Annals of the poor

Front matter

ANNALS OF THE POOR.

REV. LEGH RICHMOND, A. M.

LATE RECTOR OF TURVEY, BEDFORDSHIRE.

Contents

Pag-e.

Introduction . . . . . . . . ' 7

A Visit to the Infirmary 233 t

Introduction

It has been thought that an enlarged edition of the " Annals of the Poor" might not be unacceptable to the public, and that a brief sketch of the Author's life might with advantage be appended. It has fallen to my lot to superintend such a publication,

The " Dairyman's Daughter" is enlarged with a number of letters, &c, written by herself to her relatives. The originals of these have been preserved in the Author's possession. There are also added two letters addressed to her by the Author, I have judged it expedient not to interrupt the course of the narrative, and have therefore thrown together the additional matter in the form of an appendix.

The " Young Cottager" and the " Negro Servant" are reprinted, without alteration, from the last edition.

Two little pieces from Mr. Richmond's pen, inserted in the first volume of the Christian Guardian, now for the first time accompany his larger tracts. They are entitled "The Cottage Conversation," and * A Visit to the Infirmary."

INTRODUCTION.

I have a melancholy satisfaction in sketching the life of my lamented father-in-law, and I willingly embrace the opportunity of affectionately paying a public tribute to the memory of one so valued and beloved. I purposely refrain from intruding into the province of the biographer. My aim is only to catch two or three more prominent features of his character, introducing just so much of narration as may serve to render my observations intelligible.

Legh Richmond was born at Liverpool, Jan. 29, 1772. He was the eldest child of Dr. Henry Richmond, the descendant of an ancient and honorable family. A remarkable casualty befell him in his childhood, from the effects of which he never recovered. At a very early age, in leaping from a wall, he contracted an injury in his left leg, which issued in incurable lameness. It is somewhat singular that an accident nearly similar occurred to a younger brother, and also to his second son. Each of them, in infancy, fell from an open window. The former was killed, and the latter was ever after afflicted in the same limb with the same kind of lameness as his father.

After a private preparatory education, Legh Richmond was admitted a member of Trinity College, Cambridge. While an under-graduate, he pursued his studies with a talent and a zeal which gave fair promise that the highest honors of his year were not beyond his reach. These hopes were however blighted by a severe illness, which was partly owing to his anxious and unremitted application. Precluded, by this cause, from engaging in the honorable contention of the senate-house, he received what is academically termed an aegrotat degree : commencing B. A. in 1794 : and with some intermissions he resided in the university three years longer.

INTRODUCTION.

We are now to view Mr. Richmond in a totally different character. In the summer of 1797, he became, within the space of a very weeks, (to borrow his own words,) "academically a master of arts, domestically a husband, parochially a deacon." He had been originally destined to the law ; but having imbibed a distaste for that profession, his attention was subsequently directed to the church, and he was now admitted to the sacf^d office. Brading, a secluded village in the Isle of Wight, was the scene of his earliest pastoral labors. He was ordained to the curacy of this place and the little adjoining village of Yaverland ; and in Yaverland church he delivered his first sermon.

These scenes will long be dear to Christian remembrance. Lovely in themselves, and consecrated by the pen of Legh Richmond, they will be viewed with no ordinary feelings : and he who disdains not the " simple annals of the poor," while he treads the sod which covers "little Jane," or visits the lowly cottage of the " Dairyman," will not fail to glorify God for those who here have slept in Jesus, and "though dead, yet speak."

At the time of his ordination, Mr. Richmond saw little of the magnitude of that work in which he was engaging. As yet, he was himself but little acquainted with the things of God, and was therefore little qualified to become the spiritual instructor of others. His habits of life were decorous and exemplary, his pulpit compositions interesting and moral, but as yet he was little imbued with the spirit of vital godliness. This man, however, (may it not be said 3) was "a chosen vessel to the Lord." Ere many months elapsed, a complete revolution was effected in his religious sentiments. This is, under God, mainly to be ascribed to the perusal of Mr. Wilberforce's "Practical

INTRODUCTION.

View of Christianity." He now, with enlightened understanding and decisive zeal, set himself to " do the work of an evangelist." Not only was he in the pulpit, instant in " preaching the word," hut he was also to be found with his pastoral admonitions in the dwellings of his flock, and could descend, with sweet and winning gentleness, to " feed his lambs." The fruit of his labors was speedily apparent. " Little Jane" was the first flower which bloomed from the good seed he was sowing.

The circumstances attendant upon his intercourse with the subjects of the Annals will be found narrated in the several tracts. I only observe in this place, that " little Jane" died January 30, 1799, in her fifteenth year ; that the conversations with the " Negro Servant" were held during the summer of 1803, and that the death of the " Dairyman's Daughter" took place May 30, 1801 : her age was thirty-one.

After a residence of about seven years in the Isle of Wight, where his labors had been evidently and largely blessed, Mr. Richmond removed to London. He was here to take a share in the duties of the Lock chapel. The very first sermon he delivered from the pulpit of this place was, there is every reason to believe, under God's blessing, the instrumental means of effecting a saving change in the heart of, at least, one individual.

Scarcely, however, was he well settled in this new scene, when the good providence of God removed him to the rectory of Turvey, Bedfordshire. He was presented to this living by Miss Fuller, in 1805.

Long will the name of Richmond be venerated at Turvey ; long will the savor of his affectionate ministrations abide in the hearts of his mourning flock. A singular

INTRODUCTION.

blessing still attended him. From the earliest to literally the latest, his preaching was visibly " in demonstration of the Spirit and of power."

It was during his residence at Turvey, that most of Mr. Richmond's publications were undertaken. He had previously printed two or three single sermons ;* but it was at Turvey that his great work, " The Fathers of the English Church," was carried on. For the superintendence of this important undertaking he was eminently qualified. Accident, or I would rather say, a remarkable providence, had, in the first instance, introduced him, while in the Isle of Wight, to the writings of our earlier and greatest theologians ; and the study of them he had ever since zealously prosecuted. To a familiar acquaintance with the works of these divines, Mr. Richmond united the greatest impartiality and judgment in forming his selections. His work therefore presents, in a comparatively small compass, a large proportion of the most valuable of the remains of our martyrs and confessors. It is not perhaps too much to say, that it has been mainly instrumental in awakening to the reformers that attention and interest with which they are now increasingly regarded.

It was during his residence at Turvey also that Mr. Richmond drew up the narratives which are contained in the present volume. They were originally (in substance) inserted in the earlier numbers of the Christian Guardian. Having here attracted considerable attention, they were then published in the form of separate tracts, and after-

* These were, a Fast-day Sermon, and one On the Close of the Year, preached at Brading ; and a Sermon on Cruelty to the Brute Creation, delivered at Bath.

INTRODUCTION.

ward, with considerable augmentations, in the first edition of this volume.

It may appear perhaps unnecessary to pronounce an opinion on productions which have been circulated by millions, and translated into twenty languages ; and which, in a multitude of well-authenticated instances, have been, by the blessing of God, signally effective of good. I cannot, however, forbear to say, that in Legh Richmond's writings, more than in those of perhaps any other author, you behold the character of the man. His beautiful simplicity, his lively imagination, his tenderness of feeling, his devoted piety, were the characteristics of the man wmich enshrined him in the affections of all who knew him. And who can read a page of his Annals, and not recognise in those interesting narratives, the same simple plainness, the same glowing fancy, the same touching pathos, the same ardent piety ? In sketching his villagers, he has unconsciously delineated himself. He admits us to his retirement and meditations, shows us his hopes and fears, and presents us with all the secret workings of his soul. We admire the gifted minister of God, who, in the deep humility of his spirit, disdained not to listen to the voice of admonition, though it reached him from the lowly cottage ; we cannot withhold our affection from the man.

If I were called on to say which of the narratives I prefer, I should, most probably, be inclined to fix on that of the " Young Cottager." There is something, in my judgment, irresistibly engaging in the character and history of that simple girl. I can venerate the high and exalted piety of the "Dairyman's Daughter," who, with a masculine strength of understanding, had ever her word of counsel

INTRODUCTION.

even for the minister: but I hie the little, backward, neglected, retiring child, who starts forth at once in all the moral beauty of Christian attainment. There is something too in the condition of Jane, which seems especially to call for our sympathy. The Dairyman's Daughter was constantly surrounned by a circle of affectionate relatives, who regarded her with reverence and love ; while Jane's religion was, at best, little appreciated, often despised and ridiculed by her family, and her last hours were disturbed by sounds of blasphemy, proceeding from a parent. Many of the incidents also of this tale might be appealed to as conferring upon it a peculiar interest. The scene, for example, where Mr. Richmond, on his first visit to her, while speaking of the good news of the Gospel, inquires, 44 Who brings this good news?" and is answered, 44 Sir, you brought it to me I know not who can read unmoved. Her parting benediction too — 44 God bless and reward you !" — when with an unexpected exertion she threw her arms around him and expired — is inexpressibly affecting.

I close what I have to say on the subject of these tracts, by adding, that a few years ago, two grave-stones were erected in the churchyards of Arreton and Brading respectively, to the memory of the 44 Dairyman's Daughter," and the 44 Young Cottager."

On the former are inscribed the following lines, the composition of a lady.

•* Stranger ! if e'er by chance or feeling led, Upon this hallowed turf thy footsteps tread, Turn from the contemplation of the sod, And think on her whose spirit rests with God Lowly her lot on earth,— but He who bore Tidings of grace and blessings to the poor,

INTRODUCTION.

Gave her, his truth and faithfulness to prove, The choicest treasures of his boundless love : Faith, that dispell'd affliction's darkest gloom; Hope, that could cheer the passage to the tomb ; Peace, that not Hell's dark legion could destroy ; And love, that fill'd the soul with heavenly joy. Death of its sting disarm'd, she knew no fear, But tasted heaven, e'en while she linger'd here. Oh ! happy saint ! — may we like thee be blest ; In life be faithful, and in death find rest!"

The following epitaph is from Mr. Richmond's pen.

» Te who delight the power of God to trace, And mark with joy each monument of grace, Tread lightly o'er this grave, as you explore 1 The short and simple annals of the poor.'

' A child reposes underneath this sod, A child to memory dear, and dear to God : Rejoice, yet shed the sympathetic tear, Jane, ' the Young Cottager,' lies buried here."

During his residence at Turvey, Mr. Richmond became extendedly known to the public as the cordial friend, and real advocate of the different religious societies, which have within the last thirty years grown up among us. His persuasive and pathetic eloquence in the pulpit or on the platform, when awaking Christian sympathy in behalf of the idolatrous Gentile, or the unbelieving Jew, will not be readily forgotten by the multitudes who have, so often, delighted and instructed, hung upon his lips. I believe his earliest appearance in this character, was on the ninth anniversary of the Church Missionary Society, before whom he was appointed, in 1809, to preach their annual sermon. This sermon may be appealed to as a fair and characteristic specimen of his powers in the pulpit ; though

INTRODUCTION.

I must be allowed to say, that his flowing and harmonious language, his graceful delivery, and sweet expression of features, beaming with love to God and good-will to men, imparted a charm which the mere reader of a printed sermon can by no means duly appreciate.

His preaching, for a long series of years, was altogether extemporaneous. His ready utterance, his exuberant fancy, his aptness of illustration, his deep knowledge of divine things, rendered his sermons always interesting and useful. Perhaps he did not, upon common occasions, allow himself sufficient previous study ; but if this were his fault, he acted upon principle. "Why," he would often say, "why need I labor, when our simple villagers are far more usefully instructed in my plain, easy, familiar manner 1 The only result would be, that I should address them in a style beyond their comprehension."

His appearance on the platform of a public meeting was universally hailed with pleasure. His ready adaptation of passing incidents, the suavity of his addresses, sometimes solemn, sometimes even jocose, interspersed with interesting narratives, which he could so well relate, deservedly placed him high in public esteem.

I ought, perhaps, to state, that in 1814, Mr. Richmond was appointed chaplain to the late Duke of Kent, by whom he was honored with a share of his Royal Highness's friendship. In 1817, Mr. R. was presented by the late Emperor Alexander of Russia, with a splendid ring, as a testimony of the approbation with which his Imperial Majesty viewed the narratives in this volume.

Many peaceful years were passed at Turvey. Happy in the bosom of his family, no man more excelled as a pattern of domestic virtues, than Legh Richmond.

INTRODUCTION.

At length, in 1825, Mr. R.'s domestic happiness sustained a severe blow by the death of his second son, a youth in his nineteenth year. For this beloved child, he had fostered many a fond hope and anxious expectation, and beheld with all a father's joy, "non flosculos — sed jam certos atque deformatos fructus.' 5 This fair flower was withered by consumption, and the bereaved parent, though he submitted as a Christian, yet sorrowed as a man. In a few short months the stroke was repeated. Intelligence arrived that his eldest son, who had been absent many years, had died on his voyage from India to England.

These afflictive dispensations had a marked and peculiar effect upon Legh Richmond. He who used to be the life of the domestic and social circle, would now be silent and abstracted : yet it was not the morbid gloom of a repining heart, it was rather the solemnity of conviction that he should ere long rejoin his lamented children. His bodily health, too, seemed in some measure decaying. His multitude of pastoral duties were too heavy for his strength. For the last twelve months of his life he was troubled with an irritating cough, which seemed to indicate an affection of the lungs. At length, (March, 1827,) he contracted a violent cold, which issued in pleurisy ; from which, however, he shortly appeared to be recovering. During all this time, when certainly no immediate danger was apprehended, he was peacefully and quietly setting his house in order. To his family he knew the idea of separation would be agony: he therefore scarcely hinted to them what he felt was nigh at hand : but to a clerical friend, he, in striking words, professed that simple reliance on the atonement of Christ, which alone can cheer and sup-

INTRODUCTION.

port the soul in the hour of dissolution. It soon became evident to those around him, that the flood of life was ebbing calmly, yet fast: and at last, (May 8,) without pain or struggle, the ready spirit sweetly and softly passed from her tenement — and Legh Richmond slept in Jesus.

Farewell, dear friend and father ! Very pleasant were the hours and years of our communion ; but they are passed away, and the savor only, sad yet sweet, remains. ''Farewell, dear friend, till the morning of an eternal day renew our personal intercourse !" May I meet thee in a better world.

I cannot but connect the closing hours of my beloved friend, with that affecting prayer which he has breathed in the Young Cottager, (Part IV.) He had been describing the useful course and peaceful termination of a little rivulet, which glides through a very lovely glen, by which he was meditating. " May my course be like unto thine, thou little rivulet ! Though short be my span of life, yet may I be useful to my fellow-sinners as I travel onward ! Let me be a dispenser of spiritual support and health to many ! Like this stream, may I prove the poor man's friend by the way, and water the souls that thirst for the river of life, wherever I meet them ! And if it pleases thee, O my God, let me in my latter end be like this brook ! It calmly, though not quite silently, ilovvs through this scene of peace and loveliness, just before it enters the sea. Let me thus gently close my days likewise ; and may I not unusefully tell to others of the goodness and mercy of my Saviour, till I arrive at the vast ocean of eternity."

That prayer was surely answered. He did tell to men, 2*

INTRODUCTION.

with abundant blessing, of the goodness and mercy of his Saviour : he did thus gently close his days.

Soldier of Christ, well done I

Praise be thy new employ ; And while eternal ages run,

Rest in thy Saviour's joy. :

J. A.

Islington.

Feb. 21st, 1828.

: . THE

DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER,

Part I

It is a delightful employment to discover and trace the operations of divine grace, as they are manifested in the dispositions and lives of God's real children. It is peculiarly gratifying to observe how frequently, among the poorer classes of mankind, the sunshine of mercy beams upon the heart, and bears witness to the image of Christ which the Spirit of God has impressed thereupon. Among Euch, the sincerity and simplicity of the Christian character appear unencumbered by those obstacles to spirituality of mind and conversation, which too often prove a great hindrance to those who live in the higher ranks. Many are the difficulties which riches, worldly consequence, high connections, and the luxuriant refinements of polished so* ciety, throw in the way of religious profession, Happy indeed it is (and some such happy instances I know) where grace has so strikingly supported its conflict with natural pride, self-importance, the allurements of luxury, ease, and worldly opinion, that the noble and mighty appear

THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.

adorned with genuine poverty of spirit, self-denial, humblemindedness, and deep spirituality of heart.

But, in general, if we want to see religion in its most simple and pure character, we must look for it among the poor of this world, who are rich in faith. How often is the poor man's cottage the palace of God ! Many can truly declare, that they have there learned the most valuable lessons of faith and hope, and there witnessed the most striking demonstrations of the wisdom, power, and goodness of God.

The character which the present narrative is designed to introduce to the notice of my readers, is given from real life and circumstance. I first became acquainted with her by receiving the following letter, which I transcribe from the original now before me.

"Rev. Sir,

" I take the liberty to write to you. Pray excuse me, for I have never spoken to you. But I once

heard you when you preached at church. I believe

you are a faithful preacher to warn sinners to flee from the wrath that will be revealed against all those that live in sin, and die impenitent. Pray go on in the strength of the Lord. And may he bless you, and crown your labor of love with success, and give you souls for your hire !

" The Lord has promised to be with those whom he calls and sends forth to preach his word to the end of time ; for without him we can do nothing. I was much rejoiced to hear of those marks of love and affection to that poor soldier of the S. D. militia. Surely the love of Christ sent you to that poor man : may that love ever dwell richly in you by faith ! may it constrain you to seek the wandering

THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.

souls of men with the fervent desire to spend and be spent for his glory ! May the unction of the Holy Spirit attend the word spoken by you with power, and convey deep conviction to the hearts of your hearers ! May many of them experience the divine change of being made new creatures in Christ I

" Sir, be fervent in prayer with God for the conversion of sinners. His power is great, and who can withstand it ? He has promised to answer the prayer of faith, that is put up in his Son's name. 4 Ask what ye will, it shall be granted you.' How this should strengthen our faith when we are taught by the word and the Spirit how to pray ! O that sweet inspiring hope ; how it lifts up the fainting spirits, when we look over the precious promises of God ! What a mercy if we know Christ and the power of his resurrection in our own hearts ! Through faith in Christ we rejoice in hope, and look up in expectation of that time drawing near, when all shall know and fear the Lord, and when a nation shall be born in a day.

"What a happy time, when Christ's kingdom shall come ! then shall 1 his will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.' Men shall be daily fed with the manna of his love, and delight themselves in the Lord all the day long. Then what a paradise below will they enjoy ! How it animates and enlivens my soul with vigor to pursue the ways of God, that I may even now bear some humble part in giving glory to God and the Lamb !

" Sir, I began to write this on Sunday, being detained from attending on public worship. My dear and only sister, living as a servant with Mrs. , was so ill, that I

came here to attend in her place and on her. But now she is no more.

THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.

" I was going to entreat you to write to her in answer to this ; she being convinced of the evil of her past life, and that she had not walked in the ways of God, nor sought to please him. But she earnestly desired to do so. This makes me have a comfortable hope that she is gone to glory, and that she is now joining in sweet concert with the angelic host in heaven to sing the wonders of redeeming love. I hope I may now write, 4 Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord.'

" She expressed a desire to receive the Lord's Supper, and commemorate his precious death and sufferings. I told her, as well as I was able, what it was to receive Christ into her heart ; but as her weakness of body increased, she did not mention it again. She seemed quite resigned before she died. I do hope she is gone from a world of death and sin to be with God for ever, > " Sir, I hope you will not be offended with me, a poor ignorant person, to take such a liberty as to write to you. But I trust, as you are called to instruct sinners in the ways of God, you will bear with me, and be so kind to answer this ill- wrote letter, and give me some instructions. It is my heart's desire to have the mind that was in Christ, that when I awake up in his likeness then I may be satisfied.

" My sister expressed a wish that you might bury her. The minister of our parish, whither she will be carried, cannot come. She will lie at •. She died on Tuesday

morning, and will be buried on Friday or Saturday (whichever is most convenient to you) at three o'clock in the afternoon. Please to send an answer by the bearer, to let me know whether you can comply with this request.

" From your unworthy servant,

"Elizabeth W %"

THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.

I was much struck with the simple and earnest strain of devotion which this letter breathed. It was but indifferently written and spelt. But this the rather tended to endear the hitherto unknown writer, as it seemed characteristic of the union of humbleness of station with eminence of piety. I felt quite thankful that 1 was favored with a correspondent of this description ; the more so, as such characters were at that time very rare in the neighborhood. I have often wished that epistolary intercourse of this kind was more encouraged and practised among us. I have the greatest reason to speak well of its effects both on myself and others. Communication by letter as w r ell as by conversation with the pious poor, has often been the instrument of animating and reviving my own heart in the midst of duty, and of giving me the most profitable information for the general conduct of the ministerial office.

As soon as the letter was read, I inquired who was the bearer of it.

" He is waiting at the outside of the gate, sir," was the reply.

I went out to speak to him, and saw a venerable old man, whose long hoary hair and deeply- wrinkled countenance commanded more than common respect. He was resting his arm upon the gate, and tears were streaming down his cheeks. On my approach he made a low bow, and said,

" Sir, I have brought you a letter from my daughter ; but I fear you will think us very bold in asking you to take so much trouble."

"By no means," I replied; "I shall be truly glad to oblige you and any of your family in this matter, provided it be quite agreeable to the minister of your parish."

THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.

"Sir, he told me yesterday, that he shou]d be very glad if I could procure some gentleman to come and bury my poor child for him, as he lives five miles off, and has particular business on that day : so when I told my daughter, she asked me to come to you, sir, and bring that letter, which would explain the matter. "

I desired him to come into the house, and then said,

" What is your occupation V

" Sir, I have lived most of my days in a little cottage

at , six miles from here. I have rented a few acres

of ground, and kept some cows, which, in addition to my day-labor, has been the means of supporting and bringing up my family."

" What family have you 1"

" A wife, now getting very aged and helpless, two eons, and one daughter ; for my other poor dear child is just departed out of this wicked world."

" I hope for a better."

" I hope so too : poor thing, she did not use to take to such good ways as her sister ; but I do believe that her sister's manner of talking with her before she died was the means of saving her soul. What a mercy it is to have such a child as mine is ! I never thought about my own soul seriously till she, poor girl, begged me to flee from the wrath to come."

" How old are you ]"

" Near seventy, and my wife is older ; we are getting old and almost past our labor, but our daughter has left a good place, where she lived in service, on purpose to come home and take care of us and our little dairy. And a dear, dutiful, affectionate girl she is."