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LIFE OF THE REV. THOMAS SPENCER.

as to my future engagements in life, equally affected | me. Although I had been absent from home but five months, the desire I had again to see Hertford was very great, nor do I suppose I shall often spend more pleasant evenings than the first one I spent at home, after the first time of being absent for any considerable season; two or three days were spent in seeing other relations and friends, till-."* Here the narrative, first referred to, and often quoted, written by his own hand, and evidently for his own use, abruptly closes; and here for a moment his biographer will pause.It is a charming domestic piece, which the hand of his departed friend, obedient to the warm and vivid recollections of his fervent mind, has sketched; but scarcely has he pictured to himself the countenances of that interesting group which gathered around him again to bid him welcome to his father's house, and committed the rude outline to his paper, than he is suddenly called off, and lays down the recording pen for ever! So did his life abruptly terminate; but the mysterious voice that summoned him from his endeared connections upon earth introduced his emancipated spirit to the bosom of a happier family above-not another family, but one most intimately connected with his own, for which whilst here he cherished such a warm affection. The sentiment this sentence breathes was familiar to himself, and often seen in the energy and fervor with which he would repeat these admirable lines of Kelly:

One family, we dwell in him;

One church above, beneath,
Though now divided by the stream,
The narrow stream of death.

199

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But not only in literature and science was his progress conspicuous during his residence at Harwich; but he also made considerable advances in the knowledge and experience of divine things. That in the midst of all his studies, which yet he pursued with diligence and ardor, religion was the object of his chief regard and dearest to his heart, is evident from the uniform strain of his letters to his most intimate and beloved friend Mr. Heward, whose fellow laborer he had been at Mr. Thodey's, and the privation of whose society he seemed deeply to deplore. His views of the Christian ministry became more and more consistent, and the impression of its vast importance more deep and solemn on his mind. The intense desire with which he panted for that sacred and honorable office became tempered, though never checked, by an awe of its vast responsibility, and a consciousness of incapacity for the With Mr. Hordle he would sometimes indulge full discharge of its numerous and laborious duties.

*Of this manual he made two fair copies, one of which is in possession of his tutor, and the other is supplied. The design is honorable to his judgment, amongst the papers from which these Memoirs are and the execution to his perseverance and his accuracy at that early age.

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in the most free and unreserved converse on the| Mr. Hordle drew towards its close, his anxiety constate of his heart, and his private walk with God. siderably increased; he anticipated, with regret, a In such conversations he was always much affect- departure from scenes and society so much endeared, and susceptible, from the constitution of his na-ed to him; and the trial through which he was to ture, of the most delicate impressions and the keen-pass previous to his admission into the academy at est feelings, it may be well supposed that in religion Hoxton, when viewed in connection with his youth, he would deeply feel. Hence the tenderness of his excited in his mind considerable apprehension and conscience, and the susceptibility of his mind, would dread. But the hope of success never entirely often overwhelm his bosom with convictions of guilt, abandoned him; whilst the pleasing prospect of beand agitate him with unnumbered inward conflicts. ing again associated with his friend, who had by Yet in the midst of all he evidently grew in spiritual this time entered as a student in the same academy, strength-his mind acquired confidence-his prin- tended not a little to gladden and animate his heart. ciples became daily more and more confirmed-and In November he drew up a statement of his relihe had advanced far in a deep and experimental gious experience, his views of theological truth, acquaintance with the ways of God at an age when and his reasons for desiring the Christian ministry, such advancement is rarely to be found. according to a standing order of the academy with respect to young men proposing themselves as candidates for its patronage. These papers, written in a style of dignified simplicity, and disclosing a knowledge and experience of divine things, which in a youth, scarcely sixteen years of age, must have excited the admiration of all to whom they were submitted-were duly presented to the committee, and passed, though not without some difficulty, arising from his age; but the extraordinary qualifications he appeared to possess, and the strong recommendations of his friend and tutor, Mr. Hordle, overcame this obstacle, and the 5th of January following was appointed for his personal appearance before the constituents of that institution, in order to give them a specimen of his talents for public speaking.

Whilst at Harwich he regularly shared with Mr. H, the pleasing duty of conducting the devotions of the family, and frequently performed the sacred service with an enlargement of heart, a fervor and propriety of expression truly astonishing. But this was a circumstance he particularly wished should be concealed; his modesty and diffidence shrunk from the observation of men, even of his nearest friends; and in one of his letters to his friend he writes, "My situation is comfortable, more so than ever; I am considered like one of the family; of an evening I generally, by Mr. H.'s desire, engage in family prayer, he in the morning. O tell it to no body on any account. When he is out I always do." To those who knew not the beloved original, the outlines of whose character these pages but imperfectly present, the detail of minute particulars may be uninteresting and insipid; but those who were familiar with him will dwell with pleasure on the faintest lineament that may be here preserved of a dear departed friend, so ardently, so deservedly esteemed; whilst a combination of these varied and retired beauties may form a portrait on which the eye of a stranger may dwell with admiration, and the mind reflect with profit. It is in confidence of this that his biographer pauses to record another and a pleasing trait in his character at this early age-the peculiar warmth and constancy of his friendship. He seems, indeed, at this period to have had but one bosom friend, except those of his own immediate family; to him his letters breathe an affection the most glowing, spiritual, and pure; and perhaps no little incident more strikingly displays the tender cast of his mind than that which he himself relates, with great simplicity, in a letter to his friend:

"This morning we read (Mr. H. and myself) the second night of Young's Night Thoughts-the very place that treats of friendship; I was rather affected at the reading of it; and after it was finished, and we were alone, I told him (Mr. H.) I was no stranger to Young's sentiments in that place. He asked me 'If I had lost any friends?' I told him no -not by death. He asked me if I had by treachery? O no, sir. 'How then? Only by separation!"

Thus in pleasant and familiar intercourse with one for whom he mingled veneration with affection, and of whom he never ceased to speak with all the rapturous energy of gratitude and filial love-in exercises and pursuits every way adapted to satisfy his ardent thirst of knowledge-in scenes and in society congenial to the tone and bias of his mindin conscientious preparation for closer studies and severer labor, previous to his entrance on that sacred office long the object of his choice and in deep communion with himself and God-did he pass the allotted period of his stay at Harwich.

As the term (a year) fixed for his residence with

* Mr. Heward.

Mr. Spencer left Mr. Hordle's family on the 18th of December, and spent the interval of time between his departure from Harwich and the day of his examination at Hoxton (which was postponed to the 7th of January) at his father's house at Hertford.

Whose imagination does not follow this beloved youth into the bosom of his family again; who does not picture to himself the charming scenes of social and domestic joy his presence would inspire. With what tenderness and affection would his venerable father bid him welcome to his paternal home again; with what delight would he gaze upon the animated features of his countenance, smiling in all the ingenuousness of youth; while with nobler feelings of delight he marked the unfolding graces of his mind, saw his improvement in the best of sciences -religion, and beheld him daily growing in favor both with God and man. With what adoring gratitude would they retraçe together the scenes of his childhood, and the many alarming obstacles which once almost forbade the indulgence of a hope that the object of their ardent wish would ever be obtained; and how, in the transport of those happy hours, would his family anticipate for him they loved, in the future stages of an honorable ministry, years of usefulness and comfort. Ah! pleasing visions never to be realized! Little did that interesting group conceive that it was his appointed lot but just to taste the joys and sorrows of a pastor's life, and then expire. Already they had seen the bud swelling with fulness-teeming with life; now they beheld the blossom, and admired its beauty; and they thought long to gaze upon the promised charms of the unfolded flower; happy strangers of the melancholy and mysterious fact, that so soon as it had opened it must be suddenly eut down and die! But such and so frail is man-"In the morning they are like grass that groweth up, in the evening it is cut down and withereth." Psalm xc. 5, 6. Such and so uncertain is human life-" It is even as a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." James iv. 14.

At this interesting period of Mr. Spencer's life it will be perhaps gratifying to the reader to pause, and gain a more familiar acquaintance with him

than can be supplied by a narration of events and | opportunity offers, write to each other. Such love circumstances in his history, by perusing some ex- as ours is not easily quenched. Let us then manitracts from his correspondence and other papers, fest it by writing to each other, so as to stir up one which will throw much light upon the formation of another to the exercise of every Christian grace. his character, and afford a pleasing specimen of his Still let us keep our eye upon the Lord Jesus early genius. Christ, and be constantly concerned to honor his holy name, by a consistent walk and conversation. Then shall we meet to part no more, and dwell for ever with our Jesus, in upper, better, brighter worlds.

I have now before me a packet of letters addressed to his friend Mr. Heward, dated at various periods, from October, 1805, to December, 1806. Though at the commencement of this correspondence he had not attained his fifteenth year, these letters breathe a spirit of the purest piety, and often express sentiments by which age would not be dishonored, in a style remarkably correct and vigor

ous.

But the reader shall participate with me in the pleasure which the perusal of this interesting correspondence-this simple and unaffected utterance of early piety and friendship, has afforded

me.

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I.

Hertford, Oct. 16, 1805.

"The soul that on Jesus has lean'd for repose, He will not, he cannot, desert to his foes: That soul tho' all hell should endeavor to shake, He'll never, no never, no never forsake." Soon after it was determined that he should go to Harwich for a twelvemonth, he wrote again to his friend Mr. Heward, and the following extract from his letter, shows the humble, grateful, and devotional habit of his mind:

II.

Hertford, November 12, 1805.

I join with you in saying, 'how wonder

As for the manner in which I have and do employ my time: my father employs me either in writing or in his business, more than I ex-ful are God's ways.' We indeed little thought that pected. What leisure time I do have, which is but little, I employ in reading, writing, and meditation. I hope he will not press upon me that employment which I dislike, but which however I have been engaged in.

"Mr. Wilson wrote a letter to my father, the substance of which is as follows: he informs him that if it is possible he will get a minister to take me, in order to see more of my piety and talents; and hopes that it will be agreeable for me to be at home with my father till Christmas.

"These are the circumstances under which I am now placed. I know it is my duty to be submissive and resigned to the will of God, but this is a lesson which, like all others, is to be learned at the cross of Christ: 'tis there alone, my dear friend, we can study all heavenly graces and duties.”

Mr. H. was the person under whom I should be instructed, when we were at Hoxton, hearing him preach, or I, when I breakfasted with him: at the same time, I cannot forbear adoring that favor which is shown to me from God; ME who am utterly unworthy of the least of all God's mercies. Goodness and mercy have hitherto followed me, and, I doubt not, will through life. May that goodness which was so gloriously displayed in the salvation of sinners, and that mercy which has snatched so many brands from the burning, be our consolation all through life-our joy in death—and the burden of our song to all eternity."

The following observations are worthy of a much older pen, and display a judgment and discretion, rather unusual in a lad, not yet fifteen years of age.

III.

November 13.

It is pleasing to observe with what deep seriousness of mind he condueted those favorite exercises in exhortation and in preaching, before referred to,* "You informed me in your last, that your deand with what humility and even thankfulness he sires for the work of the ministry had not at all listened to the animadversions of any who were dis- abated. I sincerely wish that they may be fulfilled, posed to criticise. In another part of the same and that you and I may be fellow laborers in the letter he says: " I am not without hope, that Lord's vineyard. God certainly can do this for us; I shall praise and adore a blessed God, for the ill let us pray that he may. You still appear dubiopinions those persons formed of me, who heard ous of your own ability for that important work. me preach at Mr. Ts. Methinks I cannot be I would have you consider, that God works by thankful enough to you of informing me of it. It whom he will work He has many ministers in has, I trust, made me more watchful and prayerful his church, real sent ministers, who have not those than before, that I may be accounted righteous not great gifts that distinguish many of his servants; in the sight of men, but in the view of a sin-aveng- and not only so, but these men have often been the ing God. Thus we may see a little of the dealings means of doing more good than those of great talof Providence with his children. When he dis- ents-and what is the reason of this? Even so, Fatresses them in any way he does it for their good. ther, for so it seemed good in thy sight-is all that All things, saith the inspired apostle, work together we must say. And you, my worthy friend, should for good to them that love God, and are the called ac- also remember, that as yet, you cannot form any idea cording to his purpose. Since that evening I have of your own abilities. As I have often told you, felt a little more comfort in my own mind respect- when I lived with you, I doubt not your abilities, ing eternal things. God forbid it should be a false when improved by application to study, &c. will be peace. Hope you keep close to a throne of grace as fit for that employ, (if the will of God) as any in personal prayer. 'Tis from thence we are to other. God, you know, in every thing acts as a sodraw all our comfort; 'tis there we can get a soul-vereign: 'I will work, and who shall let it,' is his transforming spiritual view of Jesus; 'tis from language-will work by the feeblest means, and the thence we get every necessary weapon, wherewith weakest instruments. I hope you will still be kept to combat our spiritual enemies. low in your own eyes, for, that, I am sure, is one quality, or rather property, of a gospel minister. At our best estate we are altogether vanity, and less than nothing. May the Lord keep us all truly humble. Luther used to say, there were three things made a minister-affliction, meditation, and prayer: that is, sanctified affliction, scriptural me ditation and earnest prayer; in which last particu

"Sooften called away to attend to different things, like you, I cannot say I have written such a letter as I could wish. If I should be placed under a minister, I think I should have more opportunity for writing long letters. However, let us, whenever an

* See page 198.

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lar I hope you are perpetually engaged. Pray, my | Sabbath-day, Nov. 15th, I heard Mr. Mdear friend, for direction of God-pray for grace, at Cowbridge, in the morning, from 1 Thes. v. 8. which is of more value, by far, than great gifts,But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on and say in the language of resignation, hope, and the breastplate of faith and love, and for an helmet the faith-Here am I, Lord, send me to labor in thy vine- hope of salvation.' He first showed what was implied yard. You have appealed to me in saying, 'You in Christians being of the day; secondly, enforced well know I shall never rely on my own strength the exhortation of the text. To be of the day, he for success and usefulness'—I know you will not, said, implied-1. a state of knowledge; 2. safety; (at least whilst in your present mind) and I pray 3. comfort, &c. In enforcing the admonition, he that God would keep you still so determined. Let exhorted them to the exercise of faith and love; us then pray, that we may both of us be able, use- gave them good grounds for hope; and showed ful, and humble ministers of the New Testament. that these three graces had a tendency to comfort I am glad to find, that you generally and strengthen believers. In the afternoon, from hear three times a day. Young men, who wish to Acts xvii. 30, 31. 'The times of this ignorance be ministers, cannot hear too much of the gospel, God winked at, but now commandeth all men every provided they are anxious to improve on what they where to repent, because he hath appointed a day in do hearwhich he will judge the world in righteousness, by that man whom he hath ordained, whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead! He considered-1. the certainty of a future judgment; 2. the person of the judge; 3. the circumstances of the day; 4. the necessity of repentance inferred from the text. He, indeed, is a worthy man, and appears well suited for a missionary. In the evening I heard Mr. L the Chapel, from John iii. 14. For as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,' &c. He said many good things, and is very earnest in the good cause. Last Lord's day we had Mr. M- again; text in the morning, Heb. vi. 11. And we desire, that Hertford, November 18, 1805. every one of you do show the same diligence to the full "MY DEAREST FRIEND-I expected to have heard assurance of hope unto the end.' He considered-1. from you before now, but as I have not, it be- the thing mentioned-the full assurance of hope; comes me to bear the disappointment with forti- 2. showed that it might be attained; 3. exhorted tude and resolution, hoping that it will not be them to diligence in aspiring after it. Time and long before I have a few lines from you. On room forbid me to make any remarks upon the serSaturday last, I heard that that good and worthy mon (which was a good one) in the afternoon, man Mr. Winwood was dead. It will, I doubt from Acts xvi. 9. 'And then stood a man of Manot, be a great stroke to the family; but I am cedonia and prayed him, saying come over and help well assured, that to him death was eternal gain. us.' In discoursing on it, he showed-1. that the Truly, the righteous hath hope in his death. May heathens want help; 2. that it is the duty of minisyou and I both be found at the last day on the right ters and people to give it them; and 3. that men should hand of the Judge with our respected master! exert themselves for the purpose. It appeared like While he is tuning his harp to the praises of a pre-a collection sermon; and he went afterwards and cious Jesus, we have to combat with many enemies; we have many trials to pass under

I shall present the reader with nearly the whole of the following letter; and I think, that few will be found, on the perusal, who deem it unworthy of preservation. It contains a pleasing, grateful (and the more pleasing as it is entirely uninfluenced) tribute to the memory of departed worth-discloses the deep attention and care with which its writer was, at that early age, accustomed to hear and reflect upon sermons, and shows how incessant and uniform was the panting of his heart for the Christian ministry. IV.

Before we reach the heavenly fields,
Or walk the golden streets!*

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got a little money of a few friends at Hertford, for

the mission to China.

"In the evening, having been previously invited, I went at six o'clock to Mr. K's, to see the We shall, I am persuaded, feel our own depravity minister. I was there during family worship; and in many instances here below, ere we join with him after that, Mr. M. and self went up stairs to talk a in everlasting songs above; but if we are enlisted little together. He asked me about my learning, under the banners-the blood-stained banners of the &c., then how long I had been seriously disposed, cross, we shall certainly arrive there. Let us then &c. He appeared satisfied with my answers, and seek, earnestly seek, after the one thing needful; asked me if I was not going into the country; I and whilst earthly objects vanish and decay in our told him 'yes.' He asked me if I should have an estimation; nay, whilst the world dies daily in our opportunity of attending to my books there. This view, and its perishing things appear in their pro- naturally led to the whole affair: he seemed glad, per light-may we feel our hearts panting after the and asked me if I designed to be a minister in this wells of salvation-our souls, with all their facul- country. I told him I wished to be quite resigned ties, engaged in the noblest of all undertakings-to the will of Providence in that matter. He gave our feet running in the good ways of God-me some good advice; and then we knelt down, our tongues making mention of his righteousness, and he engaged in a short and affectionate prayer. and of his only-in short, may we be crucified to I was much affected with the advice, conversation, and prayer.

the world-risen with Christ-and transformed into his divine image and likeness. This, I trust, I can say is my desire, and I know it is the earnest wish of my dear friend.

Alas! lamented youth! little did he, or the friend to whom he wrote, imagine how few his trials-how short his warfare should prove-and how soon the pious desire of his heart should be, as it respected himself, fulfilled such and so mysterious are the ways of God-Spencer is early summoned to his rest, but his companion is left, still to maintain the conflict, whilst he mourns his loss-"two men shall be in the field, the one shall be taken and the other left." Matthew xxiv. 40.

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I am sensible that your attachment to me is as unshaken as ever. I hope you pray that both of us may be made ministers of the gospel; and in some future day, have our wishes respecting that completely fulfilled. I am very desirous that you may be shortly placed in a situation in which you will have more leisure for reading, writing, studying, &c. O that you were going with me to Harwich. Still continue to pray for one who feels his own unworthiness for the service of his God, and yet wishes to be an instrument of doing great good to souls: and if I should not be very successful in my ministry, methinks it would be reward

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3d.-How peculiarly striking is the language of the Saviour-ye shall in no case, fc.

Notwithstanding all your professions, long prayers, alms givings, &c., Ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.'

From this subject we draw a few inferences. 1.-We may learn from hence, the evil nature of sin. If all self-righteousness be so bad, what must unrighteousness be?

2.-We here see the only true method of salvationthe righteousness of Christ.

3.-How necessary is daily, serious self-examination, in order to ascertain to which class we belong.

For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Phari-4.-We likewise infer the necessity of prayer, for insees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

GENERAL HEADS.

1st.-EXPLAIN THE NATURE OF THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES.

2d.-SHOW IN WHAT RESPECTS OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS MUST

EXCEED THEIRS.

3d.-NOTICE THE CONSEQUENCES OF POSSESSING A RIGHTEOUSNESS NO BETTER THAN THEIRS.

1st HEAD.-EXPLAIN THE NATURE, &C.

It was self-righteousness.-Luke xviii. 9.
1st. This righteousness is founded in ignorance
Of God's nature,

Of the spirituality of his law,
Of the deceitfulness of the heart,
And of the true method of salvation.
24 HEAD.-SHOW IN WHAT RESPECTS OUR

NESS SHOULD EXCEED THEIRS.

struction and grace.

5.-How dreadful is the case of the self-righteous character.

6.—The believer may hence draw some comfort. He is interested in Jesus Christ, and shall outride all the storms and troubles of life, sing the dear name of Jesus in the hour of death, and stand unmoved amidst the jarring elements, 'the wreck of matter, and the crush of worlds.'

"May the God of hope bless us both-fil: us with all joy and peace in believing-enlarge our spiritual coast-give us to see more and more of the sinfulness of our nature-the depravity of our hearts— the imperfection of our graces-the smallness of our knowledge-the sufficiency of Jesus-the stability of our hope-the fulness of Christ. May he give us to see that our names are written in heaven RIGHTEOUS--may he brighten up our evidences for gloryestablish our faith-enlarge our desires-and give us hungerings and thirstings after righteousness. May we enjoy the blessings of salvation-the sweetness of communion with God-the peace bought and purchased for us by Christ Jesus-and that joy in the Holy Ghost, produced by his influences-and may we learn more and more of the heights, lengths, depths, and breadths of the love which passeth knowledge. May we dwell together in that happy land, where none but the righteous can enter, and where our worship shall be undisturbed.

The righteousness here termed 'yours' is the righteousness of Christ, which becomes ours by imputation, in the same manner as our sins became Christ's. This righteousness thus becoming ours, exceeds the righteousness of the Scribes and Phari

sees.

1st.-In its origin. It is divine-the other human, or Satanic; as we doubt not, Satan first infused self-righteous thoughts into the minds of men, &c.

2d.-Its nature and particular properties.

This righteousness

Delivers us from bondage,

Saves us from sin,

Gives us holiness of life,

Makes us victorious in death,

Joyful in judgment, and

Happy through all eternity.

The righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees

cannot do this.

But our Lord might also allude to that righteousness which is implanted in us, as well as that which is imputed to us, and that far exceeds the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees in its effects, which are real good works, which

Spring from a good motive,

Are directed to a good purpose,
And have a good end.

"And now, my dear brother, I commend you to the hands of that God who doth all things well, and I who taketh care of those who put their trust in him; and hoping soon to hear from you, I subscribe myself,

"Your truly affectionate friend,
"THOMAS SPENCER."
Pray for me,
Amen."

"N. B. Remember me to
and may the Lord bless you.

VI.

Hertford, December 31, 1805.

"MY DEAR FRIEND-I think myself very happy in having such a friend as you prove yourself to be. I know affection towards me is too deeply rooted in you ever to be erased by separation.Life's greatest blessing is a well chosen friend, You cannot imagine (only and I do feel it so. by your own feelings) what pleasure I take in recollecting past scenes, and recalling to the mind occurrences relating only to us, which never 3d HEAD.-NOTICE THE CONSEQUENCES OF POSSESS- shall be forgotten. I hope we have the same

These works are not meritorious, but serve for the justification of our faith, not of our persons, and they far exceed the legal performances of the selfrighteous.

ING A RIGHTEOUSNESS NO BETTER THAN THEIRS.

Ye shall in no case enter into, &c.

'friend that sticketh closer than a brother,' I am affected, peculiarly affected, when I read the so1st. Here we must necessarily dwell a little upon lemn confessions you make of depravity, &c.the nature of the kingdom of heaven.-Consider | You know Paul acknowledged himself the chief

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