^M^ BX 6495 .H26 M67 1833 Morris, J. W, . 1763-1836. Biographical recollections , of the Rev. Robert Hall, a! //. ^3.o5", from f ^e fetfirarg of (profesBor ^amuef (Qtiffer in ^emorp of (preeenteb 61? ^dmuef (gtifPer QBrecftinrib^e &ong fo f^e feiBrari? of (Princeton C^eofo^tcaf ^eminat)^ H146?6mo / ^Y^ BIOGRAPHICAL RECOLLECTIONS OF THE REV. ROBERT HALL, A. M BY J. W. MORRIS LONDON GEORGE WIGHTMAN, PATERNOSTER ROW. M DCCC XXXIII. J. M. MORRIS, PRINTER, BUNGAY. PREFACE. The present volume would have appeared much earlier, had not the author been under an engage- ment to withhold the publication for two years, to give opportunity for reprinting and getting into circulation the complete Works of Mr. Hall, with their accompaniments. As a necessary con- sequence, several articles have been anticipated by previous writers, which would otherwise have added to the interest of the narrative, and only such retained as were necessary to its cohesion and continuity. The difficulty of collecting the requisite mate- rials, and giving them in a shape corresponding with the interest and magnitude of the subject, will readily be perceived, when it is known that no diary or private memorandums were found at any time to exist ; that no direct information could be elicited from Mr. Hall himself, who IV PREFACE. studied concealment as much as others studied to be acquainted with his history, nothing being more abhorrent from his feehngs than the most distant approach to whatever had the appearance of egotism. Having known and been acquainted with him for the space of forty eight years, I judged it not improbable that my own memoranda and recollections might furnish a variety of facts and circumstances that could not well be known to others, and afford gratification to a numerous class of readers, who M^ould dwell with peculiar interest on the incidents of such a life. I have also to acknowledge my obligations to several friends, who not only recommended the present attempt, but supplied a variety of valuable items, and pointed out other sources of information. The eminent individual himself, certainly, nei- ther desired nor expected that any memorial should be written of him, as is evident from the following very curious incident, not now intro- duced for the purpose of gratifying any feelings of vanity, or of exciting expectations that cannot be gratified, but as forming some apology at least for my having prepared the following sheets for publication. PREFACK. V In the act of collecting materials and obtaining information from various quarters, with the ut- most care and circumspection, that the ear of modesty might not be offended, it so happened that one confidential friend, with no ill design, betrayed the secret. The late Mr. Mack was on a visit at Bristol, in December 1827, and in con- versation with Mr. Hall mentioned the intended memoir, and the name of the writer. Mr. Hall was startled, and instantly exclaimed, '' Memoirs of my life, sir! I cannot imagine there is any thing worth writing about me ! But if it must be so, there is no person I should prefer to the author of Mr. Fuller's Memoirs. My only objec- tion would be, lest the partiality of friendship should overcharge the portrait." At a later period I had occasion to apply to Sir James Mackintosh, for any information he could give of IVIr. Hall's college life at Aber- deen, or on any subsequent part of his history. Sir James, not knowing the applicant, confided my letter to an officious individual, who imme- diately made it his business to alarm the appre- hensions of Mr. Hall and of some of his friends, but with only a transient effect, his friendship and his kindness remainin«>: unabated to the end of fife. VI PREFACE. Despairing of any thing like an adequate me- morial, or of doing justice to the subject I have ventured to sketch, I have attempted no other classification of my materials, than simply that of following the order of events as they occurred, though in this I cannot in every instance be equally confident. The circumstances in which Mr. Hall's publications originated, or with which they were accompanied, together with occasional extracts for the gratification of such as are not in possession of his invaluable works, are given with as much brevity as the case would admit ; the leading design being to exhibit his religious cha- racter, rather than his intellectual greatness, and to furnish a memorial for that part of the com- munity which held him in veneration chiefly on account of his eminent piety. Some of the anecdotes and minor circumstances may to a fastidious taste appear too trivial for public notice ; and apart by themselves they would have been so ; but nothing pertaining to so great a character can properly be considered as unim- portant, if it tends to elucidate the peculiar tact and genius of the individual. Nor has it appeared necessary wholly to suppress the painful part of the narrative relating to Mr. Hall's mental malady. PREFACE. VU which in pure and generous minds could produce no other feeling than that of the deepest sympa- thy, and of devout gratitude to that wise and merciful providence which prevented its recur- rence, and lengthened out a long unclouded day of usefulness and peace. Hayley's censurable folly in attempting to conceal what all the world was before acquainted with, and the consequences it produced, are a sufficient warning against the affectation of imitating such an example. If any one should think that in the following pages I have only performed '' the futile office of a panegyrist," he is quite welcome to that opinion, I want no apology for my admiration of such an assemblage of intellectual and moral excellence, and should deem it an essential defect to be destitute of such a feehng. I have been anxious only to give a correct statement of what came under my own observation, or was sufficiently authenticated by the testimony of others ; and with the exception of unconscious inadvertencies, I confidently believe that in no instance has there been the least departure from truth. Those who best knew Mr. Hall will be ready to say, not one half has yet been told them ; and had he lived in the days of St. Ambrose, of Pascal, or Vlll PREFACE. the abbot Bernard, the testimony borne of his extraordinary talents and piety would have been perfectly credible, without any additional voucher. The present work, from the very nature of its construction, labours under all the disadvantages of a miscellaneous production, where it is so diffi- cult to preserve a close connection ; but no other plan so properly admitted of the incidental detail, in which so many would be interested. In other respects the execution exhibits numerous defects, requiring the forbearance of the candid and in- telligent reader; but such as it is, with all its imperfections, I venture to present it as a testi- mony of affectionate respect to the memory of my departed and dearly beloved friend. ""N^'^^' J. W. MORRIS. June I2th 1833. CONTENTS SECTION I. A. D. 1764-1777. Page Mr. Hall's family and parentage 25 Early developement of his faculties 26 His early piety and inclination for the ministry .... 26 Consumptive appearance of his health 27 His preaching at Kettering in the eighth year of his age . . 28 Comprehension of the metaphysical works of Edwards . . 29 His village education and the remarks of his pedagogue . . 30 Is placed under the tuition of Rev, John Ryland ... 31 Habits at school and his prize essays 32 Early conceptions of what constituted a good style . . 33 His juvenile wit and jocularity 34 Is baptised in his fifteenth year and admitted to communion 36 SECTION II. 1778—178(1. His introduction to Bristol Academy 37 Preaching at Broadmead at the age of fourteen .... 37 At a meeting of ministers in the following year .... 38 Curious incidents attending his visits in the country . , 39 Eccentric habits while at the academy 39 Daring and dangerous exploits 40 Attempts to suppress his satirical propensity 41 X CONTENTS. Page His essay on Ihe character of Cleander 42 Public call to the ministry by the churcli at Arnsby . . 43 Brief narration of his early life by his father 44 SECTION III. 1781-1787. Mr. Hall's introduction to King's College, Aberdeen . . 46 His Greek oration and honourary Degree 46 Acquaintance with Sir James Mackintosh 47 Reply to the invitation of the church at Broadmead . . 48 Dangerous illness occasioned by the measles 50 His Essay on Philosophy and Poetry 50 Becomes the colleague of Dr. Evans at Bristol .... 51 Singular anecdote relative to a public execution .... 52 State of socinianism at the commencement of his ministry 52 Animated discussion with his venerable father 54 His admiration of Dr. Price and Dr. Priestley .... 65 Conversational repartee to some sociuians 56 His partial adoption of arminian tenets 67 Disaffection to bis ministry at Broadmead 59 Early habits of personal negligence 60 Unfounded suspicions of his orthodoxy 61 Soundness of his principles proved by his Circular Letter . 62 SECTION IV. 1787-1790. Circumstances inducing his removal to Cambridge Letter of resignation to the church at Broadmead Direct avowal of his religious sentiments His peculiar views of adult baptism . . Interest excited by his candid statements Mr. Hall's address to Dr. Caleb Evans . Final termination of the dispute . . , Grief and chagrin from an unfortunate attachment Singular anecdote of the lady's ancestor . . . Unhappy effects produced by the disappointment 68 70 72 73 75 76 80 82 82 83 CONTENTS. Xi rage Severe retort upon a lady in Hertfordshire 85 Painful allusions to his own misfortunes 86 Character and death of Dr. Caleb Evans 88 SECTION V. 1791, 1792. Mr. Hall's removal to Cambridge 89 General state of the congregation 90 His liberality towards antitrinitarians 90 Fidelity at the commencement of his ministry 91 Reply to one who objected to his doctrine 92 Is deeply affected at the death of his pious father ... 93 Singular instances of his lilial piety 93 Sketch of his father's character and also of his own . . 94 Attention excited by his ministry at Cambridge .... 96 Interest felt by Mr. Hall in the continental revolution . 97 Notices of Dr. Price and Dr. Priestley 98 Outrages on the friends of reform at Birmingham ... 99 His sympathy with the martyrs of liberty 100 Early effects of his ministry at Cambridge 101 Toryism of some dissenting ministers 102 Strictures on Mr. Clayton's political sermon ..... 103 Eulogium on Dr. Priestley 103 Sentiments and premonitions on the state of the times . 104 Mr. Martin and the Regium Donum 107 Acquaintance with bishop Porteus and his chaplain . , 109 Dishonourable subserviency of the hierarchy 110 Notices of the bishops of Chester and of Lincoln , . . Ill Imagined preferment offered by the bishop of Durham . 112 Piratical edition of his sarcastic pamphlet 113 Reasons for its republication 113 SECTION VI. 1793, 1794. Mr. Hall's Apology for the Freedom of the Press . . . 1 14 Alarming state of tlic country at the time 115 Xll CONTENTS. Page Mr. Pitt's pretense for avoiding parliamentary reform . . 116 Bishop Horsley the apologist of tyranny 117 Passive obedience inconsistent with magna cliarta . . . 118 Inutility of the established church 119 Evil effects which it produces 120 Its tendency to debase the christian ministry 121 Inveteracy of its corruptions 121 Reasons for the republication of Mr, Hall's Apology . , 122 Surreptitious editions widely circulated 124 Government dreaded the reappearance of the work . . . 124 Ravings of the high-church party against it 125 Mr. Hall's reply to their hypocritical pretenses .... 126 SECTION V^II, 1795. Mr. Hall's liberality and kindness towards his brethren . 127 Funeral oration for Mr. Crabb of Royston 128 Sermon at the Kettering Association 129 Misunderstanding with a clergyman at Cambridge . . . 130 True sequel to this species of opposition 131 Evils produced by the church establishment 131 Mr. Hall's indignant refutation of calumnious reports . . 132 His letter to a Cambridge clergyman ........ 133 SECTION VIII. 1800, 1801. Effects of the French revolution 141 Spread of sceptical principles 142 His celebrated sermon on Modern Infidelity 143 Its effects on the infidels of the age 145 His opinion of Mr, Fuller's work on Deism 147 Bishop Hamilton's and Mr. Wilberforce's opinion of the same 147 Difference of opinion on the nature of true virtue . . . 148 On the propriety of instrumental music in public worship . 149 His partiality for recitative reading and chanting . . . 150 Anecdote of a preacher at Margate 151 CONTENTS. XIU Page Mr. Fuller's wish for a different mode of congregational singing 151 Mr. Hall's dislike of American divinity 152 Altercation with Mr. Fuller on the doctrine of total depravity 153 Great affection for his memory 165 SECTION IX. 1802, 1803. Early symptoms of Mr. Hall's mental malady 156 Proposed translation of Saurin's Dissertations 157 His letter on the subject and thoughts of leaving Cambridge 158 Sermon entitled Reflections on War 159 Reasons for gratitude on the restoration of peace . . . 160 Mr. Jerram's Review of the Universalist controversy . . 161 Translation of Saurin's Dissertations reconsidered . . . 162 Mr. Hall's admiration of Massillon and Bossuet .... 163 Interesting passage in one of his public prayers . . . 163 Light esteem he had of his own^ performances .... 164 Price at which he valued his literary abilities 165 Revived intention of leaving Cambridge stated in a letter 166 Thoughts of retiring into Devonshire 167 Visit to Birmingham and Bristol for change of scene . . 168 His celebrated sermon on the Present Crisis 169 Reflections on Hume the historian and Dr. Paley . . . 169 His eloquent peroration meets with general applause . . 170 New edition of his sermon in a funeral dress 173 SECTION X. 1804-1806. Some particulars of Mr. Hall's first illness 174 Singular interview with his physician 174 Deep sympathy awakened by his affliction 175 Interesting conversation with another invalid 176 Speedy recovery and interview with his friends .... 177 Letter to a friend on this happy occasion 177 Affecting circumstance related by IVlr. Toller 179 Liberality of friends at Cambridge and in other places . 179 XIV CONTENTS. rage Beneficial efl'ects of tlie late afllictiou ISU Second attack of mental malady and temporary seclusion . IBO Amusing colloquy with his medical superintendant . . . 181 Great propensity for smoking 182 Letter to a friend on his second recovery 183 Death of his brother Mr. John Hall 185 Letter of resignation to the congregation at Cambridge . . 187 Their affectionate testimony on the occasion 188 Sympathy of Sir James Mackintosh in his friend's aflliction 189 SECTION XL 1306, 1807. Mr. Hall's visit to Leicester after his second illness . . . 190 Reply to the congratulations of a friend on his recovery . . 191 Recommencement of his ministry in the neighbouring villages 192 Ridiculous imitations of his style by .some preachers . . . 192 His retirement to the village of Enderby 193 Reception at the parish church on his first attendance . . . 194 Insuperable disgust at the established forms 195 His severe pain induces the copious use of opium . . . 196 His rural walks and devotional exercises 197 Visit to Clipstone and secretly wishing to be settled there . 198 Early intercourse with the friends at Harvey Lane . . . 199 Invitation from the congregation at Arnsby 200 Commencement of his labours at Leicester 201 His great success and deep abasement 202 Reflections on his early impressions and dread of apostasy 203 Convictions on the personality and influence of the Holy Spirit 204 Inattention to ecclesiastical etiquette 205 Ordination to the pastoral office by the call of the church 206 Transfer of power to ecclesiastics the origin of popery . . 207 Superfluous ceremony of a public ordination properly avoided 208 Mr. Hall's idea of ordination services 209 Modern ordinations open to censure 209 Objections to a formal opening of new places of worship . 210 His christian liberality on these occasions 211 CONTENTS. XV SECTION XII. 1807, 1808. Page Important events arising out of his seclusion at Enderby . . 212 Singular interview at Lorton with Mr. Edmonds 212 Reluctant visit to Clipstone on the following sabbath . . . 213 Commencement of his courtship and avowal of attachment . 214 His admiration of female genius no inducement to marry . 215 Defects of female education in modern times 216 Preparatory arrangements for the future nuptials .... 217 Detained after a visit by a heavy fall of snow 218 Preaches at a publichonse on his return to Enderby . . . 218 Is married at Kettering, where Mrs. Hall was then residing . 219 Brief description of bis domestic character 220 SECTION XIII. 1808, 1809. Spread of infidelity in Europe and the East . . . Infidel hostility to christian missions Mr. Hall solicited to write in defence of missions His letter on declining the engagement .... Ardour of his public services amidst great affliction Enlargement of the meetinghouse in Harvey Lane . Circular Letter on the work of the Holy Spirit . Interesting extracts on the subject Sermon on the formation of a sabbath school . . Aristocratic objections to the diffusion of knowledge Pathetic address to the superintendants and teachers Sympathetic letter on the death of a valued friend . 222 223 224 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 232 234 SECTION XIV. 1810. Intimacy with Mr. Robinson, vicar of St. Mary's . . . 237 Formation of a Branch bible-society at Leicester .... 238 Cordial cooperation of Mr. Hall and Mr. Robinson . . . 238 XVI CONTENTS. Page Pleasant repartee between them about baptism .... 239 Visit of Mr. Mann and Mr. Robinson in Mr. Hall's affliction 240 Mr. Robinson's reflections on the occasion 241 Mr. Hall's address at the Stepney Institution 241 His first visit to Cambridge after his resignation .... 241 His opinion of modern ordinations repeated 243 Sermon at the ordination of Mr. Robertson at Stretton . 243 Liberal sentiments expressed on this occasion 243 Affectionate and brotherly style of his address .... 244 Discrimination necessary to a useful ministry 245 Character of Mr. Hall's earlier and later preaching . . 246 Impressive manner of addressing the unconverted . . . 247 Instances of the overpowering effect of his ministry . . 248 Description of his manner of delivery 250 Legislative attempts to limit village preaching .... 251 Opposition of a sceptical writer 251 Mr. Hall's Fragments in defence of village preaching . . 252 His remarks on the mysteries of revelation 253 His critiques in the Eclectic Review 259 The celebrated Essays of John Foster 260 Animated letter of Mr. Dan Parken 260 Mr. Hall's encomium on the author of the essays . . . 261 Singular circumstances under which they were written . . 262 Interesting quotation from Mr. Foster's essays 263 SECTION XV. 1811-1814. Project for annual lectures to be delivered in London . . . 266 Mr. Hall's declining the engagement 266 His encreased affliction and deep submission under it . . 266 Interesting circumstances attending his visit to Cambridge . 268 His labours at Leicester encreasingly successful .... 268 First interview with Mr. John Mack 269 Sketch of Mr. Mack's life and character 270 Mr. Mack's ordination at Clipstone 271 Death of Mr. Robinson of Leicester 272 Mr. Hall's address on the renewal of the East India charter . 273 Opposition of the Company to the diffusion of Christianity . 274 CONTFATS. XVll Page Object of Mr. Hall's appeal only partially accomplished . . 27G His dislike of provincial associations 277 Circular letter on tlic manner of hearing the word .... 278 Allusion to hypercalvinistic hearers 279 Sarcastic censure on drowsy hearers 280 Improper conversation after hearing to be avoided .... 281 His indignation at an article in the Edinburgh Review . . 283 His address at the ordination of Mr. Eustace Carey . . . 283 On the manner of preaching the gospel at home and abroad 286 Opposition of East India Directors to missionary exertions . 288 Birth of Mr. Hall's first son Robert 289 His great distress on the death of the child 290 Sermon on the occasion on the following sabbath .... 292 Consolation and hope in reference to the death of infants . 293 Success of his ministry and second enlargement of the chapel 295 SECTION XVI. 1815, 1816. Course of lectures on the divine attributes 296 Sermon for the Leicester bible-society 297 Inordinate zeal for the book of common-prayer 297 Mr. Hall's high esteem for the character of Mr. Fuller . . . 299 Some particulars respecting the Memoirs of Mr. Fuller . . 300 Baptism of Mr. Phillips of Clapham 302 Conversational anecdote of Mr. Hall 302 His missionary excursion into Wales 303 Address at the ordination of Mr. John Hall 304 His missionary sermon at Leicester 304 Deep concern excited by a fit of illness 305 Interesting example of candour and liberality 306 Affectionate testimony of a Wesleyan minister 307 Gladness manifested on Mr. Hall's recovery 308 Declines an invitation to visit Scotland 309 Magazine portrait of Mr. Hall greatly annoys him .... 309 Much depressed by another fit of illness 310 Reflections on his own life and labours 311 XVIU rOXTFA'TS. SECTION XVII. 1816. Page Dr. Mason's visit to Leicester incognito 312 Mr. Hall's reflections on the defects of his own ministry . .313 Interesting interview with Dr. Mason 314 Dr. Mason's account of some American revivals 315 Annoyance produced by them at New York 316 Notice of them by Dr. Sprague 317 The Hopkinsians and other denominations 318 Remarks on Dr. Owen, Howe, and the puritans 319 Dr. Mason's rejection of arminianism 320 Defence of divine foreknowledge and decree 321 Professor Kidd's attempt to explain the doctrine of the trinity 322 Critique on the writings of Samuel Drew 323 On the Commentary of Dr. Adam Clarke 323 His abstird notion of the divine prescience 324 Instance of christian candour and liberality 326 Conversation on the subject of open communion .... 326 Dr. Mason on the unity of the christian church 327 Facetious anecdote of some Scottish Sandemanians . . . 328 Dr. Mason's partiality for presbyterianism 329 His farewel and Mr. Hall's admiration of his abilities . . 329 Mr. Hall's illness and tender address to one of his children . 330 Interesting anecdote of a socinian minister 332 SECTION XVUL 1817. Combination and trial of the Luddites 333 Mr. Hail's opinion'of the criminal code 334 His religious attentions to the unhappy men in prison . . 334 Sermon in reference to their execution 335 Singular discourse at Cambridge on a similar occasion . . 336 Disconcerted by the unexpected visit of Dr. Chalmers . . 336 Dr. Chalmers's preaching and interview with Mr. Hall . . 337 Offer made for a volume of Mr. Hall's sermons 338 His apology for writing so little for the press 339 CONTENTS. XIX Page Additional tribute of respect lor liis father's memory . . . 340 Curious circumstances relative to the clerk at Harvey Lane 340 Benevolence and simplicity of Mr. Hall's character . . . 341 Sketch of his sermon on a future state 342 On the relish and enjoyment of food 343 Morning visits to St. Nicholas's churchyard 344 Burglary committed in his dvvellinghouse 345 Rencontre with a clandestine visitor 345 Interesting letter on Sunday schools 346 SECTION XIX. 1818. Controversy on Open Communion 350 Its general effects on the baptist denomination 351 The difliculties felt by Mr. Booth and Mr. Fuller . • . . 352 Mr, Fuller's posthumous essay on tlie subject 354 Fundamental principle maintained by Mr, Hall 355 Strict communion destroys the unity of the church . , , . 357 The error originated with infant baptism 359 Open communion not a modern innovation 361 Appeals to ancient ecclesiastical history 362 Inefficient defence of the strict communionists 365 Interesting nature of Mr. Hall's performance 367 Tender and devout spirit of the writer 368 Eulogium by Dr. Sprague of New York 370 SECTION XX. 1318, 1819. Sermon on the decease of the Princess Charlotte .... 377 Inattention of the court and royal family 378 Interesting anecdote of George iii 378 Publication and review of Mr. Hall's volume of sermons . 379 Critiques on the superior excellence of his style . • . . 380 Mr. Hall and Dr. Chalmers contrasted 382 Mr. John Foster and Mr. Hall compared 383 Mr. Hall's eulogium on an aged female . , 384 XX CONTENTS. Page His coiumendatory preface to Mr. Beddome's hymns . . . 385 High approbation of Mr. Beddome's sermons 387 Journal of Mr. Hall's general conduct 388 Bishop Tomline and the vicar of St. Martin's .390 Characteristic description of two deceased ministers . . . 392 Divine foreknowledge and decree distinguished 393 Communion with God essential to a minister 394 Mr. Hall's encomium on Jeremy Bentham 395 Unpleasant state of the congregation at Leicester .... 396 Anonymous plea for the framework-knitters fund .... 399 General distress of the Manufacturers 400 Animadversions on antinomianism 401 Biographical notice of Mr. Freeston 404 Mr. Hall's letter in reference to his decease ...... 405 SECTION XXI. 1820, 1821. Sketch of a sermon for the baptist mission 407 Sermon on the signs of the times 409 Unusual pathos of Mr. Hall's ministry 410 Interment of Mr. Toller and another minister 411 Estimate of Mr. Cobbett's literary talents 413 Reprint of Mr. Hall's Apology for the freedom of the press 414 Infatuated opposition of the high-church party 415 Mr. Hall's partiality for a popular form of governflaent . . 416 Signs a public petition for the vote by ballot 417 SECTION XXII. 18J2, 1823. View of Mr. Hall's pastoral character 418 His kind attentions especially to the poor 419 Singular instance of his condescension 421 AVatchfulness over his own charge 422 Manner of administering public ordinances 422 Of presiding at the Lord's table • . . 424 Observance of fast days promoted in the church .... 426 CONTENTS. XXI Page His manual for reading tbe scriptures 427 Reasons for his own manner of reading tliem 428 Manner of exercising church discipline 429 Curious colloquy with a dissatisfied hearer 431 Conduct towards an orthodox conservative 431 Deference for congregational independence 433 Extreme forbearance with strict communionists 434 Advice to churches on the subject of communion .... 436 SECTION XXIII. 1824-1826. Circumstances leading to Mr. Hall's removal 438 Uneasiness occasioned by a case of discipline 439 Invited by the church at Broadmead, Bristol 440 Painful suspense during the 'negotiation 442 Pleadings of the church at Harvey Lane on the subject . . 443 Entreaties of the paedobaptist society 444 Letter announcing his intention to leave Leicester . . . 445 Regrets occasioned by this determination 446 Affecting account of the last public interview 447 His departure the subject of general lamentation .... 448 Letter of resignation to the cliurch in Harvey Lane . . . 449 To the open-communion church in Harvey Lane .... 451 Address from the neighbouring ministers on his leaving . 453 Mr. Hall's affectionate reply 467 SECTION XXIV. 1826, 1827. Account of his kind reception at Bristol 458 Exhausted state of his constitution 459 First visit to Leicester and Cambridge 460 Unusual number flocking to his ministry 461 Interview with a distinguished party at Melbourne . . . 462 Generous attachment of the friends at Cambridge . . . 463 The trial he had in leaving Leicester 463 Disgust at the conformity of some dissenting ministers . . 464 XXll CONTENTS. Page Refusal to patronize a young conformist 465 Visit to a cathedral in the west of England 466 Sermon at the mission anniversary in London 467 Sentiments on the scliism at Serampore 468 Mr. Foster's unseasonable reflections on the subject . . 469 Mr. Hall's visit and conversation at Newbury 470 His affectionate interview with Mr. Bicheno 471 Second visit to tlie friends at Leicester 473 Remonstrance from a strict communionist 474 Admirable constancy of Mr. Hall's friendships .... 475 Letter to Mr. Gill Timms on the death of his father . . 476 SECTION XXV. 1828, 1829. Encrcasing success of Mr. Hall's labours 478 Attention excited in Bristol and the neighbourhood . . . 479 His kind attentions to the students 480 Letter on the character of Howe's writings 481 His consideration of the Abrahamic covenant 483 Solicitations to print a series of practical discourses . . 483 Attempts to preserve his sermons as delivered 484 His admiration of talents and piety in others 485 Opinion on the style of Dr. Channing of Boston . . . 487 Last visit to Cambridge, his preaching and conversation . 489 Remarks on the writings of Mrs. More and Miss Edgeworth 490 Mrs. M ore's style of conversation 493 Unknown author of Junius's Letters 494 Remarks on Barrow's Sermons 495 Satire on Irving's Orations and style of writing .... 496 Mr. Hall's appearance in the pulpit and manner of preaching 497 His deep piety and extensive usefulness 502 SECTION XXVI. 1830, 1831. Commencement of Mr. Hall's last illness 505 His two last sermons for a benevolent purpose .... 507 CONTENTS. XXm Page Good effected at Bristol by Chamberlain the missionary . . 508 Symptomatic affection in Mr. Hall's speech 509 Last interview with the congregation 509 His affectionate remembrance of the poor 510 Rapid progress of his disease 513 His meditations in the prospect of death 515 The last agony 517 Concluding reflections of his medical friend 518 Letter to Mr. Mack on Mr. Hall's decease 521 Extract of another letter from Bristol 524 Reflections on the loss sustained by his death .... 526 Eulogium by a clergyman near Bristol 529 Brief account of the funeral 532 BIOGRAPHICAL RECOLLECTIONS. SECTION L A. D. 1764—1777. The eminent individual whose talents and piety have shed a lustre upon the history of the christian church, and to whose memory these pages are affectionately devoted, was the son of the Rev. Robert Hall, whose ancestors were respectable yeomen in the neighbourhood of Newcastle-upon- Tyne. Mr. Hall left Northumberland in 1753, and became pastor of the baptist church at Arnsby, a small village eight miles south of Leicester, on the Welford road, where for nearly forty years he laboured with great patience and success, * endiu'ed a great fight of afflictions,' and was much admired for his wisdom and godly simplicity. Robert, the youngest of a numerous family, was born on the 2nd of May 1764, and brought up in the obscure village of Arnsby. During infancy he was remarkably feeble, and for about two years 26 SECTION I. was under the care of a nurse. At one time his hfe was so nearly extinct, that as he lay on his mo- ther's lap, she exclaimed in agony. He is gone — the child is dead ! So thought others who were present, but were happily mistaken. As he grew and strengthened, his faculties began to develope themselves in an unusual manner. Before he was well able to articulate he readily learned the alpha- bet from the gravestones, pointed out by his nm-se, in the burying-ground belonging to the meeting- house. As soon as he could read a little he became so passionately fond of books that he carried them about in his pinafore, till it was full of holes and tatters, and would not part with them for any toys that might be offered. After returning from school he retired to the graveyard when the weather per- mitted ; seated himself on the grass, with his hbrary spread around him, and there spent the remainder of the day in gratifying his thirst of knowledge. To render his reading more intelhgible he usually took with him a pocket dictionary, to explain any difficult word that might occur ; and thus by the time he was five or six years old his ideas began to accumulate. At seven years of age he was fond of preaching, in imitation of his beloved father; and for this purpose he collected his playfellows and some of the servants, and addressed them on the subject of religion. And though these exercises might be considered as bearing in some degree the charac- ter of infantile amusement, the pious servant wlio 1764—1777. 2? watched over all his movements with parental soli- citude, repeatedly affirmed that there were in all of them indications of great seriousness, and that no reasonable doubt could be entertained but reh- gious principles had at that early period a decided influence upon his mind. The same individual, distinguished for strong sense and sterhng piety, used to derive comfort and satisfaction from these recollections, whenever the object of her early care was at any subsequent period depressed with feel- ings of despondency ; and in her own homely style old Nancy used to say, " I will answer for it that my dear Bobby knew the Lord before he was seven years of age." In truth, he was in the habit of secret prayer before he could speak plain. In the course of a year or two his health began to be affected, and put on a consumptive appear- ance. His father procured for him a small pony, hoping that a little exercise in the open air might be beneficial. By short stages Robert sometimes accompanied him on horseback to Kettering, a dis- tance of more than twenty miles, where he met with a kind reception from Beeby Wallis, esq., one of the deacons of the baptist church, and the des- cendant of an honoiKable line of ancestors, of whom it might be said, as Mr. Hall afterwards remarked, " that probity, candour and benevo- lence, constituted the family likeness." The wan and sickly appearance of young Robert, engaging the attention of his hospitable friend, he prevailed with his father to leave him awhile under B 2 28 SECTION I. his care for the benefit of his health. Mr. Walhs, at all times pleased with the shrewd and witty re- marks of the youthful visitor, took him into the garden early in the morning to gather esculent snails, but had much difficulty in persuading him to swallow the living mucilage. Robert urged se- veral ingenious objections ; and at length, that if he received the nauseous potion he should soon be like Herod, * who was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.' He was induced at last to make the experiment ; and after repeated visits to the hospitable mansion of his friend, his health appa- rently improved. Mr. Wallis was warmly attached to Mr. Fuller, then of Soham, and had so high an opinion of his character and abilities, that after the church at Kettering had become destitute of a pastor, he advised them to wait several years in the hope of finally obtaining him ; and when at length Mr. Fuller's acceptance of their invitation was read before the chruxh, Mr. Wallis rose up and said with great emphasis, * Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.' During these early visits at Kettering, Mr. Wallis took so much delight in the promising abihties of his young friend, that he sometimes prevailed upon him to deliver a short address to a select audience in the vestry ; and on these occasions there were coruscations of genius which awakened the highest expectations. Such indeed was the precocity of intellect displayed in the very dawn of life, that it 1764—1777. W might truly be said of him as it was of another intellectual prodigy, that he violently precipitated the ordinary march of nature, and leaped at once from childhood to manhood, without passing through the intermediate stage of human exist- ence. Before he was nine years of age he read and understood the profoundly argumentative trea- tises of President Edwards on the " Affections," and on the " Will," which he candidly acknow- ledged in a conversation with his faithful nurse, in the summer of 1826. Four years afterwards he made the same acknowledgment to an intimate friend who visited him at Bristol, though it does not appear that he fully adopted Edwards's theory until the latter part of life, nor even then without some hesitation and reserve. At the time the first conversation took place, he was anxious to induce the beHef, that all such mental efforts were prema- ture ; that they indicated nothing extraordinary, and were only the abortive production of the greenhouse or the hotbed. Pressed with other remarks and early anecdotes he at length admitted, there might possibly be some things rather sin- gular in the early period of his life, but that these had long ago passed away, and nothing now was left to distinguish him from the com- monest of our species. The elder Mr. Hall frequently visited Kettering, during the destitute state of the church, and his preaching, conversation and advice, excited no ordinary degree of interest. At one of these 30 SECTION I. interviews he hinted to his friend Mr. Wallis, " that his son Bob," as he used to call him, " was a strange sort of a boy, and he did not know what to do with him. He had sent him to school in a neighbouring \dllage, and the master had called to say it was of no use his being with him any longer. Bob had quickly learned up all and more than all that he could teach him, and he was more fit him- self to become his scholar than his teacher." By the advice, and probably with the assistance of Mr. Walhs, the pious father consented to place him under the care of the Rev. John Ryland, who at that time conducted a large and respectable seminary at Northampton. This gentleman, the father of Dr. John Ryland, possessed a vigorous understanding, various learn- ing, a vivid imagination, and a range of talents that rendered him one of the most popular preachers of the day : for zeal and fidelity he had few equals, and none could surpass the bold and daring nature of his eloquence. His eccentricities were numer- ous and remarkable, his piety unquestionable ; to a stranger his manners were sufficiently teri'ific, though in reality no man possessed more genuine kindness, or more enlarged and disinterested be- nevolence. With all his failings, and without any written memorial of his life and labours, he was one of the brightest ornaments of the last cen- tury. Robert Hall, on his first introduction to the school at Northampton by his father, was invited 1764—1777. M to spend the evening in the parlour, where his new teacher happened to have a party of gentlemen to supper. The conversation turned on the policy of the war, which England had commenced with the American colonies. Mr. Ryland, at all times the ardent friend of liberty and the advocate of the oppressed, entered upon an animated defence of the Americans, and condemned the measures pursued against them. The impassioned harangue filled the mind of his young pupil with admiration and dread ; at the same time it inspired him with the love of liberty, a passion which he afterwards cherished to the end of life, never failing to con- sider it essential to the very existence of public virtue. *' Were I the American commanding-officer," said the honest and intrepid John Ryland, in an attitude of indignant defiance, ** I would call toge- ther all my comrades and brother officers. I would order every man to bare his arm, that a portion of blood might be extracted, and mixed in one basin on the table. I would then command every one to di'aw his sword and dip the point of it in the basin, and swear by the great Eternal never to sheathe the consecrated blade, till he had achieved the fi'eedom of his country. If after this any one should turn coward or traitor, I should feel it a duty, a pleasure, a luxury, to plunge my weapon into that man's heart." The vehement and tragic manner in which the incomparable John Ryland spoke and acted all this, was so \ividly depicted 32 SECTION I. on the mind of young Robert Hall, as he affirmed many years afterwards, that the impression could never be effaced. It is related that in the early part of his pupil- age at Northampton he was considered as rather unpromising, and not likely to make much pro- ficiency. He neither took pleasure in the common amusements of youth, nor fell into the train or current of his associates, but might be seen stand- ing or walking alone, dwelling upon his own thoughts, and avoiding general intercourse. If occasionally sent on an errand he either forgot his message, or made some mistake in the deli- very, and would take an order for mutton and beef to a grocer's, as readily as to a butcher's shop. The frequent recurrence of such ludicrous mistakes rendered him of course an object of curiosity and amusement to his juvenile com- panions, who would easily construe into a want of common sense what in reahty indicated an ab- straction of mind, common to nearly all geniuses of the higher order. The senior Mr. Ryland, to stimulate the exer- tions of his pupils, gave them subjects on which to write, and the best composition carried off the prize. This placed young Robert in a state of direct competition, and roused his dormant facul- ties, which in this new situation had met with no particular excitement. No sooner was he forced into the ranks for this species of literary fame, than he produced a theme which not only sur- 1764—1777. 33 passed the efforts of all his competitors, but af- forded great delight to his tutor. At various intervals were discovered traits of genius, and bursts of imagination, that could not be mistaken for the operations of an ordinary mind. Mr. Ry- land thought so highly of these attempts at com- position that he sent some of them for insertion in the periodical publications of the day, before the writer had well attained the eleventh year of his age. It is often seen that some latent faculty is roused and called into action by some transient and acci- dental cause, which like the electric flash, kindles up a sudden and inextinguishable blaze ; and many of the later acquirements in life may be traced to some early impression, which either gave the first impulse, or accelerated the course of thought and feeling afterwards pursued. It cannot be doubted but the mind of Robert Hall must naturally have been endued with an exquisite relish for whatever is chaste and beautiful in composition, yet he him- self conceived that this taste was first inspired by an unforeseen occurrence during his pupilage at Northampton. Speaking of Mr. Robins of Da- ventry, the tutor of his amiable friend Mr. Toller, he says that " among many other mental endow- ments, he was remarkable for delicacy of taste and elegance of diction ; and perhaps I may be excused in observing, that the first perception of these qualities which I remember to have pos- sessed, arose from hearing him preach on a public 34 SECTION I. occasion at Northampton." He then speaks of the compositions of this eloquent preacher as hav- ing been rendered highly impressive and delightful, by the correct and lively imagination they dis- played, and their being embodied in language of the most classic purity.* Such it seems was the model he selected while a schoolboy, and such his early perception of what was rich and beautiful in style and sentiment. Robert continued at Northampton about eighteen months, making rapid improvement in classical and mathematical learning ; but the indifferent state of his health, and the frequent recurrence of pain, unfitted him for close application, and required a relaxation from school exercises. In the twelfth year of his age he returned to his native village, where, with the benefit of country air, he would have every opportunity of prosecuting his religious enquiries, under the able and judicious instructions of his excellent father, and of preparing his mind for future usefulness. His sprightly wit and obliging manners rendered him a great favourite at home, and among the neighboiurs ; and as his father occupied a few acres of land, an endowment which belongs to the con- gregation at Arnsby, constituting the principal part of the minister's support, he frequently accompa- nied him into the field to converse with the la- bourers, who were highly entertained with his shrewd and witty observations. In these days of * jMciuoir of Mr. Tollor. 1764—1777. 35 juvenility he was also very fond of a hoax, and displayed no small degree of ingenuity in the exe- cution. Observing one day a farmer's servant car- rying a bag, containing a sucking pig as a present to his fathei-, and putting it down outside the door, Robert contrived to abstract the roaster, while the man went in with his message, and put in a young dog instead. The unsuspecting countryman car- ried in the intended present, with his master's respects, but found on opening the sack a trans- formation which filled him with terror and amase- ment, while Robert secretly placed himself within view of this curious comedy. In all the sports and gambols \nth his playfellows he always took the lead, and gave them reason ever after to remember his humour and adroitness. Possibly, at this particular period, when the riual scenery around invited to so many pastimes, there might be some instances of daring or of injurious frivolity, to which he adverted with so much pain and sorrow in the latter part of life, when, hke holy Job, he mourned over * the ini- quities of his youth ; ' for it is commonly observed, that where religious impressions are made in very early life, before the judgment has attained to any matmity, or the mind been ' rooted and grounded in love,' it has been followed with an interval of supineness, and the prevalence of corrupt affec- tions. Yet in the present instance it is far more probable, that the lamentations so oft repeated were the result of a deeper insight into the evil 36 SECTION I. of sin, a deeper sense of innate depravity, accom- panied with the painful recollection that ' child- hood and youth are vanity,' rather than to any serious degree of spiritual declension. All who knew him bore ^\dtness that * in him was found,' from the earliest dawn of reason, ' some good thing towards the Lord God of Israel,' and that he uniformly bore this character. The following entry in the church book at Arnsby is circumstan- tial and decisive upon the subject. "On Lord's day, Aug. 23, 1778, Robert Hall, youngest son of our pastor Robert Hall, gave a very distinct accomit of his being the subject of spiritual gTace. He was only fomteen years of age last May, and has appeared to be serious from his early childhood. He was baptised on Lord's day, Sep. 6th, and the same day was added to the chmxh." SECTION II. A. D. 1778—1780. In the following October he was introduced to Bristol Academy, which had been founded in 1770, under the superintendence of the Rev. Hugh Evans, a. m. and his son, afterwards Dr. Caleb Evans, who succeeded to the presidency, and was assisted in the classical department by the Rev. James Newton, a. m. Dr. Caleb Evans, pastor also of the baptist chmxh at Broadmead, was possessed of extensive learning, of hberal sen- timents, and captivating eloquence. The tutor and the pupil manifested a reciprocal attachment, and were fully aware of each others respective merits. Though our young student had preached occa- sionally for some time before, in more retired situations, the recent change of circumstances encreased his diffidence and timidity to such a degi'ee, that it was with difficulty he could be per- suaded to engage in any pubhc exercise, and failed in the first and second attempt. Acquiring a little more self-possession, he at the urgent request of his tutor, delivered a public discourse at Broad- 38 SECTION II. mead, when he was httle more than fourteen. This singular fact was ehcited, in the course of conversation, within the last year or two of his life. Robert spent the first vacation at Arnsby, and in July 1779 he accompanied his father to the ordination of Mr. Skinner, the first pastor of the church at Clipstone in Northamptonshire. Among the ministers present on that occasion was the celebrated Mr. Beddome, so well known by his excellent Hymns and posthumous Sermons, and who, in conjunction with the senior Mr. Hall, conducted the principal services of the day. In- terested by the conversation and appearance of young Robert, Mr. Beddome was extremely anxi- ous that he should be engaged to preach the even- ing lecture ; but he continued for some time to resist every importunity, and left the company. Followed by the entreaties of an intimate friend* he at length complied, and entered the pulpit for the first time before an audience of ministers, whom he had been accustomed from his childhood to look up to with feelings of reverence,— a dis- maying undertaking for a youth of fifteen, but for which his previous exercises at Bristol had in some measure prepared him. His text was 1 John i. 5. ' God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.' The enlarged and vivid conceptions of the youthful * Mr. Joseph Tiinms, several years a deacon of the baptist church at Kettering-, where his father before him sustained the same office, during the presidency of the learned Dr. Gill. 1778—1780. 39 preacher, his metaphysical acumen and powerful ar