(5cvvt ex k ^^^*^y> it>A-^>^l Cl ^AAU^tl i^ *4^^ }U^ OF THE Thoologieal Seminary, r'lUNCETON. N J. fn BR 1725 .P73 1855 Pratt, Josiah M. A. , fl •"'' 1850. ,1^ Memoir of the Rev. Josiah MEMOIR REV. JOSIAH PEATT, B.D., LA.TK VICAR OF ST. STEPQEN'S, COLEMAN STUBET, AND FOR TWENTY-OXE YEARS SECRETARY OF THE CHURCH MISSIOXARY SdCUTY. BY HIS SONS^ THE REV. JOSIAH PRATT, M.A., AND y THE REV. JOHN HENRY PRATT, M.A NEW YORK: ROBERT CARTER & BROTHERS, 285 Broadway. 1855. PREFACE. The Editors, in publishing the following Memoir of their beloved and revered father, beg to state some particulars explanatory of the circumstances under which it makes its appearance. They have been led by something more than filial partiality to believe, that a record of his chief prin- ciples and actions would be acceptable at the present time. His name had been honourably known to the Christian World for half a century, in connection with the great revival of the INIissionary Spirit in our Church and country, which so happily distinguished the period in which he lived : and many, who behold the results, but are not so well acquainted with the circumstances which gave them birth, expressed a desire to see a Memoir of one, who took so active a part in originating some of the principal Religious Institu- tions of our day. Some difRculties, however, presented themselves. Mr. Pratt left no Diary behind him, and very few papers exhibiting his sentiments on particular topics, or illustrative of his Christian experience. One of the few memoranda which have been discovered expressly states : " I occasionally kept records of the vi I'UEl-ACE. workings of my iiiiiid, hut 1 have destroyed them all." His private history, like that of most Clergymen, was not marked hy any very extraordinary incidents; and the coeval eye-witnesses of his public career had most of them entered the world of spirits before him: and though Advertisements have been issued, for informa- tion and correspondence, they have yielded but little. Meanwhile, the return (jf the younger son from India, in 1845-6, allowed him opportunity and leisure for examining the Archives of the Church Missionary Society. The voluminous correspondence contained in those Archives furnished a clue to Mr. Pratt's course in connection with the Missionary cause; and at the same time afforded much insight into his views and feelings on many other interesting topics. From these beginnings the work has gradually grown ; and several judicious friends, including the Bishop of Calcutta, having seen the MS., strongly urged its liui)licati()ii. The foregoing statement will prepare the reader to expect, that Missionary details will form a promi- nent feature of the ensuing pages. This will be found to be the case ; and whatever interest the Volume may jjossess in other respects, the account here given of the rise of the Church Missionary Society, and of its first twenty-five years, will (it is hoped) be specially accejjtable at a moment, when the Jubilee Trumpet «)f that Society is calling its members to reflect on the ])ast and take courage for the future. May this Publii.itioii he an hoiiouicd instrument of deepening and iMTpeluating that increased feeling of interest in PREFACE. vii Missions, which this Jubilee Commemoration has so extensively aroused! One difficulty, however, attending this portion of their labours the Editors have felt strongly ; viz. lest they should seem to be claiming for one individual a distinction, which others were entitled to share with him. Many time-honoured names will occur to every reader, as having been associated with Mr. Pratt both in counsel and labour, on Committees and in journeys, in the pulpit and on the platform. Mr. Pratt, however, from his official position, took such a principal share in those early operations of the Society, as will justify (it is believed) the representations here made : con- temporary testimonies are (as far as possible) quoted : some of his coadjutors are named, and others are known through their respective biographers. The Editors, for various reasons, felt bound to submit this part of their work to the officers of the Society ; and their best thanks are due to the Rev. William Jowett for his kind assistance, especially in the Chapter on the Mediterranean Mission ; and to the Rev. Henry Venn, Honorary Clerical Secretary, for his valuable suggestions. Beside the Missionary subject, there is another point, in regard to which it is hoped that the present Volume may prove useful. It was to be expected, that the success vouchsafed to the efforts of ]\Ir. Pratt and his coadjutors to extend the kingdom of Christ, and to promote scriptural and vital religion in the world, would awaken the jealousy and call forth the counter efforts of the Prince of Darkness. Mr. Pratt ,iH I-HKIACK. lived to see that jealousy in active operation, both at home and abroad : but nothing grieved and alarmed him so nuich as the rise of a Party in the bosom of our own Protestant Church, characterized by an undue exaltation of Tradition, Sacraments, and Externals, together with a depreciation and corruption of the vital principles of the Gospel. These things cast a gloom over his spirit for several of the later years of his life, and called forth his most earnest protests and solemn warnings ;— all of which carry the greater weight, from their being the fruit of well-digested knowledge and ripe experience. Some of them are recorded in the following pages; and it is hoped that they will not be altogether lost on the present generation. Many other matters are introduced into the Volume, which (it is believed) will interest his parishioners and j)ersonal friends, and call up numerous valuable associations with by-gone days ; though, in the selec- tion of thenr, the profit of the general reader has not been lost sight of. M'ith these observations, the Editors commend the Publication to the candour and consideration of those who may honour it with their perusal ; humbly im- ploring the Great Head of the Church to render the testimony and example of His servant, here but inade- tjuatcly exhibited, subservient to those high and holy interests which lay nearest his heart; and to the advancement of wiiicji his best ))()wers, during a long life, were unceasingly devoted. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. 1768—1802. Mr. Pratt's Birth — Character of his Father — Serious Illness in Childhood — His early Life, and first Religious Impres- sions— He enters the University of Oxford — Is Ordained — Removes to London — Becomes Curate to Mr. Cecil — The " Eclectic Society" — Commencement of the " Christian Observer" p- 1 CHAPTER II. 1799—1804. Origin and Commencement of the Church Missionary Society — Mr. Pratt succeeds the Rev. Thomas Scott as Secretary — A Mission to West Africa contemplated, and the Services of some Berlin Students engaged — Correspondence with the Principal of the Missionary Institution at Berlin — Dismissal of two Missionaries to their Stations— Institution of the British and Foreign Bible Society — Mr. Pratt appointed Secretary — He effects a Reorganization of the Committee — Resigns the Office of Secretary, and is succeeded by the Rev. John Owen — Mr. Pratt a firm Friend and Advocate of the Society to the end of his Life - - - - 12 CHAPTER III. 1804—1812. The Susoo Country selected for the Commencement of Mis- sionary Enterprise — Lutheran Labourers employed — The Two first Missionaries arrive — Three more embark — Various Trials and Difficulties — Misconduct of one of the Missionaries— Letters from Mr. Pratt on this painful occa- sion— Two Settlements commenced — Death of one of the Missionaries— A Third Settlement established — Schools formed — Deaths of Missionaries 3'*, X CONTENTS. CHAPTER IV. 1804—1812. (lianfie of Mr. Piatl's Clerical Occupations — His A])point- uierit to 8ir George Wlider's Cliapcl — Notices of Sir T. F. Buxton and Mr. Hoare — Mr. Pratt's Intercourse with Ilrnrv Martyn— His Publication of the Works of Bishops Hall and Hopkins — His Unsuccessful Attempt to publish a Polyglott Bible — Letter of Henry Martyn— Mr. Cecil's ^^'orks — Mr. Pratt's Thoughts in Retirement - - - 48 CHAPTER V. 1813— ISIG. Renewal of the East-India Company's Charter — Efforts to gain free access for Missionaries to India, and to esta- blish an Episcopate — Exertions of Dr. Buchanan and Mr. Pratt — Comniencenient of " The Missionary Register" — The Subject of the East-India Charter brought before Par- liament, and the Efforts of the Friends of Missions crowned with Success — The Mi^^sionary Cause receives a new Im- pulse— Associations are organized — Mr. Pratt (lavcls for the Society — He opens friendly communication with other Mis>ionary Societies ....... Q[) CHAPTER VL 1S13— 1817. Conunencement of the India Mission — Abdool Meeseeh Two English and Two Lutheran Clergymen are sent out by the Society — Correspondence of Mr. Pratt with Mr. Simeon - AppointuK-nt of the first Bishop of Calcutta— Questions Willi regard to the I'^.xtcnt of the Bishop's Authority — He considers himself unauthorized to ordain Native Converts or to license Mis-ionaries - Abdool Messeeh and Mr. Howlcy receive Lutheran Ordination — Mr. Corrie's Visit to England— Seven more English Clergymen are sent out Letters of Mr. Pratt t<. the Mis-ionuries - - - 81) CON TENTS. xi CHAPTER VII. 1813—1817. Difficulties of the West-Africa Mission — Directions to enter on a systematic Course of Preaching — The Slave-Trade — Return of the Missionary who had been removed from the Society in Africa — Letters of Mr. Pratt under various painful circumstances — The Slave-Trade is at length over- ruled to be an indirect Instrument of Success — Mr. Bicker- stetli's Visit to Africa — More Deaths — Mr. Johnson sent out with tliree other Schoolmasters — Abandonment of Bashia and Canoft'ee — Proposal for a Church Missionary Ship - lOG CHAPTER VIII, 1809—1817. The Rev. Samuel Marsden visits England — Suggests a Mis- sion to New Zealand — Returns with some Settlers — Dua- terra — A Schoolmaster and his Wife sent out — All Efforts for a long time unavailing — At length Mr. Marsden visits New Zealand, and the first Church Missionary Settlement is planted there — Death of Duaterra — Mowhee visits Eng- land— Death of Mowhee .---.. 130 CHAPTER IX. 1815—1818. A large number of Candidates offer themselves for Missionary Work — Mr. Pratt's matured Views on the Qualifications of a Missionary — The Rev. Thomas Scott relinquishes the Education of Candidates — The Basle Institution— Corre- spondence with the Rev. Theophilus Blumhardt — The In- stitution at Islington founded ------ 139 CHAPTER X. 1817—1821. The Church Missionary Society is attacked by the Aich- deacon of Bath — Defence bv the Rev. Daniel Wilson — sii to N TENTS. Great Ailvantaycs result— A King's Letter in behalf of the Society for Propaiialing the Gospel— Mr. Pratt publishes a NNork intitulcil " l^opaganda"— The New Impulse in behalf of Missions is communicated to America — Corre- spondence between Bishops Griswold and White and Mr. Pratt — The American Episcopal Cluirch establishes a Missionary Society — Mr. Pratt communicates on the sub- ject of Missions with other Christian Bodies in the United States - - - - 150 CHAPTER XI. 1811— 1S30. Ori'T^in of the Mediterranean Mission — Mr. Mair and ]3r. Naudi — Proposal to send Literary Representatives — The Rev. William Jowett devotes himself to the work — Cor- responds with Dr. Buchanan — Receives his Final Instruc- tions from Mr. Pratt — Proceeds to Malta — Translation of the Holy Scrijitures into a Native Language of Abyssinia — Tlie Rev. James Connor goes out as a Second Literary Representative — Mr. Jowett returns home — Publishes "Christian Researches in the Mediterranean" — Returns again to Malta — Publishes the Gospel of St. John in Mal- tese— Returns to Malta for the third and last time — Re- marks on the Mediterranean Mission - - - - 109 CHAPTER XIL 1818—1824. Progress of the West-Africa Mission — Dreadful Sickness and Mortality among the Missionaries — Success at length vouchsafed- Mr. Johnson's Labours abundantly blessed — More Missionaries sent out to India — The Syrian Church Missionaries sent with a view to its Revival— Cheering Prospects in the South lA' India — Agra — Chunar — Benares Burdwan Krisiinaghur reinale Education — Death of Bishop Middleton, and Api)ointment of Bishoj) Ileber — Difliculties in the New-Zealand Mission — Correspondence with Missionaries— Mr. Pratt resigns the Secretaiyship - 190 CONTENTS. xiii CHAPTER XIII. 1811—1824. Mr, Pratt's Ministry during this pei-iod — Withdraws from the Eclectic Society — Accidental Death of an Aged Mem- ber of his Congregations — The Honest Waterman — Visit of Bishop Chase to England— Assistance afforded to him by Mr. Pratt in his Appeal to the British Public - - - 228 CHAPTER XIV. 1802—1823. Mr. Pratt in his Domestic Relationships, and his Private and Social Habits — Letters to his Daughters, and to his eldest Son at Cambridge -------- 241 CHAPTER XV. 1823—1831. Mr. Pratt's Election to the Vicarage of St. Stephen's, Cole- man Street — His Letter to the Rev. Daniel Wilson — His Entrance on Pastoral Labours — Marriage of his eldest Daughter— Severe Attack of Inflammation in his Eye — Resignation of his Lectureship at St. Mary Woolnoth's — Visit to Ramsgate — Attempt to improve a Melancholy Event which happened at that place . . . . 201 CHAPTER XVI. 1829—1834. The State of Public Affairs — Dissensions in the British and Foreign Bible Society — Mr. Pratt's Views on the matter in debate— Tiie Cholera— The Fast Da} — The Reform Bill — Reforms in the Church — The Christian-Influence Society — The Dissenters — Rise of Tractarianism — The Rev. Daniel Wilson appointed Bishop of Calcutta — City-of- London School — Letters of Advice and of Sympathy with afflicted Friends - - ----- 279 xiT CONTENTS. (II \ri i:i{ \\ II. is3.>. isaf). Mr. Pratt (Iccliiics iircaclunn; the Anniversary Church JNIis- sionary Sermon — His Sermon at the Consecration of Bisliop Corrie — Importance of preserving the Purity of Truth — Peculiarities of Missions connected with an Episcopal Church — Ncehere of Lahour in the Eastern Empire- Death of Bishop Corrie, and of Mr. Simeon — Advice to liis Son at College — Importance of Right Motives for entering the Ministry and Preparation for its Sacred Duties — Bishop Chase's second Visit to I'2ngland— Church Pastoral-Aid Society founded - 311 CHAPTER XVIII. 1838—1844. " The Christian Year" — Errors of the Tractarian School — The " Christian Observer" exposes them — Mr. Pratt preaches on the subject at St. Paul's — Ministerial Changes, with the Results — Alleviating and Encouraging Circum- stances— Tractarianism more developed, and Works written in answer to it — Krishnatrhur — The Evangelical Alliance — Secession from the Scotch Church — The Church Missio- nary Society continues stedfast to its Principles — The Arch- bishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of London join the Society --------- 337 ( IIAI'TKK XIX. 1839— 1R4 4. Mr. Pratt's Pastoral Anxieties — He reliufpiishes the " Mis- sionary Register" -His Record of Pastoral Visits — Letters of Admonition and Condolence Mr. Pratt in Ins Family — I)c[)arture of his second Son to India and of his fourth Daughter to New Zealand His Family visited by Sick- ness and liereavement Letter of Consolation to his eldest Daughter — His advancing Age — Deaths of his Sisters — Decline of his own Health and Strength - - . - 309 CONTENTS. XV CHAPTER XX. 1841. Mr. Pratt's last Illness and Death . - - - - 410 CHAPTER XXI. Testimonies, and Views of Mr. Pratt's Character - - - 440 APPENDIX I. On the Origination of the Church Missionary Society - - 460 APPENDIX II. Mr. Pratt's Dedicatory Prayei-, at laying the Foundation Stone of the Institution at Islington .... 473 APPENDIX III. Letters to Mr. Pratt from tlie American Bishops Griswold and White --------- 477 APPENDIX IV. Obituary of Mrs. Char.lotte Pratt, Mr. Pratt's Sister - - 481 APPENDIX V. View of Mr. Pratt's Character as a Preacher of the Word - 487 ERRATA. At page 139, in the Contents of Chapter IX., for ".I. Blumhardt" rmd " T. Blumhardt." At page 309, in the Contents of Chapter XIX., for " thinl daughter" read " fourth daugliter." At page 40i, /or " IS.3i " read " 1831." MEMOIR. CHAPTER I. 1768—1802. CHARACTER OF MR. PRATx's FATHER SERIOUS ILLNESS IN CHILDHOOn EARLY LIFE, AND FIRST RELIGIOUS IMPRESSIONS — ENTERS THE UNIVER- SITY OF OXFORD — IS ORDAINED REMOVES TO LONDON — IS CURATE TO MR. CECIL — THE ECLECTIC SOCIETY — THE " CHRISTIAN OBSERVER." JosiAH Pratt, the subject of the ensuing Memoir, was born at Birmingham, Dec. 21st, 1768. He was one of a numerous family, and was privileged in having exemplary parents, who diligently brought up their children in the " nurture and admonition of the Lord." His Father was a person of simple and most devoted piety, and by his uniform walk with God, and his well-regulated family habits, won and retained to the end the love and veneration of his children. So upright and holy was the demeanour of this good man, that it drew from the lips of the late Rev. Richard Cecil — no mean judge of true excellence — the distinguished commendation, that he knew no person who so frequently called to his mind the cha- B 2 MR. PRATT'S FATHER. [Chav. I. racter of Jesus Christ. He was a member of the Churcli of Enghmd, the Church of his fathers, and attended the ministry of the Rev. John Ililand at St. Mary's Chapel, and subsequently that of his suc- cessor, the Rev. Edward Burn. The Chapel was connected witli a large and crowded population. ]\Ir. R-iland, on his removal from Huddersfield to this new charge, obtained the aid of several pious laymen to assist him in his pastoral labours. They each undertook to visit a few families, over whom they exercised a Christian influence and care, under the direction of their Minister. The father of the subject of this Memoir w-as one of the most valued of these fellow-helpers in the Lord.* • A Sermon was preached by Mr. Bum at St. Mary's, Biriningliani, on the 12th of March, 1707, upon the occasion of the death of this ex- cellent Cliristian. The following extracts will give a further view of his character : — " Few men had a larger share of those trials which arise from constitu- tional infirmity. Seldom through the course of a life nearly lengthened out to the age of man, did he enjoy health without some considerable alloy of pain and languor. But it was in this way — and blessed be God he well knew it ! — his Heavenly Father was gradually and most graciously pre- paring him for Himself. On the Thursday morning before his death he said to two of his children, who were expressing their affectionate solici- tude ab(»ut his health, 'Oh! how earnestly have I prayed this night that my release might Ije signed ! I have trod many a weary step, l>ut I am drawing near my journey's end, and that's a comfort to a traveller.' On the morning of his dissolution, and as he ap])roached nearer to his rest, his prospects became still l)rij,'hter, and he sjjake of his decease in terms of uncommon animation and triumj)h. Amongst other excellent things he said, ' Now, Lord, lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation. I never thought that my death-bed would l>e so happy. Oh! I cannot tell half what I feel! Now is my salvation nearer than when I first believed: yes, it is! it is! Oh! what cause for thankfulness have I and you all ! but God forbid that I should have any spiritual 1709— 18()2.] ILLNESS IN CHILDHOOD. 3 JosiAH, the second surviving son, received his father's name at his baptism. While yet an infant, lie was attacked with a severe illness, in which his life was despaired of. His father, in the bitterness of his sorrow, walked about the room in the night with the child in his arms to soothe him ; and as he com- mended his soul to God, the last verse of the 102d Psalm was powerfully impressed upon his mind — " The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before theeJ^ His mind rested upon this promise. He received comfort from the hope that it might yet please God to restore his child, and it was fulfilled, not only in that, but in a far higher spiritual pride, for I am a poor sinner saved freely by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.' *,,**** " To one of his daughters, who stood weeping at his bed, and inquiring how he was, he replied earnestly, ' Very well : my poor body is weak, but what a happy creature shall I be through the countless ages of eternity !' ^ * * * * * " There are some leading ideas, in the character of our departed friend, that must not be omitted. In his example, his light was rather clear and steady than overwhelming and marvellous. His zeal was equally removed from the inditFercnce of the formalist and the fierceness of the bigot. His (christian affection was tempered by a holy and jealous watchfulness over the walk of his brethren. His attainments in grace were rather the effect of growth, than the hasty and immature productions of impulse. His fruits were m their season ; and the general course of his life was directed more by the constant presence and authority of truth upon the mind, than by the floating uncertainties of various opinion, or the vehement warmth of particular occasions: it was, in a word, the ' path of the just which shineth more and more to the perfect day.' ***** "In the case of our departed friend every thing is clear : in his principles, in liis conversation, and in his end, there remains nothing perple-xed, nothing to be made out, nor any thing to be proved. It is a plain unequivocal in- stance of the power of Clmstianity, whether you regard that as a principle of knowledge, a rule of action, or a strong consolation in death." k2 4 ENTERS UPON BUSINESS. [Chai-. I. sense, by Him "who is al)le to do exceeding abun- dantly above all that we can ask or think." Until the age of twelve years, Josiah was educated with his two younger brothers, Isaac and Henry, at Harr School, a large establishment about six miles from Birmingham. His father then introduced him into his own business as a manufacturer; in which, from his natural habits of industry and accuracy, he might be expected to excel, and family tradition re- ports that the expectation was fully realised. Bat at a very early period he had imbibed a strong taste for books, and his mind became filled with an ardent desire for the acquisition of general knowledge. For several years, however, he kept this very much to himself, procuring and laying in books secretly, and indulging his literary propensity only in leisure hours, and in the retirement of his chamber. He imagined that his parents might think it unnecessary for him to spend so much time and money in pursuits which would not turn to account in that line of life for which he was intended. After remaining several years with his father, he was placed in another manufactory, for the purpose of acquiring a more extensive knowledge of commercial affairs. There is little on record to shew what w^ere the operations of divine grace in his heart during his early youth. That little, however, seems to indicate that it was in the House of God that his mind was most sus- ceptible of religious im])ressions. He used, in later years, to refer, with lively recollection, to the solemn elFect produced one day uj)on his young mind, in St. 17f.9— 1802.] RELIGIOUS IMPRESSIONS. 5 Mary's Church, by the earnest manner in which the Service, and especially the Venite exultemus, was read by the Rev. Charles Simeon, who had recently en- tered the ministry, and was on that occasion officia- ting for Mr. Burn. And it appears that on another occasion, when yet a boy, his attention was arrested by the petition in the Liturgy, " Pitifully behold the sorrows of our hearts." He was wondering what sor- rows he had to speak of, when the next petition fur- nished an answer, which the Holy Spirit taught him to apply, " Mercifully forgive the sins of thy people." He was not brought, however, to any remarkable or abiding concern for his soul till his seventeenth year. The circumstance which led to this change is memo- rable. The late Rev. Thomas Robinson, of Leicester, ministered in the pulpit one Sunday for Mr. Riland. Any one who had ever heard Mr. Robinson might easily conceive the solemnity and pathos with which he would deliver the words "Let us pray," used before sermon. On this occasion they struck upon the heart and conscience of the youthful subject of this Memoir with such power, and occupied his mind so entirely, that he had no recollection of any thing else connected with the occasion, not even the subject of the sermon. He thought what a solemn act prayer was ! He doubted whether he had ever prayed in his life. His mind was filled with awe and contrition for his past neglect. These, and many other considerations, took such pos- session of him, that his religious views and feelings might be said to have assumed a definite character from that period, and from this circumstance. He 6 DESIRE TO ENTER THE MINISTRY. [Chap. I. joined the Societies which Mr. Riland had recom- niciuled to his (lock for spiritual edification ; in his connection with these, his religious character became further dcveloi)ed ; and the fund of information and knowkd«,^e which he had already laid in by private reading and study, found scope for profitable applica- tion. He speedily became anxious to be a minister of Christ ; a desire which was probably much promoted by tlie sympathies, if not the suggestions, of some of his companions, who bad for some time judged that his mind was under preparation for higher duties. His chief fear as to the accomplishment of such a wish arose from what he considered to be his father's incli- nation and future plans. His eldest brother, Frede- rick, had left England to settle in Baltimore, and their father was naturally looking forward to having his next son — one of so much promise — associated with him in his own engagements. Under these apprehen- sions, he made it a subject of earnest prayer to God, that if it were consistent with His holy will that he should enter " the sacred ministry of His Church," He would incline the heart of his father to favour the pro- ])osal. He then, in a respectful way, and not without some fear and trembling, disclosed his mind to his l)elovcd ])arcnt. But so far was he from discouraging him, that he entered at once most kindly into his views, and rejoiced in thus giving up a son to the more immediate service of God. The friend to whom he was in some measure bound in business, with the greatest kindness released him, expressing a sincere 1769—1802] MENTAL CHARACTERISTICS. 7 regard for him, and satisfaction in his services. The time which had been thus occupied was by no means thrown away. He was then acquiring those habits of business, and that practical turn of mind, which so eminently qualified him for many duties to which he was afterwards called. It was a distinguishing feature in the character of several of the eminent men of his day, and one which was of peculiar advantage to those who were designed, in the providence of God, to take the lead in the reli- gious movement at the close of the last century, that Christian zeal and spiritual knowledge were combined in the same persons with active habits and a practical knowledge of secular concerns. Indeed, the fact that men, whose first line of life and education appeared to be preparing them for other occupations, should be called entirely to change their course, and devote themselves to the ministry, while it distinctly shews us that God was designing them for important ser- vices, seems also to imply that there was some pecu- liar fitness for the discharge of these duties in their character and cast of mind. An earnest zeal for Christ's glory and enlarged views of His blessed Go- spel, together with an extensive knowledge of the world and its affairs, were eminently characteristic of the subject of this Memoir. As soon as the above determination was arrived at, Mr. Pratt's father engaged a tutor to prepare him for college ; and, with his wonted zeal and energy, he was often at his tutor's door on cold winter mornings before he was out of bed, losing no time to make up g CoMKS TO LONDON. [Chap. I. the (liiiciencies of liis classical education. He entered at St. Kchmiiurs Hall, Oxford, and was matriculated .huu' 22,178*). At the University he had the advan- tage of an excellent tutor in the Rev. Isaac Crouch, after- wards Vicar of Narborough, near Leicester, to whom he was most sincerely attached, and with whom, to the close of his life, he enjoyed an intimate friendship. That he maintained, under his new circumstances, his former character for regular and orderly habits, may be shewn upon the principle of the adage, that The exception proves the rule. Upon one, and only one, occasion he omitted to attend the Chapel Prayers. His absence was so marked an event, that when the Service was over, the tutor and several of his friends among the Undergraduates adjourned in a body to his rooms to learn the reason of his absence, fully expecting, as they expressed themselves, to find him " dead or dying." Having completed his College education, he was ordained June 3,1792, by the Bishop of Hereford, to the Curacy of Dowlcs near Bewdley, a small living then held by the Rev. William Jesse, of West Brom- wicli ; and he remained there till after he had received Priests' Orders. Having then, in the autumn of 1795, a (ksiro to change his sphere of labour, he wrote to the Rev. Richard Cecil in London, to whom he was known by Mr. C.'s visits at Birmingham, inquiring if he knew of any Curacy in or near London that would suit l)iiii. Mr. Cecil answered him in the following laconic and (juaint style: " I want a Curate myself; put a shirt m your ])0(kct, and come and see whether my Curacy 1769— 180L] MR. CECIL. 9 will suit you." Mr. Pratt immediately accepted the invitation, and was more than willing to undertake the post under a man whose judgment he valued so liighly. His inexperience would naturally place him at a dis- advantage with Mr. Cecil's refined and somewhat fas- tidious congregation at St. John's, — a disadvantage which he often painfully felt. But Mr. Cecil's prompt discernment of character enabled him to encourage his young friend : " Never mind, Pratt ; make yourself useful, and a time will come when you tvill be ivanted." Though very dissimilar from Mr. Cecil in his own character, he was fully able to estimate and profit by familiar intercourse with a man in whom genius, ori- ginality, and practical wisdom, were so remarkably combined. Some of the treasures which he thus ac- quired were afterwards conmiitted to the press under the title of " Cecil's Remains." The two classes of his preparation for his future W'ork, — the habits of business to which reference has already been made, and his intercourse with a cha- racter like Mr. Cecil at this early and susceptible period of his life, — were of the greatest possible mo- ment. From the first, he acquired order, application, perseverance, and the talent of arrangement ; the second gave him an insight into the dangers and errors prevalent in the religious circles of London at the time. Mr. Cecil's acute observations, penetrating and discriminating judgment, wisdom, boldness, and courage to stand alone, assisted to form the sound and sober Minister. On the 7th of September, 1797, he married Elizabeth, 10 THE ECLECTIC SOCIETY. [Chap. I. eldest (laugliter of Mr. John Jowett, of Newington, Surrey ; and settled at No. 22 Doughty Street, Meck- lenburgh Square, in the immediate neighbourhood of St. John's Chapel. He here received several pupils into his house, some of whom were designed for the Ministry. Among these was the present Bishop of Calcutta, who ever continued to be warmly attached to his early tutor, and paid an affectionate tribute to his memory in a charge delivered to the Clergy of Cakutta shortly after receiving the intelligence of his death. Mr. Pratt's removal to London introduced him to the acquaintance of many good and eminent men. In the year 1797, he became a member of the Eclectic Society, formed by a few of the London Clergy for religious intercourse and improvement, and whose leading object was the investigation of religious truth. Its fust meeting was held Jan. 16, 1783, at the Castle- and-Falcon, Aldersgate Street, and consisted of the Rev. Jolin Newton, Rev. Henry Foster, Rev. Richard Cecil, and Eli Rates, Esq. It afterwards consisted of twelve or fourteen members resident in London, and as many country members, or occasional visitors. Its meetings were afterwards held once a fortnight at the Vestry- Room of St. John's Chapel, Bedford Row, and it com- prehended, according to its original design, two or three Laymen and Non-Conformist Ministers. His Christian and brotherly intercourse with the niciiibcrs of this body was highly conducive to the improvement and development of his own mind. Here lie rejoiced in the society of some of the worthies 17(i9— 1802.] THE CHRISTIAN OBSERVER. U of the generation before him, imbibed their spirit, and profited by their experience. He continued to be a member for eighteen years ; and became one of the most efficient of the body. We find him as early as Feb. 4, 1799, although the youngest member upon the books, proposing for the consideration of the Society the following question : " How far may a Periodical Publication be made subservient to the interest of Religion ?" The character of the projected publication, upon which Mr. Pratt invited discussion, may be gathered from some brief notes of his remarks, which were taken by the Rev. John Venn at the time, and have been preserved to this day. The objects which he proposed were " to correct the false sentiments of the religious world, and to explain the principles of the Church." This part of the design was to be effected by papers written under the designation of " Religious Commu- nications." There were to be in addition. Articles, Miscellaneous and Literary ; Reviews ; a Review^ of Reviews ; and " historical events of the month, wdth a particular reference to Providence." The original plan of the Christian Observer, as laid out in the Prospectus published in the first Num- ber, is the exact counterpart of this sketch. It is therefore an inference which may be drawn without much difficulty, that Mr. Pratt was the projector, as he was the first Editor, of this Publication, which has so long stood its ground, and, amidst the abounding periodical literature of the present day, still exercises such a wide and beneficial influence in the Church. CHAPTER II. 1799-1804. OIIIGIN AND COMMENCEMENT OF THE CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY — MR. PRATT SICCKKUS THE REV. THOMAS SCOTT AS SECRETARY — A MISSION TO WEST AFRICA CONTEMPLATED, AND THE SERVICES OF SOME BERLIN STUDENTS ENOAOED — CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE PRINCIPAL OF THE MISSIONARY INSTITUTION AT BERLIN — DISMISSAL OF TWO MISSIONARIES THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY IS INSTITUTED MR. PRATT APPOINTED SECRETARY— EFFECTS A REORGANIZATION OF THE COM- UITTEE RESIGNS THE OFFICE OF SECRETARY, AND IS SUCCEEDED BY THE REV. JOHN OWEN— MR. PRATT A FIRM FRIEND AND ADVOCATE OF THE SOCIETY TO THE END OP HIS LIFE. Ik T by far the most important result of the delibera- tions of the members of the Eclectic Society, was the formation of a great design, in the development of which Mr. Pratt soon became the chief agent. It will therefore be desirable in this place to enter briefly, yet somewhat circumstantially, into the details of its origin and early history. The question of forming a Society expressly for Missionary objects in connection with the Church of England had for some time been under deliberation ; and the subject was brought before the Eclectic Society on the 8th of Feb. 1796, by the Rev. Charles Simeon. The majority of the members, though fa- vourably disposed, were not then prepared to take any immediate steps in the matter. On the IStli of Feb. WX), notice was given that the subject would be again brought forward; andonthelSthof March the Rev. John Viiiii, Rector of Chipham, opened the discussion at some ieiigtli, and ))r()))()sed several Resolutions for adoption. 1799.] MEETING AT THE CASTLE-AND-FALCON. 13 Some objected to them. The following record has been preserved, among Mr. Venn's Eclectic notes, of Mr. Pratt's remarks upon the occasion : — " The Rev. Josiah Pratt advocated the adoption of the Reso- lutions [drawn up and presented by Mr. Venn], as ' breathing a quiet, humble, dependent spirit.' ' Let us regard ourselves as forming the Society. Let us consider to vi^hom it would be desirable to communicate our plans. Let us not proceed to choose a Committee till we have a larger Meeting. Let some little Address be drawn up, stating our designs, and how we wish to act in following the leading of Providence. It should be known that there is such a design. — Fix upon persons to write to. — Must be kept in evangelical hands." The result of this Meeting was a general agree- ment that a Society should be forthwith formed, and a Prospectus prepared, and the entire plan laid before the chief authorities of the Church. Accordingly, on the 12th of April, 1799, a Meeting was held at the Castle-and-Falcon Inn, Aldersgate Street, and the Society was instituted. Mr. Venn was in the Chair ; and sixteen Clergymen — nine of them members of the Eclectic — and nine Laymen, composed the Meeting.* The following letter was then forwarded to * As we ought ever to cherish the memory of these excellent persons, their names are here subjoined : — Rev. John Venn, in the Chair. (Rector of Clapham, Surrey.) Rev.WiLLi.vM Jarvis Abdy. (Rec- Rev. Henry Foster. (Lecturer tor of St. Jolin's, Horsleydown.) of Christ Church, Spitalfields.) Rev. Edward CuTHBEKT. (Minis- } Rev. Thomas Fky. (Fellow of ter of Long- A ere Chapel.) ' Lincoln College, Oxford.) Rev. John Davies. (Afterwards | Rev. William Goode. (Rector of of Coventry.) | St. Ann's, Blackfriars.) Rev. 14 THE ARCHBISHOP ADDRESSED. [Chap. H. llisClracc the Archbishop of Canterbury, a similar one to the Bishop of London, as Diocesan, and another to the Bishop of Durliani, at that time Chairman of the Conmiittce for Missions in the Society for Promo- ting Christian Knowledge : — Utv. Wii, 1,1AM Ali'ho.nsls Gunn. (Curate of St. Mary, ^^'oolnoth.) Rfv. I. ^V. MinnLKToN. (Rother- hitho.) Kev. John Newton. (Rector of St. Mary, W'oolnoth.) Rev. I. W. Pkers, LL.D. (Rec- tor of Mcrton, Surrey.) Rev. RuilAIU) POSTLETHWAITE. (Rector of St. Roche, Cornwall.) Rev. JosiAH Pratt. (Assistant Minister of St. John's Cliapel, Bedford Row.) Rev. Thomas Scott. (The Com- mentator.) Rev. Tho.mas Sheppard. (After- noon Lecturer of St. Mary's, Stoke Newington.) Rev. Charles William Tekrot. (Haddington, N.B.) Mr. John Bvcon. (The Sculptor.) Mr. John Brasier. (CamherwcU.) Mr. William Cardale. (Solici- tor, of Bedford Row.) Mr. Nathan Downer. (Merchant in Bishopsgate Street.) Mr. Charles Elliott. (Clapham and Brighton.) Mr. John Jowett. (Newington Butts.) Mr. Ambrose Martin. (Banker, of Finch Lane.) Mr. John Pearson. (Surgeon, Golden Square.) Mr. EnwARj) Venn. (Camber- well) The Coinniittee subsequently elected the following Country Members : — 'I'lioMAs BAHiNciTON, Esq., Rothely Temple, Leicestershire. Rev. Edward liuRN, Birmingham. Rev. Tnit.MAsT. Biddllph, Bristol. Rev. L. (oi.lthurst, 1).]3., Vicar of Halifax. Kcv. Isaac Crouch, Oxford. Rev. W1LLIA.M Day, Bengeworth, \\'<>rce8tershire. Rev. Tho.mas Dikes, Hull. Rev. Edward F^dwards, Lynn. Rev. John Fawcett, Carlisle. Rev TiniMAs Frv, Oxford. Rev. Robert Hawker, D.D., Ply- mouth. William Hey, Esq., Leeds. Rev. Melville Horne, Maccles- field. Rev. Thomas Jones, Crcaton, Nortliamptonshire. Rev. Robert Jarratt, ^Velling- ton, Somerset. Rev. John Mayor, Shrewsbury. Rev. Matthew Powley, Dews- bury. Rev. Thomas Robinson, Leicester. Rev. 1800 ] THE ARCHBISHOP ADDRESSED. 15 To His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury. •' London, July 1, 1799. " MAY IT PLEASE YOUR GRACE " The Committee of a Society now forming for Missions to Africa and the East have sent a deputation of their members* to present, in the most respectful manner, to Your Grace, as Metropolitan, a copy of the Rules which they have framed, to- gether with the Account of the nature of their Institution, which is designed for publication. They humbly trust that Your Grace will be pleased favourably to regard this attempt to ex- tend the benefits of Christianity, an attempt peculiarly neces- sary at a period in which the most zealous and systematic efforts have been made to eradicate the Christian faith. " With the utmost submission and reverence they beg leave to subscribe themselves " Your Grace's most obedient humble servants. " Signed, on behalf of the Committee, "John Venn, Chairman." Rev. William Richardson, York. Rev. CiiARLiis Simeon, Cambridge Rev. RonEKT Storry, Colchester. Rev. James Stillingfleet, Ho- tham, Yorkshire. Rev. Christopher Stephenson, OIncy. Rev.W.TERROT, Haddington, N.B. Rev. James Vaughan, Bristol. Rev. George West, Stoke, Surrey. The Rev. John Fawcett, one of the very few survivors of the nol)le band above enumerated, attended an early Meeting of the Committee at the identical Castle- and- Falcon, Nov. 1st of this — the Society's Ju- bilee year ; and the Jubilee Sermon preached on the same day at St. Ann's, Blackfriars, by His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury ; and next morn- ing the Jubilee Meeting of the Society at Exeter Hall, when he closed the interesting proceedings of the day by pronouncing the Apostolic Benediction on the assembly, consisting of 3000 persons. * These were, William WUberforce, Esq., Cliarlcs Grant, Esq., and Rev. John Venn. |(i THE ARCHBISHOP'S REPLY. [Chav. H. The Archbishop left town about this time, and the reply to this letter was necessarily delayed. But on the 2Sth of August, 1799, Mr. Venn writes to the Kev. Thomas Scott, Secretary, as follows : — "As soon as the Arciibishop returned, Mr. Wilberforce [one of the deputation] waited upon him, and had a long conversa- tion witli him respecting the Society, and the persons by whom it was set on foot. The Archbishop was very candid, and ap- peared to be favourably disposed ; but, as might be expected, he was cautious not to commit himself till he was more parti- cularly acquainted with the subject. He said that he should be glad to receive the deputation at any time." Further delays ensued, arising from the absence of the Archbishop from town. At length, in July, 1800, Mr. Wilberforce communi- cated to Mr. Venn the result of his interviews in the follow ing letter : — ff'illiam Wilberforce, Esq., to liev. John Venn. " MY DEAR SIR — " I had promised myself a quiet morning at Chelsea, charm- ing from its novelty as well as its intrinsic comfort, but your letter determined me to sally forth. I have had an interview with the Archbishop, who has spoken in very obliging terms, and expressed himself concerning your Society in as favourable a way as could be expected. I will tell you more at large when we meet what passed between us. Meanwhile, I will just state, tliat His Grace regretted that he could not, with pro- priety, at once express his full concurrence or approbation of any endeavours in behalf of an object he has deeply at heart. He acquiesced in the hope I expressed that the Society might go forward ; being assured that he would look on their proceed- 1800] CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY FORMED. 17 ings with candour, and that it would give him pleasure to find them such as he could approve. " Believe me, ever affectionately yours, in extreme haste, '« W. W. '■'■Palace Yard, Thursday. July 24 [IHOO]." Matters having been brought thus far, the Com- mittee met on the 4th of August, 1800 ; embodied the substance of Mr. Wilberforce's letter in the form of a Resolution, which was entered on the Minutes ; and took measures for publishing their Prospectus* without further delay. Copies were sent to various Religious Societies, and to a great number of the clergy and laity throughout the kingdom. The following is the friendly acknowledgment by the Secretary of the So- ciety for Promoting Christian Knowledge, which at that time had charge of the Missions in South India, afterwards, in 1826, transferred to the Society for Pro- pagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts : — Rev. George Gask'ui, Secretary to the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, to Rev. Thomas Scott, Secretary to the Church Missionary Society. " REV. SIR — " I received the favour of your letter, together with fifty copies of an account of ' the Society for Missions to Africa and the East.' The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge * This was drawn up by Mr. Venn. See Appendix to a Sermon preached by the Rev. Henry Venn, Honorary Secretary of the Churcli Missionary Society, on occasion of the death of Mr. Pratt ; also a Jubilee Tract by the Rev. Henry Venn, intituled "The Founders of tlie Church Missionary Society, and its First Five Years." C m Mil. PRATT APPOINTED SECRETARY. [Chap. II. desire me to return thanks for this mark of your Society s at- tention to them. "The harvest is truly plenteous. God grant that fit la- l)t)urcrs may be found to work in it, that the Gentiles, who have not yet entered into the shecpfold of Christ's Church, may be leil to see that it is tlie ark of salvation ! " I am, Rev. Sir, " Your faithful humble servant, " Geo. Gaskin, Secretary. '■'■ Bartlrtt's Buildinos, Nov. 7, 1800." On the 8th of December, 1802, Mr. Scott resigned the ofTice of Secretary, and he was immediately succeeded by JMr. Pratt, who retained it till the 23d of April, 1824 — through a period of more than twenty-one years. He devoted the vigour of his days — from his 34th to his 5Gth year — in arduous and imtiring labours in its ser- vice ; and to the close of life took the deepest in- terest in all its affairs, being ever ready, when applied to, to aid the Committee by that counsel and advice which his large experience, sound sense, and compre- hensive mind so well fitted him to impart. When he entered upon the duties of the Secretary- ship, the Society were endeavouring to engage the services of suitable labourers to commence a Mission in West Africa ; — a quarter of the globe to which the symi)athies of Christians were at that time powerfully drawn, in consequence of the cruel injuries inflicted upon its inhabitants by the Slave Trade. But at- tempts to interest young men in England, and to in- duce them to embark in this labour of love, were then i|uitc unavailing. And here occasion offers, to pay a just tribute to 1803.] REV. WILLIAM GOODE. 19 the memory of that excellent man and early friend of the Society, the Rev. William Goode, in whose study, at the Rectory of St. Ann's, Blackfriars, the Commit- tee held its meetings for several of the earlier years, and in whose Church the first sixteen Anniversary Sermons were preached. He may be said to have died in the cause, for the complaint which removed him from the Church on earth, was taken in a journey to Ipswich on behalf of the Society. At the period of which we are speaking, the warmest friends of the cause were at times almost disposed to abandon the undertaking, in despair of procuring suitable instru- ments for carrying out their designs among the Hea- then : but the faith of this holy man seemed never to fail ; and Mr. Pratt would often refer in later years, with affectionate remembrance, to the exhortations of Mr. Goode to persevere in believing prayer, as he felt no doubt but, when patience had had its perfect work, the Lord would crown their plans and efforts with success. The Society was at length compelled to direct its attention to the Continent, and entered into corre- spondence with the Directors of the Berlin Seminary, recently established for the purpose of training pious young men for Missionary work. And towards the close of 1803 two young men, brought up in that In- stitution, and ordained in the Lutheran Church, in which they had been baptized, " were accepted as Missionaries of the Society, to be employed as Mini- sters of a Sister Communion to the Church of England, after the example of the venerable Society for Pro- c 2 2^J COllRESrOiNDENCE. [Chap. II. nioting Christian Knowledge." * In the following letter to the I^rincipal of the Berlin Institution, Mr. Pratt adverts to these individuals, and to others who w^ere under preparation for future employment. The last part of the letter refers to the renewal of war between France and England, and the threat of Buonaparte to invade England. To the Rev. J. Jfvmckf'. "London, Ami. 2, IHOH. •• DEAR FRIEND AND BROTHER — • «»»*♦* '* We are well satisfied with your account of the four brethren, and the manner in which they are preparing for their great work. Brethren R. and H. are both well. The time is now very near wlien they will probably set sail for Africa. We have written to our friends at Sierra Leone to prepare matters for them. They will set out, God willing, after about two months ; and after staying a proper time in the Colony of Sierra Leone to get inured to the climate, &c., they will proceed to their destination, whither, let us not doubt, the Lord will ac- company them, and give them favour and success with the Susoo people. " It is glorious, while others are thirsting for human blood, to be thirsting for souls ; while others are ambitious of en- slaving their lellow-men, to be ambitious only of carrying to them true ;md spiritual freedom; and while others are labour- ing night and day to enlarge authority which will expire with their breath, to wear our strength out in extending diat king- dom whicli shall never end ! " We are rising up as one man in these nations to resist our cruel and perfidious enemy. It is the deliberate determination of multitudes, I believe, among us, to inflict a signal chastise- * l'u\irtli III port of tlio Churcli Missionary Society, p. 315. 1803.] CORRESPONDENCE. 21 ment upon the French, if they venture to set foot upon our shores, or to die in the conflict. But the hattle is the Lord's ; and my hope is, that, though we are a highly sinful land, yet God will spare us, in answer to the earnest prayers of His many children scattered among us. Yet it is an awful time ; and if the English and French meet in the field on British ground, you will hear, and we shall experience, what will make both ears to tingle. Remember us in your prayers, that we may live a reformed and Christian, as well as a victorious nation. And may our blessed Lord hear and answer, and prosper us in all our labours for the promotion of that Kingdom of Peace which will sheath the murderous sword, and make the world one scene of harmony and love ! " Believe me. Dear Sir, " Your faithful friend and brother in our Lord Jesus Christ, "JosiAH Pratt." He adverts again to the all-absorbing topic of the French invasion, in a letter to another friend in Berlin. To the Rev. G. S. Stracke. "London, Oct. 11, 1803. '* DEAR BROTHER IN THE LORD — " Your prayers, and the interest you and other Christians take in the present state of Great Britain, have afforded much consolation to several brethren to whom I have communicated them. Our sins as a nation, and our infirmities as a Church, are very great, and deserve severe punishment and scourging ; but we have good hopes from the spirit of prayer stirred up on our behalf among ourselves, and among Christians in Ger- many, Prussia, &c., that God will help our brave exertions. Continue, dear brother, to remember us unceasingly in your prayers. " As I thought it might be pleasing to you, I have sent you a small collection of Tracts and papers, published, as you will see, to rouse the spirit of the country, and some of them by 22 DISAPPOINTMENTS. [Chap. II. sincere Christians, aiul in a right spirit. Tliesc form but a small part of what ha.s been published, as I suppose that within three months not less than 300 ditrerent publications have ap- peared on this subject." On the 31st of January, 1804, the two Missionaries IVoni Berlin, llev. Messrs. Ilenner and Hartwig, were publicly commended to the grace of God in a Meet- ing of the Committee. Upon this occasion Mr. Pratt delivered a Farewell Address — in the name of the Committee — full of counsel, admonition, and encou- ragement. On the 8th of March they sailed ; and on the 14th of April, after a prosperous voyage, they reached their destination. " The employment of the press, and the sending forth of Missionaries" were, as we have seen, the ])rin('i])al means which the Society had from the be- ginning proposed to employ in carrying on their great undertaking. In the most important of these two branches of operation, " the sending forth of Missio- naries," they were now fairly engaged ; and many were the prayers and supplications offered, and san- guine the hopes entertained, that " the Lord of the harvest" would speedily gladden the heaits of his ser- vants with success. Hut " my ways are not your ways, saith the Lord, neither are my thoughts your thoughts." He often leads His people by a way that they know not. We shall hereafter see that the subse(juent history of tliis Mission largely illustrates these truths. Disappoint- ments and trials of various kinds, and through a long pciiod t»f time-, taiijrht many a lesson to Mr. Pratt and 1803.] A NEW PROJECT. 23 his co-adjiitors in the Committee. Thus was their faith exercised, a spirit of supplication called forth, and their experience so enlarged, as to prepare them for future and more extensive operations with a measure of judgment and intelligence to be learnt only in the school of difficulty. While, on the other hand, as will be seen, ultimate and abundant success — though in a way they had not thought of — has been vouchsafed to the very scene of their first disappointments ; — an ac- knowledgment of their " work of faith, labour of love, and patience of hope," well calculated to animate their successors in the present and in every future age. To bring " the press" to bear upon their designs, the Society had already begun to make inquiries as to the best manner of promoting the translation and printing of the Scriptures and Religious Tracts in foreign lan- guages. But of this part of their plan, as far as re- gards the Scriptures, the Society was about to be relieved by a project, in maturing which likewise Mr. Pratt took so active a part, that it will be proper to enter into some farther details. Events were, about this time, preparing the way for one of the noblest of those efforts of Christian philan- thropy which are the glory of the age and the land we live in. An unprecedented demand for copies of the Holy Scriptures throughout the Principality of Wales, which it was found, after repeated efforts, none of the existing Societies were ready or disposed to satisfy, gave the first impulse to this grand design. And no sooner was public attention drawn to the pressing exigencies of that part of the kingdom, than similar cases of 21 FORMATION OF THE [Ciiai'. 11. laiiientablL' destitution were brought to light. The loud fcill from Wales, roused attention to a sense of the general scarcity of copies of the Word of God which })rcvailcd tliroughout the country, and also among the foreign Churches of the Continent. The necessity for devising some means, on a large and efficient scale, of remedying this deep-felt want, was no sooner laid open than it was felt and acknowledged. Plans for the accomplishment of this noble object were speedily set on foot. The tone of Christian feeling, which hap- pily prevailed among good men about this period, prepared the way for the speedy execution of any purpose which seemed calculated to promote the ad- vancement of true religion. The glowing embers were smouldering, and needed but a well-directed current to rouse them into a flame. On the 7th of March, 1804, a Public Meeting was convened in London, when it was resolved *' with unanimous demonstrations of cordiality and joy," that a Society should be formed, to be designated " The BurnsH and Foreign Bhjle Society, of which the sole object should be to encourage a wider dispersion of the Holy Scriptures."* A Committee of thirty-six members was nominated for conducting its affairs, and some Resolutions were passed tracing an outline of its future constitution. TJk; interesting occurrences of this Meeting are In inn, the following words were added: "without note or coni- uieut. The only coi)ies in the lanujuaf^cs of the Unite! Kingdom to be fircululL-1 Uy the Sociity «ha!l he fhu authorized version." 1804] BIBLE SOCIETY. 2j vividly described by the pious historian of the Society, who himself took an active share in its proceedings. He describes himself as " surrounded by a multitude of Christians, whose doctrinal and ritual diirerences had for ages kept them asunder, and who had been taught to regard each other with a sort of pious estrangement, or rather of consecrated hostility :" and then in the following words conveys to us a lively con- ception of the deep interest with which this memora- ble day was invested. " The scene was new : nothing analogous to it had perhaps been exhibited before the pubHc since Christians had begun to organize among each other the strife of separation, and to carry into their own camp that war which they ought to have waged in concert against the common enemy. To the author it appeared to indicate the dawn of a new era in Christendom, and to portend something like the return of those auspicious days, when the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul ; and when, as a consequence of that union, to a certain degree at least, the Word of God mightily greio and prevailed.* Mr. Pratt was one of this interesting assembly, and was chosen a member of the Committee. The esta- blishment of an Institution for difFusing, on the grandest scale, the written Oracles of God, was an event which he would hail with the utmost delight. He foresaw at once what important service such an Institution was calculated to render, in becoming chief commissary, as it were, to the great Missionary ' Owtn's iJist. B. and F. B. Soc, Vdl. 1. p. 44. 2(i THE niHLE SOCIETY. [CiiAr. II. army, then marslialling by various denominations of Christians, for tlie invasion of Satan's kingdom through- out tlie world. He communicated the happy tidings to xMr. Strackc of Berlin, in the following letter. To the Rev. G. S. StrackL " LoNnoN, March 21, 1804. • MY VF.KV DEAR UKOTIIER — »»»»»» " You will be glad to hear that a new Society was formed in London the beginning of this month, called the British and Fnrcicpi Bible Society, of which the sole object is to encourage a wider dispersion of the Holy Scriptures through the British dominions ; and, according to the ability of the Society, through other countries, whether Christian, Mahomedan, or Pagan. This Society is intended to embrace all denominations of serious Christians, and much spirit and unanimity prevails in support- ing it. You will probably hear more from our friend Stein- kopir, who is one of the Secretaries. " May our blessed Lord prosper these and all other designs for extending His kingdom, and preserve this nation, that it may still be an honoured instrument in His hands of building up His holy Temple ! "I remain, Dear Sir, " With fervent prayer for you and all yours, " Your affectionate friend and brother, " JosiAH Pratt." Five days after the formation of the Society, the Committee met for the election of officers, and the adjustment of the practical machinery for carrying on its operations. It was determined that three Secre- taries should be appointed : one a Clergyman of the Kstablislnd Church, another a Dissenting Minister, 1804.] THE BIBLE SOCIETY. 27 and the third a representative of the Foreign Churches. For the first of these posts Mr. Owen, to whose participation in the formation of the Society allusion has been just made, " directed the attention of the Committee," to quote his own words, "to the Rev. Josiah Pratt, B.D., Secretary to the Church Missionary Society, as a person who united the talents and expe- rience which such an office might be supposed to re- quire." Mr. Pratt readily consented to fill the ap- pointment, only till a suitable person could be found willing to undertake it. The Rev. Joseph Hughes, to whom, under God, belongs the praise of having first suggested the formation of the Society, accepted the second office ; and a revered Minister, who still lives to rejoice in the prosperity of this noble institu- tion— the Rev. Dr. SteinkopfF — was requested to un- dertake the duties of the Foreign Secretary. During the brief period of Mr. Pratt's occupying this new post, the gifts with which God had specially endowed him were called into active service in effect- ing a re-organization of the Committee, and in giving it a constitution, the practical working of which for more than forty years proves the wisdom and fore- thought with which it was devised. The historian of the Society shall describe the transaction in his own impressive and elegant lan- guage. After enumerating the steps which were taken when the Secretaries were appointed, he adds : — " The first of these, the plan for new modelling the Com- mittee, was a measure, which, for the felicity of thought with which it was conceived, the good temper on all sides with which 2S TllK HIBLF, SOCIETY. [Chap. II- it was executed, and tin- i)ractical advantages with which it has been followed, deserves to be particularly related and explained. " By the Eighth Resolution, as settled at the formation of the Society on the 7th of March, it was enacted, that the Com- nuttee for conducting its business should consist of thirty-six nicmbers. Nothing was, however, stated or defined in that Resolution as to the description which these members should answer, or the religious community to which they should re- spectively belong. They were chosen, therefore, indiscrimi- nately from the Episcopal Clergy, Dissenting Ministers, and the Laity at large ; with little reference to any other qualifica- tion than that of known or reputed attachment to religion, and either ascertained or probable regard for the object and success of the Institution. " It appeared, upon reflection, that a list which should exhi- bit such a combination as would naturally arise from so desul- tory a choice, might excite a prejudice against the designs of the Society, and give it that aspect in the eyes of the public which would jirccludo it from general support. It was further considered, that it would be highly inexpedient to let the com- l^osition of a body, entrusted with the direction of the Society's aflairs, remain wholly undefined ; and to leave the annual elec- tinn of its members to the uncertain operation of casual and unregulated feeling. A plan w^as therefore concerted for modelling the Committee on a principle which should define the respective proportions of Churchmen, Dissenters, and Fo- reigners ; and prescribe such other regulations as might obviate prejudice, prevent invidious competition, and maintain inviolate the exercise of those rights, which no constituent part of the Committee were cither expected or disposed to surrender. "According to this plan it was determined that the Com- mittee should consist exclusively of Laymen : that of the thirty- six members, to which number it was limited, six should be Foreigners, resident in or near the metropolis; and of the re- maining thirty, one half should l)e menil)crs of the Established 1804.] THE BIBLE SOCIETY. 29 Church, and the other half members of other Christian denomina- tions. In order, however, to secure the services of the Clergy and Ministers generally, provision was made for their admission to a seat and a vote in the Committee, on the terms which made them members of the Society ; a provision which, while it con- cealed their names, recognised their privileges and retained their co-operation. The merit of this plan belongs wholly to the Rev. Josiah Pratt ; and when it is considered with whom the Society originated, and under what sort of influence its first Committee had been formed, it will appear that it must have required much energy on the one part, and no less moderation on the other, to accomplish a measure which involved so many and such material changes. The subject was indeed very freely discussed ; and objections were urged against parcelling out the Committee by lines of religious distinction : but the dis- cussion was conducted throughout in a Christian spirit ; and ended in a unanimous determination to adopt the proposed im- provements in all their extent." The Committee revised the whole of the rules, and a finished draft of the constitution of the Society was prepared, to be submitted to a Meeting of the general body convened for May the 2d. About a week previous to the convening of this Meeting, and exactly six weeks after he had accepted the office, Mr. Pratt, finding the discharge of his new duties incompatible with his engagements as Secretary of the Church Missionary Society, begged the Com- mittee to accept his resignation ; and Mr. Owen was prevailed upon to become his successor. " The proposition," says Mr. Owen, " originated with the Rev. Josiah Pratt, who made such a representation to the Committee as disposed them to concur with him in believing that it would be for the advantage of ;(,, THE HlliLE SOCIETY. [Chap. II. the Institution :" and he proceeds to eulogize the con- duct of Mr. Pratt in the transaction, as " too creditable to the integrity of his mind, and his superiority to the desire of personal distinction, not to attract the notice and excite the gratitude of the Committee. They marked their sense of his generosity by a testimony of their warmest approbation ; and voted him their una- nimous thanks ' for his very disinterested attention to the welfare of the Institution.' "* j\Ir. Owen's personal intimacy with the Bishop of London, Dr. Beilby Porteus, to whom he regularly communicated the progress of events in this great movement, was one among various qualifications which pointed him out to be peculiarly fitted to take the oflice of Church-of-England Secretary. That this was the argument which weighed in his own mind, and left him, as he said, no option in the matter, may be ga- thered from his own words ; when, in drawing his His- tory of the origin of the Society to a close, and enu- merating the individuals who had been instrumental in planning the Institution, and perfecting its ma- chinery, he thus recurs to the part which Mr. Pratt had taken : — " 111 iinother material agent, the Rev. Josiah Pratt, may be seen a continuation of what has been observed in that super- iiiteii(liii,u wisdom, which brouglit together those who were (|ualilie(l for tlie respective i)arts they were severally intended to perform. The sagacity of Mr. Pratt enabled him to devise, and his perseverance to execute, a measure which prepared the • (»\viirs Hist. 15 aiwl F. li. Soc. Vol. I. j)]). 57— . On their arrival, one of them suffered so severely from fever, that he had scarcely reached the settlement in which he was to labour, before he too was summoned to his rest. He died Feb. 2, 1810, and was buried in the garden of the settlement at Fantimania, The Abolition of the Slave Trade seemed at first to be working a rapid improvement in the condition of West Africa; but this favourable state of things began to decline for a time by the partial revival of the ini- quitous traffic, carried on, as it was, under the show of a foreign flag. The Missionaries were much hin- dered and discouraged by this unhappy reverse. Their school, however, at Bashia, which amounted to 40 chil- dren by the end of 1809, increased to 120 boys and girls by the close of 1811. These children were partly natives, and partly the offspring of the slave-dealers themselves, who maintained their children in theschool. It appeared, from a variety of causes, that little suc- cess could be expected with the adults, particularly on a coast where the Slave Trade had ruined the morals and debased all the better feelings of men. The improvement in the schools was therefore a cheering token of success in the midst of discouragements. In October 181 1 two more Missionaries from Berlin left England to join their brethren in their labours : these were the ciglith and ninth sent out by the Society. On the 20th of January 1812 they reached Bashia, where they were heartily welcomed. They took out with tliem a printing-press and a quantity of paper. About the same time the Rev. Mr. Butscher came home, by 1812.] MORE DEATHS. 45 desire of the Committee, partly on account of his health, and partly that they might confer with him upon the affairs of the Mission. He brought home the melancholy tidings that death was still visiting the settlements. One of the Missionaries had lost his wife in December 1810; and now intelligence was brought of the death of the wife of another about a year later. These occurrences are thus noticed in a letter from Mr. Pratt to the brethren, dated April 27, 1812:— " Your letters inform us of the trial to which God has called Brother Wenzel, in bereaving him of his affectionate wife. The Committee feel much for him in this his affliction ; but ti'ust God will enable him to submit quietly to all the strokes of his fatherly rod. What shall we say to these things ? The brethren Prasse and Barneth, and their sisters in Christian labours, lay their dust on the shore of Africa ; but shall we be discouraged ? No ; while we would enforce caution on you all in exposing yourselves to the dangers of the cli- mate, we would say, ' Their sacred remains have taken posses- sion of the land.' " Surely God has a great work to accomplish by your means. The prospects opened before us, in regard to the children, by the communications of the brethren Renner, Butscher, and Wenzel, fill our hearts with joy. We are anxious to follow up these good openings. We have engaged two students, now at Berlin, who will soon come over to this country, and will join you in Africa, after staying a due time under Mr. Scott's* care." * The Rev. Thomas Scott from 1808 to 181-4 undertook the preparation of the Missionaries of the Society for their labours, after leaving Cier- many. The students here referred to went to India. 46 WEST-AFKICA MISSION. [Cum-. III. Towards tlie close of 1812 a third settlement was established at Yongroo, on the shore opposite Sierra Leone, among the Biilloms, by the Rev. Mr. Nylander, the ^Missionary who had acted for nearly five years as Chajjlain to the Colony ; and Mr. Butscher was au- thorized, on his return, in co-operation wdth his brethren in Africa, to erect a fourth on the Rio Dem- bia, a river about thirty miles south of Rio Pongas. He had been urgently invited to that part of the coun- try by William Fernandez, a man of considerable in- fluence, and chief of the district. This settlement was not commenced till 1814, when it received the name of Gambler, after the noble President of the So- ciety. Upon his return to Africa, Mr. Butscher was accom- j)anied by Richard Wilkinson, a native youth whom he had brought over with him, and three pious lay- men of the Lutheran communion, accustomed to farming and useful occupations. In preparation for assisting in the concerns of the Mission, and augment- ing its influence upon the natives, they had learnt the arts of boat-building, twine-spinning and rope- making, and smiths' work. They embarked on the 19th of Nov. 1812 at the Motherbank, whither Mr. Pratt accompanied them, after having laid himself out in every way he could to furnish them with whatever was likely to contribute to their comfort on the voyage, and to promote their usefulness in their respective callings. The vessel was wrecked off the Rio Pon- gas, l)ut the Missionaries escaped safely to shore. Ml-. Pratt and his friends had become so chastened in 1812.] WEST-AFRICA MISSION. 47 their expectations, that they were not cast down by this calamity, but hoped for the future ; " well know- ing," as he writes, " that these trials of faith and patience are to be expected ; and that they com- monly attend the early stages of those designs to pro- mote the Divine glory, which become in the end per- manently successful." And here we must quit the West-Africa Mission for a time. During these proceedings with reference to its first Mission, the Society was beginning to direct its atten- tion to other parts of the heathen world, chiefly to New Zealand, as will be noticed in a future Chapter. CHAPTER IV. 1804-1812. ( HANOK OF CLKUICAL OCCUPATIONS — A PPOINTMKNT TO SIR GEORCK WIIELEr's chapel NOTICES OF SIR T. F. BUXTON AND MR. HOARE — INTERCOURSE WITH HENRY MARTYN PUBLICATION OF THE WORKS OF BISHOPS UALL AND HOPKINS — UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT TO PUBLISH A POLYGLOT BIBLE LETTER OF HENRY MARTYN — MR. CECIl's WORKS — THOUGHTS IN RETIREMENT. But amidst his abundant labours in behalf of Reli- gious Societies, Mr. Pratt was actively engaged in the work of the Ministry. He continued to be Assistant Minister to Mr. Cecil, at St. John's Chapel, Bedford Row, till the beginning of 1804, when he resigned that charge in consequence of being chosen Sunday-After- noon Lecturer at St. Mary Woolnoth's, Lombard Street, of which the Rev. John Newton was Rector. In September of the same year, he began to preach the Evening Lecture at Spitalfields Church, the election to which is triennial. And in the December following he was appointed Lady Campden's Lec- turer at the Church of St. Lawrence Jewry, Guildhall, which was then on Thursday, but afterwards changed to Wednesday Evening. About a year after this, the Rev. W. A. Gunn, Curate to Mr. Newton, died ; and Mr. Pratt succeeded him. Mr. Newton was become, through age and infirmity, too feeble to perform any duty himself ; and Mr. Pratt therefore took the Morning Service for him. For a considerable part of the year 1807, he preached regu- 1807.] CLERICAL OCCUPATIONS. 49 larly four times in the week : on Sundays, at St. Mary Woolnotli, in the morning and afternoon ; at Spital- fields Church in the evening ; and on Thursdays at St. Lawrence Jewry. These multiplied calls upon him were, however, soon diminished ; for in Septem- ber 1807 the period for which he held the Lecture in Spitalfields terminated ; on which occasion the After- noon Lecture at St. Mary Woolnoth was transferred to the evening. And besides this, the death of Mr. Newton in December of the same year relieved Mr. Pratt of his Curacy, and therefore of the Morning Service ; and his clerical duties were, for about two years, confined to the Evening Lectureships on Sun- days and Thursdays. These two Lectureships he retained for many years ; not resigning them till increasing age and other en- gagements seemed to point out that it was the will of God that he should do so. He gathered around him in these churches many who grew, under his solid and scriptural ministrations, to a blessed maturity of Christian character ; and who will be his " joy and crown of rejoicing .... in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming." One who was at a subsequent period associated with Mr. Pratt in some of his Ministerial and Missionary labours, and who well knew how to appreciate his edifying discourses, thus retraces the impression they made upon himself. After speaking of Mr. Pratt's in- defatigable industry in the work of the Church Mis- sionary Society — at a period we have not yet reached in our narrative — he says : — £ 50 EVENING LECTURES. [Chap. IV. '' He was occupied in the Missionary work at the Church Missionary House, often from ten in the morning till after ten or later at night. I have seen him on the Wednesday, wdien im- portant Missionary work was on his mind, thus working till almost the last moment for going to his Lecture [at St. Law- rence's] ; walk by himself there that he might have a little time for meditation and prayer, and then pour out from the fulness of his mind a refreshing stream of Christian truth and expe- rience ; and return to his desk at the Church Missionary House till near eleven, that the weighty interests of the Missions might not suffer." And again : — " He delighted in unfolding those evangelical doctrines which are so fully set forth in the Epistles. I yet treasure in my recollection sermons which I heard from him above thirty years since, at the Lecture of St. Mary Woolnoth, full of hea- venly instruction and holy unction, and the opening out of Scripture in its connection, in w^hich he ever delighted."* Li his Evening Lectures he had ample scope for tlie public exercise of his ministry ; while being free from the calls of a pastoral charge, his whole time, except such of it as was occupied in the preparation of his sermons, was available for those great objects to which he had already devoted himself with so much energy. The character of his congregations, also, was such as to encourage him ; and to make his weekly ministrations a refreshment to his own soul. Many of his hearers were persons far advanced upon the * lU'v. Edward Bickcrstetli's Funeral Sermon on the Deatli of Mr. Pratt, pp. 14. 21. 1810.] SIR GEORGE WHELER'S CHAPEL. 51 heavenly road, who — to reverse the Apostle's words — " had need of strong meat, and not of milk." In the latter end of the year 1809, it w^as considered by a few friends that Sir George Wheler's Chapel in Spital Square might be a good sphere of usefulness, if the appointment could be obtained. These friends conferred with William Cardale, Esq., of Bedford Row, and fixed upon Mr. Pratt as a desirable person for their Minister. Having obtained his approbation, they then intimated to the Patron, Hastings Wheler, Esq., that they were ready to put the Chapel into good re- pair, provided he w'ould present the person of their choice. To this he consented ; and in February, 1810, Mr. Pratt was licensed to the Chapel by the Bishop of London (Dr. Randolph), and on the following Sun- day read himself in. The Chapel had been shut up for some time, and was not in a condition to accom- modate a Congregation : a few friends attended, and a pew was swept out for their reception. There was no Sermon. The repairs were immediately begun ; and at the expense of 1100/., which sum was raised by voluntary contributions, the Chapel was substantially repaired and beautified, and an organ erected. It was opened for Public Worship in the following October. The Spitalfields Benevolent Society was soon after established, in connection with the congregation, for visiting and relieving the sick poor of Spitalfields, and has proved a great blessing to the neighbourhood. In this chapel Mr. Pratt continued his ministrations till 1826, through a period of sixteen years. It was shortly after his engaging in this new duty E 2 ;,o SIR T. F. BUXTON. [Chap. IV. that he became acquainted with the late Sir Thomas Fowell (then Mr.) Buxton, under circumstances which are thus narrated by the Rev. John Garwood, in a funeral sermon on occasion of the death of Sir Fowell. The sermon was preached at Wheler Chapel (now St. Mary's Church) about five months after Mr. Pratt like- wise had entered into rest. " Mr. Buxton had, in the year 1808, come to reside in Spital- fields. He was baptized in the Church of Eni^land in his in- ftmcy, by desire of his father, who was a member of that Church ; but by the death of his father when he was very young, he had fallen to the especial charge of his mother, who was a member of the Society of Friends ; and having afterwards himself married a Friend, and retaining at this time a degree of partiality for some of the practices of that estimable body of individuals, he was led to attend the Friends' Meeting in De- vonshire House, Bishopsgate, and continued to do so, together with his wife, till the year 1811, the same year in which he be- came a partner in the brewery. " In that year they were persuaded by an excellent clergy- man, with whom they were intimately connected, to attend this place of worship, then called Wheler Chapel, Mr. Pratt having in that year entered upon his ministry here. And most bene- ficial to them was the result, as well as to other members, direct or indirect, of their family ; many of whom, together with the widow of the deceased, were baptized [by Mr. Pratt] within these walls as adults, having been previously members of, or connected with, the Society of Friends ; several of whom have testified to me on this occasion how great was the profit which they derived, and in how lively a manner they still bear in re- collection, different sermons which they once heard, from our dear father, Mr. Pratt. " But it was not till the year 1813 that Mr. Buxton became decided in his religious opinions; and in his case, as in the 1811] SIR T. F. BUXTON. 53 case of so many others, this is to be distinctly traced to two causes — the ministry of the Word, and affliction. Mr. Pratt's ministry in this place was exceedingly serviceable to him, and prepared his mind for the teaching of God's providence in the school of trial ; for this year God was pleased to visit him with a most alarming illness, and it was while in these deep waters that he appears to have been impressed with the evil of sin, the emptiness of the world, and the all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ. The ministry of the late Rev. Samuel Crowther, who was then Afternoon Lecturer at Bishopsgate Church, and on whose after- noon lecture he was in the habit of attending, was also an assistance to him ; although it was from Mr. Pratt's ministra- tions, that, under God, he derived especial benefit ; and so at- tached was he to the same, that he continued his attendance on them after he removed from Spitalfields, and while he resided at Hampstead. For ten years he was a very constant attendant here, and here he first became a regular communicant, and re- ceived the emblems of his Saviour's dying love. The Rev. Edward Bickersteth writes to me in a letter, which he states that I am at full liberty to use : ' I yet remember with deep interest the dear and honoured face of Buxton in his constant attendance at Wheler Chapel, his marked devotion, and his breathless attention to the rich treasures of Christian truth and experience which our beloved Pratt poured forth from Sabbath to Sabbath.' " While it is evident from such testimonies that Mr. Pratt's ministerial labours were deeply valued, it is interesting and instructive to observe in what a humble spirit he afterward looked back upon those labours. Writing to his son in India, between two and three years before his death, he says : — " London, January HI, 1842. " I wish I could shew you a scene which has just passed. I was called off from this letter by a well-known voice, which 54 MR. HOARE. [Chap. IV. 1 had long ceased to hear — Mr. Hoare's.* He lias just been withdrawn from all business for many months by a paralytic attack, which has deprived him of the use, in a great degree, of his left side ; and he now walks about under the care of a servant. But his mind is in a most heavenly frame. What his friends tell him by way of comfort he says is the only thing which disquiets him : when they say that he looks well, they think to encourage and support him ; but the thought that such a shat- tered frame is to continue on earth puts his patience to the test. He testifies with adoring gratitude the spiritual blessings which he has been brought to enjoy, through the blessing of God at Wheler Chapel. Indeed, it is a great consolation to me, in looking back on a long ministry of but apparently scanty effi- cacy, that such men as Mr. Hoare and Sir T. F. Buxton were found of God in that place." The constant occupation which Mr. Pratt had in matters which brought much of secular labour with them, was calculated in itself to lower the tone of his piety ; but it happily had not that elTect. Perhaps his constant pulpit ministrations, and the preparation which was necessary for congregations of the matured character already described, had, under God, a large share in preserving the depth and fervour of his reli- gious affections. At this distance of time it is difficult to call up witnesses to his every-day character in the earlier years of his long and active life. One l)leasing intimation, however, is left on record by the Kev. Henry Martyn, who, in the beginning of 1805, * Sainutl Hoarc, Esq., of If ampstead, brother- in-law to Mr. Buxton, wlio also with liis family lial)itually attendciMV^helcr (.'hapcl : he died in l)ecoiiil,er, 104(1. 180J.] HENRY MARTYN. 55 came to town to assist Mr. Cecil at St. John's Chapel for six months, previously to his sailing for India.* Mr. Pratt had much intercourse with him during the time, and often invited him to his house. Upon quitting England Mr. Martyn expressed a wish that Mr. Pratt would maintain the friendly communica- tion, which had thus happily begun between them, by entering upon a regular correspondence, which no- thing but the numerous calls upon his time prevented. In Martyn's Journals the following notice occurs : — " May 16, 1805 : Breakfasted with Mr. Pratt. Joined with his family in worship. He prayed himself in a very simple and devout strain. My heart w as full of joy and thankfulness that a person in his station was found so pious ;" — alluding, no doubt, to the circum- stance of his being so much occupied with matters involving secular details. It might have been expected, that, with such nume- rous avocations to occupy his time and engross his thoughts, Mr. Pratt could have but little leisure to devote to theological reading. Yet he was always a student. Although he had drank deeply at the foun- tain of Divine knowledge, and was more than ordina- rily furnished " rightly to divide the word of truth," he did not rest satisfied with present attainments, nor did he feel justified in neglecting to furnish his mind with * It is not generally known, that Henry Martyn was at one time en- gaged to go out as a Missionary under the Church ]\Iissionary Society ; but an appointment as Chaplain to the Honourable East- India Company being offered him, his friends tliought it his duty to take it. — Ninth Report of the C.M.S., p. 480. jfi WORKS OF HALL AND HOPKINS. [Chap. IV. liiiinan learning of every kind, as far as higher duties would allow. One result of his theological reading was his pub- lishing in 1808, in ten octavo volumes, the complete works of IJishop Hall, then for the first time collected. And in 1809, he published, in four royal octavo volumes, the whole works of Bishop Hopkins. These works issued from the press at a time when little atten- tion was paid to our older divines. They were the means of much usefulness, especially among the clergy. The following is his own account of the object he had in view in publishing Bishop Hopkins' works : — " There is now a daring attempt, especially among men of letters, to misrepresent real Christianity, and to expose it to ridicule, by identifying it with the imbecilities and ex- travagancies of all who profess it. And this object, origi- nating sometimes in ignorance and sometimes in ill-will, is pursued with unabating perseverance. Every literary vehicle is pressed into the service ; from tlie grave volume, which would reason a Christian out of the creed for which his forefathers bled, and which supplies his only solace in life and death, to the flippant critique, which clothes him in a Ibol's dress, that he may be pointed at with the finger of scorn. " In such a day, it becomes a difficult but important duty to associate with unyielding firmness in defence of the truth that candid and courteous spirit which the truth inspires : neither to sacrifice any part of it, from timidity or a spirit of undue acconnnodation, nor to assert it against ignorant or ma- licious attacks with an unbecoming temper. And that author is of especial value wliose works supply, within a moderate compass, the most complete refutation of wliatever can be urged 1803—1809.1 MORE PROJECTS. 57 against true religion, by exhibiting her in her most beautiful proportions. " Such an author is Bishop Hopkins. Reason is here seated in her majesty while she promulgates the decrees of Divine truth ; and Eloquence is employed in her legitimate province while she enforces these decrees." It has with much truth been remarked by the pre- sent Bishop of Calcutta, " that Mr. Pratt had an en- terprising mind, a fondness for planning schemes of usefulness, and great tact in framing designations and rules for Societies on sudden emergencies." Several exemplifications of the working of this propensity, have already appeared. His schemes, however, were distinguished by this excellence, that they always had some practical and useful end in view, and were the result of mature deliberation and extensive experience. His spirit of enterprise and his great energy would perhaps, in the earlier years of his career, have carried him beyond the bounds of prudence, had not all his designs been moderated and directed by a prevailing desire of doing good. His aim was, the advancement of truth, and not personal distinction, from which he ever shrank ; and therefore his desire for usefulness restrained the spirit of speculation from transgressing beyond its proper limits. Some of his projects were never made public, in consequence of want of leisure for bringing them to maturity. Among these may be mentioned a com- pendious and comprehensive Commentary on the Scriptures, which he often expressed a great desire to see accomplished in such a manner as — by the ap- 5S MORE PROJECTS. [Chap. IV propriate (quotation and combination of apposite texts — to make Scripture its own interpreter. Another scheme which he once hoped to take in hand was a hook on Biography, especially for the use of the Youno". It appears from a fragment found among the few papers he left, that his design was, to bring to- gether examples of true conversion, wherever found. On a piece of paper, headed " Hints for Preface," the following unfinished notes are written : they are given as shewing the truly Catholic spirit which animated him : — " I have taken the most striking examples of piety from various Christian communities : for though I am most decidedly a member and Minister of the Church of England, I cannot deny but that the grace of God, &c." — we may suppose him to add — has been seen in its effects to be vouchsafed to the labours and prayers of ministers of communions differing from our own. And then he proceeds : " I believe the order and discipline of the Church of England to be most apostolical ; and, when duly administered, to be at once best adapted to restrain the evil of the world, and to provide for the growth of the Church, &c." This plan was, however, never entered upon, for the same reason that the Commentary was left un- touched. When once Mr. Pratt decidedly took a matter in hand, he rarely let it drop. There was this happy circumstance attending all his schemes — with per- haps only one exception — that he either eventually carried them out completely himself, or acted the part of an intelligent pioneer, and cleared the way for 1810.] POLYGLOT BIBLE. 59 others to take up and prosecute the work he had ori- ginated and brought to a successful beginning. Any mention of the unsuccessful scheme above al- luded to has been reserved to this place, because it was about this period — in 1810 — attempted a second time, but without any better result. As early as 1797, before Mr. Pratt had completed his twenty-ninth year, he issued a Prospectus for the publication of a Poly- glot Bible, in quarto, to contain the original texts, with various readings, the principal ancient versions, and the authorized English Translation. His object was, not the presumptuous wish, which some seem at the time to have imputed to him, of producing a substitute for the renowned work of the great Walton, — always looked upon as one of the literary trophies of our country ; but to provide a work which, from its comparative compactness and moderate expense, might find its way into the private libraries of clergymen, where Walton's volumes were never seen. There are many biblical students who derive considerable ad- vantage from a knowledge of the New Testament in its original Greek, although incompetent to become critics. It was, therefore, Mr. Pratt's belief, that he should be conferring a boon upon such persons, if he could render accessible the whole Scriptures in the original languages to that large class, who, from a conscious incompetency to enter upon a critical study of the originals, shrink from encountering the pon- derous and expensive volumes of Walton, but would nevertheless be benefited by the use of a more acces- sible and less formidable work. 60 POLYGLOT BIBLE. [Chap. IV. Walton's six volumes were published between 1G53 and l()j7. Twenty seven years after this, Father Syniou published a Synopsis of them, speaking of the ()ri