MEMOIR OF THE REV. D. SMITH, LATE PASTOR OF THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH, BRENTWOOD, ESSEX.

THE subject of this memoir was born at Cransford, in the county of Suffolk. His father was a farmer, greatly respected, who sustained the office of churchwarden for the extraordinary period of fifty years. Whilst he was a kind parent, and not unmindful of the temporal welfare of his children, he was himself a total stranger to the theory, as well as the vital principles of Divine truth. David, as the youngest son, was much indulged by his parents; and he has left behind the following fragment in manuscript, relating to his early history:

"I was very early sent to school, and finished my education under a clergyman, the Rev. Mr. Brown, of Framlingham. In early life I became acquainted with some very ungodly youths, and soon became as vile as they were. At that time I was very far from being happy,--convictions, remorse of conscience, and fearful apprehensions haunted me, and I was sometimes unutterably wretched. I was advised by a pious man, a day labourer, who wrought many years on my uncle's farm adjoining our own, to go to Rhendham Chapel, and hear the Rev. Richard Wearing. There, for the first time, I listened to the glorious gospel, which came home with power to my heart." This last incident recorded here ought not to pass without notice; it is another instance, amongst thousands, how much good may be done by the humblest Christians, by leading the thoughtless to the means of grace, where Jesus Christ is faithfully preached. Were this plan more systematically adopted in a spirit of kind conciliation, and fervent and believing prayer, how largely would our congregations be augmented, and how great would be the accession of converts to Jesus. When will our church members diligently canvass for hearers, and thus be ever and anon addressing the masses who neglect God's house: "Come with us and we will do you good." We regret the humble but honourable name of this agricultural labourer is not mentioned by Mr. Smith,-but his name is written in the book of life, and he will not be without his rich reward, when Christ, the Supreme Judge, shall come, to award crowns of life to his faithful servants. Mr. Smith, in opposition to his family, (who despised conventicles), felt it to be his imperative duty to unite in church fellowship with the Independents, to

which Christian community he remained devotedly attached during his life. The tone of his religious character, after his conversion, was such as to denote him to others as suitable to the Christian ministry. At this time a circumstance arose, which was calculated to put to a severe test his conscientious principles. The incumbent of the parish, his father's landlord, most generously offered to send him to one of the universities, to take holy orders for the Established Church. After mature and prayerful deliberation, he respectfully declined to accept the offer, under the bias of conscientious conviction.

A door was, however, yet to be opened to him into the work of the ministry. Under the advice of his esteemed pastor, and with the cordial and affectionate concurrence of the church, he was recommended to the Committee of Hoxton Academy, London, as a theological candidate; by whom he was admitted, after examination, into the Institution, where he pursued his studies under the venerable and pious Dr. Simpson. Amongst his fellow-students and classmates were not a few whose names are fragrant in the Christian church. Some of them still survive, although the number, after the lapse of half a century, is small. Amongst these survivors may be mentioned the names of Messrs. Philip, Durant, G. Clayton, Hordale, and Gawthorne.

When Mr. Smith's term of study was approaching its termination, he was urged by Thomas Wilson, Esq., the devoted Treasurer of Hoxton Academy, to visit the small town of Brentwood, Essex, and there commence the work of an evangelist. If there be truth in the adage, that "the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church," this sphere was not without its attraction, as a field for evangelical labour. Some of this precious seed had been scattered in Brentwood. One of the earliest Christian martyrs in Britain, the sixth in seniority of that goodly company, William Hunter, on the 26th of March, 1555, was burnt at the stake, and thus sealed the truth with his life. A venerable tree, familiar to the writer from childhood, marks the spot where the Christian hero fell, and from which his disembodied spirit, borne in a chariot of fire, ascended to the realms of glory. To those who regard with interest these historical relics of by-gone days of persecution, it cannot but be a matter of regret, that this martyr's memorial, after the lapse of three centuries, is now so decayed, that it cannot remain very many years longer, as one of the simplest, yet

noblest monuments, commemorative of the triumphs of religious principle. This old elm tree has been in truth a tree of liberty, planted on hallowed soil, indicative of that freedom of conscience, so dearly purchased by the blood of our pious ancestors. There is an instructive incident may be recorded, in connection with this memorable spot,hard by the martyr's tree two edifices have recently been erected, an Episcopal Church and a Roman Catholic chapel: both beautiful structures, where, in 1555, the martyr's ashes were scattered. Does not this incident, amongst countless others, demonstrate the aspiring and aggressive spirit of Rome? Does it not significantly remind us, that the battle of Protestantism has again to be fought with a foe which, although defeated, hesitates not again to enter the field, and draw the sword of controversy with unblushing presumption, on the very spot where it had been covered with eternal infamy. Where Rome once reared her stake, she now exalts her crucifix; where she once burnt her martyrs, she now builds her churches. Her smile bodes more danger than her former frown. It is high time, for all who believe and love the glorious gospel, in all its vital power and simplicity, to arm themselves with those spiritual weapons which are mighty through God, that they may be valiant for the faith.

Mr. Smith's was an interesting scene of service. There were a few persons who met, as Independents, for worship in Brentwood; it was a schism from the old Independent church, which had become extinct. This little band had been kept together by the zeal and liberality of a pious lady. There was no church organized, nor any pastor. The Rev. Samuel Barber, of London, who took part in Mr. Smith's ordination, said: "it was just forty years since he had left the town, from that time there had been no regular preaching of the gospel, but now and then a service, when it could be obtained," by the lady before mentioned. She was afterwards paralyzed, and the chapel was neglected and in ruins. One of the Hoxton students, on a visit, preached to five hearers, and Mr. Smith's primary congregation was under twenty individuals. Thus, when the youthful pastor entered on his ministerial labours, it was indeed "the day of small things." Not only was the house of the Lord lying waste, and the attendance small, but there was, amidst the handful, no Aaron and Hur, men of influence and prayer, to hold up the young pastor's hands. Yet he was graciously sustained by a power higher than that of men and angels. Jesus, the Head of the church, was with him, and his smiling presence was found all-sufficient. In addition to his ministerial difficulties he had many privations to endure. I have

ascertained from his surviving widow, who was a most assiduous and faithful fellowlabourer in the cause of the Redeemer, that her husband's first quarter's salary was only 5., at a time when provisions were exorbitantly high. Yet the God who supplied his prophet Elijah by a miraculous interposition, enabled Mr. Smith, by his gracious providence, to maintain the dignity of his profession, and provide things honest in the sight of all men, when his salary did not equal the income of a day-labourer.

A small church was organized, consisting of five members; of which his widow is the only one still living. At this period vice and ignorance prevailed, both in the town and country, to an extent which was awful; and if detailed to some of our readers, would seem almost incredible. There were no Sunday-schools,-few of the poor could read. The sabbath was fearfully and systematically desecrated, and comparatively few had an opportunity, and fewer still an inclination, to attend the preaching of the gospel. At this period, too, the prejudice against those called, as an epithet of reproach and derision, Presbyterians, was deep-rooted and virulent Mr. Smith's adaptation for his ministerial position soon became manifest. His prepossessing appearance, his cheerful temper, his conciliatory and benevolent spirit, won the respect and esteem of his townsmen;-whilst his irreproachable character gained for him the reputation of being devout man, and one who feared God." His congregation gradually, although at first slowly, augmented. One or two remarkable conversions, at the early entrance of his ministry, had a happy and most beneficial influence. It was a Divine impress to his ministerial credentials; a demonstration that God was with him, and was the pledge and prelude of future usefulness. The facts were too self-evident and startling to be either discredited or unnoticed; and the result was honour to God, and an accession of strength to his church.

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A family notorious for vice and irreligion was taken in the gospel net; first a female, then her husband, and afterward two of their children confessed Christ, and remained, even to their deaths, the devout and consistent followers of the Saviour. By this event an holy impulse was given to the pastor and his flock; the spirit of prayer was plenteously poured out, and "the church grew and multiplied." Many of the middle classes began to attend, first occasionally, and then permanently. The little one became a thousand. In the lapse of time it was necessary to increase the accommodation, by the erection of a gallery. Some years after, in 1814, the chapel was enlarged to double the size; and recently it was contemplated still further to lengthen the

cords of Zion; but it was found, by inspection, that any larger expansion of the existing edifice was impracticable; and a new chapel was projected, which has since been built, and is now occupied. We are minute in these details, because they are interwoven with the labours and history of our departed brother, and they are the best illustration of his character. A minister's usefulness is the only legitimate standard by which his real qualifications can be tested. That is the best servant who faithfully performs the largest amount of successful toil. The subject of this memoir never put forth any pretensions to profound learning or brilliant gifts. He was, nevertheless, a workman that had no need of shame; as a preacher, if he could not command elegant diction, or display oratorical power, he was evangelical, simple, and energetic; and "the common people heard him gladly." He was wise in winning souls, a wisdom of transcendently the highest order.

During Mr. Smith's ministry, peace and tranquillity were maintained in the church. His own spirit was eminently pacific and affectionate, and amongst his people he was recognized as a friend as much as he was esteemed as a pastor. He did not confine his ministerial labours to his own congregation or the town in which he was located. Surrounding him were benighted agricultural villages, where the gospel was not preached. He did the work of an evangelist. From the intrenchments of his own church, clad in the gospel armour, he sallied forth on the empire of Satan, invading many a strong hold. Upminster, Ingatestone, South Ochtendon, Horndon, and Grays, may be mentioned amongst the scenes of his itinerating labours. Thus, like those mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, his aim was "to publish the word of the Lord in all the regions round about." And there are now flourishing churches and settled pastors in several of these spheres of Mr. Smith's labour of love. For many years he preached habitually every night of the week except Saturdays.

In February, 1846, the subject of this memoir, in consequence of increasing infirmity, resigned his charge. The writer of these lines saw the memorandum by his own pen of this event, expressing the severe pangs he felt at the termination of a pastorate extending over forty-seven years. He preached his last sermon on the 10th of Jan., 1849, on the sabbath day previous to his death, a service in which he expressed himself as having had great enjoyment. Previous to his seizure with his fatal attack, he had been in his usual health; but he had expressed his conviction that he should not live long. He departed on the 18th of January, 1847. The day of his funeral

was recognized as one of public mourning. His funeral sermon was preached to a densely crowded and deeply-affected audience, by the Rev. Thomas Craig, of Bocking, from the 2nd of Timothy, iv. 6, 7, 8, "For I am now ready to be offered," &c. From that discourse we cite the following passage addressed to the church:

"My dear friends, your late revered and beloved minister will, we have no doubt, have many as his crown of rejoicing' on that day. It is not necessary for me to attempt to pourtray his character; you all know how holy and unblameable was his conduct, and how peaceable his disposition; you all knew the affectionate kindness of his heart, and how faithfully and diligently he laboured amongst you. Not merely was he esteemed and loved by his own flock, but by persons of all religious denominations. Through God's blessing, he was instrumental in raising this congregation from a state of almost entire extinction. He was long contented with a very small salary, and was for some time supported by the munificence of the late Thomas Wilson, Esq., whose praise is in all the churches. He sowed the good seed, and carefully watched over the tender plants. As the fruit of his labours, this place of worship was some years ago enlarged; and that fruit remaining to this day, now issues, in connection with the efforts of his appointed successor, in the purpose to erect an entirely new and still more commodious building for the service of God. Having mentioned his successor; allow me to observe-the only kind of succession we value, is the succession of the apostolic doctrine, spirit, and conduct. Christ has made provision for the continuation of his truth in the world, not only by raising up a succession of enlightened and holy men to expound it, but by a succession of enlightened and pious church-members to keep it, and, under the guidance of their pastors, to diffuse the knowledge of it. When I contemplate the holy, useful life, and happy death of believers, not overlooking such instances even amongst the poor of Christ's flock, I sometimes think there we have the succession which results from Christ's promise, when he said, 'Lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world.'

"I cannot forbear mentioning on this occasion what I well know from repeated conversations in former days in the adjoining parsonage, how much our revered friend was cheered on, from the commencement of his course, by the beloved partner of his life, distinguished for the calmness and firmness of her mind, and the devotion of her spirit. She shared his work of faith and labour of love as far as she could share it, and like him was sustained by the patience of hope. And now it is her con

solation to look forward not to a distant, but near re-union in that world of light, where they will trace together all the way by which God has led them, and see the riches of Divine mercy in all the instances of usefulness with which they were honoured. At death, man's hope is tried beyond all that we can think of while we are in a state of health. God frequently grants his servants, (and a great privilege it is) preparation for that trying season, by influences upon their minds, the immediate design and tendency of which they are perhaps not fully aware of at the time.

"Our deceased and beloved friend, a month before his departure, was known to have spent a longer time than usual in his private devotions, and to have abounded more in meditation upon the word of God; communing more with heaven as he was approaching near to it. His sudden, unexpected departure prevented him from saying much respecting the firmness of his faith and the anticipations of his hope in the immediate prospect of dissolution; but we know he was living in habitual preparation for that great event, that when he changed the place of his existence, as an old divine says, "he might not change his company," but go to that God with whom he walked on earth. Victory!' was the last word that was heard from his lips. He might have had a momentary struggle, for Satan has often a great advantage over us when the bodily strength is exhausted-yet the victory was won, and as a victor he went to his reward."

Such is the simple history of the life, and labours and death of the Rev. David Smith, of Brentwood-a "faithful servant of Jesus Christ," and one of "the excellent of the earth."

CAPTAIN JAMES PATON.

(Concluded from page 308.) One more remark about Captain Paton's position at this time is necessary, in order fully to appreciate the greatest event in his religious history. I have said enough to show that Lucknow was not a place favourable to the growth of piety. I have now to state that though it contained many English residents, besides "the political agent," and his suite, it was without a church, or a minister; so that the British resident or his

assistant was the acting chaplain. Now, mark you, it was at Lucknow- amid the overwhelming responsibilities, the incessant cares, the imminent dangers of his officeit was here, when without a church or a pastor, through the careful and devout reading of the Scriptures, that Captain Paton became a Christian. He had long been a Cornelius with his prayers and his alms, but like Cornelius he needed a Peter to tell him

man.

that "through the name of Jesus whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins," Acts x. 43; and at Lucknow, though no messenger appeared, the message came. Not till then did he see, that "by grace are ye saved through faith; not of works lest any man should boast," Eph. ii. 8, 9. The exact date of this glorious discovery cannot be learnt. He was unhappily reluctant to speak of his religious history, so much did he shrink from self presentation. But, nevertheless, he said enough to leave the inference that for years, notwithstanding all his virtue and devotion, he was without peace of mind,—that in fact, not till he saw that his salvation depended not on his works, but on the atonement of Christ, did he become a happy You will perceive, from this sketch of Captain Paton's life, that his religious history divides itself into three parts. Till his arrival at Meerut he was a moral man. From that period till some time during his residence at Lucknow, he was a devout man-a man of deep religious feeling, as well as of external virtue. At Lucknow, and not before, he became a Christian,a Christian in its strict and proper sense, that is, a believer in Christ, and a doer of his will, not for salvation, but from love to him, and as the proof of faith in him. He, therefore, who undertakes a sketch of our friend's character, cannot give a full-length portrait, unless he views him in the period between this event at Lucknow, and his death. Then it was that, having his understanding enlightened, his motives, and feelings, and actions, came under the government of the principles of the gospel; and he was made "the man of God, throughly furnished unto all good works." Lovely though he was in his morality, earnest in his devotion, active in his benevolence, nothing was accepted by God: but when, by faith in Christ, he was himself accepted; in Christ's name, everything else of virtue and zeal was well pleasing to God.

During the brief period of his sojourn in England, as I have already stated, he continued to take interest in the education of India. Indeed much of his leisure was devoted to schemes relating to it. Not that he confined himself to them,-he was too modest to take the public position which he might have occupied in promoting the spiritual improvement of our country; but you are aware of his various "works of faith and labours of love" in his quiet and retiring spirit, the tracts he distributed at his door, by the way side, and by the post; the meetings for Scripture exposition which he held in his house; and the school which met in his kitchen every Lord's day. No one who knew him as a Christian but must have been struck with his love of the word of God; and his affection for the Bible was

only equalled by his reverence for it. From his long residence among Mussulmans he had a rich fund for illustrating the manners and customs mentioned in Scripture and he took great delight in alluding to the scenes and habits which thus made many parts of the Scriptures familiar to him. There was, too, about him pre-eminent catholicity of feeling. The name Christian was to him of far higher importance than Episcopalian, Presbyterian, or Congregationalist; he could worship in any place where Christ was really honoured, and delight in such worship. Perhaps few men since the days of the apostle John could more truly say, "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren," 1 John iii. 14. Most prominent was his embodiment of the loveliness of Christianity. The celebrated President Edwards has defined virtue as "love to being in general," or rather the disposition to love being in general. Philosophers and theologians have disputed much about the definition, but of this I am confident, all who understand it, and knew our departed friend, will join me in saying, that if this be virtue he was (I speak it advisedly) one of the most virtuous men on earth. We are bound, in candour, to admit that the foundation of his pre-eminent amiableness lay in the constitution of his nature: but it was not the beautiful thing was in the last years of his life, till to his natural good temper, kind feeling, and cheerfulness, there was added, the holiness of the gospel. It was impossible to speak many words with him without being struck with the tinge of spirituality in his common conversation. He seemed to be always cheerful, and yet always spiritual; always disposed to pleasantry, and yet always "the man of God," thinking of eternity, living on the confines of heaven! His intimate friend, in reviewing the history of their twenty-six years of friendship and constant intercourse, says: "I may have seen him lose his temper, but I cannot recall a single instance."

The materials for a sketch of his deathbed experience, through the nature of his disease, are necessarily few and meagre. Although, through the mercy of God, he was preserved from severe suffering, as the seat of his malady was the brain, he was, during the great part of his illness, incapable of thought. Here is another warning for those foolish men who are calculating on repentance at death! His feelings, however, throughout, as far as could be ascertained, were those of perfect peace; but there was, in addition, habitual and great thankfulness. If asked, whether his sleep was refreshing or his food pleasant, he would answer: Yes, through the goodness of God." The last words he addressed to

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his sorrowing wife, of a religious kind, were in answer to the question, "Do you feel now that you are a child of God?" When he replied: "If I am not his, I know not whose I am." And the longest sentence he spoke during the last week of his life, was expressive of his prevailing thankfulness. Looking at his dear friend, Mr. C., he said, How good God is that you are here." He fell asleep in Jesus on Wednesday morning, the 29th Dec. 1847. "And they took up his body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus."

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MR. JAMES WOOD, LATE OF TAUNTON.

MR. WOOD was the son of pious parents, and born at Dover in 1793. He always delighted to acknowledge his obligations to the instructions and prayers of an affectionate mother, whose holy instructions preserved him from a thousand snares and sins in earlier life, though his conversion to God did not take place until the 20th year of his age. He had often gone to a village chapel, near Weymouth, to assist in the psalmody; and on one occasion the thought was painfully impressed on his mind that though a leader of the devotions of others, his own heart had not been surrendered to God. From that hour he earnestly sought an interest in Jesus, and after a season of severe and lengthened conflict found "peace with God."

He had studied for the medical profession, and in 1815 he entered into partnership with Mr. Pargitter, of Tewkesbury, whose niece and adopted child he afterwards married. On the formation of a Congregational church in that town, in 1819, he became at once a member and a deacon of it; and well and honourably sustained these sacred relations for thirteen years. Never had the writer of this

nemoir a more devout and exemplary member in his church, or a more constant attendant in his congregation.

His regular attendance on the services of the sabbath and the week days, was matter of wonder to all who knew that his medical practice was extensive, and his attention to his patients remarkable. It required the most careful arrangement of his duties and the frequent sacrifice of personal ease, yet he did it constantly and cheerfully, for he could say from his heart, "I have loved the habitation of thy house, O God." In 1832, he was compelled by declining health to relinquish his practice, and he retired to Weymouth, where he resided until 1843, when he removed to Taunton.

Here he became a member, and afterwards a deacon of the church, under the pastorate of the Rev. H. Addiscott, and