessing
to thousands, is, and shall be, the constant prayer of your Ladyship's
obliged and sympathizing servant!"
Mr. Whitefield's visit to Portsmouth was attended with re
markable success. In a letter to the Countess Delitz, sister
to Lady Chesterfield, he says, « The preaching of the Cross
hath been much blessed here. Multitudes daily attend, and
many are much affected. It would please your Ladyship tp see
the alteration that has been made jn a week's time. But what
cannot God do ? AU things are possible to him." This was
Mr. Whitefield's first visit to Portsmouth.. Jt bad been visited
a few years previous by Mr, Cennick, who preached in the open
air to a very numerous congregation. He was foUowgd by
Messrs. Adams, Meredith, Godwin, and others, in connexion
with Mr, Whitefjeld; Ip November 1747, Mr, Godwin was

y76 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
sent thither, and his ministry proved yery acceptable. When
writing to Mr. Howel Harris, he says, " I am received with all
imaginable love and respect, and our congregations are very
large. Our barn at Gosport was well filled, and God has given
me an open door to the hearts of many." Mr. Godwin was
followed by Mr. John Stevens, who experienced great opposition,
particularly at Gosport, where he was often pelted with eggs,
dirt, and stones, which several times narrowly escaped his head.
About this time several serious persons, some of whom were
members of Mr. Williams's church at Gosport, and others of
Mr. Norman's at Portsmouth, fornied themselves into a society,
and, by a sraall weekly subscription, defrayed the expenses of
the preachers who visited them. Their number was consi
derably increased, by the Divine blessing, in three visits paid
them by Mr. Whitefield, and by the labouys of rainisters in
connexion with him. At length, in 1754, they erected a place
of worship, fifty-three fee't by thirty, which they called " The
Tabernacle." For about fifteen years the congregation was
supplied by Messrs. Adams, Croom, Vines, Hogg, Cornelius
Winter, and others ; but this raode of supplying proving incon
venient and expensive, they determined on having a regular
minister ; and, being formed into a church, made choice of the
Rev. Thomas Tuppen, then in the Tabernacle connexion, who
was ordained to the pastoral office April 17, 1770. In 1773,
the congregation had so much increased that the Tabernacle
was insufficient for their accommodation; it was therefore taken
down, and a new place, sixty feet by forty, with three galleries,
erected in its stead; and which also was soon filled with an
overflowing congregation. Such was the origin of the church
and congregation over which the late Rev. John Griffin pre
sided for so many years, with such honour to hiraself and utility
to the cause of God, and for whose accomraodation a spacious
chapel, ninety-five feet by seventy-five, with deep galleries, was
erected in 1813, at an expense of more than ten thousand
pounds, and opened in the month of September In that year by
the Rev. Rowland Hill, and Mr. Jay of Bath.
Conrinued indisposition appears to have detained Lady Hun
tingdon in London tdl the beginning of June. During this
interval, after preaching at Portsmouth, Gosport, and other
places with signal success, Mr. Whitefield returned to Bristol,
where he was occupied in his usual way, and was attended with
an eagerness and multitude more remarkable than on former
occasions. Not long after his arrival, he wrote thus to the
Countess : —
" Since I wrote last to your Ladyship, ge-^eral things have oceufred

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 377
to prove that Providence directed my way hither. I have preached
tbree times, and each time our Lord caused the Word to leave a
blessing behind it. Yesterday, congregations were very large in the
fields. This evening 1 am to preach again ; and to-morrow, God wUl
ing, I set out for Wales. Though my brother is sorry for the occa
sion, yet he rejoices very much that he is to be honored with your
Ladyship's company. I believe you wdl find his house very commo
dious, and I am persuaded your Ladyship's coming will prove a bless
ing to him. I earnestly pray the Lord of all lords to bless the waters
for the recovery of your health. Though I want to die myself, yet
methinks I would have others live, especially such as, like your Lady
ship, are placed upon a pinnacle, and in a particular manner set up as
lights in the world. May the ever-blessed God fill you with all his
fulness ; and, after you have done and suffered what he hath appointed
for you here, translate you to partake of an exceeding and eternal
weight of glory in his kingdom hereafter 1"
On the 23rd of June, Mr. Whitefield returned from his Welsh
expedition, and joined Lady Huntingdon, who had taken up her
residence at the house of his brother in Bristol.
" Yesterday (says he, in a letter to Mr. Hervey), God brought mc
here, after having carried me a circuit of about eight hundred mileg,
and enabled me to preach, I suppose, to upwards of a hundred thou
sand souls. I have been in eight Welsh counties, and I think we have
not had one dry meeting. , The work in Wales is much upon the ad
vance, and likely to increase daUy. Had my dear Mr. Hervey been
there to have seen the simplicity of so many dear souls, I am persuaded
he would have said — Sit anima mea cum Methodistis ! But every
one to his part. Good Lady Huntingdon is here, and goes on in her
usual way, doing good. She is recovered from her indisposition. I
hope this will find you recovered also."
As long as Christ has a Church on earth, and disciples
aniraated with zeal for the glory of his name, the Countess of
Hunringdon will live, and enjoy a distinguished niche in the
temple of God. The world has its heroes, whom it holds up
to universal admlrarion in the page of history — here the Church
of Christ presents to us one of hers. The moment her Lady
ship arrived at Bristol, her active spirit began to devise
fresh plans for the culrivation of those who hated that light,
which her burning zeal for the salvation of immortal souls longed
to pour in torrents on all those within her reach. Her com
passionate heart, tenderly sympathizing in the distress of her
fellow-creatures, and breathing forth the most affectionate
ardour for their eternal interests, induced her to visit riie pri
sons, the house of pestilence, and the chambers of mortal dis
ease, wherever the voice of misery invited her, bearing with her
the mercy of the Gospel to souls on the very brink of eternity.
Cessation from labour wAs a state of the most painful mortifi*

378 -THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
cation toher Ladyship, and called forth the severest exercise of
self-denial. The Lord himself was a man of incessant labour
from the day he entered on his ministry, till the hour when he
expired on the cross. The venerable Countess Inherited no
small portion of her Master's spirit, and persevered in active
service from the first hour that she commenced her spiritual
course, till called to a crown of eternal blessedness in heaven.
Never weary of well-doing, on this, as on former visits to Bristol
and the Hot-wells, her Ladyship and the Ladies Hastings (her
sisters-in-law), renewed their benevolent intentions towards the
poor debtors in Newgate. Several ladles of rank were enlisted
in this work of mercy, and Lady Huntingdon had the heartfelt
satisfaction of liberating many miserable individuals whose debts
were under ten pounds.* Some were restored to their families,
and others, by her munificence, were enabled to prosecute their
lawfid callings with honour and credit. Facts like these are the
beauty and glory of history, and reflect additional lustre on the
character of this venerable woman.
Great was tbe success of Mr. Whitefield's labours at this
time in Bristol and Kingswood. With irresistible zeal he pro
claimed to listening thousands the glad tidings of salvation, and
a harvest of immortal souls was reaped, exceeding what results
from the painful exertions of many a faithful minister during the
course of a long hfe of active labour in the cause of God. The
vast increase of converts, and the affectionate attachment which
mulritudes felt for his apostolic ministry, now induced him to
think of erecting a more commodious place of worship for their
accomraodation. In this noble work he was ably assisted by Lady
Huntingdon, who exerted her influence In procuring pecuniary
support from many of those persons of rank with whom she was
connected. To Lords Chesterfield, Bolingbroke, and Bath,
she addressed letters, soliciting their aid towards the erection of
the Tabernacle at Bristol. Her Ladyship lived on the most
intimate terms with all her contemporaries disringuished by
wit, politeness, philosophy, learning, or the talents of public
]ife — notwithstanding, the increasing reproach ofthe Cross which
she gloried to brave had made a vast hiatus between their
pursuits, as well as temper, and her own. Though some of her
former intimate acquaintances had long forsaken and shunned
her, yet she was honoured with the friendship and advice of
several distinguished for classical knowledge and superior
talents, and eminent as statesmen and parliamentary orators.
It is much to be lamented that the answer of Lord Bolingbroke
* ggg " Gentleman's Magazine," for 1745,

SELIN4, COUNTESS DF HUNTINGDON. 579
has not been preserved ; but the letters of Lords Chesterfield
and Bath, statesmen in every trait of personal character totally
dissimilar to each other, will be perused at the present day with
no small interest.
The letters of these great men are as dissimilar as their cha
racters. Lord Chesterfield's politeness and insincerity are quite
characteristic; but Lord Bath appears to have had his heart
touched by the transforming influence of Divine truth. He
was frequent in his attendance on the ministry of Mr. White -
field, and contributed liberally towards the Orphan-house in
Georgia, and the building of Tottenham-court chapel. Lord
Chesterfield's letter is dated, "June 18th, O.S., 1749.
" Really there is no resisting your Ladyship's importunities. It
would Ul hecome me to censure your enthusiastic admiration of Mr.
Whitefield. His eloquence is unrivalled — ^his zeal inexhaustible, and
not to admire both would argue a total absence of taste, and an insen-
sibUity not to be coveted by any body. Your Ladyship is a powerful
auxUiary to the Methodist Cabinet ; and I confess, notwithstanding
my own private feelings and sentiments, I am infinitely pleased at your
zeal in so good a cause. You must have twenty pounds for this new
Tabernacle whenever you think proper to demand it-^but I must beg
my name not to appear in any way. Lady Chesterfield sends her
best compliments, and wUl reply to your letter in due time. She is
active amongst her friends, and I doubt not but you will reap the
benefit of her solicitations. It is gratifying to learn that the air of
Clifton agrees so well with your family. Tell Lady Fanny I have not
received an answer to my last letter. With best wishes for the suc
cess of all your disinterested acts of benevolence to the human race
and kind regards to all your circle, I remain your Ladyship's most
faithful friend and servant, " Chestebfield."
Very different is the letter of the Earl of Bath : —
'¦' Madam, — It gives me unfeigned pleasure to hear ofthe good effects
of Mr. Whitefield's preaching at Bristol, and amongst the colhers; and
I feel indebted to your Ladyship for an opportunity of contributing
towards the furtherance of so good a cause, firmly persuaded that the
finger of an unening Providence wUl point out gome other, and far
distant lands — ^yet uncultivated, yet unblessed with the light of divine
truth — where the ministration of our excellent friend, aided by your
Ladyship's liberality and zeal, shall perform those mighty deeds which
shaU overwhelm generations, yet unborn, with gratitude to the kind
Au.thor of all our mercies for his astonishing goodness displayed
toward tlie sinful race of man. Mocked and reviled as Mr. Whitefield
is by all ranks of society, still I contend that the day wUl come when
England wUl be just, and own his greatness as a reformer, and his
goodness as a miijister of the most High God.
"When shall we have the pleasure of seeing your Ladyship in
liondon, and hearing thpse great and exceilent men, who have preached

380 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
so frequent in your drawing-rooms to such crowded and such dis
tinguished assemblies ? Many are inquiring after you — many feel the
loss of your bright example — and many are desirous of knowing the
nari'ow path to eternal life. I earnestly beg your Ladyship's inter
cession on my behalf ; that, amidst the abustle, the cares and anxieties
of public life, I may have my mind roused only by the great concerns
of an eternal world, and fixed on those scenes of immortality to which
we are all quickly hastening.
" Present my respects to Lady Fanny, Lady Anne, &c. &c. ; and
believe me, with every sentiment of respect and veneration for your
worth, your Ladyship's unalterable friend, " Bath.
" P.S. I have sent fifty pounds to your Ladyship's banker, to be
placed to your credit."
Nothing remarkable in the history of the Tabernacle in
Bristol seems to have occured from this period till the year
175'2, when Lady Huntingdon again removed to that place,
shortly after the marriage of her eldest daughter, the Lady
Elizabeth Hastings, to her cousin Lord Rawden, afterwards
Earl of Moira ; and renewed her exertions towards the com
pletion of the building, which was then in a state of forwardness.
Mr. Charles Wesley was at this time much with her Ladyship,
and frequently preached and administered the Sacrement at her
house to many distinguished personages. He had fixed his
residence in Bristol, and had lately married Sarah, youngest
daughter of Marmaduke Gwynne, Esq., of Garth, a magistrate
and gentleman of fortune and ancient family In Brecknockshire.
With this lady, who was possessed of good sense, piety, and
agreeable accomplishments. Lady Huntingdon forraed a very
close intiraacy and friendship, which continued tothe day of her
death. The greater part of the succeeding year her Ladyship
spent at Bristol and the neighbourhood. Her health being con
siderably Improved, she thought of removing to Bath for the
winter, and only waited to be present at the dedication of the
Tabernacle. In the raonth of November Mr. Whitefield repaired
to Bristol : —
" On Sunday (he says) I opened the new Tabernacle. It is large,
but not half large enough ; would the place contain them, I believe
nearly as many would attend as in London. On Tuesday, at seven in
the evening, I preached in the open air to a great multitude : all was
hushed and exceedingly solemn ; the stars shone bright, and tben, if
ever, by an eye of faith I saw Him who called them all by their names.
My soul was filled with a holy ambition, and I longed to be one of
those who shall shine as the stars for ever and ever. My hands and
hody at this and at other times were pierced with cold ; but what are
outward things when the soul is warmed wdth the love of God ?"
MnWesley had at that time, by his diligence and zeal, brought

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 581
his life into great danger. By the advice of Dr. Fothergill he
retired to Lewisham to reap the advantages of country air, and
rest, which he so much required. Almost at the same time,
Mrs. Charles Wesley caught the small-pox at Bristol, Lady
Huntingdon came from Bath to attend her through the disease :
this confirmed a friendship they had formed before, and of whicli
she never spoke without the most lively gratitude. During her
illness, Mr. Charles Wesley was with his brother in London, who
was then supposed to be near death. It was a trying season to
both, for he could not, on the first intimation leave the chapels
and their congregations : and every post, he feared would bring
him intelligence that his beloved wife was no more. Mr. White-
field's letter to Mr. Charles Wesley on this raost trying occasion
is truly affectionate : —
" I cannot help sending after you a few sympathizing lines. The
Lord help and support you ! May a double spirit of the ascending
Elijah descend and rest on the surviving Elisha ! Now is the time to
prove the strength of Jesus yours. A wife, a friend, a brother, Ul
together ! Well, this is our comfort — all things shall work together
for good to those that love God. Glad should I he to reach heaven
first ; hut faith and patience hold out a httie longer. Yet a little while
and we shall be all together with our commoii Lord. I commend you
to his everlasting love."
Lady Huntingdon was unreraitting in her kind attentions to
Mrs. Wesley. Her Ladyship hurried Mr. Whitefield to London,
to relieve Mr. Charles Wesley, and enable him to return to
Bristol to see his beloved partner, before she was summoned to
another world. She was for twenty-two days in imminent dan
ger. He rode down to visit her twice, atthe risk of his own health,
and returned to serve the public. His first babe, a lovely boy
under two years, took the infection from his mother, and was
buried before his next return home. Someof his affecting funeral
hymns, written on this occasion, describe a father's suff'erings,
and express his tender gratitude for the spared life of the
mother. Mr. Whitefield reached London before Mr. Wesley had
retired to Lewisham, and an affecting invervlew took place be
tween these apostolic men. How deeply Mr. Whitefield felt
the impending blow which was to separate him from a friend
and a brother, his own words will best describe. To Mr. Wes
ley he writes thus : —
" If seeing you so weak when leaving London distressed me, the
news and prospect of your approaching dissolution hath quite weighed
me down. I pity myself and the church, but not you. A radiant
throne awaits you, and ere long you wiU enter into your Master's joy.
Yonder he stands with a massy crown, ready to put it on your head,

S8iS THE LIFE ANb TIMES OF
amidst an admiring throng of saints and angels. But I, poor I, tbat
have been waiting for my dissolution these nineteen years, must be
left behind to grovel here below. WeU, this is my comfort, it cannot be
long ere the chariots will be sent even for worthless me. If prayers
can detain them, even you, reverend and very dear Sir, shall not leave
us yet ; but if the decree is gone forth, that you must now fall asleep
in Jesus, may he kiss your soul away, and give you to die in the em
brace of triumphant love ! If in the land of the living, I hope to pay
my last respects to you next week. If not, reverend and dear Sir,
farewell ! I proe, sequar, etsi non passibus cequis. My heart is too
big, tears trickle down too fast, and I fear you are too weak for me to
enlarge. May underneath you be Christ's everlasting arm ! I com
mend you to his never -faUing mercy, and am, very dear Sir, your most
affectionate, sympathizing, and afBicted younger brother in the Gospel of
our common Lord, " George Whitefield."
Mr. Whitefield felt most keenly the trying situation of his
friend, Mr. Charles Wesley. During tbe transient visit of the
latter to Bristol, he was most anxiously solicitous to have the
earliest intelligence, to relieve the torturing suspense his mind
endured. On the 13th of December he wrote thus to Mr.
Charles Wesley : —
" The Searcher of Hearts alone knows the sympathy I have felt
for you and yours, and what suspense my mind hath been in concern
ing the event of your present circumstances. I pray and inquire, and
pray again, always expecting to hear the worst. Ere this can reach
you, I expect the lot wUl be cast either for life or death. I long to
hear, that I may partake like a friend either of your joy or sorrow.
Blessed be God for that promise whereby we are assured that aU
things shall work together for good to those that love him. This may
make u.s at least resigned when called to part with our Isaacs. But
who knows the pain of parting when the wife and the friends are con
joined ? To have the desire of one's eyes cut off with a stroke, what
but grace, omnipotent grace, can enable us to bear it ? But, who
knows, perhaps the threatened stroke may be recalled ? Surely the
Lord of all lords is preparing you for further usefulness, by these
complex trials. I can scarcely mention auy body now but dear Mrs.
Wesley. Pray let me know how it goes with you. My wife truly
joins in sympathy andiove. Night and daj', iudeed, you are remem
bered by me. '
Fearing Lady Huntingdon would materially Injure her health
by her long and close attention to Mrs. Wesley, Mr. Whitefield
wrote to her thus on the 13th of Deceraber : —
" I am yet kept in suspense about Mrs. Wesley, and have been much
concerned lest, by intense sympathy, your Ladyship should contract an
iUness yourself. But your Ladyship hath l6ng since learnt tbat as your
day is, so shaU your strengtii be. I pray the Lord of aU lords to
lengthen out your important life, and make you ten thousand times

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 383
more useful than ever, long after my worthless head is laid in tho
silent grave."
Not long after this, a letterfrom Lady Huntingdon announced
the pleasing Intelligence of Mrs. Wesley having been pronounced
out of danger by the faculty, who entertained sanguine hopes of
her speedy restoration. Mr. Whitefield felt truly rejoiced, and
public thanks were returned at the Tabernacle for her recovery.*
About this period the Rev. John Croom was first introduced
to the congregation at Bristol. He was the son of persons in
humble life — Quakers by profession. His raother was a public
speaker. We seldom see the descendants of the Friends violate
the rules of decency ; but Mr. Croom was an exception to this
remark. He went with the multitude to do evil, and herded
with the baser sort, utterly casting off the gravity which is the
usual characteristic of the Quakers : retaining nothing but the
plain language to which from his infancy he had been accus
tomed, and being studiously careful not to address people by
the usual titles significant of respect.
Some years previous to this, Mr. Whitefield had commenced
his immensely successful career of field-preaching upon Hamp
ton Common, and other places in Gloucestershire. Several of
his faithful associates preached in these Methodistically conse
crated places after him ; among whom was Mr. Howel Harris,
whose energetic powers, zeal, and learning, drew amazing mul
titudes to hear him. To a raan of Mr. Groom's disposition it
furnished raatter of high entertainment to be present at field-
preaching; and he attended upon Mr. Harris with no other
design than to be entertained, and to mock the preacher. But
his attention was arrested, his conscience convinced, and he
returned horae another man than he went out. From this time
he statedly attended the ministry of the Methodists at Rod
borough, and entered a member of the society. He was at
length encouraged by Mr. Adams to take the lead of tbe society-
and to speak to cases as they were proposed to hira ; which he
did with such judgment, penetrarion, and success, that many
looked to him with great confidence, and were prepared to re
ceive his instructions more publicly ; for it was expected that he
would one day address them from the pulpit.
The early part of the year 1752, Mr. Croom made his first
'visit to Casrie Coomb, Wilts, not as a preacher, but to hold
conference with a lltrie prosperous society, which in that village
walked with great decorum, and received help from the minis
ters who pteached at the Tabernacle in Bristol. He conversed
with and exhorted their society, to tbeir great edification and
* Whitefield's Letters, vol. ii. Mis. Wesley survived her husband many
fears, aria died December ^8, IS22, ag«d ninety-six,

384 THE Life and times of
comfort. It is more than probable Mr. Adams encouraged
that visit probationary to public services, as it was usual with
him to take this method, when he found It expedient to coun
tenance a disposition for the ministerial work ; and as, in a very
few weeks after, Mr. Croom went to the sarae place, directed
by Mr. Adaras to supply the pulpit. Frora this tirae he became
a regular supply at all the places in the Tabernacle connexion.
He usually resided in the neighbourhood of Horsely, in Glou
cestershire, frora whence he walked to Bristol, often continuing
his labours till Saturday noon, and walking back on the Monday
to resume thera, in the strength of a very teraperate refresh
ment. The strength of his body was equal to the zeal of^his
mind; and the narrow circumstances of the people who were
concerned In the cause of God under the Methodist denomina
tion, both In Bristol and in the country, would not adrait of
gratuities in return for bis labours, favourable to easy convey
ance. A compensation for the suspension of manual labour,
during absence from the loom, wds as much as he had reason to
expect at that period : but his sphere of usefulness enlarging,
by the advice and consent of his friends, he parted with his
loom : for which, in after years, he expressed his concern, often
doubting the propriety of that part of his conduct. Rodborough,
Dursley (latterly Wootton-Under-edge), and other places in
Gloucestershire ; Castle Coomb, Christian Malford, and Chip
penham, in Wilts ; Bristol, Portsmouth, and other places In
Hants, partook of his labours, stated or occasional.
In 1761, Mr. Croom was introduced into the London Taber
nacle pulpit. His first appearance in the congregation was on
the Sabbath-day morning, in a very plain but decent dress, with
his hair undressed and lank. He chose Acts xv. 36, for his in
troductory address, " And see how they do." He secured him
self froin reproach by an artless acknowledgment that he did
not rank with preachers of erainence ; but that, having obtained
mercy of the Lord, and having tasted that he is gracious, he did
attempt to speak forth his praise, and encourage poor souls to
trust In him. He signified that nothing more should be ex
pected from a poor, plain countryman, In his straight hair, than
an endeavour to do good to souls : and that he came there in
providence to know how they stood with God, and to see what
proof there was of his power and presence among them. His
appearance and sermon had an astonishing effect. The society
and serious part of the congregation were enlivened by and
delighted with him ; and as he hecame more known, he was
styled the John Bunyan of the age.
The mention of a well-authenricated circumstance is due to
his memory, and may serve to show the efficacy with which his

selina, countess of HUNTINGDON. 385
preaching was received : — A man of genteel appearance, turned
the middle of life, was observed by a person who generally had
a fixed seat in the area of the London Tabernacle, to come and
hear very attentively. After having repeated his attendance on
the same spot, at tbe close of one of the opportunities, he en
tered into conversation with tbe person wbo observed him. He
made inquiries concerning Mr. Croom, adding, that he himself
was not a person wholly ilhterate — that he had been favoured
with a good education — and that whde Mr. Groom's evident want
of education met his prejudices, his prejudices were overcome by
something that he could not account for ; that be never before
heard what he heard from him ; and that, notwithstanding he
turned into the Tabernacle from mere curiosity, and the first
sight of so plain a man so much raised his disgust, that he was
prepared to hear nothing to advantage, yet he could not keep
from attending his word ; and acknowledged that Mr. ,Crooin
gained upon hira every time he heard him.
Mr. Whitefield had Mr. Croom in London for several weeks
before his last embarkation for America. Another visit, while
Mr. Whitefield was in America, closed his connexion with Lon
don. His last visit to the Bristol congregation was in the year
1770, when, through the death of Mr. Adaras, and the great
scarcity of preachers the Connexion was reduced to, he was de
tained, though sorely against his will, eleven months. At the
expiration of that time, he cheerfully resigned the pulpit to Mr.
Cornelius Winter, who at the invitation of Messrs. Collet, Ire
land, and Hogg, relieved him. Here it was that he first dis
covered the syraptoras of a painful disease, which had advanced
so far as to require a surgical operation, in order to the proba
bility of a cure, but he would only consent to use palliative
remedies. His complaint, therefore, gained upon him; notwith
standing which, he made frequent journeys into Wilts, making
the congregations at Christian Malford, Chippenham, and Cas
tle Coomb, the object of bis journey. He generally spent three
weeks or a month at a time between the three congregations.
His ministry was increasingly blessed ; and the people were so
partial to it, that they thought themselves additionally favoured
while he was with them. Neither did the people at Wootton
under-Edge and Dursley less esteem his labours ; with them
he spent a fortnight together, thus dividing his time between
these places and Rodborough, the latter for the last ten years of
his life, and the place of his residence.
Mr. Croom died at Christian Malford, on Friday, the 10th of
October, 1780, where he had preached on the preceding Sunday.
His lying a corpse on the Sabbath, upon the premises where he
vol. 11. — c c

886 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
had the preceding Sunday, in a very fervent manner addressed
the congregation, made It a very solemn day ; and many tears
were shed on the event. On the Tuesday following, his remains
were conveyed very respectfully to tbe Tabernacle at Rod
borough, accompanied by many friends, where they were Interred
by the Rev. Rowland Hill, after a suitable discourse preached to
a numerous congregation. Mr. Croom was tall^ — full six feet —
and large featured, of clear complexion, and dark eyes. His
temper, though naturally morose, was well regulated by Divine
grace. His constitution was rather inactive. Originally defi
cient in the use of the pen, he never cultivated the improvement
of it, so that he was an exception to the original RIethodists,
who supported a large correspondence with eachother; whereas
he hai'dly ever exchanged a letter, or even comraitted to paper
the breviate of any thing he delivered. Though he was very
clear in the doctrines of grace, and in sentiraent a strict Cal
vinist, he retained rauch of the manners, deportment, and lan
guage of the Quakers. He was of a satirical turn, but never
indulged levity. He often smiled, but never laughed. He was
held in great estimation by Lady Huntingdon and the leaders of
Calvinistic Methodism in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. The
ineans of his subsistence was always uncertain; butthe God whom
he served never left him nor forsook him. At his decease, Mr. Hill,
who was ever the father of the friendless and the widow, exerted
himself in behalf of Mrs. Croom, and a daughter deficient in
her intellects, who received a stated subsistence from the Rod
borough congregation while they lived.
In the spring of 1771, the Rev. Rowland Hill commenced
preaching at Bristol and in the neighbourhood. He was Intro
duced to the Tabernacle congregation by the Rev. Cornelius
Winter, who bears testiraony to the usefulness of his sermons,
and considers having raade his acquaintance as one of the
greatest mercies in his life. " From the Sabbath (he says) on
which I had the pleasure to introduce him to the Tabernacle
pulpit, has religion been reviving through his Instrumentality,
and the flame has burned strong ever since. Other instruments
may have helped, but it began with him." He was at this time
ander the frowns of his faraily, disappointed of his admission into
the Church, and distressed for money. No one treated him
with more cordiality and friendship than Lady Huntingdon, who
encouraged him to follow the commands of God, and look con
tinually to his Divine Master for direction and assistance. Her
house at Bath was his home at this time, and from thence he
made frequent excursions into Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and
other places, preaching every where with great power and success.
In the order of Divine Providence there is a strange combi-

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGIION. 387
nation of circumstances, by which what is appointed is brought
to pass. In the same year died Mr. Whitefield, the Rev.
Howel Davies, Rector of Prengast, near Haverfordwest, the
head of Calvinistic Methodism in Pembrokeshire, and Mr.
Adams, of Rodborough, the leader of the same cause in Glou
cestershire and Wilts. Though the Tabernacle at Bristol was
under Mr. Whitefield's auspices, yet, strange to say, in his will
he made not the least mention of it. The trustees in London
offered to befriend It, but would not accept it as a part of their
charge. The two considerable men then depended on, were
Messrs. Collet and Ireland. Preachers in that department were
very scarce indeed, and had it not been for the assistance
afforded by Lady Huntingdon, who sent several of her students to
Bristol, the Tabernacle congregation would frequently have
been entirely destitute of any supply. Pressing letters were
sent so the Rev. Cornelius Winter, wbo had just then returned
from America with Mr. Whitefield's will, and was serving at the
Tabernacle in London. The letters were principally from Mr.
Ireland and Mr. Hogg, who was also a leading man in tbe Bris
tol and Gloucestershire cause, and, by the death of Mr. Adams,
became senior preacher in the Connexion. The latter was a
grazier and butcher at Painswick. He was a person whose
character for integrity was so thoroughly appreciated, that even
the Irreligious farmers in the neighbourhood often said to him
in dealing — " Mr. Hogg, we know you will give us the value of
our cattle ; you are the best judge of the proper price ; take
them, and pay us what you think them worth." Never, in a
single instance, did they regret their confidence in his honesty.
Amidst all his eccentricities, his reputation was unblemished ; and
though not slothful in business, he was most fervent in spirit.
Mr. Hogg had sorae colleagues ; Messrs. Hill, Croom, Vines,
and Captain Joss — men of the same description with himself,
and fit to draw in the same yoke, being of the same spirit —
men whose lives were spent in the endeavour to rouse their
listless neighbourhood to a sense of religion. This observation
applies to each of thera, naraely, that from the purest motives
they engaged in the work of Christ. What tbey did, therefore,
they did heartily as unto the Lord, and not unto men. They
did not, like too many of the present day, recede from the work
of God for fear of a flake of snow, a shower of rain, or an
apprehension of taking cold from the inclemency of the weather
—they were not accustomed to mistake a painted lion for a real
one, nor scarcely were they to be intimidated had a real
lion stood in their way.
As Mr. Hogg gained reputation, his sphete became greatly
c c 2

S88 THii LIFE AND TIMES OF
enlarged ; it extended frora Tewkesbury In Gloucestershire to
Portsmouth, including raany otber places In different directions.
The Tabernacle in Bristol was abundanriy Indebted to him for
his services for several years. He frequently broke his
nightly rest by rising at an unusually early bour, and travelling
many miles, that he might appear before that congregation at
seven o'clock in the raorning ; after which service he used to
visit the colliers at Kingswood, where he preached in the fore
noon ; and concluded the public exercises of the day by re
turning and preaching at the Tabernacle in the evening. He
rendered tbat place essential service also by procuring pecuniary
assistance for Its support. He had considerable influence with
wealthy professors of diff'erent denorainations in Bristol, who,
in cases of emergency, would on bis application, encourage the
cause by their contributions. During one of his visits to that
city, be was invited to breakfast with Lady Huntingdon, who had
just then removed to Clifton, accompanied by Mr. Shipman,
whose labours in the Tabernacle connexion were most abundant.
At her Ladyship's he was met by a large party of quality,
and several clergymen, among whom was the Rev. Martin
Madan, of the Lock Chapel, near Hyde-Park- Corner, Lon
don. The Countess insisted upon Mr. Hogg's taking the lead
in faraily worship, in which was included an exhortation. This
service was received with evident raarks of satisfaction. At this
time, he engaged Mr. Madan to visit Painswick, and procured
the church for him to preach in. Mr. Madan delivered a very
meraorable sermon from Zach. ix. 12; but the poor curate lost
his curacy in consequence thereof. One sentence in that ser
mon was retained in the memory of an aged disciple, who died
many years after : " I have long been accustomed to plead at
the bar tbe cause of man ; I stand here to plead the cause of
God, and to beseech sinners to be reconciled to him."
The ministry of the Rev. Joseph Shipman, one of the six
students who were ungenerously expelled tbe University of
Oxford in 1768, forthe crirae of indulging themselves in social
religious exercises, and endeavouring to disseminate the influence
of religion among their fellow-collegians, and the inhabitants of
that city, was at this period singularly successful in Bristol, and
vast numbers, who were afterwards ornaraents to Christianity,
acknowledged his ministry to have been the means of their
conversion to God. He was remarkably faithful, both in his
sermons and in his private and personal addresses. Apprised
of the danger of deception, he used such endeavours to detect
it, that if any perished under his ministry their blood must be
upon their own head. Plymouth, the Dock, Bristol, Rod
borough in Gloucestershire, and Haverfordwest in South
Wales, were the places in which his faithful and assiduous

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 389
labours were principally employed. He had spent some time
with Lady Huntingdon, and preached in several places here, and
in other parts of the kingdom, under her patronage, immediately
after his expulsion from Oxford. He was most kindly received
by her Ladyship at Trevecca ; and, even when cast off by his
own famfly, was taken in by this elect lady and mother in Israel,
and supported entirely at her expense. His expulsion furnished
his family with fresh arguments against him, and invigorated
their endeavours to turn his mind from evermore thinking of
the ministry. But all this avafled nothing ; he was persuaded a
dispensation of the Gospel was committed to hira, and therefore
he conferred not with flesh and blood. Attended with a variety
of trials, he went forth preaching the Gospel, and though often
dejected with a sight and sense of his own unworthiness, the
success attending his endeavours proved he had not run in vain,
neither laboured in vain. His zeal and earnestness soon carried
him beyond his natural strength, for, after labouring six months,
he was reduced so low as to be obliged to desist for a time, and
scarcely had he recruited his strength, but he exhausted It again.
From Bristol, Mr. Shipman was sent to Haverfordwest by
Lady Huntingdon. He had not been long there before he
broke a blood-vessel, occasioned, as it was supposed, by his too
much energy in preaching the day before. He never preached
but once after this, when he intimated the views he had of his
approaching dissolution ; and the use he made of them left a
deep irapression upon his hearers. It was with much difficulty
his friends got him to Upon-upon-Severn. At the time of his
return his mind was exceeding happy, and he employed the lit
tle strength he had in writing Interesting letters to his friends,
and the different societies with whom he was united in the indis
soluble bonds of Christian affection.
Just at tbis juncture, the Rev. Cornelius Winter removed to
Bristol, having been sent thither by Mr. Keen, one of Mr.
Whitefield's principal trustees in London. His acquaintance
with Mr. Shipman comraenced from a very affecting letter he
wrote the Bristol Society, who had partaken of his short labours
in the decline of life. His Tabernacle friends were desirous to
? reserve a life from which much service might be expected. Mr.
i'^inter wrote to him, requesting he would accept au invitation
to the Hot-wells. His answer is dated May 31, 1771 : —
" Dear Sir, — I should have answered your kind and truly Christian
letter last post, but that I have been worse tiian ordinary these three
days back, owing to my medicine taking a wrong and bad effect. To
day, through mercy, I am again revived. Surely no disorder is so flat
tering and apt to impose upon the patient with hopes of health as a
decime. For although several symptoms attend me, which in all

390 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
probabUity must issue in the dissolution of the body, yet, would you
believe it ! at times I am ready to think there is but httle danger. But
a few hours, as a slight trial of my strength convinces me, I am a dying
man. This makes me ready to wish my pains and weakness increased.
But even this shaU turn to my good through your prayers and the sup
ply of the Spirit of Christ. I am much indebted to you for that bro
therly love and real concern which you express for my better part.
Indeed, Sir, such are the views I have of my own undeservings and
Ul-deservings, that I wonder any of the Lord's people regard, or take
notice of me. But surely we have drank into the same spirit, and are
invited to the same head. Ah ! my dear brother, if I am worthy to
stand in that relation to you, lift up your voice like a trumpet for God,
while you have a voice to use for him. Excuse my freedom in endea
vouring to animate you in your great work. Oh, what would I give
to have the honour to he thus employed the few days I have to live !
But we must suffer as well as do the will of God, and believe ' what
ever is, is right.' I am very well able to see my dear friends, and hope
to be refreshed by your and Mr. Hill's company on Tuesday, according
to your proposal. The Lord be with you, Sir, and all our dear Bristol
friends ! Nothing gives me more solid delight, than tbe consideration
that God's people remember such a poor fruitless creature as your
humble servant, " Joseph Shipman."
Mr. Hill and Mr. Winter, on the Tuesday referred to, rode to
Upton, but found Mr. Shipman too weak to give them much of
his company that evening. In the little conversation he held
with them, he behaved and conversed as a dying man should
do. The next morning they took hira to Bristol In a chaise,
but he was ill able to bear the journey. Mr. Winter had the
care of hira, and was his devoted companion at Chfton for five
weeks, where he was witness to the Lord's gracious dealings
with hira. Several persons of rank hearing of hira, and of his
willingness to die, were desirous to see hira. He gave them an
opportunity, and talked very faithfully to them, and with gi'eat
prudence and judgment. They frankly acknowledged the thought
of dying had a very different effect upon thera to what the im
mediate views of it had upon him; and were surprised to hear
him say that any change tbat seemed to bring him back to hfe,
threw a flatness upon him ; whereas, a prospect of speedy dis
solution afforded hira satisfaction. They shewed bim every
mark of their kindness while they continued at the Wells, which
was not long after tbey first saw bim. Sir Charles Middleton,
afterwards Lord Barham, was one of them. He came to the
Tabernacle to hear Mr. Shipraan's funeral serraon, which was
preached by Mr. Winter. It was published and dedicated to
Sir Charles, who surprised Mr. Winter with a present of ten
guineas before leaving Chfton.
Finding the change of scene was of no other advantage to
flim than to gratify him with a sight of his friends, whorp he

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 391
dearly loved, Mr. Shipman returned to Upton, where he found
some withdrawment of his consolations, and he had much con
flict with his spiritual enemies, which, together with his bodily
pains, caused him to pass through wearisome nights and dark
days indeed. Some months previous to this. Lady Huntingdon
had gone to Trevecca, but hearing of his return from Bristol,
hopeless of any good from the waters, addressed to him the
following kind consolatory letter : — « Wales, August 14, 1771.
" Dear Shipman, — Hearing you was returned from Bristol, hopeless
of any good from those waters, I have wished to foflow you with every
expression of tender concern. I am not surprised at the different dis
pensations your heart seems under by your letter. That faith which is
previous to the most sure faith, is ever luminous ; and it is reasonable
it should be so, as by this the object of our firmest confidence is dis
covered, as that Rock estabhshed for the cause of all future hope, and
it is a universal observation, that all the true illuminations of the Spirit
(those, I mean, that accompany solid conversion of soul), have these
provings, and tbat by the same Spirit, and which is evident from our
Lord's first temptation, ' He was led of the Spirit ' to be tried. I did
believe this would be the case in its measure. Unbelief is proved by
faith, and faith by unbelief ; such is the mystery of this new internal
world, when manifested in its reality to the soul ; and though it feels
painful to suffer the loss of that light and love, yet let us remember
the Author and Giver of this new existence must leave proof with us
of his own faithfulness, as well as constant freedom of love, and that
hy that obscurity more and more fresh light may arise out of it, to
testify of those riches that are hid in Christ Jesus. 0 ! dear Shipman,
keep this point in the darkest hour. He died : what such love could
do I wUl venture all with. This truth the great enemy of our souls
can never attack, as that fact the Lord himself abides by, ' though
we believe not he cannot deny himself :' the various frames an oppressed
and mortal body feels, vrith these painful sensations accompanying a
gradual decay of strength, bear down through infirmity all supports
hut those immediately given or more secretly maintained by that loving
Friend of ours, and whose point is to make us what he knows will most
effectually prepare us, and that for ever, to enjoy those various bounties
his precious blood has paid for. To take thus all we meet makes all, all
those little or light afflictions for a moment as so many means of
humbling us under his gracious and mighty hand, by feeling the truth
of that irresistible sensation of soul, viz,, all is mercy, and all must only
be pure mercy for me. Here weakness revives ; here faith triumphs ;
here love conquers ; and here pure and heavenly hope reposes as on
the beloved bosom of Jesus. To this point, therefore, dear Shipman,
may your simple honest heart he brought ; here, aud only here,'havp ws
for ever done with ourselves. 0 ! it is a great lesson : this ever only
brings us to Jesus, and this can only keep ug there. It is here we Iqsg
pur filthy garments of self-righteousnessj hpre we lose the pnde of all
attainments, spiritual or natural, and then our prison is turned into a
be^yenlj' palace, afid earth jntg a ps).ra4ise r^ady ic( ti'»ijs}(»te ps intg.

392 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
his kingdom of glory. The ever unceasing song of praise begins when
we lose sight of all things but the sufficiency of that offering for sinners,
and that all remains for us still in the same heart of love that made it.
May patience, then, have its perfect work in you, and that tUl the Lord
alone may be so exalted in your heart and mind, that he may say,
' Here is my resting place ; here will I dwell, for thus saith the Lord.'
Let us, dear Shipman, be willing he should have his way in and with
our hearts ; he has a great deal to take from us to make room for such
an inmate, and while we resist our pain is great, but yielding all up
decides the point with him, and it is desperate faith only can do this,
and it is so ordered that desperate faith ever finds sufficient mercy, and
that for a sufficiency of glory to all eternity. Rest then your poor
weary heart in safety upon his faithfulness, and the misery committed
as his care more than your own, and ere long he shall deserve that
voice of praise from you for ever, ' Worthy is the Lamb.' How shall
I be able to express that tender regard wbich can only supply all my
prayers for you ? These aro poor and dead offerings, but so far as the
blessed Intercessor makes a part in them, so only such as I bave taken
with the warmth of a friend, love of a Christian, and the maternal
tenderness of her who is ever, dear Shipman, your affectionate friend,
" S. Huntingdon."
Three months after her Ladyship's affectionate communication
was sent, the heart it was designed to cheer found relief from
all its sorrows in that land of pure exalted bliss, where
" Infinite day excludes the night.
And pleasures banish pain 1"
Although his extreme weakness of body was attended by distress
of mind, yet he stfll preserved an unshaken faith, with much
confidence in God; and although considerably abridged of his
comforts, they did at times so refresh his soul, tbat, a little before
his departure, he said to a friend, " If I had but breath to speak,
I could tell you wonders." About fourteen days before he died,
another blood-vessel broke ; it discharged moderately, till on bis
being seized with a cough, in an instant tbe blood came up
so profusely, that every one present supposed he would be
suffocated. His body was thrown into violent tremblings, and
his mind into the utmost confusion. He exclaimed, " Surely I
am like a wild bull in a net !" But a calm soon succeeded this
storm, and, seeing his friends much affected, he said, " Don't
weep. God is with me, God is with me ; I am upon a sure
foundation — / am going to heaven." He lived a few days
longer, pining and mourning for the hour of his deliverance.
On the 31st of October, having only time given him to lift up
his hands and eyes to heaven, be gained adraittance into the
state which he so much desired.
The Tabernacle at Bristol conrinuing to be remarkably well
attended, Lady Huntingdon was induced to think of opening

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 393
another chapel at fhe other end of the city. On looking round
she was directed to a buflding which had been used as an
assembly-room, and was at that time engaged for an occasional
theatre. The proprietor let it to her Ladyship on lease at 40Z.
per annum, subject to all repairs, and she employed, it is sup
posed, nearly 800/. in rendering it suitable for Divine worship.
It was opened in the month of August, 1775, by Dr. Peckwell
and| Mr. Glascott. Other ministers were present, and took part
in the services of the day, which proved a day of joy and glad
ness to many hearts. The pulpit was supplied by clergymen of
the Church of England for about ten years ; and there Messrs.
Shirley, Venn, Haweis, Piercy, Wflls, Pentycross, Rowlands,
Davies, Jones, Sheppard, and others, sounded the Gospel
trumpet to overflowing congregrations : some of the most dis
tinguished famflies in the kingdom, during their visits to Clifton
and the neighbourhood, went to worship there ; — the Spirit of
God was eminently poured forth upon preachers and upon
hearers ; the conversion of souls was frequent, and In some In
stances singularly striking ; meetings for prayer were remark
able, especially in the afternoon of the Lord's-day, when
hundreds came together vrith one heart to besiege the throne of
grace, and draw the blessings of heaven down ; pious persons
from various congregations in the city and the country around
felt it a privflege to attend, and often realized refreshing seasons
from the presence ofthe Lord.
In the year 1782 some unpleasant circumstances arose relative
to the chapel at Bristol, partly occasioned by the conduct of
the Rev. Mr. Owen, a clergyman who had been some time
engaged in preaching at different places under her Ladyship's
patronage.* Several attempts were made during the Countess's life to
• Letter from Lady Huntingdon to Mr. Evans :_
„_, „. „ " College, Marcb 16tb, 1V82.
Dear Sir,— You must ment ray most faithful regard, or I should ill appear
to myself for such repeated ways of troubling you. My sense of your kindness
as belonging to Mr. Owen being first connected with us, obliges me to request
this further instance of making out his account, against his time is up. 1 send
you his letter. His second year is up the 28tb of April, and a little circumstance
that I thought you ought to be apprised of, though by me little regarded, but
this for the sake of my old and principal friend, one of tbe most worthy men
M "f^™"^ ^^'°^^ ^"^ '"^^" '"' ""faithful conduct to any creature upou earth.
Mr. Owen having mentioned the ill usage he met with at Brighton (in that
letter I send you of his), did not a little surprise me, and though it had not the
greatest credit with me, I wrote to Mr. Scutt without hinting any thing of his
(Mr. Owen's), and was surprised that he reeeived but fifty shillings from the
people. ^ This truth I wanted to he informed of without stirring up strife on
either side, and you have an exact copy of Mr. Scutt's answer to me, and is as
follows :_' Mr. Owen, I should suppose, must mean that he had not fifty shillings
after he left tbe Connexion, for I gave him five guineas upon his leaving

394 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
obtain a new chapel, but from various causes they failed ; in
more than one instance, money to a considerable amount was
raised, but was afterwards returned to the contributors, or, with
their consent, devoted fo some other purposes. After her Lady
ship's death, tbe cause suffered material diminution ; but the
managers were not left without tokens of Divine favour, and
good was effected by the preaching of the Word. On the Rev.
William Cooper's visiting Bristol, fresh vigour was infused ; the
attendance on the raeans of grace was very great, the chapel was
found far too sraall for the persons wishing accommodation, and
he frequently preached from the window to a much larger num
ber outside than within. The Lord gave testimony to the word
of life, and many were brought, through his instrumentality, to
a saving knowledge of the truth : he proffered his services to
the committee of management in relation to a larger and raore
suitable building, but it was not accepted, and nothing was done.
The pulpit was regularly supplied by ministers in the Connexion
with acceptance, and with various degrees of success ; the labours
of some now living, and of others who have fallen asleep in
Jesus, are still reraerabered with satisfaction and gratitude.
In 1820-1 a fresh effort was raade to erect a new chapel,
when 800Z. were collected and expended in the purchase of a
piece of land and buddings, which site was afterwards deemed
ineligible ; it was therefore disposed of, the proceeds vested in
government securities, and a deed executed, placing it in the
lis, and while here was boarded, aud even the very postage of his letters
paid without expense to him.' He was in my own house, and most
kindly treated ; and the only minister that ever made a single complaint for pay
or any one thing. This I am obliged to say for the credit of my committee
friends there, and which is but due to their fidelity and generous conduct on
all occasions. J really wish poor Owen well, but his excessive pride will ruin
both his ministry and character. I know that you will take no notice as from
me, as 1 have not yielded to these reproaches, as wishing to part in peace and
love with him, and so not have him hurt iby any thing arising from the people
towards him ; and as it is ever easier to keep peace than to make it after it is
broken. By this you will be able to settle matters clearly with him till the
28th of April for this last year, with a note sent him of 25Z.  and what Bristol
gives, that the balance due may be paid by me by that time. Be so good to
let me have the names of our friends that mean to abide with us, that a letter
of attorney may be made out for their security ; and believe me, dear Sir, your
faithfully obliged friend, " S. Huntingdon.
" P.S. It does appear Mr. Owen has said, 'he left the Connexion on account
of my having pressed him to secede.' Nothing can be amore unjust or cruel
lie, as I never once named it ; and, between ourselves, had he ever offered, I
must have made an excuse, as his ministry settled among us does by no means
admit of it, as the great shortness found by us in it. Had he continued to preach
as be now does, and as wishing him well, had he not sought to leave, I, through
tenderness, would have continued him ; and to me his behaviour was proper and
peaceable, and ever ready to execute the wants and wishes of the people when
called for. I wish you to have this great untruth contradicted before he leaves,
pnd the greatest justice and most honourable conduct proved to him from jne
|)y every means. PJe,as^ to retjirn Jiis letter^," '

SELINA, COUNTESS OP HUNTINGDON. 395
hands of the trustees of the Connexion, to be employed by
them in the erection of a chapel in Bristol when opportunity
should off'er.
In 1823 the Rev. William Lucy became the resident minister,
and the lease of the chapel expiring in the autumn of the fol
lowing year, the propriety of immediately commencing a new
one was strenuously urged by many, but it was thought prudent
to take another short lease of seven years, towards the close of
which several members of the congregation, after almost in
credible difficulty, became possessed ofthe spot in Lodge-street,
on which the new chapel now stands, and proceeded to its
erection. The dimensions of the building are sixfy-two feet
ten inches by fifty-two feet nine inches, within the walls, exclu
sive of a recess sufficiently large to admit the pulpit and desks :
it is of the Gothic order, and is built with stone, faced on two
sides with freestone ; it was opened for Divine worship in
August 1831, one jnonth only before resigning the old chapel ;
on which occasion the Rev. John Brown, of Cheltenham,
preached in the morning, and the Rev. James Sherman, now of
Surrey chapel, in the evening. The expenses incurred, including
excellent school-rooms underneath one half of the chapel, and a
crypt underneath the other half, together with a commodious
vestry, was upwards of 4,50OZ. The chapel is computed to
accommodate between eleven and twelve hundred persons.
The additions to the congregation have been very encouraging
since the opening of this place of worhip : the number of com
municants has considerably increased, and there is reason to
hope that good has been effected through the preaching of the
Word.

CHAPTER XLIX.

Lady Huntingdon's Chapel at Reading— Mr. Talbot— Letter from Mr. Venn-
Mr. Hallward— Deathof Mr. Talbot— Mr. Cadogan — Mrs. Talbot — Sir
Richard Hill — Mr. Hallward and Lady Huntingdon — Letter from Lady Hunt
ingdon to Mr. Hallward — Mr. Cadogan's preaching— Lady Huntingdon's
Chapel opened — Mr. Piercy — Letterfrom Lady Huntingdon to the Managers
— Mr. Gurdon — Mr. Cadogan's Conversion — Lady Huntingdon's Letter to
Mr. Codogan— Mr. Hallward — Death of Mr. Cadogan— Chapel opened by
Mr. Rowland Hill and Mr. Eyre — Mr. Sherman.
In tracing tbe history of Lady Huntingdon's chapel at Reading,
It will be necessary to revert to some preceding circumstances
relative to the first introduction of the Gospel into that town.
About the year 1767 the Rev. William Talbot, LL.D., Vicar

396 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
of Kineton, in Warwickshire, was presented to the vacant
living of St. Gfles's, Reading, by Lord Camden, then Lord
Chancellor, it being one of tbe best livings in the gift of the
Crown. Mr. Talbot was an extraordinary man, both for piety
and generosity ; and Mrs. Talbot also was a Christian of more
than common excellence. While he resided at Kineton, he
frequently made excursions to various parts of the kingdom,
where he proclaimed f o numerous congregations the glad tidings
of the gospel. Being a ready and pathetic speaker, he was
every where heard with attention. The opposition he met with
didnot in theieast disconcert him, but he persevered in hiswork,
and had the satisfaction of seeing his labours blessed. As early
as tbe year 1757, we find him itinerating for Lady Huntingdon,
in Northamptonshire, accorapanied by Mr. Madan. " I had,
ndt long ago (says Mr. Hervey), tbe favour of a visit from your
worthy neighbour, Mr. Talbot. He came, accorapanied by Mr.
Madan ; and both were like men baptized with the Holy Ghost
and with fire — fervent in spirit, and setting their faces as a flint."*
When her Ladyship was afterwards induced to enlarge the sphere
of her labours, and erect and open chapels at Brighton, Bath,
and other places, for the preaching of the pure gospel of the
grace of God, she sought the assistance of those ministers ofthe
Established Church who bore a faithful and honourable testi
mony to the grace and atonement of the Redeemer. With
Messrs. Whitefield, Roraaine, Venn, Madan, Howel Davies,
Daniel Rowlands, and other faithful witnesses of God, Mr. Tal
bot was united in sounding the gospel trumpet in these highly
favoured places. The grand motive which induced Mr. Talbot
to leave a people where he was so generally respected and
beloved, was the hope of more extensive usefulness ; and in this
he was not disappointed. He who had blessed his ministry at
Kineton to the saving conversion of many, had still more abun
dant blessings in reserve for the inhabitants of Reading. Irarae
diately on his removal thither, his excellent friend, Mr. Venn,
addressed the foflowing letter lo him, which deserves to be
rescued from oblivion : —
" My dear Friend, — The love which sprung up in my heart towards
you, when we first met at Ludbury, has not waxed cold. No sooner,
therefore, did I hear of your providential removal to another and larger
flock, than my heart was engaged in prayer ; and I now sit down on
purpose to send you some account of the things which I ask of my God
in your behalf. In the first place, I beg of him to enable you to preach
Jesus Christ, in the glory of his person, in the fulness of his grace, and
* Letter to the Rev. John Ryland, then minister at Warwick, afterwards at
Northampton, father of the late Rev. Dr. Ryland, of Bristol.

SELINA, COriNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 397
in the length, breadth, height, and depth of his love; to preach him as
a free, present. Almighty Saviour of the sinful sons of men ; to preach
him with increasing clearness ; and to this end, I pray that you may
have more precious discoveries of your own salvation in him, that you
may speak as the apostles did, from a rich experience of the reahty of
the blessedness of believing in Jesus. Secondly, I beg of God, that
in the discharge of your office, you may exert yourself;— not to injure
your valuable health ; but, as far as your strength will hold, to go on,
imitating the great Shepherd himself, who, from his incessant labours,
was taken for fifty, when httle more than thirty — ^his very countenance
was aged. Thirdly, I pray that you may he filled with bowels of
mercies ; that not only the counsels you give, and the consolations you
administer to the faithful, but even all your denunciations of truth to
come, may breathe a tender love to the souls of men. Fourthly, I pray
that you may be bold as a lion to encounter reproach, and to bear all
revUings, yea, and be wUling to be a monitor unto many for His sake,
whom the nations abhorred. Fifthly, I pray that you may serve God
vrith all humUity and many tears, feeling the plague of your own heart,
and yourself to be the chief of sinners ; for then the Spirit of God rests
upon us, and our fellow-sinners are melted down. Sixthly, I pray that
all the discouragements you may meet vrith, all the opposition from
your own people speaking perverse things, and all the various trials you
are to meet vrith in your new station, may be more than counter
balanced, by finding the word of the Lord in your mouth, mighty to
convince and to convert ; by seeing seals added to your ministry, and
precious souls your epistle of commendation, known and read of all
men. Finally, my prayer to God for you, and for myself is, that our
death may crown our ministry ; that we may with our latest breath so
testify of Christ, that we may add fresh weight to every discourse we
have once made to our people in defence of the gospel. These peti
tions I have, and I trust I shall often", put up for my dear friend.
Having almost lost all my voice, and returning from the rank of stan
dard-bearer in the camp of Israel to that of a private soldier, I have
abundantly more time to pray for my dear companions with whom I
was once a fellow-labourer in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ ;
and though his all- wise appointment has fixed us in such distant parts
of the rineyard, that probably we shall seldom meet here, it is in this
case no small gratification to Christian love, that our meeting never to
part cannot be far off; we shall both appear among the brands plucked
ou^of the fire ; hoth be numbered amongst those who have turned sin
ners from the errors of their ways, and been witnesses for a crucified
God in a day of rebuke and blasphemy : that meeting I reckon much
upon ; I want to have it vastly more realized to my mind ; I want to
shout for joy, uttering the heathen celebrated saying with the faith of
assurance, ' 0 ! preeclaram iUam diem.' Yours, &c. " H. Venn."
AtReading, Mr. Talbot enjoyed a general esteem, and received
every mark of respect even from those who differed widely from
him in opinion. The Rev. John Hallward (since Vicar of
Assingdon, in Sufi'olk,) was his curate, having been ordained

398 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
from Oxford, and licensed upon his title. He was a man of
the same spirit as the vicar, and, like him, lived in the hearts of
a numerous people. Mr. Talbot's labours were extensively
blessed in the awakening of sinners ; and it is supposed that in
the few years that he exercised his ministry at Reading, he had
between two and three hundred seals, such as shall be his crown
of rejoicing in that day when the chief Shepherd shall appear.
But so mysterious are the ways of God, and so unfathomable
his designs, that, in the prime of life, and in the midst of useful
ness, this faithful and successful servant of Christ was removed
from this world.
Mr. Talbot had not long left Reading on a visit to his inti
mate friend. Lord Dartmouth, when tidings reached Mrs. Talbot
of his being ill of a putrid fever, which, it is supposed, was con
tracted before he left horae, by attendance on a person who lay
ill of that contagious disease. Many of his congregation had
fixed a day to implore the Almighty for a continuance of his
useful life ; but before the day came, he was called to eternal
rest. His illness was of short duration, and he left this scene
of mortality, for a life of immortal happiness, on the 2nd of
March, 1774, in the fifty-seventh year of his age, at the house
of his intimate friend, the late Mr. Wilberforce, uncle to the
late worthy member of Parliament, of the same name.
The melancholy news of Mr. Talbot's death soon reached
Reading, and deeply affected his congregation. It was vain to
entertain the hope of procuring the living for his worthy curate,
Mr. Hallward, or any other clergyman of his sentiraents. Nu
merous applications were made for the living to the then Lord
Chancellor, who unexpectedly conferred it on the Rev. William
Bromley Cadogan. He was not then ordained, and it was more
than a twelvemonth before he was capable of holding it. The
people heard of the appointment with grief, but there was no
remedv. Their only hope vvas, that the new vicar, being a
young gentleman of noble family, would feel no disposition to do
the duties himself, and tbat Mr. Hallward might be continued in
the curacy. Under the sequestration occasioned by Mr. Cado
gan's minority, Mr. Hallward was continued in . the curacy by
the churchwardens, and ordained priest during that period upon
the same title, which was readily accepted by the Bishop.*
Succeeding such a man as Mr. Talbot, who possessed so
* Not bmg after the death of Mr. Talbot, Mr. Hallward preached a discourse
on Titus iii. 8, at the annual commemoration of Mr. West's charity ; but for
particular reasons, its publication was deferred till the month of November. The
sermon was entitled " The doctrine of Faith and Good Works stated and con
sidered," and contains a very necessary, useful, and scriptural vindication of
the great doctrine of justification by faith from the charge of licentiousness and
morality, and points out the true nature and place gf good works ; nor is it the

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTlNflDON. 399
much integrity, zeal, and general knowledge of Christianity, it
might naturally be expected that Mr. Cadogan would feel him
self pecuharly happy in retaining a curate who was at once so
beloved by the people, so useful in his ministry, and of so un
blemished a reputation. With a view of continuing Mr. Hall
ward in the curacy, a petition was drawn up by the most serious
inhabitants of the place, and, being signed by a number of the
parishioners, was presented to Mr. Cadogan in the year 1775,
when he first came to the living. He threw the fjetitlon into the
fire, and declared he would not comply with it, had it been
signed by every individual in the parish : and that Mr. Hallward
should never preach in his pulpit again upon any consideration.
During the interval which occurred from the death of Mr.
Talbot and the induction of Mr. Cadogan to the living of St.
Gfles's, Laidy Huntingdon paid a visit to her afflicted friend,
Mrs. Talbot, at Reading. At that time various conversations
took place between those excellent woraen and Mr. Hallward, as
to the best means of providing for the spiritual wants of the
congregation, in the event of Mr. Hallward's being dismissed
from his curacy. When the petition of the parishioners was re
jected by the new vicar, Mr. Hallward made immediate appli
cation to Lady Huntingdon for assistance. We subjoin the
reply of the venerable Countess, which is dated Bath, April 27,
1775:— " Dear Sir, — I was much obhged hy your kind letter, and you may
depend on my yielding every service in my power to the Lord's people
at Reading, who are so near your heart. Our conversation, you may
remember, led (without design) to thqse means that did appear imme
diately calculated for the most extensive usefulness in the various ser
vices of the Gospel, and in consequence brought out verbally Avhat my
practice for so many years had proved so positively. I am persuaded
that the wisdom from above is as free from partiality as it is from hypo
crisy ; and for this reason, our fears relative to either ought to he as
much indulged as in any other apparent contradiction to the word of
God, in the most solid experiences of an humble mind. The present
Reformation has been owned by the Lord under the general idea of
irregidm-ity ; but I humbly think his orders are more regularly oh ¦
least part of its excellency that it was prefaced with a very respectful testimony
to the memory and character of the excellent Mr. Talbot. In about a month
after it was published, both the sermon and its author were very severely and
illiberally attacked by an anonymous writer in the " Reading Mercury." The
writer proved to be the Rev. Mr. Wainhouse, formerly Curate of St. Giles's,
in which church the sermon was delivered, who was very soon attacked by the
late Richard Hill, Esq., afterwards Sir Richard Hill, Bart., in a well- written pam
phlet, entitled " Pietas Readingensis ; or, a Vindication of the Rev. John Hall-
Ward's Sermon, in a series of Letters to the Rev. William Wainhouse, in answer
to his publication in the ' Reading Mercuiry.' " Those who are acquainted with
Sir Richard Hill's style may imagine what a pitiable figure the quondam Curate
of St, Giles's makes in the hands of such a masterly writer.

400 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
served hy this conduct than by any other means. You must aUow
me, dear Sir, the freedom this great subject obliges me to. The
express word of God orders and directs his servants, as messengers of
peace to the whole world ; and they are either under the necessity of
obeying, or they are not. If he has not the authority of even an
earthly master to engage the obedience, place, and time of his servants,
his precepts must be vain, and, of course, every degree of their obedi
ence vain also ; but we, as wretched bond-slaves, redeemed, by a love
stronger than death, to liberty and life, seem to have no conditions to
make in the service of such a friend; and any composition for body,
soul, or spirit, must imply an insensibflity of the purchased blessing, or
the debt from us for ever due to such a heavenly purchaser. This, to
eaoh individual, seems the state of our case. What shall we say, then,
when still further favoured, as ministers, not only to know this for their
own everlasting comfort, but are also honoured by a commission to de
clare such glad tidings of rich, free, covenanted mercy to every creature?
Should thousands attempt to restrain such by any supposed power,
found inferior to that wliich they have received, in order to make them
hold their peace, we venture to circumscribe their commission. Alas !
where is their appeal to be made ? Never, but with perpetual shame
to Him who gave the authority. Allow me to say, churches of all
sorts, more or less, move as the Jerusalem of old. ' 0, Jerusalem,
Jerusalem 1 thou that killest the prophets that are sent unto us,' &c.
The fire of zeal kindled upon the altar is artfully smothered by the
base and interested reasonings of flesh and blood ; and I do desire to
make my appeal to any honest heart, touched by the love and power of
our Saviour's grace, if the best moments of their soul were not when aU
was lost to them, but that unreserved sacrifice they were then able to
make of themselves to him for ever ? The losing the a,nimating sen
sation this produces does not make it less excellent in practice ; 0 no I
nor less satisfactory to a heart where that pure and heavenly impres
sion is felt, though ever so faint in its traces, and which yet, from weak
though certain dispositions, retains the inestimable privUege of its great
object of desire. You must allow me every sincerity for the contempt
I feel for any or every reserve in my own wretched heart, and which
begets the just impatience I own against myself, as well as the little
ness and meanness of all that can be done by me for such a faithful,
suffering, aud eternal friend. It is from so beheving I thus speak. He
claims me to the ends of the earth, and every breath to suffer for him;
and there is, I do know (from experience), more cowardice than hum
ble fear or real conscience in every retreat we make. Simple, child
like obedience, while the heart is led by the Spirit of God, and con
sistently disposed and united with the precepts, never can, or ever did,
essentially err, as the tenderest protection is ever in the Lord's hands
for such, whUe cold and lukewarm sphits, jind the enthusiasm of false
fire kindled by nature's pride, have alike been the reproach of Christ's
Church in the world. My point is, I fairly own, for myself a univer
sal devotedness through aU, and such as would make me, by disposition,
and not by plausible appearances, the honest and simple disciple of
Jesus Christ; neither formality nor legal bondages having any part of
my care, but the pure truth, according to the Bible, verified and under-

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 401
Stood, by being actually possessed and experienced, nnd as by this only
God is most glorified. When this becomes the real state of the heart,
whether in the Church or out of it, is no material matter ; and may
your heart and mind, my dear Sir, be ever thus the ready servant of
Jesus Christ, and then" afl men's sentiments (as such) wifl be as the
tow that held Sampson. The superior strength wUl soon hurst such
cords asunder.
" Did I not believe that you mean aU I say, I would not have taken
this liberty, therefore cannot beg pardon for exposing thus much, what
is so far above the httle disputes that ceremonies of any kind claim from
us. A true conversion of the soul to God, by the power of the Holy
Ghost, is in no want how to pay the tithe of mint, annise, and cummin,
when the weightier matters are the point for afl their views. Without
tbis, I would for ever be sUent on religion ; in my esteem, it brings all
things to a sensible moral mind, or worse than nothing in any other.
In this light you must but judge the importance I see for every possi
ble sacrifice being joyfuUy made by Christians once ftdly convinced of
what they are about. Rational influence or divine we must be under ;
the former makes but a Pagan, the latter only a Christian.
" I here must end, wilh shame for this long letter. It was begun
soon after I had the great pleasure of receiving yours ; but repeated
returns of my illness must make the excuse of any delays that may
make me suspected of want of incUnation or true respect to you, wdiich
I would hope from the disposition of my heart wUl never be wanting
to you. May the Lord Jesus Christ for ever bless you, direct and
comfort you in aU the future narrow road real grace does ever lead in ;
and when remembering before the Lord a sinful world, and a back
sliding church, forget not her who can only claim rank in the wretched
condition of both these, but who must ever remain, dear Sir, your obliged
and ever faithful friend, " S. Huntingdon.
"Clifton HUl, May 18th, 1775.
" P.S. — I began this letter at Bath, but have been at this place
about a fornight, for the recovery of my health, and am gaining ground
of my complaint through the blessing of God, the air, and the judicious
care of Dr. Ludlow, of Bristol. I must entreat my kind and Christian
respects to dear Mr. and Mrs. StiUingfleet, to which Lady Anne
Erskine (now with me) desires hers may be united. I have this
moment heard you are with Mrs. Talbot, to whom I beg my
Christian love."
On Mr. Cadogan's taking possession of his living, in the be
ginning of the year 1775, the congregation repeatedlyheard him
with candour, hut were grieved at not finding those sacred truths
which they valued more than life itself. Mr. Talbot's congre
gation soon dispersed. It would be the foolishness of folly to
suppose that those who have ever experimentally been taught
the truth as it is in Jesus, and tasted indeed that the Lord is
gracious, would be confined to the walls of a parish church, when
Ichabod is written upon them ; and neither the same gospel
VOL. II. — D D

402 TiiE LltE AND TIMES OP
preached, nor the same exemplary conduct or zeal and labour
pursued by the successor. Many naturally repaired to those
places where the gospel was preached in their vicinity, where
they could hear to edification ; others, not satisfied with the new
doctrines preached by the vicar, nor tbe form and discipline of
the dissenting rneetings, applied to the Countess of Hunting
don, and, having taken a place which would contain several
hundred people, opened it as a chapel according to the forms of
the Established Church, where they might worship God in their
customary way, and sit again under the refreshing sound of
Jesus Christ and his salvation.
Had Mr. Cadogan been indifferent to all religion, he might
have been less violent in his manner of dismissing Mr. Hallward;
but he was a Pharisee; his zeal was great, but not according to
knowledge. He thought he did God service by manifesting
displeasure at those who sought salvation by faith in Christ, and
not by the works of the law ; hence arose his enmity to Lady
Huntingdon and the ministers who laboured for her at Reading.
But good Mrs. Talbot incurred bis deepest resentment. She
considered It her duty not to remove frora the spot where her
husband's labours had been so signally blessed, and to corafort
and strengthen the numerous young converts who daily flocked
to her for instruction. Like a true mother in Israel, her house
was opened for religious exercise; Lady Huntingdon's chaplains,
Mr. Romaine, Mr. Shirley, and Mr. Glascott, united with Mr.
Newton, Mr. Venn, Mr. Hill, and other ministers who visited
her, in expounding the Scriptures to the people ; and prayer
was continually offered up under her roof for the convefsion of
Mr. Cadogan.
Highly ofFeUded at such conduct, be vehemently remon
strated. Various letters passed : but to all his bitter reproaches
she returned answers so full of meekness and wisdom, that at
length he fell at the feet of accumulated kindness, humbled
and subdued, and to the last moments of his life confessed to
the praise and glory of God, that Mrs. Talbot's letters and ex
ample were the principal means of leading him to the saving
knowledge of Christ.
Light and powet are distinct things. So difficult was it for
an aspiring man, like Mr. Cadogan, whose father was Master
of the Mint, in high favour at Court, and connected with the
leading men In power, to renounce all hopes of preferment and
take up his cross and follow the Lord Jesus Christ, that he was
not able to come out boldly and preach the gospel for more
than two years after he knew it. This is the more remarkable,
because, while he retained his pharisaic notions, Jiis courage

SELINA, COfJNTESS OF ktNTINGDON. 40.'^
was undaunted, and he actually endured persecution for the
iiiethods he took to enforce the observance of moral duties.
For some years after the opening of Lady Huntingdon's cha
pel at Reading, it was supphed by the most popular ministers
in the Connexion. Dr. Haweis, Mr. WiUs, Mr. Glascott, Dr.
Peckwell, Mr. Piercy, Mr. Coughlan, Mr. Maxfield, Mr. Tay
lor, and other clergymen, laboured there with distinguished suc
cess. Several of the students also, some of whom were after
wards in orders in the Estabhshed Church, such as Morrer,
Jones, Winkworth, NeweU, French, ahd others, supplied Read
ing in rotation, \«ith Mr. Enghsh (of Woburn), Mr. Parsons (of
Leeds), Mr. Meller, and others of like zeal and abflities.
In the summer of 1781, Reading was visited by Mr. Piercy,
who had been sent out under the patronage of Lady Hunting
don, with three other clergymen, Messrs. Wills, Glascott, and
Taylor, to preach through the towns and villages in different
parts of the kingdora : an interesting account of which was pub
lished in a series of letters addressed to Lady Huntingdon, with
a preface by Mr. Pentycross, rector of St. Mary's, Wallingford.
On the 4th of August Mr. Piercy arrived at Reading, and the
next day being the Sabbath, he preached in her Ladyship's cha
pel frora Luke xii. 32 — " Fear not, little flock ; for it is your
Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
Here Mr. Piercy had many opportunities of witnessing the
most satisfactory evidences of the sincere devotion of that con
gregation to the Saviour whom they loved.
" Though small (says he), it is the most lively, simple, and aflTec
tionate congregation I have long seen — my very soul was charmed and
delighted with the sight of so many melted hearts and weeping eyes.
Surely, the Lord has much, very much work, from these appearances,
to do in this place !"
After the morning service the congregation met again at half-
past two for exhortation and for receiving the sacrament. In
the evening, at six, Mr. Piercy preached again to a very crowded
auditory, when he addressed himself more particularly to the
unconverted. Deep solemnity and attention appeared on every
countenance, and there is reason to hope that the seed so'Wn in
the name of the Lord was productive of much fruit, which has
a:lready, and will fhe riiore in eternity be to his praise and glory.
Towards the close of the year 1781, these pleasing prospects
were for a season clouded. Some discontent arose in the con
gregation relative to a choice of a minister, and a wish was ex
pressed, on the part of some bf the members, to be organized
on the plan df a Dissentirig church. These matters were at
first hinted to Lady Huntingdon, and at length announced in a
D d2

404 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
communication from Mr. Cockle and Mr. Warrey, two of the
managers of the chapel. In her Ladyship's reply, she says : —
" The evident discontents that appear from every student sent to
Reading, while those elsewhere are so kindly and gladly received,
must make mc suppose you have views of other ministers, or to have
your congregation reduced to a mere Dissenting church ; and this I
have heard one of you have said more than once. Should this be your
real meaning, your establishment for such a minister you certainly may
have for sixty or seventy pounds a year ; but indeed your advantages
for the succeeding clergymen I have laboured to maintain for your ser
vice, are more than any other congregation (except the great chapels)
ever have : your dissatisfactions ought to be fully explained, since it is our
duty to supply as faithfully and advantageously to a// impartially as we
can ; however you feel others are humble and thankful for what I am
able to do for them. Your congregation ought to be informed of your
objections, and if it be the wish of the people that we should withdraw
(after our most disinterested services amongst you), I can have no ob
jection. " Tbe land is before us ; and many call who would gladly eat
of the crumbs (and would abundantly praise God) that fall from your
table. You want nothing but summer season ; but true life wUl never
be kept up to prepare for spring and harvest, except by the roots taking
strength downward in a winter season, and the most fruit wUl be found
thus only upwards. I shall order my student, Meller, to leave for my
chapel at Worcester, and appoint another for you, unless you choose
elsewhere. We have no desire of any continuance hut where the Lord
does appear to prosper us ; and should the souls of Reading find better
care or more faithful services (as I have nothing in view for any but
their spiritual blessedness), so we will turn to our other calls, wishing
you every success and prosperity by whomsoever the true and living
word is disinterestedly preached unto you. Parsons is now exceed
ingly blessed at Weymouth, and in Wiltshire was much owned of
God. I know of none sent to you that have not been made eminently
useful ; so that I must believe all objections arise from resolutions of
settling down into a dry, formal body, and these we cannot attend to,
as spending our strength for nought; and tbe majority of our best
ministers will not see needful for them to labour thus, while thousands
are crying aloud for the gospel. We are able fully to answer by suffi
cient supplies, and you engross oue student for one congregation, and
nothing but repe.ated discontents follow to all that are sent. This is a
bad sign for Reading ; but the Lord must give us the just satisfaction
to find that souls have been gathered, and I trust will acknowledge in
the great day our faithful and disinterested services have not been iu
vain in the Lord. I am, Mr. Cockle and Mr. Warrey, ever your sin
cere friend, " S. Huntingdon."
« CoUege, Nov. 30, 1781."
The Eiev. Phflip Gurdon was at this period curate of Cook-
ham, in Berkshire, and his evangelical ministry was eminently
useful in that neighbourhood. Ojie day preaching near Reading,
he was attended, amongst others, by Mr. Baylis, a worthy and

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 405
pious man, who had been clerk to Mr. Talbot, and was still in
the same office under Mr. Cadogan. The next day he was
accosted by Mr. Cadogan, the new vicar, before he had come
to the knowledge of the truth : —
" Mr. Bayhs, if you expect to remain clerk in my church, you must
cease to make one of a mob who run after preachers of a certain
description, like Mr. Gurdon." — " Indeed, Sir (rephed Mr. Bayhs), I
know not of any mob ; a few of us, who had received benefit from
Mr. Gurdon's ministry in your church, during Mr.Talbot's life, were glad
to hear him preach when he came so near us, and had no apprehension
of giving you offence." — " Mr. B.iylis, I utterly disapprove of this step ;
if I myself were to throw about my arms, and make a great noise, I
could be popular too."
Thus men wfll talk, till they are further instructed ; and
absurdly resolve all the faithful and fervent efforts of a sound,
solid, and evangelical minister, like Mr. Gurdon, into noise,
gesticulation, or something worse. Prejudice having jaundiced
their rainds, they are ready to believe every thing but the truth;
like an old papist we have somewhere read of, who standing
among the hearers of the celebrated Protestant Reformer Junius,
crept towards him with an anxious countenance, and drew aside
his gown. " What is the matter, friend f said Junius. " No
thing, nothing," replied he ; "I am now satisfied ; but I keard
tkat you had a cloven foot." Mr. Cadogan was glad, however,
afterwards, to have Mr. Gurdon's valuable services in the pulpit
of St. Gfles's ; and better knew how to estimate, as well as to
describe, the expression of his zeal.*
Mr. Cadogan now boldly commenced his useful and honour
able course, under many favourable circumstances of experience
and knowledge. For, having previously written about tkree
kundred sermons, with the help of no other book than his Bible
before him, and his Concordance by his side, he soon became a
good textuary and an accurate speaker. But, from this period,
he made no use whatever of these discourses : he deemed a
written sermon brought into the pulpit, unprofitable lumber at
best, or proof of tiraldity or weakness, if not a mean artifice
to avoid the reproach of Christ by a compliance with a shame-
• Mr. Gurdon's ministry at Cookham church was blessed to the conversion
of many; and to one in particular, the late Mrs, Poulton, who afterwards joined
herself in communion with the society at Lady Huntingdon's chapel, at Reading,
which was then in the Butts ; and both she and her hnsband, also a member,
walked as became the gospel of Christ. They afterwards resided at Maiden.
head, and were consistent members of the congregation belonging to Lady
Huntingdon's chapel there to their dying days. Mrs. Poulton was " an old
disciple," for she had the privilege and happiness of walking with God in
this world during the long period of sixty years. She died January 18th, 1826,
mthe77thyear ofherage.

406 -THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
ful innovation, introduced by certain popular ministers who
preached against the Government in the time of the civil wars,
tolerated by the people for political reasons, and which, thoiigb
prohibited by the University statute, at the request of Charles II.,
gradually increased till it becarae a general custora.
Following the example of St. Paul, he soon joined himself to
the pepple of God, and sought an intimacy with those ministers
of the Gospel who were most distinguished for their fidelity.
He disdained the crooked carnal policy of standing aloof from
all serious characters, especially if they are poor, as though to
be classed with the humble followers of the Lamb would be a
disgrace. Nor did he dare attempt to keep back or soften the
offensive parts of the word of God, under the specious pretence
of kqeping off prejudice, by introducing light gradually among
his hearers. Had he, indeed, acted upon this plan, so repug
nant to the practice of the apostles, and so disgraceful to the
ministerial character, he might have kept on good .terms with
some of the wealthy and pharisaic of his flock ; he might have
preserved the friendship and interest of his noble relations and
connexions ; he might have become prebendary and dean ;
and, about the time of his departure to another world, he might
have been placed on the list for a vacant see ; but then, it is
probably his preaching would never have been so much blessed
as it was in turning many to righteousness, and in feeding, as a
true shepherd, the Church of God incarnate, which he hath
purchased with His own blood ; nor would he have lived so be
loved by listening thousands, or died so justly lamented by all
descriptions of people.
The advancement of the kingdom, and the manifestation of
the glory of her Lord and Redeemer, on the theatre of this world
in which he was crucified, was ever dear to the benevolent heart
of the Countess ; and the many proofs of his approbation which
the great Head of the Church condescended to favour the mi
nistry of Mr. Cadogan, excited in her the spirit both of supplica
tion and of thanksgiving to that Gracious Being who had called
him out of nature's darkness into the marvellous light of the
Gospel, and made him ?'wise to win souls." Her excellent
friend, Mrs. Talbot, had coramunicated the circumstances con
nected with the change in his sentiments, and the amazing
success attending his ministrations. Having spoken of the
Cquntess and her noble exertions to evangelize the human race,
Mr. Cadogan enlogised her laudable efforts — was fired by her
example, and expressed aP anxious wish to be made acquainted
with one with whom he hoped to pass a joyful eternity in the
kingdom of his Father and his God. Mr. Cadogan's letter to

SELINAj COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 407
Lady Huntingdon was enclosed in one from Mrs. Talbot, and
written about the beginning of the year 1780. Her Ladyship's
reply is dated May 15, 1780 :—
« My dear Sir,— I feel much indebted to my exceUent friend Mrs.
Talbot for the honour of a letter from you, which should have met my
earliest and best acknowledgments, had not business of a jpeculiar
nature, and many pressing engagements, prevented me from using niy
pen. WeU, my dear Sir," to God let us render all the glory ! and I hft
my heart in prayer to him on your behalf, that he may make you a
burmng and shining light ! Having experienced the IUe and power of
godliness in your own soul, be careful to approve yourself as the minis
ter of God, as the ambassador of the Lord of life. You ask my advice
as to the general tone of your pulpit addresses. Alas ! Sir, who is
suflScient for these things ? At the foot of the gavipui's cross let us
seek those rays of light which wiU infallibly guide us into afl truth.
There may you and I be ever found, in deepest humility and prostra
tion of soul before God,*renouncing afl dependence on an arm of flesh,
and seeking thp Uluminating influences of his Spirit, In contemplating
the glories of Redemption — that wonderful scheme which was planned
in the councUs of heaven, what finite mind is not lost and absorbed !
What a proof of the powef of ,pirine grace does our own experience
furnish ! Each of us may say with Paul, ' For this cause I ohtained
mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth aU long-suffering,
for a pattern to them which should here.after beli.eve in him to hfe
everlasting.' You say you have counted the cost, and expect hatred
and opposition. Hatred to Christ and his ^spel is natural to
apostate man that many will treat your messfige wdth disdain. But be
not discouraged in the faithful discharge of your high and honourable
calling, and exclaun wdth sorrow, ' Who hath beheved our report, and
to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed f I refer you to that
focus of the promises of our dirine Immanuel, ' I wUl never leave thee
nor forsake thee.' Earth and hell have united to frustrate the designs
of God, but their united force has been as dust before the vrind, when
the omnipotence gf Jehovah is exerted to carry into effect the councils
and decrees of etemity.
" Viewing the awful state of milhons, without God and without hope
in this world, cry aloud, and spare not. My dear Sir, has the gospel
come to us in power, in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance ?
Have we not prayed a thousand times: — Tky kingdom eome? 0, then, let
us remember the state of tbe multitudes immersed in sensuahty, wretch
edness, and accumulated rice, and erect the standard of evangelieal
truth among them — disperse the seed of heaven in every direction,
and the dews of heaven vrill descend upon it ; labour to win souls to
Chiist, and ' become all things to all men, if hy any means you may
save some.' Let Christ be preached — only pfeached^the glorious
gospel of (Jod our Sayipiir must be the sum and substance of all your
preaching. The sinners' only hope— the sinners' only friend — his
blood and righteousness their only plea — this must he a prominent
fpature in afl your addresses to yo.\ir feflow-i!Ben,andthe success whjch

408 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
has ever attended the preaching of these soul-saving truths, erinces it
the only instrument for the conversion of sinners.
" Your embassy is an embassy of love. Before Peter was sent forth,
his affection and sincerity were decided in the presence of witnesses.
Put the inquiry to your own heart — Lovest ihou me ? and may God
the Holy Ghost enable you to respond with scrupulous sincerity ; for
in this question is involved the grand security of your ultimate success
here, and your final happiness in a world to come. Touched with the
feehngs of human misery, and tenderly solicitous for the fallen, guilty
condition of man, you must display his surpassing love, and proclaim
aloud the divine efficacy of that Blood which he sweat in Gethsemane,
and shed on Calvary, for sinners, that it may, by the power of his
Spirit, be sprinkled upon every heart, as the only antidote to cleanse
and purify from sin and iniquity, and render every recipient zealous of
good works. You know not the trials tbat are before you. Stand
prepared for every event; and with Christian courage persevere through
the waters and through the fires of persecution. Be wise as serpents.
With a firm step resist every aUurement to draw you aside. They of
your own household — your brethren after the flesh, will exert all their
influence to shake your confidence in the word and promises of God.
No weapon formed against you shall prosper ; continue, therefore,
' grounded and settled in the faith, and be not moved away from the
hope of the gospel.' It is satisfactory to know ' that your labours will
not be in vain in the Lord.' Your ' doctrine shall drop as the rain —
your speech shall distill as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender
herb, and as the showers upon the grass.' The word of the Lord ' shall
have free course and be glorified : it shall not return unto him void.'
" And now, my dear Sir, I have to ask your forgiveness for this te
dious letter. But my days are few and numbered — and I may never
see your face tUl we meet at the right hand of the throne of God.
My prayers will ever attend you, that you may be stedfast, unmove-
able, and always abounding in the work of that dirine and gracious
Master wbo hath called you to labour in his vineyard. I now surren
der you into the everlasting arms of Him who is ' able to keep you
from falling, and to present you faultless before the throne of his glory
with exceeding joy.' The Lord bless you, and keep you. The Lord
make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you. The
Lord lift the light of his countenance upon you, and give you peace
here, and never-ending happiness in his kingdom of glory hereafter.
But how feeble the benediction of a worm redeemed from earth and
hell ! Hear the voice of your great High Priest— our exalted Prince
and Saviour — ' All power is given to me in heaven and on earth —
and, lo, I am with you always !'
" Present my cordial love and affection to dear Mrs. Talbot. Entreat
her to pray for me, tbat my faith fail not. In the midst of weakness
and discouragement, may my soul be stayed in God's faithful word ;
and patiently serve the Lord, tUl he shall see fit to remove my vUe and
sinful being to serve him as he would amidst the ' spirits of the just
made perfect.' But all my crosses and losses 1 account as nothing, so
that I may be the poor yet honoured instrument of communicating the

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON.

409

unsearchable riches of Christ to perishing sinners. Aud ' unto me, wfio
am less than the least of all saint's' has this Grace — this singular hon
our, been conferred for more thsm forty years. What condescending
mercy to dust and ashes ! — Lord, what am I, tbat I should be made
instrumental of good to others ? ' Not unto me ! not unto me !'— to
thy infinite grace and mercy he all the glory !
" In the world, and yet not of it, must be your motto, my dear and
reverend Sir; that Jesus may continuaUy lift up the light of his coun
tenance upon you, aud give you aU peace and joy in believing, is the
earnest prayer of your ever affectionate friend, and servant for Christ's
sake, " " S. Huntingdon."
The first minister Mr. Cadogan applied to was Mr. Hallward-
With Christian humility he acknowledged the injuriousness of
his past conduct, pressed him to return to his former situation,
and assured him his heart, his house, and his pulpit were open
for his reception, and sbould never again be shut against him.
Mr. Hallward, at the tirae, was promoted by his friend the Rev.
Phflip Gurdon, to the vicarage of Assingdon, in Suffolk, and
therefore could not accept the curacy ; but, dissolved in thank
fulness to God for the wonderful change his grace had produced
in one so qualified, by talents and situation, for eminent useful
ness, he determined to go and converse with him, and strengthen
his resolutions ; and to rejoice with the people at the dispersion
of the cloud which had so long brooded over them, and the
bright prospect now opened for their future comfort and instruc
tion. Welcomed in the most expressive and affectionate man
ner by Mr. Cadogan himself, and those of the congregation who
once deplored his loss as the greatest calamity, he continued
araong them six months ; and then, being obliged to return to
his own flock, he left them with feelings the very reverse of
those he had formerly experienced.*
About the same period that Mr. Cadogan wrote to Lady
Huntingdon, his intimacy coramenced with Mr. Romaine, who
ever after paid him an annual visit, and encouraged him by
frequent correspondence. Their mutual affection was great ;
• The Rev. John Hallward was of Worcester College, Oxford, and contem
porary with the late Rev. Henry Foster, Eev. Mr. Pew, Rev. Mr. Gurdon, Rev.
Mr. Clark, and the six students who were expelled in 1768. Mr. Hallward
died a few years since, and Mrs. Hallward survived him till .lanuary 1838.
Two of their sons occupy distinguished situations as useful parochial ministers
— the eldest. Rev. John Hallward, also vicar of Assingdon, married Emily Jane,
eldest daugter of Charles Powell Leslie, Esq., of Glasslougb, M.P. for the
county of Monaghan, by his second wife, Miss Trench: and the Rev. William
Hallward, Rector of Minden, in Suffolk, married Harriet, second daughter of
Mr. Leslie. The Miss Leslies are half sisters to Dr. John Leslie, Bishop of
Elphin. Miss Anne Leslie, third daughter of Charles Powell Leslie, M. P. for
the county of Monaghan, (brothefr to Mrs. John and Mrs. William Hallward),
married to John Gordon, Esq., of Assingdon Hall, Suffolk.

410 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
their religious sentiments were similar ; they were both Hutch-
insonians and Hebreans, and their pulpits were always accessible
to each other. Mr. Newton, Mr. Hill, and many other popular
clergymen, whom he had invited to his house, preached for him
occasionally; and, indeed, he took tpo decided a part to be
ashamed of his new connexions.
His famfly soon perceived that all hopes of his advancement
to the prelacy would be plucked up by the root, unless they
could dissuade or pervert him from his new line of conduct.
Arguments were ineffectual : allurements were adopted. He
was alraost entangled in the snares they laid, when urged by
the anguish of his mind, he suddenly escaped by a marriage,
which for a long time produced an entire separation. The
breach, however, was afterwards raade up, and an intercourse
re-established. In the meanwhile, his religious experience had
acquired such stability, that had they renewed their attempt, he
would probably have been proof against their devices. Surely
the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation,
and to shield their head in the day of battle, in a manner, that
on reflection, wfll excite perpetual admiration and praise.
Consistency of conduct, at least, compelled esteem. They
who were offended at his religion, could not but admire its
effects in the uniform tenor of his life ; and were even con
strained to say that he was a good man. His church, who
knew him better than the world did, believed there was not upon
earth such another. The esteem ofthe congregation approached
to veneration. From every part of the town and the ^'adjacent
villages, such multitudes flocked to hear him, that it soon be
came necessary to erect spacious galleries, and even then the
church was scarcely roomy enough for the accommodation of
the hearers. Never did any one enter more heartily into the
work of God, nor persevere in it with greater delight. Preaching
was his element ; and all his time was spent in doing good.
His discourses were truly evangelical. Their whole tendency
was to exalt Christ, and to lead saints and sinners to him for
righteousness, pardon, and peace, and all the blessings of ever
lasting salvation. The manner of his delivery was forcible and
manly ; and though his voice was rough, and disagreeable to
strangers, yet his earnestness and wisdom always commanded
attention. His style was pure, but remarkably plain ; so that
the most illiterate could understand the meaning of almost every
word he uttered. He aimed at usefulness, not applause ; he
laboured at the siniplicity of the Gospel, and endeavoured to
reduce the sublime and important truths of the Bible to the
level of the meanest capacity. And such an honour did God

SELINAj COUNTESS OP HUNTINGDON. 411
put upon his ministry, that few persons in the present day, for
the space of time he preached, have been more blessed to the
conversion of young and old, rich and poor, of whom some went
before him to glory.
But whflst he was thus living and labouring, approved of God,
and highly esteemed by all the people, a messenger was sud
denly sent from heaven, saying, " Come up hither." For, on a
Thursday, as soon as he came out of the pulpit, he was seized
with inflammation, and continued in great pain till the Wednes
day fpllowing. During that solemn interval, the hopes and fears
of his church alternately prevailed; but he lay resigned and
happy, looking upward to the prize. He blessed his wife, his
faithful domestic, and his friends ; he expressed his hope and
confidence in Him in whom he believed; and on the 18th of
January, 1797, every earthly tie being dissolved, in the forty-
sixth year of his age, he entered into the joy of his Lord.
Nothing particular in the history of Lady Hunringdon's
chapel at Reading occurred till the death of Mr. Cadogan,
when another division took place in the congregation of St.
Gfles's. Apphcation was made, as soon as possible after his
decease, by a person of high respectability, to secure the
living for a successor of the same principles, but it arrived too
late; for a gentleman of no less eminence, who resided near
Reading, had already applied, and succeeded, for a clergyman,
whose modesty can never be too much admired nor too much
regretted. Mr. AHcock (for that was his name) deliberated,
and then declined the presentation, assigning, as his motive, his
inability to fill with advantage a pulpit constantly occupied for
many years by so great a man as Mr. Cadogan. Unmoved by
entreaties to consult the general wishes of the people, the same
gentieman secured the gift for the Rev. Joseph Eyre, who,
unhappfly, introduced another Gospel from that which his
lamented predecessor preached so faithfully and so successfully,
which yet was not another Gospel, but a miserable farago of
Pelagian and Socinian errors, undisguised by ingenuity and
unepibefllshed by elocution. It was not long before this gen
tieman displayed his zeal against Methodism and enthusiasm,
'^ he considered to preyafl and abound amongst the followers
of Mr. Cadogan. At fhe visitation of the Bishop of Salisbury,
held at Reading, in July, 1798, Mr. Eyre preached a sermon,
which was afterwards published, and entitied ?'A Dispassionate
Inquiry into the Probable Causes and Consequences of Enthu
siasm." This called forth several defences of Mr. Cadogan and
his doctrines, by syme of his admirers. " An Apology for the
Church of Christ apd the Church of England," by Thomas

412 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
Wfllatts, Esq., is written in a truly Christian spirit, and with the
laudable intention of vindicating the character of an eminent
minister of the Gospel, deceased.
A considerable part of Mr. Cadogan's congregation were coi>
strained, by the errors and imprudence of his successor, so far
to separate from the Established Church, in order to retain her
principles, as to erect a chapel of their own, retaining the prayers
and other parts of the Church formularies. On the 14th of
January, one year after the decease of Mr. Cadogan, a chapel,
situated in the parish of St. Mary, was opened for the temporary
accoramodation of his hearers, until such time as a new one
could be erected. The Rev. Rowland HIU preached morning
and evening, and the Rev. John Eyre, who had been educated
in Lady Huntingdon's College, and had been one of Mr. Cado
gan's curates, in the afternoon. The place being incapable of
seating more than four or five hundred persons, was much
crowded, and the congregation remarkably attentive.
The new chapel, erected by the voluntary contributions of
Mr. Cadogan's congregation, was opened, on the plan of the
Countess of Huntingdon's chapels, Deceraber 16tb, 1798. Mr.
Eyre preached in the raorning, Mr. Green In the afternoon, and
Mr. Hfll in the evening. Notwithstanding the place was calcu
lated to seat conveniently a thousand persons, with considerable
space in the aisles and under the galleries. It was crowded with
serious and attentive hearers, who appeared to receive the word
of God with ranch affection. The sight was truly encouraging,
and brought to recollection the words of our Lord, " The fields
are white already unto the harvest."
The Rev. William Green was the first minister settled among
them. He had his education at Lady Huntingdon's College, at
Trevecca; and was ordained in London, July 1783, at tbe first
ordination on the plan of secession. He laboured successfully
at Norwich, Bath, and other places in the connexion. Mr.
Green continued but a short time with thera, and for several
years the chapel was supplied by various ministers, principally
belonging to Lady Huntingdon. The Rev. Henry Gauntlett,
Curate of Botley, near Southampton, then became the pastor;
after a few years he removed to Oxfordshire, and ultimately
becarae Vicar of Olney, where, a short tirae since, he died. In
1808 a separation took place at Castle-street chapel, and the
old Presbyterian meeting in Minster-street was bought, refitted,
and caUed Salem Chapel, for the use of the Separatists. The
first pastor was the Rev. Thomas Wood, who afterwards re
moved to Jewin-street, London ; he was succeeded by the Rev.
Thomas Parrott, who afterwards went to Plymouth, since which

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 413
time they have been variously supplied. Castle-street, also,
continued the itinerary plan until 1823, when the Rev. James
Sherman, from Cheshunt College, accepted the pastoral office
among thera.
On the 16th of November 1823, the 25th anniversary of the
laying the foundation-stone of Castie-street chapel was com
memorated, and three serraons were preached on the occasion ;
those in the morning and evening by the Rev. Rowland Hill,
and that in the afternoon, by the Rev. James Sherman. The
contributions and collections for tbe repairs, &c. of the Chapel
amounted, at the close of the services, to 467Z. On no pre
vious occasion was there ever witnessed in Reading such a strong
desire to hear Mr. HiU. From five to six hundred persons
crowded together in the street before the doors were opened,
and hundreds went away who were unable to gain admission.
The greatest interest and attention were raanifest in the congre
gation, and the venerable preacher's powerful appeals to the
conscience, for God and holiness, made a lasting impression
on raany.

CHAPTER L.

Chapel at Kidderminster  Mr. Fawcett — Mr. Wills preaches at Kidderminster-
Mr. Best — Letter to Mr. Hawkesworth — Lady Huntingdon in Cornwall —
Mr. Parish — Chapel at Truro — Dr. Haweis — Effects of Mr. Wills's preaching
— Lady Huntingdon's Chapels in Cornwall — St. Ives — Mevagissey  Letter
from Lady Huntingdon — Sir Harry Trelawney — West Looe — L.idy Him
tingdon's opinion of Sir Harry Trelawney — His apostacy — Mr. Wills preaches
at Looe — Difference with Mr. Whitefield's Trustees — Letter from Mr. Ber
ridge — Dr. Dodd — Mr. Romaine's opinion of him — Lady Huntingdon's
Letter to Dr. Dodd — Letter from Mr. Brown of Haddington.
During the year 1774 Lady Huntingdon first sent sorae of the
students from Trevecca to labour at Kidderminster, invited by
the Rev. Benjamin Fawcett,* and other pious persons in the
town, rendered famous by the long residence there of the well-
known Richard Baxter. The rainistry of the students was
* Mr. Fawcett was the pupil of the excellent Doddridge, and, during a period
of thirty-five years, faithfully and laboriously fulBUed the duties of his
office. Few rainisters could more honestly adopt the language of the Apostle
tothe elders ofthe church at Ephesus -. — " Ye know from the first day that I
came among you, after what manner 1 behaved at all seasons, serving the Lord
vrith all humility of mind, and have kept back nothing that was profitable unto
you, but have taught you publicly, and from house to house."

414 THE LifE AND TIMES OF
attended with considerable success : and, some time after, a
chapel was opened in her Ladyship's Connexion, which has
continued to the present day. The patronage afforded them by
Mr. Faucett excited the displeasure of the well-known Job
Orton, then residing in Kidderminster : —
" Some stroUiiig preachers (says he), under the patronage of Lady
Huntingdon, have lately set up a meeting here, which Mr. Faucett
has, I think, very unwisely, rather encouraged ; I suppose it will in
timo thin his own congregation. They preach in the Antinomian strain,*
vvhich suits many people here, who don't love doing, some of whom,
with much zeal for orthodoxy, waiit common honesty. We have
about us a set of serious, and most of them evangelical ministers ; but
the Methodists are breaking in upon them, and Lady Huntingdon's
preachers, whom I know not by what name to call."
For several years after the erection of her Ladyship's chapel
at Kidderminster it was supplied by the ministers and students
in the Connexion. Once or twice her Ladyship visited the
people, and Mr. Shirley, Mr. Glascott, and Mr. Venn preached
there with much acceptance and success. Both here and at
Stourbridge, occasional preaching was established by the stu
dents. The labours of the late Mr. Grlffitii Wflllams, of
London, who was educated at Trevecca, were much blessed at
this time In different parts of Worcestershire, and several con
gregations connected with Lady Huntingdon were collected,
and In some places chapels erected, where the Gospel has
continued to the present day. Another of ber Ladyship's
students, Mr. Best, was the instrument of much good at Bewd
ley and other places. He afterwards took orders in the
Established Church, and became Incumbent of Cradeley.
The attention of the Countess was now directed to the
tinners in Cornwall, vast numbers of whom were living in the
most deplorable state of ignorance and barbarisra. The pre
ceding year Mr. Wills had been married at Bath to Miss Sehna
Margaretta Wheeler, daughter of the Rev. Granville and Lady
Catherine Wheeler, and niece to Lady Huntingdon ; and in
the autumn of 1 775 her Ladyship went to Cornwall on a visit
lo Mr. Wills, then resident-curate to the Rev. Mr. Walker's
churches of St. Agnes and Peron, near Truro, whence, on the
23rd of September, sbe wrote thus to one of her Students, the
Rev. John Hawkesworth, then labouring in Dublin, whora she
invited to join her in Cornwall, and aid her in scattering the
seeds of eternal life in tbat part of the kingdom : —
• The charge of Antinomianism came with an ill grace from the eccentric
Job Orton, whose preaching and .sentiments were ill calculated to preserve the
life of religion in any congregation.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HtJNTINGDON. 4l5
" My cafl here is to the tinners, and thousands and tens of thousands
bf poor perishing creatures •whom afl seem to neglect : tbeir souls are the
object of my loving care ; and, if the Lord permit, I wish to make
three or four establishments in the heart of the tin mines for their
instruction and salvation."
From this period the light of the Gospel appears to have
shone -with a more than ordinary degree of splendour in this
county. In the course of a few years there were no less than
twentv congregations in connexion with the Countess of Hun
tingdon, that had their origin in the labours of the students,
and were regularly supplied by her chaplains, as well as from
Trevecca. The rise of the congregation at Truro must be
traced tb the preaching of the venerable and excellent Samuel
Walkeir, curate of Truro, whose ministry terminated in 1760.
He had formed the more serious part of his congregation into
a society, consisting of two classes, which met alternately once
a week, for reading a sermon and prayer, and once a week also
for prayer and religious conversation, with a view to iraprovc
ment in Christian knowledge and practice. On the removal of
this excellent man, his people were fully sensible of the loss
tbey had sustained, and endeavoured to supply what was wanting
in the ministrations of the clergyman who filled the pulpit, by
more frequent and stated meetings of the society. Several
years passed iu this uncorafortable state, and after many delibera-
tiofts, consultations, and prayers for Divine direction, and with
much dissuasion from some of their pious friends, a goodly
number of them determined on procuring a place of worship,
forming themselves into a chtirch as Protestant Dissenters, and
obtaining a stated ministry. Accordingly, they took the lease of
a house that had been built for a cock-pit, and used for that
barbarous purpose fof more than half a century. It was quickly
fitted up and registered, and opened for Divine worship in
March 1769. For a time it was supplied by a rotation of
ministers, and in May 1770, the Rev. Peter Sampson was
ordained to the pastoral office. In fhe course of a few years the
place became crowded, and the attendance of many being
prevented by want of room, a new meeting-house, called
Bethesda, was erected, in which Mr. Sanipsoh continued to
exercise his ministry tfll his decease in the year 1785. He was
succeeded by others who preached in probatioti, and the con
gregation eventually chose Mr. Parish, who had been educated
at Trevecca, and had itinerated in Cornwall under tbe
patronSg'e of Lady Huntingdon. His mmistry was generally
acce|)taMe, and, in compliance vvith the call of the chufch, he
became their pastor, and continued with them three years. At

416 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
the end of this period, he left them rather abruptly, and having
obtained episcopal ordination, becanie curate to the Rev. Mr.
Grand, Rector of Dirhara, in Gloucestershire, wbo wrote to
Lady Huntingdon for a character of hira. He was afterwards
situated at Sheffield. The next pastor was the Rev. WiUiara
Paddon, a man of unquestionable piety, although not of com
manding talents. He died In 1815, and was succeeded in the
pastoral office by the Rev. William Moore.
The majority of Mr. Walker's congregation, who though
unable to hear the ministry then exercised in the parish church,
could not be prevailed upon to become Dissenters, still held
their meetings in the room, as It was called, on Lord's-day and
Friday evening ; and on Fridays their dissenting brethren often
assembled with thera, as they had been accustoraed to do.
They were favoured with the occasional _labours of the late Dr.
Haweis, who was born near Truro, and bad served an apprentice
ship In that town with a surgeon, during the latter years of Mr.
Walker's rainistry, under which he was brought to the knowledge
and experience of Divine truth.
Truro was the birth-place of Mr. Walker also. Soon after his
ordination, on his return to his native town, he purposed to
preach in the raarket-place, of which public notice was given.
On the morning appointed, a play was to be performed at the
theatre for the benefit of one of the actors. Curiosity excited
tbe inhabitants to hear their townsman, so that considerable
numbers attended ; among whora were the raayor, his faraily,
and several of the corporation. This was an unfavourable
circurastance for the Individual who was to partake ofthe profits
of the stage, as the house was nearly erapty In consequence,
which, no doubt, irritated, the enmity of the seed of the serpent
against tbe seed of the woman ; but an additional cause of
rejoicing was given to the heavenly host, in the rescuing of some
of the slaves from their state of captivity, inasrauch as the
mayor's daughter, and several other persons, were effectuallv
called, by the grace and Spirit of God, under that sermon.*
* Some years after the play-house being shut up, Mr. Wills went to examine
its eligibility as a chapel for Lady Huntingdon. On entering, he passed two
persons, one of whom paid his respects to Mr. Wills in a very polite manner,
which Mr. Wills returned. After he had passed, the companion of this person
said, " Pray, do you know that gentleman ?" to which the other replied, " Know
him ! yes — I have reason to know him ; he preached a sermon in the market
place some time back, on my benefit-night ; the house was nearly empty, and all
the people fiocked to hear him." The theatre was eventually purchased by
Lady Huntingdon, and thither the remains of Mr. Walker's congregation
removed. It was supplied by the students for many years, like the other
chapels in the Connexion. Some years since, the Rev. Samuel Eyles Pearse,
who had studied at Trevecca, became the minister of tbis place.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 417
The Gospel was first introduced into St. Ives by the ministers
and students belongmg to Lady Huntingdon, who herself visited
the town in 1775, accompanied by Mr. Wills. A place was
obtained for preaching in, but the cause appeared to languish
for some years, till a more successful effort was made to re-intro
duce the Gospel into this borough by the Rev. Robert M'All,
then a student itinerating under Lady Huntingdon's auspices.
He eventually settled at St. Ives, and in 1804 the present neat
and convenient chapel was erected and opened by hira,
in conjunction with other ministers of tbe county, and he con
tinued to preach in it with success tfll the year 1813, when he
removed to London. After his removal two other ministers
filled the pulpit for a few years ; but various circumstances arose
which involved the chapel in debt, and the place seemed in
danger of sinking, when the attention of the trustees of the
Connexion was directed to it by Mr. Wildbore of Penryn. The
Rev. T. Stevenson was appointed to the place, under whose
rainistry, by the blessing of God, the cause greatly revived : the
debt on the chapel and expense of repairs, araounting to about
550Z., were dischargjed by Lady Huntingdon's Trustees; and
for the accommodation of the Increasing attendants on Divine
worship and of a Sunday School, containing one hundred and
tifty children, an enlargement was made in ] 825. The chapel
is capable of containing more than five hundred persons, and is
well attended.
¦The origin of the chapel at Mevagissey may be traced to the
visit of Lady Huntingdon to Cornwall in 1775, when there was
frequent preaching there and in other parts of the county.
The chapel was buflt about the year 1777, and was fitted up
with a pulpit and desk belonging to a meeting-house at Truro,
from which a congregation had removed. Lady Huntingdon
contributed one hundred pounds towards the expense of the
building ; and the people were desirous of placing it entirely at
her disposal. This her Ladyship objected to, and in a letter
to Mr. Smith explained her views and the liberality of her
intentions : — "Bath, Feb. 11, 1784.
"Mr. Smith— Mr. Wills has enclosed your letter to me, relative to
puttmg into my hands the meeting-house at Mevagissey. I am much
obhged by your offer, and as a mark of confidence feel thankful, but
should prefer a trust for it in proper hands that might continue • and
if our ministry is or has been found useful, a clause might be for the
security of their reception from our connexion, whenever those minis
ters should visit in Cornwall, and any occasional services they might
be able to render at any time to that congregation. This I hope you
VOL. II. — E E

418 THE LIFE AND TIMES ot'
will approve, as we wish our labours as general as possible, as being
more extensively useful, and to private meetings best calculated to en
liven the people by the changes made. Should you approve of this
our best services, (so appointed) with our prayers for every best bless
ing, would not fail. 1 am. Sir, your sincere ffiend, "S. Huntingdon."
The chapel was supplied for a consideiable tirae by Lady
Huntingdon's preachers ; but sorae unpleasant differences
arising in the congregation relative to the trust, her Ladyship's
services were withdrawn. Mr. Smitb, to whora the above letter
was addressed, was brought to the knowledge of the truth under
the preaching of Mr. Whitefield at Plyraouth, and on his remo
val to Mevagissey, united with a few persons belonging to Mr.
Wesley's society for prayer and rautual edification. The stu
dents who principally laboured at this place were Mr. Clayton,
Mr. Jones, and Mr. Renfrew. Mr. Wills, her Ladyship's chap
lain, Mr. Heath, of Plymouth-dock, nnd Mr. Sampson, of
Truro, were the trustees.
The interest at St. Columb originated with some of the con
verts of Mr. Walker of Truro. The late Henry Warne, Esq.,
one of the fruits of his ministry, caused a large room on his
own premises to be registered. In which Dr. Haweis, whose
estate was In the neighbourhood, often preached, and for some
years conducted tbe service alternately with Lady Huntingdon's
students. Mr. WiUs also preached frequently amongst them,
and was instrumental to much good. Some years after a chapel
was erected, and a church formed. The congregation is in a
prosperous state, and a Sunday-school is established in con
nexion with the church.
When Mr. Wills was appointed chaplain to Lady Hunting
don, he resigned the curacy of St. Agnes; and knowing that his
flock was not likely to hear the everlasting truths of the Gospel
in spirit and in truth from his successor, sold part of his faraily
plate for the purpose of erecting a place of worship. The
chapel was supplied by the preachers In Lady Hunringdon's
connexion, particularly by Mr. Wildbore, of Penryn, who
preached once every Sabbath-day with great usefulness; but
was obliged to relinquish it In consequence of the growing pros
perity and importance of his own congregation at Penzance,
and the increasing demands on his time. The congregation is
respectable and the people pious.
About this period Sir Harry Trelawney, a young baronet from
Oxford, had become a very zealous revivalist, and his opinions
and efforts drew down upon him the displeasure of the heads of
his college. Sir Harry was at this time a very young man, and

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 419
wrote and acted with all the fervour of youth. He was most
anxious for an interview with Lady Huntingdon, which he soon
obtained, and they had much conversation on the means of pro
moting the extension of Divine truth. About Midsummer 1774,
Sir Harry Trelawney, whfle yet a student of Christ Church,
Oxford, began to preach the Gospel in the town of West Looe.
His first sermon was delivered in the open air, but near the door
of a house which consisted chiefly of one long room ; and, as it
was his own property, he afterwards addressed the people within
the building, which was shortly subsequent converted into a
very neat and commodious meeting-house at his own expense.
The novelty of the proceeding, and the rank of the preacher, oc
casioned much conversation in the town, and the new doctrine,
as it was then considered, was soon opposed in different ways ;
but although some attended divine service only to gratify their
malice by spreading slander against the doctrine and preacher,
and others frora raotives of mere curiosity, yet there is reason
to hope that not a few heard the Word with gladness, and
brought forth the fruits of holiness. There was a most pom
pous ordination of Sir Harry Trelawney at Mr. Kingsbury's
meeting, at Southarapton, Aprfl 22, 1777. Shortiy after Sir
Harry's first efforts at St. Looe, the Rev. Rowland HIU preached
a few sernions there ; and the Rev. John Eyre, late of Hackney,
then one of Lady Huntingdon's students, laboured occasionally
with great zeal, piety, and diligence, and thus a Christian
church -wa.3 formed, which was strengthened by the exertiops
of the Rev. John Clayton, whose labours with those who
were joined with him in the work, operated as a powerful
attraction, so that the people began to flock to hear the Gos
pel from the neighbouring parishes, many of them walking
several mfles, Sabbath after Sabbath, and a spiritual unction
seemed to attend the Word preached ; although the minds of
the people had but a short time before been covered with such a
thick cloud of ignorance and prejudice, that it had beea
observed of them, they would not receive tbe raessage of an
angel frora heayen. Mr. Clayton removed to London in the
year 1778, the Christian society at that tirae consisting of nearly
seventy members, besides some individuals who were not regis
tered in the visible church, but of whora little doubt is enter
tained that their record was on high.
Sir Harry Trelawney appeared erainentiy formed for useful
ness, both by nature and religion. In no character were Chris
tian zeal and charity more happily united. With regard to
natural endowments, he was greatly distinguished by a retentive
memory, which was caUed forth on many occasions. To this
Qee

42() THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
faculty he united a lively Imagination, a solid judgment, and a
ready utterance. With regard to his views of Christianity, he
might be pronounced an Independent, and a moderate Calvinist.
He vindicated his nonconformity In " A Letter addressed to
the Rev. Thomas Alcock, M.A., Vicar of Runcorn, in Cheshire,
and of St. Budeaux, Devon." In this pamphlet, he insists
chiefly on these two points ; 1st. That subscription to Articles
that we do nof believe is a dishonest and prevaricating business.
2nd. That by remaining a Dissenter he secured that freedom of
mind whicb is the birthright and unalterable privilege of every
rational creature. Notwithstanding this declaration (so incon
sistent is the conduct of human beings). Sir Harry Immediately
after returned to Oxford, procured ordination in the national
Establishraent, and was made a country rector In the west of
England. But Sir Harry Trelawney was no honour to any party — there
was too much versatility in his character. Lady Huntingdon
seeraed to have observed this disposition, and wisely kept aloof
from him. On one occasion she remarks —
" I do not admire so much zeal in things of inferior consequence;
the Gospel of our adorable Lord, and the salvation of the perishing
multitude, claim all my best wishes and meanings. And this formed
tbe principal topic of conversation with Sir Harry in my last interview.
So much contention for order and church discipline, subscription to
Articles, &c., in a mind like his, all ardent, all on fire, may tend to ex
tinguish the ligbt, and quench tbe flame of Gospel truth and holiness.
To contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints is our
duty, but to contend for non-essentials, the hay, tbe wood, and stubble,
when darkness reigns around us, and the most awful ignorance pre
vails, is a device of tbe great enemy, and ought to be avoided. My
one object on earth is to serve my dear Lord and Master, and en
deavour by every means to extend his kingdom among men. I wish
all success, though they gather not with me."
An alteration soon took place in tbe sentiments of Sir Harry ;
he abandoned the ranks of the orthodox, and attached hiraself
to those whom he called rational Dissenters. The meeting
house was sold for a malt-house, and a particular clause in the
lease tied up the tenant from applying it to any religious use
whatsoever ; and this, notwithstanding he had signed writings
for putting it into the hands of twelve trustees for Divine
worship ; but they confiding in bis religion and honour, left
the writings in his hands, which it is presumed he destroyed.
Soon after the chapel was shut up, Mr. Wills visited Looe, and
preached a consolatory and encouraging sermon to the people,
in the open air, near Sir Harry's meeting-house, upon a piece of
ground then called the Bowling-green, but whicli has since been
nearly covered with buildings. The text that appeared most suit-

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 42 i
able "on this occasion, as many had been so grieved, and others
questioned the truths preached by this volatile baronet, and the
poor people that had been called were left as sheep without a
shepherd, was from these words — " Nevertheless, the foundation
of God standeth sure." From hence Mr. Wflls endeavoured to
show, notwithstanding the awful apostacy of ministers, the
" foundation of God stood sure." The discourse made an in
delible impression upon the minds of many of his hearers, par
ticularly of those who had most deeply felt their want of the
means of spiritual instruction.*
Knowing the circumstances of the people at Looe, Lady
Huntingdon, from tirae to tirae, sent some of the students fo
preach to them, by which means, deserted as they were, the life
of religion was supported In their hearts. Araong the students
were Messrs. Upton, Oats, M'All, and others. After the meet
ing-house had been shut up about four years, the few pious per
sons who were still remaining felt a desire, if possible, to obtain
another, and raade contributions among themselves for this
purpose, with which fhey purchased the freehold of a small
piece of land on the Quay. Their next step was to solicit the
aid of friends to the cause of Christ, in which they so far suc
ceeded that the edifice was soon commenced, and Mr. Wflls
fortunately happening to be in the neighbourhood while it was
in progress, preached in it some time before it was finished,
. from Psalm cxxvi. 3, " The Lord hath done great things for us,
whereof we are glad." After various vicissitudes for nearly
forty years, this little flock have at length arrived at the pro
mised and desired rest — the full and punctual enjoyment of
Gospel ordinances.
In the year 1 776 there was some misunderstanding between
Lady Huntingdon and the trustees of Mr. Whitefield's chapels,
which arose from the conduct of certain individuals connected
with the Gloucestershire association, some of whom had en
deavoured to draw away the raost popular and talented young
men among the students at Trevecca. The eariy part of the
year 1777, Mr. Berridge paid his annual visit to the metropo
lis, when he had abundant opportunities of inquiring into the
unpleasant differences subsisting between her Ladyship and Mr.
Whitefield's trustees. The result of his inquiries, with some ob
servations on Churchmen and Dissenters, which evince the truly
Catholic spirit of this exceUent minister of Christ, he gives in
* Sir Harry Trelawney married, in 1778, Anne, daughter of the Rev. James
Brown, rector of Pertishead, and vicar of Kingston, county of Somerset. Lady
trelawney died in November 182-2, and Sic Harry in February 1834.

422 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
the following letter to her Ladyship, dated Everton, April 26,
1777:— '' My dear Lady, — Mrs. Carteret, a well-favoured pilgrim, tells me
I owe you a letter ; and your Ladyship might tell Mrs. Carteret I owe
you much love, which will ever be paying, I trust, and never be paid.
Demands on this score, if honestly made, are always welcome; and if
roguishly practised, are quickly forgiven. For, who ever thought of
hanging a love thief, except a disappointed lover? A miser, who. can
not open the string of his purse without pain, can part with the string
of his heart freely to a bountiful friend ; and the favours you have
shown me call out for more than one heart-string — a dozen at least.
' Well, well, enough of this,' you say; ' but what have you seen or heard
at London ? As you are an old fellow, with a prattling tongue, I shall
expect a long history, but let it be a faithful one.' Indeed, my Lady, I
have seen and heard some tbings to please me, and some things to
grieve me. I have seen the Tabernacle-temple well crowded with
attentive hearers, which has cheered my heart; but the Tabernacle-
house deserted by your students, which bas grieved my spirit. Upon
asking the cause, I was told the trustees were suspected of a design on
your Mulberry Gardens. What has occasioned that suspicion I know
not, but I well know they had no more desire to steal your Mulberries
than to steal my teeth ; and I beUeve the profit of the mulberries, if
that base thing had been in view, would no more enable them to buy
a crust, than my old teeth would enable them to bite it. When the
yearly accounts of the two chapels are made up, I know they are some
times below par, and have seldom 201. in hand ; and the Mulberry
Gardens, if under their management, were not likely to produce any
other gain, besides trouble. Indeed, my Lady, I am well satisfied
that the trustees have been your hearty friends and faithful servants ;
and am sorry to find they are much offended at your suspicions. Could
I discern lucrative views in them, as much as I love Tabernacle (that
old bee-hive, wbich has filled many hives with her swarms), I would
visit her no longer. But the more I know of the trustees, the more I
am confirmed of their integrity, wbich they will give a proof of shortly,
by adopting Dr. Ford as a third trustee.
" Well, now I am prattling, I must even prattle on; an old man's
tongue is like a larum — when it sets off, though teazing enough, it will
run down. But you cry, ' No more griefs, pray, Mr. Grievous, unless
you intend to set me a yawning.' Indeed, my Lady, I have another ;
and beg you would seal up your lips to prevent yawning, if that is inde
cent out of a church. I am told, and simply tell you my tale, that
since the trustees were dismissed your service, you have taken a Tory
ministi'y, are growing sadly churchified, and seem to walk with a
steeple on your head, newly sprung up, but pointing very high. As to
the steeple, I heed it not ; a smart heavenly breeze will soon blow that
down; but I cannot be reconciled, like some of my brethren, to a
Tory ministry aud a church-waU spirit. I regard neither high church
nor low church, nor any church, but the Church of Christ, which is not
built with hands, nor circumscribed within peculiai- walls, nor confined

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 423
to a singidar denomination. I cordially approve the doctrines and
liturgy of the Church of England, and have cause to bless God for a
church-house to preach in, and a church revenue to live upon. And I
could wish the Gospel might not only be preached in all the British
churches, but established therein by Christ's Spirit, as well as by a na
tional statute ; but from the principles of the clergy, and the leading
men in the nation, which are growing continually more unscriptural
and licentious, I do fear our defence is departing, and the glory is
removing from our Israel. Perhaps, in less than one kundred years to
come, tke church-lands may be seised on to hedge up Government gaps,
as the abbey-lands were two hundred and fifty years ago.* But
you say the Lord is sending many Gospel labourers into the church.'
True ; and with a view, I think, of calling his people out of it. Be
cause, when such ministers are removed by death, or transported to
another vineyard, I see no fresli Gospel labourer succeed them, whicli
obliges the forsaken flocks to fly to a meeting. Ahd what else can they
do ? If they have tasted of manna and hunger for it, they cannot feed
on heathen chaff, nor yet on legal crusts, though baked by some stanch
Pharisee quite up to perfection. What has become of Mr. Venn's
Yorkshire flock — what wUl become of his Yelhng flocli, oi: of niy
flocks, at our decease ? Or wliat wUl become of your students at your
removal ? They are virtual Dissenters nbw, and wUl he settled Dis
senters then. And the same wiU happen to many, perhaps most of
Mr. Wesley's preachers, at his death. He rules hke a real Alexander,
and is now stepping forth with a flaming torch ; but we do not read in
history of two Alexanders succeeding each other. But, you reply,
' some of my best preachers leave me in my life-time.' Perhaps they
may ; and if I may judge of your feelings by my own, on Such occa
sions, this must grieve you, on the first view at leEkSt ; but wait and see
whether the Lord's hand be not in it. I dare not commend Barnabas
for his abrupt departure from Paul ; yet it inight be permitted, wilh a
view of sending hun to Cyprus. The Lord can, and ofteli does, make
the wrath of man, or the foolishness of man, turn to his praise. How
ever, it is good for us, I knbw, to have our weU- meant views frequently
perplexed and overturned, else we might grow headstrong, and fancy
ourselves wise enough to be the Lord's privy-councUlors, fea, able to
out-counsel Hira. _ We had rather sit with Jesus at the council-hoard
than follow him with a string on our nose, to turn us rbund, or turn us
back, at his pleasure. Some years ago, two of my lay preachers de
serted their ranks, and joined the Dissenters. This threw me into a
violent fit ofthe spleen, and set me a coughing and barking exceed
ingly; but when the phlegm was come up, and leisure allowed for
calm thought, 1 did humbly conceive the Lord Jesus might be wiser
than the old vicar; and 1 did wefl in sending some preachers from the
iVtethodist mint among the Dissenters, to revive a drooping cause, and
set old crippled pUgrims on their legs again. Nay, it is certain that
some ot these deserting preachers have not only quickened the Chelsea
invalids, but raised Up new and vigorous recruits for the king's service.
I9 not this vaticination of the yetetan of Eyerton approaching every day
tow^r4s fulfilnient? . • ^ rr o f i

424

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF

Be glad, therefore, my Lady, to promote the Lord's cause in any way —
in your own line, if it may be ; in another line, if it must be. If your
preachers abide with you, and are valiant for the truth, it is well ; if
they depart, let them depart, and rejoice you have been instrumental
in sending them forth. If a lively preacher goes, he will prove a hve
coal among dying embers ; if a dead one departs, he is buried out of
your sight.
" Paul tells me in one place, ' All in Asia are turned aside from me;'
and in another he says, ' Some preached Christ out of envy and strife,'
out of envy and opposition to him ; yet adds, ' What then ? Every
way Christ is preached ; and therein I do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.'
Here is a pattern for our imitation. However rusty or ricketty the
Dissenters may appear to you, God hath his remnant among tbem,
therefore lift not up your hand against them for the Lord's sake ; nor
yet for consistency's sake, because your students are as real Dissenting
preachers as any in the land, unless a gown and band can make a
clergyman. The Bishops look on your students as the worst kind of
Dissenters; and manifest this by refusing that ordination to your
rireachers which would be readily granted to other teachers among the
Dissenters. " When I consider that the doctrines of grace are a common offence
to the clergy, and the Bible itself a fulsome nuisance to the great vul
gar ; that powerful efforts have been made to eject the Gospel doctrines
out of the Church ; and the likelihood there is, from the nation's infi
delity, of a future attempt succeeding ; there is room to fear, when the
Church doctrines are banished the Church by a national act, Jesus will
utterly remove the candlestick, and take away his Church bread from
those hirelings who eat it and lift up the heel against him.
'' So you are whispering to Lady Anne, ' This old vicar is very
tedious, and growing pedantic too. He would fain turn a Seer, and
has not wit enough for a common conjuror, or a strolling fortune-teller ;
hut he is often eat up with the vapours, poor man, and I must. excuse
him.' Indeed, I am not wholly eaten up with the vapours, nor cannot,
because I am much eaten up aforehand with esteem for your Ladyship.
I know your zeal for the Master's honour, and for the prosperity of
his Sion, which must endear you to every honest-hearted pUgrim.
The good Shepherd be your guide and guard ; may His cloud direct all
your motions, and distU a gracious dew upon yourself, and upon
your students ! Please to present my respects to Lady Anne, and
Miss Orton ; and believe me to remain your hearty well-wisher and
affectionate servant, " John Bebbidge."
Early in May, Lady Huntingdon went Into Derbyshire, where
she remained a few weeks, regulating the societies in connexion
with her, which had rapidly increased during the preceding year.
After spending a short tirae at Nottinghara and Leicester, she
returned to London by the end of the raonth ; and on the Sth of
June set out for Northamptonshire, from whence she proceeded
to Oxford, Whitney, Stroud, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Tewkes
bury, and Worcester. In most of these places the students had

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 425
laboured with considerable success, and numerous congregations
were collected. Her Ladyship spent a fortnight at Worcester,
and then proceeded to Monmouth, where much opposition was
made to out-door preaching. On her way to Trevecca, her
Ladyship paid a short visit to Mr. Gwynne, at Garth, who was
then much indisposed. -.^ i j • j
The case of the celebrated but unfortunate Dr. Dodd occupied
much of the public attention at this time. On entering info
orders he became a popular preacher in London, and addedi to
his celebrity by promoring the Magdalen charity, for which Dr.
Squire, bishop of St. David's, gave him a prebend in the col
legiate church of Brecknock. He also obtained private pupils,
one of whom was heir of Lord Chesterfield, by whose interest
he was made chaplain to the King, on which he took his degree
of Doctor of Laws. At this period he was in the zenith of his
popularity. Having a pleasing form, a genteel address, and a
lively iraagination, he was equally celebrated for accomplish-
raents which seldom accompany a life of learned retirement.
His introduction into high life was his ruin. He became fond
of the elegance of dress, and was, as he ludicrously expressed
it, a zealous votary of the God of dancing, to whose service he
dedicated much of that time and attention which he could
borrow from his more important avocations. The habits of dis
sipation and expense which he had acquired, now obtained so
great an influence over him, that he became involved in con
siderable debts. To extricate himself frora them, he was terapted
to an act which entirely cut off every hope he could have
entertained of rising in his profession, and totaUy ruined him in
the opinion of the world. Whether from the suggestions of his
own mind, or from the persuasion of some friend, is uncertain ;
but, on hearing that the living of St. George's, Hanover-square,
was vacant, he took a step of all others the most wild and ex
travagant, and least likely to be attended with success. He
caused an anonymous letter to be sent to Lady Apsley, offering
flie sum of tkree thousand pounds, if by her means he could be
presented to the living. The letter was immediately communi
cated to the Chancellor ; and, after being traced to the sender,
was laid before his Majesty. The insult offered to so high an .
officer by the proposal, was followed by instant punishment.
Dr. Dodd's name was ordered to be struck out of the list of
chaplains. The press teemed with satire and invective ; he was
abused and ridiculed in the papers of the day ; and, to crown the
whole, the transaction became the subject of entertainment in
one of Mr. Foote's pieces at the Haymarket.
To console him under this disgrace, his pupil then become

426 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
Earl of Chesterfield, gave him the living of Wing, in Bucking
hamshire. Previous to this event he had been on terms of
great intimacy with Lady Huntingdon, the Wesleys, Miss Bosan
quet, afterwards Mrs. Fletcher, Mr. Romaine, and others well
known in the religious world ; but tbe increasing reproach of the
Cross, and the growing stigma of Methodism which began to
asperse his character, made hira decline their acquaintance.
Looking to the preferraents and good things of the Church,
unattainable in the course Mr. Roraaine and others like-minded
were determined to pursue, made him very shy of aU those who
endeavoured to propagate the peculiar doctrines of Jesus to
others. Their zeal, spirituality, and labours, had left Dr. Dodd
far behind ; so that every day, like diverging lines, their tem
pers and pursuits were at a greater distance from each other.
Notwithstanding tbe kindness of Lord Chesterfield, he forged
a bond in the name of that nobleman, for which he was
condemned at the Old Bafley, Feb. 24, and executed June
27, 1777.
Wonderful exertions were made to save the life of this
Unhappy man. Besides the petitions of many individuals the
members of the several charities which had been benefited by
him, joined in application to the throne for mercy ; the city of
London likewise, in its corporate capacity, solicited a remission
of the punishment, in consideration of the advantages which
the public had derived from his various and laudable exertions.
The petitions were supposed to be signed by nearly thirty
tkousand persons. They were, however, of no avail.
There have been various opinions as to the genuineness of
Dr. Dodd's repentance. In contemplation of his fate, he
appeared humble and penitent; but his repentance did not
seem so genuine as that of Bishop Atherton in like circura
stances. Dr. Johnson, who visited him in prison, described him
as being " without cant." But the wretched divinity of Dr.
Johnson at that time could afford no man comfort or consolation
on the vei'ge of an eternal world. Mr. Romaine visited him
frequently; and at one time, when leaving the prison, he was
asked by a friend what he thought of the Doctor ? Mr.
Romaine replied, " There is great difference between saying and
feeling — ' God be merciful to me a sinner;'" which would seem
unfavourable. When Dr. Dodd began the world he was a
zealous favourer of Hebrew learning, and, from a professed
simflitude in studies and principles, cultivated an acquaintance
with Mr. Romaine ; but when he forsook such companions,
having loved this present world, he tpld Mr. Romaine that he
should be glad to see him at his house, but hoped not to be

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 427
acknowledged by him, if they should happen to meet in public
company. All intercourse therefore ceased between them, till
the love of the worid, and the things that are in it, brought its
victim to prison.
Several letters were addressed to hira while under sentence of
death : one from Miss Bosanquet, which was published ; and
also one from Lady Huntingdon, which appeared in all the
papers after the Doctor's execution, and which Mrs. Elizabeth
Carter said she coifld not understand, from its confusion of ideas
and sentiments ; of this, let the reader judge : —
" Eeverend Sir, — From the first hearing of your unfortunate situation,
I could not look to any other source of support and comfort for you,
than to Him who chose for our sakes to be numbered with trans
gressors. You are master of every rational and Scripture argument ;
in this, perhaps, inferior to few ; and I earnestly pray God these may
have their place, and their times of consolation for you.
" But reason, or the wisest conclusion drawn even from truth itself,
neither removes the stings of guilt, nor possesses the soul with that
' peace, which ever passes (the best informed) understanding.' 0, no ;
nothing can be your point now but that voice of Almighty power,
which spoke froin the Cross to your suffering companion there : and
we all, like him, must pass sentence upon ourselves, and say, ' We in
deed receive the due reward of our deeds.' 'Row soon the welcome
request, ' Lord, rembember me ! ' &c., reached the heart of our Divine
Substitute! how speedy the relief ! — how lasting and complete the
comfort 1
" The meaning of my prayers and tears for your grief would have
no other language, but — Go, and do thou like-wise. Forgive; and do
not wonder you should find my views so limited, as this seems, for
your only relief. Were life extended to its latest ' possible period, no
solid or well-grounded hope of happiness could subsist except by this
purely interior blessing alone. This it is that makes the little good
we possess on earth have all its safety ; and by it are afl the various
evUs of a miserable world wisely or rationally supported. 'Thus every
thing unites to render the importunity of your suffering heart the happy
subject of this mercy. This mercy, once obtained, wUl bear you
through the fluctuating emotions and various views of life and death;
which may so immediately and naturally operate upon you, it may
cause you even to glory in tribulation. May you thus rejoice in the
truth and power of that religion you have so long professed, and taught
to others ; and, becoming a witness of ..our Saviour's grace to sinners,
be enabled to preach the best sermon you ever preached in your life,
and that too to people the most miserable, the most ignorant of the'
high Christian privilege of salvation by the Cross of our Lord Jesus
Christ ! Should he answer the affectionate cries of his poor unworthy
people foryou, and that arm of infinite consolation be stretched out for
your strength and eternal blessedness, how little wiU the appendages
of death appear, which to mere suffering nature are so bitter ! And

428 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
how thankfully wUl you see justice and mercy thus met together, and
mixed in that cup, so severe in the eyes of others ! or, should the
tender compassions of royal mercy be extended, to save you from the
suffering of the present hour ; yet in life, or in the more remote event
of death, this grace must be the one and only cause of praise for you
through time and eternity. It is for tbis I would most affectionately
recommend you day and night ; and it is to Him who is able to do
abundantly above all we can ask or think. And thus I beg to remain
a sympathising friend ; and. Reverend Sir, your humble servant,
"South Wales, June 1777." "S. Huntingdon."
Early in November Lady Huntingdon wrote to Mr. Jones of
Langan, requesting him Iraraediately to set off for Norwich,
there being no supply for the Tabernacle but one student, and
it was customary at that period to have a clergyman of re
spectability always on the spot. The society requiring some
regulation, and Lady Huntingdon being unwilling to leave Tre
vecca at tbat season of the year. Lady Anne Erskine consented
to undertake the journey, and Mr. Jones was accordingly directed
by Lady Huntingdon to call at Trevecca, in order to accompany
Lady Anne to Norwich.
In 1799 Lady Huntingdon received for her CoUege at Tre
vecca, a present from the celebrated Brown of Haddington, of
all his works. They were accompanied by a letter, with which
we shall conclude the present chapter. It is dated Haddington,
August 17, 1779, and runs thus: —
" iladam, — Scarce bad my last to you got into the post-office, when
I began to fear I had been too rash, insomuch as indirectly hinting that
I had some thoughts of presenting your Theological Society vrith a copy
of tbat srstem of divinity ivhich, for about twelve years past, I have
essayed to teach to a somewhat similar society of candidates for tbe
holy ministry. It appeared to me presumptuous-like to suppose that
the prelections of one who had had so little of a regular education,
whose poverty of diction, and lA'ant of an ear, rendered him incapable
to express himself handsomely lo an English ear, and who had vainly
squandered away much precious time and talent in the vain attempt
to be an universal scholar, could be useful to a seminary which had
teachers irith far superior advantages and abUities. However, being by
v'our Ladyship's repeated condescensions led iuto a kind of promise,
my conscience and my credit as a minister and a Christian, seemed to
forbid my dra mng back, without your allowance. This I blushed to
ask. I therefore applied myself to transcribe the copy, as I have not
a hand to trust to do it exacfly ; and amidst a scone of distress, in my
person and in my familv, have got it accomplished as -it stands. This
distress I plead as an excuse for the badness of my writing and for
so long a delay. I have sent it by, I think, a safe band for you, di-
rected^to the care of Messrs. A^allance and Simmons, printers of the
'Gospel Magazine,' in Cheapside, London, No. 120, from whom the

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 429
carrier can bring it to you, if you please to direct him. After an intro
duction chiefly directed against the fasionable scheme of the Infidel
Deists, it attempts to extract eyery thing in religion from the oracles
of God, 'and to comprehend the marrow and substance of what I thiuk
proper for ministers to preach, or sinful men to hear for promoting their
eternal salvation. As plain Scripture texts bid fairer to fix themselves
on man's consciences than any human reasoning, I have dealt plentifully
in those which, with us, students are requested to repeat on their being
quoted to them, in order to oblige them to become mighty in the
Scriptures. Candour, I thought required me to transcribe one copy
without reserve, which occasions a few hints towards the close, in
favour of our church government and worship in this country. These,
I hope, wUl be so far from giving offence with you, that it will
occasion you a delightful satisfaction to observe how extensive and in-
portant the agreement, and how small the difference of religious senti
ments, there is between a professedly staunch Presbyterian and a truly
conscientious Episcopalian, if they both cordially believe the doctrine
of God's free grace, giving unto men eternal life of holiness and happi
ness through the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ our Lord. The
hearty belief of this doctrine would unite us in the warmest affection
to one another. Perhaps compassion to my rashness may require your
Ladyship to conceal how you came by the manuscript, tUt by yourself
or your learned friends you see whether it vrill be any way useful to
your Theological Society ; and, if it is thought to be no way useful, it
may be returned to the care of Mr. James Hastil, carpenter, in Port
land-street, Cavendish-square, London, No. 72. If it is found to be
any way useful to your students, I, as a distinguished debtor to the
free grace of God, heartily dedicate it to their service as a token of my
affection to them as friends of the Gospel of this grace, and as a token
of my bidding them 'God speed,' though they foUow not with us. And I
leave it to your Ladyship to direct the presentation ofit to them in what
manner you judge best. Only, in such a case, it might be proper that
one of them who hath a good hand should write out a plain copy of it,
for the more easy perusal. I intended to have sent along with it a
dozen or two of the catechism that comes with this, as a present to the
boys and ghls in your family serriee, but could not presume to trouble
the bearer with any more bulk ; but if I could get the smaUest hint
that they would be acceptable, I should see to get them conveyed by
another. But, dropping the superficial chat concerning my poor books,
let us have a word concerning that great, that glorious, that truly ori
ginal Book of God — God made manifest in the flesh. Blessed be
God for our English translations of his oracles, and of our safe and
easy access to peruse them. Blessed be God for the Hebrew and
Greek originals of the Testament of our Lord Jesus Christ. And
blessed be above aU blessings, and praised be God for that Original
Bible, Jesus Christ, of which he himself hath engraved the engraving.
0 for grace to regard it day and night tUl we go to see him, and God
in him, as he is, and know him even as we are known ! 0, to count
all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus
our Lord ! How delightfully wonderful is God made manifest in the

430 THE LIFE AND TIJifiS OF
flesh ! The man who is God's fellow, and in whom dweUeth all the
fulness of the Godhead bodily I How stupendous his person — God man !
How marvellous the union and communion of his nature I How bright,
how amiable, an image he is of the invisible God! How "fragrant
and heart-cheering, how nonderful his unnumbered names, hke oint
ment poured forth, and all full of grace, mercy, and love, towards men !
How answerable his offices to promote the glory of God to the highest
in the rich, the free, the eternal salvation of sinful man ! How deep,
how kind, his thoughts to usward ! How gracious, powerful, and
quickening bis words ! How marveUous all his works in the room of
and towards men 1 How unbounded his fulness of righteousness, grace,
and glory ! And, to augment the wonder more, all that he is, all that
the has, and all that he doth, is for men, for sinful men — for above
many, sinful, wretched, worthless you, — for, above all, sinful, wortldess
wretched me. What shall we say to this ? of God we are in Christ
Jesus, who of God is made uuto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctifica
tion, and redemption. Astonishing ! Are we, who are altogether
born in sin, and dead in trespasses and sins — we, who so richly deserve
to be in hell, in Christ Jesus ? Hath God, whom we offended ; God,
whom we attempted to murder ; God, whom we hated with our whole
heart and soul, and mind and strength, put us into Christ, instead of
putting us into the lowest hell ? in answerableness to our infinitely
wicked and destructive folly and ignorance — guilt and crimes — base
ness, sinful pollution, and ungodliness — bondage, and danger, and misery
' — is Christ Jesus made to us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and
redemption ? Is he made all this lo us ? Is he made all this to us by
God, who maketh nothing in vain? Why do we not stir up our souls
to possess what the Lord our God giveth us ? Why are we slack to
claim, to take, to live on, all that God hath made ready for us, and by
free grants in the Gospel, and by effectual influence, bath made our
own ? If Christ Jesus is then so much to us — made of God so much
to us — why should any thing but Christ and God in Christ, get such
room in our hearts — why should not the heart and mind be thoroughly
widowed to all things but Jesus Christ ? Alas ! why should we, as
though we were half beasts, half devils, attempt to live on dust and sin,
rather than on Jesus Christ ? However, this sad life viill soon be over
with you and me, I hope. Death must soon break down our prison-
walls' and let us fly to God, as our exceeding joy. Onr body of
death must give place to peifection in holiness. Our vain and wicked
thoufhts must give place to thoughts fixed only upon tbe Lord. Our
twihght and transient blinks of the glory of God must give place to
seeing him as he is in the face of Jesus Christ. And 0, how we will
admire and adore the grace that brought us thither ! and how we will
sinn- songs to our well-beloved, to the tune of ' For his mercy endureth
for^ever ;' or, .shall I say to the tune of ' Thou art my God, and I will
exalt thee ; my God, and I will praise thee ?' May tbis, your husha,nd
Christ, guide you with his counsel, while here, and afterwards bring
you to his glory 1 This from, Right Honourable Lady, your most
humble servant, " John Bbown.
" P.S.-rAl I have Lad so little acquaintance with persons in high

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 431
station, 1 hope your Ladyship will forgive whatever expressions or
freedom unsuited to your dignity and outward station, you discern in
any hints of mine. Though it is chiefiy in your high character of a re
deemed bride, the Lamb's wife, tbat I address you, I would uot choose to
use any freedom unsuited to the dignity of the Countess of Huntingdon.

CHAPTER LI.
Labours of tbe Students— Extract from Lady Huntingdon's Letters— Itinerant
Preaching— Circular Letter from Lady Huntingdon— Letter to the Com
mittee of Mulberry Gardens—Journals of Messrs. Wills, Glascott. Taylor,
and Piercy— Success of thefr Labours— Out-of-door Preaching— Secession-
Observations on Toleration— Letter to the Bishops— Dr. Lowth— First
Ordination at Spafields Chapel— Particulars of the Cereraony— Articles of
Belief.
The work of God, by means of the Connexion, now became
greatly extended. From all parts of the kingdom the most
earnest applications for assistance were received, so that, about
this time Lady Huntingdon wrote to one of her ministers in
America, —
" The bearer will inform you of the great and blessed honour my
poor labours receive from the Lord's gracious hands, and the scores of
thousands now walking in the path to glory, together with multitudes
dying in the faith, and these called over the greatest part of both Eng
land and Wales. Your old beloved house, the College, flourishing
with grace in their hearts, and much glory upon their labours."
To another student she writes thus : —
" Our work is so blessed — the Lord so honours every part of the
plan, and the new students in an amazing manner, that we are all
bound to say Great a-ad glorious are thy works, thou King of saints ;
who would not love thee ? Our opening in Lincolnshire promises great
things, and the West, where you laboured, and are dearly beloved,
blossoms as the rose. Vast numbers of congregations are gathered.
I shall go down at the end of the year to settle them all. In Wales,
where you are often askeq after, fmd as much beloved, the work spreads
far and wide ; and remarkable and most awful visitations attend afl
that do in any measure oppose, which seems to stop the present per
secutions from aU quarters. I could enlarge on your various blessings.
Mr Glascott, Mr. Shiriey, and Mr. Peckwell, are blessed, honoured,
and owned of the Lord gloriously. The latter has gone to London to
preach on Hampstead Heath, and elsewhere, out of doors. It seems
'° bs 'he prevailing spirit of the present students to do this every
where. * * The gift of awakening seems much continued to our

432 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
plan and work. The spread is astonishing ? The CoUege does not
yet fill equal to our calls, but the fewer the more useful. They appear
like Gideon's army ; only those that had the right cap were to have
the victory, and the thousands of others had neither part nor lot in the
spoils." Students from Trevecca were now labouring in almost every
county of England, and with very considerable success.
One method of exciting attention to the Gospel, planned
about tbis time, and which proved eminently successful, was that
of sending at least once every year some minister of superior
abilities and zeal to preach in every city, town, and larger
village, throughout the kingdom.*
The clergymen commissioned by Lady Huntingdon sent regular
reports to her Ladyship, \>'hich were afterwards published with an
interesting account by Mr. Pentycross, Rector of Wallingford.
* We add a copy of a Circular Letter from Lady Huntingdon to her societies
relative to the intended tour of Messrs. Glascott, 'Wills, Taylor, and Piercy, to
preach through the towns and villages in different parts of the kingdom ; —
" My worthy Friends, — From the various calls of many of the counties in
England, it appears an important consideration to us, and alike to all, fhat
every means in our power should be engaged for those many thousands lying
in darkness, and in the shadow of death, that the voice of the Gospel by our
faithful ministers should, by every means in our power, reach them also. For
this best end it was concluded, at a late meeting, that the only means effectually,
to reach the multitudes, was, that the four principal ministers, Mr. Glascott,
Mr. "Wills, Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Piercy, should for three months visit universally,
in four different departments, and, thus severally taken, preach through the
towns, counties, and villages of the kingdom, by a general voice or proclamation
of the glorious gospel of peace to lost sinners. My dear Friends, you and I
have tasted the blessedness that is to be found in such a Saviour for our lost
and perishing souls, and how know you but you may have many scattered friends
and relations in various parts of the land, where tliese faithful servants of God
areproclaiming the glad tidings of salvation, and that this glorious sound of
heavenly and everlasting peace may reach their precious, though perhaps, yet
guilty souls, and who, in the great day of the Lord, shall eternally rejoice with
you ? It therefore calls upon us loudly to use all diligence for the thousands
that know not our God. 'The trifling contributions of many, may render this
a universal blessing to all, and, by a free and liberal engagement in this matter,
thousands may be made to rise up to praise the Lord, through your means, at
the great day. The expense of the ministers as given in, will be before you,
for any that may choose to examine them. The contributions of the various
congregations vviU be transmitted to our worthy Comraittee at Spafields ; and
wishing to share in the blessings attending the glorious and universal intention
of serving, raany, raany thousands, allow me to cast in my poor mite of fifty
pounds, with your much raore, begging our gracious Lord to accept it from
you and from me, for his glorious Name's sake. Let us ever remember that it
is not constraint, but the willingness of a cheerful giver he only delights in.
May you share many consolations in your own souls, by many being called by
this means out of darkness into his raarvellous light ! I make this request in
ray own name to you all : as it is the first request, so my few remaining days
may raake it the last from me, for my dear Master's sake, but in which we shall
have jointly and alike cause to rejoice over sinners converted, with the angels
in heaven.
" College, South Wales, July 17, 1781."

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 4.33
A few short extracts may serve as specimens of the exertions
and success of these men of God. " I am engaged, (says Mr.
Glascott,) to preach this week at Darlaston, Walsal, Dudley,
Bromwieh, and Birmingham. In almost all these places, if the
weather is favourable, a table will be my pulpit, tke canopy of
tke keavens my sounding board ; and oh ! that Jesus may preside
in our asserablies ! " *
The crowds attracted by these means were truly astonishing.
" At Darlaston, we had at least ,^^ee?z kundred poor colliers and
nailers." In the streets of Dudley the congregation was com
puted to be two tkousand. At Nottinghara, " at eight in the
morning, we had at least two tlwusand ; and in the evening, at
the Market-cross, at a moderate computation, there were not less
than_^we tkousand."
The journals of Mr. Wills, Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Piercy, re
cording their labours, shew that crowds, by no means Inferior to
those assembling in the northern counties, thronged to bear the
word of life during their tour. " At Bosveal, not less than ten
tkousand asserabled In a large, deep hollow ground, rendered
convenient for the preacher and hearers by. circular benches cut
out of the sides from top to bottom." On preaching again at
Bosyeal, a few weeks after, " a large multitude assembled, the
largest congregation I ever beheld, and judged to be about
twelve tkousand ; an universal solemnity and awe sat on every
countenance, and the Lord was in the midst of us. Even the
people of the world were reminded of the judgment-day, frora
beholding this innumerable and deeply aff'ected asserably."
The seriousness and attention of these out-door congregations
was in general exceedingly encouraging. Sometimes the vicar of
the parish would stand amidst the people with his hat off, thus
setting an example to the rest. At others, the joy depicted on
the countenances of the crowd is not to be conceived. When
writing about Wolverhampton, Mr. Glascott says, « The people
came pouring down from aU quarters, and I think we had the
largest congregation I have yet seen since I left Bristol. In
stead of riot and confusion, we had silence and attention."
The results of these labours were also very pleasing ; " many
were affected under the word, some appeared to be broken
* This plan of preaching in the open air has the sanction of our Lord and of
his apostles, and though, since tbe period now under consideration, the nume
rous places erected for preaching the Gospel, in almost every town and village,
may seem to supersede the necessity of resorting to streets and coramons, yet
while multitudes are found in our highways who scarcely ever entsr a place of
worship, it cannot be queitioned whether the raost likely way to come in con
tact with such persons would not be to resort anew to the sounding board and
pulpit of the text.
TOL. II. — F F

434 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
down, all was very solemn, and many much affected, particularly
some drunkards" — and the establishment and prosperity of the
Gospel In numerous places at tbis day Is to be traced to the
excitement produced by these Itinerant labourers. The method
seems indeed not only agreeable to tbe will of God, but singu
larly adapted for spreading divine light and knowledge among
the ignorant and careless. We need not wonder, therefore, that
even regular clergymen declared tbat " notking but tke obliga-
t'lons and dependency of their peculiar stations restrained tkem
from keartily joining in such labours." It was thus tbat our
venerable Reformers, Latimer and others, with the word of God
suspended frora their girdle, traversed the land, and spread that
light which Popery in vain attempted to extinguish, and like the
Apocalyptic angel, knew no limits of tbeir labours, but tbe boun
daries of heaven and earth. May this Gospel soon spread, tfll
the kingdoms of this world shall become those of our Lord and
of his Christ!
Whence is It tbat this, or some other mode of introducing the
Gospel to those who are not indifferent to its blessed tidings is
not adopted at the pvesent day ? Will it be said that it is quite
enouffh for tbe friends of the Redeemer to erect the standard of
o
the cross, and thus to give an opportunity for the careless to
hear the Gospel, and, if they wfll not Iraprove that opportunity,
the blame must lie at their own door, we are clear ?
By means of these Itinerant labours, and of others more stated,
considerable congregations had now in various places been col
lected, and it became necessary to have ordained ministers
stationed over thera. Hitherto, the clergyraen who had been
episcopally ordained, had administered the Lord's Supper as
occasion offered ; but a more regular and frequent comraunion
seeraed requisite in places too numerous for those clergymen to
attend. Episcopal ordination could now no longer be obtained
for the students educated at Trevecca, and in consequence it
was deterrained that soraething of this kind should be attempted.
We have already shown * how Lady Huntingdon and her
Connexion were, by the persecutions of tbe Church, compelled
to become Dissenters in the eye of the law, in order to become
Christians according to the dictates of conscience.
It was, indeed, a curious phenomenon to behold a whole host
of persons who rejected the name of Dissenters as an unfounded
calumny, who professed theraselves the truest sonS ofthe ChUrch,
* See p. 240, the protest of her Ladyship's chaplains, prior to which she had
herself addressed Bishop Louth, who entirely condemned her Ladyship, and
declared that she and her chaplains must be obedient to the hierarchy, and that
he must be guided by the decision of the spiritual courts.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 435
attached to her doctrines, cereraonies, and hierarchy, many of
whom retained, even in theirchapels, her Liturgy and vestments,
and who still coramunicated at her altars, yet resorting for pro
tection to "An Act passed to exempt persons dissenting from
the Church of England from certain pains and penalties." Ha
they professed to dissent, it would have been a question whether
the"^Toleration Act could have afforded them legal protection ;
for neither this nor any other law could be intended to provide
for all possible futurity, and gather under its wing every sect, of
whatever principles or practices, which might arise in th^ revo
lution of ages. But when the Methodists declared they were
not Dissenters, how could they claira the advantages of an act
made to protect persons dissenting from the Church of Eng
land from the penalties of certain laws ?
Yet, such was the liberality of the times, that, whenever any
people chose to ask the protection of the Toleration Act, the
courts of law kindly considered them as Dissenters, and defended
them in the quiet enjoyment of tkeir principles and worskipf.
Had not this more silent and prudent measure been adopted,
justice and liberty seemed to demand that an act should be
passed to defend the Methodists from the unauthorised violence
ofthe mob, and to rescue tbem from the degrading and perilous
condition of holding their religion by mere sufferance, liable to
be persecuted v^henever a change of the prince or his ministers
should produce an Inclination to rob them of their dearest enjoy
ments. It would have been hard to punish them, because they
did not choose to call themselves Dissenters, and to reward their
lingering fondness for their old parent by leaving them naked
and defenceless. But the introduction of a new act would have
been a delicate and difficult aff'air, which might have occasioned
so much noise as to create the most imminent hazard of raising
the eril spirit, that might not be easfly laid again. The politic
conduct of the governraent, in ^ choosing rather to give a large
and liberal interpretation to thfe Toleration Act, was a grand
step in the progress of religious liberty ; for it converted this
law Into a much more extensive and mighty blessing than it
was ever designed to be. Presbyterians, Independents, Baptist's,
and Quakers, were the persons for whom the act was made ;
but, from the period iri which the Methodists arose it became
an asylum, not only for every new sect which might separate
from the Establishmeflt, but for all her own children, who chose
occasionally to play a truant part, and like mendicant friars, to
be at home or abroad, in the church or the world as best suited
their convenience. Almost a century having elapsed since this
genero'us construction has been put upon tbe law, it seems to
rF2

436 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
have become the legal interpretation of its sense and intent ; so
that we may say, not tbat the Toleration Act has thus attained
its true bounds, but that it bas thereby become boundless in
extent, however defective it may yet be in degree.
Sunday, March the 9th, 1 783, was the day appointed for the
first public ordination of ministers in Lady Huntingdon's con
nexion, on the plan of Secession. This solemn, service was held
in Spafields chapeh At nine o'clock in fhe raorning, Mr. Wflls
and Mr. Taylor entered the chapel with six young men who
were educated at her Ladyship's CoUege at Trevecca, and
whowere then to be ordained to the work of the Holy Ministry,
when there was the greatest solemnity visible on all tbe con
gregation, which was remarkably great on tbis occasion. Tbe
two clergyraen took their places at each end ofthe Communion
Table, while the six candidates seated themselves immediately
in the front, and on each side of them tbe coraraittee belong
ing to her Ladyship's chapel.
Mr. Taylor Introduced the soleran service of the day with part
of the II2th hyran in Lady Huntingdon's collection, viz. —
" Peace be to this congregation I"
After this Mr. Taylor prayed very earnestly and suitably fo
the day and workbefore them, for the outpouring of the Spirit
on himself, Mr. Wflls and his brethren, then candidates for the
office of rainisters. For thera especially he prayed that God
would raake them wise, able, and faithful rainisters, and endue
thera with every gift and grace necessary for so great, important,
and awful a work. He then prayed for all the ministers who
loved and preached Christ — especially for those In Lady Hun
tingdon's Connexion — and then very affectionately for her Lady
ship, and for an universal spread of the Gospel. He concluded
by again fervently begging for a blessing upon the work they
were then about to engage in — and for a deep, solemn, and awful
attention upon all the hearers.
After prayer, Mr. Taylor addressed the congregation, express
ing his thankfulness to God for continuing the gospel in that
chapel, notwithstanding all the storms and persecurions it had
met with. He called thera to witness (as a circumstance they
were not strangers to) bow much the ministers of Christ had
been oppressed and harassed by the Ecclesiastical Courts,
fines, and canons, and prevented preaching where God had
evidentiy caUed them to labour. As such, he said, they were
under the necessity of either knowingly and wilfully opposing
the laws ofthe Established Church, or receding from that work
which in their consciences they believed they ought not to do.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 437
He said, therefore, as honest and conscientious men, they were
determined not to oppose the laws established, nor give upa-work
God had evidentiy caUed them to. They could not, they dare
not — they could not, he said, submit to those ecclesiastical
canons that would prevent them from exercising that ministe
rial commission, in its fullest extent, which fhey had received
from God and man — and which, he said, authorized them to
go forth into nil the world, and preach fhe gospel to every crea
ture. As, therefore, the discipline of the Established Church
prevented their doing this, and for doing it they had beeh cruelly
and shamefully driven from that Church in which they wished
to serve, they had therefore now no other method left them but
to secede, or quietly withdraw theraselves from it, and, under the
protection of the Toleration Act, continue to preack faithfully
the doctrines of that Church whose discipline, as honest men,
they could not, they dare not submit to. Their departing from
the Establishment, he said, was not with any view or design to
spread error and heresies in the Church, God forbid — or from
any mercenary views whatsoever — God forbid — nor from pride
or ostentation, as sorae had sneeringly said ; but with a pure
and simple view for the glory of God, the furtherance of the
gospel, and the good of immortal souls. So that their seceding
from the Established Church was, he said, for the ease of their
own consciences, and calculated, he verily believed, for fhe
general good of mankind, and the glory of the great and glorious
flead of the Church. This observation, Mr. Taylor said, it was
necessary to make (in justice to themselves), whfle it might
explain the re.isons for their seceding. Many bitter, hard, and
cruel things, he observed, had been, and he was aware would be
said of them respecting their conduct in this particular ; and
this he added, was done, not only by the wicked and profane,
but chiefly by those professing godliness ; and sorry, very sorry
he said, he was, that he was obliged to reraark, that many had
done it, who evidentiy had felt the power of God upon their own
souls ; but raan was man — and enough was seen in the very
best, to wean them from man to trust in God alone. Jesus
Christ, and not man, was their Lawgiver — the Lord and Judge
of their consciences, and to hira they should stand orfaU. Now,
said Mr. Taylor, addressing himself to the congregation, you
will easily perceive what are our present views and sentiments.
This Bible, this precious Bible (laying bis hand upon it), we
take for our rule, and acknowledge it as such, in all matters of
faith and practice. We have not, we dare not take any other ;
believing this Bible, therefore, to be the only standard, we re
ceive or refuse the sentiments, opinions, and doctrines of every

438 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
man, as weighed in this balance. And further, believing this
pure word of God, we do ex animo, detest, abhor, and abjure
that damnable and heretical tenet, which supposes either that
the Pope of Rorae, the Bishops of England, or any individua!l
whatsoever, is tbe Head of Christ's Church. This is a preroga
tive, it were blasphemy to say, belonged to any but Christ him
self. Him, therefore, and orily Hira we acknowledge as such.
And this pure, infallible, and etternal word, by which he hoped
and believed they were taught, encouraged them, yea, autho
rised them to ordain, or set apart, these men, now before them,
for the work of the ministry. Go forth, said Mr. Taylor (address
ing himself to the candidates), into all the world, and preach
the gospel to every creature, and administer the ordinances
of God according to his own divine appointment, wheresoever
you are called. Then (addressing himself to the congregation)
he said, this right of setting such apart for tbe work of the
ministry, we are fully persuaded from the word of God, is not
only the work of bishops, now so called, but ofall the faithful
ministers of Jesus Christ, who are exactly described by the pres
bytery deputed by the Holy Ghost, for such work, in tbe days
of the apostles. Mr. Taylor then, speaking to the people, said,
you will easfly perceive the intent, design, and pui-pose of our
meeting here together this morning : it is to ordain, or set apart,
for the work of the ministry, these young men now before
you. On our parts, we have carefully examined into their
principles, andfrom a knowledge of them, we verily believe them
to be raen devoted to God ; sound in the faith, and irreproach
able in their lives, tempers, conduct, and conversation. We
hope and believe they are men whora God hiraself hath set apart
for the work of the rainistry ; and whora we are this day called
upon openly and publicly to ordain before you all.
Mr. Taylor then turning to the candidates said, "Remember,
I beseech you, my brothers, the office you are now going to
be invested with. No office can be more sublime, important,
and awful than that of the ministry ; and that as tbere is no
small dignity attending this office, so sure am I also, from my own
experience, there is no sraall difficulty attending it. And now,
if ever, in a day like this, we raay say Lord who Is sufficient
for it ? Your office, in the very nature of it, is a great trust —
this the Scriptures, the pure Word of God, declare it to be, in
the titles it gives to those who are caUed unto it. You are to
be skepkerds ; as such, you are to feed fhe flock committed to
you by the great and chief Shepherd, and whicb be hath pur
chased with his own blood, in tbe rich pastures of the Word of
God, «here is meat for the strong men and fathers, and milk

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 439
for the lambs thereof. As shepherds. Be kind to, and tender
and gentle over the weak of the flock. (Here he went through
the various parts of the office of a shepherd, and recoramended
them most diligently and faithfully to attend unto it.) Mr.
Taylor next observed, " they were to be ambassadors ; as such,
they were delegated from God, with terms of peace to sinners
of eVery class and every degree." (Here he charged thera most
faithfully and strictly to abide by those terms, and in no case
whatever deviate from them.) He told them they must not (at
the perfl of their souls) in anywise depart from those terms,
which was the express coramand of God hiraself. He told them
they were to be watckmen ;~ as such, he called upon them to
watch constantly and perseveringly over their own souls, and
the souls committed to their care, against all their various and
great enemies, and especially to take care and beware that they
had nbt to answer for the blood of any raan ; but boldly and
faithfully deliver the whole councfl of God, not fearing the face
of any man. He next observed, they were to be builders in
God's house ; as such, he charged them to look to the sure
foundation for themselves, and those committed to their care ;
to sweep away all that refuse of lies many were building upon,
and reraove away, like able workraen, all that straw and stubble,
many were building with, to the destruction of their souls. And
finally said, they were to be labourers in God's vineyard ; as such,
he called upon them to till the ground like able workmen, and
plant, and sow, and water, and look to the Lord of the harvest
for a large increase.
Then turning to the congregation, he begged their prayers
for them in each of these particular views, viz.. Shepherds,
Ambassadors, Watckmen, Builders, and Labourers, and most
earnestly prayed that God would make theni wise, able, and
faithful ministers of the New Testament, workmen that needed
not to be ashamed. Mr. Taylor then read to them the first six
teen verses of the thirty-third chapter of Ezekiel's Prophecy,
and sat down.
Mr. Wflls then rose, and gave out the forty-fifth hymn : —
" Captain of thine enlisted host."
Mr. Wflls informed the congregation, that the Confession
of Faith to be signed by aU the ministers in Lady Hunting
don's Connexion, and which had already been subscribed
by the two ordaining ministers, and those that were to be now
ordained, should be at this time publicly read, as a test of the

440 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
principles of the ministers, and as a security to the people for
the great truths of the Gospel to be preached unto them.*
* Mr. Knight, the junior candidate, read as follows -. —
Whereas we, whose names are hereunto subscribed, desirous to maintain
the Christian religion in its purity, but perceiving some things in the Liturgy,
and many things in the discipline and government of the Established Church,
to be contrary to Holy Scripture, for tlie glory of God, the good of his church,
and the ease of our consciences, after the most mature and soleran deliberation
and prayer, have thought it necessary to secede or peaceably depart from the
Establishraent aforesaid.
We have therefore found it expedient, for the welfare and unity of the various
congregations wherewith we are connected, under the patronage of the Coun
tess of Huntingdon, thus solemnly, jointly, and severally to declare, that we do,
according to the Word and Spirit oif God, believe, confess, and subscribe, from
our hearts, the following doctrines as' essential parts of the Christian Faith ;
which we purpose and resolve, through the Grace of God, publicly and pri
vately, to maintain with all clearness and faithfulness, as we shall answer to
that God who searcheth the hearts ; viz 
WE BELIEVE
I. OF GOD.
That there is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body, parts,
or passions, of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness, the maker and preserver
of all things, both visible and invisible. And in the unity of the Godhead there
are three Persons of one substance, power, and eternity, the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Ghost. II. OF THE SCRIPTURES.
That it pleased God at sundry times and in divers manners to declare his
will, and the same should be committed unto writing, which is therefore called
the Holy Scripture ; which containeth all things necessary to salvation. The
authority whereof doth not depend upon the testimony of raan, but wholly
upon God its author ; and our assurance of the infaUible truth thereof is from
the inward work of the Holy Ghost, bearing witness with the work in our
hearts. III. OF CREATION.
It pleased God, for the manifestation of his glory, in the beginning to create
the world and all things therein ; and having made man, male and female, after
his own image, endued with knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness, he
gave them a command not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, with
a power to fulfil it, yet under a possibility of transgressing, being left to the
liberty of their own will, which was subject unto change.
IV. OF THE FALL OF MAN FKOM ORIGINAL RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Our first parents being seduced by the subtilty and temptations of Satan,
sinned in eating the forbidden fruit, whereby they fell from their original
righteousness, and became wholly defiled in all the faculties and parts of soul
and body. And being the root ofall raankind, theguilt of this sin was imputed,
and the sarae corrupted nature convej-ed to all posterity, descending from them
by ordinary generation. V. OF ORIGINAL SIN.
Original sin standeth not in the following of Adam, as the Pelagians do
vainly talk, but it is the fault and corruption of the nature of every man, that
naturally is engendered of the offspring of Adam, whereby man is as far as
pos.sible gone from original righteousness, and is of his own nature inclined
to evil, so that the flesh lusteth always contrary to the spirit ; and therefore in
every person born into this world, it deserveth God's wrath and damnation.
And this infection of nature doth remain, yea, in them that are regenerated, yet
without dominion ; and although there is no condemnation to them that are in

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 441
When this was finished, Mr. Wills informed the audience tiiat
each of the candidates by seniority would now be called upon to
give the congregation a short account of God's dealings with
Christ Jesus, yet sin in them is evil as much as in others, and as such receives
Divine fatherly chastisement. VL OF PREDESTINATION AND ELECTION.
Although the whole world is thus become guilty before God, it hath pleased
hira to predestinate some unto everlasting life. Predestination therefore to
life is the everlasting purpose of God, whereby (before the foundations of the
world were laid) he hath constantly decreed by his counsel, secrets to us, to
deliver from curse arid damnation those whom he hath chosen in Christ out of
raankind, and to bring them by Christ to everlasting salvadon, as vessels raade
to honour. Wherefore they which are endued with so excellent a benefit of
God, are called according to God's purpose by his Spirit working in due season ;
they through grace obey the call ; they are justified freely ; they are raade sons
of God by adoption ; they bear the image of Christ ; they walk religiously in
good works ; and at length, by God's mercy, they attain to everlasting felicity.
VII. OF CHRIST IHE MEDIATOR.
It pleased God, in his eternal purpose, to chooce and ordain the Lord Jesus,
his only-begotten Son, to be the Mediator between God and Man, the Prophet,
Priest, and King, the Head and Saviour of his Church, unto whom he did from
all eternity give a people to be his seed, and to be by him in time redeemed,
called, justified, fanctified, and glorified. He therefore being very and eternal
God, of one substance, and equal with the Father, did, when the fulness of
time was come, take upon him man's nature, yet without sin, being conceived
by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mary ; so that two
whole, perfect, and distinct natures, the Godhead and the Manhood, were
inseparably joined together in one person, without conversion or confusion ;
which person is very God and very Man, yet one Christ, the only Mediator
between God and Man. This office of Mediator and sm-ety he did most
willingly undertake ; which, that he might discharge, he was made under the
Law, and did perfectly fulfil it by an obedience unto death ; by which perfect
obedience and sacrifice of himself on the Cross, which he through the eternal
Spirit once offered up unto God, he hath fuUy satisfied divine justice, and
piuchased not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom
of Heaven, for all those whora the Father hath given him. To all of whom he
doth, in his own time, and in his own way, certainly and effectually apply his
purchased redemption ; raaking intercession for thera ; and revealing unto
them, through the Word and by his Spirit, the raysteries of salvation ;
effectually enabling thera to believe unto obedience ; and governing their hearts
hy the same Word and Spirit, and overcoraing all their enemies by his
Almighty power. VIIL Of THE HOLY GHOST.
The Holy Ghost is the third person in the adorable Godhead, distinct from
the Father and the Son ; yet of one substance, glory, and majesty with them,
very and eternal God, whose office in the Church is raanifold. It is he who
illuminates the understanding to discern spiritual tbings, and guides us into all
truth, so that without His teaching, we shall never be effectually convinced of
sin, nor be brought to the saving knowledge of God in Christ. And His teach
ing, whether it be by certain raeans which He ordinarily raakes use of, or with-
out means, is attended with an evidence peculiar and proper to itself, therefore
styled the deraonstration of the Spirit and of power. By which Divine power
He not only enlightens the understanding, but gives a new turn or bias to the
will and affections, moving and acting upon our hearts, and by his secret ener
getic influence effecting those things which we could never attain or accoraplish
by our own strength. Nor is His gtiidance less necessary in our lives and all

442 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
their souls in a way of grace, in their internal call to the minis-
iry, and of their end and design in taking upon them this
Iraportant, arduous, and blessed work. Accordingly, Mr.
our transactions. Without his assistance we know not what to pray for, or
how to pray aright. He confirms us in all grace, and he is the author of all
holiness. It is he that assures us of our persTSnal interest in Christ, and that
sheds abroad the love of God in our hearts. He seals beUevers unto the day of
redemption, and is himself the earnest of their future inheritance. He adrainis.
ters comfort to us in our temporal and spiritual distresses, by applying to our
minds seasonable promises of God in Christ Jesus, which are yea and amen ;
and by receiving the things of Christ, and showing them unto us. Thus He
encourageth and refresheth us with a sense of the favour of God ; fills us with
joy unspeakable, and full of glory ; aud is to abide with the Church for ever.
IX. OF free will.
The condition of man after the fall of Adam is such, that he cannot turn or
prepare himself by his own natural strength and good works to faith and calling
upon God ; wherefore we have no power to do good works, pleasant and ac
ceptable to God, without the grace of God by Christ preventing us, that we
may have a good Will, and working with us when we have that good will.
X. OF justification.
We are accounted righteous before God, only for the merit of Qur Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ, by faith, and not for our own works or deservings.
Wherefore, that we are justified by faith only, is- a most wholesome doctrine,
and very full of corafort. And this is done by pardoning our sins, and by ac
counting our persons as righteous by imputing the obedience and satisfaction of
Christ unto us, which is received and rested upon by faith, which faith we have
not of ourselves, but it is the gift of God.
XI. OF sanctification and good works.
They who are effectually called and regenerated, having a new heart and a
new spirit created in them, are further sanctified, really and personally, through
the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection, by His word and spirit dwelling in
them ; the dominion qf the whole body of sin is destroyed, and the several lusts
thereof are more and more weakened and mortified, and they more and more
quickened and strengthened in all saving graces, to the practice of true holiness;
and without which no man shall see the Lord. Works which are the fruits of
faith, and follow after justification, though they cannot put away our sins, nor
endure the severity of God's judgment, yet are pleasing and acceptable to God
in Christ, and spring out necessarily of a true and lively faith ; insomuch that
by them a lively faith may be as evidently known as a tree discerned by the
fruit. XII. or WORKS BEFORE JUSTIFICATION.
Works done before the grace of Christ, and the inspiration of His Spirit, are
not pleasant to God, forasmuch as they spring not oi faith in the Lord Jesus
Christ, neither do they make man meet to receive grace ; yea, rather, for that
they are not done as God hath willed and commanded them to be done, we
doubt not but they have the nature of sin.
xiii. of the CHUECH.
The Catholic, or universal Church, which is invisible, consists of the whole
number of the elect that have been, are, or shall be, gathered into one, under
Christ the Head thereof, and is the spouse, the body, the fulness of Him that
filleth all in all. The visible Church consists of all those throughout the woi'ld
who profess the true relision, together with their children. To which visible
Church Christ hath given the ministry and ordinances of the Gospel, for the
gathering and perfecting the saints in this life, to the end of the world ; and
doth by His own presence and Spirit, according to His proraise, make thera
effectual thereunto*

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 443
Thomas Jones began ; standing upon a platform placed for the
purpose in the centre of the seat, that, being thus raised above
the congregation in the area, the people might hear the better,
and gave an account of his experience.
After which, Mr. Taylor gave out from the 76th Hymn, the
lines beginning — " Let the Indian, let the Negro."
Mr. Samuel Beaufoy then ascended the platform, and ad
dressed the congregation.
There is no other Head of the Church but the Lord Jesus Christ ; nor can the
Pope of Rome in any sense thereof, but is that Antichrist, the man of sin, and
son of perdition, that exalteth himself in the Church against Christ, and all that
is called God. XIV. OF BAPTISM.
Baptism is a sacrament of the New Testament, ordained by Jesus Christ, not
only for the solemn admission ofthe party baptized into the visible church, but
also to be unto him a sign and seal of the covenant of grace, to be continued in
the Church until the end of the world ; which is rightly administered by pour
ing or sprinkling water upon the person, in the name of the Father, Son, and
Holy Ghost. This sacrament ought to be administered but once to any per
son ; and we also hold, that infants raajr and ought to be baptised, in virtue of
one or both believing parents, because the spiritual privilege of a right unto and
a participation of the initial seal of the covenant was granted by God to the
infant seed of Abraham, which grant must remain for ever, without the Lord's
own express revoking or abrogation of it, which can never be proved frora
Scriptmre that he has done. Again, they that have the thing signified have a
right to the sign of it ; but children are capable of the grace signified in Bap
tism, and some of them (we trust) are partakers of it — namely, such as die in
their infancy ; therefore, they may and ought to be baptized. For these and
other reasons, we believe and maintain the lawfulness and expediency of infant
baptism, XV. OF THE lord's SUPPER.
The supper of the Lord is not only a sign of the love that Chrisdans ought to
have among themselves one to another, but rather it is a sacrament of the body
and blood of Christ, and of our redemption thereby, called the Lord's Suppbr,
to be observed in His church to the end of the world, for the perpetual remem
brance of the sacrifice of himself in bis death ; the sealing all benefits thereof
to true bsUevers ; their spiritual nourishment and growth in him ; their further
engagement in and to all duties which they owe unto Him ; and to be a bond
and pledge of their communion with Him and with each other as members of
his mystical body. Insomuch, that to such as rightly and with faith receive the
same, t'ue bread which we break is a partaking of the body of Christ ; and like
wise the cup of blessing is a partaking of the blood of Christ ; though in sub
stance and nature they stUl reniain bread and wine as they were before. Those,
therefore, that are void of faith, though they do carnally and visibly eat the
bread and drink the wine ofthe sacrament of the body and blood of Christ, yet
are in nowise partakers of Christ, but rather to their condemnation do eat and
drink the sign or sacrament of so great a blessing.
The above-written articles were subscribed by us, this eighth day of March,
in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three.
Thomas Wills, William Taylor.'
Oidainedin London, the ^Thomas Jones, Samuel Beaufoy,
9th of March 1783 j ' homas Cannon, John Johnston,
^ r ' ' t William Green, Joel Abraham Knicht.
Ordained at London, July l6th, 1783. Daniel Gra^;

444 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
This was followed by verses of the 128th Hymn, beginning —
" Run to and fro, ye heralds, run."
Mr. Thomas Cannon next came forward, and told what God
had done for his souh
Mr. Taylor gave out the two last verses of the 76th Hymn —
" May the glorious day approaching."
Mr. John Johnston next ascended the platforra, and spoke the
feelings of his beart.
When he had concluded, Mr. Wills rose from his seat, and
gave out the last verse of the 1 29th Hymn —
" Vain is learning, parts, or merit."
This was sung with the most fervent spirit of devotion ; after
which Mr. Williara Green spoke his experience. The two first
verses of the 229th Hyran followed —
" Ye servants of God, your Master proclaim."
Mr. Joel Abraham Knight concluded with the account of his
call. When Mr. Knight had concluded, part of the 177th Hymn
was given out — " Shall we not witness bear ?"
Mr. Wills then addressed tbe whole congregation ; his words
were to the following effect : —
" You have now heard, my brethren, the several experiences of these
young persons, and tbeir respective calls to tbe work of tbe ministry.
What think you ? Have they a call to it from God, or bave tbey
not ? Should they be admitted to ordination, or should they not ?
Methinks you are ready to answer. Verily they sbould. But I ask.
Who is to admit them ? Many of their bretbren have been refused
ordination in tbe Establishment under similar circumstances; nor is
there a doubt tbat these would be treated in the same manner. What,
then, is to be done ? If we ourselves have a right on Scripture grounds
to exercise the office of ordination, now is the time — it becomes our
duty to do it.
" Our'^dissenting bretbren cannot dispute the point without weaken
ing their own bands ; they cannot deny that we have at least as good
a right as themselves, or their predecessors. For if we trace up tbe
Dis'„enting church to its first rise, shall vve not find their ministers of
that time were episcopally ordained ? and yet, though thus ordained, as
ourselves are, when tbey were persecuted and ejected from the Esta
blishment for nonconformity to those injunctions imposed upon them
against their own consciences, were they not afterwards reduced to
the necessity of ordaining amongst themselves ? And did they ex
ercise tbis office without Scripture authority, yea,, wa.i.-pe\-ieci eonsii-
tencv with their own principles ? Do the Dissenters of the present
day condemn their forefathers for so doing ? Yet, what right had 'tkey

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 445
thus to ordain, that we had not in similar circumstances ? What if we
have not every scruple as to indifferent things that they had ? Still,
if we have some as to more important points, aud such as to oblige us
to secede from the Establishment, we fairly conclude that they cannot
justly censure us, without condemning themselves and their blessed
forefathers. " The Established Church, therefore, is the only quarter that with
any appearance of consistency can contest the inatter with us. Let us
meet them on Scripture ground ; only premising that I presume no one
will question the validity of my brother Taylor's ordination and my
own. But to what 0.^03 have we been ordained? To that of Pres
byters ;' or, what is called in the Establishment, the order of priesthood.
Can Presbyters, then, ordain ? If they can ordain, then our present
ordination must be vahd, because we are Presbyters. But in the
Scripture we see Presbyters could and did ordain ; for was not Timothy
ordained, ' By the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery ?' ( 1. Tim.
iv.,15.) Besides, the TrpeafivTepoi were Gjrta-KOTro'., that is, the l^resby-
ters or Elders were Bishops ; as you may see by comparing the 17th
and the 28th verses of the 20th chapter of the Acts, where the very
persons that are called Elders in the former verse are called Bishops
or Overseers (one and the same word in the original), in the latter.
Hence the Apostle Peter (who, no doubt, was a Bishop, if ever there
was one,) calls himself, in the fifth chapter of his Pirst Epistle, at the
first verse, an Elder or Presbyter ; and it is evident, from the sanqe
verse, tbat he is addressing the Presbyters or Elders, whom he exhorts
to take the oversight of his flock ; which word in the original being
e-iriaKo-ma, or the office of a Bishop ; so that we must infer from the
whole passage tbat the Presbyters were Bishops, and the Bishops were
Presbyters. This must account for the Apostle's silence about the
Presbyters, when he is giving directions to Timothy concerning the
Bishops snd Deacons, I 'Tim. 3. Why should the Presbylcis bo for
gotten, if they were not the same as the Bishops ? Why should they
be forgotten again, when Paul is writing to the Philippians ? For, in
the first verse of the first chapter, he salutes the Bishops and Deacons;
no mention is here made ofthe Presbyters ; nay, there are more Bishops
than one in this one church, which plainly shews that the Bishops or
Presbyters were the same. Again, when the Apostle gave directions
to Titus about ordaining Elders or Presbyters (chapter i. 5), he adds
some qualifications in the next verse ; and then says, ' For a Bishop
must be blameless.' Now, if an Elder were not a Bishop, what argu
ment, or propriety, or connexion can there he in this reason ? From
the whole, then, of these Scripture testimonies, witiiout multiplying
¦ passages to the same effect, it is evident that Presbyters are Bishops in the
word of God ; that Presbyters, therefore, might and did ordain ; —
hence the right of ordaining cannot, on Scripture grounds, he denied to
us as Presbyters, who are now to engage in this solemnity. This was
also the custom of the primitive church ; and the nearer we approach
to those early times in simplicity, the better. In those days the pastor
of one congregation was the Bishop ; that congregation was his diocese ;
the whole diocese, therefore, met for worship in one place ; and they

446 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
had but one communion table for this diocese. When the congregation
increased, and became too numerous for one person to minister to them
in the whole pastoral office, he had other assistants, all of whom were
alike Presbyters with himself, holding one and the same office as to
the work of the ministry ; but for distinction's sake, iu point of the
charge of that people, the origingl pastor being considered as having tho
special care of jhe congregation iramediately committed to him, was
called the Episcopus, Bishop, or Overseer, and his assistants were
called Presbyters or Elders. Just as tbe parochial minister of the
congregation now, and his curates, have one and the same office in the
Church in gqneral, and can only be considered as having a different re
lation to that respective congregation in particular. Every one knows
how corruption soon after got into the Chnrch ; and those tbat read
ecclesiastical history cannot be ignorant that primitive simplicity was,
in after ages, superseded bythe pride and pomp of succeeding prelates,
who, instead of feeding the flock, lorded it over God's heritage.*
" Having spoken of, and, I trust, sufficiently proved our right of
ordination, we will proceed to consider the necessity ofit; and take
occasion, at the same time, to touch upon our late secession. •
" Here I must beg you, brethren, to take a short retrospect of the
revival of the power of godliness that began to take plaoe in this king
dom above forty years ago. Every one knows that when tbat eminent
servant of Jesus, and champion for the truth, Mr. Whitefield, came out
as such a public witness, our noble patroness, that mother in Israel,
the Countess of Huntin;.'don, boldly stejiped forth with him, stood by
him, and supported him with all her influence. Her Ladyship IDeing
now absent from us, I may be perraitted to make a few remarks on
this head, whicli fear of otfeuding her delicacy would have prevented
if she had been present. Disregarding her sex, her rank, her fortune,
the wdiole world knows she has devoted all she is and all she has, for
forty years and upwards, to the same glorious cause. This kingdom,
as well as foreign parts, aro witnesses for her. Thousands and tens
of thousands have reason to bless God^ to eternity on her account.
She has been long running her Christian race, and is not 3'et overcome,
nor faint, but still pursuing. When I consider how far we are all
outdone by this faithful, zealous, and elect lady, I am ashamed of
myself. " I need not speak of the chapels her Ladyship has built for the ser -
vice of the Gospel. I need not say that when some young men were
expelled from Oxford for the dreadfid offences of singing, praying, and
expounding the Scriptures, she opened a College where serious
students were received, educated, and every way maintained at her
sole expense. These, as their gifts increased, and opportunides
served, were sent out from her College from time to time to preach tbe
Gospel in various parts, to the conversion of thousands who had been
sitting in darkness and the shadow of death — and, so that the Lord
» Lord Chancellor King's Enquiry into thp Constitution, Discipline, Unity,
and Worship of the Primitive Chureh ; Hooker's Ecclesiastical Polity, book 7 ;
and Gibbon, book IS.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 447
Was with them, it was indifferent to their noble patroness and to
themselves whether they preached in churches or meetings, in private
liouses, or in the high-ways and hedges (like their Divine Master and
his apostles), in synagogues or on mountains, on sea-shores or in the
school of one Tyrannus; journeying also, like them, from city to city,
from town to town, and from village to village ; by which means
thousands now on earth, and a glorious crowd of witnesses departed in
the faith, have heard and known the joyful sound. At length, wheu
this house was opened for the Gospel, it is well known that the
ministers who undertook it were opposed and silenced. Her Ladyship
then stepped in to fill up thef gap, and continue the Gospel here, where
was ouce a synagogue of Satan. But what was the consequence ?
Her right was called in question, and some of the ministers sent by
her to this place were cited to the Spiritual Court, as it is called,
tried and silenced, one after another ; and so, no doubt, it was to go
on most piously, with 01 the rest, to the end ofthe chapter. What
was to be done ? Was the cause of God to be deserted ? Were tho
people to be neglected, and to be scattered as sheep without a shepherd?
Was this chapel, and other chapels in consequence of this, to be shut
up? A minister of a parish says, you shall not preach here — a bishop
says, you shall' not preach here. But whether in this case we are to
hearken to men, more than God, judge ye. We have received a conl
mission for the Great Head of the Church, from the Shepherd and
Bishop of souls, to go into all fhe world, and preach the Gospel to
every creature. Nay, we were even charged 'in the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ, at the tirae of our ordination, to seek for Christ's
sheep that are dispersed abroad, and for his children who are in the
midst of this naughty world, that they might be saved through Christ
for ever.'* Shall we then be confined to a single parish of perhaps a
mile or two in circumference ? Shall We confine the Gospel light to
a few individuals, or scores, or even hundreds, when thousands and
tens of thousands are in the darkness and the shadow of death,
peii'shing for lack of knowledge? Had I ten thousand tongues, and
could stand in ten thousand places at once, I would preach Jesus
Christ in all of thera. My life is short, is uncertain ; I would work
whilst it is day, before the night cometh, wherein we cannot work.
Woe be unto us if we preach not the Gospel, wheresoever and when
soever We have opportunity, though all the powers of earth and hell
combine against us : herein we have glorious precedents ; the disciples
of old were cited too before their spiritual courts and councils ; they
were threatened, imprisoned, and beaten with many stripes; they were
forbid to speak any more in the name of Jesus. But were they dis-
com-aged, were they affrighted, did they forbear to preach ? No ;
' tbey went out from the council, rejoicing that they were counted
worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus.' Circumstanced thus as our
affairs were ; one minister silenced after another, and all threatened ;
nothing could he done in support of the cause of God, upon our own
principles, but to secede, or peaceably withdraw froni the Establishment ;
* See Ordination Service.

448 SELINA, (COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON.
and continue to maintain under the Toleration Act the doctrines of
the Church of England, whilst we could not in conscience submit to
many of her canons, or that part of her discipline which we judge to
he a human imposition on the conscience, unreasonable and unscriptu
ral. This act of seceding, as an individual, for my own part, I had
no objection to, having for some years counted it my duty to quit my
parochial charge, as well as my privilege to concur with, and assist
my Lady Huntingdon in her grand design of spreading the Gospel more
extensively, than when circumscribed within so narrow a sphere as a
single parish ; whilst it is too notorious tbat so many ministers of the
Establishment neither preach nor believe the doctrines of the Refor
mation ; but though they subscribe to them as a passport to ordination,
or to preferment one day, make no scruple to reprobate them the
next : forgetting thq|t they -^^-ere false, they ought not, as honest men,
to subscribe to them ; .and if they were true, they ought not, as
honest men, to preach against them. Thus the blind leading the blind,
and both falling into the ditch, I saw my way clearly to devote myself
to the more general and extensive services of the Gospel in th'xs Con
nexion wherein I count it my honour, to spend and to be spent, and
intend (through grace) to live and to die.
" Called upon, then, in the present exigency I dared not decline the
task, however unprecedented and hazardous the undertaking might be,
and however obnoxious to the bigoted of all parties : but assured of its
being the Lord's cause, looking to him for his directions, and leaning
upon him for support, I humbly ventured to lead the way on the se
ceding plan, exposed as I might be to the censure and persecution of
intolerant courts, counting it the greatest blessing of my life that I had
the honour of being instrumental not only in defence of the Gospel in
general, but in this place, to say nothing of the various places besides),
¦where otherwise, humanly speaking, you must have been deprived of
it. Thus, my dear brethren, I have endeavoured clearly to state the
whole matter before you, and to obviate every objection ; I confess it
has been unpremeditated upon the whole ; but since I came into the
chapel it struck me forcibly that upon tbis occasion it was proper, aud
indeed expedient, to inform you^not only of the nature and necessity of
the secession, but of all the other steps I have taken notice of leading
to it, and consequent upon it ; and this plainly and explicitly, in order
to justify our proceedings herein in the sight of God and man. Trust
ing, therefore, my attempt to do it has been attended with conviction to
your minds, and requesting your forgiveness for taking up so much of
your time on a subject wherein so insignificant a person as myself is
immediately concerned, having never before bad such a jot(Wtc call for
it, we will proceed to the further business before us."
Mr. Wills then engaged in prayer suitable to the ordination
immediately to take place, wherein he prayed tbe Lord, who was
ascended up on high, and gives gifts unto men, particularly pas
tors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints for the work
of the ministry, and for the edifying of the body of Christ, that

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTlkoDON. 449
He would be graciously pleased to endue these young persons,
now to be set apart to the work of the ministry, with the gifts
and grace of the Holy Spirit, that they might not only be pri
vileged with the laying on of hands, but that a Divine unction
might be poured out upon them; making them able ministers of
the New Testament, not suff'ering them to be ashamed of the
Gospel of Christ, nor shunning to declare the whole counsel of
God, but wise to win souls, and abundantly successful in what
ever part of the vineyard they may be called to labour, deter
mining, through grace, to spend and be spent in the Redeemer's
service ; concluding his prayer in words to this effect — " Lord !
without thee we cannot go, but let thy presence be with us, and
we will go. Here, in the face of this congregation, we dedicate
afresh our bodies, souls, and spirits to thy service. Bless, O
bless us with simplicity and faithfulness, with zeal and success !
and thou shalt have all the praise and glory. Father, Son, and
Holy Ghost, now and for evermore. Amen."
Mr. Wills and Mr. Taylor standing together, each of them
took a Bible from the communion table, where they had been
previously placed, and proceeded to the laying on of hands on
the head of each candidate according to seniority. Two of the
young men approaching the communion rails, kneeled down,
when Mr. WiUs and Mr. Taylor, with the Bibles in their hands,
advanced, and each in succession addressed to the person kneel
ing before him the following words, putting the Bible into his
hands : — " Take tkou autkority to preack tke word of God, and
to administer his appointed ordinances, in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Two others then
knelt down, and the same ceremony was repeated, tfll all received
their designation. The whole was a scene of such impressive
solemnity as has hardly ever been witnessed, and was attended
with a display of great piety and ability in the ministers engaged :
and evident marks of attention, devotion, and satisfaction in the
people assembled.
Mr. Taylor then gave out the last verse ofthe 108th hymn —
" Give reward of grace and glory.''
The words " Bless, O bless them," were sung with great life,
and attended with uncommon power, every person seeming to
join heartily in the petition, and singing them over repeatedly
with the most fervent spirit of prayer.
Mr. Wflls then, from the pulpit, addressed the ministers,
standing round the communion rails before him, in a most' able
and judicious charge, which was grounded on St. Paul's exhorta
tion to Timothy, first epistle, 4th chapter, 16th verse — " Take
VOL. II. — G G

450 THE nirJE And times of
heed unto thyself, and to thy doctrines; continue in them; for
in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear
thee.'' The charge being ended, and it being now two o'clock, the
service having already taken up five hours (though the utmost
eagerness of attention and solemnity in the congregation con
tinued to the last), It was thought expedient to defer the ser
mon, which was to have been preached by Mr. Taylor, till the
evening ; and to dismiss the people for the present, with the
usual benediction, after singing the 287th hymn : —
" Blessings for ever on the Lamb
Who bore the curse for wretched man," &c.
The communion was iraraediately after adrainistered to those
tbat remained, the young ministers receiving first, then the con
gregation. Thus concluded the whole service on this most
solemn occasion ; wherein much of the presence of the Lord was
experienced by the people In general, many blessings were
bestowed by the great Bishop and Head of the Church, and all
acknowledged it to have been one ofthe days ofthe Son of Man,
never to be forgotten by them to all eternity.

CHAPTER LH.
Hospital of EtwaU, and School of Repton — Lady Huntingdon interested
ahout those Institutions — Rev. Mr. Cotton — Lady Gerard — Correspondence
of Lady Huntingdon with the Guard'ans — Letters from Lord Chesterfield and
Lord Huntingdon — Letter to Mr. Cotton from Lady Huntingdon — Queries
relative to the Charity — Rev. Cradoek Glascott, pre.sented to the Li\lng of
Hatton Leigh — Mr. Ireland — Letters from Lady Huntingdon to Mr. Glascott
— His Illness and Death.
The abuses which had long existed in the Hospital of EtwaU
and the Free School of Repton, in the county of Derby, at
tracted the notice of Lady Huntingdon, who set herself vigo
rously to effect a reformation to these valuable institutions. To
this she was instigated, amongst others, by Lady Gerard, then
in a declining state of health, who was excluded from any active
share in the charity, on account of being a Roman Catholic.
The hospital and school were founded by Sir John Port, of
EtwaU, in Derbyshire ; which Sir Joha Port left three daughters

SiELlNA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 451
co-heiresses: Elizabeth, the eldest, married Sir Thomas Gerard,
of Bryn, in Lancashire ; Dorothy, the second daughter, George,
Earl of Huntingdon; and Margaret, the third daughter, Sir
Thomas Stanhope, ancestor of the Earl of Chesterfield. The
hospital and school were endowed with above 600?. per annum,
and the said three famflies appointed governors by the last will
and testament of the said Sir John Port, and by letters patent,
granted by King James the First.
The Rev. Mr. Cotton, of EtwaU, who was associated with
Lords Chesterfield and Huntingdon for the purposes of that
trust, the Gerard family being excluded on account of being
Roman CathoUcs, was a connexion of the Shirley family. Lady
Huntingdon's first cousin, Robert, sixth Earl Ferrers, brother of
her Ladyship's Chaplain, the Hon. and Rev. Walter Shirley,
married his sister, the youngest daughter of Rowland Cotton,
of EtwaU. Lady Gerard died August 20, 1782, tbree months
after Lady Huntingdon's first application was addressed to
Lord Chesterfield. Her Ladyship's correspondence with Lords
Chesterfield and Huntingdon, and the Rev. Mr. Cotton, is full
of interest, and exhibits the great benevolence of her disposi
tion — her humanity and love of justice — as well as the perpe
tual activity of her raind amidst her many and great labours.
Letter from Lady Huntingdon to Lord Chesterfield: —
"College, May Sth, 1782.
" My Lord, — Not having the honour to be personaUy known to your
Lordship, I must be as much obliged to your candour as I shall cer
tainly ever be to your justice. The liberty I now take is the effect of
many applications made to me, relative to the charities of the Hospital
of Etwall and the School of Repton, your Lordship being a joint-
guardian with Lord Huntingdon and Mr. Cotton, of EtwaU, for the
purposes of that trust, the Gerard family being excluded their active
share in it as Roman Catholics, and the law having, on that account,
substituted tbe Cotton family to their present care of it. Great abuses
to the poor most certainly do subsist, and on that account Lady Gerard
has sent repeated requests to me, entreating my little, but utmost, in
terest with your Lordship and my son, that these abuses might be
inquired into. I inforraed my son of this, whose delicacy to your Lord
ship, with my own, has prevented anything being done tifl previously
your approbation could be obtained. As my son had resolved on these
conditions only he could act, and as in perfect concurrence with your
Lordship, and thus I now become your Lordship's petitioner as well as
his for those poor who are the suflfering subjects of my request — a true
and faithful representation being made, I am assured your Lordship's
voice will not be wanting for a full examination into the conduct of a
charity, which, with proper care, might be made one of the noblest in
the kingdom, according to its original institution, for the poor, disabled
day-labourers in the Hospital, and the education of poor boys at the
gg2

452 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
School, who would otherwise be left without the possible chance of in
struction. Should your Lordship, united with my son and Mr. Cotton,
only agree to the inquiry, it might be taken without difficult}', or any
great expense to the charity, by the appointment of a proper person to
exaraine the leases upon the estate, together with the very large suras
of money that have been and are at present yearly received, without
benefit to the charity. This, and the yearly disbursements, justly laid
before the trust for their joint information, and at one view only, would
prove the importance of the suggestion, and establish the necessity of
sorae new regulation. Could I but assure that excellent person, Lady
Gerard (whose death is but too soon expected), that your Lordship and
my son, with the proper application to Mr. Cotton, as the substitute of
that family, have agreed that this affair should be examined into, my
own satisfaction would receive double pleasure, with double thanks to
your Lordship from myself, and her Ladyship also. — I ara, my Lord, &c.
"S.Huntingdon."
The noble Earl thus candidly replied : — •
" Eythorpe, May 9th, 1 782.
" Madam, — I received by yesterday's post the honour of your Lady
ship's letter. I am ashamed to say, that though I have had many op-
jjortunities of putting poor men and boys into tbe Hospital of Etwall
and School of Repton, I ara entirely ignorant of the nature of those
charities, and of the funds by which they are supported. The kind and
benevolent solicitude your Ladyship expresses that the poor objects of
either of those charities may not sutfer from negligence or abuse, does
your Ladyship the highest honour ; and I shall be very happy to coin
cide with your wishes in anything which may tend to accomplish so
desirable an end. I shall, therefore, be ready to join with Lord Hun
tingdon and the Cotton family in any inquiry that may be necessary.
As I have not any acquaintance upon the spot whom I can recommend
to examine the leases and accounts of the charities, I wish, when your
Ladyship writes to Lord Huntingdon upon this subject, you would
desire him or Mr. Cotton to appoint such a person as they may think
capable of executing the office with diligence and disinterestedness.
Should your Ladyship wish to do me the honour of writing to me again
upon this subject, I must trouble you to direct to me — Shelbrook Hall,
near Doncaster, Yorkshire. Lady Chesterfield feels herself much flat
tered by your kind remembrance of her, and begs to present her com-
phments to your Ladyship. — I have the honour to be, Madam, your
Ladyship's most obedient and faithful, humble servant, " Chesterfield."
Her Ladyship lost no time in addressing the second trustee,
the Rev. W. Cotton, of Etwall, Derbyshire : —
"College, May 17, 1782.
" Rev. Sir, — The friendship which for so many years subsisted mu
tually in your famfly and mine, would make me consider an application
to you (though personaUy unknown) as the stifl remaining fruit bf that

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 453
respect which time cannot lesson by their loss, and which, on the
present occasion, becomes so much due to you. Various representa
tions of tlie state of the charities of Etwall Hcspital and Repton School
have been made to me, and in a particular manner from that excellent
person, Lady Gerard, for whose family you are the appointed substi
tute for one part of that trust, united with Lord Chesterfield and Lord
Huntingdon. The examination into this most iraportant relief for the
poor, intended by the noble benefactor, and, according to its original
institution, to be justly and properly attended to, as his meaning seems
hitherto but too little regarded ; and I have the pleasure now of as
suring you the full consent of Lord Chesterfield and my son is ob
tained for the most legal and exact inquiry into every circumstance be
longing to these charities, and, with your concurrence in this matter, the
whole affah may be conducted mth the most unreserved faithfulness.
I have proposed to Lord Chesterfield and Lord Huntingdon that some
very proper person should be appointed and sent down to inspect the
leases, together with the real condition of fhe estate, by which its es
sential value may be known, all which they approved ; and I think I
may venture to say, my son and Lord Chesterfield will account them
selves happy that an active part in this may so honourably 'belong to
you, by any preparations needful for this most useful and excellent in
quiry, as your honour and justice will suffer no private interest to pre
vail, or the state of any facts to be concealed from the legal inspection
intended universaUy to be made. A plan well laid will render the exe
cution iramediate and easy ; and as I have always believed a degree
of faithful care would make this one of the most noble private charities
in the kingdom, so does it become the privilege of all concerned to
yield every friendly aid for that purpose. Hoping to hear your senti
ments on this subject, I remain. Reverend Sir, your obedient, humble
servant, « S. Huntingdon."
" P.S. — I must believe it immediately needful that an actual survey
of the whole estate should be taken, as that will become the foundation
for all future improvements, as well as the certain and best correction
for neglect or unfaithfulness."
The letter of Lord Huntingdon to bis exceUent mother on
this subject, is as follows : — "London, May 18th, 1782.
" I am happy you have put in such forwardness an inquiry into the
state of Etwall charities. As Lord Chesterfield promises to concur
with me in all steps that might be taken to that end, I request your
Ladyship and Lady Gerard to take such measures as may appear neces
sary, and I will subscribe to them all. Your intention of applying to
Mr.W  foran able lawyer and manager seems a proper begin
ning ; and I desire your Ladyship not to give yourself the trouble of
consulting me upon every occasion, but to be confident of my entire
concurrence and support. After these assurances, I flatter myself^
dear Madam, you will proceed in this business without further delay,'
&c., &c. Adieu, my dear Madam, and be assured of the affection of
your dutiful son, (Signed) « Huntingdon."-

454 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
Lady Huntingdon now thought it right to send her letter to
Mr. Cotton, enclosed to Lord Chesterfield, whom she thus ad
dresses : — "College, May 21st, 1782.
" My Lord, — I must, with great truth, assure your Lordship, that
the honour done me by your Lordship's letter, with your noble and ready
disposition to have the rights of the poor raaintained by your Lordship's
obliging concurrence with Lord Huntingdon, has engaged ray kindest
respect, and, from the great relief given to my mind by such an act of
justice to the oppressed poor, the strongest impressions of gratitude to
your Lordship. I have the honour of inclosing a copy of a letter to
Mr. Cotton, hoping for your approbation. Delicacy to his part of the
trust made me venture to say your Lordship and my son would be
pleased with every preparatory means for the inquiry. The want of a
proper authority must make me the object (but too certainly) of sup
posed officiousness, and as such must have its many difficulties to me ;
yet your Lordship and my son being not fully acquainted with the
various circumstances relative to those charities, obliges some one de
tached from every interest to carry forward this business coolly and
faithfully. Lord Huntingdon, in consequence of your Lordship's re
quest, thought with me, an able lawyer, a stranger to possible influence
in the county, or any concerned, seenjed the raost upright method for
detecting the abuses as they might arise under the examination of the
whole. I have wrote to one very erainent in the law, to recommend
the most able person he knows, for the purpose of the fullest and freest
examination of these charities ; and I hope your Lordship will do me
the honour to believe, that I would as certainly avoid all needless trou
ble to your Lordship as I would unfaithfulness to these intentions by
any want of your most perfect approbation. As soon as I receive Mr.
Cotton's answer, together with the best intelligence I can obtain of tbe
person to be employed, I shall be obliged to trouble your Lordship for
any instruction you raay on this occasion honour me with. I beg Lady
Chesterfield will accept my most respectful compliments; and I remain,
as ever, my Lord, your Lordship's most obliged and obedient,
" S. Huntingdon.
" P.S. — I have, with great pleasure, assured Lady Gerard of your
just and wise sentiments of this faithful inquiry, which I know her
honour and respect to your Lordship will most thankfully rejoice in."
To this letter Lord Chesterfield replied within a fortnight to
the following purport : — "Shelbrook Hall, June Sth, 1782.
" Madam, — I received a little time ago the honour of your Lady
ship's letter, and a,pprove very much of the steps you have taken in re
gard to the revenues and administration of the charities of Etwall
Hospital apd Repfon School. I have the honour of returning your
Ladyship the copy of the letter you had written to tbe Rev. Mr. Cotton,
^nd which, a^ well as I am able to judge, will have great eflFect in at-
tf injpg tbe hufP»ne ends \vhich are the sole objects of ypur Lsdysbip'g

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 465
benevolent interference on the occasion. I beg leave to repeat how
happy I shall be to follow your advice and direction on the present
oocasion, and to unite with Lord Huntingdon in any steps either his
Lordship or you think stifl further necessary. Lady Chesterfield begs
me to present her most respectful compliments to your Ladyship. — I
have the honour to he, with great truth, Madam, your Ladyship's most
obedient and faithful, humble servant, " Chesterfield."
Mr. . Cotton not replying to her Ladyship's letter, she again
addressed the Earl, a month after the date of the above letter):
" College, July Sth, 1782.
" My Lord,— The great honour you have done me by your confidence
must obUge my utmost faithfulness for your Lordship's fullest approba
tion ; and whatever I may want in securing this, I am sure you wdll
give me credit that in so interesting a point with me, I could not he
wanting in diligence or the most unalterable vvishes for that success.
The occasion of this present trouble to your Lordship arises from my
having had no answer from Mr. Cotton to that letter, a copy of which I
had the honour of sending your Lordship. Two reasons occur which
may possibly account for this— great ignorance of the world in the
neglect of respect and attention to your Lordship and my son, and the
combined influence on this occasion of the master of the Hospital, who
possesses the Uving of Etwall from Mr. Cotton ; and the hope the in
quiry may drop by his sflence, probably engages these cautious reserves,
and thus justice to the poor must end, unless your Lordship and my
son resolve upon signing a letter of attorney for the lawyer and agent
for this special inquiry, and after your Lordship and my son have
signed it, they may wait on Mr. Cotton, with your united compUments,
for the purpose of signing it also. This proper mark of respect is all
that can be wanting to him as a joint trustee, having been already pre
viously informed of all your Lordship knows ; and this may be done
with the utmost dehcacy to Mr. Cotton, while legal justice may be thus
happily secured to the poor, as I am sure I can answer for your Lord
ship and my son, that while that is maintained, the most temperate
equity would be ever your meaning to all or any concerned. It ap
peared needful to me to draw up suggestions for the gentleman's infor
mation previous to the inquiry ; and I thought hy conveying these to
your Lordship you would be possessed of the most'just intelligence, and
also ie best prepared to judge of the answer given by him after his ex
amination. I have made a mark for your Lordship where imposition
IS most suspected, and have also thrown what light I could upon the
justice and advantage of this proposed measure, by the great improve
ment of the estate, and the just application of the large .sums now in
hand, for the estabhshment of Boany more poor men and scholars, and
as most agreeable to the institution of their great and kind benefactor.
I have been successful in obtaining Mr. Dawson, niy son's principal
agent, to assist (if with your approbation), as your Lordship wifl see by
tw enclosed, »jid >yfho jp business js the n^ost honest and capable map f

456 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
know ; and I shall only wait your Lordship's resolutions for proceeding,
as my son has requested my acting for him, in concurrence with your
Lordship, and in the same confidence you so mutually honour me with,
I venture to offer my sentiments with great respect in one particular —
viz., that the inquiry may be made upon the presetit face of things, with
out any litigious measures being entered upon for past misconduct, and
nothing to appear but your Lordship's and my son's for the present or
future advantage of the charity, as any retrospect could serve no good
end : and by avoiding it, contentions of every kind may be prevented,
and Mr. Cotton unable, ivith any appearance of justice, to object to it.
Thus the noble and benevolent case of the trust must reflect the honour
so justly due to it, and the blessings and prayers of raany ready to
perish be for your Lordship now, and to your memory the most lasting
gratitude : and I must also add (as most certainly true), the highest
approbation of the most worthy and respectable characters in that
county, and others also, from some connected knowledge of or interest
with it. To your Lordship's commands for any better means of con
ducting this affah, every attention and respect, so much due, wfll be
paid, and your pardon I must becorae the subject of, wherein any
thing you may disapprove. If otherwise, the appointed time for this
end to be most properly executed is at the general audit, which, I think,
is in September, at Repton, when all are yearly obliged to make up the
accounts, and all present that can he wanting for information to the
gentleman intrusted with this important examination. The particular
line in the law which is best calctdated for this, I shall by the most
diligent inquiry make, and for one eminent in character and abflities ;
and by conveying the suggestions to him and his agent, tbey will be
fully quahfied to proceed for your Lordship, and Lord Huntingdon's
fullest satisfaction. I am extremely sorry to tire your Lordship by so
long a letter, but I thought containing at one view the several essentials
must be more easy than repeated trouble, upon what might appear less
such, and must be my last excuse to your Lordship. I must entreat my
very best and respectful compliments to Lady Chesterfield ; and allow
me to assure your Lordship, that I have the honour to be, my Lord,
your Lordship's much obliged and most truly faithful, humble servant,
" S. Huntingdon."
This letter enclosed a paper, of which the substance will be
found in the note below.*
On the subject of these charities her Ladyship consulted
" The following queries are supposed necessary, as leading instructions to the
gentleman employed for an inquiry into the state of the charities of Etwall
Hospital and Repton School ; and are submitted for the approbation of the
Earl of Huntingdon, the Earl of Chesterfield, and the Rev. Mr. Cotton, joint
trustess for these charities : QUERY THE FIBST.
Will not a letter of attorney, empowering the agent appointed, be needful
from the Earl of Huntingdon, the Earl of Chesterfield, and the Rev. Mr. Cot
ton, as his only proper authority for the purpose of this inquiry ; and if so, how
best is this inquiry to be made ?

SELINA, COUNTESS OP HUNTINGDON. 457
the Rev. Cradoek Glascott; and as it was now the period of that
worthy man's retirement from her Ladyship's service, we may
take this opportunity of glancing at his course, and the con-
aUERY THE second.
Should not the will of Sir John Port, the noble benefactor, be first exami-
ned ?— and if so, in whose hands is this to be found ? And should not the ori
ginal intentions of this institution be kept in view through the whole inquiry,
in order to be most faithfully fulfilled by the trust ?
QUERY THE THIRD.
Should not the condition of the whole estate be well known, by survey or
other means, to obtain its present full and certain yearly value?
QUERY THE FOURTH.
Should not the leases be separately and singly examined, with the particulars
of where, how, and by whom raade and let ? the various terms of years subsist
ing under each lease ? And how far the conditions appear in these leases most
consistently let for the greatest benefit of those charities ? or whether not pos
sessed by under tenants, and only become the advantage of such, and not of the
charities ? QUERY THB FIFTH.
Sbould not the present ofthe poor men, with their present allowances in the
Hospital, and also of the poor scholars, be known, witi the present regulations
of both ; and these, if agreeable to Sir John Port's will, observed and main
tained ? and whether at present a sufficient support is allowed them, in propor
tion to the income of the estates ?
QUERY THB SIXTH.
Should not the several salaries of tbe masters be inquired into, and how far
they have been increased since first appointed ? and if this appears to be from
the increase of their labour and care, and as under the universal improvement
of the charities from which they receive it ? and how far these may bear pro
portion of increase by the proportionable good arising to the poor ?
QUERY THB SEVENTH.
Should not the present yearly receipts and payments be clearly separate, that
whence the accumulated money arises may appear, and that themost distinctly
to the trust? QUERY THB EIGHTH.
Should not an exact account be taken of the money and various securities
that exist above the yearly receipts and disbursements of these charities ? and
also a faithful representation made to the trustees for the proper order of its
appointment, agreeable to the tenor and meaning of Sir John Port's will ?
QUERY THB NINTH.
To what purpose is this money kept in hand, if not for the improvement and
increase of these charities, for which, by it, every advantage must only be
meant? .. .- = i
QUERY THE TENTH.
Should not special care be taken to provide the means necessary that the
leases may be let torun out ? as it is reasonably supposed the estate might be
more than doubled in income to the charities, for the general blessing to those
intended objects of their noble and kind benefactor's benevolence.
QUERY THE ELEVENTH.
From tbe money in hand, and the present yearly income of the estate, how
many poor men may be added to the Hospital, and poor scholars to the School ?
Ought not a calculation to be made, from the falling in of the leases, how many
poor men and scholars may be supported, with an addition to the poor men's
pay, whicli at present is unequal to their support? And is it not a matter of
consideration for the trustees to examine how far it may be proper to separate
tha master from accepting any other employ, and by adding to his salary a suf-

458 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
nexion between his labours and the great design of Lady
Huntingdon. Mr. Glascott was ordained Deacon at Christchurch, Oxford,
in 1765; served the curacy of. Cheveley in Berkshire for two
years ; was dismissed ; and his dismissal introduced him to Lady
Huntingdon, by whom he was iraraediately adraitted as assistant
chaplain, aud in whose Connexion he continued to labour till
1781. He was then presented to the vicarage of Hatherleigh
in Devonshire, by James Ireland, Esq. of Brislington, near
Bristol. A long and interesting correspondence between Mr.
Glascott and his venerable patroness occurred on this promotion,
frora which we have selected such of her Ladyship's letters as
appeared most expressive of her feeling towards him, and the
subject of his charge.
Her Ladyship had alluded in a letter of the 7th December to
a report that Mr. Glascott was verging into new principles of
religion ; his reply we have not ; but here follows her Lady
ship's rejoinder : — "CoUege, Dec. 14th, 1781.
" My dear Sir, — As I intend the account of the travelling ministers
to be made up and inserted at large for the satisfaction of the people,
I will beg you to inform me of your expenses, as those must be trans
mitted to our London Committee, for my orders to them for the pay
ment of those several demands, as consequent upon those ministers
on their occasional services. Bath, I find, has most nobly enlarged
this fund; may the Lord repay them a thousand fold into their
own bosoms ; and, given with such hearts of liberality, I doubt
not but we sball find many blessings added to the work through their
means. The great and unspeakable loss I sustain by tbe new engage
ments of even faithful and stdl beloved friends (Mr. Glascott had now
entered on his living), obliges me to secure more ministers for the ser
vices of our great and increasing work, which being more general,
become less observable, yet in new assemblies not sufficiently esta
blished, employs not only our faithful but expensive cares. My wish
was to have continued your salary for your life, and to have done so
I shoidd have counted my honour as well as one of the greatest
pleasures of my life. The next greatest must be now to yield any
occasional help to those many difficulties that lie before you, This I
ficient support for his raore faithful care in the inspection and absolute charge
of these charities after the present master's decease ?
QUERY THE TWELFTH.
Ought not the money in the master's hands to be known, and how much that
is above the certain yearly disbursements he is called upon yearly to make ?
These queries fully and explicitly answered, there must conclusively follow
that way, by various proposals made to the trustees for the present improve
ment of those eb»riti3s, and for the future regulations and permanent establish.
fpejit ef thm- ^Signed) S, HriNTiNGPoif,

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 459
see with many uneasy moments for you, and Avluch you, from in-
e-xperience, cannot properly judge of. Repairs, estabhshment of a
family, furniture, &c., &c., upon only the expected justice of a starving
poor people, that the heart could never suffer to distress or ruin, unite
in my manysecret sorrowful feelings for one I must ever so tridy love,
that did I not hope you would stifl make me (poor and worthless as I
am) the friend of your difiiculties, my sorrows must be increased ; and
this, added to the possible restraints you must be under (whatever
policy for the present means to conceal) makes every cloud hide you
more and more out of my sight. In spite of all your hopes and mine
for your future services, the tliousand exigences of your situation must
leave your own kind will so much out of the question as never for
me to dispute your kindest purposes, and that while your chains only
obUged you to feel their power by the affectionate freedom of your
heart towards us. The time you can most easfly give our dear friends
at Bath, you will assure me of as soon as you can, that no sudden
difiiculties may arise to other congregations by any obligations you may
be under, unexpectedly to fulfil. The circumstance of your curate's
necessity of staying, seems the possible means to accomplish your first
intention ; yet so many new and complicated cares on such occasions
follow, that I must not call it disappointment. Your kind letter from
Exeter I received. Begging every blessing for your own precious soul,
and through the great tribulation we must pass to have our robes
washed white in the blood of the Lamb, you and I may rejoice eter
nally together in the abundant glory free grace has bestowed, and
which must be the everlastmg song of, my very dear Sir, your for ever
faithful and affectionate friend, " S. Huntingdon."
"Coflege, Dec. 25, 1781.
" My dear Friend,— Your sorrowful heart has not been hid from
me ; for four days and nights the most painful clouds I ever felt rested
on my spfrit on your account, and many times in the day I could not
refrain from tears, or help breaking out to Lady Anne, ' 0 ! poor
dear Glascott, how sore must be his trouble — what can be the matter T
This fi-om supposing afl was well as you had informed me, and as the
Bishop made no terms with you, and I thought I had freely given you
up, hoping and beheving the Lord would faithfully take care for both
you and me ; but in many earnest prayers for you I had besought the
Lord that He hy his own Spirit might witness, and that only by Him
self, that you mi^t he satisfied. As I thought (or at least feared), the
matter bad not been deep enough, and yet remained a temptation too
powerfiil for the leanings of your own heart to be subdued short of
the Spirit of truth, which only can lead us into all that holy and
righteous wfll, which separates us from ourselves in all his Divine
purposes for us.
" Feel justly for me but one moment, and you wfll best understand
my gnef, not of self or for it, but pangs for the sinking glory of this
reformation, and for you so chosen an instrument thus buried in that
poor customary povinoe where the hypocrite and afl those without
m WM sjuwber in perpetua} dejiAb, %e»B alarms were not my owr

460 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
giving. You must remember the many who have left me — Romaine,
Townsend, Jesse, De Courcy, &c., &c. Why not alike anxious?
You need but look about, and you will see from thera no cause now
subsisting why I ever could have one care but to wish thera well, and
as strangers to that point on which the prospects of real good could
arise, or that sufficient devotedness that proved the glorious freedom of
grace to be truly theirs. Thus account for my being stirred up by
Mr. Ireland ; had he been my father, my brother, or my chfld, he
could not, or ought not to have ever felt my resentment too much, and
should he ever see it in this light he could only see me a poor but
faithful servant to my dearest and best of Masters, my all and all of
comfort, joy for myself, and the thousand times ten thousand that now
rejoice in his eternal salvation.
" Farewell, my dear Friend ; may the faithful Shepherd of Israel
keep you day and night, and, lest you slumber again, raise you
renewed in strength, is the affectionate prayer of your faithful, but
unworthy friend, " S. Huntingdon.
" P.S. — I shall order ten guineas for your travelling charges, or more
should it not appear to your wishes.
" I highly approve secrecy on this subject. Regard no reproach on
this subject. Truth will be the gh'dle of your loins. With this, Hell
with all its associates must fall before you. Much good may yet
follow these unintelligible Providences. ' What I do now you know
not, but you shall hereafter.' "
Her Ladyship wrote again on the following day : —
" Christmas Day.
" My dear Friend, — Since I wrote the former letter the agitation of
my mind on your account, together with the obligation I am under for
your unsought openness to me, does each moment engage my most
faithful care for your honour in the present situation, and putting
myself in this situation of mind. If you ever truly mean resignation,
it ought to be done immediately, and that by going to the Bishop, and
in fidelity of heart, saying truly as it is, and that the oath of perpetual
residence would not suffer you that peace of conscience so positively
against the express word of God, when ordered by the Lord Jesus
Christ that you should go preach his Gospel unto all the world, and so
suitably maintained by your ordination when you entered the Church ;
and to mention however unstable it might seem, yet as an honest man
your obligations to conscience rendered it the only means to ease of
mind, yet yielding up such a certainty of comfortable support to yourself
without any views of any interest or gain, must but prove to him how
much better you preferred that conscience void of offence to God and
man, than all things else. Any delays on this subject will adrait of
conclusions unworthy of you. It may be said and believed why not
sooner, and if ever wrong it must be upon the oath being taken, and
thus appear trifling with that uprightness of mind, that immediate
conviction ought to have obliged you to. This cannot be answered
faithfully, as so immutable a truth requires open, just, and honourable

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 461
principle s. By admitting no delays, you must have double honour in
the esteem of wise and good men, and when a man's ways please the
Lord, he makes his enemies to be at peace ; and what can please God
more than yielding to his pure, wise, and holy reproof so speedfly given,
and his truth engaged no man forsaking anything, but he pledges
his own a huudred fold. Should you, from the severity of the Lord's
voice against you in the few months you would continue, how bitter
might it be ? and then losing that present testimony of your honest
and most disinterested conduct. Burn tbis, if these arguments are re
jected ; be assured it is my own soul given to you on this subject. Your
difficulty to Mr. Ireland's objections wifl be but more and more increased
by delay, and to live pampered and perplexed for a season with the
Lord's rod held over your head can have no meaning but what deserves
the name of weakness and a divided heart, andat best, the false mother's
portion. Mr. Ireland also would leave you without excuse as he has
essentially agreed in any such supposed consequences if continued. This
letter was wrote the day after the former, and as that being not enough
explicit to satisfy my mind, I here deliver my own soul, begging the
Lord to bless it so far as it appears to your whole mind His wiU, and
as ever affectionately yours, " S. Huntingdon."
The substance of Mr. Glascott's reply may be gathered from
the following letter : he did not resign : —
"College, Jan, Ilth, 1782.
" My dear Sir, — My private judgment your friendly openness ex
torted from me, aud I lament it lest you should conclude from justice,
any coolness might be occasioned by that preference given by you to
your choice and sphere of action ; but I must ever hereafter call upon
you for that uprightness due to my meanings for you, and separate
from any motives whatever, but those wholly relative to yourself.
This may be wefl proved, that disgust for me has never been felt by you;
and while hurt extremely by your concealed conduct, your repeated
declarations so openly that in principle and judgment you was a Dis
senter — and the most warmly urging the secession. The sudden
change promoted by such a man surprised me, but without any
reproach of mine to you. The leaving me and the work of God at
a time when I was supporting your right, and deserting me in a way
not kind to an old friend, surrounded by various difficulties, had not
one expostulation with you on the subject. The repeated as
surances to others on many occasions that no restraints should bind
you, that you would refuse every obligation to residence, and then
taking an oath finally to bind the conscience of every honest man (and
as I am told hardly ever tendered to others), and this while under your
hand declaring repeatedly nothing should prevent your services among
us — this also has heen done without even reminding you, lest from
me any oppressive care through me might arise upon your mind, and
indeed I felt such tender pity for the certain consequences of such a
step for you, that all my indignation was to one whom 1 thought to
he the wicked contriver of the whole, and of every future misery
you could sustain ; and thus is my most truly disinterested friendship

46^' THE LitE AND f IMES OF
and faithful regard for you, to my own soul fully, fully acquitted, and
that to the uttermost. Wonder not then if your last letter did occasion
every surprise a mind could be filled with. Your sentiments differing
with respect to the immediate resignation had no effect, as I conceived
that kind of judicious honour due to yourself you might not so clearly
see frora those remaining partialities of your own will, nor also feel so
deeply the obligation of God's voice, ' "Turn, turn, ye at my reproof;'
so as to seek immediate relief where only every faithful soul can find
it. But aflow me to say, the prevarication relative to your oath did
more than amaze me with grief. Can it be possible the full engage
ment made by your supposed choice and will, and calling on God so
to help you, can admit of reserves, interest alone or pleasure made for
yourself or others ? You are a captive of your own making to a superior
that denies that God you swore to. Your engaged subjection to him
you never can depart from and be just ; your arguments upon this
subject are as affecting to me in order to avoid the force of this truth
as words can make them. You saj', ' the civility and candour of the
Bishop you having nothing to fear from ;' and is it possible to clothe
perjury with further imposition and with hypocrisy, and suppose, because
not disputed by the Bishop, the oath demands less by this means for its
real fulfilraent ? Where is truth or justice fied ? Your next argument is,
that a wicked man (the late vicar) was perjured, as by not residing he
was, and therefore seems more reconcilable, and, indeed, as a thing of
course thus to be allowed; itis well if that man's perjury stopped
there, for he that can forswear himself for ease, will certainly do it for
interest. You then conclude, ' if it does not answer in such a time,
you will return to your itineracy.' You cannot hope God wfll with
draw his charges of truth when upon yor and so lie hardened down
to all his sweet and merciful calls of conscience, and in that way
indulge your own will and ease with that of others in this matter.
No, no ; ' the servant that knows his Master's W'fl and does it not,
shall be beaten with many stripes;' and this shall stand whfle the
earth exists, however you or I may believe it. You seera to think
too incautiously of our Sa'\iour's power over his house, when you say
you will then itinerate. By what power ? Is life your own ? Is grace
and gifts your ov^ .1 ? Is his authority in your hands ? Can J?e want
the dregs of an unsubdued will for his services, when you shall choose
to give them ? 0 ! no ; the very idea makes me tremble. I an-ain
say with the most faithful appeal to the Trier of the hearts and
reins, that no one single thought but the safety of your own soul, and
the important use your dear Master may yet make of your labours, I
say this wholly is all, that my heart feefs in this matter for you.
As to myself, many more than I aclua'ly want, and Supplies sufficient
in your character is to be obtained. I wish I could rejoice in such,
from that blessed simplicity and honour for our dear Lord (I can never
forget) you have been so honoured by ; but I thank the adorable Hio-h
Priest of our profession, those I have seem to answer our present wants
abundantly, and in the present fires I can praise him. Should my
heavy and bitter persecutor remain inflexible, tho stands for the gos
pel now, and in future, has all I can want, whfle toy poor httle afl

SKLINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 463
belongs in the Lord's hands for its support and best purposes. Thus,
who stays or who goes (by the Lord's appointment), is not my care.
He has ready many standing idle in the market-place, and in every
hour of my days here, he can graciously say to some soul whom he wifl
make faitlifdl, ' Go, work in this my vineyard ;' and whfle it is only
Iiis, I wifl expect labourers so sent ; and as my whole trust is there, I
shaJl not be confounded, and though drove, persecuted, afflicted, and
tormented by evil men, and the rage of the world and the devil, still,
stfll w IU I say, ' My sure trust is in thee, 0 Lord ;' and thus tfll his
faithfulness fails, as the mount Zion, I shall not be moved. I cannot
love you better, I cannot wish you better, I cannot pray more faith
fully for my own soul, than for your safety. More, mere human
fideUty cannot say ; and in the truth of these I remain, my dear Sir,
your most true, olc\ and faithful friend, " S. Huntingdon.
" P.S. — No one shafl be ordered to supersede you at Bath or the
Mulberry Gardens, should you choose it. Nothing but from the
impressions of your own conscience ought to forbid every mark of
foimer regard to you from myself; and thus farewell and farewell !"
From Mr. Glascott's first institution to the living of Hather
leigh he was the resident minister of that parish ; and, what he
considered a singular mercy, was never prevented from per
forming Divine service one Sunday during a period of nearly
fifty years. When he had attained his eighty-fifth year, he was
able to perform the duties of his church (in which there were
three services on the Lord's day), as well as he could twenty
years before. And at that period .ne wrote, " So abundant is
the goodness and mercy of God to his unworthy servant in the
decline of life, that we are favoured In our worshipping
assemblies with evident tokens of the Divine presence and
blessing." Mr. Glascott was favoured with a happy, useful, and green
old age, exempt from the infirmities which are usually ex
perienced at that advanced period of life, and retaining his
faculties with strength and v'gour of mind to the age of eighty-
nine. Mr. Glascott enjoyed remarkably good health until a
short time before his death, when he was attacked with the
influenza, at that time so prevalent ; but was supported through
his sufferings and tedious nights by his firm reliance on the
Saviour, whose blood and righteousness he had preached for the
lengthened period of sixty-six gears ! and was enabled to
rejoice in the near approach of death, in the assured hope of
being carried in safety and comfort through the dark valley. It
pleased God so far to restore Mr. Glascott to health again, that
he preached and administered the Sacrament on the Sunday
before his death ; and never did he speak with more ctearness
and energy in advocating salvation ly Christ alone ; and related

464 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
with feeling, the comfort and joy that he had experienced from
resting his hopes on that foundation in his late illness. Mr.
Glascott retained his senses to the last, and to the last expressed
the same corafort and certainty, that he knew all was well, and
that his Redeemer lived. He fell asleep in Jesus on Thursday
the 18th of August, 1830, at the vicarage house, Hatherleigh,
Devon ; where his memory will be long cherished by his
parishioners, who, as well as the inhabitants of the neighbour
hood generally, testified their respect for him by a general
mourning.

CHAPTER LIH.

Mr. Madan's " Thelypthora" — Chapel at Bootle — Anecdote of Mr. Romaine — .
Mr. Whitridge — Mr. Daniel Gibbons — Mr. Daniel Gray — Letter from Lady
Huntingdon to the Trustees of the Chapel at Kendal — Letter from Lady
Huntingdon to Mr. Gray — Mrs. Paul — Chapel at Hereford — Correspondence
relative to it with Mrs. Paul and others — Chapels at Whitehaven, Weymouth,
Shefiield, Newark— Correspondence relating to them — Letter to the Con
gregation at Berkhamstead — Letters to Mr. Ellis and Mr. Blake — Chapel at
Birmingham — Mr. Bradford — Lord Douglass — Lady Huntingdon invited to
Brussels  Escapes assassination — Death of Lord Douglass — Letter from
Lady Huntingdon relative to Brussels — Her Difference with Mr. WiUs —
Preface to a Volume of Serraons.
The late Rev. Martin Madan, of the Lock, was now about to
publish his celebrated work, entitled " Thelypthora ; or, a
Treatise on Female Ruin." While It was in the press. Lady
Huntingdon wrote to him, to beg he would suppress it, and
added, " that she could send hira a paper signed by above three
thousand persons, with the same request." Mr. Madan replied,
" that if there were six thousand names, it should not prevent
the publication of his book." At the request of Lady Hunting
don, Mr. Wflls wrote an answer, entitled " Remarks on Poly
gamy," &c.. In which he scholastically and strenuously appears
an advocate for and defender of that holiness without which no
man can see the Lord. The publication of this singular work
caused Mr. Madan to sink into deserved oblivion, and called
forth a host of refutations.
But Lady Huntingdon's attention was soon called from a sub
ject so painful, to something of a more pleasing nature. The

SELINA, COUNTESS OP HUNTINGDON. 465
preaching of Mr. Romaine and Mr. De Courcy, who were oc
casionally introduced into the parish church at Bootle in Cum
berland, by Mr. Parke and Mr. Whitridge, both natives of the
parish, caused considerable sensation, and was instruraental in
the awakening of many. But those faithful ministers were not
often allowed to officiate In that temple of orthodoxy, scarcely
ever without interruption.
It was on one of these excursions to Bootle, being invited to
preach, that the churchwardens observed him pull hard at the
old pulpit door, without being able to open it; he iraraediately
suspected that a blacksraith in the parish, who was a great ene
my to the Gospel, had played them a trick, and stepping up to
the clerk desired him to sing a long psalm, whilst he ran to
get pincers and a hammer to open the pulpit door. This was
done with as little noise as possible; and Mr. Romaine got ad
mission to the pulpit and preached, to the great edification of
the people.
The Gospel being thus excluded from the parish church, a
dwelling-house and then a barn were successively registered
for public worship, in which the Rev. Daniel Gibbons, then
stationed at Ulverstone, one of Lady Huntingdon's students,
and the Rev. G. Burton, of Lancaster, occasionally officiated.
Their exertions happily terminated in the erection of a very
commodious meeting-house in 1780, at the expense of the
above Mr. Whitridge, who, at his death endowed it with the in
terest of lOOOZ. It was opened on the 30fh of July the same
year, on whicb occasion Mr. Gibbons preached a very excellent
discourse, which was published under the title of " A true Guide
to Happiness."* The first minister settled over this congregation was Mr.
The dedication to the work touches on our subject : 
" To Joseph Whitridge, Esq.
" Sir — 'The Sermon which here clairas your patronage and protection, was
preached in a place which, under God owes its existence to your generosity.
As the cross of Christ is the believer's glory in earth and heaven, I trust, Sir,
you will ever esteem it your highest honour to countenance and encourage a work
which, in airy raeasure, recoraraends this to lost sinners. Had this sermon con
tained anything repugnant to the plain revealed Word of God, or contrary to the
doctrinal articles ofthe Church of England, it would have been highly criminal
m me to offer it to your protection. The degeneracy of the present age, from
the doctrinal articles of the Church is truly deplorable, and loudly calls upon
all lovers of our Lord Jesus in sincerity to endeavour at the extirpation of these
Arian, Socinian, and Pelagian tenets, which have been substituted in their
stead. The world can testify that you, Sir, have not been backward in seeking
these valuable ends. May the Father of Mercies crown all your pious endea
vours with abundant success ! and that you may evermore rejoice in that adora
ble Saviour, in whom all fulness dwells, is the desire of. Sir, your most obedient,
tumble servant, " D. Gibbons."
VOL. II. — H H

466 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
Derbyshire, one of the students from Lady Huntingdon's
College at Trevecca. Tbe Rev. Daniel Gray, another of the
students, was likewise stationed here in 1782. He eventually
became minister of the congregation, and died in that office.
His first pastoral charge was at Kendal, to which he was or
dained in April, 1782. His son succeeded him at Bootle, and
preached to the people about two or three years. He after
wards took orders in the Established Church.*
The late Mrs. Paul, relict of the Dean of Cashel, and sister
* Her Ladyship thus writes to the trustees of the Kendal meeting on the
subject of Mr. Gray: —
" Whereas my student Gray, has communicated to me a call from your con
gregation, as wishing to have him a settled pastor over them, I take this op
portunity to inform you, that he has left it to me for my agreement to the pro
posal, thus acting faithfully, as having not yet accomplished his full time at the
College ; and also seems only disposed to do what he believes shall most fully
satisfy him in what is the will of God concerning him. The regard he claims
from me by his upright and diligent services in the Gospel must render every
future prospect for him an important care A^•itll me. For these reasons, I wish
him to be ordained in this Connexion, and to be continued as universally ser
viceable as possible. For the advantages of all the congregations, a rotation of
the most able ministers among us is intended. These, though severally answer
able to fulfil their engagements to the first call, yet will be expected to serve in
the intervals of time in any dark place around them ; and in case sickness or
temporal affairs prevent their immediate service, all ordained in this Connexion
will be entitled to a brother minister's help for them, or a student from the
College for their assistance ; and in order that the whole congregation may be
fully satisfied of their principles, a confession of their minister's faith may be
read publicly, and kept by them, to prevent heresies or false doctrine creeping
in among them, which in this our day, so miserably abound. We are not
anxious to settle any over congregations, their labours universally being so
blessed, and they also having a certain home they are ever most welcome to.
It ought, therefore, to appear a call not of interest for themselves or ease, but
a clear call of God for the faithful dispensation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to
precious and immortal souls, and those whose hearts are engaged with zeal
and faithfulness to unite with such ministers for the spread of the glorious
Immanuel's praises must and will give such servants of God all encouragement
in their active labours for that end ; otherwise they sit down, grow cold, and
dry, and careless, and in the end the life and power of the Gospel ceases. I
should not like to part with any brought up by me, unless all was provided for
their greatest usefulness in the Gospel both on-account of the comfort of their
own souls and those of the congregation they watch over. If this is read to
the people and approved, and any proposals come, occasioning no division in
the congregation of Kendal (and which 1 could never have any thing on any
account to do with), you may depend upon a final answer from me united with
Mr. Gray's resolutions.
" And now, commending the several trustees, with the faithful in Christ Jesus
belonging to the congregation of KendiJ, to the God of all grace for every pre
sent, future, and eternal blessing, I remain, yours and their faithful and willing
servant in the Gospel of peace and love, " S. Huntingdon."
" College, Ajiril 12th, 1782.
We also subjoin her Ladyship's letter to Mr. Gray, written some weeks
before the above : — " College, Feb. 21, 1782.
" I have received your letter, and had I not been iU should have answered it
sooner. Your various trials and temptations are merciful signs of the Lord's

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 467
to Dr. Hawkins, Bishop of Raphoe, being resident some time
at Worcester, removed to Hereford, where she was instrumental
in directing the hopes of a few to the great concerns of an
eternal world. Lady Huntingdon immediately turned her atten
tion thither, and established a chapel in the latter city, which
involved her Ladyship in considerable difficulties. The fol-
tender care to preserve you simple and humble, and so best to qualify you for
that highest earthly honour  that embassy of peace to the guilty souls of sin
ners. Have courage, then ; think not so great d calling must not have its
proportionable difficulties and dangers, but the faithful that endure through
the great tribulation, will be well paid by entering their dear Master's joy. Never
forget those words of the only faithful and true witness, ' He that will
lose his life for my sake and the Gospel's, the same shall save it: but be that
seeketh to save his life, shall lose it.' There is no medium ; either be like the
world seeking the world, or be Christian ministers devoted in heart and life for
his glory. This will only cause the salt to keep its seasoning properly, and if it
is ever lost it is neither good for Canaan's land or even the dunghill of this
raiserable world — it wiH be cast out of both. Thus be satisfied to bear the
Cross, and by it you will learn to live above the world while in it, and thus
enjoying the blessed smiles of his countenance, you will be able truly to say, it
is 'better than life itself.' My heart is truly rejoiced to hear of our dear
Bootle friends. I purpose to have you in Wiltshire, soon as you wish to see
your relations there. As to Kendal, I by that means shall hear from you of
their wishes, and consistent to their wishes I would endeavour to serve them ;
but I by no means approve your accepting or hearing of anything tiU I see you.
Mr. Wills's secession from tbe Church (for which he is the most highly honoured
of all from the noble and disinterested motives that engaged his faithful and
honest conscience for the Lord's unlimited services), brings about an ordina
tion of such students as are alike disposed to labour in the plan, and appointed
for those congregations. The method of these appears the best calculated for
the conifort of the students, and to serve the congregations most usefully, and
is contrived to prevent any bondage to the people or minister. The objections
to tht Dissenters' plan are many, and the Church eyen more ; that secession
nieans the neutrality between both, and so materially offensive to neither. My
desire is that no step be taken on any account till you see me, as we have many
congregations, and other large ones desiring to stand now in connection, so that
till you are fully apprised of all the advantages that may arise, and faithfully
fulfilling your honest engagements for the peace and comfort of your own
mind, I never can agree you should take any steps prior to that of the most
deliberate consideration, the want of which has brought many instances of the
want of God's visible blessings upon them, who might have ' run well,' and
been honoured of God and man among us. At your request, I give you a
fortnight's warning /"TOm the time you receive this, and expect you then to leave
Bootle for the College, as another student will either arrive or you meet him
on the road, and I shall appoint you accordingly for Wiltshire, and the remove
of the present students who now labour there. May the Lord whom you
serve bless your coming in as he has blessed your going out, and keep your
heart free from every purpose ; but, like Caleb, following him fully, as very
dear Mr. Wills bas done, and thus in peace and love, harmony and union with
the Lord and each other, the God of peace may abide and remain with us in all
our labours for the calling and building up our Zion, till he shall appear glo
riously, and eternally receive us graciouly. Thus ever prays your ever truly
faithful friend, " S. Huntingdon.
" P.S  Say all that's kind in Christian love to the Church at Bottle, in
which Johnson does the same, who is now appointed far South for his present
labours."
H H 2

468 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
lowing letter to Mr. Stone of Hereford, dated Bath, Sept. 23,
1783, refers to the subject: —
" Mr. Stone, — I am inforined you are treating with some other per
son about the building intended for a chapel, aud which I hoped you
would have given me the refusal of. Now, if on rent for a long terra
of years, you will still, I hope, give me the preference. 1 shall be
obliged much by it. The interfering with any one but yourself must
have many and great difficulties to me, as contentions can have no good
consequences, temporally or spiritually; and, indeed, it would grieve
me to have dear Mrs. Paul drove from that town, who inight be a great
blessing to so many by her influence and example. May our gracious
Lord dispose your heart for the hundreds in Hereford perishing for lack
of knowledge, that the glorious Gospel of their salvation may be heard
to sound in their ears ! Don't fail to let me know your conditions, and
that the place may be finished before winter arrives, and our principal
ministers may be ready to attend tbe opening. Could you behold the
crowds that follow the chapels of Bath and Bristol, you would be asto
nished. Our new galleries are running over already, though not yet
completely finished. May our souls never cease to praise those merci
ful tokens of His favour who hath so loved us, as not only to die for us,
but is so striving by His own Divine Spirit daily with the hearts of
sinners to do them good ! — I am, Mr. Stone, your sincere friend,
" S. Huntingdon."
On the 2nd October, her Ladyship says : —
" I am willing to stand tenant to you, and beg you to lose no time,
but get Mr. Phillips over from College, and have thelease drawn and sent
to me to execute at Bath, aud write me word what rent you expect, and
what long term you wfll agree to let it for. This is all that can be
wanted, and then the place may directly be prepared as a chapel of mine
for divine worship ; and doubting not but the Lord will give us his
special blessing, I remain, Mr. Stone, your sincere friend,
"S. Huntingdon.''
On the 8tli December, in the same year, her Ladyship wrote
thus to Mrs. Paul : —
" My dearest Madam, — Mr. Stone brought me the account as settled
for me, and which, 1 own, greatly surprised me that it should be done
without previously having my approbation, and also requests from the
people they could have no pretensions of making, if the property were
mine. The state of the case is just this — Mrs. Powell appointed the
stock as she approved ; it is ready by draft or for her order or the
stock transferred to Mr. Stone, for the payment of a purchase.' This I
could not approve as mine ; but I bope I have too much honour ever
to dispute her directions. That I can, with no justice to rayself be
pleased with the difficulties Mr. Powell and the people of Hereford
have drawn nie into, and \^hich is clearly these : — The whole stock
(now to be paid to Mr. Stone) will amount to not more than 260/
The simple purchase for this money is 283^. Three years' interest for

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON.

469

this money is to be paid— afl the law charges and his travelling charges
—all the fixtures yet unvalued, which cannot be less than one hundred
and twenty or ttiirty pounds more. This appears thrown upon me, and
that to pay for a buflding that not less than two or three hundred
pounds more can make useful, with any degree of propriety for the
character, it is to bear. How far this can mean any thing but cruelty
and distress to me, to add the doubt of even common justice in these
proceedings, I don't see ; and that good woman's present to me, only to
involve me in most afflicting difficulties. Had I taken the lease as I
proposed, and she have allowed me the stock for fitting it up, this
would bave rendered it the most effectually useful. Mr. Stone, seeing
how hard it is upon me now, yet ofi'ers the lease for forty years,
and the rent I am wflling to be liable to ; but so large a sum to be ex
pected from me, I cannot be just to my numerous engagements, and
yield fully satisfied to my own mind. My dear Madam, I am the os
tensible person for all this great work over England and Wales, and
without one soul to help me with one shilling. The larger congrega
tions bear their own charges ; but should these fail in any degree, the
whole burdens fall upon me. Faith only sustains my burdens, and
keepsme free; and in all my various distresses I liave not a single bonds
man to aid, strengthen, and support me ; and this, lest I should in
volve any individual in the smallest dflficulty for any thing I do, which
would be to my heart intolerable to bear. You must judge, first or last,
feeling the weight of 500/., that I can have no object from my age, &c.
honourably to pay in my present condition seems hard. 1 by no means
approve the conduct ofthe people, or the treatment of Mr. Stone. ' It
was lawful for him to do what he would with his own,' and to make
such demands upon mere bounty appears by no means well to me ; and
unless Mrs. Powell does clear the whole purchase, I cannot undertake
any thing but the lease, which Mr. Stone, from seeing the imposition
upon me, readily grants, and I as willingly am ready to give ; and if
Mrs. Powell would approve the stock, or any part of it, for the com
pleting it as a chapel, let the money remain as her's, and for her use,
and the interest go on, or she may freely receive it back. I know you
will wisely consider this, and view my situation delicately, while under
the id'ea of obligations painful to a great degree to me ; and facts being
stubborn tbings, 1 refer all to your just and affectionate heart, being
truly, my dear Madam, affectionately your faithful servant,
" S. Huntingdon."
Her Ladyship's letter to Mrs. Powell, on the subject of the
Hereford Chapel, is dated Bath, December 13th, 1783, and
runs thus: —
" Dear Madam, — Agreeably to your intentions, a draft from me goes
by tbis post for 283/., to be paid to Mr. Stone, for the various purposes
included in the agreement made by you, for the purchases declared in
tbe appointment of the money of yours in the stocks, and which you
had invested me with. The stock sold for 288/., so that there remains
fpr your disposal five pounds, I find the people suppose the whole

470 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
disposition of this is now in their power, and not in mine. Your de
claration I must wish to know the full raeaning of, as to be subject to
such as I bave no knowledge of must release rae from that confidence
you had favoured me with, as not being to you or God answerable for
what I cannot repose any legal trust in. I find the whole of the con
sequences lie upon me, and to be satisfied of your resolutions on this
subject must determine my proceedings. If the gift once given to nie
is now so reserved as to stand in the people afl further expenses whicli
might have been incurred, in consequence of my right in the property,
it cannot in justice now be referred to me, as by your former disposi
tion of the stock to me, the full power belongs in the purchase to me —
I become answerable. The importance to me of this distinction must
be well understood. If it do belong to the people separate from all
power vested in me, it appears different to your kind intentions of con
fidence in me ; and tben nothing can be expected from me by the peo
ple but what appears consistent with my own views, no obligation bind
ing me to them. This affair has occasioned me much uneasiness, as
indeed not knowing how to act ; but as the raoney, with interest, has
been honourably restored, the necessity appears for you and the people
to know your express meaning. This done as soon as may be, 1 will
beg that no disputes may arise, or any impositions from the people
perplex or entangle me in difficulties. I am, dear Madam, with every
best prayer for all blessings to you, your faithful friend,
" S. Huntingdon."
" P.S. — Upon Mr. Stone's receipt ofthe money, I must request a full
ihsoharge from you as having received again the whole of afl you had
invested me with, both principal and interest, justly and honourably."
On the 14tb, ber Ladyship wrote to her bankers, in reference
to the above, in the following words : —
" Messrs. Balders, — I ordered the sale of five hundred pounds stock
to be paid by Mr. Mauley into your hands, amounting to 188/. ; I have
drawn to Mr. Henry Stone upon you for 283/. /"or him to receive by a
note dated Dec. 1 Sth, 1783; be pleased to honour it accordingly to
hira, and I am with much respect. Gentlemen, your obliged friend,
" S. Huntingdon."
These were not her Ladyship's only troubles. The corre
spondence on the subject is voluminous. On the 6th of October,
1783, her Ladyship vvrote thus to Mr. Derbyshire from Bath ;
it alludes to his opposition to Mr. Jones : —
" I was much surprised at your letter, dated Whitehaven, Sept. 27.
My direction to you, and agreeable to your own request, was to abide
at your own home, and study a year there ; and being excused by me
going to College. This I agreed to, and added tbat the best time might
be found for your going to the North by that means. Or to this
purpose ; br.t I find you are going to set up altar against altar, and to
oppose a brother student, and one 1 had for the work when you left it
without any one. Mr; Jones, from fourteen years' experience of his

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 471
grace, gifts, and abilities for the ministry, and I must add the most
faithful, affectionate, and dfligent labourer that I ever had, and the
most disinterested one — I most lament you could find no one but him
to choose thus to act so improperly by. If you do mean to oppose the
Connexion, be open, or make peace as a Christian. Your hard sayings
of Mr. Jones have no weight with me. I know him too well to
receive a testimony passion, prejudice, &c., gives of him, and one so
late in the work as you have been ; and above afl, that the large con
gregations you said that you had preached to in Staffordshire, were to
be left; and you wanting my student Thorns to attend your wife to
Whitehaven, and to abide there. The leaving the congregation in
Staffordshire, and never applying to me for their being supplied, cannot
be right to those poor people; and as to Thorns being allowed by me to
go into the North, I on no account would admit of it. Gray is returned;
John Wflliams is ordered for Bootle this winter, and I mean not to call
Mr. Jones, as the most pressing requests from Whitehaven engage my
wishing him to have yet a longer stay. I am sorry you have acted so
improperly as to have occasioned this contention in the work ; had you
waited till Mr. Jones had been removed, all these miserable evfls
might have been prevented, and not bave caused those offences that
will follow ; and my settled desires are that you should go into Stafford
shire and take care of those large congregations you preach to ; and
when you leave for the North, to have a proper student sent in your
place till your return; aud thus both works taken care of, is all that
can be done for the good and benefit of all, and much the best for
yourself, as it is needful these present disturbances among the people
should subside, and our best and universal service be given them, as on
other parts of the plan. I think you shall get Messrs. Gray and Wil
liams, and consider with them in prayer, to settle matters in a truly
Christian spirit, and let them see this letter of mine, as I can only wish
and pray for the mutual blessing of all ministers and people; but to
support division in our own work, is not only wicked but highly unjust
to my students, who have been found years faithful in the work, and
who claim my utmost regard. Your offering Mr. Jones money, as you
mentioned, greatly surprised me. He laboured for the people; and
surely you could bave no right to be his paymaster whfle the
labourer was, without you, worthy of that which was liberally given
for him, and you have received. I am sorry in these matters I cannot
approve your conduct, but will hope, when you well consider, matters
may be healed among you, and you leave the place for a season, as I
bave before mentioned ; wishing ever to remain your truly faithful
friend, " S. Huntingdon."
To Mr. Jones, who was then at Whitehaven, her Ladyship
wrote on the Sth of October, 1 783 : —
"Ihave just received your letter, which has occasioned me great
uneasiness on your account, hut hope before this you will have received
my letter, aud should not Derbyshire remove on the receipt of my letter
to him (the copy of which I wrote in raine to you), he cannot continue
with me ; and I hope you don't think it possible I could suffer any

472 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
one to treat you with any fll usage, and therefore he must know how
highly I am offended with him, and to oppose you must be so bad a
spirit as I will not suffer. I would have Gray and Williams signify to
the people how much I resent your being opposed, and for this end I
write to them both this post, to go over and assure the people of my
resolutions, that he, Derbyshire, must leave the Connexion, if he does
not leave Whitehaven directly. The Cross is what you and I must
meet with, and I don't doubt from your faithful attention to the Lord,
and your as faithful conduct through all to me and the whole Con
nexion, but he will not only deliver you with honour to yourself, but
add very rauc'n honour, and many blessings to your labours. Let us
bear, my good Jones, for his sake, all we can meet with, and though in
so close a quarter, as one that ought to be a brother, yet be assured he
will confound first and last the evil-doers. Don't fail to let me hear
from you, as I shall be exceeding uneasy, and keep but your ground,
fearing nothing ;. and may the Lord strengthen you for the battle, and
believe me, as ever, your truly faithful and affectionate friend,
" S. Huntingdon."
By the sarae post. Lady Huntingdon wrote to the sarae pur
pose to the Rev. Mr. Gray at Kendal, and Mr. Williams at
Bootle, desiring them to go to Whitehaven on Mr. Jones's be
half; but tbe substance of this letter is Implied in the above.
To Mr. Nicholson, one of the congregation, she wrote, also
recommending a general meeting for the restoration of peace
at Whitehaven ; and on the 29th January .she again addressed
Mr. Jones, who was stfll at Whitehaven.
We now leap from nortli to south, from Whitehaven to Wey
mouth. On the subject of Weymouth chapel, her Ladyship
thus addresses Messrs. Gerard, Bangor, and White, under the
date of Bath, Oct. 2nd, 1783 :—
" My worthy Friend, — I am truly sorry that our old friends, Mr.
Day and Mr. John, have resigned their trust over the little flock at
Weymouth, rather from division arising among the people, than from
offence received by me. I must now be obliged to coramit to your
faithful care the interest of the blessed Gospel there ; and, as your
greatest earthly honour, the care and protection of the cause of Jesus
Christ, while faithfully preached at Weymouth in our Connexion. I
should suppose that you three choosing other two, a committee among
yourselves might be appointed for the regulation of all outward matters,
informing me of your wants and wishes respecting the ministry, from
time to time. I shall fervently pray and rejoice in hope, that the
Lord's peculiar blessing may attend our united labours for the salvation
of many lost souls now lying in darkness and the shadow of death, that
you may abundantly rejoice with me in this happy prospect; and beg
ging for this end, and your own precious soul, the everlasting good of
afl, I remain your wifling servant, for the Lord's Name sake,
"S. Huntingdon."

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 473
To Mr. Tomlinson, who, almost a stranger, had addressed her
Ladyship on the subject of the divisions at Weymouth, the
Countess wrote, on the 20th February, 1784, earnestly exhort
ing the congregation to peace and unity ; and on the same day
she wrote, referring to Mr. Toralinson's letter, to Mr. George
Wills, ' student at Weymouth. On the 15th December the
union was not complete, for on that day her Ladyship wrote to
her student, Mr. MiUs, and the congregation at Weymbuth, in
answer to a letter from them.
" Last night (says her Ladyship) Mr. Wickers came to me under the
heaviest distress : he greatly surprised and abundantly grieved me, yet
I heard afl he had to say, and affirmed my own just opinion of both my
students. He was going in pursuit of Pritchard, and I thought it best
that my attorney should accompany him, in order to the most exact
examination ; and also, if found innocent, to the protection and support
of my student. He seemed miserable, and assured me, that if Pritchard
and MiUs were fouud innocent, he was willing, on his knees, in the
market-place of Weymouth, to heg their pardon, and clear them in the
most faithful manner. 1 highly approve both the conduct of my stu
dent Mills, and our Christian friends at Weymouth. Let us not fear—
' the Judge of the whole earth will do right.' The present great suc
cess ofthe Gospel in afl parts where our labourers are, rouses the enmity
of the bottomless pit, as I find in other places ; but let us be satisfied
with our hundred fold in this life, with persecution. Our Lord has told
us before, and I am wflling to trust both His love and power for our
security in time and for etemity, ' It must needs he that offences come ;'
but woe to poor Mr. Wickers, ii by his means he brings such upon
God's servants falsely. Nothing can be more proper than afl your pro
ceedings ; and on my attorney's arrival with Mr. Wickers, from my
student Pritchard, out of Wfltshire, 1 will immediately inform you of
every particular, and what appears then the most proper steps. ' Let
us fear no evfl tidings while our hearts can stand fast, trusting in the
Lord.' May His present and eternal blessing rest upon ydu all 1 and
beUeve me to remain, as ever, your faithfully-devoted friend, for Jesus
Christ's sake, « S. Huntingdon."
On the subject of the Newark congregation, we find but one
letter extant; it is dated December 9th, 1783, and addressed
to the congregation in these words : —
" To the Christian Friends of the Newark Congregation.
" As I highly respect your faithful love and zeal for the Gospel of
Jesus Christ, by building a house in order to record His blessed Name
among you, 1 doubt not but there the blessed Immanuel wifl come in
the midst, and cause you to rejoice in having found Him to be the
strength of your souls, and your God and portion for ever. The bounty
of exceflent Mrs. Watkms and Mrs. Rose I transmit by Mr. Poole, the
bearer of this, who I have entrusted with the payment of fifty pounds
for the new chapel erected among you, desiring him to see it be settled

474 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
in the trustees' hands for the establishment of the pure Gospel of Jesus
Christ, and to be, through His grace, continued aniong you ; and that
no private interest may be suffered by this means to mix in these faith
ful purposes to wbich these bounties are, finally dedicated, did I know
when it was to be opened, I would appoint some of my young ministers
to meet there, and together unite to preach the Lord Jesus, and on your
accounts to have a day of jubflee and rejoicing among you all; and that
the everlasting blessing of tbe glorious covenant of free grace may
abound in and with you ; and thus ever believe rae your truly faithful
friend, for Jesus Christ's sake, " S. Huntingdon.
" P.S. — Remember me kindly to ray student Watkins."
The only letter on the subject of the Sheffield congregation is
dated College, July 27th, 1784, and addressed to Mr. Povah : —
" Sir, — I have received your kind and Christian letter, and which fully
appears, in your faithful and disinterested offers for promoting our
blessed Immanuel's kingdom, in a world of sin, misery, and apostacy
fi-ora God. May your way be prosperous, your gracious soul happy,
and your end victorious through the blood of the Cross I You may
consult with Mr. Watkins, of Newark ; and by the various changes that
may be made in the work, our Sheffield friends may be strengthened,
and the change, by speaking to various congregations, enliven and
quicken your gifts the more abundantly, and comfort your heart by the
prosperity of Zion, I would fain hope at present smiles around us. A
short trial wifl satisfy you of the approbation of tbe people, and the
most perfect peace of your own mind, and my greatest satisfaction.
Let us ' live in peace, and the God of love and peace shafl be with you,'
is our proraise, and carefully avoid ' any that may make division among
us.' I desire my kindest thanks to our little flock at Sheffield. Assure
them of our tenderest care for you and them. Before another ordina
tion, we may jointly consider the expediency of any step to be taken
by you, for the fullest satisfaction of the Connexion. I am but a very
poor unworthy servant of tbe churches ; but my love and care of them
(next my beloved Master) is my only crown of rejoicing upon earth.
If they but prosper and stand fast in the Lord, the greatest trials ap
pear but as a morning cloud. You must see tbe obligations I must
ever think myself under for your's and all our dear people's prayers ;
and commending you all to those everlasting arms of mercy, that em
braced a life of misery and a death of shame and sorrow for us all, I
remain, Mr. Povah, your willing friend, and sincerely such for the
Lord's sake, " S. Huntingdon."
On the subject of Berkharapstead, we have three letters
remaining; one is dated Bath, October 16th, 1783, and is
addressed — " To our faithful Friends at Berkhampstead.
" My worthy Friends, — I have received with great pleasure your
very kind and truly Christian letter, and I am greatly comforted by

SELINA, COtJNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 475
the account given of Mr. Barnard, who has so fully answered my
prayers and wishes among you. I am under a necessity of changing
him to another congregation at present, yet occasional visits I should
Avish he should make you, as I have found a succession of both
ministers and students to he most for the edification of the people and
improvement of the ministerial gifts. As to any government in par
ticular, nothing is required but receiving the various ministers as sent,
and providing for them as all other churches do, and an account kept
by a faithful "committee to keep the order of regular payments, and to
lie open for the inspection of the subscribers. I wish for great exact
ness on this subject, to cut off occasion to those wbo might seek it, and
to have it universally appear simplicity and godly sincerity only rules
among us. The services of the Church our young ordained ministers
use or avoid, as the congregations may occasionally choose, as thinking
it most apostolic to become all tbings in these matters so we might
save some, and so become weak to the weak. These liberalities of prin
ciple must mean to destroy those many evils bigotry abounds with,
while wc boldly and faithfully maintain the converting power of the
Gospel, as by Jesus Christ our only means of salvation. Thus you
must see our meaning can only be to call all people to the profession
ofthe glorious and blessed truths of the Gospel, whatever their outward
profession may be,!and leaving ourselves in this well-doing in the hands of
our gracious Lord and Master, we become your servants for his sake as
with all others. For the present I sball appoint my student Hayes to
succeed Barnard for a season ; and any thing you wish to be satisfied
upon, if you apply to my two faithful and beloved friends Mr. Wflls or
Mr. Taylor, whichever shafl be at Spafields chapel, and as those whose
hearts are so wholly devoted to the most unwearied and disinterested
services of tbe Gospel, you may be sure that all they should advise
would ever have my fullest approbation.
" I hope you will deal kindly by Mr. Barnard on his leaving you, as
he has a wife, and expense has of course been needful for his first
attendance on you. Begging the Lord's most divine blessing may ever
be in the midst of you all, and eternally rest on your precious soul, I
remain your truly faithful friend and servant in the Gospel of Jesus
Christ, " S. Huntingdon."
The second letter is addressed to Mr. Ellis, on his ordination,
and is dated College, Angust Sth, 1784; it runs thus : —
" I bave received your letter, and as to the character from Mr.
Aldridge, I shall be fully satisfied both from the opinion of his judg
ment, and the regard his many years' faithful services in the Coflege
labours wifl ever claim. Your request is so reasonable, that no objec
tions that can be just wfll ever be made. The neighbouring congre
gation of the Lord's day I require the students to attend. This for
the helping their gifts and keeping up zeal in the services of the Gos
pel, I have found needful ; but for six months I will agree the master
shafl not appoint you out in my absence to any remoter place for that
time. I think it, in justice to you, necessary fully to apprise you of
every difficulty possible. The first is, that such as are taken in now.

476 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
mean to be ordained in the Secession : and while so deprived of niy
rights is the only means faithfully to supply these congregations during
my life, and more so after my death, who are warmly united to us.
The plan of this is in a narrative by Mr. WUls and Mr. Taylor, pub
lished last June, ¦with the Confession of Faith, in order that our prin
ciples and practice may the most consistently and universally and
harmoniously be as only one. This I beg you to examine the most
strictly with your heart and conscience ; and from that poor unworthy
man at Chatteris you have and must see the great, very great import
ance to us all as we stand connected. ' Live in peace, and the God
of peace shall be with you.' I would also have you weigh fully the
great labours, so extensive as our work must produce, for all who from
conviction of conscience do believe the Lord to be with us. I wish to
shew tbe tenderest care ; but God's work must be done, and His calls
obeyed by myself and you all, cost what it will, or we deserve not the
just idea that belongs to his servants, much less faithful ones. Many
trials, temptations, and difficulties attend us, but our gracious Lord has
told us before, and that the Cross is the way to the gift of his crown,
and the not willingly taking this portion of tribulation must exclude
tbat provision of his peace he has only annexed to so high a favour as
being allowed to follow him. Our security is sufficiently great to
assure us tbat we are the best-arithmeticians earth ever can have for the
present or future reckoning here. Peace here, and glory for ever,
and that for the wicked beggars only. I most earnestly entreat your
most cool consideration, as, next to any disappointments to you, they
must to me become doubly painful. Free and cheerful zeal for the
Lord and his labours is a principal joy of my whole life, while slothful
services mean and tell nothing but the most foolish life, with a ' cast
out at last.'
" Should you think after this of devoting your life, talents, and all to
that God we would be found only to serve in life and death, and thus
become so his happy subjects for ever, 3'ou will freely have not only
the hospitality of my College, but my heart in your services. Other
wise, any thing will be better for 3'ou. Kindly remember me to my
old friend Mr. Aldridge, and shew him this letter ; and believe me,
Mr. Eflis, I am your well-wisher, " S. Huntingdon."
" P.S. — I hope you have left Mr. Bull and his friends honourably,
that it may appear I have no hand in taking you away from them ; a
practice I must despise from its meanness and baseness."
This latter sentiraent is repeated in a letter to Mr. Blake, of
Berkhamstead, on his seeking admission Into the Connexion. It
is dated Bath, July 13th, 1784, and is as follows : — ¦
" Mr. Blake, — I have received your letter, but being so absolute a
stranger to you, must have further information of you; and, in justice
to you, have you well informed of the nature of all our services in the
Gospel, that no difficulties may arise hereafter ; and hearing for yourself,
and seeing into all things for yourself, can only adniit most justly your
fuflest satisfaction in joining this Connexion. The great distancetliat I

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 477
am at present at renders this less easy than I could wish ; and the
only means I can suggest is, for you to go to Tunbridge Wells, where
tbe Rev. Mr. Taylor, minister of my chapel, will at once inform you of
every particular you can desire to know ; and being a faithful servant
of Jesus Christ, will be attentive to render more explicitly my senti
ments relative to principles, and the labours you must share with us,
if fully united with us. I am exceedingly cautious who I receive out
of other Connexions, thinking it by no means honourable to engage
another's friend from his help ; and though this is shamefully practised
in other bodies of people, yet I look upon it as base, and in every sense
unwarrantable, and as wanting common moral honesty in any who so
practise it. 1 must request that your parting with Mr. Wesley be ex
actly proper, for though my principles may differ frora others, my justice
and respect must be due in all my conduct to any professing themselves
the servants of God. I shall write to Mr. Taylor by this post, and send
him word that I have wrote thus to you, that he may be best prepared
for every satisfaction you may want on all subjects ; and in consequence
of this, you may expect further directions from me. I pray that our
gracious Lord and Saviour may direct you in that way which shall in
present and future most glorify his grace, and your constant aud ever
lasting happiness. I am, Mr. Blake, your faithful well-wisher, " S. Huntingdon."
In the year 1774 the Gospel was first introduced info the
Established Church at Birmingham, and St. Mary's chapel was
erected, at the sole expense of a Miss Wayman. It was first
opened for Divine service on the 24th of August, in that year,
and consecrated by the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry. One
of the first rainisters was the Rev. John Ryland, who had been
curate of Huddersfield, in Yorkshire, and one of Mr. Venn's
most valued and faithful friends and correspondents. He was
afterwards rector of Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire. To him
succeeded the Rev. Edward Burn, who had been educated at
Trevecca, and had itinerated some years in Lady Huntingdon's
Connexion. He was the " Irish student," for whom Mr. Shir
ley obtained admission into the College, and who by his ex
emplary conduct ever preserved the good opinion and friendship
of his noble patroness.
Not long after the opening of St. Mary's chapel, Lady Hun
tingdon sent some of her students to Birmingham, and other
places in the neighbourhood. In process of time, a congrega
tion was raised, and a chapel opened in Paradise-street, in which
many of the early ministers in the Connexion proclaimed the
unsearchable riches of Christ, and were heard with deep and
earnest attention. Some years after, her Ladyship purchased
the old play-house, and sent the Rev. John Bradford, forraerly
of Wadhara College, Oxford, to preach in it. This gentleman
was curate of Frelsham, in Berkshire ; and, soon after he began

478 THE LIFE AND TIMES 01?
to preach the Gospel, paid a visit to Bath, where he attempted,
for the first time, to preach without notes.
" On my return (says he) from Bath, I found the church shut against ,
me, and a letter from Lady Huntingdon, from whom I afterwards re
ceived many favours, and more spiritual edification than from all the
books I ever read, or all the preaching or conversation I ever heard."
Mr. Bradford was at this tirae extreraely popular, and his
ministry was usually attended by very great crowds. The fol
lowing extract of a letter, relative to the converting of the play
house into a place of worship, deserves to be recorded : —
" One thing (says the wi-iter of it) I well recollect, and wdiich I cer
tainly never shall forget for the singularity of it, which is this -.. — When
the play-house was first purchased by her Liadyship, a pulpit was
erected upon the front of the stage, in which Mr. Bi-adford used to
preach. People used to go into the boxes, pit, and gallery, as usual, to
hear hini, and also upon the stage ; and it generally was pi'ctty full,
sometimes crowded. The people used to bear with great attention ;
and whenever any ihing was spoken by Mr. Bradford which the people
approved, and considered as solid argument or genuine religion, built
upon the Eock of Ages, and consistent with the revelation of the Bible,
they immediately clapped hands for a short tirae, as at a play I Mr.
Bradford submitted, and held his peace tifl they had done, and pro
ceeded as calmly 'as if nodiing had happened. This was repeated
several times during the discourse ; it continued for some time, till the
people became more serious, and it was properly converted into a
meeting." The theatre was soon changed to a chapel, and has since been
supplied by the ministers in Lady Huntingdon's Connexion.
The late Mr. Bennet, who was educated at Trevecca, was minis
ter of this place for raany years. The present rainister is the
Rev. John Jones, from Cheshunt College ; and the congregation
continues numerous and respectable.
A circumstance occurred in the sumraer of 1786, in whicli the
malice of the enemy, and the Lord's interposition, were wonder
fully displayed. Lord Douglass, a descendant of an ancient
Scotch family of that narae aud title, had resided for some time
at Brussels, and there lived, according to the custom of the
country, a professed Papist; and as these deluded characters
think (with Paul in his days of ignorance) they are doing God
service, by hauling to prison, judgment, and deatb, all whom
they deem heretics, so this unhappy nobleraan thought he
would not be behind-hand with his Catholic ancestors ; and as
Lady Huntingdon's fame extended far and wide, he proposed to
strike a blow at ber, probably concluding the advantages which
the Papal Church would receive would be incalculably great, as.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 47S
no doubt, he thought her destruction would be an effectual step
towards the extirpation of a people so very obnoxious to the
popish system.
The better to effect the design he had formed. Lord Dou
glass came to England, in the year 1775 or 1777, and pretended
an entire recantation of the principles of the Church of Rome.
He regularly attended at the Lock Chapel, and other places
where the Gospel was preached. Having ingratiated himself
into the favour of Lady Huntingdon, and by his insinuations
passed not only for a firm Protestant, but a warm espouser of
the pure Gospel, he erabarked for Brussels, where he continued
to reside to the period of his death.
In the year 1785 be sent a letter to Lady Huntingdon, in
forming her that an opportunity then offered of introducing and
establishing the Gospel in that superstitious country, that who
ever she sent over should be under his protection and patronage,
and he should be happy in receiving a visit from her Ladyship
and Mr. Wills, as be had much at heart the introduction not
only of Protestantism, but the light of Gospel truth in those
regions of Popish darkness.
Lady Huntingdon, actuated by her accustomed zeal, politely
thanked hira for his invitation and offer, and assured his
Lordship, that both she and Mr. Wills would pay him a visit in
the summer of 1786. Accordingly it was so concerted, that
her Ladyship and Mr. Wills were to embark for the Continent
on a day appointed ; and as Lady Huntingdon was then at the
College In Wales, Mr. Wills left London, in order to take a little
excursion In the country, and return to town by the time her
Ladyship arrived in the metropolis, when both were to proceed
on their voyage to Brussels.
Lady Huntingdon had a new equipage prepared for the
expedition, and set off from Wales for her town house in Spa
fields, in order to meet Mr. Wills at the tirae appointed. But
now the overruling Providence of God appeared in a very sin
gular manner. It so happened that her Ladyship, on her way
to London, stopped at diff'erent towns where there were chapels
In her Connexion, in order to regulate matters connected with
them, by which means she was unavoidably detained longer than
the day appointed for their embarkation. A few days after her
arrival in London, letters were received from the Continent,
informing them, that it was a concerted scheme to get tbem
over, and then to seize the first opportunity of putting a period
to their lives, as heretics unfit to live. Such was the stratagem
to destroy these faithful servants of the Lord. But that God
" who brings to nought the counsels of the wicked, and maketh

480 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
the devices of the people of none effect," proved himself the
protector and deliverer of his servants.
The providence of God appears in a conspicuous manner, in
so ordering it that her Ladyship should be unexpectedly
detained on her journey, so as to cause it to be later before she
arrived in London than the day appointed for their embarkation ;
inasmuch as, by that raeans, they received the letters which
disclosed this accursed project. Had they sailed for Brussels
before the arrival of those letters, tbey would inevitably have
fallen into the hands of their eneraies, and becorae the victims
of their malice.
Thus appears the mercy of the Lord In behalf of his servant ;
but his justice was displayed in a manner equally conspicuous,
for it is an undoubted fact, tbat on the very day that Lady Hun
tingdon left Wales, Lord Douglass, then in perfect health,
dropped down and Instantly expired. So true is the Word, " None
shall fight against me and prosper ;" and " no weapon formed
against bis people sball succeed ; but every tongue that riseth
up in judgment against them, tbey shall condemn." Sooner or
later God will avenge his own elect, in their complete deliver
ance from every foe, and in the eternal destruction of his and
their enemies.
The following letter from Lady Huntingdon to friends at
Norwich, is inserted here, because it adverts to the visit of her
Ladyship to the Continent, which she designed, but was mer
cifully prevented from proceeding in, by the discovery of this
detestable plot : —
ORIGINAL LETTER OF THE LATE COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON TO FRIENDS
AT NORWICH.
"My very worthy and beloved Friends, — Sickness and business
daily almost overpower my old age ; this will account for any neglect
of mine, as my heart ever remains the same to you. I am most truly
obliged by your kind letter just received, and though setting out on my
journey to Germany, I could not let your kind, warm-hearted and
most Christian letter be unanswered. I have a large chapel taken for
me at Brussels ; and this, for the occasional use of all the mimsters in
my Connexion in England. Time must show the wise and gracious
dispensations of my few evil days yet reraaining. As for the envy,
malice, and jealousy of other parties, I beg the Lord to pity them ; but,
blessed be his name, to the most unworthy he yet shows his loving
kindness and tender mercies. Above six hundred Protestant famflies
are now in Brussels, and much expectation is raised for iny establish
ment there. Give me your prayers for faith, patience, and humility,
that neither men nor devils may raove me frora the hope of the Gospel,
which I have been called to glory in, as my only earthly honour. My
heart, prayers, cries, and tears, wfll be with you and for you, that the

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 481
Lord may make and keep all to the end. It would fail me to tell you
the abundant and overflowing instances of his love, which he is daily
affording, by the spread of the blessed Gospel of peace far and wide.
Fourteen young ministers ordained at the College pronuse well, .ind
many great and bitter trials the Lord is bringing me through, to praise
liim. Five chapels, new and large, and very great congregations now
just establishing. This, with calls from all quarters, obliges us to bo
dfligent in business, as well as fervent in spirit. And now, my worthy,
old, and kind friends, try to raise up some simple-hearted young men
tbat know something of the Lord, for the very poor, in the villages,
that by reading and prayer they may help them. I leave the half I
have, for the support of the College and other things, as my heart is
with you all. And as for a season the withdrawing my maintenance
abroad must be a great loss, so I do earnestly beg and entreat that the
travelling fund, by either subscription or collection, be afl the com
mittee's care, every where ; and if I drop, all from me must cease : so
tbis collection, once or twice a-year, is all I ask, as this is the only
means of carrying the Gospel to the poor and ignorant in dark places,
where their poverty cannot call for it. You may have a direction to
me, from Spafields to Germany. Should I arrive there alive, it is but
three days longer than your letter to College. And now, farewell —
fare wefl, my dear old faithful friends; and if we never more meet to
see each other again below, we shall sing 'Worthy the Lamb,' with heart
and voice, to all eternity. 0 blessed exchange frora sin, sorrow, and
misery, to glorify Jesus to eternity in the smiles of his countenance !
May this be our blessed lot ! and, as ever, so remains your faithful
friend, Coflege, Aprfl 10, 1787. "S.Huntingdon."
Defeated in this accursed project, the great enemy of man
kind sought another scheme to blast the usefulness of these
devoted persons, and bring a reproach on the cause to which
their whole souls were consecrated; this was, to sow the seeds
of discord between Mr. Wills and Lady Huntingdon, which led
to a separation of the former from her Ladyship's Connexion In
the year 1788. There is such an alloy of sin in the best charac
ters, that a severe examination will always discover blemishes ;
and where there are charges and recriminations, the impartial
reader will generally conclude there must be " faults on both
sides." We can here only deplore the existence of any differ
ence between the disciples of the Lord Jesus whfle we remark
the truth of the Scriptures, which record similar circumstances,
and impute them to an unsubdued temper, wrought upon by the
accuser of the brethren, " Let him that thinketh he standeth
take heedlest he fall."
Soon after this event. Lady Huntingdon wrote a recommenda
tory preface to a volume of sermons by that laborious servant of
Christ, the Rev. Wilham Ridge, minister of the Gospel at Great
VOL. II. — I I

482 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
Yarmouth. The serraons were only seven in nuraber — viz.,
three on the spiritual actings of faith through all natural
iraposslbflitles ; two on tbe great things faith can do ; one en
titled " no ground of discouragement for believers, whate er
tbeir conditions;" and tbe other on "the cure ofall discourage
ments by faith In Christ Jesus." The preface is inserted in a
note,* as it contains a short epitome of her Ladyship's senti
ments at the close of her long and arduous course. The volume
was recommended to the congregation in connexion with her.
" From the various sjieculations of tbe religious world upon faith, it seems to
be too much considered as merely an assent of the understanding to certain
credible propositions contained in the Scriptures, instead of the gift of God,
through Jesus Christ our Lord ; and as the po^^'er and spring of all Divine and
spiritual communication with heaven, as well as of every practical excellency
earth. The latter, the author of the following sermons, the Rev. William
Kidge, ably proves. And as it is confined wholly to the experimental know
ledge of the Christian religion, and communicated by the Spirit of God to the
soul of man, through the Word, so does it belong to us, as our great privilege ;
to become well acquainted with the nature and power of it. Into fl'hatever
hands, therefore, the works of this faithful and suffering witness for the truths
of the Gospel may come, let it never cease to be the desire of your hearts, and
your earnest prayer to the Lord, the author and finisher of our faith, that he
would as his own free gift, bestow it upon you. Suffer me to request, that no
lukewarm pursuits after less powerful truths may ever engage your attention, as
all without this, must be ineffectual, either for your real comfort here, or your
salvation hereafter. Examine well the importance of the truth held forth to
you by this blessed servant of God, «'ho though dead, yet speaketh (like the
voice of Abel, Heb. xi. 4), the excellency of that one offering once offered, by
which witness can alone be obtained through faith, that you are righteous in
opposition to the unhallowed offering ofall things else.
" May you, then, walk by faith, as Enoch did ; and never cease to remember
that without it, it is impossible to please God. Reject the testimony of all who
vainly and ignorantly tell you that it is not the only means of Gospel obedience ;
and beware, also, of low prejudices or partiality to mere matters of opinion, to
which no evidence from God is promised in his word to the mind of man ; feith
andfaith alone, being the substance (or subsistence) of things hoped for and
the evidence of things not seen. As such, it secures to us the testimony that
we have not belied nor run in vain. As a Divine pledge of future glory it ia a
rich compensation to us for all the misery of various afflictions which are con
nected with our fallen state in Adam ; and by the power of God who com
manded the bght to shine out of darkness, there arises in our hearts throueh
faith that glorious kingdom of God, which is righteousness, peace and iov in
the Holy Ghost. ¦' ¦''
" That our gracious Lord of his own free love and grace, may bless and thus
devote your heart and mine by his own power to himself, so effectually as to
prove that the tree is made good by the divine and heavenly fruit it bears both
in life and death is the affectionate prayer of a faithful friend to all who love
the Lord Jesus Christ m sincerity.
" Spafields, London, March 13, 1789. « S. Huntingdon.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 48!J

CHAPTER LIV.
Increase of the Connexion — Association for perpetuating the Connexion —
Plan of the Association  Letter to the Congregation at Bath— Welsh Calvi
nistic Methodists— Failure of the Plan— Opposed by Dr. Haweis and Lady
Anne Erskine — Lady Huntingdon's Connexion — Observations on Bequests —
Extracts from Lady Huntingdon's Will — Devisees of Lady Huntingdon —
Her controul over the Connexion — Rules for Lady Huntingdon's Societies
— Property bequeathed to^Lady Huntingdon's Connexion — Letter to Mr.
Priestley — Death of Lady Huntingdon — Her last words — Letter from Dr.
Lettsom to Lady Anne Erskine — Funeral Sermon — Character of Lady Hun
tingdon — Last Interview with Mr. Priestley.
From very many parts of England the most urgent calls for
assistance were now addressed to Lady Huntingdon ; and pro
bably the pressure of business, together with the consciousness
that her labours must necessarily be given up to others. Induced
her Ladyship to feel desirous of seeing some plan carried into
effect for perpetuating the work which the Lord had honoured
her by enabling her to begin. Accordingly, we find that in 1790
several ministers and laymen, who wished well to the cause of
Christ, at the Invitation of Lady Huntingdon, formed themselves
into an " Association," for the purpose of aiding her Ladyship
during her life-time, and perpetuating the Connexion after her
decease. The sketch of the plan is dated Spafields, March 3,
1790, and signed, •'By order of the Countess of Huntingdon
and the Association — George Best, Secretary.'* The plan was
accompanied by a circular letter from her Ladyship, in which
she expressed, "not only her approbation, but the prospect of
the peace she anticipated on her dying pillow, should she be
spared to see it put into execution.*
Mr. Best was an agent of the Countess, to whom she left a
legacy, " in consideration of his faithful services." It is worthy
* Plan of an Association for Uniting and Perpetuating the Connexion of the
Might Honourable the Countess-Dowager of Huntingdon.
In consequence of an invitation from the Right Honourable Selina, Countess.-
Dowager of Huntingdon, several ministers .ind laymen, who wish well to the
cause of Christ and her Ladyship's Connexion, have formed themselves into an
Association, called" Thk London Acting Association," for thepurposeof as
sisting her Ladyship, during her life-time, as far as she shall be pleased to accept
of t:heir services, in carrying onthe work of the Gospel of Christ in her Con
nexion ; and, as far as they may be enabled, for perpetuating the same after her
Ladyship's decease. Being desirous of using such means as appear to thera
(under God) most likely to carry the same into effect, they beg leave, with all
deference, to submit the following plan to her Ladyship's consideration ; which,
Ii2

484

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF

of remark, that this plan bears date about seven weeks after the
Countess executed her will, and Is said to have originated \vlfh
the late Rev. Wflliam Francis Piatt, in consequence of various

if approved, they further beg may be printed, and a copy thereof sent to every
congregation in her Ladyship's Connexion; not doubting but they will cheer
fully unite, and with,them engage in their feeble attempts to carry on the great
and important work. PLAN.
I. That a General Association be formed, entitled,
" The Countess- Dowager of Huntingdon's General Association."
II. That the whole Connexion be divided into proper Districts.
III. That the Districts be as follow, viz.

I. London — Spafields, Mulberry-gar
dens, Sion, and Holywell Mount.
2. Heading — Reading, Goring, Wal
lingford, Rickmansworth, and Basing
stoke. 3. Feversham — Feversham, Dover,
Milton, and Tonhridge Wells.
4. Brighthelmstone — Brighthelm
stone, Lewes, Chichester, and Oat Hall.
5. Ely  Ely, Chatteris, Ramsey
(Huntingdonshire), and Peterborough.
6. Sudbury — Sudbury, Fordham, and
Woodbridge. 7. Bath— Bath.
8. Bristol — Bristol and Swansea.
9. 'Wincanton — Wincanton, a horse
ride, and Frome.
10. St. Columbe — St. Columbe, a
horse ride, and Star Cross.
II. Gloucester — Gloucester, Here
ford, Coleford, and Banbury.

12. Worcester  Worcester, Eversliam,
and Kidderminster.
13. iif om?!0!rf/i— Monmouth, Broad-
oak, and Langadock.
14. Birmingham — Birmingham, West
Bromwieh, Handsworth, and Edge-
has ton.
15. Wolverhampton — Wolverhamp
ton, Dudley, and Bilston.
16. Ashby-de-la-Zouch — Ashby-de-
la-Zouch and Ashford.
17. Wigan — Wigan.
18. Ulverston  Ulverston, and White
haven. 19. Nonvich — Norwich.
20. Lincoln  Lincoln, Gainsborough,
and Newark.
21. Haxey — Haxey, and Pinchbeck,
Partney. 22. For/(— York, Hull, and Helmsley.
23. Morpeth — Morpeth.

IV. That a Committee be formed in each county district; consisting of the
ministers for the time being, together with two laymen from each congregation,
and that they be called " The Committee of the Countess of Huntingdon's
Association for the District of  ."
V. That the London Acting Association be considered the Committee for
the District of London.
VI. That each Committee shall meet once a quarter, or oftener if necessary;
the members thereof determining the time and place of their meetings.
VII. That they, at such meetings, take into consideration and deliberate upon
all matters which concern the cause of Christ in her Ladyship's Conne.xion iu
their district.
VIII. That within ten days after every such meeting the Committee shall
transmit an account of their proceedings to the London Acting Associa
tion, who shall lay the same before the General Association at their annual
meetings. IX. That no Congregation nor District Committee contract any debt, but
what they agree to discharge, without the consent of the General Association
previously obtained.
X. That one or more of the ministers present do preach at each meeting of
the Committees.
XI. That all the ministers in her Ladyship's Connexion, together with the
laymen who compose the District Committees, be considered as members of
the General Association.
XIL That, in order to avoid unnecessary expense and trouble, and also to

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 485
conversations he had with her Ladyship respecting the state of
the Connexion in 1789, when he was, for the first time, sup
plying Spafields Chapel. The plan was known long before it
prevent the congregations being unsupplied if all tbe members were obliged to
attend, it is proposed that a minister and two laymen from each District Com
mittee be deputed to meet the London Acting Association in London once in
every year ; who, together with the Trustees of her Ladyship's College for the
tirae being, shall compose the General Association.
XIII. That each district pay the expense of its deputation attending the
General Association.
XIV. That a minister be appointed to preach every day during the meeting
ofthe General Association.
XV. That the state and concerns of the Connexion at large be laid before
the General Association at their annual meetings.
XVI. That all disputed matters, which cannot be othervvise settled, shall be
finally adjusted by the determination of the General Association.
XVII. That a delegated power from the General Association shall constantly
reside in the London Acting Association, to transact the concerns of the Con
nexion during the intervals of the annual meetings ; and all their proceedings
be laid before the General Association.
XVIII. That every minister, offering hiraself to join the Connexion, shall, if
approved of, be received by the General Association.
XIX. The Lord having in the present age much blessed itinerant preaching,
it is proposed that circuits be formed in different parts of the kingdom, for the
further spread of the Gospel of Chiist ; and that preachers be sent out and
supported by the Connexion, as collectively considered, so far as the Lord
enables and their finances will allow.
XX. That every minister and student in the Connexiqn, who may be in
town at the time of the meeting of the General Association, be at liberty to
attend the same ; but the latter not to have a voice in their deliberations and
determinations. XXI. That the minutes of the General Association be printed, and a copy
of them sent to eveiy District Committee.
XXII. That an account of the names and places of abode of all the minis
ters and students in the Conne.xion be entered in a book kept for that purpose.
And, in order more effectually to carry this plan into execution, it is proposed,
XXIIL That a fund be raised, separate and distinct from the supplies raised
by congregations for the support of their respective places of worship, and also
from the fund called the 'Travelling Fund, and the fund of the Apostolic
Society. XXIV. For this purpose, the members of the Societies in particular, and
the friends of the Connexion in general, are invited to contribute an assistance
of not less than a penny a week each person.
XXV. That this fund be called " The General Association Fund."
XXVI. That the money contributed be received by a treasurer, appomted
by each district ; who shall nominate and appoint such persons, at each chapel
or place of public worship, as may be necessary to collect it. The money to
be transmitted by the treasurer after each quarterly meeting of the district, to
the treasurer or treasurers of the London Acting Association.
XXVII. That books agreeable to a plan now used by the London Acting
Association, be recommended to the treasurers and collectors ofthe districts.
XXVIII. That collecting the subscriptions and contributions be ever con-
sidirad as a labour oflove and free service.
XXIX. Thatthe disposal ofthe money be restricted solely to the deter
mination and appointment of the General Association, for sueh purposes as
they shall think proper, provided the same be for the benefit *nd sole use of
the Connexion,

486 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
was signed. When printed and circulated through the Con
nexion, ber Ladyship expressed ber approbation of it in writing,
and her letter which accompanied It was printed in Italics. We
have not been able to raeet with a copy of this letter; but
there is a very interesting one in existence, written by the
Countess, from which we shall make a few extracts. It is dated
Spafields, May 19th, 1780, about four months after she had
signed her will : —
" To my well-beloved Friends ofthe Congregation of my Chapel, Bath.
" I am now in the eighty -fourth year of my age, and much bodily
paiu fills the greatest part of my declining and evil days ; but you
remain, as ever, near and dear to my heart, and will do till my last
hreath ceases to make me an inhabitant of the earth. I have, also,
with many an aching heart, felt the vast importance to the comfort of
you afl, how the most faithfully to preserve the pure and blessed
Gospel of Jesus Christ among you when I am gone. A variety of
ways my many hours of sorrowful prayers and tears have suggested,
and the settlement of my best meanings has many times beon put in
execution. But, alas ! where my best confidence has from time to
time been placed, the Lord has confounded it. 1 resolved, therefore,
to make known my requests to Him alone, for his only just and righ
teous wfll in this matter. And seeing the union and fellowship of my
beloved Welsh friends, by the simple means of an association, I have
ever since been desirous that my various congregations may be thus
united, and in this bond oflove and peace to carry on to future ages the
pure and undefiled Gospel of Jesus Cbrist, as God manifest in the flesh,
and blessed over all for ever. For this end, the whole, general, and
umversal design is sent to you, without reserve ; and 1 may assure you,
that nothing is or has been done in it without my .special inspection.
I recommend, therefore, the enclosed plan to be laid before the asso
ciation of your district, that their sentiments, by your deputies, may be
communicated to the whole body at the General Association, of the
meeting of whicli I ehall give you timely notice. I also recommend
tbe members of the London Acting Association as men worthy of your
highest confidence and respect, earnestly zealous for your welfare, and
diligent in their labours o'f love in the work of the Lord," &c. &c.
The Countess, in naming her Welsh friends, evidently refers
XXX. That no money for new buildings, or erection of galleries, be taken
from this fund without the concurrence of at least seven-eights ofthe General
Association. XXXI. Should a division ofthe Connexion at any future period be attempted,
it is proposed that, so long as eleven members of the General Association
continue united to carry on the cause of Christ in this Connexion, agreeable
to the foregoing rules, they shall be considered not only competent, but fully
Empowered to conduct the same,
•,'• It is requested, ifany alterations in the districts be thought necessary,
that the London Acting Association may be acquainted therewith.
By order of the Cotiutt'ss of Huntingdon, and the Association,
Spafields, March 3, 1790. Geoege Best, Secretary.

SELINA, qO^TESS OF HUNTINGDON. 487
to the WelskCalvinistic Metliodists, who have retained the same
social plan to the pfesent day. The result is, that, by the
blessing of God, the great majority of the religious population of
Wales now belong to that denomination. Go^ has greatly
blessed that people, and the life and power of godliness are stifl
enjoyed In their numerous religious societies. It will be recol
lected that the College which the good Countess supported
at her own expense bad been in South Wales for more than
twenty years, when she so affectionately referred to them, during
which time she had abundant opportunities of becoming ac
quainted with the good resulting from their ministers, elders,
and raerabers associating together in their monthly and annual
meetings. Lady Huntingdon's wishes proved abortive. The plan and
letters were circulated, a subscription was commenced in London,
which in a short time amounted to something considerable, but
the execution was prevented, and the plan abandoned, on the
following grounds. On the envelope which contained the above
letter of the Countess to her Bath friends. Dr. Haweis, who had
a few months before been nominated as one of her Ladyship's
devisees, wrote the following words, which he aijdressed to
Messrs. Shepherd and Ford: — "If her Ladyship pleases to
insist on the scheme being enforced at Bath, I shall be very
sorry, as I am unable to concur in it, and it must separate me
from you." Lady Anne Erskhie, another devisee of the Coun
tess, objected also, and opposed the plan ; but it was abandoned
chiefly through the- conduct of Mr. Bradford, who was then at
Birmingham, and ^ho persuaded many of the subscribers that he
had not been treated with kindness, as Lady Huntingdon had
dismissed hira, in consequence of the remonstrance he had sent
.to them. This opposition to her Ladyship's opinion gave Lady
Anne full scope for her opposition, because, if it had been car
ried into effect, she would have had very httle concern in the
future management of the Connexion, and this she was anxious
to have to tbe utmost extent ; and therefore she never let her
Ladyship rest until she broke It up, which was accelerated by
the secession of raany of the members, who, after Mr. Bradford
came to London, joined him, and sat under his ministry.
Although the plan was at that time abandoned, because the
Countess was' too feeble to resist the current which, at a season
of great difficulty, set in against it, it does not appear that her
judgraent as to its merits was altered. It is evident tbat it had
long been her earnest desire that her various Connexions might
be united, after the manner of her Welsh friends, whose union
and fellowship, by the simple means of an association, she so

488 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
much admired. If, therefore, In this first effort to unite her own
Connexion, she met with obstructions, either by any defect in
the machinery, or untowardness In some of the agents, she was
aware that these evfls would adrait of a reraedy, and they did
not change her opinion as to the benefits of union, or cause her
to despair of Its accomplishment.
Had the Connexion been wisely managed from the period of
the decease of the Countess, how extensive and fiourishing
would It have become by this tirae ! — It seems necessary that
they should exist as a distinct religious community, since they
differ from other denorainations, either in points of doctrine or
of discipline. They differ from the Wesleyans, by holding the
doctrinal articles of the Church of England In their Calvinistic
sense ; from the Baptists, by the administration of baptisra to
infants, and that by sprinkling or pouring; frora tbe Indepen
dents, in adraitting the lawfulness, and in raany cases the ex
pediency, of using a scriptural liturgy; from the Church of
England herself. In being free to eraploy whatever they deem
valuable, and to refuse what appears to tbem objectionable. In
her services, while they are exerapt from that corrupting influence
to which she Is exposed by her union with tbe State. Many
candid persons have acknowledged that Lady Huntingdon's
Connexion, if- properly conducted. Is calculated to be a great
blessing to tbe country, as affording an opportunity for such
pious and orthodox members of the Church of England to exer
cise their ministry as cannot give their hearty assent and consent
to every thing contained In and prescribed by the Book of Com
mon Prayer ; as meeting tbe views of such as have been deprived
of the services of an evangelical clergyman ; and by a judicious
abridgraent and distribution of the prayers, in connexion with
the faithful preaching of the Word and administration of the
ordinances, providing for the spiritual Instruction and edification'
of the people in general.
There is yet abundant scope for our most active and strenuous
exertions. England is far from being thoroughly evangelized.
London and other large towns, as well as country places, call for
our serious attention. Ireland presents a wide field for the ope
ration of an Evangelical ministry, and has strong claims upon
the sympathy of England. The emigration of many to Canada
and other places deraand that we should not be unraindful of
their spiritual welfare. Looking around us on the British do
minions, and especially on the world at large, we are constrained
to exclaim, " The harvest truly is great, and the labourers are
few." The increased zeal and success of some denominations
ought not to cause the members of Lady Huntingdon's Con-

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 489
nexion to relax from the ardour displayed by the venerable
foundress, or induce them to confine their exertions to the
chapels vested in trust ; but, with so wide a field before them,
should provoke them to love and good works, tkat tkeir Con
nexion, lohick formerly took tke lead among Calvinsts in tkis
country, in active agressions upon the enemy, may not now be
the last to come " to the help of the Lord against the mighty."
0, for the spirit of former times ! Spirits of Whitefield, of Grim
shaw, and of Berridge, wake !
Choice-owned restorers of primeval truth ! " Awake, awake !
put on thy strength, O arm of the Lord ! awake, as in the an
cient days, In the generations of old !"
Lady Huntingdon, in tbe prospect of dissolution, found various
difficulties present theraselves, in the way of her settling the
different chapels on a basis such as she could have wished. The
law of England, with tbe view of preventing iraproper advantage
being taken of the feelings .of dying persons, renders null and
void all bequests of buddings or lands for religious or even for
ckaritable uses ;* nor does even the settleraent of a buflding or
of land, for such uses, by deed of trust, stand valid, unless the
party thus disposing of the property shall survive twelve months.
Aware of the legal impediments to the disposal bf her chapels
for religious uses by will, and her state of health rendering It
very doubtful whether. If deeds of trust had been executed, she
would survive the length of tirae required by law to render such
deeds valid, she resorted to the only expedient that reraained —
that of leaving the chapels and houses by will to certain persons,
with unrestricted power to sell or dispose of the sarae to such
uses as they might think proper. This part of the will is intro
duced in the following remarkable language : —
" And whereas the grand view and desire of my life hath been the
good ofall mankind, by the spread and promotion of the Gospel of the
Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ, both abroad and at home ; and I
have the most earnest desire and hope, in my latest moments, before
and above all things, that the same may be promoted by all possible
means ; and, in regard, 1 know, that devises (of land or houses) to cha
ritable uses are contrary to law, I do hereby declare that the foregoing
bequest (of house and chapels) to be made by me freed from any such
use — I relying on the almighty power and good grace of Jesus Christ
my God and Saviour to dispose their hearts in all things which may
tend most to his honour and glory, and the real good of mankind, by
* The fact that buildings or land cannot be bequeathed for religious uses,
should be more fully known. Money may be bequeathed for religious uses by
will, but buildings or land can only be appropriated for religious uses by deed
of trust, executed twelve months at least before death,

490 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
spreading and promoting his glorious and precious Gospel, as well
abroad as at home."
It Is well known that her Ladyship either erected or possessed
herself of chapels in various parts of the kingdom, in which she
appointed such persons to officiate as ministers as she thought
fit, revoking such appointment at her pleasure. The congrega
tions who worshipped in these chapels were denominated " Lady
Huntingdon's Connexion," and the minister who officiated in
them, " Ministers in her Ladyship's Connexion." Over the
affairs of this " Connexion" Lady Huntingdon exercised a moral
power to the time of her death ; not only appointing and re
raoving the ministers who officiated in her chapels, but also ap
pointing laymen in each congregation to superintend Its secular
concerns, whom she denominated the " Committee of Manage
ment." Lady Huntingdon, by ber will, which bears date January tbe
lltb, 1790, gEive and devised,
" All her chiipels, houses, and furniture therein, and all the
residue of her estates and effects, to Thomas Haweis and Janetta
Payne, his wife, Lady Anne Agnes Erskine, and John Lloyd ; and
directed, that on the death of any one of them, the survivors or sur
vivor should appoint one other person, by writing under their hands
signed in the presence of two witnesses (except certain ministers
therein named), and so from time to time, as any one should die, she
directed tbe survivors or survivor to appoint another person in the room
of the deceased, so tbat there might be always four persons to hold and
enjoy the same ; and she gave and devised the same, or such part
thereof as should not be disposed of by her trustees therein named, unto
such four persons as should from time to time be nominated, in as full
and ample manner as she had given tbe same to the said Thomas
Haweis and bis wife, Lady Erskine, and John Lloyd. And. after the
death of any one of them who should be a minister, one who was a se
ceding minister or student sbould be appointed in his room, and if the
deceased should not be a minister, one not a minister was to be ap
pointed in his room, so that there might be always one minister and
tbree persons not ministers, until the whole of her estate should be sold
or disposed of. And after stating that the grand desire of her life had
been the good of mankind, and the spread and promotion of the Gospel
of the Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ both abroad and at bome ;
and that she had the most earnest desire and hope in her latest moments
before and abov« all things, tbat the same might be promoted by all
possible means, and in regard she knew that devises to charitable uses
were contrary to law, she thereby declared the foregoing devise and
bequest to be made by her, freed and discharged from any such use,
and tbat her trustees therein named and their successors to be appointed
as aforesaid, should from time to time, either in the lifetime of her
trustees therein named, or in the hfetime of theh successors to he ap-

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 491
pointed as aforesaid, apply the annual produce, or sell and dispose ofall
or any part of her real and personal estate, and apply the produce
thereof to such uses and for such purposes as they in their discretion
should think proper, without any restriction, trust, or coudition what-
eve," : she relying on the almighty power and good grace of Jesus
Chi'ist, her God and Saviour, to dispose their hearts in all things whicli
might tend most to his honour and glory and the real good of man
kind, by the spreading and promoting his glorious and precious Gospel,
as well abroad as at home."'
By a codicil to the above will, bearing even date with It, the
Countess, in a very striking and affecting manner, requested that
her chfldren would approve and confirm the disposition she had
made of her effects.
No objection was made by Lady Huntingdon's family to the
fulfilment of her wishes, in regard to the bequests made by ber
wfll; and accordingly her four trustees above-named entered
into possession of her chapels, and employed the same for the
purposes of religious worship, and acted in reference to the ap
pointment and revocation of ministers, &c. In all respects as the
Countess had done.
Dr. Haweis having survived his co-trustees, by a deed, bear
ing date 1st Marcb, 1805, appointed Dr. Ford, and Messrs.
Groves and Butcher, to fill up the vacancies occasioned in the
trust: and on the deaths of Dr. Ford and Mr. Groves, Dr.
Haweis and Mr. Butcher, by deed, dated 12th of June, 1807,
appointed Messrs. Oldham and Langston to succeed them. But
Lady Huntingdon's will, nor any of the other arrangements
which she made, convey an idea of any particular control exer
cised by her over the Connexion. All the evangelical writers of
the age in which she lived represent her as pre-eminent for hu
raflity, and surely nothing but incontrovertible evidence should
warrant the supposition that she aspired at absolute dominion in
the Church of God. It is certain tbat over the Connexion, as a
religious hody, she had no legal control : nor Is there any evi
dence that she aimed at this. It was, of course, in her power
to continue or withhold her patronage, her pecuniary support,
and the use of the chapels, which were her property. But the
last was not the most important Item in her bounty toward the
Connexion. Lady Huntingdon possessed, however, a moral power over
the Connexion, of uncommon extent, probably amounting to a
moral control. Her decision, her zeal, her self-denial, her per
severance, her ardent devotion, her personal condescension and
kindness, gained on the hearts of all who knew her, and es
pecially of those who laboured under her patronage. The minis
ters and students, animated by her example, cheered by her

492 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
kindness, and supported, whenever it was necessary, by her
bounty, were ready to do any thing that she desired, knowing
that her desires glowed with zeal for the glory of God and the
good of souls. The publicity of her character, as the patroness
of every good work, and especially of the extensive preaching of
the Gospel, caused the applications frora all quarters to be
made directly to her rather than to any other person. And as
she possessed great constitutional vigour, with the unwearying
perseverance necessary for multifarious correspondence, she be
came necessarfly tbe centre and spring of all the itinerant move
ments of the Connexion — not by any assumption of power, but
because there was no other person so able or so willing to carry
on the arduous work. She, therefore, applied to the ministers
and students to supply at different places, as openings occurred ;
her applications were resistless: made by a peeress of the realm,
in a cause to which she herself had devoted her all, so as often
to be reduced to a siraple change of raiment, they went whither
soever she wished, even at the hazard of great and frequent
privations. All this, however, was but tke voluntary kornage of
free minds to a soul of a superior order. In this sense it is con
ceded that Lady Huntingdon had a most effective control over
the affairs of the Connexion. There can be but little doubt
tbat she was consulted on every occasion of importance, and that
her approbation was a passport to popularity for any measure :
but a legal control over the Connexion was not thought of : she
had. In her personal character, a power that no law could have
ever conferred.
Her conduct proved that she had no desire to obtain such
legal control. From the year 1783, when the secession began,
to her death, in J 791, her Ladyship possessed herself of only
seven chapels as private property, and one of them was mort
gaged to its full value as soon as bought ; and yet, during that
time, she was annually expending the whole of her Incorae, ex
cepting a scanty reserve for her personal expenses. In supporting
the College and pioraoting the spread of the Gospel, and that
income, for the last few years of her life, after her son's deatb,
amounted to 2,200Z. a-year. Now, If the suras which these two
chapels cost, and the suras raised upon them, be carefully in
quired Into, It will be seen that the amount spent In this way
made but a very small proportion of her expenditure ; yet, this
was the only way in which she was likely to acquire a legal con
trol over the Connexion. Heie was a practical illustration of
her principles. She sought not to secure dominion to herself or
her successors, but to have the Gospel of Christ extensively
preached,

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 493
The term " Connexion " has been frequently used ; and here
it may be proper to ascertain who were the members of the Con
nexion of the Countess of Huntingdon. It is presumed fhat no
person, conversant with ecclesiastical language, will Imagine
that every hearer who attended tbe chapels, or even every person
contributing to the support of them, could be considered, in the
strict sense of the expression, a member of the Connexion. A
common practice, in Lady Huntingdon's days among all who
were called Methodists, whether Calvinistic or Wesleyan, was to
form the converts into Societies, who generally met weekly, or,
in some places, once a fortnight, for mutual edification. These
corresponded. In nature and design, with the churches of the
Congregational and Independent denoralnatlon, differing frora
them only in -holding their meetings less frequently and In a less
formal exercise of discipline. . Their officers were less separated
frora the rest of the merabers than the deacons of Congrega
tional churches, being. In raany societies, chosen for a liraited
time rather than for life, as deacons generally are. What was
the constitution of these Societies In the secession patronised
by Lady Huntingdon will be best understood by consulting the
rules proposed by the Ministers, recommended by her Ladyship,
and printed for the use of the Societies, 1785. As they are
not long, and the printed copies are become scarce, it may
gratify the reader to be furnished with a copy at full length : —
Rules for the General Societies in tlie Countes? of Huntingdon's Connexion.
Whereas, in all revivals of e.xperimental religion in those places where the
Gospel is preached with faithfulness and the power of the Holy Ghost, it has
generally been found to be most desirable and expedient to promote and
establish Society Meetings amongst those that are truly awakened, for the pur
pose of glorifying the Lord, building up each other in their most holy faith,
and endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace, and
adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things ; thus walking as be
cometh those that profess godliness :
It has been, therefore, thought meet, by the consent and approbation of the
elect Lady and Patroness of this Connexion, The Countess of Huntingdon,
upon the recommendation of the principal Ministers, that such Society Meet
ings be established throughout the said Connexion, on a plan that shall be
uniform, and, by the blessing of God, permanent throughout the whole Ai'ork
in the Secession.
And for the greater order and regulation of such Societies, it is proposed 
L That no person be admitted a member of such Societies who is not a
stated raember of one of the congregations in her Ladyship's Connexion, and
who does not hold those evangelical principles contained in our general Con
fession of Faith, as signed by our ministers at their ordination.
II. That no person be admitted at the first institution into those Societies as
a member, but such as have been examined by the Ministers for the time being.
And afler the establishment of the Societies, they must be also approved by the
majority of the members belonging to those respective Societies.

494 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
HI. That such members meet together once a week, or at least once A
fortnight, on a fixed day, in the i-espective chapels, or places where they assem
ble for public worship ; and that such meetings begin about half an hour after
si.x, and be ended at eight o'cloek in the evening, from Michaelmas to Lady-
Day,- and begin at seven, and end at half an hour after eight, from Lady-Day
to Michaelmas, to prevent giving offence to others by later hours.
IV. That whosoever is known to be absent four weeks successively, with
out assigning a sufficient cause to the Minister, may be excluded from the
Society. V. That, to prevent confusion, no person be removed from the Society but
by the Minister for the time being ; that the cause of such removal be assigned
to the Society in general, unless there be any cases that make that inexpedient ;
then to two or three of the most judicious and experienced members of the
Society, who shall, under their own hands, testify their approbation thereof,
and thereby confirm the propriety and impartiality of the Minister's conduct
herein. And that any member has liberty, beforehand, to apply to the Minis
ter, in private, iu case he judges such reraoval to be necessary.
VI. That an unhumbled disputatious spirit, and a vain conformity to the
world in card-playing, dancing, frequenting playhouses, and places of such like
carnal arausements, horse-races, clubs for entertainment, or ale-houses and
taverns, without necessary business, lightly and profanely using the name of
the Lord in common conversation, and any other disorderly carriage, be suffi
cient grounds of complaint and removal.
VII. That the Minister for the time being attend such meetings, and give an
exhortation suitable to the design hereof, and most adapted to the circum
stances of the respective societies, and may call on any of the members, if he
sees fit, to begin or conclude with prayer.
VIII. That every ordained Minister that is to stay for a time with such
Societies, adminislcr the communion to such Society only, at the first meeting
after the first Lord'.s day that he preaches among them, previous notice being
given thereof in the public congregation, on the said Lord's day preceding ; and
as much oftener, ivhilst he stays, as himself and the elder members of the
Society .shall judge convenient.
IX. That these General Society Meetings are not meant to take place of,
and to abolish, yea rather they are intended to promote, encourage, and enliven
any other occasional or stated meetings for prayer, or for mutual converse iu
smaller companies relative to their experience, as to the state of the soul, whieh
are hereby much recommended, wherever they may have been already esta
blished, and conducted with convenience and propriety.
Lastly — That every person thus admitted into the Society have a ticket
signed by the Minister for the time being, which is to admit such person, and
no other ; and that the name of every member be entered in a book kept for
that purpose, and be read over in the public Society once a year, a month before
the said tickets are renewed, which renewal is to be annual also.
N. B. — That in order to keep regularity and a stricter attention to the said
Society, it is thought proper that six of the most judicious members shall be
fixed upon to attend the society in turns ; and a book, properly ruled, be kept,
aud one of the six members to check the names of such as do attend.
That ifany member be sick, such member be visited, and if necessary shall
be relieved ; and in order to beep a fund for the said purpose, each member (if
able) subscribe one penny per week.
That if any member be absent two meeting nights, one of the six members
shall visit him, and know the cause. T. Wills.
W. Taylok.

SELIN.\, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 495
N'ote.— .it is also recommended by her Ladyship, to all who may belong to
these various Societies, to consider them not only for their own advantage
solely, but also, as putting it into their power, in the use of the means, to pro
mote the cause of God universally in their several relations, connexions, and
stations in life, as opportunity shall offer ; particularly by recommending to
others to hear the preaching of the truths of the Gospel, and by dispersing of
books ; thus endeavouring to commend and enforce, with all zeal and faithful
ness, the importance and actual necessity of the great and only salvation of
Christ ; which conduct, together with their e.xemplary lives and conversations,
will most effectually evidence the sincerity of their own profession.
College, Wales, January, 1785. S. Huntingdon.
Considerable property has, from tirae to time, been be
queathed to Lady Huntingdon's Connexion. Mrs. James
Payne Haweis, formerly Miss Orton, who had long resided with
Lady Huntingdon, by her will, dated October 18, 1794, be
queathed certain plantations in the West Indies, a copyhold
house at Brighton, a leasehold messuage in Queen Ann-street,
Marylebone, and a leasehold estate in B-otherhithe, to her
executors In trust for the Connexion. After a Chancery suit of
many years' duration, the trustees have been decreed to be
entitled to a small estate at St. KItts, devised to them by Mrs.
Haweis, " for the support and propagation of the Gospel in the
Countess of Huntingdon's chapels, or In any other chapels
which her successors should patronize." Dr. Ford, of Highbury,
bequeathed to tbe Connexion the interest on the residue "o
his estate, which Is presumed to be very considerable. Mr.
John Cooper also bequeathed one-half of the residue of his
personal estate towards the support and maintenance of the
College at Cheshunt, amounting to 170Z. per annum, andthe
other half to the trustees of the Connexion of the Countess
of Huntingdon.
Thomas Hawkes, Esq., of Piccadilly, whose will was proved
In 1810, gave to the College at Cheshunt, lOOOZ.; and for the
rehef of aged and Infirm ministers and widows In the Connexion,
500Z. Mrs. Rupertia Hill, in 1818, gave china, plate, and
furniture to the use of chapels belonging to the College ; also
lOOOZ. to the College, and lOOOZ. to be divided between the
poor ministers and congregations belonging to the Connexion,
lOOZ. to the Travelling Fund, and lOOZ. to the Provident Fund.
James Oldham Oldhara, Esq., in 1822, gave to the College
lOOOZ.; Provident Fund, lOOOZ. ; and Travelling Fund, 500Z. ;
also a considerable estate at Cobhara, which is divided between
the College and other institutions belonging to the Connexion.
The late Richard Butterworth, Esq., 122,5Z. to the College, and
a like sum to the provident Fund. John Henry Mum, Esq.,
3000Z. ; Mr. Richard Low, lOOOZ. ; W. Hodson, Esq., IOOOZ.5

496 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
Lady Frances Shirley, 1618Z.; Mrs. Ehzabeth Hillier, lOOOZ. ;
with raany sraaller legacies of 500Z., &c. &c. &c., amounting
altogether to above 22,000Z.
The venerable Countess was now almost at the close of her
long and arduous course. And, as the weather-beaten mariner,
¦ having through many hurricanes, storras and tempests, swelling
bfllows, dangerous rocks and sands, gained his harbour in
peace — so peacefully and quietly her Ladyship entered the
haven of eternal rest and repose, truly experiencing the blessed
ness of those wbo die in the Lord, whose works follow thera.
Her praises will continue in the gate, till the creature, with the
earth groaning for the accoraplishment of the Lord's purposes,
shall stagger to and fro ; and time, sinking beneath the pon
derous weight of age, be swallowed In eternity. O, happy
period ! Then all aniraosity shall subside ; and we shall meet
the venerable saint departed, and all the redeemed of the Lord,
in perfect love, never more to part. But above all — for in Him
all other loves must, yea, cannot but be lost — above all, superior
bliss to all bliss ! we shall see our adorable Redeeraer face to
face — we shall see hira as he is, and be like hira; ceaselessly
and eternally enjoying his unutterably sweet smfles — the smiles
of a God incarnate, brightening the face of his human nature,
and continuing eternal life to his Innumerable company of
saints. If the love of God In Cbrist shed abroad In our hearts,
is now so exalted and superior pleasure and happiness, O what
must it be, to be with hira eternally In the state of glory !
The following letter to an old and intimate friend, the late
Rev. Timothy Priestly, brother to the celebrated Dr. Priestly,
written only a few months before her death, will give some Idea
of her views and feelings, now tbat she stood, as it were, on the
brink of an eternal world : —
" Reverend Sir, — Consistency of character must ever claim respect ;
and that, in proportion to the just estimation due to the excellency of its
object. While I therefore esteem your zealous and faithful labours as
a servant of Jesus Christ, owned and honoured by success from him,
I am led to look to the source from which this can only flow ; even to
tbe foundation that is laid ; and which admits of no other happy one,
either for our present comfort, or future security. Thus you and I,
independent of modes, or the dogmas of particular establishments, are
under the necessity of finding out, experimentally, that owe true Chris
tian church, formed and established by Jesus Christ himself, on the day
of Pentecost ; the existence of which still remains confined to the
same powerful influence. Wc must not, therefore, wonder that natural
ignorance, uninfluenced by this power, rejects the wisdom and mercy
that unite in God's being manifest in the flesh.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 497
" It is through this medium, of our own nature only, that instruction
can be communicated to us in a way suitable to the weakness of our
present condition ; and is thus yielded to us hy Him who is God over
all, blessed for ever.
" This consideration revives every dead and dry sentiment of my
heart. Here, also, every wild and warm imagination, intoxicated by
pride and self-love, must end ; and submit, not only to learn of the
poorest and most afflicted man in our nature, but also to find in him,
and in him alone, a suitable relief for all our misery ; and, through
the same medium, a free access to all divine and heavenly wisdom,
whenever a sense of our own eidl renders us sufficiently conscious of
our wants.
" I fear to transgress the hmits of a letter, and must therefore pass
over much that is most delightful to me, and confine myself to the
strength of the opposition against that great truth which is held forth
to us in the state of a Pharisee. I should reasonably suppose this,
well considered, would fill a feeling and sensible mind with a horror
that would avoid, even with severity, the spirit, creed, whole life, doc
trines and dispositions, of such a generation of vipers as our Lord
terms them to be. Let us, then, beware of their leaven ; and ever
remember that a little of it leavens the whole lump ; and by that
means deludes the soul from the glory, simplicity, and divine sweet
ness of the Gospel : which would lead us, as poor sinful worms, to
find out the daily food of immortahty in Jesus Christ alone. It is
from tbis rock (if we are the happy inhabitants of it) we can only sing
— it is here that the truth, in the abstract, can only be found to satisfy
the sad variety of human miseries, and finally separate us from our
selves ; and it is here, also, that every earthly sacrifice is counted as
nothing ; whfle all our spiritual and rational capacities become wit
nesses of such immutable evidence of divine mercy and eternal glory,
so secured.
" Thus faith, that faith which is the substance, or subsistence, of
things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen, must carry the
day ; and by it walking in the flght, as God is in the light, the blood of
Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin ; whfle his heavenly and divine
Spirit, daily carrying us forward, leads us experimentally into those
various states, which he himself has declared to he truly blessed.
"My prayers are earnest forthe success of your publication,* which
I believe will be a blessing to the church of Christ, as the eff'ect of
truth, and the power of it ever wfll ; and my esteem for you makes
me hope the length of this letter, and the freedom with which I have
coramunicated my seutiments, will only be considered as a natural
effect of that friendship and invariable regard with which I remain.
Reverend Sir, your ever faithful and obliged friend,
" Spafields, Aprfl 26th, 1790. " S. Huntingdon.''
The closing period of the life of a woman so honoured of
God, and useful in her generation. Is naturally inquired after
* A Commentary on the Holy Bible, then publishing.
VOL.H — K K

498 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
with eagerness ; and every trait, like the falling mantle of Elijah,
gathered np, in hope tbat It raay communicate to us a portion
of her spirit. Happfly, we have something to gratify more than
curiosity ; and see tbe peaceful sunshine of ber latest hours
when ready to sink beneath the present horizon of life, to shine
in a brighter world of eternal day. May our last end be like
hers. It must be acknowledged this short sketch can by no means
do justice to her memory, as being so much Inferior to her
excellence; the account, however, so far as it goes, has the
stamp of veracity, and will be read with thankfulness, delight,
and encouragement, by all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ
in sincerity.
How pleasing, useful, and consolatory to be informed in what
nianner this venerable woraan concluded her life of fidelity and
zeal, which was wholly eraployed in promoting the knowledge
of the glorious Redeemer, and the salvation of the immortal
souls purchased by his blood, and entered into glory, when the
days of her pilgrimage were ended ! Blessed with a solemn
assurance of her interest In the Lord Jesus Christ, she found
that the comforts of religion softened the bed of sickness, and
soothed the agonies of dissolution. Though sensible she was
bidding a final adieu to time, and just launching out to the
abyss of eternity, her God sustained her in the greatest ex
tremity — she overcame the last enemy by the blood of the
Lamb : — " Her God sustained her in her final hour —
Her final hour brought glory to her God!"
In the last and trying season, she afforded an eminent instance
of the support which the doctrines of grace (for which she so
earnestly contended) could Irapart. She was then consoled,
not by reflections on her own qualifications and commendable
actions, which Indeed were many and erainent, but entirely by
Jehovah ; his righteousness and salvation granted to her in the
word of grace. She saw nothing in herself to recommend her
to God, whether duties, endeavours, or attainments. On the
contrary, her soul would have been overwhelmed within her, if
she had not had a free Saviour, and free salvation to lay hold
iipon, as the gift of God to her as a sinful and polluted creature.
Those beautiful words of Dr. Watts were very applicable to
her: — " A guiltj', weak, and helpless worm.
On thy kind arms I fall ;
Be thou my strength and righteousness.
My Jesus and my all .'"

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUIilTINGDON. 49^
The powerful, lively, effectual application of divine grace; to
her soul, by the declaration of the Gospel, was the ground of
her corafort and hope. Her death-bed peace was not that of a
righteous or innocent person, but of a redeeraed sinner, — of
one who saw herself to be guilty, condemned, and vile beyond
expression, but believed herself complete in Christ. She looked
not only with composure, but delight, on the grave ; and groaned
earnestly for her heavenly habitation. She had constantly, to
use Dr. Young's expression, —
" One eye on death, and one full fix'd on heaven."
A short time before her last confinement, one of the clergy
men whom she honoured with her confidence, spending a day
with her as he passed through London, she spoke of herself in
a strain so remarkably affecting, that he could not but mention
it afterwards. The subject of the conversation was the cause of Christ,
whicb she always had so deeply at heart ; and that led to the
state of her own mind and expectations.
Her expressions were to this effect, but more forcible than
these feeble traces of them : —
" I see myself a poor worm.
" Drawing near Him, what hope could I entertain, if I did not know
the efficacy of his blood, and turned as a prisoner of hope to this
strong-hold ?
" How little could anything of mine give a moment's rest to a depart
ing soul ? — so much sin and self-mixing with the best, and always so
short of what we owe!
" 'Tis well for us that he can pity and pardon ; and we have confi
dence that he will do so.
" I confess, my dear friend, I have no hope but that which inspired
tbe dying malefactor at the side of my Lord ; and I must be saved in
the same way, as freely, as fully, or not at all."
The friend said, " Madam, I cordially join you, and feel with
you, that though our lives ra-ay be devoted to the work of Jesus,
and our deaths the consequence of the service. It Is not to these
sacrifices we should look for corafort in a dying hour." She
replied, " No, verily ;" — and enlarging on the idea of the mix
ture of infirmity and corruption which tarnished all our best-
meant services, she added, —
" That a sinner could only rest satisfactorily on one foundation, and
would find -nothing in tho best works of his best day, that he could
dare produce before God for its own sake — sufficiently blessed and
secure, if he could but cry, God be merciful to me a sinner; and let me
be found accepted in the Beloved ; and complete in him."
kk2

500 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
To these, in the course of a long conversation, were added
many like words of truth and grace.
To a paper of Importance, written a few months before her
last illness, were subjoined these words : —
¦ And as I have always lived the poor unworthy pensioner of

the infinite bounty of my Lord God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, so I do
hereby declare, that all my present peace, and my future hope of glory,
either in whole or in part, depend wholly, fully, and finally, upon his
alone merits, committing my soul into his arms unreservedly, as a sub
ject of his sole mercy to all eternity."
When the blood-vessel broke, which was the commencement
of her illness in November, she said to Lady Anne Erskine, on
being asked how she did, " I am well; all Is well — well for ever.
I see, wherever I turn my eyes, whether I live or die, nothing
but victory."
Towards the close she, with great emphasis, repeated often,
" The coraing of the Lord draweth nigh. O, Lady Anne, the
coraing of the Lord draweth nigh ! " Adding, " The thought
fills my soul with joy unspeakable, whether I sball see his glory
more abundantly appear, or whether It be an intimation of my
own departure to him."
At another time, — " Afl the httle ruffles and difficulties
which surround me, and all the pains I am exercised with in
this poor body, through mercy aff'ect not the settled peace and
joy of my soul."
A day or two before her last Illness, just as she had come
from her room to her elbow-chair, she broke out in these me
morable words : —
" The Lord hath been present with my spiiit this morning in a.
remarkable manner: what he means to convey to my mind I know
not ; it may be my approaching departure ; my soul is filled with
glory ; I am as in the element of heaven itself."
They who knew how constantly her conversation was in
heaven, will conclude, that those who were around her might fill
volumes, instead of pages, with her energetic expressions ; but
she forbade It, as well as the publication of her papers and cor
respondence. Weakened by complicated disorders, and enfeebled by age,
when about a week preceding her departure she was confined
on the bed of languishing. It could not but afford surprise to all
around her, that the vigour of her mind was unabated, and her
intellects as clear as at any period of her life. The same
earnest concern for the work of God, and the advancement of

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 501
the kingdom of his dear Son, abroad and at home, occupied all
her thoughts.
Anxious that an attempt to send the Gospel to Otaheite, in
the South Seas, should succeed, to a friend engaged in that
labour of love, who was sitting by her bed-side, she began to
express her earnest desire that it might be accomplished. He
with difficulty prevailed on her to drop the subject, lest talking
earnestly might Interrupt the rest which was desirable for her ;
assuring her that every means would be pursued to effect so
desirable an event; "'and to-raorrow," said he, " your Ladyship
shall hear what can be done." And when the next day diffi
culties were raised, and the two persons who had engaged to go
as Missionaries demurred, unless they could be ordained in the
Established Church, which was refused thera; she said, on
being Informed of It, " We shall find others, I doubt not ;" and
gave immediate orders to her Secretary, Mr. Best, to write the
following note to the person engaged in the pursuit: —
" Sir, — Lady Anne has mentioned to my Lady what has passed
respecting the young men. She very much approves of what has been
done, and what you have determined ; and desires me to say, ' Assure
him of my affectionate regard ; and tell him, it is impossible for me to
express my love and honour for his zeal and faithfulness.' Two letters
are gone by her order to Mr. Le'wis, and another student, to come up .
immediately, if they remain in the same disposition they once ex
pressed. I remain, &c. " G. Best."
So warraly was her heart interested in this work to the very
last raoraent !
About an hour only before her death, "she said to Lady Anne
Erskine, who watched her with assiduous attention, and for many
nights and days never quitted her room, " Is Charles's* letter
corae ?" (She had sent for him to supply her chapel In Spafields,
when Mr. Jones, of Langan, returned home). On being answered
" It Is ;" she said, " it raust be opened, to see if he comes."
When Lady Anne said, " I wfll go and open it,"— she added,
" To know if he comes, that's the point." So anxiously were
the cares of her work impressed upon her dying heart; and
often she had added, when speaking of the people in her Con
nexion, as her chfldren, " I feel for their souls."
During the whole of her illness, her pains never made her
impatient, but she seemed more concerned about those wbo
attended her, than abont herself. She said, tenderly, to Lady
Anne Erskine and Miss Scutt,t whose long, faithful, and tender
* Rev. Thomas Charles, of Bala.
t Miss Hannah Scutt was of a respectable family at Brighton, where her

502 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
attachment f o her is well known, " I fear I shall be the death of
you both (alluding to tbeir constant watching with her) ; It will
be but a few days more."
She appeared, duiing the tedious nights and dajs of pain and
sickness, engaged In prayer, and animated with thankfulness for
the unutterable raercies which sbe had experienced ; saying, " I
am encircled in tbe arms of love and mercy :" and at another
time, " I long to be at home ; O ! I long to be at home." A
little before she died, she said repeatedly, " I shall go to my
Father ^thls night ;" and shortly after, " Can he forget to be
gracious ? Is there any end of his loving-kindness ?"
Dr. Lettsom had visited her between four and five. Shortly
after, her strength fafled, and she appeared departing. Alarmed,
they suramoned up a friend, who was waiting anxiously below;
he took her hand — it was bedewed with sweat — he applied his
fingers to the pulse— It had ceased to beat — and that Instant
she breathed her last sigh, as he leaned over her, and fell asleep
In Jesus.
Almost her last words were, — My work is done ; I have
nothing to do but to go to my Father." Thus the " vital spark
quitted its mortal frame" to join those " who have coihe out of
great tribulation, having washed their robes, and made them
white In the blood of the Lamb." Her Ladyship died at her
house in Spafields, London, next door to the chapel, June 17fh,
1791, in the eighfy-fourfk year of her age, and was interred in
the famfly vault at Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire. How de
lightful to hear this venerable woman, at the close of such a long
Christian course, express her unshaken confidence in God her
Saviour, and thus triuraphantly enter into eternal rest !
" Come, but with hallow'd feet approach, and view
This Christian woman's death ! Her end is peace !
Ah ! with what sflent eloquence it pleads
The cause of Truth, flashing conviction's g!are
E'en on the haughtiest, boldest Infidel !
What tranqufl pleasures sit upon her brow.
Where slowly trickles the cold sweat of death !
What sacred raptures — what immortal joys
Burst from her lips, and sparkle in her eye !"
Clad with the whole armour of God, and washed from every
defilement in the precious blood of Jesus, she was enabled to
triumph over the last enemy. Death lay stingless before her
brother was a banker. She died in 1815, and bequeathed a legacy of 50?. to
Lady Huntingdon's College. Her sister, Mrs. Davies, died in 1817, and like-
wise left some property to the College.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 503
faith In the great Redeemer, who died for the offences, and was
raised again for the justification of the ungodly. But, oh ! what
tongue can describe, or heart conceive, the nature of that peace
which her disembodied spirit entered upon ! The instant the
thread of life was cut, and life's uncertain lamp ceased to burn,
her soul, disengaged from the cumbrous clod of earth In which it
was imprisoned, flew to regions above, and towered away on the
wings of cherubim to that celestial city whither it had often fled
before on tbe wings oi faitk, and kope, and strong desire, while
we may suppose every golden harp was new strung to hail her
welcome to the holy city ; and every voice exerted in singing,
" Open ye the gates, that the righteous which keepeth tbe
truth may enter in."
What an unspeakable glorious exchange frora her former
state ! — Sickness and pain for everlasting rest and peace ! — a
ruinous tabernacle for a house not made with hands, eternal in
the heavens ! — a howling wilderness for the heavenly Canaan,
the palace of angels, tbe city of God ! — the groanings of cor
ruption and sin for the songs of the redeemed round the star-
paved throne ! — the chamber of sickness for the regions of
unfading health ! — the cross for a crown of glory. Incorruptible,
undefiled, and that fadeth not away ! — and earth, with all its
distractions, varieties, vicissitudes, and wars, for the beatitudes
of heaven, and the rapturous enjoyment of the vision of God !
Dr. Lettsora's letter to Lady Anne Erskine, the day follow
ing, speaks the worthy sentiments of his own heart, and the
satisfaction so noble an example afforded hira : —
" Dear Lady Anne Erskine, — I deeply sympathize with thee, and
all the famfly in Christ, in the removal of that evangelic woman, so
lately among us, the Countess of Huntingdon. Your souls were so
united, and your affections so endeared together, that I cannot hut feel
in a pecuhar manner on thy account, lest the mournful state of thy
mind may undermine thy constitution, and endanger a life spent in
mitigating the painful sufferings of our deceased friend whflst living.
Her advanced age and debilitated frame had long prepared my mind for
an event which has at length deprived the world of its brightest orna
ment. How often have we, when sitting by her sick bed, witnessed
the faithful composure with which she has viewed this awful change !
Not with the fearful prospect of doubt — not with the dreadful appre
hension of the judgment of an offended Creator ; her's was afl peace
within ; a tranquillity and cheerfulness which conscious acceptance alone
could convey. How often have we seen her, elevated above the earth
and earthly thing.s, uttering this language, ' My work is done ; I have
nothing to do but to go to my heavenly Father !' Let us, therefore,
under a firm conviction of her felicity, endeavour to follow her, as she
followed her Redeemer. Let us be thankful that she was preserved to

504 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
advanced age, with the perfect exercise of her mental faculties ; and
that, under long and painful days and nights of sickness, she never re
pined, but appeared constantly animated in prayer and tbankfulness for
the unutterable mercies she experienced. When I look back upon the
past years of my attendance, and connect with it the multitudes of
others whom my profession has introduced me to, I feel consolation in
acknowledging, that of all the daughters of affliction, she exhibited the
greatest degree of Christian composure that ever I witnessed ; and that
submission to Divine allotment, however severe and painful, which
nothing but Divine aid could inspire.
" It was on the 12th of this month that our dear friend appeared
more particularly indisposed, and afforded me those apprehensions of
danger which on the 17th finally terminated her bodily suflferings. I
had, on former occasions of her illness, observed, that when she ex
pressed ' a hope and desire to go to her heavenly Father ' — for this was
often her language— she usually added some sohcitudes upon her mind
respecting her chfldren, as she spoke of her people in religious pro
fession ; adding, ' But I feel for the good of their souls.' When under
the utmost debflity of body,' she has continued this subject in animated
and pious conversation, extending her views to all mankind ; she has
expressed a firm persuasion in the gradual and universal extension of
virtue and religion. Wherever a fellow-creature existed, so far her
prayers extended. In her last illness, I never heard her utter a desire
to remain longer on earth. A little before she died, she repeatedly
said, in a feeble voice, just to be heard, ' I shall go to my Father this
night,' adding, ' Has God forgot to be gracious ? or is there any end of
his loving-kindness V It was on this day she conversed a little on the
subject of sending missionaries to Otaheite, in tbe South Seas, in the
pious hope of introducing Christianity among that mfld but uninformed
race of people : indeed her whole life seemed devoted to one gi-eat
object — the glory of God, and the salvation of his creatures.
" Basinghall-street, June 18th, 1791. " John Coakley Lettsom."
The mournful event was improved at Spafields chapel, on
Lord's-day, July 3rd, 1791, by the Rev. David Jones, rector of
Langan, who preached from Genesis 1. 24, " And Joseph said
unto his brethren, I die : and God will surely visit you." When
this sermon was delivered, Mr. Jones had no Intention of pub
lishing it : but meeting with a spurious edition, he was induced
to send it to the press. When speaking of the distressing sen
sations occasioned by her removal, he observes : —
"¦ You wifl say, we have lost a great mother in Israel ; but the God
of Israel lives. If he take away a Moses, he wifl give a Joshua ; there
is uo loss at the hands of our God : no, sirs, let us comfort ourselves
with this. If he take away an humble and resigned Eli, he will soon
favour the Church with a Samuel ; if he take away an eminent Elijah,
behold in his hand, for the comfort of the Church, Eflsha, with a double
portion of his spirit. Indeed, were we to judge according to human
wisdom, that was the greatest loss that ever happened under the sun.

SELINA, COUNTESS OP HUNTINGDON. 505
when the presence of God in the fiesh upon earth was taken away.
But was it so ? He says. It is expedient for you that I go away. If
so, all is for the best : for now God, by his spirit, comes among his
people. Let us alway remember this truth, that God's Spirit will ex
alt Jesus Chiist more in the Church than any instrument whatever ;
and this the blessed Spirit will do when priests and prophets are no
more. " Now, my dear brethren, weigh this truth well : meditate on it,
and you will discover the glorious side of this dark cloud. Hung
aromid as the chapel is with mourning, methinks I am now speaking,
.as it were in the gloomy regions of death ; but my mind feels as carried
beyond the limits of mortality ; and 1 see at a distance through this
gloom which surrounds me, a small opening appears like that blight
dawn of an eternal day, Blessed be God, whatever the sensations of
my heart may be, on this solemn occasion, I can now proclaim vic
tory over death, and that even .in its dismal shades. As for you, my
hearers, now is the time for the exercise of your faith in the resurrec
tion of our glorious and triumphant Lord. When angels were seen
in the grave, they had not on this gloomy garb ; no they were dressed
in white robes, emblems of the eternal victories of Jesus. These angels
appear apparelled and adorned with glorious emblems of Immanuel's
victory. In this sense, I could wish all this chapel was hung to-day
with the most costly white satin upon earth. But I forbear ; rejoicing
in tbe, truth that the garments of our victory are yet in reserve for us ;
dear Lady Huntingdon is just retired to wait for them. In this she
shall not be disappointed, neither shall you, my brethren, who un
feignedly trust in the Son of God."
After mentioning the loss which the Church of Christ sus
tained by the removal of this "mother in Israel," he concludes
with the following character of her Ladyship : —
" That religion which is not of God alone, as a friend lately observed,
is like the fruit of our hot-houses, which, however plea-sing to the eye,
and, in some measure, sweet to the taste, can never be compared with
what is produced by the genial powers of the sun itself. Our dear
departed friend, the Countess of Huntingdon, was peculiarly blessed
with a clear knowledge of the necessity of the Spirit's power and in
fluence to make the Gospel successful in the world. I refer you to
that letter, written by her own hand, and from her own heart, some
few years since, to one of her students.* The spirit and glory of the
Gospel shine forth in every flne of it. That religion which was esta
blished on the day of Pentecost (and which is the only true religion of
Christ), was her only support and constant delight : it weaned her soul
from afl the perishing trifles of this world, and is her glory for ever.
I have heard her, time after time, sweetly declare, — That our religion,
tbe religion of Jesus, grows not in the garden of Nature, but comes
down from heaven, and wfll never, never leave us till it sets us down
* See letter to a student, in a former chapter.

506 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
at its blessed source, where we shall drink of its ineffable pleasures for
eternal ages.' Saved and refre.shed by this living fountain on earth, she
was enabled to devote her all — boldly will I say all — for near fifty
years, to the glory of Jesus, and the eternal good of lost souls. En
riched with this religion from God, sbe was proof against the smiles, as
well as the frowns, of this transitory and delusive world. The one
she trampled under her feet^the other she bore with invincible patience
and fortitude. I was just going to say, that she was a martyr of fifty
years standing ; I am not afraid to declare it ; from the first moment
that she commenced a foflower of Jesus, has she not been a mark 'for
the ill-treatment of this censorious world, not only from the vfle and
profane, but also from carnal professors ? False reports from earth
and hell flew around her like envenomed arrows. But clothed as sbe
was with the armour of God, like her Master, she proved invincible ;
all but her mortal part, which, worn out with watchings and cares for
the good of others, gently sunk into the bosom of its mother earth,
whflst its active inhabitant arose to "uninterrupted and eternal joys.
To the glory of her Master be it spoken, she was taken from the field of
battle, in the midst of action, to her Lord's presence, to be with him for
ever and ever. Men of great talents in the ministry, when speaking of
her usefiflness for Christ, will meet with a field far wider than the reach
of their most gifted eloquence. This poor worm can think it no en
thusiasm to declare, that she was the greatest woman, in the cause of
the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that ever lived in the world. Nor is he
ashamed to own, tbat he has been a pensioner on her bounty for many
years : she has comforted me in a spiritual and in a temporal sense. If
any Doeg should here object, and say, ' Your service was for money,
blessed be God, I can honestly reply, ' No !' Every farthing she gave
me has been faithfully applied for the interest of the Gospel. God has
honoured me with her acquaintance for near thirty years, and I have
been with her in many of her public excursions for the spread of the
Gospel. We have often met with the enmity and scorn of the world ;
yet for our support, Jesus, the leader of his despised host, bas frequently
refreshed our souls with the sweet cordials of his Gospel of peace, and
thus enabled us to hold on in the day of battle. But now she
has taken the wing for a better world, where the enemy's arrows can
never reach her ; these are levelled at us who are left behind, in a
world of much tribulation and sorrow.
" I shall only add, we want no marble monuments to perpetuate her
memory ; tbis wfll remain, indelibly remain, on those precious souls,
who, through her instrumentality, have been brought from darkness to
light, and from under the power of Satan to God.
" She is gone ! — we are left in the field of blood. But our Captain
is stfll at the head of his army, and he wfll lead us on from conquering
to conquer. He who kept her by his power through faith unto salva
tion, wfll do the same by us who trust in his holy name.
" Before I conclude, suffer me to leave this humble advice with you
afl, especially the managers and hearers at this chapel, ' Be stfll' (Ps.
xlvi. 10) ; a short but very comprehensive exliortation to the people
of God, under all their trials and sufferings. You have heard what is

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 507
said of the believer (Isa. xxviii. 16), ' He that believeth shall not make
haste.' I do not wish you to be inactive as stocks or stones ; no, but
be patient, resigned, composed. Be as men knowing themselves to be
in the hand and under the care of God. Be still, be silent, 'be humble.
But is that sufflcient ? I Avill just add, ' And know that the Lord is
God.' Be stifl, in the view of his sovereignty, of his power, of his
wisdom, and of his faithfulness.' ' Afl shafl work together for our good.'
Be stifl, and wait upon God. Do not mark out your own way ; but
wait patiently upon God, and he will open the right way before you.
" Another advice I leave with you. — Whenever it pleases him to
visit you, I beg yo\i will make much of his visits. Whatever he has
promised he wifl perform. Let no love of sin disturb his presence with
you ; and when you are troubled on account of his withdrawings, cry
widi the Church (Jer. xiv. 8), ' Why shouldest thou be as a stranger
in the land, and as a wayfaring man that turneth aside to tarry for a
night?' " With respect to the cause of Christ among you at this place, though
dear Lady Huntingdon is no more your support, yet know tbat Jesus
reigneth. The burden is. his ; trust in him, and he will carry it on,
and wfll bless and comfort you. Be not dismayed ; trust in Christ.
There is enough in him to support you under the darkest and most
gloomy dispensation of his providence. The work is his, and remem
ber it is your honour and comfort to trust in him. Trust him, and go
on rejoicing. Lady Huntingdon has been 3'Our kind friend for many
years. Now she is gone home to her blessed Lord. Mourn not for
her, but rejoice, and keep on your way, looking unto .lesus. Reflect
with gratitude on the goodness of God to her, even to the last period of
her life. Not many days before her last illness, she said to me, ' 0,
Jones ! my soul is filled with glory, my soul is fifled with glory !' and
many other sweet things, which I cannot now recollect. Remember I
Jesus lives, though friends die ; Jesus, our Head and Captain. ' Be
cause I live, he shall live also.' This wfll turn our mourning into joy,
our black cloth into white robes, and our hosannahs into hallelujahs for
ever and eyer. May the Lord Jesus Christ enable us to rely on his
strength, that we may also give up ourselves and our all to his glory !
May we rejoice in his salvation day by day ! Let us commit our every
care to him, and he vvill supply our every want. I cannot but reflect
frequently on these words of our blessed Lord to his disciples (Luke
xxu. 35), ' When I sent you without purse, and scrip, or shoes, lacked
ye any thing ? And tbey said. Nothing.' Should this question be pro
posed to the faithful followers of Je.sus, at this day, the reply would be
the same : 'You have been sorely tried, old travellers for Zion; but
lacked ye any thing ? Nothing, Lord.' Goodness and mercy have
foflowed us all the days of our life ; and now, 0 Lord, give us to dwell
in thy house for ever 1 Amen!"
The decease of a character so eminently useful in the Church
of God was matter of concern to many of the churches, and a
tribute to her memory was paid, not only In the churches in her
own Connexion, but by ministers of other denominations. The

508 THE LIM AND TIMES OF
Rev. T. Priestley published a sermon on ber death, which he had
preached before the church In Jewin-street, July 24th, 1791. It
was called " A crown of glory preferrable to the riches of this
world." The Rev. J. Dawson, of Evesham, preached and pub
lished a sermon on the same occasion, entitled " The riches of
faith ; or, the Christian conqueror : with some account of her
life and dying moments." Mr. Aldridge likewise published a
sermon on her death ; and Mr. Wflls preached one at Sflver-
street chapel, when the pulpit and desk were hung with black,
and continued so one month. The Psalms and lessons were se
lected for the occasion, and a proper solemnity was observed In
every part of the service. The text was taken from Judges v. 7,
" A mother in Israel." In the discourse Mr. Wills Introduced
a brief sketch of the life and labours of the venerable Countess
in the Lord's vineyard, and spoke of ber in the most affectionate
terms. Borir to a title, and highly elevated in the rank of nobflity ;
endowed with exterior advantages, nor less with intellectual
ones ; she was enabled, at a time of life when the mind tends to
every sensual gratification, to resist the fascinating phalanx of
dissipation, extravagance, garaing, luxury, infidelity, and pro
faneness, choosing to cast her lot araong the despised followers
of the Lamb of God. No partlzan of a sect, or contracted by
the narrow prejudices of bigotry and superstition, but with the
most enlarged sentiments, she received those as the servants of
Christ who loved the Lord Jesus in sincerity. Her philanthropy
to the souls and bodies of the human race, stands alraost un
paralleled, tier generosity, unclrcurascribed, extended above
the ordinary rules of social conduct, and flaraed with a rapidity
not to be coraprehended within the precise marks of forraal
precepts. With a vigorous principle infused in her soul, it
expanded her actions beyond the caprice of vanity or the antici
pated honours of posthumous celebrity.
Though she devoted tbe whole of her incorae to the Gospel,
yet it Is not a little surprising how it sufficed for the heavy
expenditure which she necessarily incurred. She often involved
herself in expenses for buflding chapels which sbe found it
burdensome to discharge ; but Divine Providence always brought
her honourably through her engageraents, and provided a supply
when her own purse was exhausted.
A gentleman who assisted her in the management of Spa
fields chapel, called one day at her bouse, to expostulate with
her on the impropriety of entering into engagements for another
chapel in the metropolis, without having the means of honour
ably fulfilling them. Before he left the house, her letters ar-

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON.

509

rived. As she opened one her countenance brightened, and
her tears began to flow — the letter was to this effect : " An
individual who had heard of Lady Huntingdon's e.xertion to
spread the Gospel, requests her acceptance of the enclosed
draft, to assist her In the laudable undertaking." The draft
was ior five kundred pounds — tbe exact sura for which she stood
engaged. "Here (said she), take it, and pay for the chapel,
and be no longer faithless, but believing."
Lady Huntingdon's person, endowments, and spirit, were all
uncoraraon. To show that religion is neither a melancholy nor
unpolished thing, view this eminent woman as a raeraber of
society. Dignity and ease most sweetly met in her. How ac
coraplished, how refined, how elegant, how engaging In raanners !
How coraraanding of respect, yet how gracefully aff'able, even
with the meanest who sought her advice ! What a friend, while
unwounded in her love ! A raost affectionate wife and tender
mother. What honesty and justice in her dealings ! What a
heart open to the wants of her fellow-creatures ; full of syrapathy
and relieving love ! How enlarged her mind in planning ; how
liberal and noble in executing ! How steady and persevering In
her pursuit ; not to be frightened nor diverted, where her
Saviour's glory and fbe good of souls were in view ! What
strength of understanding ! How forcible, nervous and con
vincing. In reasoning ; with a raind the most capacious and com
prehending, yet the most hnmble ! In affliction, patient, sub
missive and resigned ; with Christian fortitude of raind superior
to misfortune !
Possessed ofthe nicest sense of honour, she may have seemed
harsh and unforgiving ; yet, from what she has often said, and
what has been seen in her, she was ever ready to receive again
to favour, where the person returned with openness and real
humility. She had studied man In courts and in private life ; and next
in her own heart. She saw through his meanness, flattery,
artifice, and policy. She loved the open, honest mind, and de
spised the artifice of the mysterious and proud ; yet ever ready
to convince of the folly, and to reclaim. In fine, she was a most
amiable pattern in all relative and social virtues and duties ;
yet to crown all, she was herself nothing, and Jesus Christ all
in all.
•She saw, she knew, she felt her Infirraities. To say she had
none, would not be to speak becomingly of the character of
a sinner saved by grace, or agreeably to every quickened soul's
experience. She well knew that perfection is not attainable in
this life, and that we cannot know any here, except the perfec-

610 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
tion of the sacrifice of the atoneraent of Christ and his righ
teousness. We are complete in him, who of God Is made unto
us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Who
shall lay anything to- the charge of God's elect? It is God
that justifieth; who is he that condemneth ?
With a heroism and magnanimity consistently uniform in the
cause of God, she astonished and arrested tbe surpiise of ber
adversaries. Possessed with the grace of Christ, shielded with
a divine panoply, and with heaven In view, she was invulnerable
to the assaults of an Injurious and malevolent world, never
seeking ignoble ease or shrinking frora her post, but bearing the
toils and cares with a becoming dependence on the Almighty's
strength. Lady Huntingdon bad often In her life-time mentioned, that
frora the first raoraent God set her soul at liberty, she had such
a thirst for the conversion of souls, sbe corapared herself to a
ship in full sail before the wind, and that she was carried on by
such a divine Influence as was not easily to be described. The
late Mr. Priestley visited her frequently during her last days.
" The last time (sa3rs he) that I was in company with her, she told
me she had been that day filled with Divine consolation. I ennnot
tell you, says she, iu what ligbt I now see those words — If a man love
me, he will keep my icords, and my Father icill love him, and we will
come vnto him and make onr abode with him. To have in tbis room
such company, and to have such an eternal prospect, I see this subject
now in a light impossible te be described. She would mention death
and compare it to the putting oif of her cloak ; and would say, I know
my capacity will be then enlarged ; but I am now as sensible of the
presence of God, as I am ofthe presence of those I have wilh me. She
knew experimentally the words of the Psalmist, ' At midnight will I
arise and give praise unto the.' "
Animated with the brightening prospect before her, the vene
rable Countess closed a life of the most unbounded intrepidity
In the cause of God, and the most distinguished achievements In
the cause of evangelical religion. She stands unrivalled for a
life of peculiar usefulness and devotedness to God. Pier dis
embodied spirit Is now beholding and adoring that Jesus, whom,
having not seen, she loved; and can, uninterrupted!)', rejoice
upon every accession of the fallen race to seek the mediatorial
diadera. Thousands, living and dying, blessed God for her, as
having been the happy means of bringing thera out of darkness
into marvellous light; and multitudes, converted to God by the
instrumentality of ministers In that Connexion of whicli she
was the patroness, have met her in the regions of glory, to re
joice together in the presence of God and the Lamb. Enconi-

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. SH
passed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us not be
faint or weary in well-doing: soon we shall follow the ransomed
ofthe Lord, "and join in one unison before the unveded Deity,
salvation to God that sitteth on the throne, and to the Lamb,
for ever ! "In veritate victoria."

CHAPTER LV.
Chfeshunt College—Mr. Nicholson— Opening of the College— Services on the
occasion— Appeal to those educated at Cheshunt— Letter from Dr. Haweis —
Letter from Lady Huntingdon to a Student— List of Persons educated at
Cheshunt— List of the Trustees to the present day— Lady Anne Erskine
succeeds Lady Huntingdon — Anecdote— her Early Piety — Last Illness and
Death — Funeral — Epitaph.
On the death of Lady Huntingdon, in 1791, the four persons
to whom she bequeathed her chapels, in the hope that they
would take measures for carrying on the work of God in the
same zealous and disinterested manner as she herself had done,
seem to have thought It best to consign this difficult task chiefly
to the superintendance of one of their number. Lady Anne
Agnes Erskine. Early in the period when her Ladyship was
called on to superintend the affairs of tbe Connexion, a most
important step was taken by Its friends, that of establishing a
place for the education of pious young men for the ministry of
the Gospel, at Cheshunt, in Hertfordshire, instead of the Col
lege at Trevecca, In Wales, the lease of which had expired.
Prejudices have been entertained by some serious persons
against a well-educated and learned ministry; theyhave ob
served that a great proportion of tbe men erainent for science,
are far from being conspicuous for piety ; and hence, have been
tempted to imagine, that grace and education are Inimical to
each other. They have observed, also, that some very highly-
honoured raen — raen whose rainistry God has signally blessed, —
have been such as could raake but little pretensions to literature ;
and frora this circumstance they have deduced the conclusion,
that learning is not of much Importance to the Christian minis
try. These ideas were probably more prevalent sorae years ago
than they are at present ; the lives of such men as Henry
Martyn, have shown that the simplicity and humdity of a little

512 THE life and TIMteS OF
chfld, united to the fervour of a martyr, raay well consist with
high eminence in learning and superior vigour of intellect ; and
have impressed many rainds with a conviction that learning,
when sanctified, Is a powerful auxfliary to ministerial usefulness.
The extraordinary attention, too, whicb, since the establishment
of the British and Foreign Bible Society, bas been paid to tbe
translation of tbe sacred Scriptures into diff'erent languages, a
task which, it is evident, could not possibly be well performed
without a considerable share of biblical and phflological know
ledge, must satisfy even the raost prejudiced, that, since the
original languages of the Scriptures have ceased to be verna
cular, God has hiraself ordained tbat the nations of the earth
should be indebted to sanctified learning for the very key of
knowledge ; not to Insist on the awful fact, that Infidelity has of
late years, with Satanic ingenuity, set In array against God's
Holy Book a variety of engines, whicli can only be destroyed,
so far as huraan agency is concerned, by the researches of
learned raen.*
The situation of Cheshunt College appears to have been fixed
on, under the directing hand of that God whose glory was sin
cerely sought by its founders. Being about twelve miles from
London, It was placed beyond the polluting exhalations of that
city, and yet not so far from the residences of its friends as to
prevent their frequent visits, or tbe exercise of their vigilant care.
The buildings and grounds purchased for this purpose are de
lightfully situated near the banks of the New River. May the
Lord himself write over its gates '¦'Jekovak Skammak" — the
Lord Is there — fit designation for those shady walks and seques
tered chambers, where, already many a youth has met with God
and enjoyed his special presence. O, Cheshunt, dear to me
mory stfll — peace be within thy walls, prosperity within thy
palaces ; for our brethren and companions' sakes will we now
say. Peace be within thee !
A sum of money, amounting to several hundred pounds, had
been collected, towards tbe close of Lady Huntingdon's life, with
the anticipation of removing the students from Trevecca to some
other situation, and the premises at Cheshunt were opened as a
place of religious education on the 24th of August, 1792, beino-
tbe anniversary of the opening of Trevecca College, and also of
the birth-day of Its revered and lamented foundress.
The serainary at Trevecca was supported at the sole expense
» A remarkable illustration of this observation has lately occurred in a reply,
by the eminently learned and candid Dr. Pye Smith, drawn up at the request
of the London Christian Instruction Society, in answer to a blasphemous infidel
manifesto.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 513
ofthe Countess, tfll it pleased God to take her home to himself.
About four years previous to that event, a few friends to the
Gospel, reflecting on the great utflity of the institution, the
many faithful and erainent servants of Christ it had produced,
and the probable want of a fund to carry it on when deprived of
the support of Its noble foundress, formed the^design of continu
ing and perpetuating the same by'subscription. Their intention
being communicated to the Countess, she most cordially ap
proved thereof. Rules and regulations were drawn up, and
signed by her Ladyship and the friends who assisted in the
design. Seven trustees were chosen, on whom the future care
of the College, after ber Ladyship's decease, was to devolve,
with power to choose successors.
The next concern, and the most iraportant, was to procure
a gentleraan of distinguished piety and learning to superintend
and direct the studies of such young raen as should be re
ceived into this house of instruction, as there had not been
any settled tutor at the College in Wales since the Coun
tess's decease, or for a short tirae before. The person who
first occupied that iraportant station at Cheshunt College, was
the Rev. Isaac Nicholson, a clergyman of the Church of Eng
land, and a man eminently qualified for the office, who proved
an honour to the institution, a blessing to the students put
under his care, and to the neighbourhood where he resided.
The house at Trevecca was given up at Lady-day, 1792 ; the
furniture of which, with the library and communion plate, having
been bequeathed by Lady Huntingdon for the use of the Col
lege, were removed to Cheshunt, where Mr. Nicholson, .the
president, arrived the 13th of July, and the two first students,
William Jones and William Kemp, were admitted the 1st of
August; five others followed shortly after.
"The religious services which attended the opening of the
Coflege were peculiarly interesting. 'Four senior ministers, all
of whom had been educated at "Trevecca, conducted the ser
vices; viz.. Rev. W. F. Piatt, Rev. Anthony Crole, Rev. John
Eyre, and Rev. Lemuel Kirkman. The great parlour of the
Coflege, an elegant room, twenty-nine feet long, and nineteen
feet wide, now used as a chapel, having been previously furnished
with seats for about one hundred and fifty persons, the Right
Hon. Lady Anne Agnes Erskine, executrix and most intimate
friend ofthe late Countess of Huntingdon, (the original foundress
ofthe institution,) was seated as her representative, at the upper
end of the roora ; from whence, in a line extending to the lower
end, sat the treasurer, deputy treasurer, the rest of the trustees,
(aU of whom were present except Mr. Lloyd,) the president in
VOL. n. — L L

514 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
his gown and cassock, and the following seven students in proper
students' gowns, namely, John Bickerdike, Robert Bradley,
John Davies, WIfliam Jones, Wifliara Kemp, Winiam Robert
son, .and Thoraas Bevan Winter. The rainisters were seated
in a row at the upper end of the roora: and the pulpit was re
moved to the third window, the sashes of which were taken out,
for the convenience of seeing and hearing from the court-yard,
where seats were erected, and where there was a much larger
congregation than within tbe roora, which was principally filled
with ladies.
Exactly at eleven o'clock the service began by singing the
four first verses of the 245th Hymn in the Counte,ss of Hunting
don's Collection, page 37-3, to the old 100th Psalra tune : —
" Jesus where'er thy people meet.
There they behold thy mercy-seat ;
Where'er they seek Thee Thou art found.
And ev'ry place is hallow'd ground.
" For Thou within no walls confin'd,
Inhabitest the humble mind;
Such ever bring Thee when they come.
And going take Thee to their home.
"Dear Shepherd of thy chosen few.
Thy former mercies here renew !
Here, to our waiting hearts proclaim
The sweetness of thy saving name.
" Here may we prove the power of prayer.
To strengthen faith, and sweeten care ;
To teach our faint desires to rise.
And bring all heaven before our eyes.''
The Rev. Williara Francis Piatt, minister of Holywell-mount
chapel, then stepped Into the pulpit, and In a sweet, lively, fervent
and energetic prayer solemnly dedicated the house, the institu
tion, and all concerned therein, to the guidance, protection, and
blessing of God, whose cause, whose honour and glory, was the
perpetual aim and design of the noble foundress of the College ;
and Is the grand object of the present trustees, chosen by her
Ladyship, desire ever to have in view.
After the prayer of dedication, two of the students, Kemp
and Winter, went to the middle window, where a table was
placed for the purpose, and read verse by verse, alternately, "O
corae, let us sing unto the Lord," &c., and the psalms selected
for the occasion, viz.. Psalm xix., Ixviii., cxxxn., and cxxxiii.
Another student, Wflliam Jones, then read the first lesson,
Isaiah Iv. Kemp and Winter read, "We praise thee, O God,

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. SlS
we acknowledge," &c. Jones read the second lesson (Eph. iv.),
to the end of verse 16. Kerap and Winter read, " O be joyful
in the Lord all ye lands," &c. This being ended, the first and
third verses of the 1 12 th Hymn were sung : —
" Peace be to this congregation,
Peace to ev'ry soul therein.
Peace, the foretaste of salvation.
Peace the fruit of cancefl'd sin !
Peace that speaks its heav'nly Giver,
Peace to sensual minds unknown.
Peace divine, that lasts for ever.
Here erect its glorious throne.
" Prince of Peace, if thou art near us.
Fix in all our hearts thy home ;
By thy swift appearing cheer us,
Quickly let thy kingdom come :
Answer all our expectation.
Give our raptur'd souls to prove
Glorious, uttermost salvation,
Heav'nly everlasting love."
Mr. Crole delivered a charge to the students in English, to
the president in Latin, and again to the trustees in English,
exhorting each and all to tbe performance of their duties. We
make an extract from the first of these divisions : —
" Above all, the grace of God alive in your soul, an ardent desire to
promote the honour of Jesus Christ, and a fervent love for the souls of
others, are infinitely preferable; for a man possessed of all the former,
yet destitute of these, is only as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal.
To all these you must add incessant and fervent prayer, a strict watch
over your own spirits, a due use of all the advantages of much reading,
writing, and coflege exercises. It is wefl observed by Lord Bacon,
' that much reading makes a fufl man, much writing makes a correct
man, and much speaking makes a ready man ;' you wfll improve the
bint. A sacred regard to the discipline of the house, the authority of
tbe President, and those studies appointed for your improvement, can
never be dispensed with. For no man who has a character at stake,
who means, or is capable of doing his duty, would undertake the super
intendence of this place, without an entire authority both over your
time and studies ; hence early rising, close application, and no absent
ing from the regular business of the College at any time without leave,
will most undoubtedly be expected from you. Continuing to maintain
the truth of the Gospel, and the honour of your own characters and
connexion, our houses, our hearts, our pulpits, and our pockets will fly
open for your use and encouragement: we intend to use you as Moses
did his rod; whilst it continued a rod he held it in his hand, but vv'hen
it became a serpent he fled from it. Whfle you continue the instru
ments of Divine truth and power, we wifl hold you in our hands ; but
LL 2

516 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
when you shall degenerate into immorality and error, and so becorne
the representation of him who was a liar from the beginning, we wifl
avoid you, we will endeavour to forget you, and pray to God to supply
your place with better men. I do not speak this as if I suspected any
one of you ; I speak in faithfulness to my office. My expectations
conceming you are flattering, and my prayers for you shall not be
restrained, May tbe God of truth and grace bless you all ; may you
prosper in all spiritual and literary improvements ; and may you, my
dear young bretbren, come forth adorned with every gift and grace
which shall render you able and successful ministers of the New
'restament." At the conclusion of the charge, Mr. Crole read the titles,
and epitomized the contents of tbe fifteen Doctrinal Articles,
drawn up for the Connexion at large, and this institution in par
ticular; to which Articles every trustee, president, and student
must give his hearty assent and consent, and departing there
frora is removeable, and to be removed.
Mr. Crole required first of the students their hearty assent
and consent to the sound doctrines contained in those Articles
(doctrines perfectly consonant with the Doctrinal Articles of
the Church of England) to be expressed by holding up tbe
hand'. They all stood and held up the right hand.
He next required of the president his hearty assent and con
sent to the said Articles.
He stood and held up his right hand.
Lastly, he demanded of the trustees their hearty assent and
consent to the said Artides.
They stood and held up the right hand.
This was a soleran part of the service. The countenances of
many seemed to express their earnest prayers that God would
preserve every one steadfast in the faith.
After Mr. Crole had finished his charge, the first and third
verses of the forty-fifth hymn were sung : —
" Captain of thine enlisted host.
Display thy glorious banner high ;
The summons send from coast to coast.
And call a numerous army nigh.
" Bid, bid thy heralds publish loud
The peaceful blessing of thy reign :
And when they speak of sprinkflng blood.
The myst'ry to the heart explain."
The sermon was then delivered from Rom. x. 13-15: —
" For whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shafl be saved.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON.

517

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed ?
and how sball they believe in him whom they have not heard ? and
how shall they hear vvithout a preacher ? and who shall they preach
except they be sent ?"
It commenced historically : —
" Brethren, we are met together on a very solemn and important
occasion. Two events have rendered this day memorable, — the birth
of tbe Countess of Huntingdon, who was born on the twenty-fourth of
August, one thousand seven hundred and seven, — and the opening of
her College in South Wales on the twenty-fourth of August, one
thousand seven hundred and sixty-eight, when a sermon was preached
by her chaplain, the Rev. Geo. Whitefield, on Exod. xx. 26, ' In all
places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I wfll
bless thee.' It is a pity that the discourse was not published. From
the success which he had himself experienced in God's service, for a
series of years, no doubt his soul anticipated with delight the innume
rable blessings which a guilty world would derive from an institution
evidently founded with no other view than to promote the interest of
the Redeemer's kingdom. The prayers of thousands were offered up
to God for a blessing on her Ladyship's designs ; and she lived to see
them answered even beyond her sanguine expectations.
"From the school of the prophets many useful ministers have been
sent out, who have been honoured instruments not only of the con
version of multitudes in their own country, but likewise of spreading
the knowledge of Cbrist into various dark and distant ¦ parts of the
world. And though it has pleased God to remove the dear and illus
trious foundress, yet he has inclined the hearts of many to perpetuate
her institution. The lease of the College at Trevecca having expired,
and the situation being too remote for the inspection of the persons on
whom the trust devolved, they thought it would be more convenient if
they removed it nearer the metropolis. The providence of God led
them to this beautiful spot, which by the generous exertions of his
people they have purchased and paid for : and we are assembled this
day to dedicate it to the Lord by humble prayer, hoping that he will
condescend to accept it as a tribute cf gratitude, and to make it a bless
ing to bis Church in afl succeeding generations.
" The part assigned me in this solemn service, is to call your atten
tion to the necessity and privilege of a Gospel ministry ; that you may
be thankful to God for such an inestimable blessing, and zealous to
extend its beneficial influence to those who are yet strangers to- the
joyful sound.
" It was my design to have preached from the same text as Mr.
Whitefield ; but as the trustees suggested the text which they thought
was best adapted to the subject on which they designed me to preach,
I have altered my intention."
We must add another extract : —
" Some years ago, I spent an evening with a Baptist minister, in a

618 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
vfllage in Nottinghamshire, after I had been preaching to the country
people in a farm house. He took notice of the manner in which I
invited all who heard me to come to Christ, and the arguments which
I used to persuade them to flee to him as the only refuge. He thought
that such preaching was attended with the greatest success, but his
conscience would not allow him to adopt it, lest the people should sup
pose that they had a power in themselves to obey. ' And yet (said he),
I perceive tbat the ministers, vvho give a call or invitation to sinners,
are blessed to tbe conversion of multitudes ; whfle we, wbo are afraid
to use it, are seldom the instruments of awakening a single soul.' I
replied, ' If you acknowledge that God works most by these means, is
not his providence the best interpreter of his wfll ?'
" It was a wise answer of a great man to a person who accused him
of inconsistency, for beheving that only a certain number were ap
pointed unto salvation, and yet inviting sinners indiscriminately to come
and partake of its blessings — ' If you will point out who the elect of
God are (says he), I wfll preach to them only ; but whilst I amignorant
who they are, i must invite all, tbat I may be sure I bave not with
held the invitation from any whom God intends to save.' "
And yet another : —
" Our dear deceased patroness was truly eminent for off'ering up to
God her most fervent prayers, and for devoting to his service all her
property. Her time, her talents, her soul and body were consecrated
to the Lord. She knew tbat it was laudable to feed the hungry, and
clothe the naked ; but all inferior considerations seemed to be lost in
her superior concern for the everlasting happiness of perishing mortals.
I hope that I shall never lose the strong impression which was made
on my mind in a conversation that I had with her, about the wants of
a famfly who appeared to be in distress. ' I can do for tbem (said she)
but very little. I am obliged to be a spectator of miseries, which I
pity but cannot relieve ; for when I gave myself up to the Lord, I
likewise devoted to him afl my fortune ; with this reserve, that I would
take with a sparing hand what might be necessary for my food and
raiment, and for the support of my children, should they live to be re
duced. I was led to this (continued she) from a consideration tbat
there were many benevolent persons, who had no religion, who would
feel for the temporal miseries of others, and help them ; but few even
among professors, who had a proper concern for the awful condition of
ignorant and perishing souls. What, therefore, I can save for a whfle
out of my own necessaries, I wifl give them ; but more I dare not take
withont being guilty of sacrilege.'
" The value of such a life can never be ascertained tfll the heavens
and the earth be no more. And then when temporal happiness and
miseries shall bave vanished, like the illusion of a dream, thousands and
tens of thousands will be thankful that she lived so lono- the faithful
servant of her God, and the happy instrument of their conversion.
With an income of only twelve hundred a year, spent in the service of
¦>* Isaiah Iv. I. Rev. xxii. 17.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 619
God, what wonders vvas she enabled to perform ! She maintained the
CoUege at her sole expense ; she erected chapels in most parts of the
kingdom, and she supported ministers, who were sent to preach in
various parts of the world. This was living iudeed to the glory of
God ! Go thou, therefore, who art saying, ' What shall I render unto
the Lord for all his benefits,' and do likewise. Thou canst not evidence
thy love to God or man, hy adding house to house, and field to field,
or by treasuring up thy riches behind the Exchange. On the contrary,
if God hath given thee wealth with a liberal hand, and thou hast no
heart to expend it in his service, it will convince every being but thy
self, tbat thou hast no love t» him ; and consequently that, ' What shall
I render unto the Lord V so often in thy lips, is the language of
hypocrisy, and not of gratitude.
" I remember calUng on her Ladyship once, with a person who came
from the country. When we came out, he turned his eye towards
the house, and, after a short pause, exclaimed, ' What a lesson ! Can
a person of her noble birth, nursed in the lap of grandeur, live in such
a house so meanly furnished 1 and shall I, a tradesman, be surrounded
with luxury and elegance ? From this moment I shall hate my house,
my furniture, and myself, for spending so little for God, and so much
in folly.' "
The sermon being ended, the last verse of the seventy-sixth
Hymn was sung: —
" Fly abroad, thou mighty Gospel,
Win and conquer, never cease ;
May thy lasting wide dominions
Multiply, and stfll increase :
May thy sceptre, may thy sceptre, may thy sceptre
Sway th' enlightened world around."
The Rev. Lemuel Kirkman, of Spafields chapel, then went
into the pulpit, and prayed with much fervency and affection
for the success of the Gospel in general, and for the College in
particular. The solemn service was then concluded with singing —
"- Blessings for ever on the Lamb,
Who bore the curse for wretched man ;
Let angels round his sacred name.
And every creature say, Amen."
The four ministers who engaged had all been students at the
College in Wales.
The whole service took up nearly three hours and a half;
and there were present seven or eight hundred persons, many
of them very respectable, who expressed the highest satisfaction.
It was a day much to be remembered. A Divine unction was
evidently both upon th^ ministers and congregation. May it be

520 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
a token for good, an earnest of the future and perpetual blessing
of God on the institution to the end of time !
Cheshunt College is vested in the hands of seven trustees.
The gentleraen first engaging in the arduous and responsible
duties devolving on those who sustain this office, were James
Oldham Oldham, Esq., Messrs. Wflliam Hodson, Matthias Du
pont, Thomas Weatherill, William Langston, Henry . Batley,
Wflliam Astle, and John Lloyd, Esq. With the trustees for
the tirae being, rests the sole right of adraitting and rejecting
students, and the appointment or disraissal of tutors : but pre
viously to the full adraission of any individual as a student, the
trustees are directed to call to their assistance in examining the
candidate, the president of the College, together with " one or
more of the principal ministers serving In the Connexion of the
Countess of Huntingdon, or any otber ministers whom fhe
trustees shall think proper." An investigation is then to take
place into the evidence of a work of Divine grace in the heart
of the candidate, and his call to the work of tbe ministry, and
also his qualifications for its exercise. If the result is satisfac
tory to the majority of the trustees, the young man is admitted,
on his solemnly declaring his unfeigned assent to the doctrines
contained in the fifteen Articles of faith which have been already
stated as subscribed at the first ordination of ministers at Spa
fields chapel. The students are boarded and educated for four
years, entirely at the charge of the funds of the College ; and
such are the liberal principles of this institution, that every
student is at full liberty, at the expiration of the period of studv,
to " serve In the rainistry of the Gospel either in the late Countess
of Huntingdon's Connexion, or abroad, or in the Established
Church, or in any other of tbe Churches of Christ." This most
liberal regulation ought to be more known than it is; then,
surely, the friends of religion, generally, would not be backward
to render their aid towards the support of an institution from
whose walls has already issued forth no inconsiderable number
of zealous and faithful ministers, some labouring as missionaries
in foreign lands, others occupying useful stations in the Esta-
blishedChurch, and others as pastors of congregational churches ;
besides those who have preferred to labour in the Connexion.
Here, then, let us earnestly urge those friends of pure and un
defiled religion, whose warra hearts prefer the general extension
pf the kingdom of Christ, before tbe exclusive enlargement of
any one particular departraent of that kingdom, to examine the
claims which Cheshunt College has to their liberal aid. Wfll it
be out of place here to drop a hint also to those minister s^

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 521
whether in or out of the pale of the Established Church, who
have to look back on months and years spent in Cheshunt
College ? You have not forgotten the assiduous labours and
watchful solicitude of those men of G<)d who superintended your
studies, nor the hberahty with which all your wants were sup
plied, whfle there, by the attention of the trustees. Does not
gratitude to God first, and then to the conductors and sup
porters of that Institution, glow in your bosom ? Whfle memory
retains its power, you wfll not forget the debt you owe to Ches
hunt College.
The following reply to a friend, who desired to be informed
how Lady Huntingdon's Connexion, college, and chapels were
conducted after her decease, is frora the pen of Dr. Haweis,
the last surviving trustee appointed under the will of the excel
lent Countess : —
" Dear Sir, — I sit down to answer your request with pleasure. We
have no secret ; we wish the whole world to know the manner of our
procedure. We have but one object, the kingdom of God and his
righteousness. We think it hath been eminently promoted by the
steps we have pursued. If you, or any of your kind friends, can point
out a more excellent way, we shall be happy to pursue it. Conscious
of human infirmity, we can only presume that we are pursuing what
we as yet have found best, and which God hath been pleased so far to
seal with his approbation, that the success has been great and the
off'ences surprisingly few. Those who are immediately with us, or
though gone out, are still in union with us, preach, I think, the Gospel
every Sabbath-day to at least 100,000 people ; and we have the satis
faction of hearing continually, that the Lord is adding to his church
daily such as shall be saved.
" You ask of what church we profess ourselves ? We desire to be
esteemed as the members of Christ's Catholic and Apostolic Church,
and essentially one with the Church of England, of which we regard
ourselves as living members. And though, as the Church of England
is now governed, we are driven to a mode of ordaining ministers and
maintaining societies not amenable to what we think abused episcopal
jurisdiction, yet our own mode of government and regulating our con
gregations will, probably, be allowed essentially episcopal. With us,
a few preside. The doctrines we subscribe (for we require subscrip
tion, and, what is better, they are always truly preached by us), aro
those of the Church of England, in the literal and grammatical sense.
Nor is the liturgy of the Church of England performed more devoutly
in any church, nor the Scriptures better read, for the edifying the peo
ple, as those who attend our London congregrations can witness.
" Our method of bringing our brethren into the ministry is by a con
siderable trial of their tempers, conduct, and gifts. For this end, we
have a College established at Cheshunt, in Hertfordshire, to give a more
scientific education to such young men as wish to devote themselves

522 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
to the ministry, hut have no opportunity of such an education. These
must come well recommended to the College trustees, with testimonials
of their real Christian conversation for a considerable time past. They
are then strictly examined as to their Christian knowledge and conduct,
their capability for learning, &c., and, if found promising subjects, thej'
are admitted for tbree months on trial ; after which, if the president
reports wefl of them, and their examination gives good evidence of
diligence and improvement, tbey are confirmed students.
" These, whilst diligently employed in getting the common acquisi
tion of languages, and a glance of the sciences, are in turn exercised in
praying, reading and speaking in College; and sometimes on tbe Lord's-
day sent out to small places in the neighbourhood, where they can be
u.seful to the poor of the flock in instructing tbem. An open annual
examination gives every subscriber an opportunity to prove their pro
gress. When they have remained three years or more, if approved,
they are sent forth to preach and teach, till, after sufficient trial, they
become finally approved and ordained.
" The last year, I may venture to speak from being a witness of the
fact, the first student knew well the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin ; and
was ten times a better biblical scholar than usually goes from our
Universities, besides his theological acquirements, whicli, to compare
with the run of students in our Universities, would be like comparing
Dr. Parr to a school-boy.
" From this seminary we are supplied, as far it goes ; but our
calls are more than such an establishment can provide for ; we have
therefore, another method, whioh we have proved equally efficacious.
Whenever a young man of good parts and abilities is called to the
knowledge of God's grace, but, being a handicraft, or employed through
the day, can have but little time for study, yet is very desirous to be
useful and zealous for the good of his fellow-creatures, we have a school
of prophets, under the superintendence of one of the most aged and
intelligent of our managers, wbo directs the mode of procedure.* This
is open every Monday evening ; and as many young men as are ap
proved, are allowed to speak on some passage of Scripture, and pray,
two or three in succession, for the proof and exercise of their gifts, as
well as the edification of their hearers. Remarks and observations
are made to them privately by some aged and judicious hearer ; and
if they seem not clear in stating the evangelical doctrine, it is pointed
out to tbem, and nothing permitted contrary to the doctrinal articles of
the Church of England.
" When they have been some time thus exercised, and a report of
their good proficiency made, they are sent to some poor-house or work
house on tbe Lord's-day, and sometimes in the evening, where they
may be of service to such as otherwise would have little attention paid
to them respecting religious knowledge, and sometimes to little places
in the neighbourhood of London. These labours are all free ; and tbe
love of the work, and not the wages, their only reward. 'We have
multitudes of witnesses of the blessing attending their labours ; and
* This has long been discontinued.._El>.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 523
where they thus advance, and their spirit more devoted to the work of
the ministry, we send them into the country to our various societies ;
and when their abilities unfold, and they become able preachers, tbey
are brought into our larger congregations, unless, what very frequently
happens, some congregation solicits their abidance, and then they often
sit down^settled pastors : hut if they are ordained in the Connexion,
with the engagement of removing at our desire always a part of the
year, they still form a branch of our rotation.
"In either case, whether they come from Coflege or out of the
prophet's school, they are for a time, sometimes several years, evan
gelists only, and go, according to our calls, to the several parts of the
kingdom, where our labours have been blessed in gathering an elect
people. When approved, and themselves expressing their desire to
be ordained, their case is considered, and if we think they should be
admitted or wait, it is signified to them.
" If, upon mature consideration, it is thought fit they should he or
dained, we select a minister whose avisdom, age, piety, and considera
tion in the Connexion, give him weight, and associate three or four of
the nearest ordained ministers with him, desiring them to examine and
ordain, if approved, such persons as they will find at such a church,
and generally two or three at a time. Notice is given to the candi
dates, who have for several years preceding approved themselves faith
ful : and they have a solemn designation by imposition of hands.
These continue to labour, as before, now ministering the ordinances.
The married have often a home ; hut as the congregations where they
labour are not considered as their charge solely, they are moveable
whenever cafled upon by us. We think a change and rotation most
profitable for both people and ministers: and have proved, by long
experience, that by this means we are most prosperous, the ministers
themselves more alive, and the people more edified.
It is one of our mercies that our ministers are nearly independent of
the congi'egaiions where they minister, neither under their control,
nor so dependent upon them for a maintenance as to be under any
influence ; for in love, always consulting their good, they are under no
temptation of being unfaithful, through fear of loss, as they are sure of
being equally well provided for on any removal. But if we receive
from any congregation reasons for rendering a change desirable, they
are generafly complied with as soon as wg can provide a suitable suc
cessor. " As our provision for the ministers and the expense fbr the places
is defrayed by the several congregations, a committee is formed of the
men of most weight and seriousness in every congregation, who raise
a fund forthe supply ofthe necessary expenditure, and inform us what
they can afford to ministers ; which is sometimes more, sometimes less.
None raise more than to allow at the rate of ahundred guineas and
travelling expenses, and these but a few ; whilst others are often re
duced to less than thirty ; and in our poorest places our travelling fund
often comes in aid, or where a particular urgency calls for help.
" By this means no minister is discouraged or deterred from speaking
freely to every man in the congregation. He has a certain stipend,

524 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
and has nothing to fear by offending through his fidelity. If any dif
ference arise between the minister and his people, during his stay, we
are sure to hear of it, and use the best prudence to heal any misunder
standing, or change him for a more acceptable supply.
" Through mercy, we have, considering so voluntary an association,
maintained astonishing peace and union : and every day have calls
which we are unable immediately to supply, though we use every
effort in our power that tbe Gospel, throughout the kingdom, shafl be
preached to the poor of the flock.
" Respecting our ministers and students, it is an established rule,
under which they are admitted into our Connexion, that no. error con
trary to the doctrinal Articles of the Church, or immorality in conduct,
is for a moment to be connived at : but tbat, if ever such be proved
upon them, they wifl no longer be admitted to minister among us.
" We receive not hastily an accusation, though we are always open to
every infoi'raation, and inimediately examine the charge whichis brought,
and it is an invariable rule with us, whenever the charge is proved, to
cut off the offender, and never admit him again as a preacher among
us. We shall be happy in bis recovery to God : but where public
offence has been given, we resolve never to restore such a one to the
ministry, " Through mercy, we have only in six years known the necessity
of this discipline on two persons. One, against whom we had strong
charges laid, with evident great lightness of conduct : and another who
introduced republican principles into his discourses, and after solemn
rebuke, persisting, was removed. He has since proved very heretical
in doctrine, and become the pastor of a Socinian congregation.
" These were desired quietly to withdraw from us. They suffered
no otber censure, nor probably loss ; for their situation did not procure
what any good journeyman, in almost any trade in London, could earn.
" A constant rotation is established by us, sometimes for a longer
sometimes for a shorter residence, as circumstances and the leadings
of Providence suggest. None of our people preach seldomer than
three or four times a week, and often six or seven times. They are
enjoined to give themselves wholly to their work, and to visit any
viflage or farm house in the neighbourhood of their settlement, on the
week-days, and collect any that are desirous of hearing the Gospel
word. "Thus a number of little societies are formed around the place
of their settiement, where they usually attend on the Lord's-day, if it
is within distance, and a happy savour ofthe Gospel of Christ becomes
more diffused.
" It is marvellous in these distressed times, that,'our congregations
lying among the poor of the flocks chiefly, we have been able to main
tain the different places so wefl, and to go on without any difficulties.
A few of us, indeed, through mercy, can afford to preach the Gospel
without expense, and count it our privflege to do more : but a very
considerable revenue must necessarily be drawn from every congrega
tion for its own support, and the receipts and expenditure, in all the
larger and most important places, come under our inspection and ap -

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 625
probation. No man, with us, can preach for gain. Our pay would ill
reward his labours ; if he has not souls for his wages, he will be sadly
recompensed in this world.
"I have 'mentioned a travelling fund, and you may perhaps wish to
know what that means. You must understand, that Lady Hunting
don's immense liberality always exhausted her income, and at her death,
except some of the buddings, not a shilling remained, when the debts
were paid, for any endowment ; contrariwise, a large rent-charge re
mained. An estate, charged in America with 4,000/. for our use, as
trustees and executors, has been violently seized by the Georgians, and
we have never been able to procure justice or recovery. Under these
difiiculties we continued a method, pursued in her Ladyship's life-time,
of obtaining once a-year a collection from our largest congregations, to
be applied wholly to the work of paying the expenses of travelling, and
little assistance to the labourers that were sent to poorer congregations.
Tbis sum, never exceeding two hundred pounds a-year, we have, with
great economy, made hitherto to supply these extraordinary cafls.
" We have also, by a liberal subscription, purchased the College-
house and premises, which are truly noble, and admirably adapted for
our purpose. It was purchased very reasonably indeed, and is now
commodious and beautiful. We have raised, by an annual subscription
fund, which we hope to increase, a stipend for an able president, and to
support from ten to fifteen or twenty students. Hitherto, the Coflege
trustees have always been enabled to receive all proper subjects, which
have offered, and they could now support a greater number, if they
could find such as they should approve. Those who have come out as
preachers have turned out admirably ; and those who are now in are
equafly well reported of, and as promising.
" I need not tell you who are the trustees and coadjutors. The
most perfect harmony hath hitherto prevailed. We have never yet had
a single dispute. I do not know that we had a single diversity of
sentiment ; but in all our proceedings (and a very extraordinary thing
it is), we have been entirely unanimous. Nor have I observed a spark
of jealousy, or a wish to thwart in any one proposal which hath been
offered. I attribute, with thankfulness, much of our peace and success
to this spirit of union which the great Head of the Church hath given
us. I am persuaded our eye is single to his glory. We are sure we
can have no earthly advantage in our view, and, therefore, our body is
full of light. I can only pray that we may continue increasing with the
increase of God.
" Brother, this is a true state of our conduct and Connexion, as far
as I know it ; and I believe you will give me always credit that I
speak the truth from my heart, as I do when I cordially assure you
how faithfully I am yours,
"Dec. 21, 1795. "T.H."
Since the College has been opened, it has met with support
from the religious public ; a chapel has been erected on the
premises, and a part of the College has been rebuilt on a plan
more commodious than was that of the old structure. Under

626 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
the successive superintendence of the different tutors whora
death or other circurastances have removed, the Lord has from
time to tirae vouchsafed the tokens of his favour to the institution.
Of the original trustees none reraain araong the living, the
others rest from their labours ; but He whose great cause the
establishraent of this College was designed to proraote, has
raised up a succession of individuals to fill their places. May a
double portion of the Spirit of heavenly wisdora and grace rest
on thera, the tutors, and the students ; and the Lord hiraself
send increasing prosperity !
The following letter from Lady Huntingdon to one of her
students, who had desired her Ladyship's opinion and advice
with respect to the ministry, was pubhshed at the request of
the ministers in her Connexion for the use of the students in
general : —
" You wish for my advice relative to the ministry. From the con
nexion you stand in with me, you have a just right to claim, not only
my wishes and prayers for you, but the long experience of a poor, un
profitable servant, now near fifty years facing hell and the world, in
my most dear and divine Master Jesus Christ's service ; and while I
am ashamed of myself, I dafly glory more in his shewing any mercy to
such a poor worm of the dust as-f know myself to be.
" Two points I must lay down as most indispensable qualifications
for a minister of the everlasting Gospel. The first is, tbe invariable
conviction that tbe church of Christ can have no establishment upon
earth, but that which came down from Heaven on the day of Pentecost
.nnd whicb is continued to it. From thence only all truth can be
derived ; all else must be of the world, as having no better origin ;
and what does not come down from Heaven, can have no property that
can cause its return thither. This is the true Church of Christ only,
under all denominations upon earth. Modes, manners, and political
governments of all kinds, prove but tbe distress of the times, from our
ignorance, carnality, and unbelief in the Son of God. Take so many
dead men, and dress them in their coffins, in the habit of each pro
fession of religion upon earth, they are stfll but dead bodies ; you see
all they are : such only is the Church, the people, or individuals, that
are not of that Jerusalem from above. Look, then, to that call wbich
is to that Church. This true Church has nothing but faith to live
upon ; as it belongs not to this world, it cannot even rationally be sup
posed to find anything here of its own nature to continue hfe to it ¦
therefore, it cannot exist without faith, which is the gift of God.
¦•' This then, must be the second point to be insisted on, to prove
your ministry fruitful. Ordinances have all theh blessings as the
fruits only of the true Church's original excellence ; but afl these must
be admistered by faith, and received by faith, or not possibly profit
able. — ' All things are profitable to him that believeth.' Why has
God taken such pains to record, for near six thousand years, our bro
ther and sister worms, but hecause they believed and trusted him ?

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 527
abd these favourites of his were never to be forgotten in time, nor
through all eternity, for no better reason, and surely good enough,
whilst they glorified most his tender mercies and faithfulness to the
weak, miserable, and rebellious. Let us now see the properties of
this faith, ' By it we stand.' No sound ground under our feet for an
inch, but what this maintains for us. ' Overcomes the world.' ' This
is the victory, even our faith.' ' Obtains promises : works righteousness.'
And then afl miraculous consequences follow by its power. — ' By faith
we endure.' Why ? As seeing Him that is invisible. It has its hope
founded upon evidence, and for this reason, the old and wiser had
that report, due to the consistency of their practice. — By thisipne faith,
and no other, Enoch walked with God, and had this testimony, that he
pleased him ; the property and effects to him, were translation and
never-tasting death. To enforce this one faith, St. Paul says upon this
subject, ' Without faith it is impossible to please God.' How vain, '
then, are all our selfish hopes and fears whflst witiiout that which can
only please God, and is his own free gift to the helpers, vfle, needy
sons of men ! Here, then, is the Church, and only Church that lasts
for eternity, both from its foundation, from Heaven derived, and by
that only mean can it be supported whfle on earth, consistent with its
divine origin, viz., by that faith only which is the gift of God, and which
wifl abide with us tfll the swellings of Jordan bear us where love, from
the eternal vision of Jesus Christ, constitutes our heaven of glory ;
and this as immutable as God's attribute of love can make it.
" What shall I say more ? but, as a faithful friend to your soul,
your labours, your comforts in time, and your eternal blessedness here
after, examine these your high privileges, if cafled to minister in this
glorious Church, whose origin is from God, and whose further gift does
, also support it. Tfll further convinced of these truths, ' Lo here ! or lo
there !' will he your fruitless search. Let prayer for this faith prove to
you the reasonableness and truth of tbat first calling, when your poor
ignorant and simple heart, sensible of no power, or even rational con
clusion, to hope for present or future happiness, was warned from
Heaven to feel these important wants — freedom from conscious and
awfiil fears — reli^ from guflt — a friend in God, for eternity. — What a
never-to-be-forgotten proof, and strong evidence, had you here of the
infinite value (could you have seen it) of that very Church of which
this ray of light (shining through the dark, comprehended it not) was
the sure and certain prelude of the divine establishment of its truth in
your heart, from a rising evidence that must carry you forward both
to grace and glory. To these, you must rise through the multiplied
evfls of your own nature ; but sure you and I ought to yield humbly
and thankfuUy to all we can suffer, for a purpose so great, so su
premely excellent in all its final and certain conclusion. — 'Was that
glorious Saviour of sinners, as God manifest in the flesh — was he
obliged to come from Heaven, through afl unrighteousness, or he never
could have taken our nature, and destroyed our sin in it ? And ought
we to complain, whilst we find he is, by those struggles, only breaking
forth through all our unrighteousness, in order to clothe us with himself,
as our best robe ?— Sflence, sflence for ever, then, these hellish com-

528 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
plaints ; and let us by faith embrace (in all our griefs and sorrow's,
and through all) this our strong-hold — the victory is to be obtained by
faith. " The more scriptural and simple your address (in the ministry) to
the heart the better ; applying to facts — there the positive evils, there
Scripture with the knowledge of those evils in your own heart, is that
truth our Lord must bless ; he can bear witness to nothing else, as. he
emphatically and essentially is Truth itself. 0 that he may give you
that powerful faith tbat overcomes the sinner's heart ! and though hell
should rise in judgment against you. One, above afl, shall say, ' Well
done, good and faithful servant.' Want of tbis faith makes cowards of
l^uor raortals, and makes many fearing hearts obey the devil from tem
poral views, whilst pangs of conviction haunt their waking hours.
The Lord's most wise and most gracious [Providence is towards that
honest and warm heart that faithfully relies on him. 0 ! may my
maternal advice meet in your spirit the only guide into afl truth, the
Holy Ghost. A day is coming ! if you abide a wise and faithful ser
vant, when the brighter day-dawn shall appear, and He, who calls him
self the ' Bright and Morning Star,' shall arise, never to set more. —
Prove all things in a simple and child-like spiiit, and never forget this
repeated counsel — ' Reason not by multiplied ideas,' it is the bane of all
good sense and true simplicity ; and our, only great Prophet points at
its insufficiency, when he says, ' By taking thought, you cannot make
one hair white or black :' and if not able, by this thought to do the
least, how unreasonable to have hope in greater matters ! Vanity,
that worst of all evils, (which ignorance only supposes wisdom in man
to direct his ways,) falls in love with itself, and for ever excludes all
divine teachings from Heaven, which never were, nor ever will be
known but by the poor in spirit, to whom the kingdom of God expressly
belongs. " Hope, then, for nothing but sorrow, for tbe vanity of your own
mind, and the opinions of men. The wisdom from above has afl
those glorious properties which attend upon Grace by Jesus Christ — and
this is a living fact to your soul, tbat God will own on earth, as he will
eternally in heaven. The prayer of faith before the Lord, in sim
plicity and sincerity, and perhaps with many tears also, is that, and
that only, which opens the door in heaven, by the tender-feeling
heart of Jesus Christ, for your real and honest distress ou all occasions.
You may get, by the froth of your vain imagination, or the help of the
same sort from others, something supposed good ; but all will be as the
morning cloud and early dew, it must pass away. The parrot's rote
will neither do for the Church below, nor above. It is the furnace
brings the true standard of all the gold that ever was, or ever wfll be
used in the Lord's temple. May you, then, be ever so prepared for
your faithful services in it, that (with the All hafl ! of your blessed Mas
ter, in the ministrations he shall appoint you to) you may render him
the praise for an honour and privilege so eminently great.
" I write tbus, hoping and believing you have counted the cost, and
that you truly mean to devote yourself unreservedly to the Lord Jesus
Christ, as one of those happy subjects of that everlasting Covenant lus

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON.

529

inestimable sacrifice has secured. If this is not the case, take an
honest and religious place in the world, and iu private life, live and die
an honest man. The sorrowful scenes from false apostles, wicked and
bad ministers with high professions, make me often forced to say, —
' Good for that man had he never heen horn.' My good wifl T ever
wish to show you ; but my secret approbation before my glorious Lord
and Master, can only be, when the ministrations in that true sanctuary
which God has provided, are honestly and disinterestedly served, to his
glory alone ; this wfll ever be to the joy and rejoicing of my heart.
" Don't ever forget the two points which have the material meamng
in this letter, viz., what the only true Church is, as first coming down
from heaven, and how, ever by faith alone, continued upon earth.
These essentials must be, ever, the glory of all your labours, while so
founded and supported, by the life of a divine faith, upon the Son of
God. Acknowledge from me, my thanks and best wishes to your
kind and Reverend friend ; and should any thing by Providence bring
him near my abode, I hope he wfll accept the hospitahty of the heart
and house of an old pflgrim, barkening for the voice to bid her rest (as
a poor unprofitable servant) from afl her labours.
" With true, faithful, and maternal affection, I pray for afl divine and
heavenly blessings to rest upon your own soul, and afl your labours.
I am your sincere friend, S. Huntingdon.
"Coflege, South Wales, March 1, 1785."
Having, at page 1 13, given a list of the students of the Col
lege of Trevecca, at Talgarth, Wales, we here add the names of
those who have been introduced to the ministry by means of
Lady Huntingdon's Foundation at Cheshunt : —
W. Jones 
W. Kemp 
W. Robertson ...
T. B. Winter 
J. Bickerdike 
K. Bradley 
J. Davis.; 
J. Parry 
J. James 
J. Chamberlain...
W. Macdonald....
¦W. Mather 
John Meffen 
J. Bii:ch 
G. Lee 
'W. Upjohn, A.M.
R. Turnbull 
R. Owen 
J. Finley 
W. Thomas 
T. S. Walsh 
W. Bennet 
W. Ros.s 
J. Mather 
G. Gladstone 
R. Newman, A.M,
VOL. H. — M M

J. Brown 

Cheshunt

A. Hay 

Northumberland

J. Stone 

J. Shepherd 

Kentish Town

J. Trego 

Manchester

W. Arbon 

Whitstable

J. Latchford 

T. Longstaff. 

Enfield

J. Emblem 

Bath

R. Stodhart 

Enfield

G. S. White 

Dover

S, Hawthorn 

Yarmouth

S. FrankHn 

Canada

J. Bridgman 

Exeter

W. Wilkins 

Field Dalling

A. "White 

Newcastle

Joshua Meffen ...

Cheshunt

E. Lake 

Tunbridge Wells

J. K. Foster 

J. Howes 
H. Fisher 
Dursley
T. Griffith 
R. Wardle 
Beverley
T. Keyworth ....
Lincoln
J.Williams 
Congleton
A,Westoby,M,A,
Cheltenham
. Warrington
. Cheshunt
. Burwell
, Brighton
. Hull
, London
, Stratford
. Mulberry Gardens
. America
. Hereford
, LewesChester St.Agnes, CornwaU
Southend]
London Worcester Cheshunt CoUege
GoringCam. Glouces.
Thatcham Nottingham
Chester
I Curateof Emberden
530

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF

F. Mardin  J. Griffiths  Welsh Methodists
J. Blomfield  London W. G. G. Fells... Middleton
E. Craig, A.M... W. A. Hunidall... Devonport
B. Isaac  Hackney J. Allen  Newhaven
D.Jones  Cheshunt C. Thomas  North Nibley
T. T. Coales  East Grinstead Janies Cope  Alfiston
M. Freeman  • F. G. White  Gloucester
G. Marris  Aston, Berkshire F. R. More  Soham
G. D. Owen  Maidenhead J.J.J. Kempster. Congleton
J.Poole  Worcester J. Sortain, A.B... Brighton
H.T.Turner  G. Weight, A. B.. Southwark
J.W.James  St. Ives, Cornwall E.Bates  Leamington
S.Davis  Establishment M. Butler  Southgate
T. Noyes  Bath W. S. Keale  Torpoint, Cornwall
T. Sharp, A.M... Crown-st. Chapel R. Squibb  Ely
T. Jones, A.B.... St. James's J. Stribling  Enfield-
J.Wells  Cheltenham R. Pingree  Maidstone
G. Steward  Wood Bastwick E. Parry  London
J.Jones  Birmingham W. Woodhouse...
J.Owen  Bath W. Wilsdon  PrestOH
H. Chambers .... Bellary, East Indies J. Davies  Aldermanbury
J. Sherman  Surrey Chapel H. Rogers  Wolverhampton
T. Stevenson.... Gate-st., London T.Hughes  MarlboroughChapel
G. Mottram  East Grinstead S. T. Gibbs  Canterbury
T. Anderson  Dover R. Roberts 
J. Bosisto  H. Hollis  Framlingham
R. Owen  Holywell Mount F. Perkins  Reading
J. Durrant  Adelphi, London C. Bird  Warrington
G. Neeton  Taber. Norwich S. Franklin  Hereford)
J.Wood  Great Malvern W.Powell  Folkestone
W. Aldridge  East Grinstead T. Dodd  Swansea
W. Lucy  Bristol B. Franklin  Jamaica
J. Beaufoy  D. Evans  Cheshunt
E. Morley  Hull J. P. Simpson ... Brighton
B. Woodyard ... St.Agnes, Cornwall J.Morris  Cambridge
J. Tackle  Bradford, Wilts J. Abbs  Travancore
J. Woods  , T. H. Woodroffe. Oxford
L." J. Wake  Cheltenham B. S. Hollis  Edmonton
J. Harris  Kidderminster L. Hurndall  Berkley
J. Dryden  Norwich W.J. Grundy ... Preston
W. Hodson ...... Whitechapel S. Lepine  Basingstoke [tions
W. Fletcher  Bath C. Lee  ReadingVillageSta-
B. Parsons  Ebley E. C. Wilshere...
.1. Saunders, A. B. Silk Willoughby E. C.Lewis  Rochdale
C. Clarke, A.B.. Lincolnshb-e W. M. Cox 
J. Langridge...... Tildsley Banks
We would have followed this list with that of the students
now resident a.t the College ; but that list would be so merely
local and temporary, and so uncertain In its effects on tbe future
history of the Connexion, as well as so removed from tiie past,
that, in consideration, we prefer to omit It ; and, indeed, the
addition of the names of places to the names in the list above
given, is a doubtful good. Its object is to assist by su<'h locali
sation tlie researches of the curious, now and hereafter.
On the decease of the Countess of Huntingdon, Lady Anne
Erskine, who had long been her familiar friend, her much-

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. S^l
loved associate, and dfligent and able assistant, was immediate^y
called to fill that sphere to which she had been designated by
her illustrious friend. The Erskine family had long been cele
brated for extraordinary talents and abilities. Of Lady Anne
Erskine it was raanifest, that, as a woraan, her natural powers
were of a very high order. To acuteness of discernraent, and a
tenacious memory, were added, comprehension, firmness, and
energy. These comraanding excellencies were softened down
by the more captivating graces of tenderness, comraiseration,
and urbanity. She was distinguished for that frankness, that
openness to conviction, and that disinterestedness in her
conduct, which insure confidence and adrairation. She was
naturally a genuine, open-hearted friend — known and beloved
as such.
Placed at the head of the Connexion for so many years, and
acknowledged as the ostensible representative of the' deceased
foundress, some account of her Ladyship will naturally be
expected in this Life and Times of tke Countess of Hunting
don. The following brief notice of Lady Anne Erskine,
vvas written by a rainister in the Connexion, now no more, and
appeared In the "Evangellcnl Magazine," about the year 1805.
With some alterations and additions, it is here presented to the
reader : —
" Tbis noble lady was the daughter of the Earl of Buchan, by a
lady of die house of Stuart, and the eldest of a numerous fawfly.*
Her early days were spent in Scotland. She mentioned to a lady, her
acquaintance, the gracious deaflngs of tiie Lord when she was only
about seven or eight years old. As she grew up, her early impres
sions wore off; and, for some years, she lived like too many of her
rank and sex, in fashionable follies and in the company of those who
were strangers to themselves, little affected about the eternal world '
into which they were going, and whose frivolity and love of pleasure
left no place for matters of more solemn consideration. About this
time, the Eari of Buchaii, for his family convenience, removed to Bath;
and there commenced her acquaintance with the excellent Lady Hun
tmgdon, whose life was spent in endeavouring to do good, and whose
efforts were then especially directed to those of her own rank and
station. An acquamtance, form,ed about this time with the elder
branches of the Hawkestone family, eminent for their excellence.
Branches of which werp lately the ornaments of the Bar in England and
fecotland ; and more distinguished by their talenta and integrity, th?.n even by
the nobility of their descent. The great grandfather of Lady Anne was a man
ot distinguished piety, and a sufferer in the cause of religion in the days of
Charles H. The names of Ralph and Ebenezer Erskine have received a stamp
ot especial reverence in the religious woild, and they were branches of this
i*mily.
mm2

532 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
contributed to fix the sense of Divine trutiis on her mind, and she be
came a professor of the principles of Evangelical religion. A growing
intimacy with Lady Huntingdon contributed much to confirm her mind,
and some congeniality of spirit, probably, engaged the Countess to
invite Lady Anne to remain with ber as her fiiend and companion ;
and as this was equally pleasing to both, for many years of the latter
part of Lady Huntingdon's life she was her constant friend and inti
mate. During these years, as a helper in the truth, she walked with
her aged friend in great affection, making herself useful in assisting to
discharge the burthen of cares and engagements in which Lady Hun
tingdon was involved; and how well sbe approved herself, maybe
concluded from the disposition "niiicli that good lady made of her
affairs to such as she thought would most faithfully pursue the line she
had so successfully traced. At Lady Huntingdon's decease. Lady
Anne Erskine, with several gentlemen, was appointed trustee and exe
cutor of her will.
" During the life of the Foundress, Lady Anne was only known as
zealously disposed to promote the cause of truth, without appearing in
any prominent character ; not beirg by Providence favoured with tho
liberal provision whicli her predecessor enjoyed, and whioh died with
her. Indeed, Lady Huntingdon's zeal always outran her income ;
and though no person cver spent so little on herself, she left such in
cumbrances as her property was unequal to discharge, without dispos
ing of some of her chapels. These incumbrances her executors and
other friends immediately undertook to remove, and to preserve the
chapels for the purpose to -which they had been devoted. It was on
this occasion that Lady Anne Erskine was called forth to a more dis
tinguished station than she had yet filled. When Lady Huntingdon's
disposition of her property was known, the trustees agreed, that, as
Lady Anne was better acquainted with the Countess's mode of proce
dure than any other person, and had readily offered to devote herself
to the service, sbe should be desired to occupy part of Lady Hunting
don's house, in Spafields, and constantly reside there, to carry on the
needful correspondence, wbich was, indeed, immense; always advising
with the other trustees, and rendering an account to them, when re
quired, of her procedure. To her, with Dr. Ford and Mr. Best, there
fore it was agreed that the administration should be entrusted.
" Lady Anne now became the prominent person, and though all Lady
Huntingdon's income died with her, and Lady Anne possessed a mere
pittance, there appeared no lack of support to the cause. She saw
much of the operation of Divine Providence on her behalf, bringing
her the most unexpected and salutary supplies in times of the greatest
need. One particular instance deserves distinct record. A Mrs. H.
called on Lady E., and begged permission, on quitting the room, to
leave a letter on her table. On opening it, how great was Lady E.'s
surprise to find five notes of 100/. each enclosed. Conceiving it to be
a mistake,' she sent for Mrs. H. and stated her fears ; she smiled, and
assured her it was at her own disposal, and perfectly right. ' Will
you inform me,' said Lady E., ' what led you to do this ?' Mrs. H. re-

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 533
pfled, 'Some time since I became a widow, my husband left me a good
property, and since his decease, my uncle died and left me as much
more. This Scripture came to my mind, ' Honour the Lord vyith thy
substance, and with the first fruits ofall thine increase.' I wished to
obey it : I thought of the Missionary Society, and^ the Coflege at
Cheshunt ; but these being supported by subscription, I expected
would increase in their funds, and therefore not need it so much as
yourself. Knowing that you had not the property Lady Huntingdon
enjoyed, and sometimes feel embarrassments, I gave it you to strengthen.
your hands in the cause of God.' ' 1 had not (said Lady E. to a fiiend) a
shifling in the house at that time. Application had been made to me
to receive a chapel into the Connexion, whicli I was obliged to
refuse ; but as soon as I received this money, I sent for the parties,
and took it under our patronage. ¦
" Lady Anne was eminently qualified for her place, not only by an
intimate knowledge of the manner in which her predecessor acted, but
by a measure of ability, hereditary in the famfly of Erskine, as well as
a devotedness of heart, that made it her pleasure to undergo any labour
and difficulties for the sake of the work in which she was engaged.
Those who were always consulted in emergencies, and knew the com
plicated nature of the service, were witnesses how greatly she strove
to please all for their good to edification. But none except herself
knew the many heart-aches, and the need of patience she had in deal
ing with such a number of persons as were managers of places, or
employed in the ministry, when, as in a complicated machine, some
wheel or tooth being out of order, rendered the uniform motion difficult
to be preserved. To please every body was hardly possible in her
situation ; that some might be dissatisfied, to whose wishes she could
not accord, and that others slighted her, who were incompetent
judges of her exceflencies, is not to be wondered at.* That she was
enabled to go on Avith almost perfect satisfaction to her colleagues, and
without the slightest breach between her and them for twelve years,
all cordially concuiring in one great object, and pursuing it ardently,
forms no mean proof of a Christian spirit ; as will be allowed by all
who are acquainted with the difficulties to be encountered.
" During these twelve years, when her most active life commenced,
she was indefatigably employed in the work of God. The red lines
marked in her Bible indicate the deep attention she paid to it. Her
correspondence was very extended. Her room was hardly without
visitors from morning to night, giving account of commissions fulfifled,
or taking directions where to go and what to do. It was often said by
one of her active cofleagues, that her departure would leave a void
which there was scarcely a prospect of again fifling with like activity
* She would sometimes say, 'We ought to run the race sel before us.
Every man and woman has a particular race  the race I I have known great
confusion in congregrations, because the managers will run the race of the
minister, and the minister that ofthe manager.' A woman one day called on
her Ladyship, and observed, such a. person ought to act differently in her
family — ' That is not your race,' said Lady E.; ' you run your race in your
family, and leave her to run her race in hers.'

534 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
and intelligence. They indeed hoped it would be very distant; but
her great Master ordained it otherwise.
" Her conversation was heavenly ; and, when speaking of God's
dealings with her own soul, none could express a deeper and humbler
sense of their own unworthiness and nothingness. The sentiment she
uttered the last evening of her life was, that ' The most holy are the
most humble in their own eyes.' She improved every opportunity of
converse with her friends who visited hor, especially the young. In
deed, her whole time and thoughts seemed to be engaged in endeavour
ing to fill up her place ; conscious of being highly honoured in tho
service of her Lord, and feeling it her delight as well as duty to dis
charge her trust, asshe must answer to the great Shepherd, and Bishop
of souls. She never set up for a preacher ; she knew her place ; yet
many a preacher wfll own how much his spirit hath been quickened by
her example and converse.* She was placed in a situation of
considerable authority ; but her directions were counsels, und her
orders entreaties. The work. of Lady Huntingdon's establishment had
never been better consolidated, or more apparentiy prosperous, than on
the day she left it; and nothing will more powerfully speak for her
than such a testimoiij'.
" Lady Anne had, for some time before her death, complaints viiiich
alarmed those who knew how much they should feel her loss ; aud
though she struggled with ill health, and hardly suffered it to interrupt
her labours, yet it was evident that the mortal tabernacle was failino'.
Her constant calls to business precluded her from exercise ; and the
stooping to write, with the sedentary life she led for weeks too-ether
only moving from her room to the chapel, increased the dropsical ten
dency to which she had been for some time liable. The natural con
formation of a strait chest rendered respiration often laborious, and on
any quick motion asthmatic ; yet her spirits so quickly rose, and her
conversation ¦ became so enlivened, that apprehensions went off and
her friends seeing the case recur so frequentiy, were led to hope tiiat her
course might 3'et be prolonged. Those around her had often seen her
apparently worse, and more feeble, than on the day precedino- her
dissolution. " The frame of her mind indeed, seemed in preparation for an
eternal world. T\vo or three mornings before her departure, she came
much refreshed from her room, and said to a friend, ' The Lord hath
met me this morning with so much sweetness of mind, that I seemed
as if surrounded of God :' adding with fervour, ' My Lord and my
God 1' The day before her death she took an airing in a coach and
* Her Ladyship's method of communicating spiritual encouragement was
both pleasing and easy. One day a person called on her labouring under great
distress of .mind, and said, 'I was once happy in God; I enioved his
ordinances, and thought I walked in the light of his countenance • but now all
my joys are fled, I see myself a vile sinner, and feel no comfort in any thine-
so that I thmk 1 never yet knew God, and shall at last be lost.' Ladv Anne
smiling, said, ' 0 my friend, it is the same light, but God has taken it from'
your head to your heart, and has made you acquainted with your own abomina
pons, tor it must be light which discovers darkness.' This interesting remark"
It is said, afforded the man very considerable relief of mind '

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 635
did nof seem affected by it, but conversed as usual. The evenin" of
that day she was visited by a gentleman of her acquaintance, and spoke
in her usual spirited manner, as if nothing ailed her ; and hor health
being the subject, sho said, ' I have no presentiment of death upon my
mind :' but she added, 'Be that as it may, God is faithful, and I feel
unshaken confidence in him ;' with many otiier expressions of the hope
that maketh not ashamed. On going to bed Lady Anne said, as if under
some doubt or difliculty, ' The Lord will reveal himself to me to
morrow !' The maid asked if any outward matters made her uneasy ?
She replied, ' No, in those respects I am perfectly easy.' These were
the last words she was heard to utter. At six in the morning the
attendant going to the bedside, saw her mistress reposed, her head on
her hand, and thought her asleep. It was the sleep of death. Lady Anne
lived to the age of sixty-five years ; more than forty of which she had
spent in the works of faith and labours of love, and was admitted to
her eternal rest on Friday, October 5, 1804.
" Her mortal remains were removed in a hearse on the Saturday
week following to Bunhill-fields burying-ground. The corpse was
preceded by the Rev. Messrs. Kirkman and Clark, the former of whom
read the burial service, and the latter delivered the funeral address at
the grave. A funeral sermon was preached on the following Lord's
day morning at Spafields chapel, by the Rev. James Claiic, from
Psalm, cxvi. 15, ' Precious in the sight of the Lord isthe death of his
saints ;' and another was delivered in the evening at Zion Chapel, by
the Rev. Dr. Ford.
" On the tomb erected to the memory of her Ladyship is inscribed
the following Epitaph : — ¦ Beneath
are deposited the mortal remains of
THE RIGHT HON. LADY ANNE AGNES ERSKINE,
Eldest Daughter of the late
Earl of Buchan ;
who departed this transitory life
October 5, 1804, Aged 65.
Being appointed
By the late Countess Dowaoee op Huntinodon
One of her Trustees
for the care and management of her Chapels after her decease ;
She executed the trust
with great wisdom, assiduity, and zeal
during a period of more than Thirteen Years.
She was
Affable and condescending in her deportment.
Kind and generous to the poor,
and
Compassionate to the afflicted.
Her piety was sincere and unaffected ;
Her life honourably useful,
and
Her death easy and happy.
On the demise of Lady Anne Agnes Erskine, Dr. Ford, a

636 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
physician of eminence, conducted the general aflPairs of the Con
nexion in concert with the Rev. Dr. Haweis and J. O. Oldham,
Esq., then Mr. Robert Butcher, and afterwards H. F. Stroud,
Esq. 'The following gentlemen have been the Presidents of the
College at Cheshunt: —

Rev. Josiah Richards.
Rev. John James.
Rev. William Kemp.
Rev. Jacob Kirkman Foster.*

Rev. Isaac Nicholson.
Rev. Andrew Horne.
Rev. Richard Owen.
Rev. Henry Draper, D.D
The present Tutors are,
Rey. John Harris, D.D., Theological Tutor,
AND
Rev. Joseph Sortain, A.B., Philosophical Tutor.
* At the last Anniversary Festival of Cheshunt College, held in the grounds
of the institution on the 4th of July, 1839, in the report read on that occasion
we find the following, which it appears a duty to add, by way of note, to the
narae of the Eev. Mr. Foster -. —
'• It is the painful duty of the Trustees to announce, that, after a long series
of faithful services to this Institution, in which his urbanity and official de
votedness most closely endeared him to themselves and his students, the Rev.
Jacob Kirkman Foster has tendered his resignation as Pesident and Classical
Tutor. They have, therefore, to entreat the prayers of their friends that
Almighty wisdom would guide them in the choice of a successor."
The editor of the " Monthly Record," introducing a letter addressed by the
worshippers at the Chapel connected with the College to the Rev. J. K.
Foster, and containing a testimony of affection and regard, says ; 
" The removal of our esteemed brother, the Rev. J. K. Foster, from the
College at Cheshunt, has not only grieved his brethren throughout the Con
nexion, but is especially felt with painful affection through the neighbourhood
of his long residence and labour. We subjoin the following letter as one of
the numerous expressions of esteem and regret which Mr. Foster has received
on leaving: the allusions are to the last texts and subjects to which he directed
the attention of his beloved hearers at the College Chapel. We hope, in our
next, to give a copy of a memorial of esteem and regret at his resignation, pre
sented to Mr. Foster, signed by the Clergy and Dissenting Ministers, the Magis
trates, Churchwardens, and most of the more respectable inhabitants of the
parish of Cheshunt. Such a testimony of public estimation of talent and cha
racter is not often given."
We ought to add, in justice to Mr. Foster, that this note is inserted during
his absence and without his knowledge. Every testimony to a clergyman of her
Connexion, especially to one holding, or having held, so responsible an office,
is an indirect tribute to the memory of the Countess of Huntingdon, and finds
its right place in these pages.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 537
We have now accomplished, as far as zeal and attention en
able us, the task of setting forth these Memoirs of tke Life and
Times of Selina, Countess of Huntingdon. Numerous errors
have no doubt crept in, and many deficiencies will appear which
the absence of the Author may in part excuse. The Hunting
don Papers and Correspondence were placed in the hands of
the Proprietor of this work by its estimable Author, with his full
permission to make such alterations as might appear essential to
successful publication. Partial reconstruction, occasional con
densation, and frequent omission became necessary ; and, for any
error incident to these portions of his task, the Editor, and not
the original writer, is responsible. To the reverend Author of
the Introduction to each volume the work is greatly indebted.
He read the whole of the MSS., favouring the Editor with the
most useful suggestions, and carefully revised the text, watching
over the correctness of the principles enunciated, and supplying,
as far as ability, zeal, and knowledge could, the absence of the
Biographer himself. The sentiments and opinions, then, had
the sanction of the then President of Cheshunt College, but the
Rev. J. K. Foster is not in any way responsible for errors of
taste and judgment, for the style of language, the construction
and arrangement, the omissions or additions — to all the faults of
which the Editor pleads guflty; for he feels convinced that the
errors will be found in the alterations and not in the original
plan or text of the Author, who, it is to be hoped, wfll one day
claim the credit which is so justly and exclusively his own.
In casting a retrospective glance at the design and subject of
these now completed Memoirs, it cannot fail to strike the reader,
that they present, in the most alluring and impressive manner,
the loftier events of English history during the greater part of
the eighteenth century. Lady Huntingdon was born in the
seventh year after the commencement of that century, and was
cafled to those happier regions ever present to her beatific vision,
only nine years before its close. One eigkteentk portion of tke wkole
period of Ckrisfianity ! — here was a distinct proof of the Divine
favour. Seventeen lives, each as long as that of Lady Hunting
don, would nearly fill up all the links in the chain of time from
the death of the Saviour to her own birth ! The apostolical
epoch, and the period of the primitive Church, yet pure and
truly Christian, filled but three or four of those centuries;
already the errors cendemned by the Fathers had infused them
selves into sects and parties, and the family of Christ was broken
into feuds ; then followed the assumption of Papal supremacy,
the arrogation of infallibility to the temporary tenant of St.

538 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
Peter's chair ; and after these presumptuous heresies had claimed
the most honourable epithet of Catkolic — thereby degrading
and restricting the universal Church to bigoted believers in the
power of the Popedom — everj species of corruption and abomi
nation poured into tbe Church. The worship of the Virgin,
the invocation of saints, the doctrine of transubstantiation, auri
cular confession, absolution, penance, purgatory, masses for the
dead, sale of pardons, convents, and monasteries, with their pol
lutions, defiled the Christian world, and turned the heart of man
from the worship of God In spirit and In truth to the repeating
of prayers, to the telling of beads, and to a reverence for, if not
the adoration of, Images carved by the hands of man. The de
dication of gifts to altars and statues, the Investment of estates in
priors and abbesses, and the infamous results of compelled celi
bacy in the clergy spread infection over every land. The people
plunged in the depth of ignorance, tbe nobles at war with each
other, the priesthood, under the name of learning, practising a
systematic craft, public worship degraded to a drama or spectacle
with every sensual attraction, as scenic Illusion, concerted and
voluptuous music, incense, banners, gems, and draperies ; out
ward forms, genuflections, gestures, the ringing of bells, the wav
ing of censers, the exhibition of relics, the elevation of the host,
the homage of the wafer, and all the superstitious mummery of a
perverted service, heathen and idolatrous in its ceremonies as
antichristian in Its doctrines, both of whicli are distinctly con
demned at once by the Old and the New Testament. Did God
leave himself without a witness in those times ? No, assuredly.
Many a sister of charity wept over human frailty, and devoted
herself to soothing human misery. The true faith filled many
a heart that wanted the apostle's fire to make it known ; but
even the preaching of the Gospel was not utterly neglected,
though its truths were obscured under dark shadows, and its
precious promises whispered under awe of human authority.
There was not one Selina in all those ages.
At length came the sixteenth century and the Reformation in
England. The corrupted faith was purified, the tainted doctrines
were rendered sound, the idolatrous practice swept away, and a
consistent, reasonable, devout, and decent sacrifice was substi
tuted. The position of the kingdom, the great majority of those
who still practised or professed the ancient ceremonial, the in
terests of the old families, the clamours of the poor, the fastuous
tastes of Henry VIII. and Elizabeth, delayed the work. Then
came the interruption to the Reformation caused by the death
of Edward VL, and the accession of Mary. The Romanist ten-

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 639
dencies of the Stuarts, the excesses of the Puritans, the fearful
disruption of society caused by the great rebellion, the recoil into
the worst excesses of debauchery which followed the restoration,
and the swerve backwards towards Popery under James IL, still
further impeded the progress of truth ; but the equipoise of the
Revolution of 1688, and the final settlenient on the throne of
Protestant principles in the House of Brunswick, were the most
important of all the events that rapidly and overwhelmingly
succeeded each other between the Reformation and the com
mencement of this history.
What, then, at the beginning ofthe eighteenth century was the
state of religion in England ? William III. was just dead, Anne
ascended the throne in the first year of the century, and in her
sixth year was Lady Huntingdon born. In 1714 George L suc
ceeded to the throne when the Countess was seven years old ;
in 1726, in her nineteenth year, George II. was crowned,
and at his court and that of his son, the Prince of Wales, she
spent tbe most brilliant period of her life ; but she died in the
thirty-first year of George III., whose reign began when she
was fifty-three. Under four successive monarchs, then, had this
distinguished Lady steadfly pursued the noiseless tenor of her
way. What, we repeat, was the state of religion in the early
years of her life ? We ask, and hope to answer the question,
with a view to show what progress the good cause made In a
single life-time, and to trace the fruit we now see ripening to
the seeds then sown.
The head was sound, for on the throne sat a Protestant
monarch, the defender of the faith, the visible head of the
Church, owing no allegiance to, but repudiating the authority of,
the Bishop of Rome, and acknowledging no right In any foreign
power to interfere in the infernal discipline of the Church.
The Dagon of Popery had beeij cast down, his images broken,
his temples defaced, and his ceremonies had become a mockery
in the land ; but they to whom was committed the especial
guardianship of the Church, were all unworthy of tbeir high call
ing, cold formalists, husky verbalists, who gave the chaff to the
flock, denying the grain ; human learning was exalted at the
expense of deep conviction of the Gospel scheme of salvation.
The old faith had appealed so to the imagination, the outward
senses had been so courted as the adits to the inward feelings,
that in the Protestant preaching the opposite error was ap
proached. The reason and the judgment were set up — the
feelings and the sentiments were trodden down. Appeals to the
heart were undervalued, and argument was exalted over eloquence.

540 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
" Enthusiasm !" was the ready cry against all who would have
roused the inward man, and reached the soul In their discourses.
" Is he right?" " Does he argue ably?" " Is he a learned man?"
were ordinary questions ; but " Is he earnest ? Does he plead to
conviction ? Is he profoundly read in the Bible, and deeply im
bued with the faith which leadeth to salvation ?" — no one asked.
This was the general character of the Church, notwithstanding
glorious exceptions which might easily be enumerated. The
parson sat In the kitchen of the village inn, smoking tobacco and
drinking ale with his parishioner, or he played the fiddle and
attended at the ^merry-makings of the neighbourhood. He was
pinched in means, and respected " for his cloth," rather than
for himself. A higher class hunted with the neighbouring
gentry; asmagistrates joined tben in the prosecution of poachers,
and were game-keepers rather than soul-keepers ; mighty hunters
before the Lord, but not eager in the pursuit of truth : fishers,
but not fishers of men ! A still higher grade associated with
tbe wits and beaux esprits, were fine gentlemen even in the pul
pit, and gave the tone to tbeir district. But the meek, the hum
ble, tbe devout minister of religion was rarely to be met with ; the
earnest, eloquent, persuasive, energetic, urgent messenger of
tbe Gospel was almost unknown. The limits of duty, if reached,
were never surpassed : the stipulated task performed, all fur
ther efforts were regarded "as supererogatory, and as partaking
of the nature of sin :" —
" Except a few with Eli's spirit blest,
Holphini and Phineas may describe the rest."
If such were the shepherds, what were the sheep ?* A few
only were Papists, but multitudes were daily becoming Dissen
ters ; the Socinian heresy was much encouraged, the Deists
flourished, and there were those even who boasted of Atheism.
The fool said in his heart there is no God. Lambeth palace had
its balls and routs ; music parties for Sunday evenings, even
the Bishops countenanced, and card parties were not unfre
quent on tbe Sabbath evening. The humble classes imitated
their betters, a sneer at religion was wit; tbe parson was the
standing joke, and the Church was used chiefly to rafl at on oc-
count of tbe occasional levies it occasioned, and which appeared
to recall its memory to the otherwise forgetful people. Hun
dreds of thousands of persons were without the means of reli
gious instruction ; millions had never heard a sermon !
** Hie alienus oves custos bis mulgit in hora,
Et succus peeori, et lac subducltur agnis.

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 541
Such was the case with the Church of England. What is
the picture now ?
The education of the people, once opposed by all the great.
Is now the universal demand, and the contest of the two grand
political divisions in the State is, not who shall best stave off
the disagreeable necessity of general education, but who shall
have the glory of advancing it — who shall have the power to
influence and direct its course. This is not the place even to
touch on the opposed and opposing views of political sections ;
It Is enough to feel and acknowledge the directing hand of
Almighty Providence in this conversion of the heart, in thus ren
dering the contention of princes subservient to the advancement
of his glory and the good of humanity. " To the poor the
Gospel is preached," and " the poor read the Gospel," are
terms almost identical. The grand principle of the Reforma
tion, the great prerogative of Protestantism, is that every man
shall interpret for himself the Scriptures of the inspired of
God. That neither councfls, nor conchives, nor traditions, nor
authority, shall bind his conscience, nor come between him and
his Creator and Judge. His communion of saints is direct con
verse with the apostles and prophets in the Sacred Volume. His
creed Is founded on knowledge, " what we have seen and known
that we confess and declare ;" what we have read and deeply
considered with the aid and under the influence of the Holy
Spirit, that do we believe unto salvation. Now, means are the
agents and Instruments of Divine Providence committed to the
hands of men to work the will of Heaven, and among thcfe
means. In modern times, none is more potent than the discovery
by which the Scriptures may be renewed for ever, and diffused to
the uttermost realms of the earth, in number and quantity equal
to the necessities of man. What the early Christian Church
sought, by making a universal language — and commanding that
in that " common tongue " all Its ritual should be performed, is
now accomplished, and to incomparably better purpose by the
translation of the Scriptures into every language. This is
the accomplishment of another day of Pentecost ; tbe Holy
Ghost again descends upon the messengers of Christ in the
form of cloven tongues of fire, and they speak with tongues, and
the multitudes of the whole earth are confounded, because every
man hears them speak in his own language. " Partbians and
Medes, and Elamites, and thg dwellers in Mesopotamia," and in
Judea and Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pam-
phylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and
strangers of Rome, Jews and Proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, all

542 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
hear or read In their own tongues the wonderful works of God."
Nay, shores then unreached, seas yet uncrossed, people unknown,
continents and Islands unimagined, have received the Scriptures;
the Old and New Testament have crossed oceans, of which the
existence was unsuspected by them whose hands recorded the
undying truths tbey contain. Regions of the earth, literally a
new and greater world, have hailed the advent of the Messiah's
kingdom, and wished good luck in the name of the Lord to those
who came to them with knowledge and with power to reveal tbe
secrets of Heaven, and to win souls, predestined by the fore
knowledge of God, to an immortality of glory. The Educational
and Missionary zeal of this day may well inspire faith, may well
excite the imagination, and encourage the expectation of an im
measurable* extent of unimaginable good. But to whom is
chiefly due the present energy? To the Wesleys and the
Wbitefields, and in an extraordinary degree to the venerable
subject of this memoir, whose zeal and piety were not content
with wishing and praying, but prompted her to unappreciated .sa
crifices and incalculable exertion, crowned with a success which she
never lived to know, which her highest ambition had not reached,
which the utmost stretch of her imagination could barely have
conceived. Could she look upon us now and hear of tbe mil
lions educated, being, and to be educated, at least to the know
ledge of the Scripture, or the power to attain that knowledge.
Could she have seen Bishops glory in the attribute of Evange
lical preaching. Could she have known an Archbishop foremost
In the Reform of the Church, a Clergy eager and zealous, and
tending every day, more and more, to the doctrines she most
loved and valued, what would bave been her joy ? Had she
seen Dissenters growing daily more liberal without being less
pious, more forbearing without being less independent ; churches
rising on all sides ; pastors founding and endowing churches at
their own cost ; laymen subscribing thousands to tbe erection
of new churches, chapels, and schools ; and societies formed for
the advancement of missionary exertion, the diffusion of religi
ous knowledge, the promotion of religion and the education of
the universal poor ; aud could she have added to this crown of
rejoicing, the conviction tbat her example had done much to
wards producing these effects, how would her pious heart
have poured itself out in praise and thanksgiving. She and her
associates were the pioneers to make the way smooth and tbe
path straight for that army of wbich the main body is but
now commg into the field. The advanced guard had difficulties
to encounter which have long since been overcome, obstacles to

SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. 543
surmount which have been removed for years ; but fo them were
due, and to them chiefly, under Divine Providence, the blessings
we now enjoy. The vast numbers'marshalled under thej^banner
of enlightened Dissent, and the vast host arrayed beneath the
ensign of the Church, owe equally a portion of their strength
and spirit to the sounding of the Gospel trumpet in the last
century. To Lady Huntingdon's interference in the affairs of the
Grammar School at Repton, which, by her influence was
restored to its original use, and its endowments properly applied,
may be traced those extensive Inquiries and consequent reforms
which have exalted the name of a noble and learned Lord, and
redeemed his many eccentricities. To the efforts made at
Kingswood are due the civilisation of the colliers of the west,
the miners of the south, and the pitmen and keelmen of the Tyne
and Wear. To her missions in Yorkshire and those of her
associates, may be referred the revival of religion and education
in the manufacturing districts. The very names, " connexion,"
" society," &c., suggest that combination of effort and union of
means which have wrought all the great improvements, civil and
religious, as well as artistical and economic, of these latter
years, and to her and her associates were these names, and the
suggestion of these exertions due. She founded a College, and
it continues ; since then two Universities have been erected —
London and Durham ; and institutions like her own have been
founded by emulous Dissenters of various denominations. She
endowed schools and chapels, Bnd supplied pastors to unfed
flocks, and now a Church-Assistant Society, a Church-Endow
ment Society, and a Commission under Government for both
purposes flourish, unmindful, perhaps of her who led the way.
But her example, if unacknowledged, cannot fail to be felt, and
that deeply. Nearly a hundred years was she sowing the seeds
of that harvest that Is now but ripening for the sickle. Stfll,
her cry may be repeated — " the labourers are few." Much
yet remains to do. In these pages, if they do not supply the
plan, the spirit of the work may be discovered. The queen
on her throne, the peeress in her castle, the lady in her mansion,
the matron in her house, and the peasant in her cottage, have
each and all their own circle of power to do good. Oh ! may
they all feel the necessity of exerting themselves for their own
good, and for the good of others. Let them all behold in
these pages, as In a mirror, the perfect picture of a Christian
woman ! The dutiful daughter, the exemplary wife, the affec
tionate mother, the constant friend, tbe benevolent mistress, the
good n^hbour, ffee loyal subject, the devoted Christian. All

544 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
this she was, with a depth of humility and self-accusation, that
exalted her excellence. The christian virtue of kumility was
peculiarly hers — high birth made her not proud — great wealth
made her not idle or luxurious — great beauty made her not
vain — accomplishments and graces made her not aff'ected —
property bound her not to the earth. Her self-denial was equal
to that of the early saints, without tbeir idea of atoning by self-
inflicted torture, for committed trespass. Her Industry could not
have been greater bad she been doomed to earn her bread by the
sweat of her brow. Courts and princes, and all distinctions she
threw away without a sigh, — jewels and rich apparel she turned
to means of charity without regret, — family alliances, and even
the opinion of society she set at nought ! Her honours, her
wealth, her health, her time, her name, her all, she devoted to
the great cause she had embraced, and she Is now reaping her
reward. Read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest these records
of her actions on earth ; weigh them and consider her loss and
gain ; which now preponderates in the balance ? and if thou,
reader, wouldst share her crown, thou must be content to run her
race. Admire her firmness, wonder at her constancy, be
warmed with her love, and fired with her zeal. If her example
be honourable, If her reward be great. It is in thy power to
attain it. Every one within his own circle can do much, no
more is required. Go thou and do likewise ; and when thy efforts
require a stimulus, revert to this record ofthe acts and thoughts
of SELINA, COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON.

THE END.

WILLIAM EDWARD PAINTER SXBAND, LONDON, PRINTER.

INDEX TO VOL. II

PAGE.
Adams, Rev. John, of Salisbury ... ... ... ... 173
Aldridge, Mr. ... ... ... ... ... .. 130, 134
Althens, Mrs. ... ... ... ... .. .. 129
America, Mission to ... ... ... ... ... 257
American affairs ... ... ... ... .. . 257
War ... ...  .. 267
Ancaster, the Duchess of ... ... ... ... .. 284
Anecdote of Lady Anne Erskine ... ... .. 533
Anniversary, the first, of Trevecca College ... ... ... 98
thesecond ... ... ... ... 107
the third ... ... ... ... ... 112
Services, in 1774 and 1776 ... ... ... 120
Argyle Chapel, Bath ... ... ... ... ... 75
Association, the Welsh ... ... ... ... 317
for perpetuating the Countess's connexion ... ... 483 -
Outline of the plans of ... ... ,. 483
Ball, Eev. John ... ... ... ... ... ... 208
Bangor, Lord ... ... ... ... ... 192
Bath, Venn's visit to ... ... ... ... .. 71
Letter to the Congregation at, from the Countess ... 486
Letter from the Earl of, to the Countess ... ... 379
Beck, Mr. ... ... ... ... ... ... 296
Belief, Articles of ... ... ... ... ... 440
Benezet, Anthony ... ... ... ... ... 266
writes to the Countess, his works on the Slave
Trade, his death and funeral ... ... 266
Bennis, Mrs. ... ... ... ... ... 164
Benson, Mr. Joseph, Head Master at Trevecca .,. ... ... lOI
Dismissal of ... ... ... io5
Bequests, Observations upon ... ... ... ... 439
Berkhampstead, Letter to the Congregation at ... ... 474
Berridge, Rev. John, Letters from ... ... 19,49-51,92,94,422
Observations of, respecting the burning of the

Orphan House
Advice of; respecting Northampton Chapel

Best, Mr.
Bethesda Chapel
Bishops, attend Mr. Shirley's preaching
Letter to the
Bishop of Limerick
Kilmore
Lichfield
Bangor ...
London
Blest, Mr.
Blood, Mr.
VOL. II. — N N

2G3308414 201 185
434 149
157 157
157252
211 228

PAGE.
Boddily, Mr. ...  ... ... 201
Bradford, Rev. John ... ... ... ... ... 477
Brethren, the United ... ... ... .. ... 154
Bristol, the Tabernacle at ... ... ... ... 358
Mr. Wesley at ... ... ... ... ... 361
Effects ofthe preaching of Rowlands and Davies at ... 373
Whitefield's visit to ... ... ... ... 375
Visit of the Countess to ... ... ... ... 377
Brown, Mr. ... ... ... ... ... ... II
Brown, Rev. John, of Haddington, Letter from ... ... 428
Browne, Rev. Moses ... ... ... .. ... 36
Burder, Rev. George ... ... ... ... ... 297
Bryan, Rev. Mr. ... ... ... ... ... ... 136
Bryson, Rev. Thomas .. ... ... ... ... 280
Buchan, the Earl of, and Family ... ... ... ... 14
Deathof ... ... ... ... 15
Letter of Whitefield respecting the funeral of 16
Burke, Edmund, Letter from, to the Countess ... ... 286
Burton, Mr. .. ... ... ... ... ... 228
Cadogan, Mr. ... ... ... ... ... ... 398
the preaching of ... ... ... ... 401
the Conversion of ... ... ... 405
Letter of the Countess to ... ... ... 407
Deathof ... ... ... ... ... 411
Caldwell, Rev. Robert ... ... ... ... ... 227
Canterbury, Archbishop of ... ... ... ... 280
Carter, Dr. ... ... ... ... ... ... 133
Mrs. Elizabeth, and Miss Talbot ... ... ... 134
Cennick, Rev. John ... ... ... ... 152, 367
Channing, Mr. ... ... ... ... ... 270
Chapel of the Countess at Wallingford ... ... ... 61
Swansea ... ... ... 115
Tunbridge Wells ... ... ... 124
Margate ... ... ... 130
Canterbury ... ' ... ... 134
Dublin ... ... ... 160
New, at Dublin ... ... ... 227
at Plunket-street, with opposition to it 163
at Sligo ... ... ... ... 209
in Mulberry Gardens ... ... 296
new, in Mulberry Gardens ... ... 300
in Spafields ... ... ... 304
 re-opened ... ... 309
the Magdalen ... ... ... ... ... jgs
Surrey, laying of first stone ... ... ,.. 320
Sion ... ... ... ... ... ... 322
at Bristol opened ... ... ... ... 395
at Reading, the history of ... ... ... ... 395
'  —— opened by Rowland Hfll and Mr, Eyre ... 412

Ill PAGE.
Chapel at Kidderminster ",.. ... ... ... ... 413
atTruro ... ... ... ... ... 415
in Spafields, first ordination ... ... ... ... 436
¦at Bootle ... ... ... ... ... 465
at Hereford ... ... ... ... ... 469
at Birmingham ... ...  ... 477
Chapels at Dover, Margate, Deal, and Folkstone .., 130-132
Chapel at Princes-street, Westminster, opened by Dr. PeckweU 295
St. Ives, Mevagissey, in Cornwall ... ... ... 417
Whitehaven, Weymouth, Sheffield, and Newark ... 472
Charities, Queries respecting the ... ... ... ... 456
Chatham, Lord, and the Archbishop of York ... ... 289
Chesterfield, Lord, Letter from, to the Countess ... ... 379
and the Countess, Letters from ... 45 1
Churches, Independent ... ... ... ... ... 162
Clarke, Rev. Thomas ... ... ... ... ... 29
Clayton, Rev. John ... ... ... ... ... 296
Rev. George ... ... ... ... ... 301
Clergy, Meeting of the Evangelical, at the Countess's ... ... 4 -
CoUege, Cheshunt ... ... ... ... .,. 511
Opening of, Sermons on the occasion ... 513
List of Persons educated at ... ... 529
 Tutors ... ...  529
Conference of 1 770 ... ... ...  232 -
1771  242 -
Connexion, Increase of ... ... ... ... ... 433 '
the Countess's control of ... ... ... 491"^
Property bequeathedby the Countess to ... ... 495-^
Consistorial Court ... ... ... .,, ,,. 308
Conversions, Remarkable ... ... ... ... 325, 333
Cook, Rev. Jo.seph ... ... ... ... ... 130
Cooper, Rev. William, invited to Ireland ... ... ... 221
Cotton, Rev. Mr. ... ... ... ... ... 451
Coughlan, Mr. ... ... ... ... ... 184,296
Courts, Ecclesiastical ... ... ... ... ... 311
Cowper, the poet, and the Unwin family ... ... 140,141
Crole, Mr., and Mr. Clayton, invited to Norwich ... ... 346
Croom, Mr. ... ... ... ... ... ... 333
Cudworth, Mr. ... ... ... ... ... 337
Dagge, Mr. ... ... ... ... ... ... 356
Dartmouth, Lord ... ... ... ... ... 12,309
andLady ... ... ... ... ... 32
Davies, Rev. Thomas ... ... ... ... ... 175
Mr. Howel ... ... ... ... ... 373
 effects of the preaching of, at Bristol ... 375
De Courcy, Rev. Richard ... ... ... ... ... 156
Delany, Dr. ... ... ... ... ... ... 149
Despard, Colonel ... ... ... .. ... ... 177
Dissenters' BiU ... ... ... .1, ... 288

IV PAGE.
Dodd, Dr.  425
Mr. Romaine's opinion of ... ... .. 426
Letter of the Countess to ... ... ... ... 427
Douglass, Lord ... ... ... ... ... 478
invites the Countess to Brussells, his awful plot ... 479
Death of ...  ... 480
Eastwood, Mr. Jonas ... ... ... ... ... 82
Eccles, Rev. Charles Stewart ... ... ... 170, 261, 296
Edwards, Rev. John ... ... ... ... ... I52,_
Ellis, Mr., and Mr. Blake, Letters from the Countess to 475, 476
English, Mr. ... ... ... ... .. ... 296
Erskine, David ... ... ... ... ... ... 55
Lady Anne, succeeds the Countess ... ... 531
and Dr. Lettsom ... ... ... 503
Early piety of ... ... ... 534
Illness and death of ... ... ... 534
Funeral and Epitaph of ... ... 535
Etwall, the Hospital of ... ... ... ... ... 450
EvangeUcal Society ... ... ... ... ... 207
Evans, Mr., Letter from the Countess to ... ... ... 393
Fawcett, Rev. Benjamin ... ... ... ... 413
Feather's Tavern Association ... ... ... ... 286
Field Preaching ... ... ... ... ... 357
Fitzgerald, Lady Mary ... ... ... ... ... 194
Fletcher, Rev. John ... ... ... ... ... 71
and Mrs. ... ... ... ... 193
Letter of, to the Countess ... ... 18
 to Mr. Ireland ... ... ... 70
appointed President of Trevecca College 80
Letters from, to the Countess ... 81, 84, 97
Conduct of, at the CoUege ... ... 102
Pastoral Letter of, to the Masters and Students 104
vindication of Minutes of Conference of 1771 243
Ford, Miss ... ... ... ... ... ... 203
Franklin, Dr. ... ... ... ... ... ... 275
Testimony of, to the integrity of Whitefield ... 276
Furley, Rev. Samuel ... ... ... ... ... 2
Galatin, Colonel ... ... ... ... ... 336, 337
Garie, Mr. ... ... ... ... ... ... 209
George IIL and Dr. Beattie ... ... ... ... 3,5
Anecdote of ... ... ... ... ... 282
Letter of, to the Archbishop of Canterbury ... 283
his opinion of the Countess ... ... ... 283
and the Duchess of Ancaster ... ... ... 284
and a Lady of quality ... ... ... ... 285
Gerard, Lady ... ... ... ... ... ... 451
Germaine, Lady Betty ... ... ... ... ... 48
Lord George ... ... ... ... 269
Gibbons, Rev. Daniel ... ... ... ... ... 465

Gideon, Miss ...

PAGE 3

Gifford, Dr.

150

Glascott, Rev. Cradoek, presented to the living of Hatherleigh

458

iUness and death of ...

...

463

Glazebrook, Mr. , the first Student at Tre vecca

86
Glenorchy, Lady ...
67, 73
Letters from, to the Countess
14
. no
Godwin, Mr.
371
Gordon, Lord George, Liberality of
320
Gray, Rev. Daniel ...
466
Griffiths, Rev. Joseph ...
62
Gurdon, Rev. PhiUp
404
Habersham, Mr., Letter from
254
Hallward, Mr., Letter to, from the Countess ..*
399
HamUton, Sir William
205
Harris, Howel
...
1
Deathof
290
Hart, Rev. Richard
...
358
Hartley, Rev. John
222
Haweis, Dr., and Lady Anne Erskine, oppose the plan of the Welsh
Calvinistic Methodists
487
Hawksworth, Mr.
40
, 160
visits Waterford, solicits ordination
167
Letters from the Countess to
167
174
ordained
175
visits Cork and Waterford ...
• •¦
181
Marriage of, and union with the Moravians
188
Henshaw, Mr.
•>•
40
Herdsman, Rev. Richard
293
Hervey, Rev. James, and Mr. Cudworth
...
338
Hfll, Sir Rowland, and Family
8
Rev. Rowland, and the Countess ... ... 10
49,
161
visits Ireland with other Ministers
208
visits Ireland a second time
219
visits Ireland the last time
229
and the Countess differ
317
Sir Richard
321
Hoare, Rev. WiUiam, and John
...
192
Hogg, Mr.
387
Holmes, Mr.
*••
69
Hope, Lady Henrietta ...
72
Horne, Rev. Andrew
216
Horseley, Mrs., of Dover
130,
132
Huntingdon, Lady, Illness of
12
Support of, in her affliction
21
Letterfrom ...
100
tr, Mr 171<.t<.liflr
21
 to Mr. Pentycross ...
77
to Mr. Glazebrook and Dr, Kirkland 88, 89
VI PAGE.
Huntingdon, Lady, Certificate of, for Mr. Benson, on leaving Trevecca 106
Letters from, to Mr. Hawksworth ... ... 173
 to General Washington ... 273
Letterfrom ... ... ... ••¦ 117
 ... ... ... ... 318
  to Lady Glenorchy ... ... Ill
 to Mr. Mead and Mr. Hawksworth 161
 to Rev. W. Taylor ... 146
 respecting the Ordination of Mr.
Hawksworth ... ... 167
 to Mr. Shu-ley ... ... 182
 to the Rev. Edward Burn ... 187
 relative to the death of Howel Harris 290
 to Mr, Piercy ... 311, 314
 to Mr. Shipman ... ... 391
 to Mr. HaUward ... ... 399
 to Mr. Hawksworth ... 415
 to Mr. Smith ... ... ... 417
 to Dr. Dodd ... ... 427
 to Mr. Hawksworth ... ... 346
_^  to the Committee of the Tabernacle
at Norwich ... ... ... 351
 —  relating to Brussels ... 480
 to Mr. Priestly ... ... 496
 to a Student at Cheshunt College 52a
 to Lord Chesterfield ... 451,455
 tothe Rev. W. Cotton ... 452,454
 to the Rev. C. Glascott ... 458
 to the Trustees of the Chapel at
KendaU ...  466
 to Mr. Gray ... ... ... 466
Letter to ... ... ... ... 317
 frora Mr. Jones ... ... ... 118
 from Mrs. Colonel Brett ... 370
 from Mr. Whitefield ... ... 375
 from Edmund Burke ... ... 286
 from Mr. Toplady ... ... 304
__^ of the Recorder of London to ... 310
visits Swansea ... ... ... ... 114
Extracts from the Letters of ... ... 125
ninessof ... ... ... ... 126
Preaching at the residence of ... ... 127"
observations on Mrs. Carter's opinions ... 134
protests against Minutes of Conference of 177^ 235
Connexion of, in Ireland ... ... ... 147
sends Ministers to Ireland ... ... 160
the relations of ... ... ... ... 171
Extract of a letter from ,.. ... 165.

Vll PAGE.
Huntingdon, Lady, Circular Notice from ... ... ... 257
purchases slaves ... ... ... 266
Interview of, with George IH. ... ... 281
differs with Rowland HiU ... ... 317
Attention of, attracted to Norwich .. ... 334
Lady Erskine and Mr. Toplady visit Norwich 343
Circular letter frora, to her Societies ... ... 432
interested about the school at Repton and the
hospital at Etwall ... ... ... 4S0
invited to Brussels by Lord Douglass ... 479
escapes assassination ... ... ... 480
WiU of ... ... ... ... 489
Devisees of ... ... ... ... 490
Rides for the Society of ... ... 493
Connexion of, property bequeathed to it ... 495 -'
Last interview of, with Mr. Priestly ... .¦• SIO
Deathof  498
Last words of ... ... ... ... 499
Funeral Sermon for ... ... ... 504
Character of ... ... ... . . 505 —
succeeded by Lady Anue Erskine ... ... 631-^
Hutton, Alderman, opens his house for preaching ... ... 219
Ireland, Mi-. ... ... ... ... ... ... 458
Irregulars and Itinerants ... ... ... ... 158
Jay, Sir James ... ... ... ... ... ... 274
Jesse, Mr. ... ... ... ... ... ... 41
Johnson, Miss ... ... ... ... ... ... 220
Rev. John .,. ... ... ... ... 272
Jones, Mr. John ... ... ... ... ... ... 97
Mr. David, and Edmund ... ... ... ... 1J6
Mr. Thomas ... ... ... ... ... 279
Keene, Mr., and the Countess ... ... ... ... 268
Kelly, Mr. ... ... ... ... ... ... 213
Kershaw, James, Esq. , converted ... ... ... 2
Keiman, Mrs. ... ... ... ... ... ... 160
Kingswood ... ... ... ... ... ... 357
School at ... ... ... ... ... 361
 founded by Mr. Whitefield ... ... 363
Kinsman, Mr. ... ... ... ... ... ... 174
Lake, Mr. ... ... ... ... ... ... 278
Laurens, the Hon. Henry, committed to the Tower .. ... 271
Lavington, Bishop of Exeter ... ... ... ... 54
Lindsey, Rev. Theophilus ... ... ... ... ... 290
Lloyd, Mr  ... ... ... ... 162
Lowth, Bishop ... ... ... ... ... ... 434
Lowther, Lady ... ... ... ... ... 43
LuneU, Mr.  151
M'All, Rev. Robert ... ,.. ... ... .. 417
Macclesfield, Lady  369

Vill PAGE.
Madan, Rev. Martin ... ... ... ... ... 340
" Thelypthora" of ... ... ... 464
Maddoek, Mr.  ... ... ... 138
Manners, Lord Robert ... ... ... ... ... 65
Matthias, Mr. ... ... ... ... ... 215
Maturin, Rev. Henry ... ... ... ... ... 213
Miss ... ... ... ... ... 214
Maxfield, Mr. Thomas ... ... ... ... ... 363
Mead, Rev. Henry ... ... ... ... ... 160
Medhurst, Mrs. ... ... ... ... ... ... 6
Methodists, Persecution of ... .. ... ... 150-
Societyin Ireland ... ... ... ... 152
 the first in Bristol ... ... ... 353
preaching house, the first ., ... ... ... 364
Welsh Calvinistic ... ... ... ... 487
Middleton, Mr., the death of ... ... ... ... 279
M'Kenzie, Rev. John ... ... ... ... ... 223
Moira, Lady ... ... ... ... ... ... 90
and Lady ArabeUa Denny ... ... ... 197
Letterfrom ... ... ... ... ... 198
MoUar, Mr. ... ... ... ... ... ... 176
Moorhouse, Rev. WiUiam ... ... ... ... ... 47
Mountcashel, Lady ... ... ... .. ... 171
Newgate, Whitefield preaches in the Chapel at ... ... 355
Newton, Rev. John ... ... ... ... 36, 139, 158
Nicholson, Mr. Isaac ... ... ... ... 301, 513
Nightingale-lane Meeting ... ... ... ... 300
NobUity at the Countess's Chapel ... ... ... ... 163
Norwich Tabernacle under John Wesley ... ... ... 341,342
sold to the Countess ... ... ... 343
visited by the Countess, Lady Anne Erskine,
and Mr. Toplady
Obphan House, Georgia, Arrival of Missionaries at...
Destruction of, by fire
Slave Trade at
seized by the Georgians
Ordination of Missionaries
refused the Rev. Cornelius Winter for the Orphan House
Orton, Job
Osborn, Mr. .'..
Owen, Rev. Mr,
Pakish, Mr.
Paul, Mrs.

Letters from

343262263265
273
326 2,'S2
414 181
393415 160
163, 183, 185

correspondence with the Countess respecting Hereford
Chapel
PeckvveU, Dr., visits Dublin
Letterfrom Deathof

468 196196
200

IX PAGE..
Pentycross, Mr. ... :.. ... •¦• •.• 59, 160
Letterfrom ... ... .•• ••• 59
Persecution in Ireland ... ... ... ¦•• ••• 210
Petition to Parliament respecting the Thirty-nine Articles rejected 287
Phillips, Mr  159
Piercy, Mr. ... ... ... •¦• ••• 260, 267, 321, 403
Piers, Rev. Henry ... ... ... ... ••• ... 154
Povah, Dr.  137, 212
Powley, Rev. Matthew ... ... ... ... 19. 21
Preaching, Itinerant ... ... ... •.• •.• 432
Out-door  433
Priestly, Rev. Timothy ... ... ... ... ... 202
Prosecutions of Rioters in Ireland ... ... ... ... 224
Rawdon, Lady Helena .... ... ... ... ... I7l
Recorder of London, Letter from, to the Countess ... ... 310
ReUy, Mr  371
Repton School ... ... ... ... ... ... 450
Robinson, Rev. Robert ... ... ... ... ... 338
Character of ... ... ... ... 339
Roe, Rev. Peter ... ... ... ... ... 159
Romaine, Rev. WUliam ... ... ... ... ... 278
Essay of, on Psalmody ... ... 66
and Garrick ... ... ., ... 191
Advice of, to Dr. Haweis ... ... 314
Opinion of, respecting Dr. Dodd... ... 426
Anecdote of ... ... ... 465
Roquet, Mr. ... ... ... ... ... ... 53
Rowlands, Mr. Daniel ... ... ... ... ... 373
Rules for the Society of the Countess ... ... ... 493
Ryland, Mr. ... ... ... ... ... ... 23
Sage, Mr. Thomas ... ... ... ... ... 227
Savage, the poet, the imprisonment of ... ... ... 367
the cruelty of the Mother of ... ... ... 369
Saxton, Lady ... . . ... ... ... 159
School at Kingswood ... ... ... ... 361,363
the Countess contributes to the ... 366
Scott, Captain ... ... ... ... ... 70, 75
Rev. Thomas ... ... ... ... .. 322
Sellon, Rev. William, Opposition of, to Northampton Chapel 306
Sermons of the Rev. WiUiam Ridge, Preface to a Volume of, written
by the Countess ... ... ... ... ... ... 481
Shaw, Sir Robert ... ... ... ... ... 222
Shelburne, Lord ... ... ... ... ... ... 159
Sheppard, Dr. ... ... ... ... ... ... 76
Sherman, Rev. James ... ... ... ... ... 413
Shipman, Mr., and Mr. Matthews, preach at Tunbridge Wells ... 126
Mr. ... ... ... ... ... ... 388
Letter from, to Mr. Winter ... ... ... 389
VOL. II. — O O

PAGE.
Shipman, Mr., Deathof  392
Shiriey, the Hon. John, the death of ... ... ... ... 22
Lady Stewarta, the death of ... ... ... 22
Lady Fanny, the illness of ... ... ... ... 56
Mr., and Mr. Venn ... ... ... ... 160
and Mr. Piers, the success of ... ... .. 155
Opposition to ... ... ... •• 178
Remarkable Letter of, to his Bishop ... ... 179
The Sermons of, give great offence ... ... 183
Deathof,  ... ... ... 200
Hymns composed by ... ... ... 201
Rev. Walter ... ... ... ... ... 214
Letter of ... ... ... ... 241
Narrative of, respecting Ministers of Conference 244
Mr. Glascott and Bowman preach at Norwich 343
visits Norwich again ... ... ... 345
Simpson, Rev. David ... ... ... ... ... 143
Skelton, Mr., Anecdote of ... ... ... ... 172,199
Slave Trade ... ... ... ... ... ... 264,265
Smith, Rev. John ... ... ... ... ... ... 41
Smythe, Baron and Lady ... ... ... ... 36
Rev. Edward ... ... ... ... ... 189
Mr. WUUam ... ... ... ... ... 190
Mrs., Remarkable conversion of ... ... ... 191
Mr., the persecution of ... ... ... ... 192
— the family of ... ... .. ... ... 193
Rev. Edward, and Mr. Mann ... ... ... 213
Spafields Chapel, Letter to the Committee of '... ... ... 324
Stillingfleet, Mr. and Mrs. ... ... ... ... 39
Stoddart, Mr. ... ... ... ... ... ... 301
Students educated in the Countess's College ... ... 112
from Trevecca, visit various counties with success ... 278
from Trevecca, the labouis of ... ... ... 431
Tabernacle at Norwich, History of ... ... ... ... 327
opened by Mr. Whitefield ... 336
Mr. Wesley takes a lease of ... ... 341
State of things at, in 1834-1836 ... 350
at Bristol commenced ... ... ... ... 378
¦ Opening of ... ... ... 380
' Preachers at ... ... ... ... 371
at Portsmouth ... ... ... ... 375
Talbot, Mr., Letter from ... ... ... ... ... 12
— Deathof ... ... ... ... ... 393
Mrs  399
Tatnall, Colonel, in Georgia ... ... ... ... 269
Taylor, Rev. WUliam ... ... .„ ... ., 145
Thompson, Mr. ... ... ... ... ... 184

XI

Thornton, Mr. the gift of, to Trevecca CoUege
Thorpe, Dr.
Thurlow, Lord Cliancellor
Toleration Act, Observations on
Tpplady, Rev. Augustus Letters from, to the Countess .
to Mr. Hussey

PAGE.
... 110, 127, 309
... 216 49
... 435 63
65, 292, 297, 304 122

Remarkable Sermon by ... ... ... 343
Townsend, Rev. Joseph, visits Dublin ... ... ... 159
Alderman ... ... ... ... ... 159
Trelavmey, Sir Harry ... ... ... ... ... 418
at St. Lpoe ... ... ... ... 419
the Countess's opinion of .. ... 420
Apostacy of ... ... ... ... 420
Trevecca CoUege ... ... ... ... ... 79
Services at ... ... ... ... 258
Tnistees of Mr. Whitefield's Chapels, Difference between ... 421
Tuam, the Archbishop of. Anecdote of ... ... ... 180
Unwin family and the poet Cowper ... ... ... 140,141
the Rev. W. C, preaches in the Countess's Chapel at Bristol 140
Venn, Mr., Success of ... ... .. ... ... 2
Mrs., the death of ... ... ... ... ... 5
— her pedigree ... ... ... ... g
Mr., Letters from ... 6,23,25,30-32,43,47,56,396,127

the preaching tours of

38

the sermon of, on the death of Mr. Whitefield

... 44

the liberality of

46

and Mr. Madan preaching in the open air

... 125

in London, preaches at the Lock, and Lady Huntingdon's

Chapels

... 127

preaches at Surrey Chapel, &c.

321

Wales, Meeting in, to form a Mission

161,257

Washington, General ...

273

Letters of the Countess to

273, 274

Wesley, Mr. Charles ... ... ... ... 150,365

380, 381

John, visits Ireland

155, 205

Letter from, to Mr. Fletcher

233

Letters from

236, 237

the recantation of

242

and Charles

... 334

takes a lease of the Tabernacle at Norwich

341

visits Norwich

... 345

 Yarmouth

345

 Bristol, Gloucester, &c.

361,365

and Whitefield, Division between

367

Ulness of ...

... 380

^heatley, Rev. James, and the Methodist Society ...

32?

visits Norvrich

... 328

XII PAGE.
Wheatley, Rev. James, Violent persecution of ... ... 329
White, Rev. WiUiara, IUness and death of ... ... 177,178
Whitefield, Rev. George, Letters from, to Mr. Shiriey ... 13,26
Letter from, respecting the death of the
Earl of Buchan ... ... 16
Illness of, ... ... ... 127
 of, to the Countess ... ... 375
 to the Countess Delitz ... 375
 to Mr. Charies Wesley ... 381
the last visit of, to Bath, Bristol, Chippen
ham, &c. ... ... ... 27
visits Tunbridge Wells, Lewes, Brighton, &c. 126
and Mr. De Courcy ... ... ... 128
the first who visited Ireland ... 148
visits Ireland again ... ... ... 151
visits Ireland the third time ... 154
WiUof, ... ... ... ... 256
and the Slave Trade ... ... 265
visits Nonvich .. ... ... 332
opens the Tabernacle ... ... 336
the family of, ... ... ... 353
Success of the preaching of ... 354
Opposition of the Clergy to ... ... 355 —
founds Kingswood School ... 363
and Wesley, Division between ... 367-
visits Bristol ... ... 375,377
Whitridge, Mr. ...  ... ... 465
Wildbore, Rev, J. B. ... ... ... ... .. 208
Wflks, Rev. Mark ... ... ... ... ... 344
Appointment of, to the Tabernacle at Norwich .. 344
Williams, Mr. Joseph ... ... ... ... ... ] j
William ... .. ... ... ... 107
Peter ... ... ... ... ... 107
Thomas ... ... .. ... ... 149
Wflls, Rev. Thomas .. ... ... ... ... 54 55
the marriage of ... ... ... ... gg
and Mr. Taylor, the secession of ... 312
preaches at Kidderminster ... ... 414
Effects of the preaching of ... ... 416
preaches at Looe ... ... 421
Glascott, Taylor, and Piercy ... ... 433
Winkworth, Rev. WiUiam ... ... ... jj-g
Winter, Rev. Comelius . ... ... ... 251 386
Wright, Governor... ... ... ... ... 252
Mr., and Mr. Crane ... ... ... . 553
Sir James ... ... ... . 269
Zulubuhler, Rev. Mr. ,,, ... .,, ... 252

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