Columbia Unibergitp 
 
 intfjeCttpofjSetogorfe 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
MEMOIR, &c. 
 
MEMOIR AND REMAINS 
 
 i'HH 
 
 REV. HENRY VAUGHAN, B.A 
 
 LATE OF WORCESTER COLLEGE, OXFORD : 
 
 VICAR OF CRICKHOWEL, BRECKNOCKSHIRE: 
 
 AND MINISTER OF PARK CHAPEL, CHELSEA. 
 
 « Ye ake witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably, 
 we behaved ourselves among you that believe ; 
 
 u AS YE KNOW HOW WE EXHORTED AND COMFORTED AND CHARGED EVERY ONB I 
 
 YOU AS A FATHER DOTH HIS CHILDREN, 
 "THAT YE WOULD WALK WORTHY OF GOD, WHO HATH CALLED YOU INTO HIS KING 
 
 DOM AND GLORY'." 
 
 PUBLISHED BY R. B. SEELEY AND W. BURNSIDE 
 AND SOLD BY L. AND G. SEELEY, 
 FLEET STREET, LONDON. 
 MDCCCXLII. 
 
°f1\/M6*Z 
 C 
 
ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 The Note prefixed to this Memoir, will explain the cir- 
 cumstances under which it was first committed to the press. 
 Having been prepared exclusively for private circulation 
 among the friends and relatives of Mr. Henry Vaughan, 
 or those who had expressed a desire to receive it, this re- 
 view of his Life and Character would not have been offered 
 to more general acceptance, had not the doubts of the 
 author yielded to repeated suggestions from readers whose 
 candour and judgment were entitled to confidence and 
 respect. And it is now re-printed, not with any disposi- 
 tion to seek publicity for the excellences of a beloved, 
 admired, individual ; but as a memorial of Christian graces 
 in their social, domestic, and ministerial aspect, which may 
 be presented to the Church, with the persuasion — sanctioned 
 by an experienced pen— that " when a faithful picture is 
 drawn of that which is Holy and good in real life, it never 
 fails to be interesting ;" although, in this instance, the 
 execution may claim no higher merit than that of a correct 
 and simple outline. 
 
 C. G. C 
 
 a ■•> 
 
 immi 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Prefatory Note .... xi 
 
 MEMOIR. 
 
 CHAPTER 
 
 1. Brief account of Henry Vaugban's early days and col- 
 
 lege life— 1806 to 1828 .... 
 
 2. Ordination— Ministry at Llangenny— Curacy at Crick - 
 
 bowel — State of health on entering the ministry — 
 His marriage— 1829 & 1830 . . • - ; 1 
 
 3. General view of his ministry as Vicar of Crickhowel— 
 
 1832 to 1836 . . . . • • 38 
 
 4. His care of the Poor — Superintendence of schools 
 
 and other institutions — Attention to all classes of 
 
 his people .... .74 
 
 .'). His advocacy of missions .... 93 
 
 6. Reception of pupils for classical instruction. Anno 1833 1 1 1 
 
 7- Removal from Crickhowel to Chelsea. Anno 1836 . 121 
 
 8. Account of his ministry in connection with Park Cha- 
 
 pel, Chelsea . . . . . .131 
 
 9. His return to Crickhowel, in December 1836 . . 149 
 10. Account of his illness on returning to Crickhowel; and 
 
 last days ...... 157 
 
viii CONTENTS. 
 
 11. Remarks on the limited duration, and effects, of his 
 
 ministry . • • • • .1/6 
 
 12. Notices of his domestic character . • .188 
 
 13. General view of his personal character . • 201 
 
 14. Enquiry into defects of character — His views of some 
 
 controverted doctrines .... 222 
 
 15. His spirit and habit of prayer . 239 
 
 16. Supplementary communication — Concluding Observa- 
 
 tions .....•• 256 
 
 REMAINS. 
 
 LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER 
 
 1 . To a friend in the ministry; on extemporaneous preach- 
 
 ing ....... 279 
 
 2. To a sister ; on the duties of a minister's wife . 283 
 
 3. To a young lady ; on public amusements . . 287 
 
 4. To a brother ; on the ministerial office . . 291 
 5 to 15. To friends and relatives, in seasons of trial and 
 
 affliction ..... 292—305 
 
 16, 17. To a friend, on missionary arrangements . 307, 309 
 18 to 22. To occasional visitors at Crickhowel . 310 — 316 
 
 23. To a friend; on the intended baptism of his infant . 317 
 24 to 27. To the same friend, on various subjects . 318 — 322 
 
 28. To another member of the same family . . 323 
 
 29. To a friend and parishioner — Account of an escape 
 
 from imminent danger . . . . 32 i 
 
 30. Written during an absence from home . . . 327 
 
 31. To a member of his congregation at Chelsea . . 329 
 
 32. To an inspector of schools in Jamaica, previously mas- 
 
 ter of the infant schools at Crickhowel . . 330 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 SERMONS. 
 
 SKRMON 
 
 1. Preached on the first Sunday in Advent 
 
 2. On the Nativity . . . . . .343 
 
 3. Jesus,— " the True Vine " .... 35] 
 
 4. Jesus, — " the Fountain of Living Water " . 362 
 
 5. Christ,— "All and in all" .... .'570 
 (). On 2 Thess. i. 10. " He shall come to be glorified in 
 
 his Saints " . • . • • .378 
 
 7. On Resignation to the will of God . . . 386 
 
 8, 9, 10. On Prayer .... 395—399 
 
PREFATORY NOTE 
 
 TO THE 
 
 COPIES PRINTED FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION 
 
 The original Manuscripts of an endeared friend or rela- 
 tive, whose loss we are called to lament, afford, in some 
 cases, such ample records of experience in thought and 
 feeling, that they are fondly consulted as unquestionable 
 relics of the sentiments and the character with which we 
 had delighted to hold converse. In the numerous papers 
 traced by the hand of the Rev. Henry Vaughan, this re- 
 source was largely opened to his widow; and the mourn- 
 ful, but consolatory, occupation, discovered to her a daily 
 increasing treasure, which encouraged the desire, and sug- 
 gested the possibility, of securing for the future spiritual 
 benefit of her then infant children, a memorial of that in- 
 estimable parent, by whose sudden and early removal, they 
 had been deprived of a father's tender counsel, and a bright 
 example of the graces of the Christian life. 
 
 To accomplish that purpose, the aid of some additional 
 materials became indispensable ; and expectation was na- 
 
Xll PREFATORY NOTE. 
 
 turally directed towards those ministers, and other friends 
 of the deceased, who, through personal intimacy, or from 
 correspondence, would be enabled to furnish interesting 
 and instructive recollections of his short career. The ap- 
 plications made to them accordingly, were met by an in- 
 variably kind and considerate response ; valuable details of 
 intercourse aud observation were supplied from the stores 
 of memory quickened by Christian love ; and many of his 
 own Letters, which had been preserved with much care and 
 affection, were also contributed. 
 
 These offerings of friendship having been accompanied 
 by expressions of cordial interest in the undertaking, and 
 of earnest hope that those who loved and respected his 
 memory, might be allowed to possess the intended Sketch 
 of Life and Character ; his widow was led to indulge the 
 gratifying design of honouring his name, and acceding 
 to the wishes of her friends, by issuing a volume of Me- 
 moirs and Remains, though not in the way of publication, 
 yet for a circulation which had not previously been contem- 
 plated. Still, the object more immediately, and almost 
 unavoidably, pressing upon the attention of the friend to 
 whom the work of preparation was entrusted, has been of 
 a limited and domestic nature, — that of perpetuating in the 
 family circle, such plain and faithful traces of the beauty 
 of holiness manifested in the parent, as — when his lips 
 could no longer give their energetic testimony — might 
 present the picture of a life, scarcely less eloquent and im- 
 pressive, and, under the Divine blessing, calculated to incite 
 his bereaved offspring to persevere in the. path where an 
 example, with so strong a claim to love and reverence, had 
 led the way. This explanation, it is hoped, will ensure for 
 
PREFATORY NOTE. Xlll 
 
 the performance of the task, in many respects, a liberal 
 measure of that indulgence, for which it would otherwise 
 have been difficult to plead. 
 
 The Memoir has been formed, for the most part, by a 
 very simple arrangement of the documents which had been 
 collected. In that arrangement, the advantage of exhi- 
 biting the character of Henry Vaughan, in the animated, 
 affecting, language of his own heart, has not been over- 
 looked ; and wherever his Letters or other papers could be 
 conveniently introduced in the narrative, they have been 
 preferred as the most engaging and authentic evidence of 
 the principles that reigned within, and produced such love- 
 liness in the external walk and conversation. At the same 
 time, the concurrent representations of those whose friend- 
 ship he enjoyed, have been duly appreciated, and employed 
 without reserve in illustration of the many qualities that 
 inspired their warm attachment and admiration. 
 
 It may be proper, here, to apprise the reader that the 
 communications quoted in the following pages— where 
 they are not distinctly noticed as extracts from some other 
 correspondence — were addressed to Mrs. Henry Vaughan 
 in reply to the applications before-mentioned. And an apo- 
 logy is due to several of the writers, for the freedom with 
 which detached portions of their letters have been dispersed 
 in different parts of the work. But it will be obvious, that, 
 by this method, it was proposed to combine in one view, 
 the statements derived from various sources, upon each 
 point or period brought under consideration. 
 
 Among the Remains, his Letters, excepting those in- 
 serted in the Memoir, occupy the first place, as relating to 
 many of the events and circumstances comprised in the 
 
XIV PREFATORY NOTE. 
 
 preceding history of his life. They disclose, generally 
 without study or restraint, the thoughts and intents of a 
 heart filled with the grace that believeth all things, hopeth 
 all things, endureth all things, seeketh not her own ; but 
 are penned by a hand that could seldom find leisure to cor- 
 respond, even with those who were most tenderly loved. 
 Allusions of a minute and familiar description, have in 
 several instances, been retained, under an impression that, 
 however immaterial in themselves, they might be ranked 
 with those little things which often tend to unfold some 
 essential traits of individual character. 
 
 In adopting a selection from his unpublished Sermons, 
 the choice has partly been governed by the interest attach- 
 ed to those that were delivered at particular seasons, or on 
 special occasions, adverted to in the Memoir. But, under 
 the restriction imposed by the limits of a single volume, a 
 large proportion of notes, and of more carefully written dis- 
 courses, has reluctantly been withheld. It will be found, 
 in those now presented, that the brief, and the entire, forms 
 of preparation are, with few exceptions, so blended as 
 scarcely to allow of their being separately classed as " Ser- 
 mons," and " Notes or Outlines of Sermons ;" and the 
 distinction, therefore, has not been attempted. None, 
 perhaps, even of those transcribed apparently at length, re- 
 present the subject fully as it was treated in the pulpit ; 
 but the multiplied Notes and Sketches in the hand- writing 
 of the author, yield abundant proof that, whatever might 
 be the degree of liberty he enjoyed in the utterance, it was 
 his habit to meditate the substance faithfullv and deeply in 
 secret. Having been drawn out solely for his own use in 
 addressing a congregation, they are not offered as speci- 
 
PREFATORY NOTE. XV 
 
 mens of style in composition, but rather as examples of the 
 manner in which he felt and taught the truth of God, and 
 as a medium by which he may again convey an acceptable 
 word of remembrance to the minds of beloved friends and 
 brethren. 
 
 From a difficulty experienced in deciphering some parts 
 of the Sermon-Notes, where corrections or interlineations 
 occur in the manuscripts, the precise w T ord indicated by the 
 pen, may not, possibly, in every case have been ascertain- 
 ed. But when any such verbal inaccuracy could affect the 
 tenour of a sentence, or cast any uncertainty upon the 
 intention of the writer, the passage has been altogether 
 omitted. 
 
 A few Miscellaneous Papers have been added ; also a 
 small collection of Poetical Productions, chiefly the fruit of 
 his earlier years. The latter were never revised or finish- 
 ed for the public eye ; but they reveal so much of the na- 
 tural taste and disposition, and not unfrequently of the 
 movements of grace upon the heart, that their claim as an 
 attractive and useful auxiliary to the object of the Memoir, 
 could not be refused.* 
 
 One word must be submitted, in extenuation of the la- 
 mented delay that has taken place in bringing the expected 
 
 * It will most probably occur to some readers of the pre- 
 sent Edition, that the entire work might have been re-modelled, 
 with advantage. But it is not without consideration that, in 
 reducing the Volume to the limits required for convenience and 
 facility in publication, the general arrangement has been left 
 undisturbed, excepting that several of the Papers, Sermon- 
 Notes, &c. originally inserted as " Remains" have been with- 
 drawn, and others transferred to the " Memoir " in the com- 
 pressed form of extract or quotation. 
 
XVI PREFATORY NOTE. 
 
 volume to a close. — The hand first engaged in a service 
 most welcome to the feelings of a sorrowing friend, was 
 not only interrupted in its progress, by a fluctuating state 
 of health, but constrained, eventually, by continued indis- 
 position, to resign the privilege. And the office was sub- 
 sequently transferred to one, who, although influenced by 
 the stimulus that deep and affectionate interest must im- 
 part, could only devote to this employment, grateful and 
 refreshing as it was, such scanty fragments of time as 
 might be redeemed from the pressure of many urgent du- 
 ties and pursuits. 
 
 That the effort is in accordance with the fervent suppli- 
 cations of the father on behalf of his beloved children, has 
 been a ground of much encouragement throughout this 
 sweet and consoling labour of love. The materials that 
 were provided, although not so complete in every branch 
 as might be desired, have been honoured as a gift from 
 Him whose favour can supply every deficiency, and in 
 whose hand no instrument is too weak or imperfect to pro- 
 mote some purpose of His will. To His disposal, and to 
 His tender mercy, this humble appropriation of those ma- 
 terials is committed, with many heart-felt prayers that the 
 design may not be frustrated by infirmity or error in the 
 execution. 
 
 May every friend who still delights to hear the name, 
 and to recal the image, of Henry Vaughan, recognise in 
 these memorials, some vestige of past and hallowed times, 
 when in the fellowship of faith, and hope, and charity, they 
 knew the iov of Christian counsel and communion. Mav 
 those who were united to him in the tenderest and most 
 endearing relation, prove in their own experience — as 
 
PREFATORY NOTE. XM1 
 
 bound up with him in bands of eternal life and love — the 
 power of those principles which he maintained, and bv 
 which he lived. And may these records be to them as a 
 voice, from the bright cloud of witnesses given to the 
 church, calling upon them in the persuasive accents of pa- 
 ternal invitation, and with the solemnity of one who has 
 finished his course, who has kept the faith : — " Be ye fol- 
 lowers of them who through faith and patience inherit the 
 promises;" — "Looking unto Jesus, the author and 
 
 THE FINISHER OF THEIR FAITH ! " 
 
 30th January 1341 
 
MEMOIR- 
 
MEMOIR 
 
 OF THE 
 
 REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 BRIEF ACCOUNT OF HIS EARLY DAYS AND COLLEGE LIFE. 
 
 1806 TO 1828. 
 
 Henry Vaughan, whose walk with God will form the chief 
 subject of these pages, was born at Michelmersh, in Hamp- 
 shire, on the 6th of January, i.806. He was the eldest 
 son of the Rev. Charles Vaughan, the representative of 
 the Vaughans of Tretwr, in the county of Brecon ; and 
 was descended, on the maternal side, from the family of 
 the Moncks of Potheridge in the county of Devon, from 
 which the celebrated General Monck also sprang. 
 
 To enter at any length upon details of ancestry or family 
 connection, would be foreign to the design already an- 
 
 B 
 
2 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 nounced. And, whatever degree of interest would attach 
 to many circumstances of a biographical and a local nature, 
 which might thus be brought under review, they could not 
 be made tributary to the proposed developement of moral 
 and spiritual character, and may therefore be passed over, 
 in favour of a more appropriate opening to this memoir, 
 presented in the authentic testimony of a mother's hand: — 
 " You wish me to give some account of my beloved 
 Henry's early years ; but I cannot, from my sad shattered 
 memory, bring forward any thing sufficiently forcible to 
 convey much idea of that cherished being ; save, that his 
 early years were marked by every sweet and gentle affec- 
 tion of mind rnd manner. If he saw me out of spirits, or 
 alone, he would bring his little book and read to amuse me. 
 He had a great regard to truth, and very early shewed an 
 aversion to any thing mean or dishonourable, which once 
 struck me particularly. — When quite a child, and, running 
 races with others, he was advised to take a shorter cut, so 
 that he might win the race without being observed ; he 
 replied with disdain, * That w r ould be winning by a cheat ; — 
 I cannot do that.' 
 
 " In January 1813, when only seven years of age, he 
 was sent to Mr. Griffiths' at Southampton, — a very large 
 school for one so young ; and though possessed of a bold 
 spirit, yet the natural tenderness of his heart seemed to 
 feel the harshness of the world he came in contact with ; 
 and the tyranny of the upper boys to those below them, 
 he mentioned, not as a subject of complaint, but with as- 
 tonishment that it could be any gratification to them. 
 
 " His heart ever bounded with delight at the sight of 
 home, and he was wildly gay with the dear circle that he 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 
 
 loved. Deep were his affections, particularly to his brother 
 Charles, who was nearest to his own age ; and I was fre- 
 quently struck with his great forbearance towards him in 
 any matter of dispute. In 1814, we lost a sweet little 
 girl, Olivia, which was in some degree made up to us by 
 the birth of dear Louis, in the following April. Henry, 
 always feelingly alive to our joys and sorrows, was re- 
 markably fond of infants, being interested by their inno- 
 cence and helplessness ; and Louis had a full share of his 
 love and attention. 
 
 " He went to Eton in 1816, from whence he was soon 
 removed, in consequence of serious illness. In 1817 we 
 quitted Hampshire, and went to Glanusk, near Crickhowel. 
 Henry, ever exquisitely alive to the charms of nature, de- 
 lighted in the beautiful scenery of Wales ; every hill and 
 fountain drew from him some testimony of enthusiasm ; 
 and in the full joyousness of youth, he passed some of the 
 happiest days of his life. At this period, an anecdote oc- 
 curs to my mind, indicating his mental courage, and his 
 consideration for the feelings of others. A large New- 
 foundland dog, a great favourite of the young party, Henry 
 was holding by a cord, while springing over a sunk fence. 
 The dog not following with equal speed, drew him back, 
 and he fell upon his wrist, which was broken by the fall. 
 The change of his countenance marked the pain he suf- 
 fered ; but seeing our anxiety, when the surgeon arrived, 
 he would not allow the slightest expression of pain to es- 
 cape him ; saying, It was nothing. Part of our stay at 
 Glanusk was clouded by the distressing death of my dear 
 little Laura, which grieved him deeply ; her grave in the 
 church-yard of Crickhowel, he never failed, according to 
 
 B 2 
 
4 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 the interesting custom of Wales, in which he delighted, to 
 deck annually with the choicest flowers he could find — a 
 tribute of love which he continued to the last year of his 
 short life. 
 
 " During our residence in Breconshire, he was at school 
 at Swansea with Mr. Anderson, a talented man, who from 
 illness was obliged to resign his school to Mr. Griffith, 
 and soon afterwards died. Mr. Anderson could not part 
 from his favourite pupil, without writing his character to 
 his father, full of admiration of the fine qualities of his 
 mind, and the elevated ingenuousness of his disposition. 
 It was drawn by a hand capable of delineating forcibly 
 what he wished to express. 
 
 "We removed to Bath in 1821, when Henry went to 
 the grammar school there, formerly under Dr. Morgan, 
 but at that time kept by Mr. Wilkins. At that school he 
 met with a very clever young man of infidel, or at least 
 sceptical, opinions, who was fond of arguing those points 
 with him, which he combated with all the strength he was 
 master of. And I think he was thus led to further in- 
 quiries himself, as he seemed to feel much for his poor 
 friend's wretched state of uncertainty and unbelief. 
 
 "In 1824, he entered at Oxford, at Wadham College, 
 where he obtained an exhibition ; and afterwards at Wor- 
 cester College, a scholarship, against an opponent who sub- 
 sequently distinguished himself as a second class man. But 
 never having been at a public school, or exercised much in 
 composition, he had more than his competitors to struggle 
 with. 
 
 " In his youthful days he evinced a playful fancy, a great 
 discernment of character, a vein of humour, and an art 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 5 
 
 of catching the ridiculous, which did at times break forth 
 even in later years when it flashed upon him, though always 
 kept in due subjection — not to offend higher feelings. He 
 likewise early shewed a talent for extempore speaking, 
 which afterwards was applied to sacred subjects. An ele- 
 gance of thought and manner, and an ambition of excel- 
 ling in every thing he undertook, marked his spring of life. 
 Admired, and full of youthful energy, he just sipped the 
 cup of worldlv enjoyment ; but it soon became distaste- 
 ful to him, his soul could not rest satisfied with pursuits so 
 unsatisfactory, and he sought higher enjoyments. During 
 his illness at Coley, to which place he travelled with a 
 young man in consumption, he seemed much impressed 
 with his state ; and feeling himself very ill, said, with tears 
 in his eyes, that he had w T ished to live for the happiness of 
 one dear object, but it was the will of God, and he hoped 
 to bring his mind to resign her and all to Him. A won- 
 derful and sudden change took place, his health rapidly 
 returned, and with it deeper and deeper views of religion. 
 He had just tasted enough of the world to point out its 
 delusions, and to awaken and probe the heart of others 
 with exquisite tenderness and force. 
 
 " In this feeble and scanty review of the past, I omitted 
 the brightest jewel in his crown, for of that you could 
 speak most feelingly to the dear children ; but as a testi- 
 mony of love to the dear departed, I cannot wholly abstain 
 from mentioning that, upon entering the sacred ministry, 
 all ambition forsook him, but that of seeking his heavenly 
 Father's will, and living to his honour and glory. The 
 whole powers of his ardent soul were consecrated to 
 Him; and in constant communion with the Holy Spirit and 
 
 B 3 
 
6 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 blessed Redeemer, he lived on earth in the atmosphere of 
 heaven. Could those dear children have beheld him im- 
 parting divine truths, with his angelic countenance beam- 
 ing with the purest love, how would their young hearts 
 have burned within them ! But, though vanished from 
 their sight, yet I trust the mantle from above will shield 
 them from all the evils of this passing world." 
 
 These touching recollections — treasures of a mother's 
 heart — while they glance at the whole life of her lamented 
 son, depict in clear and lively colours, the blooming spring- 
 time of natural qualities and endowments, which, in the 
 sovereignty of Divine grace, were not suffered long to 
 display their loveliness in mere earthly things ; but, ere 
 they had attained maturity under human culture, were 
 summoned to that highest, noblest, service, wherein their 
 true beauty was to be revealed. Some further particulars, 
 derived from other sources, and tending to shew his state 
 of mind and feeling, during the season of youth, and un- 
 til the completion of his studies at the University, will 
 now be added. 
 
 It has been seen, that his education was subject to manv 
 unfavourable interruptions ; but, so far were they from 
 restraining his desire for eminence in literary acquirements, 
 that, at the age of sixteen, he became a candidate for a 
 scholarship at Corpus Christi College, Oxford. The 
 attempt, it will not be imagined, could, under such disad- 
 vantages, be successful ; and from that period until his 
 entrance at Wadham College in 1824, a course of study 
 was continued under Mr. Griffith, at Swansea. He was 
 not left, however, to the undisturbed pursuit of this world's 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 7 
 
 honour, or the pride of literature. We may discern, in 
 some of the events then attending his path, the design 
 of an over-ruling hand — intimations of the purpose of 
 Him who was about to speak the word, " Follow me," 
 with a power that should constrain him to determine for 
 ever whom he would serve. 
 
 While he remained at Swansea, he passed some time 
 under the roof of a relation, whose cheerful piety u;h 
 Christian simplicity engaged the respect and attachment 
 of her youthful guest; although, apparently, no more 
 serious impression was then prod iced on his mind. Ardenth 
 devoted to every object that arrested his attention or re- 
 gard, he was eager in the chase of pleasure, while am- 
 bitious of academic fame ; and his many attractive qualities 
 rendered him an universal favourite. His watchful friend, 
 intent upon preparing an antidote for the poison which 
 had become so sweet and pleasant to his taste, provided in 
 his apartment books calculated to expose the delusive 
 nature of the choicest favours and enjoyments this world 
 can bestow, and to lead his thoughts to the only fountain 
 of lasting joy. These proofs of her solicitude for his best 
 interests, were followed up by a more direct mode of in- 
 fluence ; and often did he hear her, in strains of affectionate 
 fervent devotion, invoking spiritual blessings on his head. 
 Her elevated hopes and desires could be little understood 
 by this young aspirant after earthly distinction ; but he 
 was not insensible to the tenderness and solemnity of her 
 pious prayers, which always held a place in his faithful me- 
 mory, and were frequently spoken of with gratitude 
 after life. 
 
 Of the davs that followed, on his return to Oxfon 
 
8 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 slight survey has been drawn by his attached and early 
 friend, the Rev. E. Blencowe, and communicated in a let- 
 ter, from which an extract may here be introduced : — 
 
 " You ask me for a sketch of Henry Vaughan's college 
 life. My account must be necessarily a brief one, as dur- 
 ing the earlier part of the time in which we were fellow- 
 collegians, though we were sometimes companions, I was 
 not by any means one of his most intimate friends. He 
 came to reside about half a year later than myself. The 
 most prominent feature in his character was ardent ambi- 
 tion for scholastic distinction ; and considering himself a 
 good deal behind-hand in scholarship, owing, as he told 
 me, to disadvantages in his education from frequent change 
 of place, he laboured hard to recover lost ground ; and by 
 sitting up late to read, particularly at a subsequent period 
 when he was about to be a candidate for a scholarship at 
 Worcester College, he inflicted a serious injury on his con- 
 stitution. The speedy result was a severe illness ; and I 
 do not believe that he ever entirely recovered from the ef- 
 fects. Till this attack came upon him (which was, I think, 
 soon after his exertions had been, to his no small delight, 
 rewarded with success at Worcester College) the voice of 
 truth must state, what he afterwards felt in the bitterness 
 of repentance, that he was living without God in the world. 
 Not that he was impervious to religious impressions. He 
 has told me that conscience was not dead, but his heart 
 had never been bowed before God ; the prodigal son had 
 not yet cast his eye towards his Father's house, from which, 
 as he confessed to me, he had gone very far astray. But 
 his very amiable disposition, his buoyant spirits, his ardent 
 temperament, rendered his society always welcome, and 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 9 
 
 he never failed to diffuse mirth around him. That there 
 was, even then, a vein of deeper feeling below, I have little 
 doubt. I remember being surprised one day to hear him 
 say, that he had read ' Mason on Self-Knowledge,' with 
 great interest.' ' 
 
 The removal of his father, from Bath to the rectorv- 
 house at Llangattock, took place after he had been one 
 year at Oxford ; and if in his boyish days he had been so 
 much charmed with the scenery of Wales, still greater was 
 his delight in returning to it at an age, when every wild 
 and favourite spot was revisited with the enthusiasm of a 
 poetic taste. Few, only, are the specimens that have been 
 preserved, of his talent for the art ; but one, evidently a 
 hasty and unfinished sketch, discovers too interesting a 
 picture of his views and sentiments at that time, to be 
 omitted. It affords a pleasing ground of confidence, that 
 the incorruptible seed had, even then, begun to put forth 
 signs of life in his heart ; and anticipates, in a remarkable 
 manner, that work and labour of love to which he was sub- 
 sequently called. Those friends, who know T what satisfac- 
 tion he enjoyed, when appointed to minister in the valley 
 which gave occasion to this effort of the youthful imagina- 
 tion, — those, who know how zealously he persevered in 
 that sphere of duty, as the attainment of his highest 
 earthly wishes, — will perceive, in the following lines, some 
 strivings of that Spirit, whose gracious counsel and com- 
 fort were so richly granted in riper years : — 
 
 " What is there in these mountains and these woods? 
 What is there in these streams and rushing floods ? 
 What is there in these forest glades and dells? 
 That, with such tides of joy, my bosom swells. 
 
 B 5 
 
10 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 Is it, dear Wales, the fashion of thy grace, 
 
 The softly smiling beauties of thy face, 
 
 That hold my soul in such unyielding chains? 
 
 Sources of joys most sweet, and bitterest pains ; — 
 
 Joys, when those charms and soft delights I view : 
 
 Pains, when I parting heave a sad ' Adieu.' 
 
 Thee, more than beauty, more than grace, endears, 
 
 Brightens with joy, or dims my eye with tears. 
 
 Thee, sweet remembrance of my earlier days, 
 
 Passed in a vale through which thy Ischa strays, 
 
 Stamps with a charm, a spirit-stirring spell, 
 
 Which hearts may feel, but words are weak to tell. 
 
 Where are ye fled, dear years of boyhood, where ; 
 
 Where are your thoughts untroubled by a care ; 
 
 Where are your games, and freaks, and wanton play, 
 
 With which ye sported through the live-long day : 
 
 Where is your health, and spirit's constant flow, 
 
 Your heart dilate, your ardent bosom's glow ? 
 
 These all revive and live in this fair scene ; 
 
 They live recalling all that I have been, — 
 
 The airy dreams which hope had raised so high, 
 
 Painting, in colours bright, life's chequered sky ; 
 
 The enchanting picture which young fancy drew, 
 
 Fair truth concealing from my blinded view ; 
 
 The days of sunshine, nights of tranquil rest, 
 
 The cheek unfurrowed, unmolested breast; 
 
 These, and the thousand joys, our spring-time knows. 
 
 Ere the bud burst into the full-blown rose. 
 
 That love were cold indeed, that did not rise, 
 
 Swell in the heart, and overflow the eyes, — 
 
 Love for those scenes which bring such precious store 
 
 Of days gone by, of joys to be no more. 
 
 But hence ! away ! remembrance of the past ! 
 
 Those days, those joys, were not bestowed to last ; 
 
 Too futile days, too trifling joys for man ; 
 
 Too vain to work Heaven's soul-redeeming plan. 
 
 What ! though I feel not now the same as when 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAX. 11 
 
 I rambled thoughtless through thy glade and glen, 
 
 Or, if not thoughtless, thinking things of nought, 
 
 With whim or fancy, freak or mischief, fraught ; 
 
 What! though my heart has now been schooled in pain. 
 
 Taught what in life is solid, what is vain, 
 
 Taught too by sickness, spirit-searching rod, 
 
 Its ways to prove, and humbly walk with God ; 
 
 Shall then my country be less dearly loved? 
 
 Nay, rather, it shall hold a heart improved. 
 
 In boyhood's hour my love was but a dream ; 
 
 Now it shall strengthen to a deep-laid scheme, — 
 
 A scheme of joy eternal, to be won 
 
 Amid those dales through which thy streamlets run ; 
 
 Won by a life devoted to its God ; 
 
 Those paths pursuing which its Saviour trod. 
 
 yes, dear Wales ! as on thy mountains bare 
 The shepherd tends and feeds his fleecy care. 
 So, in thy vales, I too would feed a flock, 
 
 Far from tumultuous scenes, the world's rude shock. 
 
 Yes, in some peaceful solitary nook, 
 
 A flock would feed, and hold a shepherd's crook. 
 
 1 want not wealth, True riches are not found 
 Hid in dark mines, deep-buried in the ground. 
 I want not honour ; 'tis ' a broken reed; ' 
 The hand that leans on it will surely bleed. 
 
 But this I would, this forms my constant prayer ; 
 
 A shepherd's toils, a shepherd's joys, to share; 
 
 To keep a flock, and keep it safe from harm, 
 
 Gently to nurse the young ones in my arm, 
 
 The weak to succour, and to guide the blind, 
 
 Hold fast the faithful, and the lost to find, 
 
 To give the hungry as their daily food 
 
 A heaven-sent manna, soul-sustaining good; 
 
 At never-failing wells to quench their thirst, — 
 
 The wells of life, from love divine that burst. 
 
 This, this I would. And you, dear Wales, should hold, 
 
 In thy deep glens and shaggy woods, my fold." 
 
12 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 About this time, the family, with which Henry was 
 afterwards connected by marriage, removed from an estate 
 in one of the distant counties of England, to a property 
 in the immediate vicinity of his father's residence at Llan- 
 gattock. Among the landscape beauties of that property, 
 lying in a rich and diversified part of Breconshire, and for 
 many years in the possession of his ancestors ; he had 
 been accustomed to ramble with something of a romantic 
 feeling, as he viewed the present, and reflected on the 
 past ; but those scenes were now, with a change of occu- 
 pancy, to receive an accession of attractive influence, and 
 to become associated with his fondest hopes for the future. 
 The recreations to which the surrounding country invited, 
 the cultivation of literary taste, and the exercise of varied 
 accomplishments, led to habits of intimacy among the 
 youthful members of the two families ; and an attachment 
 was soon formed between Henry and the younger daughter 
 of Mr. Johnson. It was not long before they discovered 
 that, in a round of intellectual pursuits, and what are often 
 termed innocent pleasures, although blended with a vene- 
 ration for sacred things, and much of pious sentiment and 
 feeling, they had not entered on the path of peace. The 
 many obstacles that combined to prevent their union, the 
 discipline imposed by frequent separations, alarming ill- 
 ness, and numerous trials, with some providential escapes 
 from personal danger, were made instrumental in bringing 
 them to the " God of Love and Peace," by the true and 
 living way. No sooner had Henry tasted the blessedness 
 of " receiving the atonement," than every talent com- 
 mitted to his charge was brought under the constraining 
 influence of the great principle, "We love Him, because 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 13 
 
 He first loved us." And in no effort were the energies of 
 a new life employed with more intense interest, than in 
 directing the dearest object of his earthly affections to the 
 same throne of grace, where he had found rest for his own 
 soul. That the conversion of both, should have taken 
 place nearly at the same period, he esteemed — as he then 
 expressed himself in writing to a friend — to be " among 
 the greatest mercies God had showered upon his unde- 
 serving head." And of this engagement, he was enabled 
 to speak, as " resigned into the hands of God, to be pre- 
 served pure, deep, and enduring." 
 
 By a few, but expressive, touches of the parent's pen, 
 this decided renewal of heart, although other dispensa- 
 tions had also been working together to that end, has been 
 connected more immediately with his illness at Coley. 
 The continuation of Mr* Blencowe's letter, from which an 
 extract has already been taken, will afford some valuable 
 and impressive details of the experience through which he 
 passed at that momentous season : — 
 
 " I cannot now precisely call to mind when his absence 
 from Oxford, occasioned by his serious illness, commenced ; 
 or what was its duration. I think he was away a whole 
 year or more. When he came to reside for a time at 
 Worcester College, being further removed, I saw but little 
 of him, and it was not till long afterwards that I became 
 acquainted with the deep and entire change which had 
 been wrought in his heart, his affections, and views. We 
 were walking together, and our conversation turning on 
 religion, we gradually discovered that we had much to 
 communicate on what we had both experienced since we 
 had joined together in thoughtless mirth at Wadham. At 
 
14 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 different times, he described to me the progress of the 
 work of Divine grace and mercy on his soul. The illness 
 which cut short all his hopes of classical honours, and 
 brought him to the verge of death, was the instrument of 
 God to lead him to repentance and to Christ. He suffered 
 much in body ; but he has told me that the agony of his 
 mind, when he began to realize eternal things, was far 
 more terrible. But he was now praying to God. Once, 
 when he had been deprived of sleep for several nights, 
 and the distressing effects seemed to threaten delirium, 
 he knelt in earnest supplication that, if it were God's will, 
 repose might be granted him. Tranquillised, no doubt 
 by his prayer, he lay down ; and refreshing sleep of some 
 hours ensued. Without accounting this a miracle, a soften- 
 ing feeling of gratitude to God arose in his heart. It was, 
 I think, on a Sunday evening, after he had received the 
 sacrament of the Lord's Supper in Llangattock church, 
 that he walked out alone, and ascended the Fwddog hill. 
 Communing with his own thoughts amid the silence around 
 him, he then, for the first time, felt a gleam of hope break 
 in upon his inward darkness — a hope of pardon — a delight- 
 ful impression that the peace of God might yet be his. 
 The Scriptures were now the subject of his eager and dili- 
 gent study. He read them as one searching for hidden 
 treasure ; the ardour of his mind was the same, but it had 
 found a new channel. Heavenly hopes now took the place 
 of earthly ; and the enthusiastic energy, which before was 
 limited to the pursuit of academical honours, was hence- 
 forth directed with an entire devotion to higher ends — to 
 his own salvation, the glory of God, the good of man. 
 He loved much, for he felt that much had been forgiven 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 1") 
 
 him. The change which he had undergone, could not but 
 evidence itself in his whole conversation. Seldom, indeed, 
 does religion, when embraced with earnestness, fail to 
 strengthen and exalt the mind, by calling in, as it were, its 
 scattered faculties, and concentrating them on one object 
 — the only one really worthy of them." 
 
 This conflict of a soul, oppressed with a sense of sin, 
 and rising out of that dark and suffering state into light, 
 and peace, and hope, was succeeded by an abiding joy, 
 and entire surrender of the heart to God, of which an 
 account is given by another beloved college friend, the 
 Rev. S. Everard : — 
 
 " My personal knowledge of dear Henry, did not com- 
 mence till he was fully devoted in heart to the service of 
 his dear Redeemer ; and I have sometimes rejoiced that 
 I never saw his noble talents, his refreshing conversation, 
 and animating spirits, employed otherwise than in subjec- 
 tion to the Lord. It is undoubtedly an addition to the 
 happiness of my connection with him, that his dear and 
 bright image is always associated with religion, though 
 often with the happiest and most joyous seasons. 
 
 " I shall never forget the commencement of our un- 
 broken and close friendship. One Sunday morning, in 
 the summer term of the first year at Oxford, I went into 
 the park for a few minutes, between chapel and breakfast 
 time, and found Henry there. We had met before, in 
 company with Blencowe, but this was the first time we 
 entered into conversation. The day naturally led us to 
 the subjects uppermost in our hearts ; and I, who had 
 secluded mvself from the society of my own college through 
 
16 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 fear of being tempted beyond my power, was charmed to 
 find another, besides Blencowe, to whom I could speak 
 freely, and who could answer me from an overflowing 
 heart. Our walk was prolonged to the utmost, and from 
 that time there were few days during the remainder of 
 his residence, in which we did not pass many hours to- 
 gether. At that period, besides his natural spirits, joy 
 was one of the Divine graces which, together with faith 
 and love, were strongly marked in him ; and to this day, 
 I am bound to give thanks for the comfort and refresh- 
 ment his presence always afforded to both Blencowe and 
 myself. 
 
 " He was not, you know, a good correspondent. What- 
 ever he had in hand, was engaged in with such earnest- 
 ness that he could seldom turn aside to write on other 
 subjects, where the call was not imperative ; and I really 
 did receive but few letters from him. I have a rule, also, 
 to destroy all letters that have not something of particular 
 moment in them, to save the time which overlooking manv 
 letters consumes. I have therefore only two of dear 
 Henry's letters by me. The first contains most valuable 
 directions for extemporary preaching, and though almost 
 worn out by the many who have studied it, it shall be sent 
 you in a few days. The other I shall most likelv forward 
 with it." 
 
 It is manifest, from these quotations, that in the early 
 stage of his spiritual course, much sweet counsel and en- 
 couragement were derived from the friendship commenced 
 at Oxford. The united desire of the three young fellow- 
 collegians to animate and strengthen each other in the 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 17 
 
 way of holiness, was confirmed by the residence of Mr. 
 Blencowe and Mr. Everard at Crickhowel, during the long 
 vacation in the autumn of 1828 ; and although, in suc- 
 ceeding years, local separations allowed but a limited per- 
 sonal intercourse, excepting in one season of joint ministry 
 to be hereafter noticed, the tie which had once bound them 
 together, proved a continued source of mutual joy. At 
 the conclusion of a letter from Henry, in which he had 
 unbosomed his hopes, and fears, and cares, with all the 
 freedom of a friendship cemented by the " love of the 
 Spirit," we find that bond of union thus recognised : — 
 " I have much to say, my dear fellow. This letter, upon 
 reading it over, seems to be full of presumption. But I 
 speak to you two friends, as I feel. You are the dearest 
 I have upon earth ; you two, and my nearest relatives, are 
 as my own soul. God bless you both." And that the 
 affection and confidence he had expressed, were reciprocal, 
 is witnessed at a later period by Mr. Everard : — "I had 
 long been accustomed to feel the thread of my own exist- 
 ence interwoven with our dear Henry's, and imperceptibly 
 imbibed the feeling, that my own departure would be the 
 first to loosen the triple cord that God had mercifully 
 formed between Henry, Blencowe, and myself." 
 
 A Bible, which Henry used during the remainder of his 
 college residence, bears testimony, from the numerous pas- 
 sages marked in it, how closely the Scriptures were then 
 studied. He could now say with his favourite poet : — 
 
 .i 
 
 Oh ! when reflecting on these truths sublime, 
 How insignificant do all the joys, 
 
18 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 The gaudes, and honours of the world appear ! 
 How vain, ambition ! Why has my wakeful lamp 
 Outwatched the slow-paced night ? Why on the page, 
 The schoolman's labour'd page, have I employed 
 The hours devoted by the world to rest, 
 And needful to remit exhausted nature ? 
 Say, can the voice of narrow Fame repay 
 The loss of health ? Or can the hope of glory 
 Lend a new throb unto my languid heart, 
 Cool, even now, my feverish aching brow, 
 Relume the fires of this deep-sunken eye, 
 Or paint new colours on this pallid cheek ? " 
 
 Many of his friends can remember the open declara- 
 tions he then made of the opinions and principles by 
 which he was governed, in the altered aim and habit of 
 his life so obvious to all. And in the summer of 1828, 
 having accompanied his family to Swansea, it was re- 
 marked, on the first Sunday of his stay there, that, " on 
 quitting the church, he separated from the lively throng 
 by which they were surrounded, and joined a person 
 habited in mourning. This was the daughter of that ex- 
 cellent relation before mentioned, whose happy spirit was 
 realising the joys, of which a foretaste had been granted 
 to her while she dwelt on earth. Surprise was expressed 
 at his desertion of companions more suited to his age and 
 natural vivacity. His answer at once proved that he was 
 no longer a lover of pleasure ; and it must indeed have 
 been soothing to his sorrowing friend, to perceive how 
 fully her deceased parent's wishes were being accom- 
 plished." 
 
 These reminiscences must not be closed, without some 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 1 fJ 
 
 portion of a letter from his brother Charles, in which, 
 passing rapidly though most affectionately through the 
 progress of an admired life as well in nature as under 
 grace, he recurs especially to the period assigned to this 
 chapter : — 
 
 " His general character is now distinctly alive in my 
 memory. As a boy — for we were at school many years 
 together — he was remarkable for sweetness of disposition, 
 and acute sensibility of feeling, a high sense of honour, 
 and a most affectionate heart ; he was loved by all his 
 schoolfellows ; and I may safely affirm that never was there 
 a person more valued and loved than he, in after life. At 
 college no one, I believe, could have warmer or truer friends; 
 his memory is deservedly cherished by all his cotempora- 
 ries. And when religion, through much trouble and af- 
 fliction, taught him to feel the emptiness of earthly, com- 
 pared with heavenly, honours, — when, for the sake of 
 this, he thought little of the high distinctions he was once 
 so ambitious of, — when his character was being matured 
 and refined by the grace of God for those spiritual excel- 
 lences which adorned his ministry ; — what a sweet picture 
 of the Christian's progress, through doubt and darkness, 
 to assurance, and light, and peace, and joy, does he present 
 to my mind in looking back upon the years that are gone. 
 He, like other saints who now like him are blessed, once 
 trod, though not the path of sin, perhaps the path of 
 vanity ; he saw its folly, he saw its emptiness ; and the 
 Lord in mercy brought the conviction of this truth on his 
 soul, and led him through trials and struggles, through 
 doubts and fears, to the cross of his Redeemer. From that 
 blessed period, one thought was ever in his mind, one hope 
 
20 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 was ever in his breast — the thought of his Saviour and his 
 God, the hope of eternal glory. This reflection — the re- 
 view of his pure and holy life, his faith, his love, his meek- 
 ness and humility, his charity, his devotion, his every thought 
 and every wish for the eternal well-being of himself and 
 others — this, though it cannot destroy the sting we feel at 
 his loss, yet can reconcile us to it, and enable us, with 
 Job, to exclaim, ' The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken 
 awav, blessed be the name of the Lord,' " 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 21 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 ORDINATION MINISTRY AT LLANGENNY CURACY AT CRICKHOWEL 
 
 STATE OF HEALTH ON ENTERING THE MINISTRY HIS MARRIAGE. 
 
 1829 AND 1830. 
 
 In the year 1829, the subject of this memoir, whose en- 
 trance into life has been recorded in the preceding chapter, 
 was ordained to that sacred office, which had sometimes 
 engaged a serious thought in earlier days ; but upon which 
 his heart was now fixed with a stedfastness of purpose, 
 implanted by the hand of Him who changeth not, and sus- 
 tained by a fervent desire, in every way to apprehend that, 
 for which he had been apprehended of Christ. It would 
 have been deeply interesting to follow his tender, lowly, 
 devoted spirit, through the experience and the preparation 
 he must have realised, at that solemn season. But, among 
 the papers that have been preserved, none afford any light 
 upon those points. From the correspondence, however, 
 of which extracts have been given, it is evident that old 
 things had passed away, and all things had become new ; — 
 
22 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 that He, who, when he putteth forth his own sheep, is 
 pledged to go before them, was leading him in an appointed 
 path ; — and that while an amiable and affectionate dis- 
 position, with an elevated and accomplished mind, had 
 rendered him almost a faultless object of admiration in 
 the eyes of many who enjoyed his society ; " the light of 
 the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus 
 Christ," had discovered to him the deformity of the natural 
 man, even when disguised in its fairest robes ; and taught 
 him to cry, hating the garment spotted by the flesh, " None 
 but Jesus." Having obtained mercy — " Mercy" must be 
 his theme. His burden had been cast at the foot of the 
 Cross ; — it was therefore his determination, " to know 
 nothing save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." The still 
 small voice that had revealed peace in his soul, saying, " I 
 am thy salvation," had also given the word, " Feed my 
 sheep." And no stranger's voice could divert him from 
 pursuing, with eager steps, the example of Him who came 
 to seek and to save that which was lost, to preach the 
 Gospel to the poor, to proclaim the acceptable year of the 
 Lord. 
 
 Llangenny, a romantic and retired village in the vale of 
 Usk, situated about three miles from Llangattock, was the 
 scene of the first ministerial dutv committed to him. He 
 was there called to officiate as reader of the English ser- 
 vice, which was used in the church alternately with the 
 Welsh. But the limited nature of this appointment, was 
 not suffered to hinder the exercise of the pastor's office ; 
 and although the materials from which any particulars of 
 his labours in that place can be gleaned, are extremely 
 scanty and defective, evidence is not wanting of his having 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 23 
 
 entered upon the work, animated by a sense of its privi- 
 leges and its responsibilities, and rejoicing in the recollec- 
 tion that he was pledged " to be a messenger, a watchman, 
 a steward of the Lord, to teach and to premonish, to feed 
 and provide for the Lord's family, to seek for Christ's sheep 
 that are dispersed abroad, and for his children who are in 
 the midst of this naughty world, that they may be saved 
 through Christ for ever." * Those great doctrines of the 
 Gospel, which had been made spirit and life to his own 
 soul, were drawn out, distinctly and successively, in plain 
 and familiar expositions ; and to the energy of his public 
 ministration, were added that faithful testimony in private 
 and domestic visits, and that quick observation of all pass- 
 ing local events, with a lively improvement of them, which 
 gave so much effect to his office, and excited so much af- 
 fection for his person, in succeeding years. 
 
 On directing the attention to this opening of his short 
 but brilliant day, — when, in the ardour of a first love, 
 he regarded a delicate state of health and constitution as 
 an internal monitor urging him to " work while it is 
 called to-day," — it is difficult to restrain a feeling of 
 regret, that none of those interesting details are now 
 to be obtained, which might have been supplied by one 
 whose self-denying exertions w T ere identified with every 
 benevolent undertaking in that parish, but who was herself 
 called to enter into rest, a few months before Henry had 
 finished his course. His college friend, the Rev. E. Blen- 
 cowe, already named, has alluded briefly to the period now 
 before us : — " The cure to which he was first appointed, 
 
 * Ordination Service. 
 
24 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 was, I believe, Llangenny ; and his own family can, better 
 than I, speak of his unwearied labours there during the 
 year he held it. He told me afterwards that he was con- 
 scious he had overworked himself, and thought he never 
 got rid of the effects of his exposure to weather, and inces- 
 sant talking from cottage to cottage. Whether it was 
 allowed him to see much fruit, I am not aware." But the 
 communication of an eye- witness, although written with 
 pain and difficulty under the effects of tedious and severe 
 indisposition, is more explicit : — 
 
 " Immediately after his ordination, Mr. Henry Vaughan 
 entered upon the curacy of Llangenny, preaching his first 
 sermon there, in which, after detailing the duties of the 
 ministerial office, he earnestly entreated his congregation 
 to pray for him, that he might be made * sufficient for these 
 things.' For of this, we may at least be sure, that he 
 himself ceased not to entreat the Lord. And we know 
 that these prayers were abundantly answered. 
 
 " During the short time he remained in this, his first 
 charge, he ceased not to warn and to entreat, and rightly 
 to divide the w T ord of truth, giving to each one his 
 portion in due season. In the scattered cottages of his 
 poorer hearers, he was a frequent, and always a wel- 
 come, visitor ; for his cordial smile, and ready hand, at 
 once attracted those whose affection, continued kindness 
 secured. His visits to the rich were frequent ; and to 
 them, he uniformly displayed that mixture of faithfulness 
 and tenderness, which formed so marked a feature in his 
 character, and made it impossible, from his entrance on the 
 ministry, for any one ' to despise his youth.' To the 
 lambs of his flock, he was affect ionat el v attached, and 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 25 
 
 greatly beloved by them ; and he possessed the art of 
 arousing, and keeping up, the attention of his youthful 
 pupils, to a considerable extent." 
 
 A letter, addressed by himself to one of the parishioners, 
 during a temporary interruption of his duties there, will 
 shew still more distinctly that those, for whom he had en- 
 gaged to w r atch, were closely bound upon his heart : — 
 
 '• I have been (he writes) unavoidably occupied these 
 two last days, partly in superintending the distribution of 
 coal among the necessitous in Crickhowel parish, and partly 
 in assisting to raise a subscription for a similar purpose in 
 Llangattock parish. I saw Mrs. P . . . , and read and 
 prayed with her, on Sunday ; she appeared to me to be 
 sinking very fast. Could you contrive to see her to-mor- 
 row ? I should not like her, in her precarious state, to 
 remain longer unvisited by a spiritual counsellor. If, 
 therefore, you cannot engage to visit her, I will. My 
 reason for thus encroaching on your charity, is, that a 
 slight cold, which you might have heard me complain of, 
 threatens to fix on my chest ; in which case I might be 
 disabled for some time. If I could only get one or two 
 days entirely within doors, I should hope, by God's bless- 
 ing, to get rid of my cold altogether. 
 
 "Poor dear Mrs. M . . . has been sadly neglected, in 
 the scramble I have been in of late. Could you or A . . . 
 look in upon her ? I hope N . . . will take pains with 
 the children I sent her ; I mean particularly in teaching 
 them the catechism. Has the coal been distributed at 
 Llangenny yet ? Several applicants put in their claim on 
 
26 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 Sunday last. Please to give E . . . 2s. 6d. for me. I have 
 
 no security to offer but my slender person 
 
 "We must make hay while the sun shines. God only 
 knows how long I or you may be at Llangenny. Try and 
 convince Mrs. ... of sin. A bad temper, and a little 
 want of honesty, have been her stumbling-blocks. Oh, 
 that she may be found with Christ ! Mrs. T . . ,'s faults 
 are self-righteousness and insincerity. My plan was to 
 choose some passage on the Redemption, and apply it in 
 such a way as to tell her of her faults, with much plain- 
 ness, and as much tenderness as I could." 
 
 These expressions of solicitude for "the family" brought 
 under his care, when viewed in connection with other 
 evidence, may justify our indulging the idea that thev 
 flow, not so much from a conscientious desire to be faithful 
 in the w T ork and service laid upon him, as from a heart 
 moved by the constraining power of that love which is of 
 God. The attachment, formed at that time between the 
 minister and the people, did not terminate with his removal 
 to another, and more extended, sphere of labour. This 
 little village was a scene in which he always delighted to 
 linger ; and the hearty, but respectful, salutation that met 
 his occasional visits, in subsequent years, could not be 
 observed without an impression that he had there made 
 full proof of his ministry. In many cases, there was the 
 mutual recognition of a bond of fellowship, too firm and 
 sacred in its principle, to be broken or weakened by in- 
 tervals of time or place. 
 
 That his own soul prospered, while he thus sought and 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 
 
 laboured for the prosperity of others, may be confidently 
 inferred ; and although there is but little in the way of ex- 
 press testimony upon that point, yet some verses of a 
 devotional character, written whilst he was at Llangenny, 
 and under the expectation of heavy trials, breathe so 
 much of the spirit of adoption, and of that lowliness of 
 heart in which the Divine presence is known and enjoyed, 
 that they may be treasured as the experience of one, in 
 whom God had commenced his perfect work. They are 
 as follows : — 
 
 Darker, darker, make thy frown. 
 Lower, lower, press me down. 
 The cause I know ; 1 know the end. 
 In sorrow Thou art still my friend. 
 
 Sin — the cause. Oh, hateful cause ! 
 Sin against love's gentle laws. 
 The end — deliverance from its sting, 
 And glory to our conquering King. 
 
 Let fiercer storms, then, vex my soul ; 
 Let broader billows o'er me roll. 
 Do all thy will. Thou canst intend 
 None but a good and glorious end. 
 
 There was a time when every woe 
 I dreaded as my soul's worst foe. 
 Sorrow, now, I deem a sign 
 That Jesus, and his life, are mine. 
 
 Then spare not, spare not, gracious God ! 
 To use affliction's chastening rod. 
 I feel my need. Oh ! well I know 
 There's mercy dealt in every blow. 
 
28 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 I fear Thee not with slavish fear ; 
 Thy very stripes to me are dear ; 
 Dearer far than smiles -would he 
 From any other, Lord, than thee. 
 
 Let all thy pleasure, then, be done ; 
 Perfect the work thou hast begun. 
 If by suffering ; welcome pain ! 
 By Thee inflicted, it is gain. 
 
 It is gain, though quick the smart ; 
 It wounds, at once, and heals the heart; — 
 Wounds but to heal. Oh ! welcome pain ! 
 By Thee inflicted, it is gain. 
 
 What gain, no tongue can tell us now ; 
 We can but faintly guess. To know, 
 Would be to taste the cup of love 
 That waits the glorified above." 
 
 In the year 1830, he was appointed to the curacy of 
 Crickhowel by his highly- valued friend, the Rev. George 
 Bevan, in whose refined and cultivated mind, as well as 
 Christian benevolence and activity, he found the endearing 
 sympathy of a kindred spirit. He now enjoyed in him, 
 though for a short season indeed, not only the support and 
 co-operation of one who felt the responsibility, and de- 
 lighted in the exercise, of his holy calling ; but also the 
 counsel of one who was experienced in carrying out plans, 
 for ameliorating the moral and spiritual condition of his 
 people, and for ministering to their temporal advantage. 
 Henry Vaughan was too ready to appreciate any excellence 
 he could discover in another, and too much impressed with 
 a conviction of insufficiency in himself, to estimate lightly 
 the privileges of this friendship, or the extent and impor- 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 29 
 
 tance of the work that had been wrought. Referring to 
 their intercourse at an earlier period, Mr. Blencowv re- 
 marks, " I well remember the characteristic enthusiasm 
 with which he described to me dear Mr. George Bevan, oi 
 whom he spoke with warm gratitude, as having been of 
 great use to him at the time when he was yet unsettled and 
 perplexed in his religious views." And the sense he enter- 
 tained of the benefits resulting from Mr. Bevan's pastoral 
 exertions, is also noticed by the same correspondent : — 
 " It must not be supposed that, of the good which was 
 effected at Crickhowel, he claimed all the origination. 
 Often did he acknowledge, with deep feeling, the labour of 
 years bestowed by his excellent predecessor, and attribute 
 to him the merit of having broken up the rough ground, 
 and smoothed the way for subsequent labourers." Upon 
 this subject, Henry also touches in the following affectionate 
 and faithful terms, in a sermon preached on succeeding to 
 the vicarage, from which Mr. Bevan had retired in declin- 
 ing health : — 
 
 "Allow me to call your attention to what has been 
 already effected. Most gladly do I embrace this opportunity 
 of publicly expressing my sense of the valuable labours of 
 my beloved predecessor. With him the ministry was in 
 truth a work, a labour, of love. His time, his fortune, all 
 his talents, were devoted with unwearied perseverance, and 
 constancy, and zeal, to the cultivation of the Lord's vine- 
 yard. Whatever there is of comfort and convenience, of 
 order and decency, in the place in which we are assembled 
 — this he hath wrought. Whatever advantage has been, 
 hitherto, or may be hereafter, derived from our schools, 
 he, under God, must be regarded as the main instrument 
 
 C 3 
 
30 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 by which it was effected ; for the very building in which 
 our children assemble, was one fruit of his abundant cha- 
 rity. To him, too, under God, must the sick that receive 
 gratuitous relief, feel themselves mainly indebted. The 
 dispensary was another effect of his discreet management, 
 and well-directed zeal. In short, wherever we turn our 
 eyes, we see monuments of his useful and pious labours ; 
 and there are few amongst us, I believe, who do not bear 
 some memorial of it, in benefits conferred personally on 
 ourselves ; and none more than he who now addresses you. 
 And what return can we make ? How shall we repay these 
 eminent services ? How, but by carrying on that work in 
 which his heart was engaged. How, but by building up 
 on that foundation which he, with so much toil, hath laid. 
 Commending him then, my beloved brethren, to your 
 warmest gratitude and most earnest prayers, let me re- 
 quest your attention while I entreat your help and fur- 
 therance in carrying on that which hath been so success- 
 fully begun." 
 
 Before we pass on to any details of his ow r n exemplary 
 zeal and diligence in maintaining and extending this work, 
 or of the co-operation rendered by the people to whom he 
 so emphatically appealed ; it may not be an unprofitable 
 digression if, with a view to give glory to the excellencv 
 of the Power by which he was sustained, we bring to re- 
 membrance the slight and delicate structure of the earthen 
 vessel, chosen to receive that heavenly treasure which he 
 was commissioned to dispense. 
 
 By those who knew Henry Vaughan, only from the re- 
 port of his incessant labours, or his admired talents and 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 31 
 
 attainments, it would not be imagined how slender a form, 
 how t susceptible a constitution, were exposed to continual 
 weariness and painfulness in the varied duties he undertook. 
 But those who, enjoying the endearments of personal in- 
 tercourse with him, perceived how soon his little share of 
 bodily strength was exhausted, and how frequently symp- 
 toms and sensations of impaired and declining health fol- 
 lowed even an ordinary degree of exertion, could not but 
 be seriously apprehensive for the effects of a zeal restrained 
 by no earthly motive or consideration. While the field of 
 usefulness spread before him at Crickhowel, excited the 
 energy of an enterprising spirit, willing to encounter every 
 hardship, and to brave every opposition, if by any means 
 he might save some ; he appears to have suffered much 
 anxiety from those ailments of the throat and chest, to 
 which he was more or less subject during the whole course 
 of his ministry. It was, however, an anxiety, not for him- 
 self, but in behalf of those who were perishing for lack 
 of knowledge, or were in need of the pastor's watchful 
 care. 
 
 In some notes, or partial journals, about the time of his 
 entering upon the Curacy, we find him casting this burden, 
 with much entreaty and many lamentations, upon that God 
 who had visited him with His saving health : — 
 
 " O God, most weighty are the concerns that lie upon 
 our conscience — the care of thy people committed to our 
 charge, of which the Holy Ghost hath made us overseers ! 
 Alost solemn is the vow that rests upon us, to devote our- 
 selves wholly, soul and body, to this labour of love, by 
 which souls may be converted unto Thee. O God ! where, 
 
 * 
 
 where is our strength to fulfil our promises and pay back 
 
32 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 our vows. I am as a withered leaf driven before the wind. 
 I am as a broken reed, as smoking flax. If the air is but 
 a little ungenial, if the winds blow but a little keenly, my 
 frail being is nipped. I am obliged to seek shelter, or I 
 should perish. And yet, my God, abroad is my work, 
 abroad amongst the careless and sinful, — there, where the 
 world, the flesh, and the devil, are compelling souls by 
 force into their snares, or enticing them by guile. O 
 God ! I pray Thee quickly to restore me. To be thus 
 confined, when thy enemies are loose, is pain and grief to 
 me. O Lord God, again arm me with strength, and send 
 me forth, and that speedily ! Hear me ! O hear me for 
 Christ's sake ! Amen. Amen." 
 
 "A few words spoken now, weaken me. Much read- 
 ing would destroy me. O God, my God, how shall I 
 discharge my office ? Shall I go against the advice of 
 friends and physicians, and venture forth at all risks, con- 
 fiding in Thee ? Or is it rather Thy will that I should 
 moderate my exertions, recover my strength, and then 
 come forth refreshed and vigorous ? What is thy will, O 
 God ? Am I for life or death ? I now hang in suspense 
 between two worlds. Which way, which way is the scale 
 to incline ? It were better to leave this scene of sin, 
 trouble, and disappointment, and to be with Christ. 
 
 These are the multitude of thoughts that 
 
 arise within me ; and though I be sometimes afraid, yet 
 put I my trust in Thee. Yea, and will ever trust in Thee, 
 whose love first found me out, and ever since has kept me 
 up. O, confirm my faith. Lord, I believe; help thou my 
 unbelief. O Lord, increase my faith ! " 
 
 " Many are the thoughts within me, O my God, and 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 33 
 
 troublous. I am a minister, having a dispensation of the 
 gospel committed to me; and yet my strength is so small 
 that, to dispense it as I ought, I am not able. I am as a 
 leaf driven to and fro. A breath of wind might slay me. 
 On Thee I rest. I have none in heaven, none on earth, 
 but only Thee. Yet, who am I, and what have been my 
 fathers, that I should expect thy care ? O God, we are 
 wretched, blind, naked, miserable, poor, helpless ; and 
 that is our title to thy consideration. Jesus Christ, Lamb 
 of God, that takest away the sins of the world, grant us 
 thy peace ! O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of 
 the world, have mercy upon us ! It is promised that our 
 trials shall not be greater than we are able to bear ; it is 
 promised that as our day is, so shall our strength be. I 
 keep my mind as a weaned child, and on this promise 
 hang. O Lord, help me, help me ; I have none, none but 
 Thee ! " 
 
 " O my God ! again I make known to Thee my wants, 
 in groans and tears. O God, how, how shall I discharge 
 the office committed to me ? Souls are perishing around, 
 and I have not strength to take thy gospel to them. O 
 Lord, haste Thee to help me ! Thou knowest our frame ; 
 Thou rememberest that we are but dust ; Thou wilt not 
 crush us. In Thee is our trust. Oh, hold us up ; strength- 
 en our weakness; enable us to make thy salvation known 
 — thy great salvation — to lost sinners." 
 
 " O God ! all around me, sinners are perishing; and I 
 have not strength to go amongst them, and warn them of 
 their danger. I fear lest their blood should be required 
 at my hands. If so, what will become of me ! O Lord 
 God, strengthen our weakness ! Restore me yet a little ! 
 
 c 5 
 
I MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 Already I have found answers to my prayers : and here, 
 on my knees, I acknowledge thy goodness, and confess my 
 utter unworthiness. Still, I am emboldened to pray ; for 
 thy mercies to sinners, through Jesus Christ, are infinite, 
 and never fail. Continue, then, thy loving-kindness ; and, 
 if it be thy will, perfect that w T hich thou hast begun. Oh, 
 that thy people committed to my charge, should be as 
 sheep t without a shepherd ! It is gall and wormwood to 
 my heart. My God, my God, haste Thee, haste Thee to 
 our help and succour!" 
 
 A season of returning activity revived, in some measure, 
 his depressed spirit ; and thanksgivings are mingled with 
 his supplications : — 
 
 " God has certainly heard my prayers, offered up for 
 health and strength. I have this week been enabled to 
 go through more duty, with less suffering, than for a long 
 time before. To-morrow (Sunday,) I am to be almost 
 idle. This is a sad grief of mind to me. Is it, or is it 
 not, a desertion of my post ? Perhaps one week's rest 
 now, may save a long absence from my flock. God grant 
 it may be so. There is much, very much, to be done with 
 my congregation, and in the parish generally. If God 
 should continue my strength, I purpose being more active 
 in many ways, particularly in catechising the children, 
 which I have lately, from necessity — so at least I flatter 
 myself — much neglected. O God ! bear with me ; bear 
 with my infirmities. If more strength be not soon given 
 me, had I not better resign my charge into abler hands ? 
 I cannot bear to see sinners perishing all around me, and 
 not stand forth to rescue them, by the grace of God, from 
 perdition." 
 
v. HENRY VAUGHAN. 
 
 And a letter to Mr. Evcrard, written in the same year, 
 unfolds, with the liberty and candour of Christian friend- 
 ship and confidence, his thoughts, and hopes, and apprt - 
 hensions, concerning his own health of mind and body : — 
 
 " You say much, and that much, with your own pecu- 
 liar love and kindness, respecting my health. You will be 
 rejoiced to hear that it has pleased God completely to res- 
 tore it. I am still, however, by the doctor's positive 
 orders, forbidden to continue any of my clerical duties. 
 A month is the time to which the discontinuance of them 
 has been limited. The immediate cause of mv illness was 
 a cold, which, from circumstances, I was prevented from 
 taking means to get rid of. From my head it passed to my 
 chest, and there produced a slight inflammation of the lungs. 
 Dr. Lucas used prompt measures, and has, by the blessing 
 of God, succeeded in effecting a speedy cure. How many 
 gracious ends of Providence, my blindness and hardness 
 of heart have defeated in this visitation, I am ashamed to 
 think ; some, however, have, by the power of his grace, 
 been led, I trust, to their designed effect. Death has 
 been more seriously contemplated than ever before. How 
 sweet is it to find by experience that this enemy, like all 
 others, is under the feet of our conqueror, in whose con- 
 quest we share. Oh ! how completely under his feet ! 
 How else could I have been emboldened to pray that God 
 would take me now, even at this time, if such were his 
 pleasure ; and am emboldened to pray so still. Consump- 
 tion, and all its host, how terrible did it once seem ! But 
 it is so no longer. By what more easy passage, could we 
 desire to enter into the joy of our Lord. I know not why, 
 but I cannot divest myself of the impression, that my day- 
 
36 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 are not to be many in this world. I look upon my illness 
 this spring as a gracious warning. May I, by God's grace, 
 employ whatever time is given, in making my peace with 
 God through Jesus Christ ; and in labouring, through the 
 same aid, to bring others to rest their hopes of eternal 
 life on the same foundation. The doctors do not regard 
 my illness as any thing more than a common cold, aggra- 
 vated and made more difficult to cure, from want of care ; 
 and, indeed, no symptoms of any more serious complaint 
 have appeared. Still it is to be considered that my frame 
 is altogether weak, and easily susceptible of injury in any 
 part. My profession calls for almost an incessant use of 
 the lungs ; and a delicacy in that quarter may at the least 
 be argued from this winter's experience. Most cheerfully 
 and gladly do I leave the matter in the hands of my God, 
 who is also my dear Redeemer," 
 
 Those allusions to repeated attacks of the same kind, 
 and to frequent indications of failing health, which will be 
 found occasionally in his own letters and those of his friends, 
 of later dates, will sufficiently prove that the opinion he 
 then expressed arose, not from any unfounded alarm, but 
 from a calm and clear perception of his tenderly-consti- 
 tuted frame. There was ever present in his mind and 
 heart, one paramount claim upon body, soul, and spirit, to 
 serve and to glorify his God and Saviour ; but whether by 
 life or by death, he could peacefully rest upon His wisdom 
 to determine. The cessations from labour which drew 
 from him such importunate supplications as have been re- 
 cited, were imperative, no less through actual debility, than 
 by medical advice ; and whenever he could possibly escape 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 37 
 
 from the restraint of either, he was checked by no thought 
 of prudent care ; no time was then lost in pressing- into 
 the harvest-field that lay around him. 
 
 That the illness more particularly spoken of in the letter 
 just quoted, was not of long duration, an interesting evi- 
 dence is afforded ; for, within a few months from that 
 time — but after several years of painful delay and anxiety — 
 the only object that could compete, in his devoted affec- 
 tions, with the work of the ministry, was attained ; and 
 the happiness of the married state, was added to his cup 
 of simple, sanctified enjoyment. 
 
MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 general view of his ministry as vicar of crickhowel. 
 
 1832 to 1836. 
 
 The history of a parochial minister, consecrating the best 
 powers of natural and spiritual endowment to the flock 
 placed, in the providence of God, under his care and over- 
 sight ; and regarding that flock as the chief object for 
 which he is to live ; cannot, however important in itself, 
 be expected to contain much of striking peculiarity. In 
 fulfilling the numerous duties inseparable from the office 
 of the Christian pastor, there will be an uniformity of ar- 
 rangement, as of principle, in the employments and exer- 
 tions of those who are guided by that Spirit, upon whose 
 counsel they are all equally dependent for wisdom and 
 strength. And it is scarcely possible, in referring to the 
 multiplied objects which claim the unremitting attention of 
 everv faithful servant of Christ, to avoid a repetition of 
 circumstances, connected alike with the pathway of all who 
 watch for souls as thev that must give account. But everv 
 one to whom Henry Vaughan was personally known, would 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 39 
 
 freely acknowledge that, in his peculiar way of executing 
 whatever his hand found to do, there was a charm not often 
 witnessed. It was not merely his natural gracefulne.— 
 and suavity of manner, an affectionate tenderness of 
 feeling, the countenance expressive of a pure mind and 
 loving heart, the complexion wearing a sweet transparency, 
 as if it would not conceal the gracious workings of the 
 inner man; — it was not only the attractive, the ingratiat- 
 ing, exterior and deportment ; or the holy fervour when in 
 the congregation, the light of warm benevolence in the 
 eye when visiting the cottager, the ready sympathy in every 
 case whether of joy or sorrow, the kind accommodation of 
 thought and word to the little ones of his flock ; — it was 
 not by any, or all, of these qualities, that interest and at- 
 tachment were excited in so remarkable a degree. They 
 possessed, indeed, a commanding influence ; but it was an 
 influence far short of that which accompanied the impres- 
 sion (sometimes almost an unconscious one), that all he 
 uttered, and all he wrought, proceeded from the power of 
 the Divine presence in his soul. His words, whether in 
 counsel, instruction, admonition, or comfort, were felt to 
 be, not the result of a sanctified judgment, or a spiritual 
 discernment, alone ; but rather as a stream of Sacred Truth 
 from a fountain springing up within him unto eternal life. 
 " I know whom I have believed," seemed to be the expe- 
 rience, interwoven with every testimony, and directing 
 every pursuit. 
 
 For the reasons above-mentioned, details of an ordinary 
 nature, and common to all local ministrations when con- 
 ducted with zeal and fidelity, will only be introduced, in 
 reference to the labours of Henry Vaughan, so far as they 
 
40 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 have acquired some particular interest, from their connec- 
 tion with records under his own hand, or from communica- 
 tions made by his friends. 
 
 It was towards the close of the year 1832, that he be- 
 came Vicar of Crickhowel ; and his solemn view of the 
 relation thus established between himself and his people, 
 appears from the first sermon he preached on being called, 
 in that office, to stand alone among them as their spiritual 
 leader and instructor. " On the last Sabbath-day, (he 
 says) I was, after having taken on my soul the vows and 
 duties of the sacred order of the priesthood, solemnly and 
 authoritatively instituted to the vicarage of Crickhowel. 
 I now therefore address you as my flock, as my people. 
 How sacred is the bond that henceforth subsists between 
 us ; how strong the obligations which, as so many bands 
 of love, should bind us one to another, and all to Christ. 
 One thought is overwhelming with me. — How I shall fulfil 
 this ministry ? how I shall acquit myself in this office ? 
 how I shall dispense this stewardship ? how I shall account 
 to the great Master, for this charge of souls ? When I 
 consider, on the one hand, the weakness of the instrument; 
 and on the other, the arduousness of the work ; my faith 
 almost fails ; and I could with Moses, desire God to send 
 and bring forth his people by some other hand. But no ! 
 the hand is to the plough. ' Forward' — shall be my signal, 
 — ' Forward.' Death is behind. Christ, Heaven, — be- 
 fore. • Forward,' conquering and to conquer. For he 
 
 has promised And now, my brethren, pray for 
 
 us ; that we may be able to open our mouths boldly, and 
 speak as we ought to speak for God, without partiality or 
 hypocrisy ; that we may not shun to declare the whole 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 41 
 
 counsel of God ; that we may preach the word, be instant 
 in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort, with 
 all long-suffering and doctrine ; that we maybe an exam- 
 ple of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, 
 in spirit, in faith, in purity ; that we may not count our 
 lives dear unto ourselves, so that we might finish our course 
 with joy, and the ministry which we have received of the 
 Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 
 And oh ! my dear brethren, may God grant that when the 
 chief shepherd shall appear, you may be found my crown 
 of rejoicing." 
 
 A few considerations, briefly stated on another and later 
 occasion, when introducing a Curate to his congregation, 
 may not inappropriately be noticed here, in illustration of 
 the high and holy ground upon which he took his stand as 
 an ambassador for Christ. The Scripture selected as the 
 subject of discourse, was, " He shall see of the travail of 
 his soul, and shall be satisfied ; ' and among various con- 
 cluding remarks, noted in the manuscript, he makes these 
 in reference to the ministry. " Finally, this subject seems 
 to set before us, — 1 . The sweet pledge of ministerial success: 
 1 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satis- 
 fied.' Yes, nothing shall prevent it ; not sin ; not the 
 world ; not principalities or powers ; He has sheep to 
 bring, and they shall hear his voice. 2. The purest motive 
 to ministerial exertion. What can ministers, what can peo- 
 ple, desire more than to satisfy the soul of Christ ? The 
 love of Christ constrains us to this — bears us away like a 
 torrent. 3. The strongest bond of ministerial union and 
 affection. To be one in this work, is at once an introduc- 
 
42 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 tion, not to acquaintance, but to the most sacred bonds of 
 friendship. Who, that love Christ, love not all that seek 
 to glorify Christ, and to satisfy his soul ? Let us enter, 
 then, on our mutual relation, confident of His blessing, 
 who openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no 
 man openeth ; united in the sacred bond of the mutual 
 desire, to love and to satisfv Christ's soul that travailed for 
 us ; and urged on by the pure motive of increasing the 
 joy, and promoting the glory, of Him who loved us, and 
 gave Himself for us.' 
 
 In a letter* written at the request of his friend, Mr. 
 Everard, on extemporaneous preaching, will be found many 
 observations tending to shew both his opinion and his 
 practice with regard to that and other branches of minis- 
 terial duty. And an Ordination Sermon preached at St. 
 David's College, Lampeter, partly preserved in manuscript, 
 not only contains sound views, but evinces so much depth 
 of experience in the things of which he had been called 
 upon to treat, that some quotations from his address to 
 those who were charged with a stewardship in the house 
 of God, may not be out of place when adverting to his 
 own character in that high and holy vocation : — 
 
 " We will not," he remarks, after a general introduction 
 and arrangement of his subject, ft waste precious time in 
 criticism, but proceed at once to reflect on the dignity and 
 importance . of the sacred office. Its dignity, how shall 
 we estimate ? Shall we consider by whom, and at what 
 time, it was appointed ? If so, then we shall find, that He 
 who ascended up on high, and led captivity captive — Je> 
 
 * See Letter, No. I. 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 43 
 
 openly triumphing over sin, death, and hell — * gave some, 
 apostles ; and some, prophets ; and some, evangelists ; 
 and some, pastors and teachers.' Its origin is glorious 
 with the glory of the newly-risen Redeemer. It reflects 
 the first rays of the Sun of Righteousness arising on the 
 world with healing in his wings. Shall we look to the 
 ends for which it was ordained ? — ' For the perfecting of 
 the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying 
 of the body of Christ ; till we all come in the unity of the 
 faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a 
 perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness 
 of Christ.' Is not an office ordained for such ends, in 
 dignity more angelical than human ; has it not more of 
 heaven in it than of earth ? Shall we look to the terms 
 in which the Holy Ghost hath spoken of this office ? Then 
 we shall find it called, ' a dispensation of the grace of 
 God,' a ' ministry of the glorious Gospel of the Blessed 
 God,' a 'preaching of the unsearchable riches of Christ.' 
 We shall find it designated as ' the ministry of reconcilia- 
 tion,' — 'of the New Testament,' — 'of the word;' — with 
 humblest reverence be it spoken, ' a ministration of the 
 
 Spirit.' But why need we multiply words ? 
 
 If the minister, whose hands hold the seal of authority, 
 and on whose shoulder rest the keys of government ; if 
 the judge who interprets and administers the laws ; if the 
 ambassador who represents the interests of his sovereign 
 in foreign courts ; — if these be important in their several 
 offices ; if the witness that attests and confirms the truth ; 
 if the watchman whose vigilance keeps the city ; if the 
 soldier whose valour defends his country ; if the physician 
 whose skill administers health, if the father whose love and 
 
44 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 prudence should bless a family ; if the husbandman whose 
 laborious industry and patient perseverance till and culti- 
 vate the earth, — be each in their various relations, import- 
 ant ; — then, how important that office which unites all 
 these in one, and ought to unite them in their highest per- 
 fection." 
 
 Giving due weight to the external and the internal call, 
 as " essential to a lawful exercise of the ministry," and 
 observing that " if individuals might be judges of their 
 own qualifications, and plead an internal call as a sufficient 
 ground for undertaking the office of the sacred calling, 
 the house of the living God would soon be converted into 
 a Babel or a Bedlam ;" — he proceeds, " No human autho- 
 rity can send whom God does not send. It matters little, 
 who signs our commission, if God do not. If our creden- 
 tials are not first sealed in heaven, in vain are they stamped 
 with man's authority. If we have not been inwardly moved 
 by the Holy Ghost, we are prophets after the deceit of our 
 
 own hearts I would then ask, as in the sight 
 
 of the living and heart- searching God, in the first place 
 and above all, whether you are savingly and experimen- 
 tally acquainted with the truths of the Gospel. Let me 
 not be mistaken. I am not now speaking of a knowledge 
 of systems of divinity, and what is called the science of 
 theology. I am speaking of the heart and marrow of all 
 divinity, and all theology ; I am enquiring as to your con- 
 version of heart to God; I am asking whether you feel 
 
 and live upon the truths of the Gospel I ask 
 
 with all earnestness, do you know the blessedness of that 
 man whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sin is 
 covered, to whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity ? Have 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 
 
 you, with the apostle, learned to count all things but lo u 
 for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus your 
 Lord ; and determined to be found in him, not having your 
 own righteousness which is of the law, but that which is 
 through the faith of Jesus Christ, the righteousness which 
 is of God by faith ? Have you thus made trial of Christ, 
 the tried stone ? Is He of you elect ? Is He to you pre- 
 cious ? Is He, in your religion, foundation and corner- 
 stone — all in all ? If not ; then how, I beseech you, how 
 can He be 'all in all' in your preaching ; how can you pur- 
 pose to know nothing among your flock, but ' Christ and 
 him crucified;' how can you duly glory in his cross, extol 
 his grace ? And consider — consider, I pray you — whe- 
 ther it be possible, that God can have sent one to build his 
 
 house, who know r s not how to lay the foundation 
 
 If you know not the Gospel, you cannot be the fit person 
 to preach and teach it But let it not be sup- 
 posed, because practical ignorance of Divine truth excludes 
 from the internal call, that all who have it, may, on that 
 account alone, conclude that they have been duly moved 
 by the Holy Ghost. If so, then all truly religious persons 
 might conceive themselves, as such, qualified for and called 
 to the work of the ministry. No. There must be added 
 a constraining, deliberate, disinterested desire to be en- 
 gaged in this work. There must be a desire — the word is 
 weak — there must be rather a kind of longing to be em- 
 ployed in this work , a willingness, in foresight of its diffi- 
 culties, to spend and be spent in it. This desire must be 
 constraining in the heart, the understanding, and the life ; 
 calling forth suitable affections, and leading to suitable pre- 
 parations. It must be deliberate ; not the sudden fervour 
 
46 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 of a youthful and ardent imagination, not the wild-fire of 
 a blind and mistaken zeal, but a steady sacred flame, ever 
 burning, and never consumed.. It must be disinterested ; 
 no ambitious, no covetous, no selfish views, must have in- 
 spired or fed it. And it should be accompanied with a 
 competence of ability and ministerial gifts, of which, per- 
 haps, judicious and experienced friends may be better 
 judges than ourselves." 
 
 With reference to the personal and private duties of the 
 minister, among various suggestions, of which he had ex- 
 perimentally proved the force, he has these : — " How can he 
 exhibit heaven in his conversation, but by conversing with 
 heaven ? How can living waters flow from his lips, unless 
 he has, by prayer, first drunk in the heavenly draught ? 
 No ; if the duty of prayer, special prayer for ministerial 
 graces and gifts, and for a blessing upon our work, be not 
 diligently fulfilled, it will leave our ministrations barren as 
 the fruitless fig-tree, dry as the valley of dry bones. 
 Prayer is the soul of ministerial character and of ministe- 
 rial usefulness. With it, a weak instrument is a tower of 
 strength ; without it, the strongest, but a broken wall and 
 
 tottering fence ' Mighty in the scriptures,' is 
 
 a minister's greatest praise. What is it, that as a hammer 
 breaks the rock, the adamant, of the natural heart ? The 
 Word of God. What is the sword, whose point pene- 
 trates the panoply of the sinner's confidence ? The quick, 
 and powerful, and two-edged Word of God. What is it, 
 whose light giveth wisdom to the simple ? The light of 
 God's Word. What is it, that drops grace into the soul, 
 as the rain, and gently distils it as the dew ? It is the 
 doctrine of God's Word. What is the seed that contains 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. Al 
 
 all the root, all the stem, all the flower, and all the fruit, 
 of divine grace and glory ? The incorruptible seed of the 
 Word, the instrument of regeneration and of sanctifica- 
 tion. O, study the Word of God ! Fulfil this duty, as 
 you would fulfil your ministry ! Meditate thereon day and 
 night ! Hide it in your heart ; bind it on your hands ; set 
 it as a frontlet between your eyes ; study it in your closet ; 
 study it as you walk by the way ; study it with every 
 human help ; study it, as though there were no human 
 help, upon your knees, with fervent wrestling prayer. It 
 is a sealed book until the Spirit open it, a sealed fountain 
 until the Spirit broach it. Those only understand it, to 
 whom it is given from above, who are taught of God." 
 
 These passages convey the utterance of a heart conse- 
 crated to the Lord from whom the " internal call " had 
 proceeded, and affianced to the church in which the sanc- 
 tion of an " external call " had been conferred. With 
 feelings of true membership, he inculcated the respect and 
 attachment due to the ministerial rank and authority in- 
 stituted in that church ; and with a fervent desire that his 
 people should be numbered with the true worshippers, he 
 laboured to promote among them an intelligent and spi- 
 ritual use of her forms and liturgies. 
 
 In a paper containing " Arguments in favour of ad- 
 hering to the Established Church," he thus temperately 
 advocates the former : — 
 
 " I am not one of those who w r ould contend for bishops, 
 priests, and deacons, as the constitution of the Church 
 laid down in the New Testament so precisely, as to say, 
 departure from it must be schism. On the contrary, I 
 
48 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 find that 'EuktkS^oi and Ylpea-Gvlepoi are interchangeable 
 terms. But still, since that constitution has prevailed from 
 the Apostles' days, and is sufficient for the purposes of 
 order, &c, and is established among ourselves in a form, 
 far indeed from original purity, yet not so corrupt as, even 
 in the opinion of its adversaries, to endanger salvation ; 
 charity demands, not a blind acquiescence in all its faults, 
 but a warm attachment to its excellences, and fervent 
 prayer for its amendment, with firm but gentle remon- 
 strances ; that so, its communion may be preserved, and 
 peace not broken by inordinate attachment to that idol of 
 the day — private judgment; whose blind worshippers 
 rend the church with schism, and the state with rebellion. 
 I do not apply my observations to such as secede from 
 real scruples of conscience, though I still think them 
 wrong in judgment." 
 
 A discourse on the collects, epistles, and gospels, ap- 
 pointed for the several Sabbaths throughout the year, which 
 he characterises as " not only selected by our church with 
 admirable piety, but arranged with a judgment no less re- 
 markable in a most harmonious order, so as to present to 
 her members a complete system of evangelical truth in its 
 two grand divisions of faith and holiness;" — he opens in 
 this manner : 
 
 "As a traveller hastily passing through a country how- 
 ever lovely, knows little of its many charms and beauties ; 
 he never climbed its mountains, and from their lofty brow 
 surveyed the enchanting vales that stretch beneath ; he 
 never threaded the solitary paths which by the side of wood 
 and stream lead to fertile meads and pasturing flocks ; he 
 has not visited the peasant's rural cot, and is a stranger to 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 49 
 
 the joys and occupations of his sequestered but happy re- 
 treat ; his view has been confined by the bounding hedge, 
 and his prospect scarcely extended beyond the dusty high- 
 way : — So is it with the careless and formal worshipper in 
 our own beloved church. He passes through its ceremo- 
 nies and services, as a mere thorough-paced traveller ; and 
 hardly stays to enquire into its beauties and excellences. 
 He never, if we may be allowed to continue the compari- 
 son, in spirit ascended her lofty heights, and delighted 
 himself with a view of the Canaan stretching in loveliness 
 and fruitfulness below. He never, shod with the sandals 
 of peace, has trodden the secret paths by which, beneath 
 her protecting shade, and beside her refreshing streams 
 and living water, she leads her children into green pastures. 
 He knows not the tranquil peace and sweet contentment, 
 with which she cheers the solitary retreat, and makes even 
 the desert to flourish with the fruits of righteousness, and 
 peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Thus to be known, she 
 must be observed and studied. Those, however, who do 
 thus know her, can alone either appreciate her value, or 
 use her services with edification and delight." 
 
 Under circumstances explained in a subsequent part of 
 the memoir, he enjoyed the refreshing privilege of asso- 
 ciating with him, in pastoral labour, his friend the Rev. E. 
 Blencowe ; who, in the fellowship of daily ministration and 
 domestic intercourse, had formed the judgment expressed 
 as follows, in a letter to which these pages are already much 
 indebted : — 
 
 " Of his ministerial life after I was connected with him 
 at Crickhowel, as I took no notes at the time, I can only 
 
 D 
 
50 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 give some general reminiscences. I think I was most 
 struck with the absorption of his mind, thoughts, and in- 
 terest, in one subject — that, to which, by converting grace 
 and by holy orders, he was devoted. No bodily frame, 
 much less his, could long sustain the never-ceasing wear 
 and tear of a spirit so ardent, so restless. What George 
 Herbert said of himself, might with much truth be applied 
 to our friend, ' that he had too thoughtful a wit, a wit like 
 a penknife, in too narrow a sheath, too sharp for his body.' 
 There was, of course, much of natural constitution in this, 
 but it was bent to the highest purposes. When I now 
 look back to the daily domestic life of one with whom I 
 was so intimate, I think I may say with truth, that I have 
 scarcely ever met with any one, whose practice on the whole 
 was more in accordance with his preaching. His temper 
 was admirably good. In tuition he seemed to blend kind- 
 ness with firmness in a very eminent degree. As a father, 
 his tender affection for his children was tempered with 
 much judicious firmness and constant watchfulness. Eter- 
 nal things had obtained such hold upon his mind, that to 
 them, every thing was referred. His example in improv- 
 ing opportunities of spiritual and useful conversation with 
 any he met, was a very bright one. Of the one subject 
 nearest to his heart, he never wearied. When out on a 
 walk for pure recreation, a cottage -door was seldom past, 
 without some word of good spoken to the inmates. He 
 seemed, indeed, ever to carry about the conviction, that 
 his life was not to be a long one, and that the night was 
 coming in which none can work. 
 
 "A conspicuous feature of his ministerial character, was 
 faithfulness, arising out of a deep sense of the responsibility 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 5] 
 
 of the care of souls. I observed this feeling work stronglv 
 in his mind, one day, when, in a walk with me, he dis- 
 covered a family who had been, for a long time, resident 
 in his parish without his knowledge. I never saw him 
 more pained, though he had no wilful neglect to regret. 
 His intercourse w T ith his parishioners, was marked by a 
 very straight-forward reference to the one thing needful, 
 and by the plainest and most stirring language when he 
 dealt with the careless and ungodly. But this was united 
 with the most kind and friendly consideration for their 
 bodily wants. While he knew that, by many, his zeal was 
 accounted rashness or mere enthusiasm ; his argument was, 
 ' If the Bible be true, let us try to act up to it.' Energy 
 like his must command success, under God's blessing ; 
 and few were the plans he took in hand, for the good of 
 his people, or the promotion of the gospel, which did not 
 succeed, and that eminently. Where his spirit was at hand, 
 there never could be any fear of an enterprize breaking 
 down. His talent as an extemporaneous preacher, must 
 be allowed to be considerable. I mean not, that he 
 preached without preparation. Notes he always made ; 
 and when time permitted, he worked them out fully on 
 paper. I have always thought, and I have heard others 
 say the same, that the manner which appeared most na- 
 tural to him in the pulpit, was the tender and affectionate, 
 the gentle and persuasive. His attachment to the church 
 of which he was a minister, was sincere and decided. He 
 considered its doctrines scriptural, and its liturgy sublimely 
 beautiful. While making every allowance for dissent, 
 where it arose from peculiar circumstances, and honouring 
 its pious followers, he not the less accounted it, in itself, a 
 
 D 2 
 
52 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 real evil, contrary to the precepts of Christ and his apo- 
 stles, which enjoin us to be one body, — not in spirit only, 
 as the false liberalism of the day would interpret, but in 
 outward form and discipline. 
 
 " Truly, the righteous is taken away from evil to come, 
 and we know not what trials coming on our national church, 
 he has been spared from witnessing or sharing." 
 
 A friend and parishioner, no less respected than beloved, 
 ever ready to promote his views, and to aid in every possi- 
 ble wav his efforts for the welfare of his flock, and the 
 honour of his Lord, writes : — 
 
 " I must confess to you the reluctance I feel in under- 
 taking even so slight a sketch of the ministrations in this 
 place, of your lamented husband, my friend and brother in 
 Christ, as your kindness is willing to accept. Well to 
 know and not to love him, would have been to be blind to, 
 and thankless for, a rich and abundant blessing — a bless- 
 ing which, if measured by the time I was permitted to 
 enjoy it, was but of short duration, but if by its effects, 
 will, I trust, have no bound but eternity itself. But how 
 can I express all I feel of one, in whose prayers — and he 
 was essentially a man of prayer — I have been privileged 
 to partake ; under whose ministry myself and family were 
 permitted to profit ; to whose friendship I was admitted, 
 and to whose dying hours I was allowed to minister. Yet 
 I feel with you, that amongst the testimonies of distant 
 friends, a voice should not be wanting from the scene of 
 his earlier, his maturer, and his departing days. Would 
 that it might recommend to the love of a single soul, that 
 religion of which he was so bright an example, that others 
 might be led to follow him, as he followed Christ. 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAX. 53 
 
 "Of his church ministrations, I would say, that they 
 were distinguished by earnest, affectionate devotion. His 
 discourses were mighty in the Scriptures, and powerful in 
 the application of their doctrines to personal holiness. 
 He srreatlv delighted in illustrations or analogies drawn 
 from the works of nature, and was happy in turning pass- 
 ing events to spiritual instruction. 
 
 "A very marked feature in his parochial character, was 
 his love and care for children. With attendance on the 
 Sunday school, commenced his usual out-door sabbath 
 duties ; and a short lecture in the evening to the elder 
 children, usually closed them. His questions and expla- 
 nations were well adapted to the youthful minds of his 
 hearers, and were instructive to all. To the weekly schools, 
 he gave a large portion of his attention ; to all he was a 
 liberal subscriber ; and to that for infants, which owed its 
 establishment very greatly to his exertions, he dedicated, 
 in addition, the use of his small vicarial glebe. In no part 
 of his church duties did he appear more earnest and im- 
 pressed, than in the service of holy baptism ; and to chil- 
 dren he occasionally addressed portions of his discourses.* 
 
 " I offer this imperfect sketch of some of the promi- 
 nent features of your dear husband's ministry here, with 
 unfeigned humility, conscious how little worthy it is of 
 being added to your testimonies of affection from others. 
 As such, however, accept it as a help rather to a more 
 complete delineation of his character by another pen, than 
 to form an actual part itself." 
 
 * Some intervening passages of this letter, have been trans- 
 ferred to other parts of the Memoir. 
 
 D 3 
 
54 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 By a resident in the adjoining parish of Llangattock, 
 where the custom of alternate Welsh and English services 
 in the church, caused many of the inhabitants to become 
 frequent attendants at Crickhowel, the following view has 
 been drawn, as well from a partial enjoyment of the sab- 
 bath and week-day privileges of his ministry, as from the 
 intimacy of private friendship : — 
 
 "I am rejoiced to hear that a memoir of our dear 
 lamented Henry is in preparation, so that we who have 
 known him and his labours, may now be able to transmit 
 to those for whom we feel the deepest interest, an outline 
 of the character of one so worthy of their imitation ; 
 and, at the same time, convey to them a lasting memorial 
 of the faithful preaching and ministration of him, by 
 whom we were privileged to be taught — whose life, too, 
 bore so many evidences that he was not only a preacher 
 of the truth, but a doer of it also. I feel assured, also, 
 that even we, who were his companions, and thought we 
 knew him intimately, have yet many things to learn of 
 him, which his modest, unassuming character, prevented 
 our knowing, but which the communications of different 
 friends will at length bring to light. 
 
 " Of the faithfulness of his preaching to his congrega- 
 tion at large, and also to the little flock which was in the 
 habit of meeting privately at Oak Cottage, I had, perhaps, 
 as large an opportunity of judging as most of his own 
 especial charge ; and without venturing to give an opinion 
 upon its style, I may, I think, be permitted to join with 
 others in testifying how closely it accorded with Scrip- 
 ture ; how constantly he proclaimed the universal corrup- 
 tion of mankind, and the just wrath of God ; the impossi- 
 
REV. HENRY VAUOIIAN. 55 
 
 bility of man's redeeming his own soul ; the all-sufficiencv 
 of Christ for the redemption and justification of believing 
 sinners ; the free gift of grace to all who repent and be- 
 lieve, who love and obey; and how invariably he main- 
 tained, holiness of life to be the test, and necessary con- 
 sequence, of true faith. In short, in every discourse, 
 whether on the history, the doctrines, or the precepts, of 
 the Bible ; all must, I think, agree that all tended to prac- 
 tical piety, to the exaltation of God, and the abasement 
 of mankind. The fervency of dear Henry's manner, and 
 the pure spirit of devotion which pervaded his discourses, 
 and his ministration of the offices of the church, I never 
 can myself forget, nor can I believe the impression to have 
 been less strong with others. 
 
 "Neither his friends, nor his flock, could doubt the 
 warmth of his feelings and sincere affection : so completely 
 were they manifest in all he did, both for and among 
 them. But the extent of his solicitude for his sick poor 
 was unknown to me, till his first visit to London, when 
 one of these was confided to mv charge. I had then the 
 satisfaction of learning, not only how far his Christian love 
 for them carried him, but also (rare perhaps as is the 
 occurrence) that, in the case in question, his labour had 
 not been in vain, for his services had been appreciated and 
 were gratefully acknowledged." 
 
 But it was not only among those who were to be re- 
 garded as his own peculiar charge, that his vigilant minis- 
 trations and kind offices were exercised. It not unfre- 
 quently happened, that casual visitors to the beautiful vale 
 of Usk, seeking recreation in the scenery of South Wales, 
 
56 . MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 found an unexpected enjoyment in their introduction to 
 the vicar of Crickhowel, and perceived that they were 
 immediately brought under a pastor's affectionate care and 
 attention. The intended journey, losing much of its pre- 
 vious attraction, was sometimes deferred or abandoned, in 
 order to prolong a season of spiritual fellowship and im- 
 provement in his society, from which it had become diffi- 
 cult and painful to separate. 
 
 The recollections supplied by families and individuals 
 with whom a lasting friendship had thus been formed, will 
 throw some light upon his character, as a minister that 
 was ever abounding in the work to which he had been 
 called. 
 
 A member of one of those families writes as follows : — 
 " You might justly suspect me of being insensible to 
 your kindness and confidence, in neglecting so long to 
 state, as you had desired, the impression I received of dear 
 Henrv's character on our first visit to Crickhowel. I must 
 admit having felt very reluctant to attempt this ; not be- 
 cause the scenes we were then privileged to witness, have 
 lost any of their interest in my affections, or faded in any 
 degree from their distinctness in the memory ; but because 
 I am conscious that any outline I could give, must fall 
 very far short of a faithful representation. Indeed, there 
 is a developement of feeling and principle, as well as an 
 endearment, arising out of every-day intercourse, and the 
 many little events and circumstances of domestic and 
 social life ; there are evidences of the inner man, in voice, 
 in countenance, in manner : which cannot, I think, be 
 explained or expressed by any pen. And the more pro- 
 minent characteristics of God's faithful servants, bear so 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAX. 
 
 near a resemblance to each other, that they lose, in mere 
 verbal description, the peculiarity we are disposed to claim 
 for a beloved friend. 
 
 " Previously to our visiting Crickhowel, in 1831, we had 
 no knowledge of Henry, excepting through your corres- 
 pondence with A . . . , and you will forgive us, if we 
 made some allowance for the indulgent eye with which you 
 might reasonably be supposed to regard him. But when 
 the opportunitv was afforded us to observe his course, we 
 very soon discovered that you had not drawn any imagi- 
 nary picture of his excellences. The half had not been 
 told us. We were prepared to meet a faithful, devoted, 
 affectionate, educated, minister of the gospel ; but we did 
 not expect to find, in the retirement of a small Welsh 
 town, such an one as he proved to be. It is difficult, 
 without seeming to indulge the fancy, to speak sincerely 
 of the effect produced upon the mind by that deep, un- 
 varying, animated, tone of piety, and tenderness, and 
 affection, which marked his ministry, whether in public or 
 private. These qualities must, undoubtedly, have exer- 
 cised an attractive influence upon any observer, united, as 
 they were, in an engaging person, with a refined and 
 highly-cultivated mind. But to one who could rejoice with 
 him in the grace that bringeth salvation, that which might 
 have been admired as naturally amiable, became rather an 
 object of veneration, as touched and beautified by the 
 power of a divine hand ; — the workmanship of Him, 
 who is mighty in operation, would be acknowledged and 
 magnified. 
 
 " Never can I forget the first Sabbath we saw him in 
 the work of public ministry. There was a purity, a devo- 
 
 D 5 
 
58 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 tion, a serenity of expression on his features, with a pecu- 
 liar delicacy of frame and complexion, that could not fail 
 to create interest and rivet attention, even in a perfect 
 stranger. His whole aspect and deportment, were in sweet 
 accordance with the sacred nature of the office in which 
 he was engaged. The appearance of the outer man, sug- 
 gested the idea that the spirit within had found access to 
 the heavenly places. A voice, capable of every touching- 
 modulation, seemed to pour forth its solemn tones from a 
 heart in communion with the Father of spirits. One 
 could not but feel, that the prayers of the Liturgy flowed 
 from his inmost soul, and were entering into that within 
 the veil. And when he opened the sacred volume to read 
 the lessons of the day, (which, as they recur in each suc- 
 ceeding year, bring with them endearing and elevating 
 recollections of that impressive hour,) it was not, as though 
 he was turning to well-known, oft-repeated truths ; but 
 there was a glow of interest on his countenance, and a 
 life and energy in his utterance, expressive of the feeling, 
 ' I have found unsearchable riches/ Every passage was 
 given with an emphasis and solemnity, as if it were the first 
 time it had been announced, and might, with many who 
 were present, prove the last. The revealed will and coun- 
 sel of a heavenly Father, had manifestly kindled a joy in 
 his own soul, which, if possible, he would have imparted 
 to all around him. We were almost inclined to regret 
 that one, who, by a poetic taste, an excursive imagination, 
 and mental powers of a high order, was so well qualified 
 to excite attention among persons of refinement, should 
 not have his lot cast in a sphere, where his endowments 
 might be more extensively appreciated and enjoyed. Such 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. "jjl 
 
 a thought, I am very sure, would have met with no en- 
 couragement on his part. To feed the little flock, placed 
 under his pastoral charge in the providence of the Chief 
 Shepherd, was a work upon which his heart was intent ; 
 and to promote the present and eternal welfare of the 
 people entrusted to him, had become an object from which 
 he could not be turned aside. 
 
 " His ministry in the congregation, impressive, and 
 powerful, and faithful, as it was, formed but a small part 
 of the labours to which he was devoted. In teaching and 
 exhorting from house to house, he was never weary. No 
 habit of study, no indulgence of his natural delight in 
 literary research, was allowed to limit his efforts in personal 
 and private communications with his people. If the poor 
 were slow of heart to understand the mysteries of the 
 kingdom of heaven, as he unfolded them in public dis- 
 course ; they could not long remain ignorant of the nature, 
 and the power, of those heaven-born principles, by which 
 he was governed in his care for them. Something more 
 than human kindness would be discovered in that tender, 
 condescending, sympathy which patiently received the suf- 
 ferer's tale, ever prompt in affording relief, according to 
 the need of soul, of body, or of estate. They found in 
 him that love of man, which has its origin in the love of 
 God ; and they had reason to confess, that while he could 
 bear with their infirmities, and endeavour to alleviate their 
 distress, he was faithful and uncompromising as their spi- 
 ritual instructor; — at once securing their affection, and 
 commanding their respect. Indeed, I remember some- 
 times to have made the remark, during our stay at Crick- 
 howel, that many of his poor people were in danger of 
 
60 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 placing him where their Saviour ought to be, and of re- 
 garding- him as their ' all in all.' For although it was too 
 evident, that many who were sitting under his ministry, 
 remained cold and unmoved ; he was not left without en- 
 couraging proofs of attachment from all classes. How 
 far that attachment arose from the fellowship of the spirit, 
 it would not be easy to form an opinion ; but it was a 
 heart-stirring sight, when some of those who, in seasons 
 of trial and affliction, had received especial marks of his 
 thoughtful care, in temporal as well as in spiritual things — 
 were crowded together in the church-yard, to greet him 
 as he passed from the sanctuary, and to enjoy renewed 
 tokens of his remembrance. The manner in which he 
 would allude, as they addressed him, or waited for his 
 notice of them, to the particular burden that pressed upon 
 each, shewed that the individual cases were distinctly trea- 
 sured up in a faithful, sympathising heart ; and the eifect 
 of such a recognition, upon those who have a scanty share 
 of earthly comforts or of man's regard, may be readily 
 imagined. It might, however, be feared that not a few of 
 those, who were thus gathering of the fruits of the Spirit 
 in which he abounded, although attracted by the loveliness 
 of the branch that bare them, knew but little of that 
 source of life from which thev were derived. But I am 
 now speaking of the early days of his ministry in the 
 parish ; and I believe he afterwards had much reason to re- 
 joice in a more deep and solid work. 
 
 "While adverting to this subject, I call to mind many 
 an imposing scene that I have witnessed, in his anxious 
 visits to the cottages of the poor. The contrast between 
 the delicacy and refinement of his appearance, and the 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. CI 
 
 torpid, and sometimes decrepid, state of nose whom he 
 had sought out, would unavoidably arrest one's attention. 
 I could not but observe, with feelings of deep solemnity, 
 how the heavenly light that seemed to play upon his coun- 
 tenance, and the earnest, enquiring, heart-searching look 
 that would accompany his words, differed from the apathy 
 and the gloom, betrayed in the demeanour of many upon 
 whom he was expending so much energy and feeling. I 
 have seen him, in the humble, cheerless dwelling, declaring 
 the perils of a sinful state, and the blessedness of a return- 
 ing penitent, with a zeal, a fervour, an animation, which, 
 it is generally supposed, could only be pat in action by the 
 excitement of a numerous assembly ; — and, not content 
 with a mere faithful testimony of truth, endeavouring to 
 dismiss his own natural gracefulness, and to adapt his utter- 
 ance to the capacities and habits of his obtuse hearers ; if, 
 by any means, he might gain access to their hearts. 
 
 " I cannot pass unnoticed, one of the kind offices in 
 which he engaged during our sojourn at Crickhowel. It 
 must always be retained gratefully in my own memory, 
 among many other marks of considerate affection ; but it 
 may, perhaps, be esteemed as much an act of pastoral 
 ministry, as of personal friendship. With him, indeed, 
 these were inseparable ; for his ministry as a pastor was 
 exercised in private with the solicitude of a friend ; while 
 the intercourse of friendship was ever hallowed, as the 
 means of imparting some spiritual gift. At the period to 
 which I refer, I had occasion to pay several visits to Lon- 
 don, for a few davs ; and before the hour arrived for rav 
 departure bv the morning mail, he was to be seen, with a 
 constancv that never failed, and the light step of a mes- 
 
62 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 senger of good tidings, bounding over from his cottage to 
 ours, and bearing his Bible under his arm, prepared with 
 some suitable passage, some word in season, some affect- 
 ing prayer, evidently designed to calm those feelings of 
 regret or disquiet that might arise on such interruptions of 
 the family circle, and to lead our hopes and desires to that 
 sure habitation from which the children of God shall go no 
 more out. 
 
 " This friendship, it was our happiness to cultivate, by 
 correspondence with him, and by mutual visits, in subse- 
 quent years. But bearing in mind the season to which 
 you directed my attention, I have confined myself to recol- 
 lections of our first visit. Were I to pass into particulars 
 of any other period, they would only lead to the conclu- 
 sion, that whatever were the relations in which he moved, 
 or the duties to which he was called, the mind and spirit 
 he manifested were invariably the same, and the freshness 
 and vigour of a love, drawn from an inexhaustible source, 
 were equally apparent. I will, therefore, only advert to 
 one point more, as developing a quality, in no small degree 
 peculiar to his character. 
 
 " To speak of the care he bestowed upon the members 
 of his own household, cannot be necessary ; but few, I 
 believe, of the servants in those families where he visited, 
 either as a friend or a minister, were unaffected by his 
 kindness and gentleness of manner in addressing them. 
 There appeared, in some cases, to be an eagerness to re- 
 ceive any word of spiritual instruction he would drop, as 
 proceeding from a friend, who delighted to acknowledge 
 that Christian fellowship, wherein there is no distinction 
 of • bond or free.' And I have seen what delight would 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 68 
 
 be occasioned by his approach, and with what interest his 
 glance or his voice would be waited for, as he passed on 
 entering or leaving a house. I remember, also, when, in 
 the hurry of preparing for his journey homeward, after 
 spending some days with us in town, he was compelled to 
 leave us very hastily; he requested in his next letter, that 
 the servants might be thanked for their kind attentions to 
 him, desiring it might be explained to them, how much he 
 regretted, that the suddenness of his departure had pre- 
 vented another interview, which, he added, grieved him 
 and disturbed his thoughts on his journey." 
 
 The next, is a tribute from another member of the same 
 family : — 
 
 " Very pleasing are the recollections of our first visit to 
 Crickhowel, in 1831 ; and our immediate introduction at 
 Oak Cottage, upon our arrival, can never cease to be re- 
 membered with interest and gratitude. Our intention, 
 when we left home, was only to pass a fortnight in that 
 neighbourhood, and then proceed on a tour through the 
 southern counties of Wales. But, in the mean while, the 
 intimacy and confidence which daily increased, so rivetted 
 us to the spot, that we felt a chain of love cast around, 
 from which it was impossible to extricate ourselves ; and 
 in consequence, our stay was prolonged to four months. 
 During that period, we had frequent opportunities of meet- 
 ing. Scarcely a day passed without some intercourse ; and 
 the character of our beloved friend unfolded in the brightest 
 colours. His cheerfulness and vivacity in society, tempered 
 as it was by grace, his affectionate sympathy, his delicate 
 consideration for the feelings of others, his affability and 
 
64 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 condescension to dependents, added to great faithfulness, 
 endeared him to all. But I find it difficult to give an ade- 
 quate idea of the impression, his loveliness of character, 
 his highly refined and cultivated mind, made upon us. 
 Suffice it to say, that regret, as the time of our leaving 
 drew nigh, could only be equalled, by a sense of the pri- 
 vilege, we had been permitted to enjoy. 
 
 " The following spring, 1832, was rendered interesting 
 by a visit from him, when his winning manners captivated 
 all who met him at our house, while his evident and deep 
 spirituality, when engaged in conversation, shed a lustre 
 upon the whole. 
 
 " In the autumn of the next year, as you well know, 
 we passed a considerable time under his roof, and were 
 again witnesses of a character which increased more and 
 more in our esteem and affection. I can trulv sav, I look 
 back upon those days with a degree of pleasure which 
 those only can feel, who, like ourselves, have formed part 
 of the domestic circle ; and though his time was neces- 
 sarily much occupied then in attending to the pupils, and 
 in consequence but few opportunities afforded for meeting, 
 beyond the hours when families usually assemble, yet we 
 were occasionally permitted to accompany him in his moun- 
 tain rambles to some distant cottage, to whose inhabitants 
 he conveyed the message of love, in a manner not to be 
 easilv effaced from our recollection — filling us with admi- 
 ration at that sweet spirit which shone through every cir- 
 cumstance and event of life, from the affectionate pastor, 
 to the gifted intellectual friend. 
 
 " His removal to Chelsea, was a source of extreme plea- 
 sure to us ; though, singular as it may appear, we were 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAX. 63 
 
 disappointed, owing to his numerous ministerial engage- 
 ments, in not having that frequent intercourse we had at 
 first anticipated. The last time I was permitted to see 
 him, was a few days before his return to Crickhowel, when 
 he visited me in my chamber, to which I was confined by 
 illness ; and his delicacy of appearance made me fear that 
 he was still suffering from the effects of recent indisposi- 
 tion. His prayer at parting, was comforting and consoling, 
 and it was with the deepest regret that I received his ten- 
 der farewell ; though little thinking we should never meet 
 again in this mortal body." 
 
 From the testimony of a party, also occasionally taking 
 up a summer residence in his parish, it will be seen among 
 various characteristic details, that the impression generally 
 made by his appearance upon those who observed him, 
 was very sensibly felt, and gave a peculiar solemnity to the 
 first words that were heard from his lips, remarkably 
 suited, as they were, to the state and experience of one so 
 evidently labouring on the very verge of an eternity which 
 he was prepared to enter with peace and joy : — 
 
 " Our first acquaintance with Mr. Henry Vaughan was 
 in the year 1831, and I must consider our meeting with 
 him as especially directed by divine Providence. On a 
 summer's excursion, at the recommendation of a friend, 
 we went to Abergavenny, where> we were told, we might 
 procure nice lodgings, and could not fail to be delighted 
 with the beauty of the scenery. In the first part of the 
 promise we were disappointed. A lodging to suit us, we 
 could not meet with. After staying a night or two at the 
 inn, we proceeded to Crickhowel, where we were assured 
 
66 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 we should be more successful. On the evening of our 
 arrival, just as we were settling ourselves in our new habi- 
 tation, we heard a cheerful church-going bell, and were 
 told it was for the week-day lecture. This was a joyful 
 announcement, for it sounded like a diligent pastor over a 
 mountain flock. We made our way to the church, but 
 did not arrive in time for the commencement of the ser- 
 vice. On entering, we observed in the side aisle, by the 
 sittings appropriated to the poor (for the little congregation 
 was chiefly composed of Welsh villagers) a pale and in- 
 teresting young man. He was giving out this verse of the 
 Evening hymn : — 
 
 ' For death is life, and labour rest, 
 If with thy gracious presence blest. 
 Then welcome death or sleep to me, 
 I'm still secure, for still with thee.' 
 
 Then in a sweet and solemn voice he led the air. The 
 following prayers and discourse, plain and unaffected, but 
 solemn and heartfelt, convinced us that we had indeed 
 lighted on a treasure among the mountains. 
 
 " We omitted no opportunity, during our stay in the 
 romantic little town, of attending the services and lectures 
 at the church, and had frequent opportunities of noticing 
 the kindness of manner, with which he would address the 
 poor who came in his way as he passed to and from the 
 church, enquiring into their various circumstances. At 
 the close of one of the weekly lectures, he advanced to- 
 wards us, and enquiring where we were residing, he pro- 
 mised to call on us. The interview was edifying ; we soon 
 found he was not a preacher only, but a practiser of St. 
 Paul's advice to Timothy, ' keeping that which was com- 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 67 
 
 mitted to his trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings.' 
 We thanked him for his attention, which, as strangers, 
 we had not expected. He replied, that Christians ought 
 not to be strangers to each other. After a few moments 
 spent in common-place remarks, his Bible was taken from 
 his pocket, and a most interesting conversation ensued ; 
 his visit was concluded by a fervent prayer. In departing, 
 he promised to introduce his wife to us ; which promise, 
 in a few days was fulfilled ; and from that time, we felt an 
 interest in Mr. Henry Vaughan and his family, which we 
 never lost. 
 
 " For three successive summers, a visit to Crickhowel 
 was a treat we used to look forward to, with delightful 
 anticipation. In the summer of 1833, we left the West 
 of England, and from that time we had but little commu- 
 nication with Mr. Henry Vaughan. During the short 
 periods, we at various times spent at Crickhowel, we ever 
 found his visits and conversation most profitable. Nothing 
 appeared to weary him so much as the common chit-chat 
 of the day, and to questions on such topics his answers 
 would be as short as possible. But, allude to the Scrip- 
 tures, soon his Bible was in his hand, his manner would 
 become fervent, and his countenance animated in the ex- 
 treme. 
 
 " In the house where we lodged, was a poor dying man, 
 who was frequently visited by this servant of Christ ; we 
 sometimes joined the little party in the sick man's room, 
 and found it good to be there. 
 
 " In all his engagements in his ministry, in visiting the 
 sick, in his cottage lectures on the mountain-side, and in 
 zealous love for the people of his charge, he was the 
 
68 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 brightest example of a parish priest I ever saw. Often 
 have we heard him say, in reference to individuals in his 
 parish, ' I do think they are improving, yes, I am quite 
 sure I can see a change for the better.' 
 
 .... "The accompanying reminiscences, though 
 they may not be thought worthy of a place in the memoir, 
 may perhaps be interesting to you. Indeed, many beauti- 
 ful little pictures are vividly impressed upon our memories, 
 in which the figure of dear Mr. Vaughan is the most con- 
 spicuous object. One in particular : when we were 
 admiring the lovely view from the church-yard gate, we 
 saw a funeral procession advance. In his place, as offici- 
 ating minister, was Mr. Vaughan. The paleness and deep 
 solemnity of his countenance, and the impressive serious- 
 ness with which, as the mournful train passed, he pro- 
 nounced the words, ' I know that my Redeemer liveth, and 
 that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth ; and 
 though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my 
 flesh shall I see God ; ' — were most striking. I could not 
 at that moment help thinking, that a short time would see 
 him also among the silent dead. 
 
 " Though you, my dear Mrs. Henry, can never cease to 
 lament one who was so dear to you, it must be a source 
 of inexpressible consolation, that you can think of him, as 
 waiting amongst the saints who shall accompany his Sa- 
 viour at his return." 
 
 And one of the ladies who formed the party last men- 
 tioned, expressed herself as follows, in writing to a friend 
 by whom the tidings of his sudden departure had been 
 conveyed : — 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 60 
 
 "We were all deeply affected by the account you gave, 
 of the illness and final removal of our dear friend. It was 
 impossible not to feel the bitterest grief for the loss of so 
 exemplary and delightful a character. But he is taken to 
 his rest. When we were at one time anxious to take up 
 our residence in his parish, that we might have the advan- 
 tage of his ministry, which we found peculiarly profitable 
 to us, I often thought, when looking at his delicate frame, 
 that possibly that ministry was near a close. Still we used 
 every means in our power to accomplish our plan. We 
 have seen at last, the reason why we could not succeed." 
 
 Two letters have likewise been kindly contributed by the 
 respective members of a third family. One writes : — 
 
 " We were on our way to Tenby, in June 1834, and took 
 up our abode at Crickhowel for a day. We were particu- 
 larly pleased with the lovely situation of that sweet place. 
 In the afternoon, we heard the church bell chiming for 
 weekly service, and were pleased to enter the sacred walls 
 of that beautifully-situated church. We were much gra- 
 tified by the simple manner in which the service was per- 
 formed, which consisted of a selection of prayers from the 
 Liturgy, and a short sermon, calculated to inform and im- 
 prove the class of persons who attended, mostly those of 
 the lower orders. On the following Sunday, the Rev. 
 Henry Vaughan, who had previously been confined by ill- 
 ness, appeared ; and we never can forget the benignity 
 and humility of his countenance when he appeared in the 
 church, or the impressive manner in which he delivered 
 the important message of his great Master. His text 
 was, ' He that keepeth his commandments, dwelleth in 
 
70 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 Him, and He in him.' He said much on the meaning of 
 the word ' to keep,' as signifying to prize, to lock up in the 
 heart, to lay up, to cherish. 
 
 " After this delightful Sabbath, we had the pleasure of 
 a more intimate acquaintance with this most interesting 
 clergyman; and it was impossible to be in his company, 
 without perceiving how completely every thought of his 
 heart was brought into obedience to the will of God. We 
 never met any one, whose whole mind appeared so com- 
 pletely absorbed in the one thing needful. He seemed un- 
 able to speak, but in holy language ; and yet there was no 
 appearance of dictating, or of self-sufficiency. It was a 
 pure, cheerful, rational, heartfelt piety, which pervaded all 
 he said or did ; and the profoundest humility of mind was 
 mixed up with those words which were indeed ' sweeter 
 than honey to his mouth.' We felt, ' it was good for us 
 to be here,' and therefore prolonged our stay for three 
 weeks ; during which time, we often enjoyed the privilege 
 of hearing him unfold, in his simple and affectionate man- 
 ner, the leading truths of the gospel." * 
 
 The second letter, above referred to, is as follows : — 
 " This incidental, but most happy spiritual, acquaintance 
 with such a worthy pastor, inspired us with a desire to lin- 
 ger longer at this sweet place, Crickhowel, than we had 
 at first contemplated, in the hope that we might be able to 
 cultivate a better acquaintance with such a truly Christian 
 man ; when our inclination was matured into a resolve, by 
 the amiable vicar himself honouring us (strangers as we 
 
 * The remainder of this letter will be found in another part 
 of the memoir. 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 71 
 
 were) by a display of reciprocal feeling of kindness. He 
 called upon us at our inn, and stretched forth the right 
 hand of good fellowship and hospitality, by an invitation 
 to his own favoured residence, where for three weeks we 
 had the blessing and advantage of spiritual intercourse 
 with him and his amiable family ; and our departure was 
 accompanied by heartfelt regrets, at leaving behind us such 
 kind friends, as we were then privileged to consider them, 
 with mutual expressions of regard. Such kindred senti- 
 ments could not end there, and we endeavoured, by friendly 
 correspondence, to cherish a reminiscence of our most 
 happy and agreeable sojourn at Crickhowel. 
 
 " Understanding that you contemplate publishing a few 
 of the letters of your deeply lamented and revered husband, 
 we hope it may not be intrusive if we presume to send 
 you copies (the originals we cannot part with) of two of 
 his letters, by which we have been highly favoured, and 
 which we esteem valuable records of our intercourse with 
 such an amiable man, and worthy of a place in your con- 
 templated publication." 
 
 By the Rev. F. J. Faithfull, rector of Hatfield, testi- 
 mony is also borne to his ministerial and personal char- 
 acter, as observed on visiting Crickhowel : — 
 
 " Day after day passes by, not without many thoughts 
 of your oft-repeated request, or without many a wish that 
 I had finished mv task. But the more I think of it, the 
 more impossible I find it to write any thing which can 
 adequately express what I feel respecting our dear departed 
 friend, or give the slightest idea of the impression made 
 on my mind by my first visit to Crickhowel. 
 
72 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 c c 
 
 I entered your house, wholly unacquainted with the 
 character of Mr. Henry Vaughan, excepting that I had 
 heard that he was a zealous and faithful minister of the 
 gospel. And I shall never forget the impression made 
 on my mind, when, having been introduced to him by 
 you as a relation, he took me into the adjoining room, and 
 kneeling down implored a mutual blessing on our acquaint- 
 ance. There was a devotion in his manner, a spirituality 
 in his expressions, and a heart-felt fervour in his words, 
 which to me savoured more of the spirit of prayer than 
 any thing I had ever heard. And every subsequent oppor- 
 tunity I enjoyed of seeing him, tended to confirm the 
 opinion, that he was, in all its requisites, truly a man of 
 prayer. 
 
 " We passed many hours together during my stay, and 
 I was peculiarly struck in our walks, and visits, and gene- 
 ral conversation, with the manner in which he was able, 
 on all occasions, to introduce something spiritual, and to 
 draw from the works of nature and art, and from the 
 simplest circumstances which occurred, matter for devout 
 contemplation and religious instruction. There was no 
 forced application, no studied attempt, in what was thus 
 advanced ; it seemed to flow naturally from a mind en- 
 riched with all the stores of ancient and modern literature 
 and imbued with a pure Christian spirit. He seemed to 
 have turned all that science, and history, and poetry, had 
 offered to his highly-cultivated mind, to one sole object — 
 the advancement of the glory of God, and the spiritual 
 improvement of all around him ; and wherever, or how- 
 ever, he was engaged, this appeared to be the prevailing, 
 the over-ruling, desire of his heart. I cannot describe the 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 73 
 
 effect produced on my mind, by this rare combination of 
 the highest literary attainments, and the deepest spiritual- 
 ity ; nor do I think it possible for any one who had not 
 witnessed it, to understand its influence in shewing the 
 beauty of holiness, and drawing out to their full perfec- 
 tion, the simplest as well as the most exalted truths of our 
 holy religion. 
 
 " I was also much struck, during this visit, with the 
 strong feeling of attachment which was displayed towards 
 their minister, by the poor whom we met or visited, and 
 the lively interest taken by the children in the schools, 
 when he addressed them individually or collectively. Every 
 word seemed to reach their hearts, and every eye was fixed 
 on him with an expression of respect and affection, which 
 evidenced the powerful influence he had acquired over 
 their infant minds. 
 
 " As I passed only one Sabbath at Crickhowel, my 
 opinion of his performance of his ministerial duties in the 
 church, ought not perhaps to be asked ; but I do not think 
 that any person, who had once witnessed the simple, un- 
 affected, and devout manner in which the prayers and 
 portions of Scripture were read, or listened to the clear 
 exposition of the truth, the affectionate appeals, and the 
 earnest desire which was evidenced to win souls to Christ, 
 could ever forget what they had seen and heard." 
 
74 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 HIS CARE OF THE POOR SUPERINTENDENCE OF SCHOOLS AND 
 
 OTHER INSTITUTIONS ATTENTION TO ALL CLASSES OF HIS 
 
 PEOPLE. 
 
 Allusion is made, in several of the letters recently quoted, 
 to the confidence and affection of the poor towards Henry 
 Vaughan, arising from a sense of his love and care for 
 them. Here, he may be said to have found his own espe- 
 cial work. A call to administer comfort among the most 
 hopeless, or the most distant, of his parishioners, was 
 never treated as unreasonable or intrusive, however unex- 
 pectedly it might break in upon study, or momentary re- 
 laxation, or the hours of nightly repose. Without a mur- 
 mur or a pause, he would spring from his bed, in swift 
 obedience to every summons that would draw him to the 
 couch of any sufferer ; and to every necessity and distress 
 of body or of mind, the appropriate relief was contributed, 
 with a liberal hand, and the seasonable word of a " lip that 
 feedeth many." 
 
 "To be forward in remembering the poor," is indeed a 
 duty that ranks among the first claims upon every minister 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 7.") 
 
 who would be accounted faithful, and might therefore be 
 considered as undeserving of more particular notice ; yet 
 it may tend to a just delineation of character, if a few ex- 
 tracts from some memoranda in his own handwriting, re- 
 lative to this branch of labour, be here transcribed. 
 
 The journal of one week, at a period when his pupils 
 required a large portion of time and close attention, may 
 suffice to shew that the sick and the afflicted, as well as the 
 affairs of his parish generally, were ever near his heart : — 
 
 "Monday. — Visited Elizabeth. . .; sick. Found her 
 attentive and somewhat alarmed about her state. 
 
 " Visited Sarah . . . ; sick. Observed that when the 
 gospel was pressed home to her conscience, violent fits of 
 pain always came on, which prevented my proceeding. 
 Do not feel satisfied of her sinceritv. Mav the Lord in 
 mercy turn her heart ! 
 
 "Saw Mrs. L . . . , and strongly expostulated with her 
 on permitting J . . . 's visits to her daughter. 
 
 " Called on Mr. . . . , newly come into the parish. His 
 assistant promises to attend the adult school on Sundays. 
 
 " In the evening, called at John E . . . 's, and found 
 their little girl, Mary, apparently in a dying state. She had, 
 in the course of the day, several times enquired after Mrs. 
 Rodgers, and wished to know whether they were singing 
 hymns, or praying, at the infant school. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Rodgers, my dear curate, and self, having met together, 
 joined in solemn prayer for the child and afflicted parents. 
 
 " Admitted five new scholars into the free school this 
 day 
 
 [Here follows a list of the sick.'] 
 E 2 
 
76 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 * 
 
 " Tuesday. — Saw John P . . . , and after conversing 
 sometime, preached to him from Luke v. 12. Thought 
 him more seriously disposed. O Lord of life, turn his 
 heart ! 
 
 " Visited Elizabeth . . . , and had an opportunity of 
 warning John D . . . , her lodger, to flee from the wrath 
 to come. 
 
 "Found John E . . . . 's little girl better. Gave a few 
 words of warning to his wife ; which may the Lord bless . 
 
 " Thus has this precious day gone by. How little has 
 been done, O Lord, for thy glory. Oh ! if I should live 
 to see it, make the morrow more profitable, blessed Lord 
 and Saviour 
 
 "Will endeavour, by God's grace, to set on foot a sub- 
 scription for an organ. 
 
 " Wednesday. — Engaged principally this day on the 
 Twvn, with T . . . ; she is dead. O Lord ! in the midst 
 of life we are in death. Teach us to live each day as if it 
 were our last. O Christ ! give me thy grace and spirit. 
 Cleanse my soul. Renew my heart. Wash me in thy 
 blood. Cover me with thv righteousness. Lead me in 
 the path of life. Bring me to glory. Have mercy upon 
 me, a miserable sinner. 
 
 " Lecture this evening, Acts v. Learn from it, by grace, 
 to speak the truth in love ; to cultivate simplicity and godly 
 sincerity in all things ; to beware of covetousness ; to be 
 careful of promising, punctual in fulfilling ; to put entire 
 trust and confidence in God's protection against all adver- 
 saries ; faithfully to speak the truth as it is in Jesus ; and 
 to suffer reproach and persecution with all meekness and 
 even joy, looking for the help and grace of Jesus Christ 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 77 
 
 the Prince and Saviour, who alone can give repentance and 
 forgiveness of sins. 
 
 " Thursday. — Visited the afflicted family of T . . . , on 
 the Twyn, and preached to many of the neighbours col- 
 lected together, from Isaiah xl. 6, 7, 8. 
 
 "In the evening preached from Phil. iii. 13, 14. Con- 
 gregation encouraging. The Lord make the little one a 
 thousand ! 
 
 " Friday. — Attended half-yearly meeting of the Dispen- 
 sarv, and with my beloved fellow-labourer, succeeded in 
 introducing prayer before the commencement of business. 
 Thine, O Lord, be the praise, for the strength of thy grace. 
 Let us wax bolder and bolder in confessing Christ before 
 men. 
 
 " Called in the evening to visit Mr. G . . . , of C . . . 
 Found him near death. Fearful that his state is bad. O 
 Lord Jesus ! have mercy on him, and that speedily. 
 
 "Saturday. — Rode before breakfast to C . . . , to see 
 Mr. G . . . . Conversed and prayed with him. His 
 sufferings appeared very great. Felt no satisfaction as to 
 his state of mind. 
 
 " Little class still very encouraging. Lectured them 
 to-day on John iii. 14 to 16." 
 
 The warm interest, with which he was accustomed to 
 enter into all the circumstances of each individual case, 
 (although he was too constantly engaged in active exer- 
 tion, to adopt the regularity and precision of a continued 
 journal) may be discovered, from the details occasionally 
 recited in his notes. Two of these will be acceptable, as 
 examples ; the first of which is as follows : — 
 
 E 3 
 
78 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 "P . . . , whom I have been attending for three weeks, 
 through a trying sickness (inflammation in the chest) is now 
 considered by his medical attendants to be past recovery. 
 The Lord Jesus have mercy on his soul ! I have hope of 
 his state, through the mercies of his Redeemer. He has, 
 for some time, appeared penitent and sorrowful for his 
 sins ; and called on Jesus, with earnestness and fervour. 
 Oh, that he may have called on Him out of a sincere and 
 true heart. The principal, and almost only, evidence of 
 his change, which it has pleased God to bless me with, is 
 this : — He was, in the days of his sin and folly, a great 
 amateur in boxing, and had purchased likenesses of two 
 eminent prize-fighters. These were suspended in a con- 
 spicuous place on the wall ; and having attracted my no- 
 tice, I requested that I might be permitted to take them 
 away. Upon which, he cried out with much fervency, 
 (the tears starting into his eyes at the same time) ' Take 
 them, and grind them to pieces ; I don't wish to see them 
 no more.' After this, I read and prayed with him. And 
 again, before I left him, he reminded me that I was ' to 
 take those pictures, and break them to pieces/ My mind 
 dwells upon this evidence of his sincerity, with pleasure. 
 I may add to it, that his patience throughout a painful 
 and trying sickness, has been great, as far as my observa- 
 tion has gone. The passages of Scripture which I have 
 endeavoured to instruct him from, have been — the healing 
 of the leper as recorded by St. Luke, chap. v. 12 to 15 — 
 Christ's forgiveness of the sinful, but penitent, woman in 
 the pharisee's house, Luke vii. 36, &c. — the parable of 
 the prodigal son, Luke xv. 11, &c.~- of the wise and fool- 
 ish virgins, Matt. xxv. 1, &c. — also Luke xi., in which the 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. VJ 
 
 efficacy of importunate prayer is illustrated by a familiar 
 comparison. I found that this passage, from the familiarity 
 of the comparison, took particular hold of his mind. These 
 passages, with the fifty-first psalm, have formed the ground- 
 work of my instructions and prayers. His mind, when I 
 first visited him, was wholly unenlightened, and his heart 
 untouched. His heart, I humbly hope, has been in some 
 degree reached, and his understanding somewhat improved, 
 on the cardinal points of the nature of sin, the need of the 
 Atonement, the necessity of a change of heart, and the 
 office of the Spirit in the work of salvation. Upon the 
 whole, it is a case in which my hope is founded rather on 
 faith in prayer, than on any assurance arising from the 
 evidences of the fruits of the Spirit. Once more, may 
 the Lord have mercy on his soul, for his name's sake, for 
 his love's sake. Amen and Amen ! 
 
 " Visited P . . . again this morning (10th June 1831). 
 Found him scarcely sensible. Prayed for him with his 
 wife ; he not being able to join with us. His wife tells 
 me that he calls frequently on the name of Jesus. On 
 parting with him I asked, ' Is your hope in Jesus ? ' ' Yes, 
 hope in Jesus,' he replied ; and immediately sunk again 
 into stupor, which, unless God speedily help, will soon be 
 the stupor of death. May the Lord Jesus save his soul, 
 for His mercies' sake ! " 
 
 The second extract from Notes of Cases, however cau- 
 tiously it might be viewed as an instance of death-bed con- 
 version, will present an interesting scene in the annals of 
 pastoral visitation : — 
 
 " Case of Mrs. . . . The history of her life may be 
 comprised in few words ; — she lived to the world, the 
 
SO MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 flesh, and the devil ; and of them reaped ruin and misery. 
 I became acquainted with her about a year ago, and have 
 preached the Gospel to her again and again ; but the 
 grace of God never appeared to accompany, and I always 
 left her, as far as I could perceive, as unmoved as I found 
 her. On December the 5th, I was called to attend her in 
 a most dangerous fit of illness. The complaint was accom- 
 panied with partial derangement of mind, and her situa- 
 tion was altogether most pitiable and distressing. My only 
 hope was, that God, whose ways are not as our ways, might 
 be bringing her to Himself through this last and sever- 
 est affliction. With this hope, I prayed earnestly with her 
 for the grace of God ; but, as before, went away without 
 comfort. Her state seemed more desperate than ever ; 
 for, added to her usual worldliness of mind, there was 
 aberration of understanding. At intervals of reason, the 
 usual complaints about her troubles were to be heard, but 
 hardly a word about her soul, or Christ. Active remedies 
 were applied by her medical attendant, by which in a few 
 days she was much recovered, and regained the possession 
 of her senses. In the mean while, the Physician of souls 
 had been not less active. To my surprise, I was sent for 
 on the Wednesday to read to Mrs. . . . , who, I was 
 told, w T as once more sensible. On my arrival there, the 
 woman with whom she lodged, much affected, exclaimed, 
 ■ Oh ! sir, a most blessed change has taken place since you 
 were here.' 'What, in her soul?' 'Yes, sir, in her 
 soul ; she is now constantly in the act of prayer, seems 
 happy and peaceful, speaks much of the Lord Jesus Christ, 
 and of the hopes of heaven.' 'Well, here is the answer 
 to our prayers, and the fulfilment of our hopes. Un- 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 81 
 
 bounded is the grace of God, and unsearchable in its ope- 
 rations. Can I see her ? ' On entering the room, I re- 
 marked at once a striking difference. Patience, composure, 
 and peace marked the before restless and uneasy patient. 
 Her hands too were clasped, and her lips moving as though 
 she were engaged in prayer. On approaching the bed, 
 and speaking to her, I found she was weak and exhausted, 
 and rather confused in her ideas. What she said was to 
 this effect : ' I am dying — Lord Jesus — merciful — merci- 
 ful — I shall soon be in heaven — I shall soon meet you, my 
 dear Mr. Vaughan, in heaven — God bless you.' Her 
 mind strayed occasionally, and her conversation wandered, 
 but not as before into worldly things. Her conversation 
 was in heaven, even when least rational. I was particu- 
 larly struck with the love and contentment, which seemed 
 shed abroad in her heart." 
 
 His care for the flock, over which he was called to pre- 
 side, while it led to constant, self-denying, visits, — bearing 
 a shepherd's voice to the remotest corner of the fold, — 
 was no less diligently exercised, in every way that his 
 thoughtful, benevolent, spirit could devise. In the hospi- 
 talities of his own house, he provided means of improve- 
 ment, combined with the moderated indulgence becoming 
 a Christian family, for nearly all classes of his people. 
 Often would he bring home with him, from the infant 
 school, some of the younger children, who had attracted 
 his particular regard ; and encourage them with marks of 
 kindness and sources of amusement, such as their own 
 parents were unable to bestow. From the other schools, 
 both boys and girls, as well as their teachers, were invited, 
 
 e 5 
 
82 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 and entertained at appointed times. And the poor and 
 distressed, as they had opportunity, were among the many 
 visitors who partook of his personal attention, and received 
 freely at his hand of temporal and spiritual gifts. One 
 of the scenes of truly Christian festivity, arising from 
 these efforts of ministerial love, has been thus described : 
 — " He used to give a dinner, annually, to the most pro- 
 mising of his people in the middle ranks, dining with them 
 himself; and by a continual reference to their one Blessed 
 Lord and Master, for whose sake he was willing to be the 
 servant of all, he checked an unbecoming familiarity on 
 the one hand, or too great a restraint on the other, — lead- 
 ing them, by the most condescending sweetness of manner, 
 to feel that he was indeed a Brother in Christ. Few, per- 
 haps, who have not been placed in similar circumstances, 
 can quite understand the difficulty of maintaining, for seve- 
 ral hours, the pastoral character, without fatiguing the 
 guests. But although he afterwards suffered much, from 
 the exhaustion occasioned by exertion both of voice and 
 mind, it appeared, at the time, to be no effort. He would 
 draw them round his blazing Christmas-fire, and with a 
 child on each knee, would rivet their attention by his ani- 
 mated conversation ; inviting them also to speak in return, 
 upon subjects of mutual interest, as teachers, district- visi- 
 tors, missionary collectors, or in some way as helpers toge- 
 ther with him. And when it was proposed, for his sake, 
 to sing a hymn, it seemed almost an interruption ; but in 
 singing he delighted ; and although promising to rest, his 
 voice could not be restrained from joining in the simple 
 melody of many thankful hearts." 
 
REV. HENRY V A UGH AN. b3 
 
 The attachment felt for him by the little ones in the 
 schools, has also been noticed in several of the letters re- 
 ceived from his friends. Of his gentle, encouraging man- 
 ner in speaking to those of tender years on Divine Truths, 
 some lively evidences remain, not only in portions of his 
 own printed and manuscript papers, but also in the me- 
 mory of those who have accompanied him to the oft-fre- 
 quented scene of instruction, or listened to the addresses 
 from the pulpit occasionally directed to his more youthful 
 hearers. An extract from one of his sermons, preached 
 on Palm Sunday, — when, according to the prevailing cus- 
 tom in Wales, the graves of departed friends and relatives 
 were decorated -with flowers by the surviving mourners, — 
 will at once bear witness to his interest in an expressive 
 token of remembrance and affection, not unworthy of the 
 Christian mind, and also afford an example of a kind yet 
 faithful word adapted to the age of childhood : — 
 
 " Ye young, that are in the prime and pride of life ! 
 turn not away your eye from instruction. Perhaps the grave 
 of a brother or a sister as young as yourselves, has drawn 
 a sigh from your heart to-day, or a flower from your hand. 
 Presume not upon length of days. Defer not repentance 
 on the slender security of youth and health. A fortnight 
 hath not passed, since we committed to the tomb, one who 
 had boasted, a few davs before, all the pride and prime of 
 youthful beauty. Of her we know little, but that she came 
 here unhappy in her mind, sickened, and died. God grant 
 that she may have had the hope to which we would direct 
 you — the hope of glory in Christ Jesus. O, seek Him ! 
 for all the goodliness and glory of your age are only as the 
 flower of the field. 
 
84 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 " Little children ! let me say a word to you. You must 
 think, how very like your tender life is to the flowers you 
 have been carrying to the graves to-day. You must say 
 to yourselves, how very soon may God, if He pleases, take 
 away a little thing like me ; just as easily as I picked this 
 flower. Yes, that He can, and much more easily too ; so 
 you must go to Jesus Christ, and pray that He will give 
 you his Holy Spirit, that you may be a good child ; then, 
 vou need not be afraid to die. Good children, when thev 
 die, go to heaven, and grow up there like beautiful flowers, 
 and much more beautiful too. You know, dear children, 
 God and every good thing are in heaven. And then, bro- 
 thers and sisters, father and mother, if they are God's, will 
 be there also. What a beautiful, happy place, therefore, 
 heaven must be. Think of this, dear little children. There 
 are many little children in heaven." 
 
 Those annual offerings of a grief allayed by hope, were 
 thus noticed in the spring of another year, with more di- 
 rect reference to the affliction of one endeared family : — 
 
 " When I saw you on Sunday last, strewing the grave of 
 your dear departed sister, w r ith the evergreen, and the ear- 
 liest flowers of spring, I could not forbear falling into the 
 following train of reflections. — How soon may you, too, 
 sleep beneath the sod ! The very next year, a brother's 
 or a sister's hand may be spreading nature's wild flowers 
 over your graves, and their hearts intermingling with those 
 sweets, the sweeter fragrance of the pious tear. Dear 
 children, I love to see your gentle offices to the dead, your 
 fond remembrance of the departed ; go, bring more of 
 the never-fading laurel, of the modest primrose, and the 
 perfumed violet ; and weaving them into a garland, wreathe 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. s 5 
 
 them around the memory of her you so dearly loved ; and 
 as you wreathe them, think, how like to your dear sister's 
 graces and fate, are these flowers and this unfading green. 
 They are beautiful, and she shone bright in the beauties of 
 holiness. They are sweet in themselves, and scent the sur- 
 rounding air ; and thus was her heart a sweet savour of 
 the grace of Christ, and that savour was the atmosphere 
 she threw around her. They have been cut down in their 
 early bloom, and yet are fragrant even in death ; thus was 
 she, too, cut down like an early flower, and being dead yet 
 speaketh in the sweet recollections of her piety and her 
 works. These grew and flourished in the retirement of an 
 humble shade, lively emblems of that humility which veiled 
 her excellence from the eye of observation. Once more, 
 dear children, resume your pious task ; add more, much 
 more, of the never-dying green, that it may remind you 
 that her graces are now woven into a crown of glory that 
 shall never fade away." 
 
 No object was more dear to him, or brought more con- 
 stantly and affectionately under the inspection of his vigi- 
 lant eye, than the schools. The rules and regulations to 
 be observed by all connected with them, were drawn out 
 by his own hand ; and with a view to the first and highest 
 design of education, he received the Sunday School 
 teachers at his own house on Saturdays for prayer and in- 
 struction. It was an habitual, rather than a momentary, 
 feeling which he expressed, on commending such institu- 
 tions to the liberality of a congregation : — 
 
 " I must be excused, if I am moved by the peculiar im- 
 pressiveness and solemnity of the scene before me. When 
 
86 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 I behold these little ones, lining these sacred walls, and so 
 far, in this holy place, elevated above the earth ; I could 
 pass over space and time, and imagine them already fair 
 ornaments of a temple not made with hands, and singing 
 everlasting praises before the throne. Now, we know 
 much lies between them and those blest abodes. Still, I 
 will at least take occasion to hope and to pray that those, 
 whom charity hath so early admitted into this noble pile, 
 Divine love will prepare for mansions eternal in the hea- 
 vens Consider, then, these children. They have 
 
 not yet embarked on life's great ocean. To what distant 
 quarters will they soon be scattered. One, it may be, will 
 have to brave the perils of the great deep ; another, to 
 fight his country's battles in a foreign land. One mav 
 serve in the house of some one as great as Naaman the 
 Syrian. All will have to go through the cares, and sor- 
 rows, and disappointments of life. . . . What an interest 
 do these schools derive, when you remember that the fa- 
 thers and mothers of generations are before you. What 
 an encouragement to sow, when you remember that an 
 acorn may become a forest ; and that from a grain of 
 
 wheat, numberless granaries might be filled See 
 
 them assembled, perhaps in distant villages, perhaps in 
 distant lands, perhaps amidst the hovels of this great city, 
 teaching their children also, to set their hope in God. . ." 
 
 He was permitted to realise much joy and satisfaction 
 in this part of the vineyard given to his culture. It was 
 one of those duties in which his plans were forwarded, and 
 his cares were lightened, by the faithful partner of his lot, 
 ever ready to follow where he led the way. And although 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. B> 
 
 sometimes assailed by disappointment and opposition, they 
 were ever encircled by an attached little band, among 
 whom it was their delight to scatter the seeds of future- 
 peace and holiness. The following memorandum famishes 
 one of the many instances that might be mentioned, as 
 presenting signs of an effectual work in the hearts of the 
 children : — 
 
 " Ever watchful against anything that might draw their 
 feet into the paths of the destroyer, he opposed himself to 
 the annual pleasure-fair held in his parish. By kind coun- 
 sel and admonition, many of the children were restrained 
 from attending, on the ground of its being one of the 
 vanities of this wicked world, which they had renounced 
 at baptism. And very encouraging was it to him, to find, 
 on the first, and on other occasions, a long list of names 
 set down as ' Resolved to give up the Fair.' The houses of 
 many of them being in the centre of that scene of rural 
 dissipation, — led to the idea of their schoolmaster, attended 
 by the teachers and others, taking them up a neighbouring 
 mountain, where, furnished by the kind liberality of friends 
 with simple, yet abundant, provision, they might spend 
 the day in innocent sports and healthy exercise. And 
 may we not believe that they were the really happy ones, 
 and what they affirmed was true, that even the distant 
 sound of the gay music, reminding them of the scene be- 
 low, did not make them wish to return ; but that their 
 hymn of praise sounded more sweetly, from the contrast : 
 Of course, there were cases of backsliding, but they were 
 few. On one of these anniversaries, they, without solicita- 
 tion, put the little pocket-money they had saved for the 
 purpose of being spent at the Fair, into the Church Mis- 
 sionary box. It amounted to nine shillings." 
 
88 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 Not least, among- the sources of comfort connected with 
 the education of the children, was the aid of a pious and 
 judicious superintendence. The girls' Sunday and day 
 schools, had long been conducted by a faithful and ap- 
 proved mistress. And about the end of the year 1833, a 
 family well qualified for the work of instruction, no less in 
 natural ability and decided principle, than through expe- 
 rience in tuition, were attracted to Crickhowel by esteem 
 for the character and ministry of its pastor ; and were ap- 
 pointed to responsible duties in the schools. To them, as 
 fellow- labourers after his own heart, he could, with perfect 
 confidence, entrust the management of the boys' schools, 
 and also of the infant-school.* In the latter, which had 
 
 * Mr. James Rodgers, the excellent master here referred to, 
 had long desired to become more extensively useful, by en- 
 gaging in some sphere of labour among the Heathen. And an 
 opportunity was afforded, by the determination of the Trustees 
 of " the Mico Charity," to establish schools for the negro ap- 
 prentices and their children. The feelings entertained towards 
 him and his family, by their beloved vicar, may be perceived 
 by an extract from a letter written, in addition to other very 
 honourable testimonials, on their leaving CrickhoAvel for the 
 island of Jamaica. Mr. Vaughan then stated : — " In bearing 
 " my testimony, as a minister of the parish of Crickhowel, to 
 " the character of Mr., Mrs., and Miss Rodgers, I can truly 
 " say, that I have not, in the course of my ministerial expe- 
 " rience, met with any, in any sphere of life, of whom I enter- 
 " tain a higher opinion. With unbounded zeal and unwearied 
 " self-denial in the sacred cause of religion, they unite humility, 
 " prudence, and deference to those in authority, with every 
 " quality calculated to promote the objects of good government, 
 " as well as the salvation of souls. While in my parish, not 
 " only have they been signally blessed in the immediate depart- 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. S9 
 
 been established by his own efforts, with the benevolent 
 aid of his more wealthy neighbours, he seems to have had 
 peculiar delight ; and when, at the time of its formation, 
 some difficulty occurred as to the choice of a site for the 
 building, he freely dedicated to that use, the small portion 
 of glebe-land annexed to the vicarage — assured, in his 
 generosity and largeness of heart, that no objection could 
 ever be made to an appropriation so gratifying to his own 
 feelings. The security of the tenure was, indeed, ques- 
 tioned by those who were united in promoting the execu- 
 tion of the plan ; but he succeeded, if not in removing, at 
 least in over- ruling, every caution, by some persuasive ap- 
 peal, drawn from the liberality of purpose which reigned 
 in his own bosom ; and, with great joy, he saw the school- 
 
 1 ment of the schools in which they laboured, but generally 
 
 ' throughout the circle in which they moved ; and I may add, 
 
 ' far beyond it, their example of pious and prudent devotion, 
 
 ' their faith, hope, and charity, have exercised a most salutary 
 
 ' influence. Wherever they go, I feel a happy confidence that 
 
 ' they will prove a blessing to their employers, and to those 
 
 1 amongst whom they labour. Most heartily do I commend 
 
 ' them to the kind offices of all who are in authority, and of all 
 
 ' who seek the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom." Mr. 
 
 Rodgers sailed with his family, on the 22nd of July 1836; but 
 
 his zealous and successful exertions in the various duties allotted 
 
 to him on his arrival at Kingston, were of short duration. On 
 
 the 23rd of August 1837, he sunk under the effects of fever, 
 
 having remarked on the preceding day to the minister who was 
 
 with him : — " If I had not looked to God and trusted in Him 
 
 " when in health, I feel I am so weak and depressed in this 
 
 " sickness, that I could not do it now. But all is right. I have 
 
 " no fear of death. And if I die, I know it will be well with 
 
 '• me." 
 
90 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 house raised upon the glebe. This was an institution for 
 which he felt especially solicitous, on his departure from 
 Crickhowel, to enter upon another scene of labour ; and to 
 one of his influential parishioners, he thus expressed him- 
 self at that time : — " In leaving- this happy scene of my 
 ministerial duties, few things give me a deeper pang, than 
 the state of the infant school. Its funds are verv deficient. 
 
 Would that Mrs and yourself could see it to be 
 
 your duty to give it your liberal support. Its instruction 
 is confined to religion ; the children, as soon as they can 
 walk, are taken to church ; and I cannot but regard the in- 
 stitution as the nursery of all that is sound and good. Of 
 the persons who are at the head of it, we have the highest 
 character for ability and piety. My mind would be re- 
 lieved of a great weight, if I could see an institution, 
 which I really consider as important, and more so than 
 any in the place, put on a firmer and more lasting founda- 
 tion." It was in these rooms, as a sacred and endeared 
 spot, that he used to close the duties of the Sabbath even- 
 ing ; by assembling as many of the children from the va- 
 rious schools as could be collected, for the purpose of ex- 
 amining them upon their improvement of the past day, 
 and impressing upon them the instruction they had re- 
 ceived. 
 
 While he could thus look upon the young and tender of 
 the flock, with the mind and spirit of Him who would say, 
 " Forbid them not ; of such is the kingdom of heaven ;" 
 he did not shrink from the degraded and repulsive condi- 
 tion of those, who were men of strength and maturity in 
 ungodliness and dissipation. Not only in cases of sickness 
 and destitution, was he prompt to minister ; he was ready 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. [) 1 
 
 also, to meet the workings of the carnal mind in every 
 odious form. The intemperate, the disorderly, the va- 
 grant, were followed into their dark and loathsome dwell- 
 ings ; vicious habits were detected and exposed ; and 
 faithful to his Lord, and to the soul of the abandoned out- 
 cast, his gentle spirit could assume the sterner tone of love, 
 when needful, to reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all au- 
 thoritv, as well as with all long-suffering. Societies and 
 institutions, formed among different classes of his parish- 
 ioners, and designed to promote their moral improvement 
 or temporal comfort, came under his observation ; in some 
 of them he took an active part, and sought diligently to 
 have them established and conducted in the fear of God, 
 and upon scriptural principles. Over the Temperance So- 
 ciety in Crickhowel, he watched from its commencement, 
 endeavouring to raise it above the character of a mere 
 social compact resting on human motives, and to see it 
 rather sanctified as a pledge to consistency, among men 
 who knew and confessed that they were called to live so- 
 berly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. " He 
 presided at its meetings," (writes one who materially as- 
 sisted him in this and other works) — "regarding it as ano- 
 ther banner set up in the name of Christ ; and the very 
 last occasion on which he was able to go out, was to at- 
 tend a committee-meeting on the subject," with a view to 
 prevent a threatened disunion among the members, which 
 had caused him so much uneasiness, that it was only in 
 his constant refuge, importunate prayer, that he could find 
 strength or resolution to take any part in the proceedings. 
 To check the progress of immorality, by every possible 
 means, he felt to be an imperative duty ; and in addition 
 
92 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 to his own faithfulness in laying the axe to the root of the 
 tree as a minister of the Gospel, he had recourse to the 
 restraining power of the magisterial arm. His concern 
 upon this point led him, at one period, to make nightly 
 visits in places of revelry and dissipation, where he was 
 not exempt from painful and even tumultuous resistance ; 
 but the encouraging support he received from secular au- 
 thority, in maintaining the interests of morality and religion, 
 was with him a matter of repeated and grateful acknow- 
 ledgment. On one occasion, having been informed that 
 the church-yard of a neighbouring parish had been chosen 
 as the scene of an annual fair, with its attendant riotous 
 and profligate excesses, he repaired without delay to the 
 spot, and calling in the aid of the resident magistrate, suc- 
 ceeded in quickly dispersing the unhappy multitude. But, 
 not content with merely interrupting a desecrating trespass 
 on the very threshold of the house of prayer, he followed 
 many of the fugitives into the beer-houses, pressing after 
 them from room to room, and compelling them to hear at 
 once the voice of mercy and the firm reproof. For there 
 was in his countenance and deportment, an aspect of holy 
 determination, an expression of purity of purpose — the 
 calm energy of principles and powers not of this world — 
 that seemed to intimidate, to command attention, and to 
 arrest the hand of violence, when he stood, with closed 
 doors, in the midst of an angry, disappointed rabble. 
 
REV, HENRY VAUGIIAN. 93 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 HIS ADVOCACY OF MISSIONS. 
 
 A missionary spirit, so manifest in all the pastor's work, 
 could not be limited to the bounds of his own parochial 
 fold. The condition of the Heathen myriads, sitting in 
 darkness and in the shadow of death ; and the working of 
 Divine love in the hearts of men who could " leave all," 
 and go forth to perils and privations, as ministers of light 
 and life ; excited, on the one hand, a deep and bitter com- 
 miseration, and on the other, feelings of admiring thank- 
 fulness and joy. Of those honoured messengers of the 
 churches, he had said, " The self-devotion and self-sacri- 
 fice of missionaries, we have long regarded as the sweetest 
 savour of Christ that scents this tainted and evil world ; 
 to our eye, the light which they hold forth, has ever ap- 
 peared a bright and shining light ; such as, men behold- 
 ing, must be led to glorify the Father which is in heaven." 
 In this view, he laboured to engage the active sympathy 
 of his people ; and his efforts were not in vain ; as their 
 liberal contributions, and their personal attendance on 
 
94 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 appointed occasions, abundantly proved. " Under his 
 fostering care, (to quote a letter from Crickhowel) the 
 missionary cause in this parish assumed a very interesting 
 aspect. At the yearly meeting, he drew around him large 
 assemblies of his brother clergymen. As minister of the 
 place, he led the proceedings of the day into one great 
 channel of usefulness ; and over the increasing church 
 collections, he would exult as one that had found great 
 treasure, and with especial delight over the pennies." 
 
 Those seasons of joyful solemnity are also referred to in 
 another letter: — " The Church Missionary anniversary at 
 Crickhowel occurred during one of my visits to dear 
 Henry, and remains among the most pleasing recollections 
 of past days. Very often does the mind recur to it, with 
 sacred and refreshing delight, as a festival of Christian 
 love. It was on one of those serene days in October, 
 when every rural object seems to bear witness to the love- 
 liness of peace. The face of nature appeared to smile, in 
 sympathetic calmness, on the work of charity that was to 
 occupy every heart that day. And as the morning sun 
 gradually broke through the tender mist, one company 
 after another was to be seen hastening down from the hills, 
 into the happy valley, to realise that unity which is as the 
 dew of Herrnon, and to take sweet counsel under the pas- 
 tor's roof, where every hospitality, and every testimony of 
 Christian fellowship, awaited them. On no occasion, per- 
 haps, did he who received them, experience greater en- 
 joyment, than when he could thus gather around him a 
 goodly company of faithful brethren in Christ, intent upon 
 devising liberal things, and promoting that great purpose 
 of Immanuel — ' Glory to God in the highest, and on earth 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 95 
 
 peace, good will towards men.' When once assembled, 
 no time was suffered to be unemployed. The mornine 
 and evening services in the church, with a meeting in the 
 afternoon, allowed no more than necessary intervals for 
 rest and refreshment. The assistance of clerical friends 
 had been obtained for the sermons, but his own energy 
 and gracefulness in speaking, and the statements and ap- 
 peals he made in support of missionary enterprise, may, I 
 believe, be ranked amongst the choicest offerings of the 
 day. It was next to an impossibility, not to catch some 
 spark of that fire of love and zeal w T ith which he was evi- 
 dently filled. There was an enlargement of soul, indi- 
 cated in every look and expression, that could regard each 
 individual before him with affectionate interest, while his 
 heart was going forth to the ends of the earth, compre- 
 hending in its benevolent ardour the multitudes of every 
 kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation. Exalted 
 views of a spiritual work, — a manifestation of Almighty 
 grace and power in distant, benighted lands, did not pre- 
 vent the most kind and thoughtful attention to the com- 
 fort and accommodation of those who were present with 
 him. And I well remember, as he was preparing his re- 
 mittance to the parent society, on the next day, what 
 grateful satisfaction animated every feature, when the 
 liberal amount of the collections had been ascertained, 
 which he could not suffer to pass on to their destination, 
 until he had again opened his own purse with a free 
 hand." 
 
 The Rev. J. F. Beddy of Monmouth, among some 
 general notices of his character, bears testimony to his 
 
96 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 zeal as an advocate of missions, in his own parish, and in 
 other places : — 
 
 " I shall never forget our first interview. We had ex- 
 changed letters respecting a society, on behalf of which, 
 he was coming to Monmouth to preach a sermon in my 
 church ; and those letters had made us known, the one to 
 the other, as servants of the same Lord and Master, and 
 children of the same heavenly King. He accordingly 
 greeted me with the affection of a brother, and from that 
 period until his removal to Chelsea, I experienced the same 
 invariable kindness. You could not be any length of 
 time in company with him, without perceiving that he was 
 one of the ' excellent,' as the Lord calls his saints, in 
 whom, he adds, ' is all my delight.' Strong affection, 
 kindness, humility, meekness, and gentleness, were all 
 strikingly exhibited in our beloved friend. Were they not 
 also expressed by the sweet and musical tones of his pecu- 
 liarly soft, and most engaging, voice ? He seemed to 
 carry along with him, and to diffuse around him, and to 
 spread abroad in every place, the sweet savour of the name 
 of Jesus. 
 
 "I once met Mr. Henry Vaughan at Hereford, at a 
 meeting of the Church Missionary Society, and accom- 
 panied him and another friend, as a deputation to visit a 
 few of the auxiliary associations ; and it was, I think, the 
 most delightful journey that I ever had. He had recently 
 lost a beloved child, an only daughter ; and the descrip- 
 tion he gave, at one of those places which we visited, 
 both of the death of his dear child, and of his own feel- 
 ings, w r as such, that tears flow T ed abundantly from many 
 eyes. He made this allusion to domestic trials, for the 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 97 
 
 purpose of shewing what an evil thing sin is, and how 
 fearful its consequences ; and in stating the support and 
 the comfort which the Gospel gives, in the greatest and 
 most painful afflictions, he took occasion to urge upon his 
 hearers, the blessedness of being themselves acquainted 
 with that Gospel in all its reality, and in all its power, 
 and that they should exert themselves to assist in sending 
 forth the Gospel to heathen lands. You know how much 
 his heart was interested in the missionary work, and how 
 strong the desire which he himself had, to be employed in 
 the missionary field. New Zealand, in particular, called 
 forth the liveliest interest. 
 
 "On those occasions when he had to preside at, and 
 conduct, a missionary meeting in his own parish, he seemed 
 to be in a singularly joyous and happy state of mind 
 Lovely as was his Christian character at all times, it ap- 
 peared to acquire an unusual degree of splendour on those 
 missionary and festal days. It was his aim and desire, 
 and prayer, that those days might be profitable, not only 
 with reference to the important object which brought his 
 friends around him, but also with reference to those friends 
 themselves. It was very delightful to meet, in his truly 
 peaceful and happy home, a large number of Christians, 
 the sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty, who had 
 come, and some of them from distant places, to joy and 
 rejoice with him in the fulness of the blessing of the gos- 
 pel of Christ. Having used the word ' peaceful,' I am 
 forcibly reminded of a circumstance truly characteristic of 
 our beloved and deceased friend. — The first time that I 
 went to Crickhowel, he met me at the inn on the arrival 
 of the coach ; and when we reached his home, and had 
 
 F 
 
08 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 entered, he turned towards me, and with a countenance 
 expressive of the utmost kindness and affection, he said, 
 ' Peace be to this house' — putting- these words into my 
 mouth, and adding-, ' I like that salutation.' Our dear 
 friend was anxious that no time should be spent unprofit- 
 ably while his guests were with him, and therefore, as 
 soon as convenient, after dinner, and before the hour 
 arrived for the evening meeting* at the infant school-house ; 
 a portion of scripture was read and expounded by one 
 clerical brother, and prayer was offered by another ; then, 
 some subject connected with the business of the day, and 
 which had been previously chosen for discussion, became 
 the theme of general conversation. 
 
 "The last letter that I received from mv dear friend 
 
 
 
 and brother, contained an invitation to go to a mission- 
 ary meeting at Crickhowel, in which he said, ' You know 
 we look to you for help, to conduct the business of the 
 day in a prayerful and spiritual manner.' This, indeed, 
 was his chief desire ; and hence he would look to persons 
 even so much inferior to himself, in order that he might 
 attain this end." 
 
 It was not, however, to one bodv of missionary labour- 
 ers, that his interest, or his support, were confined. The 
 exemplary and beneficent missions of the Moravian Epis- 
 copal Church, too often overlooked and unaided by Chris- 
 tians of other denominations, presented to his mind such 
 
 * A slight discrepancy may be apparent in the accounts of 
 these anniversaries, as given by different friends. It arises from 
 their having alluded to different j r ears, when some variations in 
 the arrangements of the day had taken place. 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 99 
 
 attractive evidences that the hand of the Lord was with 
 them, as to rivet his steady attachment, and secure his 
 most willing service. When the spirit of enterprise and 
 self-denial, manifest in almost every page of their remark- 
 able history, — when their boldness in design, and their 
 patient endurance in labour, — the tenderness of their love, 
 united with inflexible firmness, — were first commended to hi> 
 attention ; they were met at once by respondent prin - 
 ciples in his own heart, derived from the same source, and 
 conducing to the same end. Soon after he had become 
 acquainted with the extensive work effected through their 
 humble means, he called a meeting on their behalf in the 
 Town Hall of Crickhowel ; and so intense was the interest 
 with which he entered into the facts then brought forward, 
 that — when a long series of details in illustration of their 
 progress and success, with the oppressive atmosphere of 
 a crowded room, had induced no slight degree of weari- 
 ness in the hearers, — he rose, with reviving joy and ani- 
 mation in his countenance, taking up in succession many 
 of the striking points that had been mentioned, and array- 
 ing them in a freshness, a brilliancy, a grace, that dis- 
 pelled all sense of fatigue, and seemed to carry those 
 who listened, into the realities of the scenes he sketched. 
 
 An indefatigable and successful pleader for those mis- 
 sions, fully competent to form an opinion of the traits 
 of character he has noticed, writes of him thus : — 
 
 " I was much struck with the facility and effectiveness 
 with which, evidently under the powerful operation of love 
 to a body of self-denying and devoted brethren in Christ, 
 and an earnest desire for the salvation of the heathen, he 
 entered into the case of the Moravian missions when it 
 
 f 2 
 
100 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 was brought to his notice. Within a very few days, and 
 in the midst of other laborious occupations, he had so 
 fully mastered that subject, comprehending the history of 
 the church extending over many centuries, as well as of 
 the missions, that he was enabled to plead the cause in 
 public, and to enter at considerable length, and with sin- 
 gular accuracy, into a great part of the facts connected 
 with it ; and his ardent mind became so powerfully drawn 
 towards it, that for several successive years, he not only 
 repeated his advocacy, but travelled some distance for that 
 purpose. But for his pressing avocations and delicate 
 health, he would doubtless have done much more in be- 
 half of a cause, in which his heart had evidently become 
 more deeply interested, the more he entered into the con- 
 sideration of its claims on the Christian sympathies of the 
 followers of the Lamb. The force and ability with which 
 he pleaded, generally won upon his audience, and he was 
 frequently invited to repeat his appeal on some early occa- 
 sion." 
 
 Several of his own letters will also afford evidence of 
 the warmth and energy with which he pursued this w T ork 
 of love, regardless of a state of health unequal to the ex- 
 ertion. But as those letters generally embrace other 
 topics, they are classed with the correspondence hereafter 
 included in the " Remains ;" and one only will be intro- 
 duced in this place : — 
 
 " Crickhowel, 16th May 1834. 
 .... " And now for my Moravian tour. I propose 
 (God permitting) to be at Bristol, where churches have 
 been promised, on the 8th, 9th, and 10th, of July, taking 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 101 
 
 St. Arvan's in my way. After that, I should wish to re- 
 turn home, and be present at my own Sunday duty on the 
 13th of Julv. On Monday the 14th, I am willing to 
 start again, and will occupy churches in Cheltenham, 
 Gloucester, and Worcester, if they can be procured, during 
 the whole of that week. Perhaps Mr. Close might be 
 induced to let me have his pulpit on Wednesday the 23rd. 
 And some other may be procured at Gloucester on the 
 following day. I might then get to Worcester with ease 
 by Saturday, and preach twice on Sunday the 27th, if two 
 churches can be had, for the glorious cause. The Bir- 
 mingham tour must stand over for the present. 
 
 " I shall be able in the course of the year, I trust, to 
 do something more immediately in my own neighbour- 
 hood ; but I cannot promise more at present than I have 
 undertaken. Will you communicate this to dear L . . . , 
 and tell him that I have hardly known how to write before ; 
 — the spirit being willing, but the body weak. 
 
 " Christian love to all my dear friends. God bless you 
 all. 
 
 " Yours in the bonds of Christian affection, 
 
 "H. V." 
 
 In the excursions which, from time to time, were under- 
 taken in this manner, an intercourse — truly delightful to 
 so affectionate a disposition, and a heart so filled with the 
 grace of love — was opened with many faithful and ex- 
 perienced servants of the Lord ; and while devoting him- 
 self simply as a labourer in support of foreign claims, he 
 proved the truth of that word, "He that watereth, shall 
 be watered also himself." His character, wherever he 
 
 f 3 
 
102 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 sojourned, presented the same marks of spiritual life ; 
 and, like another -who walked in the light of God's coun- 
 tenance, he bowed the hearts of all the people towards him, 
 as the heart of one man. 
 
 The Rev. J. Venn, of Hereford, in whose church Henry 
 had pleaded for the missions of the Moravian Brethren, 
 remarks, to a friend of his, after expressing much cordial 
 interest in the proposed memoir: — 
 
 "I do not recollect having ever seen Henry Vaughan, 
 more than upon two occasions ; and then, only in company 
 with others. But what I then saw, together with what I 
 had heard of him, made an impression upon my mind, 
 which nothing will ever remove, — that his character was 
 singularly lovely, and that there was a most rare and at- 
 tractive combination in him, of the best endowments, both 
 of grace and of nature." 
 
 By a lady at Clifton, whose hospitable home afforded a 
 Christian welcome to those, whom the missionary cause 
 brought into that neighbourhood, the following account has 
 been given of the esteem and affection with which he was 
 regarded there : — 
 
 "You ask me to write of your beloved husband. It 
 would be difficult to turn my mind to another subject when 
 addressing you, though I cannot attempt to be of any use 
 in the way you suggest. If any thing like that justice is 
 done to him, which I am sure his friends would desire, it 
 would be truly interesting to them. We both feel quite 
 incompetent to give even our own impressions of the beauty 
 of his mind and character. I could tell you how much we 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 103 
 
 loved and valued him; — but that, you know; — that we 
 felt for him almost as a brother, and that all with whom 
 we had the happiness of bringing him acquainted, highly 
 appreciated him ; but where was it otherwise ? 
 
 " We have found three letters, only, and a little fragment. 
 The last, unfortunately, has the half relating to the details 
 of business torn off; the object being to leave the sweet 
 passages at the end, more obvious ; but had we anticipated, 
 it would have been left entire. Other relics too, would 
 have remained. There may be more, and if so, you shall 
 have them. I know you will kindly return them. In the 
 part torn off that letter which speaks of leaving Crick- 
 howelj he referred to his well-known feeling respecting 
 pupils, and desire to give himself wholly to the work of 
 the ministry, as the sole inducement to think of a removal. 
 
 " But to indulge a little in recollections. We never can 
 forget the evening when we first saw him. You know that 
 it was when he first preached at Bristol for the Moravian 
 Missions. He came to us as a stranger, and often have 
 we applied to the circumstance, that text in Heb. xiii. 2. 
 My sister has more than once remarked, that it was as if 
 an angel had come among us. Many minutes had not 
 passed, before — in reply to some wish expressed respect- 
 ing the object of his visit, with allusion to the many calls 
 of a similar kind in this place, — he said, in his own gentle 
 way, that he thought we were too apt to arrange our ex- 
 penditure on a wrong principle ; first, to form our own 
 plan of life, and then see what we can give to promote the 
 cause of God ; whereas, the first enquiry should be, out of 
 what God has entrusted to us, how much can we give for 
 the advancement of his cause and glory ; and then to ar- 
 
104 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 range our mode of life, "with the remainder. You know 
 the manner in which he would enter on such a subject, 
 and the impression calculated to be made upon strangers. 
 But such, we could not long continue. The commence* 
 ment of our intercourse gave us an idea of his lovely cha- 
 racter, which was strengthened on every succeeding inter- 
 view. We felt his friendship to be among the privileges 
 connected with our abode here. His sound judgment, 
 deep spirituality, simplicity and singleness of mind ; the 
 union of decision and gentleness ; his extreme openness, 
 and affectionate confidence ; joined with so much cultiva- 
 tion and refinement, formed him to be loved beyond almost 
 any one we have known. We felt him to be not only a 
 delightful companion, but a most valuable friend ; and 
 fondly hoped that he was given to us, as such, for life ; — 
 or rather, we should have hoped this, but for the latent 
 apprehension of consumption. He did not look as though 
 destined to be long here ; and that ethereal expression, 
 which beamed in his countenance, spoke more of heaven 
 than of earth. We feared that zeal in his Master's work 
 would shorten the term of labour ; and tried, once espe- 
 cially, to persuade him of the duty of being careful of his 
 health ; but there was a heavenlv-mindedness in his wav 
 of receiving the suggestion, w 7 hich overpowered and si- 
 lenced by its influence, although it could not alter our con- 
 victions. You well know how entirely he had given him- 
 self to God for missionary work, especially in connection 
 with New Zealand, if his providence should open the door; 
 ' but, while my dear wife feels about it as she does at pre- 
 sent, the door is not open,' was his remark. I think, 
 his friends would all have agreed with you, that the 
 
REV. HENRY VAUQHAN. 105 
 
 character of his fine mind marked his post of labour 
 be intended elsewhere. But there was such a beauty, in 
 the manner in which he spoke of his feelings on the sub- 
 ject, shewing that his will was given to God in the whole 
 matter. 
 
 "His visits were peculiarly delightful to us, from the 
 enjoyment it had afforded him, to find unexpectedly so 
 manv excellent clergymen here. The name of dear Mr. 
 Biddulph had been familiar to him ; but except Mr. Her- 
 man's, he knew of no other ; and told us he had associated 
 Bristol with little, except the riots, and the bustle of the 
 Bush Inn as he used to pass through in travelling. His 
 first visit for missionary purposes, opened to him here 
 almost a new world ; and his heart seemed filled with the 
 joy of Christian communion, among our many faithful 
 ministers. 
 
 "We were much struck with the warmth and tender- 
 ness of his Christian sympathy with those, even personally 
 unknown, but fellow-members of the same spiritual body. 
 Their sickness, cares, afflictions, became his own ; and bis 
 heart was poured forth in prayer for them continually, with 
 all the fulness of interest of one who felt himself a brother 
 in Christ. Several cases occurred during his visits to us, 
 to which I allude. His mind seemed engaged very closely 
 with the work of God, wherever he might be. One morn- 
 ing, I remember, while expounding at family prayer, his 
 turning to us with the remark, that he had been led 
 to choose that particular passage, from having observed 
 that most of the clergymen he had seen here, were ad- 
 vancing in life ; and that he thought it should be a sub- 
 ject of special prayer among Christians here, that God 
 
 F 5 
 
106 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 would raise up, and prepare others, to supply the room 
 of those whom, in his providence, he might remove from 
 among- us. 
 
 " In speaking* of our visit to Weston, I am led to hope 
 that you may have some notices of his upon the subject of 
 baptism. We had attended a clerical meeting there, when 
 that had been the topic of discussion ; and it seemed to 
 me that I had never heard any one take so strong a view, 
 so consistent with the whole baptismal service, giving its 
 full effect, without being hampered at some point, or ex- 
 ceeding the bounds of scripturally evangelical truth. I 
 have often wished to recover his sentiments on that subject. 
 
 " His principles as a very decided and thorough church- 
 man, bring me to the point whence I set out (for he could 
 well connect the two), viz. that our intercourse commenced 
 with his preaching for the Moravian missionaries, for which, 
 you know, how affectionately he was interested. He ap- 
 preciated the character of that church, and has endeared 
 himself much by evidences of genuine Christian union with 
 its members. The meeting he attended here for the Lon- 
 don Association in aid of those missions, at the house of 
 a friend, was rendered particularly pleasing by his method 
 of eliciting, in conversation, much detailed information, 
 which was very satisfactory to persons present, who were 
 unacquainted with them. 
 
 " If you can be tired, my dear friend, when he is the 
 subject, you must be so, long ere this ; for what is worth 
 saying, you know far better ; and it will seem only diluting 
 beauties on which your mind is often dwelling. I trust 
 
 * Some portions of this letter have been reserved, for intro- 
 duction in other parts of the Memoir. 
 
REV. HENRY VAUOHAN. 107 
 
 you are enabled to recur to them with thankfulness to God, 
 and to add, respecting the whole, though it be still with 
 tears, ' Blessed be the name of the Lord.' May your pil- 
 grim steps be taken, daily leaning on the arm of a better 
 ' Beloved.' I have written amidst many interruptions, on 
 the return of our missionary week, of which we used to 
 speak to him, and at which he desired to join us, if it might 
 have been. Our last interview was at the Carshalton mis- 
 sionary meeting, at which he kindly assisted, in compliance 
 with our request, though under much inconvenience. You 
 were soon to leave Chelsea, and we looked forward to a 
 renewal of happy intercourse from and at Crickhowel. 
 But it is more exalted intercourse, to which we must now 
 look. It is but a little while, and such partings, with all 
 that has caused them, will be done with for ever." 
 
 Another friend also writes : — 
 
 " It was my happy privilege to accompany dear Henry 
 on one of his missionary circuits — I think the first — when 
 I could not but feel a sympathising joy, in observing 
 how much his spirit was refreshed and delighted on coming 
 forth, for a short season, from the retirement of his own 
 parish, to commune with those Christian brethren, into 
 whose society he was brought by the office he had then 
 undertaken. Nor did it form a small part of my enjoy- 
 ment on the tour, to see what interest he excited wherever 
 he appeared, and how many marks of brotherly affection 
 and esteem he received at the hands of those who were in 
 the ministry. It is, perhaps, almost too trifling a circum- 
 stance to mention, but I often call it to mind with much 
 pleasure, as one among many other acts of kindness ren- 
 
108 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 dered in the same spirit, and accepted as thev were offered 
 — in the simplicity of a believer's love. On the first Sun- 
 day, he was to preach three times — twice in the town where 
 Ave had met the preceding day, and also at the interven- 
 ing afternoon-service in a parish distant a few miles. Soon 
 after the close of his morning duty, the minister of the 
 church where he was expected in the afternoon, rode up 
 to us, having determined that his own horse should return 
 with Henry to the village, and bring him back again to 
 his evening appointment. Thus he was soon mounted ; 
 attended on foot by this considerate minister, on one side ; 
 and by myself, on the other, as his attached armour-bearer, 
 having charge of the weighty Bible which he was accus- 
 tomed to use in the pulpit. I am unable to convey an 
 idea of the impression made by the cordial manner, in 
 which this timely attention was bestowed, or by the fel- 
 lowship that was realised as we passed along that lovely 
 country, in animated conversation, cheered by a smiling- 
 genial atmosphere ; but I think we felt the force of that 
 similitude — ' like the precious ointment on the head of 
 Aaron.' 
 
 "Although he could not forget, that he was journeying 
 in the cause of those who had gone forth, not counting 
 their lives dear unto them ; neither could he neglect any 
 opportunity of ministering to individuals, or in social 
 and domestic circles, on his way. Many were the methods 
 and occasions in which he bare witness to the grace of the 
 Lord Jesus, privately ; and scarcely any conversation or in- 
 terview terminated without fervent prayer. Wherever he 
 went, I am sure it might be acknowledged, that the name 
 of Jesus on his lip, was as ointment poured forth. I re- 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 109 
 
 member, particularly, the tenderness and delicacy with 
 which he endeavoured to improve the days of mourning 
 in the house of a widowed lady, where he was hospitably 
 accommodated. When requested to lead the morning 
 worship of the family, he selected as the subject of medi- 
 tation, the visit of the sorrowing- women and disciples to 
 the sepulchre of the Saviour ; and spoke of looking into 
 the tomb of one who had recently been taken from us, 
 with a gracefulness of sentiment and expression, that evi- 
 dently inflicted no feeling of distress upon the bereaved 
 family around him, but imparted the consolation he de- 
 signed. I thought at the time, how few would have ven- 
 tured, at that moment, even to glance on a subject, on 
 which he could so acceptably enlarge. 
 
 " In addressing different congregations, upon the main 
 object of his tour, he appeared to exercise much judg- 
 ment and discrimination. For instance ; at one church, 
 where the pulpit was unexpectedly granted, and where he 
 had reason to believe that the truth as it is in Jesus, was 
 not clearly or fully declared, he preached to the people 
 from the first verse of the 61st chapter of Isaiah, setting 
 forth the great leading doctrines of the everlasting Gospel, 
 with as it seemed to my fond ear, a persuasive beauty of 
 feeling and eloquence that could not be resisted. While, 
 in speaking to those who were esteemed as advanced 
 Christians, and known to be bringing forth the peaceable 
 fruits of righteousness; he entered, without restraint, into 
 the breadth and depth of the revealed mysteries of the 
 kingdom of heaven. I remember, upon my referring, in 
 conversation, to some points in one of his sermons, his 
 observation was, ' How merciful, that my God did not 
 
110 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 send me down from the pulpit, like a fool, without a word 
 to say.' On one occasion, I perceived, at the commence- 
 ment of his sermon, a momentary flush — not of perplexity, 
 for that he could not feel in a Christian assembly — but of 
 sensibility. Accustomed to instruct a flock whose faces 
 were all familiar to him, and with whose spiritual and tem- 
 poral condition he was well acquainted ; he now found 
 himself in the midst of a people who were personally un- 
 known to him, and who, till very lately, had been con- 
 stantly hanging upon the lips of a much-loved pastor, 
 whose place he was occupying. Not altogether free from 
 emotion, he alluded, in a few words, to his position among 
 them as a stranger ; and then with much sweetness of 
 tone and countenance, addressed to them the apostolic 
 salutation, ' Grace be to you, and peace, from God our 
 Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ ;' adding imme- 
 diately, ' Now I shall not feel as a stranger.' In the suc- 
 ceeding discourse, he spoke with all the liberty and con- 
 fidence of one who was persuaded that they who listened 
 to him were ' saints and faithful brethren in Christ Jesus.' 
 This was an annual sermon for the missions of the Mora- 
 vian church ; and the collection that followed, nearlv 
 trebled the usual amount. Many of the congregation 
 pressed round him at the conclusion of the service, to hail 
 his introduction to them ; and his visit at that place led 
 subsequently to many earnest invitations, not only to re- 
 new his advocacy of that particular object, but also to take 
 a part in pleading for other works of Christian benevo- 
 lence, which were zealously promoted there." 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. Ill 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 RECEPTION OF PUPILS FOR CLASSICAL INSTRUCTION. 
 
 A.D. 1833. 
 
 The income derived from the Vicarage of Crickhowel 
 rarely exceeded £70, or £80, per annum. Consequently, 
 some pecuniary disadvantage attended his acceptance of 
 the appointment, with that scanty revenue ; in lieu of the 
 stipend, which, by the liberality of his immediate prede- 
 cessor, had been attached to the curacy. The remedy for 
 a defective provision, to which the clergy are compelled so 
 often to have recourse, at the lamentable expense of health, 
 and time, and much anxiety, was reluctantly adopted by 
 Henry Vaughan ; and a limited number of pupils were 
 received under his roof, for classical tuition. It then be- 
 came a duty, admitting of no delay, and requiring much 
 serious and prayerful consideration, to supply, as far as 
 possible, the loss to which his people would be exposed, 
 by this additional claim upon his interest and energy. And 
 he could not but regard it, as a token of favour and good- 
 
1 12 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 ness from the hand of that God and Saviour whom he de- 
 lighted to serve and to honour, that his friend, the Rev. 
 E. Blencowe, was enabled to unite with him in the stated 
 work of pastoral ministry. Thus, while unavoidably re- 
 signing some portion of those labours, to which he would 
 gladlv have devoted all the powers and acquirements he 
 possessed ; there was a consolation that may easily be con- 
 ceived, in presenting to his flock one, of whom he could 
 most cordially say, " Receive him as myself." But, in ad- 
 verting to this happy season of a friendship, originating in 
 college days, and now matured in the privileges of minis- 
 terial co-operation ; it ought not to be forgotten, that this 
 most effectual aid was rendered with a free, disinterested, 
 love, that would accept no other recompense than the joy 
 of serving in the gospel, and becoming, at the same time, 
 the fellow-helper and the guest of an esteemed, endeared, 
 brother. 
 
 Whatever regret may be felt in contemplating the ar- 
 dent spirit of Henry Vaughan restricted to the daily tedium 
 of literary instruction, it must be gratifying to bear in 
 mind, that his office, as a witness for the truth of God, 
 would be combined with that of a gifted and affectionate 
 preceptor. He was, indeed, debarred from some of those 
 active efforts of the pastor's life, for which his soul con- 
 tinued to thirst ; but the testimony of Jesus could not be 
 separated from any duty or employment in which he was 
 engaged ; and it therefore now assumed, in part, a different 
 form, maintained and carried on in a new channel. So 
 sweet an example of joy and peace in believing, would 
 have a powerful tendency to dispel that gloomy impression , 
 too often connected in the vouthful mind with the idea of 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 1 13 
 
 religion ; it would be seen that the confession of the name 
 of Jesus, might consist with the talents and accomplish- 
 ments of the scholar ; and the value of human learning, 
 and of intellectual exercise, would be kept in just subordi- 
 nation to the authority and dignity of the Sacred Oracles. 
 
 But it was not to the youths alone, placed under his 
 care, that his thoughts, and affections, and sympathies, 
 were directed. The relation in which he stood to them, 
 opened the way for much spiritual and profitable commu- 
 nication with their parents and connections. A few let- 
 ters, referring to his engagement as an instructor, will 
 shew something of the spirit with which he performed that 
 duty, and the numerous offices of Christian consideration 
 and regard to which it led. 
 
 The mother of one beloved pupil writes : — 
 " I lament to say that my return here, prevents my get- 
 ting access to any thing I might be able to copy for you, 
 from dear Mr. Vaughan's letters. Most heartily should I 
 rejoice, could I contribute any thing that might be suitable 
 for the interesting little work you refer to. But I do not 
 think I possess more than a few lines, beyond what related 
 to general subjects of education, or of a personal and pri- 
 vate character. From the moment I heard of him through 
 my cousins, I set my heart upon my dear John's enjoying 
 the great blessing of such a tutor. I believe my friends, 
 Mr. S . . . and Mr. R . . . , undertook to ascertain the 
 practicability of the object I had so much at heart, by 
 writing to your dear husband ; and I received the bless- 
 ing of the fulfilment of my desires, as a distinguished 
 honour and privilege from our gracious heavenly Father, 
 
] 14 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 for which I felt most thankful. My spirits were much de- 
 pressed when I took my dear boy to Crickhowel, stranger 
 as I was to you all, and at a distance from all my friends. 
 But the first interview at the parsonage filled my heart 
 with confidence and comfort ; so much did his lovely spirit 
 and tender Christian kindness breathe in all he said, and 
 in his whole manner. I can never forget the impression 
 it made upon me. The sweetness of heavenly consolation 
 was impressed with such a holy realising power, tone of 
 voice, and elevation of soul beaming in his bright pale 
 countenance, that I felt as if he were a being of another 
 world. And then, you know, it was his habit to close 
 ever} 7 thing with prayer in his little study, when his soul 
 seemed to be at home, at its true rest and centre of love 
 and bliss. They were bright and hallowed days ; for he 
 condescended peculiarly to meet every little circumstance 
 and person in the spirit of love and sympathy; and his 
 heavenly spirit was ever delighting to cheer and elevate 
 all around him, and impart its own impulse and sacred 
 character. And all the while, he was so bright and intel- 
 lectual, and full of taste and harmonv : and vet he was full 
 of sport and play, when with the dear children, making 
 himself completely one of them. It was a very rare com- 
 bination of heavenly grace and intellectual endowment and 
 cultivation, with every thing lovely and beloved, that shone 
 in our delightful friend. But to my heart he spoke of 
 heaven, as a soul already on the wing for its glorious rest, 
 that could not stay with us long, and would fain draw us 
 upward with haste after him. When I think of Mont- 
 gomery's beautiful hymn, ' For ever with the Lord,' I feel 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 11.") 
 
 his beloved memory identified with it. How much he en- 
 joyed the Brethren's hymns ! " 
 
 And again : — 
 
 "You know what a tender sympathy he felt, and how 
 precious his thoughts and feelings were to the sorrowful 
 heart ; and I was in such deep grief when I took my dear 
 boy to him first, and found his spirit such a source of com- 
 fort and elevation to my soul, always, in every thought 
 and in every letter, exciting to praise and hope, as well as 
 to prayer. And then afterwards, when my precious 
 M . . . was brought low, and my heart again passed 
 through such depths of conflict and depression, your dear 
 husband seemed to identify himself with us in all our ex- 
 perience, and poured forth such a balm of consolation as 
 only those can know w r ho are filled with the sweetness of 
 Jesus. Ah ! there they are, now and for ever, my beloved 
 friend. Think only of their present blessedness, and let 
 us rejoice for them, and praise our God, though in sorrow 
 and heaviness. I hope you find the thought of this, a 
 most precious help to rise by faith to your Saviour, and to 
 lay aside weights, and the sin that so easily besets us." 
 
 With the mother of one of his pupils, he thus condoles 
 on the death of her husband : — 
 
 " I have made known to dear J . . . the melancholy 
 intelligence contained in your letter. He feels it deeply ; 
 but this I cannot regret. 'Jesus wept.' A gracious heart 
 is tender and full of feeling. Religion does not blunt, but 
 quicken, every sensibility of the soul. May his sorrow be 
 a gracious one — humbling and sanctifying. It shall be mv 
 
11 6 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 object, in dependence on the Divine blessing, to give it 
 that character. Thus shall I be most effectually consoling 
 you, and bearing a part in my fellow- Christian's sufferings. 
 Great, indeed, have been yours ; but all those, be it re- 
 membered, who stand before the throne of God clothed in 
 robes washed white in the blood of the Lamb, have come 
 out of much tribulation. We are now to suffer with him, 
 that we may be glorified together. Yet, what are all our 
 sufferings ? A light affliction which is but for a moment, 
 compared with the eternal and exceeding weight of glory 
 which is so soon to follow. Truly, we may with the apos- 
 tle reckon that they are not worthy to be compared. Be- 
 lieve with an implicit faith in God. Do not suffer your 
 mind to wander into questions that you can never solve. 
 Sometimes, God permits us to see the reason of his deal- 
 ings ; at others, he plants his footsteps in the deep, and 
 forbids us too anxiously to trace his mysterious ways. 
 Keep your soul as a weaned child, and do not exercise 
 yourself in matters too high for you. Let it be your 
 main endeavour to derive practical improvement from the 
 dispensation. Those who go to God for guidance, He 
 will never leave ignorant of their duty. To the word of 
 God, then, my dear fellow-Christian, — to the throne of 
 grace, — to Jesus Christ, — to the heavenly Father, — to the 
 Holy Spirit, — fly in this time of need, and ask, ' What 
 wouldst thou have me to do ? ' The answer will be, ' This 
 is the will of God, even vour sanctification.' — Sanctification 
 now ; and hereafter glory. Be content with this. Live 
 by faith a little while longer. You will see face to face, 
 and know even as you are known. Be patient, and hope, 
 even to the end. In every thing by prayer and supplica- 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 117 
 
 tion, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known 
 unto God ; and the God of peace shall keep your heart and 
 mind through Jesus Christ. I shall account it a privilege, 
 to sorrow with and pray for you. God bless you with his 
 grace, mercy, and peace, now and ever." 
 
 On a pupil returning home for the vacation, he conveys 
 to the mother this word in season : — 
 
 " I send dear J . . . home in good health, and I trust 
 improved in the most essential points. He has behaved 
 exceedingly well, and is in all respects with us as a son. 
 Indeed, all my pupils give me their affection and entire con- 
 fidence, which is the best gift they can confer. I think you 
 should act on the principle of parental authority. Al- 
 though it is right, at times, to explain to children the 
 grounds of our conduct, it is not at all times. They should be 
 taught to obey, on a principle of implicit obedience. They 
 will hereafter frequently be called upon to obey God, with- 
 out perceiving the immediate reasons of his commands. 
 It is good therefore to train them to this in their youth, 
 by requiring, at proper times, a similar obedience towards 
 ourselves. True love is made up of respect and affec- 
 tion. It will not do to build on affection alone. Autho- 
 rity, sanctioned by, indeed founded upon, God's word, 
 must do its part ; 'it is but the graver countenance of 
 love.' With you, I should wish him to read the book of 
 Genesis, and if possible the first twelve chapters of Exodus. 
 From thence to the end of Joshua, I have read with my 
 pupils this half-year." 
 
118 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 To a parent, in affliction, he addresses himself : — 
 " I am truly happy that you have been enabled by Divine 
 grace, to surrender your dear boy into the heavenly 
 Father's hands, and to submit your will to his. This re- 
 signation will assuredly be blessed. It often, I believe it 
 usuallv, happens that God removes the rod when we are 
 ready to receive it without complaint. True wisdom is a 
 simple thing. Let us look on these things as Christ him- 
 self did, ' I thank thee, heavenly Father, that thou hast 
 hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast re- 
 vealed them unto babes.' Willingly, most willingly, if it 
 were my duty, would I become a person of one book, and 
 with babes and sucklings study nothing but that Word, 
 which alone is able to make us wise unto salvation. How 
 apt is other knowledge to distract and mislead. Be con- 
 tent if your boy promises to be a good boy. Wrestle 
 with God unceasingly for his soul, and as to all the rest, 
 say — ' Thy will, not mine, be done.' " 
 
 Also, on another occasion : — 
 
 " We shall endeavour not to forget you in your pecu- 
 liarly trying situation. Your safety and strength will be, 
 closest comm anion with God, and prayer. You will have 
 need, indeed, of that wisdom that cometh down from 
 above, to shape your course aright. Remember, dear 
 friend, how narrow a way the Gospel is. Remember, how 
 universally, without respect of persons, its unworldly prin- 
 ciples apply. Remember, how despised a thing it is in the 
 wisdom of the world, how contrary to the pursuits and 
 pleasures of this world. Tf you cannot do good, with- 
 draw ; by no means countenance by example what vour 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. \\<J 
 
 conscience and judgment disapprove in principle. ' If anv 
 man love father, or mother, brother or sister, more than 
 me, he is not worthy of me.' " 
 
 How far he was, from regarding this burdensome duty 
 as an unwelcome task, when once he had entered upon it, 
 may be discovered in a few lines extracted from a letter on 
 missionary affairs : — 
 
 " In my reply to your relation and friend Mrs. . . . 
 I recommended her to send her son to S . . . , for rea- 
 sons which I need not repeat, as I dare say she will com- 
 municate them to you. I will only now add, that it cost 
 me a good deal to act according to the convictions of my 
 judgment and conscience ; for I entered much into the 
 maternal feelings which had prompted the desire to place 
 him under my instruction. What a world this is ! How 
 stern often appears the path of duty ! How impossible 
 it is, to give unrestrained vent to the affections of the 
 heart ! If it were possible, I felt at the moment, that I 
 would willingly have taken under my roof all the widow's 
 children, yet was obliged to refuse one. But if we can 
 sometimes feel thus, what must the feeling of our heavenly 
 Father be, whose hand is not shortened that it cannot save. 
 To Him, may not the widow safely commit her children ? 
 Will not He abundantly provide for them, and bless them ? 
 Oh, yes ! What a grain of mustard- seed is our faith ! I 
 comforted myself, at the time, with the persuasion that I 
 should pray for her, and him whom I could not receive. 
 How easy is it to promise prayer, but 
 
 ' What various hindrances we meet, 
 In coming to a mercy seat.' 
 
120 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 " I look forward with much pleasure to my relation as 
 a tutor to the son of a Christian indeed. Our delight 
 should be "in the saints that are in the earth." Certainly, 
 if faith and prayer do not sanctify every relation, there is 
 neither usefulness nor comfort." 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGMAN. 121 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 REMOVAL FROM CRICKHOWEL TO CHELSEA. 
 A.D. 1836. 
 
 No one who had been admitted to the privileges of his 
 home, during the few years of his engagement with pupils, 
 could suppress a desire for his liberation from a charge, 
 which was evidently reducing the small portion of health 
 and strength he had possessed, and wearying to a soul that 
 longed for more constant, uninterrupted, ministration in the 
 midst of his flock. It is true, that he could not have his 
 youthful circle formed around him, without feeling an affec- 
 tionate anxiety for them, infusing life and interest into his 
 daily toil ; but, at the same time, he could not resist the 
 conviction, that this was trespassing unduly upon the proper 
 exercise of his holy vocation. And, when, under the 
 pressure of fatigue in mind and body, he would have wel- 
 comed a repose and relaxation in the bosom of his family, 
 which he was peculiarly fitted to appreciate and enjoy, the 
 cares of the church put in a claim to continued exertion 
 that could not be refused. Still, his removal from the 
 
 G 
 
122 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 " peaceful, solitary, nook," so longed for in early days, 
 and seemingly marked out, in many respects, by an all- 
 wise providence, as his appointed sphere, could not be 
 suggested by any friend, solicitous for his comfort, as well 
 as for his usefulness, without exciting deep concern and 
 distress in his mind. 
 
 Temporal advantage, among all its coveted and alluring 
 forms, had none that could offer any attraction in his 
 eyes. It may be said, without hesitation, that he could 
 not entertain a desire or a thought for any worldly goods, 
 excepting as the means of honourably enjoying a most 
 simple mode of life. Neither house, nor land, nor any 
 other earthly possession, could present a charm to be com- 
 pared with the humble cottage and garden which he 
 occupied. There, he was surrounded by the people, for 
 whom he was persuaded, the Lord had called him to watch ; 
 there, was the scene of his domestic joys and endearments ; 
 there, he could meditate, and pray, and praise, and form 
 plan after plan for the present and eternal welfare of 
 those who were committed to his pastoral oversight ; 
 there, his eve was enchanted, and his toil-worn frame occa- 
 sionally refreshed, in gazing upon the stately mountain and 
 the happy vale, clothed with the bounties of his Father's 
 hand. An earthly patrimony could rouse no feelings of 
 anticipation, while those free gifts of a heavenly Parent 
 were spread around him. 
 
 Though, were his sight conveyed from zone to zone, 
 He should not find one spot of ground his own, 
 Yet, as he looks around, he cries with glee : 
 These bounding prospects all were made for me ; 
 For me, yon waving fields their burthen bear. 
 For me, yon labourer guides the shining share." 
 
 (i 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 123 
 
 So deeply was he troubled at the idea of leaving a peo- 
 ple, among whom he had laboured nearly from his very 
 first entrance upon the ministry, that he would gladly have 
 relinquished the charge of pupils, and attempted to live 
 upon the trifling pittance yielded by the vicarage. But 
 the probability, or rather the certainty, that perplexing 
 difficulties must have ensued, was too obvious to himself 
 and the partner of his bosom, to allow of such a step. 
 While resting confidently on the providential goodness 
 of their God, they were fearful of tempting him by pre- 
 cipitancy ; and could not justify themselves in neglecting 
 any provision which, through the disposal of events, ap- 
 peared to be offered them at his hand. To refuse one 
 opening or opportunity, because it was not altogether such 
 as they might think good for themselves, or for others in 
 connection with them ; and then to be expecting the dis- 
 covery of some more eligible path ; would have been, in 
 their apprehension, vainly and presumptuously to cast 
 themselves down, that it might be seen how God would 
 lift them up. And it was under the influence of these 
 considerations, that they were induced to concur in an 
 arrangement which required their removal from Crick- 
 howel. 
 
 The conflict experienced, when the choice of another 
 station was presented, is perceptible, in some degree, from 
 Henry Vaughan's letters at that time. To the friend who 
 first intimated the probability that Park Chapel, Chelsea, 
 might be open to his acceptance, he wrote — 
 
 G 2 
 
124 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 " Crickhowel, 11th February, 1836. 
 " Mv dear Friend, 
 
 " The contents of your letter gave rise, as you may 
 suppose, to great searchings of heart. I cannot yet bring 
 myself to think that the offer will be made me ; if it 
 should, I can only say, at present, that I shall seek coun- 
 sel of that God who has led me hitherto ; and decide, I 
 hope, according to his most blessed will. Of course, the 
 few next posts will be looked to with no ordinary interest, 
 as likely to bring some more certain tidings. 
 
 " You will be glad to hear that the Divine blessing is 
 much more manifestly prospering us here. This, of course, 
 would increase the difficulty and responsibility of leaving. 
 But I am not yet prepared to judge. As I said before, 
 when it comes decidedly before me, I shall give the sub- 
 ject a full, patient, and prayerful, consideration. Mean- 
 time, my dear friend, how can I sufficiently thank you for 
 vour kind and unwearied interest in the welfare of those, 
 in whom you have seen nothing but sins and imperfec- 
 tions. Believe me, though a bad letter- writer, I have not 
 a bad memory in which to retain the remembrance of that 
 affection, which consciousness of ill desert makes more 
 free and more precious. Kind Christian love to T . . . 
 and L . . . Dearest B . . . and the children are well. 
 We sigh for a sight of you. May we all sigh more and 
 more for the sight of Him whose coming shall gather, no 
 more to be separated, all that love Him, and look for his 
 appearing. God bless you with all the blessings of Jesus 
 Christ and his Spirit. 
 
 " Yours most affectionately in the bonds of Christ. 
 
 " H. V. 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 125 
 
 " We have, during the past year, passed through dark 
 waters, and more than ever experienced the loving kind- 
 ness of the Lord. He is faithful. We know it. All 
 praise be unto Him for ever." 
 
 Two of his most faithful and beloved parishioners 
 were addressed as follows, while he was in treaty for that 
 chapel : — 
 
 " Crickhowel, 17th February, 183C. 
 " My dear Mr. S . . . , 
 
 " I can most truly say, that it is with the deepest pain 
 I inform you that there is a probability of my being re- 
 moved from Crickhowel. Without any solicitation on my 
 part ; indeed without my knowledge of any of the cir- 
 cumstances which led to it, the offer of Park Chapel, 
 Chelsea, has been made to me. The income of this chapel 
 will set me free from the painful necessity of taking pupils. 
 Few know how painful this necessity has ever been to me ; 
 and yet, believe me, I now feel that any thing would be 
 less painful, than leaving my dear charge here. I am 
 anxious, in a matter of such deep responsibility, to secure 
 an interest in the prayers of all those who are interested, 
 — as by many proofs I know that you and dear Mrs. 
 S . . . are, — in ourselves, and still more in the welfare 
 of immortal souls. As yet, I have decided nothing. God 
 will, I trust, of his infinite mercy, guide my decision 
 aright. With kindest regards to yourself and Mrs. 
 S . . . , and w T ith a lively sense of all your kindness, 
 
 " I am, my dear Mr. S . . . , 
 " Yours ever most faithfully and affectionately, 
 
 "H. V." 
 
 G 3 
 
126 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 " Crickhowel, 24th February, 1836. 
 " My dear Friend, 
 " Doubtless, the suddenness of my departure for the 
 great metropolis, occasioned some little surprise to those 
 who are kind enough to take an interest in my affairs. I 
 hardly know how to tell you and your dear family, the 
 business on which I went. Without the slightest appli- 
 cation on my part, and wholly without my knowledge, the 
 offer of Park Chapel, Chelsea, has been made me. The 
 income is not large, but it would relieve me from the 
 necessity of taking pupils, and leave my soul, spirit, and 
 body, at liberty for that work to which I have solemnly 
 devoted myself. My heart is overwhelmed within me. I 
 can at present hardly endure the thought of leaving dear 
 Crickhowel and my precious flock. Indeed, I refused to 
 give any decided answer while in town, that I might 
 solemnly and deliberately weigh the awful responsibilities 
 attaching to a question of such moment. I cannot write 
 more on this subject. Never was I so tried as now. May 
 God give me a right judgment in all things. We entreat 
 a place, my dear friends, I may truly say dearest friends, 
 in your most fervent prayers. God be with us all. 
 
 " Yours most faithfully and affectionately, 
 
 "H. V." 
 
 The change, when decided upon, was communicated, 
 without delav, to the friend with whom he had first corre- 
 sponded on the subject : — 
 
 " Crickhowel, 26th February, 1836. 
 " Dearest Friends, 
 " This day's post takes a letter to Mr. Harding contain- 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 127 
 
 ing my acceptance of Park Chapel. We see our way 
 clearly ; so do all the friends whose judgment we value 
 here. I shall, during the first year, keep my dear pupil 
 J . . . , as his mother would have sorrow upon sorrow if 
 
 I did not 
 
 "You will be anxious to know how we feel about this 
 change. I answer : — determined to follow, with good 
 heart, him who hath called us ; deeply afflicted, more and 
 more afflicted, at the thought of leaving all that is dear 
 here. Pray for us, dear friends ! I do not forget, in all 
 these plans, that we know not what a day may bring forth. 
 Kindest love from all to all. 
 
 " Yours most affectionately in the Lord. 
 
 "H. V." 
 
 Also to his missionary correspondent at Clifton : — 
 
 " Crickhowel, March, 1836. 
 
 " My dear Christian Friend, 
 " Many, many apologies, for having neglected to write 
 and tell you that I shall not be able to avail myself of your 
 kind hospitality, at your approaching anniversary. My 
 own people have a right to claim every moment of my 
 short time with them. Added to which, I have upon my 
 mind all the business and cares of our speedily approaching 
 removal. I have no doubt, the unexpectedness and sud- 
 denness of these plans have amazed you, as much as our- 
 selves. Let me tell vou all about it. You know how con- 
 tented I was at Crickhowel ; how little I thought of change ; 
 how full I was of plans which all took for granted that I 
 was to remain there. Never did I breathe to any of my 
 
128 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 friends, a hint that I wished for any thing but just what I 
 had. However, they and, I am led to think, a kind Pro- 
 vidence had been at work 
 
 " Soon after Easter we must depart from hence. We 
 are full of heaviness. We wish to be so. A sad necessity 
 takes us hence. Our people's hearts are full of sorrow ; 
 so are ours. But if they were worse, we know who can 
 cure them. The will of our God be done, then. He will 
 support and carry us through. He is sufficient for us. 
 
 " Farewell, my dear friends ; pray for us. Before us — 
 what a field, what a wilderness, what a crown ! Within 
 us — what weakness ! Above us — what a God and Saviour, 
 who rideth upon the heavens in our help ! The Lord be 
 with you. I grieve that I shall not now see your face, and 
 that of other dear friends. Once more, the Lord of peace 
 be with you both. 
 
 " I am, with kindest love from my dear wife, 
 
 " Yours most affectionately in the bonds of Christ, 
 
 "H. V." 
 
 And to a relative, his removal was thus noticed : — 
 " Most heartily do I thank you and dear J . . . , for 
 vour warm congratulations on what you are pleased to call 
 my promotion. Oh, that it may prove such ! That is 
 true preferment, which advances us in the favour of God, 
 and in meetness for his presence. If this should be blest 
 to such ends, we shall have reason to rejoice, indeed. At 
 present, my heart is much overwhelmed within me. The 
 change is sudden and great, A thousand tender ties are 
 broken by it. But I sought it not. It is the Lord ; let 
 him do as seemeth Him good." 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. I '2 ( J 
 
 At the request of several friends and parishioners, and 
 with the sanction of his diocesan, he retained the Vicarage 
 together with Park Chapel. This arrangement was formed 
 with mutual satisfaction, as rendering his return to his peo- 
 ple at any time practicable, and securing to them, through 
 their vicar, some influence in the appointment of his sub- 
 stitute. And deeply as they lamented the prospect of se- 
 paration, they could not, when he had finally determined 
 upon a removal, withhold any co-operation that might 
 give facility to his plan. A subscription was accordingly 
 set on foot, which, added to the produce of the vicarage, 
 would make the salary of the curate* £100 per annum. 
 His letter, acknowledging this mark of considerate affec- 
 tion, has been preserved : — 
 
 " It is indeed, my dear Mr. S . . . , highly gratifying 
 to my feelings to know that my wishes have been met, as 
 you assure me they have. Such proofs of regard cannot 
 fail to deepen and perpetuate the interest I have ever taken 
 in my beloved flock. May I be made more deserving of 
 their esteem. And may their liberality return from the 
 Father of mercies, in ministerial blessings, — at present, 
 through that pastor who is to succeed me, — and, if such 
 be the will of God, at some future time, through him who 
 deeply mourns the necessity which removes him from 
 among them. In great haste, 
 
 " Yours most truly and affectionately, 
 
 "H. V." 
 "April 1836." 
 
 * It should be observed that the charge of the parish was not 
 left exclusively to the minister who was appointed; — Henry 
 Vaughan's father, who then resided in Crickhowel, having en- 
 
 G s 
 
130 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 Acceptable as such a token of attachment was to his 
 feelings, far more touching were the personal expressions 
 of regret at his departure, which met him on every side 
 and from all classes. In the infant school-room, that en- 
 deared scene of a much-loved work, many of the humbler 
 members of his church were assembled to exchange the 
 parting affectionate farewell. " Those only who knew the 
 tenderness of his spirit, can judge of the trial he then en- 
 dured, amidst the sobs and tears of the little ones, whose 
 grief could not be restrained, and the deeper sorrow of 
 numbers who had pressed in, to share in his last blessing. 
 And when he passed round among them, to take an indi- 
 vidual leave of each, and to give the final word of benedic- 
 tion ; the fervent grasp, the glistening eye, the half-ut- 
 tered prayer, — all spoke an overflowing love that would 
 have urged them to fall upon his neck and weep." 
 
 gaged to render gratuitous assistance in the duties of the cure. 
 Mr. Blencowe had previously removed to another sphere of pas- 
 toral labour. 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 131 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 HIS MINISTRY IN CONNECTION WITH PARK CHAPEL, CHELSEA. 
 
 The station to which he was now transferred, presented to 
 him a populous district, with a congregation abounding in 
 the fruits of a long course of able and energetic minis- 
 try. In their multiplied efforts of Christian love, sus- 
 tained with no ordinary zeal and constancy, the members 
 of that flock looked for an active, judicious, superinten- 
 dence on the part of their spiritual guide. And in his 
 change of place, Henry Vaughan found no abatement of 
 care or labour. But while he entered,, with his accus- 
 tomed devotedness of spirit, into the various duties pre- 
 pared for him, his heart and imagination could not be 
 withdrawn from the vale, in which pastoral, social, and 
 domestic relations and endearments had been springing up 
 and acquiring strength and increase from year to year ; 
 and he still felt, that an important weight of parochial 
 charge and responsibility rested upon him. The tie that 
 bound him to Crickhowel could not be forgotten ; as will 
 
132 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 appear in a letter written to his curate there, soon after 
 his arrival at Chelsea : — 
 
 " Chelsea, 19th April, 1836. 
 
 " My dear Friend, 
 
 " Would that various plans and occupations would allow 
 me time for more than a salutation, and a benediction, and 
 a farewell. But they will not. We are in all the confu- 
 sion of furnishing a house. Oh ! what contrast between 
 these earthly houses, and that heavenly one in which we 
 hope to dwell with our Lord for ever. Still the business 
 must be done, and I am anxious to get rid of it as soon 
 as possible ; and therefore am as assiduous in this work 
 of furnishing, as if tables and chests of drawers, pans and 
 fire-irons, were all my delight. 
 
 " Our gracious God is, I trust, blessing you in your 
 work. Be strong and of good courage, and he will es- 
 tablish thine heart and prosper thy work. Learn, my 
 dear fellow-labourer, to glory in your infirmities. May 
 the power and the glory of Christ rest upon you. Sorry, 
 indeed, was I, to have caught but such a glimpse of your 
 dear and venerable mother, and of your sister. May 
 richest blessings of grace and peace descend upon them, 
 and sanctify their residence at Crickhowel to themselves 
 and others. Happy are you in the possession of such 
 treasures. May their love comfort your heart, and their 
 counsel direct your steps. The Lord be with them, and 
 strengthen and comfort them always, in all things. My 
 dearest wife fervently unites in these wishes and prayers 
 for you all. 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. ] 33 
 
 " I have heard nothing from home. The last Sabbath 
 was a trying day. Let me have the list of your sick. 
 How is poor William J . . . ? Be particular in your 
 accounts of my dear people, over whom my heart yearns. 
 How are J . . . , M . . . , and R . . . ? May God 
 bless them ; may he give them grace, — above all, wisdom 
 and knowledge to seek to know Him who is the true God, 
 and in whom is eternal life. How little did I ever do for 
 them. The Lord supply my deficiencies. May you be 
 abundantly blessed in your ministrations to their souls. 
 Alas, we see too late that the soul should be our aim. 
 Aim at their souls, dear friend. Press upon them the one 
 thing needful. God be with you, and bless you. Open 
 your whole heart to me, as I soon hope to do all mine to 
 you. Once more, God bless you and yours, exceeding 
 abundantly above all that we can ask or think. 
 
 " Tell all enquiring friends, we wish them grace and 
 peace." 
 
 " Your most affectionate friend 
 
 in the bonds of Christian love. 
 
 "H. V." 
 
 About the same time, we find him writing to Crick - 
 howel upon local matters, and transmitting a paper he 
 had prepared for insertion in a monthly publication cir- 
 culated in his parish : — 
 
 " My dear and valued friend, I send you the commen- 
 tary. Give it a place, if you think proper. I would 
 rather you should substitute a better. I was much pleased 
 with vour last number of the ' Advocate.' Our 
 
134 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 little periodical will, I trust, ever be distinguished by its 
 evangelical (in no cant sense) principles. These alone can 
 do the intemperate any good ; and these alone form a 
 solid ground for the abstinence and moderation which the 
 members of temperance societies are pledged to exemplify. 
 I cannot this time, I fear, give you any information. My 
 time, at first entering on this new and wide sphere, is 
 most completely occupied, so that half an hour's leisure 
 is the scarcest thing in the world. I have not been able 
 to attend any of the large meetings w r hich have been going 
 
 on I shall think of you at your next monthly 
 
 meeting. Let me have some account of it. May our 
 blessed Saviour bless all who are associated in works de- 
 signed to promote God's most excellent glory, and the 
 eternal good of our fellow sinners. The Lord be with 
 you, my dear friend, in all things. I much liked the 
 scripture commentary of the last number. God bless the 
 author, to whom I fancy I am not altogether a stranger." 
 
 But that the impulse by which he was governed in the 
 duties of the vicarage, carried him, with undiminished ardour 
 and affection, through all the engagements connected with 
 the ministry at Park Chapel, is attested in the remem- 
 brance of his pastoral and private character, still retained 
 at Chelsea. And in the letters which will now follow, 
 that remembrance is presented in terms so faithful and de- 
 scriptive, as to supersede any other account that might 
 have been attempted of his sojourn there. 
 
 The Rev. R. W. Morice writes thus, from a neighbour- 
 ing district : — 
 
 "In a note lately received, I have been requested to 
 convey to you some recollections of the acquaintance and 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 135 
 
 intercourse, which it was my privilege to enjoy with your 
 now sainted hushand, during the period of his ministerial 
 labours at Chelsea. I have very often looked back with 
 gratitude, and I hope never without advantage to myself, 
 on that short, but to me deeply interesting, period. And 
 though, in communicating the impressions left upon my 
 mind by that devoted servant of the Lord, I am certain I 
 shall neither do justice to his memory, nor to my own 
 feelings, yet I will attempt it. 
 
 " It was impossible for any one to know your late hus- 
 band, without being deeply interested in him ; and al- 
 though it was in the discharge of his duties as a minister 
 of religion that his spiritual zeal and devotedness, tem- 
 pered always with sound judgment, would be most highly 
 esteemed by those who w T ere capable of appreciating it, 
 yet he possessed qualifications of intellect which would 
 always ensure respect, and a kindness and affability of 
 manner which made him universally beloved. But if I go 
 on expressing my opinions, I may seem rather to be giving 
 way to panegyric, instead of detailing my recollections of 
 him. I will therefore revert to some facts in his minis- 
 terial and social life, which will shew the foundation on 
 which those opinions rest. It was but seldom that I 
 could enjoy the privilege of attending his public ministra- 
 tions, but whenever I could do so on Sunday evening, I 
 did. My own weekly lecture on Thursday evening, always 
 prevented my joining in the week-day worship at Park 
 Chapel. His published sermons will testify, much better 
 than I am able to do, the sound views of Scripture Truth, 
 the deep spirituality of thought, the fervent zeal, and the 
 peculiarly interesting and correct style, of his pulpit ad- 
 
136 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 dresses ; much of which may doubtless be attributed to 
 his devotional habits, and especially to his practice of 
 uniting in prayer, iu the vestry, with the minister asso- 
 ciated with him, before commencing Divine service. It 
 was always to me a privilege, to be united with him in the 
 discharge of duty ; and a source of regret, that I could 
 but seldom enjoy it. But there were other occasions, in 
 carrying on the proceedings of some associations estab- 
 lished in the parish, when his zeal and judgment were 
 very conspicuous. In the endeavour to promote a better 
 observance of the Lord's day, I well remember his energy. 
 At the public meeting held in the parish for that purpose, 
 I had made some remarks to urge upon the audience the 
 necessity of individual exertion in their respective spheres ; 
 and perhaps had gone rather too far in dissuading them 
 from reliance upon acts of Parliament ; when my highly- 
 valued friend commenced his address by stating that he 
 ' somewhat' differed from me. I therefore listened most 
 attentively to every word, but finding no difference, in 
 reality, between us, I could not forbear (contrary to cus- 
 tom) addressing a few words by way of explanation, that 
 it might not for a moment be supposed that any material 
 difference existed between us. In carrying forward the 
 intentions of that meeting, it was agreed that my esteemed 
 friend and myself should draw up an address, to be cir- 
 culated through the parish, on the subject. He asked me, 
 when we should meet. I left it to him to decide, both 
 as to time and place. He proposed coming to me at six 
 in the morning ; and accordingly, punctually at six, his 
 animated, energetic, form entered my room, with a coun- 
 tenance glowing with intelligence and heavenly love. I 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 137 
 
 furnished him with the materials for writing ; and felt 
 persuaded, that I should best consult the interests of the 
 cause, and the wishes of the committee, by leaving the 
 composition of the address to him ; and accordingly he 
 finished it, as you will, I doubt not, recognise, from the 
 peculiarly zealous and affectionate spirit which breathes 
 through it. 
 
 " It was not only in public, that his persuasiveness and 
 power were evident. In going round the parish with the 
 rector and myself, to urge upon tradespeople the duty and 
 advantage of abstaining from Sunday trading, I was very 
 much impressed with his patience, judgment, and kindness 
 of manner ; it was such, that although he faithfully de- 
 clared, to all who were guilty of it, the sin of Sabbath 
 desecration, I do not remember one reply of rudeness or 
 incivility ; but in some instances, his affectionate appeal 
 produced tears ; and in every case, his judicious replies 
 silenced the remarks of those who pleaded, on the ground 
 of expediency, the necessity of Sunday trading. 
 
 " But another department of his ministerial duties, in 
 which he was always deeply interested, was the education 
 of children ; and his peculiar gifts were well adapted to 
 this important task. I have often pictured to myself, the 
 interesting meeting of his Sunday school children and 
 teachers ; when he distributed the little books of prayers, 
 which my own children have ever since used and treasured 
 as memorials of him. 
 
 " I might go on with my recollections of his public 
 ministrations ; but I wish to recur to his social and private 
 life, in which the same qualifications of sound judgment, 
 deep spirituality of mind, and affectionate kindness, dis- 
 
138 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 tinguished him from the generality of men. The influence 
 he possessed in our clerical meetings, was to me most gra- 
 tifying, because it was not the influence of station or se- 
 niority, or even the superior intellectual powers which he 
 possessed, but it was that higher and better influence which 
 proceeds from a close and habitual communion with God, 
 and a fervent zeal for the glory of his Redeemer. I well 
 recollect the last time he attended our meeting, on the 
 first Friday evening in the month of December 1836. 
 There had been amongst us a coldness and formality, be- 
 fore his arrival — he did not come till late — but his presence 
 produced a warmth and interest, which gave quite a differ- 
 ent aspect to the meeting. He was very animated on that 
 occasion, and amidst the expressions of regret at his leav- 
 ing us, he maintained a calmness and composure of mind 
 which could only arise, in one so feeling and affectionate, 
 from the recollection that he had sought for heavenly guid- 
 ance, in the step which he was about to take, and that his 
 chief desire was to labour in that part of the Lord's 
 vineyard, where his exertions might seem to be most 
 needed. 
 
 " I may here, perhaps, refer to our social meetings at 
 Miss . . . 's, which I shall ever remember, as among the 
 most delightful as well as, I trust, the most profitable, 
 hours of my life ; arising chiefly from his happy way of 
 infusing into general conversation, a spiritual tendency ; 
 and from his great judgment in communicating most valu- 
 able practical instruction, from the consideration of the 
 truths of Scripture. I must confess I have often desired 
 to possess this power. 
 
 " I consider it among my greatest privileges, to have 
 
REV. IIENItY VAUGHAN. 139 
 
 known your departed husband ; and it will be my constant 
 endeavour, in dependence upon God's help, to acquire daily 
 more of that spirit which he possessed in so eminent a 
 degree. And be assured, my dear Madam, of our earnest 
 prayers for you, that from the comparative desolation of 
 this world, you may be enabled to contemplate with a lively 
 faith, that great and happy multitude, with whom your now 
 sainted husband is united, in ascribing salvation to our 
 God who sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for 
 ever." 
 
 From one who stood forward to welcome him as a friend 
 and a pastor, and, during the short period of their con- 
 nection, to strengthen his hands in every work to which 
 he was called, the following testimony has been received : — 
 
 " Your request, that I would send you a few recollections 
 of your dear husband, and my late valued friend and minis- 
 ter, is too acceptable to my own feelings to be declined. 
 It has awakened emotions which, if suffered for a moment 
 in the multitude of other occupations to find repose, are 
 always revived with spiritual advantage. The image of 
 that beloved friend is often present, and never unaccom- 
 panied by a blessing. His shadow passes, as that of St. 
 Peter is said to have passed by the afflicted ; it sheds a 
 healing balm around. And the contemplation of his 
 Christian graces, always animates to the prayer, that we 
 may ' follow him as he truly followed Christ.' 
 
 " It was a solemn dispensation, which so prematurely 
 (as we speak) deprived the church of his pastoral labours, 
 and his consistent example. But although, from the cir- 
 cumstance of his youth, many might suppose there was 
 
140 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 much sand yet to run in his hour-glass ; yet to those who 
 knew him more, it was evident that he had trained his 
 branches where the sunbeams always rest, and their fruit 
 from very ripeness could not be long ere it fell. If ever 
 a congregation had the privilege of beholding a minister, 
 himself leading in the path of holiness to which he was 
 continually directing their steps,*that privilege was ours. 
 Truly he was a shepherd going before his flock, and we 
 knew and loved his voice, inviting us to pursue his hea- 
 venlv career. 
 
 " The earliest recollection I have of him, is about the 
 year 1832, when he came to Chelsea, and spent a little 
 time with me ; he accompanied me on Sunday to the school 
 and to the chapel ; and at that time, little did either of us 
 suppose that he would one day be called to minister in 
 that very sanctuary. The circumstances which led to his 
 undertaking that charge in 1836, are well remembered by 
 you ; but you may not have known a little incident, in the 
 course of those occurrences, to which I will advert, because 
 it seems to me to illustrate two features in his character — 
 his deference to the opinion of others, however inferior 
 to himself, and his constant endeavour to glorify Christ 
 his Saviour ; and I know that it is in these little incidents, 
 that your affection will find a melancholy pleasure. In an 
 interview which I had with him at the house of our dear 
 friends in Spring Gardens, with a view to an arrangement 
 for his preaching at Park Chapel, on one of the Sundays 
 when occasional assistance was required, he pressed with 
 some earnestness for our sentiments as to what part of Di- 
 vine truth would be most suitable and edifying, as the theme 
 of his discourse ; and when the choice was naturally re- 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 141 
 
 ferred back to himself, he selected that most appropriate 
 of all subjects, on which to address a congregation under 
 his then circumstances, • Christ is all, and in all.' 
 
 " Where so many graces equally shone, it is difficult to 
 select any, and specify them, as the peculiar virtues of his 
 character. It was not in the display of extraordinary 
 acts ; for the routine of a pastor's history is too simple 
 and uniform to admit of such, except in some peculiar 
 spheres ; but it was rather in the ordinary occurrences of 
 daily life, and the numerous little incidents which compose 
 its experience, that his varied worth was developed. Al- 
 ways cheerful, he was yet always spiritually-minded ; and 
 whenever we met Henry Vaughan, his tall elegant figure 
 advanced with an elastic step, and a smiling countenance, 
 and an eye beaming with Christian affection. We seemed 
 to meet at the foot of the mount ; but it was evident that 
 he had been occupying a higher place on it than ourselves. 
 
 " It may truly be said of him, that when his strength 
 permitted him to occupy the desk as well as the pulpit, he 
 brought fully to the view of his congregation, the varied 
 excellence of our scriptural liturgy, by all those modulations 
 of the voice which are so essential to the due impression 
 of its services. And as the language of confession, sup- 
 plication, or thanksgiving, successively presented itself, we 
 were led to feel the holy sadness of contrition, or the fer- 
 vour of spiritual desire, or the joy and gratitude of the 
 redeemed. 
 
 " Never can those who were present, lose the recollec- 
 tion of his last public addresses to his congregation at 
 Park Chapel. With inimitable delicacy of feeling, he 
 avoided all allusion to himself, or the approaching separa- 
 
142 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 tion from his flock. But his choice of subjects sufficiently 
 pointed out the occasion, and the sources of consolation to 
 which he had fled for support under such a trial to his 
 feelings, and to which, as having experienced their power 
 and efficacy himself, with an unfaltering voice he directed 
 his people. Those subjects, as you well know, were, 
 Rev. i. 17 and 18, and Rom. viii. 35, 37 to 39, — the 
 eternal and unchangeable office of the Redeemer, and his 
 inseparable love. 
 
 " The impression of his short, but zealous, labours, will, 
 I am sure, long abide with the people ; and still more the 
 fragrance of his devoted life. He decidedly stirred up a 
 congregation, which had long been enjoying great privi- 
 leges, to more active and self-denying exertions in their 
 Master's cause. He established new institutions, and ex- 
 tended the efficiency of those already in operation. 
 
 " He had pre-eminently the gift, for it is emphatically 
 such, of leading the conversation in our social meetings, 
 so as to make them assume a most edifying character ; 
 and this, in so pleasant and easy a manner, rather by 
 dropping a remark which elicited the thoughts of others, 
 than by dilating on any idea of his own ; till, when other 
 looms had stopped, he wove his own web in brighter 
 colours than all. 
 
 " His powers of mind were of no common order, and 
 he had improved them by careful discipline. The efforts 
 of his imagination were transcendently beautiful and 
 impressive. But all these qualities were far inferior to 
 his Christian graces ; and of these, so beautiful was the 
 combination, as to form a continual illustration of the 
 truth, on which he so much dwelt while among us, and 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 143 
 
 the result of which he gave to us in his published Lec- 
 tures. And it may be said, as many berries go to make 
 one cluster, so love, joy, peace, forbearance, and the rest, 
 constituted in him the one undivided ' fruit of the Spirit,' 
 and that was indeed ripening daily." 
 
 The peculiarly interesting mention, contained in the 
 two preceding letters, of the social meetings held by Henry 
 Vaughan with the members of his flock, during his resi- 
 dence at Chelsea, excited the hope that it might be possi- 
 ble to introduce a more particular statement of the exem- 
 plary, successful manner, in which those feasts of Chris- 
 tian fellowship were regulated by so talented and devoted 
 a servant of the church ; rendering them an esteemed 
 means of grace, and of much spiritual enjoyment. Appli- 
 cation was therefore made, with that view, to a ladv at 
 whose house the meetings frequently took place ; and the 
 desired information has been kindlv afforded : — 
 
 " The friends who met on those occasions w r ere, for the 
 most part, though not exclusively, members of the congre- 
 gation of Park Chapel. Social intercourse with their 
 minister, was regarded by them as a high privilege ; while 
 the great responsibility laid upon them by such opportu- 
 nities of spiritual improvement, was deeply felt and sin- 
 cerely acknowledged. 
 
 " It was the habit of our dear friend to select, before- 
 hand, some Scripture subject for the evening's conversa- 
 tion ; but this he always managed to introduce without 
 the least appearance of formality, making it seem to arise 
 out of some general observation that fell either from him- 
 self, or from any other person present. He always care- 
 
144 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 fully avoided, at these times, any thing which might lead 
 to difference of opinion, and disturb the harmony which, 
 I must thankfully say, uniformly prevailed. You well 
 knew the peculiar solemnity of Mr. Vaughan's manner, 
 when speaking upon any religious subject, and how re- 
 markably this was calculated to produce a corresponding 
 feeling in the minds of those who heard him. 
 
 " Though he was the one, to whom we chiefly looked 
 to carry on the subject for the evening, he was desirous of 
 hearing the opinions of others, and especially of his 
 brethren in the ministry, of whom there were generally 
 four or five present ; but I always perceived that they were 
 more disposed to listen to him, than to bring forward their 
 own sentiments. 
 
 " You knew his love of music, and particularly of hymn- 
 singing. The hymns were always selected beforehand, and 
 tunes appropriated to them, that no time might be lost 
 when they were called for. I think we never had fewer 
 than three hymns in the course of the evening, and fre- 
 quently more. Then followed family worship, which con- 
 sisted of the reading of the Scriptures, a hymn, and prayer, 
 which, as far as I recollect, was generally offered up by 
 Mr. Vaughan himself. 
 
 " I do hope that the special blessing of God attended 
 these meetings of Christian friends. I am sure it was 
 earnestly sought by our dear pastor. It was observed by 
 many of his friends, that there seemed to be a remarkable 
 unction of the Spirit of God resting upon him, on those 
 occasions. Of this, I really can give no adequate idea ; 
 but your own recollections of our departed friend, will 
 supply more than any words of mine can convey. The 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAX. 145 
 
 glory of God, and the edification of each individual, were 
 the objects he studied to promote. 
 
 " We are very thankful that it pleased our heavenly 
 Father in his mercy to favour us, though for a very short 
 time, with the pastoral care of one who was, in such an 
 especial manner, an ensample to the flock." 
 
 Some idea of the impression left behind him at this 
 place, may also be formed from letters written to his widow 
 upon various subjects, but containing allusions to his me- 
 mory, expressive at once of his own character, and that 
 of the affectionate people among whom, with a delight 
 that was felt to be reciprocal, his ministry was exercised 
 during a period of about eight months : — 
 
 " We feel that we have indeed lost a very dear and par- 
 tial friend, upon whose counsel and whose prayers we 
 loved to lean, the benefit of which we trust ever to ex- 
 perience, and whose holy walk and lovely Christian example 
 we love to contemplate. This, indeed, is a favourite theme 
 with all who had the privilege of knowing him. It has 
 made an impression, which, under the Divine blessing, 
 must produce a salutary effect ; for it is rarely indeed 
 that so high a standard — a human standard — is presented 
 to the view. And while we contemplate such a character, 
 with deep humiliation on account of our short-comings, 
 we should bear in mind, for our encouragement, that the 
 same grace that operated so powerfully, so beautifully, in 
 him, is offered to us also. The grand secret is, that he 
 lived in the spirit of prayer, walking closely with his God, 
 aiming in all that he did to promote his blessed Redeemer's 
 kingdom. Lord, teach us to pray ! pour upon us the 
 
 H 
 
146 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 spirit of grace and of supplication ! What a privilege it 
 was to have our beloved friends for our guests, during the 
 last days of their sojourn here. It was truly a season of 
 enjoyment to us, and I trust of profit to us and to many ; 
 for those of our friends and neighbours, who joined our 
 social evening parties, remember with melancholy delight 
 his tender Christian sympathy with every one, and the 
 holy sentiments which they heard from his lips. The spi- 
 rit of Christian affection was poured into his heart in large 
 measure. Dear, dear friend, he has now attained to the 
 fuller enjoyment of that redemption and rest, of which he 
 seemed to have a blessed foretaste." 
 
 Again : — " Can I add any thing to the comfort already 
 yours in possession, as well as in prospect ? No. But it 
 will, I am sure, be grateful to your feelings, to be assui'ed 
 again and again (though you have no doubt on the subject) 
 of the affectionate sympathy of those whom you left behind 
 under the pastoral care of your beloved shepherd, and who 
 were favoured with almost his latest ministrations. It was 
 a singular and mysterious dispensation of Divine Provi- 
 dence, that brought him here for so short a season, and 
 then recalled him. I cannot understand it ; but I am truly 
 thankful for our share in the benefit, and shall always 
 cherish the remembrance of your short sojourn amongst us, 
 with grateful affection to our beloved pastor and his beloved 
 wife, and with thankfulness to God who inclined their 
 hearts so kindly towards all the people of their charge, 
 and especially towards us. We had, indeed, a great loss 
 in his removal from us ; I miss him continually ; and his 
 image is always in my mind's eye, whether at home or 
 amongst the poor of the flock, who were so often cheered 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 147 
 
 by his labours of love. I thank God for the grace that 
 was given to him, and pray that I may not cease to profit 
 by the recollection of his faithful ministrations, and b 
 beautiful example. There was so much in his daily walk 
 and conversation that was a pattern, not only to his 
 brethren in the ministry, but to all who came within his 
 influence; — his singleness of heart, his spirituality of mind, 
 his tender affectionate spirit, and conciliatory manner, and 
 indeed so many Christian graces, that to specify them all, 
 one must transcribe the fair catalogue of ' the fruits of 
 the Spirit ' which he so lately brought before us in the 
 pulpit." 
 
 A third may well be allowed a place : — 
 
 " To-morrow will be the anniversary of Mr. Yores's* 
 arrival here, .... He will not fail to speak of the day 
 on Sunday, and to touch the hearts of many, both on his 
 own account, and that of his predecessor, whom he still 
 takes occasion to mention in the pulpit. He did so with 
 peculiar sweetness on All Saints' day, which fell on a 
 Thursday this time. He counselled us to use the season 
 for profitable meditation on the character and present 
 blessedness of our now sainted friends, remembering how 
 they acquired meetness for heaven, and that the same grace 
 which wrought effectually in them, was offered to us. He 
 then described their and our state bv nature, and told us 
 what the renewed man ought to be, shewing that our Sa- 
 viour had told us the graces he looked for in his people, 
 when he pronounced, as in Matt. v. who are blessed. He 
 
 The minister who succeeded Henry Vaughan at Park 
 Chapel. 
 
 H 2 
 
148 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 then went through the beatitudes most beautifully, and 
 added, ' But perhaps many of you will tell me, We have 
 known no such friend, we have lost no such relative or 
 acquaintance, on whose Christian character we may dwell 
 as a stimulus to our own strivings after holiness. It may 
 be so ; but there are few among you, who did not know 
 something of your late beloved pastor, Henry Vaughan. 
 Think of him ; think of the graces that shone forth in his 
 lovely character. His was the poverty of spirit, found 
 only in those who are made heirs of the kingdom of hea- 
 ven, and produced only by the mighty working of the 
 Spirit of God in the soul. His was that genuine mourning 
 for sin, which a holy God regards with complacency and 
 tender compassion, and which the blessed Comforter de- 
 lights to soothe, &c.' 
 
 " Thus he went through the beatitudes, in a manner to 
 which I could do no justice, even if I had time ; and then 
 he bade us again to think of him, and follow him as he 
 followed Christ." 
 
 To this exhortation, the spirit of the subjoined extract 
 from the letter of another member of the congregation, 
 i eathes an appropriate response : — 
 " Oh ! how do I love to dwell upon the remembrance of 
 him, to recal his almost heavenly countenance, his touching 
 tones which went at once to the heart, and that affectionate 
 -weetness of manner always so conspicuous in his inter- 
 course, whether as the friend, or as the minister of Christ. 
 I do indeed consider it a blessing to have sat under his 
 ministry, and a most delightful privilege to have been per- 
 mitted to call such a man rav friend." 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 HIS RETURN TO CRICKHOWEL. 
 
 A visit to Crickhowel, in the summer of 1836, in fulfil- 
 ment of the promise he had made on his removal, was 
 hailed bv his friends there, as an opportunity for adopting 
 some plan that might ensure his return to the pastoral 
 charge of that place. With a view to preclude the neces- 
 sity of again receiving pupils, in the event of his being 
 induced to resume his personal ministry amongst them, 
 the offer was made to raise a fund by subscription, which 
 should augment the income of the vicarage to £250 per 
 annum. And, without entering into any statement of 
 those local affairs which gave occasion to this proposal, 
 and greatly enhanced the liberality of the intention, it may 
 be recorded, as a pleasing evidence, that a relation, more 
 enduring than the mere nominal one, had been formed 
 between the minister and the people ; and that they 
 counted it a small matter, if he should reap their carnal 
 things, when sowing unto them spiritual things. 
 
 The perplexity thus renewed in his mind— the straggL 
 
 H 3 
 
150 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 that must arise between the attachments he had formed 
 with two congregations — can only be conceived by those, 
 who knew what a warm affection dwelt in his breast, or 
 witnessed the external effect of the painful feelings he 
 endured. It brought him into a difficulty, from which he 
 could not have found relief, excepting at the mercy-seat of 
 that Father, who, he was assured, had engaged to guide 
 him by his counsel in a safe path, and would not desert 
 him in this hour of need. To Him he could bring this 
 trouble, with filial confidence ; upon Him this burden was 
 cast without reserve. And in a submissive lowliness of 
 spirit, that would not hesitate to cry, " Not my will, but 
 thine be done," he received power to act with firmness and 
 decision, under circumstances, in which, otherwise, he must 
 have been tossed with overwhelming anxieties. 
 
 As soon as he had reason to expect that such a change 
 might take place, the possibility was made known to a friend 
 at Chelsea, in terms so clearly defining the motives by 
 which he was influenced, and the feelings with which he 
 had to contend, that they must not be omitted. On his 
 way to Crickhowel, he wrote — 
 
 " My dear and valued Friend, 
 " I am anxious to give you the earliest intelligence of a 
 communication, I have received from Crickhowel. I am 
 authoritatively informed, that measures are on foot which 
 will, in all probability, make the vicarage a competency. 
 In that case, my (shall I say the) parishioners expect, or 
 demand, my return amongst them. Should they be found 
 ready to make so large a pecuniary sacrifice, I do not see 
 that the smallest option is left, as to my course. Believe 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 1 j I 
 
 me, the agitation of the question has thrown my mind and 
 heart into the deepest conflict. I always have regarded 
 the idea of a competency being provided at Crickhowel, 
 as a moral impossibility ; and am perfectly astonished to 
 find that there is the smallest prospect of the grand ob- 
 jection to my residence there being removed. Most truly 
 can I say, that I have felt and acted among my dear flock 
 at Chelsea, under this impression ; and given them, as 
 Christ enabled me, mv little all of interest and affection. 
 Still, should my people at Crickhowel be moved to such 
 extraordinary liberality, as will enable me to live among 
 them, I dare not, as lvalue my own soul's salvation, refuse. 
 You see, then, my state and trial. In confiding it to you 
 — and you are the only member of my congregation to 
 whom I have confided it — I feel that I commit it to a heart 
 that will feel for me, pray for me, and counsel me. The 
 matter is in the hands of God, the husbandman. The same 
 God, who hath guided me hitherto, will direct me now. 
 
 " I cannot tell you how I love my Chelsea flock, how 
 deeply I feel their extraordinary kindnesses, how truly I 
 value their souls, how happy my ministry has been among 
 them, what fields of usefulness I see on all sides opening 
 around me there. Particularly, dear friend, your love and 
 communion, and that of your family, have been precious 
 to me. What will come of this, I cannot foresee. But 
 I can never cease to value and love those, whom I shall 
 have to leave, if my people demand my return with the 
 cogency of such a sacrifice as they will have to make, 
 before the demand would be reasonable. God bless vou 
 and yours. I write with feelings that I cannot describe. 
 
 " Yours most affectionately in the bonds of Christ, 
 
 " H. V." 
 
152 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 " I write from hence that you may perceive that this 
 has originated wholly with my people, and taken place 
 before my visit to them. 
 " Hatfield, July, 1836." 
 
 His first letter, from Chelsea to Crickhowel, after the 
 visit above-mentioned, gives a concise, but interesting, 
 view of the mind with which, upon his return, he was pre- 
 pared to treat the proposal : — 
 
 " Chelsea, 27th August, 1836. 
 " My dear Friend, 
 " You will be glad to hear of my safe arrival at Chel- 
 sea. I find all well, through the mercy of God. With 
 regard to the all-important matter of my return ; as I told 
 you, I mean to give it, with my dear w r ife, that calm con- 
 sideration which will be expected of me at the great day. 
 Do not act on any impression which I may myself, in our 
 hastv interview, have left upon your mind ; nor upon any, 
 which my dear family may impart. Leave it now to rest 
 between me and my God. 
 
 " With kindest love to dear Mrs. S. 
 
 " Yours most affectionatelv and gratefully, 
 
 " H. V." 
 
 To his mother, when the subject had been fully weighed 
 and determined, he could, notwithstanding his natural 
 tenderness, express himself thus : — 
 
 " Chelsea, 6th September, 1836. 
 
 " My dearest Mother, 
 " There is not a consideration upon earth, that can ever 
 move my mind, upon a subject never to be again discussed. 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 153 
 
 I come; and can say, 'I delight to do thy will, O my 
 God ! ' The conflict (how ashamed am I that there should 
 have been one) is for ever past. I care for nothing, now, in 
 comparison with glorifying that Divine Redeemer who died 
 for me. I account myself most highly honoured, that he is 
 pleased to use the chief of sinners, any where. I see that 
 the path in which he leads me, is bright with his blessing ; 
 and a happiness dwells in my heart, which is not again to 
 be disturbed. You will I trust, then, now see the duty and 
 the privilege of obeying what I consider the plain com- 
 mandment of God. It is fixed, never to be revoked. A 
 few minor arrangements remain to be made, but not at all 
 affecting my decision. That is made, not to be recalled. 
 You err greatly, in thinking that I have made a sacrifice. 
 I thought so, in an evil hour of temptation ; but God has 
 taught me better. How good it is to be led by him. I 
 hope you and all my dear family will enjoy, in this matter, 
 the happiness which I do. 
 
 " Your most affectionate son, 
 
 " H. V." 
 
 And to a friend at Crickhowel, w T ho had taken an active 
 part in promoting the arrangement for his return : — 
 
 " Chelsea, 7th September, 1836. 
 " My dear and much-valued Friend, 
 
 " I am beginning to grow a little uneasy at not receiving 
 any tidings from Crickhowel. In every way, I am desirous 
 of acting on the principle of furthering, and not impeding, 
 the plan. My fears are gone. My weaknesses have been 
 overcome. After severe scrutiny of the whole affair, I am 
 satisfied, as I state in my address, that, amidst many difficul- 
 
 H 6 
 
154 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 ties, it is at once my duty and privilege to return to you. 
 You must not be influenced, in this matter, by my family's 
 view of the question. I have too much entered into their 
 feelings ; but a thing of this importance must stand on the 
 highest ground — principle. The principle is, to my mind, 
 clear. A few annoying circumstances must not be per- 
 mitted to outweigh solid and substantial reasons. In a 
 word, my faith stands firm ; once more, I rejoice in the 
 prospect before me. I long to show, by greater devotion, 
 the value I set upon the sacrifice you have made ; and to 
 approve myself among you, as a more faithful minister of 
 the most blessed gospel of our great God and Saviour 
 Jesus Christ. Though all should repent, I do not ; but 
 am determined, through God's grace, again to make ex- 
 periment of the power of God's word among you. Believe 
 me, whatever arrangements I now propose, are only such 
 as facilitate my fulfilling what is my settled purpose, and 
 now my earnest desire. 
 
 " With kindest love to dear Mrs. S. . . . and yourself, 
 and many thanks for your great considerateness and sym- 
 pathy in this matter. 
 
 " Believe me, yours most faithfully and affectionately, 
 
 " H.V." 
 
 The high principles by which he was governed, in taking 
 the step he eventually determined upon, are too apparent 
 from the preceding quotations to require any further obser- 
 vation. Many were the inducements to remain at Chelsea. 
 While incessantly occupied in labours which were his de- 
 light, his health had materially improved. It was ob- 
 served, before his mind and feelings were agitated by this 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 155 
 
 trying" question, that "for the last three months, his health 
 has been remarkably strong, shewing how much the pupil 
 system had affected his strength." This congregation 
 were no less desirous than his people at Crickhowel, t< 
 meet his wishes and promote his comfort in every possible 
 way. The permanent services of an assistant minister 
 would have been most readily provided for. But personal 
 considerations, a powerful bond of union and attachment, 
 a grateful sense of kind and liberal purposes, — all were 
 resolutely overcome, under a conviction, that the path now 
 opened to him had been prepared of the Lord. To the 
 short period of his ministry among them, he alludes with 
 his wonted humilitv and affection, in a letter written not 
 long before his return to Crickhowel : — 
 
 " My dear friend, .... To me, it furnishes a sweet 
 proof of that affection for a minister of the gospel, as 
 such, which so eminently distinguishes the congregation at 
 Park Chapel ; and of which, my heavenly Father has been 
 pleased to give me so large a share. This paper, which 
 conveys to them my most heartfelt thanks for this and 
 every other token of their regard, will soon perish. Not 
 so the recollection of it. 
 
 " To have been among you, has been indeed invigorating 
 to my own soul. May I dare to hope that, through the 
 grace of my God and Saviour, I have been made the in- 
 strument of imparting any spiritual gift to you. A deep 
 consciousness of my manifold infirmities, hardly permits 
 me to indulge this hope. But it is my consolation that the 
 God and Saviour in whom you trust, and for whose sake 
 you love his ministers, and overlook their infirmities, will 
 amply repay you at that day. 
 
156 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 " To you, my dear friend, personally, what can I say 
 that will express my sense of your many many kindnesses ? 
 You have shewn me true friendship. I thank you from 
 my heart ; and for you and yours, my prayer is and shall 
 ever be, ' The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you 
 all.' (2 Thess. hi.) 
 
 " Your affectionate Friend, 
 
 " H. V." 
 
 Many are the reflections arising from a review of this 
 affecting portion of his history ; but in the believer's mind, 
 they will yield to the sentiment addressed to him by mem- 
 bers of his Chelsea flock, when offering assurances of their 
 regret at his expected separation from them, and proposing 
 the publication of a series of his Lectures, already alluded 
 to : — " We desire, however, to acquiesce in these arrange- 
 ments of the great Head of the Church, and to believe, 
 that in working all things after the counsel of His own will, 
 He orders all events for the best interests of His people, 
 in every place." 
 
REV. HENRY VAUOHAN. 157 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 ACCOUNT OF HIS ILLNESS ON RETURNING TO CRICKHOWEL ; 
 
 AND LAST DAYS. 
 
 It will serve as an interesting preparation for the mournful 
 period we are now approaching, to contemplate the view 
 presented by the Rev. F. Faithfull, of his state in mind 
 and body, when visiting Hatfield, before his final departure 
 from Chelsea : — 
 
 " I believe the impression made on many of my people, 
 the only time they ever listened to him, has not and never 
 will be effaced. There was something peculiarly solemn 
 and affecting in his appearance, the evening he preached 
 at Hatfield. He was, at the time, far from well ; labouring 
 under great bodily depression, from the exertions he had 
 made at Chelsea ; and in a state of deep anxiety respect- 
 ing the decision which he was then called to make, as to 
 the scene of his future labours ; and it was after much 
 entreaty, that he was induced to preach. He was heard 
 with an interest which was overpowering ; and it was the 
 feeling of many who heard him, that his frame was sinking 
 
158 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 under the excessive mental excitement, which his minis- 
 terial duties called forth. I believe, some thought that he 
 was too spiritual for this lower world, and that his soul 
 was then ripe for glory, though none could then anticipate 
 his approaching summons. I am not aware whether, in 
 the last few words which it pleased God to enable him to 
 utter, any other of his friends heard him allude to his past 
 ministerial labours ; but in the short conversation which I 
 had with him, I could not but be struck with the impres- 
 sive manner in which he expressed his determination, 
 should his life be spared, of preaching ' nothing but Christ.' 
 The peculiar tone and manner in w T hich this was said, 
 struck me most forcibly ; and I have often thought of it, 
 as the dying testimony of one, who, although it had been 
 his chief desire to exalt the Saviour, yet still felt how far 
 he had fallen short of his own wishes, or the cause he was 
 privileged to plead." 
 
 Brief, indeed, must be the record of resumed ministra- 
 tion among his own people. Scarcely had he entered upon 
 the duties, so sweet and pleasant to his soul, when indica- 
 tions were given that they were nearly accomplished — that 
 the blessing appointed for those w T ho cease from their la- 
 bours, was soon to be his. But if the attempt to form an 
 outline of his active career, has been made with a trembling 
 hand — under the consciousness, that there is an exquisite 
 beauty in the work of the Spirit, when manifested so fully 
 in a child of God, which the human touch can hardly fail 
 to mar — how solemn and difficult, if not fearful, the un- 
 dertaking, to explore the w r ay of the Most High in con- 
 ducting a beloved one through the obscure valley of the 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 159 
 
 shadow of death ; to trace the comfort of the heavenly 
 rod and staff ; or to collect evidences of intercourse between 
 the Saviour, and a soul that is putting- off its veil of flesh, 
 to flee away and be at rest. Under this impression, the 
 details of the short period, from the commencement of 
 Henry Vaughan's last illness, until the hour of the spirit's 
 release from its suffering earthly tenement, will be presented 
 in the most simple form, as they are found in the corres- 
 pondence which took place at that time. 
 
 Little more than three weeks had elapsed, after his re- 
 turn to Crickhowel, when the following communication 
 was made, by a lady residing within a few miles of his 
 parish, to a mutual friend in London : — 
 
 " Our dear Mrs. Henry Vaughan wishes me to write to 
 you, to tell you of the illness of her beloved husband. He 
 was looking so changed on his return to Crickhowel, that 
 all his friends in this neighbourhood were grieved by his 
 altered appearance. But he preached on two Sundays, 
 and on the intervening Wednesday, with great energy. 
 On Monday, the 19th of December, the pain in his head 
 increased. On the following Wednesday, he was unable 
 to attend the morning lecture, or to leave his room till a 
 late hour. And before the next Sunday, his illness assumed 
 a decided character. On Tuesday the 27th, Dr. Bevan 
 was with him ; but neither he, nor Dr. H. Lucas, were ap- 
 prehensive as to the result. Dr. Bevan considered the 
 fever of a low, nervous character, without any alarming 
 symptoms ; and when he saw dear Mr. Vaughan, he trusted 
 that the complaint would, with much care and attention, 
 be brought to a favourable termination. Dr. H. Lucas is 
 
160 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 in constant attendance, and kind Mr. W. Bevan like- 
 wise 
 
 " I grieve to renew my intercourse with you, by com- 
 municating tidings of the illness of so dear and excellent 
 a friend, but vou will unite with all those who know and 
 love him, in earnest prayers that, for the sake of others, 
 this exemplary Christian minister may be spared. For 
 himself, we know the exchange would be a blessed one. 
 In the midst of our humble trust that this treasure may 
 yet be granted to the prayers offered up for his recovery, 
 we cannot but feel anxious, knowing his ripeness for glory. 
 But when I consider that our Saviour commanded his dis- 
 ciples to pray the Lord of the harvest, that He would 
 send forth labourers into his harvest, my hopes are 
 strengthened. And oh ! how we rejoiced in the mercy 
 that restored him to us ! " 
 
 The fluctuations which ensued, from day to day, in the 
 symptoms and effects of the disease, exciting most pain- 
 fully alternate hopes and fears, cannot be represented with 
 more touching fidelity, than as they appear in extracts 
 from some of the many notes, which, during the continu- 
 ance of his illness, were considerately despatched to anxious 
 enquirers, by his afflicted attendants — the wife, the mother, 
 the father, the sister, the friend. 
 
 On the 28th of December, the opinion of his medical 
 advisers continued to be so far of a favourable tendency, 
 as to excite no serious alarm, even in the maternal breast : 
 — " Mrs. H. Vaughan, feeling both mind and body wearied 
 with anxious attendance upon my dear son, begs me to 
 write a line — knowing your kind wish to hear how he is 
 going on. Dr. Bevan, who was sent for yesterday, left us 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. [ (', \ 
 
 this morning, with rather more cheering prospect*, lie 
 says, we must not expect so trying a complaint can be re- 
 lieved immediately. But the fever and intenseness of his 
 head-ache have rather abated this morning ; and we have 
 every reason to hope for his ultimate recovery. Dr. Bevan 
 is in communication with Dr. Lucas ; and I trust their 
 united endeavours will be blessed with success ; though a 
 most suffering complaint to the dear patient ; and, I fear, 
 more tedious than we at first apprehended." 
 
 Nor was this view of the case materially altered on the 
 30th : — " I have left my dear Henry's room, for a few 
 minutes, and avail myself of them, with much thankfulness 
 of heart, to tell you that the dear invalid has passed a com- 
 posed and tranquil night, and is still, though wandering in 
 mind from weakness, very free from fever this morning. 
 Dr. Lucas and Mr. Bevan watched with him all night, and 
 thus gave me also the rest I so much required. I did not 
 expect much, as, when I left the dear sufferer, he was, or had 
 been just before, much excited and delirious ; and I feared 
 fever would increase, instead of abating, with the approach- 
 ing night. He has been able to bear a little nourishment, 
 and, Dr. Lucas says, cannot be doing better. My heart is 
 overflowing with joy and thankfulness. You will, I know, 
 rejoice and give thanks. Oh, for a more abiding sense of 
 the love of God in Christ, than I experience at this mo- 
 ment ! I have been wonderfully kept in composure of 
 mind — proceeding, I humbly trust, from a full confidence 
 in my Saviour, and his Saviour — through the deep waters 
 of the last two days. But I could not write to you then, 
 for any expression of my feelings was quite incompatible 
 with mv duties as nurse. I must not stav longer from 
 
1G2 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 him, as I know my name will be on his lips, the moment 
 he wakes." 
 
 But, two days only from the latter date, much anxiety 
 prevailed : — " The dear sufferer remained in an exhausted 
 state all yesterday, taking nourishment freely, though it 
 did not appear to strengthen him. When Dr. Be van 
 arrived in the evening, he was again in a high state of ex- 
 citement ; and leeches and a blister were applied to his 
 head, which relieved his delirium, but did not procure sleep 
 
 through the night I am truly thankful to learn 
 
 that he has had a blessed sleep ever since six this morning. 
 I fear poor Mrs. Vaughan takes no rest, though there 
 are plenty of nurses to relieve her. But how intense must 
 be her anxiety ! " 
 
 During the next four days, his state afforded, though 
 not without some interruption, considerable encourage- 
 ment, and on the 5th of January, was reported as fol- 
 lows : — " Through the tender mercies of our gracious and 
 heavenly Father, I am now permitted to convey to you, 
 and your affectionate and beloved sisters, the happy intel- 
 ligence of our precious and patient sufferer's continued 
 tranquillity and improvement. I had not seen him when 
 you were with us. But, soon after you left, I ventured to 
 take a peep, though not to be perceived by him ; and the 
 change was so wonderful, that it almost overcame me. The 
 relish with which he took some nourishment, and the love 
 and thankfulness which beamed in every feature, when it 
 was given him, was indeed deeply interesting and affect- 
 ing. And I only wished our dear friends whom I had 
 just parted with, could have witnessed the happy, and truly 
 merciful, change ; which, I humbly trust, will now continue. 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 163 
 
 He spoke to dear E when she went into his room, 
 
 and said, ' God bless you, dearest E ! I feel 
 
 strong, I think I might soon sit up.' And then exclaimed, 
 with his usual fervour, ' How gracious, how merciful, is 
 my Saviour ! ' He then went off into a sweet, tranquil 
 sleep, which continued till past ten, and indeed the greatest 
 part of the night ; though, at times, there was a little re- 
 turn of fever and excitement. But this, of course, must 
 be expected. This morning, he appears pretty tranquil, 
 and still inclined to sleep. I hope we shall have the plea- 
 sure of seeing you some part of to-day, that we may again 
 unite in prayer and thankfulness to the Author of all these 
 mercies, so anxiously hoped for, but almost despaired of." 
 
 On the 7th of January, a painful change had taken 
 place : — " You will be grieved to hear that our dear in- 
 valid passed a very restless, and I fear a suffering, night, 
 from the extreme pain in his back, which, Dr. Lucas (who 
 sat up with him all night) tells us, nothing can at present 
 alleviate. So, I trust, God in his infinite mercy, will sup- 
 port him through it. I am writing this in his room, and 
 am sadly distressed by his groans, which, from excessive 
 weakness, he cannot restrain. I went to the foot of his 
 bed when I came in, and, directly he looked up, he fixed 
 his dear placid eyes on me, and said, ' Oh, dearest K. . . 
 is it you ? God bless you ! ' Dr. Lucas says he is not 
 weaker. But it is heart-rending sometimes to hear his 
 groans ; yet I feel assured, our merciful Father will give 
 him strength to bear all his sufferings, and will not let 
 them be above what he is able to bear." 
 
 Most valuable and satisfactory, in a spiritual view, is the 
 father's letter of the 9th of that month : — " You know 
 
164 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 how frail and attenuated his frame was, at his best ; bat, 
 now, he might literally utter the complaint of the Psalmist, 
 ' I may tell all my bones.' Yet, I bless God, that he can, 
 and does, say again, ' My trust is in thee, O God ; thou 
 shalt answer for me, O Lord my God.' Indeed, it was onlv 
 yesterday that Mr. Faithfull, a relative of Mrs. Henry's, 
 the rector of Hatfield, who kindly came so great a distance 
 to console her in this affliction, wishing, in such an ex- 
 tremity, to ascertain, beyond a doubt, the state of mind 
 of my dear son, led him to speak on the subject of reli- 
 gion, and to enquire whether his trust was still resting on 
 the Rock of ages. Oh ! what a confession did this bring 
 forth ! His voice, his countenance, all assumed a kind of 
 preternatural expression. And oh ! how did all the graces 
 of the Spirit breathe forth in his declaration of self-abase- 
 ment, and only trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. ' If I 
 should live to preach again,' he added, ' it shall be Christ, 
 Christ, Christ ; nothing but Christ ; less embellishment, 
 less folly, all simplicity.' I trust, these words will afford 
 all his dear devoted friends at Chelsea, the consolation 
 they afforded us all here ; and may they produce in us all, 
 the same humble and simple reliance on the Saviour. You 
 will naturally conclude, from what I have now narrated, 
 that his intellects are quite restored. For many days, he 
 was delirious; and for many more, had only partial gleam - 
 ings of reason. The sufferings in the head, and all its 
 alarming concomitants, have left him in prostration of 
 strength, even to a state of more than infantine weakness. 
 This is all that we have to contend with ; but this is enough 
 to keep alive the most serious apprehensions ; and the medi- 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 1 65 
 
 cal men do not counsel us to cherish more than a hope of 
 his recovery." 
 
 A somewhat cheering account was, however, given by 
 another pen, two days later : — " You will, I am sure, be 
 delighted and thankful to hear, that our dear invalid passed 
 a much less restless night ; and, this morning, has enjoved 
 an hour's sweet sleep. Last night, he was allowed a little 
 nourishment, which he appeared to enjoy very much. How 
 merciful God is in giving us all this comfort, since you left 
 us yesterday ! May we never forget it ! But I am called 
 for." 
 
 And in the evening of the same day : — " Dr. Bevan 
 thinks our dear patient sufferer is going on quite as well 
 as he could have expected, in so short a time. He has 
 not slept ; but appears in a tranquil state ; and, I hope, is 
 relieved from all very acute pain, which, I feel, is a great 
 mercy, and quite as much as we can expect in his present 
 reduced and exhausted state. He has much enjoyed all 
 your kind tokens of remembrance." 
 
 In the report of the next day, hope was more decidedly 
 expressed : — " It is, indeed, a cause of the deepest thank- 
 fulness and comfort, that I am still permitted to give you 
 and your kind sisters, a continued good account of our 
 precious and beloved brother, whose improvement is now 
 quite visible, both in strength, and composure of counte- 
 nance. Indeed, he told Mrs. Henry, that he thought he 
 was certainly better ; which, having never expressed before, 
 gives us great comfort, as I am sure it will you." 
 
 The 13th presented the following state of uncertainty: 
 — " I am afraid I must not give you quite so good an ac- 
 count of our dear invalid. He had a slight attack of fever, 
 
166 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 and passed in consequence a very restless night, which, of 
 course, makes him feel not so well to-day. But I trust it 
 has now passed off; and Dr. Lucas comforts us by saying, 
 he does not consider him weaker, but rather stronger. In- 
 deed, this I could perceive, when I lifted him up to take 
 some nourishment, which I did with much less difficulty ; 
 so I trust there is cause for no real alarm, though the re- 
 turn of fever keeps up our anxiety. But we must expect 
 these changes, and endeavour not to be impatient ; which 
 we should learn from the resignation of our dear sufferer, 
 who expressed to-day a fear that he was not sufficiently 
 patient." 
 
 On the 14th, — the day before he breathed his last — al- 
 though mournful anticipations were felt with increasing 
 power, hope was not entirely abandoned : — "I only wait 
 Dr. Bevan's opinion, to despatch our messenger to our 
 dear and affectionately anxious friends ; whose fervent 
 prayers for our precious sufferer and those around him, 
 are indeed a comfort, and most needed. May God, in his 
 infinite mercy, hear them, and restore comfort to him and 
 to his mourners, though most unworthy of his blessings. — 
 Dr. Bevan is just come down, and, I am grieved to say, 
 thinks dear Henry very ill. The inflammation of the 
 tongue, he says, extends down to the part so painfully 
 affected. But he is now going to apply something out- 
 wardly, which, he hopes, may give some relief. He is, 
 of course, much distressed to find his dear patient so much 
 gone back since he last saw him. He is to sit up with him 
 to-night. And I feel assured, dearest Henry has in him, 
 all that kindness and human skill can do. Mav our most 
 merciful God bless his, otherwise fruitless, endeavours. 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 1G7 
 
 God bless you, my dear kind friends ; and support us under 
 this most heavy affliction, and anxious night." 
 
 The 15th of January 1837, — a few days after he had 
 completed his 3 1 st year, and only four weeks from the 
 last Sunday on which he had preached, — brought the fol- 
 lowing announcement of the termination of his short, but 
 verv trvin^r illness : — " Our friend and brother in Christ 
 has joined the assembly of the spirits of just men made 
 perfect. This morning, at about six, with his family all 
 around him, fully sensible, and, blessed be God, fully 
 prepared, did this faithful servant of God yield up his 
 soul to the mercies of his Redeemer. I grieve to bring 
 tidings, which, though full of joy to him, are to us bitter. 
 It is a heavy affliction." 
 
 Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of his 
 saints ; and far from tedious or uninteresting to those who 
 are taught of Him, and especially to those who loved this 
 saint, will be any details relating to the dissolution of the 
 earthly house in which the Spirit from on high had been 
 pleased to dwell. The sufferings of the body, and the 
 alleviations that were granted, particularly at such a crisis, 
 cannot, in themselves, be lightly regarded ; and they ac- 
 quire a sacred importance, when viewed in connection with 
 the disclosure or concealment of that mental experience, 
 upon which they evidently exercised a material influence. 
 It seemed good, indeed, in the sight of Him whose ways 
 are not as our ways, to preclude, excepting at short and 
 uncertain intervals, that spiritual communion in which the 
 patient's sorrowing family and friends would have sought 
 immediate comfort, as the trying moment of separation 
 
168 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 drew near. The unrestrained dying testimony of one, 
 who could truly say, " For me to live is Christ," would 
 have been treasured in grateful remembrance, and hallowed 
 as a source of abiding consolation. But the declarations 
 he was enabled to make — though concise, in the estimation 
 of those who were accustomed to listen to the free expres- 
 sions of an overflowing heart, and to delight in the tender 
 breathings of his soul — were firm, decided, clear. To wit- 
 ness of the grace of an in-dwelling Saviour, was not, how- 
 ever, reserved for the departing hour. This had been done 
 abundantly, unequivocally, in the word and deed of an 
 energetic life, employed without intermission in a service, 
 which to him was perfect freedom, even up to the very in- 
 stant when his enfeebled body was cast upon a bed of sick- 
 ness, from which he was no more to rise. And it was a 
 source of peaceful reflection — to those who watched and 
 nursed the frame that lay, sometimes for hours, incapable 
 of any physical or intellectual effort — that, when his hand 
 was arrested by the rapid progress of disease, it was engag- 
 ed in addressing to an afflicted widow, the word of conso- 
 lation, with which he well knew how to reach and to soothe 
 the troubled heart. 
 
 The support he received in a season of extreme pain and 
 suffering, from Him who forsakes not the work of His own 
 hands, was but partially made known to those who waited 
 around his bed. Yet, the cloud that intercepted the spec- 
 tator's anxious, enquiring gaze, occasionally discovered 
 rays of heavenly light, affording evidence, brilliant and 
 pure, though generally sudden and transient, that the Sun 
 of righteousness was there. Scarcely could it be doubted, 
 that, in many of those days obscured by exhaustion or in- 
 
REV. HENRI VAIUHAN. i. O > 
 
 tense pain, he was realising the sentiment he expressed on 
 the Feast of the Nativity — being also the first Sunday of 
 his confinement to the house. It was observed to him, as 
 a matter of regret, that he should be kept from the con- 
 gregation on a festival which he had always hailed with 
 peculiar delight, addressing his people with more than 
 wonted animation, and meeting them, at an early morning 
 service, in the spirit of the salutation, " Behold, I bring 
 you good tidings of great joy ?" But he gently silenced 
 the complaint, while oppressed with severe and distressing 
 anguish, by a reply to the effect, that — " Our joy in con- 
 templating the birth of the Son of God, cannot be subdued 
 by any external circumstances." That joy had been dili- 
 gently cultivated during the last few days of his domestic 
 ministry, when the services of the church appointed to com- 
 memorate that great mystery of godliness had been selec- 
 ted, in anticipation, as subjects for improvement at family 
 worship. And it was with this preparation fresh upon his 
 soul, that he entered the passive, suffering, condition, 
 through which he was to take the last step of his path-way 
 to everlasting joy. 
 
 His medical friend and attendant, Dr. Henry Lucas, has 
 since supplied some consoling recollections, in a letter to 
 his widow : — 
 
 " From the state of painful excitement I was in, during 
 that melancholy time, together with fatigue, I fear I shall 
 be able to give but a meagre account of it. I tried at the 
 time to recal, as much as possible, the words of my de- 
 parted friend, but I found it was ineffectual. They were 
 
 i 
 
1 70 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 altogether those words of humble confidence, which a 
 dying Christian can alone feel. 
 
 " About four in the morning, I found his strength fail- 
 ing ; when I called Dr. Bevan. He asked us if any thing 
 could be done for him, and on Dr. B. replying that he 
 feared medicine could do no more, he instantly said ' Let 
 them all be called up.' Being left in the room with him, 
 and supporting his head, I asked him, where he placed his 
 trust. ' In Christ, my Saviour and Redeemer ; I know 
 I am a miserable sinner, the chief of sinners, but his 
 blood is all-sufficient.' From this time, he appeared 
 to have no sense of bodily suffering, and his expres- 
 sions were full of hope and confidence in the merits of 
 his Saviour. When you returned with Dr. B. he heard 
 ycur voice, for his sight* was now failing him. He imme- 
 diately said ' Bessie,' as glad to find you near him. He 
 thenf began to speak about his children, giving directions 
 about their education. He wished them both to be brought 
 up to the ministry, even mentioning the college they might 
 be sent to. ' Do not spoil our children, Bessie,' was one 
 of his affecting exhortations. When his father came to 
 his bed-side, and kissed him, he gently murmured, ' My 
 father ;' and he seemed to recognise every member of his 
 family. After this exertion, his breathing became difficult, 
 and his articulation indistinct ; and from being behind him, 
 I could not hear him plainly ; nor indeed did my own feel- 
 ings allow me to pay full attention to what he w r as saying. 
 
 * He called for more'lights, and when told there were enough, 
 he quietly said, " Oh, then my sight is going." 
 
 t His first words were, "Lay me under the monument, by 
 her side" — meaning his infant Elizabeth. 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 171 
 
 To your question respecting- the state of his soul, he replied, 
 ' Christ is my hope and my salvation.' It was about this 
 time he commenced the words of that beautiful hymn, ' I 
 long to behold him arrayed.' Almost his last words were 
 those he spoke in reply to your request that he would say 
 something for you to remember — words doubly precious, 
 coming from the lips of a dying Christian, who felt the full 
 force of them — ' Trust in Christ.' And having- said this, 
 he fell asleep in Christ ; for his passage from life to death 
 was almost imperceptible. May God grant that our latter 
 end may be like his, and that the Holy Spirit may give you 
 and yours his peace which passeth all understanding !" 
 
 The friend, who, in the activity of life, was a steady pro- 
 moter of his schemes of usefulness ; and in the hour of 
 sickness and approaching death, spared no fatigue in his 
 desire to render every soothing, watchful, attention, bears 
 this very acceptable testimony : — 
 
 "At all times a welcome guest in the house of mourning:, 
 his presence, as I and mine can well testify, proved how, 
 like the apostle, he could weep with those who wept. Ful- 
 ly persuaded in his own mind, it was his delight affection- 
 ately to lead the afflicted soul to the Saviour, the true 
 and only source of all consolation. And such in his own 
 hour of need, when it pleased the All- wise to destroy the 
 work we had fondly hoped to have built up here, and to 
 call his yet youthful servant to his rest, — he found Him. 
 In those hours of suffering and exhaustion, the name of 
 Christ, and that alone, could rouse him from a state of al- 
 most insensibility and stupor, to full mental and bodily 
 exertion. Starting up in his bed, with his arms extended, 
 and his eyes fixed as on some beloved object, he exclaim- 
 
 i 2 
 
 
172 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 ed — in answer to the question, ' Henry, what is your 
 hope?' — 'Christ! Christ! my Saviour!' And with the 
 expression of an earnest longing to behold the beauty of 
 the Lord, he, as you well remember, entered into his rest. 
 
 " For him Redeeming Love hath spread 
 
 Its countless treasures wide ; 
 Him, through Death's shadowy valley led, 
 
 Safe to his Saviour's side. 
 
 His eyes have seen heaven's beauteous Lord, 
 
 The everlasting Son ; 
 His ear the blessed sentence heard — 
 
 ' Servant of God, well done !' " 
 
 By a young friend, then preparing for the ministry, who 
 attended the last mournful ceremony of Christian faith and 
 affection, an account of the scene he witnessed and the 
 sentiments it inspired, was immediately afterwards conveyed 
 to his own family at Chelsea ; and with their permission, 
 is subjoined : — 
 
 " It is over ; — our beloved pastor, the devoted, holy, 
 and now blessed, Henry Vaughan, is in the house appointed 
 for all the living. The first sound which I heard, as I 
 entered the inn yesterday, was one which, had I for a mo- 
 ment forgotten my sad errand here, must have recalled it 
 to my mind and heart. Little did I think, when a few 
 short months ago I promised myself a visit to Crickhowel, 
 that the first sound to greet my arrival, would be the knell 
 of its beloved pastor. This morning, I found every shop 
 closed; and the gloominess of the weather well corres- 
 ponded with the day's gloomy business. The funeral was 
 quite plain and unostentatious ; the pall being borne by 
 Mr. Bevan and three others, his most intimate friend? 5 - 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 1 73 
 
 Mr. Vaughan, sen. and Mrs. Henry Vaughan's brother 
 being chief mourners. Poor Mr. Vaughan's intimate 
 companion and former curate, Mr. Blencowe, officiated, 
 and is to do duty to-morrow. My tears flowed almost 
 without restraint, as we entered that church which so often, 
 and so lately, sounded with his tender but faithful message. 
 There was a considerable attendance of people, and when 
 we had sung a funeral hymn, and had listened to St. Paul's 
 cheering and blessed assurance of a life to come, the body 
 for ever left those earthly courts, where the spirit that 
 tenanted it loved so fondly to dwell ; and the father, at the 
 age of thirty -one, was laid by his departed child beneath 
 a tree, while we (I am sure I may say so for myself) could 
 not but in memory recal his heavenly, holy, countenance, 
 and his worn frame, and listen again in imagination to his 
 heavenly message, his sweet counsels, and his holy aspira- 
 tions. And, however, for a few moments, I was unable to 
 realise that I should never again see his face brighten with 
 his dear smile, nor hear him deliver his embassage from 
 God to man ; yet the sad realisation would again force 
 itself upon the heart, that earth was gone to earth, ashes 
 to ashes. 
 
 " Upon this, however, we must not long dwell, but 
 rather delight to remember that death has no other sting 
 than sin, and that this sting is extracted when a Redeemer's 
 blood, and a Redeemer's purchased Spirit, have released 
 both from the guilt and power of it. Let us, rather than 
 sorrow as those who have no hope, dwell on his enjoyment 
 of that vision which, in the words of one of the hymns 
 he himself selected, was the object of his earnest expecta- 
 tion. They were, I was told by Mr. Bevan, almost the 
 
 I 3 
 
174 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 last intelligible words caught from his lips ; — ' I long to 
 behold him arrayed with glory and light from above.' 
 
 " I was informed by one of his medical attendants, that 
 for him to have lain without pain, during his last illness, 
 was impossible. No posture could exempt him from it ; 
 ease was only comparative ; he could only lie on one side, 
 the other hip was too sore to allow him ; and after death, 
 it was discovered that even the shoulder on which he had 
 lain was ulcerated. Mr. Bevan says that on one occasion, 
 when he had been delirious, he went in and began to talk 
 to him of his hopes, and though his mind had been wan- 
 dering previously, as Mr. B. quoted the first few verses of 
 numerous texts, the poor sufferer finished them all, and 
 shewed the fullest faith in his Saviour, mingled with a 
 sense of his own unworthiness. During the whole time, 
 his submission to any thing necessary for him was most 
 conspicuous ; and though perhaps he might not fully, from 
 his state, understand the purport and necessity of any little 
 thing proposed as to nourishment, remedies, &c. yet he 
 instantly submitted, so completely was submission inter- 
 woven into his very nature by the grace of God. When 
 the last hour was drawing near, he was perfectly conscious ; 
 and having finally ascertained from his physician that 
 nothing more could be done, he said — (oh, how often have 
 the words, voice, tone, every thing echoed in my ear) — 
 • Let them all be called.' And they all assembled. He 
 was now literally in the dark valley of the shadow of death, 
 for he wished for more light in the room. He spoke to 
 Mrs. Vaughan about his children, wished them to be brought 
 up to the ministry, and said that he had always hoped one 
 would be a missionary. He died without a sigh, so that 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 1 *Jl 
 
 they were not aware of his end until the doctor told them 
 he was gone. 
 
 " I wished very much I could have mustered strength 
 to have seen the body, but could not ; I had, and have, so 
 sweet an image of him in my eye, that I could not bear 
 to risk any other dwelling there. His death-bed was 
 striking lesson to all who would put off repentance till that 
 hour ; for certainly had he had his peace to make then 
 with his God and Judge, he had no power of body or mind 
 for it. He was too much tried by pain, and too weak, to in- 
 troduce often the subject of religion ; but when introduced 
 by others, they always found a ready response. There was. 
 when not roused by pain, a torpor and apathy predomi- 
 nating ; but Christ was his heart's hope and stay." 
 
 The conclusion of Mr. Blencowe's letter must not here 
 be omitted : — 
 
 " Of the rapid close of his career, as I was not pre- 
 sent, I shall not attempt to speak. Others can better do 
 so. I saw him no more till the struggle was past, and to 
 intense suffering of body had succeeded the peaceful sleep 
 of death. He had entered into his rest. But that mortal 
 shall put on immortality, that corruptible shall put on in- 
 corruption. And as I committed his remains to the ground, 
 I felt the full power, in his case, of the church's words — 
 ' In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal 
 life, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our 
 vile body that it may be like unto his glorious body.' " 
 
176 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 REMARKS ON THE LIMITED DURATION, AND EFFECTS, OF HIS 
 
 MINISTRY. 
 
 From a scene — mysterious and overwhelming indeed to 
 the natural man, but full of solemn and engrossing interest 
 to the spiritual mind — no friend or relative of Henry 
 Vaughan, partaking of like precious faith, will be disposed 
 to turn away, without pausing to contemplate this, the 
 Lord's doing, and to indulge in meditations, which, while 
 they allow the just tribute of affection's grief, must tend 
 rather to comfort and elevate, than to depress, or to foster 
 one repining thought. 
 
 Resting in imagination upon the spot, where a temple 
 of the Holy Ghost has been laid even with the dust, to be 
 raised, ere long, we may confidently hope, in glory ; the 
 mourner will lend a willing ear to the words of an early 
 friend, the Rev. S. Everard : — 
 
 " I am glad, on all accounts, that a monument for dear 
 Henry is intended ; quite as much for the proof it affords 
 of the regard the subscribers have for true religion, as on 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 177 
 
 account of the testimony it gives to their affection for 
 Henry personally. The remembrance of him is so bound 
 up with that of the faith he preached and exemplified, that 
 no one, well disposed towards the one, can be altogether 
 indifferent to the other. During the latter period of his 
 ministry, especially, he fulfilled, to a most exemplary ex- 
 tent, the command to be instant in season and out of sea- 
 son, in preaching the gospel. As you express a wish for 
 a text, I am unwilling to neglect sending one ; but whoever 
 arranges the inscription may see many reasons for a dif- 
 ferent selection. St. Mark viii. part of verse 34, and St. 
 John xii. part of verse 26, seem, either or both, to express 
 the doctrine which Henry himself once conveyed most im- 
 pressively to me. We were walking, I think, in the gar- 
 den at Oak Cottage, and had been communicating our 
 mutual mercies and trials, our difficulties and exertions, 
 during a long previous separation ; and he closed our con- 
 versation by an emphatic expression of his settled convic- 
 tion, that it was God's will, and his own solemn purpose, 
 that the Lord being our helper, we should take Christ and 
 his Cross for our portion now, Christ and his Crown for 
 hereafter. I never forgot those words ; and they seem to 
 be an echo of the above, ' Whosoever will come after me, 
 let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me ; ' 
 and, ' If any man serve me, let him follow me ; and where 
 I am, there shall also my servant be.' ' 
 
 A communication from a beloved and respected lay 
 brother, will also be congenial with the feelings of every 
 sorrowing heart : — 
 
 " It is now about eight years, since I first became ac- 
 
 I 5 
 
178 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 quainted with my lamented friend, and I was favoured 
 with the last interview — an interview which I shall not 
 readily forget — a day or two only before he quitted Chel- 
 sea, to return to the beloved spot where he had so long 
 laboured with the blessing of the Most High ; but from 
 which scene of labour, it pleased our heavenly Father so 
 soon after to release him, and to take him unto himself. 
 From the first moment of my acquaintance with that esti- 
 mable friend, there seemed to me something in his charac- 
 ter peculiarly attractive, exhibiting all the warmth of Chris- 
 tian love, combined with a highly-cultivated intellect, ex- 
 ercised upon the most exalted subjects, and sanctified to his 
 Master's service in an eminent degree. The ardour which he 
 felt, in the sacred work of the minister and the pastor, ap- 
 peared also to urge him to constant exertion both of mind 
 and body, beyond what his slender frame seemed capable 
 of sustaining ; and the love of Christ which shone in his 
 character, made this service, not a toil which was sub- 
 mitted to under a strong feeling of duty, but rather a 
 cheerful and favourite occupation ; from the excessive 
 exercise of which, he found difficulty in restraining him- 
 self. 
 
 " In the last interview with him, with which I was 
 favoured, one subject into which we entered, seemed par- 
 ticularly grateful to his mind — namely, the second Advent 
 of the Son of God, and the glory prepared for his church. 
 It struck me powerfully, when I heard so soon afterwards 
 of his removal, how much he seemed to have been taught 
 to prize, and to delight in, the prospect of that bliss for 
 which he was manifestly ripening. May it be our blessed 
 lot to be followers of him, as he was of Christ, and to par- 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 1 79 
 
 take with him of the full possession and enjoyment of that 
 inheritance, incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth 
 not away, reserved in heaven for them who are kept bv the 
 power of God, through faith unto salvation, ready to be re- 
 vealed in these the last times." 
 
 In the reflections of another, many an attached friend 
 would find an expression of his own sentiments : — 
 
 " He walked with God, and was not, for God took him. 
 The voice of nature seems to whisper, ' But we no longer 
 behold him.' Yet there is another voice, a still small 
 voice indeed, but it is the voice of our heavenly Father, 
 which says, 'Comfort ye, comfort ye, his warfare is ac- 
 complished.' He is where his treasure and his heart had 
 long been. And surely he may yet be said to speak to his 
 sorrowing friends, when we remember how unblameablv, 
 how unreproveably, he walked along the narrow way of 
 peace and holiness ; how steadily he pursued his heaven- 
 ward course, to the praise of the glory of that grace, t< 
 which he delighted to ascribe all that was good in himself 
 and others. Surely that Saviour who was the guide of 
 his youth, will gently carry in his arms those lambs, who 
 are deprived of their nursing father who would have en- 
 deavoured to preserve them from all evil." 
 
 The voice of a fourth gives utterance to the thought 
 that will prevail in many hearts : — 
 
 " Blessed Henry Vaughan ! Now his peace flows like 
 a river. ' It is w t ell with the husband.' For him, we 
 have only to say, though in solemn awe at the profound 
 mystery of the dispensation, Glory to thee, O Lord ! who 
 
180 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 hast fixed another star in the heavenly firmament, to shine 
 for ever and ever." 
 
 And, as we gaze upon the simple monumental urn, 
 which marks the resting-place of the departed saint, and 
 seems to testify, " my flesh shall rest in hope," the words 
 he used on one occasion of his ministry, may dwell upon 
 the heart as expressive of a truth he has fully realised : — 
 " Death, to the Christian, is the peaceful messenger which 
 comes to bear his soul from the conflict to the crown, from 
 labour to rest, from faith and hope to sight and enjoy- 
 ment ; " — adding, " Welcome, then, Death ! the messen- 
 ger of peace ! " 
 
 It is not possible to look back upon the nine months, 
 immediately preceding the solemn hour at which we have 
 now paused, without having the attention seriously drawn 
 to the providential events and arrangements of that period. 
 The circumstances that led Henry Vaughan to Chelsea for 
 a little season, and then opened the way for his return to 
 Crickhowel, were assuredly under the immediate direction 
 of Him, without whom a sparrow doth not fall to the 
 ground. And it cannot be doubted, that those changes 
 formed some of the windings of a mysterious path, which 
 the God of all grace had in wisdom chosen, to subserve 
 his purposes of love. In these views, we are not left to 
 conjecture, or to the mere confidence of faith ; evidence 
 of a clear and decided nature has been afforded, that the 
 hand which ruleth over all was put forth in those dispen- 
 sations, to promote the best interests of a beloved servant, 
 whose appointed race was to be quickly accomplished. By 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. lfci] 
 
 terminating his sacred trust, among a people much longed 
 for, and peculiarly accounted as his own, he was relieved 
 from the disquiet that might have attended his last mo- 
 ments, in any other place, or apart from them. But, dur- 
 ing his absence, the work of righteousness, in peace and 
 quietness and assurance, had been progressive ; and he re- 
 turned to the scene of many toils and trials, and many deep- 
 felt mercies, with a spirit invigorated and refreshed by the 
 unreserved Christian communion, he had enjoyed with the 
 congregation at Park Chapel. To an intimate friend, short- 
 ly before he relinquished that charge, he expressed himself 
 in terms of elevated delight, when speaking of the liberty 
 he had there found in the exercise of his ministry. Among 
 brethren prepared to honour him as an ambassador for 
 Christ, and to receive his testimony in faith and love ; he 
 had freely poured forth the experience of a heart, over- 
 flowing with the hopes and joys of the gospel, and w T ith 
 w T arm affection for many whom he recognised as partakers 
 of the heavenly calling. His exertions in the pulpit, al- 
 though invariably fatiguing to the mind and the body, had 
 been the means, not only of blessing to others, but also of 
 strength and enlargement to his own soul. The united, 
 constant, efforts of the pastor and his flock, in works of 
 Christian charity and enterprise, had presented opportu- 
 nities of mutual edification and advancement, in which he 
 proved more fully, than in any previous connection, the 
 believer's privilege, " To give and to receive — to be blessed 
 and to bless ;" and in which, he partook richly of the be- 
 nefit designed by the injunction : " Consider one another, 
 to provoke unto love and to good works ; and so much the 
 more, as ye see the day approaching." He saw the day 
 
182 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 approaching ; and rejoiced the more, in the abundance of 
 his labours, and in the support and consolation derived 
 therein, from many fellow-helpers and fellow-heirs. The 
 " comfort of love, and the fellowship of the Spirit," as he 
 gratefully acknowledged, were granted to him in a measure, 
 which rendered the time when all shall be gathered together 
 in one, an object of more fervent, express, desire, than at 
 any former period of his life. Views of eternal things were 
 disclosed with a power, a nearness, a reality, which con- 
 veyed an impression — welcomed with feelings far above 
 those of peace and resignation — that with him, "the night 
 was far spent, the day was at hand." He could appro- 
 priate to himself individually — almost triumphantly — the 
 exhortation he had addressed to others : — " Be comforted. 
 The Lord is at hand. You have not much longer to main- 
 tain the conflict. A few more dark days, a few more sharp 
 combats, a few more sighs and tears, a few more labours of 
 soul ; and the eternal day will break. The Lord is at 
 hand. Take up your cross daily. Take it up cheerfully. 
 The Lord is at hand — The Lord, and a crown of glory !" 
 
 The slight review of his ministerial career, presented in 
 this memoir, comprises a period of only seven years. But, 
 although he was thus taken away in the midst of his days, 
 that career, if estimated, not by the measurement of time, 
 but by the nature and extent of his work, cannot be re- 
 gretted as a brief one. The multiplicity of objects to which 
 his energies were directed, the constancy of his efforts to 
 spread the savour of the name of Jesus, and to follow Him 
 who went about doing good — whilst they seemed to be in- 
 strumental in curtailing the duration of his service — have 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. \ Si) 
 
 left a conviction in the minds of those who were witnessc- 
 of his zeal, that the ordinary labours of a much more 
 lengthened space, were crowded into the limit of those few 
 years. The course he was destined to take, appears to 
 have been rather swift, than contracted. How, or when, 
 it should terminate, was a question of little moment with 
 him, if it were but sure ; and his consequent disregard of 
 health and of needful rest, in pressing towards the mark 
 for the prize of his high calling, produced an anxiety in the 
 minds of those who were tenderly concerned for him, which 
 could only be allayed by the consideration, that an unseen, 
 unerring power, was conducting him speedily to the haven 
 where he would be. So far as human care and prudence 
 can avail, it was thought that his days might have been 
 prolonged, by more submissive attention to the warning 
 voice of relatives and friends. But he could not stop to 
 estimate the resources of physical ability or constitution ; he 
 loved the service of his Lord too well, to defer till the mor- 
 row, from any personal motive, that which could possibly 
 be accomplished to-day. His cheerful remark, when suf- 
 fering from an affection of the throat — "I must preach it 
 away" — was characteristic of the principle that urged him 
 onward, from first to last, when he had pledged allegiance 
 under the banner of the cross. And that it was settled 
 principle — not the mere impulse of temperament, or the 
 effect of any natural excitement — w r as evident, if such proof 
 were requisite, from his firmness, as well as tenderness, in 
 meeting the expostulations of his own family. Thus, on 
 one occasion, in the early days of his ministry, when affec- 
 tionately, and somewhat playfully, repelling their entreaties 
 to be less prodigal of health and strength, his decision was 
 
184 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 brought to a more severe test than usual, by the earnest 
 appeal of one, who, in her devoted attachment, could not 
 suppress some anxious forebodings of the sorrows of a 
 widow's heart. An involuntary expression of grief in his 
 countenance, was his only reply at the moment ; but he 
 afterwards begged with tears, that his trials might not in 
 that manner be increased, and that an exaggerated view of 
 his labours, " which (he said) you must know are nothing," 
 might not be entertained. He then fervently prayed that 
 one, whose peace of mind, and conformity to the will of 
 God, was to him the first of all earthly objects, might be 
 enabled cheerfully to resign him to his work, — as the sa- 
 crifice required of her faith, — and, in solicitude for the wel- 
 fare of perishing souls, to cast all inordinate care for the 
 weak instrument, at the foot of the cross. 
 
 His perseverance to the end, in the calm determination 
 he had himself formed, is apparent from the communica- 
 tions already quoted ; but is particularly noticed, in the 
 following interesting manner, by the friend whose account 
 of the solemn closing scene has been introduced. "Truly," 
 he remarks, with a warmth of feeling that might well 
 arise, as he turned from the grave of one he so much 
 loved and admired, " if ever there was a martyr to reli- 
 gion, he was one ; for his physician told me that he assured 
 him in Mrs. Vaughan's presence, before he went to Chel- 
 sea, that if he continued to exert and spend himself there, 
 as he had done here, he would not give him more than two 
 years to live. His warning voice was vain to the mis- 
 sionary spirit he addressed, and the brief two years have 
 been shortened to'nine months." 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 185 
 
 While thus lingering, in thought, near the temporary 
 home of that earthly frame, whose every power and faculty 
 rendered the first-fruits to the God from whom they were 
 derived, the mind is disposed to dwell upon recollections 
 of his enterprising toils of faith and love. But it will not 
 be attempted to define the result of his labours, or the 
 effects of his zeal, in order to support the opinion that has 
 been expressed regarding the comparative extent of his 
 ministerial life. Such an enquiry is, in most cases, an 
 undertaking difficult and uncertain, for the feeble, con- 
 tracted, discernment of man. The details, however, of 
 the preceding narrative, or the letters written by him to 
 whom it relates, cannot be perused without leading to the 
 conclusion, that, amidst all the difficulties and disappoint- 
 ments, which, in common with every Christian minister, 
 he must have found intercepting his path, a considerable 
 degree of encouragement was afforded him. His patient 
 continuance in well-doing was again and again relieved 
 with the song of grateful praise : — " The Lord hath helped 
 us ; the Lord hath done great things for us." The in- 
 fluence of a blessing from on high, upon the faithful 
 preaching of the word, and a vigilant exercise of his 
 office, were perceptible in various ways. It was not a 
 confused or indistinct sound, that the watchman gave ; 
 nor was the response altogether of a doubtful kind. The 
 earnest cry, " What must I do to be saved," sometimes 
 greeting the pastor's ear; signs of a growth in grace, 
 with not a few who had tasted that the Lord is gracious ; 
 the engaging spring-tide of spiritual life in the schools ; 
 the effectual restraint laid upon immorality and profane- 
 ness in their external deformity, and the frequent success 
 
\86 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 of the remedy applied to their source ; the lively interest 
 awakened among his people in the welfare of the church 
 at large, and in the condition of the heathen world ; the 
 consequent increase in the number and efficacy of institu- 
 tions designed to promote the work of the gospel, locally 
 in his own parish, and more extensively in foreign lands ; 
 liberality and confidence towards himself as the minister 
 of God, and co-operation in his plans of benevolence and 
 usefulness, taking the place of indifference and even of 
 unkind opposition ; the enmities of the carnal mind, in 
 their varied forms, yielding to the humbling testimony of 
 the love of Jesus ; increasing attendance upon the public 
 services of the church, requiring enlarged and improved 
 accommodation for the worshippers ; a growing desire to 
 partake of the means of grace, provided by week-day 
 lectures, and frequent meetings for prayer and scripture- 
 reading ; the acceptance and success experienced in plead- 
 ing for objects of common interest, on errands of charity 
 to other districts ; — these, although fruits of an ordinary 
 nature, must excite the gratitude, and lighten the burdens, 
 of every devoted servant of his Lord : and of these, a 
 liberal portion was granted to Henry Vaughan, oft-times 
 refreshing to his spirit, as the pouring in of oil and wine, 
 when weary with exhausting cares and toils. Of the 
 work committed to his hand, he could occasionally speak 
 with something of apostolic confidence : " For what is 
 our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing ? Are not even 
 ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his com- 
 
 ing .' 
 
 To this subject, an appropriate reference is made, in 
 
REV. HENRY VATJGHAN. L87 
 
 the continuation of a letter, from which extracts have i.l- 
 ready been given : — " I suspect, although much, very much 
 manifest good has been done here by its departed pastor, 
 that more seed has been sown than has yet sprung up or 
 borne fruit. The moral tone of the place is, confessedly, 
 wonderfully raised by his labours, and should the great 
 Husbandman send a faithful waterer, and Himself give 
 the increase, much will be developed which is now either 
 partially, or wholly hidden. All at least respected him; 
 for though many thought his standard unnecessarily high, 
 still all saw that he himself was consistent." 
 
 Probably, however, the choicest fruit of any ministry 
 rarely attracts the human eye, but remains stored under 
 the hand of the mighty Lord of the vineyard, till the day 
 when He shall bring it forth, in maturity, to the praise of 
 the glory of his grace. And in considering the character 
 of a servant of the living God, however zealous or dis- 
 tinguished, it may become us to remain contented in tracing 
 out the work of Divine power and love, as manifested in 
 his own walk and conversation ; resting in the assurance, 
 that whatever might be the appointed measure of suc- 
 cess attending his exertions, he himself would be blessed 
 in his deed, and would receive the benediction of a com- 
 passionate Master — " Thou didst well that it was in thine 
 heart." 
 
188 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 NOTICES OF HIS DOMESTIC CHARACTER. 
 
 Some traits of personal character, not immediately con- 
 nected with a concise history of his ministerial course, 
 may admit of more specific notice than they have yet re- 
 ceived. A disposition naturally kind, affectionate, and 
 generous, as we have seen in the letters of two of his 
 nearest relatives, disclosed its amiable qualities from his 
 earliest days ; and it would be dishonouring the fulness of 
 the gift of God, to imagine that those sublime and eternal 
 objects, which afterwards engaged the best energies of 
 his mind and heart, as an heir of salvation, and a servant 
 of the church, could exclude any relative duties or connec- 
 tions from a large share of his thought and affection. The 
 allusions to his domestic character, occurring in these pages, 
 though slight and few, cannot leave a doubt that the high 
 principle, and the ardour of feeling, observable in the dis- 
 charge of the public duties pertaining to his office, were 
 no less influential in the more private and retired scenes of 
 life. It was amongst the gracious providences, of which 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 189 
 
 he retained a deep and grateful sense, that he lived in all 
 those endearing relations of man's present state, for which 
 his heart was peculiarly formed ; and in them, he afforded 
 a lively evidence, that the solace and enjoyment they seem 
 designed to promote, are in no degree impaired by sub- 
 missive reverence for the Saviour's precept — " He that 
 loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of 
 me ; " but that they acquire a new charm, and minister a 
 purer joy, when held in subjection to that word. Engaging 
 as were the constancy, the warmth, the tenderness of na- 
 tural affection, they appeared in still brighter, sweeter, 
 colours, when sanctified by that supreme love of God 
 which reigned in his soul ; — shewing what real beauty 
 adorns these earthly things, when governed by the hea- 
 venlv. 
 
 There was a happy method of persevering in the path 
 of duty, as a steward who knew his responsibility to the 
 great head of the church, even when directly opposing the 
 wishes and remonstrances of an anxious wife, a parent, a 
 brother, or a sister ; that would allow no one to suspect 
 him of being indifferent to their feelings, or free from pain- 
 ful emotion in adopting any course from which they would 
 dissuade him. His considerate and persuasive manner of 
 accomplishing this, may be partly discovered from a cir- 
 cumstance already mentioned, when repeated and increased 
 importunity had occasioned him much uneasiness ; and in the 
 same spirit, although any care of the body was to him a 
 matter of perplexing discipline, he would endeavour to 
 remove the apprehensions of the family circle on his ac- 
 count ; and, as far as it was practicable, consistently with 
 convictions of duty, would set himself scrupulously to ob- 
 
] 90 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 serve those precautions that were suggested with a view to 
 his health and comfort. The self-denving tendencv of a 
 
 af O J 
 
 devoted zeal, after he had renounced all earthly honour 
 and advantage, was, indeed, the only point upon which he 
 had to fear discouragement on their part ; and that un- 
 sought deference, which the presence of a pure and holy 
 mind inspired even among strangers, could not be denied 
 to him by his nearest relatives. How much the bonds of 
 kindred drew forth the ardour of his soul, and constrained 
 him to offer counsel according to his ability, in all things 
 affecting the interests of his beloved family, whether for 
 time or for eternity ; could not pass unobserved, even by 
 those who had only a slight acquaintance with him. But 
 the real fervour of this affection, could be known only by 
 those, who have been admitted to fellowship in his inter- 
 cessions, and have witnessed the depth and intenseness of 
 feeling he evinced, in committing each member of his 
 father's house, to that mighty arm upon which he had 
 learned to rest every burden. His letters to a brother and 
 a sister (Nos. ii. and xiii.) afford interesting examples of 
 his love as a relative, combined with faithfulness as a wit- 
 ness of the truth ; and two more, addressed to younger 
 sisters, elucidate so clearly those features of his character, 
 that they have been reserved for insertion here : — 
 " My dearest . . . , 
 
 " I failed, during my fugitive visit, to find a suitable 
 opportunity for conversing with you, privately and alone, 
 on a subject which is always nearest my heart, whenever I 
 think of vou. 
 
 "It is possible, you may sometimes think that I am 
 harsh in my views of religion, and their strict enforce- 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. \ ( J[ 
 
 ment ; but, dearest . . . , that is not the case. It is the 
 certainty of their truth, it is the entire persuasion of their 
 importance as affecting your present and eternal happiness, 
 that leads me, rather than compels me, so continually to 
 press them on your attention. I am the more encouraged 
 also to do so, by observing that a kind and tender Father 
 is, by his providence, almost forcing upon you the same 
 truths. And why should you any longer tarry in the world 
 which has not, and never can, yield you peace. But you 
 think religion compatible with a moderate enjoyment of the 
 world. Have you found it so ? Do you feel that your 
 principles of religion are such as you could rely upon at 
 the hour of death, and in the day of judgment ? Do you 
 find it so, generally, in others ? Are those with whom 
 you commonly, when you go into society, associate, such 
 as you would call truly and evangelically religious ? But 
 I return to yourself. Do you enjoy really spiritual com- 
 munion with God ; do you mourn for sin ; is your life a 
 daily struggle against it ; are your affections fixed steadily 
 on heavenly things ; have you a holy indifference to earthly 
 things ? If not, then your religion is short of true reli- 
 gion. Let me direct you, in proof of this, to Scripture 
 itself. Read Romans, chap. viii. from verse 8, to the end ; 
 and enquire, is this the religion with which I am experi- 
 mentally acquainted? if not, is not my state unsafe, is not 
 the state of the majority of Christians quite unsafe, and does 
 not this agree with those views of religion which I have 
 been slow to believe true ? Let me beseech you, dearest 
 . . . , to follow the honest convictions which must arise, 
 on reading this and similar Scriptures. Enter, at once, 
 upon a more serious investigation of what true religion is. 
 
192 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 Take not man, but the Bible, as your guide. Read, with 
 prayer, the Gospel of St. John, or the Epistle to the Ephe- 
 sians, Colossians, or any other part of Scripture, and apply 
 it personally to your own heart in the way of self-exami- 
 nation. Would to God, that we might be agreed on this 
 point ! How happily, then, might we unite together in 
 God's work. Where could we find a fairer vineyard than 
 at home ! Oh ! do seek the inestimable pearl. You will 
 never know real happiness, or real usefulness, until you 
 possess it ; and when you have once found it, you will, 
 like the merchant in the gospel, for joy thereof, go and sell 
 all that you have, that you may fully enjoy and improve 
 the precious talent. 
 
 " I must now say, good-bye, or rather, God be with you. 
 I may unfeignedly say, my heart's desire and prayer for 
 you is, that you may realise the saving truths of the ever- 
 lasting gospel in life, and in glory. 
 
 " Your most affectionate brother, 
 
 " H. V." 
 
 "My dearest . . . , 
 
 " I was truly thankful to God, for the communion which 
 we were permitted to enjoy together; and was, indeed, 
 delighted to find that your heart and mind were opening 
 to the truths of the blessed gospel, as I trust, by the divine 
 teaching of God the Holy Ghost. 
 
 " I write a few lines to exhort you diligently to culti- 
 vate the inestimable gift God has^ bestowed upon you, — 
 by prayer, meditation, and study of the scriptures. You 
 would do well to consider within yourself, what tempta- 
 tions will most easily beset you, on your return home ; 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 1!'.'') 
 
 and to fortify yourself, by divine grace, to meet them as a 
 Christian should. Your course now should be uncom- 
 promising and decided. In the end, this will save much 
 trial, though at first it might seem the most difficult. In 
 all things, your progress and success will depend on devo- 
 tional habits. Be much in your closet, and on your knees; 
 and strength will be given you, to overcome all the ene- 
 mies of your salvation. You should endeavour to seek 
 grace, that you may be enabled to glorify God by active 
 employment ; as I fear indolence is the constitutional sin 
 of the family. 
 
 " Excuse the freedom, and brevity, and disorder of 
 these fugitive hints. May God bless them by his Spirit, 
 dearest . . . , and make you grow in grace through our 
 Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 " Your affectionate brother, 
 
 "H. V." 
 
 To him it was granted, to know the joy of a parent on 
 presenting three children successively, in baptism, to the 
 God who gave them ; and some characteristic references 
 to those sacred seasons, will be found in his Letters. He 
 was also called to taste the grief, and the Christian's " sure 
 and certain hope," in committing an infant daughter to the 
 grave. Of the trial, and the consolation, he then ex- 
 perienced, his friend and brother-minister writes thus : — 
 " At the time his sweet little girl was dangerously ill, his 
 refuge was prayer. He besought God, if it might be his 
 will, to spare her; and when that will ordered otherwise, 
 and he saw his infant expire, it was with lively faith in his 
 heavenly Father's goodness, and with holy resignation, 
 
 K 
 
194 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 that he checked every murmur of grief : he appeared, in- 
 deed, to lose almost his sorrow for his child, in the convic- 
 tion of its perfect happiness. I can remember the very- 
 touching and impressive effect of his manner at the grave, 
 which was felt, I believe, by others beside myself. "A few 
 poetic lines from his own pen, disclose a state of heart, 
 quite in accordance with this representation ; they tell out 
 the poignancy of a parental sorrow evidently known in all 
 its keenness, but promptly alleviated by that healing balm 
 which the Spirit of grace alone can minister. 
 
 As a father, he admirably united firmness in discipline, 
 with unbounded playfulness in recreation,— gaining the 
 warmest affection of his little ones, while he ensured their 
 quick, unhesitating, obedience. The yearnings of a saint, 
 over a treasure entrusted to him by the God he loved, could 
 not pass unobserved, in his habitual efforts to lead their 
 minds to endearing thoughts of a father in heaven. Not 
 only in the more sedate moments of direct instruction, but 
 also in the hour of liveliest sport, it was evident that his 
 eye could not rest upon them, without exciting reflections 
 and desires reaching to eternity. The " God bless you, 
 my child," so frequently pronounced over them, was not 
 the mere expression of natural abounding love, but the 
 fervent aspiration of one who knew what it was to be 
 " blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in 
 Christ." In that heartfelt benediction, it might be said, 
 there was a degree of patriarchal solemnity, blended with 
 the tender, graceful, emotion of a young parent, which 
 sensibly impressed the children at a very early age. As 
 an instance of this, it may be noticed, that during a dan- 
 gerous illness of the youngest boy, whenever his cheering 
 
REV. HENRY VATJGHAN. 195 
 
 form appeared at the bedside, the little arms would be 
 stretched out to take the father's hand, and place it on the 
 sufferer's head, as if he would claim the soothing influence 
 of the oft-repeated word of blessing, which he had learned 
 to connect with that action. May his orphan boys, when 
 looking into this humble and defective memorial, realise the 
 widowed parent's anxious hope, and discover " in their 
 father's lovely example, the power of God's grace to form 
 the image of Christ on the soul of man." And may they 
 be effectually moved by the consideration, that a more 
 ardent petition never ascended from his heart, than when 
 he prayed that his own beloved offspring might be follow- 
 ers of God as dear children ; and that those who called 
 him " father" might be blameless and harmless, the sons 
 of God, without rebuke, prepared to rejoice with him in 
 the day of Christ ! 
 
 To touch upon the tenderest, closest, tie by which he 
 was allied to this world, would be trespassing on the pro- 
 vince of one, whose hand alone could suitably perform the 
 task. But it is not needful to awaken the acute feelings 
 of the heart where the husband's image is recorded, for 
 the purpose of obtaining any evidence of the character he 
 sustained in that relation. It will be sufficient to observe, 
 that the endearment of an union, formed in a perfect sym- 
 pathy of natural taste and sentiment, and in all the devo- 
 tedness of an early attachment; having been crowned with 
 a settled happiness and contentment attained only by those 
 who walk as heirs together of the grace of life ; he was no 
 less honoured, than loved, as the indulgent, affectionate, 
 judicious, guide of youth to the partner, in some degree of 
 
 K 2 
 
196 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 his manv cares and labours, as well as of his iovs and sor- 
 rows. And it was found, in the bitter moment of separa- 
 tion, when his presence was withdrawn, and the voice that 
 had so faithfully supplied the word of truth and consolation 
 could be heard no more, that the counsel of his lip and the 
 pattern of his faith had not been bestowed in vain. When 
 the earthly support, prized with a fondness that few could 
 venture to condemn, had been removed, the Everlasting 
 arm remained. The depth and darkness of the widow's 
 affliction were not forsaken by that Comforter, whose light 
 and life had been diligently sought in united prayer. The 
 sure, though silent, testimony rested on the bereaved mourn- 
 er's heart — " I am not alone." 
 
 His own words, when discoursing upon the " modera- 
 tion " essential to the Christian character, may be received 
 as a transcript of the principles and the experience which 
 prevailed in his breast, with regard to all social and domes- 
 tic relations : — 
 
 " This principle (moderation) should lead us to place all 
 earthly attachments on a heavenly foundation ; and that, 
 regularly and habitually. To keep a really affectionate 
 heart from undue attachment to the creature, requires all 
 the sovereignty and fulness of Divine grace, and is a noble 
 triumph of holy moderation, learnt at the cross of Jesus 
 Christ. The father and mother whose care reared us, the 
 brother and sister, our playmates in childhood, our most 
 confidential friends in maturer years, the wife whose faith- 
 ful heart has cherished our purest affections, and concealed 
 our greatest weaknesses; — to hold these blessings, and yet 
 in such a wav that we can, when God commands, slip the 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAX. 197 
 
 chain and let them go with peaceful resignation ; — ye?, and 
 while we live with them, really to do affection's part, really 
 to aid them with our prayers, really to direct them by our 
 counsel, really and disinterestedly to administer to their 
 wants, and bear with their infirmities ; — to do this, not in 
 our happier moments only, when the fervour of a sudden 
 devotion gilds every thing with an unusual lustre ; but hab- 
 itually to do it ; on wet and on fine days ; when things go 
 ill, as well as when they go well ; when cares harass ; 
 when the world frowns ; amidst the severer trials, and the 
 lesser vexations, of life ; — this is to put earthly attachments 
 on a heavenly foundation." 
 
 It will not be following out a review of domestic charac- 
 ter too minutely, nor can it be regarded by any Christian 
 mind, as descending below the point of interesting and pro- 
 fitable observation, to advert, with more distinctness than 
 has yet been done, to the tender, faithful, attention he be- 
 stowed upon those who served him in his own house. It 
 would rather be an unbecoming neglect of duty and privi- 
 lege, to pass over unnoticed, any traces of his holy example 
 in a relation so deeply important and responsible in the 
 believer's walk. Such traces have been presented, among 
 the materials of this work, in a form, however simple, not 
 less authentic. From one who w T as entrusted with the 
 care of his infant children, and whose attachment and 
 fidelity were duly appreciated by the parents, a tribute to 
 the endeared memory of her master, has been received. It 
 affords evidence, that his patient admonitions w 7 ere not un- 
 attended with a real blessing to the individual writer. And 
 a general view of the master's character is also given, in 
 
 K 3 
 
198 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 terms that may safely be left to the reader's candour, with- 
 out further introduction ; and may be admitted, in prefer- 
 ence to any more elaborate or formal attempt to delineate 
 this feature of the pastor's private life : — 
 
 " At your request, I have taken upon me, as far as my 
 poor, imperfect memory can retain them, to write a few of 
 the kind and gracious words that it was once my privilege 
 to hear fall from the lips of my once kind, but now sainted, 
 master. With what kindness and earnestness did he entreat 
 us to seek the Saviour now, while we were in health, before 
 the day of trial and suffering came. He used to tell us, 
 that we should never be sorry for having sought God too 
 soon. ' Oh no ! (he would say) when you come to your 
 last hour, and the great enemy is trying to persuade you 
 that your God hath forgotten you ; how cheering to 
 the soul, to feel the everlasting arms of your Saviour under- 
 neath you, carrying you through the conflict.' And on 
 the Sabbath evenings, what pains he was used to take with 
 us (even when he had all the day been labouring for the 
 souls of his people,) in explaining the Scriptures to us, and 
 shewing us the necessity of being born again, and made 
 new creatures in Christ Jesus. And when he had done, 
 he would ask us if we understood it, telling us, if we did 
 not, to bring any difficulty to him, and he would explain it. 
 In all things, he seemed, like his heavenly Master, to look 
 upon us, not as servants, but as friends ; he never seemed 
 to forget the least act of care or kindness ; he was used 
 often to tell me, that he should never forget my care of 
 the dear baby when the coach fell ; that he looked upon 
 me, more as a friend than a servant. When Anne and 
 her sister left London, as you know, he paid them their 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. ID9 
 
 coach-fare ; his generous heart did not rest there, for when 
 they called to bid him good-bye, and he was not at home, 
 he went and sought them out where they stayed in town, 
 and prayed with them ; he then told Hannah, whenever 
 she was in distress, and wanted a pound or two, to send 
 to him, and he would help her. 
 
 " I remember his once coming into the nursery, on a 
 Sunday; and seeing me writing, he gently rebuked me for 
 doing it on the Sabbath. A short time afterwards, he 
 himself had occasion to write to Mr. Morice, to ask him 
 to assist in the evening service ; but before he sent his 
 note, he brought it into the kitchen, and read it ; and told 
 us, that he wished us to know that it was a duty he was 
 performing, and not for his own pleasure. Once, when 
 dear little Henry had hold of the baby's foot, and said, 
 ' Here's a foot for a boot, papa !' papa answered, ' A foot, 
 my love, I trust, to run in the way of God's command- 
 ments. ' 
 
 " He seemed to think that every thing was too good for 
 him. After we came from town, and the house at Crick - 
 howsl was furnished (I do not think you were present) he 
 threw himself upon the sofa in the drawing-room, and look- 
 ing round, and then upwards, he exclaimed, ' This is much 
 too g)od for a poor sinner like me.' How beautifully he 
 prayed, for all the dear people he had left behind at Chelsea, 
 the day that we got settled again at the Cottage. He 
 seemec to bear every one on his heart before God ; even 
 poor Hannah's little child was not forgotten ; he prayed 
 that it might be brought up in the fear and love of God. 
 
 " I can truly say, I can never see such a kind master 
 and friend again. How kindly, you will remember, when 
 
200 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 the baby was ill, he used to consider me, and would say, 
 ' Bessie dear, poor Sarah looks very tired, you must have 
 Anne to take the baby a little, while she gets a bit of sleep' 
 And at all the meetings, how kindly he would enquire 
 which of us was going, and if it was the right turn; as 
 you so kindly allowed me always to take turns with the rest." 
 
REV. HENRY VAUQHAN. 201 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 GENERAL VIEW OF HIS PERSONAL CHARACTER. 
 
 Many of the definitions of Christian character, and the 
 exhortations to Christian consistency, conveyed in the 
 words of our Lord and his disciples, might be selected, and 
 shewn to have been sweetly exemplified in the life of Henry 
 Vaughan. And it will not be thought, by those to whom 
 he was best known, that too high an opinion has been 
 formed of his attainments in Christian experience, if it be 
 said, that, in his general walk and conversation, he illus- 
 trated, almost as clearly and effectively as in the pulpit, 
 those fruits of the Spirit which were chosen for his last 
 series of discourses at Chelsea, and formed nearly the last 
 subject upon which he addressed his congregation there. 
 
 Imperfect as this memorial must necessarily prove, it 
 cannot be perused, without discovering that such fruits 
 were borne, in rich abundance, by him who was enabled to 
 present so valuable an exposition of them to the church. 
 Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, 
 faith, meekness, temperance, have so far been brought un- 
 
 k * 
 
202 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 der consideration in the course of the narrative, that it will 
 not be requisite to separate the various portions of the 
 sacred cluster, or to dwell upon each of them in detail. 
 But some extracts from his own papers, and from the com- 
 munications of friends, not previously introduced, may 
 serve to mark the degree in which those fruits had approach- 
 ed maturity. 
 
 Few, perhaps, even of the most favoured servants of the 
 Lord, are partakers of more uninterrupted joy and peace, 
 than were granted to him. He afforded a striking exam- 
 ple of the scriptural truth, "The joy of the Lord is the 
 strength of his people." This seemed to be a never-failing 
 antidote, for the depression that might have been expec- 
 ted, from exertions beyond his physical powers. Through 
 the prevalence of this active, energetic, principle, he w r as 
 not cast down by the disappointments inflicted upon a 
 tender, sensitive, spirit. By this, he was enabled to en- 
 counter without fear, or dismay, or reluctance, the opposi- 
 tion ever incident to the enterprise of love. Whether in 
 bodily exhaustion, or in mental anxiety and trial, nothing, 
 either from within or from without, had power to disturb 
 or impair the sustaining influence of a Saviour's assur- 
 ance ; — " These things have I spoken unto you, that my 
 joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." 
 
 Among the recollections of a correspondent, the follow- 
 ing testimony occurs, not merely of the peace and resigna- 
 tion, but of the joy with which he could regard visitations, 
 such as by the children of this world would be accounted 
 evil : — " His heart was, as you know, very large and deep 
 in its affections ; while his confiding openness and frank- 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 20 
 
 •■ 
 
 ness of communication, were most engaging. He gave 
 himself so entirely to a friend, without reserve, leading you 
 into his whole mind, and making you join with him in 
 admiring the providential dealings of the God of grace, 
 towards himself and those dear to him. We cannot for- 
 get how very striking it was when, in telling us about his 
 family, it seemed a real joy to mention trials and losses, as 
 evidencing the paternal love of God, and that he had pur- 
 poses of mercy which would not permit Him to leave them 
 to have their portion here. ' How good God is to our 
 family !' was a sort of rejoicing ejaculation, when alluding 
 to circumstances wherein most persons would only have 
 found cause for regret." 
 
 A sense of the love of God — its unchangeableness — its 
 end ; had so taken possession of his soul, that rarely could 
 any adverse or perplexing events bring a cloud upon the 
 joy that love had kindled, — an adopting love, whereby he 
 had been placed among the children of a kingdom, which 
 he found to be, indeed, " righteousness, and peace, and 
 joy in the Holy Ghost." He uttered a truth, of which he 
 himself well knew the force, when he said : "If our joy is 
 to be shaken, whenever sensible evidences of God's favour 
 are not given, seldom will it last long. Joy must be able 
 to live amidst storms and the wreck of man's hopes, or 
 little shall we have of it for long. Faith must be the ban- 
 ner of our joy. If it is, we shall soon glory in tribulation 
 also. If our nest of joy is built on earth, a thousand rude 
 hands will rifle it. Above, it would be safe. Yes, you 
 say, but then it would be future, not present. Mistake not. 
 It would be both present and future ; — present, in the wit- 
 ness of God's Spirit, and that sweet composure which a 
 
204 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 truly resigned heart seldom loses ; — and future, in that 
 crown of glory which awaits him who hath endured temp- 
 tation." 
 
 His unreserved sympathy in the condition of all to whom 
 he had access, whether prosperous or trying, is expressed 
 with affecting simplicity and grace in many of his letters ; 
 and will be observed, with much interest, by all who can 
 appreciate that delineation of Christian unity, — " There 
 should be no schism in the body, but the members should 
 have the same care one for another : and whether one mem- 
 ber suffer, all the members suffer with it ; or one member 
 be honoured, all the members rejoice with it." It was a 
 svmpathv, especially bound up with those who were of the 
 household of faith ; but embracing, at the same time, the 
 whole family of man, and longing to relieve every moral 
 and physical evil; first, with the healing virtue of the 
 a'reat Phvsician ; and also, as far as might be, bv a liberal 
 distribution of this world's goods. 
 
 This will have been evident, from the brief view that has 
 been given of the tenour of his life ; but a refinement* of 
 taste, if the expression may be allowed, in the exercise of 
 this grace, as well as an intenseness of feeling engaged in 
 it, are referred to, with admiration, by those who had wit- 
 nessed his ardent, active, disinterested, kindness and good- 
 ness. As an example, the affectionate acknowledgment of 
 
 * The following words were addressed to a dear friend, when 
 urging the acceptance of pecuniary aid : — " God has given me 
 this sum, to give to you. It is not my gift, but his. Take it 
 and use it. And may Almighty God bless it to the recovery of 
 your health, and the increase of your happiness and usefulness." 
 
REV. HENRI VAUGIIAN. -JO.") 
 
 a clergyman, with whom his intercourse had been but of 
 short duration, may here be quoted : — 
 
 " I must not omit one instance of his truly Christian 
 spirit towards myself personally, which I shall never forget. 
 A circumstance had occurred in the temporal affairs of a 
 very near relative, which, he considered, might to a certain 
 extent involve me in difficulty. And the kind manner in 
 which he expressed his sympathy to my dear wife, was 
 such as at first to cause a momentary consideration in her 
 mind, ' Can it be sincere ? ' But the reflection of the 
 source from whence it came, in a moment checked the sus- 
 picion, and left a deep and permanent feeling of gratitude 
 in the minds of us both, which will never be effaced. I 
 regretted that my absence from home, prevented my 
 having the benefit of his conversation on a subject, which 
 a feeling of delicacy prompts Christians, I think too fre- 
 quently, to withhold from each other ; I mean, the best 
 means of avoiding and surmounting temporal difficulties. 
 But I could never exhaust this subject." 
 
 " Let each esteem others better than himself" — was a 
 principle so wrought into the spirit of his mind, that it 
 could not but shine brightly in his habitual deportment. 
 Nor was he less careful to promote this feeling in others, 
 than to cherish it in himself. Although possessing a quick 
 penetration in the discernment of character, and painfully 
 affected by every symptom of departure from the will of God, 
 he adhered strictly to the precept, he endeavoured to en- 
 f orce : — <• Never speak of the failings of a brother, to any 
 who may not have the power of attempting their correction ; 
 nor then ; till you have, in all brotherly kindness, used the 
 
206 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 influence you possess, with that person himself ; ' and no 
 severity or illiberality of remark, could be indulged in con- 
 versation with him. The evils he could not deny, were 
 treated with the charity that hideth a multitude of sins ; 
 and the very expression of his countenance, commanded 
 silence on the lip, that might be ready to open with evil 
 speaking, or with unkind censure. By example, he set 
 forth the beauty of that temper of mind, he had enjoined 
 in words, when urging the cultivation of " a spirit, more 
 deeply conscious of its own infirmities, more tenderly con- 
 siderate of, and compassionate to, the weaknesses of others, 
 more quick to espy hope in the worst, and to cover what 
 it cannot commend." 
 
 In one so eminent for intellectual gifts and spiritual 
 graces, — one to whom few, even of those advanced in years 
 and experience, could be introduced without yielding cor- 
 dial deference, as readily as warm regard ; a constant 
 meekness and gentleness appeared with peculiar beauty. 
 Some casual notices of these qualities, occur in letters al- 
 ready quoted ; but the following, from two intimate friends, 
 may be admitted with a view to further illustration. 
 
 One of those friends observes : — " Simplicity, and 
 genuine humility, were marked by the unaffected ease with 
 which he put on a footing with himself, in the interchange 
 of sentiment, those who were so far his inferiors ; asking 
 opinions as if all stood on the same level. It was not one 
 of his least charms, that, while calculated to be so edify- 
 ing, and gifted with so much conversational talent, he made 
 nothing of himself. Well do I remember how much he 
 appeared to delineate his own character, one evening I 
 spent with him at Weston, when, aiming to make our in- 
 
REV. HENRI VAUGIIAN. 207 
 
 tercourse profitable, he read the 13th chapter of the 1st 
 Corinthians, and proposed conversing freely on some points 
 of Christian character, there given us in the description of 
 charity. I wish I had made memoranda of what passed, 
 it was so characteristic." 
 
 From the second : — " One of the profitable methods he 
 employed, in the way of social ministry, was, as far as my 
 observation extends, almost peculiar to him, and exhibited 
 at once a sweet humility of spirit, with a skilful exercise of 
 his sacred calling. Not satisfied with being himself in- 
 stant in season and out of season, in the word and in pray- 
 er ; and unwilling, eminently qualified as he was, to be al- 
 ways taking the lead among Christian friends, as the pas- 
 tor of a flock; he would, in his own remarkably successful 
 and persuasive way, endeavour to stir up in another any 
 gift that might be possessed, and obtain, even from a lay 
 friend, the word of exhortation and prayer. Sometimes, 
 when I have been enjoying the hospitalities of his roof, he 
 would say, ' You must speak a word to my servants in fa- 
 milv exposition, before we part.' On the Sabbath evening, 
 when the public labours of the day had been followed by 
 earnest conversation on divine truths, in which his soul had 
 been poured forth with exhausting energy, he would, as 
 the time of family worship arrived, require me to pray, al- 
 leging that his strength was spent. And when he was a 
 guest at my own house, he would only consent to take 
 morning or evening prayer and instruction, alternately 
 with me. There was too much love and cordiality in his 
 manner, to allow of any hesitation in acceding to such plans ; 
 but I am pursuaded that, on those occasions, he was not so 
 much influenced by bodily or mental fatigue, as that he de- 
 
208 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 lighted in realising the communion which was thus pro- 
 moted ; and honoured the work of God, in whatever hum- 
 ble form or measure it might appear ; glad, also, to find 
 a plea for taking what might, in some sense, be accounted 
 the lower seat. He could not forget, to use a sentiment 
 of his own, that ' all who have any experience, well know 
 what nerves and sinews, the energy of practice gives to the 
 principle of faith ; ' and he desired that those whom he 
 loved, should reap the benefit of such experience, and par- 
 take with him of those spiritual exercises, in which he ever 
 found refreshment to his own soul." 
 
 His own remarks upon humility, which may here be 
 introduced, will not easily be separated from the remem- 
 brance of his character, in the minds of those by whom 
 it was most closely observed : — 
 
 " Cultivate in secret the praise of God. Shrink from 
 public observation. Avoid whatever a delicate sensibility 
 of grace, may consider as savouring of display. Abhor 
 every thing like insincerity. Be not tempted to exaggerate 
 vour experience. I am convinced that a strict adherence 
 to truth, would make us all humble. Let the advancing 
 Christian examine himself by the touchstone of Humility. 
 We may abound in gifts ; our sphere of usefulness may be 
 enlarged ; our knowledge in Divine things may have be- 
 come more comprehensive ; our charities may have in- 
 creased ; our reputation may have spread far and wide ; 
 and, if we cannot add that we have grown more into the 
 mind of Jesus Christ in unfeigned humility, we may not 
 only not have advanced, but have declined in grace. It is 
 impossible to take a better touchstone of our state than 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 'JO!) 
 
 humility. No grace is more immediately connected with 
 all the essential truths of the Everlasting Gospel ; none, 
 does God look upon with more especial favour. Vain, 
 then, is our boast of any other attainments, if we are not 
 attaining more realising views of our own nothingness. 
 Humility is to the soul, what ballast is to the ship ; it seems 
 to sink, but really secures, the soul. 
 
 " It may be said, does not this view of humility, savour 
 too much of legality ? Does it not limit the believer's pri- 
 vileges, and curtail his liberty ? Is the soul complete in 
 Christ, conscious of his peace, clothed in his righteous- 
 ness, expectant of his glory, — always to be depressed 
 under a sense of its unworthiness, and never to forget its 
 degradation ? Let me remove such a misapprehension. 
 Humility, so far from depressing, is the only true exalta- 
 tion of the soul. Self is at the bottom of all depression, 
 of all degradation. A proper sense of what we are, takes 
 us out of ourselves into Christ. In him, all fulness dwells. 
 All the riches of God's covenant of grace belong to the 
 really humble soul. Conscious of ignorance, the humble 
 saint looks for Divine w 7 isdom ; conscious of utter worth- 
 lessness, he looks for Divine righteousness ; conscious of 
 moral impotency, he looks for Divine strength. Knowing 
 his own inability, he looks, for his security, to the unfail- 
 ing faithfulness of his God. Able to find no resources of 
 joy in self-dependence, he drinks more fully of joys Divine. 
 
 " The humblest and most self- condemned believer, is the 
 most triumphing one. He does not, perhaps, talk so 
 loudly, or recount so exactly, all that is passing in his soul, 
 as others ; but in the secret life of God, which Divine grace 
 nourishes in his soul, in healthy vigour, he has not the no- 
 
210 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 tions only, but the substance of things spiritual and eter- 
 nal. In his simple reliance on the Divine testimony, he 
 possesses that which others only boast of — a blessed as- 
 surance of his acceptance in Jesus, and final triumph 
 through his strength. If he is not always producing to 
 view his pedigree and title-deeds, he virtually asserts the 
 dignity of his origin, and the glory of his inheritance, by 
 living not only above the world, but above himself. It is 
 impossible for angels to contemplate a nobler sight, than the 
 really humbled Christian. Without wealth, he is rich ; with- 
 out merit, he is righteous ; without happiness, he is always 
 rejoicing; depressed, yet exalted ; strong, without strength ; 
 wise, without wisdom ; safe, in the midst of insecurity ; 
 dying daily, yet an heir of life eternal ; having nothing, 
 yet possessing all things." 
 
 But, as the greatest of these fruits of the Spirit, is cha- 
 rity ; so, did none of those graces, in which he abounded, 
 appear more prominently, or with greater beauty and con- 
 stancy, than love. In whatever relation or connection, 
 his character is attentively considered, a love, shed abroad 
 in the heart by the power of that blessed Spirit, will be 
 distinctly perceived to have been the controlling principle. 
 It seemed to lie at the source, and to flow with the stream, 
 of every other grace. Every quality of mind, every na- 
 tural endowment, every acquirement in knowledge, and 
 every spiritual attainment, were absorbed into the channel 
 in which it pursued its undeviating course, and were made 
 tributary to the purposes and efforts of a life, hidden with 
 Christ in that God whose name is " Love." A passage, from 
 the second volume of his printed Sermons, describes so 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 211 
 
 elegantly and instructively, the operative nature of this 
 grace, not merely as it would be viewed by an enlightened 
 mind, but as it was manifested in his own walk and con- 
 versation, that the gratification of transcribing his words, 
 may be permitted : — 
 
 " The restoration of the Divine image in the affection of 
 love, consists in its being directed to God primarily, and 
 towards all other objects secondarily as his representatives, 
 in that order, weight, and measure, which his infinite wis- 
 dom has appointed. Accordingly, the prime objects of its 
 regard amongst men, will be the saints that are in the 
 earth, who have fellowship with the Father and with his 
 Son, Jesus Christ. Towards them, the man who unfeign- 
 edly loves God, will cherish feelings of complacency ; will 
 embrace every opportunity of communion with them, with 
 delight ; will weep with them when they weep, rejoice with 
 them when they rejoice; when they are offended, burn. 
 The infirmities of such, he will bear with meekness ; and 
 relieve their necessities with a delicacy enhancing liberality, 
 or making amends for poverty. In honour, he will prefer 
 them to himself, and be swift to receive their counsel. His 
 conversation will be directed to their edification ; and to 
 bear them on his heart before the throne of grace, he will 
 sometimes remember, and mourn when he forgets. Thus 
 will he fulfil the royal law of love, towards those with whom 
 he has one Lord, one Father, one Spirit, one faith, one 
 baptism, one hope of his calling, — towards the godly whom 
 the Lord hath set apart for himself. Nor will he be un- 
 mindful of the claims of others. He will consider himself 
 debtor to all. In his intercourse with those who are with- 
 out, he will cautiously blend together the wisdom of the 
 
212 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 serpent, and the harmlessness of the dove. With unfeign- 
 ed pity and heartfelt earnestness, he will pray for them ; 
 will carefully remove, as far as possible, every stumbling- 
 block and cause of offence out of their way ; will labour to 
 recommend pure and undefiled religion, by scrupulous ex- 
 actness in all things holy, lovely, and of good report. Un- 
 der provocations and injuries, he will labour to shew invin- 
 cible meekness and forbearance ; though often met with sus- 
 picion and distrust, will persevere in courtesy and kindness ; 
 and gladly embrace opportunities of overcoming evil with 
 good. By a consistently holy example, he will hold out to 
 them a constant, though silent, admonition ; and on sea- 
 sonable occasions, will not withhold a firm, though tender, 
 remonstrance or reproof. Thus does Christian love, in its 
 dealings with all mankind, bear the image of the heavenly, 
 as drawn by the hand of the inspired apostle. (1 Cor. 
 xiii.) ... In a word, ' God, all in all,' is the superscrip- 
 tion written on the heart of that man, who loves God be- 
 cause He first loved him, and gave Himself for him. God's 
 name, God's house, God's ministers, God's day, God's word, 
 God's people, — these are all his delight. When these are 
 honoured, he rejoices ; when injured, he grieves. The 
 prosperity of these he will contend for against all adversa- 
 ries. Mutual regard for these cements all his friendships. 
 Devotion to his God, is his employment — it is his life." 
 
 It will not be wholly foreign to this mention of Christian 
 graces, to notice briefly an interesting, though less impor- 
 tant, feature of personal character and disposition. 
 
 With a mind, soaring above earthly things, and finding 
 its greatest enjoyment in contemplating the objects of faith 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 213 
 
 and hope ; he was perfectly free from an austerity of feel- 
 ing, that would look down coldly or unkindly on the pur- 
 suits of human science and ingenuity, or ungratefully upon 
 the beauties which adorn the Creator's work. His pas- 
 sionate admiration of romantic scenery, in youth, has been 
 glanced at in a previous reference to that season of his life ; 
 but his delight in all the varieties abounding in a mountain 
 country, so far from being diminished by the longing of 
 his soul for the incorruptible inheritance, rather received 
 an accession of joy, pure and sanctified, as he traced in the 
 fair face of nature, expressions of an Almighty Father's 
 bounty and goodness. He seemed, as he occasionally visi- 
 ted the lovely scenes in the neighbourhood of his vicarage, 
 to find, whether in the glen, the vale, or mountain-top, a 
 garden which the Lord had planted, and where his voice 
 might be heard. Surrounded by such witnesses of a 
 never-failing watchfulness and care, and the presence of a 
 power and love Divine, he could not restrain the utterance 
 of prayer and praise. " The world," he observed on one 
 occasion, " is a temple — a temple adorned with no human 
 hand, and with no human art, fitted up for the worship of 
 the Great Supreme. But this temple has its sanctuary, 
 and faith alone is privileged to enter within the veil. The 
 spiritual mind finds in all the objects of nature, exercise 
 for its spiritual affections and faculties." And the words 
 of a psalmist or a prophet, would supply terms in which he 
 could pour forth the exultation of his own soul. From the 
 sacred page in his hand, he would enlarge, in addressing 
 the friends who accompanied him, upon those eternal mer- 
 cies, freely offered by Him who hath so clothed the grass 
 of the field. Direct communion was sought with that God 
 
214 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 and Saviour, by whom, and for whom, all things were crea- 
 ted ; who is before all things, and by whom all things con- 
 sist. And those who listened to him, or observed him, 
 could scarcely doubt, that he was admitted to some fore- 
 taste of that promised tree of life, which is in the midst of 
 the paradise of God. These remnants of the world's first 
 order and perfection, which have survived the great deso- 
 lation, " wherein the heavens and the earth that then were, 
 perished," — rekindled his ardent longings for the appoint- 
 ed times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord — the 
 restitution — when the benign sentence shall proceed from 
 Him who sitteth upon the throne — " Behold I make all 
 
 THINGS NEW." 
 
 Always alive to the smallest token of Divine favour and 
 tender-mercy, he could look for, and discern, the disposing 
 power of an over-ruling hand, in the progress and achieve- 
 ments of scientific art, and even in commercial and me- 
 chanical success. The efforts and the effects of human 
 enterprise, in the busy scenes of a metropolis, were not 
 deemed unworthy his kind interest and observation • al- 
 though, in himself, he could realise no connection with 
 them, and was far, indeed, from any sympathy with those, 
 who were intent upon this world's luxuries or possessions. 
 Yet, in these things, he found cause to honour that God 
 " who had given men power to get wealth ;" and his heart 
 was moved with praise and wonder, in observing the re- 
 sults attained by a persevering and legitimate exercise of 
 the faculties with which man is gifted. Matters of mere 
 taste and ornamental skill — while he could not regard them 
 as objects of desire — were not despised. He would ac- 
 knowledge their excellence, and admire the talent they 
 
REV, HENRY VAUGHAN. 2 1 ."> 
 
 displayed ; but it was the principal thought of his heart, 
 sometimes expressed with a gentle, courteous, faithfulness, 
 — " Cannot this talent be consecrated, in some way,to the 
 service of the sanctuary ; can it not be made to return, in 
 some form, as a thank-offering to the God who bestowed it." 
 Naturally disposed to take delight in the refinements of 
 intellectual and social advancement, he found there was 
 much in the elegances and accomplishments of life, to be 
 surrendered, when his heart became occupied with the 
 great truth — " One thing is needful." An enthusiastic 
 love of music, however, claimed an exception. This was not 
 renounced, but sanctified, and directed with his wonted energy 
 tothe improvement of psalmody in the worship of the congre- 
 gation, and more particularly among its younger members. 
 The musical attainments of his family were brought into 
 the service of the church, both publicly and privately ; and 
 in this, as in so many of the objects to which his zeal was 
 applied, he reaped the joy of abundant success. To his 
 mind and spirit, when oppressed and wearied with exces- 
 sive exertion, " the concord of sweet sounds" was always 
 soothing and refreshing ; and in the retirement of his 
 study, when he was preparing for the pulpit, the voice of 
 sacred melody was welcomed, and not unfrequently soli- 
 cited, as an effectual aid in meditation. One of his friends, 
 a parishioner, observes : "In the rebuilding of the aisle, 
 and in the opening of the organ, to which he was a liberal 
 subscriber, how greatly did he rejoice ; when the latter 
 was opened, he spent hours in the church, listening to its 
 solemn tones." And a few lines from his notes of the 
 sermon preached on that occasion may be selected as 
 expressive of his feelings, and of the principles by which 
 
216 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 they were regulated, in giving encouragement to the culti- 
 vation of this art among his people : — 
 
 " Happy is the man, all whose delight is in the Lord. 
 He has within him the true principle of all harmony — in 
 a soul at peace with God. He carries about within him, 
 an instrument w T hich a Divine hand has tuned to Divine 
 melody. He, whose heart the love of Christ has touched, 
 and the Spirit of God has renewed, is ever making melody 
 with grace in his heart unto the Lord. Whether joy or 
 sorrow touch the chord, the subject of his song varies not. 
 The Lord is all his song. His love now wraps the song 
 in praise, and now melts it in the tender mourning of 
 penitential grief. 
 
 " The principles of harmony are in the elements of na- 
 ture, that is, they are in God And if man 
 
 copies his instruments, so also his strains, from the God 
 of nature. The groves, the fields, the streams, these have 
 a music which no instrument or artist ever rivalled. 
 How majestically does the thunder peal his hosannahs in 
 the storm, how sweetly does the thrush sing to rest the 
 setting sun ; how plaintive, the nightingale's long-drawn 
 note ; how soothingly sweet, the whistle of the wind sport- 
 ing with the leaf of spring ! When will man match this 
 music ? If he ever should, it must be by bringing his in- 
 struments into tune with God's Most assuredly, 
 
 God, as He is its author, so is He to be its end. The works 
 of nature, the works of grace, the w T orks of providence, these 
 should inspire and consecrate its strains. Devotional 
 feeling should make every air a] ike sacred. The merry 
 lute, the stirring trumpet, the solemn organ, — all should 
 excite to the worship of God. Indeed, so natural and 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 217 
 
 immediate seems the connection between religious feeling 
 and musical emotion, that the very heathen make it a part 
 of their mistaken worship ; and the mouths of babes and 
 sucklings utter praise in natural and untaught songs. How 
 proper, then, the use of this inspiring aid to devotion, in 
 the public worship of God. When was music more graced 
 in its employment than, when pouring its melody from the 
 harp of David, it went before the ark into the sanctuary 
 of God ; or when on days of festive joy, it summoned with 
 the trumpet's awakening voice, the willing worshippers in 
 Jehovah's courts of Zion ; or when in the sound of Mi- 
 riam's timbrel, it recorded the triumphs of the Lord. But 
 if this were so ; if, when the ark of the covenant was to 
 be conducted to its rest in the temple, the harp inspired 
 rejoicing hosts, then, how much more should the testimony 
 of praise go before our Lord, as having ascended up on 
 high, and led captivity captive, and having all enemies 
 under his feet. If a joyful sound ushered an the feasts 
 which were but figures of the true, how much more loud 
 and joyful should the strain resound, when we go up to 
 banquet on the pledges of our Lord's love. If glad hearts 
 poured forth triumphant song when Egypt's strength sunk 
 in the mighty w r aters, how should they rejoice and sing, 
 who can cry, ' O death, where is thy sting ! O grave, 
 where is thv victorv !' 
 
 " And if dumb wood and metal are made 
 
 thus to speak, shall your soul, your immortal soul, be silent 
 when God's redemption is the theme. Yes, it will be for 
 ever silent, unless God awaken it to feeling, and tune it to 
 his praise. But is he not ready ? Is not the Spirit of 
 God prepared, is he not able and willing, to hew from the 
 
 L 
 
218 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 wild forest, and to separate from the dross of the mine, 
 your mind and affections and will, to shape them with 
 Divine skill to a heavenly form, and to attune them to 
 heavenlv sounds, and then to wake them into the harmony 
 of that music which angels and redeemed saints pour out 
 before the eternal throne. Your soul, cleansed from its 
 guilt, and spiritualised in its affections by his grace, shall 
 come with songs and everlasting joy to Zion. There ar- 
 rived, ear hath not heard the sounds which shall refresh 
 the glorified soul. 
 
 " But there are those, in whose hearts the love of Jesus 
 has tuned every strain to the glory of their God. There 
 are those who have been carried out of the body into hea- 
 venly places, and who have this day anticipated heavenly 
 songs. To them, I would say, look forward, and rejoice, 
 and sing on your way. Sing, though you mourn. Sweet 
 songs, heavenly songs, will soon be yours. In this world 
 your praise is damped and chilled ; your heart, by reason 
 of manifold temptations, will often respond only to melan- 
 choly strains. Soon, very soon, your soul shall drop its 
 burden, and burst into eternal songs of praise. O ! dear 
 brethren, what an anthem will then peal through heaven, 
 when every redeemed soul, unrestrained by sin or imper- 
 fection, and inspired by heavenly joys, shall pour its first 
 song into the bosom of a present God." 
 
 An additional extract from his paper on the believer's 
 " Moderation," will express with a brilliant touch, the view 
 he took of earthly things — of the enjoyment to be drawn 
 from them, and of the use to which they should be devoted, 
 by those who are called in their intercourse with the world, 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 219 
 
 to declare plainly that they desire a better country, that i 
 an heavenly : — 
 
 " This principle should lead us, in all our pleasures, to 
 choose such as tend to spiritual improvement. That God 
 intended to make the way to heaven, a cheerful and happy 
 way, though its passage is through sorrows and the valley 
 of the shadow of death, cannot be doubted. But, then, 
 the question arises, "What are to form the delights of the 
 true Christian ? Let moderation reply. They must be 
 pure, they must be sober, they must tend to that great end 
 of all recreation — spiritual improvement. That these rules 
 bear hard upon the amusements in which many professing 
 Christians indulge, is as certain, as it is undeniable that 
 they are the rules which Scripture has laid down for our 
 regulation on this subject. But something more particu- 
 lar may be expected. What, it may be enquired, are the 
 recreations which promote the good of the soul ? How 
 shall the Christian innocentlv, or even usefullv, unburden 
 his mind, fatigued with business, and loaded with care ? 
 Can he be at a loss ? Does God seem to grudge him hap- 
 piness ? Are there not open to him, the thousand name- 
 less delights of domestic life, — all its cheerful mirth, all 
 its sacred charities ? Is there not open to him, the social 
 circle of well-chosen friends, whose conversation, enlivened 
 with harmless w T it, and seasoned with contemplation, may 
 refresh and invigorate his mind ? Does not nature spread 
 before him her ample store of beauties and wonders, and 
 invite him to draw from it whatever may, by divine grace, 
 refine even his spiritual taste, cultivate even his spiritual 
 understanding, enlarge and purify his heart. Has educa- 
 tion provided no resources ? Is our language so barren, 
 
 L 2 
 
220 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 that history contains nothing to enlarge our views of the 
 divine Providence, and Christ's mediatorial government ? 
 Does sacred poetry supply nothing to feed the devout affec- 
 tions ? Has music nothing to elevate the soul, and wing 
 its praise to heaven ? Have we acquired no accomplish- 
 ments of the lighter kind, which we may sanctify through 
 grace, to the double purpose of cheering a fatigued spirit, 
 and promoting the good of our neighbour, and the glory 
 of God ? 
 
 " ' But these recreations apply only to the upper walks 
 of life.' What then, has God left the poor man destitute 
 of innocent delights ? God loves the poor, and has amply 
 provided recreations for the poor. Nature, for them, has 
 spread her flowers, and opens to them her ample field. 
 They may, when their work is done, go forth beside the 
 ever-running stream, and meditate on their God at eventide, 
 and forget their care. Or they may return to the safe and 
 cheerful hearth, and amid their children's happy mirth, 
 rest the wearied limb, and refresh the wearied mind. They, 
 too, may have their faithful friends, to share their sorrows, 
 and to partake of their joys, to cheer them with their lively, 
 or to improve them with their wise, discourse. They, too, in 
 their own tongues, may read the wonderful works of God ; 
 and though in untaught strains, pour forth the not un- 
 grateful melody of their rejoicing hearts. Need, then, 
 any complain ? Such, and many other such recreations, 
 Christian moderation rather enjoins than forbids. Need 
 any, then, rush into the world's wild and feverish dissipa- 
 tions, on the pretence of recreation ? Has the ball, or the 
 race-course, or the ale-house, any thing to compare with 
 these ? Happy they, whose taste has been, by the Divine 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 221 
 
 Spirit, formed to relish and rejoice in such pure joys. God 
 seems to have drawn a distinction between them and others, 
 in the words of the prophet : * Thus saith the Lord God, 
 Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry 
 behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty ; 
 behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed ; 
 behold, my servants shall sing- for joy of heart, but ye shall 
 crv for sorrow of heart.' " 
 
 L 3 
 
222 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 ENQUIRY INTO DEFECTS OF CHARACTER HIS VIEWS OF SOME 
 
 CONTROVERTED DOCTRINES. 
 
 In pursuing these recollections of the life and character 
 of Henry Vaughan, and in reciting the evidence that has 
 been supplied by those who knew him, it is possible, that 
 some error or defect may have been overlooked, which, to 
 complete a just representation, ought to be faithfully ac- 
 knowledged. But the important suggestion conveyed by 
 one of his dearest friends, has been kept anxiously in view. 
 " The memoir," he states, " is, in my opinion, a most 
 arduous undertaking ; and for my own part, in the case of 
 so lovely and gracious a character as Henry's, I would far 
 rather that none should be printed, than that a copy should 
 get abroad which was faulty, either from an undue glare of 
 light, or from the absence of that which truly belonged to 
 him." Nor have the just observations of another been 
 neglected : — " It is very natural that Mrs. Henry Vaughan 
 should desire some record of her husband's worth, as a 
 precious bequest to make to her sons. If their benefit 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 223 
 
 especially is the stated object, it will give to the work an 
 unpretending, as well as interesting, character. I know 
 no kind of composition so difficult as biography. My sen- 
 timents, perhaps, will be little understood by many ; but 
 it seems to me like portrait-painting, where, though you 
 often have a striking likeness, it is very seldom, if ever, 
 the whole likeness. To gratify the partiality of friends, 
 every blemish is carefully concealed. I feel, too, a great 
 shrinking from approaching the character of another. That 
 of a servant of God, especially, is invested with a sacred- 
 ness, which makes me afraid to touch it. We are very 
 imperfect judges of each other, even of those we know 
 most intimately." And, although the force of these remarks 
 has been over-ruled, by the claims of the widow and her 
 infant charge ; the difficulties of the task, and the objec- 
 tions to which it is exposed, are not the less felt and ad- 
 mitted. 
 
 The intention, however, in compiling this volume, has 
 not been to magnify any mere excellence of man ; or to 
 indulge feelings of warm attachment, by clothing the be- 
 loved object that dwells in the memory, with an imaginary 
 perfection ; but, so far as the means have been afforded, 
 to present with simple fidelity, and with much thanks- 
 giving, a record of the grace, the power, the sufficiency, 
 of Him who alone doeth all things well. The attempt 
 will, indeed, have fallen very far short of the end pro- 
 posed, if it encourage any idea below that, which the de- 
 parted one himself would have desired exclusively to pro- 
 mote, — " Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy 
 name, be the praise." 
 
 That he was " stedfast, immoveable, always abound- 
 
224 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 ing in the work of the Lord," is uniformly testified by all, 
 who have kindly contributed the result of personal know- 
 ledge and observation. " Forgetting the things that were 
 behind, and reaching forth unto the things that were be- 
 fore," — was the attitude in which he at all times appeared. 
 And if, to a reader free from that partiality which even a 
 limited knowledge of his character would create, the por- 
 trait may seem to have been drawn by a hand that would 
 disguise or conceal any blemish ; it is not, perhaps, so 
 much, that affection or imagination have been allowed an 
 undue liberty, as that, in the lively image traced upon the 
 hearts of those by whom his memory is cherished, every 
 little faulty spot that might possibly exist, is lost in the 
 glow of heavenly light by which the mind's eye is filled. 
 Graciously preserved from extremes — excepting in study, 
 in labour, in self-denial — he may be said to have held a 
 steadily progressive, heavenward, course, having nothing 
 to retract in doctrine and principle, and little, if any thing, 
 to abandon in design. Many, no doubt, would be the 
 exceptions, taken by those who felt the rebuke, w r hile they 
 resisted the power, of his faithful word and his holy life. 
 But it was the remark of one who greatly encouraged and 
 aided him in his plans of parochial improvement, — " I 
 have sometimes thought that dear Henry was pushing 
 things too far, and attempting too much, or at least mak- 
 ing his attempts too hastily ; but I have always found, in 
 the event, that his judgment was sound, and that I was 
 right in standing by him." Qualities of an opposite na- 
 ture were so united in a sacred harmonv, that he became 
 all things to all men ; and conciliated, where he could not 
 convince, a temperate opponent. While his conversation 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 225 
 
 was in heaven, he would descend to the minutest details 
 of a temporal kind ; and in every individual case that was 
 brought under his eye, the inferior concerns of body and 
 estate, were not forgotten in a supreme regard for those 
 which are spiritual and eternal. Although firm and zeal- 
 ous, in contending for the faith delivered to the saints ; he 
 was tenderly alive and considerate to the feelings of those, 
 whom he might be called to resist ; and while his heart was 
 overflowing with love, he could not silently suffer evil in 
 a brother. Careful to provide things honest in the sight 
 of all men, he was, at the same time, free from worldly 
 anxiety, and perfectly unmoved by any of the allurements 
 of earthlv advantage or distinction. Fullv aware that no- 
 thing can be accounted of small moment, in the walk and 
 character of a disciple of Jesus, especially of a minister of 
 the gospel ; private, social, and domestic duties, were not 
 excluded from his scrupulous attention, by those that were 
 more public and general. In the disposition of his time 
 and engagements, he perseveringly sought to attain a regu- 
 larity and precision, that were not natural or habitual to 
 him. And if — as must necessarily be the case, where the 
 powers are stretched to the utmost of their ability, and 
 where the mind is devotedly intent upon the invisible 
 things of God, engrossed with purposes that keep eternity 
 in view — some appointment of inferior importance were 
 not punctually fulfilled ; the incidental delay invariably 
 proved the occasion of eliciting some sweet expression of 
 indwelling grace ; the half-intended complaint of one, 
 who might think his claim had suffered some neglect, was 
 altogether forgotten as soon as he appeared, with love and 
 confidence beaming in every feature, and with a calm and 
 
 L 6 
 
226 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 happy frame, indicating more powerfully than words, that 
 he had been walking near to God, and had been occupied 
 in a service approved and accepted by Him who seeth not 
 as man seeth. 
 
 With these remarks, an occurrence arising out of his 
 ministry at Chelsea, and honourable alike to himself and 
 his correspondent, may be appropriately connected. 
 
 There was, probably, no endowment of the natural mind, 
 which he found more difficult to curb, than its imagina- 
 tive powers. Interesting and animating as the exercise 
 of those powers had been found, by many who were 
 brought under his pulpit ministry ; there were others who, 
 while they really admired his talents, and were strongly 
 attached to him as a pastor and a friend, were sometimes 
 apprehensive that to a mixed congregation, the indulgence 
 of a poetic taste and luxuriant fancy, might fail to promote 
 those high and holy feelings in the hearer, with which they 
 were associated in the experience of the preacher. And 
 whilst at Park Chapel, where he had not considered it so 
 needful, as in his former station, to exercise restraint or 
 caution in that respect, he received an intimation upon the 
 subject, from a member of his flock, who had too sincere 
 and brotherly an affection for him, to conceal the observa- 
 tions that had been made. This proof of Christian love — 
 presented with deference and tenderness, no less than with 
 truth and fidelity — drew from him the following characteris- 
 tic acknowledgment : — 
 
 " My dear and now doubly dear friend, how can I suffi- 
 ciently thank you for your kind and candid word of admo- 
 nition ? Bear it ? My dear friend, that I will, and I trust 
 improve by it. I am quite sensible of the fault you point 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 227 
 
 out ; and had fully determined on correcting- it, in revising 
 inv sermons for the press. Your kind words have come 
 most seasonably to confirm me in this resolution, so that 
 by the goodness of my gracious Saviour, I shall, I trust, 
 be prevented from printing any thing which might savour 
 too much of carnal wisdom. Perhaps it will be a comfort 
 to the dear friends, who have agreed with you in opinion 
 as to the defect, to be assured of this. Comfort them with 
 the assurance; and thank them, in my name, for their 
 Christian faithfulness, in not humouring one whom, I have 
 reason to know, they love for his work's sake. Oh, that 
 all had ever dealt with me thus ! God bless you, my dear 
 friend. I bless Him, for having imparted to you the desire 
 to do me good. I will, by God's strengthening grace, en- 
 deavour to repay the debt of love I owe you, by ' knowing 
 nothing among you,' during the short time I shall be pri- 
 vileged to continue my ministrations where you and yours 
 worship, ' but Christ Jesus and Him Crucified.' It is my 
 heart's desire to crown him ' Lord of all.' How do I love 
 those, who tell me when I fall short of what ever will be, 
 I trust, my desire. Once more, God bless you. 
 
 " Yours in bonds of Christian 
 
 confidence and affection, 
 
 "H. V." 
 
 His stedfastness in a pure faith and sound doctrine, 
 having been adverted to in express terms, it will not, per- 
 haps, be dwelling more minutely upon circumstantial de- 
 tails, than the importance of the subject would justify, to 
 collect a few particulars relative to the only point in which 
 he appears, at any time, to have been exposed to danger. 
 
228 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 Although firmly attached to the tenets and formularies of 
 the church in which he was ordained a minister of the gos- 
 pel, his loving spirit could not but rejoice in the work of 
 Divine grace, and welcome a testimony to the honour of 
 his Lord and master, in whatever class or denomination 
 they might be found. He could not suffer a peculiarity of 
 habit or sentiment, or a distinction in name, to exclude 
 from his regard and esteem, any, of whom it might reason- 
 ably be judged, that they loved the Lord Jesus in sincerity. 
 
 So early as the second year of his ministry, his interest 
 was deeply engaged by the conferences and discussions, 
 which then prevailed, on the Scriptures of tbe prophets, 
 and on the promised gifts and operations of the Spirit. 
 That those discussions had not originated exclusively in 
 the established church, was not, to his liberal feelings, a 
 sufficient ground of objection. He was too sensibly affected 
 by the low state of spiritual life in the nominal church 
 generally ; and his heart beat too high, with desires for a 
 revival of the days when " the multitude of them that be- 
 lieved were of one heart and one soul," and were "full of 
 faith and power ;" — to reject unheard and unexamined, the 
 arguments and expostulations of those, who appealed to 
 the word of eternal truth, as the basis of their opinions and 
 their hopes. The spirit, in which he gave himself to the 
 consideration of the imposing statements that were very 
 widely and urgently pressed upon the attention of profess- 
 ing Christians, is thus described by a friend, with whom he 
 had much intercourse upon those topics : — 
 
 " At the period of the arrival of our little party in Crick - 
 howel, the prophetic Scriptures had become an object of 
 studious, anxious, enquiry among many faithful brethren in 
 
RF.V. HENRY VAUGIIAN. ^'J'! 
 
 the Christian church ; and friends, in whose spiritual wis- 
 dom and experience we had great reason to confide, had 
 been instrumental in awakening- us to take heed unto the sure 
 word of prophecy, as ordained of God to be a light shining 
 in this dark place, until the dawning of the everlasting day — 
 the breaking forth of that Sun which shall no more go down. 
 The writings of Edward Irving, among others, had already 
 come under dear Henry's observation ; and the ardent 
 zeal, the powerful imagination, the deep tone of piety, glow- 
 ing in the works of that talented man, could not fail to ex- 
 cite the interest and energy of such a mind as his. We 
 therefore hailed, with mutual delight, the opportunity of 
 conferring on a subject, which, with all its privileges, pre- 
 sents also many difficulties, and demands not only the obe- 
 dience of faith, and the lowliness of the weaned child, but 
 the exercise of judgment and of a sound mind, under the 
 guidance of that heavenly Counsellor, a part of whose 
 office it is, to shew unto his people ' things to come.' 
 
 " On the first interview with Henry, I soon became con- 
 scious of the power he possessed, to dive into the character 
 and principles of those with whom he conversed, — a power 
 which he exercised with no less tenderness than skill ; 
 while his own heart, opened with the love of the Spirit, 
 knew no reserve. And I could not, in the enquiries we 
 afterwards pursued together, be insensible to that natural 
 refinement of feeling, as well as a sweet humility produced 
 by grace, which seemed to overlook, and would almost 
 induce me to forget, the disparity between us, and the ad- 
 vantages derived from his superiority in talent and acquire- 
 ment. I need not say, that in those enquiries, he preserv- 
 ed a holy jealousy and reverence for the supreme authority 
 
230 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 of the word of God, and for the plain and simple import 
 of the terms in which it is revealed. But it was interest- 
 ing to observe — and there is now a peculiar interest in the 
 recollection — how earnestly he sought to make every offer- 
 ing that could be contributed by the human mind, do hom- 
 age to the sacred oracles. Although susceptible in the ex- 
 treme, of the charms of intellectual exercise, and thirsting 
 after the attainments of literature, admiring with enthusi- 
 asm all that was excellent and holy in the works of men, 
 whether of past or present times, yet he hesitated not to 
 place every system of earthly origin before the full clear 
 light of Scripture, and, however attractive the form into 
 which it had been moulded, to abandon every interpreta- 
 tion that would not bear that test. Indeed, to learn what 
 was the mind of the Spirit — not to establish any precon- 
 ceived idea — was the object of indefatigable, prayerful, study. 
 And in endeavouring to ascertain, if possible, where the 
 line should be drawn between fulfilled and unfulfilled pro- 
 phecy, so variously marked by different commentators ; he 
 was not contented with his own comprehensive and mas- 
 terly views of general history, but applied himself, anew, 
 to an examination of details, with a patience and diligence, 
 truly surprising in one of his lively and poetic turn of mind. 
 " The doctrines and the claims advanced, about the 
 same time, with regard to gifts and manifestations of the 
 Spirit, were commended to his notice by individuals, with 
 whom he was brought into personal communication, and 
 of whose devoted piety he had many proofs. These were 
 not matters to be treated superficially, or with prejudice, 
 by such a tender, humble, yet active, spirit as Henry's, 
 mourning over the evils that prevailed in the modern 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 2'.)l 
 
 churches, and longing for more decided evidence of the 
 power and presence of the living God. A correspondence 
 ensued with my beloved friend, on my return to London, 
 full of interest and profit to myself. The questions he 
 proposed upon alleged cases of miraculous visitation, 
 evinced a remarkable degree of judgment and penetration 
 in discerning between things natural, and those that are 
 spiritual. And his watchfulness against any violation of 
 the great truths of Scripture, was maintained with the 
 zeal and determination of one, to whose heart those truths 
 had been revealed with regenerating power. 
 
 " I have been unwilling to enlarge upon subjects of de- 
 bate, no longer bearing the interest they did at the period 
 to which I refer ; but they were the means, in the course of 
 dear Henry's investigation, of eliciting so much beauty of 
 mind and feeling, that they must always be associated in my 
 memory with bright and blessed days. And his example, 
 in this respect, may yet be beneficial to his boys, when ex- 
 ercised by those endless disputations that rend the church, 
 and still threaten to be, not the least among the thicken- 
 ing evils of the latter days." 
 
 Upon these and other controverted points, which to a 
 considerable extent agitated the minds of various classes 
 in the professing church, — and, having been treated with 
 painful levity in some of the daily prints, had been brought 
 to the attention of his people in an injurious form, — he 
 could not remain entirely silent in the pulpit, frequently 
 allowing the subject a degree of prominence that offended 
 manv, and excited feelings of alarm lest he should become 
 the decided advocate of new and strange things. But in 
 
232 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 all his researches, he maintained the character, and enjoyed 
 the privileges, of those to whom safety and stability are 
 promised : — " If any man will do his will, he shall know of 
 the doctrine, whether it be of God." 
 
 A letter previously quoted in part, refers also to this 
 period of his life : — 
 
 " His candour, when he had somewhat hastily adopted 
 views, which would not bear the close application of Scrip- 
 ture light ; and his manly recognition of error in having 
 done so ; was also to me, a very striking feature in his 
 character. How openly he admitted his want of due con- 
 sideration, and trying of the spirits of the writers in some 
 periodical publications ; the attendants on his weekly lec- 
 tures cannot, I think, have forgotten ; any more than the 
 earnestness of his prayer, that in this he might not have 
 proved a stumbling-block to any, nor have led any of his 
 flock astray." 
 
 The acknowledgment here alluded to, seems to have 
 related, not to the introduction of false doctrine, but to a 
 liberality of spirit, that was ready to believe all things, and 
 hope all things, in those who confess that Jesus is the 
 Lord ; and led him to speak of individuals in terms of con- 
 fidence and approbation, which he afterwards found reason 
 to retract, or at least to qualify, when they had proceeded 
 to defend and disseminate opinions that in his judgment 
 were un scriptural. A few words from one of his letters, 
 wherein he makes mention of persons, whose pious, though 
 perhaps injudicious zeal, had drawn upon them the asperitv 
 of party feeling, will afford an example of his kind dispo- 
 sition towards them : — 
 
 " What distresses me most, is the harsh measure of 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 233 
 
 judgment which those best esteemed of, and justly, for 
 piety, deal to those poor servants of the Lord. Yet why 
 do I call them poor, who are rich in faith and in sufferings 
 for Christ's sake. It is grievous, most grievous, to see 
 Christ's flock thus devouring one another. Oh ! for the 
 wings of a dove ! But no — yet a little while, the conflict 
 must be endured. It is hard, but not too hard under the 
 banners of love." 
 
 Keeping close to the law and to the testimony, and ad- 
 mitting no theory that could not be reconciled with the 
 articles, the homilies, or the liturgy, of the church in which 
 he ministered, he was not induced, by the tender regard, 
 he felt for self-denying men, to make light of any error 
 into which they might have strayed. To enquire, how- 
 ever, into the merits of any existing controversy, or to 
 call in question the tenets and practices of any division in 
 the Christian body, would but ill accord with the general 
 tone and purport of a faithful memoir of Henry Vaughan. 
 But his decided opposition to a point of doctrine, upon 
 which, possibly, his views were at one time misrepresented, 
 can scarcely, with propriety or justice, be passed over alto- 
 gether unnoticed : And a lady, whose report of his gene- 
 ral character as a parochial minister has been given in a 
 preceding part of this sketch, communicates the result of a 
 correspondence with him upon that particular point, in 
 terms so decided and satisfactory, that it ought not to be 
 withheld. It is as follows : — 
 
 " Of all religious subjects, the Second Coming of our 
 Lord was the most delightful to him. He would expatiate 
 upon it with the most glowing delight and anticipation, and 
 
234 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 mention any friends who had been brought to embrace 
 those views, with a pleasure which no other theme could 
 produce. He was, however, totally adverse to those here- 
 tical doctrines which the late lamented Irving' mingled 
 with the millennial subject. I wrote to him about some 
 doubts I had felt, after reading some of Irving' s works on 
 this point ; and the reply was most clear, logical, and 
 convincing." 
 
 His statement is contained in the subjoined extract from 
 that reply : — 
 
 " On the subject of your niece's letter, I have thought 
 much ; and with respect to her difficulty, arising from the 
 assertion that ' Christ was tempted in all points like as we 
 are, yet without sin ;' — I would suggest, 1st. That every 
 universal proposition in Scripture, must be limited by the 
 subject. Thus, when it is said, ' Charity belie veth all things,' 
 it must be meant, all such things as charity, consistently 
 with its nature, can believe. Thus, then, with the text 
 before us ; Christ was tempted in all points, as far as the 
 subject, Christ, could be tempted, who, from the complete 
 sanctification of his nature in the very conception, could 
 not be tempted with concupiscence and lust, as with sin 
 from within. 2ndly. It must also be remembered, that the 
 word, ' tempted,' signifies in other parts of Scripture, 
 ' tried ' — ' exercised,' as particularly when it is said, ' God 
 tempted Abraham.' It may, therefore, refer to all the vari- 
 ous griefs, sorrows, trials, &c. with which Christ was proved. 
 But 3rdly. It may be granted, that Christ was assailed 
 with the temptation of sin from tvithout. The error 
 consists in asserting, that there was a law of sin in his 
 members, that he had a proclivity to the world and to 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 235 
 
 Satan. It may be useful to point out where the chief 
 fallacy lies. What ! it is said, was not Christ, then, like 
 one of us, our brother, in flesh and blood ; did he not come 
 into a fallen world, live as we live, and die as we die ? To 
 this it must be replied, Christ as Man was a compound 
 of body and soul. It may be granted that his human 
 body was formed, subject to the infirmities and evils of the 
 fall ; but to extend this to Christ's human soul, in any 
 degree whatever, is at once to concede the atonement." 
 
 While, in humble dependance on the revealed word, he 
 was thus enabled to detect and expose any irreverent in- 
 dulgence of a speculative mind ; it is gratifying to observe, 
 how candidly he would admit the scriptural foundation of 
 some views advocated by parties with whom, in many res- 
 pects, he was essentially at variance. The following letter, 
 although it may contain statements upon which, probably, 
 he afterwards obtained an increased degree of light, dis- 
 covers in a very interesting manner, his patience and energy 
 in the pursuit and development of truth : — 
 
 " Thank you for your frankness, in openly professing 
 and defending your sentiments on the Millennium. If all 
 would speak out, the truth would soon appear. 
 
 " After a laborious, and almost painful, investigation of 
 the Scriptures, for a year and a half, I certainly am deeply 
 and thoroughly convinced, that their whole tenour irresis- 
 tibly leads to the conclusion of a Millennium upon earth, 
 not in its present state, but entirely renewed. Nor is this, 
 as you term it, a new doctrine. If it could be shewn to 
 be so, I would immediately abandon it. But I am pre- 
 pared to shew, at any time, that it was the orthodox opi- 
 nion of the church during the three first centuries, and 
 
236 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 confirmed by the earliest and most famous council — that 
 of Nice. Any one who is curious on that point, may see 
 it fully and satisfactorily proved in Burnet's ' Theory of 
 the Earth.' I am fortunate enough to possess the works 
 of the earliest fathers, and have read for myself, what seve- 
 ral of them say on this interesting subject. As far, there- 
 fore, as human authority goes, the doctrine of the Millen- 
 nium rests on as solid a footing as the doctrine of the 
 Trinity, or any other. 
 
 " The writer of the paper which you recommend to my 
 perusal, evidently does not know what the real opinions of 
 the Millennarians are ; otherwise, he would never quote 
 against them, such passages as these : — ' My kingdom is 
 not of this world.' — ' Set your affections on things above, 
 not on things on the earth.' Who ever dreamed, that 
 Christ's kingdom was of this world ? This world, and the 
 fashion of it, are to pass away. The world to come, is the 
 one they anticipate with joyful expectation. And who ever 
 dreamed, that this earth was to be the seat of Millennial 
 glory. This earth is to be purified by fire. (2 Peter hi.) 
 Read the whole chapter, and enquire why Peter speaks of 
 the new heavens and the new earth, if earth was to mean 
 nothing at all. Compare with this passage, Rev. v. 10; 
 Rev. ii. 25, 26, 27; Rom. viii. 18, 19, et seq. St. Paul's 
 argument here, is this — the whole creation (which expres- 
 sion includes the universe, vraa-a y\ iclicriq, all that God hath 
 founded or built) groans for the manifestation of the sons 
 of God, explained to be 'the redemption of their bodies.' 
 Why ? — if they are not then to be delivered from the 
 curse, and brought into that glorious state, of which all 
 the prophets give witness, particularly Isaiah xi. passim ; 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 237 
 
 Micah iv ; Joel iii. 15, 1G, 17, 18; Amos ix. 11, 12, 13; 
 Hosea ii. 1 7 to 21 ; Ezekiel xxxiv. 23 to '26, &c. What 
 can this be, but the time of the ' restitution of all things,' 
 mentioned in Acts iii. 21 ; at which restitution, we see that 
 Christ is to descend, — for the heavens receive him until 
 then, — and surely it must be, to reign with his saints, in 
 the renewed heaven, over the renewed earth. 
 
 " As to the first resurrection, — if that is not to be con- 
 sidered real, then I would deny that the resurrection of 
 ' the rest of the dead,' mentioned in Rev. xx. 5, is real. 
 If one is to be figurative, why not the other ? And, then, 
 there is no resurrection at all ; and ' we are of all men most 
 miserable. See the danger of such interpretation.' Must 
 it not have struck every one, that St. Paul, in his first 
 Epistle to the Corinthians, chapter xv, speaks only of the 
 blessed dead, the first resurrection ? How can his words 
 apply to any other ? And in his first Epistle to the Thes- 
 salonians, chapter iv. verses 14, 15, 16, 17, is there not 
 an entire omission of the wicked dead ? Observe particu- 
 larly the 16th verse, and compare it with 1 Cor. xv. 23, 
 ' Every man in his own order : Christ the first-fruits ; 
 afterward they that are Christ's/ When ? * At his com- 
 ing.' Compare with this, Zech. xiv. from verse 4 to 9. 
 And be sure, that this is the general doctrine, not of a 
 part, but of the whole of Scripture. 
 
 " I should be glad to enter into the discussion of Mr. 
 . . . 's opinions further, at some other time. Please to 
 read the 21st chapter of the Revelations carefully, and 
 enquire whether all the things there spoken of, can take 
 place in heaven ; observe verses 3, 24, 25, 26, also Isaiah 
 
238 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 lx. throughout, and judge whether they refer to the same 
 events. 
 
 " The grand error of Mr. ... is this. He does not 
 seem to know, that the Milieu narians look for a new hea- 
 vens, as well as a new earth. If he had borne this in mind; 
 he would not have objected to them, their not looking for 
 a heavenly country, which is his grand argument, and grand 
 mistake, in the whole matter." 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN 239 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 HIS SPIRIT AND HABIT OF PRAYER. 
 
 Happily, the principles and the experience of him whose 
 life has been feebly sketched in these pages, involve so 
 little of party spirit or controversial discussion, that it is 
 not necessary to enlarge further upon the subject which 
 closed the last chapter, or to enter at greater length, 
 either upon an explanation of his doctrinal views, or the 
 defence of any truth. It therefore only remains, to in- 
 dulge in the more peaceful, and not less profitable, task of 
 bearing witness to a gift, essential to the spiritual health 
 and strength of every saint of God, and possessed in so 
 eminent a degree by Henry Vaughan, that it has been re- 
 served for the closing section of this memorial ; as espe- 
 cially worthy of attention in the way of example, and 
 acceptable also as a ground of consolation ; — as that me- 
 dium of life, and power, and increase, to every other gift 
 and grace, upon which the mind of each attached friend 
 and relative would be inclined more particularly to dwell ; 
 
240 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 — and as a distinguishing feature in the course and habit 
 of his consistent walk, with which those, who delight to 
 meditate the path he trod, would willingly close the re- 
 trospect. 
 
 That he was a man of prayer, it might be almost super- 
 fluous to adduce any direct testimony. Independently of 
 some occasional notices of his fervour and constancy in 
 thus approaching the mercy- seat, to be found in letters 
 already quoted, the evidence so decidedly offered, of the 
 " life of Jesus" in his soul, would be conclusive that he 
 enjoyed that spirit of habitual, ceaseless, effectual, prayer, 
 in which the heart of a child of God is opened, by divine 
 power, to receive abundantly of the true riches at his 
 Father's hand. If the graces that belong to the Chris- 
 tian character were so fully manifested, the channel of 
 communication w T ith the source of every good and per- 
 fect gift must have been free and uninterrupted. And in 
 the mind of one who " has filled his urn where these pure 
 waters rise," such inferences require no confirmation. But 
 those recollections, presented by his friends, which seem 
 to illustrate Henry's spirit and practice in committing 
 every thing, by prayer and supplication, to the disposal 
 of a God and Father in Christ Jesus, will not prove unde- 
 serving of consideration. 
 
 Of many pious and exemplary men, it has been related, 
 that they were diligent and scrupulous in setting apart, 
 and observing, certain appointed seasons for prayer and 
 meditation ; but of Henry Vaughan, it may with equal 
 truth be said, that he could not live without fervent, con- 
 stant, prayer, — that there was a continual thirsting for 
 the presence of the living God, which neither required, 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 241 
 
 nor could wait for, stated times or seasons ; but, by an 
 irresistible impulse, would command opportunities in ti. 
 midst of the most pressing engagements, and would in- 
 deed convert them, and almost every passing event, into 
 an occasion of earnest supplication. It was with him, in 
 experience, as in sentiment : — " When a soul is made alive 
 by Christ and his Spirit, it will never after cease to prav ; 
 the well cannot but gush forth ; the lamp cannot but 
 burn; the pulse must beat." He was thus supplied wit] i 
 wisdom and strength according to his day, and enabled to 
 give himself to every work of faith and labour of love, 
 with the alacrity and determination of one who had en- 
 quired at the hand of the Lord.* Nothing seemed too 
 difficult to be achieved through prayer ; nothing so light 
 or inconsiderable, as to be attempted without prayer. The 
 occupations of the day could not supersede the exercise 
 of "watching unto prayer;" and a wakeful hour of the 
 night, was hailed as a summons to rise and engage in in- 
 tercession for his people, especially for such as were more 
 immediately upon his mind through any peculiar need. 
 Every relaxation and social enjoyment, as well as high 
 and weighty duties, were brought into the Divine presence, 
 under the conviction that thus only could he, in either case, 
 be conformed to the word — "keep thine heart"— "keep 
 
 * " I have conquered,'' was his grateful exclamation, shortly 
 before his last illness, on coming from his study, where with 
 feelings of unusual depression he had besought the Lord. He 
 had been called to a meeting where the evils of disunion and 
 party spirit were to be apprehended ; but in the strength thus 
 acquired, he was enabled, with a serene countenance and a 
 calm spirit, to maintain his opinions with admirable clearness 
 and force of argument. 
 
 M 
 
242 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 thy foot." From the most solemn pastoral office, to the 
 most minute domestic arrangements or pursuits, all were 
 begun, continued, and ended in prayer.* It will not easily 
 be forgotten by the elder of his own children, how ten- 
 derly, when receiving their little play-mates to join in their 
 amusements, they were brought together by an earthly 
 parent ; and with an example of the most childlike sim- 
 plicity, taught to seek first the favour and the care of a 
 heavenly Father. And so intent was he, upon realising 
 the blessedness of " praying always with all perseverance 
 and supplication," that, latterly, the desire was much in 
 his heart, to conform the habits of family worship in his 
 house, literally to the psalmist's resolve : " At evening, and 
 morning, and at noon, will I pray." 
 
 Mr. Blencowe, alluding to the period when he took part 
 with Henry in the ministry of his parish, observes : — 
 
 " But if we would discover the main spring of his 
 energy in the work of God, I believe it is to be found in 
 this, — he was a man of earnest, wrestling, prayer. At 
 
 • Some notes in his hand-writing, shew that he was not only 
 earnest in seeking, but gratefully observant, where answers were 
 evidently granted to his petitions. Thus we find him, at one 
 time, recounting the tender mercies of his God : — 
 
 ' I had prayed for the restoration of my own health in sub- 
 mission to God's will. And my health is restored. 
 
 ' I had prayed that B . . . might be supported on leaving. 
 . . . She was remarkably supported. Indeed on the very day 
 of leaving, enjoyed the sweetest peace. 
 
 " Prayed for Mr. . . . And he is certainly better. 
 " Have prayed for increase of faith. And am waiting God's 
 gifts." 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 243 
 
 his request, I met him three mornings in the week (during 
 the first winter I was at Crickhowel) in the church, at 
 half-past seven; where we joined in the use of the Litam 
 and other prayers, and in intercession for our parishioners 
 T doubt not, a blessing was received." 
 
 From Chelsea, Mr. Morice writes : — 
 
 " I have never forgotten the impression made upon me 
 in my first interview. It was not his intelligent and spiri- 
 tual conversation, his animated and affectionate manner, 
 though there was much in that, which proved him to be 
 no ordinary character ; but it was his calling me into a 
 private room, when I was about to take my leave, and in- 
 viting me to join with him in pouring forth our united 
 supplications for grace, and wisdom, and zeal, in the dis- 
 charge of our respective duties. And it was this habitual 
 communion with God, which gave so sacred, and vet so 
 cheerful, a character to his manners and conversation in 
 general. It is indeed refreshing, to meet with those who, 
 in journeying through the pilgrimage of life, recognise and 
 honour God, at all times, as present. 1 ' 
 
 One of his congregation at Park Chapel notices t\ 
 practice, by no means infrequent with him wherever he 
 ministered. Speaking of the spirit of devotion as pecu- 
 liarly and habitually apparent in him, he states : — 
 
 " It was an impressive occasion when he first repaired 
 to the chapel, after receiving the appointment as its minis- 
 ter. A few friends had assembled in the vestry to greet 
 him. The time was short, before the commencement of 
 Divine service, for which he was alreadv habited ; but he 
 
 M 2 
 
244 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 proposed, as the best way in which we could occupy it, to 
 kneel down, and unite with him in prayer for the Divine 
 blessing on his ministry, and on our mutual connection 
 with each other. And he then offered up, in the presence 
 of those assembled, a few condensed and most fervent 
 supplications, which drew out our hearts after him. And 
 as, like his Saviour, his labours began with prayer, so, like 
 his Saviour, they ended in blessing ; and having gathered 
 a few of his more intimate friends among his people around 
 him, on the last Sabbath evening he spent with us, he gave 
 his parting benediction to each, till he could say no more ; 
 and of the rest, he took a farewell, by a silence which was 
 yet more expressive." 
 
 That praise and thanksgiving, to which the man of 
 prayer can be no stranger, is also mentioned, thus, by the 
 same friend : — 
 
 " Our dear pastor's ' Te Deum,' was simply the con- 
 cluding doxology of Bishop Ken's morning and evening 
 hymns, which it was his practice to invite us to sing in the 
 vestry at the close of collection-sermons. There may be 
 nothing very peculiar in this ; but to myself, who have 
 had no short acquaintance with such proceedings, and yet 
 never witnessed the practice before, it produced an impres- 
 sion, alike novel and edifying, and well accorded with his 
 reception of us in that same vestry, on the first Sunday he 
 officiated among us. It seemed also the very devotional 
 exercise we at that moment needed. The result of his 
 fervent appeal to his people, had just been told ; a spirit 
 of love and zeal had perhaps been evinced ; and the sower 
 and the reapers might be, at the instant, tempted to a 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 243 
 
 feeling of satisfaction, and be found rejoicing in the good- 
 ness of the seed, or the fruitfulness of the soil ; when hia 
 spiritual mind, watchful of its own snares, and providing 
 against ours, called off our thoughts from both himself 
 and us, and lifted them at once to the great Lord of the 
 harvest. It was his ' Cease from man,' at the moment 
 when we were beginning to ' glory in men.' We readily 
 interpreted his, ' Praise God from whom all blessings flow,' 
 as the comment on a favourite text of his humilitv , ' Nei- 
 ther is he that planteth, any thing; neither he that 
 watereth ; but God that giveth the increase.' " 
 
 By another lay friend, after a general view of his per- 
 sonal and ministerial character, these remarks are added : — 
 
 " The enquiry would unavoidably arise, by what treat- 
 ment or discipline, had this love of God and man been 
 produced ? What instrumentality had been selected by 
 that Spirit, through whose presence it had been shed abroad 
 in his heart ? Of this, I cannot speak from any observa- 
 tion of my own, as he was ' w r alking in love,' before I had 
 the happiness of knowing him ; but the confidence to 
 which, however unworthy, I was admitted, has enabled me 
 to testify that, among the means ordained for growth in 
 grace, none was more constantly or ardently employed, 
 than prayer. In prayer, he was indeed continually draw- 
 ing from the fulness which is in Christ, and obtaining 
 strength to encounter every opposition, and to persevere 
 through every difficulty. It was thus, that the lamp of 
 life and love was cherished, and was seen to burn with a 
 bright and steady flame, at a time when those supplies of 
 brotherly counsel and encouragement, from which many 
 
 M 3 
 
246 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 derive so much comfort and support, seemed to be almost 
 denied to him. Whatever estimable traits may have graced 
 his character, solid and brilliant as they were, this ought 
 to be especially prized in our remembrance of him, — he 
 was a man of prayer. I need not tell you, for no friend 
 can know it so well, that 'pray without ceasing/ was as a 
 living motto on his soul. One feels assured that ' behold 
 he praveth,' was on record from day to day, and even 
 from hour to hour, before him who giveth liberally to every 
 one that asketh. Every duty, every service, every move- 
 ment was made an occasion of prayer. The approach- 
 ing ministry of the Sabbath ; an expected meeting with 
 friends or relatives, as well as the hour of separation ; a 
 visit to the cottage of the poor and ignorant ; were all 
 committed to his God and Saviour in fervent prayer. Some- 
 times I have seen him retire from a social or domestic- 
 circle, to seek in this manner, mercies and blessings for 
 those, bv whom the word of exhortation or instruction 
 might then have been regarded as unseasonable. I often 
 fondly call to mind, the impressive look that accompanied 
 the gentle tap on my shoulder, and the urgent whisper, ' I 
 want strength for to-morrow,' with which he would sum- 
 mon me, on a Saturday evening, from some ordinary pur- 
 suit or conversation, to unite with him in pleading at the 
 throne, and according to the word of Him, whose strength 
 is made perfect in conscious weakness. Nor can I forget 
 the sweet serenity and elevation of soul, he appeared to 
 enjoy, and even in some measure communicated, when, 
 winding his way on the mountain-side, to an appointed 
 weekly lecture among the distant cottagers, he would 
 pause to kneel on some grassy bank, before he entered 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 247 
 
 their dwelling, and breathe into the open firmancnt of hea- 
 ven, his supplications on behalf of that scattered portion 
 of his flock. When I had the privilege of joining him on 
 a missionary tour, and his thoughts and feelings were em- 
 bracing the utmost parts of the earth, his own parish and 
 people, especially those whom he knew to be suffering any 
 trial, the wife of his bosom, and each member of his 
 family, w T ere first and last in his intercessions. And in 
 performing the particular duty he had then undertaken, 
 the hand was stretched forth, in faith and unremitting 
 prayer, to hold firmly by the Everlasting arm. So anxious 
 was he, to strengthen himself in this manner, that where- 
 ever he preached, he knew not how to leave the vestry, 
 and proceed to the pulpit, until he had, in union with the 
 clergyman who was also officiating, sought Divine counsel 
 for himself, and a blessing on his work. 
 
 " Bearing in mind that my pen is now employed in the 
 service of his dear children, I would not omit one subject 
 of pleasing remembrance, to which, I hope, their atten- 
 tion may be profitably invited. I allude to his judicious 
 and edifying method of proving and enjoying, in spiritual 
 exercises with a friend, the fellowship of the gospel. At 
 any time of the day, if some brief respite from labour had 
 occurred, he would call me to his study, and propose ' a 
 little communion.' His plan, with a view to regulate our 
 thoughts, was simply this : — For each of us, alternately, 
 to read a few T hymns, then some short portions of Scrip- 
 ture, making such remarks of an experimental tendency 
 as might occur to either of us, and to conclude with 
 prayers — opening our hearts, without reserve, for our- 
 selves, and each other, — spreading our personal and sym- 
 
248 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 pathetic cares, and wants, and hopes, and fears, before 
 that God who, we knew, was waiting to be gracious. 
 
 " I have often felt convinced, that no active labour or 
 service in which he engaged, tended more to exhaust the 
 powers of his frame, than his habit and his spirit of prayer. 
 It was with him, as he described it in one of his Ser- 
 mons, ' laborious.' There was that extreme hungering 
 and thirsting, that drawing out of the inmost soul, that 
 manifest struggle for entrance within the veil, that deter- 
 mination, ' I will not let thee go, except thou bless me,' — 
 which, humanly speaking, could scarcely fail to affect a 
 much stronger constitution. But could I pretend to dis- 
 suade him from such energy ? Would any sincere friend 
 endeavour to stay his soul, in its blessed intercourse with 
 the God of all grace, or counsel him to repress the fervour 
 of his feelings, when he was asking gifts at the hand of 
 the Most High ? It was hardly possible to see what spi- 
 ritual joy and renovation were thus obtained, without form- 
 ing a better estimate of eternal and heavenly things, as 
 compared with things natural. Who, that had himself 
 known the blessedness of the effectual fervent prayer, 
 could really mourn, if this zeal w T ere consuming the mate- 
 rial structure, when he perceived what strength and vigour 
 were imparted to the inner man ? " 
 
 The following testimony is to the same effect as that 
 which would be given by many families, on removing from 
 a temporary abode in Crickhowel : — 
 
 " On the last day of our sojourn there, after we had 
 taken leave of him and his kind and amiable family, he 
 still seemed anxious to give us his last parting word of 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. '240 
 
 comfort and Christian love. He knelt down in our room, 
 and offered up the most heartfelt and affecting praver, 
 supplicating the God of all mercy to guide us in the right 
 way, and to pour down his best gifts upon us ; and con- 
 cluded with a fervent aspiration, that if we never saw each 
 other again in this world, we might meet on that heavenly 
 shore, where we should never be separated, but should 
 ever be with the Lord. The voice has cried, • Blessed are 
 the dead which die in the Lord.' And can we fail to add, 
 in accordance with the last solemn words we heard him 
 breathe in this world, ' May we die the death of the 
 righteous, and may our last end be like his ? ' " 
 
 His character, as one who prayed always, is also placed 
 in an interesting point of view, by the Rev. John Harding, 
 whom he had succeeded at Park Chapel : — 
 
 " I have searched, but, I am sorry to say, in vain, for 
 any letters among my papers from my late dear brother, 
 Henry Vaughan ; very little correspondence passed between 
 us, but I should have been glad to find any remains of it 
 in my possession, because I do not believe that it could 
 have failed to exhibit something of that peculiarly holy 
 temper which accompanied him in all transactions. For 
 to my mind, the distinguishing excellence of his character 
 was that heavenly spirit which, so far at least as I had 
 an opportunity of observation, gave a tone to all that he 
 said or did. I never had the advantage of listening to his 
 public instructions, but the edifying lessons which his holv 
 conversation vielded, were such as I would desire never to 
 forget. Few, very few, has it been my lot to meet with, 
 who seemed so to walk with God in an evil world, as did 
 
 M 5 
 
250 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 Henry Vaughan. Prayer, especially, seemed to be the 
 element in which he lived ; always ready to join in it ; and 
 habitually wont to invite others, to share the delight which 
 he found in the exercise. I do not recollect that I ever 
 had a call from him here, but before he left, he would pro- 
 pose that we united in supplication for each other, and for 
 our respective flocks. 
 
 "One little incident occurs to my remembrance, which 
 just illustrates what seemed to me, to be the prevailing ha- 
 bit of his mind. He had expressed a wish to view the in- 
 terior of my church, and I took him into it. He went up 
 into the pulpit ; I remained beneath ; but, after the lapse 
 of a few moments, thinking his silence remarkable, I mov- 
 ed my position so as to see him, and I observed him to be 
 deeply engaged in prayer ; imploring, I feel assured, for 
 myself and for my hearers, that gift of the Holy Spirit, 
 which alone could make the Word spoken from that place, 
 to be the power of God unto salvation. And thus it was 
 with him, wherever he went, he appeared to breathe the 
 atmosphere of heaven. Often did I bless God, that it had 
 pleased him to provide such a pastor, to follow me in the 
 charge of the congregation at Park Chapel. Greatly did 
 it rejoice me, to think that a flock, to which I had become 
 attached by the most sacred ties, had, through my removal, 
 the benefit of a ministry and an example, so spiritual and 
 so edifying. May the same grace, by which he was what 
 he was, enable us to follow him as he followed Christ." 
 
 It will not be requisite here to repeat the quotation of a 
 passage from the Rev. Mr. Faithfull's letter, wherein he 
 gives an account of the impression that was made upon his 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 251 
 
 mind, by the first interview with Henry ; when their in- 
 troduction immediately became an occasion of retiring- for 
 prayer ; and in reference to which, Mr. Faithfull observes 
 that there was a devotion in his manner, a spiritualitv in 
 his expressions, and a heartfelt fervour in his words, which 
 savoured more of the spirit of prayer than anv thing he 
 had ever heard. 
 
 Upon a subject so intimately associated with the name 
 of Henry Vaughan, his own sentiments must be regarded 
 with more than ordinarv interest. And in his memoranda 
 or outlines of Sermons on prayer, although few and in- 
 complete, are to be found the breathings of a spirit that 
 could powerfully enjoin the exercise, and confidently beat- 
 witness to the joys and consolations of this privilege. 
 Three of those Sermon-Notes or Outlines, will be found 
 in the selection appended to this Memoir, but some quota- 
 tions from others may be offered here, as bearing directlv 
 upon personal experience, and describing that immediate 
 influence of prayer upon individual character and condition, 
 to which he was no stranger. 
 
 Enquiring into the discouragements and hindrances to 
 be expected in aiming at persevering importunity in pray- 
 er, he observes : — 
 
 " Our natural indolence furnishes a grand obstacle. This 
 kind of prayer is laborious. It costs considerable efforts 
 of mind, and some of body. It requires — a habit of thought- 
 ful and patient consideration, much opposed to the levity 
 of the natural heart ; — self-examination, which supposes 
 self-recollection and watchfulness. It demands time. This 
 kind of prayer is not to be dispatched at odd intervals ; it 
 
252 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 is a work in itself ; it requires the exercise of all our pow- 
 ers and faculties, at their highest pitch. Against this, indo- 
 lence rebels. But then, remember the cause, — that of your 
 soul. 
 
 "The love of sin remaining in the heart, is a still more 
 serious obstacle. Of course, love of sin opposes and weak- 
 ens all prayer, but particuliarly (which is our concern at 
 present) fervent, importunate, prayer, — that prayer which 
 resolves to have. All who have their senses exercised at 
 all, know what I mean when I say this is the grand impe- 
 diment to effectual prayer. We pray against some parti- 
 cular sin, yet there is a lurking love of it in our hearts. 
 How, then, can we put our whole soul into the prayer ? 
 We pray on any particular point to be directed, and yet 
 have pretty well made up our minds how we will act. This, 
 we do not confess, but it appears in the coldness and lan- 
 guid formality of prayer. What then is to be done ? Why, 
 the loins must be girded, the lights must be burning, &c. 
 Done ? What must not be done ?" 
 
 Besides other blessed results, the effects of prayer upon 
 the believer's character and disposition are thus defined : — 
 
 " Increasing self-knowledge. The w T hole seat of religion 
 is the soul. To know the real state of the ground on which 
 the combat is to be fought, must then be of great advan- 
 tage to the soldier of Christ. How is this to be obtained ? 
 Doubtless by study of God's holy word, by close observa- 
 tion of our lives, by the kind counsel of pious friends, but 
 above all perhaps by prayer. Acquaintance with self, 
 grows by acquaintance with God. The soul in the act of 
 prayer, enters as it were the Holiest ; and then what beau- 
 ty, what majesty, what boundless perfection, does it behold. 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 1>.";3 
 
 It becomes delighted with the presence of this God ; it 
 holds communion with Him ; it makes efforts to do some 
 justice to his wondrous nature and love. But what are 
 these efforts ; what, compared with that unapproachable 
 light ; what, compared with that boundless love. Hence, 
 grows a sense of our nothingness. 
 
 " But further,— in prayer we bare as it were our hearts to 
 God. And what do we lay before Him ? Ripened graces, 
 due returns for his favour, duties fulfilled ? Alas ! grace 
 hindered from growth, by corruption ; slighted favours, 
 sins, negligences, and ignorances. These are the burdens 
 which we bring before our God in prayer. And has not 
 this a tendencv to make us know what we are, and to 
 make us feel it too ? For, to whom do we expose these sins ? 
 To One, how holy, — to One, how gracious, — to One, how 
 long-suffering. Yes ; and when the prayer that on our 
 part brings little besides sin ; on God's part brings nothing 
 but mercy. Surely, out of this comparison between us and 
 Him, must grow what I would call the most perfect state 
 on earth — a deep abiding sense of our own nothingness. 
 .... Remember, the poor in spirit are blessed, and God 
 resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the lowly. You 
 must, therefore, allow me to rank it amongst the chief bles- 
 sings of prayer, properly pursued, that it has a tendency 
 to bring us to a just estimate of our own nothingness, just 
 in proportion as it introduces us to the acquaintance of Him 
 in whom dwelleth all perfection. 
 
 " Still greater is the second blessing I shall mention as 
 the result of prayer, — Increasing simplicity in our depen- 
 dance upon Christ. The young believer thinks that he soon 
 understands the mystery of Christ. He does, indeed, as 
 
254 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 soon as he really casts his burden on his Saviour, know 
 enough to fix his heart for ever upon Him. But he will 
 come to know Him better. He will try to conquer sin. 
 So he shall. But then how ? Not till many shameful de- 
 feats have taught him to pray that Christ's precious blood 
 may win the victory. . . . 
 
 " I must add, that prayer sheds a sweet contentment over 
 our sojourn upon earth. This may seem inconsistent with 
 its property of making us desire heaven ; but it rather fol- 
 lows as a consequence ; for we live contentedly on earth, 
 just in proportion as we live for heaven. . . . We can 
 never be poor, so long as we can pray. . . . Prayer brings 
 the presence of Jesus Christ and his Spirit. All evils, 
 prayer either removes or sanctifies. Prayer brings strength 
 to the enfeebled frame, — hope and patience to the fainting 
 heart. It either makes all well or assures us it soon will 
 be. In short, it turns a tedious trial into a ' light afflic- 
 tion which is but for a moment ; ' it converts an intolerable 
 burden into Christ's light and easy yoke. 
 
 " Time will not permit us to dwell on the happiness of 
 prayer, — how it tends to evenness of spirit and calmness of 
 mind, — how it revives the low in heart, — how it chastens 
 the more ardent, — how it lives with and comforts the soli- 
 tary, — how it guards and keeps safe those necessarily 
 thrown into crowds, — how, in a word, it makes our joy 
 full as it can be on earth, and promises a fuller cup in hea- 
 ven." 
 
 An extract from the first volume of his printed Sermons, 
 relating more especially to the efficacy of Prayer, may also 
 be allowed a place, as descriptive of a truth that was amply 
 confirmed in his own experience : — 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 255 
 
 " While there is breath in the body, and motion in the 
 pulse, there is life ; while prayer stirs in the soul, the new- 
 creature lives. Further, as not only the existence of life, 
 but its healthy or unhealthy condition, may be judged of 
 by the manner in which the two grand functions of inhaling 
 and respiration of the air, and the circulation of the blood, 
 are performed ; so also, may the state of the soul be deter- 
 mined by the liveliness, freedom, constancy, and regularity, 
 with which prayer, that principle of grace which is the 
 grand support of the divine life, carries on its functions. 
 How blessed the condition of that Christian who, strong in 
 the might of fervent and effectual prayer, goes forth to do 
 his Master's work ! Truly blessed ! What vigour inspires 
 his soul ! How does his heart bound within him, as he 
 approaches and discharges the self-denying duties of his 
 Christian calling ! How does it rise above the petty con- 
 siderations, which fetter and harass a less prayer-fed spirit ! 
 How do indolence, and the fear of shame, and weak com- 
 pliance, difficulties, dangers, and seeming impossibilities, 
 fly before its Samson arms ! How lightly do the cares, 
 sorrows, and vexations, of this troublous world rest upon 
 its Samson shoulders ! How strong is the man whom 
 prayer strengthens ! How vigorous the life that prayer 
 sustains ! In the sublimely figurative language of the Song 
 of Solomon, we may say of him whose graces prayer feeds 
 and quickens, ' This thy stature is like unto a palm-tree.' 
 
256 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 SUPPLEMENTARY COMMUNICATION CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 These memoirs had arrived, thus nearly, at the concluding 
 page, when a contribution, long delayed by severe and 
 protracted illness, was added to the testimonials of love 
 and respect which had been received from the friends of 
 Henry Vaughan. It may, however, claim admission in 
 this, as an appropriate place ; and while affording an im- 
 portant and interesting accession of details, perfectly in har- 
 mony with the portraiture drawn by other pencils, will 
 also be esteemed as supplying a desirable summary of the 
 character and the history comprised in previous represen- 
 tations : — 
 
 " In recalling some of the circumstances connected with 
 our intercourse with dear Mr. Henry Vaughan, I must 
 notice the impression made during the few days you both 
 passed with us, in January 1831, when a friendship com- 
 menced, which I trust will be perfected in eternity. You 
 will remember, at that period there were a few non-essen- 
 tial points on which we differed ; but I was deeply struck 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 257 
 
 by the candour that marked the conduct of our lamented 
 friend in the discussions between us. This was especially 
 displayed in searching for texts of Scripture, in support 
 of his own views ; for he was the first to point out any 
 passages that caught his eye, more favourable to my 
 opinions. His consideration for the feelings of others, 
 was also evinced on this occasion. Having observed one 
 of the party less interested in those particular subjects, he 
 immediately turned the conversation, so as to make it more 
 generally useful ; expressing, in the kindest manner, his 
 desire to speak on such portions of the Bible, as would be 
 profitable to all. 
 
 " The more we saw of him, the more w T e delighted to 
 witness his charity, sympathy, generosity, and disregard 
 of self. His readiness to meet the regard of others, also 
 excited our admiration ; the esteem testified for him, was 
 never repelled by reserve or distrust ; and full of Chris- 
 tian love himself, he entirelv confided in the affection of 
 his friends. 
 
 " The Church Missionary days brought to light another 
 grace, best described in the language of St. Paul, ' in 
 honour preferring one another.' For I observed, that his 
 guests w r ere urged to express their sentiments, while he 
 w^ho spoke with so much ease and eloquence was silent. 
 In the numbers gathered together by interest in one com- 
 mon cause, many were strangers ; some of high, others 
 of inferior station ; and the quick perception with which 
 the claims of all were discerned, attracted my attention ; 
 so that while the look and word of cordial greeting were 
 given to his friends, the humblest and the most unnoticed 
 received the chief share of his attention. You have often 
 
258 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 heard me express my gratification at the manner in which 
 these days were conducted by him ; the full morning ser- 
 vice, the impressive sermon, the sweet singing in Crick- 
 howel church by which they were opened, the resort to 
 Oak Cottage of those who came from a distance, the in- 
 teresting topics discussed by different persons present, 
 chiefly connected with missionary matters, the order that 
 prevailed, the prayer which closed the whole ; for it was 
 not to be a common day, but throughout it was to be holy 
 to the Lord. In the evening, when the numerous party 
 proceeded from your hospitable dwelling, few, who wit- 
 nessed those meetings, can forget the delight with which 
 the minister used to pause, before he led the way into 
 the infant-school room, to direct the attention of strangers 
 to the exquisite scenery commanded from its porch. 
 The speeches were generally delivered by holy and talented 
 men ; and although his friends regretted that the be- 
 loved chairman was not the chief speaker, yet his bright 
 and animated countenance indicated his heartfelt interest 
 in the missionary cause. 
 
 " I never saw any one who so completely looked be- 
 yond the outward condition of his fellow-beings, in his 
 anxiety for their souls. It seemed no effort to him, to be 
 courteous alike to rich and poor, high and low, learned 
 and unlearned ; and while he paid honour where honour 
 was due, a feeling of Christian charity actuated his con- 
 duct towards the meanest. His sympathy with the poor 
 of his flock, is still the theme of their grateful remem- 
 brance ; and knowing our love for his memory, they have 
 often dwelt upon this endearing quality of their late pas- 
 tor. One person observed, ' If I had but a head-ache, 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 259 
 
 and dear Mr. Vaughan met me, he was sure to notice 
 that I was looking ill, and he would soon call and ask if I 
 was better.' Another of his parishioners spoke of his 
 tenderness to her only child, who was removed at the 
 early age of three years, and of his constant visits to the 
 family in this bitter trial. Others mentioned his zeal for 
 the souls of those who frequented the miserable lodging- 
 houses, opened for the poor and labouring men ; and have 
 said, that when his exhortations have been scoffed at, he 
 has knelt in the midst of them, and prayed earnestly for 
 their conversion. One poor widow said, ' He came to me 
 in my distress, and when he quitted me, he placed a sove- 
 reign in my hand.' And you have often told me, how 
 unbounded was his liberality, whenever a case of want 
 came before him. Sorrow and sickness were ever soothed 
 by his presence ; and his intimate knowledge of the Scrip- 
 tures furnished him with a rich treasury, from whence he 
 drew forth for the edification and consolation of the in- 
 valid or the mourner. These offices of kindness were not 
 confined to the narrow bounds of his own parish ; for if 
 his friends were ill or afflicted, he put himself to incon- 
 venience to administer to them the word of life ; and by 
 his earnest prayers for their spiritual benefit, he could not 
 fail to leave a blessing behind him. 
 
 " I need scarcely remind you, that one year, in the 
 month of January, on the birthday of your eldest child, 
 when he had invited some of the young members of his 
 congregation to his house, and when an appointment for 
 parish business compelled his return at a stated hour ; he 
 hastened to a family some miles distant from Crickhowel, 
 suffering from sickness, and in deep affliction, that he 
 
260 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 might bring the only consolation their state permitted. 
 He read and prayed with his sorrowing friends ; and on 
 his return home, he put aside the intended festive meeting, 
 in the hope, that as death had suddenly snatched away 
 two children in the very dawn of life, an impression might 
 be made on their tender minds, by this check to their ex- 
 pected pleasure. That day can never be forgotten by 
 those whom he comforted with his Christian ministrations. 
 " As a son, a brother, a husband, a parent, the love and 
 veneration he inspired, testified to his excellence in each 
 domestic relation. In his father's house, the respect paid 
 to his opinion by every member of the family was very 
 striking. And the affection felt by all for him, proved 
 how meekly he bore this acknowledgment of his supe- 
 riority. As a master, he was almost idolized, from his 
 care for the temporal and spiritual welfare of his servants. 
 One of them, in speaking of him, remarked, ' my master's 
 reproofs were more like counsels, they were so gentle.' As 
 a parent, the same person bore testimony to his unremitt- 
 ing tenderness, anxiety, and watchfulness for his children. 
 From their earliest infancv, it was his constant desire to 
 inculcate the habit of prayer, and to impart the truths ot 
 the Christian faith ; and his own fervent petitions for their 
 souls at the throne of grace, will doubtless be answered. 
 We can never forget, during the precious seasons you 
 passed together under our roof, the manner in which, on 
 returning from merely a morning's absence, he has taken 
 dear Henry into his apartment, as you afterwards told us, 
 to make him personally a sharer in his prayers and praises. 
 His love for infants was remarkable ; their very helpless- 
 ness seemed an additional claim upon him ; and this was 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 2G1 
 
 not only on his own part, but he sought to inspire in his 
 first-born, the same feeling towards ' the baby.' The 
 union of parental authority with the most perfect kind- 
 ness, we frequently witnessed ; and we have often ob- 
 served w T ith gratification how entirely he surrendered him- 
 self to their sports ; indeed, his love of children made 
 him, when playing with them, seem to grow ' in heart a 
 child among the rest.' His mode of imparting religious 
 instruction to them, was also very delightful ; and we have 
 noticed, with deep interest, his holy and simple manner of 
 explaining the portion of scripture read in the family in the 
 morning, to tw T o little friends, whom he took on his knees 
 while thus seeking to direct their attention to the saving 
 truths of the gospel. We have, likewise, listened with 
 pleasure to the account of the weekly meetings of young 
 persons at his own house, for the purpose of preparing 
 them for their duties as teachers in the Sundav school. 
 
 "To speak of him in the closest connection of life, in 
 writing to you, is indeed difficult ; and yet you would not 
 be satisfied, were false delicacy to restrain me. I may 
 truly say, I never saw any one surpass him in his exem- 
 plary conduct ; and we were all impressed by the perfect 
 confidence which subsisted between you, by his gentleness, 
 his manliness, his absence of all selfishness, and his defer- 
 ence to your wishes when a higher duty did not interfere. 
 But on this, and every occasion, he sought to make earthly 
 ties subservient to the will of his heavenly Father, to whom 
 he had unreservedly dedicated himself. 
 
 "In the latter days of his life, the Christian graces 
 which had, from the first, distinguished him, appeared to 
 shine still more brightly ; indeed, his growth in grace, and 
 
262 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 his walk with God, were sure evidences of the indwelling 
 of the Holy Spirit in his heart, of his living faith, his fer- 
 vent charity, and of his union with that ' true vine,' the 
 branches of which bring forth much fruit." 
 
 The details of a biographical sketch, so plain and un- 
 studied, might, consistently with the humble form they have 
 assumed, be left to the candour and affectionate interest of 
 those, for whose information they were, in part, prepared ; 
 — free from the burden of any addition in the way of com- 
 ment or improvement. But many of the statements oc- 
 curring in the last letter, relate so immediately to the ob- 
 ject principally contemplated in preserving these memorials, 
 that the position it has undesignedly occupied, seems to 
 suggest the propriety of a few general observations in re- 
 ference to that object. It would, indeed, have been diffi- 
 cult to close the volume, without commending its contents 
 to the studious regard, no less than the filial veneration, of 
 the little ones, whose spiritual welfare was the end first 
 proposed in this undertaking. And although it might re- 
 quire the experience of an orphan, to address with due 
 consideration the feelings of an orphan's heart ; yet — dear 
 children ! — the mind that has been engaged upon papers, 
 bearing traces of your father's heavenly spirit, whether 
 drawn by his own hand or that of a friend, cannot possibly 
 repress many an anxious thought and fervent desire, re- 
 garding the course that lies before you, in time and in eter- 
 nity. One or two brief remarks are, therefore, presented 
 to vou, in connection with the idea of vour receiving this 
 
 » JO 
 
 book as a tablet of sweet remembrance, wherein vou will 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 263 
 
 be intently looking for some reflection of the paternal 
 image that has passed from your admiring sight. 
 
 When you observe the happiness enjoyed in manv fa- 
 milies under the guidance and protection of fathers, even 
 where they would bear little comparison with your de- 
 parted parent, you may be keenly sensible of the priva- 
 tion you endure, in the loss of one so holy, so wise, so 
 kind. Let, then, such a feeling lead you to consider, that 
 however great and estimable may be the blessings and ad- 
 vantages derived from an earthly father, he can never sup- 
 ply the place of that Father who is the God of all grace, 
 who is willing to receive you into his family, and who es- 
 pecially delights to make himself known as the father of 
 the fatherless, the judge of the widow's cause. Do your 
 hearts, when you peruse the records of a parent's excel- 
 lence, overflow with the thought — "Oh ! that I might once 
 more meet with him, and see his bright countenance beam- 
 ing with benevolence, and hear the touching accents of his 
 voice, and taste again the expressions of his ardent love ! ' 
 Learn, from such emotions, to prize that word of eternal 
 truth, which proclaims the God of heaven and earth, as a 
 compassionate Father to every believer in Jesus Christ — a 
 father, whose presence is not subject to interruption, whose 
 watchful care no power can intercept, whose love so far 
 exceeds that which glows in the parental breast that it 
 passeth knowledge. Give your minds also, with humilitv 
 and seriousness, to this enquiry — whether he who order- 
 eth all things according to the good pleasure of his good- 
 ness, may not, among other wise and gracious purposes, 
 have withdrawn from you the support of a beloved arm of 
 
"264 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 flesh, that you may prove how abundantly God in Christ 
 can supplv all your need, and become all in all to the very 
 weakest. Forget not, how near a resemblance your orphan 
 state, in relation to natural things, bears to the condition, 
 spiritually, of every waiting believer, so long as he is in 
 this mortal body. It is true, the child of God can say, in 
 his present imperfect condition : " My Father will not leave 
 me nor forsake me, His right hand upholdeth me, He is a 
 present help in every time of need, He is guiding me by 
 his counsel in a path through which he will bring me to 
 his glory ; " yet, in the midst of these privileges, such a 
 child is conscious of seeing only through a glass darkly ; 
 he is anticipating the time, when that which is perfect 
 shall be revealed; the cry of his soul is: " Lord, how 
 long ! when shall I come and appear before God my fa- 
 ther ; when shall I be like him and see him as he is ; ' his 
 soul is looking and hasting for the unveiled state of bless- 
 edness, when the tabernacle of God shall be with men. 
 Therefore, when you are inclined to mourn the absence of 
 a father, who could do no more for you, than your God 
 has the power, (and may we not say, the will) to effect by 
 some other means ; you should be prepared to soothe such 
 feelings, by the more elevated thought, " Behold, what 
 manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we 
 should be called the sons of God" — " O, that we may 
 dwell in his house for ever ! " 
 
 In the representation that has been given of your father's 
 views and experience in religion, one of the most impor- 
 tant points that can engage your attention, is this,— he 
 counted all things as vile and refuse, that were not derived 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 26') 
 
 from Christ, or sanctified in him, and devoted to him. 
 Gifted by nature with a disposition that endeared him to 
 all with whom he was connected, or had intercourse ; it 
 seemed that what might be termed an ordinary religious 
 education, would have formed in him an active moral prin- 
 ciple, and led to an external course of life, which most 
 persons would have esteemed as a sweet example of Chris- 
 tianity. Far, very far, from such a mistaken idea, were 
 his own convictions, when the true light shone into his 
 soul. He did not then merely enquire, whether in this or 
 that particular, he might have offended directly or in- 
 directly against any divine law, or have failed in duties for 
 which the creature is responsible to the Creator. The short- 
 sighted project of improving or correcting that which 
 might be faulty or defective, either in conduct or in prin- 
 ciple, could not satisfy the spirit awakened by a voice from 
 on high. A superficial cleansing of the vessel, could afford 
 no peace or contentment to one taught, as he was, by the 
 Spirit of Him who requireth truth in the inward parts. 
 But this was the discovery that cast him in the dust, with 
 those sacrifices of God which are a broken and a contrite 
 spirit. However amiable he had been in the eyes of men ; 
 however graceful and refined the tendency of his mental 
 qualities ; however excellent and well-directed the cultiva- 
 tion of his intellectual and imaginative powers ; he saw 
 that Christ had not been the first and the last in his affec- 
 tions, his principles, his pursuits ; the wisdom he had pos- 
 sessed, was not that which is from above ; the springs of 
 moral feeling and relative duty and attachment, were not 
 the fresh springs from the fountain of eternal life, which 
 are opened in Christ, and satiate the soul of every one who 
 
 N 
 
266 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 abides in Him. This made the blood that cleanseth from 
 all sin, as precious to him as it could be to one self-con- 
 victed of moral degradation. He now felt, that to be no 
 more than upright, and intellectual, and even amiable, be- 
 fore men, was to live at such a distance from God, that he 
 could not be made nigh but by the blood of Jesus. With 
 joy unspeakable, did he receive the end of faith, even a full 
 and free salvation ; knowing — and blessing God for the 
 knowledge — that he was not redeemed with corruptible 
 things, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb 
 without blemish and without spot. He perceived that the 
 entire man must be transformed, cast into a new mould, 
 animated by a new vital principle. And it was not in 
 mere convictions of such momentous truths, that he was 
 permitted to rest ; the power of them was effectually ex- 
 perienced ; and he came forth, from a bitter humiliating 
 knowledge of his own natural alienation from the life of 
 God, — a new creature in Christ, adopted into the blessed 
 family which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in 
 Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 
 
 Let, then, his example in these first principles of the 
 Christian faith, weigh upon your minds with the impor- 
 tance and the authority it may justly claim. If you do not 
 rightly apprehend the movements of his soul, at this entrance 
 into the fold of Jesus, you cannot appreciate the general 
 development of his character ; and, consequently, will fail 
 to derive from it, the sweet admonition and encouragement 
 it is calculated to impart. You may inherit many of his 
 natural qualities, and it might be hoped, will, in many of 
 the features of boyhood and youth, give evidence of your 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 
 
 close relationship to him ; but remember, that, with Mich 
 an inheritance, you must also partake of the fallen condition 
 from which, in repentance, and resting on the arm of Jesus, 
 he escaped for his life. Be not contented, then, with any 
 religious opinions, or serious impressions, short of that 
 heart-felt discernment between good and evil, which caused 
 your beloved and revered father to glory simply and su- 
 premely in the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus, — de- 
 termined to know nothing apart from Him, — seeking no- 
 thing that would not conduce, in some way, to manifest 
 the riches of His grace, to shew forth His praise, and pro- 
 mote the accomplishment of His blessed will. The testi- 
 mony of apostolic experience, which he could appropriate 
 and adopt as his own, is that to which you, and all who 
 would enter into the kingdom of heaven, must be enabled 
 to subscribe : — " I am crucified with Christ ; nevertheless 
 I live ; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me ; and the life 
 which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son 
 of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." 
 
 From the history before you, evidence stands forth, in 
 bright and interesting array, that godliness brings with it 
 great gain — not, it must be admitted, according to the 
 maxims of the world, but in every form that can be wor- 
 thy the pursuit of a rational, an immortal, being. Did he, 
 when he renounced the emulation of scholastic and literary 
 distinction, abandon the exercise of energetic and well- 
 stored mental capacities ? Can it be suspected that his 
 self-denial and devotedness to God, cast one chilling cloud 
 upon the tender relative affections of life, so refreshing in 
 our earthly pilgrimage ? Far otherwise. Remaining no 
 
 N 2 
 
268 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 longer under the misguidance and misemployment of that 
 mind, which, in every child of Adam, however variously 
 modified in its actings, is enmity towards God ; those quali- 
 ties and endowments with which he was gifted, were sub- 
 jected to the invigorating, beautifying, power of a Divine 
 principle ; they sprang into health and fruitfulness, under 
 the influence of a new atmosphere ; they were controlled 
 by the mind and spirit of the Son of God ; and being thus 
 made instruments of righteousness, — a liberty, an enjoy- 
 ment, an excellence, a usefulness, were attained, which, in 
 an unsanctified state, would have continued unknown. As 
 one of your friends has justly observed, the gifts of nature 
 having been grafted into the true and living vine, they 
 brought forth much fruit to the glory of God. To the same 
 effect, are the recollections of some of his college compa- 
 nions, who, while they bear witness to his kind and amia- 
 ble disposition, and his talent as a scholar, previously to 
 the deep and entire change alluded to, — alleging that he 
 was a favourite wherever he was known, and had it not 
 been for his delicate health, would doubtless have taken 
 high university honours, — also observe, that when he had 
 become a disciple of Jesus, many who had known him at 
 Oxford in his days of comparative thoughtlessness, disco- 
 vered an elevation of feeling, and a development of mental 
 power, which, till then, they had not supposed him to pos- 
 sess. 
 
 Your attention having been invited to the commence- 
 ment of his heavenward career ; it should also be turned 
 to the means by which he was kept in such stedfast perse- 
 verance, that his might be truly called a path that shineth 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 269 
 
 more and more unto the perfect day. Of those means ; 
 the principal, as will be obvious to you, was fervent, watch- 
 ful, constant, importunate, praver ; but upon which it can- 
 not be requisite here to speak again particularly. Next to 
 this, may be named, diligent study and habitual meditation 
 in the sacred Scriptures, as containing the charter of his 
 privileges, and revealing to him, in terms of unerring truth 
 and never-failing love — sweeter to his taste, than honey 
 and the honeycomb — the name, the purpose, the will, of 
 his God and Father, as identified with the salvation which 
 is in Jesus Christ. Thirdly, unwearied attendance on all 
 ordinances and means of grace — not only those much-loved 
 public ordinances, to which the duties of his office called 
 him, and from which he could seldom be detained by weak- 
 ness or illness — but also more private and social meetings, 
 in which closer communion and mutual improvement could 
 be freely cultivated by brethren united in Jesus. Swift to 
 hear, and slow to speak, on such occasions ; he possessed 
 the happy faculty of drawing from those assembled with 
 him, whatever they could contribute of spiritual wisdom 
 and knowledge ; and from the use he would make of such 
 offerings, prove, that the thoughts and communications of 
 the humblest believer became instrumental in conveying 
 refreshment to his own soul. And — not tediously to en- 
 large upon a subject, difficult to treat with brevity — it 
 shall only be added, that unremitting employment in works 
 of faith and labours of love, tended greatly to maintain and 
 expand the holy principle within him. In his life, you will 
 perceive a faith not contemplative alone, but active, ener- 
 getic, richly productive of good fruits. Every talent be- 
 stowed upon him, to use the language of the parable, was 
 
 N 3 
 
270 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 put out to usury ; and in rendering to his Lord the expec- 
 ted increase, he found, that " the soul of the diligent shall 
 be made fat," — that fresh accessions of grace and strength 
 were vouchsafed. It was a favourite maxim with him, that 
 spiritual exercise, as much as that of the body, promotes 
 maturity in power ; and faithful was he to himself and to 
 his friends, in exciting to zeal and self-denial, by appeal- 
 ing, upon every suitable opportunity, to the searching test : 
 " What do ye more than others ?" But in the midst of the 
 most arduous exertions, he ceased not to breathe the spirit 
 of the devoted servant who has learnt, after having done 
 all, to say " I am unprofitable," and to acknowledge that 
 he could do nothing except through Christ strengthening 
 him. " I take it for granted (he would say) that every 
 one professing the name of Christ, has in hand undertak- 
 ings of one kind or another for his glory. An indolent 
 Christian is a contradiction in terms. We are not our own, 
 we are bought with a price ; therefore, should glorify God 
 in our bodies and spirits which are his. But, if blessed in 
 such undertakings, if only instruments of small good in 
 our own homes, in our family connections, or our neigh- 
 bourhoods, or in other ways, we are then on the verge of 
 temptation. W T e have been marvellously helped, indeed ; 
 but if we begin to feel strong in ourselves, we shall find we 
 are left a poor, withered, lifeless, branch, sighing again for 
 the dew of heaven which heretofore we received." The 
 experience he sought, was that expressed by the inspired 
 word : " The earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh 
 oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by 
 whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God." 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. J 7 I 
 
 There is, however, another practical point, upon which 
 instruction may be obtained from him, scarcely less worthy 
 of submissive regard. It does not, perhaps, very dis- 
 tinctly appear in the Memoir ; and may, therefore, demand 
 particular notice in addressing his youthful offspring. To 
 the inexperienced, and to none more than those who at a 
 tender age are deprived of paternal authority and admoni- 
 tion, the choice of friends, and the allurements of society, 
 are attended with so many perils, that in a review of your 
 father's life, his judgment and example in this respect, to 
 you become highly valuable and important. With manners 
 and conversational powers that would ingratiate him, even 
 among persons strongly adverse to his principles and sen- 
 timents, he was always prepared to raise the standard of 
 Christian doctrine, and to speak the truth in love to those, 
 who, though distinguished by earthly possessions and in- 
 tellectual acquirements, might be destitute of the true 
 riches ; yet, he would not suffer that object to entangle 
 him in companionship with the worldling. A decided line 
 was drawn between the ministerial visit of a kind and 
 faithful witness to the truth, and the cordial, unfettered 
 intercourse cultivated with those whom he could greet as 
 brethren. The fellowship of the true Christian in the 
 humblest rank of life, was dear and refreshing to him ; 
 while he carefully avoided intimacy with the sceptic, or 
 the inconsistent professor of religion, however influential 
 or honourable among men. You would find him, in the 
 true spirit of Christian hospitality, gathering around him, 
 all classes and orders of those who were walking as chil- 
 dren of God ; but it was a rare thing indeed, to find him 
 countenancing by his presence, the luxuries of the table, 
 
272 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 or the vanities of an assembly, where the name of Jesus 
 would be an unwelcome sound. 
 
 This little monument of a sainted father's eminence in 
 Christian virtues, has been raised, as you know, at the 
 earnest desire of the surviving, sorrowing, parent, in 
 affectionate esteem for his name and memory, in gratitude 
 to the God of his salvation, but especially in tender solici- 
 tude for your eternal interests. Does not the report of 
 this effort of maternal love on your behalf, awaken cor- 
 responding feelings in your hearts ? Will not the solemn 
 testimony, that speaks from a father's tomb, blend with 
 the softer tones of a mother's voice when enjoining upon 
 you, in whom her earthly hopes are now centered, the 
 choice of that good part which was the lot of his inheri- 
 tance ? Can those, whose form and lineaments may bring 
 to her remembrance, from day to day, the treasure she 
 has been called upon to surrender, — can they resist the 
 animating thought of presenting to her wounded spirit, 
 consoling memorials, in their own lives, of that holy cha- 
 racter the departed one had sustained ? These, and many 
 such considerations, might be urged upon you ; — the short- 
 ness and uncertainty of time, upon which the history be- 
 fore you affords so impressive a lesson — the joy of meet- 
 ing him you now mourn, in scenes of endless bliss ; — but 
 the higher motives that take their rise in the Father of 
 Spirits, may also, nay rather, be impressed upon your 
 minds. God calls— Jesus opens the way — the Spirit is 
 promised to guide you — not merely to escape from the 
 wrath to come, but to taste the joy and the peace that 
 filled the heart of your exemplary parent, — to know God 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 273 
 
 as a Father and a Friend, — to possess a conscience void 
 of offence, — in the midst of trials, and disappointments, 
 and anxious cares, to make an Everlasting Arm your 
 strength, and immeasurable Love your refuge, — to prove 
 the blessedness sought for you, by a heaven-taught parent, 
 in the effectual fervent prayer that availeth much, — to 
 have that word sealed upon your hearts, with which he 
 closed his public ministry: " Be careful for nothing ; but 
 in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanks- 
 giving, let your requests be made known unto God. And 
 the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall 
 keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finallv, 
 whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, 
 whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, 
 whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of 
 good report ; if there be any virtue, and if there be anv 
 praise, think on these things. Those things which ye have 
 both learned and received, and heard, and seen in me, do. 
 And the God of peace shall be with you." 
 
 Will it be necessary to add a final word, in vindication 
 of the aspect in which a saint of our own times has now 
 been placed ? Is it imagined by any reader, that there 
 has been the most remote intention to represent him other- 
 wise, than as a debtor to grace, from first to last ? May 
 not the whole tenour of the life that has been considered, 
 be appealed to, as declaring emphatically, " The way of 
 man is not in himself ; it is not in man that walketh, to 
 direct his steps; — our sufficiency is of Christ; — without 
 Him we can do nothing." The light that has been seen in 
 
 N 5 
 
274 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 Henry Vaughan, however pure and heavenly, can bear 
 upon its rays no fertilizing power, and can be honoured 
 only as reflecting the beauty and the glory of those heal- 
 ing beams, that break forth from the Sun of Righteous- 
 ness — the True Light which alone can lighten any man 
 who cometh into the world. But if, to the principalities 
 and powers in heavenly places, is to be known through the 
 church, the manifold wisdom of God ; it will not be ques- 
 tioned that instances and monuments of Divine grace, are 
 at all times worthy of grateful, admiring, contemplation. 
 And if the subject of this Memoir has been held up as a 
 lovely ornament of the " pillar and ground of the truth" 
 in these days, it is in no higher sense than ministers of old 
 were charged to walk as en samples of the flock, or, as 
 apostles with delight could make mention of those whose 
 praise was in all the churches. Nor would this imperfect 
 offering to his honoured, much-loved memory, aspire to 
 any greater merit than to illustrate in some detail, and to 
 speak in entire unison with, the record inscribed by many 
 of his friends and parishioners on the walls of the church, 
 where it was his privilege and his joy to teach and to 
 preach Jesus Christ : — 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 
 
 BY THE GRACE OF GOD, HE WAS WHAT HE WAS, 
 
 AN ABLE MINISTER OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, 
 A FAITHFUL PREACHER, AN AFFECTIONATE PASTOR, 
 
 WATCHFUL OVER THE SHEEP, 
 GENTLE TOWARDS THE LAMBS OF CHRIST'S FLOCK, 
 
 DILIGENT IN LABOUR, FERVENT IN PRAYER, 
 THE WARM SUPPORTER, THE ELOQUENT ADVOCATE 
 
 OF CHRISTIAN MISSIONS. 
 
 WHILE LIVING, AN EXAMPLE OF THE BELIEVERS 
 
 IN WORD, IN CONVERSATION, IN CHARITY, 
 
 IN SPIRIT, IN FAITH, IN PURITY. 
 
 BEING DEAD, MAY HE EVEN YET SPEAK : 
 
 ' BE YE FOLLOWERS OF ME, AS I ALSO WAS OF CHRIST.' 
 
 <( 
 
 THE WORK OF RIGHTEOUSNESS SHALL BE PEACE, 
 AND THE EFFECT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, QUIETNESS AND 
 ASSURANCE, FOR EVER." 
 
REMAIN S. 
 
LETTERS 
 
 TO 
 
 FRIENDS AND RELATIVES. 
 
 LETTER I. 
 
 TO A FRIEND IN THE MINISTRY. 
 
 ON EXTEMPORANEOUS PREACHING. 
 
 My dearest Everard, 
 
 If you think I have forgotten you, or ceased 
 to love you with unfeigned love, you wrong the truth, 
 though not appearances. You are still, and ever will be, 
 my dear fellow, bound up in my heart with the name of 
 our dear Redeemer. I will not say I never pray without 
 remembering you, but I will say, hardly ever. The Spirit 
 of God powerfully and sweetly constrains me to this act 
 of brotherly kindness. Would that I had equally obeved 
 its dictates in another way. Bat you will more readily 
 forgive me, than I can myself. You asked me, now a 
 long time ago, to tell you something of my experience, as 
 regards extemporaneous preaching. Have you Newton's 
 
280 LETTERS OF THE 
 
 ' Omicron' ? If so, I would gladly refer you to that father 
 in Israel ; if not, a more meagre experience, such as we 
 have, we give thee. 
 
 I. Read the Scriptures with a view to it ; committing 
 select portions to memory, especially the Old Testament 
 — passages from Isaiah, the Psalms, and the Book of 
 Job. 
 
 II. Pray with a view to it ; for it is a gift. 
 
 III. Frequently try your strength in it, in your visits to 
 cottages, and before smaller assemblies. The wings 
 strengthen by use. 
 
 IV. With a view to it, keep an accurate account of 
 the experience of your own heart, well followed out into 
 particulars. 
 
 V. In the practice, choose, at first, those portions of 
 Scripture that require rather a running comment, than an 
 orderly discourse. 
 
 VI. Do not trouble yourself about words. Study your 
 subject, and get ideas. The rest will follow. 
 
 VII. Be not discouraged by failure. The Rev. Legh 
 Richmond's first attempt was most unhappy. You know 
 the celebrity he afterwards reached. It is written in the 
 annals of Zion. 
 
 VIII. Let failure humble and purify your motives, quicken 
 you in prayer, and lead to more entire dependance on the 
 Spirit of God, without which all our efforts are wind and 
 confusion. You may lay it down as a certain rule, that 
 freshness of experience, fervency of prayer, and diligent 
 study of God's word, are essential to the exercise of this 
 gift. 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 281 
 
 ADVANTAGES OF EXTEMPORANEOUS PREACHING. 
 
 I. It obliges you to read the Scriptures with greater 
 accuracy. A passage, which, in one case, you would be 
 satisfied with having written down ; in the other, you must 
 remember, and in such a way, as to have it ready at com- 
 mand. 
 
 II. It leads to closer communion with God, by detect- 
 ing the beginning of declension in the heart. Christ might 
 have been many days arisen, and his sepulchre empty, and 
 Peter and John have known nothing of it, if they had not 
 run to see. Extemporaneous preaching, is a constant run- 
 ning to see if Christ and grace are in our hearts. 
 
 III. It promotes humility, by teaching us an entire 
 dependance on God's Spirit for wisdom and utterance. 
 No one, who has not tried it, can tell how r far God, by his 
 presence and absence, by his supplies and famines, is pleased 
 to make it subservient to this purpose. 
 
 These are the chief advantages of extemporaneous 
 preaching, as far as the person practising it is concerned. 
 That it is more edifying to the hearers, is past all contro- 
 versy. 
 
 But it has its temptations and dangers : 
 
 I. If great care be not taken, it will lead to a super- 
 ficial, loose, declamatory style of preaching ; than which, 
 nothing can be more unprofitable. To guard against this, 
 fresh supplies must be constantly poured into the mind, by 
 the word of God, by prayer, by observation, by study, by 
 
282 LETTERS OF THE 
 
 a full and elaborate consideration of your subject in its 
 minutest details. 
 
 II. It mav lead to unguarded statements. To prevent 
 this, you should, with great accuracy, sift your thoughts 
 and ideas on the questionable points of your discourse ; 
 or rather, perhaps, treat all such points on paper, at first. 
 
 III. It may tempt to a fanatical dependance on the Spi- 
 rit; by which, I mean a dependance, independent of the 
 use of means. This temptation is the devil's counter- 
 balance to the advantages of more intimate communion 
 with God ; to which, when conducted in the spirit of wis- 
 dom, it so decidedly tends. 
 
 IV. When the first fears of failure are got over, it will 
 also tempt to idleness ; thereby plainly proving that we 
 think more of our own reputation than God's glory. But 
 the truth must be told. Watch ! 
 
 Much more, I could say, on this interesting subject ; 
 but time forbids. How are you now in health ? And how 
 prospers your parish ? Does God own your labours to 
 any great extent, or are you sowing in faith and tears ? 
 The latter is my case. Inquiry and hostility are the chief 
 seals which God is pleased, at present, to set to my minis- 
 try. S ome conversions ; but oh, how few ! I am much 
 longing for a visit from you. When, God permitting, do 
 you purpose coming to see your dear god-child ? Could 
 you come at Easter ? Oh, that you could ! I pant for a 
 ittle communion with you. I always derive great benefit 
 from your society. Come and help us. I am now, blessed 
 be God, experiencing the truth that our strength shall be 
 made equal to our day. I have added two pupils to the 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 283 
 
 one I had before ; and have been also enabled, since their 
 arrival, to add to my parochial labours, not only without 
 suffering, but with benefit to body, and I trust to soul. 
 
 I am resolved, by God's grace, whatever it may cost, to 
 give myself to the work of the ministry. Man doth not 
 live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth 
 out of the mouth of God. I shall not go, till I have done 
 my work ; and then, the sooner the better. But I must 
 bid you good bye, dear Everard. I pray for every bless- 
 ing on your soul and body. May Christ dwell in you 
 richly, in all wisdom. My love is always with you, my 
 dear brother. And believe me, with deep sorrow for ap- 
 parent neglect, 
 
 Yours most affectionately in the 
 
 bonds of the Everlasting Gospel, 
 
 Henry Vaughan. 
 
 LETTER II. 
 
 TO HIS SISTER. ON THE DUTIES OF A MINISTER'S WIFE. 
 
 My dearest, dearest E . . . , 
 
 Amidst the bustle of preparation for your 
 marriage, we have had little opportunity for private and 
 serious conversation. Still, we have both of us, I am sure, 
 thought seriously, and had much more in our hearts, than 
 our tongues have expressed. It has long given me un- 
 feigned pleasure, to perceive the truths of religion taking 
 deeper and deeper root in your mind, and by their strength 
 
284 LETTERS OF THE 
 
 bearing you up through many and severe trials. My heart's 
 prayer, dearest E . . . , is, that you will increase more 
 and more, abound more and more. You now leave us in 
 person, but not in spirit. Let us ever bear one another 
 on our hearts, before the Lord, in fervent hearty prayer. 
 The parting with you, is indeed a heavy trial ; but it is 
 sweetened by the comfortable hope that we shall both so 
 pass through things temporal as finally to attain the things 
 eternal, and so again be united to part no more. My dear- 
 est E ... , let us both beware of the seductions of the 
 world, and of our own hearts. Let us watch and pray, 
 lest we enter into temptation. What a world is this in 
 which we live ! What poor creatures we are while here ! 
 How is our cup of joy mingled with sorrow ! Divine love 
 has opened unto us the gates of everlasting life. Let us, 
 dearest E . . . , strive to enter in. Let us not forget 
 that many shall seek only, and not be able. Straight is 
 the gate, and narrow is the way. I do trust Almighty 
 God will have mercy upon us, and enable us by his grace 
 to run with patience the race that is set before us ; so to 
 run, as to obtain the prize of our high calling in Christ. 
 Never be content, till you find your whole nature renewed. 
 " In Christ Jesus, neither circumcision availeth any thing, 
 nor uncircumcision, but a new creature." " If any man be 
 in Christ he is a new creature ; old things are passed away, 
 behold all things are become new." Do not let us look to 
 the right hand or to the left, and ask, Who then shall be 
 saved ? " What is that to thee ? follow thou me." Let 
 us give all diligence to make our own calling and election 
 sure. Depend upon it, no single soul can ever enter heaven, 
 who is not so renewed in the spirit of his mind ; unless 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 285 
 
 the God of truth should prove untrue. Are we, then, so 
 renewed ? Have we received the spirit of adoption, whereby 
 we cry, Abba, Father ? Does the Spirit itself bear wit- 
 ness with our spirit, that we are the children of God ; and 
 if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with 
 Christ ? Does this Spirit lead us continually to mortify 
 our members that are upon the earth ? Does it lead us to 
 glory in nothing but Christ, and Him crucified ? Is the 
 world by Him crucified unto us, and we unto the world ? 
 Oh, what serious, what awful questions are these ; soon to 
 be answered at the bar of God's judgment ; and our eter- 
 nal happiness or misery to be determined by the reply. 
 
 Now, then, my dear E . . . , now, while it is day, let 
 us work. You are now entering upon a new and most 
 important relation in life. Let your single object be, to 
 glorify God through Christ, in it. What noble opportu- 
 nities does it afford ! A clergyman's wife is highly pri- 
 vileged ; but it must never be forgotten, that her five talents 
 lay her under increased obligations. She is to be a pat- 
 tern to believers in all good works, an example to the flock 
 of Christ. Her family, governed under the constant sense 
 of God's mercies, should shine as a light set upon a 
 hill. She herself must be " grave, sober, faithful in all 
 things." (1 Tim. iii. 11.) She must avoid even the sus- 
 picion of evil. She should especially pray for God's grace, 
 to discriminate between things lawful, and things expe- 
 dient. Many things are lawful, which are far from being 
 expedient. She has not only to act for herself ; she is 
 more especially a public character, and must give no occa- 
 sion to the adversary to speak reproachfully, nor offend the 
 consciences of those who are weak in the faith. The poor, 
 
286 LETTERS OF THE 
 
 the sick, the sorrowful, she must labour to comfort and 
 support, by word and in deed. Who is sufficient for 
 these things ? God's Spirit. That is sufficient, and more 
 than sufficient. It follows, that she should give much 
 time to prayer and private communion with God, that she 
 should studv the Scriptures so that thev mav dwell in her 
 richly in all wisdom. These are the means of grace; in 
 these channels the Spirit flows. "Ask, and ye shall re- 
 ceive ; seek, and ye shall find ; knock, and it shall be 
 opened unto you." " If ye, being evil, know how to give 
 good gifts unto your children ; how much more shall 
 your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that 
 ask him." 
 
 And now, dearest E . . . , I recommend you to the 
 grace of God, and to the anointing of His Holy Spirit — 
 you, and your dear husband. May you both, long pros- 
 per in all happiness ; and having, by your joint labours 
 for Christ's sake and in Christ's cause, turned many to 
 righteousness, yourselves shine as stars in His kingdom 
 for ever and ever. I can hardly bring myself to say, good 
 bye. Parting is a sweet sorrow. May God Almightv 
 bless you, lift up the light of his countenance, preserve 
 and keep you in body and in soul, now and for ever. 
 
 Believe me to be, yours ever most affectionately (though 
 that word ill expresses the overflowing of my heart towards 
 you.) 
 
 H. V. 
 
 Once more, God bless you, dear E . . . , you and 
 yours for ever. 
 
 14th September 1831. 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 287 
 
 LETTER III. 
 
 TO A YOUNG LADY. — ON PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS. 
 
 I was much grieved when, on calling at .... , the 
 other day, no opportunity occurred of resuming a conver- 
 sation, which had been before abruptly broken off. At the 
 time, the thought crossed my mind, that perhaps a few 
 words in writing, upon the all-interesting subject, would 
 not be altogether unacceptable ; but was immediately check- 
 ed, as presumptuous. Finding, however, from . . . , 
 that you are desirous of receiving a few lines from me, in 
 continuation of our conversation, I most gladly embrace 
 the opportunity of explaining my views a little more fullv, 
 and shewing the authority on which they rest. 
 
 We were, if I mistake not, discussing the question of 
 the compatibility, or incompatibility, of attendance at balls 
 and other such gay and dissipated amusements, with Chris- 
 tian feeling and principle ; — a question, which may seem 
 inconsiderable in itself, but really important, as embracing 
 a very wide compass both of principle and conduct. The 
 principle of a true Christian, is that of a regenerate heart ; 
 which is not a change of one set of opinions for others, is 
 not the substitution of formal devotion for neglect, is not 
 the mere reformation of the life ; but is the spiritual change 
 in the mind, affections, will, flowing from an enlarged, 
 scriptural, and deeply experimental view of the grace of 
 God, as manifest in Christ Jesus. Nothing short of this 
 is real religion. The soul that is not thus changed, is yet 
 a lost soul ; incapable, from its very state, of enjoying 
 
288 LETTERS OF THE 
 
 God's favour, or eternal happiness ; and, by God's most 
 just sentence, condemned to eternal death. See John iii. 
 3, 5, 6, and Romans, viii. 3 to 14. You will readily per- 
 ceive, and candidly allow, that those passages describe re- 
 ligion as something very different from what we see preva- 
 lent, even in those whom the world esteems religious peo- 
 ple, and holds up to our imitation, as standards of perfection. 
 
 But now, to our question. Shall those, who are not 
 conscious of the blessed change here described, join in such 
 amusements, as are the subject of consideration ? What ! 
 is a soul under sentence of damnation, to leap, as it were, 
 for joy ? Shall one, who knows not whether the next mo- 
 ment may not cast him into eternal torments, employ his 
 most precious season of reprieve, in dancing to the sound 
 of viol and of harp ? Is not this so great an offence to God, 
 so great an injury to the soul, so daring a contempt of 
 hell, — that greater cannot be conceived ? Can this be 
 thought upon, without horror ? Oh, my dear friend, what 
 is the unthinking world about ? How can they dare to 
 smile, on whom God frowns ? How can they dare to be 
 merry, who ought to cry for sorrow of heart ? How can 
 they dare to waste that time in frivolous mirth, which 
 should be spent in seeking grace for their perishing souls ? 
 I am sure you have, with me, disposed of a part of this 
 question ; and will agree in my first conclusion, that no one 
 can innocently attend a ball, who has no scriptural assurance 
 of a saving interest in Christ. His time, at all events, is, 
 by every claim of duty and interest, called to other work, 
 and more serious employments. 
 
 But I imagine you now to inquire, whether the case is 
 not widely different with the Christian, who has in his soul 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 289 
 
 this precious gift of God ; may not he innocently join in 
 amusements, from which he can himself derive no harm, — 
 when there is the hope of conciliating affection, the fear, 
 if he does not, of repelling by austerity ? To this, I answer 
 in the negative, for the following reasons : — 
 
 1 . Because I doubt the lawfulness of joining such assem- 
 blies for such purposes. The apostle, in Gal. v. 21, ranks, 
 " revelling and such like," among the works of the flesh, 
 and adds "They who do such things shall not inherit the 
 kingdom of God." Is not a ball as now conducted, in all 
 its circumstances of vanity and excitement, " a revelling "? 
 If it is something " like it," the apostle imperatively con- 
 cludes against it. Again, who are those that meet together 
 at the ball ? Is it not notorious, that the worthless and 
 idle, of both sexes, and of all ages, are there gathered to- 
 gether ? If so, can we unite with such, not in a necessary 
 business, but for purposes of pleasure and amusement ? 
 See Eph. v. 7 to 11 ; 2 Cor. vi. 15 to 18; Psalm i. 1 ; 
 Prov. iv. 14, 15, — to which, a thousand of like import 
 might be added. Again ; if, as we have reasoned above, 
 it is unlawful in the unconverted to join in these amuse- 
 ments, can it be lawful for the converted to countenance 
 them in doing so ? These, and many reasons, persuade 
 me of the unlawfulness of attendance at such places of 
 amusement. But this, though it is the chief, is not the 
 only, question. Many things are lawful, that are not ex- 
 pedient. Is it, then, if the lawfulness w^ere conceded, expe- 
 dient that the Christian should join in such amusements ? 
 Is it for his own good ? Do such violent excitements re- 
 create his own spirit, and qualify him for active duty, or 
 the contrary ? Do they refresh, or dissipate, his mind ? 
 
 o 
 
"290 LETTERS OF THE 
 
 2. Does he, by appearing to take delight in such things, 
 glorify his high profession and calling, or walk worthy of it ? 
 
 3. Does he increase his influence on others, thereby, or 
 rather induce them to think that he is even such an one as 
 themselves ? 
 
 4. Does he act in the spirit of sobriety, watchfulness, 
 and prayer ? How can he pray, not to be led into tempta- 
 tion, and then put himself into it ? 
 
 And now I am almost persuaded that you have, with me, 
 disposed of the second part of this question in the negative, 
 and shall not be surprised to hear that the first proof of 
 practical conviction will be given at the approaching festi- 
 vities. As to your fear of seeming to be what you are not ; 
 it must not be allowed a place against the command of 
 God, and the interest of your never-dying soul. And now, 
 my dear friend, I commend you to God and the word of his 
 grace ; praying that he will, by his Spirit, guide you into all 
 truth. Give mv best love to Mrs. . . . , and all vour 
 dear family. 
 
 And believe me, 
 
 Yours most faithfullv in the Lord, 
 
 H. V. 
 
 I grieve to say, I have been compelled to write this in 
 too much haste. Pardon all errors. 
 
 18th August 1834- 
 
BEV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 2f 
 
 LETTER IV. 
 
 TO A BROTHER — ON THE MINISTERIAL OFFICE. 
 
 .... Indeed, my dearest brother, your prosperity in all 
 things, is what I do most earnestly desire, and endeavour 
 (though with sad infirmity) to pray for. I trust that your 
 own soul will become more deeply impressed with the 
 saving truths of the gospel. God has been graciously 
 pleased to put you in the right school for learning, — afflic- 
 tion. Grace, accompanying affliction, is the grand teacher 
 of Divine things. The humble heart, and no other, wel- 
 comes the glad tidings of redeeming love and sanctifying 
 grace. Press on, dear Charles, to know these things ; they 
 are eternal truths ; they constitute that knowledge, com- 
 pared with which, the brightest efforts of human genius 
 are as nothing. To know Him the only true God, in whom 
 is eternal life, is to be wise unto salvation. 
 
 I trust that you diligently and constantly read the holv 
 Scriptures, with such assistances as you have, especially with 
 earnest prayer for the teaching of the Holy Spirit. Other 
 study should not be neglected, but that is indispensable. 
 On what days do you visit your parishioners ? What are 
 your plans with regard to visiting ? Here, you will need 
 especial caution and firmness. Fortify yourself by prayer. 
 Be very meek towards those who oppose themselves, but 
 stand as firm as Mount Lebanon. The gospel is the word 
 of the living God ; how dare we alter its message. God 
 forbid. Give yourself wholly to these things ; and, believe 
 it, the pleasure of the Lord will prosper in your hands. . . 
 
 o 2 
 
292 LETTERS OF THE 
 
 Do not attribute too much to feelings and sensation?. 
 Pray and work. Be always occupied. Do not over-read 
 or over-labour. Place confidence, however, in nothing of 
 man. God, dear Charles, is your refuge and strength ; 
 his ears are ever open to your prayers. Give yourself to 
 prayer. All will be well. 
 
 God bless vou, mv dearest brother 
 
 LETTER V. 
 
 TO A FRIEND — ON THE DEATH OF HER SISTER. 
 
 I heard, but yesterday, of dearest A . . . \s removal 
 from the family named of Christ on earth, to the more bles- 
 sed members of it in heaven. I need not tell you that dear 
 B . . . and myself, at the first tidings, felt a pang of sor- 
 row, to think that one we both so truly loved and highly 
 valued, was no more to go in and out among us. But, on 
 reflection, what can we do but rejoice ? " Moses and Elias 
 appeared in glory." This passage of God's Word, occur- 
 ring in the evening service of yesterday, seemed to rebuke 
 our selfish sorrow. Peter knew not what he said, when he 
 would have confined within earthly tabernacles, again, 
 those who had seen the goodness of the Father's house 
 above. It was dear A . . . 's one employment upon earth, 
 to endeavour to comprehend, with all saints, what is the 
 breadth, and length, and depth, and height, of the love of 
 Christ, which passeth knowledge. Now she knows it, and 
 is indeed filled with the fulness of God. Her God has done 
 for her exceeding abundantly above all that we could have 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 293 
 
 asked or thought. Well, she is gone before. We now 
 have another pledge in heaven, that all the members shall 
 soon be gathered together in one, within its undefiled tem- 
 ple. She has been kept faithful unto the end. The same 
 grace is sufficient for us. She has fought the good fight 
 of faith, and won the crown. We too, through supply of 
 the Spirit of Christ, shall be more than conquerors, and 
 with her, ere long, cast our crowns before the feet of Him 
 who loved us and gave Himself for us. Glorious hopes ! 
 They turn deepest tribulation, into joy. And yet, perhaps, 
 your heart cannot entirely respond to this triumphant tone. 
 Dear A . . . was your earthly all, and she is taken away. 
 You can submit, but not rejoice. And what, if this be 
 your state of mind ? It is that state which Scripture, in 
 the case, supposes, and to which it addresses its consola- 
 tions. You do not sorrow, as those without hope, for her 
 that sleeps in Jesus. Your affliction is, for the present 
 time, grievous ; but you expect, from its exercise, the peace- 
 able fruits of righteousness. Still, I am persuaded, you 
 will be able to enter into the feelings of those who, less 
 deeply sensible of immediate loss to themselves, are enabled 
 to glory in her gain, and in the joy which the Saviour feels 
 in seeing of the travail of his soul. The day that was a 
 sad funeral on earth, was a festal day in heaven. I do not 
 know how it is, but, deeply as I desire to feel for your loss, 
 and our own, and the church's, in dear A . . . 's depar- 
 ture, I find myself still breaking forth into songs of adora- 
 tion and praise. She is in heaven. She is safe. She is 
 with Jesus Christ, She beholds her Father's glory. For 
 her — no more sin, no more sorrow, no more death. She 
 is where all is peace and love for evermore. These are the 
 
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294 LETTERS OF THE 
 
 blessed reflections which I cannot stifle. They make me 
 rejoice. They fill me with confidence in my God and 
 Saviour. They bid me go on my way with new hope. 
 They tell me, it is a little while longer, and we, with her, 
 shall be with Jesus — where He is — and go no more out, 
 for ever. 
 
 And now, dear . . . , the Lord of peace be with you 
 always, in all things. 
 
 Your affectionate friend in the best of bonds, 
 
 H. V. 
 June 1836. 
 
 LETTER VI. 
 
 TO A SISTER. ON THE DEATH OF HER INFANT. 
 
 .... The news of your deep affliction, though it has 
 filled us with grief, will, I trust, be blessed to all our souls. 
 I can easily enter into that feeling of vacuity, — of want of 
 interest in every thing — that now for a time possesses vour 
 heart. But all is well, that God orders. He will, I hum- 
 bly trust, sanctify this his rod, not to you only, but to us 
 all. It is on a broken and a contrite spirit, that the seed 
 of the gospel thrives. Such may ours be rendered by this 
 severe trial. You will not, I am sure, attempt to meet it 
 in your own strength. " Not by might, nor by power, 
 but by my Spirit, saith the Lord." God's holy Spirit can 
 and will console you, if you diligently seek Him by prayer. 
 As for your little darling, what more could you desire, than 
 to have been the mother of a child now in heaven. Strive 
 
REV. HENRY VAUOHAN. 
 
 to go to him, since he must not return to you. There is 
 now another link added to that chain, that binds our hearts 
 to heaven. I hope your dear babe is gone before to that 
 blessed place, an earnest and pledge that we shall all follow. 
 
 Come among us, and let us learn together in the house 
 of mourning. Let us learn to sow in tears, that we mav 
 reap in joy. 
 
 My most earnest prayers shall be offered for you. . . . 
 
 9th May 1833. 
 
 LETTER VII. 
 
 TO A FRIEND AND PARISHIONER. 
 
 My dearest W. B. 
 
 A sore throat which confines me to the 
 house, has prevented my coming to take my daily lesson 
 in the midst of your mourning but Christian family. This 
 has been no small disappointment ; for it is blessed (I have 
 found it so) to be with those that mourn w 7 ith a godly sor- 
 row. I have enjoyed more solid peace by the side of your 
 dear departed child, and her suffering relatives, than I 
 could have derived from any other society. I trust you all 
 continue to prove the loving-kindness of the merciful Sa- 
 viour, in the supports of his Holy Spirit the Comforter. " If 
 we suffer with him, we shall also reign with him." Mav 
 he strengthen us unto all long-suffering, not onlv with 
 patience, but joyfulness 
 
296 LETTERS OF THE 
 
 Grace, mercy, and peace, my dear Christian friends, be 
 with you all, from God the Father and our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, now and for ever. So prays, your attached and 
 sympathising- friend and minister. 
 
 H. V. 
 
 LETTER VIII. 
 
 TO A FRIEND. 
 
 My dearest Charles, 
 
 You will say I am a shabby fellow for 
 thus creeping into a corner, but dear B . . . has, I have 
 no doubt, said some nice things to dear A . . . , so that 
 my brevity will not be felt as a loss. Shall I condole with 
 you, my dear friends, on what some would miscal your 
 calamities ? I condole not. Rejoice in the Lord alway, 
 and again I say rejoice ! The Christian's object of joy is 
 unchangeable ; for He should be their joy, of whom it is 
 written, '•' Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foun- 
 dation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of thy 
 
 hands ; they all shall wax old as a garment," 
 
 But you can finish it. Is it a stoical indifference, that we 
 speak of? Oh, no ! a very different thing. The afflictions 
 of this present time are grievous, but they are Christ's 
 Baptism ; and shall not his disciples be dipped in the 
 same troubled waters ? They must. Bethesda's waters 
 did not heal till the Angel had troubled them. It is hard, 
 in the midst of prosperity, to realise, " I die daily, the 
 world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." These 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 207 
 
 truths were better understood by those whose lodging was 
 in dens, and caves, and holes of the earth ; and best of all, 
 by him who had not where to lay his head. The man of 
 sorrows taught obedience, by the things that he suffered. 
 What do we suffer ? Our couch is soft, our house is warm, 
 our purse is full, fine linen clothes us, we feed sumptuously ; 
 but the day is at hand, when we shall be made more con- 
 formable to the death of Christ. I verily believe the day is 
 at hand when Christ's will be a little flock, around which the 
 lion and the wolf will raven and roar with the same fierceness 
 and rage as they did in the days when the right seed of the 
 woman were as sheep counted for the slaughter. Rejoice, little 
 flock ! your sorrow shall be turned into joy ; no man shall 
 pluck you out of Christ's hand. Of those which are given 
 him by his Father's will, He will lose none ; all shall be 
 brought home. Your light afflictions, which are but for a 
 moment, shall work for you a far more exceeding and eter- 
 nal weight of glory. Let us comfort one another with these 
 words — words full of hope, full of consolation. God will sus- 
 tain you, my dear friends. God will provide for you ; ever 
 blessed be his name. Yea, for ever blessed be his name. 
 
 My lecture continues to be fully attended. Pray that 
 God's Spirit may be with us. We are parched and thirsty, 
 for the want of the early and latter rain. Our prayer- 
 meeting, also, is not deficient in numbers ; but increase of 
 grace is wanting. Pray for us. Oh, that God may, in 
 his mercy, arise and come among us, — He and the ark of 
 his strength 
 
 I am come to a ne plus ultra, for want of room. How 
 are dear Mrs. . . . and dear A . . . ; dear, not in word, 
 but in deed and in truth. Tell me all about them. My 
 
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298 LETTERS OF THE 
 
 sincerest love attends you all. And may all spiritual bless- 
 ings in Christ Jesus be poured upon you all in richest 
 abundance. Once more, God bless you all in Christ Jesus 
 our Lord, through his Spirit. 
 
 Believe me, yours in the bonds of Christ, 
 
 H. V. 
 
 23 Dec. 1831. 
 
 Pray write soon. We are anxious to hear how you are 
 enabled to bear your little reverse. I say, little, though 
 it be great in the world's esteem ; but I write to Christians, 
 and must not call any thing belonging to this world, great. 
 Do you not find, that the will submitted, brings increase 
 of peace ? Have you not experienced that the receding of 
 the world, brings an accession of things heavenly ? It has 
 ever been so with me. And now I have written little re- 
 verse, I begin to repent, lest I should seem to under-rate 
 your (approaching) trial and present blessings. I know 
 I should esteem it a great reverse. But then, I should 
 not think as a Christian, which I would wish you to do — 
 yea, and fully believe you do on this and every other occa- 
 sion. Once more, God bless you and yours, and sanctify 
 all things, through Christ, to your soul's good. 
 
 LETTER IX. 
 
 TO A FRIEND. 
 
 .... We had not heard of your dear brother's severe 
 attack, or should certainly have written to enquire after 
 him and vou all. 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 4 2dU 
 
 It has pleased our gracious Father to bring us, also, into 
 the great deeps of affliction. Much have we to say. But 
 when are we ever to meet ? You, too, have again proved 
 the faithfulness of your God and Saviour. May our afflic- 
 tions be sanctified. I should like to have known of your 
 trial, as we could have given you our prayers, though our 
 presence was needed here. God bless you all richly in 
 Christ Jesus our Lord. 
 
 Yours in great haste most affectionately, 
 
 H. V. 
 
 9th March 1835. 
 
 Thank you for drawing my attention to the interesting 
 convert. Would that I could have done more for him. 
 
 LETTER X. 
 
 TO THE SAME FRIEND. 
 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. E. WARD, OF IYER.. 
 
 .... The intelligence conveyed in your note, does, 
 indeed, give rise to mingled feelings of the greatest sorrow 
 and joy. For him who is departed, what could have been 
 done, that has not been done ? He died in his master's 
 service. The pious Leighton used to pray that, if it were 
 God's will, he might die in an inn as the place best suited 
 to his pilgrimage state ; but, if I were to venture to pray 
 at all on such a subject, I should be disposed to ask, liter- 
 ally as well as spiritually, that my last end might be like 
 his. 
 
'' LETTERS OF THE 
 
 " His sword was in his hand, 
 
 Still warm with recent fight, 
 Ready that moment, at command, 
 
 Through rock and steel to smite. 
 A mortal arrow pierc'd his frame ; 
 
 He fell, but felt no fear." 
 
 And now, in the words of the same pious poet, join with 
 me in addressing his blest spirit : — 
 
 " Servant of God, well done, 
 
 Rest from thy lov'd employ. 
 The battle fought, the victory won ; 
 
 Enter thy Master's joy !" 
 
 The last time I ever saw him, he parted from me with a 
 sweet smile, pointing his finger towards heaven. I did not, 
 then, think the action prophetic of his being so speedily con- 
 veyed to the haven where he would be. 
 
 May the Lord of mercy, the God and Father of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ, be with his dear family, and strengthen them 
 with his own might and consolation. He will be with 
 them. He will comfort them. 
 
 May He, too, my dear friends, greatly comfort you, un- 
 der your accumulated trials. As your afflictions abound, 
 may your consolations much more abound. The everlast- 
 ing God be your refuge ; and under the Almighty's wings. 
 
 Yours most affectionately 
 
 in the bonds of Christian fellowship, 
 
 H.V. 
 
 24th March 1835. 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 301 
 
 LETTER XI. 
 
 TO THE SAME FRIEND. 
 
 .... Most gladly shall we admit the child you speak 
 of, to the benefit of our infant school. He comes indeed 
 under interesting circumstances. May the blessed Saviour 
 give effect, by his grace, to any instructions he may there 
 receive. We are longing to see you. The heavenlv 
 Father is deeply trying you for your good. I trust as your 
 afflictions abound, so also your consolations. It is a little 
 while, and the clouds shall have passed away. Be patient 
 unto the end. In due time ye shall reap, if ye faint not. 
 
 Have vou heard how the dear and afflicted familv of 
 Iver are ? 
 
 My wife joins with me, in every feeling of affection. 
 
 Yours most faithfully in the Lord, 
 
 H. V. 
 6th April 1835. 
 
 LETTER XII. 
 
 TO THE SAME FRIEND. 
 
 In the midst of very numerous employments, and just 
 on the point of starting to attend a meeting to promote 
 the better observance of the Lord's day, I snatch a mo- 
 ment to tell you all, how much our affections lean towards 
 you. Most sincerely do we hope, you are well in body, 
 
302 LETTERS OF THE 
 
 and what is of much more moment, growing in grace 
 and in the knowledge of our blessed God and Saviour 
 Jesus Christ. 
 
 Well, dear A . . . knows now, even as she is known. 
 May we be quickened on, towards the same goal. How 
 gets on your little school ? What prospects in your 
 parish ? What of dear Capt. . . . You will, I am sure, 
 answer these troublesome queries. Let us read together 
 Phil, iv, and be encouraged to hope, and to rejoice, unto 
 the end. God bless you all. 
 
 Most affectionately yours, 
 
 H. V. 
 
 9th July, 1836. 
 
 LETTER XIII. 
 
 TO HIS YOUNGEST BROTHER. — IN A SERIOUS ILLNESS. 
 
 My dearest L . . . 
 
 I hope, through the tender mercy of God, 
 this will find you better. I left you, the other morning, 
 with a heavy heart, as I had enjoyed little opportunity of 
 conversing with you, before I parted, on the all-important 
 concerns of your soul. I do trust, my dearest brother, 
 that you will give yourself wholly to eternal things. Re- 
 member that, under any circumstances, this would be your 
 duty. I do not ask you to do so, as a sick man, but as a 
 reasonable man. Knowing what God has done for your 
 soul, I beseech you to give up all your heart to Him. 
 You have been a sinner ; — repent. A free salvation is 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. .'j()3 
 
 offered through the Redeemer's hlood ; — helieve. Be 
 henceforth devoted to God. I know these things cannot 
 be effected by yourself. But submit yourself to the grace 
 of God. Call upon him unceasingly for his Holy Spirit ; 
 and the work is done. Do not vainly think that a great 
 preparatory work must be carried on in you before you can 
 go to Jesus Christ. Salvation is free. It is not of work?, 
 but of grace. To you it belongs, to receive what God 
 has provided. Do not let self-righteousness impede the 
 work. Your lost state is certain, as a condemned sinner , 
 — then look by faith to Christ. As soon as you do so, 
 you are saved. Delay not, my dear L . . . Do not wait 
 until you get better. Make the best of the time afforded 
 you. Give the prime hours of every day, to deep medita- 
 tion on God's word, and fervent supplications for God's 
 grace. You know how necessary the work is. Except a 
 man be born again, of the Spirit, he cannot enter into 
 the kingdom of heaven. To be born again, is to have 
 clear views and deep feelings of our own ruined condi- 
 tion, to have received the peace of Jesus Christ into a 
 broken and a contrite heart, to be devoted to heavenly 
 things by the constraining love of Christ. This is to be 
 born again. Seek the inestimable gift ; rest not till you 
 have attained it. It is about your soul, that I feel anxiety. 
 All will be well, the moment that your immortal soul fixes 
 in Christ. Most happy shall I be, nevertheless, to hear 
 that God has been pleased to relieve your body. I hope 
 they will write me accounts, almost every day. Love to 
 them all. God bless you, my dearest L . . . 
 
 Your most affectionate and unworthy brother, 
 
 H. V. 
 29th August, 1836. 
 
304 LETTERS OF THE 
 
 LETTER XIV. 
 
 TO A MEMBER OF THE CONGREGATION AT PARK CHAPEL. 
 
 My kind and dear Friend, 
 
 I thank you most cordially for the intelligence, 
 the most welcome intelligence, conveyed in your letter. 
 I do indeed say, again and again, "The Lord be praised." 
 
 I am grieved to hear of your dear family's increased 
 affliction. But then, I have witnessed the increase of 
 strength imparted to them. And why should we fool- 
 ishly desire that grace given, should not be manifested. 
 Convey to them all, my salutation of love and peace, and 
 tell them to expect, by an early post, a more direct word 
 of affection and consolation 
 
 I hope your own beloved wife and children are well. I 
 look forward with no small pleasure to the hope of your 
 taking us in your way to Hereford in the summer, if all 
 be well. I do not forget you, dear Friends. My prayers 
 are with you, and especially with your dear suffering sister. 
 Say what is very kind to all. God's benediction and grace 
 rest upon you all, and upon my dear flock. God bless and 
 strengthen your minister. Continue to love and cherish 
 him as you did me. 
 
 Your faithful and affectionate friend, 
 
 H. V. 
 Crickhowel, 17th Dec. 1836. 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 30:") 
 
 LETTER XV. 
 
 TO A FRIEND. — ON THE DEATH OF HER DAUGHTER. 
 
 My dear Mrs. . . . , 
 
 So it has at length pleased our gracious and 
 heavenly Father, to take to himself the soul of your dear- 
 est Rebecca. On her account, who could grieve ; our loss 
 is great. Oh! may we all profit by this dispensation. 
 Who shall follow next ? Perhaps he who writes, perhaps 
 you who read, or one of those dear children that now 
 mourn a departed sister. Let us all prepare to meet oar 
 God. In Christ, alone, is safety. His grace, it is sufficient 
 for us. To him, may we fly ; on him, depend ; from him, 
 draw by faith, pardon and holiness and the hope of ever- 
 lasting life. It is high time to awake out of sleep. The 
 eternal day approaches. The judge standeth at the door. 
 Let us awake to the realities of death, judgment, and eter- 
 nity. How did dear Rebecca dying, how does Rebecca 
 dead, preach to us. What unearthly eloquence was there, 
 and is there, in the departed saint. We, too, must main- 
 tain the same conflict with the powers of darkness. Would 
 we conquer as she conquered, would we have the same 
 triumphant faith and hope which supported her; then, like 
 her, we must make the Word of God our study and de- 
 light ; like her, we must be instant in prayer, in season 
 and out of season ; like her, we must renounce our own 
 vain righteousness, and count all things but loss for the 
 excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord ; 
 like her, we must walk in the Spirit, in the self-denying 
 
306 LETTERS OF THE 
 
 path of dutiful obedience to all the commandments of God. 
 This is the way of peace, this is the path to glory ! Oh, 
 most heavenly way ! Oh, most happy end ! Has it not 
 proved so to her who is gone. Was not her life peace- 
 fully, serenely, happy ; and did she not, in death, joyfully 
 anticipate " an exceeding and eternal weight of glory ?" 
 Let us follow, dear Mrs. . . . , dear afflicted family, — 
 let us follow, on the same path, towards the same hea- 
 venly city, which she has now reached, — that city, which 
 has no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in 
 it, for the glory of God doth lighten it, and the Lamb is 
 the light thereof. (Rev. xxi. 23.) 
 
 Be assured, my dear Mrs. . . . , of our Christian sym- 
 pathy in your affliction, and of the continuance of our un- 
 worthy prayers to that gracious Father who can and will 
 support you in the deep waters of affliction. We shall be glad 
 to have the earliest information of your arrangements for the 
 funeral, that we may convey it to dear Mr. Blencowe who 
 (d. v.) would not, for the world, omit paying the last 
 tokens of respect and affection to her, who is not so much 
 dead, as born again into a new world. I remain, dear 
 Mrs. . . . , with Christian love to all your dear family. 
 in which Mrs. Vaughan most cordially joins, 
 
 Yours most faithfully and affectionately 
 in the Lord, 
 
 H. V. 
 
 18th October, 1834. 
 
 My cold is as well as it pleases God it should be ; but 
 by no means removed, as yet. Do not let this grieve you. 
 Why should you wish me better, than God pleases ? 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 307 
 
 LETTER XVI. 
 
 TO A FRIEND AND CORRESPONDENT ON MISSIONARY ARRANGEMENTS. 
 
 My dear Christian Friend, 
 
 I am as well as it is good for me 
 
 to be. It seems decided by the medical faculty, that 
 preaching is the worst thing I can do. This decision bears 
 hard upon the Moravian cause. But what presumption it 
 is, to think that God needs such wretched instruments as 
 we are. Besides, if we were not infidels at heart, we 
 should know that faith and prayer are mightier than the 
 voice crying in the wilderness. 
 
 Speaking of Moravians, reminds me of " the sister."* I 
 hope to hear that the good hand of our Saviour is upon 
 her, strengthening her body, and establishing her soul. 
 The minister, too, how is he ? and his meek and humble 
 partner, how is she ? and how are all in the congregation, 
 who have fellowship with the Father, and his Son Jesus 
 Christ ? Peace be with them always, by all means. 
 
 The Bristol missionary anniversary — who can say how 
 God may dispose of us before that comes. If alive and 
 able, I should like to be in the great congregation. But, 
 then, I must be permitted to sit quietly between the two 
 sisters, and do nothing but enjoy myself. This would be 
 snug and idle, and therefore very congenial to one coaxed 
 and spoiled alternately, or rather incessantly, by wife, father, 
 mother, brothers, sisters, and aunts. I think I must add 
 
 * In allusion to the terms " Brother " and " Sister," used 
 among the members of the Moravian Church. 
 
308 LETTERS OF THE 
 
 you and your sister, to the list of spoilers, to make it com- 
 plete. 
 
 I hope all our dear Clifton and Bristol friends are well. 
 To the venerable Mr. Biddulph, when you see him, present 
 my Christian respects, and sympathy in his afflictions. 
 Afflictions, on the hoary head of a veteran Christian, look 
 more like the crown of glory than of thorns. May the 
 Lord our Saviour be with us. Are we not sure that he will ? 
 Blessed assurance ! O Lord, strengthen our faith ! 
 
 I hope the gospel gains ground at Crickhowel, but it is 
 slowly. We are about restoring another aisle of our church, 
 and are thinking of an organ. If Clifton had a mite to 
 bestow upon the poor brethren at Crickhowel, they could, 
 it is thought, dispose of it to the glory of God and the good 
 of the church. Among my Clifton friends, let not Mr. 
 Hensman be forgotten . I find pupils offering in all direc- 
 tions, from his kind recommendation. Prav tell him how 
 sensible I am of his kindness. Mv Christian love to all 
 his family. 
 
 I have written a scrambling kind of a letter ; but you, 
 upon the spoiling principle, are not likely to find fault with 
 it — nor the Moravian sister. Believe me, mv Christian 
 love is with you both. May the Lord lift up the light of 
 his countenance upon you, prosper you, and give you peace. 
 
 I remain, yours most affectionately and faithfully, in Him 
 who loved us, and gave himself for us. 
 
 H. V. 
 
 4th February 1835. 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. ?A)U 
 
 LETTER XVI L 
 
 TO THE SAME FRIEND. 
 
 My dear Christian Friend, 
 
 Thank you, most cordially, for your letter, full 
 of interesting 1 and instructive anecdote. You must have 
 been wondering that I have not replied to your kind invi- 
 tation to attend at your Bristol anniversary. The fact is, 
 amidst my various engagements, a week often flies away, 
 leaving me in utter astonishment, and half unbelieving that 
 it can be gone. Thus was it with the last, during 1 which I 
 was engaged in organizing' an association in connection 
 with the Temperance Society. To-day the Rev. O. Clark 
 is to attend our first meeting for that purpose, held in the 
 infant school. " There be many that say, Who will shew 
 us any good. Lord, lift thou up the light of thy counte- 
 nance upon us !" 
 
 I should have much enjoyed a week at Clifton, just now ; 
 but how was it to be managed ? It is not possible for me 
 to be absent from home, when my pupils are with me. I 
 fear this will always act as a barrier to my attending your 
 anniversary. I have, however, an especial favour to ask, 
 which is, that you will take note of the most interesting 
 facts brought forward by the several speakers, and of any 
 thing they may say peculiarly worth remembering ; as I 
 am collecting all the information I can, from all quarters, 
 that I may, by God's grace, become a more sufficient ad- 
 vocate, when called upon to plead the cause of missions. 
 
310 LETTERS OF THE 
 
 Please do me this favour, or rather, my Master. Could 
 vou also send me your report for the year. 
 
 You will be glad to hear that God has opened an effec- 
 tual door at ... , for the Church Missionary Society. 
 We had a most crowded meeting there. I shall not des- 
 pair, now, of getting within the stone walls of the celestial 
 empire. How God loves to glorify his Son ! He lets 
 mere sinful men build high their walls, and strong, that, 
 out of their ruins, he may build larger trophies of his 
 
 grace. 
 
 Yours most faithfully and affectionately 
 
 in Christian feUowship, 
 
 H. V. 
 
 6th April 1835. 
 
 May God greatly prosper your meetings, and sermons, 
 and all your work this week. Thy kingdom come, O 
 Jesus ! Thy kingdom come ! 
 
 LETTER XVIII. 
 
 TO AN OCCASIONAL VISITOR AT CRICKHOWEL. 
 
 My dear Mrs. . . . , 
 
 After some days' absence from home, I found 
 on my return, your most acceptable offering, for which I 
 cannot sufficiently thank you. Such proofs of Christian 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 311 
 
 regard and confidence are the more precious, because 
 rare. I have been so much occupied, lately, that I have 
 not yet had time to read Mr. B . . . 's work ; but am 
 looking forward to it with great delight. It was, indeed, 
 most kind of you, thus to remember me. Our ministry 
 would be too well rewarded upon earth, if many acted in 
 this truly Christian spirit ; and we should soon make our- 
 selves idols. Amidst many trials, however, these proofs 
 of affectionate interest, are amongst the comforts that 
 God sends in his mercy to refresh our souls. 
 
 My wife joins me in Christian love and regards, to your- 
 self, and daughter, and to Miss . . . And hoping, if 
 God so ordain, to meet you again ere long, I remain, 
 Yours in the bonds of Christ's gospel, 
 
 H. V. 
 
 3rd October 1831. 
 
 We earnestly desire your prayers. 
 
 LETTER XIX. 
 
 TO THE SAME. 
 
 My dear Mrs. . . . , 
 
 As Mr. Blencowe is now finally settled 
 beneath our roof, Mrs. . . . 's cottage is once more left 
 vacant ; and I cannot help indulging a hope, that you may 
 be disposed to occupy it during the spring and summer 
 
312 LETTERS OF THE 
 
 months, if not for longer. The Glasbury missionary 
 meeting is fixed for the middle of May, and my own will 
 follow in June (God permitting.) Of course, the presence 
 of your party at them, having now from usage become ac- 
 customed to, we can ill afford to forego. 
 
 The means of grace in my parish, continue as of old ; 
 with the addition of a private meeting for social converse 
 on a passage of Scripture fixed beforehand, and prayer on 
 a Wednesday evening. Our infant school is now in full 
 operation ; and in general, our schools are assuming a 
 very different character, by the blessing of God on the 
 present teachers, with whom we have, as yet, much reason 
 to be satisfied. 
 
 If vou come amon? us, I trust vou will find us, not less 
 Christian than heretofore. Would to God we could say, 
 that He who openeth and no man shutteth, had made our 
 little one become a thousand. That is what we still ex- 
 pect, but certainly have not as yet received. It is still 
 with us the day of small things. 
 
 There are now several houses in the neighbourhood, 
 vacant ; perhaps, if you come to sojourn with us for a 
 while, you might find a permanent abode. 
 
 You have, doubtless, heard of our affliction, in the loss 
 of our beloved little girl. It is right that you should also 
 hear, that He, who gave the wound, healed it also. His 
 grace was sufficient for us. 
 
 I hope that your own health has been better ; if not, 
 that sickness has been sanctified to your everlasting good, 
 through the grace of Jesus Christ. Your sister and daugh- 
 ter are, I trust, well in body and soul. My dear wife joins 
 in these hopes, and in the prayer that grace, mercv, and 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 313 
 
 peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 
 may prevent and follow you and yours, all the days of your 
 lives. 
 
 Believe me, my dear Mrs. . . . , yours in the bonds of 
 the everlasting 1 gospel of our great God and Saviour Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 H. V. 
 
 12th. April 1834. 
 
 I write, as you will perceive, in great haste. 
 
 LETTER XX. 
 
 TO ANOTHER MEMBER OF THE SAME FAMILY. 
 
 My dear Miss . . . 
 
 I fear it will be easier to make my peace with 
 you, than with God, for the shameful neglect I have been 
 guilty of, in leaving your two kind letters unanswered. 
 The excuse I would offer, as exculpating me from wilful 
 neglect, is, the various employments that have, for the last 
 half year, occupied my time and mind. 
 
 The vicarage of Crickhowel, to which I have been pro- 
 moted, turns out so much worse than my curacy, in point 
 of emolument, that I have been compelled to undertake the 
 tuition of two or three pupils. Not having been able to 
 engage a suitable curate, the spiritual care of eleven hun- 
 dred souls has also fallen upon me, and, in addition, the 
 
 very laborious duty of correction for the press. I might, 
 
 p 
 
314 LETTERS OF THE 
 
 my dear Miss . . . , add to these, many other interruptions 
 necessarily arising out of employments so multifarious ; 
 but I fear, you will already think that the enumeration sa- 
 vours of display. Indeed, I do not intend to boast, except 
 in mine infirmities. God only knows how faithless a ser- 
 vant I am ; but I am anxious to account to one, for whom 
 I have a sincere regard, and to whom I owe so much as a 
 member of Christ, for conduct so extraordinary. Please 
 to forgive me for Christ's sake, and after Christ's example : 
 — "As Christ forgave you, so also do }^e." .... * 
 
 My volume of sermons will, God permitting, be forth- 
 coming at the end of this month, Many circumstances, 
 but especially my great distance from London, the place 
 of printing and publication, have delayed it. Let me re- 
 quest your most earnest prayers, that it may be blessed to 
 the church of Christ. I desire nothing at your hands as 
 Henry Vaughan ; but as a believer, however humble, you 
 owe me this debt of love. 
 
 I hope Mrs. . . . and your niece are well. May the 
 ever-blessed God be with you all. Let us strive to abide 
 in Christ, in these dangerous times. May you all have 
 fellowship with the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. Once 
 more, forgive your most unworthy brother, and believe him 
 still to be 
 
 Yours, in a closer than any natural bond, 
 
 H. V. 
 
 13th May 1833. 
 
 * The intervening portion of this letter, will be found in the 
 Memoir. 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 315 
 
 LETTER XXI. 
 
 TO ANOTHER OCCASIONAL VISITOR AT CRICKHOWEL. 
 
 .... Allow me to thank you, most sincerely, for the 
 kind and useful present of books you sent us, as well as for 
 the loan of your brother's most interesting travels. We 
 shall greatly value this accession to our little library, both 
 from the intrinsic worth of the well- selected books, and 
 remembrance of the kind donors. The Catechetical Expo- 
 sition of the Collects promises to be very useful to Mrs. 
 Vaughan in the schools ; and she was particularly pleased 
 by Harriet's thoughtful remembrance of her. 
 
 We were truly glad to hear of the welfare of you all, and 
 most sincerely desire that you may be crowned with every 
 blessing. Most happy shall we be, should Providence 
 direct your steps hither again, to renew our acquaintance, 
 or friendship rather. But, if this should not seem good to 
 the all- wise disposer of all events, may we, in our several 
 spheres and estates of life, pursue the way everlasting, and 
 finally meet in the kingdom of heaven. There will be 
 neither sin, sorrow, or change, any more. Oh, that we 
 may be counted worthy to enter that rest and share that 
 glory. 
 
 Farewell, my dear Mrs. . . . Let me desire for myself 
 and mine, an interest in your prayers ; and may I have 
 grace, ever to pray as fervently, as I now do, that grace, 
 mercy, and peace, from God the Father and our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, may rest on you and yours for ever. Believe me, 
 
 p 2 
 
316 LETTERS OF THE 
 
 with kindest regards to Capt. . . . and Harriet, in which 
 Mrs. Vaughan most cordially joins, 
 
 Yours most affectionately in the best bonds, 
 
 H. V. 
 20th September 1834. 
 
 LETTER XXII. 
 
 TO THE SAME. 
 
 I cannot suffer my dear wife's letter to go to the post, 
 without a line from me. Though your kindness has re- 
 mained unacknowledged, it has been felt. Perhaps God 
 may yet, in his goodness, suffer me, by deeds, to make 
 amends for want of ivords. If I should again be privileged 
 to administer to your souls the word of Life, what advan- 
 tage shall I have derived from your invaluable present. 
 And, meantime, you have the happiness of reflecting, that 
 others are deriving the benefit of my being assisted to com- 
 pare spiritual things with spiritual. Your kindness to my 
 dear wife and children, has been so great, that I am at a 
 loss to know why God can put it into the hearts of others, 
 to be so good to those who never can deserve any thing at 
 their hands. God bless you, my dear Mrs. . . and your 
 beloved partner, and your children. 
 
 I am ever yours, 
 In the bonds of Christian esteem and affection, 
 
 H. V. 
 
 20th September 1836. 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 317 
 
 LETTER XXIII. 
 
 TO A FRIEND, ON THE INTENDED BAPTISM OF HIS OWN INFANT, ETC. 
 
 My dearest Friend, 
 
 Dearest B . . . and myself unite in the re- 
 quest, that you will stand as godfather to our dear little 
 boy. I propose, God permitting, to take him to that foun- 
 tain which grace can make the laver of regeneration, on 
 Thursday week. It will be, I suppose, impossible for you 
 to come down to us. Would that we could see some of 
 you once more. Are we never to do so again ? Of one 
 thing I am well persuaded, that your most fervent prayers 
 will not be wanting. It is en that account, that I have 
 chosen you, in preference to many others. 
 
 I begged L ... to call your attention to a case of ex- 
 treme distress, in your vast city. The object of it is to be 
 heard of at ... . I believe the representations I have 
 received, to be true ; and if so, a more urgent case of cha- 
 rity, Christ never recommended to the interest and alms of 
 his disciples. I hope you will not be so much occupied 
 with care for foreign distress in heathen climes, as to 
 neglect the duty of seeking out this poor afflicted one near 
 home. Forgive the hint. I know you are much occupied ; 
 I know you have many claims ; I know your tender-heart- 
 edness to Christ's poor. I am the more anxious to stir 
 you up by way of remembrance. The case seems to be 
 one that ought not to be neglected in a Christian land. 
 What I wish of you, is, to ascertain whether it is so or not. 
 
 Dearest B . . . joins me in sincerest love to you all. 
 
 p 3 
 
318 LETTERS OF THE 
 
 We are bad correspondents, but not forgetful friends. 
 Amongst those friends that we count most dear, believe me, 
 you all hold the first place. Christ be with you always, in 
 all things. 
 
 I must write you a special letter, concerning God's late 
 mercies to dear C . . . 's soul and body. I do not know 
 whether you heard that L . . . was summoned down to 
 attend, as we thought, her funeral — as she lay dying, it 
 was considered. But lo ! she liveth. My dear friends, 
 she liveth in two senses. God has raised up soul and body 
 together. Such a conversion, so marvellous in all respects, 
 has hardly been since the days of Saul of Tarsus. But 
 more of this. Rejoice with us. She was dead and is alive, 
 was lost and is found. 
 
 Yours always in Jesus Christ. 
 
 H. V. 
 
 18th March 1835. 
 I am trying to do something for the dear Moravians, in 
 the way of private collection by letter. 
 
 LETTER XXIV. 
 
 TO THE SAME FRIEND. — ON THE SAME SUBJECTS. 
 
 My dearest friend, 
 
 We have been obliged to appoint Tuesday, 
 instead of Thursday, for the baptism of our dear infant. 
 This will, I fear, put it out of your power to be with us at 
 the time ; but need not prevent your coming to us, for a 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 319 
 
 few days, to follow up the good work, with fervent prayers, 
 in company with us. 
 
 I have thought, since I wrote last, that I was rather 
 hard upon you respecting the charity in which I wish to 
 interest you. But the truth is, that the importunity of the 
 person convinces me of the urgency of the distress, or, at 
 least, of the imperative duty of enquiring at once into it. 
 
 Since writing the above, I have received your kind and 
 most welcome letter. I am grieved that you cannot come 
 to us, but am persuaded that we shall have your most fer- 
 vent prayers. 
 
 Dearest B . . . , who is wonderfully well, will write to 
 A . . . (God permitting) on Monday, and give her a long 
 list of dear little Henry's sayings and doings, and a great 
 deal of domestic news besides. In return, we shall expect 
 one of the same kind. 
 
 You speak of yourselves as being at C . . . Pray remem- 
 ber us most kindly to your relations there. I rejoice to 
 hear that the dear invalid is better. May she ever be bless- 
 ed in soul and body. 
 
 Dearest C ... is rapidly getting better. Wonderful 
 is the goodness of our God and Saviour. 
 
 Love to dear Mrs. E . . . and A . . . . We long to 
 see them. Believe me, my dearest friend, 
 
 Yours most affectionately in the Lord, 
 
 H. V. 
 
 21st March 1835. 
 
320 LETTERS OF THE 
 
 LETTER XXV. 
 
 TO THE SAME FRIEND. 
 
 My dearest Charles, 
 
 Thank vou for all vour kindnesses. Pray for- 
 give my seeming forgetfulness. It was but seeming. Your 
 letter gave rise to many and deep reflections. ... I often 
 think of you all. Would that I could be among you- Ob- 
 serve the weakness of the flesh ; as though saints could 
 not commune at a distance. Yet is it not with us now, as 
 with the soul in its disembodied and separate state ; — there 
 is something wanting to complete its felicity ; that some- 
 thing is the body. 
 
 Let us remember each other in our prayers. Never 
 was there more occasion to watch unto prayer. Alas for 
 the P . . . 's. How ought we all to abase ourselves, and 
 to share in their humiliation. We have all to do with their 
 fall, — we, whose pride and self-seeking require and call for 
 such afflictive dispensations .... 
 
 Our own prayer- meeting prospers outwardly — that is, a 
 good many attend. And our evening lecture continues to 
 be well attended. But much, very much is yet wanting, — 
 even the Spirit of the living God amongst us. We are 
 looking to see the goodness of the Lord. Love to dear 
 A. . . . and Mrs Many, many prayers, for all spi- 
 ritual blessings upon them in Christ Jesus, and on us all ; 
 not forgetting dear L . . . from whom I expect a letter. 
 
 Yours affectionately, 
 
 H. V. 
 November 1831. 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. o"J 1 
 
 LETTER XXVI. 
 
 TO THE SAME FRIEND. 
 
 My dear Charles, 
 
 You will be disappointed, after so long a 
 silence, in not receiving a more communicative letter. But 
 reserving that for another time, I must now confine myself 
 to business. . . . 
 
 Are we to have the pleasure of seeing you (d. v.) this 
 summer, or do you mean altogether to desert us ? We 
 are very anxious to see you all, if it could possibly be 
 managed. Pray consider this. Will you accompany me 
 in my Moravian tour this year? By the bye, it is high 
 time that I should inform L . . . what I think of doing 
 for them. Far short of his demands and my own wishes ; 
 but such as we have, we give. My throat and windpipe, 
 at times, shew inflammatory symptoms. A word to the wise. 
 We are all very well, thank God. And we hope, some 
 openings are being made by grace in our parish. 
 
 We have a Wednesday evening conversational lecture — 
 (the passage of Scripture being fixed a week before) — which 
 consists of hopeful ones, and, by the Divine grace, pro- 
 mises to be useful. You would like it much. It is to be 
 held henceforth in my own house, as it has fairly outgrown 
 the cottage in which it was at first held. 
 
 Our schools are in a very different state from what you 
 remember, and would now highly interest you. 
 
 An adult school, not for teaching to read, but for instruc- 
 tion in the Scriptures, held between the hours of nine and 
 
 P 5 
 
322 tETTERS OE THE 
 
 eleven of a Sunday morning, has been undertaken at our 
 request by W . . . B . . . ; and we look for great bless- 
 ing upon it. Come, my dear fellow, if possible, pray come 
 and help us. 
 
 Kind love to dear A . . . and dear mamma. The bov 
 
 is well. Dear B . . . joins with me in desiring for you 
 
 all, grace and mercy from our God and Father, and his 
 
 Son Jesus Christ. In the bonds of whose gospel I remain, 
 
 Yours ever most affectionately attached, 
 
 H. V. 
 
 3rd May 1834. 
 
 Love to dear Louis ; I trust he is growing in grace. 
 These are times when the ivavering and undecided will cer- 
 tainly be swept away among the chaff. God bless him. 
 
 LETTER XXVII. 
 
 TO THE SAME FRIEND. 
 
 My dear Charles, 
 
 Before I begin on the subject of dry business, 
 let me ask you how you all are in body and soul, and how 
 the precious invalid is. Has the change of air done her 
 good ? and how does her soul prosper, through grace ? 
 You can, none of you, be better than we wish you. Yet 
 that is saying too much, for there is One who is able to do 
 exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think. 
 To Him I commend you all. 
 
 Now as to the subject of the trust, . 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGIIAN. 323 
 
 How ought one to thank God for not giving one much 
 of the thick clay of this perishing world. May I ever be 
 kept, like Israel in the land of Goshen, on the outskirts of 
 Egypt ; and ready, as a stranger and pilgrim, to quit th< 
 shepherd's tents, and enter the land of rest. And noAv 
 once more, dear Christian brother, I hope to hear all i^ 
 well with you and yours. It seems an age since we saw 
 each other's faces. How is dear Mrs. . . . and dear 
 A. . . Are they well ? Will you assure the dear invalid, 
 of our sympathy and prayers. God bless you, and cause 
 his face to shine upon you, and give you peace always, by 
 all means. Dear B ... is well, and the boy. 
 
 Yours most affectionately in the bonds of Christ, 
 
 H. V. 
 15th October 1S34-. 
 
 LETTER XXVIII. 
 
 TO ANOTHER MEMBER OF THE SAME FAMILY. 
 
 My dear A . . . 
 
 I am to be at Monmouth, God permitting, on 
 Sunday the 21st of July. I shall be to be heard of at Mr. 
 Beddy's, if dear Charles and I should happen not at once 
 to alight upon each other, which, by the laws of attraction 
 ought certainly to come to pass. From Monmouth I go 
 to Hereford, God so disposing, where I am to be on Wed- 
 nesday the 24th. Of course, dear Charles will accompany 
 me there, and from thence home. For, as for his not 
 coming home with me, I cannot conceive that he would 
 
324 LETTERS OF THE 
 
 venture to offer me such an affront. Let him, therefore, 
 dismiss from his mind the uncharitable, the unchristian, 
 idea of not visiting Crickhowel ; for visit it he must. His 
 stay shall be determined by his own inclinations, but come 
 he positively must. . . . 
 
 If you can manage to accompany him, we will manage 
 to provide accommodation for you. And I do not see how 
 you can refuse, when I tell you that the little girl (God 
 permitting) is to be christened about the 25th or 26th of 
 this month, and that we wish you to be one of the god- 
 mothers. How can you fulfil this office by proxy ? Con- 
 sider these things, and let Charles appear at Monmouth, 
 accompanied with dear A . . . and dear Mrs. . . . While 
 he goes on with me to Hereford, you might take the mail 
 to Crickhowel ; and if we could not accommodate you all, 
 Mrs. B . . . 's lodgings are now vacant; and surely you 
 might, between us and that place, find comfortable accom- 
 modation. Let us hear from you by return of post on this 
 interesting subject. Dearest B . . . joins w T ith me in this 
 request and in most Christian love. Looking forward to 
 meeting, with unfeigned pleasure, 
 
 Believe me, yours in the bonds of Christ, 
 
 H. V. 
 13th July 1833. 
 
 LETTER XXIX. 
 
 TO A FRIEND AND PARISHIONER. 
 
 My dear friend, 
 
 You have, no doubt heard from ... of our pro- 
 
REV. HENRY YAUOIIAN. 325 
 
 vidential, I had almost said miraculous, escape from the 
 accident which bcfel the Merthyr mail on Tuesday last. 
 
 The particulars are soon told. A child, sitting- on a bag 
 at the right side of a bridge crossing the road, frightened 
 the leading horses, who suddenly turned round with such 
 violence as to break the pole of the coach. I know not 
 whether this was not as alarming as any part of our terri- 
 fic accident ; for as soon as the pole was broken, the four 
 horses were at once placed along- side of the coach, and 
 the thing to be expected was that an upset would then 
 take place. Had that been the case, the passengers on the 
 outside must have been precipitated under the horses' feet, 
 and, amongst them, my dearest wife and child Henry. I 
 had attempted in vain to reach the horses' heads, with a 
 view, if possible, to prevent the accident. I therefore saw 
 the whole danger, and in my heart I blessed God for this 
 first preservation. But this was only the beginning of 
 dangers. In a moment after this, the coach was dragged 
 by main force round, facing the Lamb and Flag. The 
 coachman had lost the reins, the pole was broken, and the 
 frightened and infuriated animals started off at full speed. 
 You may imagine what a moment this was to me. I had 
 just time and recollection to put up a cry, rather than a 
 prayer, to the Father of mercies, to preserve my earthly all. 
 
 You will be surprised, when I tell you that I felt truly 
 grateful when I saw the coach, passengers, luggage, and 
 all, in one dreadful confusion on the ground. For though 
 I knew not what injury might be done by a fall of such 
 violence, I still more dreaded the almost certain death, 
 which must have been the consequence of their proceeding 
 but a few more yards. As it was, through the kind provi- 
 
326 LETTERS OF THE 
 
 dence of God, the coach fell on a large plot of grass, on 
 which there was not a stone to be seen. On arriving at 
 the awful scene, where I knew not what to expect, I found 
 dear Henry crying in agony near his dear mother, and in 
 the most pitiful manner entreating every body to tell him 
 whether mamma was hurt. I soon discovered that he, by 
 the tender mercy of God, had escaped quite uninjured. At 
 this moment, the shrieks from the inside of the coach, from 
 the maid-servant and my tender infant, made me rush in 
 that quarter to extricate them. Nothing could exceed the 
 terror of the scene. The wheel-horses were still kicking 
 with all their fury against the coach, and hardly restrained 
 from dragging it forward on the ground. On opening the 
 door that was uppermost, I caught sight of my tender 
 babe, pale as death from fright, and covered with dust. His 
 little look of recognition, when I took him in my arms, I 
 shall never forget, nor the momentary burst of thanksgiv- 
 ing when I found that my infant and the maid were unhurt. 
 My dear wife — I trembled as I approached. Her counte- 
 nance was pale and sunken, blood appeared at her nostrils, 
 she was unable to stand, and for the first moments I hard- 
 ly knew whether she would not expire. The intelligence 
 that the children were safe, by the wonderful mercy of God, 
 put new life into her. We carried her into the inn, laid 
 her on a bed, and had the inexpressible joy of soon discover- 
 ing that there was good reason to think she had sustained 
 no serious injury. 
 
 And now, my dear friend, once more imagine my feelings. 
 In one room were five persons recovered, as it were, from 
 the dead, — my wife, my children, myself, the nurse. I 
 looked from one to the other with amazement at the good- 
 
REV, HENRY VAUQHAN. 327 
 
 ness of God, and as I embraced my living wife and chil- 
 dren, I felt, " God is indeed a gracious God, and a mer- 
 ciful God and Saviour." 
 
 I can now say no more, than that dear B , . . is doing 
 well, and the children, myself, and maid, as well as ever 
 we were in our lives. Love to your dear wife and children, 
 and the dear sisters. Mrs. F . . . shall hear from us, if 
 God will, to-morrow. Please to tell her all is well. 
 
 Yours most affectionately in the best bonds. 
 
 H. V. 
 8th August 1835. 
 
 LETTER XXX. 
 
 WRITTEN DURING AN ABSENCE FROM HOME. 
 
 .... If our earthly home is so dear to us, what ought 
 our heavenly one to be ? How is it that we can so much 
 better bear to be absent from Christ, than from our earthly 
 blessings ? Alas, we w r alk, I fear, far more by sight than 
 by faith. 
 
 • The Sabbath was a day of great privilege, though to me 
 not so dear as our village Sabbaths. In the morning we 
 went to Kensington Chapel. Multitudes w r ere present. 
 Many, we may believe, came to seek the face of God. All 
 heard the truth as it is in Jesus. With Mr. T . . . . , I 
 was much pleased ; his sermon contained all essential truth, 
 recommended by very rare gifts in utterance and manner. 
 It appeared to me that nature, art, grace,- and providence, 
 
328 LETTERS OF THE 
 
 had combined to form him for the very situation which he 
 holds. May the Spirit of the Lord be poured out upon 
 him. His general gravity and seriousness of deportment 
 impress you with the persuasion, that he is a man of emi- 
 nent holiness, and subjected to deep trials. The two gene- 
 rally go together. His text was taken from 2 Cor. v. 21. 
 Treating it, he considered — 
 
 1. The sinlessness of Christ — " he knew no sin." He 
 dwelt much on the importance of this doctrine as affecting 
 the atonement, and referred, in confirmation of it, to the 
 fact that under the Jewish dispensation no victims were 
 offered in sacrifice that had spot or blemish. (1 Peter i. 
 18, 19.) 
 
 2. The sacrifice which Christ was ordained to offer — 
 "He made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin." The word 
 " sin," (in the Greek Septuagint translation, ci a/xapna") 
 he properly observed, frequently signifies " sin-offering." 
 For example, in Lev. iv. 20, in which text the word rendered 
 " sin-offering" is the very same with that rendered " sin" 
 in the 21st verse of 2 Cor. chapter v, also in Lev. xvi. 1 1 . 
 
 3. The design of this sacrifice — " That we might be made 
 the righteousness of God in Him." He here made some 
 very sweet observations, and treated this part of his sub- 
 ject very ably. 
 
 4. His next point of consideration was, — the develop- 
 ment of God, made in this work of salvation — of His mercv, 
 truth, justice, wisdom. 
 
 This is a very bare outline, but will give you some notion 
 of a very useful and excellent discourse 
 
 The Lord Jesus be with you all. My kindest love to 
 the dear friends who are with vou. Read Heb. xii. to 
 
REV. HENRY VAUGHAN. 329 
 
 verse 12, with them. Tell dear Henry to pray for me. I 
 hope he loves Jesus Christ, and asks Him for his Spirit, 
 to be good. 
 
 Bath, 26th January 1836. 
 
 LETTER XXXI. 
 
 TO A MEMBER OF HIS CONGREGATION AT CHELSEA. 
 
 .... I spent a delightful evening with your son and 
 his wife. I was truly sorry that fatigue of mind and body 
 prevented my making it more profitable to them. I was 
 not a little thankful to hear that they had altered their 
 minds, and determined on coming to Chelsea this Christ- 
 mas. How wonderfully God always tempers our mercies 
 and trials together. 
 
 And now, my dear friends, what shall I say to you in 
 the name of Mrs. Vaughan and myself, in return for all 
 your kindness. What I do say, must be said to God for 
 you. I feel quite unable to put my heart on paper. You 
 will, I am sure, believe that my gratitude is deep. I would, 
 however, rather it were shewn by actions than by words. 
 I trust the union of soul, which in Jesus Christ subsists 
 between us, is never to be dissolved ; and most earnestly 
 do I long for the day when no imperfections will mar our 
 communion, or change interrupt it. The God of mercy 
 richly bless you with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. 
 
 In great haste, my dear Mr. . . . , and with kindest 
 love from Mrs. V. and myself to you both, 
 
 Yours ever affectionately 
 
 in the bonds of Christ's gospel. 
 
 H. V. 
 
 Crickhowel, 9th Dec. 1836. 
 
330 LETTERS. 
 
 LETTER XXXIL* 
 
 TO AN INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS IN JAMAICA ; PREVIOUSLY MASTER OF 
 THE INFANT SCHOOL AT CRICKHOWF.L. 
 
 My dear, dear friend, 
 
 Most truly do I rejoice in your God and Saviour, 
 who took you safe to your distant destination. We will 
 bless him with you and for you. His name only be glori- 
 fied. May he now stand by you and strengthen you. Keep 
 near him in prayer. Prove him by faith. Let your eye 
 be single. May his love and peace be your portion. I 
 hope dear Mrs. Rodgers will soon recover the effects of her 
 voyage. God bless you all. Tell your son to give him- 
 self wholly to the work of his Redeemer. The Lord be with 
 him. I have no time to add more, than fervent love to 
 all. Let me have large accounts of you, soon, directed to 
 Crickhowel. Once more, God bless you. The Saviour be 
 with you. The controversy will soon be over. Jesus shall 
 reign. And oh ! shall we reign with him ? That is my 
 hope. 
 
 Your most affectionate friend, 
 
 H. V. 
 
 * Subjoined to a letter written by Mrs. H. Vaughan, about 
 the time of returning from Chelsea to Crickhowel. 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS 
 
 • i 
 
 I.* 
 
 Isaiah ii. 3. 
 
 and many people shall go and say, come ye and let us 
 go up to the mountain of the lord, to the house of the 
 god of jacob ; and he will teach us of his ways, and we 
 will walk in his paths. for out of zion shall go forth 
 the law, and the word of the lord from jerusalem." 
 
 Why, it may be enquired, has our church chosen to com- 
 mence her annual course at this particular season ? Why 
 not await the period of the earth's revolution round the sun, 
 and make the religious, fall in with the civil, year ? She shall 
 answer for herself : — Piety, rather than philosophy, regulates 
 my motions ; Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness, is the centre 
 round which I revolve ; his arising is at hand ; I catch, in 
 my atmosphere, the rays that beam from his Divine person, 
 and hold them forth as a twilight, a morning star, to usher 
 in the true light which enlighteneth the world. Her " Ad- 
 vent" then was intended, as the preaching of John the Bap- 
 
 * Preached on the first Sunday in Advent. 
 
334 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 tist, to prepare the way of the Lord, to make straight in 
 the desert a highway for our God. With this view, you 
 will observe, all her services for the Sabbaths intervening 
 between this and Christmas dav have been chosen. Her 
 first and second lessons are taken from Isaiah, the old and 
 good evangelist, who most clearly predicted of Christ's com- 
 ing and glory. Her collects express, in prayers the most 
 devout and fervent, the most simply sublime and reverently 
 holy, what her Epistles and Gospels teach in the authorita- 
 tive and heart-touching language of the Holy Scriptures, 
 as the proper subjects of meditation and request with regard 
 both to faith and practice, on an occasion of such over- 
 whelming interest and importance. 
 
 It is my desire and intention, with God's good blessing, 
 to follow this her most pious example, and in the present 
 and some following discourses, to make her admirably 
 chosen services, the means of preparing our minds for a 
 worthy celebration of that most holy festival, the birth-day 
 of all our hopes, which, by the mercy of our God again 
 approaches. And, oh ! that through the grace of our great 
 Redeemer, and the unction of His most blessed Spirit, 
 there may be thus produced in his people, some increasing 
 fruit of faith, hope, and charity, to be presented as an hum- 
 ble offering, — to lay, with ourselves, at the feet of him 
 who at this season was born in the city of David, a Sa- 
 viour, — yet, as he will interpret it, more precious than gold, 
 frankincense, and myrrh. 
 
 The passage I have chosen for my text, from the second 
 lesson of this evening's service, breathes the very spirit of 
 our church in looking forward to the glorious Advent of 
 our Lord — the spirit of holy preparation, and exulting joy. 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 335 
 
 Judgment had been the principal subject of the first chap- 
 ter in the predictions of this highly-favoured prophet ; — 
 judgment on the hard-hearted and unbelieving house of 
 Judah. From this, the strange work of the Lord, as whose 
 mouth he spake, he passes, with all the fervour of longing 
 expectation, with all the fire of the fullest inspiration, with 
 all the piety of devout affections, to the days of Messiah, 
 when the kingdom of mercy would be extended to all na- 
 tions, and the whole earth finally become one fold under 
 one Shepherd, and be filled with the glory of the exalted 
 Jesus. These expectations, he pours forth in a strain of 
 most sublime poetry, and under such figures as would be 
 most familiar to the nation he addressed. The most lovely, 
 the most delightful, object upon earth to a devout Israelite, 
 would be the hill of Zion, crowned with the beauties of 
 holiness — God's fair sanctuary. And when, on festal days, 
 the multitudes of pious worshippers crowded by every 
 highway, path, or avenue, to the sacred courts of God's 
 house upon its lofty summit ; and he, amidst the throng, 
 saw the joyful sight, and pressed on as one of the joyful 
 band ; his devotions would be kindled to the highest pitch, 
 and his spiritual happiness complete. 
 
 Well. The prophet turns from the dark scene of the 
 Divine justice he had been compelled to paint in the fore- 
 going prophecy, to contemplate one, more glorious, more 
 happy, than the eye of pious Israelite had ever seen, or the 
 heart of pious Israelite could, uninspired, conceive. He 
 sees, in vision, the head of sacred Zion, in majesty and 
 beauty towering towards heaven, rising till all other moun- 
 tains sink in insignificance beneath it. So grand does it 
 appear, in his view, as to occupy as it were the earth, and 
 
336 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 to be the only object of wonder and attraction. While, 
 to complete the scene, all the millions of the nations are 
 seen flocking from every quarter of the earth ; and amongst 
 them, though not foremost, the house of Jacob, the long- 
 lost house of Jacob, hastening at length to walk in the 
 light of the Lord, which from this mountain shines so glo- 
 riously as to make the sun confounded and the moon 
 ashamed. 
 
 Such, in general, is the subject of this wonderful pre- 
 diction. But we may more particularly take occasion to 
 remark from it : — 
 
 I. That it implies the coming of the Lord Jesus 
 Christ in the flesh. 
 
 Why is Zion seen thus suddenly to stretch into the hea- 
 vens, and extend over the earth ? Whence the heavenly 
 glory in which she shines ? Whose messengers are those, 
 that carry the word from Jerusalem, thus exalted, and 
 compel all nations to enter her gates shut not day or night, 
 and extended wide enough to receive flocking thousands ? 
 Well may we enquire. And what reply can be given ? 
 Does the page of Israel's future history unfold any earthly 
 victories or glories, that could be described under terms so 
 glowing ? Does any human personage appear among the 
 worthies of Israel, in after-times, who could shed such a 
 glory on his city and nation ? Alas ! the earthly state of 
 Israel declined from the time the prophet spake. Never 
 was her temple so beautified, never was her kingdom so 
 extended, never did her sons enjoy such peace, and dwell 
 in such happy security, as when Solomon, arrayed in all 
 his glory, reigned with the sceptre of righteousness. From 
 his time, looking on the ruins of Zion, who can forbear 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS, 337 
 
 exclaiming', " How are the mighty fallen ; how is the fine 
 gold become dim ! ' Whence, then, we repeat, comes it 
 to pass, that " in the last days the mountain of the Lord's 
 house is established in the top of the mountains, and 
 exalted above the hills, and all nations flow unto it ? ' Let 
 it now be triumphantly replied : — Because the expectation 
 of Israel, the Desire of Nations, the Anointed of God, is 
 come ! He is come, whose name is Wonderful ! A greater 
 than Moses, a greater than Solomon, a greater than John, 
 is come ! He is come, whom archangels worship ; — come, 
 too, in the likeness of sinful flesh. Let Zion rise, never 
 cease to rise ! — This mercy reacheth unto the heavens. 
 Let Zion shine ! — The glory of the Lord has risen upon 
 her, — the glory of his grace, the glory of the only begot- 
 ten of the Father. Let the messengers go forth ; let 
 them lift up their voice, and cry with strength, and sum- 
 mon all nations to walk in the light of the Lord. 
 
 II. We may, in the second place, remark from the 
 passage, that it sets before us the dispositions with 
 which we should welcome the grand event of our 
 Lord's coming in the flesh. 
 
 1. We learn to hail it with praise and joy. Observe, that 
 the happy subjects of the latter-day mercies are represented 
 as saying, one to another, " Come ye, and let us go up to 
 the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of 
 Jacob. O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the 
 light of the Lord ! " — O come ! the messenger of the 
 covenant, the messenger of mercy, has entered into his 
 temple ; come, and see his grace and glory ; come with 
 holy joy, come and rejoice in the Lord whose arm bringeth 
 salvation unto his people. Oh ! all flesh, come and see 
 
 Q 
 
338 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 the glory of the Lord revealed. I myself will go right 
 early. Come, let us join hand in hand, and heart in heart, 
 and go with the voice of praise and gladness to the moun- 
 tain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, where 
 Jesus has been born a Saviour. There, now He pardons 
 sinners, and binds up the broken-hearted. Thence He 
 sends the Comforter to heal, and the Sanctifier to purify. 
 There He reigns with the sceptre of righteousness, and 
 gathers together the outcasts of Israel, and buildeth up 
 Jerusalem. Come, and behold the Lamb of God, which 
 taketh away the sins of the world. Come, and rejoice in 
 the meek and lowly Jesus. Come, as Mary, to his feet. 
 Come, and join the happy throng that hail Him as their 
 Saviour and king, and cry, — Hosanna in the highest, 
 Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord, Blessed 
 is He in His suffering humanity, Blessed is He in His glo- 
 rious majesty ! With joy let us rejoice in His dominion 
 of grace. With joy unspeakable, let us look for His king- 
 dom of glory. Such joy, the prophet predicts. Such joy, 
 our church, putting as it were the palms into our hands 
 and the song into our mouths, teaches in the gospel of the 
 day. Such joy may we unfeignedly feel, and offer unto 
 Jesus — the blessed Jesus — as incense and a pure offering. 
 
 2. We learn to obey the law, and receive the Word, 
 which Jesus came into the world to publish. Not only 
 does the prophet represent the pious, in the last days, as 
 exhorting one another with joy and readiness of mind to go 
 up to the house of the Lord, but adds the reason they 
 would assign : — " And he will teach us of his ways, and we 
 will walk in his paths ;" and then, in further explanation, 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. $39 
 
 adds, " For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the 
 Word of the Lord from Jerusalem." 
 
 The grand object of the blessed Saviour's incarnation, 
 was to purify unto Himself his chosen, as a peculiar peo- 
 ple, zealous of good works. Of this, our church, in strict- 
 est harmony with the doctrine of the prophet, intended to 
 remind those that worship in her sanctuary, in the epistle 
 which she has chosen for the day. There, the evangelical 
 law is enforced in its two great branches, of holiness unto 
 the Lord, and love to our neighbour. — Of holiness unto the 
 Lord. " The night is far spent;" the shades of the Judai- 
 cal dispensation have passed away ; you are in the last and 
 final dispensation. " The night is far spent; " the world, 
 and all that is in the world, its sins, and its sorrows, its 
 vanities and follies, will soon and for ever have vanish- 
 ed. " The day is at hand ;" Jesus has been manifested in 
 the flesh ; He has bruised the serpent's head ; He has con- 
 quered sin, risen victorious over death, is subduing His 
 people under the rod of his strength ; and there remains 
 nothing to look forward to, but " the day" — the glorious 
 day when He shall appear, the second time, without sin 
 unto salvation. " Let us therefore cast off the works of 
 darkness, and let us put on the armour of light ; let us 
 walk honestly, as in the day, not in rioting and drunken- 
 ness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and 
 envying ; but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make 
 not provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof." Past 
 mercies, and future hopes — Jesus come, and Jesus coming 
 — the lowly Jesus visiting us in great humility, the exalted 
 Jesus about to appear in glorious majesty — equally call 
 upon us to make holiness our study, and God's glory our 
 
 Q 2 
 
340 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 end. Now is the time to be more than ever instant in 
 prayer, more than ever to meditate on the Word of God, 
 more than ever to set the fear and love of God before our 
 eyes, and to make a conscience of all our ways. Now is the 
 time to dedicate ourselves anew, and with renewed devo- 
 tion and delight, to the service of our God ; and to enter, 
 with more steadfast purpose and more ardent desires, on 
 the way of universal holiness. This is the will of the Father 
 who gave his only-begotten Son, and of the only-begotten 
 Son who came into the world. It is the will of Jesus, who 
 lived and died for us. 
 
 Nor must we pass by that second great branch of evan- 
 gelical duty — the love of our neighbour ; of which, we are, 
 with so peculiar a propriety, reminded by our ever careful 
 guide, at this season. What brought Jesus Christ from 
 his glory in heaven, to his humiliation upon earth ? Bound- 
 less love. We are about to celebrate this wondrous act of 
 Divine compassion. How shall we do it! By seeking of 
 Thee, O holy, heavenly Spirit ! that most excellent " gift 
 of charity," which the apostle so forcibly calls " the fulfill- 
 ing of the law." Now, then, is the time, if any man have 
 a quarrel against any, freely to forgive, as he hopes through 
 the Saviour to be forgiven. Now is the time, if any have 
 an enemy, to overcome his evil with good. Now is the 
 time, if any have received an injury, to return it with fa- 
 vours. Now is the time, if any have a persecutor or those 
 that despitefully use him, to pray for such an one. Our 
 Litany will find him the language of love : " Forgive, O 
 Lord, our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers ; and turn 
 their hearts !" But more than this. Love has more than 
 t.his to do. Now is the time to promote the peace of Jeru- 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 341 
 
 salem, to heal the divisions of brethren, to sow the fruits 
 of righteousness in peace. Now is the time to cultivate, 
 under the Divine Spirit, a more enlarged and enlightened 
 love, — a spirit more deeply conscious of its own infirmities ; 
 more tenderly considerate of, and compassionate to, the 
 weaknesses of others ; more quick to espy hope in the 
 worst, and to cover what it cannot commend. Does this 
 seem difficult ? If you are to perform it, let me say, it is 
 impossible. But there are a few words in the text which 
 direct us there, where we shall not fail of strength — to him 
 who teacheth our hands to war, and our fingers to fight. 
 " He will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his 
 paths." Precious words ! To what end, but for this pro- 
 mise, had the law gone forth from Zion, and the word of 
 the Lord from Jerusalem ? It had been vain. — We should 
 have died under the scorching ray of its unapproachable 
 light. It had been vain. — Firm, indeed, would have been 
 the walls that imprisoned us. But now the Spirit himself 
 helpeth our infirmities. Who, then, has right to complain 
 of weakness ? His grace is sufficient for us. " He will 
 teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths." He 
 will draw us. We will come. 
 
 III. In the third and last place, the prediction of the 
 prophet, as well as the services of the church, set before 
 
 US A MOST GLORIOUS AND ANIMATING OBJECT OF HOPE. 
 
 Though the prophecy, we are engaged in considering and 
 applying, will in all probability receive its most literal ac- 
 complishment at the Millennial period of the church ; yet its 
 final and most glorious one, manifestly is suspended on that 
 event which our collect, with so sublime a simplicitv, calls 
 " the coming of Jestis to judge both the quick and the 
 
 Q3 
 
342 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 dead." That coming-, and that judgment, will complete 
 the glory of Zion and the felicity of his chosen. 
 
 Let prophecy draw away, as far as may be, the veil ; and 
 let us, for a few moments, refresh ourselves with a view of 
 the heavenly Jerusalem. Behold it ! The holv city, New 
 Jerusalem, coming down from God, out of heaven, prepared 
 as a bride adorned for her husband. Hark ! a voice ac- 
 companies — a great voice out of heaven, saying, " Behold 
 the tabernacle of God is with men ; and he will dwell with 
 them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall 
 be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away 
 all tears from their eves ; and there shall be no more death, 
 neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more 
 pain. For the former things are passed away." Oh, glo- 
 rious city ! Heavenly Jerusalem ! But no temple appears. 
 Where is its temple ? The Lord God Almighty, and the 
 Lamb, are the temple of it. " And the city had no need 
 of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it ; for the glory 
 of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." 
 Oh now, indeed, the mountain of the Lord's house is esta- 
 blished on the top of the mountains, and exalted above the 
 hills. In heaven itself, in the heaven of heavens, nothing 
 more exalted is seen. By the church, to wondering angels, 
 is made known the manifold wisdom of God. But who 
 are the inhabitants of this city ? Behold them ! The na- 
 tions of them that are saved, — no longer the few and scat- 
 tered, the weak and despised — " the nations of them that 
 are saved, shall walk in the light of it. And the kings of 
 the earth, do bring their glory and honour into it. The 
 gates of it shall not be shut at all by day ; for there shall 
 be no night there." Oh, what a glorious train ! All na- 
 tions shall flow into it ! .... 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 343 
 
 Now, then, while our hearts are warm with these glo- 
 rious hopes, let us, in fervent sincerity, conclude in the 
 prayer of our church : — "Almighty God ! Give us grace 
 that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put 
 upon us the armour of light," &c. 
 
 it 
 
 II. 
 
 1 Timothy hi. 16. 
 
 AND WITHOUT CONTROVERSY, GREAT IS THE MYSTERY OF GOD- 
 LINESS : GOD WAS MANIFEST IN THE FLESH." 
 
 Awake, awake, O daughter of Zion ! The night is past 
 and gone ; the dimness shall not be such as was in thy 
 vexation, when the yoke of the oppressor was upon thee ; 
 the day-spring from on high, through the tender mercy 
 of God, hath visited those that walked in darkness and 
 dwelt in the land of the shadow of death. Awake ! Open 
 thine eyes, to behold this day ! It is the birth- day of 
 the Lord ! The light of the sun, this day, is sevenfold, as 
 the light of seven days— this day, on which the Lord 
 bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke 
 of their wound. 
 
 Arise, O daughter of Zion ! Shake thyself from the 
 dust, O daughter of Jerusalem ! Arise, and put off the 
 garments of heaviness ! Bind, no longer, those tokens 
 of soitow on thy head ! Lift up thy face with joy! Arise, 
 shake thyself from the dust ! Mortality and sin need no 
 longer fill you with sorrow. Shake off their dust, mount 
 
344 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 up and sing ! Sing and shout, O daughter of Jerusalem ! 
 Jesus is born to-day ! 
 
 Loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive 
 daughter of Zion ! Thy captivity is led captive ; thine 
 oppressors are spoiled. Go out with joy, and be led forth 
 with peace, while before you the mountains and hills break 
 forth into singing, and all the trees of the field clap their 
 hands with joy. " There is born unto you in the city of 
 David, this day, a Saviour which is Christ the Lord." 
 
 Sit down, O Jerusalem ; sit down ; sit upon this rock 
 which God has laid as a foundation in Zion ; its head is 
 far above the clouds and storms which made you afraid. 
 Sit down, and see the conquest Jesus has made. Sit down, 
 and quietly survey the heaven which Jesus has opened. 
 Oh, see ; all things are yours ! The zeal of the Lord of 
 Hosts hath performed this. His own arm hath brought 
 this salvation. He hath placed salvation in Zion, for Israel 
 his glory. Rejoice, O daughter of Jerusalem ! O, shout 
 and sing ! 
 
 " Without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness ; 
 God was manifest in the flesh." Let us consider these 
 words, more awful than which, are not heard in heaven. 
 Let us bring to their consideration, the shepherds' simple 
 faith, Mary's holy joy, the wise men's zeal and humility, 
 the angel's song of praise. 
 
 Consider the truth — the amazing truth which they set 
 before us, — " God was manifest in the flesh." 
 
 1. Not only, Divine things manifest to man. The hea- 
 vens declare the glory of God. The earth is full of the 
 goodness of the Lord. By the things which are created, 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 345 
 
 are made known the eternal power and Godhead. B at 
 more than the creature, has manifested the Creator. 
 
 2. Not only persons, with a Divine commission, here 
 are manifested among men. Kings and judges, are some- 
 times called gods, because they are intended to manifest 
 some of God's righteousness and power among men. But 
 a greater than these, is here. 
 
 3. Nor are the everlasting doors of heaven, now opened 
 to send forth an angelic visitant, such as carried Elijah 
 with the fire and whirlwind into heaven, or struck Daniel 
 dumb with amazement. No ! Unto the angels, hath he 
 not put in subjection, the world to come, of which we 
 speak. A greater than Gabriel is here. 
 
 4. Much less is it a prophet only, in his earthen vessel 
 containing heavenly unction, and illumined from above, 
 that here is manifest. Wonderful the mercy, that of old 
 employed such ambassadors, at divers times, and in divers 
 manners, to speak unto the fathers. A greater than these 
 is here. 
 
 5. It is now " God manifest in the flesh"— the mighty 
 God, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing won- 
 ders ! Here is the august Creator himself. " Thou, Lord, 
 in the beginning, hast laid the foundation of the earth, 
 and the heavens are the work of thy hands." Yes ; here 
 is He who meted out the heavens with a span, and com- 
 passed the waters with bounds. Here is He who looketh 
 on the earth, and it trembleth ; who toucheth the hills, 
 and they smoke. Yes ; the pillars of heaven tremble, and 
 are astonished at his reproof. He is here, who reigneth 
 Omnipotent, the only potentate by whom kings rule and 
 princes decree justice. He is here, who sent the pro- 
 
 Q 5 
 
346 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 phets ; yea, He who is the wisdom of God — God himself, 
 whose understanding is infinite — the Counsellor. He is 
 here, who in heaven owns no superior, to whom angels 
 minister, and whom archangels adore. He is manifest in 
 the flesh. 
 
 Really made flesh. " The Word was made flesh" 
 — was made " very man of the substance of his mother." 
 He, being in the form of God, thought it no robbery to 
 be equal with God — He hath laid hold of the seed of 
 Abraham. He, being born of a virgin, has become Im- 
 manuel — " God with us." There we are lost. Can 
 it be so ? Can such love be in heaven ? It is " mani- 
 fest." Oh ! how manifestly was Jesus — man. Follow 
 the wondering shepherds to Bethlehem. Who hangs there 
 upon the virgin's breast ? An infant. Is he less tender 
 than other infants ; is he less indebted to a mother's care ; 
 does he less need his mother's arms ? His clinging hand, 
 his weeping eye, his girdled limbs, his piercing cry, his 
 helpless innocence — all proclaim Him, — Son of man. 
 The stable, the manger — these proclaim the man of sor- 
 rows — nursed in sorrow — cradled in affliction. Is he not 
 manifestly man ? Go with Peter, John, and James, to the 
 garden of Gethsemane. Who there wrestles in the 
 agonies of prayer ? Whose soul is sorrowful, even unto 
 death ? From whom issues the drops of blood ? Whose 
 is that vehement cry ? Is he not the Son of Man ? Oh ! 
 how acquainted with grief, for our sakes ! Have you still 
 any doubt ? Go with the weeping mother to Calvary. 
 Whose is that bleeding brow ; whose is that pierced side, 
 bathed in streams of water and blood ; whose is that dying 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 351 
 
 III. 
 
 John xv. i, 
 " i am the true vine." 
 
 The words of ray text declare themselves, at once, as 
 proceeding from him who spake as never man spake. 
 They draw from the heart of every sincere disciple of 
 Jesus, that fervent admiration which the Psalmist of Israel, 
 speaking by the Holy Ghost, has well taught them to 
 express : " Thou art fairer than the children of men ; 
 grace is poured into thy lips ; therefore God hath blessed 
 thee for ever." In considering them, this advantage at 
 least, we shall have — that of meditating on some of the 
 most blessed words that ever dropped from the lips of the 
 heavenly Saviour, the blessed Jesus, the anointed of God, 
 the accepted of the Father. And oh ! may that Father 
 vouchsafe his gracious presence, that our meditations may 
 not be without some fruit of present holiness and future 
 glory, to the praise of his glory in Christ Jesus ! 
 
 In the observations which I shall offer on this portion 
 of Scripture, it will be my first object to explain the prin- 
 cipal parts of that most beautiful figure, under which its 
 instruction is conveyed. We shall then be better enabled, 
 in the second place, to apply it for doctrine, for correction, 
 for instruction in righteousness, to convince or to edify. 
 In the explanation of this figure, two things demand our 
 attention. 1. What is the import of the comparison, "I 
 am the Vine." 2. What addition it receives from that 
 which is adjoined, "I am the true Vine." 
 
352 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 I. The comparison itself, " I am the Vine," — demands 
 our first attention. Under this lovely image, the Saviour 
 has condescended to represent his own person and graces. 
 How strikingly appropriate the emblem, in every respect ! 
 Behold in it, shadowed forth, the mystery of his holy in- 
 carnation. Jesus is a Vine, the righteous branch raised 
 up unto David, the stem grown out of Jesse's roots, made 
 of a woman, partaker of flesh and blood, the seed of 
 Abraham. Of this Vine, the church forms the branches. 
 It is the gracious union with our nature, which makes 
 Him the Saviour that He is. It is the foundation of all 
 His work for sinful man. In no other nature, could He 
 have been subject to the law, and fulfilled all righteous- 
 ness. In no other nature, could He have suffered the 
 penalty of our sins. In no other nature, could He have 
 crushed, have broken, the bars of our death. In no other 
 nature, could He have been a High Priest touched with a 
 feeling of our infirmities. In no other nature, could He 
 have gathered together all the elect of God, in one mys- 
 tical body of which He is the exalted head. 
 
 II. Behold too, in this comparison, the lowliness of 
 the Saviour's manhood not indistinctly set forth. Why 
 was so humble an emblem chosen ? Why is not some 
 more stately tree of the forest selected to represent Him 
 whose name and work is " Wonderful." Shall the Sa- 
 viour of the world be less, in this respect, honoured than 
 the mighty of the earth ? Shall Nebuchadnezzar have his 
 royal state and flourishing prosperity compared to a tree 
 in the midst of the earth, whose height was great, reach- 
 ing unto the heavens, and the sight thereof unto the end 
 of the earth ? Shall the Assyrian be like the cedars in 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 353 
 
 the garden of God, fair by the multitude of his branches, 
 exalted above all the trees of the field ! And shall Jesus 
 be compared to the lowly, tender vine, which is either 
 trained near the ground, or clings its tendrils around the 
 supporting elm ? Yes, for " He humbled himself." He 
 grew up as " a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry 
 ground ; he had no form or comeliness, nor any beauty 
 that we should desire Him." There was no comeliness 
 of outward state, no beauty of human glory ; but there 
 was the comeliness of condescending grace, there were the 
 beauties of meek and suffering compassion. " I am the 
 true Vine" — frail and weak as any other mortal, acquainted 
 with grief. Blessed Saviour ! How was He, for our sake, 
 compassed with infirmities ; now, as a tender infant, cling- 
 ing for support to a mother's breast ; now, in a father's 
 arms, flying from the sword of persecution; now, with 
 the submission of a child, bowing to parental authority 
 and instruction ; one while, hungry and thirsty, his soul 
 faints within him ; at another, his frail frame sinks ex- 
 hausted, under the strength of the noon-day sun ; and at 
 another, bends beneath the sufferings of his agonized spi- 
 rit. Did, ever, any so humble himself ? Yet his humilia- 
 tion is not half told. Behold him at last " crucified 
 through weakness." 
 
 III. But the comparison is designed, further, to repre- 
 sent the Saviour, in his priestly office, as the joy both 
 of God and man. The vine, though it presents not to 
 the eye the majestic grandeur of the oak, or the stately 
 growth of the elm, yet produces in rich abundance a fruit 
 whose juice cheers and exhilarates the heart, and a great 
 luxuriance of leafv shade which affords the most refresh- 
 
354 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 ing shelter from the scorching sun or chilling rain. How 
 appropriately does it, therefore, represent Him who, now 
 about to be offered for the sins of the world, after supper 
 took the cup and said, " This is my blood of the New 
 Testament ; it is shed for you and for many for the remis- 
 sion of sins ; drink ye all of this." In this cup, indeed, 
 was the wine which cheers both God and man — the blood 
 of reconciliation. As he drank, mercv and truth em- 
 braced each other, righteousness and peace kissed each 
 other. God himself drank, and delighted in this cup of 
 salvation — the only cordial for the heart of man. Being 
 justified by the grace purchased by this blood, we are 
 made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 
 
 IV. But this Vine, too, spreads a wide-extended and 
 refreshing shadow, under which, the sinner, the justi- 
 fied and pardoned sinner, may sit with great delight. 
 Jesus, crucified through weakness, has been raised through 
 power, and liveth as High Priest for ever after the order 
 of Melchizedec, an all-sufficient and ever-present Advo- 
 cate for his people, at the right hand of God the Father. 
 His intercession is the refuge of his disciples, who wander 
 as strangers and pilgrims on the earth. To this shelter, 
 they must fly, when the sun of persecution and tribulation 
 ariseth because of the word. Beneath this vine, there is 
 shelter in the scorching noon : hither thev must flv when 
 the rains of sorrow descend, and the floods of adversity 
 come, and the winds of conflict blow. Thev shall find 
 protection beneath the righteous Branch ; they shall find 
 in him " an hiding-place from the wind, and a covert from 
 the tempest." 
 
 V. Another property of the Vine will illustrate the 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 355 
 
 success, as the two last did, the nature, of Christ's 
 mediatorial office. The most careless observer of na- 
 ture, must have remarked the extraordinary rapidity with 
 which a prospering-, cultivated vine spreads its branches in 
 every direction. This spreading 1 nature of the vine fur- 
 nished the Psalmist with a most happy illustration of the 
 flourishing extent of the Jewish church, under its most 
 favoured monarchs David and Solomon. "Thou hast 
 brought a vine (the church of Israel is intended) out of 
 Egypt, thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it; 
 thou preparedst room before it, and didst cause it to take 
 deep root ; and it filled the land ; the hills were covered 
 with the shadow of it, and the boughs thereof were like 
 the goodly cedars ; she sent out her boughs unto the sea, 
 and her branches unto the river." But, if this figure was 
 beautifully appropriate, when applied to that church and 
 nation, the bounds of whose kingdom stretched from the 
 Mediterranean on the west, to the Euphrates on the east ; 
 how much more so, when applied to Him, whose salvation 
 has gone out into all the world, and whose dominion is 
 to be from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends 
 of the earth ? And how sweet and noble a subject of 
 reflection is it, to the heart of the pious disciple of the 
 blessed Jesus, — that this Vine, as the tree of life, shall 
 again flourish in this fallen world, and make it once more 
 the paradise of God ! Such an one will join fervently in 
 the prayer, " O Lord, behold and visit this Vine, make 
 room for this stem of Jesse, gather beneath its branches 
 the scattered seed of the house of Israel from all the 
 countries whither they are driven, and let them dwell safely, 
 fed with its soul-healing fruit, and protected by its re- 
 freshing shade ! " 
 
356 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 Having thus slightly touched on some of the leading 
 parts of this lovely comparison, we must not pass from 
 this head of our subject till we have, very briefly, con- 
 sidered the importance of the addition, " I am the true 
 vine ;" not only " the Vine," but " the true Vine." 
 
 I. "True," as opposed to all counterfeits and pretences. 
 The Scribes and Pharisees pretended, that with them was 
 the tree of life. Their doctrines and traditions they 
 taught even for the healing of souls, and would have had 
 men believe that out of their vineyard the weary soul could 
 find no shelter nor rest. But their pretences were vain — 
 vain as that of the bramble in the parable, which invited 
 all the trees of the forest to put their trust under its sha- 
 dow. They rejected Christ. And every branch that 
 abideth not in Him, is both fruitless and lifeless. He 
 alone is the true Vine. If any other is so, it is by abiding 
 in Him. 
 
 II. He is " the true Vine," as opposed to all corrupt 
 admixtures. His is the pure unadulterated wine of the 
 gospel. There were those who, though willing to acknow- 
 ledge his claims as Messiah, were still for retaining the 
 rites and ceremonies of Moses, and for making the law in 
 part the ground of their justification. But they did not 
 understand the nature of this true Vine. The fruit which 
 this true Vine yielded, when bruised in the iron press of 
 the Father's justice, and smitten with the rod of Moses' 
 law, was that blood of atonement which alone cleanseth 
 from all sin. To this pure stream, there can be no addi- 
 tion made ; it can suffer no admixture. We must not, we 
 dare not, add water to this wine, which only cheers when 
 its streams are permitted to flow pure, as they issued from 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 357 
 
 the fountain of the Saviour's side. He, he alone, is in 
 this sense the true Vine. Whatever efficacy, other things 
 or persons may have, it is from Him as the fountain, 
 through Him as the channel, and to Him as the end. 
 
 III. He is, lastly, " the true Vine," not only as dis- 
 tinguished from all pretences, and allowing no admixture, 
 but as possessing, from the union of the Divine with the 
 human nature, an excellence which, so far from bearing 
 comparison, cannot possibly admit of any increase. This 
 righteous Branch is not only the offspring of David, in 
 his human nature, but the root, in his Divine. In this 
 true Vine are united those two natures, by one of which 
 the blessed Saviour was capable of suffering, by the other 
 of meriting the forfeited favour of a just and holy God. 
 He is the true Vine ! — One, in nature, with the humblest 
 of his branches ; yet " the Word" manifest in the flesh. 
 Hence, the mystery and the mercy of his incarnation. He 
 is the true Vine ! — In his manhood distinguished above his 
 fellow-mortals by weakness and infirmities ; a very man, 
 and more than man, in frailty and sorrow. Yet this suf- 
 ferer is " the only-begotten of the Father." Hence, the 
 mystery and the mercy of his unexampled sorrows. He 
 is the true Vine ! — Life eternal is the product of His 
 branches — but this virtue is derived from that fulness of 
 Godhead which dwelt in His mysterious person. He is 
 the true Vine ! — His all-prevailing advocacy is the shade 
 of the weary, and protection of the afflicted soul ; but, 
 then, it prevails, because our High Priest, though he be 
 one who, from humanity, can be touched with a sense of 
 our infirmities, is still the mighty God. He is the true 
 Vine ! — His fruit is to be for the healing of all nations, 
 
358 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 His branches are to cover the earth ; but, then, it is be- 
 cause this Mediator may be addressed in the words of the 
 prophet, "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever ; the 
 sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre !" 
 
 I would apply the words of the text, thus considered — 
 I. In the way of invitation, to those who are not united 
 to the true Vine. In a certain sense, indeed, all who are 
 partakers of gospel privileges, are united to Him ; that is 
 to say, they are called by His name, and profess His faith ; 
 but to know Him truly, and to have real fellowship with 
 Him, is a much more rare, as it is a widely different, thing. 
 There are three particulars, which are quite indispensable 
 to a saving interest in His meritorious work, and union 
 with His glorious person. 
 
 1. Our naturally corrupt and degenerate state, must 
 not only have been believed in as a doctrine, but felt, and 
 made the principle of a corresponding conduct. By nature, 
 we are of the degenerate seed of a wild vine ; not some of 
 us, but all, equally. And in this state, we are justly sub- 
 ject to the consuming fire of God's anger. From this wild 
 vine, whose fruit can never be acceptable to God, we must 
 be cut off, and grafted into the true Vine, by God's Holy 
 Spirit. In this process, the Spirit acts by convincing the 
 soul of its sin and danger — so convincing, as to leave it no 
 rest, to give it no peace, until united to the true Vine. 
 You must judge whether this work, necessary in all, has 
 been done in vou. 
 
 2. Neither can there be a vital union with Christ, unless 
 by a faith, which, renouncing every other dependance, 
 makes Him the rock of confidence and strength, — Him 
 only. The true vine will endure no rival or competitor. 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 359 
 
 The soul, that goes about to establish its own righteousness, 
 or add to his cleansing blood any fancied merits of its own, 
 He never knew — will not know. To receive Him, there- 
 fore, by faith, and to receive Him as a perfect Saviour, 
 and His redemption, as a complete redemption, is indis- 
 pensable to a real communion with Him as the true Vine — 
 the head of His church. 
 
 3. And another requisite is a spiritual mind and holy 
 life — the proper fruit and evidence of a justifying faith. 
 Union with the true Vine, if it be vital, must conform us 
 in some degree to Christ ; somewhat of His image, if it be 
 real, will be impressed on our hearts and appear in our 
 lives. So good a tree must produce this good fruit. Now, 
 can we bear the trial of these simple tests ? If not, though 
 baptismal privileges have been ours, and by habit and edu- 
 cation we have learnt to profess Christ, we are none of his, 
 He owns us not. This day may we be convinced, how 
 great our loss and danger ; — our loss, for to be united to 
 Christ as the true Vine, is to be joined to the general assem- 
 bly of the church of the first-born whose names are written 
 in heaven ; it is to quench the thirsting soul in the well of 
 everlasting life ; it is to have fellowship with the Father 
 and the Son; it is to have a never-failing arm to support 
 our weakness, a never- sleeping eye to guide us in all our 
 goings, an ever-open bosom into which to pour out all our 
 complaints, an ever-present solace in all our sorrows, an 
 unshaken repose in all disquietude, a shadow from the heat, 
 and refuge from the storm ; — it is to abide beneath the 
 shadow of the Almighty. 
 
 From this true Vine, flows justification, and peace, and 
 settled intercourse with heaven, a conformity to the image 
 
360 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 of Christ, and a hope too stedfast to be shaken, and too 
 glorious to be conceived. This is the blessed fruit of being 
 united to him. How great, then, your loss ! How great 
 then your danger ! Out of this Vine, there is no salvation, 
 no pardon, no holiness. No hope springs from any other. 
 If we abide not in Christ, we have no Father in heaven, 
 nor any Comforter on earth, — nothing but a fearful looking 
 for of judgment, at that day when the decree shall go forth : 
 — Cut it down, cut down the unfruitful tree, and cast it into 
 the fire — that fire that never shall be quenched. 
 
 II. I would apply the subject, in the way of consolation, 
 to those who are united to Christ as the true Vine. " I 
 am the true Vine." To them, how full of delightful medi- 
 tation and of profitable instruction, is this text, full as it is 
 of Jesus and the glory of his grace. His mediatorial ful- 
 ness, his sanctifying grace, his low suffering humanity, his 
 high and eternal majesty, here lie concealed under one of 
 the sweetest figures that could have been drawn from 
 nature's storehouse. Oh ! then, beloved brethren, as the 
 weary pilgrim in some scorching clime, thirsty and faint- 
 ing, hails with delight the prospect of the spreading Vine 
 that crowns the slanting hill, hastens to rest his way-worn 
 limbs beneath its grateful shade, and to refresh his exhaus- 
 ted spirit with its delicious fruit ; so do you, not only re- 
 joice in the sight of this true Vine which crowns the fertile 
 hill of Zion ; but hasten, beneath its widely- spreading and 
 inviting shadow, to repose your wearied limbs, and refresh 
 them with that life-giving fruit which this true Vine in such 
 abundance yields. But more, more than this, you may do. 
 You may not only dwell safely under it, but it is your hap- 
 piness to be united to it. "I am the Vine, ye are the 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 361 
 
 branches." How close does this consideration bring you 
 to the Saviour, to the Father, to the Comforter, to the com- 
 munion of saints, to the company of angels, to the heavenly 
 Jerusalem ! Ye are in Him who is true, in whom is ever- 
 lasting life. Because he lives, you live also. Live, then, 
 worthy of this new and glorious relation. While you take 
 the comfort of it, refuse not its duties and obligations. La- 
 bour to bring forth much fruit. Thus, your Father which 
 is in heaven, the husbandman of this true Vine, the Father 
 of Christ, the Author of all your mercies, the fountain of 
 grace, the giver of eternal life, will be glorified. Thus, 
 your own soul will be enriched with larger and more fre- 
 quent manifestations of the Divine favour. Thus, you will 
 benefit the members of the same mystical body. Thus, 
 you will set the desirableness of the true Vine in the most 
 attractive form before your fellow-sinners, and invite them, 
 most forcibly, to come beneath its shadow. And thus, 
 through grace, you will sooner ripen for eternal glorv. For, 
 great as is the blessedness of those who are united to this 
 true Vine — their present blessedness is not to be com- 
 pared with the glory that is to be revealed in them. Now, 
 the true Vine is absent, and his branches dwell in him bv 
 faith, in a climate where every thing is ungenial and un- 
 kind ; for, not only does sorrow bend them beneath its 
 weight, but, what is far worse, sin mars their fruitfulness. 
 Soon, they will be ever with, as well as in the Lord. 
 Soon, where the true Vine is, there shall the branches be 
 also, flourishing beside the river of life, green with eternal 
 youth, and bearing the fruit of a never-fading glory ! 
 
 R 
 
362 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 IV. 
 
 John vii. 37, 38. 
 
 " if any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. he 
 that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out 
 of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." 
 
 The occasion, on which these words of our Lord were 
 spoken, give them a deep and peculiar interest. It is dif- 
 ficult to put ourselves, even in imagination, into the cir- 
 cumstances of those who heard them from his own blessed 
 lips. It was on the Feast of Tabernacles. It was on the 
 last, the high, day of that feast. We may, without stretch 
 of fancy, suppose the glorious structure, the temple at Jeru- 
 salem, bright with the early rays of the sun of autumn. 
 The ways that led to Zion's sacred heights were thronged 
 with rejoicing multitudes. The courts of the Gentiles, of 
 the women, of the male Israelites, contained crowds of 
 everv nation, sex, and condition. Branches were in their 
 hands. Hosannas rung in the air. The victim lay bleed- 
 ing on the altar ; and streaming in copious currents from 
 that altar, the water, which on this day was fetched in a 
 golden pitcher from the pool of Siloam, and by the high 
 Priest, poured upon the morning sacrifice. In the midst 
 of this scene stood the High-Priest after the order 
 of Melchizedek, the glory of the second temple, shortly 
 about to accomplish eternal redemption by the sacri- 
 fice of himself once offered — shortly about to purchase 
 at the price of his own blood, and pour down in full and 
 living streams, his Spirit on his people — soon about to 
 throw down the middle wall of partition, to unite Jew 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 'SG'j 
 
 and Gentile, Barbarian, Scythian, bond and free, male and 
 female, in one eternal bond of union. He stood, who puts 
 palms of victory into the hands of his chosen, and the song 
 of pure joy into their hearts. He stood and cried, " If 
 any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink." 
 
 I shall consider the words of our blessed Lord, rendered 
 so peculiarly impressive by the circumstances under which 
 they were uttered, as setting before us — 
 
 I. The state of those who are prepared for the gospel 
 invitation. "If any man thirst." Exactly parallel with 
 this, in expression and meaning, is that of the prophet 
 Isaiah : " Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the 
 waters ;" and that of St. John, in the Revelations : " And 
 let him that is athirst, come ; and whosoever will, let him 
 take of the water of life freely." 
 
 Let us enquire a little more particularly, what the meta- 
 phor, which so naturally transfers the wants and feelings 
 of the body to those of the soul, implies. 
 
 1 . Thirst, then, is a sensation produced by the exhaus- 
 tion of that supply of moisture, which is natural to the hu- 
 man constitution. When not satisfied, it produces the 
 most exquisite pains. A burning heat consumes the frame. 
 The eager eye, the shrivelled tongue, the restless motion 
 of the limbs, the staring bones, cry out, for very agony. 
 In vain, to one athirst, would you bring the most melodi- 
 ous sounds to regale the ear, the most lovely objects to de- 
 light the eye, the rarest dainties to gratify the palate. 
 Somewhat to slake the thirst — the pain of which devours 
 him ; — this is all his desire. To offer him any thing else, 
 is but to mock his pains. 
 
 How significantly does this metaphor represent the state 
 
 r 2 
 
364 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 of that soul which the Spirit is preparing for the fulness of 
 Christ. The waters, which it used to draw from its own 
 broken cisterns, have been cut off. They have left empti- 
 ness and burning drought of soul. The very body oft-times 
 declares the fever within. Its beauty consumes away; 
 restlessness and disgust mark all its motions ; it wastes 
 with leanness. In vain, do unwise physicians seek, by 
 counsels of false peace, to satisfy its cravings. So fed, it 
 only pines the more. Sense of sin has created this con- 
 suming want. It must be satisfied at that side, whence 
 flowed both water and blood. 
 
 2. But the sense of pain created by thirst, prompts, not 
 only to strong desire of relief, but unremitting exertions 
 to obtain it. With what agony of heart, did Hagar, when 
 the water was spent in her bottle, lay her child down to 
 die. With what eagerness, may we suppose, the mother 
 sprang up, to fetch the life-giving draught from the well, 
 which an angel had pointed out. With what courage, did 
 the gallant followers of David break through the garrison 
 of Bethlehem, to fetch their thirsty master, a draught 
 from its cooling fountain. How readily did the weary 
 soldiers of Jehoram and Jehoshaphat dig the valley of the 
 wilderness full of trenches, to receive the promised floods. 
 
 So is it with the soul which the Spirit of God has made 
 to thirst for pardon and peace. Its longings are unboun- 
 ded ; its prayers, fervent and unceasing. It flies to the 
 word, to the ministrations of grace. Nothing can deter it 
 in its search. Its agonies and its hopes equally urge it on. 
 The Spirit's operations are so powerful, that the strength 
 of innate corruption, of long-continued habits, of reproach 
 and persecution, of spiritual wickedness in high places, nay, 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 3G5 
 
 even of death itself, cannot keep it from seeking the well- 
 spring of life. 
 
 II. But the passage sets before us, secondly, the gospel 
 invitation to those so prepared. " If any man thirst, 
 let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth 
 on me," &c. — Whosoever is thus athirst, let him fly from 
 his own resources, which like the accursed waters of Jeri- 
 cho have neither sweetness, purity, or life, — let him fly 
 from the law, which, like a scorching sun, dries up the 
 sinner's hopes, — let him fly from the world whose garden 
 hath no water, and come unto me whose are the rivers of 
 life ; in me, whosoever believeth, shall live, though he die; 
 whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him, shall 
 never thirst. As cold water to a thirsting soul, so is good 
 news. O, good tidings of great joy ! Come, ye weary and 
 heavy laden, come to Christ, and drink, and rest ! In Him 
 there is plenteous redemption. His blood cleanseth from all 
 sin. His fountain vields streams of eternal life; and over it 
 he has spread his wings, as a tabernacle for a shadow in the 
 day-time from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for 
 a covert from storm and rain. Doth he ask some great 
 thing of you ? He simply says, " Wash, and be clean ; 
 drink, and live for ever." 
 
 III. But these words of our blessed Lord set before us 
 the blessedness and fruitfulness of those who, by faith, 
 accept his gracious invitation. 
 
 1. Their blessedness. " He that believeth on me, out of 
 his belly (or heart) shall flow rivers of living water." This, 
 w T e are expressly told, " He spake of the Spirit, which they 
 that believe on him should receive." The Spirit is the com- 
 forter and the sanctifier of his saints. The comforts of the 
 
 r 3 
 
366 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 Spirit in the believer's soul, are here compared to flowing 
 rivers of living water. The comparison is by no means un- 
 common. The prophet Isaiah, more than once, employs it 
 in a similar manner : " O that thou hadst hearkened unto 
 my commandments ! then had thy peace been as a river, and 
 thy righteousness as the waves of the sea." Again, " Rejoice 
 ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love 
 her; rejoice for joy, with her, all ye that mourn for her. 
 For thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will extend peace to her 
 like a river." 
 
 To enter into the full force and beauty of the compari- 
 son, we must carry our minds far away from the cool tem- 
 perature and ever green verdure, produced by our climate ; 
 and imagine that, after having long toiled, fainting and 
 weary, beneath the burning heat of a tropical sun, and over 
 parched lands and wastes, we spy the waters of Kishon or 
 of Jordan, where they glide in living streams over their 
 rocky bed. A sweet freshness fans the surrounding air, 
 flocks repose in quiet contentment by its side, flowers ap- 
 pear around, the vines with the tender grape give a good 
 smell, the singing of birds is heard, and all nature revives. 
 The wearied frame catches new life, and a pleasant peace 
 occupies the soul. 
 
 Out of the believer's heart, shall flow rivers of living 
 water. He shall not have to weary himself, by wandering 
 in search of them. They shall be within him. The dry 
 and parched wilderness around, shall, indeed, enhance their 
 value, and ever prove whence they are derived. But they 
 shall not dry up the source. This ought not to diminish 
 the fulness of the stream. " He that belie veth on the Son 
 of God, hath the witness in himself." He hath received 
 the spirit of adoption, whereby he crieth, "Abba, Father!" 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 3G7 
 
 He hath the earnest of the Spirit in his heart — an earn-, 
 which keeps the fountain of his joy unsealed, and draws 
 out its gladdening streams to revive and refresh his soul. 
 
 2. The Spirit of Christ in the believer, is a principle of 
 sanctification also ; and as such, its operations are here 
 compared to " rivers of living water." I need hardly pause 
 a moment to explain that, in general, water, from its con- 
 stant use in purifying, is by the Holy Spirit in the Scrip- 
 tures employed as the significant emblem of holiness. As 
 such it was used in John's baptism of repentance ; as such 
 it is employed in the initiatory sacrament of baptism, in 
 which is signified a death unto sin, and a new birth unto 
 righteousness. (Ezek. xxxvi. 25.) But the mode of ex- 
 pression in the text, is more than ordinarily full and ex- 
 pressive. It implies much. With regard to the believer's 
 personal holiness, it signifies, that his graces are to be kept 
 ever lively, for they are compared to living water. His 
 pravers are to be instant prayers. He is to love with a 
 pure heart fervently. The work of faith in his soul is to be 
 with power. He is to count it all joy when he falls into 
 divers temptations. He is to be strong in the Lord, and in 
 the power of his might. Not only are his graces to be 
 lively, but abounding more and more, for they are compared, 
 not to a river, but rivers of living water. He is to abound 
 more and more in knowledge, and in all judgment, and in 
 all the fruits of faith which are by Jesus Christ unto the 
 praise and glory of God. 
 
 The comparison further implies, that he who believeth 
 in Jesus Christ, should be as much distinguished for rela- 
 tive usefulness, as for personal holiness. For these rivers 
 of living water are to flow forth and abroad. "What bless- 
 
368 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 ings does the river, as it flows, dispense. Along side of 
 its fertilizing streams, flocks feed on a more nutritious pas- 
 ture ; the forests put forth more vigorous limbs, and ex- 
 tend a wider shade ; the orchard produces a mere luxuri- 
 ant fruit ; cities rise and flourish on its banks ; the very- 
 wilderness, if the ductile floods are directed over its wastes, 
 is turned into a fruitful field, and flourishes with the green 
 grass, or stands thick with corn. The believer, through 
 sanctification of the Holy Ghost, dispenses blessings far 
 and near. The eye of the poor blesseth him. 
 In conclusion — 
 
 1 . " Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters ! " 
 Be not afraid of the depths of this water. There are shal- 
 lows, in which lambs may wade. " He shall come down 
 like rain upon the mown grass, as showers that water the 
 earth." 
 
 Sense of want. Have you found that satisfaction you 
 expected, that happiness you have been pursuing ? Does 
 your peace flow as a river, or as the waves of the sea ? 
 Rather, is not your soul like the troubled sea, driven of the 
 winds and tossed ? He that will, let him come, and take 
 of this water of life freely ! 
 
 2. Let me enquire of those who have come to him, and 
 have drunk. 
 
 Is their peace great ? He hath promised to pour floods 
 on the dry ground. He hath promised, " The Lord shall 
 guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, 
 and make fat thy bones ; and thou shalt be like a watered 
 garden, and like to springs of water whose waters fail not. 
 Their pastures shall be in all high places. They shall not 
 hunger nor thirst, neither shall the heat nor sun smite 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 them ; for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, 
 even by the springs of water shall he guide them." Christ 
 the fountain. The Lord is my shepherd, he maketh me 
 to lie down in green pastures, he leadeth me beside the 
 still waters. 
 
 Your peace shall increase Likeness of the in- 
 crease, from the fountain to the stream 
 
 Does your holiness flow as a river ? Is it kept in con- 
 stant agitation and activity ? Grace is to be, not a stag- 
 nant pool, but a living stream. Are your prayers, fervent 
 prayers ? Is your hope, a strong consolation ? Is your 
 faith, a triumphing faith ? Is your love, a perfect love 
 that casteth out fear? Are your graces, not like the 
 parched streams of Tema in the drought, but like the over- 
 flowings of a copious stream ? 
 
 Does your personal holiness — the spring which takes 
 its rise in the shade and retirement of private devotion — 
 flow forth to cheer and to improve others ? Do you, with 
 the comfort wherewith vou are comforted of God, comfort 
 others ? Do you bear each other's burdens ? Do you 
 pour the floods of your charity, on the dry and parched 
 ground of sickness and poverty ? Do you, in your own 
 domestic circle, sow in peace the fruits of righteousness r 
 Does your wife, do your little ones, do your servants, par- 
 take of the living waters which flow from your heart — 
 partake of them in your patience, long-suffering, tender 
 consideration, prudent government, wise counsel, and 
 directing example ? Do you, in your more public sphere 
 of life, prove that the fountain, at which you drink, is pure 
 and heavenly ? Is your conversation seasoned with grace r 
 Do vou shew disinterestedness ? 
 
 
 
 R 5 
 
370 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 V. 
 
 Col. hi. 11. 
 
 " CHRIST IS ALL, AND IN ALL." 
 
 When I look at the likeness of some dearly beloved ob- 
 ject, I feel little disposition to consider the frame which 
 may be beautiful, or the light which may be advantageous ; 
 my heart is fixed ; I feed upon the object itself. 
 
 The words of my text seem not to admit of criticism. 
 As soon as they are pronounced, they engross the heart, 
 and leave it little inclination to discuss the exact propriety 
 of their introduction, or the probable connection in which 
 they stand. As the mountain rises abruptly from the 
 bosom of the plain, it commands your admiration, not be- 
 cause you have reasoned yourself into its uniformity with 
 the objects around, but from the noble bearing of its own 
 lofty brow ; — so these words. We can hardly pause to 
 trace their connection. They arrest the heart at once. 
 They carry it away with a holy fervour. The soul is eager 
 to penetrate, without delay, into the mystery they set forth, 
 — the mystery of Christ. Let us obey the holy motion ; 
 and, only pausing to implore the aid of that blessed Spirit, 
 whose it is to take of the things of Christ and shew them 
 unto his church, let us proceed to examine, a little more 
 closely, that glorious object here set before us : " Christ 
 is all, and in all." 
 
 I. Christ is all in all, as God consubstantiate with 
 the Father. 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 37J 
 
 1. At the beginning, his name was "I AM." Ere tin 
 birth of time, he was the Ancient of Days. When there 
 were no depths, he was brought forth ; when there were 
 no fountains abounding with water ; while as yet he had 
 not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of 
 the dust of the world. (Prov. viii. 24 — 26.) 
 
 2. At the foundation of the world, Christ was all in all. 
 O, all ye works of our Lord, set forth his praise. Shine, 
 thou mighty sun, light up the firmament ; light up the 
 earth ; thou art bright with his glory. The works of his 
 hands shew forth his praise. Let the earth produce her 
 streams, her forests, her mountains, her fields, her fruits, her 
 fiowers ; proclaim her beauty, her fruitfulness, her grandeur ; 
 — all these are his handywork, all these are full of Christ. 
 But let the highest heavens open, and the unseen appear. 
 Angels and archangels that inhabit those blest abodes ! 
 whom do you sing as the author of your being, and the 
 fountain of your bliss ? You too, are the work of God's only 
 begotten Son. "For by him were all things created, that 
 are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, 
 whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, 
 or powers ; all things were created by him and for him." 
 
 3. But not only before, and at the formation, of all 
 things, Christ was all in all ; but since, also, in the suste- 
 nance of all things. By him, all things subsist ; and by 
 the same consist. He maketh the outgoings of the morn- 
 ing and the evening to rejoice. The winds are brought 
 out of his treasuries. His clouds drop fatness. The voice 
 of his thunder shaketh the wilderness. He looketh on the 
 earth and it trembleth. He openeth his hand, and all 
 things living are filled with plenteousness. He hides his 
 
372 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 face, they are troubled. He withdraws his breath, they 
 die, and return again to their dust. O Jesus ! mighty God 
 and Creator ! we adore thy uncreated majesty and eternal 
 glory. Thou art all in all, in heaven and earth. May that 
 glorious Godhead which reigns above us — about us, reign 
 within our hearts. O thou that fillest all things, satisfy 
 us ! With thee is the fountain of life and joy ; let us drink, 
 and thirst no more ! 
 
 II. But Christ is all in all, not only as Creator, but as 
 Mediator, and the appointed Head of the Redemption 
 Covenant. 
 
 We might here, with profit and delight, did time permit, 
 review the various dispensations which have characterised 
 different periods of the Church, — the Adamic, the Patri- 
 archal, the Mosaic, and the Prophetical ; and shew that 
 Christ was, in all, the Alpha and the Omega ; that all time 
 has, in its revolutions, wound round him ; that the Divine 
 wisdom has been, through all ages, developing him ; that 
 amidst all the changes and chances of this world, it has 
 been unchangeably the spring of all, to reveal and to glorify 
 Christ. But, omitting this general view, we must confine 
 ourselves, at present, to the consideration of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ as all in all, in the salvation of the individual 
 members of his church. 
 
 First, then, Christ is all in all, in the election of his 
 people. Let me establish this from Ephesians, chapter i ; 
 " Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly 
 places in Christ ; according as he hath chosen us in him 
 before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy 
 and without blame before him in love ; having predesti- 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 373 
 
 nated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to 
 himself, according to the good pleasure of his will." Now 
 I know that there are some humble believers who shrink 
 from tracing up the fulness of Christ thus far. But why ? 
 Is light less bright, at light's great source ? Is the stream 
 less pure, close by the fountain head ? If the air by the 
 side of the hill is fresh, it is fresher on the mountain's top. 
 The belief of this doctrine, so much abused indeed by 
 some, so needlessly feared by others, crowns Christ the 
 " all in all " in the soul. It lays the axe at the root of 
 human merit and dependences. Nay, rather, if the belief 
 of other truths of God's Word has felled the tree of such 
 confidences, this doctrine gathers the fragments and casts 
 them into the fire. Solely on that account, do we glory 
 in it ; because it glorifies Christ. Yea, and we must glory 
 in it. We know nothing of a gospel, which is a mere ap- 
 pendix to man's discoveries, which just finishes off and 
 perfects a plan of man's drawing. The gospel w T e read of 
 in the Bible, and trace in the hearts of God's people, is a 
 peculiar gospel, neither discoverable by man's reason, nor 
 intelligible to man's natural understanding, nor welcome 
 to his unregenerate heart. The sum of it is, " Christ all 
 in all." 
 
 2. Christ is all in all, in the call of his people. " The 
 sheep hear his voice and follow him." Various are the 
 seasons, various the methods, of his call. Not so, the im- 
 pressions his call produces. These, though not the same 
 in degree, are the same in kind, in all ; —dissatisfaction with 
 all things earthly, preparing the heart for the joy of Christ ; 
 deep sense of guilt, preparing the heart for the peace of 
 Christ ; practical knowledge, and bitter experience, of the 
 
374 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 depravity of the heart, leading to dependence on the Spirit 
 of Christ. In short, the Call of Christ is the preparation 
 of the soul for the reception of him as " all in all ; ' it is 
 Christ's hand inflicting the wound which his hand also is 
 to heal ; it is Christ awakening the soul to behold himself, 
 — the sun and glory of a new heavens and a new earth. 
 
 3. Christ is all in all, in the sinner's justification. 
 And here we should clearly understand, what we mean by 
 justification. The person who justifies himself, does not 
 sue for mercy > but claims justice ; does not ask that his 
 sins may be pardoned, but denying the charge, expects to 
 be treated as one who has never offended. When, then, 
 a person is said to justify another, it is meant that, after 
 having heard what was to be alleged against him, he con- 
 siders the charge groundless, and that the accused deserves 
 to be in all respects treated as innocent. In this case, he 
 renders him, not pity, but right. How can man make out 
 any ground for such justification before God ? The law ac- 
 cuses him, not only of such and such actual transgressions, 
 but charges him with a heart departed from its God, the 
 imagination of which is evil from his youth. In vain does 
 he plead repentance; that is but an apology for virtue. 
 Id vain would he plead comparative innocence ; that is 
 preferring a claim to less punishment. Nothing but inno- 
 cence, perfect innocence, will do. His object is, to make 
 out righteousness and to claim justification. Nothing less 
 than this will satisfy a perfect law and a perfect God. O 
 miserable man ! stand out of the way. What the law 
 could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God 
 sending his own Son, in the likeness of sinful flesh, and 
 for sin, condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteousness 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 375 
 
 of the law might be fulfilled in them that believe. It 
 pleased the Father, that in him all fulness should dwell. 
 Peace is made through the blood of his cross. Justifica- 
 tion is his finished perfect work. Christ here is all, and 
 in all. In him, there is no condemnation ; out of him, 
 every charge stands against us. Man can do many great 
 things ; but to build a way between sinful man and a holy 
 God, — that he must let alone for ever. The work requires 
 Emmanuel — " God with us." He hath done it. Woe to 
 him, who thinks he has not done it well, and tries to mend 
 it. But, oh ! blessed, blessed is the man, whose trans- 
 gression is forgiven, whose sin is covered, to whom the 
 Lord imputeth not iniquity ; he stands faultless before the 
 throne of God, complete in him who is the head of all 
 principality and power. 
 
 4. In the sinner's sanctification, Christ may be re- 
 garded as all in all. " Of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who 
 of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and 
 sanctification, and redemption." But how, it may be en- 
 quired, can Christ be the believer's sanctification ? In 
 reply, let me say that certainly, — 1. Christ is not to be 
 regarded as our sanctification, by imputation of his holi- 
 ness to us. Such an idea arises from confusion of things 
 most distinct. Justification is a work altogether without 
 us, and is grounded on a righteousness, not inherent in us, 
 but imputed to us. Sanctification is a work within us, 
 consisting in a vital change in the faculties of the soul. 
 This is not imputed, but implanted. Neither is Christ 
 concerned in the work of sanctification by immediate agency. 
 To convince the soul of sin, of righteousness, and of judg- 
 ment, — this is the proper work of God the Holy Ghost. 
 
376 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 Still, in no ambiguous sense, may Christ be regarded as 
 «' all in all " in the believer's sanctification. " Ye are be- 
 gotten again unto a lively hope, by the resurrection of 
 Jesus Christ." By whose blood was the precious gift of 
 God's Holy Spirit purchased ? By whom were those 
 gifts poured out ? " Thou hast ascended on high, thou 
 hast led captivity captive, thou hast received gifts for men, 
 yea, even for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might 
 dwell among them." " Unto every one of us is given 
 grace, according to the measure of the gift of Christ." 
 Again, we mav regard Christ as mainly concerned in the 
 work of sanctification, as having, in his prophetic office, 
 revealed that doctrine of eternal life, which the Spirit ap- 
 plies to the believer's heart ; also, as the great example 
 from which the Spirit copies in regenerating the soul. In- 
 deed, to paint on the soul the image of Christ, is, in brief, 
 the work of the Holy Ghost in sanctifying ; and again, as 
 furnishing by the love which faith in him inspires, the true 
 motive of all evangelical obedience. The apostle explains 
 what I mean — "The love of Christ constrains us." But 
 perhaps poor Mary, weeping at the Saviour's feet, and 
 wiping them with the hair of her head, will explain it best 
 of all. 
 
 5. Christ is all in all, in securing the believer's final 
 perseverance. " My sheep hear my voice, and I know 
 them, and they follow me ; and I give unto them eternal 
 life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man 
 pluck them out of my hand." " This is the Father's will, 
 which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me, 
 I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the 
 last day." " We have a strong consolation, who have fled 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 377 
 
 for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us ; which 
 hope we have, as an anchor of the soul, both sure and sted- 
 fast." Now, then, take up the challenge of the apostle, 
 " Who shall separate us from the love of Christ ? " 
 
 6. Lastly, Christ as one with the Father and the Holy 
 Ghost, will be all in all, in the believer's final felicity. 
 There are few believers, I imagine, whose ideas of heaven 
 are not summed up in that one precious word, " Christ." 
 To know him in part, is the heaven of earth. To know 
 him fully, to love him perfectly, will be the heaven of hea- 
 ven. There must, now, be some shades of night ; for 
 Jesus' face and love come to us onlv reflected in faith's 
 dark glass ; but — he comes, and then all will be light. At 
 his right hand, we might be sure, if we were not told, 
 there must be pleasure for evermore. In his presence 
 there must be fulness of joy. O heavenly city ! divine 
 abode ! of which God is the light, and the Lamb the 
 glory ! . . . . 
 
 I. Is it the declension of grace you fear? "Abide in 
 me." " From me is thy fruit found." Look off from all 
 things, to Christ. In him is treasured up all grace. We 
 go to other treasures, and find they contain nothing. . . . 
 
 II. Is it the unkindness of the world ? Not only, in 
 the day, does the plant thrive, when the blossom ex- 
 pands ; the night, contracting the blossom, preserves the 
 seed 
 
 III. Is it the more piercing unkindness of Christian 
 friends? .... 
 
 IV. You find a growing sense of the vanity of earthly 
 
 things which moderates all your joy. It is well 
 
 Little things help the wing while it is weak, and support 
 
378 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 the child who otherwise might fall. But as your sight 
 becomes enlarged, the smaller will all earthly objects ap- 
 pear. As your taste is more refined, the more will you 
 hunger for the true bread. .... 
 
 VI. 
 
 2 Thessalonians i. 10. 
 
 " WHEN HE SHALL COME, TO BE GLORIFIED IN HIS SAINTS, AND 
 TO BE ADMIRED IN ALL THEM THAT BELIEVE." 
 
 Because sentence against an evil work is not speedily ex- 
 ecuted, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set 
 in them to do evil. In the unregenerate, delay of judg- 
 ment encourages the vain confidence of final impunity. 
 They mistake God's long-suffering for indifference. 
 
 The same delay oftentimes creates no small amazement 
 in the hearts of God's saints. " Lord, how long? ' they 
 cry, " how long shall the enemy triumph ? ' How long 
 shall wrong thus triumph, and thy saints thus suffer ? It 
 is time, it is time that thou lay to thine hand. Yea, the 
 time is come. Behold, behold our desolate heritages ! 
 Avenge thine elect that cry unto Thee. 
 
 Let both hear the Word of God. "He shall come." 
 " He shall come." The word declares it. The everlasting 
 hills have trembled ; the pillars of heaven have been shaken ; 
 the foundations of the deep have been broken up ; but 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 379 
 
 when did the purpose of God ever shake ? When was his 
 Word known to fail? " He shall come ; ' and with him 
 the grand assize, the proof, the issue of all things, judg- 
 ment, heaven, hell. Oh ! that there were such an heart 
 in men, that they would consider these things while mercv 
 rules. 
 
 I. Weigh these words. " He shall come." 
 
 Who shall come ? Jesus shall come. Jesus, who died 
 that you might live. Jesus, whose blood cleanses from 
 all sin. Jesus, the merciful Saviour. Jesus shall come. 
 Jesus, at whose name archangels bow, whose sceptre all 
 kingdoms obey. Jesus, the mighty God ! 
 
 How shall he come ? Not, as once, in lowly man- 
 hood. Not, as once, when cradled in a manger. Not, as 
 once, with the extended branch of peace. But in majesty, 
 in power, in glory, with the clouds of heaven and his holy 
 angels and his chariot-wheels of burning flame, with the 
 sword upon his thigh and his garments dyed in blood ; — 
 to the valley of decision ; for ever to settle the contro- 
 versy, to send forth judgment unto victory, to bruise finally 
 the serpent's head, and overthrow the gates of hell. 
 
 When shall he come? When men have become 
 lovers of themselves, despisers of authority. When infi- 
 delity is mad ; vice, bold and triumphant. When his peo- 
 ple's love is waxing cold ; when their hearts begin to faint 
 and fear ; while scoffers ask, " Where is the promise of 
 his coming? ' Then will he come. — Without notice ; un- 
 expected, like the lightning that flashes across the heavens. 
 He shall come, and bring his judgment with him. 
 
 II. But we turn from the judgment of condemnation, 
 to contemplate that eternal and exceeding weight of glory 
 
380 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 which he shall, at his coming, bring to his people. And 
 here — 
 
 1. Attend to the character of these. They are "saints;" 
 they are " Those that believe." Here is the principle, and 
 its operation. Here is the tree, and its fruits. Here is 
 the basis, and the superstructure, — faith and sanctification. 
 They believe;— believe the Word of God, its testimony 
 concerning God, themselves, Jesus, judgment. They as- 
 sent to these truths with their understanding, consent to 
 them with their hearts, and conform to them in their lives. 
 They are saints. Born again, not of the will of man, nor 
 of the will of the flesh, but of God. This new birth had 
 enrolled them citizens of heaven. Their treasure and their 
 affection had been above. Their way had been the way of 
 holiness. Their aim, eternal glory. 
 
 2. Attend, next, to the unspeakable glory and bless- 
 edness that await such at Jesu's appearing. " He comes 
 to be glorified in his saints." 
 
 No creature can add to the essential glory of God — 
 that is, the brightness of his attributes combined into a 
 light of perfection, which is the sun of the whole universe. 
 But each creature may, acting in conformity with the law 
 of its creation, exhibit the Divine wisdom, goodness, and 
 power ; and thus, not increase, so much as manifest his 
 glory. In this sense, Christ at his coming, is to be glorified 
 in his saints. 
 
 They shall manifest His sovereignty . They are saved 
 by the exercise of prerogative. Who could have repealed 
 the law which consigned them to death, but the same power 
 that made it ? Who could have chosen them in preference 
 to others, but he in whom rested the right of dominion 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 381 
 
 over, and disposal of, all creatures? In them, Jesus stands 
 confessed Lord and King-, the only potentate, working all 
 things after the counsel of his own will. 
 
 They shall manifest His wisdom. Wisdom is finally to 
 be justified of all her children. Much mystery now hangs 
 over wisdom's ways. The methods of God's discipline are 
 now hard to be understood, and liable to be misrepresented. 
 But the end will drive away all mists. When it is seen 
 that these methods have gathered the elect of every clime 
 into one fold, into one heaven, — when they are seen, a 
 goodly company at Jesu's right hand, — wisdom will break 
 out as a sun, and fling from its beams all clouds. 
 
 They shall manifest His grace and mercy. Who are 
 those that now throng the throne of glory ? Whence did 
 they come? Where were they found? Found in their 
 blood, found amid the husks and swine, found amid publi- 
 cans and sinners, found amid pharisees and hypocrites. 
 They are come from Egypt. They are snatched from the 
 fire. They were children of the devil. O ! wondrous 
 grace ! — They are now the sons of God. — They are now 
 the heirs of glory — joint heirs with Christ. 
 
 They shall manifest His truth and holiness. He was 
 pledged to redeem them, and to bring many sons unto 
 glory. He has redeemed them. They have been brought 
 through the great and perilous wilderness. The sea op- 
 posed them, and was driven back. Mountains opposed 
 them, and were shaken. Drought threatened, and rocks 
 were made to flow. Famine threatened, and the heavens 
 dropped manna. Mighty kings opposed their way, and 
 were scattered. They are come from the wilderness of 
 the world. They have escaped from the kingdom of dark- 
 
382 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 ness. They have passed the valley of the shadow of 
 death. And now they stand robed in his Everlasting 
 Righteousness, conformed to his glorious image, and par- 
 takers of his everlasting reign. 
 Such honour have all his saints. 
 
 III. "To BE ADMIRED IN ALL THEM THAT BELIEVE." 
 
 Eternal employments now begin. To admire Jesus, and 
 God in him. Now, for the first time, his eternal Godhead 
 is understood. In the days of their flesh, they longed to 
 know somewhat of this, and were permitted to catch, here 
 and there, a glimpse in the dark glass of their natural senses. 
 But now it is seen in those goings which have been of old, 
 from everlasting. Now they see the state and circumstance 
 of his heavenly abode. Now, they behold the unapproach- 
 able light, in which he is clad. The beauties of his holi- 
 ness now appear transcendent, above all the shining hosts 
 that surround his throne. Thev now find themselves in a 
 temple, of which his essential Glory is the light, and in 
 which his name, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, is 
 only adored. They admire the king in his beauty. They 
 now, for the first time, understand the graciousness of his 
 manhood. What ! did he — he whose majesty thus fills 
 heaven, he to whom archangels thus minister, he whose 
 praise is the melody of heaven, he whose word is the law 
 of worlds; — did he sojourn with wretched man? Did he 
 draw in our polluted air ? Did he, with those feet that 
 now tread down the stars, tread our dusty earth ? Did he 
 know our griefs and sorrows ? Is this the same that bled 
 on Calvary ? The same ! the same ! That shoulder, that 
 holds the government, once supported across. Those lips, 
 that now fix the doom of men and angels, once prayed in 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 383 
 
 agonies. Those brows, that are now glorious with the 
 crown, once wept blood. 
 
 Oh ! What admiration fills them ! What amazement ! 
 What delight ! What love ! Eternal life is begun. They see 
 Him as he is. This is heaven. The heaven for which thev 
 fought and groaned, is come at last, and come for ever. 
 In conclusion — Examine yourselves. 
 Do you believe, with the faith of his people? Why 
 judge you so? It is a great thing to believe. Professing 
 faith is the cheapest of drugs ; real faith, rarer than gold. 
 Do you distinguish, do you winnow yourself w 7 ith the fan 
 of God's Word ? Try- 
 To believe. It is to have stood as a criminal at the bar 
 of God's righteous judgment. It is to have received within 
 yourself the sentence of death. Is this your case? Or 
 do you think your unblemished life may spare you this 
 humiliation and pain ? But, — not to contend about degrees 
 of self-condemnation and godly sorrow, — does yours drive 
 you, as blind, naked, wretched, miserable, to Jesus Christ, 
 to be freely pardoned ? A less degree than this, is not 
 
 saving. 
 
 To believe. It is to live on Christ, to have cast the soul 
 upon his mercies, to have rested all our hopes of life on 
 his atoning blood, to look to his help alone for salvation, to 
 regard him as the author and finisher of our faith. 
 
 To believe. It is to be dead with Christ and alive again 
 unto God, to have arisen in the power of a spiritual life, 
 to have put on the new man. In a word — to be a saint. 
 
 Start not at the term. Are you a saint ? If not, you 
 have never believed, you are yet in your sins. But you 
 judge yourself to be a saint, or humbly trust you are. I 
 
384 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 trust so too, but would not have you deceived. Why do 
 you thus judge ? " You have been sprinkled with holy 
 water, you worship in a holy house, you bear a holy name, 
 you profess a holy faith." Great privileges indeed, but 
 not graces. Great pledges to holiness, but not of its 
 essence. He is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; nei- 
 ther is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh ; 
 but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly ; and circumcision 
 is of the heart, in the spirit, whose praise is not of men, 
 but of God. Are you a new man ? In what respects ? It 
 is not a name, but a substance, a visible, tangible, thing. 
 Does it shew itself in deadness to the world, in devotion to 
 God ? Does it cry and wrestle in prayer ? Does it wait 
 in patience ? Does it bow in humility ? Does it mourn 
 in penitential sorrow ? Does it burn in zeal ? Does it 
 labour in love ? Does it overcome in temptation ? Does 
 it look for rest, and long for heaven ? (And what is a 
 saint, if it be not this?) If not. Then how will you 
 stand, where will you appear, when "He shall come?' 
 You may brave it out now ; numbers and power, antiquity 
 and opinion, shelter and defend you. But then, when every 
 defence will be thrown down, when all that is of the world 
 will reel and fall, then, how will you stand ? Or, if you 
 cannot stand, where will you fly ? Oh ! hear ! hear the 
 voice that calls ! Why will ye die ? Now, fly to the strong- 
 holds, yield yourselves to the Gospel of Christ, unreservedly 
 yield, before this great salvation issues in a great destruc- 
 tion. Believe, and be sanctified. Receive Christ as your 
 wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, redemption. Do this, 
 and live ! 
 
 But you have believed ; Christ is your righteousness ; 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 385 
 
 and you are drawing- sanctification from the grace of his 
 Spirit. Oh ! then, what stirring motives, what cheering 
 consolations, are here offered you ! " He shall come, to 
 be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them 
 that believe." How stirring the motive here set before 
 you ! Oh, that we could realise these things more, that 
 those powers of the world to come were more powerfully 
 felt ! Is it indeed so ? Is it to this, we are appointed ? Are 
 we thus vessels of honour, vessels of glory? Has divine 
 grace so distinguished, so exalted us ? What ! Christ to 
 be glorified in us, to be admired in us ! Wonderful truth ! 
 Why not more acted upon as truth ? Oh, slow of heart 
 to believe ! What is it that now so fetters the children of 
 so glorious a liberty ? Why are they not now more in 
 freedom ? Why are we not now more conspicuously holy, 
 more eminently devoted ? Why always in the valley of 
 sorrows, doubts, and fears ? Why not, even now 7 , oftener 
 on the mount, communing with God, and by faith fore- 
 stalling this eternal weight of glory ? We are straitened 
 in ourselves. We are afraid to venture on the promises of 
 God. We shrink from self-denial. We love carnal ease. 
 Let us awake ! Let us arise ! Oh, let us glorify him now ! 
 Let us admire him now ! Now, before and in the face of 
 an evil and adulterous generation, let us reflect his light, 
 confess his name, do his works, manifest his praise, and 
 thus let it be seen that we are a chosen generation, a royal 
 priesthood, a peculiar people. 
 
 What cheering consolations are here held out ! He shall 
 come, to be glorified in you, to be admired in you. He 
 shall come. Yes, there shall be a period to your contest. 
 Victory is at hand. There shall be a period to your race. 
 
 s 
 
386 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 The goal is near. Sin shall not always infest and trouble 
 you. — " He shall come," and with him, perfect holiness. 
 Sorrow shall not always depress you. — " He shall come," 
 and with him perfect bliss. Fear of change shall not always 
 disquiet you. — " He shall come," and with him, an eternal 
 day and endless life. You shall not always have to com- 
 plain that you cannot glorify him worthily, that you cannot 
 admire him dulv. Oh, no ! — " He shall come," and vou 
 shall arise with body and spirit glorified. Then, your hea- 
 ven begins. Then, you shall for ever attend his throne, do 
 his will, manifest his glory. You shall then, in his pre- 
 sence, taste his joys. You shall, then, be for ever free, and 
 for ever happy. 
 
 VII. 
 
 Luke xxii. 42. 
 "not my will, but thine, be done." 
 
 So prayed our blessed Redeemer, in the depth of his 
 agonies in Gethsemane. So we pray daily, but, it is to be 
 feared, with many reserves, with too little sincerity. What 
 enemies are we to our own peace ! Insubjection of will 
 is our only real trouble. Why will we so pertinaciously 
 cherish this viper in our bosom ? Do we believe that by 
 his will, God hath begotten us, that we should be a kind 
 of first-fruits of his creatures, a chosen generation, a 
 royal priesthood, a peculiar people ? Do we believe, that 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 287 
 
 by Lis will we have been brought to Zion, and an innu- 
 merable company of angels, to the general assembly of 
 the church of the first-born, whose names are written in 
 heaven, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefilcd, and 
 that fadeth not away ? And do we believe, that the way 
 to this unspeakable bliss was laid in the death of God's 
 only-begotten Son, that we have been redeemed, not 
 with corruptible things as silver and gold, but with the 
 precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without spot and 
 without blemish ? Do we believe that the will of God has 
 done these things for us ; and yet, do we perversely repine 
 at, and contend with, that gracious will ? Alas ! we du, 
 too — too often. 
 
 Perhaps, God has, in his infinite wisdom, allotted us u 
 weak and unhealthy frame of body. In this case, how 
 often are we tempted to murmur and repine. How strange 
 is this, we think. If permitted, I could now, by Divine 
 grace, be made a blessing to my fellow- creatures ; I might 
 administer comfort to their bodies, and medicine to their 
 souls ; how sweet, how useful, an employment would this 
 be ; but for what am I now fit ; stretched upon the bed of 
 sickness, I am a burden to the kindness of others, and a 
 weariness to myself ; how happy their lot, who, on each 
 returning day, go forth as the sun to run their course, 
 spreading light and warmth and every blessing to all 
 around them, and above all, by their good works glorifying 
 their Father which is in heaven. O upstart will ! Why 
 these perverse reasonings ? Is it not as useful, to suffer 
 the will of God, as to do it ? May not God be as much 
 glorified by patience as by activity ? Behold, to obey, is 
 better than sacrifice, and to hearken, than the fat of lambs. 
 
 S 2 
 
38S NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 But is it not part of our folly, that we exaggerate the 
 evils of our condition ? Can we not, in sickness, work 
 for God ? Is prayer no work ? Is self-examination no 
 work ? Are joy, peace, long-suffering, meekness, no 
 works ? Submit yourselves to God's gracious will. Sick 
 hours are, properly understood, heavenly hours. — During 
 sleepless nights, to converse with Christ, and feel the 
 blessed presence of his Spirit keeping the soul in peace. — 
 During painful days, to find God our health, and strength, 
 and support, — when there is every thing from without to 
 depress the spirits, to find the eternal springs of comfort 
 fresh with comfortable hopes and joys. These are the 
 blessed fruits of sickness, even while its hand is heavy on 
 us. But, when God is pleased to remove his chastening 
 rod, what peaceable fruits does it yield to them that have 
 been exercised thereby. How much self-ignorance, how 
 much unbelief, how much worldly-mindedness, how much 
 asperity, do we leave behind us in the bed of sickness. 
 How much more faith, simplicity, humility, charity, do 
 we bring from it. Blessed will of God ! If the cup of 
 God may not pass from us except we drink it, thy will, 
 not ours, be done ! 
 
 II. It is possible that God has fixed the bounds of your 
 habitation in a sphere which does not appear to give scope 
 to your gifts and graces. You are, perhaps, tempted to 
 think that the circle which you are appointed to fill, is too 
 confined ; that God has qualified you for a station of more 
 Consequence in his church. And this feeling, though it 
 does not break out into open complaint, often disturbs 
 your peace, and throws stumbling-blocks in your way. O 
 vain man ! how plain is it, that God is dealing graciously 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 389 
 
 with you. If you had your heart's desire, if Satan were 
 permitted to carry you to a pinnacle of the temple, how 
 soon would you presumptuously cast yourself down. Bet- 
 ter is the will of your gracious God, than your own. His 
 discipline is good. Let humility and faith cultivate the 
 ground which the good husbandman commits to you — 
 thankful that you have any place in his vineyard. If thou 
 dost so, and it is good for thee, thou mayest expect pre- 
 ferment — more labour, more suffering, and more glory. 
 Meanwhile, with all submission, labour where God has 
 placed you ; praying that his, not your own, will may be 
 done. 
 
 III. But there are others, who as much resist the will 
 of God that calls them to a post of greater labour and 
 consequence, as the former class do, that which fixes them 
 in what they vainly think too narrow a sphere. These, 
 like Moses, would rather feed their flock in the retirement 
 of the desert, than be placed at the head of the many 
 thousands in Israel ; they would therefore, like Moses, 
 excuse themselves ; — they have no gifts, no parts, no 
 strength, equal to the exalted undertaking ; they pray 
 God, by some other better qualified, to lead forth his peo- 
 ple Israel; they fear that they shall but bring disgrace 
 upon the cause of Christ, if they take a prominent part in 
 its defence. Contend not with the will of God. Follow 
 the leadings of his providence. He who calls, will qualify. 
 He who commands, will give strength to obey. Resist 
 not his will. " Not by might, nor by power, but by my 
 Spirit, saith the Lord." His grace is sufficient for you. 
 He loves, with broken reeds, to demolish the strong-holds 
 of the enemy, that the excellency of the power may be 
 
 s 3 
 
390 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 known to be of Him, and not of man. Blessed God ! 
 thy will is good ; thy will, not ours, be done. 
 
 IV. Perhaps God has seen fit to break up, by some un- 
 expected blow, all the plans of usefulness and improve- 
 ment which you had proposed to yourself. An unexpected 
 death, or an unexpected removal, or some other dispensa- 
 tion, has altered the whole complexion of your affairs. 
 The little circle of religious comforts which you had, in 
 imagination, formed around yourself, is abruptly broken in 
 upon ; and, at the very moment when you were dreaming 
 of sitting under the shade of your gourd, a worm preys 
 upon its root ; your comforts fly, your strong-holds fall, 
 the well that you had digged has dried up. Such dispen- 
 sations, the will of God often brings upon his servants. 
 But it is enough that they are his dispensations, that they 
 do flow from his will. Their design is mercy. In the 
 plans, that we had so fondly formed, it is possible we were 
 quite right in the end which we proposed to ourselves, but 
 quite ignorant of the means most likely to secure it. We 
 had resolved to grow in grace and in the knowledge of 
 Christ ; and yet, with that good resolution, were in all 
 likelihood, choosing that very way which would have 
 seduced us from God instead of leading us to him, fixed 
 us to earth instead of weaning us from it, tied the bands 
 of earthly connections closer instead of dissolving them. 
 In short, the devil was about to cheat us with a heaven 
 upon earth — an earthly heaven — a heaven of creature 
 comforts. But God is too watchful for our good, to per- 
 mit it. His will, at once, anticipates the danger, and res- 
 cues us from the silken snare. If, then, such visitations 
 have overtaken us, let us possess our souls in faith and 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 391 
 
 patience. Let us, though it be from broken hearts, and 
 with streaming eyes, pray, " Thy will, O God, not mine, 
 be done." 
 
 V. There may be others amongst us, whom the will of 
 God, tries, by withholding much of the sensible comfort 
 of religion. They have now been long mourning, weep- 
 ing, praying, striving ; and yet seem hardly to have touch- 
 ed the hem of the Saviour's garment, hardly to have eaten 
 of the crumbs that fall under his table. They pant for 
 the peace of God in Christ, as the hart panteth for the 
 water-brooks ; but hope deferred almost maketh their 
 heart sick. Fears possess at times their souls; they know 
 not how to interpret God's seeming rejection of their 
 prayers. Hath he cast them off? Hath he hid his face 
 from them in displeasure ? Fear not, broken heart ! 
 Christ is with thee, though thou perceivest it not. Your 
 prayers, your tears, your longings, are all the fruits of 
 grace. Some wise reason governs the will of your hea- 
 venly Father, in withholding from you the sensible degree 
 of assurance, you desire. Perhaps, if your prayers were 
 answered, you would cease to pray ; if your longings were 
 filled, you would long no more. Or, perhaps, you are one 
 of those last, who shall be made first. Remember, for 
 your comfort, that if many tears are on your face, there 
 is the more work for Jesu's hand. Go on, then, sowing, 
 though it be in tears, and cry, "It is the Lord, let him do 
 what seemeth him good." 
 
 VI. Others, the will of God is perhaps proving, by 
 withdrawing a large portion of their worldly comforts. 
 From some fluctuations in trade, or from some of the 
 various changes that affect the value of property, or from 
 
392 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 other causes, we find ourselves in a situation verv dif- 
 ferent from what we have been accustomed to ; our means 
 of comfort, our powers of doing good, are abridged ; a 
 thousand schemes which we had planned, are at once dis- 
 solved ; a rigid economy has become necessary ; a self- 
 denial must be exercised in all the little details of personal 
 and domestic expenditure. We find it difficult to bow our 
 wills ; the change is far more uneasy to us than we antici- 
 pated. We fancy that the tendency of straitened means is to 
 cramp the mind. A great many little irritations occur, 
 which try the temper, to which we were before strangers. 
 If the change affected ourselves only, it might be more 
 easily borne, but it extends through so many ramifications, 
 it has so important an effect on our children and other 
 relatives, on our neighbours, our influence amongst them, 
 and kind offices to them. And do we thus contend with 
 God ? Does not the truth now appear ? Is it not plainly 
 seen, how firmly the creature had hold of our hearts ? — 
 how unjust a value we had attached to money, station, and 
 their appurtenances, — how little we had realised self-denial, 
 — how far our affections w T ere, from being fixed on things 
 above, — how little w T ere our shoulders accustomed to the 
 cross. Though God has now excluded us from large dona- 
 tions, from the liberal distribution of alms, from hospitable 
 entertainment of friends, are we excluded from prayer ; 
 may not our exercise of patience, benefit their souls ; may 
 not God be more glorified by the mite which we now spare 
 out of our poverty, than by the large gifts w T hich formerly, 
 out of our abundance, we cast into the treasury ? Though 
 we are now forbidden to entertain high and great thoughts 
 for our children, yet are not many sources of temptation 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 393 
 
 removed ? May we not rear them up for the service of 
 God, more safely, in the school of adversity ? Is there 
 any respect of persons with God? Does he measure ex- 
 cellence by the the station in which it appears ? Is not 
 grace as precious in his sight, in the tanner's house at 
 Joppa, as in the royal pavilion of David ? Submit to the 
 will of God ! The crosses of which you complain are 
 links in that chain of means by which he attaches you to 
 Christ and heaven. The great day will explain all. Mean- 
 while pray, "Thy will, not mine, be done." 
 
 VII. Perhaps, God's will requires our life, and we find 
 it hard to bend to his dispensations. We are young ; bright 
 visions of happiness open before us ; we have formed at- 
 tachments tender and virtuous ; a fair field of exertion 
 appears to lie open before us. How severe the stroke that 
 is to sever, at once, all these links. O foolish will, to be 
 thus opposed to God's tenderest mercies ! Why so unwill- 
 ing to leave an earth of sorrow and sighing and sin, and 
 to enter into the joy of your Lord ? Can you be better 
 employed, than in glorifying God ? Is it not your great- 
 est grief, that you do that so imperfectly here ? Then, 
 why refuse to go there, where you shall do the will of 
 God even as it is done in heaven ? And why speak of 
 earthly attachments ? What can you desire more, than to 
 know the love of Christ that passeth knowledge, to see 
 him face to face, to see him as he is. What earthly attach- 
 ment can be put in comparison or competition with this ? 
 And as for your visions of happiness. How soon would 
 the realities of life dissolve them ! Why wish to live, to 
 experience that all is vanity and vexation of spirit ? The 
 time so spent— w T ould it not be more sweetly employed, 
 
 s s 
 
394 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 in realising those joys which eye hath not seen, nor ear 
 heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man to 
 conceive. 
 
 But, perhaps, we are in a different stage of life — ad- 
 vanced to that period when connections of the deepest 
 kind, and interests of the last importance, have been 
 formed. Wedlock has bound us in its sacred bond. Chil- 
 dren expect instruction and support from us. Our death 
 will pierce many hearts with wounds, and expose many to 
 the evils of unprotected weakness and want. Therefore ; 
 although we would, ourselves, be content to depart, 
 and be with Christ ; yet, for others, it seems better that 
 we should remain. Rut why dispute with God ? If it 
 were better, then he would not call upon you to surrender 
 your life. O, that we had faith as a grain of mustard 
 seed ! How quickly, then, would vanish all these doubts 
 and fears ! Can we not commit our husbands, or wives, 
 or children, and all their concerns, to the heavenly Father 
 reconciled to us in Christ ? Does not his Spirit bear wit- 
 ness with our spirit, when we slight not his suggestions 
 by unbelief, that he takes charge of them, that he will 
 provide for their want, that he will be unto them a sun 
 and a shield, that he will do for them more exceeding 
 abundantlv than we can either ask or think ? 
 
 O, then, let us enter the valley of the shadow of death, 
 if it be our gracious Father's will ! Let us gladly ungird 
 our harness, and enter into our rest. If we have followed 
 the good shepherd through the evils of the world, let us 
 not draw back when his voice calls us to lie down in the 
 green pastures, and to drink the still water of everlasting 
 joys. 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 VIII.* 
 
 Matthew vi. 9. 
 
 " AFTER THIS MANNER THEREFORE PRAY YE." 
 
 Introductory Observations. — Abundance of prayers daily 
 poured forth on worldly occasions, whilst few in comparison 
 pray to God. The sick cry to the physician ; the poor, to 
 the wealthy ; the ignorant, to the learned ; the child, to 
 its mother; the friend, to his friend, &c. But few cry in 
 earnest, to the God of mercies. 
 
 I. Duty of Prayer. As far as commandment goes, 
 the following texts command the duty, though in the gen- 
 tle form : —Luke xi. 1 — 13; Luke xviii. 1 — 7; Rom. xii. 
 12; Col. iv. 2; Eph. vi. 18; 1 Thess. v. 17 ; 1 Peter 
 iv. 7 ; Phil. iv. 6 ; James i. 5 ; James v. 13. 
 
 The privilege of a Christian is a command to an un- 
 believer. These encouragements to prayer, and practical 
 rules for its fulfilment, while thev are a comfort to God's 
 true people, are still the terrors of the law to those whom 
 the law has not yet brought to Christ. 
 
 II. Reasons of the Duty : — 
 
 1 . That we might acknowledge the property that God 
 hath in the gifts he bestows upon us ; otherwise we should 
 forget the tenure, on which we hold the blessings we re- 
 ceive from his hand. The tendency of man's heart is to 
 self-sufficiency and independency. Prayer is intended to 
 
 * From Notes of a week-day Lecture, entered in a Journal 
 of 3rd November 1831. 
 
396 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 school him in dependence upon his chief good. Hence 
 Christians' prayers are not answered all at once ; nor so 
 soon, oft-times, as they expect. It is good for them, too, 
 to gather their manna day by day. 
 
 2. That we might acquaint ourselves with God. (Job 
 xxii. 21.) " Acquaint now thyself with God, and be at 
 peace ; thereby good shall come unto thee." Acquaintance 
 grows by conversation. 
 
 3. Prayer is the way to keep the heart. We are not 
 used to offend those, into whose presence we are con- 
 stantly going to ask favours. Besides, coming often into 
 God's presence, breeds a holy awe and a fervent love, 
 whereby we are inclined to please him in all things, and 
 are made fearful of offending him. 
 
 III. Excellency, or the power and efficacy of 
 Prayer. Exod. iii. 7, compared with Exod. ii. 23, 24 ; 
 Exod. xvii. 8 — 13; Joshua x. 12, 13; 1 Sam. xii. 17, 
 18; 2 Kings xix. xx. ; 2 Chron. xx. ; Dan. ix. 20 — 
 23, &c. 
 
 Conclusion. — The weakness, imbecility, and frailty, 
 of man, — an argument for his seeking the arm and help 
 of Omnipotence. The ignorance, doubt, uncertainty, of 
 man, — an argument for his seeking the wisdom and coun- 
 sel of the Omniscient. The faithlessness, treachery, and 
 deceptions, of the world, — an argument for seeking the 
 All-faithful and true God. 
 
 God's readiness to hear. 
 
 Mediation of Christ. 
 
 Invitation to sinners, to come in prayer to the reconciled 
 Father. 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 397 
 
 IX.* 
 
 Matthew vi. 9. 
 
 " AFTER THIS MANNER THEREFORE PRAY YE : OUR FATHER WHICH 
 
 ART IN HEAVEN.'' 
 
 General Observations. — Prayer, first sign of grace and 
 life in the soul. It is the earliest dawn of the gospel day 
 in the heart. It is the unsealing of the fountain of life. 
 It is the first breath of the coming spring — of righteous- 
 ness and true holiness. Disinclination to, and neglect of, 
 prayer — worst symptom in the unregenerate heart. Misery 
 and danger of the man that does not pray. Encourage- 
 ment, which the text holds out, to prayer. " Father." 
 Tenderness of that name. (Amplify and enlarge on this.) 
 How ought this title to encourage us to prayer— to 
 pray in faith and confidence. Various grounds of God's 
 paternity, which the Scriptures reveal. 
 
 1. He is our Father by Creation. Job xxxviii. 
 where the creation of men, natural agents, gives to God, 
 the title of Father. Still more properly, therefore, is he 
 styled in Heb. xii. 9, the Father of Spirits; and men, his 
 rational creatures, in Acts xvii. 28, his offspring ; and 
 Adam, in Luke iii. 38, the Son of God. In Malachi ii. 10. 
 it is enquired, " Have we not all one Father ? hath not 
 one God created us ?" 
 
 2. By Preservation. The education of a child, and 
 constant supply of all his wants, is, as it were, a con- 
 
 * From the before-mentioned Journal — 10th November 1831. 
 
398 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 tinual renewal of the relationship of father. (Enlarge on 
 this head.) How tender that paternity, which has pre- 
 served us under the thousand dangers and trials, to which 
 we are exposed, &c. 
 
 3. By Redemption. (Deut. xxxii. 6; Isa. xliv. 24; 
 Isa. lxiii. 16.) Much more, then, is the redemption from 
 sin and misery, which God wrought for us in Christ, a 
 proper ground of paternity. (Enlarge on the tenderness 
 of the heavenly Father s love, as exemplified in the price 
 paid for our redemption; And take occasion to preach 
 " Christ crucified." J 
 
 4. By Regeneration. (James i. i7, 18; 1 John v. 
 1 ; John i. 12 ; Eph. ii. 10, &c.) (Take occasion both to 
 exalt the love of God, as our Father, sheivn in sanctifica- 
 tion ; and also to preach that holiness, without which no man 
 must see the Lord.) 
 
 5. By the Resurrection from the dead. (Luke xx. 
 35, 36; Rom. viii. 17—23; Psalm ii. 7; Acts xiii. 33.) 
 
 6. By Adoption. (Eph. i. 5, 6 ; Rom. viii. 15.) 
 
 " Our Father." The whole church of Christ should be 
 remembered in our prayers ; and those graces and gifts, 
 sought and desired, which tend most to the edification 
 and comfort of his whole body, of which each individual 
 Christian forms a member. (Gal, iii. 28 ; Eph. iv. 1 — 6; 
 John xvii. 21, 22, 23; 1 Cor. xii. passim.) 
 
 " Wliich art in heaven." Earth, the world, carnal affec- 
 tions, sorrows, disappointments, all are to be laid aside, 
 and our hearts to ascend to heaven, where is the dwelling 
 place of our Father— where is the throne of grace— where 
 Christ sitteth, exalted at the right hand of God, a 
 merciful High Priest — where is the heavenly city and 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 399 
 
 the inheritance reserved. (Enlarge on each of these sub- 
 jects. J 
 
 Result of the whole. — An earnest call to prayer, on 
 the ground of God's paternal character and readiness to 
 hear. (Luke xi. 9— 12.) 
 
 X. 
 
 Romans xii. 12. 
 
 " CONTINUING INSTANT IN PRAYER." 
 
 This morning, I enjoyed the privilege of dwelling on the 
 blessedness of prayer, with the view of encouraging myself 
 and others, to press forward with renewed ardour, and to 
 persevere with increased patience, in that altogether Divine 
 work. I would now, as God may enable me, endeavour 
 to remove one of the many hindrances which keep us from 
 drawing near the mercy- seat, with that holy assurance of 
 hope which ensures a blessing. This hindrance, is a lurk- 
 ing misgiving as to God's hearing and answering our peti- 
 tions, an unbelief which we do not confess — we should be 
 ashamed to do so — but whose secret operations do, in 
 point of fact, render our prayers less frequent and less pre- 
 vailing. In opposition to this hindrance, I propose offer- 
 ing a few observations on the various methods in which 
 God answers the prayers of his people. 
 
 I. It is possible, then, that I shall meet the very trials 
 
400 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 of some who hear me, when I observe, first, that our gra- 
 cious Father, in answering prayer frequently seems to delay 
 long. I use the words advisedly, — " seems to delay long." 
 Far be from our hearts, the thought that he can really 
 delay, that he who rideth upon the heavens in the help of 
 his people can really disappoint them. Oh, no ! The poor 
 Syrophcenician woman, when he answered her not a word 
 at her first request, thought the Saviour delayed. When, 
 in answer to her second petition, he replied, " It is not 
 meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the 
 dogs;" it cost her much, not to think the delay unkind. 
 But, when the gracious Saviour at last said, " Be it unto 
 thee even as thou wilt," she understood then, that love 
 was increasing the favour which it seemed to withhold. 
 
 Martha and Mary, very possibly, might have thought 
 that Jesus delayed, when, after hearing of Lazarus' death, 
 he abode two days still in the same place. What ! not 
 come to visit us in our affliction ! What ! suffer his friend 
 Lazarus to be laid in the tomb, without hastening to share 
 the pious grief which embalmed his memory ! This seemed 
 unlike the tender Saviour. This seemed like delay. But 
 when Lazarus came forth from the bed of corruption, at 
 his commanding voice ; then, the glory of the power and 
 compassion, which apparent tardiness had rendered so illus- 
 trious, compelled them to acknowledge " He doeth all 
 things well," we are glad he did not come before. 
 
 How severely did the apparent delays of God's provi- 
 dence, try even faithful Abraham. When, at the call of 
 God, he had departed from Haran at seventy-five years of 
 age, God had promised that, in him and his seed, all the 
 families of the earth should be blessed. Long, did the 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 401 
 
 man of God live upon this promise. At last, even Abra- 
 ham's faith, for a moment, staggers — ''And Abram said, 
 Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, 
 and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus ; 
 and Abram said, behold to me thou hast given no seed, 
 and lo, one born in my house is mine heir." God then 
 confirms his faith with a new promise. Still he delays. 
 And Isaac is not born, till Abraham is a hundred years 
 old. Twenty-five years, did Abraham live by promise. 
 But how precious to himself, this apparent delay. How 
 had this blessing withheld, kept him waiting upon his God ; 
 how had it chastened and humbled him ; how had the trial 
 strengthened his faith, and exercised his patience. And 
 when the gift did come, how plainly did all appear God's 
 doing. How marvellous was it in his eyes. What blessed 
 fruits of active obedience, did it produce in his soul. 
 Afterwards, when God did tempt Abraham, he withheld 
 not his son, even his only son from him. No, he knew 
 that he, whose power had given him against all hope, 
 could by the same power restore, even from the dead. He 
 staggered not through unbelief. Are there, then, any pre- 
 sent, almost fainting under God's delays, who have long 
 had some object near their hearts — oh, that they had more 
 such objects / — who cannot reconcile providences and pro- 
 mises ? Let them not be dismayed. Behold, we count 
 them happy who endure. Ye have heard of the patience 
 of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord, that the Lord 
 is very pitiful and of tender mercy. 
 
 II. The next observation I have to make, will tend to 
 strengthen you in hope and patience, under delay. It is 
 this. That our gracious God commonly grants many 
 
404 NOTES OF SERMONS. 
 
 much occupied. No help appears. Yet help shall come — 
 come, so that we shall say, " the Lord hath done it." His 
 hand is not shortened that it cannot save. O, short-sighted 
 believer ! when you have wearied yourself to find the way, 
 prayer shall find an unseen hand and an unseen door, and 
 you shall go in and out and find abundance. 
 
 IV. Lastly. God in his answers to prayer, disciplines 
 the soul to entire resignation to his will : — 
 
 1 . By granting such things as we desired, and find not 
 good when obtained. How often, when we expected plea- 
 sure, we have found pain. How often has that which we 
 thought would prove a help, proved an incumbrance. A 
 viper has sprung out of the fire at which we warmed our- 
 selves. Where are the trials which yield us most pain ? 
 Are they not found amongst the things which we deter- 
 mined, with impatience, to have. God gave them, and has 
 sent leanness withal into our souls. Oh ! then, prescribe 
 not unto the Lord. Surrender all to him. How anxious 
 were they of Csesarea to keep Paul among them. But 
 when it might not be, they resigned him, saying- "The 
 will of the Lord be done." Remember to bless God for 
 what he does not give. Do not cease to be instant in 
 prayer, because he withholds that which is not good, or 
 what is not good for you. 
 
 2. By giving things we did not desire, yet find to be 
 good. How often does a blessing appear, which, from the 
 very fulness of its mercy, startles us. Our unbelieving 
 hearts (are amazed) that any thing so excellent should have 
 come, so perfectly unasked or unexpected. This is to shew 
 us, that God knows better than we, what is good. He 
 
NOTES OF SERMONS. 405 
 
 would thus encourage us to trust him when he with- 
 holds. 
 
 .... Many clouds left about the throne of grace, to 
 be cleared at that day when we shall see face to face in 
 Zion 
 
 .... The unbeliever exhorted, not to continue instant 
 in his prayer 
 
 THE END. 
 
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