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 OK THE LATE 
 
 REV. CHARLES BUCK, 
 
 I 
 
 C02JTAI2TING 
 
 COPIOUS EXTRACTS FROM BIS DLIRY, 
 
 INTERESTING LETTERS TO HIS FRIENDS; 
 INTERSPERSED WITH 
 
 Various Observations, explanatory and illustrative of his Character 
 and Works. 
 
 BY JOHN STYLES, D. D. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 PUBLISHED BY ANTHONY FINLEY, 
 
 AT THE WHITE-HOUSE, N. E. CORNER OF-CHESNUT AND FOURTH 
 
 STREETS. 
 
 William Fry, Printer. 
 
 1817. 
 

 srfyf 
 
TO 
 
 HIS WIDOW AND CHILDREN, 
 
 TO THE 
 
 CHURCH WHICH HE FORMED, 
 
 AND OVER WHICH 
 
 HE PRESIDED TILL HIS DEATH; 
 
 AND TO THE 
 
 NUMEROUS READERS AND ADMIRERS OF 
 HIS WORKS; 
 
 THESE 
 
 MEMOIRS AND REMAINS 
 
 OF THE LATE 
 
 REV. CHARLES BUCK, 
 
 ARE RESPECTFULLY 
 
 INSCRIBED BY 
 
 THE AUTHOR- 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Introduction, 9 
 
 CHAP. I. 
 
 From his birth to his entering upon a course 
 of study at Hoxton Academy, - - IS 
 
 CHAP. II. 
 
 $rom Mr. Buck's entering upon preparatory 
 studies for the ministry, to his settlement 
 at Sheerness, - - - - 105 
 
 CHAP. III. 
 
 3From the commencement of Mr. Buck's la- 
 bours at Sheerness to his removal from 
 thence to Hackney, - 230 
 
 CHAP. IV. 
 
 The settlement of Mr. Buck at Hackney. 
 His removal to London. His various la- 
 bours, publications, and death, - - 290 
 
 Conclusion, - - - - - - 36 1 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 The Author sincerely hopes, that the delay of this 
 Publication, occasioned by severe and long-protract- 
 ed domestic affliction, will not prove injurious to 
 the Family for whose benefit it is intended. The 
 life of an eminently pious man, faithfully written, 
 can never be out of date: the interest which it ex- 
 cites is neither local nor temporary. Recollections 
 of such a man as Charles Buck will be always 
 most grateful to his friends and instructive to the 
 world, especially to the rising ministry. By perma- 
 nent memorials of the great and good we retain 
 their examples, after the individuals themselves 
 have entered upon their reward. A work of this 
 nature takes its station in the moral heavens, and 
 according to its magnitude and lustre, contributes 
 its proportion of that light which guides and allures 
 the Christian to his immortal destiny. 
 
 Brighton, 
 February 25, 181 7. 
 
MEMOIRS AND REMAINS: 
 
 jc. jc. jc. 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 CHARLES BUCK is so peculiarly endeared to 
 the religious public, both by his preaching and 
 writings, that his name will be long cherished with 
 affectionate remembrance. Those who beheld, ad- 
 mired, and loved him, during his luminous, useful, 
 and rapid transition from earth to heaven, must 
 naturally desire some lasting memorial of his worth; 
 and the multitudes who have already derived the 
 most valuable benefits from his numerous produc- 
 tions, through the medium of the press, and others 
 to whom, in future times, they may administer in- 
 struction and comfort, will of course eagerly en- 
 quire, how he lived and died to whose labours they 
 feel themselves so greatly indebted. 
 
i'O INTRODUCTION. 
 
 On this account I am persuaded, that in under- 
 taking to execute a portraiture of this respectably- 
 gifted and most excellent man, I am rendering no 
 mean service to the Church of Christ. 
 
 The biography of good and useful ministers may 
 excite little interest in a world which crucified their 
 holy and benevolent Master. To the generality of 
 mankind the tale may appear altogether insipid 
 which narrates the work of grace upon the heart of 
 an individual, and the labours and sufferings of that 
 individual in promoting the salvation of souls and 
 the glory of God; but those whose minds are chiefly 
 attracted by the invisible realities of eternity, will 
 greatly prefer it to the most fascinating productions 
 which describe the mere hero or philosopher. No 
 species of writing is better calculated for impression 
 and salutary effect than this; and though there must 
 necessarily be a great degree of sameness in the 
 principles, experience, and conduct of those who 
 embrace the same profession, and are placed in si- 
 milar circumstances, it is considerably relieved by 
 the peculiarities of the individual which distinguish 
 him from his class; and with whatever disadvan- 
 tages it may perplex the biographer, who often feels 
 a painful consciousness that he is walking in a path 
 so beaten, and is surrounded with scenery so fami- 
 liar, that he can scarcely hope to awaken, much less 
 to reward, attention; yet he is encouraged by the re- 
 flection, that the subject of his narrative is present- 
 ed to his readers under the character of a witness^ 
 to give testimony to the reality and power of true 
 religion in the heart, that his testimony must there- 
 
INTRODUCTION. It 
 
 fore substantially agree with the evidence of former 
 witnesses, and that so far the absence of novelty is 
 amply supplied. For my own part, as a man, I am 
 so attached to the study of human nature, that he 
 who exhibits only a single variety of the species, or 
 merely adds another specimen, in my opinion coni- 
 fers an important benefit upon mankind; and as a 
 Christian, I feel so deep an interest in viewing 
 sanctified human nature, under all the forms and 
 operations of religious principle, that every memoir 
 which brings this prominently before me, however 
 defective and uninteresting in other respects, I uni- 
 formly deposit among my most precious intellectual 
 treasures. 
 
 In this point of view, the imperfect narrative 
 which Mr. Buck has bequeathed to his family and 
 the church, but which he did not live to finish, is of 
 the greatest value. The perusal cannot fail to im- 
 press us with the Conviction that he was a man of 
 God; that in his preaching and writings he delivered 
 the sentiments and displayed the feelings of his 
 heart. The sphere of professional light which he 
 threw around him was only the reflection of his per- 
 sonal virtues and piety. May we follow him as he 
 followed Christ! From the papers which lie before 
 me, it is evident that Mr. Buck did not draw up a 
 circumstantial account of his life merely for his own 
 use. That he intended to prepare a volume of this 
 nature for the press, is clear, from the following ob- 
 servations, which are written in a book of memo- 
 randa, containing a title-page for his projected work; 
 and as it is my intention, as far as it is practicable, 
 
12 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 to exhibit the deceased in his own language, with 
 these extracts I shall close my introductory re- 
 marks: 
 
 " If the conversion of a soul be the glory of God; 
 the triumph of the Redeemer; the work of the di- 
 vine Spirit; the joy of angels; the accomplishment of 
 the promise; the delight of the church; and a pre- 
 sent and everlasting blessing to the individual him- 
 self; then to hear of such conversion must be pecu- 
 liarly pleasant to every pious mind. 
 
 " Those who publish their own lives, it may be 
 said, have great ideas of themselves; they are afraid 
 they shall find no biographer after they are dead; 
 they want to hear their own praises; and besides, 
 they may fall into disgrace yet before they die, which 
 will eclipse all they have done and said. To all this, 
 however, it may be answered 
 
 u 1. That if the memoir have any tendency to 
 show the displays of grace, and to set forth the glory 
 of God, as promoted even by feeble instruments, 
 the sooner it is known the better. 
 
 " 2. If some had not written and published their 
 own lives, they never would have been written or 
 published at all. Manuscripts are sometimes mis- 
 laid, burnt, neglected by survivors, mutilated; not 
 always decyphered with care. 
 
 " 3. It is not novel; Newton, Scott, and many 
 others have set the example in our own times, and 
 in many respects a man can publish his own life, as 
 far as it goes, better than another person can do it 
 for him* 
 
INTRODUCTION. 13 
 
 "4. But there ought to be something remarkable, 
 in order to justify an individual in taking such a 
 step? If the sovereign displays of divine Providence 
 be worthy of attention; if the conversion of a soul be 
 any thing remarkable; if the raising up from obscu- 
 rity an instrument comparatively mean, and render- 
 ing him useful in the world; if great mercies have 
 been received; and if heavy afflictions have been 
 sanctified, a man may be forgiven, perhaps, for not 
 delaying the account to the last, or consigning it to 
 the hands of others; he may be excused for being 
 anxious to say himself, in the vigour of his faculties, 
 " Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and / will 
 tell you what he hath done for my soul." 
 
MEMOIRS, $c. 
 
 CHAP. I. 
 
 From his Birth to his entering upon a Course of 
 Study at Hoxton Academy* 
 
 The Rev. Charles Buck, like most of the faith- 
 ful ministers of Jesus Christ, was born not of opu- 
 lent, but of respectable parents. His native place is 
 a small village, called Hillsley, near Wotton Under- 
 edge, Gloucestershire. He was the last child but 
 one, by the second husband, of his mother, and he 
 dates his birth in the year 1771. He was early 
 placed at a boarding school in the same village, su- 
 perintended by the Rev. William Hitchman, a dis- 
 senting minister of the Baptist persuasion. Of this 
 excellent man, now forgotten, or known only in the 
 fading annals of the neighbourhood, where for many 
 years he acted a conspicuous part, Mr. Buck has 
 given the following account: " In addition to his 
 labours as a preacher, he laid himself out for gene- 
 ral usefulness in this and the surrounding places. 
 There was hardly any thing that he could not do. 
 
16 
 
 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 The weak and superstitious consulted him in the 
 hour of alarm; parents sent their profligate sons to 
 him to be instructed and reformed; the watchmaker 
 employed him to make calculations; farmers en- 
 gaged him to measure their lands, in which I often 
 used to assist him. He studied pharmacy, and could 
 mix a medicine, extract a tooth, and use the lancet 
 as well as many gentlemen of the profession. He 
 gave advice to the poor, made the wills of those 
 who possessed property, and was ready to do good 
 to all. He could construct a weather-glass, draw a 
 map, and make an almanack. He was a very assi- 
 duous cultivator of his garden and orchard, and was 
 no stranger to the science of botany. Above all, he 
 was a good man, and shone as a light in a dark vil- 
 lage for many years." 
 
 Under the care of Mr. Hitchman our young 
 friend was initiated into the common branches of 
 what is generally called an English education. He 
 attended the ministry of his tutor, and obtained by 
 this means some knowledge of the holy Scriptures, 
 and acquired the important habit of paying an out- 
 ward reverence to the Sabbath. Partial and tran- 
 sient convictions were also occasionally produced on 
 his mind, and he mentions composing a prayer and 
 a hymn, which, when shown to his mother, excited 
 the good woman's astonishment. 
 
 The sudden death of his youngest sister, and the 
 almost equally unexpected departure of his father 
 about three weeks afterwards, in the- bed where 
 himself was sleeping at the time, solemnly affected 
 him, chilled his soul with momentary horror, and 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 17 
 
 an apprehension of that dread something after death, 
 gave him " pause;" yet he observes, " no convic- 
 tions I had received seemed to be of a lasting na- 
 ture." 
 
 He left school about the age of thirteen, and was 
 so captivated by the vanities of the world, as en- 
 tirely to give himself up to amusement and folly. 
 Dancing was his favourite pleasure, in which he 
 once indulged to such excess, that his life had well 
 nigh fallen a sacrifice. During his juvenile years he 
 experienced repeated deliverances from various im- 
 minent dangers, which he devoutly ascribes to the 
 superintending care of the Almighty. u By the pro- 
 vidence of God (says he) I was spared through all, 
 so that I could say with Job, ' thou hast granted me 
 life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved 
 my spirit.'" In the year 1785, he left his native 
 village, and visited London. Of the magnificence and 
 splendour of the metropolis he had heard so much, 
 that he greatly longed to traverse its streets, that he 
 might survey its grand and lofty buildings: but the 
 City of his imagination, and that which actually rose 
 before his view at the close of his anxious journey 
 were utterly dissimilar. This he has recorded among 
 his earliest disappointments. The instance is trivial, 
 and may excite a smile; yet perhaps some of our 
 most painful emotions may be traced to the same 
 source. We need not to be told that those are mo- 
 ments of anguish in which the dream of Fancy va- 
 nishes before the comparatively dull realities of life, 
 and that the pleasures of hope are almost the only 
 -pleasures which the objects it anticipates ever 
 
 B2 
 
18 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 afford; that in possession these objects aveng* 
 themselves by inflicting the pangs of disappointment 
 on the heart that in expectation was weak enough 
 to make them the depository of its happiness. 
 
 *' 'Tis distance lends enchantment to the view.** 
 
 In London Mr. Buck sought and soon obtained 
 a situation which not only accorded with the views 
 of his affectionate parent, who had accompanied 
 him, but was also perfectly congenial with his own 
 wishes. He was admitted into the office of an attor- 
 ney, where he devoted himself to the study and 
 practice of the law. " I was always (he observes) 
 from a child remarkably fond of my pen and the 
 desk, and remember, in very early age, an impres- 
 sion on my mind, that if ever I could obtain a room, 
 with a desk to write on, I should be the happiest of 
 beings." Here Mr. Buck conducted himself with 
 such a sacred regard to honesty and punctuality, 
 that, though his salary at first was very small, he 
 w T as soon favoured with increased advantages, and 
 gained the fullest confidence of his employers. " I 
 was determined (says he) to be punctual and ho- 
 nest, and from my own experience I can most ear- 
 nestly recommend to all young persons who wish to 
 rise to any degree of respectability in life, who are 
 desirous of being successful in the world, and use- 
 ful to society, to observe these two things; these 
 have advanced many a man who entered London 
 with scarcely a shilling in his pocket, to circum- 
 stances of opulence and stations of influence." 
 The account of his usual manner of spending his 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 19 
 
 leisure hours up to the period of his conversion, 
 Mr. Buck shall relate in his own language. " ! 
 have observed before, that very early I was too 
 fond of public amusements. Being now in London, 
 I gave full range to my desires, and here every 
 thing met my most ardent wishes. What I had seen 
 of theatrical exhibitions in the country were all no- 
 thing compared with those in town: now I was gra- 
 tified indeed, and almost every evening found me at 
 the theatre, or some other place of gay resort. This, 
 however, I soon discovered to be pernicious, and 
 though I am no enemy to amusements of a proper 
 kind, yet in these the temptations are so fascinating, 
 and the danger so great, that I would warn all young 
 persons to avoid the snare. I have trodden the 
 ground, and know what it is. Character, property, 
 health, peace, conscience, are too often sacrificed at 
 this altar. At this time I was just about launching 
 into all the dissipations and licentiousness of the 
 profligate. Sometimes, indeed, I attended the church 
 on the morning of the Sabbath; but the Park, the 
 Mall, the public gardens, were my resort in the 
 after part of the day. I had some few friends in 
 London, but none of them pious: my mother had 
 retired again into the country, and I was left with- 
 out any faithful instructor, monitor, or guide; I 
 therefore pursued my course, exposed to every 
 temptation, and on the very brink of destruction." 
 Fascinated, carried away by the impetuous tor- 
 rent of what the apostle Paul denominates " the 
 course of this world," how wonderful was the coun- 
 teracting energy of divine grace, which in a moment 
 
20 MEMOIRS OP THE 
 
 arrested the progress of this gay and thoughtless 
 trifler, drew him from the gulf into which he was 
 about to be hurried, a gulf in which thousands pe- 
 rished, perhaps, at the very moment when he was 
 saved, and into which myriads of the human race 
 are daily sinking to rise no more. Well might he 
 exclaim, in reference to this most important event 
 in his life, " Behold a miracle!" In truth, every in- 
 stance of conversion deserves this character. It is a 
 supernatural display of the power of God, which is 
 as contrary to the common course of Providence as 
 the standing --still of the sun and moon, and the 
 quickening of the dead. There is also usually such 
 inadequacy between the means and the end, that 
 human agency is lost in the manifestation of divine 
 interposition, and he must be blind to the natural 
 operation of causes, which can never produce effects 
 beyond and above themselves, who does not recog- 
 nize the finger of God in that change which Mr. 
 Buck was now brought to experience. He thus de- 
 scribes its circumstances and consequences. 
 
 " A respectable gentleman,* who was blind, vi- 
 sited the family where I resided. This gentleman 
 was serious; and a young man usually accompanied 
 him not much older than myself, who was likewise 
 a sincere and zealous Christian. Not having any 
 particular social companion, this youth was recom- 
 mended to me as a fit person. We soon became ac- 
 quainted. One evening we took a walk together to 
 
 * Mr. Thomas Atkins. Mr. Buck, in the year 1812, published 
 g very interesting memoir of his life and death. 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 21 
 
 Black friars Bridge, and there, perhaps, I may say, 
 I first received my saving impressions. My young 
 friend began discoursing on religious subjects. As 
 we were talking on the joys of heaven, and the fu- 
 ture misery of the wicked, I was irresistibly struck 
 with the thought u What a degree of folly must I 
 be guilty of to pursue wickedness, and be miserable 
 at last, and not to follow holiness, and be happy for 
 ever in a better world!" I could not easily get rid 
 of this reflection, it came home to my heart; I saw 
 I was a sinner, and that it was high time for me to 
 implore mercy, and seek the things which are above. 
 I mentioned my feelings to my companion: he 
 was pleased, and gave me every encouragement and 
 advice he could. We separated. I went home with 
 new feelings, which I shall never forget. I am no 
 great friend to very sudden conversions; perhaps in 
 my own case the seed might have been sown while 
 sitting under an evangelical ministry at school. And 
 here I would suggest the propriety of parents plac- 
 ing out their children where they may be in the ha- 
 bit of hearing the gospel continually. It is of the 
 last importance; for though no effects may be vK 
 sible at first, yet conviction may be wrought, know- 
 ledge communicated, the scriptures rendered fami- 
 liar, and prejudice removed, so that at last, under 
 the divine blessing, it may tend to the happiest re- 
 sults. In many instances this has been realized, 
 while multitudes of parents who have been negli- 
 gent as to this point have had to deplore the infi- 
 delity, profaneness, and disobedience of their off- 
 spring." 
 
22 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 " But to return. After this interesting conversa- 
 tion, when I arrived at home, instead of employing 
 myself as usual, in trifles, I began to rummage 
 about for a Bible, and to my great joy at last found 
 one. I shall never forget the pleasing sensations 
 with which I opened that blessed book. It was like 
 a new world to me. I began to read as one that 
 was interested; my whole soul was engaged in it. 
 My companion soon after finding this, made me a 
 present of a Bible, in which there were some of his 
 marks attached to particular texts, which had either 
 been explained from the pulpit, or which in their 
 perusal had afforded him peculiar instruction or 
 consolation. This method I also adopted; and it is 
 with great pleasure I sometimes turn over the leaves 
 of this friend and guide of my youth, where I be- 
 hold many passages, which recall some of the most 
 exquisite enjoyments of my happiest days. I seem 
 to live these delightful seasons over again, and 
 though in the review of all the past I cannot but be 
 deeply humbled, these are bright spots, illumined by^ 
 the splendour of heavenly wisdom and mercy, 
 which exhilirate my soul amidst the dreary waste 
 of mis-spent time and mercies unimproved." 
 
 " Thus I seemed to have been drawn by the 
 cords of love and the bands of a man, rather than 
 by any violent terrors or great agitations of mind. 
 Thus the Almighty acts as a sovereign. Some he 
 visits with the most dreadful and pungent convic- 
 tions, while others are gently constrained to enter 
 upon this holy and delightful career. 
 
 " But it may be asked, Does conversion make a 
 
REV. CHARLES RUCK, 23 
 
 man an angel? Does it at once, or ever in the pre- 
 sent world, transform him from all that is base into 
 a perfect creature? Surely not. The work of rege- 
 neration, or the communication of the divine prin- 
 ciple of life, may be considered as instantaneous; 
 but the effects are not all visible at once. There is 
 first the blade, then the ear, and then the full corn 
 in the ear. Every thing grand and magnificent, 
 both in art and nature, has been and is produced in 
 a progressive manner; so I believe it is with reli- 
 gion, or the work of God on the mind of man. It 
 begins in conversion, proceeds in sanctification, and 
 is perfected in heavenly glory." It is impossible for 
 a mind imbued with the knowledge of the scriptures, 
 and with the spirit of evangelical piety, not to ac- 
 cede to these very clear and just views of Mr. Buck, 
 on a subject which has excited more of the u Odium 
 Theologiciun" than almost any other in the whole 
 system of divinity. How remote are they from the 
 arrogant claims of Arminianism on the one hand, 
 and the degrading absurdities of Antinomianism on 
 the other! The one theory maintains the doctrine of 
 sinless perfection in this life; the other affirms, that 
 conversion produces no renovation of the depraved 
 heart of man, and that " growth in grace" is impos- 
 sible. As the latter error is by far the most preva- 
 lent, because it is most congenial with the unholy 
 principles of our nature, I shall digress a little more 
 at length, in order to expose its pernicious and un- 
 scriptural character. The advocates of this delusion 
 seem entirely to forget the apostle's declaration; 
 " If any man be in Christ Jesus, he is a new crea- 
 
24 MEMOH&S OF THE 
 
 ture; old things are passed away, and behold all 
 things are become new." According to them, the 
 phrase " is a new creature," ought to be changed 
 into has a new creature; and instead of " old things 
 are passed away," it ought to read, " old things," 
 that is, u old principles, old habits, remain in all 
 their inveteracy." Misunderstanding, or grievously 
 perverting the energetic and impassioned language 
 of St. Paul, when he describes his inward and vio- 
 lent conflicts, when he speaks of grace as distinct 
 from nature and opposed to it, they contend that a 
 man is as unholy and corrupt after his conversion 
 as he was before; that in fact he is the subject of no 
 divine change; but that a new, an uncongenial, and 
 as far as regards the carnal mind, an inoperative na- 
 ture is placed within him; just as a Bible may be 
 bound up in the same volume between Paine's Age 
 of Reason and Rousseau's Confessions, without im- 
 parting any of its truth or purity to the infidel and 
 unholy productions with which it is most heteroge- 
 neously combined; nay, it is more strangely main- 
 tained by these misguided individuals, that the 
 principle of spiritual life in a believer has no other 
 relation to his depravity than to exhibit and inflame 
 it. When this statement is Opposed, when the very 
 texts of scripture on which they rely are quoted 
 against themselves, and a body of irresistible evi- 
 dence compels them to relinquish every form of le- 
 gitimate argument, they turn round upon us with 
 an air of triumph, and ask the sapient questions 
 Is not flesh still flesh? Is the old man with his affec- 
 tions and lusts changed? Is he not altogether a dif- 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 25 
 
 fercnt being from the " new man which after God 
 is created in righteousness and true holiness?" 
 Now it appears to me, that this js totally giving up 
 the point in question, or involving a plain subject in 
 unnecessary ambiguity. We affirm, according to 
 the scriptures, that the human nature experiences a 
 spiritual renovation in every case of real conversion, 
 and those who contradict this statement flatter 
 themselves that they completely overturn our hypo- 
 thesis, by maintaining that flesh cannot be converted 
 into spirit, nor sin into holiness. But do the advo- 
 cates of the reality of a change of heart, as implied 
 in the very essence of regeneration, contend for any 
 thing so ineffably absurd as identifying flesh and 
 spirit, sin and holiness? Certainly not. The change 
 for which we plead does not alter the nature of what 
 is meant by the flesh, as distinguished from the 
 spirit, nor does it transmute sin into any thing dif- 
 ferent from itself; but it brings the flesh into sub- 
 jection to the spirit, and counteracts the principles 
 of sin in the heart, by enlightening the understand- 
 ing, purifying the affections, and determining the 
 will. The change consists in light in the understand- 
 ing, holiness in the heart, and virtue in the actions. 
 Thus it is radical, and affects the grand component 
 parts and characteristic faculties of our nature. 
 Perhaps this change cannot be better described than 
 in the language of the judicious Dr. Witherspoon, 
 whose treatise on Regeneration cannot be too strongly 
 recommended. 
 
 " Regeneration is the recovery of the moral 
 image of God upon the heart; that is to say, to love 
 
 C 
 
26 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 him supremely, and serve him ultimately as our 
 highest end, and to delight in him superlatively as 
 our chief good." That the tendency of this principle 
 is to growth and increase, and that wherever it is 
 communicated, it is distinguished by progress and 
 gradual advancement, cannot be doubted, whether 
 we reason from analogy, from scriptural precept3 
 and examples, or from observation and experience. 
 The argument I must not now pursue; but shall 
 merely continue the quotation from Dr. Wither- 
 spoon: "This recovery however, is but begun on 
 earth; it is gradually improved in the progress of 
 sanctification, and shall be fully completed at the 
 resurrection of the just. The sum of the moral law 
 is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, and 
 soul, and strength, and mind. This is the duty of 
 every rational creature; and in order to obey it per- 
 fectly, no part of our inward affection or actual ser- 
 vice ought to be, at any time, or in the least degree, 
 misapplied. This is the case with no mere man while 
 he continues in the body. But regeneration consists 
 in the principle being implanted, obtaining the as- 
 cendancy, and habitually prevailing over its oppo- 
 site." 
 
 Under its operation the soul, in all its powers, 
 remains essentially the same, and the depravity with 
 which it has been polluted is unchanged in its na- 
 ture; but these powers are regulated by new princi- 
 ples, and have received a new direction, and this de- 
 pravity is lessened in degree. As the new man in- 
 creases in strength, the old man, to use the apostle's 
 language, is " put oft; 1 ' but this yields no occasion 
 
UEV. CHARLES BUCK. < 
 
 for self-gratulation. Advancement in holiness can- 
 not minister to pride. It is the work of God; it is 
 one cf the richest blessings of cur salvation; the 
 more valuable the obligation, the more profound 
 should be our humility. It is not possible to grow 
 in grace without becoming more humble, without 
 additional self-loathing; indeed, increasingly to dis- 
 cover our in-bred corruptions, and proportionally to 
 distrust and abhor ourselves, on this account, is part 
 of that growth in grace which is essential to all per- 
 sonal religion. Perhaps the very acme of meetness 
 for a state of glory consists in the union of a clear 
 perception, and vehement abhorrence of our sinful- 
 ness, a perfect and exclusive resting for justifica- 
 tion on the infinite merits of our blessed Redeemer, 
 and an intense desire after communion with God 
 in his immaculate purity. But it is time to resume 
 the narrative of Mr. Buck. Immediately subse- 
 quent to the remarks which led to this digression, 
 he proceeds 
 
 u After what I have said of the delight I found in 
 perusing the Bible, it will be naturally supposed, 
 that from that moment I had renounced the world: 
 so, perhaps, I had intentionally; but in a week or 
 two after, the old temptation was presented, and it 
 was suggested to my mind, that there would be no 
 harm in occasionally attending public amusements. 
 This induced me to make the experiment; and, 
 shame to me while I say it, the very evening my 
 new companion came to spend with me, I pleaded an 
 excuse of being engaged. He left me, and I set off 
 to the theatre. Here, however, I was miserable; still 
 
28 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 I tried once more, but it would not do. I was so ter- 
 rified at the thought, that if death or judgment 
 should find me here, how deplorable would be my 
 condition. I therefore left the place, wounded in my 
 conscience, and determined to go no more. I soon 
 became more decided, and refused all solicitations 
 of this kind. This was immediately discovered by 
 my friends and acquaintance: persecution com- 
 menced, opprobrious epithets were used, ridicule 
 employed, temptations placed in my way, the Bible 
 thrown at my head,"*" but all to no effect. That pas- 
 sage in the fifth of Matthew, " Blessed are they 
 which are persecuted for righteousness-sake, for 
 theirs is the kingdom of heaven," was a great sup- 
 port to my mind, and I cheerfully endured all the 
 reproaches and contempt cast upon me. 
 
 " No sooner had I become a little courageous and 
 decided, than a new temptation assailed me; and 
 perhaps it is not uncommon to young converts. I 
 was dreadfully harassed with the thought that I had 
 sinned against the Holy Ghost, because I remem- 
 bered that once when I was a school-boy, I had, in 
 a moment of passion, cursed the Bible. I was also 
 tempted at this very time to blaspheme the Holy 
 Ghost: this filled me with great distress; but by th# 
 suitable advice and consolation of my companion, I 
 was delivered from these painful feelings." 
 
 Should the eye of a sincere and humble enquirer, 
 
 * The very person who did this was afterwards, by the bless- 
 ingofGod, on my reasoning and exhortation, brought under 
 conviction; prejudice subsided, and I hope he is now in glory. 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 29 
 
 similarly tried, fall upon this page of Mr. Buck's 
 experience, I would, in order to relieve him from 
 an anxiety which once preyed upon my own mind, 
 suggest a train of enquiry and reflection, which, 
 under a divine blessing, effectually vanquished all 
 my terrors. 
 
 The alarm which I felt on first reading the terri- 
 ble denunciation which is the exclusive penalty of 
 blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, arose from a 
 union of ignorance of the nature of this sin in par- 
 ticular, with deep conviction of the evil of sin in 
 general. In this state of feeling, I ruminated on the 
 tremendous qualities of this offence, " which never 
 hath forgiveness," and remembering that I had often 
 deliberately transgressed, in spite of the loud remon- 
 strances of my conscience, and in violation of the 
 most solemn and frequently repeated resolutions; 
 that I had rejected the offers of salvation, and la- 
 boured to drown the anguish of my spirit, by plung- 
 ing into the follies of the world, I concluded that I 
 had been guilty of this dreadful and unpardonable 
 blasphemy; but connecting fervent prayer with a se- 
 rious view of the whole case, as related by the Evan- 
 gelist, taking especially into consideration the cir- 
 cumstances in which the denunciation originated, 
 and the character of the persons to whom it was 
 immediately addressed, I was at length persuaded 
 that it was a crime chargeable only upon the scribes 
 and pharisees, who, witnessing the mightv miracles 
 which Jesus wrought, ascribed them to Satanic in- 
 fluence; and that it can never be again repeated in 
 the same degree of heinousness, with the same ag- 
 C 2 
 
30 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 gravations, or incurring the same awful and hope- 
 less sentence of condemnation.* 
 
 Immediately after narrating this distressing temp- 
 tation, Mr. Buck proceeds to observe 
 
 " Before I leave this part, let me remark, how 
 various are the means which the Almighty is pleased 
 to use to illuminate the minds and impress the hearts 
 of his people. Some are called under severe dispen- 
 sations of Providence, by sickness, losses, bereave- 
 ments, disappointments, changes in life; others by 
 the example of those around them; some by reading 
 the Scriptures; most by hearing the gospel publicly 
 preached; but if ever my mind was seriously and 
 truly impressed, it was, as I have before said, by 
 conversation. I had, it is true, heard the gospel be- 
 fore, but to little or no effect. Let me then, here, 
 
 * The following observations, extracted from a sermon by the 
 Rev- Joshua Moreton, on this subject, are illustrative of ths 
 principle which 1 have assumed, and I therefore insert them in 
 this place. 
 
 " To consider this possible, (that is, the perpetration of this 
 crime,) you must be supposed to have lived on earth with Jesus 
 Christ; you must have had an opportunity of thoroughly know- 
 ing- his character; you must have heard his mighty words, and 
 seen his mightier works; and after all, you must have done vio- 
 lence to the full conviction of your minds: you must, for ends 
 merely selfish and political, have rejected every evidence offer- 
 ed to confirm the mission of the Son of God; you must have ma- 
 liciously denied the evidence of your senses; and whilst the sur* 
 rounding multitude were acknowledging that God was with him, 
 you must daringly have affirmed that he cast out devils through 
 Beelzebub, the prince of the devils. These circumstances laid 
 together, will, I trust, have a tendency to convince you, that you 
 are not, that you cannot be, subject to the sentence denounced 
 in my text," 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 31 
 
 most ardently press it upon all ministers and Chris- 
 tians to drop a word in season, (I mean not that we 
 should cast pearls before swine, and there is certain- 
 ly a prudence to be observed in this;) but there are 
 sometimes favourable seasons, opportunities, circum- 
 stances, occasions, in which something may be said 
 to promote the grand object, and who can tell, a 
 word may lodge a conviction, or make an impres- 
 sion never to be forgotten." 
 
 u Like most young converts, I was now filled 
 with zeal, and thought I could easily convert others. 
 I sent letters to my mother, informing her of the 
 change, and most solemnly intreating her to consi- 
 der her own state. I hope and believe that these ef- 
 forts were not altogether fruitless. My mother, al- 
 ways friendly to morality, was pleased to hear how 
 I was disposed; for she had been greatly tried by my 
 two elder brothers, who both violated their inden- 
 tures, and became profligate. She was in a state of 
 severe affliction at this time; but my letters, it seems, 
 afforded her great consolation. The neighbours who 
 knew me when I was a child came to hear them 
 read: at last came the curate of the parish to inspect 
 lem; but he, I fear, not knowing much, said "they 
 'ere all very well, but rather methodistical." Such 
 was my zeal, that I not only wished to convert my 
 mother, but I drew up an address to the whole vil- 
 lage, calling upon them to repent, and turn to God; 
 but, alas! " Old Adam was too hard for young Me- 
 lancthon." 
 
 About this time, when Mr. Buck was little more 
 than fifteen years of age, he attempted to address a 
 
S2 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 few pious friends, thus discovering that propension 
 to the work of the ministry, without which there 
 certainly cannot be a scriptural call to engage in it. 
 In his juvenile exhortations he began by using notes, 
 which he had carefully prepared, but soon after 
 finding great liberty in speaking, he altogether laid 
 them aside. In his first effort he felt himself abashed 
 and discouraged; but the persuasions of his friends, 
 and his own determined zeal, induced him to perse- 
 vere, till every difficulty was surmounted. 
 
 At the period when Mr. Buck entered upon his 
 religious course, this method of introducing inex- 
 perienced youths into the pulpit was by no means 
 uncommon. A young man no sooner became a 
 Christian, or entered upon a Christian profession, 
 than he was deemed qualified to teach, by the com- 
 panions of his own age, and a few elderly gossips, 
 honoured by the appellation of " mothers in Israel." 
 However slender his gifts, or deficient his knowledge, 
 if he could only open his mouth, and ring changes 
 on a set of cant phrases, and a few theological dog- 
 mas, which he could neither correctly state, prove, 
 nor defend, he was hailed by the title of " Rever- 
 end," sprucely attired in a suit of " inky," some- 
 times of rusty black, and exhibited to admiring mul- 
 titudes as a modern wonder. The baneful influence 
 of all this on the character of the individual may be 
 easily imagined. He that might have been, in a retir- 
 ed sphere of life, a humble and useful member of 
 the church and of society, or, under proper treat- 
 ment, a good minister of Christ, thrust forward by 
 an overweening idea of his own qualifications, and 
 
% 
 
 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 33 
 
 the injudicious zeal of his friends, is converted into 
 a pragmatical or solemn coxcomb, fit neither for 
 heaven nor earth. Invested with the character of a 
 public instructor, when he ought to be sitting at the 
 feet of some christian Gamaliel, he imagines himself 
 to belong to a superior order of intellect, or to be 
 favoured with an extraordinary measure of divine 
 assistance. The admiration of the ignorant he views 
 as the test of excellence, and is soon flattered into a 
 persuasion that he possesses a mind that requires 
 not the culture of study, and a heart that is too spi- 
 ritual to need the vigilant drudgery of self-examina- 
 tion. Many a novice of this description has fallen 
 into the condemnation of the devil; and many a youth 
 who might have been an able minister of the New 
 Testament, if he had submitted to a regular course 
 of discipline and education, has been rendered ridi- 
 culous and useless by the folly that made him a 
 preacher, before God had made him a man. 
 
 The experience of half a century has at length 
 brought this method of filling our pulpits into merit- 
 ed disrepute. The general effect has been so injuri- 
 ous to the cause of religion, that almost every party 
 
 now establishing its seminaries for the education 
 a rising ministrv, thus guarding its churches 
 against indiscriminate admission into the sacred of- 
 fice. It is now an axiom among us all, "that those 
 who will not learn, shall not teach." The cant about 
 receiving ministers immediately from the Lord, be- 
 cause they are taken from the plough-tail and the 
 shop-board to preside in our religious assemblies, 
 produces nausea in every stomach, except that of 
 
34 MEMOIR'S OF THE 
 
 the Antinomian monster, whose gastric power can 
 digest " all noxious, all prodigious things," The 
 conviction is now universal, that the teachers of 
 christian theology should understand the various 
 duties of their profession, and be eminently imbued 
 with scriptural knowledge; that a minister must not 
 only be a Christian, but a divine, and that a tho- 
 rough acquaintance with divinity can only be attain- 
 ed by a long and persevering course of laborious 
 study. In making these observations, the writer 
 would not be understood to insinuate that useful, 
 and even eminent ministers, have not arisen out of 
 the very system which he has felt it to be his duty 
 to reprobate. These, however, are comparatively 
 very few, and are to be considered as extraordinary 
 instances of superior intellect and piety; they arose 
 to distinction, not in virtue of the circumstances 
 which led them into the ministry, but in spite of 
 them. Hurried into an office, to the duties of which 
 they were sincerely devoted, they were soon con- 
 vinced of the necessity either of educating them- 
 selves under every possible disadvantage, or of tak- 
 ing refuge in an academy, where they might, with 
 greater facility, obtain the qualifications, the want of 
 which they so deeply deplored. Nor are the early 
 and comparatively private efforts of individuals, who 
 are inclined to the ministry, to be censured, when 
 they are made before competent judges, and with a 
 view to academical preparation. If the mind has not 
 a strong and uncontrollable bias towards preaching; 
 if there be not a natural aptitude to teach, and an 
 ardent thirst after every kind of knowledge, which 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK, 3i> 
 
 may, by possibility, shed lustre on the office to which 
 the youthful candidate aspires, he will never be very 
 eminent or very useful; where these qualities exist 
 they will not fail to manifest themselves, nor will 
 judicious ministers and churches discourage their 
 appearance they will rather kindly cherish them, 
 and wisely direct their application. 
 
 It was the happiness of Mr. Buck to rise above 
 the disadvantages of his first introduction into the 
 ministry; the temptations and the dangers which 
 were fatal to many of his contemporaries he was 
 enabled to escape. He possessed a natural tact of 
 good sense, and his heart was right with God. His 
 early preaching, therefore, only prepared him to re- 
 ceive with greater avidity the instructions of a col- 
 lege, and was the means of fitting him for his public 
 work at a period when others usually commence 
 their studies. A circumstance which demands our 
 grateful acknowledgment to the mercy of his Sa- 
 viour; his ministerial course was not short, although 
 he died in the vigour of his age. 
 
 Of the character of his first performances he thus 
 speaks: "My knowledge was very scanty, my ideas 
 of scripture not correct, nor had I any proper notion 
 of sermonizing. I have the plans or notes still by 
 me, and cannot but sometimes smile in reviewing 
 them. I preserve them by way of humiliation, 
 though indeed my intention was good, and my heart 
 full of zeal. I confess I look back with pleasure on 
 these meetings, for however defective we were in 
 knowledge, they were meetings of devotion, and in 
 some degree laid the foundation of the habit of 
 
36 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 public speaking; and though I do not approve of raw 
 youths mounting the rostrum, yet I think it is better 
 for them to meet for conversation, prayer, and ex- 
 hortation, than to stand alone; at least I can say that 
 I found the advantage." 
 
 Mr. Buck's first extempore sermon was delivered 
 in an apartment in Bedford-house, Bloom sbury- 
 square, in the year 1787, to which service he was 
 invited by a young man who then lived in that no- 
 ble mansion. On a review of this part of his history 
 he exclaims, u How numerous are the changes 
 here! This superb edifice is entirely pulled down, 
 and the mortal remains of this young man are at the 
 bottom of the sea. I never walk across the square 
 above mentioned without reflecting on former times* 
 This youth and myself, on a summer's morning, 
 used to meet in the fields at five or six o'clock, 
 where we exhorted and endeavoured to instruct 
 each other; though it was some distance for me to 
 go, yet the pleasure I felt made me forget every 
 inconvenience. How true is it, that when one object 
 principally attracts and interests the soul, that any 
 sacrifice can be made, any difficulty borne to ac- 
 complish the end We desire. How often have I said, 
 Give me but the zeal of my first days, and what is 
 there that I cannot do? That passage in the second 
 chapter of Jeremiah, the second verse, has often af- 
 fected me: " Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, 
 saying, Thus saith the Lord, I remember thee, the 
 kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, 
 when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a 
 land that was not sown." 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 57 
 
 " At this time, 1789, I attended the ministry of 
 Mr. Romaine* and Mr. Foster at Blackfriars 
 Church, occasionally hearing at other places. I knew 
 little or nothing respecting the grounds of difference 
 between Churchmen and dissenters, nor did I in the 
 least inquire or trouble myself about them. I called 
 myself a churchman. Mr. Romaine gave out, that 
 shortly a confirmation would take place at St. 
 Bride's Church, and that candidates for confirma- 
 tion in his congregation were desired to meet him 
 in his vestry. I began to rub up my memory afresh 
 with the church catechism, which I had learnt in 
 earlier years, expecting to be closely examined as to 
 my knowledge in this particular. On the day ap- 
 pointed I went to the vestry, but instead of going 
 through the catechism, he talked to us very suitably 
 and spiritually, and then went to prayer with us, 
 commending us all to the blessing of God, He gave 
 tickets to each of the candidates, and I thought mv- 
 self greatly honoured, mine being No. 1. The day 
 fixed for confirmation arrived; we waited upon Mr. 
 Romaine in the vestry, and from thence proceeded 
 
 * There was in Mr. Romaine's preaching- a peculiar suavity, 
 if I may so call it, that I never met with in any other- His sub- 
 ject was always one, and yet it appeared always new. I was in 
 the habit of taking notes; but I could scarcely ever distinguish 
 any plan, or catch any original or striking remark. Though, as 
 I have said, the subject was always the same, yet there was a 
 remarkable unction attending it. Every individual in an im- 
 mense congregation seemed affected. His discourses were 
 short; and after raising the feelings of his auditors to the high- 
 est pitch, there he left them; so that they generally went away, 
 saying, " This of all Mr. Romaine' s sermons was the best.'* 
 
 D 
 
38 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 to St. Bride's, he walking first in his robes, and we 
 following behind, where we, with vast numbers of 
 others, were confirmed by the then bishop of Ban- 
 gor. I say nothing now about the benefits of this 
 episcopal act, but I well remember that it was a 
 most cheerful and pleasant scene. The season of 
 the year, the blooming countenances of the young, 
 the largeness of the auditory, the ringing of the 
 bells, the parents looking with affection on their 
 children as they approached .the altar to receive the 
 hand of the venerable looking bishop; these, and 
 many other circumstances, inspired me with de- 
 light." 
 
 " Being now confirmed, I thought my next duty 
 was to partake of the ordinance of the Lord's Sup- 
 per. I therefore approached the table at Blackfriars 
 Church; but hardly did ever any poor delinquent 
 tremble more on meeting his punishment, than I did 
 in walking up to the altar. It appeared to me of 
 such importance, and of so holy a nature, that I 
 seemed confounded with a sense of my unworthi- 
 ness. Like many other young Christians, I had a 
 wrong idea of it; and to me it was more a service 
 of terror and bondage, than of joy and gratitude. I 
 fear this is the case with ' many. They look upon 
 this ordinance as somewhat different and superior 
 to all other divine institutions; that there must be 
 some great qualification; that if they should sin af- 
 ter it they are undone; that they must be divested 
 for the season of the remains of depraved nature, 
 and thus many are kept back; whereas we should 
 remember, that it is the broken and contrite heart 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 39 
 
 that God will not despise, and that this is an ordi- 
 nance of joy, and not of grief; of love, and not of 
 confusion; of peace, and not of anxiety; of gratitude 
 and triumph, and not of sullenness and melancho- 
 ly." 
 
 " In July, this year/I went one evening to hear 
 Mr. Abdy preach at Bow Church. During his ser- 
 mon I found my mind rather suddenly, but very 
 strongly impressed with the thought of entering into 
 the ministry. I am no advocate for sudden impuls- 
 es; but so it was, that this impression remained, 
 and I mentioned it to my friend and companion, 
 who gave me every encouragement, and promised 
 to do all that he could in due time to further the ob- 
 ject. He also lent me a book, entitled " Eades's 
 Gospel Ministry," from which I trust I derived 
 profit. About this time the life of Mr. Whitfield 
 fell into my hands; this fired me beyond measure, 
 and strengthened my desires for the ministry ex- 
 ceedingly. A sense of its importance and difficul- 
 ties at times rather appalled me, but encouraged 
 by some serious friends, I still kept the object in 
 view." 
 
 u My heart was now set on doing good in every 
 ay I possibly could. With a friend I visited New- 
 gate, to see a young man under sentence of death 
 for house-breaking. He appeared on the whole pe- 
 nitent and attentive; but I was shocked to observe 
 others in the same situation, in the condemned yard, 
 apparently careless, playing at fives, as if nothing 
 was the matter. The young man we visited was af- 
 terwards executed with several others. He came 
 
 
40 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 upon the scaffold first, and, looking up towards hea- 
 ven, began singing and seemed to die penitent. As 
 these cases are sometimes doubtful, I must leave 
 the decision to the Great Judge of all the earth." 
 
 " My desire for entering the ministry continu- 
 ing, I was very anxious to cultivate my mind. My 
 young friend was now removed to a distant acade- 
 my to prepare him for that great work. I was con- 
 nected with no society where I could exercise my 
 gift, I therefore licensed a room in Black-horse 
 Court, Fleet Street, and opened it on the 21st of 
 January 1788, with an exhortation from 2 Chron. 
 xv. 7. " Your work shall be rewarded." Our num- 
 bers increased, and I was assisted by several other 
 speakers, having exhortations twice a-week. This 
 Society lasted about ten years. Many ministers oc- 
 casionally assisted, and I have great reason to be- 
 lieve good was done." 
 
 " About this time I was introduced to the late 
 Rev. John Ryland. His eccentric manner, his ve- 
 nerable appearance, his vehement language, so over- 
 whelmed me, that I was scarcely able to give any 
 account of myself. By degrees, however, we be- 
 came familiar, and as he resided near my place of 
 abode for a short season, I attended him at six 
 o'clock in the morning, and became his amanuensis. 
 He was a man of genius, of a most vivid imagina- 
 tion, a determined enemy to the doctrines of Soci- 
 nus, and possessed a fund of anecdote and informa- 
 tion which rendered his company very entertaining* 
 Had he applied himself to any one subject he would 
 have- been a proficient; but he wanted to grasp ever 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 41 
 
 a-y thing his life of Hervey is a curious specimen 
 of this. He was also perhaps too sanguine in his 
 plans of teaching a shorter way to science; perhaps 
 he thought he had discovered the royal road so 
 much desired by some of the kings of antiquity. 
 There are many anecdotes told of him which I be- 
 lieve are not altogether correct. The advice he gave 
 me, I suppose, was the same he gave to many 
 others; u 1. Don't buy too many books, for that 
 will hurt your pocket. 2. Don't sit up late at night 
 to study, for that will hurt your constitution. 3. 
 Don't go a courting, for that will hurt your mind." 
 
 u It may be difficult to lay down precise rules for 
 others, but when I became serious, I was determin- 
 ed on two things to be much in secret prayer, and 
 to read a certain portion of the Scriptures every 
 day, taking them regularly from the beginning. 
 About Midsummer this year I finished reading 
 them through for the first time. In private prayer 
 I fear I sometimes placed more dependance on the 
 length, than the propriety of it, being sometimes 
 three quarters of an hour upon my knees. How- 
 ever, let me recommend to all to adopt the same 
 resolution, of constantly reading the scriptures, and 
 earnestly imploring the divine blessing. Such are 
 most likely to prosper in their own souls, and to 
 become the instruments of usefulness to others." 
 
 " Hitherto T had engaged only in giving xhor- 
 tations in private, except at the roo=n at Bluck- 
 horse Court; but a supply being wanted by the 
 
 D2 
 
42 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 Rev. Mr. Jackson,* at his place at Wapping, I was 
 prevailed upon to engage for the morning and after- 
 noon. This was the first pulpit in which I ever ap- 
 peared as a preacher. I was now little more than 
 eighteen years of age, and though full of zeal, per- 
 haps not altogether qualified to appear in public. I 
 met, however, with encouragement, and was shortly 
 invited to preach at the chapel at Wandsworth on 
 a Sabbath afternoon; this I accepted, and found 
 great liberty in preaching. This was my second at- 
 tempt, which giving satisfaction, divested me of 
 fear, and excited me to go forward." 
 
 u In the summer of this year, 1789, I first saw 
 Bunhill Fields: I cannot describe the impression 
 made upon my mind on entering the gate, and ob- 
 serving the almost innumerable monuments of the 
 dead; indeed, I was so struck, that I went home, 
 sat down, and composed a paper, entitled " Thoughts 
 in Bunhill Fields," which was printed in Mr. De 
 Coetlogon's Miscellany. A walk in Westminster 
 Abbey, among the illustrious dead, is solemn, but a 
 walk in Bunhill Fields, among the pious dead, tends 
 to awaken feelings of a delightful nature. Here are 
 deposited the remains of an Owen, a Goodwin, a 
 Mather, a Williams, a Watts, a Lardner, a Bun- 
 yan, a Harris, a Bragg, a Doolittle, a Jenkyn, a 
 Grosvenor, cum multis aliis. Perhaps there is not a 
 spot in Europe like this. The superintendant of the 
 ground told me, that a gentleman came in one day, 
 
 * Mr. Jackson was afterwards settled at Warminster. He 
 was a man of good sense, and an excellent preacher. 
 
ill 
 
 s 
 
 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 43 
 
 and said that he had been in almost all parts of the 
 world, but he never saw a burying place like this." 
 " To return. Having now fully made up my 
 mind to enter into the ministry, I began to think in 
 what way it could be best accomplished. I had 
 some thoughts of entering into the connexion of 
 Lady Huntingdon; but meeting with an acquaint- 
 ance of the Rev. Mr. Wills, and communicating 
 my intention, he persuaded me rather to wait upon 
 him. I accordingly did so; I was kindly received, 
 and greatly encouraged. Wishing to have some spe- 
 cimen of my abilities, he appointed me to speak be- 
 fore him and some friends, which I did at Silver 
 Street Chapel. Somehow or other I became a great 
 favourite, and the affection this useful minister of 
 Christ manifested to me was beyond any thing I 
 ever before experienced: he treated me as a son; I 
 was welcome to his table whenever I chose; I had 
 free access to his library, and the benefit of his ad- 
 ice as to the books I should read: his amiable and 
 ous consort treated me with the same kindness, so 
 that I became like one of the family." 
 
 u In January, 1790, Mr. Wills sent me to preach 
 at the late Dr. Peckvvell's Chapel, Westminster.* 
 his seemed rather formidable to me, but I was 
 enabled to go through with some degree of pleasure. 
 I afterwards preached at Highgate by his recom- 
 mendation, and finally became his assistant at Silver 
 
 * Ministers sometimes smile at the awkward phraseology of 
 the notes put up to the pulpit The following I received when 
 about to preach at the above .mentioned place: " A husband begs 
 to return Almighty God th.mks to.- the happy deliverance of his 
 wife out of this troublesome life." 
 
44 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 Street Chapel. At this place I commenced a lecture 
 at seven o'clock on Sabbath day mornings, which I 
 continued for several years. Here I enjoyed many 
 pleasant opportunities, and I think that good was 
 done." 
 
 In the spring of this year Mr. Buck accompanied 
 his friend and patron, Mr. Wills,* on a preaching- 
 tour through Wallingiord, Oxford, Bath, and Bris- 
 tol. Though a stripling, he was called to address 
 very large and attentive congregations. During this 
 journey, he surprised the inhabitants of the village 
 in which he was born, by appearing in the pulpit of 
 his venerable tutor. " The time," says he, " for my 
 preaching being arrived, I went with peculiar sen- 
 sations to the old place. It was crowded to excess; 
 curiosity brought together characters of all sorts for 
 miles round. Some who hardly ever went either to 
 church or meeting came. Many reprobates hovered 
 about the place, endeavouring, if possible, to hear 
 something, though afraid to show themselves with- 
 in the walls. I preached from the third chapter of 
 the epistle to the Ephesians, eighth verse; iC Unto 
 me who am less than the least of all saints is this 
 grace given, that I should preach among the. Gen- 
 tiles the unsearchable riches of Christ." Never had 
 I such an affecting season before; it was almost too 
 
 * Mr. Wills (says Mr. Buck) was a popular and useful 
 preacher. His figure was \enerable; his voice sweet and sono- 
 rous; his subjects always evangelical; his language p'ain but 
 forcible. H- wept much in the pulpit, and in some respects, it 
 is said, he resembW d the eelebiakd M>- Whitfield " The edi- 
 tor remembers hearing Mr. Will,; frequently in the days of his 
 childhood, when he was deeply arid powerfully affected by the 
 simplicity and pathos of his discourses. 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 
 
 much for my feelings; the people wept, and the at- 
 tention was profound and universal. What interested 
 me much, was to see some of my old acquaintance 
 and play-fellows, who had also hcen brought to a 
 knowledge of the truth since I had left. From what I 
 afterwards heard, the word made a great impres- 
 sion, and I trust good was done. I could not help 
 smiling, however, at the remarks of some of the 
 country folks who had not been in the habit of hear- 
 ing the gospel. One man said, " zz/r, how wonder- 
 ful it is! what a deel of laming you must have to go 
 oi> zo y for an hour, without book." 
 
 " Another individual, a farmer, who lived at some 
 distance, and scarcely ever attended a place of wor- 
 ship, was induced for once to go. He was quite 
 overcome, and so deeply affected, that he said to 
 another as he was returning home, u O, if I could 
 but pracch like he, I would go and zell all my cows, 
 and go praeching all about the country." Whether 
 his impressions were abiding I know not. Of an old 
 playmate, however, whom I saw a year after on a 
 bed of sickness, I received a very pleasant testi- 
 mony of the power of what he heard on that 
 memorable evening." 
 
 Of the entire devotedness of Mr. Buck to the 
 work in which he was engaged, and the deep seri- 
 ousness of his spirit, the journal which he kept dur- 
 ing this tour furnishes abundant proof. 
 
 u .Monday, 26ih April, 1790. Arrived at Wat- 
 lingford. The country wears a pleasing aspect; the 
 hedges arc clothed in green, and the trees are beau- 
 tified with the sweetest blossoms. O what delights 
 
4-6 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 are there in nature, how engaging to the attention, 
 and how pleasant to the eye. But what ravishing 
 pleasures will there be when the everlasting spring 
 of glory shall dawn upon me, when the cold winters 
 and gloomy clouds will be lost, yea, lost to be found 
 no more. O my soul, reflect on that blissful state; 
 be not so dejected and cast down as if there were 
 no hope. A few more winds and storms, and all 
 will be well. Then shall I have done with all trou- 
 bles, afflictions, pains, and sorrows. When Christ 
 who is my life shall appear, then shall I appear 
 with him in glory. O then, my soul, be patient 
 while thou art journeying through this wilderness." 
 
 " In the evening heard the Rev. Mr. Wills ex- 
 pound the first chaperof 1 John. The discourse was 
 well suited to poor distressed believers can say it 
 was profitable to my own soul. The people seemed 
 to hear with attention, while tears flowed from their 
 eyes. And ah! who can reflect on the great love of 
 Jesus, without being affected. O thou eternal Je- 
 hovah, let me be melted down with a sense of it; may 
 it be my favourite subject; it will be the eternal 
 meditation of all in heaven, and why not of all here 
 upon earth. May it be so impressed on my mind, 
 as never to be worn off; may I live, die, and live 
 again, in the everlasting enjoyment of it. Amen, says 
 my soul, Amen." 
 
 " Tuesday, April 27. Heard Mr. Wills preach 
 from Rev. iii. 20. at Wallingford Market-place. 
 There was a numerous and attentive audience, while 
 the Lord seemed to manifest his presence. O that 
 some poor sinner may be plucked as a brand from 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 47 
 
 the burning. In the evening I gave an exhortation 
 from Isaiah, xliii. 2. at Mr. Lovegrove's; expe- 
 rienced a little liberty in my own soul. O for more 
 precious seasons. How little do I taste of redeeming 
 love, or feel of the Almighty's goodness. Blessed 
 and adorable Redeemer! make me more lively and 
 active- in thy cause, that I may be stedfast, im- 
 moveable, always abounding in the work of the 
 Lord, forasmuch as I know my labour is not in 
 vain in the Lord. Make me faithful to warn the 
 sinner of his way, lest his blood should be required 
 at my hand: O that I may be instant in season, and 
 out of season ever more diligent to exhort poor 
 souls to flee from the wrath to come." 
 
 "Wednesday, April 28. Rode on horseback 
 from Wallingford to Oxford, and on the way had 
 some profitable conversation with a Christian friend. 
 How sweet is it, when God's people are led to talk 
 of divine things. O my soul, evermore improve such 
 opportunities, covet the instructive conversation of 
 real believers. Let not thy time be lost in talking of 
 vain unbecoming subjects. Beware, O ever beware 
 
 Kidle and trifling words, and learn, in conversing 
 ith others, to converse more with Christ." 
 " Took a survey of some of the buildings in the 
 city; but ah, what are these to the house not made 
 with hands eternal in the heavens, an inheritance 
 incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. 
 In the evening heard Mr. W. preach from 1 Cor. 
 i. 23, 24. The discourse was a faithful and a well 
 suited one: I pray God to make it exceedingly use- 
 ful. O what a privilege to have and to hear ministers 
 
48 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 that keep a single eye to God's glory. Blessed Jesus! 
 send more such if it be thy will." 
 
 " Thursday, April 29 Went from Oxford to 
 Bath; was much fatigued with the length of the 
 journey. But ah, how often am I weary in travelling 
 through this great wilderness; how do I lag behind; 
 how slowly do I proceed; how little activity* how 
 careless to run the race that is set before me. O thou 
 adorable Jesus, put fresh life into my soul, that I 
 may mount up as on eagles' wings, that I may run 
 and not be weary, walk and not be faint. Keep me 
 from spiritual sloth, and from bringing a disgrace 
 on thy cause. O that I may adorn the doctrine of 
 God my Saviour in all things: but O, when shall I 
 rest, eternally rest, from all toil and labour, and ar- 
 rive at my long wished for haven? When shall I be 
 where my Jesus is, to love and praise him for ever? 
 where sin shall no more disturb my peace or distress 
 my soul." 
 
 " Friday, April 30. Went to see the buildings at 
 Bath; their magnificence and grandeur filled me 
 with surprise: but what beauty is there in that spi- 
 ritual building the Church! How strongly supported, 
 how richly adorned, and how nicely compact; how 
 well stored and how well protected; Jesus himself 
 the watchman that walks around her w 7 alls, and 
 guards the numerous inhabitants. O my soul, art 
 thou a lively stone in this superb and elegant struc- 
 ture? art thou safely laid on and cemented to the 
 head corner-stone, yea, the sure foundation. O that 
 there I may rest in life and death, and to all eter- 
 nity, even so, Amen, and Amen. 
 
HEY. CHARLES BUCK. 49 
 
 , May I be found a living stone 
 In Salem's streets above, 
 And help to sing before the throne 
 Free grace and dying love. 
 
 "Saturday, May 1, 1790. Arrived at Bristol; 
 the journey was short and pleasant. Ah, how short 
 is my stay in this world! How time glides along! 
 Lord make me careful to improve it: but though 
 my journey is but short, yet if I am blessed with 
 the smiles of Christ, it is pleasant. O give me, give 
 me thy presence, I ask no more; but if I have not 
 that, nothing but misery will attend me. 
 
 " Sunday, May 2. Preached at the Tabernacle 
 this morning at seven o'clock, from 1 Peter, v. 10. 
 " But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto 
 his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye 
 have suffered awhile, make you perfect, establish, 
 strengthen, settle you." Did not feel any great de- 
 gree of liberty; but O how thankful ought I to be 
 that God permits me to speak at all in his name. O 
 that 1 may be more earnest in exhorting poor souls 
 to look to Christ, and trust in him alone! 
 
 " Heard Rev. Mr. Wills preach at Kingswood, 
 from Isaiah, xxxii. 17. "And the work of righte- 
 usness shall be peace, and the effect of righteous- 
 ess, quietness and assurance for ever." O how did 
 the poor simple souls seem to drink the word; with 
 what joy did they hear it, while the tears flowed 
 from their weeping eyes. They appeared to sit un- 
 der his shadow with great delight, while his fruit 
 was sweet to their taste. 
 
 " In the evening heard Mr. Wills at Tabernacle, 
 E 
 
 
<*0 MEMOIRS OF *HE 
 
 from Psalm iv. 6, 7. " There be many that say, whe 
 will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the 
 light of thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put 
 gladness in my heart, more than in the time that 
 their corn and their wine increased." It was a large 
 congregation, and all seemed very attentive. Lord 
 bless the word to the conversion of sinners, and 
 comforting thy saints. Amen. 
 
 u Monday, May 3. In the evening preached at 
 Tabernacle, from Isaiah, xxxii. 18. " And my peo- 
 ple shall dwell in a peaceable habitation." Was 
 enabled to speak with a little freedom. O that I 
 may be an instrument in the hands of God, of 
 bringing sinners to a saving knowledge of the truth! 
 May I be always careful for the souls of others, 
 while at the same time I may not be negligent of 
 myself. Grant me my petition, O though blessed 
 Jesus if it is thy will. Amen and Amen. 
 
 44 Tuesday, May 4. Went to Clifton; had some 
 delightful prospects of the works of God in crea- 
 tion. In the evening heard Mr. Wills at the Society 
 at Tabernacle; the season was very precious and 
 comforting. O Lord, let me profit more and more 
 in hearing thy word: suffer me not to be a dull and 
 lifeless professor, but one that reduces the word 
 into practice. Give me to see the awfulness of 
 hearing the gospel, and yet not possessing it. O that 
 I may not only hear, but know, and not only know, 
 but be careful to practice. 
 
 " Wednesday, May 5. Went to Redland; had 
 some delightful views of nature. But ah, my soul; 
 thou shalt see greater things than these, yea, even 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 51 
 
 Jesus, thy Saviour. What a ravishing sight must 
 that be, it fills me with joy when I can behold him 
 with an eye of faith; but what will it be when I see 
 him face to face. In the evening heard Mr. W. at 
 Tabernacle. O let good be done, dear Lord, and all 
 the glory shall be thine for ever and ever. 
 
 "Thursday, May 6. Preached at Hope Chapel, 
 from Hebrews, xiii. 14. " For here we have no 
 continuing city, but we seek one to come." Was led 
 to show the nature of this city, and the manner of 
 seekig it, but found rather a darkness on my mind. 
 O that the word may bear a lasting impression, 
 may it be as seed sown to spring up after many 
 days. O that it may be watered by the blessed Spi- 
 rit. 'Tis thy prerogative, O God, to make it effectual. 
 Let it, dear Lord, not be a lost word, may it not 
 return void, but be useful to every hearer. Amen. 
 
 "Friday, May 7. -Heard Mr. Wills at Taber- 
 nacle, from Rom. i. 17. M For therein is the righte- 
 ousness of God revealed from faith to faith, as it 
 is written, The just shall live by faith." O that I 
 could but hear with more pleasure and attention: 
 how much are my thoughts wandering; how ready 
 is my heart to start aside like a broken bow; how 
 little do I look up to God to crown the word with 
 his blessing. O that I may never slight such pri- 
 vileges, and abuse such opportunities as are put into 
 my hands! How little am I thankful to God for his 
 grace, his word, his ministers, his gospel, his or- 
 dinances! Wretched man that I am, to be so un- 
 grateful to my dear Redeemer; what a mercy it is 
 that I am not cut off as a cumberer of the ground; 
 
52 MEMOIRS OF 1H 
 
 for I am too much like Israel of old, an empty vine, 
 bringing forth fruit to myself! How long hast thou 
 digged about me? How much care hast thou had 
 respecting me, and yet O how unfruitful! Lord, be 
 merciful unto me, or else I die, yea, for ever die. 
 
 u Saturday, May 8. Have done little or nothing 
 for God to-day. O my dear Lord, how much hast 
 thou done for me, and yet how backward am I to 
 do any thing for thee! O that my head were waters, 
 and mine eyes a fountain of tears, then would I 
 weep incessantly for my barrenness. Was there ever 
 such an unfruitful creature as I am? What a mercy 
 it is that I am not now in endless flames. O for a heart 
 pregnant with gratitude for thy loving kindness to- 
 wards me a poor sinner. When, when shall I praise 
 thee as I ought? Dearest Redeemer, stamp gratitude 
 for ever upon my heart. 
 
 44 Sunday, May 9. Preached at Tabernacle, from 
 Ephesians, iv. 15. a Grow up into him in all things.'* 
 Experienced no great liberty. When shall I have 
 done with darkness of mind? O that I had wings 
 like a dove, for then would I flee away and be at 
 rest. But stop, my soul, beware of impatience: the 
 Lord will in his own good time take thee from every 
 trial here to glory above. 
 
 44 Afterwards preached at Kingswood; a large as- 
 sembly, and all seemed to hear with great awe and 
 reverence. The text was, 44 Unto this man will I 
 look, even unto him that is poor and of a contrite 
 spirit, and that trembleth at my word." Isaiah, lxvi. 
 2. Was able to speak with a little freedom; all glory 
 be to God. O that good may be done, that some 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 53 
 
 sinner may be converted, and some saint comforted. 
 Even so, says my soul, Amen. 
 
 " In the evening heard Mr. Wills at Tabernacle, 
 from 1 Cor. iii. three last verses. The power of 
 God appeared to be present; the congregation seem- 
 ed to rejoice at the word, as those who had found 
 great spoils, and I can say for myself, that it was a 
 precious opportunity. O for more of the divine pre- 
 sence for such soul-enlivening seasons. Let me sit 
 continually under thy shadow with great deligh% 
 while thy fruit is sweet to my taste. May I delight 
 more in thy word, and run the way of thy com- 
 mandments. Amen. 
 
 " Monday, May 10. Preached at Tabernacle, 
 from Isaiah, 1. 10. " Who is among you that feareth 
 the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, 
 that walketh in darkness, and hath no light,, let him 
 trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his 
 God." A numerous audience, while all seemed at- 
 tentive. Experienced the Lord's presence, and found 
 myself in a comfortable frame. O dearest Jesus, 
 how sweet is it to enjoy thy smiles; how delightful 
 to be blessed with the light of thy countenance! 
 
 SWhat a mercy that ever thou shouldst give me the 
 least glimpse of thy love; this is a joy which the 
 world cannot give or take away: but, however, let 
 me remember not to idolize my comforts, instead 
 of looking out of them simply to Jesus. But yet, my 
 soul, still covet to get precious seasons and soul-re- 
 freshing opportunities. O what can be compared to 
 them? It is more to be desired than ten thousand 
 worlds. 
 
 .E2 
 
54? MEMOIRS OP THE 
 
 "Beneath his smiles my heart haslivM, 
 And part of heaven possess'd; 
 
 I'll praise his name for grace receiv'd, 
 And trust him for the rest." 
 
 "Tuesday, May 11. Heard Rev. Mr. Jenkins 
 at Lady Huntingdon's Chapel: many of his remarks 
 were judicious, and others exceptionable. Text was 
 from John, xi. 14, 15. My soul, adore thy Redeemer 
 for the inestimable privilege of hearing his gospel. 
 Blessed, indeed, shall I be if I experimentally know 
 that joyful sound. O let me, let me never be dead 
 to its power; may I have a saving knowledge of it, 
 to the joy, satisfaction, and comfort of my soul. 
 Even so, Am n. 
 
 " Wednesday, May 12. Found myself rather 
 indisposed, but was enabled, through mercy, to 
 preach at Pill in the evening from these words 
 44 Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so 
 that no roan went through thee, yet I will make 
 thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many genera- 
 tions." Isaiah, lx. 15. Have reason to believe the 
 word was blessed to their souls. O Lord, this, this 
 is my desire to be useful to other?. Let me have 
 that honour and happiness, if it be thy will, and 
 thou shalt have all the glory. 
 
 " Thursday, May 13. Came from Pill to Bris- 
 tol this morning. The prospect was pleasing; the 
 fields were variegated with numerous flowers, of 
 different colours; the little songsters seemed all 
 alive; melody was heard from all around, while the 
 genialsun, the life of all, spread abroad his enliven- 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 55 
 
 ing rays. O what a field is the work of creation 
 for the mind to rove in: who could behold such a 
 piece of architecture, and not be in raptures with 
 the grand Architect. O thou omnipotent Being, let 
 me ever be devoted to thee. Suffer me not to delight 
 in thy works, and yet be unmindful of thy great 
 kindness to man. O what, what hast thou done for 
 him! Why shouldst thou remember such a rebellious 
 being? O amazing mercy, stupendous love indeed! 
 Help me, men and angels, to adore him: O how can 
 we speak enough of thy goodness, thou auspicious 
 Friend? " Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that 
 is within me, bless his holy name." 
 
 " Friday, May 14. Preached at Bath from 
 Psalm lxi. 2. " Lead me to the rock that is higher 
 than I." Did not find much life in my own soul; but, 
 however, God can make that which we often think 
 unprofitable, really useful. Lord, I adore thee, that 
 thou hast all in thy own hands, and that thou will do 
 
 just as it seemeth good in thy sight. Supped 
 
 with a Christian lady, whose conversation was pro- 
 fitable and experimental. Ah, what a pity it is, that 
 those who are children of God do not talk more 
 about their heavenly Father, his kindness, love, 
 mercy, power, grace, compassion, and goodness. 
 Oh, what topics are these, they are worth spending 
 time in conversing about. But O, wretched man that 
 I am, how little do I speak of Jesus, how backward 
 to make him the subject-matter of my conversation. 
 O heavenly Spirit, teach my heart, and instruct my 
 tongue to utter thy praises, sing of thy love, and talk 
 f thy grace. 
 
S6 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 " Saturday, May 15. Came from Bath to Bristol. 
 Could not help thinking that time is the vehicle that 
 conveys us through this world to eternity. Ah, how 
 swift it flies, but how little improved; how little of 
 it devoted to God, and how little spent in his ser- 
 vice. O Lord, enable me to husband well my mo- 
 ments; they are precious, though fleeting. So teach 
 me to number my days, that I may apply my heart 
 unto wisdom. 
 
 "Sabbath, May 16.- Preached at Tabernacle, 
 from Matt, xxiii. 9. " Call no man father, for one is 
 your Father who is in heaven." Considered the 
 Lord under the character of a father to his people; 
 experienced much liberty, all glory be to his pre- 
 cious name. O that good may be done. How I long 
 to be useful in bringing sinners to Christ: methinks 
 if I had a thousand worlds, they should all be relin- 
 quished, for the honour of being made instrumental 
 in the cause of my adorable Master. Afterwards 
 preached at Pill Chapel, from 2 Cor. iv. 17. " For 
 our light affliction, which is but for a moment, work- 
 eth out for us a far more exceeding and eternal 
 weight of glory." O how rich is this passage with 
 divine consolation, how replete with blessings, how 
 full of encouragement! Art thou afflicted, O my 
 soul? Be patient, it is but for a moment: O what a 
 golden " but" is that. O keep me, keep me, dearest 
 Lord, from a murmuring and a discontented spirit: 
 my distresses may be pungent; my trials may be 
 sharp; but O let me remember there is an eternal 
 weight of glory for me. O sweet words; not only 
 glory, but a weight of glory, and not only so, but it 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 5/ 
 
 is an exceeding and eternal weight of glory. O why, 
 why are my thoughts employed so little about this 
 soul-comforting subject? What, is there a heaven 
 for me, and shall I not anticipate it? Blessed Jesus, 
 let me dwell in a constant expectation of being taken 
 to the full enjoyment of it. Amen. 
 
 " Mcnday, May 17. Preached at Tabernacle, 
 from 2 Tim. ii. 3. u Thou, therefore, endure hard- 
 ness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." Was rather 
 shut up, and really experienced what I was speaking 
 of the hardship of a Christian soldier. But, how- 
 ever, Jesus my Captain, can put life into the word, 
 and make it profitable to those who are called to 
 fight under his banner. O let it not return void, but 
 be as bread cast upon the waters, to be found after 
 many days. 
 
 "Tuesday, May 18. Was much delighted in 
 reading Mr. Ryland's sermon, preached at Broad 
 Mead, August 28, 1780, being the day of the An- 
 nual Meeting of the Bristol Education Society; 
 found many remarks worthy of notice. He has dis- 
 covered himself to be a man of sound judgment, a 
 capacious understanding, great ingenuity, and a good 
 definer of terms. 
 
 u In the evening attended the Society, heard se- 
 veral give in their experiences that were old veterans 
 in the cause of Christ, and some that were young. 
 Lord, let it be a means of helping me forward. 
 
 " Wednesday, May 19. Went to Hillsley, the 
 village where I was born; being much grown, I was 
 hardly known by any one, it being five years since I 
 left $he place; could not help admiring the creat 
 
MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 goodness of my God to me since that time, in call- 
 ing me from a state of darkness and ignorance to a 
 knowledge of his truth! O Lord, why didst thou 
 choose me and leave others? O how shall I love and 
 adore thee enough! Make me, O make me ever 
 grateful to thee. " Bless the Lord, O my soul, and 
 all that is within me, bless his holy name." 
 
 " Thursday, May 20. Preached at Wotton- 
 Under-edge, from Job, xxiii. 3. "O that I knew 
 where I might find him:" and surely it was the lan- 
 guage of my heart, for I had lost his presence, and 
 a gloomy darkness was spread over my mind. From 
 this let me learn, that God will suffer his ministers 
 to feel what they are preaching, for I experienced 
 the same uncomfortable frame of mind myself which 
 I was describing to others. But, Lord, it is all for 
 the best. 
 
 " Saturday, May 22. Came from Hillsley to 
 Bristol, but found myself ill and fatigued. Let this 
 remind me what a poor weak creature I am; that 
 my body is but a crazy tabernacle, continually giv- 
 ing warning that it must soon fall. But, happy 
 thought, if I have but Jesus, let my body die, my 
 soul shall rest, yea, sweetly rest in glory where he 
 is. There I shall experience no pain of body or dis- 
 tress of mind, but shall be completely happy and 
 blessed for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 "Sunday, May 23. Preached at Tabernacle this 
 morning, from John, xvi. 7. " If I go not away, the 
 Comforter will not come unto you." Found myself 
 yather weak, and did not experience much liberty. 
 In the afternoon preached at Ashton, from Acts, 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK* 5$ 
 
 xix. 2. u Have ye received the Holy Ghost;" though 
 when I was going, I was in such a condition I did 
 not know whether I should be hardly able to speak, 
 yet the Lord opened my mouth, so that I preached 
 with much strength, and I hope and trust to much 
 profit. 
 
 u Monday, May 24. Preached at the Taberna- 
 cle this morning, from Rom. xv. 30. " Now I be- 
 seech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's 
 sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive to- 
 gether with me in your prayers to God for me." 
 The Lord seemed to bless the word. Took my leave 
 of the people,* they appeared to be much affected. O 
 for the time when we shall meet to part no more. 
 
 " Tuesday, May 25. Arrived safe in London 
 this morning. Great God, how kind hast thou been! 
 Hitherto hast thou helped me. But, ah! let me look 
 back on this little excursion; what inactivity has 
 there been; I have done nothing for my God as I 
 ought to have done; I have not depended on him as 
 I ought; I have not prayed to him as I should have 
 done. How little have I exerted myself for thee, O 
 my Saviour? and, ah, how much ingratitude is 
 there remaining now in my heart. O, make me 
 thankful; let the language of my heart be like that 
 of thy servant of old, u What shall I render unto 
 the Lord for all his benefits towards me." To thee, 
 O God, I now commit myself; be my Protector 
 and Guide, and never leave me nor forsake me." 
 
 The following devotional papers, written about 
 the same period with the journal, will afford much 
 spiritual improvement to the pious reader, espe- 
 
60 MEMOIRS OF THE l 
 
 cially to the youthful Christian. Mr. Buck was 
 literally a boy at the time of their composure, yet 
 they discover considerable maturity in the divine 
 life". 
 
 CONTEMPLATIONS. 
 
 Under Darkness of Soul, 
 
 Deprived of thy smiles, O adorable Redeemer, 
 whither can I go? and how can I act? The best of 
 earthly friends, or the greatest pleasures of this 
 world, can yield me no satisfaction without thee. 
 Ah, how have I learnt the truth of that sentence, 
 " Vanity of vanities, all is vanity," and yet, alas! 
 what proneness there is still to cleave to those things 
 which cannot afford me the least help. O Lord, 
 teach me by thy blessed Spirit to look only to thee, 
 the fountain of happiness and delight, and while I 
 thus roam about in darkness, be gracious to me. 
 Speak to my soul, and with thy almighty power 
 break the chain that now confines me in the gloomy 
 pit of distress. One word from thee, dear Saviour, 
 shall cause light to dart suddenly into my mind, and 
 I shall rejoice with a joy unspeakable, and full of 
 glory. I wait for thy return, I long for the light of 
 thy countenance; thou only canst cheer my heart, 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 61 
 
 and dispel my fears. Whither art thou gone, then, 
 O my beloved, and when shall I again hear thy 
 lovely voice. Ah, Lord, how heavy are the mo- 
 ments, how tedious the hours! Every thing seems 
 burdensome while thou art absent. Come then, 
 Lord Jesus, come quickly;! am faint and tired 
 without thee, because I cannot behold thy face; 
 but yet teach me to watch against impatience, and 
 to remember that, " though heaviness endure for a 
 night, joy shall come in the morning." 
 
 On the Heart, 
 What a world of iniquity is here, how full of 
 abominations! How loathsome and corrupt! Can it 
 be that ever I should be in love with myself? What, 
 can I be fond of that which is so depraved; and can 
 I trust in that which is so uncertain? Amazing stu- 
 pidity, astonishing ignorance! Blessed Spirit, teach 
 me to look out of myself entirely and continually. 
 Is it not expressly declared, that the heart of man is 
 deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked? 
 Alas! how are the evil weeds of pride, covetousness, 
 malice, anger, discontent, sprung up in it; and, ah, 
 how little am I weaned from, and how much do I 
 depend upon it. I do not weep over it as I ought; 
 I am too little watchful against its arts and decep- 
 tions. O blessed God, come and take full possession 
 of it, that I may be more devoted to thee; suppress 
 its rising vanities, and let all deadness and inactivity 
 be taken away, that I may mount up as on eagles' 
 
 F 
 
62 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 wings. But, ah, how am I retarded in running the 
 heavenly race, by the heavy weight of its corrup- 
 tion. How it obstructs my going forward. Alas! it 
 is full of wanderings, vain thoughts, and ever ready 
 to start aside like a broken bow: I cannot lift it up 
 to thee, O God, as I could wish. When I would 
 desire to serve thee, it seems intent upon other 
 things. But, Lord, is it not in thy hand? Make it 
 therefore what thou pleasest, and let me be more 
 heavenly minded; keep me from grovelling here 
 after worthless objects and trifling toys, which can 
 neither profit nor comfort, but, on the contrary, an- 
 noy and distress. 
 
 Desiring' God. 
 Glorious Majesty! Eternal God, full of light and 
 immortality! 'Tis thee, and thee alone, I desire. I 
 covet not the pleasures, the delusive pleasures, of 
 this vain world, I want nothing less than thy blessed 
 self. But O can I, who am but dust, presume to 
 think that God will condescend to dwell with me? 
 What, will the infinite Jehovah, the omnipotent 
 Being, the almighty Lord, look upon such a feeble 
 worm? Stupendous love, transporting thought, that 
 even the High and Lofty one, that inhabiteth eter- 
 nity, will take up his residence in the contrite heart! 
 Come then, adorable Majesty; I pant, I desire, I 
 long for thee; thou canst satisfy my soul, and make 
 glad my spirit; when, alas! the trifles of time and 
 sense can only mar my comfort, instead of increas- 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 63 
 
 nig it! Shall I then fly to any other resource but 
 thee? Forbid it, gracious Heaven, and with thy pre- 
 venting mercy suffer me not to wander from my 
 God. Lord thou art witness, yea, my own con- 
 science is witness, how oft I have strove to get 
 from thee, but yet I do desire thee, I desire more 
 to live to thee than ever I have yet done; for whom 
 have I in heaven but thee, or on the earth that my 
 soul longs after but thee? Thou art the strength of 
 my heart, and my portion for ever. A God in 
 Christ, O how delightful to such a vile sinner as I 
 am. How sweet to be reconciled to him I have re- 
 belled against, and to know that he is u my God" is 
 better than ten thousand worlds. Give me an assur- 
 ance of this, and I shall be happy, yea, unspeakably 
 happy. 
 
 GocVs protecting Care. 
 Is there a maternal fondness a^d care in the heart 
 of the parent towards the tender infant? O what is 
 that, when compared to the love and care that the 
 Lord has toward his beloved children? With what 
 pity he looks upon, with what affection he beholds 
 them. Hence, in the most pathetic language, he 
 says, " Ephraim, my dear son, a pleasant child, 
 since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember 
 him still, therefore my bowels are troubled for him, 
 and I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the 
 Lord." O sweet words, how animating to my dis- 
 consolate mind, yea, how refreshing to my distressed 
 
64- MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 and weary soul! Merciful Father, this is thy sweet 
 voice; O what loving kindness runs through the 
 whole. Can I despair with such an affectionate 
 friend? Can I sink while his puissant arm is under- 
 neath me? No, it cannot be. Let me therefore in- 
 dulge the pleasing thought, that, though I may be 
 tossed about on the tempestuous ocean of this world, 
 yea, though gloomy clouds and distressing storms 
 threaten me, yet I am surrounded by thy almighty 
 power, and kept by thy all-sufficient grace. But, 
 ah, cursed unbelief, how oft dost thou rob me of 
 this sweet sensation, and deprive me of my choicest 
 comforts? Thou art a barrier to my joy. Adorable 
 Jesus! keep, O keep this foul fiend from me; let 
 me not be led away by its vain insinuations, nor 
 hearken to its destructive voice: let me believe in, 
 and depend on, thy gracious promises. Thou hast 
 said, " I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." 
 O holy Spirit, apply that comfortable word to my 
 dejected soul, and let it be as food for support, a 
 shield for defence, a refuge in time of trouble, and 
 consolation in the hour of distress. 
 
 Love to God. 
 Can I forbear being attached to that Friend who 
 has done every thing in his power for ray peace 
 and happiness; and can it ever be that I should not 
 love that glorious Being to whom I owe my exist- 
 ence, life, comfort, and my all? O gracious Saviour, 
 I am constrained to love, yea, I cannot live without 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 65 
 
 loving thee. Ye glorious seraphs, ye blissful saints 
 above, with all the favourites of heaven below, bear 
 witness against me if I love him not. Why do I 
 mourn after, yea, why am I anxious about thee, if 
 I have no delight in nor love for thee? Lord, thou 
 knowest all things, thou knoxvest that I desire thee 
 above every object; thou art the solace of my soul, 
 and the wish of my heart, and yet, alas! I cannot 
 love thee enough. I would mourn over my weak- 
 ness, I would weep on account of my inconstancy. 
 
 heavenly Father, let my heart burn with greater 
 affection, and let not my love grow languid towards 
 thee, my best Friend,* give me to see more of thy 
 excellency, and to be more enraptured with thy 
 goodness* let the afflictions I meet with, the trials I 
 am under, and the troubles I bear, all tend to make 
 me dead and insensible to the world, and more 
 alive to thee. I would love thee more, but my cor- 
 ruption chains me to the earth. O when will these 
 fetters be broken, and my soul be set at happy liber- 
 ty? When shall I fly away to eternal bliss; ah, 
 when shall I reach yon delectable hills, and tread 
 those heavenly plains? There will I adore thee with- 
 out ceasing, and love without fainting. But, ah me, 
 
 1 have still to stay behind, to tread the rugged 
 road, and meet the dreadful storm: But, O pre- 
 cious Immanuel, bless me with patience to wait thy 
 sovereign will, and to be resigned to thy wise pro- 
 vidence. 
 
 F2 
 
66 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 God^s Providence* 
 Lord, I adore thy vast designs, and wonder at 
 thy all-wise providence: thou art not accountable to 
 creatures, and none can say unto thee, " What doest 
 thou?" " Thy way is in the sea, thy path in the 
 great waters, and thy footsteps are not known." 
 Shall I then murmur, when I consider that thou art 
 too wise to err, and too good to do -wrong? Heaven 
 forbid. Though I cannot tell what thou art doing, 
 and am ignorant of thy divine projects, yet let me 
 ever be submissive to thy gracious will. Though I 
 cannot comprehend thy works, nor understand thy 
 ways, yet let me be resigned, yea, perfectly resigned 
 at all times, and in all places, to thy wise disposal. 
 But, ah, wretched man that I am, how frequently 
 do I mistake thee, when thou art full of love and 
 pity, and art only afflicting me, that I might be 
 more refined from my earthly dross; then, to my 
 shame, do I think, that in wrath thou art going to 
 leave me, or, at least, I am not one of thy beloved 
 children. O blessed Jesus, give me the eye of faith, 
 to see that thou wilt do all things well, and may I, 
 when bereaved of friends, or deprived of f omforts, 
 be enabled with patience and gratitude to take up 
 the words of thy servant of old, " The Lord gave, 
 and the Lord hath taken away, but still blessed be 
 the name of the Lord." If thy providences are ad- 
 verse may I not despair, and if they are prosperous 
 or pleasant may I not be careless or ungrateful. 
 Into thy hands, O glorious Immanuel, I surrender 
 myself; O let me never be satisfied with any thing 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 67 
 
 short of thee, and may I, under every dispensation, 
 say, " The will of the Lord be done." 
 
 Go(Ps Presence, 
 O precious Saviour, how delightful to experience 
 the light of thy countenance; how ravishing is thy 
 sweet presence! 'Tis here I would desire to dwell 
 for ever. Had I the tongues of ten thousand angels, 
 or even of all the celestial choir, I could not express 
 what it is! I can only taste and admire, but I cannot 
 explain! How oft has it cheered my desponding 
 soul, when I have been ready to sink; yea, how has 
 it supported me in the most pungent distress! O 
 heavenly Sun, let me feel more of thy genial rays, 
 and fructifying influences. It is heaven, indeed, to 
 dwell under thy auspicious smiles. Let the world 
 boast of their joy, and talk of their pleasure; I will 
 triumph*in thee O God, while I am in extacy with 
 a sight of thy smiling face, and am transported with 
 the wonders of thy love! Their delight is vain, de- 
 lusive, and transitory, but my happiness is a stream 
 which flows from an inexhaustible fountain. Be- 
 gone, then, for ever gone, ye vain charmers, that 
 would allure me from my God. In him I have all, 
 in you I have nothing. Come, then, kind Redeem- 
 er, and make thine abode in my heart! Divine Pa- 
 raclete, let me ever sit under thy shadow, while thy 
 fruit is svvec.t to my taste! Thou canst make my 
 trials soft, my troubles light, and my afflictions pro- 
 fitable, by thy blessing. My God and Saviour, keep 
 
68 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 me near to thy side, and humble at thy feet. Fulfil 
 that sweet promise, " I will water thee every mo- 
 ment, lest any hurt thee, I will keep thee night and 
 day." Blessed Jesus! I adore thee for that refresh- 
 ing word; it is big with consolation, and replete 
 with blessings to all thy children. May I be one: I 
 ask it. Even so, Amen. 
 
 Praising' God, 
 When I take a retrospect of thy great goodness 
 manifested towards such a rebellious child as I am: 
 it causes me to wonder at myself, that I am not 
 more thankful. O gratitude, thou sweet companion, 
 come and take possession of my heart; for how can 
 I live without praising thee, dear Saviour, for the 
 innumerable and unmerited blessings I receive from 
 thy gracious hands? Thou bountiful Benefactor, 
 that openest thine hand, and satisfiest the* desire of 
 every living thing, I bless thy sacred name, that ever 
 I should taste the streams of redeeming grace and 
 dying love. Ye heavenly cherubim and glorified 
 saints, that now surround the throne above, help me 
 to praise him whom my soul loveth, and whose 
 kindness, yea, inconceivable kindness, demands my 
 highest lays, u my life, my all." O, for the happy 
 period, when this mortal tabernacle shall drop to 
 the dust, then shall my soul rise with joy, and with 
 rapidity pass through unmeasurable space, till it ar- 
 rives at the gate of celestial bliss. Then, ah, then, 
 most weetly shall I break forth in rapturous strains 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 69 
 
 of gratitude, and never, no never, cease praising the 
 adorable Redeemer. Bat now, even now, do I de- 
 sire to offer up my imperfect acknowledgments of 
 thy undeserved favours. What shall I render unto 
 thee for all thy benefits bestowed on worthless me. 
 There is no part of my life that I can look back to, 
 that does not stand as full proof of thy mercies, O 
 God. Let me, therefore, with heart and life, give 
 incessant testimonies of gratitude, and may I ever 
 join with the holy Psalmist in saying, " Bless the 
 Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his 
 holy name." This is my desire; I fain would sing it 
 forever and ever. Amen. 
 
 Spiritual Declension. 
 Alas, my soul, how strange is it, that one day 
 thoushouldst be mounting up as on the wings of an 
 eagle, and the next grovelling in the dust; one mo- 
 ment burning with celestial ardour, and the next 
 cold and indifferent. O what perpetual changes am 
 I subject to, while in this vale of tears. How ready 
 is my depraved heart to deceive me, as well as to 
 decline from every spiritual duty. Lord, can it be 
 that thou wilt take notice of such a rebellious crea- 
 ture? What, wilt thou remember one who so often 
 forgets thee? What, wilt thou manifest thy benigni- 
 ty to a poor worm that is so vile? Amazing mercy! 
 that after all my stupidity, change ableness, indiffer- 
 ence, hardness of heart, and vanity, thou shouldst 
 look upon me again: pardon my rebellion, and re- 
 
70 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 ceive me to thyself. Wert thou not a God of un- 
 bounded love and inexpressible kindness, my back- 
 slidings must have deprived me of thy favour for 
 ever. But, ah, blessed be thy name, that thou art 
 still the same in all thy attributes. Hence I hear thy 
 sacred word, " I am the Lord, I change not; there- 
 fore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." Thou art 
 a Friend that loveth at all times, and a Brother born 
 for adversity. Come then, thou glorious Jesus, be 
 propitious to my waiting soul. Let me feel thy 
 quickening power; rouse me from my spiritual 
 slumber, and suffer me not to grow careless, O my 
 God. It is my greatest desire to live to thy glory, 
 and be devoted, yea, ever devoted to thy service. 
 Inspire me with more zeal, and let my soul be con- 
 formed to thee in all things. Shine upon me with 
 thy healing beams, and may my heart ever burn 
 with love, joy, and gratitude. 
 
 Resignation to the Divine Will. 
 So wise art thou, O Lord, in all thy ways, and 
 gracious in every dispensation, that I should prove 
 myself a monster of ingratitude, were I to complain 
 of thy dealings, or murmur at thy providences; and 
 yet, (O astonishing depravity!) my heart has often 
 risen with impatience, when I have felt thy afflict- 
 ing hand, that I have been ready to say, ct It is bet- 
 ter for me to die than to live." But not so when 
 taught by the blessed Spirit; no, dear Saviour, I 
 could then submit to thy divine will, and be enabled 
 
KEV. CHARLES BUCK. 71 
 
 to cast all my cares upon thee with ease and de- 
 light. But I can almost as soon stop the sun, as to 
 make myself resigned, and willing to suffer: none 
 but a superior power could enable me to do that. 
 Well then, dear Lord, I commit myself to thee, and 
 should I be all my days kept in the valley of adver- 
 sity, yet let me not drop a murmuring word. If I 
 possess thee, precious Jesus, though I lose all be- 
 side, yet I have every thing that can make me hap- 
 py, for thou canst enable me to rejoice and be thank- 
 ful, even when every earthly comfort is taken from 
 me. I can still say with the Apostle, " I have all, 
 and abound." I desire, therefore, O God, in all my 
 troubles, to remember, that thou art making all 
 things work together for good, and to say continu- 
 ally, with unspeakable joy and sincere gratitude, 
 " My Jesus hath done all things well." In this spirit 
 may I live, in this spirit may I die; and when I en- 
 ter the celestial world above, it will be my uninter- 
 rupted song through all eternity. 
 
 Happiness only in God. 
 Infinitely blessed art thou, O God, in thyself, and 
 capable of making thy creatures unspeakably happy. 
 I would upbraid my roving heart, and weep over 
 my vain spirit, for not repairing to thee, the eternal 
 fountain of bliss. Experience, it is true, has as it 
 were laboured to teach me, that all is a blank beside 
 thee, and every day brings fresh demonstrations, 
 that real felicity is only to be found in thy blessed 
 
71 MEMOIRS O* THE 
 
 self. Beware, then, O my soul, of seeking after the 
 flower of uninterrupted joy where it cannot bloom. 
 Look, look above all sublunary things; for though 
 they so frequently appear so fair, yet, alas! they are 
 full of pricking thorns, and only tend to vex the 
 mind, and leave it burdened with anxious cares. 
 Teach me, then, O Lord, to sit loose to every va- 
 nity of this world: may I not set my affections on 
 things below, but on things above. 
 
 " O dearest Lord, take thou my heart; 
 
 Where can such sweetness be, 
 As I have tasted in thy love, 
 
 As I have found in thee." 
 
 Holy Spirit, let me be taken up with the glorious 
 Jesus! Show me more of his love, and learn me to 
 live, constantly to live, to his glory: let me be rilled 
 with thy fulness, so as to be dead to trifles of sense, 
 and alive to thee alone. O that I could but walk 
 more as becometh thy gospel, and adorn the doc- 
 trines of God my Saviour in all things. Ah, why is 
 it, my soul, that thou art so insensible to the kind- 
 ness of thy heavenly Father, and art so little active 
 for him? " O wretched man that I am, who shall 
 deliver me from this body of sin and death?" I 
 long for the glorious time: O when shall it once 
 be? 
 
&EV. CHARLES BUCK. 
 
 73 
 
 Time and Eternity, 
 Ah, why are my golden moments so foolishly ne- 
 glected? why do I lavish out my hours, as if they 
 were of no value? Precious time, how I abuse 
 thee! how do I let thee slip without improvement? 
 But, O, my soul, think, yea, seriously think, that 
 when it is once lost, it is gone for ever; no recalling 
 of the past minutes, no stopping the present; and 
 shall I then be careless about them? Forbid it, gra- 
 cious God! lest they should stand as a witness of 
 my negligence in the last day. a So teach me, 
 therefore, to number my days, that I may apply my 
 heart unto wisdom." Alas' the wheel of time is 
 moving swiftly round; but soon shall it stop with 
 thee, O my soul, when thou wilt plunge into an 
 eternal world. Eternity, eternity! O what is it? I 
 am lost in the idea. Amazing length! Where are thy 
 bounds? who can measure thee? I stand astonished 
 at the thought, while I rest short of comprehending 
 what it is; and yet how near, yea, very near, am I 
 reaching it; a few more throbbing pulses, and the 
 place that now knoweth me, shall know me no 
 more. Well was it observed, " Life is a moment, 
 but upon this moment eternity depends." What, 
 then, shall I squander away my days in vanity? 
 shall I be insensible, while I stand upon the brink 
 of this awful eternity? O thou Omnipotent Being, 
 teach me how to redeem the time, so that every 
 hour may be filled up with its proper duty; for 
 death is fast approaching, the night is coming on, 
 when no man can work. Quicken me, then, O God, 
 
 G 
 
74 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 that I may be in earnest with my immortal soul; 
 yea, that I may gain an assurance of being in yon- 
 der blissful regions of eternal light. 
 
 A Remembrance of past Kindness. 
 I will now raise my Ebenezer, and say, " Hither- 
 to hath the Lord helped me;" thus far am I come 
 on my journey. Many a dark night, rugged road, 
 and uncomfortable scene have I gone through; but 
 my God has been my stay, and brought me safe to 
 the present moment. Under the shadow of his 
 wings have I been kept, while I have been guarded 
 with, and supported by his almighty arm. With 
 what care has he watched over me; with what ten- 
 derness he has beheld me; with what love and wis- 
 dom he has guided me! How oft when I have been 
 scheming for myself, and laying out my projects, 
 has he frustrated my designs, profitably disappoint- 
 ed me, and saved me from submerging into un- 
 known trouble and sorrow: and at other times, 
 when I have been ready to sink, as it were, under 
 my difficulties, and to say, u I am undone, I shall 
 no more see deliverance," has he kindly sent relief, 
 and unexpectedly turned my pain into pleasure! These 
 are thy wise dealings, O gracious God, which I 
 trust never, no, never, will be erased from my re- 
 membrance. Thou hast led me forth in the right 
 way, and shall I not hope that thou wilt be with me 
 even to the end of my journey? Ah, why should I 
 doubt it, or distrust thee for a moment? O precious 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. T$ 
 
 faith, dwell thou with me while travelling through 
 this wilderness. May I, in every circumstance, 
 however difficult or distressing, be led to thee, thou 
 sovereign Protector, thou adorable Jehovah! 
 
 ' Through the desart wild conduct me 
 
 With ,a glorious pillar bright; 
 In the day a cooling comfort, 
 
 And a cheering fire by night. 
 
 " Be my guide in ev'ry peril, 
 
 Watch me hourly, night and day, 
 Else my foolish heart will wander 
 
 From thy Spirit far away." 
 
 Longing' for Heaven. 
 Ye celestial angels, when will ye receive your 
 commission to guard my disembodied spirit to the 
 mansions of eternal glory? How much longer yet 
 must I dwell in this vain world, subject to sorrow, 
 and exposed to trials and afflictions? When shall I 
 hear the joyful whisper, " Come away, and inherit 
 the peaceful mansions above?" O welcome day, 
 when I shall be called from exile, home. Heaven! 
 What is it? It is unknown to mortal man. Eye 
 hath not seen, ear hath not heard, neither hath it 
 entered into the heart, what thou hast prepared, O 
 God, for those that love thee. But yet I will be bold 
 to say, 
 
 " That all the heaven I there possess, 
 Will be the light of Jesu's face." 
 
76 3IEM0IRS OF THE- 
 
 It would be no heaven without thee; thou art the 
 resplendent Sun, who wilt cause every heart to 
 overflow with joy. There shall I see my once fel- 
 low-pilgrims, the spirits of just men made perfect* 
 with all the innumerable company of seraphim; but 
 ah, pleasant thought, there shall I behold the Lord 
 himself! Ye happy bowers, when shall I once reach 
 you; ye aromatic fields, ye groves of everlasting- 
 verdure, when shall I enjoy you? Ye pleasant 
 streams of uninterrupted happiness, I long to drink 
 of you. Ah, then shall I sorrow no more: thou, O 
 God, wilt wipe away all tears from my now weep- 
 ing eyes; no sin shall distress my mind, no cloud 
 shall intervene; but I shall for ever delight in, and 
 enjoy my God and Saviour. How shall I traverse 
 those heavenly plains, and join the blissful choir in 
 adoring the lamb through all eternity. Then shall I 
 sing with love and gratitude, Blessing, and glory, 
 and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and 
 power, and might, be unto our God, for ever and 
 ever. Amen. 
 
 A Sense of the Love of God, 
 Why, O glorious Redeemer, should 1 be the ob- 
 ject of thy love? I stand astonished, that ever thou 
 shouldst look upon me, the chief of sinners! Surely 
 thy kindness is past description, thy goodness is un- 
 searchable! For had not thine been the love of a 
 God, it could not have extended to such a rebellious 
 creature. But, O God, I desire to have it more im- 
 printed on my heart, that it may constrain me to 
 
REX 7 . CHARLES BUCK. 7? 
 
 love thee above every object; give me to see that it 
 is everlasting, distinguishing, and free. What a 
 sweet thought, " That those thou once lovest, thou 
 wilt love to the end." Gracious God! I bless thee 
 that ever I tasted the streams of this boundless river, 
 that maketh glad the city of God! But, Lord, I 
 would wish to drink more still. Open mine eyes to 
 see, enlarge my heart to receive, and let me be filled; 
 yea, let me have full measure, pressed down, and 
 running over. O that I could but maintain a con- 
 tinual sense of this precious love. How strange is 
 it, that sometimes I should be so delighted with it, 
 as not to be expressed, and then again I am as in- 
 different about it as if I were a stranger to it. But 
 what an unspeakable mercy, that thou dost not 
 change, O God. Glory be to thy name, that thou art 
 the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. I thank 
 thee, that thou wilt not revoke thy word, nor alter 
 thy affection. O let me, dear Saviour, enjoy more 
 of thy love. Dispel my darkness, takeaway my cold- 
 ness of heart, and let me be continually exulting in 
 this glorious attribute, while I join with the Psalmist 
 in saying, " How excellent is thy loving kindness, 
 O God, therefore the children of men put their trust 
 under the shadow of thy wings." 
 
 
 Mij Sold folloxveth hard after thee. 
 Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly! In this solita- 
 ry wilderness I wander, hoping that I shall find 
 thee whom my soul loveth. How long shall I wait 
 G 2 
 
78 MEMOIRS OF TH 
 
 for thy return? The glorious canopy above, tfte 
 flowery meads, the murmuring streams, the verdant 
 fields, yea, all the beauties of creation, cannot suffi- 
 ciently content my immortal soul, without thee, O 
 God. " O that I knew where I could find thee." 
 Draw near to my fainting mind: speak peace to my 
 disconsolate heart. Look upon a poor pilgrim; re- 
 member him with that favour thou bearest unto thy 
 people, and visit hiin with thy salvation. O graci- 
 ous Saviour, put thou my tears into thy bottle, note 
 my feeble petitions in thy sacred book. But ah, 
 Lord, how gloomy is it to walk this rugged road 
 without one glimmering ray; how uncomfortable to 
 tread this thorny path, deprived of thy sweet pre- 
 sence. Return, return, Almighty Protector; my soul 
 moves on heavily; I faint, I sink, without thee' 
 
 " Jesus, my Lord, my life, my light, 
 
 O come with blissful ray; 
 Break radiant through the shadea of night, ' 
 
 And chase these shades away." 
 
 Then, ah, then, with what delight shall I travel on, 
 while I contemplate the wonders of thy sovereign 
 grace, and remember that every rolling hour brings 
 me nearer to my happy abode! Cheer up, my soul; 
 a few more battles, and the victory shall be won; a 
 few more steps, and thy race shall be ended. Lord, 
 in patience let me possess my soul. But O, while I 
 am here below, keep me as the apple of thine eye, 
 and amidst innumerable foes, and successive trials? 
 " Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe. 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. T9 
 
 Rising above the World. 
 O happy ascension, it is spiritual and delightful: 
 mount still higher, my soul; the farther from the 
 world, the nearer to God! Descend, celestial Dove, 
 and teach me to fly swifter from its alluring vanities. 
 What is there that can profit or comfort me? Ye 
 sons of pleasure, ye deluded worldlings, what have 
 you to satisfy a soul that is bound for eternity? Alas, 
 ye are all physicians of no value, blanks that con- 
 tain nothing. I turn from you, while I behold the 
 vanity of your projects; though startled to see you 
 playing upon the brink of unutterable woe, -and 
 thoughtless of death and eternity. 
 
 
 Fools that you are, 
 
 Never to think of death and of yourselves 
 At the same time! As if to learn to die 
 Were no concern of yours. 
 
 Blair. 
 
 Lord, I thank thee, that thou hast freely and unde- 
 servedly called me from the giddy throng; I bless 
 thy name a thousand times, adorable Majesty, for 
 sudi inexpressible kindness. Why was I not left 
 with them to go down the river of sin, into the ocean 
 of endless misery? Distinguishing goodness^ won- 
 derful love! May I always bow at thy feet, O God, 
 with true thankfulness of heart; while I prove by 
 my conduct that I love thee with the greatest sin- 
 cerity. Let me not be carried away by the torrent 
 of the world, but stand steady in the midst of their 
 opposition. Let the winds be high, or the waves 
 
80 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 roll, thou canst hide me under the shadow of thy 
 almighty and protecting wings: then, ah, then shall 
 I be safe. Vain world, retain your frowns; ye sur- 
 rounding mockers, still despise; my God will make 
 me infinitely happy with the smiles of his counte- 
 nance; I shall experience that joy which you cannot 
 bestow, yea, that delight of which you never can 
 deprive me. 
 
 Haired to Sin. 
 Dear Saviour, let me never be at peace with this 
 accursed monster! What, shall I indulge that which 
 is an enemy to him I profess to love? Shall I delight 
 in the very thing that would prove my eternal ruin? 
 God forbid! What misery must attend my steps, 
 what guilt must load my conscience, if I give way 
 to this abominable evil? But alas! how prone am I 
 to do it, were it not for preventing grace? How 
 soon should I go astray, how readily backslide, if 
 thou didst not uphold me, O God? But glory be to 
 thy name, thou hast constrained me to confess, with 
 lip and life, that I hate sin, with a perfect hatred. 
 Thou knowest, blessed Lord, how it frequently 
 grieves my heart, and causes me to go mourning 
 from day to day. It is this that is the cause of all 
 my sorrow, and that often mars my peace. O then, 
 let my aversion to it grow stronger and stronger; 
 give me a watchful eye, a steady heart, and a cou- 
 rageous mind, that I may war against it; may I not 
 fight and fall, but fight and conquer. Make thy 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 8l 
 
 strength perfect in my weakness: whatever trou- 
 bles I am under, whatever afflictions I endure, 
 whatever difficulties I meet with, I only ask, that 
 thou wilt keep me from this dreadful enemy, know- 
 ing " it is more eligible to suffer than to sin." But, 
 alas! I have reason to weep and lament, that I can- 
 not mourn more on account of it, that I do not pray 
 with more earnestness against it. O Lord, quicken 
 me with thy spirit, u Order my steps in thy word, 
 and let no iniquity have dominion over me." 
 
 Contentment a great Blessing. 
 How much better is it to be contented with what 
 I have received, than to murmur for what I have 
 not. But, alas, I know not when it is well zvith me 
 I frequently complain when there is no occasion. 
 Curb my impatient disposition, and let me be satis- 
 fied with what thou hast bestowed upon me, O God. 
 Real contentment is only to be learnt in the school 
 of Christ. Lord, I would humbly lay myself before 
 thee, to be taught by thy Spirit. I cannot teach my- 
 self; I am altogether weakness; but I bless thy 
 name, that thou art able to dispense this grace unto 
 me. Come then, O thou best of Friends, pluck up 
 the weed of discontent, and make me continually 
 happy in every situation wherein thou shalt place 
 me. Put an end to all my complainings, and stop 
 my murmurings of heart; and whether in the heights 
 of prosperity, or depths of adversity, may I be con- 
 strained to say, " Thou hast done all things well." 
 
82 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 O let there never be a part of my life, wherein I 
 should deviate from this just sentiment. But yet, 
 astonishing depravity! I am almost ready at times 
 to act as if there were no Providence to control or 
 direct. Take away such base ideas, O God, and let 
 me live while I live; yea, let all the actions of my life 
 bear a testimony of my dependence on thee, content- 
 edness in thee, and devotedness to thee. 
 
 Trusting in God, 
 How pleasant is it to live by faith; how sweet to 
 be enabled to cast every care upon a wise and gra- 
 cious Saviour, who is ever willing to succour the af- 
 flicted, and strengthen the weak. Lord, I come as a 
 poor unworthy worm into thy presence, to beg for 
 more faith to rely on thy sacred promises. Inspire 
 me with a holy confidence in thy word, so that in 
 all my trials I may look to thee, and under every 
 distress depend upon thy unbounded goodness; thou 
 art an unlimited God, and in thee dwells an ever- 
 lasting fulness of grace, for the comfort of thy un- 
 worthy children; why then should I be for limiting 
 thee; yea, why are my thoughts so narrow, my con- 
 ceptions so small, of thy glorious self? Lord, en- 
 large my scanty ideas, give me greater views of thy 
 compassion, love, and kindness to thy people. O, 
 thou faithful Jesus, in mercy remember my unfaith- 
 ful heart: wean me from trusting in myself, and 
 teach me to trust in thee, and thee alone. May every 
 care, circumstance^ and trouble, be referred to thy 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 83 
 
 hands. Bless me with that sweet grace of faith, let 
 it attend all my steps, accompany me wherever I 
 go, be with me in whatever I undertake; let it be 
 my companion in every situation through life. I ask 
 it of thee; O deny me not if it be thy gracious will. 
 Then shall even the thorny path be made easy, and 
 mountains become plains, while with this glass I look 
 beyond the transitory scenes below, to the wide 
 fields of everlasting glory, and comfort myself with 
 the thought, that every step brings me nearer to this 
 long wished- for rest. 
 
 Longing' for more of tke Spirit. 
 Alas! how empty is my poor vessel of that blessed 
 Spirit, which is the life of my soul, and my greatest 
 joy. Holy Ghost, how little do I possess of, and 
 how little am I actuated by thee! How much am I 
 led by my vain imaginations, and governed by the 
 principle of self. O that thou wouldst come, and 
 guide me into all truth. Direct and comfort me in 
 every tribulation, and keep my heart alive by thy 
 fructifying influences. I pant, I long for thee, O 
 thou blessed Inspirer and Comforter of Souls! 
 
 
 " Holy Ghost, dispel my sadness, 
 Pierce the clouds of sinful night; 
 
 Come thou source of sweetest gladness, 
 Breathe thy life, and spread thy light." 
 
 Show me, O show me the things of Jesus; teach me 
 more of his everlasting love, and learn me to be 
 
84 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 more obsequious to his heavenly mandates. O how 
 would I grieve, that I do not enjoy thee more: 
 cleanse my soul from evil thoughts and trifling vani- 
 ties, and take up thy residence within me. Glorious 
 Spirit! bear witness with my spirit, that I am born 
 of thee; give me to see that I am sealed with thy 
 blessed seal unto the day of redemption; yea, that 
 seal which all the men on earth, nor millions of in- 
 fernal spirits, can never break. I thank thee that it 
 remains for ever. What abundant room have I, 
 therefore, to rejoice. Begone, thou melancholy sad- 
 ness, and let me exult in the precious promises of 
 my Lord and Saviour! Surely I have reason to say, 
 " Thy ways are ways of pleasantness, and all thy 
 paths are peace;" yea, and so they will be, if I have 
 but thy divine Spirit thus to enliven me. 
 
 The Works of God. 
 O that my tongue were but as the pen of a ready 
 writer, then would I speak with liberty upon thy 
 wonderful works, O Lord; how manifold are 
 they, even in creation; how wisely ordered, how 
 beautifully formed, and how astonishingly conduct- 
 ed. " Thou, O God, hast measured out the waters 
 in the hollow of thy hand, and meted out heaven 
 with a span, and comprehended the dust of the earth 
 in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, 
 and the hills in a balance." " Behold all nations be- 
 fore thee are as nothing, and less than nothing, and 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 85 
 
 vanity." Shall such puny mortals as men dare, 
 therefore, to arraign thee at their bar, or even admit 
 a thought that thou canst do wrong, or call in ques- 
 tion thy power and might, or even assert that what 
 thou hast done is useless, or that thy works answer 
 no purpose. 
 
 " Lei no presuming impious railer tax 
 Creative wisdom, as if aught was form'il 
 Ifl vain, or not for admirable ends." 
 
 Thompson. 
 
 that while the ignorant multitude are saying, 
 " Who is the Lordr" may it be my delight to con- 
 template his glorious works, and continually to be- 
 hold him in surrounding objects. May this God, the 
 maker of all things, the framer of worlds, yea, who 
 hangeth them upon nothing, and whose almighty 
 command every thing obeyed, be my God; then will 
 
 1 not fear when all these things shall dissolve, when 
 the elements melt with fervent heat, the protuberant 
 rocks are torn in pieces, the lofty mountains are 
 rent in twain, and the whole creation in flames, even 
 then shall I lift up my head with joy. 
 
 Imploring Help a?id Assistance. 
 Every moment is a time of need for me to apply 
 to thee, O gracious Father. I stand in continual ne- 
 cessity of thy kind assistance; I cannot take another 
 step without thy friendly aid; be merciful, therefore, 
 unto me, O God! Thou art well acquainted with my 
 H 
 
86 MEMOIRS Of" THE 
 
 weakness; strengthen me, that I may go forward: 
 thou seest my infirmities, I beseech thee, therefore, 
 let thine everlasting arms be under me. Thou art not 
 a stranger to my afflictions, let then thy grace sup- 
 port me. O remember a helpless creature, now in 
 this howling wilderness wandering about in a soli- 
 tary way. Unable to direct or help myself, I would 
 again renew my supplications; O spurn me not from 
 thy presence, nor shut up thy tender mercy from 
 me: regard my feeble petitions, and be gracious unto 
 my waiting soul. Ah, Lord, I know thou art ready 
 to help the weak, and to look upon the sinner who is 
 sensible of his sin and misery! What encouragement 
 is it to my dejected mind, "That a broken and a 
 contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." Pre- 
 cious word, it brings a ray of light, it affords me a 
 little comfort, even when I sit musing on my dis- 
 tress. Compassionate Saviour, loving Friend! I 
 thank, I adore thee for ever, that thou art willing to 
 bless, and able to save such a vile sinner; and as 
 thou didst not forget one who once with fervency 
 cried, " Lord, help me," so I trust thou wilt not be 
 deaf to my unworthy supplications, discard my 
 groans, or reject even those desires which I have 
 after thee, O God; for thou hast kindly said, "Who- 
 soever will come unto thee, thou wilt in no wise cast 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 87 
 
 Thou hast guided me by thy counsel. 
 This day I enter into the nineteenth year of my 
 age. O what little progress have I made; still a babe 
 in religion; knowing but little of my own heart, of 
 the subtilty of Satan, and of a vain world! And 
 what a small part out of this time have I even made 
 a profession. It is not five years since the Lord was 
 pleased to give me real and serious impressions, 
 which I trust (though with a holy fear and humble- 
 ness of mind would I speak it) will issue in my final 
 salvation. O that I may be enabled to give great 
 proofs of my calling, and that the world, professors, 
 and believers may see that I am determined to know 
 nothing else but Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 
 Lord, do thou give me evidences that I am born 
 again; give me a disposition to leave all for thy sake. 
 Cut every cord, break every chain that would hold 
 me back; dissolve every tie to this world and its va- 
 nities, and grant, that as my past years have been 
 spent to little or no purpose, that my future (should 
 my life be spared) may be continually, sincerely, and 
 wholly devoted to thee. But, Lord, I desire to praise 
 thee for the innumerable, unmerited favours thou 
 hast bountifully bestowed upon me. Thou hast led 
 me forth, and guided me by thy wise counsel through 
 many dark labyrinths; I have been upheld alone by 
 thy power, and kept by thy grace. O that now thou 
 wouldst refresh me with the heavenly showers of thy 
 Spirit. " Bear me as on the wings of an eagle, and 
 bring me to thyself." Here I am clogged too much 
 
88 MEMOIR'S OF THE 
 
 with earthly toys; O let loose my soul, that it may 
 fly away to eternal rest and glory. 
 
 " Come, heavenly wind, and blow 
 A prosperous gale of grace, 
 To waft from all below, 
 
 To heaven, my destin'd place: 
 Then, in full sail, my port I'll find, 
 And leave the world and sin behind." 
 
 Aspiring after Humility, 
 Notwithstanding all the trials and afflictions I 
 have experienced, yet what an unhumbled creature 
 am I! Lord, what a mercy it is that thou dost bear 
 with such a proud wretch! No sooner is the rod 
 withdrawn, but I am apt to think of myself more 
 highly than I ought to think. But, O God, thou 
 knowest that I desire not merely to talk of, but to 
 possess that valuable garment of humility. With 
 self-abasement, therefore, would I wish to come be- 
 fore thee, while I use the language of the publican, 
 u God be merciful to me a sinner." I have nothing 
 to bring, I have nothing to boast of, why then should 
 I so often vainly think much of what I possess: if 
 I have grace, to whom am I indebted but to thee, 
 O God: if I possess gifts, from whence came they, 
 but from thee? If I have temporal blessings of any 
 kind, are they not the bounties of thy liberal hand? 
 Do I enjoy peculiar mercies, whom have I to praise 
 but thee, O Lord? O give me proper views of these 
 things, that my proud imagination may be removed, 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 
 
 89 
 
 and my boasting tongue be silent! Whatever others 
 think, that they are sufficiently humble, I must con- 
 fess that I have arrived but to a small degree of 
 this grace. Alas! pride seems to be a constant at- 
 tendant, and follows me wherever I go, and, as it 
 were, taints every thing I do. Gracious God, what- 
 ever thou dost withhold from me, I beseech thee 
 withhold not a spirit of humility. May it be my 
 particular characteristic in every action of my life; 
 it is a grace which makes the Christian shine, and 
 the more we imbibe that spirit, the more we re- 
 semble our dear Redeemer, who abased himself on 
 earth that his people might be exalted to everlasting 
 glory! 
 
 Dread of carnal Security* 
 O my God, let me never be at ease in Zion; keep 
 me from being satisfied only with professing the 
 name of Christ; but may I depart from all iniquity. 
 What can be more detestable in thy sight than the 
 formal hypocrite? Thou, O Jesus, in the days of 
 thy flesh, didst loudly inveigh against such; suffer 
 me not, therefore, to be of that character, and under 
 that denomination. Give me oil in my lamp, and let 
 that gospel which I hear be the power of God unto 
 my salvation. Lord, thousands talk about grace, but, 
 awful to reflect, how few experience the effect of it. 
 If heaven could be purchased by words, many would 
 enter in and obtain it; but, O my soul, ever remem- 
 ber that " the kingdom of God is not in word but in 
 power." What reason have I to believe I belong to 
 H2 
 
90 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 God, if his word do not influence my conduct? 
 Alas, I may vainly deceive myself, and say, Peace, 
 peace, when there is none! Help me then, O Lord, 
 seriously and continually to examine myself; for to 
 be under a delusion in this respect, is one of the 
 most dreadful evils this side hell. It is an awful 
 truth, that "many are called, but few chosen." 
 Numbers hear that do not fear; multitudes attend 
 that never possessed a spark of grace; yea, and some 
 come with a kind of satisfaction, and are even af- 
 fected with what they hear, but, dreadful to think, 
 it soon wears off again, and then they get (in one 
 sense) more hardened than ever! O that I never may 
 be found with these, O God. Surely their condem- 
 nation must be great; for thou wilt say unto them, 
 " Take them, bind them hand and foot, and cast 
 them into outer darkness, where shall be weeping 
 and gnashing of teeth." 
 
 Desiring 1 to be kept from Slothfulness. 
 How vigilant are the men of this world in pursuit 
 of those things which must soon decay; how assi- 
 duous are they in laying up treasures- on earth, 
 where moth and rust can corrupt, and thieves break 
 through and steal; but, alas! how backward am I in 
 working, as it were, for eternity! Shame be to my 
 soul, that I lose so many prt cious hours, and do so 
 little for my Heavenly Master! How am I kept back 
 by slothfulness, and how fond of self ind ilgence! O 
 God, I work for thee, as if thou wert cruel or hard 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 91 
 
 to me! I run as if there were no prize to obtain: I fre- 
 quently act as if I had never experienced the least 
 of thy goodness. O Holy Spirit, descend and dif- 
 fuse life into my inactive soul, and make me sted- 
 fast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of 
 the Lord, forasmuch as I know my labour is not in 
 vain in the Lord: and let me consider for a moment, 
 how is it that I am so spiritually indolent in the 
 cause of God, when I have received so many fa- 
 vours from him. How is it that I can be careless, 
 when I do not know that I shall have another mo- 
 ment given me? How is it that I can be slothful 
 when I am conscious that death will soon arrive to 
 demand my soul, and my tabernacle drop to the 
 dust? How is it that I am not more diligent, when 
 I remember that the Lord eyes me continually? 
 How is it that I think so little about my immortal 
 soul, and am so indifferent, when I reflect that I must 
 stand at the bar of God to give an account. Think 
 seriously, think, O my soul, on these things, lest the 
 Lord, when he cometh, should find me as the bar- 
 ren fig-tree, and pronounce an everlasting curse 
 upon me. 
 
 Looking for the general Judgment* 
 What an awful day must this be, when the sons 
 of Adam will burst from their graves at the sound 
 of the awful trumpet: some rising to everlasting life, 
 others to everlasting shame and contempt. See with 
 what horror the wicked go to receive their direful 
 
92 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 sentence; conscience condemning; their sins set in 
 array before them; ministers, believers, former 
 friends, relations, sermons, privileges, and oppor- 
 tunities, perhaps bearing witness against them; 
 while Satan stands ready to plunge them into the 
 gulph of inexpressible torment! Alas! how ghastly 
 th ir countenance, how miserable their minds! O 
 God, let me not be of the unhappy number; but 
 on the contrary, may I be found at thy right hand, 
 to receive the blessed sentence, " Enter thou into 
 the joy of thy Lord." But, O my soul, think, even 
 now think, what a tremendous day that will be, 
 u When the heavens shall pass away with a great 
 noise, and the elements melt with fervent heat; the 
 earth also, and the works that are therein, shall be 
 burnt up." With what majesty will the judge ap- 
 pear! Awful sight! Well might the poet sing, 
 
 "Lo, he comes, with clouds descending', 
 Once for favour'd sinners slain ; 
 Thousand, thousand saints attending", 
 Swell the triumph of his train." 
 
 O precious Saviour, let me be one of that glori- 
 ous throng. O forbid, forbid that on that day I should 
 be drawn forth with the workers of iniquity, to hear 
 the awful word pronounced, " Depart from me, ye 
 cursed, into everlasting burnings, prepared for the 
 devil and his angels." I beseech thee, let me be in- 
 terested in thy blood, and adorned with thy righte- 
 ousness, so that when the solemn period arrives, I 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK, 
 
 93 
 
 ay be enabled to look to the Judge with joy. Even 
 so, O Lord. Amen. 
 
 Deliverance from HelL 
 Why am I not confessing thy justice in the gloomy 
 cavern of hell, and made a monument of thy ever- 
 lasting wrath? Why am I not with infernal spirits, 
 experiencing the power of thine anger? Why not in 
 blackness of darkness, raging in dreadful despair? 
 Why! Because of the free and distinguishing love 
 of a Saviour! No other reason can be assigned. It 
 is not on account of any thing inherently in me. 
 Alas! I deserve eternal banishment from thee, O 
 God; and if thou wert to enter into judgment with 
 me, I must sink before thee as self-condemned for 
 ever. But, O, the riches of thy mercy, the greatness 
 of thy love, that thou shouldst remember me with 
 pity, and behold me with kindness; yea, that I 
 should be plucked as a brand from this burning! 
 Not unto me, not unto me, but unto thy name be 
 all the glory. But, O, the misery of those who will 
 be sentenced to dwell in everlasting flames, " where 
 they will weep with dry tears, yet none of their 
 pain will be allayed by weeping." Shocking situa- 
 tion! How will they wish they never had been born, 
 and gnash their teeth in reflecting on their past 
 folly. For ever, for ever, for ever, will they be 
 locked up in that infernal prison. O how welcome 
 would death be to them could they but die; but, 
 alas! Death has dore his work, and is as it were ex- 
 
94> MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 pired himself. As the Poet says, when speaking of 
 the judgment day, 
 
 " Death, wrapt in chains, low at the basis lies, 
 " And on the point of his own arrow dies." 
 
 Young. 
 
 I would meditate on these things to rouse myself, 
 while I continually would pray, u Lord Jesus, de- 
 liver me from the wrath to come," and let me not 
 perish with the wicked in eternal woe and misery. 
 Amen. 
 
 Spending an Eternity with God, 
 Adorable Saviour! I long to be set at liberty, and 
 to be freed from all the pains and sorrows of a mor- 
 tal state. Ah, blessed Eternity, when shall I enjoy 
 thee, and when shall I see my Redeemer face to 
 face? When wilt thou admit me into thy glorious 
 presence? My soul longs for the happy moment; it 
 looks forward with joy to the blissful time, when 
 thou wilt say, " Come up hither." But O, amazing 
 thought, an eternity, shall I spend in those heavenly 
 courts! After thousands, ten thousands of years are 
 gone, still it will be no diminishing of eternity! O, 
 my soul, give it a consideration; let it be a means 
 of rejoicing, while thou art here in time, that thou 
 wilt be with God hereafter in this eternity. But, 
 alas! I hear, I read, I talk about it, as if I were not 
 concerned therein. O God, impress it on my mind, 
 and in every trouble, situation, trial, circumstance, 
 and affliction, let me not lose sight of this. Day and 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 95 
 
 night, in prosperity or adversity, let me always 
 have it set before me; let not the vanities of this 
 world, or any of the trifles of sense, wean my mind 
 from the contemplation of it. And now, O God, I 
 would fervently beg of thee to keep me while here 
 below; let me not turn to the right hand or to the 
 left, but walk uprightly in the midst of a crooked 
 and perverse generation. Give me thy blessing, fa- 
 vour me with thy presence, support me by thy grace, 
 and enable me continually to look forward to that 
 inheritance which is incorruptible, undented, and 
 that fadeth not away. Then will I sing, 
 
 
 In hope of that immortal crown, 
 I now the cross sustain, 
 
 And gladly wander up and -down, 
 And smile at toil and pain.'* 
 
 On Mr. Buck's return to London, he resumed 
 his labours at Silver Street Chapel, in connection 
 with his respected friend Mr. Wills. Preaching 
 was his delight; every day he acquired more ac- 
 curacy and boldness: though not nineteen years of 
 age, he was heard with attention and pleasure bv 
 numerous congregations. This excited the envy 
 and malice of many with whom his profession as a 
 lawyer necessarily associated him; for he had not 
 yet relinquished his secular employment. 
 
 " I soon became marked, (says he) derided, and 
 ridiculed. This I regarded not, but considered it as 
 an honour to suffer persecution for righteousness- 
 
96 MEMOIRS Of THE 
 
 sake. A few came occasionally to hear me; and 
 sometimes, when there was any religious dispute 
 among the clerks of my office, an appeal was made 
 to me for my opinion; while others, knowing my 
 sentiments, used to blaspheme the more, by way of 
 provocation. I would only just observe here, how 
 necessary it is for Christians to act with prudence, 
 vigilance, and caution, when placed in situations 
 where every eye is upon them, eager to detect in 
 their deportment something which may be turned 
 to their disadvantage. Yet in such circumstances 
 let them not indulge gloom, but rather a cheerful- 
 ness of spirit, that the enemies of religion may per- 
 ceive that they have not exchanged the pleasures of 
 the world for a melancholy fanaticism. I was ena- 
 bled, I hope, to pursue this plan, and did not consi- 
 der myself offended with the bitter sarcasms and 
 the irreligious jeers thrown upon me by those who 
 were ignorant of the power of religion. 
 
 " There was a gentleman in this profession, much 
 older than myself, very clever, sensible, and judi- 
 cious, not at all of licentious morals, but who made 
 no particular profession of religion: he was much 
 respected, and had many friends: he was taken ill, 
 and, to my surprise, sent for me. He knew, indeed, 
 that I was religiously inclined; but I should have 
 supposed that he would have rather sent for the mi- 
 nister of the parish than for me. I however went. 
 I found him very ill; but he was exceedingly glad 
 to see me. On conversing with him as to the state 
 of his mind, he did not appear to me to have exactly 
 right views of divine things, but talked too much 
 
REV. CHARL] 
 
 about the "virtue of his prayers." I observed to 
 him, that we had all violated God's sacred law, and 
 come short of his glory; that by nature we were all 
 depraved; and that nothing but the blood of Christ 
 could pardon our sins, and his righteousness justify 
 our souls. After some time spent upon these topics, 
 he said, " These were things he was a stranger to." 
 I repeated that passage in John, vi. 37. and that in 
 1 John, i. 7. from which he seemed to derive great 
 consolation. After assuring him that Jesus was will- 
 ing to receive all poor sinners, who saw themselves 
 lost by nature, and felt their need of him; he broke 
 out into a kind of rapture, and exclaimed, " O hea- 
 venly youth, thou hast brought me consolation in- 
 deed." He endeavoured to repeat every now and 
 then, when I spoke any thing encouraging, and 
 would say, " Heavenly thought! heavenly thought!" 
 When I mentioned any of the promises, he said, 
 " They have found their way to my heart." I was, 
 however, still desirous of having a little more evi- 
 dence of his really feeling the evil of sin; but, on 
 further conversation, I was somewhat relieved by 
 observing the compunction of his conscience. He 
 observed, " that though the world thought well of 
 him, yet he could see into his heart. There (says 
 he) is the black catalogue of my sins. I have my 
 doubts." I was anxious to know from what these 
 doubts arose, and therefore asked him, whether it 
 was on account of his sins; when he answered, 
 ** Yes, it is that, it is that." In engaging in prayer 
 with him, he seemed to eat every word, and at the 
 end of almost every sentence he could not refrain 
 
 I 
 
y MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 from expressing his approbation, and joining in the 
 same exercise. I left him in a state of triumph, and 
 in a few days afterwards he expired. I am no great 
 advocate for what are called death-bed conversions, 
 but I fear sometimes we may go to the contrary ex- 
 treme. Grace can and doth save at the eleventh 
 hour; let none, however, presume. Those who are 
 most desirous to delay to the last are the most like- 
 ly to come short after all. Disease may lock up the 
 senses long before dissolution, or death may come 
 suddenly; besides, the older we grow in sin, the 
 more hardened we are in it. How does it become 
 us all then immediately to seek for mercy, and choose 
 that one thing needful that cannot be taken from 
 us." 
 
 " It afforded me some degree of encouragement 
 that I was rendered useful in any way. My morn- 
 ing lecture at Silver Street afforded me much plea- 
 sure, by accounts which I received of good being 
 done. One instance I will here relate: I dreamed 
 one night that I was called to preach, but when in 
 the pulpit, I found the wind so strong, as to be un- 
 able to approach the front to give out the text. The 
 passage I had chosen in my dream was Prov. xvii. 
 1. When I awoke, I could not recollect what the 
 words were; but having the Bible by my bed-side, 
 I turned to it, and found that they were these, 
 " Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, 
 than a house full of sacrifice with strife." The 
 words did not make any particular impression at 
 first, but afterwards they so followed me, that I 
 thought I would take them for a text. I found it 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 99 
 
 rather difficult to make a plan on them agreeable to 
 my wishes: at last I threw together two or three 
 observations, and delivered a discourse from them. 
 Very soon after, I received a letter, informing me 
 of the happy effects produced by this sermon on the 
 heart and life of an individual, who described her- 
 self as having been a " sinner in the high road to 
 destruction." She became an exemplary Christian, 
 and is, I believe, now walking in the way to heaven. 
 From this circumstance I wish to remark, that I 
 place no confidence in dreams, as they arise from a 
 variety of causes; but I think sometimes we may 
 go into an opposite extreme. If any thing valuable 
 is suggested, even in a dream, we do well to attend 
 to it; and thus our sleeping hours may be rendered 
 profitable, as well as our waking ones. From the 
 above circumstance I would also observe, how ne- 
 cessary it is for ministers to adopt that mode of 
 preaching which comes home to the bosoms and 
 the hearts of the people. Let me entreat all young 
 ministers to avoid the temptation so common to 
 them, of attempting to appear as something superior 
 in the mere display of intellect, and the gaudy shew 
 of language. Not regardless of the improvement of 
 natural abilities, not despising helps from any quar- 
 ter, not undervaluing sterling eloquence, let the 
 pointed arrows of divine truth be directed to the 
 heart. I am no enemy to close reasoning, sound ar- 
 gument, or propriety of arrangement; but I am per- 
 suaded, that after a clear elucidation of the text, the 
 more a minister can engage the affections, throw 
 himself into the heart of his auditors, and thus pos- 
 
100 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 sess the whole soul, the better. We have had in this 
 metropolis a model, which many would do well to 
 remember, I mean the late respected and useful 
 Henry Foster. Possessed of no natural eloquence, 
 no vivid imagination, no extraordinary genius, no 
 vast depths of learning; his appropriate quotations 
 of Scripture, his unparalleled delineations of human 
 nature, his plain and just selection of images, his 
 striking descriptions of Christian experience, and, 
 above all, his solemn, close, and affecting addresses 
 to the heart, were such, that the attention was ge- 
 nerally fixed, and the congregation went away out 
 of love with themselves, but with a determination 
 again to hear a man that did not play with their 
 fancies, shoot over their heads, or present them 
 with what cost him nothing." 
 
 " But to return to my own history. Notwith- 
 standing I had engaged so much in public preach- 
 ing, and, my labours rendered somewhat useful, still 
 I was but a novice; not twenty years of age, my 
 classical knowledge was but small, and my theolo- 
 gical attainments, in my own view at least, but su- 
 perficial. An offer was made to send me to one of 
 the universities, but my reverend friend Mr. Wills, 
 taking into consideration the little prospect of pre- 
 ferment, and that as I possessed a talent for preach- 
 ing, it might be a loss of time to be precluded so 
 long from active service, he therefore proposed my 
 being placed in the academy at Hoxton, where I 
 could pursue my studies without being altogether 
 excluded from the pulpit on the Lord's Day." 
 
 Before I proceed to narrate the circumstances of 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 101 
 
 Mr. Back's admission into this seminary, I shall 
 close this chapter with the solemn and interesting 
 I reflections with which he entered upon the year 
 1791. The paper is dated January 1st, and is enti- 
 jtled, 
 
 A MINISTERIAL THOUGHT. 
 
 " Think, seriously think, O my soul, what an 
 important work thou art now engaged in! An am- 
 bassador for God; a herald, a messenger from the 
 Court of Heaven! How solemn the office; how ar- 
 duous the task! What need of love to speak to dy- 
 ing mortals, who are careless about their precious 
 souls; what need of zeal to continually warn such 
 to flee from the wrath to come; what need of faith- 
 fulness to keep nothing back, but to declare the 
 whole counsel of God to them, that they may see 
 and know their tremendous situation; what need of 
 issiduity and diligence in exhorting them to turn 
 from dead works to the living God, and reminding 
 them of their awful and dangerous state, in playing 
 about the brink of eternal ruin! what need of pa- 
 ience, when thy reproofs recoil back again on thy- 
 elf, and when reviled and rejected by them; what 
 leed of courage, boldly to set forth the truths of 
 God, and not to be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; 
 what need of humility to speak the word with all 
 lainness and simplicity of mind, so that no offence 
 ay be given to the church of God by vain pompo- 
 ity or inconsistent ostentation; what need of setting 
 good example in conversation, in charity, in spi- 
 it, in faith, in purity; what need of knowledge of 
 
 I 2 
 
102 MEMOIRS or THfe 
 
 the Scriptures, of sin, of the heart, of God, of Sa- 
 tan, that things suitable may be delivered to every 
 case; what necessity for a constant looking to, and 
 depending upon the Holy Spirit, to make the word 
 effectual to the salvation of sinners, and consolation 
 of saints. O, my God, how shall I, the unwonhiest 
 of all thy creatures, be able to go forward in this 
 great work. I am but a stripling to engage in so 
 awful a business. O help me, thou blessed Jesus, 
 that as I have put my hand to the plough, I may 
 not look back; for awful, thrice awful will it be for 
 me, if that should be the case, for thou hast said, 
 ;t Such are not fit for the kingdom of God." O let 
 me therefore be found faithful even unto death; let 
 not the blood of any poor sinner be required at my 
 hands, I know I am weak, but I implore strength 
 of thee to enable me to persevere. Let my feeble 
 attempts be crowned with abundant success. I de- 
 sire, O God, to be useful in thy cause; make me 
 an instrument in thy hands, of bringing wandering 
 souls home to thee the great Shepherd. But O let 
 me remember, with shame and confusion of face, 
 how slothful and negligent I have been! how cold 
 when discoursing on the most animating truths! 
 how backward and indifferent in speaking of thy 
 love and goodness! Shame be to me, to do so little 
 for such a kind Saviour! O give me a heart, dear 
 Lord, to mourn more for my carelessness about thee 
 and thy everlasting gospel. I look up to thee to 
 grant me more grace to speak of thee with all ear- 
 nestness on the one hand, and to adorn thy doctrine 
 ih all things on the other. 
 
AfcV. CHAilLES BUCK. 103 
 
 It is true, the work of the ministry is an awful 
 work, but yet it is honourable. That God should 
 choose a worm, sinful dust and ashes, to speak to 
 the immortal souls of men. How condescending and 
 wonderful ! But, alas! how manv are there that take 
 the name of the ministers of Go i, when at the same 
 time, they are serving the devil,* whose life and 
 conduct prove thut they are strangers to grace; who 
 pretend to preach Christ, but never yet experienced 
 his love in their hearts* who profess to know him, 
 but in works deny him. O miserable mortals, blind 
 leading the blind; little do they think of the worth 
 of never dying souls! What a sad account will they 
 have to render at the last day, when thousands will 
 be ready to curse them for not being faithful to their 
 souls, and not exhorting them to flee from the wrath 
 to come. O my soul, come not thou into their as- 
 sembly here, and, O God, suffer me not to be drawn 
 forth with these ministers of iniquity hereafter, for 
 great must be their punishment, even everlasting 
 burnings, blackness of darkness, inexpressible tor- 
 ment, for ever and ever. Let me, therefore, never 
 trifle with souls, but labour with all diligence to 
 turn men from darkness to light, from the love of 
 sin to the love of God, from the pursuit of this evil 
 world to the pursuit of a better. But, Lord, the 
 work is thine own, and thou hast declared thy word 
 shall not return unto thee void; I therefore desire 
 to depend on thee alone; all hum n aid will avail 
 nothing without thy divine pover. Thy Spirit must 
 unlock the heart, convey the truth, and make it ef- 
 fectual for the conversion of poor sinners. Lord, 
 
104" MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 enable me to speak, but do thou bless, or all will 
 be in vain. Give me, if it be thy adorable will, ma- 
 ny spiritual children, and prepare me for and 
 strengthen me for every trial. And O, my dear Sa- 
 viour, let me never be allured or led away by the 
 deceitful smiles of an evil world. Thoa knowest 
 how ready I am to hearken to their illusive whis- 
 pers; keep me then from every snare, be as a wall of 
 fire round about me: but particularly would I pray 
 against those dreadful, yea, artful enemies, self and 
 pride, that lay so near, yea, live too much in my 
 heart. Surely I have need to pray with trembling, 
 I have need to study with trembling, I have need 
 to converse with trembling, I have need to preach 
 with trembling, lest those monsters should gain a 
 still greater power over me, and be the means of 
 retarding my progress in the important undertak- 
 ing. 
 
 And as I know not the difficulties, and am not 
 aware of the innumerable trials I may meet with, 
 I now beseech thee to give strength for the day; 
 and do thou teach me to bear every affliction with 
 all long-suffering, patience, resignation, and content- 
 ment. I now, therefore, dedicate myself to thee this 
 day, trusting thou wilt not let me go, henceforth 
 nor for ever. Amen. 
 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 10a 
 
 CHAP. II. 
 
 7 rom Mr* Buck's entering 1 upon preparatory Studies 
 for the Ministry ) to his settlement at Sheemess,] 
 
 Perhaps no candidate for the sacred ministry 
 ever entered upon academical studies with a deeper 
 sense of the importance of the work to which he 
 was devoting himself, than the subject of these me- 
 moirs. He powerfully felt that his attainments were 
 to be wholly subservient to his usefulness as a 
 Christian divine. At the time of Mr. Buck's ad- 
 mission, Hoxton Academy was in its infancy: 
 strong prejudices were entertained against it by the 
 regular dissenters and methodists. The former were 
 jealous of the prerogatives of their ancient Homer- 
 ton, and the latter considered it as an unnecessary, 
 and even impious encroachment upon divine teach- 
 ing. But its benevolent founders well knew that the 
 circumstances of the Christian world imperiously 
 demanded such an institution. Many young men 
 were rising up, endowed with the talents, and im- 
 bued with the spirit of preaching. Homerton would 
 not then receive any whose zeal had hurried them 
 into the flagrant iniquity of ascending a pulpit with- 
 out first passing through academical bowers; and 
 the methodists welcomed all who offered them- 
 selves, with little or no discrimination. Homerton 
 
106 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 required ministers to be profound scholars; the me- 
 thodists ran into the other extreme. An academy 
 that should embrace the happy medium, that should 
 work up and employ all the materials that would 
 otherwise have been useless or injurious to the in- 
 terests of religion, in the shortest time and to the 
 best purpose, was a desideratum. This necessity 
 gave birth to the seminary in question. At its com- 
 mencement, it merely professed to teach the rudi- 
 ments of classical learning, and the Principia of 
 theology. The term of study was sufficiently limi- 
 ted, and that was greatly encroached upon by the 
 preaching of the students, almost as soon as they 
 entered. The old dissenters laughed, and cracked 
 their jokes about hot beds, mushrooms, and nur- 
 series; the enemies of academical institutions, how- 
 ever, began to feel the influence of this rising se- 
 minary; the unprejudiced and thoughtful of all par- 
 ties perceived, that with proper management and 
 growing improvement, it would in a few years pro- 
 duce a revolution in the public mind, favourable at 
 once to the interests of learning and piety. What 
 they anticipated soon came to pass, and Hoxtort 
 College, as it is somewhat pompously called by a 
 few of its friends, now stands pre-eminent among 
 its predecessors and contemporaries. It has greatly 
 enlarged the plan of instruction, and extended the 
 term of study; having its Professors of Humanity, 
 of Belles Lettres, of Natural and Moral Philoso- 
 phy. The Divinity chair has been long filled by the 
 Rev. Robert Simpson, D. D. who, on account of 
 his age, and growing infirmities, is expected to give 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 107 
 
 place to one of the first theologians of his age. 
 For all this it is, under God, chiefly indebted to 
 Thomas Wilson, Esq. With a handsome fortune, 
 his father left him, as a legacy, the care of this se- 
 minary, which had risen under his auspices; and he 
 has indeed cherished it with a zeal, assiduity, and 
 perseverance altogether unparalleled in the history 
 of Christian benevolence. His son, Mr. Joshua Wil- 
 son, is " soaring" also u to the regions of his sire," 
 and promises to sustain with equal energy the cause 
 which from his early life has been associated with 
 his best feelings and most ardent pursuits. 
 
 The method in which candidates are introduced 
 into this and other similar institutions, may be con- 
 sidered as one great cause of their prosperity and 
 usefulness. Unequivocal evidences of personal reli- 
 gion are indispensible. The individuals are not only 
 recommended by competent persons, and the 
 Christian society with which they are connected; 
 but they undergo the strictest examination of a com- 
 mittee of wise and pious ministers and laymen, be- 
 fore whom they give an account of their experience 
 in the things of God, and a statement of the doc- 
 trines which they believe. At Hoxton also a trial is 
 made of their gifts as public speakers, and they 
 have then to undergo in the seminary a probation of 
 three months. 
 
 Through all these preliminary steps Mr. Buck 
 passed with credit to himself. In the paper which 
 lies before me, entitled, " A brief Account of the 
 Conversion and Experience of C. B., as delivered 
 to the Tutor, Treasurer, and Committee of the 
 
108 MEMQIRS OF THE 
 
 Evangelical Academy, the 6th day of May 1791," 
 he relates, in substance, what has been already de- 
 tailed. 
 
 The following extract will convey some idea of 
 the views which he entertained of the work of the 
 ministry, and likewise of the doctrines which it was 
 his purpose, by every means in his power, to exhibit 
 and defend. 
 
 " With respect to the work of the ministry, I can 
 truly say, before him to whom I must give an ac- 
 count, that I desire not to enter into it for the sake 
 of filthy lucre, to gain admiration or praise, or any 
 way to bring ease to myself, but to glorify my Lord 
 and Master, and to win souls to him. I am consci- 
 ous it is a work of the greatest weight and impor- 
 tance; but yet such delight do I feel in it, that I would 
 desire it before any other office under the sun. And 
 if the Lord has given me a small talent, it is my 
 earnest wish to improve it for his glory, and the 
 good of my fellow-mortals, and ever to keep in view 
 what the apostle has observed, c to preach not myself, 
 but Christ Jesus the Lord.' 
 
 " With regard to my sentiments, I believe that 
 by nature all men are sinners, that all have fallen 
 in Adam, that they are obnoxious to the wrath of 
 an offended God, and have no ability to save them- 
 selves! That the Lord Jesus Christ, the second per- 
 son in the adorable Trinity, who is co-equal with 
 the Father and the Spirit, out of free and unspeaka- 
 ble love, took upon himself the form of a man, came 
 into this world, suffered, and died for poor sinners, 
 even for those his elect ; whom the Father gave him 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 109 
 
 from eternity, and thereby exempted them from 
 the wrath of God, magnified his law, and made it 
 honourable, brought in an everlasting righteousness, 
 bought a pardon for our sins, and effected a com- 
 plete and eternal salvation for us! I believe that no 
 man in himself has any free will or power to return 
 to God; that he must be born again by the Eternal 
 Spirit before he can love or serve him; that all his 
 own works are imperfect, and that he must be justi- 
 fied by free grace alone, according to the idea of 
 the apostle, ' By grace are ye saved through faith, 
 and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God: not 
 of works, lest any man should boast.' 
 
 " As to baptism, I would just observe, that as 
 infants were admitted under the Old Testament 
 dispensation, why should they be refused under the 
 New? especially as our Lord lays down no com- 
 mand to the contrary, but gives a charge to baptize 
 nations, and then, of course, infants must be in- 
 cluded." 
 
 It is a little to be regretted, that neither in his 
 journal of the period which he spent at this semi- 
 nary, nor in his letters to his friends, has Mr. 
 Buck given any account of his studies, and the 
 manner of employing his time. One thing, however, 
 of much greater importance, is strikingly evident, 
 that his classical pursuits, and the various tempta- 
 tions which abound in the very best regulated insti- 
 tutions of this nature, did not in the slightest de- 
 gree diminish the seriousness of his spirit, or im- 
 pair his devotedness to the glory of God, and the 
 welfare of immortal souls. 
 
 K 
 
110 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 His numerous engagements to preach in very dis- 
 tant places, and the ardour with which he fulfilled 
 them, must indeed have greatly impeded his progress 
 in learning: yet his subsequent labours prove, that 
 notwithstanding these disadvantages, he must have 
 been a diligent and persevering student, especially of 
 theology. He seems to have exhibited much of 
 Richard Baxter's excellent spirit, and to have laid 
 down for himself the rule upon which that venera- 
 ble man declared he uniformly acted. 
 
 " Necessity should be a great disposer of a minis- 
 ter's course of study and labours. If we were suffi- 
 cient for every thing, we might fall upon every 
 thing, and take in order the whole Encyclopaedia. 
 But life is short, and eternal things are necessary, 
 and the souls that depend upon our teaching are 
 precious. I confess necessity has been the conductor 
 of my studies and life; it chooseth what book I shall 
 read, and tells me when and how long; it chooseth 
 my text, and makes my sermon for matter and man- 
 ner." 
 
 Mr. Buck's hours of leisure while at the academy 
 appear to have been chiefly spent in writing his diary, 
 and in epistolary correspondence. In the former he 
 records his religious experience, and in the latter he 
 enters more at large into his habits of thinking, and 
 unfolds to his friends his views and prospects in life. 
 The most interesting parts of both will fill up this 
 chasm in his history. 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. Ill 
 
 "Saturday, July 30. Arrived safe at Bristol this 
 morning, through the great goodness of my gracious 
 Lord. The company in the coach were agreeable, 
 and the latter part of our journey was taken up in 
 religious conversation. O! for more knowledge of 
 and converse with him whom my soul loveth. 
 
 "Sunday, July 31. Preached this morning at 
 seven o'clock, at the Tabernacle, from Isaiah, xxiv. 
 15. "Wherefore glorify ye the Lord in the fires." 
 Though much unprepared for preaching, I thank my 
 God I experienced some degree of liberty. O! that 
 it may be a savour of life unto life to all that heard 
 it. 
 
 " Preached at Kingswood this morning and after- 
 noon. My text in the morning was Psalm lxxxiv. 
 11. and I can say of a truth, the Lord was with me. 
 In the afternoon preached from Rom.ii. 9, 10.; but, 
 O, what a change! My Lord had hid his face, and 
 it was all darkness. It was a burden to me to speak, 
 and I was glad when I had concluded my sermon. 
 
 my depraved, cold, and indifferent heart, how 
 subject to changes! O God, return again to my wait- 
 ing soul, that I may be refreshed. 
 
 " Tuesday, August 2. Heard several deliver their 
 experience at the Society belonging to the Taberna- 
 cle, and trust it was a profitable opportunity. O that 
 
 1 may experience more of the loving-kindness of my 
 God. Surely he has done great things for my soul, 
 whereof I am glad. May I ever be sensible of his 
 kindness, and be grateful for the same. What shall 
 I render to the Lord for all his benefits towards me? 
 
112 MEMOIRS OF TflE 
 
 - 
 
 " Wednesday, August 3 Heard Rev. Mr. Bid- 
 
 dulph this morning at Mary Port Church. His text 
 was Jerem. xxxii. 40. He is a sweet and experi- 
 mental preacher. There is nothing like entering 
 into the feelings of the people, and speaking simply 
 to the heart; this sort of preaching generally is the 
 most useful, and the most honoured by God. O that 
 I may be taught to declare the truth with simplici- 
 ty and plainness. In the evening heard Mr. Wills 
 at the Tabernacle, from Rev. Hi. 18. It was a search- 
 ing sermon. May it tend to rouse the lukewarm 
 professor, as well as to excite the real believer to 
 greater diligence. Amen. 
 
 "Thursday, August 4. Heard Mr. Collins at 
 Hope Chapel, from Heb. ix. 27, 28. Could wish 
 that he preached with a little more life and anima- 
 tion. Surely the cause of Christ demands the most 
 ardent zeal and the greatest earnestness. To speak 
 to dying mortals is of the highest importance, and 
 therefore needs great faithfulness and activity. The 
 Lord grant that I may always speak with power, 
 and with the Spirit. 
 
 " Saturday, August 6. Was much delighted in 
 transcribing a most precious account of a person on 
 his dying bed; part of whose language was this: " I 
 never could have imagined or believed, that I could 
 have felt the consolation I now feel, or have met 
 death as I now meet it; and yet I see that I am a 
 sink of iniquity, and that my whole life has been 
 abominable." O what happy exits do many of the 
 Lord's dear people make. My soul, startle not at 
 the idea of death; Jesus has taken away the sting; so 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 113 
 
 that he is no longer a dreadful monster, to terrify, 
 but a welcome servant, to introduce me to the blest 
 abodes of my gracious Redeemer. May I then sing 
 with the poet, 
 
 " Death cannot make my soul afraid, 
 
 If God be with me there; 
 Soft is the passage th rough the shade, 
 
 And all the prospect fair." 
 
 44 Tuesday, August 9 Met the Society at Ta- 
 bernacle, when several declared what wonderful 
 things the Lord had done for their souls, in calling 
 them out of a state of nature into a state of grace, 
 and strengthening and comforting their souls in the 
 way through the wilderness. These meetings are 
 profitable, when conducted aright, as they tend to 
 establish the weak, and to comfort those that mourn. 
 O Lord, do thou teach me to rejoice with them 
 that do rejoice, and to weep with them that weep, 
 while I endeavour through thy grace to instruct my 
 fellow-pilgrims in the way to Zion. 
 
 44 Wednesday, August 10. Preached at Taber- 
 nacle this evening, from Acts, xxvi. 28. 44 Almost 
 thou persuadest me to be a Christian." Could not 
 speak with much liberty. How hard is it to stand 
 up without the light of thy countenance, O God! 
 Surely the work of the ministry is no easy work! My 
 soul is now under the cloud, and darkness pervades 
 my mind. All terrestrial things appear insipid, and 
 afford no relief to my dejected soul. But, Lord, wilt 
 not thou look upon me again? C) return, return, dear 
 Redeemer, that I may rejoice in thy smiles. 
 K2 
 
114 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 u Thursday, August 11. This day I have been 
 much dejected; but desire to remember what the 
 Psalmist observes, " Unto the upright there ariseth 
 light in the darkness." The Lord is all-sufficient 
 and gracious, and will not leave nor forsake his peo- 
 ple. 
 
 *' O let me then at length be taught, 
 What still I am so slow to learn, 
 That God is love, and changes not, 
 Nor knows the shadow of a turn." 
 
 In the evening heard Mr. Hezekiah Jones, at Lady 
 Huntingdon's Chapel, from Hosea, ii. 14, 15. " I 
 will allure her," &c. One of his remarks was this, 
 u The Vine of our comfort is always planted in the 
 valley of humiliation." I have reason to be thankful 
 for the opportunity, for the word was sweet and 
 profitable. O that I may digest it by faith and 
 prayer, and that the effect of it may be seen in my 
 life and conversation. Amen. 
 
 u Saturday, August 13. Attended prayer-meet- 
 ing, when several prayed with much earnestness. O 
 that I could pray with more fervency; but, alas! it is 
 often a burden to me. I go to a throne of grace, 
 with the same coldness as if I were praying to a 
 stock or a stone. And when I do find a little liberty, 
 I then forget to look for answers to my prayers. 
 Dear Lord, teach me to pray; help me to supplicate 
 thee with more delight and joy. May it be a sweet 
 work to my soul, and may I consider it as my great- 
 est honour and privilege to come before thee. 
 
 "Saturday, August 20. Arrived at Bristol, 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. lltf 
 
 much fatigued. May I be reminded that my journey 
 through this wilderness, though difficult, is short. 
 Soon the time will come, when I shall be tired no 
 more, but rest in the realms of unspeakable bliss. O 
 gracious Saviour, help me to look forward with joy 
 and gratitude to that glorious day, when I shall be 
 released from every pain, and exempt from all sin. 
 " Saturday, August 27. Gave a word of exhor- 
 tation at the So iety at Tabernacle, Wotton Under- 
 edge. May the Lord follow it with his blessing. O 
 that I could speak more experimentally, more to the 
 heart than I do. Lord, do thou teach me how to 
 speak, that it may not be to please self, but to profit 
 souls. This is a matter of great importance, and it is 
 the desire of my soul to be more sensible of it. Lord 
 grant it, for thy name's sake. Amen. 
 
 "Wednesday, August 31. Heard Mr. Joss at 
 Bristol Tabernacle, on Isaiah, xxv. 4. " A refuge 
 from the storm." It was a sweet and experimental 
 discourse. He was led to show the various storms 
 Christians met with in their way to heaven, and 
 pointed them to the only refuge, the Lord Jesus 
 Christ. My soul, fly, fly to him under every dis- 
 tress. Make him thy all; use him in all; love him in 
 all, and live to him in all. Draw me, Lord, and I 
 will run after thee; speak, and I must hear. 
 
 "Thursday, September 1. "Spent the evening 
 with the Reverend Mr. Bishop and some friends. 
 O what a privilege is it to meet with those who love 
 to converse about the dear Immanuel! O that I 
 could speak more to his praise, but alas! my conver- 
 sation is more about earth than heaven, more on 
 
116 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 temporal than spiritual things. The Lord give me a 
 heavenly mind, that it may be always my delight to 
 speak of heavenly things. 
 
 "Friday, September 2. Through the kind provi- 
 dence of my God, I arrived safe in London. Bless- 
 ed be his name, for taking me out, and bringing me 
 in, and preserving me from every evil. Now will I 
 raise my Ebenezer, and say, Hitherto hath the Lord 
 helped me. May his presence be with me continual- 
 ly in life and in death, and may I reign with him in 
 the world above to all eternitv. Amen." 
 
 No. I. 
 
 " Hoxton, Nov. 29, 1791. 
 
 " Dear Friend I suppose you think it strange 
 that I have not fulfilled my promise sooner. I in- 
 tended to have wrote before I went to Bristol; but 
 thinking I should see you in my way back from 
 thence, was the occasion of my not writing. But, 
 however, I hope this will find you well, both in body 
 and soul. When I recal to mind the past friendship 
 that subsisted between us, it affects me much to 
 think how lax we are in our correspondence now. 
 What has been the cause of the late coldness and in- 
 difference in my friend, I know not. I remember the 
 time when we took sweet counsel and walked to- 
 gether in the greatest love and unity. And I am 
 sure I can take up the words that were applied to 
 Jonathan, and say, " Very pleasant hast thou been 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 117 
 
 me; thy affection to me was wonderful." O that I 
 had no reason to think otherwise now. If I have 
 given you any offence, be faithful, and tell me. If 
 not, how is it that you could pass by the vestry door y 
 and not enquire for your friend (who I trust wishes 
 you the best of blessings) and whom you had not 
 seen for some time. But to leave this subject r I would 
 ask you how it is with the best, the immortal part. 
 I hope the gracious Redeemer is more precious to 
 you than ever. To keep up a spiritual correspon- 
 dence with him is a happiness indeed. I trust your 
 worldly concerns do not slacken you in respect 
 to heavenly and eternal matters. It is an unspeaka- 
 ble mercy, in the midst of temporal affairs, not to 
 forget spiritual. O that both you and I may be kept 
 near our dear Lord, and experience more of the pow- 
 er of his grace in our hearts. We are surrounded 
 with enemies, and beset with snares. The world is 
 alluring, sin is opposing, the devil is deceiving. 
 Great God, do thou preserve us from every evil; 
 grant that we may endure unto the end, and be saved 
 at last, through the blood and righteousness of our 
 Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I now conclude, 
 and believe me ever to be, 
 
 " Your sincere friend and well wisher, 
 
 "C,B," 
 
118 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 No. II. 
 
 Mr, B Quito n^ Hillsley, Gloucestershire, 
 
 "Hoxlon, 16th Dec. 1791. 
 
 "Dear Friend By a letter from Mr. Symmons, 
 I had the disagreeable news of your father's death; 
 an event which I little expected. May it remind us 
 of our dissolution, and excite us to be ready to meet 
 our God. The loss of a tender parent must indeed 
 occasion no small grief; but yet the sweet hope of 
 meeting him again in the realms of bliss, yields some 
 consolation, even in the midst of sorrow. O for the 
 happy day when we shall be called to dwell with 
 Jesus. Why should we tremble at the last enemy, 
 since he will break the chain of our mortality, that 
 we may fly to our adorable Redeemer. What is 
 there so desirable, what so satisfactory here, that we 
 should wish to stay? Alas, all below the skies is va- 
 nity and vexation of spirit! Come then, my brother, 
 let us travel on to the house appointed for all living. 
 Let us anticipate the joyful moment, when we shall 
 make our exit from this vain world. Soon, very 
 soon, shall we reach the climes of endless felicity! 
 No loss of friends, no distress of mind, no pain of 
 body there! Well may we sing, with the poet, 
 
 " There shall we bathe our weary souls 
 la seas of heavenly rest, 
 And not a wave of trouble roll 
 Across our peaceful breast." 
 
 " I hope this bereaving providence will be sancti* 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 119 
 
 fied to you and all the family. Your God still lives 
 to bless you with every spiritual blessing. He will 
 gently lead you through the rugged wilderness, and 
 provide for and protect you continually. He is bet- 
 ter than ten fathers, and if he takes away one com- 
 fort, it is to give you another. Confide in him then 
 under every trial, "casting all your cares upon him, 
 for he careth for you." That you may ever enjoy 
 much of the light of his countenance, and live to his 
 glory, is the earnest prayer of your unworthy bro- 
 ther in the best bonds. 
 
 C. B." 
 
 u Monday, July 9, 1792. Attended the society 
 of young persons at the Tabernacle, Wotton Un- 
 der-edge, and spoke to them from 1 Tim. iv. 12. 
 " Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an ex- 
 ample of the believers, in word, in conversation, in 
 charity, in spirit, in faith and purity." Observed to 
 them how delightful it was to see divine grace 
 stamped upon young minds, and how lovely to be- 
 hold the flowers of youth, bending toward the Sun 
 of Righteousness. Was led to observe to them how 
 I necessary a good example is, and that it should be 
 i their constant aim to adorn the doctrines of God 
 j their Saviour in all things. 
 
 " Tuesday, July 10. Preached at the Baptist 
 
 i Meeting, Wotton, from Phil. iv. 4. " Rejoice in 
 
 the Lord alway, and again I say rejoice." Endea- 
 
120 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 voured to show the motives believers have to excite 
 them to rejoice, and the extent of this too much ne- 
 glected duty, " to rejoice alway." Did not experi- 
 ence much liberty, but hope it was salutary to some. 
 
 Lord, the word is thine, do thou prosper it. 
 Thou knowest it is the desire of my heart to do 
 good. Put honour, therefore, upon my unworthy 
 ministry, by making me a successful labourer in 
 thy vineyard. O that I may be the happy instrument 
 of converting souls. May it ever be my aim, in my 
 conversation, my preaching, and my example, to 
 bring my fellow mortals to a participation of the 
 blessings of the everlasting gospel. May I ever 
 abound in the work of the Lord, knowing that my 
 labour is not in vain in the Lord. 
 
 "Wednesday, July 11. Preached at Taber- 
 nacle, Wotton, from Psalm xxxvi. 9. " For with 
 thee is the fountain of life; in thy light- shall we see 
 light." Did not experience much enlargement of 
 mind, but hope the word was not preached in vain. 
 
 1 wish ever to remember, that success does not de- 
 pend upon my frames; that my usefulness does not 
 arise from any thing I feel in my own breast, but 
 upon him who hath the hearts of all men in his 
 hands. Were I to use the greatest eloquence, and 
 was well versed in the art of persuasion, or had I 
 the tongue of an angel, it would all be ineffectual 
 without a divine power. He only who made the 
 heart can change it. It is thine, therefore, O Holy 
 Spirit, to open the eyes of the blind; it is thine to 
 console the drooping heart, and revive the distressed 
 mind; it is thine to render the word preached pro- 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 121 
 
 iitable, and to enable men to receive and rejoice in 
 the truth; it is thine to make the ministers of the 
 everlasting gospel useful, to bless them in their 
 work, to encourage them in their difficulties, and to 
 support them in all their afflictions. May my confi- 
 dence therefore be on thee and thee alone. 
 
 " Thursday, July 12 Preached at Union Cha- 
 pel, Uley, Gloucestershire. God grant good may be 
 done. Found a degree of liberty. O it is sweet to 
 preach of the love of a dear Redeemer, when under 
 the smiles of his countenance. Let the ignorant 
 world inveigh against the experience of his minis- 
 ters and people, and call it enthusiasm if they 
 please. If to be enabled to rejoice in Christ Jesus 
 and have no confidence in the flesh be enthusiasm, 
 may God evermore bless me with it. Let true be- 
 lievers be deemed as mad fanatics, may it be my 
 honour and privilege to be one of the despised num- 
 ber. Let the ministers of the gospel be accounted as 
 religious mechanics, to work upon the minds of the 
 ignorant, or as those men who are pests to society, 
 and would turn the world upside down; yet may I 
 be one, who shall dare to be singular, and to preach 
 the truth as it is in Jesus with all boldness, in the 
 midst of a crooked and perverse generation. 
 
 " Friday, July 13. Preached at Kings wood, 
 Gloucestershire, on Zech. ix. 12. u Turn ye to the 
 strong hold, ye prisoners of hope, for even to-day 
 do I declare, that I will render double unto thee." 
 The place was much crowded, and the people heard 
 with great attention. Cannot help thinking, with 
 what plainness and simplicity the gospel-message 
 
 L 
 
122 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 ought to be delivered. Do I wish to do good, let 
 me preach so that the lowest capacity may compre- 
 hend my meaning, yea so that all may understand. 
 But, alas! my foolish heart is often dictating, how 
 necessary it is to adorn the truth with taw4ry in- 
 ventions of my own or others, in order to please the 
 fancy of the gay and polite, and thus to endeavour 
 to acquire popularity. O vanity, vanity! Is not this 
 frequently the bane of usefulness! O, my soul, be- 
 ware of this accommodating art; for surely this is 
 preaching myself, and not Christ Jesus the Lord. 
 Gracious God, give me a single eye and a sincere 
 heart, and then will my tongue be employed in the 
 best and most unaffected eloquence, and on the no- 
 blest and most sublime subject, the love of God to 
 rebellious man. 
 
 " Saturday, July 14. Was much pleased in 
 reading Mr. Hervey's Sermons on the Godhead of 
 Christ, which he clearly proves, from the works he 
 wrought, from the honours that were paid him, and 
 from the nature of his mediatorial office. Blessed 
 Jesus, the whole Bible confirms thy divinity, and 
 whoever reads it without being convicted of this, 
 must undoubtedly be blind. O help me to proclaim, 
 delight in, and defend this great article of Christi- 
 anity. May I adore thee as my God, my friend, my 
 only Saviour, and my all in all. And while the 
 giddy multitude are going about, and saying Who 
 will show us any good; Lord lift thou up the light 
 of thy countenance upon me. 
 
 " Monday, July 16. Met the society of young 
 people at Tabernacle, Wotton. Expounded Psalm 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 123 
 
 cxlii. from which I observed what a tendency af- 
 flictions have to lead the soul to God, and that we 
 never esteem him more, or pray to him with such 
 great fervency, as when all human helps fail us. 
 And O what an unspeakable mercy, that though we 
 are subject to changes in ourselves, and meet with 
 strange revolutions in the world, yet our Jesus is 
 invariable, a constant friend, a sure protector, a safe 
 guide, a kind father, and a faithful God. My soul, 
 rest then upon him alone, and let him be thy de- 
 light, thy all in all. 
 
 " Tuesday, July 17. Preached at Dursley, 
 Gloucestershire, from Hebrews, xii. IV" Let us run 
 with patience the race that is set before us." Was 
 rather low, and did not experience much liberty, 
 but have reason to believe the word was useful and 
 consolatory to some. O that I could speak with 
 more animation, and with a greater dependance 
 upon the Holy Spirit for assistance. Surely to be 
 cool upon such topics as the sacred volume affords, 
 at once proves that my heart is little impressed with 
 the importance of the subject. O God, warm my 
 heart with a sense of thy love, and remove all su- 
 pineness from me, and let my tongue be as the pen 
 of a ready writer to declare thy truth, and speak of 
 thy goodness to the children of men. 
 
 " Thursday, July 19. Preached at Hillsley, from 
 Acts, xv. 36. " And see how they do." This being 
 the place where I was born, many attended from 
 motives of curiosity. The Lord, I trust, was with 
 me. I exhorted them to enquire into the state of 
 
124 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 their souls, and to ask themselves how matters 
 stood between God and them. O that God may fol- 
 low the word with his blessing, without which it 
 will be of no avail. O that I had this more in view. 
 Sometimes I am ready to think, when I have been 
 enabled to preach with freedom, and to discuss my 
 subject with a seeming propriety, that then good 
 must be done; but ah! it is well for me to recollect, 
 that if I could speak like an angel, or if I always en- 
 joyed liberty, it would not be the means of com- 
 forting or converting one soul without a divine and 
 supernatural power attending it. 
 
 " Saturday, July 21. Came to Dursley. This 
 day have done little or nothing. May I not say, " I 
 have lost a day." How backward my heart to me- 
 ditation; how indifferent about the best things! 
 How unconcerned about the soul! Lord have mercy 
 upon me, have mercy upon me, and pardon my 
 sloth. I am under ten thousand obligations to live 
 in thy fear all the day long, and yet, alas! I have 
 hardly so much as one spiritual thought. O sin, 
 what hast thou done! Thou hast found me, O mine 
 enemy, to rob me of my peace, to deprive me of 
 communion with my God, and to cause me to live 
 at a distance from him. O cursed evil, the " fruit- 
 ful parent of woes of ail dimensions," may I set my 
 face against thee for ever, and oppose thee with all 
 the powers of my soul, and all the strength I have. 
 
 " Monday, July 23 Preached at Uley, Glouces- 
 tershire, from 2 Cor. xiii. 5, " Examine your- 
 selves." Observed, that self-examination is an im- 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 125 
 
 portant duty; but too much neglected by the majo- 
 rity of professors. And I am afraid it is really the 
 case. Thousands are at ease in Zion; have a name 
 to live, while they are dead. O let me be faithful 
 therefore in my mission, lest their blood should be 
 required at my hand. How careful should I be, lest 
 fear should gain ascendancy over me on the one 
 hand, or interest should influence me on the other. 
 Should I not press this duty upon the conscience in 
 every sermon? What! shall I address the fancies of 
 men, and endeavour to please their minds, instead 
 of profiting their hearts? God forbid! May God the 
 Spirit grant that I may deal much in application; 
 whether men will hear, or whether they will for- 
 bear, may my constant language be to all, " Ex- 
 amine yourselves." 
 
 " Saturday, July 28. Was profited, I trust, by 
 perusing a piece of the celebrated Mr. Hervey's, 
 intitled, " Consolation to the Afflicted." One of his 
 observations is this " Perhaps, you may think 
 your affliction peculiarly calamitous, and that if it 
 had been of some other kind you could more cheer- 
 fully submit, more easily bear it. But you are in 
 the hand of an all-wise Physician, who joins to the 
 bowels of infinite love, the discernment of infinite 
 wisdom. He cannot mistake your case. He sees into 
 the remotest events; and though he varies his re- 
 medies, always prescribes with the exactest pro- 
 priety to every one's particular state. Assure your- 
 self, therefore, the visitation which he appoints, is 
 the very properest recipe in the dispensatory of hea- 
 ven." O that I could realize this great truth, and 
 L2 
 
126 "memoirs of the 
 
 so to behold all things with an eye of faith, as to 
 know it shall work together for my good. 
 
 " Sabbath-day, July 29. Preached twice at the 
 Tabernacle, Bristol. The congregation large and at- 
 tentive. O that I may have some seals to my minis- 
 try here. It is my comfort that the Lord can bless 
 the weakest instruments. The treasure is put into 
 earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power 
 may appear to be of God, and not of men. 
 
 " Was comforted in attending the ordinance of 
 the Lord's Supper. O blessed Jesus, help me to 
 live by faith upon thee, to eat of thee, the living 
 bread, that my soul may be replenished, and my 
 heart animated. O let me recollect the love of a 
 groaning, bleeding, dying Saviour; let me consider 
 his unbounded compassion, to give even himself for 
 men, that they might live for ever with him. O let 
 my right hand forget her cunning, when I forget this 
 thy love, O thou adorable Lamb of God, that taketh 
 away the sin of the world. 
 
 " Tuesday, July 31. Heard Mr. Ford, at Lady 
 Huntingdon's Chapel, Bristol. His text was Pro- 
 verbs, x. 24. u The desire of the righteous shall 
 be granted." He made an experimental, and, I 
 trust, profitable discourse. Experimental preaching 
 seems most likely to do good. To speak from the 
 heart is the best way to speak to the heart. And let 
 me remember, that to be useful to others, I must 
 feel something myself. I must expect to be afflicted, 
 in order to strengthen the afflicted. I must expect 
 to be tempted, in order to succour the tempted. I 
 must expect to be persecuted^ in order to encourage 
 
HEV. CHARLES BUCK. 127 
 
 the persecuted. I must expect to be tried, in order 
 to comfort the tried. O what has a real minister of 
 God to do, to suffer, to bear, that he may be an in- 
 strument of doing good! But, O my soul, despair 
 not; Jesus is sufficient; he will strengthen my 
 hands, he will instruct my soul, he will grant my de- 
 sires! 
 
 "Wednesday, August 1. Heard Mr. Wills, at 
 Tabernacle, on Proverbs, ii. 4, 5. " If thou seekest 
 her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid trea- 
 sures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the 
 Lord, and find the knowledge of God. n The Lord 
 be praised that there are some who faithfully bear 
 testimony of and to the truth as it is in Jesus! Who 
 can help saying, Lord,, send more such into thy 
 vineyard. O that ministers in general were more 
 zealous in the cause of Christ, and more desirous to 
 bring souls to him than they are! But, alas, how 
 many are preaching themselves, endeavouring to 
 display their abilities, to please their auditories^ 
 without ever remembering that the great end of the 
 gospel ministry is to make men wise unto salvation* 
 O God, suffer me never to be a minister, if I am 
 not a faithful one. Amen. 
 
 "Monday, August 6. Heard Mr. Kestell, at 
 Tabernacle, on Heb. vi. 17, 18. He appears to be a 
 sincere man, and a plain simple preacher. It would 
 be well if the truth were preached with more simpli- 
 city than it is. Surely ministers cannot be too plain 
 in their address to ignorant, obdurate sinners. 
 The generality of congregations consist of poor illi- 
 terate people, and therefore stand in need of simple 
 
128 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 teaching. O Lord, do thou be my instructor, let me 
 never speak, but that the most ignorant may under- 
 stand, and be profited. For what is the end of 
 preaching the gospel, but that people may be bene- 
 fited. While I therefore on the one hand beware of 
 all low similies and disgustful language, may I on 
 the other be careful to speak so that the lowest ca- 
 pacity may comprehend. 
 
 " Wednesday, August 8. Heard Mr, Scott 
 preach at Tabernacle, on-Galatians, ii. 19, 20. " I, 
 through the law, am dead to the law," &c. &c. One 
 of his remarks was, that those who do not zvish to 
 have the law as a rule of life, have no rule for their 
 lives, or to that effect. Many, I believe, found it 
 good to be there. O that I could but receive more 
 comfort in attending public ordinances; but, alas, 
 how cold is my frame, how stupid my heart! I see 
 others rejoicing and thankful; but as for myself, 
 how frequently am I dejected. I lose sight of the 
 grand object, Jesus Christ. My thoughts are roving 
 upon the vanities of the world, when I ought to be 
 reflecting upon the goodness of God; my heart is 
 wandering when I ought to be praying, and I am 
 often repining when I should be praising. Behold I 
 am vile, and my soul is little attached to the dear 
 Redeemer. O Holy Spirit, descend, and let me be 
 no longer cleaving to the dust, but with joy and 
 patience run the way of thy commandment. 
 
 "Thursday, August 9. Heard Mr. Hay, at 
 Temple Chapel, on John, xv. 5. " I am the vine, 
 ye are the branches; he that abideth in me, and I in 
 him, the same bringeth forth much fruit, for with- 
 

 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 129 
 
 out me ye can do nothing." He made some pithy 
 remarks, and dwelt much on the applicatory part. It 
 would be well if ministers in general would be more 
 close in their application; and come to the point, by 
 speaking faithfully to the conscience. A fine style 
 may be pleasing, but a plain style is most profitable. 
 Ministers should learn to speak in a familiar way, 
 and that without degenerating into loose, extrava- 
 gant, and low expressions. O my soul, let it be thy 
 business to imitate him who was the best preacher 
 that ever spoke, even that adorable Jesus who went 
 about doing good. 
 
 " Friday, August 10 Heard Mr. Wills, at 
 
 Tabernacle, on Isaiah, liii. 11. "By his knowledge 
 shall my righteous servant justify many." He first 
 spake upon justification; 2d, The person justified,, 
 righteous servant;" 3d, Those that were justifying 
 many;" 4th, How they were justified, " by his 
 knowledge." The discourse was good, and I hope 
 blessed to the hearers. O that I may benefit more 
 by hearing. I wish to enjoy the comfort of the doc- 
 trines of the gospel. God grant that I may feel more 
 of their power upon my heart; for what will think- 
 g, what will hearing, what will preaching, what 
 ill talking of them avail, if I do not experience 
 their blessedness? Come, therefore, O Lord, and 
 bless me with an experimental knowledge of the 
 truths of the everlasting gospel. 
 
 " Sabbath-day, August 12. Preached at Taber- 
 nacle this morning from Hebrews, xi. 24, 25, 26* 
 u By faith, Moses, when he was come to years, re- 
 fused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter," 
 
130 me'moirs of the 
 
 &c. &c. O that God may bless me with Moses's 
 faith, and then I shall have Moses's obedience. 
 Heard Mr. Scott preach at Kingswood in the 
 morning, from Isaiah, xli. 17 20. I preached there 
 in the afternoon, and blessed be God, found a little 
 freedom. In the evening, heard Mr. Wills, at 
 Tabernacle, on Matt, xxviii. 5. and afterwards 
 heard Mr. Hill preach, out of doors, at Points-pool, 
 to a very large auditory, on Acts, xvi. 30, 31. One 
 of his remarks was, " Hate the devil for he hates 
 you; there is no harm in that revenge." It was a 
 blessed time, I believe, to many. God put shonour 
 upon out of door preaching, and perhaps as many 
 have been called that way as any. O God, increase 
 the number of those that shall go forth with all 
 boldness to speak thy word. Amen. 
 
 "Wednesday, August 15. Received an unex- 
 pected hint from a friend, and though not agreeable 
 to my feelings, may God make it profitable to my 
 heart. Perhaps it is a message from him to draw me 
 nearer to himself. Many a time hath he spoken to 
 me; but yet have I refused to attend to his voice. 
 I do, I know I do live at too great a distance from 
 him, therefore " let the righteous smite me, it shall 
 be esteemed a kindness; and let him reprove me, it 
 shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my 
 head; for yet my prayer shall also be in their calami- 
 ties." O ray God, help me to take every thing pa- 
 tiently that shall be for my profit. Why should I 
 complain, or who am I, that I should ever be 
 brought to know thee, and to be honoured with the 
 acquaintance of thy dear people. And why is it* 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 131 
 
 that such a depraved creature is not cast out from 
 thy presence, to dwell in darkness for ever and 
 
 ! 
 
 ever: 
 
 At the close of the Diary of this period, Mr. 
 Buck inserted a collection of pithy and useful re- 
 marks, some of which may not be unacceptable in 
 this place. 
 
 " Lightness of spirit sometimes brings darkness 
 of soul. 
 
 " Sin is the most dreadful monster that walks the 
 earth, but least suspected. 
 
 " God sends the weight of affliction to suppress 
 the weed of pride. 
 
 " Great talkers are sometimes loose walkers. 
 " We often meet our greatest trials from our 
 greatest friends. 
 
 " We cannot pluck a rose without a thorn, a 
 comfort without a cross, a sweet without a bitter: 
 we cannot have a friend, without an enemy, while 
 in this vale of tears. 
 
 " We should think it strange for a man to choose 
 to live in a dissecting room, or among dead bodies; 
 and it would appear equally strange for a good man 
 to delight to live with those who are dead in tres- 
 passes and sins. 
 
 " Were we to run a race, and a man were to be 
 pulling us by the coat all the way, it would retard 
 our progress, so it is the same by keeping company 
 with the world; they hinder us from pressing to- 
 ward the mark set before us. 
 
132 Memoirs of the 
 
 " As a man cannot rest quietly when he knows 
 thieves are in his house; so a good conscience will 
 not rest if sin is in the heart. 
 
 " A good conscience is a servant that will keep 
 (the house) the heart clean. 
 
 " The devil will always be playing his engine of 
 malice, &c. to put out the fire of our love, but bless- 
 ed be God, it will be always in vain. 
 
 " How inconsistent would it appear, if we had 
 incurred the displeasure of his Majesty, to think of 
 appeasing his wrath by a small gift, or worthless of- 
 fering; but how much more inconsistent for us to 
 be offering our works to God (which are called fil- 
 thy rags) as the foundation of our acceptance, and 
 to satisfy his justice. 
 
 " It proves there is something wrong in our life 
 and conversation, when it will not bear reflection. 
 
 " Instead of coming more out of self, and getting 
 into Christ, alas! we get more out of Christ, and 
 more into self. 
 
 ** Time is the boat that is carrying us swiftly into 
 the ocean of eternity. 
 
 " What a mercy, to have a good hope in a bad 
 time. 
 
 " A man may talk like an angel and act like a 
 devil. 
 
 " There is no glory in our hope, if Christ is not 
 the hope of our glory. 
 
 " Faith is a self applier. 
 
 " The anticipation of the glories of the world 
 above should stimulate us to duty and diligence in 
 the world below. 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 133 
 
 " As gratitude is one of the first of graces, so in- 
 gratitude is one of the worst of sins. 
 
 " Christians should look back to the fall by way 
 of humiliation, and look forwards to glory by way 
 of consolation. 
 
 " It is true Christ can do any thing without us, 
 but we should remember we can do nothing without 
 him. John xv. 5. 
 
 " The flower of youth never appears more beau- 
 tiful than when it bends towards the Sun of Righte- 
 ousness. 
 
 " Though God may seem to frown in his provi- 
 dences, yet he always smiles in his promises. 
 
 u As sin is the worst of diseases, it must have the 
 best of Physicians to cure it. 
 
 " When we give w r ay to sin, we put a sword into 
 the enemy's hand to fight against us. 
 
 " One unguarded step of a believer perhaps may 
 lay a foundation for his future uneasiness, even to 
 the end of life. 
 
 " Daniel thought it better to die in a den and go 
 j to heaven, than live in a palace and go to hell. 
 
 u We cannot fully comprehend the dreadful na- 
 ture of sin, because we cannot comprehend the 
 greatness of the object against whom we sin; as sin 
 is aggravating in proportion to the dignity of the 
 object we sin against. 
 
 * O the condescension of Christ! He was born of 
 a woman that we might be born of God. 
 
 " How humiliating is the character given to man; 
 he is dust. What is the rich man but dust exalt- 
 ed; what is the gay man but du6t disguised; what is 
 
 M 
 
134 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 the worldling but dust depraved; what the beautiful 
 but dust refined ! 
 
 " Christ's grace and righteousness are the only 
 keys that can open the gate of heaven; yet how do 
 many attempt to open that gate by the keys of their 
 own works and resolutions. 
 
 " We often pray to God that we may be humble, 
 but we do not like the measures he takes to make 
 us so. 
 
 " The hearts of God's people are sometimes good 
 books, for a minister to read; and good texts for 
 him to preach upon. 
 
 " Though there may be such a thing as know- 
 ledge without grace, yet there is no grace without 
 knowledge. 
 
 "Those who pray most for their ministers, may 
 expect to have most from their ministers. 
 
 " We all ought to endeavour to be useful in our 
 place. Those who cannot speak for God to sinners, 
 should speak to God for sinners. 
 
 u Though God's eye be upon all the world, yet 
 his heart only is upon his church. 
 
 " As unbelief is the worst of evils, so believing is 
 the greatest of graces. 
 
 " When the world solicits us to spend our time 
 in the pursuit of their pleasures, let us tell them 
 that we have but one life, and even that is a short 
 one; and therefore we cannot spare time to do as 
 they do. 
 
 " When we look back upon the book of our past 
 lives, we shall see a great many blank leaves there, 
 and many on which the most trifling things are writ- 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 135 
 
 No. III. 
 
 Hoxton, 30th Jan. 1792. 
 
 " Dear C , In my last, I believe, I promised 
 
 to write soon, but having been so much engaged 
 lately, I have failed to fulfil my promise. I am at 
 present quite indisposed, through a pain in my 
 breast. The last evening I preached at Silver Street 
 Chapel, but it was with difficulty I got through the 
 service. O when will that happy day arrive, when I 
 shall be released from all pain, when this frail taber- 
 nacle of mine must be taken down? The pins there- 
 of are already loose, and I often think it will not be 
 long before I shall be brought to the houie appoint- 
 ed for all living. Blessed be God, I cannot say the 
 fear of death much distresses me. O that I may 
 be more and more prepared for it. Gracious Re- 
 deemer! let me live to thy glory while I do live, and 
 when I die may I enter into thy joy: yet help me 
 to say with thy servant, " All the days of my ap- 
 pointed time will I wait, till my change come. May 
 I not murmur though I mourn, but patiently en- 
 dure, ever remembering to keep 
 
 " One eye on death, and one full fix'd on heaven." 
 
 " I hope you, my dear brother, find the work of 
 the Lord pleasant: he is a gracious Master to work 
 for, and his faithful ministers ever lay near his 
 heart. For my own part, I am ashamed when I 
 consider how little I speak of, for, or to him. O that 
 I may be more diligent, always abounding in the 
 
136 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 work of the Lord; yea, I earnestly pray that both 
 of us may prove zealous and successful messengers 
 of the everlasting Gospel. I must now conclude, 
 wishing you much of our Lord's presence, and a 
 safe journey to town, where I trust we shall have a 
 happy interview. 
 
 u I am, my dear Brother, 
 
 " Your's very affectionately, 
 
 " C. B." 
 
 No. IV. 
 
 " Hoxton, 31st January, 1792. 
 
 " Dear Friend Notwithstanding I am much in- 
 disposed, through a return of my old complaint, yet 
 I gladly embrace the opportunity of sending you a 
 few lines. I was particularly happy the other even- 
 ing in hearing of the Lord's gracious dealings 
 with my brethren, and was exceedingly charm- 
 ed and edified by the heavenly eloquence and pious 
 breathings of a female orator. My soul was filled 
 with a delightful wonder, and I was transported in 
 a moment, as it were, to the celestial regions! Sure- 
 ly who could but feel, who could but rejoice, who 
 could but be grateful, on hearing the genuine expe- 
 rience of a heaven-born soul? I am aware that 
 meetings of this kind are censured, and that by ma- 
 ny well-meaning people, who tell us, that in the re- 
 lation of our experience we give way to flights of 
 fancy, and are strongly led by a spirit of enthusi- 
 asm. But, if to declare the loving-kindness of the 
 

 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 137 
 
 Lord; if to glory in him as the only Saviour; if to 
 give thanks for unmerited favours, if to call to mind 
 his past dealings, if to supplicate for more grace, if 
 to rejoice in him with a joy unspeakable, be enthu- 
 siasm, then let me have the honour of being such an 
 enthusiast. 
 
 u I hope you are yet soaring above all sublunary 
 things, and growing in all the graces of the Eternal 
 Spirit. I know you are subject to many bodily pains; 
 but blessed be God, that cannot hinder the prosperity 
 of the soul. Afflictions of other kinds you may not 
 be exempt from, and indeed when they are sancti- 
 fied, they prove salutary lessons. " And (says one) 
 suppose the furnace be seven times hotter, it is but 
 to make us seven times better. Fiery trials make 
 golden Christians." And how can it be otherwise, 
 when the Lord himself has promised to be with us. 
 How sweet those words, " When thou passest 
 through the waters, I will be with thee, and through 
 the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou 
 walkest through the fire thou shalt not be burnt, 
 neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." O that 
 this gracious promise may be applied by the blessed 
 Spirit to us, so that our spiritual strength may be re- 
 newed, and our hearts enlarged, to run the way of 
 his commandments; and soon, very soon, the time 
 will come, when we shall be called from all weari- 
 ness to rest, from pain to pleasure, from darkness 
 to everlasting light. We now see through a glass 
 darkly, but then face to face. Ephrairn will then no 
 more offend his gracious Father, but be a pleasant 
 M 2 
 
138 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 son, a child of delight to all eternity. Jer. xxxi. 20. 
 Well may we sing, therefore, with the poet, 
 
 " When shall the time, dear Jesus, when 
 The shining day appear, 
 That we shaH leave these clouds of sin, 
 And guilt and darkness here." 
 
 Watts. 
 
 That we may be safely brought to that glorious in- 
 heritance which is incorruptible, undefiled, and that 
 fadeth not away, is my earnest prayer. 
 " I am, my dear friend, 
 
 11 Your's most affectionately, 
 
 C. B." 
 
 No. V. 
 
 " lfth Feb. 1792. 
 
 " Dear Friend With great and unexpected 
 pleasure I received your kind letter, and am happy 
 to find that the Lord's work prospers in your hand. 
 To be engaged in the service of Jesus, to be made 
 instrumental in doing good in his cause, is indeed 
 no small honour. It is true that the work which both 
 you and I have set our hands to, is of the most ar- 
 duous nature, and which no man can be sustained 
 under, but by a divine power. We need as it were 
 the wisdom of an angel to discuss the important 
 topics held forth in God's sacred word; or rather, 
 shall I say, we stand in need of the continual teach- 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 139 
 
 ings of the Eternal Spirit, lest we should be the un- 
 happy instruments of distressing or deceiving the 
 immortal souls of our fellow creatures. We must go 
 forth, therefore, with an humble dependence on him, 
 constantly imploring his gracious assistance, that we 
 may be enabled to speak his word with all faithful- 
 ness and simplicity on the one hand, and all love 
 and humility on the other. The time is short; it is 
 incumbent on us to be diligent, to embrace every op- 
 portunity of doing good, for u blessed are they that 
 sow beside all waters." Difficulties we must expect 
 to meet with, but let us take care that they do not 
 hinder our progress. I admire the conduct of the 
 two apostles (see Acts, v. 41, 42.) who, though they 
 were greatly opposed for the sake of their Master, 
 yet they persevered in their work. We are told that 
 they departed from the presence of the council, re- 
 joicing that they were counted worthy to suiFer 
 shame for his name; and daily in the temple, and in 
 every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Je- 
 sus Christ. O zealous and honoured servants of the 
 Most High God, may I and all the ministers of the 
 everlasting gospel be blessed with such a fervent 
 spirit, and never fail to recommend the boundless 
 love and free grace of a dear Redeemer to dying 
 mortals. I suppose you are acquainted with my pre- 
 sent situation. Blessed be God, I find things com- 
 fortable, and can safely say, that while I am. acquir- 
 ing human literature, it is also the desire of my soul 
 to be under the guidance and tuition of my gracious 
 Lord, so that I may be more and more growing in 
 the knowledge of divine things. But alas! I am a 
 
140 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 dull scholar, and have made no proficiency in hea- 
 venly subjects as I ought. What pride, what self, 
 what vanity still remains! O blessed Jesus, teach me 
 to deny myself more, and follow thee in sincerity 
 and truth. 
 
 But I must now conclude, though I would not 
 forget to congratulate you on your usefulness in the 
 Lord's vineyard. May you still be made more use- 
 ful, and may the dear Redeemer keep you as the 
 apple of his eye, and hide you under the shadow of 
 his wings continually. Amen. 
 
 u I remain your's affectionately, 
 
 " C. B." 
 
 No. VI. 
 
 To Mr, C , Petwortli, Sussex. 
 
 " Hoxton, 18th April, 1792. 
 "My Dear C. Your epistle I received on the 
 29th March last, and find you have been much em- 
 ployed since you left town. I hope it will tend to 
 some great effect; even to the conversion of sinners, 
 and edification of saints. If this be the case, you will 
 then have to be thankful that Providence hath led 
 you into that dark part of the country, and will be 
 no small encouragement for you to proceed in the 
 work. The opposition you have met with, I trust, 
 will prove more beneficial than hurtful; inasmuch as 
 it will excite you to fly to a throne of grace with 
 greater earnestness. Be careful then for nothing; but 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 141 
 
 in every thing, by prayer and supplication, making 
 your requests known unto God. And you know who 
 hath said, ' I will never leave thee, no never forsake 
 thee.' 
 
 " Nothing particular hath transpired respecting 
 the circumstance of which we were talking before 
 you left London. O for submission to the will of my 
 heavenly Father; I know he will do all things well. 
 I desire, therefore, to commit all my cares to him, 
 to repose ail my confidence in him, and ever to be 
 directed by him; but yet I have much to mourn for, 
 when I consider the perverseness, vanity, and de- 
 pravity of my own volatile heart. This is my great- 
 >t perplexity. I perceive no growth in spiritual 
 lings; yea, often am led to conclude the contrary; 
 that I am ready to say, 
 
 " Where is the blessedness I knew, 
 When first I saw the Lord? 
 Where is the soul-refreshing view 
 Of Jesus in his word?" 
 
 " Ah, my dear brother, when I reflect on the time 
 latis past, it creates a kind of painful pleasure in 
 my breast. With what delight did I fly with my 
 friend to the ordinances of God, and what sweet 
 communion did we enjoy; how animated the heart, 
 how alive the affections, and how profitable the con- 
 versation! Can I forget these golden moments, these 
 precious seasons? No, I cannot they will ever live 
 in my remembrance. But, however, I will not mur- 
 mur, but endeavour to wait patiently at the feet of 
 my gracious Saviour; and who knows but I may yet 
 
142 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 dwell under his auspicious smiles, and rejoice in him 
 with a joy unspeakable and full of glory. O intreat 
 him that I may be kept near to his blessed self, and 
 at last join the celestial choir, in singing his praises 
 for ever and ever, 
 
 u I remain, my dear Brother, 
 " Your's very affectionately, 
 
 " C. B." 
 
 No. VII. 
 
 " Wotton Under-edge, 7th July, 1792. 
 - ' ' " With pleasure I sit down to perform my 
 promise mentioned in my last. I think I am much 
 better in health than when in town; the air is salu- 
 brious, and the country is pleasant. I hope, through 
 the divine blessing, I shall increase in strength, so 
 as to be able to work a little in my Master's vine- 
 yard. Every thing here bears a pleasing aspect; the 
 fields are clothed in living green, the trees are load- 
 ed with fruit, the flowers send forth their sweet fra- 
 grance, and all nature seems to laugh and sing, 
 while she declares the glory of him who is the great 
 Author of all. Should not this, my dear friend, 
 teach us some useful lesson? What an emblem is it 
 of that sweet state we experience when the Sun of 
 Righteousness arises in our minds; then the dark 
 wintry clouds of unbelief and sorrow are removed, 
 the sweet flowers (our graces) begin to revive and 
 flourish, and our hearts are animated with the 
 charming prospect of him who is altogether lovely 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 143 
 
 and the chief among ten thousand. O, sweet sum- 
 mer this! Let the ungodly, the worldling, rejoice in 
 their vanities; we glory in realities. Our pleasures 
 are not delusive, but permanent. To experience the 
 light of the dear Redeemer's countenance shining 
 upon our souls is heaven indeed. To know our sins 
 are pardoned, to be assured of our interest in him. 
 
 what happiness! O blessed Jesus, let us ever 
 dwell near to thee, and let our souls be continually 
 satiated with thy loving-kindness. But perhaps my 
 friend is mourning on account of the hardness of 
 his heart, and lamenting that his faith is so little in 
 exercise, and his love so languid. What advice can 
 
 1 give? What can I recommend better than to keep 
 looking to Jesus. The reason of all our perplexities, 
 doubts, and fears, arises from our being so lax in 
 this duty. In proportion as we live and walk by 
 faith, so will our comforts abound. When the eye 
 is fixed upon any other object but Christ, what can 
 we expect but that darkness and sorrow will ensue. 
 O let us, therefore, remember the Psalmist, and 
 endeavour to imitate him when he said, " My soul, 
 wait thou upon God, for my expectation is from 
 him." I have had an interview with the Rev. Mr. 
 English, whom perhaps you have heard, as he 
 preaches sometimes at Surry Chapel. He seems to 
 be a spiritual man. It is pleasing to see ministers 
 of the gospel appear as such when they are out of 
 the pulpit, as well as when they are in. I wish there 
 was more of this. Ministers too often forget them- 
 selves when they have done preaching, as if all 
 their work consisted in that; whereas, it is their bu- 
 
144 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 siness to preach privately as well as publicly. I love 
 to see religion brought into the parlour; for surely 
 it will be of no great effect, if it is to be confined to 
 the church or meeting only. O, may God grant that 
 I may never be ashamed to make him the subject 
 matter of my conversation wherever I have the op- 
 portunity. Surely it cannot be unprofitable (and can 
 it be unpolite) to discourse on his amazing com- 
 passion, boundless love, unspeakable condescension, 
 and infinite goodness to sinful creatures? May he 
 ever be my all in life, in death, and through eter- 
 nity. I ask no more. Amen. 
 
 " I remain yours very affectionately, 
 
 " C. B. 
 
 No. VIII. 
 
 To his Sister, 
 " Wotton Under-edge, 11th July, 1792. 
 
 " With pleasure I inform you that I am much 
 better than when in town. The country air is very 
 conducive to my health, and I have had little or no 
 return of the fever since I have been here. The day 
 I was with you, I found myself much indisposed, 
 and therefore very unfit for company. I hope your 
 interview with was agreeable; I could expa- 
 tiate in her praise, but must forbear at present till a 
 better opportunity shall offer. 
 
 " I have been to , and find N to be just 
 
 the same. The place bears a gloomy aspect to me, 
 and the recollection of former events only tends to 
 

 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 145 
 
 make it more so. I cannot help saying with Dr. 
 Goldsmith, in his Deserted Village, 
 
 " Here as with doubtful, pensive steps I range, 
 Trace every scene, and wonder at the change, 
 Remembrance wakes, with all her busy train, 
 Swells at my breast, and turns the past to pain.'* 
 
 " But, however, amidst all these changes and re- 
 volutions of a few years, yet the reflection of being 
 preserved by an all- wise Providence from running 
 into the vanities of the world, and made the happy- 
 recipient of divine grace, excites in my heart the 
 warmest gratitude, and I hope, the most unreserved 
 love to him who is the author of my existence, and 
 of every comfort I enjoy. And now, my dear sis- 
 ter, call not this enthusiasm. I do not wish to 
 touch upon that string, which in your ears may 
 cause a jarring sound, or to give the least offence; 
 but you must acknowledge, with me, that we never 
 give a greater evidence of our rationality, than 
 when we devote ourselves to that Supreme Being, 
 whose only prerogative it is, to render us happy 
 under all the vicissitudes of life, in the gloomy and 
 awful hour of death, and when time shall be no 
 more. Let us fly then, instantly fly to him, that we 
 may escape his anger, and the curse of that law we 
 have violated. 
 
 " Be not displeased, you know that religion is 
 my favourite topic, and having tasted somewhat of 
 its sweetness, and experienced some of its blessings, 
 I am anxious to bring you and others to a partici- 
 pation of the same. Indeed it is a branch of my 
 
 N 
 
146 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 duty, and part of that sacred function in which I 
 am employed; I wish therefore to fulfil my office, 
 to be faithful, and ever to exercise that readiness of 
 mind, in doing good to my fellow-mortals, which 
 becomes a minister in so important and arduous a 
 work. That you may be brought to know him, 
 whom to know is life eternal, that he may ever bless 
 you with the best of blessings, is the earnest desire 
 and constant prayer of your affectionate brother, and 
 willing servant, 
 
 " C. B." 
 
 No. IX. 
 
 To his Mother. 
 
 " Bristol, 28th July, 1792. 
 
 " Through a kind Providence, I arrived safe 
 
 here last evening. I have been continually employ- 
 ed since I left town. I have preached at Wotton, 
 Uley, Kingswood, Dursley, Hillsley, Upton, Hors- 
 ley, Painswick, and Rodborough, where I have met 
 with much hospitality, and found the people ready 
 and attentive to hear the word. O that my feeble 
 endeavours may be blessed by him in whose work I 
 am employed, and whose servant I humbly hope I 
 am. I desire to possess a greater spirit of philan- 
 thropy to my fellow-mortals, and to feel myself con- 
 cerned for the good of their souls. And now, my 
 dear mother, filial affection constrains me to wish 
 you all happiness, and to implore the Divine Being 
 that his blessing may attend you. Great has been 
 
. 
 
 su 
 
 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 147 
 
 your care, and repeated your advice to me in years 
 that are past. And shall a child now presume to in- 
 struct a parent? If it may be permitted then, my 
 dear mother, let me exhort you to confide in, and 
 live near to that God who hath been your preserver 
 to the present moment. Need I say (to one who 
 hath seen that all things here are vanity and vexa- 
 tion of spirit) that the highest enjoyment mortal 
 creatures can experience, consists in communion 
 with God. O let us earnestly supplicate him there- 
 fore to bless us with the light of his countenance, 
 that we may be enabled to rejoice in him with a joy 
 unspeakable and full of glory. Let us beware of 
 every worldly intrusion, and abstain from all ap- 
 pearance of evil, while we prove to those around 
 us, by our consistency of conduct and general de- 
 portment, that we are born again of the Spirit, and 
 
 e under his continual influence. 
 
 " In respect to my health, I trust I am better 
 
 than when I left London, but I have often thought 
 
 hat the continual weakness and indisposition I am 
 
 bject to will issue at last in a decline, and that 
 London tends to accelerate my end. (But what will 
 not fancy carry one to.) However, I never wish to 
 forget its approach, but to keep it constantly in 
 view; so that when it arrives I may be ready. O 
 blessed period, when u I shall die to live, and live 
 to die no more." Happy time, when I trust I shall 
 be for ever exempt from pain, and released from 
 all misery! O that, in that solemn hour, I may be 
 enabled to exult and sing, u O death, where is thy 
 sting; O grave, where is thy victory." Now may 
 
 I 
 
148 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 the Lord bless you, my dear mother, with his pre- 
 sence, and keep you by his mighty power, through 
 faith unto salvation. 
 
 " I remain, your affectionate Son, 
 
 " C. B." 
 
 No. X. 
 
 " Bristol, 30lh July, 1792. 
 " You have heard, I suppose, by my sister, 
 that my health is in a manner re-established since 
 I have been in the country. I hope I shall not meet 
 with a relapse, though my body is much fatigued by 
 incessant labour. I would wish to be reminded, by 
 every pain I feel, of my mortality, and that the 
 time will arrive when I must be brought to the 
 house appointed for all living; for, alas! " what is 
 health but a glimmering taper, that expires while it 
 shines, and is liable to be extinguished by every 
 motion of the air? What is strength but a tender 
 blossom, that is often withered in its fullest bloom; 
 often blasted even before it is blown?"* It is good 
 therefore to keep our dissolution in view, while, 
 with a spirit of faith and patience, we say, with 
 holy Job, u All the days of my appointed time will 
 I wait, till my change come." But may I ask how 
 it is with you? Is your wonted health continued; and 
 are you, above all things, growing in grace? Do you 
 feel more love to the Saviour, and are you happily 
 
 * See Hervey's Consolation to the Afflicted. 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 149 
 
 constrained to take up your cross daily and follow 
 him? Are you enabled to look with a holy contempt 
 upon the vanities of the world, and so to pass 
 through it, as not to be injured bij it? If so, I con- 
 gratulate you, and earnestly wish you still greater 
 progress in the divine life. But perhaps you are 
 ready to say, that though you see somewhat of the 
 excellencies of Christ, discern the beauty of his 
 gospel, believe the immutability of his perfections, 
 and acknowledge the veracity of his word; yet you 
 cannot live to his praise as you would, nor rejoice 
 in him as you ought. It is probable some reasons 
 may be assigned for this. Unbelief perhaps invades, 
 the cares of the world intrude, or the enemy of 
 souls distresses. These are barriers to our joy, are 
 hindrances to our prosperity, and cause us to live 
 at a distance from him we profess to love and serve. 
 Should there not then be a peculiar and unremitted 
 exertion of all the powers of our minds against 
 them? Should there not be a constant exercise of 
 prayer and watchfulness? Surely, if we wish to 
 live happy, if we desire to rise superior to all the 
 trifles of time and sense, ought we not to put on the 
 whole armour of God? Eph. vi. If we long for an 
 increase of happiness, there should be an increase 
 of holiness, since they are inseparably connected. 
 Let us then lay aside every weight, and the sin 
 which doth most easily beset us, and run with ala- 
 crity and patience the race set before us, looking 
 unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. O 
 that God may sweetly constrain us to devote our- 
 selves to him, that we may be the happy persons 
 N2 
 
150 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 who shall feel the influence of his Spirit; for, in- 
 deed, true religion, or the knowledge of him, is what 
 one plainly but justly observes, " Not a name, but 
 a nature; not a notion, but a motion." I now re- 
 main, yours sincerely, by the ties of nature and 
 bond of affection, 
 
 " C. B." 
 
 No. XI. 
 
 " Bristol, 1st August, 1792. 
 
 My dear C , Shall I thus address you, or 
 
 shall my pen be dipped in the gall of displeasure, 
 or be employed in the language of reproof? Had 
 you not assigned a reason which I myself might have 
 been swayed by, you neglect would have afforded 
 some ground for correction. Punctuality in business, 
 and accomplishment of promise, should ever be 
 strictly attended to, if we wish to preserve our re- 
 putation and maintain uniformity of character. 
 
 " Providence has seen proper, these three or four 
 years past, to place us at such a distance from each 
 other, as to cause our interviews to be but seldom 
 in comparison to what they were before; but my 
 present feelings declare (and I think your last epis- 
 tle speaks) the same inviolable attachment to subsist 
 as ever. The consideration of this therefore excites 
 me to forgive, though it would have added to my 
 happiness had your silence been of shorter con- 
 tinuance. 
 
 " I presume, by the address on the back of your 
 letter, that you had forgotten that the vacation was 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 151 
 
 commenced, and therefore expected I had been still 
 in London. I have been from thence a month, and 
 suppose I shall be three weeks longer before I re- 
 turn. I have the pleasure to inform you, that your 
 ministry has been acceptable at Hope Chapel. I 
 have been told, that it has not been so well at- 
 tended since you left it. I do not mention this that 
 you may be elated with vanity, but that you may be 
 encouraged to proceed. I am no great votary for 
 unmeaning adulation, or useless panegyric, as it 
 must be fulsome to every person of refined, or even 
 common sense; but I believe the information cf suc- 
 cess, of good being done to our fellow-mortals, must 
 prove such welcome intelligence as to excite the 
 warmest gratitude in the sincere heart and generous 
 mind. Go on, therefore, my dear friend, with the 
 sacred volume in your hand, with a spirit of philan- 
 thropy in your breast, the love of Christ on your 
 tongue, and his glory alone in your eye, and use- 
 fulness must succeed. 
 
 " Social religion, as you observe, in the present 
 day, is thought too precise. The reason is, perhaps, 
 that the generality of those who ought to inculcate 
 it in the pulpit, by their preaching, and in their 
 lives^, by their example, are men dispossessed of any 
 concern for the welfare of mankind. Is it not la- 
 mentable, that many who have to address large and 
 perhaps illiterate auditories, instead of speaking to 
 their capacities and adapting themselves to their un- 
 derstandings, as it were, philosophize the truth, and 
 render it impossible to be understood by the ma- 
 jority of the hearers; or, on the other hand, what 
 
152 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 they deliver is done with such supineness, as if it were 
 a matter of the smallest moment. As one observes, 
 "Their discourses from the pulpit are generally 
 dry, methodical, and unafFecting, delivered with 
 the most insipid calmness; insomuch, that should 
 the peaceful preacher lift up his head over the 
 cushion, which alone he seems to address, he might 
 discover his audience, instead of being awakened 
 to remorse, actually sleeping over his methodical 
 and laboured composition." See Goldsmiths Essays, 
 " I have been thinking, therefore, in order to fa- 
 cilitate usefulness, that there should be an address 
 to the passions, as well as to the judgment, and that 
 an extreme on both sides should be guarded against, 
 lest we follow the example of some who are preach- 
 ing all to the affections, and others all to the under- 
 standing. But divine direction is necessary; let us 
 then supplicate the assistance of Him who spake as 
 never man spake; and whose only prerogative it is 
 to make us wise to win souls. 
 
 " I remain yours very affectionately, 
 
 " C. B." 
 
 No. XII. 
 
 " Bristol, 2d August, 1792. 
 
 u The recollection of the great and repeated 
 
 tokens of kindness received from you constrains me 
 to take up my pen. Indeed it would be ingratitude in 
 me were I not to acknowledge your invariable ci- 
 vility and attention, even from the first moment of 
 our acquaintance. Happy friendship, that length of 
 
REV, CHARLES BUCK. 153 
 
 time, nor distance of place, cannot dissolve! But 
 what retaliation shall I make, or how shall I com- 
 pensate my friends for the continual respect they 
 manifest, but by assuring them that they shall not 
 be forgotten at a throne of grace. 
 
 " I hope you both remain well. O what an inva- 
 luable blessing is health, and how much more prized 
 by the deprivation of it! This I have learned by ex- 
 perience, since more than once have I been brought 
 to the confines of the grave, when my surrounding 
 friends have been ready to say, " The place that 
 now knoweth him, will soon know him no more!" 
 And often have I thought that my departure was at 
 hand, but yet am I spared; though the weakness of 
 my constitution still reminds me of my dissolution. 
 I have been incessantly engaged in my Master's 
 work since I left London, and, blessed be God, it 
 has in some measure been rendered pleasant. O, to 
 be an ambassador from God is the highest honour* 
 and the most inestimable privilege a mortal crea* 
 ture can be favoured with! "How beautiful upon 
 the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good 
 tidings, that publisheth peace, that bringeth good 
 tidings of good, that publisheth salvation, that saith 
 unto Zion, Thy God reigneth." Isaiah, liL 7. The 
 office truly is arduous, but we have One who is suf- 
 ficient to strengthen and enable us to discharge it 
 with zeal and faithfulness. Were I more depen- 
 dant upon him, I think my usefulness would be 
 more extensive; but, alas! I am too frequently found 
 in a supine and careless state, my heart indifferent, 
 my faith small, my tongue silent. I want to cleave 
 
154 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 closer to him in private, that I may be more blessed 
 in public; I wish to give up my all to God, that he 
 may vouchsafe to give himself to me, for indepen- 
 dent of his benign presence, and without his divine 
 blessing, I can experience no happiness in myself, 
 nor be the instrument of doing good to others. But, 
 however, I trust you, my dear friends, are growing 
 in grace, are flourishing plants in the garden of the 
 Lord. Perhaps you are lamenting your state, unbe- 
 lief and the world invade, and you are ready to 
 give way to despondency; but remember you have 
 one who is more potent than all, one who hath said, 
 " I will be as a wall of fire round about you;" one 
 who hath engaged to protect and will delight to 
 bless you. When some foreign ambassadors came 
 pretty early in the morning to have an audience 
 with Alexander, they were told his majesty was 
 not stirring; upon which they expressed some sur- 
 prise, that a potentate who had so many and such 
 momentous affairs to manage should sleep so long; 
 the king hearing of their observation ordered them 
 to be informed, ' that though he slept, Parme-nio 
 waked;' and though we sleep, though we forget, too 
 often forget ourselves, and our adored Redeemer: 
 He the great keeper of Israel neither slumbers nor 
 sleeps; never, never forgets either us or our in- 
 terests. # Repair therefore to him, let him be the 
 chief object of your affection. Strive to maintain a 
 grateful, a continual sense of his love on your hearts. 
 Do you wish to be happy? I know you do. Carry on 
 
 * Vide Hervey's Letters to Lady Shirley, 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 155 
 
 then a heavenly correspondence with him; intreat 
 him that you may be kept from the intrusion of 
 worldly cares, that your negociations here may not 
 prevent your negociating for eternity. Let the 
 blessed Jesus be ever in view, not only in the closet, 
 but in the dining room, in the shop, in all, then shall 
 prosperity attend your steps, and peace reside in 
 your dwellings. Thus, my dear friends, suffer the 
 word of exhortation, and may the ever glorious 
 Redeemer be propitious to your souls, and bless 
 you abundantly with the best of blessings, is the 
 sincere petition of, 
 
 " Yours inviolably in the best bonds, 
 
 "C. B." 
 
 No. XIII. 
 
 " Bristol, 6th August, 1792. 
 Happy am I in having the opportunity of 
 *oving that I have not forgotten you. Indeed the 
 ties of friendship and dictates of affection would not 
 have suffered me to have neglected writing. When 
 I call to mind the many sweet hours we have spent 
 in Christian converse, the happy seasons we have 
 experienced *at a throne of grace, and how often 
 we have walked together to the house of God, and 
 with rapture heard of the boundless compassion, the 
 inimitable goodness, and unspeakable love of the 
 dear Redeemer, it still endears that friendships 
 which I hope will continue till months and years 
 revolve no more; yea, till that happy period, when 
 we shall arrive in the realms of bliss; where I trust 
 it shall subsist; never, never to be dissolved. 
 
156 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 " Yesterday I was employed in executing my em- 
 bassage to poor sinners. The number that attend 
 
 are astonishing. Mr. was engaged in (what is 
 
 very unfashionable, and disgusting to the world) 
 preaching out of doors, and inviting the vilest to 
 come and participate in the blessings of the ever- 
 lasting gospel. O my dear friend, what welcome 
 news is it, that the arms of Jesus are expanded, and 
 that he is willing to save the most guilty! Is not 
 this encouragement for us who have so long rebel- 
 led against him? Let us repair, therefore, to him, 
 that our sins may be pardoned, our persons justifi- 
 ed, and that we may at last reign with him for ever 
 and ever. 
 
 " But perhaps my friend is mourning under a 
 sense of his own corruptions, and complaining that 
 Jesus is so little the object of his affections. Alas! 
 Sir, this is too much the case with us all. Unbelief 
 assaults, Satan opposes, sin allures, so that we are 
 sometimes brought almost to the borders of despair! 
 I confess for myself, that such is the unfavourable 
 light I often view things in, that I am led to con- 
 clude that I am only born to be miserable, only 
 known to be despised, and only live to rebel; but 
 yet I dare not give it up, because, as I observed 
 before, Jesus is able to save and willing to forgive 
 the greatest sinners: O were not this the case, 
 trembling and horror would seize my guilty soul! 
 I must sit down and weep over my hopeless state, 
 and expect nothing but vindictive justice to plunge 
 ine into the gulf of unutterable woe! But with him 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 15T 
 
 there is mercy. O sweet word! on this my hope de- 
 pends; on this I stake my all. But shall I sin against 
 him because I know there is forgiveness? God for- 
 bid! If you had been the person who had kindly 
 sav d me from impending danger; if you had pre- 
 served me from some approaching dreadful catas- 
 trophe; if you had protected me from some direful 
 calamity; if you had supported me in some heavy 
 affliction; if you had sympathized with me in some 
 pungent distress; would it not have been the deep- 
 est ingratitude, the greatest unkindness, to have dis- 
 carded you for it, to have taken no notice, or to 
 have employed my tongue in reproaching you? But 
 O, how much more so, when I consider that Jesus 
 hath plucked me as a brand from the burning; that 
 he has protected me from the most imminent dan- 
 gers; that he has preserved me from the greatest 
 evils; and blessed me with so many unspeakable 
 mercies! Can I then wilfully sin against so gracious 
 a friend? O my soul, tremble at the thought, and 
 fly, instantly fly, from the approach of that which is 
 such an enemy to him, so injurious to myself. But 
 whither am I going? I am writing of myself instead 
 of writing to my friend. But perhaps his feelings 
 are the same; if so, then let us unite in supplicating 
 the throne of grace, that while, on the one hand, we 
 rejoice in his mercy, yet on the other we may adorn 
 the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things, But 
 it is probable you, like myself, are complaining how 
 much the world intrudes, how much it proves a 
 barrier to your communion with God, and hinders 
 vour spiritual progress. It is true we cannot forbear 
 
 O 
 
158 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 having something to do with it; but as one ob- 
 serves, " the mischief arises not from our living in 
 the world; but the world living in us, occupying our 
 hearts, and monopolizing our affections."^ It re- 
 quires peculiar supplies of grace to be enabled to 
 pass through it, and not to be injured by it. How- 
 ever, let us not forget that we have one who can 
 gain us the victory. O that he may ever dwell in 
 your heart and mine by faith, and then we shall be 
 more than conquerors. My paper forbids my en- 
 larging, I must therefore conclude, wishing you the 
 best of blessings in time and for ever. 
 "I remain your willing servant, 
 
 M and affectionate friend, 
 
 # C. B." 
 
 No. XIV. 
 
 "Bristol, 8th August, 1792. 
 i u The last letter I received from London, 
 brought me the unwelcome intelligence of your be- 
 ing indisposed; but I hope this will find you much 
 recovered. Alas! how precarious is health, how 
 soon are our frail tabernacles disordered; how sud- 
 denly arrested by pain, how easily invaded by sick- 
 ness. I cannot say I have reason to complain at pre- 
 sent, though my animal frame is enervated, and my 
 hand trembles while it writes; yet I would bless 
 my God that it is, as it is, I find his voice in this, 
 yea in all my afflictions to be " Arise and depart, 
 
 * Mrs. Hannah More*s Manners of the Great. 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 159 
 
 tor this is not your rest." Indeed we have need of 
 perpetual monitors to remind us of the inconsisten- 
 cy of being too warmly attached to sublunary things, 
 and to show us that a inordinate affection is the way 
 to inordinate affliction." And have we not, my dear 
 friend, ere now been ready to take up our abode 
 here? Have we not imagined ourselves to be sur- 
 rounded with delights, and thought that prosperity 
 attended our steps; when lo! in the midst of all, we 
 have no sooner endeavoured to pluck some sweet 
 flower, but it hath withered in our hands; or some 
 sharp thorn was hid behind, in order to create a 
 pain with our pleasure? What then, shall not these 
 grievous, and I may say repeated repulses teach us, 
 that all on earth is shadow; shall it not induce us to 
 write mutability on every object? Shall it not lead 
 us to depend on him in whom is no variableness 
 or shadow of turning? It is true wealth may be 
 agreeable, abilities may be desirable, and friendship 
 may be sweet; but yet if these are the only sources 
 of our joy we shall be very far from obtaining real 
 peace and permanent pleasure. And however fana- 
 tical it may appear to an unthinking world to im- 
 plore the Supreme Being for true happiness, yet let 
 such remember that he is the alone author of it, and 
 without his Spirit it is impossible to find it. 
 
 " And cannot I congratulate my friend on his 
 being sensible of this; and do not I see him imitating 
 the Psalmist, and saying, " My soul wait thou upon 
 God, for my expectation is only from him." Yes, I 
 trust he knows whose smile it is that makes a heaven; 
 whose frown it is that creates a hell! To exhort you, 
 
160 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 therefore, would be needless, but to rejoice with you 
 is my privilege. 
 
 44 1 find that great man of God, Mr. Ryland, is 
 gone home. I cannot say, but that I experienced 
 some emotions of sorrow when I heard it, because 
 I respected him as a man of grace as well as intel- 
 lect. Where was the man that possessed such a ca- 
 pacious understanding; such a rich genius, such un- 
 accountable fire and zeal, and a soul filled with the 
 noblest ideas of God; with such hatred to sin, with 
 such love to holiness, with such unbounded desire to 
 promote the glory of Christ? Though his body was 
 debilitated, and he for some months rendered inca- 
 pable of attending to public duty, yet I never was in 
 his company, but I was sure to find something pro- 
 fitable; yea, what he has said I believe, will not be 
 easily erased from my mind, while I am this side of 
 the grave. But he is gone, and that to dwell with 
 Him whom he ardently loved, and now incessantly 
 adores. O let us be anticipating the happy time when 
 we also shall be called away, to enter into that rest 
 M'hich remains for the people of God. 
 " I now subscribe myself, 
 
 u Your willing servant, 
 
 " C. B.' s 
 
 No. XV. 
 
 " Bristol, 9th August, 1792. 
 a With inexpressible pleasure your kind 
 epistle came to hand. What joy does it afford me to 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 161 
 
 bear from those to whom I am attached; but it is an 
 additional satisfaction when I consider that a few 
 days will make a personal interview practicable. 
 And here let me not be accused of enthusiasm, if I 
 endeavour to improve the thought, by observing, 
 how welcome that period, how glorious that hour, 
 when we poor pilgrims shall be called from exile 
 home to meet the Friend of Sinners, the Beloved of 
 our Souls! When the blissful sentence shall be pro- 
 nounced, u Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit 
 the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation 
 of the world!" O what transport wihV fill our hearts; 
 what songs of praise will dwell on our lips; what 
 fiames of love shall be kindled in our souls, never, no 
 never to be extinguished, throughout the countless 
 ages of eternity! Eternity, did I say? Astonishing 
 word! I am lost in reflection! As one observes,* 
 " Mysterious, mighty existence! A sum not to be 
 lessened by the largest deductions; an extent not to 
 be contracted by all possible diminutions! None can 
 truly say, after the most prodigious waste of ages, 
 so much of eternity is gone. For when millions of 
 centuries are elapsed, it is but just commencing, and 
 when millions more have run their ample round, it 
 will be no nearer ending! Yea, when ages, numerous 
 as the bloom of spring, increased by the herbage of 
 summer; both augmented by the leaves of autumn, 
 and all multiplied by the drops of rain which drown 
 the winter; when these, and ten thousand times ten 
 thousand more more than can be represented by 
 
 *Mr. Hervey. 
 2 
 
162 MEMOIRS Or THE 
 
 any similitude, or imagined by any conception: 
 when all these are revolved and finished, eternity, 
 vast, boundless, amazing eternity, will only be be- 
 ginning!" And what! shall we spend this eternity 
 with the adorable Jesus? Shall we be the happv per- 
 sons to reign for ever with him? Yes, I trust rue, 
 even zve, who have rebelled against him, we who 
 have violated his law, shall, through divine mercy 
 and free grace, be brought to the realms of glory 
 above. O delightful idea! Let us indulge the 
 thought; let us encourage the meditation; let us step 
 aside from the busy world, and invite the pleasing 
 reflection; let us endeavour to drawback the curtain, 
 and with an eye of faith look into eternity; let us 
 humbly penetrate, let us joyfully behold those hea- 
 venly mansions, while we incessantly adore and 
 thankfully admire the benign and boundless love of 
 the great Jehovah as the result of all. But yet, after 
 all, how dark our perceptions, how clouded our 
 views of the celestial state. Mortality must be re- 
 signed, and our souls must be brought into the pos- 
 session before we can have a clear and full discovery 
 of its blessedness. Yea, who can tell but that our 
 bliss may be increasing for ever. O what a reviving 
 cordial is this for our dejected minds! Blessed anti- 
 cipation, come thou and dwell with us, reside in our 
 breasts, and live in all the trials and vicissitudes at- 
 tending us here, until the time arrive when we shall 
 experience the real enjoyment, when we shall no 
 longer see through a glass darkly, but face to face. 
 Adorable Redeemer, prepare us for this happy 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 163 
 
 change, that our constant language may be, u Come, 
 Lord Jesus, come quickly, Amen." 
 44 I now remain, my dear, 
 
 44 Yours very affectionately for ever. 
 
 U C. B." 
 
 No. XVI, 
 
 " Hoxton, December 10th, 1792. 
 
 44 My dear C , The unwelcome news, I sup- 
 pose, hath not reached your ear. Our old friend and 
 
 acquaintance, C e, on Sabbath-day week, broke 
 
 his thigh by a fall; and on Friday morning entered 
 (I humbly hope) into his eternal rest? This sudden 
 and unexpected event hath no small effect upon our 
 minds. Indeed, for myself, I cannot bear to reflect 
 on it, for busy memory calls up a multitude of past 
 instances, wherein it must be said he showed great 
 kindness. I imagine to myself I see him, hear him, 
 and am conversing with him as in former time; but, 
 alas! he is gone, and the place that once knew him 
 shall know him no more! 
 
 44 1 am conscious, my brother, you feel with us, 
 and though of late you have not had the opportunity 
 of being much with him, yet you cannot but recol- 
 lect those hours when you joined in Christian con- 
 verse with him, those seasons when you walked to 
 the house of the Lord together, and were closely 
 united by the bonds of brotherly love. These, and 
 many other circumstances, no doubt strike your 
 mind, while you are ready to say, 44 1 am distressed 
 
164 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 for thee, my brother Jonathan;- very pleasant hast 
 thou been to me, thy love to me was wonderful." 
 But, my dear brother, let us not sorrow as those 
 without hope; let us endeavour to improve this be- 
 reaving dispensation; let it remind us of our short 
 continuance here, and that we must needs die, and 
 be as water spilt upon the ground, which cannot be 
 gathered up again. We know not how soon the slen- 
 der thread of our livts may be cut: Our friend is 
 taken away in the prime of life: Death's arrow may 
 soon be pointed at us: some direful accident, some 
 raging fever, may soon bring us to the house appoint- 
 ed for all living. u Man that is born of a woman is of 
 few days, and full of trouble; he cometh forth like a 
 flower, and is cut down; he fleeth as a shadow, and 
 continueth not." But blessed be God, cannot we 
 sing, 
 
 " Death cannot make our souls afraid, 
 If God be with us there; 
 Soft is the passage through the shade, 
 
 And all the prospect fair." W atts; 
 
 Happy will it be for us, in that awful moment, to be 
 interested in the love of a gracious Saviour; then 
 shall we be enabled to go off as victorious conque- 
 rors, and not as vanquished enemies. But while our 
 lives are spared, let us redeem the time. O Lord, so 
 teach us to number our days, that we may apply 
 our hearts unto wisdom. 
 
 " I am, my dear brother, 
 
 " Your's very affectionately, 
 
 " C. B." 
 
REV. CHARGES BUCK. 165 
 
 Before I introduce any portions of Mr. Buck's 
 correspondence and diary, commencing with the 
 year 1793, the following extract, with which he be- 
 gins his memoirs of that period, is too valuable not 
 to be inserted in this its proper place. 
 
 " The month of January, 1793, brings us the in- 
 telligence of the death of the celebrated Rev. John 
 Berridge of Everton. He was a popular but quaint 
 preacher; certainly possessing some degree of origi- 
 nality. He was no mean scholar; but entered the 
 ministry with very dark and cloudy views of divine 
 truth, and for some time remained in this state, pro- 
 ducing no salutary effects on his auditory; but being 
 through divine influence brought at last to a clear 
 view of gospel sentiments, and feeling their power 
 on his heart, he altered his mode of preaching, and 
 in a little time it is surprising how useful he became. 
 It is said, that in the first year he was visited by a 
 , thousand different persons under serious impres- 
 sions; and it has been computed, that under his own 
 and the joint ministry of Mr. Hicks, about four 
 i thousand were awakened to a concern for their 
 | souls in about the space of twelve months. I record 
 this here, that any who read these pages, and are 
 looking forward to the sacred work, may remember 
 two things; first, that usefulness should be the su- 
 preme object a minister should ever keep in view; 
 knowledge is not to be despised, literary attainments 
 are not to be neglected, the cultivation of talents or 
 gifts not to be thought lightly of; but I say useful- 
 ness, usefulness, should be the design, and every 
 
166 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 study, every plan, every exertion, every address, 
 should all be rendered subservient to this. And 
 then, in the second place, remember, that as useful- 
 ness is the great object, so the only way to facilitate 
 and promote this, is to preach Christ Jesus and 
 him crucified, and exhibiting him to miserable men, 
 in the wisdom of his designs, the eternity of his 
 love, the merit of his work, the freeness of his 
 grace, the beauty of his doctrines, the abundance of 
 his promises,, in the loveliness of his spirit, and the 
 excellency of his example. O ye candidates for the 
 sacred work, if ye long to do good, to be wise, to 
 win souls, to behold success in your ministry, ever 
 recollect that this is the only way. Dare not to go 
 forth unless this be your determination; rather re- 
 tire, and hide yourselves in the shades of obscurity, 
 if you do not intend to display the glories of the 
 cross. For it is this that gives dignity to our every 
 service, that constitutes the splendour and excellen- 
 cy of every sermon, and this only which will be 
 effectual in rescuing immortal beings from the paths 
 of misery and destruction. I would rather be John 
 Berridge, with my spiritual children around me, 
 than the greatest monarch, poet, hero, or philoso- 
 pher in the world, who never had the honour, and 
 who perhaps never made the attempt to convert one 
 soul to the true God. 
 
 " I have been now speaking of usefulness, and 
 that more especially as it regards the best part of 
 man; but let it not be understood that I think no- 
 thing of sympathy, of charity to the body, of libera- 
 lity to the poor, of the common principles of educa- 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 167 
 
 tion, of ameliorating the temporal calamities of man- 
 kind. Far from it. I was delighted this year in 
 having an opportunity of visiting St. Paul's cathe- 
 dral, at the general assembly of all the charity-chil- 
 dren in the different parishes in London, amounting 
 to several thousands. It is truly a grand sight. 
 Their different dress, by which they are distinguish- 
 ed; their admirable position, one above another, 
 and their vast number, form such a coup cTwil, that 
 is not easily to be found elsewhere. So many infant 
 voices too, all united, so clear yet so harmonious, 
 singing hallelujah, and ascribing universal praise to 
 the Most High, thrilled through the soul,* and pro- 
 duced so powerful an effect, that some have been 
 scarcely able to bear it. But, above all, the charm- 
 ing thought, that all these are the children of Bri- 
 tish benevolence, a benevolence which not only 
 clothes their bodies, so that they may well say, " I 
 was naked and ye clothed me," but which takes 
 them by the hand, and leads them to the abodes of 
 instruction, and, on sabbath-days, to the temple of 
 God. Yet these, after all, form but a part, in this 
 vast metropolis, of those who, in different commu- 
 nities, are under instruction. What may we not ex- 
 pect from the various institutions of this kind, if 
 due care be taken, but that many shall run to and 
 fro, and knowledge be increased." 
 
 * An old musician took his station just by me; when the chil- 
 dren struck up the 100th Psalm, he was so overwhelmed that 
 he could scarcely sit, and exclaimed, " Now my hair begins t 
 stand on end." 
 
168 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 Early in this year, Mr. Buck visited Walsall, and 
 preached there during several sabbaths; he also 
 made excursions into most of the adjacent towns 
 and villages, on one errand to recommend to the 
 attention of his hearers the glorious Redeemer; de- 
 termining not to know any thing among men, but 
 <c Jesus Christ, and him crucified." On his return 
 from this extensive and laborious tour, he devoted 
 himself to the studies of the academy, and prepared 
 for a public examination in Greek and Hebrew, 
 through which he passed with honour. He also de- 
 livered a theological address before his tutors, fel- 
 low-students, and various ministers. This he de- 
 scribes as a severe trial, but observes, that " he got 
 through better than he expected." In this part of his 
 narrative, he thus notices the death of an eminent 
 minister of Christ. 
 
 " I had not returned long, before I was informed 
 of the death of the Rev. Nathaniel Trotman, of 
 White Row, London. The day he died he enjoyed 
 an unusual degree of composure, and spent part of 
 the evening in spiritual conversation with a friend. 
 Soon after, he ordered his servant to bring the Bi- 
 ble, and then get his supper. On his return, about 
 twenty minutes after, he found Mr. T. dead on the 
 floor, having expired, it is supposed, in the act of 
 prayer. Thus, " blessed is that servant whom his 
 Lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing." Though 
 not a man of extraordinary genius, yet, in some re- 
 spects, he was a model for young preachers. In the 
 pulpit, his action was just, equally remote from 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 169 
 
 theatric affectation and the insipid formality of in- 
 difference. His subjects were purely evangelical. In 
 his preaching, there was the light of doctrine with- 
 out the dryness of system; the warmth of experi- 
 ence without the wild nre of enthusiasm; the neces- 
 sity of morality without the ostentation of pharisa- 
 ism. His divisions were natural, his inferences just, 
 and his applications by far the most animated parts 
 of his discourses. His language was plain, but not 
 vulgar; his address was affectionate, but not ful- 
 some; faithful, but not acrimonious* By maintain- 
 ing an agreeable mixture of each, he preserved a 
 dignity worthy of the Lord's ambassador, and a 
 tenderness altogether becoming the fellow Chris- 
 tian. It is pleasant also, when the ministers of di- 
 vine truth have been preserved to the close of their 
 work in a state of true devotedness to God, so as to 
 leave such a character behind them as shall prove a 
 perpetual sermon to those who reflect on it. A 
 pious divine, who enjoyed the pleasure of his ac- 
 quaintance five-and-thirty years, thus spake of him; 
 " Were I to sum up all in a few words, and speak 
 my real sentiments of him, it should be, that he was 
 a Nathaniel for uprightness and sincerity, a Moses 
 for meekness, a Job for patience, a Josiah for piety, 
 a David for humility, a Jeremiah for lamentation 
 over poor sinners, and a Paul for zeal for the glory 
 of God." May such lovely characters be found in 
 every age." 
 
 Mr. Buck records, with heartfelt pleasure, an in- 
 stance of his successful preaching, which came to 
 his knowledge about this time. 
 
 P 
 
1TG MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 " I had reason," he observes, " to be thankful fcr 
 encouragement in several instances, as well as for 
 reproof. This very day I received the following 
 note: 
 
 " Reverend Sir Please to excuse the liberty I 
 have taken, in troubling you with these few lines. 
 You may say you have the honour of calling a sin- 
 ner from the brink of hell. The first time I came 
 to Silver Street Chapel, I had the pleasure of hear- 
 ing you, and ever since, I have embraced all oppor- 
 tunities. When I hear you preach, it makes me 
 say, What a sinner I am. I remain, your humble 
 servant, 
 
 " H. C." 
 
 " And is not this the tendency of a preached gos- 
 pel? That sermon which makes a man satisfied with 
 himself, which increases his dependence on his 
 works, and which leads not the mind to humbling 
 views, under a sense of depraved nature, is neither 
 according to truth, nor will it ever effect any good. 
 No, it is the gospel, faithfully preached, that will 
 lead a man like the person mentioned above, to ex- 
 claim, " What a sinner I am." And when the con- 
 science is thus convinced, O how delightful do the 
 tidings of mercy appear. Then the cross shines in 
 all its glory, and the mind, however agitated before, 
 reposes under it with unspeakable joy." 
 
 Mr. Buck's next visit was to Farnham, in Surry, 
 of which, and the circumstances which led to it, he 
 gives the following account: 
 
 " The Rev. Mr. Gunn having been lately ejected 
 from his curacy at Farnham, on account of his faith* 
 
8 
 
 he 
 
 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 171 
 
 ful preaching, multitudes of his hearers, among 
 whom there had been a great work, went off with 
 him, and were determined, if they could not hear 
 the gospel in the church, that they would hear it 
 elsewhere. They therefore, by their own contribu- 
 tions, and by the liberality of the religious public, 
 uilt a very neat and commodious place* It was 
 pened by the Rev. Messrs. Wilks, Ford, and Eyre. 
 I was fixed upon to be the first supply. I went for 
 ree Sabbaths. The place was well attended, and 
 e prospect very pleasing. Lodging in the same 
 ouse with the Rev. Mr. Gunn, we formed an ac- 
 quaintance and friendship which continued till the 
 day of his death; and though he was a very strong 
 Churchman, he would sometimes come to hear me, 
 not only at Farnham, but many years afterwards at 
 my place of worship in London. # While at Farn- 
 ham, I was requested to go and preach at a dark 
 village, called Crondel, about three miles distant. 
 Others said it would be dangerous, as they threat- 
 ened to burn any person who should make the at- 
 tempt. I went, however, and preached without much 
 opposition, except a little noise, particularly from a 
 blacksmith, who hammered as hard as he could on 
 one anvil, while I worked as hard as I could on an- 
 
 * Mr. Gunn was not like Mr. Whitefield; he paid very little 
 attention to his dress and external appearance, but in the pulpit, 
 his sharp piercing eye, his powerful addresses to the conscience, 
 his peculiar, pointed manner, and his energetic and faithful de- 
 claration of the truth, gained the attention in such an astonish- 
 ing manner, that he soon became very popular. Great numbers 
 were awakened, especially young people, many of whom have 
 joined other churches, in the establishment and out of it. 
 
172 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 other of a different kind. I was told afterwards, that 
 he threw down his hammer, and went away for fear 
 of being converted. I went a second time, and 
 preached in a room; before I began, a man knocked 
 at the door about some business, who had heard me 
 when I was there before. The owner of the house 
 asked him to come in and hear the minister who 
 preached the other day. O no, that he would not, 
 he said, for what business had he to concern him- 
 self about him, and point him out before all the con- 
 gregation, (for I remember I had pointed with my 
 finger, and said, that drunkard, that sabbath-break- 
 er, that swearer, &c.) and nothing could persuade 
 the man but that I meant him, though he was as- 
 sured by the owner of the house that I had never 
 known him, nor any thing of him. Thus we see 
 how conscience sometimes operates, and that the 
 word of God is like a sharp two-edged sword. 
 Preaching has been continued since, more or less, 
 in this place, and now they have a place of worship 
 erected. 
 
 " I visited Farnham again, at the close of the 
 vear, for three Sabbaths,* and received an invita- 
 tion to settle among them, as it was also the wish 
 of Mr. Gunn; but there being a few things which 
 appeared tome as objections, and not having finish- 
 
 * The people of the town showed much enmity, and marked 
 the hearers as they walked along 1 , by saying-, " That's he, that's 
 he." Mr. Wildbore, jun. and myself happening to be there on 
 Christmas-day, they got hold of our names, and talked of a 
 hunt, but they wished to know which would be turned out- the 
 buck or the boar. 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 173 
 
 ed my studies, I declined, and returned to Hox- 
 ton." . 
 
 A few letters from Mr. Buck's correspondence 
 will close the account of this year. 
 
 No. XVII. 
 " Walsall, Staffordshire, 24th June, 1793. 
 
 " I embrace the first opportunity of sitting 
 
 down to write to my dear friend, who will not, I 
 am conscious, be reluctant to hear of my welfare. 
 Yesterday I preached three times at the chapel here, 
 and hope some received comfort through the bless- 
 ing of God. It is a neat place, and computed to 
 hold about a thousand persons, but it was not full. 
 The singing pleases me much. The voices of some 
 of the singers are so clear and charming, that they 
 remind me of that happy period, when, I humbly 
 hope, I shall hear celestial music above. This is a 
 thought I wish to indulge, and would consider eve- 
 ry thing as beneficial that has a tendency to lead 
 my meditations thither. What can be more pleasing 
 to the weary traveller, than the anticipation of his 
 desired rest, and what can yield the true Christian 
 more happiness, than to look forward to those climes 
 of undisturbed and everlasting felicity in the world 
 to come? Will you not join with me, my dear friend, 
 in the delightful contemplation of that blessed abode? 
 Come, let us soar together above the transitory 
 things of this vain world, and press towards the hea- 
 ?! venly gate. Let our affections be there, and we shall 
 
 P 2 
 
lT4f MEMOIRS Of TffK 
 
 find it the means of supporting us under the vari- 
 ous trials attendant on this mortal life. Happy would 
 it be for us, if our hearts were more in heaven, 
 then should we possess more of heaven in our 
 hearts. 
 
 " It is impossible to live without meeting with 
 continual troubles, but how would they be sweeten- 
 ed, and how little should we complain under them, 
 had we but a greater sense of that joy which is to 
 come. O let us recollect the pleasing time, when 
 the storm of life shall cease, the gloomy clouds dis- 
 perse, and eternal day break in upon our view; 
 when a glory more refulgent than ten thousand suns 
 surround us, and we, with myriads of angelic hosts, 
 celebrate the praises, and adore the unspeakable 
 goodness of the great Jehovah. And will this be 
 our employ? Will this be the delightful work in 
 which we shall be for ever engaged? Let us no 
 more then indulge the murmuring thought, sit pen- 
 sive at the approach of expected trouble, or sink un- 
 der the unwelcome hand of adversity. The few 
 fleeting moments allotted us here will soon be gone, 
 and we shall be brought into the enjoyment of that 
 rest which remains for the people of God; " all the 
 days of our appointed time therefore let us wait, till 
 our change come." In the mean time, let us strive 
 to get nearer to God, to know more of him, depend 
 more upon him, do more for him, rejoice more in 
 him, and live more to him. It is our privilege to be 
 always looking up for his direction, and supplicating 
 his grace; and, blessed be his name, he will com- 
 municate to us every needful supply while we are 
 
s 
 
 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 175 
 
 in the way. If he has prepared a heaven for us, he 
 will prepare us for heaven; yea, he will make all 
 
 ur crosses, and all our trials, subservient thereto. 
 
 very stumbling-block shall be removed, every ene- 
 my conquered, and every difficulty be useful. He 
 is a safe guide, and a sure protection; by night and 
 by day he will exercise his tender regard toward 
 us, and though he may suffer us to be opposed, de- 
 serted, and tempted by the world, yet he will lead 
 us by his counsel here, and at last bring us to glo- 
 ry. Let it be our aim, therefore, to keep up commu- 
 nion with him, for in the light of his countenance 
 is life, and his favour is as the cloud of the latter 
 rain. If we wish to have heaven upon earth, and to 
 be happy in a miserable world, the only way is to 
 implore his grace, to rely upon his word, and to 
 live in obedience to his divine command. 
 " I remain, my dear friend, 
 
 " Your's very affectionately, 
 
 " C. B." 
 
 No. XVIII. 
 
 Walsall, 25th June, 1793. 
 
 " Dear Sister Be assured it is with pleasure I 
 take up my pen to write to you a few lines. I arriv- 
 ed safe here on Friday last through a kind Provi- 
 dence, and hope the air will be serviceable to my 
 health. 
 
 u The country is very pleasant, and all nature 
 seems to be alive. The fruitful plains, the verdant 
 lawns, and towering hills, have a delightful appear* 
 
176 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 ance, while the little choristers of the air, swell their 
 notes, and afford me music harmonious to the ear. 
 Here, retired from the busy world, I can contem- 
 plate the wonderful works of creation, and behold 
 infinite wisdom displayed in every object around. 
 Here, in the calm retreat, in the silent shade, the 
 mind may pursue the happy employ without inter- 
 ruption, and learn the most useful lessons and the 
 most salutary instructions. How happy the man, 
 who, tired of the glittering toys and insipid plea- 
 sures of this world, covets retirement, in order that 
 he may be wise, that he may turn his mind to more 
 noble objects, converse with God, and look beyond 
 the changing scenes of this mortal life. But how ve- 
 ry few are there who can look with indifference 
 upon all terrene things, who can set their feet, as it 
 were, upon the globe, and aspire to those joys which 
 are celestial; how great the number who are lost in 
 dissipation, whose minds are enveloped in igno- 
 rance, and whose dispositions are vicious to the 
 greatest degree. Surely man was never formed thus 
 to debase his nature; his rational faculties were ne- 
 ver given him to be thus abused, but, on the con- 
 trary, that he might devote himself to the pursuit 
 of that Object to whom he is under unspeakable 
 obligations, and without the knowledge of whom 
 he can never obtain true felicity. The dictates of 
 reason, as well as the scripture, inform us that it is 
 man's highest privilege, as well as indispensable du- 
 ty, to live in continual obedience to God, in whom 
 we live, move, and have our being; but many ima- 
 gine, that in so doing they must relinquish all their 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 1 77 
 
 ippiness, that it will tend to make them gloomy, 
 and unfit them for society; but what pleasure so 
 great as that which is experienced in the knowledge 
 of God? what peace so permanent as that which is 
 the result of being acquainted with him? what ho- 
 nour so desirable as that which the King of kings 
 confers on all his willing and obedient subjects? 
 what reward so glorious and lasting as that which 
 will be given to all those that love him? Let us for 
 ever therefore, consider religion as the only source 
 of true satisfaction, and never rest contented but 
 when we are under its influence. Well for us if we 
 can say with the poet, when speaking of religion, and 
 the Author of it, 
 
 " Thou, my all, 
 
 My theme, my inspiration, and my crown; 
 My strength in age, my rise in low estate, 
 My soul's ambition, pleasure, wealth; my world, 
 My boast through time, bliss through eternity." 
 
 Young. 
 
 Noble declarations these; may we be blessed with 
 
 Guch principles, and may the Gud of heaven and 
 
 earth be the delight of our hearts, and the theme of 
 our song for ever. I must now conclude, only wish- 
 ing you, with myself, to be interested in his love, 
 who only can make us happy. 
 
 *' I remain your affectionate Brother, 
 
1^8 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 No. XIX. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Wills, Islington. 
 
 " Walsall, 26th June, 1793. 
 " My dear Sir, Through mercy I arrived safe 
 at my journey's end, and have reason to be thankful 
 for it, as we were exposed to some little danger by 
 the way. The coachman, about three o'clock in the 
 morning, being as we supposed, intoxicated, fell 
 asleep, and was thrown from the coach-box; they 
 said he pitched upon his head, and was very near 
 being under the wheel. He was some time before he 
 recovered, and appeared to be much hurt; providen- 
 tially there was a postillion, or we might have been 
 overturned. We had a fresh coachman in about 
 another mile, who was a sober man and drove with 
 care. I found myself rather uncomfortable for the 
 first two or three days, being a stranger to all the 
 people. They have here one of the neatest chapels I 
 ever saw, said to contain upwards of a thousand 
 persons; but it is not full, though there is a prospect 
 of an increase, had they but a minister they approv- 
 ed of. They have preaching three times on a sab- 
 bath, and once in the week, but I should like it bet- 
 ter, were it twice on the sabbath, and twice in the 
 week, as it would better suit my constitution; how- 
 ever I hope my feeble endeavours will be rendered 
 successful among them; then shall I have reason to 
 be grateful, and find something to encourage me in 
 the important work. I am often dejected, because I 
 think I am not useful in my Master's service; but yet 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 1/9 
 
 I know not how to relinquish the work, though I 
 have many times thought of doing it. My opportu- 
 nities of preaching while at the academy, have not, 
 I trust, been a little serviceable in keeping up a live- 
 liness as to spiritual things. Human literature, 
 though useful, yet how many lose a sense of divine 
 things in the acquisition of it; and what is a student, 
 what is a minister, without this? Methinks the world 
 is a wilderness without communion with God, and 
 every thing must bear a gloomy aspect, if the Sun of 
 Righteousness doth not shed his genial influences 
 upon us. O that I could find more of his love shed 
 abroad in my heart; but, alas! my corruptions rise, 
 and intervene between God and my soul, and pre- 
 vent my rejoicing in him, as I wish to do. I find 
 nothing satisfactory but the light of his countenance. 
 Liberty is dear, friends are blessings, temporal 
 mercies desirable, but what are these without my 
 God? If he do not smile, all is darkness, all distress; 
 my pleasure is turned into pain, my day into night, 
 my temple songs into bitter lamentations. Whither 
 can I go, and how shall I obtain relief for my im- 
 mortal soul? But if he be pleased to remove the vail, 
 to break in upon the mind; O, how sweet the mo- 
 ments, how happy the hours, how pleasant the time 
 glides along! Then afflictions appear as favours, ad- 
 verse dispensations as friends, and every trial as 
 sent in love. May you, dear Sir, be favoured with 
 his blessing, be still more useful in his cause, and at 
 last be brought to the enjoyment of him in glory, is 
 the earnest prayer of your unworthy, but willing 
 servant, " C. B." 
 
IS MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 No. XX. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Wills, Islington. 
 
 " Walsall, 22d July, 1F93. 
 " My dear Sir, I consider myself much honour- 
 ed in the receipt, and was peculiarly gratified in the 
 perusal, of your kind letter, wherein you encourage 
 me to go forward, by pointing me to the great Head 
 of the Church, from whom all strength is to be de- 
 rived. Indeed, I find I can do nothing without him; 
 he is the fountain of all true felicity, and the only 
 source of help. And as you observe, the more we 
 know of him, the more humble, the more faithful 
 we shall be as ministers of the gospel. It is an un- 
 speakable blessing while we preach him to others, to 
 experience the power of his grace in ourselves: will 
 not, dear sir, the sweet communications of his love 
 and spirit, make the most experimental and useful 
 preachers, as well as humble and happy Christians? 
 Surely to be favoured with his presence, to be under 
 his influence, and to be able constantly to live near 
 to him, must constitute a kind of heaven upon earth. 
 Ah! could I but dwell under his smiles; could I but 
 taste more of his love, my heart would not be so un- 
 affected, my mind would not be so barren, my steps 
 would not be so slow, my corruptions would not be 
 so prevalent. But, alas! though I preach of this dear 
 Redeemer, yet how little do I know and feel. O that 
 he were more the object of my affections, the topic 
 of my conversation, the joy of my heart. Sure I am, 
 we cannot love him too much here, we cannot go in 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 181 
 
 to an extreme. Our attachment to the world, to the 
 creature, to self, may be excessive; but here our 
 hearts cannot be too closely fixed, here the noble 
 affection cannot be indulged too much, Happy the 
 man that can say, ' whom have I in heaven but thee, 
 and there is none on earth I desire beside thee; thou 
 art the strength of my heart, and my portion for 
 ever.' May I be blessed with such a disposition, 
 and enjoy such an experience, and I want no more. 
 " I remain, dear Sir, 
 u Ever your's most affectionately, 
 
 "C. B." 
 
 No. XXI. 
 
 " Walsall, 24th July, 1793. 
 " Ought you not to suffer some degree of punish- 
 ment, for delaying to answer my last. How wish- 
 fully did I look for a letter before it came. I be- 
 gan to be uneasy, not knowing but something was 
 the matter, till I heard from Mr. Cureton, who as- 
 sured me you were well. However your's came to 
 hand, the perusal of which gave me pleasure, espe- 
 cially as it showed me that Eliza has a capacity, to 
 use her pen profitably, when she has a will. I have 
 
 had a pleasing epistle from Mr. W , and one 
 
 from my old friend C , which you shall see 
 
 when an interview is practicable, but will you be 
 angry if I tell you, I expect to stay a week or two 
 longer than I first engaged for? I mean to go into 
 Gloucestershire, if I can, before I come to London; 
 but have three sabbaths yet to stay here. The Lord 
 
 Q 
 
182 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 has wonderfully strengthened me for the work while 
 here; but yet I do not know that ever I wished to 
 see my London friends so much as now. How it 
 will be, if in time to come, I should be called to 
 settle at a distance from them, I cannot tell, but 
 wish to be resigned to my heavenly Father's plea- 
 sure, and to know no will but his. Ah, it is well, 
 when we can leave all to his care, and trust him 
 with every concern. Happy would it be for us, had 
 we but more faith; then would there be more sub- 
 mission, more contentment, and under all the dis- 
 pensations of providence, we should be able to say, 
 " It is well." But blessed be God, whatever are our 
 frames, and however we may complain that we can- 
 not live so near to him, and depend so much upon 
 him as we ought, yet he will still carry on his work. 
 He will not leave us, though we have such a pro- 
 pensity to leave him, but will perfect that which 
 concerns us. His promises are numerous, his arm 
 is strong on our behalf; let us then hope in him. 
 Afflictions and trials we must bear; but they shall 
 be profitable, though not pleasant. Hence saith the 
 apostle, ' though no chastening for the present seem- 
 eth to be joyous, but grievous, nevertheless, after- 
 ward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteous- 
 ness unto them which are exercised thereby. ' And 
 we are not to think our afflictions come at random; 
 they are not sent to be useless. I have no doubt but 
 what every believer hath his particular cross assign- 
 ed him, and the Lord knows how long he is to be 
 under the rod; we must not conclude that every 
 thing is left to mere chance, but rather ordered and 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 183 
 
 directed by an all-wise God, for the good of his 
 people. Let the consideration of this, therefore, 
 cheer our hearts in the midst of our difficulties, and 
 teach us to commit our way unto the Lord; i trust 
 also in him, and he shall bring it to pass.' May you 
 be under his care, kept by his power, and comforted 
 by his spirit, is the sincere prayer of, 
 
 " Your's most affectionately, 
 
 C. B." 
 
 No. XXII. 
 
 " Walsall, August 1, 1793. 
 w My dear Friend You are, I hope, well in 
 every respect; not only healthy in body, but pros- 
 pering in soul. It is well when surrounded with SQ 
 many privileges, and favoured with so many mer- 
 cies, if the mind is kept fixed upon the right ob- 
 ject, and we humbly lying at the feet of our dear 
 Redeemer. We too often serve the Lord in a cus- 
 tomary, formal manner, and our hearts are unaffect- 
 ed in that employment, which is so noble, and those 
 exercises, which are so honourable and delightful. 
 Ah! have we not reason to complain of our barren- 
 ness, and to mourn over the depravity and insensi- 
 bility of our hearts; and though we profess to love 
 the Lord above all earthly joy, yet how cold, how 
 lukewarm are we frequently found! Are we not 
 empty vines, bringing forth fruit unto ourselves? Ho- 
 sea x. 1. What darkness upon the mind; what in- 
 difference about the best things: however, let us not 
 despair. If the Lord had meant to have destroyed 
 
184 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 us, (Judges xiii. 23.) surely we should not have felt 
 our deadness; sin would not have been such a bur- 
 den; we should not mourn so much in the absence 
 of our God. We must not, therefore, give up, but 
 though faint, yet pursue; though weak, yet proceed. 
 The way is dark, but God is our light; it is diffi- 
 cult, but he is our strength; it is dangerous, but he 
 is our safe-guard. Let us then supplicate for more 
 faith to believe in and depend upon him. It is for 
 want of this we are so weary: hence,, says one, 
 
 " True, 'tis a straight and thorny road, 
 
 And mortal spirits tire and faint; 
 But they forget the mighty God 
 
 That feeds the strength of every saint." 
 
 Watts. 
 
 Iret us go, therefore, with humble boldness, unto 
 " the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and 
 find grace to help us in time of need." He is will- 
 ing to hear, if we are willing to pray. If we wish to 
 conquer our enemies, and to go on comfortably, it 
 must be by carrying on correspondence with God: 
 he that is most in prayer will be least in danger, and 
 continual supplication is the way to receive inces- 
 sant consolation: God will regard those that apply 
 to him; they may wait, but it shall not be in vain. 
 Ten thousand thanks be to his dear name; he never 
 yet disappointed the soul that looked to him for sup- 
 port and comfort, neither will he ever forget the 
 people of his choice, the purchase of his blood, the 
 joy of his heart, and the object of his love. O! let 
 us take courage, and again look toward his holy 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 185 
 
 temple. Vile, wretched, and miserable as we are, he 
 has promised to look upon, and be gracious unto us. 
 That you may be blessed with the light of his coun- 
 tenance, and be favoured with the influences of his 
 spirit, is the sincere desire and earnest prayer of 
 your unworthy, but willing servant, 
 
 " C. B." 
 
 No. XXIII. 
 
 "Walsall, 9th August, 1793. 
 
 *' I cannot help thinking how pleasant it is 
 
 to hear from those we love, and how grateful we 
 should be, that we have the means of communicat- 
 ing our thoughts to each other, though at a distance. 
 How kind in Providence, thus to accommodate us, 
 and enable us by the art of writing to make known 
 our feelings, and to converse with each other while 
 our persons are separated. This is kindness perhaps 
 which many overlook, and ascribe all to the inge- 
 nuity of man, instead of adoring that all-wise God, 
 without whose direction nothing can be done. How- 
 ever, let me be thankful to him for such a blessing. 
 You send me the happy intelligence of the Lord's 
 gracious manifestations to your soul. Blissful pe- 
 riods are those, when he shines upon and reveals 
 himself to us. When under his smiles, what satis- 
 faction we enjoy: how permanent the peace, how 
 unspeakable the joy: and indeed what are all terres- 
 trial things without it? Nothing, you know, is ade- 
 quate to our desires, or sufficient for our happiness, 
 when deprived of his divine presence. No. 
 Q2 
 
186 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 The most extensive kingdoms, the brightest gems, 
 nor all the fair beauties of creation, nor ten thousand 
 worlds at command, could for a moment produce the 
 joy we want, or alleviate the pain we feel, when he 
 withdraws. Blessed God! Be thou therefore near 
 unto us, and never let the corruptions of our hearts, 
 r the vanities of our conduct, cause thee to with- 
 hold what we count our joy, our life, our heaven, 
 our all. 
 
 " I have lately been reading the " Christian Cha- 
 racter exemplified, from the papers of Mrs. Marga- 
 ret Magdalen A s," which I think you have in 
 
 your library. Never did I peruse any thing with 
 more pleasure. Tears flowed from my eyes whilst I 
 read. The descriptions of the affection she bore to 
 her husband, tenderness to her children, loss of her 
 brother, and patience in affliction, are truly pathetic, 
 while her tenderness of conscience, and desire of 
 living to the glory of her dear Lord, are manifest in 
 every page. I think it excels most publications of 
 the kind such elevation of thought, and yet such 
 simplicity, that it cannot fail of engaging the atten- 
 tion. The letter to a friend on the marriage state, is 
 truly admirable, and ought to be read by all that 
 enter into that state, or at least by every female who 
 would wish to enjoy and augment connubial happi- 
 ness. 
 
 " I cannot imagine who brought you the false in- 
 formation of my indisposition. Thanks be to my 
 kind and heavenly Father, my health is nearly the 
 same as when I left London. I have great reason to 
 be grateful for the preservation and protection, love 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 187 
 
 and goodness, manifested unto me. O help me to 
 praise him, and above all, do not forget to pray for 
 one who is not unmindful of you at a throne of 
 grace. 
 
 " I remain, your's sincerely, 
 
 " C. B." 
 
 No. XXIV. 
 Rev. Mr. Wilted Islington. 
 
 " Walsall, 10th August, 1793. 
 " My dear Sir Your last gives me the unpleas- 
 ing intelligence of your indisposition. I hope by this 
 time you are perfectly recovered, and able to resume 
 your delightful work of preaching the everlasting 
 gospel to poor sinners. I know every intermission 
 of this kind is painful to you, as it is your earnest 
 desire incessantly to be employed in your Master's 
 service; but you are not insensible of the wisdom 
 and kindness of him who sometimes afflicts the body 
 for the profit of the mind. It would be presumptu- 
 ous for me, a young beginner, to say any thing on 
 this head, to one who has been so long a faithful la- 
 bourer, and whose experience is so far superior; yet 
 I cannot help observing the old and golden truth, 
 that all things shall work together for good to them 
 that love God, and are the called according to his 
 purpose; while I add my prayer that your animal 
 frame may be reinvigorated, your days lengthened, 
 and your usefulness still more extensive. I am as- 
 tonished at the account you give me of Mr. S 
 
188 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 Surely he had forgotten himself, or rather his Mas- 
 ter, whose love he had then an opportunity of de- 
 claring on so divine a subject. How he could treat of 
 salvation without considering the author of it I know 
 not; indeed you might well say, " Alas, my brother!" 
 for how grievous is it to find those who pretend to 
 discuss gospel topics, neglect the foundation, yea, the 
 very foundation on which we place our happiness, 
 our safety, our all. Take away this, we are undone, 
 our hope is cut off, and nothing but despair, endless 
 despair must ensue. Well, therefore, may every 
 faithful minister say, " Let my right hand forget her 
 cunning when I forget thee, O my Saviour." " God 
 forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ." And as there is no salvation 
 but through him, certainly he should be the boast of 
 our tongues, and the joy of our hearts. We cannot 
 repeat his love in too fervent a manner; we cannot 
 be too strenuous in defending his cause; we cannot 
 be too diligent in recommending his goodness, 
 setting forth his excellencies, and declaring his abi- 
 lity and willingness to receive the vilest sinners. O! 
 that his glory may ever be in my view, his Spirit 
 teaching my heart, his word influencing my conduct; 
 yea, may he be my all in all. All in my conversation, 
 my preaching, my life, my death. 
 " I remain, dear Sir, 
 
 " Your willing and obedient servant, 
 
 " C. B." 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 189 
 
 No. XXV. 
 
 " Farnham, Surrey, 18lh October, 1793. 
 u The chapel was opened on Wednesday, and we 
 had a large company, and an agreeable day. The 
 place is very neat, and perhaps will contain seven 
 hundred persons when crowded. They have set out 
 on the methodist plan, of having prayers read, 
 which they think will draw many of the thoughtless 
 people of the town; but it is a question with me, 
 whether they will not look with as much contempt 
 upon a methodist chapel as upon a dissenting meet- 
 ing. I have told them my thoughts on the business. 
 However, I rejoice that here is a house erected for 
 the preaching of the everlasting gospel, and I hope 
 many souls will have reason to bless God for it to 
 all eternity. Yesterday I opened my commission in 
 this country. I preached out of doors at a place 
 called Crondal, three miles from hence. We all ex- 
 pected to meet with much opposition, and some 
 were faint-hearted about it, as such a thing was so 
 uncommon in that place. However, we went, and a 
 good congregation we had. The devil wanted to 
 disturb us, but he was chained, and we got through 
 without much opposition. Who can tell but that 
 some poor soul may be led to think about the best 
 things, and be brought to a saving knowledge of the 
 truth! People may say what they please against 
 this mode of preaching, but I am confident it is the 
 way to do much good. Most ministers of the esta- 
 blishment, and many among the dissenters, are no 
 great advocates- for it; but such, methinks, prove 
 
190 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 themselves to be more fearful than zealous. Souls 
 are immortal, and precious; time is short and fleet- 
 ing. It becomes us therefore to use every mean for 
 the promotion of the gospel, and the welfare of ne- 
 ver-dying souls. I must say, that I think the mc- 
 thodist ministers are most praiseworthy in this re- 
 spect, though many of them are more warm than 
 wise. They give up their good names, their reputa- 
 tion among men; they deny themselves, they mor- 
 tify their feelings, and go forth boldly into the high- 
 ways and hedges, and compel poor sinners to come 
 in. Noble characters! Valuable men! Of more worth 
 than the wisest politicians, profoundest philoso- 
 phers, or ablest warriors that ever existed. O! that 
 I had a warmer heart, a wiser head, a more power- 
 ful voice, then methinks I should like to go through 
 the world and preach the gospel to every creature* 
 
 The following observations of Lord Byron will rescue this 
 method of teaching from that disgrace which the squeamish 
 fastidiousnes of some persons have attached to it. 
 
 " It is to be recollected, that the most beautiful and impres- 
 sive doctrines of the divine Founder of Christianity were deli- 
 vered, not in the Temple, but on the Mount. 
 
 " To wave the question of devotion, and turn to human elo- 
 quence, the most effectual and splendid specimens were not 
 pronounced within walls. Demosthenes addressed the public 
 and popular assemblies; Cicero spoke in the forum. That this 
 added to their effect on the minds of both orator and hearers, 
 may be conceived from the difference between what we read 
 of the emotions then and there produced, and those we ourselves 
 experience in the perusal in the closet. It is one thing to read 
 the Iliad at Sigseum and on the tumuli, or by the springs, with 
 Mount Ida above, and the plains, and rivers, and the Archipela- 
 go round you: and another to trim your taper over it in a snu 
 library; this I know, 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 191 
 
 The characters of a Whitefield, a Wesley, a Cen- 
 nick, a Hill, and a Wills, are ever to be admired for 
 the good they have been the instruments of doing 
 this way. May God send more such into his vine- 
 yard, to call the poor wandering sheep to the fold 
 of the Great Shepherd. And now let me intreat 
 you to intersede for me at a throne of grace, that in 
 the little circle in which I move I may be a bless- 
 ing, and the means of communicating good to my 
 fellow-mortals, and that while I am instructing 
 others, I myself may be under the teachings of the 
 good Spirit of God, without which all will be in 
 vain. Happy shall I be in the last day, to find my- 
 self the spiritual father of a numerous offspring; 
 then shall all the glory be ascribed to our God, for 
 ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 " I remain, 
 " Your's constantly and willingly, 
 
 " C. B." 
 
 No. XXVI. 
 " Farnham, Surrey, 23d October, 1793. 
 " I hope by this time your minds are a little more 
 composed, and that the Lord hath been your com- 
 forter and support. Distressing, very distressing 
 
 Were the early and rapid progress of what is called Me- 
 thodism to be attributed to any cause beyond the enthusiasm ex- 
 cited by its vehement faith and doctrines, (the truth or error of 
 which 1 presume neither to canvas nor to question,) I should ven- 
 ture to ascribe it to the practice of preaching in the folds* and 
 the unstudied and extemporaneous effusions of its teachers." 
 Byron, jYotes to 3d Canto of Childe Hcirdd. 
 
192 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 was the late dispensation of Providence, and those 
 who were possessed of the least degree of sensibili- 
 ty, must have felt for, and sympathized with you. 
 However, what an unspeakable advantage is it that 
 you, with all the people of God, have access to a 
 throne of grace, under all circumstances, and in all 
 situations. Were it not for this, what could we do 
 when the world condemns, when Providence frowns, 
 and when numerous trials and afflictions surround 
 us; but God is pleased, though he is the high and 
 lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, though he is en- 
 compassed with unspeakable grandeur, and dwells 
 in ineffable glory, I say he is pleased to look down 
 upon those who make known their supplications to 
 him, and hath promised to hear their cries, and re- 
 lieve them in their distress. Let us then, my dear 
 friends, go with boldness to the Lord, that we may 
 obtain mercy, and find grace to help us in time of 
 need. Let us have less to do with earth, and more 
 with heaven. Let it be our ambition to keep up 
 communion with God. Let us endeavour to estrange 
 ourselves from the creature, to maintain a happy in- 
 timacy with the Creator. It is the glory of angelic 
 beings, and of all the saints in the celestial world, 
 to get near and be like to him, whose presence is 
 heaven; and in proportion as we are conformed to, 
 and have his divine image impressed upon our souls, 
 will be our felicity. No trials that come, no enemies 
 that oppose, no clouds of sorrow that arise, can 
 hinder him from manifesting his love, and making 
 us happy with his smiles, if faith is in exercise. 
 -Like the glorious sun, he will break through all, 
 

 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 193 
 
 and shine with resplendent rays, to gladden our dis- 
 consolate hearts, and discover to us the path of safe- 
 ty, wherein we should walk, till at last we arrive at 
 our desired rest. 
 
 But, should not the recent instance of mortality, 
 remind us of that period, when the King of terrors 
 will be commanded to unlock the gates and break 
 down the walls of our earthly tabernacles, that the 
 ncble inhabitant, the never-dying spirit, may be no 
 longer confined, but wing its way to an eternal worktf 
 Ah me, what an awful thought! The shroud, the 
 coffin, the grave, must soon be our lot! Gloomy idea; 
 we that are alive and well to-day, in a little time 
 must be deposited among the dead; a prey to in- 
 sects, an offence to man! But stop, is this all? Are 
 our meditations to be confined here? No. Thanks 
 be to our gracious Redeemer, we can look further 
 than these things; and though nature trembles at an 
 opening grave, grace can enable us to see a land on 
 the other side Jordan, where death has no power. 
 Why then should we startle at the thought of disso- 
 lution? Being interested in the favour of him who 
 hath taken away the enemy's sting; surely we may 
 long for the day, when the silver cord of life shall 
 be loosened, and we set at everlasting liberty. O 
 transporting thought! are we not lost in the view of 
 that glory, which will surround us, when our eyes 
 will be dazzled with the splendours of heaven, our 
 minds awed with the grandeur of God, and our 
 souls absorbed in the contemplation of his infinite 
 love and grace. Lord grant that I may behold it. 
 " I remain your affectionate 
 
 R " C. B."> 
 
194 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 . One of the "labours of love" with which Mr 
 Buck commenced the year 1794, was the following 
 letter to an afflicted friend: 
 
 No. XXVII. 
 
 " Farnham, Jan. 1, 1794. 
 " I hope, through a divine blessing, Mrs. P. is 
 much recovered, and that the Lord has sanctified 
 the affliction of body to the prosperity of the soul. 
 To be under almost continual pain must be no small 
 trial; but the Lord can give strength and grace suf- 
 ficient to bear it without murmuring. To him, 
 therefore, ought we to look in every time of pain 
 and distress; and blessed be his name, he is a wise 
 Physician, who can heal not only the diseases of the 
 animal frame, but the maladies of the immortal spi- 
 rit. It is only for him to speak the word, and we 
 shall be made whole! His power is adequate, his 
 grace is sufficient to remove every thing that clogs 
 the vital part, that hinders our hungering and thirst- 
 ing after righteousness. He knows our situation 
 better than we do ourselves, and what will be the 
 most effectual remedies for us in our spiritual sick- 
 ness. We often are seeking for those things which 
 we imagine will be useful; but the Lord shows us 
 that they are of no value, and that nothing will do 
 except he comes with his sovereign balm to heal our 
 wounds, to strengthen and support our souls during 
 our earthly pilgrimage. " O Lord, heal us and we 
 shall be healed, save us and we shall be saved." 
 
 " But, whilst I am writing this letter, I cannot help 
 reflecting on the mercy and goodness of our 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 195 
 
 God in preserving us to the beginning of a new 
 year. O! how many have been cut down as cumber- 
 ers of the ground, and sent into eternity since the 
 beginning of the last year, and yet we are spared! 
 Let us look back to the last year, and consider how 
 many blessings, how many privileges we have enjoy- 
 ed, how many evils we have escaped, how oft the 
 Lord has kindly stepped in to our assistance, when 
 our feet had well nigh slipped; how hath he enabled 
 us to fight under his banner, and to be more than 
 conquerors over all our spiritual enemies, while thou- 
 sands have been left to perish in want and in their 
 sins. Surely we have reason to u Bless the Lord, O 
 our souls, and forget not all his benefits. The lines 
 are fallen to us in pleasant places, we have a good- 
 ly heritage." But, let us take another view, and that 
 is in reference to ourselves. How little have we 
 lived to the glory of God the past year, how many 
 precious moments have we lost, how little valued 
 our privileges and blessings, how little has been our 
 improvement in proportion to the means we have 
 enjoyed, how dull have our capacities been, and how 
 few spiritual lessons have we learned from the ca- 
 lamities that have happened, the catastrophes we 
 have heard of, or even the circumstances that have 
 transpired within our own circle! How indifferent 
 have we been about the best things, and how insen- 
 sible of the loving-kindness of our God! Whatever, 
 my dear friends, may be your feelings, upon this 
 retrospect, for my own part I must say, " God be 
 merciful to me a sinner!" But, should the Lord 
 spare us yet a little longer, let us consider what we 
 
196 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 can do to promote his glory. Let us look upon our 
 moments as of more worth than gold, and endea- 
 vour to improve them to the best advantage. And 
 as a new year will bring new difficulties, let us be 
 imploring the blessing of our God, that he may be 
 our director, keeper, preserver, and friend; and 
 should we die this year, may we be able to look at 
 death with composure, and at last be found in the 
 mansions of eternal glory, to adore and praise our 
 God for ever and ever. I now remain, my dear 
 friend, your's affectionatelv and sincerely, 
 
 "C. B." 
 
 The ensuing letter is addressed to his mother, 
 and those which follow to different friends. 
 
 No. XXVIII. 
 
 " Farnham, January 2, 1794. 
 " I could not get an opportunity to come and see 
 you before I left town, but I suppose you have 
 heard of my being here. The chapel where I now 
 preach is exceedingly neat, and when quite finished 
 will hardly be equalled by any in London of the 
 size. The congregation are continually giving me 
 invitations to stay, but I do not think I shall com- 
 ply with them, as the work will be rather too much 
 for my constitution. I have been very poorly since 
 I have been here: I hope you are well in health, 
 and happy in mind. The infirmities of old age be- 
 gin to come upon you, and you sometimes think, 
 perhaps, of the time when you must give up all 
 things here, and enter into another world. I hope 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 197 
 
 ie thought will not appear terrific to you, though 
 distressing it must be to your children. However, I 
 must say a word, and that is, as you know some- 
 thing of the doctrines of the gospel, as recorded in 
 the Bible, I trust you will never rest satisfied with- 
 out feeling the power and tasting the sweetness of 
 them in your heart; you know that a mere profes- 
 sion of religion, or even what is called morality of 
 conduct, will not take a man to heaven, except the 
 heart is changed by the Spirit of God, and brought 
 to depend upon Christ alone. It is through his 
 blood that our sins must be forgiven, and by his 
 merits only that we can be saved: and, whenever a 
 man is born again of the Spirit, and is enabled to 
 look to Christ for justification, he will not live in a 
 careless, loose manner. It is impossible; for being 
 united to him who is infinitely holy, he must be 
 holy too. And by this, my dear mother, you and I 
 must try ourselves, and see whether we are inte- 
 rested in Christ or not. If we are, our lives will be 
 consistent, our tempers will not be violent and out- 
 rageous; but it will be our ambition to live soberly, 
 righteously, and godly in this present evil world. 
 Let us be careful, then, about this matter, and let 
 no day slip without prayer and self-examination. 
 Time is short, death and eternity are near. May we 
 be prepared for both. I now remain, 
 
 " Your affectionate son, 
 
 " C. B. ,r 
 
 R2 
 
198 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 No. XXIX. 
 
 " Farnham, January 6, 1794. 
 u With pleasure I inform you, that I am better 
 in health than when I wrote to you last. My breast 
 is less painful, and my spirits revive; but whether 
 in health or in sickness, I wish to recollect that the 
 Lord doth all things well. Whatever may be our 
 situation, we have no cause for murmuring. If we 
 compare our comforts with our crosses, our mercies 
 with our sins, our afflictions with our deserts, there 
 is every reason to be contented and thankful. But, 
 is too great a propensity in us to be dissatis- 
 fied with the proceedings of our Heavenly Father, 
 and though we know that not even one circumstance 
 can be altered, or rendered otherwise than he de- 
 signed it, yet how foolishly do we wish that things 
 were ordered differently to what they are. What a 
 source of grief is our corruption! The unbelief, 
 pride, self-will, and impatience that lie hidden in 
 our hearts are causes of perpetual sorrow. Were it 
 not for these, what a superior degree of happiness 
 should we enjoy to what we do at present. How- 
 ever, it is a mercy that we are sensible of our de- 
 pravity; it will tend to make us loath ourselves, and 
 look to the Lord Jesus Christ for help; he it is that 
 can heal our diseases, and give us health and prospe- 
 rity of soul. O! that We could place ourselves un- 
 der his care, and be more attentive to his word. We 
 too often place dependance upon earthly helps. Or- 
 dinances and ministers are our resources, and we 
 are confiding in them as if they could relieve us; 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 199 
 
 but these, however excellent as instruments, cannot 
 do that for us which we want. Let the Lord alone, 
 then, be the object of our confidence," he is the 
 Fountain of Living Waters to purify us; the Sun of 
 Righteousness to enliven us; the great Physician to 
 heal us; the Almighty King to govern us; the ever- 
 lasting Friend to support us; the all-wise Counsel- 
 lor to direct us; the tender Shepherd to protect us! 
 However weak and insignificant we are, yet his cha- 
 racters just suit our impotency, his promises our 
 situation. He is wisdom to us in our ignorance; 
 light to us in our darkness; strength for us in our 
 weakness; comfort in us in our misery; righteous- 
 ness for us in our imperfection; salvation to us in 
 our danger. O! what a wonderful suitability is 
 here! We are nothing, he is every thing; we are as 
 a blank, he all and in all. O that this Saviour may 
 be ours in life, in death, and for ever. 
 
 " I must thank you for your kind answer to my 
 letter, and may you ever be blessed with such sen- 
 timents as you therein discover, while you enjoy the 
 refreshing influences of that gracious Spirit, who I 
 hope has sealed you to the day of redemption. The 
 smiles of God, to you, I know, are of more value 
 than ten thousand worlds, and his approbation of 
 more importance than all the favour and esteem of 
 mortals, however aggrandized and elevated. O! 
 what an honour, my dearest friend, is it to sit at the 
 feet of Christ! A king thinks it is honour to sit on a 
 throne; the judge thinks it is honour to sit on the 
 bench; and the generality of men think it their ho- 
 nour to sit in the presence of the great and noble. 
 But what situation, what honour like that of Mary's? 
 
200 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 Let the world fight and strive: let the ungodly be 
 ambitious after earthly grandeur; here may you and 
 I be found for ever. Here may we sit contemplat- 
 ing and adoring the excellencies of our glorious Im- 
 manuel, until that blessed day when we shall be 
 called from the world below to the world above, 
 where faith will be turned into sight, anticipation 
 into possession, and hope into enjoyment. Until 
 then, may our hearts be knit with the tenderest 
 sympathy, united by the strongest affection, filled 
 with the most genuine joy, influenced by the kind 
 love of Immanuel, and then, at last, guarded by his 
 power and surrounding angels, we part to meet 
 again, and meet to part no more. 
 
 " I remain, &c. 
 
 "C.B." 
 
 No. XXX. 
 Mr* Boulton, Hillsley, Gloucestershire. 
 
 u Hoxton Academy, March 8, \79i. 
 " Dear Friend I am glad to find that you are 
 so much recovered from the severe indisposition of 
 body with which you have been lately exercised. 
 Sickness is one of those evils sin has brought upon 
 us, and from which few are always exempt while in 
 this mortal state. The human frame is of so deli- 
 cate a make, so tender in all its parts, that it is 
 easily impaired, and sometimes the least inattention 
 will lay a foundation for some dreadful disease, 
 which will not lose its hold, till it has destroyed the 
 
p 
 
 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 201 
 
 vitals, and brought its possessor to the house ap- 
 pointed for all living. However, I would be thank- 
 ful with you that the Lord has been pleased to re* 
 store vou your wonted health, and I hope that you 
 will be able to see that the Supreme Disposer of all 
 events hath been infinitely wise in causing you to 
 pass through the fire. As we are sometimes led to 
 set a greater value upon our blessings, by being for 
 a time deprived of them, so perhaps, (after this 
 trial,) should you enjoy your health in future, you 
 will be more thankful for it, and more careful of it* 
 Your letter informs me of the resignation you felt 
 when in your affliction, and that you could give up 
 all that was dear to you in this life, so that you 
 might be with Christ. Happy situation your's! to 
 be enabled stedfastly to look to Christ in that mo- 
 ment when we imagine we see death before us, when 
 we are about to close our eyes, to take our last fare- 
 well of all things here, when the band that binds us 
 to the world, is about to be broken, when we are 
 about to plunge into that boundless ocean, eternity; 
 I say, in such a moment as this to be happy, is an 
 inestimable blessing indeed. And yet such happi- 
 ness have the children of God experienced. What 
 manifestations of divine love; what astonishing 
 views of Christ; what noble fortitude; what extatic 
 joys; what divine support have they had, when 
 passing through that vale, which in itself is so 
 dark and gloomy, and which to many has been so 
 terrific! 
 
 u I am glad to hear that the last sermon I preach- 
 ed among you has been made useful; but I had 
 
202 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 rather be excused from printing it, as desired. I 
 am rather backward to do any thing of this kind at 
 present, for two reasons; first, as I have not yet left 
 the Academy; and, secondly, as I am conscious of 
 my inability to appear as an author with credit. I 
 have, it is true, some time ago, published several 
 things in the magazines, but now I have even ceas- 
 ed from that, as I have so little time and experi- 
 ence, and as every day I live I am more convinced 
 of my own ignorance, and the necessity of close ap- 
 plication for the increasing of my intellectual store. 
 Tell the good people, therefore, that they shall have 
 my prayers in private, and that whenever I come that 
 way, they shall have my labours in public; but that 
 as yet I wish not to appear in print. Hoping your 
 family and self are well, I remain, my dear friend, 
 u Your's very affectionately, 
 
 " C. B. ,r 
 
 No. XXXI. 
 
 Rev, T. Symmons, Wotton Under-edge, Gloucester- 
 shire* 
 
 " Hoxton Academy, March 15, 1794. 
 " Dear Friend Your kind letter came safe to 
 hand, and I now sit down to answer it. You desire 
 me to send you some intelligence relative to the 
 kingdom of grace in my own soul. Of this I can say 
 but little, or at least cannot say much, as to any ad- 
 vancement in knowledge, or progress in the divine 
 life. I find innumerable evils constantly rising, and 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 203 
 
 striving to gain the ascendancy over me, while Sa- 
 tan is ever busy in proposing temptations, and lay- 
 ing baits in the was'. I feel in myself at times a sad 
 propensity to unbelief. There art- Hardly any of the 
 doctrines of grace that I an; not sometimes ready to 
 doubt, and I am conscious re is not that 
 
 trusting in, relying upon, or living to the Lord as 
 there ought to be. Yet I bless God, that notwith- 
 standing the power of corruption within, and the 
 assaults of enemies without, I dare not give up. 
 Weak as I am, I can say that I wish to be more de- 
 voted to the Lord. O! that he may lead me by his 
 counsel here, and afterwards bring me to glory. 
 With regard to the progress of the gospel in gene 
 ral, it is difficult to determine. The number of pro- 
 fessors is great; many are the houses built for the 
 preaching of the everlasting gospel; and there are 
 not a few who are commissioned by the Great Head 
 of the Church to promulgate those sentiments foemd 
 in the sacred records. But after all, few, compara- 
 tively speaking, know the truth any otherwise than 
 in speculation. Few feel the power, taste the sweet- 
 ness, and rejoice in the fulness of the grace of 
 Christ. Alas! too many are contented with only 
 heaiing the gospel, especially if it is delivered with 
 a degree of pathos, set forth by the powers of ora- 
 tory, displayed in a pleasing manner, or almost cor- 
 rupted by a too nice attention to the elegance of lan- 
 guage or refinement of style. And indeed there is a 
 something so entertaining, so sublime, so beautiful 
 and grand, in the sacred scriptures, and in the gos- 
 pel of Jesus Christ, that men are oftentimes pleased 
 
204 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 with them, without ever being profited by them: 
 they give credence to the truths asserted , acknow- 
 ledge the excellency of them, and think they have 
 done well, while they rest satisfied in their sins, and 
 can perpetrate the most atrocious crimes without any 
 remorse of conscience. My dear friend, it becomes 
 us, as the ambassadors of God, to be faithful to such 
 characters, whenever we stand up in that awful place 
 the pulpit, and to pray much in secret, that religion 
 may have a greater influence on the minds and con- 
 duct of professors, that they may " walk worthy of 
 the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every 
 good work." 
 
 " As to politics, what shall I say? I seldom trou- 
 ble myself much about them. The present state of 
 affairs is gloomy, but let us hope for the best. With 
 respect to the French, I think the Lord is doing two 
 things at once, punishing them for their abominable 
 infidelity and persecution of the saints of God in 
 past ages, and likewise making way for the propa- 
 gation of the glorious gospel in that country, which 
 has been so long under the most dreadful darkness. 
 I preached on the Fast-day, from Ezek. 4, 5, 6. 
 The heads of my sermon were these, 1st, When 
 men give themselves up to work wickedness, God 
 oftentimes visits them with sore calamities, ver. 6. 
 2d. When iniquity abounds, it is a cause of great 
 grief to the people of God. Sigh and cry, ver. 4. 
 3d. Whatever calamity falls upon a nation or people, 
 the righteous shall be safe. Set a mark, &c. ver. 4. 
 ^ I have here no room to give you any part of the 
 amplification of these particulars; however, I be- 
 
RE'V. CHARLES BUCK. 205 
 
 lieve I could not be accused of sedition .... It is 
 best to say nothing in the pulpit about politics; let 
 us preach the gospel, and at the same time show 
 that we are not inimici ad libcrtatem. 
 
 44 1 remain your's sincerely, " C. B." 
 
 During this year, the last devoted by him to 
 academical pursuits, Mr B. visited several vacant 
 congregations, with a view to the pastoral office. 
 Some of his letters are dated from Banbury, a place 
 where the Cockatrice Antinomianism for many 
 years brooded over her accursed offspring, and 
 where her family increased, until mutual animosi- 
 ties, the never-failing consequence where she gains 
 a being and an ascendancy, exposed them first to 
 bhorrence, and then reduced them to nothing. This 
 abomination of desolation" had begun to operate 
 at the period when Mr. B. first visited Banbury; 
 and after three months labour there, he declined the 
 invitation of the people, observing, " that the diver- 
 sity of opinions prevailing among them" led him to 
 this determination; a step which I am inclined to 
 believe he never afterwards regretted. 
 
 From Banbury he thus writes to various friends: 
 
 No. XXXII. 
 
 " Banbury, March 31, 1794. 
 44 1 preached yesterday three times. In the morn- 
 ing and evening found it pleasant, but in the after- 
 noon was rather heavy. They have here a very com- 
 S 
 
. 
 
 206 MEMO HIS OF THE* 
 
 modious and neat place of worship, which perhaps 
 may hold five or six hundred people, but it was not 
 full. I can give you no account of the people vet, as 
 I have had no time to converse with them. I hope 
 the Lord will be with me while I am here, and give me 
 some seals to my ministry. I think here is some 
 prospect of doing good, as the people of the town are 
 not such violent enemies to the cause as they are in 
 some places. May the Lord grant that I may cry 
 aloud, and spare not; that I may be an instrument in 
 his hand of doing some little good among them. 
 This, I trust I can say, is my sole desire, and hop 
 it ever will be my ambition, not to preach myself, 
 but Christ Jesus the Lord. 
 
 " I am quite happy in the reflection on the busi- 
 ness of Friday last.* I did not think I should have 
 come off with such eclat; but the Lord disappointed 
 my fear, and made that which I dreaded terminate 
 in a degree of pleasure. So it is, that oftentimes 
 where we expect a bitter we find a sweet. I confess 
 my mind has been so unhinged for some time past, 
 that I have been quite indisposed for every thing, 
 but now the burden is removed, my mind is set at li- 
 berty. I p^ay God it may not make an addition to my 
 pride; I have too much of that cursed evil already, 
 and am fearful of any thing that may augment it. 
 Whatever degree of succ.ss we meet with, or how- 
 ever acceptable, humility becomes us. This is a grace 
 which should be an attendant in every situation; it is 
 
 * His examination and preaching before the Evangelical So- 
 ciety at Hoxton. 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 207 
 
 a star which ought constantly to be worn on the 
 breasts of the princes of the court of heaven, and 
 should cast a splendour on all our conduct, so that 
 all may see it, and be constrained to say, that we are 
 walking humbly with our God. Pray for me, there- 
 fore, that I may be kept in my proper place, and 
 ever have proper views of myself, and that I may al- 
 ways remember that it is by the grace of God that I 
 am what I am. There is something so noble, so 
 refined, so satisfactory, in conversing with God, that 
 a true believer will relinquish every thing of an 
 earthly nature for the enjoyment of it. Earthly com- 
 forts tend to clog and make this world more desira- 
 ble; but heavenly ones enliven the soul, and lead it 
 to look to the world above, where it shall for ever 
 drink of that fountain of felicity which is inexhausti- 
 ble. O! that we may ever consider it our privilege, 
 our honour, to be found waiting upon the Lord; 
 may it be our delight to be carrying on correspon- 
 dence with him. 
 
 " C. B." 
 
 No. XXXIII. 
 
 " Banbury, April 9, 1794. 
 
 " I have just parted with Mr. , of Coventry. 
 
 He came here yesterday, and preached the last even- 
 ing at the meeting. His text was Acts, xiv. 3. 
 " Which gave testimony unto the word of his grace." 
 We had a tolerably large congregation, and the 
 
 Lord, I hope, was with us. Mr. is a useful 
 
 preacher, an agreeable companion, and above all, I 
 
208 MEMOIRS OI THE 
 
 believe, an eminent Christian. We expect Mr. 
 next week, with whom I hope to have a comfortable 
 interview, as I know he is a man of sterling piety 
 and real worth. O! if it be such pleasure to have 
 communion with the servants of the Lord, what 
 pleasure must it yield to have communion with the 
 Lord himself! All the excellencies of the creature 
 are but reflections of his glory and the effects of his 
 grace. I wish, therefore, to be led from a view of 
 those excellencies in man to a contemplation of the 
 exalted perfections of God. He is infinitely great 
 and glorious, and demands our constant regard; he 
 is worthy of all, and infinitely more adoration and 
 praise than we as sinful creatures can render unto 
 him. For myself, I wish to exert every power, and 
 to use every effort, to set forth his praise; and what 
 felicity is there in beholding his goodness, as mani- 
 fested to such rebellious creatures! He remembered 
 us in our low estate, and sent his Son, his only be- 
 gotten Son, into this world, to bleed, groan, suffer, 
 and die, that we might be delivered from the curse 
 of that law we had broken, and be saved in the Lord 
 with an eternal salvation. May not I, may not you 
 and all, say, " What shall we render unto the Lord 
 for all his benefits, and especially for this great act 
 of love?" 
 
 " I find the people here, as yet, agreeable, and 
 though a mixed congregation, unanimous. I had a 
 comfortable day the last Sabbath, and we were more 
 in number than the Sabbath before. I hope it will be 
 a growing interest, and that the Lord hath a great 
 work to do in this place. The cause, I think, has 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 209 
 
 been rather hurt by the misconduct of some of the 
 preachers who have been here. You would be shock- 
 ed if you were to hear how some have behaved. No 
 wonder the world inveighs so much against profes- 
 sors and preachers of religion, when so many have 
 acted so inconsistent a part. Awful it is, when oc- 
 casion is given for enemies to be more prejudiced 
 against the truth. O! my dearest friend, pray for 
 me, that I may preach well with my life, if not with 
 my lips. 
 
 a It has rained almost every day since I have been 
 here, so that I have been much confined. I long for 
 some fine weather, that I may get out a little, to 
 tread the verdant lawns, survey the spacious plains, 
 and behold the wondrous works of the Almighty's 
 hand. To a contemplative mind, the country yields 
 innumerable objects which display the wisdom and 
 power of our God, especially at this season, when all 
 things are springing into life, and Nature about to 
 disrobe herself of her wintry garb, and put on her 
 most lovely appearance. I thank you for your kind 
 and tt uly spiritual epistle; it was edifying, it was con- 
 solatory. Hoping you and all are well, I subscribe 
 myself, 
 
 " Your's very affectionately, 
 
 " C. B." 
 
 S2 
 
210 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 No. XXXIV. 
 
 Rev. T. Wills. 
 
 " Banbury, April 14, 1794. 
 " My dear Sir Through mercy I had a safe jour- 
 ney hither, and find the people agreeable and kind. 
 Banbury is rather a large town, and the place of 
 worship is commodious and neat, and perhaps will 
 hold five or six hundred people. The galleries and 
 the sides under them are pretty well filled, but many 
 of the middle seats are empty (though I believe most 
 of them are taken), which makes it look uncomfor- 
 table. There is some opportunity of doing good in 
 this country, as they say there are nearly sixty vil- 
 lages within no great compass. They wish me to 
 stay three months, but I have only engaged for three 
 Sabbaths longer than my first proposal, as I wish to 
 be at the Academy the last three weeks or month of 
 my time. The people are agreeable to this, and wish 
 me to come back afterwards should I like it; but I 
 can say nothing relative to this at present I desire 
 to follow the leadings of Providence, and to be in 
 that situation where I could be useful. London I am 
 partial to, because of my friends and connections, 
 but the country I prefer for retirement and study. 
 I find daily necessity for this. I know not how a 
 young minister can preach often to a stated congre- 
 gation with pleasure and profit, without much appli- 
 cation, constant reading, and fervent prayer. The 
 work is arduous, and ought not to be attended eo in 
 a superficial manner. Though I believe all the 
 
flu 
 
 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 211 
 
 nowledge and accomplishments ministers may ob- 
 tain, will be of no avail, without that wisdom which 
 cometh down from above. The teachings of the 
 Spirit are of the greatest importance, and of most 
 utility to a minister of the gospel. Forget not, there- 
 fore, dear Sir, when you approach the throne of 
 ace, to pray that I may be under his continual in- 
 
 uence, that humility and love, zeal and faithful- 
 ness, may be the shining characteristics in my de- 
 portment and conduct. I gave the guinea to Mr. 
 Wilson as you desired, and he wished me to ascer- 
 tain the name, if possible, and to inform him, as the 
 collector otherwise will not know where to call when 
 he goes round. But, alas! I find he is gone to his 
 long home. Little did I think then that his dissolu- 
 tion was so near: but I hope he is now safe and hap- 
 py in the participation of that felicity which awaits 
 all the children of God. What a privilege it is to be 
 a Christian? How can such a one look forward to 
 death and eternity with the greatest composure? He 
 can bid adieu to all terrestrial things, and take leave 
 of his dearest friends with pleasure, knowing that 
 he is going to the enjoyment of his best Friend 
 above! Let me die the death of the righteous, and 
 let my last end be like his. I now conclude, wishing 
 you much of our Lcrd's presence, and am, dear 
 Sir, your willing and humble servant, 
 
 " C. B." 
 
212 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 No. XXXV. 
 
 " Banbury, Oxfordshire, April 15, 1704. 
 u i You are almost ready to conclude that I 
 have forgotten you, but this will prove to the con- 
 trary. I came safe down, thank God, and am pretty 
 well in health. I thought to have returned next 
 week, but they wish me to stay longer; I have there- 
 fore engaged to tarry two or three weeks more. I 
 know not yet whether I shall settle here, but should 
 have no objection to a situation somewhere in this 
 part, as it is between Gloucestershire and London, 
 and no considerable distance from either. However, 
 I wish to be where the Lord would have me, and 
 where I can be serviceable to my fellow-creatnres, 
 by preaching the everlasting gospel. This, I trust, 
 is my desire, and hope it will be my pursuit, while 
 life shall last. My time at the Academy will now 
 soon expire, and my studies there, I hope, will yield 
 some advantage in time to come. But I wish to be 
 a more diligent student of God's word, so as not 
 only to understand the meaning, but taste the sweet- 
 ness and feel the power of it in my own heart. 
 Without this, all my other knowledge will be of no 
 avail, either as to my happiness or usefulness.' But I 
 will not write any longer about myself; I am writing 
 to you, and therefore feel it my duty to say some- 
 thing, if possible, to your profit and advantage; if a 
 child may be permitted to address a parent. Let me 
 ask you, then, if you have such a view of yourself, 
 of your own depravity and unworthiness, as to be 
 led to depend alone upon the infinite merits of Christ 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 213 
 
 salvation? Do you know what it is to be under 
 the regenerating influences of the Holy Ghost? Do 
 you find a greater pleasure in religion than in any 
 thing else; and is it your desire to devote your time 
 and all you have to that glorious Being who hath 
 done so much for you? Do you feel the Gospel of 
 Christ to have any effect upon your temper, mind, 
 and conduct. O! that you, and I, and all the family, 
 may never rest satisfied with any thing short of this. 
 But, I am afraid it is not so with all of us. I wish 
 there were more concern about the best things, for I 
 tremble when I think how awful it would be were 
 any of your children to be separated in another 
 world, some in happiness, and others in misery. 
 God forbid that any one of us should fall into that pit 
 from whence there is no redemption! And what 
 can we expect, except there is repentance? This is a 
 serious matter it is not a trifle. It is not irrational 
 to consider it. May we be wise unto salvation is my 
 earnest prayer. I now remain, 
 
 M Your obedient son, 
 
 " C. B. r - 
 
 No. XXXVI. 
 
 Banbury, April 19, ir94 
 " I have been thinking all day of going out this 
 evening, but instead of it I sit down to write to you. 
 I told you, in a former letter, that the bad weathev 
 had detained me at home; but the other evening it 
 was fine, and I had a most pleasant and I hope pro 
 

 214 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 fitable walk. The sun, with his cheering rays, made 
 every thing look bright and gay; the wind served 
 the place of a gentle fan, while the little choristers 
 of the air, with their various notes, performed their 
 work with wonderful skill; the banks were strewed 
 with variegated flowers, and the fields clothed with 
 living green. All alone, my mind was employed in 
 happy contemplation on that glorious object, whose 
 powerful hand brought all these beauties into exist- 
 ence for the good, the happiness of man. As I walk- 
 ed on, I met a grey-headed old man, with his bun- 
 dle of sticks, moving gently on, as if hardly capable 
 of sustaining his burden. Ah! thought I, old age, 
 thou oughtest to be venerated, but yet how soon 
 must thou submit to the monster Death. How near 
 art thou to an eternal world, and soon, very soon, 
 must be brought to the house appointed for all liv- 
 ing! I proceeded, till at last I came to a narrow 
 avenue, with lofty trees on each side, among which 
 were some firs, which retained their verdure, though 
 the others had been stripped of all their cloathing. 
 Lively emblem, said I, of the difference between 
 nominal Christians and real ones; the latter, like the 
 fir-tree, are not materially injured by the winter of 
 adversity; but the former cannot stand the nipping 
 frosts of persecution and temptation, but soon lose 
 their apparent beauty. As I returned, the sun was 
 drawing near the horizon, and soon was out of sight, 
 when I could not help imploring the grace of our 
 indulgent Father, that my sun might not set in a 
 cloud, but decline with pleasing smiles. Thus I 
 have just given you the outlines of my evening's 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 215 
 
 entertainment, and surely what can be more profit- 
 able than thus to improve an hour's walk? Methinks 
 there is more felicity to be found in this than in all 
 the fineries, routs, and entertainments of the great. 
 
 I have lately been reading Brooks's precious 
 
 Remedies against Satan's Devices. It is good old 
 divinity, and I should think very proper to be read 
 by those who are much exposed to temptations. 
 Speaking of the insufficiency of worldly good to 
 make men happy, he says, u You may as soon fill a 
 bag with wisdom, a chest with virtue, or a circle 
 with a triangle, as the heart of man with any thing 
 here below. A man may have enough of the world 
 to sink him, but he can never have enough to 
 satisfy him." This I believe is true, and the more 
 we know of the world, the more we shall see the 
 truth of Solomon's observation, All is vanity and 
 vexation of spirit. O! that we may be led out of it, 
 to depend more upon him in whom real and perma- 
 nent happiness is to be found. I wish you much of 
 the Lord's presence on Tuesday, and hope it will be 
 a profitable day. I hope the little journey will like- 
 wise be of service to you, who are always buried in 
 the smoke, and dinned with the noise of London. 
 Were you of my mind, you would breathe the coun- 
 try air oftener: it is pleasant, it is salubrious. May 
 you find it so. I now subscribe myself, 
 
 " Your's affectionately, 
 
 C. B." 
 
216 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 XXXVII. 
 
 " Banbury, April 28, 1794, 
 " This morning I am quite fatigued, having 
 preached three times yesterday. This is rather too 
 much for my weak constitution, and whether it will 
 be justifiable for me to do it for a continuance, I 
 can hardly tell; because too hard labour at first set- 
 ting out may cut short my usefulness in future days; 
 yet I can truly say, that I desire to spend and be 
 spent in the cause of Christ. I think, of the two, I 
 would rather die in the exercise, than, on the other 
 hand, to be guilty of indolence and unfaithfulness. 
 Much more noble is it to fall in the field of battle, 
 than to run away as a coward, and be charged with 
 acting an inconsistent part. May the glorious Cap- 
 tain of my salvation enable me to be strong in his 
 grace, and to endure hardness as a good soldier, 
 then shall I come off at last, not as a vanquished 
 
 enemy, but victorious conquerer I have lately 
 
 been reading the history of Greenland, with a rela- 
 tion of the mission carried on there for above thirty 
 years by the United Brethren, written by David 
 Crants, who, I apprehend, was a Moravian mission- 
 ary. I must confess it is a wonderful work. Mr. 
 Newton says of it, u None who love the Lord will 
 refuse to say it is the finger of God indeed. For 
 my own part, my soul rejoices in it, and I honour 
 the instruments as men who have hazarded their 
 lives in an extraordinary manner for the sake of the 
 Lord Jesus. Sure I am, that none could have sus- 
 tained such discouragements at first, or have ob- 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 21^ 
 
 tamed such success afterwards, unless the Lord had 
 sent, supported, and owned them." See his Cardi- 
 phonia, vol. ii. p. 116. I never saw the work till I 
 came here, and it has afforded me great pleasure, 
 and I hope profit, in the perusal of it. 
 
 u Saturday evening I treated myself with another 
 walk. The evening was mild, and the sun had tinged 
 the scattered clouds with golden hue. At a distance 
 the lofty spire was seen rearing its head above the 
 stately trees. Here the ground was covered with 
 beautiful flowers; there it was spread with hand- 
 some green, and formed an acceptable carpet, more 
 to be admired than the production of human art. 
 Ascending a rising ground, an extensive prospect 
 opened to my view. Hills, dales, and verdant plains, 
 filled with useful cattle; the young lambs frisking 
 about the fields; the birds all alive, welcoming the 
 returning spring. Here, thought I, the difficulty of 
 ascending an eminence is always repaid bv the pros- 
 pect it affords. So, just so, is it in regard to the dif- 
 ficulties a believer meets with. Hard it is to get 
 up the hill of difficulty; but what profit, what plea- 
 sure, doth it afford in the end. Our prospect is 
 brightened, we see more of the goodness of our 
 God, we are convinced of the vanity of all transito- 
 ry things, and it makes us long to enjoy more of 
 him from whom all our felicity comes; we are lift- 
 ed above all the vain concerns of the world, and can 
 behold with indifference the things of time and 
 sense. Let us also remember, that the dark avenue 
 of death leads to a pleasant land, and the way to the 
 mount of glory is through the path of difficulty. O f 
 
 T 
 
218 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 may you and I so walk in this wilderness world, as 
 not to lose sight of that happy place where we shall 
 look back with pleasure, and confess that the Lord 
 hath led us forth by a right way. 
 
 " I remain your's, inviolably yours, 
 
 " C. B." 
 
 No. XXXVIII. 
 
 Rev. T. mils. 
 
 " Banbury, Oxon, April 29, 1794. 
 
 " My dear Sir Your kind letter I received, and 
 think myself much obliged to you for your attention 
 to my interest and happiness. I can only express 
 my gratitude by saying, that you shall not be for- 
 gotten by me when I have the privilege to draw 
 near to the throne of grace, that the Lord may fa- 
 vour you abundantly, and that in the declining vears 
 of life you may be still made more useful, and enjoy 
 much of our dear Redeemer's presence. 
 
 " You say you thought Mr. M was to settle 
 
 here. They gave jhim a call, but he has put a ne- 
 gative upon it. Had I not known this, I should 
 not have come. You might well be at a loss (not 
 knowing this circumstance) how they could want 
 my services. As to my being here for a time, or in 
 town after I have left the Academy, I really cannot 
 give any satisfactory answer, nor perhaps shall I be 
 able to determine till I have had some conversation 
 with you. My mind at present seems to be in the 
 dark what to do, though the advice you have 
 

 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 219 
 
 su 
 
 given me is indeed very proper and suitable, and I 
 could wish to follow it. I know, go where I will, I 
 cannot be exempt from difficulties, and it would be 
 foolish for me to think of a situation entirely with- 
 out them, yet flesh and blood beg hard to be at ease, 
 and do not like to meet with things that are disa- 
 greeable. However, here is one advantage, that there 
 is no cross I experience, but my Lord can turn it into 
 a comfort; no pain but he can turn it into pleasure, 
 and no trial but he can make subservient to my pro- 
 fit and advantage. The trials attendant on a gospel 
 ministry look formidable, when considered in them- 
 selves, but viewed with the eye of faith, they are 
 all necessary, and, in the end, prove of the greatest 
 utility. Happy the man who can repose his confi- 
 dence in the Lord, refer every concern to his hand, 
 
 d trust all to his wisdom and faithfulness. Surely 
 uch a one shall possess that multiplicity of peace 
 of which the prophet speaks, and in the midst of the 
 raging billows and threatening storms of life he shall 
 be safe. 
 
 " I hope your journey to Farnham has been plea- 
 sant and profitable. I suppose you had a full con- 
 gregation, as they long wanted to see you. .....I ex- 
 pect to be at home by the third Sabbath, that is, 
 the 18th of May, when I shall be at your service, if 
 wanted. Hope you, Mrs. Wills, and Miss Thorn- 
 hill are well. My best respects to them, if you 
 please; and am, dear Sir, 
 
 " Your willing and humble servant, 
 
 C. B." 
 
220 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 No. xxxix; 
 
 Rev. T. mils. 
 
 " Banbury, May 10, 1794. 
 " My dear Sir I thank you for the early inform- 
 ation you have given me respecting Hampstead, but 
 can hardly tell how to reply. I cannot say that I 
 find much inclination to go thither, because, if my 
 idea of it be right, it is rather a barren place and 
 but few people; though perhaps it might be render- 
 ed otherwise if they had a settled minister whom 
 they approved. I should not like to determine, till 
 I have had some conversation with you; but if there 
 be a necessity for their having a minister before 
 then, I think you may recommend the person you 
 speak of. As to Farnham, I would also decline go- 
 ing thither, I prefer the present situation were I to 
 choose of the two. The people are very anxious for 
 my return here, but I have not given them a deci- 
 sive answer; nor do I wish to do it hastily. May 
 the Lord direct my steps*, and never suffer me to 
 have any thing in view but his glory, and the good 
 of immortal souls. Too many, indeed, are seeking 
 great things for themselves, without any regard for 
 the good of their fellow creatures; without thinking 
 that their grand end should be usefulness. It re- 
 quires great grace to direct young persons who are 
 just launching into the sea of this world which way 
 to steer. There is a sad propensity in us to do that 
 which is wrong, and oftentimes a strange backward- 
 ness to do that which is right; and what between 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 
 
 r 
 
 an unripe judgment on the one hand, and a precipi- 
 cy of mind too common to youth on the other, 
 are often betrayed into that which in the end, 
 perhaps, is not so consistent or so comfortable. Hap- 
 py shall I be if I am under the influence of that wis- 
 dom which is profitable to direct, and can place all 
 my confidence on him who knows what is best for 
 me. It is a consolatory truth, " trust in the Lord 
 with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own 
 understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge him, 
 and he shall direct thy paths" May I be enabled to 
 follow the advice, and learn to commit every thing 
 into the hands of Him who doth all things well. I 
 thank you for considering me as the first on your 
 list. May that sincere affection which I believe has 
 subsisted, never be dissolved, nor any thing trans- 
 pire which may tend to lessen it, is my earnest 
 prayer. My best respects to Mrs. Wills and Miss 
 T.; hope they are well, 
 
 " I remain, dear Sir, 
 " Your willing and humble servant, 
 
 " C. B." 
 
 On his return to Hoxton, having received a una- 
 nimous invitation from the congregation at Banbu- 
 ry, Mr. B. returned to that invitation the following 
 judicious answer. 
 
 T 2 
 
222 MEMOIRS or THE 
 
 No. XL. 
 
 Hoxton, May 29, 1794. 
 ** Dear friends On Saturday last I received your 
 kind invitation to come and settle as pastor over the 
 congregation of which you make a part. I can say 
 sincerely that I desire to follow the leadings of Pro- 
 vidence, and to be in that situation where my minis- 
 try will not merely be acceptable but useful. In re- 
 gard to Banbury there are some disadvantages 
 which a minister must labour under in coming 
 among you (at least for the present.) There is a 
 debt upon the place of worship which perhaps will 
 be some time before it be liquidated: preaching 
 three times a day, which is too much for any one 
 man who wishes to preach about in the villages in 
 the week; and what is of most importance, no re- 
 gularity or order as to church government, without 
 which no religious society can properly exist. These 
 are the most prominent objections, and certainly 
 they are of some consequence. However, I wish 
 not to view them as insurmountable. They may per- 
 haps in time be obviated; and as I have no other 
 end in view but the glory of my Master and the 
 good of immortal souls, I am come to the follow- 
 ing conclusion, to pay you another visit for three 
 months, and if in the course of that time the people 
 can be formed into a church, and will submit to 
 what is generally called independent or congrega- 
 tional discipline; if they seem happy among them- 
 selves, and with me, and if the Lord be pleased to 
 make me useful, and the work appears to prosper. 
 

 11EV. CHARLES BUCK. 223 
 
 you need not then be afraid of my deserting you. 
 But to be precipitate and to give a positive answer 
 to a call, before I know what a people are, (or they 
 know what I am,) and before I know whether it 
 will be a situation conducive to profit and happiness, 
 I sav, I think this would be wrong. I must confess 
 that I believe you stand in need of a minister, and I 
 hope there is a prospect of usefulness. But let me 
 remind you particularly of this one thing; that whe- 
 ther I or any other minister come among you, his 
 happiness depends upon your prayers and conduct. 
 If you wish to have a person to preach well, to pray 
 well, to live well, O do not forget him when you ad- 
 dress the throne of grace. His trials are more than 
 are known, he meets with difficulties which many 
 are strangers to, his work is of the most awful, the 
 most arduous nature. I beseech you, therefore, my 
 dear friends, never to neglect praying for your mi- 
 nister, whoever he be, lest you should find the con- 
 sequence of it, by being fed with that which will 
 
 not in reality support the soul As to myself, you 
 
 have already had a specimen of my preaching, and 
 if the. truth be spoken, you must witness that I have 
 endeavoured to guard against legality on the one 
 hand, and Antinomianism on the other. I wish to 
 exalt Jesus Christ and debase the sinner, or at least 
 to represent him as debased, and that he never can 
 do any thing by way of merit, nor ever can come to 
 Christ without a peculiar exertion of free grace and 
 supernatural power. 
 
 " I have only one thing more to add, and that is 
 respecting the service. If you cannot give up either 
 
224 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 part of the day, as you seem to think you cannot, I 
 propose the following method: In the morning to 
 begin at eleven, to use a short prayer, and expound 
 a little, so that the service be ended about twelve. 
 In the afternoon to begin at a quarter before three, 
 to leave out the short prayer before the chapter, and 
 conclude the whole about four. In the evening as 
 usual. I intend, God willing, to be with you by 
 the first Sabbath in July: in the mean time pray for 
 me, that my footsteps may be directed, and that I 
 may seek to do the will of the Lord, however dis- 
 agreeable it may be to flesh and blood. 
 " I remain, my dear friends, 
 
 u Your willing and humble servant, 
 
 " C. B." 
 
 Having completed his studies at the Academy, 
 Mr. B. addressed the following letter of thanks to 
 the Chairman and Committee of the Evangelical 
 Society: 
 
 No.XLL 
 
 " June 28, 1794. 
 " Gentlemen Sensible of the advantages I have 
 derived from your excellent Institution, I think it 
 my indispensable duty to acknowledge the same, 
 and now desire to express my gratitude to you, and 
 to the Lord, for the opportunity I have had of in- 
 creasing my small stock of knowledge. Having staid 
 the usual time f three years at the Academy, Pro- 
 vidence hath been pleased to open a door, at Ban- 
 bury, in Oxfordshire, from which place I have re- 
 
XEV. CHARLES BUCK. 22o 
 
 ceived an invitation to settle with them as their 
 pastor: I have therefore engaged to go for three 
 months to make a trial, and now have to intreat 
 your prayers on my behalf, that as the work of the 
 ministry is of the most important and arduous na- 
 ture, I may be enabled to sustain it with the great- 
 est faithfulness and propriety; that I may be kept 
 humble at the feet of Christ, and be made the happy 
 instrument of doing good to immortal souls; and be 
 assured, you shall not be forgotten by me at a 
 throne of grace, that the Lord may in return pour 
 down into your bosoms the best of blessings, and 
 reward you a hundred fold. 
 
 u I am, Gentlemen, 
 " Your humble and willing servant, 
 
 " C. B." 
 
 To Mr. Wills, his tried friend and judicious ad- 
 viser, Mr. B. thus writes, and discloses the mourn- 
 ful fact, that the congregation among whom he ex- 
 pected to be exceedingly useful, was tainted with 
 the detestable heresy to which allusion has been al- 
 ready made. 
 
 No. XLII. 
 
 " Banbury, July 18, 1794. 
 " My dear Sir Though I have no very parti- 
 cular intelligence to communicate at present, yet I 
 take the liberty of sending you a few lines. I was 
 brought safe here, through the mercy of our hea- 
 venly Father, and kindly received by the people. 
 
226 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 They wish me to continue with them, but I can 
 form no determination till I have been longer with 
 and know more of them, and whether the Lord will 
 be pleased to make the word prosperous. Some few, 
 I am afraid, are rather leaning towards Hunting- 
 don's scheme, which will render it disagreeable for 
 any minister to settle with them; for such people 
 in general, I believe, are very dogmatical, and are 
 the cause of grief to many of God's ministers and 
 people- . I lately saw a Mr. Surman, from Chesham, 
 whom perhaps you know, and he informs me there 
 are some of these in his congregation, who have 
 caused such distress, that he has left the place for 
 three months, and told them, that except their prin- 
 ciples be renounced, or their spirit altered, he can- 
 not think of returning again. They so torture the 
 minds, and hurt the feelings of true believers, 
 wherever they are, that it is almost difficult to live 
 with them with any degree of peace. I cannot say 
 it is so bad here at present, but when persons im- 
 bibe such sentiments, they are so positive, that there 
 is very little hope, I think, of continuing with them 
 in peace, or of doing them any good. A question 
 therefore arises, which I submit to your judgment, 
 and wish you to resolve. Is it right that I should 
 take no notice of such people and their sentiments, 
 knowing that they are so obstinate, or not? Your 
 thoughts upon this subject I shall be thankful for, 
 as soon as you have an opportunity to write. I can- 
 not say that I am the most fit in the world to face 
 difficulties; but, however, as there can be no faith- 
 ful gospel minister without them, (let him be in 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 227 
 
 what situation he may,) I hope I shall receive all 
 that grace which will be adequate to support, and 
 all that wisdom which will be profitable to direct; 
 and there is a degree of pleasure arising from this 
 consideration, that whatever trial the Lord calls his 
 ministers or people to suffer, he will strengthen 
 them under it. This is what I could wish to have 
 more impressed upon my mind; but, alas! what 
 through natural timidity, and the power of unbelief, 
 I am frequently brought low, and my mind filled 
 with gloomy fears. I want more strength from 
 above, to enable me to endure hardness as a good 
 soldier of Jesus Christ, and fight the Lord's battles 
 with courage. It is to him I know I must look it 
 is from him I must derive every supply. O! for 
 more faith to trust him in the darkest hour, to cast 
 every care upon him, knowing that he doth all 
 things well. Hope you, Mrs. Wills, and Miss 
 Thornhill, enjoy your health. My best respects, if 
 you please; and wishing you and they much of our 
 dear Lord's presence, 
 
 " I remain, dear Sir, 
 
 k" Your willing servant in the gospel, 
 " C. B." 
 
 In his narrative of this period, Mr. B. observes: 
 u While at Banbury, I took an opportunity of 
 visiting Warwick, and passed a place called Edge 
 Hill, where the famous battle was fought between 
 the troops of Charles the First and the Parliament 
 forces, in which there were about five thousand slain 
 on the field of battle; but both sides claimed the- 
 
22a MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 victory. I preached for that excellent man Mr. 
 Moody, whose praise for sweetness of temper, mild- 
 ness of manners, and useful exertions, is in all 
 the churches, but who has since entered into his 
 rest. 
 
 " I had also the curiosity to visit the village of 
 Hanwell, not far from Banbury, renowned for being 
 the residence, first, of the famous Mr. Dod, and 
 afterwards of Dr. Robert Harris. Dr. Harris was a 
 learned, grave, yet very acute divine: his sermons 
 may sometimes be met with in one small folio vo- 
 lume. Clothed in the language of the age, they 
 abound with the most striking and ingenious re- 
 marks. He seemed to be quite an original; and in 
 addressing Senators and persons of quality, he ma- 
 nifested the same faithfulness as he did to the poor 
 inhabitants of Hanwell. He preached here with 
 great success for forty years; for of Hanwell it is 
 said, there was not a family in it where God's name 
 was not in some measure called upon, nor a person 
 that refused to be examined and instructed by him 
 for a due partaking of the Lord's Supper. His in- 
 come was not great; his children were many; yet 
 he had no lack, which he gratefully acknowledged, 
 saying, '* that there was a secret blessing attended 
 on house-keeping, for I am not able to give an ac- 
 count of my expenses and of God's supplies." He 
 was driven at last away from this obscure village by 
 the King's soldiers in the civil war, and became 
 minister of the very parish where I now write this, 
 St. Botolph's, Bishopsgate. He afterwards was made 
 President of Trinity College, at Oxford, and rector 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 
 
 229 
 
 of Garlington, near Oxford, which is always annex- 
 ed to it. He died in peace, 12th December, 1658, 
 in the eightieth year of his age." 
 
 The next place risked by Mr. Buck was Sheer- 
 ness, in Kent, where, under the guidance of an in- 
 finitely wise Providence, he commenced the stated 
 labours of his ministry; and having arrived to this 
 important period of his life, we shall close the 
 chapter. 
 
 U 
 
 
230 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 CHAP. III. 
 
 From the Commencement of Mr. Buctfs Labours at 
 Sheerness, to his Removal from thence to Hackney, 
 
 The year 1795 was a memorable sera in the history 
 of our friend. During this year he took the stated 
 charge of a congregation, entered into the matri- 
 monial connection, and was ordained to the pastoral 
 office. One of the principal reasons which induced 
 Mr. Back to accept the invitation of the indepen- 
 dent church at Sheerness, was the benefit which he 
 expected to derive from the advice and friendship 
 of Mr. Shrubsole, their venerable minister, whose 
 age and infirmities required that some other person 
 should be associated with him in discharging the 
 duties of his important station. Mr. Buck was 
 deemed, both by Mr. Shrubsole and the people, in 
 all respects qualified to fill the situation; and as 
 long as Mr. Shrubsole lived, Mr. B. rejoiced in it 
 as a sphere of great usefulness and comfort. They 
 laboured together as father and son in the gospel; 
 no jealousies arose to embitter their intercourse; 
 there was no presumptuous forwardness in the 
 youth, no dictatorial consequence in the senior 
 mutual affection inspired mutual confidence. They 
 ruled the church in love; they encouraged neither 
 the slanderer nor the flatterer; one was not to be 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 231 
 
 depressed or exalted at the expense of the other. 
 Thus upholding each other, the congregation re- 
 spected and loved them both. Mr. S. did not view 
 his youthful assistant in the character of a rival, 
 nor did the assistant treat his venerable colleague 
 as if he unnecessarily retained an office to which 
 he was himself and alone fully competent. Who 
 can read without pleasure Mr. Buck's account of 
 his excellent friend: 
 
 " At Sheerness I found much satisfaction in the 
 kindness of the friends, and the connection with Mr. 
 Shrubsole. Mr. S. had been remarkably useful in 
 raising the interest there, and laboured gratis for 
 many years with great success. In him wc see the 
 truth of the remark, that God will preserve those 
 for whom he has any work to do, for Mr. Shrubsole 
 had many narrow escapes. Once he fell from the 
 side of a ship then on the stocks, and was preserved 
 by a scaffold at some distance from the ground: at 
 another time he fell headlong from the side of a 
 wharf into a dock, among several boats and light- 
 ers; he was once bitten by a mad dog, when the 
 most dreadful apprehensions were entertained but 
 in all he was preserved. His Pilgrim is a very en- 
 tertaining work, a new edition of which has not 
 long since been published. He was a man of a lively 
 imagination, great spirituality in preaching, and 
 possessed abundance of pleasing anecdotes to en- 
 liven the social circle. He died with his hand in 
 mine, February 7, 1797." 
 
 Finding that he was now comfortably settled, 
 Mr- B. u took unto himself a wife." Union of 
 
232 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 heart and of principle rendered this important step 
 productive of great happiness to the parties imme- 
 diately interested, and to their family. It was Mr. 
 B.'s privilege to view, in every event, the care and 
 wisdom of an over-ruling Providence. The senti- 
 ment of Cowper was familiar to his heart, before it 
 appeared adorned with the piety and genius of the 
 poet. 
 
 " It is the allotment of the skies, 
 The hand of the supremely wise, 
 That guides and governs our affections, 
 And plans and orders our connexions." 
 
 This wife of hia youth was spared to him through 
 all the changing scenes of his mortal existence. It 
 was hers to watch over his premature decline, and 
 to administer to him all the soothing comfort which 
 long-endeared affection knows so well how to im- 
 part. She survives, widowed, but not friendless- 
 resigned, but anticipating re-union and eternal 
 blessedness with the spirit of him she loves, in that 
 world where the inhabitants neither " marry nor are 
 given in marriage." Her children live around her, 
 and, allured to the skies by the bright example and 
 happy destiny of their father, justify her affection, 
 reward her care, and animate her hope. 
 
 To Dissenting Ministers, the season of their or- 
 dination is one of the most impressive and import- 
 ant in their public life. It is the precise point where 
 they solemnly review the past, and look with awful 
 interest into the future. It is then they recognise 
 and confirm all the professions they have ever made 
 
... 
 
 ot relieion 
 
 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 23; 
 
 % 
 
 religion, and their devotement to the cause of the 
 Redeemer, and the charge of souls; that they pub- 
 ly and for ever renounce the maxims, the spirit, 
 e pursuits of the world, and before angels and men 
 consecrate their whole being on the altar of piety; 
 then they enrol themselves with confessors and 
 martyrs, and proclaim with apostolic fervour, 
 u Yea, doubtless, and we count all things but loss 
 for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus 
 our Lord." Mr. Buck, speaking of this event in 
 his own life, observes, " A very serious time was 
 now approaching; the season of my ordination. 
 For six weeks before, I had no peace in my mind. 
 I viewed it as a matter of great importance, and 
 trembled lest I should not get through with pro- 
 priety; as I thought it most proper at that time to 
 deliver my experience and confession of faith with- 
 out any notes. # I made it a matter, however, of 
 close application and fervent prayer. f The time ar- 
 rived; and if ever I knew what it was to have 
 prayer answered, and to experience divine assist- 
 ance, it was then. For about an hour before we 
 commenced the service, all that fear and anxiety 
 which had so long oppressed my mind was entirely 
 removed, and I felt such a sweetness and tranquil- 
 lity of mind, almost unknown to me before. Should 
 this fall into the hands of any in the like circum- 
 
 * It is now, I believe, more generally the case to read, in or- 
 der to accuracy, and to prevent agitation of mind. 
 
 f We held a prayer-meeting also at my house, in relation to 
 the ordination on the preceding Saturday. 
 U2 
 

 234 MEMOIRS Of THI 
 
 stances, let them learn from hence to make everv 
 due preparation, get the mind solemnized, to be 
 much in prayer, and then leave the event to God. 
 
 " The ordination service was conducted in the 
 chapel at Sheerness in the following manner. The 
 Rev. Mr. Ralph, of Maidstone, began with reading 
 and prayer; the Rev. Mr. Bryson, of London, de- 
 livered the address, and received my confession of 
 faith, &c; the Rev. Robert Simpson, of Hoxton, 
 prayed the ordination prayer, and gave the charge 
 from 1 Tim. iv. 16.; the Rev. Mr. Shrubsole ad- 
 dressed the church and congregation from 1 Thess. 
 v. 12, 13.; and the Rev. Mr. Leggat, of Stroud, 
 concluded with prayer. I was enabled to go through 
 my department in a manner far different from what 
 I expected, and have reason to say God was with 
 me of a truth. I rejoiced, however, when it was 
 over, and said to my tutor, u that I had now got 
 rid of a great burden.'' His reply I have often 
 thought of since " But you have taken a much 
 greater burden on." The ministers supped with me 
 that evening; I thought it an honour to have such a 
 party under my roof it was to me one of the most 
 pleasant and interesting social meetings I ever en- 
 joyed." 
 
 I am perfectly aware with what a sneer of super- 
 cilious contempt many dignified personages regard 
 every mention of dissenting ordination. I know that 
 they consider it an unhallowed and unwarrantable 
 assumption of a right which is entrusted solely to 
 episcopal hands. I have no inclination in this place 
 to meet these proud objectors and their arrogant 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 235 
 
 tims; or I could fully show them, by the autho- 
 rity of scripture and the cogency of argument, that 
 dissenters are qualified to designate to the most sa- 
 cred office; that their ministers are accredited pas- 
 tors, and the various distinct societies, over which 
 they presrde, legitimate churches of Christ. By this 
 assertion it will appear, that I entertain no lofty no- 
 tions of the clerical office, as a mysterious distinc- 
 tion of a certain order of men. The pastors of pri- 
 mitive times were only the brethren of Christians. 
 They possessed, they assumed no power. Their 
 station was conferred upon them by the suffrages of 
 the people; their influence arose from their charac- 
 ters, from the talents and the piety with which they 
 were enabled to perform their spiritual functions. 
 Neither Apostles nor Evangelists had successors; 
 their extraordinary offices ceased with their lives; 
 and the New Testament recognises only two classes 
 of officers after Apostles and Evangelists had de- 
 parted to the world of glon ; these are denominat- 
 ed Bishops, i. e. overseers; and Deacons, i. e. ser- 
 vants. To persons accustomed to behold lofty 
 cathedrals, episcopal palaces, and all the pompous 
 retinue which await on him who possesses a mitred 
 brow, the term Bishop is a most imposing sound: 
 but in the New Testament, it refers to a simple 
 man, surrounded by a number of individuals, who 
 form themselves into a voluntary society, that they 
 may mutually enjoy the ordinances of Christ, and 
 who have appointed him to be their officiating mi- 
 nister. Deacons are personages of equally humble 
 origin and pretensions. One or more of these are to 
 
236 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 be found in such a society as I have described, and 
 are only distinguished from their brethren by their 
 superior talents, zeal, and piety, and by their ma- 
 naging, as trustees chosen by the body, their tem- 
 poral affairs. In this view of the subject, Christianity 
 fully manifests its character, as a religion of the 
 heart, as being the choice of all who really deserve 
 its name, and as distinguished by simplicity and spi- 
 rituality. Thus it commends itself to every man as 
 a reasonable service. Its institutions and its officers 
 are such as we might naturally expect to originate 
 from Jesus of Nazareth, and the unpretending fish- 
 ermen of Gallilee. In an evil hour, pastors and 
 churches suffered the idea of secular greatness and 
 magnificence to captivate their minds. Worldly 
 prosperity infected them with a worldly spirit; and 
 after a lapse of centuries, bishops became princes, 
 and churches principalities, over which they ruled 
 with uncontrollable authority. Then the gold be- 
 came dim, and the fine gold was changed. It was 
 the interest of men so corrupted to dignify them- 
 selves, and mysteriously to attach to their persons, 
 occult qualities suited to their newly assumed sta- 
 tions. Hence the notion of apostolic succession and 
 delegated powers. Then the Scriptures were wrest- 
 ed to speak a language foreign to the simplicity of 
 their meaning, and the writings of the first fathers 
 suffered interpolation, to support the high preten- 
 sions of those who were preparing the throne for 
 Antichrist, and who at length armed him with the 
 prerogatives of Deity and the thunderbolts of hea- 
 ven. Then the priestly office ceased to require per- 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 237 
 
 sonal qualifications or the suffrages of the church* 
 The people became nothing, and the very name of 
 church was transferred from them to the clergy. 
 Thus originated the unscriptural notions on ordi- 
 nation, which are the bane and the disgrace of cer- 
 tain churches professedly reformed. They existed 
 in full operation in the church of Rome, and were 
 essential to the system of chicanery and delusion 
 which that church found it expedient to maintain. 
 In that church bishops claimed to be the successors 
 in a lineal descent from the apostles, and assumed 
 to themselves mysterious powers, which the apostles 
 neither exercised nor professed. They, and they 
 only, could make a priest; by the laying on of their 
 hands they could convey the Holy Ghost, and every 
 person so ordained by them became sacred. An in- 
 delible badge of peculiar dignity was put upon him, 
 of which neither guilt, heresy, nor damnation itself 
 could divest him. A priest once and for ever. The 
 endowed church of our own country believes the 
 same doctrine. Her ministers are not chosen by the 
 people; personal piety, knowledge, and holy zeal, 
 are not indispensable requisites to precede ordina- 
 tion; for it is often performed, where there is a 
 total deficiency in them all, nay, where vice assumes 
 its grossest and most scandalous forms. In order to 
 invest with adventitious splendour diocesan episco- 
 pacy, even a reformed and Protestant church will 
 maintain that its bishops are the descendants and 
 successors of the apostles: to uphold this notion, it 
 demands for them one of the prerogatives of God, 
 and that this prerogative may be exercised, it makes 
 
238 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 ordination an inexplicable something, unknown to 
 Christianity, and repugnant to common sense. If 
 the question be asked, whether the apostles appoint- 
 ed successors? and if the decision of the question be 
 referred to scripture, it cannot be proved in the af- 
 firmative; on the contrary it is disproved by the 
 whole tenor of the New Testament. 
 
 If it be again asked how the bishops of a church, 
 which did not exist till the sixteenth century, and 
 which was created by an act of the civil legislature, 
 can be the lineal successors of the apostles? we find 
 ourselves in a still greater perplexity. "They are 
 forced to take refuge in the episcopal succession of 
 the church of Rome, to avoid the charge of want of 
 authority preferred against them by that church, and 
 have no objection thus to become allied to him whom 
 they denominate Antichrist; utterly unmindful of 
 such puzzling enquiries as these, Whether in its 
 transmission through so impure a channel, the suc- 
 cession might not be broken? Whether, when there 
 were different pretenders to the chief see, each with 
 apparently equal claims, amidst so much political 
 strife, the legitimate head might not have been re- 
 jected, and the false one recognised? To be serious, 
 can there be any idea much more revolting to the 
 mind of one, who, with the New Testament in his 
 hand, thinks for himself, than that Christ recognises 
 the succession of bishops from the days of the apos- 
 tles, as a succession of officers to whom he has 
 entrusted the direction of affairs in his church, and 
 to whom a man ought to look as the fountain of spi- 
 ritual authority?" Before I believe this, I must burn 
 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 239 
 
 and forget my bible. Bat the farce of pretending to 
 transform vice into virtue, and to make a man a 
 priest who is almost a demon, or even of making a 
 good man better, and a wise man wiser, by the words 
 and hand of one of these authorized dignitaries, is 
 perhaps more ridiculous than the fooleries we have 
 already exposed. Ordination is neither a mystery, a 
 sacrament, nor a conveyance of official power, and 
 episcopal ordination, where the church neither votes 
 nor recognises, is a nonentity. For the full disclo- 
 sure and confirmation of the sentiments here ad- 
 vanced, I refer the inquiring reader to the Eclectic 
 Review, from which several of these observations 
 are borrowed, and I shall for the present take leave 
 of the subject, with an admirable quotation from that 
 val u abl e j o u rn aL * 
 
 " What could episcopal, or any other ordination, 
 have imparted to such a minister as Doddridge? the 
 sanctity of his principles, the validity of his minis- 
 trations, the usefulness of his labours, and the glory 
 which awaited his retirement from the world in 
 which he had lived only for its amendment, could 
 have received no accession from the hands of bish- 
 ops and pastors, 
 
 " Intaminatis fulget honoribus." 
 
 Can any statement be more gross, than that all per~ 
 sons ordained by a bishop are ipse facto made true 
 
 * I do not recollect any one article: but all the critiques which 
 regard the controversy between churchmen and dissenters are 
 by the hand of a master. It is much easier to rail at, than to an- 
 swer them. 
 
240 EMOIRS OF THE 
 
 ministers of Christ? Can any thing make them min- 
 isters of Christ, who are utter strangers to his grace, 
 void of Christian knowledge, lovers of pleasure more 
 than lovers of God, profane, caring for no man's 
 soul, and the companions of the unholy? who make 
 a gain of godliness, and enter the church from the 
 most degrading motives, that they may be support- 
 ed by its revenues, while there exists within them a 
 radical aversion to the function which they assume? 
 Are these, we say, the true ministers of Christ? 
 these the persons duly authorized to bring " man 
 into a covenant of grace with his offended Maker," 
 who are themselves enemies to God by wicked 
 works? Can the mere repeating of a form of prayer, 
 and the heartless reading of a hurried sermon, ma- 
 nifest the presence and ensure the grace of God to 
 the attendants in a parish church, because these men 
 have been episcopally ordained? No inconsiderable 
 number of such persons remain, after the hands of 
 the bishop have been laid upon them, ' in the gall of 
 bitterness and the bond of iniquity,' and go forth in- 
 to the stations which money, or political influence, 
 or family connexions have procured for them in the 
 church, only to counteract the tendencies of the gos- 
 pel, with the principles of which their whole lives 
 are at variance, and to aid the triumphs of infidels 
 and wicked men, as Judas, after he had received the 
 sop, went out to finish his sin in the betraying of 
 Christ. What does episcopal ordination convey? 
 Does it convey genius, or talents, or piety, or wis- 
 dom, or spiritual gifts of any description, or aptness 
 to teach? What are the advantages of episcopal or- 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 241 
 
 dination? Is it not passing strange, that we should 
 be bidden to look at men as the successors of the 
 apostles, who admit into the ministry persons desti- 
 tute of Christian knowledge, uninfluenced by Chris- 
 tian principles, profane in their conversation, and 
 notorious for the worldliness of their spirit, and the 
 levity of their manners? And is it less amazing, that 
 these persons should come as authorized ministers 
 to congregations, who never sent for them, who do 
 not even desire them?" 
 
 I have dwelt somewhat longeron this subject than 
 perhaps strictly befits the leading object of my work. 
 But churchmen, in writing the lives of churchmen, 
 have set me the example, and I conceive, that what- 
 ever be the vehicle, the sentiments themselves are 
 seasonable, and imperiously called for by the spirit 
 of the hierarchy. The exploded and execrable doc- 
 trines of the divine right of kings, and the divine 
 right of episcopacy, have experienced a revival and 
 circulation in this enlightened age, that may well 
 amaze and astound the friends of liberty and reli- 
 gion; and their loudest and most virulent abettors 
 are to be found among those who affect a more scrip- 
 tural faith, and a stricter non- conformity to the spi- 
 rit and maxims of the world, than the rest of their 
 clerical brethren. 
 
 It was the happiness of the church at Sheerness, 
 to have a pastor ordained over them who possessed 
 every gift and virtue required in the sacred func- 
 tion, and on whom ordination had nothing to confer. 
 How zealously he laboured, how holily he lived, we 
 may in some manner judge bv the private papers 
 
 X 
 
242 MEMOIRS OF TIfE 
 
 and letters, which were written by him during his 
 residence at this place; a few extracts from which 
 and his narrative shall close the chapter. 
 
 "Tuesday, October 20, 1795 When I look 
 
 back, and consider how little I have done for God, 
 how little good I have done for my fellow creatures, 
 and what little progress I have made in the divine 
 life, I have great cause to be humbled and ashamed. 
 Time I have had, opportunities have been presented 
 to me, and privileges I have been surrounded with, 
 yet how little have I improved them for the glory of 
 my Divine Master; however I desire to be thankful 
 that I have reason to believe the good work of his 
 grace is begun in my heart. Lord quicken me to 
 greater diligence. Let my heart burn with greater 
 zeal and lively aifection. Let Jesus be my portion 
 and the strength and joy of my heart for ever and 
 ever. 
 
 " Preached this evening at Sheerness, on Psalm 
 xxii. 27, 28, and found some degree of liberty in 
 speaking of the glories of my Divine Master. 
 Preaching is heavy work without, but happy work 
 with his smiles. O that I may enjoy more of his di- 
 vine influence in my public ministrations, and be 
 made useful to immortal souls. 
 
 "Wednesday, October 21. Went this afternoon 
 to Queenborough, and preached in the evening to 
 my little flock there. I can truly say that I often find 
 some pleasure in speaking at this place, and have 
 reason to think that the Lord has work to do here. 
 May I do all that I can to forward it by my prayers, 
 example, and public labours. Lord help me to study 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 243 
 
 for the good of souls, to adopt every plan, and pur- 
 sue every measure that I conceive will promote their 
 eternal welfare. Quicken me, O Lord, for thy work, 
 prepare me more for it, support me in it, and carry 
 me through it with great success. Amen. 
 
 u Thursday, October 22. Attended the prayer 
 meeting this evening; did not find so much life and 
 comfort as I have done sometimes, yet was a little 
 affected on singing that sweet hymn, " Give me the 
 wings of faith to rise," &c. Social prayer meetings 
 are certainly commendable and profitable, and had 
 we but more grace we should be more engaged in 
 them. O may I ever love them and be happy while 
 attending them. 
 
 " Friday, October 23. Find it somewhat diffi- 
 cult to get texts and subjects to preach on, and am 
 sometimes afraid I shall say all that I can say, and 
 that I shall not be able to keep up any degree of va- 
 riety. However let me study and preach the word, 
 as God shall assist me. It is his work, and I must 
 look to him alone for support in it. Support I have 
 found in time past and why not in time to come. 
 
 "Note. I think that a spiritual frame of mind 
 and much prayer to God are the best methods, and 
 most useful to find subjects, as well as to discourse 
 on them. O Lord help me always to keep up cor- 
 respondence with thee, and never let me sink into 
 a state of stupor and coldness. 
 
 > Monday, October 26. Drank tea at Rev. Mr. 
 Shrubsole's with a few friends. Had some agree- 
 able conversation with them. How pleasant is it to 
 meet in friendship, and discourse with liberty, es- 
 
244 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 pecially about the best things. May my tongue be as 
 the pen of a ready writer, to set forth the excellen- 
 cies of my dear Master. Let me talk more about 
 him, and less about the vanities of this world. 
 
 "Wednesday, October 28. Attended Church 
 meeting; but few members present. Meetings of this 
 kind are very useful to regulate the business of the 
 church, but should always be carried on with much 
 judgment, great love, and due consideration. Alas! 
 how many congregations are there who observe no 
 order or proper discipline, and never assemble to 
 adopt plans for the welfare of the Church, nor meet 
 to pray that God may prosper them. O Lord, grant 
 that this Church, over which thou in thy providence 
 hast placed me, may be remarkable for zeal, love, 
 and devotion. Let us have a spirit of discernment, 
 to do all things with discretion and wisdom, and a 
 spirit of holiness to enable us to act for thy glory, 
 and each other's good. 
 
 " Thursday, October 29. Gave an exhortation 
 this evening preparatory to the ordinance of the 
 Lord's Supper next Sabbath day. O Lord, water 
 the word, and bless our souls. May we feast on thy 
 goodness, and ever remember thy great love in dy- 
 ing for us.- Keep this in remembrance, O my soul, 
 and be grateful. 
 
 " Yesterday I finished reading Mr. Romaine's 
 Letters; they are savory, and the grand subject is 
 Jesus. In this the author gloried, and by his writ- 
 ing appears as if he had been wholly taken up in the 
 happy contemplation of his excellencies. May this 
 little book be blessed to all who read it. 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 245" 
 
 this day of something to say for my Master to- 
 morrow. How little am I able to enter into the spi- 
 rit of divine subjects; how little impressed with a. 
 sense of the awfulness of my commission. How lit- 
 tle do I study for the welfare of immortal souls. O 
 Lord, make me all attention, action, and concern for 
 their good. It is true that if I could present all the 
 fire of hell to their nostrils, all the glories of hea- 
 ven to their eyes, all the noise of damned souls to 
 their ears, I could not convert them, yet it is my 
 incumbent duty to make use of every mean, and 
 do all that I can as an instrument for their benefit. 
 Lord, it is thy work, bless me in it. Amen. 
 
 "Sabbath day, November 1. This day for the 
 first time I administered the ordinance of the Lord's 
 Supper; though I felt some degree of tremor, yet 
 was carried through it with comfort I trust to my- 
 self as well as to others. May the Lord grant that 
 I may always find this a refreshing ordinance to my 
 soul. In the afternoon preached from John xiv. 6, 
 and in the evening from 2 Cor. viii. 9, and both 
 times felt something of my Master's presence; on 
 the whole it has been a delightful Sabbath to my 
 soul. Jesus I trust has been my theme, and on him 
 have I this day feasted. O precious bread of life, 
 may I learn to live more upon thee, and thus find 
 strength in my soul. I thank thee for this Sabbath^ 
 and may the word this day preached be blessed to 
 the conversion and comfort of souls. 
 
 " Thursday, November 5. This day finished 
 reading Charnock on the Attributes of God. Must 
 
 X 2 
 
246 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 confess it is an admirable book, and well worthy of 
 the perusal of all who wish to "gain information for 
 the mind, or consolation for the heart. He is a ner- 
 vous and useful writer, and abounds with originali- 
 ty of idea and strength of expression. As a speci- 
 men, I just set down the following sentence, when 
 speaking of the power and unchangeableness of God 
 he says, w what can make him change his purposes, 
 who, if he please, can dash the earth against the hea- 
 vens in the twinkling of an eye, untying the world 
 from its centre, clap the stars and elements together 
 into one mass, and blow the whole creation of men 
 and devils into nothing." May the Lord grant that 
 the truths I have therein read may be ever impress- 
 ed upon my mind. 
 
 44 Friday morning, November 6. This morning 
 early we were alarmed by a violent storm of wind; 
 but have great reason to be thankful for preserva- 
 tion. A house near us had one end of it blown 
 down; numbers of tiles from our house, and many 
 others, were blown off. The frame of the new cha- 
 pel at Queenborough, and the frame of a house 
 opposite us blown down; a ship at the Nore dis- 
 masted, and much damage elsewhere it is to be fear- 
 ed was done. O Lord, what is the world and all 
 things in it to thee, thou canst dash all to pieces in 
 a moment with a breath. It is only for thee to speak 
 the word, and elements shall rage, the earth reel to 
 and fro, and all thy works of creation appear in con- 
 fusion. Thou art indeed an awful God, but if thou 
 art mine, then with joy shall I look up, when the 
 sun shall be turned into darkness, and the pillars of 
 

 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 247 
 
 the world tremble. O Lord, may I have an interest 
 in thy favour, I desire no more. 
 
 " Saturday, November 14. Desire to be thank- 
 ful for temporal mercies. What a mercy to have 
 bread to eat, raiment to wear, and a habitation to 
 dwell in! How many are destitute of these bless- 
 ings, and know not what it is to have a friend to 
 relieve, or any to sympathize with them. 
 
 " Note. The best way I find to cure discontent 
 and excite gratitude, is to consider how many there 
 are in a worse situation than myself; may I look 
 within, around, and be thankful. 
 
 " Monday, November 16. Visited a man sup- 
 posed to be at the point of death, whom I found so 
 weak as hardly to be capable of speaking. Though 
 I could not learn whether there was a work begun 
 in his heart, or not, yet he seemed to acquiesce in 
 all I said. Read a chapter and went to praver. 
 Much is to be learnt by visiting sick beds. Happv 
 are they, who when brought to the confines of an 
 eternal world, can say, that they are safely founded 
 on the Rock of Ages. May this be the case with 
 me in that awful hour. 
 
 " Note. O my soul, often frequent death beds 
 to learn what it is to die. 
 
 " Tuesday, November 1 7. Read six sermons, 
 preached in London at the formation of the Mis- 
 sionary Society. Found both pleasure and profit in 
 the perusal of them; hope the intended plan of pro- 
 pagating the gospel in foreign parts will be carried 
 into execution, and earnestly pray that the Lord may 
 abundantly bless the labours of those who embark 
 
248 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 in this noble cause. O that the happy period may 
 soon arrive, when the kingdom of Jesus shall be es- 
 tablished throughout the world; may his word have 
 such powerful effect, that angels in heaven may ex- 
 ult and glory, that saints on earth may sing and 
 rejoice, that devils in hell may fear and tremble. 
 Amen. 
 
 u Thursday, November 26. This day finished 
 reading Boston's Crook in the Lot, it is an excel- 
 lent piece, and well worthy the perusal of every af- 
 flicted Christian. He there shows we must all have 
 a crook in our lot, let our situations be what they 
 will in this world. O may I be resigned to the so- 
 vereign will and pleasure of my heavenly Master, 
 and whatever crook I may have may it be sanctifi- 
 ed by his blessing. Amen. 
 
 a Sabbath day, November 29. Preached this 
 morning and evening at Sheerness, and heard Mr, 
 Shrubsole in the afternoon. Though I have had bet- 
 ter Sabbaths, yet I desire to be thankful for this. 
 Any help, the least comfort from my God, is more 
 than I deserve. O for the happy period when I shall 
 enter into the fulness of joy. 
 
 "Tuesday, December 1. Heard Mr. Hill this 
 evening, at our chapel, from 1 Pet. i. 8. A great 
 many people attended, and it was, I believe, a most 
 happy season, at least it was so to my own soul. O 
 for more of these delightful opportunities. Spent 
 the evening with him at Mr. Michel's, in, I trust, 
 an agreeable and profitable manner. 
 
 " Wednesday, December 2. Attended Church 
 meeting. Two persons were proposed as members. 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 249 
 
 O that the Lord may go on to increase our num- 
 ber. I want to see a revival here. May many be 
 stirred up to come and join themselves with us 
 hope there is a little prospect of it. Concluded in 
 prayer, felt some little liberty. O for an enlarged 
 heart at all times, when engaged in the service of 
 God. 
 
 " Saturday, December 5. Finished reading the 
 first volume of Lambert's Sermons. Think him to 
 be a tolerable composer, his language pleasing, his 
 divisions just, and on the whole a useful writer. 
 Happy for them who always keep the right end in 
 view, and in preaching or writing, address the 
 heart and conscience. This is the vvay, I believe, to 
 do most good. May I ever adopt it. 
 
 "Tuesday, December 15. Preached at Sheer- 
 ness, on Heb. xii. 12, 13. My subject led me to 
 speak of those who are weak in the faith; but, ob- 
 served for their encouragement, that, as a man 
 might be lame, as the text represents, and yet that 
 would be no proof against his being a man, so the 
 weakness of a Christian is no proof against his being 
 a Christian. Spoke of the words in the following 
 manner. 
 
 " 1. A case supposed, Christian lame, weak, de- 
 jected, &c. 
 
 " 2. Advice given, lift up the hands which hang 
 down, &c. 
 
 " 3. The argument used, lest that which is lame, 
 &c. 
 
 " Though I found myself comfortable in medi- 
 tating on the words, before I preached on them, 
 
250 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 yet did not experience that liberty which I could 
 have wished in speaking to the people. May the 
 Lord grant, however, that good may be done. 
 
 " Sabbath-day, December 20. Preached three 
 times at Sheerness, in the morning from Cant. v. 2, 
 6. In the afternoon from 1 John v. 20. And in the 
 evening from Isa. lii. 3. Was this day much encou- 
 raged, by hearing of one being brought to the know- 
 ledge of the truth, under my ministry in this place, 
 for which I desire to be exceedingly thankful. It 
 has been often matter of grief to me, that I could 
 not see any fruits of my labours here. O that this 
 instance may be a stimulus to excite me to go on in 
 the work. Thou, Lord, knowest that it is my sin- 
 cere desire to bring souls to thee, for that end there- 
 fore do thou enable me to pray, and labour much that 
 I may be blessed in the work. 
 
 " Thursday evening. Mr. Shrubsole gave the 
 exhortation, preparatory to the Lord's supper next 
 sabbath. The words he chose were these, u Be cloth- 
 ed with humility." Made some useful remarks 
 which I pray may l>e fixed on all our minds. This 
 is the last day of the year. O how little have I done 
 for God and immortal souls. How little have I im- 
 proved the time, and what little progress I have 
 made in knowledge, love, humility, and every grace, 
 yet, I would bless God that he hath not given me 
 up to my own corruptions, nor suffered me to go 
 astray from him. In regard to the church, with 
 which I am connected, on a review of things from 
 the time I first came, have every reason to think 
 that matters are in much better order than then, as 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 251 
 
 the ordinances are regularly administered, seats let, 
 and members admitted, and good done. May the 
 Lord go on to prosper the church, and may I do all 
 I can to promote the welfare thereof. Lord make 
 bart- thine arm, and cause thy word to take deep 
 root in every heart. 
 
 a Friday, January 1, 1796. This is a memorable 
 day; my dear wife was delivered of a son, about a 
 quarter before eight o'clock this evening. Never did 
 I feel so much by sympathy before, but desire to be 
 thankful for this safe deliverance. O Lord, remem- 
 ber Jus child; should he live, let him live for thee;* 
 May he be thine in every sense, a partaker of grace 
 here, and eternal glory hereafter. 
 
 " Thursday, Jan. 14. Attended the prayer meet- 
 ing this evening. Though my mind was very wan- 
 dering before I engaged in prayer, yet hope it was a 
 profitable season. In general I find as much, if not 
 more liberty in prayer on these occasions, as I do 
 when engaged in the more public service on Lord's 
 day. This I would take as an encouragement to go 
 on, for I sometimes think that I shall have little or 
 no matter, or variety in my addresses to the throne. 
 But the Lord often disappoints me in this. 
 
 " Note. Never be afraid of praying too much. 
 A warm heart and often exercise will teach me to 
 pray -well, 
 
 "Tuesday, January 26. Finished reading the se- 
 cond volume of Milner's Ecclesiastical History. He 
 
 * This prayer is answered. Mr. C. Buck is devoting himself 
 to the ministry, and is pursuing a course of studies at Oxford. 
 
252 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 appears to be a sensible writer, but I cannot coin- 
 cide with him, in all his opinions. His chapter on 
 ecclesiastical establishments, seems to me weak and 
 contradictory. Declares that he wishes the notion of 
 particular redemption were not so common among 
 the moderns. He also says, that separation from the 
 church of England is wrong, except in cases of total 
 corruption. What can I think of such a writer as 
 this, who really speaks little better than error to es- 
 pouse his own cause? O that corruption, total or 
 partial, may ever be abhorred by me. 
 
 "Tuesday, February 2 Heard Mr. Slatterie, 
 from Matt. xvii. 5. He made some remarks on the 
 much controverted subject, the eternal generation of 
 the Son of God; said, that the expression meant no 
 more than the only begotten, &c. and that he believ- 
 ed him to be the Son of God, as to his divine na- 
 ture. 
 
 " He afterwards baptized my son Charles. O that 
 this dedication of him to God, may be followed with 
 a divine blessing. Dear Lord, look upon him and 
 bless him. I sincerely and solemnly give him up to 
 thee. Should he live, may he live to thee; and may 
 I, and my dear wife, be enabled to do our duty to- 
 wards him as parents, to bring him up in the nur- 
 ture and admonition of the Lord. Amen. Amen. 
 
 "Saturday, February 13.- Finished the perusal 
 of Dr. Hawker's Sermons on the Divinity and Ope- 
 rations of the Holy Ghost. His language is rather 
 florid, his style neat and tolerably correct. His argu- 
 ments he draws chiefly from the scriptures, and de- 
 clares that he disclaims all testimony but that of 
 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 253 
 
 scripture. " In my esteem*" says he, " it is not only 
 an unnecessary service to aim at strengthening by 
 secondary arguments the prime proofs of holy writ; 
 but it is forming an alloy, and that of the basest kind, 
 to mingle human opinions with divine truths. The 
 sacred book of God can need no collateral testimony 
 from man." On the whole, this is a useful publica- 
 tion, well meant, and well written, and I pray God it 
 may be much blessed. 
 
 "Thursday, February 18. Read the Life and 
 Conversion of a Thomas Bennet. By his own ac- 
 count he was a swearer, liar, thief, &c. was cast for 
 transportation, but remained in prison for seven 
 years, where the Lord began to work upon his mind; 
 here it seems he was useful in the conversion of 
 others. He insists upon it that the king is in dark- 
 ness, and walketh therein, or he would not suffer the 
 bishops and clergy to teach who never knew God; 
 and observes, that the wrath of the Lord is against 
 the king for this. In speaking of his being born 
 again, which he says was on the fourth of June, he 
 says that his conversion was on that day in answer to 
 prayer. He draw T s the comparison between the king's 
 birth-day and his spiritual, thus, ' O king George, 
 you never knew such a birth-day as this. Your's 
 was of the world, O king, but mine was from 
 above; your's was natural, but mine spiritual; men 
 rejoice at thy birth-day, but angels at mine, &c. 
 Thus, O king,' says he, 4 my birth- day is grander 
 than thine, and is attended with better guests and 
 with better harmony than thine.' What good end is 
 answered in writing thus, I am at a loss to know, 
 Y 
 
254 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 He seems also to speak against many brought up in 
 dissenting academies; says ' he found great comfort 
 in reading Huntingdon's Bank of Faith, White- 
 field's Journal, Romaine's Life of Faith; and de- 
 clares that he was made useful on board the hulks 
 at Woolwich, &c. &c.' If the account be genuine 
 which he gives of himself, there are some things 
 which seem to be rather singular and wonderful; but 
 there are many others which rather betray enthu- 
 siasm and self-conceit; at least it appears so to me. 
 " May, 1796. Read the diary of Mrs. Arabella 
 Davies. She appears to have been one taught of 
 God, and though often depressed, yet she enjoyed 
 much of her Master's presence. O that I, like her, 
 may never be satisfied with any thing short of the 
 smiles of my God. I find the perusal of lives and 
 diaries profitable, as I therein see something of my 
 own experience in the case of others, yet would la- 
 ment that I feel so little gratitude to God for his 
 distinguishing grace towards any of his creatures, 
 in calling them to the knowledge and enjoyment of 
 the truth. 
 
 " May 6. Have reason to be thankful lately for 
 a temporal supply. How good is God to grant me 
 enough by the way, and I hope everlasting glory in 
 the end. O that my heart were but more affected 
 with a view of the many mercies I have received, 
 and that I could but anticipate more the crown I 
 hope to enjoy in the world above. Gracious God, 
 raise me above all sublunary things, and fix my 
 heart on thee. 
 
 " Tuesday, September 13. -This day finished the 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 255 
 
 reading of Palmer's Nonconformist's Memorial. 
 Can say I have read it both with pleasure and pro- 
 fit, though I have to lament that I am so far behind 
 those illustrious worthies. They were indeed men 
 of knowledge, piety, and of a tender conscience. 
 Rather than conform to what they supposed to bo 
 inconsistent, they left their situations, and cheerfully 
 bore the difficulties they were called to undergo. O 
 Lord give me the same spirit; give me a clean con- 
 science, that I may have a comfortable one. 
 
 " Saturday evening, October 1. Have reason to 
 lament that my mind is so little engaged in and con- 
 versant with spiritual things. How do worldly ob- 
 jects take up my attention, and how seldom can I 
 view the solemn realities of the world to come; yet, 
 Lord, thou knowest that I love thee, and that it is 
 my earnest desire to enjoy more of thee while in the 
 present state. My heart indeed is sluggish, my 
 thoughts wavering; but yet I wish, earnestly wish, 
 to be more assimilated to thy likeness. O gracious 
 Redeemer, quicken my soul, let me feel the influ- 
 ences of thy Spirit more; draw me that I may run 
 after thee; let the vanities and things of this world 
 have no impression on my mind; open the gates of 
 bliss to my soul, that I may experience intercourse 
 with thee, for here centres my felicity; say unto my 
 soul, I am thy salvation, and I shall be happy; O 
 bring me, bring me nearer to thyself. 
 
 " Thy only love, may I require 
 Nothing on earth beneath desire, 
 Nothing in heaven above 
 
256 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 Let earth and all its trifles go, 
 Give me, O Lord, thy love to know, 
 Give me thy precious love." 
 
 " Tuesday, October 11. Two years have ex- 
 pired this day since I first came to this place. How 
 swiftly the time flies, and how little improved. 
 Hope my labours, however, on the whole have not 
 been fruitless, either in the way of conversion or 
 building up; I have certainly found many happy 
 seasons in dispensing his word here, though I have 
 met with difficulties and trials by the way; but it 
 would not do to be without some troubles, I know 
 when sanctified they make me pray more earnestly, 
 preach more experimentally, and live more consist- 
 ently. But now, O Lord, I raise my Ebenezer, 
 would look back with thankfulness, and look for- 
 ward with dependance. Should nothing transpire to 
 remove me from this place, grant that my useful- 
 ness among the people may be more extensive, my 
 humility more conspicuous, and my heart more dili- 
 gently engaged in the sacred service. 
 
 "Tuesday, October 18. Finished reading Ful- 
 ler's Calvinistic and Socinian Systems compared as 
 to their Moral Tendency, in which, I think, he evi- 
 dently proves the Calvinistic system to be superior 
 as to the tendency to convert profligates, professed 
 unbelievers, to promote morality, love to God, can- 
 dour and benevolence to men, humility, charity, 
 love to Christ, veneration for the scriptures, happi- 
 ness, gratitude, obedience, and heavenly minded- 
 ness. His principal antagonist seems to be Dr. 
 Priestley, whose arguments he easily confutes. His 
 
. 
 
 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 257 
 
 anner of writing is plain, tolerably correct, with 
 very few exceptionable expressions. I read it with, 
 pleasure as well as profit. Such a piece seems to be 
 calculated to do good, especially among those whose 
 faith is weak, and whose minds may sometimes be 
 a little hurt by a transient reflection on the Socinian 
 scheme. 
 
 " Thursday, October 20. Attended Prayer 
 Meeting this evening, but know not when I enjoyed 
 it so little. O Lord, forgive my insensibility and 
 carelessness of heart. Refused engaging in prayer, 
 nor did I hear others pray with any comfort. O for 
 the happy season when I shall never be indisposed 
 as to spiritual things, when my heart shall be al- 
 ways animated, and my tongue incessantly engaged 
 in celebrating the praises of my God. Met with 
 something that hurt my mind; but why should not 
 I be sorely tried as well as other ministers? O 
 Lord, sanctify it to me, and I shall hear it without 
 complaint. Learn, O my soul, that ministers have 
 trials which other people have not, but remember 
 also it is more needful for them than for others. 
 
 u Friday, October 21. Have been somewhat in- 
 disposed in body and mind this day, so that I have 
 not had my usual relish for reading, studying, &c. 
 as at other times. What a strange creature am I, 
 how easily disordered, how soon dejected: but, 
 thanks be to God, his faithfulness, his power, his 
 goodness, are the same. O for a clearer view, richer 
 experience, a more copious enjoyment of His love* 
 My God r bless me with thy smiles, and I will blesA 
 thee for them, 
 
 YZ 
 
258 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 u Saturday, October 22. Know not when I have 
 been so distressed for subjects and texts to preach 
 on to-morrow. After considering several passages, 
 could not fix upon any. Left it, therefore, until this 
 evening, when I attempted again, but could not im- 
 mediately find any text; at last I was delivered 
 from my distress, and found two, which I was en- 
 abled to fix upon and study. In general I am not 
 much embarrassed in finding subjects: but perhaps 
 this trial to-day is to humble, and to teach me that 
 I can do nothing without my God, that my studies, 
 as well as my preaching, ought to be under his re- 
 gulation, and that I should make them more a mat- 
 ter of prayer. O Lord, then as I believe thou hast 
 called me to the work, furnish me with matter, give 
 me suitable texts, and help me to be more depen- 
 dent on thee for thy assistance and blessing. 
 
 " Sabbath-day, October 23. Preached this 
 morning, with liberty, from Jer. ii. 13. The word, 
 I trust, was profitable to others. Preached in the 
 afternoon, from John viii. 11. And in the evening 
 preached at Queenborough, from Rom. ii. 9, 10. 
 Thank God for this day, and for the support I have 
 had in the Work. O let the word take deep root in 
 every heart. O my God, make me useful. 
 
 " Wednesday, October 26. Finished reading 
 Kearsley's Abridgment of Cooke's Voyages round 
 the World. They are entertaining, but, alas! how 
 little of God, of Providence in them. No putting 
 themselves under his protection; no real gratitude 
 discovered for deliverances; no spiritual observa- 
 tions on the wonders of the great deep; no profit- 
 
. 
 
 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 259 
 
 able descant on the various works of the Almighty 
 Creator, as they appear in different parts of the 
 world. What an amazing field would have opened 
 to a serious mind, and how would the praises and 
 wisdom of God be advanced by spiritual observa- 
 tions made on his astonishing works. O Lord, give 
 me a mind that shall see and enjoy thee in all things, 
 that I may be led with the Psalmist to say, " O 
 Lord, how manifold are thy works, in wisdom hast 
 thou made them all." 
 
 " Saturday, October 29. Cannot help thinking 
 how little I improve my time. I am fond of read- 
 ing and being in my study, and yet seem to do but 
 little to any good purpose. How many profitable 
 things have forgotten. How many things that 
 ought to have made an impression on my mind, 
 scarcely hath left a trace behind. How many re- 
 marks which afforded pleasure in the reading of 
 them, now cannot be recollected! Lord, strengthen 
 my memory, ripen my judgment, enlarge my un- 
 derstanding, and above all bless me with a gracious 
 heart, and such impressions of thy love which shall 
 never wear off. Indeed this is of the greatest con- 
 sequence, for the time will come when the brightest 
 intellectual powers must fail; but if thy grace be 
 shed abroad in the heart, this shall live, and rise 
 superior to all; yea, when every thing decays, this 
 shall increase and shine. Lord, give me therefore 
 thyself, may I study to know and please thee here, 
 and at last be received into the enjoyment of that 
 rest which thou hast prepared for all them that love 
 thee. 
 
260 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 "Sabbath, January 1, 1797. Being New-year's 
 day, I preached in the morning, from 1 Sam. vii. 12. 
 and in the evening to young people, from 2 Chron. 
 xxxiv. 3. A great many attended and appeared at- 
 tentive. 
 
 " Tuesday, January 3. Attended Mr. Bishop's 
 funeral to Minster, and preached in the evening, 
 from Psalm xc. 12. Lord, teach me to number my 
 days, make me a proficient in this profitable arith- 
 metic, and may I apply my heart unto wisdom, even 
 heavenly wisdom, which is the principal thing, and 
 every way profitable to direct, that I may say with 
 me, 
 
 " My soul would learn the heavenly art 
 To improve the hours I have, 
 That. I may act the wiser part, 
 And live beyond the grave." Watt*. 
 
 " Miserable place as this world is, and sometimes 
 appears to me, yet, through mercy I find some com- 
 forts in it, though not from it. I find great pleasure 
 at times in reading, in studying, in friendship, in 
 my dear children, in conversation, in preaching, in 
 contemplation, in hearing, in reflecting on past sea- 
 sons, &c. in praying. So that were I to complain, I 
 should be guilty of irrationality, or were I unmind- 
 ful of such favours, I should justly criminate my- 
 self of ingratitude. This I write September 26 r 
 1797. 
 
 " Sabbath-day, November 5. Heard this day of 
 one, who, I trust, received his first and saving im- 
 pressions under my ministry at Silver Street Cha- 
 

 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 261 
 
 pel some time since. He had since gone to sea, and 
 thought but little of it. He inquired for my name 
 at the time, and never forgot it, and said Mr. 
 Buck's religion, or what he preached, was what he 
 liked. Died very happy, and gave evident testimo- 
 ny that the Lord was with him. One of his last ex- 
 pressions was, " I take my cable, and fix it on my 
 anchor, Jesus, and go through the storm," or words 
 to that effect. The landlord of the house, I under- 
 stand, was also converted by listening (at the door) 
 to what was said by the attendants of this man in 
 his illness. Here is matter of great praise and joy, 
 and peculiar encouragement to myself as a minister 
 of the gospel, to go on in the work. How long is it 
 sometimes before ministers hear of their word be- 
 ing blessed, and some never hear until they get to 
 heaven. However let me consider what an honour 
 it is to be employed for God, and to be made use- 
 ful by him. Methinks I had rather be a minister of 
 the gospel, to bring souls to Christ, than the great- 
 est monarch in the world. O Lord, bless me in the 
 delightful work, and whether I know my usefulness 
 or not, may I go on sowing the seed. 
 
 " Saturday evening, December 30. God has 
 been very gracious unto me this year, both in tem- 
 porals and spirituals, for which I desire to be thank- 
 ful. He has heard and answered my prayers won- 
 derfully, and I would here mark it down as a me- 
 morandum, that I have hardly ever prayed for any 
 thing, but what God has given it to me. O that this 
 may encourage me to go on praying. Lord Jesus 
 bind my heart to thee. Let mv soul, my body,pow- 
 
262 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 ers, circumstances, family, yea, all be under thy di- 
 rection and guidance, Amen. 
 
 No. XLI. 
 To Mrs. B. Banbury, Oxfordshire. 
 
 "Sheerness, Nov. 22, 1"94. 
 " Dear Friend I was sorry I was not in the way 
 to see Mr. Barnes when he was in town, as I should 
 have deemed myself happy to have had an inter- 
 view with him. Your kindness to me when at Ban- 
 bury demands my grateful acknowledgments and 
 sincere regard; and I assure you, distance of place 
 doth not erase you from my memory. Could I have 
 staid there consistent with my own comfort, I be- 
 lieve I should not have left you, but I saw no pro- 
 bability of it, though there were many whose attach- 
 ment and kindness I shall not easily forget. How 
 you have gone on since, I have not heard, but hope 
 that peace and unanimity have universally prevail- 
 ed, and that the word of the Lord hath run and been 
 glorified. You, I trust, have found the pearl of great 
 price, and now experience the efficacy of that reli- 
 gion you profess in your own heart. To be a pro- 
 fessor is a very easy thing; but to be a real Chris- 
 tian is no small matter. To stand against all the al- 
 lurements and temptations of sin, and all the entice- 
 ments and oppositions of the world, is what no one 
 can do but those who are enabled by a divine pow- 
 er. We see how many there are who can talk about 
 
. 
 
 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 263 
 
 iigion; but it is only the true believer that can walk 
 according to it. It is only he that can adorn the doc- 
 trine of God his Saviour in all things. Happy then 
 is such a character who loves his God above all 
 earthly things, and who can say in the sincerity of 
 his soul, " whom have I in heaven but thee, and 
 there is none on earth I desire beside thee. Thou 
 art the strength of my heart and my portion for 
 ever." O that you and I may ever consider it as 
 our privilege, our duty, and happiness to devote 
 ourselves to his glory, and give ourselves up to his 
 service. And now let me give my friends a word of 
 advice, for indeed I wish well to your immortal 
 souls. Let me exhort you to be determined in the 
 strength of the Lord, to know nothing else but Je- 
 sus Christ and him crucified. Keep a watchful eye 
 against the many snares, that the world and Satan 
 lay for you, and earnestly pray to the Lord that he 
 may guide you into all truth, keep you from sin, 
 and give you grace to hold out to the end. You are 
 sensible that nothing but his blood can atone for sin, 
 that nothing but his grace can justify the soul, and 
 his spirit warm and animate the heart. Depend 
 upon him then, read his sacred word, attend his or- 
 dinances, and run with patience the race that is set 
 before you, looking unto Jesus, the author and fi- 
 nisher of your faith. That this may be your happy 
 case is the sincere prayer of, 
 
 " Your unworthv, but willing servant, 
 
 " C. B." 
 
2G4 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 No. XLII. 
 
 " Sheerness, Dec. 3, 1794. 
 " Dear Friend The recent dispensation of Pro- 
 vidence with which you have been exercised, ex- 
 cites me to send you a few lines, for though distant 
 from you, I cannot help thinking of the distressing 
 situation and heavy trial which the Lord hath been 
 pleased you should meet with, yet I hope not so 
 heavy but what he hath supported you under it, not 
 so distressing, but what he hath administered some 
 consolation in it! For you to feel, and that very 
 considerably, on such an occasion, is the peculiar 
 mark of tender parents. Indeed the trial is great; 
 the flower of youth was just beginning to unfold it- 
 self, and the blossom began to shed a sweet fra- 
 grance. Amiable, pleasant, and delightful to all 
 around; there your affections centred; there your 
 hopes were fixed; and often with fond pleasure did 
 you look upon the rising youth, and thought again 
 and again what comfort he would be to you in suc- 
 ceeding years. But lo! a worm at the root. The 
 tender bud nipped, and at once brought to the house 
 appointed for all living. Thus we see all flesh is 
 grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. 
 The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth 
 away. But I am almost ready to accuse myself of 
 cruelty, for opening the wounds afresh, and bring- 
 ing before you the object which you have deposited 
 in the silent grave. But, however, I cannot help ob- 
 serving, that as you had every reason to believe he 
 was one whom the Lord loved, that this should be 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 265" 
 
 irce of consolation in the midst of all. Taken 
 from the allurements of the world and the entice- 
 ments of sin, he is no more exposed to danger. You 
 will now have no anxious fears about his prosperity 
 in this world, no distressing thoughts about the diffi- 
 culties he might meet with here. Is it not an un- 
 speakable blessing to him, though a sore affliction 
 to you, that he is so soon taken away from the evil 
 to come. Nature, I know, must feel, and that very 
 sensibly too; however, let grace reign. Sorrow not 
 as those without hope; but look forward to that 
 blissful period, when you shall meet again. O what 
 pleasure will it be to meet those whom we loved 
 here on eardi, and never, no never to be separated 
 from them. Happy hour, when xve shall be called 
 away from all terrestrial things, to the enjoyment 
 not only of our dear friends gone before, but our 
 best and dearest friend, Jesus Christ. There we 
 shall see his face, celebrate his praises, admire his 
 wisdom, adore his goodness, and be transported 
 with his love for ever and ever. O, may we be 
 there, is my earnest prayer. I now remain, my dear 
 friends, 
 
 " Your unworthy servant, 
 
 "C. B." 
 
 No. XLIII. 
 
 " Sheerness, Dec. 6, 1794. 
 " I am happy that you have complied with my 
 -equest as to the time of writing to each other. I 
 pe the time will not be lost, and I am sure it will 
 Z 
 
 r 
 
266 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 not if religion be our main theme. What subject so 
 noble, so sublime, so useful, either to write or con- 
 verse about. Other subjects may have something 
 pleasing; but this affords entertainment and profit 
 connected, because it is that which hath relation to 
 the grand and immortal part, the soul. However in- 
 fidels may reject it on the one hand, and sceptics 
 doubt of its truth on the other, yet happy are we in 
 experiencing its power and tasting its sweetness. 
 Surely it is not a mere chimera, a delusory charm, 
 or false impression; but a solid, permanent, influen- 
 tial principle. It brings its own internal witness with 
 it, which, though it be denied by the voice, cannot 
 be destroyed by the power of the ignorant and wick- 
 ed man. I grant that what you and I may feel, will 
 not do to convince others without external evidence, 
 but it will do to support and animate our own souls. 
 And thousands, whose intellectual powers were ne- 
 ver very strong to reason upon the subject, have sub- 
 mitted to racks, tortures, pains, flames, and death, 
 merely from what they have felt. Religion then is 
 an inward, potent principle, or it is that which hath 
 its seat in the heart, and is attended with lively af- 
 fection after God, enjoyment of him, and impartial 
 obedience to him. And herein we may distinguish 
 it from the religion of the fancy, if I may so 
 speak,or that which is merely mechanical. Some, 
 when they hear a lively minister upon any pathetic 
 subject, are greatly moved for a while; perhaps it 
 may be the suffering of Christ. The minister de- 
 scribes it with all the powers of oratory, and sets it 
 forth with the most affecting language, the fancy 
 

 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 267 
 
 begins to paint out every scene, the passions are 
 agitated, and the person goes away exclaiming, 
 What an excellent minister, and what benefit he 
 has received; while, alas! his judgment is not at all 
 informed, nor his life at all amended. Thus many 
 deceive themselves, and think they are something 
 when they are nothing. But how different it is with 
 the real Christian. We do not say but what his af- 
 fections are often moved; but then his religion is not 
 built upon the fluctuating basis of his passions. No; 
 it hath its place in the heart, and its effect is evident 
 on the life. And this exactly corresponds with the 
 declarations of Jehovah, in respect to his people. 
 He does not barely say he will communicate know- 
 ledge to the mind, or make impressions upon the 
 understanding, that he will place before them the 
 beauties of creation, the wonders of providence and 
 redeeming grace, in order that these may affect the 
 mind. He goes farther, and is determinate, for he 
 says, " I will give them an heart to know me." 
 Jer. xxiv. 7. And, indeed, without this, every thing 
 beside would be abortive. But here it rests, " My 
 people shall be made willing in the day of my pow- 
 er." May this word have its accomplishment on 
 us, is my earnest prayer. My paper forbids my en- 
 larging, must therefore conclude, 
 tc And remain, &c. 
 
 C. B." 
 
2S8 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 No. XL1V. 
 
 Mrs, Keigxvin. 
 
 " Sheerness, December 11, 1794, 
 
 " Dear Sister, In your last letter you gave me 
 some little account of the exercises of your mind. 
 You say, that of all your foes, there is none so for- 
 midable as unbelief. Indeed nothing is so injurious 
 to the mind, so derogatory to the glory of God, and 
 so destructive to our comfort, as this: it is a corrupt 
 weed, hath its growth in a bad soil, and is congenial 
 to human depravity. I grant that there may be no 
 impropriety in disbelieving, when there is not proper 
 evidence, yea, we are not obliged to believe in any- 
 one, or any thing without it. The criminality of 
 unbelief, therefore, arises in proportion to the ful- 
 ness of the evidence of the truth we profess to be- 
 lieve in. Now, I suppose, the unbelief with which 
 vou are attacked is of this nature. You do not disbe- 
 lieve the existence of Deity, the harmony of his per- 
 fections, and the revelation of his will, which he hath 
 given to mankind in his word. No, the case is this; 
 you are convinced of the great depravity of your 
 heart, you are led to see what a sinner, what a back- 
 slider you have been, you view sin as an enormous 
 evil, and you feel it as an intolerable burden. In this 
 situation you are almost ready to conclude, that be- 
 cause God is infinitely glorious and holy, and you 
 such a depraved unworthv creature, that, therefore, 
 you are not, and never will be, the object of his love, 
 and the subject of his grace. Thus unbelief influ- 
 
REV.' CHARLES BUCK. 269 
 
 ences and distressed, while it dictates the painful 
 language, " The mercy of the Lord is clean gone 
 for ever." This is, I suppose, in a great measure 
 your case. Is it not? If it be net, I will not deceive 
 you. But if it be, then I would endeavour to say a 
 word by way of strengthening your weak hands, 
 and encouraging you against this potent enemy with 
 which you have to grapple. And, first, then remem- 
 ber that you are not alone in this conflict. Many who 
 have not the opportunity of conversing with others, 
 are ready to think that no one is subject to the 
 temptations and trials they are,* but if you were to 
 know what passes in my mind, and the dreadful fits 
 of unbelief I am sometimes in, you would no longer 
 wonder at yourself; and, indeed, many with whom I 
 have had the opportunity to converse, confess that 
 they have been exposed to the most powerful attacks 
 of unbelief, which have been cause of great grief to 
 them: but, as the bare recollection that others have 
 been in the same situation with yourself, will not 
 deliver you from it, I would proceed further to ad- 
 vise you, to search for the evidences of God's regard 
 to those who are made sensible of their sin, and de- 
 sire to cleave to Him only; and here we will produce 
 only one, " Unto this man wall I look, even unto 
 him that is of a poor and contrite spirit, and that 
 trembleth at my word." Isaiah lxvi. 2. Here then, 
 if you answer this description, you may rest. Here 
 is solid basis. Here is firm footing. Here is a de- 
 claration from the very God against whom you have 
 sinned. Here is sufficient evidence to convince you 
 (if applied by the Spirit) that however vile you have 
 Z 2 
 
-TO MEMOIRS Or THE 
 
 been, the Lord is willing to receive you. Is it 
 lawful then to doubt Him who is ever true; is it 
 right, after viewing such a declaration of his will, 
 to keep back and exclude ourselves from his mercy, 
 when he hath not done it. Certainly not. Goto him 
 then just as you are, and say, " Lord, I believe, help 
 ihou mine unbelief." Here stand fast, and never 
 give up till he shall be pleased to give you that faith 
 which shall bring glory to God, and comfort to your- 
 self. Wishing you much of his presence, I conclude, 
 and remain, 
 
 "Your affectionate brother and servant, 
 
 " C. B." 
 
 No. XLV. 
 
 Rev. T. Wills. 
 
 ** Sheerness, Kent, December 23, 1794- 
 " My Dear Sir, Some time ago I received your 
 letter, and thank you for the hint you dropped, lest 
 any thing should happen of that nature you mention. 
 I am glad you are able to go through your stated 
 work again with any degree of facility. I hope the 
 Lord will go on to restore your wonted health, that 
 vour animal frame may be strengthened, and above 
 all that you may enjoy the blessing of Him, in the 
 light of whose countenance is life, and whose favour 
 is as the cloud of the latter rain. If he be with us, 
 all will be well, whether we are in health or sickness, 
 prosperity or adversity, life or death; but without 
 him we can do nothing, enjoy nothing, or say no- 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 271 
 
 thing to any good purpose. The most abject situa- 
 tion is pleasant when he smiles, the most elevated, 
 miserable when he frowns. We are ready to sink 
 under the smallest trial, destitute of his presence; 
 but we can rejoice in the greatest, when he commu- 
 nicates to us his grace. Happy are those who see 
 themselves weak, that Christ may strengthen them, 
 that feel themselves as nothing, that Christ may be 
 all and in all unto them. Such will be able to dis- 
 cern his wisdom in all the dispensations of his pro- 
 vidence, and admire his wonderful love and unme- 
 rited kindness in the work of redemption, while they 
 are enabled to be submissive and patient in every 
 trial, happy and composed in every difficulty, thank- 
 ful for every cross as well as for every comfort, and 
 at list go off triumphantly to the world of glory 
 above. 
 
 " My kind respects, if you please, to Mrs. Wills 
 and MissThornhill, hope they are well. 
 " I remain, dear Sir, 
 " Your willing and humble servant, 
 
 "C.B." 
 
 No. XL VI. 
 
 Mr. Atkins, 
 
 " Sheerness, Kent, Ap. .1 25, 1795. 
 
 "I was much disappointed in not seeing you at 
 
 our friend's, Mr. Mayhew, the Thursday before I 
 
 left town I was so much hurried that I had not time 
 
 to call upon you. Mrs. Mayhew informed me you 
 
MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 were much indisposed in body, I hope this will ilnc 
 you perfectly recovered, and likewise happy in the 
 enjoyment of that prosperity of soul which is infi- 
 nitely preferable to health of body. We ought to be 
 thankful for either, but if we enjoy both together, 
 we ought to be peculiarly grateful, as these afford 
 the most solid and refined satisfaction mortal crea- 
 tures can experience while in this vale of tears. But, 
 however, these do not always attend each other. 
 Many have strong and healthy bodies, while their 
 precious and immortal souls are in the most mise- 
 rable and awful state, while on the other hand, ma- 
 ny whose animal frames are weak and tottering 
 upon the borders of the grave, have souls in the 
 most prosperous condition, all alive to God, enjoy- 
 ing the delightful and benign presence of Him, 
 whose prerogative alone it is to make his people 
 comfortable, either in body or soul. I hope my dear 
 friend knows what it is to enjoy communion with 
 Him. Many are the years you have sat under the 
 sound of the everlasting gospel, and many the mo- 
 ments you have experienced the love of God sensi- 
 bly shed abroad in your heart. You can bear a tes- 
 timony no doubt to this truth, that nothing is so 
 pleasant as to live a life of dependance upon God, a 
 life of fellowship with him, and a life of obedience 
 to him. This indeed, can only make us happy in 
 life, and yield us consolation in that hour when we 
 shall take leave of all terrene objects, and resign our 
 earthly tabernacles to the silent grave. 
 
 " Last Sabbath-day I preached at a place called 
 Town Sutton, near where Mr. Gambier preaches. 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 273 
 
 h is quite a new interest, and a pleasing prospect of 
 usefulness. I believe much good may be done in 
 such country places, were there but faithful labori- 
 ous ministers, who would consider it as their duty 
 and honour to go forth and preach the glad tidings 
 of the gospel of peace to poor sinners. I am going 
 this week, God willing, to preach at another place 
 where there is a desire to hear. Let me have an in- 
 terest in your prayers, that my stated labours at 
 home, and occasional labours elsewhere, may be 
 blessed to the good and conversion of many souls, 
 that I may not have reason to say, that I have la- 
 boured in vain, or spent my strength for nought. I 
 assure you, you are not forgotten by me. May the 
 blessing of the Lord be with and upon you, is the 
 earnest prayer of 
 
 u Your affectionate friend and servant, 
 
 C. B." 
 
 No. XLVII. 
 
 Rev* M. Castle don, 
 
 " Sheerness, May 22, 1795. 
 " Dear Friend This week I have been to Chat- 
 ham, to the ordination of our friend Slatterie. Mr. 
 Leggett, of Stroud, began the service with reading 
 and prayer; Mr. Brooksbank then said a few words, 
 and required the confession of faith, without asking 
 the usual questions; Mr. Simpson prayed the ordi- 
 nation prayer, and gave the charge; Mr. Shrubsole 
 concluded with prayer; and Mr. Hill preached in 
 
MI l THE 
 
 lnc evening. I pic, and I believe 
 
 II u;i I ,I,lr opportunity, at hast it was to me* 
 Sl " 1 ' IOC, I think, was not a had one, as 
 
 1 <li(1 that he omitted any of tin- princi- 
 
 pal articles that should In- brought forward on such 
 ion< Mi. Simpson's ordination prayer, I 
 think, ; i ever heard, Ik seemed 
 
 much affected, and prayed with great eai 
 
 III delivered bohii good things in his charge, which 
 1 hope I .sIkjII not Hm. iv. l 
 
 inclusive. Rfr. Hill's sermon t<> the people in 
 
 one. It was rather . 
 mon atf cUrum, than a >ij>nltim. Hi 
 
 was 2 Cor. iii. 5, 6. He- said main excellent things, 
 but Wl Ltd and so much to the point as he 
 
 should have been or. such an occasion; hut, you 
 know, he can take liberties which others must not. 
 
 " I think ordinations, when conducted with 
 
 , are aw ful, j el profitabl ns. Whai 
 
 be m< tnn, than to see a person set apai 
 
 the arduous work of preaching the everlasting 
 
 pel, in which, if he he not faithful, circumspect, and 
 tent, what dreadful consequences will follow: 
 yet, what more delightful, than to sec a man vo 
 all sordid and base, motives on the one hand, and 
 ill human applause en- reproach on the 
 other, willingly giving himself up in the presence of 
 Cod, and men, to the difficult, yet honour- 
 
 ahle sen ice- ol" the gospel ministry! O that we may 
 be so kept by the power, and so directed by the grace 
 of our God, as ever to keep his glory in view, and 
 rejoice in the happy prospect of doing good to im- 
 
REV. CHARJ i S BUCK. '2 7 . 
 
 mortal souls. Whatever others do, let it be oui 
 to study hard, pray hard, and labour hard For the 
 good of our fellow creatures. I think we shall not 
 have to complain on our dying da) that we have 
 
 lone too much for him who hath done so much for 
 
 us; but, in all probability, we shall have to n 
 
 that we have done so little. Let us not be discour- 
 
 t we meet with difficulties in the way. llu \ 
 
 will be all needful, and will not make us preach the 
 
 \ but the better. If our hearts he but in the 
 
 work, we may hope we shall have comfort in it slab; 
 for, as Baxter well observes,* 4 God si Ulom bl< 
 
 any man's Work SO much as his, whose heart 
 
 upon the success of it.' .Ma\ we be made faithful, 
 
 laborious, and active ministers of the Nr\\ I 
 
 ment, and be preserved from every snare, are m\ 
 ere pra\ i 
 u I remain your's sincerely in the gospel, 
 
 ". B." 
 
 No. XLVIII. 
 
 " Sheemest, Juhe 
 kw Dear Friend Youi's of the 17th instant I re 
 ived, and thank you lor the intelligence you have 
 iven me respecting the exhibition of the Hoxton 
 dents. I am sorry to hear that Mr. Foster is in 
 such an alarming situation, and should have been 
 more so, had I lived ih town, as 1 should have at 
 tended his ministry while he lived, as I have dune 
 
 ' Baxter's Reformed Pastor. 
 
 S.U 
 
276 MEMOIRS OF TUB 
 
 in time past. I know not of any minister in Lon- 
 don who has been made so useful to me as he. 
 Though I never considered him as one who posess- 
 ed any peculiar brightness of intellect, or strength of 
 thought, yet the faithful, simple, and experimental 
 manner of discussing his subject, always pleased 
 and profited me. Almost eight years ago, I heard 
 him preach at St. Antholin's, on the same text as 
 you mention, but he treated it differently to what 
 you heard him at Long Acre. Should he be spared 
 a little longer, I hope to have the pleasure to hear 
 him again, as I expect to be in town in August 
 next, God willing. You say nothing in your last of 
 your settling at Deal, but by your returning again I 
 suppose you intend it. If so, I hope and pray that 
 the Lord may make you the honoured instrument 
 of reviving the work in that place, and will give 
 you a word of advice, if you will take it from a 
 younger brother, and that is, be much in secret 
 prayer and habituate joursrlf to study, reading, &c. 
 I find that these things must be attended to, or a 
 variety cannot be kept up with any degree of life 
 and power. There is a great deal to do in a stated 
 congregation, and it needs much communion with 
 God, and knowledge of divine things, in order to 
 acquit ourselves with propriety. Study hard, and 
 pray often, therefore, in private, that you may be 
 owned of God, and remarkably blessed in your la- 
 bours in public. I would also have you pay some 
 attention to village preaching, if you can: much 
 good is done this way, both to ministers and people. 
 I have two little places here that I occasionally 
 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 277 
 
 preach at, and sometimes am able to speak with a 
 kind of liberty or freedom which I cannot always 
 do in large places. The simplicity of the people ex- 
 cites a minister to speak plainly and simply, and by 
 this means the Lord is often pleased to work upon 
 the hearts and open the eyes of poor sinners. 
 
 " You heard, I suppose, that the Independent 
 Ministers of the county of Kent held their associa- 
 tion at Strood, the tenth of this month. The minis- 
 ters were, Mr. Townsend, of Ramsgate; Mr. Ralph, 
 of Maidstone; Mr. Leggett, of Strood; Mr. 
 Cratchrode, of Gravesend; Mr. Hopkins, of Tun- 
 bridge; Mr. Muston, of Aston Berks; Mr. Slat- 
 terie, of Chatham; Mr. Beaufoy, of Town Sutton; 
 Mr. Goodwin, of Lenheim; and myself. I preached 
 from 2 Tim. i. 12., on the preceding evening. Mr. 
 Ralph preached in the morning on adoption, (and 
 what is singular to relate, he began his sermon, di- 
 vided his subject, and finished it, and absolutely 
 forgot to give out his text, which we found was, 
 1 John iii. 1.) Mr. Townsend preached in the 
 evening on justification, from Rom. v. 18. " Justi- 
 fication of life." On the whole it was a comfortable 
 day, and I hope productive of good. It was resolv- 
 ed, among other things, that a letter should be drawn 
 up and sent to the ministers and congregations in 
 Kent, to excite them to come forward to cor * e " 
 nance the des'ip^ *> propagating the gospr* in 
 reign par^f a copy of which letter I ^PP ose vou 
 have received by this time; but I - al not now en " 
 large on this business, as, per^P 8 ? vou eitner nave 
 heard, or will hear mo^ of it, most likelv, from 
 2 A 
 
278 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 Mr. Townsend, when you see him. Hoping you 
 are well in body, and happy in mind, I now re- 
 main, 
 
 " Your's, in the best bonds, 
 
 " C. B." 
 
 No. XLIX. 
 
 Mr, Boultoiu 
 
 u Sheerness, November 19, 1795. 
 
 My dear Friend Hope this will find you well, 
 
 enjoying every blessing peculiar to those who be- 
 long to the family of heaven, and living near to him 
 who died for you. This is the first question I ask 
 concerning you, because I know it is that which not 
 only should, but I believe is of the greatest import- 
 ance in your estimation. And, my dear friend, what 
 is so much to be desired by a child of God as pros- 
 perity of soul. Health of body, increase of know- 
 ledge, success in business, advancement in reputa- 
 tion in the world are comparatively nothing to the 
 welfare of the immortal part. To be increasing in 
 health of mind, gaining spiritual knowledge, suc- 
 ceeding in heavenly business, and rising in reputa- 
 *->n in the eyes of angels and saints; these acquire- 
 lneriv to the true Christian &* of the greatest mo- 
 ment, Wiq e ^ e anxiously desires tti** he may not 
 fall short ot ^ e m; and happy, truly hap Py i s he 
 who is so insens'i^ to a u terrestrial things as to 
 make these the con^nt objects of hia pursuit. 
 Such experience that peace * n their consciences, that 
 
. 
 
 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 279 
 
 happiness in their minds, which the attainment of 
 all other things could not produce. What a privi- 
 lege then if we have any disposition to seek after 
 these nobler objects. What a mercy that our foot- 
 steps are directed into this delightful path. O let 
 us be thankful to Him who is the author of all our 
 blessings, while we constantly look to and depend 
 upon him that he may grant us the continuance of 
 these favours, that our hearts may burn with great- 
 er zeal, be fired with more ardent love, and our 
 affections be taken from all worldly things and 
 placed above, even on Him who hath made us so 
 deeply indebted to Him. 
 
 " I know iJp not how it has been in your part, but 
 here we have had very high winds lately. We have 
 reason to be thankful however for preservation. 
 How easily can the Almighty dash every thing to 
 pieces! All the world to him is no more than an 
 atom to us! But happy for us in all the awful dis- 
 plays of his power, if we can put our trust under 
 the shadow of his wings. May we be his, and all 
 shall work together for our advantage and felicity, 
 I must now conclude, wishing you the best of bless- 
 ings. 
 
 " I remain, dear friend, 
 
 " Your's very affectionately, 
 
 C. B." 
 
280 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 No. L. 
 
 Mr. Atkins. 
 
 " Sheerness, December 1, 1795. 
 u My dear Friend Though absent from, yet I 
 cannot forget you; and as a proof of it I take up my 
 pen to write you a few lines, which I hope will find 
 you in the perfect enjoyment of bodily and spiritual 
 health. Through mercy we remain well, though 
 many in this part have been visited with sickness. 
 How were you in the late high winds? our house 
 was shaken much. Great damage was done here, 
 especially among the shipping. The frame of our 
 little chapel at Queenborough which was not cover- 
 ed in was completely blown off the foundation, and 
 much injured, but however we expect soon to get it 
 up again, but cannot tell exactly the time when it 
 will be ready for opening. I anticipate much in re- 
 gard to the work of the Lord there. Great things 
 have been done already, and what may we not ex- 
 pect when we have a proper place fitted up, when 
 many we hope w ill go, who will not be seen at our 
 preseut place. O that the Lord may make bare his 
 arm, and cause his report to be believed, that his 
 word may have free course, run and be glorified. 
 When I consider the usefulness of a Romaine, a 
 Berridge, and many other illustrious characters, it 
 excites in me a strong desire to go and do likewise; 
 and though I ever expect to be totally insignificant 
 when compared to them, yet would I consider it as 
 an honour, as one says, ' even to be an errand boy 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 281 
 
 for Christ.' To be useful to the souls of our fellow 
 creatures in any way, is doing them the greatest 
 service. To heal the disorders of the body, to re- 
 lieve the distresses of the indigent, to compassion- 
 ate the feelings of the miserable, to console the 
 minds of the afflicted, are indeed praiseworthy ac- 
 tions; but to be made an instrument of good to the 
 immortal soul is far more so: " as we have there- 
 fore opportunity let us do good unto all men, espe- 
 cially unto them who are of the household of faith, 
 ever remembering this truth that it is more honour- 
 able to be a converter of the soul, than a supporter 
 of the body." This is a truth which I believe my 
 good friend acquiesces in, and though not a public 
 speaker, yet I believe he is a private minister of the 
 gospel, and if compliments were not fulsome I 
 would say that he could point to many, who, having 
 been under his care, have profited much by the 
 efforts he hath made for their good. But I will dis- 
 miss this, to ask my friend how it is with himself 
 and the work of grace in his own soul? I will, in 
 imagination, place myself at his elbow to hear his 
 answer, and methinks it is this: That notwithstand- 
 ing all the difficulties in the way, all the changes he 
 has felt, and all the chastisements of his Father's 
 hand, yet he can say, " Lord, thou knowest all 
 things, thou knowest that I love thee." Happy the 
 man who can thus make his appeal to the Searcher 
 of Hearts, who can with a holy confidence say, that 
 of all objects, none are so delightful to him as Je- 
 sus; of all subjects, none so profitable to him as his 
 grace; of all people, none so near to him as his 
 2 A 2 
 
282 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 children, and of all privileges, none so great to him 
 as to be permitted to come into his presence. 
 This is a proof indeed, that such have their conver- 
 sation in heaven, and their affections fixed upon the 
 best things. If this be our case, what reason have 
 we to be thankful, that while so many thousands are 
 left to go on in the dangerous road of error and va- 
 nity, that we should have a disposition for better 
 things, that our feet should be directed into the way 
 of peace. Surely we may abundantly utter the me- 
 mory of his great goodness, and sing of his righte- 
 ousness. Let us then celebrate his marvellous kind- 
 ness, with hearts of gladness, lips of praise, and 
 lives of holiness, until we come to the full enjoy- 
 ment of it in glory. There we shall take up the 
 same subject, pursue it with renewed vigour, and 
 never be wearied in repeating the praises and ad- 
 miring the glories of Him who is the first and the 
 last, the fountain of all happiness, the author of all 
 grace, and the object of everlasting adoration. O 
 may we be there, is my earnest prayer. But I must 
 now conclude, wishing you the very best of bless- 
 ings for ever; I remain 
 
 " Your very sincere and willing servant, 
 
 " C. B." 
 
 Not LI. 
 
 " Sheerness, March 19, 1796. 
 " My dear Friend Your sister's letter in an- 
 swer to my last I received, and thank her for the 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 283 
 
 relation of Christian experience therein given. 
 Surely it is an unspeakable mercy when we have 
 anv reason whatever to conclude that the Lord hath 
 called us out of darkness into his marvellous light. 
 Whatever blessings and favours we are made the 
 participants of, to support us in time; this is one 
 which will extend throughout the countless ages of 
 eternity. It is therefore the mercy of mercies, under 
 the sense of which we ought always to live, and for 
 which we should be eternally grateful. But, alas! 
 how often do we lose sight of it, and how much do 
 the little insignificant things of time occupy our at- 
 tention, and rest upon our minds as if of vast im- 
 portance, while the more solemn and weighty con- 
 cerns of our immortal souls are too much neglected. 
 However, while we deplore our little spiritual mind- 
 dedness, and indisposition to attend constantly to 
 the things of God, yet, let us be thankful that c the 
 desire of our soul is to Him, and to the remembrance 
 of his name.' Even this is an evidence of life, and 
 where this once exists, not all the opposition of men, 
 or the corruption congenial to our own nature, shall 
 extinguish it. It is true we cannot expect absolute 
 holiness while in such an unholy world; but we 
 may expect divine grace to conquer our corruptions 
 and make our path shine brighter and brighter unto 
 the perfect day. Let us then, my friend, be sincere 
 in our dependance on, and earnest in our supplica- 
 tion to that God who will not break the bruised 
 reed or quench the smoking flax. Whatever we 
 neglect, let us not neglect to look to Him who is 
 the author and finisher of our faith. Let us cry to 
 
284 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 him, that our hopes may be brightened, our love 
 inflamed, our hearts enlarged, and our souls all on 
 fire to go forward in the divine life. 
 
 " I have lately been called aside from my public 
 work, by sickness of body, so that I have not 
 preached for near three weeks, but I have found it 
 good to be afflicted. Even in my pain God support- 
 ed me and let a drop of heaven into my soul. The 
 54th hymn in the 2d book of Dr. Watts was much 
 blessed to me, particularly this verse: 
 
 *' In darkest shades if he appear, 
 My dawning is begun; 
 He is my soul, sweet morning- star, 
 And he my rising- sun." 
 
 *' How kind is our indulgent God to be with his 
 people, while passing through the fire. O, this 
 makes afflictions sweet and profitable. Indeed, his 
 presence makes us happy in any situation, and in 
 any circumstances however outwardly distressing. 
 To have one smile from him, is of more value and 
 produces greater felicity than the approbation of all 
 the monarchs and emperors of the earth. O may 
 we always enjoy it. 
 
 u I promised to let you know when our chapel at 
 Queenborough would be opened. It is fixed for 
 Good Friday next. Mr. Shrubsole will preach in 
 the morning, and I shall preach in the evening, God 
 willing. There is a stir among them. Have every 
 reason to believe the Lord is at work. May he 
 speed the gospel plough. 
 
 " You no doubt heard some time ago, that the 
 
 

 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 
 
 Lord has given, or rather lent me a son. Pray for 
 me that I may be enabled (should he live) to make 
 a good use of him; I mean to devote him to the Lord. 
 Mrs. Buck and he are both well, through mercy. 
 Mrs. B. desires to be kindly remembered to you, 
 and your sister. I must now conclude, wishing you, 
 my dear friend, the enjoyment of his blessing, 
 whose presence is life, and whose favour is as the 
 cloud of the latter rain; 
 
 " And remain your's very sincerely, 
 
 "C. B." 
 
 No. LII. 
 
 " Sheerness, June 14, 1796. 
 " Was happy to hear that you were received into 
 Mr. Wall's church, and very happy on this con- 
 sideration, that one, however, of oar family beside 
 myself, was joined to the people of the Lord, and 
 as it were publicly devoted to him; the consideration 
 so affected me, that I could scarce forbear weeping. 
 Othat it were so with all the rest, for whom I can- 
 not, do not, cease to pray. However, may you al- 
 ways be sensible of the honor and privilege you are 
 now admitted to, and the obligation you are under, 
 to live to the glory of God, by adorning his doc- 
 trine in all things. O, love and adore Him, who 
 hath done such great things for you! To have a 
 portion with God's people, to have a place in his 
 church, is far greater dignity and felicity, than if 
 you were advanced to the highest pitch of worldly 
 glory. Let me then exhort you, to live mindful of 
 
286 MEMOIRS OE THE 
 
 your privilege, constantly attending to his ordi- 
 nances, meditating on his sacred word with a firm 
 dependance upon Him for all, and you will find in- 
 deed those words to be true, that the ways of wis- 
 dom are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths 
 peace. May you find them so, is the earnest praver 
 of, 
 
 " Your affectionate brother, 
 
 " C. B." 
 
 The steps which led to his removal, Mr. Buck 
 describes in the following extracts from his nar- 
 rative. 
 
 " Notwithstanding the kindness of many of the 
 people at Sheerness, yet, being a time of war, many 
 of the hearers belonging to the dock-yard, were em- 
 ployed of a Sabbath-day for months together. This 
 so thinned the congregation, morning and afternoon, 
 thst I could not help bearing my testimony against 
 what I thought to be the violation of the Sabbath- 
 day. I found, however, there was no remedy. I 
 therefore made up my mind to quit, and gave no- 
 tice that I should leave at the end of six months. I 
 had many intreaties to stay, but I could not be 
 satisfied, as it regarded the constant working on the 
 Sabbath-day. 
 
 w Mr. Shrubsole was taken suddenly ill and died. 
 Of his character I have spoken before. The people 
 made great lamentations over him, considering him 
 as the father of the cause in that place, and had 
 resided among them highly respected for so many 
 
REV. CHARLES *UCK. 287 
 
 years. The streets were lined with people to see his 
 funeral; it seenled as if all had left their habi- 
 tations to behold a father carried to the grave, who 
 had been so useful among them. The Rev. Rowland 
 Hill preached his funeral sermon, to a very large 
 auditory at the chapel, from Heb. iv. 6. I was now 
 requested to take the whole charge, but I felt the 
 same reason for declining it as before. 
 
 " Determining to leave Sheerness, my intention 
 was made known to the Rev. John Eyre, of Hack- 
 ney, who was about to retire from his school, and 
 wished to find some suitable person to succeed him, 
 and likewise to assist him occasionally at his chapel. 
 We had a meeting, and the business was soon set- 
 tled; and when my time was up at Sheerness, we 
 finally removed from thence, to Well Street, Hack- 
 ney, the present residence of the Rev. George 
 Coliison. 
 
 " Before I quite left Kent, I preached at the As- 
 sociation of Ministers at Tunbridgc, on the subject 
 of repentance; at the ordination of Mr. Gooding, at 
 Lenham, I preadied to the people, from 1 Thess. 
 v. 12, 13; and, finally, at Sheerness, took my leave, 
 from Heb. xiii. 22. The people seemed much af- 
 fected. As many important considerations enter the 
 mind in first undertaking a particular charge, so 
 there ought to arise some reflections on leaving it. 
 What is the motive that induces me to change? Is it 
 from a restless disposition; a desire to get rid of 
 difficulties;* a wandering spirit; a love of change; 
 
 * I was once accosted by a minister whom I did not know. 
 
288 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 or, from a real desire to do more good, and to glo- 
 rify God more? How have I preached during my 
 stay? Have I been faithful, keeping nothing back, 
 not shunning to declare the whole counsel of God, 
 or have I given dissatisfaction, by trimming and 
 endeavouring to please men, aiming to exhibit my- 
 self rather than the cross of Christ? Have I paid at- 
 tention to my studies, improved time, cultivated 
 my talent, and made any advances in spiritual know- 
 ledge; or have I been chargeable with negligence 
 and slothfulness, spending the time in useless visits, 
 when I should have been in the study? Have I been 
 willing to listen to the tales of woe, to visit the 
 sick, to sympathise with the wretched, and to do 
 good to all; or have I been seeking my own gratifi- 
 cation, studying my own ease, neglecting oppor- 
 tunities of usefulness, and living only for myself? 
 
 t( Sir," said he, " I shall never forget hearing you once in Lon- 
 don; I lived in the north of England, and in a situation where I 
 met with a good many trials; I thought London a fine place, 
 and that if I could settle there I should be more happy: I ac- 
 cordingly went, and thought first of all I would go and hear 
 different ministers with which the metropolis abounded. Among 
 the rest I found my way to Wilson Street Chapel, when you 
 were preaching; during your sermon yon made an observation 
 something like this: ' That we often imagine by changing our 
 situation we get rid of our trials; but we forget that God has a 
 furnace for his people in every place, let them go where they 
 will; and that, if we get out of one we shall soon get into ano- 
 ther.* Is this true, thought I to myself; then there must be a 
 furnace in London as well as elsewhere. I will immediately go 
 back again and endeavour to be satisfied." He accordingly went 
 back to his former situation. A word spoken in due season, how 
 good it is. 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 289 
 
 How have I acted in private company? Have I 
 sought their spiritual welfare, dropped useful hints, 
 shown attention to children, and left a sweet savour 
 of seriousness behind; or have I manifested a levity 
 of spirit, and henceforth to be remembered as an 
 excellent man in the pulpit, but a buffoon in corn- 
 pan} 7 ? In a word, has my conduct been such, that 
 the cause has not been injured by it, have I left 
 no stigma, brought no reproach, entered into no 
 quarrels, but been of a meek and lowly spirit? Can 
 it be said on parting, that the friends surround me 
 with affection, and say, Well, though we cannot 
 have your ministry, we hope to have your prayers, 
 and in return you shall ever have ours; or, on the 
 contrary, is it said by the people, We rejoice that 
 he is gone; his temper was so indifferent, his conver- 
 sation so uninteresting, his preaching so superficial, 
 that no one will lament his departure? Such ought 
 to be our reflections, and happy are those ministers 
 whose consciences have been kept void of offence, 
 and through grace, have been so enabled to act as 
 to leave a good name behind them. 
 
 2 B 
 
290 MEM0IR3 OF THE 
 
 CHAP. IV, 
 
 The Settlement of Mr. Buck at Hackney. His Re- 
 moval to London. His various Labours, Publica- 
 tions, and Death. 
 
 Of Mr. Buck it may be truly said, that "he 
 worked while it was day." He merely exchanged 
 one scene of labour for another. To be useful, and 
 to the full extent of the talents committed to his 
 trust, was his invariable endeavour. His friends, 
 however, cannot but regret the necessity which 
 compelled him to exhaust his strength and spirits 
 in .'he care of a school, while he was engaged in the 
 ministry of the gospel. Until a more liberal provi- 
 sion is made for dissenting ministers, many must 
 be thus sacrificed, or tempted to form unsuitable 
 connexions in life for the sake of independence, 
 which are most injurious to their characters and 
 usefulness. On this subject I could various tales 
 unfold, that would chill the ardour of many a youth- 
 ful candidate for the sacred office; when a man is 
 absolutely in the power of a congregation, a thou- 
 sand circumstances of daily occurrence will force 
 upon him a painful sense of his dependance, and if 
 to avoid this he undertakes a seminary, he virtually 
 relinquishes the ministry: and if he can so far de- 
 grade himself as to turn {i fortune-hunter," and 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 291 
 
 Larry a wife for her money, he may thus purchase 
 the smiles and congratulations of the worldly part 
 of his flock, who feel a double satisfaction, first, 
 that they need not subscribe so much, that an in- 
 crease of family will not lay them under an obliga- 
 tion to increase the means of his support; and, se- 
 condly, that their pastor is a man of property. A 
 mighty and most imposing consideration! while 
 he, poor man, has linked his destiny with an ideot, 
 or some awkward piece of deformity, or a shrew 
 who every moment reminds him, that to obtain 
 " filthy lucre," he has planted " a thorn in his flesh," 
 which must rankle there as long as " they both shall 
 live." 
 
 Without further remark I shall now introduce 
 Mr. Buck as his own biographer, to the close of his 
 narrative; the last pages of whieh are evidently 
 written with a weak and trembling hand. It appears 
 to have been the last effort of his mind, and displays 
 the energy of his principles, and the unabated ardor 
 of his zeal. 
 
 " 1797. I now succeeded Mr. Eyre in taking the 
 charge of a large boarding school at Hackney. 
 This I found to be a very important undertaking, as 
 all will find who engage in it; requiring great atten- 
 tion, much labour, good health and spirits, invinci- 
 ble patience, a knowledge of the diversified powers 
 and capacities of youth, a happy art of adapting 
 ideas to the juvenile mind, a fixed plan of govern- 
 ment and discipline, a determination never to be 
 hurt by the little tales sometimes carried home to 
 the parents, a real love for children, as also a plea- 
 
292 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 sure in the communication of knowledge to them. 
 These and many other qualifications are necessary 
 if we wish to succeed, indeed we should hardly have 
 any thing else to do, 
 
 u I began to think, however, that though I had 
 now no settled charge as a pastor, it would be 
 wrong for me not to exercise my talents on a Sab- 
 bath-day, where I might be called. Besides helping 
 Mr. Eyre occasionally, I soon had numerous ap- 
 plications from various places in and about the me- 
 tropolis. In going to preach at one of these, I met 
 with some degree of encouragement from a circum- 
 stance related to me by the gentlemen, managers of 
 the place. They had been to visit a man in the 
 neighbourhood who was dangerously ill, the ac- 
 count he gave of himself was, I believe, nearly as 
 follows: He had been a seafaring man, but being 
 in London, he was one day passing through Silver 
 Street, and seeing a gateway that seemed to lead to 
 something like a place of worship, he thought with- 
 in himself, c I am shortly going to sea, I shall per- 
 haps never have another opportunity, I'll go in.* I 
 happened at that time to be the preacher. During 
 the course of the sermon something that was said 
 struck him so very much, that he was determined 
 to enquire the name of the preacher, which he ob- 
 tained, and which it seems he never entirely forgot. 
 He went soon, however, to sea, not thinking much 
 about the word preached. He made his voyage and 
 returned. Soon after he was was laid upon the bed 
 of sickness. Now he began to recollect and seriously 
 to consider, but still he was very ignorant. In this 
 

 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 293 
 
 situation the gentlemen above referred to saw him: 
 they had much conversation and prayer with him; 
 he confessed how ignorant he was, and how negli- 
 gent he had been, but there was a religion that he 
 liked, and that was what he once heard a Mr. Buck 
 preach at Silver Street Chapel. The gentlemen were 
 glad to hear this, they had now something to work 
 upon, they followed up their visits, convictions were 
 deepened, knowledge increased, and at last before he 
 died he gave evident testimony that God was with 
 him. He died very happy, and one of his last ex- 
 pressions was this, 1 1 now take my cable and fix it 
 on my anchor, Jesus, and go through the storm,' or 
 words nearly to that effect. But what makes this 
 circumstance more interesting is, that the landlord 
 of the house was himself brought under serious im- 
 pressions, by listening at the door to hear what was 
 going on between this man and the visitors. 
 
 M Notwithstanding my school, it was thought de- 
 sirable by some of my friends to obtain a place, if 
 possible, where I should more constantly preach. 
 The chapel in Princes Street, Moorfields, was to be 
 disposed of. It was obtained, and opened December 
 3, 1797. The Rev. Thomas Bryson preached in the 
 morning, and I addressed the congregation after- 
 noon and evening. The place on the whole was well 
 attended, and future events have proved that I was 
 not directed there in vain. 
 
 " I opened also a Week-day Lecture in the large 
 hall at my own house at Hackney. This was ex- 
 ceedingly well attended, and I have reason to believe 
 the divine blessing attended the word. 
 2 B 2 
 
294 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 u In former days Surry Chapel often used to be 
 the place of my resort, and I may truly say, if ever 
 I enjoyed any thing of the presence of God, it has 
 been at this place, under the ministry of our truly 
 respected and venerable friend, Mr. Hill. I was 
 now called to preach there on a Sabbath evening, to 
 an immensely large congregation. This was affecting 
 to me, as it reminded me of former times, and I was 
 happy to bear my public testimony in a place where 
 I had formerly enjoyed so much. 
 
 41 The congregation increasing much at Princes 
 Street, many were anxious to have the ordinances 
 administered. They wished that some kind of society 
 or church 'should be formed. Accordingly several 
 persons came forward who were thought to be suita- 
 ble characters, and the Rev. Joseph Brooksbank 
 with myself attended the meeting, a plan of church 
 government was read, a solemn address given, and 
 the whole committed by earnest prayer and suppli- 
 cation to the blessing of God. 
 
 " During the vacation I made a little excursion 
 for the benefit of my health. I first went to Farn- 
 ham, where I had the pleasure of seeing some of 
 my old friends; from thence to Southampton, where 
 I was kindly received by that respectable and 
 worthy minister, Mr. Kingsbury; from thence to 
 Portsmouth, and Brighton, where I had an oppor- 
 tunity of hearing rather a quaint, but still excellent 
 sermon by Mr. Caldwell, from Psalm cxxx. 6, a 
 sermon I think I shall never forget. At Lewes I 
 went to hear the curious Huntingdon Jenkins, I 
 think as much like Mr. Huntingdon in manner and 
 

 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 295 
 
 mode of preaching as any man I ever heard, except 
 that he has not Huntingdon's memory; but he soon 
 discovered the same spirit as the man whom he so 
 much resembled. His prayer, if it might be so called, 
 had no petition in it, but consisted in making decla- 
 rations, and telling God Almighty something he had 
 not known before. I sat just before him, and whe- 
 ther he thought I was a clergyman or not, I cannot 
 tell, but he fulminated most vehemently against car- 
 nal ministers, with a spirit rather of triumph than 
 with an air of pity. From thence I proceeded to 
 Croydon and London, and resting a day or two, set 
 off for Cambridge and Newmarket. Here I did not 
 stay long; for expecting an event at home, I return- 
 ed, and in a day or two had an accession to my fa- 
 mily of a third child; this, however, did not survive 
 but a fortnight. This was a trial I never felt before. 
 Perhaps no one knows what it is to lose a child, but 
 those who have experienced it; when taken thus so 
 young from a world of sin and trouble, perhaps it is 
 wrong to grieve as some do; herein should be the 
 language of submission. c The Lord gave, and the 
 Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the 
 Lord.' 
 
 " But death comes to all ages; shortly after I com- 
 mitted to the grave one more advanced, the daugh- 
 ter of Joseph Reyner, Esq.* and preached her fu- 
 
 * I cannot pass here, without paying- respect to a name worthy 
 to be recorded. He wants it not; hut if he who makes eren a 
 blade of grass to grow where it did not before benefit society, 
 what shall we say of him, who for years has employed himself in 
 visiting the abodes of the wretched, distributing an immense 
 
296 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 neral sermon at Kingsland Chapel, from 2 Kings, iv. 
 26. ' It is well.' 
 
 " But death comes to all classes. The Rev. Tho- 
 mas Bryson, who lodged in my house at Hackney, 
 and boarded with us, was taken ill. He was desirous 
 of trying a friend's house near his meeting, where 
 he languished till the 24th of April, 1799, leaving 
 all his household furniture in my possession. His 
 funeral was respectably attended. His funeral ser- 
 mon was preached at the New Road meeting, by the 
 Rev. John Townsend, and I endeavoured also to 
 improve it at Princes Street Chapel. I was request- 
 ed to draw up his epitaph, which may be seen on 
 his tomb, as likewise a sketch of his character, 
 which was published in the Evangelical Magazine. 
 I felt great affection for him, and living with me 
 for a time, we spent many happy moments together. 
 Though rather irritable in his temper, yet there was 
 a conscientiousness about him that was well worthy 
 to be imitated. He was very faithful in the pulpit 
 and out of it. I never knew a man so little afraid of 
 giving reproof when he thought it necessary. 
 
 u Having, as before stated, been always fond of 
 the pen from a child, so I never lost the delight 
 which I first experienced. After I came to the know- 
 ledge of the truth, I began immediately selecting 
 and transcribing from various authors in divinity. 
 This I carried on also while a student, and long af- 
 
 mimber of tracts, projecting useful plans, countenancing useful 
 societies, and always stretching out his hand to relieve the suf- 
 ferings of humanity, or contributing to the propagation of the 
 everlasting gospel. 
 
REV* CHARLES BUCK. 297 
 
 irwards; so that I have filled a number of common 
 place books of various sizes. Among the rest, I had 
 collected a number of anecdotes, merely for my own 
 profit and entertainment. This volume I happened 
 to show to Mr. Bryson, who thought it very desira- 
 ble to publish it, if the anecdotes were but properly 
 arranged, and some improvement made to each. 
 Here then I began my authorship. I set to work, 
 and this summer published the first volume of my 
 anecdotes; the first copy of which that came from 
 the press I presented to my mother, as a token of 
 filial affection and regard. This work, in an improv- 
 ed state, with an additional volume,^ I have great 
 reason to be thankful, has met with a pretty general 
 circulation; and from the effects produced, I have 
 never had any reason to lament taking the advice of 
 my above-mentioned friend. My design was to blend 
 cheerfulness with piety; to show in some characters 
 the deformity of vice, that the reader might be de- 
 terred from it, and in general, that industry, learn- 
 ing, morals, and religion, place men in a higher si- 
 tuation, and secure more happiness, than can possibly 
 be found in any other state, where ignorance reigns, 
 where sloth is indulged, morality neglected, and re- 
 ligion despised. Some they have caused to weep, 
 others they have made smile; but if by this publica- 
 tion I have contributed in any degree to enliven the 
 family circle, to add a little to that repository of this 
 nature which ministers and others delight to carry 
 
 * A third volume has been published since his death by Gale 
 and Fennei*. 
 
298 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 about with them; if the relations therein contained 
 have strengthened the faith of any in Divine Provi- 
 dence; if any young persons have received any im- 
 pression, or gathered any thing from it to stimulate 
 to honesty, virtue, and religion; then will I rejoice, 
 and to God I desire to give all the glory. 
 
 u This was my first child in my literary family; 
 though I have now to record the introduction of 
 another of a different kind. 
 
 "Samuel, my fourth child, was born September 
 21, 1799, and baptized at Princes Street Chapel, by 
 the Rev. Dr. Simpson, October 27, following, and 
 we had great reason for gratitude, as it was a time 
 very severe and distressing; but divine goodness in- 
 terposed, and prayer was answered. 
 
 " But how great and sudden oftentimes are the 
 changes in a family. One is born, another dies. 
 What is this but a striking picture of the world at 
 large. Every hour multitudes entering, every hour 
 multitudes departing. My mother who resided with 
 me at this time, was taken ill, and died. Besides 
 me, she had two sons, who unhappily both of them 
 turned out wild. It was a consolation to her, that I 
 had been preserved, and that she had to spend her 
 last days in peace, and with a child of whom she 
 once said in her letters, " that she was happy in 
 having one boy for the Lord." It afforded me also 
 as much happiness in the recollection that my letters 
 to her in past time, when she lived at a distance, had 
 been the means of impressing her own mind with a 
 deeper concern about divine things. Her death was 
 improved, according to her desire, from Psalm 
 
 

 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 299 
 
 vX\ i. 6. At the time of her death, I was preparing 
 my Theological Dictionary. It was not a little sin- 
 gular, that I had just finished the article funeral rites, 
 and the next I had to begin after her interment, was 
 future state. 
 
 " But what a world of deaths, of sorrows, and 
 of accidents in this. A member of my church, a Mr. 
 Alexander, in attempting to go from one ship to 
 another in the River Thames, the rope by which he 
 held, suddenly giving way, he immediately fell into 
 the river, and was not seen to rise again. The tide 
 running strong every effort to save him was unsuc- 
 cessful. His body lay in the water upwards of six 
 days, when he was at last found by a waterman. 
 Here then was a sudden transition from earth to 
 heaven! The night before his death he was heard in 
 prayer to utter these words, 
 
 
 Why should we start and fear to die, 
 What timorous worms we mortals are; 
 
 Death is the gate of endless joy, 
 And yet we dread to enter there." 
 
 " In the morning the family met as usual for wor- 
 ship. The hymn that was sung was the 42d of 1st 
 Book of Dr. Watts, 'Adore and tremble for our 
 God,' &c. which being of a very awful nature, he 
 mentioned to one near him, that his mind was very 
 solemnly affected with it. It was not less remarka- 
 ble also that while he sat at breakfast that last morn- 
 ing, he said, i that he longed to be in heaven.' His 
 wishes were realized before night, as there was rea- 
 
300 MEMOIRS or THE 
 
 son to believe he was truly a good man. I improved 
 his death to a large congregation at Princes Street 
 Chapel, from Job. xxiv. 22. ' No man is sure of life.' 
 " At the close of this year, being the close of the 
 century; I thought it, as many others did, a subject 
 worthy of improvement. On the last sabbath even- 
 ing, therefore, I preached a sermon at Princes Street 
 Chapel, entitled, ' The Close of Eighteenth Cen- 
 tury improved, in which the most remarkable reli- 
 gious events of the last hundred years are consider- 
 ed.' It was afterwards published, and was my second 
 appearance in a public dress. Having spoken highly 
 of the Humane Society, they kindly gave me an in- 
 vitation to attend their public anniversary. On every 
 gentleman's plate was a paper, in which I found 
 among the rest, an extract from my sermon. 
 After dinner many of the persons who had been re- 
 stored during the year were introduced, they walked 
 round the room with a bible under their arms, while 
 the music played in the most gentle, soft, and pleas- 
 ing manner. I scarcely ever beheld a sight more in- 
 teresting and affecting. It drew tears from my eyes, 
 to see greyheaded old men, aged women, young 
 persons, women with infants in their arms, all of 
 whom were happily rescued from a watery grave, 
 by means of this institution. I could not help retir- 
 ing and saying within myself; if that be an invalua- 
 ble institution, which saves the bodies of so many 
 from destruction, what must that noble plan be 
 which has for its object the salvation of immortal 
 souls. And if those who are actively employed in 
 using every exertion for the safety of the human bo- 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 301 
 
 dy, are to be considered as characters highly worthy 
 of honour and respect; how then are they to be es- 
 teemed, who spend their whole lives, and use their 
 utmost efforts to save souls. He then who saves the 
 body is humane, but he, saith Solomon, who win- 
 neth souls is wise. 
 
 " February 16, 1801, An addition was made to 
 my family by a fifth child; a daughter, whom I 
 dedicated to God in baptism at Princes Street Cha- 
 pel. An account of this amiable and happy child 
 will be found in its place, as she was not spared to 
 dwell in this vale of tears more than eight years 
 and six months. 
 
 " This year, unknown to me, I was chosen 
 one of the directors of the Missionary Society. A 
 society always dear to me, from the first of its com- 
 mencement. Its object so grand, its plan so uncon- 
 trolled and liberal. Its constituents men, almost of 
 all parties or denominations. Its directors so active 
 and disinterested, that I truly thought it an honour to 
 be enrolled among them. For the first eight or ten 
 years I was enabled to attend the different meetings 
 for business, and which I did with great pleasure. 
 But I regret that through repeated indisposition, I 
 have been prevented from filling up my place as 
 formerly. 
 
 " It must afford pleasure to every one who loves 
 the cause to find, that notwithstanding all the op- 
 position the society has met with, and the difficulties 
 with which it has had to encounter, that it is in a 
 state of the greatest prosperity. I cannot help ob- 
 serving here, that I look upon this institution as one 
 
 2 e 
 
302 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 of the most valuable ever formed in Great Britain. 
 I say nothing to the disparagement of other societies 
 engaged before or since in the same work; God be 
 praised for them. But this society is founded on so 
 noble and broad a basis, that it looks with an aus- 
 picious eye on all mankind, without any design 
 whatever to form a sect, or to enlist under a party. 
 A society that has warmed the hearts of thousands 
 upon thousands at home. A society whose delightful 
 influence, under God, has been extensively felt 
 abroad. A society that has promoted Christian 
 unity among ministers and others in a manner per- 
 haps not to be paralleled. A society I rejoice to say, 
 that has been the fruitful mother of a numerous 
 offspring, now rising up not only to be a blessing to 
 Great Britain, but shedding their happy influences 
 in many a wilderness and solitary place. A society 
 that has called forth into action, the energies, ser- 
 vices, zeal, and talents of numbers who were before 
 in comparative obscurity; and that not to act on a 
 contracted but grand scale. A society that has ex- 
 cited a spirit of prayer and reverberated in the 
 sound of praise throughout the nation in a most 
 pleasing degree. A society which I pray may still 
 exist and prosper in union with all other institutions 
 of the same kind, until the great work be accom- 
 plished and all the ends of the earth see the salva- 
 tion of God. And when this hand of mine that now 
 writes these lines shall lie mouldering in the dust, 
 if any one should ask who Charles Buck was, let it 
 be answered that he was one who was a decided 
 friend, and most warmly attached to the Missionary 
 Society. 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 303 
 
 iv This year I visited Bristol a fourth time. The con- 
 gregations both here and at Kingswood, are as large, 
 if not larger than when I was here before. Though 
 the harmonious voice and the amazing powers of 
 the great founder of these places can no more be 
 witnessed within these walls, yet the glory is not de- 
 parted. The good done, the various societies form- 
 ed, and the hundreds of children now under 
 instruction, would have rejoiced his heart could he 
 have foreseen it. Bristol, like London, is a highly 
 favoured place, where there are valuable ministers 
 to preach, and multitudes pressing to hear the gkn 
 rious gospel. 
 
 a This year I was chosen one of the committee 
 and contributors of the Evangelical Magazine. A 
 publication well known, aud however discarded by 
 some, has been one grand instrument of carrying on 
 the work of God in this country. If it be not a 
 repository for critical and literary researches, for 
 which indeed it never was designed, yet it must be 
 acknowledged that the useful matter it contains, its 
 peculiar cheapness, the intelligence it communicates, 
 the noble end to which the profits are appropriated, 
 and the good it is productive of, render it a work 
 worthy of countenance. Multitudes living in insular 
 situations who have no opportunities of mixing 
 much with society; many confined in chambers of 
 pain and sickness, and even some on a dying bed, 
 are telling the moments when the messenger shall 
 arrive to convey to them a work which presents to 
 them information, not only as to what is going on at 
 home, but in all the various parts of the world; and 
 
504 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 such has been the rapid march of truth since the 
 time of its commencement, that it becomes a hun- 
 dred times more interesting than it was at its begin- 
 ning. We have a vast variety of periodical publica- 
 tions in the present day, and the more the better, if 
 they tend to check vice, counteract infidel produc- 
 tions and do good. Some may excel in critical 
 learning, others in metaphysical reasoning, some in 
 able reviews, and others in beautiful language and 
 elegant diction; yet however excellent their claims, 
 it is certain the Evangelical may at least mingle in 
 the happy circle, and in her turn be heard. And if 
 she cannot say what some can, this I think she may 
 be allowed to declare, * I have been eyes to the 
 blind, and feet to the lame. I have been a father to 
 the poor, and have caused the xvidow^s heart to sing' 
 fir joijS 
 
 " I should have mentioned before that my preach- 
 ing concerns are increasing; I found that my school 
 and so much preaching became too laborious, and 
 that I must either abridge the one or the other. I 
 resolved to remove nearer town and take only a few, 
 which I accordingly did, but finding the church to 
 increase, and many avocations beside, with a very 
 ill state of health, I renounced my seminary alto- 
 gether with the exception of one whom I retained 
 with me for a time. 
 
 "January 8, 1802. The various societies in 
 London at this period began wonderfully to revive. 
 From the time that the Missionary Society was 
 established it seems as if a new impulse had 
 been givers to the religious world. Improvements, 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 305 
 
 enlargements in old institutions, many new ones 
 daily forming, solicitations were made for sermons 
 for one, countenance for another, committees for 
 another. Those ministers and gentlemen of an ac- 
 tive turn who reside in London and its vicinity, 
 know pretty well from experience, what incessant 
 calls there have been, and still are, to attend the 
 different but admirable institutions in the metropo- 
 lis. Some men are fitted for the study, others for 
 public services. I thought a little of both was best, 
 and that one was delightfully prepared for the other. 
 Too much I found would not do for my weak consti- 
 tution, I was therefore obliged to keep back from 
 several important things in which I was requested 
 to engage. The committee at Hoxton College wish- 
 d to put me on their list. I knew not how to re- 
 use the claims of my Alma Mater, and therefore 
 became one of the number. It is a fault in us per- 
 haps to engage in more than we can actually per- 
 form. A few men may be found of such strength of 
 constitution, such diversified talents, such prompt- 
 ness of thought, such capability of adapting them- 
 selves to almost every useful object, that nothing- 
 comes amiss to them; they are a kind of universal- 
 tsts in active exertions for the good of mankind. 
 But these are but few, and those of a liberal spirit, 
 who cannot do what they would, must be satisfied to 
 do what they can. I have always thought it, and O 
 that the rising ministry may always think it an 
 honour to be employed for God, whether it be with 
 one, or whether it be with ten talents. Standing in 
 the midst of a delightful and charming circle of re* 
 2 C 2 
 
306 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 ligious and benevolent institutions in this great city, 
 my soul has burnt to grasp them all. But this can 
 only be done by desire and prayer for their welfare. 
 The field is so wide, the objects so numerous, and 
 the time required so much, that some prudence is 
 required even here, lest in a benevolent career we 
 run so fast, as to kick our feet against a stone, and 
 thus impede our future exertions. I cannot but re- 
 mark, however, here, that with all due deference to 
 the ministers of God in the past age for their learn- 
 ing, solidity, talents, judgment, and usefulness, it 
 is for this age that the Almighty seems to have 
 reserved the honour of more extensive exertions. 
 Many of our forefathers had hardly any thing of a 
 public nature to call them out of their studies; but 
 now a zealous minister can hardly sit in his study, 
 at all, for the imperious calls of open and public 
 benevolence, inviting him to active and repeated 
 exertions in the sacred cause. 
 
 " But to return to the last Committee I have re- 
 ferred to, and which I have attended generally ever 
 since, I have found to be a very important and re- 
 sponsible one. The examination of candidates, the 
 discrimination to be made, the fidelity demanded, 
 and yet the tenderness to be exercised, require no 
 small attention. But nothing has been more gratify- 
 ing, than to consider the number of applications for 
 admission. It is truly pleasing, not only as it re- 
 gards this, but many other institutions of the same 
 kind, to observe how God is raising up and sending 
 forth labourers into his vinevard. The number of 
 young men, who have been introduced into the 
 

 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 30J 
 
 d 
 
 : 
 
 ministry of late years, is a delightful consideration. 
 New chapels are erected; old ones are repaired; 
 small ones are enlarged; the gospel introduced into 
 many places where it was not before; so that we 
 may rejoice in the prospect of increasing good being- 
 done in every direction. 
 
 " But to proceed: the cause went on very pros- 
 perously at Princes Street Chapel; the church in- 
 creased; many pleasing instances appeared of con- 
 verting grace. A servant who lived with us at this 
 time, was greatly affected under the word, became 
 truly serious, joined the church, and is, I trust, 
 walking consistently to this day. It must be no small 
 joy to Christian masters, when instances of this 
 kind occur. How many servants will have reason 
 for ever to be thankful that they were introduced 
 into Christian families, where an altar for God was 
 found, and opportunities given to hear the gospel, 
 by which means they have been brought to a saving 
 knowledge of the truth. 
 
 " This year death again appeared in our family. 
 My eldest sister, at the age of forty-eight, was 
 called to the grave. I stop here to pav a tribute oi 
 respect to her memory. She had been in London 
 for some years; was a woman of agreeable m rs. 
 
 and much respected by those who knew hei , b i an 
 entire stranger to the truth. To me she was a great 
 friend on my first coming to town; but when I be- 
 came serious, I was the object of persecution as to 
 my religious sentiments, though she did not with- 
 draw her kindness in other respects from me. Her 
 prejudices ran very high against religion, and her 
 
303 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 language sometimes very severe and bitter against 
 all who made any profession: but the hearts of all 
 are in the hands of the Most High. These preju- 
 dices began at last a little to subside; and after all 
 the contests we had had about religion, to my 
 astonishment, she married a gentleman who was a 
 religious man. Her Sabbaths were therefore now 
 differently employed to what they had been, and 
 very different from any thing I ever expected. Both 
 she and her husband came and sat under my minis- 
 try at Princes Street, and when the time of her last 
 sickness arrived, I was sent for to pray by her, 
 which, considering former circumstances of opposi- 
 tion and enmity to the truth, I was scarcely able to 
 do, being overpowered by my feelings. Let those 
 who have persecuting relations not despair. Here 
 is an instance of the strongest prejudice removed, 
 and that after its indulgence for a great number of 
 years. Let us not then, at any time, render railing 
 for railing, but pray earnestly for our enemies and 
 those who are out of the way; and who can tell but 
 our prayers may be answered, to our infinite satis- 
 faction and happiness. 
 
 " It will appear from this narrative, that while 
 many other ministers suffer little or nothing in a 
 long course of years, from either inconvenience or 
 dilapidated state of their places, or other local cir- 
 cumstances; on the contrary, I have been much tried 
 in this respect, as will be seen hereafter. Just as we 
 were rising into great prosperity at Princes Street 
 Chapel, the place well attended, the church increas- 
 ing, and many constantly coming forward to testify 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 309 
 
 lie power of the word, we received notice from the 
 Steward of Lord Darnley, whose property it was, to 
 quit in a short timt. We could not help ourselves, 
 as we had no legal claim. The reason of the notice 
 was, that a plan had been laid for the building of a 
 new market, and that it was necessary the chapel 
 should be pulled down. This was a great trial to me, 
 considering the very pleasing prospect we had be- 
 fore us, and the good that had been done. The 
 church was formed 2d May, 1798, with but a few 
 members, and now at our leaving, Sept. 7, 1802, 
 being about four years and four months, the num- 
 ber of names of members enrolled in the church 
 book amounted to one hundred and forty, many of 
 whom had been impressed under my ministry there* 
 I preached my last sermon there from 2 Cor. ii# 
 14, ' Now thanks be unto God which always causeth 
 us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the 
 savor of his knowledge by us in every place.' It was 
 truly an affecting and solemn time. 
 
 " The place was soon pulled down. I went and 
 stood on its ruins, and felt within myself emotions 
 of a mixed nature; a kind of melancholy, in behold- 
 ing our sanctuary laid in the dust; and yet a plea- 
 sure in the recollection of its being the happy spot 
 where many first began to draw their spiritual 
 breath. And as the place of our nativity is generally 
 remembered with a peculiar fondness, so many 
 could not pass the ruins, without being deeply af- 
 fected on the remembrance that there it was they 
 received their new-birth, and became new creatures 
 in Christ Jesus. 
 
310 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 "It was with some difficulty our friends obtained 
 a place to which we could remove. At last, Camo- 
 mile Street Meeting was granted us for afternoon 
 and evening only, the Rev. Mr. Reynolds preach- 
 ing in the mornings. I opened my commission there 
 from Matt, xxviii. 20. The place was so crowded, 
 and such a contest was there about the seats, that 
 many thought they would not come again. This 
 however subsided, as no doubt curiosity had excited 
 many to come who did not belong to us, merely to 
 hear the first sermon. Here then again we fixed our 
 tabernacle for a time, except that we found it rather 
 a disadvantage not having the place in the morning, 
 although it gave me an opportunity of preaching 
 elsewhere at different places on that part of the day. 
 
 " I had been for some time employed in preparing 
 for the press my Theological Dictionary, a work 
 which cost me much labour day and night, and no 
 one to assist me, except now and then the bare 
 copying of an article. The vast variety of books to 
 be consulted, the discriminations to be made, the 
 difficulty of seizing those accurate definitions I 
 wanted, the various opinions of authors on the same 
 subject, the including every article in Ecclesiastical 
 History, Theology, and Morals, rendered it rather 
 a formidable work for one man, and that a weak 
 one. The fact was, I began it for my own use, 
 without ever thinking of making it public to the 
 world: but as I advanced, it still grew of more im- 
 portance. On showing it to some friends, they were 
 of opinion that such a manuscript should not be 
 locked up in obscurity, and that the sooner it was 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 311 
 
 given to the public the better, being a distinct thing 
 from all other dictionaries which had been publish- 
 ed. I have said it was a work of labour, but I must 
 add also that it was a work of pleasure. Here in- 
 deed I realized the motto Labor ipse voluntas. It 
 seems as if it were to be done; for though often in- 
 terrupted by indisposition, I shall never forget the 
 ardour, the eagerness I felt in passing from one 
 article to another, until the whole was done. On 
 looking back to some of my papers, I found this 
 memorandum, which the reader, perhaps, will not 
 think it superfluous for me to record. 
 
 "Dec. 11, 1802. This evening, after near four 
 years, I finished the last article in my Theological 
 Dictionary. I desire to be thankful for health and 
 strength given me to finish it. O! Father of mercies! 
 let it be a lasting blessing to thy church, and to all 
 who shall peruse it! During the time I have been 
 employed in it, I have met with some of the greatest 
 trials both in body, mind, and circumstances I ever 
 experienced, yet hitherto the Lord hath helped me. 
 Bless the Lord, O my soul! Should my life be 
 spared, may it be still employed in some useful ser- 
 vice; that while I live, I may live for God, as well 
 as to him. Amen." 
 
 " The work was published. It met with the ap- 
 probation of the public, far beyond any hopes I 
 could indulge; and I here desire to offer my most 
 unfeigned thanks to Almighty God, for the useful- 
 ness with which it has been attended, and that my 
 life has been spared to correct and enlarge, and 
 greatly to improve it in succeeding editions. 
 
312 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 " January 25, 180.3. I have now to record ano- 
 ther family mercy, in the safe delivery of Mrs. B. 
 of a daughter, being the sixth child. Repeated sup- 
 port demands repeated acknowledgments of the 
 divine goodness. While some sink under the trying 
 hour, peculiar support was here given, so that we 
 have reason to say, ' What shall we render unto the 
 Lord for all his benefits?' I dedicated this child to 
 God in baptism, the 20th day of March, 1803, pub- 
 licly at Camomile Street Meeting. 
 
 " The practice of vaccination having greatly suc- 
 ceeded, a meeting was called for the purpose of 
 taking it more extensively into consideration. With 
 great pleasure I attended this meeting; the Vaccine 
 Institution was then formed, and the name of Dr. 
 Jenner celebrated in high and strong encomiums. 
 And surely whoever has any pity upon mankind; 
 whoever rejoices in the thought of preventing con- 
 tagion; whoever is desirous that their children 
 should be kept from pain and disfiguration; who- 
 ever wishes to alleviate human misery; whoever 
 wishes to rescue a human being from the dan- 
 ger of losing his life, must rejoice in the discovery 
 and establishment of such a system as this. Did I 
 not know something of the nature of the human 
 mind, I should marvel at the prejudice that yet re- 
 mains against a system, which, if properly followed 
 up, would banish the horrid disease of the small- 
 pox out of the world. The multitude of lives saved 
 by vaccine inoculation already is astonishing. What 
 then has saved one, shall I withhold from another? 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 313 
 
 There is hardly any thing of a human kind, how- 
 ever excellent, but may have failed, or had its ex- 
 ceptions in some few instances, and that often from 
 circumstances which may be accounted for. This, 
 therefore, is no argument, and I do most sincerely 
 hope the time will come when all prejudice shall en- 
 tirely die away. 
 
 " To proceed to another subject; I hope I am no 
 enthusiast, nor too minute in the detail of any cir- 
 cumstances which relate to the welfare of any of my 
 fellow-creatures, either of body or of mind. The 
 operations of Divine Providence ought to be care- 
 fully marked in the various events of human life, 
 and he loses a most delicious treat indeed, who 
 passes through his appointed career without ever 
 recognizing a divine hand, or observing the wisdom 
 and goodness of God in his various dispensations. 
 It so happened, that a certain very popular and 
 large lectureship in the city was one evening disap- 
 pointed of the preacher. The managers, in great 
 consternation, applied to me; and though it was ve- 
 ry inconvenient, I obtained a supply for my own 
 place, and addressed the congregation from a pas- 
 sage connected with the parable of the tares. Some 
 time after, the managers received the following let- 
 ter from a young man: 
 
 " A Letter from a young man to the Managers of 
 Broad Street Sabbath Evening Lecture. 
 a A young man requests you to join him in praises 
 to Almighty God for a blessing received under the 
 word delivered in this house. 
 
 2 D 
 
314 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 " The sermon to which the writer alludes, was 
 preached on a Sabbath evening so long since as 
 March or April last, from the parable of the tares. 
 Convictions of sin and the fear of death followed, 
 which brought on such an unhappy frame of mind, 
 and such weakness of body, as nearly to realize 
 his fears, and he was obliged to go to the country, 
 where God was pleased to direct him to that great 
 Physician whose blood alone proved an antidote to 
 his afflictions. 
 
 " Independent of the blessing resulting to him as 
 an individual, from being, he would humbly pre- 
 sume, a subject of mercy, he is happy to join his 
 mite with the thousands who bear testimony to the 
 truth as it is in Jesus. Previous to this he attended 
 the moral ministry of Dr. R. and knew nothing of 
 the necessity of an atoning sacrifice for sin, to ena- 
 ble a man, in his fallen state, ever to approach his 
 Maker; but the Spirit of God, by this sermon, 
 showed him he was a sinner, and that he could not 
 appear before a just and perfect God without being 
 condemned. Indeed, so strong were his convictions, 
 and so sensible that his good works, on which he 
 had placed his reliance, were all done from a wrong 
 motive, that he recollects praying to God, in de- 
 spair, to send him at once to hell, and not to bring 
 him to judgment. This awful experience should in- 
 fluence every young person so to examine them- 
 selves, that they build not on this sandy foundation, 
 which must inevitably give way. 
 
 " When under these distressing circumstances, it 
 was impressed on his mind that religion was the 
 

 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 315 
 
 only thing that could alleviate his trouble; in conse- 
 quence, he attended closely his stated place of wor- 
 ship; but alas! the preaching of morality only serv- 
 ed to deprive him even of hope, for he found 
 himself unable to keep the perfect law of God for 
 an hour. 
 
 u Those blessed doctrines of the imputed righte- 
 ousness of Christ, and complete pardon for those 
 who are enabled, through mercy, to apply the blood 
 of sprinkling to their conscience, he had before this 
 been unhappily led to consider as enthusiasm and 
 madness; which now being realized, made him one 
 of the happiest of mortals; and now he lives to sing 
 of mercy, and to declare, and hetr usts, through grace, 
 it is his sole desire and ambition, to be an humble 
 follower of the Lamb. To him, with the Father 
 and Holy Spirit, be praise and glory, now and ever- 
 more. Amen." 
 
 u Thus God acts as a sovereign, and works by 
 whom he will. I never preached at this lecture be- 
 fore nor since. Let God have all the glory and all 
 the praise. 
 
 " March 28, 1803. This day a loss was sustain- 
 ed to the Church of Christ, in the death of the Rev. 
 John Eyre, of Hackney. I was myself very unwell 
 at the time, and being on a footing of intimacy with 
 this worthy man, when the intelligence came, it 
 affected me exceedingly. Though very weak, yet, 
 as I was invited, I struggled hard to be at the fune- 
 ral, which was very numerously attended, and very 
 solemn. The Rev. Mr. Glascott read the burial ser- 
 
3*6 ' MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 vice, and the Rev. Rowland Hill delivered a fune- 
 ral address from the pulpit, from Matt. xxv. 21. 
 
 u Mr. Eyre had not a strong constitution, and 
 was often laid aside from his beloved work. His 
 mind was ardently set on doing good. The Evan- 
 gelical Magazine and the Missionary Society were, 
 however, two of his favourite objects. For these 
 he most cheerfully laboured, and for their success 
 most fervently prayed. He lived to see some happy 
 effects produced, at home and abroad, by these 
 moral instruments; but had he lived till now, how 
 would his heart have rejoiced in beholding the seed 
 springing up in various directions, and promising a 
 most delightful and abundant harvest. His portrait 
 has been justly drawn, and truly it was said of 
 him, that in every relation he was a burning and 
 shining light, nor was the Christian less eminent 
 than the minister; the best of husbands, the tender- 
 est of fathers, the kindest of masters, and most 
 faithful of friends. 
 
 u His eager activity to be useful often urged him 
 beyond the powers of a body enfeebled by labour 
 and disease. The sword was too sharp for the scab- 
 bard; his vivid feelings and exertions shook the ta- 
 bernacle of clay, and his spirit plumed for flight to 
 the eternal rest. He never looked on death with dis- 
 may, but as 'a consummation devoutly to be wish- 
 ed.' His affections embraced all mankind. His in- 
 creasing cares and pursuits, more abundantly to 
 diffuse the gospel of the grace of God, overwhelmed 
 a frame become broken, yet exulting in the pleasure 
 and prospect of doing good; and he died just at the 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 317 
 
 moment when the great object of his heart appeared 
 ready to be accomplished. His last hours displayed 
 the triumph of faith, and, amidst every endeared 
 attachment, and the love of all his brethren, his 
 work being done upon earth, he meekly bowed his 
 head in the bosom of his Lord, of whom he had of- 
 ten said, in the midst of Christian affection and 
 earthly comfort, ( that to depart and be with Christ 
 was far better.'* 
 
 " This year I was chosen one of the preachers at 
 the early morning lecture now held at Camomile 
 Street. This is well attended, and it is pleasing to 
 find so many rising from their beds, and hastening- 
 to the house of God. This lecture is of ancient 
 date; it was instituted in the year of the glorious 
 revolution, 1688, and has been carried on ever since 
 that memorable period. These services are very de- 
 sirable to many, who are in situations where they 
 have not the whole of the sabbath at their command, 
 and there is great reason to believe much good is 
 done. 
 
 " Those who have children, whatever pleasure 
 they may derive from them, must also expect to 
 have trials with them. We were now called to ex- 
 perience a different sensation to any thing we had 
 known before. In coming home from a friend's 
 house where we dined, we lost our youngest son 
 Samuel. He was not then four years of age. From 
 about seven o'clock till near midnight we were al- 
 most distracted. We sought in various places, en~ 
 
 * Evangelical Magazine, July 1803, p 286. 
 2D 2 
 
318 , MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 quired of watchmen, and others, but all in vain. 
 We had him cried, but to no purpose. We sat me- 
 lancholy, sometimes imagining he might be shut up 
 in Bunhill Fields, or that he might be decoyed by 
 some vagrant for the sake of his clothes a variety 
 of painful suppositions rushed in upon the mind. 
 After giving it all up for that night, in the posses- 
 sion of the most unpleasant feelings, a knock was 
 heard at the door, which, on opening, to our great 
 happiness, we found a gentleman of our own ac- 
 quaintance with the lad in his hand. Losing his way 
 he had straggled up as far as Islington, and finding 
 he was wrong, soon brought by signs of his distress, 
 people around him. A kind lady took him under 
 her care, gave him some oysters and had him cried. 
 The gentleman before mentioned happening to pass 
 at the time, thinking it might be a son of ours, took 
 charge of him, and kindly conducted him home. 
 Thus our fears were removed, and we retired to 
 rest,Hhankful indeed that he who seemed dead was 
 alive again, that he that was lost was now found. I 
 have not mentioned this as a novel circumstance, 
 for it is a common thing for children to be lost in 
 this great and populous city, but no one can tell but 
 those who have experienced it, the painful sensa- 
 tion of a parent upon such an occasion. 
 
 " Mr. Kicherer, one of the Missionaries in 
 Africa, visited this country, and brought with him, 
 as a kind of specimen of the good doing in that part 
 of the world, three converted hottentots. These 
 were publicly examined at several places. Among 
 the rest I catechised them at Camomile Street, and 
 

 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 319 
 
 it was truly pleasing to hear the answers they gave 
 without knowing the question till it was proposed 
 to them. A specimen of an examination of this kind 
 I have given in my Practical Expositor, Nov. 7. 
 How pleasing to reflect on the tendency and influ- 
 ence of the gospel of Christ. How admirably adapt- 
 ed is it to every nation under heaven; what won- 
 derful effects are produced by it; and, as it was de- 
 signed for all nations, and as the commission is 
 given to preach it to every creature, and as the 
 divine presence and support are promised to the 
 end of time, so may we not expect that the exer- 
 tions now making in different parts of the world, 
 shall be crowned with success; and that in due time, 
 all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of 
 our God. 
 
 " This year was remarkable for mortality among 
 the ministers of the gospel. Among others, we 
 might mention, Messrs. Bradbury of Kennington, 
 Caldwell of Silver Street Chapel, Newell of Great 
 Misscnden, Crole^ of Pinner's Hall, Densham of 
 itinerant memory, Jackson of Warminster, Parsons 
 of Kineton, Warwickshire, De Courcy of Shrews- 
 bury, Reynolds of Camomile Street, Cuthbert of 
 
 * Mr. Crole was a man of talent and application. I think I 
 have heard him say, that he could not well go to rest of a Sab- 
 bath-evening until he had fixed his subjects for the Sabbath-day 
 following, a week before hand; he thus gave himself time to 
 think. This is somewhat different from those who tell us they 
 hardly know what to preach from till they are in the pulpit. Mr. 
 Crole's conduct, however, is not here quoted as an invariable 
 rule for all. 
 
320 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 Ely Chapel, Allison of Ponder's End, Brown of 
 Harlow, besides Mr. Eyre, whom I have already 
 referred to. But the work of the Lord has not 
 staid. Others have been raised up to succeed them, 
 and thus the cause lives, for though passing perpe- 
 tually from one instrument to another, and commit- 
 ted to earthen vessels, which must be broken, yet 
 the fountain is the same, and as long as ever this 
 continues to flow, conduits shall not be wanting to 
 convey the sacred streams of divine truth, to water, 
 enrich, and fertilize a wilderness world. 
 
 " I have sometimes thought it would have been 
 an honour to have lived in the days of the Refor- 
 mers, and to have been a coadjutor with them in 
 the great work of bursting asunder the shackles of 
 superstition, and dispersing the awful shades of ig- 
 norance which covered the nations of Europe. It 
 would have been an honour indeed. That glorious 
 work may be considered the foundation and fore- 
 runner of all the happy events since. Yet I rejoice 
 that I have been permitted to live in an age, which 
 if these blessed Reformers could have fully realised 
 as the effects of the seed which they had sown, it 
 would have no doubt filled them with exultation and 
 delight. They rejoiced in the emancipation of Eu- 
 rope from the iron bondage of spiritual tyranny; 
 they took such courage, in beholding only a gleam 
 of light hovering here and there on a benighted 
 world, that many of them nobly sealed the truth 
 with their blood. But what do we behold in the pre- 
 sent day? Scenes more delightful than our fathers 
 ever beheld. They laboured indeed honourably and 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 321 
 
 aithfully in the great cause: they were employed 
 as the sacred pioneers to clear the way and break 
 up the ground. We have entered into their labours. 
 And now blessed are our eyes that see what we 
 see, and our ears in hearing what we hear. Truly a 
 most pleasing scene appears, a scene which God 
 himself delights in, in which the Redeemer shall be 
 exalted, which angels shall exult at, and which the 
 Divine Spirit has promised to bless. Princes and 
 people, nobles and dignitaries, statesmen and their 
 constituents, merchants and mechanics, the opulent 
 citizen and the rustic plebeian, the philosopher and 
 the common labourer, the rich man and the poor, 
 the advanced in age and the juvenile stripling, the- 
 master and the servant, parents and their children, 
 all coming forward with their utmost energy, by 
 their exertions, by their countenance, by their con- 
 tributions, by their prayers, by their addresses and 
 exhortations, to promote the great cause. Blessed 
 God! 'what, under many years of weakness and 
 languor, hast thou spared me to see! An immense 
 group from almost all denominations, from the 
 prince tp the peasant, from all parts of this happy 
 country, united into one vast assembly; not for the 
 purpose of forming a council to keep the people in 
 ignorance, not for the strengthening of a party, not 
 to bind faster the chains of prejudice and ignorance, 
 not even for the liberation of a single quarter or in- 
 sulated part of the earth; but with a sincere, free, 
 full, unwearied determination, by their united 
 efforts, to hoist the standard of unadulterated truth, 
 to such an elevation and en so manv eminences, 
 
322 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 that not only Europe, but all the four quarters of 
 the globe, shall behold its glory. I am led to these 
 remarks, from the consideration of the next cir- 
 cumstance I have to record in the course of my 
 life. 
 
 " I attended at a meeting called for the purpose 
 of forming that noble institution, The British and 
 Foreign Bible Society. And here I cannot but con- 
 gratulate my beloved country, that though for so 
 many years engaged with other nations in desolat- 
 ing wars, yet some of her sons at least have not for- 
 gotten the blessings of peace, even of that peace 
 which extends not only to the utmost stretch of the 
 life of man here, but which shall be commensurate 
 with eternity itself. A peace not to be restricted to 
 the little narrow bounds of the island in which we 
 live, but to extend its influence far and wide. O 
 England, highly favoured of heaven, while many 
 other nations are sunk in infidelity and superstition, 
 thou art privileged in the possession of a vast, 
 mighty, moral reservoir, from whence the sacred 
 streams of divine revelation are flowing into all 
 parts of the earth; so that the wilderness and the 
 solitary place shall be glad, and the desert rejoice 
 and blossom as the rose. Die then when I may, let 
 it be written on my coffin, " He lived in a happy 
 day." This institution, notwithstanding its opposi- 
 tion, has abundantly succeeded, and the annual re- 
 ports are fraught with the most interesting intelli- 
 gence. 
 
 " Mr. Lacey,a member of our church, appearing 
 to have gifts for the ministry, was called to settle 
 
 

 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 323 
 
 over the church at Winchmore-hill. His ordination 
 was fixed, and it devolved upon me as his pastor to 
 give the Charge. These services, if they were not 
 quite so long and tedious, and that in general in the 
 midst of a heated and crowded congregation, are of 
 a most solemn and interesting nature. Leaving 
 every thing comparatively beside, and taking upon 
 ourselves the charge of souls, is of all the most im- 
 portant concern. An ordination therefore of a Chris- 
 tian minister, is no trifling circumstance, but con- 
 nects with it ideas of the most serious and import- 
 ant nature. Considering the responsibility of the 
 trust committed, the work a minister has to do, and 
 the little time he has to do it in, makes him tremble 
 who gives the charge, as well as the person who re- 
 ceives it, if they feel as they ought to feel. Upon 
 this occasion, however, I engaged in this important 
 part; the Rev. William Thorpe asked the questions, 
 and addressed the people, and the Rev. Matthew 
 Wilks prayed the ordination prayer." 
 
 " The Rev. T. Lewis was set apart to the work of 
 the ministry, at Orange-street Chapel. I was called 
 to give the introductory address. Dr. Nicholl pray- 
 ed the ordination prayer. Mr. Burder gave the 
 charge, and Mr. Rov/land Hill preached, who was 
 pleased to say, that this was a downright catholic 
 ordination" 
 
 Thus far Mr. Buck's trembling hand conducted 
 his narrative. Here it abruptly ends. The functions 
 of nature failed him; and the thread of the story 
 must be taken up and pursued by another. Mr, 
 Buck with his congregation, occupied the Meeting- 
 
324 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 house at Camomile-street, from Sept. 1802 till De- 
 cember 20, 1804. On the latter day they removed 
 to Wilson-street Chapel, which then offered them 
 excellent accommodation. But the comparatively 
 " little one" becoming " a great city," demanded at 
 length a more commodious place of worship. Near- 
 ly seven years of useful labour Mr. Buck spent, as 
 pastor of the church assembling in Wilson-street. 
 How his heart must have expanded with gratitude 
 to God, as he beheld this interest of his own raising, 
 gradually multiplying its numbers and extending its 
 influence. His publications, which were continually 
 issuing from the press, and reprinting, induced 
 many to hear him, whom his solid and faithful 
 preaching instructed and improved. We find him 
 now taking a prominent station among his brethren, 
 engaging in important occasional services, assisting 
 at the ordinations of Missionaries and Pastors, and 
 pleading the cause of various charitable and reli- 
 gious institutions. Of him we may truly say, that his 
 popularity did not precede, but was rather the effect 
 of his usefulness; it was therefore solid and increas- 
 ing; the friends and admirers whom he attracted, he 
 never alienated; he kept the ground which he had 
 acquired, and every day added to the power and 
 extent of his influence. His volumes of Anecdotes 
 were perused with avidity. They still constitute the 
 light reading of a considerable portion of the reli- 
 gious world, and amuse while their object is to in- 
 struct. Their chief merit is, that of judicious com- 
 pilation, and pertinent reflections, suggested by the 
 facts related. The rapid and continued sale of this 
 

 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 325 
 
 ra 
 
 ha 
 
 work excited a large share of public attention to its 
 author. But the Theological Dictionary, his second 
 and greatest performance, has contributed more than 
 any of his works, to his reputation as a divine. A 
 short and well written extract from the Preface will 
 explain its nature and design. 
 
 u The plan of conveying knowledge by Dictiona- 
 ries, has been long established and well received in 
 the republic of letters, A dictionary, however, of a 
 religious and ecclesiastical nature, was still a deside- 
 
 tum in the religious world: for although we have 
 ad dictionaries which explained Scripture terms, 
 yet it is evident these could not embrace the history 
 of the church, since the sacred canon was conclud- 
 ed, nor explain the numerous terms which have 
 been used, nor indeed point out the various sects 
 and denominations which have subsisted since that 
 time." 
 
 u There may, doubtless, be defects in this publica- 
 tion which may have escaped my attention: but, who- 
 ever considers the various books that must have 
 been consulted, the discriminations that were neces- 
 sary to be made, the patient investigation required, 
 and the toil of reflecting, transcribing, and compar- 
 ing, must be convinced that it has been attended 
 with no small difficulty. The advantages, however, 
 which my own mind derived from the work, and 
 the probability of its being useful to others, greatly 
 encouraged me in its prosecution. Besides, to be ac- 
 tive, to be useful, to do something for the good of 
 mankind, I have always considered to be the honour 
 of an intelligent being. It is not the student brought 
 2 E 
 
326 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 up in metaphysical subtleties; it is not the recluse 
 living in perpetual solitude; it is not the miser who 
 is continually amassing wealth, that can be consider- 
 ed as the greatest ornaments or the greatest bless- 
 ings to human society. It is rather the useful than 
 the shining 1 talent, that is to be coveted." 
 
 u Perhaps it may be said, the work is tinctured 
 too much with my own sentiments, and that the theo- 
 logy is too antiquated to please a liberal, philosophi- 
 sing and refined age. In answer to this, I observe, 
 that I could do no other, as an honest man, than 
 communicate what I believed to be the truth. It is a 
 false liberality to acquiesce with every man's opi- 
 nion, to fall in with every man's scheme, to trifle 
 with error, or imagine there is no difference between 
 one sentiment and another; yet notwithstanding this 
 declaration, I trust the features of bigotry are not 
 easily discernible in this work; and that while I have 
 endeavoured to carry the torch of truth in my hand, 
 I have not forgotten to walk in the path of candour." 
 
 In the year 1805, Mr. Buck published his Trea- 
 tise on Religious Experience, and a charge deliver- 
 ed to Mr. Davison, at his ordination. Mr. D. was 
 a member of the church at Wilson Street, and was 
 introduced through its medium into the Christian 
 ministry. In addition to him Mr. Buck mentions 
 eight others, who went from under his pastoral care 
 to engage in the same sacred and glorious work; 
 among these are the names of Lacey, Dunn, and Hew- 
 ard. The charge to Mr. Davison is affectionate and 
 judicious. The work on experience is too well known 
 to the religious public, to require any lengthened 
 
I 
 
 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 327 
 
 statement of its character and design in this place. 
 A periodical critic has thus justly and succinctly 
 described its merits. " There is much (says the Bri- 
 tish Critic) in this book on which every Christian 
 may meditate with advantage; much reflection on 
 religious subjects; much knowledge of the human 
 heart, and of the manner in which divine grace af- 
 fects and improves it, are here displayed.'' 
 
 In 1807 this indefatigable writer gave to the 
 world the first edition of his Young Christian's 
 Guide, or suitable directions, cautions, and encou- 
 ragement to the believer in his first entrance into the 
 divine life. A book more serviceable than this could 
 not have made its appearance. It is certainly one of 
 the most useful productions of the author's pen. 
 One large impression after another has been eagerly 
 purchased, and it will continue to be in request 
 while pure and evangelical religion flourishes in the 
 midst of us. In the same year Mr. Buck preached 
 and published his excellent discourse on the import- 
 ance of the Gospel Ministry. It. was delivered at 
 Hoxton Chapel, at the second anniversary meeting 
 of the ministers educated at Hoxton Academy. 
 The invaluable benefits which may accrue to the 
 Christian church from a regularly educated minis- 
 try, forms the prominent subject of this sermon. Of 
 the academy which gave rise to" it, he observes, after 
 speaking of the increase and prosperity of similar 
 establishments, u I cannot but congratulate the 
 constituents of this institution. When I consider 
 what it once was, when I review the increased libe- 
 rality of the public for its support, when I think of 
 the pains and the prudence taken to render it what 
 
328 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 it is, and the favour God has given it in our Israel, 
 I feel thankful. It has been a fountain, the streams 
 whereof have made glad many a desert; and though 
 it is true that the vessels and the pipes have been, 
 like all others, only earthen ones, yet .those who 
 have had the management of them deserve great 
 praise for giving them a right direction." 
 
 Again, he further remarks, " let us always coun- 
 tenance a regular gospel ministry, and be ever ready 
 to patronize all those means which most effectually 
 promote it. Some are too forward in puffing up 
 those who despise learning; and because they can 
 preach for an hour together upon some odd text, or 
 spiritualize every thing they meet with in scripture, 
 that, therefore, they do not stand in need of instruc- 
 tion from such institutions as these. But let us ne- 
 ver encourage such a spirit; rather let us set our 
 faces against it: and where we find pious and gifted 
 young men, let us urge them to seek those advan- 
 tages which these seminaries afford. I hope I can 
 speak from experience when I say, that it was to 
 me a blessing of such magnitude, as demands my 
 gratitude so long as I have a being. Nor can I con- 
 ceive what can be more reasonable than that a suit- 
 able portion of time should be devoted to the pur- 
 pose of gaining knowledge. In vain it is said that it 
 engenders pride, and other evil qualities: in my 
 opinion, an academy has the power of making the 
 volatile thoughtful, the enthusiast sober, the lethar- 
 gic studious, and the proud humble; yes, I am tho- 
 roughly convinced if there be any one place in the 
 universe calculated to pull down the pride of con- 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 329 
 
 ccited youth, it is an institution like this, where he 
 sees, as in a glass, his own wretched picture." 
 
 The following letter bears the date of 1808, and 
 is addressed from Bristol to some friends in Lon- 
 don. r *->- , 
 
 No. LIIL 
 
 " Dear Friends You have heard no doubt by- 
 Mrs. B. of my safe arrival here; but I cannot say 
 that I am so well as I was when here last year. In- 
 deed the week before I came I was unfit to be out 
 of the house; but I cannot bear to be confined from 
 my work, while I can any way be engaged in it. 
 But if I am not so well in health as at former sea- 
 sons, I have not had less consolation, at least hi- 
 therto. It will, I know, afford you peculiar gratifi- 
 cation to hear that my labours here in past time have 
 been rendered successful. Two persons have been 
 with me, whom I have every reason to believe have 
 been called to a knowledge of the truth: one the last 
 time I was here, the other the time before. The 
 account that one of them gave me was nearly as 
 follows: When Mr. Wilks was here some time 
 ago, he had to bury a corpse at Kingswood, where 
 he was going to preach. This man was one of the 
 mourners; but such was his prejudice, that though 
 he attended the funeral, yet he w r ould not go into 
 the place of worship; for, said he, " I thought my- 
 self as good as Mr. Wilks." Some time afterwards, 
 however, as he was strolling about on the Sabbath 
 day according to custom, he came near to the place > 
 and without any kind of thought he stept in. So it 
 
 2 E 2 
 
330 MEMOIRS OF TtfE 
 
 was ordered in Providence I was to preach. I took 
 for my text those words, " He brought me to the 
 banqueting house, and his banner over me was 
 love." Under this sermon he was struck with keen 
 convictions of the sinfulness of his past conduct. 
 The word followed him and continually resounded 
 in his ears, " Come to my banqueting house, come 
 to my banqueting house, my banner over thee is 
 love." He had been a very profligate character; he 
 tried all he could to shake off these convictions; and 
 getting among his old companions, he endeavoured 
 incessantly to get drunk to drown reflection; but 
 behold the impression was more powerful than the 
 liquor; for all he could do, the liquor took little ef- 
 fect on him, nor could he lose his feelings. After 
 this his distress was so great, he was almost in de- 
 spair, and his eyes were swelled with weeping. 
 One day (his family not being serious) he got into 
 a kind of pit or quarry by himself; where he thought 
 no eye was upon him but the Lord's. Here in the 
 agonies of his soul he wept, he trembled, he prayed 
 to the Lord to have mercy on him. At that very 
 time a person that knew him, and who was a seri- 
 ous man, providentially came by, and observing he 
 had been weeping, and knowing, most probably, he 
 had been to hear, said to him, " Why, -what is the 
 .matter with thee? Why Buck has not overtaken thee, 
 has he?" With a heart broken he replied, " Ah! he 
 has, he has" Of course this was no small joy to his 
 friend, who was 'glad to give him all the encou- 
 ragement in his power. For five weeks, however, 
 he was in a state of the greatest distress; till at last 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 331 
 
 the Lord was pleased to set him at a happy liberty; 
 and from that time the gospel has been precious to 
 his soul, and he seems as full of affection and gra- 
 titude as ever I saw a penitent in my life. 
 
 This man, with tears in his eyes, came to tell me 
 this good news. So affected was he last Sabbath in 
 hearing me preach, and the recollection of former 
 feelings, that he could scarcely refrain from crying 
 out, and the sweat ran down his hands as if they 
 had been bathed. His wife is not a serious woman, 
 and never hardly goes to place of worship; but no- 
 thing would serve but she must come last Sabbath 
 to hear the unworthy insrument. " Well," said he 
 to her in going home, " what dost thou think about 
 this?" " Why," said she, " I do seem t like him." 
 " Aye, but dost know; dost understand any thing 
 he said?" " Why," says she, u he has told me all 
 that I do do." u Well," said he, " and what dost 
 think, suppose thee shouldst die to night, what 
 would become of thee?" " Why," said she, " ac- 
 cording to what I have heard, I am afraid I shall go 
 to hell." Thus I have related in his own language, 
 as near as I can recollect, the account he gave me. 
 I feel much humbled, though I trust grateful, that 
 God should make use of such an unworthy crea- 
 ture. I desire to give Him all the praise, because I 
 am sure it is his own work. May the Lord go on 
 to crown all my feeble attempts with success, and 
 give me many souls which shall be my joy and crown 
 of rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus. 
 
 " I hope to be home by the church meeting. The 
 substance of this letter I have not communicated to 
 
332 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 mv dear Mrs. B. for want of room. If you will show 
 it, therefore, I know it will be gratifying. Remem- 
 ber me kindly to all friends. Hope you are all well, 
 and enjoying much of the divine blessing. I remain, 
 4i Yours most affectionately in the Gospel, 
 
 C. Buck." 
 
 Mr. Buck's volume of sermons on select subjects, 
 made its appearance in 1810. The work is credita- 
 ble to his talents, and is a fair specimen of his pul- 
 pit exercises. The subjects are highly important; 
 ?.nd the sermon on Gospel Liberty is pre-eminently 
 excellent. 
 
 In 1811, Mr. Back and his congregation removed 
 from Wilson Street to the City Chapel, in which he 
 laboured until laid aside by that illness which ter- 
 minated his active and useful life. 
 
 I remember congratulating him on taking posses- 
 sion of this strong-hold of Antinomianism, and driv- 
 ing the monster for ever away. I jocularly asked him 
 if he did not find it almost impossible to cleanse the 
 pulpit from its filthiness? With a smile he answered, 
 that he did not attempt it, but turned it completely" 
 out to make way for that in which he had so long 
 preached, and which was removed by his particular 
 desire from Wilson Street. 
 
 In the May of this year, religious liberty obtained 
 one of its noblest victories. The celebrated bill of 
 Lord Viscount Sidmouth, intended to impose re- 
 strictions on the Dissenters and Methodists, ex- 
 perienced the fate which it justly merited. I am 
 willing to hope that the noble proposer of this mea- 
 

 REV. CHARLES BUCK. 33^ 
 
 s 
 
 sure, was not fully aware of its pernicious and illi- 
 beral tendency. It was, however, sufficiently under- 
 stood by all the enlightened friends of freedom, and 
 opposed with a unanimity and energy which in- 
 sured its triumphant defeat. His Grace the Arch- 
 bishop of Canterbury was astounded at what he was 
 pleased to call, " the flood of petitions which de- 
 luged the table of the House of Lords," and choked 
 up all its avenues.* 
 
 * The dissenting ministers were greatly amused at the de- 
 scription which Lord Sidmouth gave of some of their frater- 
 nity " Blacksmiths, coblers, tailors, pedlars, chimney-sweepers, 
 and what not," and the following short fragment was in private 
 circulation at the time of the failure of the bill. It purports to 
 be a sermon, delivered by one of the ignorant, self-instructed 
 teachers, who descended "from a chimney," to address his 
 brethren on this interesting and joyous event. 
 
 " The Lord hath triumphed gloriously, he hath overturned 
 the horse and his rider in the sea." 
 
 " My beloved, my text celebrates a triumph, a glorious triumph, 
 a triumph in the cause of religion and liberty, obtained by God 
 ver the enemies of his church, and therefore it is quite suited 
 
 our present purpose. The Lord hath a second time overturned 
 
 e horse and his rider in the sea. I shall leave you to read at 
 leisure the history of the children of Israel, their oppressions 
 and persecutions by Pharaoh, and the destruction of that tyrant, 
 who sank like lead in the mighty waters; and I shall now speak 
 a little of our great deliverance, and, 
 
 " First, Let me call your attention to the horse and his rider. 
 
 " This horse, my beloved, we may consider as Lord Sid- 
 mouth's Billy and the rider as Lord Sidmouth himself. You 
 know, my beloved, we have all our hobby-horses, and we are 
 never so pleased as when we are riding them. This Bill, I am 
 informed, was Lord Sidmouth's hobby when he was called the 
 Doctor. He used even then to take an airing upon it occasionally, 
 when his professional avocations would allow him opportunity. 
 
334 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 Mr. Buck felt the most lively interest in com- 
 mon with his brethren, in the preservation of the 
 inheritance which the mild and tolerant government 
 
 On becoming a viscount, he did not forget his old and faithful 
 companion. For nine years past he has been in the habit of 
 mounting- it in the presence of his numerous friends, patrician 
 and plebeian. My lords the bishops and most of the clergy have 
 always complimented his lordship on the spirit of the animal, 
 and his wonderful dexterity in managing it. They were pecu- 
 liarly delighted when it kicked, capered, and pranced; and 
 even some dissenting ministers, it is said, when the creature 
 was :it rest, used to approach it in secret, and laud the propor- 
 tion of its parts, and its exceeding gentleness. They thought it 
 was a very fine horse, and as his lordship assured them it could 
 do no mischief, they, poor credulous souls, believed him. I have 
 just intimated that this animal was high spirited and re&tive. 
 This no doubt arose partly from his nature and partly from the 
 tender solicitude with which he was reared. He has been 
 known to stand in the finest stalls in the kingdom, and ostlers 
 "with black aprons and lawn shirt sleeves have often rubbed him 
 down, and kept him in good case. Every body wondered for 
 what important service this marvellous horse was reserved, till, 
 about the- beginning of the present month, (May) they were 
 astonished by his snorting and trampling, and the manner in 
 which he was caparisoned. They learnt very soon that he was 
 destined, like another llosinante, to bear a second Quixote, to 
 war against peaceable travellers, and good subjects of his ma- 
 jesty's realm: and they were not a little terrified when they saw 
 his noble rider, armed ca >-a-pie, vault into the saddle. The dis- 
 senting ministers especially who had praised the gentleness of 
 the animal, and the urbanity of his master, stood aghast. A 
 general alarm was excited. Some wise heads however, who 
 knew something of his lordship's courage and management, 
 beheld him not as an object of terror, but compassion: they saw 
 that he had ascended his horse for the lust time, and they fore- 
 boded towards him nothing but a disastrous issue. To confirm 
 these apprehensions, looking down Parliament-street, they be- 
 held, very near the place in which his lordship meant to make 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 335 
 
 of the third William had bequeathed to the dissen- 
 ters. Several pages of his narrative are employed in 
 stating the design of the bill in question, and the 
 subsequent extension of the toleration by the zealous 
 and persevering; efforts of the committee of the 
 Protestant Society, and the deputies appointed by 
 the churches in and about London, to watch over 
 and to protect their liberties. 
 
 The noble sentiments in favour of universal reli- 
 gious freedom whigfeMvere eloquently uttered in the 
 House of Peers, during the debate which led to the 
 rejection of Lord Sidmouth's measure, made a due 
 impression on the public mind; and instead of an 
 infringement, of our rights, our privileges were in- 
 creased. As he is now in a world where the ap- 
 plause or the censure of mankind cannot reach him, 
 I feel myself impelled to pay a passing tribute to 
 the late Earl Stanhope, for his zealous -and manly 
 efforts in this great cause. The following letter, ad- 
 
 his first attack, a tremendous flood; a flood which overwhelmed 
 the House of Lords. The noble Viscount indeed seemed undis- 
 mayed, he. had dreamed of victory. He had the prayers of nearly 
 the whole bench of Bishops, and all the intolerant spirits in the 
 kingdom wished him God speed!' With such a horse, with 
 such a host of friends, what did he care about a flood. Just as 
 he was rushing in, expecting his right reverend brethren to fol- 
 low him, lie was amazed to find himself alone. There was not 
 one voice to cheer him. The waves rose tumultuously around 
 him. By a kind of fatality he went forward, possessing a wonder- 
 ful facility at sinking he sank like lead, in the mighty waters. 
 Now there was something glorious in this, my beloved " 
 
 Cater a desunt. 
 It is supposed the black-faced orator, was suddenly called t<3> 
 extinguish the fire of some neighbouring chimney. 
 
336 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 dressed by him to the Secretaries of the Protestant 
 Society, in answer to a vote of thanks from that 
 body, is his best eulogy, and I therefore feel great 
 pleasure in presenting it to my readers. 
 
 "Berner's Street, May 29, 1811. 
 
 " Gentlemen, I beg you will do me the favour 
 to return my best thanks to Mr. Mills and the gen- 
 tlemen who attended the General Meeting of Pro- 
 testant Dissenters, and other friends to religious 
 liberty, at the London Tavern, Bishopsgate Street, 
 on Friday, the 24th instant, for the very kind and 
 favourable manner in which they have, through you, 
 gentlemen, been pleased to express their approba- 
 tion of my conduct, with respect to the opposition 
 that I gave to Lord Sidmouth's bill. 
 
 44 1, however, do not feel that I deserve those 
 thanks; for, I have simply done my duty, by op- 
 posing it in that House where I have been placed 
 by the mere accident of birth. But those men do 
 truly deserve the thanks and the gratitude of the 
 public, by whose activity and well-timed exertions, 
 so many hundreds of Petitions, thus respectably and 
 numerously signed, were procured against that mea- 
 sure, in so very short a space of time. Unwise as 
 the Bill was, it has been most salutary; inasmuch as 
 it has convinced all mankind, that the friends to li- 
 berty of conscience are determined to lay aside all 
 difference of opinion, and to make one glorious 
 common cause, whenever the defence of their rights 
 or religious liberty, shall require it. 
 
 44 Stimulated by those principles of justice which 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 337 
 
 have uniformly actuated my conduct, I shall con- 
 tinue to defend the unalienable right of human na- 
 ture, with respect to private judgment in matters of 
 religion; and as a member of Parliament, I never 
 shall condescend to solicit from any 6et of men V* 
 power, as a favour, that which I ever have held, 
 and which I ever shall hold, as a right to be enjoyed 
 by every man, the most valuable right, which he 
 has received from that Being infinitely high, 
 by whom he was created, and by whose providence 
 he is hourly preserved. 
 
 " I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, 
 " Your faithful servant, 
 
 M Stanhope." 
 
 41 To Mr. Thomas Pellatt, and 
 Mr. John Wilks." 
 
 Mr. BucFs next publication was occasioned by 
 an event as mysterious as it was affecting the death 
 of the Rev. Thomas Spencer, of Liverpool. It was 
 the lot of Mr. Spencer to attain a degree of cele- 
 brity altogether unprecedented in the annals of that 
 class of ministers to which he belonged. The bar- 
 riers of party were broken down before him, and 
 churchmen and dissenters concurred to express 
 their admiration of his talents, and were happy to 
 avail themselves of his instructions. He equally 
 delighted the polished and the rude, the learned and 
 the illiterate, the aged and the young. Every rank 
 seemed to consider him as its own appropriate 
 preacher, and the greatest wonder of all is, when 
 kis popularity was at its zenith, he was only twenty 
 
 2 F 
 
S'38 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 years of age. Never was a career so brilliant, and 
 at the same time so useful. Alas! that it should 
 have been so short. Six months after the above 
 period, he was suddenly removed from the world. 
 This unexpected and calamitous event produced 
 " a shock approaching to consternation," not only 
 in Liverpool, the immediate sphere of his labours, 
 but in the metropolis, and in many other parts of 
 England. Numerous sermons were preached 
 throughout the country to embalm his memory, 
 and improve his death. The inimitable lines of 
 Virgil on Marcellus were never more happily ap- 
 plied than to this admirable youth, so beloved in 
 life, so lamented in death. The work of Mr. Buck 
 takes advantage of his station, his popularity, and 
 his dissolution, to impress some of the most alarm- 
 ing and solemn subjects upon the hearts of his 
 readers. It is entitled Serious Enquiries; or im- 
 portant Questions relative to this World and that 
 which is to come; to which are added, Reflections 
 on Mortality, occasioned by the death of the Rev. 
 Thomas Spencer, &c. Of this performance the re- 
 view of the Evangelical Magazine observes, M Mr. 
 Buck's former publications were addressed chiefly 
 to the religiqus world; he has now turned his atten- 
 tion to the careless and impenitent. The work is 
 enlivened by anecdotes and sentences from the 
 writings of wise and good men. We hope it will 
 prove acceptable and useful, especially to the rising 
 generation." 
 
 In the year 1812 commenced that illness, which 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 339 
 
 with a few temporary interruptions, issued in Mr. 
 B's dissolution: when under its immediate influence, 
 he thus wrote to a family of his friends: 
 
 No. LIV. 
 " Primrose Street, London, July 30, 1812, 
 u My dear friends Though I am scarcely able 
 to hold my pen, I do not like to let yours lie unan- 
 swered. I am glad to hear Mr. O. is better. Hope 
 the air will be useful. I am sorry to inform you I 
 gain no ground, t>ut am still without appetite and 
 without strength. Mr. Parkinson has called in a 
 physician, Dr. Pett, who seems to be a clever man; 
 he has ordered a new system of medicine; and at 
 the same time gives me little hopes, unless : a system 
 of relaxation and exercise, on horseback, &c. can be 
 adopted. This morning I left Shacklewell, by the 
 advice of the doctor, on account of the paint. The 
 weather too has been so very wet, that I have hard- 
 ly been able to peep out. Never did I know a July 
 so wet and so cold; I am glad to get to the fire, as 
 if it were a cold frosty day in whiter: I cannot keep 
 myself warm. This has been a long affliction to 
 me, on many accounts, nor is there any prospect 
 at present of its removal. But what have I to do 
 but to be patient. It is less than I deserve. I have 
 however, preached one sermon since you have been 
 away, which I hope and trust was edifying; at least 
 I am sure it was comfortable, though with many 
 tears! What, preach say you, under all this indis- 
 position? Yes, and I hope I shall never forget it! 
 
34b MEMOIRS OF THfi* 
 
 But where do you think it was? and who the con- 
 gregation? I will tell you. It was in bed; and my- 
 self only the hearer. I have since committed as 
 much of it as I could to paper; but it was truly 
 beneficial to the whole of the congregation. So, in 
 the midst of our deep waters, some manifestations 
 are afforded by our gracious Lord. Indeed, afflic- 
 tion is the time of communion, of prayer, of depen- 
 dence, and of instruction too. When God is pleased 
 to sanctify it to his people, then O how profitable. 
 But this is what I want; I want not to be without 
 affliction, if it be God's will; but I want to feel a 
 sweet spirit of resignation under it, attended with 
 a clear view of a saving interest in the Redeemer. 
 When this is once obtained, then welcome life, wel- 
 come death, all is well. However, we must wait, 
 till the promise be fulfilled. That you my dear 
 friends may enjoy the Divine presence, in an abun- 
 dant degree, is the most sincere prayer of 
 
 " Your's, very affectionately, 
 
 " C. Buck.'* 
 
 *' Excuse my scrawl, for I am very unwell." 
 
 Notwithstanding his painful and lingering indis 
 position, he was not laid aside from his beloved 
 employment of preaching; nor was he idle with his 
 pen; for he, prepared and published a Memoir of 
 the Life and Death of Mr. Thomas Atkins. With 
 this pious individual he had maintained a long and 
 intimate friendship, and was therefore well quali- 
 fied to write the narrative of his eventful life. 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 341 
 
 The following letter was written from Margate, 
 and is dated June 18, 1812. 
 
 No. LV. 
 
 " My dear Friends Through mercy we arrived 
 safe at Margate on Saturday evening, about ten 
 o'clock, but the journey was too much for me, and 
 rendered me much worse than before. The first two 
 nights I had scarcely any sleep at all, and my fever 
 now seems but little abated; and as yet little or no 
 appetite, though I sleep a little better. Of course I 
 did not preach on Sabbath-day, though requested. 
 We heard Mr. Atkinson in the morning, from 
 1 Pet. v. last part of 12th verse, and in the evening 
 Mr. Young, at Lady Huntingdon's, from Heb. x. 
 19, 20.; both good discourses, and the places well 
 attended. 
 
 " So here we are comfortable enough as to resi- 
 dence and society; but (Ah, this but; well, there 
 must be a but in every thing) how little enjoyment 
 is there, where appetite is gone and languor and 
 pain pervade. But wherefore should a living man 
 complain? We are not dealt with as we deserve! 
 How might this life be embittered to us by ten 
 thousand greater evils, and we at last be cut down 
 as cumberers of the ground. I know not how you 
 feel, but I am utterly confounded and ashamed at 
 my own want of feeling. Naturally susceptible, as 
 it regards all other things, but in spirituals how 
 little affected, compared with their importance and 
 excellency. I see, my dear friends, it may be easy 
 to write books, preach sermons, hld meetings, &c* 
 2F2 
 
342 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 but to carry a savour of divine things about with 
 us; to have the mind pervaded and absorbed in 
 them; to be losing sight of the world; to be divest- 
 ed of personal and domestic anxiety, and to have 
 the affections constantly set above, this is not so 
 easy! Yet how can we call ourselves Christians, 
 without something of this? There is a sort of me- 
 chanical religion which some people have; which, as 
 long as certain pins and wheels are kept in their place, 
 seems to go on very well; but if any of these are 
 lost, it stops, or at least proceeds very irregularly. 
 Now you must know, I am very much afraid of 
 this mechanical system; and want something (as 
 you know our brother said) to go against wind and 
 tide. a Thou shalt choose mine inheritance for me," 
 is the lesson I want to iearn. But why should I fill 
 Up my letter in writing about myself, unless I could 
 give you some better intelligence? Well, I will 
 have done. We hope Mr. O. as the season ad- 
 vances, finds an increase of health. Were it not for 
 that garden at Shacklewell, and for the patterns and 
 flowers at Shoreditch, we should say, come down 
 immediately; but as to this, we suppose there is no 
 prospect. Hope all goes on well at Chapel, and that 
 the supplies are acceptable. Pray present our kind 
 regards to all the enquiring friends, and hope we 
 shall have an interest in their supplications at a 
 throne of grace. Wishing you much of the enjoy- 
 ment of the Divine blessing, we remain, 
 
 " Your's, very affectionately, 
 
 C. Buck." 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 343 
 
 " Mrs. B. will be glad if Mrs. Owen will see if 
 all is well at Primrose Street. We hope to hear 
 from you soon." 
 
 The year 1813 found Mr. Buck in a very deli- 
 cate state of health, which he endeavoured to re- 
 cruit by excursions into the country. The writer of 
 these pages, meeting him one day, remarked the 
 evident indisposition under which he laboured: nor 
 can he ever forget the affectionate earnestness with 
 which he replied, by entreating him to work while 
 it is dav, to improve his time and his talents, and 
 especially to write and publish treatises on religion. 
 Little did he then imagine, that it would fall to his 
 lot to draw up this memorial of his friend's labours 
 and virtues. To the Rev. John Hyatt, Mr. B. ob- 
 served, when he was exceedingly ill, " /am falling 
 a martyr to the pen; yon will be a martyr to the 
 pulpit." The one prediction was realized; the 
 prayers of thousands will earnestly deprecate the 
 fulfilment of the other. Preachers of Mr. Hyatt's 
 powers, to excite religious feeling through vast con- 
 gregations, and with his unabated zeal in employing 
 those powers to the glory of God, and the salvation 
 of souls, are not the growth of every day. 
 
 Notwithstanding his heavy and long-protracted 
 affliction, Mr. Buck this year prepared and issued 
 from the press his Practical Expositor, the last, but 
 not the least interesting of his works. " The inten- 
 tion of the author (says the Eclectic Review) in 
 this work, was to form a practical exposition of va- 
 rious passages of Scripture, which should, at the 
 
344 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 same time, comprize an interesting mass of biogra- 
 phical and historical information. So far as it con- 
 sists of anecdote, we think the volume singularly 
 unexceptionable. It is free from the objections 
 which lie against religious story-telling in general, 
 and is obviously of a useful tendency." 
 
 To Woburn, in Bedfordshire, Mr. B. retired for 
 a few weeks, with a view to relax his public la- 
 bours, and thus to recruit his strength. From this 
 retreat he wrote the following letters to his friends 
 in town: 
 
 No. LVI. 
 
 Extract of a Letter written at Woburn, July 30, 
 1813. 
 
 " Have you heard from Mr. Buck since he has 
 been gone? methinks is the enquiry of some; to 
 which you will now be able to answer, Yes. Well, 
 how is he? Why he says, that on the whole he is 
 better as to his appetite (meat excepted), but that 
 one of his feet is exceeding painful, that he is un- 
 able to stand upon it; that he is comfortably situat- 
 ed enough with his friend Castleden; and that 
 having taken a little work with him, he employs 
 himself as usual when confined within; that since 
 he has been here the weather has been wet, and con- 
 tinues unsettled; that he preached for Mr. C. Sab- 
 bath morning, on a subject not long since taken at 
 the City Chapel from that text, 1 John v. 4.; that 
 he rested in the afternoon, and was taken in a chaise 
 to a village about three miles distant, and preached' 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 345 
 
 to a full congregation from an old text, Job xv. 11., 
 and returned to Woburn the same evening, very 
 much tired; that his foot burns, looks very red, and 
 prevents his taking that rest he could wish; that 
 some of his friends are prescribing one thing, and 
 some another, while others wish to call in the aid 
 of a surgeon, in order, if possible, to set him up- 
 right; that he does not seem willing to employ a 
 strange doctor, lest he should make some mistake, 
 and by making an incision, confine Mr. B. in his 
 chair at Woburn altogether; that at present he 
 scarcely knows what to do, but that he wishes to 
 wait with patience till relief shall be afforded; that 
 he knows he deserves a much heavier affliction; and 
 that it is necessary, for wise ends, that he should 
 so long be continued in the furnace; that he feels 
 much grief that he profits so little by afflictive 
 events; that he can preach to others on the promises 
 of support, and that he does not always enjoy him- 
 self what he could desire, yet with all his unworthi- 
 ness he feels thankful in hearing of fresh instan- 
 ces of good being done, by what he has been ena- 
 bled to send into the world, and that this encourages 
 him to persevere, however some may think he has 
 done enough; that if spared, and able to stand, he 
 thinks of preaching at Woburn next Sabbath; and, 
 after all, he likes his own people best, and likes to 
 preach to them better than to any other; that he 
 hopes to have an interest in their prayers, and that 
 he desires his kind regards to them*" 
 
346 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 No. LV1I. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. R. 
 
 " Woburn, Beds. 1813. 
 " Dear Friends I am very much obliged to you 
 for your kind epistle, and your good wishes express- 
 ed therein. Though I am somewhat better on the 
 whole, yet I am far from being well. My legs are 
 in a very bad state, very sore and painful, and am 
 still blind with my left eye, I have neither been out 
 nor preached once since I have been here. I find 
 that winter is not a pleasant time to be in the couif- 
 try, and especially when one is not able to move 
 about; all seems dreary and dull. I hope soon, 
 therefore, to be in town. I am exceedingly obliged 
 to our friends for their prayers, and for the kind- 
 ness they have expressed; and I cannot but greatly 
 feel the attention and affection of my brethren in 
 the ministry. It is more than I deserve, and more 
 than I expected. It is painful to me to be debarred 
 from my public work; I long to resume it. The 
 study has long been my habitation, and the pulpit 
 my throne; but affliction has interrupted me in both. 
 The will of the Lord, however, must be done. The 
 furnace is necessary for God's ministers as well as 
 for hearers; and I am certain it is for me, but I 
 want practice to endure. I find it very different to 
 preach, write, and converse about it, than it is to 
 exercise it. O! that He who is the Giver of every 
 good gift, may give strength according to the day. 
 " I am glad to hear you found Mr. S.'s sermon 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 347 
 
 profitable. It is a good thing to be stirred up to ex- 
 amine our evidences; for, alas! the things of this 
 world, the cares of this life, too often darken them; 
 but what an infinite mercy it is, that our God does 
 not lay judgment to the line, nor righteousness to 
 the plummet, that he knoweth our frames, and re- 
 members that we are but dust. I should despair, if I 
 were not assured that he does not break the bruised 
 reed, nor quench the smoking flax. This we know, 
 that even if we have been deceived, he hath said, 
 'Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast 
 out.' Let us then, like Jonah, look again, that he 
 may be merciful and gracious unto us. 
 
 " You say, in your letter, and justly too, that this 
 is a world of trouble. Every body must feel some- 
 thing, and yet if we look around, we shall find many 
 worse than ourselves. 
 
 "On Tuesday last a Mrs. D. (wife of an attor^ 
 ney in this place) a fine woman, in attempting to 
 hang up a picture, her clothes caught fire, and was 
 burnt to death* So we see, that in the midst of life 
 we are in death. Happy are they who, in the hour 
 of adversity and of death, can repose their confi- 
 dence in God, and leave all to him. That this may 
 be your privilege, is the most earnest prayer of 
 " Your's most affectionately, 
 
 " C. Buck." 
 
 " N. B. I hope the children are all well. I am glad 
 Mr. G. is better, and that his mind is so resigned, 
 however it may terminate." 
 
348 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 No. LVIII. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. A. 
 
 " Woburn, Beds. Dec. 6, 1813. 
 
 " Dear Friends Your kind and frequent tokens 
 of benevolence and regard call for some expressions 
 of acknowledgment and gratitude. What can I say, 
 but that you have my most ardent wishes for your 
 happiness, both temporal and spiritual, and that the 
 God of heaven may return to you a thousand fold, 
 for every instance of liberality in his cause. 
 
 M You will no doubt be anxious to know how I 
 am; as when last at your house I was greatly alarm- 
 ed by a violent palpitation at the heart. I bore the 
 journey, through mercy, better than I expected. 
 Since I have been here, my appetite has been much 
 better, my pain in the stomach lessened, and no re- 
 turn of the palpitation; but my legs are much worse, 
 my eye nearly the same, and I have but little sleep. 
 The doctor attends me constantly, and I have plen- 
 ty of that medicine he thinks suitable, so that I 
 think I can say I am better on the whole. The wea- 
 ther has been so bad, that I have not been out once 
 since I have been here, nor even so much as thought 
 of preaching. These silent Sabbaths try m much; 
 I am out of my element; but the will of the Lord 
 be done. Ministers must have a time for suffering, 
 as well as for preaching. I know all is right, though 
 the dispensation is painfuL I want, however, like 
 many others, to exercise a greater degree of faith, 
 and to manifest a spirit of resignation to the will of 
 him who doth all things well. For I cannot divest 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 349 
 
 myself of those anxieties which becloud the mind 
 on the thoughts of mortality, of leaving tender con- 
 nexions and a beloved family, as well as the church. 
 Yet how wrong is this, since strength is promised 
 according to the day. But how easy to talk, how 
 hard to practise. 
 
 " But horvever it is with me, let me rejoice in the 
 thought that it is well with you Blessed in this 
 world, and looking forward with joy to that which 
 is to come. Some go through life on their hands and 
 knees, while others are lifted up by a kind Provi- 
 dence, and carried safely and comfortably through. 
 After all, however, it is communion with God that 
 makes life sweet, whatever be the external condi- 
 tion. Favoured with this, none can make us mise- 
 rable; destitute of it none can make us happy. That 
 you both may enjoy this inestimable blessing in an 
 eminent degree, is the most sincere prayer of 
 " Your's most affectionately, 
 
 " Chas. Buck." 
 
 No. LIX. 
 
 " At Mr. Castleden's, Woburn, Beds. 
 Dec. 14, 1813. 
 
 My dear Friend It is with very great plea- 
 sure I hear that you are better. I have been a bro- 
 ther companion with you in tribulation, often think- 
 ing I was on the borders of eternity; through mercy 
 I feel somewhat restored, except that my blindness 
 yet remains, and my feet are in a very bad state, 
 being swelled, sore, and exceedingly painful. It is 
 2 G 
 
350 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 near five weeks since I preached, nor have I been 
 out once since I have been here. [ long to be at my 
 work again, should it be the will of God, but his 
 will be done. We are not our own, but his, and he 
 has a right to do as he pleases with us. He can get 
 glory by our sufferings as well as by our services. 
 He shows us too how easily he can do without us; 
 that he can carry on his work without being indebt- 
 ed to us. But how necessary are these afflictions; we 
 cannot indeed do well without them, and it is a 
 pleasant reflection, that they are no marks of dis- 
 pleasure, but of love; for whom the Lord loveth 
 he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he 
 receiveth. How many have had reason to reckon 
 their sanctified afflictions among their mercies. And 
 shall not we, my dear friend, if spared, have to say, 
 The Lord hath dealt bountifully with us? An old 
 author says, we are something like the ball, the 
 harder it is beat down, the higher it rises; so we, 
 the harder we are beat down by affliction, the high- 
 er we shall bound in affection towards heavenly 
 things. And blessed be God for that affliction which 
 has this effect; which deadens us to the world, 
 which crucifies our vain desires, and elevates our 
 minds to a better world. I am very happy to hear 
 that you have been so supported; that God has been 
 so merciful to you in the time of your trouble. Now 
 have you had a fresh proof of the reality of the re- 
 ligion of Jesus; now have you found the truth and 
 sweetness of the sacred promises, and that you have 
 not followed a cunningly devised fable. O, what a 
 blessing to have an interest in the gospel of Christ4 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 351 
 
 By this we can live, by this we can walk and work, 
 by this we can die. On what superior ground do 
 we stand than those who, however great in this 
 world, know nothing of God. But to whom are we 
 indebted for all this? O, let us never forget the grace 
 that sweetly forced us in. Let us strike the cheer- 
 ful notes of praise, and say, The Lord hath done 
 great things for us, whereof we are glad. That 
 you may increase in- strength and abound in conso- 
 lation is the earnest prayer of, 
 
 " Yours, most affectionately, 
 
 C. B." 
 
 " P. S. My kind regards to Mrs. Gander; hope 
 she has and will have strength according to her day. 
 He that hath delivered can deliver. On him, there- 
 fore may her confidence rest, and her mind be 
 stayed." 
 
 No. LX. 
 
 " Woburn, Beds. Dec. 20, 1813. 
 c * Dear Friend My parcel, to my astonishment, 
 contained no less than twelve epistles, and among 
 the rest, I found one from a certain person with 
 whom you have some acquaintance. I am very 
 much obliged to her for her kind condolence with 
 one who is sick, and blind, and lame. Indeed, if 
 ever he stood in need of sympathy it is now, and he 
 has great reason to rejoice that he is not destitute 
 of it from his dear people. The hint you dropped 
 has for some time occupied my attention, and had I 
 
352 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 staid much longer here would have been adopted; 
 but hope very shortly, if I do not preach, at least to 
 show my face, and answer inquiries in my own per- 
 son. The country, in winter, I find not very favour- 
 able to invalids; I have not been able to get out at 
 all. My appetite is not so good as it was, and my 
 feet are very bad indeed; but I must not complain, 
 it might have been still worse. O! that I could but 
 think more of my mercies, and less of my trials; I 
 know which are the greatest of the two. How many 
 around us are more the subjects of distress than 
 ourselves. Last Thursday evening, a Mrs. May, a 
 fine woman, and wife of an attorney in this place, in 
 attempting to hang up a picture, her clothes caught 
 fire, and she was burnt to death. She was not, it is 
 said, even a professor of religion. Reflecting on 
 the case of others, how thankful ought we to be in 
 regard to ourselves, however low our condition. 
 
 " I hope you will find the divine presence in your 
 new habitation. Make it a place of prayer, and then 
 I am sure that will be the case. Cares, and troubles, 
 and wants will be found at Hoxton as well as at 
 Gravesend; but an attention to Philippians, iv. 6, F. 
 will bring through all. That the blessing of the 
 Most High may be enjoyed continually by you, is 
 the sincere prayer of, 
 
 " Yours, most affectionately, 
 
 "C. B." 
 " Forgive my trembling hand, for I am but weak. 
 I directed this to Mr. Owen, not knowing how to 
 direct for you at Hoxton. Mr. and Mrs. Castleden 
 beg me to present their kind respects to you.'' 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. $53 
 
 at least none that can interest the reader. He was 
 engaged in revising and publishing new editions of 
 some of his Works. He took several journies, and 
 wherever he went, and his health would permit, he 
 sowed the good seed of the kingdom. Arriving at 
 Brighton, in the month of August, the author 
 earnestly requested him to preach, but he reluc- 
 tantly declined, saying that his medical friends had 
 absolutely forbidden him. He was therefore a hearer. 
 The subject was derived from those words of the 
 apostle Paul, " No afflictions at the time are joyous, 
 but grievous; yet afterwards they yield the peace- 
 able fruits of righteousness." After the service, he 
 expressed himself perfectly satisfied with the doc- 
 trine of the text, and the solemn and plain man- 
 ner in which it was treated, and urged the preacher 
 to persevere in the good work. It was the last time 
 I saw him. 
 
 The tidings which reached me the following year 
 were, that Mr. B. was dangerously ill, that little or 
 no hope was entertained of his recovery. He was 
 seized with this affliction on the 7th of April, and 
 on the 8th of May was confined to that bed from 
 which he was never to rise again. His last sermon 
 to the people of his charge was preached on Tues- 
 day evening, April 4, from Heb. iv. 1. " Let us 
 therefore fear, lest a promise being left us of enter- 
 ing into his rest, any of you should seem to come 
 short of it." And his last sermon in this world 
 was delivered at Kennington Chapel, on the follow- 
 ing evening, from 2 Cor. i. 7. " And our hope of 
 2 G 2 
 
354 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 you is stedfast, knowing that as you are partakers 
 of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consola- 
 tion." 
 
 However diligently and wisely Mr. Buck dis- 
 charged the active duties of his station, and no man 
 ever exhibited a steadier or a brighter example of 
 uniform excellence, his last scene of patient suffer- 
 ing and holy resignation to the divine will, reflected 
 the highest honour on his principles, and produced 
 the deepest impressions on the hearts of his friends. 
 
 ; Nothing in his life 
 
 Became hirn like the leaving- it; he died 
 As one that had been studied in his death." 
 
 To those around him he observed, with a sweet 
 composure of mind, and a heavenly smile on his 
 countenance, " Let us rejoice in Christ, he has done 
 all things well, we shall only part for a little season, 
 and the grand theme of our souls will be, ' Not un- 
 to us.' Yes, our wonder will be through all eternity 
 that he loved us." Mrs. Buck observing to him that 
 the past Sabbath was the ordinance of the Lord's 
 Supper, with strong emotion he replied, " We shall 
 sit down together at the marriage supper of the 
 Lamb to part no more." Oh! what a blessed hope. 
 To some present he said, he himself had been witness 
 of many death-beds of saints, on which they have 
 often said, " Is this dying?" I now myself experi- 
 ence that Jesus can make a dying bed as soft as 
 downy pillows are. Some one observing to him what 
 a mercy it was he knew and felt his interest in. 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 355 
 
 Christ; with ecstasy he exclaimed, " O! yes, I do 
 feel that Christ is precious to my soul; yes, this is 
 our mercy, Christ the same yesterday, to-day, and 
 for ever." With much rapturous joy of soul he said, 
 " Eternity will be unfolding the mysteries of his 
 grand and divine purpose of love and mercy in the 
 saving of man, and his display of the divine God- 
 head. Oh! how sweet, divinely sweet, when we can 
 say, ' It is not left to chance, but Divine Provi- 
 dence.' " One observing that he would soon meet 
 those whom he loved, and worshipped with while 
 on earth, " Ah! (said he) to see our friends there 
 will be a happiness, but Oh! to find ourselves safely 
 arrived in those blest regions glorious thought! 
 
 " Sin, my worst enemy before, 
 
 Shall vex my eyes and ears no more." 
 
 " Oh! what a great and glorious salvation! Sin- 
 ner saved by sovereign grace." A friend standing 
 by, mentioning to him a person about to join the 
 church at Grub Street, and that his writings had 
 been a great means of bringing him to God, Mr. 
 B. remarked, " If it be so delightful to hear of souls 
 being brought to Jesus here below, what will it be 
 to behold them as jewels in our crown above." 
 Unto his friends around him, he observed, " What 
 a great thing it was to bear a testimony unto those 
 truths, which he had been preaching unto others; 
 this I now feel, blessed be God." To his son Samuel 
 he said, looking stedfastly at him, " He hoped he 
 would know and serve Samuel's God; that," said he, 
 addressing him, " will be your honour and your 
 
356 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 glory." Another time he observed, speaking of the 
 affliction of the church in being deprived of its 
 minister, that he hoped and trusted it would be 
 much in prayer for the cause of God, for if the 
 Lord took one of his creatures, and more especially 
 his ministers, it was for the promotion of his glory, 
 and the accomplishment of his grand designs. 
 
 To those near him he spoke very largely on the 
 blessing which attends those who make religion 
 their early choice; he spoke here of his own ex- 
 perience, and said he never knew happiness till he 
 found Christ to be his Saviour. He exhorted them 
 to persevere in the use of those means, which would, 
 by the blessing of the Almighty, establish them in 
 grace, and in every good word and work, and par- 
 ticularly recommended frequent attendance at the 
 mercy-seat, " for (said he) don't be discouraged, 
 while you ask with submission, and in the name of the 
 Intercessor, but come again and again, and you will 
 find such sweetness attending this ordinance, that 
 will resign vour mind to all circumstances; here 
 (continued he) am I, lying on the bed of severe 
 affliction, and if it were not for the consolations 
 which the presence of the Lord affords, what a 
 miserable creature I should now be; certainly I have 
 many blessings, for which I desire to be very thank- 
 ful; but what are they to a dying man, when com- 
 pared to God, to heaven, to an eternity of bliss? 
 And now, my dear friends, let me intreat you to 
 read your bible diligently; do not let trifles prevent 
 the performance of this duty; read a portion of it 
 everv morning, and you will find it will prepare 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 357 
 
 your minds for the events of the coming day; it 
 will preserve your temper, and will give you that 
 serenity, or as it is called, that peace of mind which 
 passcth all understanding. Observe how inconceiva- 
 ble this peace is as to expression; and yet, blessed 
 be God, it is that which is both known and felt by 
 the Christian. And let me now request you to re- 
 member these observations, with the person who 
 made them, when you read your bible. 1st, Who is 
 the Author? God. 2d, To whom is it sent? To 
 fallen miserable man. 3d, For what purpose? For 
 the salvation of man; to raise him from scenes of 
 woe, to the hope of immortal glory. I have loved 
 the bible (said he) from my youth, and I have car- 
 ried one constantly in my pocket, ever since the 
 age of twelve years, and if it were not superstiti- 
 ous, I would have one in my coffin when I die. 
 But I bless God that I have the hope of going to 
 that place where the beauties of the bible shall be 
 unveiled in their fullest glory. I have always read 
 it with pleasure, and I never remember perusing 
 any part of it without feeling a fresh sensation of 
 gratification, or discovering some new beauty. My 
 dear friends, when you are in retirement take your 
 bible in your hand, and pray for a blessing upon 
 the reading of it, plead earnestly that you may be 
 enabled to feel in your heart, and practise in your 
 conduct its blessed truths; and I can assure you 
 while you do this with a right spirit, you will never 
 fail in receiving an abundant blessing. Love God; 
 seek after him; delight much in reading his word, 
 and in supplicating his presence, and you will find 
 
358 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 he will never forsake you, but will be ready to suc- 
 cour you. I have sought after him, and I can safely 
 say I never knew him to turn a deaf ear to my pe- 
 tition. 'Tis true he has laid me on the bed of pain 
 and languishing; but what of that? His presence 
 makes my situation easy, and I would not part with 
 his smiles to become a monarch. He has permitted 
 ine to speak in his name, and I thank him it has 
 not been in vain. When I look back on my past life, 
 I only regret I have not often been more active in 
 the service of so good a Master; and I would rather 
 see my own children sitting on a dung-hill, and in 
 the enjoyment of God's presence, than to see them 
 exalted to the highest station, without his fear in 
 their hearts." Mr. B. then spoke of the effect which 
 the affliction of his people had upon his mind, and 
 though he felt regret at the separation, which was 
 about to take place, yet he rejoiced greatly in the 
 hope of their joining him in the Church above. He 
 then assured those around him of an interest in his 
 prayers, and again warmly exhorted them to perse- 
 vere in their determination to follow Christ. 
 
 During the few last days he was observed to be 
 much in prayer. Those words of Dr. Watts dwelt 
 much upon his mind, and he frequently recited 
 them with much pleasure, in the hope of that bliss, 
 which he expected hereafter to realize: 
 
 "Oil! glorious hour, Oil! bless'd abode, 
 I shall be near and like my God." 
 
 Not long before his death, he appeared to have 
 possessed somewhat more strength than he had done 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 359 
 
 for some time, and raising himself up in his bed, he 
 exclaimed with emphasis, u Now I know, now I 
 know," alluding no doubt to those words of St. 
 Paul, c I know in whom I have believed,' &c. which 
 a friend standing by repeated, and said, "You know 
 in whom you have believed?" to which he earnestly 
 replied, " Yes, yes." His last words were addressed 
 to Mrs. Back, in which, (as is evident) feeling for 
 her situation, he recommended her to that God, who 
 who will take care of the widow and the fatherless; 
 and with earnestness and pious assurance, said, 
 "My love, grieve not, fret not, the Lord will pro- 
 vide" and soon after bid adieu to the sorrows of 
 humanity, exchanging a life of pain and affliction, 
 for a never ending eternity of ease and felicity. 
 
 This event, so deeply felt by his family and nu- 
 merous friends, but so happy to himself, took place 
 on Friday, the 1 1th of August, 1815. On the Thurs- 
 day following, his remains were conveyed from his 
 late residence, in Primrose Street, amidst an amaz- 
 ing concourse of people, every where collected in 
 the streets through which the funeral passed, to the 
 City Chapel, attended by ten ministers, his medical 
 friend, his relations, and nearly all the male mem- 
 bers of his church. On arriving at the chapel, the 
 body was taken in and placed upon the communion 
 table. A hymn being sung, the Rev. Mr. Castle- 
 den, of Woburn, read part of the 15th chapter of 
 1st Corinthians; after which Dr. Simpson prayed. 
 The procession then moved, to the place of inter- 
 ment at Bunhill-fields. Here Dr. Winter delivered 
 the funeral oration. The Rev. Matthew Wilks 
 
360 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 preached the funeral sermon on the evening of the 
 following sabbath, to the bereaved church and con- 
 gregation, from the text chosen by the deceased, 
 Psalm cxvi. 7. " Return unto thy rest, O my soul: 
 for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee." 
 
 The following' is the Inscription on the Tablet: 
 Sacred to the Memory of 
 
 THE REV. CHARLES BUCK, 
 
 Whose Spirit, made meet for Glory, 
 
 Was taken to Imm; nuel's bosom the 11th of August, 1815, 
 
 In the 44th year of his age. 
 
 The Church and Congregation collected by him, and which enjoyed 
 his Ministerial labours for 18 years, have erected this Tablet as a to- 
 ken of their high esteem for his Character. 
 
 " The memory of the just is blessed.*' 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 361 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 A delineation of Mr. Buck's character may per- 
 haps be expected from the pen of his biographer. 
 But who can have read the preceding pages without 
 beholding the prominent features of his mind, and 
 the distinguishing qualities of his heart? The gen- 
 tleman who preached his funeral sermon knew him 
 most intimately, and I shall therefore content my- 
 self with quoting his testimony to the worth of his 
 friend. 
 
 Mr. Wilks considered the text which the deceas- 
 ed had selected as the basis of a funeral discourse, 
 as in his own view admonitory to himself, his wife, 
 his children, and his flock and in addressing the 
 deeply afflicted congregation, he observed, 
 
 " 1. Was it necessary that your dear pastor 
 should adopt this language as admonitory to his 
 own heart? of whom I can say before the omniscient 
 God, that I knew not a man in the world to whom 
 it is less applicable. The regular uniformity of 
 his habits, the pleasing urbanity of his manners, 
 the amazing equanimity of his temper, the uncom- 
 mon aptitude of his mind to every thing spiritual, 
 benevolent and good, seem almost to preclude the 
 possibility of his admonishing his spirit to re- 
 turn unto a God, with whom he appeared to live 
 in a constant and happy communion. Yet he knew 
 2H 
 
362 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 best. Of all the works in which a man can be em- 
 ployed, there is none calculated to minister so much 
 refined pleasure as the punctual and regular dis- 
 charge of the pastoral functions, especially if God 
 give that pastor numberless seals to his ministry, 
 and he is permitted to anticipate meeting them at 
 the right hand of Jesus. Yet there may be some 
 interruption of this sacred, this exquisite delight. 
 The fears, the temptation of his flock, the troubles 
 and perhaps restless tempers of some of them, tem- 
 pers so opposite to his own holy and peaceable 
 spirit, might interrupt the full enjoyment of this 
 inestimable good. Besides, he was a man, having 
 all the feelings of human nature. His reliance upon 
 and enjoyment of God may have been interrupted 
 by human and distressing fears, respecting a widow 
 and numerous family, bereaved and unprovided for, 
 exposed to all the vicissitudes and cares of life. He 
 was a sinner, like other men; and though sin did 
 not appear, sin was felt: where this detestable evil 
 works and struggles, it must embitter the spirit and 
 hurt the peace of a holy man, and the holier he is, 
 the sooner his peace is broken. Hence an apostle 
 was constrained to cry, ' O wretched man that I am, 
 who shall deliver me from the body of this death!' 
 Your pastor did the same. His wife, seeing him 
 look not so happy, one day just before his death, 
 asked him how he was; he said, " not very comfort- 
 able." What makes you so uncomfortable, my 
 
 dear, have you not God for your friend?" "Ah! 
 (he replied) I am so unworthy I am very unwor- 
 thy." A deep sense of these things will often urge the 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 363 
 
 exclamation of the text even from the best of men. 
 They must feel all the vibrations of mind, and all 
 the contrary and peculiar influences arising from 
 their present condition. A wife and a Saviour, 
 children about me, and heaven above me. This 
 world with its allurements, celestial glory with its 
 attractions; the old man with his affections and 
 lusts, the new man created anew in Christ Jesus, 
 all operating with different and even hostile tenden- 
 cies, will often force the believer thus to address 
 his soul, " Return unto thy rest." Perhaps it was 
 under these sensations that the text came with 
 peculiar emphasis to the mind of our departed 
 friend and brother. And considering at the same 
 time the innumerable mercies, temporal and spiritu- 
 al, which had crowned his life, he felt the impulse 
 of gratitude, and immediately added, " for the Lord 
 liath dealt bountifully with thee." 
 
 "2. The text may be taken as admonitory to his 
 widow. My dear sister, sincerely do I pity you. 
 You have known what the pain of separation and 
 dissolution of connubial ties are. You are now as it 
 were at sea and in a storm. Your situation is peril- 
 ous, and your mind may be agitated to excess. 
 How suitable then is the admonition to you, my 
 friend. Your husband is gone to heaven. You, I 
 trust, have a place there also. Your God liveth. He 
 is the husband of the widow, all your resources are 
 in him, and he can make all grace to abound. 
 Nothing is so calculated to bear up your mind, 
 and exalt your spirit, and compose your frame, as 
 the recollection of this text, " Return unto thy rest, 
 
364i MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 O my soul." You had much pleasure in your hus- 
 band, but there is infinitely more to be derived 
 from your God and Saviour. Your husband is dead, 
 and only the recollections of your former joys re- 
 main. " But blessed be my rock," return unto your 
 rest. Trust God's care, and you shall prove it; trust 
 God's promise, it shall support you; trust God's 
 arm, it shall bear you up; trust God's Son, he shall 
 be your salvation; trust God's spirit, he will give you 
 wisdom to manage your affairs with discretion, and 
 govern your family with prudence. You now want 
 the strength of two minds in one. God can give it. 
 You want a masculine mind; you want a decided and 
 persevering mind. " But I am the widow's God," he 
 says, u be that your staff, that your rest." 
 
 " 3. The text is admonitory to his children. My 
 dear young friends, I have just been following your 
 affectionate parent to heaven, and have imagined 
 that while he looks upon the face of Jesus, and of 
 many of his beloved people who went before him, 
 he casts an eye to the vacant mansions there, to 
 see if any were reserved for his beloved children, 
 looking for Charles's and Thomas's and Samuel's 
 seat. For you he prayed; you he admonished; for 
 you he wept, laboured, and felt. My dear children, 
 he is now happy; and methinks I hear the voice of 
 the Eternal addressing him in this language, 4 I will 
 be a God to thy seed.' O realize the delightful 
 vision. Return to the only adequate rest of an im- 
 mortal nature. Say, ' my father is in heaven, my 
 mother is going thither, a multitude of my young 
 friends have the same destiny in view, and how 
 
REV. CHARLES BUCK. 365 
 
 will my father look, if at the judgment day, he shall 
 stand at the right hand of God, and see any of us 
 at the left. If happy spirits could tremble there, it 
 would be at such a sight as this.' 
 
 " 4. The text may be admonitory to you his 
 church. My dear friends, you stand in a peculiar 
 relation to him. You were originally gathered to- 
 gether under him; many of you from the wilderness 
 of this wicked world, and others were as sheep 
 without any regular shepherd, until he came and 
 preached to you. I shall never forget the aptitude 
 of his mind to carry any thing into execution. We 
 were one day together, and our conversation was 
 directed to the chapel in Princes Street, and how 
 badly they were going on there. I observed, I think, 
 it would make an excellent place for an independent 
 congregation, if some good man would take it. He 
 did not open his mouth to me at the time; but the 
 first thing I heard upon the subject after this was 
 that Mr. Buck had taken Princes Street Chapel, 
 was preaching to the 3, and in eight months 
 
 had formed a church. He afterwards told me, that 
 he silently took the hint, and acted upon it imme- 
 diately. You are the fruits of his labours. You 
 have lost one of the best of pastors. You will be 
 well off if you get almost such a one. God is able 
 to make his mercies abound towards you. Return 
 him the whole. Be wise, be prudent, be united, be 
 of one mind, one spirit, one heart; let there not be 
 amongst you many masters, let there be no wild 
 opinions, but maintain the unity of the faith. You 
 have suffered by his illness, do not suffer by his 
 
366 MEMOIRS OF THE 
 
 death. God will appear for you, if your eyes are 
 directed to him." 
 
 To his brethren in the ministry, Mr. Buck's Me- 
 moirs present an alluring example; and his early 
 departure from the field of labour, reads to survi- 
 vors a most impressive lesson. We must soon, very 
 soon follow him to the great tribunal, let us thea 
 walk in his steps. To be active and useful, is to be 
 happy. He who is incessantly labouring in his 
 Master's cause, bears the eternal mark upon him 
 that he belongs to God, and may fearlessly exclaim, 
 " I am free of the universe, and I am ready to go 
 to any world to which my Redeemer may command 
 me, certain, that every where, in height or depth, 
 he will acknowledge me for ever." 
 
 .yaci 
 
On page 129 we inadvertently copied an error 
 from the English edition. In line 16 from the top 
 read justifying for justified; and in 17, justified for 
 justifying. 
 
JUST PUBLISHED, 
 
 BY ANTHONY FINLEY, 
 
 JVf. 33, South Fourth-street, Philadelphia, {Price $3.) 
 
 THE THEORY 
 
 OF 
 
 MORAL SENTIMENTS; 
 
 OH, 
 
 AN ESSAY 
 
 Towards an analysis of the principles by which men naturally judge 
 concerning the conduct ancLcharacter, first of their neighbours, and 
 afterwards of themselves. 
 
 To which is added, 
 A DISSERTATION ON THE ORIGIN OF LANGUAGES. 
 
 BY ADAM SMITH, LL. D. F. R. S. 
 
 FIItST A5IK11ICAN FROM THE TWELFTH EDINBURGH EDITION. 
 
 PART L. 
 
 Of the Propriety of Action. 
 
 Section I. Of the Sense of Propriety. 
 
 Section II. Of the Degrees of the different Pas- 
 sions which are consistent with Propriety. 
 
 Section III. Of the Effects of Prosperity and 
 Adversity upon the Judgment of Mankind with 
 regard to the Propriety of Action; and why it 
 is more easy to obtain their Approbation in the 
 One State than in the Other. 
 
 PART II. 
 
 Of Merit and Demerit; or, of the Objects of Re- 
 ward and Punishment. 
 
 Section I. Of the Sense of Merit and Demerit. 
 
 Section II. Of Justice and Beneficence. 
 
 Section III. Of the Influence of Fortune upon 
 the Sentiments of Mankind, with Regard to the 
 Merit or Dement of Actions. 
 
PART III. 
 
 Of the Foundation of our Judgments concerning 
 our own Sentiments and Conduct, anoV of the 
 Sense of Duty. 
 
 PART IV. 
 
 Of the Effect of Utility upon the Sentiment of Ap- 
 probation. 
 
 PART V. 
 
 Of the Influence of Custom and Fashion upon the 
 Sentiments of Moral Approbation and Disappro- 
 bation, 
 
 PART VI. 
 
 On the Character of Virtue. 
 
 Section I. Of the Character of the Individual, so 
 far as it affects his^ own Happiness; or of Pru- 
 dence. 
 
 Section II. Of the Character of the Individual, 
 so far as it can affect the Happiness of Other 
 People. 
 
 Section III. Of Self-Command. 
 
 PART VII. 
 
 Of Systems of Moral Philosophy. 
 
 Section I. Of the Questions which ought to be 
 Examined in a Theory of Moral Sentiments. 
 
 Section II. Of the Different Accounts which 
 have been given of the Nature of Virtue. 
 
 Section III. Of the Different Systems which have 
 been formed concerning the Principle of Appro- 
 bation. 
 
 Section IV. Of the Manner in which different 
 Authors have treated of the Practical Rules of 
 Morality. 
 
 Considerations concerning the First Formation 
 of Languages, &c. 
 
A. F. HAS ALSO JUST PUBLISIIRD, 
 
 A DICTIONARY 
 
 OF 
 
 Select and Popular ((flotations, 
 
 Which are in constant use; taken from the Latin, French, Spanish. 
 Italian and Greek languages, translated into English, with Illustra- 
 tions, historical and idiomatic. 
 
 BY D. E. MACDONNEL, 
 
 OF THE MIDDLE TEMPLE. 
 
 Second American edition, corrected, with copious additions. 
 Indocti discant, anient tneminisse periti. 
 
 This compilation is intended chiefly for the assist- 
 ance of the English reader (though its utility is by- 
 no means confined to such) who, not being acquaint- 
 ed with other languages, is interrupted and embar- 
 rassed (even in the perusal of the newspapers) by 
 such phrases as bellum internecinum, hors de com- 
 bat, sine qua non, -je ne sais quoi, uti posside- 
 tis, &c. &c. which, with many thousands of others 
 of greater length, will be found in this work, and 
 the reference is as easy as to any abstruse word in 
 Johnson's Dictionary. To such readers this work 
 will give information not to be found elsezvhere. 
 
 Annexed is a specimen of the work, 
 
 Impendam et expendar. Lat. " I will spend and 
 be spent" in pursuit of this object. 
 
 Imperium in Imperio* Lat. " A government ex- 
 isting under another government." This is the i Na- 
 tion in which each of our States stands to the Fe- 
 deral government. 
 
 Impotentia excusat legem. Lat. law maxim. u Im- 
 potency does away the law" men in prison, idioti, 
 and lunatics, are excused, from their inability, for 
 the non-performance of acts, which the law requires 
 of oth$jw- 
 
Indocti discant, anient memimsse periti. Lat. ' The 
 ignorant may learn, and the learned improve their 
 recollection." This is a motto frequently prefixed 
 to works of a general and useful tendency. 
 
 In extenso. Lat. " At large in full." 
 
 Ingenuas didicisse Jideliter artes. 
 
 Emollit mores, nee sinit esse feros. Lat. Ovid. 
 
 44 To have studied carefully the liberal arts is 
 the surest mode of refining the grossness, and sub- 
 duing the harshness of the human mind." 
 
 In perpetnam ret memoriam. Lat. " To perpe- 
 tuate the memory of the thing." 
 
 In statu quo, Lat. u In the state in which." The 
 condition of any nation, as to territorial possessions, 
 at any previous time with ante bellum y before the 
 war commenced. 
 
 In terrorem, Lat. " In terror" as a warning. 
 
 jfe ne sais quoi. Fr. " I kno*v not what." L r sed 
 to express something that will not admit of descrip- 
 tion. 
 
 Jeu de ?nots. Fr. " A play on words." Jeu d y es- 
 prit. " A witticism." 
 
 Judex damnatur cum nocens absolvitor. Lat. 
 " The judge is found guilty when a criminal is ac- 
 quitted." 
 
 Jure divino. Lat. " By divine right." 
 
 Judicandum est legibus non exemplis. Lat. law 
 maxim. " The judgment must be pronounced from 
 law, not from precedents." 
 
 Jus gentium. Lat. " The law of nations." 
 
 La maladie sans maladie. Fr. " The disease with- 
 out a disease" the hypochondriasis. 
 
 Lapsus lingua. Lat. " A slip of the tongue" 
 an error in speaking. 
 
 Laudum immensa cupido. Lat. u The insatiate 
 thirst for applause." 
 
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 ^ 
 
 
 iHfe 
 
 si 
 
 v >