3 Burning and a Shining Light;"

BEING THE

LIFE AND DISCOURSES

OF

REV. THOMAS SPENCER,

OF LIVERPOOL.

BY REV. THOMAS RAFFLES, D.D. L.L.D.

HIS SUCCESSOR IN THE PASTORAL OFFICE.

WITH AN INTRODUCTION.

NEW YORK:

SHELDON, LAMPORT AND BLAKEMAN,

115 Nassau Street.

JOHN J. REED,

Stereotyper and Printer,

16 Spruce street.

Parentage and early years of Thos. Spencer. Love of learn-

ing. Religious impressions. His inclination to the Chris-

tian ministry. Apprenticed to a glover in London. Rev.

Mr. Heward. Acquaintance with Thomas Wilson, Esqr.,

commenced, under whose patronage he enters upon his pre-

paratory studies with the Rev. Mr. Hordle, of Harwich.

Rapid progress in learning. Returns to his father's residence

in Hertford....

19

CHAPTER II.

Letters written from home. His return to Harwich. Resumes

his studies. Interesting correspondence. Papers submitted

by Spencer to the Committee of Hoxton academy...

CHAPTER III.

Spencer's call and qualifications for the ministry in his fif-

teenth year. Enters at Hoxton. Diligence in study. Va-

cation. Return to Hertford. First sermon in public. Con-

tinues to preach to the country people during his stay at

Hertford...

52

74

CHAPTER IV,

His return to Hoxton. Christmas vacation. First sermon at

Hertford. Appointed to assist in the pulpit at Hoxton.

At the earnest entreaties of the people, allowed to preach.

First sermon at Hoxton, in his seventeenth year. His suc-

cess and popularity. Itineracy. Correspondence with Mr.

John Haddon. Visits Brighton. Preaches with great ac-

ceptance and effect.

mon on fast day.

academy....

Again at Hoxton.

Again at Hoxton. Preaches a ser-

Appointed to deliver an oration at the

PAGE.

94

CHAPTER V.

His first visit to Liverpool. Preaches at Newington Chapel.

His popularity as a preacher. Correspondence. Return to

the academy. Invited by the congregation of Newington to

become their pastor. Calls from other congregations. Ac-

ceptance of the call from Liverpool. Last sermon at Hox-

ton....

142

CHAPTER VI.

Mr. Spencer commences his pastoral labors at Newington

Chapel. Suddenly called by affliction to Brighton. His

fears relieved. Correspondence. Success of his ministry.

Lays the foundation stone of a new chapel for his congrega-

tion. Correspondence. Ordination. His first administra-

tion of the Lord's Supper. Death. Funeral. Concluding

reflections..

169