PREFACE. THERE is a fashion in every thing. Its influence extends Time was when thick even to the form and size of books. quartos and bulky folios proceeded from the studies of our puritanical divines. But the times are altered; and instead of them, periodical monthly numbers, just complete, in the course of a revolving year, a moderate sized octavo: such is the volume which is now finished. But do not the circumstances of the great bulk of Christians of the present age, render this plan the more excellent way? Many of these have but little spare time, and less spare money; and therefore the monthly numbers of a Magazine are well adapted to supply such persons with various and edifying matter for reading and contemplation. From the extensive circulation of their humble labours, the Editors conclude, that they are not unacceptable to the persons for whom the Baptist Magazine is principally intended. They hope their future numbers, through the continued assistance of their brethren, will be rendered still more interesting; and that an increased sale will enable them to provide an enlarged supply for the Widows of their deceased brethren. Soliciting an interest in the prayers of their friends, and depending upon "the God of all grace" for his continued blessing, the Editors see abundant cause still to "thank God and take courage." December 1, 1818. THE Baptist Magazine. JANUARY, 1818. MEMOIR OF THE LATE REV, W. H. ROWE, PASTOR OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH AT WEYMOUTH, DORSETSHIRE. MR. ROWE was born at Stratford, near the city of New Sarum, August 10, 1777. From childhood he was distinguished by a mind much disposed to reading and to thoughtfulness, which induced his friends to indulge him with the very best education they had ability to afford; and their kindness was rewarded by his rapid advancement in useful learning. About the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to Mr. Freemantle, a linen draper, in Salisbury. Maternal solicitude, it seems, had expressed itself in earnest endeavours to train up its object in the habits of virtue; but, when he left school, in order to acquire a knowledge of trade, his mind was destitute of religious principle, and becoming acquainted with young persons of vicious courses, he was allured into the pursuit of forbidden pleasures; which, however, he could never enjoy with the same satisfaction as seemed to be expressed in the countenances of his companions. Thus he continued to live till the latter end of the year 1793, when family trials, VOL. X. and a variety of other things oc curred, which induced serious reflection. On a mind of unusual modesty and sensibility, many causes concurred to produce most distressing sensations, and religion was regarded as only able to afford effectual consolation. About this time, he became acquainted with Mason on Self Knowledge, which God was pleased to use as the instrument of greatly promoting his conversion to himself: now he was more constant in his attendance at the Established Church, and paid greater attention to the moral lectures he heard there; but it will excite no surprise that the darkness of his mind still continued. In the month of April, or May, 1795, he was reading in his favourite book on Self Knowledge, when he was asked if he had ever perused Hervey's Meditations, and, on his intimating he had not, the book was offered to be lent to him, which he very soon received and read with great profit, finding in it those doctrines and promises which work salvation, B wonderful that these apparently little events were traced up to the gracious will of God, who, having predestinated his children and suitable means to bring them to himself. when applied by the divine | Spirit. For a considerable time, it was his constant practice to retire into solitary places to read this pious and highly interest-to eternal life, employs various ing author, and there to meditate, to weep, and to pray. The representations of a sinner on a death bed, of the encouragement given in the gospel to rely on the truth, and power, and mercy of God, and of the fulness of pardon, very powerfully impressed his mind. To a person exercised in the manner that has been described, it was natural to desire, most ardently, the possession of a friend into whose pious and affectionate heart he could introduce his thoughts and his emotions, and prayer having been made to God for such a favour, it was enjoyed in a new acquaintance to whom he was now introduced. At the time it was not known to him that his new associate was the subject of deep convictions of the importance of religion, but Mr. Rowe was determined to communicate his own, and for that purpose, expecting an interview with him, introduced the subject by reading some passages in Hervey's works which had powerfully af fected his own heart, when, to his utter astonishment he was informed, that for a considerable time his companion had been the subject of mental exercises similar to those with which he had been so much occupied. This day, which was the Sabbath, was spent in reading and disclosing to each other the secrets of their hearts. When the change wrought in his mind by the works of the pious rector of Weston Favel, and the seasonable advice, consolations, and reproofs given by his congenial acquaintance are considered, it is not In August, 1795, he commenced a diary, from which we are able to learn the pious exercises of Mr. Rowe's mind on ordinary, and on very important occasions. At the very beginning of it, he records the continuance of that distressing timidity which, for several years, had embittered his life, and to which he was always, in greater or less degrees, subject; and, at the same time, mentions the good effect of a sermon he had heard from a Mr. Jackson, probably of Warminster, from "Lord thou knowest all things." It seems to have greatly soothed his afflicted mind, for he expresses his thankfnlness for this means of grace, because it had more impressively convinced him of the omniscience of his Saviour, and induced him to say, "I am persuaded that all my distresses are known to Jesus, and that he will cause them to work for my good. I am resolved to resign myself to him, and wait his appointed time.” In another part, he mentions the gracious influence of the truth of God while hearing his pastor on the Lord's-day: "I am nearer to eternity, am I growing in grace? This has been a precious sabbath-God is frequently pleased to show himself to his children by these means-I trust he has discovered himself to me now my dear pastor has enlarged sweetly on this subject: all scrip ture is given by inspiration, and surely he has preached for my correction; for I think unbelief is my besetting sin-it debars me |