Memoir of the Rev. Josiah Pratt ...

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MEMOIR

Preface

The Editors, in publishing the following Memoir of their beloved and revered father, beg to state some particulars explanatory of the circumstances under which it makes its appearance.

They have been led by something more than filial partiality to believe, that a record of his chief principles and actions would be acceptable at the present time. His name had been honourably known to the Christian World for half a century, in connection with the great revival of the Missionary Spirit in our Church and country, which so happily distinguished the period in which he lived : and many, who behold the results, but are not so well acquainted with the circumstances which gave them birth, expressed a desire to see a Memoir of one, who took so active a part in originating some of the principal Religious Institutions of our day.

Some difficulties, however, presented themselves. Mr. Pratt left no Diary behind him, and very few papers exhibiting his sentiments on particular topics, or illustrative of his Christian experience. One of the few memoranda which have been discovered expressly states : " I occasionally kept records of the vi

PREFACE.

workings of my mind, but I have destroyed them all." His private history, like that of most Clergymen, was not marked by any very extraordinary incidents ; and the coeval eye-witnesses of his public career had most of them entered the world of spirits before him : and though Advertisements have been issued, for information and correspondence, they have yielded but little.

Meanwhile, the return of the younger son from India, in 1845-6, allowed him opportunity and leisure for examining the Archives of the Church Missionary Society. The voluminous correspondence contained in those Archives furnished a clue to Mr. Pratt's course in connection with the Missionary cause ; and at the same time afforded much insight into his views and feelings on many other interesting topics. From these beginnings the work has gradually grown ; and several judicious friends, including the Bishop of Calcutta, having seen the MS., strongly urged its publication.

The foregoing statement will prepare the reader to expect, that Missionary details will form a prominent feature of the ensuing pages. This will be found to be the case ; and whatever interest the Volume may possess in other respects, the account here given of the rise of the Church Missionary Society, and of its first twenty-five years, will (it is hoped) be specially acceptable at a moment, when the Jubilee Trumpet of that Society is calling its members to reflect on the past and take courage for the future. May this Publication be an honoured instrument of deepening and perpetuating that increased feeling of interest in

PREFACE.

Missions, which this Jubilee Commemoration has so extensively aroused!

One difficulty, however, attending this portion of their labours the Editors have felt strongly ; viz. lest they should seem to be claiming for one individual a distinction, which others were entitled to share with him. Many time-honoured names will occur to every reader, as having been associated with Mr. Pratt both in counsel and labour, on Committees and in journeys, in the pulpit and on the platform. Mr. Pratt, however, from his official position, took such a principal share in those early operations of the Society, as will justify (it is believed) the representations here made : contemporary testimonies are (as far as possible) quoted : some of his coadjutors are named, and others are known through their respective biographers. The Editors, for various reasons, felt bound to submit this part of their work to the officers of the Society ; and their best thanks are due to the Rev. William Jowett for his kind assistance, especially in the Chapter on the Mediterranean Mission ; and to the Rev. Henry Venn, Honorary Clerical Secretary, for his valuable suggestions.

Beside the Missionary subject, there is another point, in regard to which it is hoped that the present Volume may prove useful. It was to be expected, that the success vouchsafed to the efforts of Mr. Pratt and his coadjutors to extend the kingdom of Christ, and to promote scriptural and vital religion in the world, would awaken the jealousy and call forth the counter efforts of the Prince of Darkness. Mr. Pratt viii

PREFACE.

lived to see that jealousy in active operation, both at home and abroad : but nothing grieved and alarmed him so much as the rise of a Party in the bosom of our own Protestant Church, characterized by an undue exaltation of Tradition, Sacraments, and Externals, together with a depreciation and corruption of the vital principles of the Gospel. These things cast a gloom over his spirit for several of the later years of his life, and called forth his most earnest protests and solemn warnings ; — all of which carry the greater weight, from their being the fruit of well-digested knowledge and ripe experience. Some of them are recorded in the following pages ; and it is hoped that they will not be altogether lost on the present generation.

Many other matters are introduced into the Volume, which (it is believed) will interest his parishioners and personal friends, and call up numerous valuable associations with by-gone days ; though, in the selection of them, the profit of the general reader has not been lost sight of.

With these observations, the Editors commend the Publication to the candour and consideration of those who may honour it with their perusal ; humbly imploring the Great Head of the Church to render the testimony and example of His servant, here but inadequately exhibited, subservient to those high and holy interests which lay nearest his heart; and to the advancement of which his best powers, during a long life, were unceasingly devoted.

Contents

Mr. Pratt's Birth — Character of his Father — Serious Illness in Childhood — His early Life, and first Religious Impressions — He enters the University of Oxford — Is Ordained — Removes to London — Becomes Curate to Mr. Cecil — The " Eclectic Society" — Commencement of the " Christian Observer" - - p. 1

Origin and Commencement of the Church Missionary Society — Mr. Pratt succeeds the Rev. Thomas Scott as Secretary — A Mission to West Africa contemplated, and the Services of some Berlin Students engaged — Correspondence with the Principal of the Missionary Institution at Berlin — Dismissal of two Missionaries to their Stations — Institution of the British and Foreign Bible Society — Mr. Pratt appointed Secretary — He effects a Reorganization of the Committee — Resigns the Office of Secretary, and is succeeded by the Rev. John Owen — Mr. Pratt a firm Friend and Advocate of the Society to the end of his Life - - - 12

The Susoo Country selected for the Commencement of Missionary Enterprise — Lutheran Labourers employed — The Two first Missionaries arrive — Three more embark — Various Trials and Difficulties — Misconduct of one of the Missionaries — Letters from Mr. Pratt on this painful occasion — Two Settlements commenced — Death of one of the Missionaries — A Third Settlement established — Schools formed — Deaths of Missionaries 32

Chapter I. 1768—1802

CHARACTER OF MR. PRATT's FATHER — SERIOUS ILLNESS IN CHILDHOOD — EARLY LIFE, AND FIRST RELIGIOUS IMPRESSIONS — ENTERS THE UNIVER- SITY OF OXFORD — IS ORDAINED — REMOVES TO LONDON — IS CURATE TO MR. CECIL — THE ECLECTIC SOCIETY — THE " CHRISTIAN OBSERVER/'

Josiah Pratt, the subject of the ensuing Memoir, was born at Birmingham, Dec. 21st, 1768. He was one of a numerous family, and was privileged in having exemplary parents, who diligently brought up their children in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord."

His Father was a person of simple and most devoted piety, and by his uniform walk with God, and his well-regulated family habits, won and retained to the end the love and veneration of his children. So upright and holy was the demeanour of this good man, that it drew from the lips of the late Rev. Richard Cecil — no mean judge of true excellence — the distinguished commendation, that he knew no person who so frequently called to his mind the cha-

B

MR. PRATT'S FATHER.

[Chap. I.

racter of Jesus Christ. He was a member of the Church of England, the Church of his fathers, and attended the ministry of the Rev. John Riland at St. Mary's Chapel, and subsequently that of his successor, the Rev. Edward Burn. The Chapel was connected with a large and crowded population. Mr. Riland, on his removal from Huddersfield to this new charge, obtained the aid of several pious laymen to assist him in his pastoral labours. They each undertook to visit a few families, over whom they exercised a Christian influence and care, under the direction of their Minister. The father of the subject of this Memoir was one of the most valued of these fellow-^helpers in the Lord*

* A Sermon was preached by Mr. Burn at St. Mary's, Birmingham, on the 12th of March, 1707, upon the occasion of the death of this excellent Christian. The following extracts will give a further view of his character : —

" Few men had a larger share of those trials which arise from constitutional infirmity. Seldom through the course of a life nearly lengthened out to the age of man, did he enjoy health without some considerable alloy of pain and languor. But it was in this way — and blessed be God he well knew it ! — his Heavenly Father was gradually and most graciously preparing him for Himself. On the Thursday morning before his death he said to two of his children, who were expressing their affectionate solicitude about his health, 6 Oh ! how earnestly have I prayed this night that my release might be signed ! I have trod many a weary step, but I am drawing near my journey's end, and that's a comfort to a traveller.' On the morning of his dissolution, and as he approached nearer to his rest, his prospects became still brighter, and he spake of his decease in terms of uncommon animation and triumph. Amongst other excellent things he said, c Now, Lord, lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation. I never thought that my death-bed would be so happy. Oh ! I cannot tell half what I feel ! Now is my salvation nearer than when I first believed : yes, it is ! it is ! Oh ! what cause for thankfulness have I and you all ! but God forbid that I should have any

spiritual

1769— 1802.]

ILLNESS IN CHILDHOOD.

Josiah, the second surviving son, received his fathers name at his baptism. While yet an infant, he was attacked with a severe illness, in which his life was despaired of. His father, in the bitterness of his sorrow, walked about the room in the night with the child in his arms to soothe him ; and as he commended his soul to God, the last verse of the 102d Psalm was powerfully impressed upon his mind — " The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee." His mind rested upon this promise. He received comfort from the hope that it might yet please God to restore his child, and it was fulfilled, not only in that, but in a far higher

spiritual pride, for I am a poor sinner saved freely by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.' * * * * * *

" To one of his daughters, who stood weeping at his bed, and inquiringhow he was, he replied earnestly, 4 Very well : my poor body is weak, but what a happy creature shall I be through the countless ages of eternity !'

" There are some leading ideas, in the character of our departed friend, that must not be omitted. In his example, his light was rather clear and steady than overwhelming and marvellous. His zeal was equally removed from the indifference of the formalist and the fierceness of the bigot. His Christian affection was tempered by a holy and jealous watchfulness over the walk of his brethren. His attainments in grace were rather the effect of growth, than the hasty and immature productions of impulse. His fruits were in their season ; and the general course of his life was directed more by the constant presence and authority of truth upon the mind, than by the floating uncertainties of various opinion, or the vehement warmth of particular occasions : it was, in a word, the 4 path of the just which shineth more and more to the perfect day.' * * * * * "In the case of our departed friend every thing is clear : in his principles, in his conversation, and in his end, there remains nothing perplexed, nothing to be made out, nor any thing to be proved. It is a plain unequivocal instance of the power of Christianity, whether you regard that as a principle of knowledge, a rule of action, or a strong consolation in death."

b2

ENTERS UPON BUSINESS.

[Chap. L sense, by Him " who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think."

Until the age of twelve years, Josiah was educated with his two younger brothers, Isaac and Henry, at Barr School, a large establishment about six miles from Birmingham. His father then introduced him into his own business as a manufacturer ; in which, from his natural habits of industry and accuracy, he might be expected to excel, and family tradition reports that the expectation was fully realised. But at a very early period he had imbibed a strong taste for books, and his mind became filled with an ardent desire for the acquisition of general knowledge. For several years, however, he kept this very much to himself, procuring and laying in books secretly, and indulging his literary propensity only in leisure hours, and in the retirement of his chamber. He imagined that his parents might think it unnecessary for him to spend so much time and money in pursuits which would not turn to account in that line of life for which he was intended. After remaining several years with his father, he was placed in another manufactory, for the purpose of acquiring a more extensive knowledge of commercial affairs.

There is little on record to shew what were the operations of divine grace in his heart during his early youth. That little, however, seems to indicate that it was in the House of God that his mind was most susceptible of religious impressions. He used, in later years, to refer, with lively recollection, to the solemn effect produced one day upon his young mind, in St.

1769—1802,] RELIGIOUS IMPRESSIONS.

Mary's Church, by the earnest manner in which the Service, and especially the Venite emltemus, was read by the Rev. Charles Simeon, who had recently entered the ministry, and was on that occasion officiating for Mr. Burn. And it appears that on another occasion, when yet a boy, his attention was arrested by the petition in the Liturgy, " Pitifully behold the sorrows of our hearts." He was wondering what sorrows he had to speak of, when the next petition furnished an answer, which the Holy Spirit taught him to apply, " Mercifully forgive the sins of thy people." He was not brought, however, to any remarkable or abiding concern for his soul till his seventeenth year. The circumstance which led to this change is memorable. The late Rev. Thomas Robinson, of Leicester, ministered in the pulpit one Sunday for Mr. Riland. Any one who had ever heard Mr. Robinson might easily conceive the solemnity and pathos with which he would deliver the words "Let us pray," used before sermon. On this occasion they struck upon the heart and conscience of the youthful subject of this Memoir with such power, and occupied his mind so entirely, that he had no recollection of any thing else connected with the occasion, not even the subject of the sermon. He thought what a solemn act prayer was ! He doubted whether he had ever prayed in his life. His mind was filled with awe and contrition for his past neglect. These, and many other considerations, took such possession of him, that his religious views and feelings might be said to have assumed a definite character from that period, and from this circumstance. He

DESIRE TO ENTER THE MINISTRY.

[Chap. I.

joined the Societies which Mr. Riland had recommended to his flock for spiritual edification ; in his connection with these, his religious character became further developed ; and the fund of information and knowledge which he had already laid in by private reading and study, found scope for profitable application.

He speedily became anxious to be a minister of Christ ; a desire which was probably much promoted by the sympathies, if not the suggestions, of some of his companions, who had for some time judged that his mind was under preparation for higher duties. His chief fear as to the accomplishment of such a wish arose from what he considered to be his father's inclination and future plans. His eldest brother, Frederick, had left England to settle in Baltimore, and their father was naturally looking forward to having his next son — one of so much promise — associated with him in his own engagements. Under these apprehensions, he made it a subject of earnest prayer to God, that if it were consistent with His holy will that he should enter " the sacred ministry of His Church," He would incline the heart of his father to favour the proposal. He then, in a respectful way, and not without some fear and trembling, disclosed his mind to his beloved parent. But so far was he from discouraging him, that he entered at once most kindly into his views, and rejoiced in thus giving up a son to the more immediate service of God. The friend to whom he was in some measure bound in business, with the greatest kindness released him, expressing a sincere

1769—1802.] MENTAL CHARACTERISTICS.

regard for him, and satisfaction in his services. The time which had been thus occupied was by no means thrown away. He was then acquiring those habits of business, and that practical turn of mind, which so eminently qualified him for many duties to which he was afterwards called.

It was a distinguishing feature in the character of several of the eminent men of his day, and one which was of peculiar advantage to those who were designed, in the providence of God, to take the lead in the religious movement at the close of the last century, that Christian zeal and spiritual knowledge were combined in the same persons with active habits and a practical knowledge of secular concerns. Indeed, the fact that men, whose first line of life and education appeared to be preparing them for other occupations, should be called entirely to change their course, and devote themselves to the ministry, while it distinctly shews us that God was designing them for important services, seems also to imply that there was some peculiar fitness for the discharge of these duties in their character and cast of mind. An earnest zeal for Christ's glory and enlarged views of His blessed Gospel, together with an extensive knowledge of the world and its affairs, were eminently characteristic of the subject of this Memoir.

As soon as the above determination was arrived at, Mr. Pratt's father engaged a tutor to prepare him for college ; and, with his wonted zeal and energy, he was often at his tutor's door on cold winter mornings before he was out of bed, losing no time to make up s

COMES TO LONDON.

[Chat. I.

the deficiencies of his classical education. He entered at St. Edmund's Hall, Oxford, and was matriculated June 22, 1789. At the University he had the advantage of an excellent tutor in the Rev. Isaac Crouch, afterwards Vicar of Narborough, near Leicester, to whom he was most sincerely attached, and with whom, to the close of his life, he enjoyed an intimate friendship.

That he maintained, under his new circumstances, his former character for regular and orderly habits, may be shewn upon the principle of the adage, that The exception proves the rule. Upon one, and only one, occasion he omitted to attend the Chapel Prayers. His absence was so marked an event, that when the Service was over, the tutor and several of his friends among the Undergraduates adjourned in a body to his rooms to learn the reason of his absence, fully expecting, as they expressed themselves, to find him " dead or dying."

Having completed his College education, he was ordained June 3, 1792, by the Bishop of Hereford, to the Curacy of Dowles near Bewdley, a small living then held by the Rev. William Jesse, of West Bromwich ; and he remained there till after he had received Priests' Orders. Having then, in the autumn of 1795, a desire to change his sphere of labour, he wrote to the Rev. Richard Cecil in London, to whom he was known by Mr. C.'s visits at Birmingham, inquiring if he knew of any Curacy in or near London that would suit him. Mr. Cecil answered him in the following laconic and quaint style: " I want a Curate myself; put a shirt in your pocket, and come and see whether my Curacy

1769—1802.]

MR. CECIL.

will suit you." Mr. Pratt immediately accepted the invitation, and was more than willing to undertake the post under a man whose judgment he valued so highly. His inexperience would naturally place him at a disadvantage with Mr. Cecil's refined and somewhat fastidious congregation at St. Johns, — a disadvantage which he often painfully felt. But Mr. Cecil's prompt discernment of character enabled him to encourage his young friend : " Never mind, Pratt ; make yourself useful, and a time will come when you will be ivanted."

Though very dissimilar from Mr. Cecil in his own character, he was fully able to estimate and profit by familiar intercourse with a man in whom genius, originality, and practical wisdom, were so remarkably combined. Some of the treasures which he thus acquired were afterwards committed to the press under the title of 66 Cecil's Remains."

The two classes of his preparation for his future work, — the habits of business to which reference has already been made, and his intercourse with a character like Mr. Cecil at this early and susceptible period of his life, — were of the greatest possible moment. From the first, he acquired order, application, perseverance, and the talent of arrangement; the second gave him an insight into the dangers and errors prevalent in the religious circles of London at the time. Mr. Cecil's acute observations, penetrating and discriminating judgment, wisdom, boldness, and courage to stand alone, assisted to form the sound and sober Minister.

On the 7th of September, 1797, he married Elizabeth,

THE ECLECTIC SOCIETY.

[Chap. I.

eldest daughter of Mr. John Jowett, of Newington, Surrey ; and settled at No. 22 Doughty Street, Mecklenburgh Square, in the immediate neighbourhood of St. Johns Chapel. He here received several pupils into his house, some of whom were designed for the Ministry. Among these was the present Bishop of Calcutta, who ever continued to be warmly attached to his early tutor, and paid an affectionate tribute to his memory in a charge delivered to the Clergy of Calcutta shortly after receiving the intelligence of his death.

Mr. Pratt's removal to London introduced him to the acquaintance of many good and eminent men. In the year 1797, he became a member of the Eclectic Society, formed by a few of the London Clergy for religious intercourse and improvement, and whose leading object was the investigation of religious truth. Its first meeting was held Jan. 16, 1783, at the Castle-and-Falcon, Aldersgate Street, and consisted of the Rev. John Newton, Rev. Henry Foster, Rev. Richard Cecil, and Eli Bates, Esq. It afterwards consisted of twelve or fourteen members resident in London, and as many country members, or occasional visitors. Its meetings were afterwards held once a fortnight at the Vestry- Room of St. John's Chapel, Bedford Row, and it comprehended, according to its original design, two or three Laymen and Non-Conformist Ministers.

His Christian and brotherly intercourse with the members of this body was highly conducive to the improvement and development of his own mind. Here he rejoiced in the society of some of the worthies

1769—1802,] THE CHRISTIAN OBSERVER.

of the generation before him, imbibed their spirit, and profited by their experience. He continued to be a member for eighteen years ; and became one of the most efficient of the body. We find him as early as Feb. 4, 1799, although the youngest member upon the books, proposing for the consideration of the Society the following question : " How far may a Periodical Publication be made subservient to the interest of Religion ?"

The character of the projected publication, upon which Mr. Pratt invited discussion, may be gathered from some brief notes of his remarks, which were taken by the Rev. John Venn at the time, and have been preserved to this day. The objects which he proposed were " to correct the false sentiments of the religious world, and to explain the principles of the Church." This part of the design was to be effected by papers written under the designation of " Religious Communications." There were to be in addition, Articles, Miscellaneous and Literary ; Reviews ; a Review of Reviews ; and " historical events of the month, with a particular reference to Providence."

The original plan of the Christian Observer, as laid out in the Prospectus published in the first Number, is the exact counterpart of this sketch. It is therefore an inference which may be drawn without much difficulty, that Mr. Pratt was the projector, as he was the first Editor, of this Publication, which has so long stood its ground, and, amidst the abounding periodical literature of the present day, still exercises such a wide and beneficial influence in the Church.

Chapter II. 1799-1804

ORIGIN AND COMMENCEMENT OF THE CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY — MR. PRATT SUCCEEDS THE REV. THOMAS SCOTT AS SECRETARY — A MISSION TO WEST AFRICA CONTEMPLATED, AND THE SERVICES OF SOME BERLIN STUDENTS ENGAGED — CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE PRINCIPAL OF THE MISSIONARY INSTITUTION AT BERLIN — DISMISSAL OF TWO MISSIONARIES

THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY IS INSTITUTED — MR. PRATT

APPOINTED SECRETARY— EFFECTS A REORGANIZATION OF THE COM-

1 MITTEE RESIGNS THE OFFICE OF SECRETARY, AND IS SUCCEEDED BY

THE REV. JOHN OWEN — MR. PRATT A FIRM FRIEND AND ADVOCATE OF THE SOCIETY TO THE END OF HIS LIFE.

But by far the most important result of the deliberations of the members of the Eclectic Society, was the formation of a great design, in the development of which Mr. Pratt soon became the chief agent. It will therefore be desirable in this place to enter briefly, yet somewhat circumstantially, into the details of its origin and early history.

The question of forming a Society expressly for Missionary objects in connection with the Church of England had for some time been under deliberation ; and the subject was brought before the Eclectic Society on the 8th of Feb. 1796, by the Rev. Charles Simeon. The majority of the members, though favourably disposed, were not then prepared to take any immediate steps in the matter. On the 18th of Feb. 1799, notice was given that the subject would be again brought forward ; and on the 18th of March the Rev. John Venn, Rector of Clapham, opened the discussion at some length, and proposed several Resolutions for adoption.

MEETING AT THE CASTLE- AND-FALCON.

Some objected to them. The following record has been preserved, among Mr. Venn's Eclectic notes, of Mr. Pratt's remarks upon the occasion : —

6< The Rev. Josiah Pratt advocated the adoption of the Resolutions [drawn up and presented by Mr. Venn], as ( breathing a quiet, humble, dependent spirit.' ( Let us regard ourselves as forming the Society. Let us consider to whom it would be desirable to communicate our plans. Let us not proceed to choose a Committee till we have a larger Meeting. Let some little Address be drawn up, stating our designs, and how we wish to act in following the leading of Providence. It should be known that there is such a design. — Fix upon persons to write to. — Must be kept in evangelical hands."

The result of this Meeting was a general agreement that a Society should be forthwith formed, and a Prospectus prepared, and the entire plan laid before the chief authorities of the Church. Accordingly, on the 12th of April, 1799, a Meeting was held at the Castle-and-Falcon Inn, Aldersgate Street, and the Society was instituted. Mr. Venn was in the Chair ; and sixteen Clergymen — nine of them members of the Eclectic — and nine Laymen, composed the Meeting.* The following letter was then forwarded to

* As we ought ever to cherish the

their names are here subjoined : — Rev. John Venn, in the Chair.

Rev. Willi am J ar vis Abdy. (Rector of St. John's, Horsleydown.)

Rev. Edward Cuthbebt. (Minister of Long- Acre Chapel.)

Rev. John Davies. (Afterwards of Coventry.)

memory of these excellent persons,

(Rector of Clapham, Surrey.) Rev. Henry Foster. (Lecturer

of Christ Church, Spitalfields.) Rev. Thomas Fry. (Fellow of

Lincoln College, Oxford.) Rev. William Goode. (Rector of

St. Ann's, Blackfriars.)

Rev.

THE ARCHBISHOP ADDRESSED.

[Chap. II.

His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, a similar one to the Bishop of London, as Diocesan, and another to the Bishop of Durham, at that time Chairman of the Committee for Missions in the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge : —