The power of religion on the mind, in retirement, affliction, and at the approach of death;

Front matter

Book ■ ^^^

I

THE

Introduction

To excite serious reflections on the unsatisfying and transitory nature of temporal enjoyments ; and to promote a lively concern for the attainment of that felicity, which will be complete and permanent ; are the objects of the present pubhcation.

Piety and virtue, abstractedly considered, are truly amiable, and appear worthy of our earnest pursuit. But when recommended by the lives, and testimonies of eminent persons, who have known the world, and experienced the emptiness of its honours, wealth, and pleasures, they derive additional importance ; and constrain us to acknowledge, that the greatest happiness of man is to be found in religion.

1^ INTRODUCTION.

Among the most important blessings, which the Divine Being has conferred upon mankind, m.ay be numbered, the happy display of good and pious examples. In every age and country, perhaps in almost every little district throughout the earth, he has placed some of his faithful servants, or returning prodigals, to bear witness of his poAver and goodness, and to encourage others to a life of purity, piety, and beneficence.

The following pages exhibit a few of those striking examples. In the quiet hour of reflection, they may contribute to arrest the careless and wandering ; to animate the sincere and virtuous ; and to alarm those who have rejected the most important truths, and who contemn the restraints of reUgion and virtue.

A number of our fellow-creatures, of different periods, countries, and conditions i^ life, standing on the confines of mortaliti'

INTRODUCTION. v

and bearing a nniform and undisguised testimony to the power and excellence of religion, presents a solemn and interesting spectacle. With the prospect of immortahty before them, and no longer influenced by those concerns and passions which obscure the understanding and harden the heart, they must be supposed to view their objects through a proper medium, and to speak the language of truth and soberness.

May the important testimonies of these preachers of righteousness, lead us to just and seasonable reflections on the state of our own minds ; and produce a reverent application to our heavenly Father, for the aid of his Holy Spirit, to enlighten and strengthen us, and to conduct us safely through the paths of life ! May his gracious protection be afforded at the close of our day, when the shadows of the evening shall approach, the glittering vanities of the world be obscured, and all its friendships and resources be found unavailing !

vi INTRODUCTION.

Trials and discouragements may, indeed, be expected to assail us, in this state of being. — On surveying our past lives, we must all be conscious, that, in numerous instances, we have violated the Divine Law, and incurred the penalty due to our disobedience. And this view of our condition often occasions deep regret ; and is sometimes apt to overwhelm the drooping and diffident mind.

But whatever may have been our deviations from the paths of rectitude, we are encouraged to ask, and to hope for mercy. The goodness of God has freely offered to pardon all our sins, and receive us into favour, if we sincerely repent, and unfeignedly believe in Jesus Christ the Saviour of the world. In the Revelation of his will to mankind, the great design, conspicuous throughout, is, to manifest his love and compassion towards our fallen race, and to accomplish our salvation. *' His tender mercies are over all his works." '' He

INTRODUCTION. vu

taketh pleasure in those who hope in his mercy." '^ As a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth onr frame : lie remembereth that we are dust." The blessed Redeemer '^ came into the world to save sinners— to seek and to save that which was lost." And, to increase our gratitude and trust, lie has graciously assured us, that *^ there is joy in the presence of the angels of God, over one sinner that repenteth." — These, and many other passages in the 'Holy Scriptures, afford an abundant source of consolation and encouragement, to the truly humble and penitent believer in Christ. And when applied to the heart by Divine Grace, they produce in us a holy confidence and joy.

Though the love and mercies of God are great beyond expression, yet, for wise purposes, his children are not all equally favoured by him, on the bed of languishing and death. But they are all permitted to viii INTRODUCTION.

hope, that, when this awful period approaches, He will preserve them from being distressed with mournful retrospects on the past, or with gloomy apprehensions of the future : that redeeming love will calm their fears and disquietudes ; sustam them under every conflict ; and animate them with the prospect of being soon admitted into the mansions of eternal felicity.

ADVERTISEMENT.

In the latter editions of this work, the author has been sohcitous to make it acceptable, not only to persons of mature years, but also to many in younger life. As the characters which it contains, exhibit a great variety of striking and animating views of piety and virtue, and strongly recommend the Christian rehgion in particular ; he indulges a hope, that instructers of youth will deem it a suitable book to be read, occasionally, by the higher classes of their pupils. It is of great importance to impress young minds with favourable sentiments of virtue and goodness ; and to convince them, by practical evidence, that religion affords the best support and enjoyment, in this life, and the only sure ground of happiness in the world to come.

To render the performance more instructive, as well as more interesting, the author

X ADVERTISEMENT.

has introduced into it many important moral sentiments, and many reflections of a religious naturOj as well as a considerable portion of useful, biographical information. The introductory narratives relative to the subjects of the work, will, he presumes, be found intimately connected with its chief design. They gratify curiosity, respecting the general character of the persons whose solemn sentiments are exhibited ; they confer additional importance on the testimonies in favor of religion; and they relieve the mind from the effect, which a succession of deeply serious matter would occasion.

Some passages in this work, have, in point of orthography or grammatical construction, been rectified ; and a few words and phrases have been altered, to adapt them better to the subject, or to present usage.

Chapter I

Joo — Solomon — Cyrus — Confucius — Socrates — Stephen, the Pro* tomartyr — The Apostle Paul — Ignatius — Polycarp — The Venerable Bede — Louis IX. King of France — Pope Eugenius — Cardinal Beaufort — Caesar Borgia page I

Chapter II

Cardinal Wolsey — Sir John Mason — Emperor Charles V. — Sir Thomas Smith — Bernard Gilpin — Jane, Queen of Navarre- Sir Francis Walsingham — Lady Jane Grey — Sir Walter Raleigh — Richard Hooker 45

CHAPTER IIL

Sir Philip Sidney — Sir Christopher Hatton — Lord Bacon — Sir Henry Wotton — Peter Du Moulin — Doctor Donne — Philip III. King of Spain — Catharine Bretterg — Oxensteim, Chancellor of Sweden — Hugo Grotius — John Selden — Cardinal Richelieu- Lord Harrington — Salmasius 87

Chapter IV

Cardinal Mazarine — Bulstrode Wliitelocke — Anna Maria Schurman — Sir Matthew Hale — Du Renti — Princess Elizabeth- William Mompesson — Admiral Penn 122

Xll CONTENTS.

Chapter V

Pascal — Robert Boyle — ^John Locke — John Jancway — Earl of Marlborough 151

Chapter VI

Lady Rachel Russel — Jane Ratcliffe — Sir Isaac Newton — Bishop Burnet — John, Earl of Rochester 174

CHAPTER Vn.

Qneen Mary — Herman Boerhaave— Joseph Addison — Ann Baynard — ^Elizabeth Rowe — Doctor Watts 205

CHAPTER VHL

Colonel Gardiner — Lady Elizabeth Hastings — H. Housman— Doctor Doddridge 232

CHAPTER IX.

Louis, Duke of Orleans — Soame Jen)ms — Lord Lyttelton — Jonas Hanway — Anthony Benezet — James Hervey — ^Altamont, or the Death of the Libertine 259

CHAPTER X.

Baron Kaller — John Howard — Newton's Letters — ^Margaret M. Althens — Zimmerman — James Hay Beattie — Elizabeth Smith- •

Elizabeth Carter — Sir William Jones 299

Conclusion • 369

Alphabetical Index 373

THE

POWER OF RELIGION, &c CHAPTER I.

Job S olomon Cyras C onfucius S ocrates

Stephen the protomartyr The Apostle Paul

-Ignatius Poly carp Louis IX. King of

France Pope Eugenius Cardinal Beaufori

Caesar Borgia.

Section I. The Patriarch Job

This venerable patriarch was so eminent an instance of the power of religion on the mind, under the most trying afflictions, that a short account of him may properly introduce these memoirs.

In the first part of his days, this distinguished

• person was *' the greatest of all the men of the

East." His possessions were large : his family

was numerous and flourishing ; his own character

was fair and blam.eless : yet this person it pleased

God to visit with extraordinary reverses of for

2 JOB.

tune. He was robbed of his whole substance. His sons and daughters all perished ; and he himself, fallen from his high estate, childless and reduced to poverty, was smitten with sore disease His friends came about him, seemingly with the purpose of administering comfort ; but, from a harsh and ill-founded construction of the intention of Providence, in his disasters, they only added to his sorrows, by unjust upbraiding.

In distress so poignant, what was the temper of this good man ? Fully persuaded that all blessings come from God, who has a right to withhold or distribute them, as he sees best, he piously exclaims : " The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the name of the Lord !''

To his other calamities, this domestic affliction was added, that his wife, who ought to have soothed and alleviated his sorrows, provoked his indignation, by an impious speech. What firmness and resignation are marked in his answer to her ! " Thou speakest as one of ll;e foolish women speaketh. What ! shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil ?" Though he forcibly felt the deplorable condition to which he was reduced, and most pathetically described and bewailed it, yet no doubt of Divine goodness, no murmur against Providence, was

JOB. -3

suffered to rise in his mind. " In all this Job sinned not with his lips, nor charged God foolishly."

At length, the goodness of that God whom he served, and who had secretly supported him under all his sufferings, broke forth upon him with increased energy; and, like a cheering sun dispersing the surrounding gloom, again gladdened his heart with returning peace and prosperity. His riches were restored to him two-fold. The loss of his former children was repaired by a new offspring. His name became again renowned in the East ; " and the latter end of Job was more blessed than the beginning."

Section II. Solomon

SoLCMON is one of the most interesting and extraordinary characters mentioned in the sacred Scriptures. The advice which this prince received from his father David, a short time before his decease, is very remarkable ; and doabtless made a deep impression on his mind : '*' Thou, Solomon, my son, know thou the God of thy father ; and serve him with a perfect heart, and with a willing mind : for the Lord searcheth all hearts. If thou seek him he will be found of thee : but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever."

This king having made a great and solemn offering to God, soon after his accession to the throne, the Lord was well pleased with his piety and zeal; and desired him to ''ask what he should give him." Humbled under the sense of the goodness of God to him, and of his incapacity to govern so numerous a people, he declared that " he was but a httle child :" and, instead of riches and honour, and length of days, he desired that God would bestow upon 11

him wisdom and knowledge, that he might pru-

SOLOMON. 5

dently and happily rule the nation over wliich he had placed him. This choice was so much approved by the Almighty, that he gave him a wise and understanding heart, and added riches and honour to the gift.

Solomon was directed by God to build him a temple at Jerusalem : and this order he faithfully executed. The prayer which he made at ihe dedication of this grand edifice, breathes the most devout and hum^ble disposition, and the naost ardent desire for the real happiness of his people. One can scarcely ever peruse it, without feeling a degree of the same pious ardour, which pervaded and animated the breast of the royal supplicant, on that solemn occasion. At this moment, he shone in his highest lustre : nor can we conceive any thing upon earth more dignified and majestic, than his deportment on the dedication of this sacred structmre. We are compelled to revere the chciracter of the monarch, who with such uncommon zeal, stood before his nobles, his princes, and his people, as a preacher of righteousness, and as a priest of the most high God.

This illustrious prince, however, at one period of his life, so far mistook the source of true happiness, as to flatter himself with the hope of great enjoyments from the world. He sought for and obtained all the means of pleasure ; but found liim- 1*

SOLOMON.

self, in the end, greatly disappointed. The result of this search and experiment, he gives us, in these memorable hnes; " I said to my heart, I wiU prove thee with mirth ; therefore enjoy pleasure : and, behold ! this also is vanity. I made great works, built houses, planted vineyards, made gardens and orchards, and planted trees in them of all kinds of fruits. 1 procured ser^-ants and maidens ; I gathered silver and gold, and the peculiar treasiu-e of kings. I obtained men and women Binders, and the deliglus of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and those of all sorts. So I was great, and increased more than aH that were before me in Jerusalem : and whatever my eyes desired, I kept not from them ; I withheld not my heart from any joy. Then I looked on the works which my hands had wrought; and, behold! aU was vamty and vexation of spirit."

After this full persuasion, that real happiness was not to be found in sensual pleasure or worldly honoin-s, he concludes with solemnly recommending piety and virtue, as the great objects for which we were brought into being; and which wiU not only yield the best enjoyments of life, but will support trs in that day, when we must make up our fina account. « Fear God, and keep his commandments This IS the whole duty of man. For God wiU bmg every work into judgment, whether it be good or whether it be evil."

SOLOMON. 7

^ When we reflect," says Dr. Blair, " on the character of him who delivered these sentiments, we cannot but admit that they deserve a serious and attentive examination. For they are not the declarations of a pedant, who, from an obscure retirement, declaims against pleasures which he never knew. They are not the invectives of a discontented man, who takes revenge upon the world by satirizing those enjoyments which he sought in vain to obtain. They are the conclusions of a great and prosperous prince, who had once given full scope to his desires ; who was thoroughly acquainted with hfe in its most flattering scenes : and who now, reviewing all that he had enjoyed, delivers to us the result of long experience and tried wisdom."

Section III. Cyrus

Cyrus may justly be considered as the most accomplished prince that we read of in profane history. He was possessed of wisdom, moderation, magnanimity ; a genius for forming, and prudence for executing, the greatest designs. Of this extraordinary person, the Almighty said : " He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure :" and he was accordingly made use of as an eminent instrument to punish wicked nations, and to promote the Divine will respecting the children of Israel.

When this great prince perceived the approach of death, he ordered his children, and the chief officers of state, to be assembled around him. On this occasion, the influence of religion on his heart was very conspicuous. He solemnly thanked the Supreme Being for all the favours he had conferred upon him, through the course of his life ; implored the same care and protection for his children, his country, and his friends ; and declared his elder son, Cambyses, his successor, leaving the other several very considerable gov-

CYRUS 9

ernments. He gave excellent instructions to both of them. He observed, that the chief strength and support of the throne, were not vast extent of country, number of forces, nor immense riches, but just veneration towards God, good understanding betv^een brethren, and the acquisition of true and faithful friends. '• I conjure you, therefore," said he, "my dear children, in the name of Heaven, to respect and love one another, if you retain any desire to please me for the future. For I do not think you will judge me to have no existence, because you will not see me after nby death. You have never yet seen my soul : you must, however, have known by its actions, that it really existed. Can you believe, that honours would still be paid to persons, whose bodies are now but ashes, if their souls had no longer any being or power ? No, no, my sons ; I could never believe that the soul lived only whilst in a mortal body, and died when separated from it. But if I mistake, and nothing of me shall remain after death, fear the Deity, who never dies, who sees all things, and whose power is infinite. Fear him ; and let that fear prevent you from ever doing, or deliberating to do, any thing contrary to religion and virtue. Next to him, fear mankind, and the ages to come. You cannot be buried in obscurity : you are exposed upon a grand theatre to the view of the world. If your actions are upright and benevolent, be assured

10 CYRUS.

they \Yill augment your power and glory. With regard to my body, my sons, when life has forsaken it, enclose it neither in gold nor silver, nor in any other matter whatever. Restore it immediately to the earth." Perceiving himself to be at the point of death, he concluded with these words : ^^ Adieu, dear children ! May youj: lives be happy ! Carry my last remembrance to your mother. And you, my faithful friends, those absent as well as those that are present, receive this last farewell ! May you live in peace !" After he had said this, he covered his face and died, greatly lamented by the nations over whom he had reigned.

Section IV. Confucius

Confucius, the celebrated Chinese philosopher, was bom in the kingdom of Lou, 551 j'ears before the Christian era. When a child, he had a grave and serious deportment, which gained him respect, and plainly foretold what he would one day be. But he was most distinguished by his unexampled and exalted piety. He honoured his relations; he endeavoured in all things to imitate his grandfather, who was then alive in China, and a very pious man : and it was observable that he never eat any thing, but he prostrated himself upon the ground, and offered it first to the Supreme Lord of heaven. One day, while he was a child, he heard his grandfather fetch a deep sigh; and going up to him with much reverence, " May I presume," said he, " without losing the respect £ owe you, to inquire into the occasion of your grief? Perhaps you fear that your posterity will degenerate from your virtue, and dishonour yoa by their vices." '' What put this thought into your head," said the old man to him ; " and wher^ have you learned to speak after this manner?" "From yourself," replied Confucius: *' I attend diligently to you every time you speak ; and I have often heard you say, that a son, who does not by his virtues support the glory of his ancestors, does not deserve to bear their name."

At twenty- three years of age, when he had gamed a considerable knowledge of antiquity, and acquainted himself with the laws and customs of his country, he projected a scheme for a general reformation of manners. "Wisely persuaded that the people could not be happy, so long as avarice, ambition, voluptuousness, and false policy, reigned amongst them, he thought it incumbent upon him to recommend a severe morality; and accordingly, he began to enforce temperance, justice, and other virtues ; to inspire a contempt of riches, parade, and splendour ; and to excite such an elevation of mind as w^ould render men incapable of dissimulation and insincerity. In short, he used all the means he could think of, to redeem his countrymen from a life of pleasure to a life of reason. He was every where known, and as universally beloved : his extensive learning and great v/isdom, soon made him known ; his integrity and the splendour of his virtues, made him beloved. Kings were governed by his counsels, and the people reverenced him as a saint The good effects of his example and admonitions were, however, but temporary. He lived m Umes when rebelUon, wars, and tumults, raged throughout the empire. Men had Utile leisure, and less inclination, to listen to his philosophy ; for, as we have observed, they were ambitious, avaricious, and voluptuous. Hence he often met with ill-treatment and reproachful language ; and it is said that conspiracies were formed against his life : to which may be added, that his neglect of his own pecuniary interest had reduced him to extreme poverty.

Some philosophers among his contemporaries were so affected with this sad state of things, that they retired into the mountains and deserts, thinking that happiness could nowhere be found, but in seclusion from society. In vain they endeavoured to persuade Confucius to follow their example : — " I am a man," said he, " and cannot separate myself from the society of men, and consort with beasts. Bad as the times are, I shall do all I can to recall men to virtue ; for in virtue are all things. If mankind would but embrace it, and submit themselves to its discipline and laws, they would not want me or any body eke to instruct them. It is the duty of a teacher first to perfect himself, and then to perfect others. Human nature came to us from Heaven pure and without defect; but in process of time, ignorance, the passions, and evil examples, corrupted it. Reformation consists in restoring it to its primitive bca^^y: to be perfect, wc must re-ascend to the point from which we have fallen. Let us obey Heaven. Let our reason, and not our senses, be the rule of our conduct : for reason will teach us to think wisely, to speak prudently, and to behave ourselves worthily upon all occasionsJ'

Confucius did not cease to travel about, and do all the good in his power. He gained many disciples, who became strongly attached both to his person and his doctrine. These he sent into different parts of the empire, to promote reformation of manners among the people. All his in structions were enforced by his own example. — He was remarkable for his gravity and sobriety, his rigorous abstinence, his contempt of riches, and what are commonly called the goods of this life; for his continual attention and watchfulness over bis actions ; and, above all, for his unaffected modesty and humility. He is said to have lived three years in retirement ; and to have spent the latter part of his life in sorrow. A few days before his last illness, he told his disciples, with tears in his eyes, that he was overcome with grief at the sight of the disorders which prevailed in the empire : " The mountain," said he, " is fallen ; the high machine is demolished, and the sages are all fled." His meaning was, that the edifice of perfection, which he had endeavoured to raise, was entirely overthrown. He began to languish from that time ; and a few days before his death expressed himself thus : " The kings reject my maxims ; and since I am no longer useful on the earth, I ought not to regret leaving it." After these words he fell into a lethargy ; and, at the end of seven days, expired in the arms of his disciples, in the seventy-third year of his age. Upon the first hearing of his death, the prince, who then reigned in the kingdom of Lou, could not refrain from tears ; " God is not satisfied with me," cried he, " since he has taken away Confucius."

Wise and good men are indeed precious gifts, with which heaven blesses the earth ; and their worth is seldom justly appreciated till after their decease. Confucius was lamented by the whole empire. He was honoured as a saint ; and so high a veneration was entertained for his memory, that it will scarcely ever be efiaced in those parts of the world.

Section V. Socrates

Socrates, the greatest of the ancient heathen philosophers, was born about 467 years before the Christian era. His sentiments and conduct were, in many respects, very excellent, and command our admiration. He was blessed with extraordinary talents, which were improved by all the learning that the age in which he lived could aflFord : and he appeared at Athens under the respectable character of a good citizen, a true phi losopher, and a wise instructor.

Convinced that philosophy is valuable, not as it furnishes curious questions for the schools, but as it provides men with a law of life, Socrates censured his predecessors for spending all their time in abstruse researches into nature, and taking no pains to render themselves useful to mankind. His favourite maxim was, "Whatever is above us, does not concern us.^' His great object in all his conferences and discourses, was, to lead men into an acquaintance with themselves; to convince them of their errors ; to inspire them with the love of virtue j and to furnish them with uselul moral instructions. In these benevolent labours he was indefatigable. He communicated his instructions not only when he was in the chair, and at set hours of discourse, but even in his amusements ; when he was at his meals ; in the camp or market ; and, finally, when he was in prison : thus making every place a school of virtue.

Through his whole life, this good man discovered a mind superior to the attractions of wealth and power. Contrary to the general practice of the preceptors of his time, he in structed his pupils, without receiving from them any gratuity. He frequently refused rich pre sents. The chief men of Athens were his stewards : they sent him provisions, as they apprehended he wanted them. He took, what his present necessities required, and returned the rest. Observing at a particular time, the numerous articles of luxury which were exposed to sale at Athens, he exclaimed : ^' How many things are here which I do not want !"

His intrepid virtue, and the severity with which he reproved vice, produced the hatred of men whose principles and conduct were the reverse of his own. He was maliciously accused of corrupting the youth, and of despising religion ; and was, with singular injustice, condemned to 2* die. Before the trial, his chief accuser sent him a private message, assuring him that if he would desist from censuring his conduct, the accusation should be ^vithdrawn. But Socrates refused to comply with so degrading a condition ; and, with hi* usual integrity, replied : " Whilst I live I will never disguise the truth, nor speak otherwise than my duty requires."

After the sentence was passed, he was sent to prison, where he lay in fetters thirty days. In this long inter^^al, with the prospect of death continually before him, he did not cease to enjoy that profound tranquillity of mind, which his friends had always admired in him. He entertained them with the same cheerful temper, which he had ever manifested : and Crito observes, that the evening before his death, he slept as peacefully as at any other time. On the day assigned for him to die, his friends repaired early to the prison. They foimd him, with his chains off, sitting by his wife, who held one of his children in her anns. As soon as she perceived them^ she made the prison resound with her cries. Socrates, that the tranquillity of his last moments might not be disturbed by unavailing lamentations, requested that she might be conducted home. With the most frantic expressions of grief she left the prison.

An interesting conversation then passed between Socrates and his friends, which chiefly turned upon the immortahty of the soul. In the course of this conversation, he expressed his disapprobation of the practice of suicide ; and assured his friends that his chief support, in his present situation, was an expectation, though not unmixed with doubt, of a happy existence after death. ^^ It would be inexcusable in me," said he, *' to despise death, if I were not persuaded that it will conduct me into the presence of the gods, w^ho are the most righteous governors, and into the society of just and good men : but I derive confidence from the hope, that something of man remains after death: and that the condition of good men will then be much better than that of the bad."