The life of the Rev. Robert Newton, D. D

Front matter

THE LIFE

OF THE

THE LIFE

Preface

The biography of the late Dr. Xewton is not a subject that I should myself have chosen^ not because I had any doubt respecting his purity and uprightness_, or the propriety of placing his personal history before the world; but because of the difficulty of doing justice to a character of such rare excellence^ and to a course of action so peculiar and unique. But when his family requested me to undertake the seryice^ and their ^yislies "vrere seconded by several of his brethren in the ministry^ whom he highly esteemed^ and who were deeply concerned for his honour^ I felt that I ought not to refuse at least to make the attempt.

But scarcely had I begun to collect materials for the work^ when it pleased God_, by a stroke of His providence^ to disqualify me for the task which I had undertaken. He took from me my best earthly friend^ who had been the wife of my youth^ the mother of my children^ and my ever-faithful companion and adviser for nearly forty-five years. The dispensation was^ indeed^ mingled with mercy; for^ perhaps^ few persons have had a more peaceful and gentle removal from the sufferings of this life to the joys of the heavenly paradise : yet such a bereavement was a sad reality^ and for a time rendered it impossible for me to proceed with my engagement. As soon as I was able^ I entered upon the task^ and found it to be a means of mental relief. It was impossible to trace the gradual development of such a character as that of Dr. Xewton, and to describe his wonderful ministry.

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PREFACE.

without pleasurable emotions^ and even spiritual profit. Yet^ after all^ the state of my own feelings may have thrown an air of pensiveness over some parts of the narrative ; and if so^ the candid reader^, it is hoped, will excuse and forgive it. The whole has been written under an impressive view of the brevity of life, and of the inestimable value of that personal faith in Christ crucified, which secures peace to the conscience, and purity to the heart, and which prepares mankind alike to meet the trials and sorrows that inevitably await them in this world, and to enjoy the endless happiness of the heavenly state.

The materials for the Life of Dr. Newton have been found to be far more rich and ample than they were apprehended to be. Knowing that his was a course of incessant activity, I concluded that he kept no daily journal of his proceedings, and that his correspondence consisted of scarcely anything but laconic answers to applications for ministerial service. In this I have been pleasingly disappointed. He did not, indeed, keep any journal, except during the time of his visit to America; but his letters to Mrs. Newton, which he \^ rote when he spent any considerable time from home, and which she kindly placed at my disposal, I found to be singularly copious and interesting. They contain valuable sketches of his public labours, and disclose, with unreserved and admii'able simplicity, the feelings of his heart, while he was engaged in a course of labour which astonished the world. They show the conscientious fidelity with which he endeavoured to prosecute his ministry, and the anxious feeling of responsibility with which he contemplated his ever-growing popularity, and the consequent influence which, from day to

PREFACE .

V day^ lie liad over immense masses of people. His letters also place his domestic character in a light the most amiable and attractive. ]\Iany persons who have been accustomed to regard him only as the eloquent orator^, the popular Preacher^ and the nnTrearied advocate of ^Missions to the Heathen^ will here see him as the kind husband^ and the tenderly-affectionate father, whose yearnings for the conversion and salvation of his childi^en were deep and incessant.

To the TVesleyan Ministers^ and various other friends of Dr. Newton^ who have kindly allowed me the use of documents in their possession^ or have forwai'ded to me facts illustrative of his character and history^ my very cordial thanks are due^ and are respectfully tendered. Then' names are^ for the most part^ introduced into the narrative. But for these valuable communications^ the Life of this very eminent man would have been far less perfect than it now appears.

I cannot forbear to express the satisfaction I feel in placing before the Christian Church,, and especially the Wesleyan section of it^ this record of the life and labours of Dr. Robert Newton; a man who was adorned with every wtue_, and whose eminent abilities^ through a long life^ were directed to the one object of promoting the spiritual good of manldnd^ and that to the widest possible extent. His fidelity as a Methodist Preacher was perhaps never sm^passed. Mr. T\^esley declared it to be his belief, that God^s design in raising up the Methodists as a distinct community^ was not to secure any party interests^ but to rouse a slumbering nation^ and call its attention to Christian godliness in its vitahty and power; and

A 2 vi

PEEFACE.

at the close of Ms life lie made certain important arrangements^ tlie object of which was^ as he expresses it^ ^''to fix them upon such a foundation as is likely to stand as long as the sun and moon endure;'^ provided they continue to walk by faith^ and show forth their faith by their works/'

None of Mi\ Wesley^s sons in the Gospel ever entered more folly into these views than Dr. Newton. He had in him nothing of a sectarian spirit^ and much less had he any of its bitterness ; but his attachment to his own people^ and to theii' ecclesiastical order^ was conscientious and unwavering. All his energies were devoted to the advancement of spiritual religion^ — the life of God in the soul of man^ — the kingdom^^ which is not meat and drink ; but righteousness^ and peace^ and joy in the Holy Ghost The various arrangements and institutions of Wesleyan Methodism he knew from experience and extensive observation to be well adapted to foster and advance this great purpose ; and hence^ when^ a few years ago^ the tide of innovation set in against the Wesleyan economy^ he acted as its meek but faithful guardian ; anxious that it should retain its spiritual character^ and be transmitted to posterity in unimpaired efficiency; so that^ according to the design of its venerable Founder^ generations yet unborn might share in its benefits. In spirit he was gentle as a child^ but in the cause of righteousness and truth he was a pattern of manliness and decision. In this and in other respects he has bequeathed to his brethren and successors in the Wesleyan Ministry an example which is scarcely less valuable than the services of his long and active life.

Richmond^ March l&th, 1855. T. J,

CHAPTER I. Pages

Mr. LSD Mrs. Xe^on of Roxby — Their Conversion — Godly Zeal — Their Family — Early Life of their Son Robert — John Jackson, R.A. — Robert's religious Awakening — His subsequent State of Mind — His deep religious Convictions — Obtains Peace with God — Begins to preach — His general Acceptance 1-17

Chapter II

Robert Xewton's Appointment to the Pockhngton Circuit — Adventures on his "Way thither — His Appearance and eaily Ministry — Village Preaching — The Rev. Thomas Dixon — Robert's Discouragements — John Hart — Robert's Appointment to the Howden Circuit — The Rev. Joseph Sutcliffe — State of the Howden Circuit — Robert's Preaching — Prench Preachers — Rev. Barnabas Shaw — ]Mr. Thompson of Armin — Mr. Xewton's ^Marriage — Letters to his Sister — Takes the Measles 18-87

Chapter III

Mr. Xewtox's Admission into full Connexion ^"ith the Conference — Messrs. Benson, Clarke, Bradburn, Dr. Coke, Joseph Bradford — Mr. Xewton removes to the Glasgow Circuit — Effect of his Preaching — His Advantages in the City — Tisits Stirling and Ayr — Humble Accommodations — Popularity at Stirling — Proposal to him that he should become an Independent Minister — Visit to a Scottish Village — Letters to his Sister Ann — Pailure of his Health — Attends the London Conference — Rebuke from !Mr. Benson 38-52

Chapter IV

Appointed to the Rotherham Circuit— Rev. John Crook— Mrs. Joseph Collier— Mr. Xewton's Popularity and Usefulness— Erection of a A 3 viii

CONTENTS.

Pages.

new Chapel at Rotlierliam — Rev. Jolin S. Pipe — Mr. Newton's Removal to Sheffield — Rev. John Barber — Rev. Peter Haslam — - Mr. Newton's great Usefulness — Rev. WiUiam Smith — Mr. Newton a Means of checking Infidelity — Friendship between him and Mr. Bnnting — Removal to the Huddersfield Circuit — Case of Mr. Wilson — Proposal that Mr. Newton should become a Clergyman — Letter from the Rev. Thomas Taylor — Rev. John Kershaw — Mr. Newton preaches before the Conference — Removal to the Holmfirth Circuit — Notices concerning him, by the Rev. John Brown — Ofiicially appointed to preach before the Conference— Opposes the Luddites 53-74

Chapter V

Mr. Newton removes to London — The Liturgy — Popularity of his Preaching — Mr. Butterworth — The Bible Society — Dr. Coke's departure for India — Restoration of Peace between France and England — Letter to the Rev. William Smith — Mr. Newi:on's removal to the Wakefield Circuit — Increasing Popularity — Commencement of his Career as an Advocate of Missions — Noble Zeal of the Methodists in the Mission Cause — Messrs. Bunting, Watson, and Newton — Letter from Mr. Watson — Death of Mr. Newton's Father — Letter to his Mother — Bible Society at Wakefield — Mr. Newton preaches before the Conference in London — Assists at the Opening of a new Chapel in Lincoln — Conversion of a Medical Practitioner 75-93

Chapter VI

Mk. Newton removes to Liverpool — Travels extensively to preach occasional Sermons — Democratic Riots in Manchester — Letter to Mr. Turner of Derby — Erection of the Grosvenor-street Chapel in Manchester — Mr. Newton's removal to Manchester — Spirit of Insubordination among the People— Mr. Newton guarded by a large Dog — Case of the Rev. Robert Young — Mr. Newton is made the Secretary of the Conference — Visits Ireland for the first Time — Letter to Mr. W^augh — Attends the Irish Conference — Visits Cornwall to assist at Missionary Anniversaries — Letter to Mrs. Newton — Attends Missionary Meetings at Manchester and London— Attends the Conference in Sheffield — Declines to go to

CONTENTS.

ix

Pages.

America — Rev. Jolm Emory — Removes to tL.e Salford Circuit — Elected President of tlie Conference — Letter to liis Sister on the Occasion of her Marriage — Letter to Mr. Turner — Mr. Xewton is seized vdih. hilions 'Eever — Letter to his Sister, announcing his Piecovery — Death of his Mother — Opinion concerning hired Local Preachers 94-113

CHAPTER YII.

Mk. Newton's removal to Liverpool — Extraordinary Demand for his Services — Incident at a Love-feast — Death of Mr. Butterworth — Mr. Newton's Speech on the Suhject — Missionary Liberality in Liverpool — Letter from Mr. ^Yatson concerning the Opening of a Chapel — Conversion of an Infidel in Derby — Presentation of silver Plate to Mr. Newton by the Derby Trustees — His Letter on the Subject — His Night -Travelling to fulfil his Appointments— His Conduct in his own CiiTuit — Is elected President of the Conference a second Time — Cholera in Liverpool — Prayer- Meeting with respect to it — Death of ^Mrs. Newton's !Mother — Affecting ^lortality among the Y'esleyan Ministers — Dr. Clarke, Mr. Thomas Stanley, Mr. John James, Mr. Y'atson — Mr. Newton removes to Manchester — A Junior Minister is appointed to take his Places on the Week-days — He serves the Connexion generally— Incident connected ^-ith his Travelling — Letter to Dr. Beecham — Remarkable Missionary Meeting at Foxholes — Mr. Bedford's Statement respecting the general Habits of Mr. Newton at this Time lU-135

Chapter VIII

Spieit of Innovation, Political and Ecclesiastical — Attempt of a Young Preacher to engage the Methodists in a Scheme of Agitation for the Separation between the Church and the State — Mr. Newton's Interference, as the Chairman of the Manchester District — Decision of the Conference in the Case — "\Yesleyan Theological Institution — Factious Opposition to it raised by Dr. W. and his Party — Interference of !Mr. Newton in his Office as Chairman of the District — The Doctor suspended iU the Conference — Fidelity of the Trustees of the Chapels — The Doctor appeals to the Comi;

X

CONTENTS.

Pages.

of Chancery — Sir Charles Wetherell — Decision ag^nst the Doctor hj the Vice- Chancellor — Mr Newton's Self- Possession and Pidelity — Injurious Consequences of these Agitations — Dr. W. appeals to the Lord Chancellor — Sir Charles "Wetherell again — Confirmation of the Vice- Chancellor's Decision by Lord Lyndhurst — Importance of these Decisions — Anniversary of the Wesley an Missionary Society — Mr. Newton's Speech — Persecution of Mr. Newton by Dr. "W.'s Party — His exemplary Meekness — Dangerous Dlness in Scotland — Kindness of Mrs. and Miss Drummond— Mr. Newton's Letter to his Children — His Recovery — Sheffield Conference of 1835 — Dr. Bunting's Address on Church Principles — Dr. W.'s Expulsion — Mr. Newton's Letter to Mrs. Drummond and her Daughter 136-165

Chapter IX

Mfi. Newton's Appointment to Leeds — He visits Boulogne — Letter to Mrs. Newton — Anecdote of an inquisitive Lady — Letter to Mrs. Newton from the Irish Conference of 1836 — Mr. Newton's Labours at this Period — Testimonies of Messrs. Young, Barton, and Smith — Letters to Mrs. Newton — Illuess of Miss Rebecca Newton — Mr. Newton's Visit to Cornwall in the Spring of 1837 — Letter to Mrs. Newton — Letter from the Irish Conference — English Conference of 1837 — Irish Conference of 1838 — Letter from Dublin to Mrs. Newton — Celebration of the Centenary of Methodism — Centenary Meeting in Manchester — Extraordinary Liberality connected with the Movement — Mr. Newton's services in Connexion with it — Letter to Mrs. Newton from Edinburgh— The Centenary Conference 166-185

Chapter X

Mr. Newton is requested to attend the General Conference in America, as the Representative of his English Brethren — Consent of Mrs. Newton — He engages to go — Singular Scene in a Missionary Meeting at Bridlington Quay — Mr. Entwisle writes to Mr. Newton on the Subject of his Visit to America — Embarkation, with Mr. Joseph Souter as his Companion — Change of the Wind while he was praying — His EeUow-Passengers — He is injured by a EaU upon the Deck of the Ship — Remarkable Conversion of one of

CONTENTS.

xi

Pages.

the Passengers — American Pilot — Mr. Xewton lands at New- York — Preaches in the Evening of the same Day — Attends a Missionary Meeting — His Popularity — Notice concerning him in . a Newspaper — Preaches at Philadelphia — Cmions Mistake of the Choir — "\Yhitefield and TTesley — Journey fi'om Philadelphia to Baltimore — Opening of the General Conference — Respect shown to Mr. Newton — He preaches on the Sunday Morning, and in the Afternoon, to upwards of ten thousand People — Three Infidels converted — Mr. Newton addresses the Conference concerning Slavery — He preaches before the Conference with extraordinary Effect — He preaches to the Blacks — Preaches before the Congress— Respect that is shown him — He attends the Anniversary of the American Bible Society — Description of him and his Preaching, in a ^Yashington Newspaper — Letter to his Family in England — Affecting Departiu'e from the Conference 186-215

Chapter XI

Mr. New^ton returns to New-York — Extraordinary Popularity of his Preaching — He visits various Places, where he preaches successfully— He returns to New-York — His farewell Service — Public Address to him, by Dr. Bangs — Affecting Separation from his American Friends — Voyage to England — A Sailor lost — Mr. Newton's kind Thoughtfulness for Mr. Souter — He arrives in Liverpool — Attends the Conference in Newcastle, and is elected a third Time to fill the Presidential Chair — Letters to his Family — He receives the Thanks of the Conference for his Services in America — Visits Cornwall in the Spring of 1841 for Missionary Purposes — Letters to Mrs. Newton — His Services in connexion with the Anniversary of the Wesleyan Missionary Society — Letter from Cork — Mr. Barrett's Testimony as to Mr. Newton's Character and Labours in the Leeds Circuit — Conference in Manchester 216-239

Chapter XII

Me. Newton's Removal to the Manchester First Circuit — A handsome Compliment paid to him by an aged Lady — The Illness and Death of his Daughter Mary Anne — Letters to Mrs. Newton — His Christian Resignation — Character of his Daughter — Death of a Grandson xii

CONTENTS.

Pages.

— I^etter to Mr. and Mrs. Gill on the Occasion — Letter to Mrs. Newton — Sympathy of his Brethren — Visits the Channel Islands — Letter to Mrs. Ne^vton — Letter to his Daughter Rebecca — He visits Scotland — Letter to Mrs. Newton from Edinburgh — He preaches for Mr. BrowTi at Dalkeith — Attends the Irish Conference — Letter from Dublin to Mrs, Ne^i;on — Attends the Sheffield Conference of 1843 — Letter to Mrs. Newton — Is made Doctor of Divinity by Diploma from the Wesleyan University of Middletown 240-257

Chapter XIII

Anniversary of the Wesleyan Missionary Society in 1843 — ^Dr. Newton preaches for the London Missionary Society in the Surrey Chapel — Attends a Missionary Meeting at PocMington — John Hart — Appointment to the Salford Circuit — Letter to Mrs. Newton from the Birmingham Conference — Testimony of the Rev. William B. Stephenson as to Dr. Newton's Character and Conduct — Singular Scene in a Missionary Meeting in the Irwell-Street Chapel — Letter to Mrs. Perkins — Letter to Robert Townend, Esq., from the Bristol Con= ference of 1846 — Letter to Miss Drummond from Dundee — Letter from Mr. Harrison of Gainford respecting Dr. Newton — Journey in a Snow- Storm — Letter to Mrs. Newton from Dublin— Letter from Belfast — Liverpool Conference of 184? — Vile Attempt to ruin Dr. Newton's Character and Usefulness by anonymous Slander — Appointment to the Stockport North Circuit — Letter to Mrs. Newton — Letter to Mrs. Perkins on the Death of her Son — Letter to Mrs. Newton from Dublin — The HuU Conference of 1848 — Dr. Newton's fom-th Election to the Ofhce of President of the Conference — Elements of Evil displayed in the Conference — Letter to Mrs. Newton— Visit to Scotland ....258-282

Chapter XIV

Manchester Conference of 1849 — Death of Mr. Batty — Letter to Mrs. Newton — Anonymous Slanderers — Johnson's Character of Junius — Expulsion of three Men from the AVesleyan Ministry— The Principles upon which Mr. Wesley acted — Importance of Union among the Wesleyan Ministers — The Act of Expulsion

CONTENTS.

xm

Pages.

defended — The Assailants of Methodism, and their Success — Letter to Robert ToT^nend, Esq. — Dr. Xe^rton's Diligence — Letter to the Rev. Thomas TTangh — Opening of a new Chax:)el at Garndiffaith — London Conference of 1850 — Letter to Mrs. Xe^rton — Death of the Rev. John Chettle — Dr. Xewton's Appointment to the Livei-pool South Circuit — Letter to Mr. and I^L-s. Ingoldby — Meeting at Stockport to present a Portrait of Dr. Xewton to his Pamily — Address to him — Dr. X^ewton's Answer — Loyalty to Methodism 253-315

Chapter XV

L'RE of Dr. Xewton's Health — Serious Illness at Mirfield — Providential Interposition — Letter to Z\Ir. and ]Mrs. Dawson — Death of Mrs. Ireland — Letter to Mr. Prancis Xewton. and to another Friend — Letter to Mrs. Xewton from Dublin — Xewcastle Conference of 1851 — Letters to Mrs. Xewton — Decay of Dr. Xewton's Health — Testimonial Fund — Letters to ]\Ii\ Edward Corderoy — Letter fi'om Dr. Bunting — Meeting of the Subscribers to the Testimonial Fund — Dr. Bunting's Address — Addi'ess of Dr. Xewton— Letter to Mrs. X'ewton — Liverpool District-Meeting — Sheffield Conference of 1852 — Dr. Xewton's Visit to Derby — Letters to Mrs. Xewton — Dr. Xewton becomes a Supernumerary ]\Iinister — Resolution of the Conference on the Occasion — Reminiscences of Dr. Xewton by the Rev. AVilliam M. Bunting ...31G-347

Chapter XVI

Xewton's Settlement at Southport — He declines an Invitation to preach at Boston — Letter to Jacob Owen, Esq. — Letter fi^om Derby — ^A'isits Grantham, &c. — Letter to ]\Irs. Xewton — Last Sermon in the City-Road Chapel, London— Speech in the Missionary Meeting in Exeter Hall — Inability to attend the Irish Conference — Letter to Mr. Vaugh — Resolution of the Irish Conference — The Bradford Conference of 1853 — Dr. Beecham's Testimony as to Dr. Xewton's Spirit and Demeanour — Letter to AVilliam Valker, Esq. — Declining Health — Letter to ^Ir. and Mrs. Ingoldby on the Death of their eldest Son— Dr. Xewton's last public Sernce 318-384 xiv CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XVII. Pages

Dr. Newton's Removal to Easingwold — Interview with the Rev. John Rossell — Conversation with Mr. Tetley — His last Letter, addressed to Mr. Turner — Sudden Loss of Sight — He is seized with Paralysis — Dying Sayings — His Death and Paneral— Puneral Sermons on the Occasion — Resolutions of the Wesleyan Missionary Committee — Character of Dr. Newton, by the Methodist Conference 365-388

Chapter XVIII

Dr. Newton's Personal Appearance — Mental Character — Deep and permanent Piety — His Character as a Son — A Husband — A Eather — A Master — His Character as a Preacher — Voice — S elf- Possession— Elocution — His Preaching strictly evangelical — Instructive — Convincing — Practical — His great Success — Anecdote of his Preaching at Middleton — His Sermons diversified as to their Eorm — His Preaching always related to Salvation— Often preached on the same Text — His Diction thoroughly English — His Eminence as a Preacher attained by Study and Labour — Cultivated the Gift of Prayer — His Zeal and Eidelity as a Eriend of Missions — Progress of the Wesleyan Missions — His cathoKc Spirit — Scene on a Missionary Platform at Scarborough — Dr. Abraham Taylor on Churchmen and Dissenters — Dr. Newton's Popularity — His Peeling of Responsibility in reference to it — Humility and Modesty — His singular Prudence — Conversational Powers — His Attachment to Methodism — Its Doctrines — Its Discipline — The Connexional Principle — His Labours for Methodism— Anecdote of his Visit to an obscure Village — His patient Sufferings for Methodism — His noble Eirmness in the Maintenance of his Methodistic Trust — His Single-Mindedness — Two illustrative Anecdotes — Howard — The Esteem in which he was held by his own Brethren and People — His Respect for the Poor — Encouragement to be derived from his Example and Success 389-427

THE LIFE

or THE

REV. ROBERT NEWTON, D.D.

Chapter I

In the last centurj; and the beginning of the present, there lived a couple^ upon whom it pleased God, in the dispensations of His pro^ddence and grace, to bestow many rich and substantial blessings, such as are not vouchsafed to the generahty of mankind. They bore the names of Francis and Anne Newton. He was born in the year 1732, Old Style, and she about eleven years later. Her maiden name was Booth. They were both of yeoman descent, and were an honour to the class of people to which they belonged. They were tall, comely, and wellfavoured in their personal appearance ; each of them possessed a sound and vigorous understanding ; and in respect of intelligence they surpassed the greater part of their contemporaries of the same rank in Hfe. They occupied a farm at Eoxby, a hamlet on the sea-coast, between Whitby and Guisborough, in the North Eiding of Yorkshire, where they spent their time in honest industry, remote from the gay and fashionable world, from the anxieties of commerce, and from the smoke and din of mining and manufacturing operations ; the soil which they

B

LIFE 0? THE cultivated, and the flocks which they reared and tended, supplying them with the necessaries and conveniences of life. He loved the sports of the field, was of a social spirit, possessed some knowledge of music, relished what was called a good song,^^ and was therefore a frequent guest at convivial parties in his own neighbourhood; but she was rather sedate in her temper and habits. Yet they were not happy; for they knew nothing of godliness but its form. They said their prayers, they attended the public worship of God in the parish church, and occasionally received the supper of the Lord : but they knew not God as the God of pardoning mercy ; they did not " worship Him in spirit and in truth ;^^ nor were they delivered from the power of their evil nature by the grace of the Holy Spirit. These were subjects of which they had no just conception, any more than their neighbours.

The rehgious history of Mr. and Mrs. Newton suggests an impressive view of the aggressive and missionary character of Wesleyan Methodism. It was the persuasion of the Founder of the system, that he and his fellow-labourers were raised up neither to overthrow the Established Church, nor to root out Dissent, but to spread scriptural holiness tlirough the land. In this sentiment they were aU agreed ; and therefore waited not tiU ignorant multitudes should apply to them for instruction, and profligate transgressors should inquire of them the way of life and salvation. They rather forced an entrance into neighbourhoods where wickedness abounded, warning the people of their danger, calling them to repentance, and pointing them to ^^the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.^^

Some of these faithful and seK-denying men found their way to Eoxby, where their services were greatly needed.

EEY. EGBERT XEWTOX, D.D. 3

Among the foremost of them was the Eev. James Eogers^ who was a personal friend of the venerable Wesley^ and the husband of Hester Ann Eogers^ whose biography and devotional writings have long been deservedly popular^ and extensively useful. Public rumour laid many and grievous complaints to the charge of these enterprising strangers: yet Mr. Xewton^ urged mainly by curiosity^ ventured to hear them. Mr. Eogers requested permission to preach in the house of Mr. Xewton. Tiiis was denied^ but he was allowed to pray \vitli the family ; and it was not long before still greater favour was shown to the unpopular cause of Methodism. The Eev. John King came to Eoxby^ expecting to preach in a barn^ which appears to have been promised ; but when the time came^ the promise was revoked^ and Mr. Xewton^ seeing the Preacher and the congregation disappointed^ offered them the use of his house ; for he and Mrs. Xewton both began to feel the force of Di\ane truths and to perceive that they needed something to which they were strangers^ in order to their safety and happiness. At tliis time some fiiend placed in their hands the incomparable J ournal of John jN"elson by the reading of which^ in connexion with the faithful ministry of God^s word^ they were deeply convinced of their guilty^ miserable^ perilous^ and helpless condition, as sinners in the sight of God. Their consciences were alarmed, and theK hearts became contrite; they found trouble and sorrow for they could neither divest themselves of their guilty fear, nor overcome the evils of their fallen nature. They had formerly thought favourably of themselves ; but they now painfully felt that they feU immensely short of the truly Christian character. In this state they betook themselves to prayer, especially

B 2 secret prayer, imploring the mercy of God througli the sacrifice of Christ. They wept, and made supplication, trusting alone in the atonement and intercession of their compassionate Saviour ; and in this manner they received the salvation of God, consisting in the kindred blessings of justification, and a new and holy nature. Their consciences were now at rest, and their hearts the seat of heavenly affections ; and hence they entered upon a course of consistent and active piety, their entire spirit and demeanour proving that they had passed from death unto life, and were new creatures in Christ Jesus. Feeling every hour the mighty benefits of the change which had passed upon them, they were thankful for the instrumentality by which they had been brought into the way of righteousness and peace : they were warmly attached to the doctrine and discipline of the Methodist body, and continued so to the end of their lives.

Pitying their ungodly neighbours, and feeling in themselves an earnest desire to honour Christ, by the spread of His truth, and the extension of His kingdom, they requested the Methodist Preachers of the Whitby Circuit to include Eoxby in their plan of labour, offering to them and their horses suitable accommodation, and proposing that the largest room in their house should be used for the regular ministration of the word of life. The invitation was accepted ; and a plain, earnest sermon was henceforth dehvered once a fortnight in the farm-house on a week-day evening, where many of the peasants, men and women^ were accustomed to hear the saving truths of the Gospel. When these simple and unpretending services were begun, neither Mr. and Mrs. Newton, nor the Preachers who visited them, had any adequate apprehension of the vast

HEY. EOBEET XETTTOX, D.D.

results to which thej would ultimately lead. A class was soon formed^ of which Mr. Xewton became the devoted and efficient Leader.

His pious zeal was not confined to his own immediate neighbourhood. At a distance of two miles from his residence was a large and populous ^'illage^ in which there was no place of worship^ and where ungodliness and sin^ as might be expected^ were generally prevalent. Here Ylw Newton hired a large room^ for the purpose of rehgious worship; and the place was regularly supplied by the Travelling and Local Preachers of the ^Yhitby Ch-cuit^ Mr. Newton and a friend of kindred spirit bearing the expense from year to year. He also took the charge of the class which was formed there ; and held a public ser\ice^ once a fortnight, for the benefit of the people, praying with them, reading and expounding the holy Scriptures, weeping over those who would not be reclaimed, and exerting himself, in every possible way, to promote their conversion and salvation. Though he and the pious few who were associated ^vith him were often hooted as they passed along the streets, and saluted vdth stones and brickbats, yet they found an ample reward in the peace which they possessed in their own consciences, and in the growing success of their labours ; for, though many refused to be reclaimed, others received the word in the love of the truth, and became at once examples of spiritual enjoyment and of holy living.