THE LIBRARY 
 
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 THE UNIVERSITY 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES
 
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 MEMOIR 
 
 OF 
 
 JOSEPH HARDCASTLE, ESQ., 
 
 FIRST TREASURER OF THE LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 
 
 A RECORD OF THE PAST 
 
 FOR HIS DESCENDANTS. 
 
 "KNOW THOU THE 30D OF :TH.Y. i-AT 
 
 . . , , * 1 CHRONICLES XXVIH. 9. 
 
 LONDON : 
 PRINTED BY ALEX. MACINTOSH, 
 
 GREAT N'T^V-STREET. 
 1860.
 
 MACINTOSH, PRINTER, 
 GREAT NEW-STREET, LONDON.
 
 PKEFACE. 
 
 THE following "Record of the Past " was intended 
 
 only for relatives and friends. It was a fond tribute 
 
 to the memory of honoured parents, offered by their 
 
 & youngest and last surviving child, Emma Corsbie 
 
 Hardcastle. She too has fallen asleep in Jesus, and 
 
 >- this brief Preface is dedicated to the six surviving 
 
 children whom their beloved mother has left to their 
 
 CO 
 
 !U sorrowing father. It was his chief earthly privilege 
 and joy to have been united for nearly forty- five 
 
 * years to her who became the wife of his youth, and 
 
 i was the first object of his attachment. It is right 
 
 that her name should be associated with her own 
 
 treasured reminiscences; whilst it is a solace to 
 
 tell how that bright and joyous spirit the dutiful 
 
 O child, the affectionate sister, the faithful friend, the 
 
 ^ most devoted of wives, and the tenderest of mothers 
 
 has herself crossed the dark flowing river, and 
 
 \ entered the golden gates of that glorious city on 
 
 j whose " sparkling turrets " her faith delighted to gaze. 
 The recollections of her victorious trust in the faith- 
 ful promises of her Almighty Saviour may help to swell 
 
 461818
 
 (4) PREFACE. 
 
 the exulting anthem to Him who "loved us and 
 washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath 
 made us kings and priests unto God and his Father. 
 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. 
 Amen." 
 
 In a letter of her own, addressed to one of the few 
 friends beyond the precincts of her family whom she 
 presented with a copy of her book, she thus tells its 
 history in a few simple words : " This volume is a 
 little enlargement of the Memoir which my dear 
 husband prepared in 1839 for Dr. Morrison's 
 ' Fathers and Founders of the London Missionary 
 Society.' The time then allowed was too short for 
 the family to examine all our materials, and it was 
 therefore our intention at once to reprint with addi- 
 tions the Memoir so hastily supplied. But very 
 speedily one of our number followed after another 
 to join the family in heaven, and the design was 
 never fulfilled. What has now been done is in- 
 tended only for my father's descendants and a few 
 old friends." 
 
 In the original composition of the Memoir fur- 
 nished for the " Fathers and Founders of the 
 London Missionary Society," her flowing and grace- 
 ful pen had supplied all the interesting details 
 relating to her father's illness and deathbed, drawn 
 from the treasured stores of her own beautiful note-
 
 PREFACE. (5) 
 
 books, as well as of her retentive memory, and ex- 
 pressed in language dictated by all the glowing pathos 
 of her loving heart. 
 
 After the publication of that Memoir, she was 
 much occupied with her brother Alfred and her last 
 surviving sister, Selina, in examining their father's 
 missionary papers, and selecting out of his private 
 correspondence what was likely to be of permanent 
 interest. But the deaths of both her brothers, 
 Joseph and Alfred, following each other in rapid 
 succession, interrupted this labour of love, until 
 her sister also passed away, and she herself 
 was left, as she wrote in plaintive mood, "the 
 last of all her father's house," to gather up 
 the bright recollections of past usefulness and past 
 enjoyment. At length this volume was printed for 
 private circulation, and if it did not fulfil her original 
 design, it was, at all events, to use her own cha- 
 racteristic words at the end of one of her little 
 autograph books, " a last testimony of love to those 
 the memory of whom makes Hatcham beloved and 
 cherished." 
 
 Many such precious memorials has she written 
 for her children, which will ever be prized, not only 
 for the sake of those loved relations whose story she 
 sketches, but also as in some faint degree reflecting 
 the attractions of her own exquisite tenderness and 
 a 2
 
 (6) PREFACE. 
 
 beautiful characteristics. In one of her autographs, 
 in which she looks back on the time when she watched 
 by her mother's deathbed, and read to her Newton's 
 hymn beginning 
 
 " To those who love the Lord I speak," 
 
 and ending 
 
 " Such Jesus is, and such His grace ! 
 
 Oh may He shine on you ! 
 And tell Him, when you see His face, 
 I long to see Him too : " 
 
 "I omitted," she writes, "the last lines, for I 
 could not endure to recognise, even in this way, the 
 prospect of a separation which I dreaded so unutter- 
 ably that I sometimes felt I might even die myself 
 at the moment I saw der die who had been the best 
 and tenderest of mothers, and whose love had proved 
 the one bright beam that had made my infancy the 
 most happy, and my childhood the most joyous, 
 which a young spirit could have to boast. I too 
 labour for my own sweet little trio, and especially 
 to promote the happiness and welfare of my eldest 
 one, who is at an age to feel and benefit more from 
 my exertions. But will Annie, or any one of them, 
 be able to make such a record of me as I am now 
 constrained to make of my belovedest mamma ? " 
 Her infancy had been, to use her own words,
 
 PREFACE. (7) 
 
 "most happy," and her childhood "most joyous;" 
 and although her aftercourse was not exempt from 
 trials and afflictions, they were chiefly connected 
 with the severance by death of those links of strong 
 affection which bound her loving spirit to her rela- 
 tives and friends. 
 
 Of those earlier years her cousin, Mrs. Clarkson, 
 preserved the following anecdote. She was playing 
 at coronella in the library, or " front parlour," at 
 Hatcham, while her father was writing, probably 
 one of his missionary despatches. After awhile her 
 coronella lodged on the top of the bookcase, and she, 
 too modest to disturb him, stood wistfully looking 
 up at its hopeless elevation. But his attention being 
 attracted by the cessation of the sound, mounting on 
 a chair he reached down the plaything, and on 
 returning it to his little Emma, caught her in his 
 arms and covered her with kisses. Mrs. Clarkson 
 having meanwhile entered unobserved, her uncle 
 half apologized for the involuntary burst of feeling 
 she had witnessed by saying that, "although we 
 know that ever since the fall the seeds of native evil 
 have been deeply rooted in every human heart, he 
 confessed he had not yet discovered its development 
 in that dear child ! " It is remarkable that this 
 testimony should have been repeated after she too 
 had passed away by the celebrated Dr. Henry
 
 (8) PREFACE. 
 
 Cooke, of Belfast, who, a few months before his own 
 death, addressed to her husband a letter of sympathy, 
 in which, after apologizing for having, through the 
 pressure of infirmity, delayed the written expression 
 of his sense of the irreparable loss, in which he him- 
 self largely shared, he remarked, " Mrs. Haldane had 
 " the least taint of original sin I had ever witnessed, 
 " and that beautifully obliterated by that modest 
 " grace which is the highest ornament of religion in 
 " woman." * 
 
 * Dr. Cooke had been a friend of more than thirty-five years 
 standing. On one of his visits to London, at the very zenith 
 of his great celebrity, his health had broken down from over 
 exertion, and he kindly consented to seek repose under our 
 roof, then at a short distance from the bustle of London. It 
 was a privilege to entertain such a guest, and no one wa 
 better fitted than himself to appreciate his hostess, or the finer 
 traits of her original and unsophisticated mind. During many 
 repeated calls to the metropolis on public business, although 
 so much in request, he generally preferred the same quiet 
 resort. In publishing in successive parts his valuable edition 
 of Brown's Self-interpreting Bible, enriched with his own in- 
 structive and suggestive notes, he was wont, from year to 
 year, to send to her a copy of each number, with a kind in- 
 scription. In one of these he writes " To Mrs. Haldane, 
 Hatcham House, as a memorial of gratitude for the many 
 times he has been welcomed to a HAPPY HOME ; " and, " in 
 presenting to her the concluding volume of Biblical Notes," 
 he adds the following interesting notice : " The author begs 
 to remind her, not as an excuse for their little value, but as an 
 humble instance of the great value of time, that they were for
 
 PREFACE. (9) 
 
 As youth succeeded to childhood, her purity of 
 heart, her gentle modesty, her sensitive regard for 
 the feelings of others, the unselfishness of her loving 
 nature, blended with the bright intelligence of a well- 
 furnished mind, formed a constellation of most 
 engaging qualities. To these were added a poetical 
 originality of thought akin to genius, and a command 
 of racy, idiomatic English, which lent an irresistible 
 
 the most part written between the hours of four and eight in 
 the morning, and in the intervals of busy professional duties ; 
 and that, although they furnish email evidence of the author's 
 critical skill, they may, he hopes, be accepted as a memorial o 
 gratitude for her many cares for him in times of lassitude and 
 sickness, which kindness rendered to him at least Happy 
 Hours." 
 
 The public funeral of Dr. Cooke, at the close of 1868, is one 
 of the most remarkable events of our day. The fact that the 
 remains of a great Protestant leader, who, during a career ex- 
 tending over sixty years, pursued his fearless course without 
 compromising his opinions, either theological, political, or 
 ecclesiastical, should have been borne to the grave with such 
 unusual demonstrations of respect, was a tribute to the moral 
 as well as the intellectual superiority of a truly " representa- 
 tive man," seldom witnessed, especially in a country so dis- 
 tracted as Ireland. The procession is said to have extended 
 for two miles ; the shops in Belfast were generally shut, and 
 business suspended, whilst amongst his pall-bearers there 
 walked beside the coffin of the departed presbyter, not only 
 the venerable Moderator of the General Assembly, but the 
 Lord Bishop of the Diocese, and his Grace the Primate of all 
 Ireland.
 
 (10) PREFACE. 
 
 charm both to her conversation and her letters. Her 
 soul shone through a beaming and expressive coun- 
 tenance, lit up by her clear blue eyes, whilst her 
 personal attractiveness was enhanced by the unstudied 
 simplicity of her graceful manners. Mingled with a 
 sweetness fitted to " engage all hearts," she possessed 
 great force of character, and the words of the same 
 poet found in her their appropriate application, 
 
 " Though meek, magnanimous ; though witty, wise." 
 
 The beauties of her character did not depend on 
 what was showy or superficial, for the more she was 
 known the more was she esteemed. Perhaps her 
 brightest ornament consisted in unaffected humility, 
 which always in honour preferred others to herself. 
 Never did she fail in anything which constitutes true 
 Christian dignity. Age she especially venerated, and 
 delighted to help and comfort such as were in need 
 or trouble ; while on all occasions the weaker side 
 had an irresistible attraction for her chivalrous dis- 
 position. At no time did she go much into the world. 
 It was at home, " amongst her own people," and in 
 the unwearied discharge of the duties of a wife and 
 mother, that she chiefly shone. Still she did not 
 shrink from society, where she always carried with 
 her the fragrance of that Name which is above every 
 name, and never blushed with gentle boldness to
 
 PREFACE. (11) 
 
 confess Christ, whether in company with those to 
 whom He was precious, or among those by whom He 
 was forgotten. It seemed to be one of her fixed 
 principles never to despair of drawing any one in 
 whom she was interested to the knowledge of her 
 Lord. Her regard for all those whom she recognised 
 as His people was another of her chief characteristics, 
 and entirely without respect to ecclesiastical differ- 
 ences. No one was more remarkable for the love 
 which thinketh no evil, and worketh no ill to its 
 neighbour. 
 
 At a very early period of her life these lines of 
 Otway were most justly applied to her : 
 
 " But soft ye now ! for here comes one disclaims 
 Strife, and her wrangling train : of equal elements, 
 Without one jarring atom, was she formed ; 
 And gentleness and joy make up her being." 
 
 It was impossible to be long in her society with- 
 out taking knowledge of her, that she had been with 
 Jesus. Her religion was so simple and so natural 
 that it seemed habitually interwoven with her whole 
 life and conversation. According to the testimony 
 of those who knew her from infancy she early bore 
 the unmistakeable evidence of regenerating grace, 
 but of the day and the time when it was imparted 
 she knew nothing. Enough it was for her, to feel 
 that she had been drawn by the cords of Divine 
 a 3
 
 (12) PREFACE. 
 
 love out of the natural state of fallen humanity, 
 and that she had been sealed with the impress of the 
 Holy Spirit as a lowly, confiding, pardoned, and 
 accepted child of GOD, through faith in JESUS 
 CHRIST. In nothing was the genuineness of her 
 religion more clearly exhibited than in her earnest 
 prayers and strivings for her children, that each and 
 all of them should be folded in the everlasting 
 embrace of the Good Shepherd. Two lessons were 
 continually enforced by line upon line and precept 
 upon precept in her early teaching, " Sejek ye FIRST 
 the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness," and, 
 " Little children, love one another." Her Bible 
 instructions, modelled on our Lord's, when " begin- 
 ing from Moses, and all the Prophets, He expounded 
 in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself," 
 were fitted to develope the mind, no less than to 
 touch the heart. And while thus labouring for 
 their highest welfare she would consent to delegate to 
 others no maternal care for her children which it was 
 possible for her to undertake. She was herself their 
 tender and successful nurse through every infantile 
 sickness, the ever sympathizing companion of their 
 pursuits and amusements in health, and the watchful 
 superintendent of their schoolroom studies. Five 
 daughters and an only son were the cherished objects 
 of her ceaseless maternal solicitude. All of them
 
 PREFACE. (13) 
 
 survive to unite with their sorrowing father in the 
 words inscribed on her tomb, Proverbs xxxi. 28 
 
 "Her children rise up and call her blessed, 
 Her husband too, and he praiseth her." 
 
 At the birth of our son she desired her hus- 
 band to unite with her in devoting him in earnest 
 prayer to the service of the everlasting Gospel, and 
 asking that the Lord might condescend to accept the 
 offering, to seal him as His own, and to endow him 
 with all qualifications needful for a herald of God's 
 truth. May these petitions, often repeated, even 
 to the last day of her mortal existence, and all 
 registered in heaven, bear fruit on earth ! 
 
 Amongst the many letters of sympathy received 
 from honoured and valued friends, I select an 
 extract from one written by the Dean of Gloucester 
 the day after her departure : 
 
 " My very dear Friend, 
 
 " Your sorrow to no small extent is mine. 
 I know that there is rather cause to give abundant 
 thanks, but still I must be sad when I think of the 
 sadness of yourself and your dear children; and 
 when I mournfully realize that I shall see no more 
 on earth one for whom I have long felt most true 
 regard. I knew that I had in her a sincere friend, 
 and I was truly grateful. I shall miss her much at
 
 (14) PREFACE. 
 
 my most sacred hours, for morning and evening she 
 was named by me among beloved friends who were 
 in sorrow or sickness. She had made such a deep 
 impression on me that I could see her and hear her 
 voice whenever my mind reverted to her. There are 
 very few of whom I can say the same. At this 
 moment I can suppose myself in converse with her. 
 But, through the mercies of redeeming love, we 
 shall meet again ; no sickness there no -parting 
 more. It is at moments like these that I feel 
 especially our boundless debt to our precious 
 Saviour. Should not our every breath be praise to 
 Him. But I write selfishly, as though I was the 
 bereaved more than you. Be assured of my sym- 
 pathy. But you will be comforted. Your retrospect 
 is so happy, you can reflect on a life so beautified 
 with Christian regard, on a union not prematurely 
 shortened, on departure so calm and painless. 
 Especial blessings these. And then you can look 
 forward. But here I pause. . . . 
 
 " Always, dear Friend, 
 
 " Most truly attached, 
 
 "H. LAW." 
 
 " A. Haldane, Esq." 
 
 Her health was never very strong, but she had a 
 spring of life and buoyancy of spirit which, under 
 God, carried her through many a dangerous crisis,
 
 PREFACE. (15) 
 
 particularly in 1835, in 1837, and in 1843. But, in 
 her later years, her health, shattered as it had been 
 by these illnesses, seemed on the whole to improve 
 It was not till the beginning of 1864 that there 
 were symptoms tending to create anxiety on her 
 behalf, nor until February, 1865, that to use one 
 of her own quaint allusions, borrowed from the 
 " Pilgrim's Progress " " the Post " brought the 
 first decided intimation that she must prepare to 
 cross the river that divides us from the Heavenly 
 Canaan. As the spring advanced she was able to 
 resume most of her usual habits of life, though, out 
 of her own house, she never again appeared in com- 
 pany. She went to church for the first time after 
 her illness on Ascension Day, 1865, and heard with 
 much pleasure from the Eev. Capel Molyneux a 
 striking sermon in which she was greatly interested. 
 She had always admired his Evangelical ardour, 
 having been a member of his congregation from the 
 time we came to London after leaving the Manor 
 House, East Ham, till he exchanged the Lock 
 Chapel for St. Paul's, Brompton. In the summer 
 we went to Brighton, where she was cheered by the 
 occasional society of a few Christian friends, and 
 especially by the presence of her eldest daughter 
 Mrs. Corsbie, and her husband, to whom she was 
 much attached, and whose affectionate attentions she
 
 (16) PREFACE. 
 
 greatly valued. On our return to town at the end 
 of October she continued to drive out during the 
 greater part of the winter and spring, and frequently 
 to attend, at Portman Chapel, the ministry of her 
 beloved pastor, the Rev. J. W. REEVE, whose 
 edifying teaching she found to be congenial food 
 for her soul. At the beginning of summer she 
 suffered from a weakening attack of bronchitis, 
 which prevented her from being present at the 
 baptism of her little grand-daughter Agnes, in 
 whose birth she rejoiced with her son and his 
 young wife. This dear babe was speedily gathered 
 into the Heavenly fold, and she did not live to wel- 
 come the grandson who was born in July, 1868. It 
 was not till early in August that she was well enough 
 to go again to Brighton, where, however, she once 
 more enjoyed her daily drives along the cliffs, though 
 no longer able, excepting on rare occasions, to go to 
 the House of God, and then generally for the Holy 
 Communion in the Lord's Supper, which she re- 
 ceived for the last time from Canon Babington. 
 For her sake we continued to prolong our residence 
 at Brighton till January, 1867, and during the in- 
 tense cold of that month, she experienced another 
 seizure of the same paralytic kind as that from which, 
 in a slighter form, she had suffered nearly two years 
 before. It was a still clearer indication that the
 
 PREFACE. (17) 
 
 silver cord was loosed, and that the frail earthly 
 tabernacle was soon to be taken down. She recovered 
 sufficiently to return home on the 31st of January, 
 and even to enjoy, in company with her husband, 
 the brightness of a clear winter's day in the railway 
 invalid carriage. But when she entered her house 
 in Westbourne-terrace, it was for the last time. 
 She felt herself in the land of Beulah, and the same 
 idea was expressed in a letter from the Rev. E. B. 
 Elliott, received a few days before her departure. 
 " So dear Mrs. Haldane is still in the land of Beulah, 
 looking for and hasting until the Lord's message to 
 call her to Him ! What a privileged state, in spite of 
 bodily infirmity." Her soul was kept in perfect 
 peace trusting in the Lord. 
 
 On the 7th of March, the anniversary of her 
 beloved brother Alfred's departure, she dictated a 
 letter to her much loved sister-in-law his widow, 
 expressing her regret that she could no longer use 
 her own pen to write her accustomed letter of sym- 
 pathy, but saying, " Tell her I think very much of 
 the golden gates and of my father and Alfred. 
 Perhaps I may not be far off them myself this 
 March. I often think I am very near. My love to 
 her." She liked to speak of the Celestial City, and 
 of meeting, in the presence of Jesus, those loved 
 ones who were gone before ; occasionally, in seasons
 
 (18) PREFACE. 
 
 of lassitude, she would say, "I begin to wish it were 
 all over/' and sometimes at night would sweetly 
 observe, "What a beautiful thing it would be to awake 
 on the other side." But the fair picture which 
 memory cherishes of the whole period of her calm 
 decline from February, 1865, to April, 1867, is 
 marred by no recollections of the irritability of nerve 
 or failure of mental force which often accompany 
 illness. She remained her own true self to the 
 very end. Her afternoons, usually passed on the 
 sofa of the room adjoining her bedroom, were often 
 beguiled, as she used to express it, by communion 
 with "the living dead " through the old letters she 
 had been in the habit of preserving, and delighted 
 to hear read to her. Some she destroyed, thus, as 
 she observed to her nephew, acting the part of her 
 own executor. She continued to take a lively 
 interest in the welfare of her own family and rela- 
 tives, and also, according to her life-long wont, in 
 all matters of public importance, as well as in 
 all the friends with whom her husband was chiefly 
 associated. 
 
 On the very last day of her life, on my return 
 home at an earlier hour than usual, I found her 
 in the drawing-room in cheerful spirits engaged with 
 the contents of a box of her father's missionary 
 papers and other relics. Her dinner was shortly
 
 PREFACE. (19) 
 
 afterwards brought in, and she made me sit down at 
 a little table beside her sofa and partake with her, 
 in the midst of pleasant converse. The afternoon 
 having advanced she walked to the door leaning on 
 her husband's arm but requiring little support, and 
 was then carried upstairs in her invalid chair. At 
 a later hour we read together Mason's Evening 
 Portion for the Sixth of April, which concludes 
 with the following remarkable assurance of the 
 believer's final triumph, " Therefore rejoice, for all 
 your troubles, temptations, conflicts, and distresses, 
 are under Christ's reign. No one can hurt you, and 
 the last enemy Death shall bring you to reign with 
 Him eternally in life." We then joined in prayer, and 
 her husband uniting himself in the request suggested 
 by her precarious state, prayed that in the Lord's 
 own time, they might both be carried gently down 
 the slope to the River, and welcomed into the 
 Golden City by their great atoning High Priest u,nd 
 Intercessor "within the veil." When prayer was 
 ended she sweetly expressed the wish that she could 
 hear more distinctly the bells of the city ringing 
 out that welcome which John Bunyan so beautifully 
 describes. It was a Saturday, and, after family 
 worship, whilst her husband was occupied in the 
 drawing-room alone, (her daughters, excepting the 
 eldest, having already wished her good night,) her
 
 (20) PREFACE. 
 
 maid came down hastily with a message from her 
 requesting me to come immediately, but with her 
 usual forgetfulness of self, she had added at that 
 critical moment, "But tell him not to run upstairs." 
 I was instantly by her side. She said, " Where is 
 Alexander, my husband ? " and then recognising 
 me, "I am very poorly, darling!" After a time 
 she asked, " Who are here ? " Her physician soon 
 arrived, and perceived at once that the end was 
 come. She became unconscious a few minutes later, 
 but continued to breathe all night, and until the 
 early Sabbath bells, which she always loved to wel- 
 come, were chiming from the neighbouring church. 
 It was about 9 o'clock, April 7th, that she expired, 
 so gently, that except for the failure of the pulse as 
 I held her hand in mine, it would have been almost 
 impossible to tell the moment when her ransomed 
 spirit took its Heavenward flight. 
 
 Affection may be tempted to exaggerate the gifts 
 and graces of its cherished object, but it would be diffi- 
 cult to mention one whose whole course, from child- 
 hood to age, had indicated so consistently and unmis- 
 takeably the life, the walk, and the triumph of Faith. 
 In the little red manuscript books which she has left 
 for her children, there are many precious indications 
 of her sweet communion with God, and her inter- 
 cessions for her husband and children. The follow-
 
 PREFACE. (21) 
 
 ing, dated many years ago, and before the 
 birth of her son, may fitly close this tribute 
 to her memory. "Now I retire to rest dis- 
 carding myself as not trustworthy even in the 
 things of earth ; but oh ! in the things that concern 
 salvation, well it is for me that the reward is not to 
 him that worketh, but of free eternal grace ! My 
 precious children I must commit unto my Heavenly 
 Father. Oh ! that I were more faithful to my 
 charge of these immortal souls. My best beloved 
 Anne and her young sisters ! May they stand at 
 last with me and my most precious earthly love on 
 Thy right hand, oh Jesus ! Amen." 
 
 31st January, 1869, 
 
 118, Westbourne-terrace, Hyde-park.
 
 I said to Him when a young man, " THOU SHALT GUIDE ME BY 
 
 THY COUNSEL, AND AFTERWARD RECEIVE ME TO GLORY." 
 
 Ps. Ixxiii. 24. 
 
 Let the sweet hope that Thou art mine, 
 
 My life and death attend ; 
 Thy presence through my journey shine, 
 
 And crown my journey's end. 
 
 STEELE.
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 fife, granite, an& fete, 
 
 17521786. 
 
 MANY years have elapsed since the death of 
 Joseph Hardcastle. His course is finished ; 
 but his memory is embalmed in the recollection of 
 those to whom the history of Christian missions is a 
 subject of interest, and the progress of the Redeemer's 
 kingdom an object of hope. 
 
 The memorial of such a man is valuable, not so 
 much to commemorate the graces of his character, ar to 
 show by his example how possible it is to combine 
 diligence in business with fervour of spirit and the 
 active service of God. 
 
 JOSEPH HARDCASTLE was born at Leeds on the 7th 
 of December, 1752. He was descended from a family 
 originally settled at Hardcastle, near Masharn, in York- 
 shire. In that neighbourhood they continued for seve- 
 ral generations to inherit property. The beautiful 
 estate of Hackfall was often referred to by Mr. Hard- 
 B 2
 
 4 PURITAN DESCENT. 
 
 castle, as at one time in the possession of his family ; 
 but to him belonged a nobler boast than a descent 
 from those "who call their lands after their own 
 names." He was sprung from ancestors endowed 
 with a better and more enduring substance, of many 
 of whom it may be truly said, " that their names are 
 written in heaven ; " of some, pre-eminently, " that to 
 them it was given, on behalf of Christ, not only to 
 believe, but also to suffer for his sake." Amongst 
 these was the Reverend Thomas Hardcastle, the friend 
 of Henry, son of the fourth Lord Fairfax. Tho- 
 mas Hardcastle is described by Calamy as a man 
 of good abilities and a bold spirit, fearing no danger, 
 but of great moderation and Catholicism. He was 
 Vicar of Bramham, near Tadcaster, at the period of 
 the restoration of Charles the Second. That ill-advised 
 and profligate monarch, forgetful of his solemn oath 
 and most sacred promises, in an evil hour and in 
 reality with a view of paving the way for the introduc- 
 tion of Popery, was induced to pass the Act of Uni- 
 formity, by virtue of which more than two thousand 
 clergymen were deprived of their livings, and ejected 
 from the Church of England. Of this number was 
 Thomas Hardcastle. 
 
 He was born at Barwick-upon-Holm, in Yorkshire, 
 and was trained up under Mr. Jackson, of Barwick, a 
 learned divine. The first years of his ministry were 
 spent in his own county, where he mentions, in a
 
 REV. THOMAS HARDCASTLE. 5 
 
 preface to one of his works, that he had many friends 
 at Pontefract, Hull, Beverley, York, &c., to whom his 
 labours had been useful. He also writes : " For 
 several years I had the happiness to be chaplain to 
 the Lady Barwick, of Toulston, in Yorkshire, and 
 must own myself to be much obliged, and no less to 
 the Right Hon. the Lord Henry Fairfax, her son-in-law, 
 and my constant and faithful friend in my sufferings 
 for Christ." 
 
 After his ejection neither his character as a scholar, 
 nor his blameless life, were sufficient to protect him 
 from the violence of persecution. He was several times 
 a prisoner in York, Leeds, Chester, London, and 
 Bristol for resolutely continuing to exercise that sacred 
 calling, which he derived not from man, and of which 
 he could not be divested by human oppression.* 
 
 A proof of the catholic spirit attributed to him 
 appears in the following extract from his writings : 
 "To conclude, this is no point of controversy, but 
 rather an effectual means to reconcile differences. Those 
 that cannot now join together in prayer will, in a little 
 while, if they be true saints, sit together praising God, 
 
 * A very interesting notice of the labours and sufferings 
 of Thomas Hardcastle appeared in the year 1847, in a 
 volume entitled " Broadmead Records," published under the 
 superintendence of a Baptist Antiquarian Society. The book 
 is valuable as a record of the sufferings which Nonconformists 
 endured after the Restoration, and of the way in which public 
 functionaries interfered in these matters.
 
 6 BROADMEAD CHURCH. 
 
 rejoicing in and loving one another in a larger measure 
 than they ever loved their most dear relations or inti- 
 mate friends upon earth. The shortness of time there 
 is to differ in, the absolute necessity and incomparable 
 excellence and sweetness of mutual love here and full 
 communion hereafter, I desire may sway with me to 
 watch over my own heart, that I stand not at a distance 
 in spirit from any saint of God upon the account either 
 of apprehension or injury. As for the former, I do not 
 know that I was ever under a temptation to love any 
 one less for his true conscience, though not of my 
 size." 
 
 Mr. Thomas Hardcastle referred to the great Dr. 
 Owen and to Mr. Collins (formerly chaplain to General 
 Monk), as " the most loving friends he had in London." 
 By the strong recommendation of the former, he finally 
 accepted the urgent call of the Church at Broadmead to 
 become their minister, " for there," said Dr. Owen, " is 
 your work/' * After a ministry of seven years, during 
 which he twice suffered imprisonment, he rested from 
 his labours at Broadmead, near Bristol, on the 29th 
 July, 1679.t 
 
 * " A little before I received your letter I had been with Dr. 
 Owen and Mr. Collins, who are the most loving friends I have 
 in London. Dr. Owen used this expression to me : ' Good Mr. 
 Hardcastle, by that love that I bear to you, let me beg of you to 
 go to Bristol, for there is your work.' " Broadmead Records. 
 
 f The following account of Mr. Thomas Hardcastle is ex- 
 tracted from the Church-book of Broadraead Meeting, Bristol :
 
 FAMILY CONNEXIONS. 7 
 
 Thomas, Benjamin, and John Hardcastle were the 
 three children of the Rev. Thomas Hardcastle's only 
 surviving son. Of these, Thomas Hardcastle continued 
 in Yorkshire, and his tombstone, with those of his 
 sons and grandsons, and their wives, are to be found 
 in the burial-ground of Mill Hill Chapel, Leeds. 
 Frederick and Jane Hardcastle, his great-grandchildren, 
 reside at Halifax, and are in possession of the original 
 portrait of their ancestor the Rev. Thomas Hardcastle, 
 the ejected minister. 
 
 The Dowager Marchioness of Conyngham, widow of 
 the first Marquis of Conyngham, and her deceased 
 brother, the well-known banker, Joseph Denisou, M.P. 
 
 " He was a champion for the Lord, very courageous in his 
 work and sufferings. His zeal provoked many before he came 
 to Bristol, after he had thrown off conformity. He suffered 
 about eight months' imprisonment in York Castle; and then, 
 because he would not give bond to preach no more, as some 
 ministers his fellow- prisoners did, to get free, he was carried 
 thence out of his county eighty miles, to Chester Castle, and 
 there he was kept fifteen months more, close prisoner ; and then, 
 by an order from the King, he was released without bonds, and 
 came to London, and there he was baptized. After that he was 
 taken up for preaching, and, by the Conventicle Act, was six 
 months prisoner in London. Then, being called by this Church 
 to be their pastor, for the defence of the Gospel, was twice im- 
 prisoned at Bristol two six months, still preaching as soon 
 as ever he came forth ; and so continued till his death, having 
 been our pastor for seven years and a-quarter. He was seven 
 times imprisoned for Christ and a good conscience after he left 
 off conformity." Broadmead Records.
 
 8 INTRODUCTION TO LONDON. 
 
 for Surrey, were the only grandchildren of John Hard- 
 castle. 
 
 Benjamin, the other grandson of the Rev. Thomas 
 Hardcastle, resided at Great Woodhouse, near Leeds, 
 and had two sons, the younger of whom Nathaniel 
 established himself in London, where he became an 
 eminent Russia merchant; whilst his elder brother, 
 John, continued to reside at Leeds, and married Miss 
 Snowden, the granddaughter of Mr. Lee, of New 
 Grange Hall, by whom he had two sons, who survived 
 him John, who settled in New Brunswick, in America, 
 and Joseph, whose course is now to be traced. 
 
 In 1766, in the fourteenth year of his age, Joseph 
 Hardcastle left Leeds to reside with his uncle in 
 London, who, having no family, was desirous of adopt- 
 ing his nephew. In the subsequent pursuit of his 
 studies, it appears he evinced the same energy that 
 ever afterwards distinguished him. As a young man, 
 his attractive manners, fine, intelligent countenance, 
 and engaging disposition secured the affection of all 
 who knew him. While he stedfastly shunned the dis- 
 sipation of youth, he entered with zest into every inno- 
 cent amusement and recreation, and was remarkable for 
 the cheerfulness of his spirits, and a pleasant flow of 
 playful, unoffending humour. 
 
 It is not known at what time, or by what means, he 
 was led to the Saviour; but it is certain that, at a very 
 early age, the Lord was pleased to make it manifest
 
 EARLY DAYS AND STUDIES. 9 
 
 that, through the grace of the Holy Spirit, he had 
 learned that lesson which flesh and blood cannot teach, 
 and which the pride of human wisdom too often de- 
 spises. He had been taught that the " natural heart is 
 deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked ; " 
 but he was also led to see the untold glory 
 of that finished righteousness wrought out by 
 Christ, of which all His disciples are made partakers 
 by faith. 
 
 Near the close of his earthly life, addressing his 
 children, he said : " He has drawn me with the cords 
 of mercy from my earliest days. He gave me very 
 early impressions of religion, and enabled me to devote 
 myself to Him in early life; and this God is my God, 
 for ever and ever. I said to Him, when a young 
 man, Thou shalt guide me by thy counsel, and after- 
 ward receive me to glory ." 
 
 He was zealous in the pursuit of knowledge, for the 
 acquisition of which his habits of early rising afforded 
 great facilities. In after life his library was stored 
 with the works of the best English authors, and his 
 correspondence shows how fully he appreciated their 
 productions. Of theology he was always a diligent 
 student, and was well read in the Puritan divines, such 
 as Charnock, Bates, Flavel, and Boston ; but it was 
 in the writings of Howe and Owen that he especially 
 delighted. 
 
 By principle and practice, as well as by family de-
 
 10 CHURCH IN BURY-STREET. 
 
 scent, he was a consistent Nonconformist.* But no 
 man was ever more distinguished by largeness of heart, 
 absence of bigotry, and dislike of party spirit. He 
 loved and honoured the image of his Saviour in all his 
 
 * During his residence in London, and for some years after- 
 wards, he was a member of the Church in Bury-street, St. Mary- 
 axe, to which his uncle, Mr. Nathaniel Hardcastle, belonged, and 
 which was then under the pastoral care of Dr. Savage, and after- 
 wards of Mr. Beck. This Church was, in the earlier periods of 
 Nonconformity, one of the most distinguished in London, and 
 was peculiarly remarkable for the eminence of its ministers. Of 
 these, there were no less than eight of the ejected ministers, of 
 whom the first was Dr. Caryl, of Exeter College, Oxford, 
 Preacher to the Society of Lincoln's-inn, and the well-known 
 commentator on Job, who, after he was ejected from St. 
 Magnus, London Bridge, continued to be the pastor of the 
 Church in Bury-street, till the year 1673, when he was succeeded 
 by the celebrated Dr. Owen, previously Vice-Chancellor of the 
 University of Oxford, who had also, as his assistant, the Rev. 
 Robert Ferguson, who was ejected from Godmersham, in Kent. 
 In 1683 Dr. Owen was succeeded by the Rev. David Clarkson, 
 sometime Fellow and Tutor of Clare Hall, Cambridge, who had 
 been ejected from Mortlake, in Surrey. He was followed by the 
 Rev. Isaac Loeff, in 1686, who had been Fellow and Tutor of 
 Peterhouse, Cambridge. From 1687 to 1702 the Rev. Isaac 
 Chaucer was the minister of the same church. This man of 
 God had been silenced by Archbishop Laud for refusing to read 
 the "Book of Sports," and was afterwards ejected, in 1662, 
 from Woodborough, Wilts. The Rev. Edward Terry, formerly 
 Fellow of University College, Oxford, and ejected from Great 
 Greenford, was the last of the ejected ministers who presided 
 over the chapel before the celebrated Dr. Isaac Watts, the first 
 pastor who had not enjoyed a living, or been educated at either 
 University.
 
 CLERICAL FRIENDS. 11 
 
 servants j and throughout his life some of his most 
 intimate and long-cherished friends were members of 
 the Church of England. He attended the ministry 
 of those excellent clergymen, Mr. Romaine, Mr. 
 Newton, Dr. Conyers, Rector of St. Paul's, Deptford; 
 Mr. Foster, Mr. Bentley, Vicar of Camberwell; Mr. 
 Thomas Scott, of the Lock, and others, who at that 
 period faithfully preached the great doctrines of grace, 
 when these were cast out and rejected by the majority 
 of their associates. 
 
 Long before the occurrence of those great political 
 events which seemed to rouse the Christian Church at 
 large, as from a state of torpor, he was accustomed 
 much to ponder the promised glory of the latter days, 
 and it was doubtless this which induced him to cultivate 
 the friendship of the excellent Mr. Latrobe, and to be 
 present at the Meetings of the Moravian brethren, 
 where he heard of the transactions of their mission- 
 aries, and of their efforts to publish the Gospel of 
 salvation. 
 
 At this period he probably little thought of the 
 position he was afterwards himself to occupy, but, 
 doubtless, it was in such society, as well as in his more 
 active engagements, and in the retirement of his closet, 
 that God was fitting him for "the post of high im- 
 portance, and for the difficult duties " to which he was 
 called by the force of circumstances, and in which he 
 became so much connected with that great movement
 
 12 'MARRIAGE. 
 
 in the Church of Christ which distinguished the close 
 of the eighteenth century. 
 
 In 1777, he entered on a new era of his life, having 
 in that year, by his marriage with Anne, the daughter 
 of John Corshie, Esq., of Bury St. Edmund's, formed a 
 connexion which, to his latest hour, was a source of 
 unclouded happiness and joy. Mrs. Hardcastle be- 
 longed to a family remarkable for their hereditary 
 attachment to the Gospel, for which some of them in 
 the time of persecution were confessors. Of this 
 family was Dr. Thomas Goodwin, one of the dis- 
 tinguished members of the Westminster Assembly of 
 Divines, and some time President of Magdalen College, 
 Oxford. In the evil days of the second Charles, Mr. 
 Cumberland, one of Mrs. Hardcastle's maternal an- 
 cestors, was accustomed, at much personal risk, to 
 protect and entertain some of the proscribed Noncon- 
 formist ministers, as well as to afford facilities for 
 exercising beneath his roof their sacred calling as 
 preachers of the Word.* Her great-grandfather, 
 Thomas Corsbie, of Ash well Thorpe, in Norfolk, left 
 Scotland, his native country, during the heat of the 
 
 * In a letter, dated West Stow Hall, February 21, 1839, the 
 late Mrs. Corsbie wrote, " I know the room well where Mr. 
 Cumberland permitted the good people to meet as if dining 
 together, with the minister seated near a closet that had a trap 
 door, to secure him should the spies enter. Some of the 
 Cumberlands were imprisoned in Ipswich gaol for their love to 
 the truth."
 
 MRS. HARDCASTLE'S *FAMILY. 13 
 
 cruel persecutions of the Covenanters ; he was a man 
 of deep piety and energy of character, and the estima- 
 tion in which he was held appears from the sermon 
 preached on the occasion of his funeral from the text, 
 2 Sam. iii. 38. Her grandmother was burnt to death. 
 Mr. Whitfield announced from the pulpit that a " sister 
 had ascended to heaven in a chariot of fire." The last 
 act of her life was to secure, by a codicil to her will, an 
 annuity to the servant whose neglect had caused her 
 death, knowing that what had happened must prevent 
 her obtaining any place of trust again. 
 
 The mother of Mrs. Hardcastle was the daughter of 
 Samuel Cumberland and Anne English, his wife. Shewas 
 an intimate friend of Mr. Whitfield, and co-operated with 
 him and the Countess of Huntingdon for the further- 
 ance of the Gospel, and the revival of religion amongst 
 the old Nonconformists, who had greatly fallen from 
 the zeal and love of their forefathers. Mrs. Corsbie 
 built, or largely contributed to the erection of chapels 
 in Norfolk and Suffolk, and persevered in promoting 
 the preaching of the truth in places where the ignorant 
 inhabitants manifested their opposition by assailing 
 their benefactors with insult, in some instances 
 amounting to positive violence. 
 
 A good wife is a gift from the Lord, and Mr. Hard- 
 castle was in this respect pre-eminently favoured. She 
 was, indeed, as her husband declared in his last illness, 
 " a help meet for him in all his pilgrimage." Her
 
 14 " NOT SLOTHFUL IN BUSINESS." 
 
 cheering sympathies sustained him in every toil ; while 
 the placid sweetness of her temper, contributed to 
 maintain that joyous tone of peaceful serenity which 
 always distinguished their domestic circle. As a mother, 
 those might best speak her surpassing excellences, who 
 were the daily and happy witnesses of her bright 
 exhibition of the maternal character, with all its self- 
 denying, tender, and ever-watchful solicitude. "Her 
 children rose up, and called her blessed ; her husband, 
 also, and he praised her." 
 
 It is unnecessary minutely to follow Mr. Hardcastle 
 through his commercial history. Let it suffice to state, 
 that from the beginning to the close of his lengthened 
 career, amidst all his varied and extensive engagements, 
 he maintained a character for spotless integrity and 
 unsullied honour. To him, from the veiy outset, be- 
 longed the reputation of the English merchant of the 
 old school ; and years only served to augment that 
 weight of character which belonged to him on the Ex- 
 change, as well as in the Missionary and other religious 
 Societies. He was remarkable for a happy combination 
 of prudence and decision. No important proceeding 
 in business was adopted until it had been maturely 
 pondered. But when his mind was once made up, 
 he acted with promptitude and energy, and then 
 awaited the event with unruffled tranquillity. It 
 appears from the tenour of his private correspondence 
 with his family, how cautiously he shunned the
 
 HOME LIFE. 15 
 
 entanglements of dangerous speculation, how careful 
 he was lest he should be found "hastening to be 
 rich/' and how truly the words of the wisest of men 
 applied to his case " A good man ordereth his affairs 
 with discretion." Although the larger portion of his 
 fortune was probably acquired by his own exertions, 
 no man was ever less indebted to those sudden turns of 
 success the world calls chance. It was his study, in 
 the fear of God, so to direct his transactions that his 
 mind should not be overcharged with care and anxiety, 
 that he might not, on the one hand, be interrupted in 
 the enjoyment of his domestic tranquillity, or, on the 
 other, prevented from giving his undivided energies 
 to those great objects of Christian benevolence which 
 he delighted to advance. 
 
 The following sketch, drawn by Mr. Townsend, was 
 peculiarly descriptive : From the busy scenes of the 
 day "he returned with renewed delight to enjoy and 
 bless his family. It is only at home we see our friends 
 in the undress of human life, and are enabled to form a 
 full and correct estimate of their principles, character, 
 and temper. To the honour of religion, Mr. Hard- 
 castle bore the nearest and most scrupulous inspection 
 with advantage. I have met him at the gate, or on 
 the steps of his hospitable mansion, on his return from 
 the great metropolis, and have noticed his countenance 
 beaming with the placid and cheerful smile of disin- 
 terested friendship, free from that corroding care, and
 
 16 LETTERS. 
 
 those agitated feelings, with which too many return 
 from business." He is also described as having 
 been " used to stand on 'Change, the centre of the 
 most cheerful group there, very refined in his mirth, 
 but very witty." 
 
 A few extracts from his own letters, written during 
 the early years of his married life, will supply the 
 best description of his character. The first, written after 
 his removal to Peckham, then only a village on the slope 
 of the Surrey hills, and surrounded by open, picturesque 
 country, is addressed to Mr. William Buck, brother of 
 the late eminent Recorder of Leeds, who had married 
 Mrs. Hardcastle's elder'sister, and was a man of fervent 
 piety, and of a spirit congenial with Mr. Hardcastle ; they 
 enjoyed the delightful communion of an unbroken friend- 
 ship for the long period of forty years, and entered on 
 their eternal rest within three months of each other. 
 
 TO WILLIAM BUCK, ESQ. 
 
 "June 8th, 1778. 
 
 ft MY DEAR BROTHER, You will have heard of our 
 removal from town. We have both found the benefi- 
 cial influence of purer air than the metropolis affords, 
 and are so much in love with trees and fields, with 
 rising grounds, and withdrawing valleys, that it will 
 require a strong motive to induce us to become resi- 
 dents there again Our happiest moments 
 
 are not those passed in a crowd ; I receive much greater
 
 LETTERS. 17 
 
 pleasure in the company of one friend than from the 
 varied intercourse of the day. United in affection, 
 possessing one interest, and pursuing the same objects, 
 we draw our satisfaction from each other, and not 
 coveting the great, much less the gay things of life, 
 we have no room for envy and but little for ambition. 
 Indeed I think that I abound in the blessings of ' the 
 nether spring/ and that all around me is an appeal to 
 my gratitude from the great fountain of every enjoy- 
 ment ! How cold the heart that such accumulated 
 goodness cannot melt ! How kind and gracious the 
 Being who attracts by his mercies, rather than forces 
 by his terrors ! .... Our brother's newly 
 adopted plan at first surprised us, but now I see no 
 insurmountable objection. Every situation admits of 
 various temptations. A military life must indeed be 
 surrounded with peculiar dangers, and so require 
 greater resolution than may be necessaiy in other 
 occupations, but the persuasion of this frequently 
 furnishes the mind with a corresponding caution ; 
 besides, it is not necessarily connected with sin, and 
 being also of acknowledged service in society, has 
 had the deliberate sanction of the wise and good. It 
 is the province of man in every useful or innocent 
 engagement to honour Him for whom, as well as by 
 whom, the universe was made, and who appears to 
 every considerate mind, to be the End as well as the 
 Author of all things
 
 18 LETTERS. 
 
 " With kind love to all friends, I remain, my dear 
 brother, 
 
 " Very affectionately yours, 
 
 "JOSEPH HARDCASTLE." 
 
 While such were Mr. Hardcastle's feelings with 
 regard to the profession of arms, his own simple tastes 
 and inclinations were best gratified by retirement, and 
 the enjoyment and contemplation of the works of God in 
 Creation, his character evincing even in youth that 
 beautiful union of holiness and happiness which made 
 his life so blessed. So he writes to his wife during 
 one of those separations which the residence of her 
 parents in Suffolk rendered occasionally needful : 
 
 August 24, 1778. 
 
 "I rise about six in the morning, and ride among 
 the silent valleys, that I may entertain my mind with 
 the charms of nature, and send forth my best wishes to 
 the Fountain of all benevolence for the increase of thy 
 happiness, my love, my prize, and the best treasure I 
 shall ever have below. 
 
 " May the Fountain of all blessings be opened and 
 find its way in ten thousand happy springs into thy 
 heart. "Adieu, "J. H." 
 
 The death of their firstborn infant son was one of 
 the few trials which clouded the bright morning of
 
 DEATH OF A FIRSTBORN SON. 19 
 
 their domestic joy. He thus communicated the event 
 to his father-in-law : 
 
 TO JOHN CORSBIE, ESQ. 
 
 " London, September 6, 1779. 
 
 "DEAR SIR, You will sympathize with us when you 
 hear that our dear bahe has bid adieu to this world, 
 and has withdrawn to the invisible regions. It was 
 yesterday that he closed his eyes in death, after a very 
 painful struggle for two or three days before. I think 
 there is no doubt, dictated by reason or Scripture, of 
 the happiness of his present state, and therefore am 
 reconciled to this painful expression of the Divine will. 
 I consider my child, who a few days ago was an object 
 of condescension, to be now looked up to as an exalted 
 happy spirit, more intelligent, pure, and perfect than 
 the most elevated or venerable character to be found 
 among mortal men ; and though no infant could well 
 deserve or possess a greater parental affection than ours 
 did, yet, when I consider the sorrows and snares of 
 life, the dangers and difficulties he would have to com- 
 bat, I would not recall my babe into this uncertain and 
 sinful life, were it in my power to do it. I only hope 
 the event will be sanctified, to detach my affections 
 from life, abate the eagerness of my pursuit of this 
 world, and strengthen my acquaintance with, and 
 interest in, the world of spirits. I doubt not he spent 
 his Sabbath with God, and has had 'all tears wiped 
 c 2
 
 20 GORDON RIOTS. 
 
 away from his eyes/ I know you will be pleased to 
 hear that my dear Nancy is supported in that calm and 
 composed acquiescence to this trying dispensation, 
 which proves her faith and hope to be divine." 
 
 The following letters refer to Lord George Gordon's 
 riots : 
 
 TO MRS. HARDCASTLE. 
 
 " Peckham, Wednesday Evening, June 6, 1780. 
 " Since last Friday, the city has been in the greatest 
 tumult that it has perhaps almost ever experienced, on 
 account of the Two Acts in favour of the Papists, which 
 are petitioned to be repealed. Almost every mass-house 
 and place of worship belonging to the Papists is pulled 
 down, also many private houses inhabited by people of 
 that persuasion. Sir George Savile, who brought in 
 the Bill which is so obnoxious, has had his house 
 demolished, which I am sorry for, because of the 
 goodness of his character. Lord Mansfield's house and 
 furniture, library, and private papers, are all destroyed. 
 The magistracy and military have been called out, 
 who secured a few of the rioters, and confined them 
 in Newgate : the populace, in revenge, have burnt 
 entirely the inside of that new and extensive building, 
 and released all the prisoners in Clerkenwell and other 
 places of confinement. Thus we see the beginning of a 
 tumult ; but where the end may be, we cannot tell :
 
 GORDON RIOTS. 21 
 
 there must be some unknown director to this mob, of 
 considerable importance, but no one can tell whom. 
 They seem to pursue one general plan of putting down 
 Popery ; and hitherto both the persons and habitations 
 of Protestants have been safe : indeed, we have never 
 once heard them in our neighbourhood. 
 
 " I am in great hopes a few days will settle the 
 matter, and that the mob will disperse. The Commons, 
 last night, instead of repealing the Act, deferred the 
 consideration of it till to-morrow night; and if they 
 then repeal it, I think the mob will disperse, if not, I 
 am afraid of the consequences. 
 
 " I intend to write again by Friday's post, directed 
 to Bury, as I am persuaded you will like to hear how 
 matters go on. In the mean time, I commend thee, 
 my dear, to the blessing and protection of God, 
 wishing thy mind may be filled with impressions of 
 his presence and favour, and thy heart enjoy much of 
 
 the comfort of the Gospel 
 
 " Yours entirely, "J. II." 
 
 TO WM. BUCK, ESQ. 
 
 "June 8, 1780. 
 
 " . . . . The papers will have informed you of 
 everything that has happened till last night, and what 
 then succeeded was still worse than what had been 
 done before. The destroying and burning of the 
 prisons has released such a banditti as perhaps were
 
 22 GORDON RIOTS. 
 
 never before let loose, who commit all manner of 
 devastation. From the top of my house, I last night 
 saw the city on fire in several places, particularly the 
 King's Bench, the Fleet, Bridewell, the Toll-house at 
 Blackfriars Bridge, and several private houses, being in 
 the whole about a dozen. To oppose this lawless multi- 
 tude, the magistrates, it is generally thought, have 
 acted in a very pusillanimous manner, so that now the 
 military have the entire power, and we are under 
 martial law; the commanding officer has therefore a 
 right to act in any manner that appears necessary, and 
 the military have several times fired upon the mob, and 
 I suppose may have killed near forty. Our neighbour- 
 hood has been perfectly quiet, for which I think 1 
 ought to be very thankful ; and I do not apprehend 
 there is much danger, as we have no Papist or other 
 obnoxious inhabitants in the neighbourhood. How- 
 ever, as I know that God rides in the storm, and 
 directs the whirlwind, I desire to consider myself as 
 under His protection, and that nothing can happen but 
 for the best. The military are about in the public 
 streets, and will be all night ; many more regiments 
 are daily coming in, and I suppose the inhabitants of 
 most wards will patrol the streets to-night also. . . " 
 
 TO MRS. HARDCASTLE. 
 
 "June 12, 1780. 
 " . . . . As to the tumult, we have had no
 
 GORDON RIOTS. 23 
 
 return of it since I wrote, and I do not doubt but that 
 it is effectually quelled here. There are rumours of a 
 riot at Bury, but as I have heard nothing from my 
 friends, I consider it as one of those reports of which 
 thousands are produced daily. We have, however, my 
 love, reason to offer many songs of praise to God, for 
 securing us in His pavilion during the disturbance, and 
 for speaking silence and peace to the tumultuous 
 passions of mankind so soon as He did. Almost every 
 face was gathering paleness, every mind was impressed 
 with terror, but now we are as peaceable and quiet as 
 ever, and may again enjoy ourselves under our own 
 vine. May God always preserve you safe as in the 
 hollow of His hand, and shine upon your spirit with a 
 sense of His peculiar favour/' .... 
 
 TO \V. BUCK, ESQ. 
 
 "London, February 6, 1783. 
 
 "Mr DEAR BROTHER, . . . . Alas! thai the 
 avocations of this life should have so sad a tendency to 
 injure the spirituality of the Christian. The world 
 interposes its dark shadow and eclipses the heavenly 
 regions; while the pursuit of wealth, which is the 
 acknowledged object of every transaction, combines its 
 influence to dethrone the Creator from our affections. 
 This is, however, by no means the necessary effect of 
 our employments in life. It is the eagerness we apply 
 to them which makes them destructive. There are, I
 
 24 CHRIST IS ALL. 
 
 believe, those watchful Christians who make even their 
 worldly employments a sacrifice, and consider them- 
 selves engaged therein by His appointment and for His 
 service ! Angels have these sentiments when they fly 
 through the universe to accomplish the Divine pleasure; 
 and He who built the heavens, when He tabernacled 
 upon earth was engaged in the humble pursuits of His 
 reputed father's business. Thus He sanctified our 
 worldly occupations by his own example. Oh, that His 
 presence with us therein might sanctify them also ! 
 May the love of Him who was crucified in the world 
 constrain me to be crucified to it. Nothing less than 
 being planted in the likeness of his death can give us 
 fellowship with Him in the power of his resurrection. 
 He that overcame the world inspires his people with 
 that faith which gives them the victory also. May it 
 be my motto, as I am persuaded it has long been 
 yours, ' Christ is all in all/ to be depended upon for 
 present holiness as well as future joy. Let us, there- 
 fore, as those who have no strength in themselves, lean 
 upon Him with whom is the residue of the Spirit, and 
 when we are thoroughly convinced that we are insuffi- 
 cient for anything of ourselves, we shall, I doubt not, 
 find in Him an all-sufficiency in all things. 
 
 "In the midst of surrounding devastations and 
 calamities, I hope, my dear Brother, you and your 
 family are safe and happy in the chambers of the 
 Divine protection, dwelling in His secret place, and
 
 PITT AND FOX. 25 
 
 abiding under His shadow. How safe, how happy ail 
 abode ! The storms and billows which rage in the 
 world reach not that peaceful atmosphere. We have, 
 then, a covert from the tempest and a hiding place 
 
 from the wind 
 
 " Yours, dear Brother, 
 
 "JOSEPH HARDCASTLE." 
 
 The following extract shows the view taken by a 
 calm observer of the state of Parliamentary representa- 
 tion forty-five years before the Reform Bill : 
 
 TO W. BUCK, ESQ. 
 
 " February, 21, 1784. 
 
 " You will observe to what a pitch our public con- 
 tentions have risen ; from the Address, which is re- 
 solved to be presented to his Majesty, we must soon 
 look for a crisis. Mr. Fox maintains a decided majority 
 in Parliament, and Mr. Pitt has a much greater am'jng 
 the people. The time is coming, I hope, when the 
 House of Commons will be truly the representatives of 
 the nation, and speak the same language ; almost ever 
 since my remembrance that House has acted in direct 
 opposition to the national sentiments." .... 
 
 The struggle to which Mr. Hardcastle alludes, was 
 that between Pitt and Fox, after the rejection of Mr. 
 Fox's India Bill, and the defeat of the Coalition
 
 26 LETTER. 
 
 Ministry. The country was with Pitt, and the House 
 of Commons with Fox; but the dissolution followed 
 which overthrew the Whigs, and established Mr. Pitt and 
 the party he headed in power for more than forty years. 
 
 TO WILLIAM BUCK, ESQ. 
 
 " That soul which is the abode of 
 
 Divine truth and love, possesses within itself a joy 
 that is kindred to celestial, and angels behold it 
 with respect and benevolence as their future associate. 
 With such beauty can the grace of our Saviour adorn 
 the heart in which He resides, and such dignity and 
 happiness is the consequence of His sufferings and 
 death, His friendship and love 
 
 "The information you give me in answer to my 
 inquiry I have attended to, and can only say, that 
 notwithstanding appearances, it is our duty to believe 
 and rejoice in the superintendence of our exalted 
 Saviour over the concerns of the Church. The heart 
 in which He perceives a zeal for the interests of 
 His Church will not remain without His blessing; 
 and when we have done what seemed right to 
 do, it is our duty then to refer ourselves and His 
 interests to Himself, whose way and time is fittest and 
 best. I rejoice with you in the favourable promise 
 at Norwich, and have equally an admiration both of 
 Mr. Hart's abilities, and the eloquent, or rather simple 
 and just, language by which he discovers them. May
 
 SCOTT'S COMMENTARY. 27 
 
 they be consecrated to the service of Christ, and prove 
 that true wisdom that winneth souls." 
 
 For the original publication of the well known de- 
 votional hymns by that good man, here alluded to, the 
 Church is indebted to Mr. Hardcastle, and he had also 
 the privilege to assist his friend, the Rev. T. Scott, in 
 bringing out his well-known " Commentary on the 
 Bible." 
 
 The following letter furnishes a touching record of 
 the hallowed feelings, and of the spirit, with which 
 this work was written, under discouragements which 
 can scarcely now be imagined by those who only know 
 the estimation which it afterwards attained : 
 
 TO JOSEPH HARDCASTLE, ESQ. 
 
 " Chapel-street, July 18, 1799. 
 " DEAR SIR, Your very generous kindness seemed 
 to demand an immediate acknowledgment; but my 
 surprise, and the varied feelings of my mind, rendered 
 me incapable of writing properly without some space 
 for recollection. Though my labour, and sorrow, and 
 loss, by the publication of the Family Bible were very 
 considerable, yet, abstracted from the hope that it may 
 be useful, I have been abundantly compensated by its 
 giving me so much opportunity of experiencing and 
 noticing the kindness and faithfulness of the Lord, in 
 answering my poor prayers and sending what was 
 becoming needful, just at the very time, and in a
 
 28 REV. THOMAS SCOTT. 
 
 manner, that I had not the least expectation of. Had 
 the whole sum I lost been reserved as a fund for me to 
 have recourse to, I might have gone on as well out.- 
 wardly, but I should not have had those repeated and 
 striking proofs that the Lord careth for me and heareth 
 my prayers, which are peculiarly suited to strengthen 
 faith and encourage hope, as well as to enliven grati- 
 tude. My difficulties have indeed been considerable; 
 but I have been carried through them comfortably, 
 and at present I am by no means exposed to incon- 
 venience by the effects of my loss. 
 
 " I have some profit on the numbers of the Bible 
 which are reprinted, and on the copies I dispose of ; and 
 shortly the copyright will be to be disposed of, in order 
 to a new edition, which will in part indemnify me. 
 
 " Among other satisfactions which have arisen from 
 my difficulties, it has not been the least to observe how 
 the Lord inclines the hearts of his servants to assist me 
 in the most kind and friendly manner, and beyond 
 anything I could possibly expect ; while the very cha- 
 racters of those who have thus aided me removes every 
 doubt of their being actuated by the best of motives, 
 and implies a favourable opinion of my feeble endea- 
 vours, which ought to stir me up to great watchfulness 
 and diligence, that I may not give them reason to alter 
 that opinion, or to regret that their kindness was not 
 better bestowed. 
 
 " I have only to add that, to my sincere thanks for
 
 LETTERS TO HIS FAMILY. 29 
 
 your liberality, I trust I shall not forget to pray that 
 the Lord may bless you and yours yet more and more, 
 and prosper all your endeavours to promote the Gospel 
 of Christ, which must always give the sweetest of plea- 
 sures to the pious and benevolent heart. 
 
 " I remain, dear Sir, with the greatest esteem and 
 respect, 
 
 " Your obliged friend and servant, 
 
 " THOMAS SCOTT." 
 
 From the earliest infancy of his children, it was Mr. 
 Hardcastle's pleasant work, in union with their Mother, 
 to lead them to the Saviour, as it continued to be 
 a chief aim in all his subsequent correspondence 
 throughout the changing scenes of their childhood 
 and youth. The following lines are extracted from 
 a letter of a very early date : 
 
 TO MRS. HARDCASTLE. 
 
 "London, 1786. 
 
 " . . . . Thou art now domesticated with thy 
 friends, and divided betwixt the pleasures of their con- 
 versation, and thy care of our precious baims. I hope 
 the little scholar behaves well, and is happy ; and, to 
 promote both, thou mayest read to her the following 
 letter : 
 
 " ' MY DEAR NANCY, I write this to tell thee that, 
 although I cannot now see thee, I am very fond of
 
 30 PRAYER MEETING. 
 
 thee, because thou art my dear little girl, and because 
 thou art a good little girl, and give pleasure to thy 
 dear mamma by behaving as dear mamma bids thee. I 
 hope thou wilt remember to say " Our Father " night 
 and morning, and that when thou comest home and 
 breakfasts with me, I shall see that my little maiden 
 has not forgotten 
 
 " Come, let us join our cheerful songs," or 
 " Jesus, the man of constant grief," 
 
 or any of her pretty hymns. I desire thee to kiss thy 
 dear little brother for papa, and tell thy dear cousins 
 that I love them all. Good-by, dear Nancy/ 
 
 " And now, my dear Mamma, I often feel what 
 a happy family we are how graciously distinguished, 
 how surrounded with comforts ! May God continue 
 our comforts, and increase our usefulness ! " . 
 
 TO MRS. HARDCASTLE. 
 
 "Nov. 1, 1786. 
 
 " I spent half-an-hour last night at Mr. Wilkes's, 
 where I heard what I think was in truth prayer. It was 
 language befiting a sinner who has the great atonement 
 in view, and is supplicating God upon His throne of 
 grace for the application of it to his conscience. It was 
 the ardent breathings of a soul (bowed down as in the 
 dust) after God as an infinite portion, and His favour as 
 ' the one thing needful/ 
 
 " This evening I have been at Mr. Bentley's room,
 
 LETTERS. 31 
 
 and heard many excellent observations from the words 
 of the Great Teacher, 'Be ye wise as serpents and 
 harmless as doves/ May His grace enable thee and me, 
 dear, to exemplify by our conduct and conversation a 
 precept so replete with heavenly wisdom. We must 
 look to our risen Saviour to enable us to be more 
 inwardly and outwardly alive to God, more effectually 
 redeemed from the spirit of the world, and more dili- 
 gent observers of the footsteps of Jesus, that we 
 may walk as He walked ! Happy lot for thee and 
 me, dear, to be journeying, hand in hand, every day, 
 in a retired and peaceful path towards heaven, that 
 ' goodly heritage/ and, by an appropriation of the 
 promises, to pluck the flowers and taste the fruits of the 
 heavenly paradise as we pass along, by that ' precious 
 faith/ which is the substance of things hoped for." 
 
 TO WILLIAM BUCK, ESQ. 
 
 " I was very much pleased with the letter you were 
 so kind as to write to me from the coast, and my heart 
 felt the influence of its devotional breathings. It is a 
 happy attainment to be enabled to resign at these times 
 the anxieties and cares of the world, and cultivate an 
 intercourse with the Great Father of our spirits. Dis- 
 entangled, in some measure, from our usual engage- 
 ments, the active soul can ascend into the ethereal 
 regions, and join in praises with the morning stars ; or 
 else its lowlier meditations can follow the sorrowful
 
 32 SOCIAL ENJOYMENT. 
 
 Saviour through the varied scenes of His painful life 
 and shameful death, and water His footsteps with tears. 
 Happiest of all the seasons we experience upon earth, 
 when we can thus feel the love of our suffering Re- 
 deemer. And the tears, if I may so speak, which spring 
 from our spirits, how well do they become the condi- 
 tion of those whose character it is to remember Christ, 
 that Man of Sorrows, whose companion was grief ! " 
 
 TO THE SAME. 
 
 "London, Jan. 4, 1787. 
 
 "DEAR BROTHER, . ... I doubt not you 
 are very happy now in your family meetings. Our 
 great Benefactor is gracious to His children : first, in 
 forgiving their sins, and then in giving them the oil of 
 joy for mourning. When He was manifest in the flesh, 
 He honoured the social circle with his presence, and 
 wrought a miracle to show that He was himself the 
 source of true exhilaration and cheerfulness of heart. 
 When our consciences are sprinkled with the blood of 
 atonement, and we can rejoice as ransomed sinners 
 in hope of the glory that shall be revealed, it creates a 
 revolution to us in the system of nature; we feel 
 ourselves in the dominions of our Father ; this desert 
 world becomes like Eden, and streams of refreshing joy 
 break forth around us in our daily progress through 
 this barren wilderness ; the countenance of our fellow- 
 travellers inspires a congenial cheerfulness ; and, being
 
 LETTERS. 33 
 
 the subjects of redemption, it elates the depressed 
 spirit, fills the heart with joy, and the lips with songs 
 of praise. 
 
 " This, however, my dear brother knows, describes 
 not the daily feelings of my heart, nor, perhaps, of 
 many of the children of God. It is their happy expe- 
 rience, in the day when the Lord turns away their 
 captivity, and whenever his candle shines upon their 
 tabernacle, when the Lamb in the midst of the throne 
 leads them beside the still waters, when He wipes away 
 the tears of contrition from their eyes, and feeds them 
 with that bread which comes down from heaven, so 
 
 that they hunger no more 
 
 " Your affectionate brother, J. H." 
 
 " P.S. Since writing, I have received your letter, 
 and can assure you the poetical effusions which accom- 
 panied it gave us much pleasure. It is a rare thing 
 to see a whole family under the inspiration of the 
 Muses ; and, if there is justice in the land, I think r>ne 
 or other of the branches of the said family must fill 
 up the next vacant Laureateship. I shall therefore 
 expect to see some triumphant lines in the next 
 probationary odes." 
 
 TO MRS. HARDCASTLE. 
 
 " Oct. 6, 1787. 
 
 " MY DEAREST LOVE, I have only at present 
 time to relate that, on my return home, I waited 
 
 D
 
 34 LETTERS. 
 
 to have our little girl breakfast with me. When I 
 opened the circumstance of your journey, the emotions 
 of nature and affection became visible io her counte- 
 nance, and her heart seemed disposed to fill; but 
 I brightened her looks by such remarks as I judged 
 best, and, upon the whole, we were exceedingly com- 
 fortable. She reflected, however, that Mamma never 
 went to Bury without her before, and the sensibilities of 
 her little nature again melted for a moment; but she 
 was soon cheered, and I left her very happy. 
 I shall be full of anxiety till I hear of your arrival, and 
 particularly of the interesting scene which fills all our 
 minds with mournful suspense. I intend to devote 
 this afternoon to our little girl. May the God of 
 all kindness preserve thee in health and peace till a 
 happy meeting shall take place between thee and thy 
 affectionate husband, " J. H." 
 
 The two following letters refer to the illness and 
 death of Mrs. Hardcastle's mother Mrs. Corsbie : 
 
 London, Oct. 9, 1787. 
 
 " MY DEAREST LOVE, I received your kind letter 
 yesterday morning, and, this morning, one from Mrs. 
 Buck. The situation of your dear mother is so ex- 
 tremely affecting, that I . should wish to suspend my 
 earthly concerns that I might, without interruption, 
 yield to those feelings and reflections which are 
 congenial to a scene so tender and distressing. It
 
 LETTERS TO HIS WIFE. 35 
 
 is, however, a consolation to find that our mother 
 is serene arid composed in her mind, and that she 
 has a good hope that the Friend of Sinners is her 
 
 Lord and her God Ere long, your dear 
 
 mother will be planted into the likeness of his resurrec- 
 tion ; the tears which are now sown will soon give way 
 to a harvest of joy. Weeping may endure through the 
 night of death, but everlasting peace succeeds it in the 
 morning of the eternal day. In the meantime, we will 
 bow our knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 that the Comforter may manifest to her soul the great 
 redemption, reveal her interest in the well-ordered co- 
 venant, brighten her prospects of the inheritance in 
 light, and enable her to say, as she is departing from 
 this scene of vanity and sin, ' To me to die is gain/ 
 
 " I doubt not the Great High Priest of our profes- 
 sion, who redeemed your dear mother from the power 
 of death by His own blood, is now, in virtue of it, inter- 
 ceding in her behalf, and saying, ' Father, I will that 
 she may be with me where I am/ And who can form 
 any suitable apprehensions of this felicity ? What 
 language can express, or imagination reach, the glory 
 of that scene which is soon to be unfolded ? where the 
 immortal spirit inherits the ' uttermost ' of God's salva- 
 tion, and receives an incorruptible crown from those 
 hands which were once pierced for our iniquities. Oh ! 
 what a wonderful transition will soon take place : 
 a scene of pain and distress exchanged for eternal life
 
 36 LETTERS TO HIS WIFE. 
 
 and peace for the presence of God and the society of 
 angels ; a world full of anxiety and sin succeeded 
 by that heavenly state, where the very remembrance 
 of sin and of death and all their consequences shall 
 be done away, where the soul will exult for ever in the 
 element of light and love; and, with the society of 
 angels and spirits redeemed from among men, will 
 tune their harps and raise their voices in that ever 
 new but endless song, ' Worthy is the Lamb that 
 is slain/ 
 
 " I hope thou wilt be preserved in health and 
 supported in spirits through this affecting dispensation, 
 and that it will be sanctified to thy everlasting good. 
 A death-bed is a great teacher of the heart, if the Spirit 
 of God impresses upon us the profitable lesson. May 
 this benefit, and all the happy effects which His in- 
 fluences upon the mind produce, be vouchsafed to thee, 
 to me, and to all that are dear to us. Our dear little 
 girl is now my only companion. She is very happy 
 and good. Nothing can exceed our attachment to 
 each other. Her innocence and vivacity enliven my 
 solitude ; and you need not be told how much Mamma 
 and her little brother are in our thoughts. I hope, my 
 love, you will give me a daily account of your mother, 
 or that Mr. Buck will write; to whom present my 
 sincerest regard, and to all friends, especially your 
 
 father 
 
 " Thv affectionate Husband."
 
 DEATH OP HIS WIFE'S MOTHER. 37 
 
 " Oct. 10, 1787. 
 
 " MY DEAREST LOVE, I hope thou art favoured 
 with a submissive spirit, and supported by Divine con- 
 solations, under the affecting providence which I find 
 to-day, from my brother's letter, has taken place. 
 
 " I desire to thank the Good Shepherd, whose rod 
 and staff supported and comforted our dear mother 
 in the valley of the shadow of death, and caused her 
 latter end to be peace. The conflict is now over 
 for ever; the suffering saint has become a glorified 
 spirit, and has taken possession of the mansion pre- 
 pared by her Saviour. Yes, those who die in the 
 Lord are blessed from henceforth ; they arc present 
 with their Redeemer, and see the King in II is beauty. 
 His own hand has already wiped the tears from her 
 eyes, and all sighing is now done away for ever. The 
 body will indeed be committed to the earth for a little 
 season ; but it is sacred and precious dust : it was pur- 
 chased by the bleeding Saviour it was a temple of 
 the Holy Ghost it is a prisoner of hope and the 
 resurrection and the life will soon restore it from the 
 dishonour of the tomb, and fashion it like unto His own 
 glorious body ! Then shall death be swallowed up in 
 victory, and the ages of eternity bring forward the 
 scenes of her ever new and ever growing felicities ! 
 Let us, therefore, not sorrow as those who have no 
 hope ; for, as Jesus died and rose again, even so those 
 
 ;i 81 8
 
 38 COMFORT IN SORROW. 
 
 who sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. Then 
 will this corruptible put on incorruption ; and when 
 the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the 
 earth, which had detained as in a prison the bodies of 
 the saints, shall be burnt up, then will that triumph- 
 ant song be heard, ' grave ! where is thy vic- 
 tory ? ' In the meantime, the separate spirit ex- 
 periences the happy truth of the word of its Re- 
 deemer, ' He that believeth in me shall never die ; ' 
 and, though the body be dead because of sin, the 
 spirit is life because of His righteousness. Let us 
 therefore comfort one another with these words, and 
 endeavour to follow the faith and patience of those 
 who are now inheriting the promised blessings of the 
 heavenly state. Thus will this mournful dispensation 
 become sanctified to our profit, will repress our ardent 
 pursuit of the world, dispose us to walk circumspectly, 
 to be sober and vigilant, and wait for the coming 
 of our Lord. 
 
 " I have cherished these considerations, not only on 
 thy account, but to give my own mind a profitable 
 relief from the engagements of the day 
 
 " I wish much to hear from you, and to know how 
 our father continues to be supported under the afflic- 
 tion 
 
 " Ever thine, 
 
 " JOSEPH HARDCASTLE."
 
 ETHIOPIA SHALL SOON STRETCH OUT HKR HANDS UNTO 
 GOD." PSA. LXVIII. 31.
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 IfcmofoU ta 
 
 iUTiSOll. - gtrUi 
 
 17881796. 
 
 IN October, 1788, Mr. and Mrs. Hardcastle removed 
 to Hatcham House, Surrey, a residence at that time 
 pleasantly situated, so as to combine the advantage 
 of an easy approach to London with the seclusion 
 of the country. From this period Mr. Hardcastle 
 engaged more actively in objects connected with the 
 cause of religion and benevolence. His character for 
 discretion and sound judgment rendered his counsel.' at 
 all times valuable ; and the pleasure which he felt in the 
 society of the wise and good was reciprocated by the 
 most eminent philanthropists of the age. His house 
 was open to men of this description, and to the close of 
 life the Christian hospitality in which he delighted 
 made the name of Hatcham familiar to good men 
 of every denomination, not only at home, but on the 
 Continent, and in America. 
 
 Among those who were thus introduced to Mr.
 
 42 THOMAS CLARKSON AND THE SLAVE-TRADE. 
 
 Hardcastle was Thomas Clarkson, one of the ori- 
 ginators of the struggle for the abolition of the slave- 
 trade, and the indefatigable champion of the oppressed 
 Africans.* With Granville Sharp, and other labourers 
 in the same cause, Mr. Hardcastle often took counsel ; 
 while Mr. Clarkson, soon after the commencement 
 of his great work, became a frequent guest at Hatcham, 
 and was animated in his exertions by the cordial sym- 
 pathy of his friendly host, at a time when the object in 
 which he was engaged was too often regarded as 
 Utopian by multitudes who did not absolutely frown 
 on his perseverance. 
 
 It was there that Mr. Clarkson first became ac- 
 quainted with his future wife, Catherine Buck a niece 
 of Mrs. Hardcastle ; there, also, he wrote a great por- 
 
 * " I never," says Mr. Townsend, " thought seriously of the 
 slave-trade till I read the incomparable pamphlet of Mr. Clark- 
 son, which immediately impressed my mind with its impolicy, 
 its injustice, and its cruelty. But how great was the disgust 
 and horror which I felt when I beheld in a parlour at Hatcham 
 House those abominable instruments of cruelty which are used 
 on board the African slave-ships ! They consisted of iron hand- 
 cuffs, shackles for the legs, thumbscrews, and the speculum orisi 
 an instrument for wrenching open the mouths of the poor slaves 
 when they were obstinate and would not take their food. In 
 the same room I saw various articles of manufacture in cloth 
 and in leather, and also different kinds of dyeing, the whole cal- 
 culated to show the capacity and ingenuity of this class of the 
 human species, and proving that they are capable of all the 
 enjoyments and duties of civilized life."
 
 THOMAS CLARKSON. 43 
 
 tion of his " History of the Abolition of the Slave- 
 trade j " and there, for more than half-a-century, during 
 his occasional visits to London, the time-honoured 
 philanthropist continued to enjoy the same welcome, 
 amidst scenes endeared to his heart by associations, 
 which only left room for regret that those who cheered 
 him at the commencement of his labours did not sur- 
 vive to share his triumph. 
 
 There is a letter of Mr. Hardcastle's, written on the 
 marriage of his niece, which strikingly illustrates his 
 Christian character. The philanthropy of Thomas 
 Clarkson seemed almost to be bound up with his 
 nature, but it was many years before his soul was 
 enlightened by the true light of the Gospel. He was 
 doing much that was right; his energies were em- 
 barked in a noble cause ; but he neither knew himself, 
 nor recognised the hand which girded him for the 
 contest. It was not till the evening of his days 
 approached that he found that peace which the world 
 can neither give nor take away. 
 
 It is not for mar* to fathom the plans or purposes of 
 Him, all whose ways are wonderful. None can tell 
 how The Holy Spirit was secretly influencing the heart 
 of Thomas Clarkson during the many years which he 
 passed without any comforting hope beyond the grave, 
 and with no interest in spiritual things. After he had 
 been enlightened in the knowledge of the truth, a few 
 years before his departure, he observed that death had
 
 44 THOMAS CLARKSON. 
 
 always been an object of dread to him, but now that he 
 could look on it without dismay. Still, he added that he 
 hoped it was not presumptuous to suppose that it was 
 The Holy Spirit of God that moved him to undertake 
 that cause to which he dedicated himself on the memor- 
 able occasion when, dismounting from K"is horse on his 
 road to London from Cambridge (where he had re- 
 cently gamed the prize for a Latin essay on Slavery), he 
 sat by the wayside near Wade's Mill. Miss Buck was 
 drawn to her future husband, by her admiration of his 
 philanthropic heroism. She was a young lady of 
 no ordinary mind, and in her a powerful intellect 
 was united with a most loving heart. Some of the 
 most distinguished poets and philosophers of that day 
 were her friends; but the wrongs which drove the French 
 people into tumultuous revolution, for a time moved her 
 sympathies towards a vain and sceptical rationalism, 
 which was injurious to the life of God in her soul. 
 
 These remarks may throw light on the letter which 
 her uncle, Mr. Hardcastle, wrote to her father on her 
 marriage with Mr. Clarkson. Its aim and ultimate 
 object cannot be mistaken. 
 
 TO WILLIAM BUCK, ESQ. 
 
 " Hatcham House, Jan. 23, 1796. 
 " DEAR BROTHER, I congratulate you and my 
 sister on the interesting event which your letter an- 
 nounced, and sincerely wish it may be connected with
 
 LETTER ON HIS NIECE J S MARRIAGE. 45 
 
 the blessing of the Almighty, and that our friends may 
 experience much temporal happiness, and what is far 
 better, much inward and spiritual peace and prosperity. 
 
 " I look back to the period in which I first entered 
 into the same important relation, and constantly feel the 
 impression of gratitude and thankfulness to God, my 
 conductor, for so distinguished an interposition of His 
 paternal goodness; and, through the course of an 
 existence which has been always marked by His care 
 and filled up with His mercies, my thankful recollection 
 fixes upon that event as the prominent blessing of my 
 days. 
 
 " But it is indeed the presence and blessing of God 
 our Friend and Saviour that consecrates and cheers 
 us in every period and every relation. It is good 
 to begin with Him in the morning of our days, 
 and offer to Him our first and purest affections ! May 
 all our children be directed into this path of wisdom 
 and happiness ! 
 
 <l I have also found His presence in mature years, 
 amidst various cares and anxieties, to be my strength in 
 weakness, my peace and my portion in the seasons of 
 disquietude. I have frequently cast all my cares upon 
 Him, and He has borne them. I have sought His 
 interposition by fervent prayer, and He has given 
 me the desire of my heart. I have reason to speak 
 well of Him, as a tried and experienced friend, with 
 whom I wish to pass all my days of active or se-
 
 46 LETTER. 
 
 questered life, and to cultivate all the intimacy which 
 His condescension allows till I become one spirit with 
 Him. I desire to be more habitually impressed with 
 the persuasion that He is always near to me, and feels 
 an interest in my concerns ; that He has purchased me 
 by His death, subdued me by His grace, and made 
 me willing, in some measure, to part with everything, 
 but not to part with Him. I desire that nothing may 
 ever separate me from His love: not life, for it has 
 no equivalent to offer, nor can its best gifts enrich 
 me without His favour; not death, for He that be- 
 lieveth in Him shall never die His grace enables 
 me sometimes to look deliberately upon death, and 
 consider it as the birthday of my immortal spirit ; not 
 things present, for I am desirous of learning from 
 Him to use the world without abusing it ; nor things 
 to come, for these afford my spirit the most cheerful anti- 
 cipations, and sometimes fill my meditation with elevated 
 pleasure. I contemplate the riches of the incorruptible 
 inheritance the society of the excellent of the heavens 
 and the earth, a mind filled with unsullied light, a 
 heart made up of purity and love and " these things to 
 come " are the subject of my song in the house of my 
 pilgrimage. 
 
 " You will perceive, my friend, how confidentially 
 I am writing, and how much I am unfolding to you the 
 recesses of my heart. It was the occasion upon which 
 I congratulated you, and which naturally makes the
 
 LETTER. 47 
 
 mind cheerful, that insensibly led me into this most 
 lively and pleasant subject ; nothing else can equally 
 exhilarate the mind. 
 
 " In feeling a wish for the happiness of our friends 
 in their new relation, I reflected on the foundation upon 
 which my own happiness is built ; and, could I select 
 the good things iu the shining heavens or the fruitful 
 earth as the subject of my wishes for them, there 
 is nothing of equal excellence or value with the friend- 
 ship of Him who was despised and rejected of men ! I 
 willingly encounter the derision of the wise, while my 
 heart embraces the inestimable truth; I find it the 
 source of inward satisfaction, the motive for fruitfulness 
 and zeal in the sendee of God that principle which 
 cheers the gloom of life, extracts the sting from death, 
 and gilds the prospect into the eternal world. If our 
 friends, or either of them, incline at present to a differ- 
 ent view of these important things if they see no 
 beauty nor comeliness in the Man of Sorrows, I hope 
 the time will come when they will possess a judgment 
 more friendly to their happiness; for, without Him, 
 there may indeed be mirth, but there can be no joy 
 there may be levity, but there can be no peace. It is 
 His death which is our plea; it is His obedience in 
 which alone we can appear with confidence before 
 the Judge of quick and dead, or with complaisance 
 before the faithful tribunal of our hearts. Let us 
 importune Him on behalf of our friends who are not yet
 
 48 MRS. CLARKSON. 
 
 brought nigh to Him, and hope that, in some of 
 the ways of His manifold wisdom, He will rescue them 
 from the paths of the destroyer. He frequently chas- 
 tens those whom He loves, and embitters their days, 
 that they may be compelled to seek their happiness in 
 Him alone. Gracious are these chastenings, which 
 lead the mind onward to see its own emptiness and de- 
 pravity, and upward to see the fulness of the grace and 
 the love of God our Saviour ! Let us daily commit our 
 friends to the faithful care of the Good Shepherd. He 
 alone can restore the soul that wanders, and bring back 
 the lost sheep to the fold of His love. Human means 
 are weak and inefficient in themselves; but He has 
 made it our duty and our privilege to pray always, and 
 
 the fervent prayer availeth much 
 
 " My dear brother, yours ever, 
 
 " JOSEPH HARDCASTLE." 
 
 The above letter was conveyed, according to the 
 writer's design, to Mrs. Clarkson, and, many years 
 afterwards, in a most interesting correspondence, dur- 
 ing the progress of her inward struggle, her heart was 
 opened to the sister who always shared its secrets, and 
 revealed the answer to her uncle's prayers. The letter 
 itself was carefully treasured by Mrs. Clarkson, and, not 
 long before her departure, at last sent to one of her 
 uncle's daughters. It was accompanied by the thank- 
 ful acknowledgment, that all its fervent desires for her-
 
 AFRICA. 49 
 
 self and her husband had been fulfilled. In respect to 
 each of them the light dawned gradually, although 
 it shone more and more to the perfect day; yet it 
 would not have been easy even for themselves to 
 determine exactly when it was that the Sun of Right- 
 eousness arose on their souls with healing in his wings. 
 As in the heart of his wife the light of revelation 
 shone brighter and brighter above the light of reason, 
 illuminating her pathway through life and her passage 
 to the tomb, so the deep interest in heavenly subjects, 
 the constant, prayerful study of the Word of God, and 
 the love of the brethren, which Mr. Clarkson evinced in 
 his latter years, afforded the same evidence that he who 
 had 'toiled so indefatigably to procure freedom for the 
 slave was now himself made free. 
 
 Mr. Hardcastle's interest in the welfare of the 
 African race did not stop with an effort to procure 
 their emancipation from slavery. His sympathies out- 
 stripped mere worldly philanthropy. He thought of 
 their immortal souls, and, zealous for the glory of 
 Christ, he desired to see "Ethiopia stretch out her hands 
 unto God." It had been deemed that a settlement on 
 the coast of Gambia would be attended with beneficial 
 results; and in 1791 a Company was established, by a 
 number of philanthropic individuals, for the purpose of 
 promoting civilization, and protecting the inhabitants 
 of Africa from the sordid cupidity of slave dealers. 
 Of this benevolent enterprise, Mr. Granville Sharp may
 
 50 SIERRA LEONE AND FOULAH MISSION. 
 
 be regarded as the founder, while Mr. Wilberforce, 
 Mr. Henry Thornton, Sir Charles Middleton after- 
 wards Lord Barham, Mr. Clarkson, Mr. Macaulay, 
 Mr. Hardcastle, and others, were the Directors. But 
 as the constitution of the Sierra Leone Company 
 admitted only incidentally of efforts to promote Christi- 
 anity, the greater part of the gentlemen above enu- 
 merated resolved to form a Society for the purpose of 
 sending Missionaries to the Foulah country, a district 
 adjacent to Sierra Leone. This scheme was under- 
 taken, in a great measure, under the superintendence 
 of the Rev. Dr. Coke, a graduate of Oxford, a clergy- 
 man of the Church of England, and yet one of the 
 leaders of the Wesleyan connexion, who made frequent 
 missionary voyages across the Atlantic, and at length 
 died on his way to India. He had lived on terms of 
 the closest intimacy with Mr. Hardcastle, and usually, 
 during his visits to London, took up his abode at his 
 house. He was a man of much simplicity of heart, 
 and being anxious for the appointment of a Bishop in 
 India, represented the necessity to the Minister of the 
 day, and in case of need volunteered himself to accept 
 the post. 
 
 The following letter was addressed to Captain 
 Hebden, of the York, one of the ships belonging to 
 the Sierra Leone Company. It shows the views of 
 Mr. Hardcastle in connexion with this first mission to 
 Africa :
 
 LETTER TO CAPTAIN HEBDEN. 51 
 
 TO CAPTAIN HEBDEN. 
 
 "London, January 6, 1793. 
 
 " DEAR SIR, I write you these few lines, to ex- 
 press the pleasure I received from the perusal of 
 several of your letters to your friends here, as well as 
 to the court of Directors. I rejoice with you that 
 there is so pleasing a prospect of the accomplishment 
 of those objects of benevolence and utility which form 
 the basis of the Company we are connected with, and 
 which, if favoured with the heavenly benediction of the 
 great Father of mankind, may convey their blessings to 
 many regions hitherto unvisited by the sons of hu- 
 manity and mei-cy, and to generations whose existence 
 is not yet begun. 
 
 " I rejoice with you that the everlasting Gospel 
 resounds amongst the hills of Africa, and that the 
 despised, and degraded, and benighted natives are 
 likely to become acquainted with that lowly One, who 
 was once despised, and impoverished, and abased more 
 than themselves, that they might hereafter rank 
 amongst the immortals, and wear the habiliments of 
 purity and light. To be in the least degree instrumental 
 in this honourable sendee, is a distinction far preferable 
 to the splendid offices of the world it is to be asso- 
 ciated in the same employment with ministering spirits, 
 whose flaming zeal is ever oh the wing in fulfilling the 
 purposes of Divine benevolence towards the sons of 
 men. 
 
 E 2
 
 52 LETTER. 
 
 "The first Sabbath in which our excellent friend 
 opened his commission among the people appears to 
 have been very impressive ; but its impression was not 
 feonfined to those who heard him we feel the sym- 
 pathy in England, and there are some among us who 
 read the accounts with tears of thankful joy. We 
 trust that He in whom all fulness dwells, and who 
 forms pastors and teachers for the work of the ministry, 
 will continue to feed his zeal, and inflame his love, and 
 fill him with inspiration suited to his apostolic labours, 
 that the preaching of Him that was lifted up may draw 
 all men to Him, and prove the power of God and the 
 wisdom of God to those who hear. Your friend 
 Redsdale still feels a desire to be engaged in this 
 work, which no opposition can extinguish. It seems 
 so deeply rooted, that we begin now to think that 
 further resistance may prove an opposition to the will 
 of God. I think it is probable he may see Sierra 
 Leone, and as he is prepared for all difficulties, and is 
 willing either to honour God by his life, or by his 
 death, I begin to think he may be the right sort of 
 person for the colony. Pray remember me most 
 affectionately to Mr. Home. I shall rejoice to hear 
 of your welfare, and that you are enabled still to sup- 
 port and exalt the honour of the Christian name, 
 giving no occasion of offence to any, walking in wis- 
 dom towards those who are without, and by meekness, 
 and fortitude, and active zeal, and constant circum-
 
 AFRICA. 53 
 
 spection, demonstrate how honourable a character it is 
 to be a follower of the Lamb, who calls us to virtue as 
 well as glory. 
 
 (( I am, dear Sir, your sincere friend, 
 
 " JOSEPH HARDCASTLE." 
 
 At a later period Mr. Hardcastle thus addressed the 
 missionaries about to embark for the Foulah country : 
 
 " No portion of the human race has drunk so deep 
 of the cup of wretchedness as these. There are no 
 captives of the Prince of Darkness to whom the sound 
 of redemption can be more needed than to them. 
 Indeed, there seems a peculiar suitableness, and a 
 Divine propriety in introducing these children of 
 affliction to an acquaintance with Him, who, in the 
 days of his humiliation, was distinguished as 'a man of 
 sorrows and acquainted with grief/ It is this land of 
 degradation and darkness to which your footsteps rrre 
 to be directed ; and, in the humble dwellings of these 
 despised or oppressed Africans, you are to make known 
 the grace of Him who also was once despised and 
 rejected of men." 
 
 The Reverend Melville Home was one of the chap- 
 lains of the colony, afterwards author of the able and 
 eloquent "Letters on Missions," published in 1794. 
 
 With Mr. Zachary Macaulay and other philan-
 
 54 SIERRA LEONE AND FOTJLAH MISSION. 
 
 thropists Mr. Hardcastle maintained a correspondence 
 on the same subject till the year 1808, when the 
 colony was transferred to the Crown. 
 
 The original settlement at Sierra Leone had been 
 begun at an expense which eventually reached nearly 
 100,000/., and although it did not succeed to the 
 extent anticipated, yet certainly a foundation was laid for 
 the future successful labours of the Church Missionary 
 Society. The Foulah Mission also, like the first Niger 
 expedition, for a time appeared to be a failure. But 
 these things did not damp the zeal of their promoters, 
 and very speedily the establishment of the Missionaiy 
 Society afforded an opportunity of forwarding the same 
 design on a larger scale. The sentiments which in- 
 spired Mr. Hardcastle's efforts in this cause are fully 
 expressed in an official address subsequently written, 
 from which the following passages are extracted : 
 
 " Africa, that much injured country, throughout its 
 immense extent, has for many ages been deprived of 
 the inestimable advantages of the pure principles of 
 Christianity ', it has been visited by Europeans, not for 
 the friendly purpose of a communication of benefits, 
 but in order to carry on a commerce which invariably 
 inflicts on its inhabitants the wounds of slavery and 
 death. The very name of Africa produces in every 
 breast mingled sentiments of pity and indignation. Its 
 innocent blood, which is continually flowing, whilst it
 
 AFRICA. 55 
 
 cries to heaven for vengeance, appeals with resistless 
 force to every ingenuous principle in the nature of man 
 and every feeling of compassion and mercy in the 
 breast of a Christian. It is to this benighted and 
 oppressed country we are desirous of sending the 
 Gospel of Christ ; that best relief to man under his 
 accumulated miseries; that essential blessing, which 
 outweighs the evils of the most suffering life. 
 
 "Our general ideas at present are, that Divine 
 Providence is opening a way for the admission of the 
 Christian religion into the southern parts of Africa, 
 through the medium of the Cape of Good Hope. In 
 these parts, a Mission from the United Brethren, 
 undertaken a few years ago, is now in a nourishing 
 state; and the last information from thence contains 
 the welcome intelligence, that the power of the Gospel 
 is manifested in the conversion of many of the natives. 
 This circumstance may, by the overruling Providence 
 of God, prove an invaluable advantage to the Mission 
 which we may undertake, as we hope that our exalted 
 Saviour who has received gifts for men, may be pleased 
 to qualify some of the converted natives for the work of 
 evangelists, and for assisting our missionaries in their 
 labours among their countrymen." .... 
 
 Towards the close of the " Address," which is 
 replete with the noblest sentiments, Mr. Hardcastle
 
 56 AFRICAN MISSIONS. 
 
 again deplores the wrongs of Africa, and urges the 
 claims of its injured sons in language of persuasive 
 eloquence : 
 
 "We anticipate, from the zeal of our Christian 
 friends, the assistance we need, to accomplish the 
 objects we have in view. When there is a project in 
 hand which is intended to promote the good of the 
 Africans ; to chase away the shades of ignorance which 
 envelop their minds ; to dry up their tears, and give 
 them the garments of praise for the spirit of heaviness ; 
 who will not join in the generous emulation to forward 
 so beneficent a work ? There are no people under the 
 heaven we have so deeply injured; nor is there a 
 virtuous disposition which warms the human breast, 
 that is not an advocate in behalf of Africa. 
 
 " Those generous minds who deplore the degradation 
 of their species, and exert the ardour of their spirits to 
 restore enslaved man to the rank he is entitled to fill in 
 the scale of rational existence, must rejoice in a plan so 
 pregnant with blessings of every sort. What so much 
 promotes the civilization of man as the Gospel of 
 Christ ? What so much enlightens his mind, ennobles 
 his heart, and dignifies his nature ? It is the engine 
 which raises our fallen spirits, and lifts them from 
 earth to heaven. Although the plan of introducing 
 the Gospel into heathen countries is replete with use- 
 fulness of every sort ; is altogether good, without any
 
 AFRICAN MISSIONS. 57 
 
 mixture of evil; and is a measure against which 
 nothing can be justly alleged, and therefore merits the 
 countenance of every friend to human happiness, yet, 
 we principally look for assistance to those whose hearts 
 are warmed with the love of Christ. This is the com- 
 manding principle which will produce both the instru- 
 ments and the funds we need; this is the principle, 
 which feeds and cherishes every other excellence which 
 can reside in the human heart. The love of Christ is 
 the argument of sovereign efficacy, which comprehends 
 eveiy motive that can sway the breast of a believer, 
 and rouse the sacred energies of his soul. 
 
 " Without the love of Christ prevailing above the 
 love of life, or the fear of death, let no one venture 
 upon the missionary warfare; but those who feel the 
 inspiring flame those to whom the Saviour is more 
 precious than anything which earth or heaven contains, 
 or earthly language can express, let them come for- 
 ward, and consecrate themselves to his service in this 
 sacred work. They will have the distinguished privilege 
 of being the first to announce the Saviour's name among 
 the heathen to whom they are sent ; they will be re- 
 corded in the annals of the Church in terms of honour, 
 and their memorial cherished and revered in succeeding 
 generations; or, should they be forgotten in this world, 
 their names will be enrolled in the registers of heaven, 
 and be illustrious when all earthly monuments shall 
 perish.
 
 58 SIGNS OF THE TIMES. 
 
 " We repeat our earnest invitation to Christians of 
 every name, to aid the work with their prayers, their 
 counsels, and their influence. We consider it to be a 
 cause which, above all others, demands the support of 
 every one who feels for the honour of his Saviour, or 
 the happiness of his species. 
 
 " There is no period in which this duty is not season- 
 able. But are there not many circumstances which 
 more especially press it upon us now? We profess 
 not to unfold the mysterious purposes of the Almighty, 
 nor to know the times and the seasons, which He has 
 put into his own power, nevertheless we would not be 
 inattentive to the .ways of His providence which illus- 
 trate his word. The general impression on the minds 
 of the people of God prepares them to expect the 
 approach of that predicted period when the Christian 
 Church shall enlarge its boundaries. The signs of the 
 latter days advance the shades of darkness are dis- 
 persing the kingdom of Antichrist is falling, and 
 the hand of Providence appears to be making arrange- 
 ments for a new era in human affairs. Under the 
 auspices both of Providence and prophecy, is it not a 
 season peculiarly suitable for Christians to improve, by 
 forming and executing those plans which have both a 
 natural and appointed tendency to produce the happy 
 events we are looking for ? Let then our endeavours 
 to promote the enlargement of our Redeemer's do- 
 minion on earth give energy to our prayers let us
 
 SIGNS OF THE TIMES. 59 
 
 consecrate the vigour of our powers to this most blessed 
 work; and whilst we see the kingdoms of this world 
 shaken to their foundation, and passing away, let it be 
 our unceasing supplication to our Saviour, ' let thy 
 kingdom come, and last for ever/ 
 
 "November 14, 1796."
 
 Shall we, whose souls are lighted 
 
 With wisdom from on high 
 Shall we, to man benighted, 
 
 The lamp of light deny ? 
 Salvation ! oh, salvation ! 
 
 The joyful sound proclaim, 
 Till each remotest nation 
 
 Has learnt Messiah's name. 
 
 Waft, waft, ye winds, His story, 
 
 And you, ye waters, roll ; 
 Till, like a sea of glory, 
 
 It spreads from pole to pole : 
 Till, o'er our ransomed nature, 
 
 The Lamb for sinners slain 
 Redeemer King Creator, 
 
 In bliss returns to reign. 
 
 BISHOP HEBEE.
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 fonnattim xif tljc gfeiamni j&orictjr 
 Jmrt|j jia 
 
 17941797. 
 
 THE Sierra Leone Company had been formed at 
 the commencement of that great political revolu- 
 tion, which overturned the ancient monarchy of France, 
 and was followed by a long night of desolation and 
 bloodshed. Mr. Hardcastle was numbered among 
 many good men, who, through the gloom of present 
 disaster, discerned afar off the rising of a brighter sun 
 than had yet beamed upon our ruined world. Over 
 the downfall of Popish tyranny and superstition, they 
 saw infidelity rearing its blood-stained crest, and un- 
 masking before the universe its hideous features. But 
 they also beheld altars overthrown, which were stained 
 with the blood of the saints and martyrs of Jesus, and 
 sceptres broken, which had been wielded against His 
 kingdom. They were assured by prophecy, that the 
 reign of Satan was drawing to its close, that the world 
 was not doomed to groan for ever beneath his iron rod;
 
 64 ORIGIN OF THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 
 
 and amidst the earthquake of political convulsions, they 
 waited to hail the morning of the latter-day glory, 
 already spread upon the mountains, and gilding their 
 summits with the promise of millennial blessedness. 
 They knew, however, that God, who works by means, 
 is pleased to employ his servants for the accomplish- 
 ment of his sovereign purposes, and it was in the year 
 1794 that "a small number of Christians expressed to 
 each other a wish THAT A SOCIETY MIGHT BE FORMED 
 
 FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF SENDING THE GOSPEL TO 
 HEATHEN AND OTHER UNENLIGHTENED NATIONS." * 
 
 This wish was doubtless recorded in heaven. It was 
 from Him who said, " I, if I be lifted up, will draw all 
 men unto me," and simple as were the words, the echo 
 resounded through all parts of the kingdom. Meetings 
 for prayer and conference were held in London during 
 the next six months, and in the following year addresses 
 were circulated through the country intreating con- 
 sideration of the subject, and calling upon Christians 
 everywhere to remember the command of their ascend- 
 ing Lord, " Go ye into all the world and preach the 
 Gospel to every creature/' 
 
 * In a memoir of the late Dr. Ryland, of Bristol, which 
 appeared in the "Baptist Magazine," for January, 1826, the 
 following interesting facts are recorded : " A few months 
 after Dr. Ryland fixed his residence at Bristol, he received the 
 first letters which had arrived from Carey and Thomas, in 
 Bengal, and the intelligence they contained was so cheering, 
 that he longed to communicate it as widely as possible. The
 
 MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 65 
 
 The slumbering Church awakened at the appeal with 
 a most fervent response. " Multitudes assembled in 
 London from all parts of the kingdom, much prayer 
 was offered to God, Meetings were convened," and 
 " these seasons were rendered inexpressibly delightful, 
 by the union of ministers and laymen of all denomina- 
 tions, who, for the first time, forgetting their party 
 prejudices and predilections, met in the same place, 
 sung the same hymns, united in the same prayers, 
 and felt themselves one in Christ. Such a scene was 
 perhaps rarely beheld in our world, and it seemed to 
 afford a glorious foretaste and earnest of that noble 
 assembly, where all the redeemed shall meet in the 
 presence of the Lamb and before the throne." 
 
 In the Transactions of the Society it is stated, that 
 "there was a preparatory Meeting on Monday, the 
 twenty-first of September, 1795, at which Sir Egerton 
 Leigh, President, and the Revs. Messrs. Boden, Steven, 
 Love, Haweis, Eyre, and Rowland Hill, took part." 
 " The morning of the twenty-second dawned," to quote 
 Dr. Morison's words, while thousands of prayers from 
 all parts of the kingdom were rising to the throne of 
 
 llev. Dr. Bogue, of Gosport, and the Rev. James Steven, then 
 of London, being at that time supplying at the Tabernacle, 
 were invited to meet a few friends at the Doctor's house on this 
 interesting occasion ; and when, after uniting in prayer and 
 praise, these worthy ministers returned to their lodgings, they 
 mutually expressed their desire to set on foot a Missionary 
 Society among their connexions likewise." 
 
 F
 
 66 FIRST SERVICE. 
 
 God on behalf of its august proceedings."* On that 
 and the two following days, there were successively 
 held, in various parts of the city, six solemn assemblies 
 for worship. It is added, " Something, we are sensi- 
 ble, is to be imputed to the charm of novelty. But 
 after making all reasonable allowances of the kind, we 
 appeal to every candid and intelligent Christian who 
 attended on these occasions, whether there did not 
 appear tokens of a Presence infinitely more august than 
 that of a mere multitude of mortal sinful beings. The 
 animated solemnity, unity, and zeal, of these great 
 assemblies, the spirit with which they were enlivened to 
 the last, and the solid effects in overflowing liberality 
 for the advancement of the work in view, made it 
 apparent that God Himself hath been the Author of 
 these movements." 
 
 The first service, on Tuesday, the twenty-second 
 September, was held at Spa-fields Chapel, where the 
 Rev. Dr. Haweis delivered a spirit-stirring discourse on 
 the Apostolic Commission, recorded in the Gospel by 
 Mark, sixteenth chapter and fifteenth and sixteenth 
 verses. In the evening the Scotch Church at Crown- 
 court was crowded to excess, and many failed to obtain 
 entrance. The service was conducted by Mr. Waugh, 
 of London; Mr. Hey, of Bristol; and Mr. Burder, 
 then of Coventry, who preached a rousing sermon from 
 
 * " Fathers and Founders of the London Missionary Society."
 
 MR. HARDCASTLE ELECTED TREASURER. 67 
 
 the noble text, " Arise, go into Nineveh, that great 
 city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee " 
 (Jonah iii. 7) ; and Mr. Parsons, of Leeds, concluded 
 with prayer. On the two following days sermons were 
 preached and Meetings held, and on Friday, the 
 twenty-fifth, at a Meeting at the Castle and Falcon, 
 Mr. Hardcastle was appointed to his office. Dr. 
 Morison relates in his own most beautifully written de- 
 tail of these Pentecostal times, " that prayer having been 
 offered to Almighty God, the Meeting proceeded to 
 elect a treasurer. To Joseph Hardcastle all eyes were 
 directed.'' Although he had taken part in the previous 
 consultations, and his whole soul was engaged in for- 
 warding the work, he was reluctant to assume so 
 prominent a position, and desired that Mr. Thornton 
 might in the first instance be applied to. But his 
 hesitation was ultimately overcome. The appointment 
 was originally only to last till the next general Meeting, 
 when, to use the words of Dr. Haweis,* " Mr. 
 Hardcastle, the Treasurer, whose indefatigable zeal and 
 important services were thankfully acknowledged by all 
 his brethren and the Society at large, was rechoseu." 
 In the Report for 1797 it is stated, "The Treasurer, 
 though excluded as a Director by lot, was requested to 
 abide in his office, his unwearied and generous ser- 
 vices being such as could not but induce every member 
 
 * "Evangelical Magazine," 1796. 
 F 2
 
 68 HIS OFFICIAL QUALIFICATIONS. 
 
 of the Society to desire him to continue to fill that 
 important station, as Director and Treasurer." In 
 1798 he was again " particularly requested to continue 
 his services," and from this period the office seems to 
 have heen regarded as permanent. How well he was 
 fitted for his position is declared by the united testi- 
 mony of all who witnessed the ability with which he 
 conducted the affairs of the Society. 
 
 " Providence (said Mr. Collison) prepared him by a 
 process of his own for the eminent services which he 
 has yielded to the world as the presiding spirit, under 
 the God of all grace, of our great Society. He was 
 with it at its formation : every heart selected him for his 
 office ; his soul gave to its very constitution and to its 
 primary operations that character of unity, zeal, and love, 
 which we hope it will ever retain ; his sagacity never 
 failed to mark out its best measures, and from his bosom 
 emanated some of its mightiest achievements." " He 
 consulted for its welfare, watched over its movements, 
 and while the grandeur of its objects filled his heart, 
 none of its minutest details escaped his watchful and 
 penetrating observation." 
 
 The duties of Treasurer were in those days by no 
 means exclusively, or even chiefly, confined to matters 
 of finance. He was generally Chairman at the Meet- 
 ings of the Directors ; and most of the early documents 
 of the Society, such as the minutes suggesting the plan 
 of the African, the South Sea, the Chinese, and other
 
 DUTIES OF TREASURER. 69 
 
 Missions; the Instructions to Missionaries, some of 
 which have been in Parliament pronounced admirable 
 by Ministers of State; many of the Annual Reports, 
 the Occasional Addresses to the public, and the letters 
 to Colonial Governors, came from his pen. Besides 
 these more important writings he maintained a con- 
 stant and extensive correspondence, not only with the 
 chief missionaries, but with the friends of Missions 
 in England, Scotland, Ireland, the Continent, and 
 America. If differences arose he immediately set him- 
 self to accommodate matters between the parties, so as 
 to eradicate "any root of bitterness" which might 
 spring up to mar the great object they all laboured to 
 advance, and, so far as he himself was concerned, the 
 following testimony by Dr. Bogue, is corroborated by 
 all who knew him. It was remarked that, " his very 
 look was calculated to disarm hostility, and, beaming 
 with the affection he so strongly cherished towards his 
 brethren, reflected and communicated the tranquillity 
 which reigned in his own breast." 
 
 " On one occasion, being charged rather uncourte- 
 ously, as well as unjustly, with finesse, he replied, 
 ' On entering the Missionary Society, I made this 
 resolution, in the strength of the Lord, never to be 
 offended; and I have, by the grace of God, endeavoured 
 to maintain it ; I shall therefore take no notice of the 
 remarks just made, but proceed to the business before 
 us.' "
 
 70 MR. HARDCASTLE AS TREASURER. 
 
 Such was his care over his own spirit ; and, in regard 
 to others, he was the umpire, to whose unbiassed judg- 
 ment the wisest and the best agreed to yield the point 
 in dispute. If at any time, on subjects of moment and 
 difficulty, debate ran high between good men, each 
 accustomed to take the lead in his own sphere, it was 
 his blessed work as peacemaker to heal or prevent 
 dissension like that which for a time divided the labours 
 of Barnabas and Paul. 
 
 An instance of this may be found in the following 
 reply to a minister, who had given some offence by a 
 sermon which he had preached for the Society, and 
 who wrote to Mr. Hardcastle, begging to know " within 
 a fortnight," whether the Society would or would 
 not publish his sermon. Mr. Hardcastle thus re- 
 plies : 
 
 "London, January 5, 1799. 
 
 " REV. AND DEAR SIR, You inquire whether in my 
 opinion the Directors have the intention of publishing 
 the discourses on the designation of the missionaries. 
 I would readily give an explicit answer to this if it were 
 in my power, but I am not aware whether it has ever 
 been brought before the Directors as a subject of con- 
 sideration ; it has not been mentioned on any occasion 
 in which I have been present, and I think I am not 
 warranted by your letter to propose it as a specific 
 question. Not being able, therefore, to give you an
 
 MEEKNESS OF WISDOM. 71 
 
 authorized opinion, I can only suggest what occurs to 
 my mind as a probable reason, which may sway some 
 of our friends in their judgment as to the expediency 
 of publishing the discourse. We are all aware that the 
 Society with which we are connected is composed of 
 every distinct section of Christians, and that its pros- 
 perity very much depends on the preservation of the 
 spirit of union and concord. It is the progress of 
 Christianity on its broad and extensive ground that is 
 our general object, and we have explicitly disavowed 
 the intention of promoting exclusively either the 
 Dissenting or Episcopal cause ; while, therefore, we 
 respectively retain our sentiments on these subjects, 
 we agree, for the general good of the cause we have 
 espoused, that questions of this nature shall remain 
 dormant; and the Society has frequently declared to 
 the world that, as a Society, we have no concern with 
 subjects relating to points of discipline or Church 
 government, but are anxious only to extend the king- 
 dom of our Saviour, whose real and living members are 
 to be found in our various communions. As the pros- 
 perity, if not the existence, of the Institution depends 
 on the sanction and countenance of real Christians in 
 different connexions, it follows that it is an important 
 duty of the body of Directors to cherish this spirit of 
 union, and to guard against the probability of its 
 violation; and, therefore, if a public discourse con- 
 tained sentiments which, individually, I approved of
 
 72 MEEKNESS OP WISDOM. 
 
 highly, yet, if it was calculated to weaken the attach- 
 ment of various members and supporters of the cause, 
 which it was our duty to protect, I should feel it my 
 duty, on the ground of expediency, to advise that it 
 might not be published with the sanction of the 
 Society. Now, although there can be but one opinion 
 concerning your discourse, in respect of its ingenuity 
 and composition, and although considered independent 
 of the occasion on which it was preached, it must, I 
 presume, be approved by those who understand the 
 grounds whereon our dissent is justified, yet, for that 
 reason, it would be likely to give offence to those friends 
 to the Institution whose sentiments respecting the 
 alliance betwixt Church and State are very different 
 from ours. These observations I have made with a 
 view to suggest, that if the Directors should not re- 
 quest your permission to publish the discourse, it may 
 not proceed from any disrespect to you, or because they 
 are insensible of its merits, but entirely from the desire 
 of preserving the spirit of harmony in the Society 
 which is so essential to its interests, that almost every 
 other consideration is subordinate to it. In writing 
 thus freely you perceive that I have great reliance on 
 your candour. I request you will also believe that 
 I am, very sincerely and respectfully, 
 
 " Your faithful servant, 
 
 "JOSEPH HARDCASTLE."
 
 DR. BOGUE'S ESTIMATE. 73 
 
 Dr. Bogue's description of Mr. Hardcastle's general 
 character is given in the following terms : 
 
 " The qualifications for the office which he possessed 
 were of the first order. His intellect was acute and 
 penetrating, and his judgment was sound, being endued 
 both with sagacity and profoundness ; his views were 
 comprehensive, and his principles liberal and enlarged. 
 To the justness of this sketch, the fullest testimony 
 will be borne, by those who have perused the docu- 
 ments he furnished, from time to time, for the service 
 of the Society, or listened to him when he delivered his 
 opinion on questions of importance. With talents were 
 combined excellences of a still higher and nobler kind. 
 A calm, mild, and amiable temper peculiarly distin- 
 guished him, and was maintained, amidst all the eager- 
 ness of debate, on subjects of moment and difficulty. 
 In gentleness of disposition and manners he had few 
 equals. Benignity and affection beamed forth in his 
 countenance and deportment, and endeared him to all 
 who were engaged in the same arduous work. His 
 extensive and continued liberality, from year to year, 
 entitle him to the rank of the first pecuniary benefactor 
 to the Society. Over all these excellences was thrown 
 the mantle of unaffected simplicity and profound 
 humility, which assumed nothing, which boasted of 
 nothing, and made no show. A life of unfeigned piety 
 was the basis on which they rested, and which sus- 
 tained the whole."
 
 74 LETTER OP MR. HINDERWELL. 
 
 The following letter was addressed to Mr. Hard- 
 castle by one of his earliest friends : 
 
 FROM THOMAS HINDERWELL, ESQ. 
 
 " Scarborough, Feb. 9, 1796. 
 
 " A more pleasing theme of congratulation could 
 not have been presented to me than that of your elec- 
 tion to the office of Treasurer and Director of the Mis- 
 sionary Society; and, whatever delicacy of sentiment 
 might have induced you, dear Sir, to have declined the 
 appointment, I rejoice, on account of your best and 
 highest interests, that your objections were overruled. 
 If the assembly upon this occasion lifted up their hearts 
 to God in fervent aspirations that proper instruments 
 might be chosen to regulate and conduct a business of 
 such importance, how must your heart be affected that 
 it was your lot to be appointed a Treasurer in the ser- 
 vice of your blessed Redeemer, and a Director of a So- 
 ciety for propagating His Gospel and extending His 
 kingdom among the unenlightened nations of the earth. 
 . . . . The united prayers of so many faithful 
 servants of Jesus Christ must have ascended as 
 sweet incense. Their fervent supplications, mount- 
 ing on the wings of faith and love, might (at once) 
 meet with a gracious acceptance at the throne of 
 heaven. The word might go forth as at the creation, 
 when darkness covered the face of the deep ! ' Let 
 there be light,' might be the Divine command, a
 
 SOUTH SEA MISSION. 7O 
 
 Gospel light, in the regions of heathen darkness. In 
 that solemn moment when the assembly, with hearts 
 tuned to sweetest union, were lifting up their prayers 
 and supplications for the gracious assistance of the 
 Holy Spirit, and for the universal diffusion of the 
 everlasting Gospel, the celestial choir might unite 
 their voices in grateful hallelujahs, joining with respon- 
 sive harmony in that new song, ' Thou wast slain and 
 hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every 
 kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation, and hast 
 made us unto our God kings and priests, and we shall 
 reign on the earth.' .... 
 
 " Will you be pleased to make the enclosed accept- 
 able to the Society as a donation from one who wishes 
 you good success in the name of the Lord. 
 " Your faithful friend and servant, 
 
 "TlIOS. HlNDERWELL, JlJN." 
 
 The history of the South Sea Mission forms one of 
 the brightest pages in the annals of the Christian 
 Church, and the name of Captain Wilson and the ship 
 Duff are associated in every mind with the first mis- 
 sionary expedition. The farewell letter which Mr. 
 Hardcastle addressed to Captain Wilson, just before he 
 sailed, loses nothing of its interest as years pass on and 
 leave its date more distant : 
 
 "London, September 5, 1796. 
 "DEAR SIR, I have frequently been desirous of
 
 76 LETTER TO CAPTAIN WILSON. 
 
 half-an-hour's leisure, that I might present to you, in 
 writing, before your departure, the effusions of my 
 heart. Amidst the pressure of business, my imagina- 
 tion makes swift excursions to the vessel which con- 
 tains so many apostolic men, and is destined upon an 
 occasion so pregnant with important events; and the 
 wishes and petitions, which spring from my soul with 
 more than usual warmth, relate to the safety and suc- 
 cess of those who are more directly the instruments of 
 God in accomplishing this interesting service. 
 
 "The arrangements of Divine Providence, and the 
 diversified occupations and employments of the inhabi- 
 tants of the world, furnish a subject of contemplation, 
 well adapted both to instruct and to recreate the mind ; 
 but when my thoughts revolve on this extensive field, 
 and the innumerable employments of mankind are 
 present to my reflection, there are none amongst them 
 all which more attract my attention, or which appear 
 to me more benignant in their principles, or more 
 beneficent in their effects, than that, my dear friend, in 
 which you, and those that accompany you, are engaged. 
 Yours is not a voyage, the objects of which terminate 
 in the present existence ; its effects, we trust, will not 
 be limited either by time or space : if our prayers are 
 answered for its success, it will be a circumstance 
 probably recollected in a more perfect state; it will 
 perhaps be a topic of conversation, and a ground of 
 thankfulness, when we shall be associated with the
 
 LETTER TO CAPTAIN WILSON. 77 
 
 spirits of the just, and dwell with our Saviour in the 
 immortal regions ! It is from this consideration that I 
 offer to you, and to every brother who is consecrated to 
 this service, my unfeigned congratulations. I consider 
 yours a society of precious individuals veiy dear to our 
 common Lord, selected by Him for a service peculiarly 
 honourable in his kingdom, and intimately connected 
 with his praise on earth. To you he has confided the 
 distinguished privilege of proclaiming, as his heralds, 
 the message of redemption, for the first time, among 
 these islands, that are afar off. It is probable, that 
 through a long lapse of ages, the Prince of Darkness 
 has maintained an undisturbed dominion over them; it 
 is, therefore, a peculiar designation of Providence that 
 they should be visited with the beams of the Sun 
 of Righteousness, and receive the first intimations of re- 
 deeming grace, through your instrumentality. Charged 
 with so important a commission, and intrusted almost 
 with the fate of immortal beings, how frequently 
 will your rejoicing be mingled with trembling, and 
 your praises with supplication ; how impressively will 
 these thoughts lead you every hour to the Fountain of 
 grace, and wisdom, and strength, and cause you to 
 draw upon his fulness for the emergencies of ever) 7 
 moment ! In a world in which to pray always is a 
 duty applicable to every believer, it is to you who 
 are engaged in this warfare a weapon yet more in- 
 cessantly and indispensably needful. Our brethren
 
 78 LETTER TO CAPTAIN WILSON. 
 
 who have renounced the world will, I hope, maintain a 
 continual intercourse with their Saviour in heaven; 
 consult him on all occasions, as a wise and accessible 
 friend who is always at hand, and cherish, in solitude 
 or in society, the manifestations of his presence in the 
 recesses of their hearts. As for us, who, though we 
 remain in this part of the vineyard, yet consider 
 ourselves as united to you and to the friends around 
 you in bonds of close endearment, we shall not cease 
 to offer our intercessions that you may be strong in 
 faith, devout in prayer, active to perform or patient to 
 suffer the will of God, and that He may impart to you 
 wisdom, and grace, and strength equal to your day; 
 nor shall we forget to pray for the extensive success of 
 your mission. The motto of our Institution should be, 
 f Thy kingdom come/ This should form the first wish 
 of eveiy day, and be the last sentence with which 
 we take leave of the world and retire to our rest. Our 
 faith coincides with our prayer : we are looking for the 
 coming of our Saviour ; we are tracing the signs of the 
 latter days ; the events with which we are surrounded 
 should inspire us with fresh energy, that many may run 
 to and fro as the missionaries of the kingdom of 
 heaven, and Divine knowledge be increased till it 
 shall cover the earth and the islands that are in the 
 great deep, and all flesh see his salvation. 
 
 " I now commend you, and those with you, to 
 the care and blessing of that Infinite Being whom
 
 LETTERS. 79 
 
 archangels revere, but who bears to us the relation of a 
 merciful Father, through Christ ; to the love and 
 fellowship of Him who was once poor and despised 
 among men, and was a missionary on earth for our 
 sakes for upwards of thirty years ; who is also our Lord 
 and our God, the object of our delight and our re- 
 verence ; who is our confidence and our boast, both 
 whilst we dwell in houses of clay and when we reside 
 among the immortals in the house not made with 
 hands ! Connected in Him, I venture to subscribe 
 myself, 
 
 " Your friend in imperishable bonds, 
 
 " JOSEPH HARDCASTLE." 
 
 The numerous letters accompanying stores from 
 shops, to fit up the ship, promote the comfort of 
 the missionaries, and propitiate the natives, from 
 persons who were only thus able to minister of their 
 substance, are very touching; and the humble sp'iit 
 and fervent benedictions with which their offerings 
 were made, must have both gladdened the heart, and 
 strengthened the hands, of those who had to direct this 
 new and mighty movement. 
 
 TO THE REV. MATTHEW WILKS. 
 
 ' Hcckmondwike New Chapel, 
 
 Nov. 11, 1798. 
 " MY DEAR BROTHER, I am willing to comply with
 
 80 LETTER FROM MR. KERBY. 
 
 your request in writing to you a few lines by way of in- 
 formation respecting the blankets for the Missionary 
 Society. We have sent by the Doncaster waggon, 
 which puts up at the Bear Inn, Basinghall- street, a 
 bale containing the following articles : 28 pairs of 
 blankets, of different sizes and prices, and 9 coverlets, 
 which we hope will be useful to the poor heathen. 
 May God, in his kind providence, preserve the mission- 
 aries on their voyage, kindly comfort them with his 
 blessed promises, refresh them with the dew of his 
 grace, and supply all their need out of the fulness 
 which is treasured up in Christ Jesus, and abundantly 
 prosper all their labours of love to the poor natives, by 
 giving thousands of souls for their comfort here, and a 
 crown of rejoicing in glory ! is the prayer of 
 " Yours sincerely in Christ, 
 
 " JOSEPH KERBY." 
 
 Many curious and interesting documents are found 
 with Mr. Hardcastle's papers, which illustrate the 
 sympathy that prevailed among Christians in these 
 happy days of united missionary effort : 
 
 FROM THE REV. ANDREW FULLER. 
 
 " Kettering, July 29, 1796. 
 
 " MY DEAR AND WORTHY FRIEND, By a letter 
 which I have lately received from Mr. Rodway, I find 
 he cannot stand the African climate. He must leave
 
 ANDREW FULLER WILLIAM WILBERFORCE. 81 
 
 Africa, or lie will die. You will oblige me and our 
 Society by sending the enclosed by the first oppor- 
 tunity which offers. 
 
 " Yesterday we had a Committee-meeting, which we 
 held at Guilsborough, and kept in fasting and prayer. 
 It afforded me pleasure to find the same day was kept 
 in prayer by the London Missionary Society on taking 
 leave of their missionaries. God Almighty go with 
 them ! We made mention of them in our prayers. 
 " I am, affectionately yours, 
 
 " A. FULLER." 
 
 " To Joseph Hardcastle, Esq." 
 
 The date of the following note as well as its con- 
 tents show how early the comprehensive character of the 
 new Society commended itself to Mr. Wilberforce's 
 feelings, and indicate the same harmony of social co- 
 operation and fellowship in good works : 
 
 FROM WM. WILBERFORCE, ESQ. 
 
 "Palace-yard, October 13, 1796. 
 "DEAR SIR, Perhaps, though you cannot come to 
 dinner on Monday, you may be able to favour us with 
 your company in the afternoon. If so, I shall be very 
 glad to see you. Indeed, I would put off our party to 
 some day when I might hope to find you disengaged, 
 but that Parliamentary business begins on Tuesday, 
 and afterwards one can never be sure of a vacant
 
 82 ZACHARY MACAULAY. 
 
 opportunity except on Saturday, when I go into the 
 country. 
 
 ' ' Believe me, with real esteem and regard, dear Sir, 
 " Your faithful servant, 
 
 "W. WlLBERFORCE. 
 
 " To Joseph Hardcastle, Esq." 
 
 Mr. Zachary Macaulay, whose indomitable zeal had 
 been chiefly directed to the cause of the oppressed 
 Africans, was also much interested in the missionary 
 work. A letter from him, dated " Calypso at Sea, 
 Feb. 9, 1797," concludes: 
 
 " I am much indebted to you for your very accept- 
 able communication respecting the Mission Society. I 
 pray that the Lord may make His own work to prosper 
 in your hands. I trust there is good doing in this 
 place. There has already been a harvest of a few souls 
 gathered in through Mr. C.'s labours, who seem to be 
 in earnest in working out their salvation. We begin, 
 too, to live more in love and peace one with an- 
 other 
 
 " I am soriy that Mr. Haweis should have given my 
 name so conspicuous a niche in his pamphlet. You 
 will oblige me by taking the trouble to prevent him 
 from using the word ' Governor ' before it ; and, if that 
 designation be necessary, to beg him to put it after 
 niy name, thus : c Mr. Macaulay, Governor of Sierra
 
 HENRY THORNTOX. 83 
 
 Leone/ At the time, however, of his writing his 
 pamphlet, I was not Governor. 
 
 " With most respectful remembrances to Mrs. Hard- 
 castle, and with the utmost esteem and regard, I 
 remain, my dear Sir, 
 
 " Your obliged and very faithful servant, 
 
 " ZACHARY MACAULAY. 
 11 To Joseph Hardcastle, Esq." 
 
 FROM HENRY THORNTOX, ESQ. 
 
 "Bartholomew-lane, Nov. 12, 1798. 
 
 " DEAR SIR, I have for some time proposed to 
 address a few lines to you on the subject of one part in 
 particular of the intended Otaheite expedition. 
 
 " It was our Saviour's custom to unite acts of bene- 
 volence, and, in particular, the cure of diseases with 
 His preaching of the Gospel ; and it ought to be the 
 character of his followers, that they, in like manner, 
 have compassion on the bodies and souls of men also. 
 I have been very happy to hear that seve- 
 ral surgeons have been already engaged by your So- 
 ciety I will with pleasure contribute 
 
 something now, and something further if a further 
 supply of surgeons should seem hereafter wanted. 
 
 " On the subject of the Mission in general I forbear 
 
 to enter, as well as on that of the plan of educating a 
 
 number of Africans in this country, on which I shall 
 
 soon have more to say to you than I have now. I 
 
 G Ji
 
 84 ADMIRAL GAMBIER. 
 
 have chiefly further to ask whether your engagements 
 will permit you to do me the favour to dine with me 
 and Mrs. H. T. at Battersea-rise any day this week, or 
 the latter end of the next. I am generally in town on 
 Monday and Tuesday, and shall fix myself there when 
 Parliament meets; and, if not so convenient to dine 
 with us in the country, I will hope, some day or other, 
 to see you in King's Arms-yard. 
 
 " Believe me always, dear Sir, 
 
 " Yours very sincerely, 
 
 " H. THORNTON. 
 " Joseph Hardcastle, Esq." 
 
 In the above letter, Mr. Thornton refers to the 
 African children, whom the late Mr. John Campbell, 
 then of Edinburgh, afterwards better known as "the 
 African Missionary/' arranged with Mr. Macau- 
 lay to bring over from Sierra Leone for Christian 
 education at the expense of the late Mr. Robert 
 Haldane, 
 
 FROM ADMIRAL GAMBIER. 
 
 " Admiralty, May 15, 1798. 
 
 " DEAR SIR, I return you many thanks for your 
 letter, and the obliging communication of that received 
 by the Missionary Society from Captain Wilson, giving 
 an account of the progress of the laudable undertaking 
 of the good people that he conveyed to that distant
 
 THOMAS BABINGTON. 85 
 
 part of the world ; and, at the same time that I express 
 how unworthy I feel myself of the honour they have 
 done me, I must say that my prayers have been con- 
 stantly for them since their departure, and that I 
 rejoice most sincerely with the Society in the happy 
 progress it has pleased God to bless them with hitherto. 
 I must assure you that it will afford me the greatest 
 satisfaction if my mite can any way contribute towards 
 forwarding so glorious an undertaking, being persuaded 
 that a work which has so great an object for its end 
 will have the blessing of God upon it, and will prosper 
 in his hand. 
 
 " I am, dear Sir, with great regard, your very faith- 
 ful and most humble servant, 
 
 " J. GAMBILR. 
 
 " To Joseph Hardcastle, Esq." 
 
 The capture of the Duff was an event " deeply 
 afflictive" to the friends of the South Sea Mission 
 in their "night of toil ; " but circumstances soon trans- 
 pired which shed light on the seeming darkness, 
 perhaps sufficiently expressed in the following letter 
 addressed to Mr. Hardcastle : 
 
 FROM THOMAS BA1UNGTOX, ESQ. 
 
 " Rothlcy Temple, near Leicester, 
 
 "September 16, 1799. 
 " MY DEAR SIR, I beg to offer you my best thanks
 
 86 THOMAS BABIXGTON. 
 
 for your favour of the 6th. We had not been with- 
 out our fears as to the treatment of the female mis- 
 sionaries, when separated from their husbands after 
 their captm'e ; and, therefore, the satisfactory account 
 you send is highly gratifying to us. We shall, I hope, 
 soon hear that our friends and their companions are 
 arrived in North America. Mr. Z. Macaulay, who is 
 now with us, brought from town the intelligence of the 
 sudden departure of the missionaries from Otaheite. 
 We may, I think, be fully assured that this event is 
 calculated to further the great cause which the Mis- 
 sionary Society have undertaken, however it may 
 appear to counteract its plans. 
 
 "Little do we know what will best promote the 
 reception of the Gospel by the heathen. However, I 
 think even now we may see some good purposes which 
 may be answered by this procedure of the missionaries, 
 and by the capture of the Duff. The missionaries will 
 obtain experience of themselves and of their brethren, 
 and be better prepared for the work they have under- 
 taken ; and that want of due preparation, which some 
 persons lamented when they sailed from England, will 
 be in no inconsiderable degree supplied by these dis- 
 pensations of the Almighty. I shall not be surprised 
 to find that some of the missionaries change their 
 opinions, as to devoting themselves to the conversion 
 of the heathen, and that the Directors change theirs as 
 to the qualifications of others. All will tend, I hope,
 
 JOHN NEWTON. 87 
 
 to a due selection of fit instruments for the work 
 which, under God, is the most important of ail circum- 
 stances for promoting its success. 
 
 "AVhcn further information arrives respecting Mr. 
 and Mrs. Greig, I hope you will favour me with a few 
 lines. Mrs. Babington desires her compliments, and 
 I remain, dear Sir, 
 
 " Your obliged and faithful servant, 
 
 " THOS. BABINGTON. 
 
 " To Joseph Hardcastle, Esq." 
 
 FROM REV. JOHN NEWTON. 
 
 " No. 6, Coleman-strect-buildings, 
 Oct. 5, 1799. 
 
 " MY DEAR SIR, My friend John Campbell, Grass- 
 market, Edinburgh, has remitted to me two guineas. 
 I transcribe his words : ' From a Lady to the London 
 Missionary Society, II. Is. ; Mrs. Sinclair, of Caith- 
 ness, to ditto, II. Is.' I send the money lest I may 
 not have the pleasure of meeting with you. 
 
 " My sincere respects and best wishes attend you 
 and Mrs. Hardcastle. Many years have passed since I 
 and my late dear partner waited on you ; but I have 
 not yet forgotten the kind reception you then gave us. 
 
 " She is gone, and I expect soon to follow, having 
 entered my seventy-fifth year. This is a changing, 
 trying, dying world ; but we are only passing through 
 it as pilgrims and strangers to fairer worlds on high.
 
 88 JOHN LOVE. 
 
 There I trust we shall all meet to join in praise to Him 
 who has redeemed us to God with His own hlood. 
 
 " That this blessing may be with you and yours, and 
 that He may make you a blessing in all your con- 
 nexions, is the sincere desire and prayer of 
 " Your respectful and affectionate 
 
 " JOHN NEWTON. 
 " To Joseph Hardcastle, Esq." 
 
 FROM THE REV. DR. JOHN LOVE. 
 
 " Anderston, near Glasgow, April 16, 1802. 
 
 " I continue, with affectionate concern, and, I trust, 
 increasing faith and ardour, to take hold of the infinite 
 power and grace of the exalted Saviour in behalf of 
 missionary undertakings, and particularly those of 
 your Society; and I sincerely desire that your ge- 
 nerous activity in this cause may be crowned with 
 the richest blessings from on high. 
 
 " I am, with great respect, dear Sir, affectionately 
 yours, " JOHN LOVE. 
 
 " To Joseph Hardcastle, Esq." 
 
 His zeal for the objects of his own Society did 
 not interfere with his interest in the work pursued by 
 other friends of the Missionary cause. 
 
 In 1798, with reference to the Serampore Mission 
 and the great work of Bible translation already begun 
 by Carey, and Marshman, and Ward, those distin- 
 guished pioneers of Indian Missions, the celebrated 
 Andrew Fuller writes :
 
 DEBATE UPON "THE LOT." 89 
 
 " The Christian world is almost laying its account 
 with nothing but victory, and commencing its opera- 
 tions against the stronghold of heathenism. We have 
 nothing to do but pray and preach. Our worthy 
 friends Hardcastle and Rayner feel interested much in 
 the work, particularly the translation. I have just now 
 received a letter from the former, full of inquiries as to 
 ' what can be done to promote it.'" 
 
 Every reminiscence of times so hallowed must be 
 sacred. We recognise in the deliberations and efforts 
 of this early period the mainspring of that grand 
 system of missionary enterprise, the results of which 
 occasion such heartfelt thanksgivings to ascend to God 
 as the details are now each year simply and briefly 
 announced in the annual Reports. They arc also 
 so much associated with this period of Mr. Hardcastle's 
 life, that no sketch of his character or course can be 
 made apart from those objects to which, beyond all 
 others, he devoted his best energies. 
 
 Soon after the formation of the Society, the diffi- 
 culty of finding suitable missionaries so forcibly pressed 
 upon the Directors, that an appeal to the " Lot " was 
 suggested after a very solemn debate. It was, doubt- 
 less, a night long to be remembered, but nothing 
 was determined, and the Meeting was adjourned 
 from Friday evening until the following Monday. 
 There was a sequestered walk at Hatcham seldom 
 frequented by the family. To this it was Mr. Hard-
 
 90 ON "THE LOT." 
 
 castle's habit to retire, and ponder in solitude those 
 subjects which at the moment most occupied his mind. 
 At other times he was accompanied by one with whom 
 it was his wont ever to take counsel, with her to read 
 and reconsider the papers he had written. They knew 
 the topics were of everlasting interest, yet little deemed 
 how far the echo of their gentle words might reach. 
 
 The point discussed at the above-mentioned Meeting 
 occupied many of Mr. Hardcastle's thoughts during 
 this adjournment, and on Monday, the 15th May, 
 1797, the debate being renewed with prayer, he read to 
 the Directors the address of which the following is 
 a part, and which was listened to amidst all the con- 
 flicting feelings at that moment agitating so many 
 devoted hearts, none knowing but that upon himself 
 the lot might fall : 
 
 ADDRESS OF MR. HARDCASTLE ON THE USE OF THE LOT. 
 
 " May 15, 1797. 
 
 " The uncommon solemnity that attended the last 
 Meeting of the Society, and which was peculiarly felt 
 during the consideration of the question concerning the 
 means of providing missionaries, will, I am persuaded, 
 long dwell in the recollection of all who were present, 
 and occasion the frequent revival of those sacred im- 
 pressions which were then universally experienced. The 
 awful sensation produced by the conviction that God was 
 in the midst of us, dispensing his sacred influences, and
 
 o\ "THE LOT." 91 
 
 exciting his servants to the most explicit consecration 
 of themselves to promote the glory of his name in the 
 conversion of the heathen, has, perhaps, seldom been 
 exceeded since the first disciples assembled on a similar 
 occasion, after the ascension of their victorious Re- 
 deemer, and consulted together on those subjects which 
 relate to the enlargement of his spiritual dominion over 
 the Gentile world. 
 
 " The reconsideration of this subject appointed to 
 take place this evening impressed my mind with the 
 conviction that it became the duty of every individual 
 present to employ as much of the interval as he could 
 command from other duties to revolve it in his most 
 retired and serious thoughts, in the hope that a wise and 
 discreet conclusion might result from so general an 
 attention to the same question. It is this conviction 
 that has impelled me to throw my insignificant mite 
 into your treasury, and to accompany it with my feeble 
 but fervent prayer that the influence of this evening's 
 deliberation may furnish matter for gratitude and 
 praise, not only to ourselves, but to those who are now 
 seated among the shades of death not only to this 
 generation, but to those which shall arise in successive 
 ages, till the end cometh, when the mediatorial dis- 
 pensation shall terminate, and God be all in all. 
 
 " The prominent idea of the last evening's discus- 
 sion seemed to be this, that the ministers of the 
 Gospel in general, and among the rest, those con-
 
 92 ON "THE LOT." 
 
 nected with this Institution, had not yet discovered 
 that degree of zeal with respect to the conversion of the 
 heathen which their situation in the Church of Christ 
 and the state of the heathen world seemed to demand ; 
 and that it is now incumbent on them not to be satis- 
 fied with calling forth the zeal of others, and especially 
 of the laity, to this important sendee, but to manifest a 
 readiness themselves to make every personal sacrifice, 
 and consecrate their lives to the honour of their Sa- 
 viour, in preaching his Gospel in heathen countries. 
 This impression appeared to be enforced with solemn 
 weight on the mind of every minister present, and to 
 excite among them a serious inquiry respecting their 
 individual duty. It is hoped that the question will be 
 frequently renewed, extensively circulated, and seriously 
 discussed, and that many will follow the conviction that 
 J t is their duty, their honour, and their privilege to 
 become apostles to the Gentiles, and to take the wings 
 of the Gospel and fly to the ends of the earth, proclaim- 
 ing the salvation of God. 
 
 " The point of importance is to ascertain to whom 
 this honourable service belongs, and the best means of 
 exciting their attention to it. Two or three ideas were 
 suggested at our last Meeting which deserve considera- 
 tion. One of our fathers in Christ (Dr. Bogue) 
 feeling the love and the zeal which advancing years 
 cannot quench, conceived that it might be suitable that 
 those ministers who are in the Direction should dis-
 
 ox "THE LOT." 93 
 
 cover a readiness to undertake the labours of a mission- 
 ary, and that a portion of them should be separated for 
 this service by supplicating the interposition of the 
 Head of the Church in the solemn application of the 
 lot. It may not be inexpedient to consider whether 
 this proposition is not liable to important objections. 
 It is not necessary here to ascertain whether the use of 
 the lot is a legitimate mode of decision in any case in 
 which the exercise of the understanding, aided by 
 prayer to God, is competent to determine; nor is it 
 necessary to inquire whether the ministers among the 
 Directors possess those missionary qualifications which 
 might render them useful, nor whether their own in- 
 clinations dispose them for the service. There is pro- 
 bably a coincidence of all these advantageous circum- 
 stances meeting in several of our fathers and brethren 
 in the ministry, and yet it may not be the duty of any 
 one of them to engage therein. The will of God con- 
 cerning us is the only and universal law which enforces 
 and limits our duty, and the application of this law is 
 diversified according to the various circumstances in 
 which each individual is placed, and of which, generally 
 speaking, he is the best judge. It is, indeed, probable 
 that it may be the duty of some of the ministers to 
 become missionaries; but the proposition referred to 
 assumes it as a certainty that a fixed proportion should 
 be consecrated to this service, as well as that the lot will 
 determine the individuals. On this ground, it appears
 
 94 ON "THE LOT." 
 
 to be an unsuitable principle to resort to on this 
 
 occasion 
 
 " Another of our friends suggested that the nomina- 
 tion of any individual to the services of a missionary 
 by those ministers who are in the Direction might 
 be considered as an intimation of the will of God, 
 with which, in his own particular case, he should feel 
 it to be his duty to comply. But it is expedient to 
 reflect whether this is not an insufficient and unsafe 
 criterion by which this point is to be decided. . . . 
 Although God is a great sovereign, and has a right to 
 command the services of all his creatures in any way 
 which consists with his supreme will, yet, in reasoning 
 from analogy, and considering the usual procedures of 
 the Divine Wisdom in the government of the world 
 and the Church, we are justified in the adoption of this 
 general conclusion, that He has not placed one essen- 
 tial duty in a state of variance with another, and that 
 therefore it is not probable that those individuals will 
 be called to labour as missionaries among the heathen 
 who, in order to it, must abandon those duties which 
 are binding upon them by the clearest and the strongest 
 ties both of reason and religion. Much more might be 
 offered on this part of the subject, but I shall only further 
 suggest that, were the Society on slight grounds to depart 
 from these customary maxims, it might inflict a wound 
 upon its reputation, expose it to reproach, and furnish us 
 with painful occasions of contrition before our God." . . .
 
 ox "THE LOT." 95 
 
 Mr. Hardcastle proceeds to examine the question in 
 all its bearings, and concludes as follows : 
 
 " If any sentence has been written that has a 
 tendency to damp the missionary ardour where it 
 ought to be excited, I hope such sentence will be obli- 
 terated from every recollection. It is the predominant 
 desire of my heart that this sacred zeal may every day 
 receive new vigour, that it may be consecrated by 
 wisdom and prudence, that it may spread throughout 
 the Christian world, and extend its triumphs to every 
 region where Satan's seat remains. Besides the general 
 arguments in its favour arising from the infinite duration 
 and worth of the soul, the efficacy of our Saviour's 
 death and intercession, and the explicit promises and 
 predictions of God in relation to this subject, the actual 
 state of the heathen world invites the efforts of Chris- 
 tians to attempt the introduction of the light of the 
 Gospel. The more we examine this subject, the more 
 the conviction impresses itself upon us that it appeals 
 in a state of preparation and readiness for the admission 
 of the religion of Christ. In Asia and in Africa they 
 yield a patient and inquisitive attention to the message 
 of the missionaries. They are not encompassed with 
 inaccessible prejudices, nor shielded by impenetrable 
 ignorance; they invite instruction, and, in the latter 
 continent especially, the triumphs of the Cross have, 
 within a short period, been considerable. In the 
 western coast also, this blessed Cross is about to be
 
 96 DR. VAN DER KEMP. 
 
 lifted up as an ensign upon the hills, to which we 
 trust the nations will flow. The Mohammedans who 
 are remote from the centre of their imposture hold their 
 errors with a loose and indifferent hand; and, at this 
 moment, even the throne of the False Prophet seems to 
 feel the approach of its inevitable destiny, and trembles 
 under the presages of dissolution. The distress and per- 
 plexity of nations is a signal for Christians to arouse 
 themselves : the fields appear white for harvest, and 
 our prayers should be without ceasing that an abund- 
 ance of labourers may be speedily thrust forth. That 
 our most discreet and zealous exertions may, as they 
 always ought, accompany our supplications, it is pro- 
 bable the Society will come to a series of Resolutions 
 which will appear to them best adapted to promote this 
 great and important end. The following have arisen in 
 my mind as suitable to occupy the consideration of the 
 Society ; others of more importance will, I hope, be 
 suggested and adopted." .... 
 
 The Resolutions which Mr. Hardcastle suggested 
 were unanimously adopted. The wisdom with which he 
 met the difficulty was highly appreciated, and, it is 
 scarcely needful to say, no appeal was made to "the lot." 
 The following communications from Dr. Van der Kemp, 
 a celebrated Dutch physician, were considered a signal 
 and providential interposition of the Lord, who thus 
 provided a man so eminently qualified to take the 
 superintendence of a mission to any part of the world.
 
 " THE WILDERNESS AND THE SOLITARY PLACE SHALL BE 
 GLAD FOR THEM, AND THE DESERT SHALL REJOICE AND 
 BLOSSOM AS THE ROSE." ISA. XXXV. 1. 
 
 Hail sov'rei^n love which first began 
 The scheme to rescue fallen man ; 
 Hail matchless, free, eternal grace, 
 That found his soul a hiding place !
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Oc arlg IJlissiomirics af tk 
 
 1797. 
 
 DTI. VAN DER KEMP was a native of Rotterdam, an 
 eminent physician and a great scholar. One of 
 his own countrymen, the Rev. Cornelius Brem, writes 
 of him " as perfectly skilled in all sciences and faculties 
 in philosophy, divinity, and the military art. He not 
 only understands all the learned languages, but also all 
 the modern European ones, even that of the High- 
 lands of Scotland." When he quitted the profession of 
 arms, having attained the rank of Captain and Lieu- 
 tenant of Dragoon Guards, after taking his degree in 
 Edinburgh, he went to Middleburg, where he practised 
 as a physician with great repute and esteem, and was 
 remarkable for refusing to attend more than twelve 
 patients at a time. Latterly he retired to ])ort, and 
 he lived on his fortune, employing his time in Oriental 
 literature, and in finishing a Commentary on St. Paul's 
 Epistle to the Romans, which, to use his own words, 
 "I commenced before. I went to the Dutch camp, and 
 H 2
 
 100 VAN DER KEMP, 
 
 wish to leave behind me as a testimony of my convic- 
 tion of the truth as it is in Jesus." At this period one 
 of the stirring appeals which were wont to issue from 
 " those favoured rooms/' where the Directors used to 
 assemble, attracted his attention, and so won his heart 
 that he offered himself at once, at the age of fifty, to 
 the service of the Society. While his appointment was 
 under consideration he wrote, in reply to a communica- 
 tion from the Directors, as follows ; and surely such a 
 letter cannot even now be read without throwing back 
 upon the heart some reflections of that pure light 
 which shone around those consecrated men in the 
 dawn of the bright day, for the full radiance of which, 
 " Still the Church waits with longing eyes ! " 
 
 "Dordrecht, May 19, 1797. 
 
 "DEARLY BELOVED SIR, The 10th of this month 
 I was favoured with your obliging letter, which breathes 
 a fervent desire for promoting the interest of Christ's 
 kingdom, guarded by a laudable circumspection in the 
 choice of those whom the Society employs as instru- 
 ments in the execution of their important plan. 
 
 ft You say the Directors require time, and more 
 particular information before they can determine or 
 give me decisive counsel, of the prudence or propriety 
 of which I am fully persuaded, and most desirous am I 
 that every inquiry be made, and every answer of which 
 I am able, given to the questions you propose. In the
 
 THE DUTCH MISSIONARY. 101 
 
 meantime they give me the noblest advice that can in 
 my present circumstances be given, to think seriously 
 of the dcccitfulness of my heart, and the danger of 
 being influenced by pride or any selfish motive, and to 
 count the cost of a service that requires much meek- 
 ness, patience, self-denial, courage, faith, &c. As to 
 the deceitful ness of my heart, I am very conscious of it, 
 and that it is more deceitful than I can know, and 
 therefore that trusting to its sincerity would be to 
 build upon a deceitful foundation. Nothing ought to 
 be undertaken but by faith in Jesus Christ, who will 
 not suffer those to be deceived, who truly believe in and 
 desire to follow Him. 
 
 "AVith respect to pride and selfishness, it is true 
 those vices arc deeply rooted in the corrupt frame of 
 my heart, and arc ready to defile every thought and 
 action ; but I think there is a criterion to be depended 
 on, by which I may judge whether my desire to be 
 subservient to the cause of Christ originates in pride, 
 or springs from the love of God shed abroad in my 
 heart by the Holy Ghost, in which case it will be 
 augmented and increased in the same proportion with 
 faith. The result of my inquiries is, that I have reason 
 to conclude this impulse to serve the Lord is of God, 
 because I feel an actual readiness to go to the heathen, 
 if He should call me to it ; and on the contrary, an 
 aversion to take any step in this matter without His 
 express command, and to this cause is to be ascribed
 
 102 VAN DER KEMP. 
 
 my communication of the facts to your Society in my 
 last letter. When, on the 5th of April, I asked the 
 Lord Jesus, what He would have me to do ? I was led 
 to write to the Society; and now I am trusting that 
 you will be enabled by Him to discern and reveal to 
 me the will of the Lord. I think your letter prepares 
 the way for its discovery. 
 
 "Respecting my further deliberations of which you 
 ask, I can give no more exact description of the present 
 state of my mind, than in the words of Isaiah vi. 8, 
 ' I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I 
 send, and who will go for us ? Then said I, Here am 
 I, send me/ This voice I heard after I sent my first 
 letter, when reflecting on the difficulty of finding mis- 
 sionaries, and the duty of every Christian to offer his 
 services to the Lord ; but you will observe that hitherto 
 I have no ground to make the following words mine, 
 'And He said, Go. 5 This signal He hath not yet 
 given me. 
 
 "As to the qualities required for this important 
 work wisdom, meekness, &c. the consciousness of 
 my being deficient in these respects does not much 
 disturb me, for when I am weak, then I am strong, 
 and can do all things through Christ strengthening me. 
 ' Faithful is He that calleth/ When He pleases to 
 call, I hope He will enable me to obey His voice by 
 faith in Him, and this too must be the gift of His 
 grace ; and if I am by faith found in Him, I shall find
 
 VAN DER KEMP. 103 
 
 wisdom, patience, meekness, and whatever else I want ; 
 from hence you may easily conceive how I count the 
 cost. Whenever we undertake to build a tower on our 
 own plan, and presume to lay the foundation at our 
 own cost, and in our own strength, we cannot expect 
 that we shall finish the imaginary edifice ; but if our 
 tower rests on the foundation laid by Christ, at His 
 cost, in His blood, we shall then find that neither the 
 foundation nor the building costs us a farthing, as the 
 materials for the building and the expenses of the work 
 will be furnished by the gracious Founder Himself. 
 
 " You desire to have an account of some particulars 
 respecting the conversion of my soul to God, &c. 
 
 " Christianity to me once appeared inconsistent with 
 the dictates of reason ; the Bible a collection of inco- 
 herent opinions, tales, and prejudices. As to the 
 person of Christ, I looked at first upon Him as a man of 
 sense and learning, but who, by His opposition to the 
 established, ecclesiastical, and political maxims of *he 
 Jews, became the object of their hate, and the victim of 
 His own system. I often celebrated the memory of 
 His death by partaking of the Lord's Supper; but 
 some time after, reflecting that He termed Himself the 
 Son of God, and pretended to do miracles, He lost all 
 my former veneration ! 
 
 "I then prayed that God would prepare me, by pun- 
 ishing my sins, for virtue and happiness, and I thanked 
 Him for every misfortune; but the first observation
 
 104 VAN DER KEMP. 
 
 I made was that though I was oftentimes severely 
 chastised it did not make me wiser or better. I 
 therefore again prayed to God, that He would show me 
 in every instance the crime for which I was punished, 
 that I might know and avoid it ; but finding this vain, 
 I feared that I should never perhaps be corrected in 
 this life by punishment, still, I hoped, I might be 
 delivered from moral evil after death in some kind of 
 purgatory by a severer punishment ; yet, reflecting that 
 punishment had proved itself utterly ineffectual to 
 produce even the lowest degree of virtue in my soul, I 
 was constrained to acknowledge that my theory, though 
 it seemed by a priori reasoning well grounded, was 
 totally refuted by experience, and I concluded that it 
 was entirely out of the reach of my reason to discover 
 the true road to virtue and happiness. I confessed 
 this my impotence and blindness to God, and owned 
 myself as a blind man who had lost his way, and waited 
 in hope that some benevolent man would pass by and 
 lead him into the right way ; thus I waited upon God, 
 that He would take me by the hand and lead me in the 
 Avay everlasting. I could not, however, entirely get rid 
 of the idea of being corrected by means of punishment, 
 and I still looked on the doctrines of Christ's Deity 
 and Atonement as useless and blasphemous, though I 
 carefully kept this my opinion secret. 
 
 " Such was the state of my mind when, on the 27th 
 June, 1791, sailing in a boat with my wife and daugh-
 
 VAN DER KEMP. 105 
 
 ter, for amusement, suddenly a waterspout overtook us, 
 and turning the boat in an instant upside down, we 
 were sunk before we apprehended any danger; both 
 my dearest relations were drowned, and I was carried 
 down by the stream above a mile, and must soon have 
 infallibly been lost also, as from the violence of the 
 storm no person could attempt to approach the wreck, 
 and it was supposed we must all have perished to- 
 gether ; but now the Lord stretched forth His hand to 
 deliver me. A stronger vessel lying in the port of 
 Dort was by the storm rent from its moorings, and 
 blown out of the port towards me, till the men on 
 board thought they discovered a person floating on the 
 side of the wreck, and rescued me from the jaws of 
 death. 
 
 " I considered this terrible event as the severest pun- 
 ishment that could be inflicted on me ; and saw the next 
 day as clear as the light that it had no more power to 
 correct me than all the former providences, and heuce 
 concluded my state to be desperate, and that God 
 abandoned me as incurable by correction. 
 
 " The next Sunday I went to the church, where the 
 Lord's Supper was to be administered, and though it 
 seemed inconsistent with my principles to join in the 
 praises of One whom I still held to be an impostor, yet 
 being ashamed to withdraw from the table I placed 
 myself among the communicants ; but in order to divert 
 my thoughts from the object of the solemnity, I
 
 106 VAN DEE KEMP. 
 
 directed them to God nearly in this kind of meditation : 
 f My God, I could not acquiesce in Thy dealings with 
 me, nor submit to Thy will, but now I can. I choose 
 to be deprived of my wife and child because it is Thy 
 will, accept them from my hands : I trust them entirely 
 to Thee/ 
 
 " At this moment these words were represented to 
 my imagination with an overruling authority, 'Do 
 not trust them to God, but to me/ I started at the 
 strange idea of not trusting to God, nor could I con- 
 ceive the paradox. I felt myself, however, pressed by 
 the irresistible force of the command to obey ; and 
 from this (if I recollect well) I looked upon the invisi- 
 ble and unknown speaker as a person whose qualities 
 far exceeded every notion which I had hitherto enter- 
 tained of my God, and it appeared clear to me that it 
 was the Lord Jesus, who had thus addressed Himself 
 to me; to whom I replied, 'Jesus, my Lord, to Thee I 
 trust them ; ' when it was asked again, if I now was satis- 
 fied that they were safe, and in good hands ; I expressed 
 my full persuasion of it. To this a reply was sub- 
 joined, that if I really spoke truth I certainly should 
 have committed myself, together with them, to His 
 care. Sensible and ashamed of my neglect, I instantly 
 offered up myself and all that I had to Him, and ex- 
 perienced that the only religion acceptable to God was 
 unreserved dependance upon Christ. Here for a mo- 
 ment the matter rested, when I resumed in thought,
 
 VAN DER KEMP. 107 
 
 Oh, my Jesus, if I trust only in Thee, I must be 
 obliged to adopt the Christian doctrine, which I have 
 many times examined and seemed to find it a jargon 
 of absurdities/ To this, He answered, ' Examine it 
 once more, and you will judge otherwise of my doctrine, 
 and I will be with thee, and teach thee that the impu- 
 tation of Adam's crime to his posterity, and the way by 
 which I save my people is the same ; but eat now of 
 this bread, and remember thy new Master.' I would 
 not say that the very words you read here were literally 
 spoken to me, but only that I can in no other way 
 convey to you a more exact account of the ideas which 
 rapidly passed through my mind while sitting at the 
 Lord's table, and which seemed rather to be suggested 
 in an obscure whisper, than in an audible voice. 
 
 " Immediately after this I fell into a kind of stupor, 
 from about ten o'clock till three in the afternoon, only 
 on my way home from church, I reflected for a moment 
 on this wondrous event. Returning to my senses, 
 which seemed for a while suspended, and recalling by 
 degrees what had happened, I suspected the whole to 
 be mere imagination ; but recollecting the command to 
 ( Examine the Christian doctrine once more, and I will 
 teach thee/ I concluded, if the matter were not 
 visionary the truth of it would appear in the revision of 
 the Christian system. I immediately sat down to make 
 the trial, not knowing how to begin, but I remembered
 
 108 VAN DER KEMP. 
 
 that I was directed to the imputation of Adam's trans- 
 gression, and I saw thence a long series of new truths, 
 proceeding from that principle in the form of corollaries, 
 and in a most easy course traced out the way by which 
 a sinner, from being similar to the guilty and con- 
 demned Adam, is brought to the image of a righteous, 
 holy, and glorified Redeemer, and so restored from sin 
 and re-rising to virtue and happiness without punish- 
 ment and as a child independent of reasoning. By 
 free grace I learned how the justice of God is not only 
 uninjured, but exalted, and placed in the strongest 
 lustre through justification by faith. I rose before I 
 had seen the end of the chain, and wrote down the 
 most striking articles of what I had learned, assured 
 that I had never before received any true notion of the 
 doctrine of Jesus. The next morning casting my eyes 
 on the Bible, I concluded, that if this book was written 
 by Divine authority, perfect harmony ought to be 
 found between its contents and the doctrine of whose 
 truth and divinity I was now convinced ; I was at first 
 reluctant to put it to the trial, but considering that it 
 must be done, I resolved to read the apostolic epistles 
 attentively, and was astonished to find the striking har- 
 mony of the three first chapters of the Epistle to the 
 Romans with my own notes. I soon observed, how- 
 ever, that the riches of the Divine treasure far exceeded 
 the partial knowledge of Christ which was communicated
 
 VAN DER KEMP. 109 
 
 tu me. I was, for instance, surprised that the doctrine 
 of the Holy Ghost, of which Paul so explicitly treats, 
 was wholly wanting in my elements. I revered now 
 the Scriptures of the everlasting God, and valued as a 
 gift of the highest importance this source of all saving 
 knowledge. 
 
 " After this I made another trial, by comparing my 
 Gospel with the doctrine of those who had been taught 
 in the school of Christ, and I was not a little comforted 
 by our mutual faith. They all bare witness to the 
 same truth, though often they mixed it with prejudices. 
 
 " These were the first steps by which it pleased God 
 to turn me from darkness to light, in which I am com- 
 pelled to admit that in many, nay, in all instances, my 
 knowledge was very imperfect. Taken up with the 
 love of Christ, I had little or no experience of the 
 strugglings of unbelief, of the power of sin, of the 
 assaults of Satan, the depth and extent of misery in 
 which I was, of the guilt from which I w 7 as delivered, 
 of my natural enmity against God, and even of my own 
 ignorance. 
 
 " But I pass to your question relating to my views of 
 the Gospel. This is of such extent that the present 
 letter would be insufficient to contain the answer. If 
 the following general observations should not, as I 
 suppose, answer the object of the Directors, I hope you 
 will consider them as first openings of a correspondence, 
 in which you will please to point out the particular
 
 110 VAN 1>ER KEMP. 
 
 heads of the doctrines which they wish me more fully 
 to explain. 
 
 " You will have observed that when the Lord Jesus 
 first revealed Himself to me, He did not reason with me 
 about truth or error, but attacked me like a warrior, 
 and felled me to the ground by the force of His arm. 
 He even displayed no more of the majesty of a benevo- 
 lent King, than was necessary to compel me willingly 
 to obey Him. But as soon as I had submitted myself 
 captive to my Conqueror, He assumed the character of 
 a Prophet, and I then observed that the chief object of 
 His doctrine was to demonstrate the justice of God, 
 both in condemning and saving the children of men. I 
 was pleased to find it had been represented to Paul in 
 the same light when he admired and adored. Because 
 therein the justice or righteousness of God is revealed 
 from the word of faith so evidently that it excites faith 
 and conviction in the hearer ; but at the same time I 
 learned, from my own case, that faith in Christ may be 
 produced without an explicit view of the Christian 
 system, only by representing Christ as the proper 
 object of faith. Hence Gospel preaching proves in the 
 hand of the Spirit the instrument of exciting faith as 
 easily in the rudest barbarian as in the most learned 
 Greek. As this masterpiece of Divine wisdom takes in 
 a complete view of God's dealings with mankind from 
 the beginning of the creation to the end of the world, 
 it would swell this letter to an enormous size to con-
 
 VAN DER KEMP. Ill 
 
 sider it fully, and I am forced to leave the subject 
 unfinished. 
 
 " It is as impossible that the natural man (1 Cor. 
 ii. 14) should obey the Gospel as that a blind man 
 should look on a watch and say what time of day it is. 
 The equity of giving him the law of faith is founded on 
 his natural pride, which engages him to assert he is 
 willing to obey the will of God, just as to a blind man, 
 who asserted he could see, we should present the watch, 
 and bid him look on it to convince him of his blind- 
 ness. Good works cannot be separated from faith, 
 being nothing but phenomena credcntis qua tails, as 
 cold shivering is the phenomenon of an access of the 
 ague; hence the exercise of faith alone, and not the 
 attempt of imitating the law of works, proves the 
 means of sanctification. 
 
 "And now, Sir, I hope I have fully answered the 
 questions you proposed, and I pray that I may be 
 enabled to wait still upon the Lord, constantly watch- 
 ing, that when He comcth and knockctli I may open 
 to Him immediately, and be ready to do whatever He 
 commands. 
 
 "I thank you for your kind wishes, and hope you 
 will pray for me that they may be granted me, as I 
 pray for the Directors of your Society ; and you, Sir, 
 that you may be led in that path by which the glory of 
 the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ may 
 be enlarged and spread over the whole earth.
 
 112 THE MISSIONARY KITCHERER. 
 
 "I remain, dearly beloved Sir, with feelings of 
 sincere respect and love, 
 
 " Your obedient servant, 
 "JOHN THEODOSIUS VAN DER KEMP." 
 
 There could be no hesitation in accepting with deep 
 thankfulness the services of a man so evidently prepared 
 of God for the work. He shortly afterwards visited 
 London, and, according to his own desire, was ap- 
 pointed to establish a Mission in Caffraria. His cor- 
 respondence with Mr. Hardcastle and his happy sojourn 
 at Hatcham commenced a friendship which lasted to 
 the close of life, and has doubtless been renewed in 
 a better country, even the heavenly. 
 
 Another instance of the way in which the Lord was 
 now raising up an agency to fulfil His good pleasure, is 
 the striking record of Mr. Kitcherer's call to the work. 
 This name is now perhaps better remembered in Africa 
 than in England. Mr. Kitcherer too was a native of 
 Holland. At a very eai'ly period of his life, when 
 reading the voyages of Captain Cook, he conceived the 
 idea of evangelizing the heathen, yet how this wish 
 could be attained, he was unable to conjecture ; for he 
 " knew not then that there was such a being in exist- 
 ence, as a Christian missionary." But God who had 
 separated him to the work showed in His own time by 
 what means it should be accomplished. 
 
 The news of the formation of " The Missionary
 
 MISSION TO CAFFRARIA. 113 
 
 Society," and the surprising intelligence that a ship 
 freighted with the heralds of the cross was about to sail 
 from London for the South Sea Islands, was commu- 
 nicated to Mr. Kitchercr at an accidental meeting at 
 the house of a friend at Dusseldorf. No words can 
 express the thankful joy with which his heart was filled 
 at this announcement. He delayed not to offer his 
 services to the London Society, by which they were 
 gladly accepted, together with those of Dr. Van der 
 Kemp. 
 
 Thus was one and the self-same Spirit working in 
 the awakened Church, both in those who sought for 
 missionaries to proclaim the glad tidings, and in those 
 whom He inclined to say, " Here am I, send me." 
 
 On the 5th of December, 1798, Dr. Van der Kemp 
 and Mr. Kitchcrer, accompanied by other missionaries, 
 left London to proceed on their great mission to 
 Caffraria. The following letter of introduction is 
 characteristic both of the writer and the times : 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY LORD MACARTNEY, GOVERNOR OF 
 
 THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. 
 " MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY, TllC Di- 
 
 rectors of the Missionary Society, impressed with senti- 
 ments of commiseration for the uncivilized heathen who 
 inhabit the interior parts of Africa, and desirous of 
 imparting to them the inestimable advantages of Divine 
 revelation, have deputed for that purpose the four 
 
 i
 
 114 LETTEE TO LORD MACARTNEY. 
 
 individuals who will have the honour to present your 
 Excellency with this address, viz. : 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Van der Kemp, 
 Rev. Mr. Kitcherer, 
 
 Mr. Edmunds, 
 
 Mr. Edwards. 
 
 "The Missionary Society was formed for the sole 
 purpose of introducing the Christian religion into 
 heathen countries, and is conducted upon the same 
 Evangelical principles which distinguish the peaceable 
 and successful labours of the Moravians. The latter 
 have now a Mission established in the interior of the 
 country under your Excellency's protection. It is an 
 essential principle in the constitution of our Society, as 
 well as in that of the United Brethren, to abstain from 
 all considerations of a political nature, and in submis- 
 sion anjd loyal regard to the Power which protects us, 
 to carry on our spiritual labours in peace and quietness. 
 The Society of Moravians is limited to a particular sect 
 of Christians, and in this respect chiefly differs from 
 ours, which unites in its support and execution every 
 class and section of Protestant Christians in Great 
 Britain. 
 
 " We have conceived it to be our duty to offer this 
 general explanation of the design of our Institution. 
 Your Excellency must be aware of the intimate alliance 
 which subsists betwixt the principles of Christianity 
 and those of civilization, and how much they recipro-
 
 VOYAGE TO THE CAPE. 115 
 
 cally tend to meliorate the character and improve the 
 condition of the human race. In this view it is hon- 
 ourable to the British nation to countenance those 
 generous exertions, which are founded in the best 
 dispositions belonging to our nature, and to make an 
 accession of territoiy the occasion of the more exten- 
 sive diffusion of knowledge and happiness, thus esta- 
 blishing its deserved renown on the excellence of its 
 moral principles and conduct, rather than on its 
 acquisitions in science, or on the triumphs of its arms. 
 This enterprise will probably be connected with a con- 
 siderable degree of personal hazard, and we therefore 
 with the more earnestness beg leave to commend the 
 conduct of it to the same efficacious protection, by 
 means of which our Moravian brethren have been 
 enabled to carry on their benevolent labours with so 
 much advantage to the uncivilized nations of Africa. 
 " We have the honour to be, 
 
 " Your Excellency's 
 " Faithful and respectful servants. 
 
 " (By order of the Directors,) 
 "Signed, "JOSEPH HARDCASTLE." 
 
 In the Report furnished to the Society the next 
 year Mr. Hardcastle relates the following particulars of 
 the voyage : 
 
 " These devoted servants of our Saviour took leave of 
 i 2
 
 116 THE HILLSBOROUGH. 
 
 their friends, and proceeded to Portsmouth to join the 
 Hillsborough, a transport ship in the service of Govern- 
 ment, desiring to embark among that most dreadful of 
 all company, a gang of hardened convicts, that they 
 might commence their labours amongst these miserable 
 and degraded men; but who were not, as it proved, 
 beyond the power of saving grace.* 
 
 " Before the sailing of the Hillsborough the mission- 
 aries had the satisfaction of frequent intercourse with 
 those friends who had been consecrated to the same 
 service, and who were also awaiting their departure in 
 the Duff, on her second voyage to the islands of the 
 South Pacific. 
 
 " These interviews were peculiarly refreshing to their 
 spirits, and the consideration that they were probably 
 the last which they were to enjoy, till they should meet 
 each other in ' the general assembly and church of the 
 firstborn/ rendered them unusually tender and im- 
 pressive. The separation took place on the 18th of 
 December, and on the following day the Hillsborough 
 arrived at Spithead; soon after which they availed 
 themselves of a favourable wind to proceed on their 
 
 * Several times, in the early part of the voyage, the convicts 
 attempted the lives of the officers, and the destruction of the 
 ship, designing to make their own escape in the boats, but the 
 influence of the missionaries wrought so beneficially, that not 
 only were such acts of lawless violence entirely discontinued, 
 and good order introduced, but many of those hardened men 
 were brought to true repentance and amendment of life.
 
 VAN DER KEMP. 117 
 
 voyage. A few days after their departure an incident 
 took place which manifested the state of their minds 
 under the apprehension of considerable danger. During 
 a violent storm, which, with occasional abatement, con- 
 tinued three days, the captain informed the brethren 
 that there were four feet of water in the hold, 
 and that, notwithstanding every exertion, it con- 
 tinually increased, that he feared the ship had sprung a 
 leak,* and that the danger appeared imminent. Under 
 these circumstances they engaged in prayer together, 
 conceiving it might probably be for the last time, and 
 were enabled in an unusual degree of faith and fervency 
 to claim the fulfilment of the promise, ' Call on me 
 in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thcc.' They 
 felt also very powerfully the spirit of intercession on 
 behalf of their brethren on board the Duff, and cried 
 mightily to God for their preservation. The simplicity 
 of the prayer which Dr. Van der Kemp uttered will be 
 interesting to those especially who are acquainted \vith 
 that meek and lowly disciple, ' Lord, thou hast given 
 them a little ship, and they with us are in a great 
 storm, we pray Thee that thou vvouldest take care of 
 them/ Itecollecting that Mr. Kitcherer had said, 
 previous to sailing, that he could entirely trust himself 
 to the Lord, and that he would joyfully go on board, 
 even if he knew the llillsborough would be sunk, Dr. 
 
 * This was occasioned by some trifling cause as appeared 
 afterwards.
 
 118 CONFIDENCE IN JESUS. 
 
 Van der Kemp asked him, when the ship was said to 
 be in danger, ' How he felt himself disposed now ? ' 
 He replied, ' The ship may sink, but the foundation on 
 which my soul rests is immovable, and can never 
 fail/ This seems to have been the serene and happy 
 experience of them all." 
 
 Soon the answer to their faith and prayer appeared, 
 the storm subsided, and with glowing hearts they 
 offered thanksgivings to God their preserver. The 
 "little ship" too was permitted to outride the storm, and 
 they had the joy of seeing her close to them, and the 
 brethren in perfect safety. The narrative finishes with 
 another of those earnest appeals which so frequently 
 proceeded from the heart and the pen of Mr. 
 Hardcastle : 
 
 "We cannot conclude without acknowledging with 
 humble gratitude that our Institution has been hon- 
 oured as the instrument of usefulness in various 
 respects which we did not anticipate at its commence- 
 ment. Around us in our own country, in Scotland, 
 and in Ireland, the sacred influences through its means 
 are spreading daily. The Continent feels the inspiring 
 energy, and there the children of light arise, and avow 
 their attachment to the cross. We readily confess our 
 ignorance and disclaim all pretensions to merit. The 
 Mission to Caffraria, whose commencement has been 
 marked with celestial auspices was undertaken by us
 
 MR. HARDCASTLE'S APPEAL. 119 
 
 reluctantly, and with considerable regret that the rare 
 talents of Dr. Van der Kemp were not employed in a 
 field more cultivated, and we acquiesced in, rather than 
 approved, the strong desire which he felt, to select this 
 as the place of his missionary labours. Thus the 
 thoughts of God are not as our thoughts, and to Him 
 therefore belongs the exclusive praise. Nor can we 
 omit this occasion to call for the renewed attention of 
 Christians of every name to this great cause. Whether 
 they act in connexion with us, or pursue the same 
 objects in separate Societies, our desire is that the 
 abundant benediction of our Saviour God may accom- 
 pany their exertions. We lament the feebleness of our 
 powers in so divine a work, and regret that we cannot 
 speak to the Christian world in so energetic a voice, as 
 that every conscience may be roused, and every talent 
 usefully occupied ! Are not the fields white for the 
 harvest ? Where then are the labourers ? Should 
 there not be a competition among the children of the 
 kingdom for the honour of being the harbingers of the 
 Prince of Peace among the heathen ? Are arguments 
 necessary to stimulate to this work ? It is enforced by 
 every motive that can sway the ingenuous dispositions 
 of our nature; every elevated principle, every com- 
 passionate feeling, the sentiments of love to God and 
 man, unite in its favour their ardent invocation. 
 
 " The language also of Prophecy, the voice of Provi- 
 dence, and the earnest intreaties of the heathen tribes,
 
 120 MR. KITCHERER. 
 
 bending over the pit of destruction and ready to perish, 
 call on the Christian world (and with an emphasis 
 which should penetrate through every soul), to rouse 
 from their languor and arise to vigorous exertions. 
 Chiefly, let the ministers of the Gospel look around 
 among their churches for useful instruments, well 
 qualified for the work. On their vigilance in this 
 respect success materially depends. Our Saviour calls 
 them to enter into this beneficial competition, and will 
 place the crown of immortal honour on the brows of 
 His faithful servants." 
 
 Mr. Kitcherer revisited this country in 1803, after a 
 mission of about five years of singular success. He 
 was accompanied by three of the converted Hottentots, 
 Mary, Martha, and John. Their presence excited great 
 interest. " Thousands witnessed with what simplicity, 
 propriety, and animation of spirit, they were enabled to 
 profess their faith in Christ, leaving no doubt on the 
 minds of the most incredulous, that they were indeed 
 taught of God. Hottentots had seldom before been 
 seen in Europe, Christian Hottentots never." 
 
 In reference to these African converts, the Rev. 
 George Burder writes : 
 
 " Our visit to Sir Josh. Banks was very pleasant. 
 Many gentlemen were introduced into the library, most 
 of whom left the room before us. When we were 
 retiring Martha and Mary of their own accord went up
 
 SIR JOSEPH BANKS. 121 
 
 to him (he had his red ribbon and star on), and spoke 
 to this purpose, ' May the Lord Jesus Christ be with 
 you, and bless you, and though you are weak in body 
 (he had the gout and crutches), may you be strong in 
 soul/ The other said, 'May the Lord help you to 
 the grave, and beyond the grave, and may we meet in 
 heaven/ The tears started in his eyes, and he appeared 
 much melted, thanked us much for the interview. 
 We have heard of four positive instances in which their 
 words have been blessed, cither to conversion or conso- 
 lation. A thousand thanks to you, dear Sir, for the 
 use of your carriage, and the civility of your servants. 
 " Affectionately yours, 
 
 "G. BURDER. 
 
 " To Joseph Hardcastle, Esq." 
 
 A letter addressed to Mr. Burder, after their return 
 to Africa, touchingly alludes to this visit to England, 
 and the final parting at Hatcham : 
 
 TO REV. GEORGE BURDER. 
 
 " Grauf Rcinet, January, 1807. 
 "Many times I speak with our brother Kitcherer 
 about all the dear friends, with tears in my eyes. I 
 must confess it. Chiefly it grieved me when I recollect 
 the last farewell at Mr. Hardcastlc's, then I sink away. 
 Oh, what shall it be when we meet one another in 
 heaven, where never shall have place a separating ? 
 
 "MARY VAN ROOT."
 
 122 VAN DER KEMP. 
 
 Dr. Van der Kemp no more returned to Holland or 
 revisited England. In labours more abundant, in 
 failing health, yet with unfailing zeal, he pressed on to 
 accomplish his ministry. But there was a tone of 
 pathos in some of his closing letters which is deeply 
 touching; of one of these the following is an ex- 
 tract : 
 
 TO JOSEPH HARDCASTLE, ESQ. 
 
 " Bethelsdorp, March 1, 1809. 
 
 " MY VERY MUCH RESPECTED FRIEND AND BROTHER 
 
 IN CHRIST, I take a lively and sincere interest in the 
 happiness with which it pleases our heavenly Father to 
 bless you and your dear family. May His peace which 
 surpasses all understanding continue to rest upon your 
 house. Though the paths by which it pleases God to 
 lead me be not so smooth and uniform, I have the 
 more reason to bless His holy name for healing the 
 wounds which I now and then receive in my flesh from 
 its stones and thorns. He continues to support me in 
 the troubles and trials to which I am by the nature of 
 my work exposed, and protects me against the open 
 and secret machinations of external and internal 
 enemies. More than once I experienced that He who 
 "slept in a storm, can give rest to my soul though all 
 around me be in alarm. My kindest and sincere 
 respects to dear and amiable Mrs. Hardcastle and the 
 rest of your family
 
 VAN DER KEMP. 123 
 
 " May the love and grace of our God and Saviour 
 be with you, 
 
 " Dear Sir, and Brother in Christ, 
 
 " Your servant and brother in Him, 
 
 "T. T. VAN DER KEMP." 
 
 Again : 
 
 TO JOSEPH HARDCASTLE, ESQ. 
 
 " Bethdsdorp, November 6, 1809. 
 
 " DEAR SIR, AND MUCH RESPECTED BROTHER IN 
 OUR LORD, I found myself honoured by your private 
 letter of 3rd of February, 1809, the 2nd of the preced- 
 ing month, the contents of which put me under new 
 obligations to you for your paternal advice and care 
 for my temporal as well as spiritual concerns. . . 
 
 " My dear wife is not less than myself, sensible of 
 your obliging kindness in permitting her to correspond 
 with you in case of my decease, which we daily have to 
 expect. Last month I was seized with a slight apo- 
 plectic stroke, which has left a kind of dulncss in my 
 intellectual faculties. This accident, however, if not 
 succeeded by a severer fit, shall not prevent me 
 from accompanying my brethren to the Tambouheeo, 
 if it shall please the Lord to open a way for us to that 
 nation." 
 
 The " accident " to which Dr. Van der Kemp adverts 
 in his reckoning, "not worthy to be compared"
 
 124 DEATH OF VAN PER KEMP. 
 
 with the certainties of heaven was doubtless that 
 arrow pointed with love from the celestial city, 
 which gave token that he should soon be called from 
 the Master's service on earth to the " everlasting rest " 
 above. His last great aim was to establish a mission to 
 Madagascar, regardless of all personal risk ; but at that 
 very time, when the grand design " to which his whole 
 soul was devoted" was about to be accomplished, a 
 sudden attack of fever at once prostrated all remaining 
 power so completely, that he was scarcely able to speak, 
 or even to answer a question. 
 
 To the earnest inquiry of one who stood by his dying 
 bed, " My dear friend, what is the present state of your 
 mind ? " he replied, with a pleasing smile on his coun- 
 tenance, " All is well ! " She again asked, " Is it light or 
 darkness ? " He answered " Light ! " On the Lord's- 
 day morning, December 15th, 1811, he closed his eyes 
 on this world, and passed into the world of light, 
 to behold Him in His glory whom he had so faithfully 
 and successfully preached upon earth. " The Mission- 
 ary Society point to the South African Missions, to 
 Bethelsdorp, and to a Church of the living God in 
 a wilderness of savages, and say, 'Behold his cha- 
 racter admire and imitate ! ' ' 
 
 How successfully Dr. Van der Kemp had laboured 
 in South Africa, is attested by the progress of Christi- 
 anity in "that benighted region. To the last Mr. 
 Hardcastle watched over this Mission with parental
 
 FIRST PROTESTANT MISSION TO CHINA. 125 
 
 solicitude ; and not veiy long before his failing health 
 compelled him to retire from active life, he had the 
 satisfaction to concur in the appointment of the Rev. 
 John Campbell, of Kingsland, who was deputed to 
 visit the Cape of Good Hope, with the view of explor- 
 ing the country, and pioneering the way for further 
 exertion. Well did Mr. Campbell's steadfast faith in 
 God qualify him for the dangerous task, and enable 
 him to triumph over difficulties which to many would 
 have appeared insurmountable. He was the precursor 
 of Moffat, and of David Livingstone who has acquired 
 a world-wide fame, not only as a missionary, but an 
 explorer of regions hitherto unknown. 
 
 The limits of .this sketch will not permit a reference 
 to many of the great operations of the Missionary 
 Society, with which Mr. Hardcastle was peculiarly 
 connected. But the Chinese Mission cannot be 
 omitted, as it was to him an object of the deepest 
 interest. Dr. Fletcher, of Stepney, writes : * 
 
 "In the judicious counsels and comprehensive sug- 
 gestions of the Treasurer, the beloved and revered 
 Ilardcastle, the first Protestant Mission to China 
 originated." 
 
 It is referred to by himself in a letter addressed to 
 his sons, in which, after relating some particulars of a 
 
 * Funeral Sermon for Dr. Morrison.
 
 126 EGBERT MORRISON. 
 
 visit to Hatcham, made by missionaries about to pro- 
 ceed to their work, he continues : 
 
 " We have now the intention of sending a Mission to 
 China. This empire contains three hundred and thirty 
 millions of inhabitants, about one-third of the human 
 race, who are involved in the grossest ignorance on the 
 most important subjects; our first object is that our 
 missionaries should learn the language, and then 
 translate the Scriptures into it. This is a work of 
 transcendent importance, and should they be enabled 
 to accomplish it in ten years we shall have abundant 
 cause for thankfulness. My dear boys, the foundations 
 are now laying in various parts of the world for intro- 
 ducing the kingdom of Christ among the heathen. 
 Christians of the next generation will have much to do 
 in this glorious work, but what individuals will have 
 the honour to be instrumental in it, is at present 
 unknown. Do not you feel a desire in some way or 
 other to participate therein ? Can life pass away so 
 usefully or so happily as in promoting the glory of 
 God, and the most important interests of man ? I hope 
 you will partake of this high honour." 
 
 The date of this letter is October, 1804, but it was not 
 until the year 1809 that Dr. Morrison actually sailed, 
 and amidst much difficulty and discouragement succeeded 
 in establishing himself in Canton, the first Protestant
 
 FIRST CHINESE MISSIONARY. 127 
 
 missionary to China. Mr. Hardcastle had the privilege 
 of bringing forward this very eminent man, discerning 
 from the first his peculiar capabilities for the great 
 work which he so nobly accomplished. The missiona- 
 ries to China of later days, vast as their difficulties 
 must still be, can hardly form an idea of the magnitude 
 of the task undertaken by their great forerunner. 
 With indefatigable patience he laboured on year after 
 year, without either dictionary or grammar, till at last 
 he was able to return to England, bearing the precious 
 fruit of his toil his translation of the whole Bible 
 into Chinese. Mr. Hardcastle followed the progress of 
 the work with intense interest and devout joy, and it 
 was one of the chief regrets expressed by Dr. Morrison, 
 on his return to England, that when he once more 
 revisited the Mission House, he missed the benignant 
 welcome of his early friend and patron, the first Trea- 
 surer of the Society, and the originator of the first 
 Protestant Mission to China.
 
 " 1 BELIEVE IN TIIE COMMUNION OF SAINTS." 
 
 The calm retreat, the silent shade, 
 
 With prayer and praise agree ; 
 And seem by Thy sweet bounty made, 
 
 For those that follow Thee. 
 
 COWPEB.
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 ngs, gttte t0 jjis family 
 
 LONDON and its suburbs have undergone great 
 changes during the present century. A rapid 
 journey by railway now conveys the banker, the mer- 
 chant, and the lawyer, far away from the busy scene 
 of their daily labours, to breathe the purer air of 
 the country. As the evening hour of rest draws near, 
 the approaches to the railway stations are thronged 
 with travellers from every part of London ; and as 
 these are carried pleasantly along to their various 
 homes, they may observe the silent conflict every- 
 where going on between the aggressive town and 
 the retreating country. Here, the narrow lane winds 
 between its hedgerows, the cornfield waves, or the 
 cattle enjoy their pastures ; and there, the newly made 
 road, the detached villas, and neat gothic church, declare 
 the advance of the invader. For fifteen or twenty 
 miles round London the country is gradually assuming 
 the suburban character, while the metropolis stretches 
 K 2
 
 132 HATCHAM HOUSE. 
 
 its almost interminable lines of street over many an acre 
 that sixty years ago yielded food for cattle or for man. 
 
 Thus, though the house still stands in the midst of 
 its fields, a mournful memory of a place once so lovely 
 and beloved, the neighbourhood of Hatcham is now 
 almost absorbed into town; and it is not without 
 an effort of imagination that the picture of its former 
 beauty can be recalled. Green fields stretched south- 
 wards below the gentle slope of the Surrey Hills, which 
 bound the horizon in that direction. To the north the 
 smoke of the great city was scarcely seen beyond the 
 wide expanse of farm and meadow-land, while nothing 
 but the chime of distant bells, or the cheerful horn of 
 some mailcoach upon the Dover road, disturbed the 
 peaceful sounds of rural life. To be so near the busy 
 world, and yet so entirely secluded from it, was the 
 peculiar charm of Hatcham. The repose of shady 
 groves and sunny lawns was enhanced by contrast with 
 the noise and bustle so lately left behind ; and, as the 
 tranquillity without was but the appropriate emblem of 
 the peace and love which reigned within, it was not 
 surpi'ising that few ever left its gates without acknow- 
 ledging its elevating and calming influence. 
 
 Saturday was generally dedicated to the reception 
 of Christian friends, especially those engaged upon 
 works of benevolence, who felt themselves always 
 sure of a warm welcome, of sympathy in the object 
 of their special interest, and, if they sought it, of
 
 IIATCHAM HOUSE. 133 
 
 wise and helpful counsel also. Among the frequent 
 visitors on such occasions were Dr. Haweis, Mr. Hard- 
 castle's early associate in Missionary work; Mr. Eyre 
 and Mr. George Burder, the Clerical and Dissenting 
 Secretaries of the Society ; Mr. Simeon, of Cambridge, 
 eager to receive with glowing interest every fresh de- 
 tail of success among the heathen; Thomas Clark- 
 son, deeply engrossed in his all-absorbing work of 
 negro emancipation; Rowland Hill, who was wont 
 to the close of life to refer with pleasure to the 
 happy evenings he used to spend in the family of his 
 friend, reading aloud his manuscript of " The Village 
 Dialogues/' and enjoying the interest and amusement 
 which they excited; John Newton, Hector of St. 
 Mary's Wooluoth; Mr. Simons, Hector of Paul's 
 Cray; Dr. Hawker; Dr. Bogue, who may be ac- 
 counted the originator of the Missionary Society; 
 Dr. Waugh, of the Scotch Secession Church ; 
 Melville Home, author of "Letters on Missions;" 
 Mr. Thomason, afterwards distinguished as a mission- 
 ary in India; Mr. Marsden, equally laborious in New 
 South Wales ; Dr. Morrison, pondering the mighty 
 work which lay before him in China ; the llev. John 
 Townsend, founder of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum ; * 
 
 * Before the year 1792 the deaf and dumb children of the 
 poor were left in hopeless ignorance and isolation from their 
 1'ellow-creatures. Mr. Townsend took up their cause, and pur- 
 sued this benevolent object with untiring perseverance and so
 
 134 MISSIONARY "WEEK. 
 
 Dr. Collyer, whose ministry he attended, and whom he 
 valued, not so much for his popular talents and fine 
 elocution as for his devoted attachment to the grand 
 doctrines of Gospel truth; the righteousness of God 
 which is the power of God unto salvation ; these, and 
 many other good men from Scotland, Ireland, America, 
 and the Continent, in fact, all whose interest in the 
 Missionary cause, or any other great and good work, 
 brought them within the range of his acquaintance, 
 were welcome guests at Hatcham. 
 
 On the Saturday which closed "the Missionary 
 week" in May, it was Mr. and Mrs. Hardcastle's 
 custom to invite a large company of those who had 
 taken part in the services and meetings to spend the 
 day at Hatcham. As Treasurer of the Missionary 
 Society, it was his happiness to bring together in 
 fraternal intercourse Christians of all denominations. 
 "I have known/' says Mr. Townsend, "this interest- 
 ing group to consist of the established clergy of Eng- 
 land, Ireland, and Scotland, of ministers of all the 
 various denominations of Seceders, of Calvinistic and 
 "Wesleyan Methodists, of Independents, Baptists, Mo- 
 ravians, &c. Nor did the variety of country or of 
 denomination in the least diminish the harmony or 
 
 much success, that he lived to see the Asylum he founded 
 a national charity, from which 900 children had already received 
 the benefits of education.
 
 MISSIONARY WEEK. 135 
 
 pleasure of the Meeting, for they had all come there in 
 one character that of friends to the heathen." "The 
 intellectual pleasure which this Meeting afforded ex- 
 ceeded what I ever enjoyed in any social gathering 
 elsewhere. The subjects which generally engaged 
 attention were so important in their own nature, and 
 discussed with so much freedom and animation, that 
 I always anticipated the day as a high festival, and 
 returned from the Meeting with regret." 
 
 It was a tradition in the family in after years, that 
 the sun always shone upon that day, and that however 
 late the season might be, the Lime tree avenues never 
 failed to be arrayed in brightest green for the occasion, 
 a lively contrast to the dark figures which wandered 
 beneath their shade, or stood in groups holding earnest 
 communion upon the great subjects of common interest 
 which had drawn them together. 
 
 But if those who were only occasional guests trea- 
 sured the remembrance of Hatcham as a pleasant 
 vision, how much more was it endeared to every 
 member of the happy family circle who loved it as 
 their home. It was in the society of his wife and 
 children that Mr. Hardcastle found his greatest happi- 
 ness. "In this little circle," he said, in his last 
 illness, " I have centred all my affections." Nothing 
 gave him greater pleasure than to sec his children 
 joyous and happy, often himself sharing in their 
 amusements, riding with them in the country, or
 
 136 LETTER TO MRS. HARDCASTLE. 
 
 joining in their games upon the lawn or in the house. 
 All the animals about the place claimed a share of his 
 kindly notice. The crumbs or scattered grain in 
 winter invited flocks of hungry birds. His dogs were 
 the companions of his walks ; and a kitten's face might 
 not unfrequently be seen peeping out from its com- 
 fortable quarters within his waistcoat or grey dressing- 
 gown. In the winter evenings he enlivened the cheer- 
 ful fireside with useful or entertaining reading, training 
 the taste of his children to admire all that was most 
 excellent in poetry or prose ; while, above all, his con- 
 stant aim, as almost every letter testifies, was to lead 
 them to seek as their best possession the wisdom which 
 cometh down from above. 
 
 TO MRS. HARDCASTLE. 
 
 "Octobers, 1793. 
 
 . . f< It is now nearly a week since you bid 
 adieu to your little family, and we begin to congratulate 
 ourselves that about half the period of our separation is 
 elapsed. We strive hard to be happy, and the society 
 of the young ones contributes to lessen the tediousness 
 which the evenings would otherwise bring with them. 
 We find, however, somewhat of the pensiveness which 
 the absence of a friend occasions, whose presence is 
 prized as essential to the enjoyment of life. . . . 
 
 "What a quiet and comfortable retreat has our 
 merciful Conductor provided for us how little have
 
 LETTER. 137 
 
 we to do with the ambitious or giddy world ! \Ve are 
 excluded, by His gracious attention to our best 
 interests, from many temptations by which others are 
 ensnared; and are invited to cultivate and cherish an 
 exalted and happy correspondence with Himself ! May 
 we have wisdom given us to move through our little 
 earthly affairs with as much serenity as possible, and 
 learn daily with increasing sincerity and solemnity to 
 commit the concerns of this life, and of eternity, both 
 regarding ourselves, and our dear children, to the care 
 and blessing of our faithful and merciful High Priest, 
 who carcth for us. I desire to be more impressed with 
 penitential regret that I so much undervalue his exalted 
 character, so seldom think of his deep abasement, and 
 of those heavenly honours with which he is invested ! " 
 
 TO MRS. IIARDCASTLE. 
 
 "June 16, 1794. 
 
 . " I shall be in daily expectation of seeing 
 you, as the period is nearly elapsed which you proposed 
 to be absent from us. I hope you will be favoured 
 with protection during your journey, and be restored to 
 us in health and safety. My little companions continue 
 to cheer my solitude, and the busy scenes of mowing 
 and haymaking in which we are engaged have made the 
 time pass less drearily ; but I feel constantly that my 
 most essential comfort is at a distance, and long for the 
 day which shall reunite us. It is, however, necessary,
 
 138 LETTER. 
 
 though painful, to reflect that a separation will at no 
 very distant period take place, in which there admits 
 no hope or possibility of ever again associating in the 
 present life. How solitary and mournful will the 
 remainder of existence be to the sorrowing survivor! 
 how dreary the journey which must be travelled alone 
 how shall we wish its tedious stages were finished, 
 and we safely landed, where the weary travellers meet 
 again, and rest together from the labours of their 
 mortal pilgrimage ! Let us not, however, allow our- 
 selves to look altogether to the painful season of separa- 
 tion, but contemplate the cheerful prospect which lies 
 beyond it, and indulge the hopes of reunion in a perfect 
 state, in the land of sacred friendship and immortal 
 love ! The firm expectation of dwelling together of 
 passing through an unnumbered succession of ages, in 
 the enjoyment of those scenes, where the distinguished 
 benevolence of our Creator is displayed, will quicken us 
 to bear the anxieties of this life more calmly, and 
 strengthen us to press with quicker and steadier steps 
 towards the mark. It will cause us to gird up the loins 
 of our mind, to be steadfast, and hope to the end, 
 waiting for the coming of our Lord ! With these bright 
 hopes to animate us, may we keep at a distance from 
 the follies of the world, and be solicitous to take our 
 little ones by the hand, that they may accompany us 
 through the retired vale, and be travellers to Zion; 
 that the family, though for a short space separate, may
 
 LETTER. 139 
 
 meet again, and unite in a deathless state, and sit down 
 together in the kingdom of God. On Saturday next 
 I expect Mr. Dawes from Africa to dine with me, and 
 one of the native princes, as they are called, and most 
 likely some other friends." .... 
 
 "April 23, 1795. 
 
 " MY DEAREST WIFE, I have the satisfaction to 
 inform you we are all in good health, and passing our 
 time as cheerily as we can in the absence of a friend 
 whose company we find essential to us. I am unwill- 
 ing to express our hope that your absence will not now 
 be very long, as I am aware our inclination should be 
 subservient to the more important motives which may 
 dispose you to remain where you are. I trust you and 
 your little companions will be preserved in health till 
 we meet, and that you will enjoy His presence whose 
 friendship is beyond all things inestimable ! 
 
 " I am glad to hear your father continues so well ; 
 may his declining days be full of serene enjoyment and 
 immortal hopes ! On this account we should bow our 
 knees daily to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 whose presence can cheer the gloom of life and the vale 
 of death; bring light out of darkness, and good out 
 of evil ! 
 
 " I have no domestic anecdotes with which to amuse 
 you ; our days pass away with an uniform and unvary- 
 ing tenour, and give us occasion to reflect with thank-
 
 140 LETTER. 
 
 fulness, that if they are not distinguished by incidents 
 which elevate our feelings, neither are they marked by 
 circumstances of misfortune and calamity. Let the 
 Friendly Hand be for ever blessed which directs our 
 footsteps through the silent vale, excludes us from the 
 infectious world, and invites us in retirement to con- 
 verse with Himself. 
 
 " Thine ever." 
 
 TO MRS. HARDCASTLE. 
 
 " May 9, 1795. 
 
 " Having no inducement to attract me homewards, 
 I have generally engaged the afternoon in excursions on 
 horseback, and have listened to the sympathetic music 
 of the solitary nightingale, or beheld the charming 
 landscape gilded with the evening beams for the 
 youthful year is now in its perfection, and every 
 sense is visited and regaled. The grateful heart 
 exclaims, ' These are thy glorious works, Parent of 
 good ! ' and offers a sacrifice of praise in the name of 
 the creation. 
 
 " I have no news to tell you but the good and 
 merciful news, that we are favoured with protection, 
 continued health and peace, and many, many blessings : 
 we only want an increase of gratitude and fruitfulness 
 hearts melted with the recollection of the loving- 
 kindness of our Saviour, compelling us continually to 
 say, 'What shall I render? ' Pray remember me with
 
 LETTER. 141 
 
 suitable, that is with sincere and ardent affection, to the 
 family, and think of me always as your nearest and 
 most constant friend." 
 
 But the good and happy news of health and joy had 
 not always to be told : and the following letter exhibits 
 the meek submission with which the Lord enabled His 
 servants to resign those treasures which they had held 
 with so fond a grasp : 
 
 TO WILLIAM BUCK, ESQ. 
 
 " March 7, 1 799. 
 
 DEAR BROTHER, This morning our dear little 
 William took wing for the immortal regions ! We 
 trust that he is not only removed from all suffering, 
 but that he partakes also of pure and unceasing felicity. 
 Our faith fixes on the consoling truth that the Lamb 
 of God has taken away the sin of the world ! On this 
 foundation our submission rises to thankfulness ; and 
 our tears are mingled with praises ! 
 
 " We hope we have now had the privilege of intro- 
 ducing two happy spirits into heaven. You have a still 
 greater interest in that blessed \vorld! May we all 
 find that our affections follow them with increased 
 ardour ; hasten to accompb'sh our warfare ; and acquire 
 our meetncss for that unfading inheritance ! 
 " Very sincerely yours, 
 
 JOSEPH HARDCASTLE/'
 
 142 LETTER TO HIS DAUGHTER. 
 
 TO HIS ELDEST DAUGHTER. 
 
 September 6, 1799. 
 
 " MY DEAR ANN, We have not found the French 
 Sonnets ; and, indeed, are not very anxious about send- 
 ing them, not being acquainted with their subjects or 
 tendency, and we are apprehensive from the general 
 character of these productions that their influence may 
 not be beneficial. It is, perhaps, not quite so important 
 that we should be equally select in our books, as in our 
 associates, but it is nevertheless true that the nature of 
 the publications which most engage our attention, have 
 a considerable influence upon our sentiments, our 
 conduct, and our character in life, and upon these 
 depend the more important interests of futurity 
 
 "We have received no further accounts of our 
 missionaries who were taken to South America, or 
 those who removed to New Holland, but Dr. Haweis 
 and Mr. Waugh have been deputed to go to Ports- 
 mouth to hold an interview with Governor King, who 
 is going out to that colony and to Norfolk Island. 
 He received our friends with peculiar respect, admitted 
 fully the importance and value of our institution, in 
 relation to principles of humanity and general policy; 
 arranged to take the brethren under his protection, 
 examine into their qualifications, dispose of them 
 agreeably thereto in missionary objects, and promote 
 their usefulness therein. 
 
 " They had also an introduction to Sir George Young,
 
 LETTERS TO HIS SONS. 143 
 
 who is going out in the same vessel, as Governor of the 
 Cape of Good Hope ; and he, too, has expressed the 
 most kind and friendly assurances concerning any 
 attempts already made, or to be hereafter undertaken 
 to Africa through the medium of that colony. "We are 
 thus encouraged to hope that the event* which we 
 deemed disastrous and afflictive may, under a gracious, 
 wise, and powerful superintendence, be converted into 
 an occasion of extensive good." 
 
 TO HIS ELDEST SON. 
 
 "Hatcham, Sept. 8, 1801. 
 
 " MY DEAR SON, .... You were informed 
 that we were inquiring for a counting-house and ware- 
 house. We have succeeded, much to our satisfaction, 
 in procuring veiy commodious premises at the water- 
 side, close by Old Swan Stairs, a little above London 
 Bridge. The counting-house looks directly upon the 
 river, and I believe, when you see it, you will consider 
 it to be extremely pleasant 
 
 " I doubt not it will afford you satisfaction to hear, 
 that I have received a letter lately from that trulj 
 apostolic man, Dr. Van dcr Kemp. His life is still 
 preserved, though exposed to many perils, and his 
 ministry among the heathen has been attended with 
 some success. Various accounts which we have 
 received from different parts of the world make it 
 * Capture of the Duff.
 
 144 LETTERS TO HIS SONS. 
 
 very evident that our Saviour's spiritual kingdom 
 on earth is considerably increasing. All other con- 
 cerns, compared with this, are trifling ; and my utmost 
 ambition concerning you is, that God may be graciously 
 pleased to make you a partaker of his great salvation, 
 and induce you, in whatever station you may be placed, 
 to devote yourself to His glory. This is the path 
 of happiness, of usefulness, and of true honour this 
 makes existence a blessing, and leads to the perfection 
 of our being, in felicity and holiness for ever/' .... 
 
 TO HIS YOUNGER SONS. 
 
 "August 12, 1803. 
 
 " MY DEAR BOYS, I have received Alfred's letter, 
 which gave us all much pleasure, as it had been written 
 in very good spirits, and assures us of your being very 
 happy. 
 
 " I am glad to find you can already swim three 
 strokes. You say you can do this with touching the 
 ground. I hope by this time you can do it without 
 touching the ground. You will, however, be very 
 careful, in either case, not to go out of your depth. 
 It is very desirable, and almost necessary, to learn 
 to swim; and, at this warm season of the year, it 
 contributes both to health and pleasure." .... 
 
 " It is probable that the art of angling which you 
 are now learning may afford you much more diversion 
 than it does the fishes ; and I really think that what-
 
 LETTERS TO HIS SONS. 145 
 
 ever contributes to our amusement should not be ex- 
 posed to suffering or death. On this point, you must 
 decide by placing yourself in the situation of these 
 little people who swim so playfully about, and then 
 consider how you would like to be violently pulled up 
 into an clement where you must soon expire in convul- 
 sions. I wish you to have as much amusement as 
 possible, but recommend it should be in such a way as 
 to avoid giving pain to others. It was very kind of 
 your uncle to accompany you, and doubtless much 
 increased the pleasure of the journey. When you go to 
 Stanton again, you will probably see our little grey 
 pony there, as I have given it to your cousin, who 
 leaves us to-morrow to accompany her brother to 
 Stanton, on whose return, we expect to see also your 
 sister Eliza. Poor Charles Darkin has met with a sad 
 misfortune in riding my horse in town from a fall, so 
 that he has been since confined to his house. Your 
 brother Joseph is almost every day employed in learn- 
 ing the military exercise. He belongs to the Light 
 Horse Volunteers. Your two cousins, John Corsbie 
 and John Buck, are also engaged in the same way." 
 
 TO HIS YOUNGER SONS. 
 
 " Worthing, Aug. 18, 1805. 
 
 " MY DEAR BOYS, You will perceive by the place 
 from whence I now write that we have for a short 
 season left our peaceful and pleasant habitation, and 
 
 L
 
 146 LETTERS TO HIS SONS. 
 
 the various engagements of the metropolis. I am now 
 enjoying the prospect of the ocean, which, to those who 
 reside in the interior of the island, is peculiarly inte- 
 resting, and is well calculated, as are all of the stu- 
 pendous works of God, to impress the mind with the 
 idea of the Divine power and majesty. How naturally, 
 also, it brings to our recollection some of the 
 scenes of our Divine Redeemer's abode upon earth, 
 and which demonstrated His supremacy over the 
 powers of nature ! He who walks upon the wings 
 of the wind walked also upon the tempestuous waves, 
 and commanded its tumultuous surges into immediate 
 peace. 
 
 " What innumerable inhabitants occupy the pathless 
 recesses of the ocean, invisible to man, and remote 
 from his control, yet subject to His dominion, who, 
 when upon earth, appeared as a poor man, unable, 
 without a miracle, to pay the tribute which was re- 
 quired of Him, and sent His disciples to the sea 
 to receive it from the mouth of a fish ! It is useful to 
 familiarize our minds with these reflections, for the 
 ocean and the land also are full of proofs of the perfec- 
 tions of God, and should fill us with habitual reverence 
 and love to our Maker. 
 
 " You have again resumed regular habits of applica- 
 tion, and are laying in those rudiments and principles 
 of knowledge which I hope will fit you for extensive 
 usefulness in future life. This is the great design and
 
 LETTERS TO HIS SONS. 147 
 
 object of education, and renders your utmost applica- 
 tion proper and necessary. With this, however, must 
 be connected your education for the world to come, as 
 well as for the present an attention not only to 
 the concerns of time, but to the higher interests of 
 the immortal spirit. Of how little consequence will it 
 be to be respectable in the estimation of men for a few 
 years, and, by neglecting the care of the soul, be lost 
 for ever ! Let these considerations, my dear children, 
 be revolved in your minds let them induce you to 
 read the Scriptures, which are the fountains of truth, 
 and to pray to God, who alone can impart to you that 
 grace and wisdom which is connected with your ever- 
 lasting good. 
 
 " Your affectionate Father." 
 
 TO HIS ELDEST SON. 
 
 "London, Oct. 26, 1805. 
 
 " MY DEAR Sox, . ... I believe you have 
 been informed that the Haberdashers' Company have 
 refused to permit us to proceed with the building for 
 the chapel and Sunday-school. It is to be deplored 
 that public bodies should be under so pernicious a bias 
 as to oppose measures of such evident utility as the 
 instruction of the lower classes and their children. We 
 hope soon to engage another piece of ground equally 
 eligible. 
 
 " We have had t the company of that distinguished 
 L 2
 
 148 LETTERS TO HIS SONS. 
 
 Christian, Mr. Robert Haldane, with Mrs. Haldane, 
 
 and her sister, Miss Oswald. They are now at , 
 
 but are to be with us again on Monday, and will pro- 
 bably remain with us through the week. I regret that 
 you are not likely to see them on your return. It is a 
 great privilege to enjoy the acquaintance of persons of 
 so much disinterestedness and benevolence, who act on 
 principles so superior to those which sway the bulk of 
 mankind, and who are so eminent, even among the 
 most exemplary Christians. 
 
 " You will probably have seen by the papers that the 
 French have violated the neutrality of Prussia by 
 marching their troops through Anspach. That Power 
 seemed disposed to resent it, and has permitted the 
 Russians to march theirs through its territory. The 
 Prussian Consul has also admonished the captains of 
 Prussian ships against sailing for any of the ports 
 in France or Holland. This is considered to be an 
 intimation that the Coalition will soon be strengthened 
 by the alliance of that Government." ....
 
 "HE IS A FREEMAN WHOM THE TRUTH MAKES FREE." 
 
 A glory gilds the sacred page, 
 
 Majestic, like the sun ; 
 It gives a light to every age 
 
 It gives, but borrows none. COWPEB.
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 6ffort to Introduce tlje gible to 
 rancc. 
 
 IN the study of prophecy Mr. Ilardcastle took much 
 pleasure, and it was his custom to pursue the 
 investigation with considerable zeal, more especially at 
 those seasons when indisposition or other temporary 
 causes withdrew him from active engagements. 
 
 The following thoughts were hastily written on the 
 back of a short letter upon business to his brother-in- 
 law : 
 
 "London, Dec. 13, 1793. 
 
 " The very peculiar state of Europe, particularly 
 France the wonderful occurrences which have taken 
 place, and which continue to arise every week and the 
 general impression made on serious minds that the 
 Almighty is about to produce a very considerable 
 alteration in the condition of mankind, lead one's 
 attention in a more than usual degree to those prophe-
 
 152 PROPHECY. 
 
 cies which are supposed to be connected with the 
 period in which we live ; and, although it is generally 
 thought that little dependance is to be placed on any 
 conjectures which may be formed concerning those 
 predictions which are yet unaccomplished, yet the 
 events which fall out in the course of providence inter- 
 pret and illustrate those expressions in the prophetic 
 Scriptures which foretold them, though, for wise 
 reasons, in terms very mysterious, and, till the fulfil- 
 ment, unintelligible. Thus, you know, many people 
 think that the Revolution in France, or, at least, its 
 defection from the Papal power, the death of the 
 names of men, and the earthquake, or popular commo- 
 tion, which attended it, illustrate and strikingly fulfil 
 the prediction of Rev. xi. 1 3, particularly that decree of 
 the National Assembly, abolishing the use of titles and 
 names of honour and distinction, is considered as an 
 explicit prophetical mark by which the accomplishment 
 of the prediction may be ascertained. It has also 
 occurred to our reflections, that probably this is the 
 precise period intended by the Scriptures on which the 
 two witnesses, having prophesied in sackcloth 3,260 
 days or years, have now finished their testimony, and 
 that they are to be considered as being now dead, and 
 lying unburied in the street of the great city the 
 people, kindreds, tongues, and nations not suffering 
 them to be put in graves. Different conjectures have 
 been made as to what might be intended by these wit-
 
 PROPHECY. 153 
 
 nesses. We think the present events in France confirm 
 the opinions of those who consider them as referring to 
 the light of reason and that of revelation, or otherwise 
 to the Old Testament and the New, which comprehend 
 both. These witnesses of God have prophesied in sack- 
 cloth for that period, their principles and authority 
 having been recognised and acknowledged; and yet 
 they have been in a state of so much depression, so 
 clouded by superstition and mixed with error, that 
 the description of their being in sackcloth is just and 
 appropriate. You will perceive that their death and 
 resurrection after three days and a-half were to take 
 place at the same time that the tenth part of the 
 city, or antichristian dominions, were to fall, and in 
 which the names of men, or titles, &c., were to be slain 
 or abolished, which, as before stated, is generally 
 thought to have been remarkably fulfilled a short time 
 past. As, therefore, the death of the witnesses was to 
 happen at the same period, so we think it has been 
 as exactly and remarkably fulfilled ; and there is 
 scarcely a newspaper which treats of the transactions 
 of France which does not, at least in our mind, confirm 
 and corroborate our opinion. AVhen, therefore, we con- 
 tinually read that they consider death as being only an 
 eternal sleep, and that they worship no deity but 
 liberty, we do not view these as casual expressions, but 
 as overruled to illustrate and explicitly mark the accom- 
 plishment of prophecy, inasmuch as they imply a dis-
 
 154 PROPHECY. 
 
 avowal of those great principles both of natural and 
 revealed truth the soul's immortal nature, the exist- 
 ence of a supreme and perfect Being, and the homage 
 due to Him from His rational creatures. In this view 
 we remark particularly the new regulation of time, 
 which, by a great and national act, disclaims and re- 
 nounces the authority of God in His Word, abolishes 
 His institution of the Sabbath, and enjoins the observ- 
 ance of every tenth instead of seventh day. Thus, in 
 our opinion, has the beast out of the abyss made war 
 and overcome the principles of natural and revealed 
 religion, or the Old Testament and the New those two 
 witnesses of God which have been so long prophesying 
 in sackcloth, but which have now finished their testi- 
 mony, and, being by great public and national acts dis- 
 avowed, abolished, and rejected, may be justly said to be 
 slain. Another prophetical mark is also observable : that 
 a great and powerful opposition was to be made to the 
 interment of the witnesses, expressed by the terms, 
 t people, and kindred, and tongues, and nations' 
 strikingly illustrated by the formidable and numerous 
 combination of different nations, united for the avowed 
 purpose of opposing the new principles of the French, 
 and who would not suffer the dead bodies to be put in 
 their graves, concealing, perhaps, their principal motives 
 under the avowed pretext of fighting in the cause of 
 virtue and religion. If these speculations are con- 
 firmed, we may expect the revival of the witnesses,
 
 MR. HATLEY PRERE. 155 
 
 or of the principles of natural and revealed truth, in 
 1797 or 1798, perhaps about three years and a-half 
 from the decree which fixed the new regulation of time ; 
 soon after which the third woe commences, which intro- 
 duces the sounding of the seventh trumpet and the 
 happy, peaceful, and much longed-for kingdom of our 
 Saviour which shall have no end." 
 
 This view of Revelation xi. coincides in some re- 
 markable points with the now long-published opinions 
 of James Hatley Frcre, Esq., whose persevering 
 dedication to the subject of prophecy during nearly 
 fifty years of his life, added to his own hallowed 
 character, command a deference to his researches, 
 which those who know him best will be the most ready 
 to acknowledge.* 
 
 In the autumn of 1802 Mr. Hardcastle visited Paris. 
 The objects and results of this journey are fully pub- 
 lished in the November number of the "Evangelical 
 Magazine" for 1802, and it is considered to have been 
 
 * A work recently published, entitled, " Notes, forming a Brief 
 Interpretation of the Apocalypse," contains, pp. 77 79, Sir. 
 Frere's views regarding the two witnesses their death, as under- 
 stood by Mr. Hardcastle, in December, 1793, their resurrection, 
 as anticipated by him in June, 1797, when decrees were passed 
 in Paris, formally re-establishing Christianity as the religion of 
 the country, and the subsequent and universal circulation of 
 the Old and New Testaments, in almost all languages, through 
 every region of the habitable globe.
 
 156 DR. BOGUE. 
 
 useful in paving the way for the institution of the Bible 
 Society, of which it was the immediate precursor. He 
 had for several years been especially concerned for the 
 religious welfare of the Continent, and we find him, at 
 the beginning of 1800, communicating to Dr. Bogue a 
 plan which he had much pondered, and urging the 
 importance of employing the press as an engine for 
 encountering Infidelity in France, and introducing a 
 knowledge of " the pure religion of Jesus." In a letter 
 dated January 20, 1800, he writes to Dr. Bogue : 
 " Perhaps it would be advisable to compose new works 
 adapted to the actual state of the people in France, 
 rather than to republish old ones." At that time 
 he conceived that, " by means of their Christian friends 
 in Holland, intercourse might be opened with a book- 
 seller in every large town in France," and thus " gene- 
 ral attention might be thereby awakened to the subject 
 of religion." " At present," he adds, " I conceive it to 
 be only necessary to suggest this subject to your con- 
 sideration, and I am induced to do so by the persuasion 
 that the Great Head of the Church has confided to you 
 the talent which especially qualifies you for this service. 
 He has also bestowed on you the disposition; and 
 I therefore believe you will exercise your thoughts upon 
 it, and select the best time and fittest means for its 
 execution. Perhaps the Missionary Society, or that for 
 the circulation of Religious Tracts, might consider 
 this object as directly connected with those Institutions."
 
 DR. BOGUE. 157 
 
 To these suggestions Dr. Bogue made a hearty 
 response. That able and energetic minister of Christ 
 had long cherished an anxious desire for the revival of 
 religion in France. He had deeply felt the lapsed con- 
 dition of Protestant Churches abroad, and deplored the 
 Infidelity to be seen everywhere triumphant. He there- 
 fore willingly engaged in the work to which he was 
 invited, and produced his masterly "Essay on the 
 Inspiration of the New Testament." Mr. Hardcastle 
 then addressed the Directors of the Missionary Society 
 on the same subject. The revival of religion on the 
 Continent was an object very dear to his heart, and he 
 resolved to use his best personal efforts to accomplish 
 the end in view. 
 
 TO THE DIRECTORS OF THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 
 
 "London, March 13, 1800. 
 
 " DEAR BRETHREN, The effects of my late indispo- 
 sition prevent me from having the gratification of 
 attending your deliberations, and devoting myself ac- 
 cording to my wishes. My duty to the sacred objects 
 of that Institution which has a claim upon our unceas- 
 ing prayers and our unwearied exertions, and the press- 
 ing engagements which have lately required the whole 
 of your time and attention, induced me to suspend till 
 now the subject which I am desirous of submitting 
 to your consideration ; and I am persuaded that its 
 importance will be so universally felt as to produce a
 
 158 RELIGION IN FRANCE. 
 
 general disposition to enter upon its discussion as early 
 as can be made convenient. 
 
 " The subject itself relates to an attempt to be made 
 to introduce and advance Christianity in France ; and 
 the plan which the Rev. Mr. Bogue suggests, as you 
 will perceive by the letter which is inclosed, is the 
 circulation of the New Testament in that country, 
 connected with an extensive preface, to be drawn up 
 with peculiar care, and adapted to remove the misappre- 
 hensions and overthrow the objections which have been 
 urged with such fatal success by the atheistical philo- 
 sophers there, whose writings have been the most 
 efficient instruments to produce the temporary subver- 
 sion of Christianity itself as well as of its corruptions, 
 so that the religion of our Saviour has been, by public 
 and national acts, rejected, disavowed, and exploded in 
 that country. 
 
 " The corrupt state of Christianity, or, shall I rather 
 call it, the great apostacy, which has for many centuries 
 prevailed in that nation, as well as others connected 
 with the See of Rome, was well adapted to generate 
 those principles of infidelity, which the wise and right- 
 eous providence of God has been pleased lately to use 
 for the destruction of its parent, and to verify his 
 ancient and faithful predictions. But the overthrow of 
 Antichrist is not an event connected with the permanent 
 establishment of infidelity, but with the introduction of 
 the pure and endless kingdom of our Saviour.
 
 MISSIOX TO PARIS. 159 
 
 " The principles of heathen philosophy may remain in 
 France, or may pervade other countries in connexion 
 v, ith Rome, so long as the Great Head of the Church 
 may see fit to use them as instruments to remove the 
 obstructions which interfere with the establishment of 
 His own peaceful kingdom ; but there are no intima- 
 tions in prophecy that, after this service is performed, 
 their own duration will be permanent or of very long 
 continuance. The duty, therefore, of zealous Christians, 
 and especially of the directors of missionary institutions, 
 is to watch every opportunity, and embrace every open- 
 ing to promote the interests of this kingdom, which 
 is destined to become universal. 
 
 "As the Christian religion was rejected some years 
 since by legislative and national acts, so the principles 
 of toleration have recently been recorded and established 
 in that nation by enactments equally public and binding. 
 Ever} T one has now an acknowledged right to exercise 
 his religious profession; to avow, and defend, and 
 propagate his opinion in any way he pleases, so that he 
 interferes not with the existing civil government. Is 
 there a field in which the energies of our Society may 
 be more honourably exerted,' or the cause of our adored 
 Master more eminently served ? "Will not the sincere 
 and humble attempt be acceptable to Him, whose we 
 are and whom we serve, and will it not produce estima- 
 tion and respect in favour of our Society from the 
 religious part of ths community ? Every one to whom
 
 160 MISSION TO PARIS. 
 
 I have incidentally mentioned it has expressed his 
 warmest approbation. A member of the Legislature, 
 who cordially supports the Administration of the country 
 in the continuance of the war, yet has expressed to me 
 his earnest wish that the plan may be attempted, and 
 his desire to contribute to the fund for supporting it. 
 It rests, therefore, with my respected brethren to decide 
 whether it shall be a measure of our Society or not. 
 They will not reject it on the ground of its being out of 
 our constitutional limits, because it will be recollected 
 that when our regulations were formed France was 
 specially in our view, as a probable future object for the 
 exertions of our Society. If our brethren should adopt 
 it as their own measure, they will perceive that we must 
 receive information from our friends in Holland and 
 Switzerland before we can decide upon the best means 
 of circulating our publications on the Continent. A 
 correspondence is already opened on that subject in my 
 own name, without committing in any degree the 
 Society, the result of which will be laid before the 
 Directors ; and all that will be necessary to be done at 
 present is to come to the following resolutions : 
 
 " I. That the Society approve the plan of attempt- 
 ing to promote the cause of Christianity in France 
 by means of the circulation of scriptural knowledge in 
 that country. 
 
 " II. That the Rev. Mr. Bogue be appointed and re- 
 quested to prepare a suitable preface, to be prefixed to
 
 LAVATER. 161 
 
 the edition of the New Testament, and that if he shall 
 be desirous of one or more associates in this service, he 
 be requested to select them himself, and to appoint such 
 persons to translate it into the French language as he 
 may approve. 
 
 " III. That three or four, viz., , be a Com- 
 mittee for general purposes in relation to this measure, 
 especially for communicating the plan to the other 
 missionary institutions, and inviting their co-operation. 
 
 "JOSEPH HARDCASTLE." 
 
 Among those with whom Mr. Hardcastle corresponded 
 on this subject was the celebrated Professor Lavater, to 
 whom he had written about the time he received the 
 wound of which he died. This is referred to in one of 
 the following extracts from letters of the late amiable 
 and excellent Dr. Steinkopff : 
 
 TO JOSEPH HARDCASTLE, ESQ. 
 
 "Basle, May 14, 1800. 
 
 "MOST DEAR AND HONOUREDFRIEND IN CHRIST, AND 
 
 ALSO MY FRIEND, The more I consider the excellent 
 worth of the plan which you have been pleased to for- 
 ward me, and by me to the Corresponding Committee 
 of our Society, the stronger is the influence I feel in 
 my heart to lend my aid to its circulation 
 
 . . . . " I assure you in my name, and the name 
 of the Corresponding Committee, that your plan for 
 
 M
 
 162 LAVATER. 
 
 the distribution of Bibles (say New Testaments) in 
 France has our most unlimited approbation, that we 
 entreat you above all things to put in execution this 
 your most benevolent design, which, no doubt, will be 
 a blessing to thousands of precious souls. Although 
 it is not in our power at present to afford you any help, 
 yet we may be at some future period otherwise situated. 
 But be assured that the Lord, whose you are, and whom 
 you serve, will make your path plain to you." .... 
 
 "I return you my thanks for your kind remem- 
 brance of me which you manifested in the letter to 
 Professor Lavater. He recommended to us the same, 
 together with the accompanying instructions; and you 
 will also receive his answer. Do not take as a want 
 of respect that it is so short. Mr. Lavater suffers just 
 now inexpressibly much. His wounds are still open; 
 a decaying hectic cough exhausts his last strength; 
 and, without the mercy of Almighty God, and the 
 thousandfold prayers put up for him, he would have 
 long ago become dust, but is now still living ; and, 
 under a thousandfold agonies, labours for the many 
 thousands unfortunate and plundered belonging to his 
 dear mother country ; and writes books for the benefit 
 of Christianity. However, according to the appearance, 
 and opinion of medical men, his end is very near. His 
 views of our crucified Lord Jesus Christ, and the thought 
 that it teas for our redemption He suffered THIS, he
 
 DR. STEINKOPFF. 163 
 
 writes, is his consolation. Your letter and your 
 instruction I have translated into the German, and I 
 intend to send copies thereof to some learned and 
 right Christian ecclesiastics in Switzerland which have 
 become known to me. Whether any one of them will 
 feel himself induced to undertake this journey I cannot 
 tell this the Lord must effectuate ; however, I should 
 like to do what lies in my power. Difficult, absolutely 
 difficult is such a journey as you propose. Difficult 
 for every foreigner, with respect to politics as well as 
 to religion. Simplicity in Christ, and the subtilest 
 wariness is equally indispensable. But, as difficult as 
 the affair appears to me, as little I do despair. Prayers, 
 exertions, through the love of Christ, anxiety to save 
 souls, patience and firmness, can do much. Privately, 
 and without tumult and noise, it must, and I think 
 might be best carried into execution. Let us stick to 
 the design of circulating the New Testament in France. 
 The Almighty will certainly open the way, and point 
 out the means. With you herein, to think, to pray 
 heartily (though conscious of his great imbecility), is 
 ever ready, saluting you and all the Missionary 
 Directory, Your, &c., 
 
 "E. STEINKOPFF, 
 " Secretary of the Society of Basle" 
 
 The short peace at length presented an unexpected 
 opening for the prosecution of the plan, and in the 
 M 2
 
 164 FRANCE IN 1802. 
 
 autumn of 1802, Mr. Hardcastle, with his friends, Dr. 
 Waugh and the Rev. Matthew Wilks, were deputed to 
 visit Paris, in company with Dr. Bogue. The Rev. 
 Dr. Haweis, Rector of Aldwinkle, and one of Mr. 
 Hardcastle' s most ardent associates, was to have been 
 of the deputation; and this would have realized Mr. 
 Hardcastle' s favourite plan of an Evangelical Alliance, 
 combining Churchmen, Presbyterians, and other Dis- 
 senters in the missionary work. But an accident, 
 which happened to Dr. Haweis, detained him at home, 
 and his place was supplied by Mr. Wilks, one of the 
 successors of Whitfield. 
 
 The following letters present a curious and interesting 
 description of the country and metropolis of France, not 
 then so familiar with the English as at the present time: 
 
 TO MBS. HARDCASTLE. 
 
 "Paris, October^, 1802. 
 
 "MY DEAREST WIFE, Through the continued 
 goodness of our Divine Protector we arrived at this 
 great city last night, and I employ an early hour this 
 day to inform you of our safety. I have hitherto seen 
 nothing of Paris or its inhabitants, but the country 
 through which we have travelled is very beautiful. 
 The roads are far better than had been described, and 
 nearly the whole of the way are planted on each side 
 with a range of trees, which much embellish their 
 appearance. . t - . . The greater part of our
 
 ROUEN TO PARIS. 165 
 
 journey from Rouen to Paris was along the banks of 
 the Seine, and presented us with scenery so extremely 
 picturesque and beautiful, and which we enjoyed with 
 so much advantage, on account of the fineness of the 
 weather, that the eye was continually charmed with its 
 appearance. The range of hills that rise near the banks 
 of this river and which accompany its course for forty 
 or fifty miles, rising sometimes in gradual ascent, and 
 sometimes more abruptly to a considerable elevation, 
 are in general cultivated and planted almost entirely 
 with vines, which appear to be chiefly young, and are, 
 doubtless, among the effects of the increased spirit of 
 exertion which has evidently marked the period of the 
 
 Revolution 
 
 " A rapid progress through any country precludes 
 much observation of its inhabitants or their manners. 
 In many respects our own land evidently takes the lead 
 of this. The mansions of wealthy and independent men, 
 and the habitations of comfort and plenty, which are 
 everywhere seen in the former, are seldom to be met 
 with here. The carriages in which we travel are far 
 less convenient than ours, and are indeed most misera- 
 ble vehicles. The ludicrous appearance which we have 
 made in some of them, and the grotesque figures of the 
 postilions, with their enormous jackboots, would form 
 an excellent caricature; but you must feel with me 
 the pleasure which arises from the humanity of these 
 postilions, who scarcely ever touch their horses, but
 
 166 ROUEN IN 1802. 
 
 are content with animating them by the sound of their 
 whips, which they crack incessantly. 
 
 " The French people in every town throngh which 
 we have passed appear to he industriously employed ; 
 they are neat in their persons, and cheerful in their 
 countenances, and their manners to us were obliging 
 and polite. Wherever we stopped we distributed a 
 considerable number of religious tracts in the French 
 language, which were received with gratitude. At 
 Rouen we called upon the Protestant minister, and 
 from the account which we had heard of him we in- 
 dulged the hope of finding a genuine, faithful servant 
 of our Lord, but we were painfully disappointed. 
 Many of the churches in that city are dilapidated, and 
 the images in general, as well as the paintings, are 
 removed; one of them which I entered is converted 
 into a stable ; another is the property of a coachmaker, 
 and filled with old carriages of different descriptions 
 and with rubbish. At the same time you perceive 
 many most beautifully painted windows, and here and 
 there a fine statue or grand altarpiece with partly 
 demolished ornaments, and some tolerable paintings. 
 It is indeed extremely affecting to contemplate the 
 religious state of this country as far as I have seen it ; 
 the principle itself seems extinguished, yet it is possible 
 that some previous hidden ones known to the Lord 
 may be found amongst them ! There is now an im- 
 portant providential call upon those who love His
 
 THE FIRST CONSUL. 167 
 
 name, His cause, and His honour, to exert themselves 
 and endeavour to make His grace known amongst 
 them." .... 
 
 TO HIS ELDEST DAUGHTER. 
 
 " Paris, October 9, 1802, 
 
 "M\ r DEAR NANCY, You will have heard from 
 your dear Mother of our arrival here and the incidents 
 of our journey. The Revolution, as we all know, has 
 made a universal alteration in the state of things. 
 Yesterday the chief Consul reviewed the military, and I 
 was so fortunate as to be within a few yards of him. 
 He is small in stature, but his countenance is thoughtful 
 and placid. . . . The disposition of the people ap- 
 pears very obliging, and since I entered France I have not 
 
 observed any persons quarrelling or fighting 
 
 Providence has greatly blessed their land with respect 
 to its productions ; their fruits are superior to ours and 
 more abundant, and the wine that is used instead of 
 beer is light and pleasant. Although we only pay 
 two guineas and a half each per week for our accom- 
 modation and board, we have on the table at dinner 
 probably a bottle of wine of Bordeaux to each person 
 and afterwards claret and Burgundy, and sometimes 
 champagne is also introduced. The season is con- 
 siderably milder here than I ever remember it at this 
 period in London, it is indeed with exercise incon- 
 veniently warm.
 
 168 SPIRITUAL DESTITUTION OF FRANCE. 
 
 " Although I cannot enter into particulars with 
 respect to our main object, yet I have great hopes that 
 God has prospered our way, and that our visit to this 
 land will eventually prove the occasion of extensive 
 usefulness ! Such, however, is the state of religion, 
 that even in Paris it would be difficult to purchase 
 a Bible in the French language the Catholic Bibles 
 being in Latin ! This, however, will not long be the 
 case, as we have determined immediately to print 
 5,000 Bibles, besides Testaments separately, and Mr. 
 Bogue's essay. We are also looking out for a church, 
 in order to form in the first instance an English con- 
 gregation, with a view in six or twelve months to preach 
 also in French. "We have reason to expect that the 
 lloman Catholics will purchase Bibles and Protestant 
 books very generally throughout the Republic and its 
 dependencies, and we shall establish a correspondence 
 with the Protestants in different parts. There are 
 about 300 of the Reformed ministers, but very few of 
 them, we fear, possess any zeal for the cause. Zealous 
 preachers of the Gospel are, above all things, wanted in 
 this country, and to their ministry no doubt multitudes 
 both of Protestants and Papists would flock 
 
 " I hope to have the pleasure of meeting my dear 
 family on Friday or Saturday, the 22nd or 23rd 
 instant, and in the meantime I pray continually that 
 Divine protection and every blessing from on high 
 may surround them. My most affectionate love to
 
 THE LOUVRE. 1G9 
 
 your dear Mother, and all the kind friends around 
 you. " Your affectionate Father." 
 
 TO ins SON. 
 
 "Paris, October II, 1802. 
 
 " MY DEAR SON, Although every part of my time 
 here is fully occupied, yet I am desirous of devoting a 
 small portion of it for the purpose of writing a few lines 
 to you. I have been here rather more than a week, 
 and have embraced such opportunities as an attention 
 to our more important object would allow to inspect 
 some of those public buildings and collections of art 
 which abound more in this city than any other in 
 Europe ; there is, however, none among them which 
 attracts more attention than the Gallery of Paintings, 
 and there is no doubt that this collection is unequalled. 
 This Gallery is one-third of a mile in length, and con- 
 tains the most excellent productions of the French, 
 Flemish, Italian, and other schools; the two famous 
 paintings of Raphael's, called the 'Descent from the 
 Cross/ and ' The Transfiguration/ are here, and it is 
 said, that half a million of sterling money has been 
 refused for them. You may recollect that in our Blue 
 room we have two engravings from these paintings. 
 Paris is not so large a city as London, but I think it is 
 rather more crowded. The houses are much more 
 lofty, and the streets are much narrower and dirtier; as 
 there are no footpaths it is more inconvenient walking,
 
 170 PROTESTANTS IN PARIS. 
 
 and more dangerous from the carriages. Before the 
 Revolution a considerable number of lives, it is said, 
 were annually lost by the furious manner in which the 
 carriages of the nobility were driven, and their con- 
 temptuous inattention to the common people on foot. 
 But the Revolution has put an end to this oppression, 
 and they have suffered the just retribution of Divine 
 Providence. The splendid hotels and palaces in which 
 they resided are now converted either into public 
 offices, or are become the residences of merchants and 
 tradesmen. The house in which our apartments are 
 was the hotel or mansion of the Duke de Rochefoucault, 
 who, though a patriot, and friend to liberty, was killed 
 by his own tenants. 
 
 " The influence of religious principle in this country 
 seems nearly extinguished. There are about thirty or 
 forty thousand Protestants in Paris, but it does not 
 appear that one thousand of them are accustomed to 
 attend Divine worship. Indeed, the preacher, though 
 a worthy and respectable man, does not seem to be 
 acquainted with the leading doctrines of the Gospel 
 which most interest the heart, and attract large audi- 
 tories. Our object, as you perhaps know, is to awaken 
 the attention of the people to this important subject; 
 and we have great reason to hope, from the encourage- 
 ment we have met with, the measures we are adopting, 
 and the plans we have in contemplation, that an im- 
 pulse will be given, which will produce, with the
 
 DR. BOGUE'S ESSAY. 171 
 
 Divine blessing, the most beneficial effects. The 
 particulars, however, would not be proper to commu- 
 nicate till our return. It is evident that a considerable 
 number of the Papists are tired of Popery, and seem 
 prepared to receive a purer system of faith. The Holy 
 Scriptures, which are the fountains of Divine know- 
 ledge, are not to be had here at least, it is difficult to 
 secure them. A friend of ours has, for several days 
 past, been inquiring throughout Paris for Bibles, but 
 he has not been able to buy them. It is, however, 
 probable that some of the families may have them, 
 though I fear but few. This important defect, we 
 trust, will soon be remedied, and this become before 
 long a land of Bibles. 
 
 " Your affectionate Father." 
 
 In the translation and circulation of Dr. Bogue's 
 Essay, as an introduction to the Scriptures, the depu- 
 tation succeeded " beyond their expectations " ; and 
 there is every reason to believe that this work, which 
 was read by Napoleon at St. Helena,* proved eminently 
 useful in arresting the progress of infidelity, and pre- 
 paring the way for the diffusion of the Scriptures. 
 
 * Dr. Bogue's Essay was sent to the Emperor Napoleon at St. 
 Helena, by the Hon. Lady Grey, when her husband, Sir George 
 Grey was Commissioner of the Dockyard at Portsmouth. The 
 copy of the Essay was, after Napoleon's death, returned to Dr. 
 Bogue, with some marginal notes in the Emperor's handwriting.
 
 172 FOUR DAYS' SEARCH FOR A BIBLE. 
 
 Other prospects of brilliant promise were almost 
 entirely frustrated by the renewal of hostilities, and, 
 in particular, the hopes of the deputation in regard to 
 the circulation of Bibles were much blighted. But 
 they made known the necessities of France, and 
 assuredly helped to stimulate future exertions. " In 
 Paris/' says Mr. Hardcastle, "it required a search 
 among the booksellers of four days, to find a single 
 Bible ; " and he adds, " We fear this is also the awful 
 situation of the greater part of France, and other 
 countries formerly connected with the See of Rome." 
 But he adds, " God has been pleased to render the 
 visit of the deputation the occasion of exciting already 
 a very considerable impulse in the minds of many in 
 favour of genuine Christianity. The objects of the 
 deputation, and the disinterested philanthropy to which 
 their mission was attributed, produced a powerful effect, 
 and awakened a train of ideas which were entirely new, 
 or had long lain dormant in their minds." 
 
 Of the pleasure with which the opening prospect of 
 usefulness in France was hailed by all Christians, we 
 may form some idea from the following letter of Mr. 
 Simeon, of Cambridge, addressed to Mr. Hardcastle, 
 soon after his return from Paris : 
 
 " King's College, Nov. 5, 1802. 
 "Mv VERY DEAR SIR, Accept my most grateful 
 acknowledgments for sending me these glad tidings.
 
 LETTER FROM MR. SIMEON. 173 
 
 My heart was so overjoyed with the perusal of them, 
 that, before I had read one-third of the account, I 
 could not endure to enjoy the feast alone, or to defer 
 for one moment the gratification which it would afford 
 to my dear friends, Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Lloyd. 
 I therefore ran instantly to their rooms, and, having 
 got them together, read them your narrative: and 
 oftentimes my heart was so overwhelmed with joy, 
 that I could with great difficulty proceed. I need not 
 say that they united with me in most unfeigned grati- 
 tude to God, for opening such a door of usefulness, 
 and in an ardent desire that your Society may be 
 directed and prospered in all their labours of love. 
 
 " Having first bowed my knees before the God and 
 Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to implore a blessing 
 on your undertakings, and on all engaged in them, I 
 sit down to thank you for this expression of your love 
 in sending me the account, and to request that you 
 will receive, on behalf of the Society, the enclosed 
 testimony of my cordial co-operation. 
 
 " In less than three hours I hope to be reading the 
 account to Mr. Thomason, who will doubtless feel his 
 obligation to you (as Mr. Mitchell does) for remember- 
 ing him also. 
 
 "If I should live to the time of your Meeting, I 
 think I shall endeavour to be present at it, in which 
 case I shall surely reserve a day for visiting one who is 
 exceeding dear to me for his Master's sake, and in
 
 174 "JOURNAL DBS DEBATS." 
 
 writing to whom I can with great sincerity sign myself 
 as I now do, 
 
 "His most affectionate friend and brother in the 
 Gospel, "C. SIMEON. 
 
 " To Joseph Hardcastle, Esq." 
 
 But if Christians like Mr. Simeon rejoiced in the 
 prospect of the revival of Christianity in France, the 
 scheme was regarded with no little apprehension by the 
 abettors of Infidelity and Popery in Paris. An article 
 from the well-known " Journal des Debats," shows with 
 what prejudiced hostility the deputation had to con- 
 tend. The article is headed "Missionary Society 
 Established in England," and is thus noticed in the 
 " Evangelical Magazine : " 
 
 "MISSIONARY SOCIETY AS REPRESENTED IN FRANCE. 
 tf The following article is one of the most curious that 
 we ever presented to our readers. It is well known 
 that a few years ago the Missionary Society was 
 stigmatized, in a certain virulent publication, as hostile 
 to the Government of this country ; but a charge of a 
 very different nature is now brought forward in a paper 
 called ' Le Journal des Debats/ published in Paris, the 
 sagacious writer of which pretends to have discovered, 
 that the Society is nothing more than a political engine, 
 employed by the British Ministry to strengthen their 
 interests in the various countries to which the mission- 
 aries are sent."
 
 "JOURNAL DBS DEBATS." 175 
 
 " Socicte des Missions, etablie en Angleterre. 
 
 " The English, always ready to take advantage of our 
 misfortunes, and our mistakes, have occupied them- 
 selves for some time past in organizing Missions for 
 their immense possessions in Asia, Africa, and America. 
 No one can doubt that this is entirely a political 
 speculation, and that their sole design is to attach to 
 them more firmly, by means of their missionaries, the 
 new nations which they reduce every day under 
 their dominion. They know full well every Christian 
 they make in those distant countries will be an English- 
 man the more, and an enemy the less They 
 
 have not forgotten the services which the French 
 missionaries in China rendered to Lord Macartney, in 
 his embassy to Pekin, and the gratitude he testified to 
 them in the account of his journey. They know all 
 that the French missionaries have done for the honour 
 and benefit of their country ; the discoveries, both 
 in astronomy and geography, for which we are indebted 
 to them. They know that in proselytizing to Christianity 
 the savages of America our missionaries have cleared 
 the shores which have proved nurseries for our com- 
 merce; and that, in fine, if we have conquered our 
 colonies by our arms, we have attached them to us by 
 our religion. We cannot doubt that it is on these 
 political considerations the English have formed the 
 design to have missionaries also. 
 
 " According to a journal printed at Lausanne, entitled
 
 176 "JOURNAL DES DEBATS." 
 
 ( The Voice of Religion to the Nineteenth Century/ it 
 appears there are in England two Societies for the 
 propagation of the faith. The one English, the other 
 composed of English and Scotch Presbyterians, Epis- 
 copalians, Methodists, Puritans, &c. There is also 
 another, formed on the same plan and with the same 
 object at Edinburgh. There is also one in England, 
 principally occupied in Greenland ; and another which 
 has distributed about 800,000 religious tracts, and 
 attempted to make proselytes of the French prisoners, 
 among whom they have distributed many tracts, &c. 
 
 " Before the Treaty of Amiens, they had concerted 
 the project of having some confidential persons in 
 France for the same object ; and when the Treaty was 
 concluded, they sent over three ministers and one 
 merchant, charged to second these views. On their 
 return these four missionaries presented to the Society 
 a report of their journey, which is printed, and which 
 led to the adoption of the following measures. [Here 
 follow the Resolutions of the Society, and a general 
 account of the different Missions to Otaheite, Africa, 
 America, Ceylon, &c.] 
 
 " These details fully prove that England is at last 
 occupied with an object to which she has hitherto 
 appeared indifferent ; and one cannot but ask her, How 
 is it this spirit of religious proselytism has reached her 
 so late ? We are far from thinking that these Propa- 
 ganda of London and Edinburgh will ever equal that of
 
 "JOURNAL DBS DEBATS." 177 
 
 Rome. We think the Episcopalians too lordly ever to 
 take up the trade of our poor Franciscan friars. The 
 Methodists are too dry, and too much lack that unction 
 of piety so necessary to success in persuasion, ever 
 to work great marvels in this way ; and in the doctrine 
 of Puritans and Presbyterians there is too much philo- 
 sophical alloy for them ever to manifest a very strong 
 desire to water with their sweat or their blood the land 
 of either south or north.* But, whatever we may think 
 of this information, or of their success, it is easy for 
 any one who knows the dominant spirit of our English 
 rivals to see that in all this they only second the Eng- 
 lish Ministry, and that this new Missionary Society is 
 not formed so much for the extension of the kingdom of 
 Christ, as for extending the empire of the British 
 Leopard, who hereby only seeks to unite all his moral 
 and physical powers, the better to hold in his grasp all 
 his distant conquests.'" f 
 
 This article displays the ignorance of the French 
 journalist, but it also discloses his fears ; while the fact 
 
 * It is evident the writer was entirely ignorant of the various 
 denominations of this country. By the Methodists he means 
 the Quakers, whom he calls Methodists from their precision in 
 method; and he falsely supposes that the Puritans, or Dis- 
 senters, are all Socinian Presbyterians, or disciples of Dr. 
 Priestly. 
 
 t " Evangelical Magazine," April, 1804. 
 N
 
 178 RELIGIOUS DESTITUTION IN PARIS. 
 
 that Dr. Bogue and Dr. Waugh were obliged to ask 
 permission of the Government to preach, exhibits the 
 intolerance that still survived the downfall of the Reign 
 of Terror. Fouche, the head of the police, granted this 
 permission, and, in the true style of French politeness, 
 offered Dr. Bogue a guard of honour to attend him to 
 the pulpit. All reckless as he was as to the truths of 
 Christianity, the crafty head of the French police had 
 doubtless learned the practical danger to society of dis- 
 solving the bonds of religion. Like M. de Villele, at 
 a later period, he was probably disposed to think that, 
 in the corrupt state of France, " any ism was better than 
 Deism." 
 
 Of the awful state of religious destitution in 
 Paris at that period convincing proof has appeared in 
 the facts already mentioned. The suppression of Revo- 
 lutionary violence could not restore the faith whose 
 banishment had brought on the Revolution, and the 
 disgust occasioned by the worship of the Goddess of 
 Reason had not restored that morality which had long 
 been a stranger to Paris. 
 
 Among Mr. Hardcastle's papers, there is a letter 
 addressed to a Bank Director a man of enlarged 
 benevolence of disposition, but zealously attached to 
 what are termed High Church principles, and who con- 
 sequently regarded with mingled feelings of approbation 
 and distrust religious efforts not strictly under the 
 guidance of the recognised authorities of the Establish-
 
 LETTER TO MR. RAIKES. 179 
 
 merit. Mr. Hardcastle's communication to a gentleman 
 of this description could hardly fail to be interesting, 
 and, is still more so, as it illustrates his views of politics 
 in connexion with religious objects. It was written in 
 the year 1802, and subsequently appeared in the 
 "Anti-Jacobin Review," where some garbled extracts 
 relative to the South Sea Mission had been in the first 
 instance inserted by a third party, who thus rendered 
 the publication of the entire communication an impera- 
 tive act of justice : 
 
 " Hatcham House, Dec. 7, 1802. 
 
 " .... I avail myself with pleasure of this 
 occasion to give you an outline of the nature and 
 objects of the Missionary Society, from which the 
 deputation to France proceeded, because I am per- 
 suaded that you take a just interest in whatever is 
 likely to have an important influence on the moval 
 state of the world, and also because both the design 
 and the measures of this Institution have, like many 
 others, been misunderstood, and, therefore, misrepre- 
 sented. 
 
 " The Society was formed about seven years since by 
 a considerable number of serious individuals, consisting 
 partly of clergymen connected with the Establishment, 
 Dissenting ministers of various denominations, and 
 laymen in both communions, who, feeling themselves 
 the inestimable value of the principles of the Christian
 
 180 LETTER TO MR. RAIKES. 
 
 religion, and deploring the calamitous state of the hea- 
 then, whether civilized or otherwise, who are destitute 
 of the light of Christianity, consented to lay aside, or 
 rather keep out of sight, on this occasion, the distinc- 
 tive principles of their respective sects, and unite in one 
 body to promote, throughout the world, the great inte- 
 rests and principles of the religion of Christ in which 
 they are all agreed. This, therefore, is the sole object 
 of the Missionary Society to diffuse the pure prin- 
 ciples of Divine revelation, with a more especial refer- 
 ence to the uncivilized heathen, but comprehending 
 also those nations who enjoy the advantages of social 
 institutions and of literature, but who are deprived of 
 the superior light of Evangelical truth. The import- 
 ance and benevolence of the Institution excited a very 
 general attention, and induced a very liberal support 
 from religious individuals in every part of the kingdom, 
 and from several parts also of the Continent. This 
 general interest continues, and even increases. At our 
 Annual Meetings, which are holden in the month of 
 May, several hundred ministers are present, and an im- 
 mense concourse of private Christians; four discourses 
 are delivered in the churches and chapels of the metro- 
 polis ; these are published, together with the Report of 
 the proceedings of the Directors, the list of subscribers, 
 and the receipts and expenditure of the funds of the 
 Society. The two principal measures of the Directors, 
 in pursuance of this one great object, have been the
 
 LETTER TO MR. RAIKES. 181 
 
 Missions to the South Seas,* and to the interior of 
 Africa by the Cape of Good Hope 
 
 " We have young men at present under education, 
 with a view to send some to the continent of Asia, and 
 others to the island of Ceylon. At the latter place 
 there are supposed to be 100,000 persons who bear the 
 Christian name, but are without religious instruction. 
 
 " Having given this outline of the two principal mea- 
 sures of our Society, I think you will feel an interest in 
 the statement which I proceed now to offer in respect 
 to its collateral influence, because this has been very 
 extensive and important. I think it may be with pro- 
 priety asserted, that the Missionary Institution has 
 been the instrument and occasion by which Divine 
 Providence has excited a beneficial impulse throughout 
 a great portion of the Christian world. 
 
 " The report of the formation, object, and proceed- 
 ings of our Society has excited in Europe, and America 
 especially, a livelier concern for the promotion of Chris- 
 tianity than has been before experienced. In Holland, 
 a Missionary Society has been formed, from whence 
 
 It may be mentioned as a proof of Mr. Hardcastle's judg- 
 ment, that, when it was proposed as a means of assisting the 
 South Sea Mission to colonize Otaheite, he wrote a paper con- 
 taining the most convincing arguments against such a project 
 being undertaken in connexion with a religious mission, and at 
 the same time expressed a strong opinion as to the unfitness of 
 Tahiti for colonizing. It seems highly probable that this will 
 be experimentally proved by the French Government.
 
 182 LETTER TO MR. RATKES. 
 
 several missionaries have been already sent out, and 
 there are five more on the point of departure to the 
 heathen. In East Friesland there is another; in Berlin 
 there is a seminary for the education of missionaries, 
 from which several Societies are supplied ; in Denmark, 
 Sweden, and several parts of Germany, Associations for 
 promoting true Christianity are formed, and are in cor- 
 respondence with us. Roused by our example, the 
 Americans have founded five Missionary Societies in 
 different parts of the United States, and have already 
 sent out a number of zealous men among the Indian 
 tribes, who are instructing them in the useful pursuits 
 of civilized society, and the higher principles of Divine 
 
 revelation 
 
 " I might enumerate a variety of other effects which 
 have flowed from our Institution, both in our own 
 country, and on the Continent, but I shall only men- 
 tion two, which appear to me of transcendent import- 
 ance. The first is the Religious Tract Society. This 
 was founded a few years since by the members of the 
 Missionary Society principally, and at one of their 
 Meetings. Its object is the dissemination of the prin- 
 ciples and duties of the Christian religion, by means of 
 the distribution of small tracts on these subjects, 
 among the poor especially, who are not able to pur- 
 chase treatises thereon. Half a million of these are 
 distributed annually, and we have various and well 
 authenticated accounts of their usefulness. Christian
 
 LETTER TO Mil. RAiKES. 183 
 
 Societies and individuals iii Germany, and other parts 
 of the Continent, are in this measure following us also, 
 and, as a counteraction to the poison of infidelity, 
 which has pervaded almost the whole of Europe, are 
 circulating, in these small tracts, the great doctrines 
 and duties of the Christian faith. If it would afford 
 you any satisfaction to look at our publications, I will 
 with pleasure furnish you with one of each ; at present 
 I shall only send with this, one or two tracts which 
 appear to me to be important. 
 
 " The other effects to which I referred as a stream 
 from the missionary fountain, is what is generally called 
 Village preaching, the occasion whereof was this. Both 
 the friends and the enemies of the Society remarked, 
 that as we discovered so much zeal for the conversion 
 of the heathen abroad, it was equally our duty to 
 administer instruction to those at home, since it was 
 very manifest that in many towns, villages, and ham- 
 lets, the poorer part, especially, of the inhabitants were 
 as ignorant of the Christian religion as the natives of 
 Otaheite, or of Africa, and exhibited the deplorable 
 effects thereof in the profligacy of their lives, their dis- 
 orderly conduct, and their neglected and perishing 
 families. These considerations stimulated the zeal of a 
 great number of the ministers of Christ, to visit the 
 contiguous villages in their respective circles, and to 
 form Associations for preaching the Gospel among 
 them ; but as this field of Christian benevolence was
 
 184 LETTER TO MR. RAIKES. 
 
 far too extended for ministers alone fully to occupy, 
 they have been assisted by well instructed laymen, who 
 have read to the poor ignorant people such approved 
 sermons as were adapted to convey to them the know- 
 ledge of the great principles of Divine revelation. Very 
 extensive and highly beneficial effects have resulted 
 from these exertions the religious principle, with all 
 its happy influences, has been greatly diffused and 
 various Societies of Christians have thus been raised in 
 different parts of the kingdom, who in their turn are 
 active in forming Sunday-schools, instructing the 
 children of the poor, and contributing in various ways 
 to raise and improve the standard of public morals, and 
 thus promote the social interests, prosperity, and tran- 
 quillity of the country. 
 
 " It has, however, been feared, and even asserted, by 
 some in eminent stations, that under these measures 
 of ostensible benevolence were concealed motives and 
 plans of a seditious tendency, and hostile to the in- 
 terests of Government. The active zeal of good men 
 to promote the cause of religion in the world, has had 
 this prejudice to encounter in every age ; and it is to 
 be deplored that it has generally prevailed with most 
 force in those persons who, being themselves connected 
 with the sacred profession, ought rather to rejoice in 
 the increase of the interests of Christianity, and take 
 the lead in all active measures to promote it. This 
 calumny, with respect to our Society and its collateral
 
 LETTER. 185 
 
 brandies, is dying away, and it is therefore only neces- 
 sary for me to bear my testimony to two facts. The 
 first is, that I have been a Director of the Missionary 
 Society from its commencement, and have constantly 
 attended its Meetings, and I have never once heard a 
 political subject introduced, and I believe no Society in 
 the world is less acquainted with the political principles 
 of any of its members than ours. The second is, that 
 the direct tendency of all our proceedings, both in the 
 distribution of tracts, in village preachings, and in 
 Sunday-schools, is to call off the attention of the lower 
 orders of the people from political subjects ; and this 
 effect has been produced in a very remarkable and 
 extensive degree, by giving the public mind a new 
 object which occupies their attention. When the 
 anxieties of a poor man are directed towards his future 
 and everlasting concerns, he ceases to be a politician, 
 he forsakes the public-house, and his mind receives a 
 new bias ; and should it happen that any one of the 
 teachers should ever so far forget his duty, as to intro- 
 duce political subjects, he would immediately be dis- 
 missed by the Society with which he is connected, and 
 I am well persuaded that one cause of the tranquillity 
 of the poor, which distinguishes the present day from 
 those scenes of disorder and principles of disorganiza- 
 tion which prevailed years ago, is to be traced to the 
 cause to which I have referred, whereby their minds
 
 186 LETTER. 
 
 become occupied with other subjects, and their anxieties 
 employed in a new direction. 
 
 " This rapid sketch of our Society, its object, mea- 
 sures, and effects, will probably entertain your re- 
 flections in a leisure hour, and I have therefore satis- 
 faction in communicating it. We are proceeding in 
 our work with the growing conviction that the diffusion 
 of the pure principles of Christianity increases in the 
 same proportion the happiness and the usefulness of 
 our fellow-creatures, it makes good husbands, fathers, 
 and masters, good children and servants, good magis- 
 trates and subjects; and whenever these principles 
 become universal, this disordered world will exhibit a 
 scene of peace and harmony unknown before. We 
 therefore proceed with our object in view, regretting 
 that it should be the subject of calumny and reproach, 
 and willing always to give an explanation to those who 
 seek it. In the mean time we are consoled by the 
 consciousness of the rectitude of our motives, the use- 
 fulness of our exertions, and the hope of His approba- 
 tion, from whose lips we shall shortly receive our 
 unalterable destiny. 
 
 " I am, with much respect, 
 
 " Your faithful and obedient servant, 
 
 " JOSEPH HAIIDCASTLE."
 
 READY TO EVERY GOOD WORK. TITUS III. 1. 
 
 " IT appears to be an axiom in the affairs of the Church, that no 
 great event is accomplished tending to the advancement of the 
 kingdom of the Redeemer among men before it has become 
 generally the subject of the ferveut prayers of His people. God 
 thus honours His people by making their prayers the harbingers 
 of the accomplishment of His promise." Address to Christians 
 of ecery Denomination on the Subject of the Jews.
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Christum 
 
 IT was one of the original characteristics of the 
 London Missionary Society, that it not only con- 
 stituted an Evangelical alliance of all true Christians, 
 but proposed for its object the evangelization of the 
 whole world. It did not merely contemplate missions 
 to the heathen, but expressly embraced within its sphere 
 " Jews, Turks, Infidels, and Heretics." To send the 
 Gospel to the benighted idolaters of the South Seas 
 and Africa were amongst its earliest efforts. But one 
 of its rules was framed with a view to Continental 
 missions to the dark places in Christendom, whilst 
 apostate Israel, beloved for the fathers' sake, was not 
 overlooked. 
 
 Mr. Hardcastle was one of those who felt that the 
 "fulness of the Gentiles" was intimately connected 
 with the restoration of the Jews. So far back Ss 1796 
 their spiritual condition was made a prominent object of 
 the London Missionary Society, and a regular scries of
 
 190 MISSIONS TO THE JEWS. 
 
 lectures for their instruction was afterwards delivered 
 in Bury-street. "An Address from the Directors of 
 the Missionary Society to Christians of every Deno- 
 mination on the Subject of the Jews " was also written, 
 and circulated by3^r. Hardcastle; and in a letter to 
 the Rev. Mr. Ewing, of Glasgow (Dec. 23, 1805), he 
 observes : " As we cannot induce the upper classes 
 of the Jews to attend on public services, it is desirable 
 to attempt to reach them through the press." He 
 therefore, in the name of the Society, requested Mr. 
 Ewing to " prepare a series of arguments in vindication 
 of Christianity as the consummation and perfection of 
 their own dispensation ; " and he adds, " I have been 
 desired to forward the plan of subjects suggested by 
 two of our friends, Mr. Bogue and Mr. Alers, and 
 also a preliminary address for your inspection." 
 
 The calm spirit and hallowed fervour which dis- 
 tinguished Mr. Hardcastle's writings is to be traced in 
 this " Address," from which the following passages are 
 extracted : 
 
 " The object is not chimerical the very design 
 is derived from an authority which will fully justify the 
 attempt, however unsuccessful present endeavours may 
 prove. The decree of the Most High is gone forth ; it 
 is the 'basis of hope and confidence; but it is His 
 command, not His secret counsel, which is relied upon 
 as a defence against the charge of temerity. The times
 
 MISSIONS TO THE JEWS. 191 
 
 and seasons of accomplishing His purposes the Father 
 hath reserved in His own hand; but it can never be 
 unseasonable to attempt to perform duties which His 
 Word enjoins, nor presumptuous to hope for results 
 which are the subjects of promise as well as of pro- 
 phecy. The operations of Providence arc rapidly 
 unfolding the volume of prediction; and what Chris- 
 tian who is in the least degree observant of the ' signs 
 of the times ' in which he lives has not his mind raised 
 to expectations which it would be thought visionary to 
 express ? The barriers opposed to the progress of the 
 Gospel by Jewish, Pagan, Mohammedan, and Popish 
 enmity are visibly shaken, and tottering to the ground; 
 and there is just reason to believe that the angel com- 
 missioned to carry it to ' every nation, and kindred, 
 and tongue, and people that dwell on the earth ' is 
 hastening his flight. While, therefore, the authority 
 and operations of the ' King of Saints ' excite His 
 subjects to zealous activity, let every diffident ^ug- 
 gestion which would slacken these endeavours be 
 discarded from their breasts. Let them labour in 
 a humble dependence on His assistance, remembering 
 that ' Blessed is he that believcth, for there shall be a 
 performance of those things which are spoken from the 
 Lord.' In the c great day/ it will be found an honour 
 far excelling all earthly distinctions, to have contri- 
 buted the smallest mite of willing service in such 
 a cause.
 
 192 MISSIONS TO THE JEWS. 
 
 " With the utmost earnestness and sincerity do the 
 Directors therefore entreat the assistance, and, as far as 
 possible, the co-operation of the united body of Chris- 
 tians in Great Britain in the promotion of the important 
 work in which they are engaged. To ask it will, they 
 hope, be to obtain it ; for their expectations would be 
 faint indeed, if they thought that arguments were 
 necessary to add to the weight of the simple request. 
 The considerations which enforce upon the disciples of 
 Jesus the duty of seeking for the conversion of their 
 fellow-men, must immediately present themselves to 
 every mind ; to these will succeed, with importunate 
 urgency, those which give the Jews a claim to Christian 
 sympathy, above any race of men which inhabit the 
 globe. God forbid that Christians should longer trifle 
 with such obligations ! It is difficult to conceive how 
 the indifference with which the moral and religious 
 condition of the Jews is regarded, can for so many ages 
 have maintained itself in hearts in which the true love 
 of God hath dwelt ! Anxious to secure to themselves 
 the blessings of faith, how can they have so supinely 
 witnessed the infidelity of the descendants of faithful 
 Abraham ? Were they unacquainted with its existence? 
 That was impossible ; for it was daily before their eyes. 
 Were they ignorant of its consequences ? That could 
 not be ; for while they anxiously read the words of the 
 Saviour, ' He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be 
 saved/ they found coupled with it, ' He that believeth
 
 THE JEWS. 193 
 
 not, shall be damned.' May this astonishing paradox 
 be from henceforth banished from the renewed hearts 
 of men ! Culpable, however, as past generations 
 doubtless were, we cannot now tread in their steps 
 with so small a degree of guilt. Since their days, the 
 obligations to universal benevolence, in communicating 
 the knowledge of the Gospel to those who are ignorant 
 of it, have been more generally felt and acknowledged. 
 Emotions of pity are not now considered as a sufficient 
 tribute to the royal law of Christian charity ; nor 
 prayers, without correspondent exertions, a satisfactory 
 proof of zeal for the extension of the Itedcemer's king- 
 dom. Negroes have participated in the anxiety of the 
 friends of humanity, to extend to the oppressed the 
 benefits of civil liberty ; and untutored heathens have 
 received the invaluable blessing of the Gospel from the 
 exertions of evangelical benevolence. In such times 
 the cause of the neglected Jews cannot be pleaded in 
 
 vain 
 
 " The union of Christians, in the prosecution of the 
 design, would likewise give additional weight to the 
 natural efficacy of their measures. The Jews are not 
 strangers to the discordances which subsist among 
 Christians; and they have made use of them as a 
 shelter for their prejudices against the Gospel. That 
 Christians should, therefore, by a common consent, 
 join in recommending to their regard the blessings of 
 the Gospel, must appear to them a proof of the sin-
 
 194 MISSION 
 
 cerity, as it is hoped that the prudence and affection 
 with which it is done, will convince them of the 
 benevolence of their intentions. How much depends 
 upon the manner in which the design is carried into 
 execution must be apparent to every one. That the 
 genuine spirit of Christianity should shine with a bright 
 lustre, in the conduct of those who are ostensibly its 
 advocates and propagators, will with justice be required; 
 and no zeal or activity whatever can compensate for the 
 absence of its mild and benignant graces. 
 
 " It must be evident, that the extent to which the 
 Directors carry their endeavours, will be determined by 
 the degree of support afforded by their Christian 
 brethren. Their own views and desires embrace a field 
 of wide extent; but their actual exertions must be 
 restricted by their means of supporting them. At 
 present, they can occupy only a small space : it is the 
 object of this Address to widen the sphere of activity, 
 and to extend it throughout the United Kingdom. 
 But this still falls short of their desires. It is the 
 commencement of a work which may ultimately 
 embrace the race of Abraham, wherever dispersed, 
 at which they aim, and to which they wish to stimulate 
 their Christian brethren in the British islands. When- 
 ever, therefore, the providence of God may furnish the 
 Directors with genuine converts from among the Jews, 
 endowed with suitable grace and talents, it is their 
 intention to give them such an education as may fit
 
 TO THE JEWS. 195 
 
 them to become, not merely preachers to their brethren 
 in Great Britain, but missionaries to their nation in 
 foreign countries 
 
 " That a close connexion subsists between the fulness 
 of the Gentiles and the conversion of the Jews, the 
 Scriptures warrant us to believe. Even the opinion 
 that the latter event will precede the former, and that 
 believing Jews will become the chief instruments of 
 introducing the heathen nations to the faith of the 
 Gospel, is not destitute of probability. Whatever truth 
 may be in the supposition, this can hardly be doubted, 
 that they will be well calculated for such an employ- 
 ment, by intimate intercourse with almost all the 
 nations on the earth by knowledge of their languages, 
 arid of the advantages or disadvantages afforded by 
 their manners and opinions; and by the zeal and 
 assiduity with which they prosecute any favourite 
 object 
 
 "Whether, therefore, the Mission to the Jews be 
 considered in reference to their conversion as men, to 
 their ancient relation to God, as his people, to their 
 present unhappy circumstances, as under the awful 
 tokens of his displeasure, or to their predicted restora- 
 tion to their lost privileges, nothing can surpass, nay, 
 equal it in importance, desirableness, and obligation. 
 It eminently possesses every requisite to call forth and 
 employ the best energies of holy zeal. They who now 
 sow may not, it is true, reap the wished-for fruit ; but, 
 o 2
 
 196 SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING 
 
 in the harvest, are the labours of him who prepared the 
 soil, and cast in the seed, considered void of honour ? 
 . . The Directors do not themselves rely, nor 
 do they invite their brethren to depend for success, on 
 the natural efficacy of the means they employ. That 
 faith and hope which encourage them to expect, in any 
 degree, the accomplishment of their desires, rest upon the 
 promises of Him, with whom is the residue of the Spirit, 
 by whose power they are to be fulfilled. "Will not He, 
 then, give His Holy Spirit for this purpose to those that 
 ask it? For this blessing, Christian Brethren, let our 
 ardent supplications unceasingly ascend to the throne of 
 grace. Let it become, universally, our heart's desire 
 and prayer to God for Israel that they may be saved. 
 Uniting thus our prayers with our labours, we may 
 confidently leave the result in the hands of the glorified 
 King of saints. He reigns, far above all principalities 
 and powers, in the kingdom of glory : He reigns, 
 directing, with unerring wisdom, the affairs of men, to 
 the advancement of His kingdom of grace ; and he shall 
 reign until every knee shall bow to Him, and every 
 tongue confess, among Jews and Gentiles, His dominion 
 and authority, to the glory of God the Father. Soon 
 may it be so. Amen and Amen ! " 
 
 Subsequently a distinct Society was formed for pro- 
 moting Christianity amongst the Jews. It was at first 
 an offshoot from the Missionary Society. Among the
 
 CHRISTIANITY AMONGST THE JEWS. 197 
 
 Vice-Presidents of the new Society was Mr. "Wilber- 
 force ; and, in a letter he addressed to Mr. Hardcastle, 
 Feb. 2G, 1810, he writes, " You kindly told me that 
 my lending my little aid to the new Society would not 
 create any misconception of my motives or feelings in 
 the minds of the leading men in the Missionary 
 Society as if I were taking a side." He adds that his 
 apprehensions on this subject had been renewed by a 
 publication of a converted Jew, with which he had been 
 much vexed, and he wishes "to confer" with Mr. 
 Hardcastlc, " confidentially on the subject." He con- 
 tinues, " I always told Mr. Frey that I thought that the 
 Missionary Society had treated him with great kindness, 
 and I deeply regret that any feud or discord should 
 break out amongst those who, as messengers of the 
 Prince of Peace and Love to others, ought to cherish 
 and manifest a double measure of those blessed affections 
 in their own temper and conduct. Indeed, I feel this so 
 strongly that, partly from a fear of appearing to viix 
 myself at all in the dissensions, and partly from the 
 great respect I feel for the chief men in the Missionary 
 Society, I have a strong inclination to retract the 
 assurances I gave that my name might appear as Vice- 
 President, unless you can now confirm the assurance 
 you formerly gave me, that there will be no fear of my 
 
 motives and feelings being misunderstood 
 
 Let me beg the favour of a few lines addressed to me 
 in New Palace-yard. I regret that I have been
 
 198 HEADS OF THE SYNAGOGUE. 
 
 forced to scribble as fast as I could lay pen to paper ; 
 but you will, as usual, excuse the defects of my letter, 
 and believe me, with cordial esteem and regard, 
 " My dear Sir, yours very sincerely, 
 
 "W. WlLBERFORCE." 
 
 The Society did not long survive in the original 
 form, which was intended to embrace all denominations 
 of Christians ; but the work did not fall to the ground, 
 for the cause of the Jews was taken up and prosecuted 
 by that Institution, which numbered Mr. Wilberforce 
 and Mr. Simeon amongst its founders, and is now 
 presided over by the Earl of Shaftesbury. 
 
 In a memoir of Mr. Hardcastle it would have been im- 
 proper to have passed over in silence a subject in which 
 he was so deeply interested as the spiritual instruction 
 of the Jews. It is true that much visible fruit was not 
 produced in his time; but whether out of deference 
 to his eminence as a merchant, or as a tribute to their 
 estimate of the purity of his motives, or from- these 
 causes combined, the heads of the Israelites in London 
 seem to have acknowledged the benevolence of his 
 intentions. On one occasion, at least, they sought an 
 interview with him, although nothing remarkable fol- 
 lowed, yet as the fact is interesting their note is 
 subjoined : 
 
 " Vestry Chambers, Duke's-place, Jan. 5, 1807. 
 " The President, Vice-President, and Treasurers of the
 
 RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY. 199 
 
 Great Synagogue would feel obliged if Mr. Hardcastle 
 would appoint a time for an interview, they much 
 wishing to have a conversation with him. 
 "Joseph Hardcastle, Esq., Old Swan." 
 
 Mr. Hardcastle's interest in foreign objects by no 
 means drew away his attention from home. 
 
 He warmly co-operated with the Rev. Rowland Hill, 
 the Rev. Matthew Wilks, the Rev. George Collison, and 
 other good men, in originating the Village Itinerancy 
 Society. The Hibernian Society also met beneath his 
 roof, and was uniformly an object of interest to him. 
 He acted as Treasurer in London for the Scottish 
 Missionary Society, and was connected with most of 
 the Societies of his time, the constitution of which 
 was not restricted to one particular denomina- 
 tion. 
 
 The Religious Tract Society was founded in 1799. 
 It was at a Meeting of its Committee, at Mr. Hard- 
 castle's counting-house, held on the 7th of December, 
 1802 (being the day on which he completed his 50th 
 year), that the idea of the Bible Society was formally 
 entertained. Several individuals have been named as 
 having made the suggestion. It is now, however, 
 generally admitted, that the real originator was the 
 Rev. T. Charles, of Bala; but the idea seems to have 
 been simultaneously presented to the minds of many 
 Christians, and the proceedings, as well as the Report
 
 200 BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. 
 
 of the Paris deputation, a few weeks before, appears to 
 have been its practical commencement. The following 
 extract announces the first public Meeting of the 
 British and Foreign Bible Society : 
 
 TO MISS HARDCASTLE. 
 
 "London, March ]3, 1804. 
 
 " . . . . I have the pleasure to tell you of 
 the formation of a new Institution, the object of which 
 is to promote the more general circulation of the 
 Scriptures, both in Great Britain and in foreign 
 countries. It has for some time been the subject of 
 attention in the Committee of the Tract Society, and 
 by means of circular letters a numerous Meeting was 
 held on Wednesday at the London Tavern, which was 
 remarkably harmonious and impressive, a Committee 
 of thirty-six persons was formed, consisting of indi- 
 viduals connected with almost every religious denomi- 
 nation, and about 700/. were immediately subscribed. 
 
 " This Institution seems likely to meet with exten- 
 sive support, and to be the occasion of bringing into 
 closer connexion those good men of diiferent parties 
 who have been too long dissociated. This may be 
 considered as another stream which has flowed from 
 the missionary fountain, as it is entirely owing to the 
 Committee of the Tract Society, which sprung out 
 
 of it 
 
 " Your affectionate Father/'
 
 OLD SWAN STAIRS. 201 
 
 This letter was addressed to his eldest daughter, 
 afterwards the wife of the Rev. Dr. Henry Foster 
 Burder. Her ardent sympathies were, very early in 
 life, with the people of the Lord; and every good or 
 great work in which her father was engaged, became to 
 her a source of continued happy interest. 
 
 In reference to the Committee Meetings, which were 
 held under Mr. Hardcastle's roof, hard by the site of 
 the new London Bridge, Mr. Townsend writes : 
 
 " I scarcely ever pass over London Bridge without 
 glancing my eye towards those highly-favoured rooms 
 appertaining to our departed friend's counting-house at 
 Old Swan Stairs, and feeling a glow of pleasure at the 
 recollection, that there the London Missionary Society, 
 the Religious Tract Society, the Hibernian Society, &c., 
 formed their plans of Christian benevolence, on which 
 Divine Providence has so signally smiled. This pleasure 
 is greatly heightened, when I also recollect that in those, 
 favoured rooms was brought forth that gigantic agent 
 of moral and spiritual good, the British and Foreign 
 Bible Society. These rooms, in my judgment, are 
 second to none but that in which the disciples met 
 after their Master's ascension, and from whence they 
 went forth to enlighten and to bless a dark and guilty 
 world." 
 
 It was his character for widely extended benevolence,
 
 202 DISTRESS IN GERMANY. 
 
 and the influence of his name, that led the Committee, 
 formed in 1805, for raising by public contribution 
 a fund for the relief of the distress in Germany, to 
 desire that Mr. Hardcastle, in conjunction with Mr 
 Reyner, would act as their Treasurer. For this 
 charitable object a large sum was raised, and the 
 distribution of it in those parts of Germany which had 
 suffered most from the ravages of war, in the campaign 
 of Jena and Auerstadt, tended materially to relieve the 
 most urgent necessities of the population, and to 
 strengthen their attachment to their British allies. 
 
 The following characteristic letters from Mr. Simeon 
 are possessed of some curious interest in reference to 
 this subscription : 
 
 TO J. HARDCASTLE, ESQ. 
 
 " Are you not shocked with the blasphemy that is 
 contained in the French Minister's expose? How 
 different the efforts that are now using in this king- 
 dom ! In printing our gazettes to circulate through 
 the navy, instead of giving all the glory to men, we 
 labour to give all the glory to God, and to bring all 
 Europe to see and acknowledge Him. I am sorry that 
 the subscriptions for this excellent purpose have not 
 answered the expectations of those who set them on 
 foot. They, in the first instance, would take no more 
 than a guinea of any one, under the idea that the 
 numbers would supply all that was wanted. But this
 
 DISTRESS IN GERMANY. 203 
 
 not being the case I am exerting myself among the 
 University (by Mr. Wilberforce's desire) to raise sub- 
 scriptions. It would be grievous if, after all the efforts 
 that have been made, the plan were frustrated for want 
 of a little money. As to the mere circumstance of 
 making known the victories, I do not attach any great 
 importance to it ; but the directing the eyes of all 
 Europe to that adorable Being as the Source and 
 Author of our success is highly proper, and likely to 
 produce a very considerable effect. 
 
 " Who preaches for you at last (for the Missionai-y 
 Society) ? But I suppose your next Magazine will 
 inform me. 
 
 " You will rejoice to hear that there is another pious 
 minister (besides Mr. Henry Martyn and Mr. Corrie) 
 likely to carry the glad tidings to India in the Company's 
 service 
 
 " Give my very affectionate respects to Mrs. and Miss 
 Hardcastle, and believe me, dear Sir, 
 " Your most sincere, though most unworthy friend, 
 
 "C. SIMEON. 
 
 "King's College, Cambridge, March 21, 1806. 
 
 "P.S. What a treasure have you parted with. I 
 greatly regret that your horse did not suit you. But 
 you have contributed largely to Mr. TVs comfort." 
 
 TO JOSEPH HARDCASTLE, ESQ. 
 
 " MY DEAREST FRIEND, I have read not two pages
 
 204 LETTER FROM MR. SIMEON. 
 
 of the third report (the two former I had read before), 
 and my heart is quite sickened with the miseries of 
 my fellow-creatures. I entreat you to lay down twenty 
 guineas for me as my third donation. I hope to see 
 you soon, and then will repay you. 
 
 " Believe me, dear Sir, 
 
 " Most affectionately yours, 
 
 " C.SIMEON. 
 
 "King's College, Cambridge, April 26, 1806. 
 
 "P.S. In several instances you have given the 
 amount of florins, kreutzers, &c., &c., in English 
 money. If all feel as I do, you will gratify them 
 exceedingly by doing the same in all instances. It is 
 exceedingly wanted in page 14. My charity would 
 freeze, while I was calculating this sum. If ninety- 
 eight florins give 9/. 5s. Qd., what does 66,793 florins 
 give? 
 
 " P.S. I have finished the report, and beg you to 
 lay down fifty guineas for me instead of twenty. I 
 come to town on Monday the 5th inst, and stay above 
 a fortnight. If there were any opportunity of having 
 more of those letters read to me I should gladly 
 embrace it. 
 
 " I am grieved to see that our nobles put not their 
 hand to the work. Methinks a little retrenchment 
 from their grand feasts would not be unseasonable if 
 applied to the t'elief of such sufferings. If they believed 
 that it was more blessed to give than to receive, they
 
 ALMSGIVING. 205 
 
 might have pretty strong comments on the text by 
 reading these extracts. 
 
 " I have felt strongly tempted to let my first sum 
 stand, lest I should appear ostentatious ; but I feel that 
 years may elapse, yea, my whole life be gone, before I 
 have such another opportunity to benefit my fellow- 
 creatures, and as long as it docs not exceed what the 
 occasion calls for, I am willing that people should judge 
 of it as they please. Perhaps it may please God to 
 put some to shame, and to make them consider a 
 little more fully the mercies and comforts which they 
 enjoy. If it have this effect on some, I will cheerfully 
 bear blame from others. I know I may avoid the 
 blame by sending it anonymous ; but, on such an 
 occasion as this, it would wholly destroy the benefit of 
 one's example. In general one's right hand should 
 not know what one's left hand does, but on some 
 occasions it is right to let one's light shine for the good 
 of others. And if I may but provoke the zeal of some 
 who appear lukewarm I shall have a rich reward. 'Tis 
 a joyful thought that, by means of these collections, 
 thousands of thanksgivings will be offered to our 
 God. 
 
 " Having my feelings so wholly engrossed with 
 this subject, I forgot to say that I have had much 
 pleasure in the company of Miss Hardcastle and Miss 
 Buck this week. I came from Lynn on purpose to see 
 them, fearing lest they should run away (as they
 
 206 GERMAN RELIEF COMMITTEE. 
 
 eventually did) on Tuesday last. I was engaged to 
 stay at Lynn on the Sabbath ; and a gentleman engaged 
 to proceed from Lynn to supply my place ; but, con- 
 ceiving that their stay at Shelford might be irreversibly 
 fixed, and knowing that I could not hope to get more 
 than a mere glimpse of them on Tuesday morning, I 
 begged my friend Mr. Edwards to excuse me. I was 
 richly repaid for my pains. 
 
 "You will see the contents of this letter, but it 
 seems that war is kindling afresh, and that my efforts 
 will be in vain ; I, THEREFORE, cancel this order. If, 
 however, you think it desirable that I should persist in 
 my original intention, persist and execute it, I have 
 opened my letter to express this sentiment." 
 
 At the final close of the war in 1834, when Germany 
 presented still more fearful traces of that terrible con- 
 test which terminated with the battle ofLeipsic, another 
 generous effort was made on the part of England to 
 send relief to the suffering Germans, and Mr. Hard- 
 castle was again invited to undertake the office which 
 he had so ably filled on the former occasion. The follow- 
 is a copy of the letter addressed to him on the part of 
 the German Relief Committee, by the late Dr. Stein- 
 kopff, of the German chapel in the Savoy : 
 
 TO JOSEPH HARDCASTLE, ESQ. 
 
 "Savoy-square, Strand, Jan. 15, 1814. 
 " MY RESPECTED AND DEAR SIR, At a numerous
 
 SPIRITUAL WELFARE OF THE GERMANS. 207 
 
 Meeting of the Committee for relieving the distresses 
 of the people in Germany and other parts of the Conti- 
 nent, it was unanimously resolved to request the favour 
 of you again to accept the office of Treasurer, which, in 
 union with Mr. Reyner, you filled during the former 
 exertions of the Committee, with so much benefit to 
 the Institution. Permit me to add, that your name is 
 well known and highly respected in various parts of the 
 Continent, and that a blessing from God will rest upon 
 yourself and your dear family, for the kind interest you 
 have taken in promoting the temporal and everlasting 
 welfare of so many thousands of your fellow-crea- 
 tures. 
 
 " I am, with the most unfeigned respect, Sir, your 
 very humble servant and friend, 
 
 " STEINK.OPFF." 
 
 Mr. Hardcastle did not, however, again accept the 
 office, but urged the substitution of Mr. Henry Thorn- 
 ton, who was consequently prevailed on to act as trea- 
 surer to a subscription, of which the princely amount 
 was perhaps better calculated to exalt the character of 
 Great Britain in the eyes of Europe than all the splen- 
 dour of her naval and military triumphs. 
 
 The following letter from Dr. Bogue shows how 
 a regard for the spiritual welfare of the Germans 
 was mingled with the charity which sought to relieve 
 their temporal wants :
 
 208 LETTEE FROM DR. BOGUE. 
 
 TO JOSEPH HARDCASTLE, ESQ. 
 
 " Gosport, Feb. 7, 1814. 
 
 " MY DEAR SIR, I see from the ' Evangelical 
 Magazine' that you are one of the gentlemen ap- 
 pointed to superintend the relief granted to the Ger- 
 man sufferers. Were the gift accompanied with a 
 suitable address, it would be rendered unspeakably 
 more profitable to them. 
 
 " The chief places of suffering have been those 
 where Luther and the first friends of the Reformation 
 appeared, and exerted their pious labours for the salva- 
 tion of the people. 
 
 " The most dreadful degeneracy that can possibly be 
 supposed has since taken place. The Evangelical doc- 
 trines of Luther are treated with the utmost contempt. 
 Arianism, Socinianism, and even Deism, it is said, are 
 taught in their Universities. The account given of the 
 ordination of a Mr. Jacobi, a missionary of the Church 
 Society, as stated in the ' Evangelical Magazine ' of 
 January, accuses the Professors of the University of 
 Leipsic as guilty of teaching Infidelity to the students 
 instead of Christian theology. In short, through the 
 whole of the north of Germany the principles of the 
 Gospel are held in the utmost contempt by the greater 
 part of the literary men, Professors, and clergymen. 
 The moral condition of the people is most deplor- 
 able.
 
 LETTER FROM DR. BOGUE. 209 
 
 " As they apply for relief from the rich people 
 ill England, and relief is given them, a word of advice 
 might with propriety accompany it. Probably it would 
 not do to have it an official document; but, were it an 
 address from some Christians in England to their 
 Christian brethren in Germany, there could be no 
 reasonable objection to it. 
 
 " In order to do them good, it ought to be very 
 plain, and to point out their dreadful apostasy from the 
 truth, and that never since the destruction of Sodom 
 and Gomorrah were a people more righteously scourged 
 by the judgment of incensed Heaven; and it should 
 close with a call to repentance and a return to the 
 purity of the Gospel. 
 
 11 I think it by no means improbable that such 
 an address would, in this time of their distress, arouse 
 them from their slumbers, and lead them to examine 
 their religious principles, and might, through the 
 Divine blessing, be productive of consequences highK 
 important and beneficial. At any rate, it would be 
 a pity to lose so favourable an opportunity for making 
 the attempt. 
 
 " Our friend Mr. Steven, I see, is likewise concerned 
 in the business. If you think proper, you may consult 
 with him on the subject. 
 
 " I beg to be remembered in the most affectionate 
 manner to Mrs. Hardcastle and your family ; and 
 I remain, with earnest prayers for your better health, 
 
 p
 
 210 LETTERS TO HIS SONS. 
 
 and long life, and continued usefulness, and with very 
 high esteem, 
 
 " My dear Sir, 
 
 " Very truly yours, 
 
 " DAVID BOGUE." 
 
 The frequent absence of his sons from home during 
 the period of their education necessarily deprived them 
 of the advantage of their father's personal instruction ; 
 but his correspondence, while communicating much of 
 the intelligence of the day, especially those things of 
 which he was most desirous they should be informed, 
 continually manifested his earnest anxiety for their best 
 interests : 
 
 " Hatcham (Friday Evening), 
 Feb. 1, 1805. 
 
 " MY DEAR BOYS, We are now indulging the hope 
 that you have been some hours safely arrived at Nor- 
 manstone, and are reposing yourselves in comfort after 
 the fatigue of your journey. The night was bitterly 
 cold, and we felt much anxiety on your account; but 
 to-morrow I hope the welcome tidings will reach us 
 that you are both safe and well. 
 
 " You will not expect much news after an absence of 
 a single day, and I only write a few lines in compliance 
 with your request. Sometimes, however, a very short 
 period of time produces events of importance, and it
 
 LETTERS TO HIS SON'S. 211 
 
 might have proved so last night, had not the good pro- 
 vidence of God prevented it ; for, about ten o'clock, Mr. 
 
 F 's house at the Old Swan Stairs was discovered 
 
 to be on fire. The family were out, but some person 
 going by, perceiving an unusual light, gave the alarm 
 in time to prevent the flames from spreading. You 
 know their house is within a few yards of our counting- 
 house. 
 
 " Another awful event has also occurred on the 
 Surrey side of the Thames, just opposite. A person 
 who is in an extensive business, considered to be a 
 respectable character, as well as to possess great pro- 
 perty, was so much under the influence of his un- 
 governed passions, that, in revenge for some offensive 
 words used by his foreman, he seized a sword, and 
 plunged it into the poor man's body, who died on the 
 spot ; and there can be very little doubt that he must 
 lose his own life also by the sentence of the law, which 
 punishes murder with death. 
 
 " What an awful thing it is to be under the control 
 of the outrageous passions of our depraved nature ! 
 How necessary it is to curb and restrain them in early 
 life, and to learn betimes to subject our feelings to the 
 dictates of reason ! Had this unhappy man been 
 accustomed to subdue his anger in the days of his 
 youth, it is very probable that this awful catastrophe 
 which also terminates his own life in guilt and horror 
 would have been prevented ; but, more especially, had 
 p 2
 
 212 LETTERS TO HIS SOXS. 
 
 he been under the influence of true religion had he 
 been accustomed every morning to pray to God to 
 be kept from all evil, and to carry about with him 
 throughout the day the recollection of the Divine 
 presence, he would doubtless have been preserved from 
 this great transgression. 
 
 " My dear children, forget not to pray to God daily, 
 and seriously, for His grace and blessing. Forget not 
 what I have frequently reminded you of the immense 
 importance of your immortal souls, and that the su- 
 preme object of your attention must be to secure their 
 future endless felicity. The Bible, and especially the 
 New Testament, reveals clearly the way of a sinner's 
 salvation ; and, therefore, a frequent and serious perusal 
 of it with prayer to God is above all things neces- 
 sary 
 
 " Your affectionate Father." 
 
 " London, Nov. 20, 1805. 
 
 . . . " I perceive that you are not inattentive to 
 the important occurrences of the Continent. The arma- 
 ments which now exist are greater than I recollect 
 to have heard of at any preceding period. It is of 
 awful consideration, and a strong proof of our de- 
 pravity, that the human race should be engaged in the 
 destruction of each other, instead of being employed in 
 offices of kindness and love. It is happy that the 
 passions of men are providentially restrained within
 
 LETTERS TO HIS SONS. 213 
 
 bounds, otherwise the world would be converted into a 
 field of blood; and also that the sovereign wisdom 
 of God accomplishes His own holy plans by instruments 
 who are unconscious thereof, and causes the wrath of 
 men to praise Him." 
 
 "Sept. 1,1806. 
 
 " MY DEAR BOYS, You will be pleased to hear that 
 the attendance at our little chapel on the evening 
 of the Lord's- day is very good. The place has hitherto 
 been always full, or nearly so, and I believe a consider- 
 able part of the congregation consists of our poor neigh- 
 bours in the village. Your sister Eliza attends every 
 Sunday forenoon to teach the girls, and some other 
 young ladies in the hamlet do the same. Altogether 
 there are about seventy children, and I greatly hope 
 a beneficial alteration will in time be apparent ; at all 
 events, the attempt to do them good is attended 
 with satisfaction, and, so far as it proceeds from a 
 desire to promote the Divine glory and the best inte- 
 rests of our fellow-creatures, we have every ground 
 to believe it will be acceptable to God." .... 
 
 The welfare of their poorer neighbours was always a 
 subject of much thought to Mr. and Mrs. Hardcastle. 
 They took pains to promote their spiritual good and 
 their temporal comforts. Many were made glad by 
 them at Christmas that season when the echo of the
 
 214 LETTERS TO HIS SOXS. 
 
 angels' song, "good-will to men," should especially 
 sound in the hearts and homes of Christians. To quote 
 again the words of Mr. Townsend : 
 
 " I have seldom," said he, " seen an individual whose 
 mind was so deeply penetrated with sympathy and com- 
 passion for the children of poverty and misery. The 
 largeness of his heart was equal to the means with 
 which Providence had blessed him, and that case must 
 have furnished some striking ground of objection which 
 he dismissed without aid. He was also particularly 
 anxious that the rising generation should be instructed, 
 and that their parents should become acquainted with 
 the glad tidings of salvation; and he incurred a con- 
 siderable annual expense in support of schools and the 
 preaching of the Gospel. In addition to these local 
 operations, he was often resorted to by persons from 
 every part of the kingdom for his assistance upon 
 various occasions. Of all modern philanthropists, I 
 think none had stronger ground for saying with Job, 
 ' When the ear heard me then it blessed me, and when 
 the eye saw me it gave witness to me/ >: 
 
 TO HIS TWO YOUNGER SONS. 
 
 " London, March 25, 1807. 
 
 " MY DEAR BOYS, Were it not that you so frequently 
 hear from home, and are acquainted with whatever 
 occurs in our domestic circle, or among our friends,
 
 LETTERS TO HIS SONS. 215 
 
 almost as soon as the events arise, I should not have 
 permitted so long an interval to elapse without writing 
 to you. Do not infer, therefore, because I seldom 
 write to you, that I seldom think of you. llather 
 conclude that I have you in my mind daily, and that 
 you, with my other children, engross my principal 
 anxieties, and occupy my chief attention. Your in- 
 terests as they relate to the present life, your comfort 
 and usefulness in society, your moral and religious 
 character, and your final destination, after these transi- 
 tory scenes of mortality are passed away, are the sub- 
 jects which are ever before me. These I carry in 
 continual supplication to Him who invites us to cast 
 our cares upon Him, and assures us that He careth 
 for us. 
 
 "I notice with satisfaction, my dear Alfred, your 
 entrance upon the study of the Greek language. Of 
 all the advantages connected with this acquisition, I 
 should place in the first rank that of being able to read 
 the New Testament in the original. We have reason, 
 however, to be very thankful, that, by means of our 
 translation, every person in this country who has been 
 taught to read may acquaint himself with the true 
 meaning and sense of these sacred writings. Those 
 who reside on the Continent, where the llomish 
 religion has the ascendancy, although they be denomi- 
 nated Christians, are yet destitute of this inestimable 
 advantage. There is ground, however, to hope, that
 
 216 LETTERS TO HIS SONS. 
 
 the political revolutions through which these countries 
 are now passing, may be overruled by Divine Provi- 
 dence to effect a favourable change in this respect. 
 You have heard that the kingdom of Naples has lately 
 been taken possession of by the French. About the 
 year 1536, Peter Martyr, one of the early Reformers, 
 who had gathered a Church there, was compelled by 
 persecution to flee from that kingdom; and from that 
 time there has been no opportunity of circulating the 
 Scriptures, nor of preaching the Gospel in its purity. 
 On these accounts, God appears, agreeably to the 
 predictions of His Word, to be proceeding in judgment 
 against that government, and others which are involved 
 in similar guilt, and is producing a state of things, 
 whereon, sooner or later, the pure dispensation of the 
 Gospel will, we hope, be superinduced for it is very 
 apparent from the sacred writings, that this earth will 
 not always remain in that deplorable state of darkness 
 and wickedness which has hitherto generally prevailed 
 over the whole of it, with a small exception but, on the 
 contrary, our blessed Redeemer, who was at His first 
 coming despised, abhorred, and crucified, will in the 
 latter days establish his spiritual dominion among the 
 nations, and reign over the habitable earth ! To 
 prepare for this great result, which is hastening on, 
 the hand of Providence is producing a mighty change in 
 the kingdoms of the world, and particularly in throw- 
 ing down by violence the power of Antichrist, which
 
 LETTERS TO HIS SONS. 217 
 
 for ages has persecuted and opposed the true Church 
 of Christ. A new era is now opening on the world, 
 inviting the exertions of all good men, to introduce into 
 such countries the light of Divine truth, in the place 
 of Popish or Mohammedan darkness and delusion. We 
 are permitted to see, by means of missionary exertions, 
 the foundations laid in different countries of many 
 spiritual temples, consecrated to our Saviour God : 
 but shortly our term of life will close, and Providence 
 will raise up others to carry on the work ! The next 
 generation will have great facilities for their Christian 
 exertions, and be the witnesses of a most important 
 change in the aspect of the world ; and the first wish 
 of my heart concerning you, my dear children, is, that 
 you may be possessed of the grace of God, which will 
 promote an enlarged benevolence of heart, a noble and 
 generous desire to become useful in the world, and 
 especially to exert yourselves, as you may have power 
 and opportunity, to render assistance to your fel'ow- 
 crcatures in their highest interests. 
 
 " You know, my dear children, that I leave to others 
 the communication of domestic intelligence to you, 
 
 * ' 
 
 and therefore reserve myself chiefly for subjects which 
 more particularly belong to my province in the relation 
 of a Christian parent, anxious for the well-being of his 
 children throughout the whole of their existence. 
 
 " Your affectionate Father."
 
 218 LETTERS TO HIS SONS. 
 
 TO HIS SONS. 
 
 " May 19, 1807. 
 
 "You are aware that we have just passed through the 
 missionary week. On the Saturday we had as usual, 
 to dine with us, as many friends as we were able to 
 accommodate. The public services were very solemn 
 and impressive ; and, at the conclusion of them, more 
 than 100 ministers and 2,000 private Christians united 
 in the ordinance of the Lord's Supper. 
 
 "The interest which the religious public takes in 
 this great cause is as lively as ever; and the operations 
 of the Society are continually extending. 
 
 " We have about fifty missionaries in different stations 
 among the Heathen, and from several of them we are 
 receiving very satisfactory accounts. There is every 
 reason to think that this institution will prove one of 
 the greatest utility to the cause of Christ that was 
 ever formed. Its direct influence in many ways is 
 very beneficial, and not less its collateral effects, as it 
 is the parent of several others as the Tract and the 
 Bible Societies, and in a great measure the Hibernian 
 also; in short, there is an unusual energy among 
 Christians to promote the kingdom of Christ ; and 
 Divine Providence is shaking the nations and breaking 
 their kingdoms in pieces, perhaps in subservience to 
 His wise and holy plans of ultimately establishing 
 His dominion universally among men. There never 
 was a time in which good men might exert them-
 
 LETTER. 219 
 
 selves to more advantage than in our days ; and my 
 hope and prayer is, that you may have the honour 
 of promoting this great cause by such talents and in- 
 fluence as Providence may commit to you. 
 " Your affectionate father, 
 
 " JOSEPH HARDCASTLE." 
 
 The anniversaries now held in the month of May 
 are so varied and numerous, that this season has ceased 
 to be associated with any particular Society. But, in 
 its early days, the London Missionary Society stood so 
 prominent, as a centre of union among Christians, that 
 the week when its anniversaries were held, was welcomed 
 by all with feelings of an order more than usually 
 sacred. 
 
 At that period the East India Company barred the 
 entrance of the Gospel into Hindostan, and combined 
 with heathen rulers to forbid the missionary from 
 approaching the teeming millions of the Chinese 
 Empire. Till 1795 South Africa had been held by 
 the Dutch, with whom Great Britain was at war ; 
 whilst South America, under the dominion of the 
 Popish Inquisition, was as effectually closed against 
 Protestant Missions as Portugal or Spain. Under 
 these circumstances it may be better understood how it 
 was that the beautiful islands of the South Seas were 
 selected for the first field of Missions to the heathen. 
 
 TO HIS SON ALFRED. 
 
 " As I understand that both your sisters have lately
 
 220 LETTER. 
 
 written to you, you are, no doubt, in possession of all 
 our domestic occurrences, and have been informed that 
 the safe arrival of Mr. John Corsbie at Lima has been 
 ascertained ; we expect to see him here in the course of 
 a few weeks. "We are at present in great anxiety con- 
 cerning our excellent friend Miss D., who it is to be 
 feared will not recover. She is a character of no com- 
 mon excellence, and her present state occasions universal 
 sympathy. . . . Many prayers are submissively offered 
 to God for her recovery, and we still hope that so valuable 
 a life will be preserved ; but to die will undoubtedly to 
 her be great gain. She is a sincere and highly-sancti- 
 fied believer in the Son of God, and His Spirit lives in 
 her, and is manifested by its fruits of love, joy, and 
 peace. She is, indeed, what I would wish myself, and you, 
 and all my children to be a true and exalted Chris- 
 tian, devoted to the service of her Redeemer, and pre- 
 pared for every good work 
 
 " Remember us all kindly to Nathaniel. We long to 
 have you both at home. I hope our meeting together 
 will much promote our mutual happiness." 
 
 " Stanton, September 12, 1807. 
 " MY DEAR ALFRED, I perceive, by your letter to 
 your mother, that you express the opinion that your 
 improvement would be much promoted were you to stay 
 another half-year at Normanstone. You know that my 
 wish was to have you at home, and under my own care 
 after Christmas. I desire to have you near me, and to
 
 LETTER. 221 
 
 direct your attention to those interests which, as they 
 relate to your happiness in a future and eternal state of 
 existence, far transcend in importance those acquire- 
 ments which terminate in the present life. However, 
 as it is probable that you may make considerable 
 improvement in Greek, as well as in general knowledge, 
 I shall perhaps consent to your continuance till the 
 ensuing midsummer ; but, as I cannot decide fully on 
 the point now, I will give you my decision hereafter. 
 
 " I should have been glad to have extended my stay 
 in the country a little longer ; but the critical state of 
 affairs in the Baltic makes it expedient that I should 
 return; for, although I have great confidence both in 
 the attention and prudence of your brother Joseph, 
 yet it will relieve his mind from some pressure of 
 anxiety, at a crisis so peculiar and important, to have 
 me on the spot. At present it seems doubtful whether 
 our intercourse with Russia may be long continued > 
 and thus, whether or not, I may have anything to do 
 in trade. I have, however, not much property in 
 Russia, so as to occasion anxiety on this subject ; 
 and my consolation is, that the Lord reigns, and that 
 He will take the best care of His people under every 
 circumstance, and cause all the events of His providence 
 in which they are concerned to promote their true and 
 final interest. 
 
 " It is probable that the times in which you live 
 may be very disastrous and afflictive. It is also
 
 222 LETTER. 
 
 probable that they may furnish occasions of great 
 usefulness to our fellow-creatures, and of promoting 
 the Divine glory. May all my dear children be 
 partakers of Divine grace, and become the children of 
 God, and all will be well for them here and for ever. 
 Aim, my dear Alfred, by prayer and reading the Scrip- 
 tures, at the high destination so worthy the ambition of 
 an immortal being. With love to your brother, and 
 kind remembrances to Mr. M.'s family, I remain, 
 
 " Your affectionate Father. 
 
 "London, September 29, 1807, 
 " MY DEAR SON, .... The books which 
 you propose to read are adapted to do you good, and I 
 doubt not you will every day secure time to read some 
 portion of the Holy Scriptures. It is not possible to 
 estimate too highly the advantage of acquiring in early 
 life a good acquaintance with them. I hope you will 
 make a point to know them more intimately and 
 accurately than any other books. As they proceed 
 from Divine inspiration, they must necessarily contain 
 truth unmixed with error. In reality, they are the 
 fountains from whence have been drawn all the treasures 
 of true wisdom which have enlightened the earth in all 
 ages ; they contain also all the sources of consolation 
 under the pressures of life, and the conflict of death, 
 and they throw a Divine light on the scenes of future 
 existence. How high my happiness would rise in my
 
 LETTERS TO HIS SONS. 223 
 
 advancing age, if my children were diligent students of 
 the Word of God, and daily supplicants at the throne 
 of grace. I trust I shall be thus highly favoured, and 
 I shall then retire gratefully and happily from life, in 
 the persuasion that they will fill up their stations 
 usefully and to the Divine glory, and afterwards be 
 reunited in a superior state, 
 
 " Your affectionate Father." 
 
 " Hate/tarn, March 2, 1808. 
 
 " MY DEAR ALFRED AND NATHANIEL, .... 
 Since our return from Stanton, I have been confined a 
 good deal at home, but I am now sufficiently recovered 
 to admit of my going to town on horseback ; and I 
 have great hopes that the increasing warmth of the 
 weather, and the welcome approach of spring, will 
 entirely remove my suffering. I must not, however, 
 expect that firm and vigorous degree of health and 
 strength which belongs to the period of youth ; I 
 must rather calculate on increasing infirmities, and 
 those salutary intimations of the tendency of this frail 
 tabernacle to decay and dissolution which may lead me 
 to more habitual recollection of my relation to a future 
 state, and the important scenes therein, with which 
 I must soon be conversant. In this situation I feel 
 some degree of thankfulness and satisfaction in reflect- 
 ing, that, through the grace of God, my early youth 
 was preserved from the snares of vice, and my attention
 
 224 LETTERS TO HIS SONS. 
 
 directed to the concerns of the soul, which are of the 
 first importance ; and this disposition has had a great 
 influence in promoting the peace and happiness of my 
 life, so that few persons have passed through its various 
 scenes with more tranquillity and comfort; and I am 
 now enabled to take a near survey of the eternal state, 
 towards which I am rapidly advancing, without dismay, 
 and frequently with much pleasure. 
 
 " Mr. and Mrs. Clarkson have been with us for about 
 a fortnight. The former is busily engaged in finishing 
 his ' History of the Abolition of the Slave Trade/ which 
 will be a very interesting work. 
 
 "Your affectionate Father." 
 
 TO HIS ELDEST SON. 
 
 " September 11, 1808. 
 
 . . . . " Thus it appears that Divine Providence 
 graciously smiles on your first operations in business. 
 Let it inspire you with thankfulness, and with an 
 earnest desire that you may largely partake of the 
 better blessings of His grace. Those who ' seek first 
 the kingdom of God and his righteousness/ have the 
 promise that 'all other things shall be added' to 
 them ; but those to whom He commits in any degree 
 the riches of this world are accountable for their use, 
 and ought to consider that they are the stewards of 
 His bounty, and responsible to Him. I hope, there- 
 fore; that you will regard every talent which you
 
 LETTERS. 225 
 
 may possess as valuable, principally on account of the 
 opportunity it affords of promoting His honour, and 
 accomplishing His will in doing good to others." 
 
 "London, October \, 1808. 
 
 " . . . . I am sorry to hear so unfavourable an 
 account of Mr. Cumberland's health, it will afford me 
 sincere satisfaction to hear that his indisposition is 
 entirely removed. We have received so much kindness 
 from him, that we cannot but feel a great desire that 
 he may yet be permitted to remain among his friends, 
 and enjoy his declining days in peace and comfort. 
 I hope in every event he will be favoured with Divine 
 support, and as I believe he is built upon the Rock of 
 ages, his exchange of worlds will be infinitely to his 
 advantage. You will receive this on the morning of 
 the Lord's-day, it is a holy day ; to you may it 
 be blessed, and then it will be a good and happy 
 
 day 
 
 " Your affectionate Father. 
 
 " I am now going home, and hope to meet there 
 your two sisters Selina and Emma." 
 
 " Stanton, October 1, 1810. 
 
 " DEAR JOSEPH, We reached this place on Satur- 
 day evening, and have since received yours of the 27th 
 and 29th. I was much concerned and shocked at the 
 
 awful catastrophe of G . I had indeed pre- 
 
 Q
 
 226 LETTERS. 
 
 viously anticipated with some degree of dread the 
 possibility of this sad event, and perhaps may 
 have hinted my fears, considering the extreme 
 pressure to which his mind would be exposed, 
 by so sudden and entire an overthrow of his for- 
 tune, and his being destitute of those principles 
 which alone are adequate to sustain under the heaviest 
 calamities. It is a very remarkable circumstance that 
 two brothers, so prominent in society and so distin- 
 guished by their successes, should terminate their 
 existence in this world in so awful a manner, and 
 appear in the presence of their Judge, covered with the 
 guilt of the greatest of human crimes, and which pre- 
 cludes repentance. Let such events teach us more 
 impressively that we always need the influence of 
 Divine grace to control and subdue the depravities of 
 our evil natures, and the necessity of daily prayer, 
 that we may be preserved in the hour of temptation 
 and delivered from the Evil One. It should also teach 
 us the wisdom of managing discreetly our commercial 
 pursuits, and to limit our engagements within bounds 
 of moderation, that we may not be liable in any event 
 
 to overwhelming losses It is well we 
 
 have not entered into extensive operations; we are 
 therefore permitted to enjoy tranquillity of mind, while 
 so much perplexity and difficulty prevails around 
 us.
 
 LETTERS. 227 
 
 "Bury, May 13, 1811. 
 
 "DEAR JOSEPH, I have received yours of the llth, 
 and am sorry to find that the Swedish Government 
 have ordered all the cargoes of the ships to be landed. 
 We must indulge the hope that this is only a precau- 
 tionary measure; but I confess that my forebodings 
 prevail over my hopes, and that the loss to ourselves 
 and to our friends will be considerable. I shall be 
 glad to learn what may transpire on the subject, and, 
 admitting the worst, it would be satisfactory to know 
 what our interest on these risks may be. It will 
 be well for us to consider that all our concerns are 
 under the control and management of unerring wisdom 
 and infinite goodness, and that the events which disap- 
 point our worldly expectations may be among the most 
 beneficial dispensations which attend us. My great 
 anxiety is that my children may seek principally the 
 kingdom of heaven and the righteousness thereof, and 
 I have no doubt whatever that all needful things v, ill 
 be added thereto ; while on the other hand, if this great 
 point be neglected, or sought after as a subordinate 
 concern, the wisdom and goodness of God will, in order 
 to your highest interests, cause you to pass under a 
 needful discipline, and teach you obedience by the 
 things which you suffer. This is His usual proce 
 dure with those whom lie loves, and prepares for 
 His kingdom/' 
 
 Q 2
 
 228 LETTERS. 
 
 TO HIS TWO YOUNGEST DAUGHTERS. 
 
 " Stanton, May 24, 1811. 
 
 " MY DEAR SELINA AND EMMA, We have had the 
 pleasure to receive one letter from each of you. It 
 appears Emma has written two; but that which was 
 dated on the 9th instant, has not reached us. How- 
 ever, those which have, afforded us much satisfaction. 
 
 " Your dear mother had the intention of writing to 
 you herself, but has been so much engaged that she has 
 not yet found a convenient opportunity, and I have 
 risen a little earlier than usual this morning, that I may 
 send this letter to Bury, so that you will receive it 
 about the time you come home on Saturday ; and on 
 the following Saturday, about the same time, I hope 
 we shall meet together in good health at our dear 
 Hatcham, our pleasant home, where we are so happy, 
 and enjoy so many blessings. In the mean time, we 
 shall often think of you, and look forward with pleasure 
 to the day of our return. If Mr. and Mrs. Burder can 
 meet us, it will be very pleasant ; and Eliza will be so 
 kind as to mention this to them. In this case, the 
 carriage must go for them on Friday, or early on 
 Saturday morning, because Charles* must meet us at 
 Whitechapel Church by two o'clock. 
 
 * A faithful domestic who lived with Mr. Hardcastle more 
 than twenty years as coachman, and continued in the same 
 capacity at Hatcham House until his death, in 1844, during a 
 period of nearly sixty years.
 
 LETTERS. 229 
 
 "AVc have passed our time very pleasantly among 
 our dear friends at Bury and Stanton, sometimes walk- 
 ing about, and sometimes riding, which at this beauti- 
 ful season is very interesting ; for everywhere our senses 
 are highly gratified, partly by the music of the night- 
 ingales, thrushes, and various other birds, which forms 
 a melody to me far more acceptable than that of 
 Madame Catalani, if you have ever heard of such a 
 personage, and partly by the perfume which cheers us 
 in every breeze from the numerous blossoms which 
 every hedge and garden produces. The prospects are 
 also most delightful ; for you know that in the month 
 of May all nature is dressed in its loveliest attire, and 
 the whole creation appears enlivened with beauty and 
 happiness, so that we are ready to exclaim, 
 
 " These are thy glorious works, Parent of good." 
 
 " Joseph will have communicated to you my consent 
 to subscribe to Dr. Colly er's work, in which Miss Br nvn 
 takes so kind an interest. Present my kind remem- 
 brances to her. Our united love also to Eliza, your 
 brothers, and Mr. and Mrs. Burder. 
 
 " Your affectionate father, 
 
 " JOSEPH HAKDCASTLE."
 
 " THY KINGDOM COME." 
 
 Six thousand years of sorrow have well nigh 
 
 Finished their tardy and disastrous course 
 
 Over a sinful world ; and what remains 
 
 Of this tempestuous state of human things 
 
 Is merely as the working of a storm 
 
 Before a calm, which rocks itself to rest. 
 
 13 ut He whose car the winds are, and the clouds 
 
 The dust that waits upon His sultry march, 
 
 Shall visit earth in mercy shall descend 
 
 Propitious in His chariot paved with love, 
 
 And what his storms have blasted and defaced 
 
 For man's revolt shall with a smile repair. COWPEB.
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Ipolifc anfr 6ast InMiw Cljnrtcr, 
 
 IN these brief sketches no reference has been 
 made to Mr. Ilardcastle as a politician. He 
 cannot, indeed, be said to have had very strong 
 predilections ; but, if he might be numbered with any 
 political party, he was, by choice, as well as by family 
 descent, attached to the old Whigs of 1688. While 
 he did not suffer himself to be led away by sanguine 
 expectations of the results of mere worldly legislation, 
 apart from the diffusion of Christian principles ; virile 
 he systematically stood aloof from the turmoil and 
 agitation of political strife he was an ardent admirer 
 of the British Constitution, and zealous to maintain 
 the privileges and blessings it confers. But the teuour 
 of his whole life and conversation proved how strongly 
 he felt that it was his privilege as a Christian to 
 be a stranger and pilgrim upon earth, who remembered 
 that his " citizenship was in heaven," and that it was 
 his duty to declare by his moderation, in regard to
 
 234 SIGNS OP THE TIMES. 
 
 worldly objects, that he sought a better country, that is 
 an heavenly. He was an attentive observer of the 
 signs of the times, and he delighted to trace in the 
 history of mankind the development of the grand plans 
 of Providence. Many papers which he left show how 
 deeply the great events which passed before him 
 occupied his attention in connexion with the future 
 prospects of the kingdom of Christ. 
 
 This appears in the following letter, addressed to 
 an old and intimate friend in Yorkshire : 
 
 TO THOMAS HINDERWELL, ESQ. 
 
 "London, July 29, 1808. 
 
 " . . . . But he who regards those disastrous 
 events with the Holy Scriptures in his hands, perceives 
 the wisdom and the justice which inflicts these 
 judgments, and can trace the peculiar character of the 
 Divine dispensations which are continually occurring ; 
 he perceives that they are falling principally on the 
 supporters of Antichrist, who are either in direct 
 connexion with the Papacy, or who, having been 
 favoured with the light of the Reformation, have 
 abused or neglected it. The hour of judgment and 
 retribution of the enemies of Christ is at length 
 arrived, and the powers by which the obstructions in 
 the way of the establishment of His kingdom are to be 
 removed is going on. For these purposes He has raised 
 up and prepared suitable instruments, whom He girds
 
 SIGNS OF THE TIMES. 235 
 
 with might, though they know Him not, and whom 
 He leads to victory because they are His agents, and 
 commissioned by Him to execute His threatened ven- 
 geance on His enemies. The enlightened Christian, 
 therefore, recognises, and rejoices in the hand of His 
 heavenly Father guiding all these events ; he lifts up 
 his head because the redemption of the Church draws 
 nigh, and he is persuaded that they have a direct ten- 
 dency to introduce a period of much greater light and 
 purity than this apostate but redeemed world ever 
 before enjoyed. This is a source of much peace and 
 assurance to the contemplative Christian ; and while he 
 sincerely commiserates the calamitous state of the 
 world, he rejoices with heavenly spirits in the holy 
 procedures of Divine judgments, which lead to so 
 bright a consummation. It is also a source of en- 
 couragement and of energy to all the zealous and active 
 friends of Christ, for His providence is inviting their 
 increasing exertions, by producing facilities for the 
 promotion of His cause, unknown before. We live in 
 a most desirable period, not only because we are con- 
 versant with events whose extraordinary nature highly 
 interest the intelligent observer, but more especially 
 because our opportunities for doing good are unusually 
 numerous ; so that a Christian of the present day 
 ought to be as useful as ten Christians of past genera- 
 tions. May we have wisdom given us, my dear Friend, 
 to discern how greatly we are favoured in this respect,
 
 236 LETTER. 
 
 and sufficient grace afforded us to improve fully our 
 advantages, and devote ourselves sincerely and entirely 
 to the best interests of our fellow-creatures, and the 
 honour of our Divine Redeemer ! 
 
 " The public attention is much excited by the affairs 
 of Spain, and deservedly so, because they exhibit the 
 interesting spectacle of a nation contending for its 
 independence against an invading foe. Every English- 
 man naturally wishes them complete success, hoping at 
 the same time it may lead to an amelioration of their 
 Government, and an improvement in their social condi- 
 tion. We cannot, however, avoid regretting that their 
 cause is so much identified with that of Antichrist, and 
 that they trust so much to the interposition of their 
 saints. This necessarily suggests painful apprehensions 
 as to the result. Indeed, the moral state of Spain, and of 
 Portugal also, is most deplorable ; and no wonder, as in 
 both countries the possession of the Scriptures is inter- 
 dicted under severe penalties ; and the Government, no- 
 bility, priesthood, and laity in both are unhappily so in- 
 volved in the guilt of persecution and the martyrdom of 
 the disciples of Christ, that, judging from analogy, and a 
 reference to the usual procedure of Divine Providence, 
 it is hardly to be expected that they will attain to 
 a condition of improvement and peace, but through 
 a process of calamity and judgments. The prospect is 
 awful, but it is in the hands of God, and therefore will 
 terminate well. . .
 
 COPYING MACHINE. 237 
 
 " I must now conclude this letter, which may 
 perhaps he the first which you have ever received 
 written without pen or ink, by the use of a ma- 
 chine, and which at the same time provides a 
 duplicate. My family unite in kind remembrances 
 with, dear Sir, 
 
 " Your friend, 
 
 " JOSEPH HARDCASTLE." 
 
 Being chiefly interested in the things which affected 
 the cause of religion and religious liberty, it was Mr. 
 Hardcastle's constant aim to secure the return to Parlia- 
 ment of men who were actuated by Christian motives, 
 such as Mr. II. Thorn ton, Mr. Grant, and Mr. Babing- 
 ton, and especially he exerted his influence for Mr. 
 AVilberforcc. He was an energetic member of the London 
 Committee for conducting his election for Yorkshire at 
 the great contest in 1812, and liberally contributed to 
 the fund raised to defray those expenses. Some ex- 
 tracts from a frequent correspondence maintained 
 between him and Mr. Wilberforce follow. 
 
 In reference to the Jews, Mr. Wilberforce wrote 
 at great length to Mr. Hardcastle ; but these 
 communications being quite private, and on matters 
 of detail, they are omitted. The first letter of 
 public interest relates to an infamous Act of the 
 Jamaica Assembly, in the rejection of which he was 
 warmly interested. By virtue of that Act, all persons
 
 238 LETTER FROM MR. WILBERFORCE. 
 
 " not qualified according to the laws," who presumed 
 to preach in Jamaica, or to teach in any meeting of 
 negroes, were to be deemed " rogues and vagabonds," 
 and " committed to the workhouse, there to be kept to 
 hard labour for the first offence one month, and for 
 eveiy subsequent offence six months each." If the 
 preacher or teacher was a slave, the penalty for the 
 first offence was the same, and for each succeeding one 
 a public flogging ; if a white, to suffer such punish- 
 ment as the " court shall see fit to inflict, not extending 
 to life." Had this Act received the Royal assent, 
 the wrongs done to the negroes in Jamaica would have 
 been consummated. 
 
 Mr. TTilberforce most heartily co-operated in earnest 
 endeavours to procure the defeat of this persecuting 
 enactment, and thus answered a letter of Mr. Hard- 
 castle's : 
 
 TO JOSEPH HARDCASTLE, ESQ. 
 
 " Broomfield, Clapham-common, 
 
 Feb. 10, 1804. 
 
 " MY DEAR SIR, I fear you have thought me dila- 
 tory ; but about the time of my receiving your note, I 
 happened to hear that the Jamaica obnoxious Act had 
 received the Royal assent. I determined to ascertain 
 this point the first convenient opportunity, but I 
 could never before yesterday get to the Council-office, 
 having been kept from London, partly by being myself
 
 LETTER. 239 
 
 indisposed, and still more by the illness of my chil- 
 dren. 
 
 " I am happy to say that the Act has not received 
 the lloyal assent, but certainly no time should be lost 
 in presenting Petitions to the Council against the Act. 
 The Scotch Society, I understand, would be disposed to 
 take the lead, and there are obvious reasons why they 
 could do it with more effect than any other. But 
 I really think every denomination of Christians, which 
 is likely ever to send forth missionaries to the West 
 Indies, should take alarm. The petitioners, I conceive, 
 should pray to be heard by counsel. This does not 
 compel them to bring forward counsel, but affords 
 them an opportunity of doing so, if it should be here- 
 after deemed expedient. I was told that no Petitions 
 had been as yet presented, contrary to what I conceived 
 from the information which had been before given me 
 concerning the intentions of the Scotch Society. I will 
 take the earliest opportunity of conferring with Air. 
 Grant on this subject ; and I regret that my domestic 
 concerns have so much engrossed me of late as to 
 prevent my attending so much to this and other matters 
 of public business as their importance deserve. 
 
 " I was truly and deeply concerned to hear of your 
 having been indisposed ; and it is my sincere wish and 
 prayer that God may be pleased long to spare your 
 valuable life. . "
 
 240 SUNDAY DRILLING. 
 
 Mr. Wilberforce's good will to all the different Mis- 
 sionary Societies marks the liberality of his feelings, 
 and the absence of a spirit of bigotry. Nor had the 
 formation of the Church Missionary Society at all 
 diminished the cordial good feeling with which he 
 continued to assist in all emergencies, and also 
 to be present at the public Meetings of the Lon- 
 don Society, and to exert his eloquence on its 
 behalf. 
 
 In the observance of the Lord's-day Mr. Hardcastle 
 felt a deep concern. The unhallowed practice of 
 drilling the militia on Sundays was one of those public 
 desecrations of the Sabbath, for the suppression of 
 which he co-operated with many other excellent men. 
 The following letter, addressed to him by Mr. Wilber- 
 forcc, refers to a successful effort made at that 
 time to prevent the Lord's-day being appropriated 
 to Sunday drilling : 
 
 TO J. HARDCASTLE, ESQ. 
 
 "House of Commons, June 13, 1806. 
 "MY DEAR SIR, It is with no little pleasure I 
 take up my pen to inform you, that last Monday 
 night, just before the Levy en Masse Bill came into the 
 House, Mr. Windham consented to the insertion of a 
 clause prohibiting ' Sunday Drilling,' except when his 
 Majesty should deem it necessary, and should give 
 express directions accordingly. This, I trust, will, in
 
 MISSIONS TO CEYLON. 241 
 
 effect, completely answer our purpose. I must do the 
 Bishop of London, and the Archbishop of Canterbury 
 also (but chiefly the former), the justice to say, that to 
 their exertions we are, under Providence, greatly in- 
 debted for our success. In extreme haste, for I am 
 still in Committee, I am always, with cordial esteem 
 and regard, my dear Sir, 
 
 " Yours very sincerely, 
 
 "W. WlLBERFORCE." 
 
 Another topic, which has of late become familiar to 
 the public, is the countenance given to pagan idolatry 
 by the British Government in the East. It appears 
 from the following letter, that in the year 1808, Mr. 
 Hardcastle pressed the consideration of it on the notice 
 of Mr. Wilbcrforce, in which he details the conduct of 
 the late General the Honourable Sir Thomas Maitland, 
 in nominating priests to idol temples in Ceylon, while 
 he sent away Christian missionaries, to whose prudence 
 and blameless conduct Sir Frederick North, the former 
 Governor, had, in a letter addressed to Mr. Hardcastle, 
 borne a high testimony. It is somewhat remarkable, 
 that one of the last acts of Sir Thomas Maitland's life, 
 was to order Captain Atchison and Lieutenant Dawson, 
 of the Royal Artillery, to be tried by court-martial at 
 Malta, by virtue of whose sentence they were dismissed, 
 for venturing to request that they might be exonerated 
 from assisting the Popish priests, in firing patteraro 
 
 B
 
 243 ENCOURAGEMENT OF IDOLATRY AT CEYLON. 
 
 salutes, and tolling a bell, in honour of the Popish 
 idols at La Valetta. 
 
 TO W. WILBERFORCE, ESQ. 
 
 " London, August 26, 1808. 
 
 " My principal inducement for occupying your 
 attention at this time arises out of a communica- 
 tion which I have just received from one of our mis- 
 sionaries at Ceylon, and from this it appears that the 
 priests of the heathen temples on that part of the island 
 which is subject to the English receive their appoint- 
 ment and authority from our Governor. The following 
 is a copy of the official instrument : ' By his Excel- 
 lency the Right Honourable Sir Thomas Maitland, 
 Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the British Pos- 
 sessions on the Island of Ceylon, &c. : " Whereas we 
 have the greatest confidence in the eminent qualities, 
 fidelity, and ability of N. N. We do hereby appoint 
 him PRIEST of the temple of Canda Swamy, in the 
 district of Jaffra, during our will and pleasure. We 
 further, by these presents, confirm to the said N. N. all 
 such privileges, rights, honours, and presidencies as are 
 attached to the sacred office of priest of the temple of 
 Canda Swamy as have not been abrogated or altered by 
 law. All persons whom it may concern are hereby 
 ordered and directed to acknowledge, respect, and obey 
 the said N. N. as priest of the temple of Canda
 
 IDOLATRY AT CEYLON. 243 
 
 Swamy, in the district of Jaffra. Wherefore we have 
 granted him these presents, whereto we have affixed the 
 seal of our arms. Given at Colombo, 1807. By order 
 of the Governor, &c." ; 
 
 " I am not informed whether the assumption and 
 exercise of this power is a recent event, or whether 
 it was possessed by the Dutch while the island was in 
 their occupation ; nor do I know whether his Majesty 
 is apprised of the circumstance, or whether it has come 
 under the particular consideration of those who preside 
 over our national concerns ; but it strikes me in a very 
 serious light, because it is an explicit confirmation of 
 the worship of idols. It seems to bring his Majesty's 
 Government into a state of active co-operation and 
 alliance with the powers of darkness, in opposition to 
 the interests and progress of our Saviour's kingdom. I 
 hold in sacred respect the principles of toleration, and 
 the right of private judgment, and would use no means 
 of turning the heathen from their idolatrous worship 
 but those peaceable and persuasive ones which reason 
 and Scripture suggest. But I think this measure goes 
 far beyond toleration. It seems to me to imply con- 
 currence and assistance in a cause which it was the 
 especial object of the incarnation and ministry of the 
 Son of God, both on earth and in heaven, to oppose, 
 and finally to overthrow. And if this view of it be at 
 all correct, such conduct must be considered as an act 
 of rebellion against the Divine government, of course 
 R 2
 
 244 EXPULSION OP CHRISTIAN MISSIONARIES. 
 
 highly offensive to God, and calculated to bring down 
 His judgments on those who are concerned in it. 
 Being uncertain whether you were before acquainted 
 with this circumstance, I was induced to bring it 
 before you, being fully persuaded that it would 
 receive from you the attention which its importance 
 demands. 
 
 " I am desirous also of making you acquainted with 
 another event in the administration of Governor Mait- 
 land, which is much to be regretted. He has expelled 
 from the island the Rev. Mr. Vos, one of our mission- 
 aries, not for any civil offence not from any dislike to 
 him, for he seems to have entertained a respect for 
 him, and has provided not only for his passage to 
 India, but also for his support there till such time as 
 he could obtain a passage to the Cape of Good Hope. 
 His motive seems to have been to pacify the claims of 
 the Dutch clergymen, who have continually opposed 
 him, not, I believe, for his vices, but for his virtues, 
 not for neglecting his duty, but because his abounding 
 zeal and superior sanctity continually reproached their 
 defective conduct. Mr. Vos is a Dutch clergyman, and 
 has laboured for many years in the ministry of the 
 Gospel, both in Holland, and in the colony of the Cape 
 of Good Hope, and there is reason to believe that his 
 ministry has been greatly sanctified by the Divine bless- 
 ing. In consequence of indisposition he left the Cape, 
 and resided in England for two years ; and being de-
 
 EXPULSION OF CHRISTIAN MISSIONARIES. 245 
 
 sirous of engaging in the service of Christ among 
 the heathen, he went to Ceylon in connexion with 
 our Society ; and many persons there have been made 
 wise to salvation by reason of the Word of Life dis- 
 pensed by him. Sir Frederick North gave him his 
 sanction, and he wrote me a letter, as Treasurer of the 
 Society, bearing an honourable testimony to the cha- 
 racter of our missionaries, and, I think, containing also 
 his thanks for having sent out such respectable and 
 worthy men. 
 
 " Yet the most distinguished of these has been 
 dismissed from the island by the present Governor, 
 to the prejudice of the cause of Christ, and to the deep 
 regret of many who were attached to his ministry, and 
 who were willing, had he been permitted to continue, 
 to build a place of worship, and to provide for his sup- 
 port. An attestation of his character and useful ser- 
 vices has been signed by a considerable number of the 
 inhabitants, accompanied by many other testimonies of 
 the deep regret with which they parted from him. 
 
 " Is it not to be lamented that, while the Govern- 
 ment of the country is so tolerant, and has in so many 
 instances manifested a kind disposition towards our 
 Society, and others also, the interests of religion in our 
 distant colonies should be subject to the caprice of 
 a Governor, whose power interferes with the progress 
 of the Redeemer's kingdom and the salvation of men ? 
 The religious part of the community are the best
 
 246 ST. PAUL'S, DEPTFORD. 
 
 subjects, and perhaps the chief bulwarks of the nation; 
 and I am persuaded that missionary exertions in our 
 distant colonies promote their tranquillity, and add 
 to the stability of our dominion by the increased 
 attachment of the natives. If some plan could be 
 adopted to secure protection to them, it would produce 
 much satisfaction among good men. How greatly 
 might it promote the cause of Christ in the world, if 
 the present Administration could be induced to signify 
 to the Governors who preside over the colonies of 
 Ceylon, the Cape of Good Hope, the West Indian 
 Islands, and our settlements in the East Indies, that 
 Christian missionaries, of all persuasions, shall be pro- 
 tected in their peaceful labours so long as they conduct 
 themselves with propriety. Such instructions would, I 
 think, do great honour and acquire great credit to the 
 Administration from which they proceeded, and, if 
 once issued, would probably have a favourable influence 
 to distant times. 
 
 "Before I conclude, it may perhaps be proper to 
 mention, that I was called upon yesterday evening by a 
 gentleman, who informed me, that the clergyman who 
 is now the preacher at the church of St. Paul's, Dept- 
 ford, is to continue there no longer, and that Dr. 
 Drake has offered him the presentation for 2,000/. My 
 friend (as well as myself) is a Dissenter, but he loves 
 the Gospel under every administration, and would 
 rejoice if it could be introduced into the church of so
 
 ST. PAUL'S, DEPTFORD. 247 
 
 populous a parish. It is the same in which Dr. Con- 
 yers formerly laboured with so much effect. He 
 intimated his intention of making known the circum- 
 stance to yourself and Mr. H. Thornton, conceiving it 
 to be probable that, by an act of great liberality, or by 
 the combined efforts of the friends of religion in the 
 Establishment, this sum might be raised, and an Evan- 
 gelical clergyman of good talents fixed in this important 
 station. Should this latter plan be adopted, I will be 
 accountable for one hundred pounds. With much 
 respect, and cveiy good wish, 
 
 " I remain, your obedient servant, 
 
 JOSEPH HARDCASTLE." 
 
 In 1810, Mr. Hardcastle's health began to decline, 
 but did not for several years afford any cause for im- 
 mediate anxiety. The last work of a public character 
 in which he was engaged, related to the renewal of the 
 East India Company's charter. He had been deeply 
 interested in the design for introducing Christianity 
 into India, and the determined hostility of the great 
 majority of the Directors had been a subject of never- 
 ceasing regret. In 1811, very shortly before the 
 assassination of Mr. Perceval in the lobby of the House 
 of Commons, Mr. Hardcastle addressed to him, as 
 Prime Minister, the following letter on the part of the 
 Missionary Society :
 
 248 LETTER TO MR. PERCEVAL. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SPENCER PERCEVAL. 
 
 " SIR, The Directors of the Missionary Society 
 entertain the most grateful recollection of the numerous 
 and important instances of condescension and kindness 
 which they have received from his Majesty's Govern- 
 ment on various occasions, and they encourage the hope 
 that their present application, which relates to a subject 
 involving in their opinion both the honour of the 
 nation in its profession of Christianity, and the highest 
 interest of many millions of the human race, will be 
 regarded as having a peculiar claim on its kind 
 attention. 
 
 "Whilst the colonies of the West Indies, the Cape 
 of Good Hope, and Ceylon, are open to the benevolent 
 exertions of Christians, in promoting the introduction of 
 the light of Divine revelation amongst their inhabitants, 
 and no political obstructions are permitted to interfere 
 with the peaceful and sacred labours of the missionaries 
 sent amongst them, it has filled the Christian world 
 with the deepest regret, that the vast regions of the 
 continent of Asia have been in so great a degree in- 
 accessible to them. Not indeed from any want of 
 liberality on the part of the Government, but because 
 the keys of India have been committed into the custody 
 of a body of merchants who, notwithstanding their 
 respectable characters in other points of view, have, 
 with a few honourable exceptions, discovered an un- 
 happy prejudice against the admission of Christian
 
 LETTER TO MR. PERCEVAL. 249 
 
 missionaries, and the propagation of the Christian 
 religion, among the natives of those populous countries. 
 This has arisen, they conceive, from some of the provi- 
 sions contained in the charters granted to the East 
 India Company, which prohibit the settlement of any 
 persons in India without their having previously 
 obtained a license from the Directors. This regula- 
 tion, which was intended to secure their commercial 
 monopoly, has, they believe, contrary to the intentions 
 of Government, most unhappily operated to prevent the 
 entrance of the Divine light of revelation which is so 
 intimately connected with the highest interests of the 
 human race, and is the chief blessing which any 
 Government can confer on its distant subjects. 
 
 " The renewal of the charter, which now occupies the 
 attention both of the Government and of the country, 
 furnishes an occasion for correcting this great evil, and 
 whilst there may be continued to that Company what- 
 ever commercial privileges the wisdom of Government 
 may deem requisite, they hope it will no longer intrust 
 with the Directors the awful responsibility of obstruct- 
 ing the progress of the Gospel, and thereby preventing 
 the salvation of men. 
 
 "The Directors of the Missionary Society, whose 
 operations are extended to various parts of the heathen 
 world, feel it a more especial duty to convey the benefits 
 of the Christian religion to a region which contains 
 fifty millions of men, who stand connected with them
 
 250 LETTER TO MR. PERCEVAL. 
 
 in the relation of fellow subjects, and they would deem 
 it an unpardonable omission on their part, were they to 
 let the present occasion pass away without intreating in 
 the most earnest manner your attention to this great 
 subject; and they do it with the more satisfaction, 
 because of their conviction that there are none among 
 the natives of our distant settlements who are more 
 peaceable, orderly, and attached to the British Govern- 
 ment, than the converts to the Christian religion ; and 
 also because they are persuaded that you are well 
 acquainted with the moral state of India under the 
 power of an idolatrous religion, which appears from 
 every investigation to be connected with at least as 
 much darkness, cruelty, and murder, as the records of 
 heathenism in any age or country can produce. 
 
 " They beg leave, therefore, to express their most 
 anxious hope, that, in the regulations which may be 
 made respecting India, every impediment may be 
 removed which would counteract the interest of Chris- 
 tianity there; and that the missionaries of every 
 Protestant sect, who can produce testimonials as to 
 their character, and who are desirous of devoting them- 
 selves to the introduction and propagation of Chris- 
 tianity in our Indian dominions, may be protected and 
 encouraged in this great and benevolent design. Thus 
 will the enlargement of the British empire increase in 
 a corresponding degree the happiness of mankind and 
 its own true dignity and glory ; and, by those means,
 
 EAST INDIA CHARTER. 251 
 
 the excellent men who go to that country to learn the 
 languages of Asia, that they may translate the Holy 
 Scriptures, and circulate them as an universal blessing 
 to the inhabitants, may no longer be obliged to go by a 
 circuitous and very precarious course, with an un- 
 certainty as to their reception, but with that openness 
 and freedom which it becomes this Christian nation to 
 afford, and the importance of their mission to receive. 
 Thus, also, will the British Government enter into 
 a closer alliance, and may be more identified, with the 
 growing interests of the kingdom of Christ, in which 
 alliance it will, they trust, remain invulnerable amidst 
 the wreck of the civilized world. 
 
 " Signed, in behalf of the Directors, 
 
 " JOSEPH HARDCASTLE." 
 
 On the arrival of the time when the exclusive powers 
 of the East India Company were about to expire, and 
 before the question had been generally canvassed, he 
 took an opportunity of communicating his sentiments 
 very fully to Mr. AVilbcrforce. His first letter on this 
 momentous question is too long to be inserted in full, 
 but it brings forward in very clear and forcible terms 
 the impolicy and injustice of entrusting to a commercial 
 body an authority which they had so wantonly exerted 
 in opposition to Christian missionaries. " It would be 
 improper," he observes, " in writing to you, to amplify 
 on this idea, that the Gospel of Christ, so intimately
 
 252 EAST INDIA CHARTER. 
 
 connected with the Divine glory and everlasting 
 destinies of men, should on no account be involved in a 
 barter with a Company of merchants, and thus the 
 keys of the kingdom of heaven, which might admit or 
 exclude so many millions of the human race, be com- 
 mitted to their custody. But since this, by a sad inad- 
 vertence, is actually the case, it appears to me that it is 
 a most desirable thing, as it respects both the Govern- 
 ment, the Company, and the religious part of the com- 
 munity, that this power should be entirely done away 
 on the renewal of the Charter, and that vast and popu- 
 lous part of our empire be as open to the beneficial 
 energies of Christians of all denominations as any part 
 of the British dominions." 
 
 After stating the obstacles interposed by the Com- 
 pany, which paralyzed the exertions of the Missionary 
 Society, Mr. Hardcastle continues : 
 
 " .... If the Charter should be renewed 
 without an attention to this subject, then the favourable 
 opportunity will be closed for many years to come, and 
 the genuine friends to the cause of Christ, who were 
 acquainted with the circumstance, and neglected the 
 use of proper means to correct the evil, would fall 
 under their own reproaches, and also merit the Divine 
 displeasure. It strikes me as a matter so important 
 and so urgent, that unless there shall be reason to 
 believe it is likely to attract the attention of the Govern-
 
 EAST INDIA CHARTER. 253 
 
 ment, or to be privately communicated to them, so as 
 to justify the belief that this power over the propagation 
 of the Gospel will be taken out of the hands of the 
 Directors, I shall most likely consider it my duty to 
 converse with a few Christian friends on the propriety 
 of inviting the attention of the religious public to this 
 question, so vital to the great interests of Christianity, 
 and the importance of which, I have no doubt, would 
 be felt throughout every part of the British dominions. 
 On this subject, therefore, I request to be favoured 
 with your sentiments, and till I receive them I shall 
 scarcely mention it to any other friends, because it 
 appears to me probable that a statement of the matter 
 may be made privately to Government, and that they 
 may perhaps at once perceive that the control and 
 restrictions contained in the renewed charter should 
 admit of no construction which would affect the in- 
 terests of Christianity, but that Christians of every 
 denomination shall have the opportunity of exerting 
 themselves in promoting the cause of Christ, subject 
 only to such guards and restraints, as are necessary to 
 prevent any deviation from their proper province, and 
 to secure to the Company all the commercial or political 
 
 privileges which may be granted to them 
 
 "JOSEPH HARDCASTLE." 
 
 The following is Mr. Wilbcrforce's reply :
 
 254 MR. WILBERFORCE'S REPLY. 
 
 TO JOSEPH HARDCASTLE, ESQ. 
 
 " Kensington Gore, Feb. 15, 1812. 
 
 "My DEAR SIR, I could not till to-day reply to 
 your most interesting letter, and even now I must do 
 it briefly, having a heavy arrear to clear away ; but all 
 that is now necessary to be stated may be expressed in 
 a few words. 
 
 " I have long been looking forward to the period of 
 the renewal of the East India Company's charter, as to 
 a great era, when I have hoped that it would please 
 God to enable the friends of Christianity to be the 
 instruments of wiping away what I have long thought, 
 next to the slave-trade, the foulest blot on the moral 
 character of our country the suffering our fellow- 
 subjects (nay, they even stand towards us in the still 
 closer relation of our tenants) in the East Indies, to 
 remain, without any effort on our part to enlighten and 
 reform them, under the grossest, the darkest, and most 
 depraving system of idolatrous superstition that almost 
 ever existed upon earth. To your observing eye, I 
 need not point out many events that may well encour- 
 age a humble hope that better days are approaching 
 for India. But at the same time I am but too well 
 aware that if the unbiassed judgment of the House of 
 Commons were to decide the question, fatal indeed 
 would be the issue. I am not without hope of Mr. 
 Perceval lending himself to any moderate plan ; but it 
 will be necessary, I am persuaded, to call into action
 
 MR. WILBERFORCE'S REPLY. 255 
 
 the whole force of the religious world. But on this 
 subject, knowing with whom I have to do, I shall 
 express myself without reserve, trusting to your can- 
 dour for a fair construction of my sentiments. I am 
 not without hopes of prevailing upon a considerable 
 party in the Church of England to interest them- 
 selves on the occasion ; but I own I fear that if the 
 Dissenters and Methodists come into action before our 
 force from the Establishment has stirred, a great part 
 of the latter will either desert our ranks, or be cold and 
 reluctant followers. Now, if I mistake not, the organi- 
 zation of the Dissenting, and still more of the Methodist 
 body, is so complete, that any impulse may be speedily 
 conveyed throughout the whole frame. It appears, 
 therefore, that it would be expedient for the Dissenting 
 and Methodist bodies not to show themselves till the 
 members of the Church have actually committed them- 
 selves (according to our Parliamentary phrase), or till it 
 be seen that they cannot be prevailed upon to come 
 forward. 
 
 "I was more grieved than surprised to hear from 
 Mr. Steven that there was an intention of applying to 
 the Legislature shortly for a repeal of the Conventicle 
 Act. Such a discussion would infallibly produce a 
 violent contest between all the High Churchmen and 
 the Methodist and all classes of Dissenters; and when 
 once these parties should be arrayed against each other, 
 I fear they would continue to oppose each other on the
 
 256 MR. WILBERFORCE'S REPLY. 
 
 East India Instruction subject, as well as on the other. 
 What great harm could there be in pausing for one 
 year? .... 
 
 " All this, I am aware, is very tender ground. It is 
 also dangerous ground; for though our victory [over 
 the East India Company] might be more complete if 
 obtained to that extent, yet the probability of obtaining 
 it might be much diminished by taking such high 
 ground. And, indeed, I am far from being decided in 
 my own mind that it would be right to go this length, 
 only that it is well to contemplate the whole field that 
 is before us ; and I must declare, that I cannot doubt 
 but that the most mature consideration will only con- 
 firm the present inclination of my mind to throw open 
 the whole, and abolish the East India Company alto- 
 gether, rather than not ensure, humanly speaking, a 
 passage for the entrance of light, and truth, and moral 
 improvement, and happiness in their train, into that 
 benighted and degraded region. I have been forced to 
 scribble hastily; but what I have given you are the 
 deliberate judgment and feelings of my mind and 
 heart; and I remain ever, with cordial esteem and 
 regard, 
 
 " Yours, most sincerely, 
 
 " W. WlLBERFORCE."* 
 
 * The above reply to Mr. Hardcastle's first letter on the East 
 India charter, is published in a rather mutilated form in Mr.
 
 CONVENTICLE ACT. 257 
 
 Mr. Wilberforce alludes in the above letter to the 
 idea then entertained of applying for the alteration of 
 the Toleration Act, a measure which was a few weeks 
 after carried into effect by the Government, without 
 any excitement in any quarter. So far as conventicles 
 were concerned, the law was in reality as much calcu- 
 lated to annoy Evangelical Churchmen, as Dissenters. 
 For their private dwelling-houses, as well as their 
 chapels, Nonconformists could easily obtain a licence, 
 whereas Churchmen could not do so, without placing 
 themselves in the condition of Nonconformists. When 
 the number of strangers present at Mr. Wilberforce's 
 prayer-meetings, at his own house at Kensington Gore, 
 exceeded twenty, the probability of an information was 
 often talked of by himself; and the recorded fact that 
 the present Earl of Gainsborough was some years ago 
 fined on two informations of the late Earl of llomney, 
 for a breach of the statute, in his mansion of Barham, 
 
 "Wilberforce's life by his sons. It appears (vol. iv., p. 10) under 
 the strange heading " Keeping lack Dissenters" and by some 
 accident is printed as if addressed to Mr. Eutterworth. The 
 same mistake occurs at p. 14, where one of the omitted passages 
 is introduced by itself, with a note intimating that that extract 
 is also taken from a letter to Mr. Butterworth. But both the 
 letter as it stands in " The Life," and the passage separately 
 introduced, are parts of the same document, which, as inserted 
 above, is copied verbatim from Mr. Wilberforce's own auto- 
 graph, excepting a few sentences which are omitted because 
 stated to be confidential.
 
 258 LETTER TO MR. WILBERFORCE. 
 
 in Kent, is a circumstance well known to the public. 
 Before the alteration effected in 1812, the presence of 
 five strangers was illegal. Happily all these restrictions 
 were swept away by the Bill carried through Parliament 
 in 1855, and known as the Earl of Shaftesbury's Act. 
 The following reply to Mr. Wilberforce's letter will 
 afford a new illustration of Mr. Hardcastle's liberal 
 feelings, and show the grounds on which he was con- 
 cerned about the Toleration Act. "\Yhile he was at all 
 times a firm and consistent friend to freedom, he also 
 remembered the secularizing tendency of political ques- 
 tions ; and, in a Christian point of view, more than 
 doubted the wisdom of multiplying new Societies, 
 which were about that period projected or established, 
 for the protection of religious liberty. 
 
 TO WILLIAM WILBERFORCE, ESQ., M.P. 
 
 " Hatcham House, Feb. 26, 1812. 
 " MY DEAR SIR, I beg you will accept my thanks 
 for the ample communication with which you have 
 favoured me, in reply to my letter; and as it coincided 
 so satisfactorily with my own wishes and views on the 
 subject, I did not think it needful either to trouble you 
 with any further observations immediately, or to take 
 any steps in relation thereto, except to converse confi- 
 dentially with two or three friends, who, I believe, are 
 well known to you, in whose prudence I could im- 
 plicitly confide, and whose judgment I greatly respect.
 
 EAST INDIA CHARTER. 259 
 
 I refer to the Rev. Messrs. Burder and Townsend, and 
 ray worthy friend Mr. Steven, whose sentiments, in 
 conjunction with my own, I am now desirous of 
 communicating. 
 
 " The intimation which you give, that a considerable 
 party in the Church of England are likely to interest 
 themselves on this occasion, affords us great satisfac- 
 tion, presuming, however, that they will act on the 
 liberal principle of promoting the general interests 
 of Christianity, without any system of exclusion as to 
 Dissenters; and I have no doubt that the latter will 
 rejoice to see them taking the lead in so honourable a 
 cause, and will most readily assist and strengthen them 
 with all their influence at the proper season. Indeed, 
 I can safely assert that, so far as my observation ex- 
 tends, it is peculiarly grateful to Dissenters to co- 
 operate with the members of the Establishment in 
 every measure of general utility. 
 
 <c It appears, however, expedient that we should 
 receive very early information on this point, if it be 
 true that the question of the renewal of the Charter is 
 likely to be discussed in the course of three or four 
 weeks. In this case it seems unsafe to admit of any 
 unavoidable delay, more especially if it shall be neces- 
 sary to call into action the whole force of the religious 
 world, as appears to be your opinion, for in this case 
 the interval would be little enough to produce so great 
 an effect. Would it not, however, be undesirable to 
 s 2
 
 260 EAST INDIA CHARTER. 
 
 agitate the religious part of the community on a subject 
 in which their feelings would be so much interested, if 
 the end could be obtained by a more calm and private 
 process ? If it could be ascertained that the free ad- 
 mission of missionaries into India, whether they were 
 sent out by Societies connected with the Establishment, 
 or with Dissenters, or with the Methodists, was a mea- 
 sure which entered into the views, and formed a part of 
 the plan of administration in the future government of 
 India, then our minds would be satisfied, and we 
 should abstain from any further proceedings on this 
 subject. 
 
 " You, my dear Sir, are better acquainted with the 
 practicability of this than I can be; and if, in your 
 opinion, it cannot be adopted, we shall be very glad to 
 attend to any further advice which you may offer in 
 pursuit of this great object, which we all have in view. 
 
 " Should the Government be inclined to extend the 
 ecclesiastical establishment to our dominions in India, 
 I have no doubt that the Dissenters would accompany 
 it with their best wishes and prayers for its prosperity 
 and success ; but I am persuaded that this measure 
 alone would be no more satisfactory to you, who are a 
 member of the Church of England, than to me, who am 
 a Dissenter. I conceive that no genuine Christian 
 ought to be satisfied except the door to India be 
 equally open to every sect of Protestants, and this 
 I believe to be the general impression of the whole
 
 CONVENTICLE ACT. 261 
 
 body of Dissenters throughout the United King- 
 dom. 
 
 " With respect to the application for the repeal of 
 the Conventicle Act, I am in hopes it may not be 
 necessary to be made, and should be very sorry if it 
 were to interfere with the India subject. It is to 
 be regretted that, within a few months, a new mode of 
 interpretation has been adopted as to the Toleration 
 Act, and many persons applying for licences to preach 
 and to have the oaths administered have been refused, 
 on grounds unknown or unacknowledged by our fore- 
 fathers; and I understand that circular letters have 
 been addressed to almost all the magistrates in the 
 kingdom, encouraging them to make the same objec- 
 tions in their districts. The evil is spreading in every 
 direction, and must in time produce a general appeal 
 to the higher powers, if, in the meanwhile, it be not 
 counteracted by private means, which I sincerely hope 
 it may. 
 
 " I have now only to request the favour of as eai'ly a 
 reply as may be convenient, and to assure you that I 
 am, with great and sincere respect, dear Sir, &c., 
 
 " JOSEPH HARDCASTLE." 
 
 In the above letter it will be observed how cordially 
 the writer was disposed, not only to rejoice in the 
 preaching of the Gospel by the Church of England, but 
 in its " taking tJic lead in so honourable a cause." He
 
 262 LETTER OP MR. WILBERFORCE. 
 
 also assures Mr. Wilberforce of his " best wishes and 
 prayers " for the prosperity and success of an ecclesi- 
 astical establishment in India, should such a measure 
 be adopted. It was not surely from communications 
 breathing such a Christian spirit that a man of Mr. 
 Wilberforce's large benevolence derived the regret, 
 which a detached extract from his diary of the same 
 date as this letter represents him to have felt, at " the 
 coldness even of religious people " produced by the 
 notion that the Church of England was to be esta- 
 blished in India. In a subsequent letter, Mr. Wilber- 
 force deplores the difficulties with which he had to con- 
 tend, and especially the disappointment occasioned by 
 the apathy of that portion of the High-Church digni- 
 taries and clergy whose sympathies he had hoped to 
 engage. 
 
 TO JOSEPH HARDCASTLE, ESQ. 
 
 "New Palace-yard, March 16, 1812. 
 
 " MY DEAR SIR, It must always grieve me to be 
 conscious of appearing inattentive wherever you are 
 concerned, especially in matters of great intrinsic im- 
 portance, but I have been so circumstanced, that I 
 could not well write to you sooner, and I must now do 
 it briefly and hastily 
 
 "On the subject of our last correspondence, I am 
 almost constantly thinking, and often at work, but I 
 grieve to say, the efforts I have hitherto made have
 
 LETTER OF MR. WILBERFORCE. 263 
 
 not been attended with the moderate degree of success 
 which I had expected. But yet I do not despair of 
 doing something in that line (I mean, through members 
 of the Establishment) ; and it is a cause in which I 
 trust all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, 
 and who wish to diffuse the blessed light of Divine 
 truth, will be ready to combine, and exert themselves. 
 At present I believe it will be better to proceed quietly, 
 that we may not call forth the zeal of the opponents of 
 Christianity in India. 
 
 " I am glad to perceive that the discussion concern- 
 ing the Charter cannot even commence before Easter, 
 so that we shall have more time for preparation than I 
 had expected. I will write to you again on this 
 subject; meanwhile, as at present advised, I conceive 
 that the best course to pursue will be to endeavour to 
 obtain the sanction in Parliament of the general 
 principle, that it is our duty to diffuse, by safe and 
 prudent means, the light of Christian truth among the 
 natives of our East India empire. See the first of the 
 Resolutions which I formerly sent you, and of which 
 
 I will send you another copy, if you wish it 
 
 I must break off. In cordial regard, 
 
 " Yours ever, most sincerely, 
 
 " W. WILBERFORCE." 
 
 The result of the brilliant and successful efforts of 
 Mr. Wilberforce in Parliament, acting on this occasion
 
 264 EAST INDIA MISSIONS. 
 
 as the organ of the great body of Christians throughout 
 the British empire, is now matter of history. The 
 East India Company did not yield the point in discus- 
 sion without a desperate struggle; and the evidence 
 they adduced in favour of their restrictions, when 
 regarded at the distance of nearly half a century, can 
 only be viewed as a melancholy proof of the blinding 
 influence of prejudice, and of the lamentable " enmity " 
 with which " the carnal mind " is imbued against the 
 things of God. Mr. Hardcastle's public career in the 
 missionary cause was begun in behalf of the injured 
 Africans, and it could not have ended with a nobler 
 triumph than that in which he so justly shared, when, 
 after much private negotiation, wherein he bore a 
 leading part, and after a difficult and arduous public 
 contest, the gates of India were thrown open to 
 Christian missionaries, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ 
 was allowed to have free course among the benighted 
 Hindoos, and the deluded Mohammedans.
 
 WHEN one who holds communion with the skies 
 Has filled his urn where the pure waters rise, 
 And once more mingles with us meaner things, 
 'Tis e'en as if an angel shook his wings ; 
 Immortal fragrance fills the circuit wide, 
 And tells us where his treasures are supplied. 
 
 COWTEB.
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 tantrg |p& in Suffolk. C 
 
 SOON after this period Mr. Hardcastle gradually 
 withdrew from active exertion, and passed great 
 part of the three following years at Bayton, near Bury 
 St. Edrnond's, Suffolk. In the selection of this resi- 
 dence, he was influenced by the vicinity of Mrs. 
 Hardcastle's family connexions. Within a few miles 
 of Bayton her only brother, Mr. Corsbie, lived at 
 Stanton ; and, in addition to the ties of relationship, his 
 solid piety, rich experience, deep acquaintance with the 
 Scriptures and the old Divines, made his society a great 
 attraction. Mr. Buck was a still nearer neighbour, 
 and his cheerful temper, combined as it was with an 
 enlarged mind and a congenial ardour in the pursuits 
 of Christian philanthropy, had long united them by a 
 stronger tie than that of family connexions. 
 
 This proposed removal from Hatcham, the home of 
 so much love and happiness, was naturally regarded 
 with mingled feelings of pleasant anticipation and
 
 268 LETTERS TO HIS SONS. 
 
 regretful memories, by every member of the family. 
 These feelings may be traced in Mr. Hardcastle's own 
 words : 
 
 " Hatcham, December 22, 1812. 
 "DEAR ALFRED, Your letter of the 19th inst., 
 addressed to your dear mother, gave us much satisfac- 
 tion. We perceive that the anticipations you had 
 formed respecting Bayton are at least realized, if not 
 exceeded, by the inspection, and that although there 
 is nothing like grandeur about it, which, indeed, I 
 could not wish; yet there is room for much comfort, 
 which is all that I look for. The openness of the 
 weather admits of activity in planting, and I doubt not 
 you are both very busy. The improvements which 
 will result from two surveyors of so much taste and 
 genius we have no doubt will secure the approbation of 
 all who are competent judges on these subjects ! I 
 take it for granted, although you do not state it, that 
 the shrubs which we sent by the waggon have reached 
 you. Among them you will find about half a dozen 
 young apple trees, whose existence we wish to prolong 
 as a memorial of Mr. Cumberland " 
 
 TO HIS ELDEST SON. 
 
 " Hatcham House, March 20, 1 813. 
 "DEAR SON, I feel occasionally a little pensive in 
 the idea that our quitting Hatcham approaches very 
 near. It has long been a residence of peace and
 
 LETTER. 269 
 
 comfort; many blessings have been received there, and 
 it has been the birthplace of most of my children, and 
 is endeared also as the spot where their infancy and 
 
 youth has been passed You may most 
 
 probably receive this on the Lord's-day, if you be then 
 at Bury; wherever you arc I hope you will find it a 
 source of improvement and sacred pleasure in the 
 enjoyment of Divine ordinances, and in private engage- 
 ments suitable to the day which God has sanctified and 
 blessed. There can be no real peace and happiness 
 but in real religion. When we are at peace with God 
 our feelings become harmonious and complacent, and 
 we can enjoy ourselves and our friends, and all around 
 us ; the beautiful scenes of creation become doubly 
 interesting, and the sunshine within spreads its enliven- 
 ing influence in every direction. I hope that the great 
 principles which relate to the redemption of man 
 and your interest therein, employ your frequent medi- 
 tations and prayers. I want nothing further in this 
 world than to know that my children are walking in 
 the truth, and training up for immortality. Then I 
 hope I could say, ' Lord, let thy servant depart in 
 peace, for not only my own eyes, but my children also 
 have seen thy salvation.' 
 
 "We shall soon live even here more separate from 
 each other than formerly, a circumstance that makes 
 me sometimes feel very pensive, but it will bring you 
 forward in society -with more prominence; and I
 
 270 COUNTRY LIFE. 
 
 sincerely hope that you will stand forth in the support 
 of every measure connected with the honour of God, 
 and the improvement and happiness of man, and 
 that whatsoever things are just, lovely, and of good 
 report, you will constantly follow. \Ve all unite in 
 love to Alfred, and to my brothers and families. 
 
 " I am your affectionate Father." 
 
 His residence in Suffolk, and the occupations of 
 country life, proved very congenial to his serene tem- 
 perament and elastic spirits. He took great pleasure and 
 interest in watching, in all its development, the fulfil- 
 ment of that Almighty word, " Seed-time and har- 
 vest, summer and winter, shall not fail," connecting 
 it with the varied processes of agriculture which were 
 constantly passing before him. 
 
 It was always a charm to watch the changing seasons, 
 the springing of the tender blade, or the waving fields 
 of summer corn ; the light young foliage of spring, or 
 the varied tints of autumn ; the earliest flower, the first 
 blossom, the first set fruits; the first sound of the 
 thrush or nightingale, and the flight of the swallows 
 in all remembering Him who says, " I know all the 
 fowls of the air, and the cattle upon a thousand hills." 
 The lengthening and the shortening of the days, the 
 changing moon and the evening star, were always objects 
 of interest. The highest point of summer heat, and 
 the lowest point of winter cold, were each accurately
 
 COUNTRY LIFE. 271 
 
 marked. He had a thankful heart to enjoy the coin- 
 forts and pleasures of each season; but he gave to 
 spring liis most joyous welcome. 
 
 These simple tastes of his young years always 
 remained with him, binding in happy union his early 
 to his later days. 
 
 But although in the lengthening of life's shadows, 
 he appears to have looked upon the retirement of the 
 country as desirable, on account of the tranquillity and 
 absence from care which it affords to those who feel 
 that their earthly pilgrimage is drawing to a close, and 
 who are calmly awaiting their summons to the service 
 of the heavenly sanctuary ; yet he evidently considered 
 that London, as the scene of so much benevolent and 
 Christian exertion, was to be preferred. 
 
 At that time the sound of the Gospel was but 
 seldom heard in the pulpits of Suffolk, and the parish 
 churches of Bayton and Hessett were not more highly 
 favoured than the rest. Mr. Hardcastle attended v.ith 
 his family in the Nonconformist chapel at Bury St. 
 Edmund's once every Sunday, and had a room in 
 Bayton licensed for preaching, where service was con- 
 ducted on the LordVday evening by faithful lay 
 preachers, while in the morning it was used as a Sun- 
 day-school. Many such objects of Christian benevo- 
 lence and pleasant interest engaged the attention of 
 the family circle for the benefit of their village neigh- 
 bours ; and the memory of those days is still cherished 
 by some of the old inhabitants.
 
 272 COUNTRY OCCUPATION'S. 
 
 TO HIS SONS. 
 
 " Bay ton, Aug. 23, 1813. 
 
 . . . . " Yesterday we opened the cottage to 
 receive the applications of children for the Sunday- 
 school. Forty-eight names were taken down. These 
 all belong to Bayton, as we have not yet extended the 
 privilege to Hessett. Next Sunday we begin to teach ; 
 and, if there can be got a sufficient number of teachers, 
 I have no doubt we shall have 100 children, and, 
 indeed, many more if we can accommodate them. It 
 is a measure much wanted here ; (as very few are able to 
 read ;) and the preaching of the Gospel more so. This 
 important subject much employs my thoughts ; and 
 were it my intention to remain here, I would certainly 
 accomplish it in some way or other." 
 
 While the later hours of the day were devoted 
 to social intercourse with his family and friends, in 
 walking, riding, and driving, he now occupied much of 
 the morning in reading and correspondence. The 
 sudden transition from war to peace greatly disordered 
 the commercial relations of the country, and required 
 much judgment and prudence, in those extensively 
 concerned in mercantile transactions, his experienced 
 advice was on that account the more essential. In 
 his concluding letters to his sons, there is a beautiful 
 reflection of the principles of grace and truth which had 
 dignified his own course through life.
 
 LETTERS. 273 
 
 TO HIS SONS. 
 
 " Sept. 11, 1813. 
 
 " The adverse events of life are frequently overruled 
 for our highest advantage. I have often seen occasion 
 to be very thankful for them ; and if you are led in the 
 way that I have been, you will have great reason to be 
 thankful to your Divine conductor. The present life is 
 a state of discipline and preparation for that eternal 
 world where our great and final interests are ' laid up ; ' 
 and that course of events which most promotes our fit- 
 ness for the high duties and enjoyments of immortality, 
 however afflictive it may seem, is, in reality, the greatest 
 mercy. Let us endeavour to rise above the interests of 
 time, and to seek our inheritance in heaven. As to 
 myself, declining as I am into the vale of years, and 
 perceiving the shadows of the evening stretching over 
 my head and admonishing me that the night cometh, I 
 ought to hold with a light hand the fading and transi- 
 tory enjoyments of earth, and wait with humility and 
 hope the great change which must, ere long, await me. 
 My chief anxieties are for the welfare of my children, 
 that they may choose God for their Father and Saviour 
 iu the days of their youth, and they will find Him their 
 friend and portion in declining years, in the hour of 
 dissolution, and through the eternal ages." 
 
 "Hatcham, Nov. 23, 1813. 
 
 " .... As the evenings are DOW so long, 
 T
 
 274 LETTERS. 
 
 I suppose you pass many hours in reading, and 
 indeed it is one of the most natural and profitable 
 modes of employing them ; and I would fain hope that, 
 among, or rather before, other books, you make a 
 point to read much and attentively the Holy Scriptures. 
 I most earnestly recommend you to study them well, 
 and become fully acquainted with them ; your peace 
 and your consolation throughout the changing scenes 
 of life will be highly promoted hereby ; they will pre- 
 serve you from a thousand snares, and greatly support 
 you in the hour of sorrow, or the closing scene of life. 
 I am now in years, and cannot calculate on a long con- 
 tinuance here ; and I can assure you that my study of 
 these holy Books in my youth and throughout my life 
 is the support of my declining years, and enables me to 
 look forward to my departure into the eternal state 
 with composure and even confidence. Cultivate self- 
 examination and secret devotion, and endeavour to 
 ascertain on scriptural grounds that the great and holy 
 God is reconciled to you, and that you are interested in 
 His covenant, which is ratified in the death of Christ, 
 and contains the most precious and faithful promises 
 both for time and eternity. 
 
 " Alfred has already informed you, and you will have 
 learnt still more particularly from the papers, the 
 important and most welcome intelligence of the libera- 
 tion of Holland an event rendered still more accept- 
 able by its being effected without the shedding of
 
 LETTERS. 275 
 
 blood. We must naturally sympathize in the joy 
 which is, no doubt, diffused through every heart in 
 Holland on this great occasion; and we ought to be 
 thankful, also, for the prospect of the complete libera- 
 tion of Europe from a yoke of the most degrading and 
 oppressive nature. I hope the example of the Dutch 
 will be followed by Switzerland, and the Tyrolese, and 
 Italians, and every country that is still in subjection to 
 France. 
 
 " We are all well here, and unite in love to you 
 both. 
 
 " Your affectionate father, 
 
 " JOSEPH HARDCASTLE." 
 
 TO HIS CHILDREN IN PARIS. 
 
 "May 27, 1814. 
 
 "My DEAR CHILDREN, We have received Alfred's 
 letters from Paris of the 18th and 19th, which have 
 greatly pleased us. Your excursion thus far has Veen 
 uncommonly interesting. Your intercourse with the 
 Prince of Courlandc, and more especially with Marshal 
 Blucher, are events which could hardly have been 
 calculated on, and must have gratified you exceedingly. 
 I do not think that many of your countrymen will be 
 likely to partake of similar honours. Eliza mentions 
 that she wrote from liouen ; this letter has not been 
 
 received, which we regard as a great loss to us 
 
 We have not fixed on the time of going to 13 a y ton ; 
 T 2
 
 276 LETTERS. 
 
 it will probably be in two or three days. We are not 
 delaying on account of Alfred's absence, and I should 
 be sorry if he shortened his stay in France on that 
 account." .... 
 
 The above letter refers to a very agreeable visit, 
 which his two younger sons, and one of their sisters, 
 paid to Paris in May, 1814, in company with some 
 friends, shortly after the allied armies entered Paris. 
 As they were among the earliest of the many 
 English tourists who had hastened upon the conclu- 
 sion of peace to enjoy the liberty of foreign travel, 
 a luxury long unattainable, their appearance ex- 
 cited the curiosity of the inhabitants of the towns 
 through which they passed, and frequently drew forth 
 acts of polite attention from many who looked upon 
 England as the chief agent in the restoration of peace 
 to the world. The following extracts from a journal 
 written by one of the party give a lively picture of the 
 novelty and excitement of a visit to Paris at that 
 eventful time : 
 
 "Paris, May 17, 1814. 
 
 " . . . . Whilst viewing the curiosities of Notre 
 Dame, we accidently fell into conversation with an 
 officer who happened to be present for the same purpose, 
 and whom we afterwards found, to our surprise, was the 
 Prince Biron de Courlande, a Major-General in the
 
 MARSHAL BLUCHER. 277 
 
 Prussian service. He was very polite in his manner, 
 paying particular attention to the ladies, whose English 
 dresses, he said, first attracted his notice, and induced 
 him to join us, feeling, as he did, so much esteem and 
 respect for that nation. He was decorated with eight 
 orders, and wore a Persian sabre. One of the orders 
 was given him for taking 300 prisoners, and another 
 for capturing twelve pieces of cannon. 
 
 "When we had finished our inspection of Notre 
 Dame, he invited us to accompany him to the Museum 
 of French Monuments, and carried Eliza, and Mr. and 
 Mrs. Smith,* with him to that place in his carriage, 
 entertaining them on the way with a little abstract of 
 his own history, from which it appeared that he had 
 been partly educated in England." .... 
 
 "May, 18, 1814. 
 
 " . . . . Mr. Smith, Nathaniel, and I, called 
 by appointment at the hotel of the Prince de Cf-ur- 
 lande. We found him much engaged with official 
 business, but he liberated himself as quickly as pos- 
 sible, and agreeably to the promise he had made the 
 day before, of introducing us to Blucher, he accom- 
 panied us to the residence of this gallant veteran. 
 After waiting a few minutes, the Field Marshal ap- 
 
 * Their son is the well-known and respected clergyman of 
 Leamington, whose talents as a preacher are there so highly 
 appreciated.
 
 278 MARSHAL BLUCHER. 
 
 peared dressed in plain black clothes, and having two 
 orders suspended close round his neck. He addressed 
 himself to us in a polite and courteous manner, and on 
 Mr. Smith expressing the sense we entertained of the 
 honour done us in being admitted to an interview with 
 one of the greatest warriors of the age, he bowed and 
 shook hands with Mr. Smith. He inquired when we 
 left England, and when we proposed to return ; stating 
 that the Prince Regent had invited him to London, and 
 that he proposed to go there in about ten days ; and on 
 Mr. Smith alluding to the feelings of admiration and 
 respect entertained by the English nation for his cha- 
 racter, the warm expressions of attachment which were 
 drawn forth whenever his name was mentioned, and the 
 joy and exultation with which he would be received 
 among them, he replied that the approbation of the 
 English people was regarded by him, as one of the 
 most acceptable recompenses his services could receive. 
 As we were about to take leave, one or two sentences 
 passed in the German language which I did not under- 
 stand, and then the Prince told us that the Marshal 
 invited the ladies to come with us to take coffee with 
 him the next morning at ten o'clock, which of course 
 we accepted. The Marshal then shook me by the hand, 
 and, on Nathaniel asking the Prince to obtain for him 
 the same honour, Blucher guessing at what he was 
 saying, shook hands with him in the heartiest manner. 
 We then departed with feelings of high gratification."
 
 MARSHAL BLUCHER. 279 
 
 " Thursday, May 19. 
 
 " . . . . Agreeably to appointment, we called on 
 the Prince with the ladies. He conducted us to Marshal 
 Blucher's, where we stayed about three-quarters of an 
 hour, and partook of a breakfast provided for us of coffee 
 and various kinds of wine, liqueurs, and cakes. Colonel 
 Lowe, General Kleish, and two or three other officers 
 were present. The Marshal shook hands with us all at 
 parting, and conducted us to the door, and waited till 
 the carriage drove off. The Marshal is rather above 
 the middle size, well made, broad-shouldered, and not 
 at all inclined to corpulency ; he stoops a little, in the 
 same manner as Frederick the Great is usually repre- 
 sented in the pictures of him. His politeness is more 
 like that of the English than the French, the particular 
 features in his appearance are frankness and dignity. 
 His countenance is open, regular, and commanding, his 
 eyes bright, his hair rather thin and powdered, his 
 mustaches are light brown, large, and overhanging his 
 mouth. I should not have thought him much turned 
 of sixty years of age, but report stated him to be 
 seventy. The Marshal lodged in the palace of the 
 ci-devant Queen of Holland. In the front of the Court 
 are the stables, one of which was occupied by the stud 
 of the Prince de Courlande, fourteen in number, which 
 he showed to us 
 
 " The Prince de Courlaude was a good deal with us.
 
 280 KOSCITJSKO. 
 
 He spoke highly of the King of Prussia. Of the 
 Emperor of Russia he said some slighting things, and 
 prejudice and family feeling seemed a good deal upon 
 his mind. His father or grandfather had been deprived 
 of their estates by a late Czar, and only restored in 
 part. This induced them to leave the country, and to 
 enter the service of other Powers." .... 
 
 " May 22. 
 
 " . . . . Spent the evening at Mr. Stone's,* 
 where we met M. Bessierres, a distinguished member 
 of the Legislative Body, and one of the most eloquent 
 advocates in France. 
 
 " Mr. Stone told an interesting anecdote of tne cele- 
 brated Kosciusko, who had lived for some years in retire- 
 ment about fifteen leagues from Paris. As a party of the 
 Allies were approaching a neighbouring village, and 
 were preparing to commit depredations, he walked 
 to meet them, and in an authoritative manner desired 
 them to desist from conduct so disgraceful to them as 
 
 * Mr. Stone was the maternal uncle of Dr. Adair Crawford, 
 the Founder of the Malta Protestant College. The edition of the 
 Bible which he published at Paris on the responsibility of the 
 Deputation of the London Missionary Society was known 
 as " Stone's Bible," and was the only edition of the Bible 
 in France till, after the peace of 1815, three editions were suc- 
 cessively published, called " Martin's Bible," the " Montauban 
 Bible," and the " Toulouse Bible."
 
 KOSCIUSKO. 281 
 
 soldiers and as Poles. The men were astonished to hear 
 themselves addressed in their own language, and in the 
 military terms of their country, by a French farmer, and 
 demanded who he was who dared to interfere in so extra- 
 ordinary a manner. The exiled patriot at first declined 
 to answer the question, but continued to desire them to 
 abstain from plunder, and to assure the officer who 
 accompanied them that, unless he prevented his men 
 from doing mischief, he should be reported at head- 
 quarters. His tone, his manner, his boldness, while it 
 raised the wonder, excited also the respect of the party ; 
 and the question which had at first been asked as an 
 insult, was now enforced with earnestness and respect. 
 After some time, he replied to it by saying, ' I am your 
 countryman ; I have fought and bled with you ; such 
 and such regiments have been commanded by me; I 
 am Kosciusko ! ' At the sound of this name so be- 
 loved, and seeing before them the hero even then the 
 idol of his country, the men prostrated themselves on 
 the ground, and heaped the mud and snow upon their 
 heads, to indicate their unworthiness to appear in the 
 presence of so illustrious a chief. 
 
 " Kosciusko, on his return to his house, found it 
 surrounded by a guard, who had been stationed there to 
 prevent his sustaining any inconvenience from the ad- 
 vance of the troop. The Emperor Alexander had 
 ordered this at the request of his friend and tutor, 
 De la Ilarpe, as a mark of the esteem in which he held
 
 282 KOSCIUSKO. 
 
 the character of this incorruptible patriot. Not an 
 article of his property was injured. 
 
 " Mr. Stone also informed me that the address to 
 the Poles, circulated at the commencement of the 
 Russian war, and signed with the name of Kosciusko, 
 was never seen by him till it appeared in the French 
 papers. He always abhorred the character and conduct 
 of Buonaparte, and uniformly refused the most tempt- 
 ing offers he made him of engaging in his service. 
 The use thus made of his name much displeased him, 
 but he had no means of vindication. Not a press 
 in France would have dared to have printed a denial. 
 Mr. Stone further informed me that the addresses with 
 which the papers were constantly teeming, purporting 
 to be from the different towns of France, were con- 
 stantly manufactured at Paris, and that they were 
 rarely heard of by the people of these places till they 
 appeared in the public prints." .... 
 
 Much of the happiness of this happy life, apart 
 from what was purely domestic, arose from the 
 delightful intercourse with devoted Christian men, 
 which the oneness of their work occasioned. Mr. 
 Hardcastle's love towards his fellow-labourers was a 
 distinguishing grace in his character ; it remained in his 
 heart a bond of union that was never broken. This is 
 touchingly recorded in the letters which follow :
 
 REMOVAL OF MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 283 
 
 FROM THE DIRECTORS OF THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY, 
 TO JOSEPH HARDCASTLE, ESQ. 
 
 " London, August 29, 1814. 
 
 " SIR, The Directors of the Missionary Society 
 having thought it expedient to engage some rooms, in 
 which the curiosities sent by our missionaries may be 
 deposited, and judging that the apartments being 
 centrally situated will be convenient for the meeting of 
 the Directors in future, beg leave to take the oppor- 
 tunity of tendering to you their most sincere and cordial 
 thanks for the kindness and generosity with which you 
 have favoured the Society for many years past, by 
 accommodating them with the use of your rooms at Old 
 Swan Stairs, and for the refreshments perpetually 
 offered to the Directors at their meeting there. 
 
 "The Directors, Sir, feel obligations which they are 
 absolutely incapable of expressing; it is impossible for 
 them to find any words adequate to their grat(i"ul 
 sentiments ; they can only entreat you to accept this 
 sincere declaration of their gratitude, accompanied 
 with wishes equally sincere and cordial, for the con- 
 tinuance of your valuable life, the establishment of 
 your health, and the happiness of every branch of 
 your family; and especially that you may continue to 
 enjoy, in the fullest measure, the rich blessings of that 
 glorious Gospel which you have long promoted by 
 your counsel, your example, your fortune, and the
 
 284 ADDRESS OP THE DIRECTORS. 
 
 friendly accommodation afforded to the Missionary 
 Society. 
 
 " In this feeble acknowledgment of favours received, 
 the Directors beg leave to include your sons, who have 
 for some years past so kindly concurred with you in 
 conferring the benefits just mentioned, and who, we 
 earnestly hope, will continue to tread in the steps of 
 their pious father. 
 
 " We beg leave to subscribe ourselves, 
 
 " Your affectionate and obliged Friends, 
 
 " THE DIRECTORS. 
 
 ,. iv f " J. WONTNER, Chairman. 
 eaj 1 "G. BURDER, Secretary." 
 
 To this letter Mr. Hardcastle replied as follows : 
 
 "Bay ton, Suffolk, September 16, 1814. 
 "MosT RESPECTED FRIENDS, The expressions of 
 kindness which your letter contains could not fail to 
 excite all the sensibilities of my heart. Your acceptance 
 of the humble accommodations in which you have been 
 accustomed to conduct the concerns of the Missionary 
 Society has always been regarded by me as conferring 
 a distinguished privilege and honour, which I could 
 not relinquish without the utmost regret, were it not 
 for the hope that the convenience of many of the 
 Directors, and the general interests of the Society, may 
 be promoted by the change you have made. In resign-
 
 LETTER TO THE DIRECTORS. 285 
 
 ing, however, a pleasure and an honour which I have 
 so highly valued and so long enjoyed, I shall cherish, 
 to the close of my life on earth, the recollection that 
 these humble apartments have been consecrated by 
 the associations of many eminent servants of God for 
 sacred consultations; by the various measures of 
 Christian benevolence which originated there; by the 
 elevated devotion which has ascended thence to heaven ; 
 and by the condescending presence of Christ, which 
 I believe has been in the midst of you. It will be my 
 sincere prayer that in all these respects l the glory of 
 the latter house may be greater than that of the 
 former/ I am, with unabating respect and affection, 
 and in the best bonds, Yours, 
 
 " JOSEPH HARDCASTLE." 
 
 The Religious Tract Society was in like manner com- 
 pelled to remove in 1815 ; and through their Secretary, 
 the Rev. Joseph Hughes, expressed their grateful 
 acknowledgments. 
 
 TO JOSEPH HARDCASTLE, ESQ. 
 
 " Battersea, January 22, 1815. 
 "Mv DEAR SIR, The Committee of the Religious 
 Tract Society cannot retire from the premises they have 
 occupied for fourteen years without gratefully acknow- 
 ledging the kindness of the gentleman to whom they 
 have been indebted for this important accommodation,
 
 286 REMOVAL OF TRACT SOCIETY. 
 
 and by whom it would have been cheerfully afforded for 
 years yet to come. 
 
 "I account it a privilege and an honour to be 
 employed as the medium through which their senti- 
 ments are communicated. Allow me to state, that 
 while they thank you, they tender also their congratu- 
 lations; for they cannot forget, that although you 
 have seldom had it in your power to take part in their 
 counsels, you have uniformly evinced a lively interest in 
 their proceedings, and especially in their success. You 
 are, indeed, identified with the cause, and as long as it 
 continues to prosper, that is, to augment its means of 
 promoting the everlasting happiness of mankind, you 
 will acquire an accession to that measure of joy which 
 I trust all your philanthropic engagements will connect 
 with the whole of your progress through life, and with 
 your last reflections. 
 
 Divine Providence has empowered you to contribute 
 largely to the happiness of thousands near you, and 
 millions afar off. On their behalf, the members of the 
 Missionary Society have from time to time thanked you 
 with all the cordiality which the Committee of the 
 Tract Society have employed me to express. 
 
 "Well may sentiments of equal warmth resound 
 from all the nations of the earth, when it shall be told 
 them that the plan of the BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE 
 SOCIETY was proposed, and advanced far towards its 
 mature state, on YOUR PREMISES, and that its first
 
 ADDRESS OF THE TRACT SOCIETY. 287 
 
 meeting was held in compliance with an invitation 
 which, among other signatures, contained your own.* 
 
 "I conclude with requesting, in the name of the 
 Committee of the Religious Tract Society, your accept- 
 ance of their publications, and with assuring you that 
 their esteem for your general character rivals their 
 gratitude for your persevering and costly patronage. 
 " I am, my dear Sir, yours with much regard, 
 
 "JOSEPH HUGHES." 
 
 To this letter Mr. Hardcastle made the following 
 reply : 
 
 TO THE REV. JOSEPH HUGHES. 
 
 " Hatcham House, February 15, 1815. 
 
 "REVEREND AND DEAR SIR, I request you will 
 accept my sincere acknowledgments for the kind and 
 obliging expressions contained in your letter which I 
 have just received. 
 
 " To have had the opportunity of affording accommo- 
 dation to a circle of friends so justly estimable, and 
 engaged in a work of so much benevolence and utility, 
 could not fail to be regarded by me as a source of pure 
 gratification, and the recollection of it I shall cherish to 
 the last hour of my life. 
 
 " That the gentlemen who compose the Committee 
 of the Tract and other important Societies should have 
 
 * Mr. Owen's history of the Bible Society omits these as well as 
 other circumstances in the early proceedings of the Institution.
 
 288 REPLY TO THE TRACT SOCIETY. 
 
 found it convenient to discontinue the use of the rooms 
 they have occupied, is felt by me as a loss both of 
 privilege and honour, to which I can only be reconciled 
 by the hope that the interests of those Institutions and 
 the convenience of those who conduct them may be 
 thereby promoted. 
 
 " It has been a great abatement in my satisfaction, 
 as well as loss in my improvement, that I have not 
 been able to attend the meetings of the Committee; 
 but it has constantly afforded me much pleasure to be 
 convinced that so excellent an Institution was under 
 the direction of gentlemen so well qualified and in- 
 clined, both by talents and application, to carry its 
 beneficial designs to the utmost extent. If I receive 
 the congratulations which your kindness offers with 
 that doubt and hesitation which I feel I ought to do, 
 with how much greater propriety and justice may I 
 return them to the Committee, whose labours have 
 been so abundant and successful, and more especially, 
 dear Sir, to yourself, whose life is entirely engaged in 
 the diffusion of Divine light throughout the world, 
 either from its great fountain, the Holy Scriptures, or 
 from those pure though lesser luminaries which partake 
 of its rays, and contribute also to cheer and enliven 
 this dark world. 
 
 " I request you will tender my grateful thanks to 
 the gentlemen of the Committee for their valuable and 
 acceptable present of their publications, and that you
 
 FAILING HEALTH. 289 
 
 will receive yourself the assurance of my most respectful 
 and affectionate attachment. 
 
 " JOSEPH HARDCASTLE." 
 
 The Hibernian Society also left Old Swan Stairs 
 about the same time, with cordial expressions of thanks 
 and esteem. 
 
 Mr. Hardcastle retained his office as the Treasurer of 
 the Village Itinerancy Society down to the period of 
 his death. 
 
 It was at Hatcham, in the spring of 1815, that 
 he first sustained a slight stroke of paralysis at family 
 prayer, which gave him a more decisive warning that 
 " the earthly house of this tabernacle was about to be 
 dissolved." From the effects of this attack he reco- 
 vered rapidly, and, on his return to Bayton, seemed to 
 enjoy much of his accustomed elasticity and health. 
 
 But during this the last summer in Suffolk, a cloud 
 of deepening sadness overcast the sky. Those parental 
 hearts which, "by the good hand of their God upon 
 them," had hitherto been wont to unite in glad 
 thanksgiving, were now uplifted in anxious supplication. 
 The failing health of their beloved daughter Selina, 
 in the early spring-time of her life, became more 
 and more apparent, while every means of restoration 
 were used, in change of scene and change of air, in 
 vain ! She had, indeed, already begun to number 
 (however unconsciously) those years of long-suffering, 
 
 u
 
 290 ILLNESS OF HIS DAUGHTER. 
 
 yet cheerful patience, which, amidst more or less of 
 mitigation, were to go on, in sunshine and in shower, 
 until she had herself mourned the passing away of all, 
 save one, of those who then sorrowed in sympathy 
 with her. 
 
 About this time her father thus addressed her 
 youngest sister at school : 
 
 "ayton,May 10, 1815. 
 
 " MY DEAR EMMA, As I know you will be anxious 
 to be informed of the state of your dear sister Selina's 
 health, and as I also engaged to write to you on 
 this day, I now sit down with the design both to 
 gratify your wish and also to redeem my own pledge. 
 It would indeed be most grateful, both to you and to 
 me, were it in my power to assure you that a material 
 improvement had taken place, either in her strength or 
 appetite, or that there were any very hopeful indications 
 of returning health ; but at present we are only per- 
 mitted to say that she is not worse than she was when 
 she left Hatcham. However, as the weather is now so 
 fine as to admit of her being much out in the air, and 
 also of her taking exercise, we hope these advantages 
 will be apparent in a short time. Almost every day I 
 drive her in the pony-chaise for about two hours a 
 very gentle pace, so as not to shake her inconveniently, 
 and she seems to enjoy much the scenery around us. 
 The weather is very beautiful, and every circumstance
 
 LETTER. 291 
 
 would conspire to promote our enjoyment, were it not 
 for the pensive feeling occasioned by your sister's 
 illness. However, she is at the disposal of our 
 Heavenly Father, and we hope He will be gracious in 
 hearing our earnest but submissive prayers, and, in due 
 time, restore her the blessing of health, and sanctify 
 the affliction to promote her highest good. You will 
 perceive, my dear Emma, in this, the great uncertainty 
 of health, and even of life itself, in the season of youth, 
 and the unspeakable importance of being prepared for 
 a departure out of this present world, as it may take 
 place, without much previous warning, in the morning 
 of your days. I am in great hopes that our dear 
 Selina has already chosen the better part, and been in- 
 clined to seek first the kingdom of heaven and His 
 righteousness, and that Christ will be her portion and 
 Saviour in this life and in the next. 
 
 " Our relations here are very kind in their solicitude 
 concerning us. On Monday, Mrs. Buck and Mrs. John 
 Corsbie dined with us ; yesterday, our friends from 
 Stan ton, and also Samuel and Robert Buck. To-mor- 
 row, we are to go to Stanton. On Monday, your sister 
 Eliza returned to town with Mrs. Joseph Corsbie ; but, 
 as she proposed to go on Tuesday to see her sister, 
 Mrs. Burder, I suppose you have not yet seen her. 
 " Your affectionate Father." 
 
 u a
 
 292 LETTERS. 
 
 TO HIS SONS. 
 
 "Bayton, June 27, 1815. 
 
 "Mr DEAR SONS, The intelligence which your 
 letters and the papers communicated is indeed of tran- 
 scendent importance, and will, I hope, produce a state 
 of peace and tranquillity in Europe not soon to be dis- 
 turbed. We cannot be sufficiently grateful to that 
 good Providence which presides over the events of the 
 world, for this merciful interposition, and we should 
 hope and pray also that the influences of His Holy 
 Spirit may be so graciously and powerfully diffused 
 among the nations, as to prepare them for that peaceful 
 reign of the Messiah which is the ultimate end of all 
 antecedent dispensations, and will be the distinguish- 
 ing glory of the latter days, on which I am persuaded 
 
 we are now entering 
 
 " Your affectionate Father." 
 
 " July 11, 1815. 
 
 " We have great occasion for thankfulness for the 
 many mercies and comforts which we are favoured 
 with ; yet the dangerous indisposition of our dear 
 Selina, and the general uncertainty of all earthly pos- 
 sessions, should incline us to set our affections on supe- 
 rior objects treasures which are everlasting. May the 
 great and glorious prize of your high calling be the 
 mark at which you continually aim ! 
 
 "Your affectionate Father."
 
 DEATH OF A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW. 293 
 
 The following autumn a more sudden and severe 
 affliction clouded the happiness of the domestic circle, 
 occasioned by the loss of a beloved daughter-in-law, 
 whose introduction into his family in the early part of 
 the year had been an event of much joy. The attrac- 
 tions of a superior and accomplished mind, blended 
 with the loveliness of youth and the graces of Chris- 
 tianity, fitted her to be the life and ornament of the 
 home over which she was about to preside. But at 
 that very time, when new congratulations greeted 
 the birth of an infant son, she was suddenly withdrawn 
 from this scene of earthly happiness to be welcomed to 
 a " mansion " in her "Father's house," "where only 
 there is perpetuity of bliss." The following extract is 
 from a letter addressed by Mr. Hardcastle to Mr. 
 Corsbie on this occasion : 
 
 " The loss we have sustained can only be appre- 
 ciated by those who were intimately acquainted with 
 the uncommon endowments of her mind, and the equal 
 amiableness of her disposition ; and the stroke has 
 been felt with an increased weight, because it was, 
 a little before, so unexpected 
 
 " The closing scene of our dear daughter's life was 
 full of peace and hope. She had a confident reliance 
 on the power and grace of Christ, and took her leave of 
 this world of sorrow with the delightful anticipation
 
 294 RETURN TO HATCHAM. 
 
 of the glorious scenes into which she was about to 
 
 enter 
 
 " We cannot, therefore, mourn on her account, but 
 we are permitted to weep on our own. We shall long 
 retain a pensive recollection of her solid virtues and 
 engaging manners, and cherish the hope of meeting her 
 in a brighter world." 
 
 There was no more return to Bayton after this event. 
 The whole family reunited at Hatcham, and in the midst 
 of those most dear to him the few remaining years of 
 Mr. Hardcastle's devoted life were passed, although the 
 probability of ultimately removing into the country was 
 still contemplated; for Hatcham itself was beginning 
 to change, and was no more "the calm retreat, the 
 silent shade," he had first known it, thirty years before, 
 when, amidst the density of its summer foliage, or in 
 the darkness of the winter night, it had been a task of 
 some adventure for a stranger to reach its kindly 
 portal.
 
 HONOUR and happiness unite 
 To make the Christian name a praise. 
 How fair the scene, how pure the light, 
 That fills the remnant of his days ! 
 
 A kingly character he bears ; 
 
 No change his priestly office knows ; 
 
 Unfading is the crown he wears ; 
 
 His joys shall never reach a close. COWPEB.
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 (Eiwttik. 
 
 THE following extract belongs to an early period in Mr. 
 Hardcastle's life, but in reference to those hallowed 
 occasions when, in company with his wife, he used to 
 receive the Communion with Mr. Townsend's Church 
 at Bermondsey, it is here inserted. 
 
 TO MHS. HARDCASTLE. 
 
 " On Sunday, my dear love, you know I shall be 
 engaged in an employment of pleasing solemnity. I 
 trust my gracious Redeemer, whom I so frequently 
 offend, and of whose fellowship I am so entirely un- 
 worthy, will nevertheless make Himself known to me 
 in the breaking of bread. I hope my heart and views 
 will be elevated, and my affections disentangled from 
 sublunary objects, that I may be more fitted to con- 
 verse with God, with my own heart, and with thee, 
 and to live more as one who possesses Divine direc- 
 tions and heavenly anticipations !
 
 298 LETTER FROM MRS. HARDCASTLE 
 
 " I remain, my dearest friend, yours with ardent 
 affection." 
 
 The next letter was written by Mrs. Hardcastle in 
 the spring of 1803, long after she had chosen the 
 better part ; for at that time, even in the Church of 
 England, an approach to the Lord's Table by no means 
 universally or even generally followed on Confirma- 
 tion, and amongst the orthodox Nonconformists ad- 
 mission to the Holy Communion was only to be 
 obtained upon an open profession of faith by personal 
 examination, or by letter, which often turned back the 
 timid. In this instance the delay was without cause; 
 but the unerring Word remains : " Whosoever shall eat 
 this bread and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily 
 shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But 
 let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that 
 bread and drink of that cup." (1 Cor. xi. 27, 28.) 
 
 FROM MRS. HARDCASTLE TO THE REV. JOHN 
 TOWNSEND. 
 
 " REV. AND DEAR SIR, You are not unacquainted 
 that my thoughts have been for some time past engaged 
 on the subject of uniting with the Church under your 
 pastoral care in the sacred act of commemorating the 
 death of our Saviour at His sacramental table, but 
 I have hitherto been restrained from a sense of the
 
 TO MR. TOWNSEND. 299 
 
 solemnity of the act, and the fear lest my experience 
 has not been such as to entitle me to that privilege. 
 The process by which I trust the Spirit of God has 
 carried on His work in my heart has not been attended 
 with that extreme terror which some have described, yet 
 I feel an increasing conviction in my conscience of my 
 fallen condition, and 'that it is an evil and bitter 
 thing to sin against God/ I perceive the necessity of 
 an atoning sacrifice in order to procure pardon from 
 God and peace for the guilty conscience ; and have 
 been enabled by faith to come to the Lord Jesus Christ, 
 and trust in Him as the Redeemer of my soul. I per- 
 ceive that I am in myself destitute of that righteousness 
 in which it is requisite to appear before the most holy 
 God ; but I desire to rest upon Him who is revealed in 
 the Scripture as ' the Lord our righteousness/ I am 
 also weak and helpless, and find that the principles of 
 the fallen nature are at war with those of the renewed 
 mind, so that I should despair of final victory, were it 
 not that Christ is made to believers ' sanctification and 
 redemption/ I consider myself as having yet made 
 but little progress in the ways of God, and it is with a 
 weak and trembling faith that I can claim an interest 
 in the great Atonement j but yet I do entirely renounce 
 every other ground of dependence, and look to that 
 alone as the refuge of my soul. 
 
 " The recollection that our great High Priest is 
 merciful as well as faithful, and that He invites the
 
 300 LETTER. 
 
 weary and the needy to come to Him for rest and 
 peace, encourages me to desire communion with His 
 people, and more especially with Himself, at His table, 
 in the hope that, whilst I make this public declaration 
 of my attachment to Him, He may also, by His Spirit, 
 assure my soul of its interest in His redemption, and 
 strengthen me for a course of greater devotedness to 
 His service and enjoyment of His presence; and I am 
 desirous to be united with your Church, because the 
 great principles of the Gospel of Christ, which are the 
 substance of your ministry, are conformable, also, to my 
 views of Divine revelation, and because I hope my 
 attendance thereon has been accompanied with the 
 blessing of God, as well as satisfaction to my own 
 mind; and, whilst I shall entreat a continued and 
 increasing blessing on your spiritual labours, I request, 
 also, an interest in your prayers, and those of the 
 Church, that this act, by which I desire to devote 
 myself more publicly to God, may, through Jesus 
 Christ, be acceptable to Him, and that I may be 
 enabled to walk worthy of so high and holy a vocation, 
 waiting for His coming, and trusting in His salvation. 
 
 "ANNE HARDCASTLE." 
 
 The number is daily diminishing of those who recol- 
 lect the deep solemnity with which Mr. Townsend, in 
 his later years especially, administered that sacred feast. 
 It was, perhaps, a part of his ministry as impressive to
 
 COMMUNION AT MR. TOWNSEND's. 301 
 
 those who did not partake of the Lord's Supper as 
 it was strengthening and edifying to the communicants. 
 Very solemn was the scene as he advanced with 
 slow and measured tread, at the close of the afternoon 
 service, to take his place at the Sacramental table. 
 His hoary hair and somewhat bending form betokened 
 that with him, at least, " the time was short." Very 
 touching, too, it was to hearken to the cadence of his 
 mellowed tones as he announced the hymn 
 
 " Why was I made to hear His voice, 
 
 And enter while there's room ; 
 When thousands make a wretched choice, 
 And rather starve than come ? 
 
 " 'Twas the same love that spread the feast 
 
 That kindly forced me in ; 
 
 Or I had still refused to taste, 
 
 And perished in my sin." 
 
 And as the shortening days of autumn gave place 
 to the deeper shades of winter, amidst the gathering 
 gloom, illumined only by the lights around the simple 
 board from which he had been dispensing the emblems 
 of a Saviour's dying love, it was solemn to listen 
 while he told of those who had already left their 
 company, and had sat down with Abraham, Isaac, and 
 Jacob at the marriage supper of the Lamb, and spoke of 
 the uncertainty that some there present would even yet 
 reach the end of the then ending year, far less of that 
 approaching ! At such times he would again raise 
 his voice with the well-known \vords of Dr. Watts
 
 302 RESIGNS THE TREASURERSHIP 
 
 " One army of the living God, 
 To His command we bow ; 
 Part of the host have crossed the flood, 
 And part are crossing now " 
 
 Or gave out the following hymn, with which the service 
 frequently concluded : 
 
 " Give me the wings of faith to rise, 
 
 Within the vail, and see 
 The saints above, how great their joys, 
 How bright their glories be." 
 
 " Once they were mourning here below, 
 
 And wet their couch with tears ; 
 
 They wrestled then, as we do now, 
 
 With sins, and doubts, and fears. 
 
 " I asked them whence their victory came ? 
 
 They, with united breath, 
 Ascribed their conquest to the Lamb, 
 Their triumph to His death. 
 
 " They marked the footsteps that He trod, 
 
 His zeal inspired their breast ; 
 And, following their incarnate God, 
 Possessed the promised rest." 
 
 Mr. Hardcastle's declining strength seemed now to 
 indicate that the time was arrived when he should 
 retire from the active engagements of business, whether 
 of a public or a private nature, and early in the next 
 year he addressed the following letter to the Directors 
 of the Missionary Society, resigning his office as Trea- 
 surer :
 
 OF THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 303 
 
 " MOST RESPECTED FRIENDS, In consequence of 
 advancing years and increasing infirmities, it has be- 
 come desirable that I should soon retire, not only from 
 the engagements of commercial life, but also from the 
 vicinity of the metropolis, to a remoter part of the 
 country, and it is therefore my duty to give you 
 this intimation, that you may have a sufficient interval 
 previously to the General Meeting to fix your attention 
 on some one else whom you may be inclined to recom- 
 mend to fill that honourable station amongst you which 
 I have so long occupied; and it is the more incumbent 
 on me to do this, because I have every reason to con- 
 clude, by experience very frequently repeated, that the 
 partiality with which you have always honoured me 
 would still induce you to continue that appointment in 
 my hands. 
 
 " It has been to me a source of regret that frequent 
 indisposition, and also long absence from town, for the 
 last three years, have prevented me from enjoying the 
 pleasure of your society and assisting in your delibera- 
 tions ; and now the prospect of a more entire separation 
 awakens and fixes indelibly on my grateful recollection 
 the unceasing kindness which 'for the long space of 
 more than twenty years I have received at your hands, 
 without a single instance occurring of an unpleasant 
 nature; and I am persuaded, also, that to the latest 
 hour of my existence on earth it will remain on my part 
 au occasion of peculiar thankfulness to God that I was
 
 304 LETTER. 
 
 permitted to unite with you in laying the foundation of 
 an Institution which appears to be so intimately con- 
 nected with His glory, and which has always been 
 favoured with so many pledges of His approbation, as to 
 suggest and almost warrant the hope that it will here- 
 after appear to have been one of His most efficacious 
 instruments of evangelizing the apostate world, and out 
 of its ruins and desolations preparing some part of the 
 glorious materials of that eternal temple in which He 
 will be immortally adored. 
 
 " I remain, much-respected friends, with unabated 
 respect and affection, yours, 
 
 " JOSEPH HARDCASTLE. 
 
 "Hatcham House, Feb. 7, 1816." 
 
 To the foregoing letter the Directors replied in the 
 following terms : 
 
 " Missionary Rooms, April 8, 1816. 
 "SiR, It was with the most painful feelings of 
 regret that the Directors of the Missionary Society 
 learned from your letter of the 7th of Feb. that by your 
 expected removal from town, they were likely to be 
 deprived of your valuable services as Treasurer of this 
 Institution; an office which from its commencement 
 you have sustained with great advantage and credit to 
 the Society, and with the highest possible reputation to 
 yourself. Extremely unwilling that a relation endeared
 
 LETTER FROM THE DIRECTORS. 305 
 
 to them for so many years by your talents, your temper, 
 and your constant kindness, should be entirely broken 
 off, it was the unanimous wish of the Directors, that 
 although they could not hope any longer to avail them- 
 selves of your active services, they might nevertheless 
 be enabled to retain the sanction of your name, which 
 they are confident has contributed essentially to establish 
 the reputation of the Society almost all over the globe. 
 A Committee was therefore appointed, to consider in 
 what manner the pecuniary concerns of the Society, 
 hitherto conducted by yourself, could be hereafter so 
 managed as to relieve you wholly from the labour and 
 responsibility of the office. The Committee applied 
 themselves to this inquiry with zeal and assiduity, but 
 the Directors are much concerned to find that unex- 
 pected difficulties arose in the arrangements, and that 
 the wished-for object was scarcely attainable. 
 
 "When this report was received by the Board, it 
 appeared to them, though extremely unwilling to admit 
 the persuasion, that they must relinquish their scheme, 
 and that they must be prepared to announce to the 
 Society at large, at their next anniversary, the unwel- 
 come necessity of receiving your lamented resignation. 
 
 " The communication of this measure, Sir, to you, can- 
 not be made without accompanying it with the repeti- 
 tion of our assurances that we shall never cease while 
 we live to feel and to acknowledge the obligations the 
 Society owes to you, Sir, for the attention, the judgment, 
 
 x
 
 306 RETIREMENT. 
 
 and the liberality you have constantly displayed in the 
 management of its important concerns, and to express 
 our ardent desires and prayers that the richest blessings 
 of that glorious Gospel which you have laboured to 
 diffuse among the heathen, may rest upon you in your 
 retirement from public life ; that the Sun of Righteous- 
 ness may gild the evening of your days, and that in a 
 brighter and better world you may enjoy the smiles 
 and plaudits of that Saviour whom you have laboured 
 to serve. Permit us also to implore the same blessings 
 on your beloved and respected family, that they may 
 be sharers in the pleasures and honours of that Gospel 
 which it is our mutual privilege to profess. We are, 
 dear Sir, 
 
 " Your affectionate friends, 
 
 "THE DIRECTORS OF THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY." 
 
 (Signed by twenty-two Directors.) 
 
 From this period Mr. Hardcastle retired from 
 active life. His remaining days, notwithstanding 
 occasional attacks of illness, flowed on calmly and 
 happily, cheered by the presence of his Saviour, 
 and brightened by the blessed hope of approaching 
 rest with Him. 
 
 But his zeal was still unabated, and his heart was 
 often cheered with good news from some far country 
 in which he had been instrumental in planting a 
 Mission. It is to the arrival of such tidings from
 
 LETTER FROM DR. HAWEIS. 307 
 
 Africa that Dr. Haweis alludes in the following letter, 
 written in the eighty-third year of his age : 
 
 TO JOSEPH HARDCASTLE, ESQ. 
 
 " March 8, 1815. 
 
 "MY DEAR, OLD, PRECIOUS, AND LONG-TRIED FRIEND, 
 
 You knew how much joy and thankfulness the 
 contents of your letter would give me, and I am highly 
 obliged to you for the gratification. Feeling our own 
 unworthiness to be employed in so noble and blessed a 
 work, w r e cannot but the more admire and adore the 
 power and grace of Him, who can make the jaw-bone 
 in his hands effectual to accomplish his own adorable 
 purposes. It does seem, indeed, as if ' the set time to 
 remember Ziou was come.' The intelligence from the 
 Cape has raised my heart to high exultation. The 
 finger of God in so diffusive a circle appeared next to 
 miraculous, and the coincidence in the isles of the sea, 
 with like manifestation of the outpouring of *he 
 missionary work, fills me with joy unspeakable. To 
 see the adorable Master's kingdom coming upon earth 
 with such power and glory wakens up in us, after 
 the years of hope deferred, something of the good old 
 Simeon's ciy, 'Now lettest thou thy servant depart 
 in peace.' 
 
 " I hope the tidings will tend to arouse a fresh spirit 
 of prayer and zeal among all the holy brethren. I 
 mean to devote Sunday evening to the communication 
 x 2
 
 308 LETTER FROM DR. HAWEI8. 
 
 of the whole body of missionary intelligence, and to 
 make the hearts of many glad as my own. It will 
 give me great pleasure to be further informed what 
 progress hath been made to reinforce any of our 
 missionary stations, and the names of such as are 
 gone, or about to go, to join in the work and labour 
 everywhere ; and I presume you know I have an express 
 lodgement in my hands for an equipment of the first 
 brethren and sisters destined .for Eimeo or Otaheite. 
 A number of my congregation have offered themselves, 
 whom Mr. Wilkes informed me the Society would not 
 want, as many having been accepted as would fill the 
 Missions at present on the stocks. As they seemed 
 disappointed, I suggested to them an opening which I 
 understood was to be made by Government for a body 
 of settlers to go to Upper Canada ; and I have four- 
 teen or twenty who profess a desire to go, with the 
 hope that their services may be of use to the great 
 cause. If you can furnish me with information on this 
 subject I shall be obliged ; and whether Mr. Smart, at 
 Elizabeth Town in Upper Canada, might not feel his 
 hands much strengthened by a little band of serious- 
 minded men, whose hearts, I hope, are on the Lord's 
 side. The Government, it is said, offers a quantity of 
 land for a settlement, to convey them to the place of 
 destination, and afford them support till their own 
 labours may afford them the fruits of their cultivation. 
 " We receive the kind remembrances of Mrs. Hard-
 
 LETTER FROM DR. HAWEIS. 309 
 
 castle and your dear family with affectionate acknow- 
 ledgment, and can truly say how continually you are 
 in our remembrance and our prayers. You are often 
 the subject of our conversation. I had hoped I might 
 have seen you here. Might not the infirmities of which 
 you complain, find relief from these salutary waters ? 
 you are still at an age to have your strength 
 renewed in your journey. I own I long to see you, 
 and it will be among my chief inducements to come 
 once more to our Missionary Meeting, if my life is 
 preserved, and I feel my strength at all equal to the 
 effort. At eighty-two the springs of life are so much 
 relaxed, that vigorous exertion can hardly be put forth ; 
 and yet, through a very singular dispensation of that 
 good Master who hitherto hath helped me, I am still 
 strong to labour, often less fatigued than I have been 
 twenty years ago ; and my faculties, I am assured, 
 manifesting no perceptible decay, my voice as firm, 
 and my articulation as distinct as formerly ; and what, 
 above all, I have to bless Him for, He does not lr-ave 
 His word without witness as the power of God to the 
 salvation of the hearers. That you are in health better 
 than formerly, inspires hope that you may be more 
 confirmed, and still enabled for the blessed work in 
 which you have been so long and so heartily engaged. 
 You and yours, I know, will rejoice in my mercies. 
 Mrs. Haweis, though subject to frequent indisposition, 
 is, on the whole, certainly strengthened in her general
 
 310 LETTER TO MR. HALDANE. 
 
 habit, and the comfort of my life. The children are 
 everything we could wish or desire, and, we have reason 
 to hope, partakers with us of the grace of God in truth. 
 'Bless the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His 
 benefits/ 
 
 "Present my cordial regards to all my ancient 
 associates, with whom I have spent so many happy 
 hours ; particularly Mr. Rayner, and our tried friends 
 at Camberwell. To Mrs. Hardcastle, Mrs. Burder, 
 and every member of your family, whom I have so 
 often played with, I would maintain a kind remem- 
 brance, and believe me, 
 
 " Affectionately yours, 
 
 " No. 5, Beaufort Buildings, " T. HAWEIS. 
 
 Bath." 
 
 The next year Mr. Hardcastle addressed the follow- 
 ing letter to Mr. Haldane : 
 
 TO ROBERT HALDANE, ESQ. 
 
 " Hatcham House, October 2, 1816. 
 
 " MY DEAR SIR, Your important and very valuable 
 publication on the ' Evidence and authority of Divine 
 Revelation/ was sent to me about a fortnight ago, and 
 I received it with much pleasure as an acceptable token 
 from a friend whom I have not had the satisfaction of 
 seeing for many years, but for whom I have not ceased 
 to retain an affectionate remembrance. 
 
 " But although I felt the obligation due to your
 
 LETTER TO MR. HALDANE. 311 
 
 kindness, yet I thought it best to delay my acknow- 
 ledgments till I had perused the work ; which I have 
 now done, and I can say with sincerity, that it has 
 afforded me very great pleasure, and, I hope, improve- 
 ment also. I regard it as a work of importance, 
 admirably adapted for usefulness; and I hope the 
 blessing of God will accompany its perusal, and fulfil 
 your wish in rendering it the occasion of promoting 
 His glory, the honour of His word, and of that glorious 
 Messiah, to whose person, offices, and salvation, it 
 bears, through all its parts, so full and complete a 
 testimony. With what satisfaction and thankfulness 
 must we contemplate the aspect of the times in which 
 we live, and especially the operations and success of 
 our Bible and Missionary Institutions. I have lately 
 read over the last Report of both Societies, and am 
 induced to think that we are witnessing the effects of 
 a remarkable effusion of the influences of the Holy 
 Spirit, and that we are probably discerning the dawn 
 of that bright day, which is predicted to shed Divine 
 light on all the nations of the earth. An energy 
 seems to pervade the Christian world, unknown for 
 several preceding ages ; and a generation appears 
 springing up, who are likely to follow up with increased 
 zeal the measures of their predecessors. 
 
 " I consider myself as standing on the verge of the 
 eternal world, and the decays of nature frequently 
 admonish me that the time of my departure cannot be
 
 312 ROBERT HALDANE. 
 
 very remote. But I am cheered sometimes with the 
 contrast which the present state of things exhibits, 
 compared with that which existed when I first became 
 connected with society ; and I am thankful to God for 
 the privilege I have enjoyed of associating with so 
 many excellent friends, who have been made instru- 
 mental in producing results so beneficial and so 
 extensive. 
 
 " All my family unite in the desire of being kindly 
 remembered by yourself and Mrs. Haldane, and also 
 by your brother and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Haldane of 
 Edinburgh, whose visits occasionally at our house 
 afforded the greatest pleasure, the recollection of which 
 is cherished in all our minds. 
 
 " Believe me, my dear Sir, 
 
 Respectfully and affectionately, 
 
 "JOSEPH HARDCASTLE." 
 
 Mr. Hardcastle was never again to meet his friend 
 in this world, but his heart was gladdened with 
 the accounts which reached him of the remarkable 
 blessing which attended Mr. Haldane's instructions, 
 both at Geneva and in the south of France ; and when 
 he heard that so many ministers were converted to 
 Christ, and that the pure Gospel once more sounded 
 out from the city of Calvin and the pulpits of Paris, he 
 doubtless remembered with pleasure his own efforts in 
 1802 on behalf of continental Europe, and blessed God
 
 DOMESTIC CHARACTER. 313 
 
 that the prayers of His people had not been offered 
 in vain. 
 
 Before approaching the closing scene of the mortal 
 career of this distinguished Christian, we pause once 
 more to contemplate him in his domestic character. 
 
 Never were public engagements allowed to interfere 
 with those of private life; he felt that his first and 
 most sacred obligations began at home, and that in 
 their right discharge he best fitted himself for greater 
 and more extended labours. In this respect is fulfilled 
 the declaration of our Lord, " He that is faithful in that 
 which is least, is faithful also in much," and the more 
 nearly a disciple presses onwards to perfection, the more 
 strongly will he feel that distant claims, however im- 
 portant, and general objects of benevolence, however 
 ennobling, ought never to jostle or push aside those 
 which are nearer and more personal. 
 
 As a husband, a father, a friend, and a master, 
 he was, in all respects, a bright example. With 
 what care he watched over the studies of his chil- 
 dren, and superintended their general reading, is 
 evident from the usual tenour of bis correspondence, 
 while his whole intercourse with them illustrated the 
 truth of the inspired declaration, that " Wisdom's 
 ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are 
 peace." It was his chief object to teach them to enter- 
 tain a right estimate of the world as viewed in the light 
 of eternity to teach them not to set their hearts upon
 
 314 DOMESTIC CHARACTER. 
 
 its riches and honours, but to " seek first the kingdom 
 of God and His righteousness," and to remember that, 
 while earthly blessings were not to be lightly esteemed, 
 they were, if weighed against spiritual things, "less 
 than nothing, and vanity." The tenderness with which 
 he sympathized in all their joys and sorrows doubly en- 
 deared him to their hearts, while the affectionate care 
 with which he fondly strove to soothe the painful hours 
 of sickness or debility, was strikingly conspicuous, even 
 amidst his own sinking energies, on behalf of that 
 beloved daughter who had been for some years the 
 object of their watchful anxiety. 
 
 " At no time did he seem, either by the cares 
 of the world, or by the continuance of prosperity, 
 to be disinclined to spiritual conversation, or un- 
 fitted for devotional engagements. His heart was 
 always attuned for the exercise of thanksgiving and 
 supplication ; and when in his family he conducted 
 their morning and evening devotions, it was indeed a 
 privilege to surround with him the domestic altar, and 
 to feel the glow of holy affections kindled by the flame 
 of hallowed fervour which pervaded the sacrifice of his 
 lips and his heart." Never has the heart of a hus- 
 band and father been more beautifully exhibited, than 
 on that touching occasion, when his beloved wife and 
 children were standing round his dying bed, he asked if 
 they were all present, and then with pathetic tender- 
 ness exclaimed, " IN THIS LITTLE CIRCLE I HAVE CEN- 
 TRED ALL MY AFFECTIONS."
 
 "MARK THE PERFECT MAN, AND BEHOLD THE UPRIGHT; FOR 
 THE END OF THAT MAN IS PEACE." PS. XXXVII. 37. 
 
 SUN of my soul ! Thou Saviour dear, 
 It is not night if Thou be here : 
 Oh, may no earth-born cloud arise 
 To hide Thee from Thy servant's eyes. 
 
 When the soft dews of kindly sleep 
 My wearied eyelids gently steep, 
 Be my last thought, how sweet to rest 
 For ever on my Saviour's breast. 
 
 Abide with me from morn till eve, 
 For without Thee, I cannot live : 
 Abide with me, when night is nigh, 
 For without Thee, I cannot die.
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 Qe &lm jof pfe, 
 
 IT was in the afternoon of the 1st of November, 
 1817, that Mr. Hardcastle went forth, for the last 
 time, to take his accustomed walk amidst his pleasant 
 grounds to contemplate the setting sun. He had ever 
 loved to observe the varying path of that glorious 
 emblem of the Sun of Righteousness ; and the nearer 
 his own final hour approached, the deeper interest he 
 appeared to take in watching its departing rays. On 
 that evening the sun went down in clouds gilded vith 
 tints of varied splendour; and, while he paused to 
 survey the majestic scene with his youngest daughter 
 and infant grandson, it seemed as though his ardent 
 thought glanced forward to the time when his sun 
 should set, to rise again in cloudless skies and in 
 a brighter world. On the same evening, a few hours 
 afterwards, while kneeling round the family altar, again 
 the summons reached him, as if borne by a swift mes- 
 senger from the mercy-seat, before which he bowed, to
 
 318 LAST ILLNESS. 
 
 tell him that the Master whom he loved, no longer 
 required his service upon earth. He was struck with 
 paralysis, but not deprived of his recollection or speech. 
 While his sons were raising him, with unruffled serenity 
 he calmly said, "I could not pass better than from 
 before the throne of grace to a throne of glory." 
 
 For some days he considered himself as at the very 
 gates of the eternal world ; and with this firm persua- 
 sion he confronted death without dismay, and in the 
 full exercise of an unclouded intellect, although occa- 
 sionally under the pressure of much bodily weakness, 
 spoke of the things which belong to the kingdom 
 of heaven, with an emphasis both of language and 
 manner never to be forgotten. He knew in whom he= 
 had believed, and in the King of terrors he beheld only 
 a vanquished enemy. He looked to the empty tomb of 
 Jesus, and he anticipated with joy the glorious resurrec- 
 tion of the last day. What, then, had he to fear ? 
 
 The following are some of the sentences spoken at 
 intervals in the commencement of his illness, in circum- 
 stances of great weakness, and in the anticipation of 
 speedy dissolution. They were committed to writing 
 at the time, and it was afterwards a subject of much 
 regret that a more ample record was not preserved of 
 the expressions which, during the last months of his 
 life, evinced the peace that reigned in his heart : 
 
 " Lord Jesus, thou hast said, ( He that believeth on 
 me shall never die ; and he that believeth, though he
 
 DYING TESTIMONY. 319 
 
 were dead, yet shall he live.' I believe this I believe 
 I shall never know what death is, but pass into life." 
 
 " Lord Jesus, thou hast said, ' Him that cometh 
 unto me, I will in no wise cast out.' I firmly believe 
 these words I come to thee thou wilt not cast me 
 out." .... 
 
 " Jesus, thy blood and righteousness 
 My beauty are, my glorious dress ; 
 Midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed, 
 With joy shall I lift up my head." 
 
 " My last act of faith I wish to be, to take the 
 blood of Jesus, as the high priest did when he went 
 behind the veil, and when I have passed the veil 
 to appear with it before the throne." 
 
 Addressing his family as they stood around him, he 
 said : 
 
 " Make Christ your friend, my sons and daughters, 
 and you will be happy for ever ; you will be kings and 
 priests to God sit on thrones have, not corruptible 
 crowns ! ' Him that ovcrcometh will I give to sit 
 down with me on my throne.' ;; 
 
 " I wish to extol my Saviour with my last dying 
 breath everlasting life I already feel in my soul." 
 
 " If I die, I die in peace with all men : I have no 
 enemies to forgive. It may be the will of God that 
 I should recover. I wish to be understood that I con- 
 sider life a blessing ; I wish to leave it entirely to Him, 
 to live or die."
 
 320 DYING TESTIMONY. 
 
 " Most gracious God ! I commit my children to 
 thee; and I charge them to walk in thy fear and love. 
 How happy should I be were I permitted to become 
 the guardian-angel of this family." 
 
 " It appears to me, according to my imperfect im- 
 pression of things, that I should not be satisfied with 
 my own salvation, unless every one of my children are 
 saved with me. But when a Christian gets to heaven " 
 Here he paused. 
 
 " No principle can enter into the mind so sublime as 
 the doctrine of the Cross, which, with infinite majesty, 
 speaks peace on earth, in heaven, and throughout the 
 universe. Let every one of my children glory in the 
 cross of salvation it is the power of God to every one 
 that believeth. The power of God ! What feeble 
 ideas do I attach to such expressions ! When I enter 
 heaven, I wish to carry the blood of the Cross as my 
 title to it." 
 
 " My children, Christ is your best friend. Manifest 
 your regard for Him to the world. He died for you 
 His last words were, ' Do this in remembrance of me/ 
 He desired to be remembered avow your attachment 
 be not ashamed of Him He is the ornament and 
 glory of heaven." 
 
 Another time he said : 
 
 " Are all my children here ? In this little circle I 
 have centred all my affections." 
 
 To his Wife. " I thank thee a thousand and
 
 DYING TESTIMONY. 321 
 
 a thousand times for all thy love and kindness. You 
 have been a kind friend to me a helpmeet in all my 
 pilgrimage. I commit you to the care of seven good 
 and tender children : Mr. Burder makes eight. 
 ' Surely goodness and mercy have followed me all 
 the days of my life ; and I shall dwell in the house of 
 the Lord for ever/ I am infinitely indebted for His 
 conduct of me from infancy to the end of my life ; He 
 has brought me into connexion with the excellent 
 of the earth ; He has drawn me with cords of mercy 
 from my earliest days ; He gave me very early impres- 
 sions of religion, and enabled me to devote myself in 
 youth to His service. And this God is my God for 
 ever and ever for ever and ever. I said to Him 
 when a young man, 'Thou shalt guide me with thy 
 counsel, and afterward receive me to glory/ 'Whom 
 have I in heaven but thee ? and there is none upon 
 earth I desire beside thee.' ' 
 
 " Let my death be sanctified to you all, and let it 
 become the means of your spiritual your eternal 
 life." 
 
 " I do not expect to recover : I believe this to be my 
 dying scene. I wish to go in peace, with the precious 
 sense of forgiveness and the Saviour's love." To 
 his Wife " My dear friend, faithful and good friend, 
 I thank thce for all thy kindness and care, and I thank 
 my children for all their kindness to me. It has been 
 my earnest desire to be a good father to them ; it has 
 
 Y
 
 322 DYING TESTIMONY. 
 
 been my earnest wish to promote their interests in 
 time and in eternity ; it has been the subject of many 
 prayers : and I charge it on them to follow Christ, and 
 to follow me as I have followed Him." 
 
 " I hope my departing spirit will be favoured with 
 some intimations of approaching glory ; but I will trust 
 in Him I will trust in Him. In the meantime, I 
 possess a sweet peace, calm and undisturbed ' I will 
 go to God my exceeding joy/ as the Psalmist says. It 
 is an awful thing for a human spirit, deeply depraved 
 as it is, to appear before the tribunal of so mighty 
 a Being. ' He placeth no trust in his servants : the 
 heavens are not clean in his sight/ My sons, I wish 
 you to be decided in your attachment to Christ ; let it 
 be distinct and full. That was a noble resolution of 
 Joshua, ' Whatever others do, as for me and my house, 
 we will serve the Lord/ *' 
 
 " I am now at the end of life, and look back to its 
 commencement. ' Surely, goodness and mercy have 
 followed me all the days of my life/ God has been 
 graciously pleased to preserve me from committing any 
 base sins, and bringing reproach on the Christian 
 name. I have ten thousand sins to repent with all my 
 soul. Notwithstanding I am sensible of my great 
 imperfections, at the same time I am thankful to God ; 
 He has preserved me from dishonourable conduct from 
 unfaithfulness to His cause." 
 
 It being observed by his son-in-law, Mr. H. Burder,
 
 DYING TESTIMONY. 323 
 
 who was present, " You have adorned it," Mr. Hard- 
 castle replied : 
 
 " If I have not adorned it, I am thankful I have not 
 brought reproach upon it. ' Not by works of right- 
 eousness which we have done, but according to his 
 mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, 
 and renewing of the Holy Ghost.' ' Blessed be the God 
 and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which, according 
 to His abundant mercy, hath begotten us again unto a 
 lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the 
 dead/ ' Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's 
 elect ? AVho shall separate us from the love of God ? ' 
 Blessed Lord ! thou hast said, ' Death cannot. I am 
 persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor 
 principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor 
 things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other 
 creature, shall be able to separate us from the love 
 of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord/ ' ; 
 
 " Beware of death-bed repentance ; I could not now 
 exert a volition of the mind." 
 
 " Jesus, my Lord ! comfort my poor soul ; cheer 
 me with thy presence. Thy time is best thou know- 
 est when to turn the key thou art my Saviour. My 
 experience is that of humble hope no triumphs, but 
 an utter renunciation of all self-righteousness. I will 
 trust, and not be afraid." 
 
 " I bless God for all the comforts of my pilgrimage. 
 'His presence is fulness of joy, and at His right hand 
 Y 2
 
 324 DYING TESTIMONY. 
 
 are pleasures for evermore/ I hope I shall realize 
 those pleasures shortly I wish to feel thy blessed pre- 
 sence in my heart. my God, enable me to wait thy 
 time in thy good time dismiss me." 
 
 " I am quite a lost creature in myself: I have no 
 righteousness of my own. I rejoice and hope in Him 
 who sanctifieth the ungodly." 
 
 It was observed that it might yet please God to 
 restore him to health ; to which he replied : 
 
 " If it please God, I shall esteem life a blessing; 
 but if not, I trust He will take me to Himself, which 
 is far better. If I am to live, I shall welcome life, and 
 thank its Giver ; if I am to die, I shall welcome death, 
 and thank its Conqueror. But if I have any choice, it 
 is to die and be with Christ, which is far better." 
 
 The first and second chapters of Ephesians being 
 read, he appeared much interested, and said : 
 
 " You see from that glorious epistle, salvation is all 
 from God: it has its foundation in his electing love. 
 This is very consolatory to me in my present state 
 of extreme weakness. 
 
 " ' A blessed hope of eternal life, which God, who 
 cannot lie, hath promised to all those who believe in 
 Christ Jesus/ Without this hope, I should be of all 
 men most miserable. Blessed Jesus, come to fetch my 
 spirit, it longs to fly out to meet thee." 
 
 Feeling himself much worse, he sent for his family, 
 and then, speaking with great difficulty, said,
 
 DYING TESTIMONY. 325 
 
 " Are you all here ? I believe I am going the way 
 of all the earth. Now I commend you to God, and to 
 the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, 
 and to give you an inheritance among all them which 
 are sanctified. I testify to you, as a dying man, that 
 I have no hope but in Christ ; I hope He will give to 
 me that eternal life which he only can bestow. He 
 says, ' I will give unto my sheep eternal life/ He 
 will give me that eternal life ; and when you see me 
 absent from the body, I believe I shall be present with 
 the Lord. I trust you will all become sincere believers 
 in the Lord Jesus Christ : ' He that believeth in Him 
 shall never die.' I desire with my dying eyes to look 
 to Him, my only Saviour. I trust I shall hope in 
 Him to the end. I wish I had more sensible manifes- 
 tations in my own soul. ' It is a faithful saying, and 
 worthy of my acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into 
 the world to save sinners.' I look to Him for salva- 
 tion, as one of the chief of sinners. Fare you all well, 
 my dear children, I commend you all to your father's 
 God ; He has been a good God to me I believe He 
 has pardoned my sins." 
 
 " I have just finished my course. I hope also I may 
 say I have fought the good fight, I have kept the 
 faith, and that henceforth there is laid up for me a 
 crown of life, which the Lord the Righteous Judge 
 shall give me in that day." 
 
 "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit ! Lord
 
 326 DYING TESTIMONY. 
 
 Jesus, receive my spirit when it leaves the body thou 
 hast redeemed it I have waited for thy salvation : the 
 warfare will soon be accomplished the victory is almost 
 won I shall soon be triumphant ! " 
 
 Such were the habitual feelings with which this 
 dying saint advanced to the margin of the dark flowing 
 river, and such the sentiments he uttered in the imme- 
 diate prospect of eternity. 
 
 At an early period of his illness the following com- 
 munication was addressed to Mr. Townsend : 
 
 "DEAR SIR, My father has desired me to convey 
 to you his wish, that in leading the devotions of the 
 congregation, with whom it has been his pleasure and 
 privilege so frequently to worship, you would remember 
 him according to his present circumstances of great 
 weakness and apparent nearness to the hour of disso- 
 lution. Under circumstances of such deep affliction, it 
 is a source of unspeakable comfort to my dear mother, 
 and all the family, to witness the sweet composure of 
 his mind, his resignation, peace, assurance, and joy in 
 believing. His great desire is to feel more of the presence 
 of the Saviour; to magnify His name, to bear his 
 dying testimony to His faithfulness, and to the truth 
 and supporting power of the doctrines and promises of 
 the Gospel. 
 
 " We join with him in requesting that you would 
 pray that these and every blessing may richly abound 
 through the short period of his continuance with us.
 
 DYING TESTIMONY. 327 
 
 My dear and inestimable father's hopes and consola- 
 tions all centre in Christ. He longs to be with Him 
 to behold His glory, and to be changed into His 
 likeness. Our hopes are more depressed this morning 
 than they have been yet. We believe, indeed, the 
 hour of separation to be very near. God grant that 
 that of reunion may be experienced by each one of us 
 in due time. 
 
 " Your obliged and faithful servant, 
 
 " ALFRED HARDCASTLE." 
 
 Mr. Townsend thus relates some particulars of his 
 visits to Mr. Hardcastle : 
 
 " On my arrival being intimated, I was admitted 
 to an interview. I had a short but interesting conver- 
 sation with him. He pressed my hand in a tender and 
 affectionate manner, and said, 'You are come to see 
 your dying friend. /, however, have not the sentence 
 of death in myself yet ; but Jesus holds the key, and 
 when He pleases I shall go home/ He lamented his 
 inability to speak plainly. I reminded him of the 
 blessing of having one to speak for him ; an advocate 
 with the Father, when his countenance immediately 
 assumed a placid smile, and he said, ' Yes, as the high 
 priest, under the law, went into the holy of holies, so 
 Jesus Christ has entered witli His own blood into the 
 heavens ; and in this there is an efficacy that cannot 
 be resisted.' On my second visit, I found him some-
 
 328 MR. TOWNSEND'S VISITS. 
 
 what better, and remarkably tranquil and patient; 
 indeed he was happy in his mind, but deeply impressed 
 with a sense of his own unworthiness and sinfulness. 
 Speaking of the power of Jesus Christ, he quoted 
 Kev. iii. 7, 'He openeth, and no man shutteth;' 
 adding, ' It is all of grace/ He expressed his desire 
 to experience more of the presence of Jesus Christ, 
 and instantly added, ' He is indeed precious to my 
 soul. The Lord my Saviour reigns above ; I thought 
 I should have been with Him before now/ '' 
 
 " I could not help remarking in his conversation the 
 different manner he discovered when conversing on 
 general topics and those of religion. When speaking of 
 the suddenness of the Princess Charlotte's death, and also 
 of that of the late Mr. O., he talked softly and with great 
 calmness ; but when he spoke of Christ, and of His 
 great salvation, or of the heavenly glory to which he 
 was going, his countenance glowed with animation, his 
 voice was raised, and his tone was more impressive. 
 At the same time he lifted up and stretched out his 
 hand, which seemed to give dignity and weight to the 
 things which he uttered." 
 
 Mr. Townsend afterwards remarks, "Clear as his 
 views were of the way of salvation by Jesus Christ, and 
 rich and powerful as were the consolations he felt in the 
 prospect of obtaining eternal life through that glorious 
 Redeemer, yet there were seasons when his mind was 
 much occupied in close and solemn investigations of the
 
 MR. TOWNSEND'S VISITS. 329 
 
 character of his o\vn Christian profession, and the 
 grounds on which he was venturing to assure himself of 
 eternal glory. In a conversation at one time upon this 
 subject, he^ spoke of the deceitfulness of the human 
 heart, the danger and awfulness of hypocrisy, and 
 expressed such jealousy over himself, lest, after all, he 
 should be wrong, as convinced me that his mind had 
 been closely exercised on that subject, and also that he 
 came out of the conflict with increased satisfaction that 
 all was well between God and his soul, and that he 
 should not be ashamed in the day of Jesus Christ. 
 This jealousy over himself, this anxiety that he might 
 not be deceived with regard to the great question of 
 his real state before God, was by no means incompatible 
 with his high attainments in religion. Indeed, the 
 more confident we are of being the true disciples of 
 Christ, and that He will take us to glory, the more 
 careful we should be in examining whether that confi- 
 dence is built upon a scriptural foundation." 
 
 In corroboration of this statement, Mr. Townsend 
 observes, " Of all the Christians I have known, he was 
 one of the strongest advocates for sanctification and 
 personal holiness, and one of their brightest examples. 
 He not only discovered great tenderness of conscience 
 upon the essential points of practical religion, but he 
 exhibited the utmost care and anxiety to avoid even the 
 least ( appearance of evil/ y ' 
 
 The hour of his departure was not, however, actually
 
 330 SHORT REVIVAL. 
 
 come. After some weeks of confinement, he once more 
 arose from his bed, but never again to use the hand 
 which, in the service of his Master, had so often 
 held "the pen of a ready writer," nor yet to go 
 forth as in the days of health, to meclitate alone, 
 and hold communion with his God. But although 
 these privations must have been painful, to a mind so 
 active as his, yet the impulse of reviving health, and 
 the invigorating breezes of an early and delightful 
 spring, appeared not only to alleviate his sense of weak- 
 ness, but even to impart to his spirits much of their 
 wonted cheerfulness. 
 
 In him might then have been seen realized 
 Gray's beautiful picture of the reviving invalid, 
 exchanging a sick-bed for the enjoyment of restored 
 health : 
 
 The meanest flow'ret of the vale, 
 The simplest note that swells the gale, 
 The common air, the sun, the skies, 
 To him are opening paradise. 
 
 But in Mr. Hardcastle all these feelings were hallowed 
 by associations of a loftier character, and by prospects 
 of more ennobling grandeur. While he once more 
 joyfully welcomed the early blossoms, or gazed on the 
 blue sky, his soul was still stretching upwards to the 
 heaven above, and the tone of his remarks clearly 
 indicated a state of mind, in which spiritual things 
 predominated over temporal. On one occasion, when
 
 SHORT REVIVAL. 331 
 
 just able to be wheeled from his chamber to the 
 window of an adjoining room, he looked out upon 
 the verdant fields, reflecting the brightness of the 
 morning sun, and repeated to his youngest daughter, 
 who stood beside him, 
 
 Sweet fields beyond the swelling flood 
 Stand dress'd in living green ; 
 
 And soon after, 
 
 From Zion's top soft breezes blow, 
 To cheer the humble plants below. 
 
 Like all men of fine susceptibility and cultivated 
 taste, he was an admirer of nature ; and, in his last days, 
 the landscape of creation still continued to be peculiarly 
 the object of his delight. He was constantly drawn 
 through the grounds in his pony-chair, accompanied by 
 one or more of his family, with whom he conversed on 
 every passing topic of interest, and whenever able to 
 bear the fatigue, he took more extended drives in the 
 carriage. At such times he was wont to allude, with 
 evident satisfaction, to the seasons when, in early youth, 
 he had been accustomed, before entering on the engage- 
 ments of the day, to take his rides in the same neigh- 
 bourhood (not then covered with buildings), and amidst 
 the freshness of the " incense-breathing morn/' to enjoy 
 solemn intercourse with the Father of spirits among 
 the leafy lanes and green slopes of the Surrey hills.
 
 332 PUBLIC WORSHIP. 
 
 It is impossible to tell what hallowed influence these 
 sacred communings, on which no mortal eye intruded, 
 diffused over his mind, strengthening him against the 
 temptations of the world, and enabling him to main- 
 tain a " walk with God " so close, a frame so " calm 
 and heavenly," while journeying on the road which 
 conducted him to the land of immortal peace. 
 
 " His attachment," says Dr. Collyer, " to the 
 ordinances of religion was most fervent. The only 
 regret I heard him express during his illness respected 
 the suspension of these privileges; and so long as I 
 live I shall remember, as a motive for mingled humility 
 and gratitude, his declaration to me that he had spent 
 some of his happiest Sabbaths under the roof of that 
 sanctuary in which for years we had mutually wor- 
 shipped." After some months he was again enabled 
 to be present occasionally at public worship ; in reference 
 to which Dr. Collyer beautifully observes in his funeral 
 sermon, " I have often stolen a look from this pulpit to 
 the spot where, at the door of the vestry he was seated, 
 upon a countenance which might well be conceived to 
 belong to the Apostle John so mild, so tranquil, so 
 patriarchal, so full of feeling and affection; and although 
 time and sickness had produced an alteration, it seemed 
 rather like a visage from which all traces of past sorrow 
 had not been wholly effaced, than that of a present 
 sufferer." 
 
 These* closing months of his sojourn on earth can,
 
 LAST MONTHS. 333 
 
 indeed, hardly be described as those of " trouble and 
 sorrow." His sufferings were never acute, and the rich 
 consolations of the Gospel were poured so abundantly 
 into his heart, as to render him, even in the weakness 
 of dissolving nature, more than a conqueror. He spent 
 much of his time in reading the Word of God, which 
 he seemed to study with a yet deeper reverence. Howe's 
 " Blessedness of the Righteous," and " Owen on the 
 Glory of Christ," were two books from which he 
 derived much pleasure. Into the views of these 
 illustrious divines he entered with exquisite delight, 
 and he conversed on the glory and perpetuity of the 
 happiness prepared for the people of God " with a clear- 
 ness of intellect, an elevation of feeling, and an ardour 
 of desire not often equalled." 
 
 The power of motion was no more regained ; but it 
 had been given to him, not only " to believe on the name 
 of the Lord Jesus," but submissively to "suffer" 
 according to His will. Once, on being carried through 
 the hall to the steps, at the bottom of which the 
 garden chair was waiting, turning towards a young 
 friend who stood beside his daughter, he touchingly 
 contrasted his present state with his future prospect, 
 and the bright crown which, he said, " He will give 
 me in that day." His words are still remembered 
 by another friend, to whose inquiry for his health 
 (" bowing his beautiful head "), he replied, Paul said, 
 " For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it
 
 334 LAST WEEKS. 
 
 might depart from me; and He said unto me, My 
 grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made 
 perfect in weakness." 
 
 He spent at Eastbourne the autumn of 1818, and 
 returned home somewhat refreshed and invigorated. 
 After Christmas, though he still continued to enjoy 
 many hours in the open air, a gradual diminution of 
 strength, followed by sore throat and a tendency to 
 gout, announced the arrival of the last conflict. But 
 his faith never wavered, and his confidence in God never 
 faltered. 
 
 " The last visit," says Mr. Townsend, " in which he 
 was able to hold any conversation with me, he told me 
 how frequently he had been comforted by reading Dr. 
 Watts's Seventy-first Psalm, 'God of my childhood and my 
 youth/ He quoted with much animation that verse, 
 
 " ' Wilt thou forsake my hoary hairs, 
 
 And leave my fainting heart ? 
 Who shall sustain my sinking years, 
 If God my strength depart ?' 
 
 " He endeavoured to repeat the last two verses, begin- 
 ning with, 
 
 " ' By long experience have I known,' 
 
 but his strength failing, the book was brought, and the 
 hymn was read to him, so admirably suited to a Chris- 
 tian who is dying in the hope of a blessed and joyful 
 resurrection :
 
 LAST DAYS. 
 
 335 
 
 " ' God of my childhood and my youth, 
 
 The Guide of all my days, 
 I have declared thy heav'nly truth, 
 And told thy wond'rous ways. 
 
 " ' AVilt thou forsake my hoary hairs, 
 
 And leave my fainting heart, 
 "Who shall sustain my sinking years, 
 If God my strength depart ! 
 
 " ' Let me thy truth and power proclaim 
 
 To the surviving age, 
 And leave a savour of thy name 
 When I shall quit the stage. 
 
 " ' By long experience have I known 
 
 Thy sov'reign power to save ; 
 At thy command I venture down 
 Securely to the grave.' 
 
 " He now desired me to go to prayer with him, and 
 to remember him in my best moments; and added, 
 ' If I see you no more in this world, I hope to meet 
 you in heaven; and I hope the Lord will bless you 
 and your family, and continue to make you a blessing 
 to others/ " 
 
 He was not called to endure any protracted 
 suffering, but at mid-day, on the 3rd of March, 1819, 
 he rested from all his labours, exchanging the gar- 
 ments of mortality, for the glorious robes of Christ's 
 everlasting righteousness ! 
 
 Till within a short period before his dissolution, his 
 mind during his waking moments was vigorous and
 
 336 HIS END PEACE. 
 
 unclouded. Almost his last audible utterance was 
 when he said, as if aroused from slumber, " I wish to 
 go home," and " LET THESE GOOD MEN COME IN," 
 expressions only to be remembered in so far as they 
 indicated the character of the imagery which rose 
 before him in the article of death. 
 
 The dying words of this world's heroes and great 
 men have always been watched with eagerness, and 
 recorded with interest. Napoleon's tete d'armee 
 showed that his parting spirit was hovering over 
 " the pomp and circumstance of war," or, it may be, 
 over battle-fields red with carnage over broken dreams 
 of fallen ambition and long-lost power. In like 
 manner, illustrious kings, statesmen, judges, poets, 
 and orators, have often proved, amidst the frailty of 
 expiring nature, how " the ruling passion " may be 
 "strong in death." If such indications be observed 
 with interest, how much more delightful is it to find 
 the dying Christian involuntarily occupied with scenes 
 and recollections, which evince what were the bent of 
 his affections, and what the prospects that engaged his 
 heart. Mr. Hardcastle had devoted his best energies 
 to promote the glory of Christ's kingdom; and had 
 blessed God, that he had been brought into connexion 
 with " the excellent of the arth." The same thoughts 
 and anticipations seem to have gilded his dying couch, 
 just as his happy spirit was passing from the chamber 
 of sickness, and the bed of death, " unto the general
 
 CHARACTER. 337 
 
 assembly and church of the first-born, whose names 
 are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and 
 to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus 
 the Mediator of the new covenant." 
 
 Such was the life, and such the death, of JOSEPH 
 HARDCASTLE ! The narrative is enlivened by no re- 
 markable incident, by no very striking contrasts, and 
 by little that is calculated to minister to the love of 
 novelty. But it is the history of one who was enriched 
 with many excellent gifts, who lived during an import- 
 ant crisis of the Church, and occupied a position which 
 no man could have filled so well without the sustain- 
 ing power of Divine grace. He was pre-eminently 
 a man of God ; and this was the foundation on which 
 were rested all his other claims to distinction. In him 
 was embodied the living portraiture of a Christian gentle- 
 man, of one favoured by Providence with many natural 
 
 * 
 
 and external advantages, but still more favoured with the 
 rich gifts of grace. From the grand doctrines of revealed 
 truth he was never permitted to swerve. To the seduc- 
 tions of novelty, and the enticements of a spurious liber- 
 ality, he equally opposed the steady consistency of an 
 experienced disciple. But while he stood with uncom- 
 promising firmness to "the faith once delivered to 
 the saints," he ever laboured to unite together true 
 fellow-worshippers of every name and every communion. 
 lie reckoned it their duty to prove to the world, that
 
 338 FUNERAL SERMON. 
 
 the constraining love of Christ was a bond more potent 
 to unite, than all lesser points of difference, in the 
 hand of Satan, to divide. His comprehensive views 
 were ever directed to the great aim of advancing the 
 Redeemer's kingdom. Actuated by such motives, 
 his life presented a striking picture of the force 
 of Gospel principles, operating on a vigorous intel- 
 lect, and recommended by the ornament of a per- 
 sonal address and a courtesy in manner, which could 
 not fail to captivate. In his family and domestic 
 circle, the dignity of the Christian was blended with 
 the affectionate tenderness of the husband, the father, 
 and the friend. Had it been possible for all disciples 
 to be cast in the same happy mould, doubtless many 
 divisions in the Church of Christ would have been 
 avoided, and greater union would have been visible to 
 the world. But God's ways are not as our ways, or 
 His thoughts as our thoughts. He knows best what 
 will promote His own glory, and suffers the infirmities 
 of His people for purposes which will one day prove, 
 before an assembled universe, that "the foolishness of 
 God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God 
 stronger than men." 
 
 In a funeral sermon, preached before the Missionary 
 Society, Dr. Bogue selected as his text the words, 
 " Devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made 
 great lamentation over him." And assuredly the burial
 
 FUNERAL. 339 
 
 of this eminent Christian was attended with every 
 demonstration of reverence for his character, and 
 sorrow for his removal. 
 
 His last earthly resting-place is in Bunhill Fields, an 
 ancient cemetery, hallowed by the dust of Goodwin, 
 Owen, Howe, Bunyan, Baxter, Bates, and Henry, 
 besides a cloud of other witnesses to the truth and 
 faithfulness of a covenant God. 
 
 The text selected by Dr. Collyer for the sermon he 
 preached the following LordVday was in itself a 
 beautiful tribute to the memory of his departed 
 friend, " Moses my servant is dead." (Joshua i. 2.) 
 
 By the Directors of the Missionary and various 
 other religious Institutions, and it may be added by 
 the Christian community at large, " his memory/' in 
 the language of Dr. Bogue, " was embalmed with the 
 precious perfumes of respect and affection." 
 
 The following notice appeared in the " Evangelical 
 Magazine," for April, 1819 : 
 
 " The numerous members and friends of the London 
 Missionary Society will learn, with the same unfeigned 
 grief, with which we announce, the removal from our 
 world of that most distinguished friend and ornament 
 of the Institution, Joseph Hardcastle, Esq., for many 
 years the faithful and active treasurer, the warm 
 patron, the wise counsellor, and the generous bene- 
 factor of the Society. He departed this life, after a 
 long illness, at his residence, Hatcham House, on 
 z 2
 
 340 FUNERAL. 
 
 the 3rd of March, 1819, in the sixty-seventh year of 
 his age. 
 
 " His remains were conveyed to the tomb in Bunhill 
 Fields, on Friday the 12th, with every mark of respect 
 and veneration. The Rev. John Townsend delivered 
 the funeral address at the grave, and the Rev. Dr. 
 Collyer concluded the solemn service by prayer. The 
 pall was supported by the Rev. Messrs. Rowland Hill, 
 Burder, Wilks, Collison, Dr. Waugh, and "W. A. Hankey, 
 Esq. Funeral sermons were delivered on the following 
 Sabbath, in the morning by Dr. Collyer, at Hanover 
 Chapel, Peckham ; in the afternoon by the Rev. John 
 Townsend, at Bennondsey ; in the evening by the Rev. 
 Rowland Hill, at Surrey Chapel. Several other ministers 
 also referred to the mournful event, in their sermons on 
 that day. The Directors of the Missionary Society, 
 feeling it to be their indispensable duty to bear a 
 public testimony of respect to the memory of this 
 invaluable man, resolved, at a Meeting on the 8th of 
 March, that a funeral service should be holden, with 
 permission of the Rev. Rowland Hill, at Surrey Chapel, 
 on the 18th, which accordingly took place. The pulpit 
 and desks were hung with mourning. An excellent 
 sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Bogue, from 
 Acts viii. 2. The Rev. Dr. Waugh prayed before the 
 sermon, and the Rev. Rowland Hill at the conclusion 
 of the service. The attendance of a great number of 
 ministers (about fifty), and of a large and most respect-
 
 TRIBUTE TO HIS MEMORY. 341 
 
 able congregation, afforded an unequivocal proof of the 
 high and just estimation in which this good man was 
 held." Evangelical Magazine. 
 
 From the London " Christian Instructor," for April, 
 1819 : 
 
 "DEATH OF JOSEPH HARDCASTLE, ESQ. This 
 excellent individual, well known to the religious public 
 for so many years as the Treasurer of the Missionary 
 Society, and to the world at large as the friend and 
 patron of every pious and benevolent undertaking, has 
 been removed to that higher state of being, for which 
 he has been so long ripening. It would seem officious 
 in us to attempt to pronounce his eulogy, as that will 
 doubtless be done by those who have been best ac- 
 quainted with his exertions and manner of life. Yet 
 we cannot record the painful event without paying the 
 just tribute of honour to the memory of a man who, 
 for respectability of character, suavity and gentleness of 
 disposition, uniform and universal consistency, and 
 genuine Christian benevolence, is worthy of being 
 associated in the records of Christian biography with 
 names of the first and highest order." 
 
 Dr. Bennett thus sums up his description of Mr. 
 Ilardcastle : 
 
 " But any attempt to enumerate his generous ser- 
 vices to the Missionary and other kindred Institutions, 
 would do more injury than justice to his memory; for
 
 342 TRIBUTE TO HIS MEMORY. 
 
 it would leave the greater part untold. The superiority 
 of his intellect, the ardour of his piety, the sweetness of 
 his disposition, and his gentlemanly deportment, gave 
 him a happy influence over a Society composed of 
 various, and, as some would say, discordant elements, 
 which were as yet but being gathered and formed into 
 a system ; while his high reputation with the Govern- 
 ment, and with the commercial and financial world, 
 enabled him to lay the foundation of that secular 
 confidence, which is so necessary to be reposed in an 
 Institution that supports numerous agents in all 
 quarters of the globe." 
 
 The following is an extract from one of the latest 
 letters written by the Rev. J. M. Mason, of New York, 
 addressed to his son-in-law, the Rev. J. Van Vechten, 
 on the birth of a child, with this request to his 
 daughter : 
 
 " 1824. 
 
 " For years I have resolved, if the Lord should give 
 me opportunity, to transplant the name of that saint of 
 his into my family Joseph Hardcastle ! I rejoice 
 that the opportunity has come at last, and I hope I 
 may not be too late in my application. Let Joseph 
 Hardcastle then be his name of nobility, no name do 
 I more honour on earth, and may his graces go with it. 
 No fairer name can she find among the sons of men. 
 It will be a cm n of permanent glory to her son on
 
 DEATH OF MRS. HARDCASTLE. 343 
 
 earth, in exact proportion as he is enabled to follow the 
 example of him whose name he is to bear/* 
 
 Mrs. Hardcastle departed on the Lord's-day, July 
 1st, 1827, to rejoin her kindred spirit in the presence 
 of God. The light of the Divine countenance had 
 shone on her path through life, and been her crowning 
 joy ; diffusing its hallowed and benign influence over her 
 whole character and converse, as was beautifully said by 
 Dr. Waugh, who pronounced an address at her burial ; 
 and as the favour of the Lord had gladdened her heart 
 in the sunshine of earthly happiness, so it illuminated 
 her passage to the tomb, with " the sure and certain 
 hope of a glorious resurrection." 
 
 On this mournful event the late J. A. Haldane thus 
 wrote to her son-in-law : 
 
 "Edinburgh, July 13, 1827. 
 
 "Mv DEAREST ALEXANDER, Since receiving your 
 letter containing the very pleasing, although melancholy 
 account of Mrs. Hardcastle's death, I have written to 
 
 Emma and to Sclina Her removal will 
 
 make a great blank, but I trust it will be much sancti- 
 fied to all her family I trust everything 
 
 you meet with leads you nearer to God. We must all 
 of us feel the truth of the Word of God ' Vanity of 
 vanities/ and the various dispensations of God's 
 providence are intended to impress it on our hearts.
 
 344 DEATH OF MRS. HARDCASTLE. 
 
 Believers only have a sure and solid resting-place. 
 They are citizens of that city which hath foundations 
 which is stable as the throne "of God, and when they 
 obtain the freedom of this city, they become strangers 
 and pilgrims on earth. The men of the world have 
 their portion in this life. Alas ! for them. It is a 
 poor portion whether they enjoy it in a palace or a 
 jottage. 
 
 "It is a beautiful remark of Leighton's that the 
 Apostle contrasts the dispersion of believers in this 
 world with their election in heaven. They are spiritu- 
 ally alienated from the world and interested in the 
 New Jerusalem. Let us, my dearest Alexander, highly 
 prize our privileges. Let us live to God. The night 
 is far spent, the day is at hand ; and the nearer we 
 approach to the full enjoyment of blessedness, the more 
 may we feel the attraction of Him whom our soul 
 loveth. Many years ago I read of a mountain of 
 loadstone. Ships at a great distance felt its attraction. 
 At first their approach to it was hardly perceptible. 
 There was a declining from the course hardly noticeable, 
 and it excited little apprehension. But the attraction 
 gradually became stronger, and the ship was irresistibly 
 impelled with increased velocity. At last it drew all 
 the nails and iron work to itself, and the ship fell to 
 pieces. The path of the just is as the shining light. 
 When first the believer feels the influence of the love of 
 Christ, it is like a mustard seed ; but it increases and
 
 DEATH OF MRS. HARDCASTLE. 345 
 
 he is constrained by its influence, pressing more and 
 more fervently after the full enjoyment of Him. At 
 last the spirit can no more be kept at a distance from 
 Him whom it loves ; it flies to his embraces, and the 
 body is dissolved. 
 
 " Your affectionate Father, 
 
 "J. A. HALDANE. 
 " Alexander Haldane, Esq." 
 
 A sermon preached at Hanover Chapel, Peckham, 
 Sunday, July 15, 1827, by the Rev. W. B. Collyer, 
 from Rev. xxii. 1 5, thus concludes: 
 
 " I ask what passage I could have chosen with 
 greater fitness and propriety for a funeral sermon upon 
 her who was a help-meet to that distinguished servant 
 of God, whose heart was set upon the spread of the 
 Gospel, and whose talents and they were of no ordinary 
 kind and whose prayers, and whose labours were all 
 devoted to the last moment of his life, to the 
 furtherance of this great object, to the direction as 
 far as it is given to human instrumentality to direct 
 them to the direction of the 'streams of this river of 
 life, over a desert and uncultivated earth; and who 
 found at home, on every occasion, the smile of appro- 
 bation and of cordial co-operation. It is in connexion 
 with such a passage as this that I could call on such 
 mourners as are this morning here assembled, and
 
 346 FUNERAL SERMON BY DR. COLLYER. 
 
 under such a loss to dry their tears, and say to them, 
 ' Let not your heart be troubled/ .... 
 
 " As a wife, as a mother, as a Church member, as a 
 friend, as a cordial supporter of the Gospel of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ in all these bearings how much might 
 be said, and how much more must be felt. But it was 
 in connexion with her personal character as a Christian 
 that I am anxious to engage your attention. Great 
 simplicity entered into all her views of Christianity. 
 She loved to hear the Gospel plainly preached. She 
 looked nakedly at it as it is presented in this volume. 
 Indeed, 'looking unto Jesus' might have been her 
 motto, as it was claimed by the Apostle, for it was the 
 habitual act of her mind in life and in death. She 
 perceived Him in the midst of all her engagements, and 
 enjoyed Him in the midst of all her possessions. In 
 the midst of all her sufferings her spirit was unfettered; 
 and while the body was languishing on the couch 
 of death, her affections had already taken their flight 
 to the throne of God. And, oh ! what a meeting has 
 there been ! never again, never again to be broken up 
 between him who went before, and her who has 
 followed at the distance of eight years. ' They were 
 lovely and pleasant in their lives/ and in her ' death 
 they are no more divided/ "
 
 Oue family wo dwell in Him, 
 One Church above, beneath, 
 
 Though now divided by the stream, 
 The narrow stream of death. 
 
 One army of the living God, 
 
 To His command we bow, 
 Part of the host have crossed the flood, 
 
 And part are crossing now. 
 
 O, Jesus, be our constant Guide, 
 Then, when the word is given, 
 
 Bid Jordan's narrow stream divide, 
 And land us safe in heaven !
 
 Conclusion; 
 
 THIS imperfect sketch of the life and death of 
 Joseph Hardcastle has been prepared for his 
 children's children. Of his five sons two died in 
 infancy, and three lived to attain manhood. In 1827 
 his two eldest daughters, Mrs. Burder and Mrs. 
 Arnould, fell asleep in Jesus, within a few weeks of 
 each other, and within three months of their beloved 
 mother's departure. Mrs. Burder had been long 
 in declining health j Mrs. Arnould died six w^eks 
 after the birth of her daughter, now married to the 
 Rev. Henry Olivier, of Colchester. Nathaniel, the 
 youngest son, was next called away. He had resided 
 for several years in Berkshire, beloved as a friend, and 
 respected as a magistrate. He died in the forty-fourth 
 year of his age, after a short illness, at Tunbridge 
 Wells, the 21st of April, 1838, commending his 
 beloved wife and children to the God of his father.
 
 350 CONCLUSION. 
 
 Alfred, the second son, bore a very close resemblance 
 to his father, both in person and in character. From 
 his earliest years he was " a wise son," making 
 glad the heart of his father ; and 'his mother's dying 
 testimony was, that he "had always given her the 
 greatest joy, and had never caused her one sorrow." 
 He was most deeply beloved and honoured by all 
 who knew him well ; and low could hold even passing 
 intercourse with him without retaining a lasting im- 
 pression. 
 
 Of his life, it is enough to say that " he walked 
 with God ; " and of his death, it is hardly too much 
 to add, that "he was not, for God took him." So 
 abounding was the grace granted to him at that 
 last hour, " This is not dying, it is going up into 
 heaven," was the exclamation of that brother who 
 was so soon to follow him. 
 
 He died, March 7th, 1842, in his fifty-first year, 
 after a few days' illness. The summons was sudden 
 and unexpected, for he had thought himself recovering ; 
 but he had lived in habitual "preparedness for death, and 
 he knew in whom he had believed." There was nothing 
 in the first symptoms of the attack to excite alarm ; 
 yet on the same evening he spoke of the impossibility of 
 foreseeing the result of any illness, and added, " I am 
 in the Lord's hands, and I desire to leave myself entirely 
 at His disposal. I am surrounded with every comfort,
 
 CONCLUSION. 351 
 
 I have every wish gratified ; and, if I had it in my 
 choice, I would not have one circumstance altered." 
 
 On Thursday, the day after, which was the anniver- 
 sary of his father's departure for heaven, he was 
 much occupied in retracing the recollections of that 
 solemn time. " It is," he said, " twenty-three years 
 this day since the spirit of my father took its flight 
 in this room and from this bed ! " 
 
 The record of his last words, taken down at the 
 time, and preserved in manuscript, is of too sacred 
 and of too private a nature, to be printed at large ; 
 but a few sentences are given here, that it may be 
 seen in whom alone his confidence was placed, and 
 that one more voice may be added to the united 
 testimony of all His people " Faithful is He that 
 promised ; " " Blessed are all they that put their 
 trust in Him." 
 
 Having been told by his physician that he had 
 but a few hours of life, he was heard to say : 
 
 " Jesus Christ, Redeemer of the world, I have just 
 learnt that in a very short period I must appear before 
 Thee. The time is short ; but Thou wilt not forget 
 how suddenly the event occurs. Merciful Saviour, I 
 have nothing on which I can for a moment depend but 
 Thyself. Oh Thou who delightest in mercy, have 
 mercy upon me ! Blessed Saviour, lay 
 
 underneath me thine everlasting arms. Do Thou 
 comfort me. Fix my confidence. Give me sweet
 
 352 CONCLUSION. 
 
 feelings of Thy love to me. My name is written in Thy 
 Book of Life. Take now this poor, guilty soul to joy, 
 and perfection and purity. Amen and amen ! " 
 
 After dictating a few directions, he prayed again 
 for " the dearly beloved and inestimable companion of 
 his life," for each of his children, and for all the 
 other members of the family, saying, " I have a well- 
 grounded hope that they will not be separated from 
 me, but meet me at Thy right hand. 
 
 " Lord Jesus be with me now. I pass through the 
 valley : Thou wilt not leave me. I take you all to 
 record, that I enter the invisible world trusting only 
 in the righteousness of Jesus Christ ; every other con- 
 fidence is without foundation, and will be found utterly 
 vain and fallacious at the last. 
 
 " Those golden gates are about to open to admit me 
 into the celestial city, which have so often opened to 
 give entrance to other members of my family. I shall 
 soon hear celestial harmony. 
 
 "And now, blessed Saviour, in Thy sight, I call 
 all here present to bear witness that I hold no ground 
 of hope, nor shadow of it, for salvation, but only the 
 merit and blood-shedding of Jesus Christ. 
 
 " Lord Jesus, I come to Thee. May all now 
 gathered round me here meet me there ! " 
 
 And when he had said this he fell asleep. 
 
 Scarcely had the disembodied spirit winged its
 
 CONCLUSION. 353 
 
 glorious flight into the presence of God and of the Lamb, 
 
 when a2:ain the anjrel of death was commissioned to 
 
 o o 
 
 visit the house of mourning, and the eldest and only 
 surviving brother was called to follow. From their 
 earliest years they had walked together in unity ; the 
 lapse of time had only cemented their mutual love ; 
 and the sudden blow which severed them on earth 
 proved too much for the survivor, who had been for 
 some time affected with a chronic disorder of the heart. 
 Within a few hours afterwards the pressure of feelings, 
 too big for utterance, brought on a difficulty of breathing, 
 the first paroxysm of which threatened the extinction 
 of life. On partially recovering from this attack, Mr. 
 Hardcastle said to a faithful attendant, who had lived 
 from childhood in the family, "Remember, if I die, 
 all my trust is in the Lord Jesus Christ." The 
 immediate danger was removed through the prompt 
 remedies applied by his medical adviser, Dr. Conquest; 
 but all his skill, assisted by consultations with 
 other physicians, was unable to do more than 
 retard the hour of dissolution. At different periods 
 of his illness he again and again declared that "his 
 whole reliance was placed on the only and all-sufficient 
 Saviour." On one occasion he said to a beloved sister, 
 "It is a solemn thing to die; but, as far as I can 
 .search my own soul, I put my whole trust and confi- 
 dence in Christ, and Him alone. I believe in Him as 
 my Redeemer, my sanctification, and my salvation." 
 A A
 
 354 CONCLUSION. 
 
 On the last day of his pilgrimage the sixty-third 
 chapter of Isaiah was read to him, and he seemed 
 to feel with peculiar force the words, " I that speak 
 in righteousness, mighty to save ; " and at the verse, 
 "In all their afflictions He was afflicted," he said, 
 " Yes, and He is a Friend that ' sticketh closer than a 
 brother.' " 
 
 Many texts of Scripture were spoken to him to 
 which he softly uttered the words, " Precious 
 promises " ! 
 
 When he awoke the last time, soon after midnight, 
 he appeared to be offering up a prayer, in which he 
 commended the family to God, asking that " the bless- 
 ing of Christ might attend them all their journey 
 through." Upon this his sister's husband repeated 
 texts, to each of which he distinctly responded. On 
 its being said, " I believe the Everlasting Arms are 
 around you, and underneath you ; " he replied, with a 
 tone and emphasis never to be forgotten, " They 
 are ! " and added, " I find Him to be a very present 
 God in time of trouble." The words of a dying minis- 
 ter of Christ were mentioned to him : " Christ in the 
 love of His heart, Christ in the power of His arm, is 
 the rock on which I rest." He emphatically assented. 
 He also twice pronounced the words "mighty to 
 save ! mighty to save ! " In reply to the remark that* 
 it would be a glorious day when all His people are 
 gathered round the marriage supper of the Lamb with
 
 CONCLUSION 1 . 355 
 
 Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all whom we have 
 loved on earth, and who have gone before, he said, 
 " A most glorious day ; " and again, " that will be a 
 grand day ; " and once more declared that, " all his 
 trust was in the God of his Father," " on the Lord 
 Jesus Christ, and that he had no other hope 
 whatever." 
 
 But a short space remained, his sorrowing relatives 
 listened to the gentle breathing till it ceased. They 
 just heard the silver cord loosed, and the golden bowl 
 break at the fountain. But they heard not the voice 
 that proclaimed unto him, "Thy warfare is accom- 
 plished," when he was called from earth to mingle 
 with the countless multitudes, who cast their crowns 
 before the throne, and join in the song of Moses and 
 the Lamb. But they thought of the empty sepulchre 
 of Jesus, and beheld it like the ark standing in the 
 passage of Jordan, arresting the waters as the hosts of 
 Israel crossed to take possession of the promised land. 
 In the resurrection of their Lord they had a pledge of 
 the resurrection of their beloved brother, of which 
 a beautiful emblem appeared, when in passing from the 
 darkened chamber of death, the glorious beams of the 
 rising sun, clothing the east in splendour, seemed in 
 the dreariness of desolation and of grief, to proclaim as 
 with a voice from heaven, " So ALSO is THE RESUR- 
 RECTION OF THE DEAD." 
 
 The following letter was addressed by Mr. J. A.
 
 356 CONCLUSION. 
 
 Haldane to one of his grandchildren, now Mrs. 
 Corsbie : 
 
 " MY DEAREST ANNIE, The scene you witnessed in 
 your uncle Alfred's departure was, indeed, very striking 
 and much calculated to confirm your faith. The Lord 
 there showed you the extent of the triumph which He 
 has achieved in behalf of His people, not by averting 
 the stroke of death, not by preventing the return of 
 the spirit to Him who gave it, but by transforming the 
 last enemy into a messenger of peace, and making the 
 grave the portal of immortality. When Jesus had 
 finished the work which He had undertaken, He dis- 
 missed His spirit. He died, was buried, and rose again, 
 and He in this, as in other things, is the pattern of 
 His people. . . . It is a beautiful passage in the 
 book of Job, where he inquires, ( If a man die, shall he 
 live again ? ' Certainly. And hence he adds, ' All 
 the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my 
 change come/ This is not the change produced by the 
 separation of the soul and body ; it is the change of 
 this mortal body for the spiritual and incorruptible 
 body. This is evident from what follows : ' Thou wilt 
 call, and I will answer thee ; thou wilt have respect 
 to the work of thine hands: thou turnest man to 
 destruction, and sayest, Come again, ye children of 
 men.' Our bodies, so fearfully and so wonderfully 
 made, are broken in pieces like a potter's vessel; but in
 
 CONCLUSION. 357 
 
 that clay God will have respect to the work of His 
 hands. He had reduced it to his original dust, but it 
 had been redeemed by the blood of Jesus ; it had been 
 the habitation of God through the Spirit, and shall 
 therefore be reconstructed in a form from which every 
 seed of weakness, corruption, and mortality, shall be 
 removed. And how is it calculated to confirm our 
 faith, to witness one of Christ's blood-bought sheep 
 amidst the swellings of Jordan, delivering himself up 
 with calmness and composure into the hands of the 
 king of terrors, and confidently anticipating the day 
 when Satan shall be bruised under his feet, when death 
 shall be swallowed up in victory. Such was the scene 
 you were so lately called to witness, and I trust you 
 
 have derived much benefit from it May 
 
 the Lord himself bless you ! " 
 
 To his daughter-in-law, Mr. Haldane wrote as 
 follows : 
 
 " Edinburgh, March 21, 1842. 
 
 " MY DEAREST EMMA, Most sincerely do I sym- 
 pathize with you on the removal of your two brothers. 
 We were in hopes that the crisis in regard to Joseph 
 was over, but this morning we received the melancholy 
 account of his having followed Alfred. It is exceed- 
 ingly affecting ; but we must say, ' I was dumb ; I 
 opened not my mouth, because Thou didst it/ Shall 
 we receive good at the hands of God, and not evil ?
 
 358 CONCLUSION. 
 
 Yet it is not evil. Both your brothers have been 
 removed from this vale of tears, and both departed in 
 the faith of Jesus. They had hope in their death, and 
 could look beyond the darkness of the tomb into that 
 world of light which is illuminated by the beams of the 
 Sun of Righteousness 
 
 " Then, in how different a light shall we regard the 
 sorrows of life ! We shall look back upon all the way 
 in which the Lord hath led us, and shall see that good- 
 ness and mercy have followed us all the days of our 
 life; that all things are ours; that every dispensation 
 of Providence, however afflictive, was a stream from the 
 inexhaustible fountain of everlasting love; and that 
 everything which befell us in the days of our pilgrim- 
 age was the development of that wondrous plan for 
 raising us from the unfathomable depth of sin and 
 misery to an exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 
 These are the true sayings of God : ' Heaven and earth 
 shall pass away, but Christ's words shall not pass 
 away. In the world ye shall have tribulation ; but be 
 of good cheer, I have overcome the world/ And so 
 complete is His victory, that the troubles of life and the 
 mouldering of our mortal bodies in the dust are the 
 means employed by Him who is wonderful in counsel 
 and excellent in working, to introduce us to the enjoy- 
 ment of eternal happiness 
 
 "I received Annie's beautiful letter, giving an 
 account of her Uncle Alfred's death. It was, at the
 
 CONCLUSION. 359 
 
 same time, indeed, very triumphant and perfectly calm. 
 There may be, arid often is, a great deal of excitement 
 in the last scene, but in his removal everything 
 appeared in keeping solemn, and perfectly placid. 
 . . . I sometimes think there is more resigna- 
 tion among the poor than the rich. It is a common 
 expression with them, 'It was to be/ No doubt this 
 may be abused ; but when the will of God is declared 
 by the event, it is our wisdom to acquiesce and to say, 
 ' Thou, Lord, hast done as it pleased thee.' '' 
 
 Two sisters still survived. Selina, the elder, had in 
 early life been remarked for the brightness of her 
 appearance and many attractive qualities; but just as 
 she was blooming into womanhood her health gradually 
 gave way, and ever afterwards she was more or less an 
 invalid. Her father, in his own near approach to the 
 heavenly world, named Selina as the one of his children 
 who would probably be the first to meet him there. 
 But twenty-six years remained to be accomplished of 
 her earthly course, ever to be holden in most dear and 
 happy memory of those who travelled by her side, and 
 marked how the energy of her mind, with the bright 
 graces of Christian patience and submission, prevailed 
 over suffering. In witnessing and promoting the good 
 of others, she richly filled up whatever might have 
 been lacking of personal enjoyment. The elasticity 
 of her spirits, and the unselfish sympathy of her
 
 360 CONCLUSION. 
 
 character, enabled her at all times to rejoice with those 
 who rejoiced, and to mourn with those who wept. The 
 hallowed memory of her parents never faded from her 
 heart ; and it was by her latest desire these Memorials 
 are transmitted to their descendants. But her faith 
 received the promises of her God and Saviour as " facts;" 
 and, amidst the severing of so many earthly ties, she 
 looked forward to the blessed prospect of a happy 
 reunion in her heavenly Father's house above, to go no 
 more out, for ever. 
 
 She fell asleep in Jesus, November 5, 1845, at 
 Hatcham House. 
 
 " And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, 
 Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from 
 henceforth : Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest 
 from their labours ; and their works do follow them." 
 (Rev. xiv. 13.) 
 
 The last pages of these brief memorials were in the 
 press when another beloved member of the family was 
 unexpectedly called away as with the midnight cry. 
 And she was " ready." Elizabeth Augusta, the wife of 
 Nathaniel Hardcastle, died April 21, 1860, the day 
 and almost the hour that completed her twenty-second 
 year of widowhood.
 
 CONCLUSION. 361 
 
 At the time of her sudden illness she was advancing 
 amidst sad remembrances to the second anniversary of 
 the departure of a beloved and gallant son ; but she 
 knew not how near the hour had come for that blessed 
 reunion in heaven, the hope of which had mingled the 
 voice of praise with her submissive grief in the hour of 
 separation. Edmund Junius Hardcastle died at the 
 age of thirty-three, at Freiburg, in Baden, on the 16th 
 of May, 1858, of inflammation of the lungs, against 
 which his constitution, weakened by fatigues in India 
 during the Sepoy revolt, was unable to bear up. 
 
 He was captain^n the late 53d Regiment of Bengal 
 Native Infantry; although, as the reward of a daring 
 exploit in the important capture of a notorious robber 
 chief, he had been for ten years successively employed in 
 Raj poo tana, in the political department, under Colonel 
 Sutherland, General Lowe, and the celebrated Sir 
 Henry Lawrence. 
 
 On eighteen different occasions he had during his 
 brief career received acknowledgments both from the 
 Governor- General in Council or his agents in Rajpoot- 
 ana, and the Court of Directors, for distinguished ser- 
 vices ; some of which were as brilliantly executed as 
 they were wisely planned. His promptitude, vigour, 
 and judicious conduct, under difficult services, are 
 repeatedly specitied by Sir Henry Lawrence in his 
 -eports to the Governor in Council; and to have 
 merited the affection and approval of that Christian 
 
 B B
 
 362 CONCLUSION. 
 
 hero is in itself a testimony of no ordinary value. His 
 skill in dealing with the native chiefs, his firmness in 
 the management of disturbed districts, his noble forti- 
 tude when surrounded by mutiny and revolt, were only 
 equalled by his characteristic calmness and love of 
 peace. He won the praise of his superiors as a good 
 administrator and brave soldier ; and, although he lived 
 not to reap earthly honours, it was to his sorrowing 
 mother a joy and consolation to believe that he died in 
 the Lord. 
 
 THE LIBRA 
 UNIVERSITY O/ v 
 LOS 
 
 Macintosh, Printer, Great New-street, London.
 
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 Hardcastle - 
 
 3705 Memoir of 
 H21H2 Joseph Hard- 
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