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EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE.

NOVEMBER, 1809.

MEMOIR

OF

THE REV. THOMAS ENGLISH.

THE Rev. Thomas English was born at Oxford, on the 21st of March, in the year 1751, His parents were above want, but wholly dependent on business. They were concerned for his temporal welfare; but as they were insensible of the importance of spiritual and eternal things, his best interests were wholly neglected all the early part of his youth.

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At the age of fourteen he was sent to London; and, about a year after, was called to the knowledge and experience of the truth by the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Romaine, ou Easter Sunday, 1766. He explained the episde of the day; and, I trust,' says Mr. English, my soul then felt what I shall record to God's eternal praise, and to the glory of his grace. This discourse, by the power of the Holy Spirit, produced a radical change on his mind. The impressions were so deep, and the event to him appeared of much importance to his eternal interest, that Easter Sunday was ever after observed by him as a memorial, not only of the resurrection of his Saviour, but of his own spiritual resurrection. In order to preserve a lively sense of gratitude to God for that inestimable benefit, it was his usual method, through life, to preach every Easter Sabbath on the former verses of the third of the Colossians, the words from which Mr. Romaine selected the subject of his discourse.

His piety soon attracted the attention of the family in which he resided, and excited their jealousy and persecuting spirit. Words of ridicule, and satire, and threatenings, were not sufficient to manifest the enmity of their hearts: he felt it also by being subject to the cruelty of their blows;-for though he worshipped in the established church, this was not a shield sufficiently substantial and extensive to protect him from the force of domestic per secution.

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By a kind providence, however, he was soon introduced to a circle of gracious and judicious friends, whose instructions and' influence directed his understanding, and gradually formed his character. For four years, his mind was constantly obtaining a 3 Q

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fund of experimental religion under the evangelical ministry of that popular and useful clergyman, and other ministers. Long afl ctions, during part of this period, changes in his situation, and various domestic trials, drove him to the throne of grace, and to the scriptures, for support. The consolations he enjoyed at that time were so rich and exquisite, that language was unequal to describe them; the remembrance of which often refreshed him under new and various trials in future life. In this school of experience he was prepared, by the influence of the Spirit, for the school of learning. His mind was early imbued with love to souls, and a desire to be employed in the ministry; but no way appeared open to him. Fr quent reflections on his own unworthiness and want of ability very much discouraged him; but did not quench the spark of zeal for God which was kindling in his breast. He prayed, watched, and waited. The Rev. W. Piercy observing his gracious disposition and promising talents, thought he perceived those qualifications which proved that the Lord designed him for the ministry of his word; and accordingly represented to him the propriety of giving himself up to the work. Mr. English's humble views of himself, and just ideas of the import ance of the office, induced Mr. Piercy the more earnestly to solicit him to enter on the employment. His representations and arguments prevailed; and, by his means, he was introduced to Lady Huntingdon's college, at Trevecca. Here he spent about three years in the pursuit of such studies as were thought suitable by her Ladyship and the tutor she employed, to qualify him for his future labours. The late Rev. Mr. Crole, Mr. Clayton, and Mr. Matthew Wilks, of London, were some of his fellowstudents, and with whom he continued in the habits of friendship till he was removed by death. I went to this situation,' he observes, with trembling and fear; but I was daily encouraged to go on. The good Lord prospered my steps; gave me favour with the students, and acceptance with the congregations among whom I laboured.' His first attempts in public speaking were greatly blessed at Brecknock and Hay; and wherever he went he was favoured with encouragement and marks of usefulness. When his time was nearly expired at Trevecca, he spent some months in different parts of Carmarthenshire; here he encountered some difficulties; he lived, worked, and fared hard; but all was made pleasant to him by the enjoy ment of much of the divine presence.

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During the principal part of the year 1774, he labcured at Lady Huntingdon's chapel, at Worcester: here he was highly favoured with success; and several remain to this day, whose conversion to God was the fruit of his ministry. From thence be removed for a few months to Chichester, where he received a letter of invitation to a small congregation then meeting in Middle Street, Gosport; and on May 5, 1775, he received a eall to be their Pastor. He was ordained the 21st of June 1775,

Mr. English's ministry was highly acceptable to many in Gosport and its vicinity; and the Lord gave testimony of his approbation by some pleasing success attending his labours. On October 17th of this year, he married his first wife, Miss Susannah Evans, of Oxford; by whom he had three children: Timothy, his eldest son, now of Great Marlow, and two others died in infancy. He remained at Gosport but little more than three years. Several of his congregation had separated from the people then under the pastoral charge of Mr. Watson, whose sentiments and preaching did not accord with their views of truth. When he left the congregation, he was succeeded by the Rev. David Bogue, their present pastor. Mr. English soon felt that his continuance there was neither necessary nor eligible. My reasons for leaving Gosport,' he observes in his Diary, ❝ were, that on my settlement there, I was the only minister who preached the gospel in a manner to meet the views of the serious people in that town; but after Mr. Bogue came, it was clear to me that his mode of preaching was more calculated to attract the attention of the people in general than my own. Many, of all parties, were disposed to favour his ministry; so that I saw my labours could be no longer of any importance in that place. He left Gosport, however, under some considerable emotions of affection, as they were the first people of his pastoral charge; from whom he had received some strong marks of kindness and respect, and who have continued, ever since, to manifest their personal attachment to him, He preached his farewell - sermon, June 6, 1778, from these words :-' Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me in faith and love, which is in Christ Jesus.' This sermon was printed; and contains many excellent principles, judicious instructions, and prudent cautions.

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While in Hampshire, he made frequent visits to the metropo s; and preached with acceptance and usefulness in many places in London; but principally at Westminster Chapel: but Wooburn, in Buckinghamshire, was the favoured sphere in which he was destined, by Him who holds the stars in bis right hand, to move and shine. Here he was to spend the prime of his days, and to devote to the service of this people, the strength of his person, his graces, and his intellect. Wooburn is a pleasant village, surrounded with various others, in the Vale of Wycombe, nearly in the centre, at an equal distance from Maidenhea, Great Marlow, Beacon field, and High Wycombe. M. English has, in a small pamphlet, given an histeric account of the introduction of the gospel to this neighbourhood. The people greatly regretted the loss of a man of such popular talents as Mr. Grove, who was their former pastor; but no judicious person could reasonably object to his labouring, in the prime of his life, in a more extensive sphere; especially as he did not leave them till he had provided an acceptable minister to succeed him.

Mr. English commenced his labours at Wooburn on the 21st of June, 1778. His ministry was received with cordial approbation; and the people soon felt and acknowledged that God had given them a pastor after his own heart. The pleasure the people derived from his public discourses, and the affection they manifested to him, made his entrance on this field of labour very auspicious but human affairs, like the weather in our climate, are subject to frequent and sudden changes. He had scarcely entered his house, arranged the affairs of his village cottage, and given his wife a view of the delightful prospect around, before affliction drew a gloomy cloud over this enchanting scenery. Mrs. English, very soon after her being at Wooburn, was taken ill, and in six weeks removed to the world of spirits, having been married only three years.

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After a suitable time had elapsed, he married Miss Mary Sheath, the daughter of a very respectable medical gentleman of Great Marlow; by whom he had several children, two only of whom survive him,-a son and a daughter. Mrs. English was a pious, but an afflicted and tried woman; few have passed through more severe soul-conflicts than she experienced. After a long and painfu! illness, she was removed from this state of suf fering to the world of bliss, in the autumn of 1794. The acount given of her in our Magazine for May, 1795, is interesting and affecting. In about two years after her death he married his third wife, Mrs. Catherine Vaughan, who survives him; and of whom he speaks in his Diary in the most affectionate terms.

The public and private labours of Mr. E. were greatly blessed, many were converted to God, and were added to the church; some of whom have fallen asleep; but many continue unto this day, an ornament to their profession, and useful members of the church of Christ. His labours were not confined to the Sabbathday, nor to the village in which he resided; he was surrounded with villages, at three or four miles distance, in almost every direction. These partook of his services three, and often four evenings, in the week. He moved in this orbit as a star of the first magnitude, and conveyed the light of gospel-truth to all within his sphere. By this means many heard the word who would not otherwise have given themselves the trouble to go so far to hear him; but who, when they had felt the power of the gospel, were some of the first at the house of God on the Sabbathday morning. Indeed, it was a lovely sight when, standing on some of the hills which, in almost every direction, surround that populous, fruitful, and busy vale, to behold the fields and meadows beautified by persons, from all parts of the country, neatly and cleanly attired, proceeding to the house of the God of Jacob! The numbers who, previous to this, were drunkards, Sabbathbreakers, and men of pleasure, who have since witnessed a good confession, and joined the assembly of the just made perfect,' could they speak, would tell what a glorious change his ministry

produced; and many, who were children of the poor, but are now in comfortable and respectable circumstances, were they to speak, and their situations do speak, would tell that the principles and spirit of the gospel promote our temporal, as well as spiritual and eternal advantage. True religion has the promise of the life that now is, as well as of that which is to come!

As the public services at Wooburn were only morning and evening, Mr. English, soon after his being settled there, received an invitation from a very respectable family and several serious people at High Wycombe, to preach in the afternoon to them. In March, 1780, he opened a place of worship in High Street: here he soon had a very decent congregation, and was a blessing to many. This certainly extended the sphere of his usefulness; but, at the same time, it increased his anxiety, and gradually rendered his Sabbath-day services too laborious for his constitu tion. For 15 years he continued to preach, with occasional helps from his friend Mr. Blackwell, twice at Wooburn and once at Wycombe, travelling ten miles every day, and in all weathers and seasons of the year. This would have tried a more athletic constitution than his. It was soon evident to several of his friends that this would impair his health, and prevent his performing his pastoral office at Wooburn with vigour and with long continuance. There is no doubt upon the minds of his friends that this injured his constitution, and in its result, instead of extending his usefulness, materially shortened and circumscribed it. Ministers, while they should dread being loiterers in the vineyard, should be cautious that they do not impede their usefulness, by overstraining either the faculties of the mind or the strength of the body. It is due to Christ and his cause, that all the powers they have should be cheerfully and constantly devoted to him; but it is equally due to themselves, their families, and the church, that they do not attempt more than they have power to effect. However, a faithful, zealous minister would rather err with Mr. English, than with those who, through self-indulgence, indifference, and fear of suffering, run from the post of duty, and neglect their Master's work.

Mr. English was a man of a public spirit. He entered most cheerfully into those plans of general benevolence which have been so very numerous and extensive for these few years past, He had his origin from among the evangelical and active body of the day; and he continued his connection with those, however denominated among Christians, who possessed a public spirit, and whose talents, property, time, and influence, were combined for the great purposes of general usefulness. He did not object to join his influence with those who aimed to communicate the knowledge of salvation to perishing sinners, be cause they were not all of the party with whom he was in sentiment allied; nor from that selfish policy which supposes, that all his people gave was so much drawn from his own income. 3 R

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