I look'd around me for relief, 5 At length, to GOD I cry'd: 6 My drooping head he rais'd, O! may I ne'er forget Under these impressions he voluntarily presented himself a living sacrifice unto the Lord. Baptized by his own father when very young, he became a member of the Baptist church in Wildstreet, of which he was the ornament for more than fifty years, and forty-seven of them he ministered to the Church in Wild-street, first as assistant to his father, and afterwards as his successor in the pastoral office, to which he was ordained in the year 1758. How naturally he cared for the dissenting interest was visible from his assiduous labours for its prosperity, and the use he made of his intercourse with the great, for obtaining objects of vast importance towards the extension of religious liberty; for deliverance from those shackles that were oppressive, and which might in worse times provė an handle for persecution. His judicious publications upon that occasion will long speak for him, as will the respect he at all times paid to each denomination, and his readiness to serve them in every good work. Difference of religious sentiments made not the least alteration in his behaviour. And though he might think the difference of such magnitude, that he durst not venture his own soul upon the sentiments of others, still he knew that the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God, and that bad temper, bad manners, and illiberal epithets, would not recommend the love of God, or the truth as it is in Jesus. There was not an austere feature to be seen in his countenance, nor a forbidding accent heard to fall from his lips. The Baptist denomination lay particularly near his heart, and his concern for it ran uniformly through his whole life. In the earlier part of his ministry he proved how well qualified he was for the tuition of the younger brethren intended for the service of the sanctuary; and he was the means of introducing into public life some worthy characters, whose learning and ministerial abilities were a credit to the cause they espoused.* But if the diversity of his other engagements prevented his continuance in that capacity, he was happy whenever an opportunity offered of infusing instruction, indeed of saying or doing any thing that might contribute to the good of that profession which he judged to be nearest the plan of the sacred scriptures. It was his delight to promote peace and brotherly love; to make up differences, * One of his pupils, called into the ministry by his church, was the Rev W. Clarke, A. M. formerly pastor of the Baptist Church in Unicorn-yard, Southwark, but more lately of that in Exeter, who died a few days before him--a man of deep reflection, extensive learning, and of a most excellent spirit. His biography may be seen in the Baptist Register for Sept. 1794, page 276. or explain misunderstandings, that at any time unhappily took place in churches or among ministers. He grudged no pains: and many can recollect repeated instances in which God made him remarkably instrumental in bringing about so desirable an end. If the churches were in harmony, and appeared upon sound principles to prosper, no man took greater pleasure than he did, or had more heart-felt sorrow at the contrary appear ances. What he was in his pastoral office will long, and affectionately be remembered. His christian friends will never forget what he was to the very short interval between his labours and his decease -With what unwearied zeal he appeared in the house of God-With what fervor and humility he went before them in supplications to the throne of grace! With what clearness and warmth he opened the scriptures, declared the tidings of salvation to them, and as a father doth his children, exhorted, comforted, warned, directed them!With what solemnity he administered the ordinance of baptism!-With what sacred ardour he petitioned God, when in prayer he laid hands upon the baptized at the time of their admission into the Church-With what melting pathos he statedly administered the memorials of the body and blood of the Lord!-With what emphasis, even to tears, he would frequently repeat those lines of Dr. Young, "A pardon bought with blood! With blood divine! In what a pleasing and familiar manner he expounded the word of God in the private meetings of the Church!-With what prudence he presided in their assemblies for deliberation, and how anx ious he was that unanimity might prevail among them!-Nor must it be omitted how ardently he recommended to them the annual charity, commonly called THE FUND for the relief of indigent ministers. What pride (if we may so speak) he took, if they excelled in that duty; and how much was his heart drawn out to the dear children who attended worship with his people, and whom he addressed publicly, and more privately, as those that he hoped would be the future seed of the church, and ripen to the glory of God, when the present generation hath left the world!-With what tenderness did he, as long and as often as he was able, visit his charge, and impart sympathy and help in their afflictions; and how frank, open and accessible was he at all seasons, when his advice or assistance was sought!-With what faithfulness, yet meekness, did he even rebuke where necessary, and how glad was he to restore the unsettled, or reclaim the wandering!-His friends know, and God also, after what manner he was with them, and how he kept back nothing that was profitable, but shewed them and taught them, publicly and from house to house, testifying repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ. As an husband, a father, and a master of a family, he was alike upright and exemplary. United in marriage with one of the best of women, they lived together in the closest and most uninterrupted affection, for more than forty years. She was a picture of unaffected piety and good-nature, and he walked with her as an heir of the grace of life, till about five months ago, she stepped out of this world a little before him, that she might, as it were, meet him, and welcome him to glory. The acknowledgement of God in their family 'met with ample reward. The tender love and christian solicitude they bore towards their children was returned with reciprocal affection, and they had the happiness of seeing them walk in the ways of God, and their son a preacher of the gospel. The concern they shewed for the domestics of their family, for their spiritual good especially, was such as it is hoped will not be forgotten by them. Pleasing instances are recollected in which God blessed the master of the family for the conversion of his servants, particularly of one servant who, at an affecting churchmeeting in Wild-street, told the church how a check was given to the thoughtlessness of his youth, and his resolution for sin, at Dr. Stennett's family worship; and how, born again in his master's house, he was brought into the road to Zion. Those who were present heard in silence and in tears, and their hearts praised God.* Nor were his endeavours confined to his own family, the whole neighbourhood shared in them, and good effects have been heard of the very last sermon he preached at Muswell-Hill, where he resided the latter years of his life. But that which diffused vigour and animation through all the rest was his character as a mana Christian. He set the Lord before him-had habitual recourse to prayer, private and mentaland walked with God. When he related the inward workings of his mind, it appeared how deeply he had entered into the spirit of experimental religion; and on this head, where he was inti This was a very remarkable story of a profane and vicious youth, tutored on a bowling green, whom the Doctor, at the earnest request of an aged member, the boy's aunt, took into his family, and who afterwards proved a very godly man. The Church will recollect with respect the name of JoHN HANCOCK. |