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No. 4.

THE

CHRISTIAN DISCIPLE.

AUGUST, 1813.

VOL. I.

SKETCH OF THE LIFE AND CHARACTER OF THE REV. JOHN HOWE.

VARIOUS are the methods for exciting in the minds of men a sense of the excellency and importance of religion. Living examples are indeed the most efficacious. When pure and undefiled religion is exemplified in the lives of its professed friends, it can scarcely fail of commanding respect even from the wicked. It will, at least, command the approbation of their conseiences, however much they may despise it in their hearts, reproach it with their tongues, or contradict it in their behaviour. Next to living examples, we may place well written me. moirs of the lives of men, distinguished for piety and benevolence.

In every age of christianity there have been some witnesses for God, whose names should be handed down from generation to generation, and be had in everlasting remembrance.

Such is

the name of the Rev. John Howe. A virtuous man needs only to be acquainted with his character, to pronounce him one of the excellent of the earth. And we hope never to refuse a man of his character a just tribute of respect on account of any differ

ence of opinion. In all past ages good men have been liable to err; we believe it to be so in the present age, and we expect it will be so in ages to come. From this common infirmity of human nature, we claim no exemption; and as we wish others to do unto us, so we ought to do unto them. If we might strike from the list of good men, all who have lived and died in great errors, not one, probably, would be remaining, of those who have left the stage, or of those still living. Correctness of opinion will not, therefore, be the criterion by which we shall dis tinguish between good and bad

men.

If we were to make correctness of opinion the criterion, we must, of course, assume the principle, that our own opinions are correct, and make them the standard, by which to estimate the opinions of others; but this would be nothing better than arrogating to ourselves that infallibility, which we deny to the Roman pontiff.

For the information we are now to give of Mr. Howe, we are principally indebted to his biographer, Dr. E. Calamy.

Mr. Howe was the son of a pious

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clergyman in England, and was born May 17, 1630. The same month gave birth to king Charles II; and the same year, to archbishop Tillotson. Mr. Howe's father was settled in the parish of Loughborough, by archbishop Laud; and was afterwards removed by the same hand, because he favored those who were called puritans. Such was the intolerance of the ruling clergy at that time, that several ministers were driven into America, some to Holland, and other foreign countries. The elder Mr. Howe was driven to Ireland, and took with him his son, then very young. While in Ireland the dreadful rebellion took place, in which many thousands of protestants were butchered by the papists. Both the father and the son, of whom we are speak ing, were in imminent dangers, but God was their shield and deliverer. The war being prolonged, they were constrained to return to their native country. The son was pretty early sent to Christ college in Cambridge; he continued there till he took the degree of B. A. and then removed to Oxford. His attainments in learning and piety commanded attention, and he was soon elected Fellow of Magdalen college. The famous Dr. T. Goodwin was president of the college at that time. He gathered a church from among the members of the college; but Mr. Howe neglected to present him self. As he had an established reputation for piety, this neglect occasioned some surprise to the president, who took an opportunity to converse with him on the

subject. Mr. Howe frankly informed him, that he found great stress was laid on some distinguishing peculiarities, for which he had no fondness, and that this was the reason he had not offered himself; that he was not disposed to censure others for their opinions, or to entertain any unkind thoughts respecting them, and if he could be admitted on catholic terms, he would readily become one of their number. The president kindly embraced him, and told him, that he should be admitted on the terms he proposed; and assured him it would be much to the satisfaction and edification of all concerned.

Mr. Howe was first settled as a preacher at Winwick in Lancashire Sometime after, he was unexpectedly removed to Great Torrington in Devonshire. He was abundant in his labours, and his ministry was greatly blessed for the good of that people.

While he remained in this place, he enjoyed a considerable share of tranquillity, and was much respected, not only by his people, but by the neighbouring elergy. He however lived in "times which tried men's souls," and some of his trials were very great. It was in the time of Mr. Howe, that Oliver Cromwell usurped the government of Great Britain. Such a revolution naturally exposed many of the clergy to great difficulties, and imminent perils. After Mr. Howe had been some years at Great Torrington, he went to London on some business, and was detained there over the sabbath. He had the curiosity to

to

be a hearer in the Chapel at White Hall. Cromwell was present, and fixed his eyes on him, and perceived by his dress, that he was a country minister. Something in the appearance of Mr. Howe gave Cromwell an idea, that he was an extraordinary man. A messenger was therefore sent to request Mr. Howe to visit the protector after the close of the public exercise. Upon coming to him, Cromwell requested him preach before him on the next Lord's day. Mr. Howe was very reluctant, and modestly requested to be excused. Cromwell told him he should take no denial. Mr. Howe stated, that his people had been very kind to him; that if he tarried so long, they would feel uneasy, and think he slighted their respect. Cromwell engaged to write to them himself, and to send them a preacher, with whom they would be satisfied. This promise he fulfilled; and Mr. Howe preached for him one sermon, and then was urged to preach a second, and a third. Cromwell then determined to have him for his household chaplain; nor was it safe for Mr. Howe to deny him. But it was with great reluctance he complied, and removed to White Hall.

well placed confidence in him, and of course he had considerable influence on many important occasions. This influence he employed in befriending others, rather than in enriching himself. Many of the royalists and episcopalians were befriended in those days of trouble, by the influence Mr. Howe had with the usurper. "It has been observed by several," says Dr. Calamy, "that there was hardly any man that was in an eminent station in those critical periods, and admitted to the knowledge of so many secrets as he, that was so free from censure in the changes that succeeded. A plain argument of uncommon conduct and caution." "He readily embraced every occasion that offered, of serving the interest of religion and learning, and opposing the errors and designs which at that time threatened both."

The Doctor also states, he never could find that Mr. Howe was accused by any one of improving his influence with those in power for enriching himself, or injuring those whose sentiments were known to be different from his. So disinterested was he in the use of his influence, that Cromwell once remarked to him in this manner; "you have obtained many favors for others; I wonder when the time will very come, that will move you for any thing for yourself, or your family."

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His situation in the family of Cromwell must have been critical and trying. To please God, and not incur the displeasure of the protector, was easy task. But Mr. Howe was in an eminent degree qualified for this perilous situation, being remarkable for prudence as well as for integrity. Crom

Some singular ideas with regard to a particular faith in prayer and supernatural impressions on the mind, by which a person would know that the particular favor he asked of

God would be granted, were adopted by Cromwell, and became prevalent in his court. These ideas were viewed by Mr. Howe as of a pernicious tendency, and he boldly preached on the subject, in presence of the protector. In the time of his preaching, he observed that Cromwell "knit his brows," and appeared to be very uneasy. After meeting, a person of distinction informed Mr. Howe, that it was his opinion Cromwell would be so incensed, that it would be difficult ever to make peace with him. Mr. Howe replied, "I have but discharged my conscience, and I can leave the event with God." From that time Cromwell was more cool in his carriage towards Mr. Howe, but never discoursed with him on the subject.

After the death of Oliver Cromwell, Mr. Howe continued as chaplain to his son Richard. The reign of Richard, however, was short, and when he was set aside, Mr. Howe returned to his people at Torrington. At the time of the restoration of the king, a kind of madness accompanied the general joy. Many were made offenders for a word, and the most cautious preachers were accused and censured, if they were not intoxicated in the same degree as their neighbours. Notwithstanding his great caution, Mr. Howe met with some difficulty. An accusation was brought against him, but on trial he was acquitted. One of his accusers fled from the town and was seen no more; the other cut his own throat, and was buried at the cross roads.

Further trials were in reserve for this good man. In the year 1662, an act of uniformity passed the two houses of parliament, by which many of the clergy were reduced to the necessity of violating their consciences, or ceasing to preach. On the day the act was passed, Mr. Howe preached two affecting sermons to his people, and they were all in tears. He could not comply with the terms of conformity fixed by the law, and therefore became a silenced nonconformist.

After the dissenting ministers had been silenced for three years, another act was passed respecting them, by which they were called upon, under a severe penalty, to swear, "that it was unlawful, upon any pretence whatever, to take up arms against the king-that they abhorred the traitorous position of taking up arms by his authority against his person, or against those commissioned by him in pursuance of such commission; and that they would not at any time endeavour any alteration of the government, either in church or state."

This occasioned great perplexity to the dissenting ministers, and they were divided in opinion as to the path of duty. - Some took the oath without much hesitation; others hesitated, and Mr. Howe was of this number. However, after serious consideration he and nine others presented themselves to take the oath; but in writing they exhibited what they understood to be the intention of the oath, and in what sense they should take it, which was summarily this; that

the oath had no other meaning or end than to secure the person of the king and his authority against any seditious attempts or practices.

This explanation being can. didly accepted by the court, they took the oath.

Mr. Howe continued in the western counties, went from one gentleman's house to another, and readily did any services, he was able to perform.

providence seemed to attend him in this place, and he published several pieces, which were highly esteemed; particularly a discourse on the vanity of this mortal life, and a treatise of dilighting in God. This treatise was the substance of several sermons, which he had preached twenty years before at Great Torrington. He dedicated them to his friends in that place. In the dedication, speaking of the sermons as then In 1668 he was persuaded to published, he said to his friends, publish some of his writings, "They aim at the promoting of which were well received. But the same end which the course by the intolerant spirit, which of my labors among you did, the then prevailed, he was kept out serious practice of the great of employment, until he was re- things of religion, which are duced to straitened circum-known and least liable to quesstances. At length he received an invitation from a man of high rank to go to Ireland. This he regarded as a kind interposition of providence in his hehalf. In 1671 he set out with his eldest son, and soon after, his whole family removed to that country. There he became chaplain to lord Massarene, and was treated with great respect. His learning and piety, together with the influence of his lordship, procured him the esteem of the bishop of that diocese, and also of the metropolitan, who freely granted him liberty to preach in the public church in that town. Not only so, the archbishop, in a pretty full meeting of the clergy, told them, that he would have every pulpit, with which he had any concern, freely opened to Mr. Howe. In return for such kindness, Mr. Howe manifested his truly friendly and pacific spirit, and was useful to many. The smiles of

tion, without designing to engage you to or against any party of them, that differ about circumstantials. They tend to let you see, that formality in any way of religion, without life, will not serve your turn; than which there is nothing more empty, sapless, and void, both of profit and delight. I have reflected and considered with some satisfaction, that this hath been my way and the temper of my mind among you. Great reason I have to repent, that I have not, with greater earnestness, pressed upon you the known and important things, in which serious christians do generally agree. But I repent not that I have been so little engaged in the hot contests of our age about the things wherein they differ."

He was deeply affected with the deplorable divisions which existed among professed chris

tians.

In a sermon which he preached at the funeral of Mr.

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