The good soldier [microform] : outlines of the life, labours, and character, of the Rev. Hugh Beech

Preface

The writer of this biography offers no apology for its publication. He is aware, that its subject was not distinguished by any remarkable intellectual powers, or any extraordinary general attainments — ^but be believes him to have been a man whose warm and cheerful piety, whose unwearied diligence, and whose considerable success in the ministry to which he devoted his life, deserved a record more permanent than a newspaper paragraph, and larger than the miniature likeness which wUl appear in the next Minutes of Conference. He is also mistaken, if some of the incidents he has inserted wUl not be regarded of some interest in themselves, and suggestive of important and useful lessons. And as this little volume affords another example of holy living, active labouring, cheerful suffering, and triumphant dying, he trusts it may prove helpful to some who are striving through “ faith and patience to inherit the promises.”

He is conscious of many defects in the execution of his self-imposed task. He has written hastUy, in moments snatched from numerous and inevitable public duties — and has been unduly liberal in comments

IV.

ri

i

f!

f

I

II

h

I*

ii on the text of the narrative. But he has permitted the subject of the memoir to tell his own story as far as possible ; being convinced, that of all modes of relating life and experiences, the autobiographical is the most interesting. He only regrets, that the manuscripts which have fallen into his hands, are not fuller and more consecutive. He doubts not, that he could have gleaned many additional interesting facts, had he made application to the numerous friends of his late father : but the work would then

I

have swelled beyond the limits he had assigned it. That in the composition of these pages, he has always been guided by a sound judgment and a correct taste, he is, on a review of them, very much disposed to doubt. But that he has ever allowed an impulse of filial affection, to impart a warmer colour to the portrait he has attempted to paint, than fidelity would sanction, he unhesitatingly denies. To write this book has been to him, on the whole, a melancholy task ; and he now commits it to the candour of his

readers — “ with all its imperfections on its head.”

i

Stochporf, July \Ath, 1856.

COISTTEINTTS.

CHAPTEE I.

THE MOKNnsTO OF LIFE. PUTTENrO ON THE HARNESS.

Chesterton — ^Birth and Parentage — His own account of Early Life — Goes to work in the Potteries — ^Wickedness — Kemarkahle Providential Deliverances — Illness — Joins Methodist Society — Leaves through Injudicious Eeproof — Hears Rev. George Morley — Convinced of Sin — ^Agonies of Repentance — Conversion. Pages 9 — 20.

f

CHAPTEE II.

Witnesses for Christ to Neighbours— Establishes Sunday- School — Mental Improvement — Love of Music and Singing-Anecdotes of Fiddle, and of going to Enlist— Appointed Class-Leader — Success — Exhorts — Begins to Preach — Fruit at Boggin Bow — ^Appointed by the Conference to Homcastle Circuit. Pages 2 1 — 31.

CHAPTEE III.

OPENING THE CAMPAIGN.

Wesleyan Ministry— Sets out for Homcastle— Adventures

at Leek and Derby — ^Fatherly reception by Mr. Towler

Study — Discouragements — Determines to return home

Belief in difficulty — Appointed to Epworth— Bemoves to Bakewell — Acceptable Labours — Marriage. Pages 31 — 45.

CHAPTEE IV.

CONFLICT AND SUCCESS.

Appointed to Belper — Low state of the Circuit — Extracts

VI.

Contents

from Diary — Glorious Kevival — Received into full Connexion — His Hosts at Manchester — Revival continues — Baptismal Service and effects — Result of labours .at Belper — Removes to Hereford — Trials and Privations — Persecution — Rhyming Epistle — Letter to Clergyman — Reproves a Squire — Conversion of that gentleman. Pages 45 — 65.

CHAPTER V.

CONTINUE!) EIGHTINO.

Chapter Third

Mr. Beech commenced his itinerant ministerial career with much fear and trembling — but with an urdent love to Christ and the souls of his fellow-men — and with a single eye to the glory of God. It has’ not been unusual with the opponents and depreciators cf Wesleyan ministers, to represent them as having been selected, like Jeroboam’s priests, from the lowest of the people ; and as having sought their office either for a morsel of bread, or for the opportunity it afforded of suddenly emerging from a mean and obscure condition, to ease, honour, affiuence, and power. No representation can, generally speaking, be more unfair. Wesleyan ministers do not usually come from a humbler rank in life than did the Apostles and Evangelists of the Saviour. Though among them mot many noble, not many mighty are called— yet neither can they properly be said to be gathered from l

I

t r'

t

r

I the offscouring of society. They have some among them who originally belonged to the same profession as Luke the physician — others whp have come from the service of government, as Matthew from the receipt of custom— others who, like Saul of Tarsus, have studied the law at the feet of modem Gamaliels — and who, like him, have enjoyed aU the educational advantages the times have afforded — besides a multitude whose former occupations would not suffer by comparison with the pastoral, piscatory, or other pursuits of the primitive Apostles. Perhaps, in no instance do they come into the office for bread — for they have been accustomed in all cases to eat bread honourably obtained — generally the bread of honest industry — not the less sweet for being often earned by horny hands. As for ease, wealth, and power — the unconverted man who can be satisfied with the modicum of them Methodism confers on its ministers, cannot be one of those children of this world who are wiser in their generation than the children of light — but he must possess either an understanding of very dubious clearness, or a heart of, in some respects, extremely attenuated carnality.- It is not needful to affirm that no Wesleyan ministers ever became covetous, like Judas; or treacherous, like Peter but it may be sufficient to say, that most of them begin their course with pure, love to God and man, and with an eye fixed on the recompense of the reward.

Certainly, Hugh Beech took not on him the sacred

EEV. HUGH BEECH.

office for bread. He was then a skilful and rapid workman — engaged constantly in tbe more profitable departments of bis art, and probably earning as much as be ever afterwards received, and considerably more tban Methodism in many circuits gave bim. It is useless to speculate on tbe position be might have occupied in tbe world, bad be not entered tbe Christian ministry — for probabilities are not always answered in fact — ^nor are riches always to men of understanding. When be received notice of bis appointment to Horncastle, bis employers, (who were gentlemen entirely unconnected with Methodism, and who, according to tbe custom of tbe trade, might have retained bis services for some months longer) at once released bim — expressed regret at bis departure, and good wishes for bis future course — and assured him, that if tbe Methodist ministry did not meet his expectations, a situation in their manufactory should be open to bim. This was creditable to both parties.

He now prepared to depart for tbe, to bim, unknown country of Lincolnshire. There was at that time a coach passing through Leek every evening to Derby and London — and another from tbe former place every morning to Lincoln — and he was advised to travel by these conveyances. Accordingly, having sent his boxes by another route, one afternoon in August he set out to walk about twelve miles to Leek, accompanied by some young friends, and carrying a parcel containing a few books and clothes. When they came to the top of a hill near Leek, they knelt in the high road — prayed for one another — wept— «hook hands, and parted. It was then about five in the afternoon — and Mr. Beech, finding the coach would not arrive till eight, sauntered in the streets to while away the time. He must have been somewhat clerical in his appearance, for as he passed a particular shop, a little old man came out, and accosted him with, — “ Pray, Sir, are not you one of our preachers ?” He replied, “ I am on my way to a circuit. Sir.” “ That’s right,” said the old man ; “ Come in, and have some tea ; you shall preach for us to night.” Mr. B. objected, that the coach left at eight. “ Oh,” said his extemporaneous host, “ you’ll have time enough for a short sermon ; I shall send the crier round to announce the service.” The notice was given — a congregation assembled — Mr. B. preached, £.nd just contrived to catch the coach. He rode along, depressed by recollections of home, and by a conviction of his insuificiency for the work in which he was about to engage. When he reached Derby, it being assize time, he was imable to procure a bed at the inn. He saw the coach depart for London — sat ■down a few minutes, and then suddenly remembered he had left his parcel on the roof of the vanished vehicle. He rushed out — found the ostler, and ofiered him half a guinea, to take a horse and recover his property. The man smiled, and replied that the ■coach was too far off to be overtaken. He then went into the coach office, and acquainted the clerk with his loss. That functionary gave him the cold com-

BEV. HUGH BEECH. 35

fort of an assurance, that he would never see his parcel again — “ the coachman,” said he, “ will take care of that ; it wiU. be a little pocket money for him.” Mr. B. stood at the door of the office ruminating. “Well,” thought he, “I had better go home again; it is clear the Lord never intended me for a travelling preacher ; he is stopping me at the outset.” At that moment a gentleman came up and said, “ Is anything the matter. Sir ?” The case was stated to him. “ Oh,” said he, “ don’t distress yourself ; be kind enough to give me your address, and as I am one of the coach-proprietors, I will take care your parcel shall be returned.” Encouraged by these words, Mr. B., next morning, went on his journey ; and it may be observed, that the promise of the obliging coach-proprietor was in a few days fulfilled.

Erom Lincoln he foimd his way to a village in the Homcastle circuit, where his superintendent, the late Eev. Edward Towler, was that day appointed. On his first interview with Mr. T., he presented him with a letter from the superintendent of his native circuit — and sat down with the desolate feelmg of a stranger in a strange land. Mr. T. read the letter, rose, crossed the room, grasped both hands of his young colleague, and with tears in his eyes exclaimed, “ My dear lad, I will be as a father to thee.” Erom that moment the heart of the young man clave to his superintendent — and he reverenced and served him as a son in the gospel.

3b MEMOIE OF THE

The Homcastle circuit was then very extensive, and much time was expended in travelling from place to place. The desire of the hospitable friends who entertained the preachers to he as much as possible in their company, during their occasional visits, was a source of some inconvenience and disadvantage to Mr. B.; as it seriously curtailed liis opportunities of reading and study. The deficiencies of his early education also became painfully apparent to him, and sorely discouraged him. Those were not the happy days when candidates for the Wesleyan ministry were carefully instructed in classics and theology, by men of distinguished attainments in both. The education many of them had, was obtained by themselves — without the aid of masters and professors. Diligent study afibrded the only means by which they could remedy the lack of early training. The subject of our memoir was convinced of this ; and procuring a tinderbox, lamp, and great coat, rose even in the winter at three o’clock in the morning, and pursued his studies till daylight. He adhered to the practice of early rising till within a year of his death. All this time he was devout, energetic, and laborious. He found favour in the eyes of the people — God gave him seals to his ministry — and yet he was often strongly tempted to abandon his charge, and return to his former employment. When he had been about four months in the circuit, he believed he had exhausted his scanty theological knowledge, and could never again appear before the con-

EEY. HUaH BEECH.

gregation at Homcastle. One morning he was actually packing up his hooks when Mr. Towler entered his room and said, What does this mean He replied, I can preach no more, and so I am going home.’’ Hr. T. reasoned with him in the most paternal manner — told him of his acceptance in the circuit, and of some instances of his usefulness in the conversion of sinners, and of his (Mr. T.’s) assurance that he was called of God to the work of the ministry ; but for a while all was in vain. At length he said, Well, promise me to try one more Sabbath.” Mr. B. consented, after much persuasion, and on that Sabbath, though slenderly prepared, he preached with more liberty and power than he had ever experienced, and some good was done. On that Sabbath, too, he obtained so firm a conviction of his divine call to preach the gospel, that it was never after seriously shaken. So did the Saviour condescend to strengthen the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees of his servant. Nothing in the way of remarkable revival occurred in connection with his labours during that year — ^but after a lapse of nearly half a century, he is still remembered by persons advanced in life, in that part of Lincolnshire, for his piety, zeal, and excellent singing.

The late Daniel O’Connell, of agitating memory, once ridiculed Methodist preachers, by representing them as sometimes travelling without money; and when coming in sight of a toll-gate, straighhvay having recourse to prayer — fanatically expecting to have i f

II

MEMOIR OE THE the coin necessary to frank their passage, conveyed by some spiritual legerdemain into their pockets. Though this was but a gross and impudent caricature, yet many a good man has been assisted in comparatively trivial difficulties in a singular manner. iTr. Beech was naturally a generous man, and never particularly discriminating as to the objects of his charity. The money he had brought with him from Staffordshire speedily vanished. Towards the close of his second quarter in the circuit — ^being about to take a coimtry roimd of a fortnight’s duration — he examined the state of his exchequer, and found his funds reduced to a very inconsiderable sum. He calculated it would suffice for toll-bars till quarter-day — ^but he feared he should be bankrupt if his horse’s shoes came off on the journey. However he went on his way, and preached that evening at a place called Ketsby. As he was going to his lodgings, an old man, who bore the reputation of a miser, overtook him, and said, “You have preached a very good sermon to-night — ^here’s a parcel for you,” — giving him something wrapped in a paper. On being opened it contained half a crown in copper.

A few nights after, in another village, he was praying with the family where he was entertained. It consisted of an aged mother and two sons. During prayer, the old lady seized his hand, and shut the fingers over something she deposited in the palm. "When the devotions were ended, she bade them “ Good night,” and retired. He then told the sons

EEV. HUGH BEECH.

what had occurred, and offered to give them whatever might be in his hand. They laughed — said their mother had odd ways — ^but was quite competent ta manage her own affairs — and they should not meddle in the matter. He found in his palm a piece of gold. These facts will perhaps be regarded as of some interest, whether considered as belonging to the cljapter of curious coincidences, or whether placed in some higher category. Every reader will draw his own inferences-— but none can severely blame Mr. B. if he gathered from these events increased confidence in the minute care of his heavenly Father over him — for even supposing such a result unwarranted, as we do not — stni, it was only an example of the use of the Christian’s philosopher’s stone — turning baser metal into gold.

At the Conference of 1811 , he, and both his colleagues, were transferred from Homcastle to Epworth. He spent the year in endeavouring to do good — and in persevering efforts to improve his theological and general knowledge — and in both pursuits he was not without success. His piety was deepened, and his mind enlarged — and his character was gradually forming into the zealous, active, hearty, and happy Methodist preacher he afterwards became. It waa about this time, too, that he began to amuse himself by writing in rhyme. To call his compositions of this sort poetry, would perhaps be to give them too dignified a title — though certainly some of them would not suffer by comparison with much of the metrical rliapsody wliicli in these days goes by that name. He, however, never claimed to be a poet, though he was able to appreciate' the beauties of poetry — ^his ambition never went farther in this direction than to please himself, and occasionally to amuse and benefit some of his friends, by conveying a few thoughts in lines poigsessing a given number of feet — and marked by their jingling terminations. ,

From Epworth he was removed, in 1812, to Bakewell. He left his Lincolnshire friends with reluctance, and came to his new circuit imder the impression that the land of Goshen was behind him, and the wilderness before him. He certainly foimd Methodism in the circuit comparatively low — no horse was . kept — the walks were long, and the regular ministerial duty exceedingly laborious. However, the physical aspect of the country delighted him — ^he appreciated the mingled magnificence and loveliness of the scenery of that part of Derbyshire ; and as he was strong and healthy, fuU of divine love and zeal — the prospect of labour rather cheered than daunted him. He devoted himself to his proper work of spreading scriptural holiness, both by preachmg the gospel, and visiting from house to house — refusing to be satisfied with the performance of his stated course of ministerial toil — ^but often overstepping it by his stand beneath some tree, or on some

horse-block in the different villages, and crying to their inhabitants, “ Behold your God !” Nor did he spend his strength for nought ; some were brought to

BET. HUGH BEECH.

seek the Saviour by his instrumentality — though his success by no means corresponded to the extent of his labours, nor equalled that with which the Head of the Church favoured him in some other localities. He, however, met with general acceptance, and was appointed a second year to the same sphere of holy toil. It was during this year he obtained his greatest earthly blessing ; and in securing that blessing committed his only offence against the discipline which, as a "Wesleyan minister, he was bound to observe. In the village of Ashford, near BakeweU, he was entertained during his visits at the house of a widow lady of the name of Smith — whose daughter at once became an object of interest and attraction to him. Miss Smith was young, of pleasing appearance — of gentle manners — of superior mental endowments — well educated — possessing the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit — and above aU, she was deeply pious. Mr. B. was irresistibly attracted towards her at first sight —but fearing to yield to a mere impulse of passion, he delayed confessing his love, tiU by observation and enquiry he was assured she would be a helpmeet for him. By one of those ingenious devices, not unusual among persons similarly affected, he contrived one afternoon to place himself without suspicion, where he could hear her meeting her class, (for she was already a leader) — and he was satisfied she was in that department .of usefulness, as* in everything else, eminently qualified to be the wife of a Wesleyan minister. His attentions were favourably

D

. MEMOIB OF TH£ received — the attachment became mutual, and on the 25th of November, 1813, they were married — ^and she comforted him in sorrow — coimselled him in difficulty — secured his domestic happiness — ^promoted his respectability as a man, his piety as a Christian, and his efficiency as a minister ; in short, did him good and not evil all the days of her life.

It is, however, to be regretted, that the time at which he drew this prize in the matrimonial lottery, was not precisely the right one. He had not quite completed the term of his probation — and, therefore, was guilty of a violation of one part of the discipline to which his submission was due. This violation cannot be justided-— seeing that, had he possessed his soul in patience a few months longer, nothing was likely to have defeated the accomplishment of his wishes — ^but it may admit of extenuation. He was uncomfortable in his lodgings — and there was not that perfect accordance between himself and some with whom he was officially connected, which is always desirable. Like most men of sanguine temperament, he was exceedingly sensitive. Open as the day, generous as the sun, and guileless as an Israelite indeed, confidence and affection always awakened in him a suitable response — while a shadow of suspicion grieved and harrassed him. He experienced the need of tiie comforts, as well as of the soothing influences of a domestic hearth — and he determined to obtain them as speedily as possible. He felt himself in a sort of purgatory — ho saw a paradise before him,

EEV. HUGH BEECH.

fenced in only by the hedge of a prudential ecclesiastical regulation ; and so he stepped over the’hedge — and took possession of the garden. TTia enjoyment, however, was a little diminished, by discovering that the fence he had crossed was a hedge of thorns ; and that he wa^ to be punished for his temerity. In plain English — the ensuing Conference mulcted him of a year of his ministry, and consequently delayed his ordination till he had travelled five, instead of four, years. This he doubtless felt to be a calamity — ^but he acquiesced in its propriety — and while never regretting, for a moment, the fact of his marriage, acknowledged that he had done a right thing at not exactly the right time. It is gratifying to add, that his spirit was not soured by the forfeiture he had incurred — ^nor his love for his brethren diminished — nor his respect for the discipline of the body to which he belonged abated — ^but that very respect led him to ahriuk from any allusion to his ecclesiastical delinquency. In after years, when he was advised that by merely asking the Conference, he might, probably, have had his ministry dated from 1810 instead of 1811, he refused to moot the question — on the ground that such an act of favour towards him might possibly become, some day, an inconvenient and mischievous precedent — thus evincing a higher regard for the order and welfare of the body, than for his individual interest and honour.

We may appropriately conclude this chapter by remarking, that no Christian church can escape dissolution without discipline^.-— and that in such a voluntary association of churches as that which goes by the name of Wesleyan Methodism, discipline must com-- prehend questions of finance as well as questions of morality. No doubt the regulation which prohibits the marriage of ministers on trial, owes its existence, in some degree, to financial considerations — ^but not entirely so. It should be remembered that ministers on prohation are liable to be dismissed, and will be so dismissed, should not their probation be satisfactorily borne. It cannot therefore be proper, apart from financial considerations, to sanction men in contracting indissoluble engagements, while in a sort of chrysalis state, on the presumption that they will be Wesleyan ministers ; when very possibly they may turn out something as different as worms from butterfiies. A host of inconveniences and evils, affecting both individuals and families, may arise from acting on such a presumption. There can be nothing wrong in prohibiting such action by pain and penalty. Of course, the authority which enacted this law may relax its operation in particular cases, and for special reasons; but no individual under its jurisdiction is warranted to take the law in his own hands. As to all the rhetorical thunder and lightning this regulation has brought down upon the Conference — suggesting a comparison with Popery in ‘‘forbidding to marry;’’ it is a deplorable waste of indignation and eloquence — as the effect of the regulation is, first, to prevent men from marrying, presuming on a position

EEV. HUGH BEECH.

they may never hold ; and secondly, to assist in securing those who may marry, after attaining that

t

position, some provision for the support of a household.

I