THE

AND

OF

THE volume of divine truth evinces a perfect knowledge of man; and while it embraces history, precepts, and doctrines, it sketches, with inimitable skill, and reveals, sometimes by incidental allusion, the broad outlines and changing aspects of individual character. The virtues and failings of good men are faithfully exhibited, and an air of honest impartiality pervades the whole. In some instances, the bright assemblage of excellence is overshadowed by singular defects; while others appear to have passed through life with irreproachable consistency. These remarks have been suggested by the eminent piety of the lamented subject of this memoir; and the writer might fear the charge of indiscriminate eulogy, were it not that his testimony is supported by many mourning witnesses to its truth.

John Hall was born Sept. 10, 1790, at Gatesend, near Fakenham, Norfolk. It was his privilege to enjoy the eminent blessing of pious parents, who, by steady moral discipline, spiritual culture, and fervent prayer, strove to affect his mind with the truths they had experimentally enjoyed. In their house family worship was conscientiously maintained, and their example gave might to their affectionate advice. Although these efforts did not issue in the carly conversion of

VOL. XVII.

BUCKS.

their son, yet they infused a reverence for religion, and were instrumental, at subsequent periods of his life, in restraining him from daring impiety.

When he arrived at the age of sixteen, he left home to acquire the knowledge of a trade. In the place of his apprenticeship, which was about nine miles from his father's house, there was a lamentable destitution of evangelical preaching; and being thus removed from parental oversight, and the privileges of a faithful ministry, his indifference to divine things considerably increased. After the lapse of two years, the gospel was introduced into the town by some students from Hoxton Academy, and to their labours he refers with special gratitude.

But the immediate cause of that spiritual change of which his life was so striking a confirmation, shall be given in his own words: "The first serious and abiding impressions which I recollect to have been made on my mind were occasioned by conversing with the Rev. James Brown, now of North Walsham. I had been hearing, on the Sabbath morning, an aged minister preach at my father's house, from Gal. iii. 22, But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe." I do not remember that the sermon pro

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duced any particular effect on my mind. Retaining the text on my memory, and at night being in the company of Mr. Brown, I stated to him whom and what I had heard. He looked at me, and in a serious manner replied, as I repeated the text, If the scripture hath concluded all under sin, then you, John, are under sin!' As he proceeded to enlarge, I heard with unusual attention; went home that evening much impressed; retired for repose, but 'sleep departed from mine eyes.' The morning brought with it the common avocations of the day, and such a day till then I never saw. I was compelled, by my situation, to assume the air of cheerfulness, but my heart was sorrowful. I saw and felt myself a sinner, deserving the wrath of Heaven, and was afraid of being abandoned of God, and sent to perdition. I trembled for fear of being numbered with apostate angels and impenitent sinners. I cannot describe the feelings of that day; they seemed to illustrate the divine interrogation, A wounded spirit who can bear?""

This excessive emotion gradually abated, and he was led to employ every prescribed means to escape from the pressure of his distress. He now heard the declarations of the gospel of peace with eager attention, besought the divine favour with great importunity, and, although no particular period can be specified when his doubts forsook him, he ultimately realized the peace that passeth all understanding. His path, however, was frequently darkened by painful, though probably, salutary anxiety, lest he should not persevere in "holding faith and a good conscience;" but, by the judicious encouragement of his father, and other Christian friends, he was enabled to acquire a degree of holy confidence in God.

Gratitude for his own deliverance inspired him with a desire to publish the way of salvation to others; and, although he felt a measure of confidence, arising from his knowledge of the Scriptures, that he could reason with his fellow-men, yet his characteristic modesty prevented him from indulging the hope of entire devotion to the ministry.

When the term of his apprenticeship expired, he came to London, where the conviction of his personal obligation to preach the gospel gradually strengthened. He, therefore, solicited the advice

of his friends, and, especially, sought the guidance of "Him, who is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working;" and resolved, amidst much embarrassment, to reveal the conflict of his spirit to his brother, then a student in Hoxton Academy. The letter, which contained the disclosure of his feelings, was strictly confidential, when, to his surprise, he was informed by his brother in reply, that he had anticipated the same result; and that his pastor, the Rev. Isaac Allen, then of Lynn, Norfolk, had named him to the Committee of the Academy, as eligible to enjoy its privileges. This incident encouraged him to hope that his path was more clearly discernible; and, after several interviews with his brother, he resolved to offer himself as a candidate for the Christian ministry, and was received in the usual manner after the midsummer recess of 1812.

He acquired the esteem of his tutors, as well by his general spirit and behaviour, as by his respectable attainments in useful literature. His habits, as a student, were highly exemplary. He was diligent in securing as large an amount of knowledge as the season of prepara tion would allow; and, while his piety was cheerful, he maintained that severe self-inspection and control so necessary for the strength and solidity of Christian character.

In the year 1815, Mr. Hall was invited to undertake the pastoral office, by the unanimous request of the members of the Independent church at Chesham; but, as he was unwilling to allow any thing to hinder the completion of his studies, he refused at that time to accept the call. The invitation was repeated in March, 1816, and in the following month he intimated his acquiescence in their request.

He was publicly ordained to the work of the ministry, July 10, 1817, when the Rev. A. Redford, of Windsor; Dr. Redford, of Worcester; J. Clayton, Jun., of London; and the late J. Hooper, of Hoxton, assisted at the impressive

service.

Ministerial life, as has often been remarked, furnishes but few incidents; yet this, instead of being a matter of regret, will appear to be eminently advantageous. The operations of nature are proverbially regular; and the greatest amount of spiritual good will be found to result from labours which afford little scope for

historical remark. We shall, therefore, refer to a few events in the history of our departed friend; state the particulars of his death; and then attempt a brief sketch of his character.

As Mr. Hall was favoured with an unusual measure of health, the interruptions to his public labours were comparatively few. His ministrations were always distinguished by deep solemnity, and the care with which he prepared for them showed an accurate perception of the dignity and importance of his work. Being solicitous to maintain a harmony between his public exhortations and his personal conduct, his words fell with weight, because his people felt confidence in the sincerity of his character. These exertions were attended with proofs of divine approbation, and many were added to the church who gave ample evidence of a spiritual change. But combined with his pulpit labours, there was another sphere in which his efforts and example were beneficially felt. In the domestic circle, which included a select number of young ladies, who enjoyed the instructions of his beloved partner, (the eldest daughter of the late Rev. William Maurice, pastor of the church assembling in Fetter-lane, London,) his Christian solicitude has been rewarded with many cheering instances of permanent usefulness. Many can ascribe, with holy gratitude, their first impressions, under God, to his instrumentality; and should this allusion meet the notice of any who have not prized their advantages, even they, we are convinced, will acknowledge his tender fidelity, and the convincing evidence which his life afforded of the excellence of the gospel.

During the past year our deceased friend became the subject of indisposition, resulting, according to the opinion of his medical friends, from debility, in measure, perhaps, occasioned by preaching three times on the Sabbath. Under these circumstances, he considered it to be his duty to remove; and the church received an intimation, in December last, of the probability of his resignation during the ensuing year; but as they readily consented to dispense with his labours on the Sabbath afternoon, he decided, after seeking divine guidance, and the opinion of his friends, "to remain with them, at least, for the present."

From that time he proceeded with his ministerial engagements until Saturday, March 30th, when he was affected with

pain in the chest, and great weakness, which increased alarmingly during the night. Early the following morning his medical attendant pronounced him very ill, and about the middle of the day, he was seized with violent spasms, which were supposed by the sufferer to be the agonies of death. He, therefore, took a sorrowful and affectionate farewell of his beloved wife and daughter, saying, "I am going to eternity; but I am not afraid to die, my hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ; and my consolation for you is, that you trust in him." The intense sharpness of the pain led him to implore that the Lord would not take him away "in that awful storm," as he termed it, saying, "I should wish to die suddenly suddenly-but peacefully." His prayer was heard; the pain, in a great degree, subsided; and many favourable symptoms appeared, which continued, though with great restlessness, debility, and sickness, until Wednesday evening, when he experienced another spasmodic attack. During the twelve hours of suffering which immediately followed, his mind was serene, and, occasionally, triumphant; while his heart teemed with gratitude to all around him, for their tender and assiduous services. He evinced a simple dependence on Christ; and in answer to those who inquired respecting the state of his mind, he replied, "I am a poor sinner, but my hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ." The vigour of his faith enabled him to exclaim with striking earnestness, " I shall behold -I shall behold-his face in righteousness!" He repeated, at intervals, several stanzas of a favourite hymn,

"Jesus, thy robe of righteousness," &c. And again, intimating his humble confidence, by uttering with peculiar emphasis,

"But the bright world to which I go," &c.

At midnight, he suggested, that if any of his friends desired to see him, they might then visit him. As several immediately embraced this opportunity, he addressed them with special tenderness and fidelity; commending them and their families to God, urging them to bring up their children for heaven, saying, "Let them all be gathered in, let not one of them be wanting." He addressed one of his medical friends present, the senior deacon of the church, as his "old and tried friend," calling him, in a tone of

affection," Fidus Achates." Then, looking round, he said, "I know you all, every one, and soon I shall know even as I am known," assuring them that his hope of heaven arose from the work of regeneration in his soul, and simple faith in Jesus Christ; and that re-union with him was only to be expected from a share in the same blessings. He said, "I have always insisted on the doctrines of justification by faith, and free grace: of these I have never been afraid to speak too strongly, as far removed from Antinomian principles as from cold legality. Within the last few years I have studied the Scriptures closely, particularly the New Testament, which I have read twelve times in the original language, and the more I read, and the more I think of these things, the more I am persuaded that the kingdom of God cometh not with observation: it is a silent work, like the breaking of the morning." After a pause he said, "I could preach a sermon, if I might be allowed; I had prepared two for last Sabbath." Being asked the texts, he repeated at length 1 Thess. i. 10, "And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come:" Isaiah lv. 6, "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found." He frequently alluded to the happiness of his life, which had, in no small degree, arisen from his nearest connexion; and intimated his persuasion of the approaching close of that life by adding,

"And every beating pulse I tell,

Leaves but the number less."

And when his voice became almost inaudible, he was heard to whisper, "I have seen glorious things this night." Thus did the foretaste of that joy, on the fulness of which he was so soon to enter, enable him to triumph in the agony of dissolution, and at a quarter to five on Thursday morning, April 4th, he fell asleep in Jesus.

The remains of this excellent minister were removed, on Wednesday, April 10th, from his late residence to the adjoining chapel, where he had so faithfully preached the gospel of Christ, when a numerous train of ministers and friends united to pay their last tribute of respect to his memory. The Rev. J. J. Freeman delivered an affecting address, which evinced tender sympathy for the bereaved, and sorrow for the church, mingled with expressions of high admiration and esteem for his character,

and many touching allusions to the breach thus made in the circle of his personal friendship. The body was then conveyed to the tomb, when the Rev. W. Harris, of Wallingford, closed the solemn service with prayer. The inhabitants of the town generally manifested their regard for the deceased, and intimated the loss they had sustained by the usual signs of mourning. On the following Sabbath evening, the Rev. J. Staughton, of Windsor, preached an impressive funeral sermon to the bereaved congrega tion, from Genesis v. 24, " And he was not: for God took him," a text from which Mr. Hall had, only a few weeks before, delivered an excellent and interesting discourse.

The church and congregation from which our friend was removed, being conscious of his many excellences, and anxious to give a proof of their esteem for his character, unanimously subscribed for the erection of a tablet to perpetuate his memory. It is now affixed in a conspicuous part of the chapel, and the following is a copy of the inscription:—

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF

THE REV. JOHN HALL,

MORE THAN TWENTY-TWO YEARS THE
BELOVED AND DEVOTED PASTOR
OF THIS CHURCH,

WHO DIED APRIL 4, 1839, AGED 49.

IN HIS CHARACTER WERE HAPPILY

BLENDED,

CHRISTIAN ZEAL AND UNIVERSAL
CHARITY;

HIS JUDGMENT WAS SOUND;
HIS INTEGRITY BLAMELESS;

HIS PIETY FERVENT;
YET WAS HE CLOTHED WITH HUMILITY;
FIRM IN HIS OWN VIEWS OF TRUTH ;
CANDID TOWARDS THOSE WHO DIFFERED
FROM HIM;

ALIVE TO THE BEST INTERESTS OF SOCIETY;
ACTIVE IN THE CAUSE OF LIBERTY,
CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS;
PATIENT, SELF-DENYING, GUILELESS.
HE DIED AS HE LIVED,
RESTING HIS JOYFUL HOPE UPON THE
MERITS OF THE SAVIOUR,
WHOM, IN THE MINISTRY OF HIS WORD,
HE DELIGHTED TO HONOur.

Heb. xiii. 7, 8.

It now remains to present a brief sketch of his character; and since it would be unscriptural to insinuate perfection, it would be equally wrong to depreciate the victory of grace over human nature. The Apostle of the Gentiles

cheerfully avowed, "By the grace of God I am what I am," and in that confession, we are certain our departed friend would cordially unite.

If character is ever likely to be known, it appears that the domestic circle is the place where it may be correctly ascertained; for, however infirmities and defects may be veiled from public gaze, they will, if they exist, be apparent here. But the constant observers, especially the mourning relatives of this devoted minister, bear a unanimous testimony to the circumspection, cheerful piety, and holy benevolence which he perseveringly displayed.

It seems to have been with him an abiding resolution to illustrate the themes of his ministry by an unceasing jealousy over his own spirit, and to carry the savour of divine truth into every sphere of life.

His mourning widow can bear testimony to the ardour and constancy of his affection, and the tender solicitude with which he sought to promote her happiness, by every means within his power; while his bereaved daughter, and only child, having enjoyed the privilege of his instruction and mild control, can sufficiently appreciate the depth and fervour of parental love; they derive solace from the fragrance of his memory, and acknowledge with thankfulness the operation of that grace which enabled him to "show piety at home."

His surviving brother affectingly alludes to his genuine love towards him, and beautifully remarks, in a brief memoir, published in the Congregational Magazine for July last, " Did the clouds gather blackness, or the sun threaten to scorch, he was sure to be found at hand, endeavouring to afford a shelter or a shade; this relation he sustained to one only; and it affords no small degree of pleasure to him who is now left alone, to reflect that he never spake or looked any thing but kindness."

As a master, he exercised his authority with peculiar gentleness, so that his servants counted him "worthy of all honour," 1 Tim. vi. 1.

The scenes of domestic enjoyment were enlivened by his intelligent conversation, and so intent was he upon the diffusion of happiness around him, that his benevolence led him to devise many surprises of pleasure. His mind was richly furnished; since the acquisition and spread of knowledge were, at once, a matter of duty and a source of delight. His

reading was extensive; and his mastery of the subjects of inquiry enabled him to impart his treasures with facility. He steadily watched the progress of science, and felt an interest in the varied efforts of the human mind. He was eminently susceptible of impressions produced by natural beauty, and the scenery of those parts of our country which he visited during the season of relaxation, always appeared to him as a magnificent tablet on which the characters of divine wisdom and paternal care were legibly impressed; but that which threw a special charm over the works of God was the thought that He who created them had become, through Christ, his unchangeable friend and portion.

He would sometimes embody his thoughts in the appropriate decorations of verse, and many specimens might be selected, which present indications of sincere piety, blended with a chaste imagination. Take, for example, the following stanzas suggested by this passage of Scripture:

"So he giveth his beloved sleep."

Psalm cxxvii. 2.
"Some there are who have no pillow;
Day and night they live unblest;
Rising, falling as the billow;
Seeking, never finding rest.
"Others-and their name is legion,

Sleep both day and night away,
In that dark, cold, cheerless region
Where their softest bed is clay.

"We sleep-'tis Heaven the blessing gives;
We wake, to see the morning ray;
O may we sleep in Him who lives,

And wake with Him in endless day!"

But that which gave vigour and stability to his piety was his devout and ample study of the Holy Scriptures. For many years it was his practice to spend two hours every morning early, in diligent effort to understand the sense, combined with earnest desire to feel the influence of divine truth. He read the original text with care, and availed himself of those auxiliaries for its elucidation which showed anxiety rightly to perceive the mind of the Spirit. These habits of patient attention and research qualified him to appear before his people as scribe instructed unto the kingdom of heaven bringing forth out of his treasure things new and old." His sermons were distinguished for the prominence given to the capital doctrines of the gospel; and his luminous illustrations of Scripture were always subservient to the furtherance of practical religion.

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