l%./<^ .oS, from f ^e feifirar^ of gprofeBBor ^amuef (^tiffer in (glemotis of Subge ^amuef (StifPer QSrecftinribge ^reeenfe^ %t ^amuef (ttliffet QBrecfttnribge £ong to f ^ feiCtari? of (Jjmceton t^ogicaf ^eminarj BX 6495 .S75 S6 1835 Sommers, Charles George, 1793-1868. Memoir of the Rev. John Stanford , D . D . „_ . . Inman Pinx^ Gunber Sctdp" nWt'^ -KOISIM Jl'AKJfOiEiM. U.i). MEMOIR OF THE REV. JOHN STANFORD, D. D. LATE CHAPLAIN TO THE HUMANE AND CRIMINAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. BY CHARLES G. SOMMERS, PASTOR OF THE SOUTH BAPTIST CHURCH IN KEW-yORK. TOGETHER WITH AN APPENDIX, COMPRISING BRIEF MEMOIRS OF THE REV. JOHN WILLIAMS, THE REV. THOMAS BALDWIN, D. D. AND THE REV. RICHARD FURMAN, D. D. The righteous Bhall be in everlasting remembrance.— f^fl/w cxii. G. NEW-YORK: SWORDS, STANFORD, AND CO. No, 152 Broadway. 1835. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1835, by Thomas N. Stanford, in tlie Clerk's Office of the Southern District of New- York. TO THE HONOURABLE THE MAYOR AND CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NEW- YORK; TO THE GOVERNORS OF THE NEW-YORK HOSPITAL; AND TO THE DIRECTORS OF THE SEVERAL HUiMANE AND CRIMINAL INSTITUTIONS, IN WHICH THE REV. JOIIIV STANFORD, D, D. WAS FOR MORE THAN TWENTY YEARS THE DEVOTED AND UNIVERSALLY BELOVED CHAPLAIN; THIS MEMOIR IS MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, BY THE AUTHOR. ADVERTISEMENT. The present Memoir of the Rev. John Stan- ford, D. D. was commenced at the particular solicitation of his surviving relatives and other friends. It was attempted with great diffi- dence, and continued under all the disadvant- ages of accumulated public duties and frequent interruptions. Historical accuracy, and not literary excellence, is all at which circumstances have enabled the writer to aim ; he would^, therefore, bespeak the indulgence of the rea- der, so far at least as regards those incidental imperfections which a just criticism may de- tect. With no ambition for authorship, but in humble hope that this biography of a servant of Jesus Christ, so eminently pious, and of such distinguished usefulness, may be made instrumental in promoting that cause to which his youth and hoary age were alike devoted^ the work is committed to the providence of God. B ▼I ADVERTISEMENT. The Appendix, comprising the memoirs of three eminently pious and useful Baptist mi- nisters, has been added, for the purpose of giviog greater publicity to the history of their worth. While living, they were the affec- tiotiate friends of Dr. Stanford; it seemed, therefore, to be peculiarly appropriate to in- clude the brief narrative of their lives in the same volume. PREFACE. If to enlighten and affect the human mind be one means appointed by heaven to promote the mora! interests of mankind, then it cannot but be an acceptable service, to spread before the world the history of those who, by uniform and exalted piety, have exemplified the sanctifying power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. By so doing, we multiply the Fiiotives to a holy life, and embalm the memory of the just. " Let their mem'ry shine, In glories that survive their living days, As od'roua scents outlast the censer's blaze." A desire to remember and to be remembered, is a principle inseparable from the nature of man ; and this feeling has not unfrequently been sanctified to the improvement and pleasure of those who have had sense and good taste sufficient to prefer the narrative dictated by truth, to works of mere imagination. The fictions of the poet and the novelist will vanish like the meteor's blaze, but the records of the Vlii ' PREFACE. Christian Church shall survive, in the memoirs of those who have added their testimony to that of '• the great multitude, which no man can numher." A volume of Christian biography, where history teaches by the power of example, cannot fail to make an impression on the mind of the reader, which the apocryphal effusions of those who write merely to please the fancy can never produce. Every attempt, therefore, to excite the souls of men to spiritual action, by illustrating the beauty and excellency of religion, as it regulates and blesses life, and pours its consolations, like the light of heaven, around the death-bed of the Christian pilgrim, must be regarded as a work of benevolence. The design of this memoir is, neither to build the tombs of the prophets, nor to garnish the sepulchres of the righteous ; but, by recording the virtues of the pious dead, to enforce the divine precept — "Go thou and do likewise." The advantages of a good example are every where acknowledged, because, by a secret but powerful influence, it urges us to imitation. This principle was so well understood by the Romans, that they preserved, with the greatest care, the pictures of their brave progenitors, as a means of exciting them to emulate their heroic patriotism. Caesar never said to his soldiers, " Ite," go on; but his animating command was, " Venite," come on, or, follow me. In the name of One, greater than Caesar, the apostle commands all who aspire to the immortal honours of victory over the powers of darkness, " Be ye followers PREFACE. IX of them who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises." It is not intended to present the subject of this memoir as a perfect exemplar; but it may, without exaggeration, be said, that by the grace of God he was enabled, amidst the toils and changes of a long life, *' through manifestation of the truth, to commend himself to the consciences of all men in the sight of God.'' He maintained his integrity, and active spiritual vitality, unto the end, " If faults he had, they were such as made No blot upon the picture. A man immaculate we never knew.'^ That the life of our venerable friend was devoted to the glory of God, the present happiness and future salvation of men, v/ill be doubted by no one acquainted with his indefatigable labours as aminister of Christ ; and it is reasonable to suppose, that the Christian public desire to become more familiar with the private history of a man so highly distinguished for usefulness, and so universally beloved. How far the present volume may conduce to the proposed end, must be submitted to the judgment of the reader, from whose kindness the writer will hope, that its moral tendency will shield both the work and its author, at least from severe criticism. The pecuhar mental and moral characteristics of Dr. Stanford, may be said to have consisted in an unconquerable attachment to the cause of God an4 X PREFACE. truth ; and a faithful appropriation of all the powers of his mind to promulgate the gospel, by proclaiming the way of salvation, through Jesus Christ, from the pulpit and from the press. In the first of these departments of Christian effort, the following pages will show, that he was surpassed by few men of the present age; and as a pungent and lucid writer on practical divinity, he is favourably known to the Christian world. By the death of Dr. Stanford, the cause of truth has sustained a great loss; yet he was providentially preserved to an advanced age, to bless mankind by his precept and example. Wiiile, therefore, we bow in submission before liim whose ways are unsearchable, and his judgments past finding out, we may hope, that the imperishable lustre of the example which he has bequeathed will excite ihou- gands to the faithful and diligent performance of their duty, that, when time with them shall be no more, they may inherit the blessing. The following work has been in part composed from manuscript volumes containing his diary, from fugitive pieces, written at intervals, and from such facts, with regard to his public labours, as the author could collect from his own memory, or that of friends. In every instance, great pains have been taken to give, in Dr. Stanford's own words, whatever was fit for the public eye. From the very imperfect state of all his papers, it is evident that he could not have written with a view to posthumous publication. PREFACE. , XI It was originally the design of the writer to hare enriched the present work with a condensed history, and hthographic views, of all the public institutions in this city, in which Dr. S. laboured; and to have furnished the statistics of New- York, from the days of its original founders, materials for which had been amply provided in a manuscript volume which Dr. S. prepared, with incredible labour, in the examination of the public and private sources of statistical infor- mation; and which contained important facts relating to the history of New- York, for more than one hundred and eighty years past, which few other men had the means of obtaining. This valuable production, written in Dr. Stanford's usual style of elegant penmanship, was presented to the Common Council of New- York, but is now, we fear, irrecover- ably lost. Great disappointment has been experienced in the impossibility of finding this book, notwithstand- ing a most laborious and persevering search of about six months; by which this memoir has been delayed until the present time, and the author has been compelled to have recourse to other sources for the historical statements which are interspersed through- out the present work. That the following pages, designed to promote the interests of evangelical piety, may be acceptable to the reader, and accompanied with the blessing of God, is the sincere prayer, and the highest ambition, of THE AUTHOR. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Pagre His Birth and Education r - " - 13 His first serious Impressions « - - - 14 Confirmation - - " - lo Religious Tracts - - - - lo Intercourse with IMi. Cleave Hooper • - - - 17 Private Prayer - - - - 18 The Pack of Carda buried . . . . J9 Prayerful Study of the Bible , - - - 20 Abandoned by his Uncle - - - - 21 Death of his Uncle and his Mother - - - - 22 Mr. Stanford removes to Hammersmith - - - - 23 His Call to the Christian Ministry - - - - 24 CHAPTER H. Conversation respecting Baptism - - - - 2S Examination of Infant Baptism - - - - 27 First Interview with the Rev. Mr. Wallin - - - 28 Persecution for Conscience sake - - - - 29 Joseph's Coat of many Colours - - - - 30 He commits himself to the Lord - - - - 31 His Public Ordination to the Ministry - - - - 32 Address of the Rev. Abraham Booth • - - - 33 Commences his Diary - - - - 38 CHAPTER III. He removes to America - - - - 39 Call from the Church in Providence - - - - 40 Baptists, the Advocates of Liberty - - - - 41 Letter from the Rev. Jonathan Edwards - - - - 42 Visitation amongst the Poor - - - - 43 Theological Students - - - - 44 Commendation _ „ . - 45 XIV CONTENT?. Orphans instructed Mr. Stanford returns to New-York Depressed in Spirit The broken Heart healed Sabbath Evening Lectures Jewish Custom at Weddings A Church constituted Letter from the Rev. Rowland Hill Conflagation The Christian's Pocket Library Indwelling Sin lamented Self-dedication Visit to a Backslider Final State of Infants CHAPTER IV. Unexpected Relief Cast down, but not destroyed Visit to Stamford Despair, the Fruit of Sin Warwick Association Yellow Fever Death of Mrs. Stanford Effects of Yellow Fever in Xew-York Commemorative Sermon Day of Thanksgiving The Eucharist Ordination of the Rev. Daniel Hall The moving of the Cloud Re-appearance of Yellow Fever Fears dissipated Amiable Trait of Character Uriin and Thummim CHAPTER V. Young Converts Painful Tidings The Pulpit preserved His Congregation dispersed Thoughts on the Thirty-third Psalm Letter to Dr. B. Rev. Dr. Livingston Letter to Captain W. The Comer-stone- Consequence of Intemperance Superior Church Music, a Blessing His Services multiplied The Log-book Good News Typhus Fever CONTENT^. XV CHAPTER VI. Meditation in the Fields * Retirement, Meditation, and Prayef Sanctified Affliction Letter to the Shaftsbury Association Baptists, not addicted to PoUtics The Domestic Chaplain Letter to John Holmes, Esq. Merciful Interposition of Providence Visit to Governor Bloonifield A memorable Event New Year's Sermon Letter to Governor Bloomfield Letter from Governor Bloonifield New-York Aims-House His Field of Labour Obstacles did not impede him Gratitude of his Hearers A Week's Work Abounding in the Work of the Lord His Labours in the State-Prison Conversion of J. R. • Victory through Christ CHAPTER VIL Worthy of Imitation Letter to E. H. Esq. Out of Weakness he was made Strong Ministerial Qualifications Gratuitous Distribution of Tracts Letter to the Rev. WiUiain Hallock Letter to C. G. S. Submission to the Divine Will The Facetious Dutchman Ordination of the Rev. Daniel Sharp A Painful Accident Essay on Walking with God Sudden Illness Letter to Captain W. Tract on the Lord's Day History of J. H. Pac CHAPTER VIII. Divinity Students Tract on Profane Swearing Letter to Dr. H. Interesting Incident Letter to Mr. E. J. W. His Desire to be Useful W^alking by Faith - m 97 . 98 99 - 100 - 101 - 103 - 104 - 105 - 106 . 107 - 108 . 110 - Ill - 112 - 113 . 114 - 115 - 116 - 117 - 118 - 119 - 121 • . 122 - - 123 • • 124 i - 125 . . 128 - - 127 - - 128 . - 129 . . 130 . - 131 • . 132 . • 133 . - 134 . - 136 • • - 137 - 141 • 142 - 143 - 146 - 146 . 149 - 150 XYl CONTENTS. Latin Letter by O. P. The Translation The Debtors Services unrewarded Magdalen-Asylum Conversion of' J. W. C. Happy Death of J. W. C. Satan and Ned Craig vanquished Bridewell Conversion of R. A Prisoner in Chains His Field of Labour enlarged A Stranger on the Earth Zeno and Seaeca Page J 51 ]52 153 154 155 15G 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 CHAPTER IX. His first Sermon in the New- York Hospital Military Hospital Grateful Sailors A Magdalen reclaimed » Happy Death of J. R. Dreadful Consequences of Infidelity The Hatred of Ahab Society of the United Brethren Letter to A. B. Esq. Schools in the State-Prison '<■ Another Victim of Seduction saved Catechism for the Young Prisoners Triumphs of the Gospel Ordination of Mr. Elliott Horrible Consequences of Deism Recantation * Conversion of W. S. L. - School in tlie Hospital Colonel Golden - Chapel in the Debtor's Prison - Cold Water Toasts Schools examined The tempted Stranger Letter to Mr. W. S. lliot in the State -Prison Mr. Stanford in the Pulpit 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 176 177 178 179 170 181 182 ]83 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 193 194 CHAPTER X. Services in the Public Institutions Death of Mrs. Isabella Graham A Sudden Death Funeral of Mrs. Isabella Graham Conversion of G. B. A Brand plucked out of t]ie Fire 195 196 197 198 199 200 CONTENTS. XVll Interesting Cases Improvements in Bridewell His Labours blessed Another good Day's Work Out-door Patients Pardons Sermon on the Death of Elijah Hunter, Esq. Two Men under Sentence of Deatii Letter from the Hon. Richard Stanford Death of the Hon. Richard Stanford ^»evv Ahns-Honse Manuscript Book lost Resignation in Death Sabbath Breakers converted Letter from Governor Tompkihs Conditional Pardons 2(fl 202 203 204 205 206 207 203 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 CHAPTER XL Visit of President Monroe The Chaplain highly commended Conversion of H. T. Happy Death of H. T. Letter from Governor Clinton The Sandbank Letter from the Rev. Peter Mortimer Conversion of W. L. Letter from the Hon. Thomas J. Spicer An Infant Disciple 218 219 220 2^22 223 224 225 226 227 2.30 CHAPTER Xn. The Gospel preached to Lunatics Mr. Stanford's Labours appreciated Six Sermons preached in one Day Narrative of George Vanderpool Extraordinary amount of Labour 232 233 234 235 240 CHAPTER Xin. Visit to the South Short Sermons Funeral of John Withington The South Baptist Church ♦ Letter from the Rev. Dr. Cox Diana Sellick saved from the Gallows 241 242 243 244 245 251 CHAPTER XIV. Letter to the Hon. Nicholas Brown Concern for the Welfare of Mariners Another Benevolent Plan proposed 253 B54 255 XVlll CONTENTS. Importance of Educating Seamen I^etter from Captain Perry, U. S. N. Deatli of William Stanford Awful Steam-Boat Explosion Dying Experience of the Sufferers A Memorial of the Lord's Goodness Crossing the Bar of Old Age Grateful Reminiscences Benefits of Affliction acknowledged His Children Fear the Lord Christ the only Refuge for the Soul CHAPTER XV. Mr. Stanford's Portrait The Murderer of Captain West The grand Canal Celebration (Jrigin of the New-York House of Refuge - Address to the Mayor and Corporation Plan of the proposed Institution Ways and Means Concluding Remarks Location of the House of Refuge Dedication Sermon Present Number of Inmates The Prisoner's Companion Merit disclaimed The Foundation re-exanuned 256 257 258 259 2i»0 261 262 263 264 265 266 263 269 270 271 272 273 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 262 CHAPTER XVI. Death of the Rev. C.R. Duffle - - - - 284 Letter from the Hon. Charles Carroll .... jgc'5 Gratitude for Divine Favours .... 286 Origin of the New-York Mechanics' School - - 287 (lood Advice to a Physician .... 2S8 Sabbath Schools - - - - 289 Closing the Year with Prayer .... 290 Key. John Stanford, D. D. - - - - 291 Origin of the Institution for the Instruction of Deaf l^Iutes in New-York - - - - 298 l^etter from the Hon. Philip Hone, Esq. .... 294 The Aged Christian's Cabinet - - - - 295 The Everlasting Sabbatism - - - - 296 CHAPTER XVII. Letter to Mrs. Wetraore Prayer for the Light of Life The Stanford Library at Bellevue Tract on Morning and Evening Devotion - Letter to Mrs. Wetmore 298 299 300 301 302 CONTENTS. xix Tiie Ebenezer Bigotry disclaimed His last Annual Census Tic Douloureux The Domestic Chaplain His last Letter to Mrs. Wetraore Dr. Stanford's last Tract An Affecting Scene Last Letter to the Rev. Joseph Grafton Letter from the Rev. Joseph Grafton Rev. Drs. Brownlee, Knox, and De Witt Dr. Stanford's Decease Letters of Condolence Summary View Letter from the Rev. Spencer H. Cone APPENDIX Preface Memoir of the Rev. John Williams Memoir of the Rev. Thomas Baldwin, D. D. Memoir of the Rev. Richard Furman, D. D. Page 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 313 314 314 315 319 336 343 345 369 405 M E M O I R. CHAPTER I. niRTH AND EDUCATION EARLY RELIGIOUS IMPRESSIONS'-^ SETTLEMENT AT HAMMESUMITH. is attempting to portray the character and life of a (ievoted minister of Christ, it would seem natural to exclaim in the language of the pious bard-^ " Some angel guide my pencil, while I draw, What nothing else than angel can exceed> A man on earth devoted to the skies, With aspect mild, and elevated eye. Behold him seated on a mount serene, i^bove the fogs of sense, and passions' storm; All the black cares and tumults of this life, Like harmless thunders breaking at his feet, Excite his pity, not impair his peace." .Tohn Stanford, the only son of William and Mary Stanford, was born October 20th, 1754, at Wands- worth, in Surry, Great-Britain. Until the tenth year of his age, we are not in possession of any facts which would 1)6 interesting to the reader ; but from that period, his uncle, George Stanford, to whom he stood iieir at law, took charge of his education, and placed him in a respectable seminary. Here he experienced iuany discouragements from the inattention and un- kindness of his tutors; notwithstanding which, his 14 HLs riRST >i:Faous impressions. industry and application enabled him to make a creditable proficiency; and when about sixteen years of age, he commenced the study of medicine. His early life appears not to have been corrupted by those vices which have proved fatal to millions ; but, regulated by the influence of religious instruc- tion, his deportment was characterised by a proper degree of sedateness, and his mind frequently exer- cised with conviction of sin in view of a future state. At the age of fifteen he was so sensibly impressed with thoughts of eternity, arising from the prema- ture death of a classmate, that he ate or drank but little for several days. These convictions, however, were of comparatively short duration. While residing in the seminary at Wandsworth, he would sometimes, on a rainy Sabbath, collect a, number of the students in his own room, and thus, by reading prayers and a printed sermon, encourage that holy keeping of the Lord's day which the public worship of God was intended to promote. In his sixteenth year he wrote two sermons, one on " the crucifixion,''^ founded upon Luke xxiii. 33, and another on " the harmony of divine aftribtifes,'' from Psalm Ixxxv. 10, " both of which," he says, '' when God had further enlightened my understand- ing, I destroyed."— This amiable but merely moral course, in a mind peculiarly constituted and religiously predisposed by the habits of education, naturally pro- duced a Pharisaical spirit, and an unfounded hope of salvation by the works of the law. The death of his father (March 24, 1772,) when he was only seventeen years of age, induced him to return home to reside with his widowed mother, where, for many months, he privately pursued his studies by every means in his power, and with evident success. From his diary it appears, that he was at this time a member of the Episcopal Church, and highly op- posed to every one of a different persuasion. At this CONFIRMATION. 15 period a young gentleman, (Mr. Potter) the son of a iiighly respectable family, was reported to have left his '•'■ parish church,'^ and attended a chapel of the dis- senters. Although young Stanford had no personal intimacy with Mr. P. he appears to have been much displeased with his conduct in this instance, and ac- cordingly wrote him a letter, in which he ridiculed ail sectaries, and unguardedly censured that practice which he has since acknowledged to be, " the good ways ot the Lord." This letter appears to have afforded him a degree of present exultation, but was subsequently followed with many tears. Upon the subject of his own religious course, he says — " Notice being given in the imrish church, that a confirmation would be attended by the bishop, at Lambeth, about five miles from London, and that candidates should apply to the curate for examination, I was anxious to avail myself of the opportunity. 1 was however advised first to consult my uncle, who was also my ' god-father ,'' and upon whose favour ail my worldly prospects were suspended. When I mentioned the subject to him, he kindly replied : ' It is well enough that young people should be confirmed, and as an opportunity offers, yes, you may go ; espe- cially as some of your young companions will make up a party, and that will serve as a holiday.' I then repaired to the curate, who, being informed that I could say 'the creed, the Lord's prayer, and the ten commandments,' said, ' you are sufficiently qualified for confirmation.' " He was accordingly confirmed ; and upon this subject he remarks ; — " This act did undoubtedly very much contribute to the establish- ment of my belief, that by my infant baptism I was * regenerated, made a child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven.' From this time I con- cluded my moral state secure — nothing more was now necessary, to make me a Christian. A most delusive snare to me— to thousands !" IC RELIGIOUS TRACTS. His veneration for the Lord's day appears to have been generally commendable. But, on a particular occasion, he yielded to the earnest solicitations of some young persons, to accompany them on a party of pleasure upon the river. When returning they were in imminent danger of being drowned, but heaven interposed to save them from a watery grave. Their merciful preservation at this time, made an iuipression upon his mind, which effectually secured him against every future temptation to desecrate the hallowed Sabbath of the Lord. Several years after this event, he wrote a twelve page tract, entitled *' The Lord's Day," which has been widely circu- lated, and is deservedly regarded as among the best publications upon that subject. As an evidence of his early labours in the tract cause, it deserves to be recorded, that about fifty-five years* ago, he published two tracts, in London, entitled " Criti- RIONS, WHEREBY THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN MAY TRY THE REALITY OF HIS PROFESSION," and " THE Celestial Inhabitant, or Christ dwelling in THE Hearts of his People." They were gra- tuitously and extensively distributed. In relating the wonderful story of his conversion to God, he remarks : — " The address of the widow of Tekoah to king David, on behalf of his exiled son Absalom, God ' deviseth means, that his banished be not expelled from him,' (2 Sam. xiv. 14,) has indeed been verified in my experience. Means, the most simple, and least expected, are often employed by the Lord to produce the most important results; par- ticularly in bringing sinners from the error of their way, to taste the sweetness of redeeming love, and * The London Religious Tract Society, which is the parent of all the principal Tract Societies at present existing in the world, commenced its operations in 1799, which was nineteen years after the time wiieu Mr, Stanford published the above named tract^j. INTERCOURSE WITH MR. CLEEVE HOOPER. 17 rest beneath the covert of Iminanuel's wings. Such, I humbly trust, has been God's unspeakable goodness to me, at a time when I was wrapped in pharisaical security, ignorant of myself, and far, very far from the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Under a sermon, delivered by the Rev. Mr. Romaine, it pleased God to manifest his grace to Mr. Cleeve Hooper, who had been my classmate. Although in our aca- demical intercourse no particular attachment was developed, yet no sooner was Mr. Hooper brought to the enjoyment of a hope of salvation through the sacrifice of Christ, than he began to discover a deep solicitude for my spiritual welfare. He therefore made me a visit, dropped a i'ew religious words in conversation, on purpose to try the state of my heart; which, notwithstanding my boasted morality, he easily perceived was very far from being right with God. Although he lived at a distance of eight miles, yet he repeated his visits frequently — spoke of man's de- pravity — the necessity of being born again — a total renunciation of all human merit — complete redemp- tion by the blood of Christ — and the absolute necessity of faith, in order to ' walk with God,' and bear fruit to his glory. These sentiments I did not take upon me to contradict; but, I must confess, my heart arose in opposition to them. Several months elapsed before Mr. Hooper ventured to attack my strong holds of self-righteousness, but, at length he presented the alarming statements of the Bible respecting the holi- ness, spirituality, and extent of the law of God, in its precepts and demands — the insufficiency of our own righteousness, and the absolute necessity of being divested of all legal hopes; before the sinner will submit to God, and be willing to accept of salvation by the righteousness of Christ. This left a slight conviction on my mind, and, from the passages of Scripture which he produced in support of his own sentiments, I was led to conclude that these things 2* 18 PRIVATE PRAYER. were true. I now began to feel a desire to know myself, and to be saved from my sins. Mr. Ifooj3er perceiving he had at least obtained access to my ear, and that I began better to approve of his religious conversation, sent me Romaine's treatise on " The Life of Faith," accompanied with an affectionate note. On Mr. Hooper's next visit, he explained to me the office of the Holy Spirit to enlighten the dark mind, to testify of Christ, and to lead the soul inio happy communion with God. I felt much distressed that I knew nothing of these things, and concluded I was far from being in a state of safety. " After the departure of my friend I retired to my chamber with a desire to pray, in hope of obtaining relief. 1 prostrated*myself before the Lord, but my mind was covered with darkness — not one suitable thought did I possess of the majesty of the supreme Being whom I was about to address. All was dark- ness and confusion — 1 cried out, ' O Lord, I do not know thee ; how then shall I pray.' I arose with conscious shame ; hastily left my chamber, and went many days mourning over a hard, ignorant, unbeliev- ing heart. A period this, which it is not probable I shall ever forget, as it was the first time I might be said to realize my fallen and sinful state. *' One day while reading the fifty-fourth chapter of Isaiah, I received great encouragement from the thirteenth verse : ' All thy children shall be taught of the Lord ; and great shall be the peace of thy children.' After this I retired for prayer, earnestly pleading this gracious promise, and found thereby a very great increase of earnest desires after the Lord. 1 could not rest satisfied ; but panted after the enjoy- ment of that real good, which I was unable to describe. If walking the streets, at home, or abroad, I every where felt an engagedness of heart for spiritual bless- ings unknown to me before. While sitting in my chamber meditating upon the wonderful mercy of the THE PACK OF CARDS BURIED. 19 Lord, T cast my eyes upon a pack of cards, to the use of which I had been greatly addicted ; I instantly seized and carried them into the garden, and threw them into a trench dug to receive some plants, and covered them up. Thus I left the book of cards and embraced the book of God, which I hope will be the means of my enjoying more abundant and more sublime pleasures. " About this time my raind was greatly distressed on account of having received the Lord's supper when 1 was in an unconverted state, and merely as constituting a pubUc profession ; thereby, as I con- cluded, having sealed my own condemnation, ' not discerning the Lord's body.' Moreover, my conduct to Mr. Potter, the young gentleman already named, gave me great disquietude, and had a tendency to show me, how far my pharisaical zeal had influenced me to throw stumbling-blocks in the way of others who were concerned for their salvation. Ti)is subject produced much uneasiness of mind, nor could I rest until I had formed an acquaintance with him, and acknowledged with regret that I was the author of the letter already alluded to. It pleased God go far to bless this resolution, that a mutual friendship was produced, and we walked together many years in the ways of Christian obedience. Glory be to tiie Lord for this instance of his sovereiH"n.i]i:oodness. " As to the general exercises of my mind for several months, hope and fear, pleasure and pain, alternately occupied my heart. Sometimes cold and indifferent, then warm desires expressed in the language of David, ' O that 1 had wings like a dove, then would I fly away, and be at rest.' About this time, my uncle invited me to join a party of young persons to visit VauxhrJl Gardens, a place of carnal pleasure. This was not only a strong temptation, but a source of great dis- tress — my temporal interest 1 knew depended upon his favour, and I had not fortitude sufficient to refuse, 20 PRAYERFUL STUDY OF THE BIBLE. although compliance created intense agony of niinJ: In the garden I seemed as if in the infernal regions- music, singing, exhibitions, company, all, all was in opposition to the state of my feelings, and filled my heart with sorrow. However, 1 found some consola- tion in contemplating the alteration in my own mind, for I had never before considered such amusements as incompatible with Christianity. This consideration was the more welcome, as it enabled me upon scrip- tural principles, to conclude, that God must have produced this great and surprising change in my ojiinions and feelings." Shortly after this, Mr. Hooper commenced a syste- matic correspondence with Mr. S. which was blessed of God as a means of his spiritual improvement in the knowledge of Christ. The writings of Hervey, Jones, Romaine, and especially a pamphlet, entitled " A Drop of Honey from the Rock Christ," (the work of Wilcox, one of the early Baptist ministers of Lon- don,) were also very useful to him. But above all, the sacred volume appears to have been the chief source of his consolation. Through this celestial medium, he was enabled to contemplate the person, offices, vicarious sacrifice, grace, and promises, of the Lord Jesus, as exactly suited to his necessities. Thus did the Holy Spirit mercifully conduct and shine upon his soul, to dispel the moral darkness and to enable him to say with David, " Into thy hands I commit my spirit, for thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth." From this time his mind was directed to the pray- erful study of the Holy Bible, in every part of which, he seems to have discovered the glory of Christ, as John beheld the apocalyptic angel, standing in the midst of the sun. Like the primitive Baptist, the public ministry of John Stanford commenced amongst the poor. Divine Providence so ordered it, that shortly after ABANDONED BY HIS UNCLE. 21 his conversion, he was frequently invited to visit the sick and dying ; and on these occasions he g-enerally nsed the form of prayer prescribed by the Episcopal Church. But, upon this subject, he remarks, " being one day requested to attend an unhappy man, whose criminal indulgencies had prostrated his vital energies, and brought him to the gates of death; I found that the form of prayer, although generally very excellent, did not suit the peculiarities of his case." On this occasion he for the first time, in the presence of others, ventured to express his desires to God, by extemporaneous prayer. Not enjoying the stated ministry of the Gospel in his native town, he embraced every opportunity of going to London, where, to his great edification, and growth in grace ; he heard the Rev. Mr. Romaine, and other evangelical ministers of Christ. Here fof a time, he seemed to '' lie doicn in green pastures,''* and to be led ^^ beside the still icaters;^^ but, as in the case of Israel, who had no sooner passed over Jordan, than they were met by the Canaanites, so, although to him unknown, the hour and the powers of darkness were at hand. — In his journal he remarks : — " Passing over Wandsworth bridge in a very happy frame of mind ; [ w^as strongly tempted to question whether I was a child of God, as I was exempted from those afflictions to which in the Scriptures, the saints are said to be appointed. Little did I then think I was so near the furnace, much less, that I should wear the badge of afiiiction so many years. By some un- known persons, it was intimated to my uncle, that his nephew had become *' strangely religious, left his church, and went after dissenters.^* This intelligence greatly exasperated him ; and one day as he was })assing by my window, he saw me readinsr a religious liook, which had a tendency to confirm his suspicion, and he withdrew his attention from me. From this time our intercourse was cut oiT, and I saw him no 22 DEATH OF HIS UNCLE AND HIS MOTHER. more, until his death, which occured after a few weeks of continement to his chamber ! On inquiry concerning his affairs, 1 found he had altered his will, left his property to an indifferent person ; and be- queathed no more to me, than enough to answer the requisition of the law in my favour as his heir. After so many years sanguine expectation, at the very period when his assistance seemed to be indispensably necessary to my advancement in public life; to have my earthly support fail, and my prospects suddenly blasted ; was certainly a severe trial. Young in ex- perience, I could not then penetrate the designs of Providence in that event; but it afforded me great satisfaction to feel entirely conscious, that I had not procured this treatment by any imprudent or sinful conduct ; but only, because I ' had become religions, and had gone after the dissenters.'' " When subsequently I w^ilked over those fields which my late uncle had so often told me should be mine, I confess that 1 felt a degree of disappointment ; but I was assisted to reflect, that if my heavenly Father knew that the possession of these fields would have been for my good, I most certainly should have inherited them. This consideration entirely recon- ciled me to the dispensations of heaven, and enabled me to say, ' Not my will, but thine be done.' *' But no sooner was my uncle deposited in his grave, and my mind in a great degree relieved from the distress which his conduct towards me had produced, than a far greater affliction was prepared for the trial of my faith. My mother was now about forming a second marriage, but she was suddenly taken very ill with a bilious fever, and, within the time appointed for her nuptials, she was conveyed to the silent tomb. " This sudden and painful bereavment, which de- volved upon me, the charge of three sisters, the oldest not more than twelve years of age, with but a dark prospect before me, almost bowed me down to the dust. MR. STANFORD REMOVES TO HAMMERSMITH. 23 But the Lord enabled me to adopt the prayer of David — ' Guide me in the way in which I should go, for I lift up my soul unto thee.' This affliction was greatly augmented by a near relative who took possession of my mother's property, under a pretext of obligations due to him from my deceased father, and we were left not merely orphans, but destitute of the means of support.— In the evening, while sitting alone in the parlour, quite disconsolate, and without an earthly friend in whom 1 could confide, it pleased God sensibly to apply to my mind this appropriate and invaluable promise — ' Verily thou shalt be fed.' Psalm xxxvii. 3. It was indeed the voice of God, speaking comfort to my disconsolate heart. True, the Lord by this pro- mise did not say when, where, w ith what, nor by what means I should be fed ; but it was enough for me at that time to be assured, that a supply should be granted. Nevertheless, during the ensuing two weeks the cloud seemed to grow darker. I now made my last visit to Samuel Naylor, Esq, attorney in London, in order to settle my mother's affairs. At the close of business, and finding that I had been bereft of all, Mr. Naylor expressed his generous concern for my afflictions, and asked me what now were my pros- pects ? I told him, that as to the result I was of course ignorant, but that my reliance was wholly upoM the Lord. I then knew not that Mr. Naylor was a professor of religion. He replied, * A minister who keeps a boarding-school at the place where 1 have my country-house ; is going to live upon an estate in Northamptonshire, left him by his grand-father, and if you choose to accept the settlement, I will secure it for you.' To this I objected, having no property; but Mr. Naylor generously engaged to become respon- sible for me, and his offer was gratefully accepted." Mr. Stanford's removal to Hammersmith was not only attended with many temporal comforts, but ulti- mately led to the establishment of a church in that 24 HIS CALL TO THE CIIRLSTLVN MINISTRY. j)lacc. Tims did the J.ord show him, that his " way is in tlje whirlwind, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.'' In this field of usefulness he continued to la!)our witii successful assiduity, until the Holy Spirit, the Providence of God, and the Church of Christ, with united voice, called him to the more exalted and responsihlc duties of the Christian ministry. CHAPTER II. iiE EXAMINES THE VALIDITY OF INFANT BAPTISM— JOINS THE CHURCH UNDER THE CARE OF THE RE-V. BENJAMIN WALLIN ORDAINED TO THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY-^ COMMENCES IIIS DIARY. Having detailed the prominent incidents in the his^ tory of young Stanford's hfe, up to the period when, surrounded with an accumulation of earthly cares, he i(vas thrown upon the Providence of God and his own resources; we shall present an extract from his diary, which will disclose the exercises of his mind respect- ing heliever^s haftism^ at the time he made a public profession of religion, and became a member of that denomination which he continued to adorn, until, from the toils of the wilderness, he was removed to enjoy the substantial bliss of the paradise above, A change of opinion is no uncommon event, even amongst men of sound and discriminating minds. But when such changes occur^ and stand connected with the voluntary sacrifice of every prospect of worldly emolument — when they sunder the dearest ties of consanguinity — and when, as in the case of young Stanford, there is a voluntary relinquishment of the strong prepossessions of early education^ — then may it \\\\.\\ truth be said, that the event not only demon- strates the sincerity of the individual, but becomes a practical commentary on the importance of the sub- ject which occasioned the change. " Truth, though sometimes clad In painful lustre, yet is always welcome ; Dear as the light that shows the lurking roek ; 'Tis the fair star, that ne'er into the main Descending, leads us safely on through stormy life." o 26 CONVERSATION RESPECTING DAPTI^:.!. The autlior hopes that it will not be rc^^arded as invidious, but due to truth, to say, that in the historv of the Baptist Churcli, events of a similar description have already multiplied beyond computation ; and they continue to recur with sucli frequency, as to have well nigh ceased to be the subject of particular remark. Thes.e repejated instances of change, from pmlobapiism to believer's baptism, cannot, so far as the ministry is concerned, be ascribed to the hope of greater jiecuni- ary advantage ; because that end, it is confidently believed, would in most cases be better attained, by remaining in the communion of any other evangelical denomination. It is moreover an invariable practice, to demand a scriptural account of the reasons which have led to the change ; and no person can be ad- mitted as a private inember, much less as a rninisler of the Baptist Uliurch, unless he is able to point to those parts of the Bible which prove the immersion^* of believers, to be, ihc baptism of the Neiv Testameni. Upon this subject Mr. Stanford remarks: — " Edu- cated in the Church of England, as by law established, I was very warmly attached to its services, i^lr. Hooper, in conversation one day, asked me, if I had thought on the validity of my baptism ? I rej)lied, I have no doubt of the validity of my baptism : the rector performed the ceremony ; my uncle was god- father; and my baptismal name is registered in the parish church book. I do not deny, said Mr. H. but that you may have liad infant baptism, but 1 wish to know^ if you believe that service to have been commanded by the Lord, in the New Testament r I answered, that I had never thought of calling my * Upon the juitliority of nn Episcopal clergyman of this city, it it< gratifying to be permitted to state a fact, which is not generally known ; that: '• In this countiy. baptism by immersion, is of very frequent xv.- currence in the Protestant Episcopal Church. '' The minister shall di]) the child or person to be baptized m the water.. ox pour water upon him.'' — Ruhicks in the office tor bajjtmn. EXA.:,iI.\ATION OF INFANT BAPTISM. 27 baptism in question, nor examined the scriptures on thi; subjccl;. More to gratify my friend, than frooi any scruple in my own mind, 1 took the first o[)por- tunity to inquire into tiie scriptural authority for my baptism. This, after importunate prayer to God \va9i performed, by the aid of the New Testament, and a concordance ; which enabled me to turn to the words, baptize, baptism, &c. &c. To my extreme mortiiication, search was in vain. I found that little children were brought to Jesus, and he * blessed ihem ;' but they were neither baptized by him, nor by his disciples. Mark x. 16. I found many pas- sages where persons were said to be baptized, all of them, professing to believe, Acts viii. 37 — 39, and xviii. 8 ; repent, Acts ii. 38 ; receive the word gladly, Acts ii. 41 ; and to, go on their way rejoicing. Acts viii. 39. A moment's reflection convinced me, that in my infant baptism, i liad not possessed any of these pre- requisiies ; because unconscious of the act, it having been performed by others on my behalf, and not by any previous consent of my own mind. I likewise found, that whereas, by my said baptism, I had been declared to be, * A child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven:^ it had proved a delusive snare to my soul, and prevented me from seeing the absolute necessity of the new birth, by the Spirit OF God. From this time I began to consider myself an unbaptized person ; but that I was now entitled to the ordinance of baptism, seeing I had obtained mercy ' to believe to the saving of my soul.' Up to this time I had never witnessed the administration of the ordin- ance according to tlie practice of the Baptist Church. " Perceiving an error in my former profession, I proceeded in a further examination of the subject. With the 'New Testament in my hand, I found that Christ had declared, ' My kingdom is not of this world ;^ but, THE CiiURCH OF ENGLAND, is established by the law of the land ; and forms a material part of 28 FIRST INTERVIEW WITH REV. MR. WALLIX. the civil constitution ; and the king of the reahii i# styled, ' Head of the Church, and Defender or THE Faith.' I also recollected that the Church of England considers the whole nation as baptized in infancy; and every individual, good and bad, to be members; and conse(|iiently required to receive the Lord's supper. Whereas the members of the Church of Christ, as described in the scriptures, are said to be, ' regeneratecV — ' called out of the tcorUV — ' miv creatures^'' and acknowledging no other Lord and King, but Jesus Christ. *' 1 next examined the doctrinal articles of the Church of England, and could not but approve of them as really good. I recollected also, many pious and learned ministers, and others of that communion, to whom I felt the most affectionate attachment. Duty, however, was a personal concern ; and what ever others might do, according to what they had been taught, it became me to listen to the voice of Jesus — ' What is thai to thee, follow thou me.'' This I wished to do in humility and love; at the same time, possessing the most sincere regard for othert?, tJiough not united to the same denomination with myself. I can truly say, ' Grace, mercy and peace, he with the Israel of God.'* At this time I was in- troduced to the Rev. Benjamin Wallin,* of London ; and carefully examined the principles and practices * The Rev. Benjamin Wallin, was for more than forty years, the devoted and useful pastor of the Baptist church in iMaze-pond, London. Asa minister of the Gospel he was laborious, aftectionate, and successful ; nor were his efforts to promote the glory of God and the moral interests of the world, circumscribed by the bounds of his own congregation. He wa« a man of public spirit, and sincerely attached to all good men. — .Mr. Wallin was one of the ministers who, in 1772, petitioned parliament, to relieve dissenters from the oppressive law which required them to subscribe to tlie articles of the Church of England. As an author he commenced his career in 1746, and attained considerable celebrity. His " Pious Memo- rials" — " Memoirs of a Young Gendeman, intended as a warning tu Deists," and several other equally meritorious works, give ample evidence of his fervent piety, and of a sound and discriminating mind. PERiSECUTIOxN FOR CO\SC[ENCE SAKE. 29 of the church over which he was pastor, and found them to correspond with those described in the New Testament. I therefore resolved, in the fear of God, to unite with that people, and accordingly offered myself as a candidate for meuibership. As ' icith the heart rjtan behecefh unto righieousnt'ss,^ so ' icith the ntGitth confession is made unto salvation.'^ (Iloni. X. 10.) I therefore declared before the Church, what 1 believed the Lord had in mercy done for me ; and was accepted, baptized, and received into the fellowship of that community, as a baptized church of Christ, where I enjoyed much of the povv^er and presence of liie I^ord Jesus. " Many years have passed av/ay since my public baptism; I have frequently and conscientiously ex- amined tire principles upon which 1 tlien acted : 1 have also had a more extensive acquaintance v/ith the different religious denominations of Ciiristians, and a more deep penetration into tiie woid of God; and although I am far from believing that Baptist churches are in a state of perfection, yet I cannot but still ap- prove of that denomination, as nearest to the truth, as it is in Christ, and rejoice in the profession t have made." Added to the loss of his uncle's valuable estate, (to which he was the lawful heir, and which had repeat- edly been promised to him,) in consequence of his leaving the Episcopal Chtirch, and attending the ministry of dissenters; he now experienced much of that unkindness which, alas! too often frowns upon those who conscientiously believe that Christ and his apostles icere Baptists ; and that therefore duty to God requires them to imitate his example. But, regard- less of pecuniary losses, and unyielding amid the re- proaches of his relations and former friends, and the odium which his change of sentiment on the subject of baptism occasionedj he seemed with holy magnanimity, to say : — 3* 30 Joseph's coat of many colours. *' Hast thou the cross for me endur'd, And all the shame despis'd ? And shall I be asham'd, O Lord, With thee to be baptiz'd ? " Didst thou the great example lead, lu Jordan's swelling flood ? And shall my pride disdain the deed That's worthy of my God?" — From the foregoing narrative, it does not appear that his conversion can be referee! to any particular period, but that the Lord led him step by step, like as it was with Ephraim ; '^ I loved Mm, and called my son out of Egypt. 1 taught Ephraim also to go, taking him. by the hand; I drew him with cords of love, and with the bands of a man.^' (Ilosea xi.) His convictions of sin were not as pungent and overwhelm- ing as do sometimes precede the joys of a hope in Christ ; " nevertheless," he remarks in his diary ; " the God of my mercy has done that for me which I coiihl not have performed for myself. ' JVhercas 1 u-a.< hlind, noiD I sec.'* If 1 were not the Lord's, surely he would not have dealt thus kindly with me. Glory be to his unbounded mercy and unchanging grace!" The subsequent parts of this narrative, must n.eces- sarily exhibit a diversified scene. His call to the ministry — public ordination — success and discourage- ments — his private and public afflictions — leaving hi& native country — emigration to America — connections —travels — friends and foes — these, with their attend- ant hopes, fears, pleasures and pains, have in such close succession attended his steps, that he was ac- customed to say, that Providence, by its vicissitudes, seemed to have furnished him with " a Joseph's coat of many colours." Although like David, he was permitted to " sing,'' both '' of mercy and judgment,'''' and to testify his grati- tude to that Almighty Saviour by whom he had ofteii HE COMxMITS HIMSELF TO THE LORD. 31 been miraculously preserved, " nevertheless," he re- marks; " I have drunk deep of the truly bitter cup ; my storms have been more violent than fall to the common lot of men ; but when dej)rived of the crea- ture, the Lord has made up the loss in the enjoyment of Himself, and proved to me ' a friend ^ that sticketh closer than a brother.'' " The subjoined extracts may serve to describe, the light in which he contemplated the prospective duties of life, and the ultimate solemnities of a dying hour. " My future prospects, whether temporal or sj)iritual, j)rivate or public, I most cheerfully leave with that good and gracious Shepherd, who hath hitherto been jny guide and unchangeable friend. May thy visita- tion preserve my heart from sin, and my life from evil, that I may walk before thee in the light of the living." At a subsequent period, and when treading the declivity of life, he remarks: " My death, in some form, is as certain as the decree of God. The time, the place, the means, with every attendant circum- stance, I leave to be ordered by infinite wisdom. I have known much of mankind, of books, of the world, and something of my own heart, and I cannot but consider it a most important point, rightly to draw the lines of life, so that they may terminate in a happy death. To Jesus, who lived and died for me, I re- sign the circumstances and the event of my decease, believing that he will graciously bestow upon me that faith which will sustain me in the solemn hour." In this holy expectation he was not disappointed. Having thus early formed his purposes, u]:>on the divine plan, of faith in Jesus Christ — he believed /^n///^ — loved /cr- vently — prayed carnesflf/ — walked humhlij — laboured (UUgently — waited patiently — and died triumphantly^ for God was with him. " A light was there, Whose beam was kindled from above." 32 Ills PUBLIC ORDINATION TO THE MLMSTllV. The following abstract of the account of the public ordination of Mr. Stanford to the work of the Chris- tian ministry, was found amongst his papers, and will, it is hoped, be interesting to the reader. ORDER OF EXERCISES. " Prayer by tlie Rev. John Reynolds, — Introductory address by the Rev. W. Clarke, — Confession of faith by Mr. Stanford, — llyam, and charge to the minister, by the Rev. Abraham Booth, — Prayer by the Rev. R. liurnham, -^Sermon to the church by the Rev. T. Davis, — Hy m n, — Conclud i n^ prayer. " After the public reading of, the call to the pas- toral office from the church of Christ in Hammer- smith to t!ic Rev. Jolm Stanford; the introductory address, «&c. was delivered by the Rev. William Clarke, A. M. Vvho then requested John Stanford })ublickly to declare his acceptance of the call of this church, and also to give a public testimony of his views of the doctrines revealed in the Bible ; and of the order, and practices of the primitive churches." After a very able document upon this subject, but which is here emitted for v/ant of room, the Rev. Mr. Clarke rose and said — " The church having given an account of the steps by them adopted relative to the call of our brother to the pastoral office; and whereas he has signilied his acceptance, and has now witnessed a good confession of his faith before many witnesses ; we do therefore proceed, in the name of the Lord Jesus, by the laying on of our hands, and by prayer ; to invest him with the pastoral office over you as a church." The Rev. Abraham Booth, Rev. John Reynolds, Rev. R. Burnham, and Rev. T.Davis, then proceeded to lay hands upon the pastor elect; while the RcTc William Clarke offered the ordaining 2)r ay er. ADDRESS OF TIIi: RFA'. ABRAHAM BOOTH. 33 Aostract of the address delivered to the pastor by the Rev. Abraham Booth, A. M. " 1 shall commence the duty assigned to me on this occasion, by reading to you, my brother, the second verse of the fourth chapter of the second Epistle to the Corinthians. — " Bi/ manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to even/ man^s conscience in the si