Chapter V
Lay Preachers--Mr. Wesley’s defence of them--Converted Clergy--Death of Lady Huntingdon’s Sons, George and Ferdinando Hastings--First Methodist Conference--Dr. Doddridge--Letter from Lady Huntingdon--Mr. Jones--The Pretender--Lord Carteret--George II.--Death of Colonel Gardiner--Letters from Mr. Wesley, Dr. Doddridge, and Charles Wesley.
Methodism had now assumed some form and consistence, and had taken deep root in the land. Meeting-houses were erected in various places, societies were formed and disciplined, funds raised, rules enacted, lay-preachers admitted, and a regular system of itinerancy begun. When the great leaders had once admitted the assistance of lay-preachers, volunteers in abundance offered their zealous services. If they had been disposed to be nice in the selection, it was not in their power. They had called up a spirit which they could not lay; but they were still able to control and direct it. They had taken no step in their whole progress so reluctantly as this. The measure was forced upon them by circumstances, and by the strong remonstrances of Lady Huntingdon, whose penetrating mind perceived, that if these men were not permitted to preach with the sanction of Mr. Whitefield and Mr. Wesley, they would not be withheld from exercising the power which they felt in themselves. Her Ladyship had coolly and impartially considered the difficulties of the case, and upon the calmest view of it, notwithstanding her educational prejudices in favour of the Established Church, and her repugnance to the irregularity which was sanctioned by this step, she still thought, that those who were called only of God, and not of man, had more right to preach than those who were called only of man, and not of God. Now, that many of the clergy, though called of man, are not called of God to preach his Gospel, is undeniable: first, because they themselves utterly disclaim, nay, and ridicule the inward call; and, secondly, because they do not know what the Gospel is; of consequence they do not, and cannot preach it.
Mr. Wesley justified the measure by showing how it had arisen: a plain account of the whole proceeding was, he thought, the best defence of it:--
“And I am bold to affirm (says he, in one of his appeals to men of reason and religion), that these unlettered men have help from God for that great work, the saving souls from death; seeing he hath enabled, and doth enable them still, to turn many to righteousness. Thus hath he ‘destroyed the wisdom of the wise, and brought to nought the understanding of the prudent.’ When they imagined they had effectually shut the door, and locked up every passage, whereby any help could come to two or three preachers, weak in body as well as soul, whom they might reasonably believe would, humanly speaking, wear themselves out in a short time--when they had gained their point, by securing (as they supposed) all the men of learning in the nation, ‘He that sitteth in heaven laughed them to scorn,’ and came upon them by a way they thought not of. Out of the stones he raised up those who should beget children to Abraham. We had no more foresight of this than you. Nay, we had the deepest prejudices against it, until we could not but own that God gave wisdom from above to those unlearned and ignorant men, so that the work of the Lord prospered in their hands, and sinners were daily converted to God.”
About this time, several clergymen, who were awakened by the preaching of Messrs. Wesley, Mr. Whitefield, and their zealous coadjutors, boldly came forth, and, according to the measure of light dawning on their minds, bore a faithful testimony to the atonement and grace of the Redeemer. Of these, the Rev. John Hodges, Rector of Wenvo; Rev. Henry Piers, Vicar of Bexley, Kent; Rev. Samuel Taylor, Vicar of Quintin, Gloucestershire; Rev. Charles Manning, Vicar of Hayes; Rev. Vincent Perronet, Vicar of Shoreham, Sussex; and the Rev. John Merriton, from the Isle of Man, joined the Methodist Society, attended several of the Conference meetings, and laboured zealously to promote the cause of God our Saviour wherever they itinerated, as well as in their respective parishes. To these was added the Rev. Richard Thomas Bateman, a man of high birth and great natural endowments; he was Rector of St. Bartholomew’s the Great, London, and also held a living in Wales, where he was awakened under the powerful ministry of the Rev. Howell Davies.
These excellent men were early and intimately acquainted with Lady Huntingdon, whose patronage and support were powerfully influential in exciting and encouraging them to persevere in an itinerant course of life; and some of them proved eminently useful and laborious ministers of the Gospel. They did not disdain to associate with the lay-preachers in these labours of love--they were one in heart and mind with those devoted men, many of whom were instrumental either in awakening, converting, or building up souls--labours which have ever been regarded as the great business and the peculiar glory of a Methodist preacher. After a time many of the first preachers withdrew from the career, not because they were desirous of returning to the ways of the world, and emancipating themselves from the restraints of their new profession, but because the labour was too great. Through the instrumentality of Lady Huntingdon, Messrs. Maxfield, Merrick, Richards, Reeves, and Williams, whom her Ladyship particularly noticed and recommended to Mr. Wesley as the first lay-preachers who assisted him, were, with several others, episcopally ordained, became useful ministers of the Establishment, and most indefatigable and successful labourers in the vineyard.
It pleased the Almighty Disposer of human events to remove from Lady Huntingdon, at this time, two of her beloved children, George and Ferdinando Hastings; one aged thirteen and the other eleven, within a very short period of each other. They died of the small-pox, a disease very prevalent at that time.
Her Ladyship’s mind was much affected with this solemn event: she was properly sensible of the loss she had sustained, and felt as a mother. Her only source of relief was the unbounded goodness of God, exhibited in the precious promises of his word. Deeply humbled before Him under this bereaving stroke, yet was she enabled to reap much spiritual profit; she saw light through the dark cloud, for the Lord can and will comfort the mourners in Zion.
On the 25th of June, 1744, the first Methodist Conference was held in London. There were six clergymen and four travelling preachers present. Lady Huntingdon was then in London, and received them with much hospitality at her house. This is the first mention we have of any public service at her Ladyship’s during Lord Huntingdon’s life-time. On this occasion Mr. Wesley preached from this passage, “What hath God wrought?” Mr. Piers, Vicar of Bexley, and Mr. Hodges, Rector of Wenvo, assisted at the other parts of the service; Messrs. Maxfield, Richards, and Bennett, who settled as minister of a Dissenting congregation, and John Downes, who died in the work, were present. Downes was a man of sincere, unaffected piety, of great affliction, and possessed of an uncommon genius; he died in the pulpit of West-street chapel. His last text was, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” His words were unusually weighty, and with power, but few: he perceived he could not finish his discourse, and gave out this verse of the hymn--
“Father, I lift my heart to thee; No other help I know.”
His voice failing, he fell upon his knees as meaning to pray, but he could not be heard. The preachers ran and lifted him from his knees, for he could not raise himself. They carried him to bed, where he lay quiet and speechless till eight o’clock on Saturday morning (Nov. 6th, 1744), and then fell asleep. His widow, who had but one sixpence in the world at the moment of his death, was afterwards befriended by Lady Huntingdon.
Her Ladyship, though circumscribed in her means, continued to pursue her labours with new zeal, and the Redeemer crowned them with augmented blessings. She ever kept one great object in view, the conversion of souls to God, and the increased dominion of the religion of Jesus over the hearts and lives of its professors. She now (in 1744) formed some of those friendships with pious and distinguished persons beyond the pale of her own communion, which were the honour and delight of her future days. She became the friend of Doddridge,[28] author of “The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul,” a work of such excellencies and defects as render it equally hazardous to praise or blame: but which, with all the faults imputed to it, has been honoured with extensive usefulness. The letters of the Doctor cannot be laid before the reader, but those of the Countess sufficiently indicate the tone of the correspondence, as the following specimen will testify. It was written in answer to one from Dr. Doddridge, and treats principally on the necessity of preaching free grace:--
“May 10th, 1744.
“Dear Sir--I was most extremely obliged by your very kind letter, and though I am very glad and thankful to hear from my Christian friends, yet I consider their callings as so many interruptions from what their inclinations are often most disposed to. We want not that friendship which the world has, discovering its degree by the mere outside shows of ceremony, but those hearts who know Him that was from the beginning; by this acquaintance they can trace back the several other influences upon their minds, besides the secret ones of his to them, and will not wonder such things should help them to maintain an esteem of mankind till a stronger motive supplies its place. No, my worthy friend, never be under any care about anything relating to me; I never can esteem you less, and only more, by the further favour the Lord Jesus Christ shall and will still more bestow upon you; and may you abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost! If I understand upon what your satisfaction was founded in my discourse with Mr. Jones,[29] I think it depended upon my open and free declaration of present salvation--to be free, and through Jesus Christ alone; and yet, for many reasons, your being as open in it as a preacher may not be so effectual, to your universal service I mean, as by attending to smaller degrees of good in all. In my last letter to Mr. Whitefield, I think I have said to this effect: ‘It is for this point we must contend, of which we are witnesses: with that tender regard to all degrees or steps leading to it, by which we can alone extricate ourselves from the trifling wrangles of the schools upon words, and better confound the infidel world. It is the only answer to that remark, which, though I never have heard it, is surely strong; viz., that uncertain ties must level all religious feeling too much; and they must arise always rather upon the conclusions of men, then the sapient evidence of the divine propositions.’
“Here, then, my friend, is what our Lord offers us. It is for such a religion I live, and in which, with his grace, I will die. This manifestation in the soul of Britain will prove as satisfactory as light is to the eye; and whenever this light appears equally great, there will be a perfect agreement; the degrees may and will cause disputes, as about the several imperfect objects a day-dawn produces: and in this state, the well-meaning among the Moravians seem disputing with all who see differently with them. In this case our Lord’s rule seems best, which was, not to destroy error with evil, but, by the establishment of truth, the rather to let it fall from its own weakness: exhort all the souls back, and the deadly thing will not hurt them, though they drink of it. I must fear their political schemes, and cannot tell how to account for many things upon any other principle than as prior to the introduction of this, as their phrase is, infallible Church; and, indeed, when we go beyond the written word, which will, simply attended to, open with the light by degrees, as we receive its blessed rays; I say, when we go beyond this, where must the great confusion end? In nothing but a mere traditionary Church, made up of many pious but superstitious minds; which I hope Turkey is not without.
“Your sermon[30] I read with much care, as well as attention to your request, that I would sit with pen and paper by me, to mark all I could find amiss in it; but if it will be any satisfaction to you to know it, I assure you, with all my care I was not able to make one objection, nor even to fear one from any mortal for you; and I must beg you will be so good to let me have a hundred sent, in order to give away. I hope Mr. Hervey’s fears are groundless about the dedication; it is, in all respects, the very best judged one, both for your character and his, that I think could be penned; you have done right, and my grand maxim will support you: “Do that which is best, and leave the rest to God.” By your confidence in me, you have led me to be thus free to you. I speak from my heart; it may mean well, but do you correct its judgments when you find them wrong. I think I should be even glad to confess them so, whenever I see them so; and I hope for more excellent ways of godliness and truth. With many wishes to Mrs. Doddridge for her safety, and prayers for you, my friend, I remain, most sincerely and faithfully yours,
“S. HUNTINGDON.
“P.S. Do not forget unworthy me in your prayers. Lady Frances Gardiner is to be in England soon, as Mr. Whitefield writes me word.”
In the year 1745, Lady Huntingdon felt, in common with most who were deeply interested in the welfare of religion, the most distressing alarms from the rebellion in the north. The Jacobite faction, which existed chiefly in Scotland and in the northern parts of the kingdom, made a last and desperate effort to overturn our liberties and enthrone the Pretender. The exiled Stuarts, who had ever been the dupes of the Roman Catholic princes, were again thrown upon our shores, as an apple of discord, to divide our attention and procure a diversion in favour of the enemy. The young Pretender landed in Scotland when there were no hopes of shaking the throne of his rival; and with all the silly fondness for royal pomp which characterised his family, wasted his precious moments of unexpected prosperity in proclaiming his father, and disposing of seats in the paradise which he had not yet regained. During the struggle many valuable lives were lost; and the excellent Colonel Gardiner fell a sacrifice to the good cause, which eventually triumphed.
While the civil and religious liberties of our country were thus exposed to jeopardy, it was natural for the government to look around with the keen eye of jealousy, to see which way men’s hearts turned. That the character of the government should be affected by the violence of political feeling is not at all surprising: and if persons in power have occasionally shown hatred to the Methodists, their malice has been defeated, either by the tolerant disposition of the monarch, or by a variety of other circumstances which have had a favourable effect upon religious liberty. Although the storm of rebellion and popery was dispelled by the victory at Culloden, the principles that distinguished the bulk of the Pretender’s adherents diffused themselves throughout the country. When a rogue wishes to supplant an honest man in the favour of his prince, it is no uncommon thing for him to libel his character by a charge of disloyalty. For the attachment they showed to the great cause of civil and religious liberty, and for the joy that some of them expressed at the downfall of the house of Stuart, the Methodists were held up as disaffected to their own country. The strangest suspicions and calumnies were circulated; and men believe any calumnies, however preposterously absurd, against those of whom they are disposed to think ill. It was commonly reported that Mr. Wesley was a Papist, if not a Jesuit; that he kept Popish priests in his house: nay, it was beyond dispute that he received large remittances from Spain, in order to make a party among the poor; and when the Spaniards landed, he was to join them with twenty thousand men. Sometimes it was reported that he was in prison upon a charge of high treason: and there were people who confidently affirmed that they had seen him with the Pretender in France. Reports to this effect were so prevalent, that when a proclamation was issued requiring all Papists to leave London, he thought it prudent to remain a week there, that he might cut off all occasion of reproach; but this did not prevent the Surrey magistrates from summoning him, and making him take the oath of allegiance, and sign the declaration against Popery. Mr. Wesley was indifferent to all accusations; but the charge of disaffection, in such times, might have brought upon him serious inconvenience. He therefore drew up a loyal address to the King, in the name of “The Societies in derision called Methodists.” They thought it incumbent upon them to offer this address. This paper said, they must stand as a distinct body from their brethren; but they protested that they were a part, however mean, of the Protestant Church established in these kingdoms, and that it was their principle to revere the higher powers as of God, and to be subject for conscience sake.
Lady Huntingdon was likewise attacked in a very scandalous manner, and accused of favouring the Pretender. These aspersions tended to aggravate the increasing obloquy under which her Ladyship, and those whom she patronised, were now labouring. But she paid little attention to these malicious reports, until several of the itinerants under her auspices were beaten and ill-treated. Some of the neighbouring magistrates refused to act in behalf of the Methodists, when their persons and property were attacked; and her Ladyship was forced to apply to higher authority. She addressed a remonstrance to Lord Carteret, one of his Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, who laid it before the King. George II. was a prince of superior accomplishments--of an enlarged and liberal mind--and well skilled in the art of government. True to those principles that placed him upon the throne, he continued to the last the decided friend of civil and religious liberty. If the evil spirit that resided in the clergy walked forth upon some occasions, it was instantly laid by the genial influence of a tolerant monarch. It is well known that some evil-minded persons commenced a prosecution against the amiable Doddridge for keeping an academy, which being represented to the King, he instantly put a stop to it, declaring that he would suffer no persecution in his reign.
Lord Carteret, a nobleman well known in the annals of the State, was upon very intimate terms with the family of Lord Huntingdon. Lady Worsley,[31] the mother of Lady Carteret, to whose illustrious descent were added a fine person and delicate understanding, was a relative of Lady Huntingdon’s. Lord Carteret’s reply to Lady Huntingdon’s communication was dated November 19th, 1745, only a few days before his going out of office, in which he was succeeded by the Earl of Harrington. It was as follows:--
“Madam--I laid your remonstrance before his Majesty the King; my Royal Master commands me to assure your Ladyship, that, as the father and protector of his people, he will suffer no persecution on account of religion; and I am desired to inform all magistrates to afford protection and countenance to such persons as may require to be protected in the conscientious discharge of their religious observances.
“His Majesty is fully sensible of your Ladyship’s attachment to the House of Hanover; and has directed me to assure your Ladyship of his most gracious favour and kindest wishes. I have the honour to be, Madam, your Ladyship’s most obedient humble servant,
“CARTERET”.
Mr. Charles Wesley was more seriously incommoded by the imputation of disloyalty than his brother, or Lady Huntingdon. When he was itinerating in Yorkshire, an accusation was laid against him of having spoken treasonable words, and witnesses were summoned before the magistrates at Wakefield to depose against him. Fortunately for him he learnt this in time to present himself and confront the witnesses. He had prayed that the Lord would call home his banished ones; and this the accusers construed, in good faith, to mean the Pretender. The words would have had that meaning from the mouth of a Jacobite: but Charles Wesley, with perfect sincerity, disclaimed any such intention. “I had no thought (he said) of praying for the Pretender, but for those who confess themselves strangers and pilgrims upon earth--who seek a country, knowing this is not their home. You, Sir (he added) addressing himself to a clergyman upon the bench,--you, Sir, know that the Scriptures speak of us as captive exiles, who are absent from the Lord while present in the body. We are not at home till we are in heaven.” The magistrates were men of sense: they perceived that he explained himself clearly--that his declarations were frank and unequivocal, and they avowed themselves perfectly satisfied.
These aspersions aggravated the odium under which the Methodists were now labouring. “Every Sunday (says Charles Wesley) damnation is denounced against all who hear us; for we are Papists, Jesuits, seducers, and bringers in of the Pretender. The clergy murmur aloud at the number of communicants, and threaten to repel them.” He was himself repelled at Bristol, with circumstances of indecent violence. In many places they were exposed to the insults of the rude mob, who had not yet forgotten the art of disturbing conventicles, nor entirely lost the relish of those delights which they enjoyed, when terrifying the women or children whom they found in those assemblies. It, therefore, became necessary for the Methodists, either to endure all the injuries which the Nonconformists suffered when they were considered as outlaws, or to contradict their solemn professions of indissoluble union with the Established Church, by classing themselves with Dissenters, taking refuge under the Toleration Act, registering their places of worship, and licensing their preachers, as that Act required. They were not so in love either with persecution or the Church of England, as to hesitate long between the unequal alternatives; but instantly became Dissenters in the eye of the law, in order to become Christians according to the dictates of conscience.
It was, indeed, a curious phenomenon to behold a whole host of persons, who rejected the name of Dissenters as an unfounded calumny, who professed themselves the truest sons of the Church; attached to her doctrines, ceremonies, and hierarchy; many of whom retained, even in their places of meeting, her Liturgy and vestments, and who still communicated at her altars; yet resorting for protection to an Act passed “to exempt persons dissenting from the Church of England from certain pains and penalties.” Had they professed to dissent, it would have been a question whether the Toleration Act could have afforded them legal protection; for neither this, nor any other law, could be intended to provide for all possible futurity, and to gather under its wing every sect, of whatever principles and practices, which might arise in the revolution of ages. But when the Methodists declared they were not Dissenters, how could they claim the advantages of an Act made to protect persons dissenting from the Church of England from the penalties of certain laws?
The politic conduct of the government, in choosing rather to give a large and liberal interpretation to the Toleration Act, than to run the hazard of introducing another, was a grand step in the progress of religious liberty; for it converted this law into a much more extensive and mighty blessing than it was ever designed to be.
As the Methodists of every class--those who still remained within the walls of the Establishment; those who, like Whitefield, retained her doctrines, but broke loose from her restraints; and those who, with Mr. Wesley, adopted the Arminian creed,--all formed a body as active as they were new, they put the practical liberality of the government and the nation to a severe test. The Methodists came forth as a foreign army, they traversed the kingdom through all its extent; professing to belong to the Establishment, they entered into its precincts, sought their converts in its very bosom, and thus roused attention, jealousy, and rage, by the novelty, nearness, and anomalous singularity of their attack. The practice of field-preaching, which Mr. Whitefield, their most intrepid champion, introduced, was a measure daring as it was unprecedented. When the government heard that he drew out of London the almost incredible number of thirty thousand persons to hear him preach on Kennington Common--when he regularly collected numbers, not much inferior, in Moorfields--when Mr. Wesley imitated the bold measure, and thus rendered it a Methodist fashion to stand upon Tower-hill--in the streets of Bristol--amidst the colliers at Kingswood or Newcastle--among the miners of Cornwall, or wherever else immense crowds could be collected--would it have been surprising if the usual jealousy of governments had been displayed by the new dynasty, which had just begun to sit firm on the British throne? What then must have been the wisdom of the prince, and the conscious strength and dignity of the government, that, in such untried and critical circumstances, laissez nous faire prevailed without limitation, and the rising sect not only gave neither alarm nor offence to the civil powers, but was even defended by the sword and the mace? Whenever the mobs were excited by their own depraved passion, or by the insidious arts of bigoted gentry or clergy, to disturb the worship of the Methodists, though inferior magistrates might refuse redress, the superior courts were a sure refuge, where not scanty justice, but liberal countenance was afforded to the new species of Dissenters. At Bristol the magistrates instantly quelled the persecuting spirit of the populace, and placed the Methodists in perfect peace and security. And such was the effect of the timely and determined interposition of the civil power, that the Methodists were never again disturbed by the rabble in that city. If the London mobs were more violent, the persecuted people received the satisfaction of being informed, from high authority, before they made application for redress, that they had no need to suffer the insults and injuries which they experienced, since the justices of the peace had received particular orders from the government to afford them full protection. The House of Hanover, being assured of the affections of the Dissenters, regarded them as among the firmest supporters of the throne: it is, therefore, not improbable that this new accession to their numbers was far from being disagreeable to the court, which gladly extended to the Methodists the protection originally designed for other denominations.
The storm that threatened to blast every prospect of usefulness soon blew over, and left Lady Huntingdon to exchange the cry of danger--the prayer of faith--for the song of praise, and this grateful enquiry, “What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits?” The rebellion called forth all her ardour in the cause of liberty, both civil and religious; and the sermons and exhortations of the great leaders of the Methodist cause spoke the lively interest which they felt in the success of the contest. Nor were the evangelical Dissenters less zealous or less agitated with solicitude for the safety of the tolerant throne of Brunswick. Dr. Doddridge exerted himself with great zeal, and at considerable expense, in a cause which appeared to him to affect the Christian as deeply as the patriot. His biographer says:--
“When a regiment was raising in Northamptonshire, to be under the command of the Earl of Halifax, he wrote many letters to his friends in that county and neighbourhood to further the design. He went among his own people to encourage them to enlist, and had the pleasure to find many of them engaging cheerfully in the cause. He drew up, and printed at his own expense, a friendly letter to the private soldiers of a regiment of foot, which was one of those engaged in the glorious battle of Culloden.”
When his friend Colonel Gardiner fell in the struggle between the House of Hanover and the family of Stuart, Dr. Doddridge honoured him as one who had poured out his blood for the sacred as well as civil liberties of Britain. It was his high sense of the importance of the contest to the religious interests of the kingdom which inspired the biographer with the unusual eloquence that glows in his memoirs of the Colonel. The Doctor preached an eloquent and animated discourse on the occasion of his death, which was afterwards published, one hundred copies of which he sent to Lady Huntingdon for distribution. Her Ladyship’s opinion of this sermon is given in a letter to Mr. Wesley, in which she likewise expresses her lamentations on the death of the Colonel:--
“Jan. 15, 1746.
“My much esteemed Friend--I deferred acknowledging your last kind favour till I could send you the excellent sermon of my good friend, Dr. Doddridge, upon the lamented death of that eminent Christian and gallant soldier, Colonel Gardiner. His death is a heavy affliction to good Lady Frances, as well as to all his numerous family and acquaintances. But he is gone to the great Captain of our salvation, to see him as he is: to praise him who covered his head in the day of battle, and has taken him to himself to sing the wonders of that love which hath redeemed him from the earth, and made him meet to be a partaker of the inheritance of the saints in light.
“Eminently successful in illuminating multitudes in various parts of the country with the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, the soul of this excellent minister of Christ is ever burning for a more extensive advancement of religion, where it is not yet known, or its blessed effects felt by the people. A high degree of praise is due to this devoted man for his exertions in calling sinners to repentance, and stirring up the professors of religion to the spirit of the Gospel. He would do honour to any age of the Church, and his honesty and zeal entitle him to unqualified praise.
“If I mistake not, you will be much delighted with the energy of expression and the evangelical strain which runs through his discourse. Though it may be deficient in vigour, it is rich in the display of Gospel truth. No man can be more remote from party spirit, or exhibit more of that love which embraces all who love the Lord Jesus Christ, of every name and sect, than the Doctor does in all his writings. This I record to his honour, while there are but too many of the Dissenting denomination very differently minded, who are cold, and stand aloof from Christians and fellow-heirs of the same inheritance, because they gather not with them.
“Amidst abounding opposition much good still continues to be done, and many poor souls are returning to the fold of the great Shepherd. The hand of a King is amongst us: many hard-hearted rebels have been subdued by the resistless power of the Word: many have fled for refuge to the hope set before them: and very many are asking the way to Zion. May the great Shepherd and Bishop of our souls give us more abundant increase! The fruits of your ministry yet flourish: and we long for your coming once more amongst us. May your ministry be attended and followed by the blessing of the Holy Ghost, and many be added by your means to the Church of such as shall be saved.
“I have lately heard from dear Mr. Whitefield. He is making full proof of his ministry in America. Mr. Jones has been with me for some weeks; and has been very acceptable and useful to many. I have just seen Mr. West’s ‘Observations on the History and Evidences of Christ’s Resurrection,’ but have not yet perused it. Dr. Doddridge has a high opinion of it, and thinks it calculated for great and extensive usefulness amongst infidels.
“And now, my good friend, farewell! I heartily commend you to the care and guidance of my adorable Master--Him on whom I hang the weight of my eternal interests, and through whose precious blood I hope to be cleansed from all my vileness, my worthlessness, and misery, and made a partaker of the blessings of his everlasting covenant.
“I am, my worthy and esteemed friend, your very obliged,
“S. HUNTINGDON.”
In the month of April, Lady Huntingdon was attacked by a severe illness, and her friends became seriously alarmed; but, by the blessing of God on the means used by her medical advisers, she was restored to many years of labour and usefulness. To promote the spread of the religion of Christ was ever the most prominent object of her life, and she made personal ease and convenience entirely subservient to it. Notwithstanding her debility at this time, she wrote to Dr. Doddridge and Mr. Charles Wesley, asking them to recommend her a pious clergyman to supply the church at Markfield, the living of which she had given to the Rev. George Baddelley, D.D., then domestic chaplain at Donnington Park.
“June, 1746.
“My worthy Friend--This very day, after my letter to you, I was taken ill of a fever, and am now far from a state of perfect recovery, and I am sure I shall have your prayers, that all those adorable instances of God’s great mercy to me may be answered according to his kind intentions towards me.
“Weak as I am, a circumstance I am much interested about makes me forget all I feel at present: a young gentleman, to whom I have just given the rectory of Markfield, in Leicestershire, and who serves in my family as my chaplain, is at present in great want of a curate to supply that place in his absence. His situation with me gives him an entrance into four churches: and, could we get a Gospel curate, very great good would be done. I hope he has here won the hearts of many people, and a little meeting in my house is begun, and though with much bitterness to me, in spite of all opposition, it increases. Should Mr. Baddelley leave me to fix in his living, all this prospect would be at an end: but could we get a faithful minister for his assistance, the having two who would then preach the Gospel might be instrumental to unspeakable good. Such a person, who is properly qualified, he has not yet been able to meet with: he should be not only a good Christian, but one who is a sensible man, who can act prudently, and who, in Mr. Baddelley’s absence, would be proper to perform his duty in my family.
“So surrounded am I by eyes that long to find fault with all I do, that it makes me cautious to give no offence, either to Jew, Gentile, or the Church of God; but to serve all men to their good edification, and to labour with the remains of life to advance our Lord and Saviour’s kingdom upon earth. Do, my friend, try to look out for me for this purpose; and if you know or can hear of any man so qualified, let me know from you. Could I explain the consequences of this matter with sufficient strength, I am sure it would raise emotion in so warm and earnest a heart as yours, for your most active trial. May heaven assist you, and live assured that, with great sincerity and pure friendship, I am, my worthy friend, your very obliged,
“S. HUNTINGDON.”
The next letter is dated June 18, 1746. It is addressed to Mr. Wesley, and repeats the early part of the preceding:--
“I have written to my worthy friend, Dr. Doddridge, to assist in obtaining a pious, sensible man, one whose whole soul is alive to God and the concerns of eternity, and I have to solicit your assistance, my good friend, in aiding me in this matter. Amongst your very numerous connexions, you may hear of some one suited to the situation, which is of great importance, as he will have four churches open to him, where the light of divine truth may be widely extended amongst a people hungering and thirsting after the bread of life.
“Do aid me in this business with your willing services, your prayers, and your advice. I am but a weak instrument, and need the supporting care of my great Advocate every minute of my existence. Though I am hardly able to hold my pen, yet I am willing, thanks be to God, to be employed in any way that may conduce to the good of others. Pray for me, my good friend, that if it be the will of God and our Lord Jesus Christ, I may be strengthened for the work which is before me, and that which he has appointed for me on earth. I feel the flame still burning within me--the ardent longing to save sinners from the error of their ways. O, how does the zeal of others reprove me! O, that my poor cold heart could catch a spark from others, and be as a flame of fire in the Redeemer’s service! Some few instances of success, which God, in the riches of his mercy, has lately favoured me with, have greatly comforted me during my season of affliction; and I have felt the presence of God in my soul in a very remarkable manner, particularly when I have prayed for the advancement of his kingdom amongst men in the world. This revives me, and if God prolongs my poor unprofitable life, I trust it will ever be engaged in one continued series of zealous, active services for him, and the good of precious, immortal souls.
“Adieu, my most worthy friend. Let me hear from you soon, and give me some tidings to rejoice my heart. Your most faithful friend,
“S. HUNTINGDON.”
Chapter VI
Death of the Earl of Huntingdon--His Lordship’s Epitaph--Letter from Sir John Thorold--Lady Huntingdon’s Piety--Letter to Dr. Doddridge--Lady Kilmorey--Duchess of Somerset--Welsh Preachers--Lady Frances Hastings--Mrs. Edwin--Lady Huntingdon’s adherence to the Church of England--Letter from Dr. Watts to Dr. Doddridge.
Afflictions seldom come alone. The loss of Lady Huntingdon’s children was soon followed by the decease of the Earl, who departed this life on the 13th of October, 1746, at his house, in Downing-street, Westminster, in the fiftieth year of his age. His Lordship (who, it was remarkable, had hardly ever dreamt in his life before) dreamed one night, that death, in the semblance of a skeleton, appeared at the bed’s foot, and, after standing a while, untucked the bed-clothes at the bottom, and crept up to the top of the bed (under the clothes) and lay between him and his lady. His Lordship told his dream, in the morning, to the Countess, who affected to make light of it; but the Earl died of a fit of apoplexy, in about a fortnight after. This circumstance was narrated by her Ladyship to Mr. Toplady, at Romford, in Essex, April 12, 1776, and was printed in his posthumous works.[32]
The death of Lord Huntingdon formed a new era in the life of his devoted Countess. The loss of children, and the decease of her Lord, gave such a blow to the elasticity of her mind as a loss like this at her time of life was calculated to inflict. She had a fine bust of herself placed upon the tomb of her deceased husband, and the widowed bosom, in which his memory was enshrined, remained as cold to earthly passion as the insensible marble amidst the symbols of death.
During Lord Huntingdon’s life, her Ladyship’s means of usefulness were necessarily circumscribed. Yet all that she possessed was expended in promoting the extension of the Redeemer’s kingdom, or in relieving the temporal distress of the indigent. Unlike the summer bird, which flies on the first approach of the winter’s storm, the chilly blasts of adversity had peculiar attractions for her benevolent heart. The beautiful description of an amiable writer was not more applicable to his deceased friend, than to his illustrative personage: “She was seen wherever disappointment and losses had left nothing but the attraction of misery. She and the selfish crew were sure to meet very near the door--they leaving their friends when they found nothing more was to be enjoyed, and she hastening thither as soon as she found something was necessary to be done.”
Lady Huntingdon was left a widow in the thirty-ninth year of her age, with the entire management of her children and their fortunes, which she carefully attended to, and improved with the greatest fidelity. Her family affairs necessarily occupied her attention during Lord Huntingdon’s life; but now, become her own mistress by the demise of his Lordship, she resolved to devote herself wholly to the service of Christ and to the souls redeemed by his blood.
Few characters have been more erroneously estimated by the world than that of Lady Huntingdon. She was, in fact, neither the gloomy fanatic, the weak visionary, nor the abstracted devotee which different parties have delighted to paint her.
The circumstance of her having forbidden the publication of her papers, and her retired mode of life, for even her charities were principally distributed through the medium of her chaplains, were the causes that baffled the curiosity of those who felt desirous of discovering the motives which could tempt a woman to resign the allurements of fashion, frivolity, and high station, and to devote upwards of a hundred thousand pounds during her life for the extension of peculiar religious opinions: and that too without any view towards the personal distinction which has been too often a leading inducement with the founders of new sects.
Instead of giving way to unavailing grief under this afflicting bereavement, or suffering her mind to prey upon itself in seclusion, Lady Huntingdon endeavoured to find comfort in affliction by those unremitting exertions for the extension of divine truth which characterised every part of her life. The first six months of her widowhood were spent at Donnington Park, which she continued to occupy till the young Earl of Huntingdon became of age. The members of the little societies in her neighbourhood were perpetually in her thoughts, and her heart was penetrated with the most lively concern for their welfare. Although her endeavours during this season of affliction were chiefly exercised for their spiritual benefit, yet was her heart enlarged also toward all the children of God, by whatever name they were distinguished, or wherever the bounds of their habitation were fixed.
The consolations of friendship were highly valued by the Countess. To her most excellent friend, Sir John Thorold, she expressed herself deeply indebted for the paternal interest which he took in her concerns, and his unremitting exertions for the improvement of her children’s fortunes. Sir John was a man of piety, and the early and steady friend of her deceased Lord.[36]
From this period Lady Huntingdon’s devotion to Christ was sincere and unreserved. Whatever she had formerly admired and pursued, she now voluntarily laid at the feet of her Lord: and dedicated her time, her studies, her acquisitions, and her substance to the service of God, and the furtherance of his cause in the world; desiring at once to present him with her whole being, as a living sacrifice, expressive of her entire devotion. She had no interest to serve, no inclination to gratify, nor any connection to maintain, but such as was necessary to prove the sincerity of her zeal, or the fervour of her love. Wherever she appeared, she breathed the spirit of devotion; and wherever she was familiarly known, the purity, the fervour, the resolution, and the constancy of that devotion were universally apparent. Possessed of that faith which “overcometh the world,” she beheld it with the feelings of her tempted Master; anxious for its good, but despising its yoke; prepared to labour in its service, but resolute to reject its rewards; deaf to its promises, blind to its prospects, and dead to its enjoyments.
Wherever she was called by the providence of God, she was acknowledged as a “burning and shining light.” The common lights of Christianity were eclipsed before her; and even her spiritual friends could never stand in her presence, without being overwhelmed with a consciousness of their own inferiority and unprofitableness. Amongst innumerable instances which might be adduced, I shall merely add the testimony of the late excellent Mr. Toplady, who considered her Ladyship “the most precious saint of God he ever knew.” The following letters to Dr. Doddridge, written at this period, prove the love and veneration which he had for a character of such inestimable worth; and while they exhibit her extraordinary zeal for the glory of God, which blazed forth with such undiminished fervour through every stage of her existence, and continued with unabated vigour till removed to her eternal rest, will cause every reader to blush at his own ingratitude and luke-warmness.
“February 23, 1747.
“My very worthy and much-esteemed Friend--I would not lose the opportunity of conveying my enquiries after you, and most thankfully acknowledging your letters, for one of which, I find, I am obliged to a mistake.
“As there is nothing you either write or do that I am not interested for, you must forgive my reminding you that so faithful a minister of the glorious Gospel not only merits our highest regards, but our many blessings also. I hope you will comfort me by all the accounts you can gather of the flourishing and spreading of the glad tidings. O! how do I lament the weakness of my hands, the feebleness of my knees, and coolness of my heart. I want it on fire always, not for self-delight, but to spread the Gospel from pole to pole. Pray for me, my very excellent friend, and cause others to do so. I dread slack hands in the vineyard: we must be all up and doing; the Lord is at hand, and let us not lose the things we have wrought, but labour and exhort each other to diligence and faithfulness. O! my friend, we shall reap plentifully if we faint not: it is thinking of your unwearied labours that inspires even so dead a heart as mine at this moment with great earnestness; and I want words to tell you what shall be your reward: all I can say is, it is not less than Infinite Bounty which is to pay you.”
“March 15th, 1747.
“My most excellent Friend--I have so sincere a regard for you, that I own it would flatter me to have you think it long since you heard from me. Company, some business, and my weak body, make my writing often to be attended with difficulty. I wished much to have been earlier in my acknowledgments of your last than usual, as it gave not only all that spirit of Christian friendship that I now am honoured by from you, but the consolation of assuring me you have hopes of finding out a youth who may be thought worthy, from pious disposition and education, for the ministry. What contribution will be wanting from me towards this purpose, I beg you will let me know, and my excellent friend may depend upon my utmost gratitude for this high honour vouchsafed me: I feel my mite is cast into the treasury of God; and O! inexpressible consolation! that he in his love is sending these calls to poor, vile, and unworthy me. My heart wants nothing so much as to dispense all--all for the glory of Him whom my soul loveth.
“I have ventured to send you a letter written by a young lady upon the death of her sister, but with perfect confidence that you will communicate it to no one but Mrs. Doddridge, and that you will be so good as to return it. A most wonderful conversion, and it has had the same effect upon both the sisters left behind! I knew it would make your gracious heart glad, as many incidents lately happening would do, could I enumerate all. O! many prophets and religious men have desired to see those days, and have not seen them: great, great is the power of the Lord, and for ever glorified be his name. Some important time is coming: O might I hope it is that time when all things shall be swallowed up by the enlightening and comforting displays of our glorious Redeemer’s kingdom; when love shall be the burning language of the heart, and every soul be longing for the moment of his appearing. My hopes are not only full of immortality, but of this. Your works are blessed, and God is making you a polished shaft in his quiver. I want everybody to pray with you, and for you, that you may wax stronger and stronger. I have had a letter from Lord Bolingbroke, who thus says--‘I desire my compliments and thanks to Dr. Doddridge, and hope I shall continue to deserve his good opinion.’
“I am strongly baited to have some advice about my health: it seems good enough for me, but not for my children, and my sister, who is now with me, and who is very unhappy to see me so weak and ill. In submission, I have consented to apply to one of the faculty, and I have desired that it may be Dr. Stonhouse, of your town, who is the only person to be sent for to me, whenever I should be so ill as to be thought in any immediate danger: and, till then, his advice taken upon my case.
“I have this day received a fresh mark of your unwearied pains and thoughts about me. Alas! could you know those sighs and tears I am continually offering through the weakness and unprofitableness of my life, they would speak cruel and bitter answers to the tender care of all my dear friends. I often look to that bed which promises me a refuge from an evil world, and from a yet more evil heart; but how does it bound, as the roe or hind over the mountains, when that all-transporting view presents itself--presents, O glorious! an eternity of joy, to follow this glad release from time; everlasting triumphs sounding throughout the angelic thrones to welcome my arrival. Such love and pity dwell in heaven, and only there, for misery and poverty like mine. What liberty to delight in that which is most excellent! How enlarged those faculties which can take in celestial purity, and, by sweet attraction, engage and eternally maintain a union with it! Thus do I look on death; he is called a monster, a king of terrors, but as a Gabriel’s salutation shall my soul meet him: he can bring no other message to the redeemed in Christ, but, ‘Hail, thou who art highly favoured of the Lord!’ and though it is true so great a stranger may surprise for a little, yet his smiles of victory will clear even the grievance of flesh and blood, and make the grave appear a consecrated dormitory for sweet repose. O glorious Emmanuel! how, how do I long for that immortal voice to praise thee with; and till then, that mortal one which may sound through earth thy love to man!
“The post will not let me say more. I am happy in writing to you, as I find so perfect a liberty in my mind as causes me to rejoice. My kindest services to Mrs. Doddridge and your daughters; thank them a thousand times for their thoughts about me; and live assured of the most unfeigned esteem and highest regard of your most unworthy friend, who hopes to continue to all eternity, ever, ever your friend,
“S. HUNTINGDON.”
The following allusion to the malignity of popular persecution must be deeply interesting:--
“May 21, 1747.
“My excellent Friend--I delivered your letter to our friend, who was here, and read it with pleasure and joy, as all that comes from you occasions to those who love our Lord in sincerity. We have prayed earnestly together for you, and recommended, just before we parted, the young man.
“My heart is the same; I drag about a painful companion, and yet I am quite satisfied to do so: how long it may last I know not. Our affronts and persecutions here, for the world’s sake, are hardly to be described.
But, alas, these are among those honours that should not be mentioned by me: that so unworthy a mortal should thus be favoured by so loving a Father ought to make me bow down with confusion of face that he should regard me. Many secret and shameful enemies of the Gospel, by His will, appear; the particulars would amuse you, and, blessed be God, they rejoice me, as good must follow from it. They called out in the open streets for me, saying, if they had me, they would tear me to pieces, &c.; but, alas! this does but prove that it is the Lord that offends them, and so must He continue to the unregenerate heart. In haste I must assure you how sincerely and affectionately I remain your obliged friend,
“S. HUNTINGDON.”
Other letters of interest we are compelled to omit; one, written on the eve of her sister’s[37] departure for Shropshire, when Lady Bentley was also to leave her, is conceived in a spirit of extreme humility, gratitude, and affection, and of intense longing for relief from the burden of the flesh.
Lady Huntingdon’s health, although she had a partial recovery, soon began to decline, and her disorder to increase, to an alarming degree. Dr. Stonhouse was sent for; but her complaint increasing rather than abating, he wisely recommended her to go, as soon as convenient, to Bath, as the most likely means to restore her. On her way thither, she spent some days with her sister, Lady Kilmorey, in Shropshire. A letter to Dr. Doddridge, written about this time, sufficiently manifests the blessed state of her mind during the season of affliction, and expresses the humility and faith of this illustrious woman:--
“Bath, Nov. 1747.
“I hope you will never care about the ceremony of time in your letters to me, but just when attended with the greatest ease to yourself, as we both agree in this sentiment, that the one thing worth living for must be, the proclaiming the love of God to man in Jesus Christ; so all calls for that end will secure my approbation for your silence.
“I am nothing--Christ is all; I disclaim, as well as disdain, any righteousness but his. I not only rejoice that there is no wisdom for his people but that from above, but reject every pretension to any but what comes from himself. I want no holiness he does not give me, and I could not accept a heaven he did not prepare me for: I can wish for no liberty but what he likes for me, and I am satisfied with every misery he does not redeem me from; that in all things I may feel that without him I can do nothing. To sit at his feet and hearken to his sayings is an honour worthy of Gabriel, who is always in the presence of God; to behold the glory of such a Saviour even the seraphs might veil their faces--such love and honour, I say, as this, ought to make us breathe his praises from pole to pole. Many are our enemies, and of these, not only our own sins, but the spirit of that world in which dwells nothing but wretchedness; but while it is through his love that we are to conquer, let the patience of his saints be seen in us; let our prayers and labours be useful (instrumentally) in obtaining crowns of pure gold to be placed on the heads of our most cruel foes; that the infinite evil of the worst may serve only to raise our hearts to heaven for their infinite good. Did we enough take root downward, we should bear more of this fruit upwards: ’tis humility must make us ascend by the fiery chariot: that Divine Being (whom my soul most delights in) shows me my lesson in these few words, ‘Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly.’
“My family consists of two sons and as many daughters; for all of them I have nothing to do but to praise God. The children of so many prayers and tears, I doubt not, shall one day be blest, your prayers for us all helping. The hint you gave me is great matter of joy to me; my soul longeth for grace. To preach Christ and his blessing upon repentance over the earth is the commission--the event must be with him; all else is from man, and of man: He must gather and unite the faithful, since it is He alone who sits in heaven that may instruct the heart for His purposes. At present the more the little leaven is hid in all, the more of the whole will be leavened. Parties and divisions have ever been the stumbling-blocks of the weak; if we were altogether with the Lord, as watchmen for him, calling day and night in order only to prepare the materials, we need not be fearful, for the city would be established and prevail upon the earth; but this having always been attempted by man’s power, and so little in grace, it hath come to nought. May the Lord give us all such love, to live and to die to Him and for Him alone. I am, with most kind respects to Mrs. Doddridge, your most sincere, but weak and unworthy friend,
“S. HUNTINGDON.
“P.S. As I write from my heart, and not from my head, you may more easily forgive incorrectness when you meet with it.”
The learning, piety, candour, and politeness of Dr. Doddridge recommended him to the esteem and friendship of Lady Huntingdon; and her correspondence with him, from which the subjoined extracts are made, was continued up to the time of his death.
A letter from Dr. Watts to Dr. Doddridge, dated Nov. 1747, contains the following words:--
“Yesterday my Lady Hertford[38] gave me the honour of a letter, wherein she expresses a very high esteem and respect for you, as the author of the ‘Rise and Progress,’ and for your account of ‘Colonel Gardiner’s Life,’ which pleased her very much, and she tells me that I should let you know it.”
But it was reserved for Lady Huntingdon to be the means of introducing the Doctor to the correspondence of the Duchess. In one of her Ladyship’s letters she writes thus concerning this celebrated woman:--
“Reverend Sir--Since I wrote my last to you, I have received a letter from my beloved Duchess of Somerset, who thus writes concerning you--‘I should be very glad to see any sermons of Dr. Doddridge, and should look upon a letter from him as an honour, provided he will write to me as a person who wants both instruction and reproof, but not as one who has attained any share of that Christian piety and self-denial without which all pretensions to the name of a disciple are vain.’
“I could not satisfy myself till I had sent you the above, as it will not only encourage you to write to her, but show you how amiable and humble a disposition you have to address. I pray to God to improve this friendship to you both, and then I shall think myself of some service in life. You were so good as to design for us a parcel, which I shall be glad to receive, as there is nothing you either write or do but I am interested in. You must forgive my reminding you, that so faithful a minister of the Gospel not only merits our highest regards, but our many blessings also.
“My kindest respects to Mrs. Doddridge, and the young gentleman who was with you here, and to Mr. Jones, whom I shall be extremely glad to see whenever he has an opportunity of coming my way. Live assured of the most sincere regard of a very unworthy, but truly faithful and obliged friend,
“S. HUNTINGDON.”
Lady Huntingdon had diligently studied the Gospel, and had just ideas of the extent and importance of Christian liberty. She had impartially examined the controversy between the Dissenters and the Church of England, and thought it her duty to adhere to the latter. But she was desirous to countenance and encourage all those who appeared to have the interest of religion much at heart, and to be zealous to instruct and save souls, though they were of different persuasions from herself. Her generous heart never confined truth and goodness to one particular sect, nor in any other respect appeared bigoted to that, or uncharitable to those who differed from her. She rejoiced when she met with worthy ministers of moderate principle; thought herself happy in the intimate friendship of some of them; and maintained a regular correspondence with others. She always spoke of them in the most respectful terms, frequently invited them to her house, and did them all the service in her power, as she believed they acted agreeably to the convictions of their own consciences. Dr. Doddridge was eminently a man of candour and liberality. A rigid spirit, and a stiffness about things non-essential, he very much disliked; he entertained a high opinion of the piety and zeal of many of those clergymen of the Church of England who were stigmatized as Methodists. He had seen the good effects of their itinerant labours in his own neighbourhood--he had heard of more, and on unquestionable authority; and this left him no room to doubt that God had owned them. He was well aware that there was some enthusiasm among them, and much among their followers; but he was nevertheless fully convinced that they were eminently useful in rousing the attention of the careless and indifferent to the great things of eternity; in leading them to read and study the Scriptures, and attend religious worship in places where they might be better instructed and edified. Many friendly and faithful admonitions he gave them, and it was no inconsiderable evidence of the humility and candour of some of the great leaders of Methodism, particularly Mr. Whitefield and Lady Huntingdon, with whom he was more congenial in sentiment, that they desired him freely to tell them what he thought amiss in their sentiments and conduct, and that they received his admonitions with thankfulness. He endeavoured to show them their errors and to regulate their zeal, which he thought a more friendly part, and more becoming a Christian minister, than to revile and ridicule them. As they saw the common people struck and captivated with their address and appearance of zeal, he wished their wiser brethren would plainly and seriously teach the Gospel, take due care of the souls committed to them, labour more abundantly in their Master’s work, and thereby secure yet greater popularity and acceptance by means which they themselves must think just and laudable; for these he thought it their duty to use, whatever their particular sentiments and stations were.
About the month of May, 1748, Lady Huntingdon and her daughters, accompanied by Lady Anne and Lady Frances Hastings, left Bath, where they had been staying some considerable time, on a tour through Wales. It is a matter of regret that so little information can now be obtained of her Ladyship’s journey into a part of the kingdom where she was destined in after years to reap a harvest so abundant. From the scanty materials, however, which remain, an imperfect and irregular journal in the handwriting of Lady Frances Hastings, we are informed that Lady Huntingdon was met at Bristol by Mr. Howel Harris, Mr. Griffith Jones, Mr. Daniel Rowlands, and Mr. Howel Davies, all of whom accompanied her into the principality. They appear to have travelled slowly, taking short stages every day. For fifteen days successively two of the ministers that accompanied her Ladyship preached in some town or village through which they passed, by which means the seed of divine truth was widely scattered over a large extent of country. In Cardiganshire her Ladyship was visited by the Rev. Philip Pugh, a Dissenting minister, eminent for his piety, diligence, and success. On their arrival at Trevecca, in Brecknockshire, they were joined by several of the awakened clergymen, particularly Mr. William Williams, Mr. Thomas Lewis, Mr. Penry Baillie, Mr. John Powel, and Mr. Thomas Jones; also by some of the exhorters, or lay-preachers, and some pious and laborious Dissenting ministers, amongst whom Mr. John Watkins, Mr. Lewis Jones, of Glamorganshire, and Mr. Lewis Rees, from North Wales, were the most notable. Her Ladyship remained a few days at Trevecca, which exactly twenty years after became her chief residence and scene of action. Whilst there, they had preaching four or five times a day, to immense crowds who had collected from all the adjacent country. “The divine influence of the Spirit of God (says Lady Frances) was very evidently afforded with his word, and many were added unto the Lord’s people.” On one occasion, when Mr. Griffith Jones preached in a large field from that passage in the fortieth chapter of the prophecies of Isaiah, “What shall I cry?” there was an extraordinary manifestation of the grace and power of God over the assembled multitude, so that many were deeply convinced of their misery and guilt, and cried aloud in the most awful manner. When the sermon was ended, Lady Huntingdon enquired of many of those who had been so affected, the cause of their loud and bitter cries. Most of them replied, “that they were so powerfully and deeply convinced of their sinfulness and awful condition in the sight of God, that they were afraid he never would have mercy on them.” The people in general, through the whole assembly, seemed greatly bowed down and humbled before the Lord, and many said, “they should never forget the time when God was so gracious unto them.”
On another occasion, when Mr. Rowlands preached at a small town in Carmarthenshire, God accompanied the word in a very powerful manner. “It was remarkable at this season (observes Lady Frances) that as sinners were generally under a most distressing sense of their guilt, so the people of God were sensibly refreshed and comforted. Their souls were magnifying the Lord, and rejoicing in God their Saviour, who hath done such great things for them; while others in distressing agony were crying out, ‘Men and brethren what shall we do?’”
Accompanied by Mr. Howel Harris and Mr. Howel Davies, Lady Huntingdon left Wales, and arrived in London on the 15th June, a few weeks before Mr. Whitefield’s return from America. Her Ladyship was both gratified and refreshed by what she witnessed in the principality. “On a review of all I have seen and heard, during the last few weeks (says the Countess), I am constrained to exclaim, ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name.’ The sermons were in general lively and awakening, containing the most solemn and awful truths--such as the utter ruin of man by the fall, and his redemption and recovery by the Lord Jesus Christ, the energetic declaration of which produced great and visible effects in many. I enquired the meaning of the outcry which sometimes spread through the congregation, and when informed that it arose from a deep conviction of sin working powerfully on the awakened conscience, I could not but acknowledge, ‘This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.’ Many, on these solemn occasions, there is reason to believe, were brought out of nature’s deepest darkness into the marvellous light of the all-glorious Gospel of Christ. My earnest prayer to God for them is, that they may continue in his grace and love: and, with full purpose of heart, cleave unto the Lord, approve themselves the true and faithful disciples of a crucified Saviour, and through manifold temptations, opposition, and reproach, be enabled to press toward the mark for the high prize of the calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Not long after her Ladyship’s return to London, Dr. Doddridge paid a visit to the metropolis. During his stay he was very frequently at Lady Huntingdon’s house. In a letter to Mrs. Doddridge he says:--
“I can conclude with telling you that I am now come to the conclusion of one of the most pleasant days I shall ever spend without you. After an hour’s charming conversation with Lady Huntingdon and Mrs. Edwin, I preached in her family, by express desire, and met Colonel Gumley, who is really a second Colonel Gardiner. Such a monument of the power and sovereignty of divine grace as, truly, I have hardly met with since I was acquainted with his story. After dinner, the ladies entertained us with their voices and a harpsichord, with which I was highly delighted: and I have stolen a hymn, which I steadfastly believe to be written by good Lady Huntingdon, and which I shall not fail to communicate to you.
* * * * *
“Lady Huntingdon is quite a mother to the poor; she visits them and prays with them in their sicknesses; and they leave their children to her for a legacy when they die, and she takes care of them. I was really astonished at the traces of religion I discovered in her and Mrs. Edwin,[39] and cannot but glorify God for them. More cheerfulness I never saw intermingled with devotion. Lady Frances Gardiner sets out on Tuesday next: I have taken my leave of her.”
Chapter VII
Mr. Whitefield arrives in England--Preaches at Lady Huntingdon’s--Letters--Lord Chesterfield--Lord Bolingbroke--Anecdotes of Mr. Whitefield’s preaching--Appointed Chaplain to Lady Huntingdon--Christian Soldiers--Bishop of Exeter--Colonel Gumley--Mr. Edwin--Lord St. John--Lady Suffolk--The Court Beauties--Lord Chesterfield--Marquis of Lothian--Lady Mary Hamilton--Anecdotes--Lady Townshend--English Nobility at Lady Huntingdon’s--Sir Watkins Williams Wynne--Persecution of the Welsh Methodists--Liberal Conduct of the Government--Marmaduke Gwynne, Esq.
Lady Huntingdon had now become the open and avowed patroness of all the zealous clergy of the Church of England who dared to be singular in the unambiguous preaching of the Gospel, many of whom exposed themselves, particularly at this period, to much obloquy, abuse, and persecution. Her Ladyship became a shelter and the companion of all those who were so used. A difference on some doctrinal points caused a separation between Mr. Whitefield and Mr. Wesley, and their disciples soon after became divided. “They parted, indeed (says Dr. Haweis), like Paul and Barnabas; but the extent of the sphere of their usefulness was thereby enlarged.” Her Ladyship’s correspondence with Mr. Howel Harris, and several of the Welsh clergy who had been awakened under Mr. Whitefield’s ministry, was the means, under God, of leading her into more consistent views of divine truth, which she ever after maintained, and in the firm belief of which she ended her days. Her zealous heart embraced with cordiality all whom she esteemed real Christians, whatever their denomination or opinion might be; but from this period her connexions with ministers and Christians of the Calvinistic persuasion, according to the liberal sense of the Articles of the Church of England, became greatly enlarged.
Lady Huntingdon’s heart expanded towards all the children of God--she loved all those whom she had reason to believe loved her Divine Master--and considering herself as “a debtor both to the Greeks and Barbarians,” she was ready, had it been possible, to have visited the uttermost parts of the earth with the glorious truths of the Gospel of God our Saviour.
At what exact period Lady Huntingdon first became acquainted with Mr. Whitefield cannot now be ascertained with any degree of accuracy. But it must have been previous to his voyage to America in 1744. Her Ladyship had heard him preach several times in London, Bristol, and other places, and was personally acquainted with him at a very early period. In one of his letters from Boston, in the beginning of the year 1745, he speaks of her Ladyship’s kindness to him, and his joy at hearing that she continued steadfast and immovable in her profession of the faith once delivered to the saints. From Bethesda, in December, 1746, when writing to Howel Harris, he says:--
“Blessed be God for the good effected by your ministry at the Tabernacle, of which I have been informed by letters from Herbert Jenkins and Thomas Adams. The good Countess had been there frequently, and was much pleased, I am told. She shines brighter and brighter every day; and will yet, I trust, be spared for a nursing-mother to our Israel. This revives me, after the miserable divisions that have taken place amongst my English friends. I trust the storm is now blown over, and that the little flock will enjoy a calm. Her Ladyship’s example and conduct in this trying affair will be productive of much good. My poor prayers will be daily offered up to the God of all grace to keep her steadfast in the faith, and make her a burning and a shining light in our British Israel.”
And again, in June, 1747, when writing from New York, he begs to “return his most dutiful respects to good Lady Huntingdon, the Marquis of Lothian, &c.”
After four years’ absence he returns to England, and in one of his earliest letters, after landing at Deal, he says:--
“Words cannot express how joyful my friends were to see me once more in the land of the living, for I find the newspapers had buried me ever since April last.[40] But it seems I am not to die, but live--O that it may be to declare the works of the Lord!”
Howel Harris was at this time in London, having come thither with the Countess, whom he accompanied from Wales. Her Ladyship having now drank in the same spirit with Mr. Whitefield, requested Mr. Harris to bring him to her house at Chelsea as soon as he came on shore. He went, accompanied by Mr. Harris, and having preached twice, her Ladyship wrote to him, that several of the nobility desired to hear him. This was on the 20th of August, and the next day Mr. Whitefield sent the following letter to the Countess:--
“August 21, 1748.
“Honoured Madam--I received your Ladyship’s letter last night, and write this to inform you that I am quite willing to comply with your invitation. As I am to preach, God willing, at St. Bartholomew’s on Wednesday evening, I will wait upon you the next morning, and spend the whole day at Chelsea. Blessed be God that the rich and great begin to have hearing ears. I think it is a good sign that our Lord intends to give to some, at least, an obedient heart. Surely your Ladyship and Madam Edwin[41] are only the first-fruits. May you increase and multiply! I believe you will. How wonderfully does our Redeemer deal with souls. If they will hear the Gospel only under a cieled roof, ministers shall be sent to them there. If only in a church or a field, they shall have it there. A word in the lesson, when I was last at your Ladyship’s, struck me--‘Paul preached privately to those who were of reputation.’ This must be the way, I presume, of dealing with the nobility who yet know not the Lord. O that I may be enabled, when called to preach to any of them, so to preach as to win their souls to the blessed Jesus! I know you will pray that it may be so. As for my poor prayers, such as they are, your Ladyship hath them every day. That the blessed Jesus may make you happily instrumental in bringing many of the noble and mighty to the saving knowledge of his eternal self, and water your own soul every moment, is the continual request of, honoured Madam, your Ladyship’s most obliged, obedient, humble servant,
“G. WHITEFIELD.”
He delayed his departure from London to preach to the nobility at Lady Huntingdon’s: to her Ladyship’s invitation the following letter refers:--
“Ever since the reading of your Ladyship’s condescending letter (says he), my soul has been overpowered with His presence who is all in all. As there seems to be a door opening for the nobility to hear the Gospel, I will defer my journey till Thursday, and, God willing, preach at your Ladyship’s on Thursday. In the mean while I wait upon or send to the Count, the Danish Ambassador’s brother, who favours me with his company on Monday, to dine. On Monday morning, from nine to near eleven, I will be at your Ladyship’s, and wait to know your order concerning Tuesday. O that God may be with me and make me humble! I am ashamed to think you will admit me under your roof, much more am I amazed that the Lord Jesus will make use of such a creature as I am. Under a sense of this I write to you now. It is late, and my poor body calls for rest. But as I am to preach four times to-morrow, I thought it my duty to send these few lines to-night. Quite astonished at your Ladyship’s condescension, and the unremitted superabounding grace and goodness of Him who has loved me and given himself for me, I subscribe myself, honoured Madam, your Ladyship’s most obliged, obedient, humble, and willing servant,
“G. WHITEFIELD.”
On the day appointed, Mr. Whitefield preached at Lady Huntingdon’s. The Earl of Chesterfield, and a whole circle of the nobility, attended; and having heard once, desired they might hear him again. “My hands (says he) have been full of work, and I have been among great company. A Privy Councillor of the King of Denmark and others, with one of the Prince of Wales’s favourites, dined and drank tea with me on Monday. On Tuesday I preached twice at Lady Huntingdon’s to several of the nobility. In the morning the Earl of Chesterfield was present; in the evening the Lord Bolingbroke. All behaved quite well, and were in some degree affected. Lord Chesterfield thanked me, and said, ‘Sir, I will not tell you what I shall tell others, how I approve of you,’ or words to this purpose. He conversed with me freely afterwards. Lord Bolingbroke was much moved, and desired I would come and see him the next morning. I did, and his Lordship behaved with great candour and frankness. All accepted of my sermons, and seemed surprised, but pleased. Thus the world turns round; ‘In all time of my wealth, good Lord, deliver me!’”
Mr. Whitefield never sought the patronage of the great, nor ever employed it for any personal end. To the credit of his first noble friends--the Marquis of Lothian, Earl of Leven, and Lord Roe--they sought his friendship because they admired his talents and appreciated his character. They were captivated by the preaching which won the multitude; and when they wrote to him, he answered them, just as he did any one else who sought his counsel or prayers, cautiously and faithfully. He paid them, indeed, the current compliments of his times; and if these ever amounted to flattery in appearance, they were followed by warnings which no real flatterer would have dared to whisper. In his first letters to the Marquis of Lothian, he said, “You do well, my Lord, to fear lest your convictions should wear off. Your Lordship is in a dangerous situation in the world. Come then, and lay yourself at the feet of Jesus. As for praying in your family, I entreat you, my Lord, not to neglect it. You are bound to do it. Apply to Christ for strength to overcome your present fears. They are the effects of pride, or infidelity, or both.” These are not unfair specimens of Mr. Whitefield’s correspondence with the Scotch nobles who honoured him with their confidence. Upon some of the English noblemen, who were brought to hear him by Lady Huntingdon, his influence was equally great and good.
Among his friends were, also, “honourable women not a few.” These needed “strong consolation,” in order to resist the strong temptations presented by a frivolous Court, a witty Peerage, and a learned Bench, in favour of a formal religion. Nothing but “the joy of the Lord” could have sustained them in such a sphere. Happiness in religion was the best security for their holiness. They could not be laughed out of a good hope through grace. Wit and banter may make the fear of persisting seem a weakness or a fancy; but they cannot make hope, peace, or joy seem absurd. Neither the rough jibes of Warburton, nor the polished sarcasms of Chesterfield and Bolingbroke, could touch the consciousness of peace in believing, or of enjoyment in secret prayer, in the hearts of those Peeresses who had found, at the Cross and the Mercy-seat, the happiness they had sought in vain from the world.
Few preachers possessed eloquence so well adapted to an auditory as Mr. Whitefield. His metaphors were drawn from sources easily understood by his hearers, and frequently from the circumstances of the moment. The application was generally happy, and sometimes rose to the true sublime; for he was a man of warm imagination, and by no means devoid of taste. In a company of noblemen and gentlemen, at breakfast, some years since, the conversation turned on powerful preachers, when Mr. Whitefield was naturally mentioned. The Rev. John Newton said--
“I bless God that I have lived in his time; many were the winter mornings I have got up at four, to attend his Tabernacle discourses at five: and I have seen Moorfields as full of lanterns at these times as I suppose the Haymarket is full of flambeaux on an Opera night. As a preacher, if any man were to ask me who was the second I ever had heard, I should be at some loss; but in regard to the first, Mr. Whitefield exceeded so far every other man of my time, that I should be at none. He was the original of popular preaching, and all our popular ministers are only his copies.”[42]
As might have been expected, the spirit-stirring eloquence of Mr. Whitefield fixed the attention of the Countess, and she resolved to appoint him her Chaplain. Her Ladyship’s letter, with the offer of a scarf, and her patronage and protection, is thus acknowledged by Mr. Whitefield, on the eve of his departure from London.
“London, Sept. 1, 1748.
“Honoured Madam--Although it is time for me to be setting out, yet I dare not leave town without dropping a few lines, gratefully to acknowledge the many favours I have received from your Ladyship, especially the honour you have done me in making me one of your Chaplains. A sense of it humbles me, and makes me to pray more intensely for more grace, to walk more worthy of that God who has called me to his kingdom and his glory. As your Ladyship hath been pleased to confer on me the honour before mentioned, I shall think it my duty to send you weekly accounts of what the Lord Jesus is pleased to do for and by me. Glory be to his great name, the prospect is promising. My Lord Bath received me yesterday morning very cordially, and would give me five guineas for the orphans, though I refused taking anything for the books. I send your Ladyship a little box of my sermons, and the last account of God’s dealing with me, and of the money expended for the Orphan-house, with my oath before the magistrates of Savannah. I hope God intends to honour your Ladyship in making you instrumental in doing good to the nobility. His Providence, his peculiar Providence, hath placed you at Chelsea. I am persuaded you will not quit that part till he that hath placed you there plainly gives you a dismission. I dare add no more, but my hearty prayers for the temporal and eternal welfare of your Ladyship, and your whole household; and I subscribe myself, honoured Madam, your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant,
“G. WHITEFIELD.”
Mr. Whitefield’s connexion with Lady Huntingdon, as her Chaplain, and his having preached to large numbers of the nobility at her house, now became generally spoken of in all circles, so that his popularity was considerably increased thereby. The manner in which he refers to this introduction amongst the great has been quoted against him as a proof of vanity. Why should it? “True (he says in his letters to Mr. Wesley and other private friends), the noble, the mighty, and the wise have been to hear me.” These are also the very words which Lady Huntingdon employed in her letters to Dr. Doddridge at the time. Was she vain, or flattered, because she rejoiced that a door was opened for the nobility to hear the Gospel? Besides, this new sphere did not divert him from any of his old work, nor at all change his spirit or purposes. At the very crisis of his elevation, he said to Mr. Wesley, “My attachment to America will not permit me to abide long in England. If I formed societies, I should but weave a Penelope’s web. I intend, therefore, to go about preaching the Gospel to every creature.” His preaching so frequently at St. Bartholomew’s Church gave great offence to Dr. Gibson, then Bishop of London, and involved Mr. Bateman, the reader, in some unpleasant litigations with his Lordship: for that prelate had given strict injunctions to the clergy of his diocese to exclude all whom they were pleased to brand with Methodism; which is literally preaching and zealously inculcating the Articles they have themselves subscribed.[43]
The war in Flanders being now over, the British troops returned from the Continent. In a letter to Mr. Bateman, Mr. Whitefield says:--
“I was much delighted to hear there were so many Christian soldiers among the King’s forces that came from Flanders. A young Christian lady, under whose roof they were, while in Scotland, told me that one or other of them were continually wrestling with God.”
Some of these devout soldiers soon became known to Colonel Gumley,[44] and he presented them to Lady Huntingdon, who took a great interest in the welfare of those pious veterans. “I was truly amazed (says the Countess) with the devotional spirit of these poor men, many of whom are rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom.” Mr. Whitefield collected them together, and formed them into a small society at Edinburgh; and on his removal to Glasgow, addressed the following letter to the little band, a copy of which he sent to Lady Huntingdon:--
“To some devout Soldiers.
“Glasgow, Sept. 29, 1748.
“My dear brethren--It gave me no small satisfaction, when I was lately at Edinburgh, to hear that several of you were enabled to behave like good soldiers of Jesus Christ. I rejoice greatly that you are made partakers of his grace; and I earnestly entreat the Lord of all lords that you may grow and increase in it day by day. This is the Christian’s duty--he must forget the things that are behind; he must press forward towards the things which are before: he must not stop till he arrives at the mark of the prize of his high calling. I trust, my dear brethren, you are all thus minded; and that whatever befalls you, you will, through divine assistance, hold on and hold out to the end. If I can be any way serviceable to you, be not backward to send to me. I hear of others of your profession that have lately enlisted under the banner of the ever blessed Redeemer. Happy they! happy you! You have a good Captain, a good cause, good armour, and an exceeding great reward. That you may at all times quit yourselves like men, and be strong; that you may fight the good fight of faith, and at length lay hold on life eternal, is the hearty prayer of, my dear brethren, your affectionate friend and willing servant, for Christ’s sake,
“G. WHITEFIELD.”
About this period Lavington, the inveterate enemy of Methodists and Moravians, having but lately been advanced to the bishopric of Exeter, delivered a charge to the clergy of his diocese. Some persons, from what motive it is difficult to say, circulated a manuscript copy of what his Lordship was said to have delivered at the visitation, which contained such a declaration of doctrines and Christian experience as soon exposed him to the stigma of Methodism. This pretended charge was soon after printed, and was the means of producing several pamphlets in reply and congratulation. This drew forth a “declaration” from the angry prelate, in which he charged the Methodist leaders with being the authors of the fraud. A gentleman, who appears to have had some influence with the Bishop, vindicated the character of Mr. Whitefield, and informed his Lordship that he knew nothing of the printing of his pretended charge, or of the pamphlets occasioned by it. When the former was sent to Mr. Whitefield in manuscript, as the production of the Bishop of Exeter, he immediately said it could not be his:--
“When I found it printed (says he), I spoke to the officious printer, who did it out of his own head, and blamed him very much. When I saw the pamphlet, I was still more offended; repeatedly, in several companies, I urged the injustice as well as imprudence thereof, and said it would produce what it did--I mean a declaration from his Lordship that he was no Methodist. I am sorry he had such an occasion given him to declare his aversion to what is called Methodism; and though I think his Lordship in his ‘declaration’ hath been somewhat severe concerning some of the Methodist leaders; yet I cannot blame him for saying that he thought some of them were worse than ignorant and misguided, supposing that he had sufficient proof, that they either caused to be printed, or wrote against when printed, a charge which his Lordship had never owned nor published.”
The Bishop’s “declaration” obtained a wide circulation; and the bitter invectives against the Methodists were not easily forgotten by those who longed for an opportunity to load them with calumny and approach. Although well assured that neither Mr. Whitefield or the Messrs. Wesley had any hand in the publication or circulation of the spurious charge, his Lordship had not candour to acquit them of the heavy charges which he brought against them. Jealous of the reputation of her Chaplain, and feeling the aspersions cast upon all the professors of the Gospel as most cruel and unjustifiable, Lady Huntingdon determined to interpose, and wrote to his Lordship of Exeter, demanding a candid and honourable renunciation of the charges contained in his “declaration.” Her letter contained an acknowledgment, on the part of the printer, that the publication of the charge was solely his deed--that he had got the manuscript from one entirely unconnected with the Methodists--and that he was ready to verify his statement on oath when required.
The Bishop had the rudeness to suffer Lady Huntingdon’s communication to remain unnoticed, which drew forth a most spirited letter from her Ladyship, announcing her determination of making the transaction public, except his Lordship complied with her demand, and retracted the charge he had brought against her Chaplain and the Messrs. Wesley. This had the desired effect, and the Bishop sent the following recantation to Lady Huntingdon, which she caused to be inserted in the leading journals of the day:--
“The Bishop of Exeter, having received the most positive assurance from the Countess of Huntingdon and other respectable persons, that neither Mr. Whitefield nor Mr. Wesley, nor any one in connexion with, or authorized by them, had any concern in the fabrication and publication of a charge said to be delivered by him to the clergy of his diocese, takes this opportunity of apologizing to her Ladyship and Messrs. Whitefield and Wesley for the harsh and unjust censures which he was led to pass on them, from the supposition that they were in some measure concerned in, or had countenanced the late imposition on the public.
“The Bishop of Exeter feels that it is imperative on him to make this concession to the Countess of Huntingdon; and requests her Ladyship and Messrs. Whitefield and Wesley will accept his unfeigned regret at having unjustly wounded their feelings and exposed them to the odium of the world.”
Such was the recantation of this wily prelate, but it was only in the language of hypocrisy. He had cast all the odium of this transaction on the Methodist leaders, but had not the honesty publicly to apologize for the error into which he had been betrayed, and the false, unjust, and injurious accusations which he had made. This implacable enemy of all Methodists had flattered himself that Lady Huntingdon would have been fully satisfied with the submissive apology which he wrote, and that it would obtain a circulation only among the Methodist body. But his Lordship’s indignation rose to its utmost height when informed that his humiliating concessions were made public by the Countess; and from that period he became the bitter and malignant reviler of her Ladyship and the Methodist leaders.
With the intention of giving Mr. Whitefield a wider field of usefulness, Lady Huntingdon now removed to London, and opened her house in Park-street for the preaching of the Gospel; supposing, as a Peeress of the realm, that she had an indisputable right to employ as her family Chaplains those ministers of the Church whom she patronized. Early in November, Mr. Whitefield returned from Scotland, and on the 10th of that month opened his ministry at her Ladyship’s residence, before a large circle of the nobility, and continued to preach there twice a week during the winter. “Good Lady Huntingdon (says he) is come to town, and I am to preach at her Ladyship’s house twice a week to the great and noble. O that some of them may be effectually called, and taste of the riches of redeeming love! About thirty have desired to come, and I suppose they will bring thirty more. I have heard of two or three more dear Christians among the great ones. I know you will pray the Lord of all lords to increase their number. Her Ladyship hath a great regard for all those in Scotland who stand up for vital religion. She intends to send you down the picture of poor Aaron, the late negro preacher.”
The Earl of Chesterfield, Lord Bolingbroke, the Earl of Bath, Lady Townshend, Lady Thanet, and many of the nobility attached to the Prince of Wales’s Court, were constant in their attendance on Mr. Whitefield’s ministry. Lord St. John was also very frequently at Lady Huntingdon’s house at this time, and was amongst the few “great ones” who had heard to profit.[45]
“My last (says Lady Huntingdon, in one of her letters, dated February, 1749, and addressed to Mr. Whitefield) mentioned the sudden illness of my Lord St. John. A few days after, her Ladyship wrote to me in great alarm, and begged me to send some pious clergyman to her Lord, who was most anxious to receive the sacrament before his death, which was then fast approaching. Mr. Bateman happening to be with me when the letter came, went immediately to his Lordship, whom he found in the last extremity. He grasped the hand of Mr. Bateman, on his approaching his bed; enquired for me, and for you, to whom he said he was deeply indebted. Mr. Bateman prayed and read some chapters from the Bible; after which his Lordship expressed his firm reliance on the Lord Jesus Christ, renouncing every dependence on his own merit. His last words to Mr. Bateman were--‘To God I commit myself--I feel how unworthy I am--but He died to save sinners, and the prayer of my heart now to Him is, God be merciful to me a sinner!’ Shortly after this his Lordship’s imminent danger became apparent. At the request of poor Lady St. John, Mr. Bateman remained with her expiring Lord, who breathed his last about an hour after, whilst Mr. Bateman was concluding a most importunate prayer on his behalf.
“This, my good friend (continues the Countess) is the first-fruits of that plenteous harvest, which I trust the great Husbandman will yet reap amongst the nobility of our land. Thus the great Lord of the harvest hath put honour on your ministry, and hath given my heart an encouraging token of the utility of our feeble efforts. O that He may crown them still more abundantly with his blessing! Some, I trust, are savingly awakened, while many are enquiring. My Lord Bolingbroke was much struck with his brother’s language in his last moments: I have not seen him since, but am told he feels deeply. O that the obdurate heart of this desperate infidel may yet be shook to its very centre--may his eyes be opened by the illuminating influence of Divine truth--and may the Lord Jesus Christ be revealed to his heart as the hope of glory and immortal bliss hereafter! I tremble for his destiny--he is a singularly awful character; and I am fearfully alarmed lest that Gospel which he so heartily despises, yet affects to reverence, should prove eventually the savour of death unto death to his immortal soul.”
With the family of Lord Bolingbroke, Lady Huntingdon lived on terms of great intimacy. The impression made upon him by Mr. Whitefield’s preaching may be judged by his saying to the Countess, “You may command my pen when you will: it shall be drawn in your service. For, admitting the Bible to be true, I shall have little apprehension of maintaining the doctrines of predestination and grace, against all your revilers.” His Lordship’s sister, Lady Luxborough, the friend and correspondent of Shenstone, the poet, and his sister-in-law, Lady St. John, were amongst her most intimate friends. With them were associated Lady Monson, daughter of the first Lord Rockingham, and Anne, relict of Lewis Watson, Earl of Rockingham, all of whom were very frequent in their attendance on Mr. Whitefield’s ministry, whenever he preached at Lady Huntingdon’s. Lady Rockingham was a woman of general knowledge, of infinite wit and pleasantry, of a delightful temper, and with a mind most disinterested. She was cousin-german to Lady Huntingdon, and niece to Lady Fanny Shirley. A few years after the decease of Lord Rockingham, she became the third wife of Francis North, first Earl of Guildford, by which marriage he acquired the noble seat of Waldershare, near Dover, and a large surrounding estate of great value: her Ladyship possessed considerable influence in the higher circles, and had an extensive acquaintance with persons of genius in her day. She was often at Court, and lost no opportunity of recommending religion to the notice of the great.
Mr. Whitefield’s lectures to the “brilliant circle” at Lady Huntingdon’s were evidently as faithful as they were eloquent. The well-known Countess of Suffolk found them so. Lady Rockingham prevailed on Lady Huntingdon to admit this beauty to hear her chaplain; he, however, knew nothing of her presence: he drew his bow at a venture, but every arrow seemed aimed at her. She just managed to sit out the service in silence, and when Mr. Whitefield retired she flew into a violent passion, abused Lady Huntingdon to her face, and denounced the sermon as a deliberate attack on herself. In vain her sister-in-law, Lady Betty Germain, tried to appease the beautiful fury, or to explain her mistake--in vain old Lady Eleanor Bertie and the Duchess Dowager of Ancaster, both relatives of Lady Suffolk, commanded her silence: she maintained that she had been insulted. She was compelled, however, by her relatives who were present, to apologize to Lady Huntingdon: having done this with a bad grace, the mortified beauty left the place, to return no more.[46]
Just about this period Lord Chesterfield, who had been dismissed from the situation of Lord High Steward, with marks of strong resentment, was admitted into the Cabinet, very much against the will of the King, who had long considered him as a personal enemy. He had married the King’s sister, the natural daughter of George I., and having served his Majesty with steadiness for many years, seemed to have a right to expect particular favours, but in this he was disappointed. The secret cause of this disappointment was his behaviour towards the Queen and Lady Suffolk, which Lady Huntingdon often lamented:
“I fear (says her Ladyship) that neither influence nor offers can ever recall Lord Chesterfield from the line of conduct he has adopted towards the Queen and Lady Suffolk.[47] I wish it were otherwise; my friendship would save him from this error, as well as others more fatal; but it is God alone that can open the eyes of his understanding, to see and know the things which belong to his everlasting peace, as well as his upright intentions towards his fellow-men, which would be rendered more just and honourable thereby. I do sometimes hope well of him, as of Lord Bolingbroke, and some others, and pray continually that the grace and love of the Saviour may be magnified in their renovation.”
The Marquis of Lothian now arrived in London to attend his Parliamentary duties, having been elected one of the sixteen Scotch peers successively returned to all the Parliaments of Great Britain since the union. He was accompanied by the Marchioness, then in a very declining state of health. She was a daughter of Sir Thomas Nicholson, Bart., of Kemnay, in the county of Aberdeen, and, from her parents, had imbibed those principles of religion which became so influential in after life.[48] Her Ladyship was one of those pious females of rank and influence who united with the Countess of Leven, Lady Balgonie, Lady Frances Gardiner, Lady Jane Nimmo, and Lady Mary Hamilton,[49] in establishing a meeting for prayer and reading the Scriptures, to be held alternately at each other’s houses, which continued to be well attended, and singularly useful for many years. It was strictly confined to a very select circle of women in high life, many of whom were ornaments to the Christian Church, and adorned the doctrine which they professed by a life of holiness, and deadness to the present evil world. Many years after, the then Countess of Northesk and Hopetown, the daughters to Lord and Lady Leven, the Countess of Buchan, Lady Maxwell, Lady Glenorchy, Wilhelmina Countess of Leven (formerly Lady Balgonie), with her excellent sisters, Lady Ruthven and Lady Banff, Lady Henrietta Hope, and Sophia, Countess of Haddington, were valuable members of this select band. These have all long since joined the general assembly and church of the redeemed from amongst men, and are now uniting in ascriptions of praise to Him who hath redeemed them to God by His blood.
Lady Huntingdon’s acquaintance with the Scottish nobility was much increased by the introduction, through the Lothian family, of several of the representative peers, most of whom were induced to attend the ministry of Mr. Whitefield at her Ladyship’s house. Amongst these, the Countess particularly notices Archibald, Duke of Argyle, cousin to the Marquis of Lothian, the Earl of Aberdeen, Earl of Lauderdale, and Earl of Hyndford, who had just then returned to England, after many years’ absence, having been appointed Envoy Extraordinary to the King of Prussia, from whose Court he proceeded, in the same character, to the Emperor of Russia; his Lordship’s mother, the Dowager Lady Hyndford, who was the intimate friend of Lady Huntingdon, the Duchess of Somerset, and the Marquis of Tweeddale, also a representative peer and Secretary of State for Scotland, were all very frequently at Lady Huntingdon’s about this period. The Marchioness was youngest daughter of John, last Earl of Granville, and sister to Lady Louisa Carteret, who married the Viscount Weymouth, cousin to the Duchess of Somerset, by whom they were introduced to Lady Huntingdon.
The following letter from Lady Huntingdon to Dr. Doddridge, written at this time, will give some idea of the success of the Gospel among the “great ones” who frequented her Ladyship’s circle:--
“London, 1748.
“My being ill has interfered with my answering yours; and with it some interruptions arose which you would, I know, be much pleased with. Religion was, I believe, never so much the subject of conversation as now. Some of the great of this world hear with me the Gospel patiently; and thus much seed is sown by Mr. Whitefield’s preaching, and, I need not tell you, some of the best. Oh! that it may fall in good ground, and bring forth fruit abundantly. I am sorry to find that you are still interrupted by the Moravians: many good souls are among them, and, by-and-by, our Lord will separate them from the chaff. I have sent Christian salutations to the Count Zinzendorff, and expect to see him. If the Lord will allow me, I expect to speak a word in the spirit of love and meekness, but with plainness, to him, upon many points he establishes as fixed, on which, in some particulars, the Scripture is silent; and in many others, it is absolutely contrary to most of their avowed principles. A hymn-book is lately published by them, which, to speak as I feel towards them in love, can be thought of no other way but as the product of the most wild enthusiasts upon the earth.
“I had the pleasure, yesterday, of Mr. Gibbon’s and Mr. Cruttenden’s company, with that of Mr. Gifford, to dine with me. Lord Lothian and Lady Frances Gardiner gave them the meeting, and we had truly a most primitive and heavenly day; our hearts and voices praised the Lord, prayed to Him, and talked of Him. I had another lady present, whose face, since I saw you last, is turned Zionwards. Of the honourable women, I trust there will be not a few; patience shall have its proper work; and if we love our Lord, we must be tender over his lambs, and lead those gently who yet appear not to be so. I trust he will assist us to keep fanning the flame in every heart: this, my friend, is our joyful task for the best master we can serve, either in time or eternity. Do not let our hands hang down; we must wrestle for ourselves, and for all dead in their sins, till the day break, and the shadows of time flee away. Many will be our attacks from a world lying in the way of the Wicked One, from our evil hearts, and the infirmity of our flesh; but let us remember we know in whom we believe, and that the Captain that leads us is nothing less than an Almighty Conqueror over all those, and that nothing is too hard for Him. Remember, it will soon be over; and let us withstand, for a moment, eyeing the recompense of reward.
“My kind respects attend Mr. Doddridge. My family are obliged by your kind enquiries. I am, Sir, beseeching your constant prayers, your most sincere and affectionate friend,
“S. HUNTINGDON.”
Whilst Lady Huntingdon thus sought to promote the spiritual interests of the rich and the noble, she was not unmindful of those of her more humble neighbours; to them her house was constantly open, that they might be enriched with that “faith which comes by hearing, and which is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”--a practice which was regularly continued for several years. On the week-days her kitchen was filled with the poor of the flock, for whom she provided suitable instruction; and on the Sabbath the rich and the noble were invited to spend the evening in her drawing-rooms, where Mr. Whitefield and other eminent ministers of Christ proclaimed all the words of this life, and with eloquence which was exceeded only by their faithfulness and affection. The following anecdote, communicated by Lady Huntingdon to the late Mr. Barry, R.A., proves that Mr. Whitefield had other trophies besides the rich and noble, who had escaped eternal death through the blood and righteousness of the Son of God. Some ladies called one Saturday morning to pay a visit to Lady Huntingdon, and during the visit her Ladyship enquired of them if they had ever heard Mr. Whitefield preach? Upon being answered in the negative, she said, “I wish you would hear him; he is to preach to-morrow evening.” They promised her Ladyship they would certainly attend--they were as good as their word; and upon calling on the Monday morning on Lady Huntingdon, she anxiously enquired if they had heard Mr. Whitefield on the previous evening, and how they liked him? The reply was, “O my Lady! of all the preachers we ever heard, he is the most strange and unaccountable. Among other preposterous things (would your Ladyship believe it?) he declared that Jesus Christ was so willing to receive sinners, that he did not object to receive even the devil’s castaways! Now, my Lady, did you ever hear of such a thing since you were born?” To which her Ladyship made the following reply: “There is something, I acknowledge, a little singular in the invitation, and I do not recollect to have ever met with it before; but, as Mr. Whitefield is below in the parlour, we will have him up, and let him answer for himself.” Upon his entering the drawing-room, Lady Huntingdon said, “Mr. Whitefield, these ladies have been preferring a very heavy charge against you, and I thought it best that you should come up and defend yourself: they say, that in your sermon last evening, speaking of the willingness of Jesus Christ to receive sinners, you expressed yourself in the following terms: ‘So ready is Christ to receive sinners who come to Him, that he is willing to receive the devil’s castaways.’” Mr. Whitefield immediately replied, “I certainly, my Lady, must plead guilty to the charge: whether I did what was right or otherwise, your Ladyship shall judge from the following circumstance:--Did your Ladyship notice, about half an hour ago, a very modest single rap at the door? It was given by a poor, miserable-looking, aged female, who requested to speak with me. I desired her to be shown into the parlour, when she accosted me in the following manner:--‘I believe, Sir, you preached last evening at such a chapel?’ ‘Yes, I did.’ ‘Ah, Sir, I was accidently passing the door of that chapel, and hearing the voice of some one preaching, I did what I have never been in the habit of doing--I went in; and one of the first things I heard you say was, that Jesus Christ was so willing to receive sinners, that he did not object to receiving the devil’s castaways. Now, Sir, I have been on the town for many years, and am so worn out in his service, that I think I may with truth be called one of the devil’s castaways. Do you think, Sir, that Jesus Christ would receive me?’ ‘I (said Mr. Whitefield) assured her there was not a doubt of it, if she was but willing to go to Him.’” From the sequel, it appeared that this was the case, and that it ended in the sound conversion of this poor creature; and Lady Huntingdon was assured, from most respectable authority, that the woman left a very charming testimony behind her, that, though her sins had been of a crimson hue, the atoning blood of Christ had washed them white as snow.
That would-be wit and affected woman, Lady Townshend,[50] was one of Mr. Whitefield’s earliest and most strenuous admirers; she was always running from one extreme to another, always extravagant in ideas and conduct--she changed about from one opinion to another with singular velocity.
“Have you heard (says Horace Walpole) the great loss the Church of England has had? It is not avowed, but hear the evidence and judge. On Sunday last, as George Selwyn was strolling home to dinner, at half an hour after four, he saw my Lady Townshend’s coach stop at Carracioli’s chapel; he watched--saw her go in: her footman laughed--he followed. She went up to the altar, a woman brought her a cushion--she knelt, crossed herself, and prayed. He stole up and knelt by her--conceive her face, if you can, when she turned and found him close to her--in his most demure voice, he said, ‘Pray, Madam, how long has your Ladyship left the pale of our Church?’ She looked furies, and made no answer. Next day he went to her, and she turned it off upon curiosity; but is anything more natural?--no: she certainly means to go armed with every viaticum--the Church of England in one hand, Methodism in the other, and the Host in her mouth!”
Lady Townshend was attacked with severe illness, and her life was considered in danger; Lady Huntingdon, who was frequent in her attendance, informed Mr. Whitefield of her state, and, as she professed to be under serious impressions at times, he wisely considered that a letter at such a moment might be attended with lasting benefit:--
“London, Nov. 19, 1748.
“Honoured Madam--When I was lately in Scotland, Colonel Gumley wrote me word, that your Ladyship was pleased to desire my poor prayers. Before his writing, they had been put up to the throne of grace in behalf of your Ladyship very frequently, and I would then have written to you, had I not feared it would have been making too free. Yesterday, good Lady Huntingdon informed me that your Ladyship was ill; had I judged it proper, I would have waited upon you this morning; but I was cautious of intruding. However, the regard I bear to your Ladyship constrains me to inform you, that my heart’s desire and prayer to God is, that this sickness may not be unto death, but to his glory, and the present and eternal good of your better part--your precious and immortal soul. This, no doubt, is the end of afflictions--God’s name and nature is LOVE; he cannot, therefore, chastise us for any other purpose, than that we may be made partakers of his holiness. Every cross and disappointment--every degree of pain, brings this important call with it, ‘My son, my daughter, give me thy heart.’ O that your Ladyship’s soul may echo back, ‘My heart, Lord Jesus, will I give!’ O that from a feeling, spiritual, abiding sense of the vanity and emptiness of all created good, you may, in a holy resentment, cry out--
‘Be gone, vain world, my heart resign, For I must be no longer thine: A nobler, a diviner guest, Now claims possession of my breast!’
“Then, and not till then, your Ladyship’s mind will be at unity with itself; then, and not till then, will your Ladyship, upon truly rational principles, with cheerfulness wait for the approach of death, and the coming of the Lord from heaven. It is faith in Jesus--a true and living faith in the Son of God, that can alone bring present real peace, and lay a solid foundation for future and eternal comfort. I cannot wish your Ladyship anything greater, anything more noble, than a large share of this precious faith; and a large, yea, very large share in the glorious Redeemer, ready to give to all that sincerely ask for and seek after it. He waits to be gracious--He giveth liberally--He upbraideth not. When, like Noah’s dove, we have been wandering about in a fruitless search after happiness, and have found no rest for the soles of our feet, he is ready to reach out his merciful hand, and receive us into his ark. His hand, honoured Madam, is he reaching out to you. May you be constrained to give your heart entirely to him, and thereby enter into that rest which remains for the happy, though despised people of God. But whither am I going? I forget that your Ladyship is indisposed, and I almost a stranger to you: I will only make this apology--‘the love of Jesus constrains me.’ Hoping, therefore, your Ladyship will excuse the freedom I have here taken, I beg leave to subscribe myself, honoured Madam, your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant,
“G. WHITEFIELD.”[51]
Some years before her death, which took place in 1788, Lady Townshend was again under serious concern for her eternal interests; several letters passed between her and Lady Huntingdon, only one of which has been rescued from oblivion; it is without date, but was written in 1775, the period of Lady Townshend’s illness:
“My dearest Madam--The postscript of your Ladyship’s letter engaged all my few poor attempts to answer that meaning of our only wise and true Instructor, who enjoins to this purpose in saying, ‘Freely ye have received, freely give.’ The state of your heart (as it appears to me) is in the Lord’s hands, preparing for his own appearance to your joy. The praying for anything but the faith we have not, and which only can reveal to our distressed souls that true and heavenly manifestation of our salvation, seems to have little meaning in it, as this must, and this only can, be the foundation of any lasting peace, or Jesus Christ the proper object of our everlasting praise. He must take us as sinners into favour, and no preparation that our own ideas form can alter the nature of our true condition. Let us pass through what we will, all can only prove our want of a satisfactory knowledge of him, as our Saviour; and when he has thus addressed our hearts he will become himself the true Leader and Teacher.
* * * * *
“With the truest esteem, and best wishes for your eternal welfare, I am, my dear Madam, your Ladyship’s most faithful friend,
“S. HUNTINGDON.”
Early in December, Mr. Whitefield made an excursion to Gloucester and Bristol, where he preached to great multitudes. He intended remaining some time in Gloucestershire, and proposed making an excursion into Cornwall, but a letter from Lady Huntingdon on the 12th of December, requiring his immediate return to London, obliged him to postpone his intention. We find him about this time submitting his journals to the correction of Dr. Doddridge, who gave him some excellent advice relative to this publication:--
“I thank you (says he to the Doctor) for your letter a thousand times: it has led me to the throne of grace, where I have been crying, ‘Lord, counsel my counsellors, and show them all that thou wouldest have me to do!’ Alas, alas! how can I be too severe against myself, who, Peter-like, have cut off so many ears, and by imprudence mixed with my zeal, have dishonoured the cause of Jesus? I can only look up to Him who healed the high priest’s servant’s ear, and say, ‘Lord, heal all the wounds my misguided zeal has given.’ Assure yourself, dear Sir, everything I print shall be revised: I always have submitted my poor performances to the correction of my friends. Time and experience, I find, ripen men’s judgments, and make them more solid, rational, and consistent, both in their conduct and writings. O that this may be my case! O that the blessed Jesus may enable me to hold on, and hold out, and keep me from flagging in the latter stages of my road.”
Dr. Doddridge also communicated his ideas on the same subject to Lady Huntingdon, who was of opinion that the journals, as corrected by the Doctor and others, should be reprinted.
On his return to London, Mr. Whitefield was occupied in his usual way, besides preaching very frequently at Lady Huntingdon’s to very numerous and brilliant assemblies. In a letter to Dr. Doddridge, he says, “Blessed be God, the prospect is promising. Last Sunday evening I preached to a most brilliant assembly indeed; they expressed great approbation, and some, I think, begin to feel. Good Lady Huntingdon is indeed a mother in Israel--she is all in a flame for Jesus.” To Howel Harris he says, “I am now waiting for Lord Bolingbroke and some others, who are coming to hear the glorious Gospel. Lord Lothian is in town. Our good Lady is going on, and every day increasing her reward in heaven.” And again to Mr. Hervey: “You will not be offended if I tell you that good Lady Huntingdon saw your letter: she was much pleased with it, and has a great regard for you. She goes on from strength to strength--the prospect of doing good to the rich that attend her Ladyship’s house is very encouraging. I preach twice a week, and yesterday Lord Bolingbroke was one of my auditors: his Lordship was pleased to express very great satisfaction. Who knows what God may do? He can never work by a meaner instrument.”
Horace Walpole, when writing to his friend, Sir Horace Man, at this time, says, in his scoffing way, “If you ever think of returning to England, as I hope it will be long first, you must prepare yourself with Methodism--I really believe by that time it will be necessary; this sect increases as fast as almost ever any religious nonsense did. Lady Fanny Shirley[52] has chosen this way of bestowing the dregs of her beauty; and Mr. Lyttleton[53] is very near making the same sacrifice of the dregs of all those various characters that he has worn. The Methodists love your big sinners, as proper subjects to work upon--and indeed they have a plentiful harvest.” Amongst the persons of distinction who attended at Lady Huntingdon’s house at this time, we find the following names:--Duchess of Argyle--Lady Betty Campbell--Lady Ferrers, whom Walpole styles “General my Lady Dowager Ferrers,” a woman of singular habits, and extremely odd in many respects--Lord Burlington--Bubb Doddington[54]--George Selwyn--Lady Sophia Thomas--the Duchess of Montagu[55]--Lady Cardigan--Lady Lincoln--Lord Holderness--Lord Townshend--Charles Townshend--Mr. Lyttleton--Mr. Pitt--Lord North--Countess of Rockingham--Mrs. Boscawen--Mrs. Pitt--Miss Rich--Lady Fitzwalter--Sir Luke and Lady Schaubs--Lady Caroline Petersham--Duke of Kingston--Lord Trentham--Lord March--Lord Haddington--Duchess of Queensbury--Duchess of Manchester--Mr. Hussey[56]--Mr. Hume Campbell[57]--Lady Hinchinbroke--Lord Sandwich,[58] &c.
After six weeks’ incessant preaching at Lady Huntingdon’s to large circles of the nobility, Mr. Whitefield, finding his health much impaired, thought that travelling and preaching in the country would do him good; he therefore made another excursion to Bristol, and from thence to Exeter and Plymouth, where he was agreeably surprised to find a great alteration in the people since his former visit. From Bristol he wrote thus to her Ladyship:--
“I came hither this evening, where I found my brother in the very temper I could wish, seemingly quite fixed to leave the world for God. His visit to town has been greatly blessed to him. Surely your Ladyship will never know, till the day of judgment, the great ends God had in view in calling you to London. I rejoice in the prospect of seeing your Ladyship happy amidst a crowd of your spiritual children, who will come to you, from time to time, to be built up in their most holy faith: you will suffer many pangs for them; but all shall work for your present and eternal good. I suffer much in my bodily health for preaching to the nobility; but thanks be to God that some seem to have a hearing ear and an understanding heart. My warmest prayers are continually ascending to the throne of grace for your Ladyship, and for all those who have heard the word, especially those honourable women that used to join with you in receiving the sacred symbols of the Redeemer’s blessed body and blood. My cry to our Lord in their behalf is this,
‘Take their poor hearts, and let them be For ever closed to all but thee.’”
Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, of Wynnstay, in the county of Denbigh, Bart., representative of one of the most ancient and influential families in the principality of Wales, was at this time the bitter enemy and persecutor of all whom he suspected of being tinctured with Methodism; but the immensely blessed labours of the apostolic Howel Harris could not be checked by the persecuting spirit of the Welsh magistrates. “The gentlemen (says he), in part of Brecknockshire and Carmarthenshire, hunt us like partridges; but still the work prospers.” In a letter to one of his friends, Mr. Harris gives an interesting account of his continued labours, sufferings, and success in Wales:--
“Are you surprised (says he) at my silence? Could you but take a turn with me for two or three months, and see my labours and trials, your surprise would cease. However, I will inform you, that it is now about nine weeks since I began to go round South and North Wales, and this week returned home. I have visited, in that time, thirteen counties, travelled about one hundred and fifty miles every week, and discoursed twice a day, occasionally three or four times. In this last journey I have not taken off my clothes for seven nights together, being obliged to meet the people, and discourse at midnight, or very early in the morning, to avoid persecution. One man, near Wrexham, the week before I went thither, was obliged to pay twenty shillings to Sir W. W. Wynn, several of the hearers five shillings; and one of them, who had paid that sum before, was now fined ten shillings. This is the third time the poor people have been so served in that neighbourhood for assembling together. Near the town of Bala, where I was formerly like to be murdered, I had a severe blow on my head, but received no hurt. I never saw such crowds coming to hear; many hearts and doors have been opened lately; we know of several who have been awakened; and many speak with delight in coming to hear Mr. Whitefield when he visits us again.”
Mr. Whitefield and Mr. Harris having communicated to Lady Huntingdon the conduct of Sir W. W. Wynn, and the sufferings of the Methodists in several parts of Wales, through the intemperate conduct of the magistrates, her Ladyship lost no time in laying the particulars before Government; and, to the no small mortification of Sir Watkin, the different sums of money which he had exacted from time to time from the Methodists were ordered to be returned. The conduct of the Welsh preachers excited the indignation of this haughty and persecuting baronet, who vowed to take ample revenge upon every Methodist in Denbighshire; but before the lapse of many months the unhappy man was summoned to another world, having died suddenly in consequence of a fall from his horse when returning from hunting.
All the Welsh magistrates, however, were not alike culpable. Howel Harris being once expected near Garth, in Breconshire, the residence of Marmaduke Gwynne, Esq., that gentleman, alarmed at the reports he had heard respecting him, determined, as a magistrate, to put an end to his proceedings. Regarding him as an incendiary in Church and State, Mr. Gwynne prepared himself for an open attack, but said to his lady, on going out, “I’ll hear the man myself before I commit him.” Accordingly, he made one of the congregation, eagerly waiting to lay hold of anything that might be construed into a charge against the preacher. He had also the Riot Act in his pocket, which he was prepared to read, and thus disperse the people. Mr. Harris’s sermon, however, was so truly evangelical, so calculated to arouse the careless, to alarm the wicked, and to encourage the penitent, and his manner so zealous and affectionate, that Mr. Gwynne thought he resembled one of the apostles. He was so convinced of the purity of his doctrines and of the benevolence of his motives, that, at the end of the discourse, he went up to him, shook him by the hand, told him how much he had been misled by slanderous reports, avowed the intention he had formed of committing him, asked his pardon, and, to the amazement of the assembly, entreated him to accompany him back to Garth to supper.
The authority and countenance of Mr. Gwynne and his family now became highly important to the cause of religion. Regardless of public and private censure, he openly stood up in Mr. Harris’s defence, and made use of his extensive influence in promoting the spread of the Gospel. One of his daughters was soon after married to Mr. Charles Wesley.
Chapter VIII
Dr. Gibbons--Dr. Gill--Mr. Darracott--Lord Huntingdon--Lord Chesterfield--The Jews--German Ministers--An Impostor--David Levi--Lady Fanny Shirley--Mr. Whitefield and Mr. Wesley--Ashby-place--Mr. Baddelley--Lady Huntingdon’s Illness--Lady Anne Hastings--Mr. Hervey--Bishop of Exeter--Mr. Thompson--Duke of Somerset--Mr. Moses Browne.
On Mr. Whitefield’s leaving London, Lady Huntingdon invited Mr. Wesley to preach at her house, which he did twice a week, and continued so to do, with the occasional assistance of Mr. Charles Wesley, Mr. Bateman, and some others, until Mr. Whitefield’s return to the metropolis. Her Ladyship’s acquaintance with Dr. Andrew Gifford and Dr. Gibbons, men of great piety, of unimpeachable morals, refined manners, upright and benevolent, and of great cheerfulness, enabled her to enlarge the circle of her usefulness. Her spirit and temper were catholic, in the only true sense of the word. The Christian minister, whatever the name or denomination of his Church, was always welcomed to her house. The late Robert Cruttenden, Esq., a pious Dissenter, in a letter to Mr. Whitefield, writes thus:--“Dr. Gibbons went with me to wait on her Ladyship, where he owns he spent two hours with more pleasure than he ever remembered to have done in any company before; and, I must freely own, he spoke my own sentiments.” This intelligence was gratifying to the benevolent heart of that great and good man:--
“I am glad (says he) your Ladyship approves of Dr. Gibbons. He is, I think, a worthy man. By maintaining your present course, you will have an opportunity of conversing with the best of all parties, without being a bigot and too strenuously attached to any. Surely in this your Ladyship is directed from above. The blessed Jesus cares for his people of all denominations. He is gathering his elect out of all. Happy they, who, with a disinterested view, take in the whole Church militant, and, in spite of narrow-hearted bigots, breathe an undissembled catholic spirit towards all. I believe that you will daily reap the fruit of this spirit, and a free conversation with the truly gracious of all denominations. It is a conduct truly godlike. I rejoice that your Ladyship hath such a promising prospect of doing good among the rich and great--that you approve of Mr. Wesley’s conduct, and that he hath preached at your house. The language of my heart is--Lord, send by whom thou wilt send, only convert some of the mighty and noble, for thy mercy’s sake! Then, I care not if I am heard of no more. I am much obliged to those honourable ladies who are pleased to send me their good wishes. In return, they have my earnest prayers that they may be filled with all the fulness of God.”
Few men were more unconscious of their own abilities, or more desirous of improving by the meanest instrument, than Mr. Whitefield. In lowliness of mind, he would prefer others to himself. He never considered himself as George Whitefield, the celebrated preacher, but as a poor guilty sinner, equally indebted to Divine grace with the lowest and meanest of the human race. Lady Huntingdon having written him word, that “the prospect of doing good at his return to London was very encouraging,” this otherwise intrepid man trembled at the idea of again addressing the rich and honourable. In a letter to Mr. Cruttenden, he thus expresses himself:--“This post carries answers to the honourable women. I suppose you will be pleased to find that I am thus far on my return to London. O my friend, my friend, I come with fear and trembling. To speak to the rich and great, so as to win them to the blessed Jesus, is indeed a task. But wherefore do we fear? We can do all things through Christ strengthening us.”
Mr. Whitefield now returned to London, having travelled about six hundred miles in the West of England, where he had found, to his satisfaction, that his former labours had been abundantly blessed. At this period Lady Huntingdon had a house in North Audley-street, where he preached every Thursday evening to very crowded auditories, composed chiefly of the nobility, whom her Ladyship invited to hear him. To an American correspondent, he says:--“The news you have had of my preaching to some great ones is true; I have done so for some time twice a week; and, thanks be to the blessed Redeemer, it has already produced great effects. Lady Huntingdon is a mirror of piety indeed. In time, I trust, of the honourable women, there will not be a few who dare to confess the Lord Jesus before men.”
Lady Huntingdon continued in London till the month of June, when she removed to Clifton for the benefit of her health; and about this time became acquainted with that eminent writer, Dr. Gill, whose private character was so excellent, that it has been said, his learning and labours were exceeded only by the invariable sanctity of his life and conversation. He had then lately published his celebrated Commentary on the New Testament, in three folio volumes, which impressed Lady Huntingdon with esteem for the purity of his intentions, and admiration for the magnitude of his labours. The immense reading and learning which it displayed induced the University of Aberdeen to send him the diploma of D.D., with the following compliment: “On account of his knowledge of the Scriptures, of the Oriental languages, and of Jewish antiquities, of his learned defence of the Scriptures against deists and infidels, and the reputation gained by his other works, the University had, without his privity, unanimously agreed to confer on him the degree of Doctor of Divinity.” His intimate friend and warm admirer, Mr. Toplady, has left on record a high opinion of his excellent character.
The young Earl of Huntingdon was now approaching his majority, and Lady Huntingdon was preparing to resign Donnington Park to her son. She left Bristol early in the month of August, and taking a house at Ashby, established herself there with her other children, and her excellent sisters-in-law, the Ladies Hastings. In a letter to the Rev. Risdon Darracott her Ladyship mentions this favourite residence:--
“The affairs of my family called me from home; but I am again brought back in safety, and much happiness of heart, and that to a sweet little family, who live but to devote every hour more and more to the love and knowledge of the Lord Jesus. We had agreed upon this retreat, and taken a larger house among us for this purpose, and we wish all your prayers. To become the Lord’s in body, soul, and spirit, is the one cry and desire of our hearts; and we know He will not reject us, nor cast us out; and though we can do nothing, yet we can receive of his fulness grace for grace; and in this world suffer reproach and persecution for his name’s sake, which is sweet and honourable to us; when, though we can do nothing, we glory in this, that, to his praise, he hath redeemed, and will make us priests unto God. We should rejoice to see you amongst us: and I hope nothing will prevent it, if convenient to you. All Gospel ministers it is our highest honour and happiness to serve, and no denomination do we ever reject.”[59]
On coming of age, the Earl of Huntingdon took possession of Donnington Park, Ledstone Hall, &c.; and soon after set out on his travels through France, Italy, and Germany. The Earl of Albemarle was then ambassador to the court of France, and lived in a style of great magnificence. Among the English residents in Paris, were Lady Hervey, Sir John Lambert, Colonel York, and Lord Stormont, who received the young Earl with most polite attention. Lord Chesterfield, who considered himself his second father, thus introduces him to the notice of one of his most intimate correspondents, a lady whose accomplishments and personal virtues were at least equal to her birth and high rank:--
“In spite of my promises, Madam, not to saddle you with my countrymen, here is one whom I take the liberty to recommend to you. Don’t be afraid, don’t be presently angry, and I dare say you will thank me hereafter. It is the Earl of Huntingdon, one of the first peers of England, whose family is celebrated in the most ancient records. His merit and talents are at least equal to his descent; he is distinguished from all our young nobility by his personal erudition; in short, he wants nothing to make him perfect, but what he will acquire with you, better than anywhere else; I mean an acquaintance with the polite world. I will venture to add one merit more, which I flatter myself he will have in your opinion, which is that of being my particular friend. He looks upon me as his father, and I consider him as my adopted son. I therefore earnestly beg, Madam, you will protect, encourage, and even advise him. He has too much discernment not to be sensible of the value of your friendship, and too much feeling ever to forget it. To sum up all in one word, he will soon be what his second father is now, your very faithful servant,
“CHESTERFIELD.”
Lady Fanny Shirley now began to make an open profession of the faith once delivered to the saints, and amidst all the scoffs and tauntings of a benighted, ill-natured, and ridiculing world, to rejoice with joy unspeakable, even a joy that is full of glory. During Lady Huntingdon’s absence from London, Lady Fanny opened her house for the preaching of the Gospel: there Mr. Whitefield, and other ministers of Christ, proclaimed all the words of this life, and were heard with deep and serious attention. “On Saturday (says he, in a letter to Lady Huntingdon), I had the honour of being almost all the day long with Lady Fanny, Lady Gertrude Hotham, Lady Chesterfield, and the Countess Delitz. Lady Fanny and the Countess received the blessed sacrament before the others came, and I think they both grow.” The Countess Delitz had been the instrument of much good to Lady Fanny, and was the open and avowed friend of Mr. Whitefield, and all who were suffering for the testimony of Jesus. When writing to her Ladyship, he observes--“How much are you indebted to divine grace, that hath singled you out from among the mighty and noble, and placed your Ladyship in the number of those happy few to whom it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God! I trust your honoured sister (Lady Chesterfield) will ere long bear you company, and travel with you in that narrow road which leads to eternal life. When I remember you, I always think of her, and beg my most dutiful respects may find acceptance with her Ladyship.”
Mr. Whitefield was very attentive to the spiritual interests of his converts in high life, and maintained a constant correspondence with several of them. Soon after he left London, for a tour in Yorkshire and the North of England, he writes thus to Lady Fanny Shirley:--
“Newcastle, Oct. 1, 1749.
“Honoured Madam--Some time last week, my wife sent me the letter your Ladyship was pleased to favour me with about three weeks ago; though I was sorry it did not reach me before I left town, yet I rejoiced to find that it bespoke your Ladyship’s attachment to the ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus, and a desire to partake of the sacred symbols of his most blessed body and blood. I doubt not but your Ladyship, with full purpose of heart, will cleave unto him, and, in spite of men and devils, go on in that narrow way which leads to life eternal. God’s grace will be sufficient for you--he hath promised, and he is faithful who hath promised, never to leave or forsake those that put their trust in him. He is in the burning bush--he is in the fiery furnace--he can and will make us more than conquerors over all. With what courage then may your Ladyship go on through this howling wilderness, whilst leaning on our beloved Saviour! In him alone is all our strength found. Honoured Madam, look to him, consider him, and thereby you will be kept from being weary and faint in your mind. I doubt not but you meet with daily crosses. Persons that stand alone, and in high places, must expect storms; but Jesus is able and willing to uphold you--thanks be to his great name for giving you such a share of prudence and courage. May the glorious Immanuel increase both; and, without being attached to any party, may you be preserved unspotted from the world, and be a common friend to all! My heart’s desire and prayer is, that you may go on from strength to strength, and be continually growing in the knowledge of yourself and Christ Jesus your Lord. I must now add no more, but my repeated thanks for all your Ladyship’s favours, and my repeated assurances of being, honoured Madam, your Ladyship’s most obliged, obedient, and ready servant, for Christ’s sake,
“G. WHITEFIELD.”
Another object lay near to Mr. Whitefield’s heart at this time. It was during this winter that he formed the design of identifying Lady Huntingdon with his Societies--the only plan he ever laid for perpetuating them. He told Lady Fanny that he had disengaged himself from the immediate care of the Societies, that he might be more at liberty to preach the Gospel; and he saw Lady Huntingdon a Dorcas, and felt that she might and ought to be a Phœbe. She had used her influence, at his solicitation, with the Court and the Government, in behalf of the sufferers in the Cork riots; and had readily patronized such poor or persecuted ministers as he brought under her notice. All this, and the want of a leader, led him to seek her patronage, especially for his Societies in the west end of the town. How he opened the subject to her is not known, but it does not seem to have been ill received, for she desired the public prayers of the Tabernacle for herself at the time; and Mr. Whitefield read that part of her letter to the people, and informed her, that “thousands heartily joined in singing the following verses for her Ladyship:”--
“Gladly we join to pray for those Who, rich with worldly honours, shine, Who dare to own a Saviour’s cause, And in that hated cause to join: Yes we would praise thee, that a few Love thee, though rich and noble too.”
“Uphold this star in thy right hand-- Crown her endeavours with success; Among the great ones may she stand, A witness of thy righteousness, Till many nobles join thy train, And triumph in the Lamb that’s slain.”
In the same letter he said to her--
“A leader is wanting. This honour hath been put upon your Ladyship by the great Head of the Church; an honour conferred on few, but an earnest of one to be put upon your Ladyship before men and angels, when time shall be no more. That you may every day add to the splendour of your future crown, be always abounding in the work of the Lord, is the fervent prayer of, &c.----”
The great leaders of both the Methodistic connexions were at this period in the metropolis, each at their different spheres, labouring diligently to promote the salvation of immortal souls. Lady Huntingdon, always desirous of promoting peace and unanimity amongst those who professed to be the followers of her adorable Master, determined on an endeavour to heal the differences that then existed between these great and good men. For this benevolent purpose she wrote to Mr. Whitefield and Mr. Wesley, urging on them to love as brethren, to let controversy alone, and to labour more zealously for the service of their Lord and Master. This advice seems to have had the desired effect. In a letter, dated the 12th of January, 1750, Mr. Whitefield informed her Ladyship that he had offered Mr. Wesley to assist occasionally at his chapel:--
“And I do not know (says he) but it may be accepted: your Ladyship will hear soon. O that I may learn from all I see to desire to be nothing! and to think it my highest privilege to be an assistant to all, but the head of none. I find a love of power sometimes intoxicates even God’s own dear children, and makes them to mistake passion for zeal, and an overbearing spirit for an authority given them from above. For my own part, I find it much easier to obey than govern, and that it is much safer to be trodden under foot, than to have it in one’s power to serve others so. This makes me fly from that, which at our first setting out we are too apt to court. Thanks be to the Lord of all lords for taking any pains with hell-deserving me! I cannot well buy humility at too dear a rate. This is a grace after which your Ladyship pants, and with which our Lord will delight to fill you more and more. Your Ladyship’s letter convinces me that those who know and do most, think they know and do least. If it were not so, grace itself would prove our bane, and goodness and zeal, through the pride and corruption of our hearts, be our destroyers. Honoured Madam, my hands and heart are continually lifted up for you, that you may abound ever more in every good word and work, and be clothed with that humility which your Ladyship delights to wear every day--I mean that humble mind which was in Christ Jesus.”
Peace being thus happily restored, Mr. Wesley read prayers at the chapel in West-street, on Friday, the 19th of January, after which Mr. Whitefield preached an affectionate discourse to a very crowded congregation. On the following Lord’s-day Mr. Whitefield read prayers, and Mr. Wesley preached at the Tabernacle, after which the sacrament was administered to above twelve hundred persons. The following morning Mr. Wesley prayed at the Foundry, and Howel Harris preached a powerful sermon to an overflowing auditory. This delighted Mr. Whitefield much. “Oh for love and gratitude! (he exclaims) I have preached thrice in Mr. Wesley’s chapel, and God was with us of a truth.” From this time those two great men always spoke of each other in the most affectionate manner, and assisted each other in their labours wherever they providentially met; and kept up a correspondence by letter while Mr. Whitefield lived.
“Thanks be to God (says Lady Huntingdon) for the love and unanimity which have been displayed on this happy occasion. May the God of peace and harmony unite us all in a bond of affection! In forbearance towards each other, and mutual kindness, may we imitate his blessed disciples, so that all those who take knowledge of us may say--‘See how these Christians love one another!’”
The close of the year 1749, and beginning of the succeeding year, Lady Huntingdon spent at Ashby-place, fully occupied in administering to the spiritual and temporal necessities of the poor around her. In these labours of love her Ladyship was ably assisted by her domestic chaplain, Mr. Baddelley, and her excellent sisters, the Lady Anne and Lady Frances Hastings. In her Ladyship’s intercourse with the poor and illiterate, she always studied what was most plain and easy, and best suited to their capacities; and endeavoured to set before them from time to time the most important and necessary truths of Christianity, such as most immediately concerned their speedy conversion to God; the sinfulness and misery of their state by nature; the desperate depravity of their hearts; the entire pollution of their natures; the heavy guilt they were under, and their liability to everlasting punishment; as also their utter inability to save themselves, either from their sins, or from those miseries which are the just punishment of them; their unworthiness of any mercy at the hands of God, on account of anything they themselves could do to procure his favour; and consequently their extreme need of Christ to save them. These truths were insisted on with zeal and fidelity, while, at the same time, her Ladyship endeavoured to open to the view of her attentive listeners the fulness, all-sufficiency, and freedom of that redemption which the Son of God has wrought out by his obedience and suffering--how this provision he had made was suited to all their wants; and how he called and invited them to accept of everlasting life freely offered, notwithstanding all their sinfulness, inability, and utter unworthiness.
The degree of knowledge which some of these poor people attained was considerable: and that which afforded Lady Huntingdon the greatest encouragement, amidst many difficulties and disconsolate hours, was that the truth of God’s word seemed at times to be attended with some power upon the hearts and consciences of those around her. Several of them came of their own accord, to speak with her Ladyship about their souls’ concerns; and some, with tears, enquired what they must do to be saved? A visible reformation appeared in the lives and manners of some; many vicious practices were broken off; and a greater degree of regard was manifested for the Lord’s-day. Yet there was much of a discouraging nature; and while the benevolent heart of the Countess rejoiced to observe any seriousness among the poor in her neighbourhood, she was not without continual fear lest such encouraging appearances might prove like a morning cloud that passeth away.
Mr. Baddelley resided, as we have said, in the family of Lady Huntingdon, in the capacity of domestic chaplain: his piety and talents were much respected by her Ladyship, and he was very zealous in the discharge of his ministerial duties. His views of divine truth became more consistent; and at this change his religious friends rejoiced, and none more than Lady Huntingdon, whose heart-searching conversations, under the influence of the Spirit of God, first directed his apprehensions to Christ’s righteousness; and led him to a clear light and understanding of the Gospel of the grace of God. He seems to have been peculiarly endeared to her Ladyship, from the frequent mention of him in Mr. Whitefield’s letters.
“I thank the Lord (says he) ten thousand times that your Ladyship is so well pleased with Mr. Baddelley: he expresses the strong sense he has of the obligations he lies under to the Lord Jesus Christ, and under him, to your Ladyship. O that neither of us may prove ungrateful in any respect!” And again: “I bless God for Mr. Baddelley, and rejoice exceedingly in the comfort which your Ladyship has in him. I will take care to cultivate our acquaintance, and earnestly pray that it may be blessed to our natural improvement. I trust he will be a good soldier of Jesus Christ, and doubt not ere long I shall hear of his receiving some wounds and scars of honour in the field of battle.”
Mr. Whitefield had a strong personal regard for Mr. Baddelley, and frequently corresponded with him. The following letter, while it exhibits that good man’s concern for him, makes Mr. Baddelley’s principles and views also evident:--
“London, Jan. 12, 1750.
“My very dear Sir--Lest I should be hindered to-morrow, or in the beginning of the week, I now sit down to answer your kind letter. O that I may be helped to write something that may do you service, and be a means of quickening you in that delightful cause in which you are embarked. I see, my dear Sir, you are likely to have hot work before you quit the field; for I find you have begun to batter Satan’s strongest holds--I mean the self-righteousness of man. Here, Sir, you must expect the strongest opposition--it is the Diana of every age--it is the golden image which that apostate Nebuchadnezzar, man, continually sets up; and the not falling down to worship it, but much more the speaking, writing, or preaching against it, exposes one immediately to the fury of its blind votaries, and we are thrown directly into a den of devouring lions. But fear not, Mr. Baddelley; the God whom we serve--the Captain under whose banner we are listed, is able to deliver us: he knows how to train us up gradually for war, and is engaged to bring us off more than conquerors from the field of battle. If any one need give way, it must be the poor creature that is writing to you, for I believe there is not a person living more timorous by nature. But I trust, in a degree, Jesus hath delivered me from worldly hopes and worldly fears, and by his grace strengthening me, he makes me often bold as a lion. But O, my dear Sir, this petty character of mine I did not at first care to part with; ’twas death to be despised, and worse than death to think of being laughed at by all: but when I began to consider Him who endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, I then longed to drink of the same cup, and, blessed be God, contempt and I am pretty intimate, and have been so for about twice seven years. Jesus’ love makes it a very agreeable companion, and I no longer wonder that Moses made such a blessed choice, and rather chose to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. May the Lord Jesus make us thus indeed! For there is no doing good without enduring the scourge of the tongue; and take this for a certain rule, ‘the more successful you are, the more hated you will be by Satan, and the more despised you will be by those that know not God.’ What has the honoured Lady Huntingdon suffered, under whose roof you dwell? Above all, what did your blessed Master suffer, who hath done such great things for you? O let us follow him, though it be through a sea of blood. I could enlarge, but time will not permit. I am ashamed of my unprofitableness, and must retire after begging that you will not forget, reverend and dear Sir, yours, &c.,
“G. WHITEFIELD.”
Whilst Lady Huntingdon was thus actively engaged in the country, Mr. Whitefield was rejoicing in the success attending his ministry in the metropolis:--
“Though I am wearied (says he) in walking to and from South Audley-street,[60] yet I must not omit sending to your Ladyship this night. Every day we have new hearers, and I find some one or another is almost continually brought under convictions, or is edified at the Tabernacle. Were it as big again, I believe, on Sunday mornings, it would be filled. This day hath been spent with the Countess,[61] Lady Gertrude,[62] Colonel Gumley, &c. I gave them the communion, and afterwards preached; the public minister from Genoa came to hear me, and I believe it was a profitable season. Lady Fanny holds on, and writes word to the Countess, that she wishes all were as happy as she hath been in reading Bishop Hall’s ‘Contemplations.’”
He also expounded at the residence of Lady Gertrude Hotham--
“Where (says he) I gave the blessed sacrament, and afterwards a word of exhortation. Our Lord was there, and your Ladyship and honoured sisters were remembered before Him. On Tuesday next the blessed feast is to be again repeated at the Countess’s house.”
Towards the end of January, Lady Huntingdon was attacked by an alarming indisposition, which for several days seemed to threaten the loss of her valuable life. The Ladies Hastings, with that solicitude all must feel for an object of so much moment, sought the best medical assistance which could be procured in the vicinity of Ashby-place, yet looked continually to God for his blessing on every means pointed out for the relief of the Countess. An express was immediately despatched to Northampton, and in about ten days the violence of the disease began to abate under the judicious treatment of Dr. Stonhouse, and her Ladyship became so far recovered as to be able to write to her friends, though for some weeks unable to leave her apartment. Lady Anne Hastings wrote to apprise Mr. Whitefield of Lady Huntingdon’s alarming situation, but he being in the country, did not receive her letter, and knew nothing of her Ladyship’s indisposition, till he heard of her recovery on his arrival at Bristol, whence he wrote to her thus:--
“With great delight (on my coming to Bristol last night), I heard of your Ladyship’s recovery. May the Lord of all lords perfect the begun blessing, and give you to live many years to be an ornament to his Church, and a blessing to his people. May the Lord Jesus be with your spirit, and with the spirit of your honoured sisters, whom I always remember. I doubt not but they were much concerned at your Ladyship’s illness. May they long live with you to be fellow-helpers of each other’s faith, and to shine as lights in the world! May the blessing of many ready to perish descend on your Ladyship!”
Immediately on the approach of convalescence, Lady Huntingdon wrote to Mr. Whitefield, who replied from Bristol, where he was still labouring, to the following effect:--
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, in mercy to his Church and people, is yet pleased to hold your soul in life, and make your Ladyship instrumental in plucking sinners as brands out of the burning. All these things I look upon only as the earnests of good things to come. Goodness and mercy will follow your Ladyship all the days of your life, and you shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever! Lady Anne’s sudden shock[63] proves that the old observation is true, ‘seldom one affliction comes alone.’ I rejoice to hear that her Ladyship is recovered, and pray the Lord of all lords so to sanctify it to her better part, that she may be ready at a moment’s warning to go forth and meet the heavenly Bridegroom. O, to be always ready--to have nothing to do but to die! Surely the Redeemer hath purchased this blessing for us. Doth not your Ladyship find it difficult to be resigned to life, and to continue so long absent from the Lord? But there is one consideration which may make life desirable to the greatest saint on earth; he may here do and suffer for Jesus, and call sinners to Him; but in heaven all this will be over. Come life, then, come death, Jesus, may thy will be done, in, by, and upon thy people! I know your Ladyship’s heart echoes back, Amen. But what shall I say to the opposition arising at Ashby? I trust it is a sign that good has already been done, and that more is still doing. The Searcher of hearts knows how highly I value your Ladyship’s letters: yet I think it honour enough to have leave to write to you, without expecting punctual answers. O that I may gladden your heart with glad tidings from the west! I believe I shall. I have been much helped in preaching here, and have heard of two that were thoroughly ashamed when I was here last. But I forget that your Ladyship is yet confined to your room. May the Lord Jesus make it a Bethel, a house of God, and a gate of heaven to your soul!”
Hitherto Lady Huntingdon had not corresponded with Mr. Hervey, though she had long entertained a great regard for this amiable man. One or two letters had passed between them, but no regular correspondence took place till the close of the year 1749, at which time Mr. Whitefield congratulated him thus:--“I am glad you have opened a correspondence with our elect Lady. Keep it open, I entreat you, my dear friend, and be not nimis nullus.” To the repeated request of Lady Huntingdon, conveyed through Mr. Whitefield, Mr. Hervey at length yielded, and commenced a correspondence, which continued uninterrupted till he was removed to his eternal reward. His first letter was dated February 2, 1750, and runs thus:--
“My Lady--It is impossible for me to withhold my pen, or to neglect the opportunity of the very first post, since I am assured by your ladyship’s excellent chaplain, that a letter from so mean a hand may hope for the honour of your acceptance.
“But how shall I proceed, now I have begun? What religious truth can I write that your Ladyship has not known? What Christian grace can I suggest, that your Ladyship does not exercise? Or, what valuable subject touch upon, which your own meditations have not gone through? Yes, there is one subject, which even your Ladyship’s exalted apprehensions have never found out to perfection; I mean the sublime and adorable attributes of the infinite God. What amazing glories shine forth, even in the ‘back parts’ of the Lord Jehovah, in those transient and dim discoveries of himself which He vouchsafes to the children of men--to creatures that dwell in clay!
“If we talk of power, who is like unto the Lord our God? ‘which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble; which commandeth the sun and it riseth not, and sealeth up the stars; which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea; which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number.’
“If we admire greatness, how supremely great is He who inhabits eternity; who spans immensity; before whom all nations are as the small drop of the bucket; are as the smaller dust upon the balance; are less than nothing, and vanity.
“If we reverence holiness, the Lord of Hosts is ‘glorious in holiness.’ O how transcendently holy is that Being who looketh into the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not pure in his sight; who sees defilement in the brightness of the firmament, and charges his angels with folly; to the footstool of whose throne not the most irreproachable saint may draw near, but only through the atonement and intercession of a Divine Mediator.
“Does wisdom challenge our esteem? ‘O the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!’ He has ordered all things, through heaven, through earth, and through universal nature, in numbers, weight, and measure. But, by the marvellous work of redemption, he has brought light out of darkness; fetched the most sovereign good from the most destructive evil; has reconciled the claims of inflexible justice with the overtures of unmerited mercy. Has given such a display of his unsearchably wise counsels, as the highest archangels contemplate with amazement, adoration, and joy.
“Is goodness aimable? How superabundant is the goodness of the Lord! To give us a world for our accommodation, enriched with innumerable conveniences, adorned with innumerable beauties, is a small thing for the God of love. He has prepared a heaven of happiness, and mansions of immortal glory, for our final reception. Is not this enough?--enough, one would think, to charm our hearts, and make them glow with gratitude. Yet not nearly enough for the boundless beneficence of our God. He spared us when we deserved everlasting punishment. He loved us when we were altogether become abominable. So immensely, so inconceivably did he love us, apostates and rebels as we were, that he gave his Son, his Son beyond thought illustrious, to die in our stead, and to make a reconciliation for our iniquities.
“My paper shortens, and my subject increases: I must therefore refrain. Only I pray that your Ladyship may enjoy, every day, every hour, every moment, richer manifestations of this adorable God, and of Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent. May your Ladyship delight yourself in this unutterably excellent Being, and may he give you the desire of your heart! Your Ladyship’s desire, I am persuaded, is, that you may be conformed to his lovely image, and resigned to his blessed will. My desire, and the desire of thousands, to whom your Ladyship’s bounty has been a relief, and your Ladyship’s example a blessing, is comprehended in that precious promise recorded Psalm xci. 14, 15, 16. I have not room to transcribe it; but it shall be turned into a prayer for your Ladyship, by your Ladyship’s most obliged and most dutiful servant,”
“JAMES HERVEY.”
To return to Mr. Whitefield. From Bristol he proceeded to the Land’s End, preaching at a great many places by the way. From St. Ginny’s he writes thus:--
“I preached at Tavistock on my way hither, and yesterday was a glorious day of the Son of Man. Our Lord gave us to see his stately steps and outdoings in the sanctuary. Four of Mr. Wesley’s preachers were present, and also four clergymen in their gowns and cassocks; Mr. Bennett, aged four-score, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Grigg, and myself. Mr. Thompson desired that his most dutiful respects might be presented to your Ladyship. Blessed be God that you are better. I am not forgetful of you by night or by day. I hope the souls of your honoured sisters do prosper; and that you will yet live to see Jesus Christ formed in the hearts of all your relations. That everything your Ladyship writes, says, or does, may be mightily owned and blessed by the Redeemer, is the continual prayer of your Ladyship’s most obliged and ready servant, for Christ’s sake.”
One reason for Mr. Whitefield’s visit to the West, at this time, was to see how his letter to the Bishop of Exeter had been received. He found, in his own circle there, that it had been “much blest.” He learnt also that “my Lord of Exeter had said, he writes like an honest man, and had recanted several things; but (added Lavington) he goes on in the same way yet.” He did. He went to Exeter, and appeared in the fields again. The Bishop, therefore, threatened another pamphlet. Lavington could do no more against Methodists than write. Mr. Thompson, Vicar of St. Ginny’s--the intimate friend of Lady Huntingdon, Mr. Whitefield, Mr. Wesley, and Mr. Hervey--was educated at Exeter College, Oxford; and after entering into orders, became chaplain to the “Tiger” man-of-war, in which he went to America. On his return to England, he became incumbent of St. Ginny’s, near Camelford, in Cornwall, and succeeded to a family estate of about five hundred pounds a year. He was a first-rate genius, and much caressed by neighbouring ministers and gentry; but was a very gay, dissipated young man. In the midst of his debaucheries, he had the following dream:--“This day month, at six in the afternoon, you must appear before the judgment of Christ, to give an account of the dreadful abuse of all your talents, and the injuries done to the souls committed to your care.” This remarkable dream, twice repeated, with circumstances of great terror, was the means of his conversion. He was now filled with a burning zeal for the honour of God, and love for immortal souls. He returned to his pulpit, and commenced preaching experimentally the doctrine of man’s fall, sin, and misery; the necessity of regeneration; the imputation of Christ’s righteousness; the necessity of holiness as the evidence of acceptance before a holy God; and the absolute need of the energy of the Holy Spirit, to begin and carry on a saving change in the heart and life. The hand of the Lord remarkably sealed the promulgation of these doctrines in the conversion of numbers in his parish. In March, 1748, all the neighbouring ministers shut their pulpit doors against him; and he was soon after summoned before his diocesan to answer the charges made against him. The Bishop threatened to “strip the gown from him” for his “Methodistical practices,” and for daring to countenance Mr. Whitefield. His Lordship was saved the trouble; for that moment Mr. Thompson stripped himself, and throwing the gown at Lavington’s feet, said, “I can preach the Gospel without a gown;”[64] and retired. Astonished at such independent conduct, the Bishop stood amazed, and on recovering his surprise, sent for Mr. Thompson, and soothed him; but he indemnified himself for his condescension, by publishing immediately the second part of his “Enthusiasm Compared.” Mr. Whitefield had good reason, as well as great provocation, to say of both parts, “The Bishop has served the Methodists as the Bishop of Constance served John Huss, when he ordered painted devils to be put round his head before burning him.” He did not answer him. He did better. He went to Exeter, accompanied by a Rural Dean, to preach the Gospel as usual, and divine influence accompanied the word. “This (he says) is, I think, the best way to answer those who oppose themselves.” He preached there twice on the same day. In the evening, the Bishop and several of his Clergy stood near to him, and saw ten thousand persons awe-struck by his appeals. They saw also three large stones thrown in succession at his head, by a furious drunkard, one of which cut him severely; but neither the high-priest nor his Levites interfered, although one of their own parishioners also was felled to the ground at the same time.
These particulars are detailed in a letter from Mr. Whitefield to Lady Huntingdon.
About this period Lady Huntingdon received the melancholy intelligence of the death of the Duke of Somerset, which occurred on the 7th of February, at Percy Lodge, near Colnbrook. “Truly (writes her Ladyship) I sympathize with my beloved Duchess on the loss of such a husband, who was not more distinguished for his high birth and exalted rank, than for generosity, affability, and every amiable quality which can render a nobleman beloved and esteemed.” For some time previous to his decease, his Grace was afflicted with severe pain, which he was enabled to bear with the utmost patience and sweetness of temper. He was a man of real piety, and presented to the view of every noble person a pattern worthy of imitation. His end was peace: and in his last moments he displayed such a calmness, composure, and resignedness, such a heroic fortitude and constancy in death, as excited admiration, and left a glorious proof of the powerful support with which the faith and hope of the real Christian will furnish the good man in his most destitute and latest moments.
On the decease of the Duke, her Grace retired to “Percy Lodge,” the place so often mentioned in the works of Shenstone, Thomson, and other poets of her time, by whom she was deservedly admired and celebrated for her fine taste, distinguished genius, amiable manners, and exalted virtues. It was at Bath that Lady Huntingdon first became acquainted with the Duchess, to whom she was introduced by the Dowager Lady Hyndford, when a friendship commenced that continued uninterrupted to the death of her Grace, which took place a few years after.[65]
Her Grace’s acquaintance with Lady Huntingdon was the means, under God, of leading her to a saving knowledge of the Gospel before she was removed hence. Mr. Whitefield, writing to Governor Belcher, speaking of Lady Huntingdon, says:--“Her Ladyship corresponds with the Duchess of Somerset, but I fear the latter doth not yet glory in the cross of Christ so much as might be wished. You know we must have true self-denial and a disinterested spirit, before we can be sincerely willing to be accounted fools for Christ’s sake.”