decorum was observed; and a seriousness, accord- | dwells without diversion or distraction, on the cha- racter presented to its contemplation. Being relieved On the following Sunday evening, a funeral sermon was preached at Newington chapel, by the Rev. William Roby, of Manchester, from Heb. xiii. 7, 8, "Remember them who have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God; whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation: Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever." This sermon, so admirably adapted to sooth the disconsolate congregation to whom it was addressed, has been presented to them, by its respected author, from the press. But not in Liverpool alone was the shock of Mr. Spencer's death felt or the loss occasioned by his sudden removal deplored. Scarcely was there a district in Britain to which the melancholy tidings did not reach. The universal esteem in which the beloved youth was held, was manifested by the numerous sermons which were preached throughout the country, to embalm his memory, and to improve his death. In London several were delivered many singularly eloquent and appropriate; several have issued from the press, and have been noticed in the preceding pages. The sympathy awakened for the mourning church, was as general as the regret occasioned by their pastor's death. Of Spencer it may be truly said, "devout men carried him to his burial, and made great lamentation over him," whilst the situation of his bereaved people, excited in every bosom compassion and grief," for they were left as sheep without a shepherd." It now remains that I present the reader with a general sketch of Mr. Spencer's character. The opportunity afforded in such works as these, of illustrating great and important principles, in their influence upon human conduct, ought to be seized with avidity, and improved with care. In this respect Biography is particularly valuable, and possesses a considerable advantage over general history. The subjects and characters of general history are numerous, complicated, and often but indistinctly seen-here the object is single. The mind 66 In calling the attention of my readers to views of Mr. Spencer's character, I am aware that the objection may be started-that in one so young, a character could hardly be formed at all. The objection is founded in reason. But although his character had not obtained its maturity-or assumed those fixed and established habits, with which years and experience would have invested it-still it had ar rived at such a stage of its progress, as already to present strong lines, and obvious features. Some, so deeply marked as to be recognised by all who knew him-and others, upon the infancy of which, the eyes of his most intimate associates dwelt, with unspeakable delight. And, young as it was, the character of Spencer at the age of twenty, was such, as even an aged Christian might not blush to own. I have often gazed, with pleasure, on the animating picture which my fancy drew, when it has added years of experience and of culture, to what was the character of Spencer at his death, and imaged to itself what, after the lapse of time, that character might possibly have been; and when recalled from the delightful reverie, I have mourned that the lovely object existed only in my fancy. But we do wrong to mourn. His removal from our world was the dictate alike of Infinite Wisdom and Love. And the time appointed for his departure was the best. His character had attained that degree of maturity, for which God had destined it, on earthhe had performed the service which he was called to accomplish in the church. His sun rose with almost unexampled rapidity to its meridian-his work was completed with prodigious speed-yet, having reached his appointed elevation, and performed his allotted labor-that was the suitable period for his removal. He had witnessed as much impression and effect, in his short ministry, as many an aged pastor would rejoice to observe, after years of inces- | So neglectful was he of his appearance, that he did sant toil. Can his death be considered then as premature? If one laborer accomplishes his share of the day's exertion an hour or two earlier than his companions, may he not be permitted to retire to his rest before them? Spencer has finished his course-he rests from his labors-and his works do follow him. not wear a watch, till urged repeatedly by the want of it, he at length purchased one. He observed to a friend a circumstance connected with the purchase of this watch, not perhaps unworthy of insertion. He asked the man of whom he bought the watch, if what he demanded was his lowest price? "Yes, Sir," said the man; I heard you preach upon seeing Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of God, and I will not overcharge you." He loved to preach in a gown; it tended, he said, to conceal his youth, and give weight to his sermon-otherwise he was indifferent about it. How far this may be concannot determine; certainly, there are matters of higher moment than this; and it is surely cause of regret, that great and good men should ever grow warm, and say or do strong things, upon a subject, confessedly so inferior in importance.-Unsuspect ing; he formed an estimate of every individual's then, if sometimes he should have erred, and the error prove a source of poignant anguish and unavailing regret. He who has never seen a storm, may, all unconscious of his danger, trust the syren sea; but he who has endured the tempest will mark well the signs of the sky, ere he tempt the treacherous element that has once deceived.Sincere; to have his hand, was to possess his heart; and where he could not give the latter, he never presented the former. Whatever he said he uttered from conviction; and on every assurance, the firmest reliance might be placed. AS A MAN, he was GENEROUS-FRANK--INDEPENDENT-UNAFFECTED UNSUSPECTING-and SINCERE.Generous; his heart, his hand, and his purse, were ever at the service of the needy, and cheerfully devoted to the cause of Christ. An instance of his generosity has been recorded in the preceding nar-sidered as sufficient reason for wearing a gown, I rative that of his usually adding to the collection, when he preached for the benefit of a poor church that had an aged minister. One of the last acts of his life was an act of benevolence; he had no money about him, at the time of his death, for he had emptied his pockets to a poor person, previous to his leaving the house on the morning of that aw-bosom by the ingenuousness of his own; no wonder ful day. Had he lived to be the possessor of a house, and the head of a family, from him the apostolic injunction, "given to hospitality," would have met with a spontaneous acquiescence. Unhappily, this qualification of a Christian bishop, some of our worthy pastors have it not in their power to display! -Frank; he was open and ingenuous; his sentiments were ever undisguised; his language spoke correctly what he thought and felt; and his countenance was an index to his mind. Truly was it said of him, that he carried his heart in a crystal vase, so that all could see it. His opinions he never attempted to conceal; his attachments and his dislikes were, with equal freedom and sincerity, declared. The prudent will say, it displayed but little knowledge of mankind; true: he was ignos rant, and therefore unsuspecting, and often unguarded. He did not calculate upon treachery under the garb of friendship or censorious observation, in the social circle. Alas! that experience should only tend to make a man suspicious, and intercourse with society render him sceptical in his opinions of his fellow men!-Independent; perhaps too much so, for his station as a minister of the gospel, and especially as the pastor of a church. He had his partialities and predilections-every man must have them-he cannot be brought, by any discipline, to love that which is totally uncongenial to his taste and habits, however he may be inclined to cherish and testify a deference and respect. But these predilections, Spencer was ever ready to declare; and such was his independent spirit, that no consideration of interest could induce him to utter a compliment or pay an attention which was foreign from his purpose, or repugnant to his feelings. To all, he cheerfully paid the regard which the obligations of his station claimed; but only with such as his heart and feelings approved, did he share the social intercourse, or the endearments of friendship. And, surely, a man in public life, whilst he pays to all around him such attentions as the functions of his office involve, has a right to select the individuals with whom he will share the social hour, or to whom he may commit the more sacred and retired feelings of his heart. Yet, even here, prudence would suggest certain cautions, particularly adapted to the very delicate circumstances in which the pastor of a church is placed.-Unaffected; every thing like affectation and display, he abhorred every thing feminine and soft in manners, he excessively disliked. His own were the reverse; they were characterized by impetuosity and boldness-a decision and a promptitude marked every thing he did. There was often a carelessness about his dress, arising from that indifference to show and decoration, which, in every thing, he displayed. AS A FRIEND, he was WARM-DISINTERESTED-and AFFECTIONATE. The fervor of his friendship is sufficiently displayed in the correspondence preserved in the preceding pages. His whole soul seems infused into his paper; and, if such were his letters, happy must they esteem themselves who were favored with his private walks and most retired intercourse. "His friendship, I can truly say," observes his most intimate companion, "has given me one of the most lively views that I ever enjoyed of union and communion with the spirits of just men made perfect. I shall not easily forget the impression of awe upon my mind while hearing him preach at White's Row, from these words:-Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away at a stroke, then a great ransom cannot deliver thce.' I thought I surely can never more use the freedom of friendship with him. But at his descent from the pulpit, his sparkling eye, his friendly squeeze, and affectionate pressure of my arm to his side as we returned, convinced me that he was still the humble, interesting youth with whom I had taken sweet counsel, and walked to that house of God." Nor was he guided in the formation of his friendships by a principle of interest. This indeed governs the world in their associations: "And what is friendship but a name, But leaves the wretch to weep." "And surely I may experimentally say, that a more affectionate spirit than that of Spencer never animated a fallen son of Adam. When we first | The sermon in the study was completely formedmet he unbosomed himself, freely claimed my correctly arranged-and well connected-tt to the friendship, with an affection that overpowered me, lifeless form, delineated on his paper, and impressand entreated the fidelity of friendship, charging ed upon his memory, in the pulpit he imparted a me to watch him narrowly, and point out every im- living soul; a principle of ardent piety, which opeperfection. If ever the delightful scene recorded rated as a charm, the power of which few were 1 Samuel xviii. 1, was reiterated, (and doubtless it able to resist. often has been) it was when Spencer had made an Indeed, so uniform was his habit of preparation end of speaking. But proofs of the affection of for the pulpit, that when called upon suddenly to Spencer's heart are totally unnecessary. I shall address some young persons, he said to a friend, mention one only. Soon after we became acquaint-"I wish you would address the children for me this ed, he used to call generally on a Saturday evening afternoon; I have not prepared any thing-I have -Well, where shall you be to-morrow? with Mr. not considered a subject for them, and I would not Foster, I suppose.' Why, I suppose so too, unless offer, even to a child, that which cost me nothing." you draw me away.' 'I am sure I should be sorry But although this was his usual custom, yet, to draw you away, if you do not see it right; I am when extraordinary circumstances conspired to rensure you must be a loser by hearing me instead of der a departure from it necessary, he could, with Mr. Foster; yet if you could see right, I should be the greatest propriety and ease, delight and interest very glad.' When he preached in the country, he an audience from the rich treasures of his exalted used, he said, to look round for a retired corner for mind. One instance of his powers, in extemporary me, such as I should like, if there. At Hoxton, he and unpremeditated address, is related of him in pointed out a seat for me, and when he rose from Liverpool. Some important affair of a public naprayer, used to see if I filled it." ture engaged the general attention of the religious World, on a Sabbath evening, when as usual he had to preach; and, anticipating a thin attendance, he had prepared a sermon adapted to the supposed state of his auditory-but, when he reached the chapel, and saw it filled with anxious crowds, waiting to receive from his lips the words of life-his ardent mind seemed instantly inspired-he immediately fixed upon a passage more adapted to the scene, and with his pencil sketched the outline of a discourse, which, perhaps, in the whole series of his ministry, he never excelled. AS A STUDENT, he was DILIGENT-CONSCIENTIOUS and SUCCESSFUL-Diligent; to a habit of study he had been inured almost from his infancy-the elements of knowledge he obtained under peculiar difficulty-and had he not been inspired by an ardent love of that sacred work, for the honorable discharge of which, he deemed the acquisition of human learning necessary, his name would probably never have been known beyond the circles of his native town. But he longed for the acquisition of knowledge, not from a principle of self-gratification, or the love of fame, but as an auxiliary to But Mr. Spencer's diligence did not expend itself his great design. Impelled by such a powerful on commentators and elaborate pulpit compositions principle, he sought for it with unceasing avidity--he endeavored to study Providence-to improve and labored in its pursuit with unconquerable ar- events-and, so far as he had opportunity, to read dor. But it was his lot to meet with a continued mankind. His sentiments on this subject may be in chain of obstacles to the free and ample gratifica- the recollection of the reader. I believe he unition of his taste for learning. In his childhood, the formly acted in accordance with them, and especiircumstances of his family were inauspicious, and ally had an opportunity of doing this when he behe was compelled, at a period when the powers of came the pastor cf a church. The propriety-the his mind were unfolding, to devote those hours to importance-the utility of this kind of study, to a manual labor, which he would have gladly conse- minister, is too obvious to need discussion. To its crated to books. The year he spent at Harwich aid may be attributed, in a great measure, that adapwas the only year of uninterrupted study he enjoy- tation to the ever varying scenes of the Christian ed; for very soon after his entrance into Hoxton life, which the sermons of Spencer usually possessacademy he began to preach-and then, his popu- ed. He studied the characters of the people of God larity formed a most serious and insurmountable -he marked with care the variations of their exbarrier whilst, after his settlement in the ministry, perience-the alternation of their feelings-and the the important duties of his new and extensive sphere vicissitudes of their enjoyment. Indeed, his knowof action forbade the indulgence of any pursuits in ledge in this respect was most amazing, especially private, but such as bore immediately upon his pub-in one so young. He seemed to know, and sweetly lic work. These circumstances, however, taught him the value of retirement, and instructed him in the happy art of husbanding his time. This art he cultivated with conscientious care--and whoever con- Conscientious. He was so, in maintaining a hatemplates the numerous papers he has left behind, bit of study, after the restraints of the college were and compares them with the public engagements he withdrawn. Too many imagine, that what is imperformed, must be sensibly impressed with a con- properly called, finishing their studies; that is, conviction of his diligence. He never entered the pul- cluding their academic course, is in fact the legitipit without previous preparation. Most of his ser- mate close of all mental labor. Upon the stores mons were written throughout, except the heads of then acquired, they are to feed, through the long application, in which he usually trusted to the ar- years of an extended ministry, the church of God dor of his mind, enkindled by the subject which he with wisdom and knowledge. Alas! for the people had discussed, and guided by a holy influence. Not over whom such a pastor presides. The stores of that he slavishly committed his compositions to his that mind must be but scanty at the best, and soon memory, and delivered them by rote. For, although expended; what then but mental and spiritual fahis discourses were thus precomposed, and numbers mine must ensue. Ill does it bode for a congregaof them remain, yet not one conveys a correct ideation, when their minister is a lover of pleasure; a of what his preaching actually was. The reason is, that in the pulpit he followed, not. so much the impression of his written language on the memory, as the holy and ardent bias of his soul, flowing in the channel which he had previously prepared. rature were far from being scanty; that he had read the best Greek and Roman authors, with considerable advantage, was obvious from the purity and elegance of his style. And in the perusal of those English writers, most justly celebrated for the correctness of their reasoning, and the chasteness of their composition—he was well trained, whilst under the tuition of his excellent and revered friend at Harwich. Upon most subjects he was well informed, and could converse with ease. He disliked might be disposed to try his strength in private. IIis chief excellence did not lie in the power of conducting a deep, an intricate, and long continued process of reasoning to a triumphant close. He rather excelled in clearly unfolding the more prominent features of the gospel-in stating with correc'ness the great truths of Christianity, and supporting them by arguments purely scriptural-for such discussions he was amply furnished. His knowledge of the Bible was most extensive, and his quotations from it were, in general, remarkably apt and striking. But it was in prayer, chiefly, that Mr. Spencer was conscientious in the direction his familiarity with the Bible was observed. Not a which he gave to his studies. Aware that he had but sentiment escaped him, for which he had not suitlittle time for preparatory labor, and a mighty workable language borrowed from the Scriptures: and before him, we have already seen, that at Hoxton, this rendered his prayers peculiarly rich, simple, whilst he performed with cheerfulness and credit and appropriate. the duties of his class, in the various departments of literature and science, yet he consecrated the first and most constant exercises of his mind to such studies as were immediately connected with preaching, and the pastoral office. And when actually embarked in his most arduous profession, the little time he could procure for study he found too precious for the pursuit of any object whose claims, in connection with the ministry, might hold but a secondary rank. Hence he pursued not so much the study of general literature, as that of THEOLOGY. Aware that the sources of this sacred science, are the holy Scriptures, and that to understand them correctly, requires an accurate knowledge of their original languages, he cultivated with great care, the study of the Hebrew and the Greek. To the former of these tongues he was peculiarly attached AS A CHRISTIAN, he was FERVENT-HOLY-and -his early labors in it have been already stated, HUMBLE-Fervent; his piety was the ardor of an unand I believe that his proficiency bore a just propor-quenchable flame. With him religion was no mattion to his exertions. On Theology he read very ter of mere profession and convenience; nor did it extensively, and for the most part the productions lose its impression by the frequent recurrence of its of the puritan divines. His library was small-it subjects and its duties-he seemed to live under its was but in its infancy; but it was well chosen. His abiding influence-it was wrought into the constitustudy, which remained precisely in the state in tion of his nature-its principles were the springs which he left it on the morning of his death, was-its precepts the rule-its objects the end of all his an object of considerable curiosity to the inhabitants actions. To this he ever had respect-what opand visitors of Liverpool: many judicious and ve- posed it he heartily abhorred-what clashed with it nerable ministers came to see it, and all expressed he cheerfully resigned--what injured it he conscitheir admiration of the taste which he displayed in entiously avoided. His love to God was ardent. In the selection of his books. There was scarcely a this I think he much resembled Mr. Pearce, of Birvolume that did not bear most obviously on the mingham; and, indeed, often, when contemplating work of the ministry. The cast of a man's mind the life of Spencer, my thoughts have involuntarily may be gathered from an inspection of his library, recurred to certain traits of character preserved in if the volumes composing it have been of his own the memoirs of that glorified saint. His love to selection. Whoever should form an estimate of God shed a glorious lustre on his whole character Spencer's character from his books, must pronounce and conduct; every thing that came within the him a sound and well informed divine. sphere of his influence or operation was irradiated by it. But chiefly would I confine myself now to the influence of this noble principle upon himself. It inspired him with a love of piety: as a Christian he was eminent for brought from the sacred treasury before them, new as well as old; but the new cannot be obtained without research, nor the old presented, in an attractive form, without thought. To all this, time, and that no scanty portion, must be devoted. And the hours of study must be taken either from the day, or from the night; if from the night, it impairs the health; if from the day, it must abridge them of their minister's society. A congregation, then, cannot with justice expect to see their pastor always in their social circles, and yet demand from him on the Sab-controversy, at any rate in public, however he bath, what much and intense application only can enable him to produce. A minister worthy of his people's affection cannot be too much esteemed, nor his society too highly valued; but even this authorized attachment may be carried to an injurious length; a people may desire too much; God may gratify their wish; he may send them a busy body in the form, and with the pretensions of a minister; and it may be said of them, “he gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul." For an unoccupied study, must cause, eventually, an empty mind. As a student he was successful. If a man may be deemed successful who accomplishes what he proposes to himself, he certainly was so. He never desired to be a profound mathematician-an acute philosopher-or an accomplished classic-but a useful preacher-a good divine. As a preacher, few could compare with him-as a divine, he surpassed most of his contemporaries, of the same age and standing. But his attainments in classical lite See page 215. + See page 198. Of elegant accomplishments he possessed but little. I believe he never touched the pencil. He was fond of music, but he used no instrument, and though perpetually humming tunes to favorite hymns, he was not a good singer. He was much devoted to the love of poetry, especially that of Milton, Young, Cowper, and Kirke White. He was exceedingly attached to Kelly's hymns, and frequently repeated from them, with great fervor and delight. When a boy he courted the muse himself, but not with much success. Though not disciplined in the schools of fashionable life, his manners were easy, and his action graceful; and these, added to a lovely countenance, and an elegant form, rendered him interesting, both in his public engagements and in his private intercourse. Holiness. He contemplated the character of God, and was attracted to it by its purity. "I shall not," says his friend, "easily forget the delight which sparkled in his eye when conversing upon the divine See Memoirs of the Rev. Samuel Pearce, A. M. with extracts from some of his most interesting letters by Andrew Fuller. " attribute; holiness. How sweet,' said he, 'is that | Spencer has been preaching several eloquent and word holy-holy Father-holy Saviour-holy Spirit impressive sermons at Brighton; and if you will -holy Scriptures. Surely if there is one word dearer call at my house I will show you the newspaper." to me than another, it is the word holy.' During Spencer declined going; and his remarks afterhis residence at Hoxton, the same friend observed wards were worthy of himself. to a student in the institution, whose attention he "I am strongly pressed to visit Mr. —," said he'; wished to direct to the character of Spencer, "Per-"I cannot; his circumstances are so much above haps you perceive youthful levity in him?" 'No," mine, that it would be dangerous for me. If I get he replied, "I have remarked him particularly, but a habit of visiting the rich, I shall neglect the poor, it was for his spirituality." and my expectation of usefulness lies among them." His humility led him early to solicit, and highly to value the fidelity of friendship. As he had a deep and intimate acquaintance with his own heart, he knew and deplored its corruptions; and turned with contempt from those professed and dangerous friendships, which only tend to feed the flame he was anx ious to stifle and subdue. No friend of his was ever more faithful to him than Mr. B-; and few persons were more highly esteemed by him. Speaking His ardent love of holiness enkindled and cherished in his bosom a corresponding hatred to sin; and so strong was this principle of love to God, that the dread of offending his purity sometimes amounted almost to terror, and enveloped his mind in most distressing gloom. A paper composed at one of these melancholy seasons of depression has been recently discovered; it is entitled, “MISERABLE ILLS UNDER WHICH I DAILY GROAN." of that gentleman, he said, "I owe him particular BODILY. An incessant bilious complaint. General languor, nervous feeling, and head-ache. The fatigues of my great and repeated exertions in preaching. The illness of MENTAL. The awful weight of responsibility attaching to the ministerial work. The extreme distance between myself and my old, choice, and invaluable friends. respect, and I wish to show it." There was one instance in which his late attendance at a place of worship, where he was to preach, was unhandsomely attributed to pride. "He takes liberties," said they, "because he is popular." Let not his memory suffer by such an imputation. It is in my power to roll away from the character of our the duties of the closet, and not his pride, which departed friend this cloud. It was his attention to ready observed, that he always went from his closet caused his late attendance that day. It has been alproper time for retirement, intending to take a coach to the pulpit. On that day he allowed himself the The little time I can appropriate to study. from the city, where he dined, to Walworth, where The dreadful state of coldness and formality in re-gaged every conveyance, and he was obliged to he was to preach. But a sudden fall of snow enligion, which I know the eternal God sees in me, walk; the distance was considerable, and the conand which, I fear, he hates me for. The dread I often feel, lest, after all, I should dwell the conduct of a minister 's committed, reasons are sequence was, he was too late. When an error in for ever in HELL FIRE! charitable come the readiest to hand; and few have easily assigned, and unhappily those the most unsufficient generosity or justice to inquire whether that which they have chosen is correct or not.* The impossibility I discover of visiting all the people I wish. Oh! God, who is sufficient for these things? Oh! But this was not the usual tone of his mind. Few there are so highly favored but that, sometimes, they are called to walk in darkness. The same apostle who declares at one period, I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep what I have committed unto him until that day; at another, cries, Owretched man that I am, &c. and again, Lest, after having preached unto others, I myself should be a cast away. This document is a commentary on a passage in one of Spencer's letters: "Be assured that I as well as yourself have walked in darkness, and complained that there was no light. Fluctuations in experience are, I am sure, my lot, &c." He was Humble. For abundant evidence of the truth of this assertion, I need only appeal to his correspondence, his conversation, and his conduct; they each demonstrate that he walked humbly with his God. Indeed sc prominent a feature in his character was humility, that his ministry derived from this prolific source a considerable portion of its excellence. "For," as a friend observed, "his deep humility and self-debasement leading him wholly to distrust himself, his affections ascended continually to the Saviour, and brought down that abundant supply of spirituality which animated both his sermons and his life." A minister one day unguardedly said to him, "Mr. Spencer, I have been reading of your fame." "My fame, si" "Yes; I have been reading in cae of the public prints, that the Rev. Thomas The following extract of a letter, dated July 3, 1810, shall close this part of our review of Spencer's character. It was addressed to one who feared that his popularity might have an unhappy influence upon his mind: "A thousand thanks for the solicitude you express for my safety in the midst of the snares and dangers which appear to you to surround me; never may I be so left as to lose the dignity of the CHRISTIAN, much more of the MINISTERIAL character, by being pleased with so empty a nothing as popular applause; I cannot but recollect that this is a distinction not unfrequently bestowed upon the most unworthy of men, and it is so little calculated to afford any thing like happiness or peace of mind, that I hope I shall always be taught to esteem it a mere puff of noisy breath; that so being elevated above it, I may seek that reward alone, which a sense of THE SMILE OF GOD will ever bestow. Oh! my friend, may those pleasures be mine which arise from the testimony of my conscience, that I am seeking to please that Divine Being, whose frown can disappoint the proudest hopes, whose approbation prosper ever mine.'" *It may be said that this incident is too trifling to be recorded. I do not think so. Nothing is unimportant which illustrates character; and it is in these little things, for the most part, that the character may be ascertained. Besides, the memory of the dead is sacred; and I should not discharge the duties which 1 have taken upon myself in the compilation of this volume, to the satisfaction of my own mind, were I to suffer any spot or cloud to remain upon the lovely character of Spencer which I am able to remove. |