PREFACE. THE last evening I ever spent with Mrs. Rowland Hill, she expressed a wish, that if I survived her venerable and beloved husband, I should write an authentic narrative of his remarkable life, and I promised her that I would, if possible, fulfil her desire. Mr. Rowland Hill, acquiescing in this request, bequeathed me all his papers, "to be used at my discretion." I have now performed my promise, but with more haste, on account of the anxiety of his friends, than was convenient or advantageous: with what discretion I must leave others to determine. My readers, however, will doubtless consider the unique character I have had to portray, and will recollect that Mr. Hill's truly solid excellences were mingled, even in public, with a vivacity and humour peculiar to himself. Had I mentioned only serious facts, it might have been justly remarked, that, excellent as the individual appeared, it was not Rowland Hill. Still, I trust, it will be seen in these pages, that his true piety, christian benevolence, and deep spirituality, more than atoned for any trifling singularities of his nature, or sallies of wit, which were mostly accompanied with so much kindness, that, like a medicine given in sweetmeats, the bitter was seldom tasted. I have made such selections from the papers of my affectionate guardian as I thought most useful and interesting; and if I have erred, I can only plead my inexperience as an author; but most truly can I add, that it has been my aim not to give the slightest pain to the feelings of any human being. Mine has been a task of no ordinary delicacy and responsibility; and while I have not concealed my own opinions, I hope they have been expressed in a spirit of christian charity towards such as may differ from my views. Amongst the papers left for my use, I found letters and manuscripts of the late Sir Richard Hill, together with an interesting account of his conversion and early experience. I intended, at first, to have extracted largely from these documents in the course of this volume; but it was suggested to me, that by so doing, I should too much interrupt the thread of my narrative, and that they were much more proper for a Life of Sir Richard Hill. Many years ago a manuscript, containing five sermons on "Charity, or Brotherly Love," by Walker, of Truro, was given to Mr. Rowland Hill, which he intended to have printed with a memoir of the author, and to have dedicated the volume to his Surry chapel congregation. In the notice of Mr. Walker's Life, Mr. Rowland Hill observes of the sermons- "these have been in my possession for a considerable time, yet on a re-perusal of them with a judicious friend, it struck me forcibly, whether in my fast declining days I could leave behind me a more profitable testimony of my high respect and real regard to the congregation I have so long served, than to print these sermons for their serious perusal and prayerful consideration." I may possibly be induced to form a small volume from these interesting portions of the papers of my departed relative. To those who have kindly assisted me with materials for the work, I beg to offer my sincere thanks, particularly to the Rev. George Clayton, the Rev. George Collison, the Rev. John Griffin, Mr. Jones, of the Religious Tract Society, and the members of Surry chapel who have sent me letters of Mr. Rowland Hill. I am likewise much indebted to the kindness of O. P. Wathen, Esq., John Broadley Wilson, Esq., Samuel Long, Esq., (the executor both of Mr. Rowland Hill and his assistant, Mr. Theophilus Jones,) as well as to Mrs. James, (late Mrs. B. Neale,) Miss Sheppard, and to others whose names appear in the course of the volume. Though differing from some of these friends in minor views, I trust we are all united in the common ties of christian love and goodwill, looking for salvation to one common. Saviour, and believing in the essential operations of the Holy Spirit on the heart, none of which is more prominent than that of charity, the very bond of perfectness. Though sincerely respecting the conscientious scruples of others, I cannot help venturing to express my devoted attachment to our established church, and my conviction that its connexion with the state has been, and I hope will long continue to be, a blessing to our land. If we look at the present aspect of religion amongst us, I am firmly convinced that our establishment need not shrink from comparison, both as respects its own internal brightness and the distant reflection of its light, with any other Christian community on earth. The ministers of religion should be suited to every grade of society : from their ranks the gentleman should be able to select a profitable companion, the inquirer a judicious guide, and the poor man a kind and compassionate friend; and, happily, men endued with such requisites for their sacred office can be at this moment abundantly supplied, from the ranks of our parochial clergy. Increasing holiness to purify is the surest forerunner of power afforded from on high to protect our church, and the zeal, diligence, and piety of her ministers, will prove a more certain defence, than all the splendours of worldly grandeur, the policy of worldly wisdom, or the support of worldly strength. I have now only to request that the friends of Mr. Rowland Hill will confide to me such letters or other materials as they may think useful for any future edition of his life, and to add, that I shall be truly obliged, if I have fallen into any accidental error, relating either to persons or things mentioned in these pages, to be informed of my mistake, that I may correct it. Acle, near Norwich, March 22nd, 1834. CONTENTS. Letter of Mr. Richard Hill addressed to his brothers at Eton PAGE 17 18 21 23 24 24 Relief of Mr. Richard Hill's mind His anxiety for his brother Rowland A religious society formed by the young converts. Candour His acquaintance sought by Mr. Berridge His frequent visits to Everton. Meets with great opposition. Consults Mr. Whitefield. Second letter of Mr. Whitefield, who encourages him to Mr. Rowland Hill continues to labour |
