the growing empire of our King. His church must
flourish, because it is purchased with his blood, and
preserved by his grace. The names of the several
denominations among which it is scattered may be
lost and forgotten, but its numbers shall increase,
and its honors spread to the end of time.
The Episcopalian church may totter to the ground;
the Presbyterian church may be known no more;
the Independent church may no longer exist as a
separate body; but the true church, made up of
many of all these, and confined to no one of them,
shall increase yet more and more, and ever be ac-
knowledged the Zion of the Lord, the city of the
Holy One of Israel.

than that the ministers of God should be men of God; that personal religion is a most indispensable requisite in all who grasp at the honor of being the servants of Christ and his churches. That it has pleased God, who has separated me from my mother's womb, to call me by his grace, and reveal his Son in me, I am led to hope, or I dare not think of the Christian ministry! From my earliest infancy, having been blest with a religious education, my mind was powerfully impressed with the solemnities of death and judgment: and often have such impressions been the means of drawing me to earnest secret prayer, at a very early period of my existence. Yet did I, as I advanced in age and stature, This morning have we cause for gratitude, that give proofs, awfully evident, frequently since disamidst the spread of infidelity, and a vain philoso-tressing to my mind, of the dreadful depravity of phy, the work of God is not forgotten: that still his my nature, and of the necessity of that great change, churches rise and flourish; that still souls are born which I then accurately judged had not really pass to God, and the saints shout aloud for joy. In the ed on my soul. But God remembered me in mercy! sanctuaries where we worship, we have the solace The Holy Spirit made use of the preaching of the of our cares, a kind refreshment afforded us in our gospel at Hertford by various ministers of our own journey to heaven, and new light and joy bestowed. denomination, as also by several in the connection May all this be known amongst us-be known by of the late Countess of Huntingdon, to enlighten posterity when we are cold in death. my mind in the knowledge of him; gradually he drew me to himself; and, I trust, imparted to me, for my best treasure, his love in my heart, the salvation of Christ, with its attendant blessings. Viewing myself, then, as a young sinner, blest with special favors, I determined I would not live to myself, but to Him who I believed had loved me, and given himself for me. I cast myself upon his care; I implored his direction as to my future steps; I longed to be engaged in the holy ministry, yet God is my record that I trembled at the idea of rushing into his service; of assuming, with daring temerity, a character I was so unfit to bear. I resolved that i would wait for the direction of his providence, and then go on in his strength. Christian friends urged me to devote myself to the work of the Lord; my own mind eagerly seconded their proposals; yet the consideration of my youth, and the dread that I was unprepared for the employment, held me back from the attempt, till after a little while my acquaintance with Mr. Thomas Wilson commenced: encouraged by him in the hope that I might be a laborer for God, I commenced preparatory studies for the ministry, under the direction of my honored friend, the Rev. William Hordle, of Harwich, and, recommended by him, entered the seminary at Hoxton. Thus, Sir, a persuasion of the great importance of the preaching of the gospel, a consciousness that God had imparted to me that tone of mind which seemed adapted to the employment, the earnest wishes of intelligent and useful Christians, the clear and evident direction of Divine Providence, and, I hope, the glow of zeal for the honor of our glorious Redeemer and the good of man, united together to direct my coming to the ministry of the word. Why do you choose to exercise your Ministry among Protestant Dissenters?

I cannot lose sight of the opportunity which this morning affords me, of assuring this large and mixed assembly, that real religion is a personal thing; that the gospel we preach must be believed, and its consolations enjoyed, or there remains for us no hope of pardon or of peace. My fellow immortals you have all sinned, and come short of the glory of God; but we exhibit to you a blessed and perfect Redeemer! Believe in him, and you shall not be confounded world without end. And when I meet you in an assembly far larger and more solemn than this, I mean at the judgment day, you shall be accepted of him; yea, believing in him, you shall then enter a temple, not made with hands eternal in the heavens; and for ever adore the hand that formed it, the grace that conducted us to it, and the Saviour who fills it with his glory. Amen. On Wednesday, May 29, 1812, the chapel was solemnly dedicated to God. On this interesting occasion, the Rev. P. S. Charrier, of Bethseda chapel, Liverpool, commenced the morning service by reading a suitable portion of Scripture, and offering up a solemn and appropriate prayer. The Rev. William Jay, of Bath, delivered a sermon from Psalm cxxii. 6, "They shall prosper that love thee." The Rev. Mr. Lister, of Lime-street chapel, concluded by prayer. In the evening, the service was opened by reading of the Scriptures and prayer, by the Rev. Jos. Fletcher, A. M. of Blackburn. The Rev. Dr. Collyer, of Peckham, preached from 1 John iv. 8, "God is love." The Rev. Mr. Kershaw of Edinburgh, concluded by prayer.

No. VI.

MR. SPENCER'S ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS PROPOSED
TO HIM, AT HIS ORDINATION.

What motives have induced you to enter upon the im-
portant work of the Christian Ministry?

As the religion of the Bible appears in my estimation the best blessing Jehovah has bestowed upon the world, I, from the humble hope that it has shed its influence on my own heart, am impressed with an earnest wish to be the instrument of conveying its holy advantages to my fellow immortals! I say from the hope that I am interested in its blessings; for in no one sentiment am I more fully established,

This is evidently but a rude outline of what was evidently delivered on that interesting occasion. The effect produced upon the immense auditory which he addressed was remarkably strong-and every effect must have an adequate cause.

The close alliance of the church of England with the state, were there no other argument against it, would be enough to influence my mind in refusing to enter within its pale. But my conscience also objects to many of the terms of communion it imposes, and its acknowledgment of a human head; to several of its prescribed ceremonies, which appear to me unlike the simplicity that is in Christ, and very unnatural characteristics of a kingdom which cannot be of this world. Yet, while these are my decided sentiments, I shall always respect and love the zealous followers of the Lamb, whom Heaven acknowledges, as his friends among the members of the established church. May grace, mercy, and peace, ever be with them; may the work of God succeed among them. From

all that I can collect from the New Testament, it appears obvious to me, that all that is meant by a church of Christ, is a company of faithful men determining to unite together in his faith and service -bowing to his directions-submissively yielding themselves up to him-and resolving to walk in all his ordinances and commandments, blameless! These churches are, I believe, to be found among those of the congregational order, and therefore I am united to them.

What are the principal topics on which you mean to

insist in your future ministrations?

My earnest ambition, Sir, is to declare the whole counsel of God and to give to every one his portion of meat in due season. In order that this may be effectually done, I know that the Mediator's excellencies must be particularly displayed, and the glories of the cross largely insisted on. I intend, Sir, in humble dependence on the strength of Christ, without regarding either the smiles or the frowns of man, to endeavor to approve myself the faithful servant of God. In my discourses, Christ shall be all in all. His person, work, and great salvation, shall be constantly exhibited in their bearings, upon every part of the scheme of religion I have beheld in the Bible, and admired. The solemn truth, that man is totally depraved, and altogether defiled by sin; the necessity of regeneration; the suitableness of the atonement our Lord has made; the nature and blessedness of the influences of the Holy Spirit; the various consolations and directions contained in the gospel of Christ, shall all be illustrated and discussed in my ministry, according to the ability Jehovah shall bestow. The doctrines of grace shall maintain a high precedence in all my ministrations: yet will I, with the most industrious care, labor to show that they are doctrines according to godliness. The holiness of the religion of Christ shall be enforced from every subject. Thus will I labor to secure the approbation of God, to preserve an honest and good conscience, to promote the glory of the great and precious Redeemer of sinners, and to win souls to Christ. The terrors of the Lord shall be declared to the ungodly; the sure support of our covenant Lord shall be preached to the faithful; and Christ shall be preached to all.

eternity all the events that should take place in the universe, and that he orders all things after the counsel of his own will. I believe that his almighty power created all the things that do appear, and still supports and upholds them in the state of existence in which he has wisely placed them. I believe that the persons in the Godhead did, foreseeing the fall and ruin of Adam and his posterity, enter into a covenant engagement with each other, that through their grace, the lost rebel might be restored la divine favor and friendship, and to communion with the whole Trinity. In this covenant, I believe all the blessings of grace are deposited for all the faith ful; Christ is its surety. He has made that atone ment this covenant secured, and the blessed Spirit communicates the happy effects of it to the souls of all good men. It was by virtue of the arrange. ment of this covenant that Christ appeared once in the end of time, to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Gradual discoveries of his glory have been made to the Jewish church; but at length he came to redeem Jacob, to ransom him out of the hand of him that was stronger than he. By his sufferings, his obedience unto death, and the whole of his mediatorial work, I believe he has purchased the church; redeemed and saved the goodly company of men, who by the Eternal Father were for this purpose given into his hands before time began. And having on earth finished the work given him to do, I believe that he ascended to glory, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, and ever liveth to make intercession for sinners, that their corruptions may be purified, their graces may be matured, and they be finally with him, where he is, to behold his glory. I believe that the Holy Spirit works on the human mind, when the time, the set time, to favor the individual, is come; that he affects the heart with compunction for sin; that by the instrumentality of the gospel, he calls the sinner out of darkness into marvellous light; that by the influence of divine truth, he sanctifies the soul; that by the application of the promises of Scripture, and by his own internal witness, he gives strong consolation to the heirs of God, for such I consider those whom he has convinced of sin, and led to Jesus; called, enlightened, sealed, and established, they give evidence of a divine work upon their souls, by appearing in the beauties of holiness; by adorning the doctrine of God, their SaI do, Sir, with pleasure, in the presence of this viour, in all things; such characters I believe that congregation, deliver to you the sentiments I hold Jehovah views as his church on earth; his family dear to my heart, and those views of the truth as it below, only separated by death from the blest socieis in Jesus; which, having imbibed myself, I intend ty above; and for their sakes all nature stands; to to communicate to my fellow men. The sentiments promote their present and eternal happiness, the I hold, I trace up to their source when I mention gospel was published in the world; ministers have the Bible, the book of God, which holy volume, been commissioned to serve the Lord, and qualified attested by every evidence that consistency, dignity, for the office; separate churches have been raised; purity, miracles, and divine effects can afford, I re- the ordinances of Christ's appointment, viz. the ceive as the standard of truth, as God's revelation Lord's supper administered to believers in Jesus; of his own mind and will to men. Regarding the and Baptism, designed for those who from heathen Bible, then, as able to make us wise unto salvation, countries were proselyted to the Christian faith, and I receive as positive and important truths, all that it for all the infants of believers--have been preserved teaches concerning God, the world, salvation, amongst us. In their hearts, the fruits of grace heaven, and hell. I believe then, from the testimo- must abound; they must walk with God, and be ny of divine truth, that God is a spirit, holy, infinite, conformed to the divine image. Such characters unchangeable, and perfect in all the attributes of must, I believe, endure to the end, and be saved; deity. That in the Godhead, there are three divine their perseverance, I consider as resting on the and glorious persons, equal in power and honor-power of God, on the nature of the covenant-Dithe Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This vine faithfulness, and the very tendency of the sublime mystery I dare not attempt to explain; be- principles of grace. I consider justification from cause I know, that we cannot by searching find out sin; the pardon of every offence; the gradual God, nor trace the Almighty to perfection. Yet do sanctification of the soul, and its preparation for I most cordially receive the fact, admiring the va- heaven, as all blessings of grace, freely bestowed rious parts each of them has undertaken in the upon the unworthy; obtained without money and economy of our salvation, and adoring a triune without price. I view the preaching of the gospel God as the proper object of Christian worship. I as God's appointed means for the translation of sinbelieve that Jehovah's omniscience foresaw from all ners from darkness to light, and for the edification.

CONFESSION OF FAITH.

of his mystical body, the church, by the exhibition | fectly insensible to the influence of every other prinof Christ crucified, it had pleased God to save them that believe.

Through the grace of God, every humble believer will, I know, eventually appear before the Saviour in glory everlasting. To that state of joy and felicity, I believe all real Christians to be daily tending; and am happily persuaded, from the testimony of God, that those who serve him here shall reign with him above. Hence the spirit of a good man, when it is separated from the body, is by its beloved Saviour, received to the final dwelling of the just, where it waits for the time appointed for the trumpet to sound, and the dead to be raised, to be again united to the body, then glorified, and made like the body of the Redeemer.

ciple, than the love of Christ, and the souls of men. Hence if he attained not to the same eminence in literature with some of his own age and standing, it is not to be attributed either to the want of opportunities or of talents. A mind richly endowed, and naturally ardent, as was his, might have attained any object to which it had consecrated its superior powers. Spencer early selected his. To this he devoted all the faculties of his soul. His mind seemed never for a moment diverted from it; and in this, as might be expected, he excelled. He neither was nor wished to be accounted a great scholar. A gentleman, intimately acquainted with Spencer, and formerly a student in the same institution, and whose estimate of his character and talents is, perI anticipate sir, the last judgment-I believe that haps, as correct as any that has been formed, after God is coming to vindicate the right of his own speaking of the inferiority of his critical and clasgovernment; to declare the equity of his holy pro- sical attainments, which certainly bore no proporvidence, at which we have in our ignorance often tion to his eminence as a preacher adds, "Do not murmured; to banish the impenitent, the unholy, suppose that I am endeavoring to depreciate him and all who would not obey the gospel, into tor- by these remarks. I am far from doing it; and I ments, more awful than we can ever imagine, and think that when you take into view what was his lasting as the existence of the soul. On that day, main object, and what were the high views which sir, I believe that we shall give an account of our-occupied every power of his soul, they will be found selves unto God, and if found clothed in the Medi- to increase rather than detract from his eminence. ator's righteousness, we shall be declared approved It was his glory to be ignorant of other and inferior of God, and welcomed to the joys of heaven. This, things, if thereby he was becoming more acquainted sir, is the outline of what I conceive to be the faith with those which made for his peace, and the peace delivered to the saints; these are the fixed princi- of thousands who were benefited by his early minisples I have cordially received myself, and intend to try. It will never after this be surmised, that his make known to others. Oh! that my faith in them want of proficiency in what is called learning, was may be operative and influential, in supporting my owing to any want of ability to acquire it. It was mind under the severe, sharp trials, with which my to be attributed to the same cause which induced Father in heaven has thought fit to exercise me; him to refuse an exhibition to Glasgow in my hear and may I be enabled, in simplicity and godly sin- ing-a love of doing good, and a conviction of the cerity, to declare these truths to the people of my shortness of his day. I am far from being one of charge. those unreasonable persons, who when they find a man rising to distinction in one part of his intellectual character, expect that he should be equally prominent in every other."

In the presence of God, then, his holy angels, those his servants in the ministry, and this assembled congregation, I resign myself, my body and soul, my ministry, my all, to the care and protection of the Great Head of the Church.

"The Lord God of my fathers be with me, as he was with them: let him not leave me, nor forsake me." And I most earnestly and humbly request the prayers of my own congregation, of my brethren and fathers in the ministry, and of all who witness these solemnities, that God would enable me to fulfil the duties of my sphere, that he would ever preserve me from backsliding in religion, that he would fix my wayward heart, and preserve it alive to God; that the ministry be not blamed.

The justice of these remarks, and the additional light they shed upon the character of Spencer, must be my apology for their introduction here.

No. VIII.

ADDITIONAL LETTERS.

LETTER I.

TO MR. GEORGE MEDLEY.

Dorking, July 21st, 1809. "VERY DEAR SIR-It has occasioned me no small

anxiety, that since I have been at this place, I have heard nothing of you. 'Tis true, indeed, that I engaged to write to you, but I have been expecting that you would have called here before now, on your way to Brighton.

"I need not tell you, how happy I should be to see you, nor what real pleasure my kind hostess would feel in entertaining you at her house.

I do solemnly determine, as far as in me lies, to live to his glory; to set a watch over my temper, speech and deportment, that they may not disgrace the gospel of Christ. I purpose, relying on the allsufficient grace of the Master whom I serve, that I will be instant in season and out of season; that I will reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering; that I will labor as for God, and as in the immediate prospect of eternity. May he assist me to in- "Since I have been at Dorking, my time has been struct the ignorant-to cheer and direct the sick and fully occupied by a variety of engagements. Preachthe dying to influence the young to rise and following, walking, reading, and society, have all urged Christ-and to do real and extensive good in this large and populous town; and when I have done the labors allotted for me below, after having spent a holy and an useful life-oh! may I but hear the Lord say, "well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy Lord." Amen.

ADDITIONAL PAPERS.
No. VII.

I think that it must have been apparent from the preceding narrative, that Spencer's great object was usefulness. He seemed in his pursuits to be per

their claims upon me, and each received a measure of attention. I have reason to hope, that the Lord of the harvest will bless his word, as he enables me to deliver it to the congregation. The greatest attentions are paid me; nor do I anticipate the day of separation from them with any peculiar sentiments of pleasure. Motives for humility and lowliness of mind continually rush in upon me, and wretched indeed shall I be, if suffered to fall into pride-that 'condemnation of the devil.'

"The vicinity of this town is remarkably pleasant: in my walks I am sometimes led to see, how the azure skies, meandering streams, flowery meads,

and rising hills, all show forth the eternal power | sorrow oppressed the heart of your valuable partner. and Godhead of the Saviour by whom all things were created; and how they all serve, in one way or other, to recommend him, and set forth his unrivalled excellence, while they acknowledge him as their sole proprietor, for he is Lord of all.'

Oh! may you find, that Jehovah mingles mercy with judgment, and that he doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men. Pray earnestly, my dear sir, for a spirit of resignation to the will of God, and confidence in the disposal of him who "I hope that you enjoy the blessings of his new must do right. 'What I do,' says our best friend, creating power, and find that he who first created 'thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know herein you a right spirit, still puts his fear into your after.' Oh! for faith in his wisdom and his care. heart, as your best defence against every danger, I am ill qualified to suggest much that will be of and as your effectual preventive against departing use to you in your present trial; and I hope you have proved before now the sympathy of the Sa"In your requests to the God of his saints, 're-viour, who feels with his people in all their sorrows, member me,' that he may bestow upon me such blessings as shall render me a lively Christian, a faithful friend, and a useful minister: nor would I, when I bow my knees before our Father who is in heaven forget to pray for you, to whom I am so much indebted, and who may well consider me as "Yours, most affectionately,

from him.

"THOMAS SPENCER."

LETTER II.

TO THE SAME..

Liverpool, July 12th, 1810. "MY DEAR FRIEND-I am sure you will be glad to hear from me, and therefore make no scruple of troubling you with a line. In this distant part of the kingdom, it affords me great pleasure to recollect that I have, though far away, excellent friends who sincerely regard me, and anxiously watch over my best interests-and, I am happy to say, you are among the first of my constant cordial Christian friends. Oh! that both of us may enjoy the sweet friendship of him who having loved his own which were in the world, loved them to the end.'

"I suppose you know, that an unexpected scene of affliction was opened to me before I left town, and it still sends forth bitter waters. "Tis hard to see and to acknowledge that, whilst clouds and darkness are around him, righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his seat. We, alas! are too apt to murmur at the holy providence of that God, who does as he pleases in heaven and in earth, and who will hereafter make us know that he does all things well.

"Pray for me, that I may be enabled to say, 'I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that in faithfulness thou hast afflicted me.' My journey to this place was most tiresome and fatiguing. I am treated with every possible mark of attention. My preaching is well attended; may it be crowned with the real blessing of our God. To such a request I know your piety will lead you to add Amen. I may possibly remain here four more Sabbaths: I wish however to stay but three.

-At first I found it disagreeable to have no old friends to converse with at this place; but such separations are necessary, and if sanctified, have a tendency to drive us nearer to the Saviour, the only source of permanent happiness. At his throne we may always unbosom ourselves; and when consolation does not come from our fellow creatures, we must look for it from him, 'who is a present help in time of trouble.' How sweet is the thought, that his ear is ever open to our requests, wherever we may be, and that he can always supply our wants. Farewell, my dear friend; may you enjoy the choicest blessings a covenant God can give. Your affectionate friend,

"THOMAS SPENCER."

LETTER III.
TO MR. N. H

"MY DEAR SIR-I have thankfully to acknowledge the receipt of your kind letter. I am grieved to hear that sickness has entered your habitation, and

and whose strong arm can support them in every trial; thus your experience will lead you afresh to apply to him now, and repose your confidence in him for ever.

"Take care that you mention to Mrs. H. the stability of the covenant of grace, which remains still rich in its treasures, and secure in its blessings, though our comforts fail us, and our hope decays. Tell her that Christ lives still, and that he lives for her as a believer in him, and that no affliction can separate from his love. Tell her that in all these dispensations, he has kind ends to answer, which if we do not discover on this side eternity, we shall know well and gratefully acknowledge when we enter that holy, that large family above, where neither disease nor death ever approach. I earnestly desire, I would frequently pray, that she may have grace to commit the child into the hands of Christ, who once said, of such is the kingdom of heaven; and should it be his holy will to remove this darling of your heart to his own arms in glory, may she and you, still taught by divine grace, and supported by divine love, say-I was dumb, and opened not my mouth, because thou didst it. God can teach us to adore and bless, even for dispensations which we cannot understand.

"My own mind is now often painfully exercised by the idea of leaving the society of those who have possessed a large share of my heart, for a place so distant as Liverpool. On this subject, I have felt more than I can possibly express. Pray for me, that I may be enabled to commit myself, and those I love, unto the kind care of our Father in heaven.

"For the present farewell: present my respects to our friends, and believe me sincerely yours, "THOMAS SPENCER."

LETTER IV.

TO MR. GEorge medlEY.

Liverpool, May 12th, 1811. "MY VERY DEAR FRIEND-I hope you will not mistake that remissness in writing I have to confess to you, for neglect, as it arises from the number and pressing nature of my daily important engagements

and you know I have to undertake all these with a mind always tortured with anxiety, and exercised with the severe strokes of our Father's chastening rod. Long and distressing is the illness of both my beloved friends at Brighton. The event is with God, and I know that he will so manage it, as to advance his own glory, though perhaps not what I should consider my interest. You too, my dear friend, have shared a measure of affliction, from the disposals of divine providence: I have no doubt but you have felt, and felt keenly too, but you can 'hope in God, for you shall yet praise him, who is the health of your countenance and your God.' His grace shall be sufficient for you, his arm shall sustain both you and yours, and in your cares he will ever feel the liveliest interest. Oh! then cast, my valued friend, cast all your cares upon him, for he careth for you. I often delight my mind with reflecting on the various pleasures we enjoyed toge

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