CHAPTER VII.

Commencement of his ministerial labours at TurveyFormer state of the parish-Plans and exertions for its improvement-Judicious rules and regulations of his Friendly Society-Effect of his exertions-His 'Fathers of the English Church'-Doctrine and mode of preaching-Brief reflections on controversy.

MR. RICHMOND commenced his residence at Turvey, in October, 1805. But before we enter on the detail of his ministerial labours, it may be proper to advert to the state and circumstances of the parish, previously to his appointment to it

as rector.

The village of Turvey is situated between the two towns of Bedford and Olney, being eight miles distant from the former, and four from the latter. It was anciently the residence of a noble family, some of whose warlike ancestors repose beneath the beautiful and splendid marble monuments which adorn the chancel of the church. What was once the mansion, is now converted into a farm-house. Having long ceased

to retain its original magnificence, it seems, in its present form, to announce the transitory character of human grandeur. The family of the Mordaunts, subsequently Earls of Peterborough, illustrious as it once was in British history, and celebrated for its achievements in arms, now no longer exists, having become extinct in the year 1814. How justly may we apply to these instances of the instability of all earthly dignities, the impressive exclamation of a distinguished judge of former days:-" And yet Time hath his revolutions; there must be a period and an end to all temporal things ;—an end of names and dignities, and of whatsoever is terrene. where is Bohun-where is Mowbray-where is Mortimer? Nay, which is more, and most of all, where is Plantagenet? They are entombed in the urns and sepulchres of mortality!'

For

Previously to Mr. Richmond's incumbency, the village of Turvey appears to have been greatly neglected. The duties of the church were irregularly performed; nor was there ever more than one service on the sabbath-day, among a population of at least 800 inhabitants. The ordinances of religion were not respected; the minds of the people were grossly ignorant, and their morals and manners rude and disorderly. The Rev. Erasmus Middleton was Mr. Richmond's imme

1 Lord Chief Justice Crewe, in the time of Charles II.

diate predecessor; a man distinguished both for his learning and piety. By him the services of the church were increased; and the work of reformation was gradually, though slowly advancing, when this faithful minister was prematurely cut off, in the midst of his exertions, having retained his office only for the short period of one year.

Mr. Richmond succeeded Mr. Middleton ; and entered on his new appointment with a reputation for talents and piety, which excited a great interest in the neighbourhood, and an expectation of extensive usefulness among his parishioners. The text of his first sermon was taken from 1 Cor. ii. 2; "For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ and Him crucified." From these words he uniformly preached on every returning anniversary of his incumbency, and continued to do so till the last year of his life.

To those who overlook the comprehensive meaning of this passage of holy Scripture, the text may seem to be too limited in its view, and to restrict the whole summary of divine truth to the doctrine of the Atonement, without a due regard to other important branches of Christian faith and practice. But let it be remembered, that the same Apostle, who " determined to know nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified," avows also, that he had "not shunned to declare

I

all the counsel of God" (Acts xx. 27); and consequently, the passage must be supposed to comprise within its ample range, the full extent and substance of every thing that is needful to the faith and practice of the Christian; nor, indeed, is there a subject of doctrine or of morals, which is not essentially identified with the doctrine of the Cross. It is there that we best learn the malignity of sin, the depths of the divine love, the necessity of self-humiliation, the character of holiness, the motives and means for its attainment, and the dutiful obligation to " glorify God with our bodies and our spirits, which are his."

The following account of Mr. Richmond's proceedings at Turvey, will convey to the reader some notion of his zeal and judgment, in promoting the welfare of his parish.

On the Sabbath-day, there were two regular full services; and in the evening, a lecture, more especially designed for the young. His weekly labours commenced with what he called his Tuesday-night cottage lecture, from its being held successively in the cottages of the poor, whom he assembled for the purpose of more familiar and direct instruction than could be usefully or suitably delivered in public. On Friday evening a lecture was delivered in the church, the prayers for the evening service being previously read; and once a month he met the communicants, on the Saturday preceding the sacrament. He had

also a weekly service at the workhouse. But his labours were not confined to public instructions; like his divine Master, "he went about doing good." At the cottages of the poor he was a frequent visitor; fulfilling the apostolical injunction, of going from "house to house," scattering the precious seed, making himself acquainted with their spiritual state, and gathering from their answers useful hints and reflections for the service of the succeeding Sabbath.

He

A Sunday school had been established at Turvey for many years, endowed by Charles Higgins, Esq., who bequeathed 3007. in support of the charity. John Higgins, Esq., of Turvey Abbey, his nephew and successor, has generously paid an interest for the bequest, of 201. a-year. The school, though well attended before, had its numbers considerably increased, and its regulations greatly improved, by the new rector. appointed a master of real piety, justly considering that on the principles and character of the teacher, the efficiency and usefulness of these institutions materially depend. Mr. Richmond was accustomed to visit the school previously to divine service; and, for the benefit of his youthful charge, chiefly, he engaged in a third service in the church, on the Sunday evening. Here the first-fruits of his ministry appeared. The conversion of two young children, who afterwards died happily, followed his introductory address to