THE ODIST METHODIST MAGAZINE, FOR JUNE, 1813. BIOGRAPHY. A MEMOIR OF THE REV. JOHN HOWE, A. M. In "N the year 1684, Mr. Howe published a little pathetic piece, entitled, "The Redeemer's Tears wept over lost Souls." this year also, several warm things, of a very different tendency, issued from the press; particularly by Bishop Barlow of Lincoln, in favour of putting in execution the laws against Dissenters. In answer to this, Mr. Howe wrote a free letter to his Lordship. At this time, the non-conformists were almost universally decried, and it was reckoned dangerous for any one to write or speak in their favour; and Mr. Howe's prospects, together with those of many others, grew more and more gloomy. At this critical juncture, Mr. Howe accepted Lord Wharton's invitation to travel with him into foreign parts. But being obliged to go away silently with his Lordship, he was prevented from taking such a solemn leave of his friends as he wished, but he made them ample amends by an excellent epistle from abroad, in which he shews the great and tender affection he had for them, and discovers the warmest zeal imaginable for their eternal welfare. In the course of his travels with Lord Wharton, Mr. Howe had the satisfaction of seeing several noted places, and of conversing freely, not only with a number of learned Papists, but also with several learned Protestant Divines, some of whom were Lutherans, and others Calvinists. These opportunities, his active, strong, and well cultivated mind, enabled him to improve to excellent purposes. But in the mean time, he was greatly affected by the melancholy tidings of the swift advances the people in England were making towards popery and slavery. The civil degradation to which his country was hastening, he greatly lamented, while he sympathized most tenderly with his persecuted VOL. XXXVI, JUNE, 1813. * 3 E * non-conforming brethren. Having, therefore, no encouragement to think of returning home, while affairs were in such a posture, he at length took a house at Utrecht, in 1686, and resided there for some time; and had the earl of Sutherland and his countess, together with his two nephews, and some English gentlemen, boarding with him. He took his turn of preaching at the English Church in that city, with Mr. Mead and others, who were there at the same time; and generally on the Lord's day evening, he preached in his own family. And there being several English students then at that University, Mr. Howe was pleased to give them his particular instructions and advice; the good effects of which, some of them afterwards acknowledged with gratitude. There were many other excellent persons of the British nation there, and in other parts of the United Provinces; by whom Mr. Howe was much respected, while he remained in those parts. Among other persons of distinction who visited him, Dr. Burnet, afterwards Bishop of Salisbury, was one, with whom he had a great deal of free conversation upon a variety of subjects. And so great was his reputation while he remained in Holland, that the Prince of Orange, who was soon after the great instrument of delivering this country from the galling and degrading yoke of Popish slavery, admitted him several times into his presence, and conversed freely with him. In the mean time, King James was making quick advances towards the destruction of the Protestant Religion, and the liberties of England. But in the year 1687, for reasons of state, and the better to favour his grand scheme, he published his declaration for liberty of conscience; which the dissenters accepted of indeed, but the greatest and best part of them wisely refused to concur in an address of thanks to his Majesty for that indulgence. Upon this turn of affairs, Mr. Howe returned to his Hock in London, at their carnest request. But before he left Holland, he thought it proper to wait on the Prince of Orange, who wished him a good voyage, and advised him, though he and his friends made use of the liberty granted by King James, yet to be very cautious of addressing, and to use his utmost inHuence, in order to restrain others; which he readily promised, and was as good as his word. Upon his return into his own country, which was in May this year, he was received with great joy by his old friends and brethren; and he returned with pleasure to the exercise of his ministry. He was truly thankful for a little breathing time, and endeavoured to improve it to the best purposes, and to preserve himself and others from the snares which were laid for them. For, notwithstanding the great endeavours made use of to draw in the non-conforming ministers to approve the measures of the court, Mr. Howe, in all the meetings which they held to consider how they should act at this juncture, always declared against the dispensing power, and every thing which could give the Papists any assistance in carrying on their designs. And, consistently with himself, when he was closeted in his turn with King James, and discoursed with him about this affair, which his Majesty's heart was so much set upon; he bravely replied, that he was a minister of the gospel, and it was his province to preach, and endeavour to do good to the souls of men; but as for meddling with state affairs, he was as little inclined, as he was called to it, and begged to be excused. But now came on the glorious Revolution, by which means the fears of all true Protestants were dispersed. On this happy occasion, the dissenting ministers waited in a body on the Prince of Orange, and were introduced by the lords Devonshire, Wharton, and Wiltshire; at which time, Mr. Howe, in the name of the rest, made a handsome speech to his highness. The Prince replied, that as he came on purpose to defend the Protestant Religion, he would do his utmost still to defend it, and to promote a firm union among Protestants. The plan which several wise and good men proposed, in order to effect this union, in. cluded comprehension and indulgence. It was well for religious liberty, that this plan was not adopted; for the proposed comprehension and indulgence would not have secured religious toleration. This was secured by a memorable act, which received the royal assent, on May 24, 1689. With the provisions of this bill, the great body of the pious non-conformists were perfectly contented; and to its operation, under God, we owe the growing state of religious prosperity discernible at this day, both in and out of the Established Church. In order to prevent mutual slights and dangerous extremes, Mr. Howe, very prudently, soon after the Toleration Act had passed, published a short piece, entitled, "Humble Requests to Conformists and Dissenters, touching their temper and behaviour towards each other," &c. But soon after this, unhappy differences arose among the Dissenters themselves; occasioned in some degree by an attempt to bring about an union between the Presbyterians, and those of the congregational persuasion These, already too violent, were greatly heightened by the debates that followed upon the reprinting of Dr. Crisp's works. It is well known, that the doctor was a rank Antinomian. The contentions which for a number of years, from this period, agitated the dissenting body, were dishonourable to the Christian name. Happy would it be, if they could, be buried in oblivion, and never again revive to disturb the peace of religious society, or expose the professors of the * 3 E 2* |