THE

BAPTIST MAGAZINE.

AUGUST, 1849.

MEMOIR OF THE LATE REV. HUGH RUSSELL,

OF BROUGHTON, HAMPSHIRE,

BY THE REV. BENJAMIN COXHEAD.

effectual mode of perpetuating and extending the knowledge of the excellence and usefulness of such persons, whether in public or in private life, unto the entire glory and praise of the grace of God, in and by these his servants.

We are taught by the word of God | viving Christian friends to employ this that "the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance," that "the memory of the just is blessed," that "the elders who rule well are to be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine," and that we are to "Remember them which have the rule over us, who have spoken to us the word of God, whose faith" we are to "follow, considering the end," or purpose, of "their conversation" or course of life, i. e., their devotedness to "Jesus Christ," together with their experience through life; and, at its close, of the all-sufficiency of his grace, who is "the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever." And as the memoirs of such characters are sought for and read with avidity, and, by God's blessing, with eminent spiritual benefit by multitudes of persons of all ages and classes of society, this presents both a solemn obligation and a cheering inducement before sur

VOL. XII.-FOURTH SERIES.

Of such Christian and ministerial character and usefulness, our beloved departed friend, Mr. Russell, was a valuable instance. He was a native of Scotland, was born July 9th, 1780, in the parish of Lhanbryd near Elgin, and was the eldest of four sons. His parents were occupants of a piece of land, of frugal and industrious habits, who were attentive to his education as circumstances and opportunities permitted. From his early youth Mr. Russell was of a mild and amiable disposition, and a favourite with his school companions, and had a great fondness for books, reading eagerly all that came in his way. He assisted his

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leaving Scotland, their coming together to London, their attendance at the baptist chapel in Little Wild Street, and their joining the church there, then under the pastoral care of the writer, by whom and by the church they were greatly esteemed. After some time they were proposed for trial of their gifts, with a view to the ministry, were approved, and introduced by the church to the Bristol baptist college. Soon after their entrance at Bristol, a letter of inquiry respecting them as students was addressed by their pastor to the Rev. Dr. Ryland, their tutor, to which he replied as follows:

parents in their pursuits, until his 16th | Anderson was soon followed by their year, when he went to Elgin, where he remained four years. During this time his attention was led to divine things. Some parts of the Assembly's Catechism were specially blessed to him; and in 1801 he became a member of the church under the Rev. Mr. Bannantine, before whose pastorate the church had been supplied by the Rev. G. Ewing's first class students from Glasgow. This had resulted in drawing forth the zeal of the members of the church, and a sabbath school (then a new thing) was formed, and Mr. Russell was among its foremost promoters and warmest supporters. He afterwards removed to Glasgow, and was a hearer of Mr. Ewing. Returning home, he soon after went to Aberdeen and joined the independent church then under the pastorate of the Rev. William Stephens. It was here that Mr. Russell formed a close friendship with Mr. William Anderson, afterwards the distinguished classical and mathematical tutor of that name in the Bristol baptist college, and it was here that these endeared friends became decided baptists; and at a time when nothing of the kind had taken place in that part of the country, as Mr. Russell himself has informed us, "for ages, perhaps not since the introduction of Christianity," these young men, with two others, had the decision and firmness to be baptized. It took place a few miles from Aberdeen, in a branch of the river Don, and was performed by Mr. Edmonds, afterwards pastor of the baptist church at Cambridge. In consequence of their baptism, Mr. Russell, Mr. Anderson, and another, who was also a member of the church, were dismembered, yet with a reluctance and kind feeling which resulted in a change of discipline in the church, and in much friendliness towards baptists. As there was no baptist church near Aberdeen, the baptism of Mr. Russell and Mr.

"MY DEAR BROTHER,-As you wished to have my opinion respecting the young men who came from Aberdeen through your church, I am glad to be able to give it very decidedly in their favour. They are diligent, have good abilities, hopeful talents, appear truly godly and amiable, bid fair to make improvement in literature, and to be useful, acceptable preachers of the gospel. Making due allowances for their former circumstances, and the short time they have been here, everything is as encouraging as I could reasonably wish. I have no fault to find with them, nor any particular ground of fear respecting them. The devices of Satan are many, and the more I have to do with young ministers, the more general grounds I have for anxiety; but I greatly trust it will be found an honour to your friends that they helped them forward.

"I am yours cordially, "JOHN RYLAND. "25th February, 1805.”

The "former circumstances" of Mr. Russell and Mr. Anderson to which the Doctor alludes, were those of their not having received more than a good plain

education. To this Mr. Russell has all but overpowering." Mr. Russell's referred in the memoir which he pub-memoir of Mr. Anderson in the Magalished of his dear friend Anderson (who zine is interesting; but whatever might died in the prime of life and of useful- have been his qualifications for authorness), and which appeared in the Bap- ship, it was not his propensity, although tist Magazine for October and November, his letters were replete with mental 1833. He observes that “Mr. Anderson beauty. entered the academy with no previous advantages, except that he had read and thought more than most young men at his age, and in his circumstances." A true description also of himself. And now so many years since the above letter was written, and when both these endeared friends have finished their course, it is cheering to reflect that the hope of their judicious tutor respecting them has been more than realized. They were men and ministers of more than ordinary excellence; unlike as they were in natural temperament and engagements. In the personal friendship and correspondence of the celebrated John Foster, who expressed in the strongest terms his esteem for Mr. Anderson and his admiration of his extraordinary talents, acquirements, and usefulness as a tutor, Mr. Russell, also, had such a share as testifies to his superiority.

Mr. Russell and Mr. Anderson maintained their endeared intimacy until Mr. Anderson's lamented death. When that event was very near, Mr. Russell had left home to visit him. On entering Bristol he was informed by a messenger that Mr. Anderson was in a dying state; and on hastening to his chamber, Mr. Anderson beheld him with an intense look of apparent recognition, but was unable to speak, and soon expired! It was a remarkable providence which led Mr. Russell to Bristol at the time, as the intimate friend of Mr. Anderson, the proper person to preach his funeral sermon; this he was requested to do at Broadmead, and this he undertook and performed, but, as he has said, "with feelings

It should be remarked that the baptist church at Broughton is of ancient date. The original church appears to have been at Salisbury, twelve miles distant, and to have worshipped at Porton, in consequence of the Five Mile Act. After the passing of the Act of Toleration it divided for the convenience of its members into two churches; one continued at Salisbury, the other settled at Broughton, with a branch at Wallop three miles and a half distant, as most of the members were resident at or near these places. The village of Broughton and the baptist church there have long been favoured by the residence, patronage, membership, and pastorate of distinguished individuals. Mr. Henry Steele, by whom the cause was principally supported, and the former places of worship were provided, was pastor of the church forty years. Mr. William Steele, his nephew, was pastor thirty years. Miss Anne Steele, the talented authoress of three volumes ("by Theodosia "), and of more than sixty hymns in the Baptist Selection, was a daughter of this William Steele, and a member of the church. The Rev. William Steadman (afterwards Dr. Steadman, president of the baptist college at Horton and pastor at Bradford) was eight years pastor of the church at Broughton, by whose zeal in introducing the gospel at Stockbridge and other places, the neighbouring ministers and churches were excited to follow his example, and a blessed change in the neighbourhood took place. After having been some years destitute of a pastor, during which the church was variously supplied, Mr.

bath afternoon services, and one evening service each month, and a week-day lecture once a fortnight. Mr. Russell was a principal instrument in the erection of Broughton chapel, also of Wallop chapel, and one at Winterslow, six miles distant. A very valuable library, be queathed by Mr. John Collins of Devizes (a member of the church at Broughton), Mr. Russell took pains to render lastingly beneficial to the minister, church, ani congregation. The branch of Broughton church at Wallop is now formed into a distinct church, of which Mr. Coombs has been chosen the minister, The Broughton church now consists of those who have been added by Mr. Russell, with two exceptions only. Although he was very cautious in the admission of members relative to their personal religion, yet the additions have been cheering. He felt and manifested an ardent concern for the prosperity of the cause. A specimen of his devotedness may be presented from his correspondence with the writer in the year 1842.

was adopted. I am afraid to speak on the effects yet. The greater part of the church were deeply interested, and I' hope benefited. Some that were halting between two opinions became decided. Five of them have been received by the church, four of whom were baptized last Lord's day. We have very great hopes of nearly twenty who have continued as yet to cheer us, and, on the whole, I do think this will be the most prosperous year we have ever had." In the same letter Mr. Russell adds,-" A delightful work is going on just now at Wallop." This he describes as being a deep concern for salvation, wrought about the same time upon a considerable number of young persons, who, for many weeks together, held meetings among themselves every evening in the week, whom Mr. Russell had several times visited, and of whom he entertained the most pleasing expectations.

After Mr. Russell's seizure with paralysis, he writes in March, 1846, to the same friend as before,-"I have long wished to send a line or two to you, and this is among the first efforts of my pen. About September last, I was visited with another seizure which deprived me of the use of speech, and greatly impaired my mind and memory. My right arm, also, was benumbed so that I could not write. My former

"MY VERY DEAR FRIEND, — When | your last kind letter arrived, I was just beginning a series of services, with a view to awaken the consciences of sinners around us and at Wallop. After some consideration and prayer, I made my intentions known to some of our people. We had a special prayer-meet-attack had left my other side weakened ing, which was very pleasing. On the next Lord's day morning I addressed the church on the subject of united exertion for the salvation of sinners; and in the evening began a series of sermons to the unconverted. Through the week this was continued, till Friday evening inclusive. We met at six, spent an hour in prayer, and then the public service began at seven; and the whole of the following sabbath was employed in the same way. On the second Monday we had another meeting for prayer. At Wallop a similar course

and feeble, but I soon recovered from that stroke so as to preach (as usual) three times a day, which I continued till September when I was laid aside altogether. This continued till January, and I had serious thoughts of giving up, when I was mercifully directed to the use of galvanism, which I have used every day since, and have found much benefit from it, so much so that I have engaged twice in the afternoons-about twenty minutes-and last Lord's day I took the morning service throughout. God has been very gracious to me thus