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Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont filmds en commenpant par la premidre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la dernidre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un des symboles suivants apparaitra sur la dernidre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbols -^ signifie "A SUIVRE", le symbole V signifie "FIN ". Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre film6s d des taux de reduction diffdrents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clich6. il est filmd d partir de Tangle supdrieur gauche, de gauche it droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images n6cessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mdthode. irrata to pelure, nd □ 32X 1 2 3 1 t 6 7^.-^,-^ /.^^i:^/^ 1 iie LIFh: lOCKKVT ('KAMI'. i»,[V i , '•(.- >^,-- i } Hi-T..i;v," ^.n, A. !lh:i:i:N>, !'.!>. ♦-< i I w ]$: / THB LIFE OP JOHN MOCKETT CRAMP, D.D. 1796-1881. Late President of Acadia College; Author of " The Council of Trent," " Baptist History," Etc. BY EEY. T. A. HIGGmS, D.D. MONTREAL : W. DRYSDALE & CO. 1887. [Entered according to Act of Parliament of Canada, in the year 1887, by W. Drysdale & Co., in the OfiSce of the Minister of Agriculture.] INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. A word of explanation is deemed advisable. It was the hope of some members of the family that Thomas Cramp, Esq., late of Montreal, would pre- pare a brief sketch of his father's life for publica- tion. So far as tender regard and needful informa- tion were concerned, no one else could hope to do it so well as he. He was old enough when the family left England in 1844, to be able, in after years, to call to mind many incidents of early life. Frequent visits were made by him, during the last few years of his life, to the home of his childhood. Correspondence was also kept up with the friends of the family in England. Had he been permitted to undertake this work, doubtless many reminiscences, which give so much of life and interest to biography, would have been interwoven, and added great value to the record. It required some ti. ie after his much lamented decease in 1885, before le work could be thought of or undertaken by another. This may explain why over six years have been allowed to pass without ir. some permanent record of such a useful and in- structive life, as that which is but too imperfectly- exhibited in this small volume. The work, such as it is, has necessarily been done at short intervals, as other pressing duties could be, for the moment, laid aside. If more time could have been devoted to it, the memoir might have been much more worthy of him whose record is given. Nearly all the documents and papers left by Dr. Cramp, from which information could be derived, were in his own peculiar system of short-hand writing. This enhanced the difficulty of the work- While it was easily read by himself, it was some- times difficult for others to decipher. And the writer wishes hereby to acknowledge his great in- debtedness to Miss Cramp for her valuable assist- ance in this matter. Without her aid, the task, which has been an exceedingly pleasant one, would have been, to say the least, much more difficult, if, indeed, it could have been done at all. Two chapters — the one referring to efforts in behalf of the Missionary cause, and the one headed " The last things," were furnished entire by Miss Cramp, who was the constant companion of her father, during the latter years of his life. Valuable assistance has also been rendered by the other members of the family. If any pleasure or profit is derived from the perusal of the book, it will be largely due to the aid thus received from those who justly revere the memory of so great and good a father. V. The labors, as well as the attainments of the sub- ject of the following sketch, were so varied, and touched the world's interests at so many points, that it has been found difficult to avoid some repe- tition. Thoughts, and even expressions and dates already found in one connection, may appear again in another. The hope, however, is cherished that whatever defects may be discovered in the style of the work, the unselfish life described therein, may be found stimulating and useful to some who peruse it, and especially to the young student who is looking out upon life, and anxiously enquiring in what direc- tion success may be found. The compiler of the following pages will have failed in one prominent aim of his endeavour, if the reader fails to see, that whatever natural en- dowments one may possess, work,— /towes^, persistent and persevering work, is the royal road to both use- fulness and success. WOLFVILLE, K S., February, 1887. ^ CONTENTS. Chapter p^^,^ I.— Parentage and Birthplace, 2 II.— Early Life and Education, 1796-1818, . . 13 III-— Ordination and First Pastorate, 1818-18i:5, . . 19 IV.— Miscellaneous Labours, 1825-1827, ... 37 v.— Co-Pastorate with his Father, 1827-1842, . . 49 VL— Pastorate at Hastings, 1812-1844, ... 74 VII.— Removal to Canada, 1844, 83 VIII.— Life in Montreal, 1844-1851, .... 98 IX. — Acadia College, m X.— Dr. Cramp appointed President of Acadia College, 1851, 135 XI.— Establishment of a Theological Department, 1853, 159 XIL— Literary Labors in England, 1818-1844, . . 224 XIII. — The Library 253 XIV.— Efforts on Behalf of Temperance Reform, . . 267 XV.— Services rendered in aid of the Missionary Cause, 291 XVI.— Dr. Cramp as a Preacher 319 XVIL— Years of Quiet and Rest 341 XVIII.— "The Last Things," 356 Appendix, 332 I CHAPTER I. PARENTAGE AXD BIRTHPLACE '; The yoioe of parents is tlie voice cf God, to steer tlio wanton Ire.ght ol youth tlirough storms an.l dungers."-5/,aA.9pfan>. Literature has been greatly enriched by the record of devoted and useful lives. These records have often been made the stimulus to noble en- deavour. By them, men " being dead yet speak " and thus continue to call to action those who might otherwise flag in the course. The material IS not yet exhausted, and will not be, as long as i>ivine grace operates upon human hearts. Many friends of the late Dr. Cramp have ex- pressed the opinion, that his life and labors were too important and useful to be allowed to slip away Irom the memory of the young men of this generation. In harmony with this feeling, an attempt is hereby made to rescue a few of the leading events ol that lite from oblivion, and to place them where they may act as "lights along the shore." "To be useful" was the oft-repeated prayer of the subject of this memoir. And quite sure are we, that had his opinion been asked as to any ac- count of his life that might appear, he would have had no higher ambition than that anything said or written of him, might be made useful to those left in the warfare. He lived and worked for others while he lived, and, that his works may continue " to follow him " is the end sought in sending forth this small volume to the world. He began early in life to use the Press as a means of usefulness. And it is thought, that by the em- ployment of numerous extracts from his own pen, his history will be given with more accuracy than in any other way. The following reference to his family history is taken from his account of the life and labors of Rev. Thomas Cramp, his father : — " My father was a native of St. Peter's, Isle of Thunet, in which place he spent his whole life, and labored there in the Gospel during the long space of Kixty-four years. He was born, March 25th, 1770. He died, Nov. 17th, 1851. " At the time of his birth his parents were members of the Church of England. Martin Cramp, his father, was a strong-minded, well-informed man, accustomed to independent thinking, and therefore, not likely to .sub- mit to traditionary trammels." The following passage from a sermon preached on the occasion of his death in 1822. refers to his religious character : " With respect to religion, he thought for himself — he thought much — and he thought well. "Great names never swayed him ; whenever he deemed that he discovered error, he freely animadverted upon it ; 8 and, if in maintaining his own sentiments, he sometimes assumed a tone nearly ap])roaching to dogmatism, "t was not because they were his sentiments, but because they appeared to him to be the sentiments of the Bible — the truth — the truth of God. He was well versed in Scrip- ture, and would often astonish us by the length and correctness of his quotations." Martin Cramp, becoming dissatisfied with the instructions of the Vicar of the parish of St. Peter's, united with the Congregational Church at Rams- gate, under the pastoral care of Kev. G-eorge Town- send (who died in 1837.) Subsequently, a change of views on Baptism separated him from that community, and he. be- came a member of the Baptist Church, of which his son was the pastor. The anxious search for truth, which character- ized the father, Martin Cramp, early manifested it- self in the son. We quot*^ again from the account referred to above. " My father was the subject of serious impressions in his early }outh. He felt deep reverence for sacred things, and was very desirous of gaining religious in- struction. There was a yearning after spiritual life, which was not produced bj' the teachings of the parish minister, whose dry, moral essays, though listened to with utmost attention, were entirely incomprehensible, because they were destitute of heart." In 1785, when Thomas Cramj) was fifteen years of age, he heard a sermon from the Rev. Jonathan Purchis, pastor of a small Baptist Church at Shal- lows, half a mile from St. Peter's. That day proved to be the turning point in his life. He continued to go to Shallows, seeking for light. And sermons from the texts, " The end of all things is at hand," " Striving against sin," and "Come unto me," were made the means of great blessing. He saw the way of life through the atoning sacrifice of Christ, and yielded his heart to the Saviour. He was baptized and became a member of the church, in March, 1*78*7. In the autumn of the same year, he began to preach the Gospel. His occa- sional eiforts were highly appreciated, and a room was secured at St. Peter's, where he preached every Lord's Day, morning and evening, for some time, worshipping meanwhile in the afternoons with the church at Shallows, under the pastoral care of Mr. Purchis. The room soon became too small for the congregation, and, in 1*797, a chapel which had been built by the Methodists, and opened for wor- ship by John "Wesley, was secured. This building was purchased by Mr. Cramp for 100 guineas. Here the services were carried on till the year 1800. At this time, Mr. Purchis died. Then the church was divided into two : one having Margate for its centre, the other St. Peter's. The old house at Shallows remained the common property of both churches, each in turn using it on baptismal occa- sions, till better provision was made. Mr. Thomas Cramp was chosen as the pastor of the church at St. Peter's. His ordination took place July, 1800. For twenty-seven years he labored over this church alone, preaching three times on Sundays, once or twice during the week, besides attending 5 prayer meetings and business meetings frequently. For about fifteen years, from 182*7, Rev. J. M. Cramp was associated with his father in the pastorate of the church. In 1837, Rev. Thomas Cramp completed the 50th year of his ministry, and Jubilee services were held. The son describes the event as follows : — " It was truly u gladsome daj*. A large attendunce of friends from diflferent parts of the country were present. In the morning, after a meeting for special prayer and praise, my fothor praeched from Acts xx. 32-35. The sei*- mon was one of his happiest efforts. The exposition of the text was clear and full ; historical reminiscences were interwoven in the discourse with much tact and pathos : and in adopting the language of the Apostle in reference to himself and his labors, the preacher took great pains to show that he did it not in a spirit of vain-glorious boasting, but under a deep sense of gratitude to (/od, through whose goodness he had been enabled to preach the Gospel without charge, as he intended to do till the day of his death." In the evening, a public meeting was held, and an address from the Church and congregation was presented, a gift of valuable works accompanying the address. We can venture only upon one ex- tract : " And to you, dear sir, has fallen a rare and uncommon lot. You are a prophet i-eceiving honor in your own na- tive village. The companions of your childhood and youth have received from youi- lips the instructions of wisdom. Here, in your own home, you are accepted of God and approved of men. " While we have no wish to use flattering words, or to 6 burn incense to vanity, we cannot withhold the just tri- bute of admiration and respect to the manner in which, by the grace of God, you have conducted your ministry i;mong us. Your discourses have been distinguished by a transparency of meaning and a warmth of emotion which could nol fail, under the Divine blessing, "*,o instruct and edify. To the sick and sorrowful, your atter < ons have been unusually prompt and exemplary ; and those of us who are ' poor in this Avorld,' have more abundant rea- son to cherish the most affectionate feelings towards you, .md to declare in this public manner our unfeigned gratitude. We have shared in your tenderest sympa- thies. Often, very often, have you strengthened the weak hands, confirmed the feeble knees, and caused the widow's heart to sing for joy. Your life has been an ex- tended illustration of the saying of the Lord Jesus, ' It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " For fourteen years after this Jubilee service did the highly esteemed pastor of the Church of St, Peter's continue, without fee or reward, to labor for Christ in that neighbourhood. The Church grew. Other Churches were organized, and he had th'' happiness, before his departure, to wit- ness gvea improvement in the religious condition of the peopic. Full of years, honored and beloved, he passed aAvay to his rest, Nov. 1*7, 1851, in the 82nd year of his age. The testimony of friends who were with him during his last illness, was very comforting and gratifying to the son, as it came in letters from time to time. Many of his remarks were remem- bered and repeated. Frequently did he talk on the subject of glorifying God, and lament that he had doue so little, and that so little concern was manifested respecting it by professors of relig-ion. Four months before his decease he remarked, " I have no desire to live but i^r the glory of God, and I don't see how I can glorify Him much now." Again, " I don't expect, nor do I wish it to be said to me, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' If the Lord will condescend to say, ' You have been an unfaithful servant, but I have forgiven you,' that will be enough for me." Such was the language of one who, for sixty- four years, had been engaged in preaching the glorious G-ospel of the Son of God, in his own neighbourhood and entirely at his own charges, so far as remuneration was concerned. And it can hardly be doubted that the spirit of humility and unselfish labor, so manifest in the father, had something to do in developing the same disposition in the son. Acknowledging the grace of God as the prime source of all nobility of character, we may often see the channel through which the good comes, and admire the wisdom which links causes and effects together, so that the latter are sure to come, because the former came. The devoted life of the Rev. Thomas Cramp, in the Isle of Thanet, England, from 11S1 to 1851, helped to furnish a leader for the cause of religion and religious education in these Maritime Provin- ces, one to whom the Baptist denomination espe- cially looked for wise counsel and warm-hearted sympathy in all times of difficulty. naa 8 The following is from the memory of one of the family : — " My earliest recollections are connected with the little chapel which we attendcJ at St. Peter's. My grand- father was a person of dignified and commanding appear- ance. His sermons were plain, doctrinal discourses thought out during the week. Study he had none, and of books a scanty supply, when judged by the needs of modern preacliers, but there was a vein of originality run- ning through his remarks which was well appreciated and generallj' admired. For matiy years he was always accompanied by his little dog, who gravely followed him up the pulpit stairs, and curled himself under the seat. Ho was perfectly quiet and decorous in his behaviour; but, if the sermon exceeded the usual length, ho would rouse, and bj^ moving gently about, intimate to his master that it was time to close." Many changes have taken place in the Isle of Thanet since those days. The principles which the Eev. Thomas Cramp so long defended, have more advocates now. The church is larger and the pas- tors better provided for. But modern progress owes a debt of gratitude to those earnest, Grod- fearing men, who so faithfully laid the foundations on which we are still building. The only way to account for their self-denying efforts, in the midst of all opposition, is to acknowledge that Grod pre- pared them to do what a different class of men could not have accomplished. The following description of the Isle of Thanet and surrounding neighborhood, may not be with- out interest to the readers of this memoir. Especi- ally when it is remembered that locality has much 9 to do in formiug character. We become a part of all we see and hear and enjoy. It has been kindly furnished by Richard Smithett, Esq., of Hengrove House, ij.ear Margate, nephew of Dr. Cramp. So far as can be ascertained, this neighbourhood has been the home of the Cramp family for several generations at least. This is certain that the three referred to in these records — Martin Cra \p, Thomas Cramp, and John Mockett Cramp, were all bom there. " England has l)oeii compared by an intelligent foreigner, to a beautiful garden, its land itself looking as if, instead of the plough, it had been worked up by the pencil. In no part is this more manifest than on the southern coast. The ever varying landscape, tinted and colored, according to the period of the day, and state of the weather, the lights and shadows of the picture stand- ing out, in consequence, in greater or less relief, the sun's rays floating over rich woodlands and pastures in the distance, the instability of an English sky, obscuring his light in the close vicinity of the spectator, or, reversing the scene, the distant and approaching shower, seen from the heights of the stern ditts, like a straight line, sepa- rating the sunshine from the gloom, is an essential to the picturesque, which no foreign country displays in so great a perfection." Turner's Southcnt Count of England. " The county of Kent, famed for its fertility, forms no exception to this charming description, and in some parts, has additional claims of interest from historic asso- ciations. The term ' Isle of Thanet,' though now strictly accui-ate, was in ancient times more visibly appropriate than at present. Alluvial formations have taken the place of the broad river beds, and the strait of the sea 10 :|li : 1 II which onco divided it from the mainhind of Kent ; vewsols of large burden once sailed where flocks of sheep and herds of cattle now peacefully graze. Ships, when pos- sible, avoided the stormy coast of the North Foreland, and, if bound for the channel, sailed round Thanet from the East, and emerged at that part of the mainland over where the twin towers of Reculver now stand. The deri- vation of the word * Thanet,' has been sought in most unlikely places, and curious legends are connected with it in the chronicles of ancient writers, but on the whole, it seems probable that it was derived from tire (Saxon, Tan), since there wei'O various beacons along the coast, intended, doubtless, i-ather to warn the inhabitants against hostile fleets, than to humanely point out the dangerous clitt's. Few parts of >]ngland, if any, have witnessed so many invasions as have fallen to the lot of Thanet. History is silent as to most, but the eloquent testimony of places of burial is conclusive. " But, however obscure may be our insight into the earliest history of Thanet, that island is famed as the landing place of St. Augustine, with his forty monks, in the reign of King Ethelbert, in the year 956. The new missionaries were at first accommodated in the old Bri- tish Church of St. Martin, at Canterbury, and, after overcoming many obstacles, speedily obtained a per- manent footing lor their faith, and by their influence, Christianity gained position and a strength which was never afterwards subverted, but rapidly increased. " The isle of Thanet was the seat of the ancient mon- astery of Minster, once famed for its vast possessions which afterwards passed into the hands of the monks of St. Augustine's Abbey, at Canterbury. The abbey house still remains, and has been restored, and converted into a private residence. " Although this island is somewhat small, containing 11 lens than 26,000 acres, it embraces no less than nine parishes and two villes. Of the former, St. Peter's (where the fathei- of the late Dr. Cramp was, foi* tifty years, a pastor beloved by the members of his own con- jLjregation, and re-»pected by those of all other religious creeds) was one of the most important, and included the neighbouring town of Broadstairs within its limits. " The Episcopal church, built in 1184, is u very hand- some sti'ucture, with a lofty tower, from the summit of which the ordnance and other surveys of the surrounding country have been made. It appears to have been injured by an earthquake in the year 1580. This shock destroyed Saltwood (Jastle, near Hythe, and must have been one of unusual severity as att'ecting England. " A very interesting journal was published in 1836, by the late Charles Mockett, of St. Peter's, a kinsman of the late Dr. Ci-amp. Therein the Cramps frequently appear, especially an ancestor whose name was Thomas Crampe, who adhered to the correct spelling of the ancient family name, from Suftblk, and various offices, and purchases of land made by members of that descent are mentioned. The island is remarkable for its fertility in most parts, and hi^h cultivation in all. " Enormous fortunes in the olden days were amassed by some agriculturists, when our constant and prolonged wars caused all food to command abnormal prices, and every security, Governmental and otherwise, fell in value. Two instances are knownof nearly £300,000 having been computed to have been bequeathed, resulting from such sources. But those days have passed away, and the har- vests of golden corn are of little pecuniary value. The days have passed when the beacon tires warned the scat- tered inhabitants of Thanet of the dreaded approach of ruthless Norsemen, when the subterraneous passages, now known to exist, but only very partially explored, 12 were u8od an meanH of flifjht frotr one part to aiiotlier, or aH hiding-places for the weak and tondor through age or BOX, doubtloHH also, as utoro-houses for food, stock or moveable valuables. " Now the invaders bring wealth and prosperity to the largo and populous sumraei" or autumn roHori.'. content to carry away with them no other booty than the health and vigor, so readily olTered to. and gratefully received by, the peaceable hordes sent foi'th from the huge metn)polis, and countless other parts of England. The old posting times, and the cumbrous trading hoys (often used as pas- senger vessels), are almost of the past, and the two rail- ways boar theii- tens of thousands in search of strength, amusement, or relaxation from the iron fetters of business. " Numerous hospitals stud the coast, churches have been restoi-ed and founded. Religious denominations work harmoniously together for the benefit of all, and though the earthly harvests may not be prospei'ous to the gathei'ers and toilers, full and abundant tithes are, doubtless, accepted and cherished in the eternal granary of Heaven." Hi' i i' CHAPTER II. EARLY LIFE AXD EDUCATION. 179(1—1818. " Lord, my first fruits pre-ont themselves to Thee . . from Thee they came, and must return. Accept of them anVme." HEBnBRT. John Mockett Cramp was born at St. Peter's July 25th, 1796. He was, therefore, four years of age at the time his father was ordained as the pastor of the church there. According to his own amusing account of the ordination service, August 1, 1800, while the father was at the church, pas- sing through his examination and re^^eiving the ensignia of his office, the son was at home, vigor- ously pulling up the broad beans, which were at this time some inches above the ground. And so the day was well remembered by both. What wonderful transformations time and God's grace can effect ! Little would any one have sup- posed that in fourteen short years from that date, this father would be listening to sermons from the' son, and soon after, with other grave divines in 14 i-i u.;, ii I ; Council miM,tosot iiparl to t ho Gospel ministry, this misohiovous l)oy. And vol so it ciimo to pass. It was amid the scimios doscrihod in the piviMMl- ing' chapter, that his early days wen> spent. Here he received his lirst impressions of Hie. Here com- menced the moulding- whicli resulted in producing a vigorous intellect, great industry of «'haracter, and an unusual ability to perform work. The in- formation acquired and the work done were both so great and so varied, that practical miMi were olten astonished. While many men may have sur- passed him in spetial departments of knowledge, few indeed could be found with such a fund of almost universal information, and largely at hand at a moment's notice, if called for. A few extracts from his own pen in reference to early life : — " My inotlier. llobecca Goiigoi-, was iluu^litoi' oi' Jtthn and Mary (iougor, of Kani^ii;ute. She died, 18015. My tatlior married agaii\, tl»e year after. My graiidtathor, (iougor, died in 180'.*, aged 85. My grandinothor in 1825, aged 8!). ** I was sent to school at ('anterhui-y, to a Mr. Baines, in 180(), and removed to Margate in 1808. Undoi* Mr. Lanoastor, who was usher at Mr. Lewis's, I lirst learned how to loarn Latin. I loft school in 1811." We are too far removed from the scenes of these early school days, to be able to recite any incidents in connection with them. A boy's freaks of fun, idleness or industry, failures or suci^esses, do not, ex(.ept in rare cases, follow him for three thousand miles across the water. And if only half the time, 15 I'orly instoad of eighty yoiivs had passed .siiuo those si'hool days, no toa<'liovs, and but tow sohool- luatos would 1)0 I'ouud in Canterbury itself, to recall the incidents connected with them. "Time and Tido roll on, And liear aCur onr liubblos." ^Submissive or wilful, at the head or at tin* loot of the class, we have no means of knowing". But drawing reasonable conclusions from what w^e do knov\% the presumption would he that there must have been great energy of intellect and rapid development even then. " I lirst learned koto to learn Latin," implies, to those who know his modest way always of refer- ring to his own performances, that already the main dilli,■ It le of some portion of the New Testiunent, in which mode of preaching he excelled. He resigned and was followed by Rev. J. Young, Avho^o tenure of office was short. He was followed by Dr. Murch, and he by Dr. Davis. Dr. Cramp says, ' subsequently the College was removed to Eegent's Park, under the presidency of Dr. Angus, who enjoys a high reputation as a professor and an author, and has been an active member of the Commission for the Revision of the New Testament.' " The following reference to Dr. Cramp, contained in a letter recently received from Dr. Angns, will be read with interest in connection with these re- marks : — ..." Dr. Cramp was, as you know, one of our early students ; but unhappily, the applications of students for the tirst twenty years of our college life have not been preserved. "When I first settled as pastor in London, in 1837, 1 became personally acquainted with him ; and be- tween 1840 and 1847, 1 knew him and corresponded with him on matters connected Avith our Mission, of which I Avas then secretary. He bec^ueathed to our college li- brary a collection of the works of the Fathers — a very pleasant memorial of his good will. " All through those yeai-s, he displayed the same ad- mirable qualities. He was equally clear-headed and warm-hearted, bright, unselfish, scholarly, and warmly attached to Evangelical truth and to nonconformity ; the friend of all good men, especially of his own brethren. " The last time I saw him was, I think, in 1873. We met at the Evangelical Alliance meeting at New York, and recalled many old friends and many old incidents to our mutual satisfaction. . . ." From September, 1814, till May, 1818, the time seems to have been spent in study "t Stepney. 18 v.! I It 1 They were evidently years of great application, perseverance and growth. There were during this time many excursions into various parts of the city and surrounding country, in order to supply vacant pulpits, and do good as opportunities presented themselves. One is thus described : — " A visit to jSTorwich in 1816, was very useful to me. I spent a month there, while the pastor, Eev. Mark Wilks, was absent. During that time I preached twenty sermons, and had access to the city library, where I found the works of the Eev. E. Cecil. I read them witl: great eagerness, and have continued their peru^^al ever since; I know not how many times I have travelled through these volumes. Latterly I have read them over yearly, and always with greater thankfulness, and much reverence for the author. Young ministers of every de- nomination should endeavour to place Cecil's works in their libraries." w ^li CHAPTER III. ORDINATION AND FIRST PASTORATE. 1818—1825. In the year 1817, the church in Dean street Southwark mvited Mr. Cramp to supply the rp„ ! Tble to ^h "" ^^ "'""^^ proved to'be accep . able to the people, and it resulted in a call to tL pas orate of the church. The invitat.ou was c! toTpiaTe' "" ""'' '• ''''' *'"' O"*'-"- --- Jnf:ht'K^v:;r .^''^ ^^^^•'^^^^ '^ '^''- SteMev^^A^lf ''^' ^'"^ '- '^'^■^'■- J- M. Cramp, late of overtl cw7' T "' *'""■' *° ""^ 1'-'°-' "ffl^" Eev W Bnrr/'" ""■"''■ So"*™,*, where the Zs The R -^ "''"'""" •'"^'"8 " l'«-i»y useful deeds." We have materials here for a very short chanter Partly because the period was short, and partly because it constitutes a break in the life work In tracing a stream, so long as the body of the water keeps together, although there may be many turn- ings and windings, yet the course may be followed without difficulty. But if the obstructions become so numerous and great that the stream itself is divided and takes divergent channels, one may be m doubt whether he is following the main branch or some smaller outlet. Dr. Cramp's life, for two or three years just here, was in an unsettled state. His work was of various kinds, and one could hardly say which was the chief His residence was in or near London. A portion of the time was giyen to seeking for health. His physicians told him r,hat he had been overworked, and that his only hope of permanent recovery was rest or an entire chano-e ; 'I ill: liiili in I ! ill 88 ol" work. This period includes a portion oi' the time that he playfully represents himself as " run- ning the gauntlet of the physicians." The time that no one would have dreamed that he could live to be an old man. It was hard, however, for a man of Dr. Cramp's temperament to rest long at a time, even if the state of health demanded it. He engaged in vari- our literary pursuits. He examined manuscripts and reviewed books for the Tract Society of Lon- don. Large works were abridged, so as to be suit- able for distribution among the masses of the people. Many eHbrts were put forth on behalf of popular education, a matter in which Dr. Cramp was deeply interested. About the time of his first pastorate in London, the subject of popular education was pressing itself upon the British Government and the legislators of the kingdom. But few schools existed to sup- ply the demands of the rapidly growing popula- tion of the laboring classes, especially in the larger cities. Lancaster had recently introduced his ipothod of giving the masses the rudiments of learning at a cheap rate, and efforts were being made to extend the system throughout the king- dom. The British and Foreign School Society had been recently formed for the purpose of promoting this good work. Among the friends of this move- ment, the Rev. Mr. Cramp was recognized as one of the leading minds, and at the anniversary held in Freemason's Hall, on the 10th May, 1824, His Royal Highness, the Duke of Sussex, being in the 89 chair, the following" resolutions were unanimously adopted by the committee and the public meeting, respectively : — "This committoe having considered the importam-e of the openings now presenting in different parts of the world and the extensive correspondence which is likely to ensue, is of opinion that the services of two lionorary secretaries will bo necessary, and therefore proposes that the llev. J. M. Cramp he united with Francis Cress- well, Esq., in that office. "That the office of honorai-y secretary, which liad been held from the commencement of this Society by the late, ever to be lamented, Joseph Fox, and which has continued vacant since his death, be now tilled up. and that Fi-ancis Cresswell, Esq., and the Jlev. J. M. Cramj) be appointed honorary seci-etaiies of this Society." By means of this appointment, Mr. Cramp had wide scope given for extensive usefulness in the cause of popular education, and was brought into intimate relations with the more prominent friends of education and the leading politicians of the day, none of whom were warmer advocates of this k!?ociety for many years than the late Lord John Russell. When it is borne in mind how much Great Britain was indebted to this Society for the spread of general enlightenment amongst the people at that day, before any general provision was made on behalf of its common schools, and when education depended upon the charitable bequests of benevo- lent persons or private adventurers, it will be seen what appropriateness there w^as in this appoint- ment, and how well he was suited to such a wide ; mil; 40 'I '■ ■Kil field of usefulness — that he was emphatically " the right mail in the rig-ht place " — whiih office he coutiuued to fill for several years. lu harmony with this movement, and partly to promote its interests, a new publishing- company was started in London : the object being to furnish cheap literature for the people. Dr. Cramp under- took to superintend the literary work of this company. The result may be given in his own language : — " The interval (since the lust record) has been filled with momentous events. Tho society for promotin<^ general knowledge mentioned in my last, did not succeed. The publishing company engaged the premises, 24 Pater- noster How, and soon formed extensive connection^. I stipulated that I should only take the literaiy depart- ment, such us examining manuscripts, correcting for the press, &o., &(-., and should not be requii-ed to occupy my- self further, r soon found, however, that more than this was necessary, and I was engaged ordinarily in business from breakfjist till tea time. The effects of this occupa- tion were most disastrous in a spiritual sense. With sorrow I must record that my soul became increasingly bari'en and loan during the whole of this period." We find in the journal of these years many re- grets for coldness and heart wanderings, many confessions of unworthiness, which forcibly re- mind one of a fact to which the Doctor, in after years, frequently called attention, that is the beautiful simplicity of the Old Testament saints, in humbly confessing their own wrongs. One said, " Few and evil have the days of the years of my life been." Another, " T am not worthy of the P ! 41 re- after the aints, One ars of >f the least of all tlu' mercies." And agaiu. " But, as for me, my feet we^e almost gone ; my steps had well nigh slipped." And, David. '" I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me." Paul, " Not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the Church of Gfod. " In addition to literary labors, and the efforts in behalf of Q-eneral education, there was much preaching' in supplying' vacant pulpits during these yearsf of uncertainty. An average of con- siderably over one sermon a week for the whole time. And yet. Dr. Cramp never reviewed this period of his life with satisfaction. He felt that, in a certain sense, they were lost years. He had been turned aside from the channel of his life work. And some of his own references to the time would lead to the conclusion that his connection with the short-lived publishing company, had proved disastrous to him in financial, as well as in other matters. "Whatever he sullered. however, he regarded it all, in after years, as needed discip- line, and a part of the one Divine plan in working out the results of his life. He was no anti-nomian, and yet he believed that a guiding hand had been leading him all the journey through. Light and shade, rightly blended, make a pleasing picture. One event, however, of this period stood out in strong contrast from many of the others. To this he never looked back with regret, but regarded it as a special mercy from God. and given as an otf-set to much that was painful. On February 1st, 182t3. Mr. Cramp was married t ' i:li 1 1 'Hi , ill 42 again. The second Mrs. Cramp was Miss Anne Burls, daughter of W. Burls, Esq., of Lothbury. He regarded himself as singularly fortunate in his choice. And as the years rolled by, it became more evi- dent that " fortunate" was not the word to employ, but " providential," and that the " choice " was less his own, than that of the One who was direct- ing his way. A record of his own, may express the gratitude. After a reference to his marriage, he says : — " Two years and a half have ehipsed ssince that event. Blessed be God for his goodness. My beloved is every- thing J could wish — pious, pruden*, careful, amiable, re- tired, modest, most sympathizing and kind ; a treasure indeed. The providence of God singularly directed to this union ; I received her from the Lord, to Him be all praise." This union continued 36 years. It closed July 26th, 1862. But the opinion expressed above, strengthened as the years passed. And all who enjoyed the intimate acquaintance of Mrs. Cramp, would cheerfully testify to its correctness. Shortly after the sad separation in 1862, the be- reaved husband published a small pamphlet, en- titled, "A Portraiture from Life." It was a sketch of the history of the one who had been taken away. It was not designed for publication, but rather for perusal by the friends of the family. The picture, however, was so lovingly and tenderly drawn, and the one who drew it, having now gone, we think 43 that there can be no impropriety in inserting a few extracts. He says : — •' Her parents were persons of eminent piety, held in high esteem by all with whom th".y were associated. They were members of the Baptist Church, then meeting in Carter Lane, Southwark, of which the Rev. Di-, Eippon was pastoi", and which is now under the care of the Eev. C. H. Spurgeon. Her father was one of the deacons of the church. He was also for many years London treasurer of the Baptist Missionary Society. Hei- religious advantages were of no common order, antl were no doubt, greatly blessed to her. She was led to give herself to God early in life. The following is her own account of her conversion : — '• ' 1 can hardly remember the time when 1 did n^it feel some interest in serious subjects — a love to ( Jod's people — and a great pleasure in committing to memory, hymns, passages of Scripture, &c. Thus it was with me till 1810, when it pleased my Heavenly Father to visit me with a severe illness. I was obliged to leave school, ai;id for some months could not leave my room. Then did I es- pecially feel my neeilof an interest in Jesus, and I longed to lay hold of that hope which I felt I had been only look- ing at. My dear parents often spoke to me, but 1 was unable to tell any one what was passing within. Gain- ing some strength, change of air was desired, and Ketter- ing was the plate fixed upon. There, my dear mother ]tlaced me under the care of an old and valued friend of hers, who not only supplied her place, with respect to those attentions my situation required, but often spoke to me of the things belonging to my everlasting interests. Tliere .also I had frequent visits frt»m Christian friends, and when able, regularly attended Mr. Fuller's ministry. About this time 1 was much impressed under a discourse 1 heard him deliver. It was an exposition on John xv. i 1:1 ' ■ I ■ I Mm ifl i i 'piif' It'll lililMl 44 1-5, On my return from the house of God 1 fVeely opened my mind to the friend with whom I was pUiced. She encouraged me to hope that I was i-eally united to tlie 'living Vine;" but 1 felt there was something wanting, and I longed for more evidence of a renewed nature. A few days after, it pleased the wise Disposer of hnman events to destroy my expectations of complete restoration to health, I caught cold one evening ; an inflammation of the lungs followed, and I was considered in danger. My own impressions were that J should never he raised up again. My distress, at first, was extreme : distance from my beloved friends — every circumstance added to the anguish of my mind. But C4od was pleased to "speaU peace unto me," and enabled me to resign myself into His hands. I felt Him near to me, and could look at death without much disma3\ The 27fith and 277th hymns of the selection, I found contained the language of my heart, and 1 almost longed to be where I should grieve my best Friend no more. But God was pleased to bless the means used for my recoveiy, which was very rapid, so that in April, 1811, I returned home.'" After some other statements, the account pi-oceeds: — " J then determined that, in tlie Lord's strength, I would avow my attachment to Him and His people. I had found 1 could live upon the Fountain, and that there was enough in God to make me happy. Thus, in April, 1812, I was united to the church (in Carter Lane, then under the ministry of Dr. Eippon). I cannot say I enjoyed much at that tin)e. The adversary was pei-mitted to harass my mind with the apprehension that I had done wrong; but I trust God accepted the surrender, and has enabled me to make it again and again. Different means have been used to show me the hidden evils of my heart, i have proved that God never inflicts a wound he could safely spare. My conquests have been slow and incou- 45 elusive ; but I trust I can look forward to the period when I shall wield no more the ' warrior's sword ' but ' wear the con<|ueror'8 crown.' " ■'The above was written in 1824. in which year my ac(^uaintance with the dear departed one commenced. "We were married Ych. 1, 182G. Since that time I have liad, of course, lull opportunity of observing and know- ing her manner of life. We have travelled together in sunshine and storm ; we have climbed the hills and des- cended into the valleys; we have tasted of the " cup of s^dvation," and we have drank some bitter draughts : joy and grief, hope and disappointment, with other con- traries, have fallen to our lot ; — and now, " one is taken and the other left." The survivor is called upon to dis- charge the last office of friendship and love. From the baptismal vow to the departure heavenAvard, Christian uniformity of demeanour was observable in the lamen- ted deceased. It was a quiet walk with God, a well sustained endeavour to exhibit, in temper and conduct, the influence of the Gospel. Her gentleness of spirit and retiring disposition shrank from the whirl and bustle in which some tind themselves at home, and Christian graces shone in a limited sphere, yet not less brightly. When she entered into the marriage relation, wider scope for the manifestation of love and zeal was furnished, bringing into operation powers and qualities which had not been before developed. Nearness to God was habitual. Her times of retirement for meditation and prayer were sacredly obsei-ved. They were hal- lowed seasons. She came forth from her chamber re- ireshed, and prepared for labour or conflict. How she Avas occupied while there ; — what Divine commimings she enjoyed ; — how closely and impai-tially she examined herself, in regard to principles, feelings, aims, and mo- tives; — and with what earnest pleadings, she sought im tji 46 God's blessing, especially on her children, cannot be told; but enough is Unown to warrant the conclusion that the hours of her withdrawment from society wei-e spent in heavenly exercises, the ertecc,s of ".vhich were seen in the whole course of her life. " These habits wei-e conjoined with maturity of cha- racter, to which indeed, they largely contributed. Her piety was at once intelligent and warm-hearted. Unlike many Christian professors, who satisfy themselves with the rudiments of religion, and are therefore ever at un- certainty respecting their state, she desired to ' compre- hend, with all saints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height, and to know the love of Chi'ist, which passeth knowledge,' that she ' might be tilled with all the fulness of God,' . . . " She enjoyed in a high degree the pleasui-es of bene- volence, esteeming it an essential pari of the Christian's calling to tread in the steps of Him, who ' went about doing good.' Her whole training, in the family and in the church, tended to this result. She had seen bounti- fulness at home in manifold forms, and her conduct proved that she had learned the lesson well. '= Our denominational objects were dear to her heart ; especially the foreign mission, with which she felt par- ticularly identified, having had frequent opportunities of forming acquaintance with missionaries when they were sojourning for a while under her father's hospitable roof Her co-operation was frequently sought and cheerfully given in connection with the multifoi-m plans of useful- ness in which Christian females take delight. The poor experienced her kindest sym])athies, and no small amount of relief was afforded to them both from the purse and from the ' basket and store.' Afflictions, many and various, were endured. Children were taken away, and near relations removed, by death. Sickness, losses, disap- ; mi. i!i,.i I II ■ 4t ])ointed hopes contributed to swell the li>»t of her sor- rows, and sometimes the ' waves ami hillows' followed each other in I'apid succession. She bore all with sui)- missive patience. . . . "Warning was given, several years before her death, when it was ascertained that she was the subject of a disease (an affection of the heart), the final blow of which might l)e ])arried for a while, but would at length fall fatally, and might come on a sudden. She received the warning with composure, and was thankful for it, be- cause it so powerfully enforced the necessity of habitual preparation. From that time, she sought to live as ' dy- ing daily.' . . After an interval of suftering, endured with characteristic sweetness and submission, the peace- ful close of the quiet life, thus described, took place at Wolfville, July 26. 18G2." The following- letter was addressed to his oldest son, the late Thomas Cramp, Esq., of Montreal, shortly after his return home. It had been a very sad family g-atheriug, but the writer of the letter could see that there had been much of mercy mingled with the bitterness of the cup : — ^'August U, 1862. " We all felt your departure very much, but could not feel thankful enough that you had come, and that you came just when you did. It seems to have been merci- fully ordered by a kind Providence. "The i-ecollection will be mournfully grateful to yon, especially connected witu A\e assurance that your visit contributed so materially to the relief and C(»mfort of the dear dej)arted. . . . Mr. de Blois jireached a good funei-al sermon on the Lord's day after you left, from Psalm cxvi. 15, — the funeral te.xt for your grandfathoi- 48 ill! nil I ri ' fhii 'Ir: 'III Gouger, fifty ycai-s ago. J have wi'ilten a jiuper en- titled, ' A portraiture from life.' It contains a sketch of your (k'ar mother's character, and an account of her death-bed experience. . . . not meant for the public eye, but ] inted for circulation among our friend.^. " I could not feel satisfied without doing something of the kind ; foi* though we cannot forget what we have seen and heard, there is a large circle of relations and friends to whom such a document will be very accept- able, and it will tend to perpetuate your dear mother's memory in a suitable manner. I trust it Avill do good, as an additional testimony to the reality and power of religion ; for so assuredly it must be reganied. Contrasted with the delicate reserve of former life, that death-bed fi-eedom and fulness of communication could not but be regarded as striking. Certainly God was there, influen- cing and blessing the soul of the dying one. The recol- lection of these scenes must be instructive to us ; we shall dwell upon tV^em with deep interest, and seek to become better acquainted with that ' form of godliness ' which was associated with so much power, anil life, and hope. I desire to feel the quickening effect in my own soul, labouring henceforth as one who has but a short time to live, and setting before me the bliss and purity attained by those who have gone before." ii ill CHAPTER V. CO-PASTORATE WITH HIS FATHER. 1827-1842. preachmg praymg-the lamp of his zeal was fed ^ith 'Ch oil from the fulness of God." The event which chang-ed the course of Mr Cramp s life occurred in June, 1827, about four- teen months after his second marriage. This was tne sudden and unexpected death of his only surviving brother. After explaining some of the circumstances and symptoms, he says :— holrel^.HT T'r ^" '^' '''"^ ""^^ ^'^' h™ "^'t' till ho bzeathed his last very early on Friday morning.. Oh On thl f ,"'■ J ^'''''^ "^y ^^•°^^^^^'- I ^-^^ him die. On the following Friday, he was buried, and on Lord's day June 10th, a funeral sermon was preached for him to a ciowded congregation from 2 Cor. v. 1-5." The record continues :— "This afflictive event operated in an entire change in •vll my prospects. My father felt his inadequacy tfthe oures ot business, and the labors of the pulpit. After 4 Ill I ' I I I I *'! 50 i.ii I ill ![ tly labor after a tender, feeling sense of the value of souls, and tho importance of truth, so as ti) resist sharaefacedness, and not shun to sj>eaU to men of their eternal interests. " 7. That I will, at least once a week, set apart some time for an e.xercise similar to this, for self-examination, abasement before God, and prayer and praise. " Who can tell what God may bo about to do? Lord help me, keej) me, give me grace to fulfil these intentions. May tho remainder of my life bo spent for Thee." July 25, 1831. "This is my birthday, on which 1 have completed my thirty-tilth year. " 1 have enjoyed some degree of gratitude and chastened pleasure. Among tho thoughts that occupied my mind was this, 'Where shall 1 be thirty-five yeais hence ? ' 1 could not anticipate so long a continuance on earth, but 1 was cnableil to look forward with humble joy to the realms of bliss, ami to entertain a hope that 1 should bo there, joining the glorified in their holy and heavenly celebrations, ' Far from a workl of grief and sin.' The thought was delightful. Ought it not to be stimulating, too ? Time is rapidly passing away, how diligent, active, devoted, should I be. Lord help me to bo so. But oh ! how much cause have 1 for continued humiliation before God! My heart seems so dull tliat nothing can move or atlect it. On every hand I see 'I 1 •il !^ 56 reasons for self-abusemeiit. I have indeed to begin every- thing afresli. I desire to do so. Mjiy the Lord deign to begin again with me, for my salvation and His glory." Such are the I'eeliugs, the lougiug aspirations of oue who even then was actively engaged in suc- cess I'ul endeavours in making known the truth, one who was regarded bv his brethren as among the brightest of the saints. Doubtless, many, far inferior to him in both mental and spiritual attain- ments, regarded themselves as models of excellence, and patterns of piety. What a different estimate men put upon their lives and acts, when the grace of God operates in the heart ! These resolves and prayers were followed by re- newed consecration to the work : — the labors more abundant, the sermons more earnest, the appeals more pungent and spiritual. Aug. 20. About a month after the last entry, we find the following, referring to seasons of medita- tion and prayer : — " The difficulty I find in fixing my thoughts on these occasions has led me to consider the propriety of prepa- ring a series of enquiries to l)e instituted whenever 1 re- tire for special meditation and prayer. They are such as these : " 1. How is my heart aifeced in prayer ? Is there the spirit of adoption ? " 2. Do 1 realize the i)resence and the character of God? " 3. Do I feai a deep sense of my insignificance and vileness? Do J plead the promises? Do I believe and expect ? Am I watchful over my besetting sin ? Do I cultivate those virtues uiid graces in which I am most !■ ffln 57 deficient? Am I daiiy doing something for tlio mouIh of my family — my wife — my children — my servants ? Doen tenderness of conscience continue and increase ? Have I lively, close, i-ealizing views of truth especially of those truths which are immediately essential to the salvation of men ? " What have I read hitely, and with what spiritual advantage? Have 1 had any edifying intercourse with my Christian i'rethren ? Am 1 conscientious in the cm- ])l<)yment of my time? And <'o 1 preserve order in this niattei", preferring supreme tu i^uhordinate objects? " Here we have again a leading characteristic of him whose life we are studyiug. Comments seem needless. It might be better to say nothing, and. simply allow the reader to ponder for him.self upon this wonderful re* ord. "What heart-searching en- quiries ! "What minuteness in details I "What honesty of purpo.se I AVhat determination, by Grod's grace, to hnd out where the secret wrong was, if any. that might stand in the way of fuller displays of heavenly grace, so as thus to become more instrumental of good. Surely, to every ear- nest Christian, who knows what these struggles mean, th^^ memory of the man, who. in his secret chamber, and in his Isle of Thanet home, ret orded these solemn resolves, will become doubly dear. This is no official piety, nor any external form of godliness. These are the secret, sincere struggles of a human soul, under the stimulating inllueuccs of G-od's grace, panting for a divine life and closer walk with God. And yet the remark may be ven- tured, that not one of those most intimate with the Rev. J. M. Cramp at the time these records were I': K h'M 58 ii; made, had the slightest idea that he was thus wrestling for the victory. They thought that he had already attained. The compiler of these records thought that he knew him tolerably well. The acquaintance com- menced in 1851, and did not end till 1881. He sat under his instructions in classics and in theology. He enjoyed many of his public lectures and ad- dresses. He listened to his sermons and went home weeping and condemned. And yet he is I'ree to say that he never really knew Dr. Cramp, till after his decease, when the seal of secresy was removed from his private papers. In September, among many other things, we find this record : — " The more 1 look into myself, the less I think of my- self. I need to be converted anew. H.ave pity upon me, Oh Lord, have pity, upon me. Save me. Sanctify me. Fit me to enjoy and glorify Thee, and to be useful in Thy cause, whatever it may cost me. " Possibly, this may be in its results a fearful petition ; for surely it will require much to make me an * able minister of the Xew Testament,' and perhaps some out- ting and pruning will bo necessary, that will make both tlesh and spirit smart. Still, if I know my heart, I do really wish to be of some service in the (.-ause of God, as well as to make personal advance in piety. I leave my- self in the hands of the Lord." Again, a little further on — " 1 have this evening resolved that 1 will especially consider, in my devotional exercises, the following sub- jects : — " Lord's Day — My own soul. M 59 thus • at he at he com- [e sat )logy. d ad- went he is ■^'' ramp, '/< ecresy 4 rs, we 1 ■ ». of my- ■'•^M )on me, ,'JH ify me. ieful in '^H ctitiou; iiJ^H 1 ' able '^s^^^H mo C'Ut- ;e both *iW^^^I rt, I do ^M God, iM '^H ive my- '^^^1 pecially ng Hub- '^^H " Monday — The Ministry. " Tuesday — My family. " Wednesday — My friends. " Thursday — My efforts in the cjMise of God. " Friday—The state of the Church. " Saturday — The state of the world. " May God give his blessing." These extracts from the journal, bring us to the time already referred to, when Dr. Cramp removed to the farm at Bromstone. The immediate cause of his leaving London and coming home, was the sudden death of his brother, who had been in charge of his father's tarm. The Rev. Thomas Cramp was entirely taken up with the care of the church, and needed assistance, both in preach- ing, and in matters of business. And so, after due deliberation, it was arranged that the son should unite with the father in the work. But the church, for all the previous years, had been supplied without the necessity of paying a salary. This was, of course, very kind upon the part of the pastor ; but it was a very bad training for the church. Dr. Cramp often spoke of it as a mistake. For it was inducing and fostering the habit of neglect of the Christian duty of giving to the Lord. And no church will be likely, under such circumstances, to become healthy, strong or progressive. A change, however, could not be made sud- denly, nor was it attempted to any great extent. The plan was for Dr. Cramp to superintend the farm, and thus secure a support for his family. fp .i;i I ! •m ;': 'l . 'I 60 How he viewed this contemplated change may be gathered from his own record while it was still in prospect : — " Doc. 27, 1831. My mind has been much occupied of late respecting a contemplated change of residence, and mode of life. It will not take place till Michaelmas next, but it will be important. 1 believe it to be the will of God. Cii'cumstances I'cnder it im])erative. My duty to my family calls me to go and reside on the farm, and undertake its i)ractical management. This will induce considerable change. My literaiy purposes must be cut otf. But little time will be spared for my study. I must relinquish my favorite pucsuits, and engage in othei's less congenial to my tastes and habits. But it is the will of God, and to it I desire humbly, and even cheerfully, ti> bow. Imj)ortant designs may he to be answered by it, mysterious as it at present seems. "I have endeavoured this evening to surrender myself unreservedly to the Lord, in reference to the whole, that He maj' do with me as He pleaseth. That passage much dwelt ujjon my mind, ' Even Christ pleased not Himself ]My studies have pleased myself; they have been a source of enjoyment. But this was not an end for the Son of God to seek'. Why should I wish to do otherwise than my TiOrd ? Xo,let me give up everything, that God may be gloj'ified. " Honcefortli, my reading must be eminently devo- tional an 62 .1'! ill those actually poor to be cared lor, but hosts of worthless and idle people, well able to sus- tain themselves, were relyiug upou the public; bounty. When the thing- became unbearable, the law was changed. The pro\'ision made was that those asking help must give up their homes, such as they were, and go to the Poor House to be pro- vided for. The cost of keeping the poor was re- duced nearly one-half in this way. The Guardians had charge of this matter, each in his own parish. Mr Cramp was appointed Guar- dian, and soon after he was selected as chairman of the Board of that body. It was a very responsible position. The law having been recently passed, there w^as no precedent for action. Everything had to be taken up from the beginning. Much patient investigation into the condition and claims of the parties to be provided for, was imperative. Many references to this period in his jo rnal, show that he was giving time, energy and 'lought to the duties of this office, but that there was much in connection with it far from desirable to one of Mr. Cramp's tastes and habits. It did not bring him into contact with literary or spiritual life. That the duties of the office were, however, dis- charged in a manner satisfactory to the parish, may be gathered from various sources. On his retirement from the position, after three years of incessant toil, a beautiful silver salver was presented, which contains the following in- scription : — jM Mi^ ^^^ 68 hosts 1 sus- )ublii- e, the s that , such >e pro- V&8 re- jach in . Guar- airmaii onsible passed, rything Much i claims erative. il, show ught to IS mvich oue of 3t bring aal life. ver, dis- parish, ter three ir salver ring in- ..r THE VlCAll, CHURCHWARDENS, OVERSEER AND OENTRY, Of the Parish of St. PetuM. — TO— JOirX MOCKKTT CHAMP, In tCiitiinony of eiiiinont services rendered by him, In thk Ykars 18.«. 1830 and lS.i7, When iictinn as the tirst elected Guardian of the Parish of St. Peter, AM> AS CHAIHMAX HI' THK KOAKI) OK (Jl'AISDIAXS OF THE LSLE OF THANET UNION. It will be noticed that this presentation was not Irom persons in sympathy with Mr. Cramp's re- ligious views, and is, therefore, a testimonial pure and simple as to the ability and fidelity of the recipient. The following document from the Board itself was found among some old papers. There are twenty-five names attached : — "May 11th, 1838. " Wo, whose names are undersi,s^ned, being or having been members of the Board of Guardians of the Isle ' f Thanet, during the last three years, feel our.selves bound in duty to Mr. John Mookett Cramp, for the importtmt services which he has rendered to the Boaitl as chtiirinan, to state, in a public declaration of our sentiments, the full conviction we entertain of his eminent qualifications for the office of Auditor of the Kast Kent Union. " We, therefore, take this opportunity of recording our experience of his punctuality in the fulfilment of official ennagements, of his courtesy in transacting busi- ness, and his accurate perception of all particulars which may most etfectually and satisfactorily accomplish the salutary purposes of the Poor Law Amendment Act." All of which must have been eminently satisfac- tory to the retiring chairman. It would, probably, have convinced many persons in similar condi- (U Ml Mil! 11 tioiis, that thoy had beeu iu tho ri<;ht plaoo and doing the right work. There are, ho vever, different standpoints from which to look at things. Mr. Cramp had his own. He was not as well pleased as others seem to have been. His own reeord may explain : — '• This w:i!s a laborious aud thankle.-s ottice. The place of meeting; was six miles from home, and the inoetings were week!}', besides occasional duties in the interval. I was bi'ought into connection with worldly men, and ])laced in a situation which exposed me to considerable obloquy. I do not know that any good whatever resulted from it. It was one of my mistakes." The " obloquy " referred to, doubtless arose from the complaints of the undeserving and dissatisfied poor, who wished to choose their own mode of life, and yet receive constant aid from the parish. There were, doubtless, many unpleasant and even painful things, in the execution of the new law. Families were necessarily broken up. Husbands and wives, parents and children were separated. And yet the change was absolutely essential to relieve the tax- payers of the heavy burdens they had been bear- ing. And if all the Guardians had been as kindly disposed as the chairman, doubtless, was, perhaps the grounds for complaint might have been even less than they were. As we gathered from the sketch of the Isle of Thanet, farming operations in that section of lountry were formerly very remunerative. But these were the days of good crops, little competi- tion, and consequent high prices. England can never be again what it once was in this respect. ..* and IVom own. have etings ■val. 1 n, antl lerablc L'Hulted e from itisfied of life, There painful ,milies wives, lyet the he tax- 11 bear- kindly lerhaps ■n even Isle of Kion of le. But lompeti- Ind can respect. 65 The world's abundant surplus is now poured too easily into London lor this to be. And even at the time when Mr. Cramp shared the pastorate with his father, and undertook to relieve the latter, in his old af'e, from the care of the Bromston farm, the profits on farming operations were not large. In fact, the care of the farm proved to be neither congenial nor remunerative. How could they have been either the one or the other Y No business can run prosperously by itself. Mr. Cramp's tastes and habits were not in the line of this work. He was born for books, the study, the platform, the press, the pulpit. At these tasks he felt at home, and as might have been expected, he left the workmen to go on with the farm work, while he attended to his. The result was that, after sustaining consider- able loss of worldly means, the farm was given up. The lesson would seem to be : let no one under- take a business for which neither nature nor train- i>ig has qualified him. The preaching, however, was greatly enjoyed, and the literary labours were persistent. The church was stimulated and strengthened. It was the second instance in the same neighborhood in which a prophet was receiving honor in his own country. It would be gratifying if we coiild weave into this account some reminiscences of those days. But this is impossible, for we have no access to the records of the church. We cannot give the dates of revival times, the numbers that were added. Nor can we show by statistics what ad- vance was made, during the fifteen years, in those 6 I ^: '' 6e great principles of religious equality, converted church membership, loyalty to BibL* teaching, freedom of speech, rights of the personal conscience in all things sacred, which were so firmly held and vigorously maintained by the co-pastcr of the Church of St. Peter's. But that all these principles were being made known, and better and better understood by the people generally, we can not doubt. And among the scanty records, there are frequent references to hopeful indications, the special means employed to awaken a deeper inter- est in spiritual matters — baptismal occasions, &c. Sometimes there are found expressions of joyful thanksgiving for the prosperity granted to the church. All of which shows that there was con- stant advancement upon the part of the church as well as of the pastor. The following extracts from letters written during this period, will show the intense earnest- ness of the w^riter. They show that his methods were most thorough, and that he had no desire to build up the church out of any unsound materials. "With him, emotion or sentiment would not do in- stead of genuine piety. There must be the evidence of thorough conversion and full consecration, other- wise parties would not be encouraged to seek ad- mission to the church. The letters were addressed to his oldest daughter, afterwards the wife of S. Selden, Esq., formerly of Hastings, England, now of Halifax, N.S., and so well and favorably known in these provinces, as the editor and proprietor of the Christian Messenger. 61 erted liiug. ieucf held 3f the ciples better 111 not ;re are 8, the f inter- ns, &c. joyful to the ras con- urch as written earnest- nethods xesire to aterials. It do in- ( vide nee |n, other- ieek ad- lughter, lerly of and so linces, as Tessenger. "Thinking- that perhaps it would bo easier for mo to put thoughts and feelings on paper than to spoak personally on the subject of religion, my dear father writes, while I was attending school : ' October 20, 1836. ' I ex])ect that two members of my Bible class will shortly be b!ii)tized. This reminds me of my dear M Is she concerned about religion, and her soul ? Does she seek God ? Has she a new heai-t ? Write to me, my dear child, ami answer these questions. Tell me your real feelings and desires on the subject of religion. Let me know the actual state of your heart. . . .' " Three years later he wrote again, while I was away from home : — « April l'», 1839. ' Yesterday evening, the following persons attended our church meeting, and will be baptized next Lord's Day. ... I think there are others ready to come, ■who will, i)robably, be baptized before the Ordinance day in May. It is on that account, desirable to know your own views and feelings on this important subject. * If, my dear child, you have been led to see your sin- ful state, and to confess and hate your sin; — if you ])er- ceive and acknowledge the righteousness of God in your condemnation;— if you believe in the Lord Jesus, the all suflScient, gracious, and only Saviour, and are content to be indebted to the free gi-ace of God in Christ for your own salvati(m ; — if the love and service of God are your delight, and eminence therein the object of your constant prayer and ettort ; — and if, with these views, you are willing to commit yourself to Christ and His church, to walk in all His ways, and do His will, nothing on earth can give me greater pleasure than to place your name on the list of candidates. . . .' ^1 ' 1 1 f'i IT' III;: i ! ! 68 •' My reply elicited the next extract : — ' April 27, 183!). ' To recognize you jts ii subject of grace, a sister in Christ, affords mo far higher pleasure than can possibly be derived from any other considerations. Persevere in your resolution to abide by the word of God, and maUo it your ])rincipal study. The better you become ac- quainted with that holy and heavenly book, the more thoroughly will you be convinced that God is its author, and that it contains truth, the whole truth, and nothing but truth. "lie that believoth, hath the witness in him- self." Confiding faith has its appropriate i-eward. It has been well said of the Bible, that no bad man could write it ; and that no good man would, unless it were true, since it would impeach his honesty, and invalidate his credit. The infidel would persuade us that all is a delusion. Be it so, it is a happy and a holy delusion, and we are the better for it, all through life, especially in our sorrows : he has nothing half so good to substitute in its place. If he is right, we are in no worse condition for being believers, since there is no penalty attached to our faith ; but if not, then of what vast consetpience * that we should believe.' Blessed be God, the evidence is so clear and strong, that the difficulties of infidelity are much greater than those of faith. And then, if we are satisfied that the Bible is God's word, it is of the greatest consequence that we cul- tivate a humble, teachable spirit — that we be willing to wait for the fuller discoveries of another world — and that we count it no strange thing if we are sometimes baffled and perplexed. The entire comprehension of all things is only possible to God. If, therefore, suspicion at any time arises in your mind, regard it as a temptation, which, if yielded to, becomes a sin, and will bring sorrow. Believe and be blessed. Youi' answer to my questions, my dear child, gladdens my heart. You have 69 given yourself to fHiri-st, and you wish to Horve and honor Ilira, in His own ways. Con:o, then, and do so, and say : ' I will go in the strength of the Lord God.' I cannot i-ecommend dehiy. Hntor the fold, that you may partake the foo at last, honored and revered by his loving children, and held in affectionate remembrance by numerous Iriends. ' The int'inory of the Just is Messod.' " The co-pastorate at St. Peter's closed, as stated elsewhere, in 1841. The immediate cause was the invitation from the ihuri'h in Hastings, Sussex, to take the charge of it. Mr. Cramp first supplied the pulpit for three mouths, and then assumed the pastoral charge. The desire for thorough work noticed in the extracts above, charat'terized every effort in which he engaged. Work half done or carelessly done, was to him worse than not done at all. This gave to his published works a value that otherwise they could n '\ave possessed. He must be sure of his ground before he would venture upon a declara- tion. He seldom had occasion to correct what once went forth from his pen. The comprehensive means employed in order to secure accuracy, may be gathered from the follow- i».g letter, written at the time he was prepmng il'rl 71 "i in the which y don*', 1 is gave se thoy of his leolara- t what one of his published works. It v.iis addressed to Dr. F. Wayland, Tresident of Brov.n University, Providence, R.I. " St. Petkk's, Oct. M, IS.'UI. "To Kcv. Dn. Wavi,ani>, " Jiec. and J)ejh'I, to whatever country he may heh)n^', will l>e i-eceived with your accustomed courtesy, and treated witii all (hio respect. " A few years ago, I i>uhlished a small volumo eiilitlcd, 'A Text-hook of Popery : ' it was favourably received here, though not extensively circulated. My esteemed t'riend, the Hov. 11. Malcolm, ot Boston, sent me, last year, a eoj»y of the Amerit-an edition. The mannei- in which it is quoted and referred to iti some of your periodicals induces me to hope that its i-e-puhlicatioti in the United States will ho of some service to the great cause of Pro- testantism. '' The Poj)ish controversy ^tiil engages niy attention. I am now employed under the auspices of the Heligious Tract Society, in preparing for the press, small wle, I find it necessary to initiate correspondenc(> with Chiistian ministers in ditVercnt parts of the world, <\'ho8e situation and means of informa- tion are such as to enable them to assist mo in tho prose- cation of my researches. "With these views, I now address you, presuming that the state and prt)gres» of I'opery in ^-our western world cannot but have engaged your serious attention. " 1 wish much to ascertain to what extent tho reports that have reached this country, are entitletl to credit. II If I \ ' '1' f' . i : '! 1 1^ 1 it 1 •Mil 72 We hear that Popery if« rapidly on the iucreasse — that its agents are iiiciefatigable in their endeavour8 to subvert Protestantism and dirtu.so their iron tenets ; — that they are liberally aided by the Pope, and l>y certain funds de- rived from Austria ; — that their seminaries fbi- education are of a superior kind, and otter such attractions as iii- duce many unwary Protestants to entrust their children to the careof their bitterest theological foes; — that many young persons, both in and out of these seminaries, have been (by sophistical reas(ming, and allured l»y the pomp of superstition) led astray and ])ersuaded to embrace Romanism ; — that the influence of the Papi-ts is begin- ning to be felt in the elections ; and theie is reason to apprehend, at no very distant interval of time, their pre- ponderance in the valley of the Mississi])pi and the Wes- tern States, and, l>y consequence, throughout your Union, whose future conditicjn seems likely to be considei'ably modified by the influence of these States. "My inquiiy is, how far are the above-mentioned state- ments true? If you can aid me ly answering the ques- tion, b}- directing me toaccivdited sources of infoimatioii. or by i)rocuring the kind co-operation of any other l)rethren who may feel disposed to cori-espond with me on the subject, I shall be very greatly obliged. In return, 1 beg to say, that I will most cheerfully render you sim- ilar assistance in regard to any incjuiry that you may wish to institute respecting this country. " I have addressed this letter to vou, because I con- eeived that the important and responsible station yo«j occupy, necessarily brings under your notice whatever affects the religious statistics of your noble land. " When your valual>le discourse on the ' Moral Dignity of Christian Missions' was republished in this country, I embraced a.i early opportunity of perusing it. It ap- ))eai's to me that the churches of Ciirist in America •73 have lui-i^ely imbibed liie spirit which breathes in jour pa^^es. Tiiero is u dignity in your plans and opei-ationn which betokens far-reaching views, -raud desi-rns and heavon-inspii-e.l ftiith. Long may you, rev. a'nd ' dear sir, be spared, to train the spiritual children of the churches for engagements in the ' enterprise,' of which you entertain such just and exalted sentiments! " I d(. not know that it is needful to .-i.ld that I belon-r to the same denomination as yourself, and have been engaged in the ministry nearly twenty years—tirst in London, and since 1827, in this, ray native place " The Eev. Dr. Cox, formerly one of my tutors, and whom you know, wouM have added a line attesting the above, couM I have met with him in time. Havim. no present occasion to go to London, I must waive the" ad- vantage of his introduction, and throw myself on your candour. * ^ " I am, dear sir, " Yours in the bonds of the Gospel, ".T. M. Cramp." 1 ( i i |! l^ CHAPTER VI. PASTOEATE AT HASTINGS. 1842-1844. " No eye can see The changing course which life niay take." Hastings, a favourite and beantitul watering place in the county of Sussex, was the next scene of labour, Mr. Cramp having become the pastor of the Baptist Church in that place. His journal, from which occasional extracts have furnished information with regard to previous ap- pointments, gives no record of the short period, about two years, spent there, and family memorials are scanty. Some few interesting details have, however, been obtained, and are given in the following : — '' Recollection.s of Rev. Dr. Cramp. " By S. Seldbn, Esq. " My earliest recollections of Dr. Cramj), date back nevenil yearn belbre I had seen him. Whan quite a lad of tifteen or sixteen yeai's of age, about the year 1834, 1 regularly read the Lomlon Patriot, a weekly newttpaper, ably edited by Josiah Condor, representing the Dissen- 75 ters — BaptintB and Independents — and the monthly Bop- list Maijazine. In tlieso periodicals, articles and letters frequently appearetance occui-red which resulted in an entire chany;e of opinion and ]»rac lire on this subject. A member of the congregation, a le- tired men-hant, and luisbaml of one of the most esteemed members of the church, appeared in the prayer-meeting two or three times, slightly intoxicated, and disturbe.I the meeting by making some incoherent remarks. J liad been a total abstainer several years, and well remember the morning that Mr. Crump came to mo with a pledge of total abstinence, which we signed ; he ]iroceeded to induce others to append their names, and succeeded in getting quite a number of pei'sons to join us and labor in the cause of temperance. " "Whilst at Hastings, Mr. Ci-amp delivered, on succes- sive week evenings, the excellent course of lectures on important subjects, subsetiuently published in London, in a volume of 308 pages, under the title, ' Lectures for these Times.' " An incident of this ptM-iod may here interrupt the loregoini? narrative. Mr. Cramp's interest in ths Sunday school connected with his church, led him to request the favor of a hymn for an anni- versary occasion, from the pen of the poet, James Montgomery. The oharacteristio letter in reply is subjoined, with the hymn, which does not ap- pear in general collections, and has, probably, never been published. "The Mount, ShefHeld, 1842. " Dear Sir,— I thank you for having given me, after the lapse of years, an opportunity of acknowledging the sin, first of procrastination, and then of omission, which II f r r 1 1 f ' It ' t 5 ■ ! i^j;^ it b 78 I committed aguinst your kindness, when you sent mo a copy of your valuable 'Text-lJoolc of Popery,' uiid for wliich I now liuml)ly ask forj^jiveiiess. In truth, how- ever, these are such fre(juently besetting sins with me, and I have so repeatedly resol veil ami re-resolved in vain to mend, that I daie not promise never to do so again. Besides indolence habitual, and infirmity constitutional, 1 am so overpowered with the liberality of friends and strangers in conferring such and other tokens of goodwill upon me, that I am always in arrears of gratitude, gen- erally the more felt the less it is expressed, because it is ten times easier to do a duty at once than to bear the re- bukes of conscience for neglecting, especially neglecting so long as to be too late to do it at all, without a new and imperative call, such as you have given me, and if the foregoing versos be of no other value in your sight, I trust you will accept them as an acknowledgment, perhaps, ' better late than never,' of the old, not obsolete, obliga- tion aforo-mentioned and of my sincere repentance. You will please to use them for your ])enevolent. Christian ])urpose, or not, as you deem expedient. " And believe me, " Truly your obliged friend and serv^t, " J. MONTUOMEBY. " Rev. J. M. Cramp. "P. s, let no mans heart tail hitn. The eause i.s (Jod's, jind victoiy is sure. The time is coming wfien the Hiblo shall again, he the book of the ehureli — when personal godlinessshall be regarded as indispensable to t'ellowshi|» — when the supremacy of the fjoid .lesiis shall be acknowledged by all — when the operations of the .Spirit shall be unchecked — and when the people of (Jod shall be one — a haj>j»y, hai'nu)nioua family — one told, under one Shepherd. The Lord hasten it in His time." Cheering I'arowell words these to his fellow- laborers in England. Although when he uttered them he was not aware that they were among his last utterances in his native land. A little nearer still to the time of his departure he addresses them thus : — " But whatever bo the conflicts and eontroversies in which we may be engaged, it should be our concern, that all may be conducted in u leligious spirit. The great object must be to publisji and defend the truth, in such rt manner that souls may be brought toCrod. T